NCAA Tournament expansion gets another major update
The 68-team NCA Tournament field might be reaching its end.
Talks of a new 76-team format have circulated, and on Thursday, those conversations took another step closer to becoming a reality.
The NCAA men’s and women’s selection committees approved the decision, and now there is just one more hurdle left to make it an official change.
The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball selection committees have approved the expansion of the NCAA tournaments to 76 teams, sources tell @YahooSports.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 7, 2026
The basketball oversight committees are expected now to approve, followed by the DI Board of Directors and Board of Governors.
In February, NCAA President Charlie Baker said he would “like to see the tournament expanded,” although fans expressed plenty of pushback against more teams in the field.
Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski also expressed his feelings about the potential change, calling any expansion a “big mistake” while adding, “You don’t mess with something that is gold.”
The NCAA Tournament went from 64 teams to 68 teams in 2011, and now it is close to adding eight more teams to the field, if everything gets through the finish line, which is widely expected to happen.
If approved, the new format will include 12 games with 24 teams at two different locations, with eight additional at-large bids, according to Pete Nakos of On3.
Knicks receive OG Anunoby injury update ahead of Game 3 vs. 76ers
The New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead with a 108-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
However, the Knicks faced uncertain news on star OG Anunoby, who appeared to suffer an injury late in the game.
On Thursday, the Knicks got some encouraging news on that front as Anunoby was diagnosed with a hamstring strain and is listed as day-to-day, via ESPN’s Shams Charania.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with right hamstring strain and will be day to day, sources tell ESPN. Anunoby is the Knicks second-leading scorer this postseason at 21.4 points per game. He is listed questionable for Game 3 on Friday against Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/q1zLXpbRkr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2026
Here’s a video of the sequence where Anunoby suffered the injury.
Ugh… looks like a right hamstring injury for OG Anunoby.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) May 7, 2026
You can see him grab at the back of his right leg on a cut with 3:00 mins remaining in the 4Q. Stays in the play got a few seconds but then immediately motions to the bench that he needs to come out pic.twitter.com/Pn9rPJvVtq
Anunoby scored 24 points in 37 minutes in Game 2 and he had 18 points in the Game 1 win, so he is a big part of the rotation for New York.
The Knicks and 76ers face off in Game 3 on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa., so Anunoby’s status will be one to monitor going forward.
Report: Matt Campbell walked away from 1 NFL head coaching agreement in 2021
Matt Campbell is preparing for his first season as the head coach of the Penn State football program.
Campbell spent 10 seasons as Iowa State’s head coach, finishing as the winningest coach in program history before coming to Happy Valley. Campbell had been a big name for years, and it turns out that he accepted one NFL job in 2021 before changing his mind and ultimately staying at Iowa State.
“The three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and winningest coach in Iowa State history had rebuffed overtures from other big-time college programs over the years, including from Texas and USC, according to sources. In 2021, Campbell initially agreed to coach the Detroit Lions before changing his mind; the Lions hired Dan Campbell instead,” according to Jake Trotter of ESPN.
In the end, the Lions hired another Campbell, Dan, who has found success with Detroit over a few seasons as head coach.
Matt Campbell, however, stayed at Iowa State, but he finally left this past offseason in what was a very busy college football coaching carousel.
Penn State fired James Franklin in October, but the Nittany Lions missed on several candidates, including Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea and BYU’s Kalani Sitake, before hiring Campbell and giving him an eight-year deal worth $70.5 million.
Still, one can only imagine what would’ve happened if Matt Campbell took the Lions job in 2021.
Yankees outfielder leaves game on cart after crashing into the wall
The New York Yankees saw a concerning injury take place early in the game on Thursday against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Jasson Dominguez, who was playing in his ninth game this season, crashed into the outfield wall after making a catch. He then went down to the ground in pain and had to leave the field on a cart.
Jasson Dominguez makes a tremendous catch but leaves the game on a cart after hitting the wall HARD
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 7, 2026
Ryan McMahon enters the game at 3B, Amed Rosario goes from 3B to RF and Cody Bellinger goes from RF to LF pic.twitter.com/OkaTwAUvtC
Dominguez was seen shaking his head and looking emotional while exiting the field in a cart in a tough scene for the Yankees and the young outfielder.
Jasson Dominguez is emotional as he’s carted off the field 💔 pic.twitter.com/qWKioNxY7V
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 7, 2026
Dominguez was regarded as one of the Yankees’ star prospects, and he saw significant playing time in 2025.
Dominguez appeared in 123 regular-season games, hitting .257 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI.
Entering 2026, playing time looked scarce for Dominguez with the Yankees having a starting outfield of Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, and the team also added veteran Randall Grichuk in the offseason.
After Dominguez left the game, Bellinger moved to left field and Ryan McMahon moved to third base.
2027 college football game set to be played in Toronto
The ACC has announced that there will be a college football game in Toronto, Canada, in Week 0 of the college football season between Syracuse and Wake Forest.
The game will be held at BMO Field, marking the first-ever college football game held there.
BMO Field is the home of the Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football League) and Toronto FC (Major League Soccer).
O Canada 🇨🇦
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) May 7, 2026
The Deacs will open the 2027 season in Toronto!
🔗 https://t.co/UvRcQ2b33c pic.twitter.com/eaVgIGC3hI
The official date and time have not been set, but it will be on either August 28 or August 29 and will be aired on ESPN.
While it is a first for BMO Field, there have been college football games in Toronto previously. The International Bowl was held at the Rogers Centre, the home of the Blue Jays, from 2007 to 2010 before it came to an end.
Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack and ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips both called it an “exciting opportunity” to be able to play the game in Toronto.
The Syracuse campus is just a four-hour drive to Toronto, so it shouldn’t be much of an issue for Orange fans, although Wake Forest is a 12-hour drive to BMO Field.
BMO Field is also set to be one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup.
Cubs starter undergoes surgery after bizarre off-field injury
The Chicago Cubs have had to deal with a lot of injuries this season, and now veteran starting pitcher Matthew Boyd is also out for the foreseeable future.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Boyd was undergoing surgery after he had oddly injured his left meniscus while playing at home with his kids.
Injury happened sitting down to play with his kids https://t.co/ScUPBGAlkE
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 6, 2026
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said it was “Kind of an innocent, going down to the ground and getting back up,” via Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
Boyd, 35, had a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA this season in five starts for the Cubs, and the exact timetable for Boyd to return is unknown after he underwent the surgery.
Matthew Boyd had successful partial left knee menisectomy, per the team. No timetable yet but could be in the range of a month or so. Team also DFA’d Corbin Martin who blew the save last night.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 7, 2026
However, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins gave an update on Thursday following Boyd’s surgery.
“I think there’s a really good chance that Matt is contributing in a meaningful level here relatively soon,” Hawkins said, via 104.3 The Score. “It’s not going to be this month.”
The Cubs rotation is also without Justin Steele, who has yet to return after suffering an injury in 2025. Reigning National League Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton is out for the season after making just two starts in 2026.
Now, Boyd is also out for some time, and the Cubs will try and stay alive while searching for more pitching help.
Tim Duncan has fans cracking up with his reaction to Dylan Harper’s basket
Tim Duncan had an on-brand reaction caught on video during Game 2 of the second-round series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday.
After San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper got into the paint and made a tough jumper off a spin move late in the first quarter, the broadcast showed the Spurs legend reacting to the play like one would to drying paint. While everyone in the building was losing it, Duncan remained seated, staring into the void as though he were attending a lecture.
Here’s a video of that moment.
HARPER SCORES AND TIM DUNCAN GOES WILD pic.twitter.com/wuwCjL4Z6I
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) May 7, 2026
But even during his long career in the NBA, Duncan was never known as someone who would show much emotion. It is safe to say that Duncan hasn’t changed a bit.
His demeanor after Harper’s bucket, meanwhile, got a lot of fans cracking up online.
Tim is so nonchalant 😂😂
— Armstrong 🏀 (@A72858Armstrong) May 7, 2026
He knows it’s too early to get hyped up but he hardly showed emotion anyways 😂
— Deuce (@SanAnto21o) May 7, 2026
Vintage Old Man Riverwalk reaction 🤣🤣
— Rick (@rickyspanish55) May 7, 2026
Haha Timmy going feral over a rookie bucket is peak Spurs culture 🤣🤣
— Vanny (@av_vanny1) May 7, 2026
This is the winning post of the night. Just hilarious 🤣
— Seb Daly-Schveitzer (@twitseb) May 7, 2026
A first-quarter basket clearly doesn’t excite the 50-year-old Duncan enough for him to even crack a smile. He’s won five NBA championships and bagged two NBA Most Valuable Player awards. He’s not in it for buckets as much as for the ultimate success that he hopes this version of the Spurs will achieve.
San Antonio took a step closer to that goal by beating Minnesota in Game 2, 133-95.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 plans may already be clear
Aaron Rodgers could be donning the same black, gold and white colors in 2026.
The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has yet to put pen to paper, but it has become even clearer that he will play his 22nd NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As reported first by 93.7 The Fan, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player will be in Pittsburgh on Thursday and intends to sign a contract with the AFC North franchise over the weekend.
BREAKING: QB Aaron Rodgers will be in Pittsburgh, expected to sign with the #Steelers this weekend@_adamcrowley @scorindorin @pittbostick
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) May 7, 2026
LISTEN: https://t.co/ubmTnNrLws / @Audacy app
WATCH: https://t.co/oVsylvSkDp > 93.7 The Fan
or right here on X! pic.twitter.com/kbUn5kqufr
The 42-year-old Rodgers’ future has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The Steelers have been waiting on the quarterback’s decision, and it now appears the two sides will run it back for the 2026 campaign, which could potentially be Rodgers’ final season in the NFL.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reminded that “a deal is not done,” but his sources say that Rodgers intends to suit up for Pittsburgh.
Rodgers initially arrived in Pittsburgh in 2025, signing a 1-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers. In the only season he’s played so far for them, he showed that he’s got some gas left in the tank, passing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns against 7 interceptions on a 65.7% pass completion rate.
A return to Pittsburgh for Rodgers will also mean a reunion with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Jaxson Hayes had the most graphic story about Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury
Jaxson Hayes is probably not a big fan of slasher films.
While talking to reporters on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers big man Hayes offered a striking description of Jarred Vanderbilt’s hand injury.
“I mean, did you see the picture of his finger? It was disgusting. Bro, his whole bone was out of his skin,” Hayes said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Vanderbilt dislocated his pinkie finger in Game 1 of the Lakers’ second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., while trying to challenge Chet Holmgren’s dunk attempt. The former Kentucky Wildcats star exited the contest and did not return.
Vanderbilt needed stitches for his injured finger, and it remains unclear whether he will play again in the playoffs. Interestingly enough, the Lakers have not yet ruled Vanderbilt out for Thursday’s Game 2 against the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
The Lakers need all hands on deck if they are to pull off a stunning series upset against the reigning NBA champions, but their lineup seems to get even thinner because of Vanderbilt’s injury.
Hayes, who came off the bench in Game 1 and had 3 points and 6 rebounds in 16 minutes, could see more minutes on the court given Vanderbilt’s situation.
Fans blast Draymond Green for his inaccurate Charles Barkley insult
Draymond Green could use some of his downtime brushing up on his NBA history.
While discussing the intriguing future of the Golden State Warriors during Wednesday’s edition of “Inside the NBA,” Charles Barkley bluntly declared that the Dubs era is over, noting that “nobody wins when they’re 37, 38,” with Green listening.
The former Defensive Player of the Year responded to Barkley’s point by taking a jab at the Basketball Hall of Famer’s career.
“I think the goal is just to not look like you in a Houston Rockets uniform,” Green said.
Here is the video of the exchange.
Things got a little tense on the 'Inside the NBA set when Draymond took a shot at Chuck's final years in Houston 😬 pic.twitter.com/g9xRH5H6qq
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 6, 2026
While it’s true that Barkley spent his final years rocking Rockets colors, he was not terrible during his time with Houston, as Green seemed to insinuate. His statement sparked fierce backlash, with fans pointing out how wrong he was to think that Barkley had been reduced to a nobody during the twilight of the former league MVP’s NBA career.
Barkleys Houston stats vs Draymond’s last ten seasons: pic.twitter.com/KrVJTOQKC8
— Mullahhhh (@RealDreTay) May 6, 2026
"The goal is to not look like your last year in Houston"
— BossHogg (@6Hogg6) May 7, 2026
Barkley's last year in Houston:
14.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg
Draymond's Career Highs:
14.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg
Barkley in his final year averaged more ppg and rpg than draymond ever has in his career
— Happy Time Harry 🇵🇸 🇭🇹 (@HappyT1meHarry) May 7, 2026
For context Barkley averaged 15, 11, 3 his last year in the NBA. Draymond has never in his career averaged more than 15 points or 10 rebounds.
— Lil Joshy (@ItIsRalphTho) May 7, 2026
Barkley spent his first eight seasons in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers and was an All-Star in six of those campaigns. He continued to enjoy superstar status with the Phoenix Suns for four seasons, even winning the MVP award in the 1992-93 season and leading the franchise to an NBA Finals appearance in the same season.
For the record, Barkley averaged 16.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 163 games with the Rockets. Most players would love to have a career as good as Sir Charles’ during his Rockets years.
Green has a great NBA career, but individually, he can’t touch Barkley.
Broncos emerge as possible landing spot for QB known for a notorious game
The Denver Broncos are giving a veteran backup quarterback a chance.
Mike Klis of KUSA-TV reported on Wednesday that the Broncos have invited quarterback Nathan Peterman as a tryout in the team’s rookie minicamp.
Peterman, who turned 32 years old on Monday, hasn’t seen action in an NFL game since the 2023 season with the Chicago Bears. He signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints after his stint with Chicago, then landed with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons.
The former Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback started his NFL journey as a fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 draft, but he is perhaps best remembered by football fans for his atrocious performance during a start in his rookie season.
During the first half of a game between the Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 campaign, Peterman threw a total of five interceptions. It is arguably the worst half ever by an NFL quarterback.
There is no assurance that Peterman will get signed by the Broncos, who have Bo Nix as their clear No. 1 quarterback. Still, he would likely welcome any opportunity to make a good impression and compete for a contract and roster spot for the 2026 NFL season.
Hailey Van Lith lands with a new team after getting cut by the Chicago Sky
It didn’t take long for Hailey Van Lith to find a landing spot after her release from the Chicago Sky.
After playing her rookie season in the WNBA with the Sky, Van Lith is taking her talents to the Connecticut Sun, who were awarded the waiver claim on the former TCU Horned Frogs star.
The Sun announced this development on Wednesday.
Welcome to Connecticut, Hailey☀️
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) May 6, 2026
The Connecticut Sun have been awarded Hailey Van Lith on a waiver claim. #GetClose | #CTSun pic.twitter.com/KIR2Uwp2qL
Things did not pan out for Van Lith during her one-year stint with the Sky. In the 2025 campaign, she averaged just 3.5 points per game, though she also played in only 12.4 minutes through 29 games. Van Lith never started a game for Chicago, which selected her 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The 24-year-old guard appeared to be on the right track with the Sky heading into the 2026 season when she averaged 12.5 points on 71.4% shooting from the field and 4.5 assists in two preseason games.
Instead, Van Lith is set to begin a new chapter in her WNBA career, as she looks to help the Sun finish strong in Connecticut before the franchise’s relocation to Houston in 2027.
Van Lith could make her debut for the Sun as soon as Friday, when they open their 2026 season against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Jaylen Brown is reportedly frustrated with the Celtics
Jaylen Brown’s year of discontent continues.
The Boston Celtics star Brown is unhappy with the the team, retired Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady claimed this week. During an episode of the “Cousins” podcast, McGrady said that Brown has some deep frustrations with the Celtics organization.
“His frustration lies deeply within the organization and other things that we don’t really have the details to,” said McGrady of Brown. “There’s just been a lot of stuff that I’ve been hearing, just going on with the Boston organization with JB.
“I think part of him is like, ‘I showed you guys more of who I am as a basketball player,’” McGrady added. “So I think all that stuff just came into play with him and his frustration.”
Brown, 29, is a lifelong Celtic who has been with the team for his entire NBA career since 2016 and won the championship with them in 2024 as the NBA Finals MVP. Additionally, Brown has made five All-Star teams in Boston and just turned in a career season as the No. 1 option in Jayson Tatum’s extended injury absence (averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game).
But the Celtics then blew a 3-1 lead to lose in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown was openly frustrated about a lot of things all year, from the officiating to his supposedly being snubbed for NBA awards. Now it appears that there are some other unidentified issues between the Celtics and Brown, who remains under contract through the 2028-29 NBA season.
Spurs’ Devin Vassell made the craziest 3-pointer of the playoffs
Devin Vassell invented a brand-new way to make a three-pointer this week.
Vassell and the San Antonio Spurs had an evening to remember in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. In front of their home crowd at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the Spurs cruised to a 133-95 beatdown of the Timberwolves to tie their second-round series at one game apiece.
A particularly glowing moment for San Antonio came in the third quarter of the contest. With the shot clock winding down, Spurs forward Julian Champagnie was going up to shoot but lost control of the ball.
Champagnie then recovered possession and shoveled the ball over to his teammate Vassell, who was standing in the corner. Vassell then leapt up and hit a miraculous 3 as the shot clock expired.
No-dip 3 in the air
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 7, 2026
Devin Vassell is cold for this pic.twitter.com/7umscxcghQ
A “no-dip 3” is an increasingly popular move in today’s NBA where players catch a pass and then immediately shoot a three-pointer in the same motion without taking time to gather the ball first. That allows for a quicker release against the contest of an approaching defender.
But Vassell put his own twist on it during Wednesday’s game by somehow pulling off the “no-dip 3” while in mid-air. Vassell finished Game 2 with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes of action and also made the wildest three-pointer that we have seen in the NBA since this one from a few years ago.
Fans rip Nick Nurse for 1 decision in 76ers’ Game 2 loss to the Knicks
Nick Nurse lost the plot down the stretch of Game 2.
The Philadelphia 76ers fell into an 0-2 hole on Wednesday with a 108-102 loss to the New York Knicks. Philly lost a teeter-totter battle at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. after the Knicks closed the game on a late 12-3 run.
One particular decision by the 76ers head coach Nurse drew scrutiny online. With Knicks star Jalen Brunson making multiple clutch midrange jumpers off single coverage down the stretch, many fans questioned why Nurse chose not to throw a double team at Brunson.
How do you just let Brunson iso in the middle of the floor with no help. Nurse is slow bruh.
— (@TheWestbrookEra) May 7, 2026
NURSE DIDNT THINK ABOUT DOUBLING BRUNSON 3 POSSESSIONS AGO????
— the milkman (@iLowkeyB__) May 7, 2026
76ers not doubling Brunson off the screen lol
— Sonny (@RoadDogShoota) May 7, 2026
Nurse gotta make Brunson give it up late in the clock!
— Tall Pines (@jayathlete) May 7, 2026
In the earlier stages of Game 2, the 76ers actually blitzed Brunson off pick-and-rolls far more often than in Game 1. But during the most crucial stages of Wednesday’s game, Nurse decided to go back to defending Brunson one-on-one … to very poor results.
In fairness, Philadelphia was playing without Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) in Game 2. That meant Nurse had to get creative with a shortened rotation and was forced to change up strategies and coverages on the fly.
But the former NBA champion head coach Nurse is still behind the 8-ball in his second season with the 76ers. He went a miserable 24-58 with Philadelphia last year and now has a lot riding on this year’s playoffs (though Nurse did gain praise from some high-profile figures after the 76ers’ first-round victory over the Boston Celtics).
Report: Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini rented a boat together while she was pregnant
The Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal has taken another twist.
Vrabel, the New England Patriots head coach, and Russini, the former reporter for The Athletic, rented a private boat together back in June 2021, according to a report on Wednesday by TMZ Sports. The outlet obtained a copy this week of the alleged booking documents showing that Vrabel and Russini rented out the vessel together in Putnam County, Tenn. and were the only two people onboard for the two-to-three-hour boat ride.
Additionally, TMZ Sports adds that Vrabel, who was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans at the time, and Russini, who was pregnant with her first child with husband Kevin Goldschmidt, both signed the company waiver before heading onto the boat together. You can read TMZ’s full report on the situation here.
It has been roughly a month now since Vrabel and Russini were spotted in pictures holding hands and hugging at a resort in Arizona. While both Vrabel and Russini denied that anything inappropriate occurred between them at the time, additional details have surfaced in recent weeks painting a picture of a seemingly intimate relationship.
A couple of weeks ago, photos from March 2020 showed Vrabel and Russini cozying up to each other at a local bar. Then just days later, we learned that Russini had apparently made a Spotify playlist for Vrabel in 2022.
Russini would go on to resign from her job at The Athletic in the wake of the scandal. Meanwhile, Vrabel recently took a leave of absence from his position as head coach to attend counseling but has since returned and continues to be publicly supported by the Patriots.
Details emerge on ‘inappropriate’ behavior that led to firing of Tigers’ AAA manager
Details have surfaced on what led to this week’s unexpected firing of Gabe Alvarez.
The Detroit Tigers announced abruptly on Tuesday that they had fired Alvarez, the manager of their Triple-A affiliate the Toledo Mud Hens. Details were initially scarce, except for the Tigers noting that Alvarez had been terminated for an undisclosed violation of club policy.
On Wednesday, Alvarez spoke to Jeff Passan of ESPN and revealed why he was fired. Alvarez said that he sent an “inappropriate” message to a female colleague.
“I sent a single text message to a colleague that I intended as a lighthearted joke,” Alvarez was quoted as saying. “Shortly after sending it, I recognized that the message was inappropriate and did not reflect the values and judgment I strive to uphold, and I immediately reached out to clarify my intent.
“I never intended to cause discomfort or offense, and I regret that the message created this situation,” continued Alvarez. “This was an isolated incident and not reflective of my long-standing record of professionalism, respect for colleagues, and conduct over the course of my career.”
The 52-year-old Alvarez was in his second season as the manager of the Mud Hens after initially joining the Tigers organization in 2022. Passan’s report adds that Alvarez had a clean file with the Tigers’ HR department prior to his termination this week.
However, the Tigers have already had a number of sexual harassment scandals in recent years. Most notably, their former assistant general manager Sam Menzin was allegedly caught sending graphic photos to female employees prior to his resignation in 2025.
Paul George upsets 76ers teammate with a bad shot at end of Game 2 loss
Playoff P unfortunately struck again in Game 2.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George had an unflattering viral moment at the end of his team’s playoff game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. With 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., the 76ers had possession but were trailing the Knicks 107-102.
George took a dribble handoff from Philadelphia teammate VJ Edgecombe and immediately shot an ill-advised contested three-pointer. The attempt ended up airballing and effectively sealed the 76ers’ fate as they went on to lose 108-102 to fall into an 0-2 hole in the second round series.
As the two teams walked back up the floor after the dead ball, Philly guard Quentin Grimes was seen trading some heated words with George. Grimes was (understandably) upset with George’s shot selection there.
Here is the video of the full sequence.
Quentin Grimes COULDN'T BELIEVE Paul George chucked up an off balance airball with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/L3j5uIjUyA
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 7, 2026
The nine-time All-Star George was not entirely terrible on Wednesday, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks on 7/18 shooting. But moments like that (along with George’s drug suspension earlier in the year) illustrate why the 36-year-old has not at all lived up to the $212 million contract that the 76ers gave him a couple of years ago.
Luka Doncic reveals how severe his hamstring strain really was
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic spoke publicly about his hamstring strain for the first time on Wednesday and offered a clue about just how significant the injury was.
Doncic admitted he is still unsure when he will be able to return to action after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2. He told reporters that he was originally told that he would be out for eight weeks when he suffered the injury.
“The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning,” Doncic said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I’m doing everything I can in the process, and I think we’re on a good way. But at the beginning, he told me eight weeks.”
Doncic added that he was doing “everything I can” to get back at some point during the Lakers’ Western Conference Semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
If Doncic returns at any point in the playoffs, it would probably count as being ahead of schedule. An eight-week injury in early April would mean Doncic would not have been expected to return until sometime in early June. That simply is not an option, since the shorthanded Lakers would almost certainly need him to ensure they are still playing at that point.
Doncic still has not started any contact drills, suggesting he is still pretty far from a return. As much as he would love to get back into action, it does not sound imminent.
MLB announces punishment for Framber Valdez
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez will have to sit for a while after Major League Baseball determined that he intentionally threw at a batter in Tuesday’s game.
Valdez has received a six-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story on Tuesday, the league announced. Tigers manager AJ Hinch also received a one-game suspension, as is customary in situations where a pitcher is deemed to have thrown at a batter.
6-game suspension for Framber Valdez
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) May 6, 2026
1-game suspension for A.J. Hinch, which is fairly common in these situations. Hinch will serve his suspension tonight. pic.twitter.com/z6vunEQx9W
Valdez hit Story with a pitch immediately after giving up back-to-back home runs in the 4th inning of the Tigers’ 10-3 loss to Boston. Story was certain it was intentional, and even Hinch did not defend his pitcher after the game.
AJ Hinch: "We play a really good brand of baseball here. That didn't feel like it. I'm not judging intent. But I know when you go out on the field in those confrontations, you usually feel like you are in your right. It didn't feel good being out there."
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) May 6, 2026
Valdez denied that he had thrown at Story, but the league saw things differently. The suspension will cost him his next scheduled start.
The Tigers need Valdez to step up after the loss of Tarik Skubal to a long-term injury. They will not be happy with how he handled this entire situation.
