Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Amazon Prime sportscaster Al Michaels walks on the field before the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Al Michaels has a contract with Amazon that is set to expire, but the legendary broadcaster is expected to remain the voice of “Thursday Night Football” for at least another season.
Michaels is planning to be back with Amazon Prime Video in 20225, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. Michaels and the streaming giant will take a year-to-year approach with the situation rather than trying to work out a multi-year contract.
Michaels is currently in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with Amazon in 2022. He reportedly makes around $15 million per season, which is in line with what ESPN pays Joe Buck for “Monday Night Football.”
Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit are also calling a Wild Card playoff game for Amazon this season. Michaels was slated to call a playoff game for NBC last season, but the network made the surprising decision to replace him.
The 80-year-old Michaels has been criticized during his tenure with Amazon for a perceived lack of enthusiasm. He has openly said that has to do with the quality of games, not his age. There have been more competitive games with better teams featured on “Thursday Night Football” this season, and the option to flex games should keep things more exciting.
Michaels has also seemed more openly critical of officials since joining Amazon, though those types of takes probably lead to more exposure.
Jan 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter in a AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Photo Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK
Mike Vrabel is expected to draw plenty of interest in the upcoming NFL head coach hiring cycle, and there is one very notable job that he may have a shot at.
In his latest NFL buzz column that was published on Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote that Vrabel is viewed as a “prime” head coach candidate heading into 2025. Fowler believes the Dallas Cowboys are a potential suitor for Vrabel if the team decides not to bring Mike McCarthy back.
Vrabel is an experienced coach who has been to the playoffs several times. He went 54-45 in six seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and many people felt the reported reasons for his dismissal were a bit outrageous. The Titans are 3-10 this year under new head coach Brian Callahan.
Vrabel is only 49 and has a solid resume, so he might be selective when considering future head coach jobs. One of the big questions is how much roster control he will want. That could potentially be an issue in Dallas, where Jerry Jones remains the general manager and is still heavily involved in football decisions.
There is no guarantee that the Cowboys will part ways with McCarthy. Though the coach is not under contract for 2025, Jones has not closed the door on a McCarthy extension. The 82-year-old owner might feel McCarthy was not given a fair shot this season with injuries to Dak Prescott and other key players.
If the Cowboys do wind up pursuing Vrabel, they may have plenty of competition.
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former NBA player and current TNT television personality Charles Barkley prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Charles Barkley is at it again.
Barkley reminded viewers during Tuesday night’s edition of “Inside the NBA” how much he loves diving head-first into controversial topics. Kenny Smith brought up Jay-Z in passing while trying to make a point, and Barkley didn’t miss a beat. The Hall of Famer tapped Smith on the arm and told him, “Probably not a good time right now.”
Both Shaq and Ernie Johnson had to get up and leave the table. Even the production crew could be heard howling in the background.
For those who have not seen, Jay-Z has been in the news recently after he was named in a civil lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit alleges that Jay-Z and Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl at a party in 2000. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has vehemently denied the allegations and called them “heinous.”
Obviously, the topic is a sensitive one. That has never stopped Barkley in the past, which is one of the reasons “Inside the NBA” is among the most popular shows in sports.
Feb 26, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kawhi Leonard’s health finally seems to be trending in the right direction.
Leonard missed the Clippers’ first 25 games due to lingering inflammation in his right knee. There were rumblings earlier this month about the Clippers potentially targeting a Christmas return for Leonard. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue later dispelled those rumors.
But Clippers fans had their hope for a Christmas miracle renewed on Tuesday when Leonard was spotted participating in practice for the first time this season. Kawhi even did some solo work after the team finished up.
Not even Leonard’s teammates expected him to be back on the practice court. Clippers forward Jordan Miller told reporters Tuesday that Leonard just “snuck into” practice and caught everyone by surprise.
“He kind of snuck his way in, too,” said Miller. “Very Kawhi-like. … We were doing a shooting drill, beginning of practice. The next thing you know I’m passing it to Kawhi.”
The 14-11 Clippers have managed to stay afloat without Leonard thanks to a resurgent James Harden and career years from both Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac. Powell has led the team in scoring with a 23.6 points per game average through 18 contests played. Zubac has averaged career highs in both points (14.8) and rebounds (12.2).
Leonard played in 68 games last season, his most since the 2016-17 campaign. He posted averages of 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce on Tuesday weighed in on rumors that the Miami Heat could trade Jimmy Butler before the NBA trade deadline.
Reports emerged Tuesday indicating that the Heat are currently open to fielding trade offers for Butler. Three Western Conference teams have already been linked as Butler’s potential suitors.
Pierce believes a different West team would be the ideal landing spot for Butler: the Denver Nuggets. The former Celtics star shared his stance during a Tuesday appearance on Fox Sports 1.
“The best fit for Jimmy Butler would probably be the Denver Nuggets,” said Pierce. “I think they need another go-to guy to help [Nikola Jokic] out. … If they find a way to add Jimmy Butler to the Denver Nuggets, I think you’re going to be seeing Jimmy and Joker raise another championship trophy, if they don’t have to play the Celtics.”
Jokic is in the midst of the best season of his career. Through 19 games, Jokic has averaged career highs in points (32.3), rebounds (13.6), assists (10.2), steals (1.8), and even three-point shooting (50% on 4.4 attempts per game). But despite Jokic’s efforts, the Nuggets are just 12-10 in a highly competitive Western Conference.
A lot of the Nuggets’ woes have been due to the deteriorating play of Jamal Murray, who’s having his least efficient season since his rookie year. If Denver manages to acquire Butler, he could potentially slot in as the Nuggets’ second star and take pressure off Murray in the offense.
The Nuggets would likely have to part with veteran sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. to make contracts work. But the chance to add Butler may well be worth the risk.
Feb 13, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) during warmups against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
A restaurant owned by James Harden was named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed earlier this week.
Cassaundra Jackson filed the lawsuit against the restaurant, Thirteen by James Harden, alleging that the establishment is partially responsible for a November 2023 car crash that took the life of Jackson’s daughter Taylar Jackson and six other victims.
The suit claims that Christian Daniel Herrera, the man who caused the fatal car crash, got heavily intoxicated at Thirteen before the tragic incident. The suit alleges that Thirteen failed to fulfill its “statutory duty to refrain from providing alcohol to an obnoxiously intoxicated person.”
Herrera allegedly left Thirteen under the heavy influence of alcohol, per court documents. He ran a red light and T-boned another vehicle, killing Taylar Jackson and the six other victims. 25-year-old Herrera was also killed.
Harden’s restaurant later released a statement on the matter to Houston ABC station KTRK.
“We cannot imagine what the family of Taylar Jackson has gone through this past year and offer our deepest sympathies to them and everyone whose lives were deeply impacted by that tragic accident,” the statement read. “We were just made aware of the filing of this lawsuit. We ask for your patience as we gather more information on this filing and will make a more formal statement as soon as possible.”
Among the victims was former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden.
According to the lawsuit, Cassaundra Jackson is seeking $1 million in damages.
Aug 30, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy (6) reacts before the start of the game against the Elon Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Top transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy has a visit lined up with an SEC school.
News emerged this week that Murphy would be leaving Duke as a transfer. He is set to visit Auburn on Wednesday. Miami is also said to be a possibility for the former Blue Devils quarterback.
Murphy will have interest from several schools for obvious reasons. He passed for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions this season, while leading Duke to a 9-3 record.
Prior to transferring to Duke, Murphy played at Texas and passed for 477 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Longhorns. The former top recruit left Texas as a transfer last season and appears to be seeking to maximize his NIL earnings in 2025.
Auburn went 5-7 this season and could use an upgrade at quarterback. They’re likely desperate for improvement after posting four straight losing seasons. Like Auburn, MIami needs a new quarterback as Cam Ward will be heading to the NFL. That should create a nice market for Murphy.
Jun 1965; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Indians outfielder Rocky Colavito at bat during the 1965 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland baseball legend Rocky Colavito has died.
The Cleveland Guardians shared the news on Tuesday that Colavito has died at the age of 91. Colavito was a beloved figure and a nine-time All-Star who spent eight of his 14 MLB seasons in Cleveland with the Indians.
Colavito started his MLB career with Cleveland in 1955. The team infamously traded the hard-hitting outfielder to the Detroit Tigers right before the 1960 season. The move surprised fans given that Colavito, then just 25 years old, had led the American League in home runs with 42 the year prior.
The Colavito trade and the team’s later misfortunes eventually inspired a 1994 book titled “The Curse of Rocky Colavito” by Terry Pluto. The book argued that Cleveland’s baseball franchise became cursed after it traded Colavito, laying out several instances of bad luck that plagued the team in the decades that followed.
Cleveland reacquired Colavito in a trade before the 1965 campaign. He played three more seasons with the franchise and earned his final two All-Star nods before jumping from team to team at the tail end of his career. He retired in 1968.
In 14 MLB seasons, Colavito had a career batting average of .266 with 374 home runs and 1,159 RBIs.
Brett Favre shows off his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring after receiving it during halftime of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on October 16, 2016. Credit: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Brett Favre on Tuesday addressed a contentious moment he had with former New York Jets legend Mark Gastineau in 2023.
On Tuesday, ESPN posted a snippet on X that showed Gastineau confronting Favre at a Chicago memorabilia convention last year. During the exchange, Gastineau accused Favre of taking a dive during the latter’s final game of the 2001 NFL season. Gastineau said that he was hurt by the moment.
Favre was famously on the receiving end of the final sack that gave New York Giants icon Michael Strahan the all-time sacks record (22.5) in a single season. The sack pushed Strahan past Gastineau with just a few minutes left in a regular season finale that Favre’s Green Bay Packers already had wrapped up.
The clip went viral enough on social media that Favre felt the need to address it. The three-time MVP posted an eight-part thread on X sharing his side of the story.
In the thread, Favre cleared up that he was “in no way trying to hurt Mark Gastineau.” Favre added that given the game situation, he did not feel the need to make “a bigger effort to avoid the sack.”
Favre did admit that he may have subconsciously been trying to help Strahan. But he also stated that there was never any malice against Gastineau. Favre said that he now understands the financial impact that the play had on Gastineau and laments that the footage was ever released.
ESPN posted the clip to tease a “30 for 30” documentary titled “The New York Sack Exchange” to be released later this week. The documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the Jets’ famous “Sack Exchange,” a vaunted four-man defensive line in the 1980s that included Gastineau.
Aug 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a New York Yankees hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees made a big move on Tuesday when they agreed to a long-term contract with free agent pitcher Max Fried. That is likely the first of many moves to come for the Yankees this offseason, especially after they lost out on Juan Soto. The Yankees will want to improve their offense after missing out on Soto, and they reportedly have interest in Christian Walker.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on Tuesday that the Yankees have Walker as a higher priority than trying to sign fellow free agent first baseman, Pete Alonso. Their interest in Walker makes sense.
Walker will be 34 next season and has had three straight seasons with over an .800 OPS. This past season he batted .251 with an .803 OPS over 130 games. He also has established himself as a top defensive first baseman and has won three straight Gold Gloves.
Walker made $10.9 million last season but figures to have his pay doubled in free agency. At 34, he is likely looking at a short-term deal, but one that will probably pay well.
The Yankees declined their contract option for Anthony Rizzo, which has opened up a spot at first base. After losing Soto, they will probably want to add some offense in the form of players who can get on base and hit for power. It will be even better if Giancarlo Stanton can keep up the form he showed in the postseason.
