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Aaron Judge looking on while wearing a Yankees cap

Aaron Judge dealing with concerning injury issue

July 26, 2025 by Grey Papke
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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is undergoing tests due to a lingering elbow issue.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Judge will be held out of the lineup as he goes for imaging on his elbow, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The manager did not offer any indication of how serious the injury was.

Notably, Judge could be seen grimacing after making a throw during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. At the time, the Yankees downplayed the issue and suggested Judge would feel better after a scheduled off-day.

Here’s the play in Toronto on Tuesday where Aaron Judge was wincing after a throw back to the infield.

Aaron Boone said Judge felt better on the off day, but then last night he was “really dealing with it” and “couldn’t throw well from the outfield.”pic.twitter.com/fRWa26HK2w

— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) July 26, 2025

The Yankees obviously cannot go without Judge for any extended period of time. The 33-year-old is having a historically great season, hitting .342 with 37 home runs. He also missed significant time in 2023, but has otherwise been able to stay healthy over the past several seasons.

Judge’s injury issue comes at a delicate time for the Yankees, who sit 5.5 games back of the Blue Jays in the AL East. They do lead the AL Wild Card race, but only by 2.5 games, so they are hardly assured of a playoff spot. If Judge misses time, their status gets even shakier.

BaseballAaron Judge
Keith Hernandez in a suit

Keith Hernandez had harsh line for heckling fan

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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Keith Hernandez had absolutely no patience for a heckling fan on Friday night during a game between the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.

In the top half of the second inning, a Giants fan could be heard loudly heckling Mets third baseman Ronny Mauricio while he was at the plate.

“That was a weak swing!” the heckler screamed.

PIX11 play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen attempted ot laugh it off, but Hernandez got a little heated.

Keith Hernandez: "Give that guy a hot dog so he can chew on something and shut up." ⚾️🎙️ #MLB pic.twitter.com/Id7O55hIxp

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 26, 2025

“Give that guy a hot dog so he can chew on something and shut up,” Hernandez said.

Cohen got a good chuckle but warned, “I think he can hear you.”

Hernandez, who is often blunt and sometimes fiery, likely didn’t care. He was clearly annoyed by the heckler, as were fans who were watching the broadcast.

“The guy was awful. Keith was right,” one user wrote on X.

“SF needs to make him shut up,” another wrote.

Not only did the heckling fan catch a hilarious stray from Hernandez, but Mauricio got back at him as well. On the very next pitch, he sent a ball up the middle for a base hit.

The Mets ultimately won the game, 8-1, and sent that heckler home with his head hanging.

BaseballKeith HernandezNew York MetsSan Francisco Giants fans
Eric Lauer with a fat lip

Eric Lauer tells a story about Max Scherzer to explain his fat lip

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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Eric Lauer, the 30-year-old left-hander and youngest member of the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation, showed up on Thursday ahead of a three-game series with the Detroit Tigers sporting a nasty wound.

Lauer’s bottom lip was swollen and deeply bruised. He revealed the injury required six stitches.

But how did it happen? As Lauer tells it, it came as the result of breaking a cardinal rule.

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1948763191539819007

“There’s kind of this, like, known thing not to mess with (Max) Scherzer on his start days, especially when he has his headphones in, and I broke that rule,” Lauer said, via the Toronto Star. “I tried to talk to him a little too early. He wasn’t very happy about that, so six stitches is what you get for that.”

Lauer was so deadpan when blaming the fat lip on Scherzer that members of the media weren’t sure if he was joking or not.

On Friday, before Toronto’s second game against the Tigers, Lauer kept the gag going.

“I want you guys to talk to Max first,” he said with a smile. “I want to hear what Max says.”

Even manager John Schneider learned into the joke.

“I had to separate them,” he said. “If there was an altercation, I didn’t see it. That’s all I can say.”

With concerns about in-fighting bubbling up among the fan base, Lauer addressed relationships and friendships in the clubhouse. However, he wasn’t quite ready to let go of the joke.

“I think the people who were taking that route should more look into how we interact with each other in the dugout,” he said “Even (Thursday), after I came out, we were talking, laughing, having a good time, so even if it was (a fight) it didn’t affect anything relationally.”

What actually happened to Lauer’s lip remains unclear, but it hardly impacted him on the mound. During Toronto’s series-opening victory on Thursday night, he hurled 8.0 innings of one-run ball, striking out six to pick up the win and improve to 6-2 on the season.

BaseballEric LauerMax ScherzerToronto Blue Jays
Fans in a hot tub

Fans float in hot tub at McCovey Cove during Giants-Mets game

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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McCovey Cove is a legendary hotspot nestled in the San Francisco Bay, located behind the right field wall of Oracle Park. San Francisco Giants fans consider it a rite of passage to take in a game there, especially if you’re able to snag a home run ball.

Barry Bonds made it the spot during his career, splashing dinger after dinger into the chilly waters.

Fans have also gotten increasingly creative with their vessels (and attire) in McCovey Cove, but a new bar was set on Friday night during a game between the Giants and New York Mets.

A trio of fans — two Mets and one Giants — showed up in a hot tub. A literal floating hot tub.

Where does this rank in the all-time McCovey Cove setups? 😅 pic.twitter.com/GZYBZA0Jij

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 26, 2025

“So, it’s a raft. It’s got an outboard motor, it’s got a little BBQ, and it’s got a hot tub,” broadcaster Mike Krukow said, via MLB.com. “I mean, c’mon! That is living. Living, I tell you.”

“American ingenuity,” Duane Kuiper added.

Although the fans and their floating hot tub were the talk of the town, they were unable to rake in a home run ball. While Mets star Francisco Lindor did send a 377-foot shot out to right field, it wasn’t long enough to reach McCovey Cove.

Still, there’s no denying those guys had a blast.

BaseballNew York MetsNew York Mets fansSan Francisco GiantsSan Francisco Giants fans
JJ Watt smiles

J.J. Watt completes the 9-9-9 challenge at Brewers game

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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J.J. Watt is a competitor. If there’s a challenge, he’ll give it his all and often rises to the occasion.

Such was the case on Friday during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Miami Marlins when he took on the 9-9-9 challenge, where fans attempt to consume nine beers and nine hot dogs over the course of nine innings.

Anyone done the 9-9-9 Challenge at a ball game?

Fun?
Miserable?
Entertaining?

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 25, 2025

Watt logged the entire experience on X, frequently updating fans on his progress. He finished three dogs and three beers after one inning, giving him quite the head start.

After just two innings, Watt had downed five beers and swallowed five hot dogs. It was smooth sailing from there.

“Hitting cruise control now,” Watt wrote after consuming seven beers and seven hot dogs through three innings.

Watt wrapped things up midway through the fifth inning, sharing video of the final hot dog going down the hatch.

All done.

5.5 innings.

Go Brew Crew!

🍻 pic.twitter.com/Qy051vHg0l

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 25, 2025

“Halfway through the fifth, nine hot dogs,” Watt said. “Quick shoutout to Stadium Sauce. . . All done.”

Watt periodically stopped to take photos with fans throughout the challenge, as some shouted, “It’s a bad day to be a hot dog!”

But Watt wasn’t done quite yet. While he had wrapped up the 9-9-9 challenge in speedy fashion, there was still room for more. He made a post-game pitstop at Culver’s, where he housed a double smash-burger, tater tots, and a pecan sundae.

Post-Game. pic.twitter.com/BTvz6znLmI

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 25, 2025

He’s no Joey Chestnut, but perhaps competitive eating is in Watt’s future?

BaseballFootballJ.J. WattMilwaukee Brewers
Joe Milton at a press conference

Cowboys QB Joe Milton throws some shade at Patriots

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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Joe Milton is thrilled to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys and, in expressing that, threw some very obvious shade at his former team, the New England Patriots.

Following the team’s practice on Friday, Milton praised veteran quarterback Dak Prescott and his willingness to teach and tutor not only himself, but also other young quarterbacks on the roster.

Cowboys QB Joe Milton has been surprised by how much Dak Prescott has helped him. “Dak is a great leader. … All respect to him. He literally goes out of his way to help me.”

“I’ve been in another building. I know how that goes. It’s just very different over here.” pic.twitter.com/30pPwCxN9V

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 24, 2025

“Dak is a great leader,” Milton said, via the Cowboys’ official website. “All respect to him. He literally goes out of his way to help me, no matter if the coach is talking in the meeting, he literally goes out of his way to help.

“I’ve been in another building. I know how that goes. It’s just very different over here.”

That other building is Gillette Stadium, where Milton played alongside Drake Maye or Jacoby Brissett last season. He didn’t mention either by name, but flat-out admitted he preferred being traded away from New England.

“Definitely, I preferred it,” he said. “That was something me and my team put together. They were able to get it done, I really didn’t have to do much or say much. So just shout out to my agent, that’s pretty much it.”

Milton also praised Brian Schottenheimer for simplifying the learning process, which was apparently much more difficult and demanding in New England.

“At the Patriots, it was more everybody telling everybody what they’re doing based off the play, how long the play call was, the play call’s longer,” Milton said. “Over here, it pretty much goes back to my high school and college days, one word is a whole concept. I think learning the offense early like that, and coming in new to an offense, it’s pretty good to have that type of system.”

For Milton, it’s clear he sees the grass as much greener on the other side.

Featured StoriesFootballDallas CowboysJoe MiltonNew England Patriots

Security guard gets nailed in head during Brewers’ alumni home run derby

July 26, 2025 by Dan Benton
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The Milwaukee Brewers held their Alumni Home Run Derby on Friday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of American Family Field.

The event took place following the team’s 5-1 loss to the Miami Marlins and featured 10 former Brewers players. Among the group were captains Ryan Braun and Carlos Gómez, as well as Prince Fielder, Nyjer Morgan, and others.

With Team Braun leading Team Gómez, 3-0, Morgan stepped to the plate and hit a pop fly that landed in the worst possible place: The head of a security guard who had his back to play.

Nyjer Morgan brains a security guard in the Brewers alumni home run derby pic.twitter.com/2mGh21IvQG

— Dan Why-Ner (@ReallyDanWeiner) July 26, 2025

Doink!

The crowd oohed as the ball bounced off his head, but the announcers no-sold it and continued discussing the event. The pitcher briefly glanced at the security guard before immediately turning back to Morgan for the next pitch.

One user on X mentioned the incident humorously, noting that no one warned the guard, while another expressed sympathy and concern over his well-being.

As of Saturday morning, there has been no update on the security guard, which may be a positive. No news is often good news.

Team Gómez ultimately won the derby, donating $10,000 to the Autism Society.

BaseballMilwaukee BrewersNyjer Morgan
Nick Kurtz smiles

Nick Kurtz’s incredible nickname trends amid his 4-home run game

July 25, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Nick Kurtz on Friday put together one of the best games in MLB history. His great nickname trended on social media in conjunction with the big game.

Kurtz went 6-for-6 with 4 home runs in the Athletics’ 15-3 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Kurtz scored 6 runs and had 8 RBIs in the game. His 19 total bases tied Shawn Green for the most total bases in an MLB game, suggesting he and Green are tied for the best hitting game in MLB history.

While reacting to Kurtz’s second home run of the game, A’s commentator Dallas Braden couldn’t resist calling out Kurtz’s nickname.

“What a magical night for the Big Amish. Smooth as butter, baby!” Braden said.

Nick Kurtz is out of this world 🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/mHDQMQEjF6

— Athletics (@Athletics) July 26, 2025

Yes, Kurtz’s nickname is the “Big Amish,” which is due to him being from Lancaster, Pa., which is a heavily Amish area. Kurtz celebrates big hits by pretending to churn butter as he rounds the bases.

The nickname caught on, with many mentioning the nickname via social media.

THE BIG AMISH https://t.co/29l6s7Pmxu

— Stephen Langsam (@StephenLangsam) July 26, 2025

They call Nick Kurtz 'The Big Amish'. So he pretends to churn butter during his home run trot! 😂😂😂 https://t.co/Y0j77NO9ct

— Rick Nyman (@RickNymanSport) July 26, 2025

It’s hard to beat that nickname. And after a game like that, people won’t forget Kurtz, who’s now up to 23 home runs on the season.

BaseballNick Kurtz
Nick Kurtz celebrating a home run

Nick Kurtz has one of the greatest games in MLB history

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Nick Kurtz had every single slider turned up to 100 during Friday’s game.

The Athletics first baseman Kurtz had an evening for the history books against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston, Tex. Kurtz went a staggering 6-for-6 in the game and clubbed an even more staggering four home runs during the contest.

He kicked things off by singling off Ryan Gusto in the first inning and then hitting a two-run homer off Gusto in the second. Kurtz later doubled off Gusto in the fourth before continuing his onslaught against the Astros bullpen.

The rookie phenom Kurtz proceeded to hit a solo home run off Nick Hernandez in the sixth inning, another solo home run off Kaleb Ort in the eighth inning, and then a three-run home run off Cooper Hummel in the ninth inning.

You can see all four of Kurtz’s home runs here.

NICK KURTZ FOUR HOME RUNS IN ONE GAME!

First rookie in MLB history with four home runs in a single game! pic.twitter.com/Xip6UyFo0K

— ESPN (@espn) July 26, 2025

Kurtz, still only 22 years old, finished the game with a ludicrous six runs scored and eight RBIs as the Athletics pummeled the Astros by a 15-3 final score. He became just the 20th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game and the first-ever rookie to achieve the feat as well.

Furthemore, Kurtz joined Shawn Green as the only players in MLB history to go 6-for-6 with four home runs in a game (Green did so for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002). Kurtz also tied Green’s record, which was set during that game in 2002, for the most total bases in a single contest (19).

It is hard to put into perspective just how great of a performance that was by Kurtz, who has now surpassed his Athletics teammate Jacob Wilson as the AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Last season, we saw a remarkable 6-for-6 game by Shohei Ohtani against the Miami Marlins to join the 50-50 club. Then this season, we saw a breathtaking four-homer game by Eugenio Suarez against the Atlanta Braves. But Kurtz managed to somehow do both of those things in just one game, becoming only the second player throughout all of MLB history to do so.

BaseballHeadlinesNick Kurtz
Willson Contreras yelling at the pitcher

Benches clear in Cardinals-Padres game after Willson Contreras HBP

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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There was some extracurricular activity during Friday night’s St. Louis Cardinals-San Diego Padres game.

The Cardinals and the Padres faced each other for a weekend series contest at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo. During the second inning, Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras got hit by an 0-1 pitch from Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta. The 94-mph fastball got Contreras on the elbow pad area, and he was not at all happy about it.

Contreras began yelling at Pivetta as he was walking down the first base line before Padres catcher Elias Diaz intervened. However, Contreras continued to jaw at Pivetta, and both benches emptied as a result.

Here is the video.

The Padres and Cardinals cleared the benches after Nick Pivetta hit Willson Contreras with a pitch pic.twitter.com/Ku4b9bT3Qb

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 26, 2025

John Denton of MLB.com noted that it was the 15th hit-by-pitch of the 2025 season for Contreras, which leads the National League. Denton also mentioned that Contreras was hit twice by Padres pitchers last season (with one of those incidents involving Contreras getting hit on the left hand and being knocked out of play).

St. Louis went on to win the game over San Diego by a 3-0 final score. But Contreras, who has been involved in multiple heated incidents with opponents this season already, is clearly fed up with getting plunked all the time. He even complained earlier this month about how he was supposedly not being protected by his Cardinals teammates after the constant HBPs.

Baseballbaseball fightsWillson Contreras
Nick Young on the bench

Nick Young reacts to D’Angelo Russell facing cheating allegations

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Nick Young is having a laugh now that the tables have apparently turned on D’Angelo Russell.

The new Dallas Mavericks guard Russell is facing allegations of cheating this week. An OnlyFans model by the name of “Jaw Morant” posted screenshots to X of alleged text and DM exchanges with Russell in which Russell was supposedly making plans to see her. The model claims Russell sent her over $5,000 and also posted a video of what appeared to be an alleged FaceTime with Russell.

You can see the screenshots posted by the model at the X link here (but beware that the profile has explicit content).

Meanwhile, Young (who was Russell’s former teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers) was asked by some content creators this week for his reaction to the allegations against Russell.

“What can I say, God answer all prayers, you know,” said Young. “Jaw Morant, she’s the GOAT.”

“You know, snitches never prosper,” Young added.

Here is the full video of Young’s remarks.

Nick Young reacts after a woman leaks DMs allegedly exposing D'Angelo Russell for Cheating: "God answer all prayers… You know Snitches Never Prosper"

Via: https://t.co/ffj6cfIVhb pic.twitter.com/Q5yAiCwkmY

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 25, 2025

Back in 2016 when they were teammates on the Lakers, Russell exposed Young for cheating on then-fiancee Iggy Azalea. Russell secretly recorded a Snapchat video of Young admitting to cheating on Azalea with a 19-year-old. The video eventually leaked, leading to an extremely awkward situation in the Lakers locker room as well as the ultimate end of Young’s relationship with Azalea.

Young never got over the Russell scandal and has taken several public shots at him over the years, even as recently as last December. While the allegations against Russell, who has been with Laura Ivaniukas since 2020, are simply allegations at this point, Young is clearly having some fun right now with the ironic saga.

BasketballFeatured StoriesGossipD'Angelo RussellNick Young
Mike Brown looks ahead

Knicks make sizable coaching staff changes

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The New York Knicks are overhauling their coaching staff amid the arrival of new head coach Mike Brown.

New York is parting ways with their assistant coaches Andy Greer, Dice Yamamoto, Daniel Brady, and Othella Harrington, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported Friday. Bondy notes that all four were assistants under fired ex-Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Additionally, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that assistant video coordinator Nick Thibodeau will not be returning to the Knicks next season either. Nick is the nephew of the former NBA Coach of the Year Tom.

The 55-year-old Brown, also a former NBA Coach of the Year himself, was just hired by the Knicks earlier this month to officially replace Thibodeau. While Brown was obviously not the team’s first choice for the job, the Knicks are now giving him all of the leeway that he needs to succeed in the new position.

It is generally pretty customary for teams to allow their new head coaching hires to build out an entire staff of their own. Thus, the mass departures from the Knicks are not all that surprising.

However, the Knicks still have some interesting dynamics in play here since it seems that at least two assistants from the Thibodeau era are being retained. Veteran coach Maurice Cheeks, who joined the Knicks’ coaching staff in 2024, still appears to be continuing with the team. Additionally, assistant coach Rick Brunson (the father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson) is sticking around as well, albeit in a demoted role according to recent reports.

BasketballMike BrownNew York Knicks
DJ Chark looking on

Falcons take chance on former Pro Bowl WR

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The Atlanta Falcons are kicking the tires on a former standout wide receiver.

Atlanta is signing veteran wideout DJ Chark to a one-year deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Friday. Chark had also visited with the Chicago Bears earlier this week but has now landed with the Falcons.

At 28 years old, Chark was a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 NFL Draft (No. 61 overall). He went on to make a Pro Bowl team in 2019 on the strength of 1,008 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Chark then left to sign with the Detroit Lions before the 2022 season and also later ended up with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers. For the Chargers in 2024, Chark appeared in just seven games, catching four passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.

The ex-LSU star Chark has yet to recover his previous form after suffering a fractured ankle that ended his 2021 season prematurely (video here). He also spent time on injured reserve in 2022 with an injury to the same ankle.

For the Falcons, an 8-9 team last season, they could use a little more depth at receiver right now, especially with Darnell Mooney suffering a shoulder injury this week that is expected to cost him most of training camp. Atlanta did add a few new wideouts this offseason, including fellow ex-Pro Bowler Jamal Agnew. Thus, Chark will probably be facing some competition for touches, particularly once the Falcons are fully healthy again.

FootballAtlanta FalconsDJ Chark
Heather Clem Cole

Where is Heather Clem from the Hulk Hogan sex tape now?

July 25, 2025 by Larry Brown
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The death of Hulk Hogan at the age of 71 on Thursday has led many people to ask about someone who was closely associated with him, though for the wrong reasons. Heather Clem became famous — or infamous — when a sex tape of her having sex with Hogan got released in 2012.

Clem was formerly married to Bubba the Love Sponge (real name Todd Clem), a well known radio personality, from 2007-2011. Todd Clem had set up a secret camera in his bedroom and invited Hogan, who was the best man at his wedding to Heather, to come have sex with Heather. Bubba’s camera recorded video of the encounter. In 2012, a brief clip from the tape was published by the website Gawker, which led Hogan to sue Gawker, thanks to the backing of billionaire Peter Thiel. Hogan won the lawsuit in what was a highly publicized case that put Gawker in bankruptcy.

Clem has tried to move on since becoming infamous around that time. She appears to live in the Florida area, and now goes by her maiden name, Heather Cole. Cole is really into fitness. According to her Instagram page, she is a certified CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 trainer; a USA Weightlifting Level 1 and Level 2 coach; a certified personal trainer, and she is certified in aerial yoga.

Here is a video of her doing deadlifts.

Deadlifts with Helga Guðmundsdóttir#ThursdayThoughts #DontStop pic.twitter.com/HxuhWWPNz5

— Heather D. Cole (@heatherdcole) September 28, 2017

She also seems to still have a sense of humor over the whole Hogan/Bubba stuff:

What’s up brother!?!?! #FantasyFest #bubbaarmy #hulkamania #paypig #humiliation pic.twitter.com/HDpoynpjzB

— Heather D. Cole (@heatherdcole) October 27, 2023

Hogan wasn’t the only famous sports figure with whom Clem allegedly had a sex tape.

WrestlingHeather ClemHulk Hogan
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin with a headset on

Mike Tomlin was so excited talking about Aaron Rodgers’ TD pass

July 25, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Mike Tomlin typically keeps a straightforward delivery when speaking with the media, but he had a departure from his usual style on Friday.

The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach spoke with the media after training camp practice on Friday. He was asked about a touchdown pass Aaron Rodgers had thrown to DK Metcalf. Tomlin tried to downplay things by saying he wasn’t going to “throw a pep rally.”

“That’s what I expect, that’s what I envisioned all summer,” Tomlin said.

Despite what he said, Tomlin couldn’t hide his excitement as he talked about it; he had a big smile on his face.

#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin was asked about Aaron Rodgers connecting with DK Metcalf for a TD in practice.

“That’s what I envisioned all summer.”

Tomlin got a little cheesy with that one. Clearly very excited. pic.twitter.com/MbLHG74bvF

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 25, 2025

It’s not hard to see why Tomlin would be excited.

The Steelers haven’t had a quarterback who put up big stats since a few years before Ben Roethlisberger retired. From 2014-2018, the Steelers were in the top 10 in the league in both points scored and yards gained. They haven’t been higher than 23rd in the league in yards since then.

Rodgers is 41 and went just 5-12 as a starter with the Jets last season. There is some concern that Rodgers could end Tomlin’s streak, but the veteran coach seems pretty excited about his offense. In addition to Rodgers, the Steelers acquired Metcalf in a trade with the Seahawks, and tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with the Dolphins. They also cleaned out George Pickens from their locker room

The Steelers are coming off a 10-7 season. They lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Ravens.

FootballAaron RodgersMike Tomlin
Shemar Stewart at a press conference

The last NFL first-round draft pick has finally signed

July 25, 2025 by Larry Brown
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All of the first-round picks from April’s NFL Draft have finally signed with their teams.

Shemar Stewart, who was selected No. 17 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, on Friday finally signed his rookie contract with the team. The signing ended a standoff that lasted for three months.

The Bengals had wanted specific language included in Stewart’s contract that would prevent him from receiving his full amount of guaranteed money if he were to face serious behaviorial issues, such as suspensions. The Bengals had not included such language in the contracts for rookies previously, which is why Stewart balked at their desire to set a precedent with him.

The matter was resolved with a compromise. Stewart allowed the language to be included in his contract, while the Bengals agreed to pay $500,000 of Stewart’s $10.4 million signing bonus up front rather than have it deferred until December.

Stewart had accused the Bengals’ front office of being more concerned with winning arguments rather than games. Stewart attended but ended up leaving the Bengals’ mini-camp without participating in it. There was even some talk that he might return to college. However, that all just turned out to be talk, and Stewart is now set to join the Bengals for training camp.

Stewart played three seasons at Texas A&M. He had 31 tackles last season with the Aggies, including 1.5 sacks.

FootballHeadlinesCincinnati BengalsShemar Stewart
Jordan Hicks adjusts his headband

Former Eagles champion announces retirement from NFL

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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One veteran NFL defender is ready to trade the football field for the golf course.

Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks announced in a post to social media on Friday that he is retiring from the NFL. Hicks is calling it quits after 10 career seasons with four different teams.

“I walk away with peace knowing I gave football all I had, and that the best is yet to come,” Hicks wrote in his post. You can see the post in full here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jordan Hicks (@jhicks_3)

Now 33 years old, Hicks was a third-round draft pick by the Eagles in 2015. He spent the first four seasons of his career with them and was a member of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning team in the 2018 campaign. Hicks later went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns as well.

The former University of Texas star Hicks was one of the more versatile linebackers of his era, capable of playing all three positions (inside, middle, and outside). He tied for third in the NFL with five interceptions during the 2016 season and also later ranked third in the NFL with 150 combined tackles during the 2019 season.

Hicks made 12 appearances in 2024 for the Browns but is now content with walking away from the game. He also dealt with a dangerous physical condition that required hospitalization a couple years ago and has thus decided to move onto his next chapter.

FootballJordan Hicks
Nick Saban in a suit

Nick Saban says one thing made him contemplate coming out of retirement

July 25, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Nick Saban has no plans to come out of retirement and coach college football again, but the seven-time national champion admits there was at least one moment recently when the thought crossed his mind.

Rumors have been swirling about Saban making a return to coaching. The talk started earlier this month when former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said he spoke with a “very-in-the-know person” who is convinced Saban wants to coach again.

Saban addressed the buzz during a Friday morning interview with “FOX & Friends” on Fox News. The 73-year-old joked that the only time he thought about coming out of retirement was when his wife, the famous Miss Terry, had him doing chores around the house.

“I never really ever had a thought about getting back into coaching until two days ago, Miss Terry said I had to run the sweeper in the entire downstairs,” Saban said. “So, while I was running the sweeper, the thought occurred to me: ‘You know, when you were coaching, you had a heck of a lot better job than this.’”

Will Nick Saban ever return to coaching? He reveals why he considered it two days ago! pic.twitter.com/j7YpGb2XVc

— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) July 25, 2025

You can understand why fans would be excited about the idea of a Saban comeback, but the chances of it happening are very slim.

Saban’s daughter inadvertently fueled the comeback rumors with her recent social media activity before quickly straightening things out.

The sports world was stunned when Saban walked away from Alabama two years ago, but he seems to be enjoying his gig with ESPN’s “College GameDay.” There is really nothing left for Saban to accomplish as a coach, and Miss Terry is probably thrilled to have him around to help with household tasks more often.

College FootballNick Saban
Victor Wembanyama looks ahead

Victor Wembanyama takes shot at Karl Malone over social media

July 25, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The Alien is unexpectedly going at The Mailman this week.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama surprisingly took a shot at retired Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone over X on Friday. Malone turned 62 years old on Thursday, and the NBA’s official page took an opportunity to wish him a happy birthday.

Join us in wishing a Happy 62nd Birthday to 14x #NBAAllStar, 2x NBA MVP, and 75th Anniversary Team member… “The Mailman,” Karl Malone! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/dmzL9MAEwM

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) July 24, 2025

In response, Wembanyama reposted a message from another user with a video caption. That video, sent in reaction to the NBA’s Malone post, was a meme of a man saying, “What? Oh no, see that’s what we not about to do. Police lock his a– up! You need to be under the jail, like what? What you say?”

Here is the video (but obviously beware of the profane language).

https://t.co/zlxGZHAfhM pic.twitter.com/h6urtdVzPO

— J. Strand (@DJ_Ajaxx) July 25, 2025

Wemby retweeted a video implying that Karl Malone should be locked up pic.twitter.com/jKIWWsi46W

— jedi (@victorjediyama) July 25, 2025

The repost is still visible on Wembanyama’s page. You can see it at the link here.

Wembanyama appeared to be referencing Malone’s personal life. The former NBA MVP Malone was 20 years old when he allegedly impregnated 13-year-old Gloria Bell. Malone then supposedly refused to acknowledge the child Demetress Bell, who later became an offensive tackle in the NFL (though the two would eventually reconnect during Bell’s adult life).

Meanwhile, Malone is not exactly the most beloved figure when it comes to the Spurs either. San Antonio got eliminated in the playoffs by Malone and the Jazz on three separate occasions in the 1990s. Malone also once infamously knocked Spurs legend David Robinson out cold with a vicious elbow during a game in 1998.

The All-Star center Wembanyama is still only 21 years old. But it appears that he definitely knows his history when it comes to the Basketball Hall of Famer Malone.

BasketballFeatured Storieskarl maloneVictor Wembanyama
A Yankees hat

Yankees acquire All-Star third baseman via trade

July 25, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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The New York Yankees have found their new third baseman.

The Yankees acquired veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon in a trade with the Colorado Rockies on Friday, according to multiple reports. The Rockies will receive a pair of prospects in the deal.

McMahon, 30, was named an All-Star last season for the first time in his career. He hit .242 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI in 153 games.

This season, McMahon has struggled at the plate a bit and is batting just .217. He has still showed solid pop with 16 home runs, which has him on pace to top his career high of 24 homers that he hit in 2019.

McMahon has also been one of the most durable players in baseball in recent years. He has played in all but two games this season and is on pace to play in at least 150 games for the fifth consecutive years.

McMahon has 10 home runs since June 7, so his bat has come alive in recent weeks.

Third base was a huge need for the Yankees heading into the July 31 deadline. They reportedly had their eye on a different All-Star at the position, but there would have been a lot more competition had they gone that route.

Even with his less-than-stellar batting average, McMahon represents a big upgrade for New York. The Yankees have not had a reliable third baseman all year. They initially used Jazz Chisholm there but slid him back to second when DJ LeMahieu proved unsuccessful at that position.

Brian Cashman can now focus on addressing other needs for the Yankees, who were 56-46 entering Friday and 4.5 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

BaseballHeadlinesNew York YankeesRyan McMahon

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