Lane Kiffin is reportedly drawing interest from a new NFL team
Rumors have been swirling about Lane Kiffin potentially leaving Ole Miss for another job, and there is reportedly at least one NFL team that is keeping tabs on the coach.
Kiffin is viewed as the top target for Florida after the Gators fired Billy Napier last month. The 50-year-old is also expected to draw interest from LSU, which recently fired Brian Kelly.
According to a story that was published on Friday by Bruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo of The Athletic, Kiffin seems to be leaning toward remaining at Ole Miss. There is, however, one NFL team that has “a modicum of interest” in Kiffin — the Tennessee Titans.
There is almost no chance Kiffin would leave Ole Miss for an NFL job, let alone the Titans. He is arguably the hottest name in college football at the moment and could probably name his price in an extension with Ole Miss or with another top program.
Kiffin’s first head coach job was in the NFL, and it did not go well. He went 4-12 in his only full season with the Oakland Raiders in 2007 and was fired just four games into his second year in 2008. Kiffin finished with a record of 5-15 with the Raiders and then returned to college, where he has been successful at numerous stops.
Kiffin has been mentioned as a candidate for one other NFL head coach job, but he had a pretty clear response to that talk.
The most likely scenario is that Kiffin will remain at Ole Miss with a contract extension and a raise. The Rebels are in position to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time, and Kiffin is focused on that at the moment. If he were to entertain leaving, he would probably have more interest in the Florida or LSU jobs than coaching in the NFL again.
Brian Daboll linked to a prominent college head coach job
Brian Daboll is expected to draw plenty of interest as an offensive coordinator after he was fired by the New York Giants on Monday, but he may also have an outside shot at landing one of the top head coach jobs in college football.
Daboll was fired by the Giants following the team’s Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 50-year-old was a successful offensive coordinator in both the NFL and college prior to New York naming him their head coach in 2022. While it is unclear if NFL teams view Daboll as a potential head coach next season, Penn State is said to have interest.
Bruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo of The Athletic reported on Friday that Daboll is a “wild card” to watch for the Penn State job. Daboll is believed to have interest in coaching the Nittany Lions and is “expected to get some consideration in Happy Valley.”
Penn State fired James Franklin last month following his 11-plus seasons with the team. There have been several candidates linked to the job.
Daboll was the offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills for four seasons before the Giants hired him. Prior to that, he spent a season as the OC and quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban at Alabama. Daboll’s last job in college before he landed at Alabama was when he was a graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1999.
There should be several candidates with extensive college head coaching experience who have interest in the Penn State job. Daboll is a long shot, but it would not be a surprise if the two sides at least entertain a conversation.
Paige Spiranac shares hate messages she has been receiving
Paige Spiranac played well enough during the Internet Invitational to reach the final match in the $1 million tournament, but the popular influencer has been struggling with the feedback she has received since the event aired.
Spiranac was one of 48 influencers and Internet personalities who played at the Internet Invitational earlier this year at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo. The event, which was organized by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, featured YouTube golfers and other personalities with various skill levels who competed for the $1 million purse.
The tournament was broken into a six-part YouTube series that was released in episodes over the last two weeks. Spiranac, Frankie Borrelli and Malosi “Mo” Togisala faced the trio of Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis and Cody “Beef” Franke in the final match. Dalke, Ellis and Franke, who died unexpectedly at the age of 31 last month, won the tournament.
After the third episode was released on Nov. 3, Spiranac broke down crying in a video on her Instagram story. She first shared a screenshot of a message she received from a fan that that read as follows, with the profanity edited by Larry Brown Sports: “I f—ing hate you. You stupid b–ch think your (sic) so much better than everyone at the internet invitational. Go kill yourself ouo (sic) stupid c–t.”
Spiranac said she had been receiving a lot of messages like that. She said she has “struggled socially my entire life” and that the negative feedback from the Internet Invitational brought out a lot of her “insecurities.”
“So it’s just been really hard to see this reaction to being unliked and hated … I know there are more important things in life than wanting to be liked and I want to fit in — and I’ve tried for a lot of my life to find places where I can fit in,” Spiranac said, via Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post. “And when I was at the Internet invitational I felt really good … it was nice to feel that way.
“And then now to watch it back and the deep insecurities of childhood whatever is coming all back and its confirmation that no you’re actually not liked, you’re annoying, and no one likes you — and you suck and you’re terrible and all these things. And it’s just hard because you feel good in that moment … then it’s like just kidding.”
Spiranac said all of that well before the final episode of the Internet Invitational aired on Thursday, though she likely knew what would be featured. There was a cheating controversy during the final match in which Spiranac was accused of illegally improving her teammate’s lie. Though she is a former professional golfer, she said she did not know that matting down grass around the ball is illegal. Spiranac began crying when confronted. You can see the video here.
The 32-year-old Spiranac has over 4 million followers on Instagram and is very active on social media, particularly with her Instagram story. There was no content on her story or page on Friday, which may have something to do with the way she was portrayed in the final episode of the Internet Invitational.
Paige Spiranac involved in cheating controversy during the Internet Invitational
Paige Spiranac was involved in a rules controversy during the final match at the Internet Invitational, and the well-known influencer became emotional when questioned over what happened.
The Internet Invitational was a tournament featuring a $1 million purse that was organized by popular media companies Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports. The event, which was pre-recorded and had episodes that aired over the last two weeks, featured 48 influencers and internet personalities with varying levels of golf skill. It was held at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo.
The final match of the six-part series was released on Thursday. A team of Spiranac, Frankie Borrelli and Malosi “Mo” Togisala faced the trio of Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis and Cody “Beef” Franke, who died unexpectedly at the age of 31 last month. The latter team won and split the $1 million prize.
There was plenty of drama throughout the tournament, most of it lighthearted in nature. Things got a bit more serious during the final match, however, when Spiranac was accused of improving a lie for teammate Togisala on the 9th hole.
Spiranac’s team lost the hole in question, but Ellis chose to make her aware of the accusation. When questioned over whether she improved Togisala’s lie by pressing down grass around the ball, Spiranac said she thought that was within the rules. She then began crying and said she doesn’t “want people to think that I would try to cheat.”
Folks, we may have a bit of a controversy on our hands… @Internetinvite pic.twitter.com/X68T1l3jfn
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) November 14, 2025
Spiranac, who has more than 4 million followers on Instagram, was a professional golfer before she became a full-time influencer. Many fans found it difficult to believe that she would not know basic rules about improving a player’s lie.
Last week, Spiranac broke down crying in an Instagram video in which she revealed that she had received hateful messages over the Internet Invitational. She said she has “struggled socially” her entire life and that the negative feedback from the tournament brought back her “deep insecurities of childhood.”
The Internet Invitational was, by all indications, a massive success. Spiranac may not view it that way, however.
BYU basketball player Kennard Davis gets arrested
BYU basketball player Kennard Davis Jr. was arrested after he was involved in a car accident on Thursday.
According to a press release from the Provo Police Department in Utah, officers responded to a crash involving Davis at approximately 11:45 a.m. Thursday morning. Davis, who is 20, was the driver of one of the vehicles.
While investigating the accident, officers found reason to suspect that Davis was under the influence.
“During the accident investigation, officers found cause to place the driver — Kennard Davis, age 20 — under arrest for suspected DUI,” the Provo Police Department said in a statement, via KSL 5 TV. “Davis was transported to the Provo Police Station for further investigation and was subsequently cited with DUI charges. He was released for medical treatment for minor injuries, and his vehicle was impounded.”
Davis was processed in jail and then released to be treated for minor injuries he suffered during the crash.
Davis has averaged 9.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in two games for BYU this season, which is his first with the program. The 6-foot-6 junior transferred from Southern Illinois, where he averaged 16.3 points per game last year.
Davis did not play in Tuesday night’s game against Delaware State because of Achilles soreness.
BYU is 3-0 heading into a game on Saturday against No. 3 UConn.
Drake Maye had the perfect response to MVP chants
Drake Maye heard more “MVP” chants from New England Patriots fans as he lead the team to an eighth consecutive win on Thursday night, and he had a great response to the praise.
Maye finished 25/34 for 281 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 27-14 Week 11 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The second-year quarterback made several more eye-popping throws throughout the night and did not turn the ball over.
Patriots fans chanted “MVP!” when Maye was introduced and then at various points during and after the game. When asked about the chants in his postgame press conference, Maye deflected the attention to TreVeyeon Henderson. Maye said the rookie running back was the MVP on Thursday night.
“I think it was a big time for him stepping up, and it’s been great for him to get all these reps, to keep getting these reps,” Maye said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “He wants to be great. He’s just showing up every day and asking questions. … I think just continuing for him to keep going the oncoming weeks and know that him and (Rhamondre Stevenson) and our backs, we can create a good one-two thing going. Looking forward to have (Stevenson) back, but TreVeyon stepped up huge.”
Stevenson has been out with a toe injury, and Henderson has stepped up over the past two weeks. The former Ohio State star exploded for two long touchdown runs in New England’s 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. He pulled a genius move on the second score.
Henderson picked up right where he left off on Thursday with 93 yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns.
Maye is the favorite at most major sportsbooks to be named NFL MVP. He now has 2,836 yards, 20 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions through 11 games. Maye has the Patriots looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender, though his teammates probably respect the modesty.
Everyone made the same joke about Drake Maye’s giant coat on ‘TNF’
Drake Maye’s enormous coat on “Thursday Night Football” looked pretty familiar to fans.
The New England Patriots quarterback Maye had another strong game on Thursday against the New York Jets. He completed 25/34 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown as New England went on to beat New York by a 27-14 final.
At one point during the game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Maye was shown on the sideline in between drives wearing a massive coat to keep warm. As a result, everyone made the same joke over social media — that Maye was wearing the same coat that Tom Brady made famous during his days with the Patriots.
Nice of Tom Brady to leave his ridiculously oversize coat for Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/StWKgFlvAo
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) November 14, 2025
It was nice of Tom Brady to leave Drake Maye his oversized coat pic.twitter.com/W6fbaioK97
— TB EGO (@TomBradyEgo) November 14, 2025
He is risen. pic.twitter.com/1HVEsq5cCU
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) November 14, 2025
Drake Maye with the coat on pic.twitter.com/rhf7tVD1ik
— Mr. Tenkrat (@PeterTenkrat) November 14, 2025
The Patriots icon Brady became a meme for his own oversized coats that he wore during games back in his playing days for New England. Brady first went viral over his large outerwear in 2017 and then had an encore in 2020 with a different coat that made him look like Inspector Gadget.
Now it looks like Maye is picking up right where Brady left off. The game temperature on Thursday was hovering in the 30s throughout the contest, so Maye certainly came prepared for the elements.
The 23-year-old Maye is looking like a very legitimate threat to win NFL MVP this season, having now led New England to an impressive 9-2 record. Brady won three of those awards himself while with the Patriots, and Maye pretty clear won’t mind the comparisons to TB12 (when it comes to both performance and fashion choices).
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch takes a ruthless shot at JJ Redick
The fireworks are apparently continuing from last year’s playoff series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch appeared Thursday on a live taping of “The Zach Lowe Show.” During the taping, the topic of podcasts came up, and Finch got in a savage shot at Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
“I mean, it will qualify you to coach the Lakers,” said Finch of podcasting.
Here is the full clip of Finch’s remarks.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch thoughts on podcasting
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 14, 2025
“I mean, it’ll qualify you to coach the Lakers.”
(h/t @twolvestalk32)pic.twitter.com/OtQctnCl1P
Indeed, Redick, who was hired as head coach of the Lakers in 2024, did not have any any meaningful coaching experience prior to getting the position (though he did play in the NBA for 15 seasons). Redick’s biggest claim to fame after retiring was, in fact, his podcasting as the host of the popular “Old Man and the Three” podcast and later of the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James.
As for Finch, that was likely a good-natured jab at Redick, his fellow member of the NBA head coach fraternity. Finch, who has been the head coach of the Timberwolves since 2021, previously served as the associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2017-20. That overlapped with Redick’s brief time on the Pelicans from 2019-21.
But Finch’s Timberwolves did defeat Redick’s Lakers in five games during the first round of the playoffs last season. Redick, who was a rookie head coach at the time, let his inexperience show over the course of that series, and now Finch is happy to playfully point out how much more seasoned he still is than Redick.
Justin Fields gave Jets fans a spiritual successor to the ‘Butt Fumble’
New York Jets fans had flashbacks on Thursday when they watched Justin Fields fumble late during their team’s “Thursday Night Football” game against the New England Patriots.
The Jets, trailing 24-14, were starting a critical drive midway through the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Disaster struck as Fields could not get a clean handle on the snap.
Just as Fields looked like he was about to recover the football, Jets offensive tackle Armand Membou got pushed into the bent-over quarterback. Fields’ head whipped back as his helmet collided with Membou’s butt. The contact threw Fields off just enough for the Patriots to pounce on the loose pigskin, winning possession for New England.
Justin Fields Jets butt fumble (2025) pic.twitter.com/dMppGEPfLw
— NFL Drop (@TheNFLDrop) November 14, 2025
The play felt like the modern-day equivalent of Mark Sanchez’s infamous “Butt Fumble” from the 2013 season. While Fields’ play still technically qualifies as a “butt fumble,” the butt-to-QB collision of the 2025 version pales in comparison to the original.
The play killed any shot at the Jets pulling off a comeback. The Patriots capitalized on the excellent field position with a field goal to extend their lead to 27-14, which ended up as the final score of the contest.
Fields went 15/26 for 116 yards and a touchdown in the loss. He rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. But Fields’ performance will mostly be remembered for having fans relive a memory they may have been trying to forget.
Fans pile on Patriots’ alternate uniforms for ‘TNF’ clash against Jets
Fans were not afraid to let their feelings be known on the alternate uniforms the New England Patriots’ wore on Thursday night.
The Patriots debuted their “Nor’easter” Rivalry uniforms for the team’s “Thursday Night Football” showdown against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The uniform is colored “Storm Blue” in honor of the storm winds that often blow over the northeastern states.
The Nor’easter is here.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 28, 2025
Introducing the Patriots 𝙉𝙁𝙇 𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 uniform. pic.twitter.com/gQw1P1px3I
The winds represented by New England’s new threads apparently weren’t strong enough to blow away any criticism. Some fans felt the jerseys did not look as good as they did on the team’s promotional material, while another joked the team’s printers ran out of ink while printing the colors.
Feels like a waste of an alternate uniform for @Patriots. Jersey isn’t as cool as the Bledsoe Era throwbacks. Helmet isn’t as beautiful as Pat Patriot. And the blue looks far more drab on TV than in promotional photos. pic.twitter.com/o5c390BrLk
— Damon Amendolara (@DamonAmendo) November 14, 2025
These Patriots jerseys tonight ugly as hell, looks like their printer said "low on ink" but printed it anyway #NYJvsNE #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/ktqJymtD9A
— Northcutts Burner (@WestinianMMA) November 14, 2025
Those Patriots uniform jerseys look like the leftovers from a 1970s disco denim suit.
— Keith Barnes (@KBarnes_PG) November 14, 2025
Some fans did admit that the design eventually grew on them. But as with most redesigns, mixed reviews are quite often the norm.
While the jury is still out on New England’s new alternates, one Patriots player got universal praise for the game-day outfit he wore for his team’s clash against the Jets.
Pacers eyeing a trade for NBA fan favorite to fill in for Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers need a change of plans after a horrific 1-10 start to the season. Now it appears that those plans could include a move for Grand Theft Alvarado.
Indiana has kept New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado on their radar throughout this early part of the season, veteran NBA writer Jake Fischer reported to Substack on Thursday. Fischer further characterizes Alvarado, a fan-favorite role player, as a “name to monitor for the Pacers” ahead of the February trade deadline.
The Pacers very (very) badly need the help at guard right now. Their two-time NBA All-Star at point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, will not play at all this season due to the Achilles tear he suffered in last season’s NBA Finals. Beyond that, Bennedict Mathurin (toe) is also hurt, and fellow guards Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell have missed time in the early season due to injury as well.
As for Alvarado, 27, he is known for his pesky defensive chops and is now rounding into form as an offensive player as well. Alvarado is averaging 6.7 points and 2.6 assists in under 19 minutes per game this season for the Pelicans and is shooting a career-high 42.9 percent from three. With the additional ability to handle the ball and calm the team down as they get into their offensive sets, Alvarado fits the player profile of what the Pacers could really use right now.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are the worst team in the Western Conference at the moment at a dismal 2-9. After going 21-61 last season as well, it may be time for New Orleans to start blowing it up.
Alvarado is still known as one of the NBA’s great irritants and even got into a fight with an opponent a couple of weeks ago. For a Pacers sorely in need of some identity-setters with Haliburton out, Alvarado (under contract for $4.5 million this season with a $4.5 million option for next season too) might be just the right target for them.
Patriots player turned heads with the powerful message on his game day outfit for ‘TNF’
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins wanted to send a message with the game-day outfit he wore for his team’s Thursday night clash against the New York Jets.
Photographers took snapshots of Hollins wearing a white shirt and jeans as he walked barefoot into Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The shirt had various words on it written in marker. Most prominently featured was a huge “988” emblazoned on Hollins’ chest, surrounded by words such as “alone”, “tired”, “silent”, and “defeated”. 988 is the national hotline for suicide prevention.
The shirt had “You are worth it!!!” written on the back.
“It’s okay not to be okay,” Hollins said as photographers and fans took videos of him in his pregame fit.
#Patriots WR Mack Hollins arrived to the game wearing a suicide-prevention shirt with “988” — the national hotline — on the front, with a very meaningful message on the back: “YOU ARE WORTH IT.”
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 13, 2025
Absolutely awesome job @mackhollins. 🙏🙏pic.twitter.com/GVtmSLeEAN
Hollins’ gesture comes a week after the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died last Wednesday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On Tuesday, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared that Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina is pregnant with Marshawn’s child.
Just like Hollins, the NFL made an effort to honor Kneeland by having all teams share a meaningful message on suicide prevention before each Week 10 game.
Notable update surfaces about Ja Morant’s future
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies may be about to ride out their current rough patch together.
The Grizzlies are looking to continue building around their star point guard Ja Morant, veteran NBA writer Jake Fischer reported to Substack on Thursday. Fischer also notes that Memphis would also like to continue building around big man Jaren Jackson Jr, the ex-Defensive Player of the Year, as well.
This news comes with the Grizzlies floundering at 4-9 on the year, which is 11th in the Western Conference. Morant, who has been with Memphis for his entire career, appears disgruntled with the team and was recently suspended after a confrontation with Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo. A subsequent report also claimed that Morant “hates” playing for Iisalo, who is in his first full season on the job.
Still only 26 years old, the two-time All-Star Morant had his fair share of troubles in Memphis over the years. In addition to being suspended multiple times by the NBA for flashing weapons over social media, Morant was already reported to be at odds with the Grizzlies as early as last season.
As it stands right now, Morant, who is averaging 18.9 points and 7.3 assists per game this season, is under contract with Memphis through 2028. He signed a five-year, $197.2 million designated rookie max extension before the 2022-23 campaign and is now in the third year of that deal.
The rumors of Morant’s discontent resulted in multiple Western Conference rivals being linked to him recently. But at least on Memphis’ end, they still appear to be committed to making their partnership with Morant work.
Report: Mets could trade away a 2-time All-Star
The New York Mets may be closing the book on one of their longest-tenured players.
New York is fielding trade inquiries right now for veteran utilityman Jeff McNeil, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Thursday. Heyman also notes that McNeil is generating interest from other clubs.
The 33-year-old McNeil is one of the longest-tenured Mets players, having been on the team since 2018. He has made two All-Star teams during his time in New York, won an NL batting title in 2022, and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2022 as well.
But McNeil had a mediocre year in 2025, in part due to an oblique strain that cost him time to start the year. McNeil ended up hitting an underwhelming .243 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs over 122 total games and was also an overall negative player defensively at second base.
On top of that, McNeil recently underwent surgery for thoracic outlet snydrome but is expected to be ready in time for spring training. With McNeil entering the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2026 (at $15.75 million), the time may be ripe for the Mets to finally move on from him.
Though primarily a second baseman, McNeil also has extended career experience at all three outfield spots. With the Mets reportedly plotting some big moves after a 2025 campaign in which they completely collapsed down the stretch and did not even make the postseason, the lefty-hitting McNeil could potentially be on the chopping block in the coming weeks.
Klay Thompson feuding with ex-NBA star over Megan Thee Stallion comments
Klay Thompson is standing up for his woman’s honor this week.
Retired former NBA champion Jason Williams made waves earlier in the week during an appearance on the “Hoopin’ N Hollerin’” podcast that he co-hosts with ex-NBA guard Patrick Beverley. Williams spoke on the early struggles of Dallas Mavericks veteran Thompson this season and suggested that Thompson’s poor performance might be because of his girlfriend, rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
“I’m from West Virginia, man,” said Williams. “I’ve been taught a lot by some old folks, some old white folks. It only takes one p—y to drag a battleship across the desert. That’s how powerful it is.
“Klay Thompson, I ain’t saying that’s what it is,” Williams added. “But that might be what it is.”
Here is the full video of Williams’ remarks.
Jason Williams suggests Meg Thee Stallion may be behind Klay Thompson’s slump: “It only takes one to drag a battleship across the desert.”
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) November 13, 2025
Via: https://t.co/XSwJYQTcuD pic.twitter.com/6X9Vbj64KX
That led to a fiery response from Thompson the next day over Instagram.
“Referring to my GF as a ‘p***y’ is so disgusting and disturbing,” Thompson wrote in an Instagram comment. “Especially from someone who played in the NBA . How would yall [sic] feel if I referred to your wives in such a way ? @patbev21 Do better fellas . Very disappointing.”
Thompson, 35, has been dating Megan, 30, since the summer. The two have shown a lot of PDA over social media in recent months, and Megan even gifted Thompson with an absurdly expensive watch at one point.
That said, Thompson has indeed been quite lackluster this season, averaging 8.5 points per game on 32.0 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from three (all career-low numbers). While Thompson was recently demoted by the Mavericks and now even appears to be facing an uncertain future in Dallas, he does not at all appreciate the (vulgar) suggestion that his girlfriend Megan is to blame for his struggles this year.
Lakers get significant update on LeBron James’ looming return from sciatica
All signs point to LeBron James making his season debut sooner rather than later.
The Los Angeles Lakers star has been battling sciatica since early last month. The nerve issue has forced James to miss the team’s first 12 games of the 2025-26 season.
While James did not join the team on its current five-game road trip, the four-time MVP did get some practice runs in this week with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. James played some full-contact 5-on-5 during back-to-back practices held on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James “did not experience any residual effects” during his second day of practice — a huge development as the Lakers star works his way back to full health.
The practice on Wednesday was reportedly considered “intense.” James got through the Thursday session “without any lingering pain or soreness” from the previous day.
The Lakers have a practice scheduled for Monday once the team returns from its five-game road trip. Per the report, the plan is for James to participate in said practice ahead of the Los Angeles’ Nov. 18 home game against the Utah Jazz. Such a return would fall right in line with the Lakers’ initial projections on James’ recovery.
The Lakers have held a winning record despite James remaining on the sidelines. The Purple & Gold went 7-2 to start the season — a stretch that included a five-game winning streak. But the team has lost two of its last three contests and could probably use the boost that LeBron’s return could bring.
Fans react to Cal Raleigh being snubbed on AL MVP vote
Aaron Judge on Thursday was named the American League MVP for the 2025 season, winning the award in a close vote over Cal Raleigh.
The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) released the results of its voting, which showed that Judge received 17 of 30 first-place votes for AL MVP. Raleigh received the other 13 votes. Judge was second for any voter who had Raleigh first, and Raleigh was second for any voter who had Judge first.
AL MVP full voting
— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) November 14, 2025
All ballots here: https://t.co/9A2KTASoXU pic.twitter.com/yW0efH481Y
The MVP is the third of Judge’s career, as he also won it in 2022 and 2024.
There is no doubt that both players had great seasons, and some of the commonly cited metrics such as WAR, had Judge ahead of Raleigh. But there are a lot of fans who feel that Raleigh, who slugged 60 home runs as a catcher for a division-winning Seattle Mariners team, was robbed of the award.
Aaron Judge had an incredible year… But Cal Raleigh literally put the Mariners on his back this season. 60 home runs as a switch hitting catcher is truly remarkable. He should’ve won MVP and I will die on this hill.
— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) November 14, 2025
The MVP isn’t the best hitter award, that’s the Hank Aaron Award. The MVP should (idk why this is so hard to grasp) go to the player who is… y’know… the most VALUABLE player.
— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) November 14, 2025
Cal Raleigh plays a more VALUABLE position, had a historic season and guided his team to new heights.
Ain’t no way Cal Raleigh didn’t win AL MVP bro
— Wick (@WickSBG) November 14, 2025
Shoutout to Aaron Judge but this is the best season ever by a catcher pic.twitter.com/BHQoHjlZih
I wonder what the AL MVP vote would have been if you kept the same numbers but Cal Raleigh played for the Yankees and Aaron Judge with the Mariners. I bet Cal would have won in a landslide. He should have been the winner even in Seattle.
— Scott Hanson (@shansonscribe) November 14, 2025
Cal Raleigh got jobbed out of the MVP in my mind….
— Kris Zellner (@KrisZellner) November 14, 2025
Where are the Seattle Mariners without him
It’s hard to fathom that Raleigh could have set the single-season record for a catcher and single-season record for a switch-hitter with 60 home runs, and set the Mariners franchise record for home runs, while doing so as a catcher, and not have won the award. He also anchored the Mariners as their catcher calling games and framing pitches, helping his team win 90 games.
But the big differences come down to a few numbers, such as Judge’s .331 batting average and 1.144 OPS compared to .247 and .948 for Raleigh.
Fans are asking questions after Michael Penix Jr.’s latest admission
Michael Penix Jr. inadvertently sparked some controversy with one of his answers during a press conference held earlier this week.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was asked on Wednesday who he “leans on” to help him assess his performance on the field and provide support “mentally and physically.” The reporter inquired about that person being another quarterback or perhaps one of the Falcons’ coaches.
Penix’s response suggested there was no such person for him on the Atlanta staff or QB room.
“You’re saying on the field?” Penix clarified, followed by a long pause and an exasperated sigh. “No.”
“Mentally, my fiancée she’s always there for me. I know whenever I get home, it doesn’t matter how I played, she’s always going to be there for me. She’s going to have a smile on her face, give me a hug, and make me feel good no matter what.
“As far as physically, on the field stuff, there’s not nobody I talk to as far as another quarterback or anything like that. I do have quarterback coaches, though, back at home that reach out to me as well, tell me, ‘Hey, you need to clean this up, clean that up.’ … Those guys help me.”
Fans were concerned about Penix’s response, with some even calling it an “embarrassment” for the Falcons to not surround their first-round QB with proper mentors.
Penix was asked today who he leans on to help him assess things good and bad on the field, mentally and physically.
— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) November 12, 2025
He did not mention his current HC or OC.
This is why I’ve been asking for weeks why we never see anyone talking to him on sidelines.
pic.twitter.com/fO4f7rKI1x
This is such an embarrassment for the Falcons coaching staff! . I’ve often said Quarterback is the most under coached position in sports. Penix Jr. just validates exactly why QB play overall, at most levels, is not consistent—-mechanics under duress included. The position is… https://t.co/h6SRH1xwTO
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) November 13, 2025
This is why great young QBs fail. He's literally set up for failure if this is true.
— Josh (@jml41286) November 13, 2025
Some wondered what sort of relationship Penix had with veteran backup Kirk Cousins. Cousins has been gracious to Penix at times since getting replaced as Atlanta’s QB1. But in all fairness to Cousin, he probably did not sign a huge contract with the Falcons just to guide his replacement.
What is Kirk Cousins doing?
— Scott.hiney.sol (@HineyKinScott) November 13, 2025
When asked about his relationship with Penix, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that the Washington alum is “extremely hard on himself.” Morris noted that he has to have a conversation with Penix about taking some of his mistakes in stride.
Penix has thrown for 1,807 yards with 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions across his 8 starts this season. The Falcons are 3-5 in those contests.
Steph Curry, Under Armour announce big news
Steph Curry and Under Armour announced some big news on Thursday.
Curry and UA are parting ways after 12 years together. Curry had left Nike to join Under Armour in 2013, and the company launched his first signature shoe in 2015. But that partnership is coming to an end.
As part of the announced separation, Under Armour will still produce the Curry 13 shoe and release it in February 2026 as planned. However, Curry’s “Curry Brand” will be leaving UA. The Curry Brand was created in 2020 and will now have independence.
“Under Armour believed in me early in my career and gave me the space to build something much bigger and more impactful than a shoe. I’ll always be grateful for that,” Curry said in a statement. “Curry Brand was created to change the game for good and over the past 5 years, we successfully changed the game for kids, for communities, and for basketball. What Curry Brand stands for, what I stand for and my commitment to that mission will never change, it’s only growing stronger. I’m excited for a future that’s focused on aggressive growth with a continued commitment to keep showing up for the next generation.”
Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank issued a statement on the separation.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to work with Stephen, who as President of Curry Brand has been much more than an ambassador – he’s become a thoughtful and strategic business leader. Together with our teammates, he helped build something rare: a brand with credibility, community impact, and product that performs at the highest level. For Under Armour, this moment is about discipline and focus on the core UA brand during a critical stage of our turnaround. And for Stephen, it’s the right moment to let what we created evolve on his terms. We’ll always be grateful for what he’s brought to the UA team,” Plank said.
Under Armour had given Curry $75 million in the company’s stock in 2023, which was the same time Curry was named the president of Curry Brand. Under Armour’s stock has struggled and is down 40 percent this year. They have looked to cut costs in recent years, which includes dropping some of its athletic partners.
Mookie Betts wows fans with his great golf swing
What can’t Mookie Betts do?
Betts is in Las Vegas to co-host MLB’s annual awards show in Las Vegas, Nev. To accompany the awards show, a golf tournament called the Capital One MLB Open, held at Shadow Creek Golf Course, was created. The Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Betts is not one of the Dodgers’ official players in the event (Will Smith and Andre Ethier are), Betts still showcased his golf talents.
Take a look at this video shared by Ben Verlander of Betts going over the water and putting some draw on the ball for a pretty shot.
Mookie Betts almost makes a hole-in-one pic.twitter.com/xBYfPk31eB
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) November 12, 2025
He looked like a pro on that one.
Betts is a former AL MVP, four-time World Series champion and 8-time All-Star as a baseball player. He is also known for his bowling exploits, and he was an excellent basketball player in high school. Betts has also won the celebrity division of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am in the past. He’s much better at playing golf than driving golf carts though.
As if being a great athlete weren’t enough, Betts will try his hand at entertaining the crowd as the co-host of the awards show.
