Report: Lakers to target ex-NBA rebounding leader in free agency
The Los Angeles Lakers may already have a play called in the huddle to address their paper-thin frontcourt.
Veteran NBA big man Clint Capela is expected to “sit pretty high” atop the Lakers’ target board in free agency this offseason, Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported this week. Irwin adds that Capela is considered to be “within reach” at $5.7 million (which is the value of the taxpayer’s midlevel exception that the Lakers will have at their disposal this summer).
Capela, 31, is an 11-year NBA veteran who led the league in rebounding during the 2020-21 campaign with 14.3 per game. While Capela is slightly undersized for a center at 6-foot-10, his energy (especially on the offensive glass and as a rim protector) would be a real asset to the Lakers at this point.
With the Atlanta Hawks last season, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game. Atlanta phased out Capela towards the second half of the season (replacing him in their starting lineup with 24-year-old Onyeka Okongwu), and now Capela will be free to leave as an unrestricted free agent if he so chooses.
Meanwhile, the Lakers sacrificed their depth down low by trading away Anthony Davis as part of the Luka Doncic blockbuster last February. As a result, they opted to go small for extended stretches during the first-round playoff loss to Minnesota (and managed to alienate one of the only true centers left on their roster in the process).
The Lakers might want to shoot for a younger and higher-ceiling big man than Capela, especially since there are some options for them on the trade market. But for the $5.7 million MLE, Capela makes for a strong candidate.
Former No. 3 overall pick to undergo Tommy John surgery
The MLB-best Detroit Tigers are getting a harsh reality check this week.
Detroit announced on Wednesday that pitching phenom Jackson Jobe is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Jobe has UCL damage in his pitching elbow and will need to have the procedure as a result.
The 22-year-old right-hander Jobe landed on the injured list at the end of May with what was initially diagnosed as a Grade 1 flexor strain. However, further evaluation with doctors on his elbow revealed that Jobe is actually dealing with a UCL injury that will require surgical reconstruction.
Jobe was the No. 3 overall pick (out of high school) during the 2021 MLB Draft. After spending his first couple of seasons in the minors, Jobe was called up last September and made a contribution out of the bullpen as the Tigers made it to the ALDS (marking their first playoff appearance in a decade).
Once regarded as the top pitching prospect in baseball, Jobe had been coming into his own this season as a full-time starter for Detroit. He was 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 10 total starts. Jobe had also been sitting in the 96-97 mph range with his fastball and in the 95 mph range with his sinker (per FanGraphs).
The rotation has been an area of strength for the 44-24 Tigers this season, especially with reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal leading the way and the likes of Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize providing support. But with Jobe now looking at an absence that will cost him the rest of 2025 and likely all of 2026 as well, the worst-case scenario has materialized for the talented young hurler (as he becomes the latest notable MLB pitcher to get the Tommy John blow).
Pope Leo shows off his White Sox love with hat at Vatican
Pope Leo is not hiding his love of the Chicago White Sox.
Pope Leo XIV was photographed sporting a White Sox hat at the Vatican during his weekly general audience. The White Sox proudly shared the photo via their X account.
.@Pontifex representing his favorite squad 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lyJG42S529
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 11, 2025
Prior to being elected the new pope last month, Pope Leo XIV was named Cardinal Robert Prevost. He grew up in Chicago, Ill., and was a White Sox fan. A false rumor was spread initially saying he was a Cubs fan, but that error was quickly corrected. Later, some folks even dug up footage that showed Pope Leo attending a White Sox World Series game in 2005.
The White Sox entered play on Wednesday with a 23-44 record, which had them last in the AL Central. They had won four of their last five games though, so maybe Pope Leo can bring them some good fortune.
Fabio Fognini had insults for Corentin Moutet during handshake
Fabio Fognini did some name-calling toward Corentin Moutet during a handshake between them after their first-round match at the Stuttgart Open in Germany on Tuesday.
Moutet won the match 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to advance to the second round of the event. Their handshake at the net was nasty afterwards. Fognini tried to get Moutet to look at him but Moutet would not engage.
“Look at me, you little pig. You’re a piece of sh-t,” Fognini said to Moutet in French, which is Moutet’s language.
Spicy handshake 🌶️@moutet99 wins the battle of the entertainers 6-4 6-7 6-3 vs Fognini 🍿#BOSSOPEN pic.twitter.com/75P18ZH0rW
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 10, 2025
Both players are known for their confrontational ways and conflicts on the court, so it’s not too surprising there were some fireworks after the match. The big surprise is that Moutet did not engage what we have seen from him in the past.
Moutet, 26, is currently ranked No. 91 in the world. Fognini is ranked No. 89 but has been ranked as high as No. 9 during his career. He is known for being a hot head.
Everyone said the same thing about Knicks’ latest failed target
The New York Knicks have been rebuffed once again in their latest attempt to speak to a current NBA head coach, and their failed attempts are starting to provoke a reaction from many.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the Knicks requested permission to interview Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder for their head coaching vacancy. The Hawks “firmly denied” that request.
Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
This marks at least the fourth current head coach the Knicks have tried and failed to interview. That includes Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who is seen as the team’s most prominent target.
The attempt to interview Snyder opened the Knicks up to widespread criticism on social media. Many mocked the team for their focus on other NBA head coaches that are already employed elsewhere, while others felt that the requests make them look desperate and lacking a plan after firing Tom Thibodeau.
So they fired their coach with absolutely no plan for the next hit except pray some team lets theirs go?
— japtaa⚡️ (@DubsBetterr) June 11, 2025
The Knicks: pic.twitter.com/y2RZmTBCfv
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) June 11, 2025
The Knicks entire coaching search concept being “let’s see what teams don’t like their coach enough to just let him leave” is hilarious https://t.co/yqwNUkngXM
— Tucker (@SportingLogical) June 11, 2025
Knicks drunk DMing coaches “you up?” is hilarious https://t.co/lkshuvTVI2
— vic (@CountOnVic) June 11, 2025
Well…there are still 25 other current NBA head coaches for the Knicks to ask about before they run out of those options. So, that's something!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 11, 2025
Even Kevin Garnett could not help but mock the Knicks for the series of rejections.
Everytime the Knicks asks for permission to interview 😭😭😭
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) June 11, 2025
This is crazy 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/yY5WqX07L8
One could certainly argue that the Knicks are casting a wide net in their coaching search and doing their due diligence. A series of high-profile rejections from rival teams would seem to undermine the argument that they had a clear plan after firing Thibodeau.
The Knicks had their reasons for seeking out a new head coach. However, there does not appear to be a leading candidate a week after they made that decision, and their search has mostly made headlines for who they cannot speak to than anything else.
3-time Pro Bowl Za’Darius Smith names the team he wants to sign with
Three-time Pro Bowl defender Za’Darius Smith is still on the free agent market, but he knows where he would like to land if it were up to him.
Smith wants to return to the Detroit Lions after finishing the 2024 season there. He had praise for the coaching staff and players, and views it as a place where he can contend for a Super Bowl to cap off his career.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told Tyler Dragon of USA Today at the 2025 BET Awards. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
The Lions could benefit from some edge rushing help, but have yet to work anything out with Smith. The team traded for him to help fill the void after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, but have yet to prioritize the position this offseason with Hutchinson on his way back for 2025. However, having Smith as an insurance policy may not be a bad idea.
The 32-year-old Smith had four sacks in eight games for Detroit last season after the trade. He has 69 career sacks in 10 NFL seasons, and as he indicated, would be a quality rotation option and leadership piece for the Lions if they found a place for him.
Davante Adams takes a shot at his former teams
Davante Adams certainly seemed to have a pointed message to at least one of his former teams when commenting on his decision to join the Los Angeles Rams.
The veteran wide receiver raved about the environment around Rams practices on Tuesday, pointing out that coaches and teammates are all in a good mood. He used that as an opportunity to contrast the situation with the “dark cloud” he has experienced at other teams in recent years.
“Everybody’s in a good mood. It’s not like a dark cloud over the building. And I’ve experienced that quite a bit over the last few years,” Adams said. “So, it’s a glaring difference when you come into a building like this.”
Davante Adams said he feels "rejuvenated" this offseason in LA.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) June 10, 2025
"Everybody's in a good mood. It's not like a dark cloud over the building. And I've experienced that quite a bit over the last few years. So, it's a glaring difference when you come into a building like this."
Adams spent most of the last three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before finishing last season with the New York Jets. Neither organization has had much success lately, so it is entirely plausible that he could be referring to either of them.
Critics might argue that Adams might have contributed to those dark clouds, especially with the Raiders. So far, however, he seems to love working with the Rams, and is working on developing a rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Only time will tell if that lasts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could keep Bucks waiting on trade decision
The Milwaukee Bucks may not have much clarity on the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation for the majority of the offseason.
In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania suggested that speculation on Antetokounmpo’s future will go well beyond the NBA Draft at the end of June. Charania indicated that Antetokounmpo will want to see how the offseason progresses before making any firm decision on his future, which could keep the Bucks in limbo until July or August.
“His status will not be tied to the NBA Draft. It won’t be tied to free agency,” Charania said of Antetokounmpo. “It’s much more likely that his future plays out into July and into August, in terms of him seeing the landscape of not only the Bucks, but seeing the landscape of the league, seeing what other teams do. When you’re a star of that caliber, the league moves how you want it to move. The league will move if you’re ready to ask for a trade.
“Around the league, there is a level of skepticism, because Giannis Antetokounmpo has been loyal. Does he really go through with it? There is a difference between being open-minded and, from what I’m told, actively exploring other options, and asking for a trade. He’s in the process of figuring out exactly what he wants to do.”
Shams on Giannis:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 11, 2025
"His status will not be tied to the NBA Draft, it won't be tied to free agency. It's much more likely that his future plays out into July and into August. There's a difference between being open-minded and from what I'm told exploring other options" pic.twitter.com/a3i8f22z1l
In other words, if Antetokounmpo feels the Bucks are falling behind, he could act even after the start of free agency. That could certainly make Milwaukee’s offseason difficult, though it does seem likely that the team will proceed as if he plans to stay.
The furthest anyone has really gone with Antetokounmpo is the suggestion that he is being “open-minded” about his future. That still appears to be the case, and it may stay that way for weeks to come.
PJ Tucker addresses retirement rumor
PJ Tucker on Wednesday posted a message on social media to address any rumors about him retiring.
The 40-year-old posted on his Instagram Story that he will not be retiring and that he plans to continue playing.
“Since we are in the era of not doing any fact checking and just repost what we hear from uncredited sources smfh i (sic) have to take time out of my vacation to set the record straight so yall can stop sending me the dumb s-it!” Tucker wrote, profanity censored by LBS.
“Never have a mentioned retirement or even given any indication that may be a thing.. I’m 40 years young 100% healthy, able, and will continue playing the game I’ve dedicated my lief to… HOOPIN!!!!!!”
PJ Tucker says he’s NOT retiring
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX ) pic.twitter.com/UYcW5RR6IS
Tucker still was playing in the NBA this season despite his age. He had interest from different teams down the stretch in the regular season and signed with the Knicks. He only played in three games for them. Tucker was added to help keep the team in line and guide them during the postseason, almost like a coach. The Knicks, like many other teams, valued Tucker for his leadership. He is hoping teams will still value that about him for the 2025-2026 season.
Tucker has played 13 seasons in the NBA and began his NBA career in 2006-2007 with the Toronto Raptors. His best statistical season came over a decade ago in 2013-2014 when he averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Tucker also finished 12th in Defensive Player of the Year voting that season.
Aaron Rodgers forced to make equipment change after joining Steelers
Aaron Rodgers will have to make a change to his equipment after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers admitted on Tuesday that he will need a new helmet for the 2025 season. He has worn a Schutt helmet throughout his career, but the model he used with the New York Jets in 2024 has been banned by the league for falling short of the necessary safety standard.
Rodgers had to try multiple helmets before taking part in Tuesday’s practice, but did not sound enthusiastic about any of them.
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers said. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standards.”
Aaron Rodgers was trying on multiple helmets in the #Steelers’ equipment room today. He’s working to find a new one this season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 10, 2025
“I can’t stand the helmet. I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standards.” pic.twitter.com/DJ1WlfnF5L
The Schutt Air XP Q11 Rodgers wore last season was “not recommended” by the league in 2024. It has been moved to the prohibited list for 2025, forcing the veteran quarterback to find something new. He is not happy about that, but is at least willing to go through the process.
A player’s choice of helmet is no small thing, though some take it much further than others. Given Rodgers’ prominence, he should have no short of options to find a fit that works for him.
Rodgers would have had to pick a new helmet on any team, but the Steelers also forced him into another significant change, albeit one he was able to sort out quickly.
Report: Mario Lemieux looking into buying Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux is part of a group that is looking into purchasing the team, according to a report.
TSN hockey reporter Pierre LeBrun reported on Wednesday that Fenway Sports Group has been looking to sell a partial share of the Penguins. Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Premier League team Liverpool, bought a majority share of the Penguins in 2021. LeBrun says the group of Ron Burkle, David Morehouse and Lemieux are looking into buying back the team.
Hearing from sources that the group of Ron Burkle, Mario Lemieux and David Morehouse are investigating the possibility of buying back the Penguins from Fenway Sports. Burkle and Lemieux sold the Penguins to Fenway in 2021. Fenway has been looking to sell a partial share. Will be…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025
Lemieux has owned a fractional share of the Penguins since selling to Fenway in 2021.
The franchise icon Lemieux had a long ownership history with the team. The Penguins filed for bankruptcy in 1998. Lemieux purchased the team at that time to bring them out of bankruptcy. He later became the first player/owner in history
Lemieux, 59, is a Hall of Famer. He was a 9-time All-Star, 3-time Hart Trophy winner, and 2-time Stanley Cup winner during his playing career.
Joe Flacco delivers the perfect social media hot take
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco is one of the old men of the NFL, and he delivered the perfect take on social media Wednesday.
Flacco discussed how social media has changed since he entered the league in 2008, and how Instagram is the only platform he has grown comfortable using. He has particular ire for TikTok, questioning why anyone would want to use it.
“No TikTok dances. The fact that people want to get on their phones and show people — that’s embarrassing,” Flacco said. “You’re an adult. Be an adult. I can’t wrap my head around that. I get it, you have kids and you want to have fun with your kids. Have fun with your kids in private. That’s what I think.”
Joe Flacco has thoughts on social media, including TikTok dances. A pretty entertaining 2 minutes of video here #Browns pic.twitter.com/6MV6Y5IqrP
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) June 11, 2025
Flacco turned 40 in January and he certainly sounds his age here. Safe to say he probably did not think highly of the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s TikTok dances before games a few years back. One has to wonder how he feels about new teammate Shedeur Sanders, too.
The Browns brought Flacco in to compete for the starting quarterback job, and he has a chance to win it against the likes of Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders. He played in eight games for the Indianapolis Colts last year, throwing for 1,761 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Flacco knows he is not cool. At this point, he is embracing it, and that is probably the best and most entertaining thing he can do.
Kiké Hernandez wore interesting helmet while pitching for Dodgers
Kiké Hernandez made a pitching appearance for his Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, and he wore an interesting helmet while doing so.
Hernandez came in to pitch during the bottom of the sixth inning of his Dodgers’ 11-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif. His team was down 9-0 at the time, and the Dodgers were already making it a “bullpen game,” so having him pitch fit in with the theme. Hernandez was making his third appearance as a pitcher this season, and the helmet he used captured attention.
Now in to pitch for the Dodgers: Kiké Hernández… In the 6th inning 😳 pic.twitter.com/GL8GdVQ3Od
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 11, 2025
Hernandez was using what’s called a pitcher’s helmet. These are new products that MLB wanted to come up with to help protect pitchers against comebackers to the head.
BoomBang created the pitcher’s helmet. They describe the product as a “low-profile, composite cap-helmet hybrid made of carbon fiber with advanced energy-absorbing materials and breathable moisture-wicking liner.” It is a half-helmet and designed to protect against line drives to the head.
It’s smart of Hernandez to use the helmet considering he’s not a pitcher and the likelihood of opponents hitting the ball against him hard are high.
Hernandez went 2.1 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks. He has a 2.08 ERA and 1.85 WHIP this season. He made four pitching appearances last season and had a 4.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.
Padres star Jackson Merrill had some great comments about Hernandez after the game.
Knicks’ stance on potential Kevin Durant trade revealed
If Kevin Durant wants to go to the New York Knicks, he might find himself disappointed in their level of interest.
The Knicks are not planning to pursue a trade for Durant, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. While Durant might have some level of interest in playing for the Knicks, that feeling reportedly is not mutual. The Knicks reportedly are “not in the mix” for him.
Durant is widely expected to be traded by the Phoenix Suns this offseason, with the team likely to help facilitate a move to Durant’s preferred landing spot. The Knicks have been named as one of several teams involved in discussions about a Durant trade, but those discussions may have already been cut short.
The Knicks had been viewed as a logical landing spot for Durant in light of how close they came to the NBA Finals. The team has a solid core in place led by Jalen Brunson, though the team has largely exhausted its supply of future draft picks in assembling that core. That might be one reason the Knicks are reluctant to make such a massive move.
There is also some uncertainty surrounding where the Knicks stand at this point. Their search for a new head coach has run into a significant roadblock, and they do not have an immense amount of roster flexibility right now. This might not be a great time to launch an all-out pursuit of Durant. Instead, the Knicks might prefer to focus on running it back with their current core under a new coach.
Reports have indicated that Durant may prefer to go to a different team anyway, leaving the Knicks on the fringes.
MLB players anonymously named 1 team they do not want to play for
Major League Baseball players are definitely not eager to play for one specific team, at least based on the results of The Athletic’s anonymous player survey.
Players were asked which organizations have good and bad reputations among their peers, and unsurprisingly, the Athletics came in first. 39 of 115 respondents said the A’s have a bad reputation, with players citing their reluctance to spend money and the fact that they are currently playing games in a minor league stadium.
“I had a buddy who was traded to the A’s as a minor leaguer. … He went to Oakland and said the way they were fed, the places they stayed were just not good,” one player said.
The Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies also scored poorly, but the A’s led the pack. Considering how they have been perceived in recent years, that is not a huge surprise. The stadium, in particular, is drawing poor reviews among some players, and they will be there for two more seasons beyond this one.
The A’s did make an effort to spend some money during the offseason. That did not convince players that they are making a serious change to their long-term business model. The fact that they entered play Wednesday at 26-43 will not help, either.
Jim Harbaugh underwent 2 significant medical procedures
Jim Harbaugh has had a tough offseason that involved a lot of trips to the doctor, but the Los Angeles Chargers coach insists he is now good to go for his second year with the team.
Harbaugh told reporters at the start of minicamp on Tuesday that he underwent a cardiac ablation and had hip replacement surgery after the 2024 season. Both procedures were successful.
Harbaugh said he has now been given a clean bill of health.
“The doctors can’t find anything wrong with me. A-grade,” Harbaugh told the media, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
The heart ablation was related to a health scare Harbaugh had during Week 6 last season. The Chargers were facing the Broncos in Denver when Harbaugh briefly left the sideline and went into the locker room. It was later revealed that he was having symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia.
Harbaugh, 61, noted that the issue was nothing new for him. He also underwent a minor procedure back in 2012 in order to address the issue when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
The hip surgery was also to address a lingering issue that caused Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, to walk with a limp.
The Chargers went 11-6 in Harbaugh’s first season last year and made the playoffs, where they lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Harbaugh is aiming to lead the team on a deeper run in 2025. Hopefully he will no longer have to worry about his heart or his hip in Year 2.
Report: Kevin Durant mainly drawing interest from 5 teams
The Phoenix Suns are widely expected to trade Kevin Durant this summer, and a market is starting to take shape for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
The Suns have met with Durant’s business partner Rich Kleiman multiple times over the past week to discuss potential trade scenarios, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday. The goal for the two sides is to work together to find a suitable destination for Durant.
Several teams have expressed interest in Durant, but Charania lists five that have been most involved in the discussions. Those teams are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. Other teams have also reached out to the Suns.
Durant is set to make $54.7 million in the final year of his deal next season. He will be eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $112 million if he signs a new deal this summer. If Durant were to wait six months after being traded, he would become eligible for a two-year deal worth up to $124 million.
Given that he will turn 37 in September and has dealt with a major injury in his career, Durant might prefer to sign the extension as soon as possible. That could become a factor in trade discussions.
Durant continued to play at an elite level this season with 26.6 points per game. There have been rumblings that he has his eye on one specific Western Conference team, but he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.
If Durant wants to play for a contender and sign a contract extension, he may not have his choice of teams. As of now, the Suns seem like they are going to do their best to accommodate him.
Roman Anthony’s sister Lia captures attention of fans
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony recorded his first ever MLB hit on Tuesday night, and the star prospect wound up sharing some of the spotlight with his sister Lia.
Anthony, who is rated the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com, was finally called up to the majors on Monday. He was back in the lineup at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., for Tuesday night’s game, which the Red Sox won 3-1.
Anthony got the Red Sox on the board in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run double.
Roman Anthony's first career hit drives in two runs! pic.twitter.com/QWzbZc3Y8x
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2025
Anthony’s father, mother, older brother and older sister attended the game. They sat in the first row near home plate and were shown celebrating Roman’s first career MLB hit.
All the feels for Roman Anthony's family after his first Major League hit 🥹 https://t.co/VzmarQVar4 pic.twitter.com/ge4WOsb75u
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2025
Lia Anthony steals the show
Fans immediately became curious about Anthony’s sister, who was later identified as Lia Anthony. The Anthony family was interviewed during the NESN broadcast. Lia spoke about how impressed she has been with her 21-year-old younger brother.
“He does it all on his own, to be honest. We’ve supported him throughout everything and we’re always there for him and we just do the best that we can,” Lia said. “But honestly, it’s all him. It’s impressive the way that he holds himself and the way that he talks in interviews and everything that we see. It’s amazing. It’s surreal. The whole thing is surreal.”
"It's been a long journey for him, but yet it seems so quick at the same time."@WebsterOnTV talks with the Anthony family 🗣️ ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vPhsL6iMqL
— NESN (@NESN) June 11, 2025
There was a lot of buzz on social media about Roman’s older sister:
Congrats to Roman Anthony's sister in the red. She deserves this https://t.co/xVRGwsWj1t
— Mobland Redux (@racjac24) June 10, 2025
I’d like to be the first to welcome Roman Anthony’s sister to Boston! #would pic.twitter.com/pxhfJtS77T
— White Boy Carl (@TheWhiteBoyCarl) June 10, 2025
Roman Anthony's sister has the potential to be a major breakout star. She's officially on the radar. https://t.co/IPp94rAW8c
— Joe Kinsey (@JoeKinseyexp) June 11, 2025
Who is Lia Anthony?
Not much is known about the older sister of Boston’s newest star, but Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post says Lia is a recent Florida State graduate. The Anthony family is from West Palm Beach, Fla.
Lia’s Instagram profile features a lot of photos of her on beach vacations and celebrating special occasions:
Roman has the potential to be one of the best players in baseball, but even Red Sox fans did not know just how excited they would be to welcome his entire family to Boston.
Tom Thibodeau has classy gesture after Knicks firing
Tom Thibodeau cannot be happy after he was fired by the New York Knicks following a deep postseason run that exceeded expectations, but the coach is handling the controversial decision with grace.
Thibodeau took out a full-page ad in the New York Times on Wednesday thanking Knicks players, his coaching staff and fans for their support over the last five seasons.
While he included “everyone who makes this franchise special” as part of his acknowledgement, Thibodeau notably excluded owner James Dolan and other members of the team’s front office.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you.
“When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream became a reality. Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special. I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year’s run to the Eastern Conference finals — our first in 25 years.
“And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget.”
Classy move from Tom Thibodeau to place this ad in today’s New York Times. pic.twitter.com/pWATlweqx1
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) June 11, 2025
Thibodeau included in his message that this year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals was the first for the Knicks in 25 years. Between that and the team winning 50 or more games in each of the last two seasons, many people were stunned that the team decided to go in a different direction.
Some new details have since emerged about why the Knicks fired Thibodeau, but the 67-year-old undoubtedly feels he deserved to keep his job. Many of his peers feel the same way.
Thibodeau could have skipped taking out a full-page ad and no one would have blamed him, so the decision reflects well on the longtime coach.
Deion Sanders shares update on latest health issue
Deion Sanders has been away from the Colorado football team as he deals with an unspecified health issue, but the coach provided a positive update on Wednesday.
In a social media post, Sanders thanked fans for their well wishes and assured them that “everything is OKAY.” The 57-year-old said he is looking forward to returning to Boulder and will provide more updates when he does.
“Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers,” Sanders wrote. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
“I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify God so please believe God got me!
“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.
“Until then, I’M COMING BABY.”
Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! 🙏🏾
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 11, 2025
I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify…
Sanders was notably absent last week at the start of Colorado’s summer football camps. He was also scheduled to speak in Florida at the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium on Sunday but had to cancel the appearance.
A report on Tuesday revealed that Sanders has been spending time at his estate in Texas this offseason while he tends to an “unspecified health issue.”
Sanders has been open about some of the health issues he has dealt with over the past few years. He had two toes amputated on his left foot in 2021 because of blood clots that developed after a surgery. Sanders said at one point doctors feared he might lose his entire leg.
In 2023, Sanders had to have an emergency surgery to address a different blood clot.
It is unclear if Sanders’ latest health condition is related to the blood-clot issues he has had.
Sanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record in his second season last year after the Buffaloes finished 4-8 in 2023. Colorado will have a much different look this season after Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter left for the NFL.