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Cooper Flagg tripping an opponent

Cooper Flagg pulls a Grayson Allen with tripping foul

January 3, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Cooper Flagg may be staying a little bit too close to his Duke roots.

The Dallas Mavericks rookie star Flagg sparked backlash on Saturday night with a controversial tripping foul against the Houston Rockets. Flagg was handling the ball near halfcourt in the first quarter at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas when Rockets forward Amen Thompson took it away from him.

As Thompson was about to run back up the floor for the easy basket, Flagg intentionally stuck out his leg and tripped Thompson. Here is the video.

Cooper Flagg received a flagrant foul after tripping Amen Thompson. pic.twitter.com/8YrE0a8c6n

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 4, 2026

Flagg was ultimately whistled for a flagrant 1 foul on the play. Thompson then proceeded to make both ensuing flagrant foul free throws.

In the end though, it was the Mavericks who won by a final score of 110-104. Flagg had a fairly quiet offensive game but still managed to stuff the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block.

The 19-year-old Flagg has generally done things the right way in his rookie season and is slowly asserting himself as the Rookie of the Year favorite with overall averages of 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. But that momentary lapse of judgment during Saturday’s contest had many thinking back to Flagg’s fellow Duke alum (and current Phoenix Suns guard) Grayson Allen, who was absolutely notorious for similar tripping incidents back during his college days.

BasketballFeatured StoriesAmen ThompsonCooper Flagg
Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform

Troubling report emerges about Luka Doncic’s health

January 3, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Luka Doncic may be having a recurrence of the 2024 NBA postseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic is playing through “a lot of pain” at the moment, Ashish Mathur of Lakers Daily reported on Saturday. Mathur notes that Doncic is dealing with a left elbow injury as well as pain in both of his legs.

Furthermore, Doncic is said to be undergoing “around-the-clock treatment” in order to be able to suit up for the Lakers. You can read Mathur’s full report on the situation here.

Doncic, 27, certainly has not looked like a compromised player thus far this season. In fact, he is averaging an NBA-leading 33.6 points to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.

But Doncic has already missed a handful of contests due to calf, groin, and finger injuries, appearing in a modest 25 of a possible 32 games for the Lakers so far this season. With Austin Reaves likely out for another month or so due to a calf problem of his own and LeBron James now 41 years old and having recently overcome a sciatica injury, that is obviously not what the Lakers want to hear with Doncic just over a couple of months into the season.

The five-time All-Star Doncic is a player who is known to be able to persevere through injuries to continue to play at an elite level. But Doncic’s banged-up physical state may be manifesting itself in other ways instead right now such as through his low defensive effort (which Doncic has recently drawn sharp criticism for).

BasketballFeatured StoriesLos Angeles LakersLuka Doncic
Paul Skenes in a Pirates hat

Paul Skenes has made a big change this offseason

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Some fans may not recognize pitcher Paul Skenes once the MLB season rolls around.

The Pittsburgh Pirates star turned heads this week in a surprise video alongside Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The reigning NL Cy Young winner met with the reigning NFL MVP at the Bills’ training facility in Orchard Park, N.Y. The two shared a brief conversation and even swapped jerseys.

.@JoshAllenQB 🤝 @Paul_Skenes pic.twitter.com/93BrhJrI8K

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2026

What was noticeably missing was Skenes’ signature mustache, which the LSU alum had been rocking since he first entered the majors.

A true Buffalo experience.@Paul_Skenes x @livvydunne x @jared_jones_17 pic.twitter.com/G7BHyDzMVD

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 4, 2026

Skenes was almost unrecognizable without the lip curtain. It didn’t help that he was wearing a coat rather than any Pirates-colored garb. Instead, Skenes looked like a very large man trying (and failing) to impersonate Keanu Reeves.

A clean shave won’t be enough for Skenes to fool opposing hitters next year into thinking he isn’t the same guy who had a 1.97 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 32 starts.

The move may fan the flames linking Skenes to the New York Yankees, who famously prefer their players not to sport any facial hair. While the Yankees have loosened their grooming policy of late, fans of the team can dream.

BaseballJosh AllenPaul Skenes
Warriors star Draymond Green shouting at a referee

Fans were tired of Draymond Green after he got himself ejected again

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Draymond Green threw another temper tantrum Saturday that led to his getting tossed from the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors veteran was furious over what he believed was a missed offensive three-second violation late in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. With Green spending his energy complaining, Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen got himself an uncontested dunk.

Green was quickly assessed a technical foul, but that didn’t calm him down. He continued to berate the officials to the point that he got hit with a second tech, which got him tossed from the contest.

Draymond got two techs and was ejected in this sequence 😳 pic.twitter.com/J4PeJXNNIP

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 4, 2026

Warriors fans sounded fed up with Green for getting himself thrown out of yet another game. Many voiced out their frustrations on social media.

I speak for everyone when I say we have moved passed the need for Draymond Green

— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) January 4, 2026

Draymond's last few games:
PHX: Ejected
ORL: Ejected himself
OKC: Rest
UTA: Ejected

I'm sick of this guy. He's a detriment to this team at least half the time now

— Jim Park🏀🌌 (@Sheridanblog) January 4, 2026

They literally rested Draymond so he could play this game and this is what he does

I see no reason why he should be paid for this game

— arbacknine (@aryh21) January 4, 2026

It’s the second official time Green has been ejected over his last eight games, and the third if you count him running out on the team during a recent game against the Orlando Magic.

The Warriors were able to hold on to beat the Jazz, winning 123-114 without the former Defensive Player of the Year. Green left the game with eight points, three rebounds, and two assists across 12 minutes.

While Steph Curry continues to play at an All-NBA level, the other remaining pieces of the Warriors’ dynasty seem to be on a downturn. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also recently drew the ire of fans with a recent quote about resetting expectations.

FootballDraymond GreenGolden State Warriors fans
49ers GM John Lynch getting mad

49ers GM John Lynch went ballistic on live TV after huge Seahawks play

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch was one with the fans on Saturday after his team committed a huge defensive lapse against the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers trailed the Seahawks 10-3 late in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The home team looked like it was about get possession back with Seattle facing 3rd-and-17 in their own territory.

Kenneth Walker had other ideas. The Seahawks running back found a razor-thin crease in the 49ers’ defense and sliced through for a first down.

Razzle dazzle from Kenneth Walker to pick up the first down on 3rd & 17!

SEAvsSF on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/KdOGDb2gBK

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

The defensive lapse had Lynch furious — a moment that the ESPN broadcast captured on camera. Lip readers could understand that the audio was not meant to be heard by a national audience.

49ers GM John Lynch taking in this Seahawks drivepic.twitter.com/icJA2W5kBz

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 4, 2026

Walker ran all over the 49ers’ defense throughout Saturday’s game, finishing with 97 yards on 16 carries. His impact felt double that in a low-scoring affair that the Seahawks won 13-3.

Lynch and the 49ers faithful were all likely on a short fuse with the Niners’ offense suddenly disappearing during their biggest game of the season. San Francisco entered the game with 90 points across its previous two games, but could only muster a field goal in a game that determined which team earns the first-round bye in the NFC.

FootballJohn LynchSan Francisco 49ers
Bryce Young warms up before a game

Fans felt the fix was in after Panthers got hosed by several calls

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Several fans felt like the Carolina Panthers were on the wrong end of several calls in their Week 18 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Panthers entered Saturday’s game with a chance to clinch the NFC South and a playoff berth if they scored a road win at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The referees did not make it easy for the Panthers, with some polarizing calls (or non-calls) going in favor of the home team.

The third quarter was when a lot of the alleged chicanery took place. Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble and Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis got into a scuffle midway through the period. Dennis ended up taking off Tremble’s helmet, but did not draw any flags.

Bucs rip the helmet right off of a Panthers player with no flag… pic.twitter.com/Jx4UUtiO0n

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 3, 2026

Later on in the quarter, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan got called for a questionable offensive pass interference penalty that wiped away what would have been about a 30-yard gain.

How was this an OPI on Tetairoa McMillan??

The Panthers are getting SCREWED by the refs…pic.twitter.com/trmDTDsaIy

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 3, 2026

During Tampa Bay’s next possession, Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton tripped over his own legs but was saved by a head-scratching defensive pass interference flag.

Otton trips over himself and the Panthers get flagged for pass interference pic.twitter.com/PkNJv7I9yj

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 3, 2026

Fans and media members alike were vocal on X about the Panthers getting screwed by multiple calls.

Panthers fans will be upset about the officials and they will have every right to be furious.

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 3, 2026

Carolina is getting Jobbed right now by the officials! No way around it. They’re getting crushed with awful calls.

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 3, 2026

The Refs whenever the Panthers gets a positive play: pic.twitter.com/Tz9BiPD5Y4

— Zay (@wyozayyy) January 3, 2026

Refs constantly favouring the Bucs over the Panthers pic.twitter.com/j5p4U78jAp

— 💎 (@TJayyyy_1) January 3, 2026

Considering the Panthers lost 16-14, any one of those calls could have swung the final result with a playoff spot on the line.

The Panthers now need the Atlanta Falcons to beat the New Orleans Saints in their matchup on Sunday if they want to win the division via a three-way tiebreaker with the Buccaneers.

FootballCarolina PanthersCarolina Panthers fansTampa Bay Buccaneers
Logan Stanley punches Brady Tkachuk

Brady Tkachuk knocked down after wild Logan Stanley sucker punch

January 3, 2026 by Rex Villas
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Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk was victimized by a punch he did not see coming during the second period of Saturday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

While the Sens were on the attack, Tkachuk and Jets defenseman Logan Stanley got into a skirmish in front of Ottawa’s bench. After being shoved by Tkachuk, Stanley regained his footing as a referee stepped in between the two players. As that was going on, Stanley removed his gloves and landed a blow to the side of Tkachuk’s face, knocking the Senators star to the ice.

Here’s how it all went down.

Logan Stanley SUCKER PUNCHED Brady Tkachuk with a HEFTY right and Brady was PISSED 😵😳 pic.twitter.com/sQGMbpSZVZ

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 4, 2026

Tkachuk was understandably furious after taking a shot to the head. He did not seem to be interested in engaging Stanley in a fistfight, considering that he had missed multiple weeks earlier in the 2025-26 NHL season due to an injury to his right hand, which still had wraps on, as seen following his wild encounter with Stanley.

For their actions, Stanley was slapped with a double minor for removing Tkachuk’s helmet and for roughing, while Tkachuk received a penalty for misconduct.

The good news for Tkachuk is that Ottawa defeated the Jets, 4-2. He had an assist on a first-period goal on the power play by Thomas Chabot, and now has 6 goals and 13 assists on the season.

HockeyBrady Tkachukhockey fightsOttawa Senators
Warriors coach Steve Kerr in a blue warmup jacket

Warriors fans want Steve Kerr fired after his latest quote

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Some Golden State Warriors fans are starting to feel like the team needs to fire longtime head coach Steve Kerr, especially after his latest comments.

Kerr shared a polarizing take this week during his appearance on “The Tom Tolbert Show” about where he feels the Warriors are as an organization. In Kerr’s eyes, anyone who believes Golden State is a true title contender is being unrealistic.

“The key there is, where are we right now, organizationally? … We know we’re not where we were five, six years ago. But we did win a championship three years ago,” Kerr said. “That felt like a post-glory years title. We weren’t quite ourselves, but we were good enough to give ourselves a swing at the plate. Everything fell our direction. We went and got a ring. That was pretty cool.

“… I just don’t want anybody to think that we’re all delusional and thinking we should be competing for titles year in and year out with San Antonio and Oklahoma City the next few years. That’s not realistic.”

Kerr’s comments rubbed several Warriors fans the wrong way. Many folks on social media called for Kerr’s immediate firing, given the veteran coach’s current view of the team.

Fire Nicholas Kerr’s father, NOW! What kind of mentality is this lmao

— sudarshan (@ItzSuds) January 3, 2026

Steve Kerr deserves to get fired. No coach should say this when you have Stephen Curry on your team. #FireKerr https://t.co/UTjUN8XGea

— Guzz (@cguzzle) January 3, 2026

Fire him. The fans have not given up on Steph. Now if the front office can make 2 moves we are in business. Clear JK, Moody, Podz and Hield and maybe Draymond. Along with 1st round picks (not like the FO does any good with them lately) and get a play making wing and center.

— John Lane (@JohnDLaneIV) January 2, 2026

Kerr speaks the truth that the Warriors are no longer the world-beaters they once were when Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson were still torching the nets at Oracle Arena. However, Steph Curry remains a top-10 player in the NBA even at 37 years old. Through 25 games this season, Curry has averaged 28.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a league-best 4.8 made threes per contest.

Fans understandably believe that with Curry still playing at an All-NBA level, the Warriors always have a chance to compete for a title. With the way Kerr is talking about the present team like they’re also-rans, it’s no surprise some want Joe Lacob to make a change.

BasketballGolden State WarriorsGolden State Warriors fansSteve Kerr
Baylor's James Nnaji dunks the ball

Fans react harshly to James Nnaji’s first Baylor points

January 3, 2026 by Rex Villas
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The Baylor Bears’ first game in Big 12 play carried a little more intrigue. On Saturday, the Bears paraded controversial center James Nnaji on the court for the first time, drawing extra attention to their meeting with conference rivals TCU Horned Frogs at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Nnaji announced the start of his Baylor career with an emphatic two-handed throwdown in the first half. After senior guard Michael Rataj missed out on passing the ball to a wide-open Nnaji near the rim and bricking a turnaround jumper, Nnaji grabbed the rebound and rose for an uncontested dunk for his first two points in the NCAA.

Here’s the video of Nnaji’s first bucket in Baylor uniform.

NNAJI PUTBACK 😤#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/dfK4zMxRNf

— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) January 3, 2026

Given the controversial nature of Nnaji’s college basketball eligibility, fans are having quite a time making negative comments about him and the Bears online following his basket.

Cheaters

— Suffering Padres Fan (@pleasewinpads) January 3, 2026

are you proud?

— big lil jo💷 (@joshfromdisney) January 3, 2026

the face of evil

— JU1CE (@Juic3_is_loose) January 3, 2026

Booooo this man

— DallasTX (@DallasTX15023) January 3, 2026

The cheater scores

— Randy White (@razocrat) January 3, 2026

The 21-year-old Nnaji is playing college basketball despite having already competed professionally in Europe and being drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Although he hasn’t suited up for an official NBA regular-season or playoff contest, he appeared in NBA Summer League games.

He was even among the players packaged in the massive three-team trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the New York Knicks in 2024.

As for the Bears, they ended up suffering a 69-63 loss to TCU, with Nnaji finishing with only 5 points on 2-for-3 shooting, 4 rebounds, an assist and 2 turnovers in 16 minutes of action off the bench.

College BasketballBaylor BasketballJames Nnaji
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan makes a catch

Panthers rookie breaks franchise record during Buccaneers game

January 3, 2026 by Rex Villas
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Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is proving to be a promising weapon downfield for the Carolina Panthers, and he’s got a franchise record to back that up.

In the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s crucial matchup between the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Panthers quarterback Bryce Young connected with McMillan for a huge 40-yard gain on a 4th-and-8 with just over three minutes left in regulation.

McMillan’s reception not only gave Carolina a fresh set of downs on a drive capped by a Jalen Coker touchdown catch, but it also earned the former Arizona Wildcats star wide receiver a new Panthers franchise record.

McMillan entered the Bucs game needing 79 more receiving yards to break the rookie mark set by wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin in 2014, and he surpassed that mark with that catch late in the fourth quarter.

Tetairoa McMillan breaks Kelvin Benjamin’s franchise rookie record of 1,008 receiving yards set in 2014 🔥

CARvsTB on ESPN/ABC
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/GfCdJShAup

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) January 4, 2026

Benjamin set the previous record in just 16 games and on 73 receptions and 145 targets, while McMillan broke that mark in his 17th game and on 70 catches and 122 targets.

McMillan’s achievement, however, was overshadowed by Carolina’s 16-14 loss to Tampa Bay.

Now, McMillan and the Panthers will have to hope that the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday to win the NFC South and clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs.

FootballCarolina PanthersTetairoa McMillan
Pete Carroll at a press conference

Report: Raiders plan to move on from Pete Carroll

January 3, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly headed for another coaching search.

The Raiders came into the 2025 campaign with a reloaded roster featuring a new quarterback in Geno Smith and his former head coach in Pete Carroll. While the team probably won’t be able to move Smith that easily, the team may be planning to cut its losses with Carroll.

According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the “expectation” is that Caroll will be “one-and-done” in Las Vegas either via firing or retirement. The Raiders are planning to “cast a wide net” with minority owner Tom Brady once again influencing decisions.

Sources: The expectation is that #Raiders HC Pete Carroll will be one-and-done in Las Vegas — whether that ends up being a firing or a retirement.

The Raiders’ coaching search is expected to cast a wide net, with Tom Brady involved. pic.twitter.com/MGF4U9o4TW

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 4, 2026

A similar report emerged last month, indicating that Carroll had failed to give the Raiders a proper identity and direction. The team’s situation has only worsened since then.

While nobody felt like the team would be a Super Bowl contender, few could have predicted how poorly the season would unfold for the new-look Raiders. Instead of playing for a postseason berth in Week 18, the 2-14 Raiders enter the final week dead set on maintaining the worst record in the NFL to secure the No. 1 overall pick in April.

The Raiders appear to be headed for an even deeper rebuild amid reports that the team could trade away star defensive end Maxx Crosby. The Pro Bowl pass rusher was sent home for the final two weeks of the season. The decision did not sit well with Crosby, who ended up walking out of the team facility in frustration.

FootballLas Vegas RaidersPete Carroll
Jason Kelce looks on

Jason Kelce makes intriguing prediction for the Eagles

January 3, 2026 by Rex Villas
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No surprises here. Jason Kelce believes that his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, will be a problem in the NFL playoffs.

The former Eagles star center expressed his supreme confidence in Jalen Hurts and company to win another Vince Lombardi Trophy during Saturday’s “NFL on ESPN” coverage of the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“The Philadelphia Eagles will be able to repeat as Super Bowl champions,”  Kelce said.

It’s an unsurprising take from Kelce, who played his entire NFL career donning Philadelphia colors.

“I don’t think that there’s a team out there that I have more confidence in than the Philadelphia Eagles. And to top it off, they’re going to be facing one of these West Coast teams traveling to the East Coast with a bunch of rest this week for a lot of these starters. I feel very confident for the Philadelphia Eagles coming in.”

"I don't think that there's a team out there that I have more confidence in than the Philadelphia Eagles."@JasonKelce is keeping an eye on the Eagles this postseason 😤 pic.twitter.com/wjTeWPHdQE

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 3, 2026

As things stand, the Eagles enter Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season with an 11-3 record and on track to claim the No. 3 seed in the NFC. But they can also go up as high as No. 2 if they beat the Washington Commanders and if the Detroit Lions defeat the Chicago Bears.

Winning the Super Bowl is always going to be much easier said than done, but the Eagles have been flexing their muscles of late, having won three games in a row, including a 13-12 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 17 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.

FootballJason KelcePhiladelphia Eagles
Brad Allen making a call

Referee Brad Allen got roasted for his inexplicable ruling

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Referee Brad Allen straight up got a play completely wrong when announcing a ruling during Saturday’s game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw what appeared to be a backwards pass toward running back Rico Dowdle during the third quarter of Saturday’s game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. However, the pass was ruled incomplete on the field, even though Dowdle picked up the ball and appeared to have room to run in front of him.

After the play, Allen announced correctly that the ball was ruled a backwards pass. However, he ruled that the play was ruled dead when the ball went out of bounds, which it never came close to doing.

This play was ruled a “backwards pass out of bounds” 🤣

The refs are on one tonight.pic.twitter.com/3E5IIqfP9C

— Covers (@Covers) January 3, 2026

The ESPN broadcast crew was baffled, immediately pointing out that the ball never went out of bounds. Dowdle stopped after picking up the football because officials were signaling incomplete, but it certainly never came close to leaving the field of play.

The error was all the more glaring considering the same crew correctly let the Seattle Seahawks’ controversial two-point conversion play out three weeks ago. Perhaps Dowdle should not have stopped playing when he did, but the officials just made this way more confusing than it had to be.

Some fans may also remember Allen for being in charge of the crew of a controversial Detroit Lions loss two years ago.

FootballHeadlinesBrad Allen
Caleb Wilson defending against SMU player

Caleb Wilson gets his ankle broken during North Carolina-SMU game

January 3, 2026 by Rex Villas
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No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels star freshman Caleb Wilson has quite a collection of amazing plays in the 2025-26 college basketball season, but a moment in the second half of Saturday’s matchup against the SMU Mustangs is certainly not going to be part of his highlight montage.

After switching over to guard SMU star Boopie Miller, Wilson thought he could use his size and length to prevent Miller from scoring. But the shifty Mustangs senior guard knew what he needed to do. 

With Wilson seemingly fully committed to denying the baseline, Miller pulled his dribble back and stepped out of the 3-point line. That quick move nearly sent Wilson to the ground, and by the time he recovered, Miller had already uncorked a shot that found its target.

You can watch the entire sequence here:

BOOPIE MILLER JUST BROKE CALEB WILSON'S ANKLESpic.twitter.com/x7OstbR8qZ

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 3, 2026

Wilson did not get the last laugh either, as Miller and the Mustangs came away with a 97-83 victory at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas. It was SMU’s first win against a ranked opponent since Andy Enfield took over as the program’s head coach. Miller led the Mustangs’ charge with 27 points on an efficient 10-for-13 shooting to go along with 12 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

Wilson finished the game with 13 points on a 6-for-11 shooting, 7 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals — and probably a sore ankle.

College BasketballCaleb WilsonNorth Carolina Basketball
Drew Mestemaker throwing a football

Passing yards leader Drew Mestemaker has made his transfer decision

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Quarterback Drew Mestemaker, the FBS leader in passing yards this season, has made a decision on his new school.

Mestemaker is transferring from North Texas to Oklahoma State, he confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Saturday. He follows his former North Texas head coach Eric Morris, who he called “the best play-caller in the nation.”

NEWS: Former North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker has committed to Oklahoma State, he tells ESPN. He's excited to be the first building block for new coach Eric Morris there. “I think Coach Morris is the best play-caller in the nation." https://t.co/ctL6uA7xZU

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 3, 2026

Mestemaker led the country with 4,379 yards and 34 passing touchdowns this season as a redshirt freshman. Naturally, this put him on the radar of many larger schools, but he chose to stick with Morris, who coached him last year.

Morris has also been credited with developing Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Cam Ward, and John Mateer, which Mestemaker is well aware of. That was a big reason Oklahoma State hired him as head coach in the first place.

Mestemaker was honored as Offensive Player of the Year in the American Conference this season. He helped North Texas to a 12-2 season that culminated in a 49-47 win over San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl.

College FootballDrew MestemakerOklahoma State Football
Rico Dowdle slipping and falling

Panthers players seemed unprepared for bad weather against Buccaneers

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Carolina Panthers may have been prepared for Saturday’s win-and-in game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in most regards, but they did not seem to have accounted for the weather in the first quarter.

Panthers players were slipping on the wet turf at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl. during Saturday’s game. Consistent rain throughout the afternoon created slick conditions that some Panthers players seemed unprepared for.

The most prominent victim of the wet turf was Carolina running back Rico Dowdle, who slipped and fell on a carry without ever being touched.

Rico Dowdle injured.

This was the play he got hurt on, he has since came back and is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3Ou2uvEirI

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 3, 2026

Dowdle was not the only one. According to ESPN’s broadcast, Carolina running backs Chuba Hubbard and Trevor Etienne both changed to longer spikes after the first drive of the day in response to the field conditions.

ESPN TV broadcast notes that both Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard and Trevor Etienne changed to longer spikes after Carolina's first drive, when Dowdle slipped and fell to the ground untouched on one play.

— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) January 3, 2026

Better late than never. The Panthers were probably relieved their running backs did not get hurt or make any serious mistakes during that drive before they finally adapted to the conditions. The Buccaneers notably seemed ready from the start, as none of their players had any obvious issues like this early in the contest.

The good news is the field issues were easily explained, unlike the Super Bowl two years ago. The rain definitely impacted the playcalling, which might be bothersome for the Buccaneers in such an important game.

FootballCarolina PanthersRico Dowdle
Bryce Young ready to throw

Panthers not ready to commit to Bryce Young

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Even if Bryce Young leads the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs, the organization might not be ready to make a long-term commitment to their quarterback.

The Panthers have a decision to make on Young’s fifth-year option this season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that the expectation is that the Panthers will pick up that option, but for now, they are not considering a long-term deal.

“The Panthers will pick up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option. It’s about $26.5 million, which is a serious bargain for quarterbacks in this market. That would put him under contract until 2027, but they would most likely want to see more. Their brain trust will get together this offseason to look at the full body of work over the last two years and feel out what he can do well. … They’re open to him long-term, but I don’t expect a five-year deal to come in the next couple months, either.”

Dissecting Bryce Young’s future in Carolina

Big offseasons for Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers

With @minakimes and @aminajadeTV pic.twitter.com/fTLSP9SFYo

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 3, 2026

The question marks around Young are certainly legitimate. He has thrown for 2,745 yards this season, but only has three games in which he put up at least 200 yards passing. The Panthers saw fit to bench him in 2024, and there were reports that they considered it again in 2025 before he ultimately steadied the ship.

Young is a former No. 1 overall pick who has shown the capability to win games in the NFL. However, he has not really shown the elite ability that the Panthers hoped for. That will make it very difficult to determine if he really is a long-term answer, but Carolina can kick that decision down the road for at least another year for now.

Featured StoriesFootballBryce YoungCarolina Panthers
Jalen Suggs in his Magic uniform

Jalen Suggs gets his headband banned by NBA

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The NBA is putting a stop to Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs’ unusual equipment preference.

Suggs had taken to wearing his headband around his neck early in games. The league weighed in saying that Suggs must wear the headband properly on his head and not as a choker.

The NBA ruled that Magic guard Jalen Suggs must wear his headband on his head, not as a choker, to begin games. pic.twitter.com/1rNIet7Lbz

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 3, 2026

Suggs had started to wear his headband as a choker during warmups and for the first few minutes of games. In November, he explained that it stems from his time as a football player in high school, and he simply keeps it on his neck until he feels “into the game.”

I asked #Magic’s Jalen Suggs why he’s worn his headband around his neck in warmups and a few mins. into games. It stems from football:

“I wear it on my neck and once I feel into the game, into the flow I put it on my head and we rock … That’s just me being J-Suggs.”

More: pic.twitter.com/icHBKdU7R1

— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) November 14, 2025

It may not seem like a big issue, but the league has weighed in on how players wear headbands before. The NBA took action against so-called “ninja-style headbands” prior to the 2019-20 season, though their usage was much more widespread than what Suggs has been doing with his otherwise legal headband.

Between the league taking action against his headband preferences and getting put on a poster Friday, Suggs is not having the best week.

BasketballJalen Suggs
Pete Golding smiling on stage

Ole Miss likely to lose 5 assistant coaches for CFP semifinal

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Ole Miss Rebels are likely going to have to cobble together a significant part of their coaching staff for the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Ole Miss won the quarterfinal against Georgia with the help of six assistants that have already committed to follow Lane Kiffin to LSU for next season. Of the six, only offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is expected to remain with the Rebels going forward, according to Chase Parham of 247 Sports.

I’m told running backs coach Kevin Smith won’t return to Ole Miss for rest of playoff run. Charlie Weis is back in Oxford and it’s likely he’s the only one of the main LSU assistants to continue with Rebs in CFP.

— Chase Parham (@ChaseParham) January 3, 2026

Of the six departing coaches, Weis is arguably the most important, so it should be a relief to have him back. The others include tight ends coach/co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator George McDonald, and running backs coach Kevin Smith.

On the surface, this might seem like a hit to Ole Miss, but the school might ultimately be fine with it. With the transfer portal open, there were worries that these coaches might be tempted to essentially tamper with Ole Miss players to try to convince them to jump to LSU once the playoff is over. If most of the coaches are out of the building, that will be much less of a concern.

The flipside of the situation is that at least one of the incoming Ole Miss coaches also has some LSU ties. In a certain sense, the situation cuts both ways, though is not quite equal.

The Rebels are set to take on Miami on Jan. 8 at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

College FootballOle Miss Football
Kevin Stefanski in a headset

Report: Browns likely to fire Kevin Stefanski

January 3, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Cleveland Browns appear set to hire a new head coach this offseason.

Coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns “appeared destined for a breakup” as of Saturday, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. There has been increasing buzz in recent days that Stefanski was likely to be fired by the Browns.

Jones notes that Stefanski is still well thought-of around the league, and few would be surprised if he lands another head coaching job after the Browns let him go.

Stefanski is finishing up his sixth season as Cleveland’s head coach. He is 44-56 overall, though he has a pair of 11-win seasons to his name and has even won a playoff game with the franchise. The Browns signed him to a contract extension less than two years ago.

The possibility of a Stefanski firing has been gaining steam in the last few days. Interestingly, the speculation is coming off the back of an unlikely win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, though it does not change the fact that he has two winning seasons in six years with the franchise.

If Stefanski does get fired, there is thought to be one team in particular that would be very interested in speaking to him about their own head coach vacancy.

Featured StoriesFootballCleveland BrownsKevin Stefanski

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