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Articles by Michael Mcdaniel
Alabama's Nate Oats Discusses Next Season's Roster, And Whether or Not Aden Holloway Will Be Part of It
Alabama men's basketball coach Nate Oats spoke with reporters on Wednesday at Greystone Golf and Country Club, where he participated in the Pro-Am ahead of The Tradition golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions in Birmingham. Oats was candid about his roster heading into next season, where the Crimson Tide will be a contender in the SEC. But the team's ceiling and just how far the program can go come March will depend on one very important piece: Aden Holloway.
President Donald Trump Signs Executive Order to ‘Save College Sports'
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday as part of his administration's "Save College Sports" initiative, in an effort to restore "order, fairness and stability" to college athletics, according to a release from the White House. The executive order, which goes into effect on Aug. 1 per Ross Dellenger of Yahoo, directs the NCAA to update its bylaws to bring order to the college landscape.
North Carolina Star Forward Caleb Wilson Out for Season
North Carolina star freshman forward Caleb Wilson will not return this season after breaking his right thumb in a non-contact drill on Thursday, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Wilson underwent surgery on his thumb to repair the injury, which has ended his season for the Tar Heels. He is expected to be cleared to return to the floor during the NBA pre-draft process, where he is expected to be a high lottery pick.
John Calipari Is Wondering Why Darius Acuff Isn't a National Player of the Year Candidate
No. 20 Arkansas soundly beat visiting Texas A&M on Wednesday night, 99–84, in a game that featured another gem from Razorbacks true freshman Darius Acuff. In 37 minutes of action, Acuff scored 22 points while adding seven assists, five rebounds and three steals to the docket in another impressive performance. Acuff's latest big game had Razorbacks coach John Calipari wondering why Acuff isn't a larger part of the conversation for National Player of the Year. "I'm a little disappointed.
Darryn Peterson's Emphatic Slam Puts Exclamation Point on Impressive First Half vs. BYU
In a battle of top NBA prospects on Saturday afternoon, Darryn Peterson and No. 14 Kansas hosted AJ Dybantsa and No. 13 BYU at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. Peterson and the Jayhawks got the better of Dybantsa and the Cougars in the first half, taking a 20-point lead into halftime thanks to the ridiculous play of the Kansas star freshman. Peterson scored 18 first-half points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor, to go along with two rebounds, an assist and three steals.
Bo Nix Disputes Sean Payton's Comments on Ankle Injury: ‘Nothing Predisposed'
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix met with reporters on a conference call on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his fractured ankle last week. Nix expressed disappointment in being unable to finish the season with his teammates, as he was forced into watching the AFC championship loss to the Patriots from a booth at Mile High. "It was a bummer," Nix said, per ESPN. "It was a tough week. It was not necessarily the most fun I've ever had playing football. But life teaches you lessons.
Why Max Scherzer Might Not Be Signed Until After Opening Day
Three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer plans to pitch in 2026, but may wait until after Opening Day to find a new home. The 41-year-old Scherzer told The Athleticthat he is healthy and ready to sign if the "right teams call." If the right opportunity doesn't come available ahead of spring training, Scherzer would be willing to wait until after the regular season begins to sign. Scherzer pitched well for the Blue Jays in the ALCS and World Series last year, posting a 3.77 ERA across three starts.
Patriots Provide Update on Injured Wide Receiver Mack Hollins
Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins is eligible to return from injured reserve this week ahead of the AFC championship game against the Broncos, but he is not practicing on Wednesday, New England head coach Mike Vrabel told the media. Mike Vrabel indicates the activation window for Mack Hollins (abdomen) won't open today. The receiver won't practice.
Dolphins to Hire Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley As New Head Coach
The Dolphins are hiring Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as the franchise's new coach, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The decision to hire Hafley came on Monday after he wrapped up his second interview with the team. The 46-year-old Hafley has never been a head coach in the NFL, but was 22–26 in four seasons at Boston College from 2020 to '23.
Tom Brady Discusses What Will Go Into Aaron Rodgers's Potential Retirement Decision
Fox NFL analyst Tom Brady knows a thing or two about retirement decisions and how difficult they can be. Brady famously retired, and then un-retired early in 2022. He played one final season with the Buccaneers before hanging it up for good. So when Brady was asked by Colin Cowherd what could go into Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers's decision, the seven-time Super Bowl champion relayed that it will be a number of factors, and ultimately a feeling that it's time. "My last season was tough.
Miami Legend Michael Irvin Was So Fired-Up While Crashing Mario Cristobal's Postgame Interview
No. 10 Miami outlasted No. 7 Texas A&M 10–3 in College Station on Saturday to advance to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl against No. 2 Ohio State. Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney overcame a fourth quarter fumble to score the go-ahead touchdown for Miami on an end around with less than two minutes to play.
Notre Dame Lands Ex-NFL Star's WR Son on National Signing Day
Notre Dame is putting the finishing touches on one of the top recruiting classes in the country on Wednesday's National Signing Day. The class, which includes multiple blue chip recruits, will include consensus four-star wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, the son of former NFL star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The prospect out of Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz. officially signed with the Fighting Irish on Wednesday.
Vanderbilt Lands Commitment of Premier 2026 QB Recruit Jared Curtis
On the eve of national signing day, the Vanderbilt Commodores have flipped the commitment of premier 2026 quarterback Jared Curtis from the Georgia Bulldogs. According to 247 Sports, Curtis is the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 class and the No. 3 player overall in the nation. Curtis, a 6'4" 225-pound. signal-caller from Nashville Christian, had been committed to Georgia since May. But Vanderbilt never relented in their pursuit of keeping the homegrown quarterback home in Nashville.
Blue Jays to Sign Former Padres Star Dylan Cease to Lucrative Seven-Year Deal
The Blue Jays are signing starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Cease was one of the most sought-after arms on the market this winter. Just two years after striking out on a frontline starter in Shohei Ohtani, the Blue Jays have struck big time with Cease. Last season, Cease went just 8–12 with a 4.55 ERA in 168.0 innings pitched.
Sources: Virginia Tech to Hire James Franklin As Next Head Football Coach
Virginia Tech is finalizing an agreement to hire James Franklin as the school's new head football coach, sources tell Sports Illustrated. Franklin will replace Brent Pry, who was fired by the Hokies in September after three-plus seasons in Blacksburg. Pry worked under Franklin at both Vanderbilt and Penn State prior to taking over the head coaching role at Virginia Tech in 2022.
Ravens Make Decision on Lamar Jackson's Availability for Sunday vs. Browns
Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the media on Friday that star quarterback Lamar Jackson will be "full go" and will start on Sunday against the Browns. Jackson has been limited in practice this week due to a sore knee. The news is certainly welcomed for Ravens fans, given that Jackson has already missed time this season with a hamstring injury. He returned to the lineup in Week 9 against the Dolphins and completed 18 of his 23 passing attempts for 204 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win.
How Close Cal Raleigh Came to Winning First AL MVP Award Over Aaron Judge
In the most anticipated award race of the 2025 season, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh finished second in voting for the 2025 American League MVP award Thursday, falling to Yankees slugger AaronJudge. Raleigh's historic season for the Mariners, which helped the club reach Game 7 of the ALCS, wasn't enough to earn him the prestigious award over Judge, who took home his second straight AL MVP and the third of his career. It was a close race, too.
New Report Clarifies Eagles' Stance on A.J. Brown Trade Rumors
A.J. Brown is expected to remain with the Eagles through the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Despite reports of chemistry being off between Brown, quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Philadelphia offense, the Eagles are not actively looking to trade the star wide receiver.
Aaron Rodgers Makes Clear How He Feels About Packers During Session With Green Bay Media
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers welcome the quarterback's former franchise, the Packers, to Acrisure Stadium this week for Sunday Night Football. Rodgers, who played 18 seasons for Green Bay, which included a Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh, at the end of the 2010 season, has nothing but fond memories of his time with the Packers, despite the ending to his tenure being a bit rocky with the front office.
The Four NBA Teams Mentioned in Illegal Sports Gambling Investigation
The FBI arrested more than 30 individuals on Thursday morning as part of a federal gambling probe that included a mafia-influenced poker scheme, as well as an illegal sports betting operation. Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested as part of the sports betting scheme, which alleges that Rozier voluntarily left games due to injury in order for prop bets to cash on under bets related to his stat line.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray Will Miss Sunday's Game vs. Colts
Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray will miss Sunday's game against the Colts with a foot injury, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. Jacoby Brissett, who played for the Colts from 2017-'20, will start in Murray's place. It will be Brissett's first start with the Cardinals since signing with the franchise in the offseason. He spent last season with the Patriots, where he began the year as the starter before ceding the starting role to then-rookie Drake Maye.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer Dismisses Hand Injury After Poor Performance vs. Texas
Unranked Texas was due. The Longhorns, who were the top-ranked team in the preseason AP poll, limped out to a 3-2 start. After losing to Florida a week ago in Gainesville, Texas used a strong defensive effort to batter Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer in his return to the lineup, and win the Red River rivalry over the sixth-ranked Sooners, 23-6 on Saturday. Mateer missed the 44-0 win over Kent State after undergoing hand surgery days after the Sooners' 24-17 win against Auburn on Sept. 20.
Justin Rose, Bryson DeChambeau and Caddies Engage in Heated Confrontation at Ryder Cup
Things are getting chippy late on Saturday at the Ryder Cup. The United States entered the Saturday afternoon session of four-balls trailing Europe 8.5 to 3.5. At the time of this writing, the Americans are trailing all four afternoon sessions. If the results hold, Europe would only need 1.5 points on Sunday to reach the 14 points needed to retain the Ryder Cup. So it makes sense that tensions are beginning to boil over for the Americans.
Eagles' Jalen Carter Ejected Before a Single Snap After Spitting on Dak Prescott
Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from Thursday night's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter's unbelievable move was made while Philadelphia's training staff was tending to Eagles fullback and special teams player Ben Van Sumeren following the opening kickoff.
Group of College Athletes Sue NCAA Over Redshirt Rules
A group of college athletes, led by Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, have filed a class action lawsuit against the NCAA over the organization's redshirt rules, according to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday. The goal of the class action lawsuit is to enact a rule change to NCAA eligibility for redshirted players. The lawsuit calls for the NCAA to enact a "five-for-five" rule, which means that college athletes would have five seasons of eligibility over a five-year period.
EA Sports Predicts New National Champion in 'College Football 26' Video Game Sim
College football season is officially back in full swing this weekend, as Week 1 provides fans with hundreds of games across all levels of the sport over the next five days. Week Zero a week ago provided college football fans with a nice appetizer for the weeks ahead, but the real fun starts Thursday night with 17 games across the FBS.
Chargers Make Decision on Backup Quarterback to Justin Herbert
The Chargers have made their decision on who will backup starting quarterback Justin Herbert. After cutting D.J. Uiagalelei earlier on Tuesday, the Chargers are also parting ways with veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke, paving the way for former No. 3 pick to make the roster as Herbert's backup. Heinicke served as Herbert's backup last season, and appeared in four games during mop up duty.
James Franklin Is Not Happy About Big Ten Media Days Being in Las Vegas
Penn State head football coach James Franklin has never been afraid to speak his mind. So it's no surprise that the Nittany Lions head coach came to the defense of the media on Wednesday when discussing his displeasure about Big Ten Media Days taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada this year. In recent years, the annual preseason media event for the league has been set in Indianapolis. Before Indianapolis? Chicago. Those locations, in the heart of Big Ten country, made a lot of sense.
Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Announces NIL Deals With Several College Stars
Unrivaled, the professional women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in 2023, continued its impressive growth by announcing NIL deals with several college stars on Saturday.
Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione to End Longest Tenured Run in College Athletics
One of the most successful tenures in the history of major college athletics is coming to an end. Oklahoma Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione will retire from his full-time role in the upcoming school year, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Once a new athletic director is hired, Castiglione will remain with the athletic department in an "emeritus" role, where he will serve as an advisor to the athletic department. The 67-year-old Castiglione's retirement marks an end of an era.
Jaxson Hayes’s New Contract With Lakers Triggered Quirky CBA Rule in His Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to bring center Jaxson Hayes back next season on a one-year deal, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Thursday. It's Hayes's third consecutive one-year deal that he has signed with the Lakers, which has triggered a very interesting clause in the new contract for the veteran. Since it is the third consecutive one-year deal that Hayes has signed with the same team, the that Hayes receive a full no-trade clause in his new contract.
Suns Make Surprise Move for Euroleague Finals MVP on One-Year Deal
The Phoenix Suns are signing former Wisconsin Badgers star and Euroleague Finals MVP Nigel Hayes-Davis to a fully-guaranteed one-year contract, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Hayes-Davis has been playing for Fenerbahce in Turkey, who he helped win the 2025 Euroleague Championship while averaging 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He made 42.3% of his three-point attempts.
Pacers, Pelicans Swap Assets in Trade Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
There is just over a week remaining until the 2025 NBA draft, and there is a deal in place between the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. The Pacers are trading the No. 23 pick in the 2025 first round and the rights to G League Ignite guard Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the rights to the Pacers' 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans had acquired in a previous deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Takes Shot at Big Ten Before Second Season in SEC
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is not short on confidence heading into his final season of college football. The Commodores quarterback was instrumental to the program's surprise 2024 season that included an upset of Alabama and a trip to a bowl game for the first time since the 2018 season. The Commodores capped off the six-win regular season with a victory in the Birmingham Bowl over Georgia Tech to finish the year at 7–6. It was Vanderbilt's first winning season since 2013.
Shams Charania Reveals Grizzlies' Plan After Stunning Desmond Bane Trade
In the first big NBA trade leading up next week's draft, the Memphis Grizzlies traded away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap. The deal immediately upgraded Orlando's three-point shooting and starting lineup around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, while giving Memphis some financial flexibility ahead of having to pay Jaren Jackson Jr. his first big contract.
Knicks ‘Might Circle Back’ to Two Employed Head Coaches Despite Earlier Rejections
The New York Knicks' coaching search rolls on. After the team reached out to franchises with sitting head coaches and was met with several rejections, the Knicks are set to interview former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins next week, according to a report from James L. Edwards of The Athletic.
Bulls Deny Knicks Permission to Speak With Billy Donovan
The New York Knicks have been denied permission to speak with Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan about the franchise's coaching vacancy, according to a report from Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson. According to Johnson, the Bulls value Donovan's coaching acumen, communication skills and ability to connect with players and members of the organization. The Bulls are now added to the growing list of teams who refuse to allow the Knicks to speak with their sitting head coach.
Rich Eisen Says He’s Gotten ‘McAfee’-Style Assurances From ESPN on Show’s Move
Rich Eisen's longstanding daily sports talk show The Rich Eisen Show is moving from Roku to ESPN in September, marking his return to "the Worldwide Leader" for the first time since 2003. Eisen has worked for NFL Network since June of 2003, and since 2014 has piloted The Rich Eisen Show. When he left ESPN over two decades ago, Eisen was anchoring SportsCenter. When he comes back to ESPN, his primary role will be to host his daily sports talk show.
Former Dallas Cowboys CB Kelvin Joseph Arrested Following Fatal Crash
Former Dallas Cowboys second-round pick Kelvin Joseph was arrested early Saturday morning in Richardson, Texas on charges of driving while intoxicated and collision involving personal injury or death. It was first reported by TMZ and also confirmed by CBS Sports, citing police. Plano police received a call from Joseph before 6 a.m. local time admitting to authorities that he had been involved in a crash that struck a motorcycle.
Saquon Barkley Celebrated His ‘Madden’ Cover With Some Cheesesteaks
Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley was announced as the cover athlete for EA Sports' Madden 26 video game on Monday. The Super Bowl winning running back rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and quickly went from a hated New York Giant to a beloved member of the fan base. Performing the way that he did and winning a Super Bowl will make you a legend forever in a city like Philadelphia. Want a true testament to how the fan base feels about Barkley?
Veteran Infielder Kolten Wong Announces Retirement
After an 11-year Major League career that included two Gold Gloves, longtime St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong is retiring. The Cardinals announced Wong's career decision on social media on Monday. After 11 seasons in the Major Leagues including eight with the Cardinals, two-time Gold Glove winner Kolten Wong has officially announced his retirement.
Fever Release Statement After Alleged Racial Slurs Aimed at Sky Star Angel Reese
The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 93-58 in their season opener on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a contest that was initially highlighted by a flagrant foul committed by Fever star Caitlin Clark on Sky forward Angel Reese. After the game, the story became something much more grim. The Associated Press reported that the WNBA is investigating alleged racial comments aimed at Reese by fans in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Orioles Already Cut Ties With Offseason Signing Amid Sluggish Start to Season
The Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran starter Kyle Gibson for assignment after a brutal start to the 2025 campaign, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Gibson signed a one-year deal worth $5.25 million this spring, but after four starts amassed an 0-3 record with 23 earned runs across 12.1 innings (16.78 ERA).
Rockets, Fred VanVleet Pushing Back Friday Deadline on Team Option for Next Season
The Houston Rockets and veteran guard Fred VanVleet are pushing back Friday's May 9 deadline for the team option in his contract to June 29, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. The 31-year-old has a $44.9 million option for next season that the franchise is not interested in picking up this week. While the potential remains for the option to be picked up before June 29, the sides are expected to explore the possibility of a contract extension between now and the new deadline.
Illinois Star Kasparas Jakucionis to Enter 2025 NBA Draft
Illinois Fighting Illini star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis will enter the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony. Jakucionis, who is a projected top-10 pick, was named All-Big Ten Second Team as a freshman. He averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in his lone college season. "This has been my dream from a young age," Jakucionis told Givony. "I've waited for this moment a long time. Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the hardest part.
Buzz Williams Interested in Maryland Job If Kevin Willard Leaves for Villanova
Maryland lost to Florida on Thursday night in the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16, and speculation regarding the future of Terps coach Kevin Willard continues to run rampant. Willard has been heavily involved with the head coaching opening at Villanova, while Maryland is trying to put together a new contract for Willard, without an athletic director, to convince him to stay. It's a total mess for the Terps, who just concluded one of their best basketball seasons in a decade.
March Madness Legend Is Favorite to Land Opening at Colorado State
With Colorado State head coach Niko Medved set to leave the program to become the next coach at Minnesota, one of his key assistants with the Rams is a leading candidate to replace him. Ali Farokhmanesh, a March Madness legend from his buzzer-beating three to sink No. 1 seed Kansas in the 2010 NCAA tournament with Northern Iowa, is reportedly a top candidate to replace Medved at Colorado State, according to a report from Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.
Minnesota Set to Hire Colorado State’s Niko Medved As Program’s Next Head Coach
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are hiring Colorado State's Niko Medved as the program's next head coach, according to a report from Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. The 51-year-old Medved is a Minnesota alum, and heads to Minneapolis after a seven-year run at Colorado State that culminated with a round of 32 buzzer-beating loss to the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday night. Medved is 222-173 in 12 seasons as a head coach, which includes stops at Colorado State, Drake and Furman.
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