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Articles by Michael McDaniel
Oregon State to Hire Michigan Assistant Justin Joyner As New Head Coach
Oregon State is hiring Michigan assistant Justin Joyner to become the program's next head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello. Joyner, a top aide to Wolverines coach Dusty May, has spent the last two seasons on Michigan's bench. Prior to joining the Wolverines, Joyner spent seven seasons as an assistant at Saint Mary's under coach Randy Bennett. The hiring of Joyner on the surface makes a good bit of sense.
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.
Virginia Tech's James Franklin Classily Mentions Brent Pry in Introductory Press Conference
James Franklin was introduced as Virginia Tech's new head football coach on Wednesday morning, less than 48 hours after news broke that he agreed to a deal with the school. Franklin is replacing his former assistant, Brent Pry, in Blacksburg and Franklin made sure to acknowledge his good friend in his opening remarks on Wednesday. The 53-year-old Franklin couldn't help but get emotional when discussing his friendship with the recently fired Hokies head coach.
Knicks to Re-Sign Veteran Guard to One-Year Deal
The Knicks are re-signing veteran guard Landry Shamet to a one-year deal, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Shamet, who tested free agency, ultimately chose to remain in New York after playing in 50 games with the franchise last season. Shamet scored 5.7 points per game on 46.1% shooting off the bench for New York last season as the Knicks made the conference finals for the first time in three decades.
Cavs Guard Max Strus Undergoes Foot Surgery Original
Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot that he sustained during an offseason workout recently. He will miss three-to-four months as he recovers from the repair, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Strus, a six-year veteran, is heading into his third season with the Cavaliers.
NBA Free Agent Malik Beasley Cleared in Federal Gambling Probe, Attorneys Say Original
NBA free agent guard Malik Beasley has been cleared in a federal gambling probe, his attorneys Steve Haney and Mike Schachter told ESPN's Shams Charania. The investigation, which has been conducted by the Eastern District of New York, determined that Beasley is no longer being considered a target in an investigation into NBA games and prop bets that took place during the 2023–24 basketball season.
Breece Hall Is Optimistic About Role in New Jets Offense
New York Jets star running back Breece Hall is optimistic about his role in the team's new offense. | John Jones-Imagn Images Jets star Breece Hall believes that 2025 could be his best season yet. The former second-round pick out of Iowa State has perhaps fallen short of lofty expectations many put on him coming out of college, but believes his best football is still in front of him. Hall has shown little effects from the torn ACL that derailed his rookie season in 2022.
Breece Hall Is Optimistic About Role in New Jets Offense
Jets star Breece Hall believes that 2025 could be his best season yet. The former second-round pick out of Iowa State has perhaps fallen short of lofty expectations many put on him coming out of college, but believes his best football is still in front of him. Hall has shown little effects from the torn ACL that derailed his rookie season in 2022.
Browns to Add Former Pro Bowler to Quarterback Room Amid Rash of Injuries
The Cleveland Browns are dealing with a host of injuries to its crowded quarterback room early in training camp, so the franchise has turned to another veteran to add to the competition. Former 2022 Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley is signing with the Browns, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Warner set to become lead analyst for YouTube’s Week 1 game in Brazil
YouTube TV will have Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner as its lead NFL game analyst for the Week 1 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, which will be played in São Paulo, Brazil on Sept. 5, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. A play-by-play announcer has yet to be named for the game. The role expands Warner’s current analyst duties beyond his work for Westwood One radio and NFL Network.
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.
Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Corey Adams Dies in Tennessee Shooting
Ole Miss Rebels freshman defensive lineman Corey Adams died in a Saturday night shooting outside of a residence in Cordova, Tennessee, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. Adams, who was set to take the field for the Rebels this fall, was one of five people shot according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. None of the other people injured in the incident were listed in critical condition.
Former Falcons Starting QB Desmond Ridder to Sign With AFC North Franchise
Veteran quarterback Desmond Ridder is signing with the Cincinnati Bengals, and now enters the competition to become Joe Burrow's backup this season, according to a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ridder spent his first two seasons with the Falcons, playing in 19 games while starting 17. Last season, he played six games for the Las Vegas Raiders, which included one start. He has completed 63.6% of his passes in his career for 4,002 yards and 16 touchdowns to 14 interceptions.
Jurickson Profar Delivers Moonshot Home Run in Return From PED Suspension
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar played in the franchise's first series of the season in late March, going 3-for-15 in a four-game sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres. It was a rough start to the season for the newly acquired outfielder, which was made worse shortly thereafter when he landed an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Requires Surgery One Day After Signing Massive Extension
Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., who signed a five-year, $240 million max extension on Monday, sustained a turf toe injury while playing off-site of the team's facility and will need a surgical procedure to repair the injury, according to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes. The Grizzlies confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday night. "The Memphis Grizzlies today provided the following medical update on Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr..
2025 All-NBA Teams Announced: Full List of All Three Teams
NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlights the release of the All-NBA teams. The All-NBA teams were formally announced on Friday night for the 2025 basketball season. Oklahoma City Thunder star and newly minted league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the headliner, while his teammate, Jalen Williams, was named to an All-NBA team for the first time, making an appearance on the Third-Team.
Alex Cora Lays Out Red Sox’s Four Options if Alex Bregman Misses Significant Time
Boston Red Sox star third baseman Alex Bregman left the first game of Friday's day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles with quad tightness. Boston manager Alex Cora ruled Bregman out for Friday night's game against the Orioles and wouldn't rule out an injured list stint. "Just tight," Cora said of the injury to Bregman after Boston's 19-5 win on Friday afternoon. "We'll see how he comes in tomorrow. So he won't play the second one [on Friday night]. He'll get treatment.
Nikola Jokic Had Incredibly Relatable Quote After Nuggets Lose Game 7
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was clearly upset with his team's performance in Sunday's Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, which ended with a 125–93 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets are now eliminated in the semifinals for the second consecutive postseason since winning the NBA title in 2023. It's another opportunity that has slipped away for Jokic, who is in his prime as the league's best player. How will Jokic deal with this loss over the next couple days?
Former Notre Dame QB Steve Angeli Commits to Syracuse
Former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli has committed to Syracuse in the transfer portal. Angeli announced his commitment decision on his social media account on Wednesday night. Onward. #9 pic.twitter.com/i9InhC85NA - Steve Angeli (@SteveAngeli_125) April 23, 2025 Angeli primarily served as Notre Dame's backup quarterback over the last few seasons. In three seasons with the Fighting Irish, Angeli threw for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns to one interception.
Albany Men’s Basketball Coach Proposes Two-Way Contracts As Way to Navigate Transfer Portal
There is no doubt that the transfer portal has drastically changed the nature of building a roster in college athletics. There is freedom of movement for players, and pay-for-play is no longer considered as taboo as it once was-it's expected. Whether or not that's good for college sports is one thing, but the reality is that this is how the environment is going to be moving forward.
LSU’s Kim Mulkey Shared Heartfelt Message for Angel Reese After WNBA Draft Announcement
LSU head women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation for star forward Angel Reese, who declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday following the team's Elite Eight loss to Iowa on Monday night. "Champion. Soon to be graduate of LSU. Inspired countless individuals young & old. Keep growing the game [Angel Reese]. Forever LSU," Mulkey posted on Instagram. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Buckeye-area wells contain 'forever chemicals' around bird flu-threatened dairies
Two Buckeye-area water wells, in farming zones, contain a cancer-causing “forever chemical” that exceeds the EPA’s maximum contaminant level, according to state data. The chemical known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, is considered a “forever chemical” because it doesn’t break down over time and can accumulate in the environment and the blood of humans.
Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Ruled Out for Remainder of Season
The Charlotte Hornets have ruled out star point guard LaMelo Ball for the remainder of the season, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Ball, who has been dealing with injuries to his ankle and wrist, will undergo two minor procedures to address each injury. Ball has been playing through pain for the Hornets in recent weeks, but with the Hornets sitting at 18-54 on the season and well out of playoff contention, the franchise has elected to sit Ball and get his injuries addressed.
Texas ‘Likely’ to Move on From Rodney Terry Following NCAA Tournament Loss to Xavier
The Texas Longhorns will "likely" move on from head coach Rodney Terry following the program's 86-80 loss to Xavier in the First Four on Wednesday night, according to a report from Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68. Terry took over as the interim coach of the Longhorns during the 2022-23 season when Chris Beard was fired following a domestic violence dispute with his fiancee. Terry took Texas to the Elite Eight to earn the full-time job.
Panthers to Sign Emerging Linebacker Away From Rams
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a one-year deal with emerging linebacker Christian Rozeboom, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 28-year-old Rozeboom started 11 games last season, recording 135 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception, all of which were career-highs. Rozeboom continues the string of free agent signings on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers.
Police Cleared in Ohio-State Michigan Postgame Pepper Spray Incident
Police officers who released pepper spray into a crowd of players and fans following Michigan's 13-10 upset over Ohio State in November have been cleared of wrongdoing following a review of the incident, according to a report from Matt Baker of The Athletic.
Saquon Barkley's Daughter Crashes Interview to Congratulate Dad on Super Bowl Win
Barkley's young daughter was so excited to congratulate her dad on the Super Bowl victory. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley carried the ball 25 times for 57 yards and added six catches for 40 yards as the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX over the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22. For Barkley, his Super Bowl impact was not as emphatic as some other games this year.
Arkansas Coach John Calipari Met With Loud Boos in Return to Rupp Arena
The longtime Wildcats head coach left for the Razorbacks job following the end of last season. Arkansas Razorbacks head men's basketball coach John Calipari made his long-awaited return to Rupp Arena on Saturday night and was met by a chorus of boos from the University of Kentucky faithful. Calipari, who left the school for the Arkansas job last offseason, spent 15 seasons at Kentucky, where he won one championship in the 2011-12 season and took the program to four Final Four appearances.
Saints’ Latest Move Gives Big Hint to Preference for Head-Coaching Job
The New Orleans Saints are the lone remaining team with a head-coaching opening, and the search appears to be wrapping up. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has begun calling candidates to inform them that the franchise plans to continue discussions with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, according to a report Friday from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Paul Pierce Casually Tears Down Lakers While Watching Celtics-Clippers
Former Boston Celtics great Paul Pierce never shies away from an opportunity to throw shade at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers and Celtics, of course, are longtime bitter rivals. The rivalry came to a head twice in Pierce's Hall of Fame career in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics capturing the title in 2008 and the Lakers defeating the Celtics in '10.
Indiana Fever to Build Massive State-of-the-Art Performance Center
The Indiana Fever announced plans to open a new, state-of-the-art dedicated practice facility for the franchise that is set to open in 2027, Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced on Thursday morning. The new $78 million facility will be 108,000 square feet and will be within walking distance from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where both the Pacers and Fever play their home games.
Source: Northern Illinois Weighing Offer to Join Mountain West
Northern Illinois is weighing an offer to leave the MAC and join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, a source told Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer. The news of the offer for Northern Illinois was first reported by Action Network. Per a source, NIU has been weighing an offer from the MWC as a football-only member for several weeks and are expected to make a formal decision soon, as @Brett_McMurphy reported. Deal to join would come with an increased conf.
Jaylon Johnson Describes Locker Room Confrontation With Matt Eberflus After Bears’ Loss
The Chicago Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus last week following the franchise's Thanksgiving Day clock management debacle that cost the the team a chance to tie the game against the Detroit Lions in the waning seconds of regulation. The Bears ran a disaster of a two-minute drill, and allowed time to tick off the clock needlessly after quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked with just under 40 seconds to go, which knocked the Bears out of field goal range.
Urban Meyer Boasts Confidence in Ohio State’s Ability to Win National Title
The Ohio State Buckeyes made their debut as the No. 2 team in the initial College Football Playoff rankings that were released on Tuesday night for the first time in the 12-team format. The Buckeyes, whose lone loss this season came by one point on the road to the No. 1 Oregon Ducks, have all the pieces to contend for a national championship this season under head coach Ryan Day.
Vanderbilt’s Bryan Longwell Breaks Out Receipts From Auburn Recruitment After Win
Vanderbilt traveled to Auburn and defeated the Tigers 17–7 on Saturday to move to 6-3 on the season and 3-2 in SEC play. The Commodores grinded out the victory with tough defense, and just enough offense led by quarterback Diego Pavia, to come away with the victory on the road. After the game, Vanderbilt linebacker Bryan Longwell-who tallied four tackles in the win-took to social media to roast Auburn's coaching staff for passing up on him as a recruit.
Michigan Cornerback Will Johnson Expected to Miss Saturday’s Game vs. No. 1 Oregon
Michigan is expecting star cornerback Will Johnson to miss his third consecutive game on Saturday when they host No. 1 Oregon in the "Big House," according to a report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Johnson, who has missed the last two games due to an unspecified foot injury, would be a critical loss in the secondary for the Wolverines against a potent Ducks passing attack.
Jimbo Fisher Eviscerates State of College Football NIL
Former Florida State Seminoles and Texas A&M Aggies head football coach Jimbo Fisher pulled no punches when discussing the current state of college football NIL in a radio spot on SiriusXM this week. Fisher ripped the current state of affairs in regard to student-athlete NIL and provided some potential solutions for college football to evaluate. "College football is - I complain about it, it's still the greatest game.
Florida State’s Band Explains Why ‘War Chant’ is No Longer Played on Third Downs
Florida State's marching band, the "Marching Chiefs" did not play the school's iconic third down War Chant in Monday night's 28-13 home loss to Boston College, and will not be playing it moving forward in other home games this season, the band announced on social media. "The Marching Chiefs and the Athletic Department have enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect for decades," the statement began.
Shane Beamer Putting Two Walk-ons on Scholarship Is the Best Thing You’ll See Today
College football programs across the country are hard at work in fall camp preparing for the new season, which means it's that time of year again for the always viral videos of walk-ons being rewarded scholarships to emerge across the internet once again. On Sunday, it was South Carolina's turn to get its fans fired up and excited for two hardworking veterans in redshirt senior running back Bradley Dunn and redshirt junior linebacker Ronnie Porter.
Breakout Star Andrew Nembhard Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Pacers, per Report
The Indiana Pacers and guard Andrew Nembhard have agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension that will keep him with the franchise through the 2027-28 season, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Nembhard, who was selected at the top of the second round in the 2022 NBA draft out of Gonzaga, has emerged as one of Indiana's key rotational pieces alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Angels Open to ‘All Possibilities’ at MLB Trade Deadline, per Report
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Angels are open to "all possibilities" amid another disappointing season, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal, Patrick Mooney and Katie Woo of The Athletic. Sitting at 38-54 on the season heading into the final weekend of games before the All-Star break, the Angels have a host of players that could hold value to contenders.
ESPN’s Joe Tessitore Set to Join WWE as Play-by-Play Announcer, per Report
Veteran play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore is set to join WWE and will begin calling matches for the wrestling brand later this summer, according to a report from Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post. The 53-year-old Tessitore will continue his play-by-play duties at ESPN and ABC for college football and Top Rank boxing.
Nuggets Sign Versatile Forward Dario Saric to Two-Year Deal, per Report
The Denver Nuggets and free agent forward Dario Saric have agreed to a two-year, $10.6 million deal with a player option for the second year of the contract, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Saric, who averaged 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists with the Golden State Warriors last season, will come over to the Nuggets to bolster the second unit amid the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, which will likely move Christian Braun to the starting lineup.
Blake Anderson’s Potential Departure at Utah State Due to Title IX Investigation
Utah State head football coach Blake Anderson was informed by university officials of their intent to terminate his contract for cause, the school announced on Tuesday. Anderson has 14 days to formally respond to the contract action. Per the release, Anderson violated his employment agreement and university policy related to Title IX in the spring of 2023.
Utah Names Morgan Scalley As Kyle Whittingham’s Eventual Successor, per Report
Utah Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will succeed head coach Kyle Whittingham as head coach once Whittingham retires, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. There is no current timetable for Whittingham's retirement, but once he walks away from his position as head coach, a role he's held at Utah since 2005, Scalley will be his replacement. Once Scalley is elevated, he is set to make at least $5 million per season, according to his new contract with the school.
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