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Articles by Michael McDaniel
Olivier Rioux, Florida Basketball's 7' 9" Sensation, Announces Transfer Destination Out West
Florida transfer center Olivier Rioux announced his decision to transfer out of the Gators' program earlier this month, and we now know where he is heading. Rioux has committed to UC Irvine, where he will now look for a boost in playing time and a chance to make a name for himself for the Anteaters in the Big West. Rioux posted the announcement on his personal Instagram account on Thursday morning with the caption: "Next stop: Irvine, California" with him donning a UC Irvine jersey.
Oregon-Oregon State Is the Latest Rivalry Game to Fall Off Schedule Due to Conference Realignment
After Oregon left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten in Aug. 2024, the annual series with in-state rival Oregon State, who remained in the Pac-12, was immediately put on the chopping block. The two teams patched together a short-term scheduling agreement-a home-and-home in 2024 and this past season, ‘25-but were unable to come to terms on a long-term arrangement.
UCLA's Mick Cronin Laments Poor Second-Half Defense in Blowout Loss to No. 2 Michigan
The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines continued their winning ways with an 86–56 rout of UCLA on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Wolverines held just a two-point lead at halftime, but pounded the Bruins in the second half to the tune of a 46–18 advantage in the 30-point win. Michigan shot 62% from the field in the contest, which included a blistering 78% from the floor in the second half.
Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year Anthony Colandrea to Enter Transfer Portal
UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea is entering the transfer portal, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. The junior quarterback spent his first two seasons at Virginia, before transferring to UNLV to play under Dan Mullen this past season. Under Mullen, Colandrea won Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, completing 65.9% of his passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. He also rushed for 649 yards and 10 scores.
Oakland's Greg Kampe Heaps Praise on Tom Izzo for Impact on His Career
The Michigan State Spartans knocked off the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 79-70 on Saturday afternoon as both schools wind down their respective non-conference schedules. The in-state non-conference tilt between the two schools showcased two of the most respected coaches in the game in Tom Izzo and Greg Kampe. Kampe and Izzo both rocked matching ugly Christmas sweaters with basketballs on them.
Notre Dame Bookstore Pulls Petty Move on Author Who Is on CFP Committee
The Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, the university's massive on-campus shop for books and school apparel, has canceled a Friday book signing featuring best-selling author Ivan Maisel. Maisel recently authored a biography of former Notre Dame head football coach Frank Leahy titled American Coach: The Triumph and Tragedy of Notre Dame Legend Frank Leahy.
Andrew Luck Hilariously Leaves in Middle of Sideline Interview to Celebrate Stanford Touchdown
Former Stanford star quarterback Andrew Luck returned to his alma mater this year as the football program's general manager. Luck has been a staple at Cardinal games all season, as he has taken on a major role in rebuilding the football program, which will continue in earnest this offseason with the hiring of a new permanent head coach. For now though, Luck is locked in on the games that remain, including Saturday night's rivalry game with Cal.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin to Miss Sunday's Game vs. Seahawks
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will miss Sunday night's contest with the Seahawks after reaggravating his quad injury, Washington coach Dan Quinn told the media on Wednesday. When asked if the reaggravation of his existing quad injury, which has already cost him four games this season, was worse than the initial strain Quinn said it was too early to tell. "No, no expectations on that," Quinn began. "Nothing long term on that, that we are under consideration for.
Tarleton State places men’s hoops coach Gillispie on administrative leave
Tarleton State men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie has been placed on administrative leave, the school announced on Friday. An employee conduct review will be conducted, per the school’s release, after the university received an anonymous complaint. Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien will be the acting head coach in Gillispie’s absence. There were no further details given and the university stated that it will not comment further.
College Football Week 3 Takeaways: Clemson Got Swarmed
Week 3 of the 2025 college football season certainly did not disappoint. Here are the key takeaways from another exciting weekend of action with a quarter of the season in the books.
Chiefs Pull Off Amazing ‘Fire Drill' Field Goal As Clock Expires on First Half
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has established himself as one of the premier kickers in the NFL, playing for one of the league's best teams. And as time was expiring at the end of the first half of Kansas City's contest against the Chargers on Friday night in Brazil, NFL fans saw what makes Butker and the Chiefs great. Kansas City executed a two-minute drill, trailing 13-3 late in the first half.
The Bar for a Taunting Penalty This Year Looks Shockingly Low in Eagles-Cowboys
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles took on the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night to kick off the 2025 NFL season. There was plenty of excitement in Philadelphia on banner night, and a hotly contested matchup between division rivals added to the intrigue. While there were plenty of penalties as a result of activity after the whistle (or in Jalen Carter's case, before the whistle), one new point of emphasis for the officials made its way into the contest.
Packers Fan Follows Through With Kay Adams Tattoo Promise After Micah Parsons Trade
As rumors swirled around Micah Parsons's future in Dallas, trade destinations came to the forefront, which his eventual team- Packers-coming out on top in the sweepstakes for one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. NFL media personality Kay Adams, the host of the Up & Adams show for FanDuel, was all over the Parsons news on her daily talk show.
Texans Make Contract Decision on Backup Quarterback Davis Mills
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills has signed a one-year, $7 million contract extension that will tie C.J. Stroud's backup to the franchise through the 2026 season, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The contract for Mills is fully guaranteed. The 26-year-old Mills, a fifth-year pro, has played in 38 games for Houston in his first four seasons, including 26 starts. He has completed 62.6% of his passes for 6,167 yards and 35 touchdowns to 25 interceptions.
Florida State's Upset of No. 8 Alabama Leaves College Football World Stunned
The Florida State Seminoles went 2-10 a year ago, putting head coach Mike Norvell squarely on the hot seat entering 2025. Norvell brought in Tony White at defensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn at offensive coordinator and transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos to help flip the script. Flipping the script got off to a great start on Saturday, as Castellanos and Co. upset No. 8 Alabama 31-17 in one of the surprises of Week 1.
How the Packers and Cowboys' Super Bowl Odds Changed After Micah Parsons Trade
The Dallas Cowboys traded two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, ending his drawn out contract saga with Dallas. Rather than pay Parsons, the Cowboys decided to move on from their generational defensive end. In exchange, Dallas landed two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The 26-year-old Parsons agreed to a four-year, $188 million contract with the Packers that includes $136 million in guaranteed money.
Cowboys Entertaining Trade Offers for Star Pass Rusher Micah Parsons
The Dallas Cowboys appear willing to listen on trade offers for star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who has been seeking a new contract all offseason, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Todd Archer and Dan Graziano. Parsons formally requested a trade on Aug. 1, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said publicly the franchise would not trade him.
Michael Porter Jr. Believes His Nuggets Role ‘Plateaued’ Before Trade to Nets
Veteran wing Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets this offseason as part of a deal that sent fellow veteran Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets. The traded ended Porter's seven-year stint in Denver, where he was a key cog in the rotation for a franchise that captured an NBA title in 2023. While Porter loved playing for the Nuggets, he's excited for the opportunity that lies ahead. "I'm really excited for this next chapter out here in Brooklyn," Porter said this week.
Kevin Durant Had Surprising Revelation About His Playing Days With the Nets
Towards the end of Kevin Durant's tenure in Brooklyn, much was made about how he felt about the franchise, the locker room and Steve Nash. And not all of the reporting was positive. But Durant had plenty of good things to say about Brooklyn (and Nash) on a new episode of the Mind the Game podcast with LeBron James and Nash. Durant acknowledged there were challenging times, but he felt like he was always locked in with his head coach. "I had just signed that deal.
Tre Mann Agrees to Three-Year Deal to Remain With Hornets
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann missed most of last season with a herniated disc in his back, which, at the time, was thought to be a potentially complicating factor in his upcoming free agency. Consider that issue behind the 24-year-old, as he has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract to remain with the franchise, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Prior to his season-ending injury, Mann was really starting to come into his own.
Kevin Durant Nixed Blockbuster Three-Team Trade That Would’ve Sent Him to Timberwolves
Where will Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant play next season? That remains as the biggest question with the NBA Finals winding down and the NBA draft just around the corner next week. The Suns would love to trade Durant. Durant would like to play in either Houston, Miami or San Antonio. The Minnesota Timberwolves would love to acquire Durant to pair with ascending star Anthony Edwards.
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.
Saints Sign Veteran RB Cam Akers to One-Year Contract Following Minicamp Tryout
Veteran running back Cam Akers has signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints following a minicamp tryout this week, the team announced on Friday. The five-year NFL veteran played in 17 games last season, including five with the Houston Texans and 12 with the Minnesota Vikings. Akers carried the ball 104 times for 444 yards and two touchdowns.
Patriots Guard Abruptly Retires After Eight-Year NFL Career
Veteran offensive guard Wes Schweitzer, who signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots this offseason, has decided to retire from the NFL after eight seasons, being placed on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday according to an announcement from the team. The 31-year-old Schweitzer spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, and has also played for the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons.
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.
Knicks Superfan Ben Stiller Had Emotional Message for Tom Thibodeau After Firing
New York Knicks superfan Ben Stiller bid the franchise's now-former coach, Tom Thibodeau, adieu after Thibodeau was fired by the team on Tuesday following five seasons at the helm. Thibodeau took the Knicks to their first conference finals in 25 years, but it wasn't enough to keep his job after the team fell in six games to the Indiana Pacers. "I am a Tom Thibodeau fan," Stiller wrote on X. "He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve.
Dolphins Discussing Jonnu Smith Trade With AFC North Team
The Miami Dolphins are in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steel City, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith, who was Miami's lone Pro Bowl selection last season, expressed interest in a reworked contract with the Dolphins that was set to pay him $4.8 million this season. Instead of reworking Smith's contract, Miami would prefer to trade him.
Cavs Star Donovan Mitchell’s Status Up in Air for Important Game 5
Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell reaggravated an ankle injury in Sunday's Game 4 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers. Now, with the Cavaliers down 3-1 and with its season on the line, Mitchell is being tabbed as a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 5, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins Has Seen Enough, Declares Pacers Over Cavs in Five Games
The Indiana Pacers went on the road and captured a victory in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday to take a 1–0 series lead, and ahead of Tuesday night's Game 2 in Cleveland, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins has already seen enough. Not only does he think the Pacers are going to win the series, he thinks they'll do so in five games. "The Pacers winnin' this series, and I wouldn't be surprised if they win it in five.
Here’s Where 55-Point Cavaliers Blowout Win Over Heat Ranks in NBA Playoff History
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 138–83 on Monday night, sweeping Miami out of the playoffs in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. The Cavaliers took a 39-point lead into halftime, which was the third-largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history, before extending the lead to nearly 60 points in the second half. By the time it was all said and done, it was a 55-point victory for the Cavaliers, who looked every bit the part of the East's top-seed.
ESPN’s ‘NFL Live’ Celebrates Autism Awareness Day With Pictures Drawn by Dan Orlovsky’s Son
Wednesday, April 12 is World Autism Awareness Day, and in celebration of the occasion, ESPN's NFL Live featured a set backdrop filled with drawings from Madden Orlovsky, the 12-year-old son of ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, who has autism.
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