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Articles by Michael Mcdaniel
Men's Basketball State of the Bubble: Stock Up, Stock Down After a Loaded Saturday Slate
The final Saturday in February featured a college basketball slate that was absolutely loaded with postseason implications. Several teams met the moment and notched another feather in the cap for their tournament résumés, while others faltered at exactly the wrong time in the schedule. Let's take stock in the NCAA tournament bubble after a wild Saturday across college basketball. Stock Up Texas lifted itself off the bubble with a gritty 76–70 road win at Texas A&M on Saturday.
Sources: Steve Lavin Out As San Diego Men's Basketball Coach
San Diego has fired men's basketball coach Steve Lavin, sources confirmed to Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer. On3 was the first to report that the veteran coach was out as the head of the Toreros' men's basketball program. Lavin landed the position at San Diego in 2022 in what will be remembered as a largely disappointing tenure for the 61-year-old in his third opportunity leading a Division I program. Lavin went 46–79 in three-plus seasons, which includes an 11–17 mark this season.
Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Out Indefinitely With Injury
Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out indefinitely with an abdominal strain, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Gilgeous-Alexander will be re-evaluated for his injury after the All-Star break. Gilgeous-Alexander has been every bit as good this season as he was a year ago for the NBA champion Thunder. In 29 games played this season, he is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game on 55.4% shooting from the floor overall and 39.0% shooting from three.
Kyle Whittingham Ready to Get Michigan ‘Where It Should Be' in First Message to Fans
Michigan hired longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as the program's new leader on Friday, ending a brief search to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired for cause earlier this month. Whittingham, who went 177-88 in 21 full seasons as Utah's coach, is a slam dunk hire for a Wolverines program looking to restore strong play on the field and integrity off of it. The 66-year-old sent his first message to Wolverines fans via the program's official social media account on Saturday night.
Ole Miss to Hire LSU Interim Coach Frank Wilson to Pete Golding's Staff
Former LSU Tigers running backs coach and interim head coach Frank Wilson is leaving Baton Rouge for an assistant coaching job on Pete Golding's staff at Ole Miss, according to a report from Pete Nakos of On3. Wilson is expected to coach running backs for the Rebels. Wilson served as LSU's interim following the firing of Brian Kelly earlier this season.
Yankees Clinch Playoff Spot With Dramatic Walk-Off José Caballero Hit vs. White Sox
After a turbulent summer, the Yankees are officially returning to the postseason. In a season filled with ups and downs, the Bronx Bombers officially punched their ticket back to the playoffs on Tuesday night with a 3–2 walk-off win against the White Sox. Pinch hitter José Caballero came through as he looped a Brandon Eisert breaking ball into center field, scoring star Aaron Judge from second base.
Mets Fans Will Love Pete Alonso’s Reason for Turning Down Home Run Derby Invite
The New York Mets have not been playing their best baseball as of late, but they're in the heat of the NL East race as the All-Star break quickly approaches. First baseman Pete Alonso has been a big part of New York's success this season. The Mets waited until late in the offseason to decide to bring Alonso back, and they're surely happy that they did. Alonso is hitting .287 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI, and was named to his fifth All-Star team on Sunday.
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.
Steelers Tight End Donald Parham Jr. Tears Achilles As Franchise Pursues Jonnu Smith in Trade
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. tore his Achilles during Tuesday's OTA workout and will likely miss the 2025 season, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Parham signed a one-year deal this offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. Parham has caught 67 career passes for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns. He set personal-bests in receptions (27), yards (285) and touchdowns (4) last season.
Full List of All Three 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. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made his 21st consecutive All-NBA team, which extends his NBA record for most All-NBA selections in league history.
Braves Star Ronald Acuna to Return to Lineup Friday for First Time in Nearly a Year
He's back. Nearly one full year from his last Major League game on May 26, 2024 when he tore his left ACL, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to make his season debut on Friday night against the San Diego Padres. The @Braves announce that Ronald Acuña Jr. will return to their lineup Friday night. His last Major League game was May 26, 2024.
Astros Pitcher Ronel Blanco Heading to IL With Elbow Inflammation
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco is heading to the injured list with elbow inflammation, manager Joe Espada told the media on Thursday. "He's going on the IL, and he's also going to get a second opinion next week," Espada said Thursday. Ronel Blanco is going on the injured list. He will also get a second opinion on his right elbow. Joe Espada says Blanco wants the second opinion on the right elbow inflammation.
Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels on Guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: ‘He Gets Calls’
The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder and newly minted league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 114-88 on Tuesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander, as he has all season, led the way for the Thunder. He scored a game-high 31 points and added nine assists and five rebounds. But the story coming out of the game was the officiating and friendly home whistle that he received as he amassed 14 free throw attempts in Game 1.
Details of New Contract for Illinois Head Football Coach Bret Bielema
Illinois Fighting Illini head football coach Bret Bielema has signed a six-year contract extension that runs through the 2030 football season, the school announced on Tuesday. Not a single place he would rather be.
Dodgers Veteran Clayton Kershaw to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Three-time Cy Young winner and former National League MVP Clayton Kershaw is set to make his 2025 debut this Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday. Kershaw is set to be activated from the 60-day injured list to make his first start of the season after missing most of the 2024 World Series campaign due to left knee and left toe injuries-both of which required surgery.
Dolphins, Seven-Time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey to ‘Explore Trade Options’
The Miami Dolphins and seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey are mutually set to explore trade options, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. It would not be a surprise if the 30-year-old Ramsey, who is set to make $25.1 million next season, plays elsewhere. Ramsey just finished his second season in Miami after spending three-plus seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and another three-plus seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
Jets Reunite Veteran Wide Receiver With Aaron Glenn
The New York Jets have signed veteran free agent wide receiver Josh Reynolds, the team announced on Thursday. Reynolds, an eight-year veteran, has caught 233 passes for 3,127 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career with the Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars. He is reunited with head coach Aaron Glenn, who was a defensive coordinator for the Lions while Reynolds played for the franchise from 2021-23.
Delaware Athletic Director Will No Longer Take Over As President of USA Swimming
University of Delaware Athletic Director Chrissi Rawak will not take over as president and CEO of USA Swimming as previously planned, the organization announced on Friday night. Rawak was announced as the next president of USA Swimming on Feb. 19. She was set to replace Tim Hinchey, who stepped down in September following the Paris Olympics.
Penn State standout, top NFL Draft prospect Carter has stress reaction in foot
Penn State Nittany Lions star defensive end Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The stress reaction was found after Carter underwent medical testing at the NFL combine on Wednesday. Carter is in Indianapolis taking part in both medical testing and interviews with prospective teams, but is not working out this week as he continues to recover from a serious shoulder injury suffered in the College Football Playoff.
Anthony Edwards Had Five-Word NSFW Message After Wild 25-Point Comeback vs. Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder led by as many as 25 points in the second half of their game against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, but anytime Anthony Edwards is on the other side of the floor, no lead is safe. The Thunder found that out the hard way on Monday night. The Timberwolves stormed back to the tune of a 41-19 fourth quarter to send the game to overtime, and ultimately emerge victorious by a final score of 131-128 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Heaps Praise on Duke Star Cooper Flagg With Iconic Quote
The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils further solidified their status as a national title contender with a 110-67 blowout victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in a marquee late-season non-conference tilt that caught everybody's attention across college basketball.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky Issues Apology to Jalen Hurts for Criticism of QB This Season
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night thanks to the stellar play of starting quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. It's been a long, long road to get here for Hurts, who went through plenty of trials and tribulations in both college and the NFL to reach the mountaintop. But now, at just 26 years old, Hurts is a Super Bowl champion.
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.
Nick Saban Told a Hilarious Derrick Henry Pass Blocking Story From Time at Alabama
Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry left an indelible mark on the Crimson Tide football program, capturing the 2015 Heisman Trophy and national championship with his college program. Henry, who remains one of the best running backs in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, played under legendary coach Nick Saban with the Crimson Tide.
Ohio State Beats Notre Dame to Secure Program’s Ninth National Championship
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish opened Monday night's College Football Playoff national championship game with an in-your-face, 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 9:45 off the clock and concluded with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Riley Leonard. The Irish led 7-0, and looked like they were primed to compete against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Steve Kerr Warns Warriors About ‘Irresponsible’ Moves Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
The Golden State Warriors reached a low point in their season on Monday night, falling to the 9–31 Toronto Raptors to drop their record to 19–20, good for 12th place in the Western Conference. With the trade deadline just three weeks away, the Warriors once again have the evaluate the current roster and improvement in the present vs. mortgaging the future. The "two-timeline" approach centered around Steph Curry and Draymond Green will once again be reviewed, with questions abound about what's next.
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.
Mike Norvell Angrily Tosses Florida Flag That Was Planted at Midfield Following Loss
Florida State lost the final game of its season on Saturday night at home against Florida by a final score of 31–11. The Seminoles finished their season 2-10 after going 13-1 a season ago. The program was undoubtedly one of the biggest disappointments of the college football season. As Florida State saw its season come mercilessly to an end, several Gators players took it upon themselves to plant their team's flag at midfield following the road win in Tallahassee.
Syracuse Coach Fran Brown Gives Epic Postgame Interview After Home Upset of Miami
The Syracuse Orange overcame a 21-0 first half deficit to defeat the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes 42-38 on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. The victory for the Orange eliminated Miami from ACC title contention, and quite possibly the College Football Playoff. Clemson, despite losing on Saturday at home to South Carolina, will face SMU in the ACC championship game next Saturday for a chance to make the College Football Playoff.
Boise State Star Ashton Jeanty Makes Desired NFL Destination Clear
Boise State Broncos star running back Ashton Jeanty is the best running back in college football, and finds himself squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation as the calendar hits mid-November. Jeanty, whose Broncos are 8–1 and 5–0 in Mountain West play, is the key reason why the program has a great shot to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos are ranked 13th in the CFP poll but would be in the field if the season ended today as the top-ranked Group of 5 program.
ESPN Analyst Compares Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes Rivalry to Hall of Fame Duo
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens narrowly defeated Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in a Thursday night thriller, 35-34. Jackson was excellent once again for the Ravens, completing 25 of 33 passing attempts for 290 yards and four touchdowns, which propelled Baltimore over Cincinnati despite a huge night from Burrow and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Paul George Had Strong Reaction to Boos From Clippers Fans in Los Angeles Return
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George played in his second game of the season on Wednesday night, and it was an important one as he returned to Los Angeles to play against the Clippers for the first time since leaving in free agency. As anticipated, George received a mixed reaction in his return, with some fans welcoming him back with cheers and some welcoming him back with plenty of boos.
Cameras Caught Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson Making Bet With Commanders Fans Before Wild Loss
Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson became an internet meme on Sunday when he was seen taunting Washington Commanders fans while, unbeknownst to him, the Commanders had already snapped the ball on their converted Hail Mary at the end of the game. Stevenson got himself back into the play late, and nearly knocked the ball away to end the game for the Bears, before Washington receiver Noah Brown snagged the Hail Mary for the improbable game-winning score for the Commanders.
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