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Articles by Michael Mcdaniel
USC Star Alijah Arenas to Return to School, Adding to Loaded Roster for Trojans Next Season
USC star Alijah Arenas will withdraw his name from the NBA draft and return to the Trojans, according to a report from Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a freshman on 34.1% shooting from the floor. The rising sophomore stands to improve his three-point shooting, which came in at a paltry 21.3% in his first-year at the college level.
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.
Matthew Stafford Had Ruthless Message for Davante Adams Before Game-Winning TD Drive
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hit tight end Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds remaining as Los Angeles defeated the Panthers 34-31 on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Rams trailed 31-28 late after a punt was blocked and Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw a touchdown pass on a beautiful corner route to Jalen Coker. Bank of America Stadium was rocking, and it was up to Stafford and the offense to pull through on one final drive.
Joey McGuire's Classy Message to Dan Lanning After Oregon's CFP Win vs. Texas Tech
Oregon punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl with a 23–0 shutout win over Texas Tech on Thursday at the Orange Bowl. The Ducks allowed just 215 yards of offense, forced four Red Raiders turnovers and allowed just six third down conversions on 16 attempts. It was a dominant performance to advance. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire has an immense amount of respect for Oregon's Dan Lanning, and he started his press conference by praising the Ducks coach.
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.
Southern Miss to Promote Offensive Coordinator Blake Anderson to Head Coach
Southern Miss is promoting offensive coordinator Blake Anderson to head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Anderson was named as the school's interim following the departure of head coach Charles Huff, who left to become the coach at Memphis once the regular season ended. Anderson will coach the program in the New Orleans Bowl against Western Kentucky on Dec. 23. The 56-year-old Anderson is a former head coach at Arkansas State and Utah State.
Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Out for Season With Foot Injury
Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo surgery on his right foot and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Lively is expected to make a full recovery from the procedure, which will address lingering discomfort in his foot that has only allowed him to play in seven games this season. Lively burst onto the scene as a rookie two years ago as a key frontcourt cog in Dallas' run to the NBA Finals.
Antonio Brown Cites Stand-Your-Ground Law in Bid for Dismissal of Attempted Murder Charge
Former NFL star Antonio Brown is aiming to have his second-degree attempted murder charge dropped in Florida, and his defense team has cited the state's stand-your-ground law as the basis for dismissal, according to a report from ESPN's Anthony Olivieri.
Pat McAfee Reveals Reason He Told Lane Kiffin to Stay at Ole Miss
ESPN College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee had legendary coach Nick Saban on his show Friday to discuss Lane Kiffin's decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. McAfee, as he had previously stated, was in favor of Kiffin staying at Ole Miss instead of jumping for the opportunity in Baton Rouge. "I still would like to restate that I was publicly and privately telling Lane that he should stay at Ole Miss. Me, personally," McAfee said.
How the Big 12 Championship Could Impact Notre Dame's College Football Playoff Hopes
No. 11 BYU squares off against No. 4 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game on Saturday, in a contest that could have significant College Football Playoff ramifications-not just for the Cougars, but for the final at-large team currently in the field - Notre Dame. Let's breakdown how the Big 12 championship could impact the playoff standing for both the Cougars and Fighting Irish heading into Saturday.
LSU Interim Coach Addresses His Future With Program Amid Lane Kiffin Speculation
Amid speculation that LSU is on the verge of hiring Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin as the program's new head coach, Tigers interim Frank Wilson would love to remain with the program as part of the new staff. LSU took No. 8 Oklahoma to the wire on Saturday in Norman, nearly pulling off an improbable upset that would have derailed the Sooners' playoff chances. It was the latest evidence that the program had rallied around Wilson as the interim - still playing hard amid a lost season.
Thunder Star Jalen Williams to Make Season Debut Friday vs. Suns
Thunder star Jalen Williams is set to make his season debut on Friday against the Suns, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. The 2024-25 Third-Team All-NBA selection has not played yet this season for Oklahoma City, as he has been recovering from offseason wrist surgery to repair a torn ligament that plagued him during the franchise's run to the NBA title.
Thunder Star Jalen Williams to Make Season Debut Friday vs. Suns
Kawhi Leonard Demanding Need For More Talent Amidst Clippers Struggles Enrages Fans – “Some Nerve For a Dude That Never Plays” Kawhi Leonard is, without a doubt, one of the best players in the league when healthy. That last part hasThe post Kawhi Leonard Demanding Need For …
UL-Monroe Hires Sean Tuohy Jr. of 'The Blind Side' As New Athletic Director
UL-Monroe is hiring Sean "SJ" Tuohy Jr. as the school's new athletic director, according to a report from Chris Vannini of The Athletic. Tuohy, who is currently the deputy athletic director at Oral Roberts, has also worked at UCF, Arkansas, SMU and Liberty. He will now lead the Warhawks' athletic department at just 32 years old. Tuohy was depicted in the 2009 film The Blind Side, which chronicled his childhood familial ties with Michael Oher, a now-retired NFL offensive lineman.
Nick Saban Expresses Confidence in Ex-Assistant's Candidacy for Penn State Head Coaching Job
Penn State has yet to hire a new head coach after firing James Franklin following a three-game slide in mid-October. As the regular season draws to a close across college football, time is ticking for the Nittany Lions, who like other schools with open jobs, are looking to hire a new coach sooner rather than later. One potential candidate for the job is former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who is also a former offensive coordinator for Nick Saban at Alabama.
Aaron Rodgers Has Nothing But Respect for Josh Allen Ahead of Showdown With Bills
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a fractured wrist that he suffered in Week 11 against the Bengals, but he is hoping to return this Sunday when Pittsburgh hosts Josh Allen and the Bills. Ahead of the matchup on Sunday, Rodgers spoke glowingly of Allen and his ability to impact the game. When asked about what Rodgers admired most about Allen, the answer was simple. "I love the way he carries himself," Allen said.
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.
Virginia Tech Reveals Contract Details for Head Coach James Franklin
Virginia Tech head football coach James Franklin signed a five-year deal to become the program's new leader, and the school revealed the full details of the contract on Friday. Franklin's five-year deal is worth $41.75 million, at an average of $8.2 million per year. Franklin is set to make $12.75 million in year four and $13.25 million in year five of the deal.
Report: Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Open to Trade After Franchise's Disappointing Start
The Hornets lost 127-119 to the 2-13 Pacers on Wednesday night to drop to 4-11 on the season, and amid the franchise's disappointing start, star guard LaMelo Ball is open to being traded, according to a report from Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. Ball has become increasingly frustrated with the team, and the franchise has become increasingly hesitant about locking in Ball as a "long-term foundational piece." Ball wouldn't mind being traded, and the franchise wouldn't mind moving on, per Iko.
Kings Star Domantas Sabonis Has Partial Tear of Left Meniscus
Kings star Domantas Sabonis has partially torn his left meniscus, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. Sabonis will be re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks, but at the moment, will not require surgery to repair the injury. Sabonis has played in 11 of Sacramento's 15 games this season, averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds on 51.0% shooting from the floor.
Report: Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Open to Trade After Franchise's Disappointing Start
The Hornets lost 127-119 to the 2-13 Pacers on Wednesday night to drop to 4-11 on the season, and amid the franchise's disappointing start, star guard LaMelo Ball is open to being traded, according to a report from Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. Ball has become increasingly frustrated with the team, and the franchise has become increasingly hesitant about locking in Ball as a "long-term foundational piece." Ball wouldn't mind being traded, and the franchise wouldn't mind moving on, per Iko.
Report: Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Open to Trade After Franchise's Disappointing Start
The Hornets lost 127-119 to the 2-13 Pacers on Wednesday night to drop to 4-11 on the season, and amid the franchise's disappointing start, star guard LaMelo Ball is open to being traded, according to a report from Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. Ball has become increasingly frustrated with the team, and the franchise has become increasingly hesitant about locking in Ball as a "long-term foundational piece." Ball wouldn't mind being traded, and the franchise wouldn't mind moving on, per Iko.
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.
Bruce Pearl Had Very High Praise for St. John's Hall of Fame Coach Rick Pitino
Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl ended his career last season by taking the Tigers to the Final Four. It was a dream season for the longtime coach in Pearl, who was honored at the end of the year by the Associated Press as the National Coach of the Year-an award that he shared with St. John's coach Rick Pitino. Pearl stepped down this offseason and has since begun doing studio work for Turner Sports.
Saints Owner Gayle Benson Defends GM Mickey Loomis Amid Disappointing Season
The Saints are 2–8 in year one under coach Kellen Moore, the handpicked coach of longtime general manager Mickey Loomis. Moore didn't inherit a great roster, but it did appear improved on paper from a year ago when New Orleans finished with a 5–12 record. But that hasn't shielded the 68-year-old Loomis from criticism amongst the fan base. The longtime Saints executive has earned the trust of owner Gayle Benson, and she's not ready to pull the rug out from under her general manager.
Baylor Athletic Director Mack Rhoades to Take Leave of Absence
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence from his post with the school for personal reasons, according to a report from Yahoo's Ross Dellenger. It is unclear if Rhoades will also be taking a leave of absence from his leadership position with the College Football Playoff committee, where his serving as the selection committee chair. Rhoades's leave comes at an inauspicious time in the calendar.
Jets Make Call on Availability of Two Key Players for Thursday's AFC East Tilt with Patriots
On a short week, the Jets have made an availability call on two key players ahead of Thursday night's AFC East tilt against the Patriots. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Azareye'h Thomas will both sit out the game against New England. Wilson is dealing with a knee sprain that could cause him to miss multiple weeks, while Thomas is in the concussion protocol. In seven games this season, Wilson has caught 36 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns in a struggling Jets offense.
College Football Playoff Committee Releases First Top 25 of 2025 Season
The College Football Playoff Committee released its initial set of rankings for the 2025 season on Tuesday night. For the first time this season, fans have a good idea of where teams stand, what the committee values for each team's resume, and how the remaining schedule could impact each. The race for the national championship is officially on as the season enters the home stretch. Here's how the committee ranked their initial Top 25.
Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced that rookie guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. "I want to give a health update on Nikola Topic," Presti began. "I think as everybody is aware. He had a testicular procedure at the very beginning of training camp. That procedure was necessary and done at M.D. Anderson in Houston to determine if Nikola was dealing with a case of testicular cancer.
Giants to Hire Tennessee Baseball Coach Tony Vitello As New Manager
The San Francisco Giants are hiring Tennessee Volunteers baseball coach Tony Vitello as the franchise's new manager, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan and Pete Thamel. The 47-year-old Vitello is making history, as he is becoming the first coach to ever jump from the college level to MLB as a manager without any professional coaching experience. It's an outside-the-box hire for Buster Posey and the Giants, who in hiring Vitello are getting an elite college baseball coach.
College Football Week 8 Takeaways: Vanderbilt Could Make the College Football Playoff
A wild week 8 yielded losses for several undefeated teams, and statement victories for others. There's no greater winner on Saturday than Clark Lea's Vanderbilt Commodores, who find themselves in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt after taking down No. 10 LSU at home (more on that in a minute). Let's dive into college football's Week 8 takeaways, starting as always, with a hot seat check.
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.
College Football Week One Takeaways: This Isn't Saban's Crimson Tide
Week One of the college football season is almost completely in the books. After a wild Saturday featuring some heavy-hitting matchups, the remaining schedule for Sunday and Monday is just as loaded. Sunday features two intriguing contests as No. 13 South Carolina battles Virginia Tech in Atlanta in the afternoon, followed by No. 6 Notre Dame traveling on the road to take on No. 10 Miami in Miami Gardens.
Warriors Have Made Interest in Potential LeBron James Trade Clear to Lakers
The Golden State Warriors remain interested in the idea of pairing LeBron James with longtime star Stephen Curry, according to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer. Fischer's report on Friday comes amid reporting of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga's unwillingness to take Golden State's current two-year offer. The thinking for Kuminga, according to Fischer, is that he is concerned that the Warriors will trade him ahead of next February's trade deadline.
Blue Jays to Acquire Former Cy Young Winner Shane Bieber From Guardians
The best team in baseball is loading up for a World Series push. The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. It will be a one-for-one deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, with the Guardians receiving pitching prospect Khal Stephen in return.
Pete Carroll Makes Sky-High Expectations for Raiders Perfectly Clear Ahead of NFL Return
Legendary head football coach Pete Carroll is back on the sidelines in 2025. After stepping down as the head coach in Seattle following the 2023 season, Carroll took a year off from coaching before taking a job with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 73-year-old Carroll, a national championship-winning head coach at the college level and a Super Bowl-winning head coach in the NFL, is as exuberant as ever.
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.
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.
Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski Leaves MLB Debut With Ankle Injury in Middle of No Hitter
Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski was brilliant in his major league debut on Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, as the flamethrower went five innings without allowing a hit. Misiorowski took the mound in the sixth to continue his no-hit bid, but after throwing three straight balls to Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott, Misiorowski rolled his ankle between pitches as he walked back to the mound.
Brewers Manager Has Extremely Acidic Response to Aaron Civale’s Trade Request
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Aaron Civale has requested a trade from the organization after the coaching staff elected to move him to the bullpen. The 30-year-old Civale, who is in his second year with the organization, has posted a 4.91 ERA in 22 innings this season. He didn't pitch until late May due to a pulled hamstring suffered in spring training. Brewers manager Pat Murphy was asked on Thursday about Civale's trade request and whether or not it bothered him as the manager.
Mavericks Believe Jason Kidd Will Remain Head Coach Despite Knicks’ Interest
The Dallas Mavericks believe that Jason Kidd will return as the franchise's head coach despite interest from the New York Knicks in having the 52-year-old replace Tom Thibodeau, according to a report from Christian Clark and Sam Amick of The Athletic. Members of Dallas' front office have insisted to key stakeholders that Kidd is expected to return next season. As of Tuesday, the Knicks have not formally requested an interview.
Former NFL Cornerback Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones Arrested on Multiple Charges
Former NFL cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was arrested early Saturday morning in Kenton County, Kentucky on multiple charges, including assault on a police officer, public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to WOHIO. There was no indication in the police report regarding the details of the incident that led to the arrest of the 41-year-old Jones. This is the third arrest in the past two years for Jones.
Capitals Backtrack After Team’s Email States Next Season Will Be Alex Ovechkin’s Last
The Washington Capitals are in damage control mode after sending an email to season ticket holders on Thursday indicating that next season will be Alex Ovechkin's last in the NHL. The Capitals quickly issued a correction, noting that the soon-to-be 40-year-old Ovechkin, who set the NHL's all-time goals record this past season, hasn't made any firm decisions on his playing future. "No decision has been made on Alex Ovechkin's future following the 2025-26 NHL season.
Astros Starting Pitcher Ronel Blanco to Undergo Right Elbow Surgery
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco will undergo surgery on his right elbow and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, the team announced on Wednesday. Blanco was skipped in the rotation over the weekend after complaining of elbow soreness following his last start on May 17. In that start against the Texas Rangers, a 5-1 loss, Blanco went six innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out five.
Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Discusses Treatment Options for Torn Meniscus in Knee
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown played through the NBA playoffs with a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. Brown, who lacked his usual explosiveness down the stretch of the season, played through pain as Boston pursued its title defense. While Brown discussed his knee issue during the playoffs, the extent of the injury wasn't revealed until after the Celtics were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Knicks.
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