Tyler Batiste
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NBA managing editor @TheAthletic. LSU/Post-Gazette/News Journal alum. Lafayette, La., native. Everything is wrestling.
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Articles by Tyler Batiste
Kawhi Leonard Declines To Discuss NBA Investigation, Ready To 'Move Forward' With Raptors
Kawhi Leonard addressed reporters on Monday at Toronto Raptors media day for the first time since rejoining the franchise, but declined to discuss the salary-cap circumvention investigation that led to significant penalties for the Los Angeles Clippers. "I'm excited to be here. I know why some of you guys came," said Leonard.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton says he’s ‘100 percent’ healthy after torn Achilles
In case there was any doubt, Tyrese Haliburton says he is “100 percent” and ready to go for the 2026-27 NBA season. “I am healthy. … There will be no restrictions. That is not news. There is no source. I am the source. I’m good. I’m ready to go for the year,” the star point guard said Monday at Indiana Pacers media day. “Now that we have guys coming back and I’ve been able to play in pickup and stuff, I’ll be just fine.
Kawhi Leonard declines to answer questions about NBA investigation, punishment
TORONTO — Kawhi Leonard is looking forward, not backward. The two-time NBA Finals MVP was at the center of a yearlong probe into allegations of salary-cap circumvention that ended with his former team, the LA Clippers, being docked five first-round picks and Leonard himself being ordered to pay the league $700,000, among other penalties.
Bob Pettit, NBA’s first Most Valuable Player, dies at 93 Original
Bob Pettit learned to play basketball in his parents’ backyard in south Louisiana, with a light streaming from a bedroom window illuminating a hoop and a backboard. No formal coaching. No film study. No prep AAU circuit to fine-tune his skills. That was the norm eight decades ago, but what Pettit accomplished with that foundation was anything but typical. “Probably as fierce a competitor as (has) ever played,” Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell once said of Pettit. “He knew what he was doing.
LeBron James launches YouTube golf channel with video of 2016 Cavs reunion Original
LeBron James has made another decision: He has launched a YouTube golf channel. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has been very public about expanding his horizons to the fairways, links and greens (and also upset some folks in Memphis while on a golf course earlier this season). Now the 41-year-old is making things YouTube official.
Knicks, New York hold NBA championship parade, celebration: Live updates and reaction
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Jalen Brunson fires back at critics during Knicks parade: ‘They don’t deserve it’ Remember when, during a 2023 episode of ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon infamously said Jalen Brunson was not a “1A dude” and that he was too small to be the leader of a championship-winning team? “There’s a lot of people who have a lot of negative stuff to say,” Brunson said. “There’s a lot of people who have their own opinions. But when you prove them wrong, you don’t have to say s–t to them.
By Daniel Shirley Verified, Mike Vorkunov Verified, Steven Louis Goldstein Verified, Johnny sweet, Tyler Batiste Verified, Fred Katz Verified, Devon Henderson, William Pogatsias
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The New York Times
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Dennis Rodman set to join WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania festivities
At the peak of his NBA powers, Dennis Rodman became a well-known face in another arena: professional wrestling. Now he's being recognized for those contributions from nearly three decades ago. kAm#@5>2?[ :?5F4E65 :?E@ E96 }2:D>:E9 q2D<6E32== w2== @7 u2>6 :? a_``[ :D D6E E@ ;@:? E96 ((t w2== @7 u2>6 ?6IE >@?E9] t$!} 7:CDE C6A@CE65 E96 ?6HD[ 2?5 ((t C6EH66E65 E96 @FE=6EVD A@DE @? ) D@@? 27E6C]k^Am kAmx7 #@5>2?VD :?4=FD:@?
Jazz's Taylor Hendricks stretchered off court with apparent leg injury vs. Mavericks
Hendricks went down with about six minutes left in the third quarter and the Jazz trailing 64-59. As he ran down the right side of the court with the Jazz on offense, his right leg appeared to give out and he collapsed to the ground. The game was then delayed as he was stretched off the court. The second-year player from UCF averaged 6.0 points and 6.0 boards through the Jazz's first two games. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. This story will be updated.
Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton take Knicks-Pacers rivalry to WWE
That background was the perfect setup for a potential confrontation. Before a match, United States champion Logan Paul - yes, that Logan Paul - introduced Haliburton, a well-known wrestling fan, to the crowd. Haliburton strutted down the aisle with Paul, embracing the chorus of boos and engaging in a short stare down with Brunson, who was seated at ringside.
Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson participate in WrestleMania XL, assist WWE Hall of Famer
Jason Kelce 's pro football career is done. His podcast career is thriving. And maybe, just maybe, his pro wrestling career is getting started. WWE's biggest annual event is WrestleMania, and this weekend, WrestleMania XL is taking place over two nights at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Many fans expected that the event would feature some Philadelphia sports flavor (reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid is a huge WWE fan).
NC State tops Duke, reaches first Final Four since 1983
DALLAS - The ACC will have a representative at the Final Four. It may not be one many expected to start the season. DJ Burns Jr. scored 29 points, including 21 in the second half, to carry 11th-seeded NC State to a 76-64 win over fourth-seeded Duke in Sunday's South Regional final, punching the program's first ticket to the Final Four since Jim Valvano and company won it all in 1983.
Timberwolves, Lynx no longer for sale after option expires
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx franchises are no longer for sale, team owner Glen Taylor announced Thursday. The announcement comes a week after Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez submitted signed financial documentation to the NBA to complete the acquisition for majority control of the franchises, multiple sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic at the time.
WWE superstar Windham 'Bray Wyatt' Rotunda dies at 36
WWE superstar Windham Rotunda, better known by his ring name of Bray Wyatt, died Thursday, the company announced. He was 36. WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda's family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP - WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023 Rotunda played college football at Troy, but pro wrestling was in his blood. His father, Mike, is best known as former WWE superstar IRS.
Is Cooper Flagg the next Victor Wembanyama?
This is the digital version of The Bounce. If you want it earlier, start every day with The Bounce delivered to your inbox. Sign up here. Today's edition of The Bounce was delayed by Vegas Summer League prep. You understand. Meet Cooper Flagg The next big thing? Get your tanks in the maintenance shops to be in prime position for the 2025-26 season: Cooper Flagg is about to be the next big NBA phenom.
Cavaliers nearing agreement with Danny Green
The Cavaliers are nearing an agreement with Danny Green following the guard's buyout with the Rockets, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Sunday. ESPN first reported the parties were nearing a deal. Here's what you need to know: Green played three games with the Grizzlies before being traded to Houston as part of a three-team deal Thursday.
Lessons from our WNBA fantasy league
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We're more than a week into the WNBA season, which also means we're more than a week into the inaugural season of W NBA fantasy. Here at The Athletic, we decided to put together a league of writers, editors and contributors. Everyone went into the draft with different levels of planning and varying expectations. Editor Shannon Ryan had notes and research.
By Chantel Jennings Verified, Shannon Ryan Verified, Charlotte Carroll Verified, Tyler Batiste Verified
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The Athletic
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Best matches, biggest surprises (Vince McMahon vs. Pat McAfee!), early predictions for 2023
ARLINGTON, Texas - WrestleMania 38 went down at AT&T Stadium this weekend, the two-night event culminating with Roman Reigns beating Brock Lesnar to unify the Universal and WWE championships. Damon Sayles and Tyler Batiste were there to take in the sights, sounds and surprises ( click here for the full results), along with thousands of others. Check out the best moments, biggest surprises and more: Best match of the weekend Sayles: Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch put on a show for me.
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Cody Rhodes' return to WWE, Bianca Belair, more in real time
ARLINGTON, Texas - A coverage approach that has worked well for us at The Athletic in the past is the evaluation or analysis of events in real time. It's the best way to capture the surprise factor and moments as they happen. So we figured, why not use that approach at WrestleMania 38? That's what Tyler Batiste and Damon Sayles decided to do. Here's how Night 1 went down from AT&T Stadium: Pre-show Batiste: First, this DJ, Valentino Khan, is killing it with the mash-ups.
'How wild is my life?'
Mount Washington is a large hill along the Monongahela and Ohio rivers in Pittsburgh, with a neighborhood atop that shares the same name. To natives and visitors, it offers one of the best views of the city's landscape. One morning, it brought Corey Graves to tears. It was July 2016, the Monday after WWE's Battleground pay-per-view.
At No. 31, Bob Pettit's illustrious career was filled with a flurry of firsts
Welcome to the NBA 75, The Athletic's countdown of the 75 best players in NBA history, in honor of the league's diamond anniversary. We'll unveil a new player on the list every weekday through Feb. 18, culminating with the man picked by a panel of The Athletic NBA staff members as the greatest of all time. Think about all those heated basketball arguments you've had with your friends and family over the years. Who's the best dunker of all time? Which game-winning shot is the most memorable?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette seeks Pirates/MLB writer
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is seeking a reporter to help lead its Pirates/MLB coverage. Candidates should have experience reporting and developing a wide array of stories with a strong focus on digital and audience-engaging content. Past experience covering professional or collegiate baseball is preferred, but certainly not required.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette seeks Penguins/NHL writer
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is seeking a versatile and energetic reporter to help guide its Penguins/NHL coverage. Candidates should have experience reporting and developing a wide array of stories with a strong focus on digital and audience-engaging content.
Batiste: A break from brackets to 'figure some things out'
For many, the NCAA men's basketball tournament is sacred, a yearly fix that's become such a phenomenon that even people who know next to nothing about the sport get involved by filling out tournament brackets. I've been a devout follower of the practice for as long as I can remember. In college, skipping work and classes for the first weekend of the tourney was an all-too-regular occurrence. March Madness is something I look forward to as soon as conference play kicks into high gear.
Pitt coach Kevin Stallings and the 1978 Dapper Dan Roundball Classic
Kevin Stallings’ Pittsburgh connections go deep — deeper than many might know. Yes, Pitt hired Stallings on Sunday to take the helm of the Panthers’ men’s basketball program. And yes, the longtime Vanderbilt coach’s son, Jacob, is a catcher in the Pirates organization.
Old Pittsburgh photos and stories | The Digs
OK, we got lucky. A few weeks ago, The Digs published a post about the May 5, 1950, lightning strike of a trolley in Downtown Pittsburgh. It ended with a list of 22 people The Pittsburgh Press reported as being injured that day. We asked for any stories readers may have heard — from family members or directly — about the event. We thought it would be a longshot to hear from any of them, mainly because the trolley incident happened more than six decades ago.
Lightning strike stymies Downtown morning commute
Inspiration for posts on The Digs can come from a variety of places. Sometimes current news coverage or a major anniversary triggers memories from a past story or photo. Then there are times where we just pick a letter and start digging (pardon the pun). The result? A collection of images from a lightning strike hitting a Knoxville trolley Downtown in 1950. The bolt hit in the 5 a.m. hour on May 5, 1950 (or 5-5-50) in front of the Old Post Office Building at Smithfield Street and Fourth Avenue.
Old Pittsburgh photos and stories | The Digs
With the college basketball regular season less than a week old, we figured it was the perfect time to reflect on an era of Pitt men’s basketball: The Ron Chipman Years. Just a slip of the tongue — or fingers — but it’s pretty similar to the verbal missteps of Pitt Athletic Director Cas Myslinski, who, Post-Gazette sports editor Phil Musick wrote in April 1980, referred to the Panthers’ new head coach as “Ron” during Chipman’s initial introduction with the Panthers.
Bruno Sammartino, on the mend
Bruno Sammartino and his wife, Carol. (Andy Starnes/The Pittsburgh Press) “I hope to be wrestling in June,” Sammartino said in May 1976. He was. (Andy Starnes/The Pittsburgh Press) Twins sons Danny, left, and Darryl looks over get-well cards with Bruno Sammartino in 1976. (Andy Starnes/The Pittsburgh Press) Pittsburgh Press profile of Sammartino from May 8, 1976. Bruno Sammartino was a fighter — nothing fake about it.
The Digs: Post-Gazette's front pages during Hurricane Katrina
In hindsight, that headline across the top of the Aug. 30, 2005, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette seems bizarre. Archival front pages the day of and days after Hurricane Katrina’s landfall 10 years ago were discovered by members of our photo staff during the months-long process of packing and moving from Downtown to the North Shore.
The Post-Gazette’s front pages of Hurricane Katrina
In hindsight, those words extending across the top of the Aug. 30, 2005, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette seem bizarre. Archival front pages the day of and days after Hurricane Katrina’s landfall nearly 10 years ago highlight not only the breadth of impact a Gulf Coast storm can have — a sharp rise in U.S. gas prices was feared, as one story said, because about 30 percent of oil and gas consumed in the U.S. passes through the region — but how quickly that coverage can change.
Saturday Diary: 10 years ago, Katrina made for an unusual college start
While visiting home for a wedding last weekend, passing through the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, clear memories came to mind. I thought about fast-food joints and residence halls that stood where I started college 10 years ago next week, but that no longer exist; I remembered some of the idiotic things I did as an 18-year-old living away from home for the first time (no need to go into detail).
WWE's Stephanie McMahon joins Children's Hospital Foundation board
World Wrestling Entertainment announced this morning that Stephanie McMahon, the company's chief brand officer, has been named to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation board of trustees.
The Passion: Respect arrives as undefeated team goes for title
Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazettefor the Passion as a safety on the field and team co-owner off the field. Tuesday evening's weather could not have offered more of a contrast to the mood the Pittsburgh Passion players were in as the team began final preparations for Saturday's National Women's Football Association title game.
My head hurts #Lakers
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A little nervous, Mr. Newton? #E60 #Auburn
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Bradshaw forgetting when Switzer replaced Johnson. Never change, Terry. #Cowboys #NFL
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For today, Roll Tide.
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@stephenjnesbitt #yesyesyes
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“He’s better than Bear Bryant and every other coach that you’ve ever liked, like, combined or somethin’” #Alabama
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So it’s #NationalDogDay. Miss my boy!
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@JarrodShaw “And now our $300 happy dance.”
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Classic. #Alabama #SEC
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Tom Gola, NCAA rebounding leader and NBA All-Star, dies
Tom Gola, the NCAA men's basketball career rebounding leader with La Salle and a five-time NBA All-Star, died Sunday, wife Caroline told the Philadelphia Daily News . Gola was 81 years old. On the court, Gola led La Salle to the 1952 NIT title and 1954 NCAA championship.
Shaq is greater than Jindal
In the second quarter of Saturday's game, the student section broke into loud applause and cheered wildly for someone roaming the sidelines near the north end zone.A crowd of security guards surrounded the person. I couldn't tell who it was, but judging from students around me, I thought it could only be one man — Shaq.I got excited and stood on my toes to see if I could catch a glimpse of The Diesel. I love Shaq, who doesn't?
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