As the noise threatened to envelop Sanders’ career, his mother, Pilar, took the opportunity to remind the world exactly what kind of quarterback her son is.

Pilar Sanders Reminds Everyone of Shedeur’s Explosive Potential

Heading into his second season in Cleveland, Sanders found himself immediately competing with Watson for the Browns’ starting quarterback position. The young quarterback showed flashes of promise through two preseason games, but Watson ultimately convinced Monken that he was the better choice to open the season.

With the fallout fiercely debated, Sanders’ mother made sure to serve a timely reminder of what her son is capable of when he gets into a rhythm. On Instagram, Pilar shared a highlight reel of a memorable performance from Sanders’ college career, highlighting his spectacular 348-yard, four-touchdown outing in Colorado’s 2023 victory over Colorado State.

That performance showcased Sanders at his best and demonstrated how dangerous he can become when he plays with a chip on his shoulder.

After producing a standout college career at Colorado, Sanders was widely viewed as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his draft night went sideways as he slipped to #144.

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Once he arrived in Cleveland, Sanders found himself buried on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. However, when the opportunity eventually came his way, the young quarterback attempted to make the most of it.

Sanders finished the season with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions. Despite getting his opportunity, he ranked second-to-last in PFN’s QB Impact Metrics. The only quarterback to fare worse was Cam Ward.

This offseason provided Sanders with an important opportunity to change his standing in Cleveland. Watson shared first-team repetitions with him throughout the offseason, training camp, and preseason, giving Sanders a legitimate chance to challenge the veteran for the starting role.

The young quarterback reportedly looked much sharper during training camp and appeared to emerge as a genuine threat to Watson in the Browns’ quarterback competition. However, for now, Monken is leaning toward Watson because of the veteran quarterback’s experience.

While Sanders will begin the season as a backup, his development and the uncertainty surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback situation could still give him a chance to take over the starting role at some point this year.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Now, he’s opened up about how much he despises CNN despite having worked with them from November 2023 to April 2024 as a co-host alongside Gayle King on his show ‘King Charles’.

Charles Barkley Breaks Down Why He Does Not Like CNN

During an interview with CNN personality Michael Smerconish on SiriusXM, Barkley unloaded on the network. He said,

“One of the reasons I hate CNN now, and I work with CNN — I’m sitting there watching the night shows. They have two Republicans on. Two Democrats. They scream at each other for an hour, and I’m like, ‘That’s an hour of my life I can’t get back.’”

💥NEW: Charles Barkley to CNN’s Michael Smerconish: “I hate CNN!”

Savage 🤣

Even Smerconish couldn’t help but laugh.

Barkley also recently used to work for CNN, hosting “King Charles” on the network from 2023-2024. pic.twitter.com/6kPjDnIQNu

— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) August 25, 2026

“Because the Republican’s gonna say everything the Democrats do is wrong. The Democrat’s gonna say everything the Republicans do is wrong,” Barkley continued. “What’s bad about it is, they’re all successful people. I want to help poor people. They make you pick a team based on race, education. Man, this is just rich people against poor people.”

READ MORE: ‘Steph Doesn’t Sign the Extension’ – ESPN Insider Reveals $100 Million Reason Why Stephen Curry May Not Extend With Warriors

Chuck has been of this sentiment for years now. In 2016, during the presidential race, the 11-time All-Star said, “All politics is rich people screwing poor people,” while calling poor people “too stupid” to know they’re being used as chess pieces in a game.

He reiterated the same to Smerconish by saying, “The rich people? They’re smarter. They’re like, ‘Let’s just make the poor people fight with each other.’”

Barkley has routinely described himself as a political ‘independent,’ and given his criticism of how politics in the United States works, this makes sense.

But when it comes down to election time, he has historically leaned Democrat. He did admit to backing a Republican presidential candidate once in his life, backing John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, during the 2015-16 Republican presidential primaries.

However, while his views do align more with the left, he has criticized them quite openly. In 2024, he bluntly said,

“The reason I think the Democratic Party and Mr. Biden, President Biden, is losing Black votes is they only care about Black people every four years.”

MORE: NBA Insider Drops Crucial Update On Investigation Into Clippers-Aspiration Scandal With Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors Trade On Hold

In 2025, on ‘SI Media With Jimmy Traina‘, he even threatened to abandon his allegiance to the Democratic Party if they did not get Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, or Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, to lead the party, saying, “I would not even consider voting for anybody else other than one of those two.”

Given how forthcoming Barkley has been about his political views, seeing a network like CNN push agendas, according to him, simply does not sit right with him.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

However, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin continues to stand by the program’s decision and once again defended the move, explaining why he believes the Tigers did nothing wrong.

Lane Kiffin Sends Strong Message to Critics Over LSU’s Controversial Move

LSU has already significantly reworked its roster ahead of Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge, bringing in more than 40 transfers. Now, the Tigers are moving toward becoming the first program to add players directly from NFL rookie camps following a series of court orders issued this year.

That development has led many to believe Kiffin and LSU have sparked a national battle over whether players should be allowed to move directly from the NFL back to college football.

Amid the controversy, the LSU head coach appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and offered a detailed explanation of how the transfer process unfolded.

“You know these athletes,” Kiffin said. “It’s not just football. This is a lot of sports, and it’s not one of these court orders where they go and get for one player. This is over 100 athletes in multiple court orders in multiple states, where judges have said that just this particular class should have been five for five.”

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Kiffin then explained that the rulings effectively granted athletes another year of eligibility because the judges determined that the NCAA had previously wronged them.

“From here on out, everyone gets to sum it up. Everyone gets five years from here on out. These players in all sports were supposed to get five for five. They did not. So judges have found that the NCAA wronged them, and they should have five years to play.”

The Big Ten and SEC announced Tuesday that players who had signed professional contracts would be prohibited from returning to college. However, Kiffin later argued that the broader court orders cover athletes from several sports and create a more complicated situation.

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Kiffin also revealed that he anticipated the first player to make this type of move would face enormous scrutiny and potentially become the public face of the legal battle.

Though Wright made the headlines primarily, he is not expected to be the only NFL training camp attendee joining LSU. The Tigers are also positioned to land former Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris and former Notre Dame DE Junior Tuihalamaka.

Wright, Harris, and Tuihalamaka were among 16 athletes granted a restraining order amid a series of legal battles surrounding eligibility for members of the 2022 recruiting class.

LSU is also not the only SEC program exploring this opportunity.

However, the Tigers stand at the forefront of the movement and set off a chain reaction that has encouraged other programs around the conference to explore similar avenues.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

What Elena Rybakina Said About Her Injury Ahead of the US Open

Following a runner-up finish at the Canadian Open, Rybakina made another deep run at the Cincinnati Open. However, her quarterfinal clash against Świątek was derailed after she sustained a left leg injury, forcing her to retire while trailing 1-4.

While speaking to the media after the match, the world No. 2 opened up about the “painful” injury and disclosed it had been a persistent issue for quite some time.

“Of course, I feel not the greatest. It’s painful to walk,” she said. “We’ll know more tomorrow when we have the MRI. It’s been bothering me for a long period of time, but I felt like I had it under control. It was feeling okay before the match. Unfortunately, one wrong movement and something happened.”

Rybakina, who was set to revive her partnership with Taylor Fritz, then withdrew from the mixed doubles event at the US Open, sparking uncertainty over her participation in the singles draw as well.

Amid the growing alarm, the 27-year-old arrived in New York and joined Flavio Cobolli, Karen Khachanov, and Matteo Arnaldi at The Parliament, where the players took part in an ice cream-making session.

Elena Rybakina, Karen Khachanov and Matteo Arnaldi put together their ice cream creations for “The Pros Serve” at The Parliament tonight #usopen pic.twitter.com/HLwRgmi6Hj

— Bridget Reilly (@bridgetbreilly) August 26, 2026

While at the event, Rybakina spoke to The Mirror US and revealed that she had yet to hit the practice courts at Flushing Meadows, as she focused on her recovery ahead of her opening match.

“Well, I picked up some injury last tournament, so I’m trying to do everything possible to recover. For now, it’s been going well. Unfortunately, I was not on the court yet. We will try it in the next few days, but seems okay, so hopefully it’s going to be good for my first match,” she said.

The world No. 2 further shed light on her cautious approach, emphasizing that she did not want to rush her return to the court.

“It was very important. In total, I had like 10 days and I have still a couple more to prepare. It depends also when it’s going to be my match, but we just don’t want to rush. Just taking my time to be 100% sure,” she added.

🚨BREAKING🚨 Elena Rybakina insisted that she is doing “everything possible” to compete at the US Open during our conversation at The Parliament

The World No. 2 was forced to retire against Iga Świątek in last week’s Cincinnati quarterfinals after suffering a left leg injury pic.twitter.com/JF6UkUnixv

— Matthew Neschis (@MNeschis) August 26, 2026

In addition to chasing her third Grand Slam title, Elena Rybakina has the opportunity to become the world No. 1 for the first time in her career at the US Open. She will secure the top spot if she reaches the semifinals in New York.

However, Rybakina could also rise to No. 1 without winning a single match if Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula all fail to win the title.

ALSO READ: ‘I Was Feeling Anxious’ – Iga Świątek, Alarmed by Elena Rybakina’s Exit, Calls Cincinnati Retirement ‘A Shame’

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The Jaguars and the Bucs have two joint practice sessions this week before playing in their third and final preseason game at EverBank Stadium on Saturday.

NFL Fans Blast Josh Hines-Allen’s Jab at Buccaneers

The Jaguars defensive end highlighted the Buccaneers’ rushes during the training session on Tuesday.

“I keep seeing these one-on-one rushes from Tampa Bay, those good rushes, but the way we was doing them boys on that other field. MAN!!!!” Hines-Allen wrote on X.

Bucs fans on X took exception to the defensive end’s conclusion about Tampa’s rushes.

A ‘USA Today Sports’ analyst was curious to see how the Jaguars and Bucs’ training session on Wednesday would go after Hines-Allen’s comment.

“Ya now I’m interested to see how practice goes down tomorrow lol this is crazy,” the analyst wrote.

Podcaster Samer Ali sarcastically applauded the Jaguars defensive back.

Everybody give him a pat on the back. Participation trophy generation… https://t.co/PM7Rf36sV6

— 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗶™ (@TheSamerAli) August 26, 2026

Another podcaster, Christopher Mathis, was shocked by Hines-Allen’s comment.

Shots fired at the Bucs… shocked to see this to be honest with you. After all, it’s a joint practice and you’re facing them again tomorrow. This should fire up Todd Bowles’ Bucs!#WeAreTheKrewe https://t.co/7EVxe5UL3m

— Christopher Mathis 🎙 (@thechrismathis) August 26, 2026

One fan was shocked that an NFL player was bragging about a joint practice session.

Not gna lie but this might be the first time EVER Ive seen a player brag about preseason joint practice reps 😂😂😭😭💀

— Mighty Matt 💪🏼 (@HskrsStarsBucs) August 26, 2026

Hines-Allen had a distinguished college football career playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. He won numerous individual accolades, including the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott Impact Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Jack Lambert Trophy. He was also a unanimous All-American and was named the 2018 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

The defensive end was selected No. 7 overall by the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most lethal defenders.

Hines-Allen was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and has earned two Pro Bowl nods in his NFL career.

Hines-Allen earned a PFN Edge Rusher Impact score of 80.2 (No. 23 in the NFL) and ranked No. 48 on the NFL Top 100 list. He tallied 49 total tackles (28 solo), 8 sacks, and 3 passes defended last season.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Green Bay Packers fans and Chicago Bears fans wasted little time clawing at each other’s throats once the uniforms were unveiled.

Packers and Bears Fans Roast 2026 Rivalries Uniforms

The Packers are scheduled to debut their new uniforms on October 11 at Lambeau Field when they face Chicago in the 214th meeting between the two historic rivals. The Bears will showcase their alternate look on Christmas Day when they welcome Green Bay to Soldier Field.

Green Bay’s new uniform features a desaturated vintage green jersey accented by delicate alabaster and gold stripes. The design is completed with alabaster pants and a matching matte helmet featuring green and gold striping.

On the other hand, Chicago went in a much bolder direction. The jersey features a navy base with orange numbers outlined in white, with bright orange pants.

The Packers-Bears rivalry is the oldest, most-played, and one of the most historic rivalries in NFL history. So, it did not take long for supporters from both sides to turn the uniform reveal into another chapter of their ongoing rivalry.

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“Welcome to Christmas Day on Netflix where we have the Green Bay Packers facing off against the Syracuse Orange, I mean the Indiana Bears, I mean the Chicago Bears,” one fan wrote, mocking Green Bay.

“Welcome in to Christmas Day on Netflix where we have the Green Bay Packers facing off against the Syracuse Orange, I mean the Indiana Bears, I mean the Chicago Bears” pic.twitter.com/0BKya16RGj

— Matthew S. (@MatthewMKE98) August 25, 2026

“Acting like the Packers unis aren’t knock off baylor unis, ok bro,” one comment read.

Acting like the packers unis aren’t knock off baylor unis😭😭 ok bro

— Mills (@MillsHernandezz) August 25, 2026

When asked which of the two were better, one fan remarked, “Packers easily lol those Bears ones are gross.”

“Those Packers joints look AWFUL. The North Dakota State Packers,” one person wrote.

Those Packers joints look AWFUL. The North Dakota State Packers.

— Emm to the MF Jay (@mjdoesthings) August 25, 2026

When asked to pick between the two, one fan added, “As a Bears fan, Packers.”

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The intensity of the Packers-Bears rivalry has never been limited to the fans. Players have also played a major role in adding memorable moments to one of the NFL’s longest-running rivalries.

Before leaving Green Bay, former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers became part of the rivalry’s history with his famous “I still own you” declaration toward a Bears fan. The comment quickly became one of the most recognizable taunts in professional sports and added another unforgettable moment to the rivalry’s long history.

However, the new rivalry uniforms are not exclusive to Green Bay and Chicago. During the 2026 season, every team from the NFC North and AFC South will receive a newly designed uniform to wear during a home game against a divisional rival.

The collection is part of a league-wide collaboration between Nike and the NFL. The initiative began in 2025 with the goal of giving rivalry games an even stronger identity through specially designed Nike uniforms and accompanying fan merchandise.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

A new offensive coordinator has brought changes, but Hurts has endured a difficult stretch during training camp. Now, a mistake in practice has given Micah Parsons’ brother a chance to join the conversation around Philadelphia’s quarterback.

Micah Parsons’ Brother Takes Aim at Jalen Hurts’ Pick-Six

Hurts’ latest turnover came during a practice session at Lincoln Financial Field, where cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted him twice. The second pick became a touchdown, and the play made its way onto social media after Philly sports personality Victor Williams posted a video of it on X.

Terrence Parsons Jr., the brother of Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons, reshared the clip with a short message aimed directly at Hurts.

“What about Hurts lmfaoooo,” Terrence wrote.

What about hurts lmfaoooo https://t.co/7GphBtHlkj

— Terrence Parsons Jr (@Tpars_boii) August 26, 2026

The post arrived during a difficult stretch for Hurts, who has struggled with turnovers while Philadelphia installs a revamped offense under coordinator Sean Mannion. His recent practices have included several interceptions, giving opponents and fans plenty to discuss before the regular season begins.

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Hurts also had a rough two-day stretch against the New England Patriots, throwing five interceptions across joint practices. He had three interceptions in one session while finishing 19-of-27 without a touchdown during Aug. 19’s practice.

Through 16 practices this summer, Hurts has thrown 13 interceptions. The figure stands out because he threw just 15 across his previous four training camps combined.

Still, Hurts’ regular-season track record provides important context. In 2025, he completed 64.8% of his passes for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also ran for 421 yards and eight touchdowns, making his dual-threat ability a key part of Philadelphia’s offense.

The Eagles will begin their regular season Sept. 13 against the Washington Commanders, giving Hurts a short window to turn the narrative around.

The social media criticism certainly paints a bad picture for Hurts, and his response should come once Philadelphia opens its season. His interceptions from practice won’t count then, but he will have to improve in the games that matter to climb up from last season’s 16th position in PFN’s NFL QB Impact ranking.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

What Jessica Pegula Said About Her Parents’ Personalities

Pegula arrived at the US Open on the back of runner-up finishes at the Mubadala DC Open and the Cincinnati Open. Riding on that momentum, the American will be aiming to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title at the New York Major when the singles contest gets underway on Sunday, August 30.

Ahead of her campaign, Pegula sat down with Jon Wertheim for a Sports Illustrated interview in which she offered insight into her personality.

After being praised for her leadership skills, the 32-year-old attributed the quality to her directness and communication abilities, traits she believes she inherited from her mother, Kim, who has been incapacitated since suffering a cardiac arrest in 2022.

“Well, that’s a nice compliment. I’m very direct, and I think I’m very honest. But I also think I communicate it pretty well, where it’s not taken the wrong way. But I’m definitely pretty direct, and I think I don’t know if I got that from my mom,” Pegula said.

“I want to say I think she was the same way: very direct with what she thought, and I think [she] was pretty thoughtful in the way she always put things, whether it was to employees or to us or stuff around work. So I think I probably got it from my mom,” she added.

The world No. 3 revealed that she and her mother had a different temperament from her father Terry’s more emotional personality, saying, “We weren’t super emotional. I would say my dad’s probably a little bit more emotional. I think my mom and I were definitely more the same personality, like kind of laid back.”

In contrast to her laid-back demeanor, Pegula shared that her mind typically races during matches and that she often talks to herself on the court.

“I’m very laid back, but at the same time, I’m thinking a lot out on the court, and so I think maybe some people think I just kind of just go with whatever’s happening on the court. But I’m actually thinking quite a bit—like a lot. I talk to myself a lot. I’m constantly running,” she said.

The world No. 3 disclosed that the same trait carried over when she played other sports recreationally, much to the exasperation of her husband, Taylor Gahagen, during golf sessions.

“I think when I’m competing—even when I play other sports for fun—I love to just talk to myself and talk myself through things a lot of the time out loud,” she added. “And that’s where, like my husband, if we’re playing golf, he’s just like, Just hit the ball. I need to talk through things, so maybe it’s a little contradictory with my laid-backness.”

MORE: Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff Applaud Emma Navarro’s Billionaire Parents at Cincinnati Open – ‘You’ve Been Great to Me’

Jessica Pegula has already begun her US Open campaign, competing in the mixed doubles event alongside fellow American Taylor Fritz. The duo failed to make a deep run in the contest, as Diana Shnaider and Casper Ruud claimed a 4-2, 4-1 victory in their first-round clash.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

New York is sending offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to Kansas City in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, sparking reactions from fans of both teams, who didn’t exactly see this move coming.

Giants, Chiefs Fans React as Joshua Ezeudu Gets Traded to Kansas City

New York selected Ezeudu with the 67th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started 10 games at guard and tackle between 2022 and 2024, but he spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve.

Ezeudu spent much of the summer working at right tackle before moving back inside to guard. However, he missed New York’s last two practices after suffering a leg injury during Saturday’s preseason game with the Miami Dolphins, which the Giants won 26-3.

Ezeudu’s trade to the Chiefs is interesting because it marks the second offensive lineman the Giants have moved in the past week. New York previously sent guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Ezeudu’s departure prompted several reactions from Giants fans and members of the team’s media community.

“This might be the most random trade of all time. Good deal for the Giants, though. Once again getting an asset for a playing that was likely getting cut. Better to get something than nothing,” Fireside Giants’ host Anthony Rivardo wrote.

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This might be the most random trade of all time. Good deal for the Giants though. Once again getting an asset for a playing that was likely getting cut. Better to get something than nothing. https://t.co/uLOpA3BAXy

— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) August 26, 2026

“Just a tad surprised because Ezeudu actually looked solid at guard this summer. [Expletive] that he got hurt recently. But hey, at least they’re getting picks for players they don’t want to hold onto anymore, something the previous staff didn’t do,” one said.

“WHOA. I thought Josh was slated for that RG2 spot. (Evan) Neal must be impressing. Giants are moving different than they have in the past. Moving players for any type of picks,” a fan said.

Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor also showed his support for Ezeudu.

“Straight BALLER wish nothing but the best for my brother!!” he wrote.

Straight BALLER wish nothing but the best for my brother!! 🤞🏽 https://t.co/CxA4PtCYST

— Jermaine Eluemunor (@JEluemunor) August 26, 2026

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For Kansas City, Ezeudu’s move addresses a depth concern that has lingered along the interior of the offensive line. The Chiefs have been looking for more reliable depth behind left guard Kingsley Suamataia and right guard Trey Smith.

Before acquiring Ezeudu, Mike Caliendo was the only interior backup with significant experience, while Kahlil Benson had been viewed as the team’s top backup lineman when the preseason began.

The Chiefs’ move immediately generated excitement among their fan base.

“Woah!!!!” Chief Concerns page tweeted.

Woah!!!! https://t.co/qWymOjTn8N

— Chief Concerns (@ConcernsChief) August 26, 2026

“Nothing to do with timing. At least not as it relates to Smith and/or (Josh) Simmons. This is a Caliendo move most likely; outside chance it’s a Benson move(attempt to stash him). Jaylon (Moore) was always going to be the starting RT,” Arrowhead Live wrote.

Ezeudu brings versatility to Kansas City after spending much of his NFL career at tackle despite playing primarily at guard in college. At North Carolina, he appeared in 36 games and made 28 starts, including 20 at left guard, six at left tackle and two at right tackle.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

With the regular season quickly approaching, former 49ers star and three-time Pro Bowler Donte Whitner weighed in on the situation following the news of Evans’ injury.

Donte Whitner Reveals What Really Worries Him About 49ers Star Mike Evans’ Injury

Evans did not practice on Tuesday due to injury, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. The absence comes after Evans exited practice early twice over the previous week.

The veteran wide receiver has already dealt with several injury issues during training camp and has yet to appear in a preseason game for the Niners since joining this offseason.

These injury setbacks have raised more concerns about Evans’ readiness for the upcoming season, with Whitner keeping a close eye on the situation.

“At first, when I looked at Mike Evans missing practice, I thought, ‘It’s August. Veteran maintenance, no big deal.’ But now that we know he’s dealing with a quad injury, that changes the conversation for me because one missed practice is maintenance,” Whitner said on the “Grit Code Podcast” on Tuesday.

“Multiple missed practices with an actual injury, now I’m paying attention.

“Mike Evans is a veteran. He doesn’t need every training camp rep to understand how to play receiver, but he does need those legs. Your quad affects explosion. Your ability to get in and out of breaks and your ability to accelerate downfield. And here’s what concerns me: soft tissue injuries have a way of lingering. You feel good, you come back, you open up at full speed, and there it is again.”

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Mike Evans missing one practice? Veteran maintenance.

Multiple missed practices with a quad injury? Now I’m watching. 👀

Soft-tissue injuries linger. The question is whether his body lets him go.

🎙️ Apple | Spotify | https://t.co/GMVJV4TXWy@DonteWhitner @rodbrooksTV pic.twitter.com/fpAQ90D8Jv

— Grit Code Podcast (@thegritcode) August 24, 2026

Injuries have increasingly affected Evans over the last few seasons. He missed three games in 2024 because of hamstring problems and appeared in only eight games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year after injuries derailed his campaign. He ended up recording 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the wide receiver should be back in practice next week before leaving for Australia. However, Whitner is bothered about Evans returning to his early dominant form.

“I’m not panicking over Mike Evans, but I’m definitely watching him because the question isn’t whether Mike Evans knows how to get ready for Week 1,” Whitner said. “The question is whether his body is going to let him get ready, because other times he is undefeated, and he will sneak up on you.”

Whitner isn’t wrong about Evans’ caliber, as the wide receiver recorded his 11th-consecutive 1,000-yard season in the league in 2024. He finished that season with an 80.7 PFN WR Impact grade, ranking No. 15 in the league.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The 49ers CEO was also fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools. The eyebrow-raising turn of events drew takes and remarks from all quarters, with one former Niners star raising some pointed questions in the aftermath.

Ex-49ers Safety Blasts Jed York’s Conduct

During Monday’s segment of the “Grit Code” podcast, former Niners safety Donte Whitner demanded accountability from York after his embarrassing arrest.

“I’ve got one question: does ‘protect the shield’ only apply to the players?” Whitner asked.

“Because players hear it from Day 1, ‘Don’t embarrass the league, don’t embarrass the organization. Don’t become a distraction, represent the shield.’ When a player [expletive] up, everybody questions his character, judgment, maturity and whether he can represent the organization.

“Keep that same energy when it’s the owner because protecting the shield should start with the people who own the shield. When the owner becomes the story, the whole franchise wears it. Players get fined, suspended and called into meetings. So, who calls the owner upstairs? Who tells Jed, ‘You embarrassed the organization?’ Who gives him the speech about decision-making?”

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York has been the franchise’s CEO since 2008 and the majority owner since 2024. Under his leadership, the 49ers have made the Super Bowl three times and he was responsible for the team’s move to Levi’s Stadium in 2014. He hired coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch in 2017.

York is also the co-owner of Scottish football team Rangers F.C. and English side Leeds United.

According to documents filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, in May.

While speaking to the press this week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan denied that York’s arrest would affect the team’s preparation for the season.

“My view is, as the coach, does it affect us as a team?” Shanahan said. “From a football standpoint, it has no effect on us. As far as what we do day to day, what we talk about, [it] hasn’t been mentioned in a meeting today, it doesn’t have to do with what happens on the field.”

The 49ers have been the subject of several column inches during the NFL offseason, with issues ranging from season-ending injuries to Shanahan’s car accident and now York’s arrest.

An NFL spokesperson revealed that York’s arrest would be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The remark dates back to the blockbuster Deshaun Watson trade in 2022, a deal that continues to divide opinions on both sides.

Browns-Texans Feud Reignites Over Deshaun Watson Saga

During an August 2024 appearance on the Ultimate Fan podcast, McNair discussed the Watson trade and jokingly asked, “Have you thanked a Brown lately?” She then added, “I thank ’em for all of our players.”

The comment quickly became a reminder of how differently the two franchises viewed the trade.

On March 18, 2022, Houston sent Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick to Cleveland. In return, the Texans received six draft picks, including three first-round selections, along with fourth- and third-round picks.

Houston used that draft capital to help rebuild its roster, with Will Anderson Jr. becoming one of the most notable players acquired through the picks.

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For Browns fans, however, the trade remains a source of frustration. Cleveland gave Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but injuries and suspension limited him to fewer than 20 starts during his first four seasons with the team.

With McNair’s comment resurfacing, fans from both sides quickly reignited the debate.

One Browns fan directed the frustration toward team owner Jimmy Haslam, writing, “Sell the team, Haslam, go.” Another called Cleveland, “Literally a laughing stock.”

However, Texans fans did not sit back either. One fan pushed back at Houston, writing, “And they haven’t done [expletive] with it,” referring to the picks the team received.

Another went even further, criticizing the Texans while defending Cleveland: “Still a poverty franchise. Still haven’t won [explicit]. Still worse than Watson. [Explicit] the Texans.”

The debate also brought renewed criticism of Houston’s handling of Watson.

One NFL analyst argued, “Pretty crazy that Mr McNair has gotten off completely free.”

Another person shifted the focus back to the draft picks Houston received, claiming, “Lol they botched almost every pick Cleveland traded them.”

The disagreement shows that neither fanbase has completely moved on from the trade.

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Deshaun Watson Begins Another Chapter

The Browns are now entering another season with Watson at the center of their quarterback plans.

After competing with Shedeur Sanders in preseason, Watson was named Cleveland’s Week 1 starter despite his struggles and the backlash from Browns fans.

That decision could add another layer to the long-running debate over the Watson trade.

For Houston, the deal remains a major part of its rebuilding story. For Cleveland, Watson’s performance will continue to determine whether the franchise can finally justify the enormous price it paid.

Years later, one comment from McNair was enough to bring the old argument back to life.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

But there’s one reason why former MVP Boomer Esiason believes York is unlikely to face any punishment from the league.

Former MVP Predicts No Punishment for 49ers Owner Jed York

York was arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, during an undercover operation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.

According to court documents, York responded to an online advertisement and offered $140 in exchange for sexual activity. He was initially charged with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools, but the former charge was amended to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

York pleaded no contest to both charges. He received credit for one day served in jail, paid a $1,150 fine, forfeited $160, and was ordered to complete an online course.

Despite the legal outcome, Esiason does not expect the NFL to take action. “The NFL’s not gonna do anything. It’s a misdemeanor. They’re not gonna do anything,” Esiason remarked.

Boomer and Gio can’t believe some of the aspects of the “sad, strange” Jed York story: pic.twitter.com/sDkHlNcPBC

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) August 25, 2026

The NFL has confirmed that it is aware of the situation and will review it under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. The 49ers, meanwhile, said the legal matter had been resolved but declined to provide further comment.

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Mike Florio Calls for Accountability

Not everyone expects the league to leave the matter alone.

NFL analyst Mike Florio believes York should face some form of discipline, particularly because he pleaded no contest to the charges.

“The fact that he pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct means he absolutely should be, if there is any fairness, equity at all between players and owners, he’ll receive some form of discipline,” Florio said.

Florio’s comments raise questions about whether the NFL applies its conduct standards consistently across the board.

The league’s Personal Conduct Policy states that owners and senior executives are held to a higher standard than players, yet players have historically faced fines and suspensions for off-field incidents, while consequences for owners have been far less common.

For now, the NFL has only said that it will review York’s case.

If the league ultimately takes no action, it could add to the criticism that owners face fewer consequences for off-field conduct than the players who represent their franchises on the field.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

John Middlekauff Expects Consequences for Niners Owner Jed York

York, the team’s principal owner, pleaded no contest to misdemeanour charges in Ohio after being arrested in a prostitution-related case. The NFL has said it will review the matter under its personal conduct policy, leaving York facing the possibility of discipline from the league.

Former Philadelphia Eagles scout John Middlekauff believes the NFL will act soon.

“I can’t believe a sober human being would attempt that,” Middlekauff said. “The problem with that argument is it was 9:35 in the morning.“

“One of the most EMBARRASSING moments in NFL history.”@JohnMiddlekauff reacts to 49ers owner Jed York’s arrest in an alleged prostitution sting and the potential fallout for the NFL owner. pic.twitter.com/NePjxHeUby

— 3 & OUT with John Middlekauff (@3andout_pod) August 26, 2026

York was arrested Sunday at 9:35 a.m. at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, Ohio. According to court records, authorities said York responded to an undercover advertisement on a prostitution website and arranged to meet a woman for sexual activity in exchange for $140.

He arrived at the meeting location with the cellphone used to arrange the meeting and was arrested by East Palestine police, who were assisting the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.

The original charge of engaging in prostitution was later amended to disorderly conduct as part of a plea agreement. York also pleaded no contest to possessing criminal tools. He was fined $1,150 and sentenced to one day in jail on each charge, with the days already considered served. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released on his own recognizance.

The legal case is now resolved. The NFL matter is not.

The league said Monday that it’s “aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.” The policy applies to owners and other club and league personnel, not just players, and gives commissioner Roger Goodell the authority to impose discipline when warranted.

For Middlekauff, the situation is difficult to separate from the position York holds.

“One of the most embarrassing moments I ever remember in the history of the NFL,” he said. “To have a guy that runs one of the most prominent franchises in American sports get arrested for a sting in a trailer park, soliciting; the league is going to suspend.”

The league’s policy specifically says owners and club or league management have traditionally been held to a higher standard and can face more discipline when violations occur. It also says conduct that is illegal or irresponsible can damage the reputation of others associated with the game and weaken public confidence in the NFL.

That does not guarantee a suspension for York. The NFL has taken different approaches in past cases involving owners.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Just two years later, with 10 games of experience under his belt, the Vikings have handed the starting role to Kyler Murray, leaving McCarthy on the outside looking in and raising questions over his immediate future in the Twin Cities.

J.J. McCarthy May Not Be a Viking for Much Longer

After being drafted in the first round, injuries derailed his rookie season, forcing the Vikings to move forward with Sam Darnold. Despite over 4,000 yards and a 14-3 record, the team chose to show trust in McCarthy, letting Darnold walk in free agency.

As a result, McCarthy was named the starter for the 2025 campaign. But the results were far from perfect. Playing in just 10 games, he totalled a mere 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns, and threw 12 interceptions.

A factor on the ground, he ran for 181 yards and four touchdowns, but when all was said and done, he was far from the ideal quarterback the Vikings had anticipated, finishing at number 34 (out of 39) in PFN’s QB Impact Metrics.

This offseason hasn’t changed a lot of opinions about him. After bringing in Murray in free agency, head coach Kevin O’Connell wanted a quarterback battle between the two. But it was made official earlier this month that the team would be rolling with the former Arizona Cardinals star.

From there, though, things have quickly deteriorated for McCarthy. After underwhelming showings in the first two preseason games, Mike Florio of NBC Sports had an eyebrow-raising update on his future with the Vikings.

“With J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz reportedly splitting second-team reps on Tuesday, McCarthy could be gone by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53,” Florio remarked, leaving fans understandably stunned.

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Given how much the Vikings have already invested in the youngster, Nick Wilson of 92.3 The Fan exclaimed, “Waiving McCarthy would be a wild development.”

“McCarthy could be in danger of not being on the roster by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53. The Vikings undoubtedly would try to trade him…The Vikings may have to pay a significant chunk of the money in order to facilitate a deal.”

Ooofta, could be a wild week if it plays… https://t.co/4UG9sr14oK

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 25, 2026

One fan detailed, “Ooofta, could be a wild week if it plays out like Florio is opining.”

Some fans, though, saw this as an inevitability. One fan, “If the Vikings could franchise tag Kyler, JJ would be gone.” Given the new wave of athletes trying to return to the collegiate landscape if their NFL career doesn’t pan out, one person joked, “He can go back to Michigan.”

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However, there were a few folks who were ready to defend the youngster.

Jeff Sunday was shocked the Vikings were trying to move in this direction, believing it to be terribly unfair to their former first-round pick.

“What an absolute embarrassment out of Minnesota right now. Listen, I’m no GM, I’m no scout, I’m no draft expert, but I was certainly against the Minnesota Vikings drafting J.J. McCarthy, the handout merchant out of Michigan, tenth overall,” he noted.

I’m not even a JJ McCarthy fan but it is INSANE to give up on him already https://t.co/XKWopqGk5w pic.twitter.com/J0gkE113yj

— Jeff Sunday (@TheDegenWeekly) August 26, 2026

But that didn’t excuse what the Vikings were doing.

“You draft a guy, he’s hurt his entire rookie season, his first full year that he’s healthy, you send him out Week 1 on the road against a divisional opponent, he wins, and guess what? He regresses. He’s not very good in his first year playing quarterback, when he was far from ready. That’s it? Year 3, he’s done? He’s done?”

Finally, he concluded, “This is insanity to give up on a dude you drafted 10th overall at the most important position in all of sports that takes probably the most time to get right and play. Crazy.”

It remains to be seen if the Vikings actually go through with such a move. But for the time being, all signs are indicating that McCarthy’s time could be nearing an end in Minnesota. Between cutting or trading him, though, the latter is a far more viable option.

But as an extremely young prospect, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that he gets another shot somewhere else. That would allow McCarthy to have a fresh start, while allowing the Vikings to recover some assets at the very least.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and Denver Broncos great Peyton Manning also looked back on a memorable moment he shared with the country music icon.

His message centered on the connection Parton had with a state she represented with pride.

Peyton Manning Honors Dolly Parton After Country Music Icon’s Death

Manning shared his tribute on Instagram Tuesday night, pairing his words with photos from Parton’s memorable appearance at Neyland Stadium in 2023.

The former quarterback had escorted Parton onto the field before a Vols game, creating one of the most memorable intersections of Tennessee football and country music.

Parton arrived in her signature rhinestone-covered outfit and joined the university’s band for a performance of “Rocky Top.” More than 100,000 fans watched as the country music star performed inside Neyland Stadium.

Manning captioned the post while mourning Parton’s death at 80.

“There was only one Dolly, and I feel lucky to have known her,” Manning wrote. “We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peyton Manning (@peytonmanning)

The tribute held added meaning because Manning remains closely connected to Tennessee football. Before his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, he became one of the Volunteers’ most recognizable quarterbacks.

Parton died Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist. She had been hospitalized at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in the days leading up to her death, while her family kept details about her condition private.

Her career, which spanned more than six decades, made her one of the country’s biggest stars, but her impact reached much further. Parton wrote thousands of songs and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, while her charitable work became another defining part of her public life.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, millions of books have reached children through early literacy programs around the world. Her work in education and philanthropy helped expand her influence far beyond the stage.

President Donald Trump said Dolly Parton’s death was a major loss for millions of people and praised her as one of the greatest country singers ever.

In a statement, Trump wrote, “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

Trump also announced that the American flag would be lowered across the United States for one week in Parton’s honor, beginning at 6 p.m. He ended his message by writing, “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton’s family now plans to hold a private funeral for relatives and close friends.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

DeMita argued that outside commentators are using the controversy to turn the sport into a ‘laughingstock’ and urged leadership to step in and protect the players.

Rachel DeMita Urges WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert To End Transgender Eligibility Controversy

The WNBA has found itself at the center of a massive media circus, fueled by courtside confrontations and off-court debates.

The tension reached a boiling point during a matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, when former NBA center Enes Kanter sat baseline wearing a shirt touching on the transgender athlete debate following his viral declaration for the 2027 WNBA Draft.

After a heated on-court confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud, security stepped in and escorted Kanter out of Wintrust Arena. Cloud’s postgame actions only added more fuel to the story, turning a single basketball game into a week-long national debate.

RELATED: ‘The League Is Becoming a Laughing Stock’ – Ex-Indiana Coach Slams Cathy Engelbert’s Performance As WNBA Commissioner

For sports host DeMita, the constant side-show has officially crossed a line.

Speaking on her Courtside Club podcast, she pointed out that the outrage isn’t even coming from actual women’s basketball fans. Instead, outside commentators and viral personalities are simply hijacking the league for easy content.

“The people who are talking about this and making it a big story, clearly they’re bored right now and they have nothing else to talk about… So, they’re picking the WNBA. It’s not WNBA fans who care about this… It is people outside the WNBA who care about this. And they are using this as their new story of the week,” DeMita said.

Cathy Englebert has done a really bad job handling this situation pic.twitter.com/0S212ImZCj

— Courtside Club (@CourtsideClub_) August 25, 2026

DeMita made it clear that the responsibility to stop the circus falls squarely on WNBA Commissioner Engelbert, urging her to stop avoiding the issue, step up as a leader, and protect both the league’s reputation and its players from outside harassment.

“Cathy needs to say something, needs to put her foot down, or needs to stop whatever this is. It can’t snowball anymore,” DeMita emphasized.

“Cathy needs to protect her players… Needs to protect her league… These players are now making millions of dollars, they shouldn’t be able to still be the laughingstock of sports. You got to figure it out,” she added.

DON’T MISS: ‘Why Does He Want To Play With Women?’ – NBA Champion Goes Ballistic on Enes Kanter’s Trans-Athlete Stunt

DeMita urged the front office to tighten venue security, coordinate directly with team organizations, and take the heat as leadership should.

With the WNBA enjoying unprecedented popularity, drawing a firm line is the only way to stop outside noise from overshadowing the real basketball on the floor.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The Dallas Wings star followed a 32-point eruption against the Seattle Storm with another brilliant all-around outing, posting 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 96-78 win over the Portland Fire.

Her latest feat put her in rare company alongside Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum, sending the WNBA world into a frenzy.

WNBA World Erupts As Paige Bueckers Joins Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum In Record Books

With Tuesday’s masterclass, the sophomore guard reached 750 points and 200 assists in a single season. Only Clark and Plum had previously touched the milestone, with Clark doing so twice.

The NBA’s official X account highlighted Bueckers’ achievement, writing:

“CLARK, PLUM… AND NOW BUECKERS! Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark (2x) and Kelsey Plum as the ONLY players in WNBA history to total 750+ PTS and 200+ AST in a single season 🔥.”

CLARK, PLUM… AND NOW BUECKERS!

Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark (2x) and Kelsey Plum as the ONLY players in WNBA history to total 750+ PTS and 200+ AST in a single season 🔥

Watch Portland/Dallas on NBA TV. pic.twitter.com/V4IJjntpOL

— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2026

The latest milestone was only part of Bueckers’ statistical assault. According to Real App, she now owns the most games in a single WNBA season with at least 20 points, 10 assists and 1 or fewer turnovers.

The Wings star has also become the first player in franchise history to post 20 points and 10 assists while shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.

Following Bueckers’ record-breaking performance against the Fire, her supporters flooded social media with praise.

“She is absolutely generational! To be in the same company as Clark and Plum in her rookie years is insane,” one Bueckers supporter gushed.

She is absolutely generational! To be in the same company as Clark and Plum in her rookie years is insane

— 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒂 (@HoudaOnX) August 26, 2026

Another Bueckers loyalist was already looking toward a future Hall of Fame résumé, raving:

“Already catching up with Clark in just one season lol. Future HOF career.”

Already catching up with Clark in just one season lol. Future HOF career

— Offline (@OfflineProphe) August 26, 2026

“Paige is that girl fr, but Clark doing it twice is just nasty work,” one X user added.

motion 🔥🔥🔥

— profitbydre.eth (@profitbydre) August 26, 2026

One X user simply marveled at Bueckers’ record-breaking feat:

“Motion🔥🔥🔥.”

motion 🔥🔥🔥

— profitbydre.eth (@profitbydre) August 26, 2026

Another X user summed up Bueckers’ place alongside Clark and Plum in the WNBA record books in two words:

“Elite company 💪.”

Elite company 💪

— bolabasket (@bolabasket95) August 26, 2026

Bueckers’ latest performance came at a critical juncture for Dallas. The Wings have now won three straight games and improved to 23-16, officially clinching a spot in the 2026 WNBA playoffs.

MORE: ‘What a Joke’ — Pundit Scoffs as Sky Owner Michael Alter Labels Enes Kanter a ‘Potential Threat’ in Polarizing Wintrust Arena Ban

The postseason return carries extra weight for the franchise. Dallas is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2023, ending a three-year wait. Bueckers has played a major role in that turnaround, leading the team with a career-best 20.6 points per game.

The Wings and Bueckers will return to action against the bottom-dwelling Connecticut Sun on Sunday. It will offer the 2025 Rookie of the Year another opportunity to build on her momentum before the playoff battle begins.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

After Whittingham rejected the idea that he needs to personally hate Ryan Day and Bryce Underwood called Ohio State “just another game,” Meyer offered a very different philosophy. For the former Buckeyes coach, hatred does not have to be personal to be useful.

Urban Meyer Says Hatred Has a Place in The Game

During a recent The Triple Option podcast episode, Meyer said he never personally hated Jim Harbaugh or Brady Hoke, but that distinction disappeared once Michigan became the opponent.

“Do I hate them? Absolutely, I hate them, and that’s your job to hate them,” Meyer said. “You got to play the game.”

Meyer predicted Whittingham may develop more of that edge after his first trip to Columbus as Michigan’s head coach. More importantly, he argued that a coach at either program has to understand what the rivalry means to the people around it.

“You’re not going to change that,” Meyer said. “So play the game.”

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Meyer then took the argument beyond rivalry theater. He said love, fear, and hate were the three greatest motivators he used when preparing his teams, and he deliberately tried to create situations that made his players angry before games.

“I wanted my team so angry coming out of that tunnel that they played with nastiness and violence to them,” Meyer said.

There is some history behind the conviction. Meyer went 7-0 against Michigan during his seven seasons at Ohio State, never experiencing the rivalry from the losing locker room.

Bryce Underwood Adds Another Layer to Michigan’s Approach

Whittingham’s comments drew attention after he said a rivalry can be intense without a “hatred factor” and questioned whether hating Ohio State would improve Michigan’s chances of winning.

Underwood then told NBC Sports’ John Fanta in an original interview that the Buckeyes are “just another game, just guys in a different color.”

Asked Bryce Underwood about The Game.

Here is what the Michigan QB had to say: pic.twitter.com/Gi7s4KCGby

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) August 11, 2026

Underwood will have a chance to test that approach again after a difficult first appearance in The Game. Ohio State beat Michigan 27-9 last November, with Underwood completing eight of 18 passes for 63 yards and an interception.

His freshman season still showed plenty of upside. Underwood finished with a 78.0 PFSN QB Impact grade, ranking No. 79 nationally, while throwing for 2,428 yards and adding 392 rushing yards.

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Michigan travels to Columbus on Nov. 28 for the 122nd meeting between the programs. Whittingham has made clear that he desperately wants to win it, even if he does not embrace the language surrounding it.

Meyer’s message is simpler. In this rivalry, hatred is not supposed to describe the person across the field. It is supposed to help beat the colors they are wearing.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Carrington’s brief appearance quickly caused a buzz on social media.

After a difficult stretch, Sky coach Tyler Marsh kept her on the bench to start the second quarter, with the team later announcing that she would not return because of the injury.

DiJonai Carrington’s 4-Minute Appearance Sparks WNBA Reactions as Sky Suffer Another Loss to Connecticut

Marsh had already acknowledged before the game that the Sky were monitoring Carrington’s foot. She was downgraded to questionable before eventually being cleared a few hours before tip-off.

Carrington entered with 4:05 left in the first quarter for Natasha Cloud, but things did not go her way. She missed a 13-footer, grabbed a rebound, committed back-to-back turnovers, and picked up a foul.

She then missed a 3-pointer, ending a forgettable four-minute stint.

Once the Sky announced that Carrington would not return, reactions quickly followed.

Status alert: DiJonai Carrington (foot) won’t return Tuesday.

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 26, 2026

“CC broke her,” a WNBA observer wrote.

CC broke her

— the sport guy (@thesportguy9999) August 26, 2026

“Can we just end our season after tonight?” a Sky supporter couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“Why cause she embarrassed herself last game?” an X user added.

“Yeah, I bet this about the other night it’s some dysfunction going on,” another X user remarked.

Yeah I bet this about the other night it’s some dysfunction going on

— Tim Moore (@TimMoore44551) August 26, 2026

The references to Caitlin Clark were not random. Carrington’s previous appearance came against the Indiana Fever. She finished that outing with 7 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a block in Chicago’s 113-90 loss.

Clark, meanwhile, put together a spectacular performance with 37 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 8-for-12 from 3-point range, along with 10 assists and 3 rebounds.

That performance gave some fans plenty of ammunition to bring Clark back into the conversation after Carrington’s latest setback.

With the Sky already out of postseason contention, some supporters are now calling for the team to shut down Carrington rather than risk worsening her foot issue.

“Atp I say they just rest her for the rest of the season to prevent another injury,” a UConn and Warriors supporter tweeted.

atp i say they just rest her for the rest of the season to prevent another injury

— miranda (@eaglesfan123455) August 26, 2026

A self-proclaimed movie and sports expert appeared at a loss for words and used a GIF to express his thoughts on Carrington’s injury.

The 28-year-old guard has dealt with recurring problems in her left foot. She suffered a left mid-foot sprain while with the Minnesota Lynx last year, underwent surgery, and missed Chicago’s first 27 games of the season while recovering.

SEE ALSO: ‘This Is Embarrassing’ – WNBA World Reacts As Sky Officially Declare Enes Kanter Is Not Allowed Into Chicago’s Arena

She has now been limited to 11 games because of the nagging issue.

For Carrington and the Sky, the immediate priority is simple: make sure the injury does not become something bigger. With the postseason already out of reach, there is little reason to rush her back.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The performance also gave Philadelphia Eagles fans another reason to revisit their frustration with former passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo. His coaching in Miami is already facing criticism before the games start counting.

Eagles Fans Rip Kevin Patullo After Dolphins’ Rough Practice Session

Miami’s offense could not find much success during Tuesday’s 11-on-11 work. Malik Willis threw interceptions to Willie Gay Jr. and Jackson Woodard, while Quinn Ewers also gave the defense a turnover. Max Llewellyn repeatedly pressured the quarterbacks, creating several plays that would have resulted in sacks during a live game.

Willis eventually brought the offense together for a mid-practice huddle as the unit tried to reset. However, there was no improvement, and it further puts pressure on the Dolphins, who ranked 25th in 2025’s PFN NFL Offense Impact.

That effort did not stop the reaction online, with Eagles fans trolling Patullo, bidding good riddance to the man who was their offensive coordinator last season.

NFL analyst Brian Drake was among the first to take a harsh view of Miami’s situation. He wrote on X, “This tank job is going to be one for the ages in Miami.”

This is tank job is going to be one for the ages in Miami. https://t.co/nqRRbkxqMe

— Brian Drake (@DrakeFantasy) August 25, 2026

The Dolphins have placed significant responsibility on Willis after giving him a three-year, $67.5 million contract, with $45 million fully guaranteed. With Miami rebuilding parts of its roster, the quarterback will have to develop while working in a new system.

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Philly Nation focused on that combination of personnel and coaching, writing, “They signed Malik Willis and hired Kevin Patullo to run the pass game with Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington as the WR1 & 2. This tank job is going to be so [expletive] hilarious.”

Another analyst, Nico, took a different approach and questioned whether Miami should keep its starters on the field until they finally produce a touchdown. He wrote, “The starting O shouldn’t be allowed to hit the sideline on Friday night until they score a TD.”

The starting O shouldn’t be allowed to hit the sideline on Friday night until they score a TD https://t.co/W8mjeySEzS

— Nico (@elitetakes_) August 25, 2026

Friday’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons could provide the offense with a chance to respond. Atlanta plans to play its starters, giving Miami a difficult test before the regular season begins.

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Still, the Eagles-related criticism centered on Patullo’s previous opportunity in Philadelphia.

One analyst questioned how he could make Miami’s offense work after working with a much stronger group in Philadelphia, writing, “If Kevin Patullo couldn’t put it together with Saquon, AJ, Smitty, Goedert & Jalen then what made them think he could figure it out with that roster.”

If Kevin Patullo couldn’t put it together with Saquon, AJ, Smitty, Goedert & Jalen then what made them think he could figure it out with that roster 😭 https://t.co/58J3cxUsDg

— That Hurts (@That_Hurts) August 25, 2026

Another fan responded with pure sarcasm, writing, “A Kevin Patullo coordinated offense being a disaster? You don’t say.”

A Kevin Patullo coordinated offense being a disaster?

You dont say 🐸🍵 https://t.co/6GOlpUmgfX

— David (@dmaco215) August 25, 2026

One person launched sarcasm at Patullo’s current responsibilities, writing, “I’m sure the passing game coordinator over there should be able to help Malik get the offense back on track before the season.”

Miami’s defense at least provided some positives during the session. Woodard and Keith Cooper Jr. stood out, while Gay and Cam Riley each recorded interceptions. However, injuries have also created problems, with Trey Moore headed for surgery and Kenneth Grant ruled out against Atlanta.

Still, if the team continues with the same effort, they are more likely to climb the PFN NFL Defense Impact chart from last season’s 27th rank.

The Dolphins now have one more preseason game to address their offensive issues.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The Tar Heels head coach noted that mobile quarterbacks represent one of the clearest differences between coaching in college football and the NFL, forcing defenses to prepare for a playmaking element that shows up on nearly every schedule.

Bill Belichick Identifies Major College Football Difference

Belichick discussed his transition during a Sports Illustrated video interview recorded at ACC Media Days. He said certain rules and field dimensions differ from the NFL, but much of the game still comes back to familiar fundamentals.

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“There’s a lot of good running backs in college football,” Belichick said. “There’s a lot of good running quarterbacks in college football.”

Then came the distinction.

“Certainly the running quarterback is more of an issue in college football than it is in the NFL,” Belichick said. “I mean, Lamar Jackson and guys like that in the NFL, but in college most everybody fits into that category.”

That changes defensive priorities. Belichick immediately pointed to tackling as especially important because defenses cannot assume the quarterback will remain in the pocket once a play breaks down.

The observation carries extra weight after UNC’s first season under Belichick. The Tar Heels went 4-8 in 2025 and finished No. 58 nationally in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric. Their defense showed flashes, but the overall roster struggled to consistently handle ACC opponents.

North Carolina Enters 2026 With More Optimism

Belichick believes Year 2 should look different for reasons beyond scheme.

He said UNC dealt with extensive roster transition last season, including players arriving during the summer. This year, many players have been in Chapel Hill since January, giving the program more time to build its fundamentals, conditioning, and situational work.

“We’re much further along in every area,” Belichick said.

That progress will be tested quickly. North Carolina opens the 2026 season Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, and enters the year with Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator and Billy Edwards Jr., who won the starting quarterback job on Aug. 21, under center.

Belichick also noted the challenge works both ways. College defenses may have to account for more mobile quarterbacks, but offenses can also find opportunities for explosive passes if their quarterback and receivers build chemistry.

His larger takeaway after more than a year in college is not that football itself has been reinvented. The fundamentals still translate.

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The frequency of quarterbacks who can turn a broken play into a designed run, scramble or explosive gain does not.

After years of designing schemes against a small set of elite dual-threats in the NFL, Belichick now has to prepare as if almost every opposing quarterback might be one.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Well, it turns out Lil Wayne, otherwise known as Dwayne Carter, did have a baby, and he’s almost all grown up. What does this have to do with college football? Well, fans of the Louisiana rapper may get a chance to see his son play ball next fall.

Lil Wayne’s Son Emerges as High School Kicker

It turns out, Lil Wayne has four children. One of them is named Dwayne Carter III, and he plays high school football for Gainesville out of Georgia.

This week, the Rivals account posted a clip of Carter drilling 26- and 35-yard field goals against Buford. It didn’t take long for social media to catch on.

“A kicker?!? Ohh that’s dope!! Happy for this young money man!” one person remarked.

A kicker?!? Ohh that’s dope!! Happy for this young money man! https://t.co/eH6RAzs4xr

— Uncle E (@elonarmstead) August 25, 2026

While Carter is still a senior in high school, he reportedly has an offer on the table from Colorado, where he’d get to play for Deion Sanders.

“This is crazy. He’s a senior and Colorado has given him a scholarship lmao,” one fan noted.

This is crazy. He’s a senior and Colorado has given him a scholarship lmao

— UMass West Coast Chapter (@shewless11) August 25, 2026

For now, he’s generating a lot of interest online.

Yet, one commenter who paid real close attention to Carter’s kicks suggested he “couldn’t make a 45-yarder.”

“Couldn’t make a 45-yarder, and he’s getting offers as a senior. Nepo Sanders.”

Couldn’t make a 45 yarder, and hes getting offers as a senior. Nepo sanders.

— Brendan (@brendannmurphyy) August 25, 2026

Meanwhile, others can’t help but feel old, considering there was a time when Lil Wayne was viewed as the new kid on the block as one of the “Hot Boyz,” but of course, that was back in 1997.

“Wanna feel old?”

Wanna feel old? https://t.co/RWU4nJq4eK

— OutKick (@Outkick) August 25, 2026

Still, it’s crazy to think one of his kids could soon be playing college football, possibly even at Colorado.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Unfortunately for the second-generation star, the three-time Pro Bowler won that battle, despite the drama surrounding him. Now, one Denver Broncos icon has outlined why Deion Sanders’ son fell behind Watson on the depth chart.

Deshaun Watson Had One Edge Over Shedeur Sanders

Falling to the 144th overall pick, Sanders started behind both Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart for the Browns last season. However, after the former was traded and the latter got injured, Sanders finally got his opportunity in Week 11.

From there, he remained the starter till the end of the season, throwing for 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He was a factor on the ground as well, adding 169 rushing yards and a touchdown, but ranked second-to-last in PFN’s QB Impact Metrics.

Unfortunately, he didn’t show enough improvement during training camp or preseason for Monken to slot him over Watson. Three-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth doesn’t think Sanders did enough.

“I didn’t think either of these guys went out and performed exceptionally well in either of the preseason games,” he confessed on “The Stinkin Truth” podcast.

“But if you’re taking away or trying to win the starting quarterback job from an incumbent that you’ve paid a lot of money to, there’s got to be no doubt. You have got to step up, and you’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to take it from Deshaun Watson. And I did not think Shedeur did that.”

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After the second preseason game, where Watson was mercilessly booed by the Browns faithful and went after them in the post-game press conference, he still kept the starting job. However, Schlereth remains convinced that the distinction could change in the future.

“I think it’s easier to transition from Watson to Shedeur after five or six weeks if it’s not going well than it is to go from Shedeur to Watson.”

It will be interesting to see if the performance from Watson or the reaction from the fan base convinces the Browns to change their minds.

But for the time being, Sanders is progressing as the QB2, and his chances of becoming a truly viable starter in the NFL are shrinking by the day.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

What Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz Said About Their US Open Partnership

Williams and Alcaraz made a stellar mixed doubles debut at Flushing Meadows, claiming a 5-3, 4-1 win over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool in the first round.

During their on-court interview, Alcaraz opened up about the nerves he felt heading into his first match back since suffering a wrist injury in April. The 23-year-old credited Williams for making his return to competition feel very comfortable.

“I think everyone could see, I double faulted the first point. So, I was really, really nervous. Playing alongside Serena, it’s still competition, full crowd. I was out for almost five months. I almost forget how I feel stepping on the court once again. It was just a couple games. She made it really easy for me. Just trying to enjoy and go for it every time,” Alcaraz said.

Meanwhile, the 23-time Grand Slam champion looked ahead to their quarterfinal showdown against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, emphasizing that their approach was simply to enjoy the experience.

“The same thing. Just have fun. This is such a bonus for us to be out here. To play with Carlos is honestly so cool. We’re just out here having fun,” she said.

Although the pair put up a spirited challenge in the first set, Bencic and Cobolli ultimately claimed a 5-4(4), 4-1 victory to advance to the semifinals and keep their hopes of winning the $1 million prize alive.

Williams captured their emotions as they cooled down after the loss, with Alcaraz opening up about how amazing it was to share the court with the American tennis legend, regardless of the result.

“I feel great. Even if I lost, playing with her, I’m feeling amazing,” Alcaraz said.

“We won! We won one, we lost one,” Williams responded. “We tied.”

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz after their day of U.S. Open mixed doubles:

Carlos: “I feel great. Even if I lost, playing with her, I’m feeling amazing.”

Serena: “We won! We won 1 we lost 1.”

Carlos: “Yeah, we tied.”

Serena: “We tied!” 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/wedxGzGLoV

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2026

While Serena Williams will not feature in the women’s singles draw at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz will now turn his focus to his highly anticipated title defense on the men’s side. The Spaniard will learn his path to the coveted title when the draw is unveiled on Thursday, August 27.

ALSO READ: Serena Williams and Husband Alexis Ohanian Spend Time With Daughters Ahead of US Open Mixed Doubles Return

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The decision has not gone down well with basketball pundit Jon Root.

Jon Root Hits Out at the Chicago Sky Over Enes Kanter Ban

ESPN’s Kareem Copeland reported the team’s decision to ban Kanter from Wintrust Arena, sharing Sky owner Michael J. Alter’s reasoning behind the decision.

“[Kanter Freedom] has demonstrated to us unequivocally that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter said. “That he is not able to control himself to the extent where we can be comfortable that he may [not] step towards the court again and towards the players.”

Jon Root reacted to the decision on X with a series of tweets, criticizing the Sky.

“The Chicago Sky has banned Enes Kanter Freedom from their arena because ‘He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat.’ What a joke,” he wrote.

The Chicago Sky has banned Enes Kanter Freedom from their arena because “He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat.”

What a joke. pic.twitter.com/xZWxNWFwAz

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) August 25, 2026

Root also directed criticism at the WNBA for its handling of fans on the other side of the transgender athlete debate.

“A man wearing a shirt that defines a woman is considered a ‘threat’ & a mom and daughter wearing XX-XY shirts are considered ‘offensive’ by the WNBA…This league is a joke,” he said.

A man wearing a shirt that defines a woman is considered a “threat” & a mom and daughter wearing XX-XY shirts are considered “offensive” by the WNBA…

This league is a joke. pic.twitter.com/VB8jpEhkcK

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) August 25, 2026

Another message from Root compared Spike Lee’s attire at the NBA All-Star game to Kanter’s t-shirt from his appearance at Sunday’s game.

“Spike Lee showed up to the NBA All-Star Game in pro-Palestine attire to protest a player for simply being Israeli,” he wrote. “Enes Kanter Freedom showed up to a WNBA game with a shirt that defined what a woman is. One of them is banned from an arena & considered a ‘threat.’”

See Also: ‘Watch Your Mouth’ — NBA World Sounds Off As Paul George ‘Catches a Stray’ in Enes Kanter’s Vow To ‘Dunk On’ Angel Reese

While Kanter is now banned from Wintrust Arena, he still insisted on attending the Indiana Fever’s playoff games. The former Boston Celtics center revealed his eagerness to watch Caitlin Clark and co. make a deep run in the playoffs.

“I am so excited for the playoffs,” Kanter said. “I cannot wait to go to every playoff game that the Indiana Fever plays. It’s going to be fun.”

From declaring for the draft to getting into an altercation with a WNBA player, he has remained a polarizing figure in the cultural debate surrounding the W.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

After his college career at Colorado, many believed he was in line to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, all 32 teams thought differently, and he fell all the way to the 144th overall pick. The attention, however, followed him all the way from Jackson State to Colorado to Cleveland when he made his way to the league.

Shedeur Sanders Brings Too Much Attention

While he has spent the majority of his NFL career on the bench, Sanders’ popularity hasn’t waned.

Jason Lloyd believes Sanders’ fame is an anchor around his future with the Browns, who just named Deshaun Watson as QB1.

So far, Sanders hasn’t proven himself to be a viable starting option in the NFL. During the 2025 season, he got the starting job in Week 11, but failed to make a real impact in that role. Instead, he finished the season with more interceptions than touchdowns. He ranked second-to-last on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics.

During an appearance on “92.3 The Fan,” Lloyd explained why Sanders’ popularity among the masses could become a headache for the Browns moving forward.

“The path for Shedeur is narrowing to have any sort of legitimate future in Cleveland. It’s not gone, but it’s narrowing. He’s not the starter now,” Lloyd noted, before explaining his rationale.

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“You’re not gonna bring Shedeur back with a rookie quarterback in 2027. He’s the most popular celebrity QB in the league as a backup. You can’t have that in the room if you’ve got a guy that you believe in that you’ve taken with a top 5-10 pick, whatever it is.”

“The path for Shedeur is narrowing to have any sort of legitimate future in Cleveland. He’s the most popular celebrity QB in the league as a backup. You can’t have that in the room, if you’ve got a guy that you believe in that you’ve taken with a top 5-10 pick, whatever it is.”… pic.twitter.com/6woiiBdclH

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 25, 2026

“The Browns can say whatever they want to say about the progress Shedeur has made. It all sounds wonderful. Their actions tell you what they think. Because they’re going through [expletive] with Deshaun rather than put him out there.”

Rather than focusing on him individually, the attention would immediately shift to Sanders after virtually every disappointing performance. The prospect of the Colorado product then becoming a viable starter seems unlikely given his recent performances.

It could be a similar situation to the one the NFL saw with Tim Tebow. Despite revitalizing the Denver Broncos enough to transform them into a playoff team, he was far from the finished product. As a result, he did not last long in the league, but his popularity sustained.

Each of the teams that he was on had to constantly deal with the microscope around him. A similar trajectory could be unfolding for Sanders, jeopardizing his future altogether.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Tributes have been pouring in for the ‘Jolene’ singer from across the world, with Sophie Cunningham being the latest of many to show love to the late country music legend.

Sophie Cunningham Pays Tribute To Dolly Parton Upon Her Passing

Indiana Fever’s Cunningham took to her Instagram story and posted a message from the Instagram page ‘countrynow’. It read,

“Country music and the entire world will never be the same without Dolly. So, the only way forward is to be more like Dolly. Be kind to your neighbor. Do good in the world. Help others. Spread a little more love. Be like Dolly.”

Sophie Cunningham pays tribute to Dolly Parton.

Be kind to your neighbor. Do good in the world. Help others. Spread a little more love. Be like Dolly. pic.twitter.com/2j881Naixp

— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) August 25, 2026

The heartfelt message was followed by another IG story from the Fever guard featuring a quote from Parton.

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

Cunningham has been a fan of country music for quite some time now. In February, she revealed on her ‘Show Me Something’ podcast that she may even be working on her own song or, at the very least, contributing to one’s production.

“I think that there might be something kind of cool in the background brewing that I might be doing something with someone. A little country artist, because that’s more my vibe.”

SEE ALSO: ‘He Made Himself Into a Threat’ – Sky Owner Blasts Enes Kanter For Playing the Victim Card During Natasha Cloud Incident

Given how big a country music fan Cunningham is, her reaction to seeing Blake Shelton a couple of months later at the Fever’s 2026 training camp was understandable.

Her jaw visibly dropped as she said, “I just lost all focus.”

It isn’t just country music that Cunningham appreciates, however. Prior to the start of the 2026 season, she revealed that her pre-game playlist consists of a wide variety of genres.

“I just do what I feel that day, and so it could be anything from country. Morgan Wallen, Kodi Johnson, Riley Green, all the way to Lil Wayne, Drake, Future, like it’s anything in between. So, I’m kind of a squirrel brain, so I don’t know.”

However, her taste in music might have reverted to country. On August 23, she posted a TikTok that opened with the question, ‘What rap songs do you listen to before games?’

This led Cunningham to dance to Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” one of the greatest country singles of the 1990s.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

After the game ended, Watson said it was a “disrespectful thing” to hear, but he didn’t sound surprised, noting that the jeers came from the “same fanbase” who cheered when he tore his Achilles in 2024.

The press conference was completely unexpected, and most would agree it was a bit strange.

Browns’ Insider ‘Working PR’ for Deshaun Watson?

One person who had a lot to say about Watson’s press conference is longtime local Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot.

During a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Cabot said she “almost thought he was going to come to tears,” referring to Watson’s rant. Cabot suggested that it’s been a “very, very difficult” and lengthy recovery process for Watson, and his words were simply a reflection of everything he’s gone through.

Yet, after Cabot went to bat for Watson, some on X went as far as to accuse her of trying to indulge in some public relations work for the Browns and/or their newly anointed starting QB.

Honestly, this is just embarrassing for a media member to do this. Like, stop, trying to create sympathy for someone who clearly has disdain for the #Browns fanbase. No media member should ever allow an organization have them do PR to this level #DeshaunWatson https://t.co/ttAbaB9tzn

— The Ball Out (@theballoutmedia) August 25, 2026

Another commenter agreed, saying Cabot is “definitely working PR” not just for Browns owner Haslam, but for Watson as well.

“She is definitely working PR not just for Haslam but for Watson. This is crazy.”

She is definitely working PR not just for Haslam but for Watson. This is crazy https://t.co/OzRW2IgBeQ

— Amanda (@hey_itsmandi) August 25, 2026

Commenters kept going, wondering, “Why is she doing PR for Deshaun Watson?”

Why is she doing PR for Deshaun Watson https://t.co/PNRS2C3VIl

— Jordan Tomiyama (@Jttomiyama) August 25, 2026

Another suggested she was doing PR work, but for the Browns ownership group instead of Watson.

“She’s Haslam PR.”

One commenter simply reacted with, “Oh, good lord.”

Others are apparently growing tired of Cabot, even though she’s viewed as a respected Browns reporter, having worked the beat for over 30 years.

“MKC is starting to bother me bad… Enough is Enough.”

MKC is starting bother me bad… Enough is Enough. https://t.co/z45yVsMOOo pic.twitter.com/cP2Z4Ye4Rk

— Larmy Vallot Jr/LJ Vallot (@LJVallot) August 25, 2026

While Cabot has surely gotten to know the human side of Watson since he arrived via a blockbuster trade with a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, fans don’t want to hear her reporting on his remorse.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Amid fan frustration and a tense preseason, Shilo Sanders stepped forward with a grounded perspective on his brother Shedeur’s backup role, in contrast to the surrounding media storm.

Shilo Speaks on Shedeur Sanders Vs. Deshaun Watson Denouement

The Browns’ preseason centered on Watson and Sanders, with each quarterback starting one game.

Watson played well against Chicago, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, but struggled against Buffalo, going 5-of-12 for 36 yards and an interception. He was also booed by the home crowd and later termed the reaction “disrespectful” and “personal,” sparking further discussion on his relationship with Browns fans.

Sanders showed promise in both appearances. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and an interception against Chicago before going 9-of-11 for 74 yards, a touchdown, and an interception against Buffalo.

Despite Sanders’ showings, head coach Todd Monken ultimately gave Watson the starting job, without allowing fan reaction to influence the decision.

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Shilo believes his brother’s opportunity will come when the time is right. “It’s a long season. Shedeur’s time will come eventually, whether it’s this year or next year, it doesn’t matter. We never pray on nobody’s downfall, and we wish the best for everybody.

“You’re never going to succeed if you have bad intentions in your heart and your mind, and if you wish bad on somebody else. No matter what the situation is, that’s not how you succeed,” Shilo said.

Shilo’s message was clear: Shedeur does not need Watson to fail to eventually earn his opportunity.

For now, Shedeur will have to remain patient and continue developing while Watson gets the chance to prove he can still lead the Browns.

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Deshaun Watson Faces Pressure to Deliver

Watson enters Week 1 under significant pressure. Beyond the competition with Sanders, he needs to rebuild his relationship with the Browns fanbase, which has grown increasingly frustrated.

After the backlash over his comments following the Buffalo game, Watson acknowledged that his emotions got the better of him.

“I thought I was going to get a little different response. My emotions got the best of me. My comments weren’t intended to go at any of the fans around in the city. Because there have been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me,” Watson said.

The apology may serve as a band-aid, but Watson ultimately needs to produce on the field.

If he can play at a high level, the conversation around Sanders could quiet down. But another poor performance could quickly put Shedeur back at the center of the Browns’ quarterback discussion.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the incident and took issue with Kanter’s decision to involve WNBA players in the broader transgender athlete debate.

Stephen A. Smith Slams Enes Kanter for Involving WNBA Players in Transgender Controversy

Kanter made headlines earlier this month when he announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. After identifying himself as a “woman,” he argued that the league’s CBA does not clearly define the term and that he should therefore be eligible.

On Sunday, Kanter attended the Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever wearing a shirt that read: “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”

But his appearance quickly became more than a statement.

According to Sky owner Michael Alter on Tuesday, Kanter provoked Cloud into a heated exchange that ultimately led arena security to escort him from the building.

Smith addressed the confrontation on his “Straight Shooter” podcast, saying Kanter crossed a line by directing the controversy toward players who were simply trying to play basketball.

“I think on one hand Enes Kanter was very wrong. It was a classless thing for him to do because the ladies that are playing don’t have anything to do with this. They have nothing to do with this, and they don’t deserve to be agitated,” Smith said.

Don’t put the WNBA players in the middle of this, Enes Kanter. They have nothing to do with it.

Full conversation on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/WGT1k8IDub

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 25, 2026

Kanter has become a prominent voice in the debate over whether transgender women should compete in women’s sports. His position is similar to that of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has also faced significant criticism for her views.

Kanter has publicly supported Cunningham and reportedly directed some of that attention toward Cloud during Sunday’s game.

Smith said he understands the broader point Kanter is trying to make. The ESPN personality also backed Cunningham’s position earlier this summer. But he drew a line between expressing an opinion and bringing the players into the middle of the fight.

For Smith, the issue is not whether Kanter can voice his position. It is how he chose to do it. He argued that WNBA players should not have to deal with the fallout from a debate that the league should have definitively addressed.

SEE ALSO: ‘He Made Himself Into a Threat’ – Sky Owner Blasts Enes Kanter For Playing the Victim Card During Natasha Cloud Incident

The Sky has since taken its own position. Alter announced that Kanter has been banned from the team’s home games, adding another layer to an already contentious situation.

Kanter, however, disputes the idea that he went to the arena looking for a confrontation. Appearing on Fox News on Monday, he said Cloud was the one who started screaming at him and maintained that he was there to support Cunningham and “protect women.”

The disagreement now comes down to two very different accounts of the same incident. What is clear is that Kanter’s WNBA campaign has moved well beyond a draft declaration, with the Cloud confrontation turning his message into a league-wide controversy.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Middlekauff addressed LSU’s pursuit of players coming directly from NFL training camps during a recent appearance on Colin Cowherd’s podcast, questioning where college football is supposed to draw the line.

John Middlekauff Says NFL-to-College Moves Cross a Line

“Saying that you can go to a training camp and then return to college feels like we’re crossing a line here that most people are going to agree upon,” Middlekauff said in an Instagram clip. “Like, this is insane.”

Middlekauff, who worked in Philadelphia’s scouting department before moving into sports media, argued that repeated courtroom losses have steadily weakened the NCAA’s ability to enforce a coherent eligibility structure.

“The problem is every time these guys sue, they win,” Middlekauff said.

He nevertheless stopped short of blaming Kiffin for LSU’s aggressive approach. “I will defend Lane Kiffin here for doing this,” Middlekauff said. “These are the rules that he’s handed.”

He pointed to Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher Jack Pyburn as another example.

Pyburn, a former LSU defender, was among 16 players granted temporary relief in Louisiana that opened a path to another college season. He recorded two sacks in his first NFL preseason game while fighting for a Buccaneers roster spot.

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Middlekauff also said an NFL scout told him a top-25 Big Ten program had intentionally kept roster spots available because coaches expected players cut from NFL teams to potentially become eligible again.

That possibility is now running into resistance from the conferences themselves.

SEC Moves To Block Former NFL Players From Returning

The SEC adopted a new policy Tuesday prohibiting players who have been drafted by the NFL, NBA, or WNBA, or listed on rosters in those leagues, from returning to compete at conference schools.

Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 25, 2026

The policy directly threatens LSU’s plans for former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. Both played for Kiffin at Ole Miss before signing professional contracts this offseason, then angled for moves to LSU after being released.

Wright caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 while posting an 80.6 PFSN TE Impact grade, which ranked 20th nationally.

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The SEC’s move puts LSU on notice and gives commissioner Greg Sankey broad authority to enforce the new policy.

The Big Ten adopted its own ban earlier Tuesday. That development addresses the exact concern Middlekauff raised before the conferences acted.

He believes the scenario of NFL training camps serving as a temporary stop before another college season crosses a line. The SEC now appears to agree, even if the courts and the NCAA have not yet settled where that line legally belongs.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Fehoko reacted after LSU moved to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, accusing his alma mater of putting money ahead of what he believes college athletics should represent.

Breiden Fehoko Rips LSU’s Approach Under Lane Kiffin

“LSU as a whole university in athletics is moving so disgusting right now,” Fehoko wrote in an X post. “I genuinely can’t believe this is the product I’m seeing.”

The former LSU defensive lineman then delivered the line at the center of his criticism.

“It’s become money over morals and I’m absolutely disgusted,” Fehoko wrote. “I love my university but this is just [expletive] how we’re moving.”

Fehoko has a personal connection to the program he is criticizing. He played 15 games for LSU during its undefeated 2019 national championship season and was part of the defensive line rotation that helped the Tigers beat Clemson for the title.

His frustration centers on Kiffin’s pursuit of players who had already signed NFL contracts this offseason. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns before being waived, while Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints and was released earlier this month.

Both players previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss.

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Kiffin defended the strategy Monday, arguing that a Louisiana court ruling granted a group of Class of 2022 players another season of eligibility. He said those players would either join LSU or play somewhere else, so the Tigers chose to recruit them.

The players also bring legitimate college production. Wright finished 2025 with 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns, along with an 80.6 PFN TE Impact grade. Harris recorded nine tackles for loss and three sacks.

SEC Moves to Block Former NFL Players From Returning

The controversy shifted again Tuesday night.

The SEC adopted a policy barring athletes who signed professional contracts, appeared on professional rosters or were drafted from returning to compete at conference schools. That puts Wright and Harris’ LSU plans in serious doubt even after the Louisiana court ruling opened the door to another college season.

The conference said allowing former professionals to return would blur the line between college and professional sports, create competitive equity concerns, and take opportunities away from current college and high school athletes.

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Kiffin had already acknowledged that he does not generally believe professionals should return to college football. His argument is that Wright and Harris belong to a specific group he believes was wronged by the NCAA’s eligibility change.

Fehoko clearly is not buying that distinction.

His criticism carries extra sting because it came from a player who helped LSU produce one of the greatest seasons in college football history and still says he loves the school.

For Fehoko, that makes watching its latest roster strategy even harder to accept.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

While reacting to Shedeur Sanders’ Aug. 22 press conference after Cleveland’s preseason loss to Buffalo, Shilo zeroed in on his brother mentioning a pregame speech that apparently included some colorful language.

That was enough for Shilo to imagine exactly how their father, Deion Sanders, would respond.

Shilo Sanders Breaks Out Deion Impression

In his interview, Shedeur explained that his preparation would not change whether he is starting, backing up, or fighting for the job.

“If you do things based off the situation you’re in, then it’s like you’re not really doing everything to your max,” Shedeur said during the postgame presser.

As Shilo watched the comments in his YouTube video, he remembered talking with his brother before the game and joked that some of the pregame footage might never make the final cut because of the language.

Then came the Deion impression.

Shilo imitated the reaction he expected from his father, joking about Deion seeing his son curse and asking, in effect, “My kid’s cussing now?!”

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The impression fit a family dynamic that has produced plenty of public roasting over the years. Shilo and Shedeur both played for their father at Jackson State and Colorado, giving Deion years of firsthand access to their abilities before either son reached the NFL.

Shilo added another example, recalling Deion finding a recent barber competition video and leaving a comment on it.

“I had to block him,” Shilo joked.

The moment was light, but it came from Shedeur discussing a much more serious approach to his quarterback competition.

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Shedeur Sanders Stresses Consistency After Bills Start

Shedeur started the first half against Buffalo and completed nine of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Cleveland’s 31-7 loss.

His official Browns postgame presser focused heavily on maintaining the same work habits regardless of his place on the depth chart. Two days later, head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter.

That made Shedeur’s message about consistency especially relevant. The second-year quarterback is now preparing as Cleveland’s backup rather than changing his routine because the competition ended differently than he hoped.

Shilo has continued following his brother’s NFL journey closely since his own stint with Tampa Bay ended during the 2025 preseason. PFN has also documented the family banter between Deion, Shedeur and Shilo, which has remained a regular feature even as their football careers moved in different directions.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

In response to the Browns’ call, some fans vandalized the statue of franchise legend Jim Brown. The NFL community took to social media to show their disgust at the turn of events

NFL Community Blasts Browns Fans Vandalizing Legendary Jim Brown’s Statue

Brown is a legend in Cleveland and one of the best, if not the best, players to ever wear the orange and brown uniform. He’s a three-time MVP, eight-time first-team All-Pro, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He was, of course, honored with a statue, but Cleveland fans vandalized it this week with signs showing their disapproval over Watson being named the starter.

It’s safe to say the NFL community was far from thrilled with the Browns fans’ protest. Brown’s statue was returned to its normal state as the anti-Watson posters were later removed.

“Loser fans, man, they have nothing better to do with their time,” said one fan.

Members of the NFL community didn’t seem to understand why Brown’s statue had to be the target of their displeasure, since it has no connection to the Watson-Sanders QB competition.

“Jim Brown’s statue didn’t do [expletive] to anyone,” said one fan.

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Watson has dealt with a laundry list of off-field issues that have played into the frustrations of Browns fans over the last few years. Beyond the multiple long-term injuries, Browns fans aren’t the happiest with Watson. They are entitled to their opinion on whether Watson should be the starter for their team, but not to vandalizing property.

“Hey Clevelanders, all feelings are ok, all behaviors are not ok,” added one fan.

Hey Clevelanders all feelings are ok all behaviors are not ok. @EvSynWilliams

— Twood (@Sword100000) August 25, 2026

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Another fan echoed the sentiment that their feelings were valid, but their actions were unacceptable.

“Some people are really [expletive]. Protest, yes. Jim Brown, no,” said one fan.

Some people are really stupid. Protest, yes. Jim Brown, no. 😂 https://t.co/NaWrVmDsk4

— It’s G 💪🏽 (@GIcee216) August 25, 2026

Browns fans took plenty of heat from the NFL community for their behavior. Their efforts aren’t going to do much either; Watson will start Week 1, barring any injury or a wild change of heart.

Browns fans are going to have to hope Watson struggles enough to be benched if they want to see Sanders take the starting job back in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Taking on Andy Roddick before featuring in a star-studded doubles clash, the 20-time Grand Slam champion stole the show with his “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” exhibition. Among those in attendance were Federer’s family and several high-profile tennis stars.

Roger Federer’s Family and Tennis Stars Show Their Support at the US Open

Ahead of his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 29, Federer arrived at the US Open, a tournament where he enjoyed some of the most memorable moments of his legendary career.

On Tuesday, August 25, the former world No. 1 delighted fans by taking on Roddick, reviving their iconic rivalry 14 years after their last tour-level encounter. Federer enjoyed special support in the crowd for the match, with his parents, Robert and Lynette, wife, Mirka, and twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene, as well as twin sons, Leo and Lenny, in attendance.

The entire Federer family is here.

Things you love to see 😍 pic.twitter.com/fLJljWYVZz

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026

The tennis world also refused to miss the opportunity to see Federer back on the court, with Alexandra Eala, Casper Ruud, and Felix Auger-Aliassime and his wife, Nina, taking the stands. They were joined by acclaimed songwriter and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Serena Williams also returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium shortly after her blockbuster mixed doubles run with Carlos Alcaraz, which ended in a quarterfinal defeat. The 23-time Grand Slam champion watched the action alongside longtime tennis fan and former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour.

And a few more superfans ✨ pic.twitter.com/JDyVlYksvS

— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) August 26, 2026

In a one-set match that was reminiscent of his dominant 21-3 winning record against Roddick, Federer treated the spectators by securing a 6-3 victory. The pair then took the court again for a doubles showdown, with Federer teaming up with John McEnroe, while Roddick joined forces with Andre Agassi.

Federer and McEnroe claimed a 7-5 victory over Roddick and Agassi to bring an end to the exciting event.

MORE: Roger Federer Firmly Shuts Down Serena Williams-Like Comeback Idea – ‘Way Too Many Obstacles’ 

Roger Federer’s legacy continues to loom large over the US Open as he remains the last man to successfully defend his title at Flushing Meadows, having won five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008.

Carlos Alcaraz will be aiming to end that drought with a successful title defense at the New York Major. However, the Spaniard faces a tough task, playing only his first tournament back after having his season derailed by a wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open in April.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Baker Mayfield Delivers Honest Assessment of Buccaneers’ Joint Practice

Tampa Bay left Tuesday’s joint practice with the Jaguars with plenty to clean up after having a hard time matching Jacksonville’s energy, physicality, and execution.

Mayfield was direct when asked about the day.

“I thought they gave us some good looks. They were playing with their hair on fire. I’ll say that,” Mayfield told reporters. “If this was a full game, I don’t think we would have come out on the winning side of it. So, [it was] just a little eye-opening. [I’ve] got to get back and watch the tape.”

 

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It was not the kind of assessment the Bucs wanted as only three weeks remain from the start of the regular season.

According to BucsGameday, which was live on the scene, the Jags consistently made the more physical plays, particularly during 11-on-11 work. Tampa Bay had a hard time running the ball, had trouble sustaining its passing game, and repeatedly gave Jacksonville opportunities to make plays at the catch point.

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Five different passes were knocked away by Jaguars defensive backs.

Even when Tampa Bay appeared to have something going, penalties and drops often got in the way.

Devin Culp dropped a well-placed throw from Jalon Daniels. Sean Tucker appeared to find the end zone on a rushing touchdown, only for the play to be erased by a holding penalty.

Mayfield had his own share of problems. He threw two interceptions during the session. The first came on a pass intended for Chris Godwin Jr. that was tipped and picked off. The second went directly to safety Antonio Johnson.

Mayfield, with an 86.1 PFSN QB Impact grade in 2025, also missed on several throws, including an errant pass late in the session that appeared to come after a miscommunication that ended in another interception.

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It was not an easy afternoon for the Buccaneers offense, and Mayfield did not try to make it sound otherwise.

“I think from my standpoint, they out-physicaled us, and that’s never what you want to have,” he said.

The quarterback’s frustration was not necessarily about the team’s understanding of its offense. That part, Mayfield believes, is coming along.

The Buccaneers have spent training camp learning Zac Robinson’s system, working through terminology and getting comfortable with the checks and adjustments that come with it. Mayfield said the players are in a good place when it comes to knowing what they are supposed to do.

Now they have to do it.

“I feel like we are in a good spot with the understanding of the system, the checks, what we are trying to get done, and now it is just strictly about execution and physicality,” Mayfield said. “That’s the part today that we were lacking. I don’t think that anybody is too far behind when it comes to the knowledge of what we are trying to get done, which is great; that is what you want at this point in camp, but also, when you have that down, the execution needs to be there.”

Joint practices are designed to create a different kind of challenge than a normal training camp session. Players face unfamiliar opponents, and there is little room to hide when the other side wins individual battles. Jacksonville won plenty of those.

The Jaguars got after Tampa Bay’s offensive line during one-on-ones, with John Hines-Allen repeatedly causing problems. Luke Goedeke struggled in his reps against the Jacksonville pass rusher, while Tampa Bay’s backup offensive line also had difficulty handling the Jaguars’ second unit.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Kyle Shanahan Keeps 49ers Focused as NFL Reviews Jed York’s Arrest

The 49ers owner was arrested Sunday morning in East Palestine, Ohio, initially on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The charge was later amended, and York pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He was sentenced to two days in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay $1,150 in fines.

There was little interest for Shanahan in turning the matter into a football story.

“I got to talk to Jed the last two days and today,” Shanahan said on Tuesday. “Obviously, it’s a very tough situation. But I know it’s extremely fresh. I think it’s a very, very personal situation.”

Kyle Shanahan on Jed York being arrested:

“Obviously it’s a very tough situation. It’s extremely fresh, a very, very personal situation. I got a lot of respect for Jed. I got a list of respect for Danielle. Their family does mean a lot to me. With it being this personal, I’m… pic.twitter.com/wlJrrwOal3

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 25, 2026

The NFL said the case will be reviewed under its personal conduct policy. The 49ers called it a resolved legal matter and said they would have no further comment. Shanahan offered a similar message, saying that York’s arrest has not changed the way the 49ers are operating.

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“The view for the organization going forward is the same as usual. There won’t be any difference in that,” he said.

The distinction matters to Shanahan because York has largely stayed out of the football side of the organization since Shanahan and general manager John Lynch were hired in 2017.

Shanahan said that has not changed.

York has not attended training camp this summer, spending time in Ohio, where he is originally from. His absence from the team’s facility, Shanahan said, is not related to the arrest.

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“It’s been like that this summer anyway with him being out in Ohio and things like that,” Shanahan said. “So there’d be no difference right now.”

Shanahan has long credited York with giving the football staff room to make football decisions. York still wants to be informed about the team, Shanahan said, but has generally allowed the people running football operations to do their jobs.

“It’s the same as always. Jed has been as good as it gets since I’ve been here on letting the football people make football decisions. Jed always wants to be informed and a part of things, but Jed has been exactly what he said he would be in letting us make those decisions.”

Inside the locker room, Shanahan said the arrest has barely been a topic. He said it was not discussed in the team’s meetings Tuesday. With the regular season approaching and roster decisions coming quickly, there are more immediate concerns for players and coaches.

“I don’t need much of a message to the guys,” Shanahan said. “I think that’s kind of irrelevant to our guys.”

Fred Warner, the 49ers’ All-Pro linebacker and one of the team’s captains with an 84.0 PFSN LB Impact Grade in 2024, was asked about the same subject. Warner said that players are aware of the arrest.

“We’re all aware. I think we all have social media, so we see things. But at the same time, I got a lot of love, a lot of respect for Jed and don’t feel the need to comment on the situation. I think the team is kind of the same way. It really wasn’t a conversation being had in the locker room.”

The situation is more complicated for Shanahan, who has developed a close relationship with York and his family over the years.

Shanahan said he has spoken with York over the past several days. He also mentioned Danielle Belluomini York, from whom York is seeking a divorce, and said, “I got a lot of respect for Jed. I got a lot of respect for Danielle. Their family does mean a lot to me. So I’m like, with it being this personal, I’m trying as hard as I can to keep it that way.”

The test for Shanahan is whether anything happening away from the field changes what happens once the team goes to work. So far, he said, it has not. The coaches are preparing the players. The players are competing for roster spots. The staff is working through the final stages of the preseason.

And according to Shanahan, York’s arrest has not entered those football conversations.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

In recent years, there have been rumors that Burrow could look to leave the Bengals if things don’t improve, but one NFL legend is pouring cold water on that narrative.

Cris Carter Pours Cold Water on Rumors of Joe Burrow Leaving Bengals

With Burrow missing the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and injuries limiting him in recent years, fans have now begun to fear that he may eventually opt to leave Cincinnati. However, Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter is assuaging those concerns.

Carter remains convinced that such a scenario isn’t going to happen.

“People don’t realize Joe Burrow is from Ohio,” Carter said on the “Fully Loaded” podcast. “You have success early, you go to the Super Bowl your second year, and then ever since then, they’ve been just like the Bengals that he grew up watching…

“There’s a certain amount of professional pride that comes with everything that you do. Now, Joe Burrow might be in Italy going to fashion shows, but when you look at his resume, he’s not talked about in the same breath that we talk about the other quarterbacks.”

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Arguing his point, he pointed out that the Bengals aren’t facing the same amount of pressure as other teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and even the Los Angeles Chargers entering this season.

“It lets you know the Bengals are still run by the same people,” Carter said. I don’t know how we expect them to change their DNA. Now, I do believe that he has somewhat put himself into a corner because he wanted them to pay the wide receivers, and they did. They paid them. Now, they’re trying to fix the defense.”

But even with those commitments, the legendary wide receiver believes Burrow is their north star. As a result, he doesn’t anticipate either side looking to end the marriage.

“He’s made other comments about things that he wanted. They’re going to be doing that. Now, Joe Burrow is untouchable. So, I don’t believe that he’ll be available to trade to the Rams and everything. I don’t know why people think that’s just going to happen. Just snap your fingers.”

When he’s been on the field for the Bengals, Burrow has been nothing short of sensational. In three of the last five seasons, he’s ranked inside the top five of PFN’s QB Impact Score. But his main issue has been his availability.

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In two of the last three years, he’s played in 10 or fewer games over the course of the season. The lion’s share of the blame falls on the offensive line, which has been subpar throughout his tenure in Cincinnati. The constant hits and poor protection are sometimes mentioned as a potential reason Burrow could look for a change of scenery.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Bengals. Recently, Burrow spoke to the media about his expectations for the 2026 season and why he believes Cincinnati has what it takes to win the Super Bowl.

“I’m trying to manifest it,” Burrow said. “I’m trying to show our guys the urgency that I have and that I want us to have as an organization to go and make it happen. You can keep pushing it down the road, or you can talk about it now and say, ‘This is the year.’

“And I’m tired of saying, ‘Next year, next year, next year.’ This is it. Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road. I’m trying to instill some urgency and some intensity in everybody to go and be great every day and try to go make it happen.”

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky replied on X, offering a blunt interpretation of what Burrow may have truly been saying: “Win or I’m out.”

Carter believes Burrow isn’t going anywhere, but if the Bengals miss the playoffs again, it will be interesting to see if Burrow’s frustration grows or if he’ll remain patient with his hometown squad.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

After Watson’s incendiary comments about Browns fans, it seemed like Sanders had a chance to earn the starting job. However, Browns head coach Todd Monken shockingly opted to go with Watson, which prompted some strong reactions from the NFL world.

Jason Whitlock Reacts to Browns Starting Deshaun Watson Over Shedeur Sanders

After the Browns announced Watson as the starter, veteran analyst Jason Whitlock argued that the second-generation star has brought this on himself.

“Everybody’s talking about Deshaun Watson’s postgame interview, which was bad,” Whitlock said on his YouTube channel. “I mean, he’s taking shots. It was bad. But I saw something that I thought was even worse. Shedeur Sanders had a five-to-seven-minute sideline interview. Like, a seven-minute sideline interview during that same preseason game. Seven minutes for the backup quarterback on television.”

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Whitlock believes some of the blame falls on the media.

“He’s that much of a distraction that the television network said, ‘You know what? The game is so uninteresting and so irrelevant that hey, we’re just going to sit here and keep a camera on Shedeur Sanders, the backup quarterback, for seven straight minutes.'”

Whitlock couldn’t fully fault the Browns for choosing to go with the guy they agreed to pay $230 million.

“You’re going to get a circus regardless. So, you might as well get the circus you paid for,” he added.

One of the most popular players in the entire NFL, Sanders earned $17.7 million in group licensing income last season, shattering the previous record set by NFL legend Tom Brady (who earned $9.5 million in 2021). Sanders started just seven games last year, making that total even more impressive.

Sanders showed flashes throughout his rookie campaign, but he finished with the second-worst QB Impact Score in the NFL among eligible quarterbacks last season (behind only Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward).

It remains to be seen whether the Browns’ choice proves to be the right one. But given the negative reaction from their fan base, the Browns risk alienating their fans by moving forward with Watson to start the season.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

York pleaded no contest Monday and was sentenced to two days in Columbiana County Jail, along with $1,150 in fines.

Colin Cowherd Says 49ers Are ‘Hanging On by Peptides and a Prayer’

The arrest lands in the middle of an already turbulent offseason for the 49ers, one defined by an aging roster, a wave of major surgeries, a car accident involving head coach Kyle Shanahan, and rising skepticism about San Francisco’s odds of contending.

Fox Sports radio host Colin Cowherd used the moment to sound the alarm on “The Herd.” He compared the 49ers to the doomed duo from “Thelma & Louise.”

“I tend to think the Niners are very close to pulling a ‘Thelma & Louise’ and driving off the cliff, for a lot of reasons,” Cowherd said on “The Herd.” “I don’t think they’re a playoff team. I love the coach. I love [Christian] McCaffrey. I love the organization. I think they’re heading right for a cliff.”

His concern centers on age and injuries. San Francisco enters the 2026 season with plenty of older contributors, including several of their most important players. As if that wasn’t concerning enough, a number of these key pieces are coming off a major surgery.

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“This is an old, old team, oldest roster in the NFL, and almost all their old guys are coming off serious surgeries,” Cowherd said.

“They are really dependent on five older players: Trent Williams, left tackle, he’s 38. [George] Kittle, going to be a Hall of Famer, coming off surgery. Nick Bosa, coming off his second surgery. Christian McCaffrey led the NFL in touches. Mike Evans, who is often banged up, though I love him. And Fred Warner [is coming] off a surgery as well.”

Kittle is working his way back from Achilles surgery. Bosa is recovering from a second surgery on the same knee. McCaffrey led the league with 413 touches in 2025. Warner also had surgery this offseason, and Evans, who turned 33 last week after signing with San Francisco in free agency, missed time last season with multiple injuries (and he’s been sidelined throughout training camp with quad and groin injuries).

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San Francisco’s last two first-round picks aren’t helping matters either.

“Don’t forget their last two first-round picks: Ricky Pearsall, out for the year, injured. … Mykel Williams, who is a great young talent, he’s banged up and won’t be there for Week 1,” Cowherd added. “They are hanging on by peptides and a prayer.”

Pearsall is out for the season after knee surgery, and Williams has been called a long shot for the opener by Shanahan.

Then, there’s the division. Cowherd pointed to the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks as teams that have simply outdrafted San Francisco over the past three years, a gap reflected in PFSN’s Team Impact metric as they enter the 2026 season as the top two teams in the league with 93.2 and 92.6 ratings, respectively.

Meanwhile, the 49ers sit at ninth with an 80.9 rating after last year’s 12-5 finish. Last season, San Francisco boasted the NFL’s fourth-best offense but their defense ranked 20th, per PFN’s metrics.

“The Seahawks and the Rams have drafted so brilliantly over the last three years, very few misses. … Those are four games the Niners go in as an underdog,” Cowherd said.

With an aging roster, a ton of injuries, a stacked division, and recent off-field distractions, it’s easy to see why Cowherd is lowering expectations for San Francisco entering 2026.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Now, he’s come back and doubled down on his take.

Paul Finebaum Reiterates 2026 Bold Prediction for Indiana Hoosiers

Finebaum didn’t mince words with his recent bold prediction regarding the Hoosiers. After a fairy-tale season a year ago, Finebaum says people need to chill out on Indiana in 2026.

The college football analyst recently said Indiana is not winning the national championship this season, and plenty of people came after him for that take.

On Tuesday, he got a chance to respond on “First Take,” and he took the opportunity to double down.

“I am not taking back a single thing. Maybe I could have said it nicer. Maybe I could have been more diplomatic,” Finebaum said. “I didn’t know a single Indiana graduate until midway through last season, and now they are literally falling out of Amazon trucks. I don’t know what’s going on here.”

Finebaum predicted the Hoosiers would finish the regular season 10-2 and make the playoffs, but doesn’t have belief in Indiana past that point.

“I think Indiana is a really good team. I predicted they’ll go to the playoffs. They’re probably 10-2. I’m worried about their offensive line,” Finebaum said. “Worried about the secondary. Worried about the quarterback. Yes, the schedule, which I went into.

“I can’t wait to hear you brag a little bit more because your time of bragging is about over.”

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Finebaum’s last sentence was targeted at “First Take” host Shae Cornette, who is an Indiana graduate.

While Finebaum doesn’t believe the Hoosiers will go back-to-back, he doesn’t think the program’s run last season was a fluke. Curt Cignetti certainly started something at Indiana, and many believe he’ll keep it going for years to come.

However, the Hoosiers had a lot of moving parts this offseason, with players heading to the NFL, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

MORE: ‘One of the Worst College Football Coaches I Have Ever Seen’ — Paul Finebaum Ethers Bill Belichick Amid UNC’s ‘Mass Chaos’

They had to be active in the transfer portal, and they were. But getting all of those new pieces to work together is easier said than done.

According to PFN’s College Football Power Rankings, the program enters the program as the No. 3-ranked team in the country with a 27.50 rating, trailing only Ohio State (28.75) and Oregon (27.75).

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

However, fans are still awaiting the results of The Athletic’s investigation into their former employee and her reporting on Vrabel. However, recent news about The Athletic potentially partnering with the NFL has raised concerns about what that means for the internal probe.

The Athletic Might Not Be Able to Investigate Dianna Russini Properly

The scandal broke when Vrabel and Russini were photographed together at a resort in Arizona. The pair was spotted hugging, holding hands, and lounging by the pool.

In the weeks and months after, the story spread like wildfire across the internet, as it became a tabloid circus and fans went back through past interviews, social-media posts, photographs, and even Spotify playlists. Russini resigned from The Athletic, and Vrabel stepped away from the New England Patriots on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to attend counseling alongside his family.

The Athletic launched an internal probe to determine whether Russini’s reporting was affected by her alleged relationship with the Patriots’ head coach. However, it was recently reported by Front Office Sports that the NFL and The Athletic have discussed an expanded partnership in which the outlet’s content would run on the league’s digital platforms.

Armando Salguero of OutKick points out that this conflict of interest would raise major questions about the Russini investigation.

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“The Athletic is presumably in the throes of this conflict of interest investigation of a former reporter with an NFL coach while at the same time engaging in talks to enter into a conflict of interest situation with the NFL. Got it,” he wrote.

“That raises a sizeable inconsistency. The Athletic is presumably investigating Russini for possibly engaging in a questionable relationship with an NFL coach at a time it is weighing whether to get in bed with the NFL.”

Salguero called into question the strict editorial guidelines that govern The Athletic’s staff, including Russini when she was employed there. One could argue that this agreement would violate those conflict-of-interest rules.

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“So will The Athletic, on the one hand trying to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, allow an affiliation with the NFL that violates its own guidelines by calling into question its credibility?” he asked.

The partnership with the NFL could complicate those guidelines, especially as they investigate the alleged affair of a head coach in the league, who has already admitted to having tough conversations with his family and team and entered counseling in the aftermath of the scandal.

Others have questioned whether The Athletic will even release the findings of the Russini investigation if the partnership with the NFL is finalized.

While Vrabel has held multiple press conferences, Russini has yet to break her silence and address the scandal aside from her initial statement and resignation letter. She has deleted her social media accounts and appears poised for a career pivot, as she recently referred to herself as a “former journalist” in leaked text messages with a reporter from The New York Times.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

After the game, the former NBA lottery pick went on X to write that he was “kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN!”

On Tuesday, Sky owner Michael Alter pushed back on that characterization after speaking with local Chicago media who covered the incident.

Chicago Sky Owner Challenges Enes Kanter’s Narrative Following Natasha Cloud Clash

According to Front Office Sports’ Colin Salao, Alter spoke with local beat writers to get more details about what happened. Based on what he learned, the billionaire said Kanter initiated the exchange with Cloud.

Alter stressed that the back-and-forth was “basketball-related” and “nothing personal,” but said Kanter appeared intent on provoking the Sky guard.

The real estate developer also took issue with Kanter portraying himself as the victim.

“He portrays as this victimless person who did nothing, said nothing. Just wearing a t-shirt … We have five different security authorities that all agreed very quickly to throw him out because he made himself into a threat,” Alter said.

“He portrays as this victimless person who did nothing, said nothing. Just wearing a t-shirt … We have five different security authorities that all agreed very quickly to throw him out because he made himself into a threat,” Alter said.

— Colin Salao (@colincsalao) August 25, 2026

Kanter was wearing a shirt that read “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” while sitting near courtside. The message was a form of support for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham whose stance about exclusivity for women in women’s sports has polarized the WNBA.

Late in the third quarter, Cloud became visibly upset, shouted toward Kanter and approached him. When Kanter saw Cloud walking toward him, he also moved toward the court before security stopped him from getting any closer. After speaking with arena personnel, he left the building as fans cheered and whistled.

The incident adds another chapter to Kanter’s growing involvement in the WNBA.

Earlier this month, he declared his intention to enter the WNBA Draft, arguing that he should be eligible because he identifies as a woman and the league’s CBA does not clearly define the term.

On Monday, Front Office Sports reported that Kanter and fellow former NBA player Royce White are ineligible for the draft. Kanter, however, has not accepted that report as the final word and wants the WNBA to directly address his status as a draft prospect.

SEE ALSO: ‘Why Does He Want To Play With Women?’ – NBA Champion Goes Ballistic on Enes Kanter’s Trans-Athlete Stunt

The fallout from Sunday’s confrontation has now extended beyond the game itself. Kanter has been barred from the Sky’s home arena, while the WNBA is reportedly considering whether he should also be prohibited from attending other league games.

For now, both sides have offered very different accounts of what happened. The Sky’s decision to bar Kanter reflects the organization’s view that the incident crossed a line, while the WNBA still has to determine whether any further action is warranted.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The famed 1976 Olympic gold medalist and openly transgender woman appears to be on board with Freedom’s efforts, according to a recent media appearance in which Freedom spoke out on the subject.

Caitlyn Jenner to Moderate Enes Kanter Freedom’s ‘Peace Summit’?

In an exclusive interview between media entrepreneur Benny Johnson and Freedom, the duo plunged into the trans-athlete debate. For the first time since the controversy broke through, Kanter offered a solution in the form of a potential “peace summit” which would be moderated by Jenner.

“I think if, you know, if the NBA and the task force, and obviously, the commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, are okay with it, I am offering them a peace summit that is moderated by one of the best female athletes ever, Caitlyn Jenner,” said Freedom.

“I think she’ll be the best person to understand what’s going on and moderate the whole thing. So, if they’re okay with it, I’m here to talk. I’m not a difficult person to sit down [with] or have some kind of deal with, or talk to. I am offering a peace deal to the WNBA, yes.”

According to Freedom, he has already spoken with Jenner, and she agreed to help him along the way.

“I actually had a conversation with her last night,” Freedom explained. “She said, ‘Listen, I love what you’re doing, just whatever you’re doing, just count me in. I will do anything to help it.”

“I was like, ‘Listen, we might offer them a peace summit. Would you be okay to moderate it?” She said, ‘Amen.’”

🚨EXCLUSIVE: Enes Kanter Freedom Offers WNBA a PEACE SUMMIT Moderated by Caitlyn Jenner To Define What A Women Is…

“If the NBA and task force and, obviously, the Commissioner, Kathy Engelbert, are okay with it, l am offering them a peace summit that is moderated by one of the… pic.twitter.com/BrLHzh8QNc

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 25, 2026

Later in the interview, Freedom stated that he is ultimately a “peacemaker.” In his own words, “I don’t want to cause any trouble, you know? And people obviously might get the wrong idea because of some of the things they might see on the internet. But I’m a peacemaker.”

With no end in sight for the ongoing trans-athlete debate, any step in the right direction should be warmly welcomed. Whether or not a peace summit is in the near future, eyes are no longer on women’s basketball; they are on the political climate surrounding the sport.

MORE: ‘Driving Attention Away From Actual Issues’ – Aces Forward Calls Out Enes Kanter As 2023 Interview Suggests ‘Trans Panic Grift’ Was ‘Premeditated’

As for Jenner, considering her extraordinary background in athletics, it isn’t surprising to see her called upon. Coming to some form of agreement is imperative.

Each passing week seems to bring more controversy within and around the league, but in order to make true leeway, the WNBA must implement a new, clear policy regarding gender eligibility in the sport.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Cunningham has generally been quite outspoken on the subject, making it clear that she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Riley Gaines Calls Out Caitlin Clark for Her Lack of Loyalty

WNBA icon Caitlin Clark, a fellow Fever guard, has been riding the centerline over the past several weeks, leaving her opinions unclear. This prompted conservative political activist Riley Gaines to call her out, but not for her lack of advocacy.

While on-air with The Charlie Kirk Show with Andrew Kolvet, Gaines offered a candid take on where Clark sits in the midst of the trans-athlete debate.

“I think a lot of, at least, conversations that we see online from conservative profiles, conservative commentators, conservative influencers, they take the approach that Caitlin Clark should have this moral obligation to speak up, and I actually don’t really agree,” said Gaines.

“I really don’t. I don’t think you can volunteer someone for the position that I have found myself in, that Sophie Cunningham has now willingly accepted and has done so with such confidence and such courage. I don’t think you can volunteer someone for that position…”

Gaines quickly followed up with what does bother her about Clark’s positioning in all of the chaos.

“I think my main problem with Caitlin Clark and all of this isn’t that she isn’t necessarily taking a hard-line stance because, we can tell, I think it’s safe to assume what Caitlin Clark thinks about this issue,” she added.

“I’m not going to say what I know personally and how she thinks on this issue, but it’s safe to assume how she feels about this issue when asked about it, and she doesn’t repeat off the talking points that they’re told to say or what we’re supposed to believe that the league purports, and what is then representative of the general public, because she’s not doing that.

Riley Gaines gives her unvarnished take on Caitlin Clark.

“I think my main problem with Caitlin Clark in all of this isn’t that she isn’t necessarily taking a hardline stance because we can tell.”

“I think it’s safe to assume what Caitlin Clark thinks about this issue. I’m not… pic.twitter.com/YqCbdekSKo

— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) August 25, 2026

“It’s safe to say how she feels, but I more so take an issue with how loyal Sophie Cunningham has been to Caitlin in her defense over the past few years, not just on this topic of course, but in her defense of totally biased refs and unfair treatment even when it comes to not being on the cover of 2K,” Gaines exclaimed.

“Sophie Cunningham is there to defend Caitlin Clark; well, here Sophie Cunningham’s found herself in the midst of the cultural storm, and Caitlin Clark isn’t there defending her friend. Take outside the team component of it, and that’s what I more so find to be a telling factor of someone’s character….”

Gaines, a successful former athlete herself, is involved in political commentary; this alone requires her to be vocal about her stance. However, Clark is a basketball player at her core. She did not choose to enter politics.

MORE: ‘This Is Embarrassing’ – WNBA World Reacts As Sky Officially Declares Enes Kanter Is Not Allowed Into Chicago’s Arena

To be candid, Clark is simply here to play basketball, and to play it well, that is her job. Cunningham has, indeed, found herself caught up in the mayhem, but she, too, is here to play the sport she thrives in.

Friendship aside, the pair can be viewed as coworkers on the court as they navigate Indiana’s remaining summer schedule.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Front Office Sports reported Tuesday that Sky owner Michael Alter confirmed during a conversation with beat writers and local Chicago media that the former NBA player has been banned from Wintrust Arena. The decision quickly drew strong reactions from around the WNBA.

Enes Kanter’s Natasha Cloud Clash Takes Another Turn as Sky Ban Him From Arena

The Kanter-Cloud verbal spat happened late in the third quarter of the Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever. According to Alter, based on the information he gathered, Kanter started the back-and-forth with Cloud.

The real estate developer described the exchange as “trash talking, nothing personal,” but said Kanter wanted to get Cloud’s attention and “provoke her.”

Cloud became visibly upset and moved toward Kanter, who wanted to confront her before security stopped him from entering the court. Alter said “he made himself into a threat,” which led arena security to remove him.

Kanter will only be allowed back into the Sky’s arena if “he’s able to prove” that “he’s able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat.”

Sky owner Michael Alter said Enes Kanter is not allowed back into Wintrust Arena, “unless sometime in the future, he’s able to prove to us that he’s able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat.”

(via @colincsalao)

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 25, 2026

The decision sparked a wave of reactions from the WNBA community.

“This is embarrassing lmao,” a WNBA observer tweeted.

This is embarrassing lmao https://t.co/B5wX79Ex1r

— Latesia (@Latesia27) August 25, 2026

“The ‘unless’ was unnecessary. should be a lifetime ban. No appeals. But at least he won’t be allowed back,” an X user wrote.

“What did he actually do to that showed him as a threat? A player literally engaged w/ him, and he was cordial. The threat is what, he’s tall and has muscles? Lols,” a women’s wrestling supporter chimed in.

What did he actually do to that showed him as a threat, a player literally engaged w/ him and he was cordial.

The threat is what, he’s tall and has muscles? Lols https://t.co/ZbMNDJSfYb

— Mily (@DayDreamThis) August 25, 2026

“Any other heckler that walks on the court and approaches the athletes gets banned. Whether you agree or disagree with what he says…you can’t walk on the court and approach the athletes; this sets a horrible precedent for the future.

“This is weak,” another WNBA observer reacted.

Any other heckler that walks on the court and approaches the athletes gets banned. Whether you agree or disagree with what he says…you can’t walk on the court and approach the athletes, this sets a horrible precedent for the future

This is weak. 😒🫩 #skytown https://t.co/ud89aHK0ff

— Bryce_Bigsmooth (@bryceoutten) August 25, 2026

Kanter has been a vocal supporter of Sophie Cunningham’s stance that biological men should not be allowed to compete against women. During the game, he wore a shirt that read:

“WOMAN noun. adult human female.”

Some observers believed the shirt contributed to Cloud’s reaction.

“What rule dude he break, and what made him a threat? Your player approached him over a shirt,” a WNBA supporter wondered.

The situation could extend beyond the Sky. According to ESPN on Monday, the WNBA has not yet decided whether to also bar Kanter from attending league games.

SEE ALSO: ‘Driving Attention Away From Actual Issues’ – Aces Forward Calls Out Enes Kanter As 2023 Interview Suggests ‘Trans Panic Grift’ Was ‘Premeditated’

The 6-foot-10 former NBA center announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft last month. Front Office Sports reported Monday that Kanter is not eligible for the draft, though he is still awaiting direct confirmation from the WNBA.

For now, Kanter’s arena ban is limited to the Sky’s home venue. Whether the league takes further action remains the next question, leaving the confrontation far from settled.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

North Carolina went 4-8 last season, and it looked like Belichick struggled to adjust to the college game. Now it appears he is entering a make-or-break season, and one prominent college football analyst thinks Belichick won’t last the season.

Paul Finebaum Calls Out Bill Belichick

College football analyst Paul Finebaum is known for his hot takes and criticism of coaches and teams across the sport.

It now seems he has his sights set on Belichick.

Finebaum said on ESPN, “He’s a grouch, he’s a bully, and his career in college is about to go down in flames…I don’t think Bill Belichick is going to survive until the end of the season.”

“He’s a grouch, he’s a bully, and his career in college is about to go down in flames…I don’t think Bill Belichick is going to survive until the end of the season” – Paul Finebaum pic.twitter.com/FUutmKjsGw

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 25, 2026

Finebaum continued, “He’s one of the worst college football coaches, in a short period of time, I have ever seen and I see no way this is going to be a successful landing on ending for Belichick.”

MORE: ‘This Is a LOUD Evaluation’ — CFB World Clowns Jackson Arnold As UNLV HC Dan Mullen Reveals 2-QB Plan

North Carolina will be one of the most interesting watches to begin the season, as Belichick needs to get off to a fast start.

After the opener, they have a bye, host East Tennessee State, then open ACC play at Clemson (Sept. 19) before a home matchup with Notre Dame (Oct. 3).

While North Carolina is seen as a basketball school, they won’t wait around while their football program goes to waste.

PREDICT THE CFB SEASON: PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor

If Belichick doesn’t improve significantly this season, he could be on his way out.

College football has changed so much over the years with recruiting and the transfer portal that you have to be truly bought in to building the best team possible.

Belichick can pitch these players something no other college coach can: the opportunity to learn from the greatest NFL head coach of all time.

START PREPARING: PFN’s Free College Fantasy Simulator

However, that clearly hasn’t been enough, as North Carolina couldn’t land elite talent in Belichick’s first two years.

The expectations are low for Belichick and North Carolina this season, but he needs to prove the doubters wrong and have a strong season to keep his job.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

NFL Fans Mock Green Bay Packers Alternate Uniforms

NFL fans on X had mixed reactions to the NFC North giants’ new alternate rivalry uniforms.

Jason Brown mocked the quality of the rivalry uniforms.

Bought this exact jersey on Temu last year

— Jason Brown (@JB_Twoots) August 25, 2026

One fan was not impressed by the design of the Packers’ rivalry uniforms.

“Mid Mid Mid Skip Skip,” the fan posted.

Another fan concluded that none of this year’s NFL Rivalries jerseys passed muster.

I’m yet to see a rivalries jersey that looks good.

— Stephen Ford (@Hightower8585) August 25, 2026

Gabriel Idowu dismissed the Packers’ efforts to make their NFL Rivalries jerseys unique.

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator

“Just out here wasting fabric,” Idowu complained.

Even the team’s own fans were not impressed by the jersey design.

“I can’t stress how bad these are,” the Packers fan exclaimed.

One fan compared the jerseys to a college football team.

“Is it supposed to look like a college team??? my bad,” the fan mocked.

START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator

Jason Jutton teased the colour of the Packers’ uniform.

Looks like my recyclables garbage can.

— Jason Jutton (@ChitownSniper) August 25, 2026

The team’s website described the rivalry uniform’s unique features in detail.

“The uniform features a desaturated vintage green jersey with delicate alabaster and gold stripes, paired with alabaster pants and a matching matte helmet with green and gold striping and a matte green facemask,” the description reads.

“The alabaster palette is reminiscent of the aged paper of historic Packers stock certificates, while the jersey numbers feature an engraved treatment modeled after the intricate lettering of paper currency, reflecting the financial support that has helped sustain the franchise.”

The October 11 matchup between the Packers and the Bears will be the franchises’ 214th meeting.

The Bears are charter members of the APFA, which preceded the NFL; the Packers joined a year later, in 1921.

The NFL Rivalries is a league-wide initiative in conjunction with Nike, aimed at elevating the various rivalries through specially designed uniforms and fan gear. The initiative kicked off in 2025, and in 2026, teams from the NFC North and AFC South will wear unique uniforms for home games against division rivals.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Widely considered one of the greatest shooters in league history, Thompson is determined to finish his career on a winning note. He recently gave insight into his decision to leave the Dallas Mavericks and join the Miami Heat.

Klay Thompson Explains Decision To Join Miami Heat

While speaking at his introductory press conference, Thompson cited his desire to win by joining the Heat. He said, “Just the opportunity to play high-level basketball throughout the season and the chance to make a deep postseason run. Those things were so attractive to me. I’ve tasted winning before, and there’s really nothing like it.”

Thompson joins a Heat organization looking to return to the NBA Finals after acquiring superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat moved All-Star guard Tyler Herro in the trade.

The Heat also lost All-Star Norman Powell in free agency, so Thompson could play a significant role for the Heat this upcoming season. However, the idea of Thompson finishing his career outside of the Bay Area still seems surreal to many fans.

Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Warriors, winning four championships and making five All-Star teams. He formed the most explosive shooting backcourt in league history with Stephen Curry.

However, his career essentially changed when he tore his left ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Just as Thompson was recovering from knee surgery, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

When Thompson finally returned to the court, there were still plenty of great moments, such as making 300 three-pointers during the 2022-23 season, but it was also clear Thompson was declining.

Known as one of the top defensive shooting guards in the league during his prime, Thompson was no longer elite on that end and even moved to a bench role for a period of time.

Eventually, Thompson decided to part ways with The Warriors and head to Dallas in 2024, joining what he believed was a championship contender built around Luka Dončić.

However, things quickly turned sour when the Mavericks traded Dončić in one of the most shocking trades in recent memory. Thompson continued to battle inconsistency, and things completely fell apart last season.

Primarily used in a bench role, Thompson had the worst season of his career, averaging 11.7 points per game, while shooting 39.3% from the field. He also spent most of last season on the trading block.

MORE: ‘Steph Doesn’t Sign the Extension’ – ESPN Insider Reveals $100 Million Reason Why Stephen Curry May Not Extend With Warriors

Thompson knew he needed a fresh start, which is why he was willing to give up $9.8 million of his projected $17.5 million salary to leave the Mavericks organization and join the Heat.

Thompson is eager to show the NBA world that he can still contribute to a championship contender and finish his career on top.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.