Trump is a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan and there were many security measures that were put in place. Because of them, fans and media members had to go through them hours before tipoff.

President Donald Trump Hears It From Knicks Fans

The president was spotted getting out of his limousine. As he waved to people, there were boos but also some cheers for Trump.

An NBA fan page shared a clip from ABC Sports’ telecast on Monday night, where fans booed Trump as he saluted during the national anthem. The post was captioned on X, “Trump getting booed at the Knicks game.”

Trump getting booed at the Knicks game 😂 pic.twitter.com/mbkp9GSUxV

— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) June 9, 2026

Legion Hoops’ account on X shared a video of Trump arriving as a number of New York Police Department police cars escort him to Madison Square Garden. Legion Hoops wrote on X, “New Yorkers cheer and boo as President Donald Trump arrives to Madison Square Garden This is historic.”

New Yorkers cheer and boo as President Donald Trump arrives to Madison Square Garden

This is historic. (via @EricLDaugh) pic.twitter.com/7zJYhEegsQ

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 9, 2026

Trump’s visit to the 2026 NBA Finals marks the first time that a sitting president has done so. There have been a number of voices critical of Trump appearing at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead over the Spurs and are playing an NBA Finals home game for the first time since 1999. There was a bevy of celebrities in attendance, too. Trump, though, was not sitting courtside and appeared in a box atop the Garden.

Trump has mentioned on multiple occasions that he’s a Knicks fan and has even praised the current roster.

The Knicks are looking to sweep the Spurs and win their first NBA championship since 1973. Fans were ready to cheer their team from the get-go. With legendary Knicks like Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, John Starks, and others at the game on Monday night, it felt like a big-time game that had meaning far beyond the NBA Finals.

Early on, the Spurs jumped out to an 11-point lead. But the Knicks have been a comeback team throughout the NBA playoffs. If they can come back again on their home court, then it’s going to be party time for those long-suffering Knicks fans.

Jalen Brunson and Co. don’t want to go back to San Antonio, so they’re going to try to bring the brooms out in 4 games.

While it appeared that Sorsby would be ruled ineligible in 2026, a judge gave him just a two-game suspension with the ability to play after, and college football officials are furious.

College Football Officials React to Brendan Sorsby’s Suspension

Speaking to Yahoo Sports today, Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said, “It’s f****** bulls***. I know the kid has a problem. Well, get well and focus on your problem. It is absolutely devastating for him to be able to play when every other sport, no matter the level, deems an athlete ineligible or they are punished severely for betting on their team.”

Taylor has a point.

Back in 2023, Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Noah Shannon was suspended for the entire season after placing a bet on the Hawkeyes’ women’s basketball team during their national championship run.

Despite it being an isolated incident with a minuscule betting amount, Shannon was not shown any mercy.

Now, with Sorsby placing thousands of bets totaling around $90,000 during his college career, including wagers on an Indiana Hoosier team he was playing for at the time, he’s been given a two-game slap on the wrist.

Based on the previous precedent set by the NCAA, Taylor and other college football officials have the right to be upset.

Having an impact player like Sorsby largely available in 2026 changes the entire landscape of the conference.

In 2025, for Cincinnati, he threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions.

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While leading the Bearcats to a 7-6 record, he earned an 88.2 QB impact grade according to PFSN, ranking 10th in the nation.

Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks, also a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee, said, “This is not about Texas Tech. It’s about protecting our own locker room. We cannot in good conscience, put our student-athletes on a field where the competitive integrity of the contest is compromised and overridden by the courts.”

Another anonymous Big 12 athletic director relented that it’s the “lowest point in my time in college sports” and said Texas Tech “should be ashamed of itself.”

While the top brass of college football are clearly outraged, NCAA President Charlie Baker has encouraged Congress to rule everyone fairly.

How that will happen is unclear, but the troubles will continue to plague the NCAA until a clearer framework addressing student-athlete wagering is established.

After this wild decision, former Super Bowl champ Tyrann Mathieu poked fun at the idea of finding a way to play his final years in college.

Tyrann Mathieu Jokes About the Brendan Sorsby Court Ruling

Sorsby is not going to have to worry about the NFL Supplemental Draft, for now, because he can play as of today. Texas Tech will be extremely relieved their transfer QB will get to suit up for them, despite previous worries.

Sorsby was caught violating the NCAA’s gambling policy by placing numerous wagers on different sports, including Indiana football, when he was on the team.

A judge in Lubbock, Texas, where Texas Tech is located, made the shocking decision to give Sorsby a temporary injunction to give him the chance to play next season. Sorsby will miss the first two games of the Red Raiders’ season. He won’t play against Abilene Christian or Oregon State but will be ready for their Big 12 opener.

Amid eligibility cases across college sports, Mathieu went to social media to troll the decision and try to find a judge in Louisiana who would let him return to college sports.

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“Can I return back to college football? I only played 2 seasons, should have 2 more eligibility years left…. Can you find me a judge in Louisiana who can see to it that Honey Badger gets to finish his last 2 years of college football? Who’s going to say no?????” said Mathieu.

Can I return back to college football?
I only played 2 seasons, should have 2 more eligibility years left….

Can you find me a judge in Louisiana who can see to it that Honey Badger gets to finish his last 2 years of college football?
Who’s going to say no ?????

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) June 8, 2026

Mathieu was quite the player during his two college seasons at LSU. Wearing the famous No. 7 for the LSU Tigers, Mathieu earned his nickname, “The Honey Badger,” for his elite play.

Mathieu was one of the first few players to make the No. 7 tradition at LSU popular because of his eye-catching return touchdowns and big hits over the field. He finished fifth in Heisman voting in 2011 and was one of the most electric players in LSU history.

Of course, Mathieu won’t be able to suit up again and play college football after a successful NFL career, where he was named a First-Team All-Pro three times and was able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy once. But Mathieu wasn’t going to miss out on poking fun at the judge who made the controversial decision to make Sorsby eligible.

As the New York Knicks stand two wins away from adding another Larry O’Brien to their trophy cabinet, the excitement is palpable, so much so that it is leading to another historic event: a sitting president attending a game in person.

President Donald Trump Makes Historic NBA Finals Appearance

The last time the New York Knicks won the NBA championship was in 1973. Now, over 50 years later, they are as close as they’ve ever been. Taking the first two games on the road, they’ve continued their stunning run through the postseason.

After falling down 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have rattled off 13 straight wins, only the second team in NBA history to achieve that feat in the playoffs. Moreover, they have done it at an unparalleled pace, registering the highest margin of victory ever.

That dominance has sparked attention from all corners of the country, as one of the biggest franchises in sports aims for its crowning achievement. It has also attracted the attention of President Trump, who is now attending the game in James Dolan’s suite.

In the rich history of basketball spanning nearly 80 years, this is the first time ever that a sitting President is attending a live NBA game. As a result, security has been ramped up to a maximum, with all watch parties around the prestigious Madison Square Garden already cancelled.

While other Presidents have attended the game, they did so after vacating the White House. Barack Obama has famously been a regular in the crowd at games, even sitting with Commissioner Adam Silver during one such occasion.

The situation with Trump, though, is a wholly unique instance. While he previously attended games, that was well before his administration came into power. This time around, his stature and protection are at another level altogether.

While the initial idea seemed like he would be sitting courtside, taking in the action, that has since been revised, with confirmation coming in that he will be with Dolan directly in his suite.

As for the game itself, the Knicks have taken an unprecedented 2-0 lead on the road. As the action shifts back to New York, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have a tall task ahead. Falling into an 0-3 hole would be nigh impossible to crawl out of, especially against a Knicks team riding the high of 13 straight wins in the playoffs.

Knicks fans who showed up, before they could get into Madison Square Garden, had to go through a bunch of hoops because of the security around Trump. Will this cause a delay in Monday night’s tipoff?

Knicks Fans Deal With Security Issues Before Donald Trump Arrives

While the fans were inconvenienced, so were some players. They had to arrive early and go through the same TSA-style screenings as fans. Even Spurs star Victor Wembanyama had to go through that stuff, too.

The game itself probably will not be delayed, yet having to go through so much to get into the arena put a wrench in their usual gameday routines. There is a chance, though, that all the fans and media members might not get there before tip off.

For some perspective, Darren Rovell, founder of Clict, shared what one fan went through on Monday in a post on X.

These people have been waiting an hour to get into Madison Square Garden.

Here is a first person account:

“They routed everyone down to 34th and 8th.

Police barracade.

Through metal detectors to a point about 200 feet from MSG.

Then they came and apologized and said… pic.twitter.com/7Ol3m1gWX2

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 8, 2026

“These people have been waiting an hour to get into Madison Square Garden,” Rovell wrote. Here is a first person account: ‘They routed everyone down to 34th and 8th. Police barracade. Through metal detectors to a point about 200 feet from MSG,'” Rovell shared.

“‘Then they came and apologized and said they were confused and instead we needed to exit the barracade and go to 34th and 7th,'” Rovell shared about the first-person account.

“‘We walked there and then a different set of police told us to go to 32nd and 6th. There are hundreds, if not a thousand people, wandering around in giant herds not knowing where to go or how to get in. The police keep saying they don’t know the protocol.'”

Matt Guzman, who is the lead Spurs writer for San Antonio Spurs On SI, also had a reflection on the security measures ahead of Trump arriving at Madison Square Garden.

Can confirm the security is crazy here at Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 between the #Spurs and Knicks.

Secret Service is handling entry for fans and media. My iPad died, and they made me plug it in to prove it turned on. Opened my Airpods cases and even flipped through… pic.twitter.com/udCzVbaS1f

— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) June 8, 2026

“Can confirm the security is crazy here at Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 between the #Spurs and Knicks,” Guzman wrote on X. “Secret Service is handling entry for fans and media.

“My iPad died, and they made me plug it in to prove it turned on,” Guzman continued. “Opened my Airpods cases and even flipped through my book to see what was in between the pages. Glad I got here this morning for shootaround. Don’t want to deal with entry over these next few hours.”

Even media members were being routed outside the Garden, too. Stefan Bondy, who covers the Knicks for the New York Post, posted on X, “Media line to get thru the TSA screening four hours before the game.”

Media line to get thru the TSA screening four hours before the game. pic.twitter.com/guKxa4k8aa

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) June 8, 2026

Now, once all of these people get into the arena, some will go to work while others get ready to cheer on their favorite basketball teams.

King’s death at 59 years old brought out a lot of tender reactions. Jordan also had some thoughts about his old teammate.

Michael Jordan Shares Loving Message About Stacey King

Oh No He Didn’t’s account on X shared Jordan’s message about King in a post on X.

Michael Jordan on Stacey King: pic.twitter.com/jP1H90v6rL

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) June 8, 2026

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing,” Jordan’s statement said. “We shared some special years as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped to define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.”

King was born in Lawton, Okla., on January 29, 1967. He was the sixth overall pick by Chicago in the 1989 NBA Draft. King’s nicknames were “Sky” and “Pearl.”

Besides being a three-time NBA champion, King also landed on the NBA’s 1989-90 All-Rookie Team. His career highs in games were 24 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 7 blocks.

King played in 16 NBA playoff series in his stellar career. He was adept at scoring as a primarily left-handed shooter. King went out and played hard when on the court, under the guiding eyes of Bulls head coach Phil Jackson at times.

King played his college ball at the University of Oklahoma and was honored by his college a few years ago. He played eight seasons in the NBA for the Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks.

MORE: ‘We Are Devastated’ – Prayers Pour In for Stacey King and His Family After 3-Time NBA Champion’s Tragic Passing at Age 59

In 438 career games, King averaged 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. King shot 47.8% from the floor and 23.5% from beyond the 3-point arc.

Bulls fans, though, have gotten used to seeing King offer his commentary on Bulls’ basketball broadcasts. Many people in the Chicagoland area remember King not only from his playing days but also from his work behind the microphone.

The Bulls also posted a heartfelt statement about King’s passing: “We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King.” Now, the Bulls head into their next season without a memorable player and broadcaster near the action.

With a record of 5-5, Indiana broke out of the gate as a bit of a disappointment. A two-time NBA champion offered his take about the Fever and their standout player.

Former NBA C Mychal Thompson Questions Indiana Fever’s Use of G Caitlin Clark

After losing to the New York Liberty on Sunday, Indiana sits at .500. More importantly, some believe that the team does not utilize Clark’s skills. Thompson appeared on the ” Fearless with Jason Whitlock” show to discuss.

Lakers legend Mychal Thompson explains how the Fever have been misusing Caitlin Clark. pic.twitter.com/ZPWmFgSnQt

— Jason Whitlock (@jasonwhitlock) June 8, 2026

” Never seen this in any sport. It would be like taking the serve away from Serena Williams. Like taking the bat out of (Shohei) Ohtani’s hand, turning him into a singles hitter,” proclaimed Thompson, who played twelve seasons as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In essence, he believes that Fever coach Stephanie White’s offensive system is stifling Clark’s game.

“They’ve taken away Caitlin’s superpowers. You build around a franchise player. It seems like they brought the franchise player in to play they want to play, as opposed to adapting to her style. ” Thompson asserted.

In recent weeks, Clark and White have had issues, even some catching the lens of a camera. Clark thrives with the ball in her hands. She will create a shot for herself or space the floor, allowing either an entry pass into the post or a teammate to cut to the basket.

In all honesty, Clark’s offense may not be the overarching issue; the defense may be. After ten games this year, Indiana surrenders an average of 86.6 points per game. That speaks to teams feeling comfortable with isolating one-on-one on individual Fever players or running plays that find the open shooter. Social media buzzed with various clips of opponents taking advantage of Clark’s defense.

Sitting at 5-5, the Fever hold the No.8 spot in the league. Additionally, the offense remains one of the most potent units in the league, and Clark dishes out more assists than anyone. As a result, it does not appear to squarely focus on her offensive contributions.

MORE: ‘It’s Pretty Cool’ – UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Reacts to Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Thriving As Teammates in WNBA

Currently, the Minnesota Lynx sit atop the league standings and appear to be the early frontrunner. Either way, Clark and the Fever must find a way to start stacking victories. If not, the playoff chase will continue to put pressure on them.

However, Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti is not giving up on the 24-year-old.

Sam Presti Gives His Thoughts on Chet Holmgren’s Struggles Against Spurs

Presti spoke to the media regarding Holmgren’s rough series. He gave an honest assessment of the All-Star’s performance but reassured Oklahoma City fans, and possibly Holmgren himself, that many players can go through these struggles. The true test lies in how they respond.

“He didn’t have a great series in the last series … but if you go back and look at some of the greatest players in the game, they all have these moments where they run into defeat or struggle. That’s what makes them great players is that they are able to move on from that and improve,” explained Presti.

Sam Presti on Chet Holmgren:

“He didn’t have a great series in the last series … but if you go back and look at some of the greatest players in the game, they all have these moments where they run into defeat or struggle.”pic.twitter.com/3c6NzhCwmo

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 8, 2026

Holmgren’s 2026 Western Conference Finals numbers certainly paled in comparison to his regular-season totals. He averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and took just 7.3 shots per game. In contrast, the 7-foot-1 big man put up 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in his 2025-26 All-Star campaign.

Analysts and fans did not hold back their criticism of Holmgren’s performance, but he can turn that around with excellent play next season.

Presti talked about Holmgren’s “underdog” mentality and why it will help him bounce back.

“He’s been questioned all the time … People had all kinds of questions and doubts. That’s nothing new to this guy … This is a guy that is intrinsically motivated. He doesn’t need people questioning him or things on the internet to drive his improvement,” said Presti.

The Thunder started this season without Jalen Williams while he recovered from offseason wrist surgery. He did not play his first game until November 28, and hamstring injuries limited him to 33 total regular-season contests. Presti noted that Holmgren “significantly improved” in Williams’ absence, and the numbers back up his claim.

Presti emphasized Holmgren’s hunger for success this season, despite winning the 2025 NBA title. He upped his scoring from 15.0 points per game last season and increased his efficiency, shooting 49.0% from the field in 2024-25 compared to 55.7% this season.

MORE: NBA Insider Reveals Legendary Coach Gregg Popovich’s Message for Spurs After Heartbreaking Game 2 Loss

Holmgren will likely spend his summer tuning out criticism and focusing on what he can control: his on-court play. He needs to be more aggressive and decisive with the ball in his hands against Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio in 2026-27.

The league will undoubtedly put these matchups on center stage, and Presti believes Holmgren will be ready to shift the narrative.

However, Knicks legend Patrick Ewing made some young fans’ day on Monday by surprising them with tickets to Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals.

Patrick Ewing Surprises Young New York Knicks Fans With NBA Finals Tickets

With the cheapest tickets at Madison Square Garden costing upwards of $8,000, many fans are missing out on the opportunity to watch their beloved Knicks attempt to make history. Amid this, Ewing appeared on the TODAY Show alongside Knicks fan and actor Tracy Morgan to surprise young Knicks fans with 250 tickets to Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals.

The 11-time NBA All-Star and Morgan teamed up with the Garden of Dreams Foundation to hand out tickets to young fans. The foundation works with Madison Square Garden to empower kids in need by providing scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities. The heartwarming moment took place outside the TODAY Plaza in New York.

“We have a surprise that you guys will be coming to the game tonight. Not only tonight, but also Wednesday night,” Ewing, who played for the Knicks from 1985 to 2000, said to cheers from young Knicks fans as he handed out tickets.

“What they don’t realize is that’s like a quarter of a million dollars,” TODAY Show co-host Craig Melvin said in response on the broadcast.

 

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A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow)

Melvin’s comments reflect the sky-high costs of tickets at Madison Square Garden to watch the NBA Finals. Get-in prices for Game 3 start from $8,000, with the most expensive tickets costing upwards of $100,000.

There has been an unprecedented surge in demand for tickets even at these prices, as generations of lifelong Knicks fans look to watch the team’s historic run.

MORE: ‘Inconvenient for Everybody Else’ – Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox Reacts to President Donald Trump Attending NBA Finals Game 3

Even President Donald Trump and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight at Madison Square Garden. President Trump’s appearance will make him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.

The Knicks last played in the NBA Finals in 1999 and are looking to end a 53-year championship drought. However, they are 2-0 against the San Antonio Spurs and currently on a 13-game winning streak.

The Knicks-Spurs series continues with Game 3 tonight with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden will be electric as the Knicks will have the opportunity to put one hand on the Larry O’Brien Trophy with a Game 3 win.

Similarly, Patriots’ cornerback Christian Gonzalez, known as one of the league’s top defensive backs, is making headlines for sitting out OTAs and minicamp as he seeks a contract reflecting his status.

The narrative around young players continued on June 8, 2026, when Carter left mandatory minicamp early after suffering an apparent foot injury, sparking widespread reaction across the NFL community.

Abdul Carter’s Injury Draws Reactions on Social Media

Per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, things did not look good for Carter.

“Development: Giants edge Abdul Carter had his entire left shoe and sock off, and he’s being examined by trainers,” Leonard wrote. “He is limping VERY gingerly off to the side. I didn’t see it happen, but Carter got banged up during this practice. He just limped into the indoor field as practice continues outside.”

Some early guesses are that Carter has a foot stress reaction, similar to a prior injury.

After Carter’s injury, Savage Boston understands why Gonzalez is not attending camp. “And this is why Christian Gonzalez isn’t participating in workouts until he gets paid,” the account wrote on X.

And this is why Christian Gonzalez isn’t participating in workouts until he gets paid.

😬 https://t.co/pDgYXFj4pi

— Savage (@Savageboston) June 8, 2026

Barstool New York joined in, using a video of a clown drinking from the HBO Max show IT: Welcome to Derry, writing “Another Giants injury before Training Camp.”

Another Giants injury before Training Camp pic.twitter.com/N3hSytiVix https://t.co/zFo0l2OH94

— Barstool New York (@BarstoolNYC) June 8, 2026

Dan Viens of Seahawks Forever points out that this could slow the Giants’ roll on trading former first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux.

“Something to keep an eye on. If there were to be any injuries to the group of Burns, Carter or Reese, I’d imagine it would put the brakes on any Thibodeaux trade possibilities,” Viens says.

John Frascella simply believes his team is cursed, even if the Giants do believe he will be okay. “You ever feel like maybe this team is cursed…,” he wrote.

You ever feel like maybe this team is cursed… https://t.co/oGfXymnk1S

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) June 8, 2026

Jeff Mueller wonders whether Ravens’ star Zay Flowers’ mention of former Ravens and new Giants’ coach John Harbaugh’s practice methods had a little more legs than we thought.

“Starting to think more about Zay Flowers’ comments about John Harbaugh’s practice schedules,” said Mueller.

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Levi Ackerman isn’t surprised by Harbaugh’s tactics and doesn’t believe they will ever change.

“Harbaugh got them guys working, man,” Ackerman wrote. “He’s never [going to change.] By the time the Giants get to the start of the season, they’re gonna have at least 5-7 injuries.”

Harbaugh later confirmed that Carter’s injury “doesn’t look serious,” but the situation will be monitored. The Giants will want to be cautious with someone they invested heavily in.

According to PFSN’s EDGE Impact Metric, Carter posted an impact score of 84.1 last season, ranking 17th at his position. He is expected to take a big leap under Harbaugh, but for that to happen, he must first avoid injuries, especially before the start of the season.

The ethics of the relationship between Vrabel and Russini have continued to trigger widespread discourse among fans and analysts.

Reporter Claim NFL Coaches and Players Flirted With Her When She Was Underaged

NFL reporter Crissy Froyd appeared on “The Howard Eskin Show” to discuss the Russini-Vrabel scandal. She was fired by USA Today for speaking out about Vrabel and Russini’s alleged relationship, and she also spoke about the dynamic between NFL media and players and coaches.

Froyd alleges that many NFL players and coaches have made advances towards her over the years, including when she was underage.

Eskin asked, “How many players or coaches tried to hit on you?” Froyd replied, “At least 50, I can’t even count.”

“Like I said, I’ve been doing this for like 12 years, so at least 50, including when I was underage,” she added. “But I will give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe they didn’t know that.”

When asked how she responded to the advances, Froyd replied, “It was obviously very uncomfortable, especially when some of them were players from the NFL when I was about 16. So, I was just the age of consent in multiple states, and I didn’t know what to do because I looked older than I was, and so I just kind of tried to not say anything, you know, kind of like dodge it and just kind of leave the conversation.”

Froyd has been outspoken about the NFL’s “culture of corruption” where some female reporters trade “sex for stories.”

“I’ve also been told by at least half a dozen female reporters that they have had sex with NFL staff and, in one case, a prominent NFL head coach, while they were covering the team,” Froyd wrote for The Daily Mail, adding that this is “unfair and demoralizing” for the journalists who do things the right way.

When Eskin asked if she would name any names, Froyd told him, “To avoid any legal dispute, I can’t say any more than that,” she added. “One of them starts with a J. I won’t go any further than that, but just to give you a bit of a tidbit.”

Pictures of Russini and Vrabel holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona were published by Page Six on April 7. Russini resigned from The Athletic a week later amid an internal investigation by the outlet.

The timeline of Russini and Vrabel’s relationship allegedly stretched back six years, when the latter was the coach of the Tennessee Titans, as the Page Six also published pictures of the pair kissing in a New York bar.

Then, TMZ added fuel to the fire by sharing a clip of Vrabel and Russini on a private boat trip in Tennessee five years ago when she was pregnant with her first child.

While Russini’s career hangs in limbo, the Patriots have stood by Vrabel even after he stepped away from the team on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to attend counseling sessions with his family. Also, the NFL has said that it won’t investigate Vrabel since the league is treating it as a personal matter.

For decades, athletes entered college as amateurs, playing with the promise of free education and the ambition to take their game to the pros. The only problem with that is that college sports are extremely intriguing to the masses and bring in a lot of revenue, to which the players do deserve a share of, but it is an extremely slippery slope.

Scott Van Pelt Slams Court’s Ruling on Brendan Sorsby

Earlier today, a judge in a Lubbock district court ruled in Sorsby’s favor, making him eligible to play for Texas Tech in 2026. The decision came after the quarterback admitted to placing thousands of bets, including on Indiana, while he was still with the program. The NCAA was adamant that he would never be able to play again, but the court allowed Sorsby to continue his college football career.

Long-time ESPN analyst Scott Van Pelt took issue with the court’s decision and voiced his displeasure on X. “There really aren’t any rules,” he wrote. “You just go to court. If it fails, go to court again until a judge says you’re all set. Want a 7th year? Sure, broke rules? Ahhhh, it’s fine. There AREN’T any rules.”

This incident is a far cry from the NCAA being able to vacate wins and awards from teams unopposed, and give teams “death sentences”, which essentially would withhold their recruiting efforts for a period of time, to make sure they felt the wrath.

There really aren’t any rules. You just go to court. If it fails, go to court again until a judge says you’re all set.

Want a 7th year?

Sure

Broke rules?

Ahhhh, it’s fine.

There AREN’T any rules.

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) June 8, 2026

Now in the NIL era, the NCAA seems to have less power. Still, in situations involving the integrity of the game, the court and judges should be more open to unbiased intervention to help ensure the game is played the right way and that those abusing the system are kept out.

With the rise of the issue of athletes wagering on their own sports, breaking an unwritten rule that, prior to sportsbooks being legal, was a non-issue, now players are not being held accountable for breaking the rules that are in place to avoid this from ruining the integrity of the game by local courts.

The court’s decision in Sorsby raises questions about whether a school’s influence on the town is enough to sway judges from granting cases due process, and, if so, what alternatives are available. Of course, you don’t want cases involving a school’s team in the hands of rivals or people who would stand to benefit from them suffering punishment.

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But the law is supposed to be above bias, influence, and exceptions; when it is not, it sets an extremely dangerous precedent that they are above persecution.

Now that Sorsby will play for Texas Tech after serving a two-game suspension, he has a chance to build on his draft stock, as he was already viewed as a potential first-round pick. According to PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 88.2 last year, ranking 10th in the nation.

The fallout from the alleged affair caused Vrabel to miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft and Russini to resign from her job at The Athletic.

The Athletic Staff Questions Drawn Out Dianna Russini Probe Amid Mike Vrabel Scandal

After initially defending Russini when Page Six published pictures of the reporter and Vrabel at the adults-only resort in Arizona on April 7, The Athletic’s executive editor Steven Ginsberg changed tack and promised that an internal investigation would be conducted into the matter. Then, days later, Russini resigned.

Page Six reporter Oli Coleman revealed on Sunday that staffers at The Athletic and New York Times (which owns the outlet) are concerned over the drawn-out investigation into Russini’s conduct, which has been ongoing for over two months.

“Some inside the New York Times building are beginning to wonder what’s taking so long with the Dianna Russini investigation, we’re told, but top editors have reiterated promises that it’s coming. Though they say a report is still ‘weeks” away,'” Coleman wrote.

“But two months later, Russini’s colleagues still don’t have answers and insiders tell us that, while the announcement of the probe quelled some concerns, the long wait is beginning to raise them anew,” Coleman added. “Now we’re told Ginsberg addressed the matter at a routine all-hands meeting of Athletic staffers last week.”

Here’s what Ginsberg reportedly told the staff: “It’s going to take a few more weeks. There’s just a lot to go through, and we obviously want to take our time and be careful doing that. We will update everybody when we get to the end of that. We’ve also said that if we find anything that needs to be corrected, we will correct it along the way.”

Even after Russini’s resignation, details have continued to emerge, with Page Six posting pictures of the pair kissing in a bar in New York in 2020. Also, TMZ posted a clip of the Patriots coach and the former New York Times employee on a private boat trip in Tennessee five years ago, when Russini was pregnant with her first child and Vrabel was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

After Russini resigned from The Athletic, she shared her resignation letter online.

“I have come to this decision with deep sadness but with clarity about what is right for me, my family, and the work I have spent my career building,” Russini wrote. “You and I have already publicly addressed the recent attacks against me, and I have nothing to add publicly to what we have said. I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.

“When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts. Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete.

“I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”

It remains to be seen if Russini will get another gig as an NFL insider after the scandal. Recently, PFSN’s NFL analysts weighed in on what’s next for Russini and whether she will work in the industry again.

While the scandal led to Russini’s resignation from The Athletic, it also ultimately led to NFL writer Crissy Froyd getting fired from USA Today after she weighed in on the controversy. Now, Froyd is breaking her silence on what she describes as systemic corporate incompetence and massive double standards within major media networks.

Why USA Today Fired Crissy Froyd Over the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini Scandal

It all started when Russini posted her resignation letter. Froyd called her out and declared on X, “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you’ve been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”

Within 48 hours, USA Today terminated Froyd’s independent contractor agreement.

Froyd recently appeared on “The Howard Eskin Show” and discussed her termination. She said that she received a vague email claiming the network “didn’t like being a part of the news cycle,” followed by an official statement from corporate executive Lark-Marie Antón, whom Froyd claimed she had never even heard of.

Froyd completely rejected the corporate narrative surrounding her exit, unleashing a blistering critique of USA Today’s operational structure. For Froyd, the termination highlighted a deeply disorganized organization.

“I think most of all, they’re just stupid,” Froyd said bluntly. “Who forgets to renew a contract for two years? … I’ve heard of this too from within the company, there was someone that was working for a different [NFL] Wire network and tried to get issued a Broncos Wire contract by accident, and then the guy that was above them was like, ‘Oh, thanks for letting us correct that.’

“And then the contracts I’d had before that were misspelled. It’s a stupid company. It’s a dumb company. They don’t know what they’re doing. Well, it’s embarrassing. I think a kindergartener could do it better than they do.”

Beyond the clerical errors and contract mix-ups, Froyd claims she was never presented with, nor signed, any paperwork regarding her social media conduct or specific ethics guidelines.

“I had no way to even know what I was supposed to uphold,” Froyd explained.

She recalled that when she was 19, working on the college sports side, an internal employee admitted USA Today was terrified of proposing social media conduct clauses over fears of being sued and failing legal scrutiny.

“So why all of a sudden you think you can do it now? What’s changed?” she asked.

The Russini-Vrabel scandal started when Page Six published photos of Russini and Vrabel together at an Arizona resort in April. Both denied any inappropriate relationship at the time. Soon after, Russini resigned from The Athletic amid an internal review, and she maintained that there was no affair.

Vrabel remains the head coach of the Patriots, who have stood by him even after he stepped away from the team on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to attend counseling alongside his family.

Immediately making the playoffs, it looked like they would unidirectionally only be going up. However, that hasn’t fully materialized, and a lack of production from their alleged superstar has been a huge part of the problem. Now, as reports about a potential ailment make the rounds, are the unimpressive numbers the norm, or an injury outlier?

A Possible Reason for the Caitlin Clark Production Dip

A legitimate phenom at the college level, Clark came into the league with extremely high expectations. A spectacular rookie season, where she led the league in assists and was an All-Star, immediately proved some of those credentials to be true.

However, a groin injury in her second year kept her out for most of the season, as she finished with just 13 games played. Despite her absence, the Fever were able to go on a run and push the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces, to the brink.

As a result, with her return seeming imminent, Indiana felt like a true forced to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, that situation hasn’t come to pass. Instead, they stand as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 5-5 record.

Clark, on an individual level, hasn’t produced up to her usual standards. Averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 assists, she is coughing up 4.2 turnovers per game as well. However, a bigger concern with the sharpshooter has been the efficiency.

At 37.7% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range, Clark hasn’t found her rhythm. As a result, rumors of a potential trade are also starting to make the rounds, something that seemed unfathomable a short while ago.

However, as her production continues to wane in the light of a 10-point, 4-for-14 shooting night against the New York Liberty, Fever reporter Scott Agness believed that the production was an indication of health concerns for the former Rookie of the Year.

“Two tough hits on Clark the last few possessions — first to the stomach, then one across the face. Both resulted in NY turnovers. She’s hanging in there, and probably not yet over the sickness she described after last game.”

MORE: ‘It’s Pretty Cool’ — UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Reacts to Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Thriving As Teammates in WNBA

The sickness concerns began after her game against the Atlanta Dream when she could be seen throwing up in a trash can. At the time, CC made light of the situation, despite her history of dealing with migraines.

But as the problem continues to persist, and after the latest comments from Agness, it could cause worry among the Fever fan base.

Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper Issues Apology Following Domestic Violence Incident

Cooper was arrested on Thursday night in Colorado for domestic violence. TMZ reported on the incident, citing a confrontation with his girlfriend, Jade Fiegen, about alleged infidelity as the reason for the assault.

The couple reportedly struggled over the linebacker’s phone. When he retrieved it, he told her to leave his house, or he would break her phone. She refused to leave — he carried out his threat.

Both were arrested, with the Broncos linebacker facing two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief.

“We are aware of the matter and are gathering more information,” the Broncos said in a statement.

Seemingly regretful of the events, Cooper posted on social media, quoting Ephesians 4:26:  “Do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

The Broncos linebacker also later issued an apology. “I realize posting a Bible. (sic) Quote right after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay,” he wrote. “I apologize to my family, to my friends, and my community. And so many others.”

According to TMZ, Cooper claimed that he braced his neck against his girlfriend’s neck to prevent her from getting the phone.

His girlfriend said he picked her up and threw her to the ground multiple times, and that he punched the wall next to her face. She reportedly has minor injuries, including a cut on her hand, a small mark on her neck, and scratches on her arm. However, officers said the markings didn’t align with what she alleged Cooper did to her.

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What becomes of the case remains to be seen.

The incident comes just as Cooper and the Broncos are preparing for the regular season that’s set to kick off in a few months. The team aims to return stronger after a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign, when they were knocked out in the AFC Championship.

Having Cooper on board from the get-go next season will be crucial. The linebacker has proven to be a valuable contributor on defense, having bagged 27 sacks over the last three years.

He is a key cog in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system, anchoring the linebacker corps next to Alex Singleton.

And after the dramatic Game 3 victory in the Stanley Cup Final, it’s easy to see why Vegas continues to be viewed as one of the league’s most attractive destinations for elite talent.

Golden Knights Linked to Red Wings Star Dylan Larkin

The latest star linked to Vegas is Dylan Larkin, who has reportedly asked for a trade after growing frustrated with Detroit’s continued playoff struggles.

As one of the NHL’s premier two-way centers, Larkin has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after players on the trade market.

According to Helene St. James, the Red Wings’ captain has provided a list of three preferred destinations. Thanks to the full no-movement clause in his eight-year, $69.6 million contract, Larkin has considerable control over the process. The teams on his wishlist are the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild.

Vegas being linked to another star player is nothing new. Under Kelly McCrimmon, the Golden Knights have built a reputation for making bold moves to stay in contention. That was clear when they fired Stanley Cup-winning coach Bruce Cassidy after an 8-15-4 slump and brought in John Tortorella. With Vegas now leading the Stanley Cup Final 2-1, that gamble seems to be working.

Larkin’s short list also creates a challenge for Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. With only a few approved destinations, Detroit has less leverage in trade talks.

If Vegas can find a way to fit Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit onto its roster, talk of the Golden Knights becoming an NHL super team will only get louder.

Marner Delivers Another Statement Performance

While trade speculation swirls, Vegas continues to handle business on the ice.

Marner put on a show in Game 3, picking up an assist before scoring a natural hat trick in just 6:10 during the second period. His scoring burst broke a 69-year-old Stanley Cup Final record previously held by Maurice Richard.

Vegas looked in complete control with a 4-0 lead early in the third period, but Carolina battled back with four straight goals to force overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, Shea Theodore scored the winner in double overtime to give the Golden Knights a thrilling 5-4 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

ALSO READ: ‘Connor McDavid to Philly’: NHL Fans Stunned as Oilers Consider Hiring Ex-Maple Leafs Boss Mike Babcock

With Vegas moving closer to another Stanley Cup and now being linked to Dylan Larkin, the Golden Knights remain one of the NHL’s biggest storylines.

Following a poor season for former first-round pick JJ McCarthy, the Vikings brought in an established starting quarterback and former first overall pick, Kyler Murray, to compete for the starting role.

However, it is clear that many in and around the Vikings organization believe McCarthy has plenty more to offer as a starting quarterback in the NFL, including this legendary Vikings receiver.

Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen Praises the Mentality of J.J McCarthy Amid QB Battle

Adam Thielen, who spent 10 seasons in Minnesota and is widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the franchise’s history, recently went on “Good Morning Football” to speak about McCarthy and the quarterback’s need to have a bounce-back season in his third year to continue being a starting quarterback in this league.

Thielen, who played in 11 games with the Vikings last year, said he believes the quarterback is taking all the necessary steps to improve his game while bringing the right mindset to the table.

Former #Vikings WR Adam Thielen on JJ McCarthy:

“Was there some things he needs to work on, yes, absolutely, he knows that. I think he’s gone to the drawing board this offseason, taken feedback from coach, and coach was very candid with him of this is what you need to improve… pic.twitter.com/9rZjmskXj8

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 8, 2026

“He’s got all the traits to be an exceptional quarterback in this league,” Thielen said. “He has the skills, right, he has the strong arm, the mindset right, that not a lot of guys have, he has the dawg mentality that everyone wants to find.”

It is clear that the former NFL receiver, who spent 12 years in the league and has seen plenty of young quarterbacks come and go, believes in McCarthy because of his mentality and willingness to learn and improve.

Thielen went on to praise McCarthy’s genuine love for football before saying he knows the quarterback is open to learning everything he can from head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff in order to improve and win the starting job in 2026.

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“Was there some things he needs to work on, yes, absolutely, he knows that,” Thielen added. “I think he’s gone to the drawing board this offseason, I thinlk he’s taken feedback from coach, and coach was very candid with him of this is what you need to improve on.”

While Murray’s addition ensures the Vikings’ quarterback competition will remain one of the league’s most closely watched storylines heading into training camp, Thielen’s comments offer a glimpse into why so many within the organization continue to believe in McCarthy’s long-term potential.

After missing his rookie season due to an injury, McCarthy played just 10 games last season. He threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing 57.6% of his throws. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 64.3, ranking 37th in the league.

Physical tools can get a quarterback drafted, but mentality often determines whether they succeed and push through adversity. It is clear Thielen believes the 23-year-old quarterback possesses the work ethic and commitment to improve needed to overcome adversity.

Now, with a starting job on the line and heightened expectations entering his second season, McCarthy has an opportunity to prove that the confidence being placed in him is justified.

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has weighed in on the strict security measures being put in place to prepare for President Trump’s arrival.

De’Aaron Fox Weighs In On President Donald Trump Attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals

The conversation leading up to Game 3 of the NBA Finals has been dominated by the enhanced security measures being adopted in and outside Madison Square Garden thanks to President Trump. The watch party right outside the arena has been canceled, a secure perimeter has been set up, ticket holders have been told to arrive two hours before tip-off to go through security screenings, and a strict no-bag policy has also been put in place.

Fox revealed that even players are being asked to navigate the enhanced security measures at Madison Square Garden.

“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else… We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is,” Fox said via San Antonio Express-News journalist Tom Orsborn.

#Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox on security at MSG:

“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else. …We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) June 8, 2026

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson also shared his thoughts on Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

“Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play [no matter] who’s here and who’s not,” he said.

Trump, who was born in Queens and is a lifelong Knicks fan, was invited to attend the NBA Finals by the team’s owner James Dolan. To ensure crowd control and safety, the U.S. Secret Service and Madison Square Garden have implemented strict security measures.

A notable sports fan, Trump also attended last year’s Super Bowl, US Open, Daytona 500, and several UFC events.

MORE: ‘He Ruins Everything’ – NBA World Rips Donald Trump As Knicks Cancel Watch Parties For Fans Outside MSG During Game 3

In addition to President Trump, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

The Knicks are currently on a 13-game winning streak and hold a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. They can take a huge step towards winning their first NBA title since 1973 with a win over the Spurs on Monday evening. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET tonight.

The Thunder general manager believes that the two-time NBA MVP is the victim of the social media discourse that aims to downplay his achievements by building a narrative that his success is down to his crafty ability to draw fouls.

Sam Presti Fires Back at Social Media Criticism of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

As Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the NBA, criticism has started to emerge over his playing style. Many have called out the 27-year-old for artificially creating contact to draw fouls, and the “foul baiting” label has seemingly become synonymous with him.

However, Presti has come to the defense of his franchise player, claiming he has to face six opponents every time he steps onto the court. He noted how the “social media machine” attempts to scrutinize players who reach the elite level.

“Relative to Shai, he’s playing against six people. He’s got five defenders and the sixth defender is social media. And that’s a reality. He’s not going to be the last player that the machine decides to target. But no one’s going to handle this gracefully. Because when they turn it on somebody else, they’re not going to step up there every night and not acknowledge it,” Presti said during his postseason press conference.

“He’s playing against 6 people. He’s got 5 defenders and the 6th defender is social media”

Sam Presti says the social media machine is targeting SGA pic.twitter.com/9RwCuMLIL8

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 8, 2026

The Thunder general manager also noted that Gilgeous-Alexander was tied with Joel Embiid for the eighth-most fouls drawn this season, behind Jaylen Brown and Victor Wembanyama.

“If we’re talking about trying to draw fouls, every other great player in the NBA, it’s part of the game. He drew 415 fouls this year, 11 were challenged. 4 of those were overturned. So that’s like 2.5% of foul calls are actually challenged,” he added.

Not just those on social media, but many opposition players and coaches including JJ Redick and Devin Booker, also called out Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder for receiving favorable calls from the referees throughout the playoffs.

The Thunder enjoyed another promising run this year, finishing as the top seed in the Western Conference.

MORE: ‘LeBron Had To Fail Miserably Against Dallas’ – NBA Analyst Urges Media To Pump Brakes on ‘Unfair’ Victor Wembanyama Criticism

Gilgeous-Alexander was the second-highest scorer in the NBA during the regular season, averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. However, he narrowly fell short in his bid to lead the Thunder to a second straight trip to the NBA Finals as they were beaten by the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Consider that position filled. The Patriots traded a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown last week, at long last consummating a deal that had been brewing for months.

Big-Bodied A.J. Brown Drawing Rob Gronkowski Comparisons

You don’t need a PhD to understand what Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels meant when he compared Brown to future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. Anyone with eyes can see that the players aren’t similar in stature at all, unless Brown grows another five inches and gains another 40 pounds.

But McDaniels, who spent seven seasons as Gronkowski’s offensive coordinator in New England, witnessed enough firsthand to be able to make a sound comparison. Gronkowski is widely regarded as one of the two best tight ends to ever play; he punished defenders by being able to weaponize his body against them and create enough separation that he could expand his catch radius.

Brown, who has been participating in the Patriots’ organized team activity sessions upon his arrival, plays the game similarly.

“I respect that comparison, Josh McDaniels knows what he’s talking about and I understand what he’s saying,” Gronkowski told Kay Adams in an appearance on ‘Up & Adams’ on Monday.

“Because A.J. Brown is a big body out there. He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s a guy who takes attention from the defense, even when the ball’s not going to him. Even though you know it’s a run play, you’re still going to put guys out there to make sure there’s no audibles checked to make the play go over to A.J. Brown and give him the opportunity.”

AJ Brown is the new Gronk in New England?

Rob Gronkowski agrees 🤝@RobGronkowski | @heykayadams | @Patriots pic.twitter.com/GRdECnMZX6

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 8, 2026

Now, Brown will headline a Patriots receiving corps that also includes free agent acquisition Romeo Doubs, who spent the last four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He’ll factor in as an immediate go-to target for Maye, last year’s runner-up MVP.

“Just the big-bodied presence brings another level to the offense, and A.J. Brown, he’s that big-bodied guy who can move,” Gronkowski said. “It’s hard to be that big and to move, and Josh McDaniels saw that with myself, and he sees that with A.J. Brown as well. I love that comparison; that was really cool to see him say that.”

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Brown was traded from the Eagles after sideline outbursts, blatant irritation over his role in the passing game, and a deteriorating relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Brown saw 121 targets across 15 games last season, which would be his third-most during his four years with the Eagles. He just barely eclipsed 1,000 yards, a feat he’s accomplished every year in Philadelphia, and finished with seven touchdowns for the third season in a row. His 66.9 average yards per game, however, were his fewest since his 2021 campaign with the Tennessee Titans.

Brown not accumulating the volume he’s accustomed to may be more of an indictment of the Eagles’ game as a whole, as well as former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Their entire offense took a step back in 2025 on the heels of a Super Bowl 59 title defense, culminating with Brown’s departure.

The hope is that Brown is the missing piece and the Patriots will be able to catapult themselves back to the doorstep of a Super Bowl for the 11th time since 2002, but he’ll have to return to form. That means turning the clock back to 2024, when he finished the season with a PFSN WR Impact score of 91.4.

Moments after reports emerged that Peter Laviolette had agreed to sign a three-year deal as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that the Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA about any issues regarding Mike Babcock’s availability.

With the Bruce Cassidy chase still at a dead end, Edmonton appears to be willing to exhaust any and all options before making a decision about who will take over behind the bench.

Oilers Fans Raise Questions Over Mike Babcock’s Candidacy

Dreger reported that the Oilers are seeing if the NHLPA has any objections against Babcock that must be resolved before potentially hiring the former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach.

Babcock, of course, infamously had a short-lived stint as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He resigned from the post in 2023 without coaching a single game for the franchise.

Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock. Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 8, 2026

Adding to Dreger’s report, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported: “If Mike Babcock does end up as coach in Edmonton, it wouldn’t surprise me if DJ Smith joined up with him again. But we’ll see where all this goes.”

Dreger later added that the NHL would “manage” the situation if an investigation is required for the Oilers to move forward with the hire.

The news of the Oilers enquiring about Babcock did not sit well with NHL fans.

“I don’t believe this,” wrote Shaedon, a former Oilers beat writer. “Was he hacked, or is this serious?” asked Annie, an NHL content creator.

“Are the Oilers that desperate?” asked another fan, while NHL on TNT researcher Chris Jastrzembski had a more telling reaction, writing, “Connor McDavid to Philly.”

The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn raised a more pertinent point: “The dying star of McDavid’s prime years comes down to Stan Bowman and Mike Babcock. Incredible stuff.”

Fan sentiment appears to be bordering on denial at this point, with the Vegas Golden Knights still holding off on permitting the Oilers to interview Bruce Cassidy. Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast last month, Cassidy made it clear that he was unhappy with how all of this is playing out.

“It’s upsetting, I’m gonna be honest. Because once you’re fired, your contract’s basically terminated. One thing people don’t realize is that you have non-compete clauses, so I can’t resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I can’t work until Vegas gives me permission until this contract’s up, which is at the end of next season. So if I resign, all I do is not get paid,” Cassidy said.

“In this case, yes, there were two teams that asked; that’s public knowledge now. And I’d like to talk to them. I wanna go to work; I’m a hockey coach.”

With the LA Kings out of the running, the only logical coaching spot for Cassidy appears to be the Oilers, given the fact that the Leafs haven’t brought the 2023 Stanley Cup champion in for an interview just yet. Toronto’s own coaching search is heading into the next stage, though there have been no rumblings that Cassidy has been involved.

While Babcock has Stanley Cup-winning pedigree, having gotten his hands on Lord Stanley in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings (he also won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2014 Sochi Olympics with Team Canada), he has spent most of the last few years in hockey exile.

Babcock’s coaching style is known to grate on players, and while he does have a reputation as a coach who knows how to get the best out of his roster, Oilers fans are hoping he is just one of several candidates being lined up in case the Cassidy chase goes sideways.

Chad Johnson Addresses Brandon Aiyuk’s Tense Standoff With 49ers

On Sunday, Aiyuk further escalated the standoff between himself and the 49ers with a bizarre Instagram clip that drew the battle lines firmly in the sand.

“Man, stop running from the belt. The belt coming. You scared, they scared,” Aiyuk said. “The truth is, they scared. They’re gonna say BA did this, BA did that, BA did that s**t allegedly, but what they’re not gonna say is BA s*ck at football, cuz they know how I get it. They’re running from that belt that’s on the way. It’s inevitable, it’s coming.”

During Monday’s segment of the “Nightcap” podcast, legendary wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson addressed the issue of Aiyuk’s outburst directed at the franchise and the reasons behind it.

“You gotta understand that he wants out so bad that he was willing to give up that kind of money,” Johnson said. “He said, ‘I wanna get out of here so bad, I’m going to give you all that back just for my freedom to go elsewhere.’ I’ve never seen anything like it before. A lot of people obviously don’t understand the context, unless you’ve been part of the business and understand how the business works.”

“He’s just doing everything he can to be able to get out of there, which is why he was willing to give that money up so he can go somewhere else,” Johnson added. “They’re gonna make sure they get some value for him, though, I know that.”

Aiyuk, who starred for Sierra College and the Arizona State Sun Devils, was selected No. 25 overall by the 49ers during the 2020 NFL Draft, and his talent immediately translated to the league in his first season.

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After a stellar 2023 season, in which he ranked fourth among all receivers on PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, Aiyuk signed a mammoth four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers. Unfortunately, he then had an injury-hit season in 2024, playing in just seven games and tallying 374 receiving yards on 25 receptions.

The wide receiver missed several mandatory rehab sessions with the team’s medical staff, leading the 49ers to void nearly $27 million in guaranteed money from his 2024 contract and sparking the current standoff.

Ever since Murray showed up in Minnesota, it’s seemed like he and McCarthy have been on separate pages, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Now, Jefferson’s comments about both quarterbacks on Monday have the NFL world sharing all sorts of opinions regarding the state of the Vikings’ QB battle.

Justin Jefferson Praised Kyler Murray Amid QB Battle With J.J. McCarthy

VikingszFanPage, which has been covering the team since 2013, shared Jefferson’s comments on Murray and McCarthy.

“He understands the game. He understands the defenses,” Jefferson said about Murray on KFAN 100.3. “He understands how to put touch on the ball, just enough to where it gets to where it’s gotta go, without making it difficult for us. He understands the game a lot more… he kinda throws the ball before you even get out that break… he’s a smart guy, and he’s a competitor.”

About three minutes later, the social media account shared Jefferson’s comments on McCarthy. “I’m looking forward to J.J., seeing his improvements and different things that he’s picked up over the offseason,” the star wideout said. “I’m excited for the competition.”

Based on the face value of Jefferson’s comments, it feels rather obvious that Murray has impressed and has the upper hand in the competition.

However, McCarthy is also only in his third year in the NFL compared to Murray going into his eighth, and the comments could be Jefferson honestly breaking down each quarterback, looking forward to watching McCarthy improve and grow in the league.

Fans and analysts have been quick to react, though, taking Jefferson’s comments as Murray has won the QB competition, and that there never really was a battle.

“There was never a QB battle, but don’t let the JJ stans hear you say that,” Sean, a Vikings correspondent for the Midnight Mike Show, said.

“You know how traumatized you gotta be for 3 weeks of KYLER MURRAY to have you talking like this,” another X user said.

Bro either really hates JJ McCarthy, or this is the best PR training coming to work https://t.co/pAVREkAWzQ

— Frank (@FrankWithSports) June 8, 2026

Two more posts continued on the narrative that McCarthy never really had a shot in the QB battle.

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“Never a word about his talent. It’s such a joke that fans think JJ is the QB lmao,” one user said.

“Like I said there was never actually a competitor on between him and JJ,” the other user added. “Kyler is a drastically better football player than JJ ever will be.”

Justin Jefferson try not to sneak diss JJ McCarthy in every press conference challenge https://t.co/WiCW6NXYW5

— Edge (@SomethingEra2) June 8, 2026

Then, one user took the approach of comparing the way McCarthy played last season to Jefferson’s comments Monday.

“He’s basically saying that Kyler does everything that J.J. struggles to do. Putting touch on throws, reading defenses, throwing with anticipation. Those are all things J.J. was horrible at last year.”

The Vikings used their 10th overall pick in 2024 on McCarthy, and he played his first season last year after missing the entire 2024 season with a torn meniscus. However, it didn’t go as planned, and Minnesota signed Murray this offseason.

According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, McCarthy posted an impact score of 64.3 last season, ranking 37th in the league. Murray, on the other hand, ranked #21st with an impact score of 75.1. Now, the seven-year veteran seems to be excelling with the Vikings this offseason, creating some turmoil in Minnesota.

The superstar wideout was dealt by the Philadelphia Eagles last week, putting to bed the frayed relationship between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Now that Brown is elsewhere, more details about where and why his stint with the Eagles went south are coming to light.

A.J. Brown ‘Making Excuses’ for Being a Bad Teammate

There was no secret that Brown appeared to grow more and more frustrated as it appeared he was being fazed out of the Eagles’ passing attack, even if that wasn’t necessarily true. Brown saw 121 targets across 15 games last season, which would be his third-most during his four years with the Eagles.

He just barely eclipsed 1,000 yards, a feat he’s accomplished every year in Philadelphia, and finished with seven touchdowns for the third season in a row. His 66.9 average yards per game, however, were his fewest since his 2021 campaign with the Tennessee Titans.

Brown not accumulating the volume he’s accustomed to may be more of an indictment of the Eagles’ game as a whole, as well as former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Their entire offense took a step back in 2025 on the heels of a Super Bowl 59 title defense.

A recent report indicated that Brown believed Hurts was reluctant to target him on tight-window throws in zone coverage. But that was debunked by Shane Haff, host of the Eagles Pin-Pull podcast, who believes that Brown is simply making excuses for being a poor teammate.

“Jalen Hurts ranked 8th and 6th in the last 2 seasons in tight window throw rate among QBs with double-digit starts,” he wrote in a post on X. “AJ Brown ranked 2nd and 3rd in the last 2 seasons in yards on tight window throws. Brown continues to invent excuses for being a bad teammate.”

Jalen Hurts ranked 8th and 6th in the last 2 seasons in tight window throw rate among QBs with double-digit starts.

AJ Brown ranked 2nd and 3rd in the last 2 seasons in yards on tight window throws.

Brown continues to invent excuses for being a bad teammate. https://t.co/myFtRWM8TT

— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) June 8, 2026

The friendship between Brown and Hurts predates their time in Philadelphia. Hurts hosted Brown on a recruiting visit to Alabama, and although Brown chose Ole Miss, the two stayed close through college and into their early NFL careers.

BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator

Hurts reportedly pushed hard for the Eagles to acquire Brown from the Titans in 2022, and the trade paid immediate dividends. Brown recorded 88 catches for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season, Hurts finished as the MVP runner-up, and the Eagles reached Super Bowl 57. They were viewed as best friends, but things aren’t the same now.

According to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, Brown posted an impact score of 80.9 last season, ranking 21st in the league. However, in New England and paired with MVP runner-up Drake Maye, he can return to his 2024 level, when he ranked third in the league with an impact score of 91.4.

It didn’t take long for the buzz in Edmonton to pick up, with fans and local voices immediately picturing what it might look like if the fast-moving center joined forces with Connor McDavid. But one insider has already stepped in to slow down the growing hype.

Oilers Insider Touches Base on Dylan Larkin Trade Rumors

On paper, the hockey logic gets complicated fast. Larkin is a top-line center coming off five straight 30-goal seasons, while Edmonton already has one of the league’s most dominant center duos in McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Edmonton insider Allan Mitchell acknowledged the connection, saying it “makes a little bit of sense.” But he also pointed out the obvious issue: the Oilers are already stacked down the middle.

“The Oilers are strong up the middle with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, so Larkin would be a luxury,” He explained. “However, if (as was implied by management in exit interviews after the season) the team wants to run McDavid and Draisaitl together on the same line, Larkin would be an option for second-line center.”

Even if the Oilers tried to make it work, the financial side is messy. Larkin carries an $8.7 million AAV hit through 2031. Edmonton is already tight against the cap, especially with ongoing discussions around moving contracts like that of Darnell Nurse and his $9.2 million hit.

Without major salary going back to Detroit, the deal simply doesn’t fit. As Mitchell noted, “Darnell Nurse would need to be part of the return for the Red Wings. Otherwise, the Oilers’ roster is too cap-heavy to bring in Larkin’s contract. Detroit may find more attractive offers.”

Detroit’s Stance and Trade Control

Steve Yzerman is known for taking a patient, calculated approach. It’s hard to imagine him moving his captain unless the return is significant. Even after another missed playoff appearance, Detroit isn’t tearing things down completely, especially with key young players like Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider still on the rise.

As a result, the Red Wings will likely target high-end NHL talent, top prospects, or valuable draft picks, not a lighter or underwhelming return.

And there’s another major wrinkle: Larkin has a full no-movement clause. That means he controls where he goes, and after years of playoff frustration in Detroit, he would likely prioritize landing on a proven contender, especially one in the United States.

ALSO READ: Quinn Hughes’ Reaction Raises Eyebrows as Rumors Circulate Around Dylan Larkin Trade to Minnesota Wild

For now, the idea of Larkin in Edmonton remains more of a fun thought experiment than a realistic roster move, no matter how tempting it looks on paper. The Oilers have other areas of need to address, starting with finding some top-six scoring help on the cheap to take some of the load off McDavid and Draisaitl, followed by adding some blue-line help and, potentially, finding a reliable backup for Tristan Jarry.

Wembanyama doesn’t turn 23 until next January, yet he has emerged as one of the best players in the NBA. One rival player recently raved about the Spurs superstar.

76ers Guard VJ Edgecombe Marvels at Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama

Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe talked about what it’s like to see Wembanyama in person and play against the Spurs superstar. In an interview with HoopsHype, he gave Wembanyama his flowers.

“Yeah, he’s insane. Obviously, there’s never been anyone around that’s obviously as skilled as him at that height, so, yeah. I’ve seen him in person. I just think when you see somebody like that like [on] the court, what is this? Yeah, man. He’s not real. I don’t think he’s real.”

Wembanyama is listed at 7-foot-4 and 235 pounds, but there are rumblings that he has grown to 7-foot-5. What makes him so unique is his skill set. He can shoot the ball well, connecting on 34.2% of his 3-pointers throughout his career. Spacing the floor as a big opens up the lane for teammates cutting to the basket. He also has solid ball-handling and passing skills despite his size.

Throughout his career, he has averaged 3.5 assists per game. Historically, most centers operated in the paint. They would catch the basketball in the post, and they’d attack defenses with moves around the basket.

Wembanyama, a product of the European style of play, has the ability to win off the dribble and run the floor like a small forward. He led the Spurs to the NBA Finals by defeating the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a grueling seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals.

MORE: ‘LeBron Had To Fail Miserably Against Dallas’: NBA Analyst Urges Media To Pump Brakes on ‘Unfair’ Victor Wembanyama Criticism

Edgecombe was asked to pick his dream starting lineup of active players, and he chose Wembanyama as his center despite the fact that he’s only 22 years old and doesn’t have the same hardware or championships as his peers on the list.

“No teammates? At the 1, you still have to go Steph [Curry]. At the 2, I’m going to go with Anthony Edwards. At the 3, that’s a tough one. Jayson Tatum at the 3. At the 4, KD (Kevin Durant). And at the 5, I’m gonna go with Wemby,” Edgecombe said.

Tonight is Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, and Wembanyama and Co. hope to pick up a crucial win as the Spurs try to erase the 0-2 deficit.

The writing appears to be on the wall when it comes to Darnell Nurse’s future with the only NHL franchise he has ever known. Since the Oilers’ first-round exit from the playoffs this spring, Nurse’s name has been thrust into the rumor mill time and again as the primary option for Bowman to perform some much-needed surgery on this roster.

But a $74 million contract with a $9.25M cap hit is tough to ship out, as Edmonton will no doubt learn this summer. That said, there seems to be a tiny sliver of hope for the Oilers after all.

Oilers Could Do Business With Pittsburgh Penguins in Darnell Nurse Trade

So far, three teams have been linked with a trade for Darnell Nurse: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the San Jose Sharks, and the Vancouver Canucks.

The appeal in Toronto is obvious, since the city’s close to home. San Jose is in dire need of defensemen, and a veteran like Nurse, who has extensive playoff experience, will fit in seamlessly on a roster needing some steel to complement the velvet glove that is Macklin Celebrini.

Vancouver is in need of a cultural reset, and Nurse would contribute in a meaningful way if that’s the aim, having served as part of the Oilers’ leadership group over the years.

As it turns out, there may be a fourth team in the mix. In his latest column for The Athletic, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell wondered if the Pittsburgh Penguins might come calling for Nurse. “Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was Nurse’s GM in Sault Ste. Marie during his junior years with the Greyhounds,” Mitchell noted.

Mitchell also linked the New Jersey Devils with a Nurse trade, considering his OHL coach at the time, Sheldon Keefe, is now the head coach in New Jersey.

Over the weekend, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Oilers brass reached out to Nurse after their 2025 season came to an end in the Stanley Cup Final, enquiring if Nurse would be willing to waive his no-trade clause.

“He was upset that that got out,” Friedman reported. “He said no, he wouldn’t, and we reported on this pod, and it became a big story out there. And Nurse was really upset about that, which is totally fair,” Friedman said. He also added that the Oilers haven’t had that same conversation with Nurse just yet.

DON’T MISS: ‘Makes Less Than Zero Sense’: Canucks Insider Demolishes Idea of Oilers’ $74M Darnell Nurse Cap Dump

However, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector reports that Edmonton management is due to have a sit-down with the veteran blueliner sooner rather than later.

While Nurse’s on-ice production has taken a hit over the last few years, he still remains a minute-munching defenseman capable of going up against the elites. Nurse has proven to be a fantastic skater with a somewhat questionable puck IQ, but a change in scenery may benefit both parties at this point.

Nurse, of course, has full say over where he lands, owing to his no-trade clause. That little hiccup will ease next year when his NTC transforms into a 10-team no-trade list, but next year may be one year too late, since Connor McDavid will be eligible for an all-important extension, ramping up pressure on the Oilers brass.

Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive performance with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks on 11-of-21 shooting from the field. However, it wasn’t enough for the French phenom and his squad to pull off the victory.

Brian Windhorst Reveals Gregg Popovich’s Message for Spurs After Game 2 Heartbreak

After a 105-95 Game 1 loss, the Spurs remained confident about turning the tables in Game 2. But the mood in the locker room dampened following the one-point loss in Game 2.
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Before boarding the flight to New York, former Spurs head coach and current team president Gregg Popovich spoke with the young roster to help refocus their mindset. ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed what the Hall of Famer’s message was.

​”After Game 1, the Spurs were very confident. They weren’t beating their chest, but I think they were like, ‘Yeah, we’re not worried, we’re fine.’ The mood today was of missed opportunity. They understand that they’ve that it slipped through their fingers,” said Windhorst.
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“Gregg Popovich spoke to the team before they got on the plane, and he basically told them… ‘Don’t think about [Games] 1 and 2. Don’t think about the opportunities that you’ve had lost. Think about the opportunity that you have.'”
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Popovich is a franchise icon in San Antonio. As the NBA’s all-time winningest head coach, he boasts 1,422 regular-season victories and five rings. He may no longer command the team from the sidelines, but he knows what it takes to win on basketball’s biggest stage.

MORE: ‘LeBron Had To Fail Miserably Against Dallas’: NBA Analyst Urges Media To Pump Brakes on ‘Unfair’ Victor Wembanyama Criticism
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Windhorst noted that the two-game deficit would be an uphill battle for the Spurs to overcome, especially given the Knicks’ ongoing momentum, but the series isn’t over.
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“The Spurs have the opportunity to score one in the belly of the beast… to answer back. If they somehow pull out a win, then that would change the balance of the series,” he said. “And if they lose, then it will be verified over.”
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The Knicks have now won 13 consecutive playoff games and are two wins away from their first NBA championship since 1973. For the Spurs, they must listen to Popovich: don’t worry about what’s already happened, and focus on the upcoming games.
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The losses at home have definitely put pressure on the Spurs, but they have an opportunity to fight back in a crucial Game 3 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

With Brad Treliving out and John Chayka taking over, the Leafs have several big decisions to make before the 2026-27 season begins. One of the biggest could involve whether to move Matthew Knies in a blockbuster trade for a $69.6M star.

Maple Leafs Urged To Consider Cashing In on Matthew Knies

At the center of the speculation is Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who reportedly requested a trade after years of playoff frustration in Detroit. The 29-year-old center still has five years remaining on his eight-year, $69.6 million contract, making him one of the biggest names potentially available this offseason.

That naturally puts Toronto in the conversation.

The Athletic’s Leafs insider Jonas Siegel suggested that while the Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick would likely be off the table, Knies could be the type of centerpiece that interests Detroit. As a young power forward with five years left on his own deal, Knies would represent a valuable asset for a Red Wings team still searching for a way out of its lengthy playoff drought.

“Would it be a good idea for the Leafs to swap Knies, a budding winger with all kinds of potential, for someone who is six years older but fills a position of urgent need? The answer is probably yes, given Larkin’s age and fit, and the Leafs’ determination to contend again next season and convince Matthews to stick around. But it’s not a slam dunk given Knies’ star-level upside,” Siegel said.

At the same time, Siegel noted that Knies could also be Toronto’s best trade chip if Chayka decides to pursue a true No. 1 defenseman instead. That may ultimately force the Leafs to choose between upgrading their forward group with Larkin or addressing their biggest need on the blue line.

“Then again, the Leafs GM could sign the best free agent defenceman available, whether it’s Rasmus Andersson or Darren Raddysh, and add Larkin, perhaps, via a trade for Knies,” Siegel added.

As intriguing as the idea sounds, completing a deal for Larkin would be far from simple.

The Red Wings captain holds a full no-trade clause, giving him significant control over where he ends up. Reports have indicated that Larkin’s preferred destinations are limited to three teams (Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights), with the veteran center reportedly focused on joining an established contender rather than another team trying to find its footing.

ALSO READ: ‘Don’t Want To Frame This as an Anti-Canada Thing’: Canadiens’ Hopes of Dylan Larkin Trade Dashed

Still, if Chayka somehow manages to land Larkin before the NHL Draft, a core featuring Matthews, William Nylander, Larkin, and top prospect Gavin McKenna would immediately put Toronto back among the league’s most talked-about teams heading into next season.