Report: WR Amari Cooper informs Raiders he's retiring

Report: WR Amari Cooper informs Raiders he's retiring

Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he has decided to retire after 10 seasons, NFL Network reported on Thursday. The news comes on the heels of Cooper telling reporters, "Trust me, I still have some juice left," last week after signing a one-year contract with the organization that made him the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Cooper, 31, played for the then-Oakland Raiders from 2015-18 before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2018 season. He was traded two more times (to the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills) before becoming a free agent following the 2024 season. He had 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns last season in 14 games with the Browns and Bills. All three categories were a career low for Cooper. Cooper totaled 711 catches for 10,033 yards and 64 touchdowns in 154 career games (143 starts). --Field Level Media

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Report: WR Amari Cooper informs Raiders he's retiring

Report: WR Amari Cooper informs Raiders he's retiring Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper informed the Las Vegas Raiders that ...

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NFL Thursday night preview: Eagles celebrate a title while the Cowboys regroup

NFL Thursday night preview: Eagles celebrate a title while the Cowboys regroup

The vibes for the two teams in the NFL's annual kickoff game couldn't be much different. The Philadelphia Eagles have a new championship to celebrate. The Dallas Cowboys seem further away from breaking their title drought after trading superstar Micah Parsons last week. The first game of the NFL season doesn't lack storylines, at least. The Eagles return plenty of talent from a team that won 16 of its last 17 games last season, including a Super Bowl LIX blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles are so focused on a repeat and not letting complacency set in that coach Nick Sirianni said theteam will not be on the sideline to watch the championship banner be unveiled. There's business to attend to. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] The visiting team in the kickoff game often feels like the sideshow, but the Cowboys always are in the spotlight. That's especially true after the Parsons trade, which drew an opinion from everyone with a passing interest in the NFL. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said a big part of the trade was Dallas attempting to improve its run defense by adding defensive lineman Kenny Clark in the deal. That will be tested right away by Saquon Barkley, who is coming off a 2,000-yard season for Philadelphia. The NFL season starts Thursday night. There will be drama right away. Nobody wants to lose after seeing the banner get unveiled, but win or lose the Eagles will probably be fine. The Cowboys could use a good start to the season, with a new coach in Brian Schottenheimer and the Micah Parsons drama finally behind them. If the Cowboys lose and the defense gets torched by an Eagles offense that is fully capable of putting up 40 points on anyone, there will be another round of criticism over the Parsons trade. It's never calm around the Cowboys, but a win would quiet some of the noise. Diggs, who underwent knee surgery last December, is expected to play on Thursday night though he could be on a pitch count,via NFL Media. The Cowboys need him for however many snaps he can offer, because the Eagles have one of the best 1-2 receiver duos in the NFL. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are both capable of taking over a game, and the Eagles are likely to test Diggs early to see if he's moving well. How Diggs fares, in however many snaps he plays, will be huge for the Cowboys defense. It's good to have the NFL back, and Eagles fans — and bettors — seem to feel that way, too. This line has moved significantly from an opener of Eagles -7, pushing up to -8 after the Cowboys dealt Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last week, and currently sitting as high as Eagles -8.5 at some books.At BetMGM, 65% of wagers and 71% of the total dollars wagered are on Philadelphia to cover, and one Vegas oddsmaker told me that it's been "one-way action" on the Eagles so far, and Philadelphia is in many a bettor's money-line parlay or teaser to start the Week 1 action. Check out more of Ben's work atthe Yahoo Sports betting hub The NFL opens with a fun matchup on Thursday night. Philadelphia is the defending Super Bowl champs (ending last year on a ballistic 16-1 run), while Dallas is coming off a 7-10 season (after three straight playoff trips). Last year's meetings were not competitive, with Philly taking them both by a combined 75-13 count. Here's what I'll be looking at for fantasy purposes: Does Dallas junk the running game?Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, rookie Jaydon Blue — the Dallas RB room is an unimpressive group on paper. The Dallas defense also looks like a mess — I thought it had collapse risk even before the Micah Parsons trade. Dak Prescott was a volume monster two years ago, and he might need to be again. And he has the targets to push the ball downfield. Will Philly need to open things up?Jalen Hurts lived a charmed life last year, only throwing 144 passes (and six touchdown passes)in the second halves of games. That's life when you've almost always ahead. But that sort of outlier game flow often corrects, year over year. Is Saquon Barkley welcome at the goal line?Barkley didn't have a single 1-yard touchdown plunge last year, while Hurts pushed in 11 times from that distance. Barkley also averageda ridiculous 29.4 yards for his 15 touchdowns, and he handled a league-high 378 touches. No one expects Barkley to match last year's 5.8 YPC, but some goal-line opportunities would help pay the fantasy bills. Check out more of Scott's work at theYahoo Sports fantasy hub

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

NFL Thursday night preview: Eagles celebrate a title while the Cowboys regroup

NFL Thursday night preview: Eagles celebrate a title while the Cowboys regroup The vibes for the two teams in the NFL's annual kickoff g...

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“The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 Contestants Are Here!

"The Golden Bachelor" Season 2 Contestants Are Here!

It's safe to say thata lothas happened since April, whenThe Golden Bachelorseason 2was first announced and former NFL player Mel Owens was confirmed as the lead. We're thrilled to finally be able to tell you that the wait is almost over — we now have a premiere date and, more importantly, a cast! This vibrant group of ladies hail from all over the country, from Los Angeles to New Jersey and everywhere in between, with ages ranging from 58 to 77. And their biographies couldn't be more diverse: We've got a former model, a motocross champ, and a retired biomedical engineer, to name a few. Plus, a couple of these contestants have caught the eye of celebrities in the past — which may or may not help their chances with Mel. Guess we'll have to wait to find out. Read on for the full cast list and to learn more about the ladies competing for Mel Owens's heart. We knew we were in for a fall schedule, and now we have a premiere date: The first episode ofThe Golden Bachelorwill air Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Alexandra is ready to finally find her happily ever after. This vibrant Colombian beauty believes that age is just a number and she hasn't "retired from living or loving." She is a proud single mom of three who is constantly on the go and knows how to live life to the fullest. When she's not selling luxury yachts, one can find Alexandra jogging eight miles every morning, traveling the world, and dancing at concerts. Alexandra hopes to find someone passionate who can keep up with her because she is not ready to slow down any time soon. Will Mel be the one she's been looking for? We hope so! Fun Facts: Alexandra loves listening to Bob Marley. Alexandra goes hard for the Colombia National Fútbol Team. Alexandra proposed to her first husband. Disney / Ricky Middlesworth Amy is as bold, bubbly and goofy as she is beautiful. Family is everything to Amy, so much so that she works as a professional "momager" to her Internet-famous twin daughters. When she's not working or hanging with her twins, Amy loves exercising for two hours a day, cooking delicious meals, and going dancing. As far as her dating life goes, she compared herself to "a kid in a candy store" who hasn't found "the one" quite yet. The momager lives a vibrant, full life and is looking for Mr. Right with whom to share it. Will the Golden Bachelor be that person? Only time will tell. Fun Facts: Amy makes the best potato pancakes. Amy loves pedicures despite the fact that she's insanely ticklish. Amy says she has a built-in BS detector. Andra has got it all! She's smart, compassionate, and ready to find her "boo." Andra is looking for someone who will make her heart flutter, and she can usually tell right away if there's a connection. Now retired, Andra loved her job working for the federal government and strives to make a difference in the world around her. When she's not crafting or hanging out with her grandson, she can be found in the gym or out to dinner with friends. And if she looks familiar, Andra is the twin sister of Sandra Mason from season 1 ofThe Golden Bachelor. Talk about déjà vu! Will Mel get Andra's vote? We'll see what the polls say! Fun Facts: Andra has never been late paying a bill. Andra earned her master's degree at 61 years old. Andra is a low-key adrenaline junkie. Carla is quite the catch. She is smart, beautiful, emotionally intelligent, and ready to find her perfect match. Carla is a full-time midlife influencer who inspires other women to embrace a happy, fulfilled life at any age. Sounds like she's in the right place! And while she cherishes the work she does online, Carla's pride and joy is her daughter, Nayanna. When it comes to dating, Carla is ready to be "madly in love" but finds dating difficult in Los Angeles. Carla is here for the real deal, and fingers crossed it's all fireworks when she meets the Golden Bachelor. Fun Facts: Carla loves to read autobiographies. Carla went on a solo safari in Tanzania. Carla is not a cat person. Carol is a total girl boss. After raising her three daughters, the pride and joys of her life, she went back to work becoming the full-time manager for her pro-athlete nephew, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. Carol also returned to college recently and is thriving as a later-in-life student. She jokes, "I now can get student and senior discounts!" Carol has a life full of love and hard work, but she's missing one important piece — a man by her side. For Carol, this journey is all about finding her forever, so here's to hoping she can find that meaningful connection with Mel. Fun Facts: Carol drinks more Diet Coke than water. Carol loves Bad Bunny. Carol is a skilled tambourine player. Cheryl is the real deal. This Colorado native loves motorcycles, dirt roads, and being in nature as much as she loves a movie night cuddled up with a bar of chocolate. Before she retired, Cheryl worked for the IRS, where she helped people with their taxes. She has been single for over a decade because she has been focused on work and taking care of her family. Now she's ready to receive the love that she's given to so many others. Cheryl values a love for adventure and passionate chemistry, and is looking for a family-oriented man who can sweep her off her feet. Will this be the end of Cheryl's search for love? Fingers crossed! Fun Facts: Cheryl has earned over 50 motocross trophies. Cheryl is a terrible speller. Cheryl loves everything about the Fourth of July. With gorgeous eyes and a personality to match, Cindy is one of a kind. The mom of three is embracing a "say yes" mindset, which is how she ended up here onThe Golden Bachelor. While Cindy loved working in medical aesthetic sales, she's now living her best life hiking, paddleboarding, and enjoying everything Austin, Texas, has to offer. She isn't on dating apps and prefers to look for love "in the wild." She's searching for a lifelong bond — her grandfather lived to be 105, so Cindy is just getting the party started. We can't wait to see if Cindy and Mel hit it off. Fun Facts: Cindy's signature cocktail is a Green Lizard, a recipe she invented herself. Making reservations is Cindy's superpower. Cindy dated Chuck Norris. Debbie isthe"It Girl." From a life filled with glitz and glamour to a dazzling smile and personality to match, Debbie is ready for her fairy-tale ending. She is a successful fitness instructor who has worked with countless celebrities and is ready to find the one thing that's been missing in her life: everlasting love. Despite getting ghosted on dating apps, Debbie still believes her partner is out there and hopes to meet someone engaging, genuine, and comfortable in their own skin. And when she's not grinding in the gym, Debbie is a huge dog lover who enjoys singing, reading, and going to music festivals. Will things "work out" between Debbie and the Golden Bachelor? We abs-olutely hope so! Fun Facts: Debbie has a healthy fear of heights. Debbie was asked out on a date by Robert De Niro … unclear if she said yes. Debbie participated in the opening and closing ceremonies of the L.A. Olympics. Diane is ready to shoot her shot. The hockey player is used to breaking the ice with new connections and can't wait to find someone who will become her new teammate. Diane is a proud mom to two sons and dedicated most of her life to education working as a teacher. She currently sits on the board of directors for two nonprofits: Kids Kupboard and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. When she's not competing on the rink with her friends, Diane loves to travel, venture outdoors, and make everyone around her laugh. When it comes to love, she is ready to put herself out there again after loss and find the real deal with someone athletic, charming and outgoing. Let's see if Diane can skate into Mel's heart! Fun Facts: Diane dreams of being Dolly Parton for a day. Diane has won not one, not two, but three triathlons! Diane finds eyelash inspo from Twiggy. Gerri is as generous and kind as she is beautiful. She has worked in health care for over 35 years in roles ranging from an ICU nurse during Covid to currently serving as the CEO of a home health care agency. And while Gerri is very proud of her work, she's even prouder of her kids and loves to brag about their accomplishments. This mom and grandma is ready to find love again and is looking for that best friend. She wants to spoil her man and says she hopes to be "his dessert after a long day." We hope Mel is hungry! Fun Facts: Gerri loves to fish. Gerri's sidekick is her teacup Yorkie named Godiva. Gerri doesnottolerate bad breath. Lily is so excited to boogie at the Bachelor Mansion. This dancing queen is not only talented, loyal and beautiful, she is also ready for her love life to take center stage.  Being a proud single mom for many years, Lily isn't settling when it comes to finding her person. She believes "there is someone out there for everyone" and is over the dating scene. Lily wants a kind, optimistic person to share her life with and live in her very own romance novel. And as she takes the steps to find her partner, nothing makes Lily happier than being a grandma and performing with her dance troupe — the Ole Skool Crew. Hopefully, the Golden Bachelor packed his dancing shoes! Fun Facts: Lily makes a fabulous jambalaya. Lily plays on a USTA tennis team. Lily's biggest pet peeve is bad drivers. Lisa is a bubbly small-town gal ready for big love. With a beautiful smile and personality to match, she believes all people are good and is passionate about helping animals. Lisa labels herself as a proud cat lady, rescuing multiple cats, and currently works at the same state park she grew up visiting as a child. And while she loves what she does now, nothing compares to raising her two daughters — the "greatest thing" she's done. Lisa is so excited to meet the Golden Bachelor because dating is "nonexistent" in her town and she's ready to have a love story for the ages. Lisa craves undeniable chemistry and someone with a great sense of humor because she loves to laugh. Let's see if she and Mel laugh off into the sunset together! Fun Facts: Lisa is a bird nerd and always has her binoculars with her. Lisa is a huge Swiftie. Lisa has never had a pedicure. It's now Maia's turn to find love. After dedicating her life to raising her kids, this college sports consultant is ready to step out onto the field and score a new love connection. Maia has dated a bit since her divorce, but she still hasn't found her Prince Charming. Just like the Golden Bachelor, Maia loves sports, so finding someone athletic, fun and flirty is a must. This beauty is not only smart, loyal and compassionate, she's also competitive — which she loves to bring to the pickleball court. And in her free time, she enjoys driving up the coast, going to concerts, and taking Pilates classes as often as she can. Maia loves her life and is ready to share it with someone special. Will Mel be the one for her? Fun Facts: If shopping was a sport, Maia would be a pro. Maia dreams of seeing the northern lights. All three of Maia's kids played sports at Ivy League schools. Monica B. is ready for love to take flight. This beautiful flight attendant is resilient, hardworking, and looking for her soulmate. After experiencing many ups and downs in life, Monica B. focused on raising her kids and pursuing her career. She is a proud grandma to four grandchildren and loves to spend her time at farmers markets, going out to breakfast, and doing yoga in the park. Now, after living out her passion of traveling for over 40 years, Monica B. is ready to hang up her flight attendant wings and pick up a lifelong partner with whom she can explore the world. Finding a person of faith who is kind is very important to her, as well as having a sense of humor. Let's see if Monica B. and Mel's connection takes off! Fun Facts: Monica B. loves feeding the ducks with her granddaughter. Monica B. likes her white wine dry and her red full-bodied. Monica B.'s happy place is Martha's Vineyard. Monica P. is 100% wife material. The cosmetic dentist has a career and family she's very proud of and is looking forward to finding a man with whom to share her wonderful life. Monica P. is hoping to meet a guy who can match her warmth, energy and zest for life. While she may look all glammed up on the outside, Monica P. is a self-proclaimed tomboy at heart. When she's not working or spending time with her sons, Monica P. loves a night of karaoke, playing board games, and going to Pilates daily. Her idea of a perfect date is a romantic dinner followed by a night out dancing, so let's hope Mel has his dancing shoes ready. Can't wait to see if these two hit it off. Fun Facts: Monica P. can ride a skateboard. For Monica P., the bigger the hair, the better! Monica P. loves to crochet. Mylene is a woman of the world. This adored mom and grandma was born and raised in the Philippines before moving to Japan, and she now lives in Las Vegas. She also speaks four languages fluently and works as a multilingual VIP host in Vegas' top casinos. Mylene has lived a vibrant life and has a beautiful growing family, but she's ready to feel those butterflies again for herself. She believes in soulmates and "later-in-life magic" and thinks Mel could be her guy. In her spare time, Mylene loves to cook traditional Filipino meals and knows the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Hope you're hungry, Mel! Fun Facts: Mylene is a big Bruno Mars fan. Mylene loves to rock a red lip. Skydiving is at the top of Mylene's bucket list. Nicolle is a sweet soul from Miami Beach who thinks she and Mel would make a great-looking couple. The yoga instructor is a very nurturing mom to two adult children who have found the loves of their lives and she's ready for her fairy-tale love story too. When it comes to dating, Nicolle refuses to settle and is ready for the real deal. When she's not teaching yoga, she loves to travel, cook, paint, and bike to the beach. Nicolle is a huge advocate for healthy aging and truly believes you can live life to the fullest at any age. Nicolle hopes that Mel is as excited about her as she is about him. Fun Facts: Nicolle went to culinary school. Nicolle has been vegan for 19 years. Nicolle can do headstands and the splits. Peg's been through fire, literally. This retired firefighter and bomb tech rose from the flames stronger, sassier, and ready to find a spark that lasts. She's a proud single mom, having raised her daughter, Dakota, with grit and grace. Peg is a woman of many talents, and while she isn't afraid to get down and dirty, she's also a lifelong dancer with a professional dance career as another feather in her cap. She used to perform with the High Rollers, the official senior dance team of the Aces basketball team. When it comes to dating, Peg doesn't want to be anyone's "nurse or purse." She's looking for the real deal — no dating apps, no drama, just real connection. Let's see if Peg can light Mel's fire. Fun Facts: Peg's favorite form of transportation is her unicycle. Peg is so happy bell-bottoms are making a comeback. Peg would love to play in the mud with baby elephants. Robin is ready to ride off into theGoldensunset with Mel. The mom and new grandma is fierce, fabulous and funny — a total triple threat. Robin came from humble beginnings and worked extremely hard to get to where she is today. From raising her children to thriving at her career, Robin has done it all. Now she just needs a man by her side with whom to enjoy life. In her free time, Robin loves watching football, riding her motorcycle, and playing bocce ball. She is confident that she and Mel will have a strong connection, saying, "Seriously, I think I'm going to marry Mel!" Can't wait to see if Robin is right! Fun Facts: Robin is an avid tap dancer. Robin loves Halloween. Robin is a textbook Gemini. Roxanne is ready to find the one. Not only is she beautiful, but she's full of substance, emotional depth and a wealth of lived experiences. Roxanne works full time as a nurse, specializing in anti-aging and helping women over 50 take care of their bodies. The beloved mom and abuela has created a life filled with purpose, healing and love, but she's still missing her soulmate. Roxanne prides herself on looking and acting half her age, and she's looking for a man who can keep up. She has taken care of everyone her entire life, so Roxanne is now finally putting herself first and can't wait to meet Mel. Will Roxanne and Mel have the love story of a lifetime? Fun Facts: Roxanne once sold everything and moved to Costa Rica without knowing anyone. Roxanne has participated in a pole-dancing contest. Roxanne won't go anywhere without a pair of cowboy boots. Susie is a proud mom of three who is ready to say goodbye to her single days. She worked most of her life as a kindergarten teacher and dedicated herself to raising her kids and her students. Now, Susie spends her days hiking, biking, and socializing, and is ready to find love again after loss. She has spent the last decade healing from loss, and her heart is truly open to meeting her future husband. Her daughter calls Susie "one in a million" and Susie is exactly that. She's hoping to meet a spontaneous man who is ready to hop into her Sprinter van for an impromptu road trip. Hope Mel's bags are packed and she's ready for adventure. Fun Facts: Susie proudly graduated from college summa cum laude as a 30-year-old mom. Susie loves walking her dog on the beach. Susie is incredibly big on quality time. Terri has a zest for life that lights up every room she enters. The gorgeous cosmetic dentist is so much more than meets the eye. Terri taught herself to be a ventriloquist at 9 years old; she has traveled the world solo and has had an extremely successful career. The one thing missing is her perfect guy by her side. Terri hates dating apps and thinks men don't often look how they appear in their photos. She can't wait to meet the Golden Bachelor IRL and says that Mel is just her type — he's got great teeth! Here's to hoping Terri and Mel's relationship is all smiles and no cavities. Fun Facts: Terri studied zoology in college and loves nature photography. Terri has watched every single season ofThe Bachelorsince its inception in 2002. Terri did a below-freezing polar plunge in Antarctica. Tracy is a true Southern belle. She needs a man who is ready to commit and is willing to show up for her the way she will show up for him in a relationship. Tracy is a loving mom and grandma who has thrived professionally over the past 40 years but is ready to thrive in her love life too. She is best known for her signature hats (she has around 100!). When she's not working as a designer, Tracy loves attending horse races, crawfish boils and college football games. She believes that it's never too late to find true love, and she's hoping Mel feels the same way. Hats off to the beginning of their love story! Fun Facts: Tracy enjoys offshore fishing. Tracy's style icon is Audrey Hepburn. Tracy dreams of writing a book. The post"The Golden Bachelor" Season 2 Contestants Are Here!appeared first onKatie Couric Media.

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

“The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 Contestants Are Here!

"The Golden Bachelor" Season 2 Contestants Are Here! It's safe to say thata lothas happened since April, whenThe Golden Bachel...

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2025 VMAs: How to watch this weekend, who's performing, full nominee list and more

2025 VMAs: How to watch this weekend, who's performing, full nominee list and more

It's almost time for the 2025 MTV VMAs! The fan-voted Video Music Awards, known for flashy performances and headline-grabbing red carpet appearances, are Sunday, Sept. 7, and they'll air on both CBS and MTV.Lady Gagaleads the 2025 VMA nominees with 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Album. Her "Die With a Smile" collaborator, Bruno Mars, is close behind with 11 nods. Kendrick Lamar,Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx and all fourBLACKPINK members— Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé — also boast multiple nominations. This year's MTV Video Music Awards will feature performances from Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Jelly Roll and more. Mariah Carey will receive this year's Video Vanguard Award, and Ricky Martin will receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award. Both will give special performances. LL Cool J will host the show. Are you ready to watch? Here's everything you need to know about tuning into the 2025 VMAs. Date:Sunday, Sept. 7 Time:8 p.m. ET Location:UBS Arena, Elmont, New York TV channel:CBS, MTV Streaming:Paramount+ Premium The 2025 VMAs are this Sunday, Sept. 7. The VMAs will start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The 2025 MTV VMAs will air on CBS and will be simulcast on MTV. To celebrate the VMAs, several MTV channels (MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic and Pluto channel MTV Biggest Pop) will be airing current and classic music videos 24/7 in the week leading up to the awards. So if you're feeling nostalgic, tune into MTV's suite of channels. You can stream the 2025 VMAs live on Paramount+ with a Paramount+ Premium subscription, which includes livestream access to your local CBS channel. If you're a Paramount+ Essential subscriber, you'll be able to stream the awards show on demand the day after it airs, but you won't be able to watch live. Paramount+ is having a fall sale, so you can grab aParamount+ Premium annual subscriptionfor 50% off ahead of the MTV VMAs. Leading up to the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, there will be a pre-show with red carpet coverage on MTV (and BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1) at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. LL Cool J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Sabrina Carpenter, who performed at last year's awards, will take the stage again this year, alongside Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Jelly Roll, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Alex Warren and Sombr. Mariah Carey will also perform in honor of her receiving this year's Video Vanguard Award. Ricky Martin will perform and receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award. Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, KPop Demon Hunter's EJAE, REI AMI + Audrey Nuna (Huntr/x), Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Akerman, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser and Paris Hilton are all slated to present at the 2025 VMAs. Video of the Year Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, "Die With A Smile" ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, "APT." Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, "Timeless" Artist of the Year Bad Bunny Beyoncé Kendrick Lamar Lady Gaga Morgan Wallen Taylor Swift The Weeknd Song of the Year Alex Warren, "Ordinary" Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather" Doechii, "Anxiety" Ed Sheeran, "Sapphire" Gracie Abrams, "I Love You, I'm Sorry" Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, "Die With A Smile" Lorde, "What Was That" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Tate McRae, "Sports Car" The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, "Timeless" Best New Artist Alex Warren Ella Langley Gigi Perez Lola Young sombr The Marías Best Pop Artist Ariana Grande Charli xcx Justin Bieber Lorde Miley Cyrus Sabrina Carpenter Tate McRae MTV Push Performance of the Year Aug. 2024 – Shaboozey, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" Sept. 2024 – Ayra Starr, "Last Heartbreak Song" Oct 2024 – Mark Ambor, "Belong Together" Nov. 2024 – Lay Bankz, "Graveyard" Dec. 2024 – Dasha, "Bye Bye Bye" Jan. 2025 – KATSEYE, "Touch" Feb. 2025 – Jordan Adetunji, "KEHLANI" March 2025 – Leon Thomas, "YES IT IS" April 2025 – Livingston, "Shadow" May 2025 – Damiano David, "Next Summer" June 2025 – Gigi Perez, "Sailor Song" July 2025 – Role Model, "Sally, When The Wine Runs Out" Best Collaboration Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs, "Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)" Kendrick Lamar and SZA, "luther" Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, "Die With A Smile" Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton, "Pour Me A Drink" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Selena Gomez and benny blanco, "Sunset Blvd." Best Pop Alex Warren, "Ordinary" Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Ed Sheeran, "Sapphire" Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, "Die With A Smile" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" Best Hip-Hop Doechii, "Anxiety" Drake, "NOKIA" Eminem ft. Jelly Roll, "Somebody Save Me" GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red, "Watch Kno About Me" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" LL COOL J ft. Eminem, "Murdergram Deux" Travis Scott, "4X4" Best R&B Chris Brown, "Residuals" Leon Thomas and Freddie Gibbs, "MUTT (REMIX)" Mariah Carey, "Type Dangerous" PARTYNEXTDOOR, "N o C h i l l" Summer Walker, "Heart Of A Woman" SZA, "Drive" The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, "Timeless" Best Alternative Gigi Perez, "Sailor Song" Imagine Dragons, "Wake Up" Lola Young, "Messy" mgk and Jelly Roll, "Lonely Road" sombr, "back to friends" The Marías, "Back To Me" Best Rock Coldplay, "All My Love" Evanescence, "Afterlife (from the Netflix seriesDevil May Cry)" Green Day, "One Eyed Bastard" Lenny Kravitz, "Honey" Linkin Park, "The Emptiness Machine" twenty one pilots, "The Contract" Best Latin Bad Bunny, "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" J Balvin, "Rio" Karol G, "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" Peso Pluma, "LA PATRULLA" Rauw Alejandro and Romeo Santos, "Khé?" Shakira, "Soltera" Best K-Pop aespa, "Whiplash" JENNIE, "like JENNIE" Jimin, "Who" JISOO, "earthquake" LISA ft. Doja Cat and RAYE, "Born Again" Stray Kids, "Chk Chk Boom" ROSÉ, "toxic till the end" Best Afrobeats Asake and Travis Scott, "Active" Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott, "TaTaTa" MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, "Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)" Rema, "Baby (Is It A Crime)" Tems ft. Asake, "Get It Right" Tyla, "PUSH 2 START" Wizkid ft. Brent Faiyaz, "Piece Of My Heart" Best Country Chris Stapleton, "Think I'm In Love With You" Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood, "I'm Gonna Love You" Jelly Roll, "Liar" Lainey Wilson, "4x4xU" Megan Moroney, "Am I Okay?" Morgan Wallen, "Smile" Best Album Bad Bunny,DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS Kendrick Lamar,GNX Lady Gaga,Mayhem Morgan Wallen,I'm The Problem Sabrina Carpenter,Short n' Sweet The Weeknd,Hurry Up Tomorrow Best Long Form Video Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Bad Bunny, "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)" Damiano David, "FUNNY little STORIES" Mac Miller, "Balloonerism" Miley Cyrus, "Something Beautiful" The Weeknd, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" Video for Good Burna Boy, "Higher" Charli xcx, "Guess featuring Billie Eilish" Doechii, "Anxiety" Eminem ft. Jelly Roll, "Somebody Save Me" Selena Gomez, benny blanco, "Younger And Hotter Than Me" Zach Hood ft. Sasha Alex Sloan, "Sleepwalking" Best Direction Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Charli xcx, "Guess" featuring Billie Eilish Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" Best Art Direction Charli xcx, "Guess featuring Billie Eilish" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" Lorde, "Man Of The Year" Miley Cyrus, "End of the World" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Best Cinematography Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Ed Sheeran, "Sapphire" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" Miley Cyrus, "Easy Lover" Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" Best Editing Charli xcx, "Guess featuring Billie Eilish" Ed Sheeran, "Sapphire" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" Tate McRae, "Just Keep Watching" Best Choreography Doechii, "Anxiety" FKA twigs, "Eusexua" Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" Tyla, "PUSH 2 START" Zara Larsson, "Pretty Ugly" Best Visual Effects Ariana Grande, "Brighter Days Ahead" Lady Gaga, "Abracadabra" ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, "APT." Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" Tate McRae, "Just Keep Watching" The Weeknd, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" Social Categories: Best Group aespa All Time Low Backstreet Boys BLACKPINK Coldplay Evanescence Fuerza Regida Grupo Frontera Imagine Dragons Jonas Brothers KATSEYE My Chemical Romance SEVENTEEN Stray Kids The Marías twenty one pilots Song of the Summer Addison Rae, "Headphones On" Alex Warren, "Ordinary" Benson Boone, "Mystical Magical" BigXthaPlugg ft. Bailey Zimmerman, "All The Way" Chappell Roan, "The Subway" Demi Lovato, "Fast" Doja Cat, "Jealous Type" HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, "Golden" Jessie Murph, "Blue Strips" Justin Bieber, "Daisies" MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, "Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)" Morgan Wallen ft. Tate McRae, "What I Want" Ravyn Lenae ft. Rex Orange County, "Love Me Not" Sabrina Carpenter, "Manchild" sombr, "12 to 12" Tate McRae, "Just Keep Watching"

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

2025 VMAs: How to watch this weekend, who's performing, full nominee list and more

2025 VMAs: How to watch this weekend, who's performing, full nominee list and more It's almost time for the 2025 MTV VMAs! The fan-v...

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NFL draft retention rates reveal the best and worst teams at keeping picks

NFL draft retention rates reveal the best and worst teams at keeping picks

Building a team through the draft is a consistent mantra from almost every NFL team because getting cost-controlled young players in a salary-capped league is crucial to success. Pulling that off isn't as easy with the draft often looking like a crapshoot, with some widely heralded prospects taken in the first round flaming out each year and the league filled with later-round gems who were overlooked coming out of college. That can be because of bad evaluation, poor development, injuries or bad fortune but the teams that do the best to avoid it are often the ones playing deep into January. Evaluating drafts in the immediate aftermath each spring is often foolhardy as it often takes a year or even more to see if picks worked out. Leaguewide, 55% of all players drafted from 2021-24 were still on the active roster or an injured list of the team that picked them, according to data compiled by Sportradar after rosters were reduced to 53 players last week. That ranged from 85% of players picked in the first round, 68.8% picked in the second and third rounds on day two of the draft, and 42.6% in the final four rounds on day three. In all, eight teams have less than half of their 2021-24 draft picks still on the active roster or injured lists but that's doesn't necessarily translate to a lack of on-field success. Minnesota has the lowest retention rate at 32.4% and made the playoffs with 14 wins last season, while Washington is fourth lowest at 41.2% and made it to last season's NFC title game. Eight other teams have retained more than 63% of their 2021-24 draft picks, with five of those teams making the playoffs last season, two others finishing with winning records and only the New York Giants lacking success with just nine wins the past two seasons under general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll. Seven of those eight teams had the same coach and general manager since at least 2022 as the stability in leadership and scheme typically leads to fewer roster overhauls. The only two teams near the bottom who had not changed their coach since the start of the 2022 season are the Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, who made up for several notable draft whiffs made by general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan by finding a franchise quarterback in Brock Purdy with the final pick of the 2022 draft. Here's a look at the three best and worst teams when it comes to retaining picks. Cincinnati Bengals, 73.5% The Bengals faced a tough decision in the 2021 draft when they had to choose whether to pick Penei Sewell to protect Joe Burrow orJa'Marr Chaseto give him a playmaker. While both choices would have been good, picking Chase has worked out as good as they could have hoped with four Pro Bowl seasons and a receiving Triple Crown in 2024. The next three first-rounders — Dax Hill, Myles Murphy and Amarius Mims — haven't been nearly as impactful but are still in place. That's been a bit of a theme for the Bengals as the stability in the front office and coaching has kept draft picks in place but few have been difference-makers in recent years. Cincinnati has retained the highest percentage of day three picks during this period at 66.7%, with the biggest hit being 2025 fifth-round pick Chase Brown. Kansas City Chiefs, 73.3% Kansas City has kept 11 of its 12 picks in the first three rounds on the roster with several being key contributors to the team's back-to-back Super Bowl titles in the 2022-23 seasons. The Chiefs got two players who have earned All-Pro honors in center Creed Humphrey in the second round in 2021 and cornerback Trent McDuffie in the first round in 2022. Among the other early-round hits have been linebacker Nick Bolton, receiver Skyy Moore and edge rusher George Karlaftis, and additional starters in linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Bryan Cook. There have also been some big day three wins like guard Trey Smith in the sixth round in 2021, tight end Noah Gray in the fifth round in 2021, and running back Isiah Pacheco and cornerback Jaylen Watson in the seventh round in 2022. Detroit Lions, 72.4% GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have engineered one of the best turnarounds in recent memory in the NFL, turning one of the worst franchises into a perennial contender thanks to some sharp draft picks. Helped by two extra first-rounders gained when Detroit traded Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff, the Lions added several difference-makers in the first round led by Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Jahymr Gibbs. The Lions also got their No. 1 receiver on day three of the 2021 draft in Amon-Ra St. Brown and several key contributors with day two picks, like All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph in the third round in 2022, and versatile defensive back Brian Branch and productive tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round in 2023. Minnesota Vikings, 32.4% Perhaps no team has overcome poor drafts as well as the Vikings in recent years under GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell. Outside of star left tackle Christian Darrisaw and depth receiver Jalen Nailor, Minnesota has almost nothing left from the 2021 and '22 draft classes after whiffing on high picks in 2022 on first-round safety Lewis Cine, second-round cornerback Andrew Booth and third-round guard Ed Ingram. The verdict on the 2024 draft remains unknown after first-rounder J.J. McCarthy missed his rookie season with a knee injury and fellow first-rounder Dallas Turner made little impact as a rookie. The team has hit on several undrafted free agents, led by linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. New England Patriots, 36.8% Poor picks at the end of the Bill Belichick regime followed by a one-year run with Jerod Mayo as coach have contributed to the Patriots moving on from most of their picks from 2021-24 as they enter their first year under coach Mike Vrabel. The 2022 draft class might have been the worst as only third-round slot cornerback Marcus Jones remains after the team cut first-round guard Cole Strange last week. Second-round receiver Tyquan Thornton had 39 catches in three seasons before being cut last season. New England had two hits from 2021 in second-round defensive tackle Christian Barmore and fourth-round running back Rhamondre Stevenson after first-round QB Mac Jones lasted only three seasons with the team. Drake Maye is the only projected starter this season from last year's draft class. New England did well at the top of the 2023 draft with cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive Keion White. The Pats have only 6 of 26 (23.1%) of day-three picks over those four years still on the roster. Tennessee Titans, 40% The Titans have gone through three GMs since the start of the 2022 season as a roster that was good enough to earn the top seed in the AFC in 2021 fell so much that the Titans ended up with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Cornerback Caleb Farley started just two games in two seasons after being picked in the first round in 2021 and receiver Treylon Burks — picked to replace A.J. Brown in 2022 — will finish his rookie contract with 53 catches and one TD after going on season-ending IR. Tennessee has just four day two picks and five day three picks from 2021-24 left on the roster after missing on picks like Dillon Radunz, Elijah Molden, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Malik Willis. The Titans used a second-round pick in 2023 on quarterback Will Levis, who went 5-16 in his first two seasons and is on IR this year. ___ AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

NFL draft retention rates reveal the best and worst teams at keeping picks

NFL draft retention rates reveal the best and worst teams at keeping picks Building a team through the draft is a consistent mantra from alm...

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Possible punishments for Clippers? Questions loom over NBA's investigation of Kawhi Leonard deal

Possible punishments for Clippers? Questions loom over NBA's investigation of Kawhi Leonard deal

On Wednesday morning, Pablo Torre dropped a bombshell that was felt all across the NBA. In an80-minute episodeof "Pablo Torre Finds Out," Torre revealed a secret $28 million endorsement deal that Kawhi Leonard inked with a fraudulent green bank called Aspiration back in 2022. It's a story because Aspiration had close business ties with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers organization. Aspiration made a $330 million sponsorship deal with the Clippers that was supposed to run through 2034, in addition to a reported $50 million investment from Ballmer himself. But it's a big story because of the most startling detail of all, according to PTFO's reporting: Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal didn't seem to actually require him to do any endorsement of any kind. And so Leonard did not do any of the endorsing of said company. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Was it a no-show job to circumvent the NBA cap? That's a question league investigators and team owners — not to mention fans and players — will want answered. Ballmer and the Clippers initially denied any wrongdoing to PTFO in Wednesday's episode. Later that day, the team released a four-paragraph statement leading with: "Neither the Clippers nor Steve Ballmer circumvented the salary cap." Where do we go from here? Here are some questions lingering over the proceedings. Let's go back to October of 2000. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were out of the league, but Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers were the reigning champs. Momentum was moving in the right direction for the NBA. But ahead of the 2000-01 season, a scandal rocked the league. Then-commissioner David Stern levied one of the harshest penalties in NBA history, hammering the Minnesota Timberwolves for circumventing the NBA's salary cap regarding deals with former No. 1 overall pick Joe Smith, who was then a five-year veteran. "What was done here was a fraud of major proportions," Stern said in 2000, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune. "There were no fewer than five undisclosed contracts tightly tucked away, in the hope that they would never see the light of day. … The magnitude of this offense was shocking." The team was found to have violated league rules by signing Smith to multiple successive below-market one-year deals in order to secure his Bird rights, which would give Minnesota the ability to go over the cap to sign the former No. 1 overall pick to a monster contract. According to reporting, Smith and the Timberwolves had agreed to a hush-hush contract worth up to $86 million beginning in 2001-02. Wink-wink, nod-nod deals were rumored in the past, but there was a paper trail in the Joe Smith case thanks to an agent dispute that went to court. Once the receipts were found, the NBA stepped in. Stern wasn't pleased. In the press conference, he repeatedly used the words "fraud" and "deceit" to describe owner Glen Taylor and the Timberwolves' dealings. Stern's actions spoke louder. He ordered the Timberwolves to pay a $3.5 million fine; had the franchise forfeit five future first-round picks (two of which were later returned to the Wolves); issued a one-year suspension for then-owner Glen Taylor and top front office executive Kevin McHale; and rescinded Smith's years accrued as a Timberwolf, thereby nullifying any possible Bird rights. Smith became a free agent and joined the Detroit Pistons for $2.3 million. Even if commissioner Adam Silver wanted to hand down a similar punishment based on what the league might find during its investigation, he might not have the ability to lower the same guillotine that Stern did. We've been down this path before under Silver's leadership, to some degree. The Clippers werereportedlyinvestigated in 2019 for cap circumvention in the free agency pursuit of Kawhi Leonard, but the NBA did not find evidence of wrongdoing then. This investigation might have a different outcome, but it's also a league governed by different rules. If this Leonard investigation goes the other way and the league finds any illegality, it would be the Clippers' first violation of circumventing the cap, which would mean, according toArticle 13 of the 2023 collective-bargaining agreement, a team found to be circumventing the salary cap can be punished up to the following for its first offense: $4.5 million fine; one first-round draft pick; void any player contract or renegotiation, Extension, or amendment of a Player Contract, between any player and any Team when both the player (or any person or entity acting with authority on behalf of such a player) and the Team (or Team Affiliate) are found to have committed such violation; and/or void any other transaction or agreement found to have violated (league rules regarding circumvention). A $4.5 million fine and a first-round draft pick would qualify as a significantly lighter punishment than the Joe Smith example, especially when you consider inflation and the rising salary cap. By comparison, the Timberwolves' $3.5 million fine in 2000 represented about 10% of the salary cap. In today's terms, that would equate to roughly $15 million. The penalty can expand if the violation falls under the "No Unauthorized Agreements" clause, in which case the Commissioner can levy up to the following: $7.5 million fine; forfeiture of draft picks; void the player contract and player faces a $350,000 fine; suspend team personnel for up to one year; void any transaction or agreement in violation; In this case, the Joe Smith/Timberwolves penalty would be within the bounds of the league office. The timeline might muddy the picture for Silver, though. On Aug. 12, 2021, the Clippers announced Leonard's four-year, $176 million contract extension, lengthening the pact between the Clippers and Leonard which began in 2019. According to PTFO reporting, three months later, Leonard registered a company called "KL2 ASPIRE LLC" with the state of California and Leonard's four-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration went into effect later that April. If the league's investigators were to find that Leonard's Aspiration deal fit the parameters of cap circumvention, it would be too late to voidthatagreement. Leonard's four-year extension was for the 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, with the final season being a player option. In January 2024, Leonard declined his 2024-25 option and inked another contract, this time worth three years and $150 million. Leonard has already played one season of his newer deal, and is under contract for $50 million in 2025-26 and $50.3 million in 2026-27. Considering the contract in question has already expired, the ship might have sailed in the eyes of some. Ripping up Leonard's current contract would almost certainly draw the ire of the players union and potentially ignite a drawn-out legal battle that could hang over the league for months (years?). Plus, in the scenario of Leonard's contract being voided, no teams currently have $50 million of cap space with which to offer Leonard, if he sought a similar deal to the one he's currently on. And that presents its own playing-field quandary. Getting a player of Leonard's caliber for, say, the mid-level exception would launch a bizarre sweepstakes the likes of which the NBA has never seen. You thought the Warriors getting Durant in 2016 because of a cap spike was unfair? Imagine if the Oklahoma City Thunder get Leonard for $8.5 million, what remains of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception,per Keith Smith's cap analysis.How 'bout them apples? For what it's worth, Joe Smith wasn't suspended a single game in 2000. His contract with the Timberwolves was voided and he was back on the market as a free agent. A Leonard suspension also seems unlikely considering who's running the league. When it comes to player rights, Silver hasn't ruled with an iron fist like his predecessor Stern. If Smith wasn't shelved by Stern then, it's hard to see a world in which Silver drops the hammer on Leonard now and keeps him off the floor, not letting the Board Man get paid. But it all depends on what the league discovers in its investigation. For Steve Ballmer, a man who's reportedly worth $150 billion, a $4.5 million fine would seem like a drop in the bucket. To put it in perspective, it's the equivalent of someone worth $1 million being fined … $30. Ballmer is a famously perspiry person, but I don't think he'll sweat a $4.5 million fine. The draft picks might be another matter. If you recall, it's what helped grease the wheels for the Clippers to win the Leonard sweepstakes in the first place. It's long been reported that Leonard would only sign with the Clippers if they could also get Paul George. So the Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two swaps to the Thunder to consummate the deal. The Clippers may not value draft picks as developmental assets like other teams do, but they are undoubtedly star-chasing assets. The twist is that, because of Leonard-George deals in 2019, the Clippers still don't have many first-round picks at their disposal. The Clippers have already sent away the 2026 and 2028 first-round picks outright. The league could also look to strip the Clippers' side of the 2027 and 2029 swaps. Using the Smith blueprint, taking away five first-round picks could mean the Clippers would not have a first-round pick until 2033 when Leonard would be 42. Which is not nothing. But let's put aside the cash and basketball-related punishments. Suspending Ballmer from team activities might hurt the owner in ways that those other levers can't. Ballmer has been quite literally the most vocal owner in the NBA and has been a mainstay on the Clippers' sidelines. He's also the face of the 2026 All-Star Game set to be held at the Intuit Dome. Which brings us to the next question … I had forgotten about Ballmer playing host to the 2026 All-Star Weekend until our guy Dan Devine mentioned it inthis week's Big Number episode. After recording, I spoke with a longtime GM about what the league might do if it found evidence of cap circumvention. The All-Star Game came up. The executive told Yahoo Sports he would not rule out the possibility that the NBA might view a case like this as more than just mere salary-cap circumvention. Sweetening a deal for a player of Joe Smith's caliber is one thing. But when it's a two-time Finals MVP running up against amax contractcap in addition to a salary cap is another thing. (Though, it should be noted that the Clippers could offer Leonard more money than any team in 2021 because they held his Bird rights.) It's also worth pointing out that because the Clippers were in the tax in 2021-22, a $7 million under-the-table payment to a player might also have circumvented luxury-tax payments shared to other teams. It could take a long time to get to the bottom of this. If the NBA deems the transgression to be more severe than just cap circumvention, the general manager suggested it might be possible that the NBA would try to keep Ballmer away from the spotlight while the investigation is underway. "I think the commissioner," the longtime executive said, "has a wide berth if you violate the collective bargaining agreement." The Clippers, Ballmer's lawyers, team counsel across the league and the players union would assuredly have their own view of the matter if the NBA does decide this is more than just cap circumvention. The 2026 All-Star Game does present a fascinating wrinkle in this whole story, if not for the deadline alone. The festivities commence about five months from now. For reference, it took nearlyfivemonthsfor the NBA to investigate tampering accusations related to the New York Knicks signing Jalen Brunson in 2022. The tampering investigation for Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball took about four months. Considering neither of those players was a two-time Finals MVP, we may not hear about a resolution in time for the All-Star Game. It can't be overstated how massive the 2026 All-Star Game figures to be from a marketing standpoint. It's the first NBA All-Star Game broadcast by NBC and on any network television channel since 2002. Making matters trickier is the fact that NBC holds the broadcast rights to the 2028 Olympics which will be held in Los Angeles. The All-Star Game figures to be both a marketing bonanza for the NBA but also a promotional event for its reunited broadcast partner NBC, Los Angeles and its imminent Olympics. One option might be for the NBA to move the All-Star Game away from Intuit Dome and over to the Lakers'Crypto.comArena while it adjudicates the matter. The NBA did pull the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte due to the state legislators' so-called bathroom law. The specter of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles and the new TV deal will hang over the Leonard investigation. These are stakes beyond basketball. Said the GM: "If you don't have rules, you might as well give up everything."

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Possible punishments for Clippers? Questions loom over NBA's investigation of Kawhi Leonard deal

Possible punishments for Clippers? Questions loom over NBA's investigation of Kawhi Leonard deal On Wednesday morning, Pablo Torre dropp...

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Could Jack Bauer Return? Kiefer Sutherland Reveals Big ’24’ Update

Could Jack Bauer Return? Kiefer Sutherland Reveals Big '24' Update

Jack Bauer may yet return for another24hours. In a recentinterviewwith CJAD 800 Montreal's Aaron Rand,24starKiefer Sutherlanddiscussed the groundbreaking series and hinted at the possibility of reprising his iconic role. "24, which many people consider one of the best, one of the favorite shows ever on TV. You were so great as Jack Bauer in that show," said the DJ. "I know there was a movie made, and I know there's been talk of bringing this back. Where [does] that stand right now?" Airing from 2001 until 2010,24was an action-thriller TV series set in real time that followed counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer, played by Sutherland. Each season covered a single day in Bauer's life, with 24 episodes representing 24 hours in the day. The show focused on Bauer as he raced against the ticking clock to stop major threats such as terrorist attacks, assassination attempts, and bioweapons galore. In addition to the series, several long-form specials continued the story of Bauer. "Howard Gordonhas come up with an idea that I like," responded Sutherland. "Before, it was just that the material had not been written. So I would have to say I'm not the one that's in the way." "Something has been written. I think it's really good. I think it's really strong," continued the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor. "24was originally owned [by] Fox, now it's owned by Disney because of what Fox sold off. And so it has to go through different channels before it is either approved or disapproved." When audiences last saw Jack Bauer, it was in 2014's24: Live Another Day, where he was taken into Russian custody via helicopter after thwarting yet another terrorist plot. Bauer surrendered himself in exchange for the safety of his longtime friend and ally, Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub), thus leaving his ultimate fate uncertain. "It's something I would really like to do. I would like to close that story," remarked Sutherland. "It was left kind of wide open. So yeah. Fingers crossed." 24, Entire Series, Hulu Read the latest entertainment news onTV Insider.

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Could Jack Bauer Return? Kiefer Sutherland Reveals Big ’24’ Update

Could Jack Bauer Return? Kiefer Sutherland Reveals Big '24' Update Jack Bauer may yet return for another24hours. In a recentintervie...

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Sydney Sweeney Shuts Down American Eagle Ad Questions at TIFF: 'I'm Not There to Talk About Jeans'

Sydney Sweeney Shuts Down American Eagle Ad Questions at TIFF: 'I'm Not There to Talk About Jeans'

lberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Sydney Sweeney toldVanity Fairshe won't be addressing the controversy surrounding her American Eagle campaign when she appears at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere ofChristy "I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it, and I'm not there to talk about jeans. The movie's about Christy, and that's what I'll be there to talk about," the actress said Sweeney portrays International Boxing Hall of Famer Christy Martin, who competed professionally in the 1990s and 2000s Sydney Sweeneyhas no plans to discuss her jeans when she appears at theToronto International Film Festivalthis weekend. The actress, 27, spoke toVanity Fairabout her new boxing movieChristyfor a preview published Thursday, Sept. 4, shutting down any notion that she might address thecontroversy regarding her recent American Eagle campaignwhen she appears in Toronto forChristy's world premiere on Friday, Sept. 5. "I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it, and I'm not there to talk about jeans," Sweeney said. "The movie's about Christy, and that's what I'll be there to talk about." Sweeney's American Eagle ad campaign, titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," released in July, sparking controversy among some who criticized the ad for seemingly using the word "jeans" as a play on the word "genes" and a hint at eugenics, a school of thought that theNational Institute of Healthdescribes as "the use of selective breeding to improve the human race." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney) Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Critics of the ad called out avideo for the campaignthat featured Sweeney discussing genes — and jeans — saying, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue." American Eagle wrote in an Aug. 1 statement in response to the controversy that the ad campaign "is and always was about the jeans" and that "great jeans look good on everyone." The backlash has loomed over Sweeney's recent movie releases likeAmericanaandEden, two of the four movies to release this year she has appeared in. (Her adaptation of bestsellerThe Housemaidis in theaters Dec. 19.) InChristy, Sweeney plays the real-life boxerChristy Martin, who competed as a professional in the 1990s and 2000s. Martin, now 57, was inducted into theInternational Boxing Hall of Famein 2020. Courtesy of TIFF Sweeney, who trained in combat sports as a teenager, toldVanity Fairshe gained more than 30 lbs. to portray Martin for the new movie, which also stars Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Katy O'Brian, Chad L. Coleman and Tony Cavalero. "I was blown away that her story wasn't more known on a universal, global level because it's just one of the most harrowing and inspiring women that I've ever met in my entire life," she said of the film. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Sydney Sweeney Shuts Down American Eagle Ad Questions at TIFF: 'I'm Not There to Talk About Jeans'

Sydney Sweeney Shuts Down American Eagle Ad Questions at TIFF: 'I'm Not There to Talk About Jeans' lberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Syd...

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Seahawks reportedly sign offensive lineman Abraham Lucas to 3-year, $46 million extension

Seahawks reportedly sign offensive lineman Abraham Lucas to 3-year, $46 million extension

The Seattle Seahawks want to keep new quarterback Sam Darnold upright and healthy in 2025. The team took a major step toward that goal Thursday, reportedly signing offensive lineman Abraham Lucas to a three-year, $46 million extension, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Lucas can reportedly earn more money based on incentives. The#Seahawksand OT Abe Lucas have agreed to terms on a three-year, $46 million extension with the chance to earn more via incentives, sources say.The 2022 third-rounder, who was set to be a free agent, stays with Seattle in a deal done by@Chase_Callahanof@excelfootball.pic.twitter.com/81XmRnAJ3j — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)September 4, 2025 After being selected by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Lucas has flashed strong traits when on the field. But after starting all 16 games as a rookie, Lucas was limited to 13 games combined over the past two seasons. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Despite those injuries, the Seahawks still feel good about Lucas' future. The team could have waited until Lucas proved he was healthy in 2025 before negotiating a new contract with the tackle. Prior to the extension, Lucas was entering the final year of his contract. If he stayed healthy and produced at a high level, Lucas may have opted to test the free-agent waters if the team didn't act now. The move has the potential to work out extremely well for the Seahawks, who likely got a discount on Lucas due to his injuries. If he can remain healthy, it's possible he'll be a bargain for Seattle. Lucas is healthy for now, and will be the team's starting right tackle to open the 2025 season. The Seahawks are looking for improvement after narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season. Despite going 10-7, Seattle failed to make it into the postseason due to the three NFC wild-card teams registering at least 11 wins. The Seahawks responded to that disappointment by making some major changes. Quarterback Geno Smith was shipped out in favor of Darnold. The team also traded wideout D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for draft picks. The team seemed to focus on offensive line during the draft, taking three lineman, including first-rounder Grey Zabel in the first round. Zabel also won a starting job, and will suit up alongside Lucas when the two open the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Seahawks reportedly sign offensive lineman Abraham Lucas to 3-year, $46 million extension

Seahawks reportedly sign offensive lineman Abraham Lucas to 3-year, $46 million extension The Seattle Seahawks want to keep new quarterback ...

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Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot in the back of the head, father says

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot in the back of the head, father says

Ethan Pritchard, a linebacker for the Florida State (FSU) Seminoles football team, was shot in the back of the head on Sunday and remains in hospital, his father has said. Speaking toCNN affiliate WFTV, Earl Pritchard said that his son was shot when driving his aunt home from a family event in Havana, Florida. "He was actually in the car taking my sister around the corner to her daughter's house to drop her off," the elder Pritchard said. "They turned the corner, and as soon as they turned the corner, they heard gunshots." Earl Pritchard said that his son remains sedated in the hospital and is in a critical condition. He added that doctors are waiting for the swelling in Ethan's head to decrease before evaluating the damage. According to CNN affiliateWCTV, the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office said the incident took place just before 10 p.m. local time and that Pritchard was found wounded in a vehicle. He was then taken to an intensive care unit at a nearby hospital. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) told CNN that the organization is investigating in coordination with the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office. Afundraising pagehas been set up to help cover Pritchard's medical expenses, with over $80,000 donated at the time of writing. "Just ask the community and everybody for their prayers," Earl Pritchard told WFTV while at his son's side in the ICU. FSU head coach Mike Norvell said on Wednesday that he remains in direct communication with Pritchard's family. "I talked to Ethan's dad this morning. I'm trying to just check on him and check on Ethan. I was able to go by yesterday and for a short period of time," Norvell told reporters. "It was just limited visitation, but you get a chance just to be there even for just a handful of minutes. "It was good to be with him. He's still in stable condition, and we're going through the process and he's got all things that are in front. We are absolutely praying for him every day and just trying to be there for our players, too. Yes, it's one thing on the field, but it's also off the field. That's one of their brothers, a guy that they deeply care about and just kind of working through part of the tragedy of what it is." Pritchard, who went to Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida, committed to Florida State in October 2023 amid interest from other programs. He was a four-star recruit after enjoying an impressive high school career, recording 75 tackles in his junior year. He was initially a safety before swapping to be a linebacker, according to FSU. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byLiam Oneel

in

September 04, 2025

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot in the back of the head, father says

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot in the back of the head, father says Ethan Pritchard, a linebacker for the Florida State (...

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