Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for reportedly making 'inappropriate comments'

Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for reportedly making 'inappropriate comments'

An All-Star in 2023,Philadelphia Philliesslugger Nick Castellanos has been instrumental in the team's success in recent years, playing a pivotal role on offense and helping lead the team to the World Series in 2022 and playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. Coming into Tuesday's contest against theMiami Marlins, Castellanos had started in every one of thePhillies' 72 games and had made 231 consecutive appearances. That streak came to an end Tuesday, though, as manager Rob Thomson announced Castellanos was being benched as punishment for making "inappropriate comments" after he was pulled from Monday's game. Nick Castellanos was withheld from today's lineup for making an inappropriate comment after he was pulled from yesterday's game, Rob Thomson said. — Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes)June 17, 2025 Castellanos was replaced during the eighth inning of Monday's 5-2 win over Miami in favor of Johan Rojas. Rojas has a tremendous glove. Castellanos does not. With the Phillies up two runs heading into the eighth, the change was made. Castellanos did not approve of Thomson's decision. MLB News:Shohei Ohtani wasn't happy with his Dodgers' pitching debut, but it should excite team It's unclear what exactly tipped the scales for Thomson, prompting him to bench Castellanos, but the two-time All-Star said he wasn't happy about being pulled from Monday's game. He spoke his mind, and Thomson told Castellanos he had "crossed a line." Nick Castellanos: "I wasn't happy about it, spoke my mind. He said that I crossed a line. So my punishment is I'm not playing." — Lochlahn March (@lochlahn)June 17, 2025 After a down 2024 season, Castellanos has bounced back a bit in 2025. His batting average and on-base percentage have increased, though his slugging percentage has taken a small dip. Castellanos has seven home runs and 36 RBI on the season. The Phillies currently sit at 43-29 and are second in the NL East, two games back of the first-placeNew York Mets. The Phillies currently hold the top spot in the National League wild card race. MLB News:How was Shohei Ohtani's first game back pitching for the Dodgers in nearly two years? The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for 'inappropriate comments'

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for reportedly making 'inappropriate comments'

Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for reportedly making 'inappropriate comments' An All-Star in 2023,Philadelphia Philliesslugg...

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Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City

Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back thecomments Sunday night with an apologyand the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he'd read and heard about Mexico City. "I am embarrassed by my comments," he posted in a lengthy apology. Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: — Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). — Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. — Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. "These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel," the team said in a statement. "Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport. "Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud." Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar's penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body's requirements. "Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity," Spire said. "We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track." ___ AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City

Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Ho...

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The Life-Changing Tip ‘Addams Family’ Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astin

The Life-Changing Tip 'Addams Family' Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astin

The Life-Changing Tip 'Addams Family' Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astinoriginally appeared onParade. ActorSean Astinrevealed an acting tip from his famous father,John Astin, 95, ended up changing his life. ReMind magazinereported that Sean spoke about his father, who famously starred as Gomez Addams in the '60s sitcomThe Addams Family, during a July 16 interview withAARP. TheLord of the Ringsstar said he was auditioning for the 1985 film,The Gooniesaround the time his late mother,Patty Duke, and John divorced. According to Sean, his father helped him with the script while he was staying at his condo. "He helped work with me on the audition. And what he kept saying to me was, 'Sean, stop acting your idea of what this boy is supposed to be. It's actually you. If you look at what he's saying and how he's being, it's you. And the most important thing you can do is just be honest. Just have what you're saying be honest,'" said Sean while speaking to AARP. Sean then said, "that piece of advice has carried [him] through [his] acting career." As fans of theGooniesare aware, Sean was cast as Michael "Mikey" Walsh. The beloved adventure film ended up being the 54-year-old actor's big break. During a 2018 interview withGreat Day Houston, Sean said his mother, who starred inThe Patty Duke ShowandValley of the Dolls, encouraged him to go into the entertainment business. "I think of it as one of those windup toys. And she just wound me up when I was 8 years old and she had me in this afterschool special and she just kind of set me forward," said Sean with a smile. Sean also shared he was surprisedThe Goonieshas had such a dedicated fanbase. "I can't believe howGooniesstill lives in the hearts of people everywhere I go," said the actor during the interview. The Life-Changing Tip 'Addams Family' Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astinfirst appeared on Parade on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

The Life-Changing Tip ‘Addams Family’ Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astin

The Life-Changing Tip 'Addams Family' Star John Astin Gave His Son Sean Astin The Life-Changing Tip 'Addams Family' Star Joh...

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Ariana Grande mourns the death of grandma Marjorie, beloved 'Nonna' featured on 'Ordinary Things'

Ariana Grande mourns the death of grandma Marjorie, beloved 'Nonna' featured on 'Ordinary Things'

Kevin Mazur/WireImage Ariana Grande's grandmother Marjorie, who theWickedstar called "Nonna," has died, Grande's mother Joan announced Tuesday. She was 99. "We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away," Joanwrote on social media. "Marjorie (Nonna) Grande passed peacefully in her home and was surrounded by her family and loved ones for every moment of her last few weeks. We thank you for your love, support and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life." Ariana Grade/Instagram Thanks to her granddaughter, the elder Grande's life included becomingthe senior-most personto make it onto theBillboardHot 100, in April 2024, after being featured on Grande's albumEternal Sunshine. She gave the younger Grande important romantic advice on the track "Ordinary Things," which debuted on the chart at No. 55. Credited as a featured artist, Nonna speaks at the end of the song: "And when he'd come home and I'd see him, when he first gets off that train, it was like God almighty arrived. It was like seein' daylight. I mean, I could've packed up and left a million times, you know? It's not that we never fought. You can overcome that, you know? It-it's very easy." She also cautioned, "And as I told her, never go to bed without kissin' goodnight. That's the worst thing to do, don't ever, ever do that. And if you can't, and if you don't feel comfortable doing it, you're in the wrong place, get out." At the time of the accomplishment, the "Thank U, Next" singer posted an image of her grandmother with a plaque to commemorate her achievement. "Celebrating the one and only, most beautiful Nonna who has now made history," her granddaughter wrote. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. After the death of Nonna, who had also accompanied her granddaughter to awards shows and joined her onstage, Ariana's brotherFrankie Grandewrotehis own message, which said in part: "How can I ever thank you enough for the countless lessons you wove into my heart over the years? You taught me how to love without conditions, how to dominate a three-card poker table, how to never ever take a bad picture, how to light up a dinner party just by being in the room, how to give the warmest, safest hugs, how to stand in my truth unapologetically, how to not give a single f--- about what anyone thinks, and most importantly, how to show up for family in a way so deep, so unwavering, that I promise you: I will carry that torch fiercely in your absence. No question. No option." The singer's grandfather and Marjorie's husband, Frank,died in 2014. He was 90. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Ariana Grande mourns the death of grandma Marjorie, beloved 'Nonna' featured on 'Ordinary Things'

Ariana Grande mourns the death of grandma Marjorie, beloved 'Nonna' featured on 'Ordinary Things' Kevin Mazur/WireImage Aria...

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Mets rotation loses Tylor Megill for at least 1 month with right elbow sprain

Mets rotation loses Tylor Megill for at least 1 month with right elbow sprain

ATLANTA (AP) — The New York Mets lost a member of their rotation for at least one month on Tuesday when right-hander Tylor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow sprain. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Tuesday night's game against the Atlanta Braves the team would wait for inflammation in Megill's elbow to decrease before being able to determine the severity of the injury. Mendoza says the "best-case scenario" is the inflammation goes away in as few as seven days. "Then we're looking at four to five weeks," Mendoza said. Megill is the second Mets starter to land on the IL in four days. Right-handerKodai Sengawas placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a right hamstring strain. The strain is considered mild and Senga will be shut down for two weeks before being re-evaluated. The 29-year-old Megill is 5-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 14 starts. Mendoza says the team likely will find a spot starter to fill Megill's next start on Friday at Philadelphia. The rotation could have more options soon as the team is awaiting the returns ofFrankie Montas (lat) and Sean Manaea (oblique)from injuries. Right-hander Justin Garza was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill Megill's roster spot on Tuesday. Mendoza said Montas and Manaea would not be among the pitchers considered for Friday's start. Montas will make his fifth minor league start on Friday with Syracuse and could then be ready to come off the injured list. Megill lasted only 3 2/3 innings in his last start, an8-4 lossto Tampa Bay on Saturday. He gave up seven hits and six runs, three earned. Megill was 4-5 with a 4.04 ERA in 16 games, including 15 starts, in 2024. Manaea reported for spring training with astrained right obliqueand made his first rehab appearance on June 6. His next rehab appearance is scheduled for Friday with Syracuse. The Mets had two players begin minor league injury rehabilitation stints on Tuesday. Left-hander Brooks Railey, recovering from Tommy John surgery in May 2024, began his rehab with Single-A St. Lucie. Third baseman Mark Vientos (right hamstring strain) began his rehab with Syracuse. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Mets rotation loses Tylor Megill for at least 1 month with right elbow sprain

Mets rotation loses Tylor Megill for at least 1 month with right elbow sprain ATLANTA (AP) — The New York Mets lost a member of their rotati...

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Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre added to the AL staff as an honorary coach for the All-Star Game

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre added to the AL staff as an honorary coach for the All-Star Game

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre will serve as an honorary coach for the American League at the All-Star Game in Atlanta next month. New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone invited Torre on Tuesday to join his staff at the Midsummer Classic. The 84-year-old Torre, currently a special assistant to the commissioner, won 2,326 games as a major league manager over 29 seasons. He led the Yankees to four World Series titles and six AL pennants in 12 years with the team. Torre also managed the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition, Boone invited Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt to join the AL staff for the game. He will join Yankees coaches in the dugout. On the NL side, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts asked Braves manager Brian Snitker and Miami Marlins first-year manager Clayton McCullough to serve as coaches. They will join the Dodgers' coaching staff. The All-Star Game takes place July 15 at Truist Park, three days before Torre's 85th birthday. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre added to the AL staff as an honorary coach for the All-Star Game

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre added to the AL staff as an honorary coach for the All-Star Game Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre will serve as...

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Mariska Hargitay Was Left Behind at the Scene of the Crash That Killed Her Mom, Jayne Mansfield

Mariska Hargitay Was Left Behind at the Scene of the Crash That Killed Her Mom, Jayne Mansfield

Getty Mariska Hargitay has made her directorial debut with the documentaryMy Mom Jayne,which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival on June 13. In the film, Mariska learns from her siblings that she was briefly left behind at the scene of the car crash that killed their mother Jayne Mansfield in 1967. Mariska has been supported by her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children throughout the press tour for the film. Mariska Hargitaywas just 3 years old when her mother was killed in a horrific car crash. Mariska and two of her siblings, Mickey Jr. and Zoltan, who were sleeping in the backseat of the car, survived the crash. Almost 60 years later, Mariska is now ready to explore the ramifications of the life-changing accident. Hargitay makes her directorial debut with the documentary,My Mom Jayne,which explores her mother's tragic death and the events that followed. The film premiered at Tribeca on June 13. In the film, Mariska looks back on the night of the crash—and even learns a few new details. After all, she remembers nothing. "I don't remember the accident," she said toVanity Fair. "I don't even remember being told that my mother had died." Getty While speaking to her brothers, Mickey and Zoltan, who were 8 and 6 respectively at the time of the crash, Mariska learned that she was accidentally left behind at the scene of the crash before the rescue team returned to pull her from the wreckage. Mickey recalls waking up after the crash in a new car with a blonde woman who had rescued him from the wreck. At first, he thought it was his mother. Meanwhile, Zoltan woke up and realized that their younger sister wasn't in the car. He asked where she was, and the rescue team realized that they must have accidentally left her at the scene. Getty They hurried back and found Mariska had been lodged underneath the passenger seat. She suffered an injury that left a scar on one side of her head. As Ellen Hargitay, Mariska's step-mother, says in the film, "Thank God Zolie woke up," Ellen says. Mariska, Mickey Jr., and Zoltan were raised by her father, Mickey Hargitay. In her 20s,Mariska learned that her biological father was, in fact, Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, with whom Jayne Mansfield had had an affair. Getty Throughout her press tour forMy Mom Jayne,Mariska has been constantly supported by her husband, actorPeter Hermann, and their three children, August, Amaya, and Andrew. Speaking toInStyleat one Tribeca event,the actress teared upas she said, "Well my husband is my biggest supporter, and it's been amazing." Read the original article onInStyle

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Mariska Hargitay Was Left Behind at the Scene of the Crash That Killed Her Mom, Jayne Mansfield

Mariska Hargitay Was Left Behind at the Scene of the Crash That Killed Her Mom, Jayne Mansfield Getty Mariska Hargitay has made her director...

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Machine Gun Kelly Thanks Megan Fox for Giving Him ‘the Ultimate Gift’, Reveals Their Daughter’s Name

Machine Gun Kelly Thanks Megan Fox for Giving Him 'the Ultimate Gift', Reveals Their Daughter's Name

Machine Gun Kellyhas finally revealed the name of his daughter, who he welcomed withMegan Foxin March — and it's fierce! On Tuesday, June 17, the "Cliché" singer, 35,took to Instagramto share a video of himself playing the ukulele while their child — who could not be seen — bounced in a rocker. MGK (real name: Colson Baker) captioned the post, "Saga Blade Fox-Baker." Though he turned the comments off on the post, it garnered nearly 60,000 "likes" in an hour. He later edited the caption to include, "thank you for the ultimate gift," tagging Fox's Instagram account. (Fox, for her part, has wiped her Instagram clean.) In March, MGK revealed that he and Fox, 39, had welcomed their first child together. (MGK is already dad to daughter Casie, 15, while Fox shares Noah, 12, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, 8, with ex-husbandBrian Austin Green.) "She's finally here!! Our little celestial seed," the rocker wrote via Instagram, noting their baby girl was born on March 27. He then followed up his post with an Instagram story to clarify that the former couple had not actually named their child "Celestial Seed" — and that theJennifer's Bodystar would "tell you the name when we're ready." MGK and Fox's rollercoaster relationship began in 2020 and was reported to have ended in 2024, shortly after the couple revealed they were expecting. Last November, Fox shared a since-deleted post featuring a photo of herself debuting her baby bump while covered in what appeared to be black paint. "Nothing is ever really lost," the actress captioned the photos, seemingly referencing a previous pregnancy loss the former couple suffered. "Welcome back 👼🏼❤️." Despite their split, it seems as though Fox and MGK are making it work as co-parents. During his June 14 appearance at Warped Tour, a fan approached him while wearing a t-shirt with Fox's face. "So sick," he said, before asking to take a picture. In April,Peoplereported that the former flames were focused on their daughter and not rekindling their romance — yet. "They're not making any big decisions about their future together as a couple because they just want to focus on the present and this new chapter as parents to their daughter together," a sourcetold the outlet.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Machine Gun Kelly Thanks Megan Fox for Giving Him ‘the Ultimate Gift’, Reveals Their Daughter’s Name

Machine Gun Kelly Thanks Megan Fox for Giving Him 'the Ultimate Gift', Reveals Their Daughter's Name Machine Gun Kellyhas finall...

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San Antonio Spurs reportedly 'have not been the aggressive team' in Kevin Durant sweepstakes

San Antonio Spurs reportedly 'have not been the aggressive team' in Kevin Durant sweepstakes

While there is mutual interest between the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Durant, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Spurs "have not been the aggressive team" in trade talks for the Phoenix Suns forward,Charania reported Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show." Charania first reiteratedhis report from the weekend: Durant's three preferred destinations are the Spurs, the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat. The Spurs, however, aren't on the same timeline as the Rockets and Heat, said Charania, who believes those two suitors are more realistic landing spots for Durant than San Antonio at the moment. "I think they're really going to be stocking their assets for potentially a bigger move, bigger player, someone that may fit their timeline,"Charania said Tuesday of the Spurs, via the "McAfee Show." "But the Spurs have had a level of interest. Would I say that they're among the leaders right now? ... No, I wouldn't." Charania pointed out that the Spurs have quite a bit of team-building flexibility this offseason. They're well-positioned with a potentially generational center in Victor Wembanyama, plus a one-time All-Star and still-27-year-old guard in De'Aaron Fox. Additionally, they have this year's NBA Rookie of the Year, guard Stephon Castle. And San Antonio is equipped with the No. 2 and No. 14 picks in this year's draft. The Spurs haven't made the playoffs since 2019, but they have one of the brightest futures in the league right now, with legendary head coach Gregg Popovichnow serving as president of basketball operationsandMitch Johnson filling his big shoesas coach. Together, with general manager Brian Wright, San Antonio hopes to replicate its longstanding success from the 2000s to the mid-2010s. "They want to have a similar run and be set up similarly to [former Spurs general manager and current team CEO] R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich," Charania said on the "McAfee Show." "And, in their minds, they have a ton of assets to where, if there's a guy that becomes available that's on that timeline, potentially you go out and make that deal. That's not to say that they don't have interest in Kevin Durant. They do. And potentially they would make an offer, and I'm sure they have discussed different frameworks, but what the other teams are offering is just a little bit more aggressive." Charania mentioned that, even though Minnesota isn't on Durant's list of preferred destinations, the Timberwolves are still a wild-card team to consider. He explained that Minnesota wouldn't be the first team to trade for a player who didn't want to play for them. Charania compared that potential scenario to the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2018. The Raptors won an NBA championship in 2019, but Leonard still signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. "Honestly, every day that goes by, I think it's more likely that, if [the Timberwolves are] involved here, it's going to be seeking out multi-team trade scenarios — three-, four-team deals, whether they get Kevin Durant or whether they're just involved in a deal that's facilitating that,"Charania said Tuesday on the "McAfee Show." "But Minnesota is still very much engaged and active in these conversations." Durant, who has spent two full seasons with the Suns, is on an expiring contract worth $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season. After he's traded, on July 6, he'll be eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. If Durant decides to wait six months after the trade, though, that extension could be worth as much as $124 million,per Charania. The Golden State Warriors almost acquired Durant at this season's trade deadline. Instead, Durant established that he didn't want a second act in the Bay Area and would rather stay with the Suns for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign. Durant will turn 37 in September. The 15-time NBA All-Star has previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-16), the Warriors (2016-19) and the Brooklyn Nets (2019-23). This season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 62 appearances. The Suns, despite the highest payroll in league history, finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

San Antonio Spurs reportedly 'have not been the aggressive team' in Kevin Durant sweepstakes

San Antonio Spurs reportedly 'have not been the aggressive team' in Kevin Durant sweepstakes While there is mutual interest between ...

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Chiefs star Chris Jones on Trey Smith signing franchise tag: 'It's good Trey didn't take my approach'

Chiefs star Chris Jones on Trey Smith signing franchise tag: 'It's good Trey didn't take my approach'

It sounds like Chris Jones has some regrets about the way his messy contract standoff in 2023 shook out. The Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle hinted at that remorse when discussing right guard Trey Smith signing the Chiefs' franchise tag this year. Smith, who Kansas City still hopes to ink to a long-term deal,showed upto the first day of mandatory minicamp Tuesday. "Well, it's good Trey didn't take my approach," Jones joked after practice before drawing laughter from reporters and then cracking a smile. Jones continued,via KCTV5:"Trey's doing the right thing, man. Don't take no advice from me. I did things a little different. Don't take no advice from me. "Trey, you in a good place." #ChiefsDT Chris Jones talked about how Trey Smith is handling the franchise tag/desire for long-term deal:"It's good Trey didn't take my approach. Trey is doing the right thing ... Franchise tag is like $25 million, right? That's the big bucks."@KCTV5pic.twitter.com/M8jBNk0Ev8 — Mark Poulose (@MarkPoulose)June 17, 2025 Looking for a new contract while entering the final season of a four-year, $80 million deal, Jones held out throughout the 2023 preseason. At the time, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was also holding out and eventuallysigned a five-year, $170 million deal. Jones was looking for a raise, and the first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl championhinted he was willing to sit out until at least Week 8for added leverage. He started to follow through on those stakes, watching a Week 1 loss to a soon-to-be breakout Lions teamfrom a suite at Arrowhead Stadium. The Mississippi State product finally put an end to the drama, which included millions of dollars of fines, when he agreed to alucrative, one-year contracton Sept. 11 of that year. That short-term solution set the stage for thefive-year, $95 million guaranteed deal he signedthe following offseason. Even though Jones didn't waver in his loyalty to the Chiefs during that saga, he did hold out and create a loud, drawn-out distraction that could have been avoided. Smith has been steering clear of that circus by signing the non-exclusive franchise tag, which will earn the 26-year-old guard $23.4 million unless he agrees to a new deal before the July 15 deadline. "Franchise tag is like $25 million, right?" Jones said Tuesday, via KCTV5. "That's the big bucks. Yeah, he's in a good place. Stay healthy, be ready to compete in training camp, which I know Trey will be, and we're excited to have him around." Protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes is priority No. 1 in Kansas City, especially after last season's Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chiefs see Smith as a key ingredient to that recipe. Smith, a sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2021, made his first Pro Bowl last season after allowing only one sack and 34 pressures, both single-season career lows, according to Pro Football Focus. "I think the future plans for the Chiefs is to have Trey around," Jones said, via KCTV5. "He's a pivotal part of our offensive line. To have him back out here — he's superior guard in this league. Could be an All-Pro this year. "His body of work speaks for itself, so we're glad to have him back out. He brings a lot of energy to the offensive line, and it's a good way for us to compete on the defensive line."

byLiam Oneel

in

June 17, 2025

Chiefs star Chris Jones on Trey Smith signing franchise tag: 'It's good Trey didn't take my approach'

Chiefs star Chris Jones on Trey Smith signing franchise tag: 'It's good Trey didn't take my approach' It sounds like Chris J...

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