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Colson Montgomery isn’t about to change his swing — but after a record 227 strikeouts in 2026, there are times he should. | (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Colson Montgomery wasn’t about to change his swing.

Not when the Chicago White Sox shortstop was approaching a record no batter wants. Not when his strikeout total climbed past some of baseball’s most notorious free swingers. And certainly not when the same approach that produced all those swings and misses had also delivered 31 home runs.

The 24-year-old believed one swing could change a game. Shortening his stroke, even with two strikes, wasn’t part of his plan.

“I’m not a finished product by any means,” Montgomery told MLB.com in September. “It’s one of those things you have to accept.”

By season’s end, Montgomery had struck out 227 times, surpassing Mark Reynolds’ previous major league record of 223 set in 2009. It was a dubious distinction in an otherwise memorable season that helped carry Chicago into October.

But Montgomery’s record was only part of a much larger story.

Across Major League Baseball, strikeouts have transformed from an outcome hitters once desperately tried to avoid into an increasingly accepted consequence of an offensive philosophy built around power, patience and hitting the ball in the air.

For the White Sox, that philosophy produced one of the American League’s most productive offenses.

It also helped bring their season to an abrupt end.

In five American League Division Series games against Cleveland, Chicago struck out 75 times, the most ever in a Division Series. The Guardians recorded 21 strikeouts in a 2-0 victory in Game 5, setting a major league record for a nine-inning game. Not a playoff record, but a record never matched in any nine-inning MLB game, ever.

The White Sox had gone from chasing a championship to chasing pitches they couldn’t hit. 

THE PRICE OF POWER

Montgomery’s record-breaking season illustrated the complicated relationship between strikeouts and offensive production.

His 31 home runs and 87 RBIs made him a dangerous presence in Chicago’s lineup, even as his .197 batting average and 227 strikeouts demonstrated how difficult consistent contact had become.

For Montgomery, the solution wasn’t necessarily changing the mechanics of his swing. It was changing how he approached each opportunity.

“You get what you focus on,” Montgomery says. “I feel like if you sit there and you are focusing on striking out all the time, you are probably going to get more of that stuff.”

The reasoning reflects a broader philosophical shift in baseball.

Rather than simply trying to put the ball in play, many hitters prioritize pitches they can drive with authority. Modern hitting instruction emphasizes exit velocity, launch angle and swing decisions — the combination of recognizing a hittable pitch and delivering a swing capable of producing damage.

A fly ball hit at an optimal launch angle can clear the fence. A weak ground ball, even when successfully put into play, frequently becomes an out.

But the pursuit of harder contact can create a difficult trade-off. Hitters trying to elevate the baseball may develop swings with more upward movement, while pitchers increasingly attack with high-velocity fastballs, breaking pitches and changing speeds.

The result can be more home runs, but also more empty swings.

White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon acknowledged the concern while explaining that the reasons behind strikeouts matter as much as the totals.

“I would be sitting here lying to you if I’m OK with strikeouts,” Shomon told MLB.com in September. “No one is.”

Shomon said the organization evaluates whether strikeouts result from chasing pitches outside the zone, missing hittable strikes or making poor decisions with two strikes.

The challenge is reducing those failures without eliminating the aggressive approach that made Chicago’s offense successful. 

A CENTURY OF CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

For much of baseball history, striking out was relatively uncommon.

Hitters were expected to protect the plate, shorten their swings with two strikes and make pitchers rely on their defense. Contact was considered a fundamental part of offensive success.

That philosophy gradually changed as hitters and organizations began placing greater value on walks, extra-base hits and home runs.

Statistical analysis reinforced the importance of reaching base and hitting for power. Meanwhile, improvements in pitching velocity, pitch design and bullpen specialization made simply putting the ball in play increasingly difficult.

In 2026, major league teams averaged 8.38 strikeouts per game, compared with 8.36 in 2025, according to Baseball-Reference. Although the increase was small, the modern figures remain substantially higher than those of earlier generations.

The distinction is important: Baseball is not necessarily experiencing a new annual strikeout record, but it continues operating in an era in which a team striking out eight or nine times per game is ordinary.

For an individual hitter, that environment has changed the definition of an acceptable offensive performance.

A player can strike out 200 times and still provide significant value through walks and home runs.

For the White Sox, nobody embodied that contradiction more dramatically than Munetaka Murakami. 

MURAKAMI’S DISAPPEARING CONTACT

Murakami’s first season in Chicago offered a striking example of how tremendous power can coexist with prolonged offensive struggles.

The Japanese slugger finished with 35 home runs, 77 RBIs and 92 walks, helping anchor a White Sox lineup that scored more runs than any other American League team.

But he also struck out 196 times in 454 at-bats, a staggering total for one of Chicago’s most important hitters.

His struggles became especially pronounced during August.

Murakami struck out 46 times that month while hitting five home runs. From August 5 through September 3, he recorded 45 strikeouts in 101 at-bats, meaning nearly 45% of those official at-bats ended without a ball being put into play.

By mid-September, the slump had deepened. Murakami was hitting .095 with 50 strikeouts in his previous 95 at-bats — more than half.

Yet he continued drawing walks, demonstrating that patience and the ability to make contact are not necessarily the same skill.

“There’s always good times and bad times throughout the season,” Murakami said through interpreter Kenzo Yagi in September. “It’s really important just to keep focusing on the approach every single day.”

The numbers raised a difficult question for Chicago: How much swing-and-miss can an offense withstand before its power becomes insufficient?

During the regular season, the answer appeared to be quite a lot.

In October, it was considerably less. 

WHEN CONTACT BECOMES EVERYTHING

The White Sox entered the postseason with 776 runs, 211 home runs and an American League-leading 589 walks. Their offense was built to create opportunities, work counts and deliver game-changing swings.

Against Cleveland, however, those opportunities increasingly disappeared.

In Game 3 of the ALDS, seven Guardians pitchers combined for 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, then a postseason record. Three days later, Cleveland shattered that mark with 21 in Game 5, as Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out 12 batters over 5 2/3 innings, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth.

Chicago finally threatened when Miguel Vargas drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Murakami stepped to the plate with an opportunity to change the game.

Instead, Cleveland reliever Erik Sabrowski struck him out on five pitches.

It was one of four strikeouts for Murakami that night. Andrew Benintendi also struck out four times.

Chicago finished the series with 75 strikeouts, an average of 15 per game. Cleveland’s pitchers surpassed the previous record for a five-game postseason series … by 11.

For White Sox manager Will Venable, the issue wasn’t simply hitters expanding the strike zone.

“I thought it was less about chase and more about being attacked in the zone and swing and miss in the zone,” Venable said after Game 5.

The difference is significant.

Plate discipline is frequently measured by whether hitters swing at pitches outside the strike zone. But a hitter can make the correct decision to swing at a strike and still fail to make contact.

Against Cleveland, Chicago’s inability to connect with pitches inside the zone became a defining problem. Venable acknowledged that the outcome ultimately came down to the most basic element of hitting: putting the ball in play.

For a team built around power, patience and offensive production, it was a painful reminder that none of those strengths matter when the bat never meets the baseball. 

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO TWO STRIKES?

The question facing Chicago heading into 2027 isn’t whether Montgomery and Murakami should abandon their power, but whether the White Sox can preserve that power while developing a more adaptable offensive approach.

Situational hitting becomes especially important with runners in scoring position, when a productive out, sacrifice fly or ground ball to the right side can help manufacture a run.

A strikeout provides no such opportunity.

With two strikes, some hitters shorten their swings, widen their stances or focus on making contact rather than producing maximum exit velocity. Others refuse to sacrifice the mechanics that generate their power.

Montgomery has made his position clear: His game is built around the possibility of changing the scoreboard with one swing, and he believes that ability is worth protecting.

Venable has supported that outlook, emphasizing Montgomery’s contributions rather than allowing his strikeout record to define his season. But Cleveland exposed the limitations of relying on damage without enough contact.

After the season-ending loss, Murakami acknowledged that the White Sox would need to learn from their first postseason experience together.

“We are still a very young team,” he said through Yagi. “We have to learn from our experience here and then bring that to next year.”

That education may begin with a deceptively simple lesson: Baseball’s modern offensive revolution has demonstrated the value of hitting the ball harder, higher and farther — but when a season comes down to one swing, sometimes the most valuable thing a hitter can do is simply make contact.

Khobi Price: JJ Redick on Jake LaRavia: "No update. I'm probably be more positive than when it first happened. But again, he'll be evaluated and the next time I talk to you guys, we'll have an update."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: JJ Redick optimistic about Jake LaRavia's injury

“Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” said Walker Kessler, who, per Stathead, set the NBA record for most field goal attempts in a season opener while making all of them. “I’ve always been like that. I think when I run, it keeps me engaged in the game. There’s gonna be times where I’ll run needlessly, just because every once in a while, one might come off the rim, whether on offense or defense. Might get a rebound, or a put-back. And then it opens up a lot of the shooters on the perimeter.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” said Walker …

Jamal Murray: “Obviously doing it over again and more. I thought I could have made All-Second Team, so striving for that and obviously want to keep the All-Star up, which means I got to have a good start. So really just taking game by game, but focusing on these wins early, I think are important.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jamal Murray: I thought I could have made All-Second Team

LOS ANGELES - Coach Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers dedicated their 121-96 season-opening victory over the Sacramento Kings to team owner Steve Ballmer.

Darius Garland led the way for the Clippers with 30 points at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Ballmer was suspended during the offseason for his role in the Clippers' salary cap circumvention scandal and will not be in his usual seat in the arena he built for the 2026-27 season. John Gibson will serve in his place as interim CEO and governor.

"It is odd not seeing him around and the energy he brings every day," Lue said. "He would come and meet with me before every game and John Gibson did that today just to fill in, but there is nobody like Mr. Ballmer. We miss him and we have to keep it going for him."

“We gotta keep it going for (Ballmer). - Ty Lue said after the Clippers win. pic.twitter.com/jQaMYhNgbh

— James H. Williams (@JHWill) October 22, 2026

The NBA announced disciplinary action against the Clippers on Sept. 2 after an external law firm completed enough of its investigation and shared its findings with league commissioner Adam Silver.

The team was fined $30 million and told to forfeit five first-round draft picks (2029–2033). Two of the team’s executives were also suspended.

Ballmer purchased the Clippers in August 2014 for $2 billion from Donald Sterling. The owner moved the Clippers out of the Crypto.com Arena in 2024 after the completion of the new arena in Inglewood.

"We are trying to protect home," Garland said. "It's the house he built. We are trying to protect it as best we can. He was definitely here in spirit. (Gibson) was in his seat, and we felt the energy. It wasn't (Ballmer's) energy, but we felt his energy. It was super cool that we got the win for him."

Gibson was a Los Angeles trial lawyer and long-time team season-ticket holder before being tasked with filling in for Ballmer. Gibson will be responsible for overseeing both basketball and business operations for the team. He will also represent the team when it comes to league-wide voting matters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyronn Lue, Clippers dedicate season-opening win to Steve Ballmer

The Chicago Bears will face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, where Chicago is looking to win their second straight in the first of three consecutive prime-time games ahead of their Week 10 bye.

The Bears are coming off a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, which featured the returns of quarterback Caleb Williams and cornerback Kyler Gordon, who provided huge boosts to the team. Now, on a short week, Chicago welcomes the defending AFC Champion Patriots, who have been rolling after a rough start. Former 2024 draft mates Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will square off for the second time in three years, and we'll see if Williams can even the score.

Here's how to watch Bears vs. Patriots in Week 7:

What TV channel is Bears vs. Patriots on today?

• TV channel: Prime Video
• Streaming: Amazon Prime (free trial)

The Bears and Patriots play Thursday night in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season. The Bears vs. Patriots game will air on Prime Video. Streaming options for the game include Prime, which offers a free trial.

Stream Bears vs. Patriots (free trial)

Bears vs. Patriots start time

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
• Time: 7:15 p.m. CT
• Location: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

Kickoff for the Bears and Patriots Week 7 game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT on Thursday night at Soldier Field as Chicago returns home after a two-game road trip.

Bears tickets

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Bears regular-season schedule 2026

Below is Chicago's regular-season schedule.

• Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13: Chicago Bears 59, Carolina Panthers 37
• Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20: Chicago Bears 3, Minnesota Vikings 9
• Week 3: Monday, Sept. 28: Chicago Bears 27, Philadelphia Eagles 7
• Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4: Chicago Bears 23, New York Jets 12
• Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11: Chicago Bears 7, Green Bay Packers 31
• Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18: Chicago Bears 31, Atlanta Falcons 23
• Week 7: Thursday, Oct. 22, vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime
• Week 8: Monday, Nov. 1, at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
• Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
• Week 10: BYE WEEK
• Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26, at Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19, at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 16: Friday, Dec. 25, vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Netflix
• Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 10, at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, TBD

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: What channel is Bears vs. Patriots on today? Time, TV schedule

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Wrexham AFC will look to secure consecutive Championship wins when they travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, October 24, after an impressive 4-1 win over Preston North End at the Racecourse Ground.

Phil Parkinson’s side returned to winning ways last weekend, producing a much-needed response after suffering a 2-1 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion four days earlier.

The victory lifted Wrexham to 14th in the Championship table, with 14 points from their opening 11 fixtures.

Saturday’s trip to Ewood Park offers another chance to improve their league position and build momentum after an inconsistent start to the campaign. Wrexham entered last Saturday’s fixture under pressure following a difficult sequence of results. Defeats to West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion exposed defensive weaknesses, while draws with Burnley and Derby County highlighted the need to turn competitive performances into wins.

However, Parkinson’s side delivered a considerably improved attacking display against Preston, scoring four goals for the first time in the Championship this season. Ben Whiteman played a key role against his former club, adding a goal and an assist as Wrexham recorded their third league win. The result took Wrexham’s goalscoring tally to 15 from 11 matches, although they have also conceded 16 goals.

Blackburn Rovers enter Saturday’s fixture sitting 10th in the Championship with 15 points, one ahead of Wrexham. Rovers have won four of their opening 11 league matches, drawn three, and lost four. They have scored 17 goals and conceded 16, giving them a one-goal advantage.

Wrexham will need to improve their defensive consistency, particularly after conceding six goals against West Ham and twice surrendering their advantage against West Brom. Their attacking performance against Preston nevertheless provides encouragement ahead of another demanding away fixture.

Wrexham’s preparations have been complicated by injuries to several first-team players. Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead and Ben Sheaf have been working towards fitness, while Josh Windass has been recovering from an ankle problem. Parkinson previously confirmed that Cleworth, Broadhead and Sheaf had returned to outdoor running, although they still needed to make further progress before they could resume full involvement.

The manager will assess his options before Saturday’s fixture, as the squad faces another demanding Championship schedule.

Following Blackburn, Wrexham travel to Sheffield United on Friday, October 30, before returning to the Racecourse Ground to face Middlesbrough on November 4.

A positive result at Ewood Park would strengthen Wrexham’s Championship position and provide further evidence that their victory over Preston could be the start of a more consistent run.

World Series schedule 2026: Dates, start times, channels, scores for every Brewers vs. Rays game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No matter how it turns out, the 2026 World Series will crown a champion for a city that has waited decades for the honor. 

With the Dodgers dethroned, this season will produce a first-time Fall Classic winner for Milwaukee or Tampa Bay. It will be the second first-time champion in four years after the Rangers won their first title in 2023. 

The NL champion Brewers are making their first World Series appearance since 1982, when they were still in the American League and lost to the Cardinals in seven games. On the AL side, Tampa Bay is winless in two previous World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020. 

Whatever happens, history will be made. Here's when and where to watch every game. 

Where to watch the World Series

• TV channels: Fox
• Live streams:Fubo, DIRECTV

Every game of the 2026 World Series is set to air on Fox, which has broadcast the final round of the MLB postseason every year since 2000. Fans can stream every game live on Fubo. 

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Another streaming option for every game is DIRECTV, which also offers a free trial. 

World Series schedule, scores 2026

Friday, Oct. 23

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 1: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Saturday, Oct. 24

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 2: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Monday, Oct. 26

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 3: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Tuesday, Oct. 27

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 4: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Wednesday, Oct. 28

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 5*: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

Friday, Oct. 30

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 6*: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

Saturday, Oct. 31

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 7*: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

World Series radio coverage 2026

• Radio station:SiriusXM

While some traditional radio stations may carry postseason games depending on the market, fans across the country can listen to every game of the 2026 World Series live with SiriusXM. 

The SiriusXM Sports Pass allows fans to listen to live MLB broadcasts featuring both teams' announcers, along with sports talk and analysis from MLB Network Radio, plus play-by-play coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, college football and basketball, the PGA Tour, NASCAR and more. 

Get your first month of SiriusXM Sports Pass for free, then pay just $5 a month or $49 for a year. Click here to learn more and sign up today!

MLB playoff bracket 2026

SN

MLB playoff schedule, scores 2026League Championship Series schedule, scores

Sunday, Oct. 11

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 1: Brewers 2, Dodgers 1——

Monday, Oct. 12

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 2: Brewers 7, Dodgers 4——ALCS Game 1: Guardians 7, Rays 3——

Tuesday, Oct. 13

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 2: Rays 3, Guardians 1——

Wednesday, Oct. 14

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 3: Brewers 6, Dodgers 2——

Thursday, Oct. 15

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 3: Guardians 3, Rays 2——NLCS Game 4: Brewers 6, Dodgers 4——

Saturday, Oct. 17

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 4: Rays 7, Guardians 3——

Sunday, Oct. 18

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 5: Rays 3, Guardians 1——

Monday, Oct. 19

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 6: Rays 7, Guardians 3——Division Series schedule, scores

Saturday, Oct. 3

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 1: White Sox 3, Guardians 0——NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 5, Braves 3——ALDS Game 1: Rays 1, Yankees 0——NLDS Game 1: Brewers 3, Padres 2——

Sunday, Oct. 4

GameTime (ET)WatchNLDS Game 2: Brewers 4, Padres 3——NLDS Game 2: Braves 3, Dodgers 2——

Monday, Oct. 5

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 2: White Sox 4, Guardians 3——ALDS Game 2: Rays 5, Yankees 2——

Tuesday, Oct. 6

GameTime (ET)WatchNLDS Game 3: Dodgers 3, Braves 1——NLDS Game 3: Padres 4, Brewers 3——

Wednesday, Oct. 7

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 3: Guardians 9, White Sox 3——NLDS Game 4: Dodgers 4, Braves 1——ALDS Game 3: Rays 4, Yankees 3——NLDS Game 4: Brewers 3, Padres 1——

Thursday, Oct. 8

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 4: Guardians 9, White Sox 5——

Saturday, Oct. 10

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 5: Guardians 2, White Sox 0——Wild Card Series schedule, scores

Tuesday, Sept. 29

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 1: Braves 5, Phillies 3——Game 1: White Sox 6, Astros 3——Game 1: Yankees 9, Red Sox 0——Game 1: Padres 8, Cubs 0——

Wednesday, Sept. 30

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 2: Phillies 4, Braves 3 (10 inn.)——Game 2: White Sox 7, Astros 3——Game 2: Yankees 9,  Red Sox 2——Game 2: Padres 4, Cubs 1——

Thursday, Oct. 1

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 3: Braves 6, Phillies 2——Related Links

• Latest MLB news and rumors
• 2026 MLB schedule and scores
• MLB standings 2026
• How to bet on MLB

Sergio Perez would love to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, the Cadillac driver confirms in an exclusive interview with GPblog. The Mexican sees the prospect of having fun with both drivers as a key reason for wanting to line up alongside them.

GPblog asked Perez whether he would be interested in competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the two world champions, with the 36-year-old responding positively to the idea. Perez explained he would be keen to compete together, while acknowledging that the schedules of all three F1 drivers would have to align."Yeah, that would be something great to do. You know, with them. But I think that with them it's also hard to make sure that it happens at the right time, at the right moment," he said.

Aside from the fact that Perez would have two of the strongest possible teammates in Verstappen and Alonso for a potential entry in the prestigious endurance race, having an enjoyable experience is just as important to him. "Certainly, I would like to do Le Mans with drivers I know I can have fun with. And they are certainly two drivers I can have a lot of fun with," Perez continued, with a smile appearing on his face at the thought.

Perez has spoken about competing at Le Mans before

Perez has previously expressed interest in competing in the French 24-hour race. In 2024, he said that the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the only race outside Formula 1 that really appealed to him. At the time, he did not name any drivers he would like to take on the challenge with, but he would certainly be keen to compete alongside Verstappen and Alonso.

Verstappen and Alonso have repeatedly said in recent years that they would like to compete together in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2023, Verstappen revealed that he had discussed it with the Aston Martin driver. According to the Dutchman, Alonso had said he would only return if he could race alongside Verstappen.

In February 2025, Verstappen again spoke about competing together. At the time, he named his father, Jos, as a possible third driver, although he said Jos was not interested. Sebastian Vettel was later mentioned as another potential teammate. Verstappen also made it clear that he would only compete at Le Mans if he had a car capable of fighting for victory.

Verstappen and Alonso have expressed their wish to race at Le MansPhoto: Race Pictures

Photo: Race Pictures

Alonso has been interested for years in competing alongside Verstappen in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard previously said he would like to form a team with the Dutchman, provided they had a competitive car. Alonso believes Verstappen would bean ideal teammate for endurance racing, as he can trust him to take good care of the car. Perez has now emerged as a potential third driver for the team.

Alonso knows what it is like to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard took victory with Toyota in 2018 and 2019, alongside Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. He also won the 2018–2019 World Endurance Championship (WEC) title with the Japanese team.

A joint entry in 2027 does not seem likely for now, despite Le Mans not clashing with a Grand Prix next year. In Baku, Alonso pointed to Verstappen's busy schedule. He said: "I don’t think it’s going to happen next year, but maybe in the future.” Verstappen himself confirmed that Le Mans is not currently on his schedule for 2027.

Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images

Jaden McDaniels has become one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and is a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 26-year-old has been a part of the team since he was drafted in 2020. He is entering his seventh season now and has committed his future to the Wolves.

According to ESPN, McDaniels has put pen to paper on a rare one-year extension worth $40 million that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2029-30 season.

But if he had got his wish six years ago, he would be as far away from the Timberwolves as possible.

Jaden McDaniels says he never wanted to join the Minnesota Timberwolves

McDaniels was selected 28th in the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers before his draft rights eventually ended up with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Of course, getting into a team is a dream for any youngster, but the defender was praying that the Wolves would stay away from him. He just didn’t want to go there.

However, as fate would have it, McDaniels had to join the Minnesota side, but luckily for him, that has changed his life over the last six years.

Now, after signing a lucrative extension, he has admitted why he didn’t want to join the Timberwolves all those years ago.

“In the draft process, I didn’t know where I was going. This was actually the team I was trying to stay away from,” he told Dane Moore on X:

“So I ended up coming here not knowing how it was gonna be. The first year was terrible, but after that, we started winning, building, getting better and adding more pieces. It has just been a good situation.”

When asked why he was against a move to the Wolves, he said: “Yeah, they were just bad. Just bad as f***.”

The Timberwolves were coming off a 19–45 campaign and stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference before the 2020 draft, so McDaniels’ stance is understandable.

But together, the player and the team have grown immensely over the last few years and are now seen as one of the contenders in the Western Conference.

Read more:

• ‘No, not LeBron’: Shaquille O’Neal says 76ers ‘will not win’ if one player doesn’t perform
• Steph Curry has a message for Yaxel Lendeborg after Luka Doncic drama
• ‘Do you understand?’ – Stephen A. Smith reveals Donald Trump’s ‘greatest president’ claim

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Credit: Imagn.

J.J. McCarthy was promoted to the New York Giants’ starting quarterback role. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho isn’t convinced the move will work out.

The Giants named McCarthy their starter on Wednesday after he impressed in relief of Jameis Winston during their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

However, Acho believes the circumstances surrounding that performance will make it much harder for McCarthy to replicate his success against Houston.

Speaking on Speakeasy, Acho questioned whether McCarthy could handle the job.

“JJ McCarthy bouta go out there and STINK IT UP! His starting job will be very quickly taken away,” Acho said via Speakeasy’s X .

Acho acknowledged that McCarthy’s performance against New Orleans deserved recognition, but argued that the circumstances were significantly different from what the quarterback will encounter in Week 7.

When McCarthy entered the game against the Saints, New Orleans had primarily prepared for Winston. That meant the defense hadn’t spent much time developing a game plan specifically designed to contain the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

Now that McCarthy has been named the starter, Acho expects Houston to approach the matchup differently.

“When you are playing a backup quarterback, you do not scout the backup quarterback. You scout the starting quarterback,” Acho explained.

He also highlighted the quality of Houston’s secondary, arguing that McCarthy will face a much tougher challenge against the Texans than he did against New Orleans.

Acho believes the quarterback’s relief appearance has created expectations that may be difficult to meet once opposing defenses have a full game plan built around him.

J.J. McCarthy Gets Another Opportunity With Giants

This is a significant opportunity for McCarthy to revive his career after a difficult time in Minnesota. The Giants acquired him in a trade with the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, giving him a fresh start in New York.

His performance against the Saints gave head coach John Harbaugh enough confidence to make the change, even though Winston had started the previous four games.

Winston responded professionally and expressed his commitment to supporting McCarthy.

“Every single week, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. Last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen. I’m extremely grateful that I still get to do what I love, and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants. Being able to accept roles and understand, ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?’” – Winston said via the SNY Giants’ X.

Meanwhile, McCarthy has spoken positively about his new team and the opportunity to establish himself as a starting quarterback again.

For now, McCarthy has the starting job. Whether he can keep it will depend on what he delivers when the Texans are ready.

Also Read:

“Hire An Independent Investigator”: Fans Lose Trust In NFL As NFLPA Issues Statement Regarding Handling Of Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots

“Will NEVER Play in the NFL Again”: Emmanuel Acho Doesn’t Hold Back in Assessment of Jordan Elliott’s Future After Firearm Incident With Titans Teammate

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

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The New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the next round of teams to play in the NFL’s International Games which will be held in Paris, France.

Playing away from the United States has come under some scrutiny over recent weeks from a number of NFL fans. However, the Saints appear to be taking it in their stride as they have enjoyed a number of days soaking in the culture that Paris has to offer.

Kellen Moore’s team have been in town for a number of days in the build-up to the game at the Stade de France. This has provided his players with some down time to experience Paris’ shopping scene which has certainly proven expensive for some.

Alvin Kamara blow away by Chris Olave’s Paris shopping spree

During the offseason, Olave signed a four-year extension with the Saints worth up to $132 million. He has certainly been enjoying some of his earnings in Paris as Kamara shared just how wild he had gone when shopping in the French capital.

“You got to talk to CO. CO was telling me he spent like $100,000 yesterday shopping,” Kamara said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“I’m telling you. I was like, yeah, you know, he just got paid. So, he cool. I was like, slow down, bro.”

“He crazy,” added Tyler Shough.

Although Olave has been paid like one of the top receivers in the league, he is certainly paying back the Saints with his early season performances. The wide receiver has already secured 580 receiving yards on the season.

Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba is outperforming Olave when it comes to receiving yards this season which is a seriously impressive achievement for the Saints’ wideout. However, Olave will be keen to get back on track this weekend having failed to register over 46 yards in his last two outings.

Read more:

• ‘It’s done’ – Skip Bayless names the quarterback he’d trade Dak Prescott for
• Roddy White doubts Kyle Shanahan can win Super Bowl as 49ers coach’s biggest flaw exposed
• ‘Wasn’t a top pick’-Super Bowl champion explains why Shedeur Sanders has struggled at Browns

Oct 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and forward Angel Reese (5) high five against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter during game three of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Angel Reese has faced plenty of criticism throughout her young career. But after another huge night on Wednesday, it’s getting harder and harder for her critics to find anything to complain about.

Reese led the Atlanta Dream to a 97-71 win over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. And plenty of people across the sports world were quick to praise her performance, with one USA Today columnist noting that her “haters” have “no idea what to do.”

Reese Dominates Again

The game was moved from the Gateway Center Arena, where the Dream play most of their home games, to State Farm Arena to make room for a bigger crowd. And Reese and the Dream gave the crowd plenty to cheer about as they took a 2-1 lead in the series with a lopsided win.

Reese was coming off one of the best performances in WNBA Finals history in Game 2, when she put up 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Dream to the first Finals win in franchise history. She followed that up with 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3 as she continued her dominance.

The game was tied at 49 in the third quarter before Atlanta scored eight straight points, including four from Reese. The Dream then closed the quarter by scoring 12 of the final 14 points, and they’ve now outscored the Valkyries 63-35 in the third quarter through three games.

Reese also let the Valkyries hear about it. During the second quarter, she could be heard yelling “You can’t guard me!” as she ran back down the court after a basket.

Reactions

Needless to say, Reese received plenty of praise for her performance.

“The haters just have no idea what to do with Angel Reese right now. An utterly dominant, winning level of play in the WNBA finals,” wrote Dan Wolken of USA Today.

“Nothing gonna make me smile harder than seeing @CathyEngelbert’s last action as WNBA commissioner handing Angel Reese the Finals MVP trophy,” wrote Oscar-winning director Matthew A. Cherry.

“Angel Reese is coming for that WNBA Finals MVP,” wrote Matt Dowell, sports director for WACH Fox in Columbia, South Carolina.

“Lots of people shifting from Angel sucks to national anthem nonsense,” wrote Casey Gisclair, owner of By-U Sports and host of Play by Play on KLEB.

“Haters are in shambles right now,” wrote Daniel Yanofsky, combat sports editor at The Sporting News.

“The definition of dominant,” the WNBA wrote.

Game 4 is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. We’ll have to see whether or not Reese can keep up her dominance.

The post ‘The haters just have no idea what to do’: Sports world reacts to Angel Reese’s WNBA Finals dominance appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

The Wisconsin Badgers ended the 2025 campaign with a desolate 4-7 record.

Following the season, the Badgers added 48 players, including 33 transfers who have since helped compile a 4-2 record, including a 2-1 start inside Big Ten play. 

On the flip side, Wisconsin lost 24 transfers; of those 24, tight end Tucker Ashcraft made a statement move across the conference to the USC Trojans. 

When Ashcraft was a Badger, the former three-star totaled 178 yards across 22 receptions and two touchdowns, playing just four games in the 2025 season due to injury, and 29 games across his three seasons with head coach Luke Fickell

Ashcraft entered the portal and was immediately ranked as the nation’s 336th-best prospect and 23rd-overall tight end, joining USC nearly 20 days after leaving the Badgers.

Since joining USC, Ashcraft has made five appearances and has totaled three receptions for 33 yards, for an offense that is mounting 462.4 yards per game, 12th best in the nation halfway through the season.

This weekend, with the No. 15 Trojans traveling to Camp Randall, it will be a homecoming of sorts for Ashcraft. 

According to USC's depth chart, Ashcraft is USC’s No. 2 overall tight end, behind starter Mark Bowman.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers set to face former tight end vs. USC in Week 8

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner did not practice on Wednesday, leaving his status for Sunday's game in Minnesota up in the air.

Gardner exited the Colts' Week 6 matchup against the Titans with a calf injury. According to Ian Rapoport, Gardner is dealing with a "mild calf strain" and is considered "week to week."

On Wednesday, Gardner discussed the injury.

"I'm not really concerned," Gardner said on Wednesday, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "I trust our training staff here and, like I said, it’s not as bad as last year, so I’m just happy that it’s not the same spot."

#Colts CB Sauce Gardner on his second left calf strain in 11 months:

“It’s not as a bad as last year, so I’m just happy that it’s not the same spot.”

Not in the video, but Gardner said he’d be back “soon,” although he was non-committal about playing Sunday against the #Vikings. pic.twitter.com/JYwJp9h9yE

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 21, 2026

A calf injury last season forced Gardner to miss time with the Colts. This injury is in the same muscle, but in a different location.

"It's in the same muscle, but it's not the same exact spot," Gardner said. ..."It's much (more) minor than last year, so we going to be good."

According to Boyd, Gardner said he will be back "soon," although he was non-committal about this week's game.

This season, Gardner has allowed nine completions on 17 targets for 195 yards with three pass breakups.

After Gardner exited this past Sunday's game, Cam Taylor-Britt took over at outside cornerback.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Sauce Gardner update: Colts CB discusses injury

Cherki is one of the best in the right position, says Maresca

Enzo Maresca says Rayan Cherki is one of the best players in Europe when he gets into the right position.

Men's Team

How can I watch Villa v City on TV around the globe?

The French attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fine start to his second season in England, scoring six times and providing two assists in his first 11 appearances across all competitions.

That included a fine strike in Tuesday’s Champions League thrashing of AEK Athens in a similar fashion to his now famous goal at Anfield earlier this month.

BUY YOUR CHERKI NO.10 SHIRT HERE

As well as contributing in the final third, Cherki is also keen to be involved in play from much deeper.

Speaking in his press conference before Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Maresca urged the No.10 to remain high up the pitch so his team-mates can find him in the areas where he can do most damage.

“Rayan in this moment is one of the best players in Europe when he is in the right position,” he said.

“When we are able to find him between the lines, he is always dangerous. The goal the other night and at Liverpool are quite similar.

“If we are able to keep him there and find him, he is one of the best players. He loves the ball and to move a lot so a lot of the time he is out of that position.

“In terms of numbers, goals and assists, he’s doing fantastic. In the right position, he is so important.

Men's Team

Maresca says Haaland is 100% available for Villa trip

“This is something he needs to keep, he loves the ball and I’m not going to remove from his game. We need to find the right balance.”

While Maresca acknowledges Cherki’s outstanding natural flair and penchant for sublime skill, he also says the main aim of his attacking players is always to create and convert chances in front of goal.

“I like when the players are happy but I also like the simple things. The most difficult thing is to do the easy things,” he said.

“I like it when they don’t complicate it but sometimes when players are so good, they need to do that.

“I am happy when he does that because I know he’s happy. And he’s creating chances so it’s even better.”

Cherki has been a pivotal part of a free-scoring City side in recent weeks, with the Blues already netting 33 times in 11 games across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

However, Maresca says he’s still searching for the correct equilibrium in and out of possession.

“We need to find the right balance between scoring and conceding,” said the boss.

“We are scoring many goals but I’m sure we can improve that. It is a good number but there is always something we can do better.

“Scoring a lot means you create a lot. Most of the games when we score four or five we create more and we create a lot. Now we have to try to reduce the goals that we concede.”

City v Brighton: £20 for adults and £1 for U18s

Tickets are now on sale for our Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton.

We host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.

Tickets for adults start from just £20, with all U18s only £1 – and you can also buy up to six tickets per person.

Taking place during half term school holidays too, it’s the perfect time to experience a night under the Etihad lights for all the family!

And there will be so much to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.

Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just £100 with a range of packages on offer to suit your needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional.

Book your place at the Seagulls encounter below.

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 14: Boston College Eagles defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim during a game between the Boston College Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 14, 2020, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim was named the interim head coach of the Maryland football program after Michael Locksley was fired Wednesday. That comes despite just being promoted to defensive coordinator Sunday — after the firing of former defensive coordinator Ted Monachino — in a meteoric rise through the Terps’ program.

But who is the Terps’ new leader?

Abdul-Rahim began his coaching career at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C., where he founded the high school’s football program in 2003. During his 10 years as head coach, Abdul-Rahim turned the program into a national powerhouse, recording 62 wins and developing more than 100 college football recruits.

That success led him to become Alabama’s defensive analyst and assistant director of player personnel during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The Crimson Tide’s defense allowed just 16.7 points per game during those two years, with a pair of CFP playoff appearances.

After Alabama won the national title in 2015, Abdul-Rahim was hired by previous head coach DJ Durkin as the defensive backs coach at Maryland. He spent two years in that role, primarily focusing on the team’s cornerbacks. The Terps had two players in the secondary earn All-Big Ten recognition in 2017 and 2018.

Abdul-Rahim spent a season at UMass as the defensive coordinator in 2019. He then worked at Boston College from 2020-2023, serving as the defensive backs coach and later being named the associate head coach during the 2021-22 season. Abdul-Rahim was elevated to co-defensive coordinator in his final season at Boston College.

While Abdul-Rahim returned to College Park in 2024 for his second stint, he started as the cornerbacks coach. Maryland allowed 241.3 and 226.5 passing yards per game during his first two seasons, the Big Ten’s third-most, respectively. But the defense has regressed significantly through the first seven games in 2026.

The Terps have allowed at least 35 points during their five-game losing streak, most recently blowing a 10-point second-half deficit to Rutgers Saturday. Maryland, leading 23-13 at halftime in what Michael Locksley called the team’s most complimentary half, allowed Rutgers to score 24 unanswered points.

Second-half collapses have been a regular occurrence for the Terps this season, though; they blew a 23-14 lead against Nebraska with 34 consecutive points allowed. During Maryland’s four Big Ten games, they have been outscored, 92-13, in the second half.

The Terps, off to their worst start since 2015, have the Big Ten’s longest active losing streak in the conference. They haven’t won a home Big Ten game in two years.

Abdul-Rahim will lead the program through the final five games of the season, starting on Oct. 31 against Illinois after Maryland’s bye week. Pressure will be on the 49-year-old to halt the Terps’ spiraling season.

Jose Mourinho finds new midfield formula as Real Madrid gain control ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid appear to have found a more effective midfield combination just days before facing Barcelona.

Jose Mourinho has seemingly realised in recent games that having a creative midfield player could help transform his team’s possession game.

According to AS, Real Madrid’s victories over Sevilla and RB Leipzig have strengthened Mourinho’s belief in using Arda Guler or Bernardo Silva in deeper creative roles.

These victories have also confirmed to the Portuguese manager that Fede Valverde might be better used at right-back.

Mourinho praises Real Madrid’s improved midfield balance

The Portuguese coach highlighted the influence of his creative midfielders following the Champions League victory over Leipzig.

“When the team has a player like Bernardo Silva or Arda in midfield, it has better build-up play, more control and faster transitions,” Mourinho explained.

Bernardo Silva impressed in midfield against RB Leipzig. (Picture credit: Real Madrid website)

The numbers support his assessment. Los Blancos recorded 65.1 percent possession against Sevilla and 64.4 percent against Leipzig, their two highest figures across the opening 12 matches of the season.

Previously, Mourinho’s side had averaged just 49.5 percent possession. Against Leipzig, Madrid also completed 679 of their 742 attempted passes, high numbers by their standards.

Valverde and Guler also showed signs of forming a partnership on the right flank, exchanging 42 passes with one another.

Real Madrid may have found the balance Mourinho wanted

The significance of this experiment by Jose Mourinho extends beyond just these two victories.

Real Madrid have sometimes struggled to combine their physical strength and attacking talent with sustained control of possession.

Adding another creative midfielder appears to offer Mourinho a way to address that imbalance without sacrificing the team’s ability to attack quickly.

It remains to be seen what midfield Mourinho goes with against Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Valverde’s role is particularly interesting. His energy allows him to contribute defensively while supporting midfield combinations, giving Madrid a different dimension from right-back.

Meanwhile, Guler and Bernardo possess the technical quality to operate in tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure.

Barcelona will provide the first major examination of this new midfield set-up, and controlling the ball against Hansi Flick’s team will not be easy.

With Real Madrid trailing by six points, the midfield could help them enjoy more control in their bid for three points, and it remains to be seen how the two teams match up on Sunday.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Sam Greene #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks on after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 19, 2026 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Zach Del Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kentucky could be without one of its key defensive starters when the Wildcats take the field Saturday night at Kroger Field to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores.

In the first injury report of the week, Kentucky listed outside linebacker Sam Greene as doubtful for Saturday’s game.

Greene has been a valuable piece for this Kentucky team and has made key plays throughout the first seven games of the season, so not having him on the field Saturday would be a notable loss.

Kentucky does have some depth at the position with guys like CJ Works and Lorenzo Cowan who have shown a lot of potential. Those guys could become key pieces on Saturday if Greene ultimately does not play.

There is still some time between now and Saturday night, but it looks like Jay Bateman will have to adjust without one of his top defenders on the field.

Tweet of the Day

The intelligence and preparation by this coaching staff is top tier. They spotted out the Oklahoma trick play in real time.

“Could be a flea-flicker… Yup, there it is. Told you.”

Then you see the gesture from the sideline by Will Stein that went viral. https://t.co/E8x7Dpw1bupic.twitter.com/8YAzbFT5iv

— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) October 21, 2026

Watching Stein after they stopped that play was fantastic.

Headlines

Clara Strack named Preseason First Team All-SEC – UK Athletics

Me’Arah O’Neal was named to the Second Team.

John Wall is confident the 09-10 Wildcats could beat the 11-12 Wildcats – KSR

What a matchup that would be.

The audacity of Will Stein – ESPN

A nice feature on the Kentucky coach.

UK Football among teams with most prove in back half of season – CBS Sports

The Cats must prove the first half was no fluke.

Atlanta Dream take lead in WNBA Finals – ESPN

Rhyne Howard scores 16 in a pivotal Game 3.

Zoom Diallo among college basketball’s x-factors to watch – 247 Sports

How will Diallo handle leading Kentucky this season?

Titans release player after reportedly pulling gun in parking lot – Bleacher Report

What a wild story.

Mike Locksley first major college football coach to be fired this season – NBC Sports

Maryland is the first big opening of the coaching carousel.

Ranking NFL trade targets – Bleacher Report

Which players could be on the move?

Anthony Davis ties Wizards record with 34 points in debut – Yahoo

A big night for AD.

Giannis scores 35 in Heat debut, but Anthony Edwards scores 45 – Yahoo

A solid debut for Giannis, but the Heat take the loss.

Bold predictions for the World Series – SI

What are your bold predictions for this year’s World Series?

The Eagles' handling of quarterback Jalen Hurts and his blood clot in Week 5 has sparked plenty of criticism of both the team and the league, which has been in lockstep with the team.

And some of that criticism has come from the NFL's business partners.

The NFL owns 10 percent of ESPN. That hasn't stopped some at ESPN from offering sharp criticism of the league and the Eagles for the situation. On Wednesday's First Take, for instance, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo went off on the situation. (Stephen A. Smith and others had sharp criticism of the situation on Tuesday's show, too.)

"One thing if I may about this whole thing with Hurts, the Eagles did a horrendous job, OK?" Russo said. "And I'm gonna believe the NFL now? That doesn't have grass fields, that didn't do anything with CTE until they were forced to. That wants to play an eighteenth game for the safety of the players, when they want to play another game.

"So the NFL now is saying, 'Well, they didn't do anything wrong. . . . The Eagles were great with this.' I don't trust them. Furthermore, the Eagles throwing Sirianni out there to meet the media. That is ridiculous. 
I mean, he doesn't know. I mean, he's not the — put a trainer out there. Put a team doctor. You made the poor guy answer questions with a hungry media in Philadelphia. That was a disgrace.

"And the NFL can't sit there and [say] they care about safety. They care about safety, why are we going for an eighteenth game? They add it to a seventeenth game. Here's the guy that had a blood clot, that got back to the hotel at 3:00 a.m., played the football game, they came back to — flew across the country, came back and said, 'Well, he's gonna miss this week against Carolina.' Then they came back and said, 'He's gonna miss four games.' And then they came back and said, 'He's gone for the year.' That's ridiculous. . . . Now, come on. Literally, come on."

The NFL also has a content partnership with The Athletic, posting items from the New York Times subsidiary at NFL.com. That didn't stop Mike Silver of The Athletic (a former employee of the league who has talked openly about certain subjects being off limits when he worked for NFL Network and NFL.com) from going all-in with his criticism of the Eagles and the league.

"Imagine medically evaluating an employee on an off-site work assignment, subjecting him to well-documented risk factors that could exacerbate the condition — and then having his symptoms worsen to the point where they are potentially life-threatening," Silver wrote in a column posted on Wednesday.

"Then imagine proclaiming to the world that you are in no way culpable, and that any suggestion that you could possibly have handled the situation differently is an affront to logic and decency. Throw in a touch of indignant condescension, and voila: You are the National Football League."

Silver specifically targeted Tuesday's effort by NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills to downplay the situation.

"Now the NFL, whose medical officials were in the loop when Hurts’ initial blood clot was discovered the night before the game, is in full cover-your-ass mode," Silver wrote. "That’s a curious strategy, given the dots that qualified physicians might connect, made worse by the assertion that none of us — even experts in the field — are qualified to question any of it."

The secrecy, disguised as "patient privacy concerns" (despite multiple statements that spell out Hurts's diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in full detail), has only added to the interest in getting answers.

On Tuesday, Sills insisted that the handling of Hurts was "very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded in every step."

Devin McCourty, a 13-year NFL veteran, appearing on Wednesday's PFT Live (NBC is a broadcast partner but not a business or content partner with the league), raised an excellent question. Wouldn't a "very conservative, very patient-focused and appropriately guarded" approach to a player who spent most of the prior night in a hospital for diagnosis and evaluation of a blood clot in his leg have resulted in a decision that he should not play a full-contact pro football game hours later?

Seventeen years ago next week, the NFL was forced by Congress to take brain injuries seriously, 15 years after the formation of the decidedly unserious "Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee," which delayed the concussion reckoning for as long as it could. The avoidance of the worst-case scenario as to Hurts has prompted the league to attempt to delay a different sort of reckoning regarding the treatment of serious health conditions not involving the brain.

Fortunately, several of the media companies that are in direct business with the league are resisting the effort to avoid answering fair and tough questions about a lingering culture that could have gotten Jalen Hurts killed.