LaTroy Lewis’ time as a member of the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff lasted less than a month. The team dismissed him Friday after sexual assault allegations surfaced.
The allegations are tied to a December 2024 hotel incident during Lewis’ time with the Michigan football coaching staff. The Falcons released a statement Friday saying the organization was aware of the claims made against the team’s former assistant defensive line coach.
“We are aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis,” the Falcons said. “We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”
LaTroy Lewis of the Tennessee Volunteers watches from the sideline during a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium Nov. 29, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Michigan spokesperson Paul Corliss called the allegations “deeply concerning.”
Attorney Fabiola A. Galguera said Lewis “intends to fiercely fight these false allegations with the support of his wife, family and my team.”
Fox News Digital was unable to reach Lewis for comment.
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Lewis served as a graduate assistant at Michigan in 2022 and was promoted to assistant defensive line coach for the next two seasons.
“The Ann Arbor Police Department was just recently made aware of allegations regarding a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2024. The suspect in this investigation is LaTroy Lewis,” Ann Arbor Police spokesperson Chris Page said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
An Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field before a game between the Falcons and the Carolina Panthers Dec. 8, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.(David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“The AAPD Detective Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”
Karen Truszkowski, the attorney for the woman accusing Lewis of sexual assault, said her client filed an incident report with Ann Arbor police and requested a protective order against Lewis.
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The woman and Lewis connected on a dating app in July 2024, and she claims his behavior became aggressive via text message and phone calls, according to Truszkowski. They met for the first time at an Ann Arbor hotel in December 2024, when she told police Lewis raped her, according to Truszkowski.
The Milford Police Department in Michigan responded the next month to a 911 call from the woman’s neighbors, who heard raised voices, according to Truszkowski. The attorney said her client and Lewis told the police that their argument was not physical.
Truszkowski said her client told Milford police that Lewis was an assistant defensive line coach at Michigan, saying she didn’t want to talk about it. She was hesitant to tell the police at the time that Lewis had physically abused her, according to Truszkowski.
FILE – This is a 2019 photo of LaTroy Lewis of the Tennessee Titans NFL football team. This image reflects the Tennessee Titans active roster as of May 23, 2019 when this image was taken. (AP Photo, file)
Fox News Digital submitted a request to the Ann Arbor Police to obtain the police report and protection order tied to the allegations against Lewis.
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Lewis coached under former Michigan coaches Sherrone Moore and Jim Harbaugh. Moore was fired in December after allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and being charged with three crimes, including felony home invasion and stalking.
The woman who accused Lewis reportedly shared details of the incident with Moore, according to her attorney. However, Truszkowski said Moore ultimately chose not to report Lewis and instead sent her client lewd, sexually explicit text messages.
Moore’s attorney denied the claims.
“Sherrone Moore did not fail to report misconduct, did not reward wrongdoing and did not harass anyone,” Moore’s lawyer, Ellen K. Michaels, said in a statement to ESPN. “These claims are false.”
“As we have noted, the university launched an investigation of the circumstances and conduct leading to Sherrone Moore’s firing as well as a broader culture review of the athletic department,” Corliss said in a statement.
“We continue to urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to the law firm conducting the investigation.
Lewis played linebacker at Tennessee before signing with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and appearing in the preseason. He later spent time with the Texans and Titans and coached at Toledo last season.
Day 3 of the Free Fire Max India Cup (FFMIC) 2026 Spring Group Stage Week 1 will take place on February 28, with teams from Group C set to face off in six matches. Those from Groups A and B have already finished all six of their matches over the past two days.
Week 1 of the Group Stage features 48 teams, divided into four groups of 12 each. The top nine from each group will advance to Week 2, while the remaining squads will be eliminated from the competition.
The top 38 teams from the FFC Mode and four squads from the City Qualifiers earned their spots in the Group Stage. An additional six received direct entry based on their performances in the previous edition of the tournament.
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Participating teams on Day 3 of FFMIC 2026 Spring Group Stage Week 1
Here are the teams playing on Day 3 of FFMIC 2026 Spring Group Stage Week 1:
Gods Reign Pros
Team Hind
EC Esports
Mjxownlegacy
Reganverse
R2V X Singh Gaming
NG Silver Eagle
NXT Esports
RNX Esports
Zutsu Esports
K9 Esports
Meta Ninza
Gods Reign acquired the NG Pros roster ahead of FFMIC 2026. The squad, which finished third in the previous edition of the tournament, boasts experienced players such as Badal, Manu, Anubhav, Struggle, and Cropse.
Team Hind has also impressed with outstanding performances in the past. A strong run in FFMIC 2025 earned the team a direct spot in the Group Stage.
K9 Esports is a new entrant in Free Fire Max esports. The team delivered excellent performances in the FFC Mode, earning a place in the Group Stage.
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Meta Ninza emerged victorious in the Ahmedabad City Qualifier on February 8, claiming the only spot available for the Group Stage via the event.
How to watch
Teams from Group C will compete in six matches across six maps. Fans can watch all the action live on the official YouTube channel of Free Fire Max India Esports from 5:30 pm onwards.
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Former women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe weighed in on the debate over Eileen Gu’s decision to represent China despite growing up in the U.S.
Gu, an American-born athlete competing for Team China in freeskiing, became one of the most controversial topics of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics while becoming the most accomplished women’s freeskier in history.
Controversy erupted after The Wall Street Journal reported that Gu and another American-born athlete who now competes for China, were paid a combined $6.6 million by the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2025.
Megan Rapinoe warms up before the NWSL championship semifinal game against the San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium Nov. 5, 2023.(Ray Acevedo/USA Today Sports)
Gu is the highest-paid Winter Olympics athlete in the world, making an estimated $23 million in 2025 alone due to partnerships with Chinese companies, including the Bank of China and western companies.
Rapinoe considers Gu’s choice to compete for China an “excellent business decision.”
“Excellent business decision on her part, I just have to say it,” Rapinoe said on her podcast with co-host and spouse Sue Bird. “No shame in that game.”
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Rapinoe and Bird went on to comment on a viral interaction between Gu and a reporter who asked the skier if she considered her two silver Olympic medals lost opportunities at winning gold. Gu suggested the reporter’s question came from a ridiculous perspective after laughing at him.
“That might be the best answer I’ve ever heard to a question like that,” Bird said. “Perfect response.
Silver medalist Eileen Gu of China poses for photos after the award ceremony for the freestyle skiing women’s freeski big air event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026.(Wang Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images)
“I love what she said. … She done bopped that man, so hard.”
Rapinoe and Bird agreed Gu’s approach is “a great way to be raised.”
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Gu has become a target for global criticism this Olympics for her decision to represent China while remaining silent on the country’s alleged human rights abuses.
In an interview with Time magazine, Gu was asked her thoughts on China’s alleged persecution of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.
“I haven’t done the research. I don’t think it’s my business. I’m not going to make big claims on my social media,” Gu answered.
“I’m just more of a skeptic when it comes to data in general. … So, it’s not like I can read an article and be like, ‘Oh, well, this must be the truth.’ I need to have a ton of evidence. I need to maybe go to the place, maybe talk to 10 primary source people who are in a location and have experienced life there.
Eileen Gu of China reacts after her first jump in the women’s freestyle skiing big air qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park Feb. 14, 2026.(Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)
“Then I need to go see images. I need to listen to recordings. I need to think about how history affects it. Then I need to read books on how politics affects it. This is a lifelong search. It’s irresponsible to ask me to be the mouthpiece for any agenda.”
Rapinoe and Bird are self-proclaimed champions for equality and social justice. They did not mention Gu’s silence on China’s human rights abuses during Thursday’s podcast episode.
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) collapses the pocket while pursuing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during first-half action at SoFi Stadium. Hargrave’s interior pass rush forced Herbert off his spot as the Vikings’ defensive front attempted to disrupt the Chargers’ rhythm through consistent pressure. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Combine is in full swing, and the Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill has not hit the pause button. In about one week, free agents will begin signing with new teams, meaning no rest for rumors.
Three separate storylines are converging: cap decisions, interior D-line reshuffling, and a familiar coaching name resurfacing.
This week’s batch examines a trade, a possible new interior defensive lineman, and Mike Zimmer popping back up out of retirement.
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The Cap Crunch Fueling Hargrave, Franklin-Myers, and Zimmer Chatter
The Purple Rumor Mill for February 28th.
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during third-quarter action at Ford Field. Hargrave powered through interior protection to end the drive, helping Minnesota’s defensive front build momentum in a physical NFC North divisional matchup between longtime rivals on a pivotal possession. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Rumor: The Vikings are looking to trade DT Javon Hargrave.
Minnesota has its first tangible trade rumor of the offseason.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted Tuesday, “Sources: The Vikings have had trade talks with teams regarding 2x Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave. Hargrave started 15 games last year and had 3.5 sacks in his first season with Minnesota.”
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NFL writer Logan Ulrich weighed in, too: “A trade would be a preferable outcome for Minnesota if they can find a partner, as $3 million of his salary this upcoming year is guaranteed. Hargrave was still productive as a contributor, just not as much as the Vikings hoped.”
“Hargrave was scheduled to make base salaries of $19.9 million and $21.65 million in the final two years of that deal when San Francisco reworked his contract. The team later released him with a post-June 1 designation ahead of the 2025 season.”
The 33-year-old has been mentioned as a cut or trade candidate for weeks. It looks like one of those outcomes is inevitable.
Rumor: Minnesota could target DT John Franklin-Myers in free agency.
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Replying to fans’ queries from a mailbag segment, The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis named Franklin-Myers this week as a Vikings free-agent candidate.
He set the stage for Vikings free agency: “The next phase in answering the question is mostly a conversation of positional priorities. Quarterback takes precedence. Because safeties and centers play essential communication roles, veterans could be the answer at these positions, too. Running back and defensive line would likely be next in line.”
“So, it’s worth looking at potential signings through that prism. Take on a boatload of cap space at quarterback, and the Vikings would need some savvy signings elsewhere. Pay minimally at QB, and the Vikings could try to go big on a defensive lineman, like Denver Broncos defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers (whom The Athletic’s Daniel Popper projected could make around $54 million over three seasons).”
Minnesota also might require free-agent help in the defensive secondary, so the Franklin-Myers raised some eyebrows.
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Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) lines up against the Buffalo Bills during second-half action at Highmark Stadium. Franklin-Myers worked along the defensive front in cold conditions, helping anchor the Jets’ defense as Buffalo attempted to extend its lead late in the regular-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Lewis added, “As difficult as it may be to see, there is a path for the Vikings to extend money into the future and invest aggressively over the next two years. This would make for a flurry of activity over the next few weeks.”
In theory, Franklin-Myers could replace the aforementioned Hargrave.
Spotrac projects John Franklin-Myers’ next contract at roughly $7.9 million annually, a manageable figure. However, he’ll turn 30 in September, and with the Vikings’ recent emphasis on acquiring veteran defensive tackles, the front office might prioritize a younger prospect this time.
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The upcoming draft presents several promising options. Caleb Banks (Florida), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), and Peter Woods (Clemson) are among the top interior defensive line prospects expected to be available in April and offer long-term potential.
In 2025, the Vikings aggressively pursued defensive line talent, with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah adding Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to fortify the interior. While serviceable, their impact was ultimately underwhelming. Much of the focus then centered on Jalen Redmond, who emerged as a consistently reliable player, perhaps ranking second only to Justin Jefferson in overall impact on the 2025 team.
Rumor: Mike Zimmer may join the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff.
Zimmer retired around this time last year. Now, he’s contemplating a comeback.
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Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks to reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Zimmer discussed roster priorities and evaluated incoming prospects while participating in the annual league gathering that precedes the NFL Draft and offseason roster-building period. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
NBC Sports’ Josh Alper reported Tuesday, “Sean Payton and Mike Zimmer were colleagues on the Cowboys’ coaching staff more than 20 years ago and they could work together again in Denver. Mike Klis of KUSA reports that the Broncos recently met with Zimmer about a senior coaching assistant position on Payton’s staff. There’s no imminent announcement of an agreement, but there is reportedly mutual interest in making something happen.”
“Zimmer was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator when Payton was their assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach from 2003-2005. Payton moved on to become the Saints’ head coach in 2006 and Zimmer would become the Vikings’ head coach in 2014 after stints in Atlanta and Cincinnati.”
This would be cinema for Vikings fans: Zimmer teaming up with Payton, who remains hated in the Twin Cities. Public Enemy No. 1.
BBC Sport speaks to UFC fighters, including Britain’s Tom Aspinall, as they give their thoughts on the proposed UFC event at the White House on US President Donald Trump’s birthday.
DETROIT — Jalen Duren had 33 points and 16 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons outlasted the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 on Friday night in a game that was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter because of a blaring horn.
During a timeout with Detroit up 65-64, a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction, with the horn remaining on after signaling the teams to return to the floor. Eventually, the scoreboard was shut down to stop the horn and a manual airhorn was used when play resumed.
Cade Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for East-leading Detroit before fouling out.
Cleveland — which will host Detroit on Tuesday night — led by nine points with 2:44 left in regulation, and Cunningham fouled out with 1:56 to play, but the Pistons outscored the Cavaliers 16-7 to force overtime.
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With Cleveland up 114-111 with 4.7 seconds left in regulation, Jaylon Tyson tried to intentionally foul Daniss Jenkins near halfcourt, but Jenkins was able to shoot and draw three free throws that he made.
In overtime, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown had 28 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and Boston rolled past Brooklyn.
Nikola Vucevic finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double since joining the Celtics. Payton Pritchard added 22 points for Boston, which has won five of six since returning from the All-Star break.
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The Celtics shot a season-high 66.7% from the field and connected on 22 3-pointers. They also got 77 points from their bench.
Michael Porter Jr. finished with 18 points for Brooklyn, which has lost seven straight games.
The Celtics took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Nets 43-26. Brooklyn managed only seven points over the final 6:23 of the period.
Boston shot 15 of 19 from the field with 12 assists in the pivotal quarter and connected 5 of 7 attempts from the 3-point line
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Boston’s lead grew to as many as 41 points in the fourth.
MILWAUKEE — Jalen Brunson scored 27 points and OG Anunoby added 24 as New York routed Milwaukee.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 13 rebounds, Landry Shamet added 15 points, Josh Hart finished with 12 and Mikal Bridges and Mohamed Diawara each had 10 for the Knicks, who shot 21 for 42 from 3-point distance.
Myles Turner had 18 of his 19 points in the first half, Kyle Kuzma scored 17, Bobby Portis 14 and Ryan Rollins 13 to pace the Bucks. Milwaukee had won eight of 10 coming in and was playing its fifth game in eight days, including four in a row at home. Kevin Porter Jr. chipped 11 points and 10 assists.
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The Bucks entered the game as one of the hottest offensive team in the league, but it was the Knicks who controlled play early.
New York jumped out to a 38-30 lead after one quarter fueled by 22 points from Brunson, the most by a New York player in any quarter this season. Brunson made 9 of 10 shots, including all three 3-pointers he attempted.
GRIZZLIES 124, MAVERICKS 105
DALLAS — Cam Spencer scored 25 points off the bench and Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Memphis to a victory over Dallas.
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Scotty Pippen Jr. added 15 points and Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson each had 12 to help Memphis snap a three-game skid.
The Grizzlies, who had lost seven of their previous eight, led the entire game and won despite being short-handed with star guard Ja Morant out for a 16th consecutive game with an injured left elbow, and Zach Edey (ankle) and Cedric Coward (knee) also sidelined.
Taj Gibson, signed by Memphis on Thursday to help deal with the absences, wasn’t active.
Brandon Williams scored 16 points and had eight rebounds to lead the Mavericks, who have lost seven straight at home. Daniel Gafford added 14 points, Dwight Powell had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Max Christie also scored 13 points.
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Rookie Cooper Flagg missed his sixth straight game with a sprained foot.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points in his return after missing nine games with an abdominal strain and Oklahoma City defeated Denver in overtime in a testy matchup that featured multiple technical fouls and an ejection.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, didn’t play in overtime, but the Thunder still pulled through in the extra period.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who got into an altercation with Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort in the fourth quarter, had 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists. Dort was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul.
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Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, listed as questionable with an illness before the game, led the Nuggets with 39 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander started and drew loud applause when his name was announced in pregame introductions. His first basket came on a driving layup two minutes into the game.
The teams are very familiar with each other — the Thunder defeated the Nuggets 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals last year. The Thunder won the first two meetings this season and they play twice more.
The first conference tournament bracket for the 2025-26 season is set. The Sun Belt Tournament begins Tuesday with a pair of first-round matchups between teams that will be looking to extend their seasons for another day.
Entering Friday, the final day of the regular season, seven different teams were mathematically alive for at least a share of the SBC championship. Troy captured the Sun Belt title after defeating UL Monroe to earn the No. 1 seed in next week’s tournament. Marshall earned the No. 2 seed and the bye into , and despite losing to Georgia Southern. There was a six-way tie (with 11-7 conference records) for second place in the conference standings.
Because of the Sun Belt’s tournament format which places the top two seeds in the conference’s semifinals, Troy and Marshall will need to win just one game next weekend (March 8) to advance to the Sun Belt Tournament championship game. The tournament gets started Tuesday in Pensacola, Florida, when No. 14 seed UL Monroe will face No. 11 seed Old Dominion before No. 13 seed Georgia State meets No. 12 seed Louisiana.
The Horizon League will get college basketball’s postseason underway on Monday with a first-round game between No. 10 seed Cleveland State and No. 11 seed IU Indianapolis.
While the Horizon League will be the first league to get its tournament underway, other leagues will be in action later in the week. Among the leagues that will have first-round games on Wednesday are the ASUN, Big South, Northeast, Ohio Valley and the Summit League and we are just days away from the rest of the conferences to get underway.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Chris Kreider beat Connor Hellebuyck off a rebound at 4:47 of overtime to give the Anaheim Ducks a 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night.
Beckett Sennecke kept the puck and shot on a two-on-one break, with Kreider backhanding the loose puck in at the side of the net.
After Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov and Ryan Poehling scored third-period goals to give Anaheim a 4-3 lead, Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor tied it with 1:22 left and Hellebuyck off for an extra attacker.
Hellebuyck made 35 saves in his first game since backstopping the United States to Olympic gold.
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Jacob Trouba also scored for Anaheim, Sennecke had three assists and Lukas Dostal made 29 saves. The Ducks have won seven in a row at home and 11 of 13 overall.
Anaheim won two nights after returning from the break to beat Edmonton at home for coach Joel Quenneville’s 1,000th NHL victory. The Ducks have five games left on a nine-game homestand.
Winnipeg rookie defenseman Elias Salomonsson had his first NHL goal and Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi also scored. Well back in the race for a playoff spot, Winnipeg has a game left on three-game trip before an eight-game homestand.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been rumored to be on the trade block for the past few weeks. However, NFL insider Peter Schrager provided an update on his situation.
During an appearance on the “Pat McAfee” show on Friday, Schrager shut down these rumors involving the trade of Brown. He said that the Eagles are not looking to part ways with the wide receiver. However, he also expects GM Howie Roseman to keep his ears open for the offers they get for him.
Thanks for the submission!
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“At the trade deadline, Howie Roseman told everyone, ‘No, we’re not trading A.J. Brown.’” Schrager said. “And then, you got to this media availability. What he said was, of couse, I always listen. Like I said, A.J. Brown’s Twitter handle is always open. Howie Roseman is always listening.
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“But I will also add this, he is not on the block by any means. They are not proactively trading A.J. Brown. They are not shopping Brown. But he (Roseman) will always have his phone line open. The issue is for the Eagles, if they trade him before June 1st, it cost them $40 million dollars in dead cap money. They trade him after June 1st, it gets a lot less financially prohibitive.”
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
The Tennessee Titans traded Brown to the Eagles back in 2022. He initially agreed to a four-year deal worth $100 million. In April 2024, they offered him a three-year extension worth $96 million.
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Last season, the Super Bowl LIX champion recorded 1,003 yards on 78 receptions and seven touchdowns. However, Brown also made headlines because of a rumored rift in his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. This triggered the rumor mill to churn about him potentiall parting ways with the Eagles.
NFL analyst discusses the reason why the Eagles are not trading A.J. Brown
On Friday, analyst Louis Riddick discussed a potential reason as to why the Eagles are not trading A.J. Brown. According to him, it is because other teams are not willing to offer them the trade value that they’re asking for.
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“Look, they just need to. It just seems like they need to go their separate ways here,” Riddick said on ‘Get Up.’ “Look, there’s just too much smoke around this situation all the time. You have to make tough decision, this is one of those situations where I feel like that’s where it basically needs to go.
“I may be wrong, he maybe be on a football team in 2026, they may sau, ‘Look, we’re not going to get a fair value for this young man on the trade market, so we’re just going to keep him here regardless of how it looks from the outside.”
In seven seasons in the NFL, Brown has recorded 8,029 yards and 56 touchdowns receiving.
This wasn’t a matchup we hadever seen before, Auburn vs Nebraska on the diamond. In fact, going to any SEC team for a weekend series isn’t something we see very often at all. But the way the NCAA Tournament Committee has been rewarding teams that have a tough non-conference schedule, it will probably become a more common sight. And with how good of a game we saw tonight, it would be a welcome one.
For the first time this season, the game had a true Friday night feeling as the teams rolled out top flight starters to begin a series. Nebraska with Ty Horn and Auburn with Virginia Tech transfer Jake Marciano, and they were dueling early on. They combined to strike out 7 batters in the first two innings.
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Auburn was the first to strike in the 3rd inning. Mason McCraine singled through the right side of the infield, and stole second base. His brother, Brandon hit a choppy grounder to Husker third baseman Josh Overbeek who was unable to come up with it. A sac fly brought 1 run home. Then Horn slipped covering a bunt, potentially another out awarded to the Tigers. a 3-2 count walk, loaded the bases for Auburn, and back to back singles made it 4-0. In the middle of all that, Horn and Worthley also got crossed up on the pitch call, despite wearing the communication devices. Just a bad half inning all around.
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The Huskers would respond in the next half inning. Case Sanderson singled to lead off. Overbeek and Dylan Carey both stuck out on 3-2 pitches, including Sandy, that was 3 batters in a row that got to a full count. DH Cole Kitchens had no interest in working a full count, driving his first pitch off the War Eagle Wall (Auburn’s version of Fenway’s Green Monster) for an RBI double. Nebraska left fielder Will Jesske hammered a ball (on a full count!) to the nearly the same spot, trading places with Kitchens and cutting the lead to 4-2.
Jesske has had a lot of pop in his bat to start the season, the only issue is he has played at some of the biggest and strangest laid out outfield fences you can find. Had Nebraska played all their games in places like Haymarket Park, Jesske could very well be leading the nation in home runs. Could that be foreshadowing?!
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Auburn added a run back in the 4th, ending Horn’s day at 3.2 innings pitched, with 4 earned runs allowed, on 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. Things went sideways quick on him, for the first time in quite a few outings, as he was clutch down the stretch for Nebraska last year and had been off to a good start to 2026.
Marciano was able to make it only through 5 himself, as the Huskers were able to work him deep into counts often, and he chased the strikeouts, all 9 of them, but allowed zero walks. Nebraska would strike out 18 times in the 10 inning game, but despite the numerous deep counts, end up with zero walks. That shows you how ready you have to be in the batters box, but also how predictable the pitches can be when they get to a count with 3 balls.
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The bullpens led by Cooper Katskee for the Huskers and Jett Johnston for the Tigers took over, tossing up zeros until Nebraska broke through in the 8th. Mac Moyer reached on an error, Case Sanderson ripped a single into center field, and Overbeek loaded the bases by taking a ball to the elbow.
The exact man Coach Will Bolt and Husker fans everywhere would want up for the situation strode to the plate, in Dylan Carey. Despite being 0-3 on the night, Carey worked it to a 3-2 count, and as stated above, got a predicable strike right over the middle of the plate and smashed the 51st double of his career to the War Eagle Wall. Two pitches later Cole Kitchens tied the game with a double into the right field corner. Overbeek scored on thr play, and Dylan Carey may have been able to score the go ahead run, but went back to tag up as the fielder seemed to get close to catching it on the fly from his perspective.
J’Shawn Unger took over on the mound in the 8th for NU, and despite a rocky inning with a walk, wild pitch, and unintentional/intentional walk, Unger was able to come up with a big strikeout to hold the tigers off the board.
After the Auburn closer struck out the side, Unger need only 7 pitches to retire the Tigers and send the game to extra innings.
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The 10th started with a bang, as Sanderson collected his team leading 3rd hit of the night, a double into the left field corner. Overbeek hit a ball to the right side to move Sandy over to third and bring up that man again, Dylan Carey. Carey continued his hot streak, hitting a single to left and claiming his 3rd RBI of the night and team leading 15th RBI on the season in only 8 games. Devin Nunez added a base hit putting runners on 1st and 2nd for Jesske. This time Jesske conquered the War Eagle Wall, blasting his 3rd home run of the season and increasing his RBI total on the day to 4, putting his team up 9-5.
Nebraska would need every single one of those runs as they have struggled at the closer position to start the season. Kevin Mannell would be passed over, as the team tried other options. Unger gave up a 1 out single. The runner advanced to 2nd without a throw, then came around to score on a single. Caleb Clark came in to face a left handed batter and surrendered a 3-2 walk. Freshman Jace Ziola replaced Clark and gave up an 0-2 RBI single. A passed ball and 4 pitch walk loaded the bases.
Nebraska then turned to Pryce Bender, who was able to induce a ground ball which Carey snagged at short despite the runner and Overbeek both flashing in front of him. A run did score on the play, cutting the Husker lead down to 9-8. The best hitter for Auburn stepped to the plate with the tying run on 3rd and winning run on 2nd. Bender was able to get him to pop up on his first pitch and secure the win for Unger and a save for himself, albeit in nail-biting fashion.
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This was the first Nebraska regular season win at an SEC field since 2014, and their 2nd win over a ranked team in a row. They did it by continually putting pressure on the Auburn pitchers, getting 6 lead off hitters on out of 10. Number of pitches is a big thing, but number of pitches under pressure is just an extra bit of stress on an arm. Nebraska is going to have to cut down on the strikeout numbers on offense if they want to win this series. They should go down a bit, as Auburn did use both of their closers and their top strikeout starter, but the rest of the staff is just as stingy on handing out walks, so get ready!
The Huskers go for the series win Saturday at 2pm CT.
WASHINGTON — Pierre-Luc Dubois had two goals and an assist to lift the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night.
All three of Washington’s goals came in the second period, with Jakob Chychrun adding his 22nd of the season. Braeden Bowman and Tomas Hertl scored in the third for the Golden Knights.
The Capitals pulled within two points of the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division and within two of Boston for the Eastern Conference’s second wild card. Washington is 2-0 since the Olympic break and has won six of its last seven.
The Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights had a three-game winning streak snapped despite the return of five Olympians. Vegas was without two Americans (Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin) and three Canadians (Mark Stone, Mitch Marner and Shea Theodore) in Wednesday’s win over Los Angeles. All were back on the ice Friday.
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The Golden Knights scored five third-period goals in that 6-4 victory over the Kings and they nearly pulled off a big comeback at Washington. Bowman broke up Logan Thompson’s shutout bid early in the third, and Hertl’s power-play goal made it 3-2 with 10:45 still to play, but that was as close as Vegas could come.
Stone was called for high-sticking with 4:24 left, but Thompson still had to come up big on short-handed chances by Brayden McNabb and Marner.
Dubois beat Akira Schmid high to the blocker side 49 seconds into the second to open the scoring. Just over 2 1/2 minutes later, Aliaksei Protas found Dubois in front with a nice pass for a 2-0 lead.
Chychrun’s shot from the right circle sneaked under the crossbar to make it 3-0.
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The line of Dubois, Protas and Tom Wilson was on the ice for all three of Washington’s goals, along with defenseman Rasmus Sandin. Protas and Sandin had two assists each.
Dubois had no points in his first six games this season and had surgery for injuries to his abdominal and adductor muscles. He has three goals and two assists in three games since returning.
