Monthly Archives: June 2024

The Cleveland Browns have extended the contracts of general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry leading the Cleveland Browns," said team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam in a statement. "Since the day they were hired, each has worked tirelessly to help the Cleveland Browns win. We are proud of what they and the team have achieved, but Kevin and Andrew would be the first to say that Browns fans deserve even more. Their leadership, collaborative approach, and ability to overcome obstacles bode well for the future of this franchise."

Contract details weren't announced by the team, but it's reported to be multi-year extensions for both.

Berry, 37, and Stefanski, 42, were hired in 2020 and the Browns have made the playoffs in two of their four seasons together. According to the team, the .552 winning percentage (37-30) is the highest in franchise history "over a four-year stretch since 1986-89."

The Browns are coming off a 2023 season in which they went 11-6 and finished second in the NFC North before losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

"Last season was a prime example," the Haslams continued. "Despite facing multiple player injuries and using five different starting quarterbacks, Andrew and his staff built a roster that adapted well, while Kevin and his staff led the team to its second playoff appearance in four years, earning Coach of the Year honors for the second time in that period. They are two of the brightest people we know, and selfless people who only care about what is best for the Cleveland Browns. We are thrilled that Kevin and Andrew will remain with the team for the future."

They are hoping to build off last season with a full, healthy year from quarterback Deshaun Watson as well as the possibility of Nick Chubb returning to the back field at some point during the 2024 season.

Stefanski, who won NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023, is the first coach in Browns history to be employed for a fifth season since Bill Belichick in the franchise's previous era.

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Browns sign GM Andrew Berry, HC Kevin Stefanski to multi-year extensions - Yahoo Sports

It's been two days since the Chicago Sky lost 71-70 to the Indiana Fever, and the Sky have finally broken their silence about the most talked-about play from that game: Chennedy Carter's upgraded flagrant foul on Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was the first to speak about it on Monday, releasing a statement about how she addressed the play with Carter.

"Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are. Chennedy understands that there are better ways to handle situations on the court, and she will learn from this as we all will.

"As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to display strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans, and partners."

Carter gave Clark a hard shove at the end of the third quarter without the ball in play. Clark landed on the floor and Carter was called for a personal foul. The WNBA upgraded the foul to a flagrant-1 after further review on Sunday. No one on the Sky commented about Clark or the foul following the game.

Angel Reese skipped her postgame media commitments completely, which is against WNBA media policy. The league announced Sunday that Reese had been fined $1,000 for skipping interviews and the Sky had been fined $5,000 for allowing her to violate the WNBA's media policy.

But both Reese and Carter were front and center on Monday afternoon, addressing the media together and speaking their minds about what happened Saturday. Carter began by saying she had "no regrets."

Carter followed that up by saying she has "no complaints" even though the Sky have been the subject of a lot of negative talk over the past few days.

Reese, who was seen cheering on the sideline when Carter fouled Clark, then said she's willing to play whatever role the game needs her to play. If she needs to be the villain, then that's exactly what she'll do.

The Sky's next game is against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

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Sky's Chennedy Carter has 'no regrets' about foul on Caitlin Clark; Angel Reese will 'take the bad guy role' - Yahoo Sports

BOSTON Jaylen Brown couldnt get the exact quote correct, but you could put the words together to make a reasonable deduction on where he was going.

The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth is an African proverb popularized by the Marvel film Black Panther six years ago, and Brown used it to describe how he and teammate Jayson Tatum deal with the scrutiny of being Celtics and of being on a contending team that hasnt yet gotten over the hump.

Tatum chuckled and shot an imaginary left-handed jump shot when a question was asked if he was the most scrutinized player in the playoffs, quipping with a smile, Think so? So all of this is on the minds of the Celtics two headliners.

For a franchise that hangs only championship banners, a franchise that in the absence of the feel-good Knicks and drama-chasing Lakers is always being dissected on daily television, social media and any other place that has discussions centered around the NBA.

It can be exhausting and nerve-racking.

Or in the case of these NBA Finals, of this playoff run, everything can be so charmed that it presents an opportunity to change the narrative as much as it is one to become a champion.

Thats what Tatum and Brown are staring down on the eve of their second Finals.

Referencing that, you get to a point where it's, like, you get scrutinized enough for a large part of your career, it becomes normal, said Brown, going back to the proverb. Then it just rolls off you. For me, at least, I can say. I don't know if Jayson feels the same way.

In a way, Tatum was the golden child coming to the Celtics on draft night. Brown, who arrived a year earlier, remembers different feelings so much so, he was shocked to receive the MVP award for the Eastern Conference finals when the Celtics swept the shorthanded Indiana Pacers.

It's kind of been that my whole career, in a sense, Brown said. Just being booed when you were drafted to saying you were overpaid, saying you were overpaid again. It's been that the whole journey for me.

It just becomes another headline.

The headline today is the missed opportunity from 2022, when the Celtics squandered a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Warriors when Stephen Curry went to a level nobody could contain or match.

In the last three games of that series, Tatum shot 39% from the field and averaged just 21 points. Brown was the lone bright spot in the decisive Game 6 loss at home, scoring 34, but he had five turnovers in each of the last two games becoming a target for the Warriors defense and one for fan ire.

The Celtics wilted beneath that Finals weight and failed to reach June last year in an even more disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the East finals.

But the path has been laid for them to have fresh bodies, as Kristaps Porziis has been cleared from the injury report, and they dont have playoff attrition either, with a pretty easy road to get here.

We kind of took it for granted at certain moments, said Tatum, referencing last year. We didn't make it to the Finals. This year put things in perspective. I think you can see in our excitement when we won the conference. Obviously, that's not the end all, be all, but it really is tough to get to this moment.

All thats left is to dissect some silly things, like Tatums alleged facial expression when Brown was awarded that ECF MVP. And the overall discussion over Tatums individual offensive play, which certainly seems fair given his numbers, averaging 26 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists but shooting 44.2% from the floor and 29% from 3-point range.

"My mom took it a little tougher than maybe I did. But for me, I don't take it personal, right? Just a long break without NBA basketball, so they had to overanalyze every little thing, have something to talk about, Tatum said. Did it get old? Yeah. But, you know, it's the Finals. They wouldn't talk about me if I wasn't good, so ... try to take some positives out of it and change the channel.

Brown said hes watched the 2022 Finals in its entirety four or five times since and notes the Celtics are a much different team than the inexperienced one relative to Golden State.

Yeah, you learn and grow from your experiences, from being a 25-year-old to being a 27-year-old is a big difference, Brown said. Yeah, I'm 27 [smiling]. You learn from those experiences.

We got a different team. We got a different coach, too, as well. We had Ime Udoka; now we have Joe Mazzulla. We had Marcus Smart, Rob Williams; we have Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziis. Different team, different coach two years later makes a pretty big difference.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd debunks the experience element of being in the Finals, in a way. When he carried the New Jersey Nets to the Finals in 2002 and 2003, they didnt lose because of inexperience, as he saw it.

It's simple: talent. Sometimes you don't have enough talent, Kidd said. As I brought up the Lakers and Nets, we were happy to be there, but we just didn't have enough talent to beat Kobe and Shaq. It could be that simple.

Sometimes experience or confidence can be the difference between winning and losing when teams are evenly matched, or when the supernova is on the other side, in the case of Dallas Luka Doni.

All that matters is the Celtics believe their past failures have prepared them for this, and they believe itll help, not hinder.

I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, Tatum said. There's a lesson to be learned in every situation. I do. I do feel a lot different this time, this go-round, two years later. I'm excited for the opportunity for us to get the job done.

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2024 NBA Finals: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum aren't new to this game anymore - Yahoo Sports

DALLAS Theres a pause before Kyrie Irving speaks, almost a rhythmic beat as he gathers his thoughts.

Going off-script on the floor produces the most beautifully awkward, twisting layups with special English.

But in this public sphere, Irving makes sure his English doesnt go to the unintended places. Sometimes, hell ask for clarity to be sure, or state, Im trying to think of the best way to say this.

Perhaps its maturity or, even better, discernment making sure hes on message while still being himself, from the experiences over the past few years or, likely, the totality of his career to date.

He has often expressed how he has felt at a given moment, many times to his detriment. How he feels now only matters so much, so it doesnt have to be redemption. His actions are what count here, and the actions are creating a more complete picture.

Perhaps its realizing how close he was to losing it all and now hes back on the NBA Finals stage for the first time since 2017, when he was a much younger man.

I dont want to call it a life raft or lifeline, but it was like family reaching out, Irving told Yahoo Sports last week during the Western Conference finals.

That family Irving referenced was Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, whose relationship with Irving goes back to Harrisons days as a Nike executive a place he'd been for nearly 20 years and who signed an extension with the Mavs on Tuesday.

It all happened so fast, Irving and the Mavericks coming together out of need last February, and the success has evolved even quicker than the most rosy, blue-eyed optimist couldve envisioned.

The Mavericks have enabled Irving to be his best self on the floor, and hes evolved into a leader on a team with many young pieces.

It was such a quick process, man, Irving told Yahoo Sports recently. I was in West Orange High School in New Jersey working on my game and trying to figure out what this trade would lead me to, to getting a call from Dallas and, in a blink of an eye, here I am in L.A. playing the Clippers the next night."

Irving needed a fresh start after the once-promising Brooklyn Nets situation turned toxic. The Mavericks needed to restore confidence with franchise star Luka Doni following departures of key running mates.

In a way, the respective mistakes of both parties led them to each other, and its paid off.

It really wasnt about the past, it was about our past, Harrison told Yahoo Sports. And leaning on that. I know the person you are, your character.

So Dallas sent out Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a future first-round pick and two seconds for Irving and Markieff Morris a trade that looks like high thievery in hindsight, given how well Irving has fit in his first full season next to Doni.

Irving couldve very well been out of the NBA, his reputation in tatters following a tweet of an antisemitic film that garnered weeks of controversy, an indefinite team suspension, demands from the Anti-Defamation League and condemnation all around the league.

He deleted the tweet, issued an apology but the damage was done.

His spellbinding talent and his relationship with Harrison produced this chance.

The Western Conference was too full of talent, and the Mavericks couldnt risk passing up the opportunity to give Doni true help; it wouldve started a clock on some inevitable trade demand, some believe.

It depends on what you already have. Some teams need big moves, Harrison said. For us, when you have a young player whos ready to go, you have to pair him with as much talent. So that requires you to make a [big] move.

Go get him. Get him, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told Yahoo Sports of his conversation with Harrison about Irving. We need another star. We felt that he fit next to Luka, and he was able to get him.

Kidd had been traded multiple times through his career and knew the rejuvenating effect it could have with someone like Irving and he felt the Mavericks were perfectly positioned to cultivate the right environment to bring out the best in him.

Yeah, we believe that we have the people power to turn that around. Nico and myself as being the head of that, Kidd said. Because we knew Kai and it all worked out. I mean, Kai participated at a high level. But you can see he's having fun. The joy of basketball is at a high. But the trust that he has in Niko and myself is at a high too, and I think we were honest with him and he was honest with us.

That first in-depth conversation Kidd and Irving had was simple.

I wasn't judging him on any of whatever was going on. I was looking at him as the man that he is when he walks in the office, Kidd said. And so, whatever was going on in the past was the past. And so for me, it was just a matter of, 'How do we help you get to the next level? Or get back to having fun playing basketball?' We talked about that.

Harrison isnt surprised about Irvings evolution as a leader, attributing it to age and experience.

The thing about Kyrie: Hes always been very introspective and thoughtful, Harrison said. So when you think about what qualities make a good leader, hes always had them. Hes hard working, he cares about other people. So hes always been a leader. Hes just taken it to another level. Hes at that age in his life where its most important.

Irving showed enough to get the Mavericks to commit to a three-year deal worth $120 million last summer (and reportedly tried to recruit LeBron James to Dallas), and although he wasnt an All-Star officially this season, his production has been sterling and his affect on winning has been palpable, with the Mavericks going 39-19 when Irving was available, compared to 11-13 when he was injured.

This has been the greatest portion of my career, Irving said. To be able to now give wisdom and also speak from a place of experience. When you're a young person, again, you're trying to speed through life, you're trying to get through everything.

He tells his teammates that team goals are what matter now, and that this run to the Finals will be remembered forever.

You know, people remember the greatest players of all time, and they argue all the time, but no one really talks about team aspect unless they're a true fan of the craft, Irving said. You talk about the Spurs, you gotta talk about dynasty. You talk about the Lakers, you got to talk about dynasty. You talk about the Celtics, you talk about dynasty. They literally took over eras, the Detroit Pistons, they defined an era.

The Irving who spoke in fortune-cookie riddles, the one who used to be mocked, is one who speaks with such clarity right now, urging his teammates to stay in the moment and not look ahead.

You know, he's been able to teach us a lot about being poised, Mavericks rookie center Dereck Lively II told Yahoo Sports. A lot about the ins and outs of the game and also, the runs. You know, he can go on a 20-point run himself, but after that, you're gonna need some help.

There certainly appears to be an internal balance within the 32-year-old. Irving almost seems to come across as a gentle leader, at least with Lively.

I'm gonna make mistakes, Lively said. But being able to try to move on, being able to go to the next play and be able to learn from it, definitely something I've learned from these two [Irving and Doni]. You know, whenever I mess up sometimes, they're gonna yell at me a bit, but right after they're gonna tell me to keep going.

Traditionally, Boston and its Garden have been a house of horrors for opponents for decades, with dead spots in the floor, hot water mysteriously going missing from visiting locker rooms and even fans dressing up in white sheets to simulate ghosts.

This Finals series, especially the first two games in Boston, will be a test for Irvings newfound peace. Its a reminder of his time as a Celtic and even a Cleveland Cavalier. It could be a reminder of any team hes played for, honestly the unfinished business, the hurt feelings.

When we're growing up, we are very individualistic and very nearsighted in terms of what's in front of us as a young person. You see what's in front of you, Irving said. And I am a young person still, so I don't want to say like that. I'm still growing.

I look at it as a journey. And people say that often, but they don't know what that actually means. It means when you enjoy the journey, it means that you've had an acceptance of what comes with this.

I've been able to realize that my presence around the NBA brotherhood and WNBA sisterhood is different than who I am outside in the broader world. This is a part of it. But this isn't the whole thing.

It was supposed to be a whole lotta fun in Brooklyn, a very ambitious, very promising venture that couldve resulted in at least one championship, pairing with Kevin Durant and, later, James Harden.

If Irving doesnt twist his ankle against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2021 playoffs, the Nets would've been the heavy favorite to win that title. It hindered the start of the next season, too, and he never really got on track.

If you have a hamstring or you have a knee soreness, people are looking at you like, But I would play, and then you have former players saying that stuff as well, which leads to shorter careers at some capacity, Irving said. I'm coming off the most significant ankle injury I've ever had in my career, but no one sees that and then I am suspended indefinitely for the COVID vaccine and then now I'm not around the team fixing or healing my ankle.

New Yorks vaccine mandate put Irving at a disadvantage compared to players in other areas who werent vaccinated. It was a scary time for many around the country and around the world. Irving became a symbol for so many things, and he couldnt even use basketball as an outlet.

I cant rehab, I cant have anyone around me from the Brooklyn Nets helping me," Irving said. "Again, not their fault It was the circumstances. [But] Im figuring out, 'How do I maximize my potential?'

Irving laughs at the memory of those 2021 playoffs, probably because it feels so long ago. But so much had happened between then and now, the things that brought Irving, hopefully, to a place of growth.

I think sometimes people still saw me as the young man coming into the league like as if I don't have other responsibilities and other things that matter to me, Irving said. So I think that's been part of the evolution of just helping people realize that I'm matured.

Hes a father to three and a husband. His stepmother, Shetellia Riley Irving, and wife, Marlene Wilkerson, sat nearby during the Western Conference finals during the road games in Minneapolis.

This is a supportive environment, and there's a lot of energy positivity, then this is where I thrive and this is good, fun, good-hearted people, Irving said. Not saying I didn't have that in Brooklyn, I was just saying that it's all about organizational structure, and it's all about how you treat your veterans. It's all about how you treat your star players. It's all about how you treat people with respect.

Hes careful when referencing the Brooklyn experience, similar to how he described playing in Boston in the 2022 playoffs during his media session Monday.

Everyone saw me flip off the birds and kind of lose my s*** a little bit that wasnt a great reflection of who I am and how I like to compete on a high level, he said. It wasnt a great reflection on my end towards the next generation on what it means to control your emotions in that type of environment, no matter what people are yelling at you.

Hes careful now, because he was often reckless then. Irving is in the moment now, and depending on when one was introduced to Irving, an opinion can sway in one of a million directions.

Irving is still someone who pays attention, still figuring out how to be a basketball player and a citizen.

So I tried to give basketball answers and the basketball answers are media-trained answers. So they're very safe, Irving told Yahoo Sports. They're very political. They're very middle ground. They're very gray area because you're taught not to give personal information.

But I think what has happened over the past few years is people thought my priorities were going to this thing over here, this thing over here, and now I'm lending my voice [to causes]. It's like, no this is something that I've been called to do since I was a kid. It was before the NBA.

He points out the business of the NBA is very lucrative, while also being very young at 77 years old hes got living grandparents older than the league, he said.

Irving believes his absence from the NBAs grandest stage will lead to him savoring every moment, perhaps quieting a Boston Garden crowd for a night or two, perhaps making him a champion twice over.

Like, because when you're in it, and you're in it, and you're, like, I want to enjoy it. You don't know how because youre thinking about beyond, Irving said. You get kicked out of the playoffs in April last year. I had to live with that the whole summer. And its not too often youre back [in the Finals] after seven years.

He paused again, and smiled.

Just the right English.

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Kyrie Irving is returning to the NBA Finals stage in a good place: 'It's not too often you're back' - Yahoo Sports

The WNBA has rescinded the second of two technical fouls that led to Angel Reese's ejection Tuesday night.

The ejection took place in the New York Liberty's 88-75 win over the Chicago Sky.

In the waning minutes with the Liberty firmly in control, Sky rookie Angel Reese drew two quick whistles for her first ejection from a WNBA game. The ejection took place with New York leading 82-71 and 2:31 remaining. Reese initially drew a whistle for a personal foul while fighting for a rebound. Two subsequent technical whistles quickly followed, and Reese had been ejected from the game.

It happened so fast that the NBATV broadcast initially announced that New York's Betnijah Laney-Hamilton had been ejected. But it was, in fact, Reese who got tossed.

Replay shows the interaction that prompted the technicals that the live broadcast missed. Referee Charles Watson whistled Reese for the personal foul. Reese briefly protested, then turned her back to Watson with a dismissive hand wave. Watson responded with two technical whistles and an overhead toss gesture signaling that Reese was no longer welcome to play basketball.

Watson then continued to walk to the other side of the court. Reese and her Sky teammates stood, perplexed at what happened. It wasn't initially clear what Reese said, but it certainly got underneath Watson's skin.

Play then resumed, and New York held on for the win. Reese finished the game with 13 points, 10 rebounds and two technical fouls. And the WNBA has more to talk about after a busy weekend in the news.

Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon told reporters after the game that officials didn't explain the ejection to her.

"I tried to get an explanation. I did not," Weatherspoon said. "I don't know to this moment what has happened."

Lead official Maj Forsberg told reporters that the first technical issued to Reese was for "disrespectfully addressing" Watson. The second was because of the Reese's hand wave.

Reese didn't speak with reporters after the game. But her ejection caught the attention of a fellow Chicago basketball player. Bulls guard Lonzo Ball thought the ejection was "weak" and offered on social media to pay for any subsequent fines.

Reese appreciated the gesture.

Sky leading scorer Marina Mabrey described the moment as a learning experience for Reese, via ESPN:

"She got two techs, she said something to the ref," Mabrey said. "Whatever he felt like was the correct call is what he made. It's more about composure for us in our young years in the WNBA. You've got to get to know refs and how they respond to things."

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Angel Reese's 'weak' ejection from Sky-Liberty game draws attention, offer from Bulls' Lonzo Ball - Yahoo Sports

Maybe you noticed and maybe you didnt, but there was something different about UFC 302. Right there on every fighters fist? That was the newest iteration of UFC gloves.

This was a development the UFC was pretty excited about. The day before UFC 300 back in April, UFC officials gave a whole presentation on the new gloves to media members assembled for the official weigh-ins. We watched a video about the extensive research and development process for the new gloves. We received a handout highlighting all the thrilling new innovations packed into these few ounces of protective material. We got to handle them and try them on. (Naturally the first thing I did was extend my fingers to see if it was possible to poke someone in the eye with these. Turns out, yep, sure is.)

Then at UFC 302 on Saturday, the new gloves finally made their UFC debut. Any hope that they would lower the frequency of eye pokes seemed to get dashed during the very first fight of the night. By the end of the event, multiple fighters had ended up with fingers in their eyes. One thing that didnt happen, however, was a single finish by knockout or TKO.

Obviously, its much too early and the sample size much too small to blame that latter stat on the new gloves. At the post-fight news conference, several fighters said they expected the new gloves to benefit stand-up strikers, with UFC welterweight Randy Brown calling them a punchers glove.

But its not going to do anything for eye pokes, Brown added. It really isnt going to do anything at all for eye pokes.

And yeah, it does seem like eye pokes were the main glove concern for everyone except the UFC. Maybe the most notable thing about that new glove presentation in April was that the scourge of accidental (or not) eye-gouging was hardly even mentioned. Instead, the designers seemed more concerned about cuts and comfort, and also about protecting hands while not changing the padding in any way that would significantly decrease or increase knockout rates.

Not that those arent important concerns, of course but what about peoples eyes? When I asked this question, the answer was that designers hoped the increased hand flexibility would reduce eye pokes. The thinking there seemed to be that by making it easier for fighters to form a fist in the new gloves, fighters would simply choose to keep their hands closed more often, thus resulting in fewer eye pokes.

One thing about those new gloves, as reviewed by the first fighters to use them in the Octagon, is that they do make it easier to form a fist. Some noted that they felt less grip and forearm fatigue from fighting against the rigidity of the glove. Others said this made it easier to grab opponents in grappling scenarios as well.

Again, all good stuff. But on the delicate subject of eyes, were still just hoping it will all work itself out? It matters not just because its dangerous to long-term health and career prospects for fighters to be out there spearing each other in the eyeballs, but also because it does seem to have the ability to drastically alter the outcomes of fights. UFC womens bantamweight Lauren Murphy recently pointed out a statistic from a judging and refereeing course that noted a study wherein the fighter who committed an eye poke in the first round of a fight went on to win that fight a whopping 74% of the time.

Its a hard problem to solve for a few reasons. You could argue that referees need to get more aggressive about taking points from fighters who cant keep their fingers to themselves, and theres merit to that argument. But then, if you skewer someones eye in the first round and it diminishes his vision enough to help you knock him out in the second, its still worth it.

For years there, accidental eye pokes in UFC fights were all the prompt that commentator Joe Rogan needed in order to go on a rant about glove design. If only we had something with more curve to it, hed say, something that made it harder to extend those fingers in the direction of an opponents eyes. Then, what felt like eons later, a brand new glove design appeared. And that design instead made it easier to poke someone in the eyes, while also ensuring greater hand comfort in the process.

Thats not to say the new UFC gloves are bad. Fighters at UFC 302 seem to like them overall, though a few also said they didnt care much one way or another. It just seems odd to rework the gloves in order to address issues that nobody else was really bringing up, all while ignoring the big one that still lingers right in front of our faces like an outstretched digit.

See more here:

The UFC has an eye-poke problem. The new gloves missed the point - Yahoo Sports

Its pretty obvious that some WNBA players arent too fond of Caitlin Clark.

Which should turn out to be a pretty good thing for the WNBA.

The anti-Caitlin sentiment has been growing clearer with each passing game. It flared up in the biggest way Saturday, when Chicagos Chennedy Carter threw a shoulder into an unsuspecting Clark, knocking Clark to the ground. Carters teammate, Angel Reese, an old Clark rival from college, cheered the move on from the bench.

This was a clear escalation of some head-to-head play between the two over the previous few possessions, including Clark appearing to throw an elbow at Carter and appearing to say something to her face.

Clark is a marked woman and its adding plenty of spice to a season where, unlike back in college, she cant dominate the competition.

Anyone tuning in expecting 40-point performances with Magic Johnson-like passes was always going to be disappointed. Watching Clark fight through adversity and rack up rivals is going to have to be drama enough. Besides, Indiana (2-9) is terrible.

Clark went just 1 of 10 from the field and scored a meager three points in a Sunday blowout loss to New York. She left that game with an apparent ear injury after getting bumped on a screen.

The league clearly believes it can physically knock her off her game, a fairly common tactic against young players at all levels of basketball.

We understand who kind of the head of the monster is on that team, New York veteran guard Sabrina Ionescu said of Clark. We are trying to just make everything tough and difficult.

Some of it is simply business. Some of it, though, appears personal. Neither one is wrong.

Maybe its her fame. Maybe its her money. Maybe its the attention she commands. Maybe its just being the hotshot rookie who still needs to prove herself. Youd find all of these motivations in other sports and other circumstances as well.

Or maybe it's just that Clark plays a hard, physical and in-your-face game herself.

Whatever it is, the spice and shoving has become a constant and that should add a nice bit of interest to things. The most popular sport in America? Controversy. Nothing like some bad blood and uncertainty of what might happen next to draw in fans, or at least keep them as Clarks game comes together.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting that," Clark said of the shoulder knock down. "But it's just like, Respond, calm down and let your play do the talking. It is what it is. It's a physical game, go make the free throw and then execute on offense. Feel like that's what we did."

Carter, for her part, didnt want to discuss it with the media but made her points on social media.

"Beside three point shooting what does she bring to the table man," Carter asked in a post.

Later she embraced the backlash of those siding with Clark.

I grew up with all brothers, Carter, a fourth-year player, wrote. All we did is fight and argue. I love the hate more than the love Id rather you hate me [than] love me and I mean that on my dead aunt.

The mere fact that I mean that on my dead aunt has entered the lexicon is enough to make this kerfuffle fun.

What would make it even better is if everyone embraced what appears to be Caitlin Clarks mindset this isnt a big deal. Carters shoulder was deemed a Flagrant 1 foul by the league and Chicago head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said in a statement that the action was "not appropriate," but there will be no discipline. The way to end this is courtesy of a hard screen or a push back or, best of all, Clark using it as motivation to win.

The fact that Golden States Draymond Green weighed in saying the Fever need to sign an enforcer to protect their star like Green has done for Steph Curry who was constantly physically challenged and most people agreed is its own small victory for womens sports legitimacy. No kids gloves here. Play ball.

Yes, ideally, every game is played with sportsmanship and respect, but that isnt how the real world, especially in competitive sports, is played. Nor would many fans even want that.

In a pure business sense, WNBA players should love Caitlin Clark for the sponsorship money, fan attention and media coverage she is bringing to a league that failed to truly break through in over a quarter century of existence.

Maybe Carter is correct and Clarks rookie game is mostly just 3-point shooting. Its a big adjustment from the college ranks, where there are only a few good teams and players, versus the W, with just 144 roster slots featuring the best players in the world. It stands to reason Clark will continue to settle in and show the passing skills, scoring and leadership that she did back at Iowa.

What Clark brings, undoubtedly, is attention. If this happens a year ago, with another player, then only the diehard fans even know. Or care.

Everything is bigger with Caitlin Clark, which is why that smackdown spun heads and wont stop until she smacks back in one way or another.

Caitlin Clark was never going to instantly overwhelm the WNBA. Her attempt to get there against those who dont appear to care for her at all will be worth watching.

More here:

Opposing players aren't fond of Caitlin Clark ... which should be good for the WNBA - Yahoo Sports

The NFL has been testing the public-relations waters in floating an 18-game schedule.

Ryan Kelly is here for the counterpoint. The Pro Bowl center and NFLPA representative for the Indianapolis Colts spoke candidly against an expanded schedule on Wednesday. He's "absolutely not" interested in an 18-game slate or commissioner Roger Goodell's effort's to push one.

"Yeah, 18 games sounds great when Roger is saying it on the Pat McAfee podcast," Kelly said in a post-practice media scrum from Colts minicamp. "But until youre the one going out there and putting a helmet on for 18 of those games, yeah, then come talk to me."

Roger, in this instance, is Roger Goodell. Kelly, who's also a vice president on the NFLPA's executive committee, was referring to Goodell's appearance on the "The Pat McAfee Show" in April at the NFL Draft in Detroit.

Speaking to McAfee in front a crowd of fans, Goodell took on the role of cheerleader in promoting an 18-game schedule.

"I think we're good at 17 now," Goodell said. "But, listen, we're looking at how we continue. I'm not a fan of the preseason. I don't think we need three preseason games anymore. I don't buy it."

Goodell then turned and pointed to the crowd.

"I don't think these guys like it either," he continued. " ... The reality is, I think I'd rather replace a preseason game with a regular-season game any day. That's picking quality, right? If we got to 18-2, that's not an unreasonable thing."

Goodell got no pushback from a ginned-up crowd that showed up to watch the second day of the draft in person. Fans cheered on his proposal of a schedule of 18 regular-season and two preseason games.

Kelly didn't find the proposal so reasonable. He lamented the creep of additional games while citing the league's expansion from 16 games to 17 in 2021. That expansion was collectively bargained and made amid the backdrop of an increased awareness of the physical toll football takes on players that includes concussions and CTE.

"If people understood how hard it was to play 16, then they [add] another one, right?" Kelly said. "They get rid of preseason games. Well, OK. Who's that gonna hurt? The guys who don't have a shot, the undrafted guys or late-round guys that need to go out there and improve themselves.

"The fans see it as they don't watch the preseason games. But they have no idea what goes on inside the building, right?"

The back-and-forth on expansion is happening amid the backdrop of a reported NFLPA proposal to revamp the league's offseason schedule. Some have speculated that the proposal is a precursor to inevitable schedule expansion.

The NFL, meanwhile, is taking cues from fans, who continue to consume as much football as the league will offer. Moving forward, that means multiple games on Christmas, including two in 2024 when the holiday falls on a Wednesday. Goodell clearly hopes that also means an 18-game schedule and the additional revenue it will produce.

Will the NFLPA ultimately sign off? Kelly's not on board, but it appears inevitable. It will ultimately come down to a vote of players who approved the expansion from 16 to 17 games and whether ownership will offer enough concessions to entice them in the bargaining process.

Link:

Colts Pro Bowler, NFLPA rep Ryan Kelly calls out Roger Goodell, blasts talk of 18-game schedule: 'Absolutely not' - Yahoo Sports

Germany's Alexander Zverev plays Australia's Alex De Minaur this Wednesday in the French Open Quarterfinals. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The 2024 French Open at Roland Garros is now in full swing, and it's time for Alexander Zverev's next match. The No. 4 seed on the men's side will face Alex De Minaur this Wednesday, June 5 in the early afternoon (in the US). The Quarterfinals match will start shortly following the Sabalenka vs. Andreeva match on Court Philippe Chatrier. You can find the full order of play at Roland Garros here. Are you ready to watch Alexander Zverev vs. Alex De Minaur at the 2024 French Open? Heres everything you need to know about the tennis tournament at Roland Garros, including the full broadcast schedule, where to stream matches for free and more.

Date: Wednesday, June 5

Time: Afternoon, not before 2:15 p.m. ET

Location: Roland Garros, Paris, FR

Court: Court Philippe-Chatrier

Round: Quarterfinals

TV channel: Tennis Channel

Streaming: Fubo, DirecTV, VPN

No. 4 seed Zverev plays Alex De Minaur this Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

The Zverev vs. De Minaur match will be played on Court Philippe-Chatrier, beginning sometime after Sabalenka vs. Andreeva, but not before 2:15 p.m. ET. You can find the exact order of play at Roland Garros here.

You'll need access to the Tennis Channel to tune into Alexander Zverev's match against Alex De Minaur. This Wednesday, the US broadcast schedule for the French Open is as follows:

Wednesday, June 5: Quarterfinals

No tennis channel? No problem. You could always catch an uninterrupted livestream of the tennis tournament with the help of a VPN more on that below.

Fubo TVs Elite tier will get you access to NBC, NBC Sports and the Tennis Channel, along with 200+ more live channels. At $90 per month, the live TV streaming service is definitely the priciest option on this list, but still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package, and is also a great option for NFL fans. So if you're a sports fan looking for one simple subscription, Fubo might be it for you. Fubo subscribers also get 1000 hours of cloud DVR storage. The platform offers a free trial period, so you can stream the start of the French Open totally free.

If you want to catch every match of the French Open and dont want to have to hop around between NBC, Peacock and the Tennis Channel all week, in Australia a majority of the action is streaming free with ads on 9Now, and in Austria it's all streaming free with ads on ServusTV.

Dont live in either of those places? Don't worry, you can still stream like you do with the help of a VPN. A VPN (virtual private network) helps protect your data, can mask your IP address and is perhaps most popular for being especially useful in the age of streaming. Whether youre looking to watch Friends on Netflix (which left the U.S. version of the streamer back in 2019) or tune in to the F1 race this weekend without a cable package, a VPN can help you out. Looking to try a VPN for the first time? This guide breaks down the best VPN options for every kind of user.

ExpressVPN offers internet without borders, meaning you can tune into an Austrian or Australian livestream this month as opposed to paying for Peacock and the Tennis Channel for US coverage of the tennis tournament. All you'll need to do is sign up for ExpressVPN, change your server location and then find free livestream coverage on 9Now or ServusTV.

ExpressVPNs added protection, speed and range of location options make it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users looking to stretch their streaming abilities, plus, it's Endgadget's top pick for the best streaming VPN. New users can save 49% when they sign up for ExpressVPNs 12-month subscription. Plus, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you're nervous about trying a VPN.

The Roland Garros tennis tournament runs for two weeks, ending with the mens final on June 9.

Unfortunately for US fans, matches start bright and early at 5 a.m. for those in the Eastern timezone (and even earlier or later, depending on how you look at it for those on Pacific time).

US coverage of the French Open will be split across NBC Sports, the Tennis Channel and Peacock this year. This Sunday and Monday, French Open matches will air live on NBC and Peacock, before the action moves to the Tennis Channel for the week. Then the semifinals and finals will return to NBC/peacock.

All the NBC coverage will also be available to stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app for those with an eligible cable or live TV streaming package. For the tennis super fan, the Tennis Channel now offers streaming directly through their app, Tennis Channel+. So if you really want to catch every early morning match (without the help of a VPN), you may want to check out Tennis Channel+.

All times Eastern.

Wednesday, June 5: Quarterfinals

Thursday, June 6: Women's Semis

6 a.m.-2 p.m. - Tennis Channel

11 a.m.-2 p.m. - NBC, Peacock

Friday, June 7: Mens Semis

8 a.m.-4 p.m. - Tennis Channel

11 a.m.-3 p.m. - NBC, Peacock

Saturday, June 8: Womens Final

Sunday, June 9: Mens Final

Men's singles seeds

Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz

Alexander Zverev

Daniil Medvedev

Andrey Rublev

Casper Ruud

Hubert Hurkacz

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Grigor Dimitrov

Alex de Minaur

Taylor Fritz

Holger Rune

Tommy Paul

Ben Shelton

Nicolas Jarry

Ugo Humbert

Karen Khachanov

Alexander Bublik

Sebastian Baez

Felix Auger-Aliassime

Adrian Mannarino

Francisco Cerundolo

Alejandro Tabilo

Frances Tiafoe

Tallon Griekspoor

Sebastian Korda

Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Arthur Fils

Lorenzo Musetti

Mariano Navone

Cam Norrie

Women's singles seeds

Iga Swiatek

Aryna Sabalenka

Coco Gauff

Elena Rybakina

Marketa Vondrousova

Maria Sakkari

Qinwen Zheng

Ons Jabeur

Jelena Ostapenko

Daria Kasatkina

Danielle Collins

Jasmine Paolini

Beatriz Haddad Maia

Madison Keys

Elina Svitolina

Ekaterina Alexandrova

Liudmila Samsonova

Marta Kostyuk

Victoria Azarenka

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Carolina Garcia

Emma Navarro

Anna Kalinskaya

Barbora Krejcikova

Elise Mertens

Katie Boulter

Linda Noskova

Sorana Cirstea

Veronika Kudermetova

Dayana Yastremska

Leylah Fernandez

Katerina Siniakova

US viewers can tune into NBC's French Open coverage live on NBCSports.com or the NBC Sports app if they have a cable or satellite subscription to log in with.

View original post here:

French Open 2024: How to watch the Alexander Zverev vs. Alex De Minaur match - Yahoo Sports

At a certain point, with all the tinder lying about, a spark was bound to set fire.

Chennedy Carter was the flint. Caitlin Clark was the stone. And days later, the landscape is still raging with ever-growing flames.

Its true that Carters shoulder check on Clark was not a basketball play. Its also true that type of competitive physicality happens in basketball, and especially in the WNBA, quite a bit. If things were different, if history were more kind to womens athletic and professional endeavors, it could have stayed a moment in the seasons timeline. A video to put in the bucket for a rivalry feature.

Instead, it gave fuel to the growing discourse around Clark and the WNBA. The same way leaders have described the rising tide in womens basketball that resulted in another sold-out crowd watching Clarks Indiana Fever defeat Carters Chicago Sky on Saturday afternoon, the play in question prompted the collision of too many atoms that were already active.

Clark is almost undeniably the most well-known name to enter the 28-year-old WNBA. There have been plenty of other superstars, but none were able to come into the league already in national TV commercials and on window stickers at the grocery store. Only the inaugural 1996 players Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, etc. might come close. Because of that, many people are watching the WNBA for the first time. There are media personalities talking about it for the first time, and their takes arent always rooted in historical knowledge. Players are faced with media coverage and criticism theyve rarely received at this level.

Carters shoulder check was cheap, even within the accepted reality of physical W basketball. It was clear it wasnt a basketball play, nor was it necessary. Referees often go to the monitors to review for possible upgrades on lesser, more incidental acts, and befuddling technical calls could be considered a WNBA hallmark. The flagrant should have been assessed for unnecessary contact, and we should have all moved on.

Before Saturdays game, three players received fouls that were upgraded during in-game reviews. Mercury guard Kahleah Copper received a flagrant 1 on opening night when her shooting hand came down on Kelsey Plums face. Sparks guard Aari McDonalds foul on Clark was upgraded to a flagrant 1 for a reckless closeout while defending a deep transition 3-pointer. Alyssa Thomas drew the previously most high-profile flagrant this season when she threw Angel Reese to the ground on a rebound opportunity and was ejected with a flagrant 2.

That Clarks most recent incident wasnt reviewed nor upgraded in the moment as it clearly should have been set the initial spark. Even in the hours after the incident, fans and personalities on social media continued to insist it wasnt a big deal because the play, in fact, was called a technical. Add in the TV angle and slo-mo replays making the hit look worse with Carter yelling something at Clark as she hit her, and Angel Reese jumping up in celebration on the bench, and we had all the ingredients of a good, old-fashioned disagreement. And the talk continues no matter how misguided, with Pat McAfee being another bold, ill-advised example.

Clark followed up a grueling college schedule with 11 games in 20 days for the Fever. Thats about one-third of a collegiate season crammed into three weeks, and shes the No. 1 target in defensive game plans for the leagues best teams. A lot of the physicality shes facing is part of the game and part of being a star rookie by whom veterans dont want to get embarrassed. Clark herself has said repeatedly she understands the nature of the league, and with a full offseason, shell have time to bulk up and compete better just as guards Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum have done in recent years. She doesnt need anyone to protect her from that reality. Shes an actual fan of the game, having grown up attending Minnesota Lynx games with her dad during their dynasty run. She knows.

Other stuff, like that hit from Carter, is borderline and shouldnt be let go without repercussion. And while on paper that meant merely one more free throw and the ball for the Fever, in reality, a stronger message should have been sent that that type of play wont be tolerated.

Physical play, intensity and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball, Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said in a statement Monday. Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are.

Weatherspoon is right. Sports are a competitive atmosphere and the emotions can get away from a player. Why the Hall of Fame player didnt say anything regarding the play after the game other than her blunt all they're doing is competing only dropped more brush on the fire.

Weatherspoon cut off postgame media questions directed to Carter that offered the player an opportunity to explain the incident in her own words. In the Fevers room down the hall, Clark took the high road in answering multiple questions about the interaction and didnt place blame on anyone. It is what it is, she said a few times. She sits for 10-15 minutes at a time, three times a day on game days, of which shes already had 11 to the Skys seven, and answers easy, tough and sometimes repetitive questions. Fans see that and react to it.

Meanwhile Reese, one-half of the headlining rookie duo alongside Clark, declined Saturday to speak with the media. That lit anew the charred branch of media access and player accountability in a league known to ask for more coverage. WNBA media protocol requires teams to make two players and a head coach available in a news conference after a maximum 10-minute cooling off period. Every other healthy player is required to be made available should they be requested by a media member via written and verbal communication. The arrangement was agreed upon by the WNBA Players Association and league to replace open locker room access that was closed ahead of the 2023 season.

Multiple media members requested to speak with Reese on Saturday. It doesnt help that the Sky franchise has a history of not abiding by the rules and often makes access to players difficult. The WNBA fined Reese and the franchise, as it has done with the 2023 Finals runner-up Liberty and 2021 runner-up Mercury.

In the absence of context from the players themselves, the controversy spread further. It opened up room for people, some of whom have never watched womens basketball but saw a clip on their social-media timeline, to fill in their own assumptions and misguided claims about intent.

Carters only significant postgame comment I aint answering no Caitlin Clark questions just added to it all. And she kept her feet away from the heat, because while she might not have wanted to answer questions about Clark, she clearly had things to say about the star rookie. She shut off replies and bounced wherever she wanted on social media after the game.

Carter, a 2020 lottery pick who has a rocky history in the league, can talk whatever trash she wants. Anyone who has followed Clark, a well-known talker, to the WNBA should appreciate that. But if youre going to talk trash, stand on it when it matters.

Cheap shot aside, though, the league could use the beef. It used to market itself as the 144, a nod to the number of roster spots. It now wants to lean into rivalries and marketing superstars, because thats how sports work. More people saw Carters dustup with Clark live because they tuned in to see Clark, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The number of people who are now eyeing the Sky-Fever rematch is growing.

Years of flagrant fouls predated Carters and drew significantly less attention. An iconic clip of Diana Taurasi bumping Seimone Augustus and giving her a peck on the cheek in the 2013 playoffs made the rounds this weekend as an example of W drama. Taurasi was issued a technical. They each answered to it in postgame media availability (again, iconic).

Yet, that was a different time on a smaller platform. The game is growing now, and the players need to grow along with it.

More:

Why the Caitlin Clark-Chennedy Carter incident has struck such a chord with the public - Yahoo Sports