Nick Saban joined ESPN as an analyst after retiring from Alabama.
What to make of Dodgers' recent losing streak and roster shakeup?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers got swept at Dodger Stadium for the first time in almost two years — by the lowly Angels. On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz dug into how the sweep exposed the team’s depth issues, why the front office is making some tough calls and what it all means for this Dodgers club.
Let’s break down their conversation.
A new kind of wake-up call
“This is kind of the worst the Dodgers have looked in quite some time,” Jordan acknowledged, recapping the Angels’ surprising three-game sweep. Whether it was Clayton Kershaw grinding but not dominating in his return or the bullpen faltering, the Dodgers' pitching just didn’t have the answers. More surprisingly, none of their usual magic — stellar late-game hits and superstar heroics — emerged to save them.
But what really stood out to the Bar-B-Cast hosts was a sense that the Dodgers finally feel pressure — in their division and within their organization. Both Jake and Jordan pointed out how the Dodgers are “starting to sweat,” with the rest of the NL West surging and their own margin for error getting slimmer.
"The 2025 Dodgers are Jordan Shusterman's academic career in middle school," Jake offered. "So much talent that they can coast to decent grades. But there does come a point where you have to start doing your work."
No time for sentimentality
One byproduct of the pressure? The Dodgers released Chris Taylor on Sunday. As Jake noted, Taylor is “not good anymore and didn’t fit on the roster and was a waste of a roster spot” at this stage. And it wasn’t just Taylor; Austin Barnes, a clubhouse legend, got DFA’d last week to make room for top prospect Dalton Rushing.
For a franchise that so often rewards veteran loyalty, these moves signal a shift. The front office, led by Andrew Friedman, seems to have realized that the bottom of their roster can’t be dead weight — not when the Padres and Giants are breathing down their necks.
"The division is competitive," Jake said, "and the Dodgers, in their minds, need to win the division.
"Because the Dodgers know what they're doing," he continued, "they are responding to the reality that is going on in the world, and they are making what are difficult decisions to cut ties with players that matter in the room because they simply aren't good anymore."
Jordan and Jake both credit the front office for acting decisively, even if it means awkward locker room moments and the end of an era for two clubhouse fixtures.
The big picture
Sure, the Dodgers lost three straight to the Angels — in a year when the Halos have been largely forgettable since a hot start. Then L.A. dropped the series opener against the Diamondbacks 9-5 on Monday. On the positive side, they got Teoscar Hernandez back in the lineup Monday.
So now the bigger story is what happens next. After years of being able to coast to success, L.A. has to adapt. Young guys have to step up. The rotation needs answers. And everyone, not just the stars at the top, has to contribute.
As Jordan summed up: “They’re at least realizing — we can’t have too many bad players on our roster at this point. We need everyone to help out.”
For perhaps the first time in years, the Dodgers’ front office is acting like it.
For more of the latest baseball news and debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Did the San Francisco 49ers make a mistake in signing Brock Purdy to $265 million contract extension?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Did the San Francisco 49ers make a mistake in signing Brock Purdy to a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension, with $181 million guaranteed?
That's the question Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson debated on the latest edition of the "Inside Coverage" podcast.
Frank's verdict: Yes, the 49ers made a mistake
Schwab criticized the extension. He acknowledges that Purdy has earned his contract and that it’s a feel-good sports story. However, he doesn’t believe the 49ers can win a Super Bowl with Purdy now making $53 million a year. He argues that the team's previous Super Bowl window was due in large part to having a quarterback on a rookie contract — which allowed them to spend more on elite talent around Purdy.
"I don't think they could put the pieces around him to replicate what they've done the past few years," Schwab contends. "I think this is the one team that should have leveraged the rookie deal with quarterbacks because I think Kyle Shanahan could find the next Brock Purdy."
Schwab is emphatic that head coach Kyle Shanahan "is the cheat code" who is capable of finding and developing another quarterback, and the 49ers lost a big advantage by moving Purdy to a top-tier contract.
"They would have won a Super Bowl with Jimmy Garoppolo had the defense done its job on a third-and-long against Patrick Mahomes," Schwab argues.
He believes that paying Purdy, who he believes is a mid-tier quarterback, such big money is detrimental and that the team should always be looking for the next cheap rookie contract to build around.
Charles' verdict: No, the 49ers did not make a mistake
Robinson disagrees. He points out that the contract does not reset the quarterback market and is actually the seventh-highest QB deal in the league, sitting alongside the likes of Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff.
Robinson notes that there are limited alternatives — either teams extend the quarterbacks they know, or they gamble with total uncertainty and risk losing their window with the veterans on their roster. He argues that unless the 49ers want to completely reboot and tank, paying Purdy at his current rate is a reasonable and necessary move.
"If you can tell me what a better alternative was, because it wasn't in the draft this year," Robinson presses. "They're not going to have a pick high enough, really, to get an elite player next year."
Robinson emphasizes that it’s the kind of deal you sign if you have a good, but not necessarily elite, quarterback.
From Robinson's perspective, the 49ers made a practical decision consistent with the market for quarterbacks of Purdy’s caliber and their current situation as a contending team. He stresses that unless there is a clear, better alternative, extending Purdy at this value was the only realistic path.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
2025 NBA Draft: One-on-one interviews with top prospects
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The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching. Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Kevin O'Connor sat down with top prospects during the draft combine in Chicago last week. Watch the interviews below, and check back for more interviews in the coming days.
Kon Knueppel
Big Board ranking: No. 5
Knueppel, a projected top-10 pick, discusses his development as a shot creator at Duke, his focus on expanding his offensive arsenal, and the lessons learned from a heartbreaking loss in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. He also talks NBA playoffs, his basketball influences, including Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler, and the impact of family and faith on his career.
Check out the full interview on YouTube.
Cedric Coward
Big Board ranking: No. 11
Coward, who has risen from D-III basketball player to projected first-round pick, details his versatile skill set, draft combine performance, and the work ethic that led to his improved shooting and playmaking. He also shares lessons learned from his Olympic gold-medalist grandfather, his NBA player comps (including Kawhi Leonard) and what drives his obsession with basketball.
Check out the full interview on YouTube.
Tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Financial Fair Play leveling the field in Europe + should MLS teams refuse to do business with rivals?
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Crystal Palace winning their first ever trophy alongside Bologna & Newcastle ending trophy droughts. Has Financial Fair Play leveled the field and fixed soccer? Christian and Alexis break down the drama with LAFC’s Mark Delgado receiving last season’s MLS Championship ring and why MLS teams shouldn’t make trades with their rivals. Later, Christian and Alexis bring back Rápido Reactions and react to the latest transfer news and rumors across Europe.
Inside the Hudson River Derby: Can NYCFC overcome recent struggles vs. in-form Red Bulls? | The Cooligans
On the latest episode of "The Cooligans," hosts Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros were joined by MLS reporter and analyst Michele Giannone to preview Saturday’s electric matchup and dive deep into both squads’ fortunes.
Could Cooper Flagg force his way to the Celtics? | The Kevin O'Connor Show
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
On the latest episode of "The Kevin O’Connor Show," Kevin and guest Tom Haberstroh explored the idea of Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall pick and Maine native, somehow landing with the Boston Celtics.
As O’Connor revealed, Boston used some of its interview slots at the NBA Draft Combine to meet with Cooper Flagg, as well as Tre Johnson (a projected top-five pick), even though the Celtics hold no pick anywhere near the top of this year’s draft. Teams are limited to 13 interviews at the combine, O'Connor said.
“At the draft combine this week, Tre Johnson openly said the Celtics interviewed him," O'Connor said. "I have multiple sources telling me the Celtics also interviewed Cooper Flagg. Now, this does not mean they’re going to trade up into the top 10, but I do think it’s interesting.”
The Dallas Mavericks own the No. 1 pick this year. But O’Connor and Haberstroh discussed the hypothetical: Would Boston put Jaylen Brown (a recent Finals MVP) on the table to move up for Flagg? What would Dallas say? And would Flagg himself (or his camp) try to “pull an Eli Manning” — refusing to play for the Mavs to land in Boston?
“Boston calls [Dallas GM] Nico [Harrison] and they offer Jaylen Brown. And how many first-round picks is it gonna take? … I just wonder if Dallas and their entire decision-making unit would listen.”
Realistically, big trades for the No. 1 pick, especially when a generational prospect is available, are rare. But as both hosts note, it only takes a few phone calls — and possibly a little leverage from the player’s side — to kick-start something dramatic.
To hear the full discussion, tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Lionel Messi is wasting his time at Inter Miami — and MLS roster rules are to blame | The Cooligans
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami conundrum is setting headlines — and not in the way fans hoped.
Is Ace Bailey 'most likely to bust' among the top-5 picks in the NBA Draft? | The Kevin O'Connor Show
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
The Philadelphia 76ers own the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft after lottery luck, but what to do with it has already sparked a heated debate among the fan base. The name at the center of it? Ace Bailey, the 6-foot-9 athletic marvel with tantalizing upside but uneven production at Rutgers.
Kevin O’Connor didn’t mince words on the latest episode of "The Kevin O'Connor Show" with ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony, suggesting Bailey is “most likely to bust of the top five guys.” But Givony shot down the skepticism. “Absolutely not. I love Ace Bailey,” Givony said, even after acknowledging valid questions about Bailey’s track record. Givony stressed Bailey’s maturity, competitiveness and game-changing potential: “He’s 18 years old, doesn’t turn 19 until August. … I firmly believe Ace Bailey is going to be a star in the NBA.”
Bailey’s case feels eerily similar to past draft debates — upside versus college-winner credentials. Detractors say, “He couldn’t help Rutgers win, how is he going to help win games in the NBA?” But Givony has spent time at Rutgers, at Team USA camps and describes a player and person who checks all the right boxes for long-term success.
The Sixers’ current options at No. 3 aren’t jaw-dropping, as both host and guest agree. “VJ Edgecombe? How does that make sense with [Tyrese] Maxey and [Jared] McCain?” asks Givony. For a team that’s always looking for the next Joel Embiid running mate, Givony urges Bailey: “I’m 100% drafting him third.”
To hear the full discussion, tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
MLS rules continue to fail Lionel Messi + Michele Giannone previews the Hudson River Derby
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the midweek slate of MLS fixtures including another bad defensive performance from Inter Miami! Christian and Alexis then chat with MLS reporter & analyst Michele Giannone ahead of the Hudson River Derby between NYCFC and New York Red Bulls. Later, Christian and Alexis react to Ashlyn Harris’ latest podcast appearance on another edition of Run that Back.
What are expectations for Sam Darnold, Tyler Shough and 3 other QBs on new teams?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
"Competency" is Step 1 for a group of NFL teams who will have a new quarterback under center in the 2025 season. The thinking for these clubs: get average to above average play and see if any QB can flash something special.
For the rookies and young starters, it’s about showing they're not over their heads and giving their teams a chance to evaluate them long term. For the veterans, expectations are more about providing stability and not losing games, with hope for occasional upside.
In this episode of "Football 301," Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Charles McDonald and Matt Harmon lay out the expectations for quarterbacks who are in new cities with expected starting role responsibilities. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion:
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
The hosts agree that "competency" should be the expectation for Shough this year. With a new coaching staff and a 26-year-old rookie starting, the Saints are hoping Shough can look like a top-20 quarterback and give them a fighting chance in games, even if it’s just a 7-10 season.
Because of his age and experience, Shough should be ready right away, and if he falters, the Saints might already be looking to next year's draft class.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
For Ward, it’s about showing the aggressive playmaking he was known for in college. The Titans have beefed up their offensive line and added some interesting receivers. The consensus is that anything “better than last year” is a win.
The expectation is that Ward keeps firing downfield, makes mistakes, and hopefully learns quickly. The offense should be more competent overall, aided by improvements up front.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold lands in a Shanahan/Kubiak system in Seattle, a scheme that should mitigate some of his worst tendencies with play action and a strong run game. But there's reason to be cautious since Darnold “is as good as the players around him.”
The expectation is that the Seahawks lean into a run-heavy, play-action-heavy script and try not to let Darnold get stuck in a dropback-heavy passing game. If things go well, Darnold can be a fine starter, but the offense's talent and the fit of its skill players present question marks.
Las Vegas Review-Journal via Getty Images
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
With Chip Kelly coming in as offensive coordinator, the Raiders are expected to lean heavily on the run and utilize a creative, multifaceted ground attack. Smith raises the floor for the offense as he’s a steady hand who can make enough throws, especially if the run game is working.
The Raiders' offense is expected to be better than last season, with the main question being whether they have enough explosive playmakers outside.
Justin Fields, New York Jets
The expectation is a “run-heavy, bruising” offense built around Fields’ legs and the Jets' strong running back group. Passing game questions remain — particularly the fit with Garrett Wilson — but there's reason to believe this offense can at least pound the rock and be a team no one wants to play, even if it won’t be explosive through the air. Think of the "bad team beater" Falcons from a couple of years ago.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Fantasy football managers should proceed with caution with Deebo Samuel Sr. in 2025 — here's why
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Every offseason, fantasy football managers want to know: who can you really trust in your lineup? One name that has popped up — along with a big dose of skepticism — is new Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. In the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens got into the weeds on Samuel's prospects now that he’s in Washington. Is he someone you can rely on, or is caution the smarter approach?
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Let’s break down what they said, what the numbers show and how you should treat Samuel in your 2025 draft plans.
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
Deebo Samuel Sr. joins a new team
Washington added Samuel to help take Jayden Daniels and the offense to the next level. But as Matt and Andy pointed out, the Commanders otherwise didn’t do much to upgrade their receiver room: "[Deebo Samuel] is the only, like, real pass catcher addition here," Matt said. “Zach Ertz is another year older. ... The other spots along the offensive line, we don’t quite know what’s going to happen.”
So, Samuel is clearly being counted on to be more than just a gadget player or possession guy — he’s supposed to be a difference-maker on this team.
Wiht that said, there are some real red flags.
Both hosts had reservations about what Samuel still brings to the table. "Deebo is such a complicated player because he built his reputation on the one great season, right? The 1,400-yard season. ... That one big season represents about 30% of his career receiving production and the rest of the career is full of isolated good games and a whole bunch of really quiet games," Andy said.
Deebo’s 2021 breakout was legendary. But since then? He simply hasn’t come close to repeating it.
Deebo's been in a steady decline since his monster season
Matt highlighted some stunning Reception Perception data: “Deebo Samuel last year ... 39.7% success rate vs. man coverage. That is ... the third lowest mark I’ve ever charted, ever, ever, ever. ... Deebo’s never been a great man-beater, but it was better than that previously. ... This was consistent on film before the pneumonia thing.”
Translation: he’s struggling to separate, even before last year’s health issues.
Samuel's game relies on explosiveness, breaking tackles and YAC. But he’s battled injuries, illness and just wear-and-tear, especially as he creeps closer to 30.
Both Matt and Andy also wonder if this offense is even built to make Samuel a reliable fantasy starter. “I’m not saying that I’m betting against the Commanders ... but if by Week 8 we’re kind of looking back and saying like, 'ah, yeah, did we take another step here?' I think that’s the question. … Taking the next step to, ‘okay, we went from conference championship to now we’re in the Super Bowl’ ... I’m a little skeptical that this was enough on offense," Matt said.
If the whole offense takes a step back, Samuel's ceiling — and his weekly floor — could take a nosedive.
Is there any upside to drafting Deebo?
The only thing working in Samuel's favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.
Nonetheless, Andy and Matt clearly lean skeptical on Samuel, and with good reason:
He’s trending down statistically and on film
He’s no longer the focal point of a Kyle Shanahan offense designed to maximize his strengths
The Commanders offense could be clunky or slow out of the gate
His “one big year” is fading more and more into the rearview
Unless Samuel shows he’s regained his burst and Washington’s offense gels early, he’s the kind of player you draft as a WR3/flex, not someone you trust every week as a locked-in starter.
If he drops in drafts and you want to chase upside, there’s a path. But if you’re hoping for that 2021 magic, you should temper expectations.
Ohio General Assembly member authors bill to prevent state schools from playing home football games at noon
The bill includes an exemption that would allow Ohio State to continue to play Michigan at that time.
Potential college sports presidential commission leader Nick Saban says he’s ‘not sure we really need a commission’
The former Alabama coach met with President Donald Trump about college athletics when Trump spoke at Alabama's graduation earlier this month.
Fantasy Football: How high should you draft Ladd McConkey in 2025?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
If you’re prepping for your fantasy football draft this year, you’ve probably started hearing a lot of buzz around Ladd McConkey coming off his excellent rookie season. On the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski couldn’t contain their excitement for McConkey’s outlook with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 — and for good reason. But the burning question is: Where should you draft him?
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
Ladd McConkey: Hype or Value?
McConkey’s rookie tape and underlying numbers turned plenty of heads, but it’s not just about his skills — as both Harmon and Pianowski highlighted, it’s about the perfect combination of talent, opportunity and team context.
Pianowski didn't mince words:
"Ladd McConkey is a great second-round pick. Anywhere you can get him. I'm going to have Ladd McConkey shares. If I overpay for them, I don't care. He's going to catch 115 passes this year. You're going to regret [missing out]. It's going to pain you. If you were between McConkey and somebody else and you took somebody else, you're going to regret that. Please get this guy this year."
We're talking must-draft territory.
Why all the love for McConkey?
There are a few core reasons McConkey stands out:
High-Volume Role: Even as a rookie, McConkey wasn't just a starter, but quickly became the go-to guy in a shallow receiving corps. The Chargers handed the reins to McConkey to the tune of 112 targets and that total should only go up in his sophomore season.
Team Situation: As discussed on the podcast, Justin Herbert is healthy and poised for a big year. The Chargers’ offensive line has questions, but their high pass rate down the stretch last season was a positive sign for target volume.
Player on the rise: Pianowski's praise included advocating for McConkey over A.J. Brown in some formats:
"If you come down to A.J. brown versus Ladd McConkey. I want you to take Ladd McConkey every time. So I'm [planting] my flag, there it is."Rookie Precedent: Harmon compared McConkey's Reception Perception data to the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill as rookies. That’s elite company.
What about the risks?
No player comes without question marks. McConkey’s raw numbers in college were held back by Georgia’s conservative offense, but both analysts are confident that was a product of his environment, not a lack of ability. With the Chargers, there’s little established competition for targets — and with Herbert as his quarterback, everything is lining up.
So … where should you draft McConkey?
Pianowski was adamant McConkey should be a second-round pick in full-PPR leagues, even calling him a “no-brainer” over established stars if you’re on the fence.
If general consensus and ADP puts McConkey closer to the third round, do not hesitate. Take him in the late second or early third; you’ll beat the rush and snag a true difference-maker with top-10 potential. He projects as the clear top target for his team and could return low-end fantasy WR1 production.
If you’re drafting in half-PPR, he’s still a firm Round 3 pick based on projected volume and role. In standard scoring, bump him to later in the third round or early fourth as touchdowns are less of his profile, but the floor remains high.
Bottom line
Pianowski said it best: "Please get this guy this year."
So don’t be afraid to reach for McConkey — trust the tape, the role and the hype. When your league mates are cursing themselves midseason for passing him up, you’ll be glad you listened.