Zachary Draves Articles - Page 34

The buzz surrounding the NBA’s return to NBC this fall remains palpable, with the addition of Michael Jordan as a special contributor being the extra cherry on top. There are “unconfirmed claims” that Jordan’s salary will be $40 million annually, which, if true, would be more than Tom Brady’s role at Fox Sports. Brady makes […]

The notion that “records are meant to be broken” unquestionably applies to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Yesterday, Judge achieved history against the Red Sox by hitting the mark of 23 home runs and batting .396 through 64 games.  In addition, his two home runs equaled him to the “iron horse” Lou Gehrig with […]

Los Angeles Sparks second-year forward Rickea Jackson has been conspicuously absent for two games. On Wednesday, she staved off pregnancy rumors as the reason for her recent hiatus.  “You’ve just got to be realistic with yourself. Like, at the end of the day, media isn’t about facts anymore,” she said to Sports Illustrated. “So that’s […]

The Connecticut Sun may look strikingly different than the playoff contenders in years past. However, rookie Saniya Rivers, who scored her first basket off a steal, is a standout for her defensive abilities.  On Friday, Rivers contributed immensely to the Sun’s first WNBA Commissioner Cup win with a series of blocks. She stifled the Atlanta […]

Already, EA Sports College Football 26 is generating plenty of buzz a month before release. Speculation about Bill Belichick’s appearance is certainly palpable.  In addition, players will be paid $ 1,500 for appearing in the game, an increase from $600 in the previous year’s game. Those same players could receive NIL money thanks to the […]

The Kansas City Royals have quite the pair of sluggers. There is Vinnie Pasquantino, better known as “Pasquatch,”  and then there’s Maikel Garcia, who could be traded before the deadline. Both know how to exalt power at the plate. This is evident by their back-to-back home runs against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, per […]

If there is anyone who knows how Tyrese Haliburton feels about performing in the clutch, it is Reggie Miller. The Pacers legend has quite the track record when it comes to hitting big shots in big moments. So as Miller closely observed Haliburton’s buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, it shouldn’t come […]

The first game of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder was quite a series opener. The Pacers came back from 15 points down to win off of Tyrese Haliburton’s dramatic buzzer-beater to go up 1-0.  However, it wasn’t enough to draw in enough viewership. Game 1 only averaged 8.91 […]

It’s been an arduous journey for Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford. Towards the start of the season, Crawford was placed on the IL list with right patellar tendinopathy. He was among a series of Red Sox pitchers battling various injuries. Recently, Crawford was out battling soreness in his wrist, delaying his scheduled rehab […]

Texas Tech Softball has had one prominent fan in their corner during their run at the Women’s College World Series. Texas Tech alum Patrick Mahomes has cheered them on since they defeated Oklahoma on Tuesday to advance to the Final against Texas.  As they prep for Game 3 on Friday, Mahomes provided the team with […]

The Seattle Seahawks need a makeover, especially on the defensive end. Last October, the Seahawks engaged in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for a defensive boost following a stash of injuries and three consecutive losses.  In return, they received veteran DL Roy Robertson-Harris while giving up a sixth-round draft pick. Robertson-Harris provided added depth […]

Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry has put forward quite a challenge. On the Dan Patrick Show, Henry bet actor Adam Sandler to put him in a move if he rushes 2,000 yards this season.  On Friday, Sandler happily welcomed Henry’s challenge, per Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report. Sandler said that he would put Henry […]

Anyone who doesn’t think that Stephen A. Smith doesn’t ruffle any feathers is living under a rock. On Thursday, he issued a stark warning about the NBA All-Star game and its new format.  Beginning next year, the All-Star game will feature Team USA vs the World. But Smith contended that if this doesn’t jive, the […]

There is no doubt that Indiana Pacers fans are ecstatic following their come-from-behind Game 1 win on Thursday. They trailed the Oklahoma City Thunder by as much as 15 points before staging a comeback that culminated in Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater to go up 1-0 in the NBA Finals.  But it turns out another Pacers fan […]

Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Tyrese Haliburton added to his pantheon of playoff heroics on Friday. His game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the NBA Finals left Oklahoma City Thunder fans stunned and Pacers fans jubilant as they watched from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.  The images of the shot are, without a doubt, indelible, but one in […]

Throughout his career, Shaquille O’Neal has a way of forming unique relationships. O’Neal formed a tight bond with Allen Iverson, as Iverson described with strong emotion to People Magazine.  Then, of course, there was his, at times, tempestuous relationship with Kobe Bryant during the Lakers dynasty run in the early 2000s. However, former NBA center […]

Without question, JJ Watt is one of the Houston Texans greatest. But in addition to his gridiron greatness, he knows a thing or two about how to hoop it up.  After all, it was Watt who threw it down on Pat McAfee’s show, showcasing his elevated hops just before the start of the NBA Finals. […]

In fAlabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, whom the Crimson Tide recruited from SMU, lost his twin sister Kierston on Wednesday.  The Tuscaloosa Police Department officially recognized her death, per Chris Low of ESPN. An official police statement stated that her death “at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature.“”  Russell’s family coordinated with the […]

It has been an uphill battle for Los Angeles Sparks second-year center Cameron Brink. Last season, Brink tore an ACL and was out for her rookie season. This year, she is back and in recovery mode. Off the court, Brink made time for an appearance on Wheel of Fortune, where she stole the show, per […]

A few things are looking a bit different for the Chicago White Sox. On Thursday, long-time owner Jerry Reinsdorf agreed to let Justin Ishbia into the organization. Also, a young up-and-comer will get his shot at the back time. 23-year-old catcher Kyle Teel from Triple-A Charlotte was called up for his first game, per Chris […]

First, there was Reggie and Cheryl Miller. Now, there is TJ and Megan McConnell as the next basketball brother-sister/duo. On Wednesday, Megan signed a WNBA contract with the Phoenix Mercury to attend training camp.  Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, TJ of the Indiana Pacers arrived at the arena wearing his sisters’ jersey. All […]

The Dallas Wings have problems, dire problems. Their rookie sensation Paige Bueckers was under concussion protocol and missed two games. Though Bueckers participated in practice, she will be out for the Wings game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.  If that wasn’t enough, Wings veteran Arike Ongunbowale is off to a slow start to […]

Amid high-profile teams, there is no counting out the Minnesota Lynx. Even when Napheesa Collier was out with a knee injury, the Lynx kept on surging.  They managed to scrape by the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday with a 74-71 win. A late-game shot by Natisha Hiedeman kept the Lynx in the company of history.  They are […]

The Dallas Cowboys were criticized for fumbling the ball concerning Micah Parsons and his contract negotiations. Parsons is seeking a $200 million extension and was holding out on training camp.  However, the Cowboys recovered the ball at the right time but still needed to cross the end zone. Parsons made clear his intentions to attend […]

The Minnesota Vikings know how to dish them out. The Vikings have produced at least 10 of the greatest players in NFL history. Among them include Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Justin Jefferson.  On Tuesday, one of their greatest defensive ends, Jim Marshall, left this earth at the age of 87, per Adam Schefter of […]

The PWHL is growing by leaps and bounds. Their first expansion draft is set for June 9th, with Seattle and Vancouver entering into the mix. Thus creating more opportunities for current and future players. On Tuesday, the PWHL officially announced that a team of great talent will be available for the expansion teams, per ESPN. […]

It has been a roller coaster ride for Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz. On Sunday, Cruz hit a home run in honor of his sister, who passed away the previous day.  When he touched home plate, he made a heart gesture, likely in tribute to her.  As he deals with his grief, Cruz […]

Former Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant knows a thing or two about shooting his mouth off. After all, it was Bryant who lashed out at Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones after a loss to the 49ers in late October.  His gift for gab has gotten him into hot water again on Monday. Bryant took to social […]

Nobody can get enough of Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s face will be immortalized on the cover of Madden 26, set for release on Aug. 14. Now, the Philly favorite is officially partnering with the city’s Geno’s Steaks for his cheese steak sandwich, per Complex Sports.  Geno’s rebranded itself into “Steakquon’s’ to celebrate Barkley […]

The friendly confines are friendly again. The Chicago Cubs, disappointing players notwithstanding, are surging to one of their best starts.  As of Monday, the Cubs currently have the best record in the National League, per Bleacher Nation. They are 37-22 and leading the National League Central by four games over the St. Louis Cardinals.  In […]

South Carolina Women’s Basketball coach and basketball legend Dawn Staley is all over the place. In late April, the city of Columbia honored Staley with a statue celebrating her accomplishments for the state and the sport.  Her recently published memoir  “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All […]

The Florida Panthers are in their third straight Stanley Cup Final as they face the Edmonton Oilers beginning June 4. They are also looking to repeat as champions, and the way to do so is to remain healthy.  On Saturday, coach Paul Maurice spoke on the status of three players who missed practice, per Jordan […]

Los Angeles Angels fans are waiting on pins and needles for Mike Trout to recover from a recent injury. Meanwhile, they got a lot of bang for their bucket, seeing one of their most significant step up to the plate most unexpectedly.  On Friday, former Angel Troy Glaus pinched a hit for the exhibition team, […]

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is not broken but battered. Freeman continues to perform despite a recent ankle injury. So far, he’s batting .368 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs.  However, Freeman’s ankle troubles are getting the best of him, per Matthew Moreno Dodger Blue 1958. He admits to aggravating his ankle […]

Two days ago, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe was absent from the post-game press conference after defeating the San Franciso Giants. His absence sparked injury concerns. Those concerns became a reality on Friday when the Tigers placed Jobe on the injured list, per Evan Petzold of The Detroit News. The rookie right-hander is out with […]

Just a few days after Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams refuted rumors he didn’t want to play for them, coaches are saying something different.  According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the new coaching staff are questioning Williams’ commitment. Breer said as much during an appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast on Friday.  “I kind […]

The old saying is, “When one door closes, another one opens.” For USC Football, a door closed when five-star LB Xavier Griffen decommitted earlier this month.  But that door was opened up again on Friday. The No. 1 TE Mark Bowman officially committed, per Hayes Fawcett of On3Sports. The top pick in the class of […]

Two years ago, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued a stark warning about on-court/field stormings. He was seriously considering punishing fans for engaging in such behavior.  Fast forward to Friday, and that is becoming a reality. During SEC meetings, Sankey specifically outlined the following consequences for teams whose fans participate in storming, as reported by Jordan […]

USC men’s basketball is strengthening its roster from top to bottom. Recently, USC secured top scorer Jordan Marsh from UNC Asheville in the transfer portal.  Now, they’re adding a new dimension to their coaching staff with the hiring of former NBA player Earl Boykins as an assistant coach, per Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles […]