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  • Top Draft Classes of the 2026 NFL Draft: Winners and Losers

    The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

    The city of Pittsburgh set a new record, with an attendance of over 805,000 people, over the 3-day event.

    257 players had their dreams come true, hearing their names called on stage.

    The 1st pick wasn’t a surprise as National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winning QB Fernando Mendoza went to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    The Raiders also ended the epic slide of CB Jermod McCoy, when they took him with the 101st pick, in the 4th round. The slide was due to medical reports on his knee, otherwise he’d been takin in the 1st round.

    There were 11 Ohio State Buckeyes taken, the most in this 2026 NFL Draft Class.

    There were 10 Quarterbacks drafted.

    There were a whopping 36 WRs drafted.

    The Naval Academy had 2 players selected this year. DT Landon Robinson with the 226th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick, to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were taken in the 7th round.

    Mr. Irrelevant (the name for the player chosen last in the draft), is Red Murdock, LB, from the University of Buffalo.

    There were quite a few really good classes this year. Teams did really well at addressing needs and playing the board.

    There were also a few stinkers, as well.

    So, without further ado, here are a few of the best and worst team class this year.

    My Cleveland Browns had one of the best draft classes, however, I will be writing a stand-alone article on them, so they are not included here.

    BEST – Carolina Panthers.

    • Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
    • Pick 49: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
    • Pick 129: CB Will Lee lll, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats
    • Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks

    Every single one of these picks, have the chance to be full-time starters, either this season or next season. Freeling might be starting Day 1, because LT Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a major season ending injury late last season, and RT Taylor Morton is 31 years old and has only 2 years left on his contract.

    WORST – Jacksonville Jaguars

    • Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins
    • Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils
    • Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars
    • Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears
    • Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal
    • Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

    I’m not even going to pretend to know, what the hell the Jaguars were doing. I’m sure this all makes sense in their heads, not only myself, but some Jaguars fans that I spoke to, are completely baffled. I will say this though…. OG Emmanuel Pregnon is a D-A-W-G!!! He was one of my favorite offensive linemen in this entire class.

    WORST – San Francisco 49ers

    • Pick 33: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi Rebels
    • Pick 70: ED Romello Height, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 90: HB Kaelon Black, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 107: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners
    • Pick 127: T Carver Willis, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
    • Pick 179: T Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

    At least with the 49ers, I knew what their gameplan was here. They’re wanting Stribling to be the replacement for Aiyuk…..OK, but there were better players on the board. I do like CB Prysock. He’s a big corner with long arms, and does a good job locating the ball when it’s in the air. LT Trent Williams is probably retiring after this season, and by taking 2 OTs in Willis and Cruz Jr, they’re hoping for a mid/late round steal. It ain’t happening.

    BEST – New York Jets

    • Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 103: DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
    • Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
    • Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
    • Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what the New York Jets did in this class.
    They got the #1 rated DE/EDGE rusher.
    They got the #1 rated TE.
    They got my #4 WR prospect.
    They got the #1 rated Slot CB, who CAN play outside as well.
    Let me tell you, when Darrell Jackson keeps his hands disciplined and in line with his hips and feet, he just dominates inside. So much potential.
    QB Cade Klubnik had a down season, but he has great timing and accuracy on all levels of the field, with a smooth throwing motion. Do NOT be surprised, if he easily beats out Brady Cook for the backup QB spot, and plays significant time if Geno Smith struggles as the starter.

    WORST – Dallas Cowboys

    • Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
    • Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines
    • Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators
    • Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates

    They had THE BEST pick in the 1st round, with the #1 overall player in the entire draft (safety Caleb Downs) just fall into their lap. After that, they completely tanked. They wanna get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, that’s great, but there were far better options at 23, 92, and even 137. It’s like they just threw spaghetti on the wall, and hoping that something sticks. OT Drew Shelton struggles against good competition, and the NFC East is a tough place for linemen.

    BEST – Miami Dolphins

    • Pick 12: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Aztecs
    • Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
    • Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers
    • Pick 158: S Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
    • Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State Bulldogs
    • Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas Longhorns

    Other than their first pick (OT Kadyn Proctor), who is going to absolutely fail miserably, this is a GREAT draft by Miami. CB Chris Johnson is a Day 1 starting cornerback. LB Jacob Rodriguez is a turnover machine and is always around the football. WR Chris Bell was a LOCK to be a 1st Round WR before he tore his ACL late last season. He’s a great X WR and will be starting as soon as he is medically cleared. LB Kyle Louis is a tacking machine. S Michael Taaffe can do everything you need a safety to do.

    In summary, the 2026 Draft Class will go down as one of the strangest classes of all-time, certainly in my lifetime. Shocking picks, epic slides, a record-breaking number of trades, kept not just the teams on their toes, but fans on the edge of their seats or wondering….. “What the heck are they doing?”

    For the delicious breakfast bowls and bagels, as well as high protein snacks, and boba drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for special drinks and menu items.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Information courtesy of…..NFL, ESPN, and PFF.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and WTAE.

  • Best and the Worst, from the 1st Round, of the 2026 NFL Draft.

    The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books.

    In front of a record crowd of 320,000 people, we got the chaos and surprises that come, when nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen after pick #1.

    Indiana Hoosiers Heisman Trophy winning and National Championship QB, Fernando Mendoza went 1st to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    We all knew that the New York Jets were going to take a pass rusher; we just didn’t know which one. Was it going to be David Bailey, Arvell Reese, or Rueben Bain. They decided on Bailey from Texas Tech.

    The Arizona Cardinals decided to kick off the chaos by selecting HB Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame with the 3rd pick. He was my #2 overall player in this class. The highest a running back had been taken since 2018 (Saquon Barkley to the New York Giants).

    WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State, was the first WR to come off the draft board. But it wasn’t to the Cleveland Browns (my team), it was to the Tennessee Titans at #4.

    For the best high protein breakfast, as well as boba teas, drinks and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street

    Rounding out the Top 5, the New York Giants took pass rushing LB/EDGE, Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Making it back-to-back Buckeyes.

    For all 32 selections you can watch or visit ESPN or NFL Network.

    Without further ado, here are the best and worst of the 1st Round.

    Best overall pick – Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State.

    The Cowboys trade up from #12 to #11 for the best overall player in the entire class in Caleb Downs. He’s an elite, versatile safety, with exceptional football IQ and excellent leadership. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves safeties that can play in the box, and single high. Downs is the perfect fit. Parker had to be doing backflips in the war room.

    Worst overall pick – Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Banks – DT – Florida.

    As soon as I saw this pick, I KNEW my friend Nick was not going to be happy, and he did not disappoint me and my fellow LabRoomFam in our group chat.

    He’s a big 6’6″, 327 lbs defensive lineman, that struggles in run stopping, and has had, not one, not two, but three, foot surgeries already. While he does a good job of splitting lineman, his pass rushing skills and moves are not polished, relying on his quick get off, which to be fair is quite good. They took the 4th best DT in the 1st round.

    For the best artisan pizzas and homemade pies in Van Wert County, stop by The Local Slice in Convoy, Ohio.

    Biggest surprise – Houston Texans – OG – Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech.

    I swear, the Texans do not believe in offensive line positions other than center. They just draft offensive guards and stick them at the other 4 positions. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rutledge, he was my OG3, but they need tackles. Are they just gonna line up and play old school, downhill, pound the rock, smashmouth football? As everyone knows, that’s my favorite style, but it’s unrealistic in today’s game.

    Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft are Friday Night, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..MSN and yahoosports.

  • 3 Bold Predictions for the 2025-26 NFL Season.

    Graphic featuring the text 'NFL BOLD PREDICTIONS' with a football motif and a logo in the corner.

    The 2025-26 NFL season is finally upon us. It was an off-season of holdouts, especially at the wide receiver position. Khalil Shakir (BUF), Rashod Bateman (BAL), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (CIN), and Terry McLaurin (WASH), all got contract extensions.

    Most recently, the biggest off-season move was made when the Dallas Cowboys traded star DE/OLB Micah Parson to the Green Bay Packers for two 1st round picks and DT Kenny Clark.

    It was a top heavy draft, with the Cleveland Browns making a surprise move. Trading the #2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #5 pick and their 1st round pick next season.

    The Jaguars took CB/WR Travis Hunter from Colorado, and the Browns ended up taking DT Mason Graham from Michigan (see previous article on my thoughts on this trade and pick).

    With so much movement in the offseason, here are my 3 bold predictions for the season.

    1) New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll will be fired during the season.

    New York Giants logo with a distressed blue and gray background.

    Daboll has a 19-33-1 career record through his first three seasons as a head coach. He does have a veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has looked good through camp and preseason.

    The early season schedule is tough. Opening with games at Washington, at Dallas, home against Kansas City, and home against Los Angelos Chargers, all in the first four games of the season. He cannot afford to start 0-4, or even 1-3.

    They get the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles on Weeks 8 and 10. I can easily see them being 0-8, and he gets the boot midseason.

    2) Trevor Lawrence will throw for over 4,000 yards this season.

    A football player in a blue jersey with the number 16, wearing a black helmet and celebrating passionately on the field.

    Lawrence only played in 10 games last season. With two 1st round draft picks at the wide receiver position in second year wideout Brian Thomas Jr (87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 TDs), and Heisman Trophy winner, rookie Travis Hunter (171 catches, 2,167 yards, and 24 TDs, in 2 seasons at Colorado).

    New offensive coordinator Liam Coen had Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield in the Top 3 last season. I fully expect him to scheme up ways to make Trevor successful this season.

    3) Both Browns rookie players DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger will finish in the Top 5 for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

    Two Cleveland Browns players practicing on a football field during training camp. One player, wearing jersey number 94, is sprinting while the other, in jersey number 49, is holding a football and running drills.

    The Browns defense under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is stout. Of course, with former DPOTY Myles Garrett commanding double and triple teams, this will leave Mason Graham with 1 on 1 matchups against interior lineman. With his aggression, strong hands, and agility, he’ll win those matchups consistently.

    With Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out this season with a possible career ending neck injury (news I broke first before Mary Kay or ESPN), Carson Schwesinger has the speed to run sideline to sideline, and has incredible instincts to sniff out the football.

    With Garrett and Graham rushing the passer, and CB Denzel Ward locking down one half of the field, Carson will make double digit tackles every single game.

    Write it down. Bookmark it. My 3 bold predictions.

    An array of NFL team logos displayed in circular designs, featuring teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and others against a light background.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

    Stats courtesy of…..NFL.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, wallpapers, WKBN, drroto.

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  • NFL News, NBA and NHL Conference Finals Set, MLB Pitcher Test Positive, Scores, and more.

    An artistic collage of NFL team helmets arranged in a circular pattern around the NFL logo set against a colorful background.

    NFL NEWS.

    The San Francisco 49ers have signed their starting quarterback Brock Purdy to a 5-year $265 million dollar contract extension, including $181 million dollars guaranteed. The new contract runs through the 2030 season.

    Purdy made a total of $2.6 million in his first three seasons combined, now he’ll have an average salary of $53 million dollars, which is $2.9 million per week.

    The old saying “He who laughs last, laughs the hardest”. Well, Purdy who is known as “Mr. Irrelvant” for being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is laughing all the way to the bank.

    In his career, Purdy has completed 67.5% of his passes, for 9,518 yards, with 64 TDs and 27 INTs.

    NBA PLAYOFFS.

    An infographic displaying the NBA playoff bracket for the current season, featuring matchups between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

    The NBA Conference Finals are now set.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the West.

    The Thunder and Wolves split the season series 2-2.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The #3 seeded New York Knicks will take on the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers in the East.

    The Knicks got the season series 2-1.

    This is a great nostalgia feel for me. Brings back memories of the Knicks-Pacers rivalry games in the 90’s.

    Game 1 is Wednesday night, in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    NHL playoff bracket showing matchups for the Conference Finals, including teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and more.

    The Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup are now finally set.

    In the West, the C2 Dallas Stars will take on the P3 Edmonton Oilers.

    Game 1 is Wednesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    In the East, the A3 Florida Panthers will take on the very rested M2 Carolina Hurricanes.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Charlotte, at 8:00 PM (EST), on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    Philadelphia Phillies P Joe Alvarado has been suspended by Major League Baseball for the next 80 games, after testing positive exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhacing drug.

    Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Joe Alvarado wearing a grey uniform with red accents, holding a baseball glove and looking upwards, in a stadium setting.

    The suspension is effective immediately and also disqualifies him from being eligible to play in the postseason, if the Phillies make the playoffs.

    Alvarado will not appeal the suspension.

    My Aunt Chris’ teams continue to beat mine in 2025, as her Cincinnati Reds complete the weekend sweep against my Cleveland Guardians with a 3-1 win yesterday afternoon.

    The Milwaukee Brewers ended the Minnesota Twins 13-game winning streak with a 5-2 win.

    The Cubs sweep the White Sox with a 6-2 win.

    The Yankees take two out of three from the Mets in the Subway Series, as they get the 8-2 victory last night.

    OTHER NEWS.

    The PWHL’s (Professional Women’s Hockey League) Walter Cup Finals are set.

    The Ottawa Charge will take on the defending champion Minnesota Frost.

    I’m very much looking forward to this series. Both teams have good goalie tandems and strong forward lines.

    Two female hockey players competing on the ice, one in a red jersey and the other in a white and purple jersey, with a focus on their intense gameplay and teamwork.

    Women’s hockey doesn’t get enough love or credit.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, at TD Place in Ottawa, at 7:00 PM (EST), on TSN and RDS for Canada, and on FanDuel Sports Newtwork North and YouTube for America.

    Prediction – I love that Ottawa has made it here, it’s good for the city and the fans, but Minnesota has been here before.

    Frost forwards Kendall Coyne-Schofield (12G-12A-24P) and Taylor Heise (8G-14A-22P) just always seem to be around the puck in the big moments this season. The Frost also have a big edge on the Powerplay and Penalty Kill.

    I’m taking Minnesota to repeat as Walter Cup Champions winning in 4 games.

    A female hockey player in a white jersey with purple accents joyfully holds up a championship trophy above her head, celebrating a victory in front of a cheering crowd.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB, NWHL, NFL.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, bleacherreport, totalprosports, kare11, chicagotribune.

  • NFL Schedule Released, Wolves Return, Celtics Still Alive, Oilers Punch, And So Much More.

    Image showcasing the 2025 NFL schedule release featuring player images and game matchups.

    NFL NEWS.

    The NFL released its’ full schedule for all 32 teams last night. The regular season kicks off on September 4th, when the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles take on their hated division rival, the Dallas Cowboys.

    I’ll be writing up articles on my Cleveland Browns schedule and on the best games of the upcoming season, in the following days, so stay tuned.

    For the full list, every game, for every team, including your favorite team, go to…… http://nfl.com

    NBA PLAYOFFS.

    A visual representation of the NBA playoff bracket, showing matchups including the Thunder vs. Grizzlies, Nuggets vs. Clippers, Lakers vs. Timberwolves, and Rockets vs. Warriors, along with the Eastern Conference matchups featuring Cavaliers, Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Knicks, Pistons, Celtics, and Magic.

    The #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves are returning to the Western Conference Finals, after defeating the #7 seeded Golden State Warriors 121-110 last night, to win the series 4-1, in front of their home fans.

    The Timberwolves shot 62.8% from the field last night, as all 5 starters scored in double digits. Full game highlights below.

    PF led the team in points last night with 29. He tied for the lead in rebounds with C Rudy Gobert, as both had 8. SG Anthony Edwards led the team with 12 assists.

    They now await the winner of the Thunder-Nuggets series.

    The #2 seeded Boston Celtics are still alive, after defeating the #3 New York Knicks 127-102 to make it a 3-2 series. Full game highlights above.

    It was a do or die game for the Celtics at home, and the shots finally started falling for the defending NBA Champions. Boston shot 52.4% from the field last night, making 44.9% from 3.

    PG Derrick White led the team with 34 points. Backup C Luke Kornet came off the bench and led the team in rebounds with 9. Star SG Jaylen Brown in assists with 12, and added 26 points as well.

    Game 6 is Friday night, in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    A graphic displaying the NHL playoff bracket, featuring team logos and seeding information on a colorful background.

    The P3 Edmonton Oilers have punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the 2nd straight season, with a 1-0 overtime victory against the P1 Vegas Golden Knights, to win the series 4-1.

    Oilers RW Kasperi Kapanen scored the game winning goal in a mad scramble in front the net, at 7:19 of the overtime period.

    Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner got his 2nd straight Stanley Cup Playoffs shutout, stopping all 24 shots he faced. Game winning shot below.

    The Oilers will face the winner of the series between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars.

    MLB SCORES.

    The Phillies and Cardinals split their double header yesterday. PHI won the first game 2-1, while STL won the second game 14-7.

    The Twins swept their double header against the Orioles, 6-3 and 8-6.

    The Brewers finally get a win over the Guardians 9-5.

    Yankees beat the Mariners 3-2.

    Tiger beat the Red Sox 6-5.

    The Dodgers win 9-3 over the Athletics.

    The Pirates, once again, beat the Mets, winning 4-0.

    Question of the day – Are you going to attend any NFL games this season???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Subscribe, follow, like, and comment.

    Follow me on X(Twitter)….. @JoeAmerican6771 and @allsportsfancom

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and bleacherreport.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..bleacherreport and YouTube.

  • #1 Seed Eliminated, Superstar Player Has Surgery, NFL Schedule Releases, Coach Involved in Sexual Assault Scandal Hired, and so much more.

    A graphic illustrating the NBA playoffs bracket, showing the teams and matchups, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.

    NBA FINALS PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    My #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers have officially been eliminated from the NBA Finals Playoffs, losing to the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers 4-1, with a 114-105 loss last night.

    The injury bug finally got his teeth into the Cavaliers at the worst possible time. Superstar SG Donovan Mitchell with an ankle injury, PF Evan Mobley, SF De’Andre Hunter, all missed time in this series.

    The shots just weren’t falling for the Cavaliers in this series. The momentum that came from winning 60+ games in the regular season and sweeping the Miami Heat, just didn’t follow them into the 2nd round.

    The Pacers budding stars played their best this series. PG Tyrese Haliburton and PF Pascal Siakam stepped up when it was needed throughout this series. Full game highlights below.

    PG Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 31 points and 8 assists, while SF Aaron Nesmith brought in 13 rebounds.

    The Pacers await the winner between the #2 seeded Boston Celtics and the #3 seeded New York Knicks.

    The Knicks lead that series 3-1.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 112-105 last night, to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points and 7 assists. F Jalen Williams led the team with 8 rebounds.

    Nuggets C Nikola Jokic had a big night in a losing effort, scoring 44 points, bringing in 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Full game highlights below.

    Game 6 is Thursday night, in Denver, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    Boston Celtics superstar SF Jayson Tatum had surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon yesterday.

    He suffered the injury late in the 4th quarter of the Celtics Game 4 loss to the Knicks on Monday.

    No timetable has been given for his return.

    NFL NEWS.

    The NFL released the schedule for their international games this upcoming season.

    NFL International Games 2025 schedule overview with matchups and locations including São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Madrid.

    The Minnesota Vikings have 2 games overseas this upcoming season, including one against my Cleveland Browns on October 5th.

    My fellow LabRoomFam and close friend Nick, might have to put another wager on that game. I won the last bet on 10/3/21, when the Browns beat the Vikings 14-7 in Minnesota.

    Games will be played in England, Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

    The full schedule release will be tonight at 8:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    NHL playoff bracket showing matchups and team rankings for the tournament.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnipeg Jets last night 3-1, to take a big 3-1 lead in the series.

    Stars C Mikael Granlund got his first career playoff hat trick, scoring goals in all 3 periods, including 2 of them on the powerplay.

    Stars goalie Jake Gettinger stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced.

    See all 3 goals below.

    Game 5 is Thursday night, in Winnipeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The Anaheim Ducks have hired Joel Quenneville as their new head coach.

    The 66-year-old is 2nd in NHL history with a record of 969-572-150, in stints with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers.

    He’s been out of the league since October 27th, 2021, when he was fired by Florida Panthers, after he covered up evidence, of sexual assault on former Blackhawks player Kyle Beach, by then video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

    A man with a white mustache stands speaking to reporters, surrounded by microphones and smartphones, with a sports team logo in the background.

    My personal opinion is that this is a disgusting move. Quenneville deserves to be banned from coaching at any level, in any league, anywhere in the world.

    It’s a disgrace to victims of sexual assault of both sexes everywhere. He knowingly covered up evidence and misled law enforcement and NHL investigators.

    I’m ashamed of the NHL for even allowing this to happen. It puts a dark pall on what has been a very exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed all-time hits leader Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and others from the leagues permanently ineligible list.

    They had all been banned from anything MLB related for admitting to gambling and in Jacksons’ case “fixing” the 1919 World Series.

    They will now all be eligible for the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

    A baseball player wearing a red cap and jacket, looking serious while glancing over his shoulder against a blurred background.

    In my personal opinion, lifting the ban on Pete Rose in long overdue. He never lost games on purpose. Lifting the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is a disgrace to the game of baseball and all sports. He and others intentially rigged the 1919 World Series. There should never, ever be a place of forgiveness in any sport, for that.

    Guardians beat the Brewers 2-0.

    The Detroit Tigers continue to surprise everyone, as they beat the Boston Red Sox 10-9.

    The Mariners beat the Yankees 2-1, in extra innings (11).

    The Dodgers get smoked by the Athletics 11-1.

    A Seattle Mariners player celebrating joyfully on the field, wearing a Mariners uniform and a teal headband, with fans cheering in the background.

    Question of the day – Do agree that Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s bans deserve to be lifted???

    Drop a comment telling me why or why not.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, ESPN, bleacherreport, MSN.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..NFL, SI, MLB, MSN, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

  • NFL News, New Champion, Legend Retires, Hall of Famer Announced, NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup, and more.

    Grid of NFL team logos, including logos from various teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.

    NFL NEWS.

    Quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire, after 11 seasons in the NFL. The former Raiders and Saints QB attended Fresno State and was the 36th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He finishes his career throwing for 41,245 yards, with 257 TDs and 112 INTs.

    Rookie mini camps were held over the weekend. Jaguars #2 pick WR/CB Travis Hunter took snaps on the offensive side of the ball. HC Liam Coen said that Hunter will get defensive reps next week. Browns #5 pick DT Mason Graham made headlines after he was caught vomiting on the field. HC Kevin Stefanski blew it off saying that he simply ate too much.

    MMA NEWS.

    Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defeated Belal Muhammad (24-4) to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion, in an absolute slugfest. The judges gave Jack the UD win with scores of 48-47 (x2) and 49-46. Jack has now won 18 straight fights. His last lost coming way back in 2016.

    Some things just seem to stay the same. Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defended her Women’s Flyweight Championship for a record 10th time, defeating Manon Fiorot (12-2) by UD. 48-47 (x3).

    Featherweight legend Jose Aldo (32-10), retired in the octagon after losing to Aiemann Zahabi (13-2).

    A muscular mixed martial artist wearing a UFC championship belt and a shirt with a photo of a woman, standing in front of a Brazilian flag.

    Former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame later this year.

    Belfort (26-14) burst onto the scene when he won the UFC Heavyweight Tournament back in 1997, at only 19 years of age.

    In 2013, his legal use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) became a worldwide sports controversy. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later banned TRT, from competition without medical proof of necessity.

    He holds career wins against legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.

    NBA Playoffs.

    Graphic displaying the NBA playoff bracket with team matchups and seedings.

    The #4 seeded Indiana Pacers defeated the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, to take a 3-1 series lead.

    PF Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points. C Myles Turner had 7 rebounds, and PG T.J. McConnell had 8 assists.

    Game 6 is Tuesday night, in Cleveland at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 92-87, to tie the series at 2-2.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 25 points and 6 assists. C Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds to lead the team.

    Game 5 is also on Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    A graphic depicting the NHL playoff bracket, showcasing the matchups and seeds for the 2023 playoffs.

    The A3 and defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, defeated the A1 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0, to tie the series at 2-2.

    Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got his 5th career playoff shutout, stopping all 23 shots attempted.

    Tempers flared at the end of the game, when Maple Leafs C Max Domi (Pussycat Max, as I call him), landed his latest in a long career of cheap shots, this time on Panthers C Aleksander Barkov.

    Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Toronto, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnepeg Jets 5-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

    Stars RW Mikko Rantanen continues his incredible playoff run with another 3 points (1G/2A). Full game highlights below.

    Game 4 is Tuesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    MLB NEWS.

    Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0.

    In a battle of division leaders, the Mets beat the Cubs 6-2.

    League leading Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.

    Surprising Tigers lose to the Rangers 6-1.

    The Rockies actually win a game!!! Beating the Padres 9-3.

    OTHER NEWS.

    A digital bracket showcasing the results of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, displaying team logos, series scores, and results for various matchups in different divisions.

    Congratulations to my Aunt Chris’ as her Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets 4 games to 2 and advance to the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.

    Question of the day – Did your favorite team make the playoffs?

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB, ECHL, NBA, bleacherreport, UFC.

    Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, UFC, ECHL, bleacherreport, and YouTube.