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josh allen
bills November 14, 2022
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Can the Buffalo Bills still win the Super Bowl? It’s up to Josh Allen

After losing 33-30 against the Minnesota Vikings (8-1), are the Buffalo Bills (6-3) still capable of winning a Super Bowl this season? 

Sunday afternoon’s loss makes it two straight for the Bills, which is concerning for a championship-caliber team. Coming into this season, the Bills were a +290 favorite to win the big game – they currently sit at +380. 

Yesterday’s defeat was an utter meltdown. Bills fans witnessed their team let victory slip through the grasp of their hands – something that can’t happen in a league where losing games has immense consequences.  

What happened Sunday afternoon?

Buffalo was up 27-10 with 16-minutes left to play and seemingly had the win secured. However, Minnesota stormed back.  

With two minutes remaining, on fourth-and-eighteen, Justin Jefferson hauled down a spectacular one-handed catch, putting the Vikings in position to force overtime. 

In the extended period, the Vikings converted a 33-yard field goal – giving previous NFL MVP betting favorite Josh Allen the ball back.  

Allen, on second-and-ten, threw his second interception of the game. He Forced a 20-yard pass into the endzone and gave Minnesota the come-from-behind win. 

Are the Bills looking to add to their roster?

Four defensive backs missed Sunday’s game with injuries (Jordan Poyer, Kaiir Elam, Tre’Davious White, and Micah Hyde). Hyde is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a neck injury on Sept. 24.  

Not only do the Bills have issues on the defensive of the ball, but offensively there are concerns as well. Recent reports have suggested that the Bills have plans to fix their problems on offense. They are reportedly interested in signing two-time All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. 

Von Miller – Bills superstar pass-rusher and close friend of OBJ, shared his thoughts on where he believes his friend will end up: 

“Let’s be real; he’s coming to the Bills. He’s coming to the Bills; it’s already said and done… I’m optimistic. When it’s said and done, you where Odell is gonna be at,”  

Miller said laughingly on The Richard Sherman Podcast 

Is the Bills’ season over?

Although Sunday’s loss was an embarrassment for the Bills mafia, if this team is who people expected them to be – it should not dictate how the rest of this season goes. 

In fact, every Super Bowl champion since 2018 has suffered back-to-back losses at some point in the season. Additionally, the Bills now find themselves in a familiar position. 

Familiar territory

Last season, the Bills went on a two-game losing streak despite being considered one of the NFL’s ‘elite’ contenders.

However, repeating that pattern this season – decreases the Bills’ chances of having home-field advantage in the postseason.  

Finishing as the No.1 seed in the AFC is something the Bills would have significantly benefited from – since the odds are not on their side. 

What does this mean for Josh Allen? 

“Losing sucks; sucks this way even worse. Horrendous second-half, I gotta be better, I gotta be better,”

Allen told reporters after blowing a double-digit lead 

Allen has an unrecognizable amount of talent; his ability to push the ball downfield is unmatched. However, if the Bills ever want a chance of making the Super Bowl, he must eliminate the mental errors.  

Though Allen has an unworldly ability to extend plays, this is the second week in a row he has cost his team by doing too much on the offensive side of the ball: 

History of Buffalo in the ‘big game’

Despite having four Super Bowl appearances, the Bills are one-of-twelve franchises never to earn a ring.  

From 1991-1994 the Bills appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls – failing to win one. In their first appearance, kicker Scott Norwood missed a game-winning last-second field goal. 

In the remaining three appearances, the Bills lost to the Washington Redskins [now Commanders] and got dominated by the Dallas Cowboys twice.  

The closest the Bills have been to a Super Bowl since then has been back-to-back AFC championship game appearances in 2020 and 2021. 

What now?

You never know what to expect from the Bills. It is always a constant roller coaster of emotions, and that is what makes this team so exciting.  

It will be fascinating to watch how they adjust heading into next week when they host the Cleveland Browns (3-6). 

Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira
israel adesanya November 11, 2022
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UFC 281: Can Israel Adesanya beat Alex Pereira this time around?

Israel Adesanya (23-1), the undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world, looks to retain his belt against former rival and now UFC star Alex Periera (6-1).  

Madison Square Garden, which has hosted historical fights like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier and Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, welcomes both these men on Saturday, Nov. 12, for UFC 281. 

For “The Last Stylebender” and the 35-year-old nicknamed “Poatan,” this Saturday will be the third time both men stand across from each other in hand-to-hand combat.  

In their first bout, despite being outstruck, Pereira landed the more damaging shots in the judge’s eyes, earning the controversial win. Adesanya has gone on record several times calling out his peers for not watching the first fight between the two: 

“Who’s actually seen the whole fight? Hands up… That’s one, two, three people, four, five. In a room full of how many? Exactly, you’re journalists, do your f*cking job,” Adesanya said at

Adesanya said at UFC 276 media day. 

 “I f*cked this guy up in the first fight. Not crazy, but the judges gave it to him. Second fight, I had him on skates, and I made a [bad] judgment call, an error on my part,” Adesanya added.  

What happened the second time around?

The “error” Adesanya is referring to is in his second matchup versus the two-time Glory Kickboxing world champion. Adesanya stepped into Pereira’s backyard in the rematch and fought him in Brazil.  

In the opening rounds, the 33-year-old superstar came out aggressive and pressured Pereira against the ropes – almost getting a stoppage in the second round.  

Unfortunately, Pereira weathered the storm and delivered a devastating left hook – leaving Adesanya unconscious in the middle of the ring. Pereira has been the only man to knockout “Izzy,” proving this matchup will be one you cannot miss.  

Transitioning into the UFC

That loss was Adesanya’s last kickboxing match. He would transition into mixed martial arts – later making his UFC debut in 2018. He proved his skillset was well suited for MMA, taking him only five fights in the organization before touching gold. 

During Adesanya’s quick rise to stardom, people talked about the chances of him possibly facing Pereira in a different sport: 

“After my UFC debut, he put a contract up [acting] like he’s coming to the UFC. I’m like, ‘alright, make your way up,’ I’ll f***k [Alex] up, 100 percent,”

Adesanya told The Joe Rogan Experience in 2019. 

Three years later, Adesanya can now avenge both losses in “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” 

Pereira signs with the UFC

Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pereira has been on a three-fight win streak. His most recent victory came by first-round knockout over Sean Strickland (25-4), the No. 4 ranked middleweight at the time.  

Since knocking off Strickland, Pereira is the only man Adesanya hasn’t cleared out in the middleweight division. Both men feel noticeably confident heading into this matchup. For Pereira, it is something he feels he can do for the third time. 

Pereira begins trash talk

“I will do my work and job like I would if I was fighting anyone else. I just focus on fighting for the title. …. I don’t know how [Adesanya] would possibly be over that [knockout]. It’s still in [Adesanya’s] mind,” Pereira said at UFC 281 media day. 

The trash talk didn’t just start for Pereira – he has been very vocal on social media, constantly poking fun at Adesanya for his training methods. 

How has Adesanya responded to his foe?

Meanwhile, the middleweight Champion has paid no attention to Pereira’s online antics.  

“You see Pereira. He’s been doing it all week, [actually] weeks he has been trying to [poke at me]. He has bragging rights; he can talk s**t. Let him talk s**t; I’m not going to react. But I will respond, and I will respond violently,”

Adesanya told Morning Kombat. 

Adesanya believes he’s the sole reason Pereira is given this opportunity. “We’re on a level where he is only here because of me. There’s no reason he should be here,” Adesanya said.  

“He [Pereira] is blessed. He’s building his career off [of] my back. So, I want to send him back… This [fight] will be the best [title defense] yet,”

Adesanya added. 

How to watch

Whichever side you favor heading into Saturday night, we can expect fireworks. Many questions will be answered, will Adesanya finally gain revenge? Or will Pereira prove he is the “boogeyman” of the division? 

UFC 281 is live from “The Garden” in New York City this Saturday. The card is also available on ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET Prelims | 10 p.m. ET Main Card ESPN+ PPV).  

football, colors of german flag
football November 9, 2022
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The NFL coming to Germany is a sign that something bigger is coming

Munich is known for its famous beer and October celebrations. Now people can say it is the site of Germany’s first real NFL game.

From 1990-1994, there were preseason games in Berlin – but nothing quite like what is expected on Sunday afternoon. 

“We are overwhelmed by the demand for tickets for our first-ever regular-season game in Germany… Tom Brady and the Bucs facing the Seahawks in November will be the biggest sporting event in Germany in 2022. Our fans can’t wait for the NFL to finally touch down in Germany,”

an NFL spokesperson said, according to ESPN.

Will the NFL expand?

Sunday’s game will be the second-to-last international NFL game – the final being in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 21 (The previous three were all played in London, U.K.). The NFL has made it its mission to expand its fanbase; five international games this year is just the start.  

Commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to create a Europe-only division, which is excellent news for European football fans who have not had NFL Europe since it was dismantled in 2007. 

Notable NFL players who played for European teams

As the anticipation builds for the historic game this weekend, here is a list of notable players that have played for European teams: 

James Harrison: LB, Rhein Fire (2004) 

Harrison is known for his insane off-season workouts, but did you know he was a member of the Rhein Fire in the NFL European league? 

Adam Vinatieri: K, Amsterdam Admirals (1995) 

Vinatieri is the first kicker to win four Super Bowls, producing game-winning field goals in two. Vinatieri is regarded as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history. 

William Perry: DL, London Monarchs (1996) 

Perry, also nicknamed “The Refrigerator,” was a part of one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history in 1985 when he played for the Chicago Bears. Aside from making highlight plays on both sides of the ball, the refrigerator spent some time playing for the Monarchs.  

What Germany can expect from Tom Brady

Germany will watch seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady take snaps this Sunday. The Los Angeles Rams were the victims in Brady’s patented come-from-behind victory yesterday evening. 

After trailing 13-9 with 0:44 remaining, Brady would get the ball back with a chance to win the game. From that point, he had four straight completions before finding tight end Cade Otton for the game-winning touchdown. 

Brady makes history

Not only did Brady keep the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes alive, but he also reached 100,000 career passing yards – something that seemed to be an unachievable milestone.  

“It’s all about the win man; it’s all about the win. I never cared about the [records]. It’s all about the win,”

Brady told the media when asked about his accomplishment.  

Looking ahead to Sunday

Brady was incredibly humble in the postgame interview by doubling down on his achievement. For the 45-year-old quarterback, nothing means more to him than winning – earning an eighth Super Bowl ring this year only adds to the list of triumphs we will likely never witness again.  

Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles shared his thoughts on the hall of fame quarterback:

“We always have a chance with [Brady], we’re are grateful to have him. He got over a hundred thousand yards; that’s a long-playing career for anybody. He still plays at a high level; we love the guy to death.” 

Brady will look to build on this momentum Sunday in front of eager fans at the Allianz Arena. 

Tom-brady GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY
Luka Dončić
basketball November 4, 2022
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Is Luka Dončić the best player in the NBA? Inside his journey and mindset

After scoring 33 points in a victory over the Utah Jazz (6-3), it is time people start talking about Luka Dončić as one of the best basketball players in the world.

Dončić is only the third player in NBA history to start the season with seven straight 30-point games; the 23-year-old superstar also leads the league in points per game at 36.1.

If the young guard continues on this path, it’s safe to say the Dallas Mavericks (4-3) have an incredibly bright future.  

“I always say, ‘I just wish to play in the NBA.’ This is really a dream for me, I couldn’t be happier to play basketball to be my job, and that’s it. I’m just happy to play basketball, and when we win, it’s even better,”

Dončić told reporters. 

It’s all about your mindset

Though Dončić comes off as a fun and relaxed guy, what makes him so elite is his championship mindset:

“I just know from last year, I had to start [this season] better because the way I started last year wasn’t exactly acceptable. So I tried to learn from that and just be better than last year” he later added.  

Dončić made it his mission to improve over the offseason, and his trainer, Anze Macek, said he wanted to begin working ‘immediately’ after the end of last season.  

“Shortly after the end of the season, he [Dončić] contacted me and said that he wanted to start fitness training immediately… When he went on vacation, he asked me for a work [out] plan… He is also increasingly aware of the importance of physical preparation. That’s why I believe in his progress,”

Macek told SportsKlub Slovenija.  

Life before the NBA

This championship-caliber mindset didn’t just begin for the Mavericks Guard; it is something he has carried with him since he was a young kid. Dončić became a pro basketball player at 13 years old; five years later, he would become the youngest EuroLeague MVP.  

Despite this huge accomplishment, Dončić would continue to work hard to silence doubters who felt any team that picked him was taking a ‘chance’ since he was a European player.  

How he dealt with criticism

“Dončić, at 6-foot-7, will get exposed for all the Dirk [Nowitzki Had]. Dirk’s not a great athlete. Dirk doesn’t have explosiveness. Dirk isn’t physical. Well, that’s what’s going to happen to Dončić because he doesn’t have the one thing nobody can bother or stop,” . 

Skip Bayless said on Undisputed, directly after the 2018 NBA draft. 

Well, Dončić continued to work in silence and prove critics wrong. He would earn the 2018-19 NBA rookie of the year award and average 31.0 points per game in the playoffs a season later against all-stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and the accompanying Los Angeles Clippers.  

However, after two first-round playoff exits against the Clippers – coming into the 2021-22 season, people were questioning if Dončić had what it took to propel a team deep into the playoffs. 

Only time will tell

Dončić would answer these questions come playoff time, making it all the way to game five of the Western Conference Finals. During this 15-game playoff run, the young phenom averaged 31.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field.  

Whenever people have questioned Dončić’s capabilities, he has answered impressively. It will be fascinating to see what questions he will answer this year when he looks to earn his first NBA Finals appearance. 

Aaron Rodgers
aaron rodgers November 1, 2022
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After losing to the Bills, are the Packers still an elite team?

After Sunday night’s 27-17 loss against the Buffalo Bills (6-1), many now wonder – can the Green Bay Packers (3-5) still compete for a Super Bowl? 

The Packers have dropped four straight after losing in primetime, something that four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not familiar with. Rodgers coming into this year has only had two losing seasons: 

“We gotta improve the discipline a little bit. Improve the discipline, then just improve the details. You know, the first play of the game, we are going the wrong way on offense and just [making] little detailed mistakes,”

Rodgers told reporters after the loss

Rodgers later added, “I thought we ran the ball well. I thought ‘Jonesy’ [Aaron Jones] had a great game; I thought AJ [Dillion] ran the ball hard. But, we are going to have to push the ball down the field in order to win games in this league.” 

Will Odell solve their issues?

The NFL tradeline is this coming Tuesday, and many “cheese heads” want to see a change on their roster – specifically in the receiving core. Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has recently shown interest in joining Rodgers in the cheese state.  

“Odell and I have been friends for a number of years now, so we keep in contact often. We talked various times over the years, and obviously with a player like that, you always [are] hoping that there’s a time where you can figure things out and play together,”

Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show. 

Whether they take the trading or free-agent route, change must happen if this team wants to contend for a championship. Yes, the Packers rushed for over 200 yards against the No. 1 defensive in the league. However, if you’re going to make it far, you have to air the ball out.  

How did the Packers lose?

Last night, the Packers dug themselves into a 24-7 hole heading into halftime – a lead that is nearly impossible for a team that can’t pass to come back from. Not only did the Packers have to conquer an insurmountable lead, that had to deal with injuries and mental mistakes.  

Wide receiver Christian Watson and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell had to leave the game after suffering injuries.

Not to mention linebacker Quay Walker, who was ejected in the second quarter after shoving a player on the sidelines. Walker’s ejection ended up extending the Bills’ lead before the half.  

What does the head coach think?

“It’s an unfortunate lesson that he’s got to learn. I hope it’s a good reminder for everyone on our football team because that’s the kind of stuff that I have zero tolerance for,”

Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur told the media after the game.  

“Mistakes are going to happen in this game. But, losing your cool, losing your poise, putting the team in jeopardy – I got no tolerance for that,” Lafleur added.  

What went wrong?

In the 2021-22 NFL season, the Packers finished No.1 in the NFC conference with a record of (13-4). A lot of the team’s success was due to the chemistry between Rodgers and former wide receiver Davante Adams. Together the two combined for the most touchdown passes in Green Bay history, at 68.  

Unfortunately, Green Bay decided they would roll with a heavy rookie receiving core – sending Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5). Eight games into this season, Rodgers’ struggles with his receivers have shown, already tying his interception count from last season with four.  

If the Packers want any chance of competing in early February, they will need more outside weapons for Rodgers to work with.  

jake vs. anderson
anderson silva October 27, 2022
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If Jake Paul defeats Anderson Silva, will he finally prove he belongs?

Does a win this weekend give Jake Paul the respect he deserves? 

YouTube sensation turned pro boxer Jake Paul (5-0) will be testing his skills against one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time Anderson Silva (3-1).

The main event will take place on Showtime pay-per-view at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday, Oct. 29. 

How Paul’s career began

It has been a short but impressive career thus far for “The Problem Child.” Paul, 25, earned his first TKO victory in 2020 over YouTuber Ali Eson Gib. “I thought I was going to be nervous,” Paul told reporters after his first-round win.  

“I thought there was going to be an adrenaline dump like in my first fight. But it literally felt like a sparring match. I was super calm, composed and just kept my movement. We stuck to the game plan even in the first two minutes.” 

Paul moves on

Paul would make his second fight ten months later look easy, flatlining NBA star Nate Robinson in the second round. After this vicious knockout, it was clear the boxer raining out of Cleveland, Ohio, needed a step up in competition.  

A step up in competition

Apr. 17, 2021, Paul earned his third straight TKO victory after defeating former Bellator champion Ben Askren in the first-round. Despite leaving all his opponents unconscious up to this point, many people wanted Paul to face an active fighter – not someone who is retired or plays a different sport.  

“Jake Paul is going into the ring against non-boxers. That has to stop. Now we need to see him against guys that actually fight, like box,”   

Stephen A. Smith told First Take on Apr. 19.  

When he took on former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, Paul attempted to answer these questions. In this eight-round war, Paul proved he could take a punch and had the cardio to make it competitive wherever the fight goes.  

Does beating Woodley twice earn some respect?

Still, it was not enough. People wanted more. Paul was then scheduled to fight Tommy Fury, Tyson Fury‘s half-brother. Paul versus Fury was supposed to reveal how the 25-year-old would deal with an actual professional boxer. Unfortunately, Fury pulled out due to a rib injury, forcing Jake Paul to rematch Woodley.  

In the rematch, at 2:12 in Round 6, Paul immaculately set up a right hand that left Woodley face down in the center of the canvas. The knockout seemingly gained some respect from fight fans: 

“If Jake Paul wasn’t Jake Paul. If he wasn’t this YouTube guy. If he was just a boxer, and you see a boxer knockout the former UFC welterweight champion… You’d be like, ‘oh man,’ have you seen this Jake Paul kid coming up?”

Joe Rogan said on The Joe Rogan Experience. 

Success breeds hate

Despite the viral knockout, people still failed to give Paul credit for his accomplishments: 

“Go out and fight a boxer. There are thousands of them, your weight, your age, in your prime… Please, Jake, next time, can you just fight a f***ing boxer? Someone in their prime. Please?” Michael Bisping said on his YouTube channel. 

After all the noise, Paul now finds himself set to fight Silva – something UFC president Dana White thought he would never dare to attempt.

“I f***ing guarantee you this; you aren’t going to see Jake Paul calling Anderson Silva out, that I f***ing promise you,”

White told the media on Sep. 14. 

White is not the only one thinking Paul is biting off more than he can chew. Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub told Fight Hub TV Silva “100 percent” beats Paul.

What Paul plans on doing Saturday

Despite all the backlash, Paul promises to deliver another spectacular performance:

“It’ll be a tough fight in the beginning. But, I’ll slowly pick him apart and create an opening and knock him out. I’m a knockout artist. That’s what I do. I set up my opponents, get them feeling comfortable, get them in the exact spot I want, and then put them away,”

Paul told ESPN’s Marc Raimondi 

How Paul can respect

Paul is taking a massive risk against the 47-year-old southpaw. Even though Paul has age on his side, Silva recently defeated former WBC champion Julio César Chávez Jr. (53-6-1). Despite many saying he was in way over his head, Silva earned the split-decision win.

Whether you like Jake Paul’s personality or not, you will have to give him his respect inside the ring if he delivers yet another knockout Saturday night.

lebron lakers
basketball October 24, 2022
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The Lakers still have not figured things out and it’s getting ugly

Currently in the hot seat are the Los Angeles Lakers and it’s not getting pretty.

As one of the most famous teams in basketball – people want to know why their beloved team is off to yet another rough start. The “Showtime Lakers” lost to the Warriors (2-1), Clippers (2-1), and now the Trail Blazers (3-0). 

What happened last night?

After losing Sunday night, it is clear the struggle for the Lakers is on the offense side of the ball. Point guard Russell Westbrook, shooting 28.9 % this season, was in charge of many miscues down the stretch. 

Late in the game, Westbrook was being guarded by Blazers center Jusuf Nurkić when he decided to go for a two-for-one opportunity with 30 seconds remaining. Westbrook missed the 16-foot jumper and gave the Blazers just enough chances to steal the win.  

How Portland got it done

“I wanted to keep Nurk [Nurkic] out there for rebounding purposes and even offensively, you know, he came up with a big layup in a big part of the game. But putting him on Russ [Russell], you know, we’re just going to play off of Russ in that moment. And if they come together, we’re just going to go over the screen and allow the offense to see what they were going to do with it,”

said Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups to the media after the win.  

These are not words you want to hear if you are a Lakers fan. Westbrook, who is being paid $44 million, was shut down by a center in last night’s affair. Westbrook’s shooting mishaps allow opponents to clog the paint, forcing them to take jump shots from the outside – which does not seem to be their forte.  

The Lakers’ biggest issue

Through three games, the Lakers have the second-worst 3-point shooting percentage per 100 attempts in the history of the NBA. The best shooter behind the arc is LeBron James, at 25.9%. After losing to the defending champions in game one, James went on record pointing out this obvious flaw: 

“I think we’re getting great looks, but it also could be teams giving us great looks. I mean, if we’re completely honest, we’re not a team that is constructed of great shooting. That’s just the truth of the matter. It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team,”   

James told reporters after the loss.  

Those are powerful words from the captain, who is seeking his fifth NBA championship. At 37-years-old, many believe it is safe to say LeBron’s championship aspirations can be put to rest if general manager Rob Pelinka does not make immediate changes to this roster.  

How outsiders are reacting

The Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 1st-round picks are available for trade, leaving many of the “Laker Faithful” hopeful of a package deal. A transaction including draft picks and Westbrook, who many feel is responsible for the Lakers’ struggles thus far.  

“You don’t have any shooters. That’s really what the bottom line is, and as a result of that, you are incredibly inferior. You looked at the Los Angeles Lakers last night; they looked like a team that knew they did not belong on the same court as a championship squad. They looked woeful as far as I’m concerned,”

Stephen A. Smith told the NBA Countdown show.  

NBA insider for ESPN, Adrian Wojnarowski, told the NBA Countdown show what he believes the Lakers plan to do with their team moving forward: 

“The expectation is there’ll be more sellers this year; you start to see the asking price and trades go down. It’s supply and demand. So, expect the Lakers, you know, to get to that 20-game point where teams kind of reach an inflection point about how they want to proceed and then see what might really be available to help improve this Lakers team.”

– Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

What is next? 

After finishing the 2021-22 regular season in 11th place with a 33-49 record, Lakers fans do not want to wait any longer.

With the most finals appearances at 32, the Lakers find themselves in what seems now to be familiar territory – outside the playoff hunt.  

The Lakers will try to earn their first win Wednesday, Oct. 26, when they travel to take on former MVP Nikola Jokić and the accompanying Denver Nuggets.  

Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev
10K80 October 21, 2022
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UFC 280: How Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev have already won

UFC 280 will feature No. 1 contender Charles Oliveira (33-8) facing off against No. 4 Islam Makhachev (22-1) in a fight for the vacant UFC lightweight title. The highly anticipated bout is on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. ET, in Abu Dhabi – exclusively on ESPN+ PPV. 

Former Brazilian champion Oliveira is coming off a round one submission victory over Justin Gaethje, a fight where his title was stripped after failing to make the 155-pound weight limit. Oliveira now looks to reclaim his throne against Russian challenger, Makhachev. 

Praise Makhachev has received

For Makhachev, this seems to be just another fight. His 10-fight win streak has been completed in dominating fashion – smothering his opponents until they eventually quit.

Makhachev is one of the most hyped-up contenders on the roster, with extreme support from friend and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“If Islam [Makhachev] beats Charles [Oliveira] and then beats new blood from [the] young generation… [If] Islam beats Charles, Islam beats three more fighters, Islam can be the greatest lightweight ever, you know, he has that potential,”

Nurmagomedov told TMZ Sports

Pre-Fight Press conference gets intense

Both men engaged in a heated back-and-forth exchange during the UFC 280 Pre-Fight Press conference: 

A tough path for both fighters

Despite being at the pinnacle of the sport, it has not been an easy road for any fighter by any means.

Win, lose or draw, both of these warriors have not only taken everything thrown their way in the octagon – they have taken everything life has thrown at them as well.  

Oliveira’s journey

Oliveira comes from São Paulo, Brazil. Raised in the favelas of Guarujá, São Paulo – Oliveira’s rough past has molded him into the champion he is known as. Oliveira has spoken numerous times about how life has hit him harder than he has ever been punched. 

“I lost friends to crime. Unfortunately, some died, others are in prison. I still know people who live off it, [crime] they chose it. But thanks to my mother, I chose the right side. We chose the right side, all my family, all my brothers. And bro, I say this a lot, sports save lives,”

Oliveira said on the Ironberg Podcast

Oliveira takes pride in where he comes from. After becoming the lightweight champion, he made it his mission to rebuild his community:

 “This is my grandma’s house; mine is in the back. Now, we are remodeling it, and it’s looking good. Every time I come here, I remember where I come from. I say, ‘Brother, it’s like this, I made it in life, you can make it too,”

Oliveira said in the UFC 274 Countdown Episode

Who knows where Oliveira would be now if not for mixed martial arts? Oliveira remembers his humble beginnings, now taking every opportunity to show fans that he is the “Kid from the favela that has made it.” 

Makhachev’s journey

Makhachev was born in Dagestan, Makhachkala – a place he pridefully represents each time he makes the walk to the octagon. 

PHOTO CRED: @ISLAM_MAKHACHEV INSTAGRAM

“This labor, building, digging, gathering, breeding livestock, it’s all physical labor. Hard work is in our DNA. We worked out using stones, often running up the mountain, sometimes three times a day working out using stones. These harsh conditions create real men,”

Makhachev said in his UFC Origins dedication

“When I started with MMA, my goal wasn’t to become a UFC champion. Representing our republic, our country, is the reason I fight,” Makhachev added.  

What have we learned?

Fireworks will be expected inside the cage this weekend. Both contenders will be looking to prove that everything they have endured in their life was for this opportunity.

Despite what happens in the expected barnburner Saturday afternoon, let us all take a moment to appreciate everything these fighters have been through in their rise to the top.

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NY Giants
football October 17, 2022
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Did the NY Giants surpass the Bills as the best football team in New York?

It is time the NY Giants (5-1) earn some respect as one of the top contenders in the Empire State. 

In yesterday’s Sunday afternoon, “Big Blue” had to battle back in impressive fashion to earn their third straight victory. The Giants outscored the traveling Baltimore Ravens (3-3) by 14 points in the remaining six minutes to complete the comeback.  

The Giants are no strangers to second-half comebacks, having completed one last Sunday in London against the Green Bay Packers (3-2). The “G-Men,” although down 10-20 at halftime, kept the four-time MVP out of the endzone in the remaining two quarters to win the game 27-22.  

What happened?

Safety Jordan Love got it started for the Giants, intercepting the former MVP and returning it for 27 yards, putting his team in perfect scoring position with 3:04 left to play.  

Superstar running back Saquon Barkley, on 1st and goal from the Ravens’ 1-yard line, went airborne to give the G-Men their first lead of the day with 1:43 remaining.

Fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, sealed the game for the Giants after a strip-sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson with 1:40 left on the clock.

It was Thibodeaux’s first sack of the season, an emotional one for him that could not have come at a more crucial time. 

“I’m just proud of the way they compete. You know, we talked about trying to play fast, trying to play physical, being resilient, and finishing. And, you know, throughout the game, I thought those showed up, obviously not perfect – there’s certainly a lot of things we can fix, that’s why we will be in tomorrow and try to fix them. I am just proud of the way the guys competed,”

Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll to reporters after the win. 

What were the predictions?

After a miserable 4-13 record last season, coming into the start of this year, Vegas sports bookmakers had the Giants winning seven games – two shy of their current total. The lines were over 6.5 (-125) and under 6.5 (+105). 

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The odds indicate you would have had to bet $125 to make $100 if you bet over the number of wins, or you could make $105 if you bet $100 under 6.5 wins.

Additionally, oddsmakers have the Giants currently at a +5000 to win the Super Bowl – whereas the Buffalo Bills (5-1) are at +290 right now.

What does history say? 

The Giants play best when counted out, despite what the lines may say.

In 2012, the Giants finished the season 9-7, and even though everyone looked past them, they were able to get past the wild-card game and make it to the Super Bowl – where they beat Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady. 

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Yes, the Bills are known for their dedicated fan base known as the “Bills Mafia,” but it is important to note they have not made a Super Bowl appearance since 1991, and they have a record of 0-4 in the big game. 

Biggest takeaway 

New York fans should remember the Giants are dangerous when able to make the postseason, having a 58.8% playoff winning percentage since 1997.

This young, poised, and talented group of men seems to be what it takes to make a run late in the season. 

With eleven regular-season games left to play, it is still not too late for New Yorkers to swap their jerseys before next Sunday.

Davante Adams
bobby wagner October 15, 2022
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Davante Adams pushes cameraman, Bobby Wagner tackles protestor

According to ESPN, Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams was charged with misdemeanor assault of a stadium employee following a tough loss.

After losing Monday night in Kansas City to the Chiefs, Adams shoved a photographer to the ground while leaving the field, an inexcusable act that cannot go unnoticed by the media. 

Ryan Zebley, the freelancing cameraman working for ESPN during the contest – claimed to have suffered whiplash, headaches, and a minor concussion after Adams pushed him on his way to the locker room.  

The 29-year-old wideout is set to appear in court on Nov. 10. If Adams is convicted, he is looking at up to six months of jail time or a fine that can be upwards of $1,000.  

Adams apologizes

Adams, after the game, went on social media and immediately apologized for his actions.  And immediately following the game, he addressed it to reporters saying, Adams told reporters after the loss saying,

“Before I answer anything else, I want to apologize to the guys and some guy running off the field. He ran and jumped in front of me, we are coming off the field, and I bumped into him and kind of pushed him, and he ended up on the ground. So, I want to say sorry to him for that. That was frustration mixed with him literally just running in front of me. I shouldn’t have responded that way, but that’s how I initially responded, so I want to apologize to him for that,”

Should we accept his apology?

Despite the apologies, Adams’ actions were completely uncalled for – as one of, if not the best, receiver in the league, he cannot allow other players to think this behavior is acceptable.  

The damage cannot be undone; a tough loss likely to diminish the Raiders’ chances of making the playoffs does not mean players can take their frustrations out violently against innocent people.  

Bobby Wagner’s incident

What Adams did is entirely different than Los Angeles Rams (2-3) middle linebacker Bobby Wagner’s tackle on a fan during his game versus the San Francisco 49ers (3-2).  

Wagner laid out a protestor who ran onto the field during intermission; in Wagner’s defense – he tackled him out of safety concerns.

Wagner told reporters after the Monday night affair,

“We don’t know what that fan got or what they are doing. You see it all the time, and we don’t know what they’re carrying in their pockets… I think security is doing the best they can, and that was an opportunity for me to help,”

The media reacts

It is clear that Adams’ and Wagner’s intentions were different; the star receiver wrongfully acted with pure emotion without any remorse for the bystander. While the veteran linebacker was trying to diffuse the situation and ensure everyone was safe.  

Thankfully, Adams’ actions are not going unrecognized in the media’s eye: 

What should the NFL do?

The NFL needs to start producing more ways to keep staff safe – violence outside of the game itself should not be tolerated. 

Players need to understand that Adams’ egregious acts are unacceptable and hold no place on live television or sports, for that matter.