Home Archives for September 2024
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With Aidan Hutchinson Recording 4.5 Sacks Against the Bucs, Who Holds the Record For Most Sacks In a Game?


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It was certainly a good day for Aidan Hutchinson. The Detroit Lions defensive end established his dominance in the very first quarter of the game with three sacks within 10 minutes. If he had kept with the same pace, the NFL would have had to add a new page to its history books.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are missing their right tackle Luke Goedeke and Hutchinson is taking full advantage of the fact. He swiftly equaled his previous career high against RT Justin Skule and QB Baker Mayfield with three back-to-back sacks. He did this too, with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. This got some fans wondering if they could see some new milestones in the game.

Currently, the Chiefs legend and arguably one of the best pass rushers of all time, Derrick Thomas holds the record for most sacks in a game at 7. The Chiefs loyalist completed the feat back in 1990 against the Seattle Seahawks. He is followed by Khalil Mack, Adrian Clayborn, Osi Umenyiora, and Fred Dean all tied at 6 sacks in a game.

While the Chiefs have Derrick Thomas ruling on the top spot with the most sacks in a game, when it comes to overall teams, it is quite a different story!

The Eagles Rule with the Most Sacks Recorded In a Game

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles have had one of the most formidable defenses throughout the years. Back in 1952, they scored a whopping 14 sacks against the New York Giants which is still unbroken to this day, as per StatMuse. Almost poetically, on the second spot stands the Giants themselves, with 12 sacks they scored against the Eagles in 2007! Tied at 12 are also the Dallas Cowboys, the Chicago Bears, and the Arizona Cardinals.

The names change again when considering an entire season and not a one-off game. The record for most sacks in a single season is held by the Bears with their 72 sacks in 1984, closely followed by the Minnesota Vikings at 71, four seasons later. More recently, the Eagles again made it up the chart with 70 sacks in the 2022 season. Individually, Michael Strahan stands at the top of the list with a whopping 22.5 sacks in the 2001 season with Al Baker one-upping him with 23 sacks unofficially.

Whether Aidan Hutchinson will be able to set a record or not, remains to be seen. However, one thing is for sure, the DE has made his presence felt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 4.5 sacks coming 2.5 sacks shy of the record.

The post With Aidan Hutchinson Recording 4.5 Sacks Against the Bucs, Who Holds the Record For Most Sacks In a Game? appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Bronny James Spotted with Rumored Girlfriend Parker Whitfield While Leaving Trading Card Event


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Although Bronny James has been the focus of a lot of media scrutiny lately following the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers guard has kept his personal life private for the most part. However, LeBron James’ son was reportedly spotted with his rumored girlfriend, Parker Whitfield, during a trading card event.

Bronny was in attendance at the Fanatics Collectibles’ Topps Hobby Rip Night at Santa Monica. In a post on X, Lauren Jones of the Sporting Tribune reported that the newly recruited Lakers guard was seen leaving the event with a special person.

In the clip posted by Jones, Bronny could be seen interacting with his fans as the girl with him hesitantly leaves the building.

This wasn’t the first instance that the two have been spotted together. Bronny celebrated Parker’s birthday with her family earlier this year.

Bronny and Parker share a great connection, which stems from their high school years. Both attended Sierra Canyon high school in California and were student-athletes for their school. While Bronny belonged to the basketball court, Parker was a star player on the softball team.

The connection has brought their families together as well. Parker’s parents wore LeBron jerseys during the Paris Olympics to cheer on their family friend representing Team USA.

Bronny attended the trading card event as a special guest. During the event, he opened up about his experience collecting cards. His answers weren’t a surprise to many.

“The only thing that I collect is my dad, his older stuff,” Bronny said.

Shortly after that, he named a card from his collection that is his prized possession,

“It was one of the old Cavs ones. Where he had the orange and blue jersey,” Bronny said.

Even though he is yet to debut for the Lakers, Bronny pulled a huge crowd at the trading card event. Many fans were able to trade cards with the young star, making for an amazing event.

 

Amidst the commotion of the crowd, Bronny kept his entourage close by, with Parker being the one he was seen the most with.

There is no confirmation that the two are in a relationship, but rumors suggest that they are.

 

 

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Magic Johnson Celebrates the “Best Decision” of His Life with Wife Cookie 33 Years Ago


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Cookie Johnson and Magic Johnson have been together since they met at Michigan State University during the late 1970s. After being with each other for a long time, they tied the knot on September 14, 1991. On the occasion of their 33rd anniversary, Magic posted a reel on Instagram with many memorable moments with his wife, including clips of them dancing in each other’s embrace.

He added a heartfelt voiceover where he expressed his love for his partner and her role in keeping their marriage intact. Meanwhile, he attached Luther Vandross and Beyonce’s R&B track “The Closer I Get with You” in the background to add a romantic flavor to the heartwarming video.

In his caption, the 5x NBA champ declared that marrying Cookie Johnson was the best decision he has ever made in his life. He praised the Lord for pairing him up with his wife, whom he also called his best friend.

He also hailed her role as a mother and showed gratitude to her for always ensuring their family’s well-being. 

The Los Angeles Lakers legend wrote,

“33 years ago, I made the best decision of my life by marrying the beautiful Cookie Johnson. I thank God every day for blessing me with my wife, best friend, and loving mother of our amazing children all wrapped into one! I’m beyond grateful for your heart of gold, unwavering love for our family, and irreplaceable presence in this world. Happy Anniversary baby!”

Cookie Johnson indeed pulled Magic Johnson out of oblivion. She married him just a week before he announced to the world that he had HIV. During the early 1990s, there was huge stigma around the condition.

It was believed that even touching a HIV-infected person can transmit the condition.

However, Magic received immense support from his wife, who encouraged him to open up to the world about his diagnosis.

During an interview with CBS’ Gayle King in 2022, the Lakers legend highlighted how his wife pushed him to work hard after the HIV diagnosis forced him retire from the NBA.

While watching a Lakers game back then, he had the yearning to get back on the floor and was left frustrated.

However, his wife reminded him that she married him because of his never-say-die attitude. She urged him to focus on his business endeavors instead of lamenting about what wasn’t possible. Magic recalled,

“I tell you Gayle, what changed my life and got me into the business. She came home and she said, ‘You know what Earvin, you got to be the man I married… You’ve always wanted to be in business, why you sitting on this couch? You gotta get started, so get out!’”

Fast forward to 3 decades, and Magic Johnson became the third billionaire in NBA history. He could have easily lost control of his fortunes, if not for his wife Cookie Johnson. Thanks to their love, they are now able to enjoy their life in joy and leisure. 

The post Magic Johnson Celebrates the “Best Decision” of His Life with Wife Cookie 33 Years Ago appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Williams Fined $5,500 As Mechanic Narrowly Misses Getting Hit By Alex Albon’s Car


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A promising qualifying effort for Williams quickly turned into a nightmare for the team at the 2024 Azerbaijan GP. Despite getting both their cars into Q3, Alex Albon was unable to put in a second lap during the final part of qualifying after his team released him from the pit lane with an airbox cooler still attached to his FW46.

The British-Thai driver had momentarily parked his car right outside the pit exit and managed to remove the cooler and proceed with his outlap. However, he did not cross the chequered flag in time to start his flying lap. After the session, the FIA fined the team $5,500 for an unsafe release.

Another angle of that incident has now been doing the rounds of X (formerly Twitter). It captures the harrowing moment as the team signals Albon to leave the garage and his mechanic is frantically trying to get the cooler off his car. Unable to complete the job, the mechanic was just inches away from being trapped by the #23 driver’s right-rear wheel.

Albon was on course for another solid qualifying effort for the Grove-based team in 2024. The 28-year-old had been unbeaten in qualifying for 38 consecutive race weekends since 2023.

However, this unfortunate moment for Williams meant that 21-year-old Franco Colapinto put his FW46 ahead of Albon for the Grand Prix. The Argentinian will start the race from ninth on the grid.

As for Albon, he is lucky that the FIA did not punish him for the incident. This means that he will not lose his fifth-row start alongside his teammate.

Williams team principal James Vowles came onto Albon’s radio after the session to apologize to the #23 driver and assured him that they will investigate the matter. He also asked his driver to focus on the Grand Prix as the team has a pretty good shot at a double-point finish at the Baku Street Circuit come race day.

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Is Christian McCaffrey Playing Against the Vikings? Latest Injury Report


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The San Francisco 49ers are in a pinch, having lost in the NFC championship first and then in the Super Bowls over the past two years. They are supposed to turn things around this season and match the expectations of a hungry fanbase. However, they’ll have to do so without Christian McCaffrey, who will remain sidelined for another four weeks.

As reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the SF 49ers have placed their running back on injured reserve due to the calf injury and Achilles tendonitis he has been recovering from.

If the NFL gods show mercy, McCaffrey will be back behind the scrimmage line before his team faces the Seahawks in Week 6. In the meantime (four weeks), they will have to make do without the RB, starting with the week 2 bout against the Vikings tomorrow.

Following that game, they will face the Rams, Patriots, and Cardinals in the subsequent three weeks.

 

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During Week 17 of the regular season last year, McCaffrey initially injured his Achilles. Although he had about five months to heal, his progress was hindered just a week into the training camp.

Consequently, he was unable to participate in the remainder of the camps or the preseason matchups, which seemed like ample time for the ball carrier to regain his strength. And on top of that, HC Kyle Shanahan initially downplayed the severity of the injury, saying that he wasn’t too concerned about it. Clearly, the situation has since worsened.

The 49ers held their own without the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year in the backfield for their season opener. Despite all the hype around the Jets’ new and improved roster that stretched to both sides of the ball, the Super Bowl runner-ups won the matchup 32-19. But McCaffrey’s absence was still felt.

Backup Jordan Mason balled out, rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown from just 29 touches. But fans and analysts alike know for a fact that McCaffrey would have made a significant impact against the Jets’ weak defense last week.

For now, Deebo Samuel will have to hold the fort. While two of their upcoming four games should be manageable, the reigning NFC champs will need to push their limits to win all of them or at least three out of four.

The post Is Christian McCaffrey Playing Against the Vikings? Latest Injury Report appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Dirk Nowitzki “Still in Awe” Watching Kyrie Irving’s Ball-Handling Skills, Talks Pairing With Luka Doncic


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Kyrie Irving has been a member of the Mavericks for a season-and-a-half but has already etched his place in the hearts of the team’s fans. Even Hall of Famer and franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki finds it surreal that he’s a part of the roster.

During an appearance on the DLLS Mavs Podcast, the German raved about Irving’s skill set and impact on the team and claimed he’s among the best guards in league history. He said,

“I know there’s been some incredible guards but [Irving] has to be up there with the best of them. I’m still in awe sometimes of his crossing, his behind the back. How quick he dribbles, how quick he changes direction. Then once he got you on his shoulder, how strong he is.”

Nowitzki played with Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Jason Kidd and against icons like Allen Iverson. However, he still ranks the veteran guard’s ball-handling and finishing above them. He claimed,

“He’s incredible. I mean the best ball handler and finisher that we’ve seen in this league.”

Irving and Doncic’s partnership did not yield the results the Mavericks had hoped for when he first arrived in Dallas. After acquiring the veteran guard in a trade from the Nets, the team’s form dipped. They finished the year 9-18 and missed the playoffs. Doubts crept in about the duo’s fit together.

However, they answered their critics in their first full season together, winning the Western Conference and leading the franchise to their first Finals appearance in 13 years. They fell short in their quest to win the title but Nowitzki saw enough to be excited for the future. He said,

“I mean, how lucky are we to get to watch Luka, who is a magician with the ball? Then watch Kyrie when Luka takes a break. That’s an incredible duo. They really showed it obviously last season. Hopefully something to build on for this year.”

The Mavericks added Klay Thompson to the roster to go one better than they did last season. If the former Warriors superstar can rekindle the form that made him one of the most feared shooters in the league, Dallas could end their long wait for a second NBA title.

The post Dirk Nowitzki “Still in Awe” Watching Kyrie Irving’s Ball-Handling Skills, Talks Pairing With Luka Doncic appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Jonathan Owens Breaks Silence on Simone Biles Wearing a Packers Jacket to a Bears Game


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You know how the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears hate each other? Well, it turns out Jonathan Owens may not have told Simone Biles about it yet.

Picture the scenario: Biles comes to watch her husband play for the Bears. Unfortunately, she seems to be wearing a jacket featuring references to the Packers – Chicago’s bitter rivals.

To be fair to Biles, Owens did play for the Packers last year. But the 29-year-old still had to clear things up during an appearance on Sippin’ with Screeden.

“She’s coming from the Olympics, quick turnaround, it was a last second decision that she was gonna come to the game. So she said oh, let me grab this, it has his face all over it. It wasn’t like, intentional, you know,” Owens said.

It was obviously an honest mistake from Biles. She didn’t do it intentionally.

Simone is coming off of another incredible run at the Olympics. So fans probably wouldn’t mind her minor error. We can’t imagine the Bears faithful holding it against her. Well, unless she does it again.

Speaking of the Paris Olympics, Jonathan was there to see his wife take on the world. And it was quite the experience for the Bears Safety.

Owens Looks Back at the Paris Memories

“That was just amazing, that was my first time there. I was just soaking in the culture and then, you know, going to the competition. The high stakes, you feel the energy in the building, they say her name and the whole stadium erupts. It was amazing. I was blessed,” Owens recalled.

When you’re married to a superstar like Biles, it’s obviously going to be quite the experience seeing her perform on the biggest stage. However, now it’s time for Owens to shift his focus back to the National Football League.

The Chicago Bears team will need to step up their game in the upcoming season. And Owens needs to bring his A game as well.

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Oscar Piastri Demands Payback From Lando Norris for Title Favor: “It Will Be Remembered in the Future”


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After weeks of refusal to introduce team orders between its two drivers, McLaren has finally decided to prioritize Lando Norris and ask Oscar Piastri to help his teammate in the fight for the driver’s championship against Max Verstappen whenever possible. However, this compromise on the part of Piastri has come with its own set of caveats.

This decision from McLaren comes on the back of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, where the team failed to capitalize on the misfortunes of Red Bull and Max Verstappen in closing down the gap in the drivers’ standings significantly.

With McLaren now planning to address their previous mistakes, Piastri has recently opened up about this new driver dynamics within the team. According to the Aussie driver, playing a supporting role for Norris this season is nothing but a favor that he expects the Briton to pay back in the future as and when he needs it. As per a report from speedcafe, Piastri said,

“Knowing that it will be remembered in the future… and there have been things in the past where, whether it be with upgrades or strategy in some races that have always been remembered in the future, so that’s kind of our way of going racing.”

The 23-year-old also spoke about this being the optimum time for him to start helping Norris as he is now realistically out of the championship hunt, although not mathematically. Norris’s gap to Verstappen being 62 points with eight races remaining is much more likely to be caught up than Piastri’s gap of 106 points.

He also mentioned that it would have been too much to ask from him if McLaren had told him to start helping Norris any earlier in the season.

Piastri will help Norris but not unconditionally

While McLaren has made it clear that they will prioritize Norris over Piastri, the Aussie has explained that certain conditions needed to be met for him to agree to the role of a supporting driver.

The condition is that Piastri won’t hold himself up just for the sake of letting Norris by or letting him finish ahead of him every single time and much of it will depend on the situation of the race. If Piastri is in a position to win or finish way ahead of his teammate, he will not slow down.

“The main point is it’s not purely just going to be me pulling over for Lando every single race. That’s how none of us, including Lando, want to go racing,” Piastri added.

What’s also reassuring for Piastri is the fact that his manager, Mark Webber, a former Red Bull driver is in the loop with the team regarding all these conversations.

He is famously known for not liking the role of a second driver against Sebastian Vettel during his championship years and would make sure that McLaren holds up its end of the bargain to help Piastri in the future.

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When Kyrie Irving’s “That’s Your Best Free-Throw Shooter?” Taunt Toward LeBron James Led to a Snappy Reaction


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Since parting ways in the 2017 offseason, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have faced off many times. While they still share a good relationship off the court, it’s all business for them on it. Neither holds back any punches against their former teammate and both even indulge in talking smack to one another, as evidenced in an unearthed clip from 2021.

In a game between the Nets and the Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, the visitors were charged with a technical foul, handing the home side a free throw. Surprisingly, James stepped up to take it. The forward missed it, bringing a smile to Irving’s face. He proceeded to take a swipe at his former teammate, which he did not appreciate.

Kyrie: “That’s your best free-throw shooter?”

LeBron: “Shut your little a** up!”

 

While the guard’s query was a jibe at James, it was also a fair question. The forward is a proficient scorer but not the best free-throw shooter. He has banked only 73.6% of his attempts from the foul line in his career. He wasn’t shooting them particularly well during the 2020-21 season, converting only 69.8% of his free throws.

The miss was inconsequential as the Nets won comfortably by 11 points. James performed admirably, finishing the game with 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Irving had a relatively tame outing as he scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished eight assists. He also had five turnovers.

However, he likely wasn’t bothered about his underwhelming outing, as he not only led his team to a victory but also won the psychological battle against his former teammate. James also seemingly took Irving’s jibe to heart.

After shooting 75% or more from the free throw line in only eight out of eighteen campaigns until the 2020-21 season, he hasn’t dipped below that mark since. It’s unclear whether the guard’s swipe played a role in James’ marked improvement from the foul line, but the forward has clearly worked on one of his rare weaknesses.

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Alex Smith Gets Honest on Whether Rookie Patrick Mahomes Was ‘Good Enough’ to Replace Him in 2017


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Patrick Mahomes, like Tom Brady, had to wait for his chance to be the starting QB. However, many still wonder why Mahomes wasn’t made the starter immediately over a struggling Alex Smith. While some may argue that the rookie didn’t move any heads in practice, Smith revealed that his backup was simply too good not to start in 2017.

During his appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Smith discussed how impressive Mahomes was as a rookie, admitting that he delivered an exceptional performance nearly every single day. Not only that, Mahomes was determined and consistent, arriving at the team facility even before the starting quarterback.

As Smith recalled:

“Patrick beat me into the building almost every day that entire year, like he didn’t do it for a week. [he did it for] All year.”

Alex noted that from his early days, the rookie out of Texas Tech came across as extremely curious and obsessed with football. Patrick was fearless, even trying his now-famous no-look passes in practice. From Smith’s perspective, watching his backup make those throws with the scout team was a clear warning that his spot was in jeopardy.

Unfortunately for the veteran quarterback, the worst came true as the Chiefs traded him to Washington on January 30, 2018. After a year-long wait, Mahomes finally got the keys to his throne. And the rest, as they say, is history.

That said, while it’s debatable whether being a year on the sidelines helped Mahomes adapt to the league better, Smith surely feels it was the right decision.

Smith echoes the same sentiment of Tom Brady

Brady recently stirred up controversy by criticizing the practice of promoting rookies to QB1 too soon. For the GOAT, the ideal way to integrate rookies into the NFL is by having them learn the hardships from the sidelines — a lesson missed with players like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams, who were thrown into the deep end right away. Well, Smith agrees with this stance.

While the GOAT’s reasoning was more from a learning perspective, the former Chiefs QB echoed a similar sentiment but focused on the financial and expectation management side. Smith pointed out that the expectations on a first-round QB today have never been higher.

With rookie QB1s statistically having the worst success rate, Smith believed that teams should invest as much time as needed in aspiring prospects to get the best return. He said:

“I think if you’re taking a quarterback in the first round, you should do everything in your power to make sure they are ready to roll… The expectations on a first-round quarterback, it’s so much, it’s so heavy. The game is so different today, it’s like the worst success rate in the NFL… so I generally think that like, why not have them over-prepared?”

Smith, however, did concede that the new-age rookie QBs are different from their counterparts from his era. Be it CJ Stroud or Caleb Williams, the former Chiefs QB noted that these players played so much football in college that they were almost physically ready for the NFL.

The rest, of course, depends on the environment. Moreover, with NIL giving rookies early exposure to fame and money, the new-age QBs have an advantage there as well.

All that said, the decision remains with the coach. While HCs like Kyle Shanahan and Kevin Stefanski give youth a chance, an old head like Andy Reid might not do the same.

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Shaquille O’Neal Speaks Out: Loudmouths Like Charles Barkley Are Wrong, Caitlin Clark Isn’t the Only One Dominating


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Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal have offered differing views on Caitlin Clark‘s positioning in the WNBA. A few days ago, Barkley lambasted Clark’s WNBA peers and league legends on Bill Simmons’ podcast for showing petty jealousy instead of appreciating her contributions to growing the game.

However, Shaquille O’Neal refuted his TNT colleague’s comments, declaring that the WNBA world doesn’t revolve around only Clark.

During an interview with USA Today, Shaq acknowledged Clark’s incredible talent, but wanted talking heads like Barkley to understand that she is not the only one who is dominating the league.

He dismissed the Chuckster’s comments about WNBA players harboring “pettiness and jealousy” towards Clark. 

He explained that the WNBA players have “professional jealousy”, and not “envious jealousy” towards Clark. They want CC to prove her worth as a generational talent rather than cut the line because of her popularity.

O’Neal reminded Barkley that they also had to go through a similar situation before they entered the NBA.

Shaq also reminded Barkley that 2x MVP A’ja Wilson is still the best player in the league. And Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi is still going at it at the age of 42. Therefore, Shaq believes that there are many hoopers who deserve the same credit as Clark for their contributions to women’s basketball.

O’Neal told USA Today,
“We still got Diana Taurasi, we still got A’ja Wilson, if you’re gonna give [Caitlin] props make sure our girls that are dominating in this league get the same props…. Loudmouths like Chuck are talking about hating, it’s not hating. It’s like, you’re good but let’s slow it down a notch.”

“As good as Caitlin Clark is, we’ve had a lot of young ladies who have been doing good and not getting props. Everybody has to wait their turn,” Shaq added.

The big man has remained consistent in this stance. He gives Clark credit for elevating the league’s profile, but wants rookies like Angel Reese to be recognized as well.

On the other hand, Barkley believes that Caitlin Clark is getting undeserved hate for her greatness. 

Charles Barkley ripped WNBA players

During his latest appearance on Bill Simmons’ podcast, Barkley lauded Caitlin Clark for keeping her composure despite facing immense hatred from her peers and her predecessors alike. He believes that their animosity towards CC stems from pettiness and envy. He told Simmons,

“The number of attention, eyeballs that she [Clark] has brought to the college and the pros, and for these women to have this petty jealousness, you say to yourself, ‘Damn, what is going on here?”

Barkley and Shaq have found a bone to pick during the NBA offseason. However, they both make solid points in their own right.

While Barkley is correct about undue hatred towards Clark, O’Neal rightfully reminds him that when they entered the NBA, they were on the receiving end of such treatment too. 

The post Shaquille O’Neal Speaks Out: Loudmouths Like Charles Barkley Are Wrong, Caitlin Clark Isn’t the Only One Dominating appeared first on The SportsRush.



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“Steve Young Would Make Him Run Routes Until He Was About to Puke”: Christian McCaffrey’s Father on 15Y/O Kyle Shanahan


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For most casual fans, Kyle Shanahan’s connection to the 49ers begins and ends with his role as head coach. However, Kyle’s ties to the team go back to 1992, when his father Mike joined as the offensive coordinator. During that time, Kyle got to interact with legends like Steve Young and even took part in intense drills after practice.

During Ed McCaffrey’s appearance on Monday Night Countdown with his wife, Lisa, and Mike and Peggy Shanahan, the former wide receiver shared an anecdote about Kyle from the ’90s. McCaffrey met the 15-year-old future head coach during this time, who, as per his account, was full of life.

McCaffrey’s earliest memory of Kyle also involved him blindly following Steve Young’s instructions to run countless routes after practice, to the point of nearly puking.

As the former wide receiver recalled:

“My happy memory of Kyle in 1994 was just this happy kid, who had a smile, ear to ear, and Steve Young would make him run routes after practice until he was about to puke.”

Ed then reminisced that Kyle was an eager child who loved picking brains and being around the greats. So, it was no surprise to see the young Kyle act like a kid in a candy shop around Deion Sanders and others, eager to gain their insights.

“He’d [Kyle] have Deion have him try to get off the line; or you know, he’d run routes with Jerry, trying to learn from him,” he continued.

The most important takeaway from Ed’s account of Kyle, however, was the genesis of a trait that he proudly symbolizes today — hard work. Ed noted that despite the physical strain he used to undergo with the players, he would always keep a smile and not take rest until he literally dropped asleep.

“He would just smile ear to ear until he dropped. I think there was a couple times he fell asleep like in the equipment shed between practices.”

Seeing Ed have such vivid memories with Kyle would normally mean that they knew each other decently well. But to everyone’s surprise, Christian McCaffrey’s father didn’t even know that Kyle was Mike’s son.

Ed McCaffrey didn’t know Kyle Shanahan’s roots

Before dropping this bomb about not knowing Kyle’s roots, Ed justified that he had poor observation skills, unlike his wife, Lisa. So for Ed, Kyle was just another ball boy. For him, making the team and cementing a place was the priority, so he barely had time to notice much about Kyle or his affiliation.

“I’m not usually that observant as Lisa, but I did just notice this kid, and I didn’t even know he was Kyle Shanahan. I didn’t know it was Mike’s son or Peggy’s son because I just got there. I don’t even know them yet. l’m just trying to make the team.”

But for Ed, Kyle’s greatness also lies in this. The former 49ers wide receiver noted that it’s very rare for a ball boy to register himself in a player’s mind. This further shows how noticeably hardworking and happy Kyle was in the camp.

Hearing these anecdotes from Ed would likely make many neutral football enthusiasts root for Kyle Shanahan this season. From a ball boy to a Super Bowl-winning coach for the 49ers, stories like these could inspire a generation to never give up!

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Kendrick Perkins: Jamal Murray Must Step Up Without Nikola Jokic Following $208M Contract Extension


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Last week, the Nuggets ended speculation about Jamal Murray’s future by signing the guard to a four-year, $208 million contract extension. His new deal is the biggest ever for a player with no All-Star nods and no All-NBA team selections. Despite his lack of individual accolades, the franchise deems him invaluable. However, Kendrick Perkins believes that the 27-year-old has to justify his contract in the upcoming season.

On ESPN’s NBA Today, the analyst challenged Murray to play at an All-Star level throughout the season and alleviate pressure off three-time and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Perkins said,

“I’m looking at [Jamal Murray] and I’m saying, what can you bring to the table without [Nikola Jokic] being on the floor? I’m not saying he’s not going to play with Jokic because obviously Jokic is reliable. But when it comes down to Jamal Murray, I think this year he has to take that leap.”

Murray is coming off his best individual season. He averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 48.1 percent shooting from the field, all career highs. However, he played only 59 games, meaning he was ineligible to be in contention for any individual awards.

The guard has historically played well when sharing the court with Jokic. However, there’s a steep drop in his production when he has to carry the Nuggets.

In the last eight years, he has played only 24 games without the center and boasts an average of only 16.3 points, four assists, and 3.6 rebounds in those outings. While the same sample is small, it does show that he cannot carry the team on his back.

The Nuggets’ decision to hand Murray a $52 million-a-year deal played a role in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s exit, who left the team and joined the Magic on a two-year, $60 million contract. The veteran guard was vital in their run to the title in 2023.

The franchise would’ve wanted him to re-sign with them, but Murray’s hefty deal meant they did not have the financial muscle to compete with Orlando’s offer. Perkins believes the onus is on the Canadian guard to negate the effect of losing Caldwell-Pope. He said,

“When it comes down to having pressure, especially with Denver losing KCP. [Murray] is top three on my list far as guys under the most pressure to deliver. We know Jokic has been consistently great, the best player in the league the last three years. We can’t say the same about Jamal Murray.” 

The new contract was a silver lining for Murray after a difficult time on the court. He averaged only 18.4 points on 40.3% shooting from the floor in the Nuggets’ season-ending playoff series loss to the Timberwolves. At the Paris Olympics, he scored only 5.7 points per game on 10% shooting from beyond the arc.

The guard will look to put his recent failures in the rearview mirror and focus on having the best year of his career and repay Denver’s faith in his abilities.

The post Kendrick Perkins: Jamal Murray Must Step Up Without Nikola Jokic Following $208M Contract Extension appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Fred Vasseur Reveals Why Adrian Newey’s Ferrari Talks Stalled: “His Ideas Differed Mine”


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Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull, earlier this season, had sparked intense rumors about the Briton looking to join Ferrari. However, in recent weeks, those talks have rapidly died down with the 65-year-old now strongly linked to a move to Aston Martin instead.

Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur has now opened up about negotiations he held with the former McLaren and Williams man. The Frenchman confirmed that while there were serious talks about Newey’s arrival, they quickly fizzled out.

Vasseur was quoted by L’Equipe as attributing a difference of opinion for the deal not coming through. He explained, “The ideas he had were different from mys about his role. There have been conversations. And maybe we’ll agree on it one day. But: an individual cannot determine the outcome of an entire team.” 

With Ferrari now firmly out of the picture, it is being suggested that Newey has already penned a deal with Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based team is expected to make an announcement as soon as Tuesday per BBC Sport.

Newey and Ferrari were being touted as a super-team in the buildup to his exit from Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton’s arrival to the Maranello-based outfit only proved to make the dynamic more appealing to fans.

Vasseur’s comments also confirmed the paddock rumblings about Newey’s demands. The Briton wanted complete control over the design department of the team — including its hiring policies. This was something that Vasseur was hesitant to concede.

Newey brings championship promise to Aston Martin amid Ferrari snub

Lawrence Stroll has made his intentions very clear about Aston Martin’s F1 project. The Canadian business mogul heavily invested in the team’s championship prospects — something that has even preceded his interest in Newey.

The team has already signed Mercedes’ power unit chief, Andy Cowell to join them next year. Now, Newey has reportedly signed a five-year deal with the team worth around $200 million. Newey’s arrival is seen in the paddock as the last piece in the Silverstone-based team’s plans.

With a state-of-the-art wind tunnel in effect, expertise in the chassis department and Honda’s arrival in 2026, Aston Martin look prepared to make a permanent step up the grid.

Moreover, even if the fans have missed on a potential Hamilton-Newey linkup, they still can savor Fernando Alonso partnering with someone who has enjoyed championship success in the last three stints he’s had in F1.

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Rashad McCants Hails Steve Nash as the ‘Craftiest’ Player Despite Doubting ‘Super-Elite Point Guard’ Status


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Steve Nash is one of the only three point guards ever to win more than one Regular Season MVP awards. His pass-first nature coupled with his reliable long-range shot made him the perfect player for the evolving game. As a part of the Phoenix Suns, his Pick-and-Roll chemistry with Amar’e Stoudemire drew parallels to John Stockton and Karl Malone’s partnership. However, Rashad McCants still thinks Nash’s status as a “super elite” PG is questionable. 

On Gil’s Arena, host Josiah Johnson asked the crew to name the “craftiest” player they have ever seen. McCants named Steve Nash as the most creative player he ever matched up against. 

The 39-year-old is still in awe of Nash’s wizardry in Pick-and-Roll situations. McCants said, “I say Steve Nash, that’s a crafty motherfu**er…He was hitting us with all kind of sh** in that pick-and-roll, it was so much.”

However, then he turned his attention to Nash’s legacy as a “super elite” point guard. McCants highlighted that Stoudemire’s role in elevating his profile during his Suns tenure stops him from dubbing the two-time MVP a ‘super elite’ point guard.

As an athletic power forward with terrific understanding of PNR dynamics, he was indispensable during the guard’s MVP seasons.

Per McCants, had it not been for Stoudemire, the former Suns guard would have not been as effective. As a pass-first guard, he would have been limited in his operations without an elite roller.

Apart from that, quality three-point shooters Raja Bell, Leandro Barbosa, James Jones, and Shawn Marion also opened up the floor for him. 

“It’s hard to dictate whether Steve Nash was a super-elite point guard or not because Amar’e contributes so much to his career. If Amar’e is not a dynamic roller, the way that he is and he comes in and he [Nash] gets those all those options out there [to pass], his craftiness is like limited,” McCants added.

He also brought up Nash’s tenure with Dirk Nowitzki to make his point. The guard couldn’t reach his full potential because the Mavs couldn’t open up the opportunities for him.

As per the 39-year-old, the 2x MVP was only able to make his fancy no-look behind-the-back passes with the Suns because of their roster dynamic, which hinged on Stoudemire’s inside game. 

“When he played with Dirk, it was just him and Dirk, you didn’t really see him getting off with everyone else. You open up the floor. You look at Steve Nash, he is out there doing all kind of crazy passes. You don’t really have the freedom unless you got somebody you could throw that to guarantee every time you out there, you fu**ing around.”

To McCants’ point, Nash tallied 8.8 assists per game during his last season(2003-04) with the Mavericks. Meanwhile, he put up 11.5 APG just in his first season(2004-2005) with the Suns. But in another interesting detail, the Canadian guard did have two 10+ APG seasons after Stoudemire departed to the New York Knicks in 2010.

Overall, Rashad McCants’ points have merit. But as much as Nash needed Stoudemire, the latter also had his best years with the crafty guard.

Additionally, it can be argued that every great point guard needs elite teammates to thrive in the league. Magic Johnson had James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to unlock his best seasons too.

The post Rashad McCants Hails Steve Nash as the ‘Craftiest’ Player Despite Doubting ‘Super-Elite Point Guard’ Status appeared first on The SportsRush.



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Jessica Pegula Reveals How She Owns ‘Steph Curry’s iPhone’ in Hilarious Anecdote About NBA Superstar


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Steph Curry made waves at the US Open final on Saturday when he showed up at Arthur Ashe Stadium to cheer for Jessica Pegula during her intense match against Aryna Sabalenka.

Curry, one of the biggest names in sports, was a major attraction in the crowd, bringing even more star power to an already electrifying event. His presence definitely gave Pegula a boost, especially since her husband is a die-hard Curry fan.

After the match, Pegula opened up about her connection with Curry in her press conference, explaining that they had crossed paths at the Olympics this year. She jokingly mentioned how her husband “fanboys” over Curry like nobody else and that meeting the NBA star was just as exciting for him as it was for her.

Pegula shared her admiration for Curry, describing him as a huge inspiration. She even shared en embarrassing moment for her when her husband met Steph. She said,

“Funny story, my husband, his iPhone name is ‘Steph’s iPhone’, so if you connect the bluetooth or send him something via airdrop it’ll show ‘Steph Curry’s iPhone’ which he told Steph about.”

While Pegula ultimately lost to Sabalenka in straight sets, her performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of impressive. She displayed grit and determination, pushing Sabalenka to the limit with some incredible rallies and mental fortitude.

Although she didn’t walk away with the title, Pegula’s showing at the US Open could be the start of her journey to becoming a cultural icon, much like Serena Williams or Naomi Osaka before her.

Her connection with sports legends like Curry, her high-profile performances on the biggest stages, and her growing fan base show that Pegula is becoming much more than just a tennis player—she’s evolving into a figure who could resonate beyond the tennis court. Despite the loss, her efforts in this tournament cement her as one to watch in the seasons ahead.

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“Playas F*** Up”: Michael Jordan’s Son Marcus Says He Regrets Dating Larsa Pippen


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For the period when they were together, Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen were one of the most popular celebrity couples out there. However, it’s now been a few months since they broke up and Marcus is already claiming that being with the reality TV star was a mistake.

The 33-year-old uploaded a 20-image carousel on his Instagram, displaying his joyous life. In some of the pictures, he was seen posing with celebrities such as Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle. While it all looked regular from the outside, Marcus’ response to his followers in the comment section told a different story.

Marcus captioned his post using the lyrics from Drake’s new song, ‘No Face’. He wrote, “All these years throwin’ success in your face/ All of these baddies obsessed with my face/ All the sh*t they don’t address in my face/ I can’t be showin’ no stress in my face.” In the comments, he was asked a few questions about Larsa by his followers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marcus Jordan (@heirmj523)


One fan told him, “Go get your girl back home team!” However, Marcus responded with, “I’m good”, showing no intention of rekindling his relationship with Larsa.

In the same thread, another fan asked him, “The real question is why did you date her!? Real housewives of Miami.” Marcus replied, “haha she got me good. Playas fck up.”

It’s clear from his responses that he has no plans of going back to Larsa. More importantly, him admitting that it was a “fck up” tells us that Marcus regrets being with her in the first place.

There were some other questions that fans asked under the Instagram post and Michael Jordan’s 33-year-old son answered them all with brutal honesty.

From claiming that Larsa ‘belongs to the streets’ to flirting with other women interacting with his post, Marcus used his IG interactions to send a message that he is over his ex-girlfriend. The rumors about their separation have been floating around since the beginning of this year and on a few occasions, Larsa used Instagram to further strengthen the rumors.

Back in February, she posted a message about choosing the right partner on her profile, “Your mental health, your peace of mind, your love inside you, your happiness, how you get through such tragedies, your successes, how your children will be raised.” This made fans wonder if the couple, who were bragging about marriage plans, had called it quits.

In the end, the rumors indeed turned out to be true.

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“It Just Felt Good To Talk To Him”: Jimmy Horn Jr. Reveals the Last Time He Had Contact With His Father


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What makes Jimmy Horn Jr. so special is his appetite to put on a show while facing adversity dead in the face. His popularity soared following his haul against North Dakota State while his father was incarcerated. Sadly, his father wasn’t there to cheer on him during the best moment of his career so far.

Speaking to the reporters at CU Buffs’ latest press conference, Colorado’s rising star heartbreakingly revealed that he hasn’t spoken to his father after the mightily impressive performance against North Dakota State last week.

The only conversation he had with his dad was before the authorities “shipped” Jimmy Horn Sr. off to prison. The 21-year-old however isn’t bummed about it. He instead argued that he looks to leverage this situation as a dose of motivation to push through adversity.

“I was able to talk to him but dad was about to get shipped off to the prison you know… so that was my last time talking to him… So I just got to go even harder… that just pushes me even more.”

The most emotional aspect of Jimmy’s media appearance was him fondly revealing that he felt good talking to his father. “It just felt good talking to him,” shared Jimmy to the press. A father-son relationship always has a few words unsaid. Seeing Jimmy express the warmth he got from his father openly is something that perhaps most men can learn from.

On the flip side, the universe has played the balancing act by having a larger-than-life father figure in Deion Sanders for the Buffs WR; who admittedly is chuffed about it.

Jimmy Horn Jr. Opens Up On Deion Sanders’ Importance In His Life

For a player who barely managed to make a mark for the Buffs last season, it was quite surprising to see Jimmy not get lost in the mass exodus this summer. Deion Sanders keeping the likes of Jimmy, suggests that the youngster has quite a lot of skill to offer.

While Deion has often played this uplifting role in the players’ self-belief, the bond he shares with Jimmy is special. From reaching out to his father in jail to making a public plea for his father’s bail, Deion has gone to lengths to help Jimmy feel at ease in this tricky situation of his life.

The WR thus unsurprisingly termed Coach Prime as a great father figure in his life and expressed gratitude for his presence.

“He is a good father figure, you feel me? l ain’t going to say good, [he is] a great father figure you know. That’s a lot to me, it means a lot to me, just to have him have my back.”

Jimmy’s humility and emotional circumstances have made him a fan favorite. The Buffs WR has reportedly gained a whopping 50,000+ followers since the NDSU game.

The real challenge however begins now for Jimmy as maintaining and improving on this newfound fame and love from fans is arguably tougher than getting the two in the first place.

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Why Do NFL Coaches Wear Headsets?


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Headsets are utilized by coaches for strategizing amidst the roar of the crowd. NFL coaches wear headsets to ensure smooth communication. These nifty devices keep everyone on the same page, whether it’s the offensive coordinator up in the booth or the quarterback down on the field.

Every ‘play’ in the game needs to be called by someone. Either the offensive coordinator or the head coach generally, talks into the ear of the quarterback, and the QB narrates the play to the huddle. Without headsets, the game was far more dependent on the instincts of the quarterback, than statistics or gameplay analysis.

The world of the NFL is an intricate one- with its many thrilling details and years of conventions. Some of those are also used to operate in a crowd of 60,000 fans (sometimes way more!) which can be nearly impossible otherwise.

However, coaches needed to chat with their fellow staff or players during the game. So, what’s the solution? The simple answer was a pair of headsets.

The use of headsets is a part of the evolution of the NFL, involving several changes from time to time. The league first allowed coach-to-quarterback communication via wireless headsets in 1994.

The idea of its use was first introduced by Paul Brown, the Cleveland Browns HC at the time, in collaboration with two inventors named John Campbell and George Sarles from Ohio. However, just three games into the preseason, the NFL banned its unfair use.

But as they say, change is inevitable. The technology made a comeback, almost four decades later, allowing coaches to relay plays and make adjustments in real-time. Coaches can get a pulse on the game without screaming over the crowd or running across the sidelines.

It’s like having a direct line to your team, and when every second counts, that instant communication can be the difference between a win and a loss.

NFL Headsets Are Getting State-of-the-Art

When it comes to headsets, the NFL is stepping up their game. Starting in 2025, Sony will officially be the brand of choice for coaches’ headsets.

Thanks to a newly announced partnership, Sony’s headsets will power coach-to-coach communication across the league, backed by Verizon’s 5G network. This new technology promises to keep everyone connected, even in the most intense moments. Coaches will be able to relay critical information without worrying about delays or interference.

Sony brings its expertise from sports technology innovations like Hawk-Eye. Whether it’s making strategic play calls or managing the chaos of game day, the advancement in technology will help make the game of football more interesting and super-competitive.

It’s all about staying ahead, and it looks like the NFL is ready to take communication to a whole new level.

 

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Peyton Manning Has a Love-Hate Relationship With ‘The Sheriff’ Moniker Given by Jon Gruden


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Fifteen years ago, when Peyton Manning was playing with the Indianapolis Colts, former NFL Head Coach, Jon Gruden dubbed the ex-QB as ‘The Sheriff’ — a nickname which is not a mere catchy label, it truly reflects how commanding Manning was on the gridiron.

Now, years later, as the two-time Super Bowl champion sat down for an interview on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, shot at Manning’s Knoxville bar, Saloon 16, the 48-year-old shared what the moniker means to him and why he prefers to use it rarely.

Manning joked that if anyone ever hears the Tennessee alum referring to himself as ‘The Sheriff,’ they should ‘shoot him’ without hesitation.

“If you ever hear me referring to myself as a sheriff, shoot me, please,” he said, leaving co-host Will Compton bursting into laughter.

The five-time NFL MVP believes that even if he starts using the moniker in texts or introductions, his two brothers would never let it go and would mock him endlessly.

Looking back at the time when Gruden coined the nickname, Manning also recalled how the ex-head coach said the iconic phrase that started it all, “When Peyton comes to town, he lays down the law, and he always gets his man.” Goosebumps, indeed!

Gruden, who is now an advisor for the Milano Seamen of the European League of Football, saw Manning not just as a leader but as an NFL icon who consistently delivered results—just like a sheriff who never misses the mark.

However, while Manning appreciates the respect and responds to fans calling him by the nicknames ‘The Sheriff’ or ‘Omaha,’ another moniker that gained traction in NFL circles during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, he prefers to remain humble.

Peyton avoids any self-reference to these titles even though they are quite popular, saying, “I will never go third person on you, saying, ‘You know, the Sheriff’s here.'”

Additionally, Manning did share how his former Broncos teammate, Von Miller, who played with him from 2012 to 2015, often called him by the moniker and rarely used anything else.

The 1998 NFL draftee’s rise to earn such a title spanned 18 seasons in the NFL, split between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos. From the moment he joined the Colts, Manning became the architect of the offense, completely revamping the struggling team and leading them to their first Super Bowl win in 2006 after 36 years.

After a neck surgery that could have derailed his career, he joined the Broncos in 2012 and continued to “lay down the law.” Manning led the club to four division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl (50) win.

One look at his stellar career, with its 45-degree diagonal line, and there’s no one more deserving of the title than Peyton Manning. During his playing days, he commanded respect, demanded the best from everyone, and consistently delivered results. Undeniably, this made him one of the greatest quarterbacks in the annals of NFL history!

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“I’m Not Giving This One”: Oscar Piastri Refuses to Share Trophy He Won by Himself With McLaren


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Formula 1’s annual Grill the Grid competition came to a conclusion with Oscar Piastri being named as the champion of the 2024 edition. The #81 driver took the title off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who was the defending champion from last year.

Piastri, who scored a whopping 93 points over the course of the season, pipped both Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo to the title. The Dutchman missed out by five points whereas the #3 driver scored an impressive tally of 83 points.

The Australian racing ace was rewarded with an exquisite trophy by F1. As a matter of tradition, trophies won by McLaren drivers are displayed in the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC). However, Piastri isn’t giving up this trophy to the Woking-based team.

The 23-year-old explained, on F1’s official YouTube channel, “It’s going to end up in my living room. I’m not giving them this one. I hold this one pretty dearly to my heart so I’m going to be fighting for it. But we’ll see. It’ll be a proud addition no matter where it ends up.”

The satisfaction on the 2024 Hungarian GP winner’s face was palpable. As he explained, the Grill the Grid Trophy was one of the hardest fought ones for him this year and he absolutely cherishes it. And his competitiveness was on display as he said he was eager to defend the trophy next year.

Oscar Piastri reacts to Lando Norris’ Grill the Grid stats

The McLaren driver gave the presenter an insight into how challenging the competition had been. However, he explained that he felt the speed rounds were his strongest outings. He was quite pleased with how he had fared against the competition but was curious about how his teammate, Lando Norris, had performed.

Piastri asked, “Was he in the top 10?” In fact, the #4 driver had finished 10th in the standings with 53 points to his name. “Okay, that’s a pretty good effort from him!” remarked the #81 driver who beat his teammate by a staggering margin of 40 points.

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Mick Schumacher’s Mother Gets Involved in James Vowles Row


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Mick Schumacher’s mother Corinna was recently spotted in Monza ahead of the Italian GP. A common belief prevailed over her intentions of meeting the Sauber top brass to lobby for Mick’s permanent seat. While she did meet Peter Sauber and other key Sauber figures, she took care of another business.

That was about confronting Williams team principal James Vowles over his comments on Mick. Vowles picked Franco Colapinto over Mick to replace Logan Sargeant in the middle of the season. The Williams boss did not stop there, though. Instead of making up to the German driver with some kind words, he made a brutal statement about his talent.

Speaking about Mick and Sargeant on Friday before Italian GP, he said, “Both will fall into a category of good, not special. I think we have to be straightforward about this.” Vowles added, “Mick isn’t special, he just would have been good.”

The comments instantly went viral and even invited the ire of both drivers’ fans. Evidently, Corinna wasn’t thrilled about Vowles’ statement either. However, when she met him, the Williams boss was apologetic. Vowles personally apologized to Mick and revealed the context in which he said the words.

The Motorsport Magazine revealed, “Vowles said he apologized to Mick himself as he felt he had not made clear that by “special” he meant an Ayrton Senna-type talent. That didn’t stop Corinna Schumacher making her feelings to Vowles known as the Williams team principal left the track on Friday, in a quite public setting outside the paddock as well.”

As for her meeting with the Sauber key figures, Mick has a fair chance of landing the seat before the team rebrands itself to Audi before 2026. They have already signed Nico Hulkenberg as one of their two drivers. For the other seat, the team has the option to choose from Valtteri Bottas and Mick. F2 sensation Gabriel Bortoleto has emerged as another contender lately.

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Ralf Schumacher Believes Red Bull Won’t Be Able to Solve Its Problems in This Season


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Red Bull’s 2024 title defense has gone from bad to worse in the past six races where they haven’t been able to win a single Grand Prix. According to former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, the Austrian team is not likely to be able to solve the issues with the RB20 in the remainder of the season.

Red Bull started the season pretty much how they left 2023 — in a dominant fashion — with Max Verstappen winning five of the first seven races. But the first sign of weakness appeared on a range of circuits like Monaco and Canada that required better riding on kerbs and bumpy track surfaces because of how low the Red Bull car could run to the ground.

However, it was expected that the RB20 would come into its own during the European races of the season, something that has not materialized as the Milton Keynes outfit has experienced even more problems with the car.

As Verstappen has been calling out for quite a few races now, the RB20 seems to have lost the balance between the front and rear end, which introduces massive understeer when the team tries to tackle the balance with the setup. It also greatly affects tire degradation, something that has been a strong suit for Red Bull in the past.

Per Formule1.nl, Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland that more and more people at the team will start to feel unsatisfied with the car as they will find the problem unfixable.

“The uncertainty is there, more heads will roll because of this uncertainty and many will be dissatisfied. The pressure on the team, including departing staff, is enormous. Formula 1 is too fast for such problems,” Ralf said.

And the German is not the only one to believe that Red Bull has some major concerns to deal with in 2024.

Nico Rosberg believes Red Bull has lost its way without Adrian Newey

Being one of the most successful engineers to ever work in F1, Newey was a crucial part of Red Bull’s dominance in recent years. However, Rosberg thinks that without him, Red Bull is going through an accelerated brain drain.

Per Formule1.nl, the 2016 champion said, “It’s harder without him. Newey is a role model and figure that everyone looks up to. Now that Newey is leaving, this also accelerates the brain drain.”

After McLaren’s dominant win at the Dutch GP, Rosberg still had hope that Red Bull might fight back in the upcoming races. He reasoned that their performance in Zandvoort was still strong with Verstappen finishing second. But, the former Mercedes man also stated that they seem to have lost their way with the car development amid Newey’s exit.

The disappointment of Monza further highlights Rosberg’s sentiment — which even Verstappen agrees with — that Red Bull may no longer be able to fight back in 2024.

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“Otherwise I Can Just Stay at Home” Says Max Verstappen as He Complains About Red Bull’s Inattentiveness


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Max Verstappen’s nightmarish run this season continued during the 2024 Italian GP as well. The Dutchman started the race from seventh but could not make any impression at the front of the field. He finished the race in sixth place — visibly frustrated with how the entire Grand Prix had panned out for him.

During the last moments of the race, with George Russell in hot pursuit, Verstappen came onto the team radio comms to say, “Can people in the background please be awake, it’s important.” He did sound frustrated with the situation and when asked after the race he explained why.

Verstappen was asked by the pit wall to shift to a slower setting after his fight with Lando Norris. However, the team did not tell him to revert back to the default settings on his dash until he asked them about it. This did not go down well with the three-time champion.

After the race, he told Viaplay, “At some point they have to tell me when I can go back to the quicker setting. I ask: ”Can I go back?”, ”Oh yeah, yeah you can.” Then I thought ”You guys have all the data the entire time, you guys can exactly see when I can make those steps. I shouldn’t have to ask when I can go back.”

He added, “We might be in nobody’s land, but you still have to be on top of things. Otherwise I can just stay home.” Verstappen’s assessment of the RB20 being in no man’s land is pretty accurate given how much he has struggled this weekend. The car seems to have no balance, and the handling is a constant mix between understeer and oversteer.

Verstappen predicts a grim second-half of the season for Red Bull

After the race, Verstappen also revealed a fault in his power unit also compromised his race. That said, the Dutchman is aware that Red Bull has fallen down the pecking order — behind the likes of McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

He explained (as quoted by Sky Sports F1), “It would still have been a bad race with full engine power but we may have been more competitive. We were in no man’s land. If we don’t change anything on the car it is all going to be bad from now on to the end of the season. We have a lot of work to do.”

Verstappen’s performances in the last six races highlight the same with only two podium finishes and no wins. This has been the Dutchman’s longest streak of not winning races since the 2020 season and quite contrasting to his dominant campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Going into the last eight races of the season, Verstappen believes that retaining his drivers’ title and the constructors’ title is no longer a realistic possibility.

The post “Otherwise I Can Just Stay at Home” Says Max Verstappen as He Complains About Red Bull’s Inattentiveness appeared first on The SportsRush.



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