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Tag: NCAA

  • Stanford coach Troy Taylor accused of bullying, belittling female staffers

    Stanford coach Troy Taylor accused of bullying, belittling female staffers

    Stanford football coach Troy Taylor mistreated female staff members and tried to have an NCAA compliance officer removed after she warned him of rules violations, according to documents obtained by ESPN from investigations into Taylor’s conduct.

    ESPN said more than 20 current and former staffers cooperated with the two investigations that included complaints against Taylor for what are described as hostile and aggressive behavior, as well as personal attacks.

    Marshawn Lynch defends his territory in the College GameDay show

    Both investigations determined that Taylor’s treatment of employees, particularly of women, was inconsistent with Stanford’s standards, according to ESPN.

    The second investigation concluded that Taylor retaliated against a compliance staffer who had found seven minor NCAA infractions by “seeking her removal from her assigned duties.”

    The report said investigators had never encountered “this palpable level of animosity and disdain” for a university compliance office, according to ESPN.

    Taylor signed a warning letter on Feb. 14, 2024, following the first investigation acknowledging he could be fired if the conduct continued, according to the documents obtained by ESPN. Additional complaints were documented in a second investigation that ended July 24, but Taylor remains on the job.

    “I willingly complied with the investigations, accepted the recommendations that came out of them, and used them as a learning opportunity to grow in leadership and how I interact with others,” Taylor said in a statement released by the school. “I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively and collegially with my colleagues so that we can achieve success for our football program together.”

    A statement from a university spokesperson said, “Stanford believes in upholding the highest standards of behavior in the workplace.”

    “The University received complaints regarding Coach Taylor and a third party investigated the matter thoroughly. Last summer, the University took appropriate measures, Coach Taylor received coaching, and he has committed to nurturing the respectful working environment that is essential to the success of all our athletics programs.”

    Taylor is entering his third year as Stanford coach after back-to-back 3-9 seasons.



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  • Chiefs could find a Jerick McKinnon type of player in 2025 NFL Draft to help Patrick Mahomes

    Chiefs could find a Jerick McKinnon type of player in 2025 NFL Draft to help Patrick Mahomes

    The Kansas City Chiefs came into this offseason with some holes to fill. Although their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was brutal for the team, it at least helped the front office identify clear areas of need. Chief among those needs is the offensive line, as well as wide receiver. But there might be another position on offense that the team seemed to be missing throughout the 2024 season.

    The team’s running backs struggled to make a big impact in many games. Isiah Pacheco suffered a major injury, but him and Kareem Hunt only averaged 3.67 yards per carry combined. But going beyond just their performance on the ground, the team seemed to be lacking explosion in the passing game from that position. Samaje Perine did a serviceable job as the team’s passing down back, but he couldn’t replicate the success Jerick McKinnon had with the team in 2022 and 2023.

    Patrick Mahomes shows off elite training routine right after NFL season ends

    Could Chiefs be interested in TreVeyon Henderson to make backfield more explosive?

    McKinnon was one of the best passing down backs in the league, both as a pass-catcher and pass-protector. He caught 13 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the team and kept Patrick Mahomes upright. The team could use a player like him, and there’s a specific player in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft that could intrigue the front office: Trevyon Henderson.

    Taken from a Reddit conversation among analysts who have watched his film, Henderson is set to have a big role early in his career because of his passing down ability.

    While he has not done it consistently, Henderson has also put together at least one high-level season as a pass catching RB, suggesting high upside in that capacity… The real X Factor is how well he pass protects; teams will trust him to protect the QB, which is unbelievably valuable.

    This could be of particular interest to the Chiefs, who could use an electric pass-catcher out of the backfield. Henderson also had two, nearly three, 1,000 yard rushing seasons and scored double digit rushing touchdowns in three of four seasons at Ohio State. He can do it all, which could make Mahomes very happy.



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  • March Madness 2025: The 5 best players in the Men's NCAA Tournament you must watch

    March Madness 2025: The 5 best players in the Men's NCAA Tournament you must watch

    The most glorious time of the year for college basketball fans has arrived. The 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament is set to get underway this week, with Selection Sunday in the rearview mirror. With the bracket set, all eyes are on the top teams, mainly the No. 1 seeds: Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida.

    Those teams, and all of the others, wouldn’t have gotten to this point without standout performances from several players. With the tournament nearing, let’s pick out five players who have made a name for themselves this season and must be watched in the tournament.

    On his f***ing head! Cooper Flagg’s mom loses his mind after son makes huge dunk

    Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton

    By this point, everyone knows about Ryan Kalkbrenner. Now in his fifth and final season, the 7-foot-1 center wants to finish his Creighton Bluejays career with a bang. Kalkbrenner has gotten better and better with each passing season, setting career highs for points, rebounds, assists and three-point shooting percentage in 2024-25. That last statistic will be key, as Kalkbrenner’s ability to control the paint on the defensive end and stretch the floor offensively makes him a nightmare for other teams.

    Braden Smith, guard, Purdue

    Braden Smith‘s ascension to stardom has been a sight to behold. He played a key role in the Purdue Boilermakers making it to the national championship last year, and took a massive step in terms of development this season. Averaging a 16.1/4.6/8.7 stat line, Smith also shoots well from the perimeter and gets over two steals per game. He may be small, but Smith has the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor.

    PJ Haggerty, guard, Memphis

    Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway lured PJ Haggerty away from Tulsa last offseason, and the move has paid massive dividends quickly. Haggerty was third in the nation in points per game with 21.8 throughout the season, and he’s no slouch in other statistical categories as well. Haggerty can score from truly everywhere on the court and doesn’t mind getting locked in on defense either.

    Johni Broome, forward, Auburn

    Johni Broome has been doing this for a while, but it all really came together for an Auburn Tigers team that was ranked first in the country heading into the final two weeks of the season. Broome is good at everything, adept at scoring inside the paint, dishing out assists from the low post, protecting the rim as a shot blocker, out-rebounding everyone and even dipping his toe in three-point shooting.

    Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke

    If it wasn’t for Cooper Flagg, Broome would have surely been No. 1. Luckily for the two, both were named as All-American forwards right before the tournament started. Flagg comes into the tournament with a minor injury, but he should be fully recovered sooner than later. When he’s fully healthy, Flagg is a force to be reckoned with. Having turned 18 years old just a few months ago, Flagg is already considered a surefire bet to the be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

    He can score by driving to the rim or pulling up from mid-range or downtown. He can find the open man and set up teammates in a variety of ways. He can rebound with his long arms, which he also uses to block shots and cut out passes in tight lanes. He’s also an 83% free-throw shooter, which always comes in handy come tourney time.



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  • March Madness: North Carolina opens tournament run against San Diego State in First Four matchup – What to Watch For

    March Madness: North Carolina opens tournament run against San Diego State in First Four matchup – What to Watch For

    North Carolina‘s NCAA Tournament selection sparked controversy, but the Tar Heels have a prime opportunity to prove doubters wrong with a victory over San Diego State in the First Four on Tuesday night.

    The winner will advance to face No. 6 seed Mississippi on Friday in Milwaukee.

    Left in hysterics! Bill Belichick photo with girlfriend sparks wild comments from Stephen A. Smith

    With a 22-13 record and just one Quadrant 1 win, the Tar Heels’ inclusion surprised many. However, their challenging nonconference schedule and favorable metrics swayed the selection committee.

    “I didn’t listen to bracketology,” said North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “I know we’re excited to be part of this and are looking forward to tomorrow night.”

    Controversy Surrounding North Carolina’s Selection

    Some critics suggested bias, pointing to UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham’s role as the selection committee chair. However, Sun Belt Conference commissioner Keith Gill led the discussions involving the Tar Heels, ensuring impartiality.

    Big controversy! North Carolina loss to Duke causes outrage and fans demand an investigation

    North Carolina’s tough nonconference matchups included games against No. 1 seeds Auburn and Florida, No. 2 seeds Alabama and Michigan State, and a trip to No. 7 seed Kansas. The Tar Heels ranked 36th in NET, 33rd in KenPom, and 25th in BPI, edging out teams like West Virginia, Indiana, and Boise State.

    San Diego State’s Defensive Edge

    San Diego State (21-9) poses a significant challenge, leading the nation in field goal percentage defense (.378) and ranking 13th in defensive efficiency.

    “Our identity is in our defense and effort,” said Aztecs forward Jared Coleman-Jones. “If we bring that intensity, everything else will follow.”

    Key Players to Watch

    RJ Davis leads North Carolina, averaging 17 points and 3.7 assists per game. The Tar Heels enter as a No. 11 seed, the lowest in their storied NCAA Tournament history.

    Despite the criticism, the players are determined to make a statement.

    “We’ve felt the hate and disagreement,” said guard Seth Trimble. “We’ve got something to prove.”

    Can the Tar Heels defy expectations and make a deep tournament run? It all starts with their clash against the Aztecs on Tuesday night.



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  • Cam Newton reacts to Bill Belichick's viral dap moment, offers tips to impress his new players

    Cam Newton reacts to Bill Belichick's viral dap moment, offers tips to impress his new players

    Bill Belichick is entering a new chapter in his storied coaching career, trading the rigid structure of the NFL for the dynamic world of college football.

    The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has taken on a new role with the North Carolina Tar Heels, and with it comes a different approach to connecting with young recruits.

    A hard time! Bill Belichick struggles to walk straight and worries North Carolina Tar Heels fans

    Why Bill Belichick’s handshake game needs work

    One recent attempt at blending in, however, didn’t go unnoticed-especially by former New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton.

    During a UNC basketball game at the Smith Center, Belichick was caught on camera dapping up recruits in an attempt to engage with the next generation of players.

    While his effort was appreciated, the execution left much to be desired.

    Newton, never one to hold back, broke down Belichick’s technique and delivered a lighthearted but thorough critique.

    Reacting to the viral video, Newton didn’t sugarcoat his assessment.

    “Okay. Oh, yeah. That’s bad,” he said, clearly amused by the exchange.

    Analyzing Belichick’s movements, he explained, “The old slap and tap and push. The slap, tap, yeah, he tried to go in but was very aggressive. A little shake at the end to confirm.”

    Daps, a widely recognized form of greeting and unity, require a certain rhythm and mutual energy.

    According to Newton, Belichick’s approach was stiff and overbearing, failing to match the flow of the interaction.

    Offering advice to his former coach, Newton humorously introduced what he called “Daponomics 101,” laying out the fundamentals of a proper dap.

    “Bill, I love you. I really do,” Newton said while lighting a cigar.

    “This goes out to all of my white constituents that are out there. Because when y’all get into a setting where there are some soul brothers and we go in for an expected dap… When all else fails, you have to keep your palm straight and it has to match the intensity of the giver.”

    Belichick’s attempt at adapting to the college recruiting scene may have missed the mark, but the clip highlighted his willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

    Fans had mixed reactions, with some enjoying this new, relaxed side of the legendary coach and others amused by his awkward adjustment.

    Newton, who has long defended Belichick against critics, made it clear that his critique was all in good fun.



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  • Cooper Dejean's March Madness bracket: Here's the Super Bowl champion's picks

    Cooper Dejean's March Madness bracket: Here's the Super Bowl champion's picks

    March Madness is all about making bold picks, and Philadelphia Eagles cornerbackCooper DeJean isn’t sitting this one out. As brackets flooded in on Selection Sunday, the Super Bowl champion threw his predictions into the mix-complete with a clear-cut national champion.

    DeJean’s Final Four features a mix of powerhouse programs and a few surprises. He’s backing Michigan State (No. 2) to edge out Auburn (No. 1) in the South and has Florida (No. 1) taking down Texas Tech (No. 3) in the West. On the other side, he’s picking Duke (No. 1) to handle BYU (No. 6) in the East and Houston (No. 1) to hold off Kentucky (No. 3) in the Midwest.

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    And when it comes to the national championship? DeJean has two No. 1 seeds going head-to-head-Florida and Houston. But in the end, he’s putting his money on the Cougars.

    A team built for tournament success

    Houston has looked the part of a championship contender all season. With a 30-4 record and a Big 12 title under their belt, the Cougars have been nearly unstoppable since December, dropping just one game in that span-a nail-biter against Texas Tech.

    The team’s success is largely thanks to their suffocating defense, allowing just 58.5 points per game, which ranks them among the nation’s best. And then there’s senior guard L.J. Cryer, who leads the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game. With his ability to step up in big moments, Houston has a go-to guy when things get tight.

    For DeJean, it makes sense to back a team with that kind of defensive intensity. After all, the Eagles’ rookie knows a thing or two about shutting opponents down.

    The Cougars also have another major edge-road dominance. They’re the only team in the nation that went undefeated in away games this season, proving they can win in hostile environments. That kind of poise could be the difference when the stakes get even higher in the tournament.

    Now, all that’s left is to see if DeJean’s pick can make good on his prediction and bring home their first NCAA title. If they do, the Eagles cornerback might just have another championship celebration to enjoy-this time, from the sidelines.



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  • Colorado's next QB1? How Julian Lewis is already making people forget about Shedeur Sanders on practice

    Colorado's next QB1? How Julian Lewis is already making people forget about Shedeur Sanders on practice

    Julian Lewis’ potential was never in doubt, but a recent clip from Colorado’s spring practice sent his hype to another level. The footage shows him launching a deep ball with pinpoint accuracy, leaving fans buzzing about what’s to come.

    Social media was quick to react. Some fans believe he could reach Shedeur Sanders’ level within three years. Others praised his natural passing ability, already envisioning him lighting up defenses in the Big 12.

    Trayvis Hunter destined to be a great wide receiver just like his brother, Travis Hunter

    Of course, not everyone is fully convinced yet. Some pointed out that Lewis’ frame-6’0.5″ and 185 pounds-is smaller than Sanders, who took a beating behind Colorado’s inconsistent offensive line last season. Without a pass rush in practice, skeptics say, it’s hard to know how he’ll handle real pressure.

    Coach Prime has a new star in the making

    Coach Deion Sanders, never shy about praising his players, is already showing confidence in his young QB.

    “JuJu’s got something special,” Sanders said in a recent interview. “He’s got that mindset, that drive. He’s young, but he’s ready to work.”

    While Lewis is undoubtedly a name to watch, it’s still too early to hand him the starting job. He’ll need to prove himself in full-contact drills and fall camp before Colorado fans can start making real comparisons to Sanders.

    But one thing’s clear-Julian Lewis is already making waves in Boulder, and the hype isn’t slowing down anytime soon.



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  • Dick Vitale gets emotional during ACC title game after lengthy battles with cancer: A tough three years

    Dick Vitale gets emotional during ACC title game after lengthy battles with cancer: A tough three years

    Dick Vitale has battled through plenty of health scares over the past few years, which made his call of the Duke-Louisville ACC Tournament championship game on Saturday night all the more memorable.

    Back in December, the 85-year-old announced he was cancer-free after four battles with the disease over three years.

    Big controversy! North Carolina loss to Duke causes outrage and fans demand an investigation

    Although he didn’t work any of the ACC Tournament games as doctors advised him not to call more than one game a week after several vocal cord surgeries, he was in the booth on Saturday to see Duke claim a 73-62 win.

    The moment was an emotional one for Vitale, who shared what it meant to be there with his colleagues and fans.

    “It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys,” Vitale said. “I can’t tell you how much you’ve meant to me. It’s been unbelievable. A tough three years. Those four cancer battles. I don’t wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks.”

    Vitale had cancerous lymph nodes removed from his neck last summer and was treated for melanoma and lymphoma before that. He also underwent radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer last year.

    “It’s my last game this year and I’m praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better,” Vitale said. “I hope and pray my doctor really helps me with my voice.”

    “I want to thank all the fans, all the people that have been so beautiful, all my people at ESPN tolerating and putting up with me in terms of my issues I’ve had. You’ve been great.”

    Vitale watches Duke win

    Saturday night’s game was the final of the season for Vitale, and what a game it was as Duke came out on top even without the services of Cooper Flagg.

    The win secured the Blue Devils their second ACC title in three years and 23rd overall – the most of any team in conference history. That puts them five ahead of rivals North Carolina, who Duke defeated in the semi-finals.

    “Two down and one to go,” said tournament MVP Kan Knueppel said, referring to the upcoming NCAA Tournament in which the Blue Devils are a lock to be the No. 1 overall seed.



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  • Travis Hunter's younger brother, Trayvis, shows off family talent and swagger as colleges line up

    Travis Hunter's younger brother, Trayvis, shows off family talent and swagger as colleges line up

    The term “generational talent” gets thrown out a lot, but for Travis Hunter, it may very well be warranted. Equally gifted as both a wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter took college football by storm due to his elite play on both sides of the ball. Ultimately, it led to a Heisman Trophy in his last season at Colorado.

    In the aftermath of Hunter revolutionizing the sport, colleges have their eyes on players who could potentially play both sides of the ball. Even Colorado itself believes they have one or two on their roster that can do it. But maybe teams don’t have to look too far from the apple tree, as Hunter’s younger brother, Trayvis Hunter, is already showing off his skills in high school and at football events.

    Which schools have extended an offer to Trayvis Hunter?

    The younger Hunter has already received offers from Tennessee State, Georgia State and Jackson State. The latter, of course, is where Travis began his collegiate career. Trayvis is still very young at just 15 years old, so the fact that he’s getting offers already speaks for itself.

    Hunter plays wide receiver for Effingham County High School in Springfield, Georgia. He stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 140 pounds, but he has the genetics to grow into his frame, just as Travis did. Trayvis will certainly be a name to watch over the next few years, especially if he decides to play both sides of the ball like his brother.



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  • Shedeur Sanders gets expert advice on how to become a franchise quarterback in the short term

    Shedeur Sanders gets expert advice on how to become a franchise quarterback in the short term

    Expectations for Shedeur Sanders are slowly dropping, it’s no secret that he was “hit” as many claimed he would be one of the first picks in the NFL Draft.

    While some believe Sanders will continue to fall down draft boards, others, including Louis Reddick, a former NFL scout, still see him as one of the first ten picks and a future franchise quarterback.

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    Reddick has a very strong opinion of Shedeur, whom he rates as an elite “franchise player.

    He has no doubt that NFL teams should strive to draft him and devote resources to his development. He believes the team that drafts him should surround him with expert quarterback coaches who are responsible for honing his skills and teaching him everything he needs to be a leader at his position.

    A project with Sanders at the helm

    Louis Reddick has great faith in creating a project tailored to Shedeur, practically giving him the keys to the franchise. He believes he has what it takes to be the face of an NFL team, clearly the cornerstone as a franchise quarterback.

    He even took the time to lay out a “plan” for NFL teams looking to sign him: “You have to recruit him, prepare a solid quarterback room for him to adjust and settle in his first year, and then watch him take off in his second year as the leader he promises to be”.

    ‘Arrogance’ is the biggest but

    Known for his bold and often shocking personality, Deion Sanders justified his arrogance with exceptional talent. He passed these traits on to his children, raising them to be strong individuals full of conviction.

    In general, confidence is applauded, but with Shedeur Sanders, the conservatives who run NFL franchises seem to see him as a challenge.

    According to some sources, teams tend to be cautious about drafting a quarterback who expresses his thoughts unapologetically, or who demonstrates such confidence that he does not feel the need to speak constantly.

    Franchises often have a fixed vision of what a quarterback should be, and when a player does not fit that mold, there is uncertainty about his ability.

    We’ll see what his tremendous future holds, but some franchises are already having second thoughts. Of course, once he’s on the field, nothing can be questioned, and surely some NFL team has him on their wish list.



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