August 2025

There were 1,614 posts published in August 2025 (this is page 147 of 162).

Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 21 – Treveon Graham (2018-19)

The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the “New Jersey Americans”.

Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.

To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise’s jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. The 22nd of those 52 different numbers is jersey No. 21, which has has had a total of 26 players wear the number in the history of the team.

The 22nd of those players wearing No. 21 played in the Brooklyn Nets era, wing alum Treveon Graham. After ending his college career at VCU, Graham would go unselected in the 2015 NBA Draft, instead playing in the G League before he signed with the Charlotte Hornets in 2016.

The Temple Hills, Maryland native would play the first two seasons of his pro career with the Hornets before signing with the Nets in 2018. His stay with the team would span just 35 games before he would be dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019.

During his time suiting up for the Nets, Graham wore only jersey No. 21 and put up 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets jersey history No. 21 – Treveon Graham (2018-19)

Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program That is ‘Vulnerable’

Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program That is ‘Vulnerable’ originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The 2024 college football season did not go as expected for several programs. Now, the 2025 season offers a chance to recover and have a successful year.

The Kentucky Wildcats had a challenging season, finishing with a 4-8 record under head coach Mark Stoops. This was their worst performance since 2013, which was Stoops’ inaugural season. During an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” the SEC Network analyst discussed the Wildcats’ rival, the Louisville Cardinals.

Finebaum stated that Louisville should capitalize on Kentucky’s current struggles and become the premier team in the state.

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops© Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

“Kentucky is vulnerable,” Finebaum said. “Mark Stoops talked the other day about whatever has gone on is not going to happen anymore.”

The vulnerability could carry over into the next season. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) is a metric used to assess a team’s strength and predict its performance for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the FPI has a pessimistic outlook on their future. It predicts that Kentucky will end the season with a record of 5-7, positioning them near the bottom of the SEC standings.

One advantage for the Wildcats is that they are returning 60% of their production this season, which ranks 52nd in the nation. This level of continuity could lead to improved performance on the field in the upcoming season. However, the schedule presents a significant challenge for Kentucky.

In the first half of the season, the Wildcats will host Ole Miss, Texas, and Tennessee. They will also play road games against South Carolina and Georgia. In the second half of the schedule, they have road trips planned to Auburn, Vanderbilt, and a season finale at Louisville. Additionally, Florida will visit Lexington in November.

Considering their challenging schedule, Kentucky seems likely to face another tough season. The Wildcats will kick off the season at 12:45 p.m. ET on August 30.

Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program That’s ‘Very Average’

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

Fever Coach Stephanie White Sends Clear Message After Indiana’s Big Decision

Fever Coach Stephanie White Sends Clear Message After Indiana’s Big Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Some big news came out of the Indiana Fever camp on Friday ahead of their road matchup against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at American Airlines. This came in the form of the team deciding to make a significant roster move that could potentially have a long-term impact on the squad.

Indiana Fever Sign Chloe Bibby

The Fever announced on Friday that they had signed forward Chloe Bibby to a permanent deal. After Bibby’s initial seven-day contract came to an end, the team had to decide on what they wanted to do with the 6-foot-2 forward.

Given how much of an impact she’s had in her first two appearances for Indiana, the team decided that it would be in its best interest to keep Bibby on board. This ultimately resulted in the Fever signing her to a rest-of-season deal.

Stephanie White Addresses Bibby Signing

Fever head coach Stephanie White spoke to reporters before Friday’s game, and the first question she was asked was about Bibby’s new deal. The veteran shot-caller explained why it wasn’t a very difficult decision to make for the Fever.

“Well, number one, just the way that she fit in right away,” White said of Bibby. “She gives us a different look from that forward position with her ability to stretch the floor.

“Particularly, in two games where we really needed to create space for [Aliyah Boston] to go to work inside, she was able to do that for us.

“She came in and she learned the system right away. It just such an easy transition and she’s produced.”

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White had nothing but praise for new signing Chloe Bibby.© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In her first two games for Indiana, Bibby has produced averages of 9.0 points and 2.0 triples in 12.0 minutes off the bench. As of writing, she’s already scored six points on two three-pointers against the Wings in just three minutes of action.

Bibby is no star, but it is clear from Coach White’s message here that the 27-year-old will play a relatively significant role for the team moving forward.

Related: Aliyah Boston Has One Word After Big Indiana Fever News

Related: Sophie Cunningham’s Caitlin Clark Jab Goes Viral on Friday

Related: Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Refuses to Apologize for Controversial WNBA Comments

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

2 Well Known Detroit Lions Possibly in Danger of Being Cut, Beat Writer Says

2 Well Known Detroit Lions Possibly in Danger of Being Cut, Beat Writer Says originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Detroit Lions were shellacked in Canton, Ohio on Thursday night during their preseason opener by a score of 34-7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, causing concern among Detroit fans who expected a much better performance.

On Friday, Lions beat writer Kory Woods of MLive.com joined the Crunch Time Sports podcast with Jeff Iafrate for a live chat to discuss Detroit’s disappointing performance in depth, during which he sounded the alarm about a pair of Lions players who may need big performances over the rest of this fall to ensure their spots on the team’s roster.

Former second round pick and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw was among those mentioned by Woods for what he thought wasn’t a very good performance against LA.

“It wasn’t a good showing, Ennis just has to go out there and make himself pop, he along with Broderic Martin are two guys I’m having on my watch like, ‘Hey, you guys have to have some strong camps because they brought in veterans at those positions,'” Woods said during a live interview.

“Ennis is still young, they drafted him pretty high, I see them affording him more opportunities down the line to go ahead and clean up some mistakes that he had,” Woods added, saying that the rust may have affected him.

“He still has a lot of room to grow,” Woods added.

“I don’t want to sit up here and be too premature with it but these are guys who could probably find themselves not making the roster or practice squad,” Woods said.

LA Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (84) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (9) during the first half of the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Thursday, July 31, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Related: Injury Report Given on Lions Offensive Lineman Dan Skipper After Loss to Chargers

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

Brewers scored 38 runs in three games….and MLB social media noticed

The Milwaukee Brewers offense probably deserves a steak dinner or two after the three-day hitting display they put on at Nationals Park against the Washington Nationals, Aug. 1-3.

Then again, the pocket pancake breakfast at any time in the Brewers dugout seems to be working.

The Brewers’ bats certainly feasted on anything Washington pitchers served up this weekend. In addition to the new team-record 56 hits produced over the three games, 72 runners wearing a Milwaukee uniform reached base and 38 runs scored.

And that’s after the Brewers scored 22 runs in three games last month against the Nationals at American Family Field. The Brewers now have the best run differential in baseball thanks to the 60 runs in six games against the Nationals at +119.

In the final game of the season series, the Brewers scored 14 runs without Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick. These “average Joes” as Murphy calls them are anything but that since an 11-game winning streak from July 6-21. The Brewers finished 17-7 in July. Eight of those wins were against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

The latest 27 innings of dominance in D.C. came after much of the national baseball media was underwhelmed by the Brewers’ trade deadline activity.

Here’s a bit of social media reaction to the Brewers’ offensive fireworks this weekend:

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers scored 38 runs in three games….and MLB social media noticed

Kalen DeBoer answers on whether Alabama is closer to finding their starting QB

After their first week in practice, Crimson Tide fans want to know if head coach Kalen DeBoer is any closer to naming a starter quarterback, and the answer seems to be no.

Although DeBoer is pleased with the work of each of his three QBs, he hasn’t said if someone has pulled away yet in practice.

DeBoer said this after Sunday’s practice via the Tuscaloosa News.

“I think the biggest thing, practice one was good, two, the installs become more and different things. A lot of it’s still base stuff for the most part that these guys have built on [in] spring, summer. But there’s a couple just missed opportunities, really between receivers, skill guys, and the quarterbacks. I thought the last two practices, those near-misses have now been completions,” DeBoer said. “So, that’s what you like to see, where the plays are getting made, the plays are getting drawn up, there’s execution on a high level somewhere. They either miss the throw, and sometimes maybe there’s an offensive line breakdown of some type or something just a little closer and causing a little bit of distraction for the quarterback, but the last two days have really been better. That’s what you want to see.”

The consensus around the program is that if the Tide kicked off the season today, Ty Simpson would be the starter over Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell.

Although it appears from reports out of practice that both Mack and Russell are pushing Simpson, so far, not enough to where Simpson won’t start the season.

DeBoer may not be saying who the starter is until kickoff against Florida State because he doesn’t want to show his hand and give the Seminoles an idea of who he is going with, that way they have to prepare for all three.

Khabib Nurmagomedov hints at Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev superfight for Madison Square Garden

Jack Della Maddalena appears to have his first title defence already in the works, with the Australian on a collision course with former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The 28-year-old captured welterweight gold at UFC 315, stunning fans with his victory over Belal Muhammad. Now, a monumental title fight awaits at Madison Square Garden.

MORE: UFC Perth main event confirmed as Kiwi gets title audition

Makhachev is expected to move up a division for this bout after vacating his lightweight belt earlier this year.

His coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov hinted at the matchup during a recent fan question-and-answer appearance in New York.

“This is his deal with the UFC,” Nurmagomedov said. 

“I don’t deal with the UFC. This is his problem, but we have [a] deal with them where he’s gonna fight at Madison Square Garden and they said yes.”

The UFC is yet to officially confirm the blockbuster showdown, but looking at their schedule in years past, a return to the Garden seems likely to go down in November.

For Della Maddalena, the challenge is enormous. Makhachev enters the bout with the momentum of four consecutive title defences – two of those over Della Maddalena’s countryman Alex Volkanovski.

The idea of the Russian stepping up in weight class adds intrigue, presenting questions over whether or not he can implement his dominant wrestling game against a bigger opponent.

If finalised, the event would put both men in the frame for fighter of the year discussions, a welcome achievement to their growing legacies.

Mets prospect Carson Benge blasts go-ahead, two-run home run for Double-A Binghamton

Mets prospect Carson Benge continued his hot stretch for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday, showing off his power swing.

The left fielder blasted a go-ahead, two run home run in the sixth inning off of Harrisburg’s Hyun-il Choi to put the Rumble Ponies up 2-0. 

He finished the game 1-for-4 as Binghamton would hold on for the win despite getting outhit, 8-4. Right-hander Jack Wenninger tossed tossed six scoreless innings to earn his ninth victory of the year.

Benge has now hit five home runs in his last six games and is already up to eight homers at the Double-A level after getting promoted at the end of June. 

Over 26 games with Binghamton, Benge is slashing .370/.462/.670 with an impressive 1.132 OPS. The 22-year-old also has four doubles, a triple, and 20 RBI. He hit .302 with 37 RBI over 60 games in High-A and had only four homers, but that was likely due to Brooklyn’s tough hitting stadium.

Across 86 games combined at both levels, Benge is hitting .323 with a .968 OPS, 12 home runs, 57 RBI, and 19 stolen bases this season.

While Benge was the only player to drive in runs on Sunday, fellow top prospect Jett Williams went 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored in the win. He’s hitting .278 over 91 games in Double-A with 10 home runs, 28 doubles, five triples, and 36 RBI. He’s also got 58 walks and 29 stolen bases on the season.

Aaron Boone says it’s ‘gut-check time’ for Yankees after suffering sweep to Marlins

The Yankees lost again Sunday as they were swept by the Miami Marlins for the first time in franchise history and now find themselves in third place in the AL East standings with a 60-52 record.

New York has gone 4-6 over their last 10 games and 25-32 since May 29. They’re currently 1.5 games back of the Boston Red Sox for second place in the division and 4.5 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place. With Aaron Judge‘s return from the IL expected to happen this week, it’s time for the Yanks to snap out of their funk, and manager Aaron Boone knows it.

“Yeah I mean we’re going into another tough opponent that’s playing well. We got to do it, we got to find a way,” Boone told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits after the loss. “Again, we swing the bats really, really good. Obviously the first night. Again, I thought today was better in the at-bat quality, getting shut down by a good pitcher. But we got to put it together more than anything.

“It’s getting to be real gut-check time. It’s getting late. It’s certainly not too late for us. And I am confident that we’re going to get it together. But that’s all it is right now, it’s empty until we start doing it.”

Boone still believes this Yankees team can turn things around, but they have to find some consistency. 

“I think we got a really good team out there and that gives me confidence,” Boone said. “But it’s on me, it’s on us, it’s on all of us to pull it out and pull it out together. I think we have the makings of a very good club, but obviously we haven’t shown it consistently enough.”

After Saturday’s 2-0 loss, Jazz Chisholm Jr.discussed his baserunning mistake and mentioned he felt the team has been “pressing a little bit.” Boone said Sunday he agrees they’ve been pressing at times and that it needs to end if they are going to get hot.

“Maybe at times, different stretches in here,” Boone said. “I thought we went through a week defensively where we were pressing a little bit. The thing I’m still excited about, even though this weekend is, we’ve sured up the area in the pen that was a struggle there for a while. And I feel like that’s going to reveal itself here. 

“So yeah, when you have a lot of expectations and you feel like you’re a good club and you’re capable of doing a lot of things, that comes into play sometimes a little bit. But you go to get over that. That’s part of being a good team, that’s part of being a big leaguer is you got to deal with those kind of things. We have at times I feel like, but we got to go.”

The manager said the mood in the locker room post-sweep was as you’d imagine, but they have to “dig out of it” and start finding ways to string wins together. Although, New York’s schedule won’t get easier as they start a three-game series on the road against the Texas Rangers on Monday before returning home to face the Houston Astros over the weekend.

“Definitely that’s not a good feeling,” Boone said. “You get beat up, you’re coming out to try and salvage and you’re behind the eight ball pretty quick. That’s part of it. You got to pick yourself up, you got to dig out of it and be able to handle it. It’s getting time where we need to start doing it and doing it in a consistent manner. Hopefully we start that tomorrow.”