Joel Klatt, a sports commentator, discussed issues with the NCAA transfer portal and the College Football Playoff schedule. He suggested that allowing players to transfer freely each year while extending the postseason into January creates problems for college football. Klatt proposed treating players as employees and adjusting the playoff schedule to address these challenges.
Key Facts
Indiana and Miami will compete in the College Football Playoff national championship on January 19.
Joel Klatt criticized the current state of college football's transfer portal and playoff scheduling.
He believes player transfers are too frequent and affect the sport's stability.
Klatt suggested considering players as employees and creating a collective bargaining agreement.
The NCAA implemented a single winter transfer window for football players from January 2–16, 2026.
Over 4,500 Division I players entered the transfer portal on the first day of the new window.
Athletes.org proposed a draft collective bargaining agreement in December 2025 for college sports.
Legal and institutional challenges remain for implementing such agreements in college sports.
A viral post on Reddit showed a $30,000 restaurant bill from a group of 17 NFL defensive linemen dining out. The bill included luxury items like expensive tequila, champagne, and a mystery whiskey called "Badonkadonk." The high cost highlighted the difference between the spending habits of well-paid NFL players and typical Americans.
Key Facts
A Reddit post showed a restaurant bill of nearly $30,000 for 17 NFL defensive linemen.
The bill included luxury items such as tequila, champagne, seafood, and a mystery whiskey called "Badonkadonk."
"Badonkadonk" refers to Whistle Pig 25-year single malt whiskey, with a bottle costing about $2,000.
NFL interior defensive linemen are among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks, earning significant salaries.
Over 22 defensive linemen earn at least $15 million per season, with top earners making $20 million or more annually.
The post generated conversation about financial priorities and spending habits.
A survey revealed many Americans spend about $250 monthly on social activities, but financial worries are common.
The Reddit account that posted the bill has since been suspended, and the details couldn't be verified.
The Green Bay Packers lost to the Chicago Bears in a wild card playoff game, ending their 2025-26 season. Despite this loss, head coach Matt LaFleur is expected to return, but defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley may leave for a head coaching job elsewhere. LaFleur supports Hafley's potential move and is preparing for possible changes in the coaching staff.
Key Facts
The Packers lost 31-27 to the Bears in a wild card playoff game.
Green Bay had a lead of 21-6 before losing in the final quarter.
Matt LaFleur is expected to stay as the Packers' head coach in 2026.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley may leave to become a head coach for another NFL team.
Hafley is set to interview for head coaching positions with five teams.
LaFleur expressed support for Hafley's potential career move and is planning for staff changes.
Hafley joined the Packers as defensive coordinator in 2024 after coaching Boston College.
The Milwaukee Brewers signed outfielder Dasan Brown, who was previously a prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays, to a minor-league contract. Brown is known for his speed and defense but struggled with his batting performance last season.
Key Facts
Dasan Brown was a Toronto Blue Jays prospect and a 2019 third-round pick.
He became a free agent after struggling with his batting in the 2024 season.
Brown hit .174 with a .545 OPS in 101 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
He has 149 career stolen bases in 463 minor league games, highlighting his speed.
The Milwaukee Brewers signed Brown to a minor-league deal between December 12 and January 5.
Brewers Double-A broadcaster Javik Blake confirmed the signing.
Brown won a minor-league Gold Glove for his defensive skills in 2024.
The Blue Jays did not add Brown to their 40-man roster, though they likely did not want to lose him.
Terry Bradshaw's past comments about Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, resurfaced after the team lost badly to the Houston Texans. Bradshaw initially criticized Tomlin, but he recently praised him after a win against the Baltimore Ravens.
Key Facts
Terry Bradshaw is a former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 2016, Bradshaw said he didn’t think Mike Tomlin was a great coach.
Tomlin led the Steelers to an AFC title game appearance a few weeks after Bradshaw's comments in 2016.
Bradshaw later semi-apologized after Tomlin confronted him.
A recent 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans brought Bradshaw's old comments back into discussion.
Bradshaw recently called Tomlin an "outstanding, phenomenal coach" after a victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Bradshaw admitted he had never met Mike Tomlin personally.
The New York Mets are expected to sign Harrison Bader, an outfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies, to strengthen their team. Bader had a strong performance last season and is known for his excellent defending skills. His addition would help fill gaps left by recent player trades.
Key Facts
The Mets currently have Juan Soto as their main outfielder.
Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, former Mets players, were traded, leaving a gap in the outfield.
Harrison Bader played for the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Bader had a strong performance last season, hitting a .277 batting average and setting personal bests in home runs.
He is a former Gold Glove winner, indicating his strong defensive abilities.
Bader's skills could provide a cheaper alternative to other available outfielders like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.
The New York Giants are looking for a new head coach after firing Brian Daboll. They plan to interview Mike McCarthy, who is a former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, as well as Lou Anarumo from the Indianapolis Colts. The Giants' general manager, Joe Schoen, is leading the search.
Key Facts
The New York Giants fired their head coach Brian Daboll during the season.
Joe Schoen, the Giants' general manager, will oversee the search for a new head coach.
The Giants find their head coach search important due to team potential like player Jaxson Dart.
Mike McCarthy, former head coach for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, will interview with the Giants.
McCarthy coached the Packers for 13 years and the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024.
Lou Anarumo, the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, will also interview for the head coach position.
The Giants are considering several candidates for the role.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear cases about laws blocking transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports teams. Riley Gaines, known for tying with transgender athlete Lia Thomas in a swimming competition, will be watching closely. The court's decision could impact similar laws in many states.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing laws from states like West Virginia and Idaho that bar transgender girls from girls' sports.
These laws relate to Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination.
Riley Gaines competed against Lia Thomas, sparking debate on transgender athletes in women's sports.
President Trump stated that visas won't be issued to transgender athletes for the Olympics.
The NCAA banned transgender athletes assigned male at birth from competing on women's teams.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's views may draw attention during the Supreme Court hearing.
The cases include one involving Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender girl wanting to compete in her school's female track team.
Aaron Rodgers left a press conference after being asked a question about Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Rodgers had praised Tomlin despite the team’s loss to the Houston Texans. Tromlin, dealing with calls for his job, declined to discuss his future.
Key Facts
Aaron Rodgers abruptly left a press conference after a question about Mike Tomlin.
The Steelers lost 30-6 to the Houston Texans in a playoff game.
Some Steelers fans want head coach Mike Tomlin to be replaced.
Rodgers supported Tomlin, mentioning his long-term success in the league.
Tomlin did not comment on his future after the loss.
Rodgers was frustrated at being repeatedly asked about Tomlin.
The New York Mets are expected to sign pitcher Framber Valdez to enhance their pitching rotation. Last season, the Mets needed improvement in their starting pitchers, and Valdez, despite a controversial incident in September, is considered to be a top candidate. Valdez has a strong track record, including being a two-time All-Star.
Key Facts
The Mets' starting pitchers ranked 18th in ERA last season, indicating a need for improvement.
David Stearns, involved with the Mets, aims to improve the team's defense by enhancing the pitching rotation.
Framber Valdez is a free agent who is expected to help strengthen the Mets' rotation.
Valdez faced a controversial incident in September where a miscommunication in a game affected his reputation.
Valdez has been recognized for his skills with Cy Young Award votes and is a two-time All-Star.
He recorded a 3.66 ERA last season and a career ERA of 3.36.
Despite the controversy, Valdez is working to show teams his positive attributes and is likely to be signed soon.
Michael Carrick will be Manchester United's interim head coach, with Steve Holland as his assistant. Carrick's team will also include Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion. An official announcement is expected soon.
Key Facts
Michael Carrick is set to become the interim head coach for Manchester United.
Steve Holland, who was formerly England's assistant manager, will be Carrick's assistant.
Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion will join Carrick's coaching staff.
Carrick agreed to the deal on Monday night, and an official announcement is expected after paperwork is completed.
Manchester United recently sacked Ruben Amorim, who was in charge for 14 months.
Darren Fletcher temporarily led the team for two matches after Amorim's departure.
Carrick previously served as United's temporary boss in 2021.
Carrick will lead the team in the upcoming match against Manchester City.
The Houston Texans won 30-6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a wild card playoff game. Coach DeMeco Ryans received attention for his "Wear 'em out" comment captured on ESPN. The Texans will next face the New England Patriots in the divisional round.
Key Facts
The Texans defeated the Steelers 30-6 in a wild card playoff game.
The game was held at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
The score was close until the fourth quarter, when the Texans pulled ahead.
Texans player Sheldon Rankins scored a touchdown after recovering a fumble.
Rookie running back Woody Marks added a late touchdown to secure the victory.
The Texans' defense limited the Steelers to two third-down conversions out of 14 attempts.
Houston's quarterback CJ Stroud had 250 passing yards, one touchdown, but also made mistakes with two fumbles and an interception.
The Texans will face the New England Patriots in the next playoff round.
The Atlanta Braves traded infielder Brett Wisely and pitcher Ken Waldichuk to the Tampa Bay Rays. This move was part of a deal that gained the Braves cash considerations or a player to be named later. Both players may have a chance to compete for roster spots with the Rays in spring training.
Key Facts
The Braves traded Brett Wisely and Ken Waldichuk to the Rays.
The Rays gave the Braves cash or a player to be named later in return.
Wisely played four games for the Braves and got on base with three walks.
Waldichuk has not pitched in the major leagues since 2023 due to an injury.
Both players were on the edge of the Braves' 40-man roster.
The Rays had drafted Wisely in 2019 before he joined the Giants.
Waldichuk was part of a major trade deal when the Yankees acquired Frankie Montas.
WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer has a real but minor injury. Despite her condition, WWE is using the injury as part of a storyline with another wrestler, Raquel Rodriguez. Vaquer is expected to recover soon and may participate in the upcoming Royal Rumble event.
Key Facts
Stephanie Vaquer, the WWE Women’s World Champion, has a real injury that is minor.
WWE is exaggerating the injury for storyline purposes to add drama.
Raquel Rodriguez attacked Vaquer on a recent TV broadcast, targeting her already injured leg.
This feud between Vaquer and Rodriguez started after a past match in December where Vaquer won.
Vaquer's recovery is expected to be quick, and she might compete in the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026.
The Royal Rumble will happen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking an important event for WWE's international tour.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, coached by Mike Tomlin, lost 30-6 to the Houston Texans. This defeat marked their fifth consecutive playoff loss by double digits, setting a new NFL record. Despite the loss, Tomlin did not comment on his future with the team.
Key Facts
Mike Tomlin is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers lost to the Houston Texans with a score of 30-6.
This loss was the fifth straight playoff game the Steelers have lost by more than ten points.
The Steelers set an NFL record with this streak of losing playoff games by double digits.
Tomlin has not won a playoff game since January 2017.
Despite the loss, Tomlin did not discuss his future role with the team.
Pitcher Chris Bassitt, who played for the Toronto Blue Jays, is expected to rejoin the New York Mets. He previously played for the Mets and performed well, earning a significant contract with Toronto. The Mets need experienced pitchers, and Bassitt's versatility could help fill that gap.
Key Facts
Chris Bassitt is a free agent who is currently 37 years old.
He has made at least 30 starts and pitched at least 170 innings each year for the past four years.
Bassitt has a career ERA of 3.77 over the last four years.
He played for the Toronto Blue Jays for the last three seasons.
Anthony McCarron from SNY predicts Bassitt will return to the New York Mets this winter.
Bassitt pitched effectively for the Blue Jays both as a starter and in the bullpen.
The Mets need stable, experienced pitchers to strengthen their rotation, which has injury concerns.
The New York Yankees are in negotiations with Cody Bellinger for a new contract. The Yankees offered him a five-year, $155 million deal, but Bellinger wants a seven-year contract. There is a prediction that despite the current gap, Bellinger will return to the Yankees by the end of the offseason.
Key Facts
The Yankees offered Cody Bellinger a five-year contract worth $155 million.
Bellinger and his agent are seeking a seven-year contract.
The Yankees have not pursued other free agents significantly while negotiating with Bellinger.
Predictions suggest Bellinger will ultimately return to the Yankees.
In his previous season with the Yankees, Bellinger hit 29 home runs.
Bellinger was one of the Yankees' top players, second only to MVP Aaron Judge.
Aaron Rodgers supports Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin despite recent criticism following a big loss. After the team lost to the Houston Texans, some fans and commentators called for Tomlin to be fired. Rodgers emphasized Tomlin's past success and questioned the quick judgments often made in sports today.
Key Facts
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 30-6 to the Houston Texans.
The loss led some Steelers fans to call for head coach Mike Tomlin to be fired.
The Steelers set an NFL record with five straight playoff losses by double-digit margins.
Mike Tomlin chose not to comment on his future with the team.
Aaron Rodgers expressed his belief that Tomlin should remain the team's coach.
Rodgers argued against quick decisions to fire coaches and cited Tomlin's long-term success.
Rodgers also defended another coach, Matt LaFleur, against similar criticism.
Charlotte Edwards, the England cricket coach, is preparing the women's team for upcoming matches by implementing new fitness standards and training camps. After a challenging period, the team has not played since their semi-final loss at the Women's World Cup and is now focusing on developing younger players and enhancing performance. The team is set to begin playing against New Zealand in May and will host the T20 World Cup later in June.
Key Facts
Charlotte Edwards became the coach of the England women's cricket team in April.
The team faced difficulties, including a heavy loss in the Ashes and questions about their fitness.
Edwards has introduced stricter fitness standards and individual development plans for players.
England's next international matches are against New Zealand, starting on May 10.
The team is training in preparation for hosting the T20 World Cup in June and July.
Senior players are participating in other international leagues or are on leave to rest.
Edwards is focusing on identifying and nurturing young talent for future matches.
Training camps are being held in Oman, South Africa, and the UAE for team development.
The New York Yankees are considering signing baseball player Luis Arráez after talks to acquire Cody Bellinger stalled. Arráez is known for his strong hitting ability, though he lacks significant power or defensive skills.
Key Facts
The Yankees wanted to sign Cody Bellinger, but negotiations are stalled.
Luis Arráez is being considered as an option for the Yankees.
Arráez has won three batting titles and is a three-time All-Star.
He is not known for his power or defensive skills.
Arráez is currently a free agent and may be open to a short-term deal.
He can play first or second base, which would require infield adjustments for the Yankees.
Arráez is recognized for being able to get on base frequently.
