Author: rb809rb

  • Browns hire Todd Monken + State of the NFC South & 2026 Draft lookahead (ft. J.J. Jansen & Austin Mock)

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    How will Todd Monken boost the Cleveland Browns in the offseason as their new head coach? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano is joined by Carolina Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen, and The Athletic’s Austink Monk join the show to talk all things coaching cycle, Hall of Fame eligibility, Super Bowl and more! Check out today’s episode to get caught up the latest news and notes from around the league.

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    (6:30) – HOF talk: Belichick & Luke Kuechly

    (17:50) – Browns hire HC Todd Monken

    (22:50) – JJ Jansen on Panthers’ 2026 outlook

    (30:40) – Early Super Bowl thoughts

    (48:00) – Austin Mock’s 2026 NFL Draft big board

    (54:50) – Latest coaching cycle news

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

  • NBA Trade Deadline preview: new homes for Giannis, Ja’s value & impact of the draft

    Kevin O’Connor & Tom Haberstroh dive deep into the unfolding Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga ahead of the February 5th deadline. The pair give an extensive breakdown of the teams—Warriors, Timberwolves, Hawks, Heat, Knicks and more—positioned to make big moves for the Bucks superstar.

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    They also debate which teams stand to benefit most from their lottery odds in a loaded NBA Draft, analyze Ja Morant’s market value, talk Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations and more!

    (0:44) Giannis ‘ready for a new home’
    (6:52) Warriors case for getting Giannis
    (9:57) Should Timberwolves trade for Giannis?
    (20:29) Rockets & Spurs not interested in Giannis trade
    (28:46) Could Blazers facilitate the trade?
    (36:14) 5 teams for Ja Morant
    (44:48) Should Lakers trade for MPJ?
    (54:05) Draft Class: Dybantsa vs. Peterson
    (1:06:47) KOC Show mailbag

    MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

    MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

    (Patrick McDermott)

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on the Yahoo Sports NBA YouTube channel

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • Did Miami find an NIL loophole? & Did North Carolina’s struggle affect Belichick’s HOF vote

    Did Miami find a loophole in NIL? We have had many discussions on Darian Mensah’s journey from Duke to Miami in the last couple of weeks, but not much of the talk has been focused on the Hurricanes. Steven Godfrey returns to join Andy Staples and Ross Dellenger as they discuss how Miami may have found a way around player buyouts in college football. Are we closer to getting clear buyouts written in player contracts? Plus, do schools in states with no income tax have an advantage in NIL? The guys discuss.

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    Then, they shift from players to coaches. The college football schedule is always a topic of debate, but the group most negatively affected by the current nonsensical schedule is the coaches. Many people may not feel bad for the head coaches making millions, but it’s all of the other coaches who really take on the biggest burden of the schedule. The dichotomy between the quality of life of college coaches versus coaches in the NFL has many coaches jumping ship to take a chance in the National Football League. Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss how tough this schedule can be, and why the NFL model is more manageable for coaches. Plus, they discuss ways that the college football schedule can improve and also be more prevalent throughout the calendar year.

    Later, they guys discuss the biggest news in the football world. Bill Belichick was not named a first ballot Hall of Famer. Many people have expressed shock and outrage by this omission. Andy poses a question to the group. Did Belichick’s struggles at North Carolina have a negative effect on his Hall of Fame candidacy? The guys discuss the situation.

    Get all of your college football news here with College Football Enquirer.

    Did Miami find a loophole in NIL? Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Did Miami find a loophole in NIL? Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    0:00:00 – Miami finds NIL loophole w/ Mensah buyout

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    16:17 – Will buyouts be standard in player contracts?

    28:40 – NFL vs. college coaches quality of life

    46:11 – How to improve the college football schedule

    52:31 – Did Belichick’s UNC struggle affect his HOF candidacy?

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out all the episodes of theCollege Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family athttps://apple.co/3zEuTQj or atyahoosports.tv

  • Separating CL Contenders and Pretenders, Is the Premier League Boring? & USWNT’s New Era Under Emma Hayes

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    Christian Polanco and Christine Cupo kick things off by tiering the Champions League field, separating the favorites from the contenders, dark horses, and pretenders. Who’s built to go the distance, which clubs are being overrated, and who could surprise Europe this season?

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    Next, the guys react to Anthony Gordon’s recent comments throwing shade at the Premier League. Has the league’s dominance made it predictable and boring, or is this just another case of fans confusing quality with excitement? Christian and Christine debate whether the “best league in the world” label still holds up.

    Finally, the conversation turns to the USWNT as Emma Hayes officially ushers in a new era. With a clear vision, fresh energy, and evolving tactics, the guys ask whether this team could reach an even higher level of dominance than previous generations.

    Timestamps:

    (4:30) – Recapping Champions League Matchday 8 excitement

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    (9:00) – Listing Champions League Pretenders

    (19:30) – Champions League contenders

    (28:30) – Champions League favorites

    (31:00) – Reacting to Anthony Gordon’s comments on PL’s lost excitement

    (43:30) – Emma Hayes ushering in USWNT’s new era

    CL TIERS

    CL TIERS

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • Derek Rae on the Power of Pronunciation, Global Soccer Culture & Becoming the Voice of EA FC

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    Legendary commentator Derek Rae joins Christian and Alexis for a wide-ranging conversation on soccer, culture, and storytelling. From his upbringing in Scotland to his deep connection with German football, Derek explains how his love for languages and history shaped his broadcasting career—and why getting players’ names right is about far more than phonetics. He shares a powerful story about the real impact correct pronunciation can have on players and their families.

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    Derek also takes listeners behind the scenes of how he became the voice of EA FC, revealing what the audition process was like, how the opportunity came together, and what it means to be recognized worldwide through a video game. Along the way, he reflects on the evolution of soccer media, iconic broadcasting moments, and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted voice of the sport.

    Finally, the conversation dives into the global game itself. Derek breaks down the cultural differences between MLS and European leagues, explains why Germany has become such fertile ground for American players, and offers thoughtful insight into the unique identity of soccer fandom in the United States. It’s a smart, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of the most respected voices in the game.

    Timestamps:

    (2:00) – Why pronouncing player names correctly is important to Derek Rae

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    (10:45) – Derek Rae’s soccer origin story

    (15:00) – How Europeans currently perceive MLS

    (23:45) – Is Germany the best place for Americans to develop?

    (35:00) – Is 2026 the year where the US becomes a real soccer country?

    (39:00) – How Derek Rae became the voice of EA FC

    USMNT IN GERMANY

    USMNT IN GERMANY

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • NBA trade deadline preview, Luka trade anniversary & Darryn Peterson’s cramps with Kyle Neubeck, Kirk Henderson & Corey Tulaba

    In a jam-packed Kevin O’Connor show, KOC analyzes the first trade of the deadline week and what it means for Keon Ellis, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings. Then, he discusses updates in the Ja Morant trade market: is there a new interest in him coming out of Chicago?

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    Next, Kyle Neubeck joins to talk Sixers: what’s up with the Paul George suspension? Is Joel Embiid back? Is a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo without giving up VJ Edgecombe a possibility?

    Later, KOC chats All-Star reserves before being joined by Kirk Henderson. They look back at the Luka Doncic to Los Angeles trade one year later, marvel at Cooper Flagg’s 2-game tear and ask the question: will Anthony Davis be traded this season?

    Corey Tulaba then joins the pod for this week’s Draft Class to chat AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the future of Richie Saunders and the biggest college games to watch for this weekend.

    (0:25) Cavs trade for Ellis & Schroder
    (6:31) Bulls interested in Ja Morant?
    (8:22) Kyle Neubeck talks 76ers
    (27:27) All-Star reserves announced
    (30:48) Kirk Henderson talks Mavericks
    (46:01) Hornets win 6 straight games
    (1:00:00) Draft Class with Corey Tulaba

    PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 02: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 129-102. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

    PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 02: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 129-102. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

    (Chris Coduto)

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on the Yahoo Sports NBA YouTube channel

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • Examining What the Giants Are Doing, Mariners Bring in a Key Bat & Explaining World Baseball Classic Insurance

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    The San Francisco Giants signed Luis Arráez to a one-year deal, with the hope that the three-time batting champion will be able to help solidify their offense after their blockbuster deal that brought Rafael Devers to the Bay last season. However, after finishing at 81–81, are the Giants doing enough to try and compete for a title?

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    On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine the questionable offseason that President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey has navigated for his Giants. While being in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers does present some difficulties, should the Giants be doing a bit more to show their commitment to winning? Could they still find a way to improve their rotation before the start of the season?

    Later, Jordan and Jake talk about the trade that saw the St. Louis Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan in a three-team deal to the Seattle Mariners and why he is going to be a key player for them. They then discuss the Chicago White Sox’s active weekend, the Sacramento A’s signing Jacob Wilson to an extension, all before they get into the problem that insurance is causing with World Baseball Classic rosters.

    2:29 – The Opener: A look at the Giants

    29:58 – Around the League: Mariners trade for Donovan

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    48:18 – Turbo Mode: Reds sign Eugenio Suárez

    58:37 – Tarik Skubal vs. Detroit Tigers

    1:01:44 – We Need to Talk About: WBC insurance

    Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images

    Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images

    (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images)

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • MAGA-Fighting Guthrie Sheriff Has Roots in Reality TV

    MAGA-Fighting Guthrie Sheriff Has Roots in Reality TV

    If the briefings in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case sometimes feel like reality TV, that’s because — in a way — they sort of are.

    The man fielding questions at all those press conferences, Sheriff Chris Nanos, doesn’t just run the local police department that’s been investigating the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother — he’s the off-camera production partner for Desert Law, the A&E docuseries that follows Nanos’ deputies as they patrol more than 9,000 square miles of arid Arizona terrain. “Immersed in the pressure and danger of policing the desert night,” the show’s promo copy describes it, “the series captures a world where the spirit of the Old West still lingers and the fight for order never ends.”

    Nanos himself doesn’t appear in the show — his choice, according to sources close to the series. But that could change next year — although those same sources say the possibility of the kidnapping becoming part of the plotline for season two has not yet been discussed. Still, over these past few weeks, since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Nanos hasn’t exactly been shy when it comes to news cameras. 

    After initially holding joint press conferences with the FBI, he has recently shifted to a series of more personal, one-on-one interviews — a strategy that has occasionally led to awkward exchanges, particularly while conversing with conservative outlets.

    “Let’s just say he did not put out the welcome mat,” Newsmax’s John Huddy tweeted after his Feb. 18 sit-down with Nanos, during which the sheriff, a Democrat, brushed off what he sees as politically motivated criticism. “This isn’t an election campaign — that’s three years down the road.” Nanos’ Feb. 17 appearance with NewsNation’s Brian Entin wasn’t any friendlier. On his YouTube recap, Entin described the pre-interview moment when Nanos set the tone: “You have questions for me,” Nanos told him, “and I have questions for you.”

    Of course, the stakes remain deadly serious: An 84-year-old woman is still missing. But when a sheriff whose department headlines a reality show finds himself sparring with reporters on MAGA platforms, it definitely feels like an unscripted star may have just been born.

    ***

    Also in Rambling Reporter:

    Why despite being a Sundance hit, Courtney Love is reshooting her documentary.

    A look at the one luxury indulgence Jeffrey Epstein was never able to acquire: his own Imax theater.

    This story appeared in the Feb. 23 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

  • ‘Michael’ Director Antoine Fuqua: Making Michael Jackson Biopic Was “Spiritual Journey”

    ‘Michael’ Director Antoine Fuqua: Making Michael Jackson Biopic Was “Spiritual Journey”

    Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua is sharing his perspective about Lionsgate‘s forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic.

    Michael is set to hit theaters and Imax on April 24 after its release was delayed several times, most recently having been dated for the fall of 2025. Marking his feature debut is Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role as the pop music icon. Lionsgate is distributing the movie domestically, while Universal handles the global launch.

    “It’s a very spiritual journey, making a movie about someone like Michael,” Fuqua says in a video that Lionsgate released Monday. “Michael was a big influence on my career as a director, seeing how he refused to get put in a box as just a Black artist only.”

    Fuqua’s movie debuted its latest trailer earlier this month. Michael co-stars Colman Domingo as the singer’s father, Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as his mother, Katherine. Rounding out the cast are Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate and Derek Luke. Graham King, John Branca and John McClain produce the film that has a script from John Logan.

    “Michael’s whole life was giving to people this joy of his voice,” Fuqua continues in the video. “When I watched him on TV, he was always larger than life. For me as a filmmaker, it wasn’t a leap to see it in a cinematic way.”

    The Training Day director adds, “I don’t think you can understand Michael Jackson as a human being unless you went back and go on a bit of a journey. He was struggling between his love for his family and his love for his music.”

    Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the biopic Michael.

    Kevin Mazur

    The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Michael, initially intended to span the star’s life and have a lengthy run time, had pivoted and would instead end with Jackson leaving his family’s group The Jacksons after the release of his first solo album, 1979’s Off the Wall. According to sources, a second film remains in development that would focus on the rest of Jackson’s career and path prior to his 2009 death.

    Puck reported last year that Michael’s previously planned third act had to be retooled, due to it including a dramatization of an individual who accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. The accuser had a past settlement with the performer’s estate stipulating that he would never be dramatized.

    “Why I wanted to make it is Michael,” Fuqua said during a San Diego Comic-Con panel in 2024. “Michael was a big part of my life growing up, a big influence on my career, an incredible artist — but he was a human being, and we’re exploring that.”

  • James Rodríguez to Minnesota United?! + Breaking down Fading USMNT Stars & What Went Wrong

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    Is James Rodríguez really headed to Minnesota United? In one of the strangest transfer rumors we’ve ever seen, the Cooligans unpack how a global superstar could end up in MLS, what it would mean for Minnesota, and whether James still has enough left to move the needle in the league — or if this is destined to be pure chaos.

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    Next, we revisit the USMNT hype machine and ask some uncomfortable questions. Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio, Jordan Morris — all players who once felt like sure things. So what happened? We break down why their trajectories have stalled, what went wrong at club level, and whether there’s still time for a second act.

    Finally, we react to the wildest stories from around world soccer. From Vinícius Jr.’s girlfriend revealing uncomfortable details involving Real Madrid, to Gabriel Barbosa’s tense encounter with fans, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s “missing” posters popping up in Saudi Arabia — it’s another reminder that no sport delivers chaos quite like football.

    Timestamps:

    (6:30) – James Rodriguez’s shock transfer to Minnesota United

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    (21:30) – USMNT rising stars that have now faded

    (49:30) – Vini Jr’s girlfriend’s weird ointment story

    (53:30) – Reacting to other news around the soccer world

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

    Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv