Caitlin Clark’s Replacement Cracks WNBA Top 10 After Just One Game
The Indiana Fever finally snapped their three-game losing streak with an 85-76 win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, and Aari McDonald wasted no time proving she belonged. Signed just days ago under an emergency hardship provision for Caitlin Clark, the former No. 3 overall pick made an immediate impact in her WNBA return. With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to injury, McDonald stepped into a high-pressure role, and delivered. She scored seven points, dished out a team-high five assists, and recorded three steals and one rebound in 27 minutes, the most of any bench player. Her quick adaptation to Stephanie White’s system helped stabilize the Fever’s offense and defense alike. Aari McDonald Steps Up in Clark’s Absence What really got people talking? McDonald’s performance in one surprising stat: offensive fouls drawn. According to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, McDonald drew five offensive fouls, including three in her first eight minutes on the court. That jaw-dropping stat instantly placed her in the WNBA’s top 10 for offensive fouls drawn this season, after just one game. “Aari McDonald is now top 10 this season in offensive fouls drawn. She’s played ONE game,” the @FeverStats account posted on X. A Veteran Mindset Pays Off Despite her nerves, McDonald came in prepared. “It made me anxious… just coming in and not knowing the system,” she told reporters. “But it was a lot of film. A lot of film sessions by myself… and just asking questions.” That preparation showed. While Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson recover from injuries, McDonald gives Indiana a much-needed boost, both in performance and poise. McDonald wasn’t the only Fever player to shine. Lexie Hull put together a strong all-around game with 14 points, a team-high six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Hull also leads the WNBA in offensive fouls drawn with 12, meaning Indiana now boasts two of the league’s most aggressive defenders. The Caitlin Clark era in Indiana may be on pause, but Aari McDonald just proved the Fever aren’t out of options. One game, one massive statement, McDonald’s return may be short-term, but her impact could be season-defining.
Ranking The Top 10 Curveballs Made MLB’s Greatest Hitters Look Silly
Some pitches are simply unfair. The curveball, when thrown right, can drop jaws, buckle knees, and freeze even the most disciplined hitters. Over the decades, a few arms have made the curveball into a work of art, using it to dominate lineups and carve their names into baseball history. Here are 10 of the most devastating curveballs ever thrown, pitches that made the best hitters in the world look absolutely silly. 10. Sandy Koufax – The Blueprint of Breaking Balls Koufax’s curve wasn’t fair. Described as “falling off a table,” it helped him throw four no-hitters and dominate in October. He made Hall of Famers look helpless, and changed the way pitchers approached the game. 9. Bert Blyleven – Curveball Hall of Famer Blyleven’s curve was so good, it’s arguably the main reason he made the Hall. It had deep, vicious break that hitters couldn’t predict or time. Over 3,700 strikeouts later, it still holds up as one of the greatest. 8. Clayton Kershaw – The Signature Snap Kershaw’s curve is pure magic. With a sharp, downward bite, it’s been fooling hitters for over a decade. It’s the pitch that’s defined his Hall of Fame career, and it’s still working in 2025. 7. Dwight Gooden – Teenage Terror At just 19, Doc Gooden was unhittable. His curveball, nicknamed “Lord Charles” was devastating. Paired with a high-90s fastball, his breaking ball helped him strike out 276 in his rookie year. 6. Nolan Ryan – Power + Break = Nightmare While known for his fastball, Nolan Ryan’s curveball was a monster in its own right. Hitters sat dead red, and then got served a heavy, looping hook that made them look foolish. 5. Dennis Martinez – El Presidente’s Disappearing Act Martinez made a perfect game look routine with his deadly off-speed stuff. His curve was sharp, quick, and completely unhittable when it was on, leaving batters confused and off-balance. 4. Mike Mussina – The Professor’s Precision “Moose” didn’t overpower hitters, he outthought them. His curve was a chess move, darting in at the knees when batters expected heat. It was especially deadly in two-strike counts. 3. Barry Zito – The Big-Break Beauty Zito’s curve wasn’t just effective, it was mesmerizing. With absurd arc and late drop, it was nearly impossible to square up. It helped Zito win a Cy Young Award and earn over $100 million in his career. 2. Adam Wainwright – The “Uncle Charlie” That Ends Careers Wainwright’s curveball is one of the most iconic pitches in postseason history. Just ask Carlos Beltrán, who froze up on one in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. Waino’s 12-6 breaker defined an era of Cardinals pitching. 1. Camilo Pascual – The Original Curveball Artist Before modern MLB mechanics and analytics, Camilo Pascual wowed with a curve that dropped off the table. Ted Williams once called it the best he ever saw, high praise from arguably the best hitter ever. These legendary MLB hurlers turned a simple breaking ball into baseball sorcery. From Koufax to Kershaw, their curveballs weren’t just effective, they were defining. When thrown right, a curveball doesn’t just beat hitters. It embarrasses them.
Shaq Steps Up to Back Angel Reese
Angel Reese entered the WNBA with sky-high expectations after a standout college career and Rookie of the Year buzz. But just a few games into her second season, critics have zeroed in on one stat: her shooting percentage. Through six games, Reese is averaging a strong 10.0 points and a league-best 12.3 rebounds per game, yet shooting just 31.1% from the field, a number that’s drawn plenty of heat online. In her first-ever matchup against Paige Bueckers and the struggling Dallas Wings, Reese spent extended time on the bench during Chicago’s only two wins of the season. As fans argue over whether she’s delivering on the hype, one NBA legend has stepped in to shut down the noise. Shaquille O’Neal Backs His LSU Protégé NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, a fellow LSU alum and Reese’s mentor, isn’t having the slander. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, O’Neal said the criticism is based on misunderstanding, not merit. O’Neal urged Reese to ignore the outside noise, reminding her that confidence is essential to greatness. Reese’s Tough Start Sparks Debate Reese’s rebounding dominance continues to shine, she leads the league despite playing through a wrist injury. Yet critics seem to focus more on her shooting slump than her overall impact. Her double-figure scoring in four of six games proves she’s still contributing, even if the offensive rhythm isn’t quite there yet. With Caitlin Clark currently sidelined for Indiana, Reese will have another chance to command the spotlight this Saturday when the Sky try to snap a three-game losing streak. Critics can keep talking, but Shaq’s message is clear: Angel Reese is destined for greatness. She’s not here to meet expectations, she’s here to redefine them.
Rumor Mill: Caitlin Clark Filed a Defamation Lawsuit Against ESPN’s Monica McNutt?
In May 2025, a viral rumor spread across social media claiming that WNBA star Caitlin Clark had filed a defamation lawsuit against ESPN analyst Monica McNutt. The alleged lawsuit followed heated commentary and growing tension after Clark’s Indiana Fever faced off against the Chicago Sky in their season opener on May 17. Posts on Facebook and X gained attention, with some users writing that Clark had finally acted against “months of being misrepresented.” These posts also claimed McNutt was seen in tears, and that ESPN was caught off guard by the situation. However, no court filings have been found in Indiana, and no trusted media outlet has confirmed the lawsuit. A quick Google search or review of public records reveals no documentation to support the rumor. What Sparked the Caitlin Clark Rumor? The speculation seems to have grown from McNutt’s recent analysis of Clark’s game, especially after Clark received a flagrant foul during the matchup against Angel Reese. In postgame interviews, both Clark and Reese dismissed the incident as a standard part of competition. McNutt, a respected analyst, has commented on Clark and Reese throughout their careers. One of her recent interviews with BBC News in March 2025 included a quote that some fans misinterpreted: This quote was widely shared online, sometimes without context. That likely helped fuel the lawsuit rumor. A Matter of Perception, Not Legal Action Despite the attention, there is no credible legal filing against McNutt. If such a case existed, it would be front-page news due to Clark’s high profile and ESPN’s national reach. Additionally, legal experts point out that defamation lawsuits are difficult to pursue, especially against sports commentators offering opinion-based analysis. According to Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute, statements must be proven false and damaging to hold up in court. The WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” initiative was also cited in discussions about online toxicity. The league has tried to reduce hostility in its fanbase, but so far, no evidence has emerged to support claims of hate-driven behavior in this case. Until reliable sources confirm it, the story about Clark suing McNutt remains just that, a rumor with no legal backing.
Padres May Have Gifted Dodgers a $72M Poison Pill in Tanner Scott
When Tanner Scott left San Diego after a stellar 2024 season, Padres fans knew he was gone. With a 1.75 ERA and All-Star status, the lefty was one of the most sought-after bullpen arms on the market. And as usual, the Los Angeles Dodgers got their man, locking Scott down with a four-year, $72 million deal. It looked like a classic Dodgers move, big spending for big talent. But now, just weeks into June, Scott’s struggles are becoming impossible to ignore. Tanner Scott’s Fall from Elite to Liability Scott has allowed 10 runs on 13 hits over his last seven appearances, pushing his ERA to a troubling 4.73. Since May 20, he’s been wildly inconsistent, mixing in a couple of decent outings with four multi-run disasters, two blown saves, and two losses. Even Scott is owning it. “I’m just not hitting my locations, and it’s costing us,” he told reporters. This is not what you expect from a $72 million reliever. And for a World Series-or-bust team like the Dodgers, this kind of performance can’t be ignored, especially if they meet the New York Mets again in the NLCS, where Scott has already faltered twice this season. Can the Dodgers Afford to Bench Him? Here’s the dilemma: Scott’s price tag all but forces the Dodgers to keep him in the mix. They can’t afford to bury a reliever making nearly $20 million a year, no matter how shaky he’s been. But the postseason is brutal. Every pitch counts, and one bad inning can end a team’s championship hopes. Will the Dodgers risk running Scott out in high-leverage October moments? Or will they be forced to shuffle their bullpen hierarchy sooner than expected? Padres’ Bullpen Isn’t Immune Either While the Padres may be grinning at Scott’s struggles, their own bullpen has hit a rough patch after a red-hot start. Still, if Scott continues to spiral, San Diego might have won this deal by simply letting him walk. The Dodgers are built to dominate, but every great machine has a weak spot. Right now, Tanner Scott might be theirs. If he can’t regain his 2024 form soon, the Dodgers may find themselves questioning whether their biggest bullpen investment was actually a $72 million mistake, courtesy of their NL West rivals.
In Memoriam: 10 Young Athletes the Sports World Lost Too Soon in 2025
The sports community faced profound losses in 2025, mourning the untimely deaths of several young athletes whose talents and spirits inspired many. Their legacies continue to resonate, reminding us of the passion and dedication they brought to their respective sports. 10. Mervin Guarte (32) – Filipino Middle-Distance Runner Mervin Guarte, a Filipino middle-distance runner and obstacle course racer, died on January 7, 2025. He was a SEA Games gold medalist and had a significant impact on athletics in the Philippines. His passing was mourned by the sports community. 9. Helar Gonzales (21) – Real Titan NC Footballer Helar Gonzales, a 21-year-old footballer for Real Titan NC, collided with a goalkeeper during a 2025 Copa Perú match and suffered a fatal head injury on April 7, 2025. His tragic death proves the importance of safety protocols in sports. 8. Alex Bange (21) – Atromitos Piraeus Footballer Alex Bange, a 21-year-old footballer for Atromitos Piraeus, fainted in the locker room and died on March 30, 2025. His sudden passing deeply affected his teammates and the football community. 7. Guo Jiaxuan (18) – Beijing Guoan Footballer Guo Jiaxuan, an 18-year-old footballer for Beijing Guoan, suffered a fatal head injury after colliding with another player in a training match with a Spanish club on February 6, 2025. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with contact sports. 6. Abubakar Lawal (29) – Nigerian Footballer Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward for Vipers SC in the Uganda Premier League, died on February 23, 2025. Lawal started his professional career with Wikki Tourists and later played for Nasarawa United and AS Kigali before joining Vipers SC. He was known for scoring Vipers SC’s first-ever group-stage goal in the CAF Champions League. 5. Nayeli Clemente (24) – CrossFit Athlete Nayeli Clemente, a 24-year-old CrossFit athlete, died after collapsing during a competition in Mexico amid extreme heat. Her sudden passing highlighted the importance of safety measures in high-intensity sports events. 4. Kyren Lacy (24) – NFL Draft Prospect Former Louisiana State University wide receiver Kyren Lacy died at the age of 24. While his family confirmed his death to local Louisiana outlet WAFB 9. Lacy was a promising NFL draft prospect, and his untimely passing shocked the football community. 3. Alex Foster (18) – Baylor University Football Player Alex Foster, a top Baylor University football player and the highest-rated recruit in the 2024 class, died unexpectedly at the age of 18. Foster had redshirted his freshman year after a standout high school career. He was known not only for his athletic talent but also his community involvement, participating in programs like a math skills summer camp for children. 2. Chase Stegall (20) – DePaul University Soccer Player Chase Stegall, a 20-year-old sophomore and member of the DePaul University men’s soccer team, died unexpectedly on June 2, 2025, in his residence hall on the university’s Lincoln Park campus in Chicago. Son of former NFL star Milt Stegall, Chase was admired for his warmth, character, and vibrant presence. He played in 16 out of 17 games for DePaul in the previous season. 1. Ellen Cassidy (24) – Irish Swimming Champion Ellen Cassidy, a 24-year-old Irish swimming standout and former co-captain of University College Cork’s swim team, tragically passed away shortly after completing the Cork City half-marathon on June 1, 2025. She had a distinguished swimming career, representing Ireland in the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships. Ellen will be remembered for her energetic, kind, and inclusive nature, leaving a lasting legacy through her leadership and warmth. The passing of these young athletes in 2025 sent shockwaves through the global sports community. Each of them was more than just a rising star; they were teammates, role models, and beloved members of their communities. Their potential was limitless, and their stories continue to remind us of both the fragility of life and the enduring power of passion, perseverance, and sport. As fans, let’s honor their memory not just by mourning their loss, but by celebrating the joy and inspiration they brought to the game and to all of us.
Top 7 NFL Stars Whose Accounts Didn’t Survive Retirement
NFL players earn millions during their careers, but financial stability isn’t guaranteed after retirement. Lavish lifestyles, poor investments, and trusting the wrong people can drain even the biggest bank accounts. Here are seven NFL stars whose wealth didn’t survive life after football. 7. Vince Young – The $35 Million Disappearance Once the future of the NFL, Vince Young earned over $35 million in salary alone. But by 2014, he had filed for bankruptcy. Reports said he spent $5,000 weekly at Cheesecake Factory and even took out high-interest loans during the 2011 lockout. Poor financial advice didn’t help either. 6. Warren Sapp – Hall of Fame, Not Fortune Warren Sapp was a dominant force on the field and earned an estimated $82 million during his career. But in 2012, he filed for bankruptcy, citing nearly $7 million in debt, including unpaid child support and back taxes. Lavish spending and failed businesses contributed to his downfall. 5. Bernie Kosar – Legal Battles and Financial Collapse Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar made millions in the NFL and investments. But after a messy divorce, medical issues, and mismanagement of his finances, he filed for bankruptcy in 2009. He claimed debts of nearly $19 million. 4. Clinton Portis – Victim of a Financial Scam Clinton Portis was once one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. After retiring, he lost most of his $43 million career earnings due to bad investments and being defrauded by financial advisors. In 2021, he was convicted for defrauding a health care benefit plan in an attempt to recover losses. 3. Terrell Owens – A Legend Without Liquidity T.O. was one of the most iconic wide receivers of all time, but despite earning $80 million, he found himself in financial ruin. He blamed bad real estate deals and child support payments for his downfall. In 2012, he publicly admitted he was broke and owed money to four different women. 2. Lawrence Taylor – Greatness Undone by Chaos Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position and earned millions. But post-retirement, legal troubles and substance abuse issues eroded his fortune. LT has been in and out of court for tax problems, lawsuits, and criminal charges over the years. 1. Johnny Unitas – Icon Lost in Financial Ruin One of the greatest quarterbacks in history, Johnny Unitas wasn’t protected by the high salaries of modern times. After retirement, he invested heavily in a chain of stores that failed, leading to bankruptcy. He reportedly lost his home and nearly everything he owned. These NFL stars were once at the top of the world, physically, financially, and culturally. But without smart financial planning, even millions can vanish quickly. Their stories serve as cautionary tales for the next generation of athletes: make your money last longer than your career.
In Memoriam: Athletes Who Have Passed in 2025
In 2025, the sports world has bid farewell to numerous iconic athletes whose legacies transcended their respective disciplines. A few seconds of silence for these ones. From Olympic champions to trailblazing pioneers, these individuals left indelible marks on the fabric of sports history. Below is a tribute to some of the most notable athletes we lost this year. Shigeo Nagashima (1936–2025) Known as “Mr. Baseball” in Japan, Shigeo Nagashima passed away on June 3 at the age of 89 due to pneumonia. A legendary figure for the Yomiuri Giants, he was a five-time MVP and led the team to nine consecutive Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973. His charismatic presence and contributions to Japanese baseball made him a national icon. Jim Marshall (1937–2025) Jim Marshall, the stalwart defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and a member of the famed “Purple People Eaters,” died at 87 after a prolonged illness. He held the NFL record for 282 consecutive games played by a position player and was instrumental in the Vikings’ four Super Bowl appearances during his tenure. Ellen Cassidy (2001–2025) Irish swimming champion Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away at 24 shortly after completing the Cork City half-marathon on June 1. A former co-captain of University College Cork’s swim team, she represented Ireland in the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships. Her untimely death shocked the Irish sporting community. Steve Wright (1942–2025) Former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Steve Wright died at 82. A three-time NFL champion, he was part of the Packers’ victories in Super Bowls I and II. Wright’s likeness was famously used for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, cementing his legacy in the sport. Dick McTaggart (1935–2025) Scottish boxing legend Dick McTaggart passed away at 89 due to complications from dementia. An Olympic gold medalist in 1956 and bronze medalist in 1960, he was renowned for his technical prowess and sportsmanship, earning the Val Barker Trophy for best boxing style at the Olympics. Ali Reza Asahi (1974–2025) Afghan bodybuilder Ali Reza Asahi died at 50 in Kabul. He was a two-time world bodybuilding champion, winning gold in the 85 kg category at the 2023 World Bodybuilding Championships in Seoul. Asahi was a prominent figure in promoting bodybuilding in Afghanistan. Giancarlo Guerrini (1939–2025) Italian water polo player Giancarlo Guerrini passed away at 85. He was a member of the gold medal-winning Italian team at the 1960 Rome Olympics and also competed in the 1964 and 1968 Games. Guerrini later served as the secretary general of the Italian Fencing Federation. Marlène Canguio (1942–2025) French hurdler and long jumper Marlène Canguio died at 82. She was a five-time French national champion and held national records in the 100-meter hurdles and 4×100-meter relay. Canguio represented France at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Dick Barnett (1938–2025) Former NBA player Dick Barnett passed away at 86. Known for his distinctive jump shot, he was a key contributor to the New York Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973. Beyond basketball, Barnett earned a doctorate in education and was a staunch advocate for higher education and social justice. Mikhail Vasilyev (1961–2025) Russian handball player Mikhail Vasilyev died at 64. He was part of the Soviet Union’s gold medal-winning team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, contributing significantly to their success. These athletes not only excelled in their respective sports but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. Their legacies will continue to influence future generations.
15 Personality Traits That Look Like Confidence (But Aren’t)
Confidence is calm, secure, and quietly powerful. But some traits that look like confidence on the surface are really just ego, control, or insecurity in disguise. Here are 15 personality traits that look like confidence (but aren’t).
20 Common Phrases No One Says Anymore
These expressions were once totally normal, but today? You’d probably get confused if you used them in casual conversation.
