Tag: MSN

17 Golfers Who Always Handled Wins and Losses Like Champions

From legends to low-key fan favorites, here are 17 players who consistently handled victory and defeat with grace, sportsmanship, and poise.

20 NFL Guys Who Were Always “On the Verge of a Breakout”

Some of these guys showed flashes, and some just looked the part. But all of them lived in that strange NFL limbo.

Dodgers Manager Faces Scrutiny Over Shohei Ohtani Pitching Plan

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have a generational ace in Shohei Ohtani, but their cautious plan to slowly reintroduce him as a pitcher is stirring controversy. After missing the 2024 season on the mound due to elbow surgery, Ohtani is finally back pitching, but only for a single inning at a time. In his two most recent starts, he threw just one inning apiece, including a sharp 18-pitch outing against the Nationals where he notched two strikeouts and didn’t allow a run. To some, that’s careful load management. To others, it’s confusion disguised as strategy. Former Exec Questions Dodgers’ Strategy Former Marlins president David Samson didn’t hold back. On his podcast, Samson questioned the approach and slammed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: Roberts did answer. When pressed by LA Times reporter Jack Harris on when Ohtani will return to a full starter’s workload, Roberts admitted: “That’s kind of TBD… I don’t even know what that’s going to look like… Six innings and 90 pitches, I don’t even know if we’ll get to that point.” To Samson, that admission was more concerning than clarifying. He accused the Dodgers of using Ohtani’s unique two-way player status to skirt rehab norms, arguing that tossing one inning every five or six days “isn’t even spring training bullpen buildup.” Balancing Health and Value To be fair, Shohei Ohtani remains the Dodgers’ most valuable hitter. The team has every reason to protect his arm, especially given his $700 million contract. Roberts has even indicated the Dodgers are willing to tweak their lineup and schedule to accommodate Ohtani’s health first. Still, critics argue the team could’ve allowed Ohtani to ramp up more effectively through rehab assignments, rather than treating MLB starts like bullpen sessions. With the All-Star Game fast approaching, fans and media alike are waiting to see if Ohtani can eventually return to full pitching form or if the one-inning trend is here to stay.

Sophie Cunningham Outshines Caitlin Clark as “Tres Leches” Fever Tee Goes Viral

Sophie Cunningham’s Viral Shirt Steals the Spotlight in Vegas The Indiana Fever may be known for Caitlin Clark’s star power, but during the team’s arrival in Las Vegas, it was Sophie Cunningham who commanded all the attention. As the WNBA shared footage of the Fever walking into T-Mobile Arena ahead of their game against the Las Vegas Aces, fans went wild—not for the suits or off-shoulder fits, but for one quirky, bold tee. Cunningham arrived in a relaxed, street-style look: a white oversized tee, baggy jeans, and a high ponytail. But it wasn’t the outfit itself that sent social media into a frenzy—it was the shirt’s message. Boldly printed across the front was a caricature of the Fever’s newest fan-dubbed trio: Sophie Cunningham, Caitlin Clark, and Lexi Hull, with the words “Tres Leches” scrawled above. “Tres Leches” Fever: The Shirt That Broke the Internet Fans were instantly obsessed. One user commented, “Sophie’s shirt! I neeeeeed.” Another added, “Her shirt is bad a–.” The tee’s nickname, Tres Leches—Spanish for “three milks”—symbolizes the sweet synergy of the Fever’s frontcourt trio. The term was originally coined by an Indiana radio host and has since gone viral across fan forums and Barstool merch drops. Cunningham’s choice of attire, a Barstool Sports tee featuring herself, Clark, and Hull, showcased the team’s unity and chemistry. And in true Cunningham fashion, it was loud, proud, and unapologetically bold. Mirroring the fighter attitude she’s brought to the hardwood this season. Her growing popularity is no fluke. From her fiery on-court moment pinning Jacy Sheldon during a Connecticut game to a surge in jersey sales, Sophie Cunningham has gone from glue player to fan favorite almost overnight. Clark Who? Fans Rally Behind Cunningham’s Energy While Caitlin Clark continues to drive league-wide ratings, Cunningham is building a loyal following of her own. As one clever fan joked, “Tres leches? Maybe Neapolitan ice cream.” The message was clear: each of the trio brings her flavor to the court, but Sophie serves the spice. As the Fever fight to bounce back from a losing streak, Cunningham’s energy may just be the X-factor they need.

Chicago Sky Face Tough Angel Reese Decision With Kamilla Cardoso’s Exit

Kamilla Cardoso’s Exit Forces Sky to Rethink Angel Reese’s Role The Chicago Sky are headed toward a critical stretch in the 2025 WNBA season, and the pressure is on. With a 3-10 record, the franchise is already in a hole, and things just got more complicated. Star center Kamilla Cardoso is set to leave after Tuesday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks to represent Brazil in the upcoming Americup tournament. Cardoso has been a cornerstone for Chicago, averaging 11.8 points per game and anchoring the frontcourt alongside fellow second-year standout Angel Reese. While both players made the All-Rookie Team in 2024, Reese has continued her dominance on the boards, leading the entire WNBA with 11.5 rebounds per game. With Cardoso temporarily out, head coach Tyler Marsh faces a pivotal decision: how does the team adjust without its second-leading scorer? Reese to the Five? Or a Veteran Step-Up? Coach Marsh has two main options to fill the void. The first is sliding Angel Reese to center, a role she’s familiar with from her time at LSU. Reese’s elite rebounding and versatility make her a strong candidate to hold down the paint while also giving the offense more floor spacing. The Sky have already experimented with this lineup during recent practices where Cardoso was unavailable. Moving Reese to the five could unlock a more modern small-ball approach, increasing tempo and spacing. The second option is to insert 11-year veteran Elizabeth Williams into the starting lineup. Williams is coming off her best performance of the season, 16 points and 5 rebounds against the Atlanta Dream. Her experience could provide stability during this transitional stretch. All Eyes on Marsh Ahead of Valkyries Matchup While Tuesday’s game will likely see both Reese and Cardoso starting once again, fans are already looking ahead to Friday’s clash with the Golden State Valkyries. That’s when we’ll truly see how Coach Marsh plans to steer the ship without one of his rising stars. Whether it’s a bold Reese move or a veteran promotion, one thing is clear: Chicago’s path forward depends on how they adapt to Cardoso’s absence.

Buffalo Bills Coach Falls Out of NFL Coach Rankings Despite Regular Season Success

Since taking over the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Sean McDermott has built a powerhouse in the regular season. His 86-45 record, including five straight AFC East titles, speaks volumes about his coaching ability. But winning in January? That’s been the hurdle, and it’s costing him his spot among the NFL’s elite coaches. Playoff Struggles Knock McDermott to No. 11 According to Pro Football Network, McDermott now ranks No. 11 among NFL head coaches. The report acknowledges his strong regular-season performance but highlights his continued playoff shortcomings. Despite making the postseason in five straight seasons, no Super Bowl appearance haunts McDermott’s resume. His 7-7 playoff record includes four recent losses to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has become Buffalo’s postseason nightmare. The Buffalo Bills reached the AFC Championship Game again last season but couldn’t get past Kansas City. If that trend continues into 2025, McDermott’s seat could get warm, fast. He’s built a strong foundation, but fans and analysts alike are growing impatient. The window with Josh Allen at quarterback won’t stay open forever. A Super Bowl = Top 10 Status Secured It’s simple: break through the AFC ceiling, especially against the Chiefs, and McDermott instantly earns top-10 status. But another missed opportunity, with Mahomes standing in the way again, could spark conversations about whether someone else needs to take Buffalo to the next level.

Rachel DeMita Fired Over Caitlin Clark Tweets During BIG3 Broadcast

Rachel DeMita’s Clark Support Costs Her Courtside Gig Rachel DeMita, former BIG3 courtside correspondent and media personality, has been let go from her role with the BIG3 basketball league. And it’s all because she supports Caitlin Clark. During a live BIG3 broadcast on June 14, DeMita sent out several tweets about Clark’s return from injury in a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty. However this aired at the same time as the BIG3’s Saturday lineup. That seemingly innocent commentary wound up being the “final straw,” according to Front Office Sports reporter Ryan Glasspiegel. BIG3 Was “Dismayed and Disappointed” In a video posted to her X account, DeMita read from a termination letter issued by the league. The BIG3 expressed they were “dismayed and disappointed” because she highlights another league, especially during their live programming. One of her tweets read, “For those who questioned the hype,” referring to Clark, who was suiting up for the first time since an injury. The tweet was meant to praise Clark’s comeback performance. But the BIG3 didn’t see it that way. Caitlin Clark’s Connection to BIG3 and Fan Reaction Interestingly, the BIG3 previously tried to bring Clark to their league with a $10 million offer after her historic college run. Clark declined the offer and joined the WNBA’s Indiana Fever instead. DeMita, who handled the situation gracefully, said she would “take it on the chin” and offered no excuses in her video response. But given Clark’s massive fan base, expect some serious pushback online in support of DeMita. This incident contributes to a growing trend in which media personalities and players alike. Those who face backlash for either supporting or criticizing Caitlin Clark. Whether it’s Sophie Cunningham’s spotlight moment or a league firing a commentator for a tweet. It’s clear that Clark’s presence continues to shake the basketball world.

ESPN Slammed for Mistakes During Fever-Aces Broadcast

Fans Rip ESPN Over Fever-Aces Broadcast Blunders ESPN is under fire after a string of mishaps during Sunday’s high-profile WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces. A game that featured Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, two of the biggest names in women’s basketball. The issues began before the ball was even tipped. Despite the game being scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, ESPN kept airing the American Cornhole League’s Pro Singles Final into the time slot meant for the WNBA Countdown pregame show. Fans expecting in-depth analysis and player features were instead left watching beanbags fly across their screens. Analyst Error Adds Fuel to the Fire When the broadcast finally transitioned to basketball, things didn’t get much better. Analyst Andraya Carter, while making her game prediction, incorrectly stated that Fever head coach Stephanie White would not be present—a claim that immediately stirred panic among Indiana fans. White had missed two earlier games due to personal reasons, including Thursday’s matchup against the Valkyries. But on Sunday, she was visibly on the Fever’s sideline. Social media erupted: High Stakes, High Expectations With Clark’s games pulling record ratings, ESPN’s margin for error is razor thin. Last week’s Fever vs. Liberty broadcast drew 2.2 million viewers, making it the third most-watched WNBA game ever on ABC. Given that level of attention, fans expect professionalism and accuracy, especially in games of this magnitude. Sunday’s missteps were more than just minor slip-ups. When you’re broadcasting the most-watched team in the WNBA, the standard is higher. ESPN’s gaffes didn’t go unnoticed, and fans let them hear it.

WNBA: Top 5 Storylines Shaping the 2025 Season

1. The Liberty Might Be Even Better Than Last Year Fresh off a 2024 WNBA championship, the New York Liberty are showing no signs of slowing down. Veteran guard Natasha Cloud kicked off the season with Player of the Week honors, while Jonquel Jones is averaging a double-double and drilling 43% of her threes. Even though Breanna Stewart isn’t scoring as much, she’s shooting a career-best 53% from the field. Add reliable bench support from Kennedy Burke and Marine Johannès, and this team looks even more polished than their title run. 2. Caitlin Clark’s Injury and Legendary Comeback A quad strain temporarily sidelined Caitlin Clark after a hot start that included a triple-double in her debut. Without her, the Indiana Fever faltered. But Clark made her return count—dropping 32 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 7 threes against the defending Liberty, handing them their first loss of the season. Her performance confirmed what fans already knew: she’s the most electric player in the league right now. 3. Napheesa Collier’s WNBA MVP Case Is Heating Up Napheesa Collier is having a career-defining season for the Minnesota Lynx. She’s leading the league in scoring with 24.4 points per game, while also setting personal bests in steals and blocks. She’s matched A’ja Wilson’s record for fastest to 150 points and 50 rebounds (just six games) and continues to deliver dominant 20-10 performances. If she stays on this pace, the MVP trophy may have her name on it. 4. The Golden State Valkyries On Rampage The expansion Golden State Valkyries are just 5-5, but they’re leading the league in buzz. With sellout crowds at Chase Center and the highest average attendance in the WNBA, the Valkyries are a marketing and cultural success in their debut season. Veterans like Tiffany Hayes are helping keep them competitive, but it’s the atmosphere and fan engagement that are truly game-changing. 5. Paige Bueckers Is Living Up to the WNBA Hype The No. 1 overall pick, Paige Bueckers, has wasted no time making her mark with the Dallas Wings. Through her first six games, she averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. A brief concussion and illness slowed her down, but not for long. She roared back with 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting, proving she’s ready to carry a franchise for years to come. From rising stars to historic comebacks and off-court fanfare, the 2025 WNBA season is already a classic in the making.

Ranking the Top 7 Best NHL Drafts of All Time

These NHL Draft Classes Changed the League Forever The NHL Draft isn’t just a yearly tradition, it’s the launchpad for dynasties, MVPs, and future Hall of Famers. Some years, a draft class turns out to be so stacked, it alters the trajectory of multiple franchises. We’re ranking the Top 7 Best NHL Drafts of All Time, based on star power, career accomplishments, and long-term impact. 7. 2008 League Draft Headliners: Steven Stamkos, Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty, Jordan Eberle From Norris winners to Stanley Cup champions, the 2008 draft delivered top-tier talent. Stamkos and Doughty were cornerstone players for Cup-winning teams, and Karlsson became the NHL’s best offensive defenseman for years. 6. 1990 League Draft Headliners: Jaromir Jagr, Martin Brodeur, Keith Tkachuk, Peter Bondra This class brought both scoring and goaltending greatness. Jagr’s longevity and Brodeur’s records keep the 1990 class among the most impactful in NHL history. 5. 2015 NHL Draft Headliners: Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Mikko Rantanen, Mathew Barzal Still early, but the star power is undeniable. McDavid is already considered a generational talent, and the depth across the top 15 picks could make this one legendary when it’s all said and done. 4. 1988 NHL Draft Headliners: Mike Modano, Teemu Selanne, Rob Blake, Mark Recchi, Jeremy Roenick This class featured a blend of flashy scorers and defensive dynamos. Modano became the face of American hockey, and Selanne’s rookie goal record still stands. 3. 1984 NHL Draft Headliners: Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Luc Robitaille, Gary Suter Landing Mario Lemieux alone makes this class elite, but adding Roy and Robitaille takes it to the next level. Between them, they racked up multiple Conn Smythes, Vezinas, and over 4,000 combined points. 2. 1979 League Draft Headliners: Mark Messier, Ray Bourque, Glenn Anderson, Mike Gartner After the WHA-NHL merger, 1979 was loaded with future legends. Bourque and Messier became icons, combining for multiple Cups, Hart Trophies, and first-ballot Hall of Fame inductions. 1. 2003 NHL Draft Headliners: Ryan Getzlaf, Patrice Bergeron, Marc-André Fleury, Corey Perry, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter This class is widely regarded as the greatest ever. With dozens of players hitting the 1,000-game mark and many winning Cups, Olympic medals, or both, the 2003 draft produced elite talent at every position. Every Draft has its share of hits and misses, but some classes go down in history. These seven didn’t just produce good players; they redefined the game.