Latest news with #JAXXONPodcast
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jerry West had no patience for NBA stars who constantly "bit--" at refs: "They start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league"
Jerry West had no patience for NBA stars who constantly "bit--" at refs: "They start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Over the years, we've heard all kinds of takes from former players on what the modern NBA lacks: too soft, too friendly, too flashy, not enough defense, the list goes on. But when a guy like Jerry West, the man who saw it firsthand as a player, then relived it all again as a heck of an executive, gives his two cents, it holds tremendous value. And just before his passing, the man whose silhouette represents the league's logo made it clear there was one particular thing he couldn't stand about today's stars: the constant complaining, especially from the players who are just finding their footing in the big boys' league. "Basketball players… They have their own world they live in, because they watched, they learned from the older players. They learned one thing that I wish they wouldn't have — they start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league," West said during his recent appearance on the "JAXXON Podcast." "It is difficult to keep your concentration in the league. It's for the officials, I would throw anyone out of the game. If you don't respect me, how can I respect you?" the Logo added. West said exactly what he saw The legendary Hall of Famer didn't sugarcoat anything. This wasn't a grumpy old man ranting about how things were better back in his day. He just said it plainly as he saw things happen. Before there were private jets, luxury recovery rooms, and all the mind can imagine and the money can buy, there were trailblazers like Jerry. He wasn't just the legend of the game; he set the path for others to follow. And he expected the same focus and discipline from the generations that came after him. What West took issue with wasn't just the occasional reaction to a missed call. It was that same old boring thing where a player waves his hands, nagging and complaining. It's not just that it slows the game down or makes it less enjoyable to watch (and it sure does, whatever someone might say), but it diminishes the authority of the referee, and, in an instance, the whole Luka Doncic example There's no question the NBA has changed. And in many ways, for the better. The league is more global, more open-minded, and more player-empowered than ever before. But with that evolution come some unwanted things, like "bit—ing," as Mr. West mentioned. Even some of the brightest stars today aren't immune to those habits. Take Luka Doncic, for example, one of the most gifted players in the league who is now leading the same Purple and Gold West suited up for and being at the top of the MVP ladders for multiple campaigns in a row. But even with all that brilliance, he's become known for his constant back-and-forth dialogue with officials. His frustration with calls, or lack thereof, disrupts the game rhythm and often goes against his own team. And, most importantly, it's not the view to behold. And to be fair, West wasn't calling out names. He didn't have to; those in question know very well. The trend is widespread enough that even casual fans can see it. And it does take away from the beauty of the game. The respect should be one thing all the players should strive for, and it sure has to go both story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan excited to see Khamzat Chimaev fulfill UFC title goal: 'He looks sharp'
Arman Tsarukyan is a part of Khamzat Chimaev's UFC 319 training camp. Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) challenges middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the Aug. 16 main event at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). He is already in the United States, and is spending his training camp in California prepping with the likes of Tsarukyan, and strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta. Top lightweight contender Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost a grappling match to Chimaev last December, but the pair have since linked up to train together. "He looks sharp, so (I'm) excited to see him as a UFC champion," Tsarukyan said of Chimaev in a video posted by the JAXXON Podcast. "So far, his camp is going well. He's healthy. He has a lot of energy, and I'm just here to help him. Whatever they need: If they need the wrestling, I'll wrestle. If they need striking, I'll strike. I'm here to help, and I want him to be a UFC champ." Chimaev will finally get an opportunity to realize UFC gold after storming through the welterweight and middleweight ranks. He earned his title shot after submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308.
USA Today
17-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
T.J. Dillashaw thinks Umar Nurmagomedov can beat UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili
T.J. Dillashaw thinks Umar Nurmagomedov can beat UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili T.J. Dillashaw thinks that with some adjustments, Umar Nurmagomedov can dethrone UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) continued his tear through the bantamweight division when he submitted Sean O'Malley to notch his second title defense earlier this month at UFC 316. Dvalishvili is expected to face Cory Sandhagen next, although Dillashaw thinks the champion's style would be Sandhagen's kryptonite. So, who can beat Dvalishvili? Dillashaw says Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) can after giving him a competitive fight at UFC 311. Nurmagomedov won the first two rounds on two of the three judges' scorecards before Dvalishvili rallied to beat him by unanimous decision. "I think Umar could have beat Merab," Dillashaw said on the JAXXON Podcast. "I think when he fights him the second time, he's going to understand the push he's going to have to have to win that title. I think Umar can beat him. Sandhagen, I would love to see that fight next. I would obviously love to see (Aljamain) Sterling fight him just I think it would be sick, and I think like Sterling can give him a serious test and possibly beat him." Dvalishvili refused to fight Aljamain Sterling when Sterling held the bantamweight title. Dillashaw thinks friendships should be put to the side when it comes to the UFC title. "I would love to see Merab and Sterling fight," Dillashaw said. "They could make so much money. I understand that (they're best friends), but you're getting paid, who gives a sh*t? He (Sterling) should come back down. You're here to get paid, I don't know, I think it would be an awesome story." Dillashaw fought his former teammate Cody Garbrandt in two UFC bantamweight title fights, but it was after their relationship soured when Dillashaw parted ways with Team Alpha Male.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
T.J. Dillashaw admits he was 'delusionally optimistic' he'd knock out Aljamain Sterling
T.J. Dillashaw admits he was 'delusionally optimistic' he'd knock out Aljamain Sterling T.J. Dillashaw was adamant he could reclaim the UFC bantamweight title while compromised in what ended up being his final fight. Dillashaw (17-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) took a risk by going into his October 2022 title fight against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280 injured. The risk didn't pay off as his shoulder popped out during the fight, and he was finished by Round 2 TKO. The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion ended up retiring after lingering issues with his shoulder. In hindsight, many would have regretted taking that fight injured but not Dillashaw. "I was fighting a guy that I felt like I could still beat with the arm that I had," Dillashaw said on the "JAXXON Podcast." "I felt like I could have knocked him out. Yeah, dude, (with one arm). His striking is complete garbage." Dillashaw explains why he never considered pulling out. "I know I'm going to have to have shoulder surgery, so I'm going to be out for another year-and-a-half," Dillashaw said. "I'm 36 years old. It's kind of like, this might be my last f*cking shot. Ends up, yes, it was because my shoulder was so bad. So it's like, why am I going to pass up this opportunity? "Might be my last shot ever to be a three-time world champion, get my belt back. (The odds) were f*cking awesome. I'm delusionally optimistic, but I really believe that's also what got me to the belt. I believed in myself so much that I was able to push through so much negativity and get to the top."
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan pitches UFC 317 fight that 'makes sense'
Arman Tsarukyan pitches UFC 317 fight that 'makes sense' Arman Tsarukyan is eyeing a top contender for UFC 317. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was left out of the UFC lightweight title picture after withdrawing from his fight against Islam Makhachev in January. UFC CEO Dana White said after Tsarukyan pulled out just one day before the fight due to a back injury, he'll have to earn his way back to the No. 1 contender spot. There have been plenty of moving parts in the division ever since, with Makhachev relinquishing his lightweight title for a move up to welterweight. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will now battle for the vacant belt in the UFC 317 main event June 28, but where does that leave Tsarukyan? The 28-year-old sees Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) as the best option. "I feel like it's supposed to be Gaethje," Tsarukyan said on the "JAXXON Podcast." "It all makes sense. Oliveira fighting with Ilia for the title, Gaethje has no fight, (Dustin) Poirier fighting with Max Holloway for the BMF title. Me and Justin don't have a fight, so it makes sense, International Fight Week, me vs. Gaethje. Who knows? If someone gets hurt, me or Gaethje can fight for the title." Tsarukyan wants to be present in case someone withdraws, just like he was forced to at UFC 311. Renato Moicano wound up replacing Tsarukyan against Makhachev at UFC 311 but was quickly submitted. "They put again (Beneil) Dariush and Moicano on that (UFC 317) card," Tsarukyan said. "I think they need someone like a bigger name and ranked fighter on that card. They told me about October, so maybe I'm going to fight in October. Until October I can fight one more time. It doesn't make sense to wait until October."
