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Indianapolis Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
'I'm a control freak.' Why Curt Cignetti takes control of GM duties as Indiana football coach
LAS VEGAS — Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti looked genuinely puzzled at Big Ten media days Tuesday when he was asked about how the program was determining the amount each player gets from revenue-sharing. "I decide that," Cignetti said, "I'm the GM and head coach." Indiana's athletic department started directly paying student-athletes on July 1 as part of the House vs. NCAA settlement. The football program will receive 70-75% of the $20.5 million the Hoosiers are allowed to share with athletes as outlined in the court settlement. It essentially creates a salary cap for all Power Four collegiate programs, and many of teams have adopted an NFL-like model with a general manager to help with roster management. Cignetti didn't sound like he's in a hurry to upend a decades-long approach that he's relied on to reach the Big Ten with him on top of the organizational chart. "I'm a control freak," Cignetti said. "I'm organized, I'm good with numbers. My name is on this. I spent a lot of years getting to this point, I'm the best one to do it." Cignetti told reporters it's not a heavy lift thanks to the autonomy he gives his longtime coordinators Mike Shanahan and Bryant Haines. Cignetti doesn't call plays and isn't in every offensive and defensive team meeting throughout the offseason. He also benefits from the athletic department's support that handles much of the backend work on contracts that a dedicated GM might also be responsible for. "We got the right set up," IU athletic director Scott Dolson said in March. "The set up we have in our department, we have the mechanics of creating contracts and balancing those contracts with NIL deals. The set up is good as anybody." Cignetti also shot down the possibility of revenue-sharing upsetting IU's team chemistry thanks to the potential financial disparity among players as it seeks a second straight CFP berth. "I think word gets around what everyone is making, but I haven't seen that affect the team dynamic up to this point," Cignetti said. "I think at the end of the day, everyone wants to be as good as possible. We recruit a certain kind of guy, then my job is to get everyone to buy into our team goals." It's why Cignetti stressed the need for players to ignore all the "clutter" on social media throughout the offseason. "They know what the goals are and why they are here," Cignetti said. "They know what's accepted and expected, tolerated and not tolerated if they want to be on the team."
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ACC on the verge of NFL-like OTAs? College Coaches are contemplating
ACC on the verge of NFL-like OTAs? College Coaches are contemplating Clemson football's spring practices could look a little different in the coming years. During the ACC coaches' meetings on Tuesday, a reimagined spring calendar was proposed—one that closely resembles the NFL's, according to a report from CBS Sports. OTAs coming to College Football? In the league, teams have special practices called "official team Activities," or OTAs, for short, that take place in the late spring or early summer. If the conference were to adopt the proposal, it would give teams six additional practices during the spring semester, stretching as far as June. Unlike the NFL, traditional spring practice will continue. If adopted, each team would have 21 days for on-field activities in the spring, with up to 15 days in full pads and the remaining six padless practices. This would allow for flexible scheduling, as teams can use the 21 days however they'd like in a five-week period. Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports wrote that the OTA conversation had been brewing for months. It began earlier in January at the American Football Coaches Association conventions. Fears of tampering prompted the talks, with OTAs potentially replacing spring games. Clemson's head coach Dabo Swinney has already expressed his opinion on eliminating spring games, and spoiler alert, he's not a fan. 'Ain't nobody going to go look at the spring game, go, 'Oh yeah, boy,'' said Swinney. 'They got PFF. That's called PFF. They've got everything on everybody already. Canceling the spring game ain't gonna stop tampering. We're going to need a lot more help than that to stop tampering. And hopefully at some point that'll happen.' Swinney believes the benefits of evaluating and working against live snaps in the spring outweigh the potential negatives and are crucial to having success in the fall. So, it's probably safe to assume that, even if the OTA proposal becomes a reality, as long as Dabo Swinney is the head coach, Clemson will continue to have a spring game.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Rivals Borrowing Jayden Daniels Tool
If it worked for one guy, it could for anybody, right? That's what the Seattle Seahawks hope, at least. After one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history, quarterback Jayden Daniels' training camp tactics from a year ago are now influencing other rookies' transition to the pros. Advertisement The Washington Commanders draft pick used virtual reality (VR) headgears and simulations to immerse himself "into" NFL-like situations. The VR's 360-degree views allowed Daniels to visualize his progressions and improve his recognition of opposing defenses in a simulation that replicates being in a game unlike anything else. Daniels' use of this technology wasn't new to him just last season. He was first introduced to VR training at LSU. Then, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury brought it along to help the Heisman Trophy winner's transition to the NFL. "It's a unique technology, and it's definitely for the quarterbacks,' Kingsbury told The Athletic. 'I think it is more effective than them just watching the film. They're going through their reads, they're going through their progressions, they're seeing it.' Advertisement The tool worked wonders, as Daniels carved through defenses all season on his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a berth in the NFC championship game. The Seahawks have now taken notice and are implementing Daniels' philosophy into their offseason program for QB draft pick Jalen Milroe. Milroe, Seattle's third-round pick out of Alabama, has confirmed that he will begin using the tool soon. When referenced to Daniels' VR usage from last offseason, Milroe explained he and his new coaching staff "talked about doing that." "From now until game one, I'm going to utilize that," Milroe said. This implementation may not guarantee the same success Daniels enjoyed in 2024, but the enhanced visualization should greatly improve Milroe's processing and decision-making skills - which were one of the weaknesses of his scouting reports. Advertisement The Commanders and Jayden Daniels are changing the game in how to approach preseason preparation. Seattle is now the latest team to follow suit. Related: Commanders NFC East Rival Shunned Shedeur Sanders For Shocking Reason Related: Commanders Late-Round LB Raising Kain With Player to Watch Ranking
New York Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NFL Draft best available players for Pittsburgh Steelers: All eyes on Shedeur Sanders
The Pittsburgh Steelers filled perhaps their biggest need in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, landing Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21 while passing on quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders remains available after sliding all the way out of Round 1, but the Steelers don't have a second-round pick after trading it for DK Metcalf, putting their next selection 51 slots away at No. 83. Will they find a way to land Sanders, or another quarterback on Day 2, or will they target other positions (like running back) first? Here's who they might be eyeing. Rankings from Dane Brugler's Top 300 are listed in parentheses, and prospects who visited Pittsburgh before the draft are marked with asterisks. The Steelers don't have a second-round pick after trading it for Metcalf. Still, they hosted several players graded in the first and early second rounds who are still available. Could one fall into their range? Or could a trade — going up from 83 or dealing a veteran to get back into Round 2 — be in play? Advertisement Shedeur Sanders*, QB, Colorado (No. 34, QB2) You can tell Sanders grew up with a Hall of Fame father and was mentored by Tom Brady when you see his feel for the game, football IQ and ability to read defenses. However, at 6-2 and 212 pounds, his arm strength and mobility are closer to average. The Steelers passed on Sanders once, but Mike Tomlin spoke highly of him this week. Sanders could go quickly on Day 2, but few QB-needy teams remain, and there are other signal-callers available, so it's not out of the question he could be there in Round 3. Tyler Shough*, QB, Louisville (No. 50, QB4) Playing for QB whisperer Jeff Brohm, Shough showed he can be effective in an NFL-like offense. Other QBs have generated the headlines, but Shough could offer a nice mix of value and upside on Day 2. Nick Emmanwori*, S, South Carolina (No. 17, S1) The only safety to take a pre-draft visit in Pittsburgh, Emmanwori surprisingly fell out of Round 1 and could go very quickly on Day 2. He's one of the freakiest athletes in the draft at 6-3 and 220 pounds. The Steelers already have Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is the NFL's third-highest-paid safety ($18.3 million per year), and DeShon Elliott, a gem on a bargain-basement contract, so it would be a surprise if they made an aggressive move for him. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame (No. 54, S3) Watts' measureables (6-0, 205 pounds with 4.58 speed) don't stand out, but he's a smart, versatile defensive back with instincts to find the football, something the Steelers often value. He would fit nicely in Pittsburgh's three-safety packages. TreVeyon Henderson*, RB, Ohio State (No. 46, RB4) The 30th and final visitor for the Steelers this year, Henderson generated some first-round buzz but did not go on Thursday night. While early-career durability concerns plagued him, he has the upside and versatile skill set to be a legitimate three-down back. Kaleb Johnson*, RB, Iowa (No. 44, RB3) He's a great scheme fit after thriving in Iowa's outside-zone centric offense, with the 6-1, 224-pound frame to become a bell cow. Jaylin Noel*, WR, Iowa State (No. 42, WR5) The Steelers have enjoyed success with 5-10 receivers who are good at getting in and out of their breaks, even though Noel's slot experience might be redundant with others like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. He can also play on the perimeter. Advertisement Jayden Higgins*, WR, Iowa State (No. 45, WR6) At 6-4 and 214, the Steelers could plan for Pickens' departure (whether by trade this year or free agency next spring) by drafting another big, strong target. Trey Amos*, CB, Ole Miss (No. 39, CB5) At 6-1 and 195 pounds with 31 1/4-inch, Amos led FBS with 16 passes defended in 2024. Azareye'h Thomas*, CB, Florida State (No. 51, CB6) The Steelers have recently valued what they call 'Avatar' corners. At 6-2 and 198 pounds, Thomas is another lengthy corner in that mold. The Steelers have done extensive work on running backs, and Round 3 feels like a sweet spot to land one with starting potential. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State (No. 60, RB5) In Ohio State's potent running back tandem, Judkins was the Najee Harris. The Steelers already have Jaylen Warren and could use another physical bell cow to carry the load. Dylan Sampson*, RB, Tennessee (No. 74, RB6) If the Steelers want speed over size, the 5-8 Sampson would be a good option. He is projected to be picked right when the team is likely to pounce on a back. He's the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year and has such good leadership qualities that he gave the pregame speeches as an underclassman, when he was just a backup. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia (No. 97, RB9) Etienne is one of the few backs on this list who did not visit Pittsburgh, but that doesn't mean the Steelers don't like him. He's less explosive but more well-rounded than his brother, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, and he doesn't turn 21 until July. Bhayshul Tuten*, RB, Virginia Tech (No. 108, RB10) A 5-9, 206-pound back with a lot of production on zone runs, Tuten has 4.32 speed to hit home runs. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford (No. 89, WR10) A willing blocker, the 6-2, 206-pounder set a school record against Colorado with 294 receiving yards while often facing off against cornerback Travis Hunter. Advertisement Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (No. 86, QB6) If the Steelers want to take a quarterback flier on Day 3, Ewers is the prospect Brugler believes has the highest ceiling. Kyle McCord*, QB, Syracuse (No. 117, QB7) His willingness to stand in the pocket and fit the ball into tight windows is a double-edged sword. McCord threw five interceptions (including three pick sixes) at Acrisure Stadium this year against Pitt. Will Howard, QB, Ohio State (No. 135, QB8) The Steelers took Howard to dinner before his pro day. He has the size of Ben Roethlisberger and played his best football when it mattered most in the College Football Playoff. Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame (No. 162, QB10) Khan and Tomlin attended Leonard's pro day, where they got to see a mobile QB who ran for 900 yards. He'd be a low-risk move in the fifth round as a backup with developmental potential. RJ Harvey*, RB, UCF (No. 92, RB8) With 4.40 speed, Harvey is elusive, but his 5-8 size and running style might be a bit redundant with Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Jaydon Blue*, RB, Texas (No. 181, RB21) A very good zone runner with 4.38 speed. DJ Giddens*, RB, Kansas State (No. 115, RB13) At 6-0 and 212 pounds, he'd bring a bigger body type to the room, but he doesn't run as physically as his size suggests. Ollie Gordon II*, RB, Oklahoma State (No. 136, RB14) The 6-1, 226-pound back led college football in rushing in 2023, which shows how deep this running back class is. He's one of the few running backs in the top 15 at his position over 6-0. Jamaree Caldwell*, DT, Oregon (No. 124, DT18) At 6-2 and 332, Caldwell projects as a developmental nose tackle who could turn into more. Elijah Roberts*, Edge/DT, SMU (No. 154, EDGE23) Though he's listed as an edge rusher, Roberts has experience as an interior defensive lineman, too. Maybe the Steelers would add more weight to his 6-4, 285-pound frame and move him inside full-time because of his unique body type and upside in sub packages. Advertisement Jared Harrison-Hunte*, DT, SMU (No 214, DT27) A former basketball player who has light feet and good pass-rush moves for a player at his position. Yahya Black*, NT, Iowa (No. 185, DT25) The Steelers like to draft defensive linemen from the Big Ten. A 6-6, 336-pound nose tackle, Black is in that mold. If he develops, he could bump Benton over to the 3-4 defensive end position in the Steelers' base. JJ Pegues*, DT, Ole Miss (No. 116, DT22) The Steelers hosted at least four defensive linemen projected to be drafted on Day 3. If they want to double-dip, Pegues is an intriguing option. He has the versatility to play everywhere from the nose to the five-technique and could even contribute as a fullback and short-yardage back. Caleb Ransaw, CB/S, Tulane (No. 160, CB15) At 6-0 and 197 pounds, Ransaw has experience outside at cornerback, inside and even as a sub-package linebacker. He worked out at safety at the Senior Bowl, was a standout at the combine with a Relative Athleticism Score of 9.96 out of 10. The Steelers seem to like these hybrid safety types. Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF (No. 195, CB20) A strong Senior Bowl performer who has outside-inside versatility, with his fastest track to playing time inside. Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA (No. 207, CB23) He's raw and unrefined, but he's 6-3 and was second in the FBS last season with six interceptions. Justin Walley*, CB, Minnesota (No. 234, CB27) A four-year starter, Walley has a sixth-round grade from Brugler but will go earlier than that because of his experience. He's an early Day 3 candidate. Malachi Moore, S, Alabama (No. 130, S9) Moore began his career playing the 'Star' at Alabama, the same position Minkah Fitzpatrick played. Though Fitzpatrick excelled, Moore was inconsistent. A move to a more traditional safety position allowed his feisty style and instinct to show. Advertisement Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State (No. 133, S10) Reed played in the post, in the box and matched up against slot receivers. The 6-foot, 211-pound safety's big-hit, enforcer mentality could fit the AFC North. Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland (No. 172, S12) A five-star lacrosse recruit and dual-sport athlete, what could the 5-11, 200-pounder become once he focuses only on football? Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa (No. 218, S15) A hybrid slot/linebacker, Castro could carve out a role in sub packages and on special teams. Savion Williams*, WR, TCU (No. 114, WR13) Because of his ability to line up in the backfield and out wide, the 6-4, 222-pound Williams is often compared to Cordarrelle Patterson. We know Steelers OC Arthur Smith loves him some CP. Chimere Dike, WR, Florida (No. 158, WR17) At 6-1, 196 and 4.34 speed, Dike is a Day 3 pick with traits to exceed his draft position. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas (No. 210, WR24) A 6-4, 214-pound athlete, TeSlaa would fit the Steelers' offense if the former high school Wing-T QB can unlock his athletic potential. Gavin Bartholomew*, TE, Pitt (No. 245, TE16) The only tight end to take a Top 30 visit to Pittsburgh, Bartholomew could be in play as a late-round option for a Pittsburgh offense that loves tight ends. He would make the most sense in the seventh round. Carson Bruener, LB, Washington (No. 273, LB23) The 5-11, 227-pound linebacker doesn't have the same build as his father, a Steelers first-round pick at tight end and now a scout for the team. But as a late Day 3 pick, Carson's upside as a core special teamer puts him on the board for a team that appreciates bloodlines. Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina (No. 293, C10) We know the Steelers love wrestlers. This Florida 2A state champion won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the ACC. At 5-11 and 279 pounds, he's an extreme size outlier. However, he more than held his own as a late addition to the Senior Bowl and is especially interesting as a possible fullback convert as a seventh-round flier.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Jokic defense impression' – Shaquille O'Neal's wild TV moment sparks fan comparisons to Nuggets star
Shaquille O'Neal and Nikola Jokic. Image via: NBA on TNT/X | Garrett Ellwood / NBA / Getty Images Shaquille O'Neal often grabs headlines for his moments on of off camera. Recently, the NBA Hall of Famer hilariously walked out of his chair while on air at the Inside the NBA show at TNT. The reason is nothing but nature's call, as Shaq could not hold anymore, but the incident has gained wide attention, sparking reactions from fans online. Interestingly, some users have drawn a comparison of his walking style to Denver Nuggets standout Nikola Jokic . Shaquille O'Neal's on-air bathroom break grabs wide attention In one of the more unexpected twists of the NBA playoffs — and not from the court — Shaquille O'Neal nearly stole the spotlight from Kawhi Leonard 's vintage performance. While Leonard was dropping 39 points to help the Clippers even the series against the Denver Nuggets, it was Shaq's sudden live TV exit that had viewers in stitches and the Inside the NBA studio buzzing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads View Deals Undo The TNT crew prepared to dive into the drama of the game, Shaq unexpectedly sprang up from his chair mid-sentence, just as Kenny Smith began analyzing Leonard's performance. 'You alright big fella?' Smith asked as Shaq silently walked off set. Without skipping a beat, Charles Barkley jumped in: 'We're on TV?' to which Shaq replied coolly, 'I know what we're doing, go ahead,' before vanishing off-screen. The spontaneous moment instantly threw the set into organized chaos. Barkley quipped, 'It's all that olive oil you been drinking. Take some matches!' drawing laughter from Smith and host Ernie Johnson. Kenny added with a chuckle, 'He can't hold it. After 40 you can't hold it!' Johnson added, 'That's a first! That wasn't something planned, was it?' Barkley and Smith revealed that O'Neal had recently taken to drinking olive oil on an empty stomach to 'cleanse his gut,' a wellness trick that Shaq had apparently become very enthusiastic about. 'He's been drinking [olive oil]... he read somewhere that if you drink a shot of olive oil…' Barkley began, before Johnson interrupted, 'I saw them doing that in the makeup room!' Smith finished the punchline: 'He's clearing his gut alright!' The comedy didn't stop there. In true Inside the NBA fashion, the crew later did a slow-motion replay of Shaq's exit, complemented with commentary. 'Here he is… [I've] seen that face before… 'I can feel it,'' they joked. Johnson narrated Shaq's gait toward the door with NFL-like play-by-play accuracy. After returning to his seat, Shaq said, 'Sorry about that, America,' before blaming Barkley for the timing. 'I had to go because this dude's talking so damn much,' he laughed. 'I'm sitting here like shut the hell up and hurry up!' Fans compared Shaquille O'Neal's bathroom break walk to Nikola Jokic The hilarious incident did not go unnoticed by the fans, as social media erupted with the response from NBA fans right after O'Neal's incident. 'He was doing his Jokic defense impression,' one fan wrote. Another wrote, 'Bro really didn't care he just left.' 'He was doing his Jokic defence impression.' 'Shaq had to go to the toilet 🚽. He couldn't hold it anymore,' another user wrote on the platform. Also Read: 'Fvck today man' – Hip Hop legend 50 Cent gives bold statement on New York Knicks' loss to Detroit Pistons The incident is certainly a headline grabber as it has sparked laughter among his colleagues and wide NBA fans. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
