Latest news with #Tennessee
USA Today
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Titans vet predicts if fans will boo or cheer Mike Vrabel in return
Ex-Titans vet predicts if fans will boo or cheer Mike Vrabel in return Former Tennessee Titans safety Blaine Bishop believes New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will receive a warm welcome when he returns to Tennessee in Week 7 of the 2025 season. That will be one of the more intriguing games on the Patriots' roster from a storyline perspective. Vrabel, a former NFL Coach of the Year, not only brought the Titans back to the playoffs, but he led them all the way to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. He was later fired by the organization in 2023 after three playoff appearances. "It will be exciting, a great conversation piece, and I think he will be received well," Bishop said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "As a head coach here, he did really well up to the end. The fans loved Vrabel. He won. Was Coach of the Year [in 2021]. He's in the conversation, even though it was a short window, as one of the best coaches in the Tennessee Titans' small history." Vrabel and the Patriots are expected to go head-to-head with Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward for the first time as well. So the battle of young quarterbacks with Drake Maye and Ward will be the primary focus, along with Vrabel's return to the "Music City". There were plenty of Titans fans who didn't believe Vrabel deserved to get fired. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see a pro-Vrabel reaction when he initially steps onto the field. But after that show of respect, it will likely be back to business. The Titans beat the Patriots by a 20-17 margin when the two teams met in Tennessee last season, following a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter by Maye. We'll see if the Patriots and Vrabel get their revenge in October. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Business
- Forbes
Mavericks Reportedly Exploring Pathway To Land Multi-Time All-Star
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before ... More the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Dallas Mavericks voluntarily kick-started one of the most topsy-turvy months-long roller coaster rides in NBA history. They discretely dealt beloved franchise star Luka Doncic to a hated rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. The backlash was unlike anything Rick Welts has seen in the Mavericks CEO and Hall of Fame executive's over 50 years of working in professional basketball. But then came another improbability: Dallas defied the odds at the NBA draft lottery, overcoming a 1.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick. By moving up a record-setting 10 spots, the organization is now in a position to bring in a new face of the franchise, generational prospect Cooper Flagg. "I don't think there's ever been quite a reversal of fortune in our league as happened that night," said Welts at The Wall Street Journal's "The Future of Everything" event at The Glasshouse in New York City on Wednesday. Adding a potential superstar who doesn't turn 19 until December on a rookie contract could keep the Mavericks competitive into the foreseeable future. But with Flagg's ability to make an immediate impact and a roster with stars in Anthony Davis, 32, and Kyrie Irving, 33, Dallas is also looking to strike now. According to Marc Stein on the NBA insider's Substack, The Stein Line, Dallas is pondering if there's a pathway to bringing Jrue Holiday aboard this summer. "League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston's Jrue Holiday — complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday's contract." The 15-year veteran averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. Upon the campaign's conclusion, he expressed his desire to remain with the Celtics. "I think we still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again," voiced Holiday at exit interviews. "I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court but the coaching staff, all the way up to [Celtics president of basketball operations] Brad [Stevens], has been amazing. The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of it." However, Jayson Tatum's franchise-altering injury may force Boston's hand. The Celtics might spend this summer getting under the second apron to create more financial and roster flexibility long term. As of now, the 2023-24 NBA champions, who have spent the last couple of seasons over the second apron, do not have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception, a valuable tool that could've helped them remain competitive without Tatum. They can only trade the 28th overall selection in this year's draft, plus one of their first-round choices in 2026 or 2027, and a 2030 pick swap. They've parted with their 2028 and 2029 first-round draft capital. They cannot trade their 2031 pick since their 2032 first-round selection is frozen. There are also steep financial repercussions for the franchise's exorbitant payroll in recent years. For instance, even if Boston gets under the second apron this summer, the Celtics will have to pay approximately $5.5 for every dollar spent at their repeater rate. That means Sam Hauser's team-friendly $10 million salary for the upcoming season effectively escalates to $55 million. So, while the organization's preference is likely to keep Holiday, he's on the books for $32.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign. The two-time NBA champion turns 35 in June. With the Celtics' championship hopes deflated by Tatum's injury, there's a ripe opportunity for a team like the Mavericks to acquire the two-way guard. Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive team selection, would help a team in need at that end. He'd also give them another ball handler, helping Dallas navigate the time Irving misses while rehabbing from a torn ACL. The cost of adding a decorated player who's a valuable voice in the locker room and brings emotional stability with his even-keeled approach on the court, could entail a package along the lines of center Daniel Gafford going to Boston while a third party receives a player like forward P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell. That team, likely one with cap space, like the Brooklyn Nets or Detroit Pistons, would also figure to add draft capital for taking on those contracts. It's an illustration of how the Celtics could be in store for a dramatic roster makeover this summer. That figures to benefit multiple teams. Perhaps none more than the Mavericks if they pull off a trade for Holiday.
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Trio of former Vols played together at Cincinnati from 2020-22
Trio of former Vols played together at Cincinnati from 2020-22 The 2025 NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional will continue Saturday with a winner's bracket game at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. No. 14 national seed Tennessee (44-16) will face No. 3 regional seed Cincinnati (33-24). First pitch between the Vols and Bearcats is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT. The contest can be watched on SEC Network+. The two schools have received recent transfer student-athletes from each other. Cincinnati's teams from 2020-22 featured three former Vols. Wyatt Stapp played for the Vols during Tony Vitello's first season as Tennessee's head coach in 2018. He transferred to Cincinnati ahead of the 2019 campaign. Stapp appeared in 30 games, including 27 starts, at third base as a true freshman in 2018 for the Vols. He recorded a .256 batting average, 11 RBIs, nine runs and 18 walks. Outfielder Paul Komistek transferred to Cincinnati from Tennessee after redshirting during the 2019 season. He appeared in 116 games, including 113 starts, for the Bearcats from 2020-22. Komistek recorded a .332 batting average, 20 home runs, 76 RBIs, 90 runs, 65 walks and 13 stolen bases. He played baseball and basketball at Farragut High School in Farragut, Tennessee. Griffin Merritt started his collegiate career at Cincinnati from 2019-22 before transferring to Tennessee. He played his final season in 2023 and appeared in the College World Series for the Vols. Merritt played in 61 games (51 starts), totaling 18 home runs, 48 RBIs, 42 runs, 18 walks, two stolen bases and a .311 batting average at Tennessee. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Lip reader reveals what Travis Hunter's wife Leanna told him amid claims she refused to kiss him at their wedding
A lip reader has revealed what Travis Hunter's wife Leanna Lenee said to him after online trolls alleged she dodged his kiss on their wedding day. Daily Mail exclusively revealed last week that the rising NFL star and his bride got married at a rustic barn in Athens, Tennessee. Hunter, 22, who won the coveted Heisman Trophy as college football's best player this year, married his longtime love, 23, at The Barn at Faith Farms, a luxury wedding venue nestled between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the 'full experience package' is listed online as $6,000. The groom, who was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, surprised his new wife with a luxury six-figure black Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 Brabus 800 to whoops and cheers from their guests at its unveiling. But Leanna has come under fire in the aftermath of their special day after a video surfaced online that some claimed showed her refusing to kiss Hunter as they danced. Expert Nicola Hickling, who is the founder of LipReader, has now revealed to Daily Mail what Lenee said to her husband during the exchange after reviewing the footage. Hunter says: 'Kiss me now babe'. Lenee, shaking her head, replies: 'Not now, we're gonna make love all night' A grinning Hunter then says: 'Yeah' Their relationship has not always been plain sailing with Lenee attracting plenty of criticism online last December, following his Heisman Trophy win. Many fans criticized her for perceived slights against her now-husband, including what they interpreted as a muted response to his historic honor. As Hunter was announced as the Heisman winner, she initially remained sat down while Hunter's mother and Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders stood to their feet. She briefly stood and gave Hunter a hug after Sanders appeared to tap her, but promptly sat back down as the two-way star continued embracing his group. Fans took issue with what they perceived to be a slight, sparking horrific backlash on social media. Hunter later revealed that Lenee had cried herself to sleep following the ceremony as she continued to be pelted with criticism. 'She's still sleeping, she's slumped,' the Heisman winner shared on a Twitch stream. 'You know when you're hurt but you just cry yourself to sleep and you just be gone? She drunk [sic], like, an OD amount tonight for no reason.' Fans perceived other issues as well. During the run up to the Heisman ceremony, Lenee appeared angry at Hunter as he took pictures with female fans at a planned event. Lenee was seen seated just a few feet away from Hunter as he took snaps with a female fan, looking upset before asking him 'What do you want me to do... I'll just sit here then.' Hunter then appeared to suggest that she could leave if she felt like it, with the video catching him saying, 'You could go to the hotel, you can walk around...' There was video that resurfaced in which Lenee said that Hunter was not her 'type' before they had started dating, leading to more vitriol from fans. Then there was the aftermath of his team's 52-0 win over Oklahoma State Cowboys in late November, when Lenee and Hunter appeared to get into some sort of argument - with Lenee seemingly rebuffing Hunter's attempt to kiss her on the cheek. In the end, though, the couple appears happier than ever after tying the knot in Tennessee with family and friends on hand.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sheriff's office warns of ‘ghost tap' scam targeting East Tennessee
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A nationwide crime trend has hit East Tennessee, as Knox County Sheriff's Office detectives have apprehended more than 10 individuals taking part in a 'ghost tap' scam. The sheriff's office issued a release on the scam Saturday morning. Scammers load stolen credit card information onto a digital wallet and then use that to purchase gift cards, which are resold online to launder the stolen money. Gun shops across the state lose revenue as TBI troubleshoots firearm background check system outage So far, detectives have apprehended more than 10 people, who they said are primarily Chinese nationals, suspected of taking part in the scam. KCSO explained that on a larger scale, the scam is resulting in financial institutions losing millions of dollars every week. The sheriff's office also shared why they think scammers may be targeting the region. 'These criminal groups are traveling from California, New York, and Texas, exploiting jurisdictions they believe won't recognize their scheme,' the sheriff's office wrote. The best way to protect yourself from the scam is by protecting your information. KCSO said if you have gotten text messages about unpaid tolls, misdelivered packages, or account issues, it's important not to click any links in the messages or enter your information. The tactic is part of a real-time smishing (SMS phishing) scam that is used to steal personal and financial information. Richard L. Bean to retire after mayor calls out problems at juvenile detention center The sheriff's office also shared some other tips to protect yourself: Never share personal or financial info via text or email with unknown senders. Law enforcement or government agencies will never ask you to pay debts with gift cards or request private info over the phone. Report suspicious messages immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
