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Boston Globe
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
The NFL's diversity initiatives are taking a backseat, and what else to know ahead of owners meetings
Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL's medical experts are heavily in favor of banning the Tush Push and pushing plays, making it likely it gets the 24 owner votes to pass. Advertisement The owners also will vote on whether to discontinue the practice of awarding an automatic home playoff game to division winners. Owners have long prioritized division championships, but Goodell is in favor of changing the system to a pure ranking by record. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The owners likely will debate changes to the onside kick, which has reached a historically low rate of recovery (about 5 percent). And the owners will vote on whether to allow active players to participate in the 2028 Olympics flag football competition. The rules would permit only a few players from each team to participate. But the meeting may be just as notable for what is not taking place — the NFL's 'head coach accelerator' diversity initiative, which was surprisingly canceled last week. Since 2022 the NFL had been holding accelerators for minority GM and head coaching candidates to introduce owners to a more diverse group of candidates to improve the league's poor record of minority football hires. The NFL said it will reboot the program in 2026. Advertisement 'This will allow us to reimagine the program, reflecting on the feedback and engaging with stakeholders so we can ensure a successful program in the future,' NFL chief administrative officer Dasha Smith said. Left unsaid is that the NFL owners didn't take the accelerator program too seriously — several owners (including the Patriots') skipped the networking events over the years, and rarely hired any of the minority candidates. Canceling the program also comes in the wake of President Trump's war on diversity. And it happened just days after Goodell and the NFL puckered up to Trump, allowing him to announce The NFL says it remains committed to the Rooney Rule and other diversity initiatives. Its actions will speak louder. Ben Volin can be reached at
Fox News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Former NFL star Steve Smith Sr faces lawsuit over alleged affair under unusual state law: report
Former NFL star and current analyst Steve Smith Sr. is now facing a legal battle months after a man accused the five-time Pro Bowler on social media of having an affair with his wife, who was a member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band at the time. The lawsuit, filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court on Tuesday, is seeking more than $100,000 in damages under an obscure state law known as the "alienation of affection" law, The Charlotte Observer first reported Thursday. Only six states currently have similar laws in place. The scandal involving Smith first began in February when an X account with the name Antonio Martinez posted a series of messages and screenshots directed at the former NFL pro. "Hit me up. Does your wife know you've been f---ing my wife," one of the posts read. The account then shared several screenshots of what appeared to be sexually explicit text messages between Martinez's wife and Smith. Some of the posts also included images of Smith allegedly sent to the woman. The account also posted a video of an alleged conversation between Martinez and Smith, when the man appeared to confront Smith over the alleged affair. "You've been f---ing my wife, bro?" the man in the video could be heard asking. "What you gotta say for yourself?" "I'm sorry," the other person responded before eventually hanging up. According to the lawsuit obtained by The Charlotte Observer, the woman allegedly met Smith as a member of the Ravens marching band. Smith spent the majority of his 16-year career with the Carolina Panthers before playing three seasons with the Ravens. Smith reportedly filmed an episode for "The NFL's Most Interesting Jobs with Steve Smith" in September with the Ravens' marching band when the pair allegedly exchanged contact information. According to the civil suit, the alleged affair went on for months, with the two last meeting at a hotel in Baltimore in January. Smith was reportedly in town for the Ravens' playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. A request for comment was sent to Smith's former agent. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
New York Times
07-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
2025 NFL mock draft: Browns land Travis Hunter, Mason Graham cracks top three
The NFL Draft features 32 first-round picks. It does not, however, necessarily feature 32 prospects with a first-round grade. Most drafts don't sniff that number. And though the 2025 NFL Draft definitely features depth of talent at several positions, the number of players in this class with a consensus first-round grade is likely in the low teens. That's especially important when discussing the top two quarterbacks, Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Both are very good prospects, but I'm not sure we can objectively call either 'elite.' Advertisement A first-round grade means the player has almost no scouting holes, no serious questions about whether or not he'll be able to handle a starting workload for an NFL team (likely a bad one) tomorrow. A year ago, there were three quarterbacks who fit that bill: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. This year, quite frankly, there are zero. It's still possible Ward and Sanders land in the top 10. But it's also possible one of those players — more likely Sanders — takes a tumble. With that in mind, here's my latest three-round mock draft: To be clear, I would not do this. Same time, there's too much smoke to ignore that first-year GM Mike Borgonzi's priority is a quarterback and if you're going to take one this high it's absolutely Ward. I do not think he'd have gone higher than Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye last season but it's possible — given the QB desperation league wide — he'd have been a top-10 pick in 2024. GO DEEPER 2025 NFL Draft consensus Big Board: Ashton Jeanty holds at No. 3; Jihaad Campbell climbs The best football player in this draft class and one of the most unique talents we've seen in years, Hunter will make an impact wherever he goes — and wherever he lines up — immediately next year. If he sticks at CB he'll arguably have the best ball skills of any DB in the NFL. He's that good. This could also be Shedeur Sanders, though I'm decidedly less sure about him than I am Ward. The Giants have spent the entire offseason trying to find veteran quarterbacks in the face of this rookie class, This, too, could be a Sanders landing spot. But I have zero questions about Graham's ability to help the Giants immediately. Carter's foot situation certainly complicates matters, though I wouldn't rule him out as a top-three selection here. If he's healthy, Carter has a chance to be the best pro in this class. Foot injuries are very scary, however. Advertisement Campbell's arms are a bit short — if he wasn't so good with his hands and feet, that might be an issue. But Campbell, one of the hardest workers in this draft class, is a terrific athlete. Like when the Chargers drafted Rashawn Slater, nobody should overthink this. Jeanty is the NFL Draft's best running back prospect since at least Bijan Robinson/Jahmyr Gibbs. He might be the best we've seen since Saquon Barkley. Regardless of where he fits in that tier, though, he absolutely should be a top-10 pick. At the very least, the Jets have a bridge QB in Justin Fields. It's also possible Fields turns a corner and becomes the team's long-term starter. Either way, New York's new regime is not in position to roll the dice on a QB. Aaron Glenn should remember when Detroit passed on QB talent in 2021 to draft Penei Sewell. Start your rebuild there. The tape tells the story with McMillan — and part of that story is that his less-than-stellar 40 time isn't that big a deal. McMillan was a man among children at times in college and has the ability to help Bryce Young and this young Panthers offense immediately. The 2025 draft class features another great tight end group, and Warren — a true three-down weapon with the potential to be a dominant run blocker — is leader of the pack. The tight end position has evolved so much in the last 10 years, and Warren is the type of weapon that's worth it in the top 10. GO DEEPER Why do Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland stand out in 2025 NFL Draft TE class? The No. 2 edge in this class is a tough call, especially if we're lumping Jihaad Campbell and/or Jalon Walker in with that group. A case certainly could be made for Georgia's Mykel Williams here. But Stewart (6-5, 267) is actually bigger than Williams, and nearly as long (34 1/8 arms). He's the most athletic edge in this class not named Abdul Carter. Advertisement It's hard to compare people to Micah Parsons. Campbell isn't as fast as the Cowboys' dynamic superstar, but he's not that far off — and he's probably at least as explosive. As was the case with Parsons when he came out of college, Campbell hasn't scratched the surface with regard to all the things he can do on a football field. It's not nothing that Johnson has avoided athletic testing at all costs this offseason. It's also not nothing he more or less sat the 2024 season out after getting dinged up early. But the tape doesn't lie — Johnson's confidence is off-the-charts good, as is his football IQ. He definitely could tumble, but he's a worthy top-15 prospect. The most complete athlete in this draft, Emmanwori has versatility that knows nearly no limit — he's 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with a 4.38-second 40 time, 43-inch vertical and 11 foot, 6 inch broad jump. He's still learning how to be consistent, but Emmanwori has the potential to be a defensive coordinator's best friend. There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect. An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He'd be a perfect fit in Indianapolis. Williams' scouting profile almost could be used to explain most of this class: He's a terrific athlete (at 6-5, 260) and has limitless potential as a do-it-all edge with interior rush potential, but he's also really never put everything together. Though it could take a minute for him to develop, he has true star potential at an incredibly valuable position. It wouldn't be a shock if Harmon winds up going higher than this. At 6-4, 313, he's bigger than Graham and probably comes with more versatility — he's already proven he can walk outside and handle himself as a big edge. Derrick Harmon impressed throughout his drills 📈 @OregonFootball 📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on @NFLPlus — NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025 Like Carter, Campbell and Walker, Green is a phenomenal athlete who gives off Parsons-like vibes in terms of versatility. There also are serious off-field questions here teams will have to investigate before making a decision. Booker's not a perfect prospect. Scouts wanted to see more consistency from him as a junior, but they also understand that Booker's been one of the SEC's most physically impressive offensive linemen since the first game of his true freshman season. It feels like Seattle has been looking for a prospect like this for at least five years. Advertisement This might be the floor for Walker, whose testing may have caused him to slip behind Campbell and Green on some boards. Still, he's a legit playmaker anywhere he lines up — a hell-on-wheels front-seven defender who'd be perfect for Todd Bowles. One of my favorite players in this class, Egbuka is this year's version of Amon-Ra St. Brown — a fearless competitor who was a difference-maker from Day 1 inside one of the country's best programs. As far as I'm concerned, he'd qualify as the 'Joker' weapon Sean Payton wants. Even if Pittsburgh signs Aaron Rodgers, and even if Rodgers has some gas left in the tank we simply haven't seen over the past three years, the Steelers have to devise a long-term plan for the most important position on the field. I cannot get there on Sanders as a top-10 pick, and I don't think he's ready to help fix a truly bad team. He'll be a much better fit if he lands somewhere that can give him a supporting cast. GO DEEPER Colorado pro day: Travis Hunter is a lock as a top-5 pick, but could Shedeur Sanders fall? Jim Harbaugh's backfield needs thunder and lightning. And Hampton, a 221-pound hammer with speed and wiggle, can be both at the same time. Not only did he rush for more than 3,000 combined yards the last two years, but also he had more than 60 catches. A tough, smart, dependable competitor, Barron reminds me of a bigger version of Washington's Mike Sainristil. He can play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and you're going to get everything he has on every snap. He'd be perfect for the physical and talented NFC North. Zabel was a true five-tool offensive lineman in college. He's not long enough to be an every-day tackle in the NFL, but his ability to make things happen inside is undeniable. Zabel is a powerful, explosive, flexible athlete with elite football IQ. After suffering a knee injury early during the 2024 season, Simmons expects to be ready for the start of his rookie year. If he hadn't suffered that injury, it's fair to wonder if Simmons might have been OT1 in 2025. And the Texans have to find people who can keep C.J. Stroud off the ground. Advertisement Consistency is lacking, but Conerly's still a young prospect with elite athletic traits and equally exciting flashes. His potential fit inside an offense that needs run blockers capable of being dangerous on the move and in space could be terrific. It's possible Ezeiruaku is long gone by the late 20s, as the depth of his pass-rush arsenal and his attention to detail are arguably better than any other rusher in this class. He's also one of the most agile (sub-7-second three-cone at the combine). GO DEEPER The case for sports' greatest No. 8 The Lions' biggest need is edge, and it also wouldn't shock me should Brad Holmes try to get younger at receiver — Jameson Williams' long-term future on the roster is anything but certain. But Detroit also has uncertainty at guard. Banks, a college tackle, should translate well to a guard spot in the NFL and could potentially be a long-term answer opposite Sewell. Of all the draft-eligible offensive talent at Texas last season, Golden might've made the biggest leap. He displayed true difference-making speed and has an ability to win in any area of the field. He flashed WR1 ability, to go along with his 4.29 speed. Grant's talent (at 6-4, 331) is undeniable, but almost nothing about his game is consistent. He also did not test anywhere near where scouts anticipated he would. Still, he's an explosive, powerful presence with high-end potential as a nose and/or a big 3-tech. There's enough raw ability here to bet on. A balanced, explosive athlete with very good length, Jackson spent most of his Ohio State career at guard before moving out to tackle in the wake of Simmons' injury — a critical move during Ohio State's title run. Jackson can be inconsistent with his hands but has the look of a possible long-term starter at guard or tackle. One of the smartest football players in this draft, Starks feels a lot like this year's version of Brian Branch. He's probably not fast enough to hold up as an outside corner, but he can play either safety spot or be a capable NFL nickel. He and Cooper DeJean together would be a lot of fun. This, to me, makes much more sense for the Browns than reaching for a QB at No. 2. It's possible Cleveland will have to trade back into the bottom of the first round for either Shough or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, but this would give the Browns a young quarterback and a premium talent at the top of the second. Advertisement Personally, I prefer Shough to Dart but it's very close. Dart's biggest challenge will be proving he wasn't simply a product of a very college-y offense the way ex-Ole Miss QB Matt Corral was. However, Dart's a better prospect in just about every area. To me: Shough and Dart are closer to Sanders on the board than Sanders is to Ward. GO DEEPER When should Jaxson Dart be drafted? Evaluating pros and cons of the Ole Miss QB UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger (projected top-50 pick) weighed in at 238 pounds at his workout today for NFL teams. From an NFL scout in attendance: 3C: 7.05SS: 4.25BJ: 10'7"(No 40-yard dash) — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 2, 2025 If there's a QB other than Ward or Sanders who might surprise people with how high he's picked, it's Milroe. Every physical trait he owns is worth betting on, though the gamble here is considerable given how inconsistent he was as a passer during every season at Alabama. GO DEEPER Feldman's 2025 NFL mock draft: How coaches view Ward, Sanders, Hunter, Carter and more I'm not ruling out the possibility of someone at the bottom of the first taking a swing at Taylor, the athletic, sure-handed son of ex-NFL star Jason Taylor (and nephew of Zach Thomas). Few coaches in the NFL have better eyes for TE talent than Jim Harbaugh. #LSU TE Mason Taylor Garrett Nussmeier is going to miss him quite a bit. [image or embed] — Nick Baumgardner (@ February 11, 2025 at 7:29 AM GO DEEPER Jordan Palmer wants to change how we evaluate QBs. Kyle McCord is his 2025 NFL Draft test case. One of the more underrated players in this class, Williams' is a small receiver and his hands could be more consistent — but he's one of the best YAC players in the class and an outstanding route runner with the ball skills to win in any area on the field. Very exciting player. #Wazzu WR Kyle Williams is a problem. He's not big, could be more consistent with hands, but he's one of the smoothest route runners in the country. 🏈4.42 speed 🏈10 contested catches at just 5-10, 190 🏈70-1196-14 last season 🏈Nearly 600 YAC yards This is a top 100 player IMO [image or embed] — Nick Baumgardner (@ April 5, 2025 at 9:34 AM GO DEEPER Could the Browns be tanking for Arch Manning? NFL execs debate The Lions double-dipped at CB last season, and don't be surprised if they do the same this year while searching for pass-rush help opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Bringing an Ohio State (Tuimoloau) or Michigan (Stewart) player to Detroit always makes for a good time. These two would complement each other well. (* = compensatory pick) (Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Michael Miller / ISI Photos, Ed Zurga / Getty Images, Mark J. Rebilas and Rich Barnes / Imagn Images)
NBC Sports
15-02-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NFL fines Eagles' Jalyx Hunt $5,690 for bow-and-arrow gesture in Super Bowl LIX
The NFL's crackdown on players celebrating with 'violent gestures' continued in Super Bowl LIX. The league announced today that Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt was fined $5,690 for unsportsmanlike conduct for what the league termed a violent gesture. Hunt's gesture was mimicking an archer shooting a bow and arrow after a sack of Patrick Mahomes. Hunt didn't direct the gesture at Mahomes or anyone else and didn't seem to be intending anything violent about his celebration, but the league has made a point of fining players for anything that looks like shooting a gun, an arrow or anything else that might appear violent. Violent gestures can also generate a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but the officials did not flag Hunt. Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo joined Hunt's celebration with a similar gesture but was not fined.
BBC News
08-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Chiefs: We are not bored of winning
The NFL is a league that prides itself on parity. With the draft system and salary cap key to ensuring that's the case. It's rare to see a team dominate for long periods like the Kansas City Chiefs are presently around New Orleans speaking to fans - most neutrals are rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, just as a child my mum used to say, "Let your brothers win sometimes otherwise the game will get boring."However that doesn't really translate to professional sports and speaking to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt - they are happy to be 'the villains' and have no plans to stop winning. "It just comes with the territory but we're going to keep giving it our best every year."New Orleans is a very special place for our family and the organisation. It's where we won our very first Super Bowl (Super Bowl IX) in 1970. "So for us to do it [3-Peat] in the city we won our first - would be so special."
