Podcast
The most interesting program in college sports, plus a baffling NBA trade
The Pulse Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Decline that max extension today. Believe in yourself. Sleeping Giants: All eyes on … Sacramento The concept of a sleeping giant in college sports is almost a cliche at this […]

The Pulse Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox.
Good morning! Decline that max extension today. Believe in yourself.
Sleeping Giants: All eyes on … Sacramento
The concept of a sleeping giant in college sports is almost a cliche at this point. Let this certain school get the right coach and recruiting staff! They’re gonna take off! See, currently: UNLV, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, so on and so forth.
Normally, this is all a little overblown. Take a large metro area and/or talent-rich state, find an athletics program that’s been meh and put them on the list. Some sleeping giants wake for a few minutes. Some stay in comas.
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One I’m actually interested in, though? Sacramento State.
You have probably heard plenty of social media fodder about the big names and big money flowing into what has been a mostly dormant athletics program at a massive school. But, as Christopher Kamrani and Stewart Mandel write this morning, there is real momentum in Sacramento — and the program has specific, lofty goals.
Three nuggets I found fascinating:
- As with anything during this time in college sports, this is really an NIL story. Sacramento State has a potential donor base of nearly 300,000 alumni. The football program is plotting a move to FBS. The basketball teams are getting a new arena soon.
- Moreover, athletic success at Sac State is seen as a possible fiscal salve for budgetary issues at the university, and it’s easy to see the logic. A move to FBS — which has been denied for now — would bring millions in revenue. Then the media deal comes, which then brings more money and more stars, and the cycle of success churns upward.
- About those big names: Mike Bibby is the new basketball coach, and he hired Shaquille O’Neal as his general manager. Jaden Rashada — remember him? — is the new quarterback on the football team, coached by former UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. Both the football and basketball teams have cajoled good talent from the transfer portal.
I find the Hornets’ story super compelling, and urge you to read the full saga for some fascinating details. The Pulse might have an FCS rooting interest this year.
Let’s keep going:
News to Know
Franco convicted
Former Rays superstar Wander Franco was convicted yesterday in the Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. Franco received a suspended two-year prison sentence — though prosecutors sought a five-year penalty — meaning he’ll avoid incarceration so long as he adheres to certain conditions. The 24-year-old was accused nearly two years ago of sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl and, subsequently, paying the girl’s mother exorbitant amounts of money to continue doing so. The girl’s mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday. See our full report.
Reaves says no — for now
Lakers guard Austin Reaves formally declined a max extension from the Lakers, sources told The Athletic, which is a major sign that Reaves intends to hit free agency next summer. The extension offer was for four years and $89.2 million, and Reaves clearly — for good reason, too — thinks he’ll fetch more on the open market. Read all the tentacles here.
An NHL blockbuster
Late Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres traded star winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth (still a cool name) for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan, sources told The Athletic, which counts as our first major trade of the NHL offseason. Though Buffalo understandably did not want to deal Peterka, it became clear the young player had no intention of signing an extension; he’s already agreed to a five-year deal with Utah. He’s a fantastic fit among the Mammoth’s rising stars, too.
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More news
- Other big news out of the NHL: The league and the players’ association agreed on an 84-game schedule starting in 2026-27, sources told The Athletic.
- The NFL suspended former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker 10 games after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
- The Trump administration threatened California with “imminent enforcement action” if the state did not change its transgender athlete policy. More details here.
- Louisiana police arrested the man who held up a Sudanese flag in support of Palestine during the Super Bowl halftime show yesterday.
- The Cleveland Browns are clear to build an indoor stadium in the suburbs. It’s been a contentious battle thus far.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, will stay at Saudi side Al Nassr for two more years, the club announced yesterday.
- Oliver Boast, the highly touted 16-year-old Leeds striker, has chosen to continue his early career at Tottenham. Read up on him.
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Wait, What? The worst non-Luka trade?

Brad Penner / Imagn Images
Drafts can move quickly, which is a good thing. But sometimes we let a transaction slide past in the moment that deserves a heavily scrutinized follow-up the next day. Which brings us to the New Orleans Pelicans.
A brief recap before some context:
- In the first splash of Joe Dumars’ tenure in New Orleans, the Pels traded up 10 spots in the first round to draft Derik Queen, a capable big man out of Maryland. Queen pairs with fellow first-rounder Jeremiah Fears. In a vacuum, nice picks.
- But Dumars gave up the Pelicans’ unprotected first-rounder next year to get Queen. New Orleans was 21-61 this year, the fourth-worst record in the NBA. That pick could be top-five, and even No. 1 if things go poorly — which is extremely possible! That could mean losing out on AJ Dybantsa.
But I’m just a Pelicans fan still miffed about this shaky plan. Let’s excerpt two experts on the issue.
Here’s draft guru Sam Vecenie in his winners and losers column:
What are the Pelicans doing? That’s a question that was asked repeatedly in text messages from other teams following their decision to trade up … “This is the worst trade, non-Luka division, that we’ve seen in at least a decade,” one assistant GM texted me.
And here’s Zach Harper in yesterday’s Bounce:
New Orleans giving up this unprotected pick is egregious.
Go Pels? Pray for me.
What to Watch
WNBA: Fever at Wings
7:30 p.m. ET on ION
If Caitlin Clark is healthy for this one, it’ll be the league’s brightest new star against the 2025 No. 1 pick in Paige Bueckers. Both teams could use a little help in the standings.
MLB: Cardinals at Guardians
7:10 p.m. ET on Apple TV+
Both of these teams are treading water in the respective Central divisions, though I was intrigued to see Cleveland at 40-39 despite a -32 run differential. Both are theoretical sellers at the deadline, though there’s plenty of time left for things to improve or spiral.
Get tickets to games like these here.
Pulse Picks
Tom Moore is an 86-year-old coach who arrives at the Buccaneers facility before 4 a.m. Bucky Irving is a 22-year-old player who gets there by 5:30 a.m. The two are best friends.
The NHL Draft is here! We have the latest buzz. The Athletic Hockey Show also has a full preview. Listen up! Apple and Spotify. A ton of possible twists.
Matt Baker tried to answer an incredible question: How many college football teams could’ve won a national title with Nick Saban as head coach? Perfect offseason content.
What is Tight End University, the NFL-centric event that featured a surprise Taylor Swift performance? Jayna Bardahl has answers.
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Jeremy Peña was supposed to be a superstar who filled the shoes of another superstar. He started flawlessly, then faltered. Now — still just 24 years old — he is back on top of baseball, writes Chandler Rome. Great story.
In case you missed it, the USMNT drama between Christian Pulisic, Mauricio Pochettino and some program legends is still raging. Adam Crafton’s overview of the squabble was helpful.
Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: Our list of every pick in the NBA Draft.
Most-read on the website yesterday: Winners and losers from the first round of the NBA Draft.
(Top photo: Courtesy of Sacramento State)
NIL
Colin Cowherd on Radio Hall of Fame induction
Whether you’re a fan or not, Colin Cowherd’s influence on sports radio is undeniable. This year, the Fox Sports personality and former ESPN host will be honored in the Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. When the news of his Hall of Fame induction sank in, Cowherd didn’t hold back on how much it […]


Whether you’re a fan or not, Colin Cowherd’s influence on sports radio is undeniable. This year, the Fox Sports personality and former ESPN host will be honored in the Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
When the news of his Hall of Fame induction sank in, Cowherd didn’t hold back on how much it truly means to him, despite his usually unflappable demeanor.
“It’s a huge deal. I don’t get terribly emotional about stuff,” Cowherd admitted. “I’ve seen everything now at this point. But my wife knows how much it means. My friends know how much it means. It’s a big deal for me. I don’t want to be congratulatory, but yeah, in my life, it’s been one of my goals.”
Cowherd’s phone buzzed nonstop with congratulatory messages from longtime friend Joe Fortenbaugh to former bosses alike. One notable exception was Danny Parkins, the Breakfast Ball co-host, who purposely held off, knowing he’d have the chance to congratulate Colin in person on The Colin Cowherd Podcast.
“You inspired people like Nick [Wright] and my generation to do radio,” Parkins said. “And then Nick and I would always joke…that you also kind of ruined the next generation of radio hosts, because people would try to be you. But your brain is so singular in terms of the analogies and the comparisons. It was an amazing thing. And then you would hear people try to be you and it’s like, ‘No, man, this is a one of one talent.’ You crushed it in TV and podcasting and all that, but it was made for radio.”
“You really deserve it. I don’t know how many more people in generations after you — if any — will have a big impact on the genre of radio, just because it’s changed,” Parkins continued. “There’s going to have to be a podcasting Hall of Fame. People younger than Colin Cowherd that made an impact in radio. It’s a short list, man. It’s just not as influential anymore, sadly. You’re probably one of the last radio titans. Other people will get in. They’ll keep inducting people. But in terms of people who meant more to the medium to you…you’re one of the last ones, man. You meant a ton to radio.”
And radio has meant a ton to Cowherd.
At 61, Cowherd began his broadcasting career as the play-by-play voice for the Las Vegas Stars, then the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. After roles in Las Vegas, Tampa, and Portland, he joined ESPN Radio in 2004, taking over the late-morning slot with his show The Herd, quickly emerging as one of the network’s biggest stars.
Cowherd later hosted ESPN’s SportsNation from 2009-12. In 2015, he jumped to Fox Sports amid the launch of FS1, and unlike many peers, he has remained a steady presence for over a decade. Earlier this year, he signed a new three-year deal despite ESPN’s reported interest in bringing him back.
Part of the new contract involved moving his operations from Los Angeles to Chicago, which is conveniently close to the Swissôtel Hotel, where his Radio Hall of Fame induction will take place on October 30.
NIL
Summer Superstar Series Ft Asaad Ali & Lance McGarvey
On this episode of the CSZ Podcast, coming to you live from the Shoot 360 Studios, Jeremy is joined in person by Joey & Shawn and we welcome our special guests in studio, Asaad Ali & Lance McGarvey! Today the guys talk to two of the best in the city! We welcome the voice of […]

On this episode of the CSZ Podcast, coming to you live from the Shoot 360 Studios, Jeremy is joined in person by Joey & Shawn and we welcome our special guests in studio, Asaad Ali & Lance McGarvey!
Today the guys talk to two of the best in the city! We welcome the voice of Louisville Basketball, Lance McGarvey & Louisville Baseball co…i mean videographer extroidinaire & son of the city, Asaad Ali! The guys talk about the upcoming Mens Baskteball season, TBT, grieving the loss of a father, Louisville Baseballs unforgettable run in the NCAA Tournament, Shawns love life, favorite Dad memories and much, much more! We also have Rapid Fire and much, much more plus our usual shenanigans! Another can’t miss episode!
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Podcast
Dalton Knecht Talks Lakers Summer League Opener Vs. Warriors
Dalton Knecht spoke with Lakers Nation’s Matthew Peralta about the Summer League opening loss to the Warriors in the California Classic. Join our LN YouTube Channel for perks like extra shows, input on content, badges and more! https://www.youtube.com/lakersnation/join Join us on Playback for our live stream of every game!: https://www.playback.tv/lakersnation Subscribe To The Lakers Nation […]


Dalton Knecht spoke with Lakers Nation’s Matthew Peralta about the Summer League opening loss to the Warriors in the California Classic. Join our LN YouTube Channel for perks like extra shows, input on content, badges and more! https://www.youtube.com/lakersnation/join Join us on Playback for our live stream of every game!: https://www.playback.tv/lakersnation Subscribe To The Lakers Nation Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lakers-nation-podcast/id1200202500 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RvQfs2iFUWc0sFMdHaN7o?si=L6qBbuieQsqOP4fUvnzo5Q Subscribe to our NBA Front Office Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NBAFrontOffice Subscribe To Dodger Blue: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgerBlue1958 Subscribe to Raptors Nation: https://www.youtube.com/@raptorsnationcom Help us continue to provide Lakers coverage and SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/5AXSud
Our MOST POPULAR Videos: https://goo.gl/k4Xvqq LakersNation.com on Social Media:…
NIL
Ronny LeJeune, Founder & Director of Bayou Dog Sports Training Club
[embedded content] Chatting with Ronny LeJeune, found and director of a new dog sports training non-profit called Bayou Dog Sports Training Club. ⸻ Listen & Watch
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Chatting with Ronny LeJeune, found and director of a new dog sports training non-profit called Bayou Dog Sports Training Club.
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Listen & Watch
Find this episode and more:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTeaPodcast
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NIL
Brad Pitt shares love of making sports movies on 'New Heights' Podcast
If you consider yourself a fan of Brad Pitt’s acting, particularly in sports movies, you’re in luck. He loves making them and wants to do at least one more. Pitt appeared on the New Heights Podcast, hosted by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. During […]


If you consider yourself a fan of Brad Pitt’s acting, particularly in sports movies, you’re in luck. He loves making them and wants to do at least one more.
Pitt appeared on the New Heights Podcast, hosted by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. During the appearance, Pitt discussed his fondness for sports movies.
“I love a sports movie when they work … It’s the greatest,” Pitt said, H/T Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter. “I look back at Gene Hackman and Hoosiers and [Robert] Redford and The Natural, there’s even something more. Sports for me, even one game is an entire lifetime.”
During the conversation, Pitt discussed his most recent movie, F1, as well as 2011’s Moneyball, when he portrayed Billy Beane, general manager of the then-Oakland Athletics.
“When we get it right in these sports movies and I felt like we really got it right in Moneyball in a lovely, beautiful way to add to that lexicon,” he said. “I think this one does too on a really big level because the racing is probably the most visceral racing experience you’ll ever have. But like all great sports movies, when they’re great, there’s also a story there. You’re moved by it. And were funny as f***k. So, we got that to deliver it, but this kind of spiritual ending to it all, I’m really proud about.”
Podcast
The Top 25 Michigan athletics moments since 2000
We’ve reached the “I’ll never forget where I was when X happened” stage of our series covering the Top-25 moments for the Michigan Wolverines since 2000. For the No. 5 spot — one of the most iconic finishes in the history of the men’s basketball program that triggered a run to the national championship. 5. […]


We’ve reached the “I’ll never forget where I was when X happened” stage of our series covering the Top-25 moments for the Michigan Wolverines since 2000. For the No. 5 spot — one of the most iconic finishes in the history of the men’s basketball program that triggered a run to the national championship.
5. Jordan Poole drills mid-court buzzer-beater to stun Houston in the NCAA Tournament (2018)
3. Jordan Poole, 2018 vs Houston.
Michigan’s tournament run seemed over. Until Poole caught the ball with under a second left, fading away from 30 feet.
The shot launched Michigan to the Final Four and Poole into March Madness immortality. pic.twitter.com/cEeWvAqQ0t
— TJ Ross (@TJRossSF) March 22, 2025
I can watch this clip over and over again. Every March, it’s appointment viewing on social media as fans lament on the madness of the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan was dead to rights in this game. The starters were 15-of-43 (34.8 percent) from the field and 3-of-19 (15.7 percent) from deep. With 10 seconds left, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman missed a layup, and Houston’s Devin Davis went to the free throe line up by two points with four seconds remaining. He was 9-of-10 from the free throw line, but proceeded to miss the two most important ones with the pressure of the game on his back.
Head coach John Beilein called a timeout and rallied the boys for one final play, a play that they practiced multiple times, putting the game on the back of true freshman Jordan Poole. The Milwaukee-native averaged only six points per game and had played only 11 minutes in what could have been the final game of the season. Instead, with the game on the line, he drilled one of the most memorable shots in the history of Michigan hoops.
By itself, this moment is worthy of a Top-10 ranking, but the Wolverines didn’t stop there. Thanks to Poole’s shot, Michigan became the highest-seeded team remaining in the West Region, as No. 1 Xavier and No. 2 North Carolina didn’t make the second weekend. The Wolverines would face both of their upsetters — No. 9 Florida State and No. 7 Texas A&M — in the next two rounds, vanquishing both on their way to the Final Four.
Michigan continued getting favorable draws, as No. 11 seed Loyola-Chicago inexplicably won the South Region (this was the year No. 1 Virginia fell to No. 16 UMBC in the first upset of its kind). Kentucky, a No. 5 seed, was the highest seed to even make the Sweet Sixteen in the region. Even with all the might of March Madness folk hero Sister Jean, Michigan beat the Rambles by double digits to advance to the National Championship for the second time in the Beilein era.
Unfortunately, the Wolverines ran into a buzzsaw in the Villanova Wildcats, the No. 1 team in the country. Despite doing an excellent job slowing down their starters — particularly AP Player of the Year Jalen Brunson — Donte DiVincenzo dropped 31 points off the bench on 10-of-15 shooting. After halftime, the game was never close.
Still, it was an improbable run from the Wolverines, who were unranked heading into that 2017-18 season. The run they went on was Cinderella-like, and they had to beat a couple counterfeits to solidify that. None of this happens if Poole didn’t hit that shot against Houston, and it is worthy of a Top-5 ranking because of everything that came next.
For more in this series:
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SEC Conference imposing a fine will create the opposite effect.