Spain and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal is already one of the biggest stars in world soccer, despite being only 18.

After profiling Yamal on 60 Minutes before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sports Illustrated’s senior writer Jon Wertheim made a staggering claim about the teenager, arguing that he has never seen an athlete reach this level of fame at such a young age — even comparing him to another Barca prodigy, Lionel Messi.

Jon Wertheim Claims Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Has Only One-Tenth Of Lamine Yamal’s Global Fame

During an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show”, Wertheim reflected the extraordinary level of attention surrounding the teenager.

The host, Patrick, noted that even global icons such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did not seem to have this level of worldwide fame at 18, particularly before the rise of social media.

Wertheim largely agreed, describing social media as “the great accelerant,” before comparing Yamal’s fame to that of 2026 NBA Finals MVP and New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson.

“Messi at that age played for Barcelona. People sort of knew who he was, but you weren’t on your phone watching clips of these insane goals he was scoring,” Wertheim said.

“Jalen Brunson’s level of fame is like one-tenth of this kid, and he’s 18 years old,” Wertheim added. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a level of athlete fame quite like this.”

“I think you could probably make the case this might be the most prominent athlete in the world right now, certainly top five, top ten,” he added further.

One of the most fascinating details from Wertheim’s 60 Minutes profile involved an old photograph linking Yamal to Messi years before the Spanish star became a household name.

According to Wertheim, Yamal’s mother won a raffle when he was just a baby that allowed the family to pose with a Barcelona player. By remarkable coincidence, that player was Lionel Messi. To stress how big that moment was, he made a hypothetical reference involving two of basketball’s generational superstars — Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

“It’s like Michael Jordan in 1984 or 1985 posing with baby LeBron,” he said.

Wertheim’s comments may sound hyperbolic, but Yamal certainly is operating on a different level from most teenage athletes. The Barcelona star made his senior debut at just 15 years old, has already won three La Liga titles, starred at UEFA Euro 2024 in Spain, and established himself as one of the world’s best attacking players before turning 19.

Messi recently described Yamal as the player he would choose from the next generation, while former Barcelona manager and 2010 FIFA World Cup winner Xavi Hernandez said the winger could become “one of the great geniuses in football history.” Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has similarly called him a player with a “gift from God.”

MORE:USMNT Manager Mauricio Pochettino Reveals What Went Through His Head During Chat With President Donald Trump

Yamal already has more than 100 appearances for Barcelona and over 25 caps for Spain. While the teenager was limited to a 71st-minute substitute appearance in La Roja’s surprising 1-1 draw against Cape Verde — courtesy of the heroics of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha — he is expected to play a far bigger role as the tournament progresses.

Spain will next face Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Atlanta Stadium before a potentially decisive Group H showdown against South American dark horses Uruguay on June 26.

The New York Knicks took the city by storm, ending an agonizing 53-year wait for an NBA championship by getting the better of Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Even President Donald Trump was paying attention to the Knicks’ championship win, making it a point to congratulate the “great patriot,” Mitchell Robinson.

In the wake of the Knicks’ championship parade, however, Robinson made his political allegiances clear, leaving no room for speculation.

Mitchell Robinson Clarifies His Stance on President Donald Trump

Under one of Mitchell Robinson’s posts after their win, one NBA fan dropped a comment, saying, “How do you support Trump as a Black man in America.”

Robinson’s reply was swift: “I don’t.”

During the Knicks’ run, Robinson’s social media activity on TikTok raised some eyebrows. He reshared a clip on the platform that joked he would raise his game to another level altogether if President Trump was in the building.”

“The video in question showed that clip of Allen Iverson’s crossover on Michael Jordan, captioned, “How Mitchell Robinson about to be moving with Trump in attendance for Game 3.”

Robinson’s comment under that TikTok post read, “You ain’t lying, brother.” However, he later clarified by writing, “I’m not a supporter, I’m just trolling.”

Are The Knicks Going To The White House?

As the NBA champions, the Knicks will now be invited to Donald Trump’s White House, but it remains to be seen how many players make that trip.

When pressed about what he’d do by TMZ, Jose Alvarado said: “If there’s a chance, I’m going wherever my teammate goes.”

During an interview with WFAN, Knicks owner James Dolan was asked if he’d take his team to President Trump’s White House. “I’ve known him for 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House,” was Dolan’s response, confirming they’ve accepted the invitation, but they’re still figuring out the details.

President Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and took his place in Dolan’s suite to catch the action. The Knicks lost that game, but picked up the pieces and beat the Spurs to bring home the championship.

However, President Trump was heavily booed during the game.

DON’T MISS:‘That Was Donald Trump’: Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down on Blaming President for Knicks’ Lone NBA Finals Loss

As of the time of writing, no Knicks player (apart from Alvarado) has publicly spoken on the decision to visit the White House.

Last year’s champions, the Boston Celtics, visited the White House in November 2025 after winning the title in June, but the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won the title before Boston, did not make the customary trip.

Minnesota Lynx phenom Olivia Miles continued her dazzling rookie campaign on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Sparks. The former Notre Dame and TCU star dropped 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 26 minutes to lead her team to a 99-83 road win.

Miles’ impressive first year in the pros has forced WNBA analysts to consider whether the Dallas Wings, who drafted Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 Draft, one spot ahead of Miles, might have blundered. Los Angeles Lakers legend Mychal Thompson is among those who believe pairing Miles with Wings superstar Paige Bueckers would have been the right call.

Mychal Thompson Rues Wings’ Missed Opportunity To Pair Olivia Miles With Paige Bueckers

Heading into this year’s draft, most analysts had Fudd, Bueckers’ former UConn Huskies teammate and girlfriend, as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick. Many were convinced that Fudd’s 44.2% 3-point shooting in her last two years with the Huskies marked the perfect skill set to thrive beside Bueckers. The chemistry between the two was another key reason Dallas picked her over Miles.

The Wings’ decision to select Fudd was considered a no-brainer by league pundits. They thought the franchise had formed the WNBA’s best young backcourt duo.

Miles’ latest eye-catching performance has forced many to doubt whether the Wings made the right choice after all. Thompson echoed that sentiment after watching the 23-year-old carve up the Sparks’ defense.

“I STILL cant beleev the Wings passed up Olivia Miles…Y’all see this lady play yet?… She is SMOOOOOTH…So GOOD…Ohhhh, the back cort Dallas wudda had with her and Paige,” Thompson tweeted.

This season, Miles has become the Lynx’s best scorer and playmaker and arguably their most versatile player. She leads her team in points (19.0) and assists (5.7), and is third in steals (1.4) and fourth in rebounds (4.9), respectively. Miles, a 33.1% 3-point shooter in college, is making 39.1% of her outside shots with the Lynx.

Minnesota hasn’t played a game with perennial MVP contender Napheesa Collier due to an injury. The Lynx also revamped their roster, but they have not missed a beat. They boast a league-best 12-3 record, largely because of Miles’ outstanding play and leadership.

Meanwhile, Fudd is putting up 12.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. She is making 50.7% of her shots, including 38.7% from deep. To this point, Fudd hasn’t had the same well-rounded impact on the Wings.

Also Read: ‘Rookie of the Year & MVP’ — Former NBA Guard Makes Bold Declaration About Lynx Phenom Olivia Miles

Miles is the engine that makes the Lynx hum while Fudd revolves around the play of Bueckers. They have different roles, but Thompson is convinced the Miles-Bueckers dynamic would have been more prolific than the Fudd-Bueckers partnership.

The WNBA season is barely into its second month. If the Fudd-Bueckers tandem gets rolling, Thompson and others might have some rethinking to do.

The NFL season is not quite underway yet, but there was some buzz last season that NFL legend and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees could come out of retirement.

But Brees recently revealed the reason why he will not come out of retirement.

Why Drew Brees Is Staying Retired

Brees was a living legend in the NFL, as he spent the majority of his career with the New Orleans Saints, totaling 80,358 passing yards, 571 touchdown passes, and 243 interceptions. He also defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the 2009 season for his only Super Bowl ring.

Knowing that there was buzz in the previous season that Brees might come out of retirement, he recently went on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast to discuss why he is staying retired. The reason he is staying retired might open some fans’ eyes.

“Well, look, I would know where to throw it, I just don’t know if I could get it there. That’s one lingering effect from the shoulder surgery,” Brees said. “I don’t throw with my right arm anymore. I actually throw left-handed. I kind of started doing that towards the end of my career.

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator

“Just with my kids, because I come home after a long day of practice and I didn’t have anything left in my right arm… But the boys want to play catch. I throw left-handed. I’m pretty mean inside of 30 with this left arm.”

Brees threw right-handed his whole career in New Orleans, and he could be considered one of the smoothest and purest passers that the NFL ever saw. The fact that he had shoulder surgery and no longer throws with the arm that he did in the NFL speaks to how it affected him and his body.

REDRAFT THE ENTIRE NFL:PFN’s FREE NFL Ultimate Redraft Simulator

If Brees were to come out of retirement in today’s NFL, he could be ranked in the top 10 of current quarterbacks who play. Even if he were throwing left-handed in the NFL after having surgery on his shoulder, he would still be dominant.

The fact that Brees only won one ring after all the years that he played in the NFL, and how many stats he put up, is astonishing. But the fact that he can still play with his kids and throw with his other arm speaks to how committed Brees is and was to the game of football.

Brees was very deserving of a nomination in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.

The Baltimore Ravens and two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson could be venturing into treacherous waters.

Currently entering the fourth year of a five-year extension worth $260 million that he signed in 2023, Jackson is due for another extension. But it all comes down to whether the Ravens continue to see themselves as a fit for both what Jackson wants and what they want.

Ravens Must Address Lamar Jackson’s Contract

Matters aren’t headed to a sloppy divorce. At least not yet. Jackson is still under center for the Ravens, and he’s aiming to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that saw him appear more human than the almost supernatural, dual-threat player he’s been throughout his career.

2026 will mark the last year that Jackson is under contract with a relatively manageable cap hit. His $34.39 million charge this coming season is expensive, but it’s about what you’d expect for a player of Jackson’s caliber.

However, that number more than doubles to $84.34 million in 2027. Having his contract on the books at that number would simply be bad business, so now, the Ravens will have to determine if they want that to be someone else’s problem.

They’ll either sign Jackson to another long-term extension and effectively lower his cap number, trade him, or just bite the bullet and deal with the massive figure while he plays out the final two years of his contract and enters free agency in the spring of 2028.

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator

“Do the Ravens really wanna do it?” asks Mike Florio in Thursday’s episode of “Pro Football Talk.”

“Look, Lamar’s one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and I know that someone out there, possibly someone who covers the Ravens, is gonna cut a clip of this and put it on social media and bash me for it, and I really don’t give a [expletive] if you do,” Florio added. “The point is, at some time in the relationship with Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are going to make a long-term decision about how long this lasts.”

“They did it with Joe Flacco, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens,” he continued. “They went out and got Lamar Jackson when Joe Flacco still had plenty of gas in the tank, because they saw an opportunity to significantly upgrade the position, and they did.”

PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor

Jackson is on the heels of a season in which he threw for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 13 starts, a significant step back from the historically dominant 41-touchdown, four-interception campaign he put together in 2024. He rushed 67 times for 349 yards and a pair of touchdowns, which were career lows in all three categories.

It was a far cry from the player he was the year prior, when he threw for 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions, posted a passer rating of 119.6, and became the first player in NFL history to throw 40 or more passing touchdowns with fewer than five interceptions in a single season. If those days are now behind Jackson, the Ravens will have to make a calculated gamble.

“He’s got leverage,” Florio said. “His leverage is, ‘Hey, man, I’ll be a free agent in less than two years. I’ve got two more seasons, 34 regular-season games to play, and then I can go anywhere I want.’ People around the league have believed for a long time that he wants to play for the Dolphins, his hometown of Miami. Oh, and Malik Willis, they’ve committed two years to him as a practical matter under his contract.”

“Look, I don’t think Lamar Jackson is gonna slow down, and I don’t think he’s going to suddenly become anything other than a top-five quarterback, but you’re going to have the Ravens thinking about the future. You’ve got Lamar, who has to be thinking about the present, and the future, and where this is all heading.”

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According to PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric, Jackson posted an impact score of 79.2 last season, ranking 12th in the league during his injury-interrupted 2025 campaign despite his statistical decline, a reflection of his floor even when things are not going well.

The Ravens were hardly dominant last season, ultimately paving the way for their demise and their failure to win the AFC North. They fell short of the postseason for just the second time in Jackson’s eight-year career

Wherever Jackson and the Ravens are headed, this should unfold differently than it did three years ago. The Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson when he was a restricted free agent, which allowed other teams to sign him to an offer sheet and potentially acquire his services. No team even made an offer, prompting speculation that there was some form of conspiracy going on against Jackson. So much so that the NFL Players Association filed a collusion grievance against the league’s owners.

“Lamar holds many more cards in this conversation than folks realize because of that contract that allows him to become a true free agent,” Florio said. “We know what happened in 2023; nobody talked to him, nobody made him an offer.”

“Was it the result of collusion? I think it was,” Florio added, “Next time around, you don’t have to give the Ravens anything. No compensation other than what they get through the compensatory draft pick process, but that’s not out of your pocket if you’re the team that signs him.”

The Montreal Canadiens made it a point to prove to themselves (and to the world) that they aren’t the underdogs anymore. With their rebuild moving at twice the speed they expected, general manager Kent Hughes is expected to be a busy man as teams wheel and deal this summer.

While July 1 is a date to keep an eye on (considering free agency opens that day), Hughes is also expected to test the trade market for deals. Montreal has reportedly made it clear they won’t mind overpaying for the right player, which makes them ideal trade partners.

With that in mind, Canadiens insider Arpon Basu believes they could set their sights on one long-serving Boston Bruins forward to strengthen their ranks.

Bruins’ $19M Forward Pavel Zacha Gets Pulled Into Canadiens Trade Rumors

The Boston Bruins are in somewhat of a retooling phase, and while they made the playoffs this year, there’s still a lot of work to be done. The problem is, there’s no clear path to a world where they box with the likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, and the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes.

As such, for the right price, a deal could be there to be found in Boston. The Athletic’s Canadiens beat writer, Arpon Basu, believes Pavel Zacha could be a man Montreal would be interested in.

“One example of a player who might be available for a trade is Boston Bruins centre Pavel Zacha, with one year left on his contract at age 29. A left shot to complement Nick Suzuki, strong in the faceoff circle and able to play on both special teams, Zacha would be a great fit,” Basu noted in his column.

The problem? Since he has one year left on his $19 million deal, the Canadiens will think twice before coughing up a high price to bring him to Canada. At 29 years old, Zacha will also be looking for term on his next deal, something Montreal may be reticent to offer.

Zacha, of course, had a career year with the Bruins. He racked up career highs in points (65) and goals (30) through 78 regular-season games. Those 65 points were third-best on the Bruins roster, and he also contributed in the playoffs, tallying three points (one goal, two assists) in the first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.

That said, those numbers aren’t exactly what you’d expect of a top-line center. The thing is, in Montreal, Zacha would be a stellar 2C.

READ MORE:NHL Rumors: Rangers Star Vincent Trocheck Hires Quinn Hughes’ Super-Agent as Maple Leafs, Canadiens Line Up

What Would a Pavel Zacha Trade Cost the Canadiens?

When it comes to an asking price, who better to ask than The Athletic’s Bruins beat writer, Fluto Shinzawa. In his mailbag this week, Shinzawa wrote that the asking price on a Zacha trade would be a first-round pick and a prospect.

The Canadiens can certainly afford that price, but not if Zacha’s a one-year rental.

Montreal’s window is wide open for the next three seasons, and if the package is a first-rounder and a prospect, discussions will likely need to involve a short-term extension.

The debate over the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has largely centered on three names: Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer.

Peterson’s talent has never really been the question. The Kansas guard entered the draft cycle as one of the most polished scorers in the class and remains firmly in the conversation for the No. 1 selection.

But as teams finalize their evaluations, concerns beyond pure basketball ability are becoming part of the discussion.

Why Stephen A. Smith Questions Darryn Peterson’s Reliability

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith added fuel to that conversation, making it clear that if he were holding the first pick, Peterson wouldn’t be his choice.

Smith didn’t challenge Peterson’s skill set. His concern was availability.

Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith delivered a blunt assessment of the former Kansas star, saying, “Ain’t no way in hell I’m taking you No. 1 overall, if it were me. For one reason above all else, I don’t trust your availability, period.”

The comments stem from a season in which Peterson showed why scouts view him as a franchise-level prospect, but also missed extended time.

SEE ALSO:‘I Don’t Care What People Say’ — Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Details Why Boston Shouldn’t Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo

The 6-foot-5 combo guard averaged 20.2 points per game and shot 38.2% from beyond the arc. He also converted 82.6% of his free throws and consistently pressured defenses by getting to the line.

When healthy, he looked every bit like a future NBA scorer. Peterson posted a season-high 32 points against TCU and buried six 3-pointers in a victory over Oklahoma State. His production, combined with his size and shot-making ability, helped keep him near the top of draft boards.

Still, teams had to evaluate a season interrupted by injuries and illnesses. Peterson missed 11 games and dealt with recurring cramping issues along with hamstring and ankle problems. Smith suggested those concerns extend beyond the medical report.

“I want the brother to succeed, but he needs to understand, word is out on him in terms of questions about his willingness to actually show up to work day in and day out, night in and night out basis to perform,” Smith added.

That criticism arrives even as ESPNdraft analyst Jeremy Woo reported that Peterson’s medical evaluations have not raised major red flags among NBA organizations.

But the criticism hasn’t changed Peterson’s standing near the top of the draft.

The Washington Wizards own the No. 1 pick and are widely believed to be deciding between Peterson and AJ Dybantsa.

Peterson reportedly visited only with Washington, while Dybantsa also met with the Utah Jazz, who hold the No. 2 selection. Former Wizards star John Wall has already made his preference clear.

“For me, I’m taking Darryn Peterson No. 1,” Wall said. “But I’ve got AJ Dybantsa second.”

Utah’s position has become another layer in the story.

MORE:Lakers’ NBA Draft Targets: 6 Prospects Los Angeles Should Pursue in 2026 Class

Peterson recently canceled a scheduled workout with the Jazz amid reports that he believes Washington will take him first overall. Yet that move doesn’t appear to have damaged his stock in Salt Lake City.

According to reports, Utah remains divided among Peterson, Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer for the No. 2 pick. The organization reportedly isn’t overly concerned about the canceled workout, pointing to last year’s selection of Ace Bailey, who also did not work out for the franchise before being drafted.

Back in May, the New York Mets hosted the Cincinnati Reds and paid homage by offering a limited-edition Skyline Chili egg roll at Citi Field.

Reds reporter Jim Day sampled the unique fusion food item and nearly lost his mind.

“This is the lowest point of my career, and I have had some low ones,” Day said in between grimace-inducing bites. “What do the kids say, mid? This is below mid. Taking one for the team, you guys are killing me.”

As someone who has been a part of many on-air breakdowns, this is one of the funniest videos I have ever seen. No notes, it’s perfect. pic.twitter.com/xVxLKZpdqR

— Ryan Bailey (@Aggro) May 28, 2026

The favor was returned this week.

The Mets took on the Reds at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, and SNY reporter Steve Gelbs had the opportunity to sample the Skyline Cheese Coney. The quintessential Cincinnati foodstuff is a hot dog in a steamed bun, topped with mustard, secret-recipe chili, diced onions, and a massive mound of shredded cheddar cheese. And right off the bat, Gelbs did not have high hopes for this endeavor.

“I’m gonna give it a shot,” he said, glumly during Wednesday’s broadcast.

“I’ve got Rolaids if you need it,” added analyst Keith Hernandez.

Gelbs took a bite, and his face said the entire story. After a few bites, he pointed out “the pink” inside the sandwich, presumably from the hot dog. “Can you see that?”

“I’m not trying to be hyperbolic,” Gelbs said as Gary Cohen and Hernandez laughed at his pain. “I’d rather have a vending machine burrito. I’m not kidding.

“I’m not taking a second bite, I’m telling you that.”

Skyline Chili-themed ballpark foods continue to ruin the lives of MLB broadcasters pic.twitter.com/77cUbIBFx3https://t.co/PzTPZYvlOc

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 17, 2026

Gelbs then added that this was the worst thing he’d eaten as part of SNY’s “Let’s Be Frank” segment while visiting ballparks this season.

“How do I apply for hazard pay with SNY?” Gelbs asked. “I think I’m done with eating things in Cincinnati on camera. I think that’s it.”

So disgusted was Gelbs that he lambasted Mets’ outfielder A.J. Ewing for telling him he had to try the Skyline Chili Coney before the game.

“Everyone that’s from Cincinnati pretty much loves it, so I think you might be the odd man out here on this one”

A.J. Ewing talks with @SteveGelbs about the Skyline Cheese Coney pic.twitter.com/CADNcVoEIT

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 17, 2026

“Everyone that’s from Cincinnati pretty much loves it, so I think you might be the odd man out here on this one,” said Ewing.

The post Skyline Chili-themed ballpark food continues to destroy MLB broadcasters’ souls appeared first on Awful Announcing.

As Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships, she had the support of her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, who watched from the stands during her doubles clash at the WTA 500 event in London.

However, Ohanian returned to the United States after Williams and her partner, Victoria Mboko, were forced to withdraw from the tournament. He has since landed in controversy over his appearance at the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event held on Sunday, June 14.

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Explains Why He Attended the UFC Freedom 250 Event

As the UFC action took over the South Lawn of the White House on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, there were over 4,000 attendees present at the invitation-only event. While the evening featured seven fights, it was one particular moment after the fourth bout that drew the most attention.

After heavyweight Josh Hokit knocked out Derrick Lewis in the second round, he stirred controversy during his post-fight interview when he mocked former first lady Michelle Obama.

“Lastly, Michele Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Hokit said.

Given the offensive nature of the remark and Serena Williams’ history of speaking out about facing similar comments during her career, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, faced backlash online for attending the event.

In response, Ohanian issued a clarification on X, denouncing Hokit’s comment as “vile.” He explained that he attended the event in his capacity as a sports owner, noting his involvement with Angel City FC, Los Angeles Golf Club, Chelsea Women FC, and the Athlos League, among others.

Ohanian also revealed that he had already left the venue by the time the comment was made and praised UFC CEO Dana White for publicly condemning the remark.

“Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate. I attended the UFC event via invitation from TKO/IMG leadership (I own 5 pro sports teams + a league). I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see Dana condemn them,” Ohanian posted on X.

The 43-year-old further emphasized his opposition to hate speech, highlighting his resignation from Reddit in 2020.

“For context: I resigned in protest from Reddit (the company I co-founded and built for over a decade) specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site.”

Additionally, Ohanian explained that his early departure from the event was prompted by his lingering jet lag.

“I was walking out because it was like 11:00p and I was on Europe time,” he commented.

MORE: ‘THIS IS CRAZY’ – Tennis World Goes Wild as Venus and Serena Williams Bag Wimbledon Wildcard

While Alexis Ohanian traveled back to the United States, Serena Williams headed to Germany for the Berlin Tennis Open. She struck up an exciting doubles partnership with Karolina Muchova, but their campaign was very brief as Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos triumphed 6-4, 6-4 in their first-round clash.

After a disappointing first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics are looking to gear up for another run, and that could include acquiring one of the league’s premier players in Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Celtics would theoretically pair Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum while sending Brown to Milwaukee or potentially a third team (the Atlanta Hawks have been a popular name in rumors).

However, not everyone believes the Celtics should jump on a deal for the two-time MVP.

Celtics Icon Paul Pierce Urges Boston Not to Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Since the season came to a close, there has been plenty of chatter around Brown and his potential desire to leave the Celtics. He hasn’t publicly said anything about finding a new home, but there have been hints.

That’s why rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo potentially joining Boston have gained steam lately.

However, former Celtics legend Paul Pierce does not believe the Celtics should deal for Antetokounmpo.

“I’m not in on this one,” Pierce said on Wednesday’s edition of the “No Fouls Given” podcast. “I mean, you were number two, two years in a row, with what you have. You keep Jaylen, you keep Jayson, and you build on that. Like, don’t take that for granted. That’s a winning combination. I don’t care what people say.”

The Celtics have put together an impressive résumé since drafting Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in back-to-back drafts. The 2024 NBA champions have not had a losing season since Tatum joined the team in 2017 and have won at least 50 games in each of the last five years.

The 2025-26 campaign was perhaps Boston’s most impressive regular-season showing, going 56-26 despite Tatum playing in just 16 games as he rehabbed his torn right Achilles tendon.

That success explains why someone could be hesitant to trade one of the Celtics’ Big 2.

“Whoever the core pieces are after that, think about the teams that’s been to multiple Finals,” Pierce explained. “Their core stayed together, you just shift and figure out the other pieces to make the team better.”

MORE:‘Hasn’t Done Jack Since 2021’ — NBA Analyst Unloads on Giannis Antetokounmpo Amid Escalating Trade Rumors

Pierce thinks teams need to build continuity for sustained success, and making a deal like this, despite Antetokounmpo’s talent, may not work out.

“You don’t bring another franchise player in and think it’s gonna work,” Pierce maintained. “This works! We know!”

However, Pierce does believe there is a scenario in which you make the deal.

“If it’s me, I wouldn’t touch it, but if there’s some unhappiness from Jaylen, which I don’t know, and he wants to explore other avenues to see what’s out there, then I think you have to then, if he’s unhappy, but if not, I don’t do anything,” Pierce concluded.

Despite injury issues limiting him to 36 games this past season, Antetokounmpo still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 62.4% from the field.

If Antetokounmpo is truly available, several teams looking to take the next step will be suitors. Aside from the Celtics, the Miami Heat have often been linked to Antetokounmpo, and, to a lesser extent, there have been rumors that the Orlando Magic could get involved.

Antetokounmpo would almost certainly be the best player on the move this offseason, so this should remain one of the top stories to watch moving forward.