Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has addressed the controversy surrounding the crowd behavior at this year’s Ryder Cup.
He admitted that “no one was particularly happy” with how things played out during the event.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-augusta-national-chairman-reveals-one-particularly-happy-ryder-cup
The Los Angeles Chargers made two huge running back acquisitions in the 2025 NFL offseason, but both players are currently on injured reserve. Najee Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Bolts to help share the backfield load with first-round pick Omarion Hampton, who was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Harris tore his Achilles tendon during Week 3, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Hampton was placed on IR in early October and has a couple more weeks before he is eligible to return, barring any setbacks in his healing process.
Currently, the Bolts have running back Kimani Vidal on their 53-man roster. Vidal is a second-year player whom they drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has stepped up in the absence of the top backs, leading the team in rushing in two of the last three games. Vidal rushed for 100 yards in both Week 6 and Week 8. While he is holding up well, Los Angeles still needs a clear, consistent solution to their running back challenges, especially as Vidal only managed 20 yards in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.
### The Running Back Situation: Harris and Hampton’s Impact
Before their injuries, Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton combined for 375 rushing yards, showing promise in the Chargers’ backfield. This season, the Bolts have leaned heavily on their passing game, with quarterback Justin Herbert leading the league in passing yards. This offensive style may explain why the running back committee hasn’t posed a significant threat to opposing defenses so far.
### Potential Trade Target: Carolina Panthers’ Rico Dowdle
Christopher Kline of FanSided suggests that adding Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle could help the Chargers make a Super Bowl push.
> “The Los Angeles Chargers built their offense around the run last season. Justin Herbert has spent a lot more time chucking it in 2025, which is generally a positive development, but Los Angeles still needs to maintain balance. You know that is how Jim Harbaugh prefers it,” Kline wrote.
>
> “An injury to rookie Omarion Hampton has opened the door for a short-term investment at running back. Rico Dowdle is a free agent at season’s end, but he’s enjoying a dominant stretch with Carolina in lieu of an injured Chubba Hubbard, with 368 yards over his last three starts. Dowdle’s 5.6 yards per carry currently leads the NFL. He’s the workhorse running back who could take the Chargers’ offense to another level.”
Dowdle has accumulated 551 yards and two rushing touchdowns through seven games, both numbers on pace to be career highs if he continues his strong performance. He is averaging 5.6 rushing yards per carry this season—the highest among Panthers running backs and would be the best among all current Chargers running back options.
### Rico Dowdle’s Role in the Chargers’ Backfield
It’s important to note that Rico Dowdle would only be a temporary solution until Omarion Hampton returns from injured reserve. When the rookie gets back on the field, it could create an intriguing backfield dynamic.
Kimani Vidal is emerging as a serious candidate for the team’s second option at running back with Najee Harris out for the year. If Hampton returns healthy and Vidal continues to produce effectively out of the backfield, Dowdle’s role in Los Angeles could diminish.
Vidal’s inconsistency in his second season is a hurdle he must overcome to maintain a prominent role. On the other hand, if Hampton struggles to regain his earlier season form, Dowdle could potentially become the team’s primary running back option—a long shot but a possibility.
### Trade Deadline Approaching
The Los Angeles Chargers have until November 4th to make any trade acquisitions before the NFL trade deadline passes. With sustained injuries at the running back position, acquiring a player like Rico Dowdle could provide much-needed stability and boost the team’s postseason aspirations.
—
Stay tuned for updates on the Chargers’ backfield situation as they navigate this challenging portion of their 2025 campaign.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/los-angeles-chargers/chargers-urged-to-trade-rico-dowdle/
The Boston Celtics opened their 2025-26 campaign with a tough 117-116 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. But amid the heartbreak came a breakout performance from Neemias Queta.
Starting for just the seventh time in his career, the 25-year-old center made the most of it, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 25 minutes on 7-of-8 shooting. It was confident, efficient basketball—perhaps his most complete showing yet at TD Garden.
### A Confident Start
From the opening tip, Queta looked locked in. He scored Boston’s first basket within seconds, finishing a clean pick-and-roll with Derrick White. It set the tone for his night: active, decisive, and fully in rhythm.
Six of his seven field goals came off assists, proof of how seamlessly he fit within the Celtics’ offense. His chemistry with White stood out most, as the pair repeatedly punished the Sixers’ switches.
“He was great,” White said after the game. “Just being available. Obviously, a big target. Soft touch around the hoop as well. That’s the Neemi we’re going to need the whole year.”
### Celtics Offense Built Around Movement
Joe Mazzulla’s system leaned perfectly into Queta’s strengths — rim running, screening, and catching lobs in stride. It felt reminiscent of how Brad Stevens once used Robert Williams III: simple actions built on pace and trust.
Queta showed improved touch and patience around the rim, finishing through contact and converting tough catches in traffic. He also went 3-for-5 at the line, a solid mark given his past inconsistency.
### Mazzulla’s Message: Standards Are High
After the game, Mazzulla praised Queta’s effort but in the same breath raised the bar higher.
“He did some really good things,” Mazzulla said. “The standard is high for him. I thought he answered the call.”
For a coach known for his precision and accountability, that’s saying something. Queta isn’t just earning minutes—he’s earning trust.
### Fouls Still a Concern
Queta’s one real setback came late in the game. He picked up his sixth foul with under two minutes left, sending Tyrese Maxey to the line and giving Philadelphia a lifeline. The 76ers closed on an 8-0 run to steal the game.
It was a frustrating ending to an otherwise strong performance. But it shouldn’t overshadow what Queta brought: energy, presence, and confidence in a role Boston badly needed filled.
### Encouraging Signs for the Celtics
The Celtics’ rotation is still taking shape, and early-season roles remain fluid. But Queta’s debut as a starter offered something Boston’s frontcourt has lacked since Williams’ departure—a steady, low-maintenance big who fits the flow.
He doesn’t force shots or slow the offense. He screens, rolls, defends, and makes the simple play.
For a team built around stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, that kind of reliability matters.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/boston-celtics/neemias-queta-celtics-season-opener/
The 2025 NBA Draft was anticipated to produce one of the best classes in recent memory, and so far, it has lived up to the hype. In a recent matchup, first overall pick Cooper Flagg and second pick Dylan Harper went head-to-head as the San Antonio Spurs decisively defeated the Dallas Mavericks.
Flagg recorded a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds but was largely seen as disappointing due to his offensive inefficiency. On the other hand, Harper had a solid performance, posting 15 points and quickly finding his rhythm in the second half of his debut.
### Standout Performances Across the League
Elsewhere in the league, VJ Edgecombe dominated his game, while Jeremiah Fears and Tre Johnson also delivered solid outings. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle, Harper’s teammate and the reigning Rookie of the Year, shared his thoughts on both Flagg and Harper, expressing confidence in their potential for long NBA careers.
### San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Rookie Verdict
Commenting on Flagg’s performance, Castle noted, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be. I mean, my first game, I was out there nervous, so I can’t really speak on it. He made some good reads, he didn’t seem too rattled. So, I think he’ll have a good year.”
Castle was naturally more complimentary about his teammate Harper. “Dylan, he’s been hooping all summer, all training camp. I knew once he got settled in, he’d be fine. He started off the game kind of shaky, but picked it up quickly and helped us a lot.”
Currently, Harper remains behind Castle on the Spurs’ depth chart and is expected to slot in as a backup to De’Aaron Fox once Fox returns to the floor. Flagg, conversely, has been tasked with playing point guard—a position he is not familiar with—which partly explains his rougher offensive showing.
### Harper Expected to Take More Time Than Flagg
Despite Harper’s more effective debut, he is considered a much more raw prospect compared to Flagg. It’s important to note that Flagg was playing point guard in his very first NBA game, a challenging role for a rookie.
Harper projects to be a pass-first guard, drawing comparisons to a younger James Harden. Alongside Victor Wembanyama, Harper forms an ideal running mate for the Spurs to rely on in the coming years.
### Spurs Look Ahead
Castle also had an impressive outing, scoring 22 points while contributing six assists and seven rebounds. Although De’Aaron Fox remains the best guard on the Spurs roster, his position could soon be challenged, especially if he spends more time on the bench than anticipated.
The 2025 season looks poised for exciting developments as these young talents continue to grow and make their mark in the NBA.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/san-antonio-spurs/stephon-castle-2025-nba-draft/
The Seattle Seahawks are getting healthy in a hurry—and just in time for the second half of the season. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks will have several key defensive players returning from injury following their bye week, including safety Julian Love, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and safety Nick Emmanwori.
“The Seahawks will get Julian Love (four missed games) and Devon Witherspoon (five) back post-bye. Nick Emmanwori (three and most of a fourth) also missed time,” Henderson reported.
Love has missed four games with a hamstring injury, while Witherspoon has been sidelined for five with a shoulder issue. Emmanwori, the team’s promising rookie safety, missed three games and most of a fourth after suffering an early-season knee injury.
### Defense Holds Strong Despite Absences
Despite the absences of these key players, Seattle’s defense has quietly been one of the league’s best. The Seahawks are allowing just 19.4 points per game—the sixth-fewest in the NFL—and maintaining a slightly better defensive record than division-leading San Francisco. This performance is especially impressive considering they’ve played most of the last month without three starters in the secondary.
### Depth Players Step Up
Seattle’s defensive backfield has been held together by unsung contributors. Ty Okada, a third-year defensive back who made the 53-man roster as a special-teams standout, has drawn praise from coaches for his versatility and tackling in space. Defensive backs Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant have filled in admirably; both recorded five solo tackles against the Texans, with Jobe also knocking down a pair of passes.
The Seattle defensive front has shown why the Seahawks are trending in an elite direction. DeMarcus Lawrence registered two tackles for losses and a sack against the Texans, while linebackers Ernest Jones (who led the game with 11 tackles) and Uchenna Nwosu were active in many aspects of the defense.
### Why It Matters
Getting Love and Witherspoon back will change the complexion of Seattle’s defense entirely.
Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, was one of the NFL’s most disruptive slot defenders in 2023. He finished with 16 pass breakups and 3 sacks and has maintained that strong production into 2024.
Love, meanwhile, led the team in interceptions and forced fumbles in 2024. He brings critical communication and leadership on the back end.
The Seahawks (5-2, 2nd in NFC West) will need both players as they prepare for a pivotal stretch that includes games against the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will especially need its full defense for late-season matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, the Rams again, and the San Francisco 49ers to close out the season.
Having a healthy secondary also allows Seattle to be more aggressive with blitz packages and tighter man-to-man coverage.
### What’s Next
Seattle returns from its bye week to face the Commanders in Week 9—a matchup that should serve as a test run for the unit’s restored lineup, depending on whether Jayden Daniels returns from a hamstring injury.
With depth players gaining valuable experience during the injury stretch, the Seahawks could soon field one of the NFL’s deepest and most dynamic secondaries.
If the first half of the season proved Seattle could survive without its stars, the second half could show just how dominant it can be with them back.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/big-seahawks-defensive-news/
Criminal justice professor and author Sean Patrick Griffin recently joined *CBS Mornings* to discuss the recent arrests of NBA players Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
During the interview, Griffin explored how these incidents connect to the broader issue of gambling controversies within the league. He drew parallels to the 2007 referee scandal, a case he extensively chronicled in his book, *Gaming the Game*.
Griffin’s insights shed light on the ongoing challenges the NBA faces regarding integrity and the influence of gambling, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to preserve the sport’s credibility.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/criminal-justice-expert-on-lessons-the-nba-should-have-learned-from-past-betting-scandals/
**On This Day in Sports History – October 25**
**1947**
In front of a capacity crowd of 35,000 at Columbia’s Baker Field in New York, the Lions ended Army’s 32-game unbeaten streak in a stunning 21-20 upset. An interception on Army’s final drive sealed the win, marking Columbia’s first victory over an Army team that had not surrendered a point all season until that loss.
**1964**
Cotton Davidson of the Oakland Raiders threw for 427 yards and five touchdowns in a dominant 40-7 rout of the Denver Broncos.
**1980**
Mike Weaver knocked out Gerrie Coetzee in the 13th round in Sun City, Bophuthatswana, to retain the WBA heavyweight title.
**1990**
Evander Holyfield knocked out Buster Douglas in Las Vegas to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
**1998**
Jerry Rice set an NFL record for receptions in consecutive games with a 12-yard catch from Steve Young on San Francisco’s first offensive play. Rice caught passes in 184 straight games, breaking the previous mark set by Art Monk from 1980 to 1995.
Also in 1998, Denver’s Jason Elam kicked a 63-yard field goal, tying Tom Dempsey’s 28-year-old NFL record. Elam’s kick came at the end of the first half and matched the record set by Dempsey for the New Orleans Saints against Detroit on November 8, 1970.
**2003**
Trainer Richard Mandella made history by winning a record four races at the Breeders’ Cup, capping one of the greatest days in racing history. His victories included the $4 million Classic at Santa Anita with Pleasantly Perfect, the $1 million Juvenile Fillies with Halfbridled, the $1.5 million Juvenile with long-shot Action This Day, and the $2 million Turf with Johar, who dead-heated with High Chaparral.
Also in 2003, Florida’s Josh Beckett pitched a shutout to lead the Marlins to a 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees, clinching the World Series. Pitching on three days’ rest, Beckett allowed five hits in Game 6 and earned MVP honors.
**2006**
Joe Sakic became the 11th player in NHL history to reach 1,500 career points with an assist during the first period of Colorado’s 5-3 loss to Washington.
**2008**
In a game played in driving rain, Navy did not attempt a single pass in a 34-7 victory over Southern Methodist.
Also in 2008, Raven’s Pass pulled off an upset by winning the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, stunning defending champion Curlin on the new synthetic surface at Santa Anita. Ridden by Frankie Dettori and sent off at 13-1 odds, Raven’s Pass earned a 1 3/4-length victory in his first race on the synthetic track.
**2014**
Trevone Boykin threw a school-record seven touchdown passes as No. 10 TCU scored the most points in its history in an 82-27 rout of Texas Tech.
**2015**
Kirk Cousins led the Washington Redskins to the largest comeback in franchise history with three second-half touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score with 24 seconds left. The Redskins overcame a 24-0 deficit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win 31-30. Cousins also ran for an 8-yard touchdown to get Washington on the board.
**2017**
Houston’s George Springer hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning to help the Astros win a thrilling home run derby at Dodger Stadium. Houston defeated Los Angeles 7-6, tying the World Series at one game apiece. The teams combined for a Series-record eight homers.
**2024**
Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman hit the first-ever ‘walk-off’ grand slam in World Series history, leading the Dodgers to a 6-3 win over the New York Yankees in 10 innings at Dodger Stadium.
https://wtop.com/nfl/2025/10/today-in-sports-jerry-rice-sets-an-nfl-record-for-receptions-in-consecutive-games-184-straight/
On Thursday, the UConn Huskies held their ring ceremony to celebrate their 2025 NCAA championship.
The event was a memorable occasion that brought together players, coaches, and fans to honor the team’s incredible achievement.
Celebrating their hard work and dedication, the Huskies showcased their championship rings as a symbol of their success and commitment to excellence.
The ceremony highlighted the pride and unity within the UConn basketball community, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-paige-bueckers-can-t-stop-admiring-uconn-s-2025-national-championship-ring-details
The first week of the 2025-26 NBA season has already provided plenty of fireworks, and the action continues Friday with an exciting matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic. This game serves as a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference play-in tournament, where the Magic cruised past the Hawks 120-95. That victory sent Atlanta to the No. 8 seed game, where they fell again to the Miami Heat.
Both teams have undergone significant changes since then. Orlando bolstered their lineup by adding sharpshooter Desmond Bane, while Atlanta made key additions in Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
—
### Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Odds
**Game Details:**
– **Date & Time:** Friday, 7 p.m. ET
– **Location:** Kia Center, Orlando
**Odds:**
– Moneyline: Hawks (+172) vs. Magic (-205)
– Spread: Hawks +5.5 (-110) vs. Magic -5.5 (-110)
– Total (O/U): Hawks over 232.5 (-110) vs. Magic under 232.5 (-110)
*Editor’s note: The odds could change closer to game time. The listed odds are based on the latest information available at the time of writing.*
—
### Team Performances So Far
The Hawks opened their season on a low note, falling 138-118 at home to the Toronto Raptors. Atlanta shot a respectable 47.2% overall but struggled beyond the arc, connecting on only 28.6% of three-pointers. Trae Young led the team with 22 points and five assists, while Jalen Johnson contributed 22 points and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and seven rebounds. Despite solid individual performances, Atlanta’s defense was porous, allowing seven Raptors players to score in double figures.
On the other side, the Magic showed resilience in their 125-121 season-opening win over the Miami Heat. Orlando overcame a 12-point deficit to earn the victory. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner led the charge with 24 points each, and Banchero grabbed 11 rebounds. New addition Desmond Bane made an immediate impact by pouring in 23 points. Although their offense showed some inconsistency, it revealed plenty of promise.
Bench players also made notable contributions for the Magic. Jalen Suggs scored 14 points while adding four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in just 16 minutes. Rookie Tristan da Silva impressed with 16 points in 18 minutes off the bench. Even in just one game, Orlando displayed poise and toughness, suggesting they are ready to take the next step this season.
—
### Predicted Starting Lineups
**Atlanta Hawks**
– G Trae Young
– G Dyson Daniels
– F Jalen Johnson
– F Zaccharie Risacher
– C Kristaps Porzingis
**Orlando Magic**
– G Jalen Suggs
– G Desmond Bane
– F Paolo Banchero
– F Franz Wagner
– C Wendell Carter Jr.
*Editor’s note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on player availability.*
—
### Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Betting Tips
– **Paolo Banchero O/U 24.5 points:** Take the over.
– **Trae Young O/U 23.5 points:** Take the over.
– **Desmond Bane O/U 18.5 points:** Take the under.
– **Jalen Johnson O/U 18.5 points:** Take the over.
—
### Game Prediction
We expect the Orlando Magic to cover the spread and earn their second straight win of the season. Their roster appears more balanced and connected at this early stage, which could make all the difference in tight matchups.
**Predicted Result:** Magic win by 12.
Stay tuned for this thrilling matchup Friday night as these two Eastern Conference foes look to make a strong statement early in the 2025-26 NBA season!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/atlanta-hawks-vs-orlando-magic-preview-prediction-oct-24-2025-26-nba-season
In the changing landscape of college football, young athletes often find themselves under unwarranted attention from the media and fans. Texas quarterback Arch Manning experienced a similar situation even before the 2025 season began. Media outlets drew comparisons between him and his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, expecting him to follow a similar path in just his first year as the starting quarterback for the program.
According to NFL great Tom Brady, times have changed, and the mental toll on young players is now out of bounds. He addressed the intense media scrutiny that players like Manning face and reflected on how different it was during his own college days at Michigan.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated while shooting a commercial, Brady said, “Before, players had the kind of ability to fail when people weren’t watching, to build that resiliency within themselves. So I think it’s a real challenge these days for these young kids because Arch Manning, you know, seems like a great kid and great player.”
Brady went on to express hope that players can find ways to cope with criticisms. He also noted that Arch’s uncles, Eli and Peyton, had many years to develop and grow into their roles as quarterbacks.
“Peyton had a lot of years to develop. Eli had a lot of years to develop, and, you know, I was a college kid once, too, and I wasn’t the best quarterback at that time. How people remember me after my pro career was a lot different than how I remember me after my college career,” Brady explained.
### Arch Manning Not Concerned by Rumors Around His Starting Role
Although Texas rebounded after a jittery showdown early in the season, Manning has remained under the constant radar of critics. His on-field struggles with accuracy and footwork have stirred rumors about a possible step-down from his role as Texas’s starting quarterback.
However, Manning remains unfazed by the outside noise. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Nah, I can control what I can control. I work hard during the week, prepare my best, and go out and try my hardest on game day. That’s all you can do.”
### Looking Ahead: Texas vs. Mississippi State
This coming weekend, Texas will face Mississippi State on the road. With two losses so far this season, the Longhorns aspire to become one of the SEC teams to earn a playoff spot. Every game in the upcoming weeks is crucial for Manning and his team as they fight to stay in contention.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-it-s-real-challenge-tom-brady-feels-arch-manning-incessant-negativity-2025-season
