'Am I The Drama?' -The NBA

...They’re entering the prediction market via a standalone app called “Fanatics Market.” The app will allow users to bet on any topic—not just sports. But don’t call it gambling. Because they don’t. It’s called “trading,” obviously! Duh! Look it up!    

Sam and Kristie Mewis want to welcome you into their Mewniverse. The very-funny-sister-duo has one of the best soccer pods. It’s part of the “Men In Blazers” network, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll learn more about it. 

Taste is a tricky thing to rank, define, or quantify. But if I know one thing about nerds and academics, it’s that they’ll always find a way to make a chart. Check out the “taste maps” of Angel Reese, Jackson Irvine, and Thomas Müller to see how they build brand strategy. For instance, I’m an acquired taste. You don’t like me? Acquire some. (Credit Ramona from Real Housewives.) 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Major university ISO someone who can deal with crazed (no offense) fans and an athletic director may have acted a little too hastily. It’s Pennsylvania State University. And they’ll pay. Please. They’re begging you. They cannot find a coach. Or players. 

Were you or someone you know affected by art? Do you live in Miami? If so, you may qualify to attend my OB colleague Shanon Kelley’s panel on museums and the power of sports! She’ll be joined by curator Seph Rodney and artist Paul Pfeiffer. Plus, everyone you’ve ever been inspired by or loved is probably going to go…

It seems that the NBA saw college football hogging all the drama and said, “Lane Kiffin, hold my wine.” 

Yesterday morning, at approximately 2:40 am Eastern Time, Chris Paul posted on his Instagram story that he was being sent home by the Clippers. Most of us woke up to the news, rubbed our eyes, read it again, rubbed our eyes again, and never stopped rubbing them, just in case we’re still misreading. 

On this, the year of his retirement, the Clippers seem to have released CP3. Lou Williams immediately told us everything he knew, which was that Chris Paul had qualms with the organization. Shams says Ty Lue and Paul hadn’t spoken in weeks. Some say this whole mess could have been avoided if Kawhi Leonard planted one tree. Maybe they’re  “White Fang”-ing him? 

The internet has a lot to say, too. I’m not gonna lie to you, most of it isn’t great. People are mad. I am just the messenger, so don’t get mad at me. Remember, I’m still rubbing my eyes, wondering if this is a dream or not. 

The craziest part is that it doesn’t really seem like a good business move, and the PR damage the organization did by besmirching their franchise’s GOAT, months before he retired in their jersey, just doesn’t seem worth it. But, what do I know? I’m basically just three kids in a trench coat.

Actually, maybe the craziest part is that they tweeted this five days prior to his release:

Anyway, fans and players are blown away, to say the least. 

They’re throwing it way back. They haven’t forgotten. 

And the last we heard from CP3 was…well, this FaceTime photo posted to his story. 

By the way, in the midst of this, news broke that Giannis had requested a trade ahead of this season unless they are in championship contention. He’s deleted Instagram posts that included any trace of the Bucks, which is something I can’t quite bring myself to be worried about, but I do want to be thorough and make sure you have all the information. Apparently he wants to be a Knick, but the Knicks said, “Well, did you go to Villanova?” and he said, “No,” and they said, “Sorry, no deal.” Just kidding. 

Yesterday, we told you all about OffBall25. And since you read this newsletter every single day like a good little girl or boy, you know everything about it now. You’ve already pored over the entire list. You’ve liked every social post. You liked A’ja’s IG story repost of it. But if you are a liar, and you didn’t really do any of that, your secret is safe with me. I will get you up to speed. Here’s how we, alongside our Style Board, have defined each category to create this list. 

The Architects. These are the behind-the-scenes creatives who define looks, trends, and artistic direction. You know, people like Taylor Rooks, Clint 419, and Esther Wallace.

The Innovators. These are the early visionaries who challenged convention before it was popular. And they’re your favorite athletes, like Jules Koundé, Cameron Brink, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

The Dealmakers. These are the power players shaping strategies, partnerships, and bold moves. Like Nike CMO Nicole Hubbard Graham, and The Only Agency.

The Cultural Connectors. These are the bridge-builders who bring sports and fashion together with their credibility. Think Nigel Sylvester, Vic Jacobi, and creative director Kyle Smith. 

The Rising Stars. These are the emerging figures (of any discipline) already recognized as style leaders and embraced by fashion. Folks like Justin Jefferson, artist Gianni Lee, Paige Bueckers. 

If some of these names are new to you, get acquainted with them. And get ready to be inspired.

@yahoosports

You've seen players do this celebration all over 🔥 #cfb #nfl