Skip to main content

EssentiallySports

Total reads

809

This week

21

Rank

#178 of 465

Published

16,581 posts

Active 751.5 posts/week Last post about 1 hour ago
Last 12 weeks

Most read posts

Featured on Sportsblogs

Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.

Featured on Sportsblogs

Latest Entries

“He Took It Personal” – Rick Hendrick Kept Petty Receipts on Denny Hamlin for Months, Reveals HMS Star

In July 2026, Denny Hamlin joked that Hendrick Motorsports needed a Snickers after a slump, but Rick Hendrick kept the tease alive. After Kyle Larson clinched his third Cup title at Homestead on Nov. 9, Hendrick posted a Snickers‑themed photo of Larson, crew chief Cliff Daniels, Jeff Gordon and himself, directly replying to Hamlin’s comment. The post underscored Hendrick’s turnaround: Larson broke a 51‑race winless streak, won at Gateway, Kansas and Talladega, and secured the championship by a nine‑point margin, giving Hendrick its 16th Cup title. Hamlin, who finished sixth, saw his jab become a memorable showdown between the two NASCAR powerhouses.

Ex-Cowboys QB Urges Vikings for a Job After Carson Wentz’s Embarrassing Display

The Minnesota Vikings, reeling from a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills where Carson Wentz went 8-of-25 for 81 yards with two interceptions, face yet another quarterback crisis. Former Dallas Cowboys backup Ben DiNucci jokingly posted on X that he’d love a shot with the Vikings, echoing a similar plea to the Arizona Cardinals after their starter Gardner Minshew’s injury. DiNucci, now a CBS Sports analyst, highlights his NFL and XFL experience while the Vikings scramble for stability following Kyler Murray’s injury and 14 QB changes since 2023. The article details Wentz’s poor performance and the team’s urgent need for a reliable signal‑caller.

“Can’t Live Like That”: Deion Sanders’ Son Shilo Voices Another New York City Complaint Days After $12,000 Rent Shock

Deion Sanders’ son Shilo laments New York’s high rent and a rat invasion in an Instagram Reel posted Nov. 9. After complaining that a $12,000‑plus monthly budget still yields cramped spaces, he spots three rats in a restaurant and declares he can’t live like that. His frustrations echo citywide rental data: median asking rent hit $3,785 in Q3 2026, with Manhattan at $5,375, marking a 4.5%‑8.3% year‑over‑year rise. While NYC’s rat complaints have fallen 20% since 2024, the pest problem remains a deterrent for the aspiring resident, who even considered pricey Florida options and a brother’s help with a down payment.

‘Cutthroat’ LIV Golf Ultimatum Leaves DP World Tour Boss With No Room to Fail After Star’s Warning

DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings has given players a stark choice: join LIV Golf or stay on the European circuit from 2027, ending the dual‑play agreement. Former LIV star Victor Perez called the move “cutthroat” and warned Kinnings must prove the tour can retain talent. With LIV facing bankruptcy after losing Saudi backing, top names like Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Sergio Garcia are returning, while Rory McIlroy backs the European route. Kinnings touts $1 billion in commercial deals, a 7% TV viewership rise and 30% revenue growth, but the tour still reports an $85 million loss without PGA Tour support. The real test will be whether the DP World Tour can offer a financially stable, competitive environment that convinces stars to choose Europe in 2027.

“The Television Situation Is a Bigger Concern”- Veteran Insider Drops Brutal Reality Check on NASCAR’s TV Numbers 

Veteran NASCAR insider Freddie Kraft tells ‘Door, Bumper Clear’ that TV exposure, not the Next‑Gen car, is the sport’s biggest threat. He warns the Cup’s move to cable and streaming has slashed viewership – the 2025 average fell to 2.45 million (a 15% drop) and the October 18 Phoenix race on USA Network drew only 1.294 million, while Fox‑airings still pull over 3 million. Kraft argues NASCAR must return to network TV to regain lost audiences, even as he acknowledges issues with superspeedway racing and the aging O’Reilly and Craftsman series cars. Steve O’Donnell counters that the current platform remains sustainable and stresses the need to attract younger fans, but agrees growth is essential.

Eric Bieniemy Erupts at Chiefs Rookie During Heated Sideline Exchange in Jets Clash

In Week 9 against the New York Jets, Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson sparked a viral sideline showdown when offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy yelled at him for missing a chip block that led to a strip‑sack and fumble on a hit to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite the heated exchange, Johnson has posted 111 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his first eight games, including a 73‑yard rush against Denver. Bieniemy praised his work ethic and hinted at more playing time, while emphasizing that Kansas City’s “championship culture” tolerates open frustration. The Chiefs still triumphed 35‑12 and look ahead to a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

‘Seems Harsh’: Rory McIlroy Jumps in Defense of Disqualified Q-School Golfer After DPWT Ruling

Rory McIlroy defends 21‑year‑old Frank Kennedy after the DP World Tour disqualified him at Q‑School in Tarragona for "serious misconduct" after Kennedy’s frustrated putter allegedly damaged the 11th green. Kennedy, who was tied 28th at ‑15 and needed a top‑15 finish for a 2027 Tour card, says the damage was accidental, while the Tour upheld the disqualification under Rule 1.2a. McIlroy called the penalty harsh but supportive of strict conduct rules, and former coach Nick Bradley posted cryptic comments about learned behavior. The ruling shifted the cut line from ‑12 to ‑11, adding seven players, and leaves Kennedy to pursue other status routes despite his strong amateur résumé.

“RIP”: Nick Saban’s Daughter Devastated After New College Football Change

Kristen Saban, Nick Saban’s daughter, mourns the end of the SEC championship after the conference announced its 2026 title game will be the last, paving the way for a 24‑team College Football Playoff starting in 2027‑28. She posted a nostalgic Instagram story on Nov. 9, revisiting Alabama’s dramatic 2018 SEC win over Georgia and expressing mixed joy and grief after watching the Netflix “SABAN” documentary. The SEC, along with the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12, will abandon their championship games to free up the first weekend of December for the expanded playoff. Alabama, a nine‑time SEC champion under Saban, still has a shot at the final SEC title, with Georgia and Michigan favored by odds makers.

Patrick Reed Gets Honest About the ‘Repercussions’ Stranding His Former LIV Golf Friends

Patrick Reed, who left LIV Golf in early 2026, has fast‑tracked his return to the PGA Tour by climbing into the top 10 of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, securing a 2027 PGA card. Speaking at Jumeirah Golf Estates before the DP World Tour Championship, Reed says he feels no pleasure watching former LIV teammates—Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton and Cameron Smith—face a year‑long suspension, but hopes they can follow his example. A win in Dubai could give Reed the Race to Dubai title, edging out Rory McIlroy and Eugenio Chacarra, and bolster his bid to rejoin the U.S. Ryder Cup team after missing the 2018 event. Reed’s comeback highlights a stark contrast between his proactive path and the uncertain futures of his ex‑LIV colleagues.

Truck Star Reveals Brutal Financial Hurdles Behind Ambitious Cup Series Vision

After a 2026 season that yielded seven wins but fell short of the Truck Series title by 83 points, Layne Riggs eyes a part‑time Cup debut while keeping his full‑time truck ride with Front Row Motorsports. He says 15 Cup starts is his ceiling, aiming to race on all four track types without jeopardising his truck program. However, the financial gap between open‑car entries—earning roughly $2.9 million per season—and chartered teams—pulling $11‑12 million—makes funding a dual‑schedule daunting. Front Row’s three Cup seats are already filled, so Riggs will need a dedicated sponsor or investor to cover equipment, staff, and travel costs before his Cup ambitions can materialise.

“Jim Harbaugh is Ruining QBs”: Ryan Clark & Co Rip Into Chargers HC Over Justin Herbert Mistreatment

After a 44-22 defeat to the Houston Texans that left the Los Angeles Chargers winless at 0-8, former NFL stars Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder blasted head coach Jim Harbaugh for mishandling quarterback Justin Herbert. On The Pivot Podcast they accused Harbaugh of "ruining quarterbacks," pointing to Herbert’s eight sacks, a possible finger fracture, and a 37‑drive touchdown drought. They also criticized offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheming and Harbaugh’s post‑game comments. With the league’s worst point differential and a looming No. 1 draft pick, the Chargers’ offensive woes are under intense scrutiny.

WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams Reveals Longtime Wish Ahead of Unrivaled Debut With Satou Sabally

2026 WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams says she finally gets to play alongside New York Liberty star Satou Sabally in Season 3 of the 3×3 league Unrivaled. She joins the Laces BC roster with teammate Marine Johannes, Jackie Young, Jess Shepard and Maddy Siegrist, under new head coach Andrew Wade. While new to 3×3, Williams highlights her defensive‑to‑offensive transition and the league’s unique 72×49.2‑foot court, 18‑second possessions and scoring rules. The Laces will face the Lunar Owls at Chase Center in January, giving Williams a chance to thrill her San Francisco fans.

NBA

“It’s a Gimmick” – 23XI Insider Torches NASCAR’s New Qualifying Plan in Brutal Rant

A 23XI Racing insider, Freddy Kraft, slams NASCAR’s plan to add pit stops to qualifying at select 2027 events, calling it a "gimmick" that belongs only in the All‑Star race. The proposal, championed by event chief John Probst, would blend driver speed with crew performance, aiming to boost fan engagement. While Tommy Baldwin Jr. backs the idea for venues like Dover, Kraft warns it could widen the gap between top teams and financially weaker outfits, raising costs and compromising fairness. He suggests testing such formats on exhibition races instead of points‑paying weekends.

“Will Never Be Me”: Draymond Green Clears His Stance After Jordan Poole Makes Warriors Return Wish

Four years after Draymond Green’s punch knocked Jordan Poole out of the Warriors, Green says he won’t block a potential return. Speaking after the Pelicans’ 138-87 loss to Golden State, Green called Poole’s wish to rejoin “incredible” and emphasized he has no issue standing in the way of the organization’s decisions. The article revisits the 2022 incident that led to Poole’s trade to Washington, his decline with the Wizards and Pelicans (down to 6.2 ppg in 2026‑27), and the possibility that a Warriors comeback could revive his career. Green’s newfound openness signals a tentative reconciliation.

Rory McIlroy Sounds Alarm Over Bryson DeChambeau’s Golfing Future: ‘Doesn’t Seem Like He’s Got Many Options’

Rory McIlroy warns that Bryson DeChambeau faces limited options after LIV Golf’s collapse, saying the two‑time U.S. Open champion must decide by Nov 16 whether to join the DP World Tour. DeChambeau qualifies for Category 1 membership thanks to his 2024 U.S. Open win, but missing the deadline could force reliance on sponsor invites or a risky return to the PGA Tour amid possible bans. DP World Tour rules also bar players joining a revived LIV league, affecting Ryder Cup eligibility. McIlroy made the comments while chasing a record‑equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding DeChambeau’s competitive future.

Colin Kaepernick “Open” to Running for Political Office Nearly a Decade After His Last NFL Game

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he is open to pursuing political office if it maximizes his social impact. Speaking at the Atlantic Festival in New York, he confirmed that friends and supporters have asked about a campaign and that he will consider any viable path to affect change. Kaepernick, who last played in the NFL in January 2017 and later settled a collusion grievance, has focused on civil‑rights advocacy, his best‑selling memoir ‘The Perilous Fight,’ and the Know Your Rights Camp. Now, after revising his 2016 stance on voting, he views a run for office as another way to serve communities, though he notes the unique challenges ahead.

ESPN Casts Doubt on Unbeaten Big 12 Team’s Resume after Paul Finebaum Delivers Blunt CFP Title Verdict: “They Struggled”

ESPN analysts question Utah’s No. 2 AP ranking and CFP chances after the Utes barely survived a 27‑24 showdown with Deion Sanders’ Colorado. Senior CFB analyst Heather Dinich notes the Utes’ “great quarterback” Devon Dampier but highlights their struggle to beat Colorado and doubts they can beat a team like Georgia. Paul Finebaum bluntly declares Utah “not good enough to win the national championship.” Utah’s recent 28‑20 win over BYU featured four interceptions by BYU’s Bear Bachmeier, but critics say the narrow victories leave their title résumé vulnerable as the regular season ends.

ARCA Team Lands NASCAR Veteran Ahead of Massive 2027 Expansion

NASCAR veteran Tommy Baldwin Jr. joins Nitro Motorsports as Vice President of Competition ahead of a massive 2027 ARCA expansion. Baldwin, a former Cup crew chief with five wins including the 2002 Daytona 500, will help steer six full‑time entries – four in the national series, plus one each in the East and West. Nitro is overhauling its shop and already building superspeedway cars for the January test, after posting a 1‑2‑3 finish in the 2026 ARCA Menards Series. Baldwin’s hiring follows the exit of longtime GM Billy Venturini and signals the team’s push to sustain championship‑level performance across a larger roster.

Baseball World Mourns the Loss of World Series Champion and Father of Yankees’ Aaron Boone, at 78

Baseball legend Bob Boone, 78, passes away, ending a three‑generation MLB legacy that includes his son Yankees manager Aaron Boone. A seven‑time Gold Glove catcher, Boone earned 2,264 games (third most in history) and helped the 1980 Phillies win their first World Series, famously calming closer Tug McGraw in Game 6. After a 19‑year playing career, he managed the Royals and Reds and spent 15 years as a Washington Nationals executive before resigning in 2021 over the COVID‑19 vaccine. Tributes from former GM Jim Bowden, teammate Greg Luzinski and others highlight his relentless work ethic, defensive mastery and mental toughness.

NBA Round Up: Warriors Star Sent for MRI, Wemby Joins Shaq in Historic Feat, James Harden Under Scrutiny & More

The Warriors stretch their win streak to eight with a 138-87 rout of the Pelicans, but guard Brandon Williams leaves early with a hamstring injury and will undergo an MRI, adding to backcourt woes after Will Richard’s thumb injury. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama joins Shaquille O’Neal as the only player in the past 50 seasons to average 29‑12‑3 through ten games, pouring 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in a 122-96 win over the Suns and fueling early MVP chatter. James Harden draws criticism after a lazy defensive play in Cleveland’s 124-112 loss to Charlotte, finishing with just 11 points. Luka Dončić (45 PPG) and Jalen Brunson (27.7 PPG) earn Week 3 conference honors.

“Vision That’s Come to Reality”: Vanderbilt HC Speaks Out on Mikayla Blakes’ Championship Aspirations Following Win vs. Eagles

Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach Shea Ralph praised junior guard Mikayla Blakes after the Commodores’ 102–50 win over Morehead State on Nov. 9, highlighting the player’s impact beyond scoring. Blakes, who has a 20‑point streak in 18 straight games—the longest active run in Division I—finished with 25 points and six assists, fueling Vanderbilt’s 3–0 start. Ralph noted that Blakes’ primary goal is a championship, not individual awards, despite her recent honors as SEC Player of the Year and a consensus All‑American. With Vanderbilt recording three straight 100‑point games, the team looks poised to chase its first title since the coach’s vision materialized.

“Feels Like Home: Jordan Poole Opens Doors For Warriors Return as Bad Blood With Draymond Green Continuous

Jordan Poole says the Golden State Warriors still feel like home and says “yes” to a possible return, even as he finishes his final season with New Orleans before hitting unrestricted free agency in summer 2027. He recalls the 2022 championship, the bitter 2023 trade after a physical altercation with Draymond Green, and a recent Chase Center visit where he reunited with Stephen Curry while Green’s tension lingered. Green later remarks he has no issue with Poole coming back. With a $34 million salary this season and a four‑year, $128 million contract ending, Poole’s future role and value remain up for negotiation.

“Michael Jordan Was Right”: Gilbert Arenas Defends Bulls Legend’s Controversial Dating Approach To Women

Gilbert Arenas sparked a lively debate on the "We Said What We Said" podcast about Michael Jordan's old‑school dating philosophy: the Chicago Bulls star allegedly refused gifts or perks, insisting his presence was the reward. Arenas backed Jordan, saying the GOAT's stance—no Birkin bags, just gratitude—reflects a reality check for athletes and wealthy men. The discussion references a 1989 GQ interview about Jordan’s brief fling with Robin Givens and notes his later marriages to Juanita Vanoy and Yvette Prieto. The piece revisits this little‑known chapter of Jordan’s personal life and its relevance to modern player culture.

Boxer Brutally Attacked by Crowd as Mocking Hometown Fighter Backfires

French heavyweight Mourad Aliev retains his WBC Silver title after a unanimous decision win over Turkey's Umut Camkiran in Istanbul on November 7, 2026, but the celebration turns violent. Aliev’s post‑fight gesture—intended as a protest against alleged low blows—sparks outrage, leading fans to hurl bottles, chairs and launch a melee. Security escorts him out as officials condemn the attack, promising investigations. The incident echoes past boxing riots, recalling Riddick Bowe’s 1996 bout with Andrew Golota. Aliev, already controversial from a 2021 Olympic disqualification, now faces scrutiny over his in‑ring conduct.

‘Stop Blaming LIV’: Jon Rahm Shuts Down Excuses for His Majors Struggles After Abu Dhabi Triumph

After clinching a dramatic 23‑under victory in Abu Dhabi, Jon Rahm bluntly tells critics to stop blaming his LIV Golf switch for his major‑championship woes. The Spaniard, who won the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters, admits his recent major struggles stem from swing issues, not the league, noting only two top‑10 finishes at PGA Championships since joining LIV. He dismisses rust and uses his recent win – a two‑stroke triumph over Tyrrell Hatton that lifted him to sixth in the Race to Dubai – as proof he can still perform under pressure. Rahm hints the upcoming Masters will be the true test of his swing fixes.