Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Sports

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 4, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 4, 2022

    Welcome to your Saturday edition of The Morning After Huddle! Grab your coffee and settle in.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, ten teams participated in events to call more attention to recent shootings. Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie said, “These unspeakable tragedies wreak havoc in our communities…As we search for ways to effect positive change in our society, we pray for those grieving…”
    • Next, with mandatory mini-camps on the horizon, NFL.com’s Judy Battista covers the most interesting teams and issues to watch. On her list is everyone from Kyler Murray to the Buffalo Bills and some sleeper situations.
    • As you know, this might be the wildest free agency period ever and we are barely 3 months in. So, who is left and worth dropping some cash for? Alex Kay at Bleacher Report has your list.
    • Finally, Let’s chat about the Key Signings Roundup: NBC is eyeing Jason Garrett to replace Drew Brees as the game analyst on Notre Dame football and possibly on “Football Night in America”.

    Thanks for breaking down the final Huddle of the week with us. Of course, take it easy like Sunday morning and we’ll catch you next week!

    ICYMI: Friday – June 3, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 3, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 3, 2022

    Welcome to your Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle, your favorite source for NFL news. The captain of the ”all ski mask” team (seriously, the guy has made a whopping $82 million in career earnings) is finally retiring.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Fitzmagic is no more! Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick announced his retirement. After 17 years and 9 teams, he is hanging up his cleats and (possibly) stepping into a role with Prime Video for a key part in Amazon’s NFL coverage.
    • Frank Gore and Alex Mack are also retiring. Gore will sign a 1-day contract to retire a 49er. Regarding Alex Mack, hanging it up is inevitable after Mack restructured his contract in a way that is consistent with players prior to retirement.
    • On today’s episode of As Deshaun Watson Turns, it was discovered in the 23rd lawsuit that Watson offered the other 22 Plaintiffs $100,000 to settle their cases. Reports notate that not all would accept that amount due to the aggressive nature of a proposed NDA. Remember, the Dolphins wanted all cases resolved before potentially trading for Watson.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup: The Buffalo Bills are signing Tavon Austin. Austin has played with four teams in his career, most recently with the Jaguars. The Vikings are signing DE Jonathan Bullard, adding quality veteran depth.

    That was quite a lot to unpack. Take a breath and come back Saturday for more news you want to know!

    ICYMI: Thursday – June 2, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 2, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 2, 2022

    Welcome to your Thursday edition of The Morning After Huddle, your favorite NFL news source. It is with a heavy heart that we report Marion Barber III has tragically passed away.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Affectionately known by many as “Marion The Barbarian” because of his hard running style, Former Cowboys running back Marion Barber III passed away Wednesday. Police officers were sent out to his residence to do a welfare check and discovered Barber. At this time, details of his death remain unknown. He was 38.
    • The late John Madden is gracing the cover of Madden NFL 23. In addition to the cover reveal, EA announced an update on the $5 million John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education and the dedication of a field.
    • The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys are banding together to show support for the Uvalde community after last week’s school shooting. Texans players and owner Cal McNair have come together to raise $400,000 for the Robb School Memorial Fund. The Dallas Cowboys also donated $400,000, bolstered by a donation from the NFL Foundation.
    • Bills Special Teams player Andre Smith will receive a 6-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on PEDs. Smith now has an uphill battle to make the roster, as the Bills may find someone else who can do his job while he’s out.
    • Your Key Signings Roundup looks different today: Steelers DL Stephon Tuitt is signing paperwork to retire. The 29-year-old will hang up his cleats for good after the loss of his brother last June.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. We’ll be back Friday with more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Wednesday – June 1, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 1, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 1, 2022

    Welcome to another edition of your favorite source for NFL News, The Morning After Huddle. Anything Aaron Donald has wanted to do in his career, he has done. Now, the Super Bowl champ is adding another item to his list.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Retirement has been on the mind of Aaron Donald and news dropped yesterday that Donald would be at “peace” with leaving football if he and the Rams couldn’t agree to a new deal. Donald says, “… I’m complete. If I could win another one, that’s great but if not, I’m at peace.” 
    • To the shock of no one but the Browns, Deshaun Watson continues to make headlines. A twenty third civil suit has been filed against the QB over sexual misconduct. The woman changed her mind about suing after watching HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” last week. 
    • Jerry Jeudy is no longer facing charges after he was arrested in May. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and James Palmer have reported that the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office filed a motion to dismiss charges Tuesday. Jeudy could still face discipline from the NFL.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup: The Bucs and DT Akiem Hicks have agreed to a 1-year deal worth up to $10 million. Also, the Texans are signing CB Fabian Moreau to their roster. Moreau is a former third-round pick and has 6 career interceptions.

    Thanks for breaking down the Huddle with us! We’re back tomorrow with all the news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 31, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 31, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 31, 2022

    We would like to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With Memorial Day yesterday, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the impact of those lost. Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle. Holidays can be such a tough time for many and the NFL is no exception.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Incredibly sad news coming out of Dallas as Cardinals CB Jeff Gladney reportedly passed away in a car accident. “We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.” Details are still unclear of what caused the accident.
    • Buccaneers WR Travis Jonsen was arrested Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officers spotted Jonsen “straddling lane markers, speeding and weaving,” and driving in a manner that was “indicative of impairment.” Following his arrest, Jonsen also refused to take a blood-alcohol test.
    • Finally, something to keep an eye on: Although Saints QB Jameis Winston has been cleared to participate in OTA’s, Winston still has a noticeable limp. If there is a setback, the next man up is veteran Andy Dalton. It’s also a possibility the Saints could call the Browns about Mr. Baker Mayfield.

    Thanks for breaking the huddle down with us today. We’re back tomorrow with more news you need to know.

    ICYMI: Saturday – May 28, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 28, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 28, 2022

    Welcome to the weekend edition of your favorite news source for all things NFL, The Morning After Huddle. The Browns must have an infinite bank account because they keep finding money to pay players.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Back up the Brinks truck! David Njoku became the fifth highest-paid TE on Friday, signing a 4-year $56.75 million deal. The deal is a contract extension that guarantees Njoku $28 million at signing.
    • Shifting gears, Falcons Owner Arthur Blank’s Family Foundation has granted $100,000 each to Sandy Hook Promise and The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI). “Once again we find ourselves in the unbearable sadness of mass casualty events…”, Falcons owner Arthur Blank explained in a statement.
    • Apparently, Fantasy football gets intense in MLB circles. Giants outfielder Joc Pederson and Reds outfielder Tommy Pham were involved in a pre-game altercation. Pham took exception to Pederson placing a player on IR and grabbing a replacement player, physically slapping him over the move from over a year ago.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup: Steelers pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt is leaving Pittsburgh for an executive role with the Eagles. Hunt’s “high-ranking” role on Howie Roseman’s staff is unclear.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us this morning! Enjoy your coffee and catch up with us on Monday for more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Friday – May 27, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 27, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 27, 2022

    Welcome to the Friday edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle. The Lamar Jackson mystery continues and if the Ravens were a meme right now, they would be the one where the dog is sitting in a house on fire saying ”this is fine.”

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Lamar Jackson’s long-term status with the Ravens remains a mystery. He won’t engage the team on a contract, even though they are ready to give him a major new deal. He insists that he doesn’t want to leave, but he’s not acting like he wants to stay. Yesterday, the team signed former Colts backup QB Brett Hundley as Jackson has been notably absent from OTA’s.
    • The “Forgotten Four” of Marion Motley, Woody Strode, Kenny Washington and Bill Willis, a quartet of Black football players broke down the race barrier in professional football, have been selected to share the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ralph Hay Pioneer Award during enshrinement week.
    • Key Signings Roundup: The Falcons signed former Titans RB Jeremy McNichols. The fourth-year veteran’s a player who coach Arthur Smith knows well from their time working together in Tennessee.

    That’s it for today’s huddle! As always, grab your coffee and join us for your weekend edition of The Huddle tomorrow.

    ICYMI: Thursday – May 26, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 26, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 26, 2022

    Welcome to the Thursday edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle. The Steelers have found a new head honcho after an extensive search. Let’s get into it.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Pittsburgh Steelers vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan has officially been named the team’s new GM. The team is also hiring Philadelphia Eagles VP of player personnel Andy Weidl as assistant GM.
    • Jon Gruden popped up in news cycles after the NFL lost efforts to have Gruden’s lawsuit against the league dismissed. Gruden is accusing the NFL of destroying his career and scuttling endorsement contracts by (*checks notes*) releasing “racist, misogynistic and homophobic” emails that no one disputes Gruden sent.
    • The NFL and NFL Players Association recently agreed upon new rules for the 2022 season, notably pertaining to injured reserve and players having to miss a minimum of four games before they can return. (Read more here)
    • Key Signings Roundup: Colin Kaepernick worked out for the Raiders Wednesday. If signed, Kaepernick would compete for a backup QB spot with 3 other QB’s on the roster. Seahawks scouting executive Alonzo Highsmith has accepted a position at his alma mater, the University of Miami, as the GM of Football Operations.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us! Catch us Friday for more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Wednesday – May 25, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    Just like an ex-lover who pops up when you’re finally happy and have forgotten about them: baby, I’m back! Thank you to my partner-in-print, Dalbin, for holding down The Huddle yesterday despite some major Colts shade (*stares intensely*). Welcome to another edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The NFL Scouting Combine is staying in Naptown for 2023 and 2024. As if there was any other decision, Indianapolis will continue to host the event. Commissioner Goodell said Tuesday that the decision to keep the combine in Indy was a nod to how well the city has handled hosting.
    • What’s done in the dark in St. Louis will come to light in Los Angeles. The L.A. Times reports that the league has quietly tapped all 32 teams to help pay a $790 million lawsuit, that was settled last year, regarding the city of St Louis crying foul over the Rams move. The NFL has already taken $7.5 million from each team.
    • Your Key Signings Roundup is back: Kyle Fuller has landed in his home town of Baltimore on a 1-year $9.5 million deal. To the shock of no one, the 49ers have confirmed Jimmy Garoppolo will likely be traded, but his shoulder surgery complicates things. There’s also this tiny thing, called a $25 million+ cap hit, that presents a snag.

    That’s it for today’s Huddle. Come back tomorrow to break down the top news you should know!

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 24, 2022 Edition

  • Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    The morning after, well, anything is usually one filled with equal parts regret and hope, and this one is no different, friends. We got a fresh look at Thor: Love & Thunder (hope), which gave us our first look at some pretty powerful cosmic beings (including one that will, most likely play a pivotal role in Ms. Marvel’s powers), and we got to see the Celtics turn their Eastern Conference Finals series into a best of three while my Mavericks inch closer to a sweep (regret). Either way, I am back to pinch hit for one half of the world’s greatest tag team, and to deliver a wrap up from the league that never sleeps. Like Aaron Rodgers’s words about being immunized, let’s take it back to the day that was.

    • According to Mike Garafolo, former New York Giants David Diehl is now joining the Memphis Tigers as a coach after retiring from the NFL. Diehl was a key cog in the last Super Bowl title for the G-Men, and was regarded as one of the smarter offensive linemen in their locker room. The Giants could use some of that intelligence this year, as they work to implement Brian Daboll’s offensive system, and acclimate Daniel Jones to being an actual QB in this league.
    • Speaking of locker rooms, HBO will take us inside the Arizona Cardinals’ locker rooms for Hard Knocks: In Season. Maybe we will see what DeAndre Hopkins didn’t put in his body, or maybe we will witness Kyler Murray not being a leader. For me, I hope we visit the sweet pad Kliff Kingsbury didn’t draft an offensive lineman from. The Cardinals are one of the better teams in the league, but have faltered in second halves, so it’ll be exciting to see in 4K if this season is any different.
    • While the Cardinals try to figure out how to get over the hump, the 49ers are trying to get their super-talented young QB ready for primetime. However, as OTAs kick off, they are forced to do it without all-world WR Deebo Samuel. According to Ian Rapaport, Deebo will miss OTAs as he and the Niners figure out what the hell to do with him now that the draft has passed. Do you pay him like a star WR? Do you trade him to Baltimore? Do you jettison him to Siberia to chill with a variant of Bucky Barnes? All questions that need answers, but the longer you let this play out, the longer Trey Lance has to play with back-ups.
    • Lastly, speaking of back-ups, Meg’s team has solidified the oldest QB room since Jesus led the Disciples to the first ever championship in Earth’s history. The Colts have signed Nick Foles to be Matt Ryan’s back-up, a solid move that allows for Frank Reich to actually have someone to turn to if the veteran falters. More importantly, it gives Reich someone he’s comfortable and familiar with, and who he’s coached before, which should only pay dividends fo… Wait, this isn’t from last year!?