The league is expected to expand replay assist this offseason into plays that could include the quarterback slide, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Replay assist, in which remote officials help with on-field calls, was instituted before the 2021 season and expanded before the season to cover situations such as fouls for hits in players heading out of bounds, blows to the quarterback’s heads and intentional grounding. This would add the quarterback slide to the mix, and Mahomes provided quite an impetus during the divisional round against the Houston Texans.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback drew headlines when he scrambled, slid and drew contact from two defenders, drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty despite receiving little contact.
Aikman didn’t like it, ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk didn’t like it, the NFL’s broader fan base didn’t like it and the Texans definitely didn’t like it.
“Oh, come on! I mean, he’s a runner. I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit.” – Troy Aikman
“The two Houston players hit each other. That should not have been a foul.” – Russell Yurk
“Oh, come on … He’s a runner. I could not disagree with that one more and he barely gets hit. That’s the second penalty now that’s been called against the Texans.
“They’ve got to address it during the offseason. You can’t, as a quarterback, run around and play games with the defenders and then be able to draw penalty.”
“He’s trying to draw the penalty. Rather than just run out of bounds, he slows down. And that’s been the frustration and I get it. I understand it. That’s been the frustration for these defensive players around the league.” https://t.co/rzfAXSaz6opic.twitter.com/LilHhaI2Bh
However, while the NFL is saying it might rework how it handles plays like the Mahomes slide, NFL officiating and rules analyst Walt Anderson stood by the actual call this week, saying that because Mahomes’ helmet moved on the play, it warranted an unnecessary roughness penalty. However, he also acknowledged there would be “conversations” this offseason over how such penalties are called.
Flags involving Patrick Mahomes were once again a narrative last week. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Quarterback slides have become a controversial area of rules in recent years, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also standing as a model for fake slides. Any fan base is going to be infuriated when a quarterback gets an extra 15 yards for middling contact, or a different quarterback fools their defense by exploiting a rule, but the NFL is always going to err on the side of protecting its most valuable position.
Anyway, the Chiefs and Bills are scheduled to kick off the AFC championship game at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The NFL is reportedly planning to expand replay assist to include plays like Patrick Mahomes’ controversial slide, according to recent reports. This move comes in response to the increasing scrutiny and criticism surrounding officiating decisions in the league, particularly in high-stakes games.
The controversial slide by Mahomes in a recent game sparked a debate about the need for more replay assistance to ensure accurate and fair calls. The expansion of replay assist is aimed at providing officials with more tools to make better and more informed decisions, ultimately improving the overall integrity of the game.
While some may argue that this could slow down the pace of the game, others believe that the benefits of getting calls right far outweigh any potential drawbacks. With technology constantly improving, it only makes sense for the NFL to utilize all available resources to ensure that the outcome of games is determined by the players on the field rather than by human error.
As the league continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of professional sports, it will be interesting to see how this new replay assist system impacts the game and the fan experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Even if it seems inevitable Arsenal will dispute PGMOL’s definition of “serious foul play” in the coming days, after the referee Michael Oliver’s remarkable call to punish Myles Lewis-Skelly for a cynical trip with a red card, Mikel Arteta will take great satisfaction from this victory at Wolves. The defender’s first-half sending-off will dominate the discourse but the substitute Riccardo Calafiori’s priceless winner, after Wolves were themselves reduced to 10 men when João Gomes was given a second yellow card, ensured they stay in the hunt for the title.
The problems are piling up for Wolves, who succumbed to a fourth straight defeat in which their only bona fide striker, Jørgen Strand Larsen, limp down the tunnel. Arteta knows that feeling. The Arsenal manager has not hidden his desire to strengthen his attack but Calafiori took his goal like a seasoned striker. Nelson Semedo’s headed clearance from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross dropped for the Italy defender and, on the swivel, he sent a first-time left-foot finish into the far corner. Pablo Sarabia, substituted minutes earlier, appeared punch-drunk on the Wolves bench. The home support again voiced their anger at the Wolves chairman, Jeff Shi. “Back the team or sell the club,” was the demand from the South Bank.
As this game drifted towards half-time, then came the decision that stunned Molineux. In the immediate phase after Wolves cleared a poor Declan Rice corner, just outside the D on the edge of the Wolves 18-yard box, Doherty seized a loose ball and set about storming upfield on the counterattack. Lewis-Skelly made a snap decision to trip Doherty, catching the defender around his ankle. It was a touch crude but it was not high, forceful or malicious. It was a tactical foul if ever there was one, though the chances of Wolves waltzing forward from there and scoring were surely slim. Oliver appeared to have a prime view of the incident but almost immediately he informed the officials he planned to pull out the red card. Then he flashed it at Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal players confront referee Michael Oliver after he showed Myles Lewis-Skelly a red card. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA
Arteta was utterly bemused, switching his ire between assistant referee and fourth official, his players incredulous. Gabriel, Arsenal’s captain in the absence of the unwell Martin Ødegaard, quizzed Oliver, by now surrounded by raging red shirts. Arteta managed to keep his counsel, pointing to his head and instructing his players to change shape. Lewis-Skelly had been one of five players promoted to the starting lineup, another youngster, Ethan Nwaneri, also returning in midfield. At the interval, three security guards rushed to flank Oliver, who also had Gabriel for company as he headed down the tunnel. For Arsenal, another shuffle was required, with defender Calafiori replacing Nwaneri, who had shown a couple glimpses of his talent.
Nwaneri had been involved in Arsenal’s two big first-half chances, both of which culminated in Kai Havertz dragging his fingers down his face in frustration. For the first he shunted the ball on to Martinelli centrally and he bypassed Lewis-Skelly to locate Leandro Trossard. The Belgian forward cut inside and dinked a right-foot cross towards the back post, where Havertz got above Santiago Bueno and dropped a header narrowly wide of a post. Five minutes later Nwaneri again got things moving. Rice then fed Trossard, whose superb cross invited Havertz to send a stooping header at goal. José Sá, the Wolves goalkeeper, made an instinctive save with his right leg.
Rice stung the palms of Sá early in the second period after Thomas Partey and Martinelli combined and Havertz saw another chance come and go, heading narrowly over from a Rice free-kick. Up the other end David Raya clawed a deflected Matheus Cunha shot, which took a nick off Saliba, out for a corner. From Sarabia’s subsequent corner, Cunha side-footed wide and theatrically crashed to the turf in frustration. Emmanuel Agbadou executed an expert slide tackle on Martinelli, reminiscent of André’s all-encompassing but clean first-half challenge on Nwaneri in front of Arteta on the touchline.
But just as it felt Wolves were dialling up the pressure, Gomes hit self-destruct. Booked in the first half for booting the ball away after the referee blew for a foul by Cunha, the Wolves midfielder picked up a second yellow card on 70 minutes. Gomes was late on Jurriën Timber and inadvertently clamped the ankle of the Arsenal full-back. Gomes looked to the skies and then crouched to the floor as Oliver confirmed the news. It gave Arsenal the leg-up they required.
In a thrilling match between Arsenal and Wolves, it was Calafiori who ultimately emerged as the hero, scoring the winning goal to secure a crucial victory for the Gunners. However, the match was not without controversy, as Wolves were reduced to 10 men after Lewis-Skelly was shown a controversial red card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Wolves put up a valiant fight, with both teams creating numerous chances throughout the game. The match remained finely poised until Calafiori’s late strike, which proved to be the decisive moment.
The victory was a much-needed boost for Arsenal, who have been struggling for consistency in the Premier League this season. The win sees them climb up the table and offers hope for a strong finish to the campaign.
However, the controversial red card for Lewis-Skelly will undoubtedly be a talking point in the aftermath of the match. The decision divided opinions amongst fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the referee’s judgement.
Overall, it was a tense and exciting encounter between two top teams, with Calafiori’s goal ultimately proving to be the difference. Arsenal will be hoping to build on this result and push on in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
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Calafiori, Arsenal, Wolves, Premier League, Lewis-Skelly, controversial red card, match summary, top football news, game analysis
The NBA Trade Deadline is less than two weeks away, and Indiana Pacers fans are wondering what the team will do. Earlier in the season, they traded for Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat to ensure their center depth. They have yet to make another deal, however, and could be in a position to do so in order to help them now and in the long run.
Up to this point, the only trade rumor the Pacers have been a part of is potentially trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. However, there is another trade possibility that Pacers fans may want to monitor that involves moving on from a player instead of getting one in return.
Jake Fischer suggests the Pacers may trade Myles Turner
On a recent episode of the Dunc’d On Basketball NBA Podcast (at the 21:34 mark), NBA insider Jake Fischer spoke about Myles Turner’s impending free agency. While Fischer did not say the Pacers are actively looking to trade Turner, he acknowledged that his asking price for his new deal may not be one the team is willing to give him.
“Right now, every rival executive I’ve spoken to has said that they don’t anticipate Indiana wanting to pay the salary that Myles Turner is, in theory, going to be looking for…he’s going to want 30 [million per year],” Fischer said. “People want $30 million right now, it’s going to be twice the mid-level… there’s so much skepticism that Indiana’s going to want to do it.”
We are only halfway through the season, and there is no other indication that the Pacers have interest in moving on from Turner. However, Fischer’s report is interesting nonetheless. If it is true, then the Pacers may be better off trading Turner within the next couple of weeks to get some value back from him as opposed to letting him walk in the offseason for nothing.
The interesting hypothetical in a potential trade involving Turner is who the Pacers’ new center would be. As it stands, the Pacers do not have a single primary center under contract next season (unless they accept James Wiseman’s team option, which seems unlikely). Additionally, there is no upgrade over Turner that is readily available, especially one who would be as good of a fit on this team, particularly on offense. If the Pacers do end up moving on from Turner, it would cause even more problems than many may realize.
At this point, it does not seem likely that the Pacers will trade Turner. However, if there is a genuine belief that he will prove to be too expensive for the team to re-sign, the Pacers may be better off making this move, even given the potential risks.
With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, rumors are swirling about potential moves that could shake up the league. One trade that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike is a proposed deal involving the Indiana Pacers.
According to a trusted NBA insider, there is a growing belief within the league that the Pacers could be open to trading away star player Domantas Sabonis. While this may come as a shock to some, the insider suggests that Sabonis’ value on the trade market is higher than ever and the Pacers could potentially get a strong return in exchange for the talented big man.
The proposed trade that has garnered the most attention involves the Pacers sending Sabonis to a contender in exchange for a package of young players and draft picks. While this move would undoubtedly be a bold one for the Pacers, it could also signal a shift in the team’s direction and a commitment to building for the future.
While nothing is set in stone, the NBA insider’s suggestion that this controversial Pacers trade is more possible than we thought has certainly sparked a debate among fans and analysts. Only time will tell if the Pacers ultimately decide to pull the trigger on this potential blockbuster deal.
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NBA trade rumors, Pacers trade rumors, NBA insider news, Pacers trade speculation, NBA trade possibilities, Pacers trade talks, NBA trade updates, Pacers trade buzz, NBA trade analysis, Pacers roster changes
This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard has shared his thoughts on a controversial foul call from the final first-half minutes of the Badgers’ loss to UCLA on Tuesday. That play proved significant as Wisconsin fell 85-83 in a back-and-forth affair.
With roughly 10 seconds remaining in the opening stanza, Wisconsin guard Jack Janicki fouled UCLA bench guard Sebastian Mack in what Gard hoped would be among the last of the Badgers’ fouls to give.
Instead, referees called an intentional foul, sending Mack to the line for two free throws and an extra possession. On the ensuing sequence, forward Tyler Bilodeau canned a two-point jumper from inside the right wing to cut Wisconsin’s edge to just five points entering the intermission.
“I’ll see what the league has to say about that, about the call,” Gard told media after the loss. “I mean, they knew what we were doing. We had fouls to give.”
UCLA ultimately won the contest courtesy of stellar bench performances from Mack and Aday Mara, but the play certainly vanquished any type of momentum Wisconsin established late in the first half. Prior to the play, UW held a 41-32 lead. The Bruins outscored Wisconsin 23-10 over a 13:00-minute stretch immediately following four-point swing.
Wisconsin will look for a bounce-back performance when it returns to the court on Jan. 26 vs. Nebraska at the Kohl Center.
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard speaks on controversial foul call in loss to UCLA
In a heartbreaking loss to UCLA in the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin coach Greg Gard found himself at the center of controversy surrounding a crucial foul call that ultimately decided the game.
With just seconds left on the clock and the Badgers trailing by one point, a foul was called on Wisconsin guard Brad Davison as he attempted a game-winning shot. The call sent UCLA’s Johnny Juzang to the free-throw line, where he made both shots to secure the victory for the Bruins.
After the game, Gard spoke out about the controversial call, expressing his frustration and disbelief at the decision made by the officials. “It’s a tough way to end a game like that, especially in such a high-stakes situation,” Gard said. “I feel for our players who fought hard all game and deserved a better outcome.”
Gard’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning the fairness of the foul call and its impact on the outcome of the game. Despite the disappointment, Gard remained composed and focused on the positives, praising his team for their resilience and effort throughout the tournament.
As the Badgers reflect on their season-ending loss to UCLA, Gard’s words serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Gen Z influencer resurrected the polarizing look that reigned in the early aughts with an exclusive pair in partnership with fan-favorite denim brand Frame.
Aptly named The Alix and designed by Earle, the high-rise, body-hugging skinny jeans are available in a dark blue wash ($128) as well as a black coated finish ($148).
Yesterday, Alix Earle launched a pair of skinny jeans with Frame. Frame X Alix EarleThe bottoms come in two styles: a dark blue wash and a black coated finish. Frame X Alix Earle Frame Frame
In a press release, the social media star, 24, said the launch feels like a “major milestone moment.”
Earle also shared her thoughts on the millennial-favorite silhouette’s return to the fashion zeitgeist.
“I’ve secretly kept a pair in my closet for years, and when I first met with Erik in 2023 to discuss potential Frame collaboration, I couldn’t resist pitching the idea of bringing this classic (although some might say controversial) wardrobe staple back,” Earle explained.
“Partnering with Frame to revive the skinny jean has been such a fun process because, when it comes to personal style, I’m all for making or breaking the rules in fashion,” she concluded.
In a press release, the influencer said she’s “secretly kept a pair” in her closet for years. Frame X Alix Earle“Partnering with Frame to revive the skinny jean has been such a fun process because, when it comes to personal style, I’m all for making or breaking the rules in fashion,” Earle added. Frame X Alix EarleIn an interview with Elle, she added that she owned a lot of skinny jeans when she was younger. Frame X Alix Earle
In an interview with Elle, the TikTok sensation added that she owned a lot of skinny jeans when she was younger; however, she styles the bottoms a bit differently nowadays.
“They’re pretty versatile, but I’ll be sticking to a heel or boot on the bottom—I don’t think I would really be wearing them with sneakers, which I used to do in the past!” Earle told the publication.
“On top, whatever I’m feeling. You can dress them up with a blazer or a jacket, or you can wear a baggy or tight shirt,” she added.
We’ll see if 2025 is the year of the skinny jean.
Alix Earle, the fashion influencer known for her bold style choices, is once again stirring up controversy with her latest collaboration with Frame. The collection, which features a range of skinny jeans in various washes and styles, has reignited the debate over whether skinny jeans are still in style.
Despite the ongoing trend towards more relaxed and baggy silhouettes, Earle is unapologetically embracing the skinny jean trend and encouraging her followers to do the same. In a recent Instagram post, she declared, “Skinny jeans are back, baby! And I couldn’t be more excited to bring them back with this amazing collaboration with Frame.”
Many fashion critics have criticized the return of skinny jeans, arguing that they are outdated and unflattering. However, Earle is no stranger to defying fashion norms and pushing boundaries, making her the perfect partner for Frame’s edgy new collection.
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Alix Earle is once again making a bold statement with her latest collaboration. So, will you be joining her in bringing back the controversial skinny jeans trend? Let us know in the comments below.
The New York Islanders added a controversial piece to their beat-up defensive corps by signing veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of the regular season. Since he is coming over from another league (KHL), DeAngelo has to clear waivers before he’s eligible to play with the Islanders.
The move comes as the Islanders look to inject puck-moving ability into their lineup in the absence of Noah Dobson, who suffered a lower-body injury on Monday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. While Mike Reilly plans to return this season, there is no set timetable for when he will be ready for game action following his heart procedure.
For all the noise that comes with signing DeAngelo, there’s no denying that the 29-year-old can be a playmaker on the back end. In 2022-23, DeAngelo played for the Philadelphia Flyers and recorded 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 70 games, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while logging heavy minutes. Last year, he scored three goals and eight assists in 31 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, the team that ousted the Isles in the first round.
He played 36 games for St. Petersburg in the KHL earlier this season, scoring six goals and 26 assists. DeAngelo’s arrival could help revitalize the Islanders’ power play, which has been ranked dead last throughout the season.
DeAngelo’s signing also comes with some risks. He’s been a polarizing figure throughout his career due to his on-ice discipline and off-ice controversies. The signing signals that GM Lou Lamoriello is not yet ready to give up on the season following the injury news to Dobson. The Isles currently trail Columbus by eight points for the final Wild Card spot with two games in hand, but there are six other teams ahead of them. Only Buffalo has fewer points in the Conference than the Isles.
As time to turn around the season dwindles, fans will be eager to see how he fits on and off the ice with the team. DeAngelo has played 371 games with the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Flyers, and Hurricanes in his eight-year NHL career. He has 48 goals and 162 assists while averaging 19:01 TOI.
The New York Islanders have made a controversial move by signing defenseman Tony DeAngelo following the injury to Noah Dobson. DeAngelo, who has a history of on-ice incidents and off-ice controversies, was recently released by the Carolina Hurricanes after a tumultuous tenure with the team.
Many fans and analysts are divided on the decision to bring DeAngelo to the Islanders, with some questioning whether his talent on the ice is worth the potential distractions and negative attention he may bring to the team. However, others are hopeful that DeAngelo can turn over a new leaf and contribute positively to the Islanders’ lineup.
It remains to be seen how DeAngelo will fit in with his new team and whether he can help fill the void left by Dobson’s absence. Only time will tell if this signing will prove to be a wise or regrettable decision for the Islanders.
The New York Islanders recently announced top defenseman Noah Dobson would be out on a week-to-week basis with a lower-body injury. To help fill the gap, the Islanders have signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract.
DeAngelo will play out the remainder of the season with the Islanders, earning $775,000 against the salary cap.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/IeL4pBylzi
DeAngelo played 34 games with St. Petersburg, scoring six goals and 26 assists for 32 total points. He was one of the team’s top point producers on a lineup loaded with former and future NHL talent.
Heading into the 2024 offseason, DeAngelo was a top defensive free agent in the NHL, but couldn’t find a new deal. Leading into signing in Russia, DeAngelo has played 371 career games in the NHL with 48 goals and 162 assists for 210 total points.
DeAngelo was coming off of a 31-game season with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023-24 that saw him pick up 11 total points (3G-8A).
A former 19th overall pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, DeAngelo has bounced around the NHL a bit. He made his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes in 2016 before eventually moving on to the New York Rangers, Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Before he can officially join the Islanders, DeAngelo must clear waivers.
The New York Islanders have made a bold move by signing controversial free agent defensemen to their roster. The Islanders have always been a team known for their strong defensive play, and this new addition is sure to shake things up.
This free agent has had a history of on-ice altercations and has been suspended multiple times for his aggressive play. However, the Islanders are confident that they can harness his talents and use them to their advantage.
Fans are divided on this signing, with some excited about the potential impact this player could have on the team’s defense, while others are concerned about the potential for drama and controversy.
Only time will tell if this signing will pay off for the Islanders, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be an interesting season with this new addition to the roster.
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New York Islanders, free agent, defensemen, controversial signing, NHL, hockey, sports, New York sports, player signings, team news
After a 34-game stint in the KHL, former New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo parted ways with his team, returning to North America for what is believed to be family reasons.
DeAngelo had a decent run in the KHL, albeit a short one. In his 34 games, he was the highest-scoring defenseman in the league, logging six goals and 26 assists for 32 points, as well as a plus-15 rating with SKA St. Petersburg.
While he is believed to have returned to North America to be with his family, rumors suggest that may not be the entire story. It’s been reported that DeAngelo was solely focused on offensive production in order to meet certain performance bonus benchmarks, and that once again, he was unable to gel in a team environment.
Nonetheless, his return to North America could attract the attention of an NHL team or two. The 29-year-old defenseman had success in the NHL, with 48 goals and 210 points in 377 career games split between the Arizona Coyotes, Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Last season, he played 31 games with the Hurricanes and had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in a limited role. When Brett Pesce was injured early in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, DeAngelo took on a regular role on the Hurricanes blue line. He played nine postseason games and averaged over 19 minutes in ice time per game, contributing two assists.
DeAngelo played all six games against the Rangers in the second round. He had an assist in Carolina’s Game 2 overtime loss in New York and another in its home win in Game 4.
But despite defensemen his age signing big contracts this past offseason, DeAngelo failed to land a deal of any kind and decided in late September to play in the KHL.
Though DeAngelo’ controversial character is well know through the League, there could be a team interested in signing him for the stretch run on a minimum NHL contract.
Tony DeAngelo with the Rangers in 2020 — Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
It should be noted that the Rangers have zero interest in a reunion with DeAngelo. They sent him home early in the 2020-21 season and eventually bough out the remainder of his contract. He had been benched early in the season by then-coach David Quinn and then had an altercation with goalie Alexandar Georgiev. That coupled with some controversial social media posts landed him on the outside looking in at the NHL.
DeAngelo does have skill, though. He had an NHL career-high 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) with the Rangers in 2019-20 and two years later had 51 points in 64 games with the Hurricanes.
So, which teams might have interest in DeAngelo this time around?
Carolina Hurricanes
Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
DeAngelo had two stints with the Hurricanes before heading over to Russia. He first played for them in the 2021-22 season after his tenure with the Rangers crashed and burned. Never known for his defense, DeAngeloe had a career-high plus-30 rating that season. He added a goal and nine assists in 14 playoff games.
After spending a season with the Flyers, he returned to Carolina last season in a part-time role. However, after finding his game in the KHL, Carolina may be interested in a third reunion. Their depth on defense is not the same this season after losing both Pesce and Brady Skjei in free agency, though they did add Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour knows DeAngelo, and there were no issues in his previous two stints with the team. So, this makes sense for both parties.
Vancouver Canucks
There may not be a more hectic team in the NHL when it comes to rumor and drama than the Vancouver Canucks right now. Why not stir the pot even more by bringing in DeAngelo? Jokes aside, the Canucks have far too good of a roster to be a bubble team in the playoff race. They need to do something to shake things up, and rather than trading away talent, maybe brining in a puck-moving defenseman like DeAngelo could help their cause.
Quinn Hughes carries the defensive core and team as a whole with 50 points on the season. The next closest defenseman is Tyler Myers with just 13 points. Despite all of the drama surrounding the Canucks this season, a serious case can be made to bring in a player like DeAngelo who, at the very least, could provide some more points from the defense position.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins haven’t had the season they envisioned after making some key offseason acquisitions such as center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, as well as signing goalie Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year extension. Even so, they’re in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, though only a maximum of seven points separate them from seven teams right on their heels looking to make a push.
It’s safe to say that Boston could use some help on the back end, especially in terms of points. It’s been a rough season for Charlie McAvoy, who has just 20 points in 45 games. In fact, it’s Mason Lohrei who leads all Bruins defenseman in points with 22, but he sports a minus-10 rating, worst among Boston’s defensemen. This is another team who may take the risk of adding DeAngelo, hoping that he can provide more depth and some added offense to their struggling defense corps.
Dane Walsh is a life-long fan of the New York Rangers. Growing up in the tri-state area, Dane has … More about Dane Walsh
Former Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo has always been a polarizing figure, both on and off the ice. Known for his offensive prowess and fiery personality, DeAngelo has found himself in hot water multiple times throughout his career.
DeAngelo was recently bought out by the Rangers after a tumultuous season that saw him benched multiple times and ultimately cut ties with the team. Despite his talent, DeAngelo’s behavior and locker room presence have raised concerns among potential suitors.
However, with the NHL free agency period approaching, DeAngelo is now a potential option for teams in need of defensive help. His ability to quarterback a power play and contribute offensively could be valuable for a team willing to take a chance on him.
The question remains, though – is DeAngelo worth the risk? Will his talent outweigh the potential issues that come with signing him? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – DeAngelo’s name will be one to watch as free agency gets underway.
Boston taxpayers are now expected to fork over $100 million as part of the city’s public-private plan to rehab White Stadium to house a pro soccer team, the latest cost increase to be revealed in a project that continues to draw strong opposition.
The city’s half of the project, which swelled from $50 million to $91 million late last year, has grown again, to “roughly $100 million,” Dion Irish, Boston’s chief of operations, testified at a Wednesday City Council hearing that was held days after demolition work began at the 75-year-old stadium in Franklin Park.
While Irish said the city’s goal was to keep its taxpayer-funded portion of the project to that latest estimate, he wouldn’t rule out further cost overruns. He pointed to a public bidding process for construction that may change the final cost. Final bids for a new fire station in the Seaport, for example, tacked on a few million dollars to that project, he said.
“I would not venture to say a lot more money,” Irish said, when City Councilor Erin Murphy posited that the Wu administration “may choose to spend a lot more money” to fulfill its commitment to the tear-down and rebuild project.
Murphy, prior to making that statement, asked whether the city administration had determined a limit for what it was willing to spend on the project, and if there was an amount that would cause it to walk away from the public-private partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Partners, which owns the new pro women’s team.
“We have now said we can come up with $100 million,” Murphy said. “Just like any responsible person, anyone who runs their home budget, at some point you have to say, that’s great but I can’t afford it, so I’m going to have to say no.”
Mayor Michelle Wu drew criticism last month for saying that the city was committed to paying for its half of the project, “no matter what it costs” to taxpayers, after the city’s tab ballooned to $91 million.
Boston Unity, an all-female ownership group that includes Boston Globe CEO Linda Pizzuti Henry as an investor, will now pay more than $100 million, pushing the cost of the project, initially estimated at $100 million, to more than $200 million, Wu administration officials said at the day’s hearing.
The city’s new cost for White Stadium’s rehab appeared to catch councilors and community members off-guard. The revelation drew immediate criticism from opponents, including the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that seeks to stop the project over claims that the city and Boston Unity are illegally privatizing public trust land.
Irish denied privatization, saying that the new stadium would be owned by the city and Boston Public Schools, which would share use with the new soccer team, a tenant subject to a 10-year lease agreement. Critics say, however, that BPS football teams would be displaced for much of their season.
“Boston taxpayers are being asked to pay through the nose to build an oversized professional sports complex for the benefit of a few millionaire sports investors,” Jean McGuire, a 93-year-old community activist and former School Committee member, said. “The fact is, we were never asked if we wanted a professional sports and entertainment complex in our park.
“Community members’ concerns about public access, transportation impacts and countless other issues are being ignored, all in a mad rush to demolish White Stadium in order to meet the soccer stadium’s desired opening date,” she added.
The new National Women’s Soccer League team is expected to take the pitch in spring 2026 — leading to questions at the day’s hearing about whether the tight deadline may lead to further cost overruns.
An updated project timeline presented by Wu officials at the hearing shows demolition work, which began this week, is set to continue for the next two months. Construction would take place for the rest of this year and continue into 2026. The NWSL schedule typically begins in March.
Further complicating matters for the team, as mentioned in a November court filing by Boston Unity following the plaintiffs’ push to move back the March 18 trial date — which was denied by a Suffolk Superior Court judge — are the delays to construction brought on by the pending lawsuit.
“Clearly this is a transparent ploy by the plaintiffs to ‘delay, delay, delay,’ — a tactic, which if sanctioned by this court, they know would be fatal to the singular element required for Defendant BUSP to bring a professional women’s soccer team to Boston — a constructed and operational White Stadium at the start of 2026,” the investors said.
The tight turnaround led to questions from Councilor Brian Worrell around whether the city had a contingency plan in place should the team back out, to finish construction.
Should the deal fall apart after work has already started, Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Boston’s deputy chief of urban design, said the city would be able to pull from an escrow account and put those funds toward construction activity.
Boston, per legal agreements, has a corporate guarantee of $45 million to cover stadium expenses, if the team chooses to “walk away,” Fernandez Bibeau said.
Worrell also asked whether the city was equipped to cover annual maintenance expenses, should the new women’s pro team fold within 10 years. The team contributes $2 million annually for maintenance, per the terms of the lease.
Some community members, on the other hand, said the new soccer team may become successful to a point where they outgrow White Stadium, which will have roughly 11,000 seats compared to other NWSL venues with at least 24,000, and thereby later choose to move to a bigger facility.
Critics have contended that the women’s team should share use with the New England Revolution at a new stadium in Everett, and White Stadium should be renovated as a high-school-only facility for BPS student-athletes and the public.
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, released a report that estimated a scaled-down high school facility rehab would cost the city just $29 million, an amount dismissed by Fernandez Bibeau as “unrealistic,” given the scope of work.
“In the long run we would have the operational costs to bear on our own,” Irish said. “We would not have the rent payments or the revenue sharing as well as the community benefits fund as well as the money contributed towards the Franklin Park Action Plan.”
Construction workers prep the area around White Stadium for demolition activity, Wednesday. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Originally Published:
The Boston taxpayer tab for the controversial White Stadium rehabilitation project has once again grown, now reaching a staggering $100 million. This comes as a shock to many residents who were already concerned about the rising costs of the project.
Originally estimated to cost around $50 million, the project has faced numerous setbacks and delays, leading to the ballooning budget. Critics have pointed to mismanagement and poor planning as contributing factors to the cost overruns.
Despite the high price tag, city officials are standing by the project, citing the importance of preserving the historic stadium and providing a modern facility for the community. However, many taxpayers are questioning whether the hefty bill is worth it.
As the debate over the White Stadium project continues, one thing is clear – the burden on Boston taxpayers is only growing. Stay tuned for more updates on this controversial and costly endeavor.
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Boston taxpayer, White Stadium rehab, controversial, $100M, taxpayer tab, Boston news, city spending, stadium renovation, public funds, Boston controversy
A new iPhone is almost upon us, it’s thought, and this one will be the fourth version of the iPhone SE, the most affordable iPhone. The new SE will have a unique, all-new design, it seems. And the latest report suggests it could include the Dynamic Island found on higher-end iPhones.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd generation. Will the next model have the classy Dynamic Island?
Apple
Until now, it’s mostly been thought that the iPhone SE 4th generation would have a cut-out at the top of the display, but images in a new report have “color-corrected the phone to highlight the dynamic island,” according to leaker Evan Blass on X in a private account.
This is a surprise. The essence of the iPhone SE is to provide an affordable way to buy an Apple phone, and that’s been done until now by putting the latest processor in an older housing with, unsurprisingly, simpler, more affordable components for the display and cameras, for instance.
Already, this new phone seems to be breaking the mold by introducing an all-new design rather than recycling an older one. So it was generally thought that to keep costs low, Apple would rely on a display with a cut-out, not the more advanced (and highly attractive) Dynamic Island which shows timely information in a part of the screen that grows and shrinks as necessary.
Of course, this may not be right. Several reports have said that the iPhone SE will be based on the iPhone 14, which didn’t have the Dynamic Island. Mind you, the iPhone 14 had a Lightning connector, but it’s certain the next SE will have a USB-C port (not least because USB-C is needed for the phone to be sold in the EU now).
What’s most intriguing is that since the iPhone SE is expected to be launched in the spring, like the previous three generations were, Apple has done a remarkably good job of keeping the final design secret so close to the presumed release.
We think we know that it will have Face ID instead of Touch ID, and OLED instead of LCD screen tech, but many other details have seen conflicting reports. The reveal, when we’ll learn exactly what it will look like, may be just weeks away.
In a shocking turn of events, a controversial design change has been revealed in a new leak. The leaked images show a drastic departure from the current design, prompting backlash from fans and critics alike.
The new design features bold colors, sleek lines, and a more modern aesthetic. Some are praising the change as a much-needed update, while others are calling it a betrayal of the original vision.
The leaked images have sparked heated debates online, with many questioning the motivation behind the design change. Some speculate that it is an attempt to appeal to a younger demographic, while others believe it is simply a case of trying to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
Regardless of the reasons behind the change, one thing is clear: this controversial design update is sure to divide opinions and spark passionate discussions for weeks to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
