Myles Garrett trade request
Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett recently requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns.
As the Cleveland Browns just came off of an extremely disappointing 3-14 season, this may not come as a surprise to many NFL fans. The former Defensive Player of the Year has been a franchise cornerstone for eight years and is revered by fans across the league.
In a statement written by Garrett and released by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Garrett stated his reasoning for the trade request as not dissatisfaction with the team, but rather a desire to play for a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Other NFL Insiders have speculated that the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, could be a top destination for Garrett. Adding a defensive piece like Garrett could potentially cement the Philadelphia Eagles as the premiere football dynasty for years to come.
Dalton Knecht & Mark Williams trade rescinded
Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers have felt the struggle of lacking a true post-player since their championship run in 2020. While Anthony Davis previously provided some post-play and interior defense — despite not fitting the archetype of a typical center — the recent blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic left the Lakers without a single first-string-caliber “big-man.”
As any sensible basketball team competing for a championship should do, the Lakers attempted to trade rookie Dalton Knecht in return for Charlotte Hornets’ starting center Mark Williams. However, Mark Williams unexpectedly failed his physical — an extremely rare occurrence in the NBA.
This led to the trade offer being rescinded, and leaves the Lakers without any starting-caliber big men after the trade deadline. Many fear that this bump in the road will potentially be their biggest barrier to championship success.
Du Plessis defends his title as middleweight champion against Strickland
UFC superstar Dricus Du Plessis, also known by his initials “DDP,” hit Sean Strickland with a near scorecard sweep — 50-45, 50-45, 49-46 — and a final, unanimous decision.
The most notable occurrence of the fight occurred during round four, in which DDP shattered Strickland’s nose with a jarring right hook. Surprisingly, Strickland managed to hold his own for the rest of the fight, but DDP was simply too well prepared.
DDP came with intent to defend his title, and he did so perfectly. This fight solidifies DDP as the clear middleweight champion, and it is very unlikely that that title is taken anytime soon.
Raiders hire Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator
After winning the College Football Playoff National Championships with Ohio State University as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, Chip Kelly was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their new offensive coordinator.
Kelly has a very strong coaching resume, ranging from success as a head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers in the 2010s, as well as coaching jobs with UCLA and Oregon.
The Raiders had a very poor season, at 4-13, and this coaching change will likely be a positive impact for the team. They have the sixth overall pick in the NFL draft this year, and are expected to take a wide receiver. Raiders fans should be optimistic, as Kelly does have a fantastic resume.
dwolf@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @jordanschultz, Instagram
