Seven-foot-nine center Olivier Rioux has transferred to UC Irvine.

Rioux spent the last two seasons with Florida. He told reporters he was looking for more playing time before entering the transfer portal. 

He did not play the 2024-25 season when Florida won the NCAA championship. He played in 11 games in 2025-2026 while averaging 1.5 minutes per game. 

Rioux hit one of two free throws in a Nov. 21 game against Merrimack. This made him the tallest player in college basketball history to score a point.

Last season, UC Irvine had only one traditional center, Eli Choi. Choi averaged five points and three rebounds. Choi will be staying with UC Irvine for his senior season.

Despite being a smaller team, UC Irvine still ranked 13th in the nation in rebounds per game. However, one area they struggled with was offensive rebounding. They were outside the top 100 in offensive rebounding last season.

Rioux is largely unproven at the college basketball level. However, it’s hard to imagine that many players will be able to get a rebound over a seven-foot-nine player. 

Last season, Florida was pretty deep at the center position. Outside of Rioux, they also had Rueben Chinyelu, Viktor Mikic and Micah Handlogten. Handlogten will be graduating, while Mikic will stay for another season. Chinyelu is currently in the transfer portal, but has shown interest in returning to Florida. 

Earlier this offseason, Florida signed Spanish center Arturas Butajevas. However, Butajevas is very versatile, so he doesn’t impact their ability to play Chinyelu. 

The biggest news Florida got this offseason was that Thomas Haugh will return for another season. Many draft experts expected him to declare for the NBA draft. He was expected to be a top-20 pick.

Next year’s college class is expected to be weaker. This could allow Haugh to be drafted higher, which gives him a larger rookie contract. 

In his first start back from the 15-day injured list, Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler was ejected from his Tuesday start against the New York Mets in the third inning after arguing balls and strikes by plate umpire Mike Estabrook.

It all started after two balls to an open at-bat by Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor stole second. After the Lindor stolen base, Buehler yelled and pointed at Estabrook while approaching him. Buehler was quickly tossed out of the game, and moments later, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected.

First-base umpire Laz Diaz had to step in to keep Cora and Estabrook apart as the Red Sox manager was shouting at the plate umpire’s face for a while. During the shouting, Cora made contact with Diaz while continuing to yell at Estabrook. The manager finally made his way to the clubhouse while the fans cheered for him.

“It was weird; they were going back and forth,” Cora said in a press conference. “I don’t know what the exchange was, but I’ve been at this for a few years, and I was just begging, ‘Just give me a break. I’ll go out and you can throw me out, and we can keep the pitcher in the game.’ But I guess he had enough. I don’t know why.”

It was the second straight game that the Red Sox played without their manager. He missed the series opener to attend his daughter’s graduation from Boston College. Ramon Vazquez replaced Cora both nights.

Relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino replaced Buehler and inherited the count on Soto. On four pitches, Bernardino walked Soto, but the bullpen held up the rest of the way as the Red Sox kept the Mets scoreless to a 2-0 win.

Buehler has started seven games so far in his first season with the Red Sox and entered Tuesday’s game with a 4-1 record and a 4.28 ERA.

“The pitch was in the strike zone,” said Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez on the postgame show on NESN. “He was fighting with the guy behind the plate. He was saying, ‘Hey, that was in the middle.’ And the guy was saying, ‘No.’ And it was back and forth. Buehler is an emotional guy, he’s a competitor. It was just the emotions of the game.”

After firing David Ross, the Chicago Cubs have found their next manager in Craig Counsell. 

Counsell has signed a deal worth $40 million over the next five years, which makes it the highest salary for any MLB manager. 

Jed Hoyer, the president of the Cubs organization, issued a statement on the hiring.

“Today we made the difficult decision to dismiss David Ross as our Major League Manager. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field. First as a player and then as a manager, David continually showcased his ability to lead. David’s legacy will be felt in Chicago for generations and his impact to our organization will stack up with the legends that came before him. Going forward, our Major League team will be managed by Craig Counsell. We look forward to welcoming Craig at Wrigley Field early next week,” Hoyer said.

During his nine seasons with the Brewers, Counsell led the team to five playoff appearances. He also won three division titles with the Brewers. Despite this success, the Brewers only won a single postseason series under his reign when they swept the Colorado Rockies in the 2018 Division Series. 

After Counsell’s contract ended in 2023, many teams pursued his contract, including the Mets, Brewers and the Guardians.

Counsell’s decision has sent shockwaves across the MLB world, as he joins the Brewers’ NL Central rivals.

He spent the past 17 years with the organization not only as a manager but as a player and an executive as well.

Astros’ reliever Hector Neris has declined a player option worth $8.5 million for 2024. This decision will make him a free agent during the offseason.

The 34-year-old pitcher was 6-3 with a 1.71 ERA and two saves in 71 games during the 2023 season, which was his third straight season of 70 or more appearances.

Neris however had a poor postseason. With a 6.48 ERA, he allowed home runs to Jorge Polanco and Royce Lewis during the AL Division Series Opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Neris declined the option on Sunday night, much to the disappointment of the Astros organization, who would like to re-sign him.

The Astros, who are prioritizing big-money extensions for stars José Altuve, Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, might prohibit a potential extension.

Neris isn’t the only member of the Astros bullpens hitting free agency, as Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek are set to test free agency waters.

The Astros will likely see Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu, Kendall Graves and Rafael Montero return.

On Sunday, Coastal Carolina announced that quarterback Grayson McCall has been released from the hospital following a scary hit he faced during Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. 

McCall was injured in the fourth quarter during their 27-17 win when he was sliding and collided with defensive back Trevian Thomas in the head. He was later carted off and gave a sign while leaving.

McCall remained in the hospital overnight for tests and observation. 

Coastal Carolina later posted an update on Twitter.

“As a precautionary measure, Grayson was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and observation last night. He was alert and conscious with movement in all extremities,” the statement read. “Grayson has been released and is heading back to Conway. He is in excellent spirits and the results of his scans have been very positive.”

He was replaced by Joshua Guest for the rest of the game.

The win pushed Coastal Carolina to a 4-3 record overall. McCall was 24 for 28 passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns prior to leaving the game. He has completed 67% of his passes for 1,919 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2023.

The Bruins were the best team in hockey when the season was suspended in March. They were not able to keep the ball rolling heading into the NHL restart. When play returned, there was a four-team round-robin played among the top seeds. The Bruins lost their first two games, dropping them to a three seed. After looking like they returned to form in round one, beating the Hurricanes in five games, their season was ended Monday night by the Tampa Bay Lightning in round two, losing 3-2 in double overtime.

“Clearly we didn’t reach our goal,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, who watched his team lose four straight after winning Game 1 against the Lightning. “I also believe with the turn of events with the pause and stuff going on in the world bigger than hockey … once we got back here it wasn’t the same as a normal season. It just wasn’t.”

It has been speculated that this might have been the last game for team veterans Zdeno Chara and Tory Krug. “I don’t want to speculate if will be their last game. Those are decisions that will be made by the players and management…. Both are great Boston Bruins, and we’ll see what happens down the line,” Cassidy said.

Tampa Bay awaits the winner of the series between the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, which the Islanders lead 3-1.

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been the focus of a petition signed by more than 280,000 people to have him removed from being one of the four Legends captains at the 2020 Pro Bowl. The petition, started by Joanna Lind on Change.org, seeks to remove Vick from the role where he would “be honored” and in a position to act as a mentor for the players.

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Lind, who was “absolutely disgusted” said, “When is the NFL going to take any responsibility for the behavior of its current and former players? To honor a man who had zero regard for animals is unacceptable and I would like your help to make sure he is NOT honored at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.”

Vick was arrested and pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge related to running a dogfighting ring and served 23 months in federal prison after his 15-acre property was raided in April 2007. The raid uncovered evidence of illegal dogfighting activities, as well as dozens of neglected pit bulls. Three other men were charged alongside Vick and eventually testified that the star quarterback had participated in the execution of a number of dogs and bankrolled gambling funds for the venture, named Bad Newz Kennels. Once the highest paid player in the NFL, Vick lost all endorsement deals and was suspended from his record 10-year, $130 million contract indefinitely without pay.

After filing for bankruptcy, his pieced together his shattered reputation and made a comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, throwing for a combined 10,959 yards with the Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He retired in 2017 and signed with FOX Sports as an analyst.

Time will tell if this petition proves worthy of knocking Vick out of the Pro Bowl spot as he is set to serve next to Pro Football Hall of Famers Terrell Davis, Darrell Green and Bruce Smith.

Heading into the Pac-12 Championship, Utah had high hopes of coming away with a victory and securing a spot in the College Football Playoffs. However, Oregon had other plans. Cruising to its first Pac-12 championship since 2014, 13th-ranked Oregon dominated the fifth-ranked Utes by a final of 37-15. This puts Utah out of the running to compete for the title.

The game started in Oregon’s favor and never turned. Their dominance started with a 67-yard touchdown drive and ended with 30 more points against a team who only gave up an average of 11.3 points per game in the regular season.

Jumping to a 20-0 lead at halftime, the Ducks were able to hold off a potential Utah comeback as their only 15 points occurred in the third quarter. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert was 14 of 26 for 193 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Johnny Johnson III had six receptions for a total of 87 yards with a touchdown. But eyes were on running back CJ Verdell who ran for 208 yards with three touchdowns. One came on a 70-yard run, the longest in Pac-12 Championship Game history. A second touchdown came on a 31-yard carry. Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said of his team, “I believe they outwork everybody. They are made of the right stuff.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham sought to see the positives despite such a devastating loss. “Obviously tonight was a huge disappointment,” he said, “But (that) doesn’t detract from the fact that we won 11 football games and were South champions two consecutive years in a row.”

Utah did finish with an 11-2 record with what may go down as their greatest senior class ever.

The Utes final game of this 2019 season is still unknown, but one could speculate between the Alamo Bowl, or possibly the Holiday Bowl or Cotton Bowl. Last year, Utah faced Northwestern in the Holiday Bowl and suffered a stunning 31-20 loss.

Despite a devastating loss to the Ducks, Utah still with one game left has sights focused on a final victory to cap off a well-fought 2019 season. Oregon will play in the Rose Bowl on January 1 against a Big Ten opponent.

The New England Patriots have a new face hitting headlines, head coach Bill Belichick‘s son, Steve Belichick. Social media picked up a clip from NESN on November 23 of an interview with the Patriots safeties and secondary coach. Why is this creating such a buzz? Because Steve’s mannerisms are identical to those of his father.

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Bill is famous for his dry, monotone and short responses in interviews, looking nothing shy of disinterested and offering very little information when answering reporters’ questions. And Steve showed that exactly. A straight-faced, stoic looking Steve provided very little to reporters, keeping up the mysterious image of the Belichicks.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Steve Belichick went to Rutgers University in New Jersey, playing lacrosse, as well as football, serving as a long snapper. He is in his eighth season on the Patriots staff, currently serving his first season as the team’s safeties and secondary coach. For three years, he was solely the safeties coach, and had spent four years as a coaching assistant.

The Patriots defense has proved to be quite dominant this season, placing first in fewest points allowed and second in fewest yards allowed. With solid starters in linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins, cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty, and safeties Duron Harmon and Devin McCourty, the talent runs deep and requires the highest level of play to get past them.

The Patriots (10-2) are favored to win this coming Sunday as they host the Kansas City Chiefs (8-4), looking to continue their reign in the AFC East.

As for Bill and Steve Belichick, “like father, like son” has never rang more true.

The Ottawa Senators have their own superhero in defenseman Mark Borowiecki. The alternate captain managed to stop a theft on December 1 ahead of the Senators game against the Vancouver Canucks.

He witnessed someone break into a parked vehicle in an area of Vancouver and then take off with a bag on a bicycle. Borowiecki stopped the man by clotheslining him, where he then wrestled the man to the ground and took back the stolen bag. Police are still on the lookout for the thief.

Twitter became full of compliments and praise for the Senators leader as people sought to express how amazing a player he is. Before Tuesday night’s game, Borowiecki joked, “I’m a mediocre fighter on the ice, but I’m very confident handling myself off the ice.”

He received a text of gratitude from the owner of the car who was surprised to learn he was an Ottawa Senators player. According to Borowiecki, she said, “I’m actually a huge Leafs fan”, in reference to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

From 2011-2013, Borowiecki spent time bouncing back and forth from the Ottawa Senators and the Binghamton Senators, the AHL affiliate team to Ottawa. Since 2013, he has played for the Ottawa Senators as a powerhouse defenseman and alternate captain and has earned the nickname “Boro Cop” for his physical play.

“Boro Cop” decided to take his physical style of play to the streets to fight crime and one lucky woman is thankful for this NHL superhero as there are smiles all around.

People on social media couldn’t help but rave about Borowiecki’s heroic actions:

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (10-2) have all eyes on them this week as they host the Kansas Chiefs (8-4) in Foxborough. Looking to advance to 11-2, the current first place team in the AFC East faces a tough opponent in Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs teammates.

But that’s the surface story. What lies beneath is something sinister in thought to most, if not all, Patriots fans. Are Brady’s days with the New England Patriots numbered?

The 42-year old quarterback has not had his most impressive season, as the Patriots offense has struggled and, for the most part, relied on a very solid defense. But his arm strength seems to be the same as it’s always been and his football IQ can not be matched. So, why would he leave?

Brady becomes an unrestricted free agent come early March when his contract ends. Throughout the years, Brady has taken pay cut after pay cut as his desire to win has trumped his own selfish gains. However, as the star quarterback seeks to play until he’s 45, one must wonder if the Belichick-Brady era is coming to an end. For the first time since 2000, Brady will have no owner, no boss, and no team.

The team has had every opportunity to give him an extension to last him until he’s 45, and owner Robert Kraft would love nothing more than to see Brady retire as a Patriot. But with this deadline approaching, Brady and agent Don Yee must hit the drawing board and request a serious sit-down with the powerhouse duo of Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick.

The issue now is how to allocate funds effectively in order to rebuild and maintain a great team whether or not Brady retires a Patriot. As quarterbacks around the league are seeing huge contract numbers, history shows that Brady should have the highest by far (had a deal been made much earlier than present day). Kraft now faces the issues of paying the almost 43-year old close to 18-20 percent of the cap to keep him in New England.

This will clearly take time to resolve, but for right now, Brady’s mind is on the Chiefs and buttoning up his offense as they strive to 11-2. New England is favored to win as they host the Chiefs December 8 on CBS.

On Monday night in Milwaukee, the Bucks handled the New York Knicks on their home turf on their way to a monstrous 132-88 win. With this win, the Bucks not only padded their 12-game win streak, but they also improved their record to 18-3 and now sit atop the Eastern Conference.

The biggest play of the thrashing, however, came all the way back in the first quarter of the contest. With a 7-5 lead early on in the first quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo caught a pass at the top of the key. Eyeing the lane in front of him, he took a hard dribble to his left with Knicks’ defender Julius Randle right on his hip. Then, spinning back into the lane, the “Greek Freak” rose up high above Randle and came back down with a vicious one-handed slam dunk.

“I’ve been having fun for a year and a half,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “My teammates are having fun. So, it’s nice.”

Antetokounmpo finished the game with a game-high 29 points to go along with 15 rebounds and 3 assists. Milwaukee also got a boost off of the bench from D.J. Wilson who accounted for 19 points and 5 rebounds. Randle was the leading scorer for the Knicks in the contest, posting 19 points of his own.

Antetokounmpo was also rewarded with NBA player of the week honors on December 2 for what truly was a monster week. Overall on the week, the Bucks went 4-0 and Antetokounmpo contributed 34.8 points per game, 11.3 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game, and 1.5 blocks per game. His week-high in points came November 25 against the Utah Jazz in which he amassed a staggering 50 points as the Bucks won a close one 122-118.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The Bucks will hit the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena. The Knicks will host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.