Lakers Bring Back Surprise Free Agent After Deandre Ayton Signing

Kirk Herbstreit, the well-known ESPN college football analyst, is doubling down on his belief that broadcasters shouldn’t openly root for teams on air. In a recent interview, he argued that overt fandom undermines credibility, especially in an era where media personalities often lean into bias for engagement. Herbstreit, an Ohio State alum, has long avoided showing Buckeyes favoritism during broadcasts—a stance that’s drawn both praise and eye-rolls over the years.

Editor’s Note: Herbstreit’s take taps into a bigger debate about objectivity in sports broadcasting. As networks increasingly hire ex-players and hometown heroes as analysts, lines between analysis and cheerleading blur. His comments matter because they challenge a trend where personality-driven, partisan coverage often gets more clicks than neutral analysis—for better or worse. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s a rare pushback against the "embrace your bias" era.

This week’s Friday Roundup is a mixed bag of headlines to kick off the holiday weekend. From patriotic celebrations to NBA drama (Dame Lillard’s exit) and Clayton Kershaw’s milestone 3,000th strikeout, there’s a little something for everyone. It’s the kind of grab-breadth update that keeps you in the loop without needing to dig through a dozen different stories.

Editor’s Note: Whether you’re here for the sports drama or just want a quick catch-up before the holiday, this roundup stitches together the big moments—both celebratory and bittersweet—that defined the week. Kershaw’s achievement is historic, Lillard’s departure marks the end of an era, and hey, it’s Fourth of July weekend, so there’s plenty of reason to tune out or tune in, depending on your mood.

The NHL's free agency period is winding down, but the buzz around restricted free agents is just getting started. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram is a hot topic, with rumors swirling that the St. Louis Blues could be the Western Conference team most likely to pursue him via an offer sheet.

Editor’s Note: While big-name unrestricted free agents like Nikolaj Ehlers have already landed deals, the real drama might be in the restricted free agent market. If Byram gets an offer sheet, it could shake up the Sabres' plans and force them to either match or let him go—either way, it’s a storyline worth watching for hockey fans.

The Toronto Blue Jays just pulled off a historic first-ever four-game sweep against the New York Yankees, and it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The victory not only shook up the standings but also sparked some fiery post-game drama. A Toronto analyst took a shot at Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, adding extra spice to an already intense rivalry. The Jays are now riding high, and the baseball world is taking notice.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a sweep—it’s a turning point for the Blue Jays, proving they can dominate a powerhouse like the Yankees. The added jab at Kay fuels the long-standing rivalry, making it must-watch drama for baseball fans. If the Jays keep this energy, the AL East race just got a lot more interesting.

Veteran NBA star Al Horford, still going strong after 18 seasons, is drawing major interest as teams speculate about where he’ll land next. The Boston Celtics big man is reportedly weighing his options, with insider Marc Stein hinting at a likely destination.

Editor’s Note: Horford’s next move matters because he’s a respected, experienced player who can elevate a contender—or mentor a younger team. Even at 38, his basketball IQ and leadership make him a valuable pickup, so fans and teams are watching closely.