Stephen A. Smith: Dave Portnoy ‘ain’t demanding sh*t from me’

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed quarterback Joe Burrow on injured reserve, delaying his return for at least another week as they prepare for their matchup against the New England Patriots. In his absence, Joe Flacco will take the starting role, marking a significant shift in the team's roster dynamics as they navigate the challenges of the season.

Dave Portnoy criticized the SEC's late-season scheduling during the 'Big Noon Kickoff' broadcast, highlighting concerns over the prevalence of easier matchups for teams in the final weeks of the college football season. This discussion coincides with the SEC's transition to a 9-game conference schedule, which may impact future scheduling dynamics.

Dave Portnoy criticized the SEC's Week 13 schedule, labeling it as 'Cupcake City' due to several ranked teams facing non-power-conference opponents. This scheduling decision has drawn significant attention as it raises questions about the competitiveness of late-season matchups in college football.

Zach Lowe is set to join Amazon Prime Video's NBA studio for Black Friday, adding his expertise to the platform's innovative coverage of the league. This move has generated excitement among basketball fans who appreciate fresh perspectives in sports commentary.

Detroit Lions rookie Tate Ratledge did not formally request Thanksgiving Day off, despite speculation. The misunderstanding arose from a humorous piece published by The Onion, which was taken out of context. Ratledge is focused on contributing to the team as they prepare for their upcoming games.

Sheil Kapadia criticized Philadelphia Eagles fans for their harsh treatment of reporters, urging them to stop being overly sensitive. This backlash comes amid ongoing frustrations surrounding the team's performance and quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has faced scrutiny despite the Eagles' successful season record. Kapadia's comments highlight the tension between fans and media in the sports community.

Stephen A. Smith has clarified that his previous comments labeling New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye a 'liar' were made in jest. This statement followed a heated exchange on ESPN's 'First Take,' where Smith accused Maye of misrepresenting comments made by former Patriots quarterback Cam Newton regarding the team's performance. The incident has sparked significant media attention and public discourse.

Kevin Durant expressed a newfound appreciation for interviewers during a recent media day with the Houston Rockets. He acknowledged the challenges they face in their profession and emphasized the importance of their role in sports. Durant's comments reflect a positive shift in his perspective towards media interactions.