Trail Blazers’ Chauncey Billups to plead not guilty to sports betting charges

Chris Weidman has been replaced by Tyron Woodley as the opponent for Anderson Silva on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight scheduled for December 19 in Miami. The announcement was made by ESPN's Ariel Helwani, confirming that Woodley will face Silva in a six-round boxing match at 195 pounds.

Western Michigan University police conducted welfare checks on Marshawn Kneeland twice while he played for the school. Kneeland, 24, was found dead on November 6 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, shortly after being pursued by officers in Dallas. Concerns about his mental fitness to possess a firearm were raised by two WMU coaches in 2023, according to documents obtained by ESPN.

Joey Votto, the Cincinnati Reds designated hitter, is reportedly attracting interest from Major League Baseball's new media partners, including NBC Sports, Netflix, and ESPN. This development comes as MLB secures new media rights deals that will enhance the visibility of its players and games across various platforms.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without defensive end Travon Walker and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for their Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Walker's absence follows missed practices, raising concerns about the team's defensive strategy. This development poses a challenge for the Jaguars as they aim to secure a win against the Cardinals.

ESPN announcer Richard Jefferson has announced his intention to retire from the NBA broadcast booth, providing a five-year notice ahead of his departure. Known for his candid commentary, Jefferson, a former NBA player, has been a prominent voice in sports broadcasting. His decision comes as he balances his professional career with family life as a father of two boys.

A former Temple basketball player is reportedly involved in a betting scandal, highlighting the ongoing issue of illegal sports betting among college and professional athletes. ESPN has reported on the situation, which raises concerns about the integrity of college athletics and the NCAA's regulations.

The New York Liberty have appointed Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their new head coach, according to a report by ESPN. DeMarco, who is 40 years old, will take over the coaching responsibilities for the Liberty as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.

Yang Hansen's Summer League games have attracted more viewers in China than the NBA Finals, highlighting the growing popularity of basketball in the region. This surge in interest reflects the increasing engagement of Chinese audiences with the sport and its players. The Portland Trail Blazers center's performance has resonated well, contributing to this trend.