MacIntyre birdied the last six holes to card an 8-under 62 and take a three-shot lead into the second round Friday at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland.

Tommy Fleetwood (-5) made birdie on hole No. 18 to move within three shots of MacIntyre. Tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler sits in third place at 4 under par.

The BMW Championship is the second event of the FedEx Cup playoffs. The playoffs feature the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup standings. MacIntyre entered the tournament in 20th place.

BMW Championship leaderboard

1. Robert MacIntyre: -8 (F)
2. Tommy Fleetwood: -5 (F)
3. Scottie Scheffler: -4 (F)
T4. Rickie Fowler: -3 (F)
T4. Ben Griffin: -3 (F)
T4. Viktor Hovland: -3 (F)

BMW CHAMPIONSHIP: Full first round leaderboard

Robert MacIntyre finishes with six-pack of birdies

How’s that for a finish?

Robert MacIntyre probably wishes there were more holes to play Thursday because he finished on an absolute heater.

MacIntyre birdied hole No. 18 for his sixth consecutive birdie to close out Round 1. Those six consecutive birdies represent a PGA Tour career-best for McIntyre.

Robert MacIntyre finishing strong

Robert MacIntyre’s streak of consecutive holes with a birdie has hit five entering the 18th and final hole of his first round.

The strong finish has moved McIntyre into a three-shot lead.

Robert MacIntyre takes the lead

Robert MacIntyre has birdie three consecutive holes to take sole possession of the lead at Caves Valley Golf Club.

Through 15 holes, MacIntyre has registered seven birdies, versus two bogies.

Tommy Fleetwood moves into tie atop leaderboard after bunker shot

Tommy Fleetwood is attempting to rebound from a near-miss at last weekend’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he finished one shot behind Justin Rose and J.J. Spaun (Rose won that in a playoff).

Fleetwood moved into a first-place tie with Scottie Scheffler and Robert MacIntyre after a brilliant shot out of the bunker on hole No. 12.

Scottie Scheffler finishes Round 1 with clubhouse lead

Scottie Scheffler knocked in a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to take the early clubhouse lead with a 4-under 66 on Day 1 of the 2025 BMW Championship. Scheffler birdied three of the last four holes in the first round after taking bogeys on the turn on the ninth and 10th holes.

Scottie Scheffler is co-leader again

Make that consecutive birdies for the pre-tournament favorite. Scottie Scheffler just sank a second birdie putt in a row coming out of Thursday’s weather delay during the first round of the 2025 BMW Championship. He’s now tied with Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day and Ben Griffin at 3-under atop the leaderboard with two holes left to play in the first round. Course conditions have improved, according to the Golf Channel broadcast on site at Caves Valley Golf Club, with little to no wind present after the 2-hour, 13-minute delay due to thunderstorms in the area.

Scottie Scheffler birdie coming out of weather delay

Maybe the inclement weather break at the BMW Championship was exactly what Scottie Scheffler needed to get his first round at the BMW Championship back on track. He had three birdies on the opening three holes, followed by back-to-back bogeys at the turn, but just emerged from the clubhouse to birdie No. 15 and move to within one shot of the lead again at 2-under.

BMW Championship first round has resumed

The 2025 BMW Championship first round is back underway after a weather delay of 2 hours, 13 minutes due to thunderstorms and lightning in the area of Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mill, Maryland. There are 46 golfers still left on the course, so the leaderboard could still see plenty of movement over the next couple hours.

BMW Championship weather delay update: When will first round resume?

The thunderstorms and rain are clearing up at Caves Hill Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland and PGA Tour officials are preparing for the BMW Championship first round to resume on Thursday. Play is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. ET after some work is done on the course’s bunkers, according to the Golf Channel broadcast. If the first round goes on as planned, it would mean golfers sat through a weather delay of 2 hours, 10 minutes. The driving range is already open again.

Weather delay at BMW Championship, first round suspended

The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs will endure a weather delay for the second week in a row. The horn just blew during the first round of the 2025 BMW Championship with a ‘dangerous weather situation’ in the area at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland. Play has been suspended with most of the 50-golfer field is still on the course. Viktor Hovland the current leader (-3) in the clubhouse.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis also experienced a weather delay at the end of the second round that resulted in the round being completed the following day.

Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler surge up leaderboard

Viktor Hovland is the leader in the clubhouse at the moment after birdies at No. 16 and No. 17 helped him close out the first round with a 3-under 67. It was an up-and-down round with three bogeys on the front nine, but Hovland really got going after this remarkable chip shot for birdie at No. 12:

Rickie Fowler, meanwhile, now has five birdies (including four in the past five holes) to move into a tie for first place after barely qualifying for the top-50 field this week. It’s a crowded leaderboard with scoring much tougher than when the BMW Championship previously came to Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland in 2021 before the course’s recent redesign.

Scottie Scheffler stumbles, Rory McIlroy recovers

Just as soon as Scottie Scheffler grabbed the solo lead at the 2025 BMW Championship, he promptly coughed it up with back-to-back bogeys. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, has rebounded nicely a rough first eight holes with back-to-back birdies. He’s now even par in the first round, just one shot back of Scheffler, and two shots back of the lead.

Scottie Scheffler alone atop BMW Championship leaderboard … briefly

Scheffler had sole possession of first place for a few moments during the opening round of the second FedEx Cup playoff event after a bogey by Ben Griffin to close out his front nine Thursday.

Scheffler was at 3-under after birdies on three of his first four holes and then proceeded to card his first bogey of the round on No. 9 just like Griffin. There’s now a six-way tie atop the leaderboard.

Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele among big names struggling

It’s been a rough start to the BMW Championship for a couple recent major winners. Xander Schauffele has five bogeys through 14 holes and sits at +3. He’s in danger of missing The Tour Championship next week since he entered this week outside the top 30 in the FedEx Cup standings.

McIlroy, meanwhile, is having issues finding the fairway and it’s costing him on the scorecard. He sits at +2, which is all the more glaring with Scheffler leading the tournament and playing with him. McIlroy just saved par with a nice up-and-down around the green on No. 7.

Both golfers will have all four rounds to turn things around. There is no cut at the BMW Championship with a limited field.

Scottie Scheffler is now BMW Championship co-leader

Another birdie by Scottie Scheffler at the par-5 fourth hole has pushed the FedEx Cup points leader and world No. 1 into a first place tie with Michael Kim and Ben Griffin at 3-under on the 2025 BMW Championship leaderboard. Scheffler has three birdies in his opening four holes playing with Rory McIlroy, who is having issues finding the fairway on the front nine thus far. Griffin has risen up the leaderboard with three-straight birdies.

Scottie Scheffler is rolling early

The world’s best golfer has started off the 2025 BMW Championship with consecutive birdies. Scottie Scheffler is 2-under through two holes after finding the fairway and green with his opening shots of the tournament. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, has misfired a couple times, including a wayward tee shot at No. 2 that led to a bogey.

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy featured group tee time

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are on the course after teeing off at the 2025 BMW Championship. The two best golfers in the world are paired together in a marquee featured group for the opening rounds of the second FedEx Cup playoff event. It’s a potential Ryder Cup preview in McIlroy’s return to the PGA Tour after skipping last week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

Shane Lowry starts with three birdies in a row

Shane Lowry has grabbed the first-round lead after a third birdie in a row and none has involved a putt longer than 12 feet. The burly Irishman is clicking on all cylinders. Looks like there could be some low scores today at Caves Valley. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will be on the course soon.

J.T. Poston, playing solo, moves into tie for first

J.T. Poston has moved into a tie for first place with Michael Kim on the first round leaderboard at the 2025 BMW Championship after Kim’s first bogey of the day and consecutive birdies by Poston. Taylor Pendrith is also at 2-under through four holes and Shane Lowry has birdies on his first two holes to create a four-way tie. Poston is playing alone in the first two rounds of this FedEx Cup playoff event because he was the last man in the 50-golfer field and Sepp Straka withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons.

Michael Kim off to fast start

Michael Kim is the early leader after birdies on three of his first four holes playing alongside Xander Schauffele, who conversely began with a bogey on two of his first three holes. Kim sits at 3-under heading to No. 5 at Caves Valley Golf Club. Kims sits at No. 42 in the FedEx Cup standings and could play his way into the Tour Championship with a strong showing this week.

BMW Championship underway

Play has started at the BMW Championship as J.T. Poston has teed off at Caves Valley Golf Club. And golf’s second playoff tournament is underway.

Next up: Xander Schauffele and Michael Kim will tee off at 9:32 a.m. ET.

What time is BMW Championship?

The 2025 BMW Championship enters the first round on Thursday, Aug. 14. The first tee time on Thursday is 9:21 a.m. ET, with coverage starting at 9:15 a.m. ET.

How to watch BMW Championship: TV channel, streaming

The 2025 BMW Championship, the second event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, will be televised nationally on the Golf Channel and NBC. It can be live streamed via ESPN+, Peacock and Fubo depending on the time. Here’s the full broadcast schedule for all four rounds:

All times Eastern

Thursday, Aug. 14 and Friday, Aug. 15

9:15 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+
2-6 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo

Saturday, Aug. 16

9 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+
1-3 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo
3-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock

Sunday, Aug. 17

9 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+
Noon-2 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo
2-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock

Watch BMW Championship with Fubo

BMW Championship tee times, pairings

First Round – Thursday

All times ET.

9:21 a.m. — J.T. Poston
9:32 a.m. — Xander Schauffele, Michael Kim
9:43 a.m. — Kurt Kitayama, Thomas Detry
9:54 a.m. — Ryan Fox, Taylor Pendrith
10:05 a.m. — Lucas Glover, Sam Stevens
10:16 a.m. — Viktor Hovland, Akshay Bhatia
10:27 a.m. — Nick Taylor, Shane Lowry
10:43 a.m. — Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay
10:54 a.m. — Keegan Bradley, Maverick McNealy
11:05 a.m. — Ben Griffin, Russell Henley
11:16 a.m. — Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy
11:27 a.m. — Andrew Novak, Harris English
11:38 a.m. — Jhonattan Vegas, Rickie Fowler
11:54 a.m. — Harry Hall, Jason Day
12:05 p.m. — Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim
12:16 p.m. — Brian Campbell, Denny McCarthy
12:27 p.m. — Ryan Gerard, Daniel Berger
12:38 p.m. — Chris Gotterup, Jacob Bridgeman
12:49 p.m. — Sam Burns, Sungjae Im
1:05 p.m. — Hideki Matsuyama, Robert MacIntyre
1:16 p.m. — Collin Morikawa, Corey Conners
1:27 p.m. — Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood
1:38 p.m. — Justin Rose, J.J. Spaun
1:49 p.m. — Cameron Young, Ludvig Åberg
2 p.m. — Tom Hoge, Bud Cauley

FedEx Cup standings

Listed below are the top-10 finishers in the FedEx Cup standings. These are the golfers that have qualified for the BMW Championship this weekend. For a full list of standings, click here.

Scottie Scheffler: 5,456 points
Rory McIlroy: 3,444 points
J.J. Spaun: 3,344 points
Justin Rose: 3,220 points
Sepp Straka: 2,783 points
Russell Henley: 2,579 points
Ben Griffin: 2,555 points
Tommy Fleetwood: 2,433 points
Justin Thomas: 2,395 points
Harris English: 2,269 points

Hoops fans, rejoice!

Here’s the entire schedule for nationally broadcasted games for the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

*All times Eastern

Full NBA 2025-26 regular season national broadcast TV schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Minnesota Timberwolves at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
L.A. Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers — 7:00 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)
L.A. Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies — 9:30 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock (played at Arena CDMX in Mexico City)

Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder at L.A. Clippers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
San Antonio Spurs at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs — 7:30 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

Phoenix Suns at L.A. Clippers — 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025

Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Orlando Magic at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

Miami Heat at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)
Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)

Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)

Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock (NBA Cup)
L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock (NBA Cup)

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics — 5:00 p.m. on ESPN (NBA Cup)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN (NBA Cup)
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN (NBA Cup)

Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)
Dallas Mavericks at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime (NBA Cup)

Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. on Peacock
Phoenix Suns at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

New York Knicks at Boston Celtics — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

L.A. Lakers at Boston Celtics — 7:00 p.m. on Prime
Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on Prime
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025

Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Houston Rockets at L.A. Clippers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — Noon on ABC/ESPN
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder — 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors — 5:00 p.m. on ABC/ESPN
Houston Rockets at L.A. Lakers — 8:00 p.m. on ABC/ESPN
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets — 10:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN

Friday, Dec. 26, 2025

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Dec. 29, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Sacramento Kings at L.A. Clippers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:30 p.m. on Peacock
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Clippers — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio Spurs — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers — 1:00 p.m. on Prime

Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. on Peacock
L.A. Lakers at Sacramento Kings — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic — 2:00 p.m. on Prime (played at Uber Arena in Berlin)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026

Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies — Noon on Prime (played at The O2 Arena in London)

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks — 1:00 p.m. on Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers — 2:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks — 5:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
L.A. Lakers at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder at Milwaukee Bucks — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026

Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Prime
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on Prime

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers — 3:00 p.m. on ABC
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves — 5:30 p.m. on ABC
L.A. Lakers at Dallas Mavericks — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Portland Trail Blazers at Boston Celtics — 8:00 p.m. on Peacock
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
L.A. Clippers at Utah Jazz — 10:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

L.A. Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards — 7:00 p.m. on Prime
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Clippers at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Charlotte Hornets — 3:00 p.m. on Prime
Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics — 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Lakers at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets — 9:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, Feb. 2, 2026

Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026

Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026

Denver Nuggets at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Philadelphia 76ers at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Clippers at Sacramento Kings — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026

Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs — 6:00 p.m. on Prime
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Lakers — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026

New York Knicks at Boston Celtics — 12:30 p.m. on ABC
L.A. Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves — 3:00 p.m. on ESPN

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. on Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Dallas Mavericks at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Houston Rockets at New York Knicks — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder — 1:00 p.m. on ABC
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors — 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Boston Celtics at L.A. Lakers — 6:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Minnesota Timberwolves at L.A. Clippers — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

Houston Rockets at Miami Heat — 3:00 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Lakers at Golden State Warriors — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, March 1, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks — 1:00 p.m. on ABC
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets — 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, March 2, 2026

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks — 7:30 p.m. on Peacock
L.A. Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Lakers at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, March 6, 2026

Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves — 3:00 p.m. on Prime
Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder — 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers — 1:00 p.m. on ABC
New York Knicks at L.A. Lakers — 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, March 9, 2026

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on Peacock
New York Knicks at L.A. Clippers — 10:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Minnesota Timberwolves at L.A. Lakers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on Prime
Boston Celtics at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on Prime

Friday, March 13, 2026

New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks — 3:00 p.m. on Prime
Denver Nuggets at L.A. Lakers — 8:30 p.m. on ABC
Sacramento Kings at L.A. Clippers — 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder — 1:00 p.m. on ABC
Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, March 16, 2026

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics — 8:00 p.m. on Peacock
L.A. Lakers at Houston Rockets — 9:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
L.A. Lakers at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, March 23, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons — 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, March 28, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Milwaukee Bucks — 3:00 p.m. on Prime

Sunday, March 29, 2026

New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, March 30, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock
Detroit Pistons at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

New York Knicks at Houston Rockets — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Portland Trail Blazers at L.A. Clippers — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, April 2, 2026

L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Saturday, April 4, 2026

San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets — 3:00 p.m. on Prime

Sunday, April 5, 2026

L.A. Lakers at Dallas Mavericks — 7:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Monday, April 6, 2026

New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — 7:00 p.m. on Peacock

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers — 8:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 11:00 p.m. on NBC/Peacock

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons — 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder at L.A. Clippers — 10:00 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
L.A. Lakers at Golden State Warriors — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Friday, April 10, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks — 7:30 p.m. on Prime
Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets — 10:00 p.m. on Prime

Taylor Swift’s ‘New Heights’ podcast appearance drew over 1 million concurrent YouTube viewers, but the stream experienced a temporary outage.
Similar concerns arose with Netflix before streaming NFL games last season, but they ultimately delivered a smooth viewing experience.
A spokeswoman from Google confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that it was not a YouTube issue that led to the glitch.

Taylor Swift’s appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast led to more than 1 million concurrent viewers on YouTube.

The video feed on the platform abruptly ended about one hour and 45 minutes into the stream, which left many confused, since the show had a timestamp of more than two hours.

The issue was resolved, but with the NFL and YouTube streaming the Week 1 game in Brazil between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5, it begged the question: should the NFL be concerned about YouTube’s capability to stream a game to a worldwide audience that will command far more than one million viewers at once?

It’s not an unfamiliar situation for the league.

Last season, as the first-ever NFL games aired live on Netflix set for Christmas Day approached, the streaming service also faced questions about the streaming capabilities in the wake of the issues viewers experienced during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight.

Netflix had roughly one month to figure out the issues and largely aced the test, with hardly any complaints throughout the two games (and a Beyoncé live halftime performance).

YouTube does provide the NFL Sunday Ticket Package and many people watch the league through YouTubeTV. But those are premium, subscription-based services with a number of viewers the company – owned by Google – is now accustomed to. (The tech issues for Sunday Ticket during the 2023 season certainly irked fans.) The scale of the Chiefs-Chargers game will exponentially increase the viewership numbers compared to those products, especially since the game is free to watch.

A spokeswoman from Google confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that it was not a YouTube issue that led to the glitch.

After the calamities of the Paul-Tyson fight, Netflix addressed its issues in connecting its backup servers – utilized to account for the heightened traffic on the platform – with the countless internet service providers (ISPs) throughout the world.

Worth noting is that millions of people will be using YouTube simultaneously not for the purposes of watching the AFC West matchup, which could also strain streaming capacity.

The NFL would not have handed out exclusive rights to YouTube – financial terms have not been disclosed but its almost certainly in the nine-figure range after NBCUniversal paid more than $100 million to air the first-ever game in Brazil in 2024 on Peacock – if the league didn’t think the company could pull it off without issue.

Ultimately, YouTube corrected the ‘New Heights’ issue and fans had their ‘Tayvis’ moment. But come Week 1, the company won’t have that leeway.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford will have a workout on Saturday to test his aggravated back injury.
Stafford missed recent practices after experiencing discomfort following a previous workout.
The Rams held a joint practice with the Saints after the Chargers canceled a planned session due to injury concerns.

Matthew Stafford’s back injury is the biggest storyline surrounding the Los Angeles Rams this summer. Rams head coach Sean McVay provided an encouraging update about the veteran quarterback on Thursday.

Stafford will have a workout on Saturday, Aug. 16, McVay told reporters. The Rams coach said Stafford’s session is expected to be like the one he had last Saturday.

Stafford’s been bothered by an aggravated disk in his back that’s caused him to miss training camp. The veteran quarterback was supposed to practice in some capacity on Monday, Aug. 11, after his previous throwing session last Saturday, but he didn’t “feel great” following the workout.

The Rams quarterback will give it another try this weekend with the hopes his back responds better to the workout.

Stafford could be back on the field in relatively short order if all goes well.

The Rams host their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in a preseason exhibition. The Rams and Chargers were scheduled to have a joint practice on Wednesday, but Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh canceled the session because of injury concerns.

The Rams pivoted and conducted a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

No state does Little League baseball like Hawaii does.

Forget the bat flips. It’s deep breathing, hugs and visualization for the 11- and 12-year-old boys from Honolulu playing under manager Gerald Oda. This year Oda has led the Honolulu team back to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, site of the Little League World Series (LLWS), for the fourth time in the last seven tournaments during Aloha dominance.

Hawaii is the only state to have won four LLWS titles in the last two decades.

A team from Ewa Beach won the first in 2005 and a team from Waipahu won the second in 2008. Oda, meanwhile, has led Honolulu’s juggernaut to the LLWS championship in 2018 and 2022.

“I hate it because he’s so nice,’’ Randy Huth, who was manager of the Tennessee team that in 2022 lost to Hawaii twice by a combined score of 18-1, said with a chuckle. “Before every game he walks over and shakes every single kid’s hand on the other team and tells them to have fun. I mean, no other coach does that.’’

Of Hawaii’s players, Huth added, “They’re the nicest kids ever.’’

But the mystique of Oda’s program is about to be tested, with his team scheduled to play its first game Friday, Aug. 15.

It’s an issue of talent.

Of the 14 players on Hawaii’s 2018 championship team, 13 went on to play college baseball, according to Oda. Hawaii’s 2022 championship team outscored its opponents 60-5 and belted 13 home runs while going 6-0.

This year, by contrast, the boys from Honolulu qualified for the LLWS despite hitting under .200 while winning the four-team West Region.

“Nowhere near as powerful as those teams from 2018 and 2022,’’ Oda said. “We’re winning games in different ways.’’

Hawaii practices breathing? Yes

The LLWS titles in 2005 and 2008 proved Hawaii had ample talent. But in Honolulu, Oda has built a program with a unique approach.

“The first couple of years, it was about X’s and O’s,’’ Oda said, then explaining how he and his brother Keith, one of the team’s assistant coaches, began studying the mental game in attempt to understand why certain players thrived under pressure and others didn’t.

A new approach, designed to develop mental toughness, took shape.

“Before every practice, we practice breathing,’’ Oda said. “We practice affirmations. ‘I know I can do this. I’m all-powerful.’ Just simple things like that.

“In the beginning, the kids don’t take it seriously. But the more they do it, the more they get relaxed, the more they get into it. Taking a deep breath, controlling their breathing. And if you ever watched our kids play, you know we teach them this ritual.’’

The ritual takes place at home plate. In a personalized way, players signal to the dugout that they’re ready.

“To show us in they’re resetting (mentally),’’ Oda said. “Focus on being in the moment. Have fun, enjoy the moment.’’

Hawaii embraces the hugs

The motto of Hawaii’s team is “we is greater than me.’’ Or, as is emblazoned on the backs of their jerseys before the LLWS, “We > Me.’’ (LLWS rules mandate that only a player’s jersey number can be on the back of the jersey.)

That started in 2018, when a collection of All-Stars from Honolulu became Oda’s first team to reach Williamsport – and win the LLWS title.

“Even though we won the state tournament (previously), there was something missing,’’ Oda said. “You have all these studs, all these alpha males because they were the man on their team.

“Since then, we’ve never put their names on the back of their uniforms. Because we want them to understand we is greater than me.’’

In part to reinforce togetherness, after each practice Hawaii’s players must hug each other and say “I love you.’’

“In the beginning, of course, kids think it’s silly,’’ Oda said. “You know, it’s funny. But what happens, though, is that when you start getting in these tough tournaments or these tough games, they start doing it naturally.

“We noticed when you use anger and hatred as a way to pump up a team, you shoot like a rocket but you can’t sustain it too long. Whereas when it’s based upon the love, you can do it for the whole entire game.’’

Digging in

Joe Janicke is the manager of the team from Fullerton, California that finished runner-up to Hawaii in the West Region. He said Hawaii benefited from good pitching and fantastic defense but also noted its players crowded the plate.

So while Hawaii managed only nine hits in three games, its players reached base eight times after getting hit by a pitch.

“I don’t want to sound like that’s their thing, getting hit,’’ Janicke said. “But it’s no secret.’’

Oda said it results from the buy-in he gets from his players, who did not budge while following Oda’s instruction: “Own the batter’s box.’’

“Kids are afraid,’’ Oda said. “I mean, they’re 12 years old, you know? They’re going to be scared when they see that (pitcher) throwing that hard.

“But again, it goes all to that whole mental toughness thing, that whole being in the moment thing. What are you willing to do for your teammates?

“It’s not teaching the kids to lean into a pitch. But you got to dig in.’’

Oda said he and his staff continue to dig in, too.

“We’re constantly reading things, trying to learn new ideas,’’ he said. “We’re smart enough to know we don’t know everything.’’

Deion Sanders says he saw a homeless person watching a 50-inch TV under a bridge in LA
He used this example and a pot pie analogy to teach youth about perseverance
Sanders spoke to youth organizations for about 45 minutes in a discussion about ‘the power of purpose’ with BLK & Bold co-founder Rod Johnson.

Homelessness in the United States can be a divisive issue. Some cast blame on individuals for their lack of housing. Others want to help and solve the roots of the problem.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders had a different reaction to homelessness recently on a trip to Los Angeles. He saw an example of ingenuity in a desperate situation and found it inspiring.

“I just seen something in L.A. that I’ve never seen in my life,” Sanders said on a Zoom webinar Wednesday, Aug. 13 to a group of youth organizations. “I was there to shoot a commercial … and they were taking me to the set. And we went up under this underpass. And I seen like this homeless population there, and the dude had like a 50-inch TV. I had to stop. I mean, I ain’t never seen nothing like that in my life. First of all, how is the TV working? Dude, he was watching the morning news. … How?”

Sanders said it was a 50-inch flat screen television on top of a basket under a bridge.

“Blew my mind,” Sanders said. “And it encouraged me. Because I said, ‘If he can do it, we can do it. If he can do it, we can do it.’”

Sanders brought this up in the context of teaching lessons to youth on behalf of his coffee brand BLK & Bold, which he co-owns. To Sanders, this example showed resourcefulness in an environment that otherwise lacked resources.

Deion Sanders uses pot pies as a life lesson

Taking some time out of preseason camp for the Buffaloes, he spoke to the youth organizations for about 45 minutes in a discussion about ‘the power of purpose’ with BLK & Bold co-founder Rod Johnson.

In another lesson, Sanders told the audience he grew up in the “pot pie” generation, referencing the savory oven pies often filled with chicken and vegetables.

“Follow me now,” Sanders said. “Pot pies. See, I grew up in the pot-pie generation. The pot pie, you put it in there for 45 minutes. That’s what the thing say. They didn’t tell you when you take it out, you got to poke holes in it (to cool it). They didn’t tell you after you poke the holes in it and you take it out, now you’ve got to blow it for about five minutes until it get cool. They didn’t tell you all that. But it’s a process. But when it’s done, oh baby. You do all that for about an hour and 15 minutes and you eat the thing in four minutes. That’s a pot pie.”

Sanders said “that’s who we are.”

“They gonna poke holes in you, OK,” he told the audience. “They gonna try to blow your light out. They gonna try to blow it until it’s cold. … But then they’ve got to leave you alone for a minute and let you just simmer. And when you simmer and get that ready, now it’s time. It ain’t time yet. It’s gonna be there, though. For some of y’all, it is time. And it’s coming. I can’t believe I just gave you the analogy of a pot pie. … See, you can take the man out of the ‘hood but you can’t take the ‘hood out of the man. I’m still there.”

Sanders recently recovered from bladder cancer and bladder surgery in May. His Colorado team opens the season at home against Georgia Tech on Aug. 29.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

A former Denver Nuggets mascot is suing the team’s owner, alleging a violation of Colorado disability protection laws after he was fired following a hip injury.

The lawsuit, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, was filed Tuesday in Denver District Court. It states that 31-year-old Drake Solomon, who donned the Rocky mascot mountain lion suit for three years, wants unspecified damages from the team’s owner, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Solomon is suing on the basis of disability, retaliation and two claims of aiding and abetting unfair employment practices against his Kroenke Sports & Entertainment supervisors, who are also named defendants in the case.

Solomon was hired to portray Rocky in 2021. His father, Kenn, was the original Rocky, starting in 1990 and serving in the role for more than 30 years.

Solomon was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, during the 2022-23 NBA season, underwent surgery to treat his condition and was later told he would need a total hip replacement.

According to the lawsuit, the team then informed Solomon it would hold tryouts for his position because of ‘his record of impairment and their lack of confidence in his health.’

Solomon says in the lawsuit that he returned from the hip replacement only to endure a “hostile work environment” and that the tryouts for Rocky were being held because Solomon had “burned them last time.’

Solomon, who began his career with the Nuggets in 2012 as a trampoline dunk artist and member of the “Promo Squad, was fired, his says without cause, in August 2024. The lawsuit states the team later told Solomon he was being terminated because he failed to score first during tryouts. His termination violates his rights under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, the lawsuit alleges. 

A potential class-action lawsuit is also in play from the severance package Solomon was offered by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment when he was fired. Solomon says it is unlawful because the company presented other employees with the exact severance agreement.

.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will suit up for Week 1 after all.

According to reports, the NFL has set a Sept. 30 date for Rice’s disciplinary hearing for his involvement in a high-speed, multi-car crash in March 2024. That means Rice will be eligible to play in the first four weeks of the 2025 season before he faces consequences – potentially a multi-game suspension – from the league.

Rice would be the third wide receiver – and sixth player overall – to face a multi-game ban in 2025 if the league hands down a suspension as expected. The NFL fined Los Angeles Rams wideout Drake Stoops $93,334 and gave him a two-game suspension for PED use, and Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison will miss the first three games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

However, because of the scheduling of Rice’s hearing, the Chiefs’ presumptive lead receiver will not receive a suspension until after the first four weeks of the season. He’ll be eligible to play against Kansas City’s first four opponents in 2025 – Los Angeles Chargers (in Brazil), Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens – before the Sept. 30 hearing.

Rice missed 13 games and all but four snaps of a 14th last season after injuring his knee in a collision with quarterback Patrick Mahomes following an interception. He tallied 288 yards and two touchdowns on 24 catches in the four (three full) games he played in.

Say a prayer for the Dads, Brads, Chads and dildo throwers this week.

She lives rent free in these guys’ heads and they’ll never even know her address.

“You should think of your energy as if it’s expensive, as if it’s a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it. Not everyone has invested in you in order to be able to have the capital for you to care about this,” Swift said Wednesday night during her appearance on ‘New Heights,’ the podcast hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his older brother Jason.

“What you spend your energy on, that’s the day,” Swift said. “It doesn’t matter where you were. Maybe you went to go get coffee today, maybe you saw friends today. If you were obsessing over one thing that you saw — you literally saw some guy call you mid and you can’t stop thinking about it, dude, that’s the day then. That’s the night then.”

Swift is the most influential entertainer of her generation. Her Eras Tour alone grossed a record $2 billion and helped fuel consumer spending across the globe. A single line in one of her songs can spark an international trend, and her endorsement can turn an opening act into a headliner.

Swift also is, apparently, a very decent human being, giving her cast and crew massive bonuses and making large donations to food banks in the cities where her tour stopped.

But my God does she piss insecure men off.

When Swift began dating Kelce two years ago, she did what any normal, supportive partner does: She showed up for him, going to as many Kansas City Chiefs games as her schedule allowed.

And because she is the most famous woman on the planet and because she is often accompanied by some of her famous friends, Swift’s presence creates something of a frenzy. Cameras are waiting when she enters the stadium and she’s often shown on the broadcast if Kelce makes a big play.

It’s no different than the time or 20 Spike Lee is shown when he’s at a New York Knicks game. Or Eminem ending up on the Jumbotron (and the playlist) when he’s cheering on his beloved Detroit Lions. For famous men, though, their fandom is something to be appreciated and respected.

For Swift, the knives are out.

Some fans, and they are mostly male, complain that she’s “taking over” the game. They gripe about how “much” she’s shown during games, making it sound as if there’s a camera trained on her for the entire game rather than the couple-second glimpses here and there it actually is. (Also ignoring this is the broadcasters’ doing, not hers.)

They accuse Swift of being a distraction. They say the game is being dumbed down because the Swifties who are now Chiefs (and Eagles) fans aren’t “true” fans. Whatever that means.

One writer from the misogynistic swamp that is Barstool Sports even whined that Jason Kelce was overselling Swift’s appearance on ‘New Heights’ and predicting it wouldn’t compare with Donald Trump’s appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast.

Given the teaser of Jason Kelce’s intro did 10 million views in 16 hours on X alone, I’ll take that bet.

What they really mean is they don’t like some woman — a powerful and confident woman, at that — intruding on their male sanctuary. That same toxic attitude is why immature cryptobros are throwing sex toys at WNBA games. Sports is these man-babies’ man cave, and if they can’t drive women away from it with their misogyny and condescension, then they’ll make it as uncomfortable as possible.

The joke is on them, however. Swift is well aware of what these small-minded men think of her and she just doesn’t care, joking in the podcast teaser that, “I think we all know that if there’s one thing that male sports fans want to see in their spaces and on their screens, it’s more of me.’

“My business is making music and taking care of my fans,” Swift said on ‘New Heights.’ “I have ways of monitoring what they want from me and how best to entertain them, which is my job. Everything else, I’m just sort of like, it’s not my business. I have actual business that I need to run.”

The trolls and misogynistic miscreants can gripe all they want, and Swift will go on happily living her life. There’s no better clapback than that.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.