Ja Morant was in the starting five in Friday night’s NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Dallas Mavericks in Memphis, a huge boost for the Grizzlies after Morant injured his ankle earlier this week.

Morant scored 22 points, dished nine assists and had three steals as the Grizzlies thrashed the Mavericks to earn the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. They will play Oklahoma City in a first-round series starting Sunday.

Morant turned his right ankle with about 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter of a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. He spent several minutes on the floor and seemed to be in considerable pain. He was able to return for a free throw, but left the court for treatment. He returned in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 points.

Morant never went to the locker room, and the team said it was not planning to do X-rays Tuesday.

After the game, Morant told reporters: ‘I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different.’

The NBA playoffs begin Saturday.

(This story was updated with new information Friday night.)

LAS VEGAS — Some of WWE’s greats were put into wrestling immortality during WrestleMania 41 weekend with the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame.

A grand tradition that takes place the night before WrestleMania, the Hall of Fame ceremony serves as a time to honor those that made tremendous contributions to wrestling and became popular stars in the process. It’s an emotional night, from the people getting to induct their friends to those soaking in the honor of being part of the class. Five stars were inducted and, for the first time, a match was put into the class.

USA TODAY Sports provided the highlights from the 2025 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony, which began late in Las Vegas and in the early morning on the East Coast. Here’s the top moments from the induction ceremony.

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque

Shawn Michaels introduced his longtime friend and tag team partner and recalled how Levesque didn’t try to be a mega star the moment his career began. ‘He just wanted to be a wrestler,’ Michaels said. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ joked with Levesque’s wife, Stephanie McMahon, about how people always wondered how close they are.

It didn’t take long before Michaels began to fight back tears. He wondered why Levesque continued to be his friend, and gave him credit for helping him turn his life around from personal struggles.

Of all Levesque’s accomplishments, Michaels focused on the creation of NXT and how pivotal it was to WWE’s main roster today. Michaels recalled when Levesque invited him over to check out the brand in its early stages, and now it’s something he now oversees.

‘Buddy, I love you,’ Michaels said.

Of course, when Levesque came out for the honor, he had to share a kiss with Michaels.

Levesque was emotional from the moment he took the stage, unsure if he’d able to get through his speech. As he gave flowers to all of the people that helped his career take off − from family to fellow wrestlers − he had to take a step back talking about Dusty Rhodes. Cody Rhodes got emotional as well as Levesque spoke about what the Undisputed WWE Champion’s father meant to him.

Scott Hall was someone Levesque leaned on a lot during their time working together, and he also talked about the impact of Chyna. He focused on the factions he worked with from DX to Evolution and how they ignited a spark in him.

Last year, Paul Heyman took time during his Hall of Fame speech to credit Levesque for taking WWE forward. This year, Levesque took time to talk about Heyman’s impact, and ‘The Wiseman’ couldn’t hold back tears.

Levesque said he began to appreciate life when a health scare nearly led to his death in 2021. It led him to think about his daughters and wife and how important they are to him. He closed his speech thanking the fans and did the iconic DX slogan and his water spit.

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque acknowledges Vince McMahon

Married into the family, Levesque gave credit to Linda and Shane McMahon for their roles in his life. But Levesque also acknowledged someone that doesn’t get mentioned in WWE much in his father-in-law, Vince McMahon. The WWE co-founder left the company again in 2023 amid allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault levied against him in a lawsuit by a former female employee.

‘It’s a complicated story and a complicated relationship, but in so many ways, I would not be here without him,’ Levesque said. ‘He’s the one that saw something in me creatively.’

Levesque added McMahon wasn’t just a friend or mentor but part of his family as his wife’s father and his daughters’ grandfather.

‘When there’s somebody that helps propel you that far, you owe them so much. You taught me so much. What to do, what not to do. I’m grateful for all those lessons. I love you, Vince. I thank you,’ Levesque said.

WWE Immortal Moment: Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)

The newest addition to the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, the immortal moment was honored to Hart and Austin with an award with both stars’ heads on it.

Hart said he knew after the classic match how special it was. He remembered his thoughts as he went back in the locker room.

‘Might be the greatest match I had,’ Hart said.

Austin said the match was ‘basic and simple’ and credited the commentary team of Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler for bringing the match to life for everyone watching it. When looking back at the match, Austin said he almost teared up, so the only way to properly celebrate was to open some beers and drink. Pat McAfee joined them for the drink, and naturally, plenty of beer made it on their suits.

The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon)

The children of Earthquake spoke about their late father and how much joy his wrestling career gave to people, and how much he loved to look back on their careers. They expressed thanks for fans giving their father a memorable career.

Typhoon got emotional talking about his partner, and they truly were a close tag team.

‘He was my best friend,’ he said. ‘He was my brother from another mother.’

Typhoon dedicated the night to him and wished he could see this honor together.

‘Quake I miss you,’ Typhoon added.

Michelle McCool

McCool’s husband, The Undertaker, inducted her into the Hall of Fame, but he said he wasn’t there as the WWE Hall of Fame. He was there as Mark. He joked how McCool ‘chased me for months’ and how they met, but he then discussed about how she’s become the strongest person in their family. He also talked about her impact on wrestling today, stressing how critical she was to the opportunities women stars have today.

‘Her fingerprints are all over the women’s division today,’ The Undertaker said.

McCool took the stage and mentioned how her entire life changed the day WWE called her for the diva search, and how quickly it all went by. She told a story of how intense the Divas era was, and how it got them rewarded with the first women’s table match.

The four-time Women’s Champion gave credit to all of the stars she worked with, especially with her iconic tag partner Layla to form ‘Laycool.’ Despite being ‘total opposites,’ they formed a solid tag team − and she hinted they could perhaps still get in the ring.

McCool had an iconic entrance song that began with ‘you’re not enough for me,’ and she said how much she loved having it as her theme. She said whenever she heard it, it reminded her to stand tall and not let any people doubt herself.

Lex Luger

Diamond Dallas Page inducted Luger, and he talked about how he was with the inductee the night he became temporary paralyzed, and how it was a scary moment for him as it was life-changing event. Luger is in a wheelchair, but he didn’t need it when he took the stage.

‘I’m standing for this,’ he said as the crowd cheered.

Luger talked about how he never saw a future in wrestling, but how he fell in love with it and how the fans today now give him a new perspective in life.

When is WWE Hall of Fame 2025 ceremony?

The 2025 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony takes place Friday, April 19 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel.

WWE Hall of Fame 2025 start time

The WWE Hall Of Fame 2025 ceremony begins at 10 p.m. PT (1 a.m. ET).

How to watch WWE Hall of Fame 2025 ceremony

Date: April 18
Location: Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Time: 1 a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT)
Stream: Peacock (U.S.) | Netflix (International)

WWE Hall of Fame 2025 class

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque
Lex Luger
Michelle McCool
The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon) 
WWE Immortal Moment: Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart vs. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)

Who is inducting WWE Hall of Fame 2025 class?

Here is who will be inducting each person in the 2025 class:

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque: Shawn Michaels
Lex Luger: Diamond Dallas Page
Michelle McCool: The Undertaker
The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon): TBD
WWE Immortal Moment: Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13): CM Punk

LAS VEGAS — Some of WWE’s greats will be put into wrestling immortality during WrestleMania 41 weekend with the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame.

A grand tradition that takes place the night before WrestleMania, the Hall of Fame ceremony serves as a time to honor those that made tremendous contributions to wrestling and became popular stars in the process. It’s an emotional night, from the people getting to induct their friends to those soaking in the honor of being part of the class. Five stars will be inducted and, for the first time, a match gets put into the class.

USA TODAY Sports will provide the highlights from the 2025 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony, which will begin late in Las Vegas (early morning on the East Coast). Here’s what to know before the event kicks off.

WWE Immortal Moment: Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)

The newest addition to the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, the immortal moment was honored to Hart and Austin with an award with both stars’ heads on it.

Hart said he knew after the classic match how special it was. He remembered his thoughts as he went back in the locker room.

‘Might be the greatest match I had,’ Hart said.

Austin said the match was ‘basic and simple’ and credited the commentary team of Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler for bringing the match to life for everyone watching it. When looking back at the match, Austin said he almost teared up, so the only way to properly celebrate was to open some beers and drink. Pat McAfee joined them for the drink, and naturally, plenty of beer made it on their suits.

The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon)

The children of Earthquake spoke about their late father and how much joy his wrestling career gave to people, and how much he loved to look back on their careers. They expressed thanks for fans giving their father a memorable career.

Typhoon got emotional talking about his partner, and they truly were a close tag team.

‘He was my best friend,’ he said. ‘He was my brother from another mother.’

Typhoon dedicated the night to him and wished he could see this honor together.

‘Quake I miss you,’ Typhoon added.

Michelle McCool

McCool’s husband, The Undertaker, inducted her into the Hall of Fame, but he said he wasn’t there as the WWE Hall of Fame. He was there as Mark. He joked how McCool ‘chased me for months’ and how they met, but he then discussed about how she’s become the strongest person in their family. He also talked about her impact on wrestling today, stressing how critical she was to the opportunities women stars have today.

‘Her fingerprints are all over the women’s division today,’ The Undertaker said.

McCool took the stage and mentioned how her entire life changed the day WWE called her for the diva search, and how quickly it all went by. She told a story of how intense the Divas era was, and how it got them rewarded with the first women’s table match.

The four-time Women’s Champion gave credit to all of the stars she worked with, especially with her iconic tag partner Layla to form ‘Laycool.’ Despite being ‘total opposites,’ they formed a solid tag team − and she hinted they could perhaps still get in the ring.

McCool had an iconic entrance song that began with ‘you’re not enough for me,’ and she said how much she loved having it as her theme. She said whenever she heard it, it reminded her to stand tall and not let any people doubt herself.

Lex Luger

Diamond Dallas Page inducted Luger, and he talked about how he was with the inductee the night he became temporary paralyzed, and how it was a scary moment for him as it was life-changing event. Luger is in a wheelchair, but he didn’t need it when he took the stage.

‘I’m standing for this,’ he said as the crowd cheered.

Luger talked about how he never saw a future in wrestling, but how he fell in love with it and how the fans today now give him a new perspective in life.

When is WWE Hall of Fame 2025 ceremony?

The 2025 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony takes place Friday, April 19 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel.

WWE Hall of Fame 2025 start time

The WWE Hall Of Fame 2025 ceremony begins at 10 p.m. PT (1 a.m. ET).

How to watch WWE Hall of Fame 2025 ceremony

Date: April 18
Location: Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Time: 1 a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT)
Stream: Peacock (U.S.) | Netflix (International)

WWE Hall of Fame 2025 class

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque
Lex Luger
Michelle McCool
The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon) 
WWE Immortal Moment: Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart vs. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)

Who is inducting WWE Hall of Fame 2025 class?

Here is who will be inducting each person in the 2025 class:

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque: Shawn Michaels
Lex Luger: Diamond Dallas Page
Michelle McCool: The Undertaker
The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon): TBD
WWE Immortal Moment: Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13): CM Punk

LAS VEGAS — WWE has taken over Sin City and laid out a buffet-style weekend, but before we get to the main course, the appetizer was served Friday night to raise the excitement.

SmackDown took place Friday, the final show before WrestleMania 41, offering stars competing in the spectacle one last chance to make a statement before the wrestling world turns its attention to Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

Headlining SmackDown was John Cena, who appeared in front of the crowd ahead of his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes. There were matches as well, including the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. A WWE Tag Team Championship match was also held.

USA TODAY Sports has the highlights and results from the final SmackDown before WrestleMania:

Cody Rhodes and John Cena face off

The two stars in the main event of WrestleMania 41 made their grand entrances to a raucous response from the crowd. Cena spoke about his WrestleMania history and how his farewell tour is unprecedented, mostly because every wrestler is a loser. He said he doesn’t need WWE and he’s taking everything away from it at WrestleMania.

Cena admitted when he won at Elimination Chamber, he didn’t think he could beat Rhodes. But when Rhodes denied The Rock, it made it easy for him because the champion chose the fans over winning.

‘Sunday, in order to beat me, you’re going to have to choose. Do you do what they think is right, or do you win?’ Cena told Rhodes.

The crowd booed Rhodes as he tried to speak and Cena tried to use it to support his point, but Rhodes didn’t hold back. He said Cena is overrated, went scorched Earth on his character and delivered the one sentence that has haunted Cena his entire career.

‘It is 2025 and you still can’t wrestle,’ Rhodes said.

Cena then tried to go for the Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes countered it and delivered a Cross Rhodes to him. He stood over Cena and hoisted the Undisputed WWE Championship in the air, ready for Sunday night.

Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee vs. American Made

The high-flying luchadors had their hands full early on with American Made getting the upper hand early. The group neutralized any big moves the trio tried pulling off early, allowing their collective power and technical abilities to gain control. Lee got dealt most of the attacks, but he was able to get a tag in to Fenix to get his side going.

Fenix one-by-one dealt with the Creed Brothers and Chad Gable, allowing Lee time to rest. The two were able to get in sync and get the job done for the victory. However, not all was good as Mysterio had to be assisted out of the ring with a lower body injury.

Analysis: The biggest story now is if Mysterio will be good to go for WrestleMania. During the match, medical staff attended to him, appearing to hold his right knee. It’s unknown how serious the injury is, but it would be a devastating blow for the WWE Hall of Famer to suffer a significant injury just one day before his match with El Grande Americano.

LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa

Trying to get rid of any possible help Jacob Fatu could have at WrestleMania, LA Knight tried to get the action going before Sikoa made it down the ramp. It didn’t work and Sikoa dragged him into the ring with an early advantage.

Sikoa dominated for a lengthy time period, using his sheer strength to punish the United States Champion. LA Knight would try to get a shot in, but it was swiftly met with counter attacks from Sikoa. It took consistent shots and a clothesline from LA Knight to finally get on offense, but Fatu emerged to put a quick stop to that and end the match in disqualification.

‘The Samoan Werewolf’ attacked his WrestleMania opponent before Braun Strowman came to help. Wrestlers were separated and SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis emerged to declare a tag team match take place. LA Knight and Sikoa started things but Fatu quickly got in to inflict more damage.

Tag team chaos ensued, but it was LA Knight and Strowman that emerged victorious. LA Knight got the pin on Sikoa after escaping a Samoan spike and executing a BFT.

Analysis: LA Knight gets some needed momentum ahead of WrestleMania with the tall task of trying to beat Fatu. The numbers game likely won’t work in his favor, but Strowman proved he could have some backup should it be needed.

Chelsea Green vs. Zelina Vega

Clearly frustrated with the cards handed to her, Green went for a quick knockout shot to take out Vega. It wasn’t effective, but it didn’t stop her from trying to dominate the match. The Women’s United States Champion even took the action out of the ring and used the barricade to her advantage.

Once they got back in the ring, it didn’t work out all too well for Green. She got taken up the turnbuckle and Vega threw her down in stunning fashion to pin the champion.

Analysis: There may be trouble in the Women’s United States Championship administration with Green taking the loss in the non-title match. Vega gets a major win and it could lead to a future title match.

Randy Orton speaks, seeks WrestleMania opponent

Seeking an opponent for WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens’ injury, Orton said he will show up Sunday at Allegiant Stadium with his full gear on, ready for match against whoever steps up. He said WrestleMania means so much to him, and he wants to give the crowd a memorable performance.

WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley)

The action started before the bell as the challengers snuck in with a shot on the champions. The match started and the Street Profits gained early control as Dawkins and Ford teed off. Shelley got some shots in before Ford retook control.

Sabin finally got in to help his partner and gain a rhythm. By the time MCMG tried to do some duo action, Ford was able to get Dawkins. By then, it was a complete back-and-forth battle with each team showing off the chemistry that puts them at the top of the division.

However, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa came out to interrupt the match. It resulted in a disqualification, but #DIY ran off with titles.

Afterward, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis declared all three teams will compete in a TLC match on next week’s SmackDown for the title.

Analysis: It’s starting to get really frustrating with the men’s tag team division on SmackDown. It’s been great to have some title-worthy teams, but what has made it tough are the several interruptions in championship matches, making it hard to get an actual title-holder. It’s a disappointing end to what was a good match, and it’s likely the reason why this match didn’t make it on the WrestleMania card.

Next week’s TLC match allows there to finally be a true champion, and it should be a thriller.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair face off

Ahead of the triple threat match on Sunday, Ripley said this year’s WrestleMania is the most important one of her career, given she lost the Women’s World Championship so soon before WrestleMania. After she proclaimed she’d win, Sky and Belair came out to give their two cents.

Belair said the same thing, but was interrupted by Naomi. She said Belair forgot about her once it was revealed she attacked Jade Cargill, and Belair said she wasn’t going to deal with the situation at this time. Cargill then stormed her way down to the ring. Naomi got out and pulled off a sneak attack on Cargill. It resulted in an inadvertent hit on Ripley. She and Belair then fought and Naomi and Cargill did the same. It escalated out of the ring and after watching the chaos unfold, Sky went on the top turnbuckle and took out everyone.

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

In 2025, Melo may not miss.

The early shenanigans started when R-Truth stole Carlito’s apple and not only took a bite out of it, but eliminated him in the process. However, Truth was eliminated soon afterward by Carmelo Hayes.

With a crowded ring, the eliminations were happening quickly as one-by-one some of the less-popular stars got thrown over the top rope. Santos Escobar tried to make a quick partnership with the newly-signed Rey Fenix, but it backfired with Escobar getting eliminated. Notably, all of American Made got eliminated in quick succession.

The size of the match dwindled after The Miz sacrificed himself for Hayes, leaving Hayes, Andrade, Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura as the final four. Nakamura and Andrade went to battle and Nakamura was taken out. Fenix nearly pulled off the win, but Andrade and Hayes saved themselves. Fenix looked to be gaining momentum again, but El Grande Americano came out and eliminated him.

Andrade and Hayes were the last two, the perfect final given the incredible matches they’ve had in the past year. They each landed some quality shots on each other before they both laid in the middle of the ring. They got to their feet and Andrade tried some tricks to get Hayes out. However, Hayes caught Andrade on the ropes and threw him over to take the victory.

Analysis: What a victory for someone desperately in need of a signature moment. Hayes has done some great work since his call-up to the main roster in 2024, but the opportunities have felt extremely limited. It felt like a young, talented and charismatic star was getting pushed toward the back of the locker room and Hayes’ potential would be wasted. Instead, Hayes emerges victorious and it should help him carry major momentum into the rest of 2025, possibly with some matches on premium live events and title shots.

Seth Rollins kicks off SmackDown

Part of night one’s main event, Rollins quickly went to talking about how CM Punk is wrong for WWE. He sat in the ring just like him, and threw shots about how he first went to a different company for his wrestling comeback because of the money. He added after Punk ‘burned that bridge,’ he came to WWE for the check. He also mentioned Roman Reigns doesn’t care about WWE.

With a long rivalry with Punk and Reigns, Rollins said the heat started because of Paul Heyman. Rollins explained how Heyman and several people pushed Reigns to be the face of the company, but he kept working hard at his craft. Rollins said all of his work paid off when he was ‘the shield’ to make sure Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.

Rollins said he will ‘lay it all on the line’ during WrestleMania 41 night one, to make sure the company ‘moves in the ‘right direction.’ He then took a page out of Heyman’s playbook in his preview for Saturday.

‘That’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler,’ he saiid.

What time is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is on Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

Where is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Watch Smackdown on Fubo (free trial for new subscribers)

How to watch WWE SmackDown

Date: Friday, April 18
Location: T-Mobile Arena
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
TV: USA Network
Stream: Fubo (free trial)

WWE SmackDown match card, scheduled events April 18

Schedule not in order

John Cena, Cody Rhodes face-off
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley).

When is WrestleMania 41?

Who is Randy Orton facing at WrestleMania 41?

Will ‘The Viper’ be at WrestleMania 41?

Thirteen matches have been determined for WWE’s big event, but there’s one notable omission from the card: Randy Orton. The decorated WWE star was scheduled to end a months long feud with Kevin Owens at WrestleMania, but plans went sideways when Owens announced he had a severe neck injury and needed surgery, resulting in the match being canceled.

Not only did the unfortunate news call off a much anticipated match, it was a big blow for Orton’s WrestleMania plans. Now with the event just days away, Orton is still without a match. Could something happen quickly to ensure he gets one, or will he be scrapped from the show?

– Read more about Randy Orton here.

WrestleMania 41 stage revealed

Nothing gets WWE fans more ready for WrestleMania than seeing the stage finally be revealed. This year’s set pays homage to Las Vegas hotels and the city’s iconic strip.

– Read more about the WrestleMania 41 stage here.

However, we need to be honest here. His appearance on McAfee completely, totally, without question confirmed what many of us suspected. Despite saying he’s not trying to hold the NFL hostage, Rodgers seems to enjoy holding the NFL hostage.

The glee of Rodgers airing grievances was noticeable. The glee of trashing his old team the Jets was obvious. The glee of ripping the media, his favorite target, was there as usual. Rodgers spoke of flying across the country to meet with new coach Aaron Glenn and how the meeting lasted 15 minutes. Rodgers made it clear he paid his own money to fly there.

‘That was kind of strange…,” Rodgers said. “I think we are going to have this long conversation. I’ve flown across the country and 20 seconds in, he goes and he leans to the edge of his seat and says, ‘So, you want to play football?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m interested.’ And he was like, ‘We’re going in a different direction at quarterback.’

‘I was kind of shocked. Not shocked because I didn’t think it was a possibility, but shocked because I just flew across the country and you could’ve told me this over the phone.’

Rodgers told McAfee the Jets’ only concern was how the information would be released.

“I don’t give a (expletive) about the messaging. Why?” Rodgers said.

Could the Jets have told Rodgers over the phone they were releasing him? Sure. But if the Jets had done that, Rodgers would have blasted them for not delivering the news personally. They weren’t going to win.

And the Jets were right to be concerned about ‘the messaging’ because they knew Rodgers would blab about the meeting at some point. They knew he would attack them, and that’s exactly what happened.

I was willing to give Rodgers the benefit of the doubt on the time it’s taken for him to make a decision, which is months-long now. But in the McAfee appearance, something was clear: this was the same old Rodgers. The man who has never met a grievance he couldn’t embrace. The media, the Jets, anyone on his bad side.

“I don’t have sources,” Rodgers said on the show. “I don’t have people that are out there pushing narratives. I speak for myself. And it’s been nice to be quiet for the last few months. It’s funny how in that time period, how the (expletive) narrative goes (expletive) crazy, right? When I haven’t said a (expletive) word.

‘So there’s nothing to say. I just laid out where I’m at. There’s nothing else to report. There’s no other reason to be continuing to talk about me at this point. So time to turn the page, all those people that have made a lot of money slandering my name. You know, apologize for COVID, say your vax status and keep it moving.”

See what I mean? Same old Aaron.

How difficult would it have been for Rodgers to say these things before now? He could have released a statement. He could have gone on McAfee earlier. He didn’t.

Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Free agent QB provides update about future

The reason he didn’t is because he enjoys this. He loves the fact that this year’s draft, in some ways, revolves around him. That he is a key to one of the most storied franchises in all of sports in the Steelers. He loves all of this so much. It fuels the part of him that always seems angry at something or someone.

Rodgers needs targets. Not just receivers at the end of a route but off the field. He needs something to lash out at. While simultaneously acting like he has no idea what’s being said about him, when he always seems to know in extensive detail.

There’s another aspect to all of this and it’s the black and gold elephant in the room. If you’re the Steelers, what about that interview is comforting? The Steelers likely have a full understanding of the personal issues Rodgers is talking about, but there is nothing about what Rodgers said on McAfee that is comforting.

Aaron Rodgers details Jets exit, frustrating meeting with Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey

‘I’m open to anything and attached to nothing,’ Rodgers said. ‘Right now, my focus has been and will continue to be on my personal life and that’s what I’ve told coaches, there’s still conversations that are being had. So it’s all been very honest lines of communication.’

Maybe the Steelers privately have some sort of promise from Rodgers (or close to it) but at least publicly, Rodgers doesn’t seem committed to any team.

Again, I want Rodgers to be happy. His family the same. Whatever issue it is to end well. We all want that.

Yet the other Rodgers, the Rodgers who lives off of what we think of him, even though he constantly denies that, is ever-present. That Rodgers never seems to go away. Though the questioning of Rodgers by McAfee and others was amateurish at best, it did help shed some light on that one thing and how it hasn’t changed. One giant thing in particular.

He likes to make teams wait. Make the league wait. Make the draft wait. Make everyone wait.

So we wait.

If the Dallas Stars are going to reach the Western Conference final for the third year in a row, they’ll have their work cut out for them as they open the playoffs Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche.

Coach Peter DeBoer said Friday that leading goal scorer Jason Robertson is week-to-week after limping off the ice in the final game of the regular season. But he said the Stars’ scoring depth could help the team overcome the loss of the 35-goal scorer.

Dallas added playoff standout Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline and also got a 20-goal season out of Evgenii Dadonov. Forward Tyler Seguin returned from a hip injury for the season finale.

“If you’re talking about an injury to a key, key player, we’re probably better able to absorb that in that position than probably some others,’ DeBoer told reporters.

The Stars, also missing defenseman Miro Heiskanen, are on a 0-5-2 slide.

Here are some other NHL playoff teams’ injury situations:

Gabriel Landeskog injury update

Landeskog hasn’t played for the Avalanche since the 2022 championship because of a serious knee injury but completed a two-game conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. He scored a goal in the second game of playing back-to-back nights. Coach Jared Bednar said he expects Landeskog to be ‘an option for us’ against the Stars.

‘He’s close. He’s getting close,’ Bednar told reporters. ‘Obviously, every day I feel like he’s getting a little bit quicker, a little more confident, a little more sure of himself.”

Matthew Tkachuk injury update

Tkachuk hasn’t played since being hurt at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Florida Panthers catch a break because their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning doesn’t start until Tuesday. Coach Paul Maurice said this week that ‘everyone is possible’ for Game 1. That doesn’t include defenseman Aaron Ekblad, whose 20-game PED suspension will keep him out until Game 3.

Leon Draisaitl injury update

The NHL’s leading goal scorer with 52 hasn’t played since April 3. Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said earlier this week he expected all of the team’s injured players to be ready for the series against the Los Angeles Kings, except for defenseman Mattias Ekholm.

Logan Thompson injury update

The Washington Capitals goalie left an April 2 game with an upper-body injury. Coach Spencer Carbery noted Thursday that Thompson (31 wins) is skating again. He said forward Aliaksei Protas (skate cut on foot) was progressing but wasn’t back on the ice.

Sixteen college prospects will be in attendance at the 2025 NFL Draft. On Monday, the league released a full list of the players headed to Green Bay.

The attendee list includes each one of the top six players off the board in the latest 2025 NFL mock draft from USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis – a group that includes Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter.

The number of players attending – 16 – represents an increase from last year’s total, when 13 players went to Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft. The 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City had 17 prospects in attendance.

Here’s the full list of players headed to Green Bay ahead of the first round next Thursday:

2025 NFL Draft attendees

Mississippi QB Jaxson Dart and Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams were on the initial list, but ultimately decided to forgo attending this year’s draft. Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston has been added.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

When is the 2025 NFL Draft?

The 2025 NFL Draft is next week, over the final weekend of April. Fans can watch the draft on ESPN or NFL Network.

Thursday, April 24: Round 1, 8 p.m. ET
Friday, April 25: Rounds 2-3, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 26: Rounds 4-7, Noon ET

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This story has been updated with new information.

Hundreds of players have officially entered the transfer portal since college football’s spring window opened on Wednesday, with none more scrutinized than former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

The rising third-year sophomore may end up as one of the cautionary tales of the early NIL era after his efforts to secure an updated contract with the Volunteers by sitting out of team activities resulted in Tennessee and coach Josh Heupel quickly moving on from last year’s starter.

“There’s no one that’s bigger” than the program, Heupel said.

Iamaleava is now on the open market as the top prospect currently available in the portal. The Volunteers will focus the search for his replacement on two internal candidates but will almost certainly end up adding a transfer themselves, potentially an established Power Four starter.

Let’s break down the top players available in this spring window, which remains open through April 25:

QB Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)

Iamaleava’s appeal is obvious. He has the experience of starting in the SEC after leading the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff as a redshirt freshman. He has the size, athleticism and arm strength to develop into one of the top passers in the Bowl Subdivision. It’s extremely rare for a quarterback of his caliber to be on the market, period, especially at this time of year. The scrutiny over his departure from Tennessee will eventually fade into the background, replaced by two more pressing concerns. One, Iamaleava put up the bulk of his production against the weakest teams on last year’s schedule and averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt against ranked competition. And two, his next program will have measurably less talent than the one he left behind, putting even more pressure on him to quickly deliver on his obvious potential.

EDGE Beau Atkinson (North Carolina)

Atkinson is only tapping into his own potential after pulling down a team-high 7½ sacks for the Tar Heels in 2024. He still needs to develop into more of a three-down lineman after being used largely in situational duty for North Carolina. But edge rushers are at a premium, so look for the junior to draw significant interest from some of the top programs in the Power Four. That Atkinson has two more years of eligibility increases his appeal.

OT Joe Cotton (South Dakota)

Offensive tackles are valuable commodities, too. Cotton turned into an all-conference pick in his two seasons at South Dakota and has the frame to compete in the Power Four from a physical perspective. The transition from the Champion Subdivision is intense, however, and Cotton may need time to acclimate himself to the higher level of competition. But there are few in the Bowl Subdivision without a need for additional bodies on the outside of the offensive line.

EDGE Elo Modozie (Army)

Modozie might be the most intriguing defender in the portal after earning all-conference honors for one of last season’s top defenses as a sophomore. He totaled 34 tackles and 6½ sacks for the Black Knights, who finished the year ranked fourth nationally in scoring. Modozie has the burst to be an effective pass rusher and the coverage skills to slide into the starting lineup in the Power Four.

WR Trebor Pena (Syracuse)

Pena is the top receiver in the portal after pulling down 84 catches for 941 yards and a team-best nine scores for the Orange in 2024. While the sixth-year senior can also contribute in the return game, he’s most valuable as a move-the-chains security blanket: Pena earned a first down on 16 of his 21 third-down receptions. This would make him a welcome fit at nearly any Power Four stop. One obvious destination would be Miami, which could make Pena the replacement for Xavier Restrepo.

TE Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin)

Koziol is a double-dip transfer who played last season at Ball State and joined Wisconsin in the winter before leaving the program midway through spring drills. (Another key transfer, former Idaho receiver Mark Hamper, also left the Badgers after signing in December.) Koziol had 94 catches for 839 yards last season, earning all-conference honors for the third time, and has the size and ball skills to be extremely productive on the Power Four level.

CB Julian Neal (Stanford)

Like Koziol, Neal left Fresno State for Stanford in December but will transfer for a second time following former coach Troy Taylor’s dismissal last month. The 6-foot-2 senior had two interceptions for the Bulldogs last season in his first stretch of extended playing time. He probably ends up moving to safety or into the slot in the Power Four, which would play to Neal’s size and willingness to attack the football while offsetting any concerns over his ability to turn and run with receivers on the outside.

EDGE TJ Bush (Liberty)

A lack of prototypical size held Bush under the radar as a traditional recruit but didn’t prevent him from making a big impact across two years as a starter for the Flames. He earned second-team all-league honors in 2024 after leading Liberty with 9½ tackles for loss and 5½ sacks. Bush doesn’t translate as an every-down lineman in the Power Four but would have value as an impact rusher with an infectiously high motor.

DT De’Marion Thomas (Vanderbilt)

The 335-pound junior fits a specific need as a blocker-engulfing nose guard in a 3-4 base defense. That’s a role he filled admirably last season for the Commodores, starting every game for one of the biggest success stories in the Power Four. While his style of play might put a cap on the number of interested programs, Thomas will have his share of suitors searching for size and experience on the interior of the defensive front.

WR Micah Hudson (Texas A&M)

The former five-star recruit had 123 receiving yards as a freshman at Texas Tech before transferring to Texas A&M in the winter. Back in the portal months later, Hudson’s recruiting profile alone should make him an attractive option for programs looking for immediate depth. But teams will also have to see Hudson as a bit of a developmental prospect given the questions over his ability to create separation on the Power Four level.