Now the Week Officially Begins with Former Auburn QB Arrested for Alleged Possession

Former Auburn QB TJ Finley Arrested for Alleged Possession of Stolen Vehicle

Former Auburn and LSU quarterback TJ Finley has found himself in legal trouble after being arrested for allegedly possessing a stolen vehicle. Finley, now a member of the Tulane Green Wave, was taken into custody on Wednesday in New Orleans for possession of stolen property valued over $25,000, according to Marco Cartolano of NOLA.com.

The arrest occurred after police responded to a complaint about a truck blocking a driveway. Upon running the vehicle’s license plate, authorities discovered it was registered to a different vehicle belonging to Finley. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matched that of a Dodge Ram reported as stolen in Atlanta. This discovery led to Finley’s arrest on charges related to the stolen vehicle.

In response to the incident, Tulane University issued a statement acknowledging the situation and confirming that Finley had been suspended from the football program pending the outcome of the case. The suspension leaves his future with the team uncertain as the legal process unfolds.

Finley, who began his college career at LSU in 2020, started five games for the Tigers, throwing for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. After transferring to Auburn, he struggled to secure the starting quarterback position during his two seasons there. He then briefly played at Texas State in 2023 before making his way to Western Kentucky in 2024. His most recent transfer to Tulane occurred in December, with high hopes of contributing to the Green Wave’s success.

This arrest adds to Finley’s growing list of controversies, which began during his time at Auburn. His history with law enforcement, combined with this new legal issue, casts a shadow over what was once a promising football career. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on Finley’s future, both on and off the field.

For now, the focus remains on the legal proceedings, and Tulane’s football program will wait to make further decisions based on the outcome of the case.

Megan Duffy Lands First Transfer Portal Commit with Purdue’s Big Ten Guard

Megan Duffy Makes Big Move, Secures First Transfer Portal Commit with Purdue Guard

Thursday marked a significant milestone for Megan Duffy as she celebrated her first full year as the head coach at Virginia Tech, taking over from Kenny Brooks. In her debut season, Duffy navigated a challenging year with a small roster, finishing with a respectable 19-13 record. While the team fell just short of making the NCAA Tournament—becoming the first team left out of the 68-team field—they showed tremendous resilience. The Hokies went on to play in the WBIT, where they reached the second round before being knocked out by Texas Tech.

Since that tough defeat, Virginia Tech has seen some changes. Three players entered the transfer portal, with Lani White’s departure being the most notable. Despite these losses, Duffy still has a few scholarships to work with, and she made a major move on Thursday to bolster her roster for the upcoming season.

In a significant step forward, Duffy secured her first transfer portal commitment of this cycle with the addition of Purdue guard Sophie Swanson. A sophomore for the Boilermakers, Swanson averaged 8.9 points per game this past season, playing in 28 games and averaging nearly 20 minutes on the court. The Illinois native showed marked improvement from her freshman year, making her a valuable asset for Duffy and the Hokies.

Swanson’s commitment is a promising sign for Virginia Tech’s future, as it adds depth and experience to an already talented roster. With her scoring ability and solid contributions to Purdue’s offense, Swanson is expected to be a key player for Duffy as she continues to build a competitive team at Virginia Tech.

For Duffy, landing Swanson is a major win in the transfer portal and a positive way to close out her first year in Blacksburg. As she looks to strengthen her squad further in the coming months, this is just the beginning of what could be an exciting new chapter for the Hokies.

Caitlin Clark Breaks Record with Thousands of Dollar Card Women’s Sports Card Sale

Caitlin Clark Shatters Records with $366,000 Women’s Sports Card Sale

Caitlin Clark is making waves both on and off the court, and she just added another monumental achievement to her growing list of accomplishments. The WNBA sensation, currently in her sophomore year with the Indiana Fever, has secured a place in history with the most expensive sale ever for a women’s sports card.

This past weekend, a unique and highly coveted card from Clark’s 2024 Panini Prizm WNBA collection was sold for an eye-popping $366,000 USD at a Goldin auction. The card, a one-of-one gold vinyl autographed edition, comes with an impeccable PSA 10 grade and a perfect 10 autograph rating. It not only stands as one of the rarest pieces of women’s sports memorabilia, but it also broke the previous record set by tennis legend Serena Williams. Williams’ card, which sold for $266,400 USD in 2022, was previously the highest price for a women’s sports card—until Clark’s stunning achievement.

This card’s rarity is truly unmatched, and its record-breaking sale highlights the growing demand for women’s sports memorabilia. Clark’s historic card, authenticated and graded by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), is now among the most sought-after items in the sports collectibles world. It’s a testament to her rising star power and the increasing recognition of female athletes in the sports market.

For comparison, in the same auction, a LeBron James rookie patch autograph card from the 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection fetched a staggering $1.16 million USD. While Clark’s card didn’t quite reach those heights, the sale undoubtedly signifies her immense popularity and the shifting landscape in sports memorabilia. In her rookie season, Caitlin Clark has already etched her name in history, proving that women’s sports—and the athletes who dominate them—are gaining the recognition they deserve.

Clark’s record-setting sale is more than just a number; it’s a milestone for women’s sports, reflecting the growing market for female athletes and the lasting legacy they are building. As her career continues to soar, there’s no telling just how high the value of her memorabilia could climb. Keep an eye on Caitlin Clark—her impact is only just beginning.

Virginia Tech Guard Ben Hammond Announces Return for 2025-26 Season

Virginia Tech’s Ben Hammond Announces Return for 2025-26 Season, Promising Bright Future for Hokies

Virginia Tech’s basketball program has received a major boost for the upcoming 2025-26 season as standout freshman point guard Ben Hammond confirmed his return to Blacksburg. This announcement is a relief to Hokies fans, especially after the uncertainty surrounding the roster earlier in the offseason.

Last year, Coach Mike Young was in search of a reliable point guard after Sean Pedulla transferred to Ole Miss, leaving a gap in the team’s backcourt. With the addition of Temple transfer Hysier Miller, the point guard situation remained in flux throughout the season. But it was Hammond, a former University of Rhode Island commit, who quickly emerged as a force on the court.

After joining the Hokies in May 2024, Hammond wasted no time making an impact. Despite a shaky start with limited minutes, he stepped up during the New Year and secured the starting point guard role. His growth on both ends of the floor was undeniable, and by the end of the season, he had proven himself as a key contributor.

Although his stats—averaging 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.5 minutes per game—might not fully reflect his influence, Hammond brought far more to the table. His court vision and basketball IQ were invaluable, especially in clutch moments. One standout play came in a dramatic win against Miami, where Hammond drove the lane and assisted Mylyjael Poteat in converting a crucial three-point play in the final seconds.

Hammond’s defense also improved over time, along with his outside shooting, particularly behind the three-point line. A career-high 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in an overtime win against Syracuse showcased his potential and his ability to make big plays under pressure.

This decision to stay with Virginia Tech is a game-changer for Coach Young and the Hokies. Hammond has the potential to become one of the program’s top players in the coming seasons. With Rechsteiner entering the transfer portal, Hammond’s return solidifies the future of the Hokies’ backcourt and gives the team a strong foundation moving forward into the 2025-26 season.

Broncos Honor the Life and Legacy of Former Linebacker Who Pass Away At Sweet Feeling strong

The Denver Broncos are honoring the life and legacy of former linebacker John Huard, who passed away on January 29 at the age of 80. Huard’s remarkable football journey spanned both college and professional leagues, leaving behind a lasting impact on every team he played for.

Drafted by the Broncos as a fifth-round pick in 1967, Huard played three seasons in Denver, making an immediate impression on the field. He started 41 of the 42 games in which he appeared, showcasing his skill and reliability as a key defensive player. Over his tenure with the Broncos from 1967 to 1969, Huard recorded six interceptions, a testament to his defensive prowess. In addition to his time with the Broncos, Huard spent a season with the New Orleans Saints and also had a stint with the Montreal Alouettes.

Before his NFL career, Huard was a standout at the University of Maine, where he made history as the first player ever inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. His incredible achievements on the field also earned him recognition as one of Maine’s top 20 athletes by Sports Illustrated, cementing his place in the state’s sports history.

Following his playing days, Huard transitioned into coaching. He served as an offensive line coach at his alma mater, the University of Maine, in 1974, before taking on the role of head coach at Acadia University from 1979 to 1983. Under his leadership, Acadia won Canadian National Championships in both 1979 and 1981. Huard’s coaching career also saw him serve as the special teams coach for the Chicago Blitz in the USFL and as a coach for the Maine Maritime Academy and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

Huard’s legacy extends beyond the field, as he was the first athlete in Maine’s history to be inducted into the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame. His remarkable achievements both as a player and a coach will not be forgotten, and the Broncos are proud to honor his contributions to the team and the game of football.

Raiders Make Bold Move, Sign Unstoppable Unrestricted Free Agent

The Las Vegas Raiders made a major addition to their defense by signing linebacker Devin White, a former first-round pick and one of the most dynamic defensive players in recent years. White joins the Raiders after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans in 2024, where he played in seven games, starting one and recording 19 tackles. However, his most impactful years came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent six seasons and became one of the premier linebackers in the NFL.

Drafted by the Buccaneers with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, White quickly established himself as a force on the field. Over his seven-year career, he has played in 83 games, making 76 starts, and racking up impressive stats. White has accumulated 585 total tackles, 23 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, and 64 quarterback hits. He has also recorded three interceptions, six forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and 21 passes defensed, showcasing his ability to impact the game in every phase.

White’s accolades include being named a 2020 Associated Press All-Pro and earning a 2021 Pro Bowl selection. He is one of only three players since 2019 to record over 500 tackles and 20 sacks, a testament to his consistency and dominance on the field. In 2020, White had a career-best season, posting 140 tackles (5th in the NFL), 9.0 sacks (tied for 4th among linebackers), and 15 tackles for loss (tied for 3rd in the NFL), helping the Buccaneers secure a Super Bowl LV victory.

Before entering the NFL, White had a standout college career at LSU, where he was a two-time captain and earned several accolades, including the Butkus Award and consensus All-American honors in 2018. He totaled 286 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in 38 games with the Tigers.

The Raiders’ signing of White is a significant move to bolster their linebacker corps, adding a proven playmaker with an impressive track record. With his leadership and skill set, White will be a key contributor to the Raiders’ defense in the upcoming season.

Virginia Tech Basketball Faces Major Offseason Shake-Up with Transfer Portal Moves and Key Commitments

Virginia Tech Basketball Gets Boost with Key Returnees Amidst Transfer Portal Activity

Virginia Tech basketball is facing an important offseason, with pivotal moves shaping the future of the program. After some uncertainty surrounding player decisions, the Hokies received some major good news on Thursday, as two key freshmen confirmed their return for the 2024-25 season.

First, point guard Ben Hammond, who showed promise in the second half of his freshman year, announced he would be staying in Blacksburg. His strong performance towards the end of the season highlighted his potential as a valuable contributor moving forward. This is a significant boost for the Hokies, who were in need of stability in their backcourt as they continue to rebuild under head coach Mike Young.

In addition to Hammond’s return, freshman forward Tyler Johnson also made his commitment to stay with the Hokies. Johnson, who averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in his rookie season, had a solid year as a starter, often playing key minutes. His career-high 14-point performance against Georgia Tech in January showed the potential he has to contribute on both ends of the floor. With Johnson’s return, the Hokies have retained another key piece of their core for the upcoming season.

While the return of these two players is a major positive, the Hokies’ offseason is far from over. The transfer portal continues to be a significant factor, and Virginia Tech will need to carefully navigate it to ensure they maintain and enhance their roster. With the 2024-25 season approaching, the decisions made now will have a long-lasting impact on the team’s trajectory. For the Hokies, keeping players like Hammond and Johnson in the fold is crucial as they build for the future.

Astros’ Jose Altuve Hits Shocking Strikeout Slump Against Twins

Jose Altuve Hits Unprecedented Strikeout Low in Astros’ Win Over Twins

The Houston Astros managed to secure a crucial 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, but the win came despite a rare and brutal performance from their star, Jose Altuve. The future Hall of Fame second baseman had a night to forget at the plate, finishing 0-for-5 with five strikeouts.

Incredibly, this marked the first time in Altuve’s illustrious career that he struck out five times in a single game, a testament to how consistently he has avoided such struggles over the years. This rare misstep stands in stark contrast to his usual excellence, showing just how special Altuve’s career has been up to this point.

Fortunately for Houston, the bottom of the lineup stepped up when it mattered most. Players like Christian Walker, Jose Pena, Victor Caratini, and Brendan Rogers proved to be the key offensive contributors, combining for a stellar 8-for-15 showing, with two home runs, five RBIs, and all five runs scored in the game.

While Altuve has long been a cornerstone of the Astros’ offense and defense, Thursday’s game featured an unusual twist. Altuve once again started in left field, a position he’s been more familiar with this season. Though he has primarily played at corner infield spots this year, he has appeared in the outfield in five of the seven games, with just one start at second base.

Despite Altuve’s rare struggle, the Astros were able to rebound and take the victory, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team. As the season unfolds, fans will be hoping this performance is nothing more than a one-off for Altuve, who has been a consistent offensive force for over a decade.

Former Virginia Tech Star in High Demand with Multiple Pre-Draft Meetings Lined Up with Top NFL Teams

Virginia Tech Star Jaylin Lane in High Demand as NFL Draft Nears, Meeting with Top Teams

With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, former Virginia Tech players are drawing major interest from top NFL franchises. Unlike last year’s relatively quiet draft for Hokies, this season is shaping up to be much different, with multiple Virginia Tech stars expected to hear their names called in Green Bay.

Several former Hokies are making waves in pre-draft evaluations, and one name that continues to stand out is wide receiver Jaylin Lane. A strong performer in pre-draft workouts, Lane has captured the attention of multiple NFL teams, positioning himself as a potential mid-round pick. His explosive playmaking ability, crisp route running, and elite separation skills have made him a sought-after prospect in a competitive wide receiver class.

Lane has been one of the busiest Hokies during the pre-draft process, meeting with multiple teams and securing additional visits as draft day approaches. According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, Lane has already held discussions with the New York Jets, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills. He’s also scheduled to meet with the coaching staffs of the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs.

His growing list of suitors includes both Super Bowl contenders and rebuilding franchises, showing that teams across the league recognize his value. The reigning champion Eagles and AFC powerhouse Chiefs could be eyeing Lane as a dynamic addition to their already potent offenses, while teams like the Panthers and Bears may see him as a key piece in their rebuilding efforts.

Lane’s ability to stretch the field, create separation, and deliver in clutch moments makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add a versatile weapon. With his combination of speed, reliable hands, and route-running precision, he has all the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level.

As the draft draws closer, Lane’s stock continues to rise, and his pre-draft meetings suggest that he won’t be waiting long to hear his name called. The only question remaining is which team will secure his talents and give him the opportunity to showcase his skills on Sundays.

Carolina Panthers Eye Game-Changing Trade for Star Cornerback on the Move!

Panthers Eye Bold Trade Move to Strengthen Secondary with Chiefs’ Jaylen Watson

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has made defense his top priority this offseason, determined to fix the disastrous unit that plagued the team in 2024. While the Panthers have made significant strides in bolstering their defensive line and safety positions, one area remains largely untouched—the cornerback room.

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, many expect Carolina to address this gap through their nine available selections. However, one analyst suggests a different approach: exploring a trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson.

Could Jaylen Watson Be the Answer for Carolina’s Secondary?

The Panthers have already re-signed Mike Jackson Sr. to play alongside Pro Bowl standout Jaycee Horn, but the team still lacks depth and playmaking ability at cornerback. Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes a trade for Watson could be a game-changer for Carolina’s struggling defense.

“The Panthers have a solid foundation for their rebuild, particularly on offense. However, the defense still has plenty of work to do. While the biggest concerns lie on the defensive line, the secondary also needs another playmaker. Jaylen Watson won’t fix all of Carolina’s defensive issues, but adding him would provide three reliable starters in the secondary and take pressure off an already overworked unit.”

Watson’s role in Kansas City is now uncertain following the Chiefs’ signing of Kristian Fulton to bolster their defensive backfield. While the Chiefs aren’t known for offloading young talent, Carolina’s front office, led by Executive VP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis—who has connections with Kansas City’s leadership—could make negotiations smoother if they decide to pursue a deal.

A Move That Makes Sense—If the Price Is Right

Morgan has been cautious about making big trades, but when he sees value, he doesn’t hesitate. While Watson remains a key piece for the Chiefs, every player has a price. If Carolina can acquire him without overpaying, they’d immediately upgrade their secondary while allowing their newly reinforced defensive front to thrive.

The Panthers’ brass, including head coach Dave Canales, firmly believes the issue isn’t with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 scheme—it’s about getting the right personnel. With no excuses left, 2025 will be the ultimate test.

Whether it’s through a trade for Watson or another acquisition, one thing is clear—Carolina will be adding another cornerback soon. If they can strike the right deal, this move could be a major step toward transforming their defense.