Joe Burrow Canceled Plans to Buy a Batmobile After His Home Burglary: 'Other Things That I Wanted to Deal With'

Joe Burrow Canceled Plans to Buy a Batmobile After His Home Burglary: 'Other Things That I Wanted to Deal With'

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty; Ming Yeung/Getty Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had planned to purchase a $2.9 million Batmobile replica before his home was broken into last December Burrow, 28, said there were "other things that I wanted to deal with at that point" besides the Batmobile Burrow confirmed the series of events in a new interview as part of Netflix'sQuarterbackseries Joe Burrowfamously had big plans to buy a Batmobile — but a high-profile burglary at his home last December prompted him to rethink the purchase. Burrow, 28, is one of three quarterbacks alongside Detroit Lions starterJared Goffand Atlanta Falcons starterKirk Cousinswho are featured in the latest season of Netflix'sQuarterbackseries. In the sixth episode of the series, cameras capture the moments Burrow finds out thathis Cincinnati area house was broken intoand he was robbed while he was out of town playing a game against the Dallas Cowboys. The incident happened during Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals'Monday Night Footballgame in Dallas. "Of f------ course this happened to me right now," Burrow says in an interview later on about the incident, noting that the 2024 NFL season had been full of ups-and-downs for him and the team. "When you're on cloud nine, something's gonna bring you right back down. It just felt like the kind of year that it was" Netflix producers then ask Burrow whether the home break-in was the "impetus to cancel" his plans to purchasea $2.9 million Batmobilefrom Wayne Enterprises, a plan the quarterback first revealed during HBO'sHard Knocksseries earlier in the year."Yeah," Burrow tells producers. "Yeah, that was, uh, you know, that's… I didn't end up getting the Batmobile because I had other things that I wanted to deal with at that point." Savion Washington/Getty Burrow had been in line to purchase one of 10 Batmobiles being sold by the entertainment studio as replicas of the high-tech cars driven by Christian Bale's Batman in the 2010s superhero trilogy. The Bengals quarterback made the revelation that he purchased the car during the Dec. 3 episode ofHard Knocks, which aired about one week before burglars broke into his Hamilton County, Ohio home. Burrow addressed the incident later that week while speaking to members of the media after a Bengals practice, telling reporters he didn't want to discuss the issue further. "I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one and way more is already out there than I would want out there, and that I care to share, so that's all I got to say about that," Burrow said. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Todd Rosenberg/Getty In the new season of the Netflix series, Burrow explains that his lack of privacy is one of the toughest parts about his job as an NFL quarterback."I just get uncomfortable when my life is very public and you know that comes with the job, but there's certain parts of your life that are yours, and your house is one of those," Burrow says. "When that gets violated and people find out where you live and all these different things, not everybody's failures at their job are in front of the whole world. It's a very vulnerable position to be in. I put myself in that position because I love it. I don't like the other part of it." The break in came amid a string of robberies seemingly targeting professional athletes, and two months after the Kansas City-area homes of Chiefs starsTravis KelceandPatrick Mahomeswereburglarized within 48 hours of each other. The string of robberies — which have also hit NBA players in Minnesota and Massachusetts, and an NHL star in Pennsylvania — may belinked to a South American crime ring, multiple sources toldABC NewsandFox 4 Kansas Cityin November 2024. Four people were later charged with felonies in connection with Burrow's home burglary after police discovered photos of them posing with stolen items from the quarterback's home, PEOPLEreportedin February. Season two ofQuarterbackis now streaming on Netflix. Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Joe Burrow Canceled Plans to Buy a Batmobile After His Home Burglary: 'Other Things That I Wanted to Deal With'

Joe Burrow Canceled Plans to Buy a Batmobile After His Home Burglary: 'Other Things That I Wanted to Deal With' Christopher Polk/Var...

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Sam Darnold Surprises Girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle with Beachside Proposal Followed by Dinner with 'All the People We Love'

Sam Darnold Surprises Girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle with Beachside Proposal Followed by Dinner with 'All the People We Love'

Bailey Ann Templeton|@baileyannoriginal Sam Darnold is engaged to girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle The Seattle Seahawks quarterback proposed to Hoofnagle at Dana Point, Calif. on July 5 Darnold previously said "the support" he gets from fiancée is "unbelievable" Sam Darnoldis engaged! Earlier this year, the 28-year-old NFL star became the Seattle Seahawks' new quarterback — and the good news didn't stop there. On Saturday, July 5, Darnold popped the question to his girlfriend,Katie Hoofnagle. The couple got engaged in Dana Point, Calif., according to their jointInstagram postannouncing the happy news on Monday. In the carousel of photos, the pair danced, kissed and embraced on the beach. Plus, Hoofnagle showed off her new sparkler. "YES!!!!!" the bride-to-be captioned the post, and later shared more details from the engagement in a series of posts on her Instagram Stories. Bailey Ann Templeton|@baileyannoriginal Hoofnagle — an account executive at a software company, per LinkedIn — took her followers behind the scenes of the engagement, starting with a snap of her "realizing" that "our house was filled with all the people we love." She later shared a collage of images of her embracing her loved ones, who traveled "in from all over," to be there when Darnold popped the question. She also shared a snap of a display at the engagement, which, alongside a black-and-white photo of the newly engaged couple, read, "She said yes." "Yes x 100000000," Hoofnagle echoed alongside the picture. Bailey Ann Templeton|@baileyannoriginal After the engagement, the couple had an outdoor dinner "with all of our people," per Hoofnagle. In one photo from the special meal, her dad appeared to make a toast. In another, she and Darnold stood, arms wrapped around each other, as their loved ones raised glasses to them. The special day concluded with a cake that read, "Just engaged" alongside a gold band made of icing, per Hoofnagle's photos. "The end!" she wrote. "Best day EVER!!" Darnold and Hoofnagle have been dating since at least 2023, per the couple's Instagram. In a recent tributepostcelebrating the quarterback's 28th birthday, the bride-to-be wrote, "Amidst the chaos of our everyday lives, every day spent with you is filled with an abundance of peace, laughter, presence, joy, and love." Bailey Ann Templeton|@baileyannoriginal Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Here's to another trip around the sun sharing good meals, good music, and good company," she continued. "Happy 28th birthday to my better half, I love you more 🤍." Hoofnagle also shared atributeto the athlete in February, after the couple attended the annual NFL Honors in New Orleans together. Bailey Ann Templeton|@baileyannoriginal "Such a fun night to close out your 7th year in the league!" she wrote alongside a snap of the pair. "I'm proud of you for all that you've accomplished, but I'm prouder of the person that you are and continue to be. thanks for letting me be a part of your journey, Sam. standing by your side is a blessing that I'll never take for granted. LFG #14!" In a March interview withUs Weekly, the quarterback raved about Hoofnagle, telling the outlet that "the support" he gets from her is "unbelievable." "She's a former athlete herself, and just gets kind of the grind of everything," he added. "When I just want to chill, she's very up for that, especially during the season." Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Sam Darnold Surprises Girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle with Beachside Proposal Followed by Dinner with 'All the People We Love'

Sam Darnold Surprises Girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle with Beachside Proposal Followed by Dinner with 'All the People We Love' Bailey Ann...

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Georgia Republican Burt Jones finally enters the 2026 governor's race

Georgia Republican Burt Jones finally enters the 2026 governor's race

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Republican Burt Jones made his long-telegraphed entry into the 2026 governor's race on Tuesday, touting his ties withPresident Donald Trumpand pledging to eliminate Georgia's state income tax in acampaign video. "I don't back down from tough fights — I step up to deliver results — and that's exactly what I'll continue doing as governor," Jones said in a statement. He joinsAttorney General Chris Carramong the top GOP candidates in the race to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp, who can't run again because of term limits. Other Republican candidates who could enter the race include Secretary of StateBrad Raffenspergerand U.S. Rep.Marjorie Taylor Greene. Republicans are trying to hold onto a governor's chair that they have won in every election since 2002, even as Georgia has elected two Democratic U.S. senators and has become among the nation's most competitive states at the presidential level. Democrats seeking to end that dominance include former Atlanta MayorKeisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen.Jason Estevesand state Rep.Derrick Jackson. Jones was among the first Republicans in Georgia to endorseDonald Trumpbefore the 2016 election. He was one of16 state Republicanswho signed certificates stating that Trump had won Georgia and declaring themselves the state's "duly elected and qualified" electors even though Democrat Joe Biden had been declared the state's winner. Jones alsopushed for a special sessionin Georgia aimed at overturning Biden's narrow win in the state. Prosecutors considered filing criminal charges against Jones, butrejected the move, concluding Jones did not act with criminal intent. Jones touted that peril as proof that he is an authentic supporter of Trump in a speech at the state Republican convention last month in Dalton. "I've been the Trump guy since 2015, not '16," Jones said. "I've taken all the battle scars and everything else. I know who ran and hid during 2020 and everything else. The circle is small." Carr and Raffensperger both have taken fire from Trump over their refusal to back moves to overturn the 2020 election. However,if Greene enters the race, it could scramble the race for Trump's core voters in the primary. As lieutenant governor, Jones has presided over a heavily Republican state Senate that has pursued anaggressive brandof conservative policy that has often been watered down or rejected by the more moderate state House. Democrats say they will make that sharp-edged right-wing agenda an issue in the race. "Jones' partisan, disastrous record could not be more out-of-touch with Georgians " Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe said in a statement Tuesday. But Jones has also pursued a set of initiatives aimed at children and families that could have more appeal to the broader electorate, including a substantialchild tax creditthat Kemp signed into law this year. "What do I call all that we've accomplished together? Just a start," Jones said in the video. "Because our work's not done yet. And that's why I'm running for governor." Jones pledged to "completely eliminate the state income tax," said he would seek the death penalty for people illegally selling the drug fentanyl, and touted his support for maintaining Georgia's ban on transgender girls in girls' sports. The 46-year-old Jones is heir to a large petroleum distribution business and founder of an insurance agency. He lives in Jackson, southeast of Atlanta, and served 10 years in the state Senate before winning election as lieutenant governor in 2022. His family money could help finance his campaign, as could $14 million that Jones said he has raised for his leadership committee as lieutenant governor. That unusual fundraising vehicle allows Jones to raise unlimited campaign contributions, even while legislators are meeting. Most other officials, including Carr, can only raise limited amounts and can't cash checks during legislative sessions. Carr's campaignhas already signaledit will renewcourt challengesto leadership committees if Jones tries to spend that cash on the governor's race. Jones hopes that money, as well as his Trump ties, will help cast him as the front-runner. But although Jones and Carr have differences, they both are making the same appeal, that Georgians should continue electing Republicans to run things. "We've had a great run here in this state, and there's nothing but opportunity in front of us," Jones said at the Republican convention. "But we've got to keep good leadership."

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Georgia Republican Burt Jones finally enters the 2026 governor's race

Georgia Republican Burt Jones finally enters the 2026 governor's race ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Republican Burt Jones made his long-telegra...

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The question after Trump dictated tariffs for 14 countries: Where are the deals?

The question after Trump dictated tariffs for 14 countries: Where are the deals?

Markets and economic observersnavigated another day of Trump trade activityTuesday with the growing question being when long-promised deals would materialize. Trump began the weekpromising a mix of"Letters, and/or Deals," but with only the former in evidence so far after multiple days of promises and theunilateral declarations of tariffsto 14 countries that came Monday. The focus on letters continued on Tuesday morning with Trump promising more letters "today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time" while also underling the firmness of his August 1 deadlinethat he implemented Monday by executive order. "No extensions will be granted," hewrote on Truth Social. Trump has pledged 25% duties on South Korea and Japan on that date with some rates as high as 40% on other nations in numbers that closely tracked rates that were first promised in April (and rattled stocks at the time). What's been left out so far are deal announcements with Trump Monday evening not sounding like a promised flurry of deals to lower rates are in the offing — at least in the next few days. "We're close to making a deal with India," the presidentsaid during dinnerwith Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before immediately adding, "Others we've met with and we don't think we're going to be able to make a deal, so we just send them a letter." The commentary is likely in part a negotiating ploy from the president, as there is ample evidence that negotiations with both India and the EU are making progress. But it raised the question for markets as to whether this week will end up being more notable for market-unfriendly moves instead of a mix of proverbial carrots — in the form of deals to lower rates from April levels — and sticks. Read more:The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs The overall context, as Ed Mills of Raymond James put it, could be that markets will have to contend with "a near-term trade escalation" in the coming days as negotiation timelines shift toward the end of the month. That will "continue to drive trade-related market uncertainty given the shifting deadlines." "We read Trump's choice to reiterate the threat of Liberation Day numbers as a hawkish signal," Tobin Marcus of Wolfe Research added in another note. "Investors might just totally discount these threats," he added, "but it's not hard for us to imagine some of these tariffs taking effect." Trump's comments appeared to undercut some of his aides — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said just hours earlier on CNBC, "We are going to have several announcements in the next 48 hours" — but evidence remained ample that progress could be announced in the coming hours and days. Of the top 10 US trading partners — which make up about 75% of US trade — seven are not expected to see additional developments this week. Canada, Mexico, and China are on different timelines. Vietnam and the UK have already reached agreements. South Korea and Japan received their letters this week. That leaves India, the EU, and Taiwan. India and the EU appear far and away the most likely to strike a deal. Multiple reports on Monday and Tuesday suggested that Europe is close to an agreement that could include holding a tariff rate of 10% with some carveouts for things like aircraft and alcohol,according to Bloomberg. Read more:What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet The other closely watched negotiation is with India, which reportedly said it has made its final offer andthat a deal is in Trump's hands. Greta M. Peisch, an international trade lawyer who worked in Biden's trade office and is now at a firm called Wiley Rein, said the signals so far around India this week suggest "there is progress being made, but not quite enough yet to announce a deal." She added that India is in a different position than other countries like South Korea and Japan in that they came into the talks with more trade barriers up so "they just have more options" when it comes to hammering out a deal. Trump perhaps inadvertently offered optimism on that front Monday evening when he first said, "We made a deal," before catching himself and saying, "We're close to making a deal with India." The outcome of these discussions this week and month also comes with plenty of economic and market stakes. Tuesday morning, the Yale Budget Lab reviewed Trump's first round of letters sent Monday and calculated that, if he follows through, the overall average effective tariff rate would be 17.6% — the highest since 1934. Market watchers have also suggested that the announcement of deals could help stabilize marketsafter a down day on Monday. Terry Haines of Pangaea Policy said on Monday that the initial market downturn could even out if deals are announced. "Quickly following this shallow dip is very likely to be multiple trade deals upside by midweek," he wrote, adding, "Watch particularly for a phase 1 US-India deal." This story has been updated with additional developments. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

The question after Trump dictated tariffs for 14 countries: Where are the deals?

The question after Trump dictated tariffs for 14 countries: Where are the deals? Markets and economic observersnavigated another day of Trum...

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Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

PARIS (AP) —Kylian Mbappéhas dropped the legal proceedings he started this year againstParis Saint-Germainfor moral harassment, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press. The Paris prosecutor's office last month said Mbappé accused the club in a legal filing, and opened an investigation. A person close to the France captain said on Tuesday that Mbappé's decision to end that legal procedure was linked to a desire for reconciliation with his former club. The person was not authorized to speak publicly in line with the practice of Mbappé's entourage. The France captain is at odds with his former club,arguing PSG owes him 55 million euros($61 million) in unpaid wages. The person said the end of the criminal proceedings does not affect that ongoing procedure before an industrial tribunal. When he accusedParis Saint-Germainof moral harassment this spring, Mbappé denounced the 'lofting' he claimed to have been subjected to at the club. The word lofting is used in France to describe a practice that involves isolating a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons. Mbappé was unhappy with the way he was treated by the Ligue 1 club when he was sidelined before the 2023-24 season, following his decision not to extend his club contract. But according to his entourage, relations between Mbappé and PSG president Nasser Nasser Al-Khelaïfi have been improving for several weeks. Mbappéjoined Real Madridlast summer on a free transfer after scoring a club-record 256 goals in seven years at PSG. He will face his former club in Wednesday's Club World Cup semifinal. Mbappé's relationship with PSG ended amiddeep tensions, and somefans booed himin his last home game at Parc des Princes. PSG felt let down by Mbappé after offering him the most lucrative contract in club history when hesigned a new contractin 2022. Mbappé stunned PSG in June 2023 by informing the club he wouldnot take the optionfor an extra year. With his contract effectively into its final year, it put PSG in the position of needing to sell Mbappé to avoid losing him for nothing when the contract expired. His PSG career could have ended that summer amid atense transfer standoff. After telling the club he would not extend, Mbappé was left off a preseason tour to Japan and South Korea and forced to train with fringe players. PSG said it would rather sell him than let the player leave for free in 2024, but he rejected a300 million euros moveto Saudi Arabia team Al-Hilal. PSG left Mbappé out of the opening league game of that season but he soon returned to the lineup following talks. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation

Mbappé drops legal harassment case against PSG and seeks reconciliation PARIS (AP) —Kylian Mbappéhas dropped the legal proceedings he starte...

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College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and the pieces are mostly in place for the coming men's college basketball season. We previously did ourtoo-early Top 25 preseason rankingsafterFlorida finished as national championsin April. Now three months later, we revisit whether the Gators and others have moved up or down in our projections. Unsurprisingly, the list is mostly filled with teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC but the top half of the rankings have a balanced spread across the five major conferences, portending a wide-open race for who will be crowned national champion in Indianapolis at the end of the season. For reference, the previous rankings are in parenthesis. The defending national runner-up loses stalwarts L.J. Cryer and J'Wan Roberts but is poised to make another run to the title game behind one of the top recruiting classes in the country, led by five-star forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell. Returning contributors include guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp and frontcourt defensive standout Joseph Tugler. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are off to the NBA along with Tyrese Proctor, but Jon Scheyer put together another top recruiting class. Next year's group will be led by wingers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer. Also arriving are guards Dame Sarr and Sebastian Wilkins. They'll join several veterans who opted to return, including Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster. Three in a row wasn't in the cards, but a third title in four years isn't out of the question for UConn. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but reinforcements are coming for Danny Hurley, whose top-five recruiting class features a pair of McDonald's All-Americans and an international prospect from Down Under. Post man Eric Reibe and guard Braylon Mullins comprise the domestic talent, and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy will arrive in the States this summer. Georgia transfer Silas Demary will provide even more backcourt depth. In addition, veteran forward Alex Karaban and rising junior Solo Ball return. The news that rising seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn would be back along with sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer vaulted the Boilermakers into the top spot in the Big Ten projections for 2025-26. The veteran-laden team with league title and Final Four potential also returns C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris, and big man Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) arrives via the portal to provide the low-post presence that was lacking in 2024-25. All-America guard and Final Four MVP Walter Clayton will be hard to replace. Backcourt mate Elijah Martin and Will Richard are also gone, but the Gators will defend their title with most of their inside players returning. Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu are all back. Denzel Aberdeen was a key reserve who should pick up more minutes, and the arrival of transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) means there should be little to no drop-off in perimeter production. Despite losing its top three players, things could get even better in year two for coach Dusty May in Ann Arbor thanks to a huge haul in the transfer portal. Yaxel Lendeborg (Alabama-Birmingham) elected to forgo the NBA for another year and should thrive in the Wolverines' system. The newcomers also include point guard Elliott Cadeau (North Carolina) and frontcourt players Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and Aday Mara (UCLA). Michigan also brings in an impact freshman in combo guard Trey McKenney and another top-100 recruit in Winters Grady. After making the Sweet 16 for the second time since 1981, BYU is poised for a big year with the arrival of hyped freshman AJ Dybantsa. He'll join a rotation that lost point guard Egor Demin to the NBA but brings back Dawson Baker and forwards Richie Saunders and Mihailo Boskovic. If Dybantsa is as good as expected, the Cougars could be a serious threat for the Final Four. The Crimson Tide should again be among the SEC favorites. Losing catalyst Mark Sears puts pressure on the backcourt to replicate his scoring production and leadership, but the return of guard Lebaron Philon for a sophomore season will help. Aden Holloway should take up much of that slack as well, along with Miami (Fla.) transfer Jalil Bethea. Inside additions Noah Williamson (Bucknell) and Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) should take on big roles. Now that Rick Pitino has instilled the work ethic needed to bring the Red Storm program back to prominence, he hopes the shooters he's brought in via the portal will improve the team's accuracy. Bryce Hopkins (Providence) should provide an immediate boost in that regard if he can stay healthy, with Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Ian Jackson (North Carolina) adding back-court depth. Big East player of the year R.J. Luis is gone and Simeon Wilcher transferred out, but Zuby Ejiofor is back to anchor the interior. Mick Cronin has put together a transfer class that should make the Bruins one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The biggest addition is point guard Donovan Dent from New Mexico, who led the Mountain West with 20.4 points per game this season and may have been the best overall player in the portal. Another three incoming transfers join a roster headlined by returning starters forwards Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau. While several key pieces behind last year's rebound under coach Pat Kelsey have been lost to graduation, Louisville was a sought-after destination for a strong transfer class. The impact newcomers include Isaac McKneely from Virginia, Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Adrian Wooley from Kennesaw State. The Cardinals will add another perimeter threat in freshman Mikel Brown and will get a boost from the return of big man Aly Khalifa, who redshirted last season after knee surgery. Texas Tech's roster has taken shape after reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin and guard Christian Anderson opted to return to Lubbock. This pair will set the pace for another run at the Final Four after coming up one win shy this March. The Red Raiders' transfer haul includes sharpshooting guards Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara) along with forward LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and center Luke Bamgboye (Virginia Commonwealth). A very deep roster took a hit with Eastern Washington transfer Mason Williams needing hip surgery that is likely keeps him out for the season.. But Iowa State has the bodies to replace that projected production and make a March Madness run. Newcomers such as forwards Blake Buchanan (Virginia) and forward Eric Mulder (Purdue-Fort Wayne) and a highly rated recruiting class will join holdovers in Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic to make the Cyclones a national player. Getting leading scorer Otega Oweh back in the fold for another year will keep the Wildcats in the mix for the SEC crown under second-year coach Mark Pope. One huge factor that could determine where Kentucky lands is the health of sophomore transfer Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), one of the top prospects in the nation and a potential difference-maker on the defensive end. Quaintance injured his knee last season but is expected to be ready in the fall. Kentucky also upgraded its backcourt by adding Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida). Tennessee is looking at a roster overhaul with just one returning starter in center Felix Okpara. The Volunteers need to land production in increased action from forwards Cade Phillips and J.D. Estrella while blending in point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Maryland), guard Amaree Abram (Louisiana Tech) and forward Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). Tennessee will also lean on a really strong traditional recruiting class starring five-star forward Nate Ament. Wisconsin will build around guard John Blackwell, who took his name out of the draft in favor of another year in Madison. He'll team with former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Austin Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast Conference rookie of the year. Guard Jaden Bradley will be one of the best players in the Big 12. Returning role players in forward Tobe Awaka and guard Anthony Dell'Orso add experience and production after last year's Sweet 16 berth. But the Wildcats are going to be young, with six freshmen among the seven new additions to the roster. Included in this group are prized recruits Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat. Even though Mark Few is losing his strong backcourt of Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle, the frontcourt is made up of a group of stars. Graham Ike is back and is a conference player of the year contender. He'll be paired with Braden Huff, but the real key is the addition of Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, a 25-year-old perennial scorer that could be the playmaker for the Zags. Former Big Sky player of the year Steele Venters will finally suit up after missing back-to-back seasons with injuries, putting the Bulldogs in great position for their final year in the West Coast Conference. The momentum from the Sweet 16 run should continue for John Calipari as he was able to bring back some last year's core. D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox stayed but the Razorbacks took a hit when Adou Thiero decided to go to the NBA. Still, Calipari brings in another talented recruiting class, headlined by guard Darius Acuff Jr., who has SEC freshman of the year potential. Other incoming freshman Meleek Thomas could provide solid production off the bench. Greg McDermott knew replacing Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth was the top priority, and he brought in transfers that should keep the Bluejays among Big East contenders. Iowa transfers Josh Dix and Owen Freeman will assume the leadership, while guard Nik Graves (Charlotte) and forward Blake Harper (Howard) will be X-factors after they each led their previous schools in scoring last season. Plus, you can't forget the potential from Serbian 7-foot freshman Aleksa Dimitrijevic. There were plenty of swings and misses by Bill Self in the transfer portal as he was unable to add a big-time playmaker. He was able to salvage it by bringing Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson of Loyola-Chicago. Still, the Jayhawks await the arrival of top recruit Darryn Peterson. He has top NBA draft pick potential and he will join sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, who saved the offseason by choosing to stay in Kansas. The Jayhawks still feel like a bit of a mystery of whether it'll be a boom or bust season. The Spartans will have to replace their top production as Jase Richardson's jump to the NBA means last season's top three scorers are gone. Michigan State played a deep rotation, so experience isn't a big issue. Jeremy Fears Jr. will have to assume a bigger role and Carson Cooper will have to be a force down low. They'll get help in Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler. The transfer and recruiting haul is promising, but perimeter shooting still appears to be an issue. Illinois jumps into the rankings thanks to the international flair coming to Champaign; Mihailo Petrovic leads the Balkan squad now playing for Brad Underwood. Petrovic is a 22-years-old guard among the best players in the European ABA League. Also joining is Andrej Stojakovic, who had a great freshman season at California, and former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivišić, who joins brother Tomislav Ivišić to form a terrifying 7-foot duo. Also in the mix is guard Kylan Boswell after he showed maturity in the move to Illinois after leaving Arizona. Another new addition to the rankings, Oregon is looking to maintain success after an up-and-down season. Back are the top two scorers in Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, who are consistent scorer. But they can't be the only ones producing, and the Ducks have to replace TJ Bamba. That appears to be answered in the transfer portal. TK Simpkins led Elon in scoring last season and improved his 3-point shooting. Sean Stewart (Ohio State) also could be a breakout player as he finds a more elevated role. Experienced stars led Auburn last season, but the entire starting unit is gone following the tough loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to Southern California. Bruce Pearl knew he had to replenish the roster, and he did so with significant recruiting and transfer classes. Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) and Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) arrive after strong season, and there's intrigue with the Tigers brining in the top junior college transfer, Abdul Bashir. A new crop of players will join Tahaad Pettiford, the one key returnee that had a big role in the Final Four squad. Dropped out:Baylor, North Carolina. Just missed:Texas, North Carolina State and Oklahoma. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College basketball too-early top 25 rankings for 2025-26 season

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft

College basketball too-early Top 25 rankings after transfer portal, NBA draft The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and ...

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Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands U.S. President Donald Trump a letter he said he sent to the Nobel Peace Prize committee to nominate Trump, during a dinner at the White House on July 7, 2025. Credit - Andrew Harnik—Getty Images Donald Trump has ticked many boxes in his life and career: husband (three times), father (of five), (multi-)billionaire, President (twice). But he's made clear that there's one title he really wants but is yet to achieve: Nobel Peace Prize winner. "They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize," he told reporters at the White House in February as he hostedIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It's too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me." In a gesture of support, Netanyahu, duringhis latest visit to the White House on Monday, presented Trump with a copy of a letter he said he sent to the Nobel Prize committee. "It's nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well-deserved. And you should get it," Netanyahu said. "Wow," Trump responded, holding the paper Netanyahu presented him. "Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much Bibi." The Nobel Peace Prize has been given nearly every year since 1901 to one or more individuals or groups deemed by a Norwegian committee to have done "the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." Recent past recipients have includedJapanese anti-nuclear-weapon organization Nihon Hidankyo,Iranian human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi, andPhilippine champion of democracy and freedom of the press Maria Ressa. Trump has been fixated on the Nobel Peace Prize for years, in particular since the bestowal of the award on then-President Barack Obama during his first year in office in 2009—a move even many Obama supporters questioned and the Nobel committee secretary wouldlater express regret about. In 2013, after it was reported that Obamatoldaides, referring to drone strikes, "Turns out I'm really good at killing people. Didn't know that was gonna be a strong suit of mine," Trumptweeted: "Can Oslo retract prize?" "He saw that Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize and felt if Obama got it for not doing anything, why should he not get it?" Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton told theNew York Timesin March. "If I were named Obama I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in 10 seconds," Trumpsaidduring his reelection campaign last October. "He got the Nobel Prize. He didn't even know what the hell he got it for. Remember, he got elected. Well so did I. He got elected and they announced he was getting the Nobel Prize." "He got the Nobel Prize for doing nothing, for getting elected, but I got elected too," Trump added. "I'm just saying that there's a lot of unfairness in this world." Trump has at times sounded resigned to the fact that he may never receive the prize that's eluded him. As recently as last month, hepostedon Truth Social, after announcing the brokering of a treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda: "I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between India and Pakistan, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between Serbia and Kosovo, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for keeping Peace between Egypt and Ethiopia (A massive Ethiopian built dam, stupidly financed by the United States of America, substantially reduces the water flowing into The Nile River), and I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East which, if all goes well, will be loaded to the brim with additional Countries signing on, and will unify the Middle East for the first time in 'The Ages!' No, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and that's all that matters to me!" Critics have balked at Netanyahu's nomination of Trump. Former National Security Council spokesman during the Obama Administration Tommy Vietorpostedon X: "Obviously this is pathetic a-- kissing and a PR stunt, but I'd imagine that the folks who award the Nobel Peace Prize aren't the biggest Netanyahu fans." Netanyahu currentlystands accusedof war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's 21-month (and ongoing) military campaign in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians, according toestimates. But Netanyahu is not the first to formally nominate Trump for the honor—and likely won't be the last. According to the Nobel Foundation, nominators canincludeany head of state, national-level politician, professors of various humanities and social science disciplines, directors of peace research or foreign policy institutes, former laureates, and more, though the organization doesn't confirm or publicize nominations. Last month, Pakistanannouncedthat it had nominated Trump "in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis." Pakistan,like many countries, is currently negotiating with the Trump Administration in effort to achieve a trade deal and avoid high tariffs. Meanwhile, India has denied that the U.S. played a role in mediating theborder conflict. Also in June, Rep. Buddy Carter (R, Ga.)saidthat he had nominated Trump "in recognition of his historic role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and preventing the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, from obtaining a nuclear warhead." Iran hasthreatened to leave the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsafter Trump authorizedU.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilitiesbefore announcing thecease-fire between Israel and Iran. Carter joins fellow Republican congressmembersDarrell Issaof California, who said he nominated Trump in March, andClaudia Tenneyof New York, who said she nominated Trump in January 2024. These nominations were submitted either before or after the February deadline for consideration for this year's prize, for which there are338 nomineesand the recipient will be announced in October. But Anat Alon-Beck, an Israeli-born law professor at Case Western Reserve University,told Axiosshe submitted a nomination of Trump before the deadline. "By securing the release of hostages, standing firm against antisemitism, and fostering historic agreements that bring stability to the world's most volatile regions, [Trump] has once again demonstrated why he is a deserving recipient," Alon-Beck wrote. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian politician, also said he nominated Trump in November,writing: "It is my belief that Trump has made considerable contributions to world peace, and that he can make more in the future." However, in June, hewithdrewthe nomination, saying he "lost any sort of faith and belief" in the U.S. President to secure peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has also previously been nominated bya Finnish member of the European Parliament in 2020,a group of Australian professors in 2020, a far-right Norwegian lawmaker in2018and2020, former Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abein2019, andan unidentified American in 2016. In 2020, Trumptolda crowd in Michigan: "You know it's an amazing thing. I don't say this out of ego, but I was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. And I have to tell you, that's sort of a big thing." "All of them--Netanyahu, Putin, the sultans and princes--have solved the least difficult puzzle to solve on the planet,"criticizedformer Obama senior adviser David Axelrod on X after Netanyahu announced his nomination of Trump on Monday. "With Trump, lavish flattery and blandishments will get you everywhere!" Contact usatletters@time.com.

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Netanyahu Is Just the Latest to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands U.S. President ...

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