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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

James Harden reportedly was 'driving force' behind Doc Rivers' firing

Following another second-round exit for the Philadelphia 76ers, president Daryl Morey said he decided to fire head coach Doc Rivers. However, those close to Rivers believe James Harden had a hand in the move. 

First-inning HR helps Aaron Judge reach impressive milestone vs. Blue Jays

The 2023 campaign is still in its infancy, but Judge has already been a major thorn in the side of the Blue Jays.

Nuggets HC shares spicy take on Rui Hachimura guarding Nikola Jokic

Ahead of Game 2 Thursday, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hilariously discussed the widespread belief that having Rui Hachimura guard Jokic instead of Anthony Davis will turn the tide of the series. 

Wild postseason stat shows Heat are always alive with Jimmy Butler

One cool stat shows Butler's never-say-die attitude has been with the Heat since day one. 

Eagles receive good news on All-Pro lineman

The 10-year veteran suffered a torn adductor in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys and played through the injury throughout the Eagles' run to Super Bowl LVII, opting to put off surgery until after the season. 

Jimmy Butler's historic performance lifts Heat over Celtics in Game 1 of ECF

Yet another soaring performance by Jimmy Butler helped the Miami Heat to steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Former top prospect ejected from Triple-A game for 'sticky substance'

Former top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy was caught using a foreign substance and ejected from Wednesday's Triple-A contest between the Syracuse Mets and the Norfolk Tides. 

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes suggests NHL's Coyotes move to Kansas City

Amid an uncertain future for the Arizona Coyotes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is lobbying to make the maligned NHL franchise his new neighbor. 

White Sox's Lance Lynn confirms he'd hit Aaron Judge, others caught 'peeking'

White Sox starter Lance Lynn addressed the recent cheating allegations against Yankees star Aaron Judge on Wednesday, sharing what he would do if the slugger engaged in the same behavior while he was on the mound. 

Watch: Diamondbacks involved in another bird-related tragedy

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen had his own Randy Johnson-esque run-in with a bird prior to Wednesday's game against the Oakland A's.

Kendrick Perkins offers stern warning for 76ers' Joel Embiid

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins warned MVP Joel Embiid that if James Harden is back, he should look for a way out of Philly. 

Four NFC North players who will make the biggest leap in 2023

The NFC North could potentially be one of the more entertaining divisions in the NFL this season. Here are four players who could take a big leap in 2023.

Watch: A's fan catches two HR balls

One lucky fan caught home run balls in back-to-back innings during Sunday's showdown between the A's and Rangers.

Joel Embiid throws 76ers teammates under the bus after abysmal Game 7 performance

With a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers' two best players, MVP Joel Embiid and point-guard James Harden, showed up incredibly small in an embarrassing Game 7 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics.

Celtics All-Star erupts for record performance in Game 7

Jayson Tatum set a Game 7 playoff record on Sunday, exploding for 51 points in the Celtics' series-clinching blowout over the 76ers, 112-88. 

Pirates starter's continues turnaround in stellar outing vs. O's

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller has increasingly begun to live up to his potential after struggling at the MLB level to open his career.

Unlikely hero helps lead Renegades over Defenders for XFL title

The Arlington Renegades upset the D.C. Defenders to win the 2023 XFL Championship Game, 35-26, powered by an unlikely performance from running back Leddie Brown. 

Stars' Joe Pavelski continues to show age is only a number

Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski is having a postseason to remember in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Steelers' Patrick Peterson rips NFL schedule makers

Appearing on the All Things Covered podcast Saturday, Peterson called having to play twice on a Thursday this season "bizarre." 

Historic MLB start coming easy 'so far' for top Mariners prospect

Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller has posted some mind-boggling statistics over his first three Major League starts.

Will Levis explains interesting reason behind number change in NFL

Levis wore No. 7 while starring at Kentucky, but the former Wildcats standout had to make a change.

Controversial call dooms Leafs in elimination loss to Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs' season came to an excruciating end on Friday following a controversial waved-off goal and a bitter overtime defeat.

Brutal late-game decision ends Knicks' season

On Friday, the New York Knicks' season slipped away following a late Jalen Brunson turnover in Game 6 against the Miami Heat.

Browns trade for three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith

Nearly a month after essentially saying goodbye to the Minnesota Vikings, edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith is finally on the move.

Astros provide alarming update on five-time All-Star

Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley last played a major league nearly a year ago, and it appears his wait will continue for the foreseeable future.