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The Belgian VTM commentators watched with growing concern as the German crowd reacted during the match between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries against Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko. “If the Welsh players were already getting booed during their throws, what on earth is going to happen when it’s Germany vs England?” they wondered aloud.
Their concerns quickly proved justified. Lead commentator Rudy Lanssens was particularly appalled: “Luke Littler throws his very first dart – and he’s already being booed.” Belgiam legend Erik Clarys echoed the sentiment, becoming increasingly outspoken as the match went on.
Disbelief at the Treatment of Littler
“Just imagine being Luke Littler,” said Clarys. “He’s still so young. Everywhere else, he’s celebrated – but here in Germany, he’s being booed from start to finish. I’ve worked with kids his age on the Development Tour. You can’t imagine the effect something like this has on young players. It gets into your head. All you want to do is go home. Far away.”
Rudy Lanssens also became more emotional and held nothing back: “This wouldn’t happen in Belgium – at least not so obviously and unsportingly. I wouldn’t be surprised if Luke Littler never sets foot in Germany again. This kind of behaviour is absolutely out of order. The PDC has to step in – this is completely unacceptable.”
Respect for the Germans’ Game, but Criticism Remains
Throughout the broadcast, both commentators continued to voice their disapproval – especially in response to a flood of comments on social media. “Our viewers clearly don’t think this is okay either. Millions of people just want to enjoy darts as neutral fans – and this is what they’re faced with. It simply can’t happen. This isn’t darts anymore.”
At the same time, the Belgian duo became increasingly impressed by the performance of the German players. “Pietreczko and Schindler are playing really well, but Humphries and Littler are completely rattled. There’s no denying the crowd is having an effect. Littler will probably disappear straight after the match, likely without doing an interview. And I can’t blame him. Maybe he’ll never play in Germany again. He’s not used to this. He’s going to have to find a way to handle it,” Clarys concluded.
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Patriots have Drake Maye concern after comments by Steelers LB T.J. Watt
The New England Patriots offense had an ugly performance in their 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt keyed on what opposing defenses should look to do against the Patriots. Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Watt said after the game that the Steelers had a plan for how to get the Patriots to cough up the football. “Mike (Tomlin) had a big presentation on it earlier in the week,” Watt said, of the Steelers’ Patriots prep. “I think 38 (Rhamondre Stevenson) had eight or nine fumbles last year (he had seven), which is a very high amount. Four (Antonio Gibson) had a couple fumbles. And we knew 10 (Drake Maye) had a bunch of fumbles as well (he had nine), when he was in the pocket. "It was something we highlighted each and every day. There was a constant reminder throughout the week. We just needed to deliver and I’m glad we did.” Why T.J. Watt's comments are concerning for Patriots Tomlin's presentation worked. The Patriots turned the ball over five times, four of which were lost fumbles. Stevenson lost two fumbles. Maye lost one fumble and had an interception. The issue with Stevenson isn't as big a deal for the Patriots as Maye. Rookie TreVeyon Stevenson will eventually become the lead back in New England. But Watt's diagnosis for Maye is concerning. Part of Maye's successful development in the league will mean he can play efficient football in the pocket. Not only is his passing game a liability there, but opposing defenses know he lacks awareness in the pocket and is susceptible to fumbling. Look for defenses to take advantage of that information until the Patriots can stop committing those turnovers.
Raiders HC Pete Carroll unhappy with running game amid Ashton Jeanty's struggles
Ashton Jeanty is not having the start to his career the Las Vegas Raiders hoped he'd have when they took the star running back with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft. Jeanty carried the ball 17 times for 63 yards (3.7 yards per rush) in the Raiders' 41-24 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 3. Jeanty is averaging 3.1 yards per rush this season, with 144 yards and one touchdown on the 1-2 Raiders. Not all of the issues are on the rookie. During his news conference on Monday, head coach Pete Carroll said the team needed to improve the running game to have success on offense. He suggested Las Vegas is doing all it can to run the ball with the talent they have on the offensive line. "We're working on some stuff," Carroll said of the offensive line. "We want to see (Jackson Powers-Johnson) come back to action and get back involved. "We have to in all phases of it. We've got to get off the football better and make more of the running game. "There's not enough happening there to act on the play-pass game, and we're just not getting enough. So we just got to keep working it. We got the guys we got." The Las Vegas Raiders need to fix the offensive line Despite a poor game by the offensive line, quarterback Geno Smith was effective on Sunday. He threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was sacked five times for minus-28 yards. The offense was much better than it was in Week 2 when the Raiders scored nine points in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on "Monday Night Football." Still, the running game needs to be a threat, not only to help Smith and the passing attack, but to keep the defense off the field. The Raiders invested in the running game by drafting Jeanty with a first-round pick. So far, that pick has not paid off.
Bills' Josh Allen could be in some hot water with the NFL for what he was caught doing during the Week 3 win vs. Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins on 'Thursday Night Football' to remain undefeated on the season. With losses by the New England Patriots and New York Jets on Sunday, the Bills sit atop the division with a showdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4. While quarterback Josh Allen didn't put on his Superman cape with more than 400 yards of total offense, he was methodical and surgical, cutting through the Dolphins' defense en route to yet another victory over the divisional rivals. Allen made history in the contest, becoming the fastest player to reach 300 career touchdowns, including the postseason, but it wasn't all good news coming out of One Bills Drive in the victory. After taking a hit from Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks that resulted in a penalty and gave Buffalo a first down, Allen appeared to make a finger-gun gesture immediately after. While it may seem harmless, it's one of the biggest points of emphasis from the NFL heading into the season. Allen wasn't even flagged on the play, but that doesn't mean that the league won't come down on him for the celebration. Fast facts about Josh Allen's previous NFL fines 2019 - fined $7,017 for throwing the ball into the stands against the Miami Dolphins. 2021 - fined $15,000 after flicking the ball at a Kansas City Chiefs defender after a sack 2023 - fined $10,927 for pointing at a Cincinnati Bengals defender during a touchdown run The NFL is taking a hard stance on gun-related celebrations The NFL has expressed its intention to limit unsportsmanlike gestures during the game, specifically those that include shooting or brandishing a gun. NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson opened up on the new initiative in August. "Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating or either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate sexual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis." - Walt Anderson According to CBS Sports, Falcons wide receiver Drake London was fined $14,069 for appearing to shoot a large gun, New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard was fined the same amount after getting a first down in Week 4 of the 2024 season, and Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase was fined $19,697 for appearing to unholster a gun in a touchdown celebration last season as well. If Allen is fined, the NFL would need to make the official announcement along with its reasoning by Saturday, Sept. 27.
Maxx Crosby’s anger caught on camera during ugly Raiders loss to Commanders
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby didn’t hide his disappointment Sunday after Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was left wide open for a touchdown late, and cameras caught Crosby shaking his head in frustration. Crosby looked visibly upset as the cameras caught him mouthing, “he was wide open,” after the TD as he sat on the bench. The Raiders dropped the game 41-24 at Northwest Stadium, a matchup that exposed holes in all three of Las Vegas’ phases. The Commanders hit big plays early and kept applying pressure. Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota, filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, threw for 207 yards with a touchdown and added 40 yards on the ground with another score. McCaffrey’s highlight came with 2:05 left in the fourth when Mariota found him for a 43-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach. That play visibly frustrated Crosby, who felt the defensive coverage broke down. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had a tough day. He threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, but was sacked five times, and the offensive line repeatedly failed to contain Washington’s pass rush. On the other side, Tre Tucker was almost single-handedly keeping Las Vegas in it early, catching eight passes for 145 yards and scoring all three Raiders touchdowns, one of which was a 61-yard bomb. The Commanders piled up big play after big play. Deebo Samuel set the tone with a 69-yard kickoff return. Jeremy McNichols rumbled 60 yards for a touchdown late in the first half to help Washington seize momentum. Jaylin Lane added a 90-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Crosby’s visible anger wasn’t just about one play. It reflected the Raiders’ broader breakdowns, busted assignments, missed tackles, and explosive plays given up. As Las Vegas drops to 1-2 on the season, moments like the McCaffrey touchdown are going to sting. Win or lose, fans and teammates expect more discipline. For Crosby, who has made a reputation for relentless effort, this was one of those games that tests composure. And judging by his reaction, he knows it.
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