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Joy Taylor had a bold take on the ongoing Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry in women’s basketball. The FOX Sports 1 host stressed the storyline between the two rising WNBA stars by highlighting the need for each player to have the “hero” and the “villain” role in the said narrative.
Speaking on Monday’s “Joe Budden Podcast,” Taylor joined in the fray of comparing Clark’s rivalry with Reese to those of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 80s. While the analyst did highlight the importance of someone playing a protagonist or an antagonist, she pointed out the latter more.
“The Magic Johnson, Larry Bird Moment for the WNBA,” Taylor said. “Like this is great. I’m a storyteller. I think storylines are so [expletive] important. I think you need villains, I think you need heroes. You need [expletive] to sell. You gotta sell a fight. Like brand all of this.”
“We would not be talking about Caitlin Clark the way that we do if it wasn’t for that moment with Angel Reese.”
(Via Joe Budden Network)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2025
Moreover, Taylor believed that Caitlin Clark became famous due to the “upset white men” disapproving of Reese confronting the former Iowa standout, which the commentator had dubbed as a “strong, winning, unapologetic black woman,” with fans clinging to this up to this day.
The FS1 host referred to the moment when Reese made a “You can’t see me” gesture to Clark moments before the LSU Tigers won the 2023 National Championship. Taylor fiercely concluded her statement with:
“And it’s now spun to this whole thing where like Caitlin’s better than Angel and blah blah blah. I just said we would not be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we do if it wasn’t for that moment with Angel Reese. And I will die on this hill.”
In reference, Caitlin Clark and Reese had their most recent confrontation during the May 17 season opener, where Clark was assessed a flagrant foul after fighting for the loose ball with the “Bayou Barbie.” While this caused huge controversy, both sides considered it “nothing malicious.”
Dave Portnoy isn’t fond of Joy Taylor’s statement on Caitlin Clark
If Joy Taylor claims that Caitlin Clark wouldn’t be famous without her confrontation with Angel Reese in 2023, then Dave Portnoy insists otherwise. On his X/Twitter, the Barstool Sports founder reversed the FS1 host’s statement, sharing how Clark is more recognized than Reese.
“The dumbest, most ridiculous rant of all time. Nobody outside hardcore WNBA fans and LSU fans would know who Angel was it weren’t for her riding Caitlin’s coattails. It’s made her a fortune, so kudos to her, but this is the dumbest take I’ve ever heard,” Portnoy tweeted.
The dumbest most ridiculous rant of all time. Nobody outside hardcore WNBA fans and LSU fans would know who Angel was it weren’t for her riding Caitlin’s coattails. It’s made her a fortune so kudos to her but this is the dumbest take I’ve ever heard. pic.twitter.com/2LjJOqOs34
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 23, 2025
While Angel Reese is dubbed one of the biggest rising stars of her time, it’s undeniable that Caitlin Clark is on another level. The Indiana Fever superstar alone is leading the massive buzz that has continuously boosted the WNBA’s viewership and engagement since her entry in 2024.
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Auburn Predicted to Land Top Safety Recruit
While Auburn previously struggled to put together its 2026 recruiting class, the tides may continue changing with the nation's top safety prospect now predicted to choose the Tigers. Flowood (Miss.) Hartfield Academy five-star safety Bralan Womack on Sunday received multiple predictions from Rivals' recruiting insiders, including, most notably, Steve Wiltfong, to choose the Tigers. Womack (6-0, 200 pounds) is rated as the No. 1 safety in the class by both Rivals and 247 Sports. Womack will announce his decision on Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. with Texas A M, Ohio State and Florida joining Auburn as the finalists, according to 247 Sports' Tom Loy. Last week, Rivals' director of recruiting Chad Simmons revealed on his Simmons Scoop podcast that he believed the Tigers had begun to take a lead over the Buckeyes, which had been seen as the leader going into the summer. "Auburn’s closed that gap, Florida’s trying to push hard. (Texas) A M is the fourth school on the list, they’ve faded this summer," he said. "Right now, I lean slightly towards Auburn, with Ohio State right there in a tough battle that I think will go down to just hours until he makes that announcement.” Womack visited Auburn the weekend of June 13, after which he explained he "felt comfortable" with the program and had already familiarized himself with the town, according to 247 Sports' Christian Clemente. "This is probably by far the best official visit I've had," Womack said, according to Auburn Rivals. "Just got to wait until next weekend, see how that goes, and then start cutting it down from there." The Tigers had a rough go at it this summer with multiple high-rated recruits leaving the class. However, Auburn has since taken the steps to build what could be another top 10 class when it's all said and done by adding Wadley (Ala.) four-star linebacker Jacquez Wilkes, Nazareth (Pa.) four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone, Leakesville (Miss.) Greene County four-star receiver Jase Matthews to the class within the last month. Auburn also received commitments from multiple three-stars in Southaven (Miss.) DeSoto Central running back Eric Perry, Atlanta Midtown tight end Kentrell White, international offensive lineman Nikau Hepi, West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman linebacker Adam Balogoun-Ali and Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga). offensive lineman Wilson Zierer over the summer. Should Womack choose Auburn, he would be the second safety commit in the class alongside Baltimore St. Francis Academy three-star Wayne Henry. The Tigers' 12-commit 2026 recruiting class currently ranks No. 54 nationally, according to 247 Sports. More From Auburn Tigers on SI
Shane Steichen dropped a big hint about the Colts’ QB battle
The Indianapolis Colts have yet to name their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but coach Shane Steichen may have dropped a big hint about who the choice may be. Steichen said Saturday that he was close to making a decision between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson in the ongoing camp battle. He may have tipped his hand, however, when answering a question about what traits he was looking for in his starter. “I think it’s the most consistent guy,” Steichen said, via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I really do, because at the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to move the football consistently up and down the field, and making good decisions. You know what I mean? I mean, at the end of the day, you can have splash plays, but if you’re doing that sparingly and up and down. … I think it’s got to be on a consistent basis, to get to where we want to go.” The knock on Richardson all along has been his inconsistency, and it is a bad sign for his prospects that Steichen put such an emphasis on that as part of his answer. Richardson’s physical talents are undeniable, but his decision-making has left something to be desired, and the offense has at times stalled out with him at the helm of it. Jones does not bring Richardson’s big-play potential, but would likely leave the Colts with a better idea of what they will get every Sunday. Richardson has put in extra work to try to win the job, but has been sidelined for a large part of the offseason with a shoulder injury, coupled with a dislocated pinky suffered during the preseason opener. It has also been suggested that Jones entered camp as the favorite, so Richardson had to play well enough to supplant him. Jones started Saturday’s preseason game and went 7-of-11 for 101 yards. Richardson went 6-of-11 for 73 yards, but he had one big play negated due to a penalty. The Colts ultimately lost 23-19 to the Green Bay Packers.
Dallas Cowboys' top-rated players for NFL preseason Week 2 vs. Ravens
A 31-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens dropped the Dallas Cowboys to 0-2 this preseason. While the records don't matter, it's still unsettling to see the Cowboys lose a game in such fashion. As was the case in their Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys were bullied at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They also saw quarterback Joe Milton III continue to struggle with accuracy. The good news, however, was that several players stood out with solid individual play. Here's a look at which Cowboys graded the highest on offense and defense, according to PFF. Cowboys top-5 rated players on offense Princeton Fant, TE (83.4) Malik Davis, RB (74.6) Jonathan Mingo, WR (70.3) Deuce Vaughn, RB (67.1) John Stephens Jr., TE (66.2) The offense was responsible for just six points, but there were still some bright spots. Princeton Fant had a 33-yard reception and held his own in blocking. Malik Davis showed some burst when he was on the field, and Jonathan Mingo had an excellent catch to set up a field goal. Unfortunately, Mingo was injured on the play but has been one of the bright spots throughout the offseason. Cowboys top-5 rated players on defense Andrew Booth, CB (91.8) Troy Pride Jr., CB (83.8) Jack Sanborn, LB (79.2) Earnest Brown IV, DT (76.7) Kemon Hall, CB (75.6) Andrew Booth not only led the way on defense, but was the highest-graded player on the team. Two other cornerbacks, Troy Pride Jr. and Kemon Hall, made it into the top five as well. Linebacker Jack Sanborn and defensive tackle Earnest Brown IV were there as well. Sanborn had three tackles while Brown recorded two. —
After Watching the Film, Critical Assessments Arise Regarding the Raiders
HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders began the preseason with a record of 0-1-1 after losing to their former Bay Area rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, last night. I had the opportunity to review the film today, as did Pete Carroll. After discussing it with him, several observations emerged that can only be made with the clarity of hindsight. In our latest episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast, we take you to today’s joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers to highlight specific players who had standout performances, those who faced challenges, and those who may have secured a spot on the roster. You can watch the entire podcast below: Pete Carroll’s leadership has been phenomenal for a franchise desperate for a winner. He has been the exact prescription the Raider Nation needed After watching the film of the loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Carroll addressed several questions, and below is a partial transcript of his responses. Head Coach Pete Carroll Q: I was curious on what your thoughts are on the play of your linebackers and your quarterbacks last night? Head Coach Pete Carroll: "Thought the linebackers were really downhill, really aggressive, flashy. I really liked the way those guys played. I thought we took a step forward in the run game and just attacking line of scrimmage like we want to. We played to the nature of our players, I thought, which is really good because we're aggressive in the tackling, and that showed up. Geno [Smith] was on the money. He was right on everything. Tempo was good. I thought Aidan [O'Connell] continued to little bit -- we're not quite as fast when he's playing. We don't play as quick from huddle to the snap, still trying to work that out. And he made a poor choice on the throw for the pick, unfortunately. It was a crucial time, that was tough. Just the guy was covered, and if he had to it throw away or take off, we would have preferred that." Q: I wanted to ask you about Geno Smith. Back when the two of you were in Seattle when he was playing backup to Russell Wilson, was there ever a time or a moment in practice or in the meeting room where you kind of had this idea that, if given the opportunity like he has the last few years he was in Seattle, now in Las Vegas, that he can be this quality star? Was there ever a moment when he was a backup under Russell that kind of gave you that idea that Geno had that potential? Coach Carroll: "Yeah, I think it was probably in the middle of those first couple of years, and you'd just see him maintain the competitive edge because it's kind of hard to believe that a guy could compete like he's going to play. What I keep telling you is the very next play, he knew he could be in. He seemed like he held onto that long enough, I sensed that and respected that. And his arm talent was always there, the ability to throw and rip the ball, so I was cheerleading for him. And that's kind of when he finally got his chance, I might have been his biggest cheerleader because he had waited and deserved it, and he came in and played really well and almost won a game that way, and then played well the next couple weeks. That was, at the time, when he finally got his chance, and he got out there, he demonstrated it, but you could sense it earlier than that just because he was so dedicated and he looked so good in practice all the time." Q: Obviously your offensive line has been performing well, but there's a clear drop off between the first and second team. How concerned are you about that second string offensive line? Coach Carroll: "Well, we're just so young on the second group. It's just going to take time. We feel like we move well. We have good movement by the young guys. They get out of their stance, and they get on people well. We're just not as accurate with our calls. We're not as clear with our technique stuff, but that takes time. And so I'm not worried about that. Athletically, we're okay, and we just need to find our consistency, and that's just going to take time. They won't play all at the same time very often. They'll spot in, and they'll have the benefit of experienced guys making calls around them and helping them play better. And so I think that the individual development is pretty good. As a group, they're still learning. That's going to take a bit." We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr , and let’s talk about the Silver and Black’s training camp and Pete Carroll’s comments.
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