For 36 years, Orlando Magic PA announcer Paul Porter elicited enthusiasm and jubilation from Orlando Magic Fans. Porter was behind the call for the franchise's most significant moments for over three decades. In April, the team announced the 2024-25 season would be his last.
Recently, Porter joined The Sixth Man Show to discuss the end of his tenure with the team, an exit he did not choose.
"I wanted the fans to know the truth, and the press release that was sent out by the Magic saying it's time to pass the torch after all these years was not accurate," Porter said. "I felt they deserved to know the truth, and I wanted them to know where I stood and that this wasn't my choice."
"I wanted them to know that I wasn't running out on the Magic or giving up or deciding to relinquish the Magic from the teams that I work for," Porter added.
Porter, who also works for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took to social media to clear the air, letting the Magic faithful know it was the team who decided to move on.
"I told the truth 100 percent, and it's up to the fans to make their own mind up how they're gonna feel and how they're gonna deal with it," Porter said.
Now that Porter's time with the team has ended in a professional capacity, he plans to experience a Magic game as a fan for the first time.
"I never have been to a Magic game that I didn't announce, never had that opportunity," Porter said. "I absolutely intend to come to a game."
"I'll still be a fan, I'll still root for the team," he added.
More Magic Coverage
Ex-Orlando Magic All-Star Has Warning For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jeff Weltman Says Orlando Magic Were Close To Trade Deadline Deal
NBA Great Believes Ex-Orlando Magic Guard Could Be Today's Steph Curry
More must-reads:
Earlier this summer, LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. That decision ensures he will remain with the franchise for the upcoming season before entering unrestricted free agency. James, 40, inevitably faced questions regarding his long-term future in the NBA after making his decision. After all, he will turn 41 in the coming months, and somehow continues to defy the aging process. However, in a recent poll of 20 NBA experts, including coaches, scouts and front-office executives from ESPN, seven of them predicted that James will remain with the Lakers beyond this season. "It just feels like it's where it's going to end," a Western Conference scout said. The Lakers are well-positioned to contend for a championship in the near future. GM Rob Pelinka has spent the summer adding talent and depth to the Lakers rotation, including the additions of Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. If the Lakers fall short this season, it's fair to assume James would run it back for another shot at a fifth championship ring. LeBron James isn't concerned about his age In a recent interview for "CGTN Sports Scene," James addressed discussions surrounding his age. "Nah, age doesn’t matter," James said. "Age is just a number for sure. I definitely feel, you know, energetic. You know, anytime I’m out there on the floor trying to give everything I got to my teammates, you know, it’s about that win." Given his production in recent years, James is certainly living by that mantra. He's continued to be among the most productive players in the NBA in terms of offense. Furthermore, he's significantly improved his perimeter-based game in recent years, allowing him to limit his drives to the rim. LeBron James has a chance to add to his legacy James has only won one title since joining the Lakers. He undoubtedly wants to end his career on a high note. Therefore, it makes sense that he will stick around while the franchise is among the favorites to hoist another banner. Ending his career after winning a fifth championship ring would be a fantastic way to bow out of the league. It would mean he left on his own terms, with complete control of his own narrative. And, considering James has been at the top of the league for more than two decades, it would be a fitting end to a legendary career. For that reason, ESPN's panel of experts may be on to something.
The Houston Astros were feeling confident rolling into their important series against the Seattle Mariners this past weekend. With the division race likely coming down to that three-game set, the Astros felt good about where they were considering they had just swept their in-state rival Texas Rangers and were welcoming the Mariners into a ballpark that has served as a house of horrors for them. But the result did not match their confidence, as Seattle completely took it to Houston in a fashion that resulted in a sweep, with the Mariners not trailing for a single inning in this series to outscore the Astros by a score of 17-7. "Not the ideal situation," manager Joe Espada said after the finale, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic (subscription required). "Not what we were wanting or expecting out of this series." Astros Now Face Not Winning the AL West for First Time Since 2020 Houston trails Seattle by three games in the standings. And with six contests remaining in the regular season -- barring a major collapse -- the Astros won't finish in first place in the division for the first time since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign and for the first time in a full season since 2016. That will only add fuel to the fire for those who say the American League dynasty Houston has had for the better part of the last decade is now officially over, with their AL record streak of seven consecutive ALCS appearances coming to an end last year in the Wild Card round. And one simple statement made by Carlos Correa gives some credence to that, especially when it comes to the outlook of this franchise's future in the coming years. "I think we did try our best," he said. "They were just better." While that might not seem like a lot, the Astros have not had to utter those words very often when it comes to their standing in the division. They've been the bullies for a long time, always finding a way to overcome adversity and quiet their rivals when it was needed the most. But that didn't happen over the weekend. And it didn't happen against the Detroit Tigers in last year's Wild Card round. That's not to say Houston can't get back to the dominant level they were at from 2017-2022 when they won two World Series championships out of four trips, but it's clear they are no longer at that peak right now. The Astros have to finish out the season strong if they are going to compete in the playoffs this year, because the sweep by the Mariners also moved them outside of the final Wild Card spot due to the Cleveland Guardians owning a tiebreaker over them. More Astros News
As the Dallas Cowboys look to find their footing after a 1-2 start, their top offensive playmaker doesn't look like he'll be around to help. On Monday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones provided an update on wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle), telling reporters that the All-Pro could be moved to injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. Lamb suffered a high-ankle sprain during the first quarter of the Cowboys' Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, 31-14, but Jones attempted to remain optimistic afterward, saying, "Let's just keep our fingers crossed" when asked about his star receiver's health. CeeDee Lamb's absence would be near impossible to replace Lamb only played seven offensive snaps against the Bears and didn't record a catch. In the season's first two games, the four-time Pro Bowler had 16 receptions for 222 yards. His 13.9 yards per reception are tied for his career high, set in 2021. Lamb is by far Dallas' most dynamic and reliable playmaker, and his absence will certainly be felt. The Cowboys are heavily dependent on their passing attack, ranking first in the league in pass attempts, averaging 43.7 per game. Running back Javonte Williams, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, has been a pleasant surprise, but defenses will be able to put an added emphasis on stopping the run when game planning for Dallas without Lamb. Wide receiver George Pickens, added in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, isn't dependable enough to shoulder the load of the passing offense at wide receiver. On Sunday, he dropped a perfectly placed pass from Dak Prescott, with the ball bouncing off his hands and to Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds for an interception. Afterward, Pickens had an outburst on the sideline, slamming his helmet on the turf as Lamb and others watched. The Cowboys don't have a defense capable of stopping opponents either. Through three games, they've allowed 30.7 points and 397.7 yards per game while also ranking last in third-down defense, with opponents converting at a 53.7 percent clip. Lamb is one of the two players, along with Prescott, that Dallas can't afford to lose. He's indispensable to the Cowboys offense, which will likely have a hard time moving the football in Week 4 against the top-ranked Green Bay Packers defense. Games at the New York Jets (0-3) and Carolina Panthers (1-2) are more manageable, but the stretch ends with an NFC East showdown against the Washington Commanders (2-1). Regardless of the opponent, the next four weeks — if that is how long Lamb misses — will be a real test for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. And based on the Cowboys roster, he might be set up to fail.
The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a frustrating and humiliating loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Going into the game, many expected Green Bay to win easily, but they fell 13-10 in what was one of the worst games in Matt LaFleur‘s tenure as head coach. It was, by far, the offense’s worst game of the season, and the special teams was its usual disappointing self. The Packers defense, though, performed admirably once again, allowing 13 points on short fields. Rashan Gary had two sacks, giving him an NFL-leading 4.5 on the season. Micah Parsons, as has been his norm since arriving in Green Bay, was a wrecking ball, drawing double-teams and penalties while still generating pressure on the quarterback. And as the Packers look to get back to their winning ways, they look ahead to Week Four and a Sunday night showdown with Parsons’ former team, the Dallas Cowboys, who will be without multiple key offensive players. Micah Parsons the Green Bay Packers defense will face a depleted Dallas Cowboys offensive line It is yet to be seen what the Packers offensive line will look like when they play Dallas this upcoming Sunday night. Zach Tom only played one snap against Cleveland before leaving with his oblique injury and Aaron Banks left later in the game with a groin issue. Unfortunately, Green Bay’s depth on the offensive line was not good enough to overcome the formidable Browns defensive front, who made life miserable for Jordan Love all game long. But this Sunday, the Packers will not be the only team taking the field in Dallas with injuries on the offensive line. The Cowboys, too, will be without two of their own starters after rookie Tyler Booker was revealed to have suffered a high ankle sprain: Booker suffered a high ankle sprain to Dallas’ blowout loss to the Chicago Bears. While he finished the game, he is going to be out for the next 4-6 weeks. Additionally, the Packers will not have to worry about All-Pro Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who will also be out for multiple weeks with an ankle sprain. Much has been said lately of Parsons returning to Dallas for the first time since the trade. And, given how beleaguered the Cowboys offensive line is, he could be in for a big game.
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!