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John McEnroe became the unexpected punchline during TNT Sports’ coverage of the French Open final after failing to show up on time.
The broadcast opened with an empty seat where the outspoken tennis icon was meant to be, leaving host Rachel Stringer joined only by pundits Tim Henman and Chris Evert. The trio were set to launch coverage of the much-anticipated clash between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but McEnroe was conspicuously absent.
Stringer kept things diplomatic, saying he was "running behind schedule." Evert retorted, however, stating, "He’s always late," with Henman joining in, joking that the show would carry on with or without him.
When McEnroe finally arrived minutes later, he was met with applause from the fans gathered behind the desk.
Instantly, Henman smiled and joked, "We’ve been waiting hours for you.". To which McEnroe fired back with a smile, "That’s your problem!".
The 66-year-old was quick to offer his version of events. He explained, stating: "We don't want to get into the weeds on this reasoning, there's an insinuation that I am coming in late. But the truth is that I was only asked to do the match, which I believe I am an hour and 10 minutes early for.
"Because I wanted to lay it all on the line for this, I was on the way and all of a sudden someone called from TNT UK and they said 'hey where's John?' and I am stuck in traffic because there is a marathon on, so I came later than I thought. I was planning on being here at 1.15pm just in case anyone needed me. Which clearly you don't! You have got Chrissy and Tim, my brother Andre [Agassi], Jim [Courier] who came over here, I mean come on.".
The panel’s playful jabs didn’t stop there. When asked if he had done his homework on the final, McEnroe fired back with a grin, “Since when have I not done my homework?”
Despite the lighthearted ribbing, McEnroe took it all in stride, noting with a chuckle that the broadcast was already stacked with top tennis talent.
Later in the show, McEnroe took a moment away from the tennis talk to send a heartfelt message. He spoke about recently watching a documentary on legendary musician Billy Joel, who has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a brain disorder. "I want to wish him a speedy recovery," McEnroe said sincerely. "He’s one of the greatest performers ever, and it’s tough news. I was watching TV pretty late last night and just wanted to send him all my best.".
With the banter behind them and McEnroe finally settled into his seat, the expert panel turned their full attention to the much-anticipated battle on the clay court between Sinner and Alcaraz, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling final.
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Three under-the-radar trade chips for Red Sox
After their quick exit from the postseason, the Boston Red Sox recognized that their rotation needed help. So, they acquired Sonny Gray and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals on Nov. 25 in exchange for a pair of pitchers and a player to be named later. After the rival New York Yankees made quick work of them in the wild-card series, though, it's clear the team needs more than a 36-year-old pitcher. That said, the team has a bright future. Former No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony made his debut this season and quickly looked like the player he was touted to be. However, it's clear that the Red Sox's young roster, led by Anthony, needs more veteran talent around them. Boston parted ways with franchise icon Rafael Devers in June and failed to replace his offensive production. Trading for a proven bat is necessary for the Red Sox this offseason if they wish to build upon 2025's third-place finish in the AL East in 2026. While outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have been the most common names mentioned in trade rumors, here are three players Boston could also consider moving. 1. CF Ceddanne Rafaela If any team is looking to shore up its outfield defense, they may want to give the Red Sox a call about Rafaela. The 25-year-old won the first Gold Glove Award of his career in 2025, and over 156 games, slashed .249/.295/.414 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI. While Rafaela's RBI was down from 2024 (75), he increased his on-base percentage (.274) and was able to cut down his strikeouts from 151 in 2024 to 117 in 2025. Since debuting in August of 2023, he has played shortstop and second base in addition to center for the Red Sox. His defensive versatility and serviceable offense could interest many contending clubs. 2. INF Marcelo Mayer Before Anthony, there was Mayer. The infielder was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Red Sox. After a plethora of injuries during his time in the minor leagues, the 22-year-old finally made his debut in May. Mayer batted .228 with a .674 OPS, 13 extra-base hits and 10 RBI before going down with a right wrist sprain at the end of July, missing the rest of the season. He has a high ceiling despite his injury history, with only 136 major-league plate appearances across 44 games. Mayer will be just 23 on Dec. 12. 3. RHP Brayan Bello With the addition of Gray to the starting rotation, it's possible that Bello could be the odd man out on the Red Sox pitching staff. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2025, posting a 3.35 ERA across 166.2 innings with 124 strikeouts. Furthermore, he threw his first career complete game in July against the Colorado Rockies. The right-hander has dealt with a couple of injuries to his throwing arm, but he has tremendous upside. If the Red Sox can flip Bello to acquire a bat, they absolutely should do so. Moreover, Boston still has a Joe Ryan pipe dream.
Packers announce head-turning roster move one day after 2025 Lions sweep
Fresh off a Thanksgiving win on Thursday against the Detroit Lions on the road at Ford Field in Detroit, the Green Bay Packers made a notable move to reunite with kicker Lucas Havrisik. Green Bay parted ways with Havrisik just before the Lions game, but on Friday, the team announced that he’s back in the fold after getting signed to the practice squad roster. Via Green Bay’s official website: “The Green Bay Packers signed K Lucas Havrisik (HAVE-ruh-sick) to the practice squad. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Friday.” Lucas Havrisik insurance for now for the Packers It can be recalled that Havrisik saw action in three games in the 2025 NFL season for Green Bay in place of the then-injured Brandon McManus. In those games, the former Arizona Wildcats kicker went 4-for-4 on his field goals, including a franchise record-setting 61-yard make in Week 7’s 27-23 win in Glendale over the Arizona Cardinals. He was also 7-for-9 on extra-point attempts, with both misses happening in Week 11’s 27-20 victory against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. McManus is healthy and perfect in the two games since he returned to action, so there is no reason for the Packers to give his spot to someone else so Havrisik will just be insurance for now for Green Bay, which has a Week 14 date with the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Jerry Jones claims Jets turned down absurd trade offer involving Micah Parsons, Quinnen Williams
'I’m Doing It': Scribe on Maple Leafs Trading Future Star in Quinn Hughes Deal
In another world, where the Toronto Maple Leafs have 30 points and are playoff contenders, looking to capitalize on a window to win, does the organization take a run at a generational defenseman that could put them over the top? One host and analyst thinks so, arguing that he would trade just about anything, including Matthew Knies, to acquire Quinn Hughes. Talk about whether the Vancouver Canucks will eventually trade Hughes is everywhere these days. The Canucks have told 31 other teams they are open to moving veterans and are making pending UFAs available via trade. To this point, that doesn’t include Hughes. However, he remains the big name, and the talking point around him is that he looks unhappy. Despite saying he’s committed to the team, it appears he’s moving on at some point. Perhaps the Canucks should get the most they can, while he can fetch a massive return. Would The Maple Leafs Be Interested? Who’s kidding whom? If Hughes becomes available, the Leafs will make a call to find out the asking price. And Bryan Hayes noted recently that if that price is Matthew Knies, he’s doing it. Should Toronto get two possible playoff runs out of Hughes — even if he eventually makes his way to New Jersey as a free agent to play with his brothers — Hughes is such a difference-maker, the Maple Leafs have to consider the trade. Hayes even said he’s throwing in picks and whatever else is required to acquire the second-best defensman in the world. Hayes said: “Let’s say the Leafs are really rocking right now, and it’s going to cost you Matthew Knies, I’m doing it, that’s what I’m telling you. I’m doing that, plus the picks and the prospects, like, that’s how good Quinn Hughes is.” Why Quinn Hughes Would Be A Risk For the Maple Leafs Hayes is suggesting the Leafs move on from arguably their best young forward. And, he’s suggesting they do so, even if they know that Hughes is ultimately not re-signing in Toronto. That makes any theorized deal all about how good Toronto thinks they can be with Hughes and without Knies over the next two seasons. It might not look like it so far this season, but the Maple Leafs’ window to win is now with Auston Matthews and William Nylander in their prime. In fact, that window is closing fast and if the team doesn’t push this season and next, they might be looking at starting over. How much of an impact can Hughes make with this roster? That’s the real question. If you were to describe the ideal fit, Hughes is it. Whether moving on from Knies to get what you need is the right play would be heavily debated. Getting Hughes would be huge. Losing Knies means immediately looking for another player to do what he does and at the same or a lower price. That’s no easy task, given how much the salary cap is rising and with what good forwards are commanding. Winning is the priority, but at what cost? Hughes is a long-term rental, probably nothing more. Hayes is behind the idea that you do what you have to, but is he right? There’s no indication a Hughes trade is close. There’s no sign that the Maple Leafs have eyes on him. But, if the opportunity fell into their lap, does GM Brad Treliving do whatever it takes to make that possibilty a reality?
Hawks provide injury update on Trae Young amid recent success
While Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is making “good progress” in his recovery from a sprained MCL in his right knee, he will miss at least two more weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated, the team announced in a press release. Young injured his knee in a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye in the first quarter of an Oct. 29 game at Brooklyn. He was ruled out for the rest of that game and was diagnosed with the MCL sprain a few days later after undergoing an MRI, which revealed no additional damage. The 27-year-old point guard was scheduled to be checked out on Saturday. This is the first update on his status since Nov. 1. Atlanta Hawks have found success despite Trae Young injury Atlanta has played well without the four-time All-Star, compiling an 11-5 record (including the victory over the Nets) in Young’s absence. He’s expected to be sidelined for six more games, with the earliest possible return date likely being Dec. 14 vs. Philadelphia. Fifth-year forward Jalen Johnson has thrived with Young sidelined, emerging as the face of the franchise and complicating his teammate’s future with the organization, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Although the Hawks value young Young’s contributions and are eager to have him back in the near future, they may not be willing to give him the type of contract he could be seeking next offseason if he declines his $49M player option for 2026-27 to become an unrestricted free agent. Johnson had another huge game on Friday against Cleveland, compiling 29 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists for his second triple-double of the season, writes Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (subscriber link). Johnson, who turns 24 years old next month, was plus-20 in 39 minutes during the seven-point victory over the Cavaliers. Reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels has also taken on expanded play-making duties with Young out, and will continue to do so until his fellow starter in the backcourt is ready to return. It will be interesting to see what head coach Quin Snyder decides to do with Nickeil Alexander-Walker when Young is back. The Canadian guard, who was acquired in a sign-and-trade with Minnesota over the summer, has more than doubled his scoring average (19.3 point per game) compared to last season (9.4). He has been starting alongside Daniels for the past 13 games.
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