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Troy Aikman made his disdain of analytics known on ‘Monday Night Football’

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Troy Aikman’s ESPN future is uncertain, but for this NFL season, Aikman is still in the Monday Night Football booth with Joe Buck, and he’s delivering commentary with the utmost certainty.

This Monday, during the San Francisco 49ers’ win over the Washington Commanders, Buck disclosed that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has “talked about analytics a lot with us.”

“He said it’s in the equation, but [he’s] been been calling plays for almost 20 years in this league, and there’s a lot of gut feel that he uses in spots like this,” Buck said, referencing San Francisco facing a fourth-and-3 in the first quarter.

“Yeah, I agree,” Aikman said, “and I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach. I think you’ve got to be smart about it. Kyle certainly is. The analytics, by the way, does say go for it, but as you mention, it’s not something that Kyle Shanahan always pays that much attention to. More gut than anything else.”

Aikman’s analytics take hit the radar of many Monday Night Football viewers, and they vented about it on Twitter.

“It’s not a Troy Aikman broadcast until he sh*ts on analytics,” JJ Zachariason wrote.

Troy Aikman:

“I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.”

Find someone who loves you as much as Troy Aikman loves punting and kicking FGs on 4th and short. https://t.co/xAMEDLVMIq

— GetACLSports.com®–Sports Investor (@TheRealMrACL) October 20, 2026

“I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.”

That’s what Aikman just said.

— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) October 20, 2026

Honestly wonder what great wrong analytics perpetrated on Troy Aikman for him to hate them with the intensity he does.

Such a bizarre reaction to just being better informed.

— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) October 20, 2026

That’s nice of Troy Aikman to worry about coaches losing during jobs by using analytics given that he’s-

— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) October 20, 2026

Troy Aikman: “I think analytics is a good way to lose your (head coaching) job in the NFL.”

Come on, Troy.

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 20, 2026

“Analytics is a good way for a head coach to lose their job”

— Troy Aikman

Instead of ignoring the part of the game that the entire league is embracing over the past decade, maybe try to understand it and explain it to viewers.

— Austin Mock (@amock419) October 20, 2026

As noted above, Aikman dominated headlines well before opining on analytics.

In September, ESPN inked Buck to a lucrative longterm contract, but ESPN has not committed to Aikman beyond this NFL season.

Last week, Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported “tension” between Buck and Aikman stemming from “their respective contract talks,” and that it caused “an argument” before the Monday Night Football broadcast on Oct. 12. Aikman didn’t exactly throw cold water on that report while appearing on KTCK The Ticket, and he doubled down in an exchange with Jimmy Traina.

“It just seems to be where they’re going — that they’re gonna go in a different direction because there’s been no talks, no contract negotiations,” Aikman said of ESPN. “We’re in a Super Bowl year. The Super Bowl is Feb. 14. My contract ends in March. It just doesn’t seem logical that if they were gonna keep me, something wouldn’t be in place before that.”

Aikman added, “The rest of the season will be fine. Excited about it. Looking forward to it. It’s awesome that we got the Super Bowl. Not a problem at all.”

John Ourand has reported that his “best sources” expect Greg Olsen (big analytics guy) to replace Aikman next season if ESPN decides to move on. Aikman and Buck have shared the booth since 2002 and became ESPN’s voices of Monday Night Football in 2022.

The post Troy Aikman made his disdain of analytics known on ‘Monday Night Football’ appeared first on Awful Announcing.

The Los Angeles Rams are holding onto a fading hope that they'll turn around their 2-4 start in order to meet championship expectations. The team will be calling on their depth to be the decisive factor in the pursuit of wins, as Davante Adams, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, and Blake Grupe picked up injuries over the weekend.

On top of that, neither Myles Garrett nor Terrance Ferguson is ready to come back from injured reserve. With such a reliance on backup players jumping into major roles, head coach Sean McVay was asked what he wants to see from the guys stepping up.

“I just think consistent execution," said McVay. "There's not one thing. There's a multitude of different things that occur on a snap-to-snap basis. That's why you always hear me talk about how football is the greatest team sport that there is. There are a lot of guys that are doing a really good job and we might just have a little bit of a breakdown in one spot where they have a hard down and then that affects the integrity of the whole play.

"It's more consistency, having the things that we want to be about on a consistent basis, snap in and snap out, be more reflective. That's when we're at our best, [when] we're playing consistent. There's a joy at which we're competing. There's an energy and an edge. Those are some of the things that we're looking for as a whole.”

In their absence, players such as Braden Fiske, Konata Mumpfield, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton, Tutu Atwell, the newly signed Brandon McManus, and others will have to play increased snaps against an opposition that is looking to bury Los Angeles.

When the Rams sparked their 2024 comeback, they needed some lesser-known players to step up, and in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, their performance proved to be a turning point. The Rams travel to face the Raiders this week, as Las Vegas looks to snap a three-game losing streak.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay shares what he wants to see from Rams' backups with starters out

The Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the New York Knicks' NBA title banner-raising party Tuesday night, but the fans inside Madison Square Garden made sure to give one of the city's newest residents a rude reception.

LeBron James was not given a warm greeting by the New Yorkers in attendance with the crowd at one point chanting, "We don't want you!" as he was at the free-throw line early in the game.

Fans chant “WE DON’T WANT YOU!” At LeBron James. #Knicks #AlwaysKnicks #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/bWfW7hdvQr

— Justin J. Lopez (@stellar_jl319) October 20, 2026

Near the end of the first half, James had a back-and-forth with fans sitting courtside while the Knicks were at the foul line. The conversation, as relayed by NBC's Mike Tirico, was about James and his use of a helicopter to travel between Philadelphia and New York City, where he now resides.

Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season

At one point during the interactions, Spike Lee, dressed in his best Knicks suit for the occasion, attempted to play peacemaker.

"You don't know what the fk you talkin about…I'm not from the west coast…I'm from Ohio baby. Ay…Fk you talkin about"

–– New NYC resident LeBron James meets his neighbors pic.twitter.com/0eHhcLK2uz

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) October 21, 2026

"Hey, LeBron, just because you have a helicopter and you live in New York doesn't mean we're gonna cheer for you," the fan said, according to Tirico.

James would continue his back-and-forth with the fans saying, "I'm not from the West Coast. I'm Ohio, baby. […] F*ck you talking about?"

The 41-year-old James would finish with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists during the Sixers' 106-100 win.

It was well-documented after he signed with the Sixers that James had thoughts about coming to the Knicks during free agency. He told reporters during training camp that he had "visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden" and ending his career with the franchise to help them win an NBA title. But after they defeated the Spurs in June's NBA Finals, James decided against pursuing the move.

After the game, when asked about the Sixers ruining the big night for the Knicks and their fans, James disagreed with the sentiment.

"I wouldn't say that," James said. "It was a great night for New York fans. Fifty-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment."

Notre Dame senior wide receiver Jaden Greathouse has been determined to have a bounce-back season following an injury-riddled 2025 campaign.

So far, Greathouse is on the right track for the US LBM Coaches Poll No. 8 Fighting Irish.

On Monday, Greathouse was recognized as Comeback Player of the Week after a standout performance against No. 4 BYU on Saturday.

The senior finished with a career-high eight receptions for 125 yards for the Irish. It’s the first time Greathouse has had 125-plus yards in a game since the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 20, 2025.

Greathouse averaged 15.6 yards-per-reception, including a season-best 38-yard catch. It was also the senior’s third-career game with 100 receiving yards.

Through seven games this season, Greathouse has 19 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. He is averaging 13.8 yards-per-reception.

Jaden Greathouse has been named a Comeback Player of the Week#GoIrish☘️ | @jadengreat1 pic.twitter.com/vhOzBPnlOm

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 20, 2026

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Kevin on X: @KevLSmittie

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame receiver gets comeback player of the week recognition

Watford are among the clubs who have a number of homegrown players that do not represent England or Wales [Getty Images]

In the Championship, League One and League Two, clubs must have a minimum of eight homegrown players registered in their squad.

For a league game in the EFL, clubs must name at least seven homegrown players in their matchday squad.

A homegrown player is someone who has been registered with either their current club, or any English or Welsh club, for a period of three seasons or 36 months prior to either their 21st birthday, or the end of the season that the player in question turns 21.

These rules are only enforced in league matches and are not enforced by the EFL for the FA Cup, EFL Cup or EFL Trophy.

The Premier League operates its own separate system of rules on squad lists and homegrown players.

An example of the rule classifying players as homegrown, despite not being English or Welsh, can be seen in Watford's recent 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Watford defenders Mattie Pollock and Marc Bola were the only players who are listed as English in the Hornets matchday squad. However, Hector Kyprianou (Cyprus), Jordan Zemura (Zimbabwe), Daniel Bachmann (Austria), Stephy Mavididi (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Amin Nabizada (Afghanistan), who all represent other countries for international games, are classed as homegrown due to where they played their club football as youth players.

Once an EFL club has submitted its squad list following the conclusion of the summer transfer window, each club is required to list at least one club-developed player per match on its squad list or team sheet.

For any match in which a club fails to do so, they are permitted one fewer player on their bench for the game. In the Championship, that would mean eight substitutes instead of nine, and in League One and League Two, it would result in six substitutes instead of seven.

Players aged under 21 do not count towards squad lists across all three EFL leagues, while goalkeepers are not included in the squad lists for League One and League Two.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. This question is from James in London.

Just a couple of days removed from starting for the New York Giants, the team has announced that they're releasing veteran running back Najee Harris.

Harris is second on the Giants in rushing yards this year, behind Cam Skattebo, with 99 yards. This Sunday, he started against the New Orleans Saints but rushed for only 2 yards on 4 carries.

Skattebo has seen his workload reduced after fumbling 4 times so far this year. He didn't carry the ball against the Saints on Sunday. The Giants couldn't get anything going with four running backs active (Harris, Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary). They rushed for only 34 yards.

Afterward, Harris was frustrated and voiced his concern: "It's hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs," he said Sunday. "The first couple runs you'll be like: 'OK, how are they playing me?' And then the next ones will be like: This is how you attack it. But if you're getting a play here and you get taken out for a series, there's nothing you can do. That's why I'm saying I don't know. I've never been through this before."

According to reports, this is not the reason for the release.

Harris, who is only 28, will be looking for another team after signing with the Giants this offseason.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Giants release veteran running back after signing him this offseason

Arsenal takes its perfect Champions League record and thinned back line to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21 for a clash with Bayern Munich.

The Gunners are second in the Premier League after winning four of their last five league matches. Sunday's narrow 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest gave them 10 wins in 11 games across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta is without William Saliba, Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis but Martin Zubimendi has been cleared to return from an ankle problem.

Here is how Arsenal could line up against Bayern Munich:

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich

Goalkeeper: Raya
Defense: White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori
Midfield: Rice, Lewis-Skelly
Attacking midfield: Saka, Ødegaard, Madueke
Forward: Havertz

Saliba's absence leaves Ezri Konsa alongside Gabriel in central defense. With Zubimendi just returning, Myles Lewis-Skelly could keep his place next to Declan Rice in midfield.

Arsenal team news vs. Bayern Munich

Out: Saliba, Hincapie, Tzolis
Questionable: N/A
Suspended: N/A

Will Martin Zubimendi play vs. Bayern Munich?

Zubimendi will be available after missing last week's win over Lille with an ankle injury. The Spaniard suffered the injury in a training session on the Emirates Stadium pitch following the 2-1 win over Leeds United.

Arteta confirmed Tuesday that the midfielder has rejoined the group and will be part of the squad in Munich."Zubi's back with us, he will be involved tomorrow," said the Arsenal manager.

Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal time, TV

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
TV/stream: Paramount+ (WATCH HERE), ViX (Watch on Prime Video), TUDN, UniMas

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich: Projected XI, team news

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«Van Dijk says 'risk' is worth reward under Liverpool boss Iraola») Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa

Villarreal's Nathan-Dylan Saliba (R) and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF at Anfield. (is associated with: «Van Dijk says 'risk' is worth reward under Liverpool boss Iraola») Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes the risks associated with playing Andoni Iraola's way is worth the reward - although it helps when you have a teenage winger as exciting as Rio Ngumoha.

Villarreal exposed the spaces and flaws in a team showing six changes to take a 2-0 lead inside 30 minutes at Anfield on Tuesday but, inspired by their 18-year-old phenomenon, the hosts fought back to win 4-3 to maintain their 100% Champions League record.

The change involved Iraola doubling-down on his high-intensity pressing in the second half, gambling on a man-to-man approach to first nullify the visitors' superior mobility and then turn the game in their favour.

Ngumoha's pace and directness was a key factor but the positivity of bringing on Florian Wirtz at half-time and dropping previous number 10 Ryan Gravenberch to right-back was rewarded with a third successive win.

It was the first time Liverpool had come from 2-0 down to win in the Champions League since beating Villarreal in the 2022 semi-final.

"Obviously we don't want to put ourselves in a position where you have to come back from anything and that's what I did from the start," said Van Dijk, who was at pains to take responsibility for "a bad day at the office" after his individual error led to conceding the first goal.

"It wasn't a great first half but we got it turned around. When it pays off, yes definitely (it's exciting).

"But when you just mistime the tackle or when they flick it then it could be wide open but that was definitely the message: we have to go all-in if we try to win the ball up high and you have to take that risk and second half we were much better."

Ngumoha was deservedly awarded man of the match as, in addition to his two assists for Alexis Mac Allister, he was, in Van Dijk's words, "pretty electric".

The 18-year-old has completed more successful dribbles (16) than any player in the Champions League, with Barcelona's Ballon d'Or contender Lamine Yamal four behind in second place.

"He was a complete threat constantly and their defender had a tough time," added Van Dijk, who believes spending last season in the same squad as Mohamed Salah was of huge benefit.

"Everyone is chipping in but for him to work with Mo last year was obviously massive as Mo was one of the best wingers at the club and experienced everything, so why not soak in all the information and show it on the pitch and show your own qualities?

"I think he has shown it this season but there is still much more to come."

Motorsport photo

Since Joan Mir retired from the San Marino GP race on 13 September, the Honda rider has not competed again due to a health problem.

And now Honda has explained in its preview of the Australian GP that it will race with only Luca Marini this weekend, with Mir remaining sidelined and Aleix Espargaró, the test rider who replaced him in Indonesia, suffering from arm pump, needing surgery.

"Joan Mir and his medical team are working intensively to achieve his return to competition; however, they have considered that the Australian GP at Phillip Island comes too soon, so they will continue to assess his condition," read the Honda statement.

While under the regulations Honda should field two riders this weekend, the injuries to Takaaki Nakagami, who suffered a crash while making a wild-card appearance at the Japanese GP three weeks ago, and Espargaró have prevented the Japanese manufacturer from fielding a full team at Phillip Island's farewell as a venue for MotoGP Grands Prix.

Having not raced on the Sunday at Mandalika, Espargaró travelled to Malaysia to complete two days of testing with the 850cc Honda RC214V, the 2027 bike, tests during which he again suffered from arm pump.

Honda explained: "After voluntarily withdrawing from the Indonesian Grand Prix, Aleix Espargaró will not travel to Australia, as he has suffered from chronic exertional compartment syndrome during a private test at the Sepang International Circuit. The Honda HRC development rider will undergo surgery in Barcelona in the coming days."

No news on Mir

Joan Mir, Honda HRC

Little is known about Mir's situation. On Saturday at Misano, the rider told media that he was not feeling well.

"I don't feel 100%, not even 50%," he admitted after finishing 20th in the sprint race. On Sunday, after starting the Grand Prix, he ended up retiring after five laps and travelling to Barcelona, where he underwent tests that revealed "altered blood parameters that require further investigation," according to the team.

Initially, Honda announced that Mir would not race in Austria and would rest in order to return in Japan. However, on 22 September it was announced that he would be absent from both Motegi and Mandalika.

In that statement, Honda explained that "for the time being, the test results are inconclusive and Dr Angel Charte, MotoGP medical director, has prescribed complete rest and rehabilitation therapy for the next 15 days," a period that has now elapsed.

"Joan Mir has been experiencing various symptoms affecting his energy and performance for several months, which have recently worsened; for the time being, the exact cause is unknown," Dr Charte explained.

"Given the persistence and severity of the symptoms, Mir is undergoing a series of tests at Dexeus University Hospital with the aim of obtaining a definitive diagnosis", the results of which have not been disclosed.

"Due to his condition, the medical recommendation is to observe strict rest and follow various treatments."

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 - Getty Images Sport

Real Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal has been slapped with a four-game suspension following a fiery clash with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. The Uruguayan was sent off after headbutting the teenager during a dramatic 5-2 defeat at the weekend.

Big suspension confirmed

Bernal has been given a four-game ban by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary committee on Wednesday. The sanction comes following his sending off during a 5-2 defeat against Barca at the weekend. Bernal was sent off in the 54th minute, shortly after Betis scored to narrow the deficit to 3-2.

His dismissal completely swung the momentum of the high-stakes match back in favor of the opposition. The 23-year-old midfielder will now face an extended period on the sidelines. His actions have drawn severe disciplinary consequences from the Spanish governing body.

Clash with Lamine Yamal

The disciplinary report published on Wednesday by the RFEF outlined the specific reasons behind the harsh punishment. According to the official report, Bernal grabbed Yamal by the neck before headbutting him twice. The Uruguayan international was deemed to have assaulted Yamal while the ball was not in play.

The governing body's disciplinary code strictly dictates that bans range from four to 12 games for such violent behaviour. Bernal ultimately received the minimum penalty permitted under the regulations for the offense. Yamal was also booked during the heated exchange for pushing the Betis midfielder prior to the red-card incident.

Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27More disciplinary trouble

The match unravelled completely for Betis following the red card. Barca capitalised on the numerical advantage to score three unanswered goals, with Yamal assisting Gabriel Jesus for the third effort.

The fallout extended beyond the pitch as well. Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo was also sanctioned with a two-game suspension and a fine for conduct contrary to good sporting order.

Key matches missed

Bernal will miss a crucial run of Liga fixtures for Betis. He is set to sit out upcoming matches against Celta Vigo, Malaga, Elche, and the fierce derby clash with Sevilla on November 22.

The suspension serves as a significant blow to the squad's midfield depth during a crucial phase of the campaign. Betis currently sit fourth in the Liga standings on 19 points.

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