2 months ago
Chad Baker-Mazara's departure from USC last spring came after head coach Eric Musselman went off on a "profanity-laced, racially-charged" tirade against him in the locker room, the former player is alleging in a new lawsuit.
Baker-Mazara filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Monday, according to the California Post, claiming that Musselman erupted on him after the team's loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara and the Trojans split just days later. He is suing the university for breach of contract, conversion and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, among other things.
Baker-Mazara left USC during the final stretch of the regular season last spring. Specifics of his departure weren't known, other than it was reportedly due to "an accumulation of issues," but the timing was very suspect. The announcement came on March 1, just days before the Trojans kicked off the Big Ten tournament.
Baker-Mazara transferred into USC from Auburn, and averaged career-highs 18.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The incident in question, according to the lawsuit, happened after their loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara said that Musselman started yelling at the team in the locker room. Baker-Mazara tried to address his teammates, and Musselman shut him down.
#last #spring
Baker-Mazara filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Monday, according to the California Post, claiming that Musselman erupted on him after the team's loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara and the Trojans split just days later. He is suing the university for breach of contract, conversion and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, among other things.
Baker-Mazara left USC during the final stretch of the regular season last spring. Specifics of his departure weren't known, other than it was reportedly due to "an accumulation of issues," but the timing was very suspect. The announcement came on March 1, just days before the Trojans kicked off the Big Ten tournament.
Baker-Mazara transferred into USC from Auburn, and averaged career-highs 18.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The incident in question, according to the lawsuit, happened after their loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara said that Musselman started yelling at the team in the locker room. Baker-Mazara tried to address his teammates, and Musselman shut him down.
#last #spring
2 months ago
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has stood out during preseason work ahead of the team's Week 1 Thursday Night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia on September 10. Injuries in the receiving corps have created openings, and Stribling has taken full advantage in practice and preseason action.
Quarterback Brock Purdy praised the Ole Miss product directly, saying Stribling will be a big part of the offense this season. Purdy cited the rookie's playbook retention, consistency in practice, and ability to correct mistakes quickly as reasons for his confidence.
The San Francisco 49ers carry high expectations into the new season, and confidence surrounds their offense. Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling turned heads during preseason workouts after joining the team as a draft pick out of Ole Miss, following his early college career at Washington State.
Stribling also led all receivers in the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee ****** ans, catching seven passes for 63 yards in the first half alone against first-team defenders. That performance made him the second receiver in the past decade to record seven catches in the first 20 minutes of a preseason game.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi wideout De'Zhaun Stribling (WO35) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
#preseason #receiver #francisco #Purdy
Quarterback Brock Purdy praised the Ole Miss product directly, saying Stribling will be a big part of the offense this season. Purdy cited the rookie's playbook retention, consistency in practice, and ability to correct mistakes quickly as reasons for his confidence.
The San Francisco 49ers carry high expectations into the new season, and confidence surrounds their offense. Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling turned heads during preseason workouts after joining the team as a draft pick out of Ole Miss, following his early college career at Washington State.
Stribling also led all receivers in the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee ****** ans, catching seven passes for 63 yards in the first half alone against first-team defenders. That performance made him the second receiver in the past decade to record seven catches in the first 20 minutes of a preseason game.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi wideout De'Zhaun Stribling (WO35) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
#preseason #receiver #francisco #Purdy
2 months ago
College football season may have just begun. But college basketball season is only two months away! On Monday, USC men's basketball announced its nonconference schedule for the 2026-2027 season.
Following three exhibition games, the Trojans will open up the season on November 2 at Galen Center against Milwaukee. They will then travel up to Northern California to face Wichita State in Lake Tahoe, before visiting Cal in an old Pac-12 showdown.
After that, USC will return home for matchups with Arkansas Pine Bluff, Tarleton State, and Louisiana. Eric Musselman's team will then spend Thanksgiving in Palm Springs, California at the Acrisure Series, where they will take on South Carolina and Utah State.
USC's final road games of nonconference play will be at San Diego on December 8 and against Texas Tech in Fort Worth, Texas on December 13. The Trojans will wrap up their nonconference slate with home matchups against Jacksonville and Western Michigan on December 19 and 22, respectively.
After that, USC will get into the heart of Big Ten play. The Trojans' conference schedule will be announced at a later date.
#college #Basketball #announced
Following three exhibition games, the Trojans will open up the season on November 2 at Galen Center against Milwaukee. They will then travel up to Northern California to face Wichita State in Lake Tahoe, before visiting Cal in an old Pac-12 showdown.
After that, USC will return home for matchups with Arkansas Pine Bluff, Tarleton State, and Louisiana. Eric Musselman's team will then spend Thanksgiving in Palm Springs, California at the Acrisure Series, where they will take on South Carolina and Utah State.
USC's final road games of nonconference play will be at San Diego on December 8 and against Texas Tech in Fort Worth, Texas on December 13. The Trojans will wrap up their nonconference slate with home matchups against Jacksonville and Western Michigan on December 19 and 22, respectively.
After that, USC will get into the heart of Big Ten play. The Trojans' conference schedule will be announced at a later date.
#college #Basketball #announced
2 months ago
PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the date of the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Chief creative officer Adam Selman teases a few details about this year's show
Victoria's Secret will also allow fans to win their way into this year's show
The 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is right around the corner.
PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that Victoria's Secret will hold this year's fashion show on Sunday, Oct. 18. The show will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and be available to stream live on YouTube and on Victoria's Secret's social channels.
#fashion #adam #selman #sunday
Chief creative officer Adam Selman teases a few details about this year's show
Victoria's Secret will also allow fans to win their way into this year's show
The 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is right around the corner.
PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that Victoria's Secret will hold this year's fashion show on Sunday, Oct. 18. The show will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and be available to stream live on YouTube and on Victoria's Secret's social channels.
#fashion #adam #selman #sunday
3 months ago
Tennessee has some questions entering this season, but depth at the skill positions isn't one of them. Particularly at tight end, where Tennessee lost Miles Kitselman, the Volunteers are locked and loaded with guys like Ethan Davis, Trent Thomas, DaSaahn Brame, Cole Harrison, Luca Wolf and Drake Martinez.
Easily the most coveted prospect of the group is Brame, who chose Tennessee over Oregon two recruiting cycles ago. The Derby, Kansas native was a 4-star prospect ranking inside of the top 50 overall by On3. Standing in at 6-5, 240 pounds, Brame is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.
Going into year two and moving up a notch or two on the depth chart, Brame should have plenty more opportunities as a sophomore this season.
"One, just mastery of the offense, knowing what to do," Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln said of Brame. "It's hard to do anything at a high level until you feel really confident in what you're doing. I think to the last point, man, the work that those guys have done in the weight room, um, on the field, those guys are moving better, they're stronger, more explosive, allowing him to translate in the box a little bit more. And I'm really excited to see what he'll do this camp."
Brame, just like many others on the roster, is up ten pounds from last season's listing. He appeared in nine games as a true freshman despite being buried at fourth on the depth chart. Brame ended up catching six passes for 63 yards, three of which came against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Interestingly enough, Brame was also used a bit as a slot option later in the year as the injuries piled up.
#prospect
Easily the most coveted prospect of the group is Brame, who chose Tennessee over Oregon two recruiting cycles ago. The Derby, Kansas native was a 4-star prospect ranking inside of the top 50 overall by On3. Standing in at 6-5, 240 pounds, Brame is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.
Going into year two and moving up a notch or two on the depth chart, Brame should have plenty more opportunities as a sophomore this season.
"One, just mastery of the offense, knowing what to do," Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln said of Brame. "It's hard to do anything at a high level until you feel really confident in what you're doing. I think to the last point, man, the work that those guys have done in the weight room, um, on the field, those guys are moving better, they're stronger, more explosive, allowing him to translate in the box a little bit more. And I'm really excited to see what he'll do this camp."
Brame, just like many others on the roster, is up ten pounds from last season's listing. He appeared in nine games as a true freshman despite being buried at fourth on the depth chart. Brame ended up catching six passes for 63 yards, three of which came against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Interestingly enough, Brame was also used a bit as a slot option later in the year as the injuries piled up.
#prospect
3 months ago
Detroit Lions tight end Miles Kitselman, an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee who had seen reps with Detroit's first-team offense in training camp, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ending his rookie season.
In a corresponding move, wide receiver Tarik Black, who waived waived by the Lions on Aug. 3, was brought back to the roster.
Kitselman (leg) saw opportunities with the first-team offense as TE3 behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright while Tyler Conklin worked to return to the field. Conklin, a veteran signed in March, has been dealing with a calf issue he sustained in the spring and hasn't yet practiced in training camp.
Conklin passed his physical Tuesday, according to the league's transaction wire, offering a potential signal for his return. Conklin had a quiet season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 but was productive over his three years with the New York Jets (2022-24) before that, with 1,622 yards and seven touchdowns.
Before the Lions, Kitselman played at Hutchinson Community College (2021), Alabama (2022-23) and Tennessee (2024-25). He made 24 starts over two seasons with the Volunteers, catching 48 passes for 554 yards and six touchdowns.
#conklin #camp
In a corresponding move, wide receiver Tarik Black, who waived waived by the Lions on Aug. 3, was brought back to the roster.
Kitselman (leg) saw opportunities with the first-team offense as TE3 behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright while Tyler Conklin worked to return to the field. Conklin, a veteran signed in March, has been dealing with a calf issue he sustained in the spring and hasn't yet practiced in training camp.
Conklin passed his physical Tuesday, according to the league's transaction wire, offering a potential signal for his return. Conklin had a quiet season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 but was productive over his three years with the New York Jets (2022-24) before that, with 1,622 yards and seven touchdowns.
Before the Lions, Kitselman played at Hutchinson Community College (2021), Alabama (2022-23) and Tennessee (2024-25). He made 24 starts over two seasons with the Volunteers, catching 48 passes for 554 yards and six touchdowns.
#conklin #camp
3 months ago
Tennessee football preseason practice has arrived, so it's time to start hyping and overanalyzing every player at every position on the 2026 roster.
On this podcast episode of "The Volunteer State," beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams discuss not-so-obvious players who could impact the Vols' season. And there's one big caveat: No quarterbacks.
This list includes players who aren't on preseason watch lists for all-conference honors. They're underrated for whatever reason. They're not the top transfer or a five-star freshman. And some are viewed as second-fiddle players in terms of interest at their position.
Sparks presented five under-the-radar players that intrigue him, and Adams reacted. To hear the full discussion, listen to the hour-long podcast. Here are those five intriguing players and why they were selected.
There was a time when Ethan Davis was seen as a young rising star at tight end. But he was overshadowed by transfers like McCallan Castles, Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman. In 2026, Davis has arrived at a now-or-never point in his career.
#time
On this podcast episode of "The Volunteer State," beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams discuss not-so-obvious players who could impact the Vols' season. And there's one big caveat: No quarterbacks.
This list includes players who aren't on preseason watch lists for all-conference honors. They're underrated for whatever reason. They're not the top transfer or a five-star freshman. And some are viewed as second-fiddle players in terms of interest at their position.
Sparks presented five under-the-radar players that intrigue him, and Adams reacted. To hear the full discussion, listen to the hour-long podcast. Here are those five intriguing players and why they were selected.
There was a time when Ethan Davis was seen as a young rising star at tight end. But he was overshadowed by transfers like McCallan Castles, Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman. In 2026, Davis has arrived at a now-or-never point in his career.
#time
3 months ago
Tennessee football preseason practice has arrived, so it's time to start hyping and overanalyzing every player at every position on the 2026 roster.
On this podcast episode of "The Volunteer State," beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams discuss not-so-obvious players who could impact the Vols' season. And there's one big caveat: No quarterbacks.
This list includes players who aren't on preseason watch lists for all-conference honors. They're underrated for whatever reason. They're not the top transfer or a five-star freshman. And some are viewed as second-fiddle players in terms of interest at their position.
Sparks presented five under-the-radar players that intrigue him, and Adams reacted. To hear the full discussion, listen to the hour-long podcast. Here are those five intriguing players and why they were selected.
There was a time when Ethan Davis was seen as a young rising star at tight end. But he was overshadowed by transfers like McCallan Castles, Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman. In 2026, Davis has arrived at a now-or-never point in his career.
#five #adams #arrived #every
On this podcast episode of "The Volunteer State," beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams discuss not-so-obvious players who could impact the Vols' season. And there's one big caveat: No quarterbacks.
This list includes players who aren't on preseason watch lists for all-conference honors. They're underrated for whatever reason. They're not the top transfer or a five-star freshman. And some are viewed as second-fiddle players in terms of interest at their position.
Sparks presented five under-the-radar players that intrigue him, and Adams reacted. To hear the full discussion, listen to the hour-long podcast. Here are those five intriguing players and why they were selected.
There was a time when Ethan Davis was seen as a young rising star at tight end. But he was overshadowed by transfers like McCallan Castles, Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman. In 2026, Davis has arrived at a now-or-never point in his career.
#five #adams #arrived #every
4 months ago
Sunday is Father's Day. For most of the country, that means an opportunity to celebrate their fathers. With USC men's basketball, however, the father-son connection goes deeper than usual.
One of the Trojans' **** istant coaches is Michael Musselman, the son of head coach Eric Musselman. In a recent USC Athletics Q&A, the younger Musselman discussed coaching with his father.
"He's been coaching my whole life," Musselman said. "I've grown up around it. He coached with his dad in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I was around while my grandpa was still coaching. It hasn't been difficult to navigate the personal from the business with my dad.
"At work it's all business. Obviously, it spills over into our personal lives. We're working seven days a week and you don't have a set amount of hours in this profession. It's been amazing to go on the road recruiting and sit and watch games with my dad and my brother, who's also getting into the industry. I think this job in this profession takes people away from their families so much, so to be able to work my dad is a unique situation."
The Musselman family is entering its third season together in Los Angeles. After two disappointing campaigns, they are looking to break through in year three and lead the Trojans back to the NCAA Tournament.
One of the Trojans' **** istant coaches is Michael Musselman, the son of head coach Eric Musselman. In a recent USC Athletics Q&A, the younger Musselman discussed coaching with his father.
"He's been coaching my whole life," Musselman said. "I've grown up around it. He coached with his dad in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I was around while my grandpa was still coaching. It hasn't been difficult to navigate the personal from the business with my dad.
"At work it's all business. Obviously, it spills over into our personal lives. We're working seven days a week and you don't have a set amount of hours in this profession. It's been amazing to go on the road recruiting and sit and watch games with my dad and my brother, who's also getting into the industry. I think this job in this profession takes people away from their families so much, so to be able to work my dad is a unique situation."
The Musselman family is entering its third season together in Los Angeles. After two disappointing campaigns, they are looking to break through in year three and lead the Trojans back to the NCAA Tournament.
5 months ago
After Tounde Yessoufou elected to commit to St. John’s late last month, the UCLA Bruins are running out of options for impact players to bring into the program following two-straight Round of 32 NCAA Tournament exits for Mick Cronin’s team.
The Bruins were projected to be a top college basketball team last year but under-performed throughout the season. Now UCLA will be without Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau for the 2026-2027 season but haven’t properly replaced their two star seniors.
ESPN released an early Top-25 ranking and writer Jeff Borzello doesn’t have the Bruins making the cut. Borzello lists UCLA as a part of the “Next five” teams but after a quiet offseason, expectations are subdued in Westwood.
It’s not as if Borzello was afraid of Big Ten Conference teams either, with five Big Ten teams included in the Top-25. The defending champion Michigan Wolverines lead the way in the Big Ten at No. 3, with No. 4 Illinois, No. 8 Michigan State, No. 12 USC and No. 22 Nebraska following the Wolverines in the ranking.
It is a bit strange to see the USC Trojans listed ahead of UCLA in men’s basketball rankings but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Trojans have invested heavily into their roster and the Bruins have proven to be less willing to dig deep into their NIL pockets to bring in top-end talent. USC head coach Eric Musselman has yet to win an NCAA Tournament game with the Trojans but he’s been able to land top recruits, which will eventually lead to success for Musselman and the program.
The Bruins were projected to be a top college basketball team last year but under-performed throughout the season. Now UCLA will be without Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau for the 2026-2027 season but haven’t properly replaced their two star seniors.
ESPN released an early Top-25 ranking and writer Jeff Borzello doesn’t have the Bruins making the cut. Borzello lists UCLA as a part of the “Next five” teams but after a quiet offseason, expectations are subdued in Westwood.
It’s not as if Borzello was afraid of Big Ten Conference teams either, with five Big Ten teams included in the Top-25. The defending champion Michigan Wolverines lead the way in the Big Ten at No. 3, with No. 4 Illinois, No. 8 Michigan State, No. 12 USC and No. 22 Nebraska following the Wolverines in the ranking.
It is a bit strange to see the USC Trojans listed ahead of UCLA in men’s basketball rankings but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Trojans have invested heavily into their roster and the Bruins have proven to be less willing to dig deep into their NIL pockets to bring in top-end talent. USC head coach Eric Musselman has yet to win an NCAA Tournament game with the Trojans but he’s been able to land top recruits, which will eventually lead to success for Musselman and the program.
