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Deadspin | Hawks hire ex-NBA writer, podcaster in front-office role Nov 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of State Farm Arena before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Former NBA journalist Tim Bontemps is joining the front office of the Atlanta Hawks. The 41-year-old was named strategic adviser to Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh. Saleh was promoted in May from his position of general manager. Bontemps, co-host of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, has worked for ESPN, The Washington Post and New York Post covering the NBA since 2012. He’s the second hoops journalist to cross over to an NBA front office. Another former ESPN writer, 36-year-old Mike Schmitz, was named general manager of the Dallas Mavericks under new team president Masai Ujiri. Schmitz, who played basketball at Arizona, describes himself as a self-taught scout who previously worked for Draft Express, Yahoo and as assistant general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hawks #hire #exNBA #writer #podcaster #frontoffice #role

Deadspin | Hawks hire ex-NBA writer, podcaster in front-office role
Deadspin | Hawks hire ex-NBA writer, podcaster in front-office role Nov 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of State Farm Arena before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Former NBA journalist Tim Bontemps is joining the front office of the Atlanta Hawks. The 41-year-old was named strategic adviser to Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh. Saleh was promoted in May from his position of general manager. Bontemps, co-host of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, has worked for ESPN, The Washington Post and New York Post covering the NBA since 2012. He’s the second hoops journalist to cross over to an NBA front office. Another former ESPN writer, 36-year-old Mike Schmitz, was named general manager of the Dallas Mavericks under new team president Masai Ujiri. Schmitz, who played basketball at Arizona, describes himself as a self-taught scout who previously worked for Draft Express, Yahoo and as assistant general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hawks #hire #exNBA #writer #podcaster #frontoffice #roleNov 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of State Farm Arena before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Former NBA journalist Tim Bontemps is joining the front office of the Atlanta Hawks.

The 41-year-old was named strategic adviser to Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh. Saleh was promoted in May from his position of general manager.


Bontemps, co-host of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, has worked for ESPN, The Washington Post and New York Post covering the NBA since 2012.

He’s the second hoops journalist to cross over to an NBA front office.

Another former ESPN writer, 36-year-old Mike Schmitz, was named general manager of the Dallas Mavericks under new team president Masai Ujiri. Schmitz, who played basketball at Arizona, describes himself as a self-taught scout who previously worked for Draft Express, Yahoo and as assistant general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hawks #hire #exNBA #writer #podcaster #frontoffice #role

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Nov 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of State Farm Arena before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Former NBA journalist Tim Bontemps is joining the front office of the Atlanta Hawks.

The 41-year-old was named strategic adviser to Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh. Saleh was promoted in May from his position of general manager.

Bontemps, co-host of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, has worked for ESPN, The Washington Post and New York Post covering the NBA since 2012.

He’s the second hoops journalist to cross over to an NBA front office.

Another former ESPN writer, 36-year-old Mike Schmitz, was named general manager of the Dallas Mavericks under new team president Masai Ujiri. Schmitz, who played basketball at Arizona, describes himself as a self-taught scout who previously worked for Draft Express, Yahoo and as assistant general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Hawks #hire #exNBA #writer #podcaster #frontoffice #role

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Chelsea has signed defender Maxence Lacroix from ​Crystal Palace on a deal ‌until 2032, the Premier League ​club said on ⁠Thursday.

British media reported that Chelsea paid £52 million ($69.6 million) for the France international.

“Lacroix ‌arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of ‌being among European football’s ‌most ⁠commanding centre-backs, as well ⁠as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier ​League,” the club ‌said in a statement.

The 26-year-old French international made 55 appearances in all competitions last ‌season recording three goals ​and three assists as Palace won the UEFA ⁠Conference League.

A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior ‌appearances for the French club before joining Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.

Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in 2024 for a reported ‌fee of £18 million ($24.09 million). He made ​98 appearances in all competitions during his two ⁠seasons in English football.

Lacroix made three ⁠appearances for France at this year’s World Cup ‌as it finished fourth.

Published on Jul 30, 2026

#France #defender #Lacroix #moves #Chelsea #Crystal #Palace #FIFA #World #Cup">France defender Lacroix moves to Chelsea from Crystal Palace after FIFA World Cup 2026 Chelsea has signed defender Maxence Lacroix from ​Crystal Palace on a deal ‌until 2032, the Premier League ​club said on ⁠Thursday.British media reported that Chelsea paid £52 million (.6 million) for the France international.“Lacroix ‌arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of ‌being among European football’s ‌most ⁠commanding centre-backs, as well ⁠as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier ​League,” the club ‌said in a statement.The 26-year-old French international made 55 appearances in all competitions last ‌season recording three goals ​and three assists as Palace won the UEFA ⁠Conference League.A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior ‌appearances for the French club before joining Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in 2024 for a reported ‌fee of £18 million (.09 million). He made ​98 appearances in all competitions during his two ⁠seasons in English football.Lacroix made three ⁠appearances for France at this year’s World Cup ‌as it finished fourth.Published on Jul 30, 2026 #France #defender #Lacroix #moves #Chelsea #Crystal #Palace #FIFA #World #Cup

Deadspin | Chargers great, college Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64 May 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced. “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. “Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.” The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009. “To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray. “When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.” After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #diesMay 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.

“Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.”

The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft.


He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009.

“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.

“When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.”

After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #dies">Deadspin | Chargers great, college Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64 May 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced. “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. “Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.” The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009. “To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray. “When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.” After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #dies

Now it might be slightly less metal to then say, “so make me the highest paid player in baseball or I’m gonna be distracted on the field, $81 million is not enough for me I have expensive taste.” But I’m not a heavy metal expert! Band t-shirts are probably expensive, officially licensed ones at least, maybe you have to be rich to be a metalhead?

Either way, In a bitter contract dispute in 1998, Los Angeles saw Piazza as greedy and disloyal, and Piazza saw the Dodgers organization as calculating and disloyal, and the fans fickle. He also blamed Vin Scully for his “Greedy Mike” label and that right there turned this beef from soft supple meat that could in theory be easily squashed, to an everlasting gobstopper, flamin’ beef flavor.

Wait… that sounds kind of good.. Or at least interesting, in a weird 7-11-spiciest-chip sort of way? Not my intent with the metaphor, but Willy Wonka, hit me up.

#Dodgers #discovered #Mike #Piazza #despise">The Dodgers discovered Mike Piazza, then came to despise him The fact that Mike Piazza is a metalhead really fits with this beef. I believe it’s quite metal to shake out your mullet and be like, “The Dodgers drafted me when no one else would, but f-you corporate ownership, I don’t owe you no debt of gratitude!”Now it might be slightly less metal to then say, “so make me the highest paid player in baseball or I’m gonna be distracted on the field, million is not enough for me I have expensive taste.” But I’m not a heavy metal expert! Band t-shirts are probably expensive, officially licensed ones at least, maybe you have to be rich to be a metalhead?Either way, In a bitter contract dispute in 1998, Los Angeles saw Piazza as greedy and disloyal, and Piazza saw the Dodgers organization as calculating and disloyal, and the fans fickle. He also blamed Vin Scully for his “Greedy Mike” label and that right there turned this beef from soft supple meat that could in theory be easily squashed, to an everlasting gobstopper, flamin’ beef flavor.Wait… that sounds kind of good.. Or at least interesting, in a weird 7-11-spiciest-chip sort of way? Not my intent with the metaphor, but Willy Wonka, hit me up. #Dodgers #discovered #Mike #Piazza #despise

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