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Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the university, accusing it of attempting to avoid paying his full $54 million buyout by retroactively claiming his firing was “for cause.” The legal battle marks an increasingly bitter dispute between the school and the coach it dismissed less than three weeks ago. The dispute between Kelly and LSU has left its athletic department in turmoil, raising questions about leadership stability and potential coaching candidates.

Kelly, who was fired on October 26 after nearly four seasons in Baton Rouge, had signed a 10-year, $95 million contract in 2021. The deal guaranteed him 90% of his remaining salary if terminated without cause — roughly $54 million paid in installments through 2031.

According to documents obtained by ESPN, LSU offered Kelly settlement payouts of $25 million and $30 million in an effort to negotiate a lower buyout, but he rejected both. His attorneys then sent a letter to new athletic director Verge Ausberry on November 5 demanding “full liquidated damages,” warning that if the university did not confirm the terms of his dismissal by November 10, Kelly would “pursue all available legal remedies.”

That deadline passed without resolution, and Kelly followed through — filing a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment that LSU terminated him without cause, thus entitling him to the full buyout. In the complaint, Kelly’s attorneys say LSU unexpectedly claimed he had not been “formally terminated” and was now being investigated for possible termination “for cause.” The filing states, “LSU’s representatives had a call with Coach Kelly’s representatives, where LSU took the position that Coach Kelly had not been formally terminated and informed Coach Kelly’s representatives, for the very first time, that LSU believed grounds for termination for cause existed.”

LSU reportedly told Kelly’s legal team that former athletic director Scott Woodward — who was fired shortly after Kelly’s dismissal — did not have the authority to fire him or negotiate settlement offers, suggesting Kelly’s termination was never official. Kelly’s attorneys dispute that claim, arguing LSU repeatedly acknowledged his firing was due to “the team’s performance, not for cause,” both privately and publicly. They say LSU failed to notify Kelly of any alleged “for cause” violations within the seven-day period required by his contract. Kelly’s deal outlined limited conditions for a “for cause” termination, including major NCAA violations, criminal convictions, or serious misconduct that “displays a continual, serious disrespect” for LSU’s mission.

Kelly went 34–14 during his tenure, leading the Tigers to an SEC West title in 2022 but failing to reach the College Football Playoff. His firing came one day after a lopsided 49–25 home loss to Texas A&M that saw LSU surrender 35 second-half points. Interim coach Frank Wilson has since taken over, with the Tigers holding a 5–4 following a loss to Alabama.

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The Dallas Mavericks have fired general manager Nico Harrison, less than a year after the stunning trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers — a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA and ultimately sealed his fate in Dallas.

ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to break the news, writing on X “BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks and owner Patrick Dumont are expected to fire general manager Nico Harrison at a 10 am central time meeting on Tuesday, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon.”

Team owner Patrick Dumont announced the firing on Tuesday, calling it necessary to “move the franchise forward.” In a letter to fans, he wrote, “No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season. You have high expectations for the Mavericks, and I share them with you. When the results don’t meet expectations, it’s my responsibility to act.”  Assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will serve as co-interim GMs while the team begins “a comprehensive search” for a permanent replacement.

Harrison, 52, joined Dallas in 2021 after a long career at Nike but no prior NBA front-office experience. His tenure included major roster and staff overhauls — trading Kristaps Porziņģis, losing Jalen Brunson in free agency, firing long-time medical and training staff, and reshaping the organization’s culture.

Harrison helped lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals before making one of the most criticized trades in franchise history when in February 2025, he dealt Dončić — a five-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection — to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick.  He told ESPN at the time: “I believe that defense wins championships. Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

The move immediately backfired when Davis was injured shortly after the trade, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Dallas fell out of playoff contention. Meanwhile, Dončić thrived in Los Angeles, averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists while leading the Lakers to one of the league’s best records.

“Fire Nico” chants became common at home games amongst die-hard Mavericks fans, in addition to public protests outside the arena. Harrison’s strained relationship with the fanbase and media worsened after a closed press conference in which he doubled down on his defensive philosophy and dismissed criticism, calling the fallout overblown.

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Summer Walker is gearing up to release her highly anticipated third studio album, Finally Over It, which concludes her ‘Over It’ trilogy (see the official album announcement: HERE.)

The album is split into two parts — For Better and For Worse– and features a star-studded list of collaborators including Chris Brown, GloRilla, Mariah the Scientist, Latto, Sexyy Red, along with features from 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Monaleo and Brent Faiyaz.  Walker revealed the album’s featured artists in a teaser video (in partnership with Spotify) starring Lex P and Drea Nicole, who drop the ‘guest list’ in a comedic wedding-themed rollout.

Finally Over It features the previously released single “Heart Of A Woman,” to completes the narrative arc that began with 2019’s Over It and continued with 2021’s Still Over It.

While fans waited for the release date for Finally Over It, Walker has kept busy with an appearance at Wireless Festival in London, as well as joining Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller on his sold-out stadium tour.  Walker is also featured on Cardi B’s new album, Am I The Drama?

Finally Over It arrives on November 14th; preorder – HERE.

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Megan Thee Stallion has shared her second single of the year, “LOVER GIRL” – produced by Jacobdior and featuring a sample of 1996’s “Kissin’ You,” from the girl group Total.

“LOVER GIRL” marks Megan’s first single since “Whenever” (which arrived in April), and is seemingly inspired by Megan’s relationship with her boyfriend, NBA star Klay Thompson.

Stream ‘LOVER GIRL’ – HERE.

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President Donald Trump has issued broad pardons to several key allies, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, as well as dozens of others accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

The pardons were first reported by Politico’s Kyle Cheney, who cited a social media post from Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.  The pardons, described as “full, complete, and unconditional,” was later confirmed by the White House.  The sweeping move follows earlier mass pardons of those convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

More than 70 individuals — among them former Trump advisers, attorneys, and self-described alternate electors who falsely claimed to represent Trump in states won by Joe Biden – were listed in the proclamation, which declares that the pardons “end a grave national injustice perpetrated upon the American people following the 2020 Presidential Election and continue the process of national reconciliation.” It explicitly states, however, that the pardon does not apply to Trump himself, sidestepping questions over whether a president can pardon his own actions.

Among those granted clemency are Giuliani, Trump’s former personal attorney; Meadows, his onetime White House chief of staff; Sidney Powell, John Eastman, and Jeffrey Clark — figures central to efforts to challenge Biden’s victory. Also included are Republicans who signed documents falsely asserting they were legitimate presidential electors in battleground states such as Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

Giuliani, a former New York City mayor and one of Trump’s most outspoken defenders, was a central figure in promoting false claims of election fraud. He has since been disbarred in both New York and Washington, D.C., and lost a $148 million defamation suit filed by two Georgia election workers targeted by his conspiracy theories. A spokesperson for Giuliani, Ted Goodman, said, “Mayor Giuliani never sought a pardon but is deeply grateful for President Trump’s decision,” adding that Giuliani “stands by his work following the 2020 presidential election.”

Eastman, a former law professor and legal adviser to Trump, authored a memo outlining a plan for then–Vice President Mike Pence to reject certified electoral votes during the congressional session on January 6. Powell, Jenna Ellis, and attorney Kenneth Chesebro — all of whom helped craft or promote strategies to contest the election — were also among those pardoned. Powell, Ellis, and Chesebro previously pleaded guilty in Georgia’s state case over efforts to overturn the election.  In addition, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, another recipient, was accused of pushing to send false letters to states claiming the department had found evidence of election irregularities.

In a statement Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “These great Americans were persecuted and put through hell by the Biden Administration for challenging an election, which is the cornerstone of democracy.”

Trump himself had faced federal charges over his alleged role in a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power after his 2020 loss. That indictment, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, accused him of spreading “lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election and that he had actually won.” The case was dropped in November following Trump’s return to the White House, in line with Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

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Lawmakers in Washington have reached a tentative bipartisan agreement to end the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown, setting the stage for swift votes in both chambers of Congress to reopen federal agencies and restore funding.

The Senate reached the breakthrough late Sunday night when eight Democrats joined Republicans in advancing a funding measure backed by the White House. In return, Democrats secured a commitment for a future vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. The package includes three full-year spending bills for specific agencies and a short-term extension to fund the rest of the government at current levels through January 30.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on the floor Monday that lawmakers should move “as quickly as possible” to approve the deal and bring the shutdown to an end. “I said that we will be voting on the final package in the very near future, and I’m hoping that will be hours and not days.” He urged colleagues not to obstruct the process, emphasizing, “I’m grateful that the end is in sight, but I would encourage every member of this body, Democrat or Republican, pro-bill or anti-bill, not to stand in the way of being able to deliver the coming relief quickly. The American people have suffered for long enough.” Because Senate rules require unanimous consent to expedite a final vote, even one objection could delay the process. Still, optimism grew  as both parties signaled readiness to move forward.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told House members in a conference call that they should begin returning to Washington immediately to prepare for a vote on the Senate’s plan, with members advised to travel early due to nationwide flight delays stemming from the shutdown’s ripple effects on federal operations. Johnson expressed confidence that the measure will pass, according to multiple sources familiar with the call.

Johnson said he intends to provide a 36-hour notice before votes begin and is aiming for a possible vote as early as Wednesday, depending on the Senate’s timing. Johnson told reporters: “There’ll be long days and long nights here for the foreseeable future to make up for all this lost time that was imposed upon us.” He also confirmed plans to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., before the House proceeds to vote on a rule governing debate for the Senate’s funding deal, followed by final passage.

The shutdown, which began in mid-September, forced tens of thousands of federal workers to go without pay and disrupted critical services. Among the hardest-hit sectors was air travel, as staffing shortages among air traffic controllers contributed to widespread flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration has struggled with staffing shortages even before the shutdown, and the crisis has deepened operational strain across major airports.

Amid the growing frustration, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to criticize controllers who called out of work during the funding lapse, while praising those who stayed on duty. “For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country … For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU.”

If both chambers approve the funding package, it would reopen the government, provide temporary financial stability through late January, and give Congress more time to negotiate long-term appropriations.

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The NFL has suspended Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne for one game after he punched Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown during Sunday’s 44–22 loss in Landover, Maryland. Payne was suspended without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct; he has the option to appeal the suspension.

The incident occurred midway through the second quarter, shortly after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 13-yard touchdown run. As players regrouped, Payne suddenly turned toward St. Brown and threw a right-handed punch that landed squarely on the receiver’s helmet. Officials immediately flagged Payne for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected him from the game. St. Brown later told reporters the altercation had been brewing for a couple of plays: “We end up scoring and I go up to him and say a little something, nothing crazy, and he decided to swing on me. It is what it is,” said St. Brown.

The league stated in announcing the suspension that: “During the second quarter, Payne was disqualified for striking Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 … and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d). The rules prohibit any act “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including “throwing a punch” or “clubbing the head or neck of an opponent.”

The 28-year-old Payne, one of the team’s highest-paid players, signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension before the 2023 season. The former first-round pick out of Alabama has been a key part of Washington’s defense since being drafted in 2018.  A 2022 Pro Bowl selection, Payne recorded no tackles before his ejection from Sunday’s gam. Through ten starts this season, he had totaled 30 combined tackles, five for loss, five passes defended, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the team’s growing frustration after the loss, which marked Washington’s fifth straight defeat. “It wasn’t spilling into the locker room, but I get the frustration. But we’ve gotta find a way to channel our frustration better or different than that.”

Payne is eligible to return to the active roster on November 17; the Commanders are scheduled to play the Dolphins in Madrid next Sunday, November 16 so Payne would be eligible to return to the team the following day.

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New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has been fired, according to sources (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones also reported Daboll’s firing, in his 4th season with the Giants.

The move comes after the Giants blew another double-digit lead on Sunday in Chicago – the second time this season they lost after leading by at least 10 points with under four minutes remaining. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart also suffered a concussion in the Giants’ 24-20 loss.

The Giants (2-8) have won just two of their first 10 games for the third straight year. They are 11-33 since the start of the 2023 season. The Giants finished 3-14 in 2024, one of the worst years in franchise history.

Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will serve as the Giants’ interim coach – marking the sixth head coach for the Giants since 2016 (joining Ben McAdoo, Steve Spagnuolo, Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and Daboll.)

Daboll was hired in 2022 after spending four years as coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. Daboll won Coach of the Year in his first season with the Giants where they went 9-7-1 and won a playoff game in Minnesota. As Giants’ head coach the past four years, Daboll holds a 20-40-1 record.

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Gunna launches his Wun World Tour this month, and now the artist has added more dates in Toronto, Washington, DC, Amsterdam, and London.

In addition, the rapper recently launched his ‘Wunna Run Club‘ with a 5K race event in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in September; and now the Wunna Run Club will return to accompany his tour stops including New York City (Nov. 22) as well as races in Toronto (Nov. 24), Washington, D.C. (Dec. 2), Miami (Dec. 4), Atlanta (Dec. 7), Houston (Dec. 10) and Los Angeles (Dec. 16).

The global Wun World Tour, which is set to launch in North America, will serve as support of Gunna’s album The Last Wun released August 8, 2025. The 25-song album featured Burna Boy, WizKid, Offset, Asake, and Nechie and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 (selling 80,000 album-equivalent units in its first week).

The Atlanta rapper’s tour kicks-off Monday, November 17th, in Boston, with stops in Philly, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Houston, Virginia Beach, Miami, San Diego, Los Angeles, Toronto and more. The fall run will also feature Gunna’s first-ever headlining performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 22nd.

The global trek continues in January with festival appearances at South Africa’s Milk & Cookies Festival, followed by sets at Rolling Loud in Sydney and Melbourne in March.  Gunna will then embark on a headline stretch across Europe and the UK, with shows in Paris, Berlin, London, and beyond, before closing out the tour on March 28th in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Find ticket details for the Wun World Tour – here.

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