nfl ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against deshaun watson

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Deshaun Watson

The NFL has ended an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.  They had been reviewing the case for months, debating whether Watson should be punished or not.  “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who got an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She wanted over $1 million in damages before the parties reached a confidential settlement.  Deshaun denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. He had suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in October, and had been recovering with hopes of coming back next season. 

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pickens on browns rematch with greg newsome: 'i don't even know who that is'

Steelers’ George Pickens on Browns rematch with Greg Newsome: ‘I don’t even know who that is’

Pittsburgh Steelers’ George Pickens had some comments about the uneventful match between the Browns and Steelers that happened last Sunday.  But one thing that remained unchanged is the rivalry between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Pickens did not even recognize the existence of Browns’ defender Greg Newsome. He told reporters “I don’t even know who that is,” on Friday. Pickens was not exactly professional when speaking on the Steelers loss to the Browns. After losing 24-19 to them and getting into an altercation with Greg Newsome II, he maintained that he did not think Cleveland was a good team.  Statistically speaking, Pickens was correct. The Browns are all but knocked out of the playoff contention at 3-9, falling short of expectations after ending 11-6 and reaching the playoffs last term.  He  doubled down on his stance Friday. “I just go by the record,” Pickens said. When asked if Cleveland were getting bulletin board material, he kept it simple: “I don’t know what motivates them. I’m just focused on what we can do.”

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khris middleton shoots 11 in season debut vs celtics

Bucks’ Khris Middleton shoots 11 in season debut vs. Celtics

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton made his 2024-25 debut on Friday. Middleton missed the team’s first 21 matches while recovering from offseason surgeries to both ankles. He entered the match halfway through the first quarter of the Bucks’ 111-105 loss against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. Bucks coach Doc Rivers said the three-time All-Star would be on a minutes restriction.  Middleton finished with 11 points (2-10 FGs, 1-3 3PM), three rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal in 23 minutes.  “Coming back from this one I wanted to make sure I was all the way ready to come back, be as fresh as I can mentally to be in a good spot because this is a long, grueling season,” Middleton told reporters Friday morning. “I’m going to go through a lot of things during the season, going to get hit, banged up, whatever, to have that mindset that I can still fight through and to keep going.” Khris played in only 33 matches in 2022-23 and 55 matches last campaign due to several injuries. He missed Milwaukee’s final 10 playoff games in 2022 due to a sprained medial collateral ligament. 

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shane bieber re-enlists with guardians

Shane Bieber re-enlists with Guardians

Shane Bieber is rejoining the Cleveland Guardians. The former Cy Young award winner accepted a one-year, $10 million contract with Cleveland for 2025. According to sources, the deal includes a $16 million player option for 2026 ($4 million buyout). That means it will either be a $14 million one-year deal or $26 million two-year deal if Bieber agrees to the option.  However, the Guardians are yet to confirm the deal.  This reunion was one that no one could have predicted one year ago. During that time, Bieber was in his final year with Cleveland, before entering free agency. Considering hsi track record, it was clear that Shane would be way out of the Guardians’ budget. But in the first week of the 2024 campaign, things changed.  Bieber was the best he had been since he won the AL Cy Young trophy in 2020. He discussed falling in love with the game again after struggling with his issues and fighting injuries in the last few terms. This was the version of Bieber he knew he could be. And it was the type of player who would make money as a free agent. 

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clay holmes moving crosstown to join mets as a starter

Clay Holmes moving crosstown to join Mets as a starter

The New York Mets have accepted terms on a three-year, $38 million deal with right-hander Clay Holmes. But, the Mets do not wish to use him as a reliever. Instead, they will turn him to the rotation, hoping for his ability to use a three-pitch mix multiple times through a batting order.  New York has not confirmed the contract, which contains an opt-out after the 2026 season, because it is awaiting a physical.  When the deal becomes official, the signing will be one of the examples of an established reliever stretching out as a starter. Former Mets reliever Seth Lugo started the trend in 2023 when he signed with the San Diego Padres and delivered a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts. A year later, Lugo finished second in American League Cy Young voting.  Lugo’s replacement in the Padres rotation, Michael King, went from a standout Yankees reliever to a fantastic San Diego starter, also getting Cy Young votes.  Unlike Lugo and King, Holmes does not have four-plus pitches. But the former Yankees pitcher throws with regularity, including a high-velocity sinker that he led the Majors with a 64.6 percent ground-ball rate last term. Holmes compliments that pitch with two unique breaking balls, a slider and sweeper, which he used to strike out 68 batters in 63 innings. 

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nba predictions new york knicks vs detroit pistons expert picks

NBA PREDICTIONS: New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons Expert Picks

The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons will meet on Sunday at Madison Square Garden to play out a Knicks VS Pistons match.  Find Expert NBA Picks for Knicks VS Pistons here on MatchPlug. We are a trusted website to find previews about the ongoing NBA season.  Predictions and Betting Preview For New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The New York Knicks The New York Knicks defeated the Magic and Hornets, and will face the Raptors, Hawks and Timberwolves next. The Knicks average 118.3 points on 49.4 percent shooting and allow 110.8 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 25.2 points and 13.2, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.1 points and 7.5 assists.  OG Anunoby is the third double-digit scorer and Mikal Bridges grabs 3.6 rebounds. New York shoot 40.1 percent from beyond the arc and 83.6 percent from the free throw line. The Knicks allow 36.2 percent shooting from deep and grab 42.6 rebounds per game.  Betting On The Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons lost the Celtics and Bucks, and the play Boston, Heat and Jazz next. They average 110.2 points on 46.2 percent shooting and permitting 113.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is averaging 23.7 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey is averaging 17.7 points and 4.3 assists. Malik Beasley is the third double-digit scoerer and Tobias Harris grabs 6.8 rebounds.  Detroit shoots 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 76.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Pistons allow 37.7 percent shooting from deep and grab 45.5 rebounds per game.  MatchPlug Prediction New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons  The Knicks beat the Pistons by 30 points in November, and their playing is better now than it was then. Double-digit chalk, but supporting New York is the best choice considering the form of both clubs.  Final Prediction: New York Knicks Spread. 

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boston celtics vs memphis grizzlies expert picks

NBA PREDICTIONS: Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies Expert Picks

The Memphis Grizzlies will visit TD Garden for a road match against the Boston Celtics. Memphis beat the Sacramento Kings, while Boston was in the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday. Read our preview of Celtics VS Grizzlies.  MatchPlug has the Sure Win Prediction Today for Celtics VS Grizzlies. If you need more NBA Predictions Tonight for similar matches, you can find them on our website. Predictions and Betting Preview For Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics played the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and will play the second installment of a back-to-back for this match with the Grizzlies. Two days ago, Boston used a big first half en route to a 130-12 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Jalyen Brown scored 28 points with 9 assists and Kristaps Porzignis contributed 26 points and 9 rebounds. Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday did not play, but their injuries are minor issues.  Derrick White had 14 points and 11 assists and Payton Richard scored 9 points off the bench for the Celtics. Boston scored 12 straight to secure an 18-4 lead less than four minutes into the match and led by 20. They had a double-digit lead until the fourth quarter when the Pistons closed the gap, but the starters rejoined and ended the match. The Celtics lead the league averaging 19 made triples per match. Betting On The Memphis Grizzlies The Memphis Grizzlies watched their six-match winning streak end on Tuesday with a road loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks came from behind to steal 15 points down in the last quarter to secure a 121-116 victory. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was upset after the match where Dallas shot 25 free throws in the fourth quarter to just three for the Grizzlies, who played an attacking style.  Memphis returned to the court on Thursday and had a solid 115-110 road victory over the Sacramento Kings. Marcus Smart scored 18 points and delivered two free throws to end the match. Desmond Bane scored 18 points and 7 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama scored 15 points each, with Aldama recording 10 rebounds as the Grizzlies won its 7th straight at home.  MatchPlug Prediction Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies  The Celtics are second in the league in first-quarter points per game, and experts expect a massive open from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in the first. Take Boston to win and cover.  Final Prediction: Boston Celtics Spread. 

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washington wizards vs denver nuggets

NBA PREDICTIONS: Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets Expert Picks

The Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets will feature in a Wizards VS Nuggets match at the Capital One Arena.  Find Expert NBA Picks for Wizards VS Nuggets here on MatchPlug. We are a trusted website to find previews about the ongoing NBA Finals.  Predictions and Betting Preview For Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Washington Wizards The Washington Wizards lost to Dallas and Cleveland, and will play Memphis, Cavaliers, and Boston next. Washington averages 106.7 points on 43.8 percent shooting and permits 123.6 points on 48.4 percent shooting. Jordan Poole is averaging 20 points, 2.1 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma scored 15.8 points and 1.9 assists.  Malcolm Brogdon is the third double-digit scorer, while Jonas Valanciunas records 7.6 rebounds. The Wizards shoot 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 77.5 percent from the free-throw line. Washington allowed 37.8 percent shooting from deep and grabbed 42.3 rebounds per match.  Betting On The Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets lost to Cleveland, defeated Golden State, and will play Atlanta, Clippers and Sacramento next. They average 117.9 points on 48.6 percent shooting and permit 116.8 points on 47 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.9 points and 13.4 rebounds, while Michael Porter Jr. averages 19 points and 7.2 rebounds.  Jamal Murray is the third double-digit scorer and Christian Braun grabs 5.1 rebounds. The Nuggets shoot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Denver allows 36.6 percent shooting from deep and grab 44.4 rebounds per match.  MatchPlug Prediction Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets  Washington are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 matches as a double-digit underdog. But supporting Washington is no longer a good bet these days. Take the Nuggets to win.  Final Prediction: Denver Nuggets Moneyline. 

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new orleans pelicans vs oklahoma city thunder

NBA PREDICTIONS: New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder Expert Picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans will face off on Sunday at the Smoothie King Center. Read our analysis of Pelicans VS Thunder.  Keep reading for NBA Betting predictions, picks, odds, and Sure Tips for the Pelicans VS Thunder, brought to you by MatchPlug. Follow us for full coverage of this game. Predictions and Betting Preview for New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The New Orleans Pelicans  The New Orleans Pelicans lost to Atlanta, defeated Phoenix, and will play San Antonio, Sacramento and Indiana next. New Orleans averaged 104.3 points on 43.6 percent shooting and permitted 116.4 points on 48.7 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram has 23.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Zion Willamson averages 22.7 points and 8 rebounds.  CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Pelicans shoot 32.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free throw line. The Pelicans permit 37.3 percent shooting from deep and clinch 43.4 rebounds per match.  Betting On The Oklahoma City Thunder  The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Utah and Toronto, and will face Dallas, Orlando, and Miami next. The Thunder average 115.6 points on 46.3 percent shooting and permit 103.6 points on 42.3 percent shooting. Shai Gilegous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists, while Jalen Willams scores 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.  Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Isaiah Hartenstein records 12.9 rebounds. Oklahoma City shot 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 80.5 percent from the free throw line. They allow 33.4 percent shooting from deep and grab 43.3 rebounds per match.  MatchPlug Prediction For New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder  The Pelicans are playoff materials and could go that far this season. Although things are bad for them now, there is a chance they can beat the Thunder to cover the spread.  Final Prediction: New Orleans Pelican Spread. 

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new jersey devils vs seattle kraken

NHL Predictions Today: New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken Expert Picks

The New Jersey Devils will play against the Seattle Kraken at Prudential Center on Saturday. Read our analysis for Devils VS Kraken.  MatchPlug has a Sure Home win Prediction for the Devils VS Kraken. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview for New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The New Jersey Devils  In their last match, the New Jersey Devils faced the New York Rangers, and the Devils won by a 5-1 tally. They got 4 power play opportunities in the match and recorded 2 out of those chances. New Jersey scored 5 goals of the 28 shots on goal they tried.  So far this year, the Devils have 99 goals, 36 points, and a points percentage of .643. They have permitted 76 goals to be scored by 60 goals at even strength and 16 goals while having less men on ice. New Jersey recorded 69 goals and 30 goals (1st in the NHL) on power play. The Devils have 87 power play chances and have a power play rate of 34.48%.  Betting On The Seattle Kraken The Seattle Kraken’s opponent have racked up 62 power play tries (28th in professional hockey) and have notched 14 goals in those attempts. Seattle have witnessed 717 shots and they have a save percentage of .891. They have fired 737 shots and hold a shot percentage of 10.0%. At even strength, the Kraken have conceded 64 goals while scoring 62 on offense.  Seattle enter this match with 82 power play chances and have scored 12 goals out of those attempts, to have a percentag of 14.63%. For the season, they have 25 points and their points percentage comes in at .481. In scoring, the Kraken have recorded 74 goals (20th in hockey) so far this campaign and have permitted 78.  MatchPlug Prediction For New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken  In this match versus the New Jersey Devils and Seattle Kraken, the Devils are picked as the favourites to win on the Moneyline.  Final Prediction: New Jersey Devils Moneyline. 

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