Sports
NBA Legend Michael Jordan Hoists Harley J. Earl Trophy After Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500
Published
9 months agoon
By
Willie DavidDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Basketball icon and team owner Michael Jordan stood in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway, overcome with emotion as 23XI Racing captured its first Daytona 500 title Sunday.
Driver Tyler Reddick surged ahead on the final lap of the 2026 Daytona 500, delivering what Jordan described as a “championship feeling” for the NASCAR organization he co-founded in 2020 with fellow driver Denny Hamlin.
The victory, secured during Black History Month, marked a historic milestone for Jordan — a six-time NBA champion now celebrating a win in “The Great American Race.”
A Championship Feeling at Daytona
Jordan, a Hall of Famer who built a global legacy with the Chicago Bulls, compared the Daytona triumph to his NBA title runs.
“This is what it feels like to win a championship,” Jordan said. “We’ve built this from the ground up, and to see it pay off like this — it’s indescribable.”
As confetti fell, Jordan embraced Reddick and helped hoist the Harley J. Earl Trophy. The 63-year-old owner, who turns 63 on Tuesday, joked about finally earning a Daytona 500 ring to match his six NBA championship rings.
“I can’t even believe it. It’s so gratifying,” Jordan said. “You never know how these races will end. You try to survive.”
Teamwork Fuels 23XI Racing’s Breakthrough
Jordan emphasized that the victory was not decided solely by Reddick’s last-lap pass but by a coordinated team effort throughout the 200-lap race.
He credited teammate Riley Herbst for a critical push in the closing stretch that positioned Reddick for the winning move. Superspeedway racing often hinges on drafting alliances and split-second timing — elements Jordan said his team executed perfectly.
“I thought Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end,” Jordan said. “That shows what teamwork can really do.”
Reddick, driving a Toyota, led only the final lap — one of a record 25 drivers to lead at least one lap in the race. The 30-year-old Californian called the finish “true Daytona madness” and celebrated his ninth career Cup Series win, snapping a 38-race winless streak.
Teammate Bubba Wallace, who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th, shared an emotional moment with Jordan in victory lane.
A Milestone in Black History Month
Jordan launched 23XI Racing in 2020 alongside Hamlin with a vision of building a competitive, inclusive NASCAR organization. Sunday’s victory represents the team’s biggest achievement yet and adds another chapter to Jordan’s competitive legacy beyond basketball.
Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, told employees before the race that they had the power to bring joy to one of sports’ most accomplished figures.
“There’s nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do,” Hamlin said.
For Jordan — whose competitive drive defined an era in the NBA — the Daytona 500 win carries symbolic weight. During Black History Month, the moment underscores his continued impact across professional sports as both a cultural icon and team owner.
From championships on the hardwood to victory at Daytona, Jordan’s pursuit of excellence remains unchanged.
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College Football
USF’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback Falls Short in 52–41 Loss to Memphis
Published
17 hours agoon
November 14, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.USF overcame a 21-point deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead before Memphis regained control and secured the win at Raymond James Stadium
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — November 13, 2026 — The University of South Florida football team mounted an impressive second-half comeback but ultimately fell 52–41 to Memphis on Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bulls struggled early, falling behind 21–0 in the first quarter, before finding momentum on both sides of the ball. Led by quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, USF rallied to overcome the deficit and briefly take the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Bulls Fight Back
Kromenhoek delivered a standout performance, totaling 416 yards of offense and four touchdowns, including 271 passing yards and 146 rushing yards. Running back Jason Collins Jr. added 108 rushing yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run.
South Florida running back Jason Collins Jr. (#2) races toward the end zone with Memphis defender D. Smith (#3) in pursuit during the Bulls’ matchup against the Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on November 13, 2026. Collins broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run during USF’s 52–41 loss to Memphis.
Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
USF’s comeback reached its peak when Nico Gramatica connected on a 38-yard field goal, giving the Bulls their first lead at 41–38 with 8:04 remaining.
However, Memphis responded with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Stokes to Jemyri Davis, reclaiming the lead. A critical fourth-down incompletion near the Memphis goal line ended another promising USF scoring opportunity.
MMemphis player No. 6 carries the football toward the end zone during the Tigers’ matchup against South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on November 13, 2026. Memphis secured a 52–41 victory over the Bulls in the American Conference contest. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Late Rally Not Enough
Despite overcoming a 21-point deficit, South Florida was unable to complete the comeback.
Following the loss, USF head coach Brian Hartline reflected on the team’s performance:
“We just did enough to not lose by a lot.”
— Brian Hartline, USF Head Coach, in postgame remarks reported by WUSF.
The loss drops South Florida to 6–4 overall and 2–4 in American Conference play, while Memphis improves to 8–2.
The Bulls will look to regroup as they continue their final stretch of the regular season.
Photos by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Central Florida News
Osceola Magic Set Franchise Steals Record in 97-89 Season-Opening Win
Published
4 days agoon
November 11, 2026Davison scores 26 points, Branham adds 23 and Osceola records 23 steals to open its season with a victory at Silver Spurs Arena.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic opened their season with a record-setting defensive performance, collecting 23 steals and forcing 35 turnovers in a 97-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Silver Spurs Arena.
JD Davison scored a game-high 26 points and Malaki Branham added 23 as Osceola established a franchise record for steals and matched its record for opponent turnovers. Osceola Magic
Defense drives the comeback
Oklahoma City led 31-22 after the first quarter and 44-43 at halftime. Osceola pulled even at 70 entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Blue 27-19 over the final period.
The victory gave Osceola a 1-0 start and dropped Oklahoma City to 0-2. Zhaire Smith led the Blue with 19 points, while Christoph Tilly contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. gleague.nba.com
Osceola’s defensive pressure helped offset Oklahoma City’s early advantage. The Blue finished just 5 of 29 from 3-point range, shooting 17.2%.
Six Magic players recorded multiple steals, led by Johnell Davis’ career-high six — one short of the franchise record. Davison collected four, Jarron Cumberland had three, and Ace Baldwin Jr., Branham and Mike Sharavjamts each added two.
Malaki Branham leans into his drive while keeping his dribble low as an Oklahoma City Blue defender guards him during the Osceola Magic’s season opener. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.
Davison and Branham lead the offense
Davison and Branham combined for 49 points, accounting for more than half of Osceola’s scoring.
Au’Diese Toney contributed 14 points in his return to Osceola, including a late 3-pointer that helped secure the victory.
Davis provided another boost off the bench with 11 points and a career-best-tying four assists, complementing his disruptive defensive performance.
Sharavjamts makes professional debut
Sharavjamts posted a team-best plus-12 rating in 24 minutes during his professional debut. Osceola outscored Oklahoma City by 12 points while he was on the floor. Osceola Magic
What’s next for the Osceola Magic?
Following a scheduled road matchup with the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Osceola returns to Silver Spurs Arena to host the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Member News
The Magic’s challenge will be to sustain the defensive pressure that helped them overcome an early nine-point deficit in the opener.
Sports
LIV Golf to begin winding down operations Nov. 9 after five years, $5 billion spent
Published
1 week agoon
November 7, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
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