Bruce Pearl Slams Biden's State Of The Union Speech ... Where's Support For Jews, Israel?
"134 Innocent Hostages including 6 Americans are still being held by Hamas, Gazans and Palestinians. Not one word DEMANDING THEIR RELEASE from our President."
That's Auburn head basketball coach Bruce Pearl ripping into Joe Biden ... and suffice it to say, he wasn't a fan of POTUS' State of the Union speech Thursday night.
63-year-old Pearl, who is Jewish, laid into the 81-year-old president for failing to adequately pressure Hamas to release over 100 hostages that they took during the October 7 attacks in Israel during his third SOTU speech.
"On Oct 7th the Jewish People experienced the worst genocide since the Holocaust and we hear more about the suffering of Gazans than the constant threat for survival Israel and the Jewish people live with everyday!" Pearl wrote on X.
"And let's reward them with another State and launching pad for terror. Your lack of support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel was loud and clear Mr President!"
Of course, the coach is referencing Biden's push for a "two-state solution" in the region ... something he clearly believes is a bad idea.
On Friday, Pearl, who has been at Auburn since 2014, wasn't ready to move on ... and again went to social media to air out JB.
"President Biden saying 'I won't rest until we get the hostages home' isn't getting it done," Bruce tweeted, referencing a line from the president's speech, before urging action from POTUS and one of his top cabinet officials, the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
Pearl is referencing a line from Biden's SOTU ... where he said, "We will not rest until we bring their loved ones home." The coach wants much more done.
"Send [Blinken] to Qatar and tell Hamas leaders they have a limited number of days to release all hostages and surrender. If they refuse Israel gets the green light to destroy Hamas and them!"
The United States, Israel, and Hamas, as well as other involved parties, are negotiating in Cairo, in an effort to strike a deal for a temporary ceasefire which would presumably lead to the release of at least some of the more than 100 remaining hostages.
On Thursday, it appeared negotiations were breaking down ... and it's crystal clear Pearl is demanding President Biden find a way to return home hostages being held in Gaza.
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Chad Johnson Marvin Harrison's Son Is 'The Best Receiver In The Draft'
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It ain't Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze or Brian Thomas Jr. ... no, according to Chad Johnson, Marvin Harrison Jr. -- the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison Sr. -- is the best wideout available in this year's loaded NFL draft class.
The former Bengals wideout didn't mince words when we got him on the topic out in NYC this week ... saying the Ohio State star is straight up "the best receiver in the draft right now."
Of course, after the combine performances that Odunze and Thomas Jr. had in Indianapolis last week ... there are plenty who would argue otherwise.
Thomas Jr. ran a blazing 4.33 40-yard dash, while Odunze clocked a 4.45. Both guys then went on to show flashes of brilliance in on-field drills. And, while Nabers opted out of the event, his game tape alone had pundits wondering if he were the top guy over Harrison Jr.
But, Ochocinco made it clear he's got Harrison on top of the heap ... telling us, "No disrespect to any of the other young fellas that are in there -- Malik Nabers and the rest of the draft class -- but Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best receiver in the draft class this year."
Brian Thomas Jr. (@LSUfootball) reached a top speed of 22.91 mph while running a go route, more than a full mile per hour faster than any other receiver during that route. pic.twitter.com/ScFEbIqvSe
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 3, 2024 @NextGenStats
As for if it could be the top wideout class ever -- after all, some experts think SEVEN total guys could go in the first round -- check out the clip ... Chad ain't exactly sold on that.
By the way, Johnson also shared some kind words about late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen ... praising him as one of the best to ever do it.
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Caitlin Clark New NCAA Hoops Scoring Record ... Surpasses Pistol Pete!!!
Move over Pete Maravich, make way for Caitlin Clark ... there's a new all-time leading scorer in college basketball.
Caitlin just surpassed Pistol Pete as the leading scorer in NCAA Division I hoops, draining a couple free throws at the end of the first half of Sunday's game between her Iowa Hawkeyes and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
CC entered the game needing 18 points to pass Pete, and Iowa fans went bananas when she sank two free throws to break the longstanding record.
There's still a second half to play, so Caitlin's going to put more distance between herself and Pete, who scored 3,667 points at Louisiana State University way back in the day.
Caitlin was already the greatest scorer in women's college basketball history, breaking the women's scoring record last month when she eclipsed Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527 points ... and now she stands above the rest in all of college basketball.
Some thought Pete's record would never be broken ... and he did it all in 3 seasons from 1967 to 1970 at LSU, before freshman played and before the 3-point shot was a thing.
Caitlin broke the record in her final home game, with former WNBA MVP Maya Moore in attendance.
CC's still got a lot more hoops to play ... Iowa plays in the Big 10 conference tournament before the NCAA tournament ... so expect a lot more buckets from Caitlin.
When she's done rewriting the college record books in a few weeks, Caitlin will set her sights on a new chapter ... she's already declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Congrats, Caitlin!!!
Caitlin Clark Declares For 2024 WNBA Draft ... Foregoing Final Year
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Caitlin Clark -- one of the greatest female college hoopers of all time -- just announced she will be heading to the WNBA Draft following her senior season with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The superstar point guard broke the news on her Instagram ... saying she'll forego the one year of eligibility she had remaining -- due to Covid -- in order to turn pro.
"While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa," the 22-year-old said.
"It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported during my time at Iowa' my teammates, who the last four years the best; my coaches, trainers, and staff who always let me be me; Hawkeyes fans who filled Carver every night and everyone who came out to support us across the country, especially the young kids."
Clark -- who currently leads women's college basketball in points, assists and 3-pointers -- also thanked her family and friends for sticking by her side through her career.
"Because of all of you, my dreams came true," Clark said.
The news comes less than 24 hours after Clark became the top female scorer in college basketball history following her 33-point game against Minnesota.
Now, she's 17 points away from tying the legendary Pete Maravich's record for most overall points (3,667), which she can do when No. 6 Iowa faces No. 2 Ohio State on Sunday -- which is senior day.
Clark has a load of other impressive accolades ... including AP Player of the Year, John R. Wood Award and Naismith College Player of the Year in 2023.
Clark is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick ... which belongs to the Indiana Fever.
Campbellsville University 18-Yr-Old Wrestler Strangled To Death ... Allegedly By Teammate
A Campbellsville University wrestler was been tragically killed after his teammate allegedly strangled him to death in their dorm, according to police.
The fatal incident happened over the weekend at the central Kentucky campus when Campbellsville Police say they responded to a call for an unresponsive male in the school's living quarters.
The call was for 18-year-old freshman wrestler Josiah Kilman ... who despite rescuers' efforts, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Josiah Kilman, who left us far too soon. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Josiah’s family, friends, and the entire university community during this difficult time. Thank you, Josiah for your example of Christ. pic.twitter.com/rSbU4Anetz
— Campbellsville University (@CampbellsvilleU) February 27, 2024 @CampbellsvilleU
Shortly after Kilman passed away, officials got an arrest warrant for Charles Escalera ... for murder. Escalera was also a wrestler on the Tigers team.
The 21-year-old Oklahoma native wasn't on the loose for long ... he was captured after police received a call of a suspicious male inside a barn near the Taylor County line several hours later.
"Escalera was taken into custody by Kentucky State Police without incident," CPD said.
Escalera, who is being charged with second-degree murder and burglary, is currently being held at Taylor County Detention Center. His bond was set at $2 million.
Kilman's family set up a GoFundMe to raise money to help transport the wrestler back to his home state of Montana for a proper burial which they say will cost over $10K.
People have responded with generous donations for the hurting family ... they've already amassed over $68K.
"Our family will be eternally grateful for any assistance that you may be able to provide," a Kilman family spokesperson said.
"Thank you for helping them in their time of need."
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Dan Dakich On Court-Storming Here's How I'd Fix It ... More Cops & Bigger Fines!!!
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Dan Dakich says college basketball fans advocating for the end of court-stormings need to relax ... telling TMZ Sports the solution to the problem is super simple.
According to the former Hoosiers star ... all schools need to do in order to avoid issues with the end-of-game fan rush is beef up police presence on nights where it's likely to happen.
"The biggest deterrent is you get the cops -- the police -- big bright jackets," Dakich, host of Outkick's Don't @ Me said, "you surround the [losing] team, and no one's coming."
Dakich explained the protection from cops would still allow students to celebrate their universities' biggest in-season achievements while keeping the most vulnerable safe. And, if schools fail to properly prepare for the potential outcome and things do get out of hand, he thinks hefty fines would make sure they stay on top of things.
"You've got to make it hurt," Dakich said of the penalties. "You've got to make it a million."
ESPN just showed a new angle of the court-storming at Wake Forest where Duke's Kyle Filipowski was injured. Can clearly see where he hurts his knee as a fan taunts him while racing to midcourt. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/ABAsKC2kTI
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) February 24, 2024 @kyletheboone
Of course, many in and out of the sport have called for an end to the longstanding tradition after Kyle Filipowski was injured by Wake Forest supporters after they rushed the floor following an 83-79 win on Saturday.
In fact, Jay Bilas -- an ESPN analyst and a former Duke player -- suggested citations or even arrests should be imposed in order to stop the madness.
ESPN's Jay Bilas on court storming: "If they wanted to stop it, they could stop it tomorrow... You don't have to stop the court storming. One time, all you have to do is once they're on the court, don't let them off. Just say, 'You're all detained' and give them all citations or… pic.twitter.com/Bdbb0SZTDy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 26, 2024 @awfulannouncing
But, Dakich -- who actually had one of his players sustain a serious injury in a court-storming situation during his time as Bowling Green head coach -- made it clear ... he's entirely opposed to all of that.
"There's like a 10 court-stormings a month," Dakich said. "One time a Dukie a tweaks an ankle, and we're out of our minds!!"
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LeBron James Leave Bronny Alone, Haters!!! ... 'Let The Kid Be a Kid'
LeBron James wants everyone overanalyzing his son's college basketball career to take a step back ... begging Bronny's critics to leave "the kid" alone as he continues to work on his game.
The Lakers superstar's public plea comes on the heels of ESPN's latest mock draft ... which has the 19-year-old USC freshman staying in school instead of going pro in 2024.
Worth noting -- the 6'4", 210-pounder has played in 20 games for the Trojans this season ... averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists after returning from his cardiac arrest incident he experienced months before the season.
James is clearly fed up with the scrutiny Bronny's faced so far in his collegiate career ... and it's gotten to the point where he unloaded on social media over it.
"Can yall please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball," King James said on Monday. "The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y'all don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!"
Bronny's game was always going to be under the microscope -- not only because of his famous father, but also considering said pops has publicly stated his dream is to be NBA teammates with his eldest son.
LBJ also had words for anyone else feeling pressure from the media ... adding, "And to all the other kids out there striving to be great just keep your head down, blinders on and keep grinding."
"These Mock Drafts doesn’t matter one bit! I promise you! Only the WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE! ✌🏾👑"
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Kyle Filipowski Duke B-Ball Star Injured ... Wake Forest Fans Rushed Court
Duke basketball's Kyle Filipowski just got injured on the court ... not during the game, mind you -- but by overzealous fans storming the venue postgame.
Duke -- ranked eighth in the country -- just lost 83-79 in a nail-biter match against unranked Wake Forest, a huge upset that could have major conference championship implications.
Duke and projected top 10 NBA Draft pick, Kyle Filipowski is helped to the locker room after Wake Forest fans stormed the court.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 24, 2024 @YahooSports
(via @JordanDajani) pic.twitter.com/yenUanZv8K
As students of the winning side tend to do after a big win, hundreds of excited college kids rushed the court and they appear to have injured the projected top-10 overall pick.
From far away, it was unclear exactly what happened, though Kyle looked to be in considerable pain ... but ESPN had the overhead view of the incident, and it's painful to watch.
ESPN just showed a new angle of the court-storming at Wake Forest where Duke's Kyle Filipowski was injured. Can clearly see where he hurts his knee as a fan taunts him while racing to midcourt. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/ABAsKC2kTI
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) February 24, 2024 @kyletheboone
It seems one fan ran right into Kyle's leg, bending it the wrong way and apparently spraining his ankle -- all while talking trash to the basketball phenom instead of paying attention to where he was running.
Filipowski nearly collapses, doubled over by the collision before hobbling toward his teammates who supported his weight -- basically, dragging him to the locker room.
Obviously, Kyle's squad was incensed after the game with his coach Jon Scheyer openly questioning when the NCAA was going to ban courtstorming.
"I absolutely feel like it was personal, intentional for sure."
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 24, 2024 @YahooSports
Kyle Filipowski on getting injured during Wake Forest court storm.
(via @bhallwfmy) pic.twitter.com/XDkpwJMc1E
Kyle also opened up about the incident after the game ... and he says he thinks the fan hit him on purpose, trying to injure him.
A major injury right now could seriously affect Kyle's future livelihood BTW ... 'cause NBA.com just ranked him as the projected 9th overall pick in this year's draft -- meaning an astronomical payday.
All of that could be in jeopardy now ... 'cause some irresponsible fans couldn't stay in their damn seats.
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University Of Wyoming 3 Swim Team Members Killed ... In Horrific Car Crash
UPDATE
4:16 PM PT -- Colorado State Police tell TMZ Sports that "excessive speed" is being investigated for the fatal crash of the three UW swim team members.
"The vehicle was southbound on Highway 287 and swerved to miss a vehicle in front of them stopped to make a left turn on to Larimer CR 37," CSP said.
"No alcohol or drugs suspected as casual factors."
Three members of the University of Wyoming swim team were tragically killed on Thursday after a horrific, single-car crash in northern Colorado.
According to the Colorado State Police, five passengers were traveling in a Toyota RAV4 around 2:44 PM when the vehicle swerved off the road, and rolled over, ejecting two people, and leaving the SUV mangled.
Sadly, three victims, ages ranging from 18 to 21, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Denver Post ... and they were members of the UW swim and diving team.
The two surviving victims are also members of the swim team.
"My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families and friends," UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman said in a statement.
"It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes."
The crash is under investigation ... and it is not yet known if speed, or any other factors played a role in the crash.
This isn't the first time UW Athletics has seen such devastation ... in 2001, eight runners from the track team were killed when a drunk driver crashed into their Jeep on the same highway.
R.I.P.
Originally Published -- 7:51 AM PT
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College Basketball Wild Brawl In Handshake Line
A college basketball game looked more like the Royal Rumble on Monday ... with the postgame handshakes going from sportsmanlike to straight-up violent in one of the wildest brawls to date.
The scrap went down after Texas A&M-Commerce defeated Incarnate Word 76-72 at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center in San Antonio .... when at some point in saying "good game," two opponents got ticked off and bumped into each other.
It's unclear what exactly led to the altercation, but it quickly escalated ... with players from both teams throwing hands.
Despite the attempts of coaches, staffers, and peaceful athletes to break it all up, the fight continued for at least a minute before the teams were separated.
According to the ESPN broadcast, a "young girl" in the crowd was injured at some point ... and another team manager was bleeding from the face.
Both teams addressed the incident in a statement shortly after the game ... saying, "The University of the Incarnate Word and Texas A&M University-Commerce apologize for the behavior exhibited by our respective men's basketball programs following the game on Monday night."
"There is no place in college sports for such actions. The unsportsmanlike conduct that occurred after the game does not reflect the values of the universities involved, as well as the Southland Conference and their member institutions."
The statement added the fight is currently under review by the conference and both programs ... which will undoubtedly result in some hefty punishment.
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Rick Pitino, St. John's Coach Rips His Soft, 'Nonathletic' Team ... After Seton Hall Loss
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino went scorched earth on his basketball team Sunday night, tearing into his soft players and the "s***" university facilities during an unforgettable post-game presser!
"We are so nonathletic that we can't guard anybody without fouling," the legendary coach said after his team's 68-62 loss to Seton Hall at UBS Arena on Long Island in NY.
Pitino continued, "And, really it's not about losing. Even winning, when I watch the film, I see unathletic plays, I see people that don't handle the ball, that are just interested in taking quick shots. It's been a disappointing year."
The first half went St. John's way ... the Red Storm, which once led by 19 points, took a 41-29 lead into the half. But, thanks to turnovers and poor shooting by SJU, the Pirates came charging back in the second, securing the pivotal W with a late run.
FYI, it's a game that was critical for both bubble teams. St. John's, now 6-9 in Big East play, has a lot of work to do. Seton Hall, 10-5 in conference, is sitting in a much better position after the victory. SHU has a resume that boasts wins over UConn and Marquette, and 3 other quad 1 teams.
Pitino also singled out individual players ... calling Drissa Traore, Chris Ledlum, Sean Conway and Joel Soriano "slow laterally," while calling Brady Dunlap "weak."
Let's get to the highlights 🎥#HALLin 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/BFdTXwLcHH
— Seton Hall Men's Basketball (@SetonHallMBB) February 19, 2024 @SetonHallMBB
Pitino, a 2x NCAA champion (though the '13 Louisville title was vacated), said his team's issues go back to recruiting.
“We recruited the antithesis of the way I coach, with speed, quickness, fundamentals, strength and toughness,” Pitino said, adding, “It’s a good group, they try hard, but they’re just not very tough.”
As for their athletic facilities, Pitino clearly believes they're lacking, but isn't going to blame a locker room for a loss on the court.
“Do we have s****y facilities? Yes, we do. Having s****y facilities has nothing to do with not guarding.”
SJU is located in Queens, NY ... and the school has an on-campus arena, though they play a handful of games at Madison Square Garden and other larger local arenas.
As for his thoughts on the year, Rick, who has been coaching since the '70s, admits he isn't having any fun.
"I’m not gonna lie to you. This is the most unenjoyable experience of my lifetime. This has been so disappointing.”
Practice today should be fun.
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Angel Reese Congratulations On The Record, Caitlin Clark ... I See You!!!
Iowa star Caitlin Clark got a ton of love from A-listers like Tom Brady, Brittney Griner and Damian Lillard after becoming the NCAA's all-time leading scorer ... but there's one shoutout that stood out from the rest -- a congratulatory post from Angel Reese.
Clark was the star of the night as the Hawkeyes took down Michigan on Thursday ... dropping 49 points and solidifying her title as the greatest scorer in women's college basketball history.
The moment she broke Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527 points was truly special ... as she nailed a deep three-pointer from the edge of the half-court logo.
The tributes poured in after the accomplishment ... including a star-studded video posted on the Big Ten Network's X account, which featured personal messages from Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, Gayle King, Peyton and Eli Manning and the G.O.A.T. himself.
Heck, even Clark the Cub got in on the celebration!!
Congrats, Caitlin! 👏
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 16, 2024 @BigTenNetwork
It’s not everyday someone breaks the all-time scoring record, so you know we had to go B1G. 😏 pic.twitter.com/L8s4KQ5PTD
Clark's former on-court nemesis also took the time to give props ... with Reese going to social media to send a special note.
"Congratulations @CaitlinClark22," the LSU star said. "KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY! 🖤💛🔥"
Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY! 🖤💛🔥 https://t.co/jWn7QZZdkQ
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 16, 2024 @Reese10Angel
The two had their beef during the national championship game last season, in which Reese hit Clark with the John Cena "You Can't See Me" gesture -- something Caitlin did in the past.
Reese's taunting was dubbed unsportsmanlike by many ... which forced Clark to speak out and say any criticism toward the Bayou Barbie was unwarranted.
ANGEL REESE TO CAITLIN CLARK 😳 pic.twitter.com/2NY0CEzwJ3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 2, 2023 @SportsCenter
The public tried its hardest to pit the ballers against each other ... but Reese's post makes it clear there's nothing but love.
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NCAA Men's Basketball Players Get Stuck In Elevator ... Game Delayed!!!
Tipoff for an NCAA men's basketball game was delayed on Thursday night ... and it's all 'cause members of one team got stuck in an elevator while on their way to the court.
Seriously!!!
It all went down at the Wellness Center in Brookville, New York ... when the visiting Fairleigh Dickinson Univ. Knights tried to get to their game against LIU Brooklyn -- but simply couldn't, because of a faulty elevator.
Firefighters are working on getting FDU players out of a stuck elevator.
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 16, 2024 @CBSSportsCBB
The elevator takes the players from the locker room to the court. The Knights’ game at LIU is currently in a delay. pic.twitter.com/jQQlx8QUhr
As the team was packed into the lift that was supposed to take it from the locker room to the floor ... the ride broke -- trapping players inside.
Thankfully, with the help of firefighters, the Knights were released after about 15 minutes.
Hearing that it was extremely hot in the elevator and they were in there for 15 minutes.
— Coleman Crawley (@SharpshotSelect) February 16, 2024 @SharpshotSelect
How is this going to impact Fairleigh Dickinson’s play? Seems rather unprecedented so I really can’t say https://t.co/oSX4zIL71G pic.twitter.com/1vXeZVhIw1
It didn't seem to faze the guys too much ... although one player said just after the incident that it sure was hot while inside of the metal box.
The team, though, still ended up putting the whole fiasco behind it and pulled off a come-from-behind, 84-82, win. And, if you're wondering, yes, they did take the stairs the rest of the evening.
Smart guys!
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Glen Powell and Johnny Manziel We're Amigos!!! Party Together In Scottsdale
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New Hollywood bromance alert ... Glen Powell and Johnny Manziel are apparently buddies, because they partied their faces off together in the desert.
TMZ obtained video of Glen and Johnny hanging out last night at Casa Amigos Tacos and Tequila in Scottsdale, where Johnny Football had a VIP section.
Folks who were there say Johnny was already in the club when Glen showed up and joined the group.
We're told this wasn't a coincidence ... Johnny and Glen clearly planned to hang out, and their group of about a dozen were mostly hot chicks.
As you can see, Glen is chatting up a woman in one of the videos ... and we're told they stayed close throughout the night.
Johnny meanwhile, was talking to several different ladies ... and we're told there was no drama and everyone seemed to be in good spirits, with JM and GP partying for at least a few hours.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Glen was in town to play golf in Wednesday's Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open ... Johnny wasn't golfing, but he's never turned down a good time.
It's an interesting pairing ... Johnny won the Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M and Glen studied at the University of Texas at Austin before heading to Hollywood. The schools are big rivals, but it's more of a big brother-little brother type deal.
No word who picked up the tab.
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NMSU's Robert Carpenter Suspended Indefinitely ... After Punching Opponent
UPDATE
3:27 PM -- New Mexico State just announced it's suspending Robert Carpenter indefinitely for his punch Thursday night.
"His actions do not align with the standards we uphold at New Mexico State," the school said in a statement Friday afternoon, "and we believe it is important to ensure that any actions contrary to our principles will not be tolerated."
New Mexico State men's basketball player Robert Carpenter unloaded a haymaker on his opponent's nose during a tiff in a game Thursday night ... and the incident was so brazen, even his own coach is now expecting him to receive a suspension.
The violent play happened with about 12 minutes to go in the first half of the Aggies' tilt with Liberty in Las Cruces ... when Carpenter and Shiloh Robinson got in a tussle while trying to fight for position for a possible rebound.
New Mexico State’s Robert Carpenter was ejected after throwing a punch vs Liberty. pic.twitter.com/Y7z4a9cTTW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 2, 2024 @thecomeback
Broadcast video shows the guys pushed and shoved each other ... before, suddenly, Carpenter uncorked a right hook that landed flush on Robinson's face.
The Liberty forward immediately crumpled to the ground in pain ... and Carpenter was instantly ejected after being issued a flagrant foul 2.
Robinson eventually got up after being tended to by trainers, but he did not return to action.
New Mexico State men's basketball HC Jason Hooten opened up tonight's press conference with an apology to Liberty HC Ritchie McKay after the incident involving Robert Carpenter. Hooten said he expects CUSA to issue a game suspension to Carpenter.
— Sam Guzman (@SamGuzmanTV) February 2, 2024 @SamGuzmanTV
Here's his full comments: pic.twitter.com/o5zNzUr2gw
After the game -- which NMSU ended up winning, 79-73 -- Aggies coach Jason Hooten called Carpenter's actions unacceptable ... and said he anticipated a ban for Carpenter was forthcoming.
"Even if there was something that put Rob in that state of mind to do what he did," Hooten said, "it's still not acceptable."
Hooten did add, though, that he knows Carpenter "feels really bad about what he did."
"There's just no room for that in the game," he said. "At all."
Hooten told media members Carpenter will definitively not play in NMSU's game on Saturday against Jacksonville State ... though his status after that is still unclear.
Carpenter has been one of the Aggies' best players this season, averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Originally Published -- 6:19 AM PT
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Georgetown vs. Providence Video muestra un caos afuera de la arena... En partido de baloncesto
Una escena caótica se vivió antes del partido de baloncesto de Georgetown vs. Providence el sábado y hay videos que están inundando las redes sociales que muestran a los aficionados empujando y gritando fuera.
Esto es lo que pasó, los estudiantes estaban alineados afuera del Amica Mutual Pavillion en Rhode Island para el enfrentamiento de la Big East Conference, y al parecer habían estado desde las 7 de la mañana, casi tres horas antes del partido.
Parece que estos estudiantes estaban demasiado entusiasmados y empezaron a empujar hacia adelante, lo que provocó que varios alumnos se cayeran al suelo y una botaran una contención de metal que estaba al lado.
Echa un vistazo al video, varias personas están en el suelo, mientras que sus compañeros parecen tratar de empujar a la multitud hacia atrás, claramente en un esfuerzo por no ser pisoteados.
Es una escena tensa, con el equipo de seguridad diciéndole a los estudiantes que dejen de empujar y empujar a un par de estudiantes lejos que se cayeron. La persona que toma el video no salió ileso tampoco. En un momento, la cámara se inclina hacia abajo para revelar que sus zapatos fueron arrancados por el tumulto.
The mood in Providence today after a dramatic win over Ed Cooley’s Georgetown Hoyas: pic.twitter.com/rWcqf9Mgsy
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) January 27, 2024 @John_Fanta
Al final, las personas de seguridad calmaron los ánimos y dejaron entrar a los estudiantes al juego poco a poco. No está claro si alguien resultó herido. Por cierto, Providence terminó ganando el juego 84-76 - y los videos desde el interior de la arena muestran la magnitud de la multitud.
Parece que todo salió bien, después de todo y a pesar de los sustos previos.