Sports
Giannis should stay with Bucks. But his case is first test in how NBA’s new rules impact stars
Giannis Antetokounmpo should stay in Milwaukee.
Making that clear up front. This is not a longtime Warriors writer once again pondering a future with the Greek Freak as the new pillar of Golden State, one of the NBA’s it brands. I’ll leave that to Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
And maybe Stephen Curry.
And maybe Giannis.
OK, seriously. Antetokounmpo belongs in Milwaukee, to Milwaukee. The sappy side of sports, the romantic 30,000-foot view demands him staying with the Bucks, where he became a legend. The Chick-Fil-A where he ordered a 50-piece chicken nuggets should become a state landmark.
Mushy moments, however, are about past accolades. The Bucks, featuring the all-time great in his prime, rightfully want more than the 2021 Larry O’Brien Trophy they earned. But what’s emanating from their current on-court play suggests a pending impasse.
The big swing Milwaukee took just last season to get a superstar, trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, is being revealed as a miss — at least in the sense of its championship aspirations. Like a giant puzzle that hasn’t finished forming, we can see enough to imagine the end picture.
Of course, being wrong is possible. The Bucks could turn this around. While they sit at the bottom, they’ve played the best in the Eastern Conference close enough to warrant optimism.
But, frankly, my deer, this feels like a problem Khris Middleton’s return can’t fix.
The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers look like juggernauts comparatively, and the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are threats in the East despite their mediocre starts. And Bucks fans would be wise not to look West right now. It’s scary out that way.
The Bucks are 2-8 through their first 10 games, disappointing enough to trigger the discourse about what they should do. And while nothing from Giannis suggests he wants out — and his new three-year, $175 million extension kicks in next year — he’s the mega figure the rest of the league is watching. The player who can shift the dynamic of the league. Naturally, people will be interested in whether a fourth consecutive season not making it past the second round prompts big changes in Milwaukee.
All of this points to a possible moment of truth for the Bucks, and Antetokounmpo, for which we wait to see how the league’s new climate and culture impact their decision. The NBA’s pursuit of parity altered the landscape of team-building. So it’s only reasonable for it to also alter the mindset of how married front offices are to their superstars.
How he and the Bucks respond could be informative. Turning 30 next month, he’s the oldest of the young superstars. He’s also the one who seems among the furthest from a championship.
Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.
The same questions figure to eventually arrive about Luka Dončić or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jayson Tatum. Or Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Or Utah Prep’s A.J. Dybantsa.
The collective bargaining agreement doesn’t have protections for drafting well, which means teams that do are counting down to when they have to pay. Welcome to Sam Presti’s life. It seems executives, players and fans should be emotionally prepared for stars to be sacrificed in the name of the CBA.
Obviously, it all depends on the situation. The stars’ accomplishments. The ownership’s financial capacity. The roster’s flexibility.
The obvious answer is for the Bucks to retool around Antetokounmpo. With the increased longevity of superstars, and the way he takes care of himself, he should have at least five to six years of eliteness in him. Maybe more.
But it’s also easier than ever, figuratively, to move on and still turn out just fine. Parity’s impact makes it more feasible, figuratively, for teams to retool quickly. With no impossible juggernaut sitting atop the league — the closest one is Boston, which is facing a similar pending money crunch — the climb to the top is shorter. The punishment for having three maximum salaries increases the possibility of star-caliber players being available or coming to market.
Hard-line stances are easier for teams to take these days. Jimmy Butler does not have a max extension in Miami despite being the face of the franchise. Paul George is in Philadelphia, and his former team doesn’t look worse long-term as a result.
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The salary explosion surely makes ownership take a longer, harder look. Is that No. 2 star really worth $40 million? Is the No. 1 really worth $60 million?
Those figures won’t look quite as massive when the new television deal raises the salary cap. But the sticker shock will still be present for the check-signers.
At some point, having such an albatross figure eating up so much of the salary cap makes maneuvering tough. The Jazz considered moving on from Lauri Markkanen before locking him for $48 million a year over the next four. The Suns will have three players making over $50 million next season, putting some real championship pressure on Phoenix right now as the penalties for crossing the second apron loom.
This climate wouldn’t figure to make loyalty as appealing. Lillard is a cautionary tale of being loyal to a fault. He spent years of his prime on a Portland Trail Blazers squad that didn’t have a real chance at a title. Could he have a title if he was in Miami in 2023 when it faced the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals? We’ll never know because he was still ride-or-die for Portland.
Market size is less relevant in the modern media climate. The salary suppression of the new CBA makes staying home less profitable. The league has intentionally increased the number of teams on the cusp of being serious. It’s a concoction sure to fertilize other grasses.
How long before Joel Embiid wants a fresh start? How long will Ja Morant settle for being second fiddle with the grit and grind if the Grizzlies don’t build a winner around him?
Taking away the sentimentality, and keeping it strictly basketball maneuvering — is it better for the Bucks to send their pillar to Oklahoma City, which by far and away could offer the biggest bounty of any team? No one could blame Antetokounmpo for wanting that.
Because what’s also true about the age of parity is the ease of falling behind. Hopes for a ‘ship can sail away as quickly as they dock when the league can rearrange so fluidly. The right role player can lift a team into the mix, let alone an All-Star. How many teams could change their odds by adding Butler?
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Conversely, a team that looked on the come-up can suddenly seem far away. It was but two years ago Sacramento and Memphis looked to be the future.
It is early, but it looks as if Milwaukee is drifting behind. It’s always risky to make conclusions when Halloween candy yet remains (albeit the candy corn no one actually likes). Especially for a team missing a player as good as Middleton. But seasons have vibes. Tones are set. Patterns start developing. Antetokounmpo has already called out the team’s effort.
One of the tells of chemistry and cohesion is fourth-quarter production. And late in games, Milwaukee has looked like it’s staying together until the kids graduate high school.
Entering Monday, the Bucks were 25th in fourth-quarter scoring (26.2) and second-to-last in fourth-quarter offensive rating (105.6). Milwaukee has the fourth-worst offensive efficiency in the clutch, averaging just 89.3 points per 100 per possessions of clutch time. Only the Chicago Bulls, Knicks and Thunder were worse — and Oklahoma City was so low because it’s usually chilling in fourth quarters.
If the conclusion is Dame and Giannis aren’t the takeover-the-league duo we thought they’d be, I was certain they’d be, what is the Bucks’ next move?
Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.
Because the inverse is also true. If it’s easier to rebuild in a league that frowns on hoarding superstars, it figures to be even easier with an anchor in place. The hardest piece to get is the biggest one.
What’s more, we’ve seen this place where the NBA could be headed. All markets being in play now, with the superstars spread more evenly across the league, the player movement could turn up. A Game of Thronesian shifting of power.
While that for sure adds an element of excitement, the league constantly reforming its contender class, jerseys expiring faster than whole milk, sentimentality takes on its own value. Having a franchise pillar becomes more meaningful.
And since this is a business, still fueled by the magnetism of superstars, something will always be special about the players who ride it out with one home.
Sure, they might miss out on all-time great conversations, their trophy collections limited by their team’s resources and front-office acumen. But they are among the most adored, most respected.
Giannis should stay in Milwaukee.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photo of Giannis Antetokounmpo: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)
Sports
Ex-NFL reporter Dianna Russini interaction with police officer to dodge traffic ticket comes to light
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Police bodycam footage appeared to refute a claim made by former NFL reporter Dianna Russini earlier this year about what she did to get out of a traffic ticket.
Russini, whose relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel led to her resigning from her role with The Athletic in April, said on the “Stugotz and Company” show back in February that she FaceTimed the NFL coach, though she didn’t drop the name, of the officer’s favorite team after being pulled over for being on her phone.
It was a story that came up again during the New York Times’ deep dive into the Russini-Vrabel controversy, and now police bodycam footage has confirmed that wasn’t the case. However, she did name-drop a coach.
ESPN reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 16, 2018. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)
The footage went just over seven minutes long, as Russini was stopped in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for using her phone while driving. Not only did a FaceTime never happen, but no call at all occurred during the exchange between Russini and the officer.
What did occur, though, was Russini showing the officer texts she had been having with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, and she showed the officer her phone with the texts on it.
DIANNA RUSSINI PULLED PATHETIC MOVE WITH AN OFFICER TO GET OUT OF A TICKET, AND IT SHOULD HAVE THE NFL NERVOUS
“I’m an NFL reporter, and I just broke that Seam McDermott got fired from the Bills,” Russini told the officer almost immediately, understanding why she was being pulled over. “I was gonna pull over because I have to make calls. I know you don’t care, but I’m just letting you know my reason why. It was a work thing and it was an emergency for what I do.”
McDermott was fired the morning of Jan. 19, which was the date shown on the bodycam footage, after the Bills’ AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos.
The officer replied that Russini had been on her phone “for a while” before pulling her over, though he did acknowledge she had a job to do.
Russini continued, telling the officer that former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll “wants the job” with the Bills. He was connected to the team given his history with Buffalo prior to joining the Giants, but they hired in-house with Joe Brady being promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach. Daboll ended up joining Robert Saleh’s staff as offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite image featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Imagn Images)
Russini, then, asked if the officer was a Giants or Jets fan given the New Jersey ties. When he responded by saying he was a Vikings fan, it prompted Russini to seemingly show texts with O’Connell. The conversation, which included Russini saying the Vikings’ quarterback “sucks” and “KOC’s awesome” ultimately led to the officer letting her off with a warning.
“I’m gonna cut you a break on the cellphone,” the officer was heard saying. “I understand your job requires you to be on the phone a lot. Just try to wait until you get home, OK?”
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The Center Square first reported Russini’s interaction with the officer.
Fox News Digital reached out to Russini and the Vikings for comment.
Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Lyons issued a statement on the matter.
“On January 19, 2026, at 9:40 a.m., a Ridgewood police officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Godwin Avenue involving Ms. Dianna Russini for the use of a handheld cell phone while driving,” the statement read. “After following department protocol during the stop, and reviewing Ms. Russini’s driving history, the officer exercised his professional discretion and issued a verbal warning to Ms. Russini.
Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
“The use of officer discretion in determining whether to issue a warning or a citation is consistent with Ridgewood Police Department policy and longstanding practice. Police officers are encouraged to use their judgment and, when appropriate, provide motorists with warnings as part of the Department’s commitment to fair, impartial and community-oriented policing.”
Russini resigned from her post at The Athletic amid mounting criticism over her relationship with Vrabel after photographs of them hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona, went viral. After initially trying to downplay it, saying “reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” Russini ultimately released her resignation.
After the original photos, others dating back to 2020 showed Vrabel and Russini kissing at a bar in New York City. The pictures exclusively obtained by the New York Post were taken in the early hours of March 11, 2020.
“They were kissing, and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told the outlet. “He had a ring on.”
Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 10, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
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While Russini resigned, Vrabel was back with the Patriots after a counseling visit, which fell on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Vrabel said he had difficult conversations with his family, while also speaking with his players about the situation. The Patriots said before the draft they “fully support” Vrabel, allowing him to seek the counseling he desired despite four rounds of the draft still remaining.
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Group play is over and it’s knockout time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The round of 32 is in progress, with several teams already moving on the round of 16, including tournament co-hosts Canada and Mexico. The U.S. will be looking to do the same when it faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Here’s everything you need to know about World Cup knockout stage matches being played Wednesday, Thursday and Friday across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).
Wednesday’s round of 32 matches
England vs. DR Congo
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates with teammates after scoring against Panama on June 27.
(Steve Luciano / Associated Press)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Time: 9 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: England was unbeaten in group play, but it looked sluggish, failing to score in a goalless draw with Ghana then needing two second-half scores to beat Panama. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have combined for five of England’s six goals while Jordan Pickford hasn’t given up a goal since the opening half of the first game. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, made it out of the group stage for the first time ever by beating Uzbekistan with three second-half goals.
Belgium vs. Senegal
Belgium’s Leandro Trossard celebrates after scoring against New Zealand on June 26.
(Abbie Parr / Ap Photo/abbie Parr)
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Unbeaten Belgium didn’t score a goal of its own until routing New Zealand 5-1 in its group-play finale. That allowed it to finish atop of its group and advance to the knockout stages, something it failed to do four years ago. Senegal started with consecutive losses, but routed Iraq 5-0, giving it the best goal differential of all third-place teams and allowing it to advance.
U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic shoots during a loss to Turkey at the World Cup on June 25.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: The U.S. won its group, winning twice in the first round for the first time since 1930. But it has won just once beyond the group stage in its history and hasn’t beaten a European team in 12 tries dating to November 2022. Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar in its group-stage finale to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. Ermin Mahmic has two of the team’s five goals.
Thursday’s round of 32 matches
Spain vs. Austria
Austria’s Marko Arnautovic celebrates after a goal against Algeria on June 27 at the World Cup.
(Reed Hoffmann / Associated Press)
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Time: Noon
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Spain did not allow a goal in the group stage with keeper Unai Simón making just four saves in the three shutouts. But No. 3 Spain has struggled offensively; leave out its 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia and it scored just once. Austria needed a goal deep in stoppage time to draw Algeria and finish second in its group, advancing to the second round for the first time since 1982. Marko Arnautovic has two of the team’s six goals.
Portugal vs. Croatia
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo attempts an overhead kick against Colombia at the World Cup on June 27.
(Robert Cianflone / Getty Images)
Where: BMO Field, Toronto
Time: 4 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Call this the Geritol Cup. Unbeaten Portugal finished second in its group with Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, becoming the second-oldest male to score in a World Cup and the only man to score in six consecutive tournaments while Croatia saw Luka Modric become the oldest player in history to record a World Cup assist. Croatia has reached the semifinals of the last two tournaments, but its golden generation is aging. Portugal, a quarterfinalist in 2022, is hoping to give Ronaldo the one title he’s missing.
Switzerland vs. Algeria
Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi heads the ball against Canada at the World Cup on June 24.
(Abbie Parr / Associated Press)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Unbeaten Switzerland held off Canada in its last game to win its group for the first time since 2006. The Swiss have not won a knockout-round game since 1954. Midfielder Johan Manzambi, the team’s youngest player at 20, has three of Switzerland’s seven goals. Algeria drew Austria in its group-play final to advance as a third-place team. Riyad Mahrez, 35, had a brace in that game and leads Algeria with two goals.
Friday’s round of 32 matches
Australia vs. Egypt
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring against New Zealand at the World Cup on June 21.
(Alex Grimm / Getty Images)
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Australia finished second to the U.S. in its group but stumbled into the round of 32, going 195 minutes without a goal. It’s the first time since 1974 Australia has gone scoreless in consecutive World Cup games. The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game. Unbeaten Egypt also finished second in its group, on a goal-differential tiebreaker. Its five goals have come from five different players. The Pharaohs, Africa’s oldest national team, will be playing in the second round of the World Cup for the first time.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, left, and Jordan’s Noussair Mazraoui battle for the ball at the World Cup on June 27.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: The last World Cup loss for Argentina came in its 2022 opener, making its nine-game unbeaten run the longest under one coach since 1986, the year it won its second championship. Speaking of streaks, when Lionel Messi came off the bench to score in the group finale, it gave him goals in a record seven consecutive World Cup games. He is tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, having scored six of Argentina’s eight goals. Unbeaten Cape Verde is playing in the World Cup for the first time, advancing to the knockout stages behind three straight draws, two of them clean sheets by Vozinha, the team’s 40-year-old keeper. It is the first debutant to go unbeaten in the group stage since Senegal in 2002. The smallest country ever to advance out of World Cup group play, Cape Verde had just seven shots on target in the group stage, according to FIFA.
Colombia vs. Ghana
Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta reacts during a match against Portugal at the World Cup on June 27.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Unbeaten Colombia won its group but scored just once in its final two games. It’s 59 shots are tied for third in the tournament but just four of those found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, on the other hand, has been called on to make just five saves. Ghana is back in the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, advancing as a third-place team.
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Winning two knockout stage games? That means you’re really in the running to win the World Cup.
Let’s check out the updated odds for which countries will make it to the quarterfinals at FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 1.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
To Reach Quarterfinals
France: -1250 (bet $10 to win $10.80 total)
Argentina: -425 (bet $10 to win $12.35 total)
Morocco: -260 (bet $10 to win $13.85 total)
Brazil: -240 (bet $10 to win $14.17 total)
England: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)
Spain: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Colombia: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
USA: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Mexico: +140 (bet $10 to win $24 total)
Norway: +160 (bet $10 to win $26 total)
Portugal: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Canada: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Belgium: +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)
Switzerland: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total)
Senegal: +370 (bet $10 to win $47 total)
Algeria: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Egypt: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Ghana: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
The USA is currently one of the favorites to reach the World Cup quarterfinals (Getty Images).
Here’s what to know about this oddsboard.
Recent History: The quarterfinals are kinda a given for France, at least in recent years. The French have made it to at least the quarterfinals in five of the last seven World Cups, and they have made the final in four of the last seven years, winning the tournament twice. Les Bleus are now heavy favorites at -1250 to beat Paraguay and get back to the quarterfinals.
The Host Nations: Before this summer, Canada had never won a World Cup match in two tournament appearances. But that has all changed. Canada is through to the Round of 16 after beating South Africa in the Round of 32. As for Mexico, it has recorded four straight scoreless wins to start the tournament for the first time in its nation’s history. El Tri will look to get back to the quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years after dominating Ecuador in the Round of 32. After its win over Ecuador, Mexico jumped from +290 to +140 to make the quarters. The U.S. looks to replicate the other two host nations’ knockout stage performances against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
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