Sports
NFL free agency 2025 predictions: One top target for every team
This is supposedly the NFL offseason, but if you’re feeling like you may be suffering from a case of whiplash, there’s a good reason for that.
The Super Bowl came and went on Feb. 9. Two weeks later, the NFL world descended on Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine. And next week, free agency kicks off.
Essentially, the action never stops in the NFL. As a result, multitasking is a crucial strength for general managers. By week’s end, front offices across the league will have finalized their game plan for free agency. Monday, at noon ET, the legal tampering period begins. Wednesday, the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET.
The NFL salary cap is set at $279.2 million — a jump of roughly $24 million from last season — so every team will have some money to spend. How much varies on a case-by-case basis, and as a result, some teams will rely more heavily on the draft than free agency to fill holes, and others will go on spending sprees. Regardless, needs will be met next week. And so, we’re looking into our crystal ball and offering you one free-agent target prediction for every team.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge Haason Reddick
The 2017 Cardinals first-round pick is a free agent after a frustrating 2024, when he was traded from the Eagles to the Jets, who both declined to grant his wishes for a long-term contract extension. Now Reddick hits the open market, and his former team makes a lot of sense. The Cardinals need pass-rushing help after no player managed more than five sacks in 2024, and the team ranked 13th in this statistic. After a lengthy holdout, Reddick appeared in only 10 games for the Jets, starting two of them. But he recorded double-digit sacks in the four seasons prior and could fill a big need for Arizona.
Atlanta Falcons: Edge Khalil Mack
The Falcons ranked 31st in the league in sacks last season, with just 31. They need pass-rushing help in the worst way and would be wise to find help in this department in both free agency and the draft. Although not brimming with spending money, they need to find a way to free up some cash, and Mack — named to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons with the Chargers — would seemingly fit well.
Baltimore Ravens: FS Tre’von Moehrig
The Ravens have decisions to make with a number of their own players, including left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is set to hit free agency. But as far as outside free agents go, they need help in their secondary, where a lack of speed and impact plays hampered their efforts. Moehrig would fill a big need at free safety after racking up 104 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions for the Raiders last season.
Buffalo Bills: WR Hollywood Brown
Easing pressure on Josh Allen is the name of the game, and the Bills need a field-stretching wideout to give their offense a greater home-run threat. Brown missed the bulk of last season with the Chiefs with injury, but now healthy again, he could provide a nice spark.
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Carolina Panthers: DT D.J. Jones
While Bryce Young displayed encouraging signs of growth, the Panthers remain a ways off from contention, and upgrading their defense is a high priority. Jones is among the most disruptive interior defensive linemen on the market, and he has ties to Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from their time together in Denver. Jones would provide a veteran presence on a defense that is expected to feature multiple rookies next season.
Chicago Bears: C Drew Dalman
Positioning Caleb Williams for success is priority No. 1 for Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles, and based on the moves they made this week (trading for Rams lineman Jonah Jackson and Chiefs lineman Joe Thuney), supporting Williams begins with solidifying the offensive line. So look for the Bears’ new coach and fourth-year GM to work to further bolster this unit. A reliable center like Dalman would go a long way toward helping Williams find comfort in the pocket, and also would bolster a run game that can serve as a valuable security blanket for the second-year quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals: G Brandon Scherff
Working out long-term extensions for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are among the Bengals’ top offseason priorities. But Cincinnati also must further fortify its offensive line, especially following the cost-cutting release of guard Alex Cappa. A potential target: Scherff, the five-time Pro Bowl selection and fifth pick of the 2015 draft. After leaving Washington, Scherff battled injuries with Jacksonville. But when healthy, he’s a force in the trenches and would make life easier for Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns: QB Kirk Cousins
That’s IF the Falcons wind up cutting the 36-year-old Cousins now that they’re all-in on second-year pro Michael Penix Jr. Cousins makes so much sense for the Browns, who appear unlikely to have Deshaun Watson for some time because of the setback he experienced in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins played under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski when the latter was offensive coordinator in Minnesota and seemingly would be able to make a seamless transition to the Browns.
The Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)
Dallas Cowboys: RB Najee Harris
Jerry Jones committed malpractice by neglecting to address the running back position last offseason. Perhaps he has learned from his mistake and will devote resources to it now to give first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott a better shot at success. Harris played in every game over the past four seasons for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option. He rushed 263 times for 1,043 yards (4.0 average) and six touchdowns last season.
Denver Broncos: WR Amari Cooper
The Broncos badly want a veteran wide receiver to pair with second-year pro Bo Nix. With the Bengals taking Tee Higgins off the free-agent market by using the franchise tag on him for a second straight offseason, Cooper is among the best options available. The 30-year-old never seemed to fully settle in with Buffalo after a midseason trade, but he should fit well with Sean Payton’s offense.
Detroit Lions: Edge Azeez Ojulari
The Lions are hoping leading pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson makes a complete recovery from a fractured left tibia and fibula, but their defense could really use an impactful running mate for the fourth-year defensive end. Ojulari is a pass rusher who should come at a fairly affordable rate. He has played just one full season (an eight-sack rookie campaign in 2021), he has been used primarily in his career as a situational pass rusher and is coming off a toe injury that limited him to 11 games in 2024. Teaming Ojulari with Hutchinson could translate into a boost for Detroit.
Green Bay Packers: Edge Josh Sweat
Sweat made himself some money with his impactful performance for the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. He’s expected to hit the open market, where he’ll draw a good bit of interest. The Packers have needed a difference-making pass rusher, and Sweat seemingly could step in and fill that void.
Houston Texans: WR Stefon Diggs
Diggs’ lone season with the Texans came to an abrupt end with a Week 8 torn ACL. He was putting up solid numbers (47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns), so the Texans would do well to bring him back to help ensure continuity for C.J. Stroud. The Texans have plenty of needs and limited cap space, but Diggs would check a big box.
Indianapolis Colts: QB Daniel Jones
Jones’ time in New York ended with a late November release, and he spent the rest of 2024 learning from Kevin O’Connell while buried on the Vikings’ depth chart. Given the questions that still loom over Anthony Richardson, the Colts will look to add another quarterback, and Jones makes some sense. He will not break the bank, and after coming in and initially learning behind Richardson, the 2019 first-round pick could wind up earning playing time as an experimental starter should Richardson continue to struggle.
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Jacksonville Jaguars: G Mekhi Becton
The Jaguars have hit the reset button once again, hiring rookie head coach Liam Coen and first-year general manager James Gladstone. Getting the most out of Trevor Lawrence is the key to success, and the Jaguars know they have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Becton, who just helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, would fill a key need.
Kansas City Chiefs: LT Ronnie Stanley
The Eagles made it abundantly clear in Super Bowl LIX the Chiefs need to upgrade Patrick Mahomes’ offensive line. After utilizing a patchwork line in 2024, look for Kansas City to devote resources in free agency and the draft to solidify the unit. Stanley, who has spent his entire career with the Ravens and just made his second Pro Bowl appearance, would give Mahomes a reliable blind-side protector.
L.A. Chargers: C Ryan Kelly
Like last season, general manager Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh are expected to take a conservative approach to spending in free agency. They do, however, need to solidify the heart of their line, and Kelly — a four-time Pro Bowl selection, who has spent his entire career with the Colts — could help them do that.
L.A. Rams: WR Davante Adams
With the Rams working to trade Cooper Kupp, Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will need another target to pair with Puka Nacua. Adams is now available after the Jets released him on Tuesday. The six-time Pro Bowl wideout still has plenty left in the tank, and McVay boasts the creativity needed to maximize Adams’ skill set.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB Russell Wilson
After a failed pursuit of Matthew Stafford, the Raiders will turn their attention to another veteran quarterback who can serve as a bridge to their future. Pete Carroll and Wilson spent 10 seasons together in Seattle, so a reunion makes a lot of sense. The Raiders could then decide whether to draft a quarterback or wait for a more robust draft class in 2026 to find Wilson’s successor.
Miami Dolphins: S Talanoa Hufanga
The Dolphins seem likely to lose Jevon Holland to free agency, so that will leave defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in need of a difference-making safety. Hufanga has battled some injuries, but when healthy is as impactful as they come, having garnered All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2022 (his last healthy season).
Sam Darnold could remain with the Vikings despite their decision not to franchise-tag him. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
Minnesota Vikings: QB Sam Darnold
The Vikings opted against franchise-tagging Darnold, which subjects them to the risk of losing the quarterback to free agency. But they should still do what it takes to bring him back for another season. Doing so would give them a chance to build on last season’s success rather than risk taking steps backward if J.J. McCarthy isn’t ready after missing all of last season with a torn meniscus.
New England Patriots: DT Milton Williams
The Patriots have plenty of needs as they try to surround second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a quality supporting cast. But look for defensive-minded coach Mike Vrabel to stress fortifying that side of the ball as well by adding impact players to dominate in the trenches. Williams, who just helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, could rank among the centerpieces of the defense.
New Orleans Saints: WR Darius Slayton
Derek Carr needs another weapon and the steady Slayton, who has averaged 720 receiving yards and four touchdowns a season, with 15 yards per catch, could fit nicely as a sidekick to Chris Olave while giving new coach Kellen Moore’s offense additional firepower.
New York Giants: QB Aaron Rodgers
It’s hard to say how appealing the Giants would be to Rodgers, because they seemingly have a ways to go before they are ready to contend. But the Giants certainly need a quarterback after ending the Daniel Jones experiment last season and swinging and missing at Matthew Stafford. Could Rodgers be the answer? A young receiver like Malik Nabers does make New York a little more attractive.
New York Jets: QB Carson Wentz
The Jets have Tyrod Taylor still under contract, but look for them to bring in another midlevel veteran for competition given that they seem unlikely to have a shot at drafting a top-flight quarterback. Wentz spent last season behind Patrick Mahomes and while not a franchise savior, he could compete for bridge duty.
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Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Baron Browning
The Eagles have some of the best interior linemen in the game, but with Josh Sweat expected to depart via free agency, they need to add more help off the edge. Howie Roseman could look to both the draft and free agency to meet needs here. Browning is a young player (26) who has a history with Vic Fangio, having played under the Eagles’ defensive coordinator when Fangio was head coach in Denver.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Justin Fields
The Steelers used 2024 as an experimental season at quarterback, adding both Russell Wilson and Fields. Now both will become free agents. The Steelers should bring Fields back. Is he a finished product? Not at all. But he’s only 26, showed promise and will only ascend given another year working with Arthur Smith and in a system designed specifically for his strengths. Could the Steelers give Aaron Rodgers a shot? Sure. Could they try another experimental quarterback like Daniel Jones? Sure. But the upside with Fields is far higher.
San Francisco 49ers: CB D.J. Reed
The 49ers could wind up losing Charvarius Ward to free agency, so John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan may place a high priority on addressing the secondary. Reed makes a lot of sense. He spent the last three seasons with the Jets, playing under Robert Saleh, now the 49ers defensive coordinator, and should be able to make a seamless transition while serving as the lockdown corner San Francisco needs.
Seattle Seahawks: S Jevon Holland
The Seahawks are expected to maintain their usual conservative approach in free agency, but they need a veteran presence on the back end of their defense. Holland would help fill this need, bringing both versatility and aggressive playmaking. After playing under Anthony Weaver in Miami last season, Holland would see some carryover playing in the system of Mike Macdonald, under whom Weaver coached in Baltimore.
Charvarius Ward has discussed the emotional challenges of playing in California. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Charvarius Ward
The Buccaneers have a strong defensive front anchored by Vita Vea, but they really could benefit from adding a top-flight cornerback like Ward. He seems likely to depart San Francisco after a trying 2024, which included the death of his 1-year-old daughter, and could potentially benefit from a change of scenery.
Tennessee Titans: QB Marcus Mariota
Let’s face it: Will Levis is not the answer. And because they own the top pick in the draft, the Titans can fill their need for a franchise quarterback. But whether it’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, the rookie of choice could take some time to develop. The smart move: Bring back former face of the franchise Marcus Mariota (2015-19) to serve as the bridge or as a valuable veteran mentor (similar to what he did last season with Jayden Daniels) to help a young QB navigate the pro game.
Washington Commanders: Edge DeMarcus Lawrence
Edge rusher is one of the biggest needs on Washington’s defense and Lawrence can help in a big way. Lawrence, who played under Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and reached the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons, has averaged 7.4 sacks per season during his 11-year career. He’s coming off a season limited by a foot injury to four games, but now healthy again, Lawrence would make his presence felt in D.C.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of D.J. Reed, Josh Sweat and Russell Wilson: Nick Cammett / Diamond Images, Cooper Neill, Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images)
Sports
Former NFL Players Of Iranian Descent Speak Up For Freedom From Islamic Regime
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Ali Haji-Sheikh and Shar Pourdanesh share the fact they are retired NFL players living beyond the glow of the NFL spotlight. But they also share another distinction tying them to current events: They are part of the Iranian diaspora hoping for the downfall of the Islamic revolution.
They make up part of a small group of men who played in the NFL – along with David Bakhtiari, his brother Eric Bakhtiari and T.J. Housmandzadeh – who are decedents of Iranians.
Washington Redskins kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) talks to reporters at Jack Murphy Stadium during media day prior to Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos. San Diego, California, on Jan. 26, 1988.(Darr Beiser/USA TODAY Sports)
Haji-Sheikh: Self-Determination For Iranians
Haji-Sheikh, 65, played in the 1980s for the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. He was a first-team All-Pro, made the Pro Bowl and was on the NFL All-Rookie team in 1983 for the Giants and, in his final season, won a Super Bowl XXII ring playing for the Washington Redskins and kicking six extra points in a 42-10 blowout of the Denver Broncos.
Now, Haji-Sheikh is the general manager at a Michigan Porsche-Audi dealership and is like the rest of us: Keeping up with world events when time permits.
Except the war the United States is currently waging against the Islamic Republic of Iran is kind of different because Haji-Sheikh’s dad emigrated from Iran to the United States in the 1950s and built a life here.
And his son would like to see freedom come to a country he’s never visited but has a kinship to.
“It’s a world event,” Haji-Sheikh said on Monday. “I am not a big fan of the Islamic revolution because I am not Islamic. I would like to see the people of Iran be able to determine their own future rather than it be determined by a few people. It would be nice to see them having a stable government where the people can actually decide how they want it to go.
Green Bay Packers kicker Al Del Greco (10) talks with New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) on Sept. 15, 1985, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Giants 23-20.
Iranians Celebrating And Americans Protesting
Haji-Sheikh hasn’t taken to the streets of his native Michigan to celebrate a liberation that hasn’t fully manifested mere days after the American and Israeli bombing and elimination of the Ayatollah.
“I’m so far removed from that,” Haji-Sheikh said. “My mom is from Michigan and of Eastern European background. My dad is from Iran. But it’s like, he hasn’t been back since I was in eighth grade, so that’s a long time ago. That was when the Shah was still in power, mid-70s, ‘74 or ’75, because if he ever went back after that he never would have left. They would have held him, so there was no intention of going back.
“But if things change he might want to go, you never know.”
Despite being removed from any activism about what is happening in Iran Haji-Sheikh is an astute observer.
“My favorite thing I’m seeing right now on TV is the Iranians in America celebrating because there’s a chance, a glimpse, maybe a hope for freedom,” Haji-Sheikh said. “And you have these people in New York protesting. What are you protesting?”
Pourdanesh Thanks America, Israel
Pourdanesh retired from the NFL in 2000 after a seven-year career with the Redskins and Steelers. The six-foot-six and 312-pound offensive tackle was born in Tehran. He proudly tells people he was the NFL’s first Iranian-born player.
Pourdanesh is much more visible and open about his feelings about his country than others. And, bottom line, he loves that President Donald Trump is bombing the Islamic regime.
“This is a great day for all Iranians across the world,” Pourdanesh posted on his Instagram account on Saturday when the war began. “Thank you, President Trump, thank you to the nation of Israel. Thank you for everybody that has been standing up for my people, my brothers and sisters in Iran across the world. This is a great day.
“The infamous dictator is dead – the one person who has contributed to deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iranians and other people around the world, if not more. So, congratulations to my Iranian brothers and sisters. Now, go and take back the country.”
This message was not a one-off. Pourdanesh has been posting about what has been happening in Iran since January, when people in Iran took to the streets demanding liberty and the government’s thugs began killing them, with some estimates rising to 36,500 deaths.
Offensive lineman Shar Pourdanesh (68) of the Pittsburgh Steelers blocks against defensive lineman Jevon Kearse (90) of the Tennessee Titans during a game at Three Rivers Stadium on Sept. 24, 2000, in Pittsburgh. The Titans defeated the Steelers 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
‘Islam Does Not Represent The Iranian People’
“[The] Islamic Republic does not represent the Iranian people,” Pourdanesh said in another post. “Islam does not represent the Iranian people. For almost 50 years, the Iranian people and our country of Iran has been taken hostage by a terrorist regime, and it’s time to take that regime down.”
Pourdanesh was not available for comment on Monday. I did speak to a handful of other Iranian-Americans on Monday. They didn’t play in the NFL, but their opinions are no less valuable than those of former NFL players.
And these people, some of them participating in rallies on behalf of a free Iran, do not understand the thinking of some Americans and mainstream media.
One complained that media that reports on reparations for black Americans based on slavery in the 1800s dismisses the Islamic takeover of the American Embassy in 1979 as an old grievance.
Another said his brother lives in England, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer immediately called the American and Israeli attacks on the Ayatollah’s regime “illegal” but, as the head of the Crown Prosecution Service took years to do the same of Muslim rape (grooming) gangs in the country.
(Starmer announced a national “statutory inquiry” in June 2025).
Offensive lineman Shar Pourdanesh of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on Sept. 7, 1997, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 14-13. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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Pourdanesh Calls Out NFL Silence
And finally, Pourdanesh put the NFL on blast. He said in yet another post that during his career, the NFL asked him to honor black history, asked him to stand for women’s rights, asked him to fight for equality for those who cannot defend themselves.
“I did everything they asked, and now I ask the NFL this: Where are you now? Why haven’t we heard a single word out of the NFL? NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, all the NFL teams out there, all the players who say they stand for social justice, where are you now?
“Why haven’t we heard a single word out of you with regard to the people who have been killed as of today? The very values you claim to espouse are being trampled right now. Why haven’t we heard a single word?”
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Sports
Commentary: Will Klein isn’t surprised he saved the Dodgers’ World Series dynasty
The day after he saved the Dodgers’ season, Will Klein was hungry. He ordered from Mod Pizza.
He drove over to pick up his order. The guy that handed him the pizza told him he looked just like Will Klein.
“You should just look at the name on the order,” Klein told him.
Chaos ensued.
“He actually started screaming,” Klein said. “He just started flipping out, which was funny.”
Thing is, if it were two days earlier, the guy would have had no idea what Klein looked like. Neither would you.
On Oct. 26, Klein was the last man in the Dodgers’ bullpen, a wild thing on his fourth organization in two years, a last-minute addition to the World Series roster.
On Oct. 27, the Dodgers played 18 innings, and the last man in the Dodgers’ bullpen delivered the game of his life: four shutout innings, holding the Toronto Blue Jays at bay until Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run.
Dodgers pitcher Will Klein celebrates during the 16th inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 27.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
When Klein returned to the clubhouse, Sandy Koufax walked over to shake hands and congratulate him.
That was Game 3 of the World Series. The Dodgers, the significantly older team, slogged through the next two games, batting .164 and losing both.
If not for Klein, that would have been the end. The Blue Jays would have won the series in five games, and there would have been no Kiké Hernández launching a game-ending double play on the run in Game 6, no Miguel Rojas tying home run and game-saving throw in Game 7, no Andy Pages game-saving catch and Will Smith winning home run in Game 7, no Yoshinobu Yamamoto winning Game 6 as a starter and Game 7 as a reliever.
There would have been no parade.
When Klein rescued the Dodgers, he had pitched one inning in the previous 30 days.
“You can never take your mind out of it,” he said. “You’ve got to stay prepared. Something might come up, and you don’t want to be the guy that gets thrown in the fire and just burns.”
The Dodgers are not shy about grabbing a minor league pitcher, telling him what he can do better and what he should stop doing, and seeing what sticks. If nothing sticks, the Dodgers are also not shy about spitting out the pitcher and designating him for assignment.
In his minor league career, Klein struck out 13 batters every nine innings, which is tremendous. He walked seven batters every nine innings, which is hideous.
The Dodgers scrapped his slider, mixed in a sweeper, and told him his arm was so good that he should stop trying to make perfect pitches and just let fly.
“A lot of times, pitchers are guilty of giving hitters too much credit, and hitters are guilty of giving pitchers too much credit,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations.
“Part of our job is to show them information that helps instill some confidence. I think that really landed with Will.”
In his four September appearances with the Dodgers — after a minor-league stint to apply the team’s advice — he faced 17 batters, walked one, and did not give up a run. That’s why he isn’t buying the suggestion that something suddenly clicked in the World Series.
“Things were incrementally getting better,” he said, “and then you add that to the atmosphere. It amplifies it to 100. All the prep work and mental stuff that I had been doing, I finally got a chance to shine.”
Said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: “He’s done it in the highest of leverage. You can’t manufacture that. You’ve got to live it and do it. So, since he’s done it, I think he’s got a real confidence.”
Dodgers pitcher Will Klein speaks during DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 31.
(John McCoy / Getty Images)
Klein last started a game three years ago, at triple A. After making 72 pitches in those four innings of Game 3, did he entertain the thought that maybe, just maybe, he was meant to be a starter after all?
“No,” he said abruptly. “I hate waiting four or five days to pitch and knowing exactly when I’m going to pitch.
“When I did, the anxiety just built. I want to go pitch. I hate sitting there and waiting. That kind of eats at you. I like being able to go out to the bullpen and have a chance to pitch every day.”
The Dodgers are so deep that Klein might not make the team out of spring training. Whatever happens, he’ll always have Game 3.
In the wake of that game, a fan wanted to buy a Klein jersey but could not find one. So the fan made one himself before Game 4, using white electrical tape on the back of a Dodger blue jersey. I showed Klein a picture.
“That’s cool,” Klein said. “That’s pretty funny.”
Dave Wong, a Dodgers fan living in San Francisco Giants territory, also wanted to buy a Klein jersey.
“They didn’t have a jersey for him,” Wong said.
He settled for the Dodger blue T-shirt he found online and wore it to last Friday’s Cactus League game against the Giants, with these words in white letters: “Will Klein Appreciation Shirt.”
This, then, would be a Will Klein Appreciation Column.
Sports
NBA player calls for Hawks to cancel their ‘Magic City’ strip club promotional night out of respect for women
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An NBA player has taken exception to an Atlanta Hawks promotional night, which is a nod to a famed strip club in the city.
The Hawks have “Magic City Night” scheduled for March 16 against the Orlando Magic, but a player for neither team isn’t too fond of paying tribute to a strip club, which has been famed for its late-night stories involving athletes, celebrities and more.
While the Hawks call it an ode to a “cultural institution,” San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet shared his displeasure in a letter posted on Medium.
Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs reaches for the ball during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Feb. 26, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Kornet, a nine-year veteran and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, called for the Hawks’ promotional night to be canceled later this month, saying that it is disrespectful to women to honor the strip club.
“In its press release, the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, “Atlanta’s premier strip club.” Given this fact, I would like to respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City,” Kornet wrote in his post.
“The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world. We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love.”
The Hawks boasted about the theme night in its press release, including a live performance by famous Atlanta rapper T.I., a co-branded, limited-edition hoodie and even the establishment’s “World Famous” lemon-pepper chicken wings in the arena.
A general view of signage with the State Farm Arena logo on Nov. 14, 2025, outside State Farm Arena, in Atlanta, GA. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)
“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ’Magic City: An American Fantasy’,” said Hawks principal owner, filmmaker and actor, Jami Gertz, said in a press release. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”
Kornet wrote that allowing the night to continue “without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, “specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
Kornet wrote that “others throughout the league” were surprised by the Hawks’ decision to have this promotional night.
“We desire to provide an environment where fans of all ages can safely come and enjoy the game of basketball and where we can celebrate the history and culture of communities in good conscience. The celebration of a strip club is not conduct aligned with that vision,” he wrote.
Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs defends against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on Jan. 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Hawks have seen good reception for the promotional night, as Tick Pick reported a get-in price was initially $10 for the game and has since skyrocketed to $94.
Kornet is in his first season with the Spurs, his sixth NBA team, where he has played mainly in a bench role. He averages 7.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game across 50 contests.
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