Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Hall of Famer isn't sold on this top quarterback prospect

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy has largely aced the evaluating process this spring, but that doesn't mean everybody is buying in on his NFL upside.

Insider breaks down Bears' approach at pick No. 9

In mere hours, the Chicago Bears will finally reveal the worst-kept secret in the NFL by officially selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the No. 1 overall pick. However, what's unclear is what they will do with the team's second selection at No. 9.

Shohei Ohtani has been everything the Dodgers could've hoped for and more

Shohei Ohtani hasn't been a Los Angeles Dodger for long, but he's already proving to be worth the $700M investment. 

Maple Leafs HC blasts Bruins' Brad Marchand following Game 3 loss

After Brad Marchand's third-period heroics helped the Boston Bruins secure a 4-2 Game 3 win and a 2-1 series advantage over the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, head coach Sheldon Keefe was in no mood to praise the rival. 

Watch: Bruins' Brad Marchand scores historic Game 3-sealer vs. Leafs

Brad Marchand secured his spot among the all-time greats in Boston Bruins history while continuing to be a thorn in the side of the rival Leafs.

Potential landing spots for Bengals Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson

Standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade from the Bengals. Who might be first in line for his services?

Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins

Following physical battles in Game 1 and Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series, the Maple Leafs and Bruins somehow found a way to kick things up a notch in Game 3 on Wednesday. 

Informal insider poll reveals consensus opinion on Patriots' draft strategy

The New England Patriots could still move in a number of directions with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Pacers in trouble after falling to Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks in Game 1

Even without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks handled the Pacers relatively easily in Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup on Sunday, winning 109-94. 

Mavericks' Daniel Gafford makes surprising admission after Game 1

After the 109-97 loss, Mavericks center Daniel Gafford made a surprising admission regarding his effort on Sunday. 

Former Celtic believes Heat intentionally tried to injure Jayson Tatum

The Celtics easily took Game 1 of their first-round playoff series over the Heat on Sunday, winning 114-94. However, the victory didn't come without a bit of controversy. 

Bucks HC Doc Rivers shares troubling injury update on Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' worst fears were realized on Sunday when head coach Doc Rivers announced that star Giannis Antetokounmpo would miss Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Pacers. 

76ers HC Nick Nurse sounds finished with at least one starter

The Philadelphia 76ers will need much more from the team's supporting cast, including starter Tobias Harris if they don't want to fall behind the New York Knicks 2-0 in their best-of-seven first-round series.

76ers might regret not stealing Game 1 against the Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers could have flipped home-court advantage on the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday. Instead they left with a frustrating loss and troubling questions.

Anthony Edwards shares hilarious take on battle with Kevin Durant

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards battled two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant in Saturday's Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns and lived to tell the tale.

Watch: Hurricanes goaltender makes incredible desperation save in win vs. Islanders

Frederik Andersen may have already notched the save of the postseason. 

Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell torched the Magic on practically no sleep

The Cleveland Cavaliers knocked off the Orlando Magic, 97-83, to take a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven first-round series, largely due to an incredible outing by guard Donovan Mitchell.

Watch: Hurricanes waste little time striking first in playoff opener vs. Islanders

The Carolina Hurricanes wasted little time opening the scoring in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring less than two minutes into Game 1 against the New York Islanders. 

Watch: Brewers rookie goes yard again to make impressive MLB history

Milwaukee Brewers rookie outfielder Jackson Chourio may be young, but his talent is already very, very evident.

Without Zion Williamson, Pelicans knock off Kings, clinch No. 8 seed in the West

The New Orleans Pelicans finished the season a perfect 6-0 against the Sacramento Kings, but the final victory meant the most.

Watch: Pelicans go on massive run to grab lead over Kings at halftime

The New Orleans Pelicans made a statement to close out the first half of Friday's play-in tournament matchup.

Watch: Florida standout ties incredible NCAA home run record

Florida baseball standout Jac Caglianone just can't stop hitting home runs.

Comments from ex-Coyotes owner should concern NHL

What has transpired around the Coyotes doesn't paint an optimistic picture for the franchise's future.

Mel Kiper Jr. shares classy tribute to late NFL executive Bill Tobin

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. offered a touching tribute to former NFL executive Bill Tobin, who died on Friday.