Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Big-Money College Athlete Payouts 
White House Defends Trump’s FIFA Peace Prize Amid Global Criticism 
Trump’s U.S. Open Visit Delays Final, Fans Face Long Security Lines 
Republican Lawmakers Urge National Guard Role for World Cup Drone Security 
DOJ Launches Antitrust Investigation Into the NFL Over Broadcast Restrictions 
Trump Urges Hall of Fame Induction for Roger Clemens Amid Renewed Debate 
Trump Booed at Club World Cup Final, Praises Pele as Soccer’s GOAT 
Champions League final 2025: a battle for glory against a backdrop of money and fashion 
U.S. Plans $115 Million Counter-Drone Investment to Secure FIFA World Cup and Major National Events 
FBI Faces Historic Security Challenge Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup 
Trump Set to Announce Washington D.C. as Host of 2027 NFL Draft 
Apple Eyes U.S. Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in Major Sports Streaming Push 
Trump Draws Cheers at Ryder Cup as U.S. Trails Europe After Opening Day 
Marco Rubio Says U.S. Will Block IRGC-Linked Individuals From Iran World Cup Delegation 
Trump to Host UFC Event at White House on His 80th Birthday 
JD Vance to Lead U.S. Presidential Delegation at Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony 
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Reconsiders Early School Closure Plan Ahead of 2026 World Cup 
Kawhi Leonard recently got sidelined due to a sore knee when the Toronto Raptors went against the Washington Wizards, TheStar reported. Despite his absence, however, the Raptors proved too much for the visiting Wizards as the former won the match-up 120-129.
In place of Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam stepped up to the plate and led his team to victory, scoring an impressive 44 points and nabbing 11 rebounds throughout the match. For their part, the Wizards managed to put up a fight during the game, pulling ahead of the Raptors in the early parts of the third quarter.
But as the third ended, the Raptors took the lead again and didn’t let up for the remainder of the match. Outside of the court, Kawhi Leonard is making headlines again with the noise being generated by New Balance.
It can be recalled that the 27-year-old signed with the brand after it reportedly offered him a much larger sum compared to what Jordan was offering him. Now, that deal has come to fruition as New Balance released an ad featuring Kawhi Leonard. What’s more, the commercial seems to be taking jabs at James Harden and Kevin Durant.
While it didn’t specifically call out both the superstars, the message is quite clear. The line “he doesn’t need to chase fouls or sweat the comments” is quite indicative of this regard. Unsurprisingly, Kawhi Leonard hasn’t spoken about the ad and will undoubtedly stay silent in the future.
The Los Angeles native has always been mum about matters not involving basketball. However, Kawhi Leonard has been responsive in his interview ever since he transferred with the Raptors, which opens the dialogue again regarding his impending free agency.
Most NBA pundits are speculating that Kawhi Leonard will not be committing with the Raptors and has predicted that he’ll be transferring with the Los Angeles Clippers. But there are several factors that could make the two-time Defensive Player of the Year stay. Among them are his friendship with Serge Ibaka and the overall positive treatment of the Raptors towards Leonard. Of course, the decision ultimately falls on the talented forward and what he’s planning for himself in the coming months.
