Panhandler Update: Is Shai a Free Throw Merchant or MVP? + Special Guests!
Today we talk Southwest Airlines cutting off your bags, the Titans offseason moves, we debunk the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throw merchant myth
Happy Stone Cold Steve Austin Day 3/16/25
The Titans offseason moves:
The Tennessee Titans have been active during the 2025 offseason, making several strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Here's a comprehensive overview of their recent transactions:
Key Signings:
Dan Moore Jr. (Left Tackle): The Titans signed former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million contract, with $50 million guaranteed. Moore, who started 66 games over four seasons with the Steelers, was a top target in free agency and is expected to bolster the Titans' offensive line.
Van Jefferson (Wide Receiver): A Nashville native and former Ravenwood High School star, Jefferson has joined the Titans. Over his NFL career, he has accumulated 137 receptions for 1,876 yards and 12 touchdowns. His best season came in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams, recording 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns.
Dre'Mont Jones (Defensive Lineman/Outside Linebacker): Jones, a six-year NFL veteran, has played in 90 games with 52 starts. His versatility is expected to enhance the Titans' defensive front.
Xavier Woods (Safety): An eight-year veteran, Woods has appeared in 123 games with 111 starts, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers. His experience will add depth to the Titans' secondary.
Brandon Allen (Quarterback): Allen played in 18 games with 10 starts across stints with the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Kevin Zeitler (Guard): A seasoned offensive lineman, Zeitler has been a dependable pro, playing in 198 of a possible 212 regular-season games, including 197 starts since entering the NFL in 2012.
Cody Barton (Linebacker): Barton has signed a three-year contract with the Titans, expected to strengthen the team's linebacker corps.
Johnny Hekker (Punter): The Titans secured four-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, aiming to improve their special teams unit.
Re-signings:
Sebastian Joseph-Day (Defensive Lineman): The Titans re-signed Joseph-Day to a one-year deal.
Mike Brown (Safety): Brown agreed to terms on a new contract.
Morgan Cox (Long Snapper): The veteran long snapper re-signed with the Titans on a one-year deal, maintaining stability in the special teams unit.
Trades:
Kenneth Murray Jr. (Linebacker): The Titans traded Murray to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, moving up 51 spots on Day 3 of the draft.
Releases:
Chidobe Awuzie (Cornerback): The Titans released Awuzie on March 15, 2025, as part of their roster adjustments.
JB Bickerstaff Crashout: Are Refs Biased Towards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder
Here is the breakdown of the situation from Detroit Free Press reporter Omari Sankofa II:
“
The sellout crowd at Little Caesars Arena was as animated as it has been in years.
With 47.5 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Cade Cunningham was whistled for two technical fouls and ejected while Oklahoma City Thunder center Jaylin Williams was at the line. Loud jeers and “Refs, you suck” chants echoed through the arena as the Thunder went on to take a 15-point lead, before a 25-10 run allowed the Detroit Pistons to cut it to one.
The Pistons eventually lost, 113-107.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff delivered his angriest press conference of the season afterward, demanding respect for his young team. In addition to Cunningham’s ejection, there were several calls throughout the game that he took issue with.
“I’m extremely proud of the way they continued to compete,” he said. “I’m disgusted by the way that game was officiated. The level of disrespect was above and beyond. They have a guy fall down and trip on his own teammates foot, they review us for a hostile act. They throw an elbow to our chest/neck area, I ask them to at least take a look at it. Just show us the respect to take a look at it. No one would take a look at it. The disrespect has gone on far enough and I’m not going to allow our guys to be treated the way they were treated tonight.”
The Pistons were called for five total technical fouls — Dennis Schröder was whistled for one on the same possession as Cunningham argued with the officials, granting the Thunder a total of five free throws. Bickerstaff and Ausar Thompson were also hit with techs earlier in the game.
Williams was at the line because of a loose ball foul against Isaiah Stewart, who was reviewed for a “hostile act” on the play due to a mild push. The Pistons were already down 11 before the Thunder knocked down four of the five free throws, shifting the game in their favor.
“I tried to have a conversation with an official, the official is arguing with Mark (Daigneault), I say his name one time and he screams at me and tells me that’s enough. We understand that we play a style of ball that’s physical, it’s on the edge. I coach my ass off in a passionate way, I’m into the game, our players are into the game. We understand that. But we deserve a level of respect because we’re competing our tails off and bringing something positive to this league. We’re growing young players, our young players are competing their tails off. The least that they can do is give us the same respect that everybody else in this league gets and get refereed the same that everyone in this league gets treated. And enough is enough of it.
It was Cunningham’s second career ejection, and it came amid one of his toughest nights of the season. He finished with 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds on 5-for-18 (27.7%) shooting.
In his absence, the Pistons got within a point, 101-100, in the final 3:40 thanks to heroics from Schröder, who provided 17 points and 11 assists off the bench. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 48 points, iced the game late with a 3-pointer and two tough midrange buckets.
It was the Pistons’ second straight loss, after falling to the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
“What you saw tonight was disgusting,” Bickerstaff said. It was a disgusting display of disrespect towards our guys and what we’re trying to do.”
“
Is Shai a “Foul Merchant” or is he just an aggressive player whose game elicits more fouls?
Who Should win MVP?
SGA and Jokic are far and away the leading candidates (although Giannis is having an excellent season as well) to win the award. While SGA is averaging an absurd 33 points per game and leading his team to the top of the Western Conference, Jokic is once again averaging a TRIPLE DOUBLE a game.
Luis: Shai
Chet: Shai
Ian: Jokic
Champions League Soccer
The Champions League quarter-finals are set! There is the potential for some massive games and some amazing matchups following these games. Will there be more controversy? More drama? We can only hope!
Predictions:
Luis: PSG
Chet: Barcelona
Ian: Real Madrid
