Alabama News

The shortest offseason in sports belongs to the NBA, as things move very quickly following the end of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder just won the NBA Finals, with the draft taking place just three days later.

Another major milestone of the NBA offseason will be this weekend, as the Summer League will take place. A showcase for younger players to earn a place on the regular season roster, the Summer League is essential for any major NBA fan.

To continue off of this last week’s slate of exciting games, the crosstown rivals in Los Angeles will go up against each other. The Lakers have been talked about a ton this summer due to Bronny James’ development. After going up against No.1 pick Cooper Flagg last week, James had 14 points in 24 minutes over the weekend against the Pelicans.

Fans looking to watch the Lakers vs Clippers game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Lakers and Clippers tipoff:

When: Monday, July 14, 2025

Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Fans looking to watch the Lakers vs Clippers game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

If you’re looking to hit a home run with your bets on tonight’s Home Run Derby, then our DraftKings promo code (no code required) is a fastball that you can easily knock out of the park. Just place any $5 bet and this DraftKings welcome offer will award you with $150 in bonus bets.

DraftKings promo code at a glance

DraftKings promo code: How to claim the offer for the Home Run Derby or NBA Summer League

Several of the best online sportsbooks are offering “bet and get” deals like this DraftKings sign-up bonus, but DraftKings’ offer stands out because you do not have to win your bet to get the bonus bets. That makes it one of the best sportsbook promos available for tonight’s Home Run Derby or the NBA Summer League action.

You can claim this offer faster than one round of the Derby. It takes only a few minutes by following these steps:

1. Click one of our DraftKings promo code links or one of the “Get Bonus” buttons on this page.
2. From the DraftKings promo page, click “Sign Up” and follow the prompts to enter your personal information and create your account. You will not need to enter a DraftKings promo code if you use our link to sign up.
3. Make a $5+ deposit.
4. Bet $5+ on the 2025 Home Run Derby, the NBA Summer League, or any other sports action tonight.
5. Collect six $25 bonus bets totaling $150.
6. Use your bonus bets before they expire seven days (168 hours) after you receive them.

DraftKings existing user promos

After you have claimed the DraftKings Sportsbook sign-up bonus for new users, there are still more promos available to existing users.

These promos offer perks like bonus bets or profit boosts and apply to the most popular sporting events going on at any time, such as the Home Run Derby tonight.

Here are a few DraftKings existing user promos available right now:

• MLB HR Derby profit boost: Opt in to this promotion to get some additional profits if you win a bet on the Home Run Derby. Minimum odds (-250) and maximum bet limits apply, and the boost percentage varies for each bet, so log in and add a bet to your betslip to get more details.
• MLS Season Pass Bet and Get: You can get a free one-year subscription to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV when you bet $5 on any soccer match. After placing your bet, you will receive a promo code via e-mail to set up a new subscription and claim the offer. Your subscription will require valid payment information and will auto-renew at the regular price unless you cancel.

How to use the DraftKings promo code for the Home Run Derby and NBA Summer League

One of the best things about this DraftKings new user promo is that you can place any bet you want to claim the $150 in bonus bets.

Whether you want to back Home Run Derby favorite Cal Raleigh at +300 or the field’s biggest longshot Junior Caminero at +1200, as long as you bet $5+ you will earn the bonus.

Of course, ideally you will win your bet AND claim the bonus bets. To do that, my best bet for the Home Run Derby is the Rays’ Junior Caminero to make the semifinals at +160.

There’s a lot to like about Caminero’s chances tonight. He has easy power to all fields with 100th percentile bat speed. He is also just 21 years old and should have no problem with the endurance challenges the Derby presents.

Caminero also has an advantage with his pitcher being Tomas Francisco, who helped Randy Arozarena finish 2nd in the Derby two years ago. The current Derby format prioritizes quality pitching, and Francisco’s consistency and experience could help Caminero get into a rhythm.

I also like betting on Caminero to make the finals (+500) or to win the whole thing, but the semifinals bet is the safer bet that still offers excellent value.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

With the 36th selection in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Sunday, the Minnesota Twins selected Alabama pitcher Riley Quick.

On Monday, the Twins got another Crimson Tide pitcher, this time with the 479th selection, where they took Jonathan Stevens in the 16th round.

But while Quick posted an 8-3 record in 14 starts in the 2025 season, Stevens did not pitch for Alabama this season, just as he did not in his first season with the Crimson Tide in 2024.

Also like Quick, Stevens is a former Alabama high school star. Quick played at Hewitt-Trussville while Stevens prepped at Briarwood Christian in Birmingham.

Stevens entered the transfer portal after Alabama’s 2025 season ended.

Stevens became the fourth player picked from the 2025 Alabama team in this year’s draft. In addition to Quick, the Chicago Cubs chose outfielder Kade Snell at No. 151 and the New York Yankees selected outfielder Richie Bonomolo Jr. at No. 224.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

If there was one interview you needed to see during Day 1 of SEC Media Days, it was Lane Kiffin’s unscheduled appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show.”

The SEC Network analyst and Ole Miss coach have history, to say the least.

The self-described “Odd Couple” will be remembered for years to come for their quick wit, explosive comments, headline-generating conversations, then laughing about it the next day.

On a day when the chances of Nick Saban returning to coaching was the talk of Atlanta, the SEC’s on-air dynamic didn’t disappoint.

“You didn’t ask at all,” Kiffin deadpanned when introduced as a guest Finebaum was told would be unavailable. “I was like a late portal addition to your roster.”

And, we’re off!

Finebaum and Kiffin have always been linked. Kiffin joked for years that the SEC Network analyst got him fired at USC. He had Kiffin tied to the Auburn job. That’s just for starters.

Under all of that is a level of respect, a friendship that has grown through the trending headlines of the SEC.

“They really think we don’t get along,” Kiffin said. “They say all the time, ‘That Finebaum, man, way to stick it to him. He’s always trying to get you.’ I’m like, ‘Wait. I like Paul. I think Paul likes me.’”

Cue the “Odd Couple” theme.

Perhaps there is no better way to accurately depict the awkward yet hilarious chemistry the two have. Check out the video below or try to follow with the transcript below.

LK: They just said you’re going on Finebaum. I said you got to give the people what they want. And I think the people like seeing us.

PF: Yeah, you’re a highly successful football coach and I’m a struggling sports guy.

LK: You’re highly successful. You stay at the same job. I have to keep moving. I keep getting fired. I have to get new ones. …

I’ll be on the hot seat one way before we start playing. Only way I’ll be on the hot seat next month will be if you decide to do one of your things because everyone listens to you as the voice of college football. You’re like, ‘I don’t know, man. This Lane Kiffin can’t even win a big game, can’t get it done. There needs to be a change in Oxford, if he doesn’t get to the Final Four.

PF: I think I did say that one year.

LK: And they believe it, too. Paul Finebaum said, “You should be in the semifinals.”

PF: Well, if we’re being honest, you should have been there last year. You had a good team.

LK: I had a really good team.

PF: … But you also had to coach the good team.

LK: I know.

PF: I know you don’t believe this, but I am a fan of yours.

LK: I had you for a week. Against Georgia, you said something good. I actually have it. I play the recording in the mornings sometimes. You’re like, “Lane Kiffin has arrived. He’s finally won a game that matters.” But then it went to my head, and we screwed up in Gainesville because of that. …

Then in like Week 10, you’re always like, he’s taking this job. Then the players and fans are mad, so can we not do that this year?

PF: I was at a place, and I won’t say where and the fans were chanting, “We want Lane.” I don’t manufacture jobs for Lane Kiffin. Now, they changed their mind after you lost.

LK: Yeah, they did.

PF: I never thought you’d stay at Ole Miss.

LK: Proved you wrong.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

A young teen boy was among three people killed in Montgomery shootings between Thursday and Saturday.

Police officials on Monday identified the victims as Brantley McNabb, 15, Malik Benson, 27, and Dekeith Whatley, 26.

Officers and fire medics were dispatched at 2:41 p.m. Thursday to a report of someone shot in the1100 block of Air Base Boulevard.

Brantley was pronounced dead on the scene.

Benson and Whatley were killed in linked shootings Saturday afternoon.

First responders were dispatched at 3:55 p.m. to a report of people shot in the 400 block of North California Street and the 2700 block of Upper Wetumpka Road.

Officers were told the shootings were likely related.

Officers found Benson dead on California Street.

The second victim -Whatley – was found wounded on Upper Wetumpka Road. He, too, was pronounced dead.

Circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting have not been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-Stop, Montgomery detectives at 334-625-2831 or the Secret Witness tip line at 334-625-4000.

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is scheduled to transpire today, as batters compete for the trophy this evening. The event will begin at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

Eight MLB players are set to compete in the event tonight: Matt Olson, Byron Buxton, Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh, Brent Rooker, and James Wood.

Raleigh will be a key hitter to watch this evening, as he leads the MLB with 38 home runs this season. He hit two home runs in his most recent series, so he will look to continue his great play tonight.

Notably, Raleigh has three more home runs than Aaron Judge this season.

Wood and Caminero will also be key participants to watch this evening. Wood has hit 24 home runs this season, while Caminero has hit 23.

Fans can watch the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Seattle Mariners made Hayden Murphy the fourth pitcher picked from Auburn’s 2025 team in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when the American League club selected the right-hander at No. 453 on Monday.

Murphy attracted big-league attention even though his 2025 campaign didn’t go as well as hoped.

In his second season for the Tigers, the 6-foot-4 pitcher made 14 relief appearances, posted a 4.32 earned-run average and struck out 17 in 16.2 innings in 2024.

In 2025, Murphy had an 0-1 record and a 9.45 ERA in nine games. He pitched only 6.2 innings.

Murphy entered the transfer portal after the Tigers’ season ended with a Super Regional loss to Coastal Carolina.

Murphy followed Dylan Watts, Cam Tilly and Samuel Dutton into the draft on Monday.

The Toronto Blue Jays chose Watts at No. 202, the New York Mets took Cam Tilly at No. 223 and the Athletics selected Dutton at No. 290.

The four pitchers picked on Monday joined two other draft picks from the 2025 Auburn team so far. The Baltimore Orioles chose catcher/outfielder Ike Irish at No. 19 on Sunday and the Toronto Blue Jays selected infielder Eric Snow at No. 172 on Monday.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

Diego Pavia didn’t want to jinx it. Asked at SEC media days about his dominance over the state of Alabama throughout his career, Vanderbilt football’s quarterback played it cool.

“We got two games facing up against them,” Pavia said. “We got Auburn and Alabama. So I won’t say too much. But they’re obviously great teams.”

Pavia is 2-0 against the Tigers, with last year’s win with the Commodores, and another in 2023 quarterbacking New Mexico State. He beat Alabama in 2024, one of the biggest upsets in college football last season, and took down Jacksonville State in 2023.

He brought up the Gamecocks unprompted.

“Jax State was good that year too,” Pavia said. “Really, really good, and they almost got us back. But I’ll be excited for those games (against Alabama and Auburn.)

Pavia has also had a run of success against Hugh Freeze. He and NMSU beat Freeze’s Liberty team before either of the two made their way to the SEC.

The quarterback praised Freeze on Monday.

“Hugh Freeze is a great coach,” Pavia said. “They have a very well-run program at Auburn. But it’s a battle of the warriors, so I feel like it comes down to who’s more prepared that week. Obviously we’ve got the best of him two times and obviously we always want it to play in our favor, but they run a well-ran program and they got some good talent there too. So it’ll be a fun game in Nashville this year.”

The preparation was a theme for Pavia. It’s the same thing he credited for the Vanderbilt win over Alabama in October.

”We had (tight end) Eli Stowers, who had a big game for us that week,” Pavia said. “And then obviously (wide receiver) Junior Sherill had a big week too. But I think it’s just who comes more prepared to the game. And I feel like that week, we were the more prepared team.”

Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 4. The rematch with Freeze and Auburn is set for Nov. 8 at FirstBank Stadium.

The Alabama game will be Pavia’s first game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He’ll be looking to keep up his dominant run against the Yellowhammer State.

“That stadium is electric,” Pavia said of what he was looking forward to. “I’ve heard about it. And you, just going to come down to who’s more prepared that week and who wants it more.”

Jay Mitchell, who resigned from the Alabama Supreme Court to run for attorney general, got a boost to his campaign on Monday.

Progress PAC, the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama, endorsed Mitchell.

Mitchell faces Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey and Katherine Robertson, chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, in the Republican primary.

“Jay Mitchell has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the rule of law,” Helena Duncan, president and CEO of the BCA, said in a press release.

“He has been a proven ally of Alabama’s job creators and a committed defender of the free enterprise system. We’ve worked closely with Jay over the years, previously endorsing him in his two campaigns for the Alabama Supreme Court, and are confident in his ability to lead as our next Attorney General.”

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Progress PAC’s chairman praised Casey and Robertson as “impressive public servants.”

“All three candidates bring remarkable talent, conservative credentials, and strong records of service to the table,” Chairman Gary Smith said.

“Our decision to endorse Jay Mitchell is grounded in our longstanding relationship with him and our belief that his judicial temperament, legal expertise, and leadership style make him uniquely qualified to take on this critical role at a critical time.”

The race is to succeed Attorney General Steve Marshall, who has held the office since 2017. Marshall is running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.

The primary is May 19, 2026.

A football player from Michigan was shot in Birmingham during a gun sale that was brokered on social media.

Ethan Carter, 18, was shot multiple times – including wounds to his skull, hand, arm and chest, according to a Facebook post from Hudsonville High School in Michigan, where Carter was a former student-athlete.

He had recently graduated and has committed to play football at Davenport University.

The high school said he was in Birmingham for training.

“By miracle, the shot to his skull did not go through,” according to the high school’s post.

“Praise God. He is currently conscious and has full function this morning, but he is beat up pretty badly. He is currently in a trauma unit in Alabama.”

The high school shared information from Carter’s mother that said the shooting bruised his brain but did not require surgery.

He could be released from the hospital as early as Tuesday.

Birmingham police did not identify the victim by name, but said the shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Saturday.

Officers responded to a call of a person shot near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle on the city’s east side.

They arrived to find Carter wounded on the ground.

He was taken by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the preliminary investigation suggests that the victim had arranged through a social media platform to buy a Glock firearm.

There was nothing to suggest the sale was illegal, police said.

The transaction escalated into a robbery, during which the victim was shot, and his vehicle was stolen.

“The Birmingham Police Department strongly urges the public to never purchase firearms off the street or through social media platforms,” Wade said.

“These types of transactions are among the most dangerous and often result in violence.”

“For your safety and the safety of others,” she said. “Always use legal and licensed dealers when acquiring a firearm.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham robbery detectives at 205-254-1753 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.