Anthony Gharib

I am currently an associate editor at ESPN.com on the trending topics team, a role I began in September 2023. I am a graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in sports business and management. I spent the 2023 Summer as a sports intern at USA Today. Before USA Today, I was a Sports News Intern at ABC7 Los Angeles from August 2022 to June 2023. My previous reporting contributions were with LakersNation and 247Sports covering USC sports. I also freelanced with the Daily Breeze covering prep sports in Fall 2021. I was the sports editor of USC's independent student newspaper, the Daily Trojan, during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters.

Draymond Green reflects on being on receiving end of Wemby alley-oop slam

After being on the wrong end of an alley-oop dunk by Victor Wembanyama last Friday, Draymond Green shared his perspective Monday.The Golden State Warriors forward defended Wembanyama on an inbounds play under the basket with 7:56 left in the fourth quarter. Green battled with Wembanyama for position, prompting an official to monitor the play closely.Wembanyama then pivoted toward his left, received an inbounds pass from guard Stephon Castle, caught the ball with his left hand and slammed a dunk...

'Game, blouses': Bears use 'Chappelle's Show' Prince bit to troll Vikings, top Week 11's petty posts

Week 11 of the NFL season had plenty of close matchups and stunning finishes, and one of them brought an equally memorable troll.The Chicago Bears defeated the Minnesota Vikings 19-17 after a go-ahead 48-yard field goal from Cairo Santos. Minnesota faced a 16-3 deficit going into the fourth quarter but managed to take the lead with 50 seconds remaining.The Bears now have five wins this season after trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, tied for the most in a season since the 1...

Patriots', Rams' Rivalries uniforms top NFL Week 11 threads

It's been six weeks since the debut of a Rivalries uniform, but NFL fans won't have to wait much longer -- Week 11 marks the debut of two.First, the New England Patriots rocked their "Nor'easter" threads against the New York Jets in a 27-14 "Thursday Night Football" victory. The storm blue jerseys are matched with white pants and matte white helmets. They include six stars on the uniform to represent the six states that make up New England and the franchise's six Super Bowl wins. A neat "NE" log...

From Fenway to Banana Ball: Jackie Bradley Jr., 2018 World Series champ, joins Indianapolis Clowns

The Indianapolis Clowns selected former 11-year major leaguer and 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. with the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball player draft Thursday night, making him the first former MLB player to commit to participate full time in Banana Ball.The former Boston Red Sox outfielder, an All-Star in 2016 and Golden Glove winner in 2018, told ESPN that his decision to play Banana Ball came together "days ago."With his oldest daughter being a big fan of Banana Ball,...

'Easy to get confused': USC claps back after B1G said fake punt should've been penalized

Three days after the Big Ten said USC should have been penalized for a fake punt pass in Friday's 38-17 win against Northwestern, the Trojans have answered back.

USC pulled off the fake punt by having reserve quarterback Sam Huard wear the same jersey number (No. 80) as primary punter Sam Johnson. Huard was listed as No. 7 in the game notes for the Northwestern matchup.

Facing a fourth-and-6 early in the second quarter against the Wildcats, Huard came into the game wearing No. 80 and completed...

Catrick Mahomes to Cee Dee Little Lamb: Trending sports-related pet names of 2025

It has been quite a year for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. He won his first MVP award in February and got married to actress and musician Hailee Steinfeld in May. Now, it's time to add inspiration for trending sports-related cat names to his 2025 résumé.

"Josh Allen" was up 232% for sports-inspired cat names this year, according to a recent report by pet-sitting website Rover.

Allen is tied with "Jalen," seemingly after Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and "Manning," presum...

'Go Birds Go': Eagles' post aimed at Packers leads NFL Week 10 trolls

Sometimes, the pettiest of postgame jabs are the simplest, and the Philadelphia Eagles made the most of theirs in Week 10.

The Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 10-7 in a low-scoring matchup on "Monday Night Football." Both teams failed to score in the first half, marking the first scoreless half on "Monday Night Football" since 2009.

The Eagles got on the board first with a field goal in the third quarter. They followed that with a touchdown early in the fourth when quarterback Jalen Hurt...

Giants' 'Vintage White,' Broncos' throwbacks lead NFL Week 10 uniforms

The New York Giants wore their Legacy uniforms last week, but it's time for their "Vintage White" in Week 10.New York will wear its all-white color rush uniforms against the Chicago Bears with the classic navy helmet. The Giants first wore the combination in 2016 as part of the NFL's color rush program, but it took a one-year hiatus in 2024. The combination pays homage to the 1980s and includes blue numbers with a red outline, similar to what the franchise wore on the road for two decades.The De...

'Got to be the first': Austin Reaves' lob to Bronny James marks unique 25-year feat

Mark Spears is uncertain what sort of adjustments the Lakers will make when LeBron James returns to the court. (0:46)An alley-oop pass by Austin Reaves on Sunday night has etched his name into the record books.The Los Angeles Lakers guard threw a one-handed lob to Bronny James, who flew in for a two-handed jam that sent Crypto.com Arena into a frenzy late in the first quarter against the Miami Heat.Reaves, who finished with 26 points and 11 assists, is no stranger to connecting on alley-oops wit...

'Hide your quarterback': Panthers target Jordan Love, Packers with petty post

Panthers kick a game-winning field goal to beat the Packers and move to 5-4 on the season. (1:18)The trolls were out once again in Week 9 of the NFL season, which brought stunning victories.One of those surprising wins was the Carolina Panthers' 16-13 road victory over the Green Bay Packers.Carolina entered the game as 13.5-point underdogs, according to ESPN Bet, marking the largest upset this season. Panthers running back Rico Dowdle galloped for 130 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the third...

Packers' 1923 throwbacks, Commanders' 'Super Bowl era' threads top Week 9 uniforms

In Week 9, the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders are the latest teams to debut throwback threads.The Packers will wear their 1923 classic uniforms against the Carolina Panthers. For the first time in NFL history, the threads include a brown, hand-painted helmet meant to emulate the vintage leather look of the league's earliest helmets. The navy blue jerseys are designed with dark gold numbers and stripes on the shoulder, with tan pants completing the look.The Commanders will rock their...

HalloWemby: Victor Wembanyama doesn't continue his Halloween costume trend

Victor Wembanyama improvises on his way to the basket to score for the Spurs. (0:18)During his young NBA career, Victor Wembanyama has made a name for himself on and off the court -- including with his viral Halloween fits.In 2023, the San Antonio Spurs star arrived for his first Halloween game in a costume reminiscent of the fictional supernatural creature Slenderman. He wound up dropping 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in a 115-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns.Last year, he took it to anot...

Happy Spooky Halloween: LeBron James authors latest children's book

Shams Charania talks to Pat McAfee about expectations for when LeBron James might return to the Lakers. (1:48)With the announcement of his latest children's book, "Happy Spooky Halloween," on Thursday, LeBron James has put on his author hat once again.The 32-page picture book with illustrations by Ariel Landy is about "teamwork and Halloween thrills." It is set to release on July 21 by publisher HarperCollins.Halloween is the Los Angeles Lakers star's favorite holiday, and he has often dressed u...

United Center's mozzarella pucks lead latest NHL, NBA arena food

The 2025-26 NBA and NHL seasons are underway, which means fans are filing into arenas again and concession stands will be getting creative to serve the masses.Among those creations are the crispy mozzarella pucks that will be sold only at Chicago Blackhawks' games at the United Center. The parmesan herb-breaded mozzarella sticks -- or in this case pucks -- are sold with homemade marinara sauce.Here are some other innovations that can be found at NBA and NHL arenas across the campaigns.

The 2025...

'Thank you Freddie': Donovan Mitchell, Embiid top reactions to instant classic World Series Game 3

It lasted over six hours, but the eventual ending to Game 3 of the World Series was worth the wait.

The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 in an 18-inning classic that finished early Tuesday morning Eastern time. L.A. took a 2-1 Series lead in the process.

The game's 18 innings are tied for the most in a World Series contest all time; the Dodgers also won an 18-inning Game 3 World Series matchup against the Boston Red Sox in 2018.

The back-and-forth meeting was scoreless from...

Eagles get revenge on Giants with petty post, topping NFL Week 8 trolls

Week 8 of the NFL season brought its fair share of blowouts and close matchups, but the trolls remained constant.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 38-20 at home behind a strong Jalen Hurts performance.

The Eagles signal-caller had 179 passing yards and four touchdowns, tying his career high. Saquon Barkley ran for 150 yards and a score, while catching four passes for 24 yards and a touchdown. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 193 yards and a touchdown.

New York defe...

Steelers' 1933 striped throwbacks, Chargers' navy look top NFL Week 8 uniforms

It's throwbacks galore in Week 8 of the NFL season, led by the return of an almost 100-year-old design.The Pittsburgh Steelers will wear their 1933 throwback uniforms against the Green Bay Packers on "Sunday Night Football." The gold threads include black stripes and large white block numbers on the front, while the numbers are black on the back. The City of Pittsburgh crest is on the front left shoulder. The uniform's gold helmet features a black center stripe. Beige pants complete the design,...

NBA award winners to don honorary jersey patches in 2025-26 season debut

The uniforms of award winners from the 2024-25 NBA season will look a little different for opening week.Players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (MVP), Evan Mobley (Defensive Player of the Year) and Stephon Castle (Rookie of the Year) will have their respective trophy icons sewn above the Nike swoosh on the front of their uniforms.Members of the All-NBA, All-Rookie and All-Defensive teams will also don a specific patch. However, individual awards have precedence over that one. For example, Gilgeo...

From LeBron golfing to Jokic's horse, relive the 2025 NBA offseason through social media

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off Tuesday, marking the beginning of on-court storylines. However, that doesn't mean players didn't stay busy off the court during the offseason.

From LeBron James picking up golf as a new hobby to Nikola Jokic celebrating with his horse, the NBA's biggest names made the most of their offseason. Unlike 2024, which had the Paris Olympics, this summer had an open schedule, meaning limited NBA action and more time to hit the road.

Here's a look at the top offseason mo...

Blowouts breed pettiness: Colts zing Chargers, and the rest of NFL Week 7's best petty posts

Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel returns to Tennessee this week, where he faces his former team but also reunites with a local beat reporter. (3:32)Blowout victories in Week 7 of the NFL season meant extra time for social media admins to think up petty posts.That includes the Indianapolis Colts, who took down the Los Angeles Chargers 38-24. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran for 94 yards and three touchdowns to lead the way, while Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards a...

Chargers' new 'Charger Power' alternate, Lions' all-black lead NFL Week 7 uniforms

Week 7 of the NFL season will feature the anticipated debut of an alternate uniform.The Los Angeles Chargers will be wearing their all-gold "Charger Power" alternates against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. It's the first time in franchise history the Chargers will wear a gold jersey. The look -- revealed in July -- is meant to channel the energy and "progressive nature" of the Air Coryell days, according to the team. With Hall of Fame coach Don Coryell, the Chargers ranked first in offensive...

Haliburton magic, KD and Harden on Rockets trade: Takeaways from Season 2 of Netflix's 'Starting 5'

Tyrese Haliburton tells Pat McAfee how he was inspired by Kobe Bryant walking off after his Achilles injury. (0:53)The latest season of Netflix's "Starting 5" was released Thursday, offering new perspectives on memorable moments from the 2024-25 campaign.The series followed Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, then-Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, LA Clippers guard James Harden and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.Each star had his own...

Joe Mazzulla, Celtics coaching staff dominate Celtics media in pickup game

Celtics star Jayson Tatum explains why there is no pressure to return quicker from his Achilles injury. (0:39)Media covering the Boston Celtics were supposed to play a pickup game among themselves at Boston's practice facility on Tuesday. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla had other plans.The Celtics told reporters that they could use the Auerbach Center courts for a media game after practice. When asked about the game, Mazzulla shared news of a change."Don't want to break it to you, but you're not play...

Mariners' 2025 ballpark bite to beat: 'huckle-nut cannolis'

Move aside, hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Baseball teams are becoming more innovative and stepping up their food game in 2025.One of those creations is the Seattle Mariners' "Huckle-Nut Cannoli," which features a ricotta cannoli shell filled with huckleberry sweet cream, toasted hazelnuts and drizzled in smoked huckleberry caramel.Here are more ballpark innovations that can be found at MLB concession stands this season:The Marlins have an actual tower of hot dogs at home games this year 🤤I...
Load More