Articles by Daniel Matthews,Editor

Sports

Draymond Green embroiled in ugly courtside confrontation with NBA fan over bizarre Angel Reese taunts

Draymond Green confronted an NBA fan who kept heckling him with chants of 'Angel Reese' during the Warriors' 124-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. Shortly before halftime, Draymond Green strode over to the grinning fan - who identified himself as Sam Green, 35 - and stood just inches from him at courtside. The pair exchanged words, with the fan claiming Green swore at him and threatened to punch him. Officials quickly stepped between them and pulled the Warriors star away while ushers gathered around and spoke with the fan. 'He just kept calling me a woman. It was a good joke at first but you can't keep calling me a woman,' Green said after the game. The Golden State forward later clarified that the fan was calling him 'a woman's name.' 'I have four kids and one on the way,' Green added. 'Just don't be disrespectful.' The fan said he was taunting Green with chants of 'Angel Reese,' because, while the Warriors star had several rebounds, he hadn't attempted many shots at that point. WNBA star and former LSU standout Reese set several school and SEC rebounding records. Green said game official Courtney Kirkland told him: 'I got it. I've heard him over and over and over again. You've handled it well. Don't get yourself in no trouble. I'll take care of it.' But the fan, who was allowed to stay in his front-row seat despite being warned by ushers, claimed the confrontation put him on edge. 'I wasn't using profanity and for him to walk 12ft off the court to come and get in my face like that, it was a little unnerving,' he said. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game that he had no issue with players speaking with a fan. 'As long as it doesn't escalate, it's fine (for a player) to go over and have a discussion,' Kerr said. 'It would have been nice if security had gotten there a little bit earlier.' Green has built a reputation for being confrontational and emotionally combustible on the court. He has been fined for fan interaction before. In 2022, he was fined $25,000 for what the NBA described as 'directing obscene language toward a fan.' Green has been critical of fan behavior, saying fans face relatively few consequences for saying inappropriate things, and are in fact motivated to do so by the fact that players can be fined for engaging with them. 'I love disrespect on the road because we win a lot,' Green said. 'Quieting a home crowd is always fun.

4 days ago

Giants star Cam Skattebo suffers sickening ankle injury before being carted off the field

Giants rookie Cam Skattebo suffered a horrific ankle injury during the Giants' clash with the Eagles on Sunday. The running back had to be carted off after being tackled at midfield by Zack Baun during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Skattebo's ankle could be seen pointing at a 90-degree angle, with bone pointing through his sock. Players from both teams immediately put their hands to their heads. The rookie's teammates immediately called for medics to tend to Skattebo, who alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart has breathed new life into the Giants' season. Skattebo was in obvious distress as he sat on the turf. But the running back was well enough to wave to supporters in the crowd as he was taken to the locker room. MORE TO FOLLOW

Oct 26, 2025

Technology

Brazen demands for flying private REVEALED by the woman paid to fulfill them: 'Answer is always yes'

There is one basic rule that binds the brokers who spend their days sending the rich and famous into the air: 'The answer is always yes,' said Brenna Whitehill. She is part of the team at Monarch Air Group, a Florida-based charter company that looks after some of the biggest names in sports and charges up to $56,000 for a one-way trip from New York to Los Angeles. Their brokers work around the clock and around the world - no exceptions. Nothing is too much to ask. This is an industry that runs on dedication - and Whitehill spent a recent vacation on the beach in Florida, accompanied by her family, her laptop and her cell phone. She tried to relax in between managing a client's travels across Europe. Discretion matters, too. 'We like to keep the private in private aviation,' Whitehill said. But the Daily Mail has been offered a peek inside the cabin of this secret world and the reality of ferrying athletes, coaches and high rollers around the globe. From their demands for freshly-caught fish, to the scramble to save a college hockey game, one football star's $50,000 gift to his son... and the last-minute Super Bowl charter even brokers assumed was a hoax. As Whitehill puts it: 'The possibilities are endless in private aviation.' PICKY EATERS These days, the NFL is full of teams within teams. Every player is supported by an entourage of agents, advisers, trainers and hangers on. Every aspect of their lives is micro-managed. Perhaps none is more tightly controlled than food. As a thank you, Monarch clients are typically treated to a branded box of fruit or a board of charcuterie. Perhaps some nuts. But that doesn't cut it with everyone - as brokers discovered when an NFL star was booked on a flight. The player himself was 'very, very easy to work with.' Unfortunately his nutritionist came with a long list of other demands: Organic vegetables that were locally grown. Steak that was organically sourced. Fish caught and prepared that day. A dozen boiled eggs. Dozens of lemons - unseeded - and a couple of cases of bottled water. Fiji water. Oh, and no desserts at all. It was only a two-hour flight. And yet? '[That] is something that we have to honor,' Whitehill said. 'We will always strive to give them the best possible experience. And respect the fact that these are professional athletes that are going to work.' Sports stars will often require a different aircraft to other A-listers, too. They need more space to fit their giant frames, after all. It helps that individual brokers work with individual clients. That way, as Whitehill points out, relationships develop to a point where 'we know exactly what that particular athlete is looking for on every single flight. No matter the route.' Whitehill had the chance to meet one of her clients - and his family - at a recent Masters golf tournament. 'It was really cool to put a name to the face,' she said. Whitehill had already organized a trip for him from Augusta National to an exclusive island in the Caribbean. 'And I know what he wants: his southern comfort food,' she said. 'He just wants his chicken and biscuits and his sweet tea. He wants to know that his golf clubs - his lucky charms - are on that aircraft ready to go. And that his family is comfortable. I just make it happen every time.' GAMETIME DECISION There can be downsides to building up a global base of clients: private jets are a 24/7 business and that means brokers must be on shift or on call every hour of every day. 'Sometimes I have an individual that's in Europe or Australia, and they're needing a certain private charter. I'm their single point of contact,' Whitehill said. 'So they give me a call and I'm there to assist - no matter the time.' Charter companies are rarely busier than in the build-up to the Super Bowl. Every year, airport parking spots become as precious as suites inside the stadium. And many A-listers pay for a whole week of fun. In New Orleans in February, that included alligator tours and DJ lessons. Others prefer to leave their trips to the last minute. 'The night before the Super Bowl... we got a pretty funny call from someone that had had a few toasts,' Whitehill said. That's a polite way of saying they were drunk. 'It was a little hard to understand them, but he claimed to be a certain well-known celebrity... and he wanted to charter a private jet to the game.' At first, they assumed it was a prank: the caller made some 'extravagant demands' over catering and transportation. 'But we quickly realized it was the real deal and made it happen,' Whitehill said. Jetting in for major occasions such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby or Formula One already comes with a surcharge. It's known as a facility fee or a special event fee. It's added when airports are particularly busy. 'That could be anywhere from $8,000-12,000,' Whitehill explained. 'Just to land the aircraft due to high air traffic control.' TRADE SECRETS Thankfully that only applies on certain days in the sporting calendar - chartering a jet can cost enough as it is. One prominent figure in football needed to fly across the country to see his son's debut in the major leagues. Five hours there, five hours back, $50,000 for the privilege. Some clients will give Monarch a couple of months' notice of their travel plans. Others may know a week out. Unfortunately, others decide on a whim. In those emergencies? 'It typically takes about three to four hours - once we have signed paperwork from the clients - to get them wheels up,' Whitehill said. One day, a college hockey team reached out in a panic. They were headed to a big game but their plane - chartered from another company - never showed. The team was stranded until Monarch put them on a flight within hours. They landed in time for face-off. Monarch doesn't own or operate any aircraft but their brokers have access to thousands of planes around the world. 'It does not matter the place,' Whitehill said. 'As long as the runway is long enough for the specific aircraft they are looking for and there's an aircraft available.' If there isn't? Well, they can arrange for a helicopter to pick them up instead. It all starts with a phone call to the client. To find out where they are going, who they are going with, why they are going, how many bags they are bringing and what time they need to arrive. 'From there, I go out and source the best aircraft,' Whitehill explained. 'If this is an ASAP situation? Within about 20 to 30 minutes, I have the options either texted or emailed over to them.' Then comes another call to iron out any lingering issues and, once the client gives the green light, an agreement is sent and signed. 'Then they start moving the aircraft in about three to four hours.' Every summer, soccer fans and internet sleuths across Europe follow the progress of flights carrying new signings into town. On this side of the pond, however, many NFL and NBA trades are struck without anyone knowing. Except the league, the teams, the players, their entourages... and occasionally their brokers. It's not unusual for Whitehill and Co to know when a football or basketball star is on the move before anything has been announced. Not long ago, an NBA star booked a flight to a particular city. Brokers connected the dots and, a few hours later, alerts popped up on their phones: their instincts were correct. The trade was done. FIGHT AND FLIGHT Athletes appreciate the 'white glove service' that comes with private jets and occasionally they become more than customers. Take boxer Teofimo Lopez, the brash two-weight world champion from Brooklyn. 'He reached out to us after winning one of his bouts,' Whitehill recalled. The 28-year-old needed a flight out of Monarch's home base, Hollywood International Airport. 'We had an aircraft ready to go within three hours,' Whitehill said. 'And instead of waiting at the private airport, he actually decided to come hang out with us in our office.' Lopez mingled as Monarch finalized the details of his trip. 'One of our account managers was a massive fan of him, and of course, is now an even bigger fan after getting to meet him.' He now goes to Lopez's fights - 'religiously' - and the boxer still flies with Monarch.

Oct 26, 2025

Technology

Mark Sanchez's family break silence on ex-NFL star's arrest after bloody brawl with truck driver

The family of Mark Sanchez has spoken out for the first time since the ex-NFL star was stabbed and then arrested over an incident that has rocked the sports world. Sanchez was hospitalized following a violent alleyway altercation with a truck driver in Indianapolis in the early hours of Saturday morning. But the Fox Sports analyst is now facing six years in prison after being hit with felony charges. Sanchez has yet to give his side of the story - at least publicly - but on Monday evening his brother revealed that the former quarterback is still 'under medical care.' Nick Sanchez also opened up on the impact the incident has had on their family. 'This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days,' he told TMZ. 'Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.' The 38-year-old was detained Sunday - while still in the hospital - on allegations of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication. But prosecutors have since upgraded the charges to a Level 5 felony battery of causing serious injury. Meanwhile, the alleged victim - identified as Perry Tole - has reportedly filed a lawsuit. In shocking photos from the scene, Sanchez, 38, is shown lying shirtless and wounded on a gurney as he receives medical attention. The former quarterback was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed in the chest. But Sanchez is accused of instigating the altercation, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by the Daily Mail. In a separate video, the alleged victim, Tole, can be seen being rolled out of the alleyway towards an ambulance. Sanchez is married to American actress Perry Mattfeld. The couple have two children together after Perry gave birth to twins in March. Sanchez also has an eight-year-old son, Daniel, from a previous relationship. In his lawsuit on Monday, Tole sued Sanchez for assault/battery as well as the ex-quarterback's employer, Fox, for negligent hiring, retention and supervision. He is asking for compensatory and punitive damages. Tole claims in his filing that he has suffered severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function, other physical injuries, emotional distress and other damages as a result of the altercation. He also claims Sanchez appeared drunk and initiated the altercation. According to the driver, Fox 'knew or should have known' about Sanchez's 'unfitness as an employee, propensity for drinking and/or harmful conduct.' Horrifying photos, released on Sunday, showed the extent of the grease truck driver's gruesome injuries. He could be seen in a hospital bed, covered in blood with a gash on his face and a brace around his neck. Sanchez played 10 seasons in the NFL, including four with the Jets after they took him fifth overall pick in 2009. He later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the then-Washington Redskins and the Chicago Bears.

Oct 6, 2025

Technology

Mark Sanchez's stunned ex-teammate speaks out on violent attack and stabbing

Mark Sanchez's stunned ex-teammate speaks out on violent attack and stabbing MORE: Mark Sanchez and 'stab victim' wheeled away from bloody crime scene By DANIEL MATTHEWS, US SENIOR SPORTS WRITER Published: 22:38 BST, 6 October 2025 | Updated: 23:13 BST, 6 October 2025 A former teammate of Mark Sanchez insists the shocking incident that saw the ex-NFL quarterback stabbed, arrested and charged with a felony is 'completely out of character.' Sanchez was hurt in a violent alleyway altercation with a truck driver in Indianapolis in the early hours of Saturday morning. But the Fox Sports analyst is facing six years in prison after being detained on a string of charges. The 38-year-old was detained Sunday on charges of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication. But prosecutors upgraded the charges to a Level 5 felony battery of causing serious injury. The alleged victim, identified as Perry Tole, has reportedly filed a lawsuit. But the incident has left those who know Sanchez in shock. Former NFL center Nick Mangold, who played alongside Sanchez with the Jets, told the New York Post: 'The Mark I know wouldn’t do this.' Mangold, who has known Sanchez for 16 years, added: 'It’s completely out of character... he doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body. 'For something of this to happen, something obviously wasn’t right that night, and I hope they get to the bottom of it.' Mark Sanchez's stunned ex-teammate has spoken out on the recent attack and stabbing Nick Mangold, who played with Sanchez on the Jets, said: 'The Mark I know wouldn’t do this' Mangold has known Sanchez for 16 years and he texted his former teammate after the attack Mangold told the Post that he sent a text to Sanchez after hearing his former teammate had been stabbed - but did not hear back. In a photo from the scene, Sanchez, 38, is shown lying shirtless and wounded on a gurney as he received medical attention in the early hours of Saturday morning. After being rushed to hospital, the former quarterback was arrested. He is accused of instigating the altercation, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by the Daily Mail. Fox insider reveals the fate of star NFL analyst Mark Sanchez... as victim files lawsuit after bloody drunken brawl with ex-QB In a separate video, Sanchez's alleged victim, Tole, can be seen being rolled out of the alleyway towards an ambulance. After being released from the hospital, the former quarterback was taken straight to jail. Police reports claim that Sanchez - who was in Indianapolis to call the Colts-Raiders game on Fox - allegedly approached Tole, who was parked in a nearby alley. It's claimed the 38-year-old smelled of 'alcohol' and was slurring his words. Sanchez is then accused of slamming the driver into a wall and throwing him to the floor, with the 69-year-old then stabbing the ex-NFL star in self-defense. Sanchez later desperately pounded on the window of an Indianapolis pub and claimed to have been shot, according to one key witness. Share or comment on this article: Mark Sanchez's stunned ex-teammate speaks out on violent attack and stabbing Add comment

Oct 6, 2025