Joe Russo

The season doesn't tip off for another few weeks, but the Cavaliers have been the toast of the NBA since LeBron James' return made Cleveland title favorites. And to exactly no one's surprise, the team's annual "Wine and Gold" intrasquad scrimmage…

Ever wonder why you don't see that many streakers at football games? Sure, you've seen them run on the field for soccer matches, or there's some nut who runs around at a baseball game. But football? Almost never. Well, there's a reason for that, and…

We've all seen it, the dreaded "Kiss Cam." The even more awkward cousin of the "Dance Cam" and "Smile Cam," the "Kiss Cam" makes most sports fans cringe at the very thought of getting themselves thrown up on the big screen for tens of thousands of…

NFC West rivals always get after it on the field. But during Sunday's game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers, even the spectators dialed up the intensity. Fans from each team got into a scuffle at the University of Phoenix…

Say what you will about the Yankees and Derek Jeter, the venerable New York shortstop who is set to retire after this season. Complain about the limitless payroll, the breathless hype and the seemingly endless farewell tour derided by the New York…

You can't help but feel bad for Giancarlo Stanton. At 24, the Miami Marlins outfielder has quickly become one of the most feared hitters in baseball for his ability to, quite simply, crush longballs farther than anyone else. Stanton entered the…

Arkansas State squared off against the University of Miami over the weekend and, unsurprisingly, found themselves trailing by 13 points and facing a fourth down in the second quarter.  In an attempt to kick-start a rally, the Red Wolves attempted…

Jonathan Papelbon showed how not to leave a game Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia. Shortly after surrendering four runs in the ninth inning of a 5-4 loss to the Marlins, the combustible Phillies closer left the field in ways that brought back…

Leave it to one of the NFL's most prominent commentators to make a powerful statement against domestic violence. On Thursday night's telecast of the Steelers-Ravens game, James Brown rescued what could have been a disastrous show. Lost in the mess…

There's no denying that CrossFit has become more than just a fringe phenomenon, but a mainstream fitness sensation. Ask even the non-CrossFitter and most can tell you what a Warrior Dash or Tough Mudder is. They may have even watched the Reebok…

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty may have made us dream about mountainside adventures across the far corners of the world, but Hollywood did a good job of making it look easy for Ben Stiller. There's a reason climbing is not as common as your local…

On Thursday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced changes to the league's domestic violence policy in a letter to all 32 team owners. The reaction among football insiders has been mostly positive. But before anyone goes out of the way to…

The chaos in Ferguson, Mo., has presented the American public with a powder keg of racial tension that feels outdated in the 21st century but is no less depressingly real. As arguments go back and forth over who was in the right, who is the victim…

They say that failing to plan is planning to fail. With the NBA having unveiled the schedule for the 2014-15 season on Wednesday night, it's not too early to start marking your calendars for what — at least for now — should be the most intriguing…

Buffalo Bills fans had something special to cheer about this weekend even though their franchise may be on the sales block. Andre Reed, the team's legendary wide receiver, was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, before a…

There hasn't been much to smile about this year for the Chicago Cubs. Just ask Jack White. But Anthony Rizzo, the 24-year-old first baseman who's positioned himself as the team's franchise player of the future, is finding new ways to offer reason…

The very best of Major League Baseball was on display Tuesday night in Minnesota as the annual All-Star Game showcased veteran standouts like Derek Jeter (two hits) and rising phenoms like Mike Trout (a triple and a double to win MVP honors). While…

The wait is finally over. LeBron James said Friday he will return to Cleveland on what's assumed to be max contract: a four-year deal worth roughly $88 million. James' open letter, as told to SI.com's Lee Jenkins, hits on a wide range of topics…

With the Tour de France getting underway on Saturday, Americans now have another international sport to divert their attention from the World Cup. The 21-stage, 2,276-mile competition is an incredible exhibition of human potential, but there are…

The 2014 NBA draft has long been heralded as the deepest class in years. While only time will validate that assessment, the intriguing picks, trades and historic moments did not disappoint. Here are the five key moments from Thursday's event at the…