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AUBURN, Ala. — Hugh Freeze has officially returned to the SEC as Auburn’s head football coach.

He’s getting another chance he wasn’t sure would ever come after his self-inflicted downfall at Ole Miss and some of the questions that have followed his successful yet turbulent career.

Freeze, 53, said he’s looking forward to re-writing his career at Auburn after taking Liberty to unprecedented heights the last four seasons, and prior to that, leading Ole Miss to back-to-back wins over Nick Saban and Alabama in 2014 and 2015 and winning the Rebels’ first Sugar Bowl since 1970.

“It’s humbling. I don’t believe in deserving something. I believe in earning something, and I do believe we fought to earn this,” Freeze said. “It’s been rocky at times. You can become overcome with emotion because truthfully I feel like — and this is no offense to another school or anything — but I feel like I’ve leapfrogged where I was at that time by being in this family and this culture here.

“And I loved my time there (Ole Miss), but I see this as one of the top 10 football programs in the nation.”

Freeze, who’s only had one losing season in 12 years as a head coach, resigned at Ole Miss in 2017 in the weeks leading up to preseason practice after university officials discovered he had made a series of calls to multiple numbers associated with an escort service. Ole Miss was placed on NCAA probation in 2017 for violations that occurred in part under Freeze, and the sanctions included a two-year bowl ban.

Freeze, while cited by the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions for failure to monitor his assistant coaches and the school’s boosters, did not receive a show-cause penalty and “promoted an atmosphere of compliance,” according to the NCAA report.

Freeze said Monday he understands his past will follow him, but it’s the future — Auburn’s future — that has him excited. As for any backlash among fans, Freeze had one request.

“Give me a chance to earn your trust,” Freeze said. “Give me some time. Get to know us. Get to know our family,” he said. “Get to know the truth of our story, and I think the ones who have done that have said, ‘Man, you know what? I kind of like this guy and this family.’ But that’s all you can ask. Give us a chance to earn your trust, and I think you’ll like the end result.”

The news of Freeze’s hiring angered some fans, who flooded the president’s office with emails. There was also a backlash dating back to this past summer when Freeze was criticized for direct messaging a former Liberty student and defending Liberty athletic director Ian McCaw. The student, Chelsea Andrews, was one of several students to sue Liberty in 2021 for allegedly mishandling sexual assault cases and Title IX matters. Freeze was not employed at Liberty at the time Andrews was assaulted.

Freeze was not asked about his direct messages to Andrews during the news conference. But in a one-on-one interview with ESPN following the press conference, Freeze said, “I learned from this situation that I should totally understand other people’s circumstances first before communicating or commenting on someone’s situation. It was an inadvertent misstep with no ill intent, and I am sorry.”

There was a report Monday that Freeze would have to relinquish his social media accounts in taking the Auburn job, but he denied that.

“That’s not accurate. How could you in this day and age?” Freeze said. “There may be wisdom in that, though.”

Auburn athletic director John Cohen did not take questions during the press conference but said Freeze was completely transparent about his past transgressions.

“He showed remorse, and he’s had an accountability plan that he’s used for the last five-plus years,” he said. “Everything he disclosed to us turned out to be accurate after speaking with credible industry sources.”

Cohen also said during the press conference that Freeze was at the top of Auburn’s list from the beginning.

“And we never wavered from that,” Cohen said.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was also at the forefront of Auburn’s search and somebody Auburn officials talked to. But Kiffin said last week he was staying at Ole Miss and has since signed a new deal that will pay him $9 million annually. Sources told ESPN Auburn talked to more than 15 coaches about the job.

Freeze’s deal at Auburn is for six years and will pay him $6.5 million per year.

One of the first things Freeze did upon arriving on campus Sunday night was meet with Cadillac Williams, the Tigers’ former star running back and interim coach for the final month of the season. Williams will stay on as Auburn’s associate head coach and running backs coach.

Williams said he was interviewed for the head job about a week ago but said he’s “sold” about the future at Auburn under Freeze.

“Sure, I was a little disappointed at first about not getting to sit in this seat as head coach, but it’s God’s timing,” Williams said. “I get to learn more and continue to develop under Coach Freeze. I love his vision.”

Williams heard and saw some of the pushback to Freeze’s hiring but said it won’t impact his new boss’ ability to do the job.

“We all need grace. We all need forgiveness. We all need second chances,” Williams said. “Nobody’s perfect. Lord knows I’ve made mistakes at times, so I don’t think his past will hinder him. He’s owned up to his mistakes, and I’m all for him. We want the same thing, to take Auburn back to the top of college football.”

Freeze said he’s received countless texts from “big-time coaches” wanting to come to Auburn.

“What will be the deciding factor is putting a staff together that complements each other and drives the culture consistently,” said Freeze, who added that he might even consider giving up play-calling duties on offense and bring in a coordinator.

Freeze told ESPN his journey has been “humbling” and that he will forever be grateful to Liberty for giving him a second chance after not coaching at all in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

There were some rumblings that SEC commissioner Greg Sankey blocked Freeze from returning to the SEC after he was pushed out at Ole Miss. Freeze said he’s not sure that was accurate and that Sankey had always been honest with him and told him what he thought was best “not only for the conference, but for me.”

Sources told ESPN that Sankey told Freeze it was his strong preference that Freeze go outside the conference to coach while Ole Miss was still on probation and then come back to the SEC if there were opportunities. Both Auburn and Alabama were interested in Freeze for coordinator roles before he went to Liberty.

Freeze fought back tears when he thanked his wife Jill and the rest of his family. He also thanked his agent Jimmy Sexton, who now represents 11 of the 14 head coaches in the SEC.

“My story is well-documented. I let a lot of people down, and I’m very sorry for that,” Freeze said. “But I’ve spent the last six years trying to earn the respect and earn the trust of my family, teams, administrations, everyone that was around me. That’s the lesson I probably learned, is just keeping working to earn people’s trust.”

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Angels’ Washington to miss remainder of season

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Angels' Washington to miss remainder of season

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will remain on medical leave for the rest of the season, the team announced Friday.

Bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage the team for what remains of 2025. Ryan Goins will serve as his bench coach going forward.

Washington, the oldest manager in the major leagues at 73, was placed on leave last Friday because of an undisclosed medical issue. He experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series at the New York Yankees that ended on June 19. Washington flew back to Southern California, underwent a series of tests and was placed on medical leave.

A longtime third-base coach and well-regarded infield instructor, Washington served as the Texas Rangers‘ manager from 2007 to 2014.

He was in his second year managing the Angels.

The Angels were 40-40 entering Friday night’s game against the visiting Washington Nationals, winning three straight under Montgomery and seven of 10 overall. Los Angeles has played better than most expected from a team with major league-worst streaks of nine straight losing seasons and 10 straight non-playoff seasons.

The 55-year-old Montgomery is getting his first job as a major league manager. The native of New York’s Westchester County is a former Houston Astros outfielder who served as the scouting director for Arizona and Milwaukee before joining the Angels as their director of player personnel for the 2020 season.

Montgomery became Los Angeles’ bench coach in 2021 after general manager Perry Minasian took over the front office, and he stayed with the Angels while Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin and Washington managed the club.

Goins played eight seasons in the major leagues before Washington hired him as the Angels’ infield coach before the 2024 season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Martinez’s near no-hitter, Steer’s 3 HRs lift Reds

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Martinez's near no-hitter, Steer's 3 HRs lift Reds

CINCINNATI — Nick Martinez took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before allowing pinch hitter Elias Diaz‘s double and Spencer Steer hit three home runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the San Diego Padres 8-1 on Friday night.

Martinez (5-8) walked his third batter, Jackson Merrill, on a low full-count sinker, then retired 22 consecutive hitters before walking rookie Trenton Brooks starting the ninth. Diaz then drove an 0-1 changeup off the base of the wall in left-center on Martinez’s 112th and final pitch, which tied his career high.

A 34-year-old right-hander, Martinez struck out six as the Reds won for the fourth time in five games. He also threw 112 pitches for Texas against Boston on May 28, 2015.

Taylor Rogers walked a pair of batters, forcing in a run, before striking out Gavin Sheets.

Coming off a pair of relief appearances, Martinez made his first start since June 19. He entered with one complete game over 118 big league starts, an eight-inning effort in a loss at the Chicago Cubs last Sept. 27.

After Martinez allowed seven runs over 2⅔ innings against Minnesota, Reds manager Terry Francona suggested he make a relief appearance. Martinez threw two perfect innings at St. Louis two days later, and Martinez offered to making another bullpen outing to keep starter Brady Singer on turn. Martinez pitched a 1-2-3 innings against the Yankees on Monday.

Steer hit solo homers in the second and fourth innings off Dylan Cease (3-7), then a two-run drive against Yuki Matsui in a four-run fifth. Steer has nine home runs this season.

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NHL draft tracker: Scouting notes and team fits for every first-rounder

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NHL draft tracker: Scouting notes and team fits for every first-rounder

The 2025 NHL draft is taking place on Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

This page will be your home for the entire event, as each pick is added below, including scouting notes and team fit analysis for the first-rounders.

More: Prospect rankings
Draft week buzz
Late-round gems
Needs for all 32 teams


Round 1

Team: Erie (OHL)
DOB: 09/05/2007 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 17 | G: 7 | A: 15 | P: 22

Scouting notes: Schaefer is projected to become a true No. 1 cornerstone for years to come. A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, he skates with ease and elite mobility to shut down opponents in all situations, while creating offense with quality transition play.

Executives and scouts view him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a foundational piece for a championship-caliber roster. Schaefer’s ability to control play from the blue line, play tough matchups, and run a power play — combined with the belief in his character and leadership — result in many believing that Schaefer has the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league, while wearing a letter as part of a team’s leadership group.

How he fits: After trading Noah Dobson earlier in the day, the Islanders drafted their franchise cornerstone defender. Schaefer does everything well, and is a dynamic skater with elite mobility. He will take on the toughest matchups, help the Islanders exit the zone with smooth passes and carry outs, and drive offense from the back end. He’s a future No. 1 defenseman who will log 25-28 minutes per night and run the power play.

Schaefer’s ability to dictate play from the back end is franchise-changing for the Isles. Schaefer will attend development camp next week, and it is highly likely he starts the season in the NHL lineup. Don’t be surprised if Schaefer is running the power play and logging major minutes by November.

A very emotional Schaefer hugged his family and pulled on the Isles jersey for the first time, with a cancer patch. Through tears, he shared his excitement and emotion, and gained the hearts of a lot more than just Isles fans.


Team: Saginaw (OHL)
DOB: 02/16/2007 | Ht: 6-0.75 | Wt: 184 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 65 | G: 62 | A: 72 | P: 134

Scouting notes: Granted exceptional status in the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the most remarkable goal-scoring seasons in recent memory in 2024-25, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He projects to be a top-line forward capable of consistently exceeding 90 points per season in the NHL.

Misa’s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center. Away from the puck, Misa excels at finding soft areas in coverage and has a flair for delivering in clutch moments. His combination of high-end playmaking and goal-scoring ability makes him a constant dual threat in the offensive zone.

How he fits: The Sharks kept everyone guessing until the very last moment, but ultimately selected Misa. He is a special talent and adds a second elite two-way center to the organization. He projects as a first-line star, with dual-threat playmaking and scoring ability — notching 62 goals in 65 OHL games.

If Misa’s two-way game continues to improve, there’s a real chance the Sharks will have two centers capable of dominating play in all three zones with 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini already in place. On the power play, Misa can facilitate, be a shooting threat and carry the puck on entries. Because of his dual-threat capabilities, he can play the bumper, the flank or down low. With this selection, the Sharks have the potential to feature the best one-two punch down the middle for years to come.


Team: Djurgarden (SWEDEN-2)
DOB: 05/07/2007 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 29 | G: 11 | A: 14 | P: 25

Scouting notes: Frondell is a versatile two-way forward that plays both center and right wing. His flexibility is attractive to teams, although many believe he is most likely to reach his potential as a winger in the NHL.

Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward. He’s a cerebral player, who picks apart defenders in one-on-one situations and defensive coverage in offensive zone play. The details of Frondell’s game are translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, willingness to attack the middle of the ice and high-end anticipation on both sides of the puck.

He has shown play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He’s projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play translates well and has executives excited about his ability to step in the league in the next 18 months.

How he fits: It was no secret that Chicago wanted to add some size up front, and Frondell is exactly that. He can play center or the wing, and brings an excellent two-way game. He confidently projects as a first-line forward that beats defenders one-on-one, drives play on both sides of the puck, and should score nearly a point per game.

He plays on the inside of the ice and has the ability to score 30-plus goals in the NHL because of his excellent shot. Frondell is a year away from playing in the NHL, and probably two or three from hitting his potential as a top-line forward who drives play. Chicago can play him behind Connor Bedard up the middle, or on Bedard’s line to capitalize on the versatility he brings.


Team: Moncton (QMJHL)
DOB: 04/11/2007 | Ht: 6-1.5 | Wt: 178 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 56 | G: 35 | A: 49 | P: 84

Scouting notes: Described as a “coach’s dream” because of his ability to take an offensive or checking assignment and execute consistently. He makes smart, simple plays, provides a physical presence on the forecheck and generally agitates and makes life difficult on defenders.

He projects to be a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player. He’s cerebral, with quick hands and playmaking ability. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck. As one scouting director described “he’s the type of player you win with.” Some have quietly compared him to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, who are lofty comparisons, to say the very least.

How he fits: The Mammoth kept everyone guessing, would they trade or keep the pick. Ultimately, they kept the pick and selected Desnoyers. He can play in any situation as one of the best two-way players available. He’s a serial winner who plays whatever style of game required to win. If he needs to produce offense, he does. If he needs to shut down the opponent’s best, he does that too.

Utah needed some size and two-way capability to mesh with Logan Cooley, Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther, and Caleb Desnoyers is exactly that. He’ll be NHL-ready a lot sooner than people think because his professional details are top-notch. He projects as a play-driving, two-way, second line center that the Mammoth will turn to in key situations. As noted above, there’s a lot of Jonathan Toews in Desnoyers’ game, which will excite Mammoth fans, management and coaches.


Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 03/16/2007 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 178 | Shot: R
2024-25 stats: GP: 57 | G: 33 | A: 39 | P: 72

Scouting notes: A Swiss Army knife type of player who will be most effective on the wing because of his strong wall play, Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals routinely, with upside as a second-line forward.

He’s a wrecking ball that will bring value in all three zones, on and off the puck. Martin has scouts raving about him after an excellent performance at the IIHF under-18 championship, with many opining that he could go very early in the first round. He’s a workhorse without an off switch, who brings a blend of physicality and hard skill. He’s a nightmare to contain with his brute strength, and forces defenders into precarious positions with good speed and willingness to make “winning” plays.

Several teams mentioned how impressive Martin was during interviews at the combine. Combine an attractive personality with the hard-nosed style, and it forms a rare combination that is valuable to many scouts who believe he’s the type of player teams need to win in the playoffs. Surely, his mention of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a role model grabbed attention.


6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from NYR)
13. Detroit Red Wings
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Vancouver Canucks
16. New York Islanders (from CGY via MTL)
17. New York Islanders (from MTL)
18. Calgary Flames (from NJ)
19. St. Louis Blues
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from MIN)
21. Ottawa Senators
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from COL)
23. Nashville Predators (from TB)
24. Los Angeles Kings
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from TOR)
26. Nashville Predators (from VGK via SJ)
27. Washington Capitals
28. Winnipeg Jets
29. Carolina Hurricanes
30. San Jose Sharks (from DAL)
31. Philadelphia Flyers (from EDM)
32. Calgary Flames (from FLA)

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