OC Byron Leftwich said Vita Vea’s TD play was a ‘reward’

See why Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich called Vita Vea’s touchdown play against the Atlanta Falcons a ‘reward.’

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be just 4-7, but they are perhaps one of the more entertaining teams to watch in the NFL.

Sure, they may not have a Lamar Jackson-esque speedster at quarterback, or a running back that rolls through defenders like the Juggernaut, but they can put up points with the best of them and have plenty of stars on offense to make each snap an exciting one to watch.

And, of course, one of the biggest offensive stars on the roster is big man Vita Vea!

The nose tackle and former high school running back had his first career touchdown reception in the Bucs’ Week 12 win over the Atlanta Falcons. But, it wasn’t the first time he’s lined up on offense this season, and it turns out, his offensive performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 earned him the chance to catch that touchdown against Atlanta.

Take a look.

Vea became the heaviest player in NFL history to score an offensive touchdown, and here’s hoping it won’t be his last.

For those wondering what it would look like to see Vea run through an NFL O-line, here’s a sneak peek.

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via GIPHY

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Omari Spellman opens up about finding personal happiness with Warriors

After the Warriors’ victory over the Chicago Bulls, Omari Spellman fielded a question about his happiness and his answer was quite authentic.

Along with D’Angelo Russell and Eric Paschall, second-year man Omari Spellman has become one of the oft-discussed new faces for the Warriors this season. The promising big man became a bit of a storyline after a subpar rookie year with the Atlanta Hawks and him putting his weight issues on display for the public to recognize.

Despite the team entering the Thanksgiving holiday with the league’s worst record, Spellman’s personal progression has become one of the few bright spots in the early goings.

After the Warriors earned their fourth victory of the season by defeating the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, Spellman took to the podium and fielded a question about his level of happiness. It’s safe to say he provided insight than few thought would have come from a relatively “normal” question.

Forget physically. This is the best I’ve felt, as a person, since college. And that is not a knock on Atlanta, it was just some things that I was going through, some things that I didn’t understand, that made it harder for me that first year in Atlanta.

As a rookie, Spellman averaged 5.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Hawks. He played just 17.5 minutes per game for a team that mostly struggled. This past July, he was traded to the Warriors where he’s, obviously, found a new lease on life and gotten the type of support he’d been missing as a pro.

…Just having people come around me and see that I need help and help me in the way that they have — especially my family, my close circle and the Warriors organization — have made it an easy transition from a very bad place to being happy again and just playing basketball. It was a long time that I kinda dreaded basketball and to get that back is pretty dope.

In recent years, thanks in major part to the likes of Ron Artest, Kevin Love, Adam Silver and even Kyrie Irving, the conversation around mental health and spiritual well-being is one that NBA players are no longer afraid to have. Even more important is the fact that players such as Spellman have felt empowered and emboldened to discuss their mental health.

No matter how you feel about Spellman or the Warriors’ struggles this season, he’s clearly found happiness, and that’s something that we should all be rooting for.

Andy Ruiz Jr. on first fight with Anthony Joshua: ‘I think that he quit’

Andy Ruiz Jr. said on a Sky Sports show that he believes Anthony Joshua quit in their first fight but then seemed to contradicte himself.

Did Anthony Joshua quit in the first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr.? Ruiz thinks so.

Ruiz said as much to Joshua’s face on the Sky Sports show “Gloves Are off,” hosted by Johnny Nelson, who asked Ruiz whether he agreed with those who think Joshua opted out of the fight after the fourth of four knockdowns in the seventh round in June.

“A little bit,” Ruiz said. “I feel he quit because of the way that it was won. I think he was still out of it, I didn’t think he knew where he was at that moment. I think that he quit.”

Naturally, Joshua took exception to that.

“The referee waved off the fight,” he said. “It’s just opinion. … I roll with it, I ride with it. I’m a champion through and through, no matter what anyone says to me.”

Nelson then asked Ruiz what he’d do in that position.

“Depends how hurt I was,” Ruiz replied. “I’m not gonna quit. If I fall, I fall.”

Joshua responded again.

“The conclusion is I quit, but I feel like, why wouldn’t I have stayed, though?” he said.

Ruiz then seemed to contradict himself, saying, “He was still up. The referee was the one that waved it off.”

Ruiz also said he has no choice but to end Joshua’s career with another victory when they meet again on Dec. 7 in Saudi Arabia on DAZN.

“I have to,” he said. “I have to, right? He’s trying to take my career as well. It’s either me or him inside the ring.”

Klay Thompson coined a new nickname for Eric Paschall on broadcast

Reporter Klay Thompson may have come up with a nickname for Warriors rookie Eric Paschall on the Warriors’ broadcast Wednesday night.

Reporter Klay Thompson was in full effect on Wednesday night.

The three-time NBA champion joined the Golden State Warriors’ broadcast team on NBC Sports Bay Area to lend a hand on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.

The performance by Thompson gave social media plenty of content to digest and he may have even coined a new nickname for Eric Paschall during the game.

The rookie scored a team-high 25 points in the 104-90 win over the Chicago Bulls and impressed Thompson. As Paschall threw a no-look pass to Glen Robinson III, Reporter Klay was there with the analysis and nickname.

A simple visit over to Basketball-Reference will show that Paschall currently does not have any listed nicknames so Thompson may have given him his first one with “Paschanimal” on Wednesday night.

Reporter Klay may have a point, too.

Paschall has been among the top rookies this season after a number of injuries opened up playing time for him. He is tied with Ja Morant for the most points scored among rookies while his average of 17 is second to Morant.

The second-round pick has fully taken advantage of his opportunity and has emerged as perhaps the top option on offense for the Warriors. His development this season will give the team another scorer once Thompson and Stephen Curry can return from injury.

The Warriors begin a five-game road trip Friday in Miami.

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10 of the best romantic things to do in Cancun

Thanks to the palm trees swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze, the wide white sand beaches and the azure ocean waters, Cancun is a lot more than nightclubs and spring break, it’s one of the most romantic places to visit in the world. The most popular vacation destination in Mexico features many couples and adult-only resorts and endless activities, tours, beach clubs and spas that are just right for couples looking for a romantic vacation.

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Cancun, with its swaying palm trees, warm Caribbean breezes, white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters, is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Many of Cancun’s resorts are couple and/or adult-only, perfect for those who want to unwind and reconnect with their partner. This glamorous city also offers many activities and tours that are sure to reignite the excitement in a relationship.

How about a romantic dinner cruise? Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise boasts a surf and turf dinner and a saxophone player. A couples massage at Le Blanc’s otherworldly spa, or on the beach, is a divine experience. Spend the day at a Tulum beach club that offers relaxation, delicious food, fruity cocktails, and a front row view of the glittering Caribbean Sea.

Adventurous nature trips can also be romantic, like a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Isla Contoy, Biosphere Reserve Sian Kaan, Xel-Ha park, or the National Reef Park in Puerto Morelos. A visit to tropical island Isla Mujeres or the underground rivers and natural sinkholes of Cenote Dos Ojos are unforgettable experiences.

Reconnect and reignite the excitement in your relationship with a romantic adventure in Cancun.

10.  Community Tours Sian Kaan

Community Tours Sian Kaan is an eco-tourism organization that provides tours in the pristine Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean (1.6 million acres). What makes this enterprise so special, is that they are committed to sustainable tourism, genuine cultural exchange and providing jobs to locals of Mayan descent. They offer various tours including birdwatching, sport fishing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and exploring archaeological sites. One of the most popular tours is a boat ride on mangrove-surrounded rivers. You can even learn how chewing gum is made.

Expert Tip: Do not forget a hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. A long-sleeved, lightweight white shirt is a good idea as well.

9.  Xel-Ha

This eco-park is part of the Grupo Xcaret family (Xcaret, Xplor, Xenotes, Xoximilco, Xenses and Xavage). Xel-Ha boasts the “largest, most beautiful natural aquarium in the world.” You can swim in grottos & cenotes (natural sinkholes) and see local marine life, explore Mayan ruins, jump off the Cliff of Courage, cross the floating bridge, ride bikes or fly kites. There are plenty of other activities and exhibits to keep you occupied for the entire day or you can simply spend your time relaxing in the sun or napping in a seaside hammock. Xel-Ha also features a delicious buffet restaurant and a children’s area.

Expert Tip: Combine your tour to Xel-Ha with a stop at the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Tulum can be seen in about an hour, so it won’t add much more time to the length of your tour.

8.  National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, runs parallel to the Yucatan Peninsula. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the only reef that is larger. At the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, the reef is closer to the shore than in other areas of the Riviera Maya, and in 1998, this section of the reef became a protected area. Snorkeling tours and scuba diving trips are available from several dive shops in the small, seaside town of Puerto Morelos. It’s illegal to swim out to the reef from the shore. To protect the reef, all snorkelers and divers must go out to the reef with guides.

Expert Tip: Book a snorkel or dive tour. Individuals are not allowed to swim out to the reef on their own. You must go with an accredited guide.

7.  El Paraiso Tulum Beach Club

Tulum boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. El Paraiso Tulum Beach Club is located only a kilometer from the Tulum Mayan ruins site. Arrive at 10 am when they open and spend the day on a lounge chair, sun bed or a hammock. Order drinks and food from the bar/restaurant and enjoy happy hour at sunset. This is a perfect day at the beach! If you don’t want to leave, you can also stay at El Paraiso in one of their 10 rooms.

Expert Tip: Ask around and set up a short snorkeling trip. Your guide will take you right from El Paraiso to the nearby coral reef.

6.  Isla Contoy

To get away from it all, spend the day on Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island that is a nature preserve. The island is approximately 26.5 miles from Cancun and can easily be visited on a day trip. Isla Contoy is filled with various species of birds, some live on the island year-round, while others are migratory. Sea turtles lay eggs on Isla Contoy each summer. Tours are given by biologists who live on the island in order to study the flora and fauna, and they normally stop along the way to allow people to snorkel. On the island, there is a beach barbecue of fresh fish. While waiting for lunch to be served, you can explore the island or simply relax on the pristine beach.

Expert Tip: Only 200 people are allowed to visit Isla Contoy each day, so book your tour early.

5.  Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenotes, or natural sinkholes, are a phenomenon unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. These pools, some completely underground and some open, are connected by an underground river system and are filled with cool fresh water, perfect for escaping the hot Caribbean sun. There are so many different types of cenotes that both divers and snorkelers can find the perfect one to explore. Cenote Dos Ojos, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is shallow on one side and deeper on the other and is great for snorkelers of all ages. Cenote Chikin Ha, located approximately 12 miles from Playa del Carmen, is the first in a system that connects countless cenotes through miles and miles of underwater passages.

Expert Tip: If you don’t like crowds, visit a family-owned cenote like Cenote Azul, which is located just south of Puerto Aventuras.

4.  Isla Mujeres

It only takes a 15-minute boat ride to travel to one of the most popular day trip destinations near Cancun, Isla Mujeres. The island’s popularity is largely due to its dreamy beaches and laid-back island feeling. You can book a tour with one of several guides who provide lunch and drinks. Those willing to go it on their own can catch a water taxi or ferry to this tropical island paradise. The downtown area is a charming mix of shops and restaurants. Rent a golf cart, circle the island and visit Punta Sur, the easternmost point of the country of Mexico.

Expert Tip: Stop by the Turtle Conservation Farm to see baby sea turtles. It’s a very small attraction, but worth a visit.

3.  Akiin Beach Tulum

Tulum is a relaxed bohemian beach town located 2 hours south of Cancun by car. Imagine a spectacular white sand beach, the aqua-blue Caribbean Sea and swaying palm trees straight out of your dreams. Now add tropical drinks and local fare to the picture and you’re at rustic yet elegant Akiin Beach Tulum. Lounge on a beach bed and order refreshing drinks and gourmet Mexican and international food from their extensive menu. Feel good about your choice considering Akiin’s commitment to protecting the environment. If you’re engaged to be married, consider Akiin for an unforgettable wedding on the beach.

Expert Tip: Akiin now has a few cabanas if you’d like to stay, but you’ll have to book online or simply show up because this place is so low-key that they don’t have a receptionist.

2.  Le Blanc Spa

Le Blanc Spa is a beautiful oasis, a relaxing escape from the real world. Upon arrival, the spa concierge will rest a warm towel on your neck, and as you breathe in the aromatherapy and let the music envelop you, your worries will fade away. Before your chosen treatment, try some hydrotherapy, which will stimulate and further relax you, or take a sauna with the essence of your choice. Next, indulge in one of the spa’s many massages. The 80-minute, four-hand Kukulcan Mayan Massage is a highlight. When it’s over, enjoy cucumber water and fruit or cookies in the serene spa lounge.

1.  Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise

If you’re looking for romance in Cancun, you’ll find it on the Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise. The Spanish Galleon Columbus will tour the calm waters of Nichupte Lagoon while you watch the sunset and listen to the smooth sounds of a live saxophone player. Next, sit back and cuddle with your partner and gaze at the twinkling lights of the Hotel Zone. An open bar is included in the price, as well as your choice of surf n’ turf, lobster or a vegetarian meal. This tour is perfect for a special anniversary celebration or maybe even a proposal. You and your significant other will treasure the memories of this unforgettable romantic evening.

Expert Tip: Bring a light sweater or jacket. It gets chilly on the lagoon after the sun goes down.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

Pels have every intention to keep Brandon Ingram

At full strength, the Pelicans have a talented mix of veteran players and young prospects. Jrue Holiday is under contract potentially through the 2021-22 season. JJ Redick signed a two-year deal last summer. Brandon Ingram, 22, is a restricted free agent next summer, but Griffin told The Undefeated that the Pelicans have every intention of keeping him long term.

After Wednesday’s 113-101 loss to …

After Wednesday’s 113-101 loss to Minnesota, the 11th-year pro shot those rumors down. “I don’t even like social media, honestly,” he said. “I’m not a big fan of social media, never been. To this day I always wish I had played in the ’90s so I wouldn’t deal with social media. I just let people talk. Me, personally, I hate it…If it wasn’t a need in 2019, I wouldn’t have it.”

Griffin, however, didn’t feel the need …

Griffin, however, didn’t feel the need to change his head coach. Griffin, who previously worked with Gentry on the Phoenix Suns, is confident that Gentry is the right coach for his rebuilding Pelicans. “Everybody says, ‘Why didn’t you start over with a new coach?’ ” Griffin said. “ ‘Well, I don’t know a lot of other coaches that I went to the conference finals with, with a roster similar to this.’ The fearless Alvin that coached the 2010 Suns to the conference finals is a different animal than he was able to be here. My job is to get to channel as much of that person as I can because that was a masterful job that I watched him do.

During the offseason, the Pelicans …

During the offseason, the Pelicans hired Aaron Nelson as vice president of player care and performance, former NBA guard Trajan Langdon as general manager, and former WNBA star Swin Cash as vice president of basketball operations and team development. They also added former NBA guard Ramon Sessions to their basketball operations team and hired former Turner Sports security director Chico Robinson, who used to keep a close eye on Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith and now watches out for Williamson. On top of that, Gentry said new renovations have made their practice facility as “nice as any in the NBA.”

I heard a story about y’all putting on …

I heard a story about y’all putting on the boxing gloves at practice one day to settle differences. Did this really happen? Tony Allen: (Laughing) Yeah, man. The boxing gloves were definitely an idea from Paul Pierce. All I can remember is him bothering Patrick O’Bryant. Patrick O’Bryant was in there eating breakfast, and Paul Pierce didn’t like that he was eating breakfast before he got his workout in. He thought he should’ve been out there in the gym working with him, instead of chilling in there lounging. He said, “You know what, from now on I ain’t gonna raise my voice at nobody.” He said, “If I’ve got a problem, we’re putting on the gloves.” I found it real funny man. I’m like, “Yo, P, this dude is 7-feet tall and you’re trying to put some gloves on this athletic frame here?” He was like, “I’ve got gloves for everybody because I’m tired of everybody bickering.”