Derrick White’s Candid Admission On Jayson Tatum’s Constant Sideline Presence
Jayson Tatum’s injury in the 2025 NBA playoffs spilled milk over the Boston Celtics’ plans for the 2025-26 season. With a team’s star player effectively ruled out for the whole campaign, there’s little they can dream about. Still, Tatum is at the TD Garden almost every night by the bench, cheering his teammates on as they hold the fort down.
The Celtics are currently having a .500-esque season. They’re not terrible without Tatum, but nowhere close to being as dominant as they were just a year ago. Boston is currently 7-7 after their win over the Clippers earlier today, and is 11th in the East.
It looks like a play-in position would be most realistic for the Celtics, and Tatum will most likely still be there, present on the sidelines. Derrick White, who has averaged 15.5 ppg this season, recently spoke about the 2024 Finals MVP’s impact on the team.
White started with a joke when asked about Tatum’s role. This topic came up for discussion after a video of Tatum coaching Jordan Walsh during a timeout against the Clippers got
Quickly turning serious, White admitted, “Obviously a great basketball mind. So just there, supporting us, telling us what he sees, encouraging us, just a bunch of other things throughout the game. So it is always great to have something like that.”
It is always special motivation for others on a roster to see their injured star come out every single night and help them get better. It is one of the true hallmarks of being a good leader and shows how much Tatum cares about the Celtics.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, in an interview discussing Tatum’s season so far, said, “He has done a great job. Obviously, his ability to lead on the court has been taken away. He has done a great job leading off the court with the work ethic of his recovery.”
Other teammates, including Tatum’s deputy of sorts, Jaylen Brown, have also praised Tatum for being a strong leader, which is something that has kept the Celtics going during his on-court absence.
Tatum’s recovery is reportedly going well, and although nothing is guaranteed, there is a chance he returns before the postseason, which could be just enough time for him to lead them past the play-ins.
LeBron James Sends Strong Message After Trooper’s Viral Clash With Players
LeBron James weighed in on a viral sideline moment that kept college football fans talking long after Texas A&M completed a historic comeback against South Carolina. The
Texas A&M erased a 27-point deficit during its emotional win at home. Marcel Reed steadied the offense after early struggles and guided the Aggies on four straight scoring drives. The program celebrated its biggest comeback ever and kept its perfect season alive. Yet much of the weekend conversation drifted away from the field and toward a tunnel confrontation that spread across the internet within minutes.
South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor found himself at the center of it.
Harbor delivered an 80-yard touchdown late in the second quarter after turning a short throw from LaNorris Sellers into a breakaway run that showed off his track speed, per Sporting News. He pulled up while heading back toward the sideline, tugging at the back of his thigh while teammates gathered around him. As Harbor approached the tunnel, a Texas A&M police officer stepped toward him, pointed at him, and began shouting. Harbor kept walking and did not appear to notice the officer as the moment unfolded.
That clip exploded online, prompting public reactions from athletes across sports. James stepped in with one of the strongest responses.
“That A&M cop needs to suspended. That was premeditated and corny AF. He went out his way to start some shit. Do better man,” James wrote on X on November 15.
That A&M cop needs to suspended! That was premeditated and corny AF!! 🤦🏾♂️. He went out his way to start some shit. Do better man
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 15, 2025
His post spread quickly as fans and former pros shared their reactions to the video. Benjamin Watson, a former NFL tight end, criticized the interaction as well. “This is trash by this clown. Shoving players. Seriously. What are you doing,” he wrote on social media.
The wave of responses led the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue a statement about the situation.
DPS confirmed that the trooper involved left the game early. The agency added that its Office of Inspector General has begun reviewing the full incident. The statement noted that the department will not release any further details while the review continues.
Harbor Returns After Medical Check and Heads to Locker Room
Harbor went through a brief evaluation with South Carolina trainers before returning to action. Later in the game, he walked to the locker room with a member of the medical staff after spending time on the sideline.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer offered an update on Harbor’s condition after the final whistle. Beamer explained that the staff planned to send Harbor to the hospital for precautionary testing. “Just saw him in the training room with his dad. He landed on the sideline, and the guy came down on his chest. So I think they just want to, from a precautionary standpoint, make sure everything’s OK. So keep him in your prayers,” Beamer said.
Harbor’s health update closed out a tense night that began with a signature touchdown run and ended with a clip that overshadowed much of the on-field story. The confrontation continues to generate reactions from across sports, including two of the most recognizable names in the country. With DPS reviewing the incident and LeBron James calling for accountability, the fallout from the tunnel moment shows no signs of slowing.
DPS Review Places Spotlight on Sideline Conduct
The incident now sits in the hands of the Office of Inspector General, which will review the conduct of the trooper seen in the viral clip. The department confirmed the trooper’s early exit from the stadium as part of its initial steps. The exchange has also prompted new conversations about sideline protocol, game security, and athlete interactions with law enforcement.
Harbor’s status will remain a focus for South Carolina after Beamer’s postgame comments, while the broader discussion continues to grow online. The video spread during one of the biggest comebacks in Texas A&M history, yet the reaction to the confrontation may shape the aftermath of the night more than the rally itself.
