Raiders Start Cousins Over No. 1 Pick Mendoza, Texans Fifth Year Option for Stroud, NBA Brings Hammers Down On Clippers

Joy Taylor discusses the Raiders naming veteran Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, arguing the team’s instability and poor roster make easing Mendoza in the responsible move; Cousins is 38 on a one-year deal and becomes the Raiders’ ninth QB starter since Derek Carr, with new coach Clint Kubiak marking a fourth QB/HC combo in four years. She then criticizes the Texans for not extending C.J. Stroud despite picking up his fifth-year option through 2027, saying Houston’s reported $50M-per-year offer was rejected and delaying will only raise the price. Finally, she covers the NBA’s severe penalties against Steve Ballmer and the Clippers for alleged Kawhi Leonard-related cap circumvention, including five future first-round picks forfeited, a $30M fine, Ballmer’s one-year suspension, other executive suspensions, a $700K fine for Leonard, and additional compliance measures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.