Sports
Chris Paul announces NBA Retirement After 21 Seasons, Says ‘This Is It’
NBA legend Chris Paul has officially called time on a career that spanned more than two decades, announcing his retirement in an emotional statement shared on social media Friday.
The announcement came shortly after the veteran point guard was waived by the Toronto Raptors, bringing an end to a 21-year journey that cemented his status as one of the greatest floor generals in league history.
“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote. “As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel… but mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude.”
Paul reflected on his lifelong relationship with the game, describing basketball as the first bond he ever formed, one introduced to him by his father. He emphasized that while his chapter as an NBA player has closed, the sport will forever remain part of his identity.
“The game always gave me a reason to show up,” he said. “And the true leaders and fighters know that right there showing up is half of the battle.”
Family played a central role in his decision. Paul admitted that years away from home had taken their toll and that he now wants to dedicate his time to his wife, Jada, and their children, Chris II and Cam.
“This last season, I knew I couldn’t do it unless I was at home with my family,” he noted. “And now I know wholeheartedly the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam.”
A 12-time All-Star, Paul retires as one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history. Over 21 seasons, he played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
He led the league in assists five times and steals six times, was named Rookie of the Year in 2005–06, and earned 11 All-NBA selections during his storied career. Known widely by fans and peers as the “Point God,” Paul built a reputation for elite court vision, defensive tenacity, and unmatched leadership.
Tributes poured in from across the basketball world following the announcement.
Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson described him as “Point god” and congratulated him on a “legendary run.” Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell echoed the sentiment, while former NBA player Quentin Richardson called him “one of the all-time greats.” Former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike simply wrote: “LEGEND!”
Though Paul never captured an NBA championship, his impact on the game and on a generation of guards who followed remains undeniable.
With his playing days behind him, the future Hall of Famer now turns his focus to family and life beyond the hardwood, closing one chapter while leaving behind an enduring legacy.
A major transfer tussle is shaping up ahead of the summer window as Yan Diomandé attracts strong interest from German champions FC Bayern Munich and several top sides in the Premier League.
The highly rated winger, who has impressed this season with his pace and attacking versatility, is emerging as one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents. While RB Leipzig is yet to determine a final asking price, sources indicate that Bayern is monitoring the situation closely.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is understood to be an admirer of Diomandé’s direct style of play and believes the youngster could add depth and dynamism to his attacking options next season.
However, Bayern is not alone in the race. Several Premier League heavyweights; including Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur, are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Speaking recently on the growing transfer speculation, Diomandé downplayed suggestions that talks with Bayern are already underway.
“It’s always good to hear about interest from big clubs,” he said. “But right now, I’m focused on my football and helping my team. I haven’t held any discussions.”
His response has done little to quieten the rumours, particularly as clubs begin early preparations for summer recruitment.
Despite the mounting interest, some analysts have urged caution. Critics argue that while Diomandé’s talent is undeniable, his experience at the very highest level remains limited. Questions have also been raised about whether Leipzig will demand a premium fee that could test even Europe’s biggest spenders.
There is also the issue of fit. Observers suggest that while Bayern’s structured system could accelerate his development, the physical demands and pace of English football present a different challenge altogether.
For now, Leipzig holds the cards. With no official price tag confirmed and multiple elite clubs circling, Diomandé’s future could become one of the defining transfer stories of the summer
Bendel Insurance F.C. have continued to show grit and organisation under head coach Kennedy Boboye, remaining a tough side to beat both at home and on their travels since his appointment in October last year.
On Wednesday evening in Yenagoa, the Benin-based side displayed defensive discipline to secure a goalless draw against Bayelsa United F.C. at the Samson Siasia Stadium. The encounter, which formed part of Matchday 26 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, saw both teams struggle to find a breakthrough despite several attempts.
The result mirrors their earlier meeting this season in Benin, where both sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the first-round fixture.
Heading into the clash, Bayelsa United was positioned 15th on the league table, while Bendel Insurance sat comfortably in sixth place. The latest draw keeps insurance in sixth with 38 points as the campaign enters a decisive phase.
Up next, Bendel Insurance faces another stern test away from home. They are set to travel to Lafia for a Matchday 27 showdown against Nasarawa United F.C. on Sunday, February 22, as part of their double away fixtures in the second half of the season.
After another frustrating draw against Brentford, the noise returned almost instantly. Social media timelines filled with one word: “Bottlers.”
For many rival fans, it has become the default nickname for Arsenal whenever a title race tightens. But is this criticism fair, or has the narrative simply stuck?
The Shadow of Greatness
Arsenal is not just any club. They are the team of the legendary “Invincibles” under Arsène Wenger, the side that went unbeaten in the Premier League in the 2003/04 season. That achievement raised the club’s standards permanently.
The problem? Since that golden era, the league title has remained out of reach.
Despite FA Cups and Community Shields over the years, Arsenal has struggled to reclaim dominance in England’s top flight. And in football, history can become a burden.
When Mikel Arteta took over, Arsenal was rebuilding. He reshaped the squad, trusted youth, and restored belief. Players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard became central figures in a revitalized team.
In recent seasons, Arsenal has led the table for long stretches, playing attractive, aggressive football. Yet, when the pressure intensifies in the final stretch, results have slipped. Draws that feel like defeats. Narrow losses at crucial moments.
Critics argue this is not a coincidenc. Itt is a mentality.
The “Bottlers” Label
In football culture, “bottling it” suggests losing composure under pressure. Rival fans point to seasons where Arsenal built healthy leads only to see them disappear.
The comparison is often made with clubs like Manchester City and serial winners who grind out results when it matters most. Where City close games clinically, critics say Arsenal hesitate.
But is it really choking? Or simply competing against a machine built for dominance?
Arsenal’s squad is one of the youngest among title contenders. Experience in high-pressure run-ins can not be bought overnight.
While critics focus on dropped points, supporters highlight the growth:
I. From missing out on top four
II. To consistent Champions League qualification
III. To genuine title contention
That is not stagnation, that is progression.
Still, football is brutal at the top. Close is not enough.
Until Arsenal lifts the Premier League trophy again, the “bottlers” tag will linger. Fair or not, narratives in football are shaped by outcomes, not effort.
For critics, the Brentford draw is another chapter in a familiar story. For supporters, it is part of a longer rebuild.
The Bigger Picture
Every dominant team endured years of frustration before breaking through. Manchester City waited decades before their modern era success. Even Liverpool went 30 years without a league title.
The real question is not whether Arsenal stumbles. All teams do.
The question is: Whether they will eventually learn how to finish?
Until then, the debate continues.