Crossword Genius

Stop big name in NYC sport making a comeback (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'stop' is the definition.
(stem can mean to stop or interrupt)

'big name in nyc sport making a comeback' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'name' could be 'em' and 'em' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'st' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stem that I've seen before include "Slender vertical part, glass or plant" , "Upward part of a plant" , "Stop; stalk; ship's timber" , "Restrain the flow of" , "Dam" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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