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 explanation may well be incorrect...

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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