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Lawrence Okolie speaks out after failing drugs test days before Tony Yoka fight

21 April 2026 at 12:54

Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse finding following a pre-fight drugs test, putting his heavyweight clash with Tony Yoka in jeopardy. The pair were scheduled to collide this Saturday, headlining a Queensberry Promotions card at the Adidas Arena, Paris, where Okolie was expected to defend his No.1 position with the WBC. Having previously become a […]

The post Lawrence Okolie speaks out after failing drugs test days before Tony Yoka fight appeared first on Boxing News.

Liste arttıkça artıyor: Osimhen'e bir talip daha

Galatasaray'ın oyununun kilit ismi Victor Osimhen için bu yaz transfer dönemi oldukça hareketli geçecek. Nijeryalı yıldız için İspanyol devi Real Madrid devreye girdi.

Galatasaray geçtiğimiz sezon 75 milyon euro'luk rekor bonservisle kadrosuna Victor Osimhen'i dahil etmişti. Oynadığı futbol ve gösterdiği başarıyla kısa sürede takımın kilit haline gelmeyi başaran Nijeryalı yıldız için yaz transfer dönemi hareketli geçecek.

Galatasaray

REAL MADRİD İLGİLENİYOR

İspanyol basınından Fichajes'in haberine göre, Real Madrid, Galatasaray'dan Victor Osimhen ile ilgileniyor. Haberde, İspanyol devinin forvet hattında yeni bir yapılanmaya gitmek istediği ve Osimhen’in bu plan için ideal isimlerden biri olarak görüldüğü belirtildi.

Galatasaray

DEVLER YARIŞA GİRECEK

Öte yandan Osimhen’in adı daha önce de Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool ve Manchester United gibi kulüplerle anılmıştı. Galatasaray'ın bu transferlere nasıl karşılık vereceği oyuncu ile yollarını ayırıp ayırmayacağı ise yaz transfer döneminde netlik kazanacak.

Arda Turan'ın aklı Galatasaray'da: Okan Buruk korkmalı mı?

Ukrayna kulübü Shakhtar Donetsk ile tarih yazan teknik direktör Arda Turan'dan Galatasaray'a bir öneri geldi. Arda Turan'ın açıklaması sarı-kırmızılı taraftarlar arasında 'Aklı Galatasaray'da kaldı' söylemlerine neden oldu.

Teknik direktör Arda Turan yönetimindeki Shakhtar Donetsk, ligde şampiyonluk yolunda emin adımlarla ilerliyor. UEFA Konferans Ligi'nde yarı finale yükselerek zorlu şartlarda büyük bir başarıya imza atan Arda Turan yönetimindeki Shakhtar Donetsk bu kez de ligde tarihi rekabette gol atamadığı zorlu rakibi Polisyya'yı 1-0 mağlup etti. Arda Turan'ın ekibi böylece şampiyonluk yolunda önemli bir engeli aştı.

Arda Turan

GALATASARAY YORUMU

Öte yandan Galatasaraylı eski futbolcu Arda Turan'dan Galatasaray için de bir öneri geldi. Tecrübeli teknik adam Galatasaray'ın GSYİAD'a kapılarını açması çok faydalı olabileceğini savundu. İşte o açıklama:

-Galatasaray'ın GSYİAD'a kapılarını açması çok faydalı. Galatasaray Kulübü'nün kaybedecek bir dakikası bile yok çünkü; potensiyeli Real Madrid'in Barcelona'nın Bayern Münih'in United'ın potansiyeli. Seyircisinin gücü böyle bir güç.

Arda Turan

OKAN BURUK SONRASI

Arda Turan'ın bu yorumu sarı-kırmızılı taraftarların 'Aklı Galatasaray'da kaldı'' yorumları yapmasına neden oldu. Öte yandan Arda Turan'ın gelecekte Galatasaray'ın teknik direktörlüğüne gelme ihtimali konuşuluyor. Okan Buruk'un olası ayrılığında sarı-kırmızılıların Arda Turan ile anlaşması oldukça olası gözüküyor.

Neler yapıyorsun Bursaspor: Tam bir çılgınlık

Nesine 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup'ta şampiyonluğunu ilan ederek 1. Lig'e yükselmeyi garantileyen Bursaspor taraftarı bir kez daha herkesi şaşırttı. Takımını her daim büyük bir coşkuyla destekleyen Bursaspor taraftarı, kulübün gelecek sezon için satışa çıkardığı 39 bin kombine biletin tamamı tükendi.

Nesine 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup’ta şampiyonluğunu ilan ederek 1. Lig'e yükselmeyi garantileyen Bursaspor'un gelecek sezon için satışa çıkardığı 39 bin kombine biletin tamamı tükendi.

Bursaspor

Bursaspor Kulübünün açıklamasında, "Önümüzdeki sezon kapalı gişe. 39 bin kombine. Teşekkürler büyük Bursaspor taraftarı." ifadeleri kullanıldı.

Başkan Enes Çelik de paylaşımında Bursaspor'un 3. Lig şampiyonluğu, 2. Lig şampiyonluğu, 1. Lig şampiyonluğu ve Süper Lig'de şampiyon olduğunu ve Avrupa’da mücadele ettiğini hatırlattı.

Bursaspor

Görevdeki 2 yıllık sürede sportif hedeflerinin yarısını taraftarın ciddi desteğiyle tamamladıklarını aktaran Çelik, şunları kaydetti:

"3. Lig'den itibaren kombinelerini yenileyen ve bu sene kalan kombineleri de satın alan, yani bizimle bu yolculuğa en alt liglerden başlayan vefakar taraftarlarımız kulübümüzün Süper Lig'deki ve Avrupa'daki başarılarını da görmeye öncelikle hak sahibi olacaklar. 3 gün verilen emekler neticesi oluşturulan koreografi için uğraşan tribün emekçisi kardeşlerime ayrıca teşekkür ediyorum. İlk 2 yılımızda tam anlamıyla tüm Bursa'nın takımı, bundan sonraki yıllarda ise inşallah Türkiye'nin takımı Bursaspor'u izleyeceğiz."

Galatasaray evinde kazanmak istiyor

Galatasaray, Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde yarın Gençlerbirliği'ni ağırlayacak.

Galatasaray, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde yarın Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni konuk edecek.

RAMS Park'taki müsabaka saat 20.30'da başlayacak.

Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, Türkiye Kupası'nda A Grubu'nu 12 puanla en üst sırada tamamladı.

Başkent temsilcisi ise B Grubu'nu 10 puanla üçüncü sırada bitirerek, çeyrek finalde Galatasaray'ın rakibi oldu.

Bu sezonki 3. randevu

Galatasaray ile Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği, bu sezon 3. kez karşı karşıya gelecek.

Sarı-kırmızılı takım ile Ankara ekibi, Trendyol Süper Lig'de sezon başından beri iki kez karşılaştı.

İstanbul'daki maçı 3-2 kazanan Galatasaray, deplasmandaki müsabakadan ise 2-1'lik galibiyetle ayrıldı.

Galatasaray

Okan Buruk rotasyona gidebilir

Sarı-kırmızılıların teknik direktörü Okan Buruk'un yarınki maçta rotasyona gitmesi bekleniyor.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında 26 Nisan Pazar günü oynanacak ve şampiyonluk yarışını etkileyecek Fenerbahçe derbisi öncesinde tecrübeli çalıştırıcının Gençlerbirliği karşısında daha az süre bulan oyunculara şans verme ihtimali bulunuyor.

RAMS Park'taki son 13 maçta yenilmedi

Sarı-kırmızılılar, RAMS Park'ta rakiplerini konuk ettiği son 13 resmi müsabakada mağlubiyet yaşamadı.

Sahasında son olarak 25 Kasım 2025 tarihinde UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde Belçika temsilcisi Union Saint-Gilloise'ya 1-0 yenilen Galatasaray, sonrasında RAMS Park'ta 8 Süper Lig, 3 Şampiyonlar Ligi ve 2 Türkiye Kupası maçına çıktı. Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, bu maçlarda 10 galibiyet ve 3 beraberlik yaşadı.

Söz konusu maçlarda 34 kez ağları sarsan Galatasaray, 10 golü kalesinde gördü.

Türkiye Kupası'nda 10 maçtır kaybetmiyor

Galatasaray, Türkiye Kupası'nda son 10 karşılaşmada mağlubiyet görmedi.

Kupada son olarak 29 Şubat 2024 tarihinde konuk ettiği Fatih Karagümrük'e 2-0 yenilen sarı-kırmızılı takım, sonrasında organizasyonda 8 galibiyet ve 2 beraberlik yaşadı.

Sarı-kırmızılılar, bu süreçte 24 kez rakip fileleri havalandırırken, 8 gol yedi.

Gençlerbirliği'ne karşı son 5 maçta galip

Galatasaray, Gençlerbirliği ile oynadığı son 5 resmi karşılaşmadan galibiyetle ayrıldı.

Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, 1 Mart 2020 tarihinde 3-0 kazanılan maçla başlayan süreçte Süper Lig'de rakibini üst üste 5 karşılaşmada mağlup etti.

Söz konusu 5 müsabakada 16 kez fileleri havalandıran Galatasaray, kalesinde de 3 gol gördü.

AFFA “Dinamo”nun məşqçisini 1 oyunluq cəzalandırdı

21 April 2026 at 12:00

Bu gün AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin növbəti iclası keçirilib, İkinci Liqanın 23-cü turunun oyunları ilə bağlı bəzi qərarlar qəbul edilib.

Arena.az AFFA-nın rəsmi saytına istinadən həmin qərarların siyahısını təqdim edir:

İkinci Liqa, 23-cü tur

“Kür-Araz” – “Göygöl” oyununda “Kür-Araz”ın 5 futbolçusu sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün sözügedən komanda 70 manat cərimə edilib.

“Kür-Araz” – “Göygöl” oyununda təşkilati-texniki öhdəliklər pozulduğuna görə “Kür-Araz” komandası 100 manat cərimə edilib.

“Xankəndi” – “Dinamo” oyununun 90-cı dəqiqəsində “Dinamo”nun məşqçisi İsmael Vəkiliqazicahani hakimin qərarına etiraza görə ikinci sarıdan qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Dinamo” komandası buna görə 250 manat cərimə ödəyəcək.

AFFA “Neftçi”ni 26200 manat cərimələdi

21 April 2026 at 11:00

Bu gün AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin növbəti iclası keçirilib, Premyer Liqanın 28-ci turunun oyunları ilə bağlı bəzi qərarlar qəbul edilib.

Arena.az AFFA-nın rəsmi saytına istinadən həmin qərarların siyahısını təqdim edir:

“Zirə” – “Neftçi” matçı ilə bağlı sərt cəzalar

“Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda “Zirə”də 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Zirə” 700 manat cərimə edilib. “Zirə”nin məşqçisi Ağabala Ramazanov texniki zona qaydalarını pozduğuna görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Zirə” buna görə 2000 manat cərimə edilib. Oyun bitdikdən sonra stadion ərazisində hakimə məxsus avtomobilə zərər vurulduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə ilk dəfə yaşandığına görə “Zirə” 3000 manat cərimə edilib. Dəymiş zərər “Zirə” tərəfindən qarşılanacaq.

“Neftçi”də 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün sözügedən klub 700 manat cərimə edilib. “Neftçi”nin baş məşqçisi Yuri Vernidub hakimin qərarına etiraz etdiyinə görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Neftçi” buna görə 5000 manat cərimələnib. Oyun bitdikdən sonra “Neftçi”nin məşqçisi Dmitro Kara Mustafa hakimin qərarına etiraz etdiyinə görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Neftçi” buna görə də 5000 manat cərimələnib. “Neftçi”nin futbolçusu Breno Almeyda birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Neftçi” buna görə 3000 manat cərimə edilib. “Neftçi”nin azarkeşləri tərəfindən hakimlərin ünvanına kütləvi şəkildə təhqiramiz ifadələr səsləndirildiyinə və bu hal cari mövsümdə 7-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Neftçi” 8000 manat cərimə edilib. “Neftçi”nin azarkeşləri tərəfindən meydançaya kənar əşyalar atıldığına və bu hal cari mövsümdə 5-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Neftçi” 4500 manat cərimə edilib.

“Qarabağ”la “Sabah”ı azarkeşləri ziyana saldılar

“Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunu başa çatdıqdan sonra “Qarabağ”ın azarkeşləri olan sektordan meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə Ağdam komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilib. “Sabah”da 6 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün sözügedən klub 700 manat cərimə edilib. “Sabah”ın futbolçusu Abdulla Xaybullayev ciddi qayda pozuntusuna görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 2 oyunluq cəza alıb. “Sabah” buna görə 1000 manat cərimə edilib. Oyun başa çatdıqdan sonra “Sabah”ın azarkeşləri olan sektordan meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Sabah” 5000 manat cərimə edilib.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Turan Tovuz” oyunu bitdikdən sonra meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Araz-Naxçıvan” 5000 manat cərimə edilib. “Turan Tovuz”da 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün Tovuz komandası 700 manat cərimə edilib.

“Karvan” – “Şamaxı” oyununda təşkilati-texniki öhdəliklər (mətbuat konfransı otağı düzgün təşkil edilməyib) pozulduğuna görə Yevlax komandası 1000 manat cərimə edilib.

“Kəpəz” – “İmişli” oyununda “Kəpəz”də 4 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün Gəncə komandası 700 manat cərimə edilib.

Birinci Liqa: 23-cü turun bütün təyinatları açıqlandı

21 April 2026 at 10:00

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Birinci Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 23-cü turunun bütün təyinatları müəyyənləşib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

23-cü turun oyunları aprelin 22-də və 23-də keçiriləcək. Bütün görüşlər saat 16:00-da start götürəcək.

Birinci Liqa
23-cü tur
22 aprel

“Şəfa” – MOİK
Hakimlər: İslam Məmmədov, Asif Abdullayev, Safalı Ağayev, Niyaz Əhmədov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ömər Paşayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elgiz Abbasov.
Binə qəsəbə stadionu, 16:00.

“Cəbrayıl” – “Mingəçevir”
Hakimlər: Kamran Əliyev, Rəşad Quliyev, Elman Kərimov, Murad Səlimov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ramil Diniyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Emin Cəfərov.
Şamaxı Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 16:00.

“Zaqatala” – “Şahdağ Qusar”
Hakimlər: Ruslan Quliyev, Qəzənfər Məmmədov, Anar Bədəlov, Rasim Musayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rövşən Əhmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Anar Şıxəliyev.
Zaqatala Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 16:00.

23 aprel

“Şimal” – “Baku Sportinq”
Hakimlər: Namiq Bəkirov, Məmmədəli Kərimov, Samir Qaracayev, Sənan Bayramzadə.
Hakim-inspektor: Munis Abdullayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Asif Əliyev.
Şamaxı Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 16:00.

“Difai” – “Səbail”
Hakimlər: Alik Yunusov, Zakir Şükürzadə, Elmin Süleymanov, Nəriman Ağayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Babək Quliyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Törə Əhmədova.
Buzovna qəsəbə stadionu, 16:00.

Azərbaycan millisində yeni baş məşqçi

21 April 2026 at 12:29

Azərbaycan Üzgüçülük Federasiyası (ASF) bədii üzgüçülük üzrə məşqçi Yekaterina Matviyenko ilə əməkdaşlığa start verib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bədii üzgüçülük üzrə idman ustası müxtəlif illərdə Ukrayna, Misir və Rusiyada məşqçi kimi çalışıb, o cümlədən Misirin Olimpiya və yeniyetmələrdən ibarət bədii üzgüçülük üzrə milli komandalarında fəaliyyət göstərib.

Son illərdə Krasnodar şəhərində bədii üzgüçülük klubunun baş məşqçisi olmuş mütəxəssis ASF-nin rəsmi saytına açıqlamasında fikirlərini bölüşüb:

“Mən dünyanın ən güclü bədii üzgüçülük ənənələrindən birinə malik olan Rusiya məktəbini təmsil edirəm və məqsədim qazandığım zəngin təcrübəni Azərbaycanda tətbiq edərək həm Bakıda, həm də regionlarda bədii üzgüçülüyün texniki bazasının möhkəmlənməsinə, peşəkar inkişafına və kütləviləşməsinə töhfə verməkdir”.

Premyer Liqa klubları cəzalandı

21 April 2026 at 12:13

AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin iclası keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, toplantıda Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVIII turunun oyunları ilə bağlı aşağıdakı qərarlar verilib:

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Turan Tovuz” oyunu bitdikdən sonra meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Araz-Naxçıvan” komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 86.3);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Turan Tovuz” oyununda “Turan Tovuz” komandasında 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Turan Tovuz” komandası 700 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

18 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Karvan-Yevlax” – “Şamaxı” oyununda təşkilati-texniki öhdəliklər (mətbuat konfransı otağı düzgün təşkil edilməyib) pozulduğuna görə “Karvan-Yevlax” komandası 1000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 68);

18 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunu başa çatdıqdan sonra “Qarabağ” komandasının azarkeşləri olan sektordan meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Qarabağ” komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 86.3);

18 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyununda “Sabah” komandasında 6 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Sabah” komandası 700 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

18 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyununun 47-ci dəqiqəsində “Sabah” komandasının 6 nömrəli futbolçusu Abdulax Xaybulayev ciddi qayda pozuntusuna görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 2 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Sabah” komandası 1000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 44.1);

18 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunu başa çatdıqdan sonra “Sabah” komandasının azarkeşləri olan sektordan meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Sabah” komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 86.3, 86.9);

19 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Kəpəz” – “İmişli” oyununda “Kəpəz” komandasında 4 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Kəpəz” komandası 700 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

AFFA “Neftçi”ni böyük məbləğdə cərimələdi

21 April 2026 at 12:05

AFFA İntizam Komitəsi “Neftçi” klubunu böyük məbləğdə cərimələyib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “ağ-qaralar” Misli Premyer Liqasında “Zirə” ilə matçda (1:1) yaşananlara görə ümumilikdə 26 min 200 manat məbləğində cəzalanıb:

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda “Zirə” komandasında 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Zirə” komandası 700 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununun 90+6-cı dəqiqəsində “Zirə” komandasının məşqçisi Ağabala Ramazanov texniki zona qaydalarını pozduğuna görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Zirə” komandası 2000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 47.2);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyunu bitdikdən sonra stadion ərazisində hakimə məxsus avtomobilə zərər vurulduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə ilk dəfə yaşandığına görə “Zirə” komandası 3000 manat cərimə edilsin. Dəymiş zərər “Zirə” komandası tərəfindən qarşılansın (maddə 86.3);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda “Neftçi” komandasında 5 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Neftçi” komandası 700 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununun 90+8-ci dəqiqəsində “Neftçi” komandasının baş məşqçisi Yuri Vernidub hakimin qərarına etiraz etdiyinə görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Neftçi” komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 51.1, 11.3);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyunu bitdikdən sonra “Neftçi” komandasının məşqçisi Dmitro Kara Mustafa hakimin qərarına etiraz etdiyinə görə birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Neftçi” komandası 5000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 51.1, 11.3);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununun 90+5-ci dəqiqəsində “Neftçi” komandasının 33 nömrəli futbolçusu Breno Almeyda birbaşa qırmızı vərəqə aldığı üçün 1 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Neftçi” komandası 3000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 45.1, 11.3);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda “Neftçi” komandasının azarkeşləri tərəfindən hakimlərin ünvanına kütləvi şəkildə təhqiramiz ifadələr səsləndirildiyinə və bu hal cari mövsümdə 7-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Neftçi” komandası 8000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 52.5);

17 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVIII turun “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda “Neftçi” komandasının azarkeşləri tərəfindən meydançaya kənar əşyalar atıldığına və bu hal cari mövsümdə 5-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Neftçi” komandası 4500 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 86.3)

Kroos: “Heç vaxt belə fikrim olmayıb”

21 April 2026 at 11:48

“Real”ın sabiq futbolçusu Toni Kroos açıqlama verib.

Futbolpress.az AS nəşrinə istinadən xəbər verir ki, yarımmüdafiəçi karyerasını yenidən bərpa edəcəyi ilə bağlı dolaşan xəbərlərə münasibət bildirib:

“Heç vaxt belə bir fikrim olmayıb. Çünki istədiyim şəkildə ayrılmışam. Futbolçu səhifəmi bağladım. Həmişə düşünürdüm ki, karyeramı ən yaxşı necə bitirə bilərəm və hər şey istədiyim kimi oldu”.

Kroos karyerası ərzində “Bavariya” və “Real”da çıxış edib. 36 yaşlı keçmiş yarımmüdafiəçi 2024-cü ildə “butslarını asıb”.

Curve Founder Asks “Are We an Industry of Clowns?” After $750M in DeFi Hacks

21 April 2026 at 13:06
Hyperliquid News Today $29M DeFi Policy Center Launches in Washington, CEO Named

The post Curve Founder Asks “Are We an Industry of Clowns?” After $750M in DeFi Hacks appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Imagine your grandmother puts her life savings into Aave – one of the biggest DeFi protocols on the planet. Then on Monday morning she tries to withdraw and cannot.

Not because Aave was hacked. Aave says it is operating as intended. Not because rsETH was hacked. rsETH says all code is safe. Not because LayerZero was hacked. LayerZero says everything is working fine.

She just cannot get her money out.

That scenario played out for real depositors this past weekend. And now Michael Egorov, the founder of Curve Finance, one of DeFi’s most battle-tested protocols, has had enough.

“WTF? Are we industry of clowns?” he posted on X.

The Problem Is Not the Hacks. It Is How We Build.

Egorov’s argument cuts deeper than the rsETH exploit itself. His point is that $606 million in DeFi losses in April alone – led by the $292 million Kelp DAO drain and the $285 million Drift exploit – and over $750 million in 2026 so far, is not bad luck.

It is the predictable result of an industry that keeps adding centralized single points of failure without thinking through what happens when they break.

“All issues like this should be prevented BEFORE they happen, not AFTER,” he wrote. “Number of single points of failure should be reduced, not increased. When these points of failure are unavoidable – trust should be split.”

That last line matters. He is not calling for DeFi to become TradFi. He is calling for DeFi to take its own architecture seriously.

Egorov Wants the Ethereum and Solana Foundations to Step Up

Egorov specifically called on the Ethereum Foundation and Solana Foundation to bring ecosystem projects together and develop shared safety principles – covering how to build safely, how to verify safety, and how to properly configure infrastructure that other protocols rely on.

He also suggested the industry could learn something from traditional finance, which has long dealt with centralized points of failure and developed frameworks around protecting them.

When one follower asked whether Curve itself would share its own principles and risk management practices first, Egorov replied: “Need to formalize the set of rules but yes, possible.”

That means Curve Finance may be among the first major DeFi protocols to publish its own security standards – a concrete first step toward the industry-wide framework Egorov is calling for.

DeFi Will Win, But Only If It Grows Up

He closed his post with three words: “DeFi will win.”

The conviction is still there. But after a month that has exposed exactly how fragile the ecosystem’s trust assumptions are, winning is going to require building differently.

Arbitrum Security Council Freezes 30,766 ETH Linked to KelpDAO Exploit

21 April 2026 at 12:17
Crypto Trader Loses $24M in Violent Attack

The post Arbitrum Security Council Freezes 30,766 ETH Linked to KelpDAO Exploit appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Arbitrum Security Council has taken emergency action to freeze 30,766 ETH (worth $70 million) connected to the KelpDAO exploit. The action was taken to block attacker access and protect user funds, but it has also raised concerns over decentralization in crypto systems.

Arbitrum Freezes 30,766 ETH After KelpDAO Exploit

Today on X, the Arbitrum Security Council announced that it has frozen 30,766 ETH linked to the KelpDAO exploit and moved it to a secure wallet after a major hack. 

The council carefully considered the decision before taking action. Out of 12 council members, nine voted in favor of freezing the assets. The move came after close coordination with law enforcement, who shared information about the exploiter’s identity. 

“The Security Council identified and executed a technical approach to move funds to safety without affecting any other chain state or Arbitrum users.” 

The team ran deep technical checks to ensure the transfer did not affect any users or applications.

Threat researcher Vladimir S. praised the decision, saying, “Arbitrum just froze $70M in ETH hacked by DPRK-associated attackers in a recent KelpDAO incident. Nicely done!”

WLFI is accused of wrongfully freezing user assets, while ARB froze stolen funds linked to DPRK hackers.
One is ethically accepted, the other is criticized but both prove the same point.

When it matters most, governance overrides decentralization.

— Baeyeee (@baeyeee) April 21, 2026

The frozen funds will stay locked until Arbitrum governance, in coordination with relevant legal authorities, decides the next course of action.

A Major Hack, A Fast Response

It started on April 18, 2026. Attackers exploited a weakness in Kelp DAO’s LayerZero-powered bridge and walked away with 116,500 rsETH, a liquid restaking token issued by Kelp DAO. 

The exploit targeted compromised verifier infrastructure, giving the attackers a clean entry point to drain funds worth an estimated $292 million.

Two days later, Arbitrum moved. And instead of reversing the chain or affecting other users, the council used a targeted approach. It secured only the affected funds without disrupting the broader network.

This helped recover roughly a quarter of the stolen assets, making it one of the more effective responses to a major DeFi exploit.

Debate Over Decentralization and Control

Not everyone is happy with this move. Community members argue that freezing funds goes against the core idea of decentralization.

One X user questioned, “So a council can just freeze 30k ETH, and we’re still calling this decentralized?”

Leonidas, creator of the DOG memecoin, went further, stating,

“Decentralized has become a marketing term. Only Bitcoin is actually decentralized.”

Another user drew a sharp comparison: “WLFI is accused of wrongfully freezing user assets, while ARB froze stolen funds linked to DPRK hackers. One is ethically accepted, the other is criticized — but both prove the same point.”

A user named monerify raised a deeper concern, asking whether a compromised council could theoretically control all on-chain funds. 

No. They can make the chain claim that they did whatever they want to all of the funds on chain. But they cannot compel anyone to listen to those claims. Everyone else can make different claims and choose which set of claims to honor.

— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) April 21, 2026

Ripple CTO David Schwartz stepped in to clarify: “They can make the chain claim that they did whatever they want to all of the funds on the chain. But they cannot compel anyone to listen to those claims. Everyone else can make different claims and choose which set of claims to honor.”

What Next?

For now, the funds will remain frozen. Arbitrum governance now controls the stolen ETH, keeping it locked in a secure wallet.

No timeline has been set for the final decision, but the process will involve coordination with law enforcement, given the suspected DPRK-linked attackers behind the exploit.

For Kelp DAO users, the recovery of even a quarter of the stolen funds is a big relief.

Dogecoin Price Analysis: Is DOGE Primed for More Downside Risk This Month?

21 April 2026 at 12:15
Dogecoin Price Today Jumps After Elon Musk Comment

The post Dogecoin Price Analysis: Is DOGE Primed for More Downside Risk This Month? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Dogecoin price has been tightly consolidating below a pivotal resistance level since the start of the year, after breaking down from a structure. This could signal a potential bearish set-up, promoting more downside action, but in the long-term, potential remains bullish. New wallet addresses are still emerging, and institutional exposure, reflected in rising ETF balances, continues to build steadily.

This divergence suggests that while the short-term trend remains bearish, accumulation may be quietly taking place beneath the surface, setting up a potential shift in market dynamics if supported by stronger price confirmation.

Dogecoin Price Analysis: Bearish Structure Deepens Below Key Resistance

Dogecoin price continues to trade under pressure as the weekly chart confirms a clear shift from bullish momentum to a sustained downtrend.  The price broke the head and shoulder pattern and is yet to mark a bottom, which is somewhere around $0.4. Momentum indicators add to the downside bias. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) remains in negative territory, pointing to persistent capital outflows, while the RSI hovers below the neutral zone, reflecting weak buying strength.

doge price

Historically, similar breakdowns have resulted in sharp corrections of over 70%, and the current setup appears to mirror that pattern. If selling pressure continues, Dogecoin price could revisit the $0.07 level, with a deeper decline toward the $0.03–$0.04 range, levels last seen in early 2021, remaining a realistic scenario.

From a trader’s perspective, the structure remains bearish unless a clear shift occurs. A sustained reclaim above the $0.18 resistance zone, supported by rising volume and a move in RSI above 50, would be required to invalidate the current downtrend. Until then, rallies are likely to face selling pressure, keeping the broader outlook tilted toward further downside.

Top 2 Reasons Why Dogecoin Price Could Turn Bullish Despite Weak Structure

Dogecoin may be showing weakness on the charts, but the underlying data suggests a different story. Despite the downtrend, on-chain activity and institutional flows point toward quiet accumulation. This divergence raises the possibility that a bullish shift could emerge once the price structure begins to align.

Rising New Addresses Signal Fresh Demand Building

doge price

On-chain data shows periodic spikes in new Dogecoin addresses, indicating that new users continue to enter the network even during a downtrend. This is a critical early signal. Historically, phases where user growth persists despite falling prices often point to silent accumulation cycles, where smart money positions ahead of a trend reversal. While the price has yet to respond, sustained growth in new addresses suggests that underlying demand is not fading—and could eventually translate into upward momentum once selling pressure weakens.

Institutional Accumulation Through ETF Balances Is Increasing

doge price

Another strong bullish signal comes from the steady rise in Dogecoin holdings within US spot ETF structures. Despite the prolonged price decline, ETF balances continue to climb, reflecting consistent institutional accumulation. This divergence between price and accumulation is important: institutions typically build positions during weakness, not strength. If this trend continues, it could create a supply squeeze over time, supporting a stronger recovery once market sentiment shifts.

What This Means for DOGE Price

While the current price action remains bearish, these two factors highlight a growing underlying bid for Dogecoin. The market is showing early signs of accumulation beneath the surface, even as the chart structure lags. A shift in momentum, such as a breakout above key resistance, could quickly align DOGE price with these bullish on-chain signals, potentially triggering a stronger recovery phase.

Ethereum’s Next Rally May Have Started: But No One Is Talking About It

21 April 2026 at 11:47
Is Ethereum at Risk? Vitalik Buterin Reveals Post-Quantum Upgrade Strategy

The post Ethereum’s Next Rally May Have Started: But No One Is Talking About It appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum (ETH) still appears range-bound on the chart, but the underlying data is starting to diverge in a meaningful way. Over the past week, more than 101,000 ETH has been accumulated, pushing large holdings close to 5 million ETH, while spot ETF inflows have now crossed $12 billion, with consistent capital entering the market. At the same time, Ethereum continues to hold firmly above the $2,300 level, showing sustained demand despite the absence of a breakout.

This kind of disconnect between price action and underlying flows rarely persists for long. When accumulation and institutional demand build while price remains compressed, it typically signals positioning ahead of expansion, not after it. If this divergence continues to develop, Ethereum’s next rally may not start with a visible trigger, it may already be forming beneath the surface.

Trend Structure Shifts as SuperTrend Flips Bullish

Ethereum’s broader trend structure has begun to turn, supported by a key technical signal. The SuperTrend indicator has flipped bullish on the daily timeframe for the first time in over a year, marking a shift in directional bias after a prolonged corrective phase. This transition is occurring while ETH is still trading below major resistance, which makes it structurally significant rather than reactive.

ETH price analysis

Such early trend reversals typically indicate that downside pressure has weakened and the market is entering a transition phase. When combined with stable price behavior, it often reflects the beginning of a new cycle rather than the end of the previous one.

Accumulation Expands as Large Holders Position Early

On-chain and treasury data show that accumulation is not only present but accelerating. BitMine added 101,627 ETH within a single week, pushing its total holdings to approximately 4.976 million ETH. This marks one of the largest accumulation phases recorded in recent months and reflects a clear increase in exposure from large players.

🚨BITMINE ADDS 101,627 ETH IN ONE WEEK

BitMine’s total $ETH holdings have reached 4.976 MILLION after the latest accumulation. One of its biggest weekly accumulation since December 15, 2025. pic.twitter.com/aPJHAtsm9y

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) April 20, 2026

Accumulation is taking place while Ethereum remains within a defined range, rather than during a breakout. This indicates that buying is driven by positioning at current levels, not by momentum. Such behavior is typically associated with early-stage accumulation, where capital enters before broader market participation.

ETF Inflows Show Consistent Institutional Demand

Institutional flows are reinforcing the same trend observed in accumulation data. Ethereum spot ETFs have now recorded $12.01 billion in cumulative inflows, with recent sessions showing steady capital entry. On April 20 alone, inflows reached $67.77 million, continuing a sequence of positive net flows following earlier volatility.

ETH ETF data

Total net assets have climbed toward $13.7 billion, reflecting sustained allocation rather than short-term interest. The shift from mixed flows to consistent inflows suggests that institutions are gradually increasing exposure under stable market conditions. This type of demand typically supports longer-term price structure rather than short-lived movements.

Ethereum Price Analysis: Structure Builds After Sharp Reset

Ethereum’s recent price action reflects a clear shift from distribution to accumulation following a sharp downside reset. After failing near the $4,000–$4,500 resistance zone, ETH saw a strong breakdown that pushed price toward the $2,200–$2,000 region, where demand has now started to stabilize the structure. 

Since the drop, ETH price has moved into a consolidation phase, holding above this base while forming a short-term range. However, during the consolidation, volume buildup indicates that participation is increasing even without a breakout. This type of behavior typically reflects absorption rather than selling pressure.

ETH price outlook

At the same time, the ETH/USDT price chart shows a developing “follow-on buying” zone, where higher lows are beginning to form after the initial rebound. This suggests that buyers are stepping in progressively, not aggressively, which is consistent with early-stage accumulation rather than late-stage momentum.

On the upside, the immediate level to watch sits near $2,800, which acts as a key resistance. A sustained move above this level would confirm strength and open the path toward $3,300, where the next supply zone is positioned. On the downside, the $2,200–$2,300 range remains critical. A breakdown below this zone would weaken the current structure and indicate that accumulation has not fully stabilized yet.

Overall, Ethereum is no longer in a corrective phase, but it has not transitioned into expansion either. The current structure reflects a base-building phase, where demand is gradually returning before any directional move unfolds.

Arbitrum (ARB) Coin Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Will ARB Hit $6 by 2030?

21 April 2026 at 10:20
Arbitrum Price Prediction

The post Arbitrum (ARB) Coin Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Will ARB Hit $6 by 2030? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Story Highlights

  • The live price of the ARB token is $ 0.1265.
  • Price predictions for 2026 range from $0.70 to $1.20.
  • ARB could extend toward $6 by 2030, if recovery structure holds.

Arbitrum (ARB), one of the leading Layer-2 scaling solutions on Ethereum, is currently navigating a phase where strong ecosystem relevance contrasts with prolonged price weakness. While the network continues to play a key role in DeFi and Layer-2 infrastructure, its price action has remained under sustained pressure.

Following an extended downtrend, ARB is now stabilizing near lower demand zones, suggesting that selling momentum may be gradually easing. However, the absence of strong upside movement indicates that the market remains in a transitional phase rather than a confirmed recovery.

This creates a critical question: is Arbitrum forming a long-term base after capitulation, or does the structure still reflect weak demand? With 2026 already underway, attention now shifts to whether ARB can reclaim key resistance levels and transition into a recovery phase. Read on as we break down Arbitrum’s April outlook and full-year price trajectory.

Arbitrum Price Today

Cryptocurrency Arbitrum
Token ARB
Price $0.1265 up 0.17%
Market Cap$ 764,279,300.31
24h Volume$ 91,136,384.8388
Circulating Supply6,040,824,145.00
Total Supply10,000,000,000.00
All-Time High$ 2.3975 on 12 January 2024
All-Time Low$ 0.0886 on 23 February 2026

Coinpedia’s Arbitrum (ARB) Price Prediction 2026

The broader outlook for Arbitrum in 2026 suggests a market transitioning from a prolonged downtrend into a potential recovery phase, with scope for a significant structural shift if key levels are reclaimed. Following its earlier cycle highs, ARB entered a sustained bearish phase throughout 2025, marked by a descending resistance structure and consistent lower highs. This trend extended into early 2026, eventually pushing the price into a deep value zone where it is now attempting to stabilize.

ARB price prediction

At present, ARB is forming a base near its lower demand region, indicating that downside pressure is gradually weakening. This phase typically reflects early accumulation, where long-term participants begin positioning ahead of a potential trend reversal.

Looking ahead, the primary objective for ARB is to reclaim its immediate resistance near $0.12, followed by stronger structural levels around $0.18 and $0.20. A breakout above these zones would signal a shift in market structure, opening the path for a broader recovery. If this recovery phase gains traction, supported by renewed liquidity, Layer-2 adoption, and ecosystem growth, ARB could gradually move toward the $0.70 to $1.20 range, representing a return toward higher valuation bands seen in previous cycles.

However, such a move would require sustained strength and confirmation across multiple resistance levels. Until then, the asset remains in a rebuilding phase, where failure to hold the $0.08 support could delay recovery and extend consolidation.

Arbitrum (ARB) News Update

The Arbitrum Security Council has taken emergency action to freeze the 30,766 ETH being held in the address on Arbitrum One that is connected to the KelpDAO exploit. The Security Council acted with input from law enforcement as to the exploiter’s identity, and, at all times,…

— Arbitrum (@arbitrum) April 21, 2026

Arbitrum’s Security Council froze about 30,766 ETH linked to a hack and moved it to a secure wallet so the attacker can no longer access it.

The funds are now safe, which helps protect users and shows the network can respond quickly to threats without disrupting normal activity.

The funds will stay locked until Arbitrum’s governing body decides the next steps, likely working with authorities and other parties.

Arbitrum Crypto Price Prediction 2026 – 2030

YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($Potential High ($)
20260.701.001.20
20271.002.002.80
20281.402.704.00
20293.004.205.20
20304.605.007.00

Arbitrum Price Forecast 2026

The Arbitrum price range in 2026 is expected to be between $0.70 and $1.20.

ARB Crypto Price Prediction 2027

Arbitrum (ARB) price range can be between $1.70 to $2.80 during the year 2027. 

Arbitrum Coin Price Prediction 2028

In 2028, the Arbitrum price is forecasted to potentially reach a low price of $1.40. and a high price of $4.00.

ARB Price Prediction 2029

Thereafter, the Arbitrum (ARB) price for the year 2029 could range between $3.00  and $5.20.

Arbitrum(ARB) Price Prediction 2030

Finally, in 2030, the price of Arbitrum is predicted to remain steadily positive. It may trade between $4.60 and $7.00.

Arbitrum Price Prediction 2031, 2032, 2033, 2040, 2050

Based on the historic data and trend analysis of the cryptocurrency along with the market sentiments, here are the possible Arbitrum price targets for the longer time frames.

YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($)Potential High ($)
20314.005.808.00
20325.007.309.80
20336.508.2011.00
20409.0013.0020.00
205013.0022.0032.00

Arbitrum (ARB) Price Prediction: Market Analysis?

Year202620272030
Changelly$1.20$2.40$6.00
DigitalCoinPrice$1.90$2.60$5.70
WalletInvestor$25.60$1.00$5.20
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FAQs

What is the Arbitrum (ARB) price prediction for 2026?

In 2026, ARB is expected to trade between $0.70 and $1.20 if it holds key support and confirms a long-term recovery trend.

What is the ARB price prediction for 2030?

ARB price prediction for 2030 suggests a potential range between $4.60 and $7.00, assuming sustained adoption and market growth.

What is the Arbitrum price prediction for 2040?

Arbitrum price prediction for 2040 indicates a possible range of $9 to $20 if Ethereum scaling demand remains strong long term.

What is the Arbitrum price prediction for 2050?

Arbitrum price prediction for 2040 indicates a possible range of $9 to $20 if Ethereum scaling demand remains strong long term.

What could impact Arbitrum’s price the most?

ARB price is influenced by Ethereum activity, Layer-2 adoption, overall crypto market trends, and broader investor sentiment.

Is Arbitrum a good long-term investment?

Arbitrum shows long-term potential due to Ethereum adoption, but ARB remains volatile and best suited for investors with risk tolerance.

Japan’s JSCC tests using government bonds as digital collateral on blockchain

21 April 2026 at 11:56
Japan’s clearing arm JSCC has begun testing whether government bonds can function as digital collateral on blockchain infrastructure. According to a Monday announcement from Japan Securities Clearing Corporation, part of Japan Exchange Group, the firm has partnered with Mizuho Financial…

Milan turn to Sorloth after Vlahovic and Lewandowski’s demands – report

21 April 2026 at 12:43

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth is the latest striker targeted by Milan for next summer, as the Rossoneri have received hefty salary demands from Dusan Vlahovic and Robert Lewandowski.

Latest Milan transfer updates: Sorloth

Milan will be looking for a new centre-forward in the 2026-27 campaign, and several strikers have already been linked with a move to San Siro in recent months.

According to Gazzetta, the latest Rossoneri target is Atletico Madrid forward Sorloth, 30, who has scored 17 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions this season.

The pink paper claims that Atletico Madrid’s asking price is €40m including add-ons, but their demands will likely be lowered to circa €25m if the experienced striker fails to impress in the final games of the season and during the World Cup.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 18: Alexander Sorloth of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 18, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 18: Alexander Sorloth of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 18, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Gazzetta confirms that Milan directors had held talks with Lewandowski’s agent, but the Poland international’s salary demands are too high for the Rossoneri.

The same is true of Juventus’ forward Vlahovic, even if, in this case, the gap between the striker’s request and the club’s potential offer is not that big.

TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus takes a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus takes a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Both Vlahovic and Lewandowski are available on free transfers as their contracts expire this coming June.

Gazzetta reports that Chelsea-owned Nicolas Jackson and Club Brugges’ Nicolò Tresoldi, a U21 Germany international, are also on the Rossoneri’s agenda.

Coppa Italia: Inter vs. Como – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV

21 April 2026 at 11:58

Marcus Thuram’s Inter and Nico Paz’s Como meet at San Siro for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals tonight.

It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) at San Siro. The first leg played in Como in March ended in a 0-0 draw so tonight’s winner will qualify for the final against Atalanta or Lazio.

Inter must cope without Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni, while Sergi Roberto and Jayden Addai are unavailable for Como.

Josep Martinez is expected to start in goal for the Nerazzurri, making his second consective appearance, with Francesco Acerbi, Carlos Augusto and Manuel Akanji at the back.

As per Sky and Gazzetta, Ange-Yoan Bonny is favourite oevr Francesco Pio Esposito for a starting spot in the Inter attack alongside Thuram.

COMO, ITALY - APRIL 12: Nico Paz of Como 1907 competes for the ball with Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Nico Paz of Como 1907 competes for the ball with Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Como will likely switch to a three-man defence, starting Jacobo Ramon Diego Carlos and Marc-Oliver Kempf at the back. Cesc Fabregas will look to Anastasios Douvikas and Nico Paz up front.

Inter vs. Como – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

COMO, ITALY - APRIL 12: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 is pulled by his shirt by Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 is pulled by his shirt by Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter vs. Como – probable line-ups

Inter (3-5-2): Martinez; Akanji, Acerbi, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Bonny, Thuram.

Como (3-4-2-1): Butez; Ramon, Diego Carlos, Kempf; Diao, Perrone, Da Cunha, Valle; Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

Today’s Papers – Coppa Italia Final at stake, Pulisic’s mystery

21 April 2026 at 11:24

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Lewandowski is increasingly difficult, new target

Milan, overtake for Sorloth

Inter-Como: Goal for history

Desire for a great final

Chivu wants the Scudetto and the cup: a double only made by top sides. Fabregas dreams of bringing the club where it has never arrived.

Serie A Red light

Escorts in the movida of Milan.Footballers among the clients.

Corriere dello Sport

Operation double

Scudetto and Coppa: Como arrive at San Siro (21:00) after the 0-0 in the first leg

Inter, total chase: if he beats Fabregas, he’ll take the final.

In the two Serie A matches, Chivu scored eight goals to Cesc. Bonny to partner with Thuram. Ausilio: ‘Bastoni? Who wants him must call.’ Atalanta-Lazio tomorrow.

DeLa: ‘Abete not a good fit for FIGC.’

Record Mou: now he’s in pole for Real Madrid

Juve, Lucio is Spalletti again

Team revived: the Champions League is near

Pulisic’s mystery: goal drought in 2026

Last goal in December: he’s unrecognisable.

Harrison’s magic: survival sealed

Tiago Gabriel keeps Di Francesco alive.

Tuttosport

Pulici, Toro legend, explains why he has worn an anti-Cairo bandage

‘I’m the fans’ spokesperson.’

Pellegrini votes for Spalletti

Juve, desire for second place and Lucio ‘attracts’

The Roma midfielder has a contract expiring and is a Bianconeri target: ‘Out-of-the-ordinary coach and a great relationship with him.’ The coach has even solved the over-reliance on Yildiz, and he wants David in the pre-season to better assess him.

Inter for the glory, Como for history

San Siro sold out: start again from 0-0. Chivu aims for the double with the Scudetto, Cesc to never-reached target. Thuram-Paz, what a duel!

Fiorentina nearly safe, but Lecce don’t give up.

 

 

Rosenior confirms under-fire Chelsea winger firmly remains in his future plans

21 April 2026 at 12:58

When you make a high-profile, £40 million switch between two massive Premier League rivals, every single touch, pass, and mistake is inevitably put under a microscope.

Alejandro Garnacho is learning that the hard way right now.

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Against his former club Manchester United, the Argentine winger struggled to make any impact and his performance received heavy scrutiny.

The 21-year-old has come under severe criticism and reports in the media suggested that Chelsea could be looking to offload him.

However, manager Liam Rosenior has denied those rumours and confirmed that the youngster firmly remains in his plans.

Liam Rosenior reveals stance on Alejandro Garnacho

Speaking to reporters during his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s crucial midweek Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, Rosenior didn’t hesitate to aggressively bat away the speculation.

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When pushed on the idea that the club was already looking to cut their losses on a player who only arrived at Stamford Bridge last September, the manager firmly denied media reports.

He said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano:

“I’d like to know the source of the report…”.

“Garna is 21. Garna is someone who has special qualities when he is in a good place and he’s in good form. And my job is to help him reach those levels.”

Rosenior challenged the media room, making it crystal clear that an exit isn’t currently a topic of discussion at Cobham.

Chelsea continue to place trust in their current crop

Garnacho has undoubtedly found life difficult in West London. Since Rosenior permanently took the managerial reins from Enzo Maresca, the explosive winger has found consistent starting minutes hard to come by.

The raw talent is obviously still there, we’ve all seen what he can do when he’s firing on all cylinders but his decision-making and confidence have looked totally shot in recent weeks.

The Saturday showdown against United was supposed to be a revenge game for him, instead, it only highlighted his current tactical disconnect within Chelsea’s attacking system.

For now, the message from the manager is clear, he is focused entirely on coaching, not selling.

Pulling the plug on a 21-year-old investment of this magnitude after less than a full season would be a massive admission of failure from the club’s recruitment team.

Garnacho clearly needs an arm around the shoulder, a run of games, and a massive confidence boost to rediscover his form.

Contact made: Chelsea take first step towards signing 24-year-old attacking sensation

The post Rosenior confirms under-fire Chelsea winger firmly remains in his future plans appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Journo confirms Liverpool may have to pay more than €100 million to sign Salah replacement

21 April 2026 at 12:20

Liverpool’s long-term planning appears to be shifting into focus, with reports suggesting the club have identified 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande as a leading candidate to eventually replace Mohamed Salah.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the highly rated RB Leipzig prospect has moved to the top of Liverpool’s shortlist as they prepare for the possibility of reshaping their attack in the coming years.

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With Salah leaving the club at the end of the season, the Premier League side have started looking at their options in the market to replace the Egyptian attacker.

Liverpool’s recruitment team has therefore been quietly tracking emerging talents capable of stepping into a major attacking role and Diomande’s rapid rise has placed him firmly in the spotlight.

Yan Diomande is generating buzz across Europe

Diomande has quickly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking prospects.

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Despite being just 19 years old, the winger has impressed with his pace, confidence, and technical ability, qualities that naturally draw comparisons to elite-level wide forwards.

His performances in Germany have caught the attention of several top clubs, and Liverpool’s interest reflects their strategy of targeting players with both immediate impact potential and long-term growth.

The winger has scored 13 goals for the German side in all competitions this season.

RB Leipzig, known for developing young stars and selling them at premium prices, are already working to secure Diomande’s future.

The club is preparing to meet with the player’s newly appointed agents in the coming days.

The objective is clear: adjust his contract terms and ensure he remains part of Leipzig’s plans for the 2026/27 season.

Liverpool and PSG are in the race to sign Diomande

Plettenberg notes that if Liverpool, or the similarly interested Paris Saint-Germain, come knocking, Leipzig will demand a staggering fee well north of €100 million.

In a desperate bid to fend off the circling European heavyweights, Leipzig are already moving to secure his immediate future.

Replacing a genuine club icon like Salah is an impossible job on paper, but Diomande possesses the exact kind of explosive, dynamic profile that Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment team values.

Whether the Reds are willing to shatter the €100 million barrier to get their man is the biggest question heading into the summer window.

Report: Liverpool turn attention towards €71 million winger to solve left-wing issues 

The post Journo confirms Liverpool may have to pay more than €100 million to sign Salah replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Are you crazy?” – Arsenal fans want Luis Enrique but Gunners given warning about PSG manager

21 April 2026 at 12:01

There are plenty of Arsenal fans on social media who are calling for Luis Enrique to replace Mikel Arteta as manager this summer after the team’s recent collapse.

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The Gunners are on an awful run of just one win from their last six games in all competitions at the most important stage of the season, with Arteta’s side losing both the Carabao Cup final and last weekend’s crucial title race six-pointer against rivals Manchester City.

Arsenal are still in the Champions League semi-finals, but the style of play has attracted a lot of criticism and plenty of Gooners would rather see Enrique come in to introduce a more ambitious and expansive approach.

Of course, some fans are still waiting to see how the season pans out and will no doubt be looking into how to buy Arsenal vs Newcastle tickets to see if their side can bounce back with three points this weekend.

But there’s undoubtedly unrest among a large chunk of the fanbase now, with Enrique looking like the ideal candidate after the superb job he’s done at PSG.

Rio Ferdinand insists Luis Enrique wouldn’t go to Arsenal

Arsenal have been warned, however, not to be “crazy” with their expectations, as Rio Ferdinand feels Enrique wouldn’t go there.

The Manchester United legend feels that taking the job at Old Trafford would probably be more tempting for the Spanish tactician, whilst adding that Arteta arguably deserves more time anyway.

“I would be careful what you wish for if I was an Arsenal fan if you think getting rid of Arteta is the best thing you guys could do,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.

“You have to remember where you guys were when he came.

“You guys are consistently qualifying for the Champions League, you weren’t before Arteta came. You’re finishing second most of the time, fighting for the Premier League year in, year out.

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“You’ve got to get over the line, yes I know, but you think the grass is greener over there with another manager? Who is the other manager?”

When Enrique’s name came up, Ferdinand added: “He is not coming to Arsenal. He’s leaving the best team in the world to go to Arsenal – are you crazy?

“Every manager other than Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Cesc Fabregas would go to Man United over Arsenal.

“He (Fabregas) doesn’t guarantee you anything, he hasn’t won anything, as talented as he is.

“I’m just saying, it’s not like you go from Arteta and say, ‘We’ve got a certainty’. Pep’s your only certainty and he’s not going to Arsenal.”

The post “Are you crazy?” – Arsenal fans want Luis Enrique but Gunners given warning about PSG manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Liverpool turn attention towards €71 million winger to solve left-wing issues

21 April 2026 at 11:44

With Liverpool staring down a necessary and massive transitional phase in their attacking department, especially on the flanks, the attention has turned towards wide attackers.

The player on their radar is Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic wide man Bradley Barcola, according to Anfield Watch.

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The Reds are growing increasingly optimistic about their chances of pulling off what would undoubtedly be a blockbuster summer heist.

At 23 years old, Barcola is exactly the kind of profile Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment team drools over.

Bradley Barcola is high on the Liverpool shortlist

He is lightning-fast, technically gifted, and fits the absolute blueprint of an Arne Slot attacker, someone who can relentlessly press from the front, stretch play, and break down stubborn Premier League defenses.

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While the Frenchman’s contract in Paris technically runs all the way to 2028, things behind the scenes at the Parc des Princes are reportedly getting quite frosty.

Extension talks have hit a significant brick wall. This situation is made even more complex by his recent decision to switch representation to Moussa Sissoko, an agent notorious for orchestrating high-profile transfers across Europe.

PSG know the elite tier of talent they have on their hands and are reportedly demanding a hefty fee in the region of €70m to €80m.

However, Liverpool’s top brass, led by Richard Hughes, sense a genuine market opportunity here.

They are heavily banking on the growing friction between the player’s camp and the Parisian hierarchy to potentially drive that asking price down to a much more reasonable figure.

Competition Appearances Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Ligue 1 23 10 1 2 0
UEFA Champions League 13 2 4 0 0
Coupe de France 1 0 0 1 0
UEFA Super Cup 1 0 0 1 0
Trophée des Champions 1 0 0 1 0
Total 39 12 5 5 0

Barcola’s stats this season

Reds could face competition to sign the Frenchman

But the Reds won’t have a free run at him. Barcelona are also heavily linked, eager to add Barcola’s blistering pace to their own attacking ranks, setting up a massive European tug-of-war.

The need for a left-winger, and in particular Barcola, has increased at Anfield since the Reds failed to replace Luis Diaz who left the club last summer.

While players like Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha have played in that position, both of them have failed to have the same impact as Diaz.

Landing a player of his supreme caliber would be a massive statement of intent from Liverpool, loudly signaling they are ready to ruthlessly rebuild their front line and challenge for the absolute top honours next season.

Just In: Liverpool move ahead of Man United and Real Madrid in race for £80m midfielder

The post Report: Liverpool turn attention towards €71 million winger to solve left-wing issues appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United ready to pull the plug on expensive flop they signed last summer

21 April 2026 at 11:19

As the 2025/26 season moves toward its conclusion, the Magpies are reportedly gearing up for a massive summer clear-out.

According to a recent report from iNews, the biggest name on the chopping block is Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle are reportedly willing to let the forward walk for a measly £15 million.

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That is a staggering £40 million drop from the massive fee they paid to pry him away from Brentford.

It certainly wasn’t supposed to end like this. When Newcastle splashed a heavy £55 million to bring Wissa to St. James’ Park, the expectation was that he would seamlessly translate his lethal Brentford form into Eddie Howe’s high-octane attacking system.

Yoane Wissa has failed to impress at Newcastle United

Back at the Gtech Community Stadium, Wissa was a talismanic figure, celebrated for his clinical finishing, versatility across the front line, and knack for popping up in the biggest moments.

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However, the transition to the North East has been incredibly frustrating.

Wissa has looked like a shadow of his former self, failing to replicate the form he showed at Brentford.

The striker has scored just one Premier League goal in 14 appearances for the Magpies this season.

Slashing his valuation to £15 million is a brutal, yet completely necessary, business move designed to get his wages off the books and free up crucial squad space for a much-needed summer rebuild.

What next for Wissa if he leave St. James’ Park?

At just £15 million, Wissa suddenly transforms from an overpriced flop into an incredibly tempting bargain for plenty of mid-table Premier League sides or ambitious newly-promoted clubs looking for proven top-flight experience.

As for Newcastle, this saga serves as a harsh, expensive lesson in the unpredictable reality of the transfer market.

After losing Alexander Isak last summer to Liverpool, the Magpies are still looking for a striker who can replace him and become the goal scorer that Isak was for them.

Even the arrival of Nick Woltemade has not solved that dilemma. Howe and his management team have some big decisions to make in the summer.

Newcastle United willing to sell Gordon to Bayern Munich on one condition

The post Newcastle United ready to pull the plug on expensive flop they signed last summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Prediction: Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Prediction: Real Madrid to win 3-0 Best Odds: 14/1 Bookmaker: Zetbet Real Betis and Real Madrid will lock horns with each other in La Liga this week. The match between Manuel Pellegrini’s side and Alvaro Arbeloa’s team will be held at Estadio de La Cartuja and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time […]

The post Prediction: Real Betis vs Real Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Real Betis vs Real Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

IPL 2026: Tilak Varma outguns Gujarat Titans as record-breaking blitz rewrites MI history

NEW DELHI: In an innings that will be remembered as one of the most explosive in IPL history, Tilak Varma didn’t just score a century — he rewrote the record books and outscored the entire Gujarat Titans lineup to power Mumbai Indians to a resounding 99-run victory on Monday.

Varma’s unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls was not only his maiden IPL century but also a knock packed with staggering numbers. The left-hander equalled Sanath Jayasuriya’s 45-ball hundred from 2008 — the joint-fastest ever for MI — announcing himself among elite company.



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Yet, what made the innings truly extraordinary was the manner in which it unfolded. Varma crawled to just 17 off his first 20 balls, before unleashing a jaw-dropping assault — smashing 84 runs in his next 25 deliveries. The 251-point difference in strike rate between the two phases is the highest ever recorded in an IPL innings.

“I wanted to spend time in the middle,” Varma said after the match. “In the first 20 balls, I was just batting ball by ball. Then I knew the ability I have… it was about reading the situation and backing my skills.”

For nearly 14 overs, Varma hadn’t struck a single boundary, managing only 19 runs off 22 balls. What followed was carnage. His final 23 balls yielded a staggering 82 runs, including 15 boundaries, as he tore into the GT attack with ruthless precision.

Records tumble in breathtaking finish



The closing overs turned into a personal highlight reel. Varma plundered 82 runs in the last six overs — the most by any batter in that phase of an IPL innings — eclipsing Quinton de Kock’s previous record of 80. He also hammered 64 runs in the last four overs, the second-highest ever, just behind Tim David’s 68 earlier this season.

Batting at No. 5, Varma became only the fourth player in IPL history to score a century from that position or lower, joining the likes of Yusuf Pathan, David Miller and Ben Stokes.

Perhaps the most astonishing stat of all — Varma became the first MI batter ever to outscore the opposition in an IPL match, with GT bowled out for 100 in reply.

“The first 100 will always be special… every game is important for us,” Varma said, also crediting his partner Naman Dhir. “The way he played with intent helped build momentum.”

It was also a long-awaited personal milestone. Playing his 60th IPL match, Varma finally secured his first Player-of-the-Match award — ending one of the longest waits in the league.

130409152

Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton has accepted the end of his peak years in F1

Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images

Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton can’t rely on the same instincts he used to in his younger years. Now 41, the seven-time champion is the second-oldest driver in Formula One.

Just nine drivers have won a Grand Prix after turning 40. The last to do it was Nigel Mansell at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix.

It’s also been more than six decades since anyone over 40 won a world title, with Bruce McLaren being the last to do so. While Hamilton still chases an eighth championship, there are those who question if he’s still capable of reaching that level again.

Lewis Hamilton realises he’s nearing the end of his racing career

Hamilton managed to win at least one race in each of his first 15 seasons in F1, but that streak ended in 2022. And by 2025, he’d gone an entire year without even a single podium finish for the first time.

Some see these numbers as clear signs of a driver past his best. Hamilton has even admitted to self-doubt on occasion, once describing himself as ‘useless’ and suggesting Ferrari should consider replacing him.

But speaking on the Stay On Track podcast, Hill said Hamilton has now ‘come to terms’ with reality. He knows he’s no longer in his prime, but his demeanour has generally been far more positive this year.

The mood shift may have something to do with Ferrari’s progress this season. Hamilton finally broke his podium drought at last month’s Chinese GP and looked like a contender again during the Canadian race weekend.

“It seems to me that he’s come to terms with the fact that he’s at that end of his career and you simply can’t keep doing the instinctive things you do when you’re 20,” said Hill.

Johnny Herbert urges Lewis Hamilton to face the reality of retirement

Speaking on the same podcast, Johnny Herbert added that Hamilton needs to be realistic about when it’s time to step away from racing.

Hamilton is under contract with Ferrari until the end of next season, and there hasn’t been any talk yet of him calling time on his career after that.

In fact, he’s said he wants to stay in the sport until F1 adds a race in Africa, and there’s no sign of that happening soon.

“With everything he’s done in his whole career, even before Formula 1, there’s always been that unbelievable talent that’s always been shining through,” Herbert said. “The one thing I would probably say if I was close to him is, ‘Be honest.’

“There is a point where things aren’t going to be as easy as they once were, your competitiveness is probably not going to be where it once was and you have to go: ‘I’ve had my time.’”

Read more:

How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this midweek

AMA banner
[BBC]

The Premier League has three midweek matches this week - and you can keep tabs on all of the games across the BBC.

Manchester City have the chance to overtake current league leaders Arsenal, while Burnley could be relegated.

Throughout the season, you can watch highlights from every game on Match of the Day, listen to all the talking points on Football Focus and keep across all the goals as they go in on Final Score.

Listen wherever you are in the UK via BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app.

Live text commentary will also cover all of the midweekaction, while digital highlights will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.

Who is playing?

The Premier League trophy with red ribbons
Arsenal could lose their top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City this week [Getty Images]

Tuesday, 21 April

  • Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

Wednesday, 22 April

  • Bournemouth v Leeds United (20:00 BST)
  • Burnley v Manchester City (20:00 BST)

What time is Match of the Day this week?

Mark Chapman (left), Gabby Logan (middle) and Kelly Cates (right)
Match of the Day will bring you all the goals and analysis from this week's Premier League games [BBC]

With only three Premier League fixtures across Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be no midweek edition of Match of the Day.

Highlights of the weeknight matches will be published at 22:30 BST.

The BBC Sport website is featuring highlights of every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season.

At weekends, these will be available on the BBC Sport app, website and iPlayer on Saturdays and Sundays - ordinarily from 20:00 BST.

If there is an evening match, highlights from all matches that day will be available 30 minutes after the final game of the day finishes.

You can join Alex Scott and guests every week on Football Focus (Saturday, 12:00 BST) for all the big talking points, reaction and interviews with players.

Don't miss any of the goals as they go in on Final Score - starting on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button from 14:45 BST and BBC One at 16:30 BST on Saturdays.

How to listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

BBC Radio 5 Live is bringing you 209 live Premier League commentaries this season, meaning more live Premier League matches than anywhere else.

Every matchday this season, you can listen to selected live commentaries, plus updates from all matches, on BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport app and website, and via your smart speaker.

Sports Extra 2 and Sport Extra 3 are new radio streams available only on BBC Sounds, offering you the chance to discover and enjoy more live Premier League.

Tuesday, 21 April and Wednesday, 22 April

Around-the-Grounds (19:00 BST) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Here are ways to download the BBC Sounds app in the UK:

Apple

Android

Listen on your smart speaker

You can now listen to commentaries via your smart speaker, so if you're busy at home you don't need to miss a moment.

Just ask your smart speaker to 'play 5 Live' or 'play Sports Extra 3', for example.

Or if you want to find your Premier League team, you can also - for example - say 'ask BBC Sounds to play the Fulham match', or 'ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Burnley'. This is available on most smart speakers.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

More questions answered...

NFL Mock Draft 2026 with player comparisons: Projecting the best NFL comps for first-round picks

NFL Mock Draft 2026 with player comparisons: Projecting the best NFL comps for first-round picks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NFL comparisons come with any pre-draft evaluation of prospects. The 2026 class is no exception, regardless of position.

Likening players entering the league to players already in the league gives a better understanding of what kind of talent a team will get — great, good, bad or somewhere in between.

From floor to ceiling, here's looking at Sporting News' first-round projections based on NFL veterans past and present:

MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:

NFL Mock Draft 2026

1. Las Vegas Raiders 

  • Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)

Mendoza is right up there with the best pocket passing prospects in the past 20 drafts, including first-rounders Matt Ryan, Joe Burrow and Jared Goff, and later-round sleepers Brock Purdy and Kirk Cousins, the latter now serving as Mendoza's ideal veteran backup and initial competition.

2. New York Jets

  • David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)

The Jets should have taken notice that Will Anderson Jr. just got a massive extension and that's the kind of dominant all-around potential Bailey has. He can also be as effective in coverage as Rams recent first-rounder Jared Verse and has some of that Brian Burns-like athleticism, too.

3. Arizona Cardinals

  • Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)

The Cardinals and the rest of the league has been well aware of how Micah Parsons came in as a star linebacker from Penn State and turned into a devastating, versatile pass rusher for the Cowboys and now the Packers. Reese can channel that same vibe from the Big Ten. 

    4. Tennessee Titans

    • Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)

    The Titans need to get a true No. 1 wide receiver for Cam Ward and after some late evaluation of Tate, they might seem him as the needed choice for their second-year QB instead of a luxury running back pick. Tate is a combination of Mike Evans and George Pickens with his size, strength, field-stretching ability and red zone pop.

    5. New York Giants

    • Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)

    The Giants have grown enamored with Love of late as John Harbaugh has vision of him becoming the new Derrick Henry and helping Jaxson Dart become the sequel to the Lamar Jackson dual threat the new coach had in Baltimore. Love has some Henry hammer ability, but he's more like recent Falcons first-rounder Bijan Robinson and speedy former Chiefs workhorse Jamaal Charles.

    Imagn Images

    6. Cleveland Browns

    • Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)

    The Browns might trade down from this pick should Tate be off the board as offense takes a little precedence over defense. But if they stay and take Downs to fill their safety cleanup need, they can take the hybrid of rival Ravens Kyle Hamilton and Ed Reed.

    7. Washington Commanders

    • Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)

    The Commanders are ready to take the best defensive player available and have liked what Styles can do in the middle of Dan Quinn's defense as their version of either recent Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly or future Hall of Famer and replace their own future Hall of Famer, Bobby Wagner.

    8. New Orleans Saints

    • Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)

    The Saints also can be fortunate to let the draft "come to them" and land Bain to be their pass-rushing and run-stopping successor to Cameron Jordan. The strength and power comparisons to Jordan (6-4, 287) are uncanny.

    9. Kansas City Chiefs

    • Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)

    The Chiefs can go to work reloading at corner after moving Trent McDuffie and Delane compares well to him as the strongest cover corner in this class with some shutdown potential. Kansas City will feel Delane won't disappoint like other recent first-rounders Pat Surtain II, Sauce Gardner and Quinyon Mitchell.

    MORE: NFL power rankings 2026 after free agency

    10. New York Giants (from Bengals)

    • Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298 pounds)

    The Giants, in the wake of trading former Clemson star Dexter Lawrence for this pick, can take a shot on Woods being a Chris Jones or Jeffery Simmons-level inside disruptor with massive pass-rush upside.

    11. Miami Dolphins

    • Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)

    The Dolphins have two first-rounders so the thought is they will prioritize offensive tackle before wide receiver in terms of key rebuilding needs. Mauigoa could be a strong long-term right-side solution in the Penei Sewell vein.

    12. Dallas Cowboys

    • Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)

    The Cowboys will be willing to be more aggressive to get defensive help, trading up for either Styles or Delane. They should be happy to have a prospect who compares very favorably to former top Browns starter Joe Haden.

    13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)

    • Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)

    The Rams are in the market for stashing a versatile future starting offensive linemen. Fano has some qualities inside of Mike Iupati and outside of current Seahawks starter Charles Cross.

    14. Baltimore Ravens

    • Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)

    The Ravens can go after their version of Michael Pittman Jr. as a potential big slot or a versatile route-runner in the Amari Cooper mold. They want a big complementary target to Zay Flowers and also lost key tight end target Isaiah Likely.

    15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    • Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)

    The Bucs did bring back Cade Otton and have key defensive needs, but this would be a unique way to replace Mike Evans in the new offense to better support Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka. Sadiq matches some traits of recent first-rounders Kyle Pitts, Brock Bowers and Tyler Warren and is the biggest positional freak since Vernon Davis.

    16. New York Jets (from Colts)

    • Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)

    The Jets could use a quick, reliable route-running slot to pair with Garrett Wilson. Lemon makes sense as someone who can get open often in the middle, la la fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown.

    17. Detroit Lions

    • Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)

    The Lions need to focus on their offensive line rebuild and getting the big, powerful and mean Ioane from the Nittany Lions would be ideal to maintain their run blocking strength inside. The best-case scenario is Quenton Nelson while Ioane also has qualities of long-time Browns stalwart 

    18. Minnesota Vikings

    • Dillon Thienman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)

    The Vikings need to replenish safety with some personnel losses and weaknesses. Thienman blew up the Combine as a dynamic athlete who can give them a huge playmaking force in coverage. He can be a scary combination of Kyle Hamilton and Cooper DeJean.

    19. Carolina Panthers

    • Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)

    The Panthers have a need on the offensive line and Freeling is an intriguing athlete who can start right away at either left guard or right tackle. He can also develop into a top left tackle and allow Ikem Ekonwu to bounce inside. He has a lot of Bernhard Raimann qualities.

    20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)

    • Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)

    The Cowboys can work on rebuilding their pass rush for defensive coordinator Christian Parker, too, with Mesidor, providing some explosive burst to transition well as a hybrid producer in the new base 3-4.  He has the potential to be the new Michael Bennett.

    NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBsWRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs

    Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor

    Imagn Images

    21. Pittsburgh Steelers

    • Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)

    The Steelers need to shore up right tackle with a powerful presence in the running game and his toughness and technique are reminiscent of the Broncos' Mike McGlinchey.

    22. Los Angeles Chargers 

    • Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)

    The Chargers will consider pass rusher and offensive line early, too, but they do have a key need at corner for a physical cover man. Terrell compares best to his older brother, the Falcons' A.J. Terrell.

    23. Philadelphia Eagles

    • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)

    The Eagles will have their eye on Thienman to address their key defensive need in the secondary but also should love the fact of McNeil-Warren meshing well in making plays in coverage like a bigger Kevin Byard III.

    24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)

    • Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)

    The Browns need to go to work in reconstructing the offensive line after all their big hits inside and outside of late. Lomu could be their long-term tackle like the Falcons' Jake Matthews.

    25. Chicago Bears

    • Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)

    The Bears have been attached to Faulk as a big complementary pass rusher to Montez Sweat since early in the draft process. His powerful style is much like a combination of former Dennis Allen stars Cameron Jordan and Trey Hendrickson.

    Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell

    Imagn Images

    26. Buffalo Bills

    • Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)

    The Bills need a high-energy, productive young pass rusher to rev up their rotation. Howell was built to thrive in their scheme. Howell has the sack-ability of former Aggie Von Miller with the relentlessness of Aiden Hutchinson to say he will have a high floor.

    27. San Francisco 49ers

    • Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)

    The 49ers have become more enamored with the massive athlete as they prepare to soon replace Trent Williams at left tackle. Proctor's appeal is how nimble is for that size and how he can develop consistent technique and execution in their blocking system. They are hoping he can be the next Williams or Jonathan Ogden.

    28. Houston Texans

    • Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)

    The Texans will keep piling on to their defense by addressing some of the weak spots. McDonald fills a big hole for adding more inside pass-rush pop like former Bengals star Geno Atkins.

    29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)

    • Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)

    The Chiefs aren't in desperate need at wide receiver but will need to think long before passing on Cooper should he remain on the board. Cooper compares most favorably as another version of Rashee Rice but also has some Brandon Aiyuk on-field qualities.

    30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)

    • KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)

    The Dolphins need to think about replacing Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill with a quick, speedy playmaker to give new QB Malik Willis a go-to guy. Concepcion can deliver well right away in that role all over the field and is most like Waddle.

    Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion

    Oct 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) celebrates after a first down during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

    31. New England Patriots

    • C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)

    The Patriots go for the best player available and take a linebacker in Allen whose speed, versatility, intangibles and sound tackling can make him a smaller version of long-time Dont'a Hightower for Mike Vrabel.

    32. Seattle Seahawks

    • T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)

    The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency and would benefit from adding this instinctual pass rusher to their rotation with some Jadeveon Clowney qualities in stopping the run.

    MORE:Biggest, strongest, fastest from 2026 NFL Combine

    Real Madrid settle on profile of manager they want to replace Alvaro Arbeloa

    Real Madrid settle on profile of manager they want to replace Alvaro Arbeloa
    Real Madrid settle on profile of manager they want to replace Alvaro Arbeloa

    The future at Real Madrid is all anyone is talking about at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite there being seven games to go in La Liga this season. Los Blancos are now out of all the cup competitions, and with a nine-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga, are on course for a second consecutive season without a major trophy.

    The main question is over the future of the managerial spot. While it has been reported for some time that Los Blancos will target a central defender and a central midfielder, but beyond that, there is little clarity on their transfer business. President Florentino Perez is set to meet with current manager Alvaro Arbeloa in the coming days to discuss what happens after the end of the season.

    Arbeloa unlikely to retain Real Madrid job

    There has been some pushback on the idea that Arbeloa will be relieved of his duties, with the decision reportedly hinging on that meeting with Perez. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that while there are those at the club that value his work, the word is that it is ‘difficult’ to see Arbeloa staying next season. Even with the backing of sections of the dressing room, it seems his days are numbered.

    Real Madrid settle on profile of replacement

    The latest coming from the Spanish capital is that Real Madrid are starting to narrow down the profile of the manager that they want to take over from Arbeloa. Jose Luis Sanchez has told El Chiringuito that the new man in the dugout must be ‘experienced, a winner and must command respect within the dressing room as soon as they walk in.’ Easier said than done.

    This would tally with the managers being linked to the job. Jurgen Klopp has been continually linked to Los Blancos, and would fit that profile. Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery have also been mentioned as options, but Pochettino has less of a record of winning trophies, and Emery’s previous handling of a dressing room of stars at Paris Saint-Germain was not a unanimous success.

    Manchester City must beat Burnley to make their win over Arsenal count

    Manchester City must beat Burnley to make their win over Arsenal count
    Manchester City must beat Burnley to make their win over Arsenal count

    With their 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday, Manchester City moved within three points of the Gunners, who sit top of the Premier League table. City play Burnley this Wednesday night at Turf Moor, and if they can beat Scott Parker’s side, City will move to the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City ramped up the pressure in the title race on Mikel Arteta’s side with their win at the Etihad. To take full advantage of their win over Arsenal, City simply must beat Burnley. No other result will do for Pep Guardiola’s side as they hunt the Premier League title.

    Manchester City must quickly move on from their win over Arsenal.

    There is no time for Manchester City to bask in the glow of their victory over Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side has another crucially important Premier League fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor to focus on. Any win over Burnley by City on Wednesday night will see them move to the top of the Premier League table by virtue of goals scored. City created an opening in the title race with their victory over Arsenal. It’s one you feel they must seize upon by beating Burnley, who are on the brink of relegation back to the Championship.

    Erling Haaland has called on his team to focus on the task at hand.

    Speaking after Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, Erling Haaland called on his team to quickly move on from their big win and focus on Burnley. He also reminded his team to stay humble after their win. He explained: “Every game is a final. Now when we are done speaking here, it’s starting to prepare for Burnley. That game is as important as this one. “We need to focus. We need to stay humble, don’t think too much and focus on the next game.

    No game is a given in the Premier League, especially at this point of the season. Manchester City have another crucial Premier League match to focus on which comes against Burnley. City must pick up three points at Turf Moor to take full advantage of their win over Arsenal. It is as simple as that for Pep Guardiola’s side as they cannot afford to waste the chance they created for themselves by beating Mikel Arteta’s side at the Etihad.

    Ian Poulter sarcastically reacts as the PGA Tour scraps Kapalua event to start their season

    Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
    Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

    The PGA Tour schedule is heading for big change from the 2027 season, which won’t start in Hawaii.

    Ending its tournament presence in Maui, the PGA Tour will explore options to transition the Sony Open in Hawaii into a PGA Tour Champions event.

    Held at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, the Sony Open served as this season’s opener and was won by Chris Gotterup.

    Previously The Sentry had served as the season-opening tournament from 1999-2013 and 2024-2025, taking place at The Plantation Course at Kapalua.

    The decision has since drawn a sarcastic reaction from former PGA Tour player Ian Poulter, who is currently competing on LIV Golf.

    Ian Poulter sarcastically reacts as the PGA Tour scraps Kapalua event

    Reacting to a report about the PGA Tour moving the start of its season from Hawaii and possibly making the Sony Open a PGA Tour Champions event, Poulter wrote on X: “Here comes the cost-cutting exercise from Private Equity funding.

    “Next up you’ll tell us all something silly like the PGA Tour are going to lay off 500 members of staff.”

    Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
    Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

    Michael Kim, currently playing on the PGA Tour, also shared his reaction to the upcoming schedule change, simply posting a crying emoji on X.

    What could the 2027 PGA Tour schedule look like?

    Further details about the 2027 PGA Tour schedule are set to arrive at a later date, but CEO Brian Rolapp has already made his plans clear.

    Rolapp wants a “marquee” event to open the PGA Tour schedule on the west coast, while more north-east venues could be added to the calendar.

    He is also targeting full 120-player fields with a cut, and a possible timeframe of late January to early September.

    It remains to be seen what the future of the PGA Tour will look like exactly, but it is the end of the road for Hawaii.

    And it’s a particularly disappointing end for The Sentry, which was not contested this year due to drought conditions on Maui, water conservation requirements and agronomic conditions.

    Read more:

    Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood issue strong responses to Bryson DeChambeau’s LIV Golf exit rumors

    Why the PGA Tour now only have one option after Matt Fitzpatrick incident at the RBC Heritage

    The PGA Tour warned there could be a ‘big problem’ if Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are allowed easy route back

    Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes shuts down possible $8M bullpen move after Edwin Diaz injury

    Roki Sasaki

    Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes shuts down possible $8M bullpen move after Edwin Diaz injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Los Angeles Dodgers have been trying to determine what was going on with Edwin Díaz after a relief appearance in which his velocity dropped. While Díaz initially assured there were no major concerns, it was revealed Monday that he will be out until the second half of the season.

    “Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, the team announced. The expectation is that the reliever could sit out around three months, a source told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez on Monday. Los Angeles put Diaz, 32, on the 15-day injured list before the team's series finale with the Colorado Rockies on Monday,” ESPN wrote.

    The Dodgers will now have decisions to make and a bullpen to restructure. One move that will not be made, however, involves second-year pitcher Roki Sasaki.

    “Brandon Gomes had an (expected) one-word answer to the suggestion that Roki Sasaki could shift back to the bullpen with Edwin Díaz's injury: "No." The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.

    The decision may come as a surprise, as Sasaki has done some of his best work out of the bullpen. Last postseason, he even served as the Dodgers’ closer, delivering electric performances in relief. So far in 2026, however, Sasaki has struggled.

    “While some fans are being way too harsh on Sasaki, it's undeniably troublesome to see the right-hander getting off to another rough start. In 2025, Sasaki's rookie season, his struggles out of the gate were such that he was ultimately removed from the Dodgers' pitching plan entirely. Injuries played a role in this, but Sasaki's temperament was also called into question,” Dodgers Way’s Colin Keane wrote.

    Los Angeles still appears committed to Sasaki as a starter, but if his struggles continue, a change could eventually be considered. For now, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes is not ready to move him back to the bullpen.

    The Dodgers are high on Sasaki as a starter as he has made $8 million from LA so far in his career. There are still several questions the Dodgers need to answer early in the season. While identifying Díaz’s issue was important, it does not appear Sasaki will be the one to replace him in the bullpen.

    More MLB news:

    Soccer player Dos Santos signs first pro deal after surviving fatal bar fire in Switzerland

    METZ, France (AP) — After surviving a fatal bar fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, French soccer player Tahirys Dos Santos has signed his first professional contract with Metz.

    The Ligue 1 club announced the one-year contract signing late Monday, nine days after the 19-year-old defender returned to play for its reserves team.

    Dos Santos was severely burned in the fire at a bar in ski resort Crans-Montana in the early hours of Jan. 1 that killed 41 people and injured more than 100.

    “This moment has an even more special meaning after the difficult months I went through in the hospital,” Dos Santos said in a club statement. “This test made me stronger and taught me to never give up.”

    The French teenager, who has family ties to Cape Verde, joined his local club Metz at age eight. His return to action on April 11 was in the French fifth-tier division.

    Metz is last in Ligue 1 and will be relegated to play in the second tier next season.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    Is it time for shot clock in high school basketball? Proposal coming to IHSAA vote

    The implementation of a shot clock in Indiana high school basketball will come up for vote at the Indiana High School Athletic Association board of directors meeting on May 4.

    If voted through, a 35-second shot clock would go into effect for the 2028-29 basketball season for varsity games only. Will it happen?

    Does college basketball need to lower the shot clock from 35 seconds to 30 or lower?

    IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig said that the straw polls conducted by the IHSAA at four principals’ meetings last week at Fort Wayne Snider, Hobart, Logansport and Pendleton Heights, the vote was about 70% against a shot clock. That vote is almost exactly the opposite the vote from the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, which is making the proposal.

    Neidig said there are 66 schools that are already set up with a shot clock in their main gym, according to a survey conducted by the IHSAA. The biggest concerns include the additional bench personnel to run the clock, the cost (roughly $10,000 per school according to Neidig) and officials’ concerns over resetting the clock and coordinating with the scorer’s table.

    “I think most of those things resolve themselves over time,” Neidig said. “It really comes down to whether it is good for the game of basketball.”

    As of the 2025-26 season, there are 32 states that now use a shot clock at the high school level. Alabama voted just this week to add a 35-second shot clock for the 2026-27 season.

    If the shot clock vote fails to pass, Neidig said he expects it will come up again in two years when the IBCA could again make a proposal.

    “The coaches association has to respond to what their membership wants,” Neidig said. “If 75 percent of their coaches want it, they are going to keep asking for it.”

    The National Federation of State High School Associations approved state adoption for a 35-second shot clock four years ago but does not mandate a shot clock.

    Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. And be sure to subscribe to our new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.

    This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA basketball: A 35-second shot clock will come before vote in May

    Can Juan Soto save sinking Mets? Return expected amid losing streak

    If Juan Soto wants to win MVP in the era of Shohei Ohtani, his quest begins with a rescue mission.

    Soto's first task will be helping dig the team out of its 11-game losing streak. The Mets superstar outfielder is expected to return from a calf strain during the club's nine-game homestand, beginning Tuesday against the Twins at Citi Field against the Twins.

    The superstar outfielder's reemergence comes at a pivotal time. The club enters Tuesday with the worst record in the National League.

    The Mets' journey back to relevance will take a demanding effort from Soto and the rest of his teammates; only four teams in major league history have reached the postseason with a losing streak of more than 10 games.

    This is Soto's chance to prove just how valuable he is to the Mets in his second season.

    What has gone wrong without Juan Soto?

    Mar 30, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) looks on before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

    Initially after Soto pulled up wincing as he rounded second base on a Bo Bichette single against the Giants on April 3, it appeared that the Mets might be able to at least stay afloat during his absence. The club scored a combined 24 runs in the final three games of that series — all wins — and walked off the Diamondbacks in the 10th inning of a 4-3 victory when they returned back home.

    But since then, the Mets' anemic offense has been the prevailing reason for the club's longest winless drought since 2004.

    In nine of the their 11 losses, the lineup has scored two runs or fewer. They have been shut out three times.

    "In general, we're not creating those opportunities," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Sunday. "In general, we're just not impacting the baseball as a team."

    Over the course of the losing streak, the Mets are 9-for-60 (.150) with runners in scoring position. They are walking 4.7 percent as a team.

    The club's .200 batting average over the recent skid is fragile, but it's not the worst in the league. Three other teams (Reds, Royals and Brewers) have worse averages, and the Yankees, who have managed five wins during the recent stretch, are batting only 10 points higher.

    How can Juan Soto help the Mets?

    New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) smiles as he is safe at third base, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

    Soto has a knack for putting immense pressure on opposing pitchers.

    A season ago in his first campaign with the Mets, Soto produced a .396 on-base percentage, including a league-high 127 walks. It was the lowest OBP of Soto's career yet still led the National League.

    In eight games before the injury, Soto was already off to one of the best starts of his career. He was slashing .355/.412/.516 with one home run, five RBI and three runs. His 160 WRC+ early in the season is elite — it would be 16th in the league among qualifying hitters.

    "He's the best left-handed hitter in the game," Semien said after the club's sixth straight loss last week. "We miss him, but we need to get him right. Make sure he comes back healthy. We don't want to see a situation where he comes back too soon and then something worse happens."

    The Mets are already short-handed, with injuries to Jared Young (torn meniscus) and the switch-hitting Jorge Polanco (right wrist contusion) adding to the attrition in the lineup. Soto's lefty bat would add further balance to the top of the lineup.

    Juan Soto will need support from Mets cast

    New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 14, 2026, at Dodger Stadium.

    The Mets handed out a record $765 million deal to Soto to be the type of difference-maker who can change the complexion of the lineup, but he can only do so much in four or five plate appearances.

    "Soto is irreplaceable and having him back is going to help us a lot," Francisco Lindor told reporters Sunday. "Hopefully he's back. He's in the top three hitters in the league, probably two, so yeah, he's going to help us a ton. He's gonna lengthen our lineup but even when he comes, we still got to get it done. It would be unfair to throw everything on him as a team.

    "We got to come together and execute. That's what it's going to come down to as a team."

    The Mets need more production up and down the lineup, particularly from their stars like Lindor and Bichette, but also throughout in run-scoring situations.

    During the rut, Lindor is 11-for-46 (.239), actually elevating his batting average from .167 to .205, but he has only driven in one run on a solo home run. Bichette is 10-for-42 (.238) with four runs and three RBI. Lindor is 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position, while Bichette is 1-for-8.

    Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have two hits apiece in a combined 59 at-bats. No one on the roster has driven in more than three runs.

    As Lindor said, Soto can certainly help, but the unit also needs to begin pulling its weight if the Mets have any chance of climbing out of the massive hole they've dug themselves.

    This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto to return from injury amid NY Mets losing skid

    'Learning from last year’s failures': SRH coach hails Nitish Reddy’s breakout run

    Despite not firing on all cylinders, Sunrisers Hyderabad have managed to stay in the top four of the ongoing Indian Premier League, a testament to their resilience and depth. The team hasn’t had the smoothest of campaigns so far. Their experienced pacers have struggled for rhythm, injury concerns have kept several overseas players out, and Travis Head is yet to truly hit his stride. Yet, across six matches, SRH have found different match-winners stepping up at crucial moments, a factor that has helped them secure three important victories.

    While the young bowling unit, featuring Ehsan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Shivang Kumar, and Praful Hinge, has shown promise in patches, one name that has quietly made a significant impact is Nitish Kumar Reddy.



    The All-Rounder Making the Difference



    Reddy’s contributions may not have grabbed headlines, but they have been vital to SRH’s campaign. His biggest impact has come with the ball, where he has been used across phases, from the Powerplay to the death overs, often filling gaps in the bowling attack.

    His standout performance came in SRH’s last outing against Chennai Super Kings. With the side one bowler short, the responsibility of completing the fifth bowler’s quota fell on the all-rounders. Reddy rose to the occasion brilliantly, returning figures of 2 for 31 in his four overs. Bowling both early and at the death, he played a key role in defending a competitive total of 194, helping SRH seal a 10-run win. His wickets of Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre proved crucial in shifting momentum.

    Interestingly, all four of Reddy’s wickets this season have come from good length and back-of-length deliveries, a clear indication of his growing tactical awareness. He has conceded just 77 runs in 57 balls on those lengths, maintaining a tidy economy of 8.1, while being less effective when going too full or too short.

    Backed by the Team Management



    SRH assistant coach James Franklin was full of praise for the young all-rounder, highlighting his growth and maturity.

    ''It’s great to see Nitish play the way he’s been playing this year. Last season, by his own admission, he didn’t quite perform at the level he expected. But that became a valuable learning phase for him,” Franklin said on Monday, on the eve of SRH's clash against Delhi Capitals, in Hyderabad.

    Franklin also pointed out improvements in Reddy’s bowling, from increased pace to better planning and execution.

    “The way he’s sequencing his deliveries and adapting to different batters has really stood out. His form is encouraging, but the challenge will be to maintain it through a long tournament, ” he added.

    Impactful Cameos with the Bat



    While his bowling has been impressive, Reddy has also delivered crucial contributions with the bat, often under pressure.

    His knocks, 28 off 13 against Rajasthan Royals, 39 off 24 against Kolkata Knight Riders, and a composed 56 off 33 against Lucknow Super Giants, have all come in situations where SRH needed stability after losing wickets. Balancing the dual responsibility of rebuilding and accelerating, Reddy has scored 136 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.

    "He's been brilliant with the bat," Franklin noted. "We've seen the bounce back early in this year's IPL, and hopefully he can maintain that form throughout. That's the real challenge for him. He's played some real good cameos and been part of some very vital partnerships for us, particularly with Heinrich Klaasen," Franklin concluded.

    Kroos rallies sporting world to stand for peace as he wins award

    Toni Kroos, German former footballer, holds his Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award during the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. Oscar Manuel Sanchez/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
    Toni Kroos, German former footballer, holds his Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award during the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. Oscar Manuel Sanchez/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

    Former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said sport stars should pull together to do what they can in "crazy" times after he received the special Sporting Inspiration Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

    The award honours achievements that go beyond sporting success. The 36-year-old founded the Toni Kroos Foundation in 2015, which supports seriously ill children and hospices that care for them across Germany.

    The 2014 World Cup winner was presented with the prize, which is rarely awarded at the illustrious annual event, at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid on Monday.

    The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player is only the fourth recipient of the award, which was first presented in 2017.

    "I think it is very important to present these values because ... I think we can see that things are going crazy in the world," he told the audience of sport stars, referring to various wars and other issues.

    "If we stand together for the right values, for the right things, for peace, for respect, I think we can achieve a lot because other things we can't control, but we can control ourselves."

    A football academy named after him was also opened in Madrid in 2024 and, according to Laureus, offers a training programme based on respect, responsibility and personal development.

    Coach Woodman to leave Gloucester this summer

    Trevor Woodman holds a rugby ball under his left arm to his chest while holding his right arm out and pointing his index finger during a pre-game warm-up
    Trevor Woodman has held various roles at Gloucester since joining their staff in 2014 [Getty Images]

    Assistant coach Trevor Woodman will leave Gloucester at the end of the season to join the backroom team at Connacht as the Irish province's scrum coach.

    Woodman, 49, has spent 12 years with the coaching staff at Kingsholm, returning to the club where he played in 2014, working with the academy, specialising in the scrum and with the forwards.

    The former England prop and World Cup winner made 140 appearances for the Cherry and Whites before retiring in 2005.

    "Trevor has been an immense servant of this club both as a player and a coach, so he'll leave with nothing but respect and gratitude for his time here," Gloucester head of rugby George Skivington said.

    "Our scrum has been strong under Trevor's guidance - he's done great work in that area.

    "He'll be sorely missed, but we've got some great guys coming into the building too, which is exciting."

    Cat Ferguson leads British hopes as UK start to 2027 Tour de France Femmes set to be toughest in history

    The Tour de France Femmes will start in the UK next year (Local Library)

    Further details of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ were revealed on Monday, with the UK hosting the first three stages of the race and London set to be the scene of its first-ever team time trial.

    2027 marks the first time the women’s race – by then in its sixth year – will step foot on British soil, while the men’s race will return for the third time this century, after starts in 2007 and 2014. It will mark the first time that both races will kick off in the same country, outside France.

    The race is expected to be the most-attended women’s sporting event ever held in Britain, with British Cycling and ASO – the Tour’s organisers – estimating some 10 million people will line the streets to cheer on the peloton.

    Stage one of the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Leeds and head to Manchester, before stage two moves from Manchester to Sheffield via the Peak District. Stage three will be a team time trial passing by many of London’s iconic landmarks.

    From a British point of view the presence of 19-year-old Movistar rider Cat Ferguson, who could make her Tour debut in 2027, will mark a full circle moment from that 2014 edition. Then aged eight, the Yorkshire native was inspired by watching the men’s peloton race past on her home roads, and hopes that the first edition of the Tour de France Femmes to visit the UK will have a monumental impact on women’s cycling in years to come.

    The first three stages of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes will take place in the UK (ASO)
    The first three stages of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes will take place in the UK (ASO)

    She told press on Monday: “Arguably we’re going to the two most iconic places in the UK, Yorkshire and London. I remember when the Tour came to Yorkshire in 2014, every time I go back home and train on those roads, I remember sitting on the side of the road with my parents.

    “I’ll give it my all to be on the start line. I don’t think I'll ever get an opportunity [again] to race on my home roads, with local voices and accents cheering me on.

    “I’d like to think I could be an example [of the visible impact the Tour can have], and if we’d had a women’s race in 2014, how many more girls it could have inspired. That’s what we’re hoping to achieve next year. It worked for me, the men really inspired me, but the participation numbers for girls specifically could have increased [with a Tour de France Femmes]. I think next year is going to be crazy.”

    Former junior world champion Cat Ferguson is aiming to make her Tour debut next year (AFP/Getty)
    Former junior world champion Cat Ferguson is aiming to make her Tour debut next year (AFP/Getty)
    Stage one of the Tour de France Femmes 2027 (ASO)
    Stage one of the Tour de France Femmes 2027 (ASO)

    Fellow Brit, Fenix-Premier Tech rider Flora Perkins, added: “I think with things like the Olympics or the men's Tour starting here, we've always seen that there's been a peak in cycling interest after that, and that's what we hope for this time round, that people who haven't come in contact with cycling before see this bike race and see especially women at the top end of the sport competing and think, ‘This is great, I love this, I want to do this more often’ or ‘I want to watch these women more often’.”

    Race director Marion Rousse described the British Grand Depart as a “hugely historic moment” for the Tour de France Femmes and a “huge step forward for women's cycling”. She said: “The three stages will be harder than they seem. [For] the young riders coming through, it’s wonderful that they’ll have the opportunity to be part of a race which is what women’s cycling deserves.

    “I remember watching what was going on in Yorkshire [in 2014] and seeing just how many people lined the streets to watch the race, it was a standout event in the history of the race and we’re really hoping to see similar support.”

    Stage one, on Friday 30 July 2027, will begin in Headrow in the centre of Leeds, mimicking the path of the men’s peloton in the 2014 Grand Depart. The 86km route, which crosses the Pennines and passes through Huddersfield and the Peak District National Park en route to a city centre finish in Deansgate, Manchester, will be “short, dynamic and tough,” according to Rousse.

    Stage two will retrace the men’s route from 12 years ago, when Vincenzo Nibali won in Sheffield (Local Library)
    Stage two will retrace the men’s route from 12 years ago, when Vincenzo Nibali won in Sheffield (Local Library)
    Stage two of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes (ASO)
    Stage two of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes (ASO)

    Stage two will similarly echo Tour de France history in the UK, with the finish in Sheffield re-using elements of the parcours from the 2014 Tour, when Vincenzo Nibali won and took yellow on stage two en route to his one and only overall victory.

    Rousse described stage two as “probably the hardest stage that we’ve had in a Grand Depart”. “There’s not one single flat kilometre,” she said. “The magic of the Tour is really going to come to life. This is going to be a Classic race and we can compare it to Liege-Bastogne-Liege next Sunday.”

    The stage will incorporate 3,000m of climbing across 154.4km and tackle some of the north-west’s biggest climbs, including the Winnats Pass (1.4km at 12.3%) and Snake Pass (5.4km at 4.6%). Two short, punishing ascents in Sheffield which the men’s race summited in 2014, the Côte d’Oughtibridge (1.5km at 9.1%) and the Côte de Jenkin Road (0.8km at 10.8%), will prove crucial.

    Huge crowds gathered for the Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014 and organisers ASO hope 10 million people will welcome the Tour de France Femmes next year (PA Wire)
    Huge crowds gathered for the Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014 and organisers ASO hope 10 million people will welcome the Tour de France Femmes next year (PA Wire)

    Ferguson has previously trained in the area alongside close friend and Visma-Lease a Bike rider Imogen Wolff, who is from south Yorkshire, and summed up the opening two stages as “super brutal”.

    Stage three will start and finish in the capital, with the teams racing over a central London circuit for around 18km, passing by the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and Tower Bridge en route to a finish on The Mall – the start and finish location for the London 2012 Olympic Games road race, won by Britain’s Lizzie Deignan (then Armitstead).

    Rousse said: “The Tour is seen from the sky with a [TV] helicopter but the city streets are our stadium, so we’ll make the most of the environment to showcase the best of London.”

    Barcelona pull out of the race for 19-year-old winger due to €100m demand

    Barcelona pull out of the race for 19-year-old winger due to €100m demand
    Barcelona pull out of the race for 19-year-old winger due to €100m demand

    According to SPORT, it has come to light that Barcelona will not pursue Yan Diomande for multiple reasons.

    Notably, the Blaugrana had seriously explored the possibility of signing the RB Leipzig winger. 

    In fact, less than a month ago, club officials held talks with the player’s new representatives

    At that stage, Diomande was seen as a leading option to reinforce the wide areas, especially with uncertainty surrounding attacking depth.

    There was a scenario where the move made sense, as Marcus Rashford was expected to leave, and there were also internal discussions around Raphinha potentially accepting a lucrative offer. 

    But the situation has shifted. Rashford’s departure still looks likely, but Raphinha is now expected to stay at Camp Nou for at least another season and that changes everything.

    There is more to the story

    With that, Barcelona’s urgency to invest heavily in another winger has cooled, and when the financial reality of the Diomande deal became clear, the club stepped away completely.

    RB Leipzig are in a strong position to retain Yan Diomande. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

    RB Leipzig are in a strong position and have no intention of negotiating on favourable terms. 

    Reports from Germany suggest the asking price is set at around €100 million, a figure Barcelona are simply not willing to entertain.

    From Leipzig’s point of view, there is no pressure to sell, as securing qualification for next season’s Champions League has strengthened their financial standing. 

    They are even pushing to extend Diomande’s contract, aiming to keep him for at least another year and potentially increase his value even further.

    It’s worth noting just how quickly Diomande’s rise has happened. 

    His move from Leganes raised eyebrows at the time, with Leipzig investing €20 million in a player who had barely settled in Spain. But that gamble has paid off in a big way.

    Now, the Ivorian winger is widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Europe.

    PREVIEW: Leicester City face relegation at home to Hull

    PREVIEW: Leicester City face relegation at home to Hull
    PREVIEW: Leicester City face relegation at home to Hull

    In what has been an absolute disaster of a season that has summed up years of mismanagement and turmoil, former Premier League Champions, Champions league quarter-finalists and FA Cup winners Leicester City are staring down the barrel of relegation tonight as they host Hull City in what is simply do or die for the Foxes.

    Tonight’s game is simply do or die for Leicester City; Rowett’s side absolutely have to win, or it will be League One football being played at the King Power stadium. The disarray on the pitch and in the boardroom has taken its toll on the Foxes, and it really is desperate times.

    Following a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday, which means they can’t catch Pompey in the table, heated clashes between players and fans summed up the situation Leicester find themselves in. A victory for West Brom later that afternoon meant the writing was all but on the wall for Gary Rowett’s side.

    Saturday’s results mean that in order for Leicester to avoid the drop, they’d need to win all of their last three games (something they haven’t managed to do all year) and hope that both Blackburn, Charlton and West Brom fail to gain a single point in their remaining fixtures, given how both West Brom and 22nd placed Oxford both have to play bottom side Sheffield Wednesday in their remaining games, that is looking like a tall order to say the least.

    With all of the eyes being on Leicester and what this game could mean for them, it can be easy to forget that tonight’s game is a huge chance for Hull City to realise their play-off potential. A win over the Foxes could put Hull just a point behind fifth-placed Middlesbrough and five points ahead of Wrexham in seventh. Sergej Jankovic’s side have been nothing but consistent this season and have flirted with the play-offs relentlessly.

    However, their form has taken a slight dip in recent weeks, with just one win in their last five games, which has spoiled what could have been lots of chances to really cement themselves in the top six; however, thanks to their consistency, they are still in a healthy position. A 1-1 draw with Birmingham last time out will have been disappointing, but they have the chance to make up for dropped points away from home, where they are particularly strong.

    Leicester have been relatively injury-free throughout the season, which makes the situation they’re in that much more baffling. Midfielder Jordan James won the EFL young player of the season award yesterday, which shows just how impactful he’s been on a sinking ship. The Welshman is expected to return to the fold after making his first cameo in weeks against Portsmouth.

    They are without centre-half Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli, who have been missing for the past month through hamstring and knee issues, respectively. Full-back Victor Kristensen is also out; his signing has been uninspired at best since he arrived during the side’s last Premier League outing last season.

    Hull City are without a multitude of players, which may explain their poor run of form, midfield veteran John Lundstrum is still missing alongside full-backs Cody Drameh and Ryan Giles, who have been key to the Tigers throughout the season. A damaging injury for Hull has been the absence of midfielder Regan Slater, who has been out for over a month with a calf issue. Slater has been massive for Hull this season, and his absence has been hugely felt.

    Elsewhere, for Hull, winger David Akintola is still out from a hamstring injury, which has hampered Hull in the wider areas up front.

    As for Hull, they have the chance to wrestle back from their poor form and really re-establish themselves in the Play-off picture, which will be a massive incentive for Jankovic’s side heading into this fixture.

    When is London Marathon 2026? Times, schedule, prize money, elite fields and how to watch on TV

    Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa crosses the finish line to win the women's elite race  (Action Images via Reuters)

    The TCS London Marathon 2026 is just days away now and over 50,000 runners will take to the streets of the capital in a bid to conquer 26.2 miles.

    Sabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa, last year’s champions in the elite men’s and women’s fields, return to defend their titles.

    Huge prize money is on offer for the winners, while bonuses are available for breaking tough barriers and even world records.

    There is talk of a two-day London Marathon in 2027, too, with the running boom showing no signs of stopping.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the London Marathon 2026:

    When is the London Marathon 2026?

    The 2026 London Marathon is on Sunday, 26 April. The race starts in Blackheath and Greenwich, with the finish near Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Road, opposite St James’s Park.

    London Marathon start times

    All times BST

    08:50am Men’s and women’s elite wheelchair races

    09:05am Elite women’s race at 9:05am.

    09:35am Elite men and first mass participation wave (championship wave)

    Regular additional waves through to 11:30am.

    How to watch the London Marathon 2026

    You can follow the elite races and mass participation race with Independent Sport and our live blog. While the race will be on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Coverage starts at 8:30am on BBC One. But live coverage will move to BBC Two at 2pm. While a second live stream will afford family and friends to spot runners at Tower Bridge from 10:30am and the Finish Line from 12:30pm on BBC iPlayer. Highlights with Gabby Logan will air on BBC Two at 6:00pm.

    The London Marathon finish line with Buckingham Palace in the background (PA Media)
    The London Marathon finish line with Buckingham Palace in the background (PA Media)

    London Marathon 2026 Elite fields

    Women's Field

    • Tigst Assefa 2:11:53
    • Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:14:00
    • Hellen Obiri 2:17:41
    • Degitu Azimeraw 2:17:58
    • Magdalena Shauri 2:18:02
    • Eunice Chebichii Chumba 2:20:02
    • Catherine Reline Amanang’ole 2:20:34
    • Balemelay Shumet 2:21:59
    • Rose Harvey 2:23:21
    • Florencia Borelli 2:24:18
    • Eilish McColgan 2:24:25
    • Jessica Warner-Judd 2:24:45
    • Fadouwa Ledhem 2:25:50
    • Marta Galimany 2:26:14
    • Lucy Reid 2:26:35
    • Julia Paternain 2:27:09
    • Louise Small 2:27:48
    • Verity Hopkins 2:31:19

    Men's Field

    • Sabastian Sawe 2:02:05
    • Jacob Kiplimo 2:02:23
    • Deresa Geleta 2:02:38
    • Amos Kipruto 2:03:13
    • Tamirat Tola 2:03:39
    • Amanal Petros 2:04:03
    • Geoffrey Kamworor 2:04:23
    • Joshua Cheptegei2:04:52
    • Shunya Kikuchi 2:06:06
    • Mahamed Mahamed 2:07:05
    • Philip Sesemann 2:07:10
    • Hassan Chahdi 2:07:30
    • Adam Lipschitz 2:08:54
    • Patrick Dever 2:08:58
    • Peter Lynch 2:09:36
    • Tim Vincent 2:09:40
    • Weynay Ghebresilasie 2:09:50
    • Tewelde Menges 2:09:58
    • Liam Boudin 2:10:28
    • Jake Smith 2:11:00
    • Jack Rowe 2:12:31
    • Andrew Fyfe 2:13:20
    • Alex Milne 2:14:03
    • Peter Le Grice 2:14:45
    • Sean Hogan 2:14:51
    • Christopher Thomas 2:14:55
    • Chris Perry 2:14:57
    • David Bishop 2:15:16
    • Charlie Sandison 2:15:38
    • William Mycroft 2:15:54
    • Yomif Kejelcha Debut
    • Hagos Gebrhiwet Debut
    • Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi Debut
    • Alfie Manthorpe Debut

    What is the prize money?

    Men’s and women’s elite races

    1st place - $55,000

    2nd place - $30,000

    3rd place - $22,500

    4th place - $15,000

    5th place - $10,000

    6th place - $7,500

    7th place - $5,000

    8th place - $4,000

    9th place - $3,000

    10th place - $2,000

    11th place - $1,500

    12th place - $1,000

    Additional bonuses

    Elite men

    2:02:00 - $150,000

    2:03:00 - £100,000

    2:03:30 - $75,000

    2:04:00 - $50,000

    Elite women

    2:15:00 - $150,000

    2:15:30 - £100,000

    2:16:00 - $75,000

    2:17:00 - $50,000

    Elite men

    • First and men’s course record (2:01:25) - $25,000 
    • First and men’s world record (2:00:35) - $125,000

    Elite women

    • First and women’s course record (2:15:50) - $25,000 
    • First and women’s world record (2:15:50) - $125,000

    Elite men’s wheelchair

    • First and men’s course record (1:23:44) $5,000

    Elite women’s wheelchair

    • First and women’s course record (1:34:18) $5,000

    “That’s what I’m looking for” – Liam Rosenior sends strong message to players ahead of Brighton game

    “That’s what I’m looking for” – Liam Rosenior sends strong message to players ahead of Brighton game
    “That’s what I’m looking for” – Liam Rosenior sends strong message to players ahead of Brighton game

    Liam Rosenior has called on Chelsea players to “stand up for the shirt and fight” ahead of Tuesday’s game against Brighton.

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    The Blues lost 1-0 to Manchester United on Saturday evening, their fourth consecutive league defeat without scoring.

    Chelsea currently sit sixth, seven points behind Liverpool who occupy the final Champions League place, but more worryingly they are only one point ahead of Brighton and Everton in ninth and tenth.

    Liam Rosenior calls on Chelsea players to fight for the shirt

    Rosenior is coming under growing pressure following the poor run of form, and will be fully aware anything other than a win against Brighton will see that grow even more.

    Fabrizio Romano has reported the Blues are still backing Rosenior, but football’s a results based business, and if things don’t change quickly he’ll find himself out of a job.

    With five games remaining qualifying for the Champions League is a very difficult task, but Rosenior has called on the players to “stand up for the shirt and fight.”

    “The first thing is we can’t be looking to other teams or other results, we have to look to ourselves. That’s what you have to do,” he told Chelsea’s website.

    “It’s easy to say these words, but it’s about belief and keeping the faith. The way you do that is you work as hard as you can, with as much quality as you possibly can, and you turn things around.

    “It’s about character now; it’s about standing up. It’s about people who are willing, in difficult moments, to stand up for the shirt and fight. That’s what I’m looking for tomorrow.

    “But I believe in them, and I believe that we can come through this period so much stronger, but we have to get this part right now.”

    If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

    In other news…

    Estevao will miss the trip to Brighton with it still unclear how long the Brazilian will be out for, whilst Enzo Fernandez is fit and available.

    More Stories / Latest News

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    There had been concerns about Fernandez after he came off towards the end of the defeat to United, and it’s a big boost to have him ready for Brighton.

    Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

    Barcelona forward ‘likely to leave’ this summer due to lack of game time

    Barcelona forward ‘likely to leave’ this summer due to lack of game time
    Barcelona forward ‘likely to leave’ this summer due to lack of game time

    Barcelona forward Roony Bardghji has enjoyed a positive impact during his first season at Camp Nou, but it has been limited by his opportunities. Playing behind Lamine Yamal has left him without minutes in the second half of the season, with the Spain international overcoming his sports hernia problems earlier in the season.

    Bardghji has shown he can operate as a number 10 or even on the left of attack, but there is little doubt that he is most comfortable on the right side of attack. The 20-year-old Swedish talent joined from FC Copenhagen last summer for €2.5m, scoring twice and giving four assists in his 23 appearances, although that amounts to just 616 minutes. Overall, it averages out as a goal contribution every 102 minutes.

    Bardghji likely to leave Barcelona this summer

    According to Sport, Bardghji is likely to leave Barcelona this summer. The Catalan side have received enquiries from Porto, Monaco and Stuttgart about Bardghji as far back as January. More recently, Juventus have supposedly shown interest in him too. However the Catalan paper maintain that any exit is more likely to be on loan than on a permanent deal, as Barcelona are keen to retain control over his future, as they believe he has significant potential. There is an acknowledgement that he needs a bigger role to continue his growth though.

    Will Barcelona replace Bardghji?

    The Blaugrana certainly appreciated having an alternative to Lamine Yamal earlier in the season, but it is a limited role. The ideal for Hansi Flick is probably to have a forward comfortable playing on the right as well as the left to back up Raphinha too. It could depend on what talent the Catalan side have coming through at the right-wing position in La Masia, as those 616 minutes could be supplied by a youngster.

    At the same time, it is a major risk if Lamine Yamal is injured not to have someone that can perform when called upon, something Bardghji demonstrated was the case.

    Liverpool ticket price increases seem even more despicable as FSG reap £225m boost

    Liverpool ticket price increases seem even more despicable as FSG reap £225m boost
    Liverpool ticket price increases seem even more despicable as FSG reap £225m boost

    Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have seen their net worth increase significantly over the past year, thus making their decision to raise ticket prices at Anfield even more despicable.


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    In late March, the Merseyside club announced that the cost of tickets for home games would rise from the start of next season in line with inflation, a decision which has been strongly condemned by supporters’ groups and Jamie Carragher.

    Match-going fans have since been urged not to spend any money once they enter the stadium on matchday, in an attempt to hit the ownership in the pocket just as John Henry and co have done to supporters by jacking up ticket prices.

    FSG’s net worth has increased by £225m in 12 months

    As reported by The Mirror, the annual Forbes Billionaires List has just been published, and its figures show that FSG’s net worth has increased by £225m in the past 12 months.

    The combined wealth of Henry, Tom Werner and minority shareholder LeBron James is cited at almost £7bn, with the former reported to possess a fortune of £4.2bn, the same amount at which Liverpool FC was valued last May.

    In the 2024/25 season, LFC posted a club-record revenue of £703m, a 14% increase from the previous financial period.

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    How can FSG continue to stand over ticket price increases?

    FSG have done plenty of good at Liverpool since their stewardship of the club began in autumn 2010, but they’ve also been guilty of some crass misjudgements, with the ticket price increases being their latest misstep.

    Increased matchday operational costs at Anfield were cited as justification for the rise in ticket prices (liverpoolfc.com), but that reasoning seems even harder to stand over now that we know the owners’ net worth has extended over the past year.

    While Henry and co enjoy even greater wealth, the loyal fans who follow the team on matchdays are left to pay even more to demonstrate their loyalty at a time when the cost of living in the UK is soaring.

    How can FSG stand over that when they evidently had the financial wherewithal to cover that cost? If anything, they ought to have gone the other way with ticket prices and earned reputational brownie points from the fan base.

    Huge credit is due to all Liverpool fans who’ve taken action to register their opposition to the ticket price increases – the fight must continue so that those in the boardroom in Boston are eventually shamed into reading the room and acting accordingly.

    Oilers host the Ducks with 1-0 series lead

    Anaheim Ducks (43-33-6, in the Pacific Division) vs. Edmonton Oilers (41-30-11, in the Pacific Division)

    Edmonton, Alberta; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT

    LINE: Oilers -191, Ducks +158; over/under is 6.5

    NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Oilers lead series 1-0

    BOTTOM LINE: The Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 1-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Monday for the fifth time this season. The Oilers won the last meeting 4-3. Jason Dickinson scored two goals in the victory.

    Edmonton has gone 41-30-11 overall with a 17-7-3 record in Pacific Division games. The Oilers are 40-9-8 in games they score three or more goals.

    Anaheim has a 43-33-6 record overall and a 15-11-1 record in Pacific Division play. The Ducks have gone 38-13-4 in games they score at least three goals.

    TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Roslovic has scored 21 goals with 15 assists for the Oilers. Connor McDavid has seven goals and 10 assists over the last 10 games.

    Cutter Gauthier has 41 goals and 28 assists for the Ducks. Leo Carlsson has scored six goals and added two assists over the last 10 games.

    LAST 10 GAMES: Oilers: 6-2-2, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.7 assists, 2.7 penalties and six penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game.

    Ducks: 2-6-2, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.4 assists, 3.6 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes while giving up four goals per game.

    INJURIES: Oilers: Max Jones: out (lower-body), Mattias Janmark: out for season (undisclosed).

    Ducks: Petr Mrazek: out for season (lower-body), Jansen Harkins: out (upper body), Ross Johnston: day to day (lower-body).

    ___

    The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

    Wild and Stars square off with series tied 1-1

    Dallas Stars (50-20-12, in the Central Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (46-24-12, in the Central Division)

    Saint Paul, Minnesota; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

    LINE: Wild -128, Stars +108; over/under is 6

    NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Series tied 1-1

    BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars visit the Minnesota Wild for game three of the first round of the NHL Playoffs with the series tied 1-1. The teams meet Monday for the seventh time this season. The Stars won the last meeting 4-2. Wyatt Johnston scored two goals in the win.

    Minnesota has a 46-24-12 record overall and a 14-11-3 record in Central Division games. The Wild are 10th in NHL play with 268 total goals (averaging 3.3 per game).

    Dallas is 18-7-3 against the Central Division and 50-20-12 overall. The Stars are first in league play with 71 power-play goals.

    TOP PERFORMERS: Kirill Kaprizov has 45 goals and 44 assists for the Wild. Ryan Hartman has six goals and four assists over the last 10 games.

    Jason Robertson has 45 goals and 51 assists for the Stars. Johnston has scored seven goals with four assists over the past 10 games.

    LAST 10 GAMES: Wild: 6-4-0, averaging 3.8 goals, six assists, 4.3 penalties and 10.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

    Stars: 7-3-0, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.2 assists, 4.7 penalties and 10.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

    INJURIES: Wild: Yakov Trenin: day to day (upper-body), Mats Zuccarello: day to day (upper-body).

    Stars: Nathan Bastian: out (hand), Roope Hintz: out (lower body), Tyler Seguin: out for season (acl).

    ___

    The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

    Who has qualified for next season's Champions League?

    AMA banner
    [BBC]

    Arsenal and Manchester City are among seven teams to have already qualified for the 2026-27 Champions League.

    Regardless of their results between now and the end of the season, both clubs have already gained enough points to finish no lower than fifth in England's top flight.

    Traditionally, England are awarded four places in the Champions League. However, due to performance of English clubs in Uefa club competitions this season, they will be awarded one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS) for next season, meaning the top five qualify for the Champions League.

    Joining Arsenal and City so far are Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven.

    Inter have secured a top-four finish in Serie A, with Barcelona and Real Madrid doing the same in La Liga.

    Bayern and PSV have already won the Bundesliga and Eredivisie titles respectively, guaranteeing their places.

    A total of 36 teams will compete in the league phase of the Champions League, 29 of which will be decided before the end of this season.

    The other seven all come from qualification, taking place in the early months of the 2026-27 campaign.

    How many spots are given to each nation?

    Declan Rice and Erling Haaland run for the ball
    Arsenal and Manchester City, currently in the Premier League's top two spots, will feature in next season's Champions League [Getty Images]

    The first two places into next season's Champions League's league phase go to the winners of this season's Champions League and Europa League.

    Following that, to determine how many places each nation gets, Uefa uses their association rankings from the five-year period ending two seasons prior to that campaign.

    For example, for the 2026-27 season, places are used based on Uefa's rankings between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 seasons.

    With England, Italy, Spain and Germany ranked first to fourth respectively, the top four teams in their leagues qualify straight to the league path.

    France, ranked in fifth, see the top three teams in Ligue 1 directly qualify. Fourth place will also earn a spot in the third qualifying round of the competition.

    Netherlands are ranked sixth and are awarded spots for the top two Eredivisie sides, as well as third place entering the third qualifying round.

    Portugal, Belgium, Czech Republic and Turkey, ranked seventh to 10th in order, are given two places each. The league winners from all four countries get a spot in the league phase. The league runners-up in Portugal, Belgium and Czech Republic all get a place in the third qualifying round, while Turkey are given an extra team in the second qualifying round.

    Norway, Greece, Austria and Scotland are the nations ranked 11th to 14th. The winners of each league all get a place in the play-off qualifying round, effectively the fourth and final round of qualifying. All four countries also get a second place in the second qualifying round.

    Poland, ranked 15th, will see their top two clubs enter in the second qualifying round. All other nations only get one team each, all of which will enter in either of the first two rounds of qualifying.

    In qualifying, seven spots are available. Teams are split into the 'champions path' and the 'league path'.

    Champions path clubs, league winners from nations outside the top 10 during the qualifying period, will compete for one of five spots.

    The other two spots go to league path clubs, a separate qualifying path for clubs from nations given multiple qualifying spots without winning their domestic league.

    The other EPS spot is yet to be decided, but only Germany, Spain and Portugal can mathematically qualify for it.

    While not officially guaranteed, there is a likely scenario in which the winners of this season's Champions League will have already qualified for next season's competition via their domestic competition.

    In that instance, Uefa will re-award that spot to the league winner that has yet to directly qualify for the Champions League with the highest club coefficient ranking over a five-year period ending this season.

    Olympiakos are the highest-ranked club in the race for the title-holder replacement spot but are five points shy of Greek Super League leaders AEK Athens.

    Second on the list is Rangers, meaning if they win the Scottish Premiership and Olympiakos do not overturn their current deficit in their domestic league, Rangers would qualify straight into next season's league phase.

    Full list of teams in the 2026-27 Champions League

    • Arsenal (Premier League)
    • Manchester City (Premier League)
    • Inter Milan (Serie A)
    • Barcelona (La Liga)
    • Real Madrid (La Liga)
    • Bayern Munich (Bundesliga winners)
    • PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie winners)
    • Champions League winner (Titleholder replacement spot if required)
    • Europa League winner
    • Undecided EPS
    • Premier League top four
    • Premier League top four
    • Premier League fifth (EPS)
    • Serie A top four
    • Serie A top four
    • Serie A top four
    • La Liga top four
    • La Liga top four
    • Bundesliga top four
    • Bundesliga top four
    • Bundesliga top four
    • Ligue 1 top three
    • Ligue 1 top three
    • Ligue 1 top three
    • Eredivisie runners-up
    • Liga Portugal winners
    • Belgian Pro League winners
    • Czech First League winners
    • Super Lig winners
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (Champions Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (Champions Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (Champions Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (Champions Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (Champions Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (League Path)
    • Winner of play-off qualifying round tie (League Path)

    This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

    More questions answered...

    Real Madrid UEFA Youth Cup hero to be included in squad list for Alaves clash

    Real Madrid UEFA Youth Cup hero to be included in squad list for Alaves clash
    Real Madrid UEFA Youth Cup hero to be included in squad list for Alaves clash

    Real Madrid’s match against Deportivo Alaves will carry an extra storyline, as a new name is stepping into the spotlight.

    Interestingly, it is the one name that the club already holds in very high regard – Javi Navarro.

    According to AS, the young goalkeeper has been included in Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad and will be on the bench for the La Liga clash. 

    It is an unexpected opportunity, but one that feels earned rather than gifted.

    A UEFA Youth League hero

    As per the outlet, an injury to Fran Gonzalez has opened the door, while Thibaut Courtois remains unavailable. 

    That leaves the goalkeeping unit downsized, with Andriy Lunin, Sergio Mestre, and now Navarro stepping into the picture.

    But this call-up is not just about filling numbers, it is about recognising form.

    Navarro has just come off a remarkable UEFA Youth League campaign, one that has put him on the map within the club. 

    In the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, he produced a stunning display by saving three penalties. 

    As if that wasn’t enough, he followed it up in the final against Club Brugge with two more decisive saves. That’s five penalties stopped across two high-pressure matches.

    That run has changed things for him.

    Originally set to celebrate the Youth League title with his teammates at the Santiago Bernabeu, Navarro now finds himself staying behind for a different reason – to be part of the first-team squad on matchday. 

    Inside Real Madrid, there is already a clear pathway being mapped out for him. 

    Over the coming months, Navarro is expected to rotate between Juvenil A, Real Madrid C, Real Madrid Castilla, and occasional involvement with the senior squad.

    This is because he is seen as the natural successor to Fran Gonzalez once the latter fully transitions upwards. 

    New NFL rule of eight minutes between first-round picks has some GMs feeling rushed

    The NFL changed the rules for this year's draft, limiting teams to eight minutes between first-round picks. Some NFL general managers are not happy about that.

    Steelers GM Omar Khan said he preferred the old rule of 10 minutes between first-round picks.

    "I'd love to have 10 minutes, but it's the same for everybody else," Khan said. "Eight minutes is what it is, but those two minutes, it feels like an eternity sometimes."

    After Khan said that at the Steelers' pre-draft press conference, head coach Mike McCarthy joked that if Khan feels rushed during the draft, he should try calling plays on the sideline during a game.

    "I only get 40 seconds to call a play," McCarthy said. "We'll be fine."

    Khan said he and other GMs have been talking more about trades in the days leading up to the draft because they know they'll have less time to work out trades while they're on the clock.

    “They moved the first round from 10 minutes to eight minutes, so naturally we’ve been having more conversations to set parameters of what the value is if you move up to this spot or trade back,” Khan said. “There’s more conversation, but until we get there, I’m not sure how that’s going to go.”

    This is the first time the NFL has changed the timing of the first round since 2008, when the time between picks was reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. The timing for Rounds 2-7 remains the same as last year: Teams get seven minutes to make picks in the second round, five minutes in Rounds 3-6 and four minutes in round 7.

    ‘The Best In The World’ – Nadaka Ready To Prove His Dominance In Rematch With Songchainoi At ONE SAMURAI 1

    Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka has experienced a life-changing transformation since capturing inaugural gold, and the Japanese striking sensation is ready to cement his legacy when he defends his belt for the first time against longtime rival Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE SAMURAI 1 on Wednesday, April 29.

    The showdown goes down on live.onefc.com from the historic Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

    The Eiwa Sports Gym representative brings a 66-6 career record into this title defense, including a 40-fight winning streak that has established him as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best strikers.

    He is a perfect 4-0 in ONE since making his debut in 2025. In his most recent outing, he outworked Numsurin Chor Ketwina to claim the inaugural title at ONE 173.

    Since that night, life has shifted in ways Nadaka is only beginning to appreciate. The recognition that comes with being a ONE World Champion has found him everywhere he goes, from Thailand to Japan and everywhere in between.

    The 25-year-old said:

    “When I went to Thailand, or at ONE events, a lot of fans came up to talk to me. In Japan as well, my name has really spread as a ONE [World] Champion. Over the past six months, I’ve truly started to feel that I am a ONE [World] Champion.”

    Beyond personal satisfaction, Nadaka takes immense pride in being the first Japanese fighter to claim ONE Muay Thai gold.

    That belt carries the weight of an entire country’s martial arts legacy and a deeper responsibility toward the sport he has dedicated his life to.

    He said:

    “In modern Muay Thai, being a ONE [World] Champion means being the best in the world. Being able to wear that belt, as the first Japanese fighter, is something I’m truly proud of.

    “Winning the ONE [World] Title has made me truly believe that I am the best in the world. As the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai [World] Champion, I believe I represent this division. My performance reflects the strength of Muay Thai and proves what it’s all about.”

    Now comes the first defense, and it arrives in the form of a deeply familiar face. Nadaka and Songchainoi first crossed paths in 2023, with Nadaka taking that contest.

    Since that defeat, the Thai contender has built a 10-1 promotional record. The rematch has been three years in the making, and Nadaka is not about to underestimate what awaits him.

    He said:

    “I fought Songchainoi about three years ago, and I won that fight. But three years is a long time, and I’m not taking anything lightly, not at all.

    “After losing to me, he went on a nine-fight win streak in ONE. So to me, it feels like facing a completely new opponent. I want to approach it that way. This is a highly anticipated matchup for ONE fans, so I want both of us to deliver a fight that lives up to it.”

    Nadaka Plans To Overwhelm Challenger With Superior Speed

    Nadaka recognizes what makes his Thai challenger dangerous and has identified the game plan that will preserve his World Title reign.

    Songchainoi’s striking power is the best in the atomweight division. But Nadaka believes his speed is the decisive edge. By moving faster than Songchainoi expects, the defending king plans to disrupt the timing and rhythm the challenger relies upon.

    He said:

    “I think his striking power is number one in this division. And in addition to that, he also has great speed. But when it comes to speed, I have pride in that I absolutely have to be the best, so I won’t lose in that area.

    “As for weaknesses, I don’t think Songchainoi has much experience facing someone faster than him. So I want to move faster than him and throw him off.”

    Tokyo’s Ariake Arena is the perfect stage for his most complete performance yet. For his first defense in front of Japanese fans, Nadaka wants more than victory — he is targeting a finish and a performance bonus.

    He said:

    “Like a true champion, I want to win by knockout in dominant fashion. I’ve had four fights in ONE, but I haven’t earned a bonus yet. So this time, I want to deliver a performance that earns one.”

    Source

    East Stroudsburg women's lacrosse approaches perfect season

    EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg University women's lacrosse isn't new to success but it's hard to downplay what this year's Warriors team is on the verge of accomplishing, standing only one win away from an undefeated regular season.

    ESU currently stands 16-0 with a regular-season finale against West Chester on April 22, a team it has already defeated once this season. But as remarkable as that sounds, maintaining the "0" in the loss column hasn't really been on their minds.

    "We try to leave that piece at the door when we come in to face our next challenge," head coach Xeni Barakos-Yoder said. "I don't think we really acknowledge it that much. I think we just try to be present, be where our feet are, and think about the next opponent.

    "Our goal is to win every single play that we have in front of us, and that is a testament to the hard work of the women on the team, our staff, the support of the entire administration and athletics just being behind women's lacrosse."

    Junior defender Molly Atwell echoed her coach's approach. saying the team is more focused on executing than simply winning.

    More: Pocono great Sebastian Joseph-Day to host youth football camp at Stroudsburg

    East Stroudsburg University women's lacrosse's Molly Atwell (21) anchors the Warrior defense.

    "It's less about the outcome, and it's how we're gonna get there. Focusing on the little moments, the plays, and executing those things, that's how we get where we are," Atwell said. "Honestly, being undefeated sounds great, but it never felt like that was the goal. It just feels like we're just executing. I think all of us can appreciate that."

    There are factors that help contextualize the success of ESU women's lacrosse, but the biggest one happens before a single stick is picked up or jersey put on. This year's team made a concerted, purposeful effort to bond as a team.

    It's not that team bonding is a new concept, but for the players that have been a part of teams with positive chemistry, they see the value in that and made sure to have that this year.

    "The juniors this year took this huge initiative to say 'We are going to hang out. We're gonna force this upon each other. We're gonna make them be my best friend,'" Barakos-Yoder said. "You can tell the difference when a team is really bonded off of the field and have trust, and we play opponents who are not."

    East Stroudsburg University women’s lacrosse head coach Xeni Barakos-Yoder

    Even though such efforts are well-meaning, it's not always a guarantee that the rest of the players will buy in. For ESU, however, the buy-in was there.

    "Like coach said, we hang out a lot, but it's never forced. That's a huge detail for us," sophomore attacker Sadie Kauffman said. "If we get a text saying 'Let's go make s'mores,' no one is responding 'Oh, I really wanted to do this instead.' Everybody wanted to go."

    Barakos-Yoder has coached teams that are coach-led, where the head coach has to be the catalyst for inspiration and motivation. But she said she doesn't have to do that this year as East Stroudsburg is player led — the players are taking the opportunity into their own hands and making the most of it.

    Positive camaraderie, dedication to the process and that internal fire has ESU on the verge of an accomplishment it has yet to reach in program history.

    ESU women's lacrosse's two-way tenacity

    Offensively, East Stroudsburg has one of the most potent offenses in all of Division II, being one of only three schools with over 300 goals as a team, and the only team in the conference.

    The offense is headlined by Kauffman, whose 82 goals leads the conference by a wide margin and currently leads the country in goals scored. But she is far from the only offensive threat on the team: junior Ariana Tucci is second on the team (and in the conference) with 55 goals, and Jolee Roth and Paige Moreland are both top-5 in the PSAC in assists while approaching 30 goals each.

    East Stroudsburg women's lacrosse's Jolee Roth (28) attempts a shot on goal agaainst Shippensburg on April 15, 2026

    "We need each other," Kauffman said. "I need them to score like they need me to score. Off the bench too, we have a lot of good players coming in that work well with our starters."

    Kauffman added that many players are often at the field an hour, or even two hours, early to get extra reps in to build that trust, along with the bonding off the field, whether that's grabbing dinner together or going to get ice cream. And it's those off-field moments that help solidify trust.

    "We were talking about earlier this season how, even if there's only about an inch of space, like, you still should trust your person by throwing them the ball, they're gonna catch it," Kauffman said. "You just have to think of the positives, because if you think of the negatives, the negatives are gonna happen."

    Defensively, ESU has shut the water off on almost every team they've played, allowing double-digit goals only once in 16 games. Only Slippery Rock, which is ranked ahead of ESU in the national standings, has allowed less goals in the PSAC. Atwell says the team is comfortable using man-to-man or zone defense.

    "The key is that we're a unit," Atwell said. "At the end of the day, we work together in everything we do. There's not one person that stands out. I think everybody has their strengths and we all contribute to the goal."

    East Stroudsburg ends the season against West Chester, so there's a chance the Golden Rams reach double figures a second time.

    More: Vote for the Pocono Record Athletes of the Week for April 13-18

    Legacy-defining season

    East Stroudsburg University women's lacrosse's Ariana Tucci (27) runs past the Shippensburg defender on Apri 15, 2026.

    Barakos-Yoder is an ESU lifer, from her time as a player to nearly a decade as a head coach. She's seen a lot of success at Whitenight Field, so much so that the regular season, while memorable, is only secondary to the playoff hopes she and her players have.

    There's still the conference tournament to get through before the Warriors can look at the national tournament, but the nine-year head coach understands the opportunity this year's team has given itself.

    "This is what we promised we'd prep them for, and we remind them of that quite often: 'This is what you signed up for. This hard work is what you said you wanted to do. And you are so close, so close,'" Barakos-Yoder tells her team. "There's no other option other than to keep trucking on and giving it our best and playing as a unit and playing as a family. Because if we continue to do what we've been doing, they will get everything they've ever wanted and more.

    "We have 34 people who have been buying in to make the team better. A huge difference, I think, to where we're performing is because the entirety of the team is bought into what we're doing and how we're going to get there."

    East Stroudsburg women's lacrosse's postseason run begins April 28, the first day of the PSAC Tournament.

    This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: ESU women's lacrosse nears perfect season built on trust, chemistry

    PREVIEW: Coventry look to seal title against Portsmouth

    PREVIEW: Coventry look to seal title against Portsmouth
    PREVIEW: Coventry look to seal title against Portsmouth

    Coventry City will be crowned Championship champions tonight if they beat Portsmouth in front of a huge home crowd at the CBS Arena.

    The Sky Blues were promoted to the Premier League with a 1-1 draw away at Blackburn on Friday night, thanks to Bobby Thomas’ late headed equaliser. Frank Lampard’s side have led from the front for the vast majority of the season and will be hoping to seal the league title and kickstart Saturday’s potential trophy-lifting celebrations.

    Lampard has had his say on what Coventry will need to do this summer to survive in the top flight next season. “We have to work on it quickly now because of where we’re at, we have to be ambitious – we’re Coventry City football club. I know what the Premier League is, and it’s going to be a challenge. We can enjoy the moment for the next two weeks, but of course, we have to work behind the scenes to ensure we go up the right way.”

    Meanwhile, Portsmouth picked up a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, a result which has all but confirmed their Championship status for next season. Pompey currently sits seven points clear of the drop zone, with nine left to play for.

    John Mousinho’s side come into this one on a run of five games unbeaten and three consecutive wins, keeping a clean sheet in all three. Their survival can be confirmed tonight if they win, or if Oxford lose; if both sides draw, they will also be safe.

    The match will take place this evening, and kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm (UK time).

    Titans land playmakers, depth in final Jordan Reid 7-round mock draft

    The NFL draft is only two days away, and most outlets are releasing their final mocks before the big event on April 23.

    The Tennessee Titans enter the draft with some needs but also with a wide-open board, allowing them to look for impact players. While what they will do remains a mystery, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid took a shot at solving it in his final mock draft.

    Day 1 - Thursday, April 23

    Round 1, Pick 4: Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

    The Titans have to choose between finding explosive playmakers for second-year QB Cam Ward or continuing to revamp their defensive front. We're going with Option B and projecting them to take the best pass rusher in the draft. Bailey's first step is lethal, which helped him to an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss last season. Tennessee already has All-Pro Jeffery Simmons and brought in John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson II this offseason, so adding Bailey could give the team a ferocious front four.

    Taking Bailey over Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles could happen, as information pointing in all directions has popped up over the past few days. Any of those three prospects could come in and make an impact, but Bailey comes at a position that is arguably their biggest need.

    Day 2 - Friday, April 24

    Round 2, Pick 35: Tennessee TitansDenzel Boston, WR, Washington

    Boston is a big, physical outside receiver who aggressively attacks passes out of the air. He has excellent hand-eye coordination to haul in downfield passes and would give Cam Ward another reliable perimeter target.

    Round 3, Pick 66: Tennessee Titans: Caleb Tiernan, OT/G, Northwestern

    The Titans got Ward, a pass-catcher, in Round 2; now it's time for some protection. Opinions are mixed on Tiernan's position at the next level, though.

    Boston has been rising on some draft boards, and it is a bit of a surprise that he was available in the second round to fill a need on the outside and give Cam Ward a red zone threat. Tiernan is an interesting pick and likely will be a better fit at guard in the NFL. A college tackle, he could bring some position versatility while competing for the open right guard position. Experienced interior offensive linemen were still on the board, but the value appears to be there.

    Day 3 - Saturday, April 25

    Round 4, Pick 101: Tennessee Titans: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

    Round 5, Pick 142: Tennessee Titans (from NYJ via BAL): Justin Jefferson, LB, AlabamaRound 5, Pick 144: Tennessee Titans (reacquired from LAR): Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

    Round 6. Pick 184: Tennessee Titans: J'Mari Taylor, RB, VirginiaRound 6, Pick 194: Tennessee Titans (from BAL via NYJ): TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

    Round 7, Pick 225: Tennessee Titans (from KC via DAL): Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU

    Borgonzi used Day 3 to add some depth to key positions on the roster, including linebacker, cornerback, and offensive line. The Titans had Jefferson in for a Top 30 visit, and he is likely on the radar, and Nwaiwu is center-capable and could be a sleeper.

    The most surprising pick of the day in this mock is likely Taylor. While he is a solid prospect, the team appears to be set at the top of the depth chart with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, has an unknown in Kale Mullings, and signed Michael Carter in free agency.

    This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans land playmakers, depth in final Jordan Reid 7-round mock draft

    NFL insider reveals who Commanders love at No. 7 and a wild card

    We are only two days away from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. And, as Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters confirmed last week, we are also in the middle of lying season.

    So, two years ago, kind of knew that one pretty good," Peters said last week at his pre-draft press conference, referring to Washington's 2024 draft where it selected quarterback Jayden Daniels.

    "Last year, didn't know, you know, there's a lot of space in between one and 29. But, this year, I mean, we talked about it, I think a little bit in Phoenix (NFL owners meetings), but it's hard to really understand or figure out where everything's going to go, where everybody's going to go, and man, you hear something new every day, right? Really everybody's, nobody's telling the truth."

    He's right.

    So, what do we make of the latest intel from NFL insiders? Well, it depends on where you hear it from. When Adam Schefter and Peter Schrager of ESPN say something, it's generally great information. The same goes for NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Jeremiah has been saying for days that he doesn't see the New York Giants taking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5 overall.

    On Monday, Schrager, in the latest edition of "The Schrager Hour," said he no longer believes the Tennessee Titans will select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

    Schrager wasn't done dropping some interesting draft intel. He discussed the Commanders and he believes that Washington's guy is Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.

    "The Commanders, my latest intel is that I heard Carnell Tate is their guy," Schrager said. "It could change. Carnell Tate could be sitting there at 7, then you'd have your reliable wide receiver, another Ohio State guy, you pair with Terry McLaurin, and you go to work."

    Then, Schrager's attention turns to Styles.

    "If Sonny Styles is sitting, I believe Adam Peters would love to have his future Fred Warner," he said. "And that would be Sonny Styles. Adam Peters, of course, had Fred Warner in San Francisco and is trying to reshape and rebuild in that mold."

    Then, Schrager drops his wild card at No. 7 overall, if Washington can't find a trade partner to move back. The Commanders have been mentioned often as a trade-back team, due to being without second and fourth-round picks.

    The wild card, per Schrager, is new offensive coordinator David Blough. The player is USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Lemon would be Blough's version of Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown, who he played with in Detroit. Blough plans to run a similar offensive scheme to the one Ben Johnson ran with the Lions, which helped turn St. Brown into a superstar. We've often mentioned Lemon being Blough's version of St. Brown in the lead-up to the draft.

    "Who is the Amon-Ra St. Brown avatar in this draft? It's the Biletnikoff winner, Makai Lemon out of USC," Schrager said. "So, two names for the Commanders I would put in the back of your mind on this one. Carnell Tate, if he's there, and don't be shocked if it's Makai Lemon. A David Blough pick.........but if Tate is on the board, I think that is a, hit that one right on the fairway. That is a great building block. Awesome kid. Everything checks out."

    It's not a surprise that Washington likes Lemon. The Commanders have met with him multiple times. However, Lemon is often mentioned as being selected in the 10-20 range. But, if Washington is on the clock and Love, Styles and Tate are all gone, Peters could be choosing between Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, and Lemon.

    We'll find out soon.

    This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: NFL insider reveals wild card at No. 7 in draft

    A rivalry renewed as the Yankees meet the Red Sox at Fenway Park

    BOSTON – Back in the Back Bay, the Yankees can bring a certain swagger into this year’s first meeting at Fenway Park.

    In this ongoing saga between baseball’s ancient rivals, the Yankees outlasted the Red Sox in an entertaining best-of-three AL Wild Card Series last October in the Bronx.

    And this 2026 version of the Olde Towne Team isn’t off to a brilliant start (9-13), while the Yanks (13-9) are atop the AL East, coming off a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

    The Ben Rice Factor

    Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice (22) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

    Here comes a real test of the Ben Rice-Aaron Judge dynamic atop the Yankees’ lineup.

    With the Red Sox due to start lefties Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez in these first two games, will Rice be in manager Aaron Boone’s lineup both nights?And will he be in the leadoff spot?

    One of the game’s most productive hitters to start 2026, the lefty-hitting Rice has homered in four straight games.

    As the Yanks’ DH, Rice batted leadoff Sunday against KC lefty Cole Ragans, with Aaron Judge – who has homered in six of his last eight games – batting second.

    That 1-2 punch has a lot of intrigue, and Rice – born and raised in New England – has earned an everyday spot, regardless of whether a lefty is starting.

    Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is the usual option to start vs. lefties, with Boone valuing the ability to use Rice in a leveraged spot, even early in games.

    But, again, Rice has more than earned an everyday assignment.

    Cam Schlittler's Boston start

    Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

    This will be Schlittler’s first start as a Yankee in Fenway Park.

    And what a scene it’ll be for the kid from Weymouth, Mass., who attended Northeastern University and became the toast of New York in 2025.

    Schlittler’s rookie campaign was highlighted by a brilliant performance against Boston in last October’s clinching Wild Card Series Game 3, with eight shutout innings and 12 strikeouts.

    Of course, the backdrop to that sensational Bronx night was the social media venom aimed at Schlittler and his friends and family from a certain segment of Red Sox fans.

    Schlittler rose above it all, more concerned about those closest to him – telling them not to respond – and had himself a playoff night that will be well remembered.

    Red Sox-Yanks rivalry started early in 2026

    Well, it was quite an offseason for off-the-field Yankee-Red Sox friction.

    It started with ex-Yankee and now current Boston closer Aroldis Chapman appearing on a podcast and declaring that he’d rather retire than ever pitch in pinstripes again.

    Chapman will be on a Hall of Fame ballot when he retires, and he was coveted by the Yanks, who traded him to the (eventual world champion) Cubs in 2016 and re-signed him that winter.

    But there were some memorable Yankee playoff moments after that (none of them good) and it ended badly in the Bronx, with Chapman cast off the postseason roster and going AWOL from the club.

    When starter Sonny Gray arrived in Boston from the St. Louis Cardinals, the righty mentioned that he “never wanted to be a Yankee’’ when they acquired him via trade, adding that his old club was “easy to hate.’’

    Gray wasn’t going to pitch this series and exited Monday’s Patriots Day win with a hamstring injury.

    And then there’s old pal Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a Blue Jay last year, who mentioned upon his Fenway arrival that Toronto – matchup wise – preferred the Yanks as their AL Division Series opponent.

    The fun starts again on Tuesday night.

    This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: A rivalry renewed as the Yankees meet the Red Sox at Fenway Park

    20 years later, Masters memories rekindled with round at Augusta National

    When I left the Augusta Chronicle in the summer of 2006, I figured that was the end of one of the neatest (and most exclusive) experiences any golfer can have.

    In that time, Augusta National Golf Club held an annual “appreciation week” for community members who helped make The Masters what it was that year – vendors, volunteers, security, media, etc.

    As part of that, I was able to play the course in late May with co-workers. Not just once, but annually for four years: The first time in a monsoon of Caddyshack proportions, the others on warm, late-spring days in the South.

    Each round was its own amazing day full of good (and horrible) shots, and plenty of stories. As two decades have gone by, they remain indelible memories, easily recounted at a moment’s notice when the Masters gets mentioned: “You know, Dan’s played Augusta National.”

    In 2026, I returned as part of the USA TODAY Network’s in-person coverage team, which is a experience in itself. Augusta National remains the gold standard for sporting events, and watching a host of co-workers bust their butts for nearly two weeks (including the Women’s Amateur event) is inspiring and impressive.

    The tournament has held an annual lottery for a small group of media members to play the course the day after the final round and I had only entered it once before. The two-decade anniversary of my last round, and the good vibes I was having back in Augusta, were obvious signs I should at least try again.

    They made my selection much more special.

    Going into Monday’s tee time, I expected I’d be looking around at what’s changed since I last got to be inside the ropes. And to be sure, there were a few cool first-time things and reinforced thoughts.

    • The drive down Magnolia Lane? When you hear pro golfers talk about it … I get that now.
    • The trees on the right of 11 are not as bad as they first were, but I still wish they weren’t there. That new tee on 13 is WAY back.
    • I still believe the experience from the member tees (around 6,400 yards) lets you understand the original design better than the current tees you see for the pros.
    • Hurricane Helene’s impact remains, even though Augusta National has done a lot to mitigate that damage.

    Before all that, however, my mindset already had changed.

    Before I even turned my car into the course and meeting the three other people in my group, all of them from overseas who truly were about to have the experience of a lifetime, I wasn’t thinking about what would happen that afternoon.

    USA TODAY Network's Dan Spears in front of the Hogan Bridge and the 12th green at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of the Masters Tournament media lottery round.

    I was thinking about 20 years ago.

    Old co-workers who haven't been front of mind in a long time. Covering this tournament in a different era. Embracing the success (and survival) of another Masters Week after we put the Monday edition to bed by celebrating in the Reynolds Street parking lot. Previous times at Augusta National as part of my job, and as a patron, too.

    Good memories.

    This time, I didn’t make any bomb putts, like the 50-footer I hit on No. 4 in 2005. We had no experiences with a security officer like we did in 2003, the man incredulous as we approached the Sarazen Bridge, supersaturated with rain yet still playing after a deluge of biblical proportions.

    This day, instead, was filled with non-stop laughs, smiles, wide-eyed stares – and several great golf shots in there, too. My score far exceeded my expectations. Our caddie group was A+. The weather was superb.

    New, good memories.

    As I folded myself into my car in the early evening to drive away, I took one more careful look at the clubhouse.

    When is “the last time” really the last time?

    In sports, you truly never know.

    But the chances of this never happening again are far greater than me returning to the No. 1 tee box at Augusta National and sticking a peg in the ground.

    If this was “the last,” it’s everything anyone would have wanted it to be.

    The 16th hole at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of the Masters Tournament media lottery round.

    Dan Spears has covered high school and college sports and professional golf since 1995 and now helps lead communications and strategy on those topics for the USA TODAY Network. He is based in Wilmington, North Carolina, and can be reached at dspears@usatodayco.com.

    This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Masters Tournament media lottery selection rekindles memories of Augusta National

    Indiana football 2026 NFL draft projections. What experts are saying

    BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football will make history in this week’s 2026 NFL Draft. 

    The Hoosiers are expected to send a record number of players to the NFL later this week starting with former IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. He won’t be the only former Indiana player to hear their name called with prominent mock drafts predicting as many as 10 IU players from last year’s team getting selected across the three-day event. 

    Indiana hasn’t had a player drafted in the first round since the New York Giants drafted receiver Thomas Lewis in 1994. The Hoosiers haven’t had a player drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era. Over the last two decades, IU hasn’t had more than three players drafted in a single year. 

    Here's a roundup of the latest projections:

    More: Why Indiana football will 'look a lot different in the fall'

    ESPN.com (Jordan Reid)

    • Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 (Round 1); Las Vegas Raiders
    • Omar Cooper, No. 19 (Round 1); Carolina Panthers
    • D’Angelo Ponds, No. 51 (Round 2); Carolina Panthers
    • Elijah Sarratt, No. 94 (Round 3); Miami Dolphins
    • Aiden Fisher, No. 126 (Round 4); Buffalo Bills
    • Kaelon Black, No. 167 (Round 5); Houston Texans
    • Riley Nowakowski, No. 181 (Round 5); Detroit Lions
    • Pat Coogan, No. 187 (Round 6); Washington Commanders
    • Roman Hemby, No. 226 (Round 7); Cincinnati Bengals
    • Louis Moore, No. 256 (Round 7); Denver Broncos

    Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

    The Athletic (Dane Brugler) 

    • Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 (Round 1); Las Vegas Raiders
    • Omar Cooper, No. 21 (Round 1); Pittsburgh Steelers
    • D’Angelo Ponds, No. 50 (Round 2); Detroit Lions
    • Elijah Sarratt, No. 67 (Round 3); Las Vegas Raiders
    • Aiden Fisher, No. 176 (Round 4); Kansas City Chiefs
    • Kaelon Black, No. 201 (Round 6); Green Bay Packers
    • Louis Moore, No. 210 (Round 6); Kansas City Chiefs
    • Riley Nowakowski, No. 231 (Round 7); Atlanta Falcons

    Omar Cooper Jr. participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

    NFL.com (Chad Reuter)

    • Aiden Fisher, No. 206 (Round 6); Cleveland Browns
    • Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 (Round 1); Las Vegas Raiders
    • Omar Cooper, No. 23 (Round 1); Philadelphia Eagles
    • D’Angelo Ponds, No. 43 (Round 2); Miami Dolphins
    • Elijah Sarratt, No. 70 (Round 3); Dallas Cowboys
    • Kaelon Black, No. 164 (Round 5); Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Louis Moore, No. 183 (Round 6); Arizona Cardinals
    • Pat Coogan, No. 201 (Round 6); Pat Coogan

    Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.

    This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Projecting Indiana football 2026 NFL Draft selections

    Vote for the Softball Player of the Week for April 13-19

    The winner of last week’s Softball Player of the Week poll was Old Colony’s Abby Norton. She had more than 8,000 votes (63%) to receive the honor. 

    In a win over Bourne, Norton went 2-for-3 with a triple, 2 runs scored and an RBI. 

    The previous winner was GNB Voc-Tech’s Leah Perez. 

    The winner of the Preseason Softball Player of the Year poll was Old Colony’s Madison Canton with more than 10,000 votes (50%). Fairhaven’s Brianna Pierce was second followed by Wareham’s Jolee Anderson. 

    Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

    Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school softball performance from the past week.

    Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. 

    Riley Fiano, Apponequet

    In three combined games, Fiano had a combined 1 hit, 6 walks, RBI and 2 runs scored.

    Lylah Gussis, Apponequet

    In a win over Bourne, Gussis pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts. She also went 2-for-2 with a double, walk and run scored. 

    Kate Suneson, Apponequet

    In a pair of games against Bourne and Dartmouth, Suneson went a combined 4-for-6 with a walk, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. 

    Reese Taylor, Apponequet

    In a pair of wins over Bourne and Dartmouth, Taylor pitched a combined 9 scoreless innings, allowing a combined 2 hits and 2 walks with 19 strikeouts. She also pitched 7 innings against GNB Voc-Tech, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 1 walk with 13 strikeouts. She also went a combined 3-for-6 at the plate with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs against Bourne and Dartmouth.

    Alaina Chasse, Bishop Stang

    Chasse pitched her first career shutout against Arlington Catholic. She also pitched a complete game, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits against St. Mary’s. 

    Melanie Peckham, Bishop Stang

    Peckham went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs against St. Mary’s and had a sacrifice fly against Arlington Catholic. 

    Teagan Caffrey, Dartmouth

    Caffrey hit her second home run of the season in a win over Durfee. 

    Abby Lancaster, Dartmouth

    In two games, Lancaster went a combined 5-for-9 with 5 RBIs. 

    Olivia Rapoza, Dartmouth

    In a win over Old Rochester, Rapoza went 4-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs. 

    Emma Silva, Dartmouth

    Silva went 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs against Old Rochester. 

    Addie Thomas, Dartmouth

    Thomas went a combined 3-for-9 with 5 RBIs in two games and was the winning pitcher against Durfee. 

    Boys Lacrosse: Dynamic duo have made Bishop Stang lacrosse a contender in the CCL

    Best of the Best: SouthCoast Girls Swimmer of the Year and Super Team

    Brianna Pierce, Fairhaven

    Pierce threw a five-inning, no-hitter with 1 walk and 12 strikeouts in a win over Durfee. She also had 2 hits and 1 RBI. Against D-R, she had 8 strikeouts and 10 strikeouts against West Bridgewater. 

    Stella Zangao, Fairhaven

    In three games, Zangao had a combined 4 hits and 5 RBIs. 

    Sasha Asci, GNB Voc-Tech

    Asci had a two-out, three-run home run against Case. 

    Emma Machado, GNB Voc-Tech

    Machado had a combined 5 hits in three games. 

    Khloe Pereira, GNB Voc-Tech

    In three games, Pereira had a combined 5 hits.

    Brylee DeDeus, New Bedford

    DeDeus had a combined 3 hits in two games.

    Ivy Mattos, New Bedford

    In two games, Mattos had a combined 3 hits.

    Sharon Delancey, Old Colony

    Delancey pitched a complete-game win over Blue Hills, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks with 8 strikeouts. She also pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 1 hit and 5 walks with 5 strikeouts against Avon. Delancey was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, run scored and 3 RBIs against Avon. 

    Laila Servis, Old Colony

    In a pair of games against Blue Hills and Avon, Servis went a combined 5-for-6 with a double, 2 triples, 5 runs scored and 2 RBIs. 

    Abby Norton, Old Colony

    Against Avon, Norton went 3-for-3 with a home run, 3 runs scored, a walk, an RBI and 3 stolen bases. She also went 3-for-4 with 2 stolen bases, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored against Avon. 

    Kali Buckingham, Old Rochester

    Against West Bridgewater, Buckingham went 3-for-4 with 2 home runs, a triple and 5 RBIs.

    Claudia Surace, Old Rochester

    Surace went 1-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs against Dartmouth. 

    This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Softball Player of Week April 13-19 2026

    Vote for the Baseball Player of the Week for April 13-19

    The winner of last week’s Baseball Player of the Week poll was Dartmouth’s Sebastian Diaz. He had more than 4000 votes (61%) to receive the honor. 

    Diaz went 1-for-2 with 2 RBIs in a loss to New Bedford. 

    The previous winner was Dartmouth’s Chase Afonso. 

    The winner of the Preseason Baseball Player of the Year poll was Dartmouth’s Logan Stott with more than 1,000 votes (38%). Old Colony’s Cam Vallee was second followed by GNB Voc-Tech’s Ashton DeMedeiros.  

    Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

    Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school baseball performance from the past week.

    Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. 

    Lucas Beauregard, Apponequet

    Beauregard allowed 1 run on 2 hits and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts in 5 innings against Dartmouth. In three games, he had a combined 4 hits and 3 RBIs. 

    Brayden Bogdan, Apponequet

    Bogdan led Apponequet in a win over Dartmouth with 2 hits, including a home run, and 4 RBIs. Bogdan also had 3 hits in a win over GNB Voc-Tech and picked up the save against Dartmouth.

    Pete Kanakis, Apponequet

    Kanakis pitched 5 scoreless innings in a win over Bourne, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman with 7 strikeouts.

    Ryan Levesque, Apponequet

    In a win over GNB Voc-Tech, Levesque went 6 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks with 8 strikeouts.

    Amir Cartagena, Bishop Stang

    Cartagena went a combined 5-for-8 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. 

    Tom Guenette, Bishop Stang 

    Guenette went a combined 4-for-7 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored in two games. 

    Devin Lord, Bishop Stang

    In a pair of games against Arlington Catholic and St. Mary’s, Lord went a combined 5-for-8 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored. 

    Brock Winslow, Bishop Stang

    In three games, Winslow went a combined 6-for-12 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored. 

    Best of the Best: SouthCoast Girls Swimmer of the Year and Super Team

    Boys lacrosse: Dynamic duo have made Bishop Stang lacrosse a contender in the CCL

    Chase Afonso, Dartmouth

    Afonso got the win on the mound against Durfee, pitching 4 ⅔ scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-5 at the plate and drove in the game-winning run with a 2-out, 2-strike single in the bottom of the eighth inning. He also went 1-for-2 with an RBI and run scored against GNB Voc-Tech. 

    Dom Gioiosa, Dartmouth

    In a win over GNB Voc-Tech, Gioiosa allowed no runs on 1 hit and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts over 5 innings. 

    Logan Stott, Dartmouth

    In three games, Stott had a combined 5 hits, 2 RBIs and a run scored. 

    Clayton Blanchard, Fairhaven

    Blanchard picked up the win over Somerset Berkley, allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk with 7 strikeouts in 4 innings. 

    Gavin Bourgeois, Fairhaven

    Bourgeois pitched 5 shutout innings against West Bridgewater, allowing 5 hits with no walks and 2 strikeouts. 

    Aidan Smith, Fairhaven

    In a win over West Bridgewater, Smith went 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, an RBI, run scored and stolen base. He also helped turn two double plays on defense and was 4-for-4 on balls hit to him.

    Kyle Soares, Fairhaven

    In two games, Soares went a combined 4-for-6 with a double, RBI and 3 runs scored. 

    Trevor Roderiques, New Bedford

    In a loss to Falmouth, Roderiques pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts. He also had 2 hits and a walk.

    Zach Mendes, Old Rochester

    Mendes pitched 2 ⅓ scoreless innings of relief, allowing 1 hit and no walks with 3 strikeouts in a comeback win over West Bridgewater. He also went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and 3 RBIs. Against Wareham, Mendes picked up the win, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, 3 walks, 3 hit batsmen and 4 strikeouts over 5 innings. 

    Nolin Vieira, Old Rochester

    In three games, Vieira had a combined 5 hits, 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs. 

    Ben Wesoly, Old Rochester

    Wesoly had a combined 3 hits, including 2 doubles, a sacrifice fly and 6 RBIs in two games.

    Tyler Cannon, Wareham

    In a loss to Old Rochester, Cannon had a pair of hits.

    This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Baseball Player of Week April 13-19 2026

    We need our readers' help. Who are the best South Coast high school athletes ever?

    The South Coast has been home to phenomenal high school athletes over the decades.

    We're talking specifically about the coverage areas of the Taunton Gazette, The Standard-Times and The Herald News.

    And we want to take a look at back at some of the best the area has ever seen. To do so, we need help from our readers.

    As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time. Alongside that national recognition, the USA TODAY Network will spotlight the roots of the country’s sports culture: the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states. 

    We're starting small as we'll focus on highlighting the best football and basketball (boys and girls) players ... EVER ... to suit up for South Coast high schools. No easy task, right? That's why we're looking for help from our readers. Our goal is to narrow down the list to the 10 best high school athletes in those four sports ... with your help!

    So if you want to help us out as we embark on this nearly impossible venture, fill out a form online if you want your voice heard. We're looking to highlight those who starred at the high school level. That doesn't mean we're excluding future professionals, but we're hoping to focus on those athletes that dominated local headlines.

    FILL OUT OUR FORM HERE

    Thanks for your help as we embark on this gargantuan task!

    This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: South Coast's best high school athletes ever

    Here are 28 choices for midseason baseball player of the year

    The Wilmington-area high school baseball season continues to deliver week after week, but the regular season is beginning to wind down.

    With less than a month until the NCHSAA postseason gets underway, local teams are locked into pivotal conference matchups as they look to build momentum and position themselves for a deep playoff run. From breakout hitters to dominant arms, the first half of the season has produced no shortage of standout performances across the area.

    Now, you have a chance to weigh in. Voting for the 2026 StarNews Midseason Baseball Player of the Year is open, giving fans the opportunity to recognize the players who have made the biggest impact so far this spring.

    Below are 28 nominees to choose from. Voting runs through Tuesday, April 28, at 11:59 p.m., and is determined entirely by fans. Vote as many times as you like.

    VOTE FOR SOFTBALL Vote now among 27 nominees for midseason softball player of the year

    This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC StarNews 2026 Midseason Baseball Player of the Year voting

    Pick from 28 Gastonia, Shelby high school Athlete of the Week nominees

    Who did enough to be recognized as the top athletes over the past week in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties? Here’s your chance to decide the area’s boys and girls Athlete of the Week for April 13-18, 2026. The polls close Friday at 11:59 p.m. Multiple votes are allowed.

    South Point baseball’s Brody Crawford and West Lincoln softball’s Kaitlyn Carpenter were voted the area’s top athletes during the last round of voting prior to spring break.

    Nominations are compiled courtesy of information obtained by The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star by coaches, athletic directors and statisticians through emails, MaxPreps, game results or highlights posted to social media. If a top performer’s name doesn’t appear on the list, encourage their coach to email submissions to jhughes@gastongazette.com or sports@gastongazette.com.  

    STANDARD IS THE STANDARD: Names have changed for Burns baseball, but standard remains the same

    UPPING THE ANTE: High hopes? Here's how Kings Mountain softball keeps raising the bar

    Boys Athlete of the Week candidates

    Caden Browning, Gaston Christian baseball: Hit two home runs along with seven RBIs in wins over Metrolina Christian, Gaston Day and Covenant Day.

    Brian Buttrick, Burns baseball: Pitched eight innings over two games against Cherryville, allowing three runs — none earned — on four hits with nine strikeouts.

    Rex Champion, Forestview track and field: Placed first in the shot put (44 feet, 4 inches) and discus (148 feet, 10 inches) events at the North Gaston Relays.

    Christian Cherry, Lincoln Charter baseball: Was 8-for-13 with a double, two home runs, seven RBIs and three runs scored over three games.

    'I'd bet they haven't had many tougher challenges than Sunderland'

    Sunderland fan's voice banner
    [BBC]
    Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates
    [Getty Images]

    I hate losing, but I don't especially mind getting beaten if I can come away and say the lads gave their all and I think that we can say that without any doubt that they did on Sunday.

    All three of Sunderland's goals were quality and it gave me a sense of pride when all three goalscorers were lads who came through the EFL with us and have successfully made the step up.

    Chris Rigg's first-ever Premier League goal was a corker. I think he's really turned a corner recently and you can see the stark improvement in his all-round game in recent weeks. That was the finish of a proper top-level footballer in the making and the type of goal I've been wishing we'd see from him all season.

    Similarly, Trai Hume's first goal in the top flight was a belting finish. He's got so much more in his locker than a tough tackle and this finish was proof of that - he absolutely spanked it past Emiliano Martinez, who is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.

    Then came the Wilson Isidor goal, which really ought to have earned us at least a point. Considering he's not scored since October, and has barely had a sniff recently, that was the finish of a player who is capable of performing at the top level if he's switched on and you give him the right kind of opportunities. It was typical Isidor - quick, alert, off the shoulder of the last man and an instinctive finish.

    Aston Villa, a team that looks certain to finish in a Champions League spot, have so much quality. Right now, they're at a different level than us and there's no shame in losing to them. Yet this season, I'd bet they haven't had too many tougher challenges over the two games than Sunderland and I think that says a lot about how good we actually are.

    Instead of dwelling on the negatives this week, I'm going to carry all of these positives forward as we head towards the Nottingham Forest game, because we know we're capable of taking three points and putting ourselves even closer to the teams above us and, importantly, those European places.

    Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report

    We need your help! Who are the best North Jersey HS athletes ever?

    North Jersey has been home to phenomenal high school athletes across more than century.

    We want to take a look at back at some of the best the area has ever seen. To do so, we need help from our readers.

    As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time. Alongside that national recognition, the USA TODAY Network will spotlight the roots of the country’s sports culture: the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states. 

    We're starting small as we'll focus on highlighting the best athletes in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, track & field and wrestling ... EVER ... to suit up for North Jersey high schools. No easy task, right? That's why we're looking for help from our readers. Our goal is to narrow down the list to the 10 best high school athletes in those sports ... with your help!

    So if you want to help us out as we embark on this nearly-impossible venture, click the link below and fill out the form to have your voice heard. We're looking to highlight those who starred at the high school level. That doesn't mean we're excluding future professionals, but we're hoping to focus on those athletes that dominated local headlines.

    FILL OUT THE NOMINATION FORM HERE

    Thanks for your help as we embark on this gargantuan task!

    This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Who are the best North Jersey HS athletes ever? We need your help!

    The Daily Mauling: 4/21/26

    A great horned owl sits atop a pine tree just before dawn in Bayside on Thursday, October 18, 2018. | Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

    Kansas Jayhawks News

    What is Kansas getting in its new transfer guard from Toledo?

    A 7’5 (yes, 7’5) transfer center from USC is now set to visit Kansas

    Is the Tyran Stokes waiting game hurting the Jayhawks’ offseason?

    How would Oklahoma State transfer Vyctorius Miller fit at Kansas? ($

    Links!

    UNC’s Seth Trimble is fighting for another year of eligibility and has landed in the portal

    What is a “super El Nino” and what does it mean for US weather?

    NBA.com has a power ranking of all 16 playoff teams

    Kash Patel is suing The Atlantic, because everything is stupid now

    Details on The Onion’s high-profile takeover of Infowars

    Wemby is the NBA’s DPOY. Hard to argue with that

    NFL Star WR AJ Brown seems likely to join the Patriots

    Question of the Day

    Assuming Kansas lands Stokes, though who knows if that will happen, what is the biggest single current need on the roster for next year?

    'Silva situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible'

    Fulham fan's voice banner
    [BBC]
    Marco Silva with his players after the Brentford draw
    [Getty Images]

    Beware of jealousy, they say.

    But I find it hard not to be when I look at clubs of a similar size, in similar situations, handling it far better than us.

    Marco Silva's reluctance to sign a new contract has hampered our season. It is something that is becoming increasingly difficult to argue against.

    It becomes more frustrating when you look at Bournemouth, who continued to perform despite uncertainty surrounding boss Andoni Iraola, even before he took the decision to inform the club of his intention to leave in the summer.

    The players' ability to shut out the noise, coupled with the manager's move to bring certainty to the situation, respecting fans and the club alike - while still helping the side succeed - are in contrast to the confusion, mystery and inertia surrounding our Portuguese coach's future.

    It has shown on the pitch. We have failed to score a goal in five of our last six games and once again look likely to fizzle out at the most crucial part of the campaign, when so much remains on the table.

    The drab stalemate at Brentford encapsulated this perfectly. The players - and manager - appeared to be going through the motions. We are not in trouble, but we are not showing any ambition to go further either.

    It all leads me to wonder whether it is best to just part ways. But I am wary of being careful what I wish for. You only have to look across London at West Ham for an example of the dangers of swapping a manager who delivers mid-table security for a fresh start - and David Moyes even delivered a trophy for the Hammers.

    Ultimately, this situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible. It is not too late to save the rest of the season; a new deal, or a decision to part amicably, could be the catalyst for a run of form in these final five games that sees us push past the ceiling that we have been knocking against for the past three years.

    Then the green eyes of envy would be firmly locked on SW6.

    Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish

    Follow all the Athens high school soccer teams in GHSA playoffs here

    We are in the home stretch, Athens. High school spring sports are entering the playoffs beginning Tuesday.

    Soccer concluded its region play and declared its seedings over the weekend and are now gearing up for the GHSA-wide competition to start April 22. Top-seeded Oconee County girls had a scheduling issue with another sport, so they kicked off the tournament early on Monday, April 20, with a 10-0 win against 32-seed Riverdale.

    As usual, the first, second, quarterfinal and semifinals rounds will be hosted by the higher seed in each matchup. Here's the first and second round schedule breakdown, which is always split up by classification and gender:

    Round 1

    • April 21: A-D1/D2, 3A, 5A girls
    • April 22: A-D1/D2, 3A, 5A boys
    • April 23: 2A, 4A, 6A girls
    • April 24: 2A, 4A, 6A boys

    Round 2

    • April 28: A-D1/D2, 3A, 5A girls
    • April 29: A-D1/D2, 3A, 5A boys
    • April 30: 2A, 4A, 6A girls
    • May 1: 2A, 4A, 6A boys

    The quarterfinals will be May 4-5 and the semifinals May 7-8. If two of the same seeds are paired, a universal coin toss will be used to determine the host.

    The championships are slated for May 12-15. There will be three host sites for the finals, with classifications set for each destination. Two classes will be held at Upson-Lee and St. Pius X each, while the remaining four classes will be held at Duluth. Here's the schedule breakdown:

    Upson-Lee High School

    Address: 268 Knight Trail, Thomaston

    • May 14: A-Division 1
    • May 15: A-Division 2
      • Both days: Girls play at 4 p.m., boys play at 6:30 p.m.

    St. Pius X Catholic High School

    Address: 2674 Johnson Road Northeast, Atlanta

    • May 12: Private
    • May 13: 2A
      • Both days: Girls play at 5 p.m., boys play at 7:30 p.m.

    Duluth High School

    Address: 3737 Brock Rd Northwest, Duluth

    • May 12: 3A
    • May 13: 5A
    • May 14: 6A
    • May 15: 4A
      • All days: Girls play at 5 p.m., boys play at 7:30 p.m.

    GIAA-wide competition does not begin until May 8-9 and will conclude May 26-27 at Stratford Academy in Macon.

    Here are the Athens-area soccer programs with sights set into the postseason and their first round opponents:

    Athens-area high school soccer teams in state tournament: First round opponents

    Girls

    GHSA Class 5A

    2-seed Jackson County vs. 3-seed Glynn Academy | Tuesday, April 21; 5:30 p.m.

    4-seed Clarke Central at 1-seed Greenbrier | Tuesday, April 21; 5:30 p.m.

    Class 4A

    1-seed North Oconee vs. 4-seed Ware County | Thursday, April 23; 6 p.m.

    Class 3A

    1-seed Oconee County vs. winner of 16-seed Calhoun/17-seed Pickens | TBD

    • First round: W, 10-0 vs. Riverdale

    7-seed Jefferson vs. 26-seed Spalding | Tuesday, April 21; 6 p.m.

    Class 2A

    11-seed East Jackson vs. 22-seed Stephens County | Thursday, April 23; 5:30 p.m.

    Class 1A

    24-seed Commerce at 9-seed Armuchee | Tuesday, April 21; 6 p.m.

    27-seed Oglethorpe County at 6-seed Jeff Davis | Tuesday, April 21; 4 p.m.

    Class Private

    12-seed Athens Academy vs. 21-seed Galloway | Thursday, April 23; 5:30 p.m.

    24-seed Prince Avenue Christian at 9-seed Holy Innocents | Thursday, April 23; 5 p.m.

    Boys

    GHSA Class 5A

    1-seed Clarke Central vs. 4-seed South Effingham | Wednesday, April 22; 6 p.m.

    2-seed Jackson County vs. 3-seed Greenbrier | Tuesday, April 21; 7:30 p.m.

    4-seed Winder-Barrow at 1-seed Glynn Academy | Wednesday, April 22; 5:30 p.m.

    Class 3A

    7-seed Oconee County vs. 26-seed Richmond Academy | Wednesday, April 22; 7 p.m.

    12-seed Jefferson vs. 21-seed Johnson (Savannah) | Wednesday, April 22; 6 p.m.

    Class 2A

    31-seed East Jackson at 2-seed Thomson | Friday, April 24; 6 p.m.

    Class Private

    28-seed Prince Avenue Christian at 5-seed Athens Academy | Friday, April 24; 7 p.m.

    This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Follow the Athens-area high school soccer teams in GHSA playoffs

    'A club of nothingness' as relegation looms

    Burnley fan's voice banner
    [BBC]
    Burnley players look dejected after conceding a third goal
    [Getty Images]

    No matter how the season is going, or the challenges you are trying to overcome, conceding four goals in 45 minutes is not good. Not good at all.

    We did "OK" in the first half against Nottingham Forest and Zian Flemming's opening goal was a really well-worked opportunity. I have spoken about Flemming previously and vocalised my hope that he stays with us next year, but I fear he may wish to remain in the Premier League for another season, given how well he has adapted to it.

    The second half wasn't even worth thinking about. We were second best all over the park. Our attacking threat non-existent. Our ability to string a positive or meaningful pass together laughable. And, again, Parker just seemed to lack any consistency or clear strategy in his starting line-up or his substitutions.

    It feels like we are in Gameweek 33 and he still has no idea what his best starting 11 is.

    But the most difficult part to take is that we simply crumbled so very easily. As ugly as the football was during the Sean Dyche years - and I have no desire to return to that - we had that strong jaw mentality. We gave our all. We fought for everything.

    We are so very weak as a club. A club of nothingness. With no clear identity and none of the East Lancashire grit that has run through our DNA since 1882.

    How we get that back is a concern that is monopolising my thoughts this week.

    Perhaps, I will be able to see that more clearly once relegation is confirmed after the Manchester City game on Wednesday.

    Given that City could do with winning by a large goal tally - and Burnley haven't been historically shy in gifting them 5-0 victories when they have needed it - perhaps that will be the wake-up call everyone at the club needs.

    Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast

    Duke women’s basketball transfer portal recap: Who Blue Devils added, lost

    The NCAA women's basketball transfer portal window is officially closed, and Duke women's basketball made some moves during the 15-day window.

    The Blue Devils and head coach Kara Lawson are coming off a second-straight Elite 8 appearance, falling 70-58 to eventual national champion UCLA. Duke finished 27-9 overall, overcoming a 3-6 start, for its second-best season under Lawson. Duke claimed both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, finishing the season ranked as the No. 5 team in the country.

    While the period for players to enter the portal has closed, those already in the portal can still commit to new programs.

    Here’s a look at what Duke brought in and lost during the transfer portal cycle:

    DRAFTEES: Duke women's basketball's Taina Mair, Ashlon Jackson selected in 2026 WNBA Draft

    DUKE IN THE PORTAL: Duke women's basketball transfer portal tracker: Blue Devils land first commit

    Duke women's basketball transfer portal additions

    Duke's lone portal addition is Texas freshman guard Aaliyah Crump. Formerly the No. 5 recruit in the 2025 cycle, Crump averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 assists, primarily coming off the bench for the Longhorns, and had 11 double-digit outings.

    Crump missed time early in the season due to a stress fracture in her foot but returned in January. In total, she saw time in 24 games for Texas and made five starts, averaging 17.5 minutes per game.

    "Aaliyah Crump brings a ton of quality to our roster on and off the floor," Lawson said in a school-issued release. "There is a great familiarity. When you talk about bringing in a player through the portal, I think it's about connection and fit. There has to be a connection that exists between me and the player. Aaliyah and I have a strong connection already. The fit in the locker room with our team – they know her and she feels like she's been a part of us for a long time already."

    Crump is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota.

    "The connection Coach Lawson and I have built is one of a kind, and I fully trust in her plan for the success of this program," Crump said. "This journey has led me to a Sisterhood that has consistently made me feel like part of the family. The support and love within it are so strong and unique. I'm looking forward to competing alongside these amazing players. I know we will have a tremendous amount of success together. I'm so thankful I get to call this outstanding university and program home."

    Duke women's basketball transfer portal losses

    Duke lost two players to the portal: freshman Anna Wikstrom and senior Hailey Johnson. Wikstrom came to Duke out of Bergen, Norway, appearing in 18 games for Duke and averaging 1.3 points per game. Johnson spent one year in Durham, transferring from Pepperdine, and did not see action during the 2025-26 campaign.

    Neither have yet to find new homes as of April 20.

    Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@usatodayco.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

    This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke women’s basketball transfer portal recap: Blue Devils additions, losses

    Reader poll for Polk County's girls lacrosse player of the year | Vote

    The 2026 lacrosse postseason is in full swing.

    Many teams have competed hard in districts, but of course, it’s all about the players who have led their programs that far, though there are highly productive players that haven’t had as much team success. Below are highly productive players who are girls lacrosse Player of the Year candidates, and below, readers can vote for who they believe is most deserving.

    District champions and highlights: Lakeland Christian lacrosse wins first title; District highlights

    Semis: Lakeland Christian girls lacrosse wins semis; 3 takeaways on the game

    Sophomore midfielder Kendall Reber leads a Lakeland Christian girls lacrosse team that won a district championship for the first time in school history, and of course, they are playing in regionals this week. She’s up to 28 goals, 32 points, 74 ground balls and 44 draw controls.

    Then there is her teammate in junior midfielder Carly McKeel, who has 29 goals, 31 points, 10 ground balls and 25 draw controls. Both players have led Lakeland Christian to a 12-4 record to date.

    Lake Wales junior midfielder Ayvalei Joyner led the Highlanders to a 9-6 record — the program’s first winning season in two years — thanks to her 31 goals, 47 points, 39 ground balls and 28 draw controls.

    The Highlanders just lost to All Saints in the district semifinal game last week. And All Saints just went down to Lakeland Christian in the final. Still, the Saints are led by junior midfielder Summer Barfield, who is up to 29 goals, 35 points, 28 ground balls and 29 draw controls on the year.

    Barfield's teammate, sophomore attack Annie Baird is having an extraordinary season as well thanks to her 27 goals, 52 points, 34 ground balls and seven draw controls.

    While the team may not have the success that it wants, junior Ryann White and junior Kierra Brantley are having standout offensive seasons with 58 and 52 goals respectively for Winter Haven. White also has 64 points, 87 ground balls and 67 draw controls, while Brantley is up to 53 points, 74 ground balls and 42 draw controls.

    Bartow girls boast senior Anne Clark, who has 29 goals, 51 points, 54 ground balls and 59 draw controls.

    Vote below for the for who you believe is the girls lacrosse Player of the Year. This poll will close 8 p.m. on Friday.

    Cast your vote for the Oshkosh and Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week

    The Oshkosh and Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week poll from April 13 – April 19 is live until noon, Friday, April 24.

    Cast your vote for an area athlete that participated in sports including baseball, girls soccer, softball and boys and girls track and field.

    To nominate someone for Athlete of the Week please email BSchultz@usatodayco.com with the athlete’s name, school, sport and why they’re deserving by noon on Sunday to be considered for the next poll.

    More: Dylan Postl, aka WWE's Hornswoggle, brings pro wrestling to Oshkosh West

    More: Tyrese Haliburton partners with hometown Oshkosh B'gosh

    Nominees

    Jackson Anderson, Oshkosh North baseball

    Anderson pitched five innings and had 10 strikeouts while allowing three runs and two hits against Appleton East. He also went 1-for-2 with two walks.

    Haleigh Caspary, Lomira softball

    Caspary pitched a complete game shutout against Laconia and had nine strikeouts and allowed three hits.

    Colleen Fitzpatrick, Oshkosh West softball

    Fitzpatrick went 4-for-4 with five RBIs, two triples, one home run and a walk in a win against Appleton West.

    Sunjaya Greenlee, North Fond du Lac track and field

    Greenlee took first in the 100 meters (12.46) and long jump (17-5) and second in the 200 meters (26.48) at the Rosholt Early Bird.

    Caitlyn Krause, Waupun softball

    Krause had 13 strikeouts, allowed two hits and a run in seven innings pitched in a win against Algoma.

    Andrew Oehler, Oshkosh North track and field

    Oehler took first in the discus (149-5) and second in the shot put (49-0) at the Appleton West FVA Boys Quad.

    Lucky Pahl, Winneconne baseball

    Pahl had nine strikeouts in seven innings pitched, gave up five hits and two runs in a win over Shawano.

    Lola Rich, Winnebago Lutheran soccer

    Rich scored three goals in a win over Lomira.

    Michael Santiago, Lourdes Academy baseball

    Santiago went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in a win over Hustisford/Dodgeland.

    Abigail Tercha, Oshkosh West track and field

    Tercha took first in the 800 meters with a time of 2:30.44 at the Oshkosh West Girl’s Quad.

    Zella Tidemanson, Lourdes Academy softball

    Tidemanson had 10 strikeouts, allowed no runs and gave up two hits in five innings pitched against Menominee Nation. She also went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI.

    Nathan Viau, Fond du Lac track and field

    Viau took first in the triple jump (40-6) and second in the long jump (19-6) at the Appleton West FVA Boys Quad.

    Past Winners

    Aug. 21 – Aug. 30: Maya Hawi, Lourdes Academy girls tennis (10,768 votes)

    Sept. 1 – Sept. 6: Jack O’Brien, Valley Christian cross country (4,437 votes)

    Sept. 8 – Sept. 14: MaKaelyn Clark, Oshkosh West volleyball (4,685 votes)

    Sept. 15 – Sept. 21: Finley Morgan, Laconia volleyball (4,786 votes)

    Sept. 22 – Sept. 28: Tyler Farnsworth, Oshkosh North football (5,107 votes)

    Sept. 29 – Oct. 5: Alexis Babiash, Waupun volleyball (4,132 votes)

    Oct. 6 – Oct. 12: Matthias Behling, Valley Christian football (227 votes)

    Oct. 13 – Oct. 19: Lennon Rauls, Oakfield football (10,582 votes)

    Oct. 20 – Oct. 26: Sam Flood, United soccer (552 votes)

    Oct. 27- Nov. 2: Thomas McCarthy, Berlin cross country (115 votes)

    Nov. 17 – Nov. 23: Joe Promersberger, Mayville football (2,450 votes)

    Nov. 24 - Nov. 30: Calistin Schommer, North Fond du Lac girls basketball (592 votes)

    Dec. 1 – Dec. 7: Xander Osinga, Valley Christian basketball (5,025 votes)

    Dec. 8 - Dec. 14: Caden Umentum, Fond du Lac hockey (4,382 votes)

    Dec. 15 – Dec. 21: Lucas Neuens, Lourdes Academy basketball (4,823 votes)

    Dec. 22 – Dec. 28: Nick Oberneder, Fond du Lac hockey (229 votes)

    Dec. 29 – Jan. 4: Annabelle Chase, Omro basketball (6,813 votes)

    Jan. 5 – Jan. 11: Lucas Neuens, Lourdes Academy basketball (7,044 votes)

    Jan. 12 – Jan. 18: Taylor Schladweiler, Campbellsport basketball (8,542 votes)

    Jan. 19 – Jan. 25: Mya Moran, Valley Christian basketball (9,541 votes)

    Jan. 26 – Feb. 1: Emerson Wissink, Campbellsport wrestling (7,143 votes)

    Feb. 2 – Feb. 8: Collin Gamble, Fond du Lac hockey (4,701 votes)

    Feb. 9 – Feb. 15: Henry Achterberg, Lourdes Academy basketball (12,347 votes)

    Feb. 16 – Feb. 22: Paige Boevers, Valley Christian basketball (138 votes)

    Feb. 23 – March 1: Joey Ware, Oshkosh West basketball (2,868 votes)

    March 2 – March 8: Grace Mitchell, Winneconne basketball (3,998 votes)

    March 9 – March 15: Josie Christian, Lomira basketball (2,866 votes)

    March 16 – March 22: Koltyn Kachur, Winneconne track and field (784 votes)

    March 23 – March 29: Lia Lipinski, Oshkosh West softball (2,263 votes)

    March 30 – April 5: Addison Braun, Waupun softball (967 votes)

    April 6 – April 12: Elaina Reichenberger, Lourdes Academy softball (3,210 votes)

    Contact or send game stats/info to Ben Schultz at BSchultz@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @benschultz52.

    This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week poll now live

    Yesterday Match Result: Mumbai Indians climb table with thumping win over Gujarat Titans

    NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians reignited their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi stadium on Monday, riding on a sensational maiden IPL century from Tilak Varma to climb up the points table.

    Coming into the match under pressure after a string of defeats, MI produced a complete performance in Ahmedabad. Varma’s breathtaking unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls powered the five-time champions to 199/5, despite being in early trouble at 96/4. The left-hander shifted gears dramatically, smashing eight fours and seven sixes, turning the contest on its head with a stunning late assault.

    Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

    In response, Gujarat Titans’ chase never got going. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck with the very first ball, dismissing Sai Sudharsan for a golden duck, setting the tone for a clinical bowling display. Skipper Hardik Pandya led from the front, contributing with the ball and energy in the field, including trapping Jos Buttler early.

    The collapse continued as impact substitute Ashwani Kumar delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with impressive figures of 4/24. Mitchell Santner chipped in with two quick wickets, while sharp fielding — highlighted by Naman Dhir’s stunning catch — ensured GT were bundled out for just 100 in 15.5 overs.

    “It feels very special because it was much needed,” Pandya said after the match, as MI returned to winning ways. The victory marked only their second win in six matches but proved crucial, lifting them from the bottom of the table to seventh and reviving their campaign.

    For GT, led by Shubman Gill, it was a setback after a mixed run this season. With three wins and three losses, Gill described the defeat as “a small hiccup”, expressing confidence in a quick turnaround.

    Focus shifts to Hyderabad clash

    Attention now turns to Hyderabad, where Sunrisers Hyderabad host Delhi Capitals in a crucial battle for top-four positioning on Tuesday. Both teams are locked on six points, with SRH currently fourth and Delhi just behind in fifth, making the contest pivotal in the playoff race.

    With momentum building across the league, MI’s resurgence has added fresh intrigue, while the Hyderabad clash promises another high-stakes encounter in the race to the knockouts.

    AMD teases Multi Frame Generation with FSR update

    AMD hits at Frame Generation “Upgrade Ratio Option” for RDNA 4 users Last month, AMD confirmed at GDC 2026 that it was working on “ML-based multi-frame generation” as part of “FSR Diamond”. Now, it looks like AMD is getting ready to launch its first implementation of Multi Frame Generation, teasing a new “Frame Generation Upgrade […]

    The post AMD teases Multi Frame Generation with FSR update appeared first on OC3D.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down – Successor named

    Apple will have a new CEO on September 1st Apple has announced that Tim Cook will soon step down as CEO and take on a new role as “Apple Executive Chairman”. He will be stepping down on September 1st, after which John Ternus will become Apple’s CEO. John Ternus is Apple’s Senior Vice President of […]

    The post Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down – Successor named appeared first on OC3D.

    Dark Souls 2 Path Tracing Mod Reaches Public Beta – Here’s How to Install It

    21 April 2026 at 12:25

    A screenshot from the Dark Souls 2 Path Tracing mod "Lighting Engine".

    Last month, we shared some gorgeous screenshots from the in-development Dark Souls 2 path tracing mod "Lighting Engine". Now, modder Ganaboy has released a beta version that can be downloaded by anyone through the DSLighting Engine Discord channel. This build of the Lighting Engine adds path tracing and also removes almost all of the game's default 'fake lights'. The author recommends playing with as little player light as possible; the torch and light mechanics are crucial in the early game, and timers should be preserved as much as possible when not needed. There is minimal post-processing because the path tracing […]

    Read full article at https://wccftech.com/dark-souls-2-path-tracing-mod-public-beta/

    China’s Premiere Memory Maker Hits HBM3 Roadblock As Domestic DRAM Makers Rush HBM Manufacturing

    21 April 2026 at 11:15

    China's Premiere Memory Maker Hits HBM Roadblock As Domestic Makers Rush HBM3 Manufacturing

    China's domestic memory manufacturers are rushing to produce HBM chips, but the biggest DRAM maker has run into roadblocks with HBM3 tech. CXMT Is Reportedly Struggling With Its HBM3 Development & Has Delayed The Project To 2H 2026, A Cause of Concern for China's Domestic AI Markets The AI market in China is booming at an incredible pace, led by Huawei and several other chipmakers. Despite facing strict bans on advanced chip production, the AI market has endured, & domestic DRAM makers are now sampling their very first HBM3 solutions, which will be coupled with the latest AI chips. At […]

    Read full article at https://wccftech.com/china-ymtc-hits-hbm3-roadblock-domestic-makers-rush-hbm-manufacturing/

    Accounting Ketchup – Catch up your QuickBooks fast with AI-powered cleanup


    Accounting Ketchup provides AI-powered catch-up bookkeeping for QuickBooks Online with a flat monthly rate per month cleaned. Connect securely via Intuit OAuth, let the system auto-categorize and reconcile transactions, then review flagged items so nothing changes without your approval. In 3 to 7 business days, you get CPA-ready financials including a clean P&L, balanced balance sheet, and reconciled accounts kept inside your QuickBooks. Pricing starts at $69 per month of cleanup with no subscription and includes human review before delivery.

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    Nexus – The bookmark manager you'll actually use


    Nexus is a bookmark manager built for people who read carefully. Smart collections update automatically based on tags, so a link tagged design appears in your Design collection without folder drag-and-drop. You can share any collection privately with specific friends to view or collaborate, or make it public with a short shareable URL. The same list works as a team reading queue or a link-in-bio. Every saved page gets a Wayback Machine snapshot to prevent link rot. It features a fast keyboard-first UI and quick capture via bookmarklet and mobile share sheet. The beta is invite-only while it stabilizes.

    View startup

    Samsung One UI 9 Beta: Why it’s different this year – Release Date and Eligible devices

    21 April 2026 at 11:48

    Samsung has already started testing early internal firmware builds for the latest Galaxy S-series flagship device. The first build was spotted around mid-March 2026 for the Galaxy S26 series, including the S26 Ultra, and some testers have installed it on real devices.

    Samsung’s One UI 9 development is moving fast because Google’s Android 17 Beta program has been rolling since February 2026, with platform stability reached by late March.

    Now the big question is when we will get our hands on the early One UI 9 features. Let’s talk about it.

    Here’s the expected release date based on Samsung’s recent patterns and leaks:

    • Public One UI 9 Beta: Late May or early June 2026. Samsung often starts betas right after the previous major update (One UI 8.5) rollout.
    • Stable One UI 9 rollout: Mid-2026, probably July 2026 alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and rumored Z Fold Wide. New foldables usually ship with the latest One UI out of the box.
    • Rollout to other devices: Starts with other flagships (S25/S24 series) in August/September, then mid-rangers and tablets later in 2026.

    This is faster than some past One UI rollouts because Samsung has been accelerating its update schedule.

    The official One UI Beta Program will be available through the Samsung Members app. The beta program is currently open (One UI 8.5) in these countries: US, UK, Germany, Poland, South Korea, and India. If you are living in any of these countries, you will be eligible as soon as the One UI 9 registration banner appears in Samsung Members.

    Easy steps (same as past betas):
    1. Open Samsung Members app, log in with your Samsung account.
    2. Look for the “Notice / Banner / Beta card” or “Registration for One UI Beta Program”.
    3. Submit your device info (it must be a supported model on the latest stable or beta firmware).
    4. If selected, you will get an OTA beta build (sometimes multiple waves).

    Important: You can unenroll and return to stable, but expect bugs, battery drain, and possible data wipes in early builds.

    Samsung One UI 9 Eligible Devices: (Tentative List)

    Samsung hasn’t published an official list yet (It usually does right after beta is completed), but eligibility follows its 4–7 year major OS update promise. Devices that received One UI 8/8.5 are almost certain to get One UI 9 unless already hit the eligibility limit.

    Galaxy S series:
    – S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra (first in line for beta)
    – S25 series (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE)
    – S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE)
    – S23 series (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE)

    Galaxy Z series:
    – Z Fold 8 / Z Flip 8 (launch with stable)
    – Z Fold 7 / Z Flip 7 (and FE variants)
    – Z Fold 6 / Z Flip 6
    – Z Fold 5 / Z Flip 5

    Galaxy A series (select mid-rangers):
    – A57, A56, A55, A37, A36, A35, A26, A25, A17, A16, A15, A07 (and LTE/5G variants)

    Tablets:
    – Tab S11 / S11 Ultra
    – Tab S10 series (S10+, S10 Ultra, S10 FE/FE+)
    – Tab S9 series (S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE/FE+)
    – Tab Active 5 / Active 5 Pro

    Others: Galaxy XCover 7 (and some region-specific M/F models in limited cases).

    Devices likely stopping at One UI 8.5: S22 series, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, older A-series like A53/A54 in some regions, etc.

    What’s new in One UI 9 (From leaks & early builds)

    One UI 8.5 already brought some visual refresh (glassy effects, new icons, etc.), so you can expect more polishing, refinements, and deeper Android 17 integration rather than a total redesign in One UI 9. Early internal builds show mostly subtle tweaks, but the first public beta will likely add more. Here’s what we have so far.

    UI & Design improvements:
    – Thicker, easier-to-reach brightness and volume sliders in Quick Settings.
    – Enhanced lock-screen media player widget with colorful waveform animations and circular buttons.
    – Possible expanded “glassy”/translucent blur effects across Quick Panel, notifications, and panels.
    – Redesigned “About Phone” section in Settings.
    – Squarer/customizable widget corners and more uniform home-screen widget styling.
    – Gallery app gets a clean multi-image selection preview with blur effect.
    – Refined spacing, animations, and overall fluidity (Material 3 Expressive influences from Android 17: new icons, layouts, possibly frosted-glass panels).

    New Samsung Features:
    Tap to Share (NFC-based quick file/photo/contact/location sharing with a glow animation).
    – Bixby home-screen widgets (voice/mic and keyboard options for quick commands).
    – Warranty & Care central hub in Settings: warranty info, diagnostics, repair options, remote assistance, and Bixby voice integration for all your linked devices.
    – Improved Galaxy AI (proactive features, enhanced Photo Assist with AI suggestion “pills” in the editor, more Agentic AI capabilities).

    You can expect these Android 17 features on One UI 9:

    – Floating app bubbles/windows for any app (great on foldables/tablets).
    – System-level selective contacts picker (apps only see contacts you explicitly grant).
    – Advanced Protection Mode + better privacy controls.
    – Improved satellite connectivity and UWB distance measurement.
    – Notification Rules: super-granular per-app/per-contact rules (Silence, Block, Highlight, Bundle, etc.).
    – Per-app dark theme options, better location permissions, multitasking enhancements (pinned bubbles), 14-bit RAW camera support, gaming optimizations, and adaptive apps across screen sizes.

    One UI 9 looks like a solid upgrade, with a more refined UI, smarter AI, tighter Android 17 integration, and useful additions like Tap to Share and Notification Rules.

    Watch for the official announcement in the Samsung Members app or on Samsung’s newsroom/developer site in the next 4–6 weeks. If you have a supported device (especially S26), you will be able to test early.

    The post Samsung One UI 9 Beta: Why it’s different this year – Release Date and Eligible devices appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Galaxy Z Flip 8 may offer chip, camera gains; no progress in battery and charging

    By:Yash
    21 April 2026 at 11:46

    A fresh rumor has surfaced suggesting the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will arrive with the exact same 4,300mAh battery and 25W charging speed as the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

    Samsung last bumped the charging speed on its flip lineup back in 2022, when the Galaxy Z Flip 4 debuted with that spec. It’s going to be the fourth time in a row that the company’s clamshell foldable is retaining the charging speed.

    The South Korean tech giant may upgrade other aspects, including the chip and camera.

    The Galaxy Z Flip 8 could land with a newer chipset, which should bring the usual performance and efficiency bumps. Just like the S26, Samsung may split the chips between its in-house Exynos and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.

    There are whispers of camera improvements, too. Such enhancements will make the company’s next Flip phone even more appealing. That said, Samsung isn’t completely sleepwalking through the development cycle.

    Unpacked in London

    Samsung is expected to hold its next Unpacked event in London, a slight departure from its usual rotation. The new foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Wide, and Z Flip 8, are anticipated for a second-half launch.

    Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is going to be a brand-new debut to the lineup. The phone is expected to enter as an alternative to Apple’s foldable. The design is influenced by the OG Pixel Fold, featuring a passport-like look.

    More leaks will almost certainly surface between now and then.

    The post Galaxy Z Flip 8 may offer chip, camera gains; no progress in battery and charging appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Motorola becoming the anti-Samsung – A problem Samsung should take seriously

    By:Yash
    21 April 2026 at 10:43

    Samsung owns Android, which has been true for years, and the Galaxy maker has done little to pretend otherwise, but quietly, methodically, Motorola has been building something worth paying attention to.

    Over the past few years, Motorola has made a series of smart, deliberate choices. The company found a real balance between value-focused midrange devices and genuinely compelling premium foldables.

    Most manufacturers stumble badly when they try to play both ends of the market; meanwhile, Motorola hasn’t stumbled.

    Now, with the Razr Fold and the new Moto G Stylus surfacing for 2026, the picture is getting clearer. Motorola isn’t just competing anymore; it’s positioning itself as the answer to every frustration Samsung has handed its users.

    Motorola’s latest Fold supports stylus

    When Samsung stripped S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it chose thinness. Engineering tradeoffs are real, and the digitizing layer was genuinely in the way of a slimmer device, but it removed an iconic feature.

    Stylus users on the Z Fold lineup felt abandoned. They bought into an ecosystem, paid premium prices for years, and got told their preferred way of working didn’t fit the new design. That’s a rough message to send to your most committed buyers.

    Motorola heard it loud and clear, with the Razr Fold debuting stylus support baked in. We’re talking a large inner display that was practically built for pen input. Motorola just plugged a gap Samsung left open with its latest Fold.

    Motorola Razr Fold

    Source – Motorola

    Moto Stylus isn’t boring

    Samsung removed the battery from its S Pen, starting in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Motorola turned around and added one to its stylus a year later. The new Moto G Stylus brings pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.

    It won’t match peak S Pen precision, and nobody’s claiming it will, but that’s not the point. The point is that stylus users now have a credible place to go, at a price that is significantly lower than Samsung’s Ultra and Fold lineup.

    Samsung spent years teaching people what a premium Android phone should feel like. Motorola is just reminding the Korean tech giant to sync with evolving dynamics.

    The post Motorola becoming the anti-Samsung – A problem Samsung should take seriously appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    One of the best smartphone displays is available for little money - but hardly anyone knows about it

    A smartphone for less than $200 contains an AMOLED display that a few years ago would only have been found in a top-of-the-range cell phone: Bright, color-accurate, responsive and high-resolution. We explain how this is possible and where the Motorola Moto G67 may have cut corners elsewhere.

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra

    21 April 2026 at 11:30

    After Samsung blurred the lines between the S Plus and the S Ultra models a few generations ago, users each year are wondering which one to get. The top-tier and more expensive Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus variant that gives you roughly the same user experience at a more manageable price? "Roughly the same" won't cut it for some users, so naturally, the Ultra will give you a few extra exclusive features. And it's not just the S Pen, so let's explore the nuances. Table of Contents: Design Display Battery Life Charging Speaker Test ...

    Motorola's new Razr gets an official launch date

    21 April 2026 at 10:39

    Motorola is unveiling a new Razr smartphone on April 29. The company has just revealed this via its official account on X. There's also a teaser video to go with it. The Razr 70 and Razr 70 Ultra have both been leaking a lot lately, and it stands to reason that their maker would finally decide to make them official. And the timing is impeccable too, seeing as how the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra arrived in late April of last year. Get ready to experience something new 👀. pic.twitter.com/cHYgYVwz8H— motorola (@Moto) April 20, 2026 Based on past leaks, expect the Razr 70 to be identical...

    Moses Itauma set to be ordered for heavyweight world title fight against fellow Brit

    21 April 2026 at 11:10

    is fast becoming one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and the Kent-based phenomenon looks set to be mandated for a shot at the heavyweight throne. Itauma has fought on 14 occasions since his 2023 debut and has rose into title contention with wins over Demsey McKean, Mike Balogun, Dillian Whyte and, most […]

    The post Moses Itauma set to be ordered for heavyweight world title fight against fellow Brit appeared first on Boxing News.

    South Africa March 2026: Record market, BYD and Tata now share figures

    21 April 2026 at 10:35

    The Dolphin Surf is BYD’s best-seller in South Africa in March.

    18th straight month of year-on-year gains for the South African new vehicle market, with March volumes up a splendid 17.3% to 58,060. For the second consecutive month, this is a new record, eclipsing the previous March best of 56,110 hit in March 2012. The year-to-date tally is now up 12.4% to 161,978 units. In contrast exports drop -5.3% to 37,388 and are down -11.6% over Q1 to 86,281.

    Toyota (+14.3%) scores a 22.9% share, similar to the 23.1% it holds year-to-date. The VW Group (+13.5%) is back above Suzuki (-4.5%) for the first time this year. Isuzu (+27.3%) surges three spots on February to #4, overtaking Hyundai (+5%), Ford (-2.7%) and GWM (+34.4%). Chery (+25.7%) is also in excellent shape at #8 while Jetour (+238%) manages a second ever Top 10 finish after last December and breaks its volume record at 1,768. BYD (#21) and Tata Passenger Cars (#22) now report sales. BYD’s best-sellers are the Dolphin Surf (239 sales) and Shark (94).

    Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (+40.9%) surges ahead to 7.1% share, its highest since December 2024, and cements its YTD dominance at 6.1% of the market, the only nameplate above 4%. The Isuzu D-Max (+33.7%) climbs up three ranks on February to #2, its best ranking since exactly a year ago in March 2025 when it was also #2. The VW Polo Vivo (+32.6%) is another great performer at #3 whereas the Ford Ranger (-4.8%) is in trouble at #4. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (+71.3%) remains the best-selling Chinese vehicle in the country.

    Previous month: South Africa February 2026: Chinese shine in record market

    One year ago: South Africa March 2025: Sales up 12.5%, Mahindra breaks records

    Full March 2026 Top 46 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.

    South Africa March 2026 – manufacturers:

    PosManufacturerMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
    1Toyota13,32322.9%+ 14.3%137,38123.1%+ 5.1%11
    2Volkswagen Group5,5749.6%+ 13.5%315,2439.4%– 3.8%33
    3Suzuki5,0478.7%– 4.5%218,01911.1%+ 1.6%22
    4Isuzu3,5136.1%+ 27.3%77,4904.6%+ 10.3%77
    5Hyundai3,2585.6%+ 5.0%49,4425.8%+ 5.7%44
    6Ford2,8284.9%– 2.7%58,4345.2%+ 4.8%55
    7GWM (incl. Haval)2,7774.8%+ 34.4%67,9124.9%+ 42.9%66
    8Chery2,3904.1%+ 25.7%86,9604.3%+ 21.3%88
    9Mahindra2,2803.9%+ 1.2%95,9473.7%+ 11.7%910
    10Jetour1,7683.0%+ 238.0%114,9913.1%+ 249.0%1115
    11Kia1,6462.8%+ 17.4%105,2803.3%+ 22.2%109
    12BMW Group1,5882.7%+ 18.8%143,9192.4%+ 3.8%1413
    13Nissan1,4872.6%– 35.4%153,8242.4%– 22.9%1512
    14Omoda and Jaecoo1,4332.5%+ 77.8%134,1432.6%+ 78.5%1314
    15Renault1,4072.4%+ 0.4%124,2462.6%– 0.7%1211
    16Stellantis7141.2%+ 36.0%161,9111.2%+ 35.5%1616
    17MG6891.2%new171,7901.1%new1724
    18FAW Trucks6211.1%+ 43.4%191,4730.9%+ 24.7%2018
    19Foton6041.0%+ 107.6%201,5290.9%+ 183.7%1919
    20Mercedes5951.0%+ 5.7%181,6141.0%+ 10.9%1817
    21BYD5891.0%new –5890.4%new26 –
    22Tata PC5150.9%new –5150.3%new30 –
    23Honda3480.6%+ 92.3%239300.6%+ 46.2%2125
    24Jaguar Land Rover3190.5%+ 3.2%248020.5%– 0.4%2421
    25JAC3140.5%+ 24.1%219000.6%+ 35.5%2222
    26Daimler Trucks2730.5%– 22.9%228050.5%– 4.8%2320
    27Volvo Group2510.4%+ 70.7%314390.3%+ 7.9%3129
    28Mitsubishi2410.4%+ 22.3%275280.3%– 5.0%2930
    29UD Trucks2270.4%+ 9.1%265430.3%+ 9.0%2828
    30Mazda2090.4%– 9.1%256660.4%– 8.8%2523
    31BAIC1770.3%+ 2.9%285510.3%– 17.3%2726
    32Scania1550.3%– 7.7%293870.2%– 16.1%3227
    33Man1310.2%– 10.9%343170.2%– 17.0%3431
    34Changan1180.2%new303210.2%new3341
    35Volvo Cars1010.2%– 33.1%362500.2%– 18.3%3734
    36Porsche920.2%– 8.9%322870.2%+ 2.5%3533
    37Sinotruk920.2%+ 46.0%332710.2%+ 64.2%3636
    38Powerstar850.1%– 11.5%352480.2%– 14.5%3832
    39Babcock640.1%+ 77.8%401070.1%+ 50.7%4242
    40Subaru480.1%+ 26.3%42870.1%– 37.9%4337
    41VECV South Africa460.1%+ 84.0%381390.1%+ 124.2%3940
    42Tata410.1%– 39.7%391340.1%– 36.5%4035
    43Shacman400.1%n/a41720.0%n/a4443
    44Iveco260.0%– 42.2%371210.1%– 5.5%4139
    45Proton100.0%– 85.9%43200.0%– 87.5%4538
    46Ferrari (Scuderia)60.0%+ 500.0%44110.0%+ 10.0%4644

    South Africa March 2026 – models:

    PosModelMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
    1Toyota Hilux4,1187.1%+ 40.9%19,9556.1%+ 22.0%11
    2Isuzu D-Max3,0085.2%+ 33.7%56,2903.9%+ 12.6%36
    3VW Polo Vivo2,2583.9%+ 32.6%46,3443.9%– 1.5%22
    4Ford Ranger2,0743.6%– 4.8%36,2363.8%+ 0.5%43
    5Chery Tiggo 4 Pro1,8883.3%+ 71.3%65,3223.3%+ 57.9%68
    6Toyota Corolla Cross1,5362.6%– 2.2%123,4312.1%– 18.9%125
    7Hyundai Grand i101,4102.4%– 6.3%74,1522.6%+ 1.3%77
    8Suzuki Swift1,4002.4%– 12.9%25,9373.7%– 9.9%54
    9GWM Haval Jolion1,2622.2%+ 14.5%113,5422.2%+ 11.2%1011
    10Suzuki Fronx1,1792.0%+ 12.1%103,4922.2%+ 18.4%1110
    11Toyota Starlet1,1742.0%+ 9.2%83,7872.3%– 16.5%89
    12Nissan Magnite1,0781.9%– 25.3%182,7101.7%– 16.4%1615
    13Mahindra XUV3X01,0631.8%+ 37.2%192,5811.6%+ 33.6%1723
    14Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up1,0371.8%– 14.7%132,7641.7%– 0.5%1518
    15Toyota Fortuner1,0001.7%+ 26.1%222,1321.3%+ 2.5%2220
    16Kia Sonet9751.7%+ 18.5%142,8861.8%+ 14.0%1312
    17Toyota Vitz9311.6%+ 189.1%93,6442.2%+ 114.6%916
    18Omoda C58451.5%+ 51.2%172,5761.6%+ 58.2%1821
    19VW Polo8371.4%– 10.2%202,3531.5%– 6.6%1917
    20Toyota Urban Cruiser8161.4%+ 15.6%212,1311.3%– 13.8%2314
    21GWM P-Series7851.4%+ 95.3%271,8051.1%+ 116.4%2629
    22Toyota Starlet Cross7791.3%– 18.6%152,8051.7%– 6.8%1413
    23Toyota Hiace7711.3%+ 25.0%242,0201.2%+ 4.7%2422
    24Jetour T26461.1%n/a251,9301.2%n/a25n/a
    25Renault Kiger5090.9%+ 40.2%341,2890.8%+ 11.1%3333
    26Toyota Rumion5020.9%+ 25.8%232,2251.4%+ 85.3%2027
    27Hyundai i204940.9%+ 59.9%291,5511.0%+ 61.2%2838
    28VW Amarok4660.8%+ 69.5%361,1880.7%+ 46.7%3736
    29Toyota Prado4580.8%– 7.5%281,4070.9%+ 19.1%29n/a
    30Suzuki S-Presso4570.8%+ 111.6%411,1390.7%+ 47.2%3840
    31VW T-Cross4530.8%– 3.2%431,3250.8%– 10.8%3224
    32Renault Triber4390.8%+ 25.1%261,6411.0%+ 51.4%2737
    33Jetour T14370.8%n/a321,3260.8%n/a31n/a
    34Hyundai Exter4370.8%+ 3.8%301,2200.8%+ 3.6%3532
    35GWM Haval H64340.7%+ 43.2%381,2320.8%+ 37.2%3431
    36Tata Tiago4260.7%new –4260.3%newn/a –
    37Jetour Dashing4140.7%+ 36.2%371,0930.7%+ 29.2%4034
    38Renault Kwid4110.7%– 28.1%421,1320.7%– 37.1%3925
    39Toyota Land Cruiser 704060.7%– 19.9%331,3750.8%– 17.1%3026
    40VW Polo Sedan4050.7%– 4.3%50n/an/an/an/an/a
    41Citroen C33890.7%n/an/an/an/an/an/an/a
    42BMW X33880.7%+ 38.1%n/an/an/an/an/an/a
    43Nissan Navara3800.7%– 54.5%391,0680.7%– 30.9%4230
    44Suzuki Baleno3630.6%– 28.0%351,2150.8%– 4.3%3628
    45Suzuki Ertiga3510.6%– 52.9%162,1451.3%+ 6.7%2119
    46Ford Territory3420.6%+ 50.7%311,0850.7%+ 32.0%4139
    47Jaecoo J53190.5%n/an/an/an/an/an/an/a
    48Ford Everest3000.5%– 12.5%44n/an/an/an/an/a
    49VW Tiguan2930.5%n/an/an/an/an/an/an/a
    50Chery Tiggo 7 Pro2900.5%– 31.0%401,0500.6%– 13.7%4335

    Source: NAAMSA

    Konyaspor-Fenerbahçe maçı ne zaman, saat kaçta ve hangi kanalda canlı yayınlanacak?

    Fenerbahçe, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde TÜMOSAN Konyaspor ile deplasmanda karşı karşıya gelecek. Konyaspor-Fenerbahçe maçı ne zaman, saat kaçta ve hangi kanalda canlı yayınlanacak? Detaylar haberimizde...

    Fenerbahçe, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde TÜMOSAN Konyaspor ile deplasmanda karşı karşıya gelecek.Tek maç üzerinden oynanacak çeyrek final maçında kazanan takım, adını yarı finale yazdıracak.

    Kupada C Grubu'nda mücadele eden sarı-lacivertliler; Beşiktaş, Erzurumspor FK, Gaziantep FK, Kocaelispor, Çaykur Rizespor, Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı ve Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü'nün yer aldığı grubu ikinci sırada tamamladı.

    Grupta Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı, Erzurumspor FK ve Gaziantep FK ile karşı karşıya gelen Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş'a kaybederken diğer rakiplerini mağlup ederek 9 puan topladı.

    KONYASPOR-FENERBAHÇE MAÇI NE ZAMAN, SAAT KAÇTA VE HANGİ KANALDA CANLI YAYINLANACAK?

    MEDAŞ Konya Büyükşehir Stadı'nda oynanacak müsabaka, saat 20.30'da başlayacak Ozan Ergün'ün yöneteceği 90 dakikada Murat Altan ve Mustafa Savranlar yardımcı hakem olarak görev yapacak. Karşılaşma ATV ekranlarından canlı olarak yayınlanacak.

    Fenerbahce

    MUHTEMEL 11'LER

    Konyaspor: Deniz, Uğurcan, Nagalo, Adil, Arif, Jevtovic, Melih, Deniz, Bardhi, Muleka, Kramer.

    Fenerbahçe: Tarık, Semedo, Oosterwolde, Skriniar, Levent, İsmail, Kante, Musaba, Talisca, Kerem, Cherif

    2 EKSİK

    Fenerbahçe'de 2 isim forma giyemeyecek.

    Uzun süredir takımdan ayrı kalan Edson Alvarez'in yanı sıra Marco Asensio, TÜMOSAN Konyaspor mücadelesinde takımını yalnız bırakacak.

    KUPADA 3 KEZ KARŞILAŞTILAR

    Fenerbahçe ile TÜMOSAN Konyaspor, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda daha önce 3 kez karşı karşıya geldi.

    2002-2003 sezonunda tek maç eleme sistemine göre oynanan mücadelede Konyaspor sahasında 1-0 kazanarak Fenerbahçe'yi kupanın dışına itmişti.

    İki ekip 2015-2016 sezonunda ise kupa yarı finalinde eşleşti. Çift maç eleme usulüne göre oynanan maçlarda Fenerbahçe ilk müsabakayı deplasmanda 3-0, ikinci karşılaşmayı ise sahasında 2-0 kazanarak finale yükselmeyi başardı.

    Galatasaray'ın rakibi Barcelona: Konu Xavi Simons

    Galatasaray'ın adı uzun süredir Bernardo Silva'yla anılıyor. Ancak Sarı-Kırmızılı ekibin bir yandan da Tottenham forması giyen Xavi Simons'u izlediği belirtildi. Bu kulvardaki rakip ise Barcelona...

    Galatasaray 2026 yazında kesinlikle bir 10 numara transferi gerçekleştirecek. Bu konudaki en büyük favori; Bernardo Silva... Manchester City ile mukavelesi bu sezonun ardından bitecek olan Portekizli futbolcu, boşa çıkacak. Durumla ilgili hem kulüp hem de oyuncu cephesinden resmi açıklamalar gelmişti.

    BİRÇOK AYRILIK YAŞANACAK

    Galatasaray'ın bir yandan da Tottenham forması giyen Xavi Simons'u izlediği belirtildi. Tottenham şu anda Premier Lig'de küme düşme hattında bulunuyor. Sezon sonunda Championship'e gitmeleri halinde birçok futbolcuyla yollar ayrılacak. Onlardan biri de Xavi Simons...

    65 MİLYONA ALDILAR

    Tottenham, 23 yaşındaki Hollandalı 10 numarayı sezon başında Leipzig'den transfer etmişti. 65 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. 1.79 boyundaki futbolcunun 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar mukavelesi var. Galatasaray'ın kafasında kiralama teklifinin bulunduğu öğrenildi. Ancak bu konuda yalnız değil. Barcelona Kulübü, altyapısından çıkan Xavi Simons için devrede... Her şey sezon sonunda Tottenham'ın küme düşüp düşmeyeceğine bağlı... Tottenham Premier Lig'de kalırsa, Xavi Simons da kalacak. Aski halde ortalık karışacak.

    Szymanski Fransa'da kendisini buldu: Şov yapıyor

    Fenerbahçe devre arasında Polonyalı oyuncu Sebastian Szymanski'yi, Rennes Kulübü'ne satmıştı. 26 yaşındaki 10 numara, Ligue 1'de 30. haftanın en iyi 11'ine seçildi.

    Fenerbahçe, 2023 yazında Dinamo Moskova'dan Sebastian Szymanski'yi transfer etmişti. O dönemde oyuncuya Galatasaray'ın da ilgisi vardı. Ancak Sarı-Lacivertliler işi bitirdi. Polonyalı orta saha aslında Fenerbahçe kariyerine iyi başladı. Ancak daha sonra çok uzun süren bir gerileme dönemine girdi.

    Fenerbahce

    9.5 MİLYONA GİTTİ

    Bu sezonun devre arasında ise 9.5 milyon euro karşılığında Rennes Kulübü'ne satıldı. Polonyalı futbolcuyla 30 Haziran 2029 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. Ve Fenerbahçe'den ayrılmak, Sebastian Szymanski'ye yaramış gibi gözüküyor. 1.74 boyundaki oyuncu, Ligue 1'de 30. haftanın en iyi 11'ine seçildi.

    GİTTİKÇE UYUM SAĞLIYOR

    Sebastian Szymanski, Fransa Ligi'nde 12 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 573 dakika kaldı. 1 gol ve 3 asist üretti. 26 yaşındaki futbolcu son olarak 3-0 kazanılan Strasbourg mücadelesinde 1 asist yapmıştı. Haftalar ilerledikçe hem Rennes hem de Ligue 1'e uyum sağladığı gözlemleniyor.

    En fazla kırmızıyı Galatasaray ve Beşiktaş yedi: Fenerbahçe 1 kez eksik kaldı

    4 büyükler olarak adlandırılan; Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş ve Trabzonspor'un bu sezonki kırmızı kart raporu ilgi çekici... Peki kime ne kadar kırmızı kart çıkarıldı?

    Süper Lig'de bu sezon şu ana kadar oluşan 4 büyüklerin kırmızı kart tablosu ilgi çekici... Takımların gördüğü kırmızı sayıları şöyle:

    4- Beşiktaş-Galatasaray

    3- Trabzonspor

    1- Fenerbahçe

    4 büyüklerin rakiplerine çıkarılan kırmızı kartların durumu:

    10- Fenerbahçe

    7- Galatasaray

    6- Trabzonspor

    4- Beşiktaş

    Besıktas

    BEŞİKTAŞ'IN DURUMU

    Beşiktaş bu kulvarda Galatasaray'la birlikte en fazla kırmızı kart gören takım olurken, Kartal'ın oynadığı takımlar ise 4 kez eksik kaldı. Yani Siyah-Beyazlılar hem en fazla kırmızı kart gören hem de rakiplerine en az kırmızı çıkarılan kulüp oldu. Kartal, puan tablosunda da 4. basamakta bulunuyor.

    Fenerbahce

    FENERBAHÇE MAÇLARI

    4 büyükler arasında en az kırmızı kart gören takım olan Fenerbahçe, aynı zamanda rakipleri en fazla eksik kalan İstanbul ekibiydi... Süper Lig'in tamamlanmasına çok kısa bir süre kaldı. Bu tablonun sezon sonunda nasıl şekilleneceği ise şimdiden merak ediliyor.

    Beşiktaş'ın yeni kalecisi Konyaspor'dan gelebilir!

    Mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Ersin Destanoğlu'nun Beşiktaş'tan ayrılması bekleniyor. Yönetim yabancı bir kaleci getirecek. Ancak Ersin'in yerine de Konyaspor'dan Deniz Ertaş düşünülüyor. Deniz, Türkiye U21 Milli Takımı'nda da görev yapıyor.

    Beşiktaş altyapısından çıkan Ersin Destanoğlu'nun sözleşmesi 30 Haziran'da tamamlanacak. 25 yaşındaki file bekçisinin sezon sonunda kulüpten bedelsiz şekilde ayrılması bekleniyor. Yönetim, kesinlikle yabancı bir eldiven getirecek. Yeni sezonda ikinci kaleci olarak düşünülen Ersin'in yeri de doldurulacak.

    Besıktas

    SON SENESİNE GİRİYOR

    Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın, Ersin yerine düşündüğü ismin; Konyaspor forması giyen Deniz Ertaş olduğu öğrenildi. Türkiye U21 Milli Takımı'nda da görev yapan 21 yaşındaki file bekçisinin mukavelesi 30 Haziran 2027'de tamamlanacak. Yani 2026 yazında kontratının son senesine girecek.

    Besıktas

    İKİSİ DE YABANCI OLMAYACAK

    1.93 boyundaki kalecinin bonservisi konusunda Konyaspor'la anlaşılması bekleniyor. Deniz bu sezon Süper Lig'de 9 karşılaşmaya çıktı. 13 gol yedi. 2 mücadelede ise kalesini kapattı. Beşiktaş Yönetimi, genç eldiveni yeni sezonda yedek file bekçisi olarak düşünüyor. Ersin'in ayrılığı durumunda iki kaleci de yabancı olmayacak. Bu sebeple Deniz Ertaş ismi öne çıktı.

    Milan Rafael Leao'da indirim yaptı: Galatasaray ve Barcelona devrede

    Milan Kulübü, daha önce 75 milyon euro talep ettiği Rafael Leao'da rakamı 50 milyon euro seviyesine indirdi. Oyuncunun Barcelona'ya önerildiği söyleniyor. Galatasaray da Portekizli yıldızı istiyor.

    Yönetim ve teknik heyetle problemler yaşayan Rafael Leao, Milan tribünlerinin de hedefi haline gelmişti. Portekizli sol kanat oyuncusu, satış listesine konuldu. Serie A temsilcisi daha önce 26 yaşındaki futbolcu için 75 milyon euro talep ediyordu. Ancak şu anda rakamı 50 milyon euro seviyelerine indirdikleri öğrenildi.

    BARCELONA'YA ÖNERİLDİ!

    1.88 boyundaki oyuncunun, Barcelona'ya da önerildiği belirtildi. Rafael Leao kesinlikle Milan'dan ayrılmak istiyor. Bu sebeple de seçeneklerini değerlendiriyor. Galatasaray bir süredir Portekizli yıldızı izliyor. Sarı-Kırmızılı ekibin de ciddi bir teklifle masaya oturabileceği öğrenildi.

    Galatasaray

    HAREKETLİLİK BEKLENİYOR

    Rafael Leao bu sezon Serie A'da 25 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 1.642 dakika kaldı. 9 gol ve 3 asist üretti. Milan'la 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. Ancak bu yaz ayrılması bekleniyor. Barcelona'nın çözmesi gereken bazı maddi sıkıntıları var. Galatasaray sürpriz bir şekilde bu transferde öne geçebilir. Mayıs ayının sonlarına doğru konuyla ilgili hareketlilik bekleniyor.

    Fatih Terim çalışmaya devam ediyor: Hedef Galatasaray başkanlığı

    Galatasaray'ın efsane isimlerinden Fatih Terim katıldığı bir programda yaptığı açıklamalar ile bir kez daha başkanlık sinyalini verdi.

    Galatasaray'ın efsane isimlerinden Fatih Terim gerek yaptığı açıklamalar ile gerekse camianın sevilen isimlerinden biri olması nedeniyle bazı kesimler tarafından başkanlığa yakıştırılıyor. Fatih Terim ise bu yakıştırmaları yaptığı açıklamalar ile zaman zaman destekliyor. Terim, katıldığı bir programda yaptığı açıklamalar ile bir kez daha başkanlık sinyali mi veriyor? sorusunu akıllara getirdi. Efsane isim, gerektiğinde Galatasaray için sorumluluk alınması gerektiğini belirtti.

    Galatasaray

    Fatih Terim'in Galatasaray açıklamaları şöyle:

    -Galatasaraylılık sadece iyi günde değil, zor zamanlarda sorumluluk almaktır.

    -Bugün Türkiye'nin veya dünyanın neresine giderseniz gidin mutlaka bir Galatasaraylıyla karşılaşırsınız. Bunlar kulübüne sadakatle bağlı olan milyonlarca insandan ibaret. Dolayısıyla fikir üretmek ve Galatasaray'a destek vermek için hep hazır olan kişilerin bir araya gelmesi çok önemli.

    -Galatasaraylılık yalnızca iyi günde değil, zor günde de sorumluluk almaktır. Bugün Türkiye'nin ya da dünyanın neresine giderseniz gidin muhakkak bir Galatasaraylı ile karşılaşırsınız. Bu insanlar, kulübüne sadakatle bağlı milyonları oluşturur. Galatasaray'a destek vermek için hazır olan kişilerin bir araya gelmesi çok önemli. Sürdürülebilir başarının en hassas noktalarından biri budur. Böylesine bir cevhere sahip kulübün akıl ve dayanışmasının çok daha derin olması gerektiğini düşünüyorum!

    Galatasaray

    YENİ BAŞKAN SEÇİLECEK

    Öte yandan Galatasaray, olağan başkanlık seçiminin 23 Mayıs Cumartesi günü yapılacağını açıkladı.

    Galatasaray'ın derbi taktiği: 'Fenerbahçe öndeymiş gibi'

    Süper Lig'de gözler bu hafta oynanacak Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisine çevrildi. İki takımın hedefi de kazanmak. Galatasaray Sportif AŞ Başkan Vekili İbrahim Hatipoğlu, katıldığı bir programda Fenerbahçe derbisine nasıl hazırlandıklarını açıkladı.

    Lider Galatasaray, bu hafta Fenerbahçe'yi evinde ağırlayacak. Ezeli rakipler şampiyonluk yolunda yara almak istemiyor. Galatasaray maçı kazanarak aradaki puan farkını açmak isterken Fenerbahçe ise derbiyi kazanıp şampiyonluk şansının devam etmesini istiyor. Galatasaray Sportif AŞ Başkan Vekili İbrahim Hatipoğlu katıldığı bir programda derbi için açıklama yaptı.

    Galatasaray

    Hatipoğlu, Fenerbahçe derbisine 4 puan öde olmalarına rağmen sanki gerideymiş gibi hazırlandıklarını söyledi. İşte o açıklamalar:

    -Derbiye 4 puan önde olmamıza rağmen sanki gerideymişiz gibi hazırlanıyoruz. Oyuncularımıza, özellikle Okan hocamıza son derece güveniyorum. Derbilerde ayrı oynuyor Galatasaray Okan hocamızla birlikte.

    "Fenerbahçe'den açıklamalar oldu, ne diyeceksiniz?"

    -Polemiklere girmeyelim. Galatasaray son 4 yıldır şampiyon oluyor ama açın izleyin, bakın. Hakemlerden en çok müzdarip olmuş, hakem hatalarından en çok puan kaybetmiş takım Galatasaray’dır. En son bir golümüz iptal edildi. Aradan 72 saat geçti, hala insanlar neden iptal edildiğini anlayamadı. Futbol konuşmak lazım. Sahada konuşmak lazım. Hepimiz bir arada, birlikte Galatasaray’ın gerçek gücünü ortaya koyacağız. Son sözüm de kenetlenin başka Galatasaray yok!

    Beşiktaş Avrupa sınavında

    Beşiktaş GAİN, BKT Avrupa Kupası final serisinde yarın sahaya çıkacak.

    Beşiktaş GAİN Basketbol Takımı, BKT Avrupa Kupası (EuroCup) final serisi ilk maçında yarın Fransa temsilcisi Cosea JL Bourg'u konuk edecek.

    Beşiktaş GAİN Spor Kompleksi'nde oynanacak mücadele saat 20.00'de başlayacak. Müsabaka, TRT Spor'dan canlı yayımlanacak.

    Siyah-beyazlı ekip, normal sezonda mücadele ettiği B Grubu'nu Cosea JL Bourg'un önünde ilk sırada tamamladı.

    Beşiktaş, iki galibiyete ulaşan takımın şampiyon olacağı seriyi kazanması halinde gelecek sezon Avrupa Ligi'nde mücadele edecek.

    Tek eksik Kamagate

    Beşiktaş GAİN'de Cosea JL Bourg ile oynanacak final serisi öncesinde tek eksik pivot Ismael Kamagate.

    Siyah-beyazlı takımın Fransız basketbolcusunun, final serisinde sakatlığı nedeniyle forma giymesi beklenmiyor.

    Normal sezonda lider Beşiktaş GAİN

    Beşiktaş GAİN, BKT Avrupa Kupası'nda normal sezonu B Grubu'nda ilk sırada tamamladı.

    Siyah-beyazlılar, grupta oynadığı 18 maçta 13 galibiyet, 5 yenilgi yaşadı ve averajla zirvede yer aldı.

    Beşiktaş, bu performansıyla doğrudan çeyrek finale adını yazdırdı.

    Cosea JL Bourg normal sezonu ikinci tamamladı

    Fransız ekibi, Beşiktaş GAİN'in bulunduğu B Grubu'nu ikinci sırada noktaladı.

    Cosea JL Bourg, grupta siyah-beyazlılarla aynı sonuçları (13 galibiyet, 5 yenilgi) alırken averajla ikinci basamakta kaldı.

    Fransız ekibi de yoluna çeyrek finalden devam etti.

    İki takımın final yolu

    Beşiktaş ile Cosea JL Bourg, çeyrek final ve yarı finalde rakiplerini geçerek finale adlarını yazdırdı.

    Çeyrek finalde İtalyan ekibi Dolomiti Energia'yı ağırlayan Beşiktaş, maçı tek sayı farkla 77-76 kazandı ve yarı finale yükseldi. Yarı final serisinde bir diğer Türk temsilcisi Bahçeşehir Koleji'ni 2-0 geçen siyah-beyazlılar, ilk finalist oldu.

    Beşiktaş gibi organizasyona çeyrek finalde devam eden Cosea JL Bourg, Slovenya takımı Cedevita Olimpija'yı 83-79 yenerek adını son dört takım arasına yazdırdı. Sonraki turda bir başka Türk takımı Türk Telekom'u seride 2-1 yenen Fransa temsilcisi, finale çıkarak Beşiktaş GAİN ile kupa mücadelesi vermeye hak kazandı.

    Beşiktaş, normal sezondaki iki maçı da kazandı

    Beşiktaş GAİN, normal sezonda Cosea JL Bourg ile oynadığı iki maçta da galip geldi. B Grubu'nda sahasında oynadığı ilk maçı 90-60 kazanan siyah-beyazlılar, deplasmanda ise 103-99 galip geldi.

    Finalde kupa için mücadele edecek Beşiktaş ile Cosea JL Bourg, bu sezon üçüncü kez kozlarını paylaşacak.

    İki takım arasındaki 6. randevu

    Beşiktaş ile Cosea JL Bourg, Avrupa Kupası'nda 6. kez karşı karşıya gelecek.

    Siyah-beyazlı ekibin geride kalan maçlarda galibiyetlerde 3-2 üstünlüğü bulunuyor.

    İki takım, daha önce 2023-2024 sezonunda EuroCup yarı finalinde karşılaşmış ve Fransız ekibi Beşiktaş'a seride 2-1 üstünlük kurarak finale yükselmişti.

    Avrupa'da evinde kaybetmedi

    Beşiktaş GAİN, organizasyonda bu sezon ev sahibi olduğu maçlarda namağlup yoluna devam ediyor.

    Avrupa'da grup, çeyrek final ve yarı final olmak üzere toplam 11 karşılaşmaya çıkan Beşiktaş, söz konusu maçların tamamını kazandı.

    Beşiktaş GAİN Spor Kompleksi'nde rakiplerini mağlup etmeyi başaran siyah-beyazlılar, bir maçını ise Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi'nde mücadele etti ve söz konusu karşılaşmayı da kazanmayı başardı.

    Saha avantajı Beşiktaş GAİN'in

    Final serisinde saha avantajı, normal sezonda grubunu lider tamamlayan siyah-beyazlı takımda olacak.

    Eşleşmenin ilk maçına yarın Beşiktaş GAİN Spor Kompleksi, ikinci karşılaşmasına ise 28 Nisan Salı günü Cosea JL Bourg'un sahası Ekinox Salonu ev sahipliği yapacak.

    Şampiyonu belirleyecek final serisinin 3. ve son maça kalması durumunda eşleşmenin kaderini belirleyecek karşılaşma, 1 Mayıs Cuma günü yine Beşiktaş'ın sahasında oynanacak.

    Kayserispor'dan gece yarısı açıklama: Radikal kararlar alacağız

    Zecorner Kayserispor Kulübü Başkanı Nurettin Açıkalın, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Gaziantep FK'ya 3-0 yenildikleri maçın ardından dikkat çeken açıklamalarda bulundu.

    Zecorner Kayserispor Kulübü Başkanı Nurettin Açıkalın, ligde kalma adına görüşmeler yapıp radikal karar alacaklarını duyurdu.

    Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Gaziantep FK'ya 3-0 yenildikleri maçın ardından yazılı açıklama yapan Açıkalın, geçen sezon kulübü 15 puan ile devralıp ligde kaldıklarını anımsattı.

    Transfer tahtasını açarak kulübün geçmiş borçlarının büyük bir kısmını ödediklerini belirten Açıkalın, şunları kaydetti:

    "Bu sezon ise sezon başından bugüne kadar büyük fedakarlıklar ile Kayserisporumuza elimizden gelen desteği vermeye çalıştık.

    Bugünkü kritik maçta maalesef kaybettik. Önümüzdeki 4 maçı kazanarak ligde kalmak adına yarından itibaren gerekli görüşmeleri yaparak radikal kararlar alıp enerjimizi ve gücümüzü tekrar toplamaya gayret edeceğiz. Sezon başından itibaren yaşadığımız kötü günlerin ve büyük şanssızlıkların karşısında yine birlik ve beraberlik ile duracağız. Biz inanıyoruz ki olanda da olmayanda da hayır vardır. Biz büyük bir camiayız. Unutmayalım ki yiğit düştüğü yerden elbette kalkmasını bilecektir. Tüm camiamızdan hepimiz adına özür diliyor, tüm şehri son 4 maçta kenetlenmeye davet ediyorum."

    Kupaya günler kala şok karar

    2026 Dünya Kupası'na kısa süre kala Suudi Arabistan'da beklenmedik bir gelişme yaşandı. Takımı turnuvaya taşıyan teknik direktör Herve Renard görevden alındı. Yerine ise Yunan teknik adam Georgios Donis'in getirileceği açıklandı. Bu değişiklik, turnuva öncesi takımın hazırlık sürecini doğrudan etkileyebilir.

    “Messi bütün dövrlərin ən yaxşı futbolçusudur”

    21 April 2026 at 11:30

    “Barselona”nın futbolçusu Lamin Yamal açıqlama verib.

    Futbolpress.az İspaniya mətbuatına istinadən xəbər verir ki, vinger futbol tarixinin ən yaxşı oyunçusunun Lionel Messi olduğunu deyib:

    “Messi bütün dövrlərin ən yaxşı futbolçusudur. Hamı ona hörmət edir. Ümid edirəm ki, mən də onun yolunu davam etdirə biləcəyəm”.

    Messi hazırda “İnter Mayami”də çıxış edir.

    Nəbi qələbə ilə başladı

    21 April 2026 at 11:15

    Braziliyanın Fos-du-İquasu şəhərində boks üzrə Dünya kuboku start götürüb.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, reytinq xarakterli yarışa Azərbaycan millisinin üzvü Nəbi İsgəndərov qələbə ilə başlayıb.

    70 kq çəki dərəcəsində mübarizə aparan təmsilçimiz ilk döyüşündə Necat Ekinçi (Türkiyə) ilə qarşılaşıb. Boksçumuz rəqibini 3:2 (30:27, 28:29, 30:27, 28:29, 29:28) hesabı ilə məğlub edib. İsgəndərov 1/8 finalda Murodjon Aşuraliyevlə (Tacikistan) üz-üzə gələcək. Görüş aprelin 22-də olacaq.

    Qeyd edək ki, Dünya kuboku aprelin 26-da başa çatacaq.

    Hansı oyun, hansı kanalda? – TV

    21 April 2026 at 10:48

    Bu gün dünyanın yaşıl meydanlarında futbol oyunları keçiriləcək.

    Futbolpress.az qarşılaşmaları canlı yayımlayacaq telekanalların siyahısını təqdim edir:

    Rusiya, Premyer Liqa
    18:30 Soçi – Krılya Sovetov (Matç Premyer)
    20:45 ÇSKA – Rostov (Matç Premyer)

    Azərbaycan Kuboku
    19:00 Zirə – Turan Tovuz (CBC Sport)

    Türkiyə Kuboku
    21:30 Konyaspor – Fənərbaxça (ATV – Türkiyə)

    İspaniya, La Liqa
    21:00 Malyorka – Valensiya (İdman TV)
    21:00 Atletik – Osasuna (Futbol 2)
    23:30 Real – Alaves (Futbol 2)

    İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa
    23:00 Brayton – Çelsi (İdman TV)

    İtaliya Kuboku
    23:00 İnter – Komo (TRT Spor, Futbol 1, Matç TV)

    “Zirə” – “Turan Tovuz”: final şansları

    21 April 2026 at 10:26

    “Zirə” Azərbaycan Kubokunun yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyununda bu gün “Turan Tovuz”u qəbul edəcək. Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionunda baş tutacaq görüşə saat 19:00-da start veriləcək.

    Komandalar arasındakı ilk matçda “Zirə” qələbə qazanıb – 2:0. “Turan Tovuz” finala adlamaq üçün azı üç top fərqiylə qalib gəlməlidir.

    İlk oyunda tovuzluların xeyrinə verilməyən iki penalti bir neçə gün gündəmdə qaldı. Klubun rəhbəri Ehtiram Quliyevin hakimləri sərt tənqid etməsi, azarkeşləri etiraza səsləməsi daha sonra “Turan Tovuz”un 15 min manat cərimələnməsinə səbəb oldu. Oyun ətrafında kifayət qədər gərginlik var. İlk matçdakı hakim səhvlərindən sonra iki top fərqi ilə  geridə olan tovuzlular səfərdə geridönüşə ümid edirlər.

    Kurban Berdıyevin yetirmələri bu mövsüm “Zirə”yə bir dəfə qalib gəlib. Fevralda baş tutan Premyer Liqa oyunu “Turan Tovuz”un 2:0 hesablı qələbəsiylə başa çatıb. Çempionatın digər matçında isə qolsuz bərabərlik qeydə alınıb.

    “Turan Tovuz” Misli Premyer Liqasının son turunda “Araz-Naxçıvan”a ikinci hissədə üç qol vurub. Ümumiyyətlə, bu mövsüm tovuzlular hücumda daha çox şans yaratsalar da, vurduqları qolların sayı azdır. Ancaq bu gün final arzulayan komanda əlinə düşən hər bir şansdan istifadə etməlidir.

    Bölgə təmsilçisi “Zirə”yə sonuncu dəfə 2023-cü ildə üç qol vurub. 2022/23 mövsümünün mayında Zirədə baş tutan çempionat matçında tovuzlular 3:1 hesablı qələbə qazanıb. Bu gün eyni hesab qeydə alınarsa, oyun əlavə vaxta gedəcək.

    “Zirə” isə daha rahatdır. Komandanın iki top üstünlüyü var və azarkeşləri önündə “qartallar”ın üç top fərqi ilə məğlub olması inandırıcı görünmür. “Turan Tovuz”un erkən vuracağı qol oyunun seyrini dəyişə bilər.

    “Turan Tovuz” çempionatda üçüncü sırada qərarlaşıb və böyük ölçüdə ilk üçlükdə yerini təmin edib. “Zirə” isə dördüncüdür və “Neftçi” ilə avrokuboklara vəsiqə uğrunda mübarizə aparır. Rəşad Sadıqovun yetirmələri üçün kubok yolu daha əlverişli və prestijlidir.

    Şahin Cəfərov

    14-cü dəfə ölkəsinin ən yaxşı futbolçusu seçildi

    21 April 2026 at 10:08

    “Milan”ın yarımmüdafiəçi Luka Modriç Xorvatiyada ilin ən yaxşı futbolçusu seçilib.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Xorvatiya Futbol Assosiasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 40 yaşlı futbolçu bu həftə mükafatını alacaq.

    Modriç karyerasında 14-cü dəfə ölkəsində ilin futbolçusu seçilib.

    Arbitrum Freezes 30,766 ETH After KelpDAO Breach

    21 April 2026 at 10:29
    Arbitrum freezes 30,766 ETH tied to KelpDAO exploit, securing funds without disrupting network or impacting users.

    The post Arbitrum Freezes 30,766 ETH After KelpDAO Breach appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

    The Arbitrum Security Council has frozen 30,766 ETH, worth about $71 million, linked to the KelpDAO exploit on Arbitrum One. The funds were moved to a secure wallet requiring governance approval for release, with no impact on other users. The April 18 attack drained $292 million in rsETH through a compromised LayerZero bridge, reportedly tied to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. Meanwhile, Aave paused markets to review up to $230 million in potential bad debt. Read Complete Story

    Rave DAO (RAVE) Price Rebounds After Brutal Crash — Dead Cat Bounce or Real Recovery?

    21 April 2026 at 10:28
    RAVE Token Crashes 95%

    The post Rave DAO (RAVE) Price Rebounds After Brutal Crash — Dead Cat Bounce or Real Recovery? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

    Rave DAO’s collapse from around $28 to nearly $0.50 sent shockwaves across the crypto market. Concerns intensified after ZachXBT flagged extreme token concentration, likely fueling the token’s explosive 11,000% rally in under two weeks. The surge quickly unravelled, with RAVE plunging over 98% and erasing nearly $6 billion in market value as whales exited, triggering heavy selling pressure.

    However, the price has since staged a sharp rebound. After closing above $1.20, RAVE price surged nearly 130% to an intraday high of $2.58, before settling around $1.65 at the time of writing.

    Social Metrics Signal Speculative Activity

    RAVE price action reflects a classic hype-driven cycle, in which a sharp surge toward the $28 level coincided with a spike in social mentions and engagement. Data from Lunar Crush shows mentions climbing above 422K, while sentiment remains relatively elevated at around 58%, even after the crash. This divergence suggests that while the price collapsed rapidly, market attention has not faded at the same pace. Such conditions typically indicate retail-driven momentum rather than strong fundamental backing, increasing the likelihood of volatile price swings.

    rave price

    Despite the steep decline, continued social activity is fueling short-term rebounds in RAVE price. Elevated engagement and persistent chatter often act as a catalyst for short squeezes and relief rallies, rather than sustainable uptrends. The current structure points to speculative participation dominating the market, with traders reacting to volatility instead of long-term conviction. 

    Unless supported by stronger demand and improved market structure, the ongoing rebound risks losing momentum, reinforcing concerns of a potential dead cat bounce.

    RAVE Price Analysis: Relief Bounce Faces Key Resistance as Momentum Weakens

    The daily chart shows RAVE attempting a recovery after a near-vertical breakdown, but the structure remains fragile. The price has rebounded toward the $2–$2.50 zone, which now acts as immediate resistance after the sharp rejection from higher levels. This area aligns with the post-crash consolidation range, making it a critical supply zone. A failure to reclaim and hold above this region suggests the current move is more of a relief rally than a confirmed trend reversal.

    rave price

    Momentum indicators also signal weakening strength. The RSI has cooled off from overbought conditions and is now hovering below the bullish threshold, indicating fading buying pressure. Meanwhile, the MACD shows a bearish crossover with declining histogram bars, reflecting a slowdown in upward momentum. If RAVE fails to sustain above $1.20, the downside could extend toward the $0.70–$0.50 support zone. On the flip side, a strong reclaim above $2.50 with volume could invalidate the bearish outlook and open the door for a short-term push higher.

    Conclusion: Dead Cat Bounce Likely—But Key Levels Decide What Comes Next

    The current RAVE price action still leans toward a dead cat bounce rather than a true recovery. The rebound has been sharp, but it lacks structural strength and clear accumulation. The rejection near the $2.50 zone and weakening momentum indicators suggest the move is being driven by short-term liquidity rather than sustained demand. 

    However, the bearish setup is not absolute. It will be invalidated if Rave DAO reclaims and sustains above $2.50 with strong volume, signaling genuine buying interest rather than a short squeeze. A higher high formation above this level could shift the structure toward a short-term bullish reversal, opening the path toward the $3.50–$5 range. Until that confirmation appears, the current bounce remains fragile and vulnerable to another leg down.

    When Will the Clarity Act Pass? Senate Struggles to Act Before Deadline

    21 April 2026 at 10:20
    CLARITY Act Moves Closer to Senate Vote

    The post When Will the Clarity Act Pass? Senate Struggles to Act Before Deadline appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

    The fate of the U.S. crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, hangs in the balance as lawmakers run out of time to advance it in the Senate.

    The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives in July 2025 with bipartisan support, has yet to clear a key procedural step. With no date set for a Senate Banking Committee review, concerns are growing that the bill could stall.

    Republican Senator Tim Scott has warned that without a markup, the bill cannot move forward.

    “No markup means no committee approval, and no committee approval means no Senate floor vote,” he said.

    Unresolved issues slow progress

    Lawmakers are still negotiating several sticking points, including rules governing stablecoins, protections for developers working on decentralized finance (DeFi), and broader political alignment within the Senate.

    New concerns from law enforcement agencies over DeFi-related provisions have added to the delays, according to people familiar with the discussions.

    Also Read : Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Says Clarity Act Window is ‘Open’

    Deadline pressure builds

    Time is emerging as the main challenge rather than political support.

    Lawmakers face an informal deadline in late May, after which the congressional calendar is expected to shift toward election priorities.

    Senator Bernie Moreno said the bill risks being sidelined if it does not reach the Senate floor soon. Senator Cynthia Lummis has warned that delays could stretch much further if momentum is lost.

    Clarity Act Polymarket Prediction

    Last Week to Save the CLARITY Act Or U.S. Crypto Bill Will Die

    Expectations around the bill are already shifting. On the prediction platform Polymarket, the perceived likelihood of the bill passing this year has declined in recent weeks, reflecting growing uncertainty.

    Industry watches closely

    Financial institutions, including JPMorgan, have said clearer rules could encourage greater institutional participation in digital assets.

    Asset managers and firms such as BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, and Coinbase are also closely tracking the bill’s progress.

    Uncertain path ahead

    If the legislation fails to advance, the U.S. crypto sector could remain without a unified regulatory framework, leaving companies and investors navigating existing rules.

    For now, attention is on whether the Senate Banking Committee schedules a markup in the coming days. Without that step, the bill’s path forward this year appears increasingly uncertain. Concern over the slowdown.

    BlackRock Boosts Bitcoin Holdings by $256M

    21 April 2026 at 09:56
    BlackRock Boosts Bitcoin Holdings by $256M

    The post BlackRock Boosts Bitcoin Holdings by $256M appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

    BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) purchased another $256 million worth of Bitcoin on April 21, continuing its aggressive accumulation strategy. The move follows recent buys of 3,672 BTC and 3,899 BTC earlier in the week. With total holdings now valued at over $61 billion at around $76,000 per Bitcoin, IBIT remains the largest spot Bitcoin ETF. Strong weekly inflows of more than $600 million highlight rising institutional interest as major players steadily accumulate during market pullbacks.

    Singapore’s largest bank OCBC launches tokenized gold fund on Ethereum and Solana

    21 April 2026 at 11:28
    OCBC has rolled out a tokenized physical gold fund, bringing real-world asset exposure on-chain for institutional investors. OCBC said the product was launched in partnership with Lion Global Investors and digital asset exchange DigiFT, with the GOLDX token issued on…

    CLARITY Act may miss April markup as talks over stablecoin rewards continue

    21 April 2026 at 10:38
    A push to delay the Senate markup of the CLARITY Act to May has emerged as disputes over stablecoin yield continue to stall progress. According to Punchbowl News, US Senator Thom Tillis has advised Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott to…

    Arbitrum locks $71M in ETH linked to Kelp DAO exploit

    21 April 2026 at 10:17
    Arbitrum has moved to lock down a large portion of funds tied to the Kelp DAO exploit, stepping in as the fallout from the cross-chain breach continues to spread. According to a Tuesday update from Arbitrum, the network’s Security Council…

    CISA Adds 8 Exploited Flaws to KEV, Sets April-May 2026 Federal Deadlines

    The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Monday added eight new vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, including three flaws impacting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, citing evidence of active exploitation. The list of vulnerabilities is as follows - CVE-2023-27351 (CVSS score: 8.2) - An improper authentication vulnerability in PaperCut

    Just In: Liverpool move ahead of Man United and Real Madrid in race for £80m midfielder

    21 April 2026 at 10:52

    Liverpool appear to be making early moves in what could become one of the biggest midfield transfer stories of the summer, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton emerging as a top target.

    According to talkSPORT, the Reds are currently leading the race to sign the highly rated England international, but competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid ensures that nothing will come easy.

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    Wharton’s rapid rise since joining Crystal Palace has turned him into one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football.

    With his contract running until June 2029, Palace remain in a strong position and are reportedly demanding at least £80 million to even consider selling their prized asset.

    That valuation shows both his current performances and his long-term potential, making him one of the most valuable young midfielders on the market.

    Adam Wharton’s rise at Crystal Palace has been impressive

    Wharton’s development over the past year has been nothing short of impressive.

    His composure on the ball, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest deep-lying midfielders.

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    He doesn’t just pass the ball, he controls the rhythm of the game, often positioning himself perfectly to receive possession and distribute it efficiently.

    His passing range allows him to switch play quickly, while his defensive awareness ensures he contributes when the team is out of possession.

    Liverpool among clubs interested in the midfielder

    Liverpool’s interest makes plenty of sense when viewed through the lens of their ongoing midfield evolution.

    Over the past few seasons, the club has refreshed large parts of its midfield, bringing in younger players to build a more dynamic and sustainable squad.

    Wharton fits that profile perfectly, young, technically gifted, and already experienced in the Premier League.

    However, Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring Wharton as part of their long-term midfield rebuild.

    With the club looking to inject creativity and stability into the center of the pitch, Wharton’s skill set makes him an appealing option.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s involvement highlights just how highly he is rated across Europe. The Spanish giants are known for identifying elite midfield talent early, and their reported interest suggests Wharton’s reputation has grown far beyond England.

    Any club hoping to secure his services will likely need to meet or exceed the reported £80 million asking price.

    ‘Concrete talks are ongoing’ – Sky Sports journalist drops exciting Liverpool update as FSG give green light to transfer

    The post Just In: Liverpool move ahead of Man United and Real Madrid in race for £80m midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    End of an era: Man City star to leave this summer alongside Bernardo Silva

    21 April 2026 at 10:04

    Manchester City could be preparing to say goodbye to one of their most important defenders of the modern era, with John Stones expected to depart the club this summer when his contract expires.

    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old centre-back is likely to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, bringing an unforgettable chapter at the Etihad Stadium to a close.

    Stones has been a key part of Man City’s golden period under Pep Guardiola, helping the club dominate English football and achieve historic milestones.

    Fellow long-serving star Bernardo Silva is following a similar path, leaving in June as City begin planning the next phase of their squad evolution.

    John Stones created history at Man City

    It’s hard to overstate just how crucial the 31-year-old has been to the blue half of Manchester.

    Since arriving from Everton a decade ago back in 2016, Stones has evolved from a promising, ball-playing center-half into an absolute tactical revelation.

    Under Pep Guardiola’s meticulous guidance, he practically reinvented the modern defensive role, famously stepping up into midfield to orchestrate play during City’s legendary 2023 Treble-winning campaign.

    The “Barnsley Beckenbauer” has a glittering trophy cabinet overflowing with Premier League titles, domestic cups, and that elusive Champions League medal.

    He’s fully committed to helping City navigate the crucial final weeks of the season, desperate to add more silverware to his historic resume.

    Premier League giants are looking to make big changes

    Despite his success, injuries in recent seasons have occasionally disrupted his momentum.

    Like many experienced defenders in their thirties, maintaining peak fitness has become more challenging, and that may be one of the reasons both player and club are preparing for a fresh start.

    Bernardo Silva’s departure adds another layer of significance to the situation.

    If both players leave in the same window, it would mark the end of an era for Man City, removing two key figures who have been central to the club’s dominance over the past decade.

    For Stones personally, the next move could offer a chance to experience a new league or challenge before the later stages of his career.

    City may be preparing for a significant squad transition. For supporters, it could be an emotional farewell to players who helped shape one of the most dominant periods in English football.

    Stones appears focused on finishing strongly and contributing wherever possible. But once the campaign ends, all signs suggest a new adventure awaits.

    Man City are chasing Dutch defensive dynamo to as they look to build for the future

    The post End of an era: Man City star to leave this summer alongside Bernardo Silva appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Contact made: Chelsea take first step towards signing 24-year-old attacking sensation

    21 April 2026 at 09:38

    Chelsea’s transfer planning for the summer window appears to be well underway, with Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi now emerging as one of the latest names linked to Stamford Bridge.

    According to Fussballdaten, Chelsea have already made contact with the German international’s representatives to explore the possibility of a future deal.

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    This early approach suggests Chelsea are serious about strengthening their attacking options ahead of next season.

    With the club continuing to reshape its squad and build a dynamic frontline capable of competing at the highest level, Adeyemi fits the profile of a player who could add pace, versatility, and unpredictability to their attack.

    Why Chelsea are interested in signing Adeyemi

    Adeyemi has built a strong reputation during his time at Borussia Dortmund, becoming known for his explosive speed and direct style of play.

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    His ability to operate on either wing, and occasionally through the middle, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking flexible attacking systems.

    Over the past few transfer windows, Chelsea have consistently targeted attackers with pace and technical ability, aiming to build a forward line capable of quick transitions and high pressing, traits that match Adeyemi’s strengths.

    Dortmund are aware of growing interest in Adeyemi but are not under immediate pressure to sell.

    The 24-year-old remains an important part of their attacking plans.

    While Chelsea haven’t exactly been short on wide players over the last few turbulent years, finding a consistent, ruthless end product has been a lingering headache.

    Blues are determined to strengthen their attack

    From a strategic standpoint, this approach makes perfect sense for Chelsea’s long-term project.

    Of course, dealing with Borussia Dortmund is never a simple task. The German heavyweights are seasoned, stubborn negotiators who won’t let their prized attacker leave Signal Iduna Park without a premium transfer fee.

    Furthermore, facilitating a move for Adeyemi would likely mean trimming the fat at Stamford Bridge, sparking a necessary reshuffle and potentially forcing a few current wingers out the exit door.

    If the Blues can successfully navigate negotiations with Dortmund and bring Adeyemi’s blistering pace to West London, their attack will be a genuinely terrifying prospect next season.

    Sources: Chelsea and Man United battle for English midfielder known for his passing accuracy

    The post Contact made: Chelsea take first step towards signing 24-year-old attacking sensation appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Prediction: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

    Prediction: Arsenal to win 2-1 Best Odds: 13/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Arsenal and Newcastle United will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this coming weekend. The match between Mikel Arteta’s side and Eddie Howe’s team will be held at the Emirates Stadium in North London and is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm […]

    The post Prediction: Arsenal vs Newcastle United appeared first on Soccer News.

    The post Prediction: Arsenal vs Newcastle United appeared first on Soccer News.

    Yankees’ Cam Schlittler has short but sweet message for Red Sox fans ahead of series

    Cam Schlittler

    Yankees’ Cam Schlittler has short but sweet message for Red Sox fans ahead of series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    We have the best rivalry in Major League Baseball ready to get going during the week, as the Boston Red Sox are set to host the New York Yankees at Fenway Park for a three-game set. 

    The Red Sox and Yankees, two of the better teams in the American League on paper, have played some interesting baseball to start the year. The Yankees have been much better than Boston, currently 13-9 and in first place in the American League East. Boston, on the other hand, sits at 9-13.

    Regardless, this will be an important series for both sides, considering how early it is in the year.

    There's also another aspect that many are speaking of, and that's how the Yankees' young right-hander Cam Schlittler will respond to the expected boos he will receive in Boston. 

    However, Schlittler isn't backing down, as the Massachusetts native made it known that he thought they would quiet down after he shut them down in the postseason a year ago.

    “(You’d) think after last time,” Schlittler told Brendan Kuty, “how much they were talking before, that they might be trying to quiet it down a little bit…

    “I don’t expect to get a friendly welcome, which I’m planning on,” he said. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

    It's pretty funny hearing a young player get so invested in this rivalry, but considering what Red Sox fans have done to him, it's almost unfair not to expect a response.

    Whatever happens, the Yankees will have to hope that he puts his money where his mouth is and throws a big game in an important moment.

    More MLB news:

    Dolphins’ De’Von Achane rumors get expected result from insider after months of trade speculation

    De'Von Achane

    Dolphins’ De’Von Achane rumors get expected result from insider after months of trade speculation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Miami Dolphins have made some interesting decisions throughout much of their existence, especially over the past 20-plus years. There's a reason why the Dolphins haven't won a playoff game in a very long time, and that's not because the organization has made good decisions.

    The Dolphins have another tough decision to make over the next few months: what to do with De'Von Achane. Achane, one of the top running backs and a decent pass-catcher as well, doesn't seem to be on the market.

    However, others believe he could be traded, though the Dolphins' front office recently shut that down. Others believe that it's time to read the writing on the wall about what Miami is going to do with him.

    “While there might be an offer that changes the Dolphins’ view of holding onto Achane for the long term, it doesn’t sound like there’s much reason to believe he will be anywhere but Miami come the fall,” Josh Alper of PFT wrote.

    While all signs point to Achane staying on the roster, I think it's also fair to suggest that the Dolphins are in a position where, if they get an offer they simply can't refuse, anything is possible. However, I'd like to see Achane on the roster long term.

    More NFL news:

    Premier League relegation battle: Do Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest or Leeds have the best run-in?

    Tottenham could not beat Brighton despite Xavi Simons scoring a spectacular goal to lift Spurs  (Getty)

    Tottenham are staring down the barrel of the unthinkable: relegation from the Premier League. The tide is not shifting after last-gasp heartbreak was compounded by results not going their way this weekend.

    Relegation for a Spurs side that won the Europa League last season, reached the Champions League knockout stage this term and has spent just one season outside the top flight since 1950 would go down as one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history. Roberto De Zerbi is now the man tasked with engineering an escape, but Brighton scoring a last-minute equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening felt like a dagger into the heart of Spurs supporters.

    Leeds have pulled clear of the relegation zone after back-to-back victories against Manchester United and Wolves, while Nottingham Forest and West Ham have both done what Tottenham have failed to do in recent weeks and pick up precious points. Morgan Gibbs-White hat-trick inspired a 4-1 win over Burnley for Forest on Sunday, while the Hammers ground out a goalless draw at Crystal Palace the night after - a result which confirmed Wolves’ demotion.

    With Wolves down and Burnley doomed, here’s how the crucial relegation run-in is shaping up.

    Leeds United

    Position: 15th | Played: 33 | Points: 39 | GD: -7

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 25 April - Bournemouth (A)
    • 2 May - Burnley (H)
    • 9 May - Tottenham (A)
    • 17 May - Brighton (H)
    • 24 May - West Ham (A)

    Where to pick up points? The fixtures have fallen fairly kindly for Leeds and after their seminal win over Manchester United - a first league victory at Old Trafford since 1981 - and a 3-0 home victory over Wolves it now looks probable that they will secure Premier League football next season. Leeds just need one more point to reach the 40-point mark and they’ll be eyeing up the home fixture against Burnley to get over the line. Away games against relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham also look like prime opportunities to get results on the board.

    Tricky contests? They’ve passed their toughest test on paper with flying colours by beating United, which was their last game against a team currently above 10th in the standings. Nevertheless, a trip to Bournemouth in April and hosting European football-chasing Brighton in their penultimate fixture won’t be easy. Will a FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea this weekend prove to be a welcome distraction or a hindrance?

    Final straight? Leeds look safe, but they will be desperate to have that secured by the time they travel to West Ham on the final day but if not, that could be a high-octane shootout for survival. Games against Brighton and Spurs immediately preceding that are too unfriendly as finales go.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring a penalty to wrap up a 3-0 win for Leeds over Wolves (PA Wire)
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring a penalty to wrap up a 3-0 win for Leeds over Wolves (PA Wire)

    Nottingham Forest

    Position: 16th | Played: 33 | Points: 36 | GD: -9

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 24 April - Sunderland (A)
    • 2 May - Chelsea (A)
    • 9 May - Newcastle (H)
    • 17 May - Manchester United (A)
    • 24 May - Bournemouth (H)

    Where to pick up points? Forest had to make the most of a home fixture against doomed Burnley and, inspired by a 15-minute Gibbs-White hat-trick, they made the most of that golden opportunity on Sunday. That could be enough to get over the line. If not, a home game against a struggling Newcastle side who may have nothing to play for could be their best chance.

    Tricky contests? Games against two of the current top six still await Forest with trips to Manchester United and Chelsea on the docket. Forest also have to negotiate a Europa League semi-final with Aston Villa, which may prove a distraction.

    Final straight? It’s not the best with a journey to Old Trafford on the penultimate day of the season far from ideal although, as mentioned above, hosting Bournemouth on the final day could offer a chance to snatch the points required if things aren’t wrapped up by then. A home match against a floundering Newcastle as their antepenultimate fixture could also be worse. Things could be complicated if they are still going in the Europa League by that point, however.

     (Getty)
    (Getty)

    West Ham United

    Position: 17th | Played: 33 | Points: 33 | GD: -17

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 25 April - Everton (H)
    • 2 May - Brentford (A)
    • 9 May - Arsenal (H)
    • 17 May - Newcastle (A)
    • 24 May - Leeds (H)

    Where to pick up points? Their impressive form since hugely damaging back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest at the start of the year have seen West Ham go from doomed to having a genuine chance of survival – even climbing out of the bottom three by thumping Wolves 4-0 straight after the international break. Another hard-fought point at Crystal Palace should probably be seen as one gained rather than two lost as they enter their final five games of the season, but they now enter a run of tricky tests. Welcoming Leeds to the London Stadium on the final day looms incredibly large and could prove pivotal.

    Tricky contests? The Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H) run from late April to early May does not look very friendly. The games before and after that run appear to be much better chances to pick up the points the Hammers need to pull off an impressive escape.

    Final straight? If West Ham can get through that three-game stretch with a realistic shot at survival then an away game against Newcastle and a home clash with Leeds to finish the season might just be the ticket to get them clear of the drop zone. The final-day showdown against Daniel Farke’s side could be an all-time classic but won’t be a pretty watch if both sides are still fighting for their lives. However, the fact that the Whites are coming to the London Stadium at least plays into Nuno and co’s hands.

    West Ham's form since the turn of the year has given them a chance of survival (Getty Images)
    West Ham's form since the turn of the year has given them a chance of survival (Getty Images)

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Position: 18th | Played: 33 | Points: 31 | GD: -11

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 25 April - Wolves (A)
    • 2 May - Aston Villa (A)
    • 9 May - Leeds (H)
    • 17 May - Chelsea (A)
    • 24 May - Everton (H)

    Where to pick up points? At the moment, Spurs can’t pick up a win from anywhere... They haven’t won for 16 league matches, with their last Premier League triumph coming against Crystal Palace back in December. Spurs looked set to end that miserable run after Xavi Simons fired the hosts ahead against Brighton on Saturday but Georginio Rutter struck at the death to deny Roberto de Zerbi’s side. On paper, a game away to Wolves next has to end up with three points, and a potentially pivotal clash with Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium three matches from the end of the campaign is also a golden opportunity. But every fixture is tough currently.

    Tricky contests? Sidestepping the obvious quip of ‘every single one’, given their recent form, away games at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and Chelsea in May don’t look too fruitful.

    Final straight? Leeds at home as the third-last game is absolutely huge. Should that game go awry and Spurs head into the final two matches in the relegation zone, then a trip to Stamford Bridge and clash with Everton to finish up appear unlikely to provide succour.

    Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons appears dejected after Brighton and Hove Albion scores their second goal during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday April 18, 2026. (PA Wire)
    Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons appears dejected after Brighton and Hove Albion scores their second goal during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday April 18, 2026. (PA Wire)

    Verdict?

    This could genuinely go in any direction and you’d have to be a brave person to predict the outcome with any confidence.

    It could still all come down to the final day when West Ham host Leeds, Spurs play Everton and Nottingham Forest host Bournemouth. Leeds generally have the kindest fixtures and although the goals have dried up for them recently, they should have enough to survive given the current cushion.

    Forest could be adversely affected by their Europa League run and will probably need to have survival wrapped up going into the final couple of games, while West Ham’s boosted their chances with that Wolves win.

    Meanwhile, Spurs could be in real trouble if De Zerbi doesn’t flip the club’s fortunes and fast. He isn’t known as the fastest starter at new clubs - and with injuries piling up, we are beginning to really fear that the worst is probable rather than just possible for Spurs. But things can change within the week.

    Bears could be impacted by Lions draft decision in first-round, with warning sent to Chicago

    Ben Johnson

    Bears could be impacted by Lions draft decision in first-round, with warning sent to Chicago originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions don't have identical needs, but there are a few players they could both target in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

    The Bears have continued to put themselves in a very good position thanks to the front office and the emergence of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. Improving either side of the football will be a priority for this organization, but Detroit could be an issue in doing so. When examining what that means, it was recently proposed that both teams could be interested in Keldric Faulk, an edge rusher out of Auburn.

    “Faulk figures to hear his name called in the first round; it's just a matter of when. The Bears are hoping they at least have the option to take him No. 25 overall. However, he's listed on both Chicago and Detroit's shortlist of targets on FanSided's Big Board — and the Lions hold the 17th pick…

    "It sounds like there might be a race for Faulk's services, with a pair of division foes firmly in the mix. The Bears and Lions, among other clubs, can both greatly benefit from adding a high-profile prospect of his caliber. But at the end of the day, only one team will ultimately be able to claim him as theirs,” Lior Lampert wrote.

    Considering the Lions have the higher pick, if that's the direction they want to go, there isn't much Chicago can do with its draft board. However, the Bears could also look to move up in this draft and take Faulk if they believe he would make an impact on the roster at the highest level in the near future.

    More NFL news:

    Shedeur Sanders not expected to be immediately impacted if Browns take Ty Simpson

    Shedeur Sanders

    Shedeur Sanders not expected to be immediately impacted if Browns take Ty Simpson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    There have still been questions about what the Cleveland Browns might do at the quarterback position during the 2026 NFL Draft. Some seem to believe that Shedeur Sanders will be the guy of the future in Cleveland, while others believe it could go a different direction and take a quarterback in the first round. 

    If the Browns end up going the quarterback route, whether in the first round or later in the draft, Ty Simpson out of Alabama and Penn State’s Drew Allar seem to be the two guys.

    Selecting one of them would certainly impact Sanders, but according to the latest from Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, it doesn't sound like if they were to draft Simpson, he'd be a guaranteed starter.

    “I don’t think Simpson would have to climb to the top of the heap right away. It’s OK to let a quarterback wait a bit,” Cabot wrote. “Green Bay’s Jordan Love and others have had to wait their turn. If they draft Simpson at No. 24 or No. 39, it means they believe he has plenty of upside and might have a chance to supersede Sanders.

    “But it doesn’t mean they’d have to give up on Sanders or part with him right away. I think the Browns truly feel that Sanders has an excellent chance to elevate his game and become a quality NFL starter. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see how Sanders plays, and go from there, with Simpson waiting in the wings.”

    If that's really the case, I don't think the Browns have any reason to go after a quarterback. The only reason they should take a quarterback in the first or second round is if they believe they have a real opportunity to be a starter in Week 1. 

    There's no reason to continue playing these games, as it really doesn't help anybody in the short or long term.

    More NFL news:

    Kenan Yildiz: What United are willing to offer for Juventus sensation

    Kenan Yildiz: What United are willing to offer for Juventus sensation
    Kenan Yildiz: What United are willing to offer for Juventus sensation

    Matheus Cunha emerged as the match-winner for Manchester United in their crucial clash against Chelsea.

    Cunha showed his killer instincts in front of goal with a superb first-time finish to put United ahead at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian has produced a number of such decisive moments for the Red Devils in his maiden season.

    Still, many fans may argue that the return of eight Premier League goals and two assists is underwhelming from United’s first-choice left winger.

    Manchester United’s plot to sign Kenan Yildiz

    According to SportsBoom, Manchester United are seeking a “new icon” and have made Juventus jewel Kenan Yildiz their “top target” for the summer transfer window.

    It is claimed that United are preparing to knock on Juventus’ door with a package worth around €90 million (£78.3m) for the technically gifted playmaker, who is capable of playing out wide on the left as well as through the middle.

    The former Bayern Munich gem is “a phenomenon and will be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future”, according to ex-United forward Giuseppe Rossi.

    However, United’s alleged proposal for the 20-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, is “insufficient” for Juventus.

    Juventus reluctant to listen to offers for Kenan Yildiz

    It is claimed Yildiz is seen as the heir to Alessandro Del Piero in Turin on the back of several encouraging campaigns in Serie A. Juventus’ hierarchy reportedly consider him the “face” of the club.

    The Turkey international recently signed a contract until the summer of 2030, handing the Old Lady significant control over his future amid interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

    Kenan Yildiz Stats: 2025/26 Season

    Juve’s current strategy is to build their team around Yildiz, and any suitor would reportedly have to put forward at least €100m to open talks with the Serie A giants.

    United’s priority this summer is to overhaul their midfield, with a number of marquee names, including Real Madrid defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, on their list of targets.

    As such, it is not far-fetched to assume the Premier League side would not break the bank to sign Yildiz. 

    Featured image Valerio Pennicino via Getty Images

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    Laporta pushing to keep Barcelona forward until 2027 but salary talks remain unresolved

    Laporta pushing to keep Barcelona forward until 2027 but salary talks remain unresolved
    Laporta pushing to keep Barcelona forward until 2027 but salary talks remain unresolved

    Barcelona are heading into a crucial phase of their summer planning, and one situation that refuses to settle is the future of Robert Lewandowski. 

    What initially looked like a straightforward contract decision is now turning into something far more delicate.

    According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, club president Joan Laporta is keen to extend Lewandowski’s stay until 2027. 

    Internally, there is still a strong belief that the veteran striker has a role to play, especially given his experience and consistent output in front of goal.

    But this is where the situation becomes complicated.

    What’s the story?

    Barcelona are not in a position to offer the same financial terms. 

    This means a reduced salary is very much part of the proposal, although discussions around exact figures have not properly advanced yet. 

    Those talks are expected to pick up soon, but for now, there is a noticeable gap between intent and agreement.

    Laporta does not want to lose Lewandowski. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

    Notably, Lewandowski shares a strong connection with Laporta and his agent, Pini Zahavi, which has historically made negotiations smoother. 

    However, even that may not be enough this time because there are already multiple clubs circling. 

    Offers for Lewandowski

    Chicago Fire have put forward an offer that is being taken seriously, while interest from Saudi Arabia continues to hover in the background. 

    On top of that, the journalist mentions that two major European clubs are also monitoring the situation closely, ready to step in if Barcelona fail to secure an agreement.

    Lewandowski’s current deal is running down, and despite initial contact between Barcelona and Zahavi, there has been no real breakthrough. 

    From the player’s perspective, the idea of accepting a significant pay cut is not something being taken lightly, especially at this stage of his career. 

    While he remains committed professionally, there is a growing sense that he is not entirely convinced by the current proposal on the table.

    Meanwhile, Laporta does not want to lose Lewandowski, but the final outcome will depend on whether both sides can find a middle ground quickly.

    Dominik Szoboszlai takes a page out of Mo Salah's contract renewal playbook

    Dominik Szoboszlai takes a page out of Mo Salah's contract renewal playbook
    Dominik Szoboszlai takes a page out of Mo Salah's contract renewal playbook

    Liverpool fans were treated to two pieces of contract news on Monday.

    Stopping in the mixed zone following the first-ever Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium both Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai spoke out on their respective futures.

    Konate, 26, now appears certain to clinch a new contract with his previous deal due to expire in summer 2026. The Frenchman has been involved in protracted contract talks with the club for well over a year but there is finally white smoke over Anfield.

    .

    Szoboszlai future in doubt

    The 25-year-old signed for the Reds back in 2023 on a £60m deal from RB Leipzig. Having initially struggled to carve out an identity in the lineup Szoboszlai has finally become one of the main men for the Premier League champions.

    The Hungarian has gone from strength to strength - stepping up as a leader this season under Arne Slot in very difficult circumstances.

    And with a deal that runs until 2028 these are crucial times for Liverpool negotiators in tying the playmaker down for the long term.

    Szoboszlai will be well aware of his worth in the market - with midfielders at rival clubs making far more than his reported £150k per week salary.

    He is entitled to ask Liverpool to meet his demands - secure in the knowledge that Real Madrid and potentially other leading European teams will offer him a home should his contract run down.

    Given his age - and his quality - Szobsozlai holds all the cards right now and he knows it.

    Szoboszlai borrows Salah's contract playbook

    He has been taking notes from Mohamed Salah - following the same kind of playbook the Egyptian King took before his renewal was announced in 2025.

    “There has been no real progression, so I cannot say anything new about my contract situation,” the Hungary captain said on Sunday as per The Athletic.

    “We have a lot of games to go and I am focusing on that. As you guys know, my contract ends in 2028, so I am ready to go every day, every week, and then let’s see.

    “Of course I see myself here in the long term, but it is not really in my hands any more. I love being here. I love the fans. My family is happy.

    “I’m completely relaxed. We have five games to go. Then I am going to rest — a big one, after my international break. Then we will see.”

    Szoboszlai wants up to £300k per week

    It doesn't take a genius to figure out that "not in my hands" were precisely the words used by Salah while his previous deal was running down.

    Liverpool would dearly love to get Szoboszlai on a new deal - following in the footsteps of Ryan Gravenberch who renewed a few weeks ago.

    It won’t come cheap - with the Dutchman reportedly jumping to around £277k per week as part of his new deal. Szoboszlai will be looking to match - or even beat that total - with recent estimates suggesting he wanted between £250k and £300k per week.

    If the midfielder is relaxed, it’s no wonder. Because he is going to get weighed in on his new deal whether it’s at Liverpool or elsewhere.

    Steelers suddenly linked to Russell Wilson again after Aaron Rodgers news surfaces

    Russell Wilson

    Steelers suddenly linked to Russell Wilson again after Aaron Rodgers news surfaces originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Amid the uncertainty about what Aaron Rodgers will do in the future, as reports now indicate he still hasn't given the Pittsburgh Steelers a response, some are looking at what the organization might do next. There's reason to believe that could impact former Seattle Seahawks legend Russell Wilson, who remains on the free-agent market.

    Wilson, similar to Rodgers in the regard that both of them used to be very, very good players and aren't what they once were, is below Rodgers in terms of all-time status, as the former Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Steelers quarterback is one of the greatest ever, but that doesn't mean that Wilson still isn't a respectable player and somebody who could fit in for what the Steelers are looking to do. 

    He was already on the roster, which didn't exactly work out, but some believe that it could be better this time around.

    “If the question is where Wilson could reasonably sign right now, Pittsburgh is the cleanest answer.

    “Not because the Steelers are definitely choosing Wilson, but because Rodgers’ unresolved status keeps that door cracked open. Rooney’s public timeline matters here: if the Steelers truly want clarity before the draft, then every other veteran option sits behind that decision,” Erik Anderson of Heavy wrote.

    It's tough to say in a sense that Wilson would be an ideal candidate for a team like the Steelers right now. He's still a proven veteran and well respected, but if Pittsburgh has other options, which it does with Will Howard, it's probably better to go in that direction.

    More NFL news:

    Shedeur Sanders former college teammate hints at playing with him and Browns

    Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders

    Shedeur Sanders former college teammate hints at playing with him and Browns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Given how young Shedeur Sanders still is, there are multiple players in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, starting on Thursday night, who once played with him. Whether that was at Jackson State or Colorado, Sanders still has a few former teammates who were in the college football ranks a year ago.

    Among them is wide receiver Kevin Coleman, who played with Sanders at Jackson State. He posted 2,536 yards throughout his college career and is viewed as a potential draft pick in this upcoming class.

    Speaking about what it would mean to play with Sanders, it sounds like he has a lot of respect for what the young Cleveland Browns quarterback has done in his career so far. He also added that he would love to play with him again if given the opportunity.

    "That's my guy," Coleman said when asked about Sanders, per Browns Wire. "I'm super happy for him, proud of him for where he's at right now, proud of the guy that he is becoming. But hey, that would be crazy. Freshman year, the chemistry we [have]...I would love to go back and play with him."

    The Browns can use wide receiver help, and taking somebody that Sanders has a history with probably wouldn't be the worst idea, but it's also fair to note that Coleman isn't exactly what this organization needs right now. Cleveland will probably need someone a bit better, so that's something it will have to figure out in the draft.

    More NFL news:

    NBA playoffs 2026 takeaways: Anthony Edwards perseveres, Rudy Gobert makes Nikola Jokić look human as Timberwolves stun Nuggets

    The Nuggets appeared to be cruising to a 2-0 series lead Monday night as they opened a 44-25 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

    But the Timberwolves rallied to take the lead in the second quarter. And they rallied again in the fourth against a Nuggets team that looked outmatched and out of gas down the stretch to stun the Denver home crowd in a 119-114 win.

    The series is now tied at 1-1 and headed to Minnesota for Game 3. And now, it’s anybody’s game. Here’s how the Timberwolves got the job done — and how the Nuggets didn’t — in Game 2.

    Rudy Gobert makes Nikola Jokić look human

    Rudy Gobert flustered Nikola Jokić early in Game 1 before the Nuggets pulled away behind Jamal Murray’s 30 points.

    On Tuesday, Gobert made life hard on Jokić virtually whenever he was on the floor. In the end, he helped limit Jokić to two fourth-quarter points as the Timberwolves rallied to stun the Nuggets.

    Early on, Jokić let the game come to him. He didn’t attempt a field goal as Denver opened up a 28-13 first-quarter lead in the game’s first nine minutes. Jokić settled into his role as a playmaker and thrived while racking up five assists before taking his first shot from the field.

    But after the Timberwolves punched back to take the lead in the second quarter, waiting was no longer an option. And outside of his 16-point third quarter, Jokić was largely a non-factor as a scorer, especially when matched up with Gobert.

    Jokić scored just six points in the first half. And as Minnesota outscored Denver 29-21 in the fourth quarter, Jokić shot 1 of 7 in the final frame as Gobert repeatedly challenged him at the rim.

    Rudy Gobert showed why he is a 4-time Defensive Player of the Year with these CLUTCH stops on the 3-time MVP Nikoka Jokic! pic.twitter.com/ygRYwZPOF7

    — NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 21, 2026

    The two-man game with Jamal Murray that paced Denver’s Game 1 win was no longer effective as Minnesota took control. Jokić finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists. But he faltered down the stretched, turned the ball over three times and shot just 8 of 20 from the field and 1 of 7 from 3.

    Gobert’s box score (2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 5 fouls) left a lot to be desired. But his impact on the game was evident to anyone who was watching Monday night.

    Anthony Edwards is grinding — and producing — through pain

    Anthony Edwards clearly still isn’t himself due to a lingering knee injury that sidelined him for 11 of Minnesota’s last 14 regular-season games. He’s been a game-day call for both playoff games and appeared to tweak his knee early Monday. He grabbed it in clear pain in the first first quarter.

    But he’s pushing through and finished Monday with a team-high 30 points and 10 rebounds alongside 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. He wasn’t particularly efficient while shooting 10 of 25 from the field and 3 of 11 from 3.

    But he was tenacious and aggressive and kept constant pressure on Denver’s defense despite clearly not being 100%.

    HANG TIME IN THE MILE HIGH CITY. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/tMJoXv48XM

    — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 21, 2026

    Edwards now has two days off to rest his ailing knee before Game 3 Thursday night. How he continues to play through pain could very well tilt the balance of the series.

    Denver’s depth is still an issue

    The Nuggets prioritized building depth in the offseason after they ran out of gas in a seven-game series against the Thunder last postseason. But through two playoff games, a tight rotation has them looking gassed again after two games.

    It was the Nuggets who looked like the road team playing in elevation Monday as Denver effectively ran a seven-man rotation. Spencer Jones (10 minutes, 0 points, 0 shots, 2 rebounds) and Jonas Valanciunas (3 minutes, 0 points, 0 shots, 2 rebounds) both played, but were non-factors. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown were Denver’s only effective players off the bench.

    This meant 40 minutes for Jokić after 40 minutes in Game 1. It meant 43 minutes for Murray after 39 in Game 1. And both were gassed in the fourth quarter as they combined for four points while shooting 2 of 12 from the field.

    Free-throw discrepancy eliminated

    Minnesota coach Chris Finch was not pleased with Jamal Murray’s 16 free throws in Denver’s Game 1 win as the Nuggets secured a 33-19 advantage in attempts en route to victory. He continued to work the officials in his pregame news conference Monday.

    "Maybe we ought to start flopping, too,” Finch told reporters pregame.

    The Timberwolves repeatedly fouled early while helping the Nuggets build their early 19-point advantage. Denver scored 12 points on three consecutive and-1 3s in the first quarter to build that lead, prompting Edwards to take up Finch’s case with the refs.

    3 4-POINT PLAYS FROM DENVER IN Q1 🤯

    2 from Murray.
    1 from Hardaway Jr.

    Nuggets up 14 after 1Q in Game 2! pic.twitter.com/46lOsWGyFy

    — NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2026

    But there was no lopsided free-throw advantage when the final horn blew. Officials swallowed their whistles when fouls should have probably been called on both teams, particularly in the third quarter. By the fourth, the refs were largely letting both sides play with minimal interference.

    In the end, each team attempted 30 free throws. Minnesota’s struggles at the line (19 of 30) were the only only free-throw issues Finch could rightfully complain about in Game 2.

    Denver’s lack of rim protection is a problem

    The Nuggets are in desperate need of an adjustment for their poor rim protection.

    Denver finished 22nd in the NBA in the regular season in defensive rating, and the Timberwolves exploited that weakness while turning their early deficit into a comeback win. They did so by repeatedly attacking the rim.

    They did it with ball movement:

    ball movement is key. 😤 pic.twitter.com/Mrmulk18sI

    — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 21, 2026

    They did it with size:

    Rudy Gobert throws it DOWN on Jokic 😳 pic.twitter.com/aWqUHnmkE3

    — TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 21, 2026

    They did it with Edwards’ athleticism:

    30 PIECE FOR Æ. 🐜 pic.twitter.com/Btf2fyT2IF

    — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 21, 2026

    And the Nuggets are in trouble in this series — and beyond if they advance — if head coach David Adelman can’t cook up an adjustment.

    Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis (9:30 p.m. ET, Prime).

    Bengals’ Dexter Lawrence makes thoughts on Joe Burrow clear in first interview since Giants trade

    Bengals’ Dexter Lawrence makes thoughts on Joe Burrow clear in first interview since Giants trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Cincinnati Bengals made one of the biggest moves of the offseason, trading for Dexter Lawrence over the weekend. Lawrence, one of the top players in the NFL, will now have a new home in a super-competitive AFC North. 

    Not only will he have an opportunity to win games at a very high level if the Bengals can stay healthy, but he'll get to play with one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, something he hasn't been able to say yet in his career due to Jaxson Dart being as young as he was last season.

    Now with Joe Burrow, Lawrence understands that he's with one of the top quarterbacks not just in his conference, but the entire NFL. It sounds like he has a lot of hope about what Burrow will be with him on the roster.

    “You know, for the longest, I’ve been thinking he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league, if not the top,” Lawrence said, per the team. “It’s going to be fun to share a field with him and to watch him up close, to see how he prepares, how he studies, how he leads guys and gets guys going. I’m excited for that part of it.”

    While the addition of Lawrence doesn't directly impact Burrow, as he plays on the defensive side of the ball, it could also help the star quarterback. 

    The Bengals' defense has been one of the worst in the NFL over the past few seasons, and now having one of the better defensive players in the NFL should help Burrow and Cincinnati win more games.

    More NFL news:

    Longhorns Daily News: Texas RHP Sam Cozart tapped for second time as SEC Freshman of the Week

    SAN MARCOS, TX - March 10: Texas Longhorns pitcher Sam Cozart delivers a throw during game between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas State Bobcats on March 10, 2026 at Bobcat Ballpark in San Marcos, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Twice, now, in a little over a month’s time, Texas baseball right-handed pitcher Sam Cozart has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

    Here’s how Inside Texas broke down Cozart’s performance:

    “Cozart’s first appearance on the weekend was on Friday, relieving Dylan Volantis on the mound. Cozart entered the game in the 7th inning, facing 10 Alabama batters as part of his fifth save on the season. Of the 10 batters faced, Cozart retired nine of them. Five were retired via strike out and only one batter reached base. His 3.0 innings pitched were dominant, he did not allow a single hit. He entered the Saturday game in the 9th inning, closing out what would be the series clinching 3-1 victory. His final strikeout was the 19th of the game, tying a program record for strikeouts in a nine inning game. Of 13 batters faced on the weekend only one became baserunner and that was from a walk. Cozart struck out eight hitters across 4.0 hitless innings, notching a couple of saves as a result.”

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

    Austin American-Statesman: Even with Arch Manning limited, Texas sees explosive potential after spring

    Austin American-Statesman: What grades did the Longhorns deserve for the 2025-26 season?

    Austin American-Statesman: Texas volleyball returning to Moody Center for a match in 2026

    247Sports: Spanning Texas: Latest photos showing the progress being made on Texas’ new football practice facility

    247Sports: With the transfer portal closing on April 21, here’s what Texas basketball’s rotation may look like next year

    247Sports: Horns247 Roundtable: What Texas football needs; expectations for men’s BKB; and UT baseball’s biggest obstacle

    Inside Texas: How can Jim Schlossnagle maximize the bottom of the Texas Baseball batting order going forward?

    Inside Texas: Spring game redshirt freshmen flashes

    Inside Texas: Spring game true freshman flashes

    Inside Texas: Texas Spring Recap: Parsing the zero-sum aspects of Longhorns spring football

    ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

    Ruger Riojas strikes out 11 as No. 4 Texas beats No. 11 Alabama, 3-1

    Observations from the spring-ending Texas practice

    Auburn transfer F Elyjah Freeman commits to Texas

    Four-star EDGE Derwin Fields commits to Texas

    RECRUITING ROUNDUP

    Austin American-Statesman: After Texas transfer, Justice Carlton to play with sister at Houston

    Austin American-Statesman: Top 2026 recruit Oliviyah Edwards visits Texas following Tennessee split

    247Sports: Texas football added a character evaluation to its transfer portal process. Early returns indicate it worked.

    247Sports: The Stampede: Recruiting buzz coming out of Texas’ Fan Day

    247Sports: Texas Women’s Hoops Transfer Portal Tracker: The scoop, rumors, comings and goings during April 6-20 window

    Inside Texas: Inside Scoop: Details on 2027 DL and WR recruiting, Texas coaches hitting the road

    Inside Texas: Texas commits in the updated Rivals 2027 rankings

    Inside Texas: Texas commit Easton Royal moves up, now ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in the Rivals 300

    Inside Texas: Latest on John Meredith III as Texas gains ground in recruitment

    Inside Texas: Four-star RB target Noah Roberts wraps up Texas visit, Horns surge in recruitment

    SEC SHOWDOWN

    Austin American-Statesman: Where is the SEC moving its softball tournament beginning next year?

    Good Bull Hunting: Party Like It’s 1978: Aggies sweep LSU in Baton Rouge

    Rock M Nation: A Mizzou-focused NFL Draft primer

    And The Valley Shook: A&M sweeps LSU

    Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss baseball tops Tennessee to open series

    Rocky Top Talk: Tennessee baseball avoids sweep against Ole Miss, explodes for 13-5 win on Sunday

    Roll ‘Bama Roll: Alabama salvages game three

    A Sea Of Blue: Justin McBride to visit Kentucky basketball on Wednesday

    WHAT WE’RE READING

    SB Nation: College basketball transfer portal team rankings for 9 best men’s classes in 2026 so far

    SB Nation: Dexter Lawrence trade grades after Bengals-Giants NFL blockbuster

    SB Nation: Every NFL quarterback’s pro wrestling counterpart

    NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

    • Strap in. Texas Athletics uploading.

    got the lineup ready for this week🤘#HookEmpic.twitter.com/49Fih71YPj

    — Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) April 20, 2026

    Seahawks Super Bowl champion reportedly being floated as trade option for picks in upcoming 2026 NFL Draft

    Seahawks Super Bowl champion reportedly being floated as trade option for picks in upcoming 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    During draft season, most typically look at blockbuster deals that could happen. The Seattle Seahawks are in a position where they could look to move on from some players, add players, picks, or even move on from picks. It totally depends on what comes up for the front office, as it is coming off a Super Bowl ring. 

    The last thing the Seahawks want to do is make the mistake of trying to do too much, something we've seen other contending teams do in the past after winning it all.

    Considering the moves the front office has made, there's certainly a reason to believe that they should be trusted.

    When searching out what the next move could be, Olu Oluwatimi was named as a potential trade candidate for a Day 3 pick.

    “I would not discount the possibility of Seattle adding a draft pick by trading somebody on their roster, and Olu Oluwatimi is the guy that comes to mind. I would not be surprised at all if they end up trading him either before the draft or maybe on Day 3, kind of like they did with Sam Howell a few years ago, and you pick up a Day 3 pick that way,” Brady Henderson said.

    The Seahawks would need to know who they want to take in the third round and try to target that player by making a move with a team that has that pick. I don't want to say that it would be a bad idea by any means, but it's also important to recognize that the 26-year-old hasn't been a bad player in the NFL by any means, and having offensive line depth is typically a good thing.

    More NFL news:

    Former Man United academy coach rips into ‘stand-off-ish’ Garnacho

    Former Man United academy coach rips into ‘stand-off-ish’ Garnacho
    Former Man United academy coach rips into ‘stand-off-ish’ Garnacho

    Former Manchester United midfielder and academy manager Nicky Butt has ripped into Chelsea attacker Alejandro Garnacho.

    The 21-year-old Chelsea winger is coming off a poor performance against his former club, Manchester United, at Stamford Bridge.

    After the terrible showing in West London, his former Manchester United teammates seemed to take digs at him on social media.

    He fell out with the club on a few occasions and endured an acrimonious departure. He has also started causing quite the fuss at Chelsea.

    The Argentine recently deleted all Chelsea-related posts on his TikTok before uploading posts of Man Utd fans calling for his return.

    Butt has given a first-hand account of Garnacho’s character, and it makes for grim reading, especially for Chelsea.

    Butt told The Good, The Bad & The Football, “I was academy manager at the time, and he signed in a deal where they also signed Alvaro (Fernandez).

    “Garnacho was always a bit stand-off-ish. He had a high opinion of himself.

    “I thought he had an edge about him. And when he got into the first team – I will just say what I think because I was there – he got above his station way too quick.

    “He got superstar status way too quick. And that’s not a former player saying they get paid too much.

    “I hope young players get paid millions, but he got superstar status too quick, and he obviously scored the bicycle kick, which was phenomenal.

    “Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them.

    “But the best thing Man Utd did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don’t think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at Man United.

    “More importantly, when he left, and if you completely disrespect your teammates and the football club when you leave, then that’s it.”

    There are reports that Chelsea are already open to selling Garnacho only a year following his Old Trafford exit.

    Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior denied those reports, but he will need to make immediate moves to keep Garnacho’s ego in check and his feet on the ground.

    Given the right platform, he can be a superstar but he has to work for it. His ego alone won’t earn him that title.

    Tuesday’s Everton News: Derby fallout, Djú, Gallagher and Hackney links

    Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton reacts to his latest injury setback. (Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Your daily dose of Everton news and rumours

    Everton facing crunch Beto contract decision as Liverpool regret once again clear. [Liverpool Echo]

    Toffees target Franculino Djú has officially hit the market, with his exit from FC Midtjylland this summer now 100% certain. [4th Official]

    David Moyes said Everton did not deserve their injury-time heartache after a cruel 2-1 loss in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium. [Everton FC]

    Everton have emerged as leading contenders to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, with the Toffees’ recruitment team huge admirers of the 23-year-old. [TEAMtalk]

    🚨🔵 John Stones, expected to leave Manchester City in the summer as free agent.

    31 year old defender wants to help until the end of the season and then expected to go after making history at #MCFC.

    Bernardo and Stones, both leaving in June 👋🏼

    🎥➕ https://t.co/KFssVri38Gpic.twitter.com/4wnm8xaq4c

    — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 20, 2026

     Everton are keeping close tabs on the Tottenham midfielder Connor Gallagher ahead of the summer window. [Football Insider]

    Liverpool’s lack of yellow cards questioned as Everton fan makes ‘agenda’ claim. [Liverpool Echo]

    David Moyes says he’s concerned Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury could be “serious” – and has praised the defender for an excellent performance in Sunday’s Merseyside derby. [Everton FC]

    It takes some referee to watch this and think, ‘I’d best book the keeper’ pic.twitter.com/X1w2c6e9MJ

    — Jim Keoghan (@jim_keoghan) April 19, 2026

    A comprehensive round up of how Everton’s loanees are getting on. [ToffeeWeb]

    Michael Ball believes that Everton’s lack of bravery cost them in the derby as David Moyes must learn from Arne Slot. [Liverpool Echo]

    Thanks to @the1878s and everyone involved in another display of your unrivalled support for this football club.

    Two home games left. Let's make them count and reach our goal. UTT. 💙 pic.twitter.com/9E6VgVMwM8

    — Everton (@Everton) April 20, 2026

    What to Watch

    Brighton and Chelsea clash in the first of four midweek previously postponed matches.

    Full schedule of games here.

    Follow Us

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    The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Tuesday, April 21

    LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    I know we’re still a good week and change away from the turn of the month, but I think we need to do a quick check-in on the EFL Championship.

    Most clubs only have three or four matches to play and there is a lot that’s still to be played for. So let’s do a quick run-down of the run-in:

    Promotion secured:

    Coventry (86 pts)

      I’m not going to get too much into this one. Coventry have been promoted to the Premier League after a two-decade wait!

      Race for automatics:

      Ipswich Town (76 Pts, +29 GD)

      Ipswich Town sit second with a game in hand and some favourable matches. It’s clearly theirs to lose at this point.

      Remaining matches at Charlton, at West Brom, at Southampton, QPR

      Millwall (76 Pts, +11 GD)

      This Millwall side is a lot more resilient than in years past and I favour them against Stoke and Leicester. Oxford United could be a tough final game of the season, but I don’t think it’ll matter too much given Ipswich’s ease of schedule.

      Remaining matches: at Stoke City, at Leicester City, Oxford United

      Southampton (75 Pts, +24 GD)

      Southampton are in the best form in the league right now and haven’t lost a game since January. But they’ve also got a really difficult final few games (that doesn’t include their FA Cup clash against Manchester City). Surely their run has to end at some point, right?

      Remaining matches: Bristol City, Ipswich Town, at Preston NE

      Middlesbrough (73 Pts, +20 GD)

      I think they’re just too far away to surpass all three of their rivals. Three points is a lot at this stage and there isn’t enough road left. That said, I think wins against Wednesday and Watford could give them a slightly easier path in the playoffs. Wrexham remain spoilers.

      Remaining matches: Sheffield Wednesday, Watford, at Wrexham

        Race for the playoffs

        Hull City (69 Pts, +4 GD)

        A remarkable season for Hull City, who I thought would be battling relegation. They’ve got favourable games against Leicester and Charlton before closing the regular season against an in-form Norwich City.

        Remaining matches: at Leicester, at Charlton, Norwich City

        Wrexham (67 Pts, +5 GD)

        I think they’ve finally lost steam. They have recent defeats to Birmingham and Southampton, plus a draw against West Brom. That’s probably enough to dash their incredible season. It doesn’t get any easier.

          Remaining matches: at Oxford United, at Coventry, Boro

          Derby (66 Pts, +9 GD)

          It’s possible their fate is determined Tuesday with a tough game against Norwich City. Like Wrexham, I have a hard time seeing them leapfrogging Hull for the playoffs unless the Tigers collapse.

          Remaining matches: at Norwich, at QPR, Sheffield United

          Race for survival

          Charlton (50 Pts, -12 GD)

          It looks like they’ve done just enough to survive, but it’ll be close. One point should just about secure it, but where will it come from? Swansea City?

          Remaining matches: Ipswich Town, Hull City, at Swansea

          West Brom (49 Pts, -12 GD)

          West Brom found the right form at the right time by picking up 13 points in their last seven matches. If current form holds, they look just about clear for survival.

          Remaining matches: Watford, Ipswich Town, Wednesday

          Blackburn (49 Pts, -15 GD)

          Five points separate Blackburn from the drop. Even with playing an extra game, they might be okay. Maybe. Unless Oxford can pull a great escape.

          Remaining matches: Sheffield United, Leicester City

          Oxford United (44 Pts, -13 GD)

          That’s the big question: Can they? Where will the points come from? They’ll need to pick up at least a win against either Wrexham or Millwall, plus a win against Wednesday.

          Remaining matches: Wrexham, Wednesday, at Millwall

          Leicester (41 Pts, -11 GD)

          They look doomed. It’s remarkable, but Leicester City are getting relegated to League One unless they win their final three games and get a lot of help.

          Remaining matches: Hull, Millwall, at Blackburn

          Relegated

          Sheffield Wednesday (-3 Pts, -57 GD)

          The only question here is whether or not Wednesday finish with a positive goal differential.

          Fitzie’s track of the day:But Not For Me, by Ahmad Jamal

          And now for your links:

          BBC: “Spurs lifeline or good step for West Ham – who’s favourite for drop?”

          Jack P-B ($$): “Forget about it. Move on. Win. Spurs just need to win”

          Alasdair Gold: “Troy Parrott’s incredible season shows why Tottenham should use transfer clause”

          “I was lucky. A top-three defender cannot do that, so …

          Bennett Durando: After a very thoughtful answer about being snubbed from the trio of DPOY finalists, Rudy Gobert was asked about his 1-on-1 defensive possessions against Jokic in the post. “I was lucky. A top-three defender cannot do that, so I was lucky.”

          x.com

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “I was lucky. A top-three defender cannot do that, so …

          Blue Jays veteran is reportedly feeling better after being diagnosed with tough injury

          Blue Jays veteran is reportedly feeling better after being diagnosed with tough injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          Among the many injuries the Toronto Blue Jays have been dealing with to start the season, some have been a bit different than the typical ones. Not all injuries at the start of the year have been arm and leg problems, as left-handed hitter Nathan Lukes, a 31-year-old, is dealing with vertigo.

          Vertigo symptoms are typically tough to manage at first, but it sounds like Lukes now has the dizziness and nausea under control that he's been dealing with since spring training. 

          According to the latest report, he was recently diagnosed with vertigo, but the Blue Jays have cleared him to continue playing, and the coaching staff is confident that he will be more than fine.

          “Nathan Lukes, 3-for-32 to begin the season, has been experiencing intermittent dizziness and nausea since spring training. He was recently diagnosed with vertigo. Blue Jays medical staff cleared Lukes to continue playing and coaching staff trusted him to battle through it,” Arden Zwelling wrote.

          Looking at what Lukes has done to start the season, there have been some struggles from the Sacramento, California native. 

          However, he had two great games against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, collecting three hits in each of them. He went 3-5 in both games, now 9-24 on the year.

          More MLB news:

          PGA Tour plans to have no Hawaii event in 2027

          Hideki Matsuyama holding The Sentry trophy in 2025
          Japan's Hideki Matsuyama was the most recent winner of The Sentry having triumphed in 2025 [Getty Images]

          The PGA Tour plans to have no events in Hawaii for the first time in 63 years after this year's season opener in Maui was cancelled because of drought conditions.

          The Sentry was scheduled for 8-11 January at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, but had to be scrapped as the course failed to resolve a water rights dispute with another local company.

          An alternative venue could not be found so the season made a less ceremonious start on 15 January with the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

          That event on Oahu has traditionally been paired with The Sentry, allowing golfers a two-week stay in the Pacific, but the PGA Tour is considering moving it to the Champions Tour alongside the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.

          Sentry Insurance's event sponsorship deal runs to 2035 and PGA executives have reportedly visited Torrey Pines in San Diego with a view to transferring the title sponsorship as that event's partnership with Farmers Insurance is expected to end this year.

          The Sentry was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions and served as the PGA Tour's season opener from 1986-2013 and 2024-25.

          It typically boasted the top 50 players from the final FedEx Cup standings and all winners from the previous season.

          The PGA Tour has hosted at least one event in Hawaii each year since the Sony Open began in 1965.

          It said more details about the 2027 schedule will be shared at a later date.

          Darlow has 'proved he's worth being in net'

          Karl Darlow of Leeds United in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers
          [Getty Images]

          Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix believes Leeds United must hand goalkeeper Karl Darlow a new contract with his current deal expiring this summer.

          The Welsh keeper has received praise for his standout performances between the sticks over the last few weeks, which have helped catapult Daniel Farke's side to the brink of Premier League safety.

          Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix said: "It's a test for the recruitment people of getting the right decision here. You've got to give Darlow a year. Even if you're saying to him, you might end up being number three. He's a bit older in age, so maybe give him a few years to be that experienced guy around the squad.

          "He was very good with [Lucas] Perri as well when he was having a bad time. When we've been in the FA Cup games, Darlow has been very supportive.

          "It's about working out exactly how that contract looks, but I think you've got to. He's been reliable and good. I think it's just whether you go out and get another one and you've got to, haven't you?"

          BBC Radio Leeds journalist and host Adam Pope said: "I think if Leeds are to progress, and it looks like they're going to be in the Premier League again, you're going to need a really top-class goalkeeper, I would say. I think Darlow, I said at the start of the season, they should've started with what they had as number one and I think he's definitely proved he's worth being in net.

          "Everybody feels so secure around him, and all his games are decent and the amount of saves he's made lately, which sounds like Leeds have been under the cosh when they haven't, he's made four or five worldies to keep Leeds with the points."

          Listen to the full podcast here

          Explore more Leeds content on BBC Sounds

          Cowboys-Browns blockbuster trade idea would completely change the first round of NFL Draft

          Cowboys-Browns blockbuster trade idea would completely change the first round of NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Cleveland Browns have some questions to answer on Thursday night during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, though it still remains uncertain if Andrew Berry and the rest of the front office are interested in making a trade to add more picks in the first round. 

          The Browns obviously aren't in a situation where one or two picks are going to completely change everything for the organization, but getting two important picks out of the way in the first round and taking impactful players would be a very promising step in the right direction for this organization.

          Recently, looking for ways to do even more than that, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN floated an idea of a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to get a third first-rounder. However, the Browns would move on from the sixth pick.

          “Let’s have some fun here. Dallas and Cleveland each have two first-round picks coming into the draft, which gives those front offices some ability to maneuver. With an elite prospect still on the board, I have Cowboys owner Jerry Jones calling up Browns general manager Andrew Berry to try to make something happen,” Kiper said. 

          “In this scenario, Dallas would trade pick Nos. 12 and 20 to Cleveland for Nos. 6 and 39. That means the Browns suddenly have three first-round picks,” Kiper wrote.

          A lot of that idea would come down to whether the Browns believe they can get who they want at No. 6 at No. 12. There's also a scenario where the Browns don't love who they can get at No. 6 anyway, so moving down a few spots to get an extra pick in the first round would make sense. 

          Ultimately, this is something Berry has to consider if it comes up.

          More NFL news:

          Bolt advises Gout not to forget track and field

          Gout Gout, wearing a red vest and a gold crucifix around his neck, points with his right hand across his body and smiles while crouching on a blue athletics track with white and yellow stadium seating in the background.
          Gout Gout won silver in the 200m at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships aged 16 [Getty Images]

          Sprint legend Usain Bolt has urged rising Australian star Gout Gout not to forget track and field and find a good support network to keep him focused on his career as the spotlight and distractions intensify.

          Gout, 18, retained the 200m title at the Australian Athletics Championships on 12 April in a time of 19.67 seconds, beating USA sprinter Erriyon Knighton's world under-20 record (19.69) and bettering Bolt's time of 19.93 from 2004 – the Jamaican's fastest time as a teenager.

          Gout, who also claimed the under-20 100m national title, went under the 20-second mark at last season's championships with a wind-assisted 19.84 and previously set the quickest time by a 16-year-old over 200m when he ran 20.04 in 2024.

          Offering advice to Gout, who he has previously said "looks like young me", Jamaican eight-time Olympic champion Bolt told CNN: "At that young age, because I was there, you start getting put left and right and then you forget track and field.

          "Hopefully he has the right set of people to guide him and keep him focused on track and field because the rest of the stuff will always be there.

          "But if you mess up on track and field, then it all goes away."

          Gout is set to make his Diamond League debut in the 200m in Oslo on 10 June but has indicated he will skip the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to focus on the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon in August.

          Ex-Spurs star Davids condemns 'lack of quality, lack of management'

          Edgar Davids in action for Spurs in 2006 (JOHN D MCHUGH)

          Former Tottenham star Edgar Davids on Tuesday told AFP that the fallen London giants will find it hard to avoid relegation and condemned "a lack of quality and a lack of management".

          Tottenham are on their third manager of a disastrous season and sit in the Premier League relegation zone, two points adrift of safety with five matches left.

          Former Netherlands international midfielder Davids said the appointment of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi three weeks ago was a good move, but fears for Spurs' Premier League future.

          Asked by AFP how Tottenham had ended up in such a predicament, Davids said: "It's very obvious, if you pay peanuts, you get...

          "It's a lack of quality and a lack of management. Everything."

          Davids, who played for Spurs in 2005-2006 after starring for Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan, said Spurs should have strengthened an injury-hit squad in the winter transfer window.

          "I hope they stay up, I think it's a very good thing they got in De Zerbi," said the 53-year-old, speaking at the announcement of the "Hong Kong Football Festival" featuring Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus in August.

          "But it's hard. They should have done big things in the winter period to get some players in. It was obvious."

          Tottenham, who have not won in the league since late December, travel to already relegated Wolves on Saturday.

          pst/dh

          Who controls Canada cricket? Lawrence Bishnoi gang calling shots through threats and influence

          Canadian cricket has been rocked by allegations that run from threats, selection pressure to match fixing, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang at the centre of a CBC investigation.

          Dilpreet Bajwa, who led the Canadian team in the recently held ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, is under scrutiny after a match-fixing case linked to him in a Canada vs New Zealand match during the tournament.

          Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!



          A report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Canada’s public broadcaster, says Bajwa may have links with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network and could have been influenced to fix matches for the Bishnoi group.

          The CBC report also states that the Bishnoi gang may have played a role in Bajwa’s rise in Canadian cricket. The same gang has been accused of the killing of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, the murder of politician Baba Siddique, and threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

          The restaurant threat



          "Last July (2025), around 25 cricketers, fresh off a win at a major provincial tournament, gathered at a restaurant in Surrey, British Columbia. Two players from the tournament made their way from the outside patio to a table inside, where a star on Canada's national men's team was having dinner with another group. According to sources, they claimed they represented the Bishnoi gang — a violent criminal group designated a terrorist entity in Canada. They told the star that if he didn't support the rise of a young player named Dilpreet Bajwa and another player on the men's provincial team and the national team, he and his family would face consequences," the CBC report says.

          The national player who was threatened then spoke to a person who was named Noah by the CBC about the incident at the restaurant. Noah, like the national player, also received death threats.

          Bajwa, then 22, was appointed captain three weeks before the T20 World Cup began in February this year. The alleged fixing incident involved the fifth over of New Zealand's chase vs Canada in the T20 World Cup, when the captain Dilpreet Bajwa came on to bowl.

          He is mainly a batting allrounder who bowls offspin. He came on to bowl with New Zealand at 35 for 2. He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide down the leg side, and conceded 15 runs in that over.

          Restaurant threat part of broader trend



          The CBC report says these threats such as at the restaurant are part of what it describes as a pattern of intimidation within Canadian cricket, involving people who claim links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. It says such groups appear to be trying to place cricket administrators and players in specific positions.

          According to sources quoted by CBC, the intimidation cases are being reported in British Columbia and are linked to individuals associated with Arvinder Khosa, head of Cricket BC and recently elected president of Cricket Canada.

          The report says multiple sources believe the threats are linked to Khosa because of his association with players (who threatened the national player at a restaurant) involved in the incident. Khosa said he did not know the full details of what happened at the restaurant, but later held a call with the players involved along with then Cricket Canada president Amjad Bajwa. When asked by CBC, Amjad Bajwa, who is not related to Dilpreet Bajwa, denied knowledge of the threats.

          People who were allegedly threatened said the aim of the intimidation was to secure Bajwa’s position as captain of the Canada national team.

          Khosa's influence on the rise



          The CBC report claims that while Khosa may have just recently become president of Cricket Canada, his influence appears to be on key decisions, including Dilpreet Bajwa's rise to captaincy.

          Soon after the restaurant incident, Khosa reportedly overruled selectors and board decisions to appoint Bajwa as captain of a provincial team, even though another player had been chosen by the selectors.

          "I opposed it and within 30 minutes or 40 minutes, I got another message from the same number and that terrified me because it was a picture," said Noah, as quoted in the CBC report.

          A source close to Cricket Canada also cited as saying by the CBC that Khosa, now the president of Canada Cricket, was part of a group that put Bajwa's name forward for the national team and that Khosa told Bajwa that he owed Khosa for his place on the team.

          "I personally feel they wanted to fix the games, make money out of it. That's why they knew they can use him," said Noah, referring to those claiming to be from the Bishnoi gang.

          "What other reasons can there be that they can go to an extent to make him captain for a Canadian team?"

          A phone recording alleging spot-fixing emerges



          The report also mentions a phone recording from May last year in which former Canada coach Khurram Chohan was allegedly asked to fix parts of matches by then Cricket Canada president Amjad Bajwa, CEO Salman Khan, and board member Rana Imran.

          Chohan claimed he was given a specific team and batting order to follow before a game against Bermuda in 2025, but did not follow the instructions. He said that he later received a phone call from Salman angrily asking him, "What have you done?"

          Chohan was removed from his position in July, around a month after the recording surfaced.

          130409291

          ‘Bring The Belt Back Home’ – Songchainoi Confident He Can Topple Old Foe Nadaka In World Title Rematch At ONE SAMURAI 1

          Everything in Songchainoi Kiatsongrit‘s journey has been building toward this moment.

          On April 29 at ONE SAMURAI 1, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the Thai contender challenges Nadaka for the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. At the event, ambition, experience, and unfinished business will collide.

          The Japanese athlete is one of the most complete strikers of his generation. His rise has been defined by speed, precision, and an ability to control fights before opponents can settle into a rhythm.

          Songchainoi understands the challenge but believes he has the tools to solve it:

          “Nadaka’s strengths include his speed, precision, and game analysis skills round by round. Those make him very special.

          “I still haven’t seen him being attacked and badly injured. I haven’t seen him being struck fully on point. Therefore, if I could get close enough and strike him fully on point, we will see how well he could withstand my punches.”

          Few opponents have tested Nadaka under sustained pressure. His movement and timing have prevented clean strikes from landing, leaving uncertainty around how he would respond if pushed into uncomfortable territory.

          The Eiwa Sports Gym affiliate has remained flawless in ONE, scoring four wins since his debut at ONE 172 in March 2025 to extend his overall winning streak to 40.

          For Songchainoi, that unanswered question presents a clear opening.

          Since learning of the matchup, he and his team have sharpened their preparation, focusing on tactical discipline and calculated execution. Closing distance alone will not be enough. It must be done with precision against one of the most elusive fighters in the sport.

          He said:

          “Our camp has prepared spontaneous and tactical adjustments meticulously.

          “I am also very driven to bring the championship back home. I need to train very well because many opponents who faced him before were beaten. I was beaten, too. And I don’t want to lose again. I would like to bring the belt back home.”

          Songchainoi lost to Nadaka when they first met three years ago outside of ONE. Since then, the Thai has built a resume of 10 victories across 11 appearances in the organization, earning his place in this World Title fight.

          A split-decision loss to Numsurin Chor Ketwina last August at ONE Friday Fights 122 postponed his shot at the inaugural World Title. The lessons from that defeat have sharpened both his discipline and his awareness heading into this opportunity.

          He said:

          “Losing in the match against Numsurin has made me want to become the champion even more. I have also learned many things from the fight with him.

          “I have seen so many things and I have seen the [championship within reach]. There was an opportunity to win the championship in atomweight. It has made me crave for it. I want it. To be honest, I need it so badly. I want to have it. It is so beautiful. I want to place it on my shoulder.”

          Songchainoi Gears Up To Prevail In Hostile Territory

          When Songchainoi Kiatsongrit steps into Ariake Arena, he has the chance to settle two accounts at once.

          A victory would avenge his loss to Nadaka while claiming the most prestigious prize of his career. But doing so means overcoming more than just his opponent. Fighting in Japan puts him in front of a partisan crowd where every strike from Nadaka will echo through the arena.

          He said:

          “Fighting in Japan, surrounded by the fans of Nadaka, it is surely a lot of pressure. As you know, once he kicks, the audience is going to roar very loudly. But when I do kick, it’s going to be quiet.

          “That is the pressure, but I had this experience the first time we fought. I feel like that is what I have to adjust myself into.”

          Songchainoi embraces the moment, driven by national pride and a journey that has been building toward exactly this.

          He said:

          “As a Thai citizen and a Thai boxer, I really want to bring [the belt] back home. I really do. I would be the first Thai fighter to beat him. No one has taken him down yet.

          “He has been keeping his winning streak. If I could be the one who breaks his streak and brings the belt back, it would be really awesome. It would be amazing.”

          Source

          Plymouth yet to receive any Tolaj bids - Cleverley

          Lorent Tolaj celebrates scoring against AFC Wimbledon
          Lorent Tolaj's goal against AFC Wimbledon was his 21st of the season - 20 coming for Plymouth Argyle [Shutterstock]

          Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says he has had no bids for top scorer Lorent Tolaj.

          The 24-year-old Swiss striker has scored 20 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions since joining from Port Vale in August.

          He has been linked with a move away from the club, with Championship sides reportedly interested in him as well as Scottish giants Celtic.

          It led to Cleverley saying a club would "have to pay a lot of money" for Tolaj after his side's 3-1 win at AFC Wimbledon, where he scored Argyle's second goal.

          Tolaj has scored in his last three appearances after returning from injury at the start of the month.

          "Neither mine or (director of football) Derek Adams' phone has received any calls," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

          "But I'd imagine agents are doing their thing in the background.

          "Tolly hasn't expressed anything about wanting to leave the football club and I think you can see by his work-rate and competitive spirit more than anything, before you talk about the goals, how much he loves playing for Argyle.

          "Obviously, he's one of our best players, he will attract some interest and inquiries.

          "Every team in the country would love a striker that can turn a draw into a win in the blink of an eye and those do cost a lot of money."

          Lorent Tolaj celebrates a goal
          Lorent Tolaj is just the second player in the past decade to score 20 or more goals for Plymouth Argyle in a single season - the last player to do it was Morgan Whittaker in the 2023-24 campaign [Shutterstock]

          Tolaj missed out on the League One Team of the Season at Sunday's EFL awards, with Leyton Orient's Dom Ballard and Stockport County's Kyle Wootton being selected.

          But Cleverley feels that had Tolaj not missed a large amount of football between the start of December and this month he would have been included.

          Tolaj's red card against Northampton saw him miss Argyle's first three league games in December before he missed 11 games between mid-January are the start of this month after a number of injuries.

          "There's a lot of respect to Kyle Wootton and Dom Ballard of what they've done this season, and exceptional seasons and great strikers," he said.

          "But I think the suspension against Northampton knocked him a little bit off track, and then I think he missed maybe 10 games with small injuries either side of the Cardiff game.

          "The goals per 90 (minutes), that probably would have worked out about another eight goals and he would been the top goal scorer in the league and most certainly been in that team."

          Newcastle set €86m fee for Gordon as forward discusses Bayern with Kane

          Newcastle set €86m fee for Gordon as forward discusses Bayern with Kane
          Newcastle set €86m fee for Gordon as forward discusses Bayern with Kane

          Newcastle United will sell Anthony Gordon to Bayern Munich if they can match their £75million [€86m] valuation, The Times reports.

          The Magpies are said to aware of Bayern's interest, although no official club-to-club contact has yet been made.

          There is also a belief that Gordon is open to the move, but Bayern’s initial valuation of the player is thought to be about £55million [€63m].

          Regardless, at this stage the German record champions are clear favourites for Gordon, ahead of both Liverpool and Arsenal.

          Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport has revealed that Gordon has already spoken to compatriot Harry Kane about Bayern.

          Gordon is open to a move to the Bundesliga, even though a starting spot is by no means guaranteed due to Luis Díaz's form.

          Why stakes are so high in England's hottest title race

          A composition image of York City manager Stuart Maynard and Rochdale manager Jimmy McNulty raising their arms in loft in celebrations after wins for their respective clubs in the National League 2025-26 title race
          York City manager Stuart Maynard (left) and Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty have guided their clubs to hugely impressive campaigns in the National League [Getty Images]

          When Rochdale and York City kick off their National League final-day title decider at lunchtime on Saturday, the result will decide who is promoted as champions - but will also have a potentially enormous impact on both clubs' respective futures.

          Over 45 matchdays, the two teams have far outclassed the rest of their rivals in the fifth tier of English football, going toe-to-toe in an epic race where dropped points have been extremely rare.

          Now only one game remains.

          Leaders York boast a two-point advantage, having amassed a whopping 107, but Rochdale have home advantage and their 10,249-capacity Crown Oil Arena has long been sold out.

          Rochdale were almost down and out last weekend, but scored a 99th-minute winner away at Braintree to keep their title charge alive and deject York, whose players were watching a live stream on the pitch after they beat Yeovil.

          Never before have two teams with so many points faced off in a winner-takes-all final-day decider for a place in the English Football League.

          The champions will take home the trophy and be promoted to League Two, while the runners-up will need to dust themselves off and battle through the gruelling six-team play-offs.

          Why is National League title race so important?

          The National League title race is so fraught with danger because the winners tend to enjoy a positive long-term future, while the runners-up often face lasting negative consequences.

          Let's start with the bad news.

          Since the play-off system and its second promotion spot were introduced to the National League at the end of the 2002-03 season, the team finishing second has been promoted only six times out of 23.

          During that time, there have been a fair few horror stories involving high-flying runners-up who missed out on the title by small margins then losing in the play-offs to sides who finished way below them.

          In 2003-04, Hereford finished second with 17 more points than third-placed Shrewsbury, who were promoted via the play-offs instead. Hereford then finished second and missed out in the play-offs again the following year, before finally being promoted from second place, at the third time of asking, in 2005-06.

          Now playing in the Championship, Wrexham endured a torrid time after finishing second on 98 points in 2011-12. They were immediately knocked out of the play-off semi-finals, and were mired in mid-table mediocrity in the National League for more than a decade before finally being promoted as champions in 2022-23.

          York themselves have been here before. They were terrific last season too, earning 96 points but finishing five behind Barnet, before being knocked out of the play-offs in the semi-finals by Oldham, who had finished 26 points behind them in fifth.

          While the psychology of narrowly missing out on promotion is a huge obstacle for National League runners-up, the high turnover of players every year in the fifth tier makes it hard for squads who have just come up short to build momentum in the following season - meaning a single missed promotion chance can lead to years in the doldrums.

          But for the winners, the signs are hugely promising.

          Since the 2002-03 revamp, not a single team promoted from the National League to League Two has been relegated straight back down the following season.

          In fact, of the 43 different clubs promoted in that time, only 16 have dropped back into the National League at all in the subsequent seasons.

          And never mind regression, most clubs have actually progressed further up the pyramid.

          Of those 43, 24 have played at least a single season in League One, six have gone as high as the Championship and one (Luton) has even played in the Premier League.

          For the National League champions, then, promotion to the EFL often leads to a huge boon, while the runners-up more likely than not find themselves trapped in the fifth tier for a while longer.

          Oldham Athletic players celebrate after beating York City in the 2024-25 National league play-off smei-finals
          York were left to pick up the pieces and go again in the National League after Oldham knocked them out of the play-offs last season [Getty Images]

          How do players handle pressure of high-stakes battle?

          Despite the stunning campaigns both York and Rochdale have put together, they have not quite managed to become the most impressive top two in National League history.

          The combined 212 points they have earned this season (with a potential total of three more to come if one side wins on Saturday) is slightly below the 218 accrued by champions Wrexham and runners-up Notts County in 2022-23.

          That season, Wrexham won the title with 111 points and a game to spare, while Notts County were promoted by the skin of their teeth in the play-offs after winning on penalties at Wembley against Chesterfield, who had finished a whopping 23 points behind them in third.

          "The psychological side of bringing yourself back up to compete in massive games after not quite reaching your goal is very challenging," says Sam Slocombe, who spent six seasons as Notts County's goalkeeper before becoming a coach at the club last summer.

          "You have to verbalise it and say to each other 'we wanted to get promoted and we're still in an unbelievable position to do that'. That burning desire needs to stay there.

          "National League play-offs are one-legged, pure tournament football - what you did week in, week out doesn't matter any more.

          "If you finish second, you also have a gap where the teams lower down play the first play-off match. I found that very challenging because they get to keep their intensity while you're waiting around - maybe your level is dropping.

          "The lower play-off teams will go to York or Rochdale with zero pressure - it's a freebie for them."

          Notts County finished their first season in League Two in mid-table, before losing in the play-off semi-finals last season, and are in promotion contention again this year.

          "Winning week in, week out, in the National League means the feeling in the group is really positive. You go on to the pitch thinking 'we'll turn up, we'll play our stuff, and we'll win'.

          "Once you go up, you can take that morale, the feeling in the crowd, and confidence in your way of playing into the next season, which makes it a hard place for the established League Two teams to come and play."

          Notts County players look nervous while linking arms as they watch the penalty shootout from the halfway line during their victory over Chesterfield in the 2022-23 National League play-off final
          Notts County lost 3-2 Wrexham four matches from the end of the 2022-23 National League season, and had to pick themselves up to come through the play-offs [Getty Images]

          Does a top-quality title race mean promotion rules should change?

          In 2025 the National League launched its 3UP campaign, which aims to secure a third promotion spot for National League clubs into League Two.

          The campaign is supported by all 72 clubs in the National League and the North and South divisions below it, as well as the Football Supporters' Association.

          Those behind the campaign believe another title race contested by two teams capable of putting up a tally of more than 100 points, as well as the long-standing success enjoyed by clubs after promotion to the EFL, strengthens their argument.

          Any change to the promotion quota would require a majority of EFL clubs to vote in favour of a change to the system's rules.

          "I agree with the argument, because I've been through it, and if ours and Wrexham's legacy helps them get it then great," Slocombe says.

          "But I really don't think there will be a rule change. If you're an owner in the Football League, why would you vote for something that increases your chances of being relegated?

          "The people who would make the decision have nothing to gain and everything to lose."

          Jets get update on what they plan to do with No. 2 pick ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

          Jets get update on what they plan to do with No. 2 pick ahead of 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The NFL draft is this week, a very exciting time for many teams around the league. The New York Jets are one of those squads that have a lot to be excited about, holding the second overall pick.

          While the Jets' second pick isn't expected to completely change the franchise, as they're still searching for a quarterback, there's reason to believe this pick can put them in a very good position to start winning at a high level in the near future. Hitting this pick out of the park is very important for the Jets, and it sounds like they have a decision made on who they're going with at No. two.

          “Flying to LA early tomorrow am. I’m going to bed believing Reese is the Jets pick at 2, Love won’t last to pick 7 (maybe not to TEN at 4) and if the Cardinals want Ty Simpson (and they do) —they better move WAY up (which explains why they’re trying so hard to move out of 3),” Todd McShay wrote.

          As McShay touched on, it sounds like New York will be selecting Arvell Reese out of Ohio State, an athletic edge rusher who proved during his time with the Buckeyes that he can get to the quarterback at will. 

          There have been a few things the Jets need to improve on over the past few years, and while getting to the quarterback wasn't always one of them, last season showed that New York needs to add another young edge rusher to this group who can make a major impact. Reese is exactly that and would fit in well with some of the other young players on the defense.

          More NFL news:

          'A huge honour & privilege' - Al Ahli rally to book another ACL Elite final

          'A huge honour & privilege' - Al Ahli rally to book another ACL Elite final
          'A huge honour & privilege' - Al Ahli rally to book another ACL Elite final

          For the second year running, Al Ahli will be representing the Roshn Saudi League in the showpiece match in Asian club football.

          Matthias Jaissle’s men, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Jeddah counterparts Al Ittihad, booked a berth in a second successive AFC Champions League Elite final with a brilliant comeback against Japan’s Vissel Kobe in Jeddah on Monday.

          Having gone a goal down at Alinma Stadium, Al Ahli rallied in the second half to triumph 2-1, through Galeno’s incredible long-range effort - yet another one from the Brazilian - and then a predatory finish from 2025-26 RSL top scorer Ivan Toney.

          In front of almost 45,000 people in their hometown, Al Ahli did it again. Now, they will meet either Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia or UAE side Shabab Al Ahli in Saturday’s final.

          “We’re really proud again to be in the final; back-to-back is something special and a huge honour and privilege,” manager Jaissle said. “The game was not easy, as always in this stage, in a semi-final in this competition.“Details decided the game… also we needed some special moments in the game like the goal from Galeno, which was amazing.

          “The conclusion was, from my side, that we deserve to be in the final.”

          There were almost 45,000 in attendance to watch Al Ahli book place in Asian Champions League Elite final

          It was only 12 months ago that Al Ahli prevailed in the inaugural edition of Asian’s premier club competition - marking their first continental title, too.

          So, an immediate chance to make more history in emulating Al Ittihad’s successful defence of the trophy more than two decades ago?

          “It’s not in our head,” Jaissle said. “We’re only focusing on us. We want to make it happen again; back-to-back titles are a huge goal now and being there is already a marvellous achievement.“If you’re there, you want to make the last step. That’s the clear mindset and I think every player has that already. If you saw them in the locker room, then you would know.”

          Speaking to the Asian Football Confederation’s official social media directly after the final whistle, goal hero Galeno said: "Hello fans, thank you for your incredible support. We knew it would be a tough game, but we managed to secure the victory.

          “Now it’s time to rest, recover and focus on the final. Let’s go!”

          Real Madrid internally admire Argentine manager’s experience

          Real Madrid internally admire Argentine manager’s experience
          Real Madrid internally admire Argentine manager’s experience

          When Real Madrid comes calling on the market, options begin to arise, and the same phenomenon is beginning once more in their pursuit of a manager.

          As word spreads that Los Blancos are looking for a new head coach, several top managers in various posts across the world are beginning to find their names linked, and it will not come as a surprise if they opt to leave their current posts and push for the switch if the chance arises.

          One such candidate is Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently the manager of the USMNT. Despite having joined only in September 2024, he is seen as a top target.

          Internal support

          As reported by Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent update, someone inside Real Madrid’s administration really admires Pochettino and his managerial ideas.

          They value the experience he brings to the table, and his manner of working with the players are both of which are serious positives from their perspective.

          At this point, however, no decision has been made yet as to whether Real Madrid should go for him or not. That call will likely be taken only at the end of the season once the club know all their options.

          Real Madrid admire Mauricio Pochettino. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

          As the club value an experienced name at this point in their rebuild, Pochettino would be an understandable option.

          His man-management, after all, is impressive and also happens to be what is crucial at the club.

          Moreover, the Argentine coach’s CV is quite impressive as he has worked with Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Chelsea in the past.

          In those three stints, he averaged 1.84, 2.15 and 1.78 points per game, respectively.

          As matters stand, Los Blancos have a solid list of candidates they deem fit, even beyond the Argentine coach, including Didier Deschamps, Lionel Scaloni and Jose Mourinho. 

          Barcelona step up contract talks with priority target over five-year contract

          Barcelona step up contract talks with priority target over five-year contract
          Barcelona step up contract talks with priority target over five-year contract

          According to recent information from Mundo Deportivo, early groundwork has already been established between Barcelona and Alessandro Bastoni regarding a long-term contract that would keep him at the club until 2031. 

          As per the outlet, talks are progressing steadily, which signals a clear intent from the Catalan giants to reinforce their backline with a top-level, ball-playing defender.

          Despite strong reports from Italy suggesting that the deal is close to being finalised, the situation is not as advanced as it may seem. 

          This is because both Barcelona and the player’s camp remain cautious, as the operation is still dependent on one crucial factor – approval from Hansi Flick. 

          The Barcelona coach is playing a central role in the decision, and no final green light will be given without his full backing.

          Bastoni wants Barcelona move

          Bastoni, for his part, is fully committed to making the move happen. 

          In fact, the 27-year-old defender is reportedly willing to adjust his salary to fit within Barcelona’s financial framework. 

          Alessandro Bastoni wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

          His desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt next season is understood to be firm, with the player prepared to actively support negotiations if required.

          The Italian defender’s position goes even further, as he is ready to hold discussions with Inter Milan to request a transfer, making it clear that Barcelona is now his only preferred destination. 

          This strong position could prove decisive in negotiations, especially given Inter’s initial valuation of the player.

          What’s the cost of the transfer?

          The Nerazzurri are believed to have set a price tag between €70 million and €80 million. 

          However, Bastoni’s willingness to push for the move could play a key role in lowering that figure and facilitating an agreement between the clubs.

          At Barcelona, all eyes are now on the next step. 

          Sporting director Deco is expected to advance talks once Flick provides his final approval. Until then, the deal remains in a delicate but promising position.

          Kapanen’s 2nd goal of game with 1:54 remaining lifts Oilers over Ducks 4-3 in playoff opener

          NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers

          Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) and right winger Kasperi Kapanen (42) celebrate a goal on the Anaheim Ducks in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

          Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

          EDMONTON, Alberta — Kasperi Kapanen scored his second goal of the game with 1:54 left in the third period to give the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in the opener of their first-round playoff series Monday night.

          Jason Dickinson also scored twice for the Oilers, who trailed 3-2 entering the third after squandering a 2-0 lead.

          Oilers star Leon Draisaitl returned to the ice after missing the final 14 regular-season games with an injury. Draisaitl and Jake Walman each had two assists for Edmonton, while Connor McDavid was held without a point.

          McDavid and the Oilers are seeking their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, having lost each of the last two seasons to the Florida Panthers, who missed the postseason this year.

          Troy Terry had two goals and an assist and Leo Carlsson also scored for the Ducks, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

          Connor Ingram made 25 saves, including a doozy in the waning seconds, to earn the win. Lukas Dostal stopped 30 shots for Anaheim.

          Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Wednesday in Edmonton.

          The Oilers started the scoring with 2:39 remaining in the first period as Walman made a long stretch pass to Dickinson, who undressed Dostal with a great move. Edmonton was 30-5-5 when scoring first this season.

          Edmonton scored again exactly a minute later as Kapanen took a feed from Draisaitl and then had two cracks at his own rebound to score his first of the playoffs.

          The Oilers outshot the Ducks 14-4 in the first period.

          Anaheim only needed 19 seconds into the middle frame to make it 2-1 as Terry scored on a huge rebound off Carlsson’s shot.

          The Ducks tied it 4:38 into the second period as Carlsson returned the favor by banging in a rebound of Terry’s shot.

          Anaheim had 26 comeback wins this season, tied for the NHL lead with Montreal. The Ducks won 17 games when trailing by a goal and nine when down by two.

          The Ducks took the lead on the power play with 5:31 left in the second as Terry, playing his first career playoff game, sent a shot through traffic for his second goal of the game.

          Edmonton tied it at 3 when Radko Gudas slipped and fell as a huge rebound on Mattias Ekholm’s shot came to Dickinson for his second goal of the game.

          The Oilers went ahead for good when Vasily Podkolzin made a great backhand pass from behind the net to set up Kapanen’s second of the game.

          Red Sox trade proposal moves on from Jarren Duran and prepares team for future

          Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran

          Red Sox trade proposal moves on from Jarren Duran and prepares team for future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          An ugly start to the Boston Red Sox season has certainly posed some questions about what the organization might look like in the future. There were already questions about who the Red Sox would decide to move on from at the deadline, and there seems to be a clearer answer now than just a few months ago. 

          The Red Sox certainly need to do a better job of figuring out this outfield situation, which makes somebody like Jarren Duran much more tradable than he typically would be.

          The Red Sox just need to ensure they get a decent package back for Duran, though trading him now likely wouldn't yield the same return they would have gotten a few years ago. 

          Regardless, the Red Sox can't go back now, so moving on from him in a trade as good as they can make right now should be the plan. Regarding potential options out there for the Red Sox, the Cincinnati Reds pose as a suitor, and a recent trade proposal would be more than enough to consider moving on from him.

          Reds get: Duran

          Red Sox get: Chase Petty, Cam Collier, Deivi Villafana

          “The Red Sox would consider this trade while sitting last in the AL East, especially if they view the slow start as a sign to retool rather than push for immediate contention. In that context, Jarren Duran is a valuable but movable asset—an everyday MLB outfielder with speed and solid production whose value could be maximized before any decline or stagnation,” Ryan Shea wrote.

          I really like the idea of getting back Petty and Collier in this situation. Not that both of them are guaranteed to be stars in the big leagues, but they have a lot of potential and are still relatively young. 

          If that's the type of trade the Red Sox can make with Cincinnati, I think it's one they should probably make.

          More MLB news:

          “We’ve played that lineup quite a bit at the end of …

          Brown prefers to sit both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns for the starts of the second and fourth quarters rather than stagger them and have one on the court. The lineup he uses instead — with Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Mitchell Robinson on the floor — struggled in the Knicks’ 107-106 Game 2 loss to the Hawks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. “We’ve played that lineup quite a bit at the end of the season,” Brown said. “That lineup’s been pretty good. We weren’t good tonight and we turned the ball over a few too many times during that period. But we had opportunities where our starters were in, and we were up eight to 10 [points] and Atlanta closed it. So I wouldn’t just say that specific lineup caused it.”

          New York Post

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “We’ve played that lineup quite a bit at the end of …

          And like I said, Steve is a really, really special …

          Obviously a big question for you guys is Steve’s future. What has he meant for you with your time here?” Gui Santos: “Man, Steve is a special guy for me. He was the coach that gave me my first opportunity to play in the NBA, so that’s a guy who realized a dream for me. He was a big part of it. And the way that he coaches—you can see, one thing that I always like about guys who were players and now are coaches is that they understand the players very, very well. The fact that he was a player and played a long time in the NBA, being in the NBA for a long time, he really understands everything that players go through. So yeah, I love that. And like I said, Steve is a really, really special dude for me. I want to be coached by him my whole career if I can.”

          YouTube

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: And like I said, Steve is a really, really special …

          The changes Mikel Arteta is making – and why all is not lost for Arsenal

          After a game at Manchester City that demanded everything, Mikel Arteta has given his Arsenal players two days off. It could be said that is needed now more than ever to afford them some breathing space, but this was always the plan.

          What’s more, the mood in the Arsenal dressing room isn’t as devastated as perception would have it. A tone was set by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard afterwards. They very much feel “this isn’t done”.

          Somewhat ironically, there was actually encouragement from the performance in the 2-1 defeat, because it was superior to almost all of Arsenal’s wins in 2026. The players don’t feel they should have lost the game.

          Mikel Arteta will try to pick his Arsenal side up after the frustration of defeat to title rivals Man City (PA)
          Mikel Arteta will try to pick his Arsenal side up after the frustration of defeat to title rivals Man City (PA)

          Arteta and his staff might well say that’s what happens when you have some of your best attackers back – and there’s still Bukayo Saka to return.

          That’s why this very mood is now fascinating, as the long-time leaders attempt to rally for the run-in.

          It’s like the worst has happened, but not in the worst way. They didn’t crumble, or collapse. They instead feel a different defiance. That might prove very important given how the last few months have gone.

          Arsenal suffered a blow against Man City but all is not yet lost (Getty)
          Arsenal suffered a blow against Man City but all is not yet lost (Getty)
          The return of Martin Odegaard is seen as a huge positive for the Gunners (Reuters)
          The return of Martin Odegaard is seen as a huge positive for the Gunners (Reuters)

          After all, Arsenal have essentially been playing with the anxiety of precisely this situation for all that time; of letting their lead slip; of crumbling; of “bottling it”.

          Now it has happened, and it doesn’t feel as bad as was expected. That pressure is now off, as a different pressure ratchets up. Arteta reminded them the title is still in their hands. There’s a different mood, and maybe a new belief about their football.

          If all of this sounds like positive “spin” – as one club insider genuinely quipped in relaying it – there’s a relevant example from modern history. And it comes from the very team they played on Sunday.

          Back at this exact time 14 years ago, City were hoping to end the wait for a first title in 44 years and were suffering through every moment of the 2011-12 run-in. They felt it was lost.

          After bad draws against Stoke City and Sunderland in successive weeks, they finally went eight points behind Manchester United after a 1-0 defeat to… Arsenal. The goal was even scored by one Mikel Arteta.

          Arteta scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Man City 1-0 in April 2012 - but City hit back to win the Premier League title on the final day (PA)
          Arteta scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Man City 1-0 in April 2012 - but City hit back to win the Premier League title on the final day (PA)

          Although that provoked such a bad reaction in the camp that Vincent Kompany and Mario Balotelli had a bust-up, it was almost like it served as a cleanser. Again, the worst had happened, so there was then a new calm.

          The next two games saw them put four past West Brom and six past Norwich City to set-up a six-game winning streak culminating in Sergio Aguero’s famous winner.

          It of course helped that a player of Carlos Tevez’s quality returned after his controversial banishment, to elevate the side but also change the mood. There may also be a parallel there, even if the circumstances are obviously different.

          With Odegaard having finally returned to the team, Arsenal are hopeful that Saka comes back over the next week. There is the possibility that those two and Kai Havertz could play together for the first time since December 2024.

          That is a long time, especially since this was the trio responsible for an attack that scored 91 goals in the 2023-24 season. It’s not a coincidence Arsenal haven’t looked the same since. With just two of them, you could immediately see the change of emphasis in their play on Sunday.

          Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Odegaard haven’t played together since December 2024 (PA)
          Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Odegaard haven’t played together since December 2024 (PA)

          Some of the staff were enthused by Odegaard’s performance, especially with the way it immediately became clear how and why Arteta has him as the player to knit everything together. That will be deepened if Saka returns.

          As one source said, Arteta especially missed the winger in the City game for the way he would have been the recipient of David Raya long passes on the right to then go one on one against his man. There’s an argument that City’s second goal doesn’t come in the way it did if he is there.

          The timing might also be crucial, if this does become a shoot-out for goal difference. Of course, to make that happen, Arsenal have to go and actually win – and respond. With City now expected to smash Burnley on Wednesday, Arsenal will then face a different type of pressure to beat Newcastle United.

          If that happens, however, the run-in adopts a different rhythm.

          It isn’t a full-out sprint because of the timing of games. Arsenal will play twice – at home to Newcastle and Fulham – before City face Bournemouth the following midweek due to the FA Cup. Such shifts in the table can cause shifts in moods.

          Arsenal now need to pick themselves back up (Getty)
          Arsenal now need to pick themselves back up (Getty)

          Both clubs will likely face different types of congestion, too. While City face a sudden crunch of trying to accommodate two competitions if they get to an FA Cup final as expected, Arsenal have an emotionally intensive Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

          That can also go either way in terms of mood. If Arsenal go out, it might be a final deflation. If they go through, and reach a Champions League final for just the second time in their history, there will be a rush of energy through the club.

          It's also why these two days off are seen as a significant. There's a sense that Arteta is now doing things a bit differently, that he's realised the need for some changes. Previously, there had been concerns Arsenal's training was too intense, especially as a reaction to bad results. Now, he's looking at it in a different way. All of Arsenal may have to do the same.

          With the way this entire season has gone, it does not feel likely that either side wins all of their games. This is set up for another two twists at least – and maybe a title climax unlike any in years.

          Cubs trade idea brings in $45 million ex-Yankees starter to help with injuries

          Cubs trade idea brings in $45 million ex-Yankees starter to help with injuries originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          Injuries continue to be an issue for the Chicago Cubs, especially on the mound. 

          The Cubs have lost multiple starters to season-ending injuries already, something Jed Hoyer and the rest of the front office will have to figure out over the next few months. 

          Ahead of the trade deadline, the Cubs will need to stay afloat, hoping to still have a chance to win the National League Central by the end of July.

          There will be some interesting names available, even from teams that seem to be in a possible playoff hunt. 

          That includes the Athletics, which could be looking to move on from Luis Severino. Severino has largely been fine during his time in Sacramento, but he's also on a rather expensive deal for the Athletics and could make sense as a trade candidate depending on which direction the organization wants to take at the deadline.

          Cubs would land: Severino

          Athletics would land: RHP Brandon Birdsell, LHP Riley Martin

          “The Chicago Cubs make this trade because they are prioritizing reliable starting pitching with upside to stabilize their rotation for a competitive push.
          “In acquiring Luis Severino, they get an experienced arm who can immediately take the ball every fifth day, provide strikeouts, and help limit the strain on their bullpen. Even with some volatility, Severino’s ability to miss bats gives Chicago a higher ceiling than a typical back-end starter,” Ryan Shea wrote.

          If the Athletics are one of the top teams in the American League West, as they're playing right now at the deadline, moving on from Severino might not be something the front office wants to do. However, that contract aspect is the biggest part here.

          Severino has also made some interesting comments about being in Sacramento and playing at its small ballpark, so that's another factor that has to be considered in all of this.

          More MLB news:

          Arsenal lead pursuit of Rangers' Fernandez - gossip

          Arsenal lead the pursuit of Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, with the Gunners closely monitoring the centre-half as a potential reinforcement for their backline, with Chelsea, Everton and West Ham United also interested in the 24-year-old Nigeria international. (TeamTalk)

          Ajax and Schalke want to sign Bailey Rice from Rangers, with the 19-year-old midfielder out of contract at the end of the season. (Fabrizio Romano on X)

          Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the club should be trying to keep Rice, saying the teenager has "got everything you would want in a midfielder". (Go Radio via Sun)

          Scotland defender Jack Hendry has been offered a lucrative deal by Al-Hilal as the 30-year-old prepares to leave Saudi rivals Al-Ettifaq as a free agent this summer. (Glasgow Times)

          Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson backs striker Kevin Nisbet for a Scotland World Cup call-up. (Record - subscription required)

          Robinson challenges 11-times capped Nisbet, 29, to make a late push for the World Cup. (Press and Journal - subscription required)

          Aberdeen could look into extending defender Liam Morrison's loan deal from Queens Park Rangers if it was an option for next season, says Robinson. (Aberdeen Live)

          Return Of Dynamic Soto, Lindor Hitting Could Fuel New York Mets’ Surge

          New York Mets v San Francisco Giants

          SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 4: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets prepares for the game at Oracle Park on April 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images)

          Getty Images

          The return of All Star Juan Soto to the slumping New York Mets should come at some point in the team’s next home stand.

          A right calf strain sent Soto, 27, to the Mets disabled list April 6, retroactive to April 4.

          The calf strain had been troubling Soto since before he hit the Injured List.

          As reported bytotalsports.com April 5,, Soto told reporters, “We got some images from the MRI this morning. Right Now, it’s a minor strain. We’re gonna be going day-by-day —see how it feels.”\

          It was a condition Soto and the Mets realized could get even more serious if he continued to play.

          Soto was placed on the Injured List the day after Soto’s optimistic comments..

          But he’s ready to return.

          Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told mlb.com, “Yes, he’s still on track. Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next home stand.”

          The Mets have lost 11 consecutive games, dating back to April 8.

          The Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3 April 7. They then lost the next two to Arizona, three in a row to the Athletics, three in a row to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and three in a row to the Chicago Cubs.

          With the left-handed hitting Soto hopefully back in the lineup, the Mets play the Minnesota Twins for three games, and the Colorado Rockies for three at Citi Field in New York, from April 21-26.

          After one off day, the Washington Nationals will complete the home stand from April 28-30.

          That’s a favorable Mets schedule.

          mlb.com lists the Mets team is hitting just .226, while their New York Yankee rivals are hitting .218. Not too much difference between the two New York clubs.

          New York Mets v San Francisco Giants

          SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park on April 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

          Getty Images

          Soto So Far In 2026:

          Soto hit his first home run this year in the Mets 6th game of the season, on April 1, 2026. It was a solo shot in an extra-innings loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

          In his last five games before his injury, baseballreference.com listed Sosa getting six hits in 16 at-bats. He had one double in addition to the home run during that span.

          So far this season, in 34 plate appearances, Soto is hitting .355/.412/.516/.928, with the one homer, and five RBIs. He has walked three times, and has struck out six times.

          Soto is a four-time All Star, and a five-time Silver Slugger.

          Those consequential, game-changing hitters can help turn a franchise around with their presence in the lineup.

          Soto must be careful as he moves forward after his Injured List stint. Calf strains have a tendency to linger, and there is always the fear Soto may be returning too soon.

          New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers

          LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets (wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson) prepares to bat during the game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

          MLB Photos via Getty Images

          Is Francisco Lindor Heating Up?

          Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, 32, is off to a miserable start to his season.

          After needing left hamate bone surgery in Spring Training, Lindor returned to the Mets healthy, beginning the season on time.

          Lindor has a history of playing through injuries. In the past four years, Lindor has averaged playing 158 games a year.

          mlb.comillustrated that Lindor got just three hits in his first 17 2026 plate appearances. He had one triple, and two singles. He struck out three times, and didn’t accept a walk.

          Through April 19, Lindor had just 15 hits in 71 plate appearances. He stroked two doubles, and one home run. He drove in only one run.

          The Mets must get more production from their All-Star caliber shortstop.

          Perhaps Lindor is starting to produce.

          New York Mets v Los Angeles Dodgers

          LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets laughs during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

          Getty Images

          baseballreference.com shows Lindor getting six hits in his last 20 plate appearances. Those hits included a double, and a home run.

          There is reason for optimism.

          Last year, Lindor, a switch-hitter, made the All Star team. He hit 35 doubles, 31 homers, and drove in 86 runs. He stole 31 bases, in 37 attempts.

          When the weather turns warmer, and Lindor is further away from his hamate bone surgery, the Mets and their fans will most likely see offensive numbers from Francisco Lindor that are more consistent with last year, than his cold 2026 start.

          The combination of the returning Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor heating up could be a great recipe for New York Mets success moving forward.

          Key players matter.

          Soto is dynamic.

          Lindor ia consequential.

          Together, they can lead a surge for the New York Mets.

          Here is my most recent story about Juan Soto.

          MORE FROM FORBESNew York Mets Bats Should Boom, But Pitching May Be An IssueBy Bernie Pleskoff

          This article was originally published on Forbes.com

          PlayStation Communication Features To Require Age Verification in Certain Countries

          21 April 2026 at 10:30
          It seems as though 2026 will be the year of age verification for online communication platforms. Following the prior news about Discord starting to require age verification for all accounts—a move that the company later walked back after backlash—it has now been revealed that Sony will soon start to mandate age verification for PSN online communication features. This is according to a report by Push Square, which shared a screenshot of an age verification prompt from the PlayStation Store.

          The screenshot shows a QR code that redirects users to start an age verification process on their smartphones, which would prompt users to provide a copy of their ID, perform a facial scan, or receive a text message on their mobile phone that uses information stored by the mobile network provider to ascertain their age. Sony has more details about the age verification options on a FAQ page. At the time of writing, age verification seems to be limited to the UK and Ireland, but this seems to be a move to comply with recent age verification requirements, and there are currently age verification laws being implemented or talked about everywhere from the US to the EU, and Australia, and all of those laws restrict teens and children from accessing similarly risky or potentially harmful content online, meaning similar processes may be implemented across the board.

          Recent Linux VRAM Management Improvements Resurrect 4 GB AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT for Some Games

          21 April 2026 at 09:54
          Natalie Vock, a well-known Valve contractor and Linux graphics driver developer, recently debuted a new patch that enabled better VRAM management on Linux for GPUs with low VRAM. When we originally covered the set of kernel patches, we noted that it could cut VRAM usage in half in some applications, potentially making certain aging graphics hardware viable for gaming where it may not have been before the patches. Aside from some early tests by Vock herself, not much other data was available at the time to draw any conclusions about the potential performance improvements. Now, thanks to NJ Tech on YouTube, we have some idea of how the patch could improve performance on a GPU like the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, which has a mere 4 GB of VRAM. The YouTuber tested the GPU across nine games, including some heavy hitters, like Crimson Desert, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077 in CachyOS, which was the first Linux distribution to package and release Vock's kernel patches in what it calls GPU Booster. In the current GPU market, it would be nice to have a silver bullet to make low VRAM GPUs viable, but the results are far more varied than that, with some games seeing no improvement and others seeing up to 100% increases in FPS.

          In Alan Wake II, VRAM use is actually increased, but there's a more than 2× increase in FPS, going from 14 FPS to a very playable 42 FPS average. In Resident Evil: Requiem, VRAM use is identical, but there's a 16% FPS increase, and in Silent Hill f, the story is similar, with identical VRAM utilization but marginal performance increases. Crimson Desert saw a decrease in VRAM usage, but there was no measurable performance increase as a result, as was the case with Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, both of which saw reduced VRAM usage but an increase of 1 FPS average in the former and identical performance in the latter. The Last of Us Part 2 actually saw a 1 FPS drop in both average and 1% low FPS, but it seems as though there was just too much graphics memory pressure for Vock's VRAM patches to mitigate the issue. Death Stranding 2 and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 also saw little to no improvement despite reduced VRAM utilization in the former. The full video by NJ Tech follows.

          Qualcomm CEO Flies to Korea, Hunting 2nm Wafers at Samsung and LPDDR Supply at SK Hynix

          21 April 2026 at 10:20

          Qualcomm CEO Flies to Korea, Hunting 2nm Wafers at Samsung and LPDDR Supply at SK Hynix 1

          The CEO of Qualcomm has landed in Korea to discuss crucial plans with the executives at Samsung and SK Hynix. Qualcomm CEO's Visit To Korea Can Be A Push To Secure Chip & Memory Capacity at Samsung & SK Hynix As supply constraints continue to grip the AI and PC markets, chipmakers are rushing to secure supply across the globe. Reports are emerging from Korean outlets that Qualcomm's CEO, Cristiano Amon, has visited the country today (April 21st), and is likely to hold meetings with executives from Samsung Foundry and SK Hynix. The main agenda that is likely to be […]

          Read full article at https://wccftech.com/qualcomm-ceo-flies-to-korea-hunting-2nm-wafers-at-samsung-lpddr-supply-at-sk-hynix/

          Amazon Doubles Down On Anthropic With $5 Billion Fresh Injection & 6GW Of Trainium Chip Capacity For Claude AI Models

          21 April 2026 at 09:45

          Anthropic Is Signing A 6GW Compute Capacity Deal With Amazon For To Train & Deploy Its Claude Models on Trainium Chips

          Anthropic has just landed a multi-Gigawatt deal with Amazon, where it would train & deploy its Claude models on Trainium chips through 2026. Amazon Is Investing Over $20B in Anthropic, While Also Supplying 6GW of Trainum Chips To Anthropic Last week, Anthropic launched its Claude Opus 4.7 models, bringing faster AI capabilities such as Agentic workflows. Today, Anthropic announced that it is collaborating with Amazon to secure additional capacity for its AI models. The new deal will give Anthropic access to multi-Gigawatt worth of compute capacity. For the first half of 2026, Anthropic will secure up to 5GW of compute […]

          Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amazon-anthropic-5-billion-investment-6gw-trainium-chip-capacity-for-claude-ai/

          Betula – AI assistant that calls, texts, reminds, briefs, and remembers for you


          Betula is an AI voice assistant with her own phone number—the one you give out instead of yours. She manages your calls, filters spam, and keeps you updated live via text so you can step in or send a reply she'll speak aloud. She also texts, sets reminders, schedules appointments, journals your thoughts, delivers daily briefings on stocks, news, and weather, finds local businesses, gets quotes, and remembers every interaction. Built for professionals and small business owners who need a real assistant, not another app.

          View startup

          BaselineBody – Mobility, strength, and breathwork sessions in under 20 minutes


          BaselineBody is a daily movement app for iPhone that removes every decision from your routine. No workout library, plans, streaks, or notifications. You open it, press start, and the system generates a 10 to 20 minute session of mobility, bodyweight strength, or breathwork based on what you need that day. If you trained hard at the gym, it gives you recovery. If you're rested, it pushes harder. You don't have to think about it.

          Most fitness apps fail because choosing is exhausting, not because the workouts are bad. Baseline fixes that by removing the decision entirely. Three disciplines, one app, $9.99/year. Built by a solo developer with 10 years in fitness tech. Launching May 2026.

          View startup

          10th One UI 8.5 Beta partially fixed AirDrop metadata issues

          By:Yash
          21 April 2026 at 09:11

          Samsung yesterday rolled out the One UI 8.5 Beta 10, which improved the metadata function of AirDrop connection.

          Galaxy users have received an upgraded Quick Share, which lets them share files across Apple’s various operating systems that support AirDrop. Both sides don’t require installation of any additional apps; just a few settings need tweaking.

          Samsung to AirDrop sharing works fine, but users found different issues. Recently, we’ve reproduced the issue where images and videos lack crucial metadata info, including location data, when shared from a Samsung phone.

          It improved with the recent update.

          Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta 10 partially fixed AirDrop metadata issues. Location data is now attached to photos, but is lacking for videos. Apple devices are showing location info on images received from Samsung phones.

          While images automatically showcase a map preview based on the location tag, videos show an option to manually add a location. That said, Samsung’s AirDrop requires another correction to fix the location problem on videos as well.

          Samsung AirDrop Photo Video Metadata

          The improvement is observed on the 10th Beta of the Galaxy S25 series. Meanwhile, the same level build was also provided to the Galaxy S24 series, S25 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 smartphones.

          Samsung also expanded various AI features from the Galaxy S26 series to existing flagships with the ZZDD Beta update. The list includes enhanced Audio Eraser, Photo Assist with text input, AI-powered Call screening and Creative Studio.

          The post 10th One UI 8.5 Beta partially fixed AirDrop metadata issues appeared first on Sammy Fans.

          Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to take over later this year

          21 April 2026 at 09:39

          Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as the company's CEO, and John Ternus, Apple's current Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, will take over as the next Apple CEO effective on September 1, 2026, while also joining the board of directors. Cook will continue as CEO through the summer as he works closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth transition. Post that, Cook will serve as the Executive Chairman of Apple's board of directors. In this role, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers worldwide. Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998 and...

          Italy icon Bonucci names Pep Guardiola as dream coach for national team rebuild after missing out on World Cup

          21 April 2026 at 09:13
          Leonardo Bonucci has proposed Pep Guardiola as the ideal head coach for the Italy national team after failing to qualify to the 2026 World Cup.

          Leonardo Bonucci is one of the few prominent figures to have survived the sweeping exodus from the Italy Football Federation following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. As the rebuilding process gets underway, the former captain has put forward Pep Guardiola as his dream candidate to take charge of the national team.

          Having served as an assistant to coach Gennaro Gattuso within the Italy setup, Bonucci has retained his place on the federation’s staff. With the head coaching position now open, a number of names have been floated, including Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, but none has generated more buzz than the possibility of landing Guardiola.

          Speaking at the Laureus Awards Gala in Madrid, Bonucci was candid about his preferred choice to lead the rebuild. “Following the list of names mentioned in recent days, if there is a true desire to start from zero, I would start with the possibility of having Pep Guardiola,” he said.

          Italy’s overhaul extends well beyond the coaching vacancy, with the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina setting the stage for a broader cultural reset within the national team program. “Having him would mean a radical change from everything that has happened. I think it’s very difficult, but dreaming right now costs nothing,” Bonucci added.

          Leonardo Bonucci attends the Laureus World Sports Awards.
          Leonardo Bonucci attends the Laureus World Sports Awards.

          After a turbulent 2025-26 season at Manchester City, speculation has grown in recent months about whether Guardiola might leave the club before his contract expires in June 2027. While the Spaniard has previously expressed an interest in managing a national team, with City just three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, only a dramatic shift in circumstances would likely prompt an early departure from Old Trafford.

          Italy and the urgent need to bounce back

          As a four-time World Cup champion, Italy has become the first former winner to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament, a sobering reality for one of the sport’s most storied nations. Having earned 121 caps, lifted the Euro 2020 trophy and captained the side following Giorgio Chiellini’s retirement, Bonucci believes the raw materials for a comeback are firmly in place.

          Tasked with serving as a liaison in the scouting of young talents and players who could be called into the squad for the upcoming June fixtures, Bonucci believes in the talents the current squad has “We are lucky to have many high-level young players and others in full development. I believe that with Donnarumma, Tonali, Bastoni, Calafiori, Palestra, Pio Esposito and Scamacca, we have the necessary talent,” he said.

          Despite missing the World Cup, Italy still has meaningful football ahead in 2026. Beginning in September and running through November, the Azzurri will compete in the UEFA Nations League group stage, having been drawn into Group A alongside France, Belgium and Turkey, a demanding group that will serve as an early test of the national team’s renewed ambitions.

          Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match  against Estonia.
          Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Estonia.

          With fitness and mentality both key priorities for the squad going forward, Bonucci also identified what he believes the current generation still lacks. “Compared to our squad that won the Euros five years ago, the current national team is undoubtedly superior in technique and talent. What is missing is a bit of development in leadership and personality, because in the most important matches, that is what makes the difference,” the former defender said.

          Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Pep Guardiola (R), head coach of Manchester City.

          USA March/Q1 2026: March sales down -14%, Ram (+20.1%) back in shape, Hyundai & Kia hit records

          21 April 2026 at 07:43

          Ram pickup sales are up 24.8% over Q1.

          The March new US light vehicle market brakes -14% year-on-year to just 1.39 million units, with retail volumes down -16% and fleets off -2.3% according to GlobalData. Fleets account for 18.4% of the total light vehicle volume, up from 16.6% in March 2025. The Q1 tally is down -6.2% to 3,684,000. The SAAR for March is at 16.2 million vs. 17.8 million in March 2025 and 15.7 million in February. Q1 sales slow to 15.5 million annualised vs. over 16 million in 2024 and 2025. Keep in mind March 2025 is a high comparison base as customers rushed to purchase vehicles in the wake of the implementation of US tariffs.

          Severe weather, the end of federal EV tax credits, record retail prices and economic uncertainty all contributed to a weak result in the US over the quarter. EV sales stumble -27% to 216,399 over Q1 according to Kelley Blue Book, that’s a 5.8% market share down from a peak of 10.6% over Q3 2025. The average incentive per vehicle is up $165 to $3,325 according to JD Power and GlobalData, while EV discounts average $11,258, down $940 year-on-year. 

          In the OEM charts, General Motors (-9.6%) suffers but stays on top ahead of a stable Toyota Motor (-0.1%). Ford Motor (-8.7%) also struggles just ahead of Hyundai-Kia (+2.6%) hitting record levels and American Honda (-4.2%). Stellantis (+4%) confirms its recovery with a third consecutive quarterly increase.

          Brand-wise, Toyota (+0.3%) is stable and easily stays on top ahead of Ford (-9.1%) and Chevrolet (-7.9%) both in difficulty. Honda (-5.1%) and Nissan (-7.7%) don’t fare much better and round out the Top 5. Below, both Kia (+4.1%) and Hyundai (+0.9%) post Q1 records. Note Kia sales have increased for six consecutive quarters. Ram (+20.1%) is the best performing brand near the top. Subaru (-15%) endures an 8th straight month of decline in March. Similarly Mazda (-14.4%) is down for a fourth consecutive quarter and Volkswagen (-16.1%) also.

          Looking at models, the Ford F-Series (-16%) is in difficulty but still a distant leader above the Chevrolet Silverado (-0.1%), stable which is a good performance in the current context. The Honda CR-V (-3.8%) advances to #3 and #1 SUV as its archenemy the Toyota RAV4 (-48.1%) plunges to #13 due to its generation changeover. The Ram Pickup (+24.8%) is back in shape thanks partly to the return of V8 models. The Toyota Camry (+11.3%) surprises with a year-on-year gain, as more affordable sedans may be back in fashion in a record price context. The Camry (and not the RAV4) is Toyota’s best-seller over a quarter for the first time since late 2017. 

          Previous post: USA February 2026: Acura (+17.3%), Lincoln (+12.2%) impress in negative market (-3.8%)

          One year ago: USA March/Q1 2025: General Motors soars +17% in market spurred by last minute sales rush

          Full Q1 2026 Top 15 OEMs, Top 48 All brands and Top 309 All models below.

          USA Q1 2026 – OEMs:

          PosOEMQ1 2026/25
          1General Motors624,299– 9.6%
          2Toyota Motor Corporation569,420– 0.1%
          3Ford Motor Co454,984– 8.7%
          4Hyundai-Kia430,720+ 2.6%
          5American Honda336,830– 4.2%
          6Stellantis306,447+ 4.0%
          7Nissan Motor Group273,949– 6.9%
          8Subaru141,944– 15.0%
          9Volkswagen Group121,571– 19.5%
          10Tesla110,000– 15.4%
          11Mazda94,473– 14.4%
          12BMW Group90,952– 4.3%
          13Mercedes-Benz78,500+ 4.5%
          14Volvo Cars22,651– 31.9%
          15JLR22,100– 31.0%

          USA Q1 2026 – brands:

          PosBrandQ1 2026/25
          1Toyota488,468+ 0.3%
          2Ford431,374– 9.1%
          3Chevrolet405,617– 7.9%
          4Honda304,478– 5.1%
          5Nissan234,318– 7.7%
          6Kia207,015+ 4.1%
          7Hyundai205,388+ 0.9%
          8GMC145,930– 0.2%
          9Jeep144,532+ 2.8%
          10Subaru141,944– 15.0%
          11Ram112,160+ 20.1%
          12Tesla110,000– 15.4%
          13Mazda94,473– 14.4%
          14BMW84,231– 3.9%
          15Lexus80,952– 2.5%
          16Mercedes78,500– 3.6%
          17Volkswagen73,803– 16.1%
          18Buick41,654– 32.6%
          19Acura32,352+ 5.2%
          20Cadillac31,098– 25.5%
          21Audi29,886– 30.0%
          22Mitsubishi26,881– 15.0%
          23Chrysler25,423– 27.5%
          24Lincoln23,610– 0.5%
          25Dodge22,674+ 4.3%
          26Volvo22,651– 31.9%
          27Land Rover21,200– 27.4%
          28Genesis18,317+ 4.6%
          29Porsche16,517– 12.5%
          30Infiniti12,750– 3.2%
          31Rivian8,000– 12.1%
          32Mini6,261– 10.2%
          33Lucid3,900+ 62.5%
          34Polestar1,350– 18.2%
          35Ineos1,300– 7.1%
          36Alfa Romeo919– 52.9%
          37Jaguar900– 68.1%
          38Ferrari750+ 11.1%
          39Lamborghini720– 4.0%
          40Bentley645– 19.4%
          41Maserati600– 53.8%
          42Aston Martin485+ 7.8%
          43Rolls Royce460+ 9.5%
          44VinFast300– 42.9%
          45McLaren225– 25.0%
          46Fisker150– 40.0%
          47Lotus150– 25.0%
          48Fiat139– 73.4%

          USA Q1 2026 – models:

          PosModelQ1 2026/25
          1Ford F-Series159,901– 16.0%
          2Chevrolet Silverado127,545– 0.1%
          3Honda CR-V99,437– 3.8%
          4Ram Pickup98,425+ 24.8%
          5Toyota Camry78,255+ 11.3%
          6Tesla Model Y78,000+ 9.2%
          7GMC Sierra75,607– 3.7%
          8Chevrolet Equinox70,987– 12.7%
          9Nissan Rogue70,174+ 13.0%
          10Toyota Tacoma69,263+ 15.8%
          11Toyota Corolla62,574+ 12.8%
          12Ford Explorer61,387+ 29.7%
          13Toyota RAV459,869– 48.1%
          14Honda Civic57,600– 2.3%
          15Hyundai Tucson55,426+ 0.8%
          16Subaru Forester54,152+ 8.6%
          17Jeep Grand Cherokee53,482+ 10.4%
          18Chevrolet Trax49,706– 15.8%
          19Kia Sportage44,704+ 8.2%
          20Jeep Wrangler44,461+ 17.1%
          21Subaru Crosstrek38,497– 11.7%
          22Chevrolet Traverse37,849+ 33.6%
          23Honda Accord  37,317+ 21.9%
          24Kia K437,220+ 0.6%
          25Kia Telluride35,928+ 20.4%
          26Nissan Sentra35,732– 34.5%
          27Ford Bronco Sport35,021+ 5.0%
          28Mazda CX-534,992+ 1.7%
          29Toyota Tundra34,616– 2.6%
          30Toyota Grand Highlander34,607+ 34.6%
          31Ford Transit34,248– 1.0%
          32Ford Maverick33,861– 10.9%
          33Hyundai Santa Fe33,343+ 6.2%
          34Toyota 4Runner33,244+ 294.1%
          35Hyundai Elantra33,063– 1.3%
          36Honda Pilot31,493– 3.5%
          37Ford Bronco31,197– 4.3%
          38Honda HR-V31,017– 24.2%
          39Toyota Corolla Cross30,093+ 24.8%
          40Nissan Kicks29,517+ 16.4%
          41Lexus RX29,336+ 18.7%
          42Mazda CX-5029,034+ 24.6%
          43Nissan Pathfinder28,554+ 45.2%
          44Hyundai Palisade27,704+ 5.6%
          45Chevrolet Trailblazer   27,475– 6.3%
          46Subaru Outback27,074– 32.2%
          47Chevrolet Tahoe26,836– 10.0%
          48Toyota Sienna24,652+ 4.6%
          49VW Tiguan23,928+ 55.2%
          50Nissan Altima22,971– 35.9%
          51Chrysler Pacifica21,804– 32.7%
          52Chevrolet Colorado21,596– 16.5%
          53GMC Terrain21,567+ 35.2%
          54Kia Sorento21,510– 14.4%
          55Nissan Frontier21,411+ 47.9%
          56GMC Yukon/XL20,586– 11.7%
          57Dodge Durango20,300+ 48.2%
          58Mercedes GLE19,277+ 37.4%
          59Kia K518,806+ 19.4%
          60BMW X518,680+ 7.1%
          61Kia Carnival18,631+ 27.8%
          62Jeep Compass18,573– 41.5%
          63Honda Odyssey18,475– 16.4%
          64Tesla Model 318,000– 59.5%
          65Ford Ranger17,775+ 19.2%
          66BMW X317,767+ 58.1%
          67Ford Expedition17,554+ 30.2%
          68Hyundai Kona17,391+ 2.2%
          69Mercedes GLC16,378+ 25.8%
          70VW Atlas16,361– 3.2%
          71Toyota Highlander15,783+ 31.3%
          72Kia Seltos14,699+ 29.2%
          73Hyundai Sonata14,547– 7.9%
          74Jeep Grand Wagoneer14,174+ 666.6%
          75Ford Mustang14,074+ 50.1%
          76Honda Passport14,045+ 20.1%
          77Ram ProMaster Van13,735– 5.4%
          78Buick Envista13,418– 9.7%
          79GMC Acadia13,257+ 0.0%
          80Lexus NX13,219– 26.5%
          81Buick Encore GX13,052– 36.0%
          82Lexus TX12,489+ 24.3%
          83Chevrolet Express12,488+ 0.9%
          84Ford Escape12,397– 66.8%
          85Mitsubishi Outlander Sport12,076+ 253.2%
          86Chevrolet Blazer11,777– 43.1%
          87Chevrolet Suburban11,696– 14.0%
          88VW Jetta11,565– 34.9%
          89GMC Canyon11,027+ 21.2%
          90Honda Ridgeline10,980+ 0.3%
          91Acura MDX10,928+ 2.7%
          92Buick Enclave10,699– 3.3%
          93Cadillac Escalade10,495– 28.3%
          94Nissan Versa10,208– 46.6%
          95Audi Q510,100– 26.1%
          96Jeep Gladiator10,087– 16.3%
          97Toyota BZ/bZ4X10,029+ 78.8%
          98VW Taos9,995– 40.8%
          99Hyundai Ioniq 59,790+ 13.7%
          100Toyota Prius9,737– 41.5%
          101Nissan Murano9,523+ 9.4%
          102Infiniti QX609,475+ 64.0%
          103Ford E-Series9,359– 3.3%
          104Mazda39,309– 0.4%
          105Subaru Ascent9,175– 17.2%
          106Mazda CX-909,079– 40.1%
          107Lexus GX8,565– 7.3%
          108Volvo XC908,513– 9.1%
          109Mercedes Sprinter8,400+ 11.3%
          110Genesis GV708,234+ 14.3%
          111BMW 3 Series8,189+ 10.2%
          112VW Atlas Cross Sport8,093– 6.9%
          113Toyota Land Cruiser8,083– 47.6%
          114Volvo XC608,061– 36.6%
          115Mitsubishi Outlander  7,924– 30.6%
          116Mazda CX-307,898– 62.4%
          117Acura ADX7,864+ 4318.0%
          118Lincoln Nautilus7,677– 11.4%
          119Kia Niro7,455+ 45.7%
          120Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross6,852+ 169.8%
          121Mercedes C Class6,811– 8.7%
          122Hyundai Venue6,761+ 11.5%
          123Acura RDX6,672– 25.2%
          124BMW X16,598– 4.5%
          125Mercedes GLS6,559+ 14.8%
          126Toyota Sequoia6,382+ 25.0%
          127Genesis GV806,376+ 7.7%
          128Lincoln Aviator6,266+ 31.4%
          129Chevrolet Corvette6,235– 8.2%
          130Range Rover  6,100– 22.8%
          131Porsche Macan6,079– 18.8%
          132BMW X76,074– 16.0%
          133Tesla Model X6,000+ 43.6%
          134BMW 4 Series5,955– 49.9%
          135Range Rover Sport5,900– 7.8%
          136Acura Integra5,877+ 25.6%
          137Land Rover Defender5,800– 33.3%
          138Rivian R1S5,700+ 3.6%
          139BMW 5 Series5,489– 26.6%
          140Lincoln Corsair5,345– 14.3%
          141Cadillac XT55,343– 15.9%
          142Toyota Crown Signia5,293– 33.1%
          143Lexus IS5,045+ 5.6%
          144Tesla Cybertruck5,000– 29.8%
          145Porsche Cayenne4,816– 9.7%
          146Ford Mustang Mach-E4,600– 60.4%
          147Nissan Armada4,593+ 17.5%
          148Hyundai Santa Cruz4,544– 31.6%
          149Buick Envision4,485– 71.0%
          150Lexus RZ4,456+ 206.5%
          151BMW 2 Series4,443– 2.3%
          152Audi A54,372+ 6.1%
          153Lincoln Navigator4,322+ 6.5%
          154Audi Q34,256– 20.4%
          155Subaru Impreza3,912– 50.5%
          156Porsche 9113,826+ 83.4%
          157Mercedes E Class3,628– 0.7%
          158Chrysler Voyager3,612+ 55.8%
          159Audi Q73,554– 30.4%
          160Subaru WRX3,502– 27.4%
          161Cadillac CT53,451– 13.3%
          162Volvo XC403,403– 47.4%
          163Mini Cooper3,386– 10.5%
          164Cadillac Lyriq3,370– 21.6%
          165Honda Prologue3,319– 65.3%
          166Kia Soul3,299– 70.7%
          167BMW X63,255+ 23.6%
          168Mercedes CLE3,188+ 28.5%
          169Lexus ES3,044– 66.9%
          170Subaru Solterra3,041– 2.9%
          171Mercedes GLA3,035– 20.7%
          172Mercedes G Class3,027+ 33.0%
          173Tesla Model S3,000+ 22.0%
          174Mercedes GLB2,968+ 7.0%
          175Toyota Crown2,941+ 31.5%
          176Infiniti QX802,885– 29.0%
          177Mini Countryman2,875– 9.9%
          178Cadillac Optiq2,847+ 65.9%
          179Kia EV92,740– 27.1%
          180Jeep Cherokee2,489+ 1495.5%
          181Mazda CX-702,466– 46.6%
          182Genesis G702,419+ 1.9%
          183VW Golf2,290– 14.0%
          184Audi Q82,285– 25.4%
          185Lexus UX2,283– 9.6%
          186Audi A32,273+ 0.6%
          187BMW 7 Series2,260– 11.6%
          188GMC Savana2,233– 13.3%
          189Lucid Gravity2,200new
          190Audi A62,190+ 17.4%
          191Toyota GR862,046– 26.3%
          192Kia EV62,023– 45.9%
          193Cadillac XT62,016– 57.8%
          194Rivian R1T2,000+ 25.0%
          195Hyundai Ioniq 91,990new
          196Dodge Charger1,912– 36.2%
          197Cadillac Vistiq1,902new
          198Lexus LX1,848+ 8.5%
          199Subaru Legacy1,788– 69.2%
          200BMW iX1,788– 50.7%
          201Mercedes S Class1,779– 19.3%
          202Lucid Air1,700– 29.2%
          203Mazda MX-5 Miata1,695– 30.7%
          204GMC Hummer pickup/SUV1,653– 52.5%
          205Cadillac CT41,547+ 27.4%
          206Mercedes CLA1,538+ 150.1%
          207BMW X21,476+ 12.9%
          208Volvo EX301,373+ 15.9%
          209Range Rover Velar1,300– 56.7%
          210Ineos Grenadier1,300– 7.1%
          211Jeep Wagoneer1,243– 84.5%
          212VW ID.Buzz1,232– 35.2%
          213BMW 8 Series1,170+ 18.2%
          214Porsche Panamera983– 33.8%
          215Polestar 3950– 22.4%
          216Acura TLX938– 38.8%
          217Toyota Supra919+ 118.3%
          218Land Rover Discovery900– 10.0%
          219Nissan Z899– 58.3%
          220Genesis G80859– 8.5%
          221Hyundai Ioniq 6829– 75.0%
          222Mercedes AMG GT804– 1.8%
          223Subaru BRZ803+ 0.1%
          224Honda Prelude795new
          225Chevrolet Bolt791+ 5984.6%
          226Volvo EX90702– 29.8%
          227Range Rover Evoque700– 46.2%
          228Jaguar F-Pace700– 36.4%
          229Nissan Leaf668– 71.2%
          230Porsche Taycan607– 40.4%
          231Volvo V60565– 44.2%
          232Ferrari car550– 8.3%
          233Lamborghini Urus520+ 30.0%
          234Land Rover Discovery Sport500– 44.4%
          235Maserati Truck500– 30.7%
          236Chevrolet BrightDrop 400496+ 81.0%
          237BMW Z4478– 8.1%
          238Mercedes SL Class433+ 71.8%
          239Alfa Romeo Stelvio429– 37.5%
          240Bentley Car425– 22.7%
          241Dodge Hornet417– 89.8%
          242Polestar 4400new
          243BMW XM388– 4.2%
          244VW ID.4338– 95.6%
          245Aston Martin car325+ 8.3%
          246Lexus LC324– 37.6%
          247Audi Q6 e-tron318– 90.2%
          248Genesis G90312– 8.8%
          249Infiniti QX50303– 85.3%
          250Rolls Royce Cullinan275+ 37.5%
          251Alfa Romeo Giulia252– 53.4%
          252Rivian EDV250– 86.8%
          253Alfa Romeo Tonale238– 67.2%
          254McLaren Car225– 25.0%
          255BMW X4221– 84.6%
          256Bentley Bentayga220– 12.0%
          257Mercedes EQE SUV218– 93.7%
          258Porsche 718 Boxster206– 86.0%
          259Audi A8201– 43.4%
          260Lexus RC200– 55.8%
          261VinFast VF8200– 55.6%
          262Lamborghini car200– 42.9%
          263Ferrari Purosangue200+ 166.7%
          264Rolls Royce car185– 15.9%
          265Audi A7176– 71.7%
          266Aston Martin DBX160+ 6.7%
          267Lotus car150– 25.0%
          268Fisker Ocean150– 40.0%
          269Lexus LS143– 66.0%
          270Chevrolet Malibu137– 97.4%
          271Cadillac XT4127– 97.3%
          272Mercedes EQS SUV126– 92.2%
          273Mercedes EQB SUV122– 91.3%
          274Genesis GV60117– 84.0%
          275Maserati Car100– 69.9%
          276Mercedes Metris100– 52.4%
          277VinFast VF9100+ 33.3%
          278Audi Q4 e-tron96– 94.9%
          279Infiniti QX5586– 89.9%
          280Mercedes EQS79– 90.0%
          281Acura ZDX73– 98.5%
          282Fiat 500X71– 4.1%
          283Jaguar E-Pace70– 53.3%
          284Fiat 50068– 84.8%
          285Audi e-Tron GT63– 74.8%
          286Toyota Mirai63+ 90.9%
          287Jaguar XF60– 60.0%
          288Nissan Ariya56– 98.6%
          289Rivian RCV50– 50.0%
          290Dodge Challenger45– 95.1%
          291Jaguar F-Type40– 66.7%
          292Jaguar i-Pace30– 97.7%
          293Mercedes EQE30– 96.9%
          294Mitsubishi Mirage29– 99.7%
          295Jeep Renegade23– 93.8%
          296Volvo S9017– 95.5%
          297Volvo V9015– 91.0%
          298Toyota C-HR13n/a
          299Nissan Titan10– 99.4%
          300Chrysler 3007– 97.9%
          301Toyota Venza4– 99.4%
          302Chevrolet Camaro3– 94.8%
          303Volvo S602– 99.7%
          304Nissan GT-R2– 93.8%
          305Toyota Avalon2n/a
          306Audi Q8 e-tron1– 99.8%
          307Infiniti Q501– 99.8%
          308Audi A41– 99.8%
          309VW Arteon1– 95.0%

          Source: Manufacturers

          Pakistan March 2026: Market up 39.9%, Sazgar Haval H6 up to #2

          20 April 2026 at 18:01

          The Sazgar Haval H6 is up to #2 in Pakistan in March.

          Data by local association PAMA shows sales of new locally produced light vehicles in Pakistan surging +39.9% year-on-year in March to 15,531. This leads to a Q1 volume up 38.6% to 55,707. Note not all manufacturers present in Pakistan are members of PAMA such as Kia, Changan and MG notably and therefore don’t appear in these statistics. Suzuki (+37.7%) matches the market to stay on top of the brands charts but at 40.2% share it is well below the 45.5% it commands over Q1. Below Toyota (+23.7%), Sazgar Haval (+84.4%) and Honda (+62.7%) stun while JAC surges 278.9%. Model-wise, the Suzuki Alto (+47.9%) remains ultra dominant at 29.4$% share just as the Sazgar Haval H6 (+84.4%) climbs to 2nd place. The Honda Civic is estimated to grow 71.5% at #4 and the Suzuki Swift is up 66.4% to #6.

          Previous month: Pakistan February 2026: Suzuki Swift (+151%), Every (+390.9%) shoot up, registrations up 41.7%

          One year ago: Pakistan March 2025: Toyota up 83.6% in market up 18.3%

          Full March 2026 Top 10 All brands and Top 23 All models below.

          Pakistan March 2026 – brands:

          PosBrandMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
          1Suzuki6,25040.2%+ 37.7%125,32645.5%+ 39.8%11
          2Toyota3,87324.9%+ 23.7%212,75022.9%+ 40.5%22
          3Honda2,32415.0%+ 62.7%38,05814.5%+ 41.6%33
          4Sazgar Haval1,73311.2%+ 84.4%45,3639.6%+ 40.7%44
          5Hyundai9286.0%– 2.5%52,9665.3%– 2.7%55
          6JAC2881.9%+ 278.9%66741.2%+ 105.5%66
          7Isuzu810.5%n/a73370.6%n/a78
          8Dewan Honri530.3%n/a81240.2%+ 342.9%89
          9BAIC10.0%– 66.7%9570.1%+ 137.5%910
          10Dewan Kia00.0%– 100.0%10520.1%– 20.0%107

          Pakistan March 2026 – models:

          PosModelMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
          1Suzuki Alto4,57129.4%+ 47.9%117,16430.8%+ 46.8%11
          2Sazgar Haval H61,73311.2%+ 84.4%35,3639.6%+ 40.7%23
          3Toyota Corolla (est)1,4479.3%+ 32.3%44,7508.5%+ 62.7%32
          4Honda Civic (est)1,1687.5%+ 71.5%64,1467.4%+ 43.9%56
          5Toyota Yaris (est)1,1647.5%+ 32.3%53,8216.9%+ 62.7%65
          6Suzuki Swift9926.4%+ 66.4%24,6038.3%+ 99.5%44
          7Honda City (est)8815.7%+ 71.4%73,1285.6%+ 43.8%77
          8Toyota Corolla Cross (est)5343.4%+ 32.2%91,7543.1%+ 62.6%910
          9Toyota Hilux (est)4012.6%– 3.4%111,3362.4%– 11.2%1011
          10Suzuki Every3902.5%+ 10.5%82,1653.9%+ 135.6%89
          11Toyota Fortuner (est)3272.1%– 3.3%141,0892.0%– 11.2%1214
          12Hyundai Tucson3212.1%– 5.0%131,0451.9%– 3.0%1312
          13Hyundai Porter3062.0%+ 112.5%129361.7%+ 88.3%1415
          14Suzuki Cultus2941.9%+ 203.1%101,2492.2%+ 46.3%1113
          15JAC X200 Ghandhara2881.9%+ 278.9%166741.2%+ 105.5%1718
          16Honda BR-V & HR-V2751.8%+ 18.0%157841.4%+ 23.3%1516
          17Hyundai Elantra2181.4%+ 2.8%177151.3%+ 24.6%1617
          18Isuzu D-Max810.5%n/a183370.6%n/a1823
          19Dewan Honri-Ve530.3%n/a221240.2%+ 342.9%2224
          20Hyundai Sonata430.3%– 58.7%201260.2%– 69.9%2120
          21Hyundai Santa Fe400.3%– 74.0%211440.3%– 70.1%2019
          22Suzuki Ravi30.0%– 99.0%241450.3%– 91.2%198
          23BAIC BJ40L10.0%– 66.7%19570.1%+ 137.5%2326

          Source: PAMA

          Azərbaycan Kubokunda ilk finalçı bəlli olur

          21 April 2026 at 09:00

          Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyunlarına start veriləcək.

          Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə bir qarşılaşma baş tutacaq.

          İlk finalçının adına “Zirə” – “Turan Tovuz” matçında aydınlıq gələcək. Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionunda baş tutacaq görüşə saat 19:00-da start veriləcək. Paytaxt təmsilçisi ilk oyunda qazandığı inamlı qələbənin davamını gətirməyə və finala çıxmağa çalışacaq. Tovuz təmsilçisi isə finala çıxmaq üçün rəqibini böyük hesabla məğlub etməlidir.

          Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan Kubokunda digər finalçının adına sabah keçiriləcək “Sabah” – “Qarabağ” matçında aydınlıq gələcək.

          Azərbaycan Kuboku
          Yarımfinalın cavab oyunları
          21 aprel

          “Zirə” – “Turan Tovuz”
          Hakimlər: Əli Əliyev, Namiq Hüseynov, Rahil Ramazanov, Rəşad Əhmədov.
          VAR: Rauf Cabbarov.
          AVAR: Elşad Abdullayev.
          Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
          AFFA nümayəndəsi: Seymur Səlimli.
          Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 19:00.
          İlk oyun – 2:0.

          22 aprel

          “Sabah” – “Qarabağ”
          Hakimlər: Rəvan Həmzəzadə, Cəmil Quliyev, Şirmamed Mamedov, Kamal Umudlu.
          VAR: Kamranbəy Rəhimov.
          AVAR: Rəhman İmami.
          Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov.
          AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldəniz Musayev.
          “Masazır Arena”, 20:00.
          İlk oyun – 2:2.

          Dünya Kupası öncesi en büyük soru

          2026 Dünya Kupası yaklaşırken Arjantin cephesinde en büyük soru Lionel Messi'nin turnuvada yer alıp almayacağı olmaya devam ediyor. Teknik direktör Lionel Scaloni, yıldız oyuncuyu kadroda görmek istediğini açıkça belirtse de, nihai kararın tamamen Messi'ye ait olduğunu vurguladı. Bu durum, turnuvaya kısa süre kala Arjantin'de belirsizliği artırıyor.

          Bakı klubu “100”ü keçdi

          21 April 2026 at 09:46

          Azərbaycan II Liqasında ikinci sırada qərarlaşan “Qaradağ Lökbatan” 100 qol sayını keçib.

          Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, komanda 23 turda ümumilikdə 105 qol vurub, 17-ni buraxıb. “Qaradağ Lökbatan” bu mövsüm Azərbaycan çempionatlarında ən çox qol vuran komandadır.

          Lökbatan təmsilçisi 23 turdan sonra 63 xalla ikinci sıradadır və lider “Xankəndi”dən 3 xal geri qalır.

          Silvadan sonra o da “Mançester Siti”dən ayrılacaq

          21 April 2026 at 09:28

          Müdafiəçi Con Stounz yayda “Mançester Siti”dən ayrılacaq.

          Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb. Stounz klubla müddəti başa çatacaq müqaviləni uzatmayacaq.

          Con 2016-ci ildən “Mançester Siti”də çıxış edir. 31 yaşlı müdafiəçi bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 7 oyuna çıxıb.

          Daha əvvəl portuqaliyalı yarımmüdafiəçi Bernardu Silvanın klubdan ayrılacağı açıqlanıb.

          “Çelsi” 16 yaşlı futbolçu ilə müqavilə imzaladı

          21 April 2026 at 09:16

          “Çelsi” 16 yaşlı futbolçu Kalvin Diakite ilə peşəkar müqavilə imzalayıb.

          Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “zadəganlar”ın mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. London klubu Kalvin ilə müddəti 2028-ci ilin yayına kimi olan sözləşmə imzalayıb.

          Diakite “Çelsi”nin U-18 və U-21 komandalarında çıxış edir.

          Premyer Liqanı tərk edəcək ilk komanda

          21 April 2026 at 08:43

          İngiltərə Premyer Liqasını tərk edəcək birinci komanda məlum olub.

          Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, XXXIII turda “Vest Hem”in “Kristal Pelas”la heç-heçə etməsindən (0:0) sonra 20-ci pillədə yer alan “Vulverhempton”un elitadan düşəcəyi dəqiqləşib.

          “Canavarlar” 17 xalla 20-cidir və sona beş tur qalmış hər oyunu qazansa belə, autsayderlər zonasından çıxa bilmir.

          “Vulverhempton” yeni mövsümdə Çempionşipdə mübarizə aparacaq.

          Ice Open Network News: ICO Complaint Filed After Insider Breach Exposes User Database

          21 April 2026 at 09:14
          Ice Open Network News What Really Happened to the ION Token

          The post Ice Open Network News: ICO Complaint Filed After Insider Breach Exposes User Database appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Ice Open Network has confirmed a security breach involving its identity database, shaking user confidence while highlighting growing risks tied to third-party service providers in crypto.

          The April 15 breach came from four former partners tied to a third-party service provider, who leaked user data like emails and 2FA phone numbers after accessing an external server.

          Ice Open Network, which runs the $ION token and Online+ on BNB Chain, made it clear this wasn’t a system hack but an insider misuse from outsourced operations, not a failure of the core protocol.

          Funds Safe, Core System Intact

          Even though the breach sounds serious, the team says funds are safe, no private keys, no wallets touched. The core blockchain wasn’t hacked either, and activity on the network is still stable, so no direct money impact.

          Emails, phone numbers, and identity-linked data got exposed, which raises privacy concerns. The team is now telling users to quickly update their 2FA to stay safe.

          security alert

          Legal Action, Migration, and What’s Next

          The company has already filed complaints with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is pursuing legal action against those responsible. A technical migration scheduled for April 21 aims to strengthen security, though temporary disruptions on the Online+ platform are expected.

          From Price Crash to Full Restructure

          This comes just weeks after the $ION 93% crash on April 7 from $0.003 to $0.00024. The CEO pinned it on a long-term service provider dumping tokens, calling it a funding shock, but didn’t share proof. Back then, the team admitted they had spent $18M, were burning $400K monthly, and were close to shutting down.

          But things flipped fast. Within 48 hours, they slashed costs by 89% to around $45K/month, cut the team down to core devs, and rolled out a fresh 8-week roadmap, now aiming for a long-shot comeback toward a $1B valuation.

          This breach also comes amid a surge in crypto security incidents, with over $606 million lost across protocols in just the first half of April 2026. 

          Render (RNDR) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Long-Term Forecast and Growth Outlook

          21 April 2026 at 08:41
          RNDR Price Prediction

          The post Render (RNDR) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Long-Term Forecast and Growth Outlook appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Story Highlights

          • The live price of the RNDR token is  $ 1.79553375.
          • If demand for decentralized GPU infrastructure expands, RNDR could climb toward $18 by 2026.
          • With sustained growth in AI computing and Web3 infrastructure, Render could potentially reach $100 by 2030.

          Render (RNDR), a leading decentralized GPU rendering network, is emerging as a key infrastructure layer in the rapidly expanding AI and digital content economy. Initially built to power distributed rendering for creators and studios, the network is now evolving into a broader compute marketplace, enabling scalable GPU access for AI workloads, 3D rendering, and real-time applications.

          The recent transition to Render Network on Solana has significantly improved transaction efficiency and scalability, positioning the protocol to handle higher demand from both developers and enterprise users. At the same time, growing interest in AI-driven applications and GPU-intensive workloads is strengthening Render’s long-term utility narrative.

          As demand for decentralized compute continues to rise, the focus for 2026 shifts toward adoption and network utilization. The key question remains whether Render can convert this expanding use case into sustained growth and price momentum, as the market increasingly values real-world infrastructure over speculative narratives.

          This article delves into Render’s 2026 outlook and long-term price prediction, analyzing whether these catalysts can translate into a sustained breakout. Explore this Render price prediction 2026 and beyond, filled with expert insights and ambitious forecasts.

          Render Price Today

          Cryptocurrency Render
          Token RENDER
          Price $1.7955 up 2.78%
          Market Cap$ 931,421,034.19
          24h Volume$ 70,259,828.7651
          Circulating Supply518,743,261.0141
          Total Supply533,503,434.2941
          All-Time High$ 13.5961 on 17 March 2024
          All-Time Low$ 0.0368 on 16 June 2020

          Render (RENDER) Price April 2026 Outlook

          The short-term outlook for Render (RNDR) in April 2026 suggests a consolidation phase, where price action is stabilizing following recent volatility while attempting to build momentum for a broader breakout. Recent projections indicate that RNDR is likely to trade within a moderate range during April, with short-term targets clustered between the $2.0 and $2.50 zone, reflecting a period of base formation rather than aggressive expansion. 

          Render appears to be holding above key support levels, while gradually forming higher lows, an early indication of strengthening market structure. This suggests that selling pressure is easing, even as buyers remain selective. If RNDR manages to reclaim immediate resistance near the $3 level with sustained volume, it could trigger a short-term momentum shift toward the $4–$5 range, aligning with early-stage trend reversal conditions. However, failure to break above resistance may keep the price confined within a consolidation band, delaying further upside expansion.

          Overall, Render is expected to trade within the $2 to $2.40 range, with breakout confirmation dependent on sustained strength above the $2 resistance zone.

          Coinpedia Render (RENDER) Price Prediction 2026

          The broader outlook for Render (RNDR) in 2026 reflects a transition phase, where the asset is attempting to rebuild momentum after a prolonged correction from its previous highs. Following its peak near the $13–$14 region, RNDR entered a consolidation structure, with price stabilizing around lower demand zones. 

          As 2026 progresses, the structure appears to be gradually shifting. RNDR is forming a base above key support zones, while improving fundamentals, particularly rising demand for GPU compute and AI workloads, are strengthening its long-term narrative. This suggests that the current phase may represent a foundation for the next major upward move.

          RENDER price prediction

          If buyers continue to defend the accumulation range and push the price above critical resistance levels near $5–$7, it could trigger a broader trend reversal. In such a scenario, momentum expansion could accelerate toward the $10–$14 range, with a potential extension toward $16–$18 under a strong bullish cycle. However, failure to sustain above key breakout zones may delay this trajectory, keeping RNDR within a prolonged consolidation phase before a confirmed expansion.

          Overall, Render is likely to trade between $5 and $18 this year, with upside dependent on sustained AI-driven demand, network adoption, and successful breakout above macro resistance levels.

          RENDER News and Catalysts

          AI Narrative Regains Momentum, Driving RNDR Rotation: Render is seeing renewed attention as capital rotates back into AI-linked crypto assets, with GPU infrastructure narratives gaining traction across the market, supporting RNDR’s positioning as a core decentralized compute layer.

          Network Activity Stabilizes Alongside Developer Progress: Recent data points to steady development activity and consistent network usage, indicating that underlying adoption remains intact even as speculative interest cools, often a precursor to more sustainable price expansion.

          Render (RENDER) On-Chain Analysis

          Render’s on-chain data reflects a constructive setup, where underlying network strength is stabilizing while speculative excess resets. Active addresses (7D) remain relatively steady despite recent price fluctuations, indicating that core network usage continues to hold. This consistency suggests that demand for Render’s GPU infrastructure is not purely speculative, but supported by ongoing utilization. 

          At the same time, development activity shows periodic spikes, highlighting continued protocol-level progress and active ecosystem development. Sustained builder engagement is a critical signal, particularly for infrastructure-focused projects where long-term value is driven by adoption and technological advancement.

          Render (RENDER) On-Chain Analysis

          Meanwhile, social dominance has trended lower compared to previous peaks, reflecting reduced hype-driven participation. This decline often marks the unwinding of speculative interest, creating conditions for more sustainable, fundamentally driven growth.

          The combination of stable network usage, ongoing development momentum, and cooling social hype points toward a reset phase that typically precedes stronger, more sustainable expansion cycles.

          Render appears to be transitioning from a hype-driven phase into a utility-backed growth cycle, where continued adoption and real-world demand for decentralized GPU compute could act as the primary drivers of its next upward move.

          RNDR Crypto Price Prediction 2027– 2030

          2027152032
          2028243850
          2029356075
          20306288100

          RNDR Price Prediction 2031, 2032, 2033, 2040, 2050

          The long-term projection assumes Render sustains relevance in enterprise blockchain use cases, with growth moderating over time as the asset matures.

          YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($)Potential High ($)
          203190100130
          2032120170200
          2033180240300
          2040250360450
          2050500670750

          RNDR Price Prediction: Market Analysis?

          Year202620272030
          Changelly$6.20$9.50$18.00
          CoinCodex$10.00$18.00$22.00
          Binance$14.00$20.00$30.00
          Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

          Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

          FAQs

          What is Render (RNDR) used for?

          Render is a decentralized GPU network that lets creators and developers access distributed computing power for AI workloads, 3D rendering, gaming, and visual computing.

          What is the Render (RNDR) price prediction for 2026?

          Render could trade between $5 and $18 by 2026 if adoption of decentralized GPU computing and AI infrastructure continues expanding across blockchain and tech industries.

          How much will Render be worth in 2030?

          Render could trade between $62 and $100 by 2030 if decentralized GPU networks gain adoption and demand for AI computing infrastructure continues rising.

          What is the RENDER Token price prediction for 2050?

          By 2050, Render could potentially reach $500–$750 if decentralized GPU marketplaces remain relevant in AI, cloud computing, and Web3 infrastructure.

          Is Render (RNDR) a good long-term crypto project?

          Render is considered a strong infrastructure project because it connects unused GPUs with users needing computing power for AI, graphics, and metaverse development.

          What factors could drive Render price growth?

          RNDR price growth may depend on AI adoption, GPU demand, Web3 infrastructure expansion, and broader crypto market cycles increasing usage of decentralized computing.

          TRON (TRX) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Can TRX Go?

          21 April 2026 at 08:16
          Tron Price Prediction 2026, 2027 - 2030

          The post TRON (TRX) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Can TRX Go? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Story Highlights

          • The live price of the Tron coin is  $ 0.32797184
          • Tron’s price 2026 target is $1.20, if breakout structure confirms above $0.50.
          • TRX’s 2030 projection toward $4 is possible, under a strong ecosystem and stablecoin growth.

          TRON’s position in the current market cycle is increasingly being shaped by its dominance in real transactional activity, particularly as a primary settlement layer for stablecoins like USDT. With consistent on-chain demand, strong network revenue, and expanding global usage, TRON continues to stand out as one of the few networks where utility directly supports price stability. At the same time, its price structure is beginning to reflect that strength.

          After an extended period of gradual upside, TRX is now holding near the $0.32–$0.33 range, consolidating just below recent highs rather than correcting sharply. This creates a setup where fundamentals and price action are starting to align. As TRON continues to benefit from strong network activity and steady demand, the focus now shifts to whether this consolidation phase can translate into further expansion. 

          With the market already progressing through 2026, the focus now shifts to whether TRON can sustain its network dominance while translating usage into continued price expansion. Read on as we break down TRON’s April outlook and TRX price prediction 2026-30.

          TRON Price Today

          Cryptocurrency TRON
          Token TRX
          Price $0.3280 down -1.88%
          Market Cap$ 31,084,631,254.99
          24h Volume$ 962,008,184.8036
          Circulating Supply94,778,354,091.5215
          Total Supply94,778,358,905.3836
          All-Time High$ 0.4407 on 03 December 2024
          All-Time Low$ 0.0011 on 15 September 2017

          Tron (TRX) Price April 2026 Outlook

          TRON’s short-term structure reflects a steady consolidation phase, with the price holding firm after its recent upward move. Currently trading near the $0.31 region, TRX is maintaining support above key levels while testing resistance near the $0.34–$0.36 zone. This range remains critical in defining the next directional move. The formation of higher lows indicates underlying strength, suggesting that selling pressure is being absorbed. 

          A sustained breakout above $0.36 could open the path toward the $0.40–$0.45 range, signaling continuation of the broader trend. On the downside, failure to reclaim resistance may lead to extended consolidation, with support expected near $0.28–$0.30.

          Coinpedia’s TRX Price Prediction 2026

          TRON’s broader trajectory in 2026 is increasingly supported by a combination of sustained network activity and a price structure that continues to hold firm at higher levels. Unlike many altcoins that rely heavily on speculative cycles, TRX is being underpinned by consistent demand through stablecoin settlements, rising transaction volumes, and steady protocol revenue.

          TRX price continues to consolidate near highs rather than retracing deeply, suggesting that buyers are actively defending higher levels while absorbing supply. This behavior typically precedes continuation, especially when supported by real usage rather than short-term sentiment.

          TRX price prediction

          The key progression now depends on how TRX expands from this base. A sustained move above the $0.35–$0.40 region would likely accelerate momentum, opening the path toward the $0.60–$0.80 range as the next phase of expansion. As higher levels begin to hold and participation increases, the structure can gradually transition into a stronger trending environment.

          Under a sustained growth scenario, TRON could advance toward the $0.80–$1.20 range by the end of 2026, driven by continued network dominance, stablecoin activity, and increasing market participation.

          Recent Catalysts for Tron (TRX)

          TRON continues to lead in USDT transaction volume, reinforcing its role as a core settlement layer in the crypto economy.

          Listing expansion and improved accessibility in regulated markets are gradually increasing institutional visibility and liquidity.

          Strong on-chain revenue and rising user activity are highlighting TRON’s position as one of the few networks generating consistent real usage, not just narrative-driven demand.

          TRX Long-Term Price Prediction 2026-2030

          YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($Potential High ($)
          20260.801.001.20
          20271.101.501.90
          20281.802.302.80
          20292.503.203.70
          20303.203.604.00

          TRON Coin Price Projection 2027

          As per the Tron Price Prediction 2027, Tron may see a potential low price of $1.10. The potential high for Tron price in 2027 is estimated to reach $1.90.

          TRON Crypto Price Forecast 2028

          In 2028, the Tron  price is forecasted to potentially reach a low price of $1.80 and a high price of $2.80

          TRON Token Price Action 2029

          Thereafter, the Tron  (Tron) price for the year 2029 could range between $2.50 and $3.70.

          TRON (TRX) Price Prediction 2030

          Finally, in 2030, the price of Tron is predicted to maintain a steady positive. It may trade between $3.20 and $4.00.

          Tron Price Prediction 2031, 2032, 2033, 2040, 2050

          The long-term projection assumes Tron sustains relevance in enterprise blockchain use cases, with growth moderating over time as the asset matures.

          YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($)Potential High ($)
          20313.504.305.20
          20324.506.007.00
          20339.0011.0015.00
          204020.0028.0038.00
          205080.00110.00150.00

          Tron (TRX) Price Prediction: Market Analysis?

          Year202620272030
          Changelly$0.95$1.50$2.20
          CoinCodex$1.00$1.80$3.00
          WalletInvestor$1.50$2.00$3.50
          Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

          Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

          FAQs

          What is the TRX price prediction for 2026?

          TRX could trade between $0.80 and $1.20 in 2026 if it breaks above $0.50 and maintains strong stablecoin settlement growth.

          What is the TRX Coin price prediction for 2027?

          In 2027, TRX could trade between $1.10 and $1.90 if network growth continues and broader crypto market conditions remain favorable.

          What is the TRX price prediction for 2028?

          TRX may reach $0.94–$2.07 in 2028, with an average price of $1.50, driven by growing network usage and stablecoin dominance.

          How high can TRX price go by 2030?

          TRX may reach up to $4.00 by 2030 under strong ecosystem expansion, stablecoin dominance, and sustained crypto market growth.

          What is the TRX price prediction for 2040?

          By 2040, TRX could trade between $20 and $38 if global blockchain adoption expands and TRON remains a major settlement network.

          What is the Tron price prediction for 2050?

          In a strong long-term adoption scenario, Tron may range between $80 and $150 by 2050, assuming sustained utility and ecosystem growth.

          Is TRX a good investment for the future?

          TRX shows strong long-term potential, with projected growth through 2030, backed by real-world use in payments, stablecoins, and global adoption.

          Can TRON (TRX) reach $1 in the next bull cycle?

          Yes, TRX reaching $1 is possible if resistance flips to support and network activity, especially USDT transfers, keeps expanding.

          Sources: Chelsea and Man United battle for English midfielder known for his passing accuracy

          21 April 2026 at 09:29

          Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is catching attention from top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

          The Bournemouth playmaker has enjoyed a steady rise over the past two seasons and now the biggest clubs in the world are taking notice of his performances, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

          At just 22 years old, Scott has already established himself as one of Bournemouth’s most dependable performers.

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          His calmness on the ball, ability to read the game, and tireless work rate have helped him stand out in a highly competitive Premier League environment.

          While Bournemouth have enjoyed moments of progress this season, much of their midfield balance has revolved around Scott’s influence.

          The youngster has made 33 appearances in the league for Andoni Iraola’s side this season.

          Alex Scott is built for the big stage after impressive season

          Scott’s statistics tell part of the story, but they don’t fully capture his overall influence. Featuring in 34 matches this season, he contributed four goals and one assist, but his value goes well beyond attacking output.

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          With an 84% passing accuracy, he has consistently shown the ability to retain possession and move the ball intelligently, a crucial trait in today’s fast-paced Premier League.

          What really sets Scott apart is his versatility as a true box-to-box midfielder. He’s comfortable receiving the ball deep, driving forward through midfield, and linking play between defense and attack.

          That ability to carry the ball over distance has made him particularly effective in transition phases, a skill that many modern top clubs prioritise when building midfield units.

          Chelsea and Man United to battle for his signature

          Chelsea’s reported interest fits their long-term strategy of building a strong English core in midfield.

          With uncertainty surrounding certain midfield roles and ongoing squad reshaping, Scott’s energy and technical ability make him an attractive addition.

          Man United, meanwhile, are also exploring ways to refresh their midfield, especially as they plan for the gradual transition away from experienced players like Casemiro.

          Among Bournemouth supporters, Scott is widely viewed as the future face of the club, a player many believe could one day captain both club and country.

          Yet there’s also a realistic understanding that exceptional performances eventually attract attention from bigger sides.

          Sources close to the club suggest that offers in the region of £50 million could start serious discussions, with the total potentially climbing toward £60-65 million if multiple clubs enter the race.

          Liverpool and Chelsea to scout South American playmaker during high-stakes showdown 

          The post Sources: Chelsea and Man United battle for English midfielder known for his passing accuracy appeared first on CaughtOffside.

          Newcastle United willing to sell Gordon to Bayern Munich on one condition

          21 April 2026 at 09:20

          Anthony Gordon’s future at Newcastle United is shaping up to be one of the key transfer stories heading into the summer window.

          According to The Times, Newcastle would be prepared to sell the England international if Bayern Munich meet their hefty £75 million valuation for the winger.

          DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

          The 25-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers over the past couple of seasons, playing a major role in the club’s attacking setup.

          However, with Bayern Munich reportedly exploring options to refresh their forward line, Gordon has emerged as a serious candidate for a high-profile move to Germany.

          While Newcastle are not actively pushing him out, the right offer could test their resolve.

          Bayern Munich see Gordon as ideal summer signing

          The German champions have been evaluating their wide options, particularly as they look to add more pace and directness to their attack.

          Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

          Gordon’s style, built on speed, aggressive pressing, and fearless dribbling, fits the modern winger profile Bayern often prioritise.

          Initially seen as a promising talent with raw potential, he has matured into a reliable attacking outlet capable of influencing matches consistently.

          His ability to stretch defenses, create chances, and score crucial goals has made him a valuable asset at St James’ Park.

          His work rate off the ball has been especially praised, making him a key contributor in systems that rely heavily on pressing and quick transitions, something Bayern Munich also emphasise in their tactical approach.

          Newcastle United are looking to secure a hefty fee

          The club is under no immediate pressure to sell, particularly given Gordon’s importance to their long-term plans.

          Securing £75 million for the England international would represent a fantastic return on investment, giving Newcastle the financial breathing room they desperately need to reinvest across the pitch and balance the books.

          Another factor worth considering is Gordon’s increasing profile at international level.

          His involvement with England has raised his visibility across Europe, further strengthening his reputation as one of the Premier League’s emerging attacking talents.

          If Bayern Munich make a formal approach, it could represent a major step forward in his career, both competitively and financially.

          That said, Newcastle supporters will undoubtedly hope the club stands firm unless an exceptional offer arrives. Losing a player of Gordon’s quality would be difficult, especially given how central he has become to the team’s attacking identity.

          Insider shares big Newcastle update on £87m star with 20 G/A in 31 games

          The post Newcastle United willing to sell Gordon to Bayern Munich on one condition appeared first on CaughtOffside.

          '199-mile round-trips for away games is unsustainable'

          A women's football team in a traditional pose of two rows with the women at the back standing and the women in the front crouching neatly. They are dressed in red and black striped kits.
          Brunsmeer Athletic Women's Team only formed in 2022 and are now competing in Tier 5 in the North East Regional Womens Football League [Trevor Fox]

          Anyone driving on the A1 on a freezing night in February would have surely offered a sympathetic nod towards a group of women stranded at the side of the road.

          The coach taking Brunsmeer Athletic Women's first team back from their match against Sunderland had blown a tyre, leaving the players huddled together in the cold for two hours - just one peril of taking the regular long trips up and down the A1 which have become the norm for the team from Dore, in Sheffield, this season.

          Despite forming in 2022 and playing their home games at Hillsborough College in Sheffield, the Football Association (FA) placed the team in the North East Regional Women's Football League for the 2025-26 season, meaning regular visits to places such as Thornaby, Alnwick, Ponteland and South Shields, as well as closer locations like Bradford and Harrogate

          As a result, Brunsmeer Athletic's travel costs have so far reached £6,000 in coach fares this season - and for a team not bankrolled by a rich football club, and one that relies on limited sponsorship, it has left them with a difficult decision: either fold or relegate themselves to a division closer to home.

          A group of women huddled together in silver fire blankets at the side of the road
          The team found themselves stranded on the side of the A1 returning from Sunderland after a tyre blew on their coach [Andy Harper]

          Striker Nat Shaw, 36, previously rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the current women's game, including Rachel Yankey and Alex Scott.

          Shaw's career has taken her to the highest level with Arsenal and Doncaster Belles, and later Sheffield United and Barnsley, who folded in 2025 after financial difficulty.

          She now works for an autism charity and has played for Brunsmeer in Tier 5 for the past two seasons.

          She says: "I keep telling the girls, they should be really proud of where they've got to.

          "We've practically no resources and we're playing against teams with five coaches, analysts, a physio and players in high-tech equipment showing how far they've run.

          "We didn't even have a manager that day [the tyre burst] - he was on holiday. We joke we're like the Dog and Duck team."

          'Unsustainable cost'

          Brunsmeer Athletic has a rich history in grassroots football in Sheffield.

          Formed in 1967 after players at Meersbrook and Brunswick Church joined together, the club now runs 26 teams including men's, boys' and girls' teams.

          The women's team formed in 2022, breaking away from Rotherham United's women's reserves.

          Manager Trevor Fox has led the group to two promotions, moving up from Tier 7 to Tier 5.

          This season, although the team has sometimes struggled on the field against more established clubs such as Huddersfield Town and Bradford City, the biggest hurdle has remained the long journeys.

          The team will have racked up over 2,000 miles (3,220 km) on the road, with an average of 199 miles (320 km) per round trip for away games.

          Fox says: "The unfortunate thing is that because of the travelling, many of the players have decided it's too big a commitment.

          "We're a small grassroots club. All the funding we receive is via sponsorship. The travelling is an expense we didn't account for.

          "It's costing us the best part of £6,000, which for a team of this size is unsustainable."

          While Brunsmeer Athletic currently sit in 10th place in their division, just above the relegation zone, two other teams - Hull United and York Railway Institute - have already succumbed to the financial pressures and folded in the past two years.

          A social media illustrated post showing a female footballer holding up a red shirt
          Carly Gill joined Brunsmeer from Dronfield Town for the 2025-26 season [Carly Gill]

          The long journey time has also proved a physical strain on Brunsmeer's players, who juggle football with full-time careers.

          Among the players are accountants, teachers, a scaffolder and several parents with young children.

          For civil servant Carly Gill, 42, the oldest member of the team, playing in Tier 5 has been a hugely "rewarding challenge" - but a challenging one, too.

          "It's really testing on the body when you're sat on a coach or minibus for between two and three hours," she says.

          "The shortest journey for us is around two hours and 45 minutes, so it's a long time to be on a minibus to then get out, start warming up, play and then travel back again. We're doing 12-hour days."

          Gill previously played and coached for 15 years at Dronfield Town FC in the East Midlands Regional Women's Football League.

          Last year, Brunsmeer applied to join that league at Tier 5 level, playing against local rivals Chesterfield, Rotherham United and Mansfield, but were turned down.

          A group of female footballers celebrate on a grass pitch, spraying champagne
          Last year, Brunsmeer were promoted to Tier 5 of the football pyramid [Andrew Harper]

          While recruiting players has proved difficult, finding coaching support for manager Fox has also been tricky.

          Most Sundays are spent away from home all day, meanwhile his wife, Karen, washes the team's kit.

          Andy Harper, who has 17 years of experience in the women's game coaching at Sheffield FC among others, volunteered to support Fox for the season, but says the FA needs to "rethink" football at this level.

          "The FA needs to stop focusing on the Women's Super League at the top and deal with real women's football and organise it properly.

          "You don't need to be super-intelligent to work out that some of these trips are ridiculous.

          "Instead of having two leagues - North and South - where there's massive travelling, why not have four leagues more regionalised?"

          A spokesperson for the FA said: "Once promotion and relegation takes place each season, we review each tier of the Women's Football Pyramid to ensure that clubs are allocated to the most appropriate league.

          "This allocation is based on geographic location, travel times and distances, and takes into account the views and requests of clubs.

          "The allocations are made to give the best possible outcome for the maximum number of clubs."

          Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North

          More stories like this

          Related internet links

          History of Indiana QBs in the NFL: Fernando Mendoza leads select group of Hoosiers to reach pros

          Fernando Mendoza

          History of Indiana QBs in the NFL: Fernando Mendoza leads select group of Hoosiers to reach pros originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          Fernando Mendoza is expected to have a great shot at becoming the greatest Hoosier QB to play in the NFL. 

          While the list of Indiana QBs to play in the NFL after the AFL-NFL 1970 merger is quite short (eight total, five got into a game), Trent Green currently stands alone atop the alumni list with over 28,000 passing yards and triple-digit touchdown passes. If Mendoza were to throw for six touchdowns in his rookie year, he would already move up to have the second-most TDs thrown by a Hoosier alum.

          Mendoza already has one of football's most prestigious awards in all of football with his 2025-26 Heisman Trophy, but he will be looking to his hardware collection in the NFL. The Offensive Rookie of the Year looks to be well within reach for the Indiana QB, and only time will tell in his NFL capabilities.

          Here's what to know about the history of Indiana quarterbacks in the NFL, plus how Mendoza's collegiate career stacks up to some of the big names.

          MORE: Who will be drafted after Fernando Mendoza at the 2026 NFL Draft?

          Indiana quarterbacks in the NFL

          Dating back to the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, there have been eight Indiana quarterbacks drafted to the NFL. 

          Despite the number, only five Hoosier QBs have seen any time on the field. To boot, only three of them have started an NFL game prior to Mendoza's entry to the league. While he was drafted in 1983, Babe Laufenberg became the second Indiana QB to start a game in the NFL after the 1970 merger. Laufenberg's first game came five years after he was drafted on his second stint with the San Diego Chargers. He started the first six games of the season after winning the starting QB position before suffering three broken ribs against the New Orleans Saints, before being cut after the season.

          Steve Bradley became the first Hoosier to throw a pass in the NFL in 1987, when he started a game for the Chicago Bears. In his lone professional start, Bradley completed 6 of 18 passes and threw for 77 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 19-17 loss against the New Orleans Saints. He would be released following the loss.

          Indiana's best QB in the NFL was comfortably Trent Green. The former Hoosier had a 15-year career in the NFL and has the 67th most passing yards with 28,475. He was drafted by the Chargers with the third-to-last pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. While he didn't start until the 1998 season, he exceeded expectations with 3,441 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, and became a free agent. After a stint with the Rams, he found his footing with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2003, Green had his breakout year, throwing for 4,039 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions; this season's performance was enough to earn his first nod to the Pro Bowl. He led the Chiefs to a 13–3 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs before falling to Peyton Manning's Colts. In 2005, he was named to his second Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,010 yards (second to Tom Brady). After this, his career began to fizzle out largely due to repeated concussions, and he retired in 2009.

          Here's the full list of Indiana quarterbacks to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1970:

          YearNameRound (Pick)NFL RecordNFL career passing stats
          1973Ted McNulty15 (380)--
          1981Tim Clifford10 (260)--
          1983Babe Laufenberg6 (168)2-51,057 yards, 5 TDs, 11 INTs
          1986Steve Bradley12 (316)0-177 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
          1993Trent Green8 (222)56-5728,475 yards, 162 TDs, 114 INTs
          2003Gilbran Hamdan7 (232)0-07 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
          2016Nate Sudfield6 (187)0-0188 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
          2025Kurtis Rourke7 (227)--

          MORE: What time and where to tune into the 2026 NFL Draft

          How Fernando Mendoza compares to Indiana QBs in NFL

          Barring an injury, Mendoza should be on track to have the second-most passing yards by an Indiana QB in his first NFL season. It may be some time before he is able to catch Green to top the charts, but Mendoza's career outlook is certainly bright.

          He will become the highest-drafted Hoosier QB when his name is called on April 23, most likely to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the first to be drafted in the first round. In fact, Mendoza will be the first Indiana QB to be drafted earlier than the sixth round.

          If all goes to plan, Mendoza has a very good shot of being the best Hoosier QB to play in the NFL. He will be drafted by a team that desperately needs help at the quarterback position, and Mendoza proved to be a great team leader for Indiana during their first-ever college football championship.

          During the 2025-2026 season for the Hoosiers, Mendoza broke IU’s single-season touchdown record that was set by Kurtis Rourke. He became the first Hoosiers quarterback to throw 30 or more touchdowns in a season. He was also the first Indiana QB to win the Heisman. Mendoza was 39 yards shy of breaking Nate Sudfield's program record for most passing yards in a single season (3,573). Here are Mendoza's complete stats for his collegiate career, where he showed vast improvement.

          SeasonTeamsGames PlayedPass YdsPass TDsRush TDsINTsCMPsATTsCmp %Y/AY/GRating
          2023Cal91,7081421015324363.07.0189.8132.8
          2024Cal113,004162626538668.77.8273.1144.6
          2025Indiana163,535417627337972.09.3220.9156.2
          Career--368,2477111226211,00868.68.2227.9156.2

          MORE: Ranking signings, trades for all 32 teams from best to worst

          Al Horford doesn't rule out retirement

          So, Horford will take some time to contemplate his future. The 6-foot-9 center will meet with those close to him and decide whether to exercise his player option and return to Golden State or opt out and hit the open market. “It has to do with not rushing to anything or not let emotions or heat of the moment determine anything,” Horford said. “I've done this the last few years, and it's just kind of taken time to step back and have a clear picture, look at the outlook of the team, looking at the future of the team, how things look, and also seeing kind of where I'm at and how I'm feeling.” Or, maybe, Horford will walk away from the league he entered in 2007. “Yeah, definitely that's been on my mind,” he said. “I enjoy playing and being in this position. Definitely taking all that stuff into consideration.”

          NBC Sports Bay Area

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Al Horford doesn't rule out retirement

          Josh Hart: 'In the playoffs, we can’t give away games'

          The Knicks blew a 12-point lead to start the fourth quarter and fell to the Hawks 107-106 in Game 2 Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Now the series is tied 1-1 heading to Atlanta with a completely different tenor. Now the Hawks have life. Now, the worst memories around the Knicks have come flooding back. “It’s a game we should’ve won,” Josh Hart said. “In the playoffs, we can’t give away games.”

          New York Post

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Josh Hart: 'In the playoffs, we can’t give away games'

          The opportunity wasn't available for me in the 4th and …

          Knicks Videos: Karl-Anthony Towns on not taking many shots in the 4th quarter of Game 2: "The opportunity just didn't come around to shoot it. At the end of the day, I trust everyone in this locker room to shoot the ball. The opportunity wasn't available for me in the 4th and it's fine"

          x.com

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The opportunity wasn't available for me in the 4th and …

          “It’s nice, it’s been really nice,” Redick continued. …

          Luka Doncic returned to the Lakers in time for Game 1 against the Rockets, and although he is limited in practice as he continues his injury recovery, head coach JJ Redick jokingly acknowledged that he still has a specific role on the team. “He definitely passed and rebounded on some shooting drills,” Redick joked following Lakers’ practice on Monday. “It’s nice, it’s been really nice,” Redick continued. “I think having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.”

          Clutch Points

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “It’s nice, it’s been really nice,” Redick continued. …

          Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA draft while …

          Florida center Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He announced his decision Monday, five days after teammate and fellow big man Alex Condon said he is returning to the Gators for "one more."

          ESPN

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Rueben Chinyelu is entering the NBA draft while …

          Carlos Cortes goes 4 for 5 with a homer and the Athletics beat the Mariners 6-4

          SEATTLE (AP) — Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers each hit a solo homer, and the Athletics overcame an early three-run deficit to defeat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Monday night.

          Cortes went 4 for 5 with a home run in the fourth inning that trimmed Seattle's lead to 3-1. Kurtz and Langeliers hit back-to-back shots in the sixth to chase starter Emerson Hancock with the score tied at 3.

          Max Muncy put the Athletics ahead 4-3 in the eighth on a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded and no outs. Lawrence Butler added a two-run single to make it 6-3.

          The Athletics took sole possession of first place in the AL West.

          A's starter J.T. Ginn struck out six in 5 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and three runs. Hogan Harris (2-0) fanned two in 1 2/3 hitless innings to earn the win, and Joel Kuhnel worked the ninth for his fourth save.

          Kuhnel gave up an RBI double to Leo Rivas but got Cal Raleigh to pop up to shallow right field with a runner on second to end it.

          Hancock permitted seven hits over five-plus innings. Casey Legumina (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs in the eighth.

          Josh Naylor went 3 for 4 with an RBI double for Seattle, and Raleigh hit his third home run of the season. Raleigh’s 156th career homer tied Raúl Ibañez for eighth in franchise history.

          Dominic Canzone also hit his third homer for the Mariners. Julio Rodríguez reached base safely for a 17th consecutive game and scored a run.

          Up next

          The second of 13 meetings between the Mariners and Athletics this season is scheduled for Tuesday, with Seattle RHP Luis Castillo facing LHP Jacob Lopez, who will be making his fifth start.

          ___

          AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

          Nicky Butt rips into “disgrace” Alejandro Garnacho, exposes attitude issues

          Nicky Butt rips into “disgrace” Alejandro Garnacho, exposes attitude issues
          Nicky Butt rips into “disgrace” Alejandro Garnacho, exposes attitude issues

          Former Manchester United man Nicky Butt has delivered a scathing critique of Alejandro Garnacho, pointing to the behavioural concerns that marked his time at the club.

          Humiliated

          Garnacho endured an extremely difficult game on Saturday as United beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. He came on in the first half for the injured Estevao and had no impact whatsoever for the Blues, who are currently in a torrid run of form.

          Diogo Dalot had a comfortable game against the forward, who repeatedly broke down Chelsea’s attacks and bizarrely kept tumbling over even under minimal pressure.

          After the final whistle, Luke Shaw appeared to aim a dig at the Argentina international when he posted a picture of himself flooring the Chelsea star to the ground. Several United players responded to the post, ridiculing Garnacho and offering a stark indication of how unpopular he may have been within the Old Trafford dressing room.

          Since joining Chelsea from United last summer, Garnacho has struggled to make an impact. His departure from United was somewhat acrimonious, following a public falling out with then-manager Ruben Amorim. Unhappy at being left on the bench for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham, Garnacho criticised Amorim for the decision while also raising questions about his future at the club.

          The shocking episode was the final straw in a long history of misconduct by the 21-year-old and his brother, with United appearing to have finally run out of patience.

          A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was over the moon and could hardly contain his joy when Chelsea lodged a £40m bid for Garnacho.

          Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, United legend former academy manager and coach (coached reserves and briefly served as Ryan Giggs’ assistant), Nicky Butt, ripped into Garnacho’s attitude and shed some details on his experience with the player.

          Butt tears into Garnacho

          Butt said, “He signed at 16. I was academy manager at the time and he signed in a deal where they also signed Alvaro (Fernandez). Garnacho was always a bit stand-off-ish; he had a high opinion of himself. I thought he had an edge about him. And when he got into the first team – I will just say what I think because I was there – he got above his station way too quick. He got superstar status way too quick.”

          “And that’s not a former player saying they get paid too much, I hope young players get paid millions, but he got superstar status too quick and he obviously scored the bicycle kick which was phenomenal.”

          “Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them. But the best thing Man United did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don’t think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at Man United.”

          Butt added, “More importantly when he left, and if you completely disrespect your teammates and the football club when you leave, then that’s it.”

          “It is common knowledge that (Amorim) told him on the final game of the season that he can go find a new club. If he had been in our team then he would have been taken out every single day in training with the players we were brought up with.”

          “He would have been treated really badly, he’d have learned from that and got better.”

          “He was 21 or whatever when he left the club but you can’t be up your own backside thinking you are as big or bigger than Man United. In an interview recently, I watched it and he said: ‘I thought I should have played every game.’ I was thinking number one, you weren’t even that good, and number two you are young, be humble.”

          “What I would say is that he was very mentally strong. We had a lad called Anthony Elanga, I thought he was better, if he went at the right-back and lost the first three he wouldn’t do it again. He wouldn’t want to give the ball away. He is different now.”

          “Garnacho had that mentality to just keep going, that’s his biggest strength and that is why every now and again he will do something unbelievable. He has massive belief in himself.”

          Garnacho made 144 appearances for United, scoring 26 goals during that period. He also provided 22 assists.

          Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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          Romelu Lukaku and Napoli reach amicable resolution after injury rehabilitation dispute

          Romelu Lukaku and Napoli reach amicable resolution after injury rehabilitation dispute
          Romelu Lukaku and Napoli reach amicable resolution after injury rehabilitation dispute

          Napoli and Romelu Lukaku have reached a positive resolution following recent discussions over the striker’s injury rehabilitation, bringing an end to a brief period of uncertainty between player and club.

          Lukaku travelled back to Italy earlier this week to hold face-to-face talks with Napoli officials after concerns emerged over his absence from the club’s training base.

          The 32-year-old had been recovering in Belgium after suffering a setback in his return from a long-term hamstring injury, a decision that initially caused tension with the Serie A side.

          Napoli had previously considered disciplinary measures after Lukaku failed to report for training, but those concerns have now eased following constructive dialogue between both parties.

          It has been agreed that the striker will continue his rehabilitation programme in Belgium, with the club satisfied that the arrangement best supports his recovery.

          Lukaku is expected to return to Naples once he reaches full fitness, with a timeline being managed carefully ahead of his anticipated involvement in upcoming international commitments.

          The forward has endured a frustrating campaign, having missed large parts of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-season.

          Although he returned to action in January, his involvement has been limited, with just seven appearances made, all from the substitutes’ bench.

          His decision to remain in Belgium during the March international break further highlighted his focus on regaining full fitness, with the Belgian football federation confirming that he had prioritised recovery over selection.

          Lukaku also addressed the situation publicly, stating: “I could never turn my back on Napoli, never,” while explaining that ongoing physical issues had prevented him from performing at his best.

          He added that medical checks had revealed inflammation around the iliopsoas muscle, which required careful management to avoid further complications.

          The striker joined Napoli from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and made an immediate impact during his first season.

          He scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists as Napoli secured the Serie A title, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.

          Despite the current campaign being disrupted by injury, the club remain confident in Lukaku’s importance once he returns to full fitness.

          For now, both player and club appear aligned in their approach, with the focus firmly on ensuring a complete recovery rather than rushing his return to action.

          Keeping calm in the fire separated a Manchester City maverick from everyone else on the pitch on Sunday

          Keeping calm in the fire separated a Manchester City maverick from everyone else on the pitch on Sunday
          Keeping calm in the fire separated a Manchester City maverick from everyone else on the pitch on Sunday

          As Manchester City have won their past four matches in all competitions, Rayan Cherki has put in four spellbinding displays. The French international is a one-of-a-kind player, as his ability on the ball is almost second to none in world football. Another aspect of Cherki’s play that stands out is his composure under pressure. Cherki’s composure under fire perfectly complements his prodigious technical ability. As Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Cherki’s composure under pressure was impossible to miss in the top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

          The brilliance and composure of Rayan Cherki stood out in the heat of Sunday’s match.

          Sunday’s match between Manchester City and Arsenal was the perfect encapsulation of a top-of-the-Premier-League-table clash. The stakes were high, and both teams knew what picking up all three points would mean. At times, players for both teams seemed weighed down by this. The standard of Sunday’s match was high, but at times players made simple errors they ordinarily wouldn’t make. One player didn’t exhibit this tendency. That was Rayan Cherki. Every time he was on the ball, he seemed unfazed by the stakes of the match. The perfect example of this came when Cherki opened the scoring in the 16th minute.

          Rayan Cherki received the ball on the edge of the Arsenal area after a superb touch from Matheus Nunes. Cherki glided into the Arsenal area. He still had plenty to do to fashion a chance from the situation he was facing. First, Cherki left Gabriel in his wake with a brilliant touch on his left foot. He did the same to Declan Rice. Cherki made space for himself to shoot with his right foot and beat David Raya with a composed right-footed finish. It was a brilliant goal from Cherki as his skill and composure stood out.

          The goal Cherki scored was one of the goals of the season. In that one moment, he showed everything that makes him such a dangerous and great player. Plenty of players have tremendous technical ability, but many don’t have the composure to go with it. Rayan Cherki does, and that makes him such a dangerous weapon for Pep Guardiola’s side.

          Rayan Cherki showed once again how important he is to Manchester City against Arsenal.

          As Manchester City have beaten Arsenal twice, Chelsea and Liverpool in their past four matches, Rayan Cherki has shown just how vital he is to Pep Guardiola’s side. He is a weapon that can decide, or break open a match in a moment. If it wasn’t for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error 107 seconds after Cherki’s goal, the piece of brilliance from the French international would have gotten more attention. It deserved to. As did his overall performance against Arsenal. When other players seemed rushed by the occasion on Sunday, Cherki didn’t seem flustered by it all. That trait will carry him a long way in the game coupled with his talent.

          Rayan Cherki’s ability to stay calm in the fire that is a top-of-the-table Premier League clash caught the eye as Manchester City beat Arsenal. It was impossible to miss every time Cherki got on the ball at the Etihad on Sunday. As the title race heats up, Cherki’s ability to stay calm when the stakes are at their highest may be a decisive factor that sees him break open games and tilt the title race City’s way.

          How mum inspired 'goofy' Mendoza to brink of NFL stardom

          Fernando Mendoza celebrates with his family after the Indiana Hoosiers win the college football national championship in Miami in 2026
          Fernando Mendoza's family joined him on the field after Indiana won the national championship [Getty Images]

          Fernando Mendoza had already shed a tear after being named the best player in college football.

          But as the Indiana quarterback gave his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, his voice really began to crack when he talked directly to his mother.

          "This is your trophy as much as it is mine," he said. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light, you're my why."

          Elsa Mendoza hasn't just been a devoted 'football mom'. After living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly 20 years, she is now a wheelchair user and the inspiration behind Fernando's rise from obscurity.

          "You taught me that toughness doesn't need to be loud," he added. "It can be quiet and strong. It is believing in yourself when the world doesn't give you much reason to."

          Now the 'goofy' business graduate is the overwhelming favourite to be picked first in this year's NFL Draft and link up with his idol Tom Brady.

          From 2,149th to national champion

          Fernando and Alberto Mendoza smiling after helping Indiana win college football's national championship in 2026
          Alberto Mendoza (right) was back-up quarterback to brother Fernando (left) last season [Getty Images]

          Having played tennis at the University of Miami, Elsa Mendoza encouraged her three sons to play sports and work hard academically.

          She urged her eldest Fernando to keep believing despite repeatedly being overlooked, beginning with his first team at nine years old, when he was initially fourth-choice quarterback.

          Coming out of high school, he was ranked 2,149th in the class of 2022 - and the 140th quarterback.

          He had to wait until late in the recruiting process to receive his only offer from a Power Five school - the top level of college football - but Elsa insisted it would come.

          In 2024, Fernando launched a fundraising campaign for the National MS Society to honour his mother's "strength and positivity". She had told her boys that she has MS in 2020, when her condition deteriorated after contracting Covid.

          In an open letter to Fernando on The Players' Tribune, days before the Heisman Trophy ceremony in December, she wrote that "one of the biggest issues I had to overcome as my condition first worsened wasn't just the condition itself. It was the embarrassment".

          But she added "you've never once looked away. You've never once treated me like I'm embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by".

          That became evident to a national audience last season after Fernando transferred to Indiana, where his younger brother Alberto was already on the roster.

          As they led the Hoosiers to their first national championship, they warmed the hearts of American sport fans by making sure their mother was part of the celebrations, with Fernando frequently highlighting her impact on his career.

          "To see her fight and overcome the struggle with the optimism that she has, she's been a great role model," he said.

          How 'football nerd' nearly went to Yale

          Several of Mendoza's post-game interviews have gone viral, partly because the 22-year-old is not your typical quarterback.

          As well as raising awareness of MS, Mendoza has been proud to talk about his heritage - all four of his grandparents are Cuban immigrants.

          He has boundless enthusiasm and is comfortable showing his emotions. He is also modest and polite - some have even said 'goofy'. After Indiana upset Ohio State to win their conference, he declared "the Hoosiers are flippin' champs".

          He talks about philosophy as well as football and has embraced being labelled a "football nerd" who is always eager to learn, putting more effort into updating his LinkedIn profile than Instagram.

          The Miami native had actually committed to study economics at Yale and play in the Ivy League before California gave him the athletic scholarship he yearned for.

          And even after becoming the Golden Bears' starting quarterback in 2023, he continued to prepare for a potential future outside the NFL, doing summer internships at real estate investment firms and coaching elementary school teams.

          He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in only three years at Cal before transferring to Indiana last year to pursue a master's degree.

          Their football programme also gave Mendoza a better opportunity to take his game to the next level and his development exceeded expectations.

          He led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 season and enjoyed a fairytale finish, scoring the game-winning touchdown in his hometown against Miami, who would not even give him the chance to play as a walk-on (without a scholarship) in 2022.

          Days after winning that national championship game, he declared for this year's draft in trademark fashion, announcing "my LinkedIn status is now Open to Work".

          Fernando Mendoza scores a touchdown for Indiana to clinch victory in college football's national championship game in 2026
          Mendoza is slightly more athletic than Tom Brady, as he showed when diving into the end zone for his iconic 12-yard touchdown against Miami [Getty Images]

          Mendoza's leadership has impressed Brady

          Mendoza grew up idolising Tom Brady, who produced the ultimate underdog story by going from the 199th pick to record seven-time Super Bowl winner.

          Brady made that transformation by ensuring he had the best physical and mental preparation, and Mendoza has been doing the same having read Brady's book and followed his approach to nutrition, training and recovery.

          At 6ft 5in and 236lb (107kg), Mendoza has a similar build and playing style - an elite passer who admits he is not the fastest or strongest, but has the composure to make big plays in big moments.

          Mendoza's high school team-mates called him "baby Brady" because he "always had the intangibles, always had the personality" to lead. Speaking in December, Brady said that "his leadership is what stands out to me".

          Brady is now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, who have the first pick of this year's draft. He was part of a Raiders contingent at the national championship game and spoke briefly with Mendoza when the Raiders interviewed him at the NFL Combine.

          Mendoza says he would relish having Brady as a mentor and the Raiders have already signed Kirk Cousins with a view to the Heisman Trophy winner learning under the veteran quarterback during his rookie season.

          But Mendoza has turned down the chance to stroll onto the stage when his name is called out in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

          He has opted to stay home in Miami, to share the moment with his family and the mother who made sure he never gave up on his NFL dream.

          Ranking the most successful world record transfers of the past 50 years

          Graphic of Ronaldo, Zidane, Shearer and Gullit
          [BBC]

          Will the £200m Paris St-Germain-paid Barcelona for Neymar Jr ever be surpassed?

          Records are there to be broken, but that figure has stood as football's most expensive sum for almost a decade now and it is hard to see anyone topping it soon.

          Yet tracking the progression of the world record fee offers an insight into evolving trends of power and dominance in global football - from the Italian golden era to Real Madrid's Galactico splurge and, ultimately, Parisian riches.

          In the past half century, since Vicenza made jointly-owned Paolo Rossi the most expensive player when acquiring him from Juventus, the record has been broken 20 times, most recently in 2017.

          The names glitter like their price tags, Diego Maradona and Brazilian Ronaldo both there twice - being the world's most expensive footballer places you in an elite club where goals, glory and prestige are currency.

          Not all premium purchases pack a punch, of course. Neymar brought profile and panache to Paris but could not deliver the holy grail of European success, Denilson's trickery failed to help Real Betis beat the drop, a car crash curtailed Gigi Lentini's buccaneering brilliance.

          But let's look at those record deals that did prove a hit - value for money, if you like, moves that would have money saving expert Martin Lewis nodding approvingly.

          I've ranked the top 10 from the past 50 years. You can have your say below, too.

          "Wales, Golf, Madrid." Gareth Bale wasn't always adored at the Bernabeu, and when former Real Madrid star Predrag Mijatovic suggested those were the order of the Welshman's priorities, it stuck.

          For all the noise that he didn't care, though, Bale left Madrid with five European crowns.

          Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more than his three Champions League final goals and arguably no one has done it better than Bale's 2018 bicycle kick against Liverpool.

          His legacy among Madridistas may have been scorched by his penchant for the putting green, but Bale's ability to deliver big moments, and 106 goals in total, eked enough from his £86m arrival in 2013 to reach number 10 on this list.

          Gareth Bale
          Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid from Tottenham for £86m in 2013 - he won five Champions Leagues, scoring in two finals, as well as three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and numberous super cups [Getty Images]

          Which one of Ronaldo's world record moves was better? When he burst into the global footballing conscious with 47 goals in 49 games during a single season at Barcelona after arriving from PSV for £13.2m?

          Or the debut campaign at Inter where, up against the pound-for-pound best defenders in the world, he toyed with Serie A markers and netted 34 goals in all competitions?

          His first Ballon d'Or in 1997 straddled those electric campaigns, starring in Barcelona's Cup Winners' Cup and Copa del Rey triumphs, and at the Nou Camp they were certainly wowed - the Catalan giants just wish they could have held on to 'The Phenomenon' for longer.

          Inter, having stumped up the Brazilian's buyout clause, got a 20-year-old with the world at his record-breaking feet who would lead them to Uefa Cup glory that season and later captain the Nerazzurri.

          Ronaldo lifts Cup Winners' Cup
          Ronaldo's Barcelona stint only lasted one season, but saw him score 47 goals in 49 games for Bobby Robson's side. At Inter, he netted 59 in 99 games [Getty Images]

          But Ronaldo's dreaded knee injuries meant his time at San Siro never realised the glorious heights of that first scintillating season.

          After the initial injury in November 1999, by which point Inter had paid another world record fee for Christian Vieri, Ronaldo managed only 10 Serie A games in two years before joining Real Madrid after Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph.

          With that in mind, Ronaldo's Barcelona transfer pips his Inter move to come in at eight. If his mesmerising spell in Blaugrana had lasted longer, it would be a lot higher…

          Alan Shearer celebrates
          Alan Shearer scored 206 goals in 405 games during 10 seasons at Newcastle, after joining from Blackburn for £15m in 1996 - a fee that with inflation has been suggested would be worth more than £200m today [Getty Images]

          The summer of 1996 was a fruitful one for club accountants. Before July was out, Newcastle United broke the record again to take Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.

          Shearer - after three successive seasons scoring more than 30 Premier League goals and a Euro 96 Golden Boot - had his pick of Manchester United or Real Madrid.

          Instead he chose a £15m homecoming, looking to propel Kevin Keegan's Toon outfit from runners-up to title winners.

          The goals flowed even if the silverware didn't - 206 in total, the England striker charged around St James', arm aloft, to become Newcastle and the Premier League's all-time top scorer.

          Netting the most satisfying volley in Champions League final history is perhaps worth the £46.6m Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane alone. Real purchased peak Zizou and got an immediate delivery on their dough that season.

          The Frenchman joins this list at six as, despite that being his only European triumph as a player, Zidane's affiliation with the club saw him return to lead Madrid to three successive crowns from the dugout.

          Luis Figo
          Barca fans threw objects, including a pig's head, at former star Luis Figo every time he took a corner during the Clasico in November 2002 - such was the volume of objects thrown that play was suspended at the Nou Camp for almost 20 minutes in the second half [Getty Images]

          The transfer that altered the course of Real Madrid's modern history, though, was snagging Luis Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona in 2000, heralding the dawn of Florentino Perez's presidency and the club's Galactico era, breaking the transfer record five times in a row over the next 13 years.

          Perez, bidding to be elected, bet all his chips on bringing Figo to Madrid as the Portugal star's contract talks at the Nou Camp stalled.

          Figo unwittingly found himself embroiled in a soap opera of a transfer saga - power in the hands of those who wanted a slice of his talent and crazed by the cash that came with it.

          Figo looked dazed and bewildered at his unveiling but showed his class once he hit the Bernabeu turf. Winning the Ballon d'Or months after arriving in Madrid, in part for his form at Barcelona, was further salt in the Catalan club's wounds.

          Barca's Culers responded with a pig's head.

          Roberto Baggio
          Roberto Baggio scored 115 goals in 200 games at Juventus during an Italian era characterised by frugal defending. Baggio won the Uefa Cup and Serie A title, as well as landing the Ballon d'Or while in Turin [Getty Images]

          The story goes Fiorentina president Flavio Pontello had to barricade himself inside Stadio Artemio Franchi as a rioting mob of angry La Viola fans protested the sale of star Roberto Baggio to rivals Juventus for a world record £8m in May 1990.

          The same wrath greeted Baggio on his return to Florence even as 'The Divine Ponytail', who converted to Buddhism after a career-threatening injury, refused to take a spot-kick against his old club and then wrapped one of the purple scarves thrown towards him around his neck.

          That did nothing to satisfy supporters in Turin, who felt Baggio was reluctant to join anyway, even if the diminutive Italian's brilliance helped drag Juventus to a Uefa Cup triumph in 1993 and overcome Milan's Serie A dominance two years later.

          Baggio left Stadio delle Alpi with 115 goals and 54 assists in 200 games, but the 1993 Ballon d'Or winner's contribution cannot be determined merely by stats.

          Following Baggio at three is Ruud Gullit, a transformative cog in Silvio Berlusconi's own all-star cast assembled at San Siro after joining AC Milan from PSV for £6m in 1987.

          Shortly after touching down in Milan, the versatile 'total footballer' who could play anywhere and do almost anything with his poise, skill and formidable frame, won the Ballon d'Or and helped the Rossoneri clinch a first Scudetto in a decade.

          Gullit was one of three famed Dutchmen in the side that then ended Milan's 20-year wait for a European Cup in 1989, him and Marco van Basten both scoring twice in the final, before retaining that crown the following summer.

          The elegant all-rounder, though, says a knee problem during that first European success took away some of his edge.

          Between injury issues and Italian football's limit on foreign players, he missed the 1993 Champions League final and eventually left Serie A, via Sampdoria, for Chelsea.

          Ruud Gullit
          Ruud Gullit played 171 times for AC Milan, scoring 56 goals. He won two European Cups, two Serie A titles and a Ballon d'Or during his time at San Siro [Getty Images]

          For all Diego Maradona twinkled at the Nou Camp, his time in Catalonia is characterised by all-night parties and the brawl with Athletic Club players that brought a three-month ban and convinced Barca chiefs they no longer wanted to indulge the game's most-gifted star.

          In Naples, fans contributed to help get a world record £5m deal over the line and Maradona found a city reflecting his own flaws, beautiful but broken - one in the Camorra's grip and recovering from a deadly earthquake.

          Maradona guided Napoli to a first ever Scudetto and added another three years later. He won the Uefa Cup and Coppa Italia and when his stunning individual performances lifted Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, Neapolitans proudly declared him theirs.

          His legacy transcends football because of how he resonated with the people of Naples, the anti-establishment 'Pibe' who echoed their principles. It's why he's still worshipped today - from the stadium bearing his name to the dizzying Quartieri Spagnoli streets lined with murals and memorabilia.

          Diego Maradona
          Diego Maradona spent seven seasons at Napoli, winning Serie A twice, a Coppa Italia and the Uefa Cup [Getty Images]

          In at number one, though, is a force who made the £80m Real Madrid coughed up to prise him from Manchester United in 2009 look like pennies. To think 33 goals in 35 games during his first season at the Bernabeu would prove the least prolific.

          Cristiano Ronaldo channelled every ounce of energy into becoming the best in the world - phenomenal with the ball, technically sublime yet a physical specimen who could jump higher, run faster and out-battle almost any defender on the planet.

          The Portugal legend scored 450 goals in 438 games over nine seasons. He won four Champions Leagues and four Ballons d'Or while in Madrid, and when the time came to sell the 33-year-old to Juventus in 2018, Real still made a £13m profit.

          Jordan Martinook gives Hurricanes 2OT win after missing penalty shot

          Jordan Martinook made amends after an earlier overtime opportunity went awry by scoring with 6:07 remaining in the second OT, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory in Game 2 on Monday, April 20.

          Martinook scored coming down the slot to end the game and send the Hurricanes to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

          Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho scored the first two goals for Carolina. Frederik Andersen made 36 saves for the win.

          Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens had Ottawa's goals, with Jake Sanderson assisting on both tallies. Goalie Linus Ullmark seemed dialed in to steal a victory for Ottawa, making 43 saves.

          JORDAN MARTINOOK WINS IT FOR THE HURRICANES IN DOUBLE OT 🤯 pic.twitter.com/AbE5BkaX7m

          — ESPN (@espn) April 21, 2026

          The Hurricanes appeared to win it on a Mark Jankowski goal with 2:42 left in the first overtime, but an offside ruling after a video review negated the score and reset the clock to slightly more than three minutes. Yet Martinook was awarded a penalty shot as part of the sequence, with Ullmark making the stop to extend the game.

          Game 3 is Thursday night in Ottawa.

          There were stretches, including in overtime, when Ullmark and Andersen seemed to take turns making game-saving stops. Ottawa's Tim Stutzle nearly ended it in OT, but his shot bounced off the post.

          Stankoven converted on the game's first power play 6:31 into the game off a feed from Taylor Hall, who was stationed behind the net. Stankoven has scored the first goal in both games in the series. Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk was in the penalty box for roughing.

          Aho's first goal of the postseason came 7:50 into the second period in transition after he took a pass from Jordan Staal.

          Ullmark's recovery for a save on Hall's blast prevented Carolina from taking a three-goal lead.

          The Senators didn't score for the first 90 minutes of the series, and then they notched two goals in less than a six-minute stretch.

          Batherson scored by shoveling the puck into the net after a deflection ended back near his stick on the left side of the net.

          Cozens pulled the Senators even with 3:20 to play in the second period.

          The pace was much accelerated from Game 1, with the Hurricanes holding a 28-16 edge in shots through two periods. The Senators outshot Carolina 8-5 in the scoreless third, which was played without a penalty called.

          Stars 4, Wild 2

          Wyatt Johnson scored twice as the Dallas Stars tied their series against the Minnesota Wild 1-1.

          Johnson scored the opening goal and an empty netter as the Stars overcame a 6-1 loss in Game 1. Brock Faber scored twice for the Wild.

          Game 3 is Wednesday in Minnesota.

          Oilers 4, Ducks 3

          Kasperi Kapanen scored twice, including the game-winner, as Edmonton won its opener.

          Leon Draisaitl had two assists in his return from a 14-game injury absence.

          Jason Dickinson also scored twice for the Oilers and Troy Terry scored twice for Anaheim.

          This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricanes' Jordan Martinook scores in 2OT to beat Senators

          San Francisco 49ers, Trent Williams agree to $50M extension

          The Arizona Cardinals will have to deal with one of the best left tackles in the NFL for potentially another couple of seasons. Avoiding a potential lengthy offseason contract dispute, the San Francisco 49ers and left tackle Trent Williams agreed to a two-year, $50 million extension that keeps him around through 2027.

          Williams will turn 38 years old in July, but the 12-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro is still great.

          He gets a $22 million signing bonus and $37 million guaranteed.

          If he plays out both seasons, it means the Cardinals will have to deal with him protecting 49ers quarterbacks and creating holes in the run game at least four more times.

          The $25 million per-year average on the extension is something to watch, as the Cardinals will be negotiating an extension with left tackle Paris Johnson. Johnson has said he wants to be a $40 million per-year man. With Williams' deal, we will see how that impacts future left tackle contracts.

          Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

          This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: San Francisco 49ers, Trent Williams agree to $50M extension

          Chelsea XI vs Brighton – Predicted lineup and team news

          Chelsea XI vs Brighton – Predicted lineup and team news
          Chelsea XI vs Brighton – Predicted lineup and team news

          Chelsea travel to the south coast tonight, desperate to end a goal drought that has paralysed their season.

          The Blues have failed to find the net in their last four Premier League matches. Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester United was their fourth consecutive league defeat. Liam Rosenior’s side have seen their form nose-dive since early March. They are now seven points behind the top five with only five games remaining.

          Stamford Bridge was stunned by the lack of cutting edge against United on Saturday. Chelsea have lost two of their last three visits to the Amex Stadium. Despite creating more chances in some games, they have been punished for poor finishing. Tonight is widely considered a must-win fixture to save their European ambitions.

          Chelsea team news

          Liam Rosenior is hoping to welcome back top scorer Joao Pedro for this crucial match. The striker missed the defeat to Manchester United with a thigh problem. He was out on the grass training on Monday and faces a morning fitness test. His return would provide a massive psychological boost to a struggling strike force.

          In his absence, the burden falls on Cole Palmer to rediscover his clinical touch. Palmer has five goals in his last three appearances against the Seagulls. He has accounted for 43% of Chelsea’s total attempts in those fixtures. Enzo Fernandez is confirmed as available after a calf scare at the weekend.

          However, Estevao Willian has joined a lengthy injury list with a hamstring problem. He joins captain Reece James, Filip Jorgensen, and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines. That said, Levi Colwill is training again but is not yet ready for a first-team start. He featured for the Under-21s last week as part of his ACL recovery.

          Liam Delap is predicted to start up front as the focal point of the attack. He will be supported by Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto on the flanks. Moises Caicedo will anchor the midfield against his former club at the Amex. Chelsea have not kept an away clean sheet in eight Premier League games. They must find a balance between attacking intent and defensive discipline tonight.

          Chelsea predicted lineup

          Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap

          When will the match kick off?

          Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at 20:00 BST.

          How to watch Brighton vs Chelsea?

          The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST.

          Read more- Giggs advocates potential Palmer move to Manchester United

          See Also- How Man City’s win vs Arsenal could actually decide the title

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          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves – Predicted lineup and team news

          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves – Predicted lineup and team news
          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves – Predicted lineup and team news

          Real Madrid host Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night in a La Liga encounter.

          Los Blancos are currently second in the table with 70 points from 31 games, sitting nine points behind leaders Barcelona. Álvaro Arbeloa’s side will be aiming to bounce back to winning form and extend their dominant run in this fixture, having won the last eight meetings against Alavés.

          However, Madrid comes into the match on a difficult run, without a win in their last four games in all competitions. A tough April included a 2-1 loss to Mallorca and a 1-1 draw with Girona in La Liga. Their struggles were made worse by a Champions League quarter-final exit, where they lost both legs to Bayern Munich (2-1 and 4-3).

          Real Madrid team news

          There is some good news on the team front, with Aurelien Tchouameni returning after missing European action through suspension. Still, Madrid is dealing with several absences.

          Rodrygo is out with a serious knee injury, while Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined, meaning Andriy Lunin continues in goal. Raúl Asencio is also unavailable after being hospitalised due to illness.

          At the back, Eder Militao is expected to partner Dean Huijsen. Franco Mastantuono is back from suspension but is likely to start on the bench, with Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham preferred in midfield for their energy and control.

          Real Madrid predicted lineup

          Possible Real Madrid starting XI: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr

          When will the match kick off?

          The match will kick off at 8:30pm BST on Tuesday, 21st April.

          How to watch Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves?

          In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 and can also be streamed via Premier Sports online or through a La Liga TV subscription.

          Read Also – Chelsea XI vs Brighton – Predicted lineup and team news

          See More – Brighton vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

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          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves– Match preview and team news

          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves– Match preview and team news
          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves– Match preview and team news

          Real Madrid welcomes Deportivo Alaves to Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night in a La Liga clash.

          Currently sitting in second position in the league table with 70 points from 31 matches, nine points adrift of league leaders Barcelona, Alvaro Arbeloa will look to come back to winning ways making this the ninth straight head-to-head victory against Deportivo.

          Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves – Match preview and team news

          • Date: Tuesday, 21st April.
          • Kick-off: 8:30pm BST.
          • Venue: Estadio Bernabeu.

          Real Madrid team news

          Real Madrid enters this clash with a mix of returning strength and long-term absences. Aurélien Tchouaméni is back he missed the recent European action due to suspension.

          However, the squad remains hampered by the loss of Rodrygo Goes, who is sidelined with a major knee injury. In goal, Andriy Lunin continues to deputise for the injured Thibaut Courtois, while Raúl Asencio is unavailable after being hospitalised with gastroenteritis.

          Defensively, the duo of Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen is expected to start. While Franco Mastantuono returns from his own domestic ban, manager Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to keep him on the bench initially, opting for the established energy of Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham to control the tempo.

          Deportivo Alaves team news

          Deportivo Alaves faces a daunting task at the Bernabéu while dealing with several forced changes to their starting eleven. Manager Quique Sanchez will be without the services of Abde Rebbach who is serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

          Joining him on the sidelines is defender Facundo Garcés, who is suspended as well. On the injury front, Carlos Protesoni is injured with a muscular issue.

          Carlos Benavidez also remains sidelined. Youssef Enriquez will likely take the left back role in place of Rebbach, while Lucas Boye might replace Ibrahim Diabate after scoring in two consecutive matches as a substitute.

          Form

          Real Madrid

          Real Madrid enters this fixture in a rare slump, winless in their last four matches across all competitions. A punishing April saw them suffer a 2-1 defeat to RCD Mallorca and a 1-1 draw against Girona FC in La Liga. These domestic setbacks were compounded by a heartbreaking Champions League exit, losing both legs of their quarter-final to FC Bayern Munich (1-2 and 4-3).

          Deporting Alaves

          Deportivo Alavés arrives at the Bernabéu showing resilient form as they battle for La Liga survival. Currently 17th in the standings, they are unbeaten in their last four outings. Their recent results include back-to-back high-scoring draws: a 2-2 tie with CA Osasuna followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Real Sociedad. While their attack has produced 10 goals in four games, they remain defensively vulnerable, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 league matches.

          Predicted lineups

          Real Madrid: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr

          Deportivo Alaves: Sivera; Perez, Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Enriquez; Ibanez, Blanco, Guridi; Martinez, Boye

          How to watch Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves?

          In the UK, Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés is shown on Premier Sports 1 and is also available through the Premier Sports online streaming service or a La Liga TV subscription.

          Read Also – Chelsea boss Rosenior refuses to give up Champions League hopes

          See More – Early Chelsea team news: Joao Pedro doubt to face Brighton

          Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

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          Brighton XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

          Brighton XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news
          Brighton XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

          Brighton & Hove Albion host Chelsea tonight with the chance to move into the top six of the Premier League.

          The Seagulls are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten run following a dramatic draw with Tottenham. Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday kept Brighton firmly in the hunt for European football. They have won their last two league games against Chelsea. A third consecutive win against the Blues would be a historic achievement for the Sussex club.

          Fabian Hürzeler has transformed the Amex into a difficult venue for elite opposition this season. He has never lost a Premier League match against an English manager in nine attempts. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior will be the latest to test this impressive record. Brighton’s tactical flexibility has seen them score 17 goals in their last seven games against Chelsea.

          Brighton team news

          The biggest boost for the hosts is the return of captain Lewis Dunk. He missed the Tottenham game through suspension, but will lead the defence tonight. Kaoru Mitoma is also available for selection after overcoming minor cramps. Hürzeler confirmed that the Japanese winger’s withdrawal on Saturday was merely a precautionary measure.

          However, the squad still faces several injury-related absences in midfield and defence. Diego Gomez is ruled out with a suspected knee injury sustained last weekend. Solly March remains unavailable due to a minor muscle issue picked up in training. Meanwhile, veteran James Milner is also not ready to return to the matchday group yet.

          Danny Welbeck will lead the line, having a prolific record against tonight’s opponents. He has seven goal involvements in eight Premier League games against Chelsea for Brighton. This contrasts sharply with his single goal in ten previous games for other clubs. Pascal Gross and Yasin Ayari are expected to control the midfield engine room.

          Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter will provide the creative spark from the attacking positions. Brighton’s home matches have become tighter recently, averaging just 1.8 goals over the last nine games. This suggests a more disciplined approach from Hürzeler compared to earlier in the season. They will look to strike first and maintain their dominance over the Blues.

          Brighton predicted lineup

          Brighton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Rutter; Welbeck

          When will the match kick off?

          Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at 20:00 BST.

          How to watch Brighton vs Chelsea?

          The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST.

          Read more- Chelsea boss Rosenior refuses to give up Champions League hopes

          See Also- Giggs advocates potential Palmer move to Manchester United

          Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

          Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTubeTikTok

          Brighton vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

          Brighton vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
          Brighton vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

          Chelsea head to the Amex Stadium on Tuesday night desperately seeking to halt a season-defining collapse.

          Liam Rosenior’s side have lost their last four Premier League matches without scoring a single goal. This dismal run has left the Blues seven points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots. Successive wins for Aston Villa and Liverpool at the weekend have further increased the pressure on Chelsea. They must find a way to score and win to remain in the European race.

          Brighton, meanwhile, arrive at this fixture as one of the most resilient teams in the division right now. The Seagulls extended their unbeaten run to four games with a late draw against Tottenham on Saturday. Fabian Hürzeler’s men have won their last two league encounters against Chelsea. They sit just one point behind the Blues in ninth place with five games remaining. A victory for the hosts would see them leapfrog Chelsea in the Premier League standings.

          Brighton vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

          • Date: Tuesday, 21 April 2026
          • Kick-off: 20:00 BST
          • Venue: Amex Stadium
          • Referee: Craig Pawson
          • VAR: James Bell
          • Last Meeting: Chelsea 1–3 Brighton (27 September 2025, Premier League)

          Team news

          Brighton

          Kaoru Mitoma is available despite being substituted against Tottenham with cramps. Captain Lewis Dunk returns to the squad after serving a suspension for yellow cards. That said, Diego Gomez, Solly March, and James Milner will all miss the clash through injury.

          Chelsea

          Enzo Fernandez is fit to feature despite withdrawing with a calf problem against Manchester United. Joao Pedro faces a late fitness test to determine if he can face his former club. In his absence, Estevao Willian is out with a hamstring injury alongside long-term absentee Reece James.

          Form

          Brighton

          The Seagulls have lost only once in their last seven matches across all competitions. They have shown great character recently by coming back late in games to secure results. Brighton have opened the scoring in five of their last seven outings. Their home form against Chelsea is strong, with three wins in their last four meetings.

          Chelsea

          Chelsea are currently enduring a five-match losing streak without scoring if including European competition. They have lost six of their last seven matches during a disastrous spring period. Despite their struggles, eight of their last ten games have finished with over 2.5 goals. Defensively they remain vulnerable, conceding the opening goal in nine of those ten fixtures.

          Predicted lineups

          Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Rutter; Welbeck

          Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap

          How to watch Brighton vs Chelsea?

          The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST.

          Read more- Chelsea boss Rosenior refuses to give up Champions League hopes

          See Also- Giggs advocates potential Palmer move to Manchester United

          Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

          Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTubeTikTok

          Johnston and Stars beat Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their first-round playoff series

          DALLAS (AP) — Wyatt Johnston had two unusual goals, Matt Duchene scored a tiebreaking power-play goal and had an assist, and the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 2 on Monday night to even their first-round Western Conference series.

          The Stars went ahead to stay with a power play winding down about four minutes into the penalty-filled second period when Duchene made a quick pass to Mikko Rantanen and then got the puck back just in front of the crease. That made it 2-1.

          Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 28 shots, including a point-blank attempt by Kirill Kaprzov with 2 1/2 minutes to play when the Wild were on a power play after Dallas was penalized for too many men on the ice.

          Brock Faber scored his first two career playoff goals for Minnesota, which won the opener 6-1 on Saturday but missed a chance in its 15th playoff appearance to take its first-ever 2-0 series lead.

          Jason Robertson, who like Johnston scored 45 goals in the regular season, also scored for Dallas. Nils Liundvist had two assists.

          Game 3 is Wednesday night at Minnesota.

          Johnston, the 22-year-old center already in his fourth postseason and 58th playoff game, put Dallas up 1-0 midway through the first on his shot that ricocheted off the boards behind the net and then went off the left skate of Wallstedt and just inside the post. Lundkvist had the primary assist when he pushed the puck with his skate back to Johnston.

          The Stars were on another power play in the final minute when Johnston — from a crowd in front of Oettinger — knocked the puck to the other end, with it rolling and swerving into the empty net.

          Wild rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt, who has started both games ahead of playoff-experienced Filip Gustavsson, also had 28 saves.

          ___

          AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

          'Bad moment' to team of the season - Doyle's turnaround

          Callum Doyle smiles as he celebrates after scoring against Chelsea in the FA Cup
          Callum Doyle had loan spells at Sunderland, Coventry, Leicester and Norwich before joining Wrexham [Getty Images]

          Defender Callum Doyle has been a key member of the Wrexham team bidding for the Championship play-offs.

          The 22-year-old has played in 36 games in all competitions this season, including 26 successive matches.

          His performances have been recognised with a spot in the Championship team of the season, one he describes as a "massive honour".

          But Doyle acknowledges that life at the Stok Cae Ras did not get off to the best of starts.

          Back in October the 22-year-old former Manchester City youngster was featuring in only his eighth game for his new club following a late summer move.

          In the second half at home to Oxford - a game Wrexham won 1-0 - he was shown a straight red card.

          "It's one of those moments that it's a bad moment," Doyle said.

          "But, in the grand scheme of things it's not so bad of how I've changed my attitude towards training.

          "And it's been good for me since that point."

          The sending off proved to be a blessing and a turning point for the centre-back's season.

          Doyle's enforced absence was an opportunity that manager Phil Parkinson and his coaching team used to work with the Manchester-born defender.

          "He came in and missed a lot of pre-season, so it took us a while to get him up to speed," said Parkinson.

          "When he got sent off, it was a chance for us to pull him away and do work with him and almost give him a mini pre-season and get him to where he needed to be.

          "But I think everybody can see what a class player Callum is.

          "He's got a lot of experience for someone so young and the aim is for him now to finish his season strongly."

          Oxford United's Siriki Dembele is in the air with Callum Doyle sliding across the pitch after a tackle
          Callum Doyle received a straight red card for a sliding challenge on Oxford United's Siriki Dembele. [Getty Images]

          Doyle is grateful for the support of Wrexham's staff, and team-mates, during those difficult opening weeks of the season.

          He had arrived at the newly-promoted Championship club in mid-August, two league games into the new campaign.

          "You know, at the start, I did struggle," Doyle admited.

          "At the start it wasn't the best and at the time I was a bit down.

          "But since then I think I've improved a lot and I think everyone can see around the building that my mood's changed."

          And the former England Under-21 international recognises the improvements that have come from working closely with Wrexham's coaching team.

          "It helps with the staff pushing me every day, working with me, improving me, day in, day out," added Doyle.

          "I just talk to them, little chats just in training, just to keep me going and confident.

          "And I'm thankful that it's worked out this season.

          "And, you know, it helps that we've got a really good bunch of lads that are helping me along the way as well."

          A graduate of the Manchester City academy, Doyle did not make a senior appearance for the Citizens prior to his move to Wrexham last summer.

          The 2022 Uefa European Under-19 Championship winner with England had, however, enjoyed promotions during loan spells with Sunderland and Leicester - something he is hoping to achieve with Wrexham.

          The Red Dragons are two points off the play-offs with three games remaining, beginning with an away trip to Oxford United on Tuesday.

          "Getting promoted is probably one of the best feelings in football," Doyle said.

          "The Championship this year, you know, it's tough. Everything's so tight, especially now. We've got to focus on ourselves at the moment - big three games to go.

          "We've just got to keep going, keep doing what we're doing - keep just trying our hardest and putting the effort in.

          "We've got to go for it and I think the fans will help with that, especially the travelling fans."

          Where to watch Red Sox vs. Yankees today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for rivalry series games

          Aaron Judge

          Where to watch Red Sox vs. Yankees today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for rivalry series games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The best rivalry in sports is between the Red Sox and Yankees. When the two teams face off, you can always expect fireworks. This year looks to be no different.

          Boston hosts New York for a three-game midweek set to rekindle the rivalry for 2026. The Yankees have the best record in the American League at 13-9 and are coming off a sweep of the Royals, with the Red Sox at the opposite end of the AL East after a hard-fought weekend set against the Tigers. 

          The Yankees own the all-time record against the Red Sox, 1,249-1,037-14. Dating back to the days of Babe Ruth, the rivalry between the two teams has elevated in the 2000s.

          From Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge to David Ortiz and Roman Anthony, the rivalry has featured several top-tier stars. What will happen when the division rivals face off early on during the 2026 season?  

          Here is everything you need to know about Red Sox vs. Yankees, including TV and streaming options for the series.

          Where to watch Red Sox vs. Yankees today

          • TV channel: TBS, MLB Network, Fox
          • Live stream:DIRECTV

          All three games of the Red Sox vs. Yankees series will air nationally, on three different channels: TBS, MLB Network and Fox (see full series schedule below). Fans can stream all of them live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. 

          Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

          Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

          Red Sox vs. Yankees schedule this week

          Here's all you need to know about this week's Red Sox-Yankees series schedule:

          DateGameTime (ET)Channel
          April 21vs. Yankees6:45 p.m.TBS, DIRECTV
          April 22vs. Yankees6:45 p.m.MLB Network, DIRECTV
          April 23vs. Yankees6:10 p.m.Fox, DIRECTV

          Red Sox vs. Yankees 2026 series schedule

          Here are all the games this season between the Red Sox and Yankees:

          DateGameTime (ET)
          April 21at Boston6:45 p.m.
          April 22at Boston6:45 p.m.
          April 23at Boston6:10 p.m.
          June 5at New York7:05 p.m.
          June 6at New York7:35 p.m.
          June 7at New York1:35 p.m.
          June 25at Boston7:10 p.m.
          June 26at Boston7:10 p.m.
          June 27at Boston1:10 p.m.
          June 28at Boston7:20 p.m.
          August 28at New York7:05 p.m.
          August 29at New York7:15 p.m.
          August 30at New York1:35 p.m.

          Related Links

          NFL Draft prospects 2026: Final big board of top 257 players overall, rankings by position

          NFL Draft prospects 2026: Final big board of top 257 players overall, rankings by position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          With about three weeks remaining before the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft goes on the clock, the pre-selection process has come to an unofficial close. The on-field evalutions through college football season, all-star games, the Combine and pro days are in the rearview mirror.

          All eyes are now forward on how good of players the draff-worthiest prospects will be. Here's an updated, expanded and final look (barring injuries or other developments) at the most likely players to be taken sometime in Rounds 1 through 7:

          MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:

          NFL Draft prospect rankings 2026

          Fernando Mendoza

          1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)

          Mendoza lived up to his potential coming over from Cal and then some, taking college football by storm as a strong-armed, athletic and accurate pocket passer with clutch leadership and intangibles. He sent his stock into the stratosphere with his Heisman Trophy and national championship season, a la Joe Burrow in 2019, to lock himself down as the Raiders' best option for No. 1 overall pick.

          2. Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)

          Reese broke out as a terrific, rangy, all-around transcendent second-level defender to the point that he will be an intriguing chess piece with pass-rush juice for the NFL.

          3. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)

          Downs is the ultimate triple-threat playmaker with his outstanding ball-hawking skills in coverage, cleanup instincts against the run and return-game juice. He dominated everywhere on the field for the Buckeyes as expected.

          4. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)

          Bain went from versatile pass rush for multiple fronts to blossoming into a superstar during Miami's CFP run with some dominant play, also rounding out into a force against the run.

          5. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)

          Styles is strong at leading and covering plenty of ground vs. the run. He shot up boards playing with Downs and Reese with his emergent play in coverage.

          6. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)

          Love is a powerful, explosive runner with the athleticism, strength and vision to become a reliable workhorse in the NFL, much like he was for the Fighting Irish.

          7. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)

          Bailey has some natural explosive qualities as a pass rusher and grew more into that potential after transferring from Stanford. He also has special dropback coverage skills for the position.

          8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)

          Tate is the classic, strong route-running receiver with big-play ability and quickness in the open field after the catch. He took over as the Buckeyes' next great downfield target.

          9. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)

          Mauigoa kept tapping into his big upside as a pass protector and better learned how to use his frame as a run blocker. He had a great impact in fueling the Hurricanes' CFP championship drive.

          10. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)

          Tyson is a smooth route-runner all over the field who can deliver as a downfield threat and a reliable intermediate target.

          NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBsWRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs

          11. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)

          Delane had a big year using his size and sound physical coverage and he can handle multiple schemes. He has some shutdown potential for the NFL.

          12. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-3, 298 pounds)

          Woods is a dominant, powerful run stopper who also has great quickness as an inside pass rusher, making him the easy top interior line prospect in this class.

          13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)

          McCoy is capable of moving around well to handle all types of receivers in coverage with his size and instincts. He also has a strong nose for making big plays on the ball.

          14. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)

          Mesidor got more attention with Bain during the Hurricanes' run, too, showing off explosive pass-rush athleticism for his size. He can continue to rise into early first-round consideration.

          15. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)

          Fano is a nasty, powerful run blocker for the outside who delivered more on his pass-protecting upside. He can dominate at right tackle in the NFL or even slide inside.

          16. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)

          Terrell is the younger brother of fellow Clemson star A.J., a top starter for the Falcons. Avieon plays very physically for his size to help his coverage. That also makes him a rare back-end run-stopping force.

          17. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)

          Faulk is a power-based pass rusher who is exceptional vs. the run. He should garner some more Myles Garrett comparisons in the pre-draft process.

          18. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)

          Sadiq should be the latest smooth route-running tight end to land in the first round after a big season as the Ducks' go-to guy for Dante Moore.

          19. Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)

          Lemon is loaded with savvy athleticism and route-running skills. He can be a dominant slot receiver in the NFL in the mold of former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown.

          20. Olaivavega Ioane, G/C, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)

          Ioane has risen up boards as a sturdy mauler who has great blocking footwork and quickness in relation to his size and power.

          Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman

          Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

          21. Dillon Thienman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)

          Thieneman is a solid all-around veteran safety with the ability to make plays everywhere vs. the run and pass.

          22. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)

          Howell is a fluid athlete who uses all of his speed and quickness for his effective wide pass-rush repertoire and can have an immediate situational impact.

          23. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)

          Lomu is a well-rounded, big-framed blocker who can keep rising up draft boards if he can put it all together with his power and athleticism.

          24. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)

          Cooper is rising up boards after being a sharp route-running receiver with reliable hands for Mendoza. His versatility to produce in the slot and outside will have wider appeal.

          25. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)

          Proctor has natural athleticism for his massive frame and can often engulf defensive linemen, especially in pass protection. He just needs to refine his game to get more consistent all-around with his technique.

          26. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)

          McDonald is powerful and relentless working upfield against the run and has stood out more of late for his inside pass-rush juice.

          27. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)

          Parker is an instinctual, quick and highly productive pass rusher who is also a major asset against the run.

          28. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)

          Freeling is an immediate starting right tackle with his massive frame and power as a run blocker, but he is also showing quickness and footwork upside in relation to his size to think he can develop into a reliable pass-protecting left tackle.

          29. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)

          Concepcion has great speed and quickness, allowing him to be a natural big playmaker both in stretching the field and bursting in the open field after the catch.

          30. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6-6, 330 pounds)

          Iheanachor is an intriguing raw athletic talent with his size to develop into a dominant left tackle with the right coaching.

          31. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)

          McNeil-Warren blows up run plays like a linebacker and is getting more attention for his coverage playmaking upside.

          Rick Osentoski

          32. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)

          Boston is a big and strong physical receiving threat who can stretch the field and also has the fight and toughness to win on contested catches.

          33. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)

          Miller is the classic right tackle with size, power, footwork and hand technique.

          34. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)

          Simpson can offer great short-to-intermediate accuracy plus winning intangibles with some upside to develop his arm and technique as a downfield pocket passer.

          35. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (6-4, 318 pounds)

          Hunter should continue to be very productive as a complementary run stopper after starring in that capacity for the Red Raiders.

          36. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)

          Hood has a good blend of toughness, physicality and speed to make a lot of plays in man coverage, but he needs to be more consistent overall in his technique.

          37. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-4, 321 pounds)

          Miller is best suited for 3-4 or 4-3 work up front because of his natural run-stopping frame, but he also has the quickness to quickly develop as an inside pass rusher.

          38. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)

          Allen is a classic Bulldogs linebacker with his speed, playmaking instincts, off-the-charts intangibles and sound, physical tackling.

          39. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 189 pounds)

          Cisse covers a lot of ground vs. the run, including using his size well to burst into his coverage assignments, but he likely would fit best early, covering the big slot.

          40. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)

          Banks moves very well for his size and is trying to continue to raise his overall stock as a run stopper and inside pass rusher.

          41. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (5-10, 187 pounds)

          Abney will have great value as a versatile corner who can handle any type of coverage assignment, outside or inside, solid vs. spectacular.

          42. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)

          Bell is impressing with his uncanny strength and toughness to win as a physical route runner to overpower a lot of smaller or same-sized corners.

          43. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-2, 238 pounds)

          Hill is the classic active all-around linebacker with his ability to stop the run, make plays in coverage and get to the quarterback on blitzes.

          44. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)

          Bernard is a straight-up inside-outside offensive weapon who gets open well to make big plays with quickness and suddenness in the open field.

          45. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6-0, 193 pounds)

          Johnson will have an appeal to many teams looking for a ballhawking clean-up man with burst, especially when sitting back in zone.

          46. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (6-6, 262 pounds)

          Young is a strong-effort pass rusher who can be productive situationally until he rounds out his technique and is more consistent with his burst.

          47. Chase Bisontis, G/C, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)

          Bisontis looks every bit the part of a long-term physical inside run blocker.

          48. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-2, 241 pounds)

          Thomas is a natural explosive pass rusher with high upside but will need to work on being less situational by improving technique and run defense.

          49. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 203 pounds)

          Price, overshadowed by Jeremiyah Love in college, is a well-rounded athletic back in his own right who would fit best in a zone-blocking running scheme.

          50. D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-9, 182 pounds)

          Ponds channels Brent Grimes as a corner who plays bigger than his size and fights hard to win any coverage assignment.

          51. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6-5, 239 pounds)

          Golday is one to watch for a steady rise with dynamic athleticism and a strong, powerful finish as a tackler.

          52. Chris Brazell II, WR, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)

          Brazell is a massive receiver who uses his size well to post up in coverage and also is a run blocking asset.

          53. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6-4, 253 pounds)

          Lawrence brings nice power and size as a quick pass rusher and has room to grow vs. the run.

          54. Keionte Scott, S, Miami (5-11, 193 pounds)

          Scott has proved to be a well-rounded cover corner who does a little of everything well to help a defense.

          55.  A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6-0, 215 pounds)

          Haulcy has a good blend of linebacker-like thumping and nose to force takeaways in coverage.

          56. Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6-2, 237 pounds)

          Trotter is a physical clean-up man, sound tackling vs. the run with some untapped coverage potential.

          57. Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois (6-4, 260 pounds)

          Jacas is a versatile pass rusher who uses his strength and size and becomes more dangerous by getting more nimble and using improved technique.

          58. Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)

          Pregnon is a savvy all-around blocker with a good blend of ideal size and assets to win inside for the running and passing games.

          59. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6-1, 231 pounds)

          Rodriguez makes up for some physical limitation witih smarts, instincts and off-the-charts sound tackling.

          60. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)

          The first thing that stands out for Tiernan is his size, but he also is technically sound with good footwork to compensate for less than top-end athleticism.

          61. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)

          Stowers is a hybrid athletic receiving type who uses his body well to position himself before and after the catch.

          62. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)

          Sarratt is a tough competitive route-runner and big-play receiver who needs to show more consistency.

          63. Connor Lew, G/C Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)

          Lew is a technically sound mauler who should start for a long time in the NFL, standing out in the running game much like Tyler Linderbaum.

          64. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)

          Coleman doesn't explode with his game but he plays bigger and tougher than his size with production in any capacity.

          65. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 239 pounds)

          Height has decent size, but overall, he's limited to being a very dynamic pass rusher or situational defender until he can bulk up and get stronger vs. the run.

          66. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (6-2, 202 pounds)

          Smith is a lanky and big cover man for the inside with a chance to be this year's Nick Emmanwori.

          67. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)

          Washington is a strong versatile runner who has solid power for inside and burst to the outside and has gotten more attention as someone who can handle a bigger workload late in the process.

          68. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (6-0, 187 pounds)

          Williams has some explosive qualities to his game that make him an intriguing, quick developmental project on Day 2.

          69. Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 293 pounds)

          Halton is a bit undersized but teams have found it difficult to knock him too much for that with his immense quickness that helps disrupt so much in the backfield.

          70. Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC (6-6, 256 pounds)

          Lucas looks the part of a dominant engulfing pass-rushing with his frame, but consistency and honing technique are his key pro challenges.

          71. Gennings Dunker, G/C, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)

          Dunker will either excel at right tackle or slide inside to guard to use his nasty, tough run blocking to a great extent. He can be dominant at times with pure power and has athletic upside to boot.

          72. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)

          Klare can be the new Colston Loveland coming out of the Big Ten with his athletic pass-catching and ability to get open on downfield routes.

          73. Sam Hecht, G/C, Kansas State (6-4, 300 pounds)

          Hecht lacks ideal size and power to some, but to others, he can't miss because of his smarts and technique in blocking and line calling.

          74. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia (5-9, 177 pounds)

          Branch offers yet another dynamic slot option in the class as he tries to position himself to go higher than the third round.

          75. Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee (6-3, 242 pounds)

          Josephs is a very active and aggressive pass rusher who is also relentless in blowing up run plays in the backfield. He needs to be more consistent and start faster on his rush.

          76. Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 255 pounds)

          Mooore has a variety of good, quick and powerful pass-rush moves but he needs to turn his savvy into more consistent production.

          77. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (6-2, 322 pounds)

          Orange is a nice swing backup who can provide plenty of work vs. run and pass in any rotation.

          78. Logan Jones, G/C, Iowa (6-3, 302 pounds)

          Jones has stood out late for his smarts and quickness as he still has some upside to get stronger.

          79. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6-5, 218 pounds)

          Fields has a tantalizing size/speed profile with his talent but he needs some polish and consistency to emerge as a top NFL target outside.

          80. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6-0, 182 pounds)

          Muhammad is ideally built to handle zone coverage well, working in busy nickel packages.

          81. LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 274 pounds)

          Overton is an experienced, versatile pass rusher with his size, power, and athleticism.

          82. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 220 pounds)

          Louis is.a bit undersized, but he can be an intriguing coverage and run cleanup safety hybrid in the bigger Reed Blankenship vein.

          83. Jalon Kllgore, S, South Carolina (6-1, 210 pounds)

          Kilgore is a natural big cover man as corner hyrid who can either help in the slot or be effective outside ffor some teams.

          michael trigg

          84. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)

          Trigg stands out most as a receiver with his work downfield with his speed and his good hands for the red zone, with a lot of inconsistency in between.

          85. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6-0, 202 pounds)

          Ramsey isn't a blazer but he's a technically sound inside cover man who has shown the instincts to make a lot of big plays.

          86. Devin Moore, CB, Florida (6-3, 198 pounds)

          Moore is getting more Day 2 attention for his size, savvy and shiftiness in coverage. 

          87. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)

          Nussmeier's NFL coaching pedigree pays off and his quick release, accuracy and ability to hang tough as a smart pocket passer, giving him some buzz to jump Simpsons.

          88. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5-10, 185 pounds)

          Rivers is a smart, savvy nickel corner who can have an impact in the way of the Texans' Jalen Pitre.

          89. Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (6-2, 203 pounds)

          Neal is a durable and physical player vs. the run to add another element to his big-bodied, steady and durable coverage.

          90. Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan (6-3, 298 pounds)

          Benny plays bigger than his size as a solid run stopper for early downs and would be welcome in a lot of 4-3 rotations.

          91. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6-5, 270 pounds)

          Dennis-Sutton is a natural tough outside run defender for his size and can also blossom into a more reliable pass-rush finisher.

          92. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (6-0, 192 pounds)

          Bell is a well-rounded receiver whose best asset might be his ability to use his ideal size and quickness after the catch well in the open field.

          93. Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 240 pounds)

          Barham thrived as a pass rusher in Ann Arbor to the point his speed and production kind of took away from the notion he's more of a complete player.

          94. Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 256 pounds)

          Crawford will bring a lot of energy and production as a situational pass rusher at first.

          95. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri (6-4, 313 pounds)

          McClellan flashes with his strong arm and sturdy feet to make big plays and can develop more to become more consistent from down to down.

          96. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State (6-3, 203 pounds)

          Wheatley is a rangy playmaker who handles himself well in coverage because of that tough frame with athleticism.

          97. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona (6-1, 190 pounds)

          Stukes has some age (will soon turn 25) and past injury issues but has shot up because of his tenacity and willing to execute well across the secondary.

          98. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State (6-6, 315 pounds)

          This physical and sturdy run defender can beef up any pro rotation right away with his play.

          darrell jackson jr

          99. Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-1, 340 pounds)

          Corleone has been well polished in school to be a run-stuffer, playing nose in either a 4-3 or 3-4.

          100. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (5-9, 164 pounds)

          Thompson is an elusive complementary vertical threat who can make a lot of big plays in the open field in the right system.

          101. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State (6-2, 189 pounds)

          Igbinosun is appealing for his physical coverage which also translates into an asset vs. the run. He might be a better fit at safety.

          102. Brian Parker II, G/C, Duke (6-5, 300 pounds)

          Parker is a well-rounded experience blocker who can play multiple positions well, including tackle.

          103. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)

          Klubnik has a strong, accurate arm through intermediate throws and can develop plenty in the right pocket-passing system.

          104. Keylan Rutledge, G/C, Georgia Tech (6-4, 330 pounds)

          Rutledge is a powerful interior downhill run blocking with some needed nastiness.

          105. Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama (6-3, 226 pounds)

          Lawson is a great downhill thumper against the run with some improving coverage skills..

          106. Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati (5-11, 180 pounds)

          Allen is the classic good hands and solid route-running slot option.

          107. Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia (6-1, 196 pounds)

          Everette doesn't blow away with his speed but he uses his agility well in coverage where his size can have a big impact.

          108. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky (6-0, 223 pounds)

          McGowan brings a good blend of power and juice but he must be more consistent with his ball security and blocking.

          Seth McGowan

          109. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (6-2, 291 pounds)

          Proctor remains on the rise as a downright dynamic athlete with big inside pass-rush upside.

          110. Jake Slaughter, G/C, Florida (6-4, 303 pounds)

          Slaughter is solid with his agile blocking, a huge asset in pass protection. He has the smarts to fit best as a starting center.

          111. Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida (6-2, 273 pounds)

          Sapp packs a run-smashing wallop for his smallish frame, giving him room to improve with the quickness aspects of his game.

          112. Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M (5-11, 226 pounds)

          York stands out for being a tough, aggressive and instinctual starter with a chance to tap into more playmaking upside.

          113. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 318 pounds)

          World is a massive natural outside run blocker trying to get healthier and better in shape to be trusted as a regular starting tackle.

          114. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)

          Allar has no issues with hanging in the pocket with his size and delivering strong throws all over the field, but his execution and efficient need to be more consistent.

          115. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)

          Johnson is a compact, well-balanced runner with good hands and zip when bursting in the open field off a carry or a catch.

          116. Jack Endries, TE, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)

          Endries is a smart, smooth short-to-intermediate route-runner who can help plenty get open inside for key tough gains.

          117. Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M (6-5, 245 pounds)

          Boerkircher is a pure upside prospect with all the natural skills as a blocker and receiver to become a middle-round steal.

          118. Parker Brailsford, G/C, Alabama (6-2, 290 pounds)

          Brailsford is strong and solid with his interior run blocking and is only a middle-rounder because his game lacks the spectacular.

          119. Hezekiah Masses, CB, California (6-1, 179 pounds)

          Masses is getting more attention late for being such an aggressive and productive on-ball playmaker.

          120. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State (5-11, 216 pounds)

          Allen is a compact strong power runner with some underrated qualities for passing downs.

          121. Austin Barber, OT, Florida (6-6, 314 pounds)

          Barber is sturdy and experienced, giving him appeal as a backup to help a team in running and passing.

          122. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College (6-5, 314 pounds)

          Bowry has impressive natural pass-protecting qualities but would benefit from becoming stronger in the running game.

          123. Bryce Lance, WR, Notre Dakota State (6-3, 204 pounds)

          Trey's brother spent a lot of time in college as a savvy playmaker flashes most with his size and explosiveness outside.

          124. Carson Beck, QB, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)

          Beck is most intriguing for his prototypical size, experience and intangibles. He has a chance if he can improve his mechanics to be more accurate and his decision-making ot be more efficient.

          125. Tyren Montgomery, WR/RB, John Carroll (5-11, 190 pounds)

          Montgomery is a dynamic offensive weapon from a small school trying to find the ideal fit for his usage, perhaps the Saints or Broncos.

          126. Billy Schrauth, G/C, Notre Dame (6-4, 305 pounds)

          Schrauth is the classic strong and smart reliable run blocker often produced by the Fighting Irish.

          127. Zxavian Harris, DT, Mississippi State (6-8, 330 pounds)

          Harris is an appeal massive run-stunning tackle who needs to develop more pass-rush pop to see regular starting time.

          128. Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana (6-1, 265 pounds)

          Kamara is a productive, high-energy pass rusher who can get to the QB with a variety off moves.

          129. Kage Casey, OT, Boise State (6-6, 310 pounds)

          Casey is a nimble versatile all-round blocker who could benefit greatly from adding more bulk and strengthening.

          130. Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech (5-10, 176 pounds)

          Rivers is a bit undersized but still can be a dynamic field-stretcher if not growing into being a big-play option inside.

          131. Carver Willis, G/C, Washington (6-5, 303 pounds)

          Willis has gotten more attention for his ace athleticism of which he takes full advantage in his smooth inside run blocking.

          132. Kevin Coleman Jr, WR, Missouri (5-11, 179 pounds)

          Coleman works his slot routes well to get open with quickness and toughness.

          133. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State (6-3, 206 pounds)

          Hurst is the classic big vertical deep threat made to complement a No. 1 outside.

          134. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois (6-5, 320 pounds)

          Davis is an experienced strong outside run blocker who can further develop as a potential starting right tackle or guard down the line.

          135. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin (6-1, 193 pounds)

          Demmings will join a team with his physical intensity that can be an asset in coverage subpackages and special teams.

          136. Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M (6-7, 335 pounds)

          Crownover checks the intriguing boxes with nimble feet for such a big, strong frame.

          137. Trey Zuhn III, OT, Texas A&M (6-6, 312 pounds)

          Zuhn is an experienced left tackle with the blend of athleticism and strength to back up everywhere well on the line.

          138. Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame (6-6, 245 pounds)

          Raridon is a sturdy big blocker as a traditional inline tight end with some receiving upside.

          139. Justin Joly, TE, NC State (6-3, 241 pounds)

          Joly is undersized for a tight end but is a dynamic short-area slot receiver with reliable hands.

          140. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 180 pounds)

          Burks is an intriguing, speedy deep threat who can also excel at making big plays out of the slot when getting in the open field after the catch.

          Ja'Kobi Lane

          141. Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC (6-4, 200 pounds)

          142. Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech (6-3, 187 pounds)

          143. Eric McAlister, WR, TCU (6-4, 194 pounds)

          144. Matt Gulbin, C/G, Michigan State (6-4, 305 pounds)

          145. Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas (6-6, 267 pounds)

          146. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama (6-1, 327 pounds)

          147. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest (5-10, 188 pounds)

          148. Sam Roush, TE, Stanford (6-6, 267 pounds)

          149. Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati (6-5, 247 pounds)

          150. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (6-4, 194 pounds)

          151. Devon Marshall, CB, NC State (5-11, 200 pounds)

          152. Jalen Farmer, G/C, Kentucky (6-5, 312 pounds)

          153. Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State (6-5, 313 pounds)

          Nick Singleton

          Dan Rainville/Hanover Evening Sun/Imagn

          154. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State (6-0, 219 pounds)

          155. Michael Taaffe, S, Texas (6-0, 190 pounds)

          156. Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah (6-4, 253 pounds)

          157. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan (6-6, 250 pounds)

          158. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor (6-1, 220 pounds)

          159. Beau Stephens, G/C, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)

          160. Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa (6-6, 258 pounds)

          161. D.J. Campbell, G/C, Texas (6-3, 313 pounds)

          162. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon (6-1, 233 pounds)

          163. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama (6-3, 243 pounds)

          164. C.J. Daniels, WR, Miami (6-2, 202 pounds)

          165. Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan (6-2, 247 pounds)

          166. Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington (6-3, 196 pounds)

          167. Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M (6-1, 195 pounds)

          168. Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin (6-4, 235 pounds)

          169. Keagan Trost, G/C, Missouri (6-5, 311 pounds)

          170. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati (6-5, 216 pounds)

          171. Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina (6-1, 195 pounds)

          172. Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke (6-4, 256 pounds)

          173. Ar'maj Reed-Adams, G/C, Texas A&M (6-6, 314 pounds)

          174. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU (6-2, 234 pounds)

          175. Jager Burton, C/G, Kentucky (6-4, 312 pounds)

          176. Brent Austin, CB, California (5-11, 180 pounds)

          177.  Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech (6-1, 280 pounds)

          178.  Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana (6-1, 232 pounds)

          179. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State (6-3, 206 pounds)

          180. DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson (6-5, 313 pounds)

          181. Zane Durant, DT, Penn State (6-1, 190 pounds)

          182. Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech (6-3, 206 pounds)

          183. Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU (6-1, 205 pounds)

          184. DeVonta Smith, CB, Notre Dame (5-11, 195 pounds)

          185. Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State (6-3, 257 pounds)

          186. Trey Moore, LB, Texas (6-2, 243 pounds)

          187. Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU (5-8, 191 pounds)

          188. Jaeden Roberts, G/C, Alabama (6-5, 333 pounds)

          189. Alex Harkey, G/C, Oregon (6-6, 308 pounds)

          190. Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo (6-2, 232 pounds)

          191. Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame (6-6, 306 pounds)

          192. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC (5-11, 201 pounds)

          193. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (6-5, 245 pounds)

          194. Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy (6-0, 198 pounds)

          195. Lorenzo Styles II, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 194 pounds)

          196. Lander Barton, LB, Utah (6-5, 233 pounds)

          197. Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 227 pounds)

          198. Markel Bell, OT, Miami (6-8, 335 pounds)

          199. Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State (6-8, 305 pounds)

          200. Luke Altmeyer, QB, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)

          201. Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M (5-11, 203 pounds)

          202. Bud Clark, S, TCU (6-1, 188 pounds)

          203. Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin (6-5, 251 pounds)

          204. Jeremiah Wright, C/G, Auburn (6-,5, 331 pounds)

          205. Andre Fuller, S, Toledo (6-1, 200 pounds)

          206. Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M (6-3, 292 pounds)

          207. Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina (6-3, 312 pounds)

          208. Dae'Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss (6-4, 246 pounds)

          209. Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky (6-0, 203 pounds)

          210. Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee (6-5, 251 pounds)

          211. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech (6-4, 220 pounds)

          212. Bryson Eason, DT, Tennessee (6-2, 323 pounds)

          213. Louis Moore, S, Indiana (5-11, 191 pounds)

          214. Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston (6-6, 247 pounds)

          215. Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU (5-10, 190 pounds)

          216. Chase Roberts, WR, BYU (6-3, 209 pounds)

          217. Pat Coogan, G/C, Indiana (6-5, 311 pounds)

          218. Jack Kelly, LB, BYU (6-2, 240 pounds)

          219. Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss (6-6, 325 pounds)

          Sawyer Robertson

          Sam Hodde/Getty Images

          220. Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds)

          221. Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana (5-9, 208 pounds)

          222. D'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss (6-2, 207 pounds)

          223. Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma (6-2, 205 pounds)

          224. Jordan van der Berg, DT, Georgia Tech (6-3, 310 pounds)

          225. Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan (6-2, 240 pounds)

          226. Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama (6-1, 194 pounds)

          227. John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming (6-6, 249 pounds)

          228. Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU (6-1, 223 pounds)

          229. Fa'alili Fa'amoe, OT, Wake Forest (6-5, 311 pounds)

          230. Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds)

          231. Robert Henry Jr., RB, UTSA (5-9, 196 pounds)

          232. Anez Cooper, G/C, Miami (6-6, 334 pounds)

          233. Brett Thorson, P, Georgia (6-1, 237 pounds) 234    

          234. Cian Slone, EDGE, NC State (6-4, 235 pounds)

          235. J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida (6-3, 207 pounds)

          236. Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke (6-6, 258 pounds)

          237. Desmond Reid, RB, Pittsburgh (5-6, 174 pounds)

          238. George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida (6-4, 245 pounds)

          239. T.J. Hall, CB, Iowa (6-1, 189 pounds)

          240. Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana (6-0, 207 pounds)

          241. Jayden Ott, RB, Oklahoma (5-11, 198 pounds)

          242. Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College (6-3, 233 pounds)

          243. Dominic Svada, K, Michigan (6-3, 178 pounds)

          244. Barion Brown, WR, LSU (5-11, 177 pounds)

          245. Travis Burke, OT, Memphis (6-9, 325 pounds)

          246.  Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds)

          247.  J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia (5-10, 199 pounds)

          248.  Jalen Stroman, S, Notre Dame (6-0, 199 pounds)

          249. Noah Thomas, WR, Georgia (6-4, 203 pounds)

          250. Tommy Doman Jr., P, Florida (6-4, 214 pounds)

          251. Jack Pyburn, EDGE, LSU (6-4, 258 pounds)

          252. Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin (6-0, 183 pounds)

          Cole Payton

          253. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State (6-3, 232 pounds)

          254. Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State (6-5, 261 pounds)

          255. Chris Adams, G/C, Memphis (6-5, 311 pounds)

          256. Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech (6-2, 221 pounds)

          257. Trey Smack, K, Florida (6-1, 188 pounds)

          2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings by position 

          Quarterbacks 

          1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
          2. Ty Simpson, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
          3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
          4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
          5. Drew Allar, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)
          6. Carson Beck, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)
          7. Luke Altmeyer, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)
          8. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds)
          9. Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds)
          10. Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds)
          11. Cole Payton, North Dakota State (6-3, 232 pounds)
          12. Behren Morton, Texas Tech (6-2, 221 pounds)

          Running backs

          1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
          2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame (5-11, 203 pounds)
          3. Jonah Coleman, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
          4. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)
          5. Seth McGowan, Kentucky (6-0, 223 pounds)
          6. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)
          7. Kaytron Allen, Penn State (5-11, 216 pounds)
          8. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest (5-10, 188 pounds)
          9. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (6-0, 219 pounds)
          10. Eli Heidenreich, Navy (6-0, 198 pounds)
          11. Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M (5-11, 203 pounds)
          12. Kaelon Black, Indiana (5-9, 208 pounds)
          13. Robert Henry Jr., UTSA (5-9, 196 pounds)
          14. Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh (5-6, 174 pounds)
          15. Roman Hemby, Indiana (6-0, 207 pounds)
          16. Jayden Ott, Oklahoma (5-11, 198 pounds)
          17. J'Mari Taylor, Virginia (5-10, 199 pounds)

          Wide receivers

          1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)
          2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)
          3. Makai Lemon, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)
          4. Omar Cooper Jr.,  Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)
          5. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)
          6. Denzel Boston, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)
          7. Chris Bell, Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)
          8. Germie Bernard, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)
          9. Chris Brazell II, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)
          10. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)
          11. Antonio Williams, Clemson (6-0, 187 pounds)
          12. Zachariah Branch, Georgia (5-9, 177 pounds)
          13. Malachi Fields, Notre Dame (6-5, 218 pounds)
          14. Skyler Bell, UConn (6-0, 192 pounds)
          15. Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State (5-9, 164 pounds)
          16. Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati (5-11, 180 pounds)
          17. Bryce Lance, Notre Dakota State (6-3, 204 pounds)
          18. Tyren Montgomery, WR/RB, John Carroll (5-11, 190 pounds)
          19. Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech (5-10, 176 pounds)
          20. Kevin Coleman Jr, Missouri (5-11, 179 pounds)
          21. Ted Hurst, Georgia State (6-3, 206 pounds)
          22. Deion Burks, Oklahoma (5-10, 180 pounds)
          23. Ja'Kobi Lane, USC (6-4, 200 pounds)
          24. Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech (6-3, 187 pounds)
          25. Eric McAlister, TCU (6-4, 194 pounds)
          26. Josh Cameron, Baylor (6-1, 220 pounds)
          27. C.J. Daniels, Miami (6-2, 202 pounds)
          28. Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati (6-5, 216 pounds)
          29. Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech (6-3, 206 pounds)
          30. Aaron Anderson, LSU (5-8, 191 pounds)
          31. Kendrick Law, Kentucky (6-0, 203 pounds)
          32. Zavion Thomas, LSU (5-10, 190 pounds)
          33. Chase Roberts, BYU (6-3, 209 pounds)
          34. D'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss (6-2, 207 pounds)
          35. J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida (6-3, 207 pounds)
          36. Barion Brown, LSU (5-11, 177 pounds)
          37. Noah Thomas, Georgia (6-4, 203 pounds)
          38. Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin (6-0, 183 pounds)

          Tight ends

          1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
          2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)
          3. Max Klare, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
          4. Michael Trigg, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)
          5. Jack Endries, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)
          6. Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M (6-5, 245 pounds)
          7. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame (6-6, 245 pounds)
          8. Justin Joly, NC State (6-3, 241 pounds)
          9. Sam Roush, Stanford (6-6, 267 pounds)
          10. Joe Royer, Cincinnati (6-5, 247 pounds)
          11. Dallen Bentley, Utah (6-4, 253 pounds)
          12. Marlin Klein, Michigan (6-6, 250 pounds)
          13. Josh Cuevas, Alabama (6-3, 243 pounds)
          14. Lance Mason, Wisconsin (6-4, 235 pounds)
          15. Oscar Delp,  Georgia (6-5, 245 pounds)
          16. Dae'Quan Wright, Ole Miss (6-4, 246 pounds)
          17. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee (6-5, 251 pounds)
          18. Tanner Koziol, Houston (6-6, 247 pounds)
          19. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming (6-6, 249 pounds)
          20. Will Kacmarek, Ohio State (6-5, 261 pounds) 

          Offensive tackles

          1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
          2. Spencer Fano, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
          3. Caleb Lomu, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
          4. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
          5. Monroe Freeling, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
          6. Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (6-6, 330 pounds)
          7. Blake Miller, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
          8. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)
          9. Isaiah World, Oregon (6-8, 318 pounds)
          10. Austin Barber, Florida (6-6, 314 pounds)
          11. Jude Bowry, Boston College (6-5, 314 pounds)
          12. Kage Casey, Boise State (6-6, 310 pounds)
          13. J.C. Davis, Illinois (6-5, 320 pounds)
          14. Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M (6-7, 335 pounds)
          15. Trey Zuhn III,  Texas A&M (6-6, 312 pounds)
          16. Drew Shelton, Penn State (6-5, 313 pounds)
          17. Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame (6-6, 306 pounds)
          18. Markel Bell, Miami (6-8, 335 pounds)
          19. Nolan Rucci, Penn State (6-8, 305 pounds)
          20. Diego Pounds, Ole Miss (6-6, 325 pounds)
          21. Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Wake Forest (6-5, 311 pounds)
          22. Travis Burke, Memphis (6-9, 325 pounds)

          Guards/centers

          1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
          2. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)
          3. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)
          4. Connor Lew, Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)
          5. Gennings Dunker, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
          6. Sam Hecht, Kansas State (6-4, 300 pounds)
          7. Logan Jones, Iowa (6-3, 302 pounds)
          8. Brian Parker II, Duke (6-5, 300 pounds)
          9. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (6-4, 330 pounds)
          10. Jake Slaughter, Florida (6-4, 303 pounds)
          11. Parker Brailsford, Alabama (6-2, 290 pounds)
          12. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame (6-4, 305 pounds)
          13. Carver Willis, Washington (6-5, 303 pounds)
          14. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State (6-4, 305 pounds)
          15. Jalen Farmer, Kentucky (6-5, 312 pounds)
          16. Beau Stephens, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
          17. D.J. Campbell, Texas (6-3, 313 pounds)
          18. Keagan Trost, Missouri (6-5, 311 pounds)
          19. Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M (6-6, 314 pounds)
          20. Jager Burton, Kentucky (6-4, 312 pounds)
          21. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (6-5, 333 pounds)
          22. Alex Harkey, Oregon (6-6, 308 pounds)
          23. Jeremiah Wright, Auburn (6-,5, 331 pounds)
          24. Pat Coogan, Indiana (6-5, 311 pounds)
          25. Anez Cooper, Miami (6-6, 334 pounds)
          26. Chris Adams, Memphis (6-5, 311 pounds)

          Edge rushers

          1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)
          2. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)
          3. David Bailey, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)
          4. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)
          5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)
          6. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)
          7. T.J. Parker, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)
          8. Zion Young, Missouri (6-6, 262 pounds)
          9. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (6-2, 241 pounds)
          10. Malachi Lawrence, UCF (6-4, 253 pounds)
          11. Gabe Jacas, Illinois (6-4, 260 pounds)
          12. Romello Height, Texas Tech (6-3, 239 pounds)
          13. Anthony Lucas, USC (6-6, 256 pounds)
          14. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee (6-3, 242 pounds)
          15. Derrick Moore, Michigan (6-4, 255 pounds)
          16. LT Overton, Alabama (6-3, 274 pounds)
          17. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (6-5, 270 pounds)
          18. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan (6-4, 240 pounds)
          19. Keyron Crawford, Auburn (6-6, 256 pounds)
          20. Tyreak Sapp, Florida (6-2, 273 pounds)
          21. Mikail Kamara, Indiana (6-1, 265 pounds)
          22. Ethan Burke, Texas (6-6, 267 pounds)
          23. Max Llewellyn, Iowa (6-6, 258 pounds)
          24. Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan (6-2, 247 pounds)
          25. Wesley Williams, Duke (6-4, 256 pounds)
          26. Caden Curry, Ohio State (6-3, 257 pounds)
          27. Mason Reiger, Wisconsin (6-5, 251 pounds)
          28. Cian Slone, NC State (6-4, 235 pounds)
          29. Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke (6-6, 258 pounds)
          30. George Gumbs Jr., Florida (6-4, 245 pounds)
          31. Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College (6-3, 233 pounds)
          32. Jack Pyburn, LSU (6-4, 258 pounds)

          Defensive tackles

          1. Peter Woods, Clemson (6-3, 298 pounds)
          2. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
          3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (6-4, 318 pounds)
          4. Christen Miller, Georgia (6-4, 321 pounds)
          5. Caleb Banks, Florida (6-6, 327 pounds)
          6. Gracen Halton, Oklahoma (6-3, 293 pounds)
          7. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (6-2, 322 pounds)
          8. Rayshaun Benny, Michigan (6-3, 298 pounds)
          9. Chris McClellan, Missouri (6-4, 313 pounds)
          10. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State (6-6, 315 pounds)
          11. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati (6-1, 340 pounds)
          12. Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana (6-2, 291 pounds)
          13. Zxavian Harris, Mississippi State (6-8, 330 pounds)
          14. Tim Keenan III, Alabama (6-1, 327 pounds)
          15. Albert Regis, Texas A&M (6-1, 195 pounds)
          16. Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech (6-1, 280 pounds)
          17. DeMonte Capehart, Clemson (6-5, 313 pounds)
          18. Zane Durant, Penn State (6-1, 190 pounds)
          19. Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M (6-3, 292 pounds)
          20. Nick Barrett, South Carolina (6-3, 312 pounds)
          21. Bryson Eason, Tennessee (6-2, 323 pounds)
          22. Jordan van der Berg, Georgia Tech (6-3, 310 pounds)

          Linebackers

          1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)
          2. C.J. Allen, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)
          3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (6-2, 238 pounds)
          4. Jake Golday, Cincinnati (6-5, 239 pounds)
          5. Josiah Trotter, Missouri (6-2, 237 pounds)
          6. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (6-1, 231 pounds)
          7. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 220 pounds)
          8. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (6-3, 226 pounds)
          9. Taurean York, Texas A&M (5-11, 226 pounds)
          10. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (6-1, 233 pounds)
          11. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU (6-2, 234 pounds)
          12. Aiden Fisher, Indiana (6-1, 232 pounds)
          13. Trey Moore, Texas (6-2, 243 pounds)
          14. Red Murdock, Buffalo (6-2, 232 pounds)
          15. Lander Barton, Utah (6-5, 233 pounds)
          16. Owen Heinicke, Oklahoma (6-1, 227 pounds)
          17. Jack Kelly, BYU (6-2, 240 pounds)
          18. Jimmy Rolder, Michigan (6-2, 240 pounds)
          19. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU (6-1, 223 pounds)

          Cornerbacks

          1. Mansoor Delane, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)
          2. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
          3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
          4. Colton Hood, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)
          5. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina (6-0, 189 pounds)
          6. Keith Abney II, Arizona State (5-10, 187 pounds)
          7. Chris Johnson, San Diego State (6-0, 193 pounds)
          8. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana (5-9, 182 pounds)
          9. Malik Muhammad, Texas (6-0, 182 pounds)
          10. Devin Moore, Florida (6-3, 198 pounds)
          11. Chandler Rivers, Duke (5-10, 185 pounds)
          12. Julian Neal, Arkansas (6-2, 203 pounds)
          13. Treydan Stukes, Arizona (6-1, 190 pounds)
          14. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (6-2, 189 pounds)
          15. Daylen Everette, Georgia (6-1, 196 pounds)
          16. Hezekiah Masses, California (6-1, 179 pounds)
          17. Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin (6-1, 193 pounds)
          18. Tacario Davis, Washington (6-4, 194 pounds)
          19. Devon Marshall, CB, NC State (5-11, 200 pounds)
          20. Ephesians Prysock, Washington (6-3, 196 pounds)
          21. Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina (6-1, 195 pounds)
          22. Brent Austin, California (5-11, 180 pounds)
          23. DeVonta Smith, Notre Dame (5-11, 195 pounds)
          24. Lorenzo Styles II, Ohio State (6-0, 194 pounds)
          25. Domani Jackson, Alabama (6-1, 194 pounds)
          26. T.J. Hall, Iowa (6-1, 189 pounds)

          Safeties

          1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)
          2. Dillon Thienman, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
          3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)
          4. Keionte Scott, Miami (5-11, 193 pounds)
          5. A.J. Haulcy, LSU (6-0, 215 pounds)
          6. Genesis Smith, Arizona (6-2, 202 pounds)
          7. Jalon Kllgore, South Carolina (6-1, 210 pounds)
          8. Kamari Ramsey, USC (6-0, 202 pounds)
          9. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State (6-3, 203 pounds)
          10. Michael Taaffe, Texas (6-0, 190 pounds)
          11. VJ Payne, Kansas State (6-3, 206 pounds)
          12. Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU (6-1, 205 pounds)
          13. Bishop Fitzgerald, USC (5-11, 201 pounds)
          14. Bud Clark, TCU (6-1, 188 pounds)
          15. Andre Fuller, Toledo (6-1, 200 pounds)
          16. Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech (6-4, 220 pounds)
          17. Louis Moore, Indiana (5-11, 191 pounds)
          18. Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma (6-2, 205 pounds)
          19. Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame (6-0, 199 pounds)

          Kickers

          1. Dominic Svada, Michigan (6-3, 178 pounds)
          2. Trey Smack, Florida (6-1, 188 pounds)

          Punters

          1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (6-1, 237 pounds)
          2. Tommy Doman Jr., Florida (6-4, 214 pounds)

          IPL 2026: ‘Sycophancy around MS Dhoni’- Sanjay Manjrekar blasts CSK management

          Chennai Super Kings have had a difficult beginning to their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign, managing just two wins from their first six matches and slipping to seventh on the points table.

          Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has faced growing criticism, not only for the team’s results but also for his own struggles with the bat. Across six innings, he has scored only 82 runs at an average of 13.67 and a strike rate of 112.33, numbers that reflect his dip in form.



          However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the responsibility cannot rest solely on the young skipper. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast, he pointed towards the decision-makers behind the scenes.

          “This blame, I’m going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order,” Manjrekar said.

          He also suggested that the constant spotlight around MS Dhoni has complicated matters for Gaikwad.

          “And then that thing with M.S Dhoni, whether he’s going to be playing, whether he’s going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn’t just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it,” he added.

          Manjrekar backed his point by recalling a past moment involving Dhoni that drew a strong reaction from fans.

          “There was [this] one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They [fans] got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture.”

          Dhoni, meanwhile, has not played any part in IPL 2026 so far after sustaining a calf strain ahead of the season.

          When asked whether his return could ease the pressure on Gaikwad, Manjrekar appeared uncertain, raising questions about how the veteran would fit into the current setup.

          “Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he’s finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – ‘What an innings.’ And it lasted four balls.

          “So that’s not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge,” he said.

          The former cricketer also broadened the discussion, comparing CSK’s approach with that of Mumbai Indians, suggesting both franchises can be overly attached to established stars.

          “CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you’re not getting people who are in their prime. It’s like living in the past a little bit. It’s just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It’s such a modern-day format, so it’s best to be current with everything that you do with your team,” Manjrekar added.

          Fan Letters: “Aston Villa Are A Model Sunderland Can Emulate”

          BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: John McGinn of Aston Villa prepares to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) | Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

          Want to have your say on all things Sunderland? Drop us a line and we’ll publish your views! RokerReport@yahoo.co.uk


          Dear Roker Report,

          Driving home from Villa Park, our conversation was one for our future. The last ten minutes or so — you don’t script it.

          Losing, drawing, should’ve won, then lost, but Aston Villa are a model Sunderland can emulate.

          Not so long ago, Villa were in the Championship. They got promoted and for the first couple of years survived but also built a foundation to progress. Now they’re in a European semi-final and in a Champions League position within a decade.

          Survival was always our aim this season — anything else is a bonus and next season, we carry on building.

          Like Villa, we have a good fan base and stadium. With more shrewd signings, we can continue the dream as to be honest, we’re not far off the top six as it stands. However, we can’t take backward steps in selling our assets.

          Mark

          Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Mark. Thank you for your letter.

          The point you raise about Aston Villa being the kind of club that Sunderland should try to emulate is very valid — and perhaps even more so after Sunday’s game.

          Of all the teams currently in the Premier League’s top six, I admire them the most. Why? Because they’re somewhat comparable in stature and history to ourselves; they’ve got a bit of everything as a team and Unai Emery is one of the shrewdest and most effective managers around, getting the absolute maximum out of the resources at his disposal and keeping Villa competitive season after season.

          That’s most definitely something from which we can take some cues and although Sunday’s loss was frustrating, it ought to be a worthwhile exercise in the long term.



          Dear Roker Report,

          I’m sure I’m far from alone in my thinking regarding the future of our young players — and if we believe the hype, Brian Brobbey is already gone along with Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs and a few others.

          It never seems to stop. I get that it’s in some ways a positive thing, as it shows we’re being taken seriously, but there is the other side of the coin.

          Since in this region, football is everything, we treat our players as heroes and they have a certain standing that does not happen in other regions. If they believe the hype, they could well decide they want to go, and let’s be honest, what can stop them if they do? They may well bomb elsewhere (as do the vast majority of players once they leave this club), but if they do go, where do we actually find replacements?

          It’s fine knowing we have a brilliant scouting system, but Régis Le Bris has performed miracles in knitting this squad together and he might not be able to repeat with five or six new players next season if we sell the spine of the team.

          As I mentioned, if a player wants away, there’s little or nothing a club can do to hold onto him, but please let’s not hasten such moves.

          What we should all be hoping is that we keep our first-teamers and add even more quality and that can take us to the next stage. As fans, we’ve waited decades for genuine hope and we need to also hope the players don’t get caught up in the carousel of fantasy football.

          Peter Milton

          Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Peter. Thank you for getting in touch.

          It’s the classic scenario, isn’t it?

          Phrases such as “feeder club” and “stepping stone” never seem to be far from the discussion when we talk about Sunderland’s chances of retaining our key players for 2026/2027 and possibly beyond, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of rumours and speculation about the players you mentioned once the season is done and dusted.

          My view of the situation is this: I want Sunderland to fight as strongly as possible in order to keep our key men in the fold and I also hope they would see the appeal of staying on Wearside for as long as possible, but I also accept that there’s a pecking order in world football and that if clubs with greater resources than ourselves come knocking, it’s always going to be hard to resist the urge to sell.

          This isn’t a situation in which we alone find ourselves, and I do feel that those making the decisions on transfers have earned our trust. If 2025/2026 has told us anything, it’s that Sunderland is a very attractive destination for potential signings — and that’s a real ace card for us.



          On This Day (21st April 2007): Keane Vows To Respond After Unbeaten Run Ends!

          23/09/2006 - Coca Cola Championship - Ipswich Town v Sunderland, Sunderland manager Roy Keane looks on anxiously. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images) | Offside via Getty Images

          All good things must come to an end at some stage and despite a run of seventeen games undefeated, I recall a sense of panic and slight frustration that did surround the 3-1 defeat to Colchester United on this day in 2007.

          This sense of frustration wasn’t some irrational outrage that we lost a game after a fabulous run of form but rather a sense of insecurity that a defeat had occurred at what could be the worst possible time on the journey of our quest for promotion to the Premier League.

          This was the third-last game of the season and with Sunderland fighting with Derby County and Birmingham City for an automatic promotion position after a sensational run of form after Christmas, even one defeat such as this could derail things significantly.

          Credit to Colchester – they were due full credit for their 3-1 win on this occasion where they used the intimate surroundings of Layer Road to their advantage and equally refused to be intimidated by the sideline presence of Roy Keane too.

          Whilst this was a poor defeat for us, it still took two late goals from Jamie Cureton and Richard Garcia to give the home side the victory and leave us seeking three points at home to Burnley the following week to try to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

          One would be forgiven for thinking that this would be the ideal situation for Keane to produce one of his infamous dressing-room tantrums or bust-ups but when he spoke to the media, the Corkman displayed a more mild-mannered and measured tone insisting there was nothing to panic about and it was all in our hands.

          “We’re disappointed to lose but it’s still in our hands and we’ll try and bounce back next week.

          “When we got back to 1-1 we thought we could get something from the game but it wasn’t to be.

          “I have no problem with the effort and desire we showed and you have to give credit to the opposition.”

          Even if he was tormented inside, Keane’s calmness in the title run-in surely played an enormous role in keeping his players grounded. His previous knowledge of situations like this would have been seen as massively reassuring and Keane’s defender, Danny Collins echoed his manager’s comments, insisting that they wanted to ‘right the wrongs’ of the Colchester game at the Stadium of Light.

          “It would have been nice for the season to have finished with us unbeaten in 2007 but all I will say is that we are all hungry for Friday night now. It’ll be the last home game and hopefully there will be a big crowd.

          “At this stage of the season there’s no time really for ranting and raving, just disappointment. There is, though, an attitude that we all want to put this result right on Friday night.”

          It is clear to see why this promoted side earned so many results – with a large amount of them coming in the last few minutes of games – where Keane inspired a young impressionable group with his wisdom of winning big moments and key battles from his Manchester United days.

          At a time when the Irishman was giving us countless memorable moments, one of the greatest ones from the Stadium of Light days was just about to occur when the squad made amends for the Colchester defeat with a huge 3-2 win over Burnley which put us on the verge of promotion to the Premier League.

          Why were we all worrying?

          Keep Your Head Up, Habib!

          BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Habib Diarra of Sunderland in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images


          Anth Gair says…

          In my honest opinion, let’s not pretend it was anything other than horrendous.

          Most of the fanbase would probably rather we lost 3-1 and gone home quietly than go through that rollercoaster and still wind up taking nothing home with us. The miss will haunt a few of us for a while yet, I don’t mind telling you…but here’s the thing.

          Habib, you’re twenty two years of age. You have a long career ahead of you and if your biggest moment of regret this season is a save from Emi Martínez, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

          Friday is Nottingham Forest (and my birthday — thanks in advance), and Friday is your opportunity to make amends. No moping, no sulking, no fannying about in the middle of the park and hoping somebody else picks up the slack. Get on the ball, do something with it and stick one in the net for the lads who dedicate their hard-earned to watch you in that stadium.

          Chances like the one at Villa won’t come along every week in the Premier League. The next one that does, put it away. Haway the lads — and Habib, you can put this right against Forest by keeping your head in the game!


          Ciaran McKenna says…

          In football, mistakes are constant.

          Some are more consequential than others, but they’re part of both the game itself and a player’s progression, and Diarra just needs to move past it and get onto the next game. He’s been a brilliant addition to the squad with his pace, power and talent — and one error can’t cancel out all the good he has done for the Lads this season.

          In the moment, Diarra showed real resilience.

          To be able to make that gut-busting run, that late on and during an end-to-end game just shows how much he’s willing to give, and he also showed great confidence to take it on by himself. Yes, in hindsight, he could’ve picked a corner or even rolled it to his right for Chemsdine Talbi to tap it in, but ultimately it wasn’t a bad effort and he forced a brilliant save.

          I also appreciated the maturity it took to apologise to the team afterwards, although I’m sure that the other players will have had the same reaction as I and many others have had.

          The error was compounded by the fact that they went straight down the other end and scored the winner, but we didn’t lose this game because of his one missed opportunity. There were other mistakes made by other players, which will be addressed the same as his. Forget it, move on and make up for it.

          In times like this, we need to support him. Diarra is a brilliant footballer who’ll have many more brilliant moments in red and white, as long as we allow him to.


          Malc Dugdale says…

          I’d have to argue against my mate Gair here, despite the fact his birthday is on the way (happy birthday in advance, bud — let’s hope it’s a great one).

          That wasn’t “horrendous” for me — it was just football, and way more experienced players have done the same and worse. Maybe we’ve gotten so used to ‘Til The End’ going in our favour that when it doesn’t come off, we’re even more gutted.

          That’s a compliment to the squad, that they’ve taken our expectations to such a level that this was taken like a kick in the family jewels, especially after we’d done so well to come back from two down.

          With perspective, this was a great chance made by a lung-busting run way into injury time. Diarra made the run and put a shot on target, and it was saved by the Villa goalkeeper when nine times out of ten, a deft little lift over the stopper like that would’ve meant a fourth goal.

          Even the best make mistakes, though. A matter of weeks ago, we were all rueing the panenka that Enzo Le Fée fluffed, but did that make him any less of a talented young Sunderland footballer? Of course it didn’t. Le Fée has learned and grown from that, and that’s exactly what Diarra will do, and I expect him to do.

          Chin up, lad.

          You gave it your best shot, and it didn’t come off. You’ve said your bit to the lads and that’s big of you. You’ll be all the better for the mistakes you make and grow from.


          Tom Albrighton says…

          I think the message is simple, and really it shouldn’t need to be said.

          I’ve no doubt that Diarra will be the first to be critical of his mistake and his miscalculation, so any negativity from outside will be of absolutely no use. Mistakes happen. That’s football but what we as fans have to do now is back our player — we were all there when Eliezer Mayenda missed a sitter at Blackburn, and look how that turned out.

          When you build a team of young, exciting footballers, mistakes are inevitable.

          To a degree, these mistakes should be welcomed as they show players getting in the right positions and being brave enough to back themselves. Not only this, they create the opportunities for players to learn, grow and for bonds to strengthen as their teammates and fans rally round them.

          It’s a shame that Diarra made the mistake but his one error of judgement is not the sole reason Sunderland didn’t win a game of football, and he shouldn’t be criticised or chastised as such.

          In the wake of a phenomenal season built on skill, determination and togetherness, it would be incredibly short-sighted to write Diarra off — after all, he isn’t the first and nor will he be the last player to make an error in a Sunderland shirt.

          Chin up, and onto the next one, bonny lad.


          View From The Away End: Villa Park Heartbreaker… But A Canny Day Out

          For the first time in what feels like decades, Sunderland fans can largely relax, and enjoy the drama playing out above and below us at the top and bottom of the table. We’re in a sweet spot where we have a tantalising goal to aim for in the shape of European qualification, but no real pressure to achieve it, with the main objective for the season already well and truly in the bag.

          About a month ago, our season seemed in danger of fizzling out, but after that incredible win in the derby (which I am in no way bitter about having missed) and an unspectacular but solid win over the 2026/27’s runaway Banter Club Tottenham Hotspur, we headed to Villa Park on the crest of a wave. The gap between these games was mainly characterised by the hilariously overblown reactions from Spurs fans currently in the “anger” stage of grief, generally depicting Brian Brobbey as some sort of evil bogeyman responsible for every injustice in football.

          Unsurprisingly, there was a real clamour for tickets for this one, and the awkward Sunday kick-off time didn’t reduce the excitement among the fans. I’d certainly tolerate plenty of Sunday kick-offs next season if it means we’ve nabbed a Conference League spot, but let’s worry about that if and when we come to it.

          There was an early blow as a tube shutdown led to us missing our scheduled train, but it wasn’t the end of the world as it gave time for a nice pint in the sun outside King’s Cross. We were joined by Jonny, a Villa-supporting friend of the London Branch, though we made it clear that if the result went horribly wrong he could make his own way home.

          Villa have enjoyed a strangely up-and-down season in the league, but still find themselves well in the driving seat for a Champions League place and have a good chance of bringing home the Europa League trophy, so we knew an extremely tough test awaited. The reverse fixture back in September feels like an age ago. We really acquitted ourselves well to claim a deserved point after Reinildo’s red card, and hopefully a similar performance this time around would see us leave with something in the bag.

          Pulling into sunny Birmingham, we headed to the Figure of Eight Wetherspoons to enjoy the beer garden weather before jumping in an Uber to the ground. This is always my favourite part of the season, when T-shirt weather is on the cards, and every game feels crucial, so there was a palpable sense of anticipation before kick-off. Villa Park has always been one of my favourite grounds, with imposing architecture seeped in tradition from the outside, but the same run-down scruffiness as everywhere else on the inside.

          The Lads took to the field in our blue away kit for some reason, which seems a strange choice to me as that is surely the one that clashes with Villa’s, but there’s doubtlessly some commercial motivation behind it. It was a disastrous start as Villa carved us open down our left, and poor marking from Sunderland left Watkins completely free to head home.

          To the credit of the away end, the atmosphere remained buoyant; our record when going behind has done a lot to strengthen belief in the fanbase as well as on the pitch. Rigg’s brilliantly-taken equaliser was a rich reward for a great run of form, which is fantastic to see from a home-grown player. Another advantage of being in the ground was that we didn’t have to listen to the tedious references to his Geordie roots from the Sky commentators, always desperate to shoehorn a narrative in whenever they can.

          We continued to hold our own for a while, until another similarly slack moment at the back left Watkins with another tap-in, and we retreated to the concourse at half-time a goal down. The painfully inadequate service at the bar meant we’d only just grabbed our half-time refreshments when Rogers doubled Villa’s lead, and there was a slight temptation to sit out the rest of the game in case of a repeat of the 6-1 loss here under Di Canio.

          Thankfully, it was well worth returning to the stands to witness two brilliant quickfire goals that sent the away end into absolute bedlam. Travelling SAFC fans really have been treated to some great moments recently (again, still not bitter about missing the derby). Things could have been even more delirious when Diarra was played through, but unfortunately he lacked the composure of Isidor and made an ill-judged attempt to chip Martinez.

          When we switched off from another cross and Abraham headed home seconds later, it felt like a genuine dagger to the stomach. You’d almost rather have just lost the game limply than have that elation and hope suddenly snatched away from you. There was no time for us to produce a third equaliser, and the home end erupted in celebration, while we saluted an excellent but ultimately vain effort from the Lads.

          Fortunately, there’s only a short turnaround until the Forest game; the other results from the weekend didn’t do too much damage to our league position, and the squad will be desperate to put things right after coming so close to a fantastic result. This was arguably the toughest of our remaining games on paper, and if we can reproduce this level of attacking play and cut out the sloppiness at the back going forward, there might still be something truly remarkable to celebrate at the end of May.

          Sunlun’… It’s A Crazy Ride!

          BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Habib Diarra of Sunderland is challenged by Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) | Getty Images


          Be honest: when we made our way to the Stadium of Light for the opening game of the season against West Ham (which frankly feels like a lifetime ago — the result of an utterly intoxicating and unforgettable campaign), what were your hopes and aspirations for 2025/2026?

          For Sunderland to merely avoid relegation? To enjoy a respectable return to the top flight and to maybe pick up one or two notable results along the way — or perhaps even put together a sustained challenge for the top ten?

          To say the least, it was a step into the unknown for all of us.

          A new team had been built, Granit Xhaka was here to lead us, optimism was sky high and we were all doubtless intrigued by what was coming. On the surface, we’d put together a team filled with promise and that looked capable of mixing it, but you never know exactly how ambition and reality will mesh in the Premier League.


          In that sense, this season has surely surpassed anything we might’ve dared to dream of — even if we’ve had to absorb some painful jabs along the way.

          When the full time whistle blew at Villa Park on Sunday, with the Lads on their knees after losing a genuine all-timer of a clash with Aston Villa, it felt like the crystallization of our entire campaign: a memorable game and a highly competitive, gutsy performance, but one hampered by one or two weaknesses that ultimately proved costly against a side that looks set for Champions League football and more than likely, Europa League success as well.

          The stakes for this game had been raised as a result of an insanely congested mid-table, some superb recent results and the growing aspirations of the Lads’ fans.

          European football. Sunderland AFC. European football. Sunderland AFC. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? We still might accomplish the improbable, yet even if we don’t, the love we’ve fostered for this side shouldn’t be diminished and nor should this season be deemed a ‘failure’.

          We’ve all dreamed about welcoming continental sides to Wearside on crisp evenings under the lights as well as trekking to far-flung stadiums for European clashes ourselves, but if we don’t get there, so be it. A top ten finish would be an exceptional achievement and would surely give us a solid foundation on which to build for 2026/2027.

          As if we didn’t know this ahead of Sunday’s barnstormer, by no reasonable measurement are Sunderland the perfect football team — far from it, in fact.

          We can be blunt in attack, occasionally ropey at the back and our productivity from the wings is something that needs to be addressed ahead of the new season, yet we’re also a dynamic, lively and highly watchable side, filled with players around whom it’s easy to rally and support, and have represented our club with distinction this season.


          Control of games is something that we’ve often sought this season, but Sunday was something different entirely.

          Truth be told, we were always on the edge against Unai Emery’s side, often being stretched and forced into positions in which we perhaps didn’t want to find ourselves.

          OK, you could argue that we were the masters of our own downfall for three of their goals and the lesson about not giving the elite sides easy openings needs to be heeded, but this team’s refusal to crumble is hard to overlook and a late two-goal blast merely backed it up.

          If the victories over Leeds and Newcastle were memorable, seeing this one through would’ve topped the lot. As one more example of why this is a team to truly believe in, it was worth every penny; as an illustration of how much work we need to undertake in order to continue to progress, it was priceless.

          In the case of Habib Diarra — a player of whom most, if not all Sunderland fans were speaking highly earlier in the season and will doubtless be backed to respond strongly from the missed chance to win it — was it merely a case of “Right intentions, poor execution” or did Emi Martínez simply do what he does best; enough to put Diarra off and deny Sunderland a famous victory?

          These things happen. Hyping up a player when he’s in excellent form and can do no wrong? Easy. Tearing a player down when he misses a chance? Easy. Standing up for a player after he misses a game-winning opportunity? Occasionally hard, but we owe that to him, for me.

          He’ll need to show some real strength of character in order to bounce back, but my faith in him, as well as this side and its prospects remains as solid as ever.

          This is no plucky underdog story. This isn’t a group of players who are here on an autograph-hunting mission or to collect shirts from opponents they’ve long admired from afar. These lads are serious about competing and winning, even if Sunday’s game didn’t go their way when all was said and done.

          Diarra will be back. Sunderland will be back. And this most captivating of seasons has five more chapters yet to be written — starting with what’ll hopefully be a raucous Friday night clash with Nottingham Forest. Time to reset and get back to it, lads.


          Early 2026 MLB trade candidate: Tigers prospect Max Anderson caught in 2B glut

          Detroit Tigers helmet

          Early 2026 MLB trade candidate: Tigers prospect Max Anderson caught in 2B glut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          Detroit Tigers prospect Max Anderson is having a difficult time standing out.

          Drafted as a second baseman in 2023, Anderson added third and first base to his minor-league resume. The Tigers' organization values infield versatility, but with major leaguers like Gleyber Torres, Colt Keith, rookie Kevin McGonigle and Zach McKinstry in his way, Anderson could be considered a top trade candidate, according to ESPN.

          Tigers prospect Max Anderson needs separation

          The Tigers' 26-man roster appears to have few holes. Their second-base coverage is a bit crowded, with no fewer than four players able to play the position. At Triple-A Toledo, Anderson was joined by Gage Workman, Jace Jung and Hao-Yu Lee, who is currently on call with the Tigers, capable of playing several infield spots.

          Anderson, who is on the seven-day injured list with a left quad strain, appeared in four games with the Mud Hens, collecting five hits in 16 at-bats. The former second-round draft pick out of Nebraska compiled a .282 batting average in 1,155 minor-league at-bats. Rapidly advancing through the farm system, Anderson collected 32 home runs and 188 RBI with four teams.

          The Tigers wanted Anderson to experience the Arizona Fall League last winter, collecting 21 hits in 47 at-bats for Scottsdale. Prospects in the Tigers' system are on the move. Former first-round shortstops Bryce Rainer advanced to high Single-A West Michigan, while Jordan Yost received a Lakeland summons.

          Organizational depth remains a front-office goal for all MLB teams, but with the bevy of infielders in the Tigers' system, Anderson could be made available.

          Could the Tigers net a teenage pitching prospect for the seasoned offensive threat with questionable infield instincts?

          The Tigers' brass will likely find out.

          Cease strikes out 12 in 5 innings and Guerrero homers as the Blue Jays beat the Angels 5-2

          ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Dylan Cease struck out 12 in five innings and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 on Monday night.

          Lenyn Sosa put Toronto ahead with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Nathan Lukes knocked in two late insurance runs after coming off the bench.

          Cease (1-0) earned his first win for the Blue Jays and finished one strikeout shy of his career high despite needing 110 pitches to get 15 outs. The right-hander, who signed a $210 million, seven-year contract as a free agent in December, limited the Angels to two runs and five hits. He walked two and whiffed Jorge Soler with a 99 mph fastball on his final pitch.

          Toronto reliever Braydon Fisher threw a scoreless sixth, Louis Varland struck out three of his four batters and Tyler Rogers got the final two outs in the eighth. Struggling closer Jeff Hoffman fanned three in a one-hit ninth for his third save.

          Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2) gave up four runs and five hits in six innings, striking out five and walking two. Los Angeles struck out a season-high 18 times and has lost three straight.

          The Blue Jays snapped a 2-all tie in the sixth after Guerrero and Eloy Jiménez singled. Guerrero went to third on Kazuma Okamoto’s grounder and scored on Sosa’s sacrifice fly.

          Lukes drove in a run with a pinch-hit single in the seventh and added an RBI groundout that made it 5-2 in the ninth.

          The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the first when Nolan Schanuel doubled and Soler, who had one hit and 13 strikeouts in 23 career at-bats against Cease, roped an RBI single to left field.

          Toronto countered with two in the third when Davis Schneider walked and Guerrero crushed a hanging changeup 430 feet to center for his second homer this season.

          The Angels tied it at 2 in the bottom half. Zach Neto walked, Mike Trout singled, and after a double steal, Schanuel hit a sacrifice fly.

          Up next

          Blue Jays LHP Patrick Corbin (0-0, 4.66 ERA) will oppose Angels RHP Jack Kochanowicz (2-0, 3.47 ERA) on Tuesday night.

          ___

          AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

          “Regardless of” – Liam Rosenior disagrees with Cole Palmer’s recent comments

          “Regardless of” – Liam Rosenior disagrees with Cole Palmer’s recent comments
          “Regardless of” – Liam Rosenior disagrees with Cole Palmer’s recent comments

          Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has come out and disagreed with recent comments made by midfielder Cole Palmer.

          Chelsea are in a real fight now if they want any chance of finishing in the Champions League qualifying spots. They have slipped 7 points behind 5th place Liverpool as the games run down. They are actually closer to 14th place than they are to the Champions League qualification positions right now, and Palmer basically said that if they don’t get Champions League next season then everything changes.

          EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea set for midfield rebuild! 3 in, 3 out? New names targeted here!!

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          It’s impossible to know exactly what he means by that, whether it’s an individual thing for his future, or just for the future of the club overall, but Palmer believes things change if we don’t get Champions League football next season.

          Rosenior does not agree

          In quotes picked up by The Evening Standard, Rosenior said when asked about Palmer’s interview:

          “I actually got sent Cole’s interview. I thought it was an outstanding interview by someone who cares about the football club.

          “Not everything changes — but what I don’t want to do is sit here and talk about us not qualifying for the Champions League, because we’re still fighting for it.

          “The reality is, does everything change? No. The plan, in terms of what this team needs and what we need to be successful, doesn’t. The context around that does. So, money, especially finances, that type of thing.

          “We’re all aligned, regardless of whether we’re in the Champions League or not, and what this team needs, long-term, to be successful. So everything doesn’t change; it just makes it a lot easier if we are in the Champions League.”

          In other news today…

          Cole Palmer was annoyed with Alejandro Garnacho for switching off at a crucial moment and allowing Man Utd to score on Saturday. A video captured his angry reaction.

          And also on Garnacho, a journalist has claimed that whoever signed him at Chelsea should be sacked on the spot, because he’s never been good enough.

          DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

          Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

          Warsofsky: “I know we fell short, but I don’t want them to be defined by that”

          Apr 06, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; during San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center. Photo: Sport Shots / Dean Tait

          Ryan Warsofsky officially has two full NHL seasons under his belt as head coach, although he’s still the youngest active NHL coach at age 38.

          And this season, he got a chance to coach the San Jose Sharks to a lot more wins, and a lot more tight losses. The Sharks went from 20 wins to 39, earning 34 more points along the way.

          He says he’s learned a lot this year.

          “I learned a lot about relationships and people and how tight this league is – how hard it is to continue to win in it and be consistent in winning,” Warsofsky said. “And as soon as you think you have it figured out, it smacks you in the face a little bit. I’ll look back and we’ll review the season, and do a lot of auditing of myself and and try to get a little better.”

          In particular, he said he’s grown when it comes to communication with the referees, calming down in certain moments. Also?

          “Sometimes you don’t realize what the players have gone through, or you keep beating them up,” Warsofsky said. “Do you need to spin it a little bit more positive? Or is today a day where you can be a little bit more negative, in a sense, but more so teaching and the way your tone is and your voice is? Just thinking about those scenarios as the season goes on.”

          Warsofsky spoke about surprise players, what he’ll remember, being emotional about the end of the season, and more.

          On the family energy of this year’s San Jose Sharks…

          I think it’s the only way you can really win at the end of the day, is you got to have that family feel and everyone’s welcome. We have a lot of players and people from a lot of different backgrounds, different countries, different cultures, raised by single parents, only child, four brothers and sisters, and everyone’s brought up a little bit differently. You’ve got to welcome everyone and make everyone feel very important, and everyone is important. So for me it’s a big step in creating a culture, and that’s how you have to win. Everyone’s got to feel important and valued and has got to have a voice, and play for one another, and believe in one another. That all bleeds into all that. So it’s just a big belief of my philosophy.

          On Macklin Celebrini’s year…

          I don’t think anyone had those expectations, but he certainly exceeded them, and he did a hell of a job this year, individually and helping our group and dragging guys into it. That’s who he is as a player, and he’s just going to get better and better. It felt like every time we thought he had a ceiling, he blew the ceiling right off. I had a good meeting with Mack in training camp, and I knew that was he was on a mission. I will say that. There was a look on his face that he was ready to go. He had put the preparation and the work in in the summer, and he got more and more comfortable as the season went on it seemed.

          On positive surprises from his lineup…

          Ty Dellandrea, before he got injured, was a big surprise for us, solidifying that 3C there, right shot center had a really good year. Zack Ostapchuk comes up, another guy has a really good year. Barclay Goodrow, reinvented his game, thought he was great down the stretch for our group. I thought William Eklund, the last month, really came alive in the way he needs to play as an inside presence. Dmitry Orlov.

          I could go through every single player, and I don’t mean to disrespect anyone I don’t. I think there’s been a lot of guys, a lot of growth. Mario Ferraro, for him to experience that, I thought it was so awesome for him. He’s been through a lot. Alexander Wennberg played really good hockey for us. Sherwood’s been a great addition. Again, I could go up and down our lineup. Michael Misa has come a long way. Sam Dickinson’s came a long way. So lot of growth within our group.

          On being emotional after the final game of the season…

          It was a lot of things, it was season being over, talking to media 15 minutes after it. I’m with these guys more than I’m with my family. I hate getting emotional, but you put a lot into it, and then faces change and team changes. Mack is special. Will’s special. William Eklund. They’re all special. You build a lot of relationships with these players throughout the year, and we did a lot of special things, and a lot of laughter, a lot of arguments, a lot of discussion, a lot of video sessions, a lot of individual meetings. You go through a lot.

          It was a great group. They were coachable. They cared for one another, and that’s what it’s all about. They played for one another, and yeah, we came short, but I think they should be damn proud of what they did. I don’t know why I get emotional about it, but it was a fun, fun year that probably not a lot of people expected. No one thought we’d have 39 wins. So I give a lot of credit to those guys of just continue to push, whether we challenged them, they answered it. And I know we fell short, but I don’t want them to be defined by that.

          On what Sam Dickinson needs to work on to become a top-four defenseman…

          He’s going to have a big summer. A lot of it comes down to conditioning and being in condition. It’s a lot for a 19-year-old kid to come in the National Hockey League and play those types of minutes and this type of season. So we’ll start there, and then just some things that we need to continue to improve on – scanning, seeing the whole ice, seeing the second layer coming at you. As a defenseman you got to be able to end those plays and see it, close on it quicker. There’s still, obviously, we’ve seen the junior offense, but we get to see the NHL offense, and that doesn’t mean he has to be 120-point guy in the NHL, but there’s more offense that we can untap there.

          On what happier moments he’ll remember from this season…

          In Winnipeg the other night I think it was 6-1 with about three minutes left, and there was a lot of joy in the bench, a lot of laughter. We were disappointed, obviously, we weren’t  in the playoffs, but we were finishing the season on a high note. There was a sense of relief, but it was the guys’ probably the last time we were all together. To be honest with you I didn’t really have a pre-scout meeting we usually have. Just went into the group and said, ‘We got to compete extremely hard tonight. We got to play for one another like we have all year.’ And we know what the Winnipeg Jets – that’s no disrespect to Winnipeg – but we were just in that type of situation, back to back. So we went out there and we did that.

          I think it was Will and Mack, said ‘I don’t think we need any more pre-scouts.’ And we had a good chuckle about it and a good laugh. And those are the memories that I’ll take home with me. Those are the little things in the grind of the season and the stress and the ups and downs, you think you win and you’re relieved, you lose and you think the world’s coming to an end. So there’s a lot that goes into it, but those are the moments and those relationships are what you cherish.

          On how William Eklund improved in the final month of the season…

          I love the way he ended the season, played on the inside, got under team’s skin, was dominating in the offensive zone with puck possession. That line was really good for us. I thought he finished the season the right way.

          How can the Sharks minimize goals and chances against…

          First thing I’ll dive into is we got to keep the puck out of our net, that’s for sure. We’ll look back, and we’ll look at all the goals against, and we’ll look at whether that’s penalty kill, short handed goals, any situation. We’ll look at it, and we’ll make some changes that need to be made, but that will be step number one is keeping the puck out of our net. Step number two is our mindset to start the season needs to be, ‘We’re going out there to win games and get going.’

          On how motivating this season is for the San Jose Sharks going forward, compared to recent seasons…

          Definitely more motivating. It’s a lot more fun playing down the stretch that type of hockey, and playing in those types of games. Obviously, Nashville at home was a big game, and we go down 3-0. We did claw back, but that will be a game that we’ll look at as probably a measuring stick, in a sense, of when we’re in that situation again, how we need to start that game on time.

          On Collin Graf’s year…

          Obviously had a really good year. No one probably predicted 21 goals. Did a lot of good things. Was our first guy over the boards on our penalty kill, good stick. Got another guy, I think can continue to get stronger. He’ll get more comfortable, play him up and down our lineup, but more of a guy that was slated as a checking line forward and moved up at times. We will see where the ceiling is.

          On his plans for the offseason…

          Stay here in San Jose for a little while. It’ll be nice, my kids are in school, so that would be good to hang with my family. My son’s in baseball right now, and I love baseball, so it’s nice to – the baseball field is my therapy, so I can get away a little bit. So I’ll spend some time with family and do a little traveling, and then head back east and see some more family, and then before you know it, I’ll be seeing your guys’ faces all over again.

          The post Warsofsky: “I know we fell short, but I don’t want them to be defined by that” appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.

          Young Chowchilla golf star heads to Chevron Championship after strong finish in the 'City of Stars'

          Asterisk Talley will make her ninth start in a professional event this week at the Chevron Championship, the first major championship of the year, teeing off Thursday in Houston, Texas.

          The 17-year-old Chowchilla native enters the event coming off a tie for 13th place at -9 in the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, where her golf skills were on full display after getting in on a sponsor's invite.

          Asterisk Talley fires a 3rd round 69 and is -7 at the JM Eagle LA Championship. Chowchilla junior is beating some 100 pros in her 8th pro event. @abc30pic.twitter.com/kqVRaOghjO

          — Stephen Hicks (@StephenABC30) April 18, 2026

          Talley's distance off the tee was among the most noticeable.

          She averaged 290 yards, leaving her well ahead of her professional playing partners. She also consistently put herself in scoring position, routinely giving herself birdie opportunities on the way to four straight rounds under par. "Just happy that I'm able to shoot under par when I'm not playing my total best," Talley told Action News.

          Her comfort level off the course was also noticeable as she spent time after her rounds signing autographs and taking photos with young fans.

          Talley will have a family friend from Ohio caddy for her in Houston, who Talley says is "one of my favorite people."

          She noted how his humor in the course can keep things like when the stakes are so high during tournament play. "Just to have him on the bag just to kind of get some laughs in, especially when you're not having the best hole or the best day," Talley said.

          Working with different caddies has helped her better understand what she wants as she looks ahead to the future. "Just learning what caddy I kind of want, especially if I'm going to be going pro in the future, just being able to kind of feel it out and see who I would like on my bag once I get to that stage, because that's going to be a pretty important part once I get there," she said.

          Talley is not there just yet. As an amateur golfer, the Stanford commit was not eligible to collect the $74,000 in prize money she would have earned for her finish at the LA Championship.

          RELATED: Chowchilla native Asterisk Talley talks commitment to Stanford

          Thursday will be her 4th time playing in a major championship after breaking onto the scene with a low amateur finish in the 2024 US Women's Open.

          It will be her first major tournament after a heartbreaking T-4 finish in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, where she saw her final round lead wash away after twice finding Rae's Creek on hole #12.

          For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, X and Instagram.


          MHSAA softball playoff brackets for 2026 state tournament, schedule, scores

          The Mississippi high school softball playoffs are ramping up.

          Here is the playoff schedule for the 2026 MHSAA softball state tournament for Classes 1A-7A. All first- through fourth-round games will be played at the higher seed's site for Games 1 and 3 (if needed).

          MHSAA Class 1A-4A are entering their second rounds, while 5A-7A are in their first. All games will consist of a three-game series.

          The championship round will be held at Southern Miss Softball Complex in Hattiesburg. The games will run May 12-16.

          Mississippi high school softball playoff schedule, scores 2026

          Class 1A

          First round

          Thursday, April 16

          Game 1

          Sebastopol 16, West Bolivar 0

          Nanih Waiya 24, Simmons 2

          Stringer 9, Lumberton 7

          Bogue Chitto 14, Richton 2

          Biggersville 11, Hickory Flat 1

          Noxapater 16, Riverside 1

          West Lincoln 13, Taylorsville 1

          Ethel 17, Leflore County 0

          Game 2

          Sebastopol 17, West Bolivar 0; Sebastopol wins series 2-0

          Ethel 20, Leflore County 0; Ethel wins series 2-0

          Nanih Waiya 24, Simmons 0; Nanih Waiya wins series 2-0

          Friday, April 17

          Game 1

          Ingomar 14, French Camp Academy 2

          West Union 13, Thrasher 0

          Calhoun City 9, Tremont 3

          Smithville 15, Houlka 0

          Pine Grove 11, Potts Camp 10

          Vardaman 13, West Lowndes 1

          Salem 11, Resurrection Catholic 0

          Game 2

          Biggersville 17, Hickory Flat 0; Biggersville wins series 2-0

          Noxapater 13, Riverside 3; Noxapater wins series 2-0

          Smithville 15, Houlka 0; Smithville wins series 2-0

          Salem 13, Resurrection Catholic 1; Salem wins series 2-0

          West Union 13, Thrasher 0, West Union wins series 2-0

          West Lincoln 20, Taylorsville 8, West Lincoln wins series 2-0

          Vardaman 15, West Lowndes 0, Vardaman wins series 2-0

          Bogue Chitto 4, Richton 0; Bogue Chitto wins series 2-0

          Stringer 13, Lumberton 0; Stringer wins series 2-0

          Saturday, April 18

          Game 2

          Calhoun City 15, Tremont 1; Calhoun City wins series 2-0

          Ingomar 12, French Camp Academy 2; Ingomar wins series 2-0

          Monday, April 20

          Game 1

          Ashland at Wheeler, 4:30 p.m.

          Game 2

          Ashland at Wheeler, 6 p.m.

          Potts Camp at Pine Grove, 6 p.m.

          Class 2A

          First round

          Thursday, April 16

          Game 1

          Loyd Star 20, Collins 0

          Myrtle 8, Collins 1

          Game 2

          Loyd Star 20, Collins 0; Loyd Star wins series 2-0

          Friday, April 17

          Game 1

          Hatley 8, Bruce 0

          East Union 15, New Site 0

          Eupora 16, Northside 0

          J.Z. George 19, Kemper County 4

          Philadelphia 17, Leland 2

          Puckett 14, Bay Springs 3

          East Webster 15, Charleston 0

          Mize 8, Lake 4

          Wesson 20, East Marion 4

          Enterprise-Clarke 13, Pelahatchie 1

          Hamilton 12, Strayhorn 0

          Enterprise-Lincoln 13, Perry Central 8

          Clarkdale 12, Scott Central 2

          Game 2

          Myrtle 11, Walnut 3; Myrtle wins series 2-0

          East Union 19, New Site 0; East Union wins series 2-0

          East Webster 15, Charleston 0; East Webster wins series 2-0

          Hamilton 15, Strayhorn 0; Hamilton wins series 2-0

          Eupora 17, Northside 0; Eupora wins series 2-0

          J.Z. George 10, Kemper County 0; J.Z. George wins series 2-0

          Wesson 19, East Marion 0; Wesson wins series 2-0

          Saturday, April 18

          Game 1

          Sacred Heart 12, Amite County 0

          Game 2

          Lake 6, Mize 4

          Enterprise-Clarke 21 Pelahatchie 1; Enterprise-Clarke wins series 2-0

          Hatley 2, Bruce 1; Hatley wins series 2-0

          Puckett 17, Bay Springs 2; Puckett wins series 2-0

          Sacred Heart 12, Amite County 0; Sacred Heart wins series 2-0

          Clarkdale 13, Scott Central 0; Clarkdale wins series 2-0

          Enterprise-Lincoln 23, Perry Central 13; Enterprise-Lincoln wins series 2-0

          Monday, April 20

          Game 2

          Leland at Philadelphia, 4 p.m.

          Game 3

          Mize at Lake, 6 p.m.

          Class 3A

          First round

          Thursday, April 17

          Game 1

          Belmont 16, Coahoma County 0

          Nettleton 15, O’Bannon 0

          Tylertown 17, Our Lady Academy 0

          Pisgah 9, Jefferson Davis County 1

          Raleigh 5, Southeast Lauderdale 4

          Game 2

          Belmont 19, Coahoma County 0; Belmont wins series 2-0

          Friday, April 18

          Game 1

          Winona 16, Thomas E. Edwards 1

          Booneville 17, Independence 0

          Choctaw County 15, Amanda Elzy 0

          Yazoo County 18, Aberdeen 0

          Union 13, Magee 0

          Presbyterian Christian 10, Franklin County 0

          Seminary 9, Quitman 0

          West Marion 21, Port Gibson 1

          Game 2

          Southeast Lauderdale 9, Raleigh 4

          Tylertown 11, Our Lady Academy 8; Tylertown wins series 2-0

          Choctaw County 12, Amanda Elzy 0; Choctaw County wins series 2-0

          Yazoo County 10, Aberdeen 0; Yazoo County wins series 2-0

          Pisgah 15, Jefferson Davis County 1; Pisgah wins series 2-0

          Nettleton 22, O’Bannon 1; Nettleton wins series 2-0

          Saturday’s scores

          Game 2

          Quitman 5, Seminary 4

          Presbyterian Christian 14, Franklin County 2; Presbyterian Christian wins series 2-0

          Winona 16, Thomas E. Edwards 2; Winona wins series 2-0

          Booneville 18, Independence 1; Booneville wins series 2-0

          West Marion 17, Port Gibson 0; West Marion wins series 2-0

          Union 10, Magee 1; Union wins series 2-0

          Monday, April 20

          Game 1

          Alcorn Central at Holly Springs, 4 p.m.

          Game 2

          Alcorn Central at Holly Springs, 6 p.m.

          Game 3

          Southeast Lauderdale at Raleigh, 6 p.m.

          Quitman at Seminary, 6:30 p.m.

          MORE: Mississippi high school softball's top players nearing 2026 playoffs

          Class 4A

          First round

          Wednesday, April 15

          Game 1

          Louisville 6, Clarksdale 5

          Ripley 10, Greenwood 0

          Game 2

          Ripley 10, Greenwood 0; Ripley wins series 2-0

          Thursday, April 16

          Itawamba Agricultural 14, Corinth 2

          Poplarville 14, Forrest County Agricultural 2

          Mooreville 11, South Pontotoc 5

          Friday, April 17

          Game 1

          Tishomingo County 11, Houston 3

          Senatobia 19, Yazoo City 4

          Amory 11, North Pontotoc 0

          West Lauderdale 19, Forest 0

          Columbia 7, Bay High 3

          Mendenhall 12, Northeast Lauderdale 2

          Pass Christian 10, Lawrence County 0

          Choctaw Central 10, Richland 0

          Greene County 21, South Pike 0

          Newton County 13, Morton 1

          Game 2

          Itawamba Agricultural 19, Corinth 1; Itawamba Agricultural wins series 2-0

          Greene County 20, South Pike 0; Greene County wins series 2-0

          West Lauderdale 16, Forest 0; West Lauderdale wins series 2-0

          Mooreville 8, South Pontotoc 6; Mooreville wins series 2-0

          Senatobia 19, Yazoo City 1; Senatobia wins series 2-0

          Poplarville 14, Forrest County Agricultural 3; Poplarville wins series 2-0

          Saturday, April 18

          Game 1

          Kosciusko 15, Byhalia 0

          Game 2

          Houston 9, Tishomingo County 4

          North Pontotoc 8, Amory 7

          Louisville 13, Clarksdale 2; Louisville wins series 2-0

          Kosciusko 18, Byhalia 1; Kosciusko wins series 2-0

          Columbia 16, Bay High 12; Columbia wins series 2-0

          Mendenhall 12, Northeast Lauderdale 4; Mendenhall wins series 2-0

          Pass Christian 7, Lawrence County 3; Pass Christian wins series 2-0

          Choctaw Central 17, Richland 0; Choctaw Central wins series 2-0

          Newton County 12, Morton 0; Newton County wins series 2-0

          Monday, April 20

          Game 3

          Amory at North Pontotoc, 6 p.m.

          Houston at Tishomingo County, 6 p.m.

          Class 5A

          First round

          Game 1

          Thursday, April 23

          Pontotoc at Florence, 6 p.m.

          Vicksburg at New Hope, 6 p.m.

          Holmes County Central at Caledonia, 6 p.m.

          Northeast Jones at Sumrall, 6 p.m.

          Lafayette at Cleveland Central, 6 p.m.

          Friday, April 24

          Game 1

          North Pike at Vancleave, 6 p.m.

          Purvis at South Jones, 6 p.m.

          Brookhaven at East Central, 6 p.m.

          Game 2

          Sumrall at Northeast Jones, 6 p.m.

          Caledonia at Holmes County Central, 6 p.m.

          Florence at Pontotoc, 6 p.m.

          New Hope at Vicksburg, 6 p.m.

          Cleveland Central at Lafayette, 6 p.m.

          Saturday, April 25

          Game 2

          East Central at Brookhaven, 6 p.m.

          South Jones at Purvis, 6 p.m.

          Vancleave at North Pike, 6 p.m.

          Class 6A

          First round

          Thursday, April 23

          Game 1

          Ridgeland at Grenada, 5 p.m.

          Friday, April 24

          Game 1

          Lake Cormorant at Warren Central, 6 p.m.

          West Jones at Hancock, 6 p.m.

          Pascagoula at George County, 6 p.m.

          Greenville at South Panola, 6 p.m.

          Terry at Pearl River Central, 6 p.m.

          Center Hill at Neshoba Central, 6 p.m.

          Picayune at Hattiesburg, 6 p.m.

          Game 2

          Grenada at Ridgeland, 5 p.m.

          Saturday, April 25

          Game 2

          Warren Central at Lake Cormorant, 2 p.m.

          Hancock at West Jones, 6 p.m.

          South Panola at Greenville, 6 p.m.

          George County at Pascagoula, 6 p.m.

          Neshoba Central at Center Hill, 6 p.m.

          Pearl River Central at Terry, 6 p.m.

          Hattiesburg at Picayune, 7 p.m.

          Class 7A

          First round

          Thursday, April 23

          Game 1

          Madison Central at Hernando, 6 p.m.

          St. Martin at Petal, 6 p.m.

          Northwest Rankin at Gulfport, 6 p.m.

          Oxford at DeSoto Central, 6 p.m.

          Oak Grove at Ocean Springs, 6 p.m.

          Friday, April 24

          Game 1

          Tupelo at Germantown, 6 p.m.

          Brandon at D'Iberville, 6 p.m.

          Lewisburg at Clinton, 6 p.m.

          Game 2

          Northwest Rankin at Gulfport, 5 p.m.

          DeSoto Central at Oxford, 6 p.m.

          Ocean Springs at Oak Grove, 6 p.m.

          Hernando at Madison Central, 6:30 p.m.

          Saturday, April 25

          Game 2

          Petal at St. Martin, 6 p.m.

          Clinton at Lewisburg, 6 p.m.

          Germantown at Tupelo, 6 p.m.

          D'Iberville at Brandon, 6 p.m.

          Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

          This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MHSAA softball playoff brackets for 2026 state tournament, scores

          Jeanie Buss reveals whether she wants LeBron James to stay with Lakers

          Everyone is wondering what LeBron James will decide to do as far as his basketball career is concerned this summer. He could stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or leave to join another team, and although it seems pretty unlikely, retirement is also reportedly a real possibility for him once this season ends.

          There have been conflicting reports over the last several months about whether the Lakers want James to remain with them past this season. The team is projected to have roughly $50 million in salary cap space this summer, and the math could get complicated in terms of improving its roster if James wants to stay put and won't accept a major pay cut.

          In an interview on SiriusXM Radio, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss implied that she wants James to stay with the franchise if he continues playing past this season. But she also admitted that what he ultimately decides to do is up to him, via HoopsHype.

          “Well, I’ve always said I want to see him retire as a Laker,” Buss said. “But he’s going to be a free agent. It’s really his decision to make. He is a valuable player in this league, even in his 23rd season. It’s incredible what he’s done. But, you know, the decision’s going to be his, he’s a free agent, and I’m sure he’s going to look at all his opportunities. Or not. Maybe he just wants to go out quietly.

          “I mean, certainly I think one of the biggest gifts that Kobe [Bryant] gave us was that he told us in November of his last season that it was going to be his last season. So we got a chance to celebrate him. And every city he went to, I think he was even blown away at the fans in Sacramento, the fans in Boston, really showing so much love to him.

          “And I think that LeBron would probably experience the same thing. But I think it’s really up to the individual what they are comfortable with. And so, you know, LeBron has all the cards.”

          Even at age 41, James is continuing to play at a high level, and he has gracefully accepted a diminished role lately while deferring to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With Doncic and Reaves out, he has seamlessly reverted to his customary role as L.A.'s primary superstar, whether it has meant scoring lots of points or mostly playing a table-setting role.

          The future Hall of Famer had 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in L.A.'s 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of its first-round playoff series on Saturday. He clearly has a good amount left in his tank, and if he decides to play another season — or more — it shouldn't surprise anyone if he keeps playing at a similar level.

          This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jeanie Buss reveals whether she wants LeBron James to stay with Lakers

          How To Watch The Inner Circle And ONE Friday Fights 151 Live On April 24

          After a week away, ONE Championship is returning to Asia primetime with a pair of thrilling events this Friday, April 24.

          The world’s largest martial arts organization will broadcast The Inner Circle and ONE Friday Fights 151 live to over 195 countries around the globe.

          First, viewers can watch The Inner Circle live exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. ICT.

          Then, viewers can watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live via ONE Championship’s global broadcast partners at 8:30 p.m. ICT. The show can also be viewed on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, and watch.onefc.com.*

          To view your local listings and start times by region, check below.

          *Geo-restrictions apply

          Thailand 

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. ICT. 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 – called ONE Lumpinee 151 in Thailand – live on Channel 7 HD or online via Channel 7, TERO Entertainment, and ONE Championship’s social networks at 8:30 p.m. ICT.

          Channel 7 HD

          TERO Entertainment

          ONE Championship

          New Zealand

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on ESPN at 2:30 a.m. New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) on Saturday, April 25.

          Australia

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on ESPN at 12:30 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) on Saturday, April 25.

          Japan

          Watch The Inner Circle live via U-NEXT at 8:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on U-NEXT at 10:30 p.m. JST.

          South Korea

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 8:30 p.m. Korean Standard Time (KST). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com at 10:30 p.m. KST.

          China

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live via Duoyin at 9:30 p.m. China Standard Time (CST).

          Hong Kong

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hong Kong Time (HKT).

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 9:30 p.m. HKT.

          Malaysia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. Malaysia Time (MYT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 9:30 p.m. MYT. 

          Singapore

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. Singapore Standard Time (SGT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 9:30 p.m. SGT. 

          The Philippines

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on One Sports and One Sports+ at 9:30 p.m. PHT. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Mongolia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. Ulaanbaatar Standard Time. 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on Premier Sports Network at 9:30 p.m. Ulaanbaatar Standard Time. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Indonesia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on Vidio.com at 8:30 p.m. WIB. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Vietnam

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Indochina Time (ICT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on HTV The Thao at 8:30 p.m. ICT. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Cambodia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Indochina Time (ICT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com at 8:30 p.m. ICT. 

          Myanmar

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 6:00 p.m. Myanmar Time (MMT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on Skynet at 8 p.m. MMT. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com.

          Kyrgyzstan 

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 5:30 p.m. Kyrgyzstan Time (KGT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 7:30 p.m. KGT. 

          India

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 5:00 p.m. India Standard Time (IST). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on Star Sports Select 2 and JioHotstar at 7:00 p.m. IST. 

          Uzbekistan

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 4:30 p.m. Uzbekistan Time (UZT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 6:30 p.m. UZT. 

          Turkmenistan

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 4:30 p.m. Turkmenistan Time (TMT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 6:30 p.m. TMT. 

          Tajikistan

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tajikistan Time (TJT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 6:30 p.m. TJT. 

          Georgia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. Georgia Standard Time (GET). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 5:30 p.m. GET. 

          Azerbaijan

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. Azerbaijan Time (AZT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 5:30 p.m. AZT. 

          Armenia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. Armenia Time (AMT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on TelecomTV at 5:30 p.m. AMT. 

          Oman, United Arab Emirates

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. Gulf Standard Time (GST). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 5:30 p.m. GST. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com.

          Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 2:30 p.m. Arabian Standard Time (AST). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 4:30 p.m. AST. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Israel 

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 2:30 p.m. Israel Daylight Time. 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on One at 3:30 p.m. IDT. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com.

          Finland, Turkey, Estonia, Ukraine, Moldova

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern European Summer Time (EEST). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on watch.onefc.com at 3:30 p.m. EEST. 

          Russia

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live via Match TV, Match Planeta, or Match Boets! at 4:30 p.m. Moscow Standard Time (MSK). 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Belarus

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 2:30 p.m. Moscow Standard Time (MSK). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on watch.onefc.com at 4:30 p.m. Moscow Standard Time (MSK). 

          Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Egypt

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern European Time (EET). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 3:30 p.m. EET. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com.

          Romania

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern European Time (EET). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on Voyo at 3:30 p.m. EET.

          Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Malta, Albania, Spain, Andorra

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 12:30 p.m. Central European Time (CET).

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on watch.onefc.com at 2:30 p.m. CET. 

          Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 12:30 p.m. Central European Time (CET). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports at 2:30 p.m. CET. 

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          United Kingdom

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 12:30 a.m. BST. 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on the Sky Sports app, Sky Sports website, or Sky Sports YouTube channel at 1:30 p.m. BST.

          United States & Canada

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT. 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live on beIN Sports USA at 9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT.  

          Fans can also watch ONE Friday Fights 151 via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com

          Brazil 

          Watch The Inner Circle exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 8:30 a.m. Brasilia Time (BRT). 

          Watch ONE Friday Fights 151 live via ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONE Championship’s Facebook page, or watch.onefc.com at 10:30 a.m. Brasilia Time (BRT).

          Source

          Jones aims to clear final hurdle at the Crucible

          Welshman Jak Jones chalks his cue
          Jak Jones is aiming to become the fourth Welshman to win the World Snooker Championship. [Getty Images]

          Welshman Jak Jones hopes to go one step further at this year's World Snooker Championship, after falling at the final hurdle two years ago.

          A qualifier in 2024, he shocked the snooker world as he defeated some of the world's best on a sensational run to the final, where he narrowly lost 18-14 to Kyren Wilson.

          Jones aims to shine again this year after crashing out in the first round to eventual champion Zhao Xingtong at last year's tournament.

          And, after falling to 19th in the rankings, Jones had to come through the qualifiers to reach snooker's most prestigious tournament - just as he did in 2024.

          "Last season it was different, I went straight to the venue and I played an extremely in-form Zhao Xingtong and obviously the first match wasn't great after not playing a match for two months," said Jones.

          "I would say I prefer coming through the qualifiers because you've got a couple of matches going into the competition.

          "Obviously, before the tournament starts you'd prefer to be straight at the Crucible, but I think playing before can really help."

          Qualification for this year's tournament was no easy task either. Jones navigated a tricky section of the draw featuring promising Chinese youngster Chang Bingyu and 2023 world champion Luca Brecel.

          The 32-year-old made it look easy as he swept aside Hong Kong's Marco Fu in the semi-final to set up a showdown with the dangerous Brecel for a place in the Sheffield showpiece.

          Jones then produced one of his best displays of the season to defeat the Belgian 10-5.

          "Every match you play is a really difficult match, you've got to play well all the time, if you don't, no matter who you play, you're going to be going home," said Jones.

          "I knew Luca was playing extremely well from his match with Chang Bingyu which was a really high standard.

          "I don't think I could have played much better - it was probably the best I have played all season."

          Jones kicks off his title bid with a tough test against Mark Selby, who will be hunting a fifth world title to add to his impressive trophy cabinet.

          Cwmbran's 'Silent Assassin' will be hoping he can repeat his heroics of 2024 and go one step further to win his first ranking title.

          And while last year's champion Xingtong will be intent on breaking the 'Crucible curse', Jones is focused on himself.

          "I honestly don't mind who I play. I just concentrate on myself and If I play well then I'm sure I'll be a game for anybody," said Jones.

          "When I'd gone there the first or second time you don't know what you're capable of. I suppose now I know that I can play well there and can do well there. So that gives me a lot of confidence and belief."

          At the Crucible Jones will look to become just the fourth Welshman to become world champion, following in the footsteps of Terry Griffiths, Ray Reardon and Mark Williams.

          "I enjoy playing at the Crucible, you either love it or hate it and you can crumble, but I enjoy the atmosphere," said Jones.

          "It's an unbelievable venue to be honest and I'm really looking forward to it."

          2026 NFL draft: 3 potential trades back from No. 3 for Arizona Cardinals

          The Arizona Cardinals have the third pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which begins this week on Thursday. All the reports coming out are saying that they want to trade out of the pick to acquire more draft picks.

          But what does a trade look like and who could be involved?

          The Kansas City Chiefs are involved in talks at some level. ESPN's Adam Schefter expects trade talks to heat up this week.

          NFL teams use a variation of a trade value chart when it comes to draft picks. Now, what a team actually is willing to give up can be influenced by potential competition with other teams, but we can't count on that.

          Here is the general trade value chart teams use.

          2026 trade value chart

          Here are some potential deals that could be done.

          Kansas City Chiefs

          The Chiefs have two first-round picks, which would be appealing to the Cardinals, who reportedly want to make a move for quarterback Ty Simpson, and the 29th pick might be just the spot to get him.

          The third overall pick is worth 514 points.

          The Chiefs' picks at No. 9 (387 points) and No. 29 (202 points) together are worth 589.

          To make up the difference, the Cardinals could give up No. 65 (78 points) for a total of 592 points.

          One deal could be:

          • Cardinals receive get No. 9 and No. 29 (589 points)
          • Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 65 (592 points)

          Another could be:

          • Cardinals receive No. 9, No. 29, No. 74 and 2027 third-round pick (653 points + value of future third-round pick, which is 36-78 points)
          • Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 34 (689 points)

          The Cardinals keep their third-round pick and the Chiefs essentially move back five spots from No. 29.

          Dallas Cowboys

          The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th picks but no pick in the second round.

          Pick No. 12 is 347 points and No. 20 is 269 for a total of 616.

          This deal is close:

          • Cardinals receive No. 12, No. 20 (616 points)
          • Cowboys receive No. 3, No. 65 (592 points)

          New Orleans Saints

          The Saints are perhaps a dark horse to move up, although they do not have two first-round picks. They have the No. 8 pick, worth 406 points. Their second-round pick, at No. 42, is worth 142 points.

          This deal could work:

          • Cardinals receive No. 8, No. 42 (548 points)
          • Saints receive No. 3, No. 104 (547 points)

          Then the Cardinals could use their two second-round picks to then move back into Round 1 to get Ty Simpson.

          They could trade No. 34, No. 42 and No. 65 (395 points) for No. 28, No. 38 and No. 106 (398 total points).

          Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

          This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 potential trades back from No. 3 for Arizona Cardinals

          Why Ty Simpson is this year's version of Kenny Pickett, Tyler Shough, Will Levis

          v

          Why Ty Simpson is this year's version of Kenny Pickett, Tyler Shough, Will Levis originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is arguably the most polarizing quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

          Is he a first-round pick? A second-round pick? The Crimson Tide quarterback – who passed for 3,567 yards, 28 TDs and five interceptions – is this year's most-talked-about quarterback. Where will all that conversation lead? 

          This happens almost every year. A quarterback is either hyped up or over-scrutinized — or both — through the NFL Scouting Combine. For what it's worth, Simpson had an impressive performance at this year's NFL Combine. Then, a team must make a choice in either the back half of the first round or the second round. Is this quarterback worth all that talk?

          Tyler Shough was that quarterback in 2025, and there have been other examples in the last 10 drafts. The 2024 NFL Draft did not have one of these QBs. These are the players Simpson will be compared to in the next few seasons: 

          MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:

          Tyler Shough

          2025: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints 

          Pick: Second round (No. 40) 

          Draft-day buzz: Cam Ward (No. 1) and Jaxson Dart (No. 25) were the first-round picks, but Shough generated draft-day buzz with his 6-foot-5, 219-pound frame. Shough had a seven-year college career through stints at Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville – and struggled with injuries before passing for 3,195 yards, 23 TDs and six interceptions with Louisville in 2024. The Saints grabbed Shough in Round 2 – and the next quarterback was not selected until pick No. 92. Shedeur Sanders, of course, fell to the fifth round at No. 144. 

          Did it work? TBD. Early returns on Shough have been positive. He was 5-4 as a starter with 2,384 yards, 10 TDs and six interceptions with first-year coach Kellen Moore. Shough had a 91.3 passer rating but took 31 sacks. He enters 2026 as the projected starter and can prove the Saints right. 

          2023: Will Levis, Tennessee Titans 

          Pick: Second round (No.33) 

          Draft-day buzz: Levis impressed with a strong-armed performance at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – which followed a two-year stint at Kentucky where he finished with 43 TDs and 23 interceptions. He became an endearing prospect for quirky behavior – with legends of putting mayonnaise in coffee and eating banana peels. Bryce Young (No. 1), C.J. Stroud (No. 2) and Anthony Richardson (No. 4) – who also wowed at the NFL Combine – were first-round picks. 

          Did it work? No. Levis had a 5-16 record as a starter in his first two seasons with the Titans, and he struggled with turnovers. He had 16 interceptions and took 69 sacks in those two seasons – and Tennessee selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Levis has one year left on his rookie contract with the Titans. 

          2022: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers 

          Pick: First round (No. 20) 

          Draft-day buzz: The 2022 NFL Draft was thin on quarterbacks, and Pickett was the only quarterback selected in the first round. Pickett finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting with Pitt in 2021 after putting up 4,319 passing yards, 42 TDs and seven interceptions. Hand size became a popular topic with Pickett – whose hands were measured at 8 ½ inches at the NFL Combine. The Steelers, however, were looking for the right successor for Ben Roethlisberger. The next quarterback was not selected until the third round, when the Atlanta Falcons took Desmond Ridder (No. 74). 

          Did it work? No. Pickett lasted two seasons in Pittsburgh. He was 14-10 as a starter with 13 TDs and 13 interceptions in those two years. He was traded to Philadelphia in 2024 – where he won a Super Bowl ring as a backup quarterback. He's been traded to Cleveland and Las Vegas since, and he signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. That's five teams in five seasons.

          NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBsWRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs

          2021: Kyle Trask, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

          Pick: Second round (No. 64) 

          Draft-day buzz: Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, a list that includes Trevor Lawrence (No. 1), Zach Wilson (No. 2), Trey Lance (No. 3), Justin Fields (No. 11) and Mac Jones (No. 15). All had varying degrees of college success, but Trask emerged as a second-round pick after passing for 4,283 yards, 43 TDs and eight interceptions with Florida in 2020.

          Did it work? No. Jones was the successor to Tom Brady in New England, and Trask got lost in the shuffle when Brady signed with the Buccaneers. Trask played four seasons in Tampa Bay and played in seven games. He spent last season on Atlanta's practice squad. Jones will be in his second season with the 49ers as a backup this season. 

          Jordan Love

          2020: Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers 

          Pick: First round (No. 26) 

          Draft-day buzz: Joe Burrow (No. 1), Tua Tagovailoa (No. 5) and Justin Herbert (No. 6) were early first-round picks, and Love – who had 52 TDs and 23 interceptions in two seasons as a starter at Utah State – slipped to the back half of the first round despite pushing into the conversation with his live arm at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Packers drafted Love at No. 26 as the successor to Aaron Rodgers. 

          Did it work? Yes. Love spent two seasons as a backup behind Rodgers and has emerged as a franchise quarterback with the Packers. He's 27-20-1 as a starter and has improved his passer rating with each season. Love has compiled 11,535 yards, 83 TDs and 31 interceptions. 

          2019: Drew Lock, Denver Broncos 

          Pick: Second round (No. 42) 

          Draft-day buzz: The 2019 NFL Draft is comparable to this year's draft. Kyler Murray (No. 1) was the no-doubt top pick, and Daniel Jones (No. 6) and Dwayne Haskins (No. 15) followed. Lock – a four-year starter at Missouri – emerged as a potential first-round pick after showcasing his arm talent at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

          Did it work? No. Lock was 8-13 as a starter in three seasons and led the NFL with 15 interceptions in 2020. Lock, however, has stuck as a backup quarterback through two stints with Seattle and one year with the Giants. He was the backup to Sam Darnold and won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks last season.

          2018: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens 

          Pick: First round (No. 32) 

          Draft-day buzz: Jackson won the Heisman Trophy at Louisville in 2016 and finished third in 2017 with a dazzling play-making skillset. He passed for 9,043 yards, rushed for 4,132 yards and totaled 119 TDs. Yet there was pre-draft talk about whether he should switch to wide receiver. Baker Mayfield (No. 1), Sam Darnold (No. 3), Josh Allen (No. 7) and Josh Rosen (No. 10) were selected before the Ravens traded with Philadelphia to grab Jackson with the final pick in the first round.

          Did it work? Yes. This should not have been a conversation at all. Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowl selection who enters his ninth season with the Ravens. He's passed for 30-plus TDs twice and rushed for 1,000-plus yards twice. 

          2017: DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns 

          Pick: Second round (No. 52) 

          Draft-day buzz: Mitchell Trubisky (No. 2), Patrick Mahomes (No. 10) and Deshaun Watson (No. 12) were selected in the first round, and the Browns used two first-round picks on Myles Garrett (No. 1) and Jabrill Peppers (No. 25). Kizer – who had 2,925 passing yards, 25 TDs and six interceptions – had a solid season at Notre Dame despite the team's 4-8 record. The Browns – still in the search for a franchise QB – took Kizer in the second round. 

          Did it work? No. Kizer finished 0-15 as a starter that season, and the Browns quickly pivoted to Mayfield with the No. 1 pick the following season. Watson is on the roster now. Kizer played one season in Green Bay in 2018. 

          2016: Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos 

          Pick: First round (No. 26) 

          Draft-day buzz: Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, and the Broncos needed a new franchise quarterback. Lynch impressed at Memphis as a junior with 3,776 passing yards, 28 TDs and four interceptions. He impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine, too, and that was enough for Broncos general manager John Elway to make the pick in the back half of the second round after Jared Goff (No. 1) and Carson Wentz (No. 2). 

          Did it work? No. Lynch never could take the starting job. He played mostly behind Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler in those two years. Lynch made four career starts and finished with 792 passing yards, four TDs and four interceptions. Lynch has played in the CFL, USFL and XFL since – and he suffered a torn ACL this season while playing with the Colorado Spartans in the National Arena League.

          SplitPost – Turn one post into a week of voice-enforced posts across platforms


          SplitPost helps solo creators repurpose a single blog post into a week of platform-native content that follows their voice rules. Define banned phrases, required vocabulary, sentence patterns, contraction preferences, and formatting once. Then paste your long-form content, choose platforms, and SplitPost generates and validates outputs in two passes, rewriting any violations before review so you can queue posts without editing. Paid plans add carousel images, emotional intent, ad copy, exports, and team features.

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          Galaxy S26 Ultra, Watch Ultra and Ring show real-world endurance in desert race

          By:Yash
          21 April 2026 at 08:18

          Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Ring were deployed during The Speed Project, an underground-style endurance desert race stretching from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through Death Valley.

          A 547-kilometer relay across desert terrain is not the kind of environment where consumer hardware usually gets tested. The Polish team, Swords Athletics, with six runners, became the first from the country to take on the route.

          The runners carried a tightly integrated set of Galaxy devices handling navigation, communication, and physiological monitoring under sustained stress.

          Galaxy ecosystem at the desert race

          Galaxy S26 Ultra handled route tracking with stable GPS synchronization across remote desert sections where signal consistency can vary. Real-time positioning data ensured runners stayed aligned with the course.

          At the core of the setup was the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, used for continuous health metric tracking. Runners relied on real-time heart rate monitoring and pace analysis as they rotated through relay segments.

          Recovery management was handled through the Galaxy Ring. Between running shifts, athletes used the ring’s tracking capabilities to assess recovery patterns, likely focusing on sleep fragments, heart rate variability trends, and overall readiness.

          Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Watch Ultra, Ring Desert Race

          Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds supported hands-free communication between team members and support drivers. This setup reduced friction during transitions, particularly in low-visibility or night segments.

          Creators embedded with the team used the S26 Ultra’s imaging system to document the run, capturing stills and video. Meanwhile, the Tab S11 Ultra functioned as a control hub for route planning and live content production.

          The post Galaxy S26 Ultra, Watch Ultra and Ring show real-world endurance in desert race appeared first on Sammy Fans.

          Qualcomm CEO visits Samsung Korea to lock in 2nm Snapdragon chip?

          By:Yash
          21 April 2026 at 07:30

          Qualcomm CEO is moving through Seoul on a tight schedule, sitting down with executives from both Samsung and SK Hynix in what is shaping up to be one of the more significant chip industry visits amid the 2nm generation.

          Cristiano Amon landed at Gimpo Airport on Monday and got straight to work. The headline meeting is with Han Jin-man, president of Samsung’s Foundry Business Division, as reported by Korean outlet KEDGlobal.

          Heads of Qualcomm and Samsung Foundry are deep in discussions about manufacturing the Snapdragon chip on the latter’s 2nm process node.

          Qualcomm CEO Amon actually announced at CES 2026 in January that talks had started and design work was already wrapped. If it closes, Qualcomm’s cutting-edge orders come back to Samsung after five years away.

          Samsung’s yield and thermal performance numbers have apparently moved enough to rebuild trust. That $16.5 billion Tesla deal signaled to the whole industry that Samsung Foundry could handle serious volume on serious nodes.

          There’s the TSMC factor, because wafer prices there aren’t getting financially favorable. Splitting production between suppliers is exactly the kind of cold, calculating move Qualcomm’s procurement team lives for.

          Well, Amon skipped a meeting with TM Roh, who runs Samsung’s mobile business and is one of Qualcomm’s biggest Snapdragon customers.

          This visit is about fabs and memory, not phones. The smartphone relationship is already locked in. What Amon came to Seoul to sort out is the next five years of chip architecture

          The post Qualcomm CEO visits Samsung Korea to lock in 2nm Snapdragon chip? appeared first on Sammy Fans.

          FPGA developer claims Plaion's NeoGeo AES+ is effectively a “bait and switch”

          Plaion says the Neo Geo AES+, launching November 13, 2026, is a 1:1 reproduction built around newly re-engineered ASIC chips rather than emulation or an FPGA approach, with noted retro hardware specialists Jotego and Furrtek involved in development. However, FPGA developer Pramod Somashekar alleges the project could effectively be a MiSTer-derived design split into multiple ASICs, a potential “bait and switch” that could limit post-launch updates, despite the console’s modern HDMI and legacy CRT-friendly outputs.

          GTA: Carcer City demo recreates Manhunt’s Rust Belt metropolis in San Andreas

          GTA: Carcer City is a total conversion mod for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that replaces Los Santos with a fully explorable recreation of Manhunt’s Rust Belt Carcer City, complete with key locations and a new storyline set in 2001. Released as a 2 GB demo on April 10, 2026, it offers seven missions, new weapons, collectibles, and period-appropriate radio while aiming for a grittier, more atmospheric tone, though a full release date has not been announced.

          Blizzard finally succeeds as Turtle WoW private server shuts down after defiant 8 year run

          Turtle WoW, one of the longest-running World of Warcraft Classic private servers, is shutting down after Blizzard won a broad copyright infringement case and the parties reached a private settlement, ending the project’s nearly eight-year run. The team has pushed all realms to the final progression patch ahead of a May 14 sunset (with full shutdown at midnight May 15), while its website and community channels are slated to go offline on October 16.

          A humanoid robot by Honor wins a half marathon and smashes the human world record

          21 April 2026 at 08:39

          Honor is suddenly at the forefront of humanoid robot technology – it introduced its first model at the MWC and a few months later another one of its robots won the humans vs. robots half marathon. A half marathon is 21km (13mi) and the 2025 edition was a triumph for Homo sapiens. Only 6 of the 21 participating robots finished, while most stumbled or overheated. And the winning robot took 2 hours and 40 minutes, twice as long as the human winner. This year, the Honor robot blitzed the distance and finished in only 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This not only beat the winning human...

          Azərbaycan Kubokunda ilk finalçı məlum olur – YENİLƏNİR

          21 April 2026 at 08:26

          Bu gün Azərbaycan Kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyunlarına start veriləcək.

          Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk gündə bir qarşılaşma keçiriləcək. “Zirə” azarkeşləri önündə “Turan Tovuz”u qəbul edəcək. Matça saat 19:00-da start veriləcək.

          Komandalar arasındakı ilk oyunda “Zirə” qələbə qazanıb – 2:0.

          Azərbaycan Kuboku
          Yarımfinal mərhələsi, cavab oyunu

          21 aprel

          19:00 Zirə – Turan Tovuz
          Baş hakim: Əli Əliyev
          Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu
          İlk oyun 2:0

          Səhvdir…

          21 April 2026 at 08:09

          Deməli, Rəhim Həsənov deyir ki, İnqilab Məmmədov “Zirə” – “Neftçi” oyununda (1:1) səhv qərar verib.

          Hakimlər Komitəsinin sədri bunadək də bir neçə dəfə analoji mövqedə çıxış edib.

          Ümumən, De Blekerin HK sədrliyi dövründə əsası qoyulan bu işin məntiqini anlamaq asan deyil.

          HK sədri hakimin təqsirkar olduğunu etiraf etdi.

          Və?

          Səhv qərara görə zərər çəkən komanda bundan nəsə qazanırmı?

          Yox.

          Bəs bu göstəriş niyə var?

          Hakimi cəzalandır, vəssalam da. HK sədri media rolunu niyə oynayır?

          Ümumiyyətlə, AFFA bu məsələdə təkmilləşdirmə aparmağı düşünsün. Məsələnin absurdluğu ortada əməlli-başlı oriental oynayır…

          HK sədri səhvə “səhvdir” təsdiqi verməkçün deyil, islahat aparmaq, idarə etməkçündür, inkişafa məsuliyyət daşıyır.

          İnkişaf isə yenə gizlənib, gözə dəymir.

          Kamil Əhməd

          Bitcoin Price Prediction Pushes Toward Accumulation Entry After BTC Slides To $73,753 While Pepeto Listing Countdown Closes In

          21 April 2026 at 07:49
          bitcoin-price-prediction

          The post Bitcoin Price Prediction Pushes Toward Accumulation Entry After BTC Slides To $73,753 While Pepeto Listing Countdown Closes In appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          The Bitcoin price prediction just entered the accumulation band patient buyers wait years to see. BTC slipped to $73,753 on April 19 after Iran walked away from a second round of US peace talks per Bitcoin.com News, erasing roughly $83 billion from the wider crypto market in one risk-off session.

          Red tape this deep is the starting line every cycle winner came out of. From the March 2020 crash to the late 2022 floor, the biggest returns printed for buyers who stepped in while sentiment was broken.

          Pepeto just topped $9.29 million raised at $0.0000001865 with 181% APY staking paying daily, and the Binance listing shuts this entry price the day trading opens. Why this is shaping into the defining trade of 2026 is laid out below.

          Iran Pulls Out Of Second Round Of US Talks And BTC Prints The Deepest Fear Of 2026

          Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed on April 19 that Tehran pulled out of a second negotiating session with Washington, citing contradictory positions and excessive US demands per Bitcoin.com News. The Strait of Hormuz, handling 20% of seaborne oil trade, stayed shut while thirteen tankers turned back mid-route per Yahoo Finance.

          Risk markets flipped inside hours and Bitcoin broke out of the $75,000 to $77,000 range it held all month, with total crypto market cap shedding about $83 billion per CryptoBriefing. None of this breaks the cycle. It compressed the window for the next leg higher.

          Inside that compressed window, the presales with real products and low entry prices are the ones that hand out the cycle’s biggest returns, and Pepeto carries the clearest setup of any presale heading into 2026.

          Bitcoin Price Prediction Points To Pepeto As The 2026 Presale Holding The Most Upside

          Pepeto sits at the front of this cycle’s presale pack with $9.29 million already secured while Bitcoin holds near $75,270 per MEXC. Every BTC fear flush on record has kicked off an altcoin rotation that lifts presale entries into return brackets no large cap can reach.

          The friction Pepeto removes is simple. Traders flip between five platforms to swap a token, bridge cross-chain, screen a contract, and track a portfolio, losing fees at every step. PepetoSwap folds that full stack into one dashboard. 

          cross-chain-bridge

          Users shift assets across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana at zero cost, run any smart contract through the risk scanner before deploying capital, and handle every position from one screen. The bridge, scanner, classifier, and portfolio tool all ride on contracts cleared by a full SolidProof audit.

          At $0.0000001865, a $10,000 presale position earns roughly $18,100 yearly at 181% APY, about $1,508 into the wallet each month as the Binance listing nears. The original Pepe architect behind the $11 billion debut designed Pepeto for this cycle turn, paired with a former Binance engineer on the exchange build. Buying presales while panic runs the tape is the pattern behind every generational crypto win, and the confirmed Binance listing shuts this price the day trading flips live.

          Bitcoin (BTC) Price At $75,270 After Iran Rejection Flushes Risk-Off Wave

          Bitcoin (BTC) trades near $75,270 per CoinmarketCap after sliding from a $77,000 ceiling to touch $73,753 on Saturday per Bitcoin.com News, down 1.33% on the day. Support sits at $70,500 with $68,000 below, the zone Arthur Hayes of BitMEX flagged as the probable floor once the macro shock fades. Resistance stacks at $76,000 and $78,000, the level capping BTC earlier this month.

          bitcoin-chart

          The RSI reset into oversold on the 4-hour chart and spot volume dried up, a setup that has preceded sharp rebounds every time prior macro fear unwound. Every Bitcoin price prediction from Bitwise to Bernstein still targets fresh all-time highs this year, but BTC has to roughly double from here while six-zero presale entries grab multipliers large caps cannot produce.

          The Bottom Line

          The Bitcoin price prediction has not flipped bearish, it has handed patient buyers the precise window that builds generational returns. BTC sits inside the accumulation band the largest funds have loaded every cycle, Strategy still holds 766,970 BTC through 2026’s deepest fear print, and Pepeto sits at the level where portfolios go from five figures to seven.

          Think of every retail trader who watched a presale launch and promised to get in next time. This is that next time. The biggest crypto returns on record never came from chasing green candles in majors, they came from wallets that stepped in ahead of the listing and held. Pepeto is that setup this cycle, and the entry on the screen today vanishes the second trading flips live.

          Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

          join-pepeto-presale

          FAQs

          What is the Bitcoin price prediction for 2026 after BTC dropped below $75,000 on the Iran headline?

          The Bitcoin price prediction still targets a fresh all-time high before year-end per Bitwise and Bernstein, even after BTC touched $73,753 on April 19. Pepeto at $0.0000001865 with a confirmed Binance listing targets return multiples BTC cannot deliver from $75,270.

          Why is Pepeto the standout presale next to the Bitcoin price prediction right now?

          Pepeto is leading this cycle because it pairs a SolidProof audit, 181% APY staking, and a zero-fee exchange with a confirmed Binance listing. The project has $9.29 million raised and is led by the original Pepe architect behind the $11 billion debut alongside a former Binance engineer.

          Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Goes All In on Paul Atkins as SEC Ditches Enforcement-First Approach

          21 April 2026 at 07:47
          Ripple

          The post Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Goes All In on Paul Atkins as SEC Ditches Enforcement-First Approach appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Something is clearly shifting inside the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse isn’t staying quiet about it. Responding to recent comments from Paul Atkins, he described the new direction as a long-overdue reset, especially after what he sees as a difficult period for the crypto industry under earlier leadership.

          From “War on Crypto” to a Reset

          Garlinghouse directly contrasted Atkins’ approach with former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, saying the agency had drifted away from its core mission of protecting investors. Instead, he argues, it leaned heavily into enforcement, creating confusion and pushing innovation out of the U.S.

          In his view, that period felt like a “war on technology,” with courts eventually stepping in to challenge parts of the SEC’s stance. Now, he sees things moving in a very different direction.

          Moreover, this includes better coordination with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and clearer distinctions between securities and commodities. The goal is simple: reduce confusion and make the U.S. competitive again in crypto.

          Having said that, even before Atkins was officially confirmed, signs of change were already visible. Under interim leadership, the SEC launched a crypto task force led by Hester Peirce and began dropping major enforcement actions, including cases against Coinbase. 

          In the last 12 months, the agency has also approved multiple crypto ETFs and eased its stance on classifying most cryptocurrencies as securities, a major crypto win. 

          What Atkins Is Actually Changing

          During his interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Atkins laid out a clearer roadmap, and this is where the tone really takes a fresh turn. He says the SEC is moving away from that enforcement-first style and into something more structured, what he calls the ACT strategy: Advance, Clarify, Transform.

          “And so, basically, we’re instituting a strategy. That I’m calling our ACT strategy, advance, clarify, and transform.”

          “Advance” means embracing new tech like crypto instead of pushing it away. “Clarify” is about finally giving the market clear rules, something the industry has been asking for years. And “Transform” focuses on updating outdated systems so markets, including IPOs, can actually keep up with modern finance.

          Why This Matters Now

          What makes this stand out is how aligned it feels with what the crypto industry has been pushing for: clear rules, less guesswork, and room to innovate. Garlinghouse summed it up by calling Atkins a “breath of fresh air,” which says a lot given the tension between regulators and crypto over the past few years.

          Instead of pushing crypto out, the SEC now seems to be trying to bring it back in, with clearer guidelines and a more open approach. If that continues, it could finally give the industry the stability it’s been waiting for.

          Cifra Markets Review: The First Regulated Crypto Broker in the CIS That Actually Solves the P2P Problem

          21 April 2026 at 07:45
          cifra-markets

          The post Cifra Markets Review: The First Regulated Crypto Broker in the CIS That Actually Solves the P2P Problem appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Abstract

          P2P crypto trading in the CIS has “worked” for years. Loosely. Hidden spreads, frozen accounts, USDT of unknown origin, banks asking uncomfortable questions months later. Cifra Markets was built to replace all of that with something closer to a regulated brokerage than a grey market workaround. This review breaks down what Cifra actually does, who it’s built for, and where it falls short — based on direct platform experience.

          What Is Cifra Markets?

          cifra-market
          cifra-market

          Cifra Markets is a licensed crypto broker registered in the Republic of Belarus, operating under the High-Tech Park (HTP) — Belarus’s regulatory framework for crypto since 2017. Not an exchange. Not a P2P marketplace. As a broker, Cifra sits between you and the market with full legal accountability. Every transaction has a paper trail. Every deposit has a verified source.

          The platform runs through Tradernet.BY, an in-house trading interface built for beginners and experienced traders alike. 

          Quick Overview

          • Website: cifra.by/en
          • Sector: Regulated Crypto Broker
          • Jurisdiction: Republic of Belarus, licensed under HTP
          • Supported Coins: 300+ cryptocurrencies
          • Tokenized Stocks: Yes — AAPLX, GOOGLX, NVDAX, AMZNX, HOODX, CRCLX
          • Margin Trading: Up to 5x leverage
          • KYC: Required
          • AML Verification: Yes — Elliptic, Shyft, and proprietary checks
          • Trading Platform: Tradernet.BY
          • Market Coverage: CIS, Asia, Middle East — 20+ countries

          Why the CIS P2P Problem Is Real

          P2P platforms don’t verify the source of funds. Online exchangers bake a spread into the rate and call it “no fees.” Offline dealers hand you a receipt, not a transaction history. The consequences show up later — a bank asks where your USDT came from, there’s no official counterparty, no documentation, and no clean answer.

          Cifra’s entire value proposition is built around eliminating exactly this scenario.

          Core Features of Cifra Markets

          cifra-markets

          AML-Verified, Clean Cryptocurrency

          Every deposit runs through three-layer AML verification — Elliptic, Shyft, and proprietary checks — after funds reach the external wallet perimeter. Flagged wallets get their funds automatically returned to the original blockchain address. Nothing dirty enters the internal system. Outgoing withdrawals go through the same process. This is the feature that matters most for anyone who’s had banking friction tied to crypto.

          Transparent Order Book Pricing

          The fiat-to-USDT rate is set by participants placing orders in the order book — not by Cifra. No hidden spread, no rate adjusted at the moment of conversion. For large transactions, an OTC desk is available.

          Legal Fiat On-Ramp and Off-Ramp

          Deposits and withdrawals run through partner banks across the CIS in USD, EUR, RUB and Belarusian rubles (BYN). Direct integrations, not routed through payment processors. For anyone who’s had a P2P fiat transfer flagged, the difference is felt immediately.

          300+ Cryptocurrencies + Tokenized US Stocks

          cifra-markets

          Major and mid-cap coins covered. Tokenized US stocks — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Amazon, Robinhood, Circle — available with fractional share support. For CIS users without easy access to US equity markets, that’s genuinely useful, not just a marketing line.

          Spot and Margin Trading

          cifra-markets

          Spot trading for all users. Margin trading up to 5x for experienced traders. Both run through Tradernet 24/7 — no weekends off, no holiday downtime.

          Official Documentation for Every Transaction

          After completing transactions, both individuals and legal entities can download official broker account statements. These hold up for accounting and tax reporting purposes. For businesses and anyone managing larger volumes, this is the part that makes crypto operationally viable rather than a compliance headache.

          Partner Program

          cifra-markets

          Cifra runs a one-level affiliate program for bloggers, financial consultants, miners, and B2B service companies.

          • Personal dashboard for tracking referrals and performance
          • Monthly payouts up to the 25ᵗʰ of the following month
          • All terms fixed in an official partnership agreement
          • Open to financial intermediaries, asset managers, IT and mining suppliers
          • 100+ active partners, presence in 20+ countries

          Mining Solution — Sell and Convert Without the Hassle

          cifra-markets

          Most brokers don’t build this. Cifra’s dedicated mining solution lets miners sell BTC and convert directly to fiat — legally, fast, documented.

          • Same-day fiat withdrawal if the order is submitted in the first half of the day
          • Withdrawals via CIS partner bank transfers
          • Custody and security under the same HTP framework
          • Minimum volume from 0.1 BTC, no upper cap
          • Full paper trail on every conversion

          Official Documentation for Every Transaction

          After completing transactions, both individuals and legal entities can download official broker account statements. These hold up for accounting and tax reporting purposes. For businesses and anyone managing larger volumes, this is the part that makes crypto operationally viable rather than a compliance headache.

          Fees and Commissions

          Competitive for a regulated broker. Everything is publicly listed — no surprises.

          Trading Tariff — Consulting Plan (Entry Level)

          • Crypto-crypto pairs (e.g. BTC/USDT): 0.50% per trade
          • Crypto-fiat pairs (e.g. USDT/BYN): 1.10% per trade
          • Monthly account maintenance: 0
          • Transaction fees charged in rubles only

          Fiat Withdrawal — Non-Residents of Belarus

          • BYN: minimum 30 BYN, flat 2 BYN commission
          • USD via SWIFT from Belarusian banks: minimum 1,000 USD — 0.5% (floor $200, ceiling $700)
          • USD via foreign partner bank: minimum 1,000 USD — free until May 31, 2026; 0.75% (min $25) from June 1, 2026
          • Offshore-registered entities: 20% of withdrawn amount — regulatory requirement, not a platform fee

          Fiat Withdrawal — Residents of Belarus

          • BYN: minimum 30 BYN, flat 2 BYN commission
          • Foreign currency withdrawal: not available for Belarusian residents

          Two things worth flagging. The USD SWIFT floor of $200 on a $1,000 minimum means small withdrawals are disproportionately expensive — don’t move small amounts this way. And the free foreign partner bank transfer window closes May 31, 2026. If you’re a non-resident planning USD withdrawals, calendar that date.

          Onboarding: What to Expect

          Not frictionless. It shouldn’t be. Phone verification, citizenship and tax residency details, SMS-signed service agreement, KYC — around 10–15 minutes total. Slower than Binance. Also why your bank won’t ask uncomfortable questions later. The Tradernet interface is clean and accessible. Closer to a traditional brokerage in feel than a crypto exchange.

          Pros and Cons

          Pros

          • Full HTP regulatory compliance — real legal protection
          • Three-layer AML verification on every transaction, both directions
          • Transparent order book pricing, no hidden spread
          • Downloadable official broker statements for accounting and tax use
          • 300+ coins plus tokenized US stocks with fractional access
          • Direct fiat on/off-ramp through CIS partner banks
          • 24/7 trading, no holiday or weekend restrictions
          • Margin trading up to 5x
          • OTC desk for large volume
          • Mining solution with same-day fiat withdrawal from 0.1 BTC
          • 0.50% crypto-crypto, 1.10% crypto-fiat — zero monthly maintenance
          • Free USD foreign partner bank withdrawals until May 31, 2026
          • Partner program with monthly payouts
          • 10+ year institutional track record, 300,000+ clients

          Cons

          • 25,000 USDT AML cap before income documentation kicks in
          • USD SWIFT withdrawal floor of $200 on a $1,000 minimum — expensive for small amounts
          • Foreign partner bank USD transfers move to 0.75% after May 31, 2026
          • CIS-focused banking — limited fiat options for users outside the region
          • Coin catalog narrower than Binance or OKX — low-cap new listings won’t be here
          • Belarusian residents can’t withdraw foreign currency
          • KYC adds friction vs. P2P onboarding
          • No anonymity — documentation is the product, not a feature you can skip

          Who Is Cifra Markets Best Suited For?

          P2P burn victims. Frozen accounts, flagged USDT, bank queries with no clean answer — Cifra fixes the root cause, not just the symptom.

          Miners selling BTC to fiat. Same-day withdrawal, from 0.1 BTC, full documentation. A direct upgrade over informal OTC.

          Businesses and legal entities. Official counterparty, downloadable statements, regulated framework that satisfies auditors. P2P can’t offer any of this at a corporate level.

          Beginners. Deposit fiat, buy crypto, hold. No wallets, no gas fees, no network selection required upfront. The KYC is more involved but the actual trading experience is accessible.

          High-volume traders and institutions. OTC desk, 5x margin, official statements. Functional at scale in a way P2P simply isn’t.

          Less relevant for: users hunting low-cap new listings, anyone needing global fiat rails outside the CIS, or traders who prioritize speed of onboarding above everything else.

          Final Verdict

          Cifra doesn’t compete with Binance on variety. That’s not the fight. The real competition is the grey market — P2P platforms, unregulated exchangers, informal OTC — and on that comparison Cifra Markets wins on every metric that matters when real money is involved.

          Fees are competitive. The AML friction protects you more than it costs you. The mining solution fills a gap that’s been ignored too long. The free USD withdrawal window closes May 2026 — worth using before it does.

          If you’ve been tolerating the grey market because you thought it was the only option, it isn’t anymore.

          Top 2 Memecoins Surging Right Now After ASTEROID’s Historic 68,000% Weekly Rally

          Solana meme coins

          The post Top 2 Memecoins Surging Right Now After ASTEROID’s Historic 68,000% Weekly Rally appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          ASTEROID’s extraordinary run changed the conversation. A token that sat at a $50,000 market cap before Elon Musk replied to a girl’s SpaceX mascot request briefly touched a $20 million market cap within hours and posted a 68,428% weekly gain according to CoinGecko data before pulling back roughly 40%.

          The question traders are now asking is if ASTEROID can do that, what moves next? Two tokens are being mentioned with increasing frequency in memecoin communities: Amaterasu Omikami (OMIKAMI) and RyuJin (RYU).

          The Case for OMIKAMI and RyuJin

          One expert who has covered OMIKAMI over three years pointed to the ASTEROID move as evidence that the memecoin supercycle has further to run. His conviction is rooted in the longevity of both projects rather than short-term momentum.

          Both tokens have been active for nearly two years with what the analyst describes as organic community growth rather than manufactured hype. The ecosystem is allegedly connected to Ryoshi, the pseudonymous figure behind Shiba Inu, though that attribution remains unverified and disputed within parts of the community.

          OMIKAMI currently trades at approximately $0.007112 with a market cap of $6.73 million. RyuJin sits at $0.000000002961 with a $2.85 million market cap. Both the tokens are up by more than 13%. 

          The ASTEROID Parallel

          The analyst drew a direct comparison between OMIKAMI’s current position and where ASTEROID sat before its viral moment. Both had a story. Both had a community. ASTEROID had a single external catalyst that lit the fuse.

          The structural difference is the nature of that catalyst. ASTEROID moved because of a verifiable two-word reply from one of the world’s most followed public figures. OMIKAMI’s anticipated catalyst is expected to come from within the ecosystem itself, potentially a new communication from Ryoshi or a product announcement tied to a planned blockchain and debit card infrastructure the project has been developing.

          The Broader Macro Setup

          The analyst also said that the broader market context is constructive for memecoin activity. Bitcoin is retesting a breakout level on the four-hour chart and Ethereum is approaching key resistance. Both are approaching moves that have historically preceded altcoin and memecoin cycles.

          The CLARITY Act, a potential new Fed chair and stablecoin yield legislation are all cited as macro catalysts that could inject significant fresh liquidity into crypto broadly.

          Pi Network News: Founder at Consensus 2026 as Project Hits Five Major Milestones in Four Months

          Pi Network News

          The post Pi Network News: Founder at Consensus 2026 as Project Hits Five Major Milestones in Four Months appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

          Pi Network co-founder Nicolas Kokkalis is set to speak at Consensus 2026 in Miami on May 7, joining a panel titled “How to Prove You’re Human in an AI World Without Doxing Yourself” at the Convergence Stage from 10:15 to 10:45 AM EDT.

          The session addresses what Pi’s core team describes as one of the most urgent problems facing the internet: verifying real human identity online as AI systems become capable of generating convincing fake profiles and bot interactions at scale. The challenge is doing that without requiring users to expose private identity data in the process.

          The Consensus appearance arrives at a moment when Pi’s development momentum is arguably stronger than at any point in the project’s history.

          Five Promises, Five Deliveries

          Analyst Dr. Altcoin, reviewing only official sources, documented five important execution milestones Pi has hit in the first four months of 2026 alone.

          Protocol modernisation has been the foundation. Pi upgraded through multiple protocol versions, with all major nodes now running Protocol 20. Protocol 21 is rolling out with a security hard fork deployed on April 6. A publicly scheduled roadmap takes the mainnet blockchain to Protocol 26 by end of June 2026, an acceleration rather than a slowdown.

          Smart contracts shipped on testnet on April 17. The first contract was deliberately focused on recurring subscriptions, designed for real businesses running streaming, e-commerce and software billing. Subscribers approve a defined budget once without resigning every billing event. The contract is under external audit and published as PRC2 on GitHub. An RPC server giving developers direct access to the blockchain shipped ten days earlier.

          Mainnet migration has passed 16.5 million verified pioneers with over 119,000 completing second migrations including referral mining bonuses. Two-factor authentication is now mandatory across the network.

          KYC validator rewards were distributed on April 3, paying 0.0504 Pi per validation, approximately 21 times the current base mining rate. The Pi Foundation contributed 10 million Pi to the reward pool. The distribution demonstrated at global scale that Pi can coordinate, measure and pay over one million KYC-verified humans in native token, a capability no other blockchain has demonstrated at this scale.

          Ecosystem tooling is advancing with Pi App Studio moving to mainnet with live payments, Pi Launchpad live on testnet and Kraken, a tier-one regulated exchange, integrating support for PI through the KYB verification process

          Struggling to keep spot, Reds' Will Benson makes MLB history, scores two runs on zero pitches

          Struggling to keep spot, Reds' Will Benson makes MLB history, scores two runs on zero pitches originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Cincinnati Reds have a decision to make on their outfield personnel.

          Likely soon.

          Reds left fielder Will Benson earned a job out of spring training and established an MLB-first Sunday by scoring two runs without seeing one pitch.

          Without one official at-bat during the 7-4, 10-inning win over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Benson produced his best offensive outing this season. In his opening 18 games, he posted an .188 batting average and three runs scored.

          In and out of the Reds' lineup the past four seasons, the 27-year-old has yet to match his 2023 form when he collected 11 home runs in 108 games. In 2024, he hit just .187 in 343 at-bats. Last year, he again was up and down, hitting .226, but homered 12 times. 

          How many chances does Benson have left?

          Reds' Will Benson fends off minor competition

          The Reds added free agent JJ Bleday to a one-year, $1.4 million contract last offseason to compete with Benson and Nathaniel Lowe for outfield spots during spring training. 

          Bleday lost out, mainly because he had minor-league options available and the power and speed potential Benson possesses remained intriguing. Bleday may force the Reds' front office into giving him a promotion soon, especially if Benson continues to slump. The 2019 No. 4 overall draft pick hit .338 with five home runs and 18 RBI in 20 games with Triple-A Louisville. 

          Benson may need a few more performances like Sunday to keep his MLB spot. He entered the game as a pinch runner in the ninth inning and scored on TJ Friedl's three-run double. In the 10th, Benson drew an intentional walk and scored on Rece Hinds' two-run double, which capped the scoring.

          Winners of four in a row, the Reds (15-8) topped the host Tampa Bay Rays, 6-1, on Monday. The NL Central leaders earned four straight wins.

          Benson did not play.

          How many chances does he have left?

          Dana White provides update on Conor McGregor, returning to UFC

          Conor McGregor

          Dana White provides update on Conor McGregor, returning to UFC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          UFC CEO Dana White provided fight fans and members of the press with an update on hte status of Conor McGregor and his return to the Octagon. McGregor has been out of action since 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier.

          "It's looking good," White said (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). "Once we get a deal done with him, we'll announce it."

          McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, has not won a fight with the UFC since 2020 when he finished Donald Cerrone. He lost to Poirier in January 2021 and again in July of that year after suffering a gruesome injury.

          The resume for "Notorious" stands out above many, many others, as it includes wins over Poirier, Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez. However, he struggled when matched up with Khabib Nurmagomedov, was submitted by Diaz and had the back-to-back losses to Poirier.

          McGregor took to social media recently to tell fight fans that, "I'm coming back to do what I do. Knock people out for money."

          The name Conor McGregor brings in money

          McGregor has been one of the biggest names in combat sports, generating multiple million-plus pay-per-view buys. He was also involved in a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in 2017 that generated 4.3 million buys and almost $500 million in revenue.

          As for the UFC, McGregor has headlined seven events with over one million pay-per-view buys, including 2.4 million for the Nurmagomedov bout in 2018.

          More Combat Sports News

          Bottom of the order dominates in 12-2 win

          DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski #70 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

          A dozen runs was more than enough with the way Justin Wrobleski pitched, but the Dodgers decided to err on the side of caution with one of their most complete offensive efforts of the year, running away with a 12-2 win in Colorado. It’s been an unusually productive early start to the season against left-handed pitchers for Max Muncy—that’s how the scoring got started for the Dodgers, with the veteran third baseman going deep for the third time this season against a southpaw, already only one short of his season total in 2025.

          When Wrobleski pitched eight scoreless innings against the Mets last week, it felt unlikely that he would find those heights once again in his next start, and to a great extent, he was just as impressive against the Rockies. One run in the first on a Brenton Doyle RBI double would be all that Wrobleski would allow in seven innings with just three strikeouts and no walks. Colorado managed their fair share of hits against Wrobleski, but the southpaw elevated his game with runners in scoring position, allowing just 2 hits in nine opportunities.

          The Rockies didn’t have a lot of time leading this one, as Muncy and Miguel Rojas went back-to-back in the second inning to help the Dodgers take a lead they’d maintain for the rest of this game.

          Max and Miggy go back-to-back! pic.twitter.com/ZVKiO7lYsB

          — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 21, 2026

          Due to certain key absences, the Dodgers had a lineup that was as specifically designed to mash a left-hander as this team could put out, with Alex Call, Santiago Espinal, and Rojas all getting starts. It paid off as that trio combined for five of the Dodgers’ first ten hits. Rojas, in particular, stole the spotlight by reaching his 1,000th career hit with a single in the fourth.

          Miguel got his first and his 1,000th hit in the same ballpark. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/3zGw8jwv6x

          — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 21, 2026

          Producing enough offense on their own to control this game, the Dodgers also experienced a helping hand from the Rockies multiple times. First, the Rockies misplayed a routine ground ball in the third, preventing them from completing a double play—instead, Will Smith reached on an error, a run scored, and quickly thereafter, one more came across on a Teoscar Hernández double play to make it a 4-1 game.

          Only an inning later, it was the starter’s turn to screw up. Quintana found himself facing the humongous challenge of an at-bat against Shohei Ohtani with the bases loaded, and then he induced what appeared to be a double play ball, but not before a balk moved every runner over. Ohtani would eventually ground out again, and Alex Call didn’t capitalize on the opportunity, but they kept on coming.

          In the sixth, after Quintana had left the game, it was a bases-loaded walk from Call to make it 6-1. It didn’t matter that Los Angeles stranded three runners in that frame because in the seventh, one more came across on a Miguel Rojas bunt that resulted in a pitching error. In the late innings, the ball began flying out once again, with Muncy going deep for the second time and Dalton Rushing hitting a couple of homers to take his season tally to seven.

          Dalton makes it a dozen! pic.twitter.com/IPm7yWHRUZ

          — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 21, 2026

          It’s wild to consider that this could’ve been an even bigger slugfest for a Dodgers team that went 3 for 15 with runners in scoring position—one whose four of the five home runs were all solo shots, with hitters sixth through seventh going 11 for 17.

          Game particulars
          • Home runs—  2 Max Muncy (8), Miguel Rojas (1), 2 Dalton Rushing (7), T.J. Rumfield (3)
          • WP— Justin Wrobleski (3-0): 7 IP, 8 hits, 1 earned run, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts
          • LP— José Quintana (0-2): 5 IP, 8 hits, 6 runs, 4 earned runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
          Up next

          Continuing a road trip that marks first visits to familiar ballparks, the Dodgers will return to California to face the Giants at Oracle Park. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who’s hitting on all cylinders, will take on the youngster Landen Roupp, coming off a terrific start in Cincinnati. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. PT.

          JJ Wetherholt has already set an all-time Cardinals record

          JJ Wetherholt has already set an all-time Cardinals record originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          JJ Wetherholt will hope to accomplish much more than this in his St. Louis Cardinals career.

          But he already can call one franchise all-time record his own.

          This one is quirky: consecutive games getting hit by a pitch.

          Jon Jay held the record before Wetherholt arrived, with four games in a row with an HBP.

          Now it's Wetherholt's mark all his own -- he's been hit by a pitch in five consecutive games.

          He's approaching the all-time record, too, of six games in a row by Carlos Quentin.

          Longest HBP Streaks In MLB History

          2008 Carlos Quentin: 6 Games
          1903 Doc Gessler: 5 Games
          *2026 JJ WETHERHOLT: 5 GAMES* (ACTIVE) pic.twitter.com/bsA0dXalcQ

          — Peyton | BigLeagueAnalysis (@bsblwithpeyton) April 20, 2026

          MORE: Austin Hedges ended a great Guardians day with a proposal

          It's kind of a painful record.

          At the same time, it shows that Wetherholt isn't afraid to do what it takes to get on base for his team.

          It also shows that opposing pitchers are already recognizing they have to be precise and potentially run it inside on Wetherholt. And when they miss while aiming for a pinpoint target on the inside corner, it can lead to HBPs.

          Weterholt surely would prefer to start notching a bunch of hits and not worry about hit by pitches.

          But a record is a record, and now Wetherholt holds one.

          More MLB news:

          Winners and Losers: Cavs vs Raptors Game 2 – Evan Mobley dominates

          CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks over Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

          The Cleveland Cavaliers rode their three best players (Mitchell, Mobley, and Harden) for 83 points to take a 2-0 series lead over the Toronto Raptors.

          Let’s go over today’s winners, because there were no losers.

          WINNER – BAGcourt

          It was somewhere between Donovan Mitchell’s second windmill gather and James Harden’s third step-back jumper of the game that I realized how lucky Cavs fans are to be watching a backcourt with this level of technical craft.

          The Raptors altered their defensive approach from Game 1. Rather than earnestly trying to defend Mitchell or Harden, they opted to send multiple defenders and apply maximum pressure on the ball. That had benefits, as it partially took the rock out of the guard’s hands and put pressure on other Cavaliers to make plays.

          If only it were that easy to take Mitchell and Harden off the board.

          Harden dropped Scottie Barnes and got the crazy three to go down 😳 pic.twitter.com/GnFmEn8vVm

          — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 21, 2026

          Sure, the Raps could win a possession every once in a while. But the sheer scoring ability of Mitchell and Harden made it impossible for Toronto to contain them. The Cavs guards hit shot after shot, often times launching it over multiple defenders and finding the bottom of the basket anyway.

          “I still go crazy sometimes wanting him [Mitchell] to pass the ball, and then he hits a crazy shot,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game. “There’s a couple of times where Don has it in iso, and the defense is crashing, so he just throws it to James.”

          Harden isn’t overly bothered by physicality at the point of attack. He has a bulky enough frame to withstand punishment and dish it back out. Meanwhile, Mitchell is too much of a blur to keep boxed up. He might run into a wall at times — but resetting the offense and attacking again ensured he’d find an opening on the second attempt.

          The Cavs starting backcourt has combined for 112 points through the first two games of this series. If you’re thinking that’s too much to withstand, you’re correct.

          WINNER – Defending Ingram

          Playoff basketball grants you the opportunity to zero in on an opponent more than you can during the frenzied 82-game schedule of the regular season. That’s proven to be bad news for Brandon Ingram so far in this series.

          The Cavs have entered the series with a plan to keep Ingram from beating them. They’ve sicked Dean Wade on him to match his length, and are top-locking Ingram with the dual bigs of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to deter throwing him the ball over the top. This has mostly stripped away any chance of getting Ingram into his sweet spots — and everyone on Cleveland has done a fantastic job of getting into Ingram’s chest and pushing him away from the action.

          And that’s before you even get to his shot attempts.

          This is Brandon Ingram's shot chart, and this is Ingram's 4 shots within the restricted area.

          Was Ingram's lack of free-throws a lack of fouls called, a lack of aggressive or a Cavaliers defense that forced him off his spots and away from the rim? https://t.co/S26fyN9S7apic.twitter.com/BZRJO8JeEv

          — RealCavsFans.com (@realcavsfans) April 21, 2026

          Cleveland’s worked relentlessly to stop Ingram from putting up a shot. As a result, he only took one field goal attempt in the second half of Game 1. But even when Ingram was able to fire away, the Cavs were draped all over him, ensuring it would be a difficult attempt. That was on full display tonight as BI finished with 7 points on 3-15 shooting. He also had 5 turnovers.

          There’s only so much you can do to take away a 6’8” shot-maker like Ingram. But so far, the Cavs have done as well as you can.

          LOSER – Bench Support

          This game might have looked different if the Cavalier bench had been more present. They were kept dormant for most of the night, shooting a combined 3-16 going into the fourth quarter. Only Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Dennis Schroder had bought a bucket. None of them had more than one field goal between the three of them.

          As a result, Cleveland’s bench was being outscored 35-8 through the first three quarters. That’s a big enough disparity to keep Toronto in the game despite the Cavaliers leading the entire way.

          We know this bench is capable of more. Strus himself put up 24 points in Game 1, while Merrill, Tyson, and Ellis have all had big games previously. Even Schroder is crafty enough to get to the basket more frequently than he did tonight.

          A pair of triples from Merrill and Tyson to start the fourth quarter delivered a wave of relief. Later, Strus would join them with a three-pointer of his own. In just three possessions, they more than doubled the bench’s total output. That was enough for me to finally breathe out.

          Still, earlier support from anyone on the second unit could have put this game out of reach long before the fourth quarter.

          WINNER – Evan Mobley

          Now this is the version of Evan Mobley that can help Cleveland win a championship.

          I don’t think we need to dump the ball to Mobley and ask him to play like a proto-guard or modern wing. He’s proven to be most effective (and comfortable) as a play finisher. If James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are on the team setting him up, then I don’t see why this is a problem.

          🪽 Make em fly, EV4.@evanmobley | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/Yxn4gzJN7K

          — Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 21, 2026

          Mobley scored 25 points on 11-13 shooting. He routinely buried smaller defenders under the basket and used his athleticism to leap over the top for alley-oop finishes. The Raptors had an impossible task of containing Cleveland’s backcourt without sacrificing their backline of defense. That gave Mobley free rein to dominate.

          “He’s in a phenomenal place physically, and then mentally, confidence-wise, he’s in a great flow,” said Atkinson after the game. “You look at the box score, and it’s like man, he’s 11-13 for 25 points.”

          All the while, Mobley gave the Raptors no salvation on the other end of the floor. It’s difficult to navigate a DPOY-caliber talent like Mobley when he’s patrolling the paint and ignoring some of Toronto’s non-shooters. He’s able to roam the floor and deter the Raps from settling into a groove offensively.

          Contract extension between Rams & Matthew Stafford is imminent

          The Los Angeles Rams are once again operating with urgency—and at the center of it all is Matthew Stafford, whose future in Los Angeles appears increasingly secure. After months of speculation, recent reports indicate that the Rams and their veteran quarterback are closing in on a new contract extension, signaling that both sides remain fully committed to chasing another Super Bowl together.

          According to multiple reports surfacing this week, negotiations have gained real traction. NFL insider updates suggest the Rams and Stafford have made “significant progress” toward a deal, while others note the two sides are “inching closer” to a formal extension agreement. Even more telling, some reports indicate the framework of a deal could be finalized before the 2026 season kicks off, reinforcing the idea that this is no longer a distant possibility—but an imminent reality.

          Sources: The #Rams and MVP QB Matthew Stafford have made significant progress on a new extension that should put Stafford in the building for the 2026 offseason.

          A deal is not done for Stafford, whose contract runs through 2026, but Sean McVay said earlier this year he believes… pic.twitter.com/K5sfCjTRnh

          — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2026

          This development comes on the heels of one of the most remarkable seasons of Stafford’s career. The 38-year-old quarterback is fresh off his first MVP campaign, where he led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. Far from slowing down, Stafford has instead strengthened his leverage in negotiations, proving he remains one of the NFL’s elite signal-callers deep into his career.

          For the Rams, the motivation is simple: keep the championship window wide open.

          Head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have built their reputation on aggressive, win-now decision-making. Extending Stafford fits perfectly within that philosophy. Rather than pivot toward an uncertain future at quarterback, Los Angeles is doubling down on a proven veteran who has already delivered a Super Bowl and now an MVP season.

          Key language regarding this type of negotiation is that the Rams are working towards a “new extension” not a “revised deal” like they have used the past two seasons.

          Importantly, this potential extension is not just about rewarding past performance—it’s about maintaining flexibility. Stafford’s current deal runs through the 2026 season, but both sides have operated under a year-to-year understanding in recent seasons. A new extension would likely follow that same blueprint: short-term, high-value, and structured in a way that allows the Rams to remain competitive while managing the salary cap.

          There’s also a practical element at play. With Stafford carrying a massive cap hit and no clear successor ready to take over, an extension could help the Rams restructure his deal while ensuring continuity at the most important position in sports. The team has explored future options through the draft and backup signings, but none offer the immediate impact Stafford provides.

          Of course, there are still questions beneath the surface.

          Stafford’s age and durability remain factors the Rams must consider carefully. While he continues to perform at an elite level, the physical toll of nearly two decades in the NFL cannot be ignored. At the same time, Los Angeles has yet to identify a long-term heir, which makes committing to Stafford both a necessity and a calculated risk.

          Still, the tone surrounding negotiations suggests confidence on both sides. Reports indicating that the Rams and Stafford are “close” to finalizing a new deal highlight a mutual understanding: this partnership isn’t ending anytime soon.

          It would not come as a surprise if a deal is finalized before Thursday night.

          Prediction

          Stafford signs a 2 year $115 million extension ($90 million guaranteed). There may be some void years tacked on to reduce his cap hits for 2027 and 2028 but a two year deal seems the most likely of outcomes. Stafford would turn 40 years old at the conclusion of this deal.

          Hornets urged to acquire $160 million record-breaking Heat big to pair with LaMelo Ball

          Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball

          Hornets urged to acquire $160 million record-breaking Heat big to pair with LaMelo Ball originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Charlotte Hornets are clearly building towards contention with their young core of LaMelo Ball, Rookie of the Year finalist Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller leading the way.

          With momentum on their side heading into the 2026-27 season, it's possible that a big-time offseason swing to land another established star via trade could be in the works.

          In fact, The Ringer's Bill Simmons recently suggested that the Hornets should look to reconnect with the Miami Heat after their instant classic Play-In Tournament battle, this time to discuss a blockbuster deal involving 5-time All-Defensive Team selection and 83-point scorer, Bam Adebayo.

          "Is Bam Adebayo on the table?" Simmons asked fellow podcaster Zach Lowe on a Monday morning episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

          "I could offer you (Miles) Bridges and Grant Williams. I could give you your 2027 first back. Now you have it unprotected and you have all your firsts again."

          "I could give you my 14th pick, I could give you that Dallas (2027 first-round) pick. I could give you a 2029 first. Here's everything I've got, give us Bam!"

          Though Adebayo has become a fixture for the Heat as a home-grown 3-time All-Star and one of the best two-way centers in the association, something has to give.

          Miami has finished as a Play-In Tournament team each of the past four seasons, and a massive shake-up may be in order. The Hornets sit in an advantageous position if the Heat decide to initiate a rebuild this summer.

          In 73 appearances for the Heat in 2025-26, Adebayo averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks. On Mar. 10, Adebayo shocked the sports world when he posted an unfathomable 83 points in a win over the Washington Wizards, notching the NBA's second-highest scoring game ever.

          By prospectively pairing Adebayo with Ball, the Hornets would instantly gain a devastating 1-2 punch on the offensive end, along with plenty of newfound versatility defensively.

          A North Carolina native, the 6-foot-9 big man's hypothetical homecoming could propel the Hornets further towards a guaranteed postseason spot next season if a deal were to be agreed upon.

          More NBA: Warriors urged to pair Stephen Curry with $153 million two-time NBA Finals MVP

          Brazilian woman identified as Texas Ironman triathlete who drowned

          April 20 (UPI) -- Officials on Monday identified the triathlete who died during the swimming leg of last weekend's Texas Ironman race as a 38-year-old Brazilian.

          The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said Mara Flavia Souza Araujo was the athlete who died Saturday in The Woodlands, located north of Houston.

          The Ironman race began with a 2.4-mile lake swim at North Shore Park where the freshwater maintains an average temperature of 74 degrees, according to the event's website, which told participants to "be prepared to swim with or without a wetsuit."

          The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office on Saturday confirmed a drowning had occurred during the race.

          The Woodlands Fire Department performed a rescue operation, but after it was determined the athlete had died, the sheriff's office Major Crimes unit launched an investigation into the drowning.

          Ironman also confirmed Saturday that there had been a death on its Facebook page.

          "We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today's IRONMAN Texas triathlon," it said.

          "We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time."

          ‘Woof!’ Check out what Elly De La Cruz did this time as Reds win again

          ST. PETERSBURG, FL – When Sal Stewart’s pulling off Elly De La Cruz-style feats, and De La Cruz is making defensive plays he considers among his best, something must be going right for the Cincinnati Reds these days

          “Every game looks a little different, but we always find a way,” Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder said of the team’s 15-8 start that has them on a four-game winning streak and in first place.

          Take your pick of any number of big plays in the series-opening win against the Rays on Monday night as the highlight. But not even Stewart’s impersonation of De La Cruz on a two-out double, steal of third and sprint home on a wild pitch could upstage what De La Cruz did in the the third inning of a 6-1 win.

          Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, a close friend of De La Cruz, drove a 113-mph grounder toward left field that looked hard enough that it might even split the gap – until De La Cruz somehow snared it at full extension, in the final split second of a dive toward the hole.

          Then he leaped in one motion and threw a strike to first base that rivaled the velocity of the hit, getting the out by a half step.

          Of all the highlight-reel plays, “That was one of the best ones,” De La Cruz said. “So far.”

          The throw might have been as good as the diving snare.

          Either way, it left teammates slack-jawed.

          “Woof!” Stewart said. “What a play! "I sat there and was like, 'Damn, there's no way.' It was an incredible play. Another one of his many things that he does where he leaves all of us in awe."

          De La Cruz, who was told to turn down an invitation to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic this spring because of his ongoing rehab from last year’s quad injury, spent time pregame chatting with Caminero about his pal’s experience playing in the tournament.

          A few hours later, Caminero was gesturing toward a smiling De La Cruz after the play, miming eating food and then waving it off.

          “I'm not going to give him any food tomorrow. We were talking about exchanging something, but I'm not going to give him anything,” Caminero told Rays writers after the game.

          “Hey, you’ve got to do it,” De La Cruz said of robbing his buddy of a hit.

          Caminero: “Elly is my brother, and that's just the game.”

          This is the kind of start to the season it’s been for the Reds, who just keep winning, particularly on the road, where they improved to 9-2.

          De La Cruz agreed that the win against the Rays was a sign of the way the club can look when the hitting catches up to the pitching and defense that has paced their success so far.

          “And we can do more than that,” he said. “We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right) we can do a lot of things.”

          As good as the vibe in the clubhouse was last year during manager Tito Francona’s first season and a playoff run, it’s not the same this time around.

          “It’s a different feel,” De La Cruz said. “We’re a playoff team.”

          This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ‘Woof!’ Check out what Elly De La Cruz did this time as Reds win again

          NHL's hits leader Yakov Trenin crushed by Colin Blackwell check

          NHL hits leader Yakov Trenin had to go to the dressing room after absorbing a massive hit on Monday, April 20.

          The Minnesota Wild forward had just received a pass as he skated up ice when the Dallas Stars' Colin Blackwell stepped into him with a clean hit and sent him flying. Trenin was down on the ice for several minutes as trainers came out to tend to him and hold a towel to his face.

          He eventually got up and started skating off the ice with assistance, then by himself.

          Trenin was the NHL's leader in hits during the regular season with 413. He had 13 hits in Game 1, a 6-1 Minnesota rout.

          Colin Blackwell just destroyed Trenin in open ice#TexasHockeypic.twitter.com/vDsfI3OXi1

          — DailyDallasHockey (@DallasStarsDDH) April 21, 2026

          Blackwell ranked fourth on the Stars with 112 hits. He's 6 inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than Trenin.

          This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yakov Trenin, NHL's hits leader, crushed by Colin Blackwell check

          Dodgers, Giants have each won 1,290 games in all-time series

          Dodgers, Giants have each won 1,290 games in all-time series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants have been playing against one another for a long time.

          Of course, it pre-dates their time in California. They were rivals in New York City first.

          These days, they're NL West foes, with the Dodgers having the leg up more often than not.

          But as they prepare to play their first regular season series of the season, there's one astounding stat.

          They've each won exactly 1,290 games in the all-time series.

          The Giants hold the regular season advantage 1288-1287.

          The Dodgers hold the playoff advantage 3-2.

          So that's 1290-1290.

          They have also tied 17 times way back in the day.

          The Dodgers have beaten the Giants 1,290 times.
          The Giants have beaten the Dodgers 1,290 times.
          They have a 3-game series starting tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/uIU0R6e3du

          — Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 20, 2026

          MORE: Austin Hedges ended a great Guardians day with a proposal

          It's a three-game set coming up this week, so at least temporarily, one team will take the advantage.

          It's crazy, though, that it's this close. That's a lot of baseball games. And somehow, these rivals are all square.

          Sports can be absolutely inexplicable sometimes, especially baseball. What an incredible game.

          More MLB news:

          Hawks tie up playoff series with nail-biting 1 point win over Knicks

          The Atlanta Hawks are now 1-1 in their playoff series with the New York Knicks after pulling out a win on Monday night.

          The Hawks were trailing the Knicks, but with seconds left on the clock pulled it to a one-point lead. They held onto it and pulled out a 107-106 win.

          [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

          CJ McCollum led a late surge, scoring 32 points, that was almost for naught when he missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining. The Knicks rushed the ball up the court without any timeouts left, but Mikal Bridges missed a jumper as time expired.

          The Hawks had trailed the whole second half and were down 12 after three quarters. Atlanta chipped away and a basket by McCollum gave the Hawks a 101-100 lead — their first of the series in the second half — with 2:09 to play. He made another for a three-point lead, and after Jalen Brunson tied it with a 3-pointer, McCollum answered with another jumper to make it 105-103 with 33 seconds to play.

          Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points off the bench and Jalen Johnson scored 17, including a basket with 10 seconds left for a four-point lead for the No. 6 seeds, who host Game 3 on Thursday.

          Brunson had 29 points for the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns added 18.

          Both teams will head back to Atlanta for the next game in the series at State Farm Arena on Thursday night.

          The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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          ‘Show The Gap’ – Hyu Looks To Prove His Superiority Over Taiki Naito At ONE SAMURAI 1

          An explosive all-Japanese flyweight kickboxing showdown is set to electrify the Ariake Arena when undefeated phenom ”Mister Pepper” Hyu Iwata steps into the ONE Championship ring against decorated veteran Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito.

          The high-stakes battle will take center stage at ONE SAMURAI 1, which broadcasts live from Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, April 29.

          With both strikers looking to climb the divisional ladder and break into the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title conversation, the pressure surrounding this battle between home favorites remains intense.

          For the Osaka native, this matchup represents more than just another step toward the ultimate prize. It offers an opportunity to silence any remaining doubters and cement his status as the most dangerous new arrival in the weight class.

          In fact, fans have actively clamored for this exact pairing since Hyu first stepped onto the global stage in September 2024.

          Bringing a flawless 13-0 record into the contest, the karate specialist has built a reputation as an exciting finisher. His resume already features a dominant victory over Kanta Motoyama – one of Naito’s former teammates – which naturally laid the groundwork for this budding rivalry.

          Hyu understands exactly why Japanese fans demanded this battle, and he recognizes the caliber of the opponent standing across the ring.

          He explained:

          “When the possibility of fighting him came up, there was a lot of fan noise about wanting to see that fight. And even from when I first came to ONE, I started hearing voices saying they wanted to see me against Naito.

          “Naito is the one who stands out the most among Japanese fighters. I’m fully aware of that.”

          To secure his sixth consecutive victory in the world’s largest martial arts organization and keep his spotless record intact, Hyu must solve one of the most experienced puzzles in the flyweight ranks.

          Boasting a 38-14 career record, Naito has traded leather with some of the best fighters the sport has to offer. The 30-year-old Bell Wood Fight Team product, who has a Shoot Boxing Title and RISE Tournament Championship on his resume, is a counter-striker who relies on timing, distance management, and a notoriously heavy left hand.

          While many opponents struggle to navigate Naito’s defensive shell, Hyu views his countryman’s style not as a complex mystery, but as a deeply flawed system waiting to be dismantled.

          “Mister Pepper,” who represents Team Mehdi Zatout and TEAM3K, explained:

          “He’s a defense-first fighter, but when he does let [the left hook] go, he commits fully. I’m making sure I don’t get caught with a flash knockdown from that.

          “He’s weak against physical exchanges, body-to-body contact. And the only real threat in his attack is that left hook. Funnily enough, his left hook being his strength actually becomes an opportunity for me to land my counter. So overall, he has more weaknesses than strengths.”

          Hyu’s supreme confidence stems directly from the countless hours spent refining his craft in the gym.

          He seamlessly blends his traditional full-contact karate foundation with modern kickboxing fundamentals. Whether he throws a thudding left body kick or delivers a flying knee, the 23-year-old trusts his vast offensive arsenal to overwhelm Naito’s patient, methodical guard.

          That being said, he refuses to overcomplicate the game plan, believing his physical tools simply outmatch the veteran’s capabilities in every single phase of combat:

          “My overall ability is superior across the board. I just need to make sure I don’t get dropped or lose a point from that one punch. That’s it.

          “I’m training to build overall ability whether I have a fight coming up or not. I’m always pushing myself. That’s where my confidence comes from.”

          Hyu To Leave No Room For Excuses Against Naito

          Despite Hyu Iwata’s unblemished record and an 80 percent finishing rate in ONE Championship, the Japanese star steps into the Ariake Arena carrying a massive chip on his shoulder.

          “Mister Pepper” feels his true quality as a fighter is still largely misunderstood by fans watching from the outside. A quick, chaotic finish might leave room for critics to call it a lucky shot, so the undefeated phenom intends to deliver a performance so thoroughly dominant that it eliminates any possibility of an excuse. He wants to break Naito down systematically before finding the inevitable knockout.

          Hyu continued:

          “I feel like I’m being underestimated, so I want to clearly show the gap in our levels. If it ends too quickly, Naito might say, ‘I just got caught,’ or find some excuse. So, I want to make sure there’s no room for any of that. Show the technique, show the gap, and then finish it in a way he can’t argue with.”

          When the bell finally rings at the Ariake Arena and Hyu touches gloves with Naito, ready to come out of his corner firing, he expects nothing less from his opponent than an all-out war.

          But there is no outcome where Hyu sees himself losing this bout, and he’s prepared to unleash his full arsenal until he achieves what he set out to do.

          The Osaka native said:

          “I’m thinking about two patterns for the finish. Either something lands clean in round one – a body shot or a head strike – and it’s a knockout right there. Or we go deep into a messy three-round war, and he goes down at the end. Either one works for me. I’ll read the fight and figure out which one fits as it unfolds.”

          Source

          Kristian Winfield: Knicks agreed to sacrifice, but in Game 2 loss to Hawks, they did not

          NEW YORK — At the conclusion of every regular season, provided the Knicks make the playoffs, the organization redesigns the corridor leading from the home locker room to the Madison Square Garden hardwood floors. On the wall parallel to the exit, the words “10 Weeks of Sacrifice” are printed in big, bold letters, a reminder of what it will take — and how long it will take — for the Knicks to make good on their NBA Finals mandate.

          And framed and hung on the door directly outside of the locker room is a life-sized contract sitting roughly eye-level with the players, ranging between six and seven feet tall. It’s the first thing anyone from coaches and players to executives and ownership see when they walk in the room.

          The title reads plainly: 2025-2026 NBA Season. “Standard of a CHAMPION.” And every inch of the life-sized contract is adorned with the signatures of Knicks personnel. The first line of the contract is the most important:

          “My willingness to SACRIFICE at the highest level for the TEAM, on and off the floor, will represent my dedication to our collective objective.”

          The contract continues as follows: “I’m selflessly CONNECTED to the TEAM because we are stronger as one. I pledge that my unending COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, or drive to win while being the best version of myself for the TEAM, will be unmatched. My unwavering BELIEF in the TEAM and our process will hold truth during our most adverse times, every play and every day.”

          It concludes: “I embrace our TEAM standard and fully commit to being held ACCOUNTABLE as a New York Knick.”

          This is the contract head coach Mike Brown asked organizational members from top to bottom to sign when he first took the job, replacing Tom Thibodeau, fresh off of the franchise’s first conference finals appearance in a quarter-century, in July. It wasn’t on the locker room door for the 82 regular-season games the Knicks played en route to securing a 53-win season and the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed.

          But it’s there now, a reminder of the promise they made to put the team first and push egos to the backdrop.

          And it embodies why these Knicks — flaws and all — can accomplish the impossible: run the table in the East, make the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and hoist an NBA Finals trophy for the first time since 1973.

          When they play the right way.

          Game 2 was a deviation from the contract the Knicks signed at the beginning of the year — and it’s why they lost to the Hawks, 107-106, to tie the series at one game apiece on Monday as it shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 starting on Thursday.

          The improvements must start with Mike Brown, whose wacky substitution pattern cost the Knicks three separate leads: two in-game and one in the series.

          The Knicks built an 11-point lead by the tail end of the first quarter before Brown went with a blunder of a lineup: both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench at the same time while Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and OG Anunoby. The Hawks’ second unit immediately erased the Knicks’ lead at the start of the second quarter, and Atlanta took a one-point lead, 36-35, within the first four minutes of the period before Brown turned back to his All-Star duo.

          And then it happened again. This time at the top of the fourth quarter, when Brown inexplicably sat both Brunson and Towns simultaneously, comfortably nursing a lead that had ballooned as large as 14 points. Brown waited until the 7:56 mark in the fourth quarter to go back to his top guns. The Knicks led by nine when he made the sub. The Hawks went on to outscore them, 20-9, through the rest of regulation.

          The starters, however, should have been able to pull away from a team they’d run up the score on earlier in the evening. That’s where the accountability on Brunson comes into play.

          The Knicks’ captain shot 10 of 26 from the field for 29 points in Game 2, but in the fourth quarter, he shot 3 of 8 from the field and was torched on the defensive end by C.J. McCollum, who flat-out called Brunson a flopper after Game 1, then hung bucket after bucket in a 32-point masterclass, many of those points coming at the expense of the All-Star Knicks guard whose ankles need IcyHot after defending the Hawks’ star guard.

          As Brunson dominated the ball, Towns — who shot 6 of 7 from the field in the third quarter alone — took just two shots in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart took one shot in the final period. Anunoby played 10 fourth-quarter minutes and took one shot. And Mikal Bridges — who had eight points in the first quarter and 10 by half only to finish with 10 on the night — took three shots, missing them all, including the potential game-winner at the buzzer.

          Can the Knicks still win a title? Can they still win a series against a physical Atlanta Hawks team that stole home-court advantage from the MSG floors?

          Maybe the better question is can this team adhere to the contract it signed as a group to start the season? Can this group effectively sacrifice for the greater good — or a championship?

          On Monday, the answer was no. And now, the series is even, with the Hawks boasting all the momentum in the world.

          #KLUpod | K League Conversations Ep.2: Bucheon FC 1995's Takahashi Kazuki

          #KLUpod | K League Conversations Ep.2: Bucheon FC 1995's Takahashi Kazuki
          #KLUpod | K League Conversations Ep.2: Bucheon FC 1995's Takahashi Kazuki

          The first current K League player on KLU's newly-launched K League Conversations Podcast. From Chiba via Madrid, Montenegro, Scandinavia, Romania, and Bulgaria to Bucheon, making his second K League United appearance, it's Bucheon FC 1995 midfielder Takahashi Kazuki, a key player in the Reds’ march to promotion in 2025."Kazu," as he's known in K League, talks about Bucheon's historic promotion from K League 2 in 2025 and the team's start in K League 1, including the famous win over champions Jeonbuk in Round 1.

          🍕 Proudly sponsored by⁠Record Pizza⁠, find your nearest location ⁠here⁠, and in association with ⚽ ⁠TNT FC⁠!

          Part 2 - K League 1 so far

          CJ McCollum walks down Knicks, outduels Jalen Brunson in brutal Game 2 loss

          For most of Monday night, Jalen Brunson kept answering.

          Then CJ McCollum took the last word, and with it, took home-court advantage right out of Madison Square Garden.

          Every time the Knicks looked ready to exhale in Game 2, McCollum dragged Atlanta back into it. And when Brunson tried to rescue the Knicks one more time in the final minutes, McCollum met him shot for shot, possession for possession. What had been shaping up as a 2-0 Knicks lead heading to Atlanta instead became a 107-106 loss, a split series and a fourth quarter the Knicks are going to have to sit with for two days.

          Brunson finished with 29 points and seven assists. Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and eight rebounds, with 14 of those points coming in the third quarter after another quiet opening half. Mitchell Robinson gave the Knicks a huge lift off the bench with a playoff career-high 13 points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes. McCollum led Atlanta with 32 points, three rebounds and six assists. The series shifts to State Farm Arena on Thursday tied 1-1.

          The ending was as ugly as the first three quarters were encouraging.

          The Knicks were up eight after Brunson buried a floater from seven feet away with 5:26 left, the kind of shot that should have pushed the game toward the finish line. Instead, that’s when McCollum started walking the Knicks down. Nickeil Alexander-Walker knocked in a 3 to cut the lead to three. Jalen Johnson scored at the rim to make it a one-point game. After an OG Anunoby miss out of a timeout, McCollum twisted through the defense and kissed one high off the glass for a 101-100 Hawks lead with 2:08 left. Anunoby then missed both free throws on the Knicks’ next possession. McCollum scored again to push Atlanta’s lead to three.

          Brunson answered with a huge 3 to tie the game at 103 with 1:21 left. McCollum answered with a 14-footer. Then came the sequence that broke the Knicks for good: Brunson got stripped by Alexander-Walker, Johnson ran out for a transition slam, and Atlanta was suddenly up four. Brunson hit another 3 with 8.5 seconds left, McCollum missed both free throws on the next possession, and Bridges’ pull-up at the horn came up short.

          That finish hurt more because the Knicks had spent so much of the night finding different ways to win than they did in Game 1.

          Two nights earlier, Brunson detonated early and carried the opener from the front. This time the Knicks got their early spark by committee. Josh Hart set the tone on the game’s first possession by chesting up Johnson and forcing a fumble out of bounds. A few trips later, Hart came off a Towns dribble handoff, beat Dyson Daniels to the rim for a two-handed slam, then followed it with a fadeaway over Onyeka Okongwu. Bridges had eight points in the opening quarter. Robinson changed the game with lob dunk after lob dunk after Mouhamed Gueye exited early with a hip injury following a missed transition dunk. All five starters combined for 26 of the Knicks’ 32 first-quarter points, and the Knicks held Atlanta to 37.5% shooting in the period for a 32-23 lead.

          That was one of the biggest differences from Game 1. Brunson opened 2-for-6, and the Knicks still had juice because Hart, Bridges and Robinson supplied it for him.

          They just couldn’t keep the game on that track.

          Mike Brown had warned beforehand that Atlanta would come back pushing harder in transition, launching more 3s and crashing the glass from everywhere. That showed up in the second quarter, when the Knicks’ second unit kept coughing the ball up and let the Hawks run themselves back into the game. Landry Shamet’s minutes were rough. A Deuce McBride turnover led to a Jonathan Kuminga dunk that put Atlanta ahead 36-35 with 8:13 left in the half and forced Brown to get back to the starters who had built the lead in the first place.

          Even with all that, the Knicks still went into the break up 61-54 thanks to Bridges’ off-balance step-through 10-footer at the buzzer. That came despite Towns having just four points and two rebounds at halftime, the Knicks going 5-for-17 from deep and missing seven free throws. McCollum already had 18 points by then, which should have been warning enough.

          Then the Knicks did what good teams are supposed to do. They came out of halftime and looked ready to bury it.

          Game 2 started mirroring Game 1 there, with Towns finally finding his footing after the break. He scored 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the third quarter. The Knicks shot 60% in the period. The Hawks missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the quarter. The lead grew to 91-79 entering the fourth, and for a while it looked like the Knicks had taken Brown’s pregame warnings, cleaned up enough of the mistakes and found the formula to put the game away.

          They just never finished the job.

          And that’s what will stay with them. The Knicks got enough from Hart early, enough from Bridges, a huge bench jolt from Robinson, the Towns quarter they needed and another late scoring push from Brunson.

          McCollum simply kept coming, and when the game reached its hardest possessions, he won them.

          Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. receives encouraging injury update after HBP vs. Nationals

          Ronald Acuna jr Braves 041126 ロナルド・アクーニャjr ブレーブス

          Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. receives encouraging injury update after HBP vs. Nationals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Atlanta Braves know they have a superstar in right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., and they are working to find ways to secure him with a long-term contract extension before it is too late.

          “Philadelphia, however, knew that they could use their team options as leverage to gain extra years of control. They could guarantee Sanchez a higher salary in each of the next four seasons in exchange for an extra two years. While the year-to-year breakdown isn't available yet, Sanchez will make roughly $60 million more under his new deal than he was set to make under his old deal,” HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee wrote. “The Braves would certainly have to pay Acuña much more than an extra $60 million, but with two extremely friendly club options remaining, the Braves could instead up his salary across the next two seasons in a long-term extension in exchange for a lower overall average annual value over the course of the next six to eight years. If Acuña gets to his final club option without a new contract with the Braves, Atlanta has virtually no shot in retaining him. If they follow the Phillies' blueprint, they still might have a shot.”

          On Monday, Acuña Jr. exited the game against the Washington Nationals after being hit in the hand by a pitch. It was the second time he had been hit in the game.

          “Ronald Acuna Jr. left the Atlanta Braves' game in the sixth inning after Nationals starter Jake Irvin hit him with a pitch for a second time Monday night. The Braves were trailing 2-0 when Irvin hit Acuna with a 92 mph fastball leading off the fourth. Atlanta was down 3-2 with no outs in the sixth when Irvin hit him with a 91 mph fastball,” ESPN wrote.

          Acuña was listed as day-to-day following evaluation of his hand. He did not speak with reporters, but there is optimism he could return as soon as Tuesday.

          “Acuña left without talking to reporters. But the sense seems to be he could play tomorrow,” Braves beat writer Mark Bowman wrote.

          The Braves are right there with the Los Angeles Dodgers as one of the best teams in baseball. Injuries are never ideal, especially when they involve the face of the franchise.

          The good news is that Acuña Jr. does not appear to be facing an extended absence. Even if he is available Tuesday against Washington, manager Walt Weiss may opt to give him a day of rest.

          More MLB news:

          How long overtime will last for Senators-Hurricanes in NHL playoff rules

          How long overtime will last for Senators-Hurricanes in NHL playoff rules originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          It looked like the night in Carolina was over.

          Instead, Hurricanes and Senators are set up for a long night of overtime hockey.

          Carolina seemed to win the game in the first OT, but the goal was called off.

          Then there was a penalty shot, but Ottawa goalie Linus Ullmark denied it.

          There had been 20 minutes of five-on-five hockey in the OT period, but it ended up with no goals.

          And so on they go.

          MORE: The confusing goal that didn't count for the Hurricanes

          How long is NHL playoff overtime?

          NHL playoff games play 5-on-5 hockey until the game is over.

          Each overtime period lasts 20 minutes, like a regulation period.

          But at the end of 20 minutes, it's like the end of a period. Teams get a break, the ice gets spruced up, and then they come out with switched benches.

          The game goes until someone scores the winning goal.

          MORE: Sabres provide Buffalo a magical night 5,472 days in the making

          What is longest NHL playoff overtime game?

          The longest game was in in 1936 when the Red Wings beat the Montreal Maroons in six overtime periods which featured 116 minutes and 30 seconds of extra game time.

          The most recent marathon game was in 2023 when the Florida Panthers beat the Hurricanes in four overtimes.

          More NHL news:

          Hawks rally past Knicks in Game 2 thriller behind CJ McCollum’s 32, even series 1-1

          Hawks rally past Knicks in Game 2 thriller behind CJ McCollum’s 32, even series 1-1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

           The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a stunning comeback Monday night, rallying past the New York Knicks 107-106 in Game 2 to even their first-round playoff series at 1-1.

          CJ McCollum delivered a clutch performance, finishing with 32 points and leading a fourth-quarter surge that erased a double-digit deficit. Atlanta trailed the entire second half and entered the fourth quarter down 12 before mounting its comeback.

          McCollum’s late heroics proved decisive, even after a brief scare. He missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, giving New York one final chance. Without a timeout, the Knicks pushed the ball upcourt, but Mikal Bridges missed a jumper at the buzzer, sealing the Hawks’ dramatic win.

          Atlanta seized its first second-half lead of the series when McCollum converted a key basket to make it 101-100 with 2:09 left. After extending the lead to three, Jalen Brunson answered with a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game. McCollum responded again, knocking down a jumper with 33 seconds remaining to put Atlanta ahead for good.

          Jonathan Kuminga provided a major lift off the bench with 19 points, while Jalen Johnson added 17 points, including a crucial basket with 10 seconds left that extended Atlanta’s lead to four.

          Hawks stun Knicks with fourth-quarter surge, ride momentum into Game 3 after Game 2 upset

          As a team, the Hawks shot 47.8 percent from the field and 12-of-29 (41.4%) from 3-point range while committing just 11 turnovers. They also outscored the Knicks 34-22 in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

          For New York, Brunson led the way with 29 points and 7 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Knicks shot 45.2 percent from the field but struggled to close out the game after controlling much of the night.

          The victory gives the No. 6-seeded Hawks momentum as the series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday. After stealing a road win in dramatic fashion, the Hawks have firmly put themselves back in the series.

          Hawks’ C.J. McCollum emerges as newest Knicks villain after Game 2 spat, fourth-quarter heroics

          NEW YORK — New York City has a new sports villain.

          Atlanta Hawks star C.J. McCollum heard it from a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden after a tense exchange with Jose Alvarado — the second game in a row that the veteran guard rankled Knicks fans.

          McCollum then made three big baskets in the game’s final 2:08 — including a go-ahead jumper that proved to be the game-winner.

          Late in the third quarter of the Knicks’ 107-106 loss in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, Hawks center Tony Bradley was called for an offensive foul as he set a hard screen on Alvarado.

          McCollum, whom Bradley was trying to screen open, then got into it with Alvarado, going face-to-face with the scrappy Knicks guard in a moment that underscored the growing chippiness in this series.

          Alvarado and McCollum were assessed double technicals, so neither shot free throws, but the damage was done.

          The crowd united in a profanity-laced chant at McCollum’s expense — using the same explicit verbiage they used to direct at former Hawks star Trae Young.

          The animosity continued for the remainder of the game, but McCollum got the last laugh.

          His baseline jumper with 33.5 seconds left put the Hawks up, 105-103 — a lead they would not relinquish as they tied the series at one game apiece.

          McCollum had already earned the ire of Knicks fans in Game 1 when he kicked Jalen Brunson in the groin as he followed through on a jump shot, leaving Brunson writhing in pain. McCollum was given a technical foul for that incident, too.

          Brunson later brushed off the collision as inadvertent, but McCollum delivered another low blow by accusing the Knicks star of flopping.

          “I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum said after the Knicks’ Game 1 win. “He acted it out until they reviewed it.”

          McCollum was therefore on thin ice among Knicks fans entering Game 2, as the boos that accompanied his name during the pregame introductions were by far the loudest.

          But they were nothing compared to what McCollum heard after his spat with the fan-favorite Alvarado.

          It is perhaps poetic that the Hawks acquired McCollum, 34, in the January trade that sent Young to the Washington Wizards, considering Young emerged as a Knicks villain five years ago by dominating in Atlanta’s first-round series victory over the Knicks.

          McCollum has been Atlanta’s best player in this series, leading them in scoring both games. He finished with 32 points on Monday after scoring 26 points in Game 1.

          But McCollum hasn’t been the only Hawks player to mix things up in a series that’s gotten progressively more intense.

          Toward the end of the first quarter, Mitchell Robinson was called for an offensive foul after he knocked Hawks defensive stopper Dyson Daniels to the floor as he set a screen for Brunson.

          Robinson then stepped over Daniels, prompting the Hawks forward to get up with fighting words for the 7-footer. Robinson shoved Daniels backward, and Hawks center Tony Bradley intervened before the dispute could escalate further.

          That altercation occurred in between a pair of fouls by Daniels that were both reviewed as potentially flagrant — first when he elbowed Brunson in the face, and then when his shoulder caught Josh Hart in the face, both times as he came off of a screen.

          Neither was elevated beyond a common foul, but the Garden faithful let Daniels hear it both times, showering him with the same chant that they later used for McCollum.

          Too Many Almosts, One More Loss : Rays 1, Reds 6

          Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) throws to first base in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

          We’ve all had that moment when we’ve spotted an open parking space, only to loop around and realize someone else slid into it before you got there. Thursday night’s Tampa Bay Rays game against the Cincinnati Reds had a similar feeling. Every time the Rays looked like they had an opening, Cincinnati beat them to it with a timely swing, a key defensive play, or a mistake Tampa Bay could not get ahead of.

          In the end, the Reds had handed the Rays a 6-1 loss, and the frustrating part was not that Tampa Bay never had a chance. It was that they had a few. A pretty good one in the first inning, especially. A couple more scattered later. But the baseball gods are not especially generous to teams that waste baserunners, and the Rays spent most of this game learning that lesson the hard way.

          Jesse Scholtens got TJ Friedl to flyout to start the night, but then Matt McLain doubled and Elly De La Cruz moved him over to third with a groundout. That brought up Sal Stewart, who did exactly what hitters should do when you give them a pitch across the center of the plate. He sent a two-run homer out to center, and just like that the Rays were playing from behind before the bottom of the first even arrived.

          Sal Stewart launches his eighth home run of the season 💪 pic.twitter.com/ExcullBvTd

          — MLB (@MLB) April 20, 2026

          To their credit, the Rays came out swinging in the bottom half. Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero singled. Jonathan Aranda walked and the bases were loaded, nobody out. These are the moments when fans turn to other fans and say something along the lines of, “Alright, here we go.”

          And then the Rays scored just one run.

          Yandy Díaz drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Simpson and cut the Reds lead to 2-1, which was helpful, sure, but also felt like leaving a buffet with one dinner roll and an appetite. Jake Fraley struck out. Cedric Mullins struck out. Nick Fortes grounded into a force play. Bases loaded, no outs, one run. That was the first big opening, and probably the biggest one, and the Rays let it pass right by.

          The second inning was quieter, although Taylor Walls did provide one of the more exciting defensive highlights of the night with a diving stop on Tyler Stephenson’s grounder. Unfortunately, the Rays followed that nice moment with a quick bottom half, and the game settled into an uncomfortable rhythm. Tampa Bay would make a play, maybe get a man on, hint at something, and then Cincinnati would slam the door before anything could really develop.

          The third inning was when De La Cruz started making his presence known for the Rays.

          After Friedl doubled again, the Reds got another chance, and De La Cruz made sure it counted. His two-out RBI single to right scored Friedl and stretched the lead to 3-1. That alone stung, but the rest of the inning and the bottom half added a little extra irritation, because De La Cruz kept popping up in the middle of things. In the bottom of the third, Caminero hit a grounder that looked like it had some potential, only for De La Cruz to make a diving stop and throw him out. A few pitches later, Yandy Díaz grounded into a double play, and another inning disappeared.

          Elly De La Cruz couldn't stop smiling after he robbed Junior Caminero of a hit.

          Caminero wasn't having any of it pic.twitter.com/dd1ICa7nvx

          — Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 21, 2026

          That was really the shape of the middle innings. Jake Fraley doubled in the fourth and made it to third with one out, but the Rays could not bring him home. Chandler Simpson singled in the fifth, and again nothing came of it.

          Then came the sixth, and that was where frustrating turned into self-inflicted.

          Sal Stewart popped out to start the inning, but Eugenio Suárez singled and Spencer Steer was hit by a pitch. One out, two on, game still technically within reach. Then Tyler Stephenson hit a ground ball to Caminero at third. In that situation, with the lead runner there for the taking, the play is in front of you before the ball is even hit.

          Instead, Caminero threw to first.

          Junior Caminero forgets the amount of outs and throws it to 1st instead of going for the double play

          The Reds immediately cashed in on the mistake and score 2 more runs making it 5-1 Reds#RaysUppic.twitter.com/0O8SCYWO3j

          — Rays Today (@rays2day) April 21, 2026

          Yes, it got an out. No, it was not the right out. Suárez moved to third, Steer moved to second, and the Reds suddenly had two runners in scoring position with two outs instead of a much cleaner situation. Moments later, Rece Hinds lined a two-run double to left, and the score jumped to 5-1. That decision mattered, and the Reds cashed it in immediately.

          That, at least, brought the one good moment of the night for Tampa Bay.

          With the inning still going, the Rays turned to Trevor Martin for his major league debut. Not exactly the easiest welcome package. A real game, real trouble, and a chance to keep things from getting uglier.

          Martin mostly did that. He got out of the sixth, then came back in the seventh and struck out McLain for his first major league punchout, which was an easy moment to enjoy in an otherwise frustrating game. He also delivered a wild pitch later in the inning that allowed a run to score, so it was not a spotless debut. Still, he gave the Rays a decent first look at a pitcher making his debut under less-than-ideal circumstances. It did not change the outcome, but it did give Tampa Bay at least one small positive to take out of the night.

          Trevor Martin’s father had never flown on a plane before. He was waiting until the fall for Trevor and his fiancé Hanna’s wedding to take that first trip airborne. His son’s call up forced his hand. Michael boarded a flight from Oklahoma to Tampa this morning to catch Trevor’s… pic.twitter.com/Y5OEsJNAEU

          — Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) April 21, 2026

          The Rays went quietly in the eighth, apart from an Aranda walk. There was a small push in the ninth when Jake Fraley walked, Richie Palacios singled, and Walls drew a walk to load things up a bit with two outs, but Chandler Simpson lined out to first to end it with another opening, another closed window.

          With the loss, the Rays drop to 4-9 against NL Central teams to start the season, compared to 8-1 against AL teams. They might be happy when the schedule shifts away from the division.

          First, they still have two more games to finish this series, as they try again tomorrow, with LHP Steven Matz scheduled to start for the Rays, opposite RHP Chase Burns for the Reds, at 6:40 pm.

          Jackson won't corner for Hokit, Garcia at White House

          When Steve Garcia and Josh Hokit fight on the White House South Lawn on June 14 (but not against each other), they evidently will do so without Greg Jackson in their corner.

          Jackson, co-founder with Mike Winkeljohn of Albuquerque’s Jackson-Wink MMA Academy, confirmed via text on Friday an earlier Instagram post by Hokit that Jackson will not corner for Hokit on the much-ballyhooed UFC Freedom Fights 250.

          Hokit posted only that Jackson would not corner for him for “personal reasons,” but Jackson told the Journal via text he also will not corner for Garcia.

          Hokit and Garcia train at Jackson-Wink, and Jackson is a key member of each fighter’s team.

          “I won’t be there for either guy this time,” Jackson texted, “but I’m keeping (the reason) off the record.”

          Garcia (19-5), a featherweight from Albuquerque by way of Rio Rancho who’s riding a seven-fight win streak, is matched against Brazil’s Diego Lopes (27-8). A victory over Lopes, the No. 2 challenger to the UFC featherweight title, would boost Garcia, ranked No. 9, higher in the rankings.

          Hokit (9-0), a heavyweight and a former Fresno State fullback, got the full attention of the MMA world with his Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night victory over sixth-ranked Curtis Blaydes on April 11. That night, UFC President Dana White announced Hokit would face Derrick Lewis (29-13) on the Freedom Fights card.

          Hokit has quickly climbed to a No. 5 heavyweight ranking. Lewis, selected as Hokit’s opponent apparently because he’s a favorite of President Donald Trump, is the No. 9 contender.

          GOLDEN GLOVES: In Longmont, Colorado, four New Mexico amateur boxers won their bouts against Colorado opponents on Saturday, qualifying for the Golden Gloves National Championships May 11-16 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

          Las Cruces’ Joscelyn Olayo-Muñoz, 106 pounds, defeated Colorado’s Malia Paculan. Olayo-Muñoz, winner of 16 national titles as she progressed through various age groups in USA Boxing competition, is seeking her first open-division national title.

          Albuquerque’s Azariah Perez, 121 pounds, defeated Colorado’s Jose Sanchez.

          Rio Rancho’s Ib Maiga, 165 pounds, defeated Colorado’s Ismael Florez.

          Rio Rancho’s Andres Garcia, 198 pounds, defeated Colorado’s Joel Cano.

          New Mexico and Colorado winners at regionals will compete as a team at nationals.

          OHKAY FIGHTS: Bloomfield welterweight boxer Rolyn Nez (7-0, four knockouts) remained unbeaten with an impressive victory by four-round, unanimous decision over Ephraim Martinez Saturday on a pro card at Ohkay Hotel Casino at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

          Martinez (6-3, two KOs) had handed Kirtland’s Elija Martinez, Nez’s friend and sometime training partner, his only pro defeat.

          Elsewhere on Saturday’s Pat Holmes/Donald Sanchez card:

          Española’s Antonio “Tone” Martinez (12-5-4, six KOs) made a successful return to the ring with a victory by six-round unanimous decision over Raymond Chacon (a ghastly 11-75-1) of Torrance, California in a six-round bout. (None of the three Martinezes, Antonio, Ephraim and Elija, are related)

          Santa Fe’s Eduardo Piñon remained unbeaten (3-0, one KO) with a victory by four-round decision over Albuquerque’s Quentin DeLeon (1-2). Albuquerque’s Jorge Villarruel (3-0, two KOs) also maintained his clean sheet, defeating Joe Moralez (2-3, two KOs) of Englewood, Colorado by third-round TKO.

          Santa Fe’s Jerome Rivera, a former UFC fighter, is 2-0 (one KO) as a boxer after stopping Albuquerque’s Javier Sainz (0-2) in the second round. Another Santa Fe fighter, Aiseah Achesah (3-0, one KO), defeated Hobbs’ Yhorhighness Rezzaq (2-3, two KOs) by unanimous four-round decision.

          Albuquerque’s Mark Morgenstern made a successful pro debut with a victory by first-round TKO over Albuquerque’s George Roybal (0-7).

          In his own words: Jake Hall talks about his decision to run it back with Lobo basketball

          Lobo hoops transfer portal tracker

          The Journal is keeping tabs on all offseason roster moves for the Lobo men’s basketball team — who is leaving, who is returning, who hasn’t decided — on its Transfer Portal Tracker (CLICK HERE).

          A funny thing happened on the way to the demise of the University of New Mexico basketball program last week.

          A shaggy blonde-haired teenager from San Diego decided to run it back, saving a proud Lobos fanbase from completely melting down (OK, some had already melted).

          Jake Hall, the Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Lobos leading scorer last season, had entered the transfer portal, becoming what most figured would be the latest once-overlooked and under-recruited Lobo star to be plucked by the blue bloods of college basketball.

          But with his family beside him in their home in San Diego, Hall jumped on a Facetime call with UNM coach Eric Olen, and reversed the narrative.

          “I was like, man, ‘I’m super excited about the pieces you’re bringing in,’” Hall explained on a conference call with reporters on Monday morning, adding that he informed Olen during that phone call that he was withdrawing his name from the NCAA’s transfer portal to play another season with the Lobos. “‘I think we could really do something special. And, you know, I don’t want leave New Mexico without a championship.’

          “And so I told him I was coming back. He was fired up. And, yeah, it was really cool. That’s something I’ll probably never forget.”

          Neither will Lobo fans.

          Especially after the past few years of star players such as guard Donovan Dent, forward JT Toppin and quarterback Devon Dampier, along with head coaches such as Bronco Mendenhall (football) and Richard Pitino (basketball) improving their market value in Albuquerque and leaving when the offer was too sweet to turn down.

          Hall entered the transfer portal about 10 days ago, was courted by the best programs in the nation — ones that are disappointed when their season ends in the Sweet 16, he noted Monday — and had life-changing money thrown at him.

          To be clear, Hall’s decision to stay isn’t exactly the type of sacrifice that will make him go hungry next year. He’s doing alright, though UNM does not disclose what players are being paid in this NIL and revenue-sharing era. But Hall most certainly did leave a lot on the table to stay in Albuquerque — better TV exposure, better competition, more money and a much easier path to deep NCAA Tournament run.

          The fact that Dax Hall, Jake’s younger brother, had just signed a scholarship to be a Lobo is nice, but wasn’t the deciding factor in Jack’s return. Jake said he and Dax are there for each other, but also promised each other not to make their decisions based on the other —Jake staying to play with Dax or Dax going to UNM to play with Jake.

          “He’s a great player. He’s a point guard, can really handle the ball, going to be a pest on defense,” Jake Hall said, maintaining for about the 10th time in the past couple months his firm belief that his younger brother is going to be a great Lobo.

          That Dax Hall happens to be a point guard, like UNM starter Uriah Tenette, also makes the shooter senses in Jake Hall perk up.

          “I think the best part of his (Dax Hall’s) game is his ability to play-make and get downhill, get his feet in the paint, you know? So, hopefully I’m on the other end of those passes and can give him some assists.”

          Jake Hall admitted Monday part of the decision to not pursue the power conference opportunities might have been the chaotic calendar the NCAA has created with the transfer portal.

          While the UNMs of the world are sorting through roster management during portal season, the Dukes, UConns, Virginias and North Carolinas of the world are also dealing with players deciding whether to enter the NBA Draft. Those decisions mean shooting guard spots might not be on the table for another month or two — far beyond the time the portal window closes.

          “At the end of the day, I thought I learned a lot from being able to talk to these schools, talk to these coaches, and kind of bring back feedback,” Jake Hall said. “Ultimately, I think our timelines just didn’t line up with each other. And, I’m super grateful that Olen took it the way he did and offered open arms back.

          “I just thought this was the right decision at this point in my career. And with the people in the New Mexico building, they’re building something special over there.

          “I wanted to be a part of it.”

          Reach Geoff Grammer at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) @GeoffGrammer.

          Kristian Winfield: Knicks agreed to sacrifice but in Game 2 loss to Hawks, they did not

          At the conclusion of every regular season, provided the Knicks make the playoffs, the organization redesigns the corridor leading from the home locker room to the Madison Square Garden hardwood floors. On the wall parallel to the exit, the words “10 Weeks of Sacrifice” are printed in big, bold letters, a reminder of what it will take — and how long it will take — for the Knicks to make good on their NBA Finals mandate.

          And framed and hung on the door directly outside of the locker room is a life-sized contract sitting roughly eye-level with the players, ranging between six and seven feet tall. It’s the first thing anyone from coaches and players to executives and ownership see when they walk in the room.

          The title reads plainly: 2025-2026 NBA Season. “Standard of a CHAMPION.” And every inch of the life-sized contract is adorned with the signatures of Knicks personnel. The first line of the contract is the most important:

          “My willingness to SACRIFICE at the highest level for the TEAM, on and off the floor, will represent my dedication to our collective objective.”

          The contract continues as follows: “I’m selflessly CONNECTED to the TEAM because we are stronger as one. I pledge that my unending COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, or drive to win while being the best version of myself for the TEAM, will be unmatched. My unwavering BELIEF in the TEAM and our process will hold truth during our most adverse times, every play and every day.”

          It concludes: “I embrace our TEAM standard and fully commit to being held ACCOUNTABLE as a New York Knick.”

          This is the contract head coach Mike Brown asked organizational members from top to bottom to sign when he first took the job, replacing Tom Thibodeau, fresh off of the franchise’s first conference finals appearance in a quarter-century, in July. It wasn’t on the locker room door for the 82 regular-season games the Knicks played en route to securing a 53-win season and the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed.

          But it’s there now, a reminder of the promise they made to put the team first and push egos to the backdrop.

          And it embodies why these Knicks — flaws and all — can accomplish the impossible: run the table in the East, make the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and hoist an NBA Finals trophy for the first time since 1973.

          When they play the right way.

          Game 2 was a deviation from the contract the Knicks signed at the beginning of the year — and it’s why they lost to the Hawks, 107-106, to tie the series at one game apiece on Monday as it shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 starting on Thursday.

          The improvements must start with Mike Brown, whose wacky substitution pattern cost the Knicks three separate leads: two in-game and one in the series.

          The Knicks built an 11-point lead by the tail end of the first quarter before Brown went with a blunder of a lineup: both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench at the same time while Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and OG Anunoby. The Hawks’ second unit immediately erased the Knicks’ lead at the start of the second quarter, and Atlanta took a one-point lead, 36-35, within the first four minutes of the period before Brown turned back to his All-Star duo.

          And then it happened again. This time at the top of the fourth quarter, when Brown inexplicably sat both Brunson and Towns simultaneously, comfortably nursing a lead that had ballooned as large as 14 points. Brown waited until the 7:56 mark in the fourth quarter to go back to his top guns. The Knicks led by nine when he made the sub. The Hawks went on to outscore them, 20-9, through the rest of regulation.

          The starters, however, should have been able to pull away from a team they’d run up the score on earlier in the evening. That’s where the accountability on Brunson comes into play.

          The Knicks’ captain shot 10-of-26 from the field for 29 points in Game 2, but in the fourth quarter, he shot three-of-eight from the field and was torched on the defensive end by C.J. McCollum, who flat-out called Brunson a flopper after Game 1, then hung bucket after bucket in a 32-point masterclass, many of those points coming at the expense of the All-Star Knicks guard whose ankles need IcyHot after defending the Hawks’ star guard.

          As Brunson dominated the ball, Towns — who shot six-of-seven from the field in the third quarter alone — took just two shots in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart took one shot in the final period. Anunoby played 10 fourth-quarter minutes and took one shot. And Mikal Bridges — who had eight points in the first quarter and 10 by half only to finish with 10 on the night — took three shots, missing them all, including the potential game-winner at the buzzer.

          Can the Knicks still win a title? Can they still win a series against a physical Atlanta Hawks team that stole home-court advantage from the MSG floors?

          Maybe the better question is can this team adhere to the contract it signed as a group to start the season? Can this group effectively sacrifice for the greater good — or a championship?

          On Monday, the answer was no. And now, the series is even, with the Hawks boasting all the momentum in the world.

          Topes Notes: Yes, it's early, but it's also been a long time since the Isotopes have looked this good

          Tuesday

          Who: Isotopes at Sacramento River Cats

          When: Tuesday, 7:4m p.m. MT

          Where: Sutter Health Park

          Radio: 610 AM/95.9 FM

          Streaming: MiLB.tv

          Probables: TBD

          Stop the count!

          After winning nine of their past 12 games, your Albuquerque Isotopes are sitting pretty at 12-9 — the first time the team has been three games above .500 since having an 11-8 record on April 21, 2023.

          The ’Topes, without a winning season in more than a decade, have a long way to go to end that streak, of course, but there is no denying they aren’t just winning, they are destroying teams, particularly at the plate.

          Albuquerque clinched a 4-2 series victory against Oklahoma City with a 17-run outburst on Sunday, scored 56 runs over the past six games. The week before, it was 58 runs in a 5-1 series win at El Paso.

          Can they keep it up?

          The easy answer is no. If they scored at this pace all season, they’d shatter all sorts of baseball scoring records.

          But there isn’t any reason to think that the Isotopes — a team with strong bats on the roster and some strong bats waiting in the wings at Double-A Hartford — can’t continue to ride out the good thing they have going right now deep into those dog days of summer.

          Trivia time!

          QUESTION: Since the Los Angeles Dodgers switched their Triple-A affiliate from Albuquerque to Oklahoma City for the 2015 season, the two teams have had 12 series played in Albuquerque. How many of those series played in Albuquerque have the Isotopes won?

          ANSWER: See below ...

          Know the foe

          The Isotopes hit the road for a six-game Pacific Coast League series at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento against the River Cats, Tuesday through Sunday.

          *

          Isotopes, Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, 12-9 overall, fourth place PCL

          *

          Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, 11-8 overall, tied for second place PCL

          What’s up, Chuck?

          Pointing out in this space a week ago that the Isotopes’ Charlie Condon, the elite home-run hitting prospect, hadn’t hit a home run in front of the home fans was admittedly early.

          He had, after all, played in only two home games at the time.

          But now, after the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Georgia has played in seven home games at Isotopes Park? Well, Condon still has zero homers.

          *

          Condon road games: 8

          *

          Condon road home runes: 4

          *

          Condon home games: 7

          *

          Condon home home runs: 0

          What's up, Chuck? Albuquerque fans want some souvenirs!

          Three up, three down

          Some things that have been looking good lately for the 'Topes, some not so good.

          Looking good:

          1.

          The Isotopes have scored a PCL-best 138 runs this season, 114 of them coming in the past two series.

          2.

          Isotopes pitchers have allowed just five runs in the first inning this season — by far the lowest total of runs allowed of any inning for Albuquerque. The Topes are outscoring opponents 14-5 in the first inning of their 21 games played.

          3.

          Albuquerque's 37 stolen bases are eight more than any other Pacific Coast League team. Cole Carrigg’s 11 stolen bases are two more than any other player in the league (and five more than third place).

          Look away:

          1.

          Though Condon was singled out above for a lack of home-game homers, truth is he’s not really alone. The Isotopes have hit just six homers in 12 home games this season — four of them coming Sunday (that’s two homers in the first 11 home games).

          2.

          While that first inning has been nice to the Isotopes, Albuquerque opponents are outscoring the Topes 28-10 in the fifth inning. The only other inning the Isotopes are “losing” this season is the ninth with opponents outscoring them 8-3. Albuquerque is tied or winning the run differential in all other innings this season.

          3.

          OKC’s Zach Erhard hit the first inside-the-park grand slam in Isotopes Park history in the Comets 9-6 win over Albuquerque on April 14. Isotopes pitcher Luis Peralta walked four batters in the inning before the grand slam in a 5-0 second inning for the Comets.

          Fast food

          Taco, winless in the chile races in the Isotopes’ first homestand, won two of the first five races of this past homestand, climbing back up the standings.

          Mysteriously, there was no race on Sunday.

          Clearly, Big Salsa is getting nervous and doesn’t want Taco making a run at this year’s title. Fear not, the Journal is going to uncover every stone and get to the bottom of the shenanigans!

          2026 season standings (11 races):

          *

          6 wins — Salsa Jar

          *

          2 wins — Taco

          *

          2 wins — Red Chile

          *

          1 wins — Green Chile

          What are they doing?

          Here’s another periodic check-in on some (not all) of the fun promos the “other guys” are doing when the Isotopes are in their ballpark.

          *

          Tuesday: $2 hot dogs, ice cream and other concession items.

          *

          Wednesday: Day drinking! My phrase, not theirs, but there is $2 off wine throughout the ballpark for this noon-starting game in wine country.

          *

          Friday: Sweatshirt giveaway

          Next home game

          The Isotopes return home for a six-game set against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Tuesday, April 28.

          Trivia answer

          Three.

          In the 12 series the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple A affiliate has played in Albuquerque since the Dodgers abandoned the Duke City, the Isotopes have won the series three times, lost six times and tied three times.

          The wins: 4-2, last Tuesday through Sunday; 4-2 in May 2021; and 3-1 in May 2017.

          Also, in that time, OKC has had three team names: Oklahoma City Dodgers, Oklahoma City Baseball Club, and now the Oklahoma City Comets.

          Reach Geoff Grammer at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) @GeoffGrammer.

          Talking Grammer, Ep. 126: UNM Lobos guard Jake Hall

          In Episode 126 of the Talking Grammer podcast, I post some excerpts for a Zoom call local media had with UNM Lobos guard and Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall about his decision to return to play for Eric Olen and the Lobos next season as well as his opportunity now to play with his brother, and recent UNM signee, Dax Hall. (TG 04.20.26)

          This podcast episode can be seen or heard on the following:

          • Albuquerque Journal's YouTube (Ep. 126)

          • Talking Grammer on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (Ep. 126)

          • Talking Grammer on Spotify (Ep. 126)

          • Talking Grammer on SoundCloud (Ep. 126)

          Talking Grammer Podcast · Ep 126: UNM Lobos guard Jake Hall (TG 04.20.26)

          For past episodes of the Talking Grammer podcast...

          • CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO (from Episode 63 to present)

          • CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO (from Episode 1 to present)

          For more Journal podcasts, CLICK HERE.

          • Talking Grammer on Apple Podcasts/iTunes

          • Talking Grammer on Spotify

          • Talking Grammer on SoundCloud

          Lobo hoops transfer portal tracker

          The Journal is keeping tabs on all offseason roster moves for the Lobo men’s basketball team — who is leaving, who is returning, who hasn’t decided — on its Transfer Portal Tracker (CLICK HERE).

          Reach Geoff Grammer at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) @GeoffGrammer.

          Rutgers lands Manhattan transfer Will Sydnor

          Nov 4, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Manhattan Jaspers forward Will Sydnor (9) makes a pass over Maryland Terrapins guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5), Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) and Maryland Terrapins guard Selton Miguel (9) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

          Rutgers has landed another member of the frontcourt prepared to battle for a starting spot.

          Manhattan transfer Will Sydnor announced on Monday night that he has committed to Rutgers.

          Sydnor attended Manhattan as a member of the 2024 recruiting class. He hails from Brooklyn and attended The Patrick School. Now, the 6-foot-8 forward returns to New Jersey.

          Sydnor did not play last season due to eligibility issues. He was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2024-25 after making 29 starts for Manhattan. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 45.1% from the floor. Syudnor also shot 34.8% from three-point range. He will come to Rutgers with three years of eligibility remaining.

          Rutgers has now added four transfers this offseason. Sydnor joins 6-foot-10 center Christian Gurdak, who comes over from Virginia Tech, and Central Connecticut State transfer Darin Smith Jr. The first signing this cycle was international transfer guard Lewis Duarte.

          Heelers in the outfield

          There was a sea of youngsters at Isotopes Park on Sunday. Bluey and Bingo, the main characters in the Australian animated series, “Bluey,” were at the park for the young fans. The characters held a meet and greet the hour before the first pitch. The show has become a worldwide phenomenon in recent years. The characters drew a big crowd. Sunday’s attendance of 8,033 was the second-highest of the day in the minor leagues.

          What happened in Monday's high school games? Here are the scores

          EDITOR'S NOTE: Coaches are reminded to send in game results each weeknight by emailing pjsports@providencejournal.com from 6 to10 p.m.

          Trinity Provencher, East Providence softball

          🥎GAME OF THE DAY

          Nethania Figueroa hit the game-tying home run in the seventh and three batters later, Trinity Provencher came through with a walk-off double that gave the Townies a 4-3 win over Prout.

          Prout scrapped up one run in the first and after East Providence tied the score, scored the go-ahead run in the fourth on a Frankie Smith bunt single before getting some insurance on an RI single by Sara Slitt in the fifth.

          Down to their last at-bat, the Townies rallied in the bottom of the seventh. Maura Roche hit a one-out double to spark things and that was followed by Figueroa’s titanic shot to left. With two outs, Audrey Bernard hit a single and Provencher came through with a double to left that plated pinch-runner Bella Paneto with the game-winning run.

          Provencher had two hits, drove in one and scored another and Figueroa’s two RBI led the team. Cassandra Dulude threw three innings of one-run, three-hit relief and picked up the win.

          Mia Boyajian had two hits and scored one run in the loss. Lily Sheehan was solid in the circle in the loss, striking out 11.

          BASEBALL - Division II

          Zayden Kent, Narragansett baseball

          Narragansett 6, Burrillville 4

          Zayden Kent struck out 11 batters through five innings, and allowed just two runs, with two hits, to lead the Mariners over the Broncos. Kent also helped his own cause, driving home two runs with a single in the first inning.

          But the hosts did not go without a fight, plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh before Finley Hohl was able to close the door with a pair of strikeouts.

          Drez Owens and Vito Paglia each scored twice for Narragansett, while Hohl, Aidan Clancey and Riley Cronin each had a pair of hits in the win.

          Trailing by four runs in the final frame, Burrillville made one final push when Zackary Laplume (two RBIs) singled home a run and Tim Casserly hit into a fielder's choice to plate another, narrowing the deficit to two. But that was as close as the Broncos would get, with Hohl striking out the final batter of the game. 

          Middletown 10, Central 1

          It was the Cam Carlisle show Monday afternoon as the visiting Islanders' starter struck out 10 batters, allowing just two hits and one run through five innings. At the plate, Carlisle led Middletown batters by going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

          That was all the offense Middletown would need, but they got plenty more. Mike Lisella drove in a pair, and scored twice, and Evan Agren was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

          Middletown relievers Agren and Colton Kerrison finished up with two scoreless innings.

          The Knights were led by Maikel Alcantara Gomez, who was 2-for-3 with an RBI in the loss.

          Landon Sumner, Chariho baseball, April 16, 2026

          Chariho 5, Johnston 2 

          The Chargers took the lead early and padded it late while holding off the Panthers at Johnston Memorial Park. 

          Chariho plated two runs on an error in the second, a single run in the fourth and two more in the seventh to open up what had been just a 3-2 advantage. Landon Sumner closed 3-for-4 with an RBI, Gavyn Pepler added two hits and Rohan Downing drove in a run to key the attack. 

          Dominic Andrade turned in six strong innings to pick up the victory for the Chargers (7-2), allowing just five hits and a lone walk while striking out four. Jake Rankin drove in both runs for Johnston (2-4) thanks to a hit in the fourth.  

          Toll Gate 3, North Providence 1 

          The Titans used one key inning on offense and let Brady Fales handle the rest while knocking off the Cougars. 

          Toll Gate did all its scoring in the bottom of the third, plating three unearned runs – the first came on a North Providence error. Paul Doyle was hit by a pitch to earn an RBI the hard way and Brayden Randall brought home another on a fielder’s choice. 

          That was enough for Fales, who allowed a Mike Ryan sacrifice fly in the first and nothing else. He scattered three hits and struck out three while working 6 2/3 strong frames. It was a second straight win for the Titans (2-4-1) and a third game in a row unbeaten – the Cougars (4-3) dropped their second straight.  

          ⚾BASEBALL - Division III

          Braylon Guilbeault, Woonsocket baseball

          Woonsocket 15, Davies 0

          The Villa Novans wasted no time jumping out to an early lead and never letting up. And with Braylon Guilbeault on the bump, the offense proved more than enough to earn the W.

          Guilbeault struck out 11 in five no-hit, shutout frames (mercy-rule shortened contest). He was one walk away from a perfect fame.

          And he was a factor at the plate, as well, going 2-for-5 from the leadoff spot, with two runs scored and an RBI. Patrick MungerJulian DeJesus and Jordan Plante each drove in a pair of runs, with Cesar Vazquez Jr. and Ty Chhourn each collecting three hits on the day.

          Woonsocket remains atop the Division III standings with a perfect 9-0 record so far this season.

          Exeter-West Greenwich 21, Classical 0

          The Scarlet Knights banged out 13 hits and had the patience to take 11 walks, helping EWG rolled over the Purple.

          Tyler Medeiros and Josh Larned would lead the way at the plate in the win. Medeiros went 4-for-5 at the plate, walked, and stole two bases and Larned was 3-for-3 with a game-high five RBI.

          Starting pitcher JJ Langlais, despite being the beneficiary of the Scarlet Knights' offense, did not take his foot off the gas. In the game that was shortened to five inning due to the mercy rule. The righty allowed five hits and zero runs while striking out six along to pick up the easy win.

          North Smithfield 23, Times2 3

          Ten first-inning runs by the Northmen set the tone early in this one, as North Smithfield rolled past Times2.

          Nick Tremblay was nearly unstoppable at the plate – 3-for-4 with seven RBIs and four runs scored – and Dylan Nickerson was 2-for-4 with four RBIs and a run scored. Wyatt Pullen drove in three and scored twice, while Sam Garrepy and William Kline each drove in a pair.

          Marshall Harris went the distance (five innings) for North Smithfield, striking out nine and allowing three runs and one hit in the win.

          John Cruz recorded the lone hit for Times2, and he and Victor Pizarro each had an RBI in the loss.

          BASEBALL - Nonleague

          Fairhaven (MA) 7, Moses Brown 2

          The host Quakers struck first, when back-to-back singles by Eli Quackenbush and David Murphy brought home two runs in the home half of the third inning.

          But the visiting Blue Devils would answer in the top of the fourth with three runs of their own, and tack on four more before the final out. Nick Lajoie, Evan LaMontagne and Jackson Williams each scored two runs as the visitors outhit Moses Brown 7-5.

          For the Quakers, Quackenbush collected a team-high two hits and starting pitcher Will Haggerty struck out eight through five innings, giving up four hits and one earned run in the loss.

          BASEBALL - Other Scores

          Division I

          Barrington 5, Portsmouth 4

          Division II

          East Greenwich 5, West Warwick 0

          🥎SOFTBALL – Division I

          North Kingstown 12, Kent County 2

          Ella Mezzanotte’s two-run double highlighted a five-run four that helped the Skippers put Kent County away for good in the 12-2 win.

          Kent County had a big swing early, as Sophia Moreira hit a two-run homer in the first inning to get the Division II squad some confidence up against Division I North Kingstown.

          The Skippers came right back with three in the bottom half, with Mezzanotte tying the game with an RBI single before Kylah LeComte drove in one with an RBI single. Still up 3-2 in the fourth, NK’s first six batters reached via walk, hit or error, with Mezzanotte capping the five-run inning with an RBI double.

          Mezzanotte finished the game going 3-for-4 with three RBI and one run. Amelia Fries finished 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI and Gabby Peralta was 1-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Mia D’Andrea scored two runs in the win.

          Moreira had the two RBI for Kent County and Grace Gallo scored the other run.

          Bay View 14, Cumberland 3

          Alexa Fredricks had another strong performance in the circle and Emma Chase’s home run highlighted a big day for the offense in the Bengals’ 14-3 win.

          Fredricks got roughed up in the first inning, giving up three runs, but settled in after that and kept Cumberland from getting another run across the plate. Bay View’s offense game together and tied the game in the third, then took the lead with a two-run fourth before exploding for nine in the fifth, two off the bat of Chase.

          Chase, a freshman, finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run. Hope Myers went 2-for-2 with three runs and one RBI and Kristina DeCotis went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs. Fredricks helped her cause, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.

          Myla DeMartino, Tessa Nicastro and Maddie Casevant scored the runs for the Clippers.

          Chariho 3, La Salle 1

          Eric Rueb's story from the Chargers' win over the Rams is coming soon.

          🥎SOFTBALL – Division II

          Haley Boudreau, Johnston softball

          Johnston 4, Ponaganset 0

          Haley Boudreau had her most dominant appearance to date, setting down Chieftains faster than they could get to the plate in the Panthers’ 4-0 win.

          Boudreau gave up a two-out single to Ponaganset’s Hayleigh Mooney and then decided that was enough. She walked consecutive batters with one out in the third, got a ground out, then proceeded to strike out the next 13 batters of the game.

          Johnston got all the offense it needed in the third, scoring on an error then on a two-run double by Savannah Paquin. The Panthers were also helped by Samaya Imondi, who finished the game 3-for-4 with one RBI and one run.

          Boudreau’s line spoke volumes, as she threw all seven innings, giving up one hit and two walks while striking out a season-best 19. Ponaganset starter Mattea Mello had a solid performance, giving up two earned runs, six hits and finishing with 13 strikeouts.

          BNS 15, Central Falls 2

          Alivia Laberge had a big day from the back of the order, leading the Broncos in a 15-2 win over the Warriors.

          BNS gave up one run to Division-III Central Falls in the first, then put the game away before the second inning started. The Broncos scored 13 runs in the bottom half of the inning, two off the bat of Laberge.

          Laberge, hitting eighth in the order, finished the day 3-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Ensley Nault went 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs and Alivia Fatoni went 2-for-2 with one RBI and one run. Olivia Audette went 1-for-1 with two RBI and two runs, Samia Shakan scored twice and drove in one run and Serenity Stanley scored a pair in the win.

          Harlow Morrissey went 2-for-2 with one run in the loss.

          🥎SOFTBALL – Division III

          Exeter-West Greenwich 17, Pawtucket 2

          The Scarlet Knights hit, hit and hit some more, making quick work of Pawtucket in a 17-2 win.

          EWG scored four times before Pawtucket could grab a bat, added one in the second and then exploded for nine runs in the third inning.

          Freshman Taylor Childers had herself a day, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run. Classmate Lainey Haskell was 2-for-2 with three runs and one RBI and Alayna Chipman went 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI. Brielle Frenette scored two and drove in two for the Knights and Madison Sherman scored three times and had two RBI in the win.

          Gianna Quinones had two hits and one RBI in the loss for Pawtucket.

          Davies 25, Times2 8

          Brooke Barnes had herself a day, leading a Patriots’ offense that put up 20 in the final two innings in its 25-8 win over the Eagles.

          Davies scored five runs in the first two innings, but a six-run attack from Times2 in the bottom of the second had the visitors trailing going to the third. The Patriots came up with an answer in a big way, scoring 12 times in the third before adding eight in the fourth to bring the 12-run rule into play.

          Barnes finished the day 3-for-3 with two doubles, four RBI and five runs. Maci Linton went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs in the win and Zoe Robinson finished 2-for-3 with four runs and one RBI. Darelyn Maldonado drove in three and scored twice and Ayla Burlingham and Allyson O’Regan both scored twice.

          Soriah Caminero led Times2 with two RBI and Kailyn Arias and Patrice Smith both scored two runs.

          🥎SOFTBALL – Other scores

          Division III

          Central 13, Classical 7

          Hampton Hubbard, South Kingstown Boys Lacrosse
Blake Riley, South Kingstown Boys Lacrosse

          🥍BOYS LACROSSE - Division I

          South Kingstown 20, Prout 8 

          The Rebels held just a 3-2 lead after one quarter but steadily pulled away while taking care of the Crusaders in a nonleague rivalry matchup. 

          South Kingstown (5-3, Division I) enjoyed an 11-5 cushion by halftime and clamped down defensively from there to ensure the result. Hampton Hubbard powered the offense with seven goals while Blake Riley added five and William Costello hit for a hat trick. 

          John Gaffney did half the scoring for Prout (2-5, Division II), collecting four goals and Maddox Keramidas added a pair for the Crusaders, who will host the Rebels in a Saturday rematch on campus. 

          🥍BOYS LACROSSE - Other Scores

          Division I

          La Salle 17, Pilgrim 3

          Division III

          Narragansett 3, North Smithfield 2

          Division IV

          North Providence 11, Tiverton 3

          🥍GIRLS LACROSSE - Division I

          Prout 15, Chariho 14

          In a closely contested match, Prout ruled the first half and and had several large leads, ending the half ahead at 11-6. But in the second frame, Chariho battled back and outscored the Crusaders, 8-4. But even with that rally the Chargers fell one goal short.

          Lizzie Hill topped Prout scorers with six tallies and teammate Pillar Murphy had four goals with three assists to lead the way. Madison Bogdon and Caroline Crupe also figured in the win with 3 goals and 2 goals, respectively. Goalie Alicia McCarthy had 8 saves.

          For the Patriots, Kayden Jaillet had six goals and Alexis Comella had 4 more goals in the loss. Netminder Ava Laird recorded 7 seven saves.

          🥍GIRLS LACROSSE - Division II

          Westerly 15, Middletown 0 

          The Bulldogs kept rolling atop the standings with this shutout victory over the Islanders. 

          Gianna Falcone led the attack with four goals and three assists. Macy Antoch bagged a hat trick, Phoebe Brennan collected two goals and two assists and Casey Macera chipped in two goals and one assist. 

          Westerly (7-0) and Burrillville share the league lead with identical perfect records. Middletown (0-7) will host Cumberland next time out hoping for a Thursday night breakthrough. 

          Cumberland 19, Cranston West 8 

          Lucy Biggs notched a career milestone during a dominant offensive performance and the Clippers handed the Falcons their first league loss of the season in impressive fashion. 

          Biggs piled up eight goals for the winners, including the 100th of her career. Hadley Henderson added four goals and two assists while Ella Mancuso and Bowie Legend each fired home a hat trick for Cumberland (5-1). 

          Ashley Budano and Kennedy Carr each finished with a hat trick for Cranston West (6-1), which had captured its first six matches. Liliana Ricci made 11 saves in net for the Falcons. 

          🥍GIRLS LACROSSE - Other Scores

          Division II

          Burrillville 10, Lincoln School 8

          Division IV

          Tiverton 12, Lincoln 11

          🎾BOYS TENNIS - Division II

          North Smithfield 3, Smithfield 3 (NS wins on a tiebreaker)

          Neither team had a third doubles tandem available to play so the match was decided by overall games as the tiebreaker. North Smithfield wins with a 58-51 lead in games. 

          Singles: Nathan Tremblay, NS, def. Cameron Derderian, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1; Timothy Ferri, NS, def. Alexander Howell, 6-1, 6-2; Bryce Santos, NS, def. Oliver Rowlinson, 6-0, 6-1; Joshua Sasso, S, def. Cody Roy, 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4.

          Doubles: Luca Savastano and Naveed Tari, S, def. Alex Sevegny and Ariel Castro, 6-1, 6-1; Joshua. Koconis and Cooper Dubuc, S, won by forfeit.

          🎾BOYS TENNIS - Other Scores

          Division III

          Cranston East 7, Coventry 0

          Warwick 6, West Warwick 0

          🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Division II

          Juanita Sanchez 3, Johnston 0

          Armando Ramirez led the Cavaliers with nine kills and one block, and Eli Torres added five aces and eight kills in the win (25-11, 25-21, 25-15).

          For the Panthers, Christopher Dipanni had eight kills and 10 digs, and Michael Mills made 14 assists in the loss.

          Central 3, Pilgrim 0

          Pablo Valdez recorded 15 kills and 4 aces helping the Knights sweep the Patriots, 25-16, 25-17, 25-23.

          Caden Stowik was good for 5 kills for the Patriots in the loss.

          West Warwick 3, Portsmouth 0

          The tandem of Mike Gallo and Alex Osmena were keys to the Wizards' win (25-16 25-15 25-14) over the Patriots. Gallo recorded 14 kills and Alex Osmena Wass good for 6 kills and 5 aces.

          For Portsmouth, Nico Colantuono had 10 kills 4 block 3 digs and Jacob Labonte had 4 kills 3 aces and 1 block in the loss.

          🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Division III

          Burrillville 3, Davies 2

          Strong play by Nomar TorresLuna (10 kills and 2 Aces), Grant Godzwon (5 kills, 2 aces, and 17 digs), Gustavo Santos (2 Aces, 5 kills, 17 digs) and Omar Espinal Moreno (20 Digs) paved the way for the Broncos win.

          Despite the loss, Davies had solid outings from Glen Andrade (11 kills, 2 aces), Desean Jackson (8 kills, 4 blocks) and Santiago Giraldo Marin (23 digs, 2 aces).

          Burrillville 3, Block Island 1

          In Burrillville's second match of the day, Nomar Torres Luna paced the Broncos with 10 kills and 21 digs, Cayden Closson had nine kills, three aces and 18 assists, and  Gus Santos recorded 38 digs as Burrillville won 24-26, 25-11, 25-22, and 25-23.

          For the Hurricanes,  Colin Lansek had 10 kills and four blocks, Ford Earnest made seven kills and three blocks, and Zioma Farges had 15 assists in the loss. 

          Bryan Leon, Pawtucket boys volleyball; Jacob Lizotte, Lincoln boys volleyball

          Pawtucket Co-op 3, Woonsocket 0

          Bryan Leon recorded 8 kills, 4 digs and 1 block, Mike Senepha was good for 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 ace and 1 block and Myles Carter dished off 21 assists also had 3 aces in the Pawtucket Co-op's win (25-12, 25-21, 25-20) over the Villa Novans.

          Woonsocket did not report any stats.

          🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Other Scores

          Division II

          Westerly 3, South Kingstown 0

          Juanita Sanchez 3, Johnston 0

          TUESDAY'S SCHEDULE

          BASEBALL

          Cranston West vs. Cumberland at Tucker Field, 4:15 p.m.

          Hendricken vs. Lincoln at Chet Nichols Field, Noon

          Coventry at La Salle, 4 p.m.

          Cranston East at East Providence, Noon

          PC/St. Pats Co-op vs. Pawtucket Co-op at Slater Park, 4:30 p.m.

          Smithfield vs. Pilgrim at Mickey Stevens Complex, 4:30 p.m.

          Mt. Pleasant at Tiverton, 11 a.m.

          Westerly vs. Mt. Hope at Guiteras Field, 1 p.m.

          Barrington at Moses Brown, 4:30 p.m.

          South Kingstown vs. North Kingstown at Lischio Field, 4 p.m.

          Ponaganset vs. St. Raphael at Fairlawn Vets Park, 4:15 p.m.

          Hope vs. BVP/CF Baseball at Macomber Stadium, 11 a.m.

          SOFTBALL

          Smithfield vs. Bay View/PCD Co-op at Bay View, 4 p.m.

          Hope vs. Rogers at Toppa Field, 1 p.m.

          Prout at Chariho, 4:15 p.m.

          Middletown at Mt. Pleasant, 4:30 p.m.

          St. Raphael at Coventry, 11 a.m.

          BOYS LACROSSE

          Portsmouth at Prout, 3 p.m.

          Cranston West at Westerly, 5 p.m.

          Ponaganset at Scituate, 4:30 p.m.

          Middletown at Smithfield, 11 a.m.

          East Greenwich at Chariho, 5 p.m.

          Lincoln at Burrillville, 4 p.m.

          GIRLS LACROSSE

          North Smithfield vs. Cranston East at Cranston Stadium, 4 p.m.

          Barrington at East Greenwich HS, 4:30 p.m.

          Moses Brown at North Kingstown, 6 p.m.

          La Salle at Portsmouth, 6:30 p.m.

          BOYS TENNIS

          Woonsocket vs. North Providence at Stephen Olney Courts, 10:30 a.m

          North Smithfield vs. SRA/Pono Co-op at Fairlawn Vets Park, 3 p.m.

          Classical at Tiverton, 4 p.m.

          BOYS VOLLEYBALL

          La Salle at Cranston East, 6:30 p.m.

          Classical vs. Barrington at Al Morro Complex, 3:30 p.m.

          South Kingstown vs. Central at PCTA, 3 p.m.

          Burrillville at Hope, 4 p.m.

          North Kingstown at Coventry, 6:30 p.m.

          Hendricken at Chariho, 5:30 p.m.

          East Providence at Cranston West, 6:30 p.m.

          This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: High school scores, recaps from RI games on Monday, April 20, 2026

          Longest active playoff win streaks:

          Automatic: Longest active playoff win streaks: 12 — CLE vs TOR 12 — CLE vs DET 12 — CLE vs ATL 10 — GSW vs POR 8 — BOS vs IND 8 — PHI vs BKN 12 is also the highest in nba history, so if cleveland wins next game they'll have the all time record for consecutive playoff wins against a team.

          x.com

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Longest active playoff win streaks:

          Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram: It's very interesting he got zero free throws

          Oh No He Didn't: Darko Rajakovic: "Their whole team is very very physical with Brandon. So for me it's very interesting that he had 0 free throws in this game. Seeing zero takes, zero makes, it's interesting"

          x.com

          Darko Rajakovic:

          "Their whole team is very very physical with Brandon. So for me it's very interesting that he had 0 free throws in this game. Seeing zero takes, zero makes, it's interesting" pic.twitter.com/81S7zRkEUH

          — Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 21, 2026

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram: It's very interesting he got zero free throws

          “The top block, the attention. They stuck to the game …

          Josh Lewenberg: Ingram on his rough Game 2 (7 points, 3-15 FG, 5 turnovers) & what went into it: “The top block, the attention. They stuck to the game plan. They tried to be physical, sent different bodies and contested a lot of shots. I thought I had some good looks but shots weren’t falling.”

          x.com

          Ingram on his rough Game 2 (7 points, 3-15 FG, 5 turnovers) & what went into it: “The top block, the attention. They stuck to the game plan. They tried to be physical, sent different bodies and contested a lot of shots. I thought I had some good looks but shots weren’t falling.” pic.twitter.com/oSSBnwaK0a

          — Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 21, 2026

          This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “The top block, the attention. They stuck to the game …

          Why Hurricanes' OT goal vs. Senators was overturned before penalty shot call

          Why Hurricanes' OT goal vs. Senators was overturned before penalty shot call originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

          The Carolina Hurricanes thought they won.

          It was overtime in Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators, and after a long OT period, the puck found the back of the net. The party was on.

          But then wait. The linesmen went to the monitor. There was a replay review.

          And after the review, the goal was overturned.

          MORE: Sabres provide Buffalo a magical night 5,472 days in the making

          Why was Hurricanes' OT goal overturned?

          They were called for being offsides.

          It was close, but there was "not full possession or control" of the puck as the blue line was broken into the zone by Carolina.

          But then after the overturn, there was a second ruling: penalty shot.

          CANES GOAL IS TAKEN BACK FOR OFFSIDE BUT THEY’RE REWARDED A PENALTY SHOT FOR AN EARLY CALL.

          WILD. pic.twitter.com/coqRegIynN

          — Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 21, 2026

          How did the penalty shot happen?

          The penalty shot happened after the offside call, which makes it extra confusing.

          But because offside wasn't called live, the missed penalty shot ruling instead became live and went into action.

          It was a wild sequence, one that was hard even for the announcers to explain.

          This rule explains why the penalty shot still happened after the offside pic.twitter.com/CMkolk9aIj

          — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 21, 2026

          But moments after Carolina had their goal taken off the board, Jordan Martinook had a penalty shot to try and win it.

          Linus Ullmark saved it, though, and the game continued.

          More NHL news:

          WWE Raw April 20, 2026: How Bron Breakker Got Busted Open

          WrestleMania 42

          LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 18: Bron Breakker looks on during WrestleMania 42: Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)

          WWE via Getty Images

          HIGHLIGHTS

          • A returning star was left bloodied after a chair shot that may or may not have gone where it was supposed to.
          • The placement of the attack has already turned into a conversation of its own.
          • A Monday night segment set the table for what could be the next major rivalry heading into May.

          Bron Breakker just came back from a serious hernia injury at WrestleMania 42 and he's already had another scary situation. On Raw, Breakker showed up to cut a promo about his return and his ongoing feud with Seth Rollins.

          What Happened to Bron Breakker on Raw?

          Raw went off the rails fast on Monday night. During the promo, Rollins snuck in the ring with a steel chair, and landed a chair shot on Breakker. The chain landed on the back, up near the head area and it caused a bloody gash to open on the back of Breakker's noggin.

          It was the kind of moment the Las Vegas crowd wasn’t expecting this early in the show. The segment was supposed to be a talking spot for Bron Breakker, not a bloodletting.

          How Did Breakker Recover From the Chair Shot?

          Breakker's blood actually made the segment hit harder, which makes me wonder if it was planned. The return of the Street Profits caused a bit of a distraction in the ring and on programming, but ultimately, a bloodied Breakker hopped back into the action with his head and neck stained with his blood.

          Breakker suffered a hernia in February 2026 which put his WrestleMania involvement in doubt. Fortunately, he made it back in time to have a pretty significant impact at WrestleMania 42 Night 1.

          Was the Chair Shot Placement Intentional?

          Either way, WWE has to address it internally. On Monday, he was in the midst of a solid promo before Rollins' attack and the return of the Street Profits made it a pretty layered segment. Breakker is a star who can only seemingly be slowed down by injury or happenstance.

          It'll be interesting to see or hear if anyone has something to say about the placement of that chair shot from Rollins. It was definitely high, so you have to wonder if it was planned to go high or if someone made an error – namely Rollins. As it is, Breakker appears to be OK despite a cut that is likely to require some stitches to close.

          There is a chance we'll even see images of the laceration posted on social media over the next few hours. That shot – planned or not – is going to add another layer to the feud between Rollins and Breakker.

          What's Next for Breakker and Rollins?

          There were several nuggets planted in this episode of Raw. It appears Jacob Fatu will challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash, and The Street Profits will likely challenge the Vision for the tag belts. Also, Rollins vs. Breakker seems inevitable.

          While it wasn't announced, it would appear the two men could be headed for a singles match at Backlash on May 9 in Tampa. That match could be excellent, and it slots into a card that's already shaping up to carry real post-WrestleMania fallout weight.

          This article was originally published on Forbes.com

          Will highly productive BYU receiver Chase Roberts get picked in this weekend’s NFL draft?

          BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts (33) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
          BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts (33) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. | Michael Conroy

          By his own admission, former BYU receiver Chase Robertsdid not perform well at February’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

          “I was dead last (among 34 receivers) in the 40-yard-dash,” Roberts said. “It obviously didn’t go how I wanted it to.”

          Although he improved his 40 time to 4.51 at BYU’s pro day last month when he was considerably more healthy, that time of 4.64 seconds in Indy in front of a national television audience, in addition to the 25-year-old Roberts’ age, could keep one of the most-accomplished and productive receivers in BYU history from hearing his name called when the NFL draft is held this week in Pittsburgh.

          Most mock drafts say Roberts won’t be taken in any of the seven rounds and will likely be signed as a priority free agent; others, such as one by Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network, have him going in the seventh round.

          I have established a faith and trust in God that I know will carry me far in the NFL if it is His will.

          former BYU receiver Chase Roberts

          “If Chase wasn’t 25 he is probably a mid-round pick,” noted his agent, Carter Chow of Red Envelope Sports. “… I still think he gets picked, but it will be late.”

          In his typical fashion, Roberts, who is older than most college seniors because he served a two-year mission to Calgary, Alberta, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remains optimistic.

          “Every once in a while I will look (at mock drafts), but I am not huge into that stuff,” he told the Deseret News on Monday. “I do all I can throughout the process, and then let God take care of the rest, and just trust that wherever I go is the right place.”

          Roberts said a lot of scouts and NFL general managers have asked about his age and missionary service throughout the process, and he has told them it will be a “benefit” to them as he’s more mature and will have a stronger locker room presence than most rookies.

          “I have established a faith and trust in God that I know will carry me far in the NFL if it is His will,” Roberts said.

          Turning negative into a positive at BYU pro day

          Referring to a LinkedIn post he made last week in which he describes his experience at the combine and impressive improvement at BYU’s pro day three weeks later, he called the ordeal “one of the most joyful moments” of his life “because I knew I acted in faith.”

          Roberts said that after BYU’s 25-21 win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he went directly into training at California Strength in Los Gatos, California, and spent so much time rehabbing “an Achilles issue” that he didn’t have enough time to fully prepare for the combine.

          In fact, he wasn’t going to run at the combine, and most people in his camp advised against it, but he had a change of heart a few days before the event and ran anyway.

          “That improvement (in Provo) didn’t just come from training — it came from the lesson I learned: trust the process, trust God, and don’t let fear dictate your decisions,” he wrote.

          1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01782 2nd half.jpg
          BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) BYU watches the ball into his hands as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

          Roberts said after the combine he went back to Cal Strength with teammate Carsen Ryan, the BYU tight end, and other athletes from Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss, got his Achilles right, and shaved 1.3 seconds off his 40 time. Roberts also completed the 20-yard shuttle in 4.28 seconds and the 3-cone drill in 6.90 seconds at pro day. Both times would have ranked him No. 3 among wide receivers at the combine.

          “I was able to run the times I wanted to run at the pro day, which I believe put myself in a position to get drafted,” he said.

          An interesting thing about the whole draft process, noted Chow, is that Roberts will get more guaranteed money as a free agent if he isn’t drafted. The same goes for Ryan, whom Chow also represents.

          One highly respected draft analyst, Dane Brugler of The Athletic, does not have Roberts in his seven-round mock draft, but does have the 6-foot-3, 209-pound redshirt senior from Highland in the “draftable” range of his “The Beast” draft preview.

          Roberts “lacks ideal measurables, but can be a crafty possession target for the right team,” Brugler wrote.

          Fesi Sitake, Roberts’ receivers coach in all five of his seasons in Provo — he redshirted in 2021 after his mission — said Roberts is “one of the greatest leaders I have ever been around” and will flourish in the NFL if he’s given a chance.

          “He’s got a very physical, demanding presence about him,” Sitake said. “For his size, he is so fluid. He’s got a great feel for the game. … He is so intentional and deliberate in his craft, and he has his priorities straight and prioritizes things the way you should, which is really hard to do at this stage in any young adult’s life.

          “That just really speaks to him and all that he is as a person,” Sitake continued. “He just happens to be a really good football player on top of that. Any organization is going to get a heck of a player and a heck of a person.”

          Which NFL teams are interested in Roberts?

          Roberts was a San Francisco 49ers fan growing up, because his mother — Jessica — is from the Bay Area and he idolized Steve Young, Tom Holmoe, Fred Warner and others. But that doesn’t mean the 49ers have returned the interest.

          Roberts wasn’t invited to make any team visits — clubs are allowed to invite only 30 players each — but several teams came out to Provo to conduct interviews or workouts with him, including the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams have also shown a lot of interest.

          “It would be cool to go play with Puka (Nacua) again, in Los Angeles,” Roberts said. The receivers were teammates in Provo in 2021 and 2022.

          Between participating in the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, and attending the NFL Combine and BYU’s pro day, Roberts figures he has spoken to almost every team in the league.

          “Staying on the West Coast would be nice to be close to family, but I’m excited for wherever I end up,” he said. “I would love to just be able to play in the NFL. Where at is not a big deal to me.”

          Roberts said he will spend the draft weekend at his parents’ home — his father, Kyle, played defensive back for BYU from 1990-93 — and try to make it a “cool, memorable moment” for his immediate family.

          He’s been saving for a new, bigger truck to replace his Toyota, and will likely get one if he’s fortunate enough to get an NFL paycheck one day.

          “Whatever happens, I will forever be grateful for the experience,” he said. “I am just grateful for God and my Savior Jesus Christ.”

          0320fbcbyuproday.spt_LS_0009.JPG
          Chase Roberts competes at BYU’s Pro Day in Provo on Friday, March 20, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

          ‘It’s nice to be approached’ - Palestra discusses future amid Barca transfer talk

          Marco Palestra in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milano, Italy, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

          Italy international Marco Palestra appears to be enjoying being the focus of attention amid continued talk about his future.

          Barcelona are one of several clubs being linked with the defender ahead of the summer transfer window, and Palestra has been asked what his future holds.

          “Honestly I’m only thinking about Cagliari. The most important thing is to achieve safety. The rumours circulating are nice and it’s nice to be approached by big clubs, but we’ll see in the summer,” he told reporters.

          “I’m 100% focussed on Cagliari, they deserve it. Then, with my agents we will make the best decision for the future, but I don’t want to think about it now.

          “I have a lot of margins. That’s normal when you’re 21 years old. I have to improve a little bit in everything. I’ve been in Serie A for two years and I have a lot to improve with my teammates and the coach, who always helps me.”

          Barcelona have reportedly scouted Palestra this season already, while Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Liverpool and Inter Milan have also been linked with the youngster.


          Raptors frustrated with lack of foul calls for Brandon Ingram in loss to Cavs: ‘It’s very interesting’

          CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers grinded out a sometimes ugly 115-105 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead. Much of that success was due to their defense and how they shut down forward Brandon Ingram, thanks in part to the services of Dean Wade. Toronto’s leading scorer was held to just seven points on 3-15 shooting.

          Afterward, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković acknowledged that he liked Ingram’s aggressiveness and that they need him to keep shooting if they’re going to get back into the series. “I got absolute support for him. He’s going to make his shots.”

          Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!

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          But then, when asked about Ingram just before his postgame press conference ended, he decided to bring up one more related to Ingram’s struggles.

          “Cleveland is playing with a lot of physicality,” Rajaković said. “They’re very prideful of their physicality, and their whole team was very, very physical with Brandon. So far me, it’s very interesting that he had zero free throws in this game. That’s kind of like, very interesting. Seeing zero takes, zero makes, it’s interesting.”

          Rajaković wasn’t alone in feeling this way. Toronto forward RJ Barrett didn’t want to outright criticize the officials. Instead, he chose his words wisely when asked about his coach’s comments.

          “I don’t know what to say on that one without getting fined,” Barrett said. “I’m not going to say anything.”

          Then, he relented.

          “Physicality or not, something has to be a foul at some point.”

          The final free-throw totals wouldn’t necessarily back up these claims. Toronto took 17 free throws while the Cavs took 22. That’s a disparity, but not an overwhelming one.

          Still, it is interesting that the Raptors have pointed to the Cavs’ physicality as being a factor in this series, considering that it has previously been an issue for this team. We’ll see how this storyline develops — particularly in terms of Ingram’s struggles — as the series shifts to Toronto for Game 3.

          NFL insider's latest intel on Jeremiyah Love could impact Commanders

          Since the end of the 2025 season, and focus shifted toward the 2026 NFL Draft, everyone wanted to talk about Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Who would select Love and how high? Many analysts consider Love to be the top overall player in the class, but positional value could drop him a little lower than most top-ranked players.

          One of the favorite prospect-team matches throughout the pre-draft process was Love and the Washington Commanders. Love would share a backfield with quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. It's a backfield that had Washington fans salivating at the possibilities.

          Reports have indicated that the Commanders "love" Love. However, in recent weeks, it's become increasingly unlikely that Love makes it to the Commanders at No. 7 overall. Many believed the Tennessee Titans would select Love at No. 4 overall, and most mock drafts have reflected that. In recent days, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the Arizona Cardinals, who hold the No. 3 overall pick, were strongly considering Love.

          Regardless, Love's chances of falling to Washington were minimal.

          Then, on Monday night, ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager, one of the league's most plugged-in reporters, revealed that he doesn't think Tennessee will select Love at No. 4 now.

          "Well, I know I spoke to someone in the organization in Tennessee, and they told me this morning that they have seen six different players tagged to them this morning for their fourth overall pick by people in the media," Schrager said.

          "I will say this, I don't think the Titans are taking Jeremiyah Love anymore. I am moving off of that. That was something I had in my mock draft and felt like that was the pick. As we are now four days before it, I do not think the Titans are taking Jeremiyah Love at four. I think the Titans are taking either one of the two following players: Sonny Styles, the linebacker out of Ohio State, or the (David) Bailey/(Arvell) Reese who doesn't go there, or is available. And my third backstop would be Carnell Tate."

          Schrager is generally one of the more accurate NFL reporters, particularly as it pertains to the draft. He's close with several coaches and GMs throughout the league. If he is saying that, this strongly, he has it on good authority.

          That's good news for Washington. Right? Not necessarily. Love could still go No. 3 to Arizona, or No. 5 to the New York Giants.

          Get ready for a wild week. It is lying season, after all.

          This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could Jeremiyah Love fall to No. 7 in NFL Draft

          Knicks blow 14-point lead, drop Game 2 as Hawks rally late in stunner at MSG

          The Knicks blew a largest lead of 14 points and were outscored by the Hawks, 28-15, in the fourth quarter of a 107-106 Game 2 loss Monday night at MSG.

          Takeaways

          1. Initially, New York's depth showed. Mike Brown's rotation work in 10 players and netted six double-figure scorers. Chief among them, off the bench, Mitchell Robinson dropped 11 of his 13 points in the first half. Robinson, who added six first-half rebounds, asserted himself in the early action while Karl-Anthony Towns took time to get going. All five of the Knicks' starters ultimately performed -- until late -- taking the load off of Jalen Brunson and Towns until they respectively hit their strides, but Robinson's initial dominance was especially key.
          2. A do-it-all effort by Josh Hart showed up on both ends, especially in the first quarter when the Knicks needed a boost. Hart's 15-point, 13-rebound double-double is the type of performance that takes New York to a different level when Brunson and Towns are contained. As mentioned, the Knicks' co-stars collectively found their way when they came alive in the third and fourth quarters. Hart's first-half surge -- like Robinson, Hart was already in double figures with 10 points while adding seven rebounds and four assists -- is a difference-making effort when the opposition briefly contains Brunson and Towns.
          3. Speaking of Towns, he struggled to come through in the first half with only four points on just three shots. Give Towns credit for his aggressiveness in the third quarter. With the Knicks holding a 61-54 halftime lead after Mikal Bridges' buzzer-beating jumper, Towns' 14 third-quarter points helped push New York's 91-79 advantage entering the game's final 12 minutes. The Knicks would have liked more from Towns in the fourth quarter, though, where he was held scoreless.
          4. His running mate, Brunson, willed the Knicks with a team-high 29 points. Those included a game-tying trey, 103-103, with 1:23 left in the fourth quarter and a last-ditch effort to keep the Knicks alive after a triple at the eight-second mark. On 10-of-26 shooting, though, Brunson had his misses. He needed more around him late. Bridges' attempt at the game-winning shot missed after CJ McCollum's two rare missed free throws with five seconds left.

          Who's the MVP?

          McCollum. Despite his inability to put the game on ice in the final seconds, he scored a game-high 32 points that allowed the Hawks to storm back, challenge New York in crunch time and ultimately steal Game 2.

          Highlights

          OG from the corner and lobs it up to Mitch! pic.twitter.com/L6AZNCL4zF

          — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 21, 2026

          OG ANUNOBY ON TONY BRADLEY 💥 pic.twitter.com/h77Xdjvs4U

          — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 21, 2026

          Mikal Bridges gives the Knicks a seven-point lead heading into halftime pic.twitter.com/crpWPr6wsA

          — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 21, 2026

          Hart 👌
          KAT 👌 pic.twitter.com/OdSgnFD6cy

          — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 21, 2026

          What's next

          The Knicks head to Atlanta for Game 3, which tips off Thursday at 7 p.m.

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