Atalanta midfielder Ederson will replace injured Roma right-back Wesley in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian FA confirmed.

Roma defender Wesley has been forced to miss the 2026 World Cup due to an injury suffered during a friendly against Egypt on Saturday.

The Brazilian FA announced that the MRI scan undergone by Wesley highlighted an adductor muscle injury of the left thigh.

Wesley will be replaced by Ederson, an Atalanta midfielder, on the verge of joining Manchester United for €45m.

The Brazilian FA said that Ederson would join the rest of the team in the United States on Monday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil have been placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

They’ll make their 2026 World Cup debut on June 14 against Morocco, then face Haiti on June 20 and end the group phase against Scott McTominay’s Scotland on June 25.

Wesley scored five goals and provided two assists in 39 games with Roma in 2025-26.

“Wesley is a beloved player within the group and will always be considered part of this team that is seeking its sixth World Cup championship,” said the Brazilian FA.

Rafael Leao insists he wanted to defend a teammate and ‘never intended to hurt the opponent’ when he was sent off in a friendly against Chile on Saturday, receiving support from Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Milan star Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons on Saturday as he received a straight red card for hitting an opponent during an international friendly against Chile.

Rafael Leao explains red card vs. Chile

The Portugal international explained his reaction in an Instagram post: “Regarding my sending off, I simply wanted to protect my teammate and never intended to hurt the opponent,” he wrote.

“Thank you to all the Portuguese fans who were at Jamor; the atmosphere was incredible. We move forward together.”

Several friends commented on Leao’s Instagram post, including his compatriot Bruno Fernandes, a Manchester United midfielder. “United,” Bruno wrote in Portuguese, receiving a further reply from Leao.

The Milan star has restricted comments on his social media posts due to the criticism from Milan fans in recent months.

Leao is expected to receive a one-game ban, so, with Portugal playing one more friendly before the start of the World Cup, the Rossoneri forward should avoid suspension for the tournament’s opening game.

Portugal will make their 2026 World Cup debut on June 17 against DR Congo; it will be followed by a match against Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan on June 23 and the final group stage game against Colombia on June 28.

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Denzel Dumfries is set to join Real Madrid for €20m, but Inter already have a clear replacement in mind.

Atalanta’s right-back Marco Palestra has emerged as Inter’s priority target to replace Netherlands international Dumfries in the 2026-27 campaign.

Real Madrid, in fact, have agreed to match Dumfries’ €20m clause, signing the 30-year-old after five seasons at Inter.

The Netherlands international has already undergone medical tests with the Merengues while on international duty before the World Cup.

Dumfries set for Real Madrid move

Inter won the 2025-26 Serie A title under Cristian Chivu and are the favourites to replicate their victory next season, as highlighted by early predictions on Situs 888.

Despite Dumfries’ departure, in fact, the Nerazzurri maintain a solid structure on and off the pitch and already have a clear plan to replace the Dutchman, as coach Cristian Chivu recently revealed.

“You always need players to improve and, why not, send signals to the group and the environment,” Chivu told Gazzetta.

“We have everything planned; there are plans A and B for each role, but then August arrives, and anything can happen because there could be situations you don’t expect. Especially in a World Cup summer, everything can become agony.”

Dumfries will formally join Real Madrid in July, while Inter have set their sights on Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra for the new season.

The promising Italian defender had a convincing season on loan at Cagliari in 2025-26, so Atalanta will only let him leave for a fee close to €50m.

“Marco Palestra is a nice profile, but he is not one of my players today, so I can’t really talk about him,” Chivu said.

“We already have many young Italian players who know what Inter mean and identify themselves with this club. This is a nice advantage and a path we want to continue following. But, obviously, we need other players too, a mix that will help us be competitive at all levels.”

Palestra’s performances with Cagliari earned him a call-up to the senior Italy national team for the first time in March 2026, but his debut was unfortunate, as the 21-year-old was part of the team that failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Palestra is contracted with Atalanta until June 2029, so it’s understood that La Dea will give Inter no discount for the promising right-back.

Inter had a successful 2025-26 campaign, winning the domestic double with the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.

In the new season, they’ll be looking to make progress in the Champions League after being eliminated in the knockout play-off by Bodo/Glimt in 2025-26.

Il Mattino reports that Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has contacted Milan President Paolo Scaroni to obtain updates on the Massimiliano Allegri situation, as the Rossoneri have not yet released their former coach.

The tension between Allegri and Milan continues, as the Tuscan tactician is still under contract with Milan until 2027, but was sacked at the end of the campaign after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Allegri tension with Milan as Napoli and De Laurentiis wait

Allegri has reached an agreement to become the new Napoli coach, but he is demanding a payout from the Rossoneri, which his former club is unwilling to grant.

According to Il Mattino, via TMW, Napoli owner De Laurentiis has contacted Milan President Scaroni to get an update on the situation.

According to the report, Scaroni insisted that an agreement between Milan and Allegri is just a matter of time, while De Laurentiis reiterated that Napoli don’t want to be involved in the dispute between the Rossoneri and their ex-coach.

Allegri has agreed to sign a two-year contract at the Stadio Maradona with a salary of €4.5m per season.

​Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli extended his victory streak to five by ⁠winning a chaotic Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Italian built a big lead after starting ⁠from pole ​position ⁠in his Mercedes but that evaporated after a ⁠late red flag to inspect ​a ⁠crumbling surface at ‌the final corner following a crash that took out Ferrari's ‌Charles Leclerc.

FOLLOW LIVE: Latest F1 updates from Monaco GP

After a delay ‌of around 40 minutes while repairs were carried out, the ⁠race resumed with a standing start but ice-cool Antonelli was unfazed as he became the youngest ever winner of the iconic race.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was ‌runner-up for the second ​successive Grand Prix with ‌Red Bull's Isack ⁠Hadjar third, although he ⁠was one of a number of ‌drivers under ​investigation for a ‌variety of infringements.

Here are the standings after the Monaco GP

Driver standings after Monaco Grand Prix

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 156 points

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 90 points

3. George Russell (Mercedes) - 88 points

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 75 points

5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 60 points

6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 58 points

7. Max VerstappenRed Bull) - 43 points

8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 29 points

9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 26 points

10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 26 points

11. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 18 points

12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 15 points

13. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 6 points

14. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) -13 points

15. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 3 points

15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points

17. Alex Albon (Williams) - 1 point

18. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1 point

19. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points

21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 0 points

22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0 points

Constructor standings after Monaco GP (TBC)

1. Mercedes - 219 points

2. Ferrari - 147 points

3. McLaren - 106 points

4. Red Bull - 57 points

5. Alpine - 35 points

6. Racing Bulls - 21 points

7. Haas - 19 points

8. Williams - 7 points

9. Audi - 2 points

10. Cadillac - 0 points

11. Aston Martin - 0 points

What is the 2026 race calendar?

ROUND 6 - MONACO

Circuit de Monaco - 5-7 June

ROUND 7- SPAIN (Barcelona)

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 12-14 June

ROUND 8 - AUSTRIA

Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 26-28 June

ROUND 9 - GREAT BRITAIN (sprint weekend)

Silverstone Circuit - 3-5 July

ROUND 10 - BELGIUM

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 17-19 July

ROUND 11 - HUNGARY

Hungaroring, Budapest - 24-26 July

ROUND 12 - NETHERLANDS (sprint weekend)

Circuit Zandvoort - 21-23 August

ROUND 13 - ITALY

Monza Circuit - 4-6 September

ROUND 14 - SPAIN (Madrid)

Circuito de Madring - 11-13 September

ROUND 15 - AZERBAIJAN

Baku City Circuit - 25-27 September

ROUND 16 - SINGAPORE (sprint weekend)

Marina Bay Street Circuit - 9-11 October

ROUND 17 - UNITED STATES

Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 23-25 October

ROUND 18 - MEXICO

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 30 October-1 November

ROUND 19 - BRAZIL

Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 6-8 November

ROUND 20 - LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas Street Circuit - 19-21 November

ROUND 21 - QATAR

Lusail International Circuit - 27-29 November

ROUND 22 - ABU DHABI

Yas Marina Circuit - 4-6 December

Kimi Antonelli took a dominant victory in the Monaco Grand Prix ahead of the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton after a chaotic ending that featured two safety cars and a red flag.

The 19-year-old Italian's fifth win in a row, in combination with a dire race for Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who finished 13th and out of the points, puts him in total control of the championship.

Antonelli leads Hamilton by 66 points, with Russell now down to third, two points further adrift.

Russell dropped to the back from third place because of a drive-through penalty that he had to serve when the field was compressed two laps after the restart.

Pierre Gasly finished third for Alpine, but was immediately dropped to seventh with a penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

That promoted Red Bull's Isack Hadjar to the final podium position, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri on the occasion of the team's 1,000th grand prix.

The madcap ending was one of several key stories, including:

• Antonelli's supreme display to take total control of the championship
• Russell's latest dose of bad luck seemingly killing his title chances
• A costly error from Charles Leclerc at his home race - which he refused to accept was his fault
• The chaos caused by the track breaking up and an unusually high number of penalties - six - for drivers speeding in the pit lane

Antonelli stays cool as chaos unfolds behind him

Antonelli kept his cool through two race starts - the initial one and the final one after the red flag - to hold the lead off the line for the first time this season and utterly dominate.

An absolute masterclass from Antonelli for his first Monaco win underlined his credentials as the likely world champion this year, even if there are scheduled to be 16 races remaining.

The talk before the race was whether Antonelli could for the first time this year keep his position off the grid.

In fact, he got away well, and instead it was Max Verstappen's Red Bull alongside him who suffered an engine problem off the line and was passed by the entire field before retiring after limping around the first lap.

That left Hamilton chasing Antonelli but any sense of competition evaporated almost immediately.

The Mercedes was 2.9 seconds clear at the end of two laps and continued to build a lead of more than five seconds by the end of 10 laps.

He had to back off a little to manage overheating brakes for 10 laps but then was able to pull away again.

Antonelli was more than 20 seconds clear of Hamilton when the first safety car was called with 18 laps to go after Lance Stroll crashed his Aston Martin at the final corner.

But even though Antonelli missed the pit lane entry the first time around - asking his engineer whether to pit and being told too late that he should - he stopped the next time around and retained his lead.

Antonelli said: "It was one of those days where we had incredible pace. It was just coming all so natural. The car was feeling incredible and was just giving me the confidence to push.

"The job isn't finished. It's still a long season. We are going to keep pushing and keep raising the bar. The goal is to keep performing like this."

Soporific becomes surreal

Before long, what had been a soporific race turned into a surreal one.

First, Stroll crashed his Aston Martin at the final corner, causing a first safety car.

As the cars prepared to get going again, Leclerc crashed at the same place in the same way even before the race had restarted.

Leclerc said "today I look like an idiot" but blamed his Ferrari's brakes for the crash.

He told Sky Sports: "I would hate to look at myself in the mirror and see myself finding excuses when I do a mistake, so that's why I'm always bluntly honest when I'm in front of cameras. But I'm not going to take any of it today."

That incident led to a red flag as officials took a look at the track surface at the crumbling final corner, known as Antony Noghes.

And that meant another restart that Antonelli had to negotiate, this time with the fast-starting Ferrari alongside him.

But again he was perfect and the race surrendered to him.

Hadjar drove an excellent race battling power-unit problems and was helped by a masterstroke from Red Bull in not stopping under the first safety car, which gained him positions on Russell and Piastri.

Racing Bulls had a good day with Arvid Lindblad taking the best result of his rookie season with sixth place behind team-mate Liam Lawson.

Gasly was seventh ahead of the Williams of Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon's Haas.

And Sergio Perez took 10th for what could be the first point for the new Cadillac team, although he faces an investigation for being incorrectly positioned on the restart after the red flag.

If he is penalised, the final point will mark the first of the season for Aston Martin, for whom Fernando Alonso finished 11th.

And there may be questions as to why so many drivers - more than a quarter of the grid - ended up speeding in the pit lane.

Top 10

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

5. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

6. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)

7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

8. Alex Albon (Williams)

9. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

10. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)

• Full Monaco GP results

• Drivers' championship standings
• Constructors' championship standings

What's next?

After long gaps between events until now, the races are going to come thick and fast. Next weekend it is what is now known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the first of two races this year in Spain.

• Classic Monaco Grand Prix images through the years
• Andrew Benson Q&A: Send us your questions

Georgia vs. Mississippi State baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Baseball Championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Georgia Bulldogs baseball team leads the Mississippi State Bulldogs 1-0 in the best-of-three Athens Super Regional. The dog fight featured UGA putting together a 13-12 comeback win on Saturday.

Mississippi State took an early 7-0 lead and appeared to be cruising before Georgia clawed  back into the game with a three-run home run by Michael O'Shaughnessy in the eighth inning.

First pitch in Athens for Game 2 will be at Noon on Sunday.

Georgia vs. Mississippi State baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Championship Super Regional

Georgia Bulldogs

RBI: 

• Lujo 1 (45)

Mississippi State Bulldogs

• McPherson 13 (6 strikes)

How to watch: Georgia vs. Mississippi State 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Game 1

Date: Sunday, June 7

Time: Noon ET

TV: ESPN

More NCAA News

• Cal Poly vs. West Virginia baseball box score: Game 1
• USC vs North Carolina baseball box score: Game 1
• Little Rock vs. Troy baseball box score: Game 1
• Texas vs. Texas Tech softball box score: Final Women's College World Series
• Demond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin fired by LSU

Game #66.

Davis Schneider has walked 22 times in 52 PA in Buffalo. Generally, I’d think that was a good thing. But he’s hitting .185. I really think he needs to swing more. I don’t think MLB pitchers will walk a guy 43% of the time. On the flip side, Triple A pitches should be able to throw strikes.

Today’s lineups. Brandon Valenzuela plays again, in a day game after a night game. It is looking fairly certain that he’ll be staying when Alejandro Kirk comes back. The team will need to open up a 40-man spot for Kirk and DRAing Heineman would do that.

And Lips is back in the lineup.

Go Jays Go.

Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman spent the night before his start with Luke Combs and some beer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Starting pitchers are a creature of habit.

The way that Kevin Gausman spent his Saturday night before a Sunday afternoon start, though, can't be the standard for the Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander.

Gausman and a few of his fellow pitchers spent the night at a Luke Combs concert.

The big righty even got out on stage and partook in some beverage fun:

Witnessing Kevin Gausman & Patrick Corbin smash beers with Luke combs was quite the adventure on a Saturday evening. #Bluejays#Bluejays50pic.twitter.com/x5HNAjBWcm

— Zack (@ZackBenoit_) June 7, 2026

MORE: Chad Dallas honors late father in dream-like MLB debut

Given that there's really no way to know how Gausman normally prepares for a start, it's hard to know if this is worth caring about.

Gausman clearly didn't care much -- he had to know he wasn't going to fly under the radar in a situation like this.

He's having a pretty solid season relative to a lot of the Blue Jays, putting up a 3.36 ERA so far. Still, Toronto has had a bumpy ride, and it'll be counting on its ace to have a top-tier start to close out their series against the Orioles.

There are all sorts of stories of pitchers putting together legendary starts under odd circumstances, and this wouldn't even get an honorable mention in that category.

Still, Blue Jays fans will be watching to see if anything seems off about Gausman on Sunday. But there's always a chance the Luke Combs vibe is actually exactly the pick-me-up Gausman needed.

More MLB news:

• Bo Bichette reveals his plans for his opt-out clause
• Bumpus Jones is trending for an 1892 accomplishment
• The last time a team was this bad at walking, it took 9 balls to earn a walk
• Outfielder retires from baseball to go play college football
• Guardians pitcher trying to complete incredible comeback

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves, June 7, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet

Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler (2-6, 4.89 ERA) vs. Bryce Elder (5-3, 2.63 ERA)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Atlanta Braves looking to grab a win.

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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has written his name into the England record books after becoming the fifth-youngest player ever to represent the senior national team.

The 17-year-old winger made his first appearance for the Three Lions during Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand, coming on at the interval and immediately making an impact.

Despite not being part of England’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup, Ngumoha was invited to join Thomas Tuchel’s pre-tournament camp and seized his opportunity when called upon.

At 17 years and 281 days old, Ngumoha became England’s 1,300th capped player and the youngest debutant since Jude Bellingham earned his first senior cap in 2020. His energetic display caused plenty of problems for the opposition and earned him the man-of-the-match award, rounding off a memorable evening.

The appearance caps a superb breakthrough season for the Liverpool academy graduate. Ngumoha featured 29 times for the Reds’ first team during the campaign, scoring twice and attracting widespread praise for his performances. His progress has also been recognised with a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Texas Longhorns right-handed pitcher Cooper Rummel entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday, according to report, becoming the third player to depart the program during the current window.

The 6’3, 220-pounder redshirted during the 2026 season and has four seasons of eligibility remaining.

An early pledge to former head coach David Pierce in 2022 out of Dripping Springs, Rummel was one of the top-ranked players in the 2025 signing class for the Horns with Perfect Game ranking him as the No. 19 right-handed pitcher and the No. 81 player overall and writing the following evaluation of the big pitcher:

Large frame and physical build with lots of well-proportioned strength throughout. Primary right-handed pitcher who only pitched during the event. Very easy, methodical delivery and gets over his front side cleanly and efficiently. Clean arm path through release with a fastball that was up to 95 mph multiple times. Showed real feel for fastball command, moving it around to both halves of the plate with intent. Up to 19″ of IVB on the heater with true backspin and carry on the pitch. Showed both curveball and slider. Curveball showed more depth to it while the slider was flat with good sweeping action to it. Both look like potential solid pitches long term. Held velocity throughout the outing and has the durable frame and stuff to turn over a lineup multiple times. Tremendous student. Verbal commitment to Texas. Selected to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

And although Rummel didn’t factor into the pitching rotation for Max Weiner as a true freshman, head coach Jim Schlossnagle named the local product as one of four redshirting pitchers whose futures he was excited about, along with right-handers Kaleb Rogers and Grady Westphal, and left-hander Jack McKernan.

So that makes Rummel the most significant departure yet for Texas even though he never contributed on the Forty Acres.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced this Sunday, June 7, that right-back Wesley is suffering from an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh.

The player underwent imaging tests after feeling physical discomfort during the friendly match played on Saturday, June 6, against Egypt.

Following this diagnosis, midfielder Éderson, who plays for Atalanta, has been called up and will join the squad led by Carlo Ancelotti.

CBF statement

The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that athlete Wesley was reassessed this Sunday by the Brazilian national team’s medical staff and underwent an imaging exam.

The MRI revealed a muscle injury to the adductor of the left thigh.

The CBF regrets this injury. Wesley is a player valued by the group and will always be considered part of this team aiming for a sixth world title.

Given the diagnosis, the CBF announces the call-up of Éderson, who will join the delegation this Monday in the United States.

This article was translated into French by artificial intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Corbin (Ky.) four-star defensive lineman Malachi Brown has committed to Kentucky, according to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.

He chose the Wildcats while in town for his official visit this weekend. Brown was also considering the likes of Louisville, Ohio State, Nebraska and Miami.

Brown is the No. 273 overall prospect and No. 29 DL in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 4 recruit in Kentucky.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

Head coach Will Stein and the new-look Cats continue to excel on the recruiting trail. Brown becomes commit No. 19 for UK, building on a class that ranks inside the top 25 of the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Brown becomes the second four-star DL to choose Kentucky this cycle, flanking Prattville (Ala.) four-star Elijah Brown. Malachi Brown was already trending toward Lexington before his OV and this weekend helped nail things down for the SEC program.

This story will be updated.

The Cleveland Browns decided it was time to pull the trigger and move on from one of the best players in franchise history on Monday. Sending Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, where he will have a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl on a roster that already had a lot of talent before he joined the group.

The biggest question surrounding this trade was not the why; it is clear he wanted out for a couple of years now, but did they get proper compensation? You could make the argument that a generational player coming off a historic season is priceless, but it feels like the fan base is split on whether they got enough. Personally, I do not think they did.

They got a great player back in Jared Verse, an up-and-coming pass rusher who is knocking on the door of being a top 10 player at the position, but his selection with just a first, second, and third round pick doesn't feel like enough. Personally, it feels like they should've pushed for at least another first-round pick.

We go into more detail and have a heated back-and-forth discussion about the trade in our latest episode that you can check out by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Breaking down the Myles Garrett trade

Myles Garrett has been in Hollywood for about 96 hours, and he has already been taken to a movie script. On Thursday, Garrett posted a collage on Instagram of his first practice in Los Angeles.

As a surprise to no one, he was all smiles as he was on the field for the first time in several months. However, the story doesn't stop here. After posting the pictures, someone in the comments, presumably from Cleveland, commented, "Come home eventually, goat."

You guessed it, Myles Garrett liked the comment and started a total frenzy. Everyone responded to that specific comment saying that there is a chance that he will come back home before his career lets out. One guy even said that he needs to bring Nick Chubb back with him, too.

Truthfully, it would be a storybook ending. The player goes first overall, gives his heart and soul to the city and team, but it is to no avail. They trade him away and get a bunch of good players for him. He then goes to his new team, wins a Super Bowl there in his prime, but always in the back of his mind is looking over his shoulder to the team that raised him.

Then, as his career begins to sunset, he returns home and helps push his original team over the top for a Super Bowl.

A script that is probably too good even for Hollywood.

The reality of the situation is that I do truly believe that Garrett meant everything he said about what Cleveland means to him and his time spent there. However, I do also believe that once he spends two seasons in Los Angeles, he will never leave, especially not to come back to Cleveland.

For now, Cleveland should get used to cheering for Jared Verse rushing the edge and making life very challenging for opposing quarterbacks.

It would be an incredible storybook ending, but to call it a long shot would be an insult to long shots. Garrett knows what he is doing; he is playing the game, having a little bit of fun, but knowing full well that he will be in Los Angeles for the rest of his hopefully storied career.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Former Browns' star Myles Garrett already hinting at the unthinkable

The Cleveland Browns, after an abysmal 2025 NFL season, will look to completely change their fate heading into the upcoming season under newly-hired head coach Todd Monken.

This offseason for the Browns saw the struggling organization make a heavy push for reinforcements all over the offense throughout the free agency period and the most recent NFL draft. And with multiple faces joining the group for the 2026 season, the excitement continues to grow amongst the returning players.

When discussing the newest additions to the wide receiver room this offseason on the Cleveland Browns Daily Show, second-year wideout Isaiah Bond claimed that it’s a “great feeling” to have depth at the position heading into 2026.

"It's an amazing feeling. I come from offenses and receiver rooms where the receiving room is deep,” Bond claimed. “It's a great feeling to have guys in there who could come in and contribute; nothing falls off when they come in the game. Also, makes each and every one in the team better. It's going to make us all, as one unit, better."

The Browns’ wide receiver room in 2026

Bond, a 2025 UDFA, was a key playmaker for the Browns’ offensive attack last season, recording 338 receiving yards on 18 receptions. Outside of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and veteran Jerry Jeudy, Bond ranked third amongst Cleveland’s pass catchers last year, which is a promising sign for the young wide receiver heading into the 2026 season.

However, Bond is not the only rising pass catcher on the Browns’ roster set to have an impact in the upcoming season.

General manager Andrew Berry made it a point of emphasis to target the wide receiver position in the 2026 NFL Draft by using two of the team’s first three picks on Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Washington’s Denzel Boston. Both rookies are projected to have a massive role on offense under Monken, while Jeudy and Bond are also part of the mix.

Now, with a promising group of pass catchers on offense heading into 2026, the Browns will look to improve from their poor efforts last season. Cleveland had one of the worst passing attacks across the league in 2025, averaging 165.2 passing yards per game, the second-worst margin in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' Isaiah Bond reveals excitement for WR room in 2026

After the Cleveland Browns traded away star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the LA Rams, questions about the team trading away more veterans started to be asked. One player in particular, as a potential trade piece, is star corner Denzel Ward, who remains one of the best at his position in the NFL.

If the Browns are truly hitting the reset button and starting a rebuild, it would make sense to trade more veterans to get more assets. But if the veteran doesn't want to leave Cleveland, Ward said at his celebrity softball game on Saturday that he wants to stay with the Browns despite the team trading Garrett.

The Browns have depth questions at the cornerback position with Ward on the roster, and if the team were to move him and not get a young up-and-coming player like they did when they got Jared Verse as part of the Myles Garrett trade, there would be a massive hole on the defensive side of the ball.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Denzel Ward wants to stay with the Browns despite Myles Garrett trade

Sophomore defensive lineman Chaz Coleman enters his first season at Tennessee in 2026.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman transferred to the Vols on Jan. 10 from Penn State. Coleman appeared in five games for the Nittany Lions in 2025 as a freshman. He recorded eight tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one pass deflection against FIU, Villanova, at UCLA, at Ohio State and at Rutgers.

Coleman totaled four tackles against FIU, one versus Villanova, two at UCLA and one at Rutgers. His only sack, forced fumble and pass deflection was versus FIU.

Coleman is from Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio.

Tennessee will kick off its 2026 football season Sept. 5 versus Furman at Neyland Stadium. The season opener is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT (SEC Network+).

The Vols will also host Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, while playing at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt during the 2026 campaign.

More: Chaz Coleman's status with Tennessee 'moving forward is unclear'

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee defensive lineman Chaz Coleman 2026 football preview

The UFL regular season has wrapped up and the postseason starts on Sunday, June 7, as the DC Denders, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm and St. Louis Battlehawks will have a chance to win the 2026 United Bowl.

Throughout the regular season, several former Miami Dolphins participated for different teams, but only one earned All-UFL honors this past week for his efforts this season. That player was wide receiver Gary Jennings Jr.

Jennings, 29, was a fourth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 after a collegiate career at West Virginia. He bounced around the league for a few years, including a stop in Miami in 2019 and through the 2020 preseason.

With the Dolphins, he appeared in just one game (nine total snaps between offense and special teams) before landing on injured reserve.

Jennings earned All-UFL honors this year for his special teams efforts. He finished the year with 441 kick return yards and 16 total tackles. As a member of the Battlehawks, he's looking to win his second championship in three years.

More Dolphins: Two-time Super Bowl champion coach impressed by new Dolphins regime

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Former Dolphins WR earns All-UFL honors for efforts in 2026

Vitality Blast - League Two, Spytty Park, Newport

Glamorgan Women 91-8 (20): L Parfitt 25; Young 2-11, James 2-12, Belt 2-13

Kent Spitfires Women 95-2 (17.3): Gordon 29, Streets 27; Cobb 2-28

Kent Women win by 8 wickets

Scorecard

A superb bowling performance from Kent saw them pick up a surprise eight-wicket victory over previously-unbeaten Glamorgan in Newport.

Spinners Hollie Young, Izzy James and Megan Belt picked up two cheap wickets apiece as Glamorgan were limited to 91-8, Lauren Parfitt's 25 the top score.

Amy Gordon and Coco Streets put on 62 for Kent's first wicket, and though Katy Cobb dismissed both, the Spitfires eased home on 95-2 with 15 balls to spare, to repeat their 2025 victory in Cardiff.

It was Kent's second win in five matches while Glamorgan are now level on points with rivals Middlesex.

• Blaze & Somerset boost Women's T20 Blast finals bid
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Kent's bowlers made the most of winning the toss as they restricted Glamorgan to 30-1 in the powerplay, with Young trapping Daisy Jeanes lbw for 15.

Parfitt struck two fours and a six, but when she drove rival captain Belt to mid-wicket in the 10th over, the batting fell apart.

With Kent bowling to their field, the boundaries dried up completely as no-one found the ropes after the two openers, and only Eve Jackson reached double figures as wickets fell regularly.

There was no run-rate pressure on the Kent reply with Streets and Gordon posting 33 in the power-play, although Nicole Reid then bowled her four overs for just eight.

The opening pair had virtually ensured the Kent win before Streets played on to Cobb, who had Gordon caught at mid-on in her next over.

But Rachel King (12 not out) and Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones (20 not out) made sure there were no further scares, and with rain driving in during the final minutes of the game, Blinkhorn-Jones belted Jackson over mid-on to seal an emphatic victory.

HAMILTON, Ontario (AP) — Forward Emily Clark has signed a two-year contract with Hamilton's PHWL expansion team.

Clark, who was under contract with Ottawa through 2027-28, joins Hamilton on a new deal through the same period. Hamilton announced the agreement Sunday.

Clark was one of Ottawa’s three foundational players ahead of the inaugural PWHL season, serving as a three-year alternate captain since the team’s debut. The 30-year-old is second in Charge history in assists (27) and third in goals (16) and points (43). She helped lead the team to back-to-back Walter Cup finals.

She led the Charge in all-time games played (84 regular season, 16 postseason).

The signing completes the list of five players to be added to Hamilton during Phase 2 of the PWHL’s expansion process.

Clark will be reunited with former Charge captain Brianne Jenner, the first of the team’s Phase 2 signings that also included fellow forward Alina Müller, defender Nicole Gosling and goaltender Kayle Osborne, all on three-year contracts.

___

AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

Lionel Messi has become all too familiar to American audiences since his move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), but ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, there was a bigger reason to cheer for college football fans at the Texas A&M University, as the global football icon set foot on their soil for a soccer game.

Messi and the Argentine squad headed to Kyle Field for their World Cup preparation game against Honduras, and it appears Texas A&M took the opportunity to introduce Messi to one of their own top stars in Marcel Reed.

The quarterback was seen posing with Messi with a football shirt as a present for the soccer superstar as the duo exchanged pleasantries and pictures before the game. Texas A&M showcased it as the meeting of the two no. 10’s. Some fans however, didn’t take too kindly to the moment and pointed out how Messi likely didn’t even recognize the young QB.

“Marcel Reed? 😂😂 Might as well say some random guy off the street,” one fan said.

“Messi just gonna toss that jersey in the trash,”another fan commented.

“Messi has no idea who that is. That why he held his own jersey and didn’t get one in return,”another fan noted.

“Messi didn’t know make a wish was on his schedule” a fan remarked.

“Is it really a jersey swap if Messi didn’t give Marcel a jersey 😭,” another fan said.

How Did the Game at Kyle Field Go?

Argentina won the game against Honduras 2-0 but sadly for those in attendance, Lionel Messi could not play a part in the clash.

The former Barcelona star has been recovering from a hamstring injury and wants to get himself fully fit for the crucial games that Argentina have once the World Cup officially begins.

For Marcel Reed, however, this will be a moment of a lifetime which the Aggies star will likely not forget for a very long time to come.

Read More:

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College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in College Football, Men’s College Basketball, Women’s College Basketball, and College Baseball!

The Memorial Tournament may have been an event Tiger Woods won five times during his career, but that does not mean that the 15-time major champion does not have some bad memories from playing Muirfield Village.

Woods is the only player to have won at Jack’s Place on more than three occasions.

He is also the only player to have won the event three times in a row.

How Tiger Woods behaved when he shot an 85 at the Memorial Tournament in 2015

In fact, Woods’ seven-shot win in 2001 remains the largest margin of victory in the history of the Memorial Tournament.

But in 2015, Woods was making history for a different reason. His 85 on Saturday in Ohio remains the worst score of his PGA Tour career. He finished the week at least eight shots behind anyone else who made the cut.

It was Zac Blair who played alongside Woods in that third round. And speaking to ESPN in 2018, Blair revealed just how impressed he was by his playing partner’s attitude that day.

“Whenever I tell people the story about playing with Tiger, I always try to tell them how amazing he was toward me,” Blair said. “He could have easily walked off. He wasn’t playing his best and after nine he could have just gone in. He stuck through it all day and really grinded it out and was still really nice. That was the coolest round of golf in my entire life.”

Zac Blair was still stunned by Tiger Woods’ quality during the worst round of his professional career

Blair actually finished 15 shots better off as he posted a 70. He would go on to finish the week in a tie for 61st, 10 places higher than Woods.

Woods played on his own in the final round. A 74 ensured that he finished 14 over par for the week.

He was clearly dealing with injuries, with his only top 10 of the year coming at the Wyndham Championship.

Nevertheless, Blair insisted that he was still amazed by what he saw from Woods when they played together at Muirfield Village.

“I remember some of the shots he hit and thinking how unbelievable this guy is and why he is on another level as far as talent from anybody else,” he said. “To hit some of the shots he hit, I had played a year out here and played with a lot of good players but some of the things he could do with a golf ball made me realise why he was the best. He was still able to do some good things. He hit some iron shots that I couldn’t believe how flush they were.”

Thankfully, Woods has since played the Memorial on three more occasions. He did not finish lower than 40th in that time.

And he managed to finish inside the top 10 in 2019. Woods posted one of the lowest rounds of the day on Sunday, with a 67, on that occasion.

Incoming Manchester United midfield signing Ederson has received a shock late call-up to the Brazil squad ahead of the start of the World Cup.

The Brazilian football confederation has confirmed as much in a statement.

This confirms after an injury to Wesley.

More to follow…

Who won F1 Monaco Grand Prix today? Updated Formula 1 results, standings after 2026 Monte Carlo race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kimi Antonelli was looking to tighten his grip at the top of the drivers' championship when the Formula One season arrived in Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Antonelli made it four wins in succession at the Canadian Grand Prix last time out, and put his car on pole during Saturday's qualifying around the storied old street circuit.

Mercedes were looking to make it six wins out of six in the 2026 F1 season.

Here is how the race panned out.

MORE:Updated driver and constructor standings for 2026 F1 season

F1 Monaco Grand Prix results

Antonelli dominated from lights out to win a fifth consecutive grand prix with a dominant showing at Monte Carlo.

An anticipated duel between the 19-year-old and Max Verstappen did not materialise when the four-time world champion could not get away off the grid from P2. Verstappen managed to get moving eventually, but power unit issues meant he brought the car into the pits to retire after lap one.

Isack Hadjar in the other Red Bull also experienced mechanical problems but stayed in the race; the initial upshot was that he held up Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell for a prolonged period, allowing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to take a grip on second and third.

Max Verstappen was ready for this Monaco Grand Prix, but his car wasn't 😔 pic.twitter.com/YMn6MFvabC

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 7, 2026

Hamilton and Russell were two of several drivers to be given five-second penalties for speeding in the pit lane as Antonelli made merry, while reigning world champion Lando Norris retired for the second race in succession due to a battery problem on lap 46.

Unforeseen late drama began to unfold when Lance Stroll's Aston Martin crashed into the barrier at the final corner of lap 60, meaning the 21-second lead Antonelli had built up was wiped out by a safety car. As racing resumed, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crashed at the same spot. It was clear that the tarmac was breaking up and making conditions dangerous, so the race director ordered a red flag to halt the action.

It meant an eight-lap shootout when the action resumed, while penalties for pit lane and safety car infringements racked up during the delay, with Hamilton, Hadjar, Russell, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto all under suspicion.

On the restart, Hamilton got away well, but Antonelli was flawless once more and got into Sainte Devote first to essentially seal victory. Russell was third, but dropped out of the points when he came in to serve his drive-through penalty. After winning the opening race of the season, Russell is now 68 points behind his teammate in the standings

Gasly in the Alpine finished third on the road but had a 10-second penalty added. It means Hadjar completed the podium, pending his own reckoning with the race stewards. Hamilton's second consecutive P2 finish meant he matched the great Ayrton Senna at the top of the all-time list with eight Monte Carlo podiums.

F1 Monaco Grand Prix full classification

F1 points standings 2026

Here is a look at the F1 standings following Sunday's race.

F1 Drivers' World Championship 2026

F1 Constructors' Championship 2026

When is the next F1 race?

The next race is the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 14.

The two biggest storylines of the 1999 NFL Draft were the Cleveland Browns' return to the NFL and who the deserving number one overall pick was going to be.

The two quarterbacks at the top of the charts were Kentucky's Tim Couch and Syracuse's Donovan McNabb. The top skill players were running backs Ricky Williams and Edgerrin James, along with wide receiver Torry Holt.

There is a joke to be made here that Cleveland had four players staring at them, and they chose the one who wouldn't pan out. However, they could have selected prime Tom Brady with that pick, and it would not have mattered.

Leading up to the draft, former Texas Longhorn Ricky Williams dreamt about being the number one overall pick. On Jon Gruden's podcast, Williams told the story of what was on his mind leading up to the draft.

He said, "I wanted to be the number one pick in the draft. That was my goal, and I thought I had the resume in college to show that I deserved it... at night, I would go to sleep and dream of myself being a part of the Dawg Pound. I felt that the way I played football, the way I approached the game, it would have fit in Cleveland."

🔥 The Browns. RB Ricky Williams Wanted to Join Dawg Pound 👀💛

"At night I would go to sleep and dream of myself being part of the Dawg Pound. They way I played the game would have fit in Cleveland. 1st Pick Tim Couch" https://t.co/RPXP5CLK7gpic.twitter.com/CpjZmQjaTm

— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) June 5, 2026

There are a lot of ways to look back on what could have been for Cleveland had they selected Williams instead of Couch. However, all of them would have been the wrong decision. It would have been a crime not to select a quarterback when you quite literally do not have a team.

With all that said, if they did select Williams, he would have had a similar career flameout that Couch did. Cleveland's return roster was simply so bad. The Browns were the first expansion team since the NFL changed the rules for the Panthers and Jaguars, as their set of rules was too generous, while Cleveland's was probably a bit too restrictive.

Williams draft story became one of the best ones of all time. After he didn't go number one overall and fell past pick number three, the New Orleans Saints decided they were going to have him at all costs. They traded their entire 1999 NFL Draft trade capital to the Washington Redskins. Eight picks in total to go up to get Williams.

Cleveland needed a quarterback, but they also needed a first-round draft pick at pretty much every other position in order to compete in the NFL. I wouldn't have been much less of a disaster if Cleveland selected Williams over Couch, but the change in history can be whatever you want it to be.

Would Williams have been successful in Cleveland? Maybe.

Would he have had a totally forgotten-about and irrelevant career if he had been drafted to Cleveland?

Probably.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: NFL legend "dreamt" about being apart of the Browns' Dawg Pound

Former Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller was in front of the camera for the first time since joining the Houston Texans with a chance to revitalize his career. To do that, he is using the end of his tenure as motivation to get the best out of what will likely be his final stop.

There are two versions of Teller that Browns fans can choose to remember him by. The first one is the 2020 version, who was going up the sidelines in the Playoff game in Pittsburgh, screaming "We're just the same old Browns?! Just the same old Browns?!" as Nick Chubb and the Cleveland offense scorched the Steelers.

Loveeeee the intensity man. pic.twitter.com/2q5mjC1wVN

— - (@Kasper_9220) January 14, 2021

Or the other version is the one that was on the field last year, who looked like a player over the hill. He played a little bit slower, a little bit weaker, and just one step behind at every point.

As Cleveland has reworked its roster to get much younger, it was obviously time for a great six-year relationship to go its separate ways. While Teller still respects and appreciates his time in Cleveland, there is clearly a bad taste in his mouth with the way it ended.

On Saturday, a clip was released of him saying, "I'm not going to throw away six years that they treated me unbelievable for six months of indifference. I still have no ill will for anybody there. It felt like they kind of blamed it on the offensive line... There (were) so many issues, you can't point at one thing."

Texans LG Wyatt Teller on his last 2 years in Cleveland via @LandryLocker & @Cody_Stoots:

- He felt like he got somewhat complacent in Cleveland and the change “re-fired him up.”

- Felt like the offensive line was overly blamed for issues on the offense but helped motivate him… pic.twitter.com/SmTbARU7Tq

— Jacob (@JacobBarzilla) June 6, 2026

Honestly, that is probably a fair statement. Everything about Cleveland's offense was bad last year. The play calling was bad, the offensive line play was bad, the running backs were actually okay, the wide receivers were bad, and the quarterback play was bad. It is very hard to point at one thing, and I truly don't believe that was the sentiment around the conversation.

Maybe because he was so dialed in on the offensive line play that it felt that way, but I think that the blame fairly went all the way around. No one on offense was safe from their share of the blame, including the poor offensive line.

As the two parties split, hopefully, it is what is best for both. Hopefully, Cleveland can turn a new page in their young era, and hopefully Teller can turn the clock back for a year or two.

No matter what happens, what everyone can agree on is that the 2025 Cleveland Browns were simply not good enough, and almost everyone was to blame.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Former Browns' star using end of Cleveland era as motivation

Jerry Jones, Cowboys reportedly plotting blockbuster move for 5× Pro Bowler as Cowboys trade rumors heat up originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys spent much of the offseason searching for ways to strengthen their defense, and owner Jerry Jones was at the center of one of the team's most ambitious pursuits. 

Dallas made a strong push for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, reportedly submitting multiple trade offers in an effort to land one of the NFL's premier edge rushers.

The move ultimately never materialized. A deal that would have sent Crosby elsewhere fell apart after concerns surfaced during a physical, allowing the Raiders to keep their defensive cornerstone. 

Even so, Jones never completely shut the door on revisiting the idea in the future, which has kept the conversation alive across the league.

Crosby remains one of the most impactful defenders in football. Despite battling injuries that eventually led to knee surgery, he still finished last season with 10 sacks and 73 tackles. 

Players with that level of production rarely become available, which is why teams continue to monitor his situation closely.

ESPN's Dan Graziano recently suggested that the possibility of a future trade should not be dismissed. "Crosby might stick with the Raiders all year at this point, but if he's going to get traded at all, we're probably looking at something in-season ahead of the deadline," Graziano said. 

His comments are particularly relevant for Dallas given the organization's previous interest and Jones' well-known willingness to pursue marquee talent when he believes it can elevate the team.

Graziano also pointed to several potential suitors that could emerge if Crosby becomes available again. "If a team such as the Cowboys, Bills, Bears or Patriots finds itself in contention and in need of an impact pass rusher, things could get interesting here again," he added.

Much of the equation depends on how the Raiders perform. If Las Vegas struggles and falls out of the playoff picture, the franchise could face difficult decisions about its long-term direction. In that scenario, acquiring draft capital for a veteran star could become an attractive option.

For the Cowboys, the key figure remains Jones. Dallas has already shown significant interest in Crosby, and any renewed pursuit would likely require Jones to authorize another major asset investment. 

While the price could be steep, the calculus changes if the Cowboys establish themselves as serious contenders during the season.

Should Dallas find itself in the playoff hunt with a need for additional pass-rush help, Jones could once again emerge as a central figure in the Crosby market. 

Nothing is imminent, but the combination of the Cowboys' previous interest, Jones' aggressive approach, and Graziano's assessment ensures the possibility remains worth watching.

More NFL news:

• Why Cowboys fans should root for Brendan Sorsby in Philadelphia
• The Aaron Rodgers problem no one is talking about for the Steelers
• Commanders, Brandon Aiyuk are waiting for the same thing
• Lamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right now
• Could the Bosa brothers join forces?

St. Frances Academy (Md.) four-star safety Jernard Albright has flipped his commitment from South Carolina to Florida State, according to Warchant.

Albright is in Tallahassee this weekend and is now locking in with Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. He was committed to South Carolina since Christmas day.

Albright is the No. 176 overall prospect and No. 12 safety in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in Maryland.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder, who originally hails from Springfield, Ga., is taking his official visit to FSU this weekend. He’s leaving as a headlining member of the ‘Noles’ 2027 recruiting class. He becomes commit No. 8 for Norvell and Co. this cycle and is easily the highest-ranked member of the haul for the ACC program.

This story will be updated.

Knicks face $272 million Karl-Anthony Towns decision even if they win title originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Karl-Anthony Towns is two wins away from helping the New York Knicks capture an NBA championship, but his comments during the Finals sparked fresh discussion about one of the league's most debated rules.

With the NBA's 65-game rule continuing to influence award races and player recognition, Towns argued that elite performance should carry more weight than a fixed participation requirement.

The rule was created to increase regular-season availability. Players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for major awards such as MVP and All-NBA selections. As a result, several elite players have lost eligibility despite producing dominant seasons.

Towns believes voters should focus primarily on impact when a player is healthy enough to compete. That stance carries weight because awards often influence a player's legacy and public perception. It also explains why cases involving stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to spark debate across the league.

Antetokounmpo has delivered MVP-caliber production in seasons affected by missed games. Because the rule applies equally to every player, those absences can outweigh elite performance. That outcome has led many players to question whether the current standard properly reflects value.

The conversation becomes even more relevant when considering Towns' own future. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Knicks could soon face significant decisions regarding a long-term commitment to Towns, even if they finish the season with a championship. He has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, along with a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

That contract situation creates financial questions for New York. Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth approximately $272 million, but second-apron restrictions could complicate roster planning. Because those penalties can limit team-building flexibility, front offices must balance star salaries with overall depth.

Amick noted that any future discussions should be viewed differently than before. "The tone of those talks, given everything Towns has done here, should be far more flattering toward him this time around," Amick wrote. That perspective reflects how valuable Towns has become during the Knicks' run to the Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns long-term future with the Knicks is uncertain even if they win the NBA Finals, per @sam_amick

“If the Knicks do, in fact, tie the bow on this NBA Finals package, there will still be a discussion to be had with Towns about securing his services for the… pic.twitter.com/VpyoXnV72o

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 7, 2026

Whether discussing awards or contracts, the same theme emerges. Towns believes impact should carry the greatest weight, and his recent performance has strengthened that argument.

More NBA news:

• Here’s security details every Knicks and Spurs fan should know with Donald Trump coming to MSG
• Victor Wembanyama called out after finals heartbreaker as NBA legend claims he is being brutally ‘kicked’ around
• Spurs left reeling as Charles Barkley hints Knicks run could enter all-time playoff history
• 'Victor Wembanyama in shock' - Spurs star compared to Nick Anderson's 1995 NBA Finals nightmare
• 10 of 13 analysts agree on one thing about the NBA Finals — and Knicks fans won't like it

Donald Trump is set to turn Game 3 of the NBA Finals into a presidential first at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York.

That timing matters because this is not just another courtside appearance. It puts Trump beside Barack Obama and George W. Bush in a tiny presidential Finals group, with one major difference.

Donald Trump NBA Finals plan creates presidential history

As New York Post showed, Trump confirmed James Dolan’s invitation and made clear he intends to attend the Knicks’ Finals game at Madison Square Garden.

“The answer is yes,” Trump said. “[Dolan] has invited me, and I’m going. I’ll be there. It could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both [Game 3 and Game 4].”

That answer gives the moment weight. Trump did not frame it as a soft maybe, but as a clear plan to attend at least one Finals game.

The sharper historical point is that Trump is expected to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. Obama and Bush are part of the broader Finals conversation, but neither was president when they attended.

Obama and Bush show why Trump’s Knicks visit is different

Obama attended Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals in Toronto, when the Raptors hosted the Golden State Warriors. He was already out of office, which made the appearance notable but not presidential in the active White House sense.

Bush also has a Finals connection through 1999, when the Knicks and Spurs met for the title. He was Texas governor then, not president.

That distinction is the story. Trump is not merely joining two famous political names at NBA Finals games. He is joining them while carrying the office into the building.

Knicks vs Spurs Game 3 now carries more than basketball stakes

The game already had enough weight. The Knicks are hosting their first NBA Finals game since 1999, and the Spurs are back with Victor Wembanyama as their central force.

Game 3 is scheduled for Monday at Madison Square Garden, with Game 4 set for Wednesday, June 10, also in New York. Trump’s comment that he could attend both turns the two-game stretch into a bigger civic and security event.

For Knicks fans, the basketball still comes first. Yet Trump’s attendance changes the atmosphere around the series, because a Finals game is now also a White House moment.

Read more:

Kalshi Promo Code TSNEWS: Claim $10 Sign Up Bonus for MLB Sunday originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New customers can use the Kalshi promo code TSNEWS to claim a lucrative welcome offer ahead of today's MLB matchups. Sign up here and get a $10 bonus after making just $10 in trades.

Whether you are forecasting the outcome of the Cleveland Guardians visiting the Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Angels taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers, or locking in plays on any other MLB game scheduled for this week, this bonus gives us a perfect opportunity to start building our bankroll.

Kalshi Promo Code TSNEWS TL;DR Summary

• Promo code: Use Kalshi promo code TSNEWS during registration to activate the new-user offer.
• Welcome bonus: New customers can earn a $10 bonus after completing the qualifying requirements.
• Minimum deposit: Make a first-time deposit of at least $1 after creating and verifying your account.
• Trading requirement: Place at least $10 in cumulative trades on Kalshi prediction markets to unlock the bonus.
• Eligible users: This promotion is intended for new Kalshi customers only and applies to first-time depositors.
• Location requirements: Users must be present in the United States to trade on Kalshi.
• Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to create an account and participate.
• How to use it: The $10 trading requirement can be completed through one trade or spread across multiple markets.
• Offer focus: The bonus can be used to explore MLB markets, including Sunday matchups and other available prediction markets on the Kalshi board.

Details of the WElcome Offer

I always say there is nothing better than playing with house money, and new Kalshi customers have a fantastic opportunity to claim a $10 sign-up bonus to use on today's exciting MLB slate. Whether you are looking to trade on the New York Mets taking on the San Diego Padres or forecasting the matchup between the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, this welcome offer is the smartest way to get started on the diamond.

To unlock that $10 bonus, new users simply need to make a first-time deposit of at least $1 and place $10 in trades on prediction markets. Kalshi is currently available in all 50 states, and you must be at least 18 years old to jump in. Keep in mind, this promotion is exclusively available for new customers making their first deposit and initial trades on the platform.

MLB Probabilities for Sunday

Let's look at the board. If you are looking to trade your sign-up bonus on today's heaviest favorite, the Los Angeles Dodgers. A $10 winning trade on the Dodgers' moneyline would return a $4.61 profit. It's a safe play, but if you want a real chance at a bigger return, a $10 trade on today's biggest underdog—the Los Angeles Angels—would yield a handsome $17.90 profit in an upset victory.

When handicapping the Freeway Series matchup, the Dodgers are heavy favorites for good reason. Los Angeles features a potent offense hitting .262 with a .783 OPS, backed by a dominant pitching staff carrying a 3.03 ERA. The Angels counter with a staff that has struggled to a 4.777 ERA and a lineup batting just .232. I'm placing my trust in the Dodgers' arms here.

Meanwhile, the matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers projects to be a real toss-up. Both lineups are hitting an identical .232 on the season, meaning this game could easily come down to pitching. The Guardians hold a marginal edge on the mound, boasting a 3.666 team ERA compared to the Rangers' 3.717 mark. This is the kind of tight matchup where finding value on the morning line pays off.

Kalshi Promo Code Guide: Steps to Register

Getting started and claiming your $10 sign-up bonus is a straightforward process. I want you betting with confidence, so just follow these simple steps to activate the offer and begin trading on today's MLB action:

1. Create an Account: Register for a new account here by providing standard personal information (such as your name, email address, and date of birth).
2. Verify Your Identity: Provide proof of identification to securely verify your new account.
3. Enter the Promo Code: During the registration process, make sure to enter the Kalshi promo code TSNEWS to opt into the welcome offer.
4. Make a Deposit: Link a payment method and make a first-time deposit of at least $1 into your account.
5. Start Trading: Place $10 worth of trades on Kalshi's prediction markets.

You do not need to make a single trade worth $10. You can spread your predictions across multiple games—such as a $5 trade on the Dodgers and a $5 trade on the Rangers—as long as the sum of your trades equals $10. Once your cumulative trades reach that $10 threshold, your $10 sign-up bonus will be unlocked and available in your account.

Baker Mayfield's contract negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken the NFL world by storm, so much so that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been named as a potential suitor if the situation becomes irreparable.

According to Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated, the Steelers make sense as a future suitor for Mayfield, given the uncertainty of their Aaron Rodgers succession plan following the 2026 season.

"The Steelers would make a bid if Mayfield hits the open market if they find themselves in a situation close to this one: Will Howard and Drew Allar look impressive but still young," Strackbein wrote. "They both appear to be on the verge of being ready but could use another season of preparing themselves and learning from Mike McCarthy and Tom Arth.

"The Steelers make the playoffs in 2026 and don't look lost in the dance like they have in years past. They're close. That means next year needs to be a sure thing. One more all-in season to figure it out. That's when they look to Mayfield and see if he would be open to a one or two-year deal with big upside on the money side of things."

Mayfield, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, underwent a career resurgence with the Buccaneers in 2023, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and throwing for 12,237 yards and 92 touchdowns in the past three seasons with Tampa Bay.

If the Buccaneers can't meet Mayfield's desired contract amount by training camp, the revealed deadline, the talented quarterback could be available via 2027 free agency for the Steelers to send an offer.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers named as possible landing spot for Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield

A.J. Brown has just joined the Patriots’ community after being traded to the New England Patriots. In a blockbuster move, the Philadelphia Eagles traded their star WR to the Patriots, exchanging multiple draft picks in the deal.

A.J. Brown was captured at a basketball event where he expressed his excitement to join the Patriots and his determination, saying he is “ready to ball.”

A.J. Brown Seeks Fresh Start as Patriots Alpha WR1

A.J. Brown was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. After having him for four seasons, the Eagles finally let Brown go due to his own request and to fix their financial structure by moving on from a high-salary heavyweight.

In this blockbuster trade, the Patriots received the star WR A.J. Brown while the Eagles snatched the first-round pick in 2028 and the fifth-round pick in 2027. The trade benefitted both parties because the Patriots were looking for a proven WR to link up with Drake Maye, while the Eagles received multiple draft picks and got to fix their financial structure by letting Brown go.

It also worked in Brown’s favor because he wanted to start fresh somewhere else. Before the season began, he was enjoying his offseason at a casual basketball event where he expressed his excitement to join the Patriots. “It’s amazing, bro. I’m so excited, bro! I’m just ready to ball,” Brown said.

At the event he also talked about Kyle Williams and voiced praises for his new teammate. “K Dub is cold, bro. K Dub cold,” Brown said. Kyle Williams is heading into his 2nd year with the New England Patriots. Brown’s addition is a great opportunity for Williams to learn from him and build a mentor-mentee bond with the proven wide receiver.

The New England Patriots were looking for an alpha WR for Drake Maye, a highly reliable, physical target especially under pressure. They were also highly interested in reuniting A.J. Brown with his former coach Mike Vrabel. Everything eventually worked out great for everyone, but the Eagles were also waiting for just the right time to make the trade and lift off the “dead cap.”

The Eagles Waited Till June to Ease Off the Dead Cap

Dead cap, or dead money, is the money spent on the cap of a player who is no longer on the roster. NFL teams have to pay the remaining prorated portions against their cap even after the player is gone.

By trading Brown after June 1, the Eagles allowed themselves to split that money across two years. NFL rules allow teams to split the cap hit over two years if a trade is made after June 1. So instead of paying the full $43.45 million in 2026, they will only pay $16.3 million in dead cap this year and the remaining $27.1 million in 2027.

This was a smart move by the Eagles because it prevents them from spending a huge amount on dead cap and frees up more financial flexibility to sign or extend other players. It also saved them from carrying the remainder of Brown’s contract, which was quite suffocating and limiting their focus on other projects.

In the long run, this trade is beneficial to everybody. It’s what Brown wanted, it’s financially beneficial to the Eagles, and it fulfills the Patriots’ desire to have a dynamic alpha WR alongside Drake Maye.

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The post A.J. Brown Is Finally “Ready to Ball” After Blockbuster Trade to the Patriots Leaving Eagles’ Heartbreak Behind appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

Kim Kardashian made her Formula 1 paddock debut in Monte Carlo this weekend, arriving to support Lewis Hamilton at the Monaco Grand Prix. It wasn’t exactly low-key. Kardashian brought her sister Khloe along to the grid, watched qualifying from a balcony above Ferrari‘s garages, and generated more column inches than most of the cars on the starting grid.

Among the people who got to meet her was Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff – and he came away impressed.

Wolff, who remains close to Hamilton despite the Ferrari move, gave his take on the SKIMS business owner.

“She’s, obviously like – I know a bit from Lewis how nice she is, and she is so genuine,” Wolff said.

Wolff Thinks Global Fame and Genuine Character Go Hand in Hand

Wolff expanded on why Kardashian’s warmth didn’t surprise him.

“There’s a reason why people are as big globally, because they are also genuine people,” he said. It’s a point that’s easy to be cynical about, but Wolff isn’t a man prone to empty PR praise. When pressed for a fuller verdict on Kardashian, he settled on something more telling than a full sentence: “From a minute of talking, I think she’s…[nods].”

A nod from Toto Wolff. High praise.

Hamilton and Kardashian have been an item since early February, with the relationship becoming public knowledge after a weekend together at a retreat in the Cotswolds. Since then they’ve appeared at the Super Bowl, shared dinners with their respective families in Los Angeles, and been photographed cycling together in New York.

Monaco, then, is the relationship’s first Formula 1 weekend.

Martin Brundle did his best to get a word in during the pre-race grid walk, navigating a chaotic Monaco grid that at one point saw him shoved by a stranger – to which he replied “Don’t push me mate, I’m nearly famous.”

He spotted Kardashian and made his move, but her entourage kept her moving through the crowd and the interview never happened. Wolff, it turns out, had better luck.

Despite recent criticism of the event, Joe Rogan will join the on-air commentary team for the UFC’s event at the White House June 14, MMA Junkie – part of the USA TODAY Network, reported, citing a person with knowledge of the plans.

Rogan, a fixture of the UFC’s broadcast crew for more than two decades, called the event a "gimmick."

 "It doesn't seem like a wise idea," he said on his podcast late last month. "It's kind of a gimmick."

Rogan expressed concern about the fighters facing extreme heat and contending with bugs during UFC Freedom 250, to be held on the South Lawn of the White House and livestreamed by Paramount+. 

"I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all," he said. "There are too many problems with it. In June, in D.C., we looked it up last year – the same day was 100 degrees."

Dana White, the UFC CEO, pushed back.

"Whatever Joe Rogan's opinions are – he said something crazy like, 'It seems like a gimmick,'" White told Forbes. "I mean, what does a gimmick mean? It's a real fight, with real stakes. …

"When you talk about a gimmick, there's absolutely nothing gimmicky about this event. We're celebrating 250 years of America, we're going to have all the representatives of the military there, every fight on that card means something with who wins or loses that night, and you know, like the most historical sporting event in American history. Far from a gimmick."

During the interview with Forbes, Dana also said he’s good friends with Rogan, not to mention a vital part of the broadcast that will be providing analysis during an unprecedented event.

"So that night when the fight is playing out for people who are watching for the first time, Rogan is the best at breaking down what you’re seeing while it’s happening," White said.

Also, Rogan recently appeared to backtrack on his criticism of the event.

"I mean, there’s no more American thing than having a UFC fight on the White House lawn," Rogan said. "It’s so America. It’s so Trump. It’s so crazy. You know what I mean? A UFC fight on the White House lawn is bananas."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Rogan to join UFC on-air team for White House 'gimmick' event

Astros fans, where are you on your frustration level with General Manager Dana Brown and this year’s team?

There is no denying that injuries have played a significant role in the Astros’ disappointing season to this point. It’s impossible to ignore the impact of losing key contributors for extended periods of time. Many of us entered this season expecting another division championship run and another successful year for one of baseball’s premier franchises. Instead, we’ve watched a team struggle to meet those expectations.

Both things can be true. The injuries are real, but they also can’t be used as the only explanation or the only solution moving forward.

The bigger question now is what happens when these players return. Will the Astros simply rely on getting healthy, or will they aggressively pursue moves that can improve this roster before it’s too late?

Despite digging themselves into an early hole, the Astros remain within striking distance. Their climb back to relevance has been steady, and they continue working toward getting back above .500, re-entering the Wild Card race, and eventually challenging for the top spot in the American League West. Considering they remain within single digits of first place, the division is far from out of reach.

However, Dana Brown can ill afford to wait until July to begin addressing this roster’s shortcomings.

With players such as Jose Altuve and Josh Hader back in the lineup and others like Yainer Diaz, Christian Javier, and Hunter Brown expected back sometime between now and the end of the month, the Astros will certainly receive a boost. The question is whether that boost alone will be enough.

I don’t believe it will.

When you look at the inconsistencies in the starting rotation, though better of late, and the struggles we’ve seen from Bryan Abreu, it’s clear that adding pitching should be a priority. Another arm or two could go a long way toward stabilizing a staff that has been far too unpredictable.

Beyond pitching, the outfield remains a glaring concern. While the infield possesses plenty of offensive firepower and talent, the outfield continues to lack the production and power needed to support a legitimate postseason run. If the Astros expect not only to make the playoffs but also do damage once they get there, additional offensive help in the outfield feels necessary.

The reality is that the clock is ticking for Dana Brown.

As he traverses the final year of his contract, Brown faces increasing pressure to prove he is the right person to lead this franchise moving forward. If he wants to save his job and remain in the good graces of owner Jim Crane, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.

The recent addition of LaMonte Wade Jr. is just the latest example of Brown attempting to find value on the margins and catch lightning in a bottle. Sometimes those moves work, but this team may require something much bigger than a low-risk gamble.

Astros fans aren’t accustomed to mediocrity. This city, this fan base, and this organization have spent the better part of the last decade expecting excellence. Championships, playoff appearances, and division titles have become the standard.

Because of that, simply sitting back and hoping health alone fixes everything is not a strategy.

Dana Brown needs to be exploring every possible avenue to improve this roster. The Astros still have time to turn this season into something special, but that window won’t stay open forever. Waiting until the trade deadline may ultimately be waiting too long.

The message is simple: the Astros still have a chance, but action needs to happen now.

While Kimi Antonelli was taking in the plaudits as he collected his most impressive Formula 1 victory yet, George Russell was left reeling as a horror Monaco Grand Prix caused him to fall to third in the championship.

This leaves him with what is looking like an insurmountable gap to his Mercedes team-mate. Here's how Russell's weekend unravelled.

Qualifying - P6 after struggling with tyre temperatures

“I don't really know what's going on to be honest,” Russell said on Saturday night after seeing Antonelli take pole while he could only manage sixth.

“It's clearly something with my driving that's not helping the car at the moment. The difference is how we're driving has such an impact on the tyres. He's just getting the tyres in a nicer window than me.

“A nicer balance over the course of a lap and the pace is just coming easier for him. I don't know why that is.”

Opening stint - Stuck behind Isack Hadjar

Russell failed to move up significantly at the start, with the field all benefitting from Max Verstappen's stalling on the grid.

That meant Russell was stuck behind Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, who frustrated the Briton with his inferior pace in the RB22, dictated by increased graining on his tyres and engine driveability issues for the fiery Frenchman.

George Russell, Mercedes, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Lap 32 - Russell pits but gets pinged for speeding

With pit strategy the only viable way of passing in Monaco, Mercedes looked to snatch a spot away from Red Bull and Hadjar by letting Russell undercut the Frenchman.

At the end of lap 31 Russell peeled in for a quick stop, but it soon emerged that he was one of several drivers being pulled up for pitlane speeding. Curiously a third of the field was penalised for a similar offence, with an investigation still ongoing on why there were so many marginal infractions.

Russell was then held up by Lando Norris as the McLaren driver tried to help his team-mate build a gap in front. But the world champion soon slowed and peeled into the pits with a battery issue, unleashing Russell while being handed a five-second penalty.

Lap 58 - Russell lapped by Antonelli

Russell lost so much ground in traffic that he faced the ignominy of being lapped by his team-mate. As Antonelli enjoyed an obstacle-free race at the front, the 19-year-old Italian came around to lap Russell on lap 58, with only three cars left on the lead lap at that stage.

Lap 61 - Safety Car

A safety car for Lance Stroll's crashed Aston Martin at the final corner saw a flurry of activity in the pitlane, but while Russell came in, he failed to serve his five-second penalty correctly. This would see his day take a turn for the worse, though he and others did get the chance to unlap themselves.

Lap 73 - Drive-through penalty

After Charles Leclerc crashed in the same place as Stroll on the restart, race control red-flagged the race to patch up a breaking up track at Turn 19. Russell was fourth at the restart, but because he hadn't served his pitlane speeding penalty correctly, the stewards handed him an additional drive-through penalty.

With the field reforming for a standing restart, it was an awful outcome, bumping Russell to the back of the lead pack in 14th. That became 13th after Nico Hulkenberg's time penalty, but it still ensured the Briton would end the day without points.

While Antonelli won his fifth consecutive grand prix, Russell's luckless Monaco outing saw his title deficit balloon from 43 to 68 points, falling to third and two points behind Hamilton.

Five quick takeaways from F1's Monaco Grand Prix

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

It's a tradition repeated in stadiums across the world, with crowds of spectators rising up in a rippling roar.

The largest wave so far, according to Guinness World Records, was at a Nascar racing event in the American state of Tennessee in 2008, when 157,574 people joined a wave that swept around the stadium.

Now, as part of the countdown to the World Cup, Mexico City is attempting to surpass that mark.

The chosen location was not a stadium, but an urban setting ideal for spreading a visible, continuous wave: the emblematic Paseo de la Reforma, an iconic arterial road inspired by European boulevards.

On Saturday, thousands gathered along the avenue and, after several practice runs, made their record attempt.

"Mexico, Mexico!" crowds shouted as they threw their arms in the air, many dressed in the bright green jersey of the Mexican national team.

Guinness officials are now analysing the effort to determine whether a new world record has been set.

The city is a fitting venue: it was here, 40 years ago, that this unique form of collective expression first captured global attention.

Since then, the phenomenon has become closely associated with Mexico.

But many believe George Henderson - or Krazy George - from the US deserves credit for initiating and directing the first ever wave, which is known as the Mexican wave outside North America.

He believes this took place at a baseball game in California in 1981 between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees.

"The Oakland A's had already lost two away games," he remembers. "In the third inning I thought about trying something no one had seen before. I found three sections and started explaining what I wanted."

The first two attempts failed, but on the third try the wave went all the way around the stadium. And on the fourth, he managed to create a continuous wave.

"The place was going crazy," he says.

Because the game was televised, fans of other sports adopted it.

But it was at the Fifa World Cup in 1986 in Mexico that it was broadcast to an enormous global audience - and so became a global phenomenon.

How many people does it take to kick off a wave?

Fifteen years later, the phenomenon caught the curiosity of a scientist from the statistical and biological physics group at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest.

"The reason we became interested in stadium waves is that, apparently, people very often behave like particles," physicist Illes Farkas told the NPR network.

Together with two colleagues, Tamas Vicsek and Dirk Helbing, he set out to determine the rules that produce the wave.

For their research, published in the journal Nature in 2002, the team discovered that a typical human wave travels clockwise and moves at a speed of about 12 metres - or 20 seats - per second.

How many people does it take to start a wave? In large stadiums, only 25 to 35 people.

The mathematical model they built to explain this behaviour wasn't new; it was the same one used to describe the spread of a forest fire or the propagation of an electrical signal through heart tissue.

A sign of passion or boredom?

The wave may be universally considered a symbol of collective euphoria - but it can also represent a loss of interest on the part of spectators.

It can suggest a demand for action from the players, and a way of getting something out of the match, Chris Hunt, the author of World Cup Stories, told the BBC.

"When a match drags and nothing interesting is happening on the pitch, fans feel it's a way to make the most of the money they paid for their tickets," he explained.

If the match is a draw in the final minutes of a World Cup final, there will be no wave.

If it's a friendly where the home team is winning emphatically, then there probably will be.

• GUIDE: Everything you need to know
• PLAN: How to follow the tournament on the BBC
• EXPLORE: All 48 squads confirmed
• DOWNLOAD: The World Cup 2026 wallchart

The Cleveland Browns trade of DE Myles Garrett is right now known as just that, the “Myles Garrett trade.” The Browns are hoping that the Los Angeles Rams desire to keep DE Jared Verse was for good reason and the trade becomes the “Myles Garrett, Jared Verse trade.”

There is a history of that happening. For example, the “Matthew Stafford trade” became the “Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff trade” over time. Perhaps it is the first name (which this writer shares), but Verse’s first two seasons in the NFL give Cleveland fans a reason to be hopeful, along with the extra draft capital the team could use to find a quarterback.

A simple, one-game sample film breakdown of Verse going against Todd Monken’s old team, the Baltimore Ravens, gives even more excitement about what the Browns new edge player can bring. Here, you not only see Verse’s ability against a very good run team and his pass rush ability, but his willingness to chase a play down from behind:

While Lamar Jackson was not at quarterback, making plays against RB Derrick Henry and OT Roger Rosengarten is impressive.

What jumps to you in the above film breakdown on Verse?

The New Orleans Saints roster has seen so many upgrades walk through the door this offseason, but this team is still not ready to truly compete. That was always going to be a long shot in year 1, and it's doubtful they can make further additions to do so, but setting up this team for as much success as possible in 2026 should be the right move. 

After the offense and defense have been completely rejuvenated through the draft and free agency, most of the spots on the roster are filled, but some more improvements could be made. The trade market is really where the Saints could find high-quality starters, but free agency is more about depth and finding the team backup options. Still, some great players can be brought in who become extremely important players for this season, so let's look at some options for New Orleans. 

EDGE Cam Jordan

Yes, this would technically be the Saints bringing a player back, but it still works. Cam Jordan has been an important part of this team for his entire career, and although he has been more inconsistent later into his career, his leadership and talent he still adds to the defense make him an upgrade over the depth the Saints have. 

The leadership is the main part of this move. Yes, on the field, it will be great to have Jordan, especially in a pretty decent group, but getting back his leadership for this young team could do wonders this season.

And Jordan will be able to play his entire career on the Saints. 

Center Ethan Pocic

Backup center is such an important position for the Saints, especially with Erik McCoy's recent injury history, so bringing in a guy to step in is important. There are some great options throughout the free agency and trade market, but Ethan Pocic stands out.

Pocic is a starting-level player in the NFL, but so far, that interest has been missing. So, he may be willing to accept a backup job, especially one that could turn into a starting spot somewhere in the season. Picic is still 30 years old and could be a player the Saints even let leave next season and end up getting a compensatory pick for. 

What makes this addition even more interesting is where Pocic went to college. The offensive lineman went to LSU for college, so this move would also be a bit of a homecoming. 

The Rockets weren't able to agree to an extension with Tari Eason last summer, but they're likely hoping for a different outcome this offseason.

While Eason once again missed extended time due to injury this season, he was a reliable contributor when healthy. The 25-year-old averaged over 10 points per game for the second straight season with 10.5, adding 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game on defense across 60 games.

It's unclear exactly what type of market Eason will have this summer, but Houston will likely face stiff competition for his services while being mindful of its cap situation.

Where Eason ranks as a free agent

Tari Eason is listed as the 13th-best potential free agent available in a recent article by Bleacher Report’s @EricPincus

“Eason's accuracy dipped in the second half of the season and in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he was a vital part of coach Ime Udoka's… pic.twitter.com/OTghRpnbTJ

— SleeperRockets (@SleeperRockets) June 1, 2026

In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, Eason was ranked as the 13th-best potential free agent available. He was one spot ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers' Bennedict Mathurin and one spot behind the Denver Nuggets' Peyton Watson, both restricted free agents like Eason.

Pincus wrote that the Rockets could "face apron restrictions" by locking up the 6'8 forward to a long-term deal, but acknowledged Houston would be losing "youth, depth, and a tough wing who is shooting 46 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts" if they let him walk in free agency.

Eason started the season hot from deep but dropped off throughout the season, hitting his low point during a 16-game stretch in March, where he made just 14.5% of his three-point attempts. In the playoffs, his struggles continued in Houston's first-round matchup outside of a Game 1 performance where he shot a perfect 7-for-7 from the field.

He made just 41% of his field goal attempts and 28.6% of his three-pointers the rest of the series, struggling in the starting lineup in place of the injured Kevin Durant.

While the Rockets are familiar with Eason's limitations at this point in his career, he's still a key piece for Houston, and it'd be a worthy gamble to sign him to a long-term deal. Pincus described Eason as a "vital part of coach Ime Udoka's rotation," and losing him in restricted free agency would leave a sizeable hole to fill for the Rockets.

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets' Tari Eason ranked as 13th-best potential free agent

For years during the Buffalo Bills rise to power in the 2020s, safety Micah Hyde hosted a charity softball game on Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo.

This year, due to some legal complications, Hyde made it known in March he was unable to host the fan-favorite event.

Then Greg Rousseau stepped up. Immediately following Hyde’s unfortunate news, the Buffalo Bills outside pass rusher announced he would host the charity softball game at ESL Ballpark in downtown Rochester, New York.

The event is today!

Among the Bills player in attendance beyond Rousseau are James Cook, D.J. Moore, Dalton Kincaid, O’Cyrus Torrence, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Keon Coleman. Hyde is in attendance too. Bills Mafia OG Del Reid is in the building too.

Looks like there’ll be a home run derby — it was a staple during Hyde’s games in the past.

I’m encouraging everyone to utilize The Feed today to post any pictures/videos we catch on social media from the game! By the way, if you are in attendance and checking your phone… we’d love for any live shots from inside the ballpark!

The 82nd annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11:30 a.m. EST. The game, announced today by the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, TaxSlayer, and ESPN, will be televised nationally on ESPN.

The event will take place on Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.

The stadium will operate at a reduced capacity for the game due to ongoing renovations. This year’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will feature a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) facing an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

TaxSlayer CEO Jamie Saxe expressed enthusiasm for the long-standing tradition. “The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is one of the most exciting traditions in college football and we’re thrilled to be part of this event once again. Each year, the game brings incredible energy and a meaningful opportunity to share our company’s mission with fans across the country.”

Bill Dixon, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Chairman, highlighted the honor of hosting the game. “It’s a tremendous honor to be the lead game in a robust day of iconic college football programming.

“The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Northeast Florida will provide an incredible post-season destination for the players, coaching staff and fans alike.”

Tickets for the 82nd annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl are currently available through a limited pre-sale offer. This pre-sale will run exclusively through Friday, June 12. Public ticket sales will begin Sept. 15 via Ticketmaster.

Prospective buyers can receive preferred pricing by purchasing tickets from a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl “Green Jacket Member” before Dec. 1. More information about the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, including stadium policies, philanthropic efforts, or membership, is available here.

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Caitlin Clark names exactly what she wants to 'absorb' from Knicks vs. Spurs NBA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark is in the middle of her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, and she is treating the 2026 NBA Finals as a classroom. The Fever guard was in New York during the series and made it clear she was not just there to enjoy the atmosphere, as she was also studying the San Antonio Spurs' run in the Playoffs.

Clark's mindset tracks with where she is in her career right now. After a left quad strain and subsequent injuries limited her to only 13 games during the 2025 campaign, the 24-year-old is recording 18.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Watching the best basketball available is part of her routine as she looks for anything she can use to improve.

The Knicks-Spurs Finals have given her plenty to learn. New York leads the series 2-0 heading into Game 3 at MSG on Monday, but Clark's attention has been split between both sides.

She specifically called out the Spurs' run through the Western Conference, noting that San Antonio's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder was something she found genuinely instructive as the great Finals series itself. 

"And even the Spurs beating the Thunder was incredible too," Clark said. "You can learn so much. So I try to absorb as much as I can."

Caitlin Clark says she doesn't want the Knicks to sweep the NBA finals, and that she wants the series to go to a Game 7 because she's "a fan of basketball."

"I'm a fan of basketball, so I love great games. I don't want the Knicks to sweep it. I'm kind of indifferent on who… pic.twitter.com/XBBC97i29P

— Yanyan Li (@yyanyanli1) June 7, 2026

The Spurs' Western Conference run, built around Victor Wembanyama's two-way versatility and defensive discipline, offers a completely different blueprint than anything the Fever face in the WNBA. For a guard who prides herself on playmaking and floor vision, this kind of cross-league film study is exactly how elite players stay elite.

New York leads the series 2-0 heading into Monday's Game 3 at MSG. The Knicks took Game 1 with a late 11-0 run led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points. They followed it with a tight 105-104 win in thrilling Game 2 after Wembanyama missed a shot at the buzzer. For Clark, watching how both teams handle these high-pressure moments helps her study late-game decision-making.

Game 3 tips off Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Clark will be watching, likely rooting for the Spurs to win so they can avoid a sweep and extend the series to seven games.

More NBA news:

• Here’s security details every Knicks and Spurs fan should know with Donald Trump coming to MSG
• Spurs left reeling as Charles Barkley hints Knicks run could enter all-time playoff history
• 10 of 13 analysts agree on one thing about the NBA Finals — and Knicks fans won't like it
• Victor Wembanyama at center of chaos as one professional wrestler fires back over MVP disrespect claim
• The scary Knicks vs. Spurs scenario Caitlin Clark doesn’t want in NBA Finals

Bad news for Wesley just days before the start of the World Cup, scheduled for June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Brazilian winger was injured during a friendly against Egypt.

The 2003-born player was forced off the pitch after just 17 minutes. Now Wesley risks missing his World Cup campaign, which features Brazil among the favorites to reach the finals.

The Brazilian federation is urging caution regarding Wesley’s condition.

As Diogo Dantas reports, although the 2003-born player’s medical results are pending, there’s an initial feeling among the player’s entourage: he won’t need to be ruled out of the World Cup.

The injury, in fact, is expected to keep the Roma full-back out of the debut against Morocco (June 13), but he should recover in 10-15 days. It doesn’t appear to be a serious problem for Wesley.

Manchester United are working on signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.

However, the pursuit of the Portuguese sensation is unlikely to be as straightforward as it was in the case of Ederson.

In recent days, the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Fernandes. However, a report suggests there is nothing for United fans, especially on social media, to panic about.

West Ham hoping for a bidding war

According to club insider Sully, super agent Jorge Mendes is leading the negotiations for Mateus Fernandes, who looks set to depart West Ham United following their relegation to the Championship.

It is claimed a number of clubs, including Napoli and Aston Villa, are interested in Fernandes. However, they are reportedly not serious contenders for his signature.

West Ham, who have slapped an £80 million price tag on his head, aim to generate as much money as possible.

This explains the reports coming out from their side regarding the widespread interest, which Sully believes to be “overexaggerated”.

Mateus Fernandes keen on Manchester United move

As far as the 21-year-old is concerned, he wants to join Manchester United. “From the people I’ve spoke to close to his camp, the feeling is he personally prefers a move to Manchester United,” Sully writes.

However, unlike in the case of Bryan Mbeumo last summer, Fernandes’ preference has not come out publicly because the idea of multiple clubs chasing the technically gifted midfielder puts Mendes in a strong negotiating position.

United, meanwhile, do not intend to panic or overpay for the player, who is admired by Carrick and “nearly every department at the club (data, scouting and recruitment).”

It is understood INEOS would not meet West Ham’s asking price and are prepared to play waiting game.

The Hammers find themselves in a financial predicament and are in desperate need to raise cash through major sales.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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Bitcoin realized losses remained below the $211 billion tally from 2022, leading to a prediction that the next bear-market bottom was not yet in.

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Match Overview

Ecuador continues its World Cup preparations with an international friendly against Guatemala. La Tri enters with a talented young roster and rising expectations as a potential contender on soccer’s biggest stage.

Guatemala, meanwhile, is eager to keep building after falling just short of a historic World Cup qualification bid. The matchup provides Los Chapines with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of South America’s top national teams.

Lamine Yamal has managed to become, in just two years, one of the best players in the world. Not only is he the leader of Barcelona, but also of Spain. Following this, he has drawn numerous comparisons with Lionel Messi, as he has already written his name into soccer history. In response, head coach Luis de la Fuente gives his perspective on the comparison between the Argentine and the Spaniard, placing them in the same category.

“Lamine was born for this. He has a daring character. Maybe that [pressure] would have overwhelmed you or me. But these guys are special…Soccer players are people of high ability, so intelligent. They are geniuses and then there are those that are touched by God’s wand and there are very few of those. Lamine, Messi,” Luis de la Fuente said, via The Guardian.

Even though most players and coaches already compare Lamine Yamal to Messi, the 18-year-old star has chosen to remain distant from the comparisons, making it clear that he wants to write his own legacy. While their playing styles differ from the Argentine’s, both manage to have an all-around impact on the pitch, though the Spaniard star leans more toward dribbling, carving out his own path.

With the 2026 World Cup just days away, a meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could still happen. While one is close to retirement and the other is just beginning his career, both remain among the best players in the world and could deliver a historic duel. However, the 18-year-old star still has much to prove in soccer, meaning the comparison may not make sense at this stage, but could in a few years.

Lamine Yamal set for a career-defining moment at 2026 World Cup

Despite being only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal already has an impressive résumé in his sporting career. Not only has he won three LaLiga titles with Barcelona, but he also won the 2024 UEFA Euro with Spain. With his professional career on a rapid upward trajectory, he could be facing a unique opportunity to become a consolidated star on the international stage, standing out at the 2026 World Cup.

In the event of winning the World Cup title, Lamine would surpass Kylian Mbappé as a young winner of the tournament, moving into sixth place, with Pelé at the top of the list at 17 years and 249 days. In addition, he could become the youngest player to win the tournament’s Golden Boot if he manages to excel in terms of goal scoring. Far from being just another tournament, Yamal could establish among the elite of the sport, just as happened with Kylian in 2018.

Ecuador and Guatemala meet in a pre-2026 World Cup international friendly, looking to fine-tune their preparations at a high level. As one of CONMEBOL’s strongest national teams, head coach Sebastián Beccacece’s side enter as clear favorites to claim the win. However, head coach Luis Tena’s team could spring a surprise thanks to its defensive consistency. With that in mind, fans are keeping a close eye on Moises Caicedo’s status ahead of today’s match.

Moises Caicedo is expected to start today for Ecuador, as he has no injuries that would prevent him from playing. In addition, he is emerging as one of the leaders of the national team. Not only does he provide defensive stability, but he is also key in the team’s attacking build-up. Being their last friendly match before the 2026 World Cup, he may not play the entire game, instead being rested for some minutes to avoid last-minute injuries.

Coupled with the 24-year-old midfielder, head coach Sebastian Beccacece could once again rely on Pedro Vite, who has been shining in recent matches with the national team. However, they will need a brilliant attacking performance, making the possible presence of Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, and Enner Valencia crucial factors. Just like in previous matches, Ecuador could once again make extensive rotations in order to get their entire roster involved.

While Guatemala have not qualified for the 2026 World Cup, they will pose a major challenge for Ecuador. As one of the toughest teams in CONCACAF, Luis Tena’s team could once again opt for two defensive lines and only one attacker. However, they can take advantage of their opponent’s high press to break efficiently on the counterattack and pursue a victory, as they have not won a match since November 2025.

Ecuador predicted lineup vs Guatemala

Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Ecuador have already played seven friendlies, remaining unbeaten throughout that stretch. Their defensive solidity, combined with their great ability to build play, has allowed them to shine. However, their biggest challenge will be finishing in front of goal, as they rely heavily on Enner Valencia given that their other forwards have not stood out in spectacular fashion. In addition, Guatemala could cause problems with their defensive level.

Considering this, Ecuador could play as follows: Hernán Galíndez; Joel Ordóñez, Félix Torres, Willian Pacho; Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Pervis Estupiñan; John Yeboah, Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata.

Guatemala predicted lineup vs Ecuador

Guatemala failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, largely flying under the radar throughout these past months. Even so, head coach Luis Tena remains in charge of the national team, continuing to rely on a defensive strategy paired with an efficient counterattack in which Oscar Santis shines. However, Ecuador boast one of the best defensive lines in CONMEBOL, which will make it difficult to score against them.

With this in mind, Guatemala could lineup as follows: Luis Moran; Aaron Herrera, Marcelo Hernandez, Carlos Aguilar, José Pinto, Jose Morales; Óscar Santis, Jonathan Franco, Jose Rosales, William Fajardo, Daniel Méndez.

Match Overview

One of the standout matchups on Sunday’s international friendly schedule will feature two teams with high expectations for the next FIFA World Cup. Norway, back in the tournament after a lengthy absence, continues its preparations behind Erling Haaland and a squad determined to make an impact on the global stage.

Morocco, meanwhile, arrives after its historic fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022—the best World Cup performance by an African nation—and will look to use this marquee test as another step toward a deep run at the upcoming tournament.

Match Overview

As the World Cup draws closer, Croatia continues fine-tuning its squad and enters the tournament as a team capable of making a deep run. Led by veteran star Luka Modric, the Croatians hope to build on their success from the last two World Cups.

Their opponent will be Slovenia, who missed out on qualification after a disappointing campaign and will use this matchup as an opportunity to measure itself against one of Europe’s strongest national teams.

Gervonta Davis’ most recent legal trouble seems to be impacting his return to boxing and may see him lose his world title entirely. ‘Tank’ last fought in March of 2025, retaining his WBA lightweight world title via a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. An exhibition fight with Jake Paul later in the year was […]

The post Gervonta Davis has just 15 days to make fight with undefeated rival or risk losing world title appeared first on Boxing News.

Formula 1'de sezonun 6. yarışı olan ikonik Monako GP'sine Mercedes-AMG pilotu Kimi Antonelli damga vurdu. Sezon açılışındaki ikinciliğin ardından durdurulamaz bir seriye imza atan 19 yaşındaki İtalyan pilot, üst üste 5. zaferini ilan ederek F1 tarihini yeniden yazmaya başladı.

Formula 1’de sezonun heyecan dolu 6. ayağı olan prestijli Monako Grand Prix'sinde zafer, Mercedes-AMG’nin genç yıldızı Kimi Antonelli’nin oldu. Yarışa pole pozisyonunda başlayan 19 yaşındaki İtalyan pilot, dar ve virajlı sokak pistinde hatasız bir sürüş imza atarak damalı bayrağı ilk sırada görmeyi başardı.

Sezona fırtına gibi bir başlangıç yapan Antonelli, ilk yarışı ikinci sırada tamamladıktan sonra adeta durdurulamaz bir seriye imza attı. Monako'daki bu podyum zirvesiyle birlikte genç pilot, üst üste 5. galibiyetini elde ederek şampiyonluk yolundaki dominasyonunu gözler önüne serdi.

Bu sonuçla birlikte Kimi Antonelli, pilotlar klasmanındaki liderliğini perçinlerken, Mercedes-AMG de takımlar şampiyonasında rakipleriyle olan puan farkını açmaya devam etti.

Menajerler vasıtasıyla önerildiği Barcelona'dan yüksek maliyeti nedeniyle ret yanıtı aldığı iddia edilen Victor Osimhen'in ardından, Katalan basını yeni bir bomba daha patlattı. Fenerbahçe'nin de listesinde yer alan, ancak vergi cezası sebebiyle Suudi Arabistan'da kalan Darwin Nunez, Al-Hilal'de kadro dışı kalıp şubat ayından beri maça çıkmasa da Barça'nın listesine eklendi.

Nijerya Milli Takım teknik direktörü Eric Chelle'nin açıklamalarıyla kafa karşıklığına neden olan Victor Osimhen ile ilgili bir kaç gün önce Kata Sport gazetesi, sürpriz bir iddia ortaya attı.

Nijeryalı golcünün menajerler aracılığıyla kendisini Barcelona'ya teklif ettiğini iddia etti. Ancak mali krizle boğuşan ve Lewandowski'nin alternatifini arayan Barça yönetimi, yüksek maliyeti nedeniyle bu çılgın teklifi reddetmek zorunda kaldı.

ADI ŞİMDİ BARÇA İLE ANILIYOR

Osimhen transfer piyasasında bu şoku yaşarken, Fenerbahçe'nin geçtiğimiz sezon devre arası transfer döneminde girişimde bulunduğu Darwin Núñez için sürpriz bir iddia geldi.

Uruguaylı yıldız, devre arasında ayrılması durumunda yüksek bir vergi cezası ödemek zorunda kalacağı için Suudi Arabistan'da devam etti. Ancak adı şimdi Barça ile anılıyor.

ŞUBAT'TAN BERİ RESMİ MAÇI YOK

El Mundo Deportivo gazetesinin haberine göre Barcelona'nIn, listesinin ilk sırasında Atletico Madrid'li Julián Álvarez var. Katalan devi, Álvarez transferinde mutlu sona ulaşamazsa rotayı Núñez'e çevirecek.

Son olarak Al Hilal'e transfer olan eski Benficalı golcü, Şubat ayından beri resmi bir maçta forma giymedi. Suudi Arabistan kulübü, ligdeki yabancı kontenjanı ve kadro tescil kuralları nedeniyle Núñez'i gözden çıkararak, yerini dünyaca ünlü Fransız forvet Karim Benzema'ya bırakmıştı.

Azərbaycan parataekvondoçuları Almaniyanın Nürnberq şəhərində start götürən “Prezident Kuboku” yarışında mübarizə aparacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, turnirdə ölkəmizi K44 kateqoriyası üzrə kişilər arasında Sabir Zeynalov (58 kq), Amin Əliyev (63 kq), İmaməddin Xəlilov (70 kq), qadınlar arasında isə Səmayə Həsənova (47 kq) təmsil edəcəklər. Parataekvondoçularımızı yarışa baş məşqçi Fərid Tağızadə çıxaracaq.

Yarış Los-Anceles-2028 Yay Paralimpiya Oyunlarına reytinq xalları qazandıracaq.

Rafael Leao was sent off for striking an opponent in the face during an international friendly with the Portugal national team on Saturday, but what do the FIFA regulations say about suspensions for violent conduct and is there a chance that the Milan-owned winger is handed a suspension for the 2026 World Cup? 

Could Leao be suspended for 2026 World Cup?

Leao was named in the Portugal national team starting XI for their World Cup warm-up match against Chile, a game that eventually ended 2-1 in favour of the Europeans thanks to goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. 

It all kicked off just before the half-time whistle, though, as a scuffle broke out involving Portugal’s Joao Cancelo and Chile pair Ivan Ramon and Felipe Faundez. 

Leao got involved just as the referee arrived on the scene in an attempt to break up the scuffle, but the Milan man raised his hands at Cuba’s Ramon, pushed him around the neck multiple times and both players were then shown straight red cards. 

The incident took place during an international friendly, but article 69 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that players sent off during friendly matches must serve a suspension during their next match. 

Leao and Portugal’s next match comes in another World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria on Wednesday night, June 10. 

There is a small possibility that Leao is handed a longer suspension for violent conduct, but, according to TMW, FIFA rarely punishes players with more than one match for events that do not involve discrimination or aggressive behaviour towards match officials. 

That means that Leao is likely to avoid further punishment and is unlikely to be suspended for Portugal’s opening game at the World Cup.

Reports in Italy claim that multiple Serie A sides are beginning to show an interest in 38-year-old Inter defender Francesco Acerbi, who will be available as a free agent from the beginning of July onwards. 

Queue forming for Inter veteran Acerbi

Acerbi turned 38 in February and will leave Inter once his contract expires on June 30. Matteo Darmian is also out of contract and is expected to leave, although Stefan De Vrij, whose contract is also expiring, has reportedly been offered a new deal. 

Despite his age, Acerbi shows no signs of hanging up his boots in the immediate future, and reports on Sunday claim that there could be several opportunities for him to continue playing in the top flight next season. 

It has recently been reported that newly-promoted Monza are intrigued by the idea of picking up the Nerazzurri veteran on a free transfer, while La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa are also keen on the idea of picking up the experienced defender in a low-cost deal. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there could also be potential opportunities for Acerbi in the Saudi Pro League, although Sunday’s report does not mention any specific clubs.

Reports in Italy claim that Fiorentina forward Albert Gudmundsson has been ‘offered’ to Juventus by his agents, but that head coach Luciano Spalletti is not entirely sold by the idea of signing the Iceland international, even at reasonable figures. 

Report: Juventus uninterested in Gudmundsson opportunity

According to reports from Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com), Gudmundsson’s agents are hard at work attempting to secure a move away from Fiorentina, and among the clubs that the player’s representatives have reportedly spoken to is Juventus. 

According to Sunday’s reports, signing Gudmundsson is expected to cost somewhere between €15m and €18m, including the cost of a potential loan deal for the first year. 

However, the idea of signing Gudmundsson is not an idea that has convinced Spalletti according to the latest updates. 

It is no secret that Juventus are hoping to add to their attacking department this summer, particularly at centre-forward following the confirmation that Dusan Vlahovic will leave the club at the end of his contract this month. 

Juventus are looking for other attackers aside from a new centre-forward, although Gudmundsson is not a particularly enticing option, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz is becoming an increasingly difficult target to lock down and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will not join the Bianconeri without Champions League football.

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed that Denzel Dumfries will be joining Real Madrid, that the club are hoping to secure deals for Curtis Jones and Oumar Solet, and has made it clear that the club has no intention of letting Hakan Calhanoglu leave for Fenerbahce: “They’ve bought all the players in the world.” 

Ausilio discuss Inter transfer plans: Dumfries, Jones, Solet, Stankovic and Calhanoglu latest

The Nerazzurri executive was among the guests present at the Festival della Serie A that has been taking place in Italy over the weekend. 

Ausilio spoke to reporters at the event and gave away several hints about Inter’s potential summer transfer plans. 

One player almost certain to leave the club is wing-back Dumfries, whose release clause has reportedly been activated by Real Madrid. 

“I think it’s now basically official that Dumfries, a great player who had a release clause, will leave,” Ausilio confirmed (via TMW). 

Ausilio later added: “Dumfries left, he had a release clause and more importantly, the desire to go. I understand the fans’ disappointment because he is a player who has given everything for Inter, but I’m happy for him. This great story has ended well and I wish him the best at Real. You never know in life, a guy who is leaving Inter with his heart full, maybe there’s a chance we’ll see him again.” 

Ausilio also confirmed the club’s interest in Liverpool midfielder Jones. Responding to those who suggest that there is a ‘minimal’ amount of distance between Inter’s offer and Liverpool’s asking price, Ausilio joked: “You say there’s minimal distance, but they’re not your millions! 

“The interest in the lad was there in January and is still there now. Jones is a player we’ve been paying attention to for some time. We tried to negotiate in January and we will try again. If we find a common ground, great. Otherwise, we will do something else.” 

Ausilio also confirmed that Inter are hoping to strike a deal for Udinese centre-back Solet: “We will definitely do something about (the defence), I can confirm that. We have to intervene, even if it’s just for numbers because Darmian and Acerbi’s contracts are expiring. 

“Solet is among those that we’re following, he’s done well in Italy. Like him, however, there are also others. We will get ourselves a good defender for the start of the season.” 

Inter have also bought back Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge after an impressive first season in Belgium, but it remains to be seen what role he will have to play in the 2026-27 season. Ausilio has confirmed that the young Serbia international will be given a chance to ‘audition’ in front of Cristian Chivu during pre-sesaon. 

“Buying him back has already been a big sign of confidence because we think he has qualities that an Inter player present and future must have. I know the lad wants to stay, Chivu knows him well. We’ll start with him and Massolin in pre-season. 

“Youngsters have to have the space to play, we will try to accommodate that. Stankovic is an Inter asset, let’s see what happens in the window.” 

There have also been reports that Fenerbahce are attempting to lure Turkiye international Calhanoglu away from Inter. There had been reports last summer that it was Galatasaray who had an ‘agreement’ with the Nerazzurri midfielder. Given that Inter and Calhanoglu went on to win the domestic double after last summer’s transfer saga, Ausilio joked that maybe Besiktas should try next. 

“I hope it will be like it was last season. If a summer soap opera leads to a Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, maybe we should go ahead and run in the next elections at Besiktas (and try to sign Calhanoglu). 

“I hope they have some resources left, because they’ve bought all the players in the world, even the sporting directors and coaches too. There is a problem, though: Calhanoglu has a contract and Inter want to keep him. I don’t think those statements have any meaning or even a continuation.” 

Google added a new help document to its search developer documentation named Google Search’s guidance on using third-party SEO tools, services, and advice and updated the older Do you need an SEO? document on Friday. Google primarily added in topics around generative AI optimization and more guidance on trusting third-party tools and other SEO advice.

Why. Google said it posted these document updates and changes because it wanted to “highlight important considerations when evaluating third-party SEO tools and advice, and to simplify some sections and remove outdated examples in existing documentation.”

Third-party SEO tools, services and advice. Google’s new help document named Google Search’s guidance on using third-party SEO tools, services, and advice digs into advice from Google on how you should consider advice from third parties and using third-party SEO services and tools.

This includes how to:

• Evaluate and verify external SEO advice against official Google guidelines
• Think critically about using third-party SEO tools and services
  • Assisting in sitemap generation
  • Establishing indexing directives
  • Offering to generate “SEO-optimized” content for you
  • Providing advice they claim will improve the ranking of your existing content
  • Promising improvements for AI experiences and search formats (also known as “AEO” or “GEO” tools)

Google added that it does not endorse any third-party tool and warns about tools claiming so. It also warns about tools or services that claim “using a service or tool doesn’t guarantee ranking success.” Google added, “Third-party tools don’t have access to our internal ranking data. They can’t guarantee performance.”

Google does recommend you use Google Search Console, which provides you with “key information and data directly from Google Search itself,” Google wrote.

Hiring an SEO document update. Google also made updates to the Do you need an SEO? help document. Google added in topics around Optimizing for generative AI, where Google references a newish help document on that topic.

Google also posted in this document new content about SEO tools including:

• “If your SEO uses a third-party tool, keep in mind that Google doesn’t evaluate or endorse third-party SEO tools, and these tools don’t have access to Google’s internal ranking data. Be wary of tools that claim to be “acceptable” or “approved” by Google Search.”
• “If your SEO offers to do an SEO audit for you, be sure to carefully consider what’s involved and only grant read access to Search Console (at this stage, don’t grant them write access). An SEO audit should be about giving you realistic estimates of improvement, and an estimate of the work involved. If they guarantee you that their changes will give you first place in search results, find someone else.”
• “Evaluate your SEO’s recommendations and tools they use. Before making significant changes to your site based on a third-party tool’s audit, be sure to check their recommendations against official guidance from Google Search, think critically about any claims or recommendations you hear, and make your own informed decisions.”
  • Do they cite official Google documentation as supporting evidence for their recommendations?
  • If they have advice on optimizing for AI experiences (also known as “AEO” “GEO” services), is their advice aligned with Google Search’s official guidance on optimizing for generative AI features?
  • Do they use tools that are aligned with Google’s guidance?

The document was also cleaned up and made shorter and more concise.

Why we care. Reviewing Google’s official documentation is always something SEOs should be doing. New documents that Google posts are useful to read and understand. Understanding the changes made to older help documents is also important.

Charles Leclerc crashed out of his home race at Monaco after a safety car restart, and his explanation was about as uncomfortable as Ferrari‘s weekend deserved. Asked about track surface damage as a possible factor, he didn’t take the invitation.

“Brakes,” he said flatly. Then, after pressing from Sky Sports F1, he expanded into something more damning than a one-word answer ever could have been.

“It doesn’t help to have asphalt that is coming off, but the data speaks for itself. I don’t know how much detail I can go into. It’s extremely frustrating.

“I think I’ve always been very honest, and no matter how many mistakes I make, I would hate to look at myself in the mirror and see myself finding excuses when I make a mistake. That’s why I’m always bluntly honest whenever I’m in front of cameras, but I’m not going to take any of it today.

“It’s not even braking. I touched the brakes, and there’s just something with those brakes. On the front, it braked a lot more than what I thought, and in the rear, it had no deceleration at all. It’s like I had no rear brakes at all. That’s what I’m dealing with for two races now.

“We’ve had some differences of brakes between the cars, but I don’t think it’s a disadvantage for me at all. But here and in Montreal, with cold tire temperatures, the inconsistency and the tires being a lot more sensitive because you are on the limit of those tires, have just been an absolute nightmare. I’m weighing my words. I don’t have many words. Today, I look like an idiot. When you look like an idiot for a mistake of yours, it’s fine, but this is borderline dangerous.”

A Problem Ferrari Has Known About for Two Races

Leclerc had been dealing with severe brake inconsistency across the entire Monaco weekend, a problem he traced back explicitly to the Canadian Grand Prix.

He had flagged brake troubles to the media as far back as Friday practice, having already struggled in the same area in Canada.

Throughout every session in Monte Carlo, that discomfort generated significant complaints over the radio.

Compounding the brake issue was what Leclerc described as “digital” tyre behaviour – grip arriving and disappearing in a binary, unpredictable manner rather than building or fading progressively, making it nearly impossible to judge corner entry.

Leclerc had topped Q1 in qualifying and briefly held provisional pole before the brake issues became prominent enough to cost him in Q3.

He aborted his first Q3 run after going wide at Massenet, then put in a competitive second effort, only for his final lap to end at Tabac with a brush of the wall and a wrecked car.

Ferrari is targeting the Barcelona race as the debut point for a broader upgrade package, which the team hopes will address the underlying issues rather than just paper over them.

Here’s security details every Knicks and Spurs fan should know with Donald Trump coming to MSG originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals tips off Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden, with the New York Knicks holding a commanding 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. President Donald Trump confirmed he plans to attend, which would make him the first sitting U.S. president to watch an NBA Finals game in person. 

According to ESPN, after accepting a personal invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump told reporters, "The answer is yes. He's invited me, and I'm going. I'll be there. It could be Monday. Maybe I'll do both."

Trump also took a moment to praise Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, saying, "Wemby's a great player. He's going to be a great player and he already is a great player." 

Since the president is scheduled to appear in Game 3, security will be incredibly tight. Now, whether you're coming in from New York or flying in from San Antonio, here is exactly what you need to know before you walk through those doors Monday night.

1. No bags allowed

Madison Square Garden and the Secret Service aren't allowing any bags inside for the game. Audiences must leave their backpacks, purses, and bags at home and just bring the absolute basics with them.

The Knicks have made an official announcement detailing strict security protocols for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, including a no-bag policy, TSA-style screening, and urging fans to arrive two hours early.

The measures are coordinated with the Secret… https://t.co/SZrUA83TTNpic.twitter.com/6NKOrua0d9

— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) June 6, 2026

2. TSA-style screening at entry

Standard arena security is replaced by heavy Secret Service checkpoints. So, fans may need to spend some extra time to get through the metal detectors.

3. Arrive at least two hours before tip-off

This is the most critical logistical note. The official announcement from the Knicks strongly encourages all ticket holders to arrive no later than two hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Fans can definitely expect some long lines outside.

4. No storage for prohibited items

MSG will not store any prohibited items for you. Fans are encouraged to review the full list at secretservice.gov/prohibiteditems before leaving the house.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump's attendance, saying he believes the visit could "emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart". Politics aside, the arena’s strict security protocols are completely non-negotiable. Folks need to arrive fully prepared, or they seriously risk missing the opening tip-off.

More NBA news:

• The scary Knicks vs. Spurs scenario Caitlin Clark doesn’t want in NBA Finals
• Spurs left reeling as Charles Barkley hints Knicks run could enter all-time playoff history
• 'Victor Wembanyama in shock' - Spurs star compared to Nick Anderson's 1995 NBA Finals nightmare
• 10 of 13 analysts agree on one thing about the NBA Finals — and Knicks fans won't like it
• Victor Wembanyama at center of chaos as one professional wrestler fires back over MVP disrespect claim

Neymar is hoping to train fully with the rest of Brazil’s World Cup squad.

According to ge, the player is using technology originally developed by NASA to treat the injury to his right calf.

This Saturday (6), he worked out on an anti-gravity treadmill, which allows him to run with less impact on the injured area.

Photo: Nelson Terme / CBF

The equipment has been used by athletes for more than a decade, and some Brazilian clubs have already acquired it.

Neymar will undergo a new imaging exam this Monday (8) to assess how much progress he has made in recovering from the injury.

Still according to ge, if he is cleared to return to activities, he will begin physical transition work. 

 Ball exercises would only be allowed later on, if the player continues to show improvement.

Brazil will make its World Cup debut next Saturday (13), facing Morocco.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers started their offseason spending frenzy, the team was sitting on around $40 million in salary cap space for the 2027 offseason. So despite some huge contracts on the books, the team was looking fairly solid heading into the 2026 season.

Then the Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington contracts came and everything changed. According to Over the Cap, the Steelers now only have around $5.5 million in cap space, without taking into consideration any of the pending free agents. The list of 2027 free agents includes offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, linebacker Patrick Queen, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety Jaquan Brisker.

Many beat writers and pundits believe the Steelers will go ahead and extend Porter Jr. this offseason which would likely drain what is left of this year's cap if they adjust the 2026 money at all but would almost certainly but the team well into the negative for the 2027 offseason. This is new territory for Pittsburgh under General Manager Omar Khan.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Huge contracts wreck Steelers future free agent plans

Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong has responded to the noise around his White Sox fan altercation in the best way possible, by playing like one of baseball’s most electric young stars.

The Cubs center fielder was fined after a vulgar exchange with a female fan at Rate Field during a 9-8 loss to the White Sox on May 17.

The incident was ugly, and Crow-Armstrong admitted his word choice was wrong. But since then, his on-field response has been impossible to ignore.

Pete Crow-Armstrong stats since White Sox fan altercation stand out

As highlighted by Sleeper Cubs, Crow-Armstrong’s post-incident numbers show how quickly he has turned the page from a rough public moment.

Since the altercation, Crow-Armstrong has gone 22-for-68, good for a .310 batting average, with six home runs and 12 RBI. For a player whose glove and speed already made him valuable, that kind of bat changes the conversation.

His June 6 game against the Giants was the loudest example. Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with two home runs, tying the game twice before the Cubs won 3-2 in 10 innings.

Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong turning controversy into production

The altercation happened after Crow-Armstrong missed a play near the wall in the fifth inning against the White Sox, with the exchange going viral soon after.

He later apologized, saying he regretted his choice of words and did not want kids seeing that clip on social media.

The Cubs fined him an undisclosed amount but did not suspend him, which allowed the story to move back toward baseball quickly.

That matters because Crow-Armstrong’s full profile is becoming elite. Through June 6, he was hitting .259 with 11 homers, 32 RBI, 13 steals and a .791 OPS.

The apology still matters, because players have to be smarter with fans. But the baseball answer has been emphatic. Crow-Armstrong is defending like a premium center fielder, running like a weapon and now hitting with impact. That is the shape of one of MLB’s best young players.

Read more:

Five-star shooting guard Ryan Hampton has committed to Kentucky, he told Rivals. He is the No. 6 overall recruit in the 2027 class, according to the Rivals’ Top-150 Rankings.

The 6-foot-6 rising senior took an official visit to the Wildcats over the weekend where he pledged to Mark Pope and the coaching staff.

“I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope and Coach Mo Williams,” he said. “They showed me a vision and a plan for me to reach my ultimate dreams and goals. They will challenge me to be the best I can be on and off the court.”

Hampton believe his game will improve at Kentucky and assistant coach Mo Williams made all the difference in his recruitment.

“The development piece was key. They actually showed me, through film and analytics, how and what I can do to get better. But let’s be honest, Coach Mo Williams closed the deal. He’s been a friend of my dad for a long time, so my family has trust in him.”

Hampton knows what comes with playing at a school like Kentucky and he’s up for it.

“Coach Pope didn’t sugarcoat anything. Nothing is ever given at Kentucky. They are held to a higher standard. The bright lights are always on. I’m ready for the challenge. It feels like home, so why not? I’m a top prospect, and I truly believe I will thrive at a top school. It’s been a long journey to get to this point. I thank my family, and I thank God. The best is yet to come.”

More on Hampton

Hampton, who attends DME Academy (FL), also visited schools like Nebraska, SMU, and LSU. Several other programs also extended offers to him, like Auburn, Indiana, Villanova, Texas A&M, Maryland, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, Louisville, USC, Baylor, Missouri, Florida State, and more.

A native of Rockwall, Texas, Hampton opened the grassroots season with LivOn on the EYBL Circuit, where he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game through the first two sessions. He later made the move to Nightrydas and hasn’t missed a beat, averaging 21.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games with his new squad.

He is the younger brother of former first-round Draft pick RJ Hampton. RJ spent four seasons in the NBA with four teams: the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat. He is currently playing for Changsha Yongsheng in the Chinese National Basketball League.

Tottenham having difficulty agreeing on fee for Brighton defender originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tottenham Hotspur have gone into the summer transfer window with one thing on their mind: improving their defensive backline. This goal comes after the Lilywhites struggled in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship, while allowing the fourth most goals in the English top flight.

It would appear that the North London club has been making significant headway on their defensive improvements, with the recent signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, both of whom have left their previous clubs for Tottenham on a free transfer. While Spurs have also been tied to Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez in recent weeks, they’ve been showing interest in a defender from the south coast, Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham’s negotiations fall flat with Brighton

It was reported earlier in the week that the Lilywhites were keen on bringing in the Dutchman, as he had previously worked under Roberto De Zerbi during his time at the American Express Stadium, but there hadn’t been any moves made.

That has since changed, as according to talkSPORTS’ Anton Stanley, Spurs have sent over two offers to the Seagulls, but both have been rejected.

“Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids,” Paul Barber, Brighton’s chief executive, told talkSPORT.

It appears that while the Seagulls are playing tough to get for their star defender, they’re only doing it as they need things to be right for both the organization and the player.

"From that point of view, it has to be right for us as well as the player,“ stated Barber.

All of this interest comes after a season in which van Hecke was the defensive anchor in Brighton’s backline, recording 46 interceptions and winning 32 tackles.

While in the initial report on Tottenham’s interest in the Dutchman, it was also stated that they had an interest in Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, it doesn’t appear that there are any updates on that front from talkSPORT’s interactions with Barber.

MORE TRANSFER NEWS

• Aston Villa among six Premier League teams eyeing Barcelona winger
• Manchester United star striker completes move to Napoli
• Chelsea linked to Juventus defender amid potential Cucurella exit
• Liverpool, Manchester United tied to relegated West Ham star
• Chelsea reveal hefty price tag for defender amid La Liga interest
• Manchester United, Inter Milan being linked to ex-Aston Villa star
• Brighton being linked to Toulouse's star defender

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

It's only been two weeks since the end of the Premier League campaign, and even amid the disappointment of the run-in, it's already starting to feel like long summer.

The World Cup will offer a distraction, but club football remains the be-all and end-all for many. With that in mind, here are some key dates to keep an eye on over the summer.

The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening fixture (8pm BST). Everton have four names at this summer's tournament, with Nathan Patterson and Scotland starting their tournament against Haiti on June 14th.

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye feature for the first time when Senegal take on France (June 16th), while Jordan Pickford and England commence their campaign against Croatia on June 19th.

June 15: Summer transfer window opens

Although confirmation of deals are already starting to filter in, the summer transfer window officially opens on June 15th. David Moyes has stressed the importance of completing summer business early, with a desire for the bulk of new signings to be in place before pre-season starts.

An approach for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is underway in an encouraging sign, though recent reports have tempered transfer expectations.

June 19th: Premier League fixtures released (10am)

Everton will discover their full fixture list for the 2026/27 Premier League season on June 19th, with the club's schedule set for release at 10am BST.

July 19: World Cup final

July 19th will mark the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Should any of Everton's representatives reach the final, they will be handed a post-tournament break before returning for pre-season. The bulk of the squad are expected to return for pre-season in late June.

August 12: Everton vs Newcastle, Edinburgh 5.15pm

Everton have confirmed only one pre-season fixture so far. The Toffees take on Newcastle United in the Scottish capital on August 12th. The fixture will take place at Murrayfield Stadium.

August 22-23: Premier League opening weekend

The 2026/27 Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd.

September 1: Transfer Deadline Day (window closes at 11pm UK time)

The summer transfer window will close for Premier League clubs on September 1st, at 11pm BST.

An NCAA Division I panel updated its proposed age-based eligibility model, delaying a final vote until later this summer.

If approved, the measure would fundamentally change how college athletes can use their eligibility. The proposal moves towards a five-year participation window tied to age and enrollment rather than the current system of four seasons in five years.

The most important revision comes from the NCAA's removal of language that tied the eligibility clock directly to high school graduation. Under the new rule, a clock for eligibility would begin at full-time college enrollment or at the start of the first academic year after their 19th birthday — whichever of these comes first.

For the Florida Gators, the proposal could have long-lasting implications. Roster construction, recruiting strategy, and the transfer portal market stand to shift dramatically under the new parameters. With eligibility windows more predictable, roster planning could become easier for SEC programs. Aggressively building through recruiting may regain its value as consistent high-school-to-college talent pipelines should gain an advantage.

One downside to the proposal is that it would effectively end the redshirt era. Florida and other college football programs have used redshirt development effectively, especially on the offensive and defensive fronts, where physical development is vital to success.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: NCAA eligibility proposal could impact Florida football's roster

Closer and closer. As I write this, we are seven days from the USA opening their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Group D.

So, who is the most important US player at this World Cup? Let’s dive in and discuss.

Attack

Let’s start up front. There are some obvious options. Christian Pulisic has been the face of this team for a generation. He, Tim Weah, and Haji Wright are the only players on the roster to have actually scored at a World Cup before. Pulisic (and maybe Balogun) are the most likely players to score goals, and goals win games. Beyond that, Pulisic’s demeanor can be up and down at times. When he’s thriving, the team level goes up a notch. When things aren’t good for him, it affects other guys as well.

Striker may be the area the USA has improved the most since the 2022 World Cup, and Folarin Balogun’s decision to play in red, white, and blue is a big reason why. The 2022 strikers were Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Jesús Ferreira. Now, that’s also because Gregg Berhalter decided to leave Ricardo Pepi at home, but we don’t have to go there right now. Balogun is a natural goalscorer and a striker the US hasn’t seen the likes of for years. His importance is obvious.

Ricardo Pepi may not be the first-choice striker on this roster – or he may be! It’s hard to tell sometimes. Even if he’s coming off the bench, or splitting starts with Balogun, Pepi has emerged as a definitive presence at PSV, and he’s been great for the US for years. Check out his playmaking ability in that perfectly-weighted assist to Pulisic:

Midfield

Here comes the obvious one: Tyler Adams. Maybe because we just don’t have a like-for-like replacement for him, especially with Johnny Cardoso out injured. Also, because Mauricio Pochettino chose to leave Tanner Tessmann, Yunus Musah, and other holding midfield options at home in favor of one Cristian Roldan. Especially because of Tyler’s injury history. We know that players like Weston McKennie can move back into that holding role and do a job when needed, but that’s not Weston’s best use, and moving him back there weakens us in the attacking phase. Tyler’s injury history could make him the most important player on this team for the wrong reasons. Let’s hope he’s 100% fit throughout the tournament and that he proves to be the most important player for all his strong performances instead.

Weston McKennie comes into camp as maybe the best US club player right now, with his outstanding performances for Juventus this season. His positional flexibility can sometimes mask his technical ability and just what a special player he is. Hopefully Adams will stay healthy so that we get to see Wes in more of that box-to-box “8” or attacking “10” role. He could be the difference-maker this team needs.

Malik Tillman is a special player in the final third. His ability to combine with guys like Pulisic and Balogun, and create scoring chances for them, could make a huge difference for this team. The 2022 “MMA” midfield of McKennie, Musah, and Adams was excellent, but one thing it lacked was creative ability in the attacking phase. Tillman can deliver that. If he does, his importance is sky-high.

Oh, Gio Reyna. Sometimes it feels like he’s taunting us by showing flashes of his peak ability, while not displaying it at a consistent level (at least, not for club). We don’t know yet what role Gio is going to have on this team in 2026. We just know it’s dangerous not to include him on this list.

Defense

A year or two ago, Antonee Robinson was competing with Christian Pulisic, and perhaps had even displaced Pulisic, as the USMNT player with the best performances at club level. There have been some injuries along the way, and while Jedi is still a critical piece of this team (the dropoff from him to Arfsten is no joke), he may not be at quite the same level. Let’s hope he is. When he’s at his best, he is a stalwart piece of this squad.

Sergiño Dest is so special. A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine said to me that Dest had been left off the US World Cup roster (this was before the roster was public). Imagining what this team would be like without Dest was painful. Alex Freeman’s emergence on the right side is a welcome blessing, but Dest remains unique in his ability to receive the ball in the defensive third, shimmy past defenders, and get us into the final third quickly with an attacking chance. Moving him forward into more of a right midfield role with three at the back gives him an even greater chance to exhibit his attacking abilities, and we saw that against Senegal a few days ago.

I don’t have videos featured here for defenders Chris Richards and Tim Ream. They don’t score as often as the others. No big deal. They’re both important. Richards, like Adams, may have his importance be seen and felt because of injury. We will have to hope that he is able to perform at 100% for as much of the tournament as possible. The dropoff after him is significant.

That dropoff is where Tim Ream comes into the story. Rolling into the 2022 World Cup, 35-year-old Tim Ream was having an unbelievable renaissance, putting in performance after performance for Fulham in the Premier League. His rise was so dramatic that Gregg Berhalter made him a starter at the World Cup despite the fact that Ream wasn’t even called up for the international window prior. Remember Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman being asked to play out of the back that window? That distribution is what Ream is capable of doing so well — and it’s that ability (and his experience) that has kept him as a mainstay on this team, despite being 38 now, despite swapping the Premier League for MLS, and despite his athletic ability being on a downward trajectory (at least compared to all the unbelievable young athletes he will need to defend at the World Cup). If Ream is able to roll back the years and reach his past heights, we may not think of him as very important to this team; he may go unnoticed. If his age and his slower first step become problems, he could be important indeed.

Matt Turner put in a good enough performance at Qatar in 2022 and gained some honor for his name. In the years since then, it would be natural to hope that he would be ascendant, or that another American would have surpassed him in goal. That did seem to happen — Matt Freese has earned a number of starts for this team, and seemed the clear first-choice even recently (maybe now too?) — but it’s not certain. There seems to be a fairly significant gap between Turner’s floor and his ceiling. He’s capable of some ugly gaffes, and capable of an 11-save performance vs Brazil (below). I chose not to include Freese on this list because Freese seems steadier, with a smaller gap from floor to ceiling. Perhaps this tournament will change that. Hopefully, if it does, it’s in a good way.

Who do you think will be the most important US player at the World Cup? Hit the comments to discuss.

Alexander Sørloth has reached an agreement on personal terms with Italian giants Juventus, as the Norway international’s departure from Atlético de Madrid gets closer in the days before the FIFA World Cup.

Matteo Moretto on Sunday reported that Juve and Atlético are now in contact over Sørloth, who scored 20 goals this season but struggled again to nail down a spot in Diego Simeone’s preferred 11.

“Sørloth wants to be central to the project, and Juventus currently is guaranteeing him everything,” Moretto said on his YouTube channel.

Juventus have been in contact with Sørloth’s agents all week, and the bianconeri have reportedly offered him a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season. Juve are losing Dušan Vlahović following the expiration of his contract, and manager Luciano Spalletti has approved of Sørloth’s arrival as a replacement strategy.

Selling Sørloth to Juventus specifically appeals to Atleti because the club is negotiating in parallel to sign Nico Gonzalez on a permanent deal. Diego Simeone wants to keep Nico in his squad next season, and Atlético could sign the versatile Argentine for a fixed fee of around €23 million, plus €5 million in bonuses. Sørloth would cost Juve in the region of €30 million.

(In yet another negotiation, Juventus explored a deal to sign Jan Oblak, but the player’s salary in excess of €10 million net proved the stumbliest of stumbling blocks.)

It’s been clear for months that Sørloth’s future lies away from Atlético, and the well-traveled forward is poised to play in Italy for the first time after spells in Spain, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, England, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands. Though he has been Atleti’s top scorer (or joint-top scorer) in consecutive seasons since his 2024 transfer from Villarreal, Sørloth’s penchant for inconsistency and seeming incompatibility with Julián Alvarez meant starts in big games were rare for the 30-year-old.

Sørloth started exactly half of his 70 league appearances for Atlético, and he scored 44 goals across 107 appearances in all competitions. It’s no small thing for Simeone to lose those goals, even as many of them came from the bench. With Sørloth’s departure for Turin apparently on track, Mateu Alemany will need to sign a new goal source that is compatible with Alvarez, can stretch defenses vertically and provide his own goal source.

Maple Leafs want Joe Pavelski despite limited coaching history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have considered just about any head coaching candidate you can think of.

The latest name on the list is a big one, and a fascinating one: Joe Pavelski.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Sunday that Pavelski is "on the Maple Leafs' radar as the team begins the next phase of its interview process."

Friedman compares a potential Pavelski hire to when the Montreal Canadiens hired Martin St. Louis.

Pavelski has coached his son Nate "at the youth level" in Madison, Wisconsin, according to Friedman.

"It’s an interesting twist, as Toronto backed away from some other candidates due to a lack of experience," Friedman writes.

MORE: Dylan Larkin's trade request points out a major NHL flaw

Friedman added this:

"It also shows the deep respect so many in the sport have for Pavelski. It’s hard to handicap his chances of getting the job, but they are interested in him, and those same sources indicate he’s not shying away from the possibility."

Pavelski, 41, is an all-time great player who skate in 1,332 NHL games and finished with 476 goals and 592 assists.

He was just a seventh-round pick by the San Jose Sharks but became one of their best-ever players. He wrapped up his career with the Dallas Stars, and probably could've kept playing if he had wanted to.

Bringing in a guy like Pavelski would likely gain immediate respect from the players in the room who competed against him and followed his career growing up.

It'd be outside the box, but maybe that's the way the Maple Leafs ought to be thinking about this.

More NHL news:

• Canadiens had a trade agreed to, but they missed by 1 minute
• Henrik Sedin's son is excelling in a different sport
• Elias Petersson trade plans may be missing a key point
• Would the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan?
• Alex Ovechkin's mom is playing a role in his retirement decision

FC Bayern are confident that they would complete the signing of Ismael Saibari from PSV next week. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rekordmeister are even preparing for his medical in the United States.

Saibari will represent Morocco in the World Cup as they hope to be one of the surprises of the tournament like the previous edition in Qatar. Romano noted the deal is in an advanced stage as Bayern reached full agreement with the attacker.

Including in the Champions League against Bayern, the 25-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions last season. He has won three consecutive Eredvisie titles, with former Bayer Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz in charge of PSV.

From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the things we think, but aren’t 100% confident on. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all our “What We Think We Know” articles here.

Ryan Day is the Nick Sirianni of college football head coaches. Day may not have the brash personality that Sirianni has, but in terms of how the Ohio State fanbase views him, that’s how he relates to the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning head coach. 

Speaking of winning, Day has won. He led the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2024, giving him a sense of vindication. Still, though, the way last season ended resurfaces the questions about Day and whether he can lead Ohio State to wins in big games. 

Eagles’ fans feel the same way about Sirianni, and that’s with him taking the Eagles to two Super Bowls and winning it in 2024. How many times has Sirianni been in the headlines for reasons other than winning? Calls for his job were prevalent last year because Eagles’ fans care. It’s the same way with Ohio State.

No, Day shouldn’t have been fired after the Buckeyes lost to Miami in the CFP Quarterfinals. However, it does raise questions about him again. Considering the Buckeyes lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, even though Indiana was terrific last season, and then Miami in their first CFP game, the mood sort of changed on Day.

Even after a 12-0 regular season and beating Michigan, the concerns about the Buckeyes’ head coach are back. Winning cures all. Losing creates questions. Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten Championship since 2020.

Here is my biggest worry: If, and I don’t think it will happen, but if the Buckeyes lost at home to Michigan this year, that is going to be catastrophic. Can you imagine the Buckeyes losing a third straight home game to Michigan?

We all remember the aftermath of the last time Ohio State lost at home to the maize and blue. Calls for Day’s job were loud and prevalent. They will be more so if that happens this season.

Day hasn’t had a home win against Michigan. He’s 0-2. But 0-3? That would look very bad. Even in the 12-team Playoff era and even with the magic of the 2024 National Championship, expectations to beat Michigan still sit near or at the top of the list in Columbus.

Overall, Day is 2-4 against Michigan. If that falls to 2-5 this season, and the Buckeyes again miss out on the Big Ten Championship… whoa man.

In addition to Michigan, the Buckeyes also have big games against Texas, Indiana, and Oregon. Day’s record as a head coach is 82-12. Four of those losses are to Michigan. Four of those losses are in Playoff games or the National Championship. Two of those losses are to Oregon. One of those losses is in the Big Ten Championship. One loss is to Missouri in a New Year’s Six bowl. 

Those 12 losses are all notable. Despite an .872 winning percentage, there’s still a feeling of nervousness and uncertainty going into a big game, and whether or not the Buckeyes are going to win. More importantly, there are nerves about whether Day will clamp up in big games, whether the play-calling will be questionable, whether the Buckeyes will play conservatively, and whether there will be missed opportunities.

Even with a national championship, the pressure is on Ryan Day. The expectation is to win every game at Ohio State, especially against Michigan and the national championship. The pressure is higher at Ohio State than, arguably, anywhere in the country.

It doesn’t matter what happened for one month spanning December 2024 and January 2025. It’s what have you done for me lately. For the Buckeyes, they’re coming off a season where, after being No. 1 for nearly all of it, they lost in the Quarterfinals of the CFP. They didn’t even play for a berth in the National Championship, let alone play in the National Championship.

Ohio State’s season was over before the ball dropped at Times Square.

It doesn’t matter that the Buckeyes won the national championship in 2024. It’s about the next one, the next season. Questions still remain about Day. Considering the stakes and implications in the Buckeyes’ biggest games this season, especially against Michigan, the pressure is on.

It’s not far-fetched to say he could find his way back on the hot seat if things break wrong. We know we may still have our doubts about him, but beating Michigan at home and winning the national championship would sure silence those doubts.

The Boston Celtics are putting in the work ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft to prepare for any contingency. And somer of that work has been the many prospects they have interviewed, including Florida State guard LaJae Jones. A 6-foot-7 forward who forged an unusual path to the draft via three NCAA and one junior college including his last stop with the Seminoles, Jones is projected late in the second round or beyond.

But the Florida native has shown some flashes at Florida state, putting up 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. He did that while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor overall, 32.5 percent from beyond the arc, and a reassuring 76.3 percent from the free throw line.

The folks behind the "ACC Digital Network" YouTube channel put together a clip from his 2025-26 season with Florida State. Check it out below!

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics 2026 NBA Draft interviewee LaJae Jones 2025-26 NCAA highlights

New York Mets legend Keith Hernandez sat next to a Mets fan who was completely oblivious to his presence on the flight to San Diego for the team’s weekend series vs. the Padres at Petco Park.

Hernandez told the story in detail alongside play-by-play announcer Steve Gelbs (filling in for Gary Cohen) during Saturday night’s Mets-Padres broadcast on SNY.

“So, I flew on Delta from JFK to San Diego,” Hernandez, the longtime Mets color commentator, explained. “I made the mistake of having a window seat, and I was in Aisle 1. And I had a guy sitting in B next to me on my right in the aisle seat. And he had his full Met regalia. And he didn’t recognize who I was. I was into my iPad, the whole thing. The whole flight, he did not know who I was.

“We’re descending, and the flight attendant discovers that I had my laptop; I had it hidden in my newspapers. He goes, ‘You’ve gotta put that up in there.’ I had to get up and sidle over his legs. When I sidled back into my seat, I bent my leg, and I went down almost in his lap. And I just grabbed his television in front of him, and it saved me from falling in his lap. And he still didn’t know who I was!”

“He didn’t recognize you then?” Gelbs asked.

“No!” Hernandez responded.

Keith Hernandez explains how a guy next to him who was decked out in Mets gear didn’t recognize him for the entire flight to San Diego. #MLBpic.twitter.com/bhc8NEIptf

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 7, 2026

“So, to make a long story short, there was a couple behind that were Met fans and knew who I was,” Hernandez, who is also known for his guest star role on Seinfeld, said. “So, I turned to the wife when we landed, and I said, ‘Would you mind asking your husband to get my bag for me up on top?’ And they said, ‘Absolutely.'”

“The guy [next to] my seat went and got it, and then he looked at me, and he went, ‘Keith!'” Hernandez continued. “I said, ‘The whole flight!'”

“The whole flight, and you fell in his lap, and he still didn’t understand,” Gelbs said.

“I was so embarrassed, and I was worried that, you know, you never know with the internet today, not the interstate,” Hernandez said.  “I fell, and they think I’m drunk, and I didn’t have one bit of alcohol on that entire flight. But it was embarrassing.”

Keith made reference to Manny Machado hitting “on the internet” amid his recent struggles@SteveGelbs: “I believe the word you were looking for there was ‘interstate’, not ‘internet'”

Keith: “Oh okay, sorry!” pic.twitter.com/n0SmDBNKSW

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 7, 2026

“I just want to know who this guy was,” Gelbs added.

“He’s at our hotel,” Hernandez said. “And the couple behind me; they’re all at the same hotel.”

“I know the couple behind you is at the same hotel, because when I got to the lobby a couple of days ago, they were very excited to tell me that they helped you with your bags.”

The post Keith Hernandez tells hilarious story of Mets fan not recognizing him on flight appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Through the spring and summer, we will be counting down the Jets roster player by player. We continue the series by discussing Tyler Baron.

Name: Tyler Baron

Number: 94

Year With Jets: 2nd

Projected Role: Possible rotational defensive end

His 2025: The Jets traded up for Baron in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Things went downhill from there. Baron’s play in training camp and the preseason was uneven. It was to the point where there was speculation he might not even make the 53 man roster. It’s entirely possible Draft pedigree played a role in him winning a roster spot. Teams generally don’t like the optics of immediately cutting a player they traded up to land. From there, Baron did not make much of an impact. He suited up for 6 games without recording a sack and registered only 9 tackles. It’s not like the Jets defense was loaded with talent so Baron had every opportunity to carve out some sort of role. He didn’t take it.

2026 will be a success if: Baron takes a major step forward. In year two you would like to see him find some sort of a role in the defense. He doesn’t need to be a big impact guy, but he needs to provide a handful of reliable snaps per game. That might be a tough ask. The defensive end spot doesn’t have many roster spots open. Baron will need to earn one with a stronger training camp than he had as a rookie.

Odds of making the roster: 50/50

Ibrahima Konate recently departed Liverpool after both his team and the club were unable to come to terms on a new contract and his current contract was allowed to expire. Konate is now a free agent, most likely headed to Real Madrid instead. That in and of itself is a blemish on the club, because Konate is 27 and a talent we cannot afford to lose, quite honestly, but here we are.

Since his departure and the announcement of it, Konate has joined the French national team ahead of the World Cup and left for North America, where they’ll be based near Boston for the duration of the tournament. Konate recently appeared on a French radio show and spoke quite frankly about his mental health struggles this season following the death of not only Diogo Jota but the illness and eventual death of his father Hamady. It could be argued both of which likely led to his dip in form for Liverpool.

“There are low points, there’s depression. You can suffer from depression in football too; there’s no need to be ashamed to say so,” Konate said.

“It’s true that I’ve often heard players say they were suffering from depression and that fans or people on the outside didn’t understand because they were earning a lot of money. But no, that’s rubbish and you shouldn’t say that.

“Depression is personal; it’s deep inside you. When you’re depressed, it starts in the heart, goes up to the brain and takes over your whole body. For me, that’s what’s hard, and we need to talk about it.”

Not only was Diogo a close teammate and friend of Konate’s, they were also neighbors in Merseyside. Andy Robertson recently said that the devastation was so complete throughout the club that no one wanted to do anything – players didn’t want to train, physios didn’t want to provide treatment – echoing the remarks of Konate that the grief was not just difficult to deal with. It was crushing.

“It devastated me. I didn’t have any interest in anything else at that point,” Konate added.

“You go back to football because you have no choice. We’re employees at a club that pays us every month, so we have duties.

“We had no choice but to go back on the field and play for him and his family – as well as ourselves. There’s no way of getting over it, but you learn to live with it.”

On top of dealing with all of this, Konate’s father was carrying the knowledge that his father was gravely ill, and grappling with the decision whether to take a leave from the club to be with his family or, as he said, uphold his duties and stay to support the club. There was no question that the club needed him either, after losing young center-back Giovanni Leoni to injury and Joe Gomez falling in and out of favor with Arne Slot, and so Konate did the best he could and stayed, even cutting his own compassionate leave short when his father eventually passed to come back to the starting XI.

“I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know whether I should go home and stop playing, because the team needed me too,” the defender explained.

“I didn’t know who to talk to about it, so I kept it all to myself. And this is the advice I’d give to everyone: when you’re feeling down or something’s going on, you need to talk to those around you. It can help you and do you good. I didn’t talk about it and kept it to myself.

“The doctors then told us he didn’t have long to live, but we didn’t know it would happen so quickly.”

Konate’s father passed in January and the defender only took two weeks off before returning ahead of the match against Newcastle at the end of the month to help Liverpool out of the situation they found themselves in. Placing that type of a burden on someone already grieving, making them feel like returning to work early is the only thing they can do because of the management’s inability to work around such an absence, is a glaring oversight honestly. If it happened at any other job, it would look poorly on any upper management positions, and would frankly reveal a quite toxic working environment. Konate himself admitted to never feeling “above water” at all this season due to all the emotional and mental turmoil.

“There was never a moment when I felt like I was on the mend,” Konate finally said.

“All of these tragic events happened so quickly and as soon as I felt like I was getting my head above water, something else happened.

“I had the support of all these fans, who are exceptional at Liverpool, my team-mates and especially my family but I also had to learn how to get back on my feet on my own because the team needed me more than ever and I know that my father would have wanted me to get back.”

Frankly, these comments are, at the very least, disheartening to hear as a fan of a club that has long been mindful of mental health challenges and the effects of loss. The club hired a psychologist just to figure out why Luis Suarez kept biting people, for crying out loud.

The very least a club should be doing is taking care of its players. It is one of the only real obligations a club has to its players – to care for them in the best way available so they are able to perform at their best. Players come to a club like Liverpool because of that distinct part of the culture – not just the fans, but that it is backed up by a workplace that allows players to thrive under its care. It was a hallmark of Klopp’s leadership, that everyone felt cared for in a way that allowed them to win. It is 2026, football is increasingly more modern, and to neglect a player’s mental health is to neglect an incredibly important aspect of the game, and their humanity.

For someone like Konate, one of our starting defenders and the subject of so much criticism this season, to say that he was so depressed and didn’t feel like he had anyone to talk to about it, is an incredible indictment of the way the club was handling things behind the scenes. It is not a new development either, unfortunately, as former player David Fairclough has spoken a number of times about how he felt let down by Bob Paisley when the manager wouldn’t allow him proper time to grieve the death of his father in 1977. When I last wrote about grief, and how it may be affecting the team, there was indeed a sports performance psychologist contracted with the club, as a consultant. Why didn’t Konate feel like he could speak to him about what he was struggling with?

What was happening behind the scenes, in the training rooms, gyms, and locker rooms, that made him feel so alone?

We can talk ad nauseam of the men’s mental health crisis throughout the world, that the expectations of masculinity come with stoicism, dealing with your emotional turmoils in hiding, and that likely fed into Konate’s own struggles with expressing his sadness. Even someone as clearly joyful and emotional like Konate, to feel like he had to hide everything away just to function, is a heartbreaking thing to find out.

Regardless of any of these factors, it’s clear that there was something missing in the club this season, and that some players like Konate needed a lot more than physical training time to perform. Will any of that change with our new sensitive and well read Basque coach rather than a brusque Dutchman? Who knows.

The light this has shown on the toxicity within the club is still unfortunate and heartbreaking. Even worse, there is no real solution. Even more unfortunately is the fact that Konate is no longer a Liverpool player, so we cannot fix what was neglected for him, and we can only hope that his next club is better equipped.

We can continue to hope that this light reveals what the club is lacking and they work to remedy this huge issue.

We can only hope that these men have someone to talk to.

Hello, and welcome to the MLB Team Dating Game! Today we’ve got two highly eligible MLBachelors, two clubs looking for their Special Somefan. Here’s how it works: we’ll give you some information about the teams, and you’ll pick the club you want to go on a date with. Only after you choose do you find out the name of your new MLBeau! A lovely steak dinner awaits you and your chosen club— tube steaks, that is! Without further ado:

Team A lives in the National League East. A member of the Senior Circuit since the 1800s, (a silver fox, you might say), Team A likes to wear red and blue, can’t stand New York, and likes to live dangerously, ranking in the top five for chase rate. Team A loves a pitch inside the zone, but doesn’t see so many, ranking bottom five in Zone %.

I think I can hear the bells of love ringing! But be patient, because Team B is no slouch.

Team B lives in the National League East. A member of the Senior Circuit since the 1800s, (a silver fox, you might say), Team B likes to wear red and blue, can’t stand New York, and likes to live dangerously, ranking in the top 5 for chase rate. Team B loves a pitch inside the zone, but doesn’t see so many, ranking bottom five in Zone %.

Can’t decide? Well, that’s alright. Best to look before you leap. Let’s have a little more information about our clubs.

Team A is red hot at the plate this year, ranking top three in batting average, OPS, and wRC+. Their 335 runs scored are second league-wide, and only one club can boast more homers.

Team B is in a bit of a down period, ranking bottom three in batting average, OPS, and bottom five in wRC+. Their 250 runs scored are…

You’ve chosen already? Team A? Don’t be too hasty! There’s lots to be said about Team B. Why, we haven’t even started talking about their pitching yet. They’re honest, nobody’s been caught stealing less… Well, they’ve got a mascot with a great sense of humor…

No? Team A’s the choice then? Enjoy your date! That’s all the time we have for the MLB Team Dating Game! May love bloom for you and your club!

By this point, you’ve probably figured out who the two teams are. Team A is the Atlanta Braves, pummeling opposing pitchers on their way to an elite offense and a record to match. And Team B is the Phillies, struggling at the plate, though keeping their head above water in the standings.

The fact that the Braves have been great on offense and the Phillies have been less so will not surprise you. It didn’t surprise me either. But I was a bit surprised to see that the two rivals have remarkably similar plate discipline, taken at the team level (all data prior to Saturday’s games, using Statcast/ABS definitions)

The Braves are a little more likely to swing overall than the Phils, particularly on pitches in the zone. It’s the chasing that I want to take a deeper look at. Both teams are among the most inclined to swing at pitches outside the zone: the Braves are third-most likely, the Phillies fifth. Despite their tendencies to chase, the Braves have been elite on offense, and the Phillies have been less so. Which raises a question, or perhaps two: how have the Braves been so good on offense while swinging at so many outside pitches, and why has the Phillies’ equally chase-happy approach been less successful?

Unsurprisingly given their willingness to chase, both teams are among the most likely to get pitches outside. The Phillies see 46.8% of pitches outside the cozy comfort of the zone, and the Braves see 46.4%. That’s 27th and 28th, respectively. And despite this equality, the Braves are still doing much more than the Phillies at the plate. Much of that is the result of the Braves being better on the pitches that they do get in the zone. But it’s worth taking a look at how the two teams perform on pitches outside of it, too.

Not all pitches outside the zone are equal. There’s a big difference between swinging at a pitch 0.2 inches outside, and swinging at one that’s halfway to Camden. The area outside the strike zone can be broken down into three zones: the Shadow Zone (barely outside), the Chase Zone (pretty far outside), and the Waste Zone (please don’t swing, thank you).

The Braves are a little more likely than the Phillies to swing at the shadow zone pitches, the least damaging sort of chase. But it’s a small difference, and they’re also a little more likely than the Phillies to swing at the waste pitches. The difference in their offensive performance isn’t likely to lie here.

What about contact rate? The Braves are a little more likely to make contact on pitches outside the zone, doing so 62.9% (fourth overall), whereas the Phillies do so on 59.2% (13th). That likely explains part of the discrepancy in offensive performance; you can’t do damage on a pitch unless you make contact.

Let’s take a look at the overall offensive numbers:

The Braves are not only more likely to make contact on pitches outside the zone than the Phillies, they’re also a lot more likely to do damage on those pitches. Overall, the Braves have the fifth-highest wOBA on pitches outside the zone, and the Phillies have the 25th.

But how are they doing so much more damage? They’re not hitting pitches outside the zone any harder than the Phillies are. Both teams have an identical 24% hard hit rate on pitches outside the zone. Luck and sample size probably have something to do with it, but there may be something else here.

The Braves are slightly more likely to hit flies on pitches outside the zone, and slightly less likely to hit grounders and pop-ups; that likely explains some of it.

The difference in type of contact matters too:

The Braves are more likely to make solid contact on pitches outside the zone than the Phillies, and about twice as likely to barrel those pitches. That helps.

The Phillies and the Braves are about as likely to chase as each other, and they’re about as likely to get pitches to chase as each other. But they’re not equal in how they perform on those pitches. To say that it’s not the pitches you swing at, but how you swing at them, would be flatly false; it really matters what pitches you’re swinging at. Both the Braves and Phillies hurt themselves when they swing outside the zone. But the Braves are hurting themselves less with those swings— and that can explain at part of the difference between the surging Atlanta offense and that of the Phillies.

Manchester United have been handed a golden chance to sign Luka Vuskovic as the 19-year-old defender’s future with Tottenham Hotspur is growing more uncertain by the day, according to a new report.

Croatian Colossus

Signed in 2023 from Hajduk Split in a deal worth around £12 million, Vuskovic was only eligible to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.

The 6’4 centre-back joined then-manager Thomas Frank’s side on their pre-season tour, with plans for him to play a back-up role to the first-choice pairing, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. However, the Croatia international – set for a major role for his country at the World Cup this month – wanted more guaranteed minutes and requested a loan towards the end of the window.

A season-long loan was agreed with German side Hamburger SV, which has proved an astute decision as he has thrived at the Volksparkstadion in a superb individual campaign.

Despite his adopted side struggling as a collective, Vuskovic was named in the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the Year, having produced displays which belie his age. This led one scout to describe him as one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe.

A potent pairing of size and strength, with surprising speed for such an imposing frame, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the air, as shown by an impressive return of six goals, and in ground duels. But he also demonstrates the ability to play out from the back, with the “vision to identify progressive options” and make line-breaking passes forward – a key attribute for a ‘modern’ centre-back.

A Big-Money Exit Gathers Pace

Initially, it is understood the plan was for Vuskovic to return to north London and fight for a place in Tottenham Hotspur’s starting eleven. Romero and Van de Ven have been linked with moves away, with United said to have explored deals for both.

The Croatian starlet appears a readymade replacement, having already shown a skillset which suggests he could develop into an even better defender than either of his senior teammates. However, Roberto De Zerbi – appointed as manager in March to rescue Tottenham Hotspur from relegation, which the Italian did on the last day of the season – is pushing for more experience in his backline.

AFC Bournemouth’s 28-year-old centre-back, Marcos Senesi, and Liverpool’s 32-year-old stalwart, Andy Robertson, are both set to join on free transfers. Senesi was a target under consideration at Old Trafford, though Harry Maguire’s contract renewal has shifted the attention towards a younger option – such as Vuskovic.

De Zerbi is not stopping there, however. A £40 million bid has been tabled to reunite him with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, the 25-year-old Netherlands international, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.

If successful, this would leave Tottenham Hotspur with four experienced centre-backs either in, or approaching, their prime – and no room for Vuskovic to establish himself in De Zerbi’s squad. Consequently, Gianluigi Longari reveals the youngster is “open to leaving” this summer, putting Bayern Munich and “top Premier League clubs” on red alert.

Translated Tweet: “Luka Vuskovic would be open to leaving Tottenham this summer. Bayern Munich and other top Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his profile with interest and have made initial contact for details on a possible deal. Preliminary stages.”

Final Thoughts

While the Italian journalist does not specify which one of England’s elite is eyeing a raid on their rival, United’s interest is well-documented and INEOS are always on the hunt for the best young talent from across the globe.

A new centre-back is not considered an urgent priority in M16 due to the number of options in Michael Carrick’s squad. But this depth is something of an illusion, given the injury concerns of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, as well as the ageing Maguire.

United are understood to be paying close attention to the market for a suitable successor for the 33-year-old Englishman. Vuskovic, a 6’4 behemoth who is a magnet for the ball, would be the perfect candidate.

Featured image Leonardo Fernandez via Getty Images

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Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed that Denzel Dumfries will be joining Real Madrid, that the club are hoping to secure deals for Curtis Jones and Oumar Solet, and has made it clear that the club has no intention of letting Hakan Calhanoglu leave for Fenerbahce: “They’ve bought all the players in the world.”

Ausilio discuss Inter transfer plans: Dumfries, Jones, Solet, Stankovic and Calhanoglu latest

The Nerazzurri executive was among the guests present at the Festival della Serie A that has been taking place in Italy over the weekend.

Ausilio spoke to reporters at the event and gave away several hints about Inter’s potential summer transfer plans.

One player almost certain to leave the club is wing-back Dumfries, whose release clause has reportedly been activated by Real Madrid.

“I think it’s now basically official that Dumfries, a great player who had a release clause, will leave,” Ausilio confirmed (via TMW).

Ausilio later added: “Dumfries left, he had a release clause and more importantly, the desire to go. I understand the fans’ disappointment because he is a player who has given everything for Inter, but I’m happy for him. This great story has ended well and I wish him the best at Real. You never know in life, a guy who is leaving Inter with his heart full, maybe there’s a chance we’ll see him again.”

Ausilio also confirmed the club’s interest in Liverpool midfielder Jones. Responding to those who suggest that there is a ‘minimal’ amount of distance between Inter’s offer and Liverpool’s asking price, Ausilio joked: “You say there’s minimal distance, but they’re not your millions!

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Curtis Jones of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“The interest in the lad was there in January and is still there now. Jones is a player we’ve been paying attention to for some time. We tried to negotiate in January and we will try again. If we find a common ground, great. Otherwise, we will do something else.”

Ausilio also confirmed that Inter are hoping to strike a deal for Udinese centre-back Solet: “We will definitely do something about (the defence), I can confirm that. We have to intervene, even if it’s just for numbers because Darmian and Acerbi’s contracts are expiring.

“Solet is among those that we’re following, he’s done well in Italy. Like him, however, there are also others. We will get ourselves a good defender for the start of the season.”

Inter have also bought back Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge after an impressive first season in Belgium, but it remains to be seen what role he will have to play in the 2026-27 season. Ausilio has confirmed that the young Serbia international will be given a chance to ‘audition’ in front of Cristian Chivu during pre-sesaon.

BRUGES, BELGIUM – AUGUST 27: Aleksandar Stankovic of Club Brugge celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round Second Leg match between Club Brugge and Rangers at Jan Breydelstadion on August 27, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

“Buying him back has already been a big sign of confidence because we think he has qualities that an Inter player present and future must have. I know the lad wants to stay, Chivu knows him well. We’ll start with him and Massolin in pre-season.

“Youngsters have to have the space to play, we will try to accommodate that. Stankovic is an Inter asset, let’s see what happens in the window.”

There have also been reports that Fenerbahce are attempting to lure Turkiye international Calhanoglu away from Inter. There had been reports last summer that it was Galatasaray who had an ‘agreement’ with the Nerazzurri midfielder. Given that Inter and Calhanoglu went on to win the domestic double after last summer’s transfer saga, Ausilio joked that maybe Besiktas should try next.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Hakan Calhanoglu poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I hope it will be like it was last season. If a summer soap opera leads to a Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, maybe we should go ahead and run in the next elections at Besiktas (and try to sign Calhanoglu).

“I hope they have some resources left, because they’ve bought all the players in the world, even the sporting directors and coaches too. There is a problem, though: Calhanoglu has a contract and Inter want to keep him. I don’t think those statements have any meaning or even a continuation.”

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is one of the best footballers in the world, and he’s also one of the biggest names. That gives him freedom when it comes to choosing his sponsorship agreements, which is why he is considering a big move.

Mbappe, who this week teased Barcelona supporters, is currently one of the faces of Nike, with whom he has been with since he was 8 years of age. However, his contract with the manufacturer giant ends in the summer, and according to L’Equipe, he is seriously considering not renewing in favour of exploring a new venture.

Nike are very keen to continue their relationship with Mbappe, but the Real Madrid man has other ideas. According to the report, he is said to be considering a brand that is not yet established in the industry, as he wants to help develop the unnamed brand in football and directly benefit economically due to this expansion – this would be a similar vein to Michael Jordan, who created the Air Jordan brand.

Mbappe decision will be made in the coming weeks

Image via Dennis Agyeman / AFP7 / Europa P / Europa Press

For now, Mbappe’s full focus will be on the 2026 World Cup, which gets underway next week. He will hope to play a starring role for France in North America, and once his involvement comes to an end, there is sure to be more clarity on his situation with Nike.

It would certainly be a bold move from Mbappe to part ways with Nike and sign with an unestablished brand, but he has the global reach to make a splash in the market. He’s clearly a very ambitious person, so it would not be a surprise if he were to go in a different direction – but for now, it will simply be a waiting game in order for more clarity on the matter.

European fans continue to be shocked at the level of pricing for in-stadium refreshments at the 2026 World Cup.

So much has been made about the pricing structure in the United States compared to what supporters are used to in Europe.

Fans already based in the US will of course be used to it, but the constant surprise of supporters from further afield is certainly worth looking at as the tournament progresses.

Though the World Cup is not underway yet, supporters who attended England’s friendly against New Zealand in Tampa were surprised.

Fans react to drinks pricing in the US

The Three Lions beat New Zealand at the Raymond James Stadium in their penultimate warm-up game before the World Cup.

Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game as Thomas Tuchel’s side laboured to a 1-0 victory, although quite how much that can be taken from a pre-tournament friendly is up for debate.

Players are coming off a long club season and will not want to risk injuries this close to the tournament actually starting.

With not much happening on the field, an image of the prices of drinks at the stadium went somewhat viral on social media, with supporters expressing their surprise about how expensive they were.

According to an image posted by Simon Peach of PA on social media platform X, a ‘premium beer’ cost $18 (roughly £13.44), while a domestic beer cost $16.75 (£12.50). Premium cocktails were priced at $26.50 (£19.79).

It is not clear if those prices include VAT, while the tipping culture in the US is something fans from outside of it will have to get used to.

Obviously, prices differ from stadium to stadium but supporters expressed their disbelief when comparing them to European prices.

This particular discourse is likely to run on throughout the whole tournament.

Read more:

Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won’t be held in the US

The eight sibling duos playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Four duos represent different nations

Major World Cup records you need to know about ahead of 2026 tournament

• Silva says Barcelona “is one of the options” but insists no final decision has been made
• The Portuguese says there are “many options” and he has respect for all interested clubs
• Silva left Man City as a free agent last month after ten years at the Etihad Stadium

Bernardo Silva has confirmed Barcelona is among his options this summer but insists he has yet to make a final decision on his next club.

Silva departed Manchester City as a free agent in May after nine illustrious, trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium, bringing to an end one of the most decorated careers in the club’s history.

Barcelona have been reported to have an agreement in principle to sign the Portugal international, though the 31-year-old’s latest comments suggest the situation is more open than previously reported.

Barcelona reach agreement in principle to sign Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva

Silva has indicated he will not rush a decision, with his focus having been on representing Portugal at the FIFA World Cup in north America before turning his attention to his club future in full.

I haven’t made any final decision yet, says Bernardo

As quoted by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Silva addressed his club future with the following words: “Barcelona is one of the options but I’ve not made any final decision yet.

“There are many options and I have respect for all interested clubs. In the end, I’m going to try to find a team where they want me, where I feel they really love me. That is very important and the day I make my decision they will know.”

What is the wider context for Silva’s decision?

Barcelona have long been considered the frontrunners for Silva’s signature, with the Portuguese having been open about his desire to return closer to his homeland at this stage of his career.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in the former City captain throughout the summer.

Silva’s emphasis on finding a club where he feels genuinely wanted echoes the language he used throughout his farewell at City, where he described the love he received from the club and supporters as something he doubted he would ever feel again.

Who could replace Bernardo Silva at Manchester City?

The 31-year-old is one of the most coveted free agents in European football this summer, with his age, quality and experience making him an attractive proposition for clubs across the continent’s top leagues.

A decision is expected after the World Cup concludes, with Silva having made clear he will make an announcement to his chosen club directly before any public confirmation follows.

With nine days to go before France’s World Cup opener against Senegal, Didier Deschamps has shared some insights into his players’ fitness levels. With a particular focus on the finalists from the most recent Champions League.

After first confirming that Ousmane Dembélé (29) would start against Northern Ireland on Monday evening, the France manager went on to confirm that his “26 players will be available”, including William Saliba (26) for this final friendly before flying to the United States.

Suffering from a back injury, the Gunners defender is now feeling better and is not expected to be kept out of action.

“He’s being looked after by the medical staff. We’re also managing him based on how he feels, but it’s something he’s had for several weeks and it hasn’t stopped him from playing every game for Arsenal,” Deschamps explained to Téléfoot.

The news is a welcome relief for all Les Bleus supporters, who are hoping to see the newly crowned Premier League champion back on the pitch soon, as he is expected to start alongside Dayot Upamecano (27) in France’s central defence.

GFFN | Léo Aschi

United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has drawn plenty of headlines for being linked to jobs in European club football next season even before the World Cup begins.

That can be jarring for American soccer fans and American sports fans in general, who are accustomed to stability among the coaching elite. But in the soccer world, it’s not all that unusual for managers to look at an upcoming World Cup as a natural end to their tenure, regardless of the tournament outcome.

Here are 10 other 2026 World Cup managers who are out of contact once the tournament ends in July. This list isn’t necessarily all-inclusive, and obviously, it doesn’t account for the managers who might be guaranteed beyond the tournament but could face early termination with a poor team performance.

Dick Advocaat

Curaçao

The legendary Dutch manager is playing with house money in what could very well be his final salvo. After helping the tiny Caribbean nation become the smallest to qualify for a World Cup in tournament history, he had stepped away from the role to care for his ailing daughter. But with her health improved, and with the Blue Wave struggling in preperatory friendlies, the 78-year-old has returned to the role just in time for their arrival on the big stage.

Javier Aguirre

Mexico

Aguirre took the helm of El Tri for a third time following their elimination from the 2024 Copa America in the group stage, and eventually returned the outfit to the continental success its fans expect with wins in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League and 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. He is widely expected to move on regardless of how Mexico fares as a tournament co-host.

Marcelo Bielsa

Uruguay

Bielsa is one of the most influential tacticians in world football history. But as an Argentine coaching the rival nation on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, his tenure in charge of La Celeste has always felt a little bit uneasy. Uruguay qualified for 2026 relatively comfortably from CONMEBOL and earned a respectable third-place showing at the 2024 Copa América. Yet with Bielsa now 70 years old, this feels like the natural end of his tenure, and maybe his storied career.

Zlatko Dalić

Croatia

While Luka Modrić has gotten a lot of credit for the success of the Croatian program over the last two World Cups, the federation is plenty appreciative of what Dalić has accomplished. He enters his third World Cup at the helm having led the Balkan upstarts to the 2018 final and the 2022 semifinals. And although the current talent pool may be undergoing a generational transition, it’s plenty possible the Croatian federation brings him back for another cycle even if the 2026 results are more modest.

Didier Deschamps

France

Deschamps is the longest-tenured manager at the tournament and has already indicated he will be stepping down when it’s over. And even if his fourth World Cup at the helm of Les Bleus goes sideways, he will depart with one heck of a resume that includes the 2018 World Cup triumph and two other major finals appearances (Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup).

Ronald Koeman

Netherlands

Koeman has managed across an impressive range of clubs, but he has hinted recently he may never return to club football. If that’s the case, it’s possible a strong performance in North America could convince the 63-year-old to extend his international managing career. But he’s still looking for a signature moment with the Clockwork Orange, with a 2018-19 finish as runners up in the UEFA Nations League his best achievement so far.

Roberto Martinez

Portugal

While other managers have struggled to manage Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on the Portuguese national team later in his career, Martinez has leaned into what the aging star can still produce in front of goal. The now-41-year-old led his side in qualifying with five goals in five appearances, with only one of those coming from the penalty spot. But with Ronaldo likely in his final World Cup, Martinez could be set to move on as well, regardless of the results.

Carlos Queiroz

Ghana

This will be Queiroz’s fourth World Cup at the helm of a competing side, with the other three coming in Iran’s previous three appearances. And just like his return to Iran for the 2022 tournament, he took charge of the Black Stars as an emergency replacement this April after Otto Addo’s dismissal. Technically, Ghana has an option to extend the 73-year-old based on team performance, and that could happen with a strong showing in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Lionel Scaloni

Argentina

Scaloni accomplished what those before him managing the Albiceleste could not, crafting a national team system that could truly harness Lionel Messi’s talents to drive team success. Yet even if Messi, now 38, goes on to lead the Argentines to a second consecutive World Cup title in 2026, this is probably the end of the line for Scaloni, since it’s also likely to be Messi’s final international chapter.

Ralf Rangnick

Austria

Known as the godfather of the modern high press, Rangnick had managed mainly in the German pro game before taking charge of Austria for the entirety of the 2026 cycle. Most famously, he helped establish the identify of the Red Bull football group both as a manager and sporting director at its parent club, RB Leipzig. Presming he wishes to return to the club game, he will have plenty of suitors, and he’s already been connected with AC Milan, the same club that had reportedly reached out to Pochettino’s representatives about their summer vacancy.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Reports in Italy claim that Fiorentina forward Albert Gudmundsson has been ‘offered’ to Juventus by his agents, but that head coach Luciano Spalletti is not entirely sold by the idea of signing the Iceland international, even at reasonable figures.

Report: Juventus uninterested in Gudmundsson opportunity

According to reports from Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com), Gudmundsson’s agents are hard at work attempting to secure a move away from Fiorentina, and among the clubs that the player’s representatives have reportedly spoken to is Juventus.

According to Sunday’s reports, signing Gudmundsson is expected to cost somewhere between €15m and €18m, including the cost of a potential loan deal for the first year.

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring the 1-4 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

However, the idea of signing Gudmundsson is not an idea that has convinced Spalletti according to the latest updates.

It is no secret that Juventus are hoping to add to their attacking department this summer, particularly at centre-forward following the confirmation that Dusan Vlahovic will leave the club at the end of his contract this month.

Juventus are looking for other attackers aside from a new centre-forward, although Gudmundsson is not a particularly enticing option, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz is becoming an increasingly difficult target to lock down and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will not join the Bianconeri without Champions League football.

It promises to be a busy summer for Napoli after the Serie A runners-up parted ways with title-winning manager Antonio Conte at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will offer the Partenopei more time to prepare for what shapes up to be a massive overhaul.

Despite going neck and neck with Inter in a fierce Scudetto race for most of the season, only a handful of Napoli players will appear in this summer’s tournament. It’s largely due to Italy’s failed quest to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

As things stand, only four Partenopei stars will feature in the North American showpiece. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the Napoli players set to represent their countries at the most heavily anticipated sporting event of 2026.

Scott McTominay [Scotland]

Scotland will make their first World Cup appearance since 1998 after beating Denmark to top spot in qualifying Group C by the skin of their teeth. Despite their impressive form in the qualifying cycle, Steve Clarke’s men must defy the odds to reach the knockout stages, with Brazil and Morocco widely viewed as the group’s strongest contenders.

Unlike their neighbors, the Republic of Ireland flopped in the UEFA qualifying campaign, prompting many new Irish betting sites to keep a close eye on Scotland’s progress in North America. All eyes will be on Napoli talisman Scott McTominay, who topped his country’s scoring charts in Group C with two goals and one assist.

Though he failed to replicate his MVP form from 2024/25, McTominay enjoyed another impressive season at the Diego Maradona Stadium. The 29-year-old midfielder scored 14 goals and added four assists across 44 matches in all competitions, establishing himself as Napoli’s standout performer for the second season in a row.

On the other hand, another underwhelming campaign saw Clarke leave Billy Gilmour out of the squad.

Kevin De Bruyne & Romelu Lukaku [Belgium]

This summer’s tournament might be Kevin De Bruyne’s last chance to win a major piece of silverware with Belgium. One of the few remaining members of the nation’s much-vaunted yet ultimately unfulfilled ‘golden generation,’ the veteran playmaker heads into what is likely to be his last World Cup determined to rewrite the narrative of repeated near misses.

However, it’s worth noting that the former Manchester City superstar endured a frustrating season under Conte, making just 18 Serie A outings. Despite his limited first-team opportunities, the 34-year-old tallied five goals and two assists, but De Bruyne’s importance to the team stretches well beyond his on-field influence.

The same applies to Belgium’s all-time top scorer, Romelu Lukaku, who managed just five league games in 2025/26 due to a severe hamstring injury. Nevertheless, De Rode Duivels boss Rudi Garcia couldn’t omit the 125-capped striker from his squad.

Mathias Olivera [Uruguay]

Defensive solidity emerged as one of Napoli’s standout qualities under Conte, with Mathias Olivera becoming one of the key components of the Partenopei’s steely backline. With 25 league games under his belt this term, the Uruguayan was one of the most consistent defenders in Serie A.

Olivera is perfectly capable of covering multiple positions along the defensive line and is expected to play a prominent role in Marcelo Bielsa’s setup this summer. Though he is primarily a left-back, the former Getafe man can also operate as a center-back, a position he frequently occupied during Conte’s regime.

Furthermore, he has earned 35 caps for Uruguay since making his senior debut in 2022 and was one of their best performers in CONMEBOL qualifying. His experience and adaptability should make him a crucial asset for La Celeste in North America.

Reports in Italy claim that multiple Serie A sides are beginning to show an interest in 38-year-old Inter defender Francesco Acerbi, who will be available as a free agent from the beginning of July onwards.

Queue forming for Inter veteran Acerbi

Acerbi turned 38 in February and will leave Inter once his contract expires on June 30. Matteo Darmian is also out of contract and is expected to leave, although Stefan De Vrij, whose contract is also expiring, has reportedly been offered a new deal.

Despite his age, Acerbi shows no signs of hanging up his boots in the immediate future, and reports on Sunday claim that there could be several opportunities for him to continue playing in the top flight next season.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Mikel Merino of Arsenal passes the ball whilst under pressure from Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

It has recently been reported that newly-promoted Monza are intrigued by the idea of picking up the Nerazzurri veteran on a free transfer, while La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa are also keen on the idea of picking up the experienced defender in a low-cost deal.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there could also be potential opportunities for Acerbi in the Saudi Pro League, although Sunday’s report does not mention any specific clubs.

Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below. Check out the previous day’s recap here.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (27-35) lost 11-2 (BOX SCORE)

Weiss started for Sugar Land and struggled allowing 7 runs over 2.2 innings. The pen allowed another four runs as Sugar Land found themselves in a big hole. The offense got on the board in the 7th on a Winkler RBI groundout and got one more in the 8th on a Perez RBI single but that was it as Sugar Land fell 11-2.

Note: Ferreras is hitting .500 in Triple-A.

• Joey Loperfido, CF: 2-for-5, R
• Zach Dezenzo, DH: 0-for-2, 2 BB, SB
• Carlos Perez, C: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
• Pascanel Ferreras, SS: 2-for-4, R

• Ryan Weiss, RHP: 2.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Joey Mancini, RHP: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• Sam Carlson, RHP: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• J.P. France, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Roddery Munoz, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (25-31) won 9-8 (BOX SCORE)

The Hooks got on the board in the first inning on a Spence 2 run home run and Austin solo home run. Gillis got the start and went 3.1 innings allowing 4 runs. The offense got one back in the bottom of the third inning on an Austin solo home run. Biggers added an RBI triple in the 4th inning. The offense continued to add on getting a Schiavone solo home run and Guillemette RBI double in the 5th. The bullpen allowed four runs as the Travelers took the lead. In the 8th, the Hooks rallied getting a Schiavone RBI single to tie it and an Encarnacion RBI triple to take the lead. McLoughlin closed it out as the Hooks won 9-8.

Note: Schiavone has a .877 OPS in Double-A.

• Max Holy, SS: 2-for-5, 2 R, SB
• Lucas Spence, RF: 1-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, SB
• Trevor Austin, 2B: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
• Jason Schiavone, C: 2-for-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
• Yamal Encarnacion, CF: 1-for-4, R, 3B, RBI, BB, SB
• Jeron Williams, LF: 1-for-4, 2 SB
• Garret Guillemette, 1B: 3-for-3, R, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB
• Jax Biggers, 3B: 1-for-4, 3B, RBI

• Brett Gillis, RHP: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
• Amilcar Chirinos, RHP: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• Julio Rodriguez, RHP: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
• Alex Santos, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• Railin Perez, RHP: 0.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
• Trey McLoughlin, RHP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (WIN)

A+: Asheville Tourists (15-40) lost 15-4 (BOX SCORE)

DeVos started for Asheville and went 3.2 innings allowing 6 runs, 1 earned. Asheville got on the board in the 4th inning on a Moss RBI single. The offense got 2 runs in the 6th on a Daudet 2 run double and another run in the 7th on a Powell solo home run. The pen struggled allowing another 9 runs but the offense was quiet the rest of the way as Asheville fell 15-4.

Note: Powell is hitting .316 this season.

• Kyle Walker, SS: 1-for-3, BB
• Caden Powell, LF: 3-for-3, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB
• Nehomar Ochoa, 1B: 1-for-5, R
• Alejandro Nunez, 2B: 1-for-4, R
• Jack Moss, DH: 2-for-4, RBI
• John Garcia, C: 1-for-4, R
• Zach Daudet, 3B: 3-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI

• Nolan DeVos, RHP: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• Jordan Carr, LHP: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
• Eurys Martich, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (25-31) lost 6-3 (BOX SCORE)

The Woodpeckers got on the board in the third inning when Diaz connected on a solo home run. Carrera got the start and pitched well allowing 1 run over 5 innings while striking out 4. The offense scored 2 runs in the 5th on a Cauro 2 run single. Varela struggled in relief though allowing 5 runs, 2 earned, as the Fireflies took the lead. The offense was quiet the rest of the way as the Woodpeckers fell 6-3.

Note: Cassedy has a 1.13 ERA this season.

• Anthony Huezo, RF: 1-for-3, 2B, BB
• Waner Luciano, DH: 2-for-4, 2B
• Hector Salas, SS: 0-for-3, R, BB, SB
• Camilo Diaz, 2B: 1-for-2, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB
• Carlos Cauro, 1B: 2-for-3, 2 RBI

• Jesus Carrera, RHP: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
• Jose Varela, RHP: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• Brandon Cassedy, RHP: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Brandon McPherson – 7:05 CT

CC: Trey Dombroski – 5:05 CT

AV: TBD – 12:05 CT

FV: TBD – 4:05 CT

Man, how can you not be romantic about baseball?

Jason DeCaro spun what was easily the best game of his Carolina career yesterday as the Tar Heels were able to stave off elimination and win 4-0 against USC. A season that hasn’t seen him go for a complete game and one where he would usually see the bench after five or six in favor of Caden Glabuer, DeCaro just took the ball and refused to give it up. He saved his fastest pitch for last, and all game the Trojans were completely confounded.

It’s completely flipped this series on its head. All of a sudden the Tar Heels are looking today at being able to roll out Folger Boaz, backed up by Glauber, and then Walker McDuffie as a backstop to try and shake off his rough outing on Friday. USC’s hopes were in their starting pitching, and both starters for the Trojans were unable to deliver wins for the team—as it was the bullpen that secured it on Friday.

The reward for the winner is a trip to Omaha, Nebraska and a match up against the winner of the Auburn Super Regional, the Rebels of Ole Miss, in a bracket that has been ripped to shreds and perhaps offered the most wide-open opportunity the Tar Heels will see to get a National Title.

To do so, the bats are going to have to wake up. Carolina has only scored nine runs in the two games, and they have left an eye-popping 21 runners on base over the course of the weekend. Thirteen of those runners were stranded yesterday alone. The Tar Heels have only put up a crooked number three times in eighteen innings, and those crooked numbers were each only two. It’s a credit to the Trojans’ pitching that they’ve been able to throw themselves out of every jam, enough to pull the comeback on Friday and never truly feel out of it Saturday.

All that said, expect USC to go with several pitchers today as their typical day three starter Diego Velazquez basically serves as an opener. He’s only gone five innings once the entire season — against Nevada — and his last outing was last Sunday against Texas State, where he just went 3 1/3 in the Trojans’ win. USC’s coach Andy Stankiewicz has not been shy about pulling his starters when their counts got high, and at this point you even wonder if you’ll see Mason Edwards throw an inning or two as he only went three on Friday (though those three innings did cost him 77 pitches).

Again, for the Tar Heels they are just set up perfectly. Jason DeCaro is likely the only pitcher that is ruled out for today. Even Ryan Lynch might pop in if needed with a day off. Still, with a lineup of Folger Boaz, Caden Glauber, Walker McDuffie, and the emerging Jackson Rose who went 2 1/3 scoreless on Friday, you have to give the nod to the Carolina bullpen today.

For one more time it’s going to be a scorcher, so once again bear that in mind if you are heading over to the Bosh today. Get there early, enjoy the block party, hydrate, and remember you CAN bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the park. That could be important on what will likely be the biggest crowd of the season for the last game in Boshamer for 2026. If you aren’t going to be there, here’s how you can catch the action:

• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Boshamer Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
• TV: ESPN, where Mike Ferrin will handle play-by-play with Gaby Sanchez doing color.
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited. If you subscribe to a cable service, some now have agreements with ESPN to have access already included.
• Radio: WCHL 97.9 in Chapel Hill as well as online and through the Varsity app. Dave Nathan will take you through the game for the Tar Heels, and it’s free.

Why Padres should not trade for Tarik Skubal despite big pitching need originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Diego Padres are a postseason contender, which feels like a miracle based on how poorly their starting rotation and offense have performed this season.

Under two months to go until the August 3 MLB trade deadline, it's clear the Padres have some issues to resolve. The rotation could use some help, and Tarik Skubal is obviously the top arm and most appealing trade target available.

However, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale highlighted, the Padres should actually not trade for Skubal. The reason is simple: their offense needs a lot more help than their starting rotation does.

Why Padres should pass on chance to trade for Tarik Skubal

"The free-falling San Diego Padres don't need Skubal as much as they need someone who can hit," Nightengale writes. "They are betting .216, which not only is the lowest in MLB, but the lowest in franchise history after 60 games."

That .216 batting average as a team is a massive red flag for the Padres. Last year's offense also wasn't ideal, and this season is a whole lot worse.

As much as Skubal would help, the Padres should instead be looking for ways to improve their offense this season.

Only Miguel Andujar (.707 OPS), Gavin Sheets (.777), Ty Fracne (.827), and Luis Campusano (.958) have an OPS above .700 this season for the Padres.

MORE: Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM

Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, and every other hitter have an OPS no greater than Tatis' at .666.

The Padres need more offensive firepower this season, and even though Skubal would be a big help for their World Series odds, their lackluster offense needs way more help than the rotation does.

If the Padres try to enter the postseason with this offense, they're sure to be eliminated early. A blockbuster trade for Skubal would help, but not as much as adding a star hitter would improve this team this season.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success
• Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution
• Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was genius

ESPN's Football Power Index uses 10,000 simulations to project team strength, playoff odds, and Super Bowl contenders.

According to the latest model, the Rams enter the season as the favorite after acquiring star pass rusher Myles Garrett. Buffalo is forecast to be one of the strongest teams in the league and is anticipated to meet Los Angeles in the Super Bowl.

"It doesn't take much creativity to put the Bills in the title game. Josh Allen is arguably the best quarterback in the league, and Buffalo easily could have made the Super Bowl in recent seasons." NFL analyst Seth Walder says, reinforcing Buffalo's status in the rankings.

As a major contributor to the Bills' top-5 ranked offensive line, O'Cyrus Torrence may find himself in the best position to play on Super Sunday. The 2023 second-round draft pick posted a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 64.0 in 2025 and was fourth overall in offensive snaps played. According to PFF, O'Cyrus allowed zero hits on star quarterback Josh Allen last season.

Several other former Florida Gators will play key roles on teams expected to make deep postseason runs, according to the FPI. Dante Fowler Jr. and the Seattle Seahawks landed No. 4 at plus-3.6; Ricky Pearsall and the San Francisco 49ers fell to No. 5 at plus-3.3. 2026 second-round draft pick; Jack Slaughter and the San Diego Chargers come in at No. 7 with plus-2.6 odds; Jonathan Greenard and the Philadelphia Eagles round out the top 10 at plus-2.0.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Gators could play major role in ESPN's projected NFL contenders

The college baseball transfer portal is off and running and the LSU Tigers are active. Jay Johnson and Co. already secured two commitments -- Gonzaga transfer pitcher Landon Hood and Texas State transfer shortstop Dawson Park.

LSU has a strong core returning in 2027, but LSU still has plenty of needs after missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011. One of those needs is pitcher, despite LSU being set to return all three arms from its 2026 opening series rotation. Hood is on board, but LSU isn't done.

The transfer portal opened on June 1 and will remain open for the entire month. Still, the roster-building phase will extend into July as coaches balance getting portal additions and recruits to campus with the upcoming MLB Draft.

A few days ago, we looked at three transfer portal pitchers that would make sense for LSU. Today, we'll look at three more.

Alex Valentin, LHP, South Carolina

Valentin's stat line didn't impress at South Carolina in 2026 and he'll be looking for his fourth school in four years. Still, 64Analytics ranks Valentin as a top-15 available transfer. Valentin appeared in 21 games, starting eight for the Gamecocks. At LSU, he'd likely be a bullpen piece.

Valentin has 49 career appearances and LSU can get an arm with SEC experience without paying top price. Valentin pitched vs LSU in 2026, striking out six and allowing three earned runs in four innings. If LSU likes the stuff it saw from Valentin that day, the Tigers will give him a call.

Garrett Lambert, RHP, Mercer

The Mercer Bears mounted an impressive campaign in 2026 and several Mercer players have hit the portal looking to play power conference baseball. Lamber, a right-handed pitcher, is in that group. Per 64Analytics, Lambert is the No. 19-ranked player in the portal.

Lambert began his collegiate career in 2024, but missed 2025 with an injury. He returned in 2026 and posted a career year. Lambert's ERA was 4.31, but his opponent batting average was .217 and he struck out 90 in 71 innings.

Jaxon Shineflew, LHP, South Alabama

LSU needs veteran relievers. LSU's bullpen struggled throughout 2026 as Jay Johnson didn't know which relievers he could trust. Shineflew, a rising senior, already has 151.2 career innings under his belt. He made 49 appearances across his three years at South Alabama.

In 2026, Shineflew struck out 63 in 55 innings. Of interest to LSU, he only walked 15 batters.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three pitchers LSU baseball should target in the transfer portal

Dylan Larkin's trade request points out a major NHL flaw originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dylan Larkin apparently wants to be traded away from the Detroit Red Wings.

That's all well and good, until you consider the fact that his contract also has a no-movement clause in it.

And therein lies the NHL's odd conundrum when it comes to these situations.

Star veteran players like Larkin can get that no-move ability built into their contract, which means that they have to approve any potential trade destination. That's a strong right to earn, and it makes sense that the players would want that to remain a possibility.

But it gets really confusing in the realm of trade requests.

Not only does Larkin want to leave, but he also wants full control of where he ends up. 

MORE: Canucks make Gavin McKenna decision that Maple Leafs, Sharks don't make

If the teams Larkin wants to go to don't make the Red Wings an adequate offer in return for their captain, what is Detroit supposed to do?

They can go for a subpar deal, or they can keep an unhappy Larkin around. Neither is a great option.

While this would be a tough thing to ever actually pull off, a mechanism that removes the no-movement clause after a trade request might be a little more fair. It would allow the player and team to both hold some of the cards.

But as it stands, the Red Wings are in a lose-lose situation. Larkin is pretty much in full control here.

The best Detroit can hope is that a place Larkin wants to end up also makes a fair offer that doesn't set them back from this tough moment.

Watching Jalen Brunson relentlessly try to will New York back into games in fourth quarters, not caring if one shot doesn’t go in because he trusts his work has been a reminder to me to believe in myself and my track record. I’ve been doing this a long time with a lot to show for it. Watching Mike Brown tinker with lineups, strategies and philosophies from one game to the next has made think, “Don’t be afraid to fail.” I’ve always been afraid to fail. “It’s all about being able to say you gave it everything you got,” said Brunson, who told me the most nervous he’s ever been was his wedding day and on draft day because of the unknown of where’d be living and playing, about his thoughts on failure. “Knowing that sometimes you might not get the end result you want, but you know you gave it everything you got. Just control what you can control. If you go out there, put all the preparation and the work in, do everything you can, and you live with the results.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Don’t be afraid to fail.” I’ve always been afraid to …

Bryant believes European basketball already has a unique identity built on tradition, rivalries and passionate fan bases. At the same time, he acknowledged that the NBA could help the sport grow as a business, as long as the essence of the European game is preserved. “Europe already did the hard part. The rivalries, the buildings, the meaning. You cannot buy that, and the NBA knows it,” Bryant wrote while discussing the unique atmosphere and traditions that define the continent’s basketball culture. The EuroLeague First Team selection believes the NBA and European basketball bring different strengths to the table. “The NBA brings what European basketball has never had at scale. Capital, a global distribution machine, and decades of turning a sport into a business,” Bryant explained. “The EuroLeague brings the part money cannot buy. A product that is already real. Rivalries that go back generations. Buildings where every game feels like it matters.”

EuroHoops.net

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Europe already did the hard part. The rivalries, the …

But under coach Mike Brown this season, New York has leaned on its bench more than it ever did with Thibodeau. That's especially true in this playoff run, which is headed back to MSG for Monday's Game 3 of the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC). Up and down the Knicks bench is evidence of a pie being divided more evenly: Beyond Shamet's contributions, guard Miles McBride has averaged career highs in minutes, scoring and 3-point percentage. Big man Mitchell Robinson has stayed upright after being carefully managed all season and is now being deployed against Victor Wembanyama in clutch time. Guard Jose Alvarado, a trade deadline acquisition, has provided his usual defensive annoyance and energy. "Everybody understands what our standard is," Brown said in December. "It's about sacrifice."

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Guard Jose Alvarado, a trade deadline acquisition, has …

Brown has coached some of the league’s biggest stars, including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. He coached under some of the most venerated coaches, including Popovich and Steve Kerr. But now, for the first time in his career, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is within his grasp as the head of a locker room. Brown points to his time under Popovich as one of the biggest reasons he has arrived at this moment. “It was huge,” Brown said. “Pop — I talk about MSG being iconic, New York City being iconic — Pop is iconic, especially here in San Antonio. When you talk about the game of basketball, he’s iconic to everybody that enjoys the game of basketball.”

New York Post

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “It was huge,” Brown said. “Pop — I talk about MSG …