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Today — 26 May 2026Main stream

Tottenham deal for Andy Robertson now in danger as European giants launch stunning late hijack

26 May 2026 at 02:24

Italian giants Juventus have launched a shock, late attempt to hijack Tottenham’s long-pursued move for outgoing Liverpool legend Andy Robertson.

The 32-year-old Scotland captain emotionally bid farewell to Anfield on Sunday after a glittering nine-year spell on Merseyside.

While he has looked destined to remain in the Premier League, an unexpected proposal from Serie A has thrown his future completely up in the air.

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Juventus attempt to hijack Tottenham’s move for Andy Robertson

According to Romano’s update, Tottenham had been in advanced talks with Robertson for several weeks over a free transfer, with a deal appearing close to completion.

However, Juventus have now dramatically entered the picture, tabling a concrete proposal of their own in an effort to lure the experienced left-back to Serie A instead.

Romano revealed the sudden twist on X: “Tottenham have been in advanced talks for weeks with Andy Robertson over free transfer, deal close. Juventus have also entered the race and trying to hijack the move with a proposal. Decision up to Robertson now.”

???????? Tottenham have been in advanced talks for weeks with Andy Robertson over free transfer, deal close.

Juventus have also entered the race and trying to hijack the move with a proposal.

Decision up to Robertson now. pic.twitter.com/0wIhRlvDIE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2026

The development has thrown the Robertson saga wide open, with Romano making clear that the decision now rests entirely with the 32-year-old himself.

Robertson must weigh up the appeal of remaining in the Premier League with a Spurs side pushing for honours, against the allure of a move to one of European football’s most storied clubs in Turin.

Juventus could also possibly sign Alisson Becker

Robertson may not be the only high-profile Liverpool departure heading to Juventus this summer, with reports also linking goalkeeper Alisson Becker with a potential move to the Italian giants.

The Brazilian shot-stopper still has a year remaining on his contract at Anfield, meaning Juventus would need to negotiate a formal fee with Liverpool.

However, Alisson has reportedly expressed a strong willingness to move to Turin, where he would be reunited with his former Roma manager, Luciano Spalletti.

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Juventus are said to be exploring the possibility of pairing him with their existing squad as they look to strengthen significantly ahead of next season.

Should Juventus succeed in signing both Robertson and Alisson, it would represent a remarkable double swoop and send a powerful statement of intent to their Serie A rivals.

For Tottenham, losing out on Robertson to a continental giant would be a frustrating blow after weeks of painstaking negotiations appeared to have put them in pole position.

 

The post Tottenham deal for Andy Robertson now in danger as European giants launch stunning late hijack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool in talks to sign €12m Man City target; ‘concrete talks’ have taken place

26 May 2026 at 01:45

Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign highly-rated Hertha BSC teenager Kennet Eichhorn, with Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg revealing that the Reds have already held concrete talks over a potential move.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in German football and is expected to become one of the most sought-after teenage talents in this summer’s transfer window.

Liverpool’s interest represents a significant development as the club continues its aggressive push to strengthen its long-term talent pipeline.

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Liverpool have held concrete talks for Kennet Eichhorn

Kennet Eichhorn in action for Hertha Berlin
(Photo by Fabio Deinert/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)

Taking to X on Tuesday, Plettenberg reported that Liverpool have entered the race for Eichhorn in a “very concrete” way, with discussions already taking place between the relevant parties.

According to the respected journalist, sources in England have confirmed that meaningful talks have been held as Liverpool position themselves to compete for the teenager’s signature.

Plettenberg also stated that Eichhorn is planning to leave Hertha BSC once the transfer window opens, increasing the likelihood of a major move this summer.

A reported release clause worth between €10 million and €12 million could make the youngster an attainable target for several elite European clubs.

For a player viewed as one of Germany’s standout teenage prospects, that valuation may prove attractive to clubs looking to secure elite talent before prices rise significantly.

Taking to X, Plettenberg said: “EXCLUSIVE | Liverpool have entered the race very concretely for 16 y/o wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn. Concrete talks have already taken place, as sources from England confirm. Eichhorn is planning to leave Hertha BSC in the summer. Release clause worth around €10-12m. More details tonight in our show Transfer Update at 6pm.”

?? EXCLUSIVE | Liverpool have entered the race very concretely for 16 y/o wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn. Concrete talks have already taken place, as sources from England confirm. #LFC

Eichhorn is planning to leave Hertha BSC in the summer. Release clause worth around €10-12m.… pic.twitter.com/DbNUIv1LgY

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 25, 2026

Who is Kennet Eichhorn?

Kennet Eichhorn in action for Hertha BSC
(Photo by City-Press via Getty Images)

Eichhorn has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in German football through his performances in Hertha BSC’s youth setup.

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Despite being only 16 years old, the German youngster is already attracting attention for his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and long-term potential.

Scouts across Europe are believed to be closely monitoring his development, with Liverpool now emerging as serious contenders in the race for his signature.

Manchester City are among the top clubs interested in signing the German while Arsenal and Man United have also been linked with him.

Bayern Munich are also said to be keeping an eye on the teenager.

The relatively modest release clause also presents a low-risk, high-upside opportunity for a club of Liverpool’s stature.

Liverpool continue strategy of signing elite young Talent

The club are already close to completing a move for teenager Samuel Martinez, while interest in Eichhorn underlines a clear long-term transfer strategy.

Should Liverpool succeed in beating rival clubs to Eichhorn’s signature, they may secure one of the continent’s most promising young players before his stock rises even further.

The post Liverpool in talks to sign €12m Man City target; ‘concrete talks’ have taken place appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chris Larsen XRP wallets go active ahead of US midterms

26 May 2026 at 02:37
Chris Larsen’s XRP wallets have resumed on-chain activity ahead of Tuesday’s Texas primary runoff. Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen’s associated wallets have resumed on-chain activity, according to blockchain data, ahead of Tuesday’s Texas Democratic primary runoff. The reactivation draws immediate attention…

Arkham tracks 53% of Zcash privacy transactions

26 May 2026 at 02:00
Zcash privacy claims faced a direct challenge after Arkham Intelligence linked 53% of ZEC transactions to identified entities. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence published research revealing it had labeled more than 53% of all Zcash transactions, attributing approximately $420 billion…

SHIBA INU futures netflow plunges 306% in CoinGlass data

26 May 2026 at 01:30
SHIB futures netflow plunged 306% as outflows exceeded inflows, according to CoinGlass derivatives data. CoinGlass tracked SHIB futures netflow dropping 306%, with the total value of SHIB leaving derivatives exchange wallets outpacing inflows. The metric tracks movement of tokens in…

Anthony Volpe's two-run single in the ninth lifts the Yankees to a 4-3 win over the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Volpe answered Bobby Witt Jr.'s go-ahead homer in the eighth with a two-run single in the ninth for New York, sending the Yankees to a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday and extending their winning streak to 12 in the series.

Jake Bird nearly squandered a strong start by Will Warren when he gave up Witt's tiebreaking shot inside the left-field foul pole leading off the eighth inning.

But the Yankees promptly rallied off Lucas Erceg (3-2), starting with Paul Goldschmidt's broken-bat hit and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s one-out double before Volpe's timely single to left field.

Tim Hill (2-2) earn the win while David Bednar worked around a two-out walk in the ninth to earn his 12th save of the season.

It was Erceg who wound up wasting a strong start by the Royals' Michael Wacha, and an even more effective inning from Daniel Lynch IV, who had set down the top of the New York lineup in the eighth to turn a 3-2 lead over to the Kansas City closer.

Cody Bellinger homered earlier in the game for the Yankees, who have not lost to the Royals since Sept. 10, 2024. That streak includes the past 11 regular-season meetings and the clinching game of the 2024 AL Divisional Series.

After the Yankees jumped to a 2-0 lead on Bellinger's homer and an RBI single by Jose Caballero, the Royals clawed back in the bottom of the second. Salvador Perez, Jac Caglianone and Isaac Collins walked and Michael Massey hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1.

That score remained until Perez's tying homer in the sixth. It was his 136th home run at Kauffman Stadium, tying George Brett's stadium record, and it moved the Royals captain to within five of the Hall of Famer's overall club record of 317 homers.

Up next

RHP Cam Schlittler (6-2, 1.50 ERA) starts Tuesday night for the Yankees. The Royals are likely to use their bullpen to start the game.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Packers urged to make blockbuster trade for disgruntled $76 million star

Matt LaFleur

Packers urged to make blockbuster trade for disgruntled $76 million star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Green Bay Packers are ready to contend again in 2026. The team has had several disappointing playoff results recently, so the hope is that a corner can be turned in 2026. 

As is usual for the Packers, the team didn't do a ton in free agency this offseason. On defense, the notable additions were defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker Zaire Franklin. One area that hasn't really been address is the pass rush, and that's a bit surprising. 

Micah Parsons suffered a devastating injury last year and isn't expected to be at 100% to start this season. Even if Parsons is ready to go immediately and is his normal self, the team could us more depth on the edges. 

Interestingly, there could be an option for the Packers to still add an elite edge rusher before the season begins. 

Packers named as landing spot for Josh Sweat 

Josh Sweat signed a massive four-year, $76 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals last year. The defender spent the first seven years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning one Pro Bowl selection and helping the team win a Super Bowl. 

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for Sweat to grow unhappy in Arizona. Latest reports indicate that Sweat wants out, and he should have plenty of suitors on the trade market. 

Regarding the Packers and Sweat, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox offered the following analysis: 

There are several reasons why the Green Bay Packers should be interested in adding Sweat if he becomes available. The first is the reality that star edge-rusher Micah Parsons is recovering from a torn ACL and might not be at 100 percent to start the season.

Secondly, the Packers traded Rashan Gary to the Cowboys early in the offseason after recording just 36 sacks as a team in 2025. No edge player other than Parsons and Gary recorded more than 2.0 sacks for Green Bay last season.

As Knox pointed out, the Packers traded Rashan Gary, so if Parsons isn't healthy, it's hard to see where the pass rush is going to come from. 

Sweat could be a huge boost in Green Bay. In his first year as a Cardinal, Sweat lived up to his contract, playing in 17 games and collecting 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. The Cardinals figure to be in for another long season in 2026, and it's understandable if Sweat doesn't want to waste another season of his prime. 

In Green Bay, Sweat and Parsons could make up possibly the best pass rush duo in the entire league. Sweat has had at least seven sacks in four different seasons and could reach that Pro Bowl level again playing opposite Parsons. 

More NFL news:

What a 29-2 score says about the state of low-level minor-league baseball — and why MLB fans should care

On May 13, the Arizona Complex League Giants walloped the ACL Dodgers in a seven-inning game by an eye-popping final score of 29-2. 

Almost nobody saw it.

This pummeling took place at Papago Sports Complex on the southern edge of Scottsdale, Arizona, hundreds of miles and a universe away from Oracle Park and Dodger Stadium. The unrelenting desert heat touched 98 degrees at first pitch, despite a 6 p.m. local start time. San Francisco’s rookie-level youngsters pushed one run across in the first and five in the second against a teenaged Dominican hurler named Cesar Sanchez.

Then things flew completely off the rails. Six ACL Dodgers relievers proceeded to surrender 24 runs over the next four frames, combining for more walks (13) than outs recorded (12). They hit two batters for good measure. To finish the game, multiple position players were asked to pitch. A 21-year-old outfielder named Jose Gonzalez faced eight Giants hitters; he allowed two hits and five walks while notching just one out.

It seemed like a meaningless, futile, interminable day at the ballfield.

So who cares? Why does this matter? If a minor-league blowout falls in the desert, does it even make a sound?

Many folks in the industry — scouts, coaches, executives, player development personnel — argue that it should, that this recent drubbing encapsulates a number of concerning trends impacting the low minors. They claim the complex league is floundering and the ripple effects are beginning to seep up the pro-ball ladder. In their minds, if the fraying of low-level pro ball is left unchecked, it will eventually alter how the sport looks and functions at the highest level.

That’s because the ACL Dodgers’ inability to fill innings was far from an isolated incident. A handful of other teams are running precipitously low on healthy, viable arms. Games are regularly being shortened to seven innings or, in multiple instances, canceled altogether. Underprepared Latin American arms are being called up ahead of schedule from the Dominican Complex. Predictably, many of those arms are struggling to throw strikes. On Tuesday, the ACL Reds scored 30 runs against the ACL Athletics.

The complex leagues have always existed as something of a baseball twilight zone, one capable of producing wonky box scores. That’s what happens in a space designed for young players to fail in private. But industry experts resoundingly agree that the quality of play on the complex has reached an all-time low. Pitchers are throwing fewer strikes than ever. That’s hurting hitters, particularly Latin hitters. Everyone is then underprepared to make the leap to an actual minor-league team. At least one game per day is turning into an unproductive slog, incrementally stunting the developmental timeline of every player involved.

“It’s way, way worse than it’s been,” a team employee told Yahoo Sports over the phone. “It’s a total s*** show.”

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To understand what has gone wrong and why it matters, it’s important to understand how the minor leagues are structured.

Currently, there are six rungs of affiliated baseball operating beneath MLB. The top four tiers — Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Low-A — are familiar to most fans. These are your traditional minor-league baseball teams, the ones with whimsical promotions and cheap tickets. You know the drill: Grab a hot dog for a dollar and watch the stars of tomorrow. For years, there was an additional level known as Class A Short Season, which started play after the draft, but MLB scuttled that as part of its minor-league contraction in 2021.

Below those four are the two lesser-known “complex” levels: one in the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic. Games are held at or near an organization’s spring training or Latin American facility, with the stateside action split between the Arizona Complex League (ACL) and the Florida Complex League (FCL). 

This is not a product intended for consumption by the public. Tickets are not sold, attendance is not usually listed, and contests are not streamed online. These leagues function entirely for the development of young players, particularly those matriculating from Latin America. Of the 25 healthy, non-rehabbing players currently on the ACL Dodgers’ roster, just three were born in the United States.

The complex leagues are an overlooked yet vital piece of the sport’s talent pipeline. Nearly every Latin superstar currently shining in The Show spent time honing his skills in front of zero fans on the complex. The environment is particularly important for late-blooming prospects who didn’t receive large signing bonuses — the Jose Ramirezes, the Jose Altuves, the Junior Camineros. It is a place to learn, to grow, to fall and get back up again.

But over the past decade, two separate trends have lessened the value of the complex leagues: the ongoing arms race for pitch velocity and minor-league contraction. The former increased the demand for healthy hurlers, while the latter reduced the supply.

Nowadays, fastball velocity is not just an asset; it’s a requirement. Pitchers of all ages and skill levels train for it unrelentingly. That has had myriad effects on the sport, few more significant than the seemingly unstoppable wave of arm injuries. More pitchers are getting hurt more often than ever before.

Insiders disagree somewhat on specifics but generally believe that the quest for velocity is a major culprit. It makes sense then, that the teams with reputations for prioritizing velocity, such as the Dodgers, Orioles and Nationals, are among the clubs with the most hurt arms and having the toughest time filling innings on the complex.

“We could make things a lot easier on ourselves if we had more guys that threw it over the plate more often, so we didn't have to use three arms to get through an inning,” one team employee, speaking broadly about the industry, admitted.

Fewer healthy pitchers and fewer strike-throwers mean more open spots and more innings to fill. Teams are struggling to make that happen, in large part because of the artificial roster limits imposed by MLB during the most recent minor-league CBA negotiations in 2023. As part of bargaining, the parties agreed to reduce the size of the Domestic Reserve List from 180 to 165, meaning that organizations could roster only 165 minor leaguers across all of their stateside affiliates.

A few years ago, a club could simply pluck a soft-tosser from Independent Ball to fill innings on the complex. But with the new cap, roster spots have become a commodity all their own, one that clubs are more likely to use on low-command flamethrowers with an incremental shot of having an impact down the road. Those types of pitchers tend to be more injury-prone, further reinforcing the cycle.

“The downstream impact of the roster limits is that you're increasing the likelihood that guys get injured because guys are gonna have to throw more often,” a scout explained. “And they're not gonna necessarily change how they throw, when we're paying them a certain way in arbitration and we're valuing certain things as an industry. They’re gonna redline every time they touch the mound because we’re measuring everything.”

With fewer healthy pitchers available, unqualified pitchers are often pushed up the organizational ladder to fill in. This scout described that unfortunate trend as “microwaving.” It happens even more during this part of the year — after spring training roster cuts but before the influx of new players from the draft in July.

The focus on fastball velocity at all levels of baseball is contributing to a shortage of healthy pitchers in the minor leagues. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
The focus on fastball velocity at all levels of baseball is contributing to a shortage of healthy pitchers in the minor leagues. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox via Getty Images

What does this all mean? What’s the impact? Will bad baseball at the complex level have a negative effect on the big leagues? Some around the game think it’s possible.

“I fear that the Latin hitter is the type of player that will lose out here,” one veteran scout hypothesized, “because they’re the ones that benefit most from games on the complex.”

Seven-inning games and canceled games mean fewer opportunities for hitters to hone their skills. A handful of teams indicated to Yahoo Sports that they’ve had to hold more live BP sessions on their backfields to ensure position players are getting sufficient work in. Latin players — the majority of whom come from the Dominican Republic or Venezuela — are usually in need of that extra developmental time. That’s a product of how the international market functions.

Before signing at age 16, most Latin players spend very little time playing in actual baseball games. Teams are interested in skills and tools, so players train accordingly. The amateur showcase culture means the complex is often the first place players learn integral skills such as pitch selection, swing decisions, game strategy, situational hitting and team offense. Then again, that’s changing alongside shifts in what the sport prioritizes.

“I think across baseball, we’re starting to view the complex level just as a training facility, right or wrong,” an AL team official told Yahoo Sports.

The fear among industry insiders is that the continued decline of low-level ball will lead to MLB feeling empowered to contract the minor leagues even further when the current minor-league CBA expires after the 2027 season. There’s a growing sense that the league would prefer to effectively outsource aspects of the development process to top college programs. Why spend money, the thinking goes, to make players better when Clemson and Mississippi State will do it for you?

But besides eliminating affiliated baseball from 30 more minor-league towns, such a cost-cutting measure would lead to a further reduction of team employees, particularly on the scouting side.

In recent years, a number of teams have slashed their pro scouting departments, relying on video and date to evaluate minor leaguers. Some clubs, such as the Dodgers, Rays and Royals, still run substantial scouting apparatuses. Unlike other owners, theirs believe it's well worth the cost.

At the end of the day, that’s what this entire discussion is about: money. Fewer levels, fewer players, fewer employees — that’s all more cost effective for the billionaires running these organizations. But it’s a short-term gain for a potential long-term loss, one that could damage the fabric of the sport at the big-league level. While the ACL Giants’ 29-2 blowout will likely fade into the dustbin of baseball history, its causes will live on and grow stronger.

It might not happen soon, but eventually, something will have to give.

Only voter to leave Victor Wembanyama off All-NBA First Team ballot explains controversial decision

Victor Wembanyama

Only voter to leave Victor Wembanyama off All-NBA First Team ballot explains controversial decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is one of the most team-oriented players in the NBA, but he received a major individual honor on Sunday when he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.

The selection came as no surprise after Wembanyama finished third in MVP voting behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, and the balloting reflected how obvious of a choice he was: the third-year big man received 99 of 100 votes for the First Team.

That means one voter kept Wembanyama from becoming a unanimous choice alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, and that voter explained his controversial decision on Monday.

Here's what he had to say.

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Why Victor Wembanyama wasn't unanimous All-NBA First Team selection

SiriusXM NBA Radio host Justin Termine revealed Monday that he was the lone voter who left Wembanyama off his First Team All-NBA ballot and said he did so because he doesn't fill out a "position-less" ballot.

"I think [Wembanyama's] a better player than SGA right now. I think he is the best player in the world right now," Termine said. "But I thought Jokic had a better regular season at the same position. ... This year [Wembanyama] was the second best center, and I vote by position."

Termine explained that he maintains that philosophy because of historical precedent. 

"In my opinion it is unfair historically to those who came before us, who I have great respect for, that those guys at center were not allowed to be on the First Team at the same time," he said.

Termine pointed to the 1993-94 season, when Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal made the All-NBA teams while Patrick Ewing, who finished fifth in MVP voting, was left off simply because he played the same position as that trio. 

With All-NBA selections influencing historical debates between players, Termine said, it isn't fair in his mind to play by different rules with the balloting today.

Why I was the lone voter to leave Wemby off 1st Team All-NBA. pic.twitter.com/jWuwKdx46s

— Justin Termine (@TermineRadio) May 25, 2026

Before the 2023-24 season, the All-NBA teams were sorted by position, with only one center on each of the three teams. That often created some imbalance. The 2016 All-NBA First Team infamously featured DeAndre Jordan next to LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, while other seasons with strong center play would see stellar big men such as Joel Embiid pushed down to the second or third team.

This season is one of the scenarios the switch to position-less ballots addressed, as Wembanyama would have landed on the All-NBA Second Team if only one center could make the First Team. Termine stuck by that tradition for fairness' sake, but it wasn't nearly enough to change the outcome. 

MORE:How group of nuns became Spurs' biggest fans during playoff run

All-NBA First Team voting 2026

Here are the complete results from the All-NBA First Team balloting:

Player1st2nd3rdPoints
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander10000500
Nikola Jokic10000500
Victor Wembanyama9910498
Luka Doncic9190482
Cade Cunningham60380414

Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Wembanyama and Luka Doncic all received more than 90 of 100 possible First Team votes, with Cade Cunningham earning the final spot over Jaylen Brown by a margin of 30 points.

Royals snatch defeat from jaws of victory in 4-3 loss to Yankees

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 25: New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a homer run against the Kansas City Royals on May 25th, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Another ninth-inning meltdown wasted a great start from Michael Wacha in a 4-3 loss to the Yankees. This is just brutal to watch. It’s infuriating. The Royals held a 3-2 lead going into the 9th inning, which currently belongs to Lucas Erceg. I’m not sure it will for much longer.

In that inning, Salvador Perez was playing first base because Quatraro pinch-ran for Pasquantino earlier. Paul Goldschmidt hit a little pop-dribbler hybrid thing that Bobby Witt could not get to in time. With one out and a runner on first, Perez was hugging the line to protect against the grounder-down-the-line double. Unfortunately, Jazz Chisholm hit a line drive exactly to where a first baseman would normally be standing, but Perez could not reach it. With Tyler Tolbert in RF instead of Jac Caglianone, Chisholm hustled for a double. With one out and runners on second and third, Anthony Volpe singled to left field to bring both runners in. That put the Yankees ahead 4-3, and it felt like it was over with the bottom of the lineup coming in for the bottom of the ninth. The Royals got one guy on but could do nothing with him.

This hurts. Wacha threw yet another quality start – 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K. The offense sputtered but put together enough runs to have a lead in the ninth. In the second inning, Perez led off with an ABS challenge to get a walk. He’s pretty good at ABS. Jac Caglianone went down 0-2 and then worked a walk. Isaac Collins went down 1-2 and also worked a walk to load the bases. Massey hit a lazy fly ball deep enough in the left-center field gap to bring in Perez on a sac fly. In the bottom of the 6th, Salvador Perez got a meatball that he hit almost into the fountains to tie the game 2-2. It was his 9th of the season. Bobby Witt Jr took a slider well beyond the left field fence in the 8th inning for a go-ahead solo homer to make it 3-2. It was Witt’s 8th homer of the season.

In the 7th inning, the Royals almost plated another run. Would have helped. Nick Loftin hustle-doubled a pop fly that CF Trent Grisham got a poor read on off the bat. He went backwards first and then sorta jogged for a sec before he made an attempt to charge in for the short fly ball. It dropped between three fielders and Loftin barely beat the tag at second. He advanced to third on a deep fly ball to left-center field. Garcia hit a weak grounder to the shortstop, but not weak enough to make it close at first base. The Royals were unable to score.

It wasn’t just the pitching either. The Royals flashed some leather too. Bobby Witt robbed a line drive up the middle from Ben Rice with a jumping, reaching catch. A double play got Wacha out of a jam in the third inning. Massey ranged to his right and threw on the run moving away from first base to get Jazz Chisholm out. Wacha was able to use his defense to work around runners on base in the third and fourth. He got a lot of quick outs and was at 93 pitches in the 7th inning. He was efficient and effective. His primary mistake was just a happy-zone four-seam fastball to Cody Bellinger that he blasted into the right-field bullpen. The Yankees put across another run with a walk and two singles.

Overall, it felt like a close game that the Royals had a real chance to win even with the relatively low offensive output. Just, once again, they cannot rely on anyone to close the game out with any sort of confidence. Erceg almost blew the game yesterday too.

The Royals are in a deep hole with the Guardians playing well above them as well as the upstart Chicago White Sox (??? How?). They cannot keep doing this and expect the season to end well.

The Royals move to 22-32. The Yankees move to 32-22. They play again tomorrow at 6:40pm US Central.

Dodgers game vs. Rays exclusively televised by ESPN

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 11: A detail of the ESPN logo on a television camera following a game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets at T-Mobile Park on August 11, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers’ game on Monday, June 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium was added to ESPN’s collection of exclusive telecasts this season, the network announced on Monday.

That game against the Rays is the first game of a week-long homestand against American League East teams, with the Dodgers also hosting the Baltimore Orioles from June 19-21. Announcers for the ESPN telecast have not yet been revealed.

After 36 years of televising Sunday Night Baseball, ESPN now has occasional weeknight games on the schedule, part of a revised television contract with Major League Baseball that runs through 2028. NBC took over Sunday Night Baseball telecasts this season, including three such games for the Dodgers as well as opening day on Thursday, March 26 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers’ first game on ESPN this season was Wednesday, April 15, against the Mets at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day.

A potential future addition to the ESPN schedule is Monday, July 20 at the Philadelphia Phillies, though that hasn’t yet been finalized.

Patrick Wimmer left in disbelief after Wolfsburg’s relegation

Patrick Wimmer left in disbelief after Wolfsburg’s relegation
Patrick Wimmer left in disbelief after Wolfsburg’s relegation

VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Patrick Wimmer says it will take time for the club to come to terms with what has happened after they were relegated from the Bundesliga following a play-off defeat to SC Paderborn on Monday night.

Wimmer, who was unavailable for both legs due to injury, told Sky Germany:

“The disbelief is written all over the faces of every fan and also us players. There is a great emptiness in the dressing room.

“It will definitely take some time for all of this to sink in. Everyone knows for themselves what has just happened.”

The 24-year-old has played for Wolfsburg since 2022.

Why Rays shortstop Wander Franco won't serve prison time despite sexual abuse of a minor conviction

Wander Franco

Why Rays shortstop Wander Franco won't serve prison time despite sexual abuse of a minor conviction originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has not played in an MLB game since 2023 after he was first investigated, then arrested, for having an illegal relationship with a minor.

Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic and was put on trial for his actions that spanned four months in 2025. On Monday, Franco's verdict finally came in as it was determined that he was criminally responsible but will not serve time for his actions.

While Franco will still go through sentencing in the Dominican Republic, this was the first step to the end of his case. Here's why Franco will not serve prison time despite being found guilty.

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Wander Franco verdict

On Monday, Wander Franco was convicted in his case sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve time. The judge presiding, Judge José Antonio Núñez, gave him a judicial pardon and determined that Franco himself was a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother, who will serve 10 years in prison for money laundering and sex trafficking.

The Puerto Plata court found player Wander Franco guilty of sexual and psychological abuse against a teenager. The court also found the minor’s mother guilty of money laundering and sentenced her to 10 years in prison.

Franco will not have to serve a sentence because the court…

— Eliezer González Caraballo (@ElTioElie) May 25, 2026

"We don't have the physical sentence in our hands, but he was exempted from punishment because the president of the court established that he was also a victim and because he is exempted from punishment through judicial pardon," Franco's lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, said, via ESPN.

Franco was arrested in January 2024 after accusations of having a relationship that was four months long with a 14-year-old girl when he was 22. Franco also allegedly paid the girl's mother thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent.

Franco's full sentencing will come on June 16. 

Wander Franco MLB investigation

Major League Baseball has been investigation Franco since 2023, when Franco was being investigated for the illegal relationship. He was initially placed on administrative leave, but the Rays put him on the Restricted List on 2024 after the arrest, which meant the team didn't have to pay him.

In a statement after the verdict, MLB said it would "conclude our investigation at the appropriate time." Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million with the Rays in November of 2021.

Rams named as potential landing spot for Super Bowl-winning WR

Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown

Rams named as potential landing spot for Super Bowl-winning WR originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

All eyes are on June 1, as it is often when a lot of moving and shaking happens on NFL rosters, and the Los Angeles Rams could be one team watching intently to see who gets moved on.

With the Rams' offense one of the best in football, we know that the front office isn't afraid to part ways with draft capital in order to land a big fish.

But surely the Rams are done after signing Trent McDuffie in free agency, right?

Well, maybe not, as Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick has named the Rams as a possible destination for receiver A.J. Brown.

“The Rams reportedly explored a trade for Brown earlier this offseason and were “really close” before talks between the two sides ended up breaking off,” Kadlick wrote. “On if Los Angeles would re-engage post-June 1, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, said last week that it would surprise him. “They went so far down the road on it before and I think a couple things derailed it,” he explained on NBC Sports Boston’s Arbella Early Edition. “No. 1, I think there was some concern about the knee and No. 2, if they were going to trade for A.J. Brown, it was going to be while offloading Davante Adams.”

MORE:Ty Simpson reveals 'big advantage' being drafted to Rams

Could Rams move for Brown?

Maybe, but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

The Rams already parted ways with a first-round pick for McDuffie. Would they want to hand over next year's first for Brown? Again, maybe.

But as Breer detailed, the move for Brown was predicated on the Rams moving on from Adams, which they haven't done yet.

Brown with Stafford and Puka Nacua is a serious trio, and one that would improve the offense. Imagine if Adams stuck around and those were Stafford's three receivers?

I still think Brown ends up in New England, but the NFL is an unpredictable beast, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up elsewhere.

More NFL news:

Rockies recall LHP Welinton Herrera, place José Quintana on IL

Mar 2, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Welinton Herrera (59) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

On Monday afternoon the Colorado Rockies announced multiple roster moves prior to their first of three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.

Left-handed veteran starting pitcher José Quintana has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow sprain.

Quintana, 37, had quietly been one of the Rockies’ more reliable rotation options since signing a one-year, $6 million contract this off-season. The well-traveled lefty had posted an ERA of 4.08 through his first eight starts in a Rockies uniform. He occasionally struggled with walks, issuing 17 free passes in 39.2 innings, but tended to avoid having those mistakes come back to haunt. Coming into Sunday’s game he had given up more than three earned runs in just one outing.

Unfortunately, Quintana struggled in 1.1 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. He gave up six earned runs and left the game with apparent discomfort in his throwing arm.

As a corresponding roster move, left-handed reliever Welinton Herrera (no. 17 PuRP) has been recalled from the Tripe-A Albuquerque Isotopes.

Herrera, 22, was signed as part of the Rockies’ 2021 international class out of the Dominican Republic and has quietly climbed up the prospect rankings for the organization. In 2025 he started the season with the High-A Spokane Indians and allowed just a single earned run over 15 appearances with an ERA of 0.49, six walks to 29 strikeouts, and ten saves over 18.1 innings of work.

He was promoted mid-season to the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, where he posted a 3.50 ERA over 37 appearances with another seven saves over 46.1 innings. Herrera also played in the Arizona Fall League with the Salt River Rafters.

Herrera started the 2026 season with Triple-A Albuquerque, where he has a 5.16 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League over 16 appearances and has struck out 34 batters over 22.2 innings.

With Herrera already on the 40-man roster after being protected from the Rule-5 draft, there were no additional moves necessary. He will wear no. 59 and is likely to make his Major League debut during the series in Los Angeles.

The Rockies also announced one additional move on Monday. Left-handed pitcher Carson Palmquist (no. 19 PuRP) has been traded to the Washington Nationals for cash considerations after being designated for assignment last week.

Palmquist, 25, struggled in the Rockies rotation after being called up to make his debut last season. He was eventually moved to the bullpen. In nine appearances—seven of which were starts—he posted an ERA of 8.91 and gave up ten home runs over 34.1 innings. Palmquist had continued to struggle this season in Triple-A Albuquerque, where he made 12 appearances—five of which were starts—with a 7.20 ERA, 19 walks, and 24 strikeouts over 25 innings.


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FSU softball outfielder to enter transfer portal

FSU softball outfielder Addie DeLong is entering the transfer portal. The sophomore announced the news Monday on social media.

DeLong played in one game in 2026 for FSU, serving as a pinch runner and stealing a base before she suffered an injury early in the year that ended her season. She played in 55 games as a true freshman in 2025, hitting .333 in 30 at-bats with one double, one triple, and two RBI. She stole six bases and was expected to have a bigger role this season.

She is the first FSU player to publicly announce their plans after the end of the 2026 season. She included in her announcement that she will have three seasons of eligibility moving forward.

DeLong is from Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and was one of the top members of FSU's 2024 signing class. She was ranked as the No. 25 overall player and No. 3 outfielder by Softball America.

She is the first player that FSU has lost to the transfer portal since 2024. The Seminoles, who had just two seniors last year, are expected to bring back the vast majority of their roster as they gear up for a 2027 season that will see them return nearly all of their production from 2026.

After spending two years at Florida State, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility left.

So excited to see the big plans God has in store for me! @FootDoctor_Esiapic.twitter.com/a6VvFphqrM

— Addie DeLong (@AddieD00) May 25, 2026

Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Softball: Addie DeLong to enter transfer portal

Ruud overcomes heat struggles to progress in Paris

Casper Ruud pours water over his head during a change of ends
Casper Ruud was runner-up at the French Open in 2022 and 2023 [Getty Images]

Casper Ruud said he felt he was almost "walking around like a zombie" at times as he struggled in extreme heat during his first-round win over Roman Safiullin at the French Open.

Temperatures were said to have reached 33C on the first two days of the tournament in Paris, causing uncomfortable conditions for some.

Norwegian Ruud spurned five match points in the third set against Safiullin, by which time he said he had already started to feel cramping in his legs.

He later had medical timeouts and used ice towels and water to try to cool himself during changes of ends.

From 5-2 down in the third set, Russian qualifier Safiullin won 11 consecutive games to force a decider - but he also had injury problems which required treatment towards the end of the fourth set.

Both players left the court for an extended period before the fifth set, after which 15th seed Ruud eventually completed a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 0-6 6-2 victory. The contest lasted three hours and 56 minutes on Court Simonne-Mathieu.

Ruud, a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros, said: "As we know, there's a bit of a heatwave at the moment and that can sometimes cause problems.

"It felt like it was a bit of a kind of heatstroke feeling. I experienced something similar some years ago when I played in Washington DC and I had to retire in the third set because I had that - that's the only time I had that same feeling as I had today in the fourth set where I felt at times really dizzy, really tired and walking around like a zombie almost.

"Luckily, I was 2-1 up still and allowed myself to kind of lower the intensity a bit to get my pulse and body temperature down as much as possible in the fourth to see if there was any chance to finish in the fifth and have some extra energy. Luckily, that ended up working."

Asked if he felt it was a mental victory or physical victory, the 27-year-old said: "It feels like a mental win.

"At times in the fourth [set] I was thinking 'I have to book the flight home tomorrow and I'll be watching from home on the sofa the next two weeks'. Luckily, that's not the case.

"Physically, also, I'm proud because I never really gave in. I didn't give up."

Bryce Lance's rookie fantasy outlook and impact on Saints' teammates

The New Orleans Saints selected WR Bryce Lance in the fourth round of the NFL draft. What is his realistic 2026 fantasy outlook, and how might his presence impact Chris Olave, Jordan Tyson, and Devaughn Vele.

If you believe in Lance’s rookie breakout potential, then at least three things have to go right. First, he needs to beat out Vele for a starting job. Tyson—the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft —will presumably start alongside Olave. Second, QB Tyler Shough needs to take another step forward, creating a pathway for feeding three receivers. Third, Lance needs to prove he’s NFL-ready.

That last condition is key. He’s faced only one FBS team -- Colorado in 2024 -- when Lance mustered a 3-32-0 receiving line. He beat up on nearly everyone else that season, finishing the year with a 75-1,071-17 line. The next year, versus all non-FBS opponents, his yardage per game increased, but his receptions and touchdowns per game dropped.

Lance already has to carve out a role behind two high-upside wideouts and two capable, established tight ends. Whether or not Alvin Kamara is sent packing, Travis Etienne should see plenty of work, including near the goal line.

The market places Olave (WR13 ADP) and Tyson (WR32 ADP) well ahead of Lance (WR104 ADP). It accurately signals Lance’s uphill climb to fantasy relevance in Year 1.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Bryce Lance's rookie fantasy outlook and impact on Saints' teammates

“We’re all party animals tonight!” – Dennis Seimen on Paderborn’s Bundesliga promotion

“We’re all party animals tonight!” – Dennis Seimen on Paderborn’s Bundesliga promotion
“We’re all party animals tonight!” – Dennis Seimen on Paderborn’s Bundesliga promotion

SC Paderborn goalkeeper Dennis Seimen could hardly put his emotions into words after the club secured promotion to the Bundesliga with an extra-time play-off win over VfL Wolfsburg on Monday night.

“What has happened here is unique,” Seimen told Sky Germany after the game, adding that he was in a celebratory mood.

“I think we’re all party animals tonight. I’ll go everywhere and be part of everything.”

Seimen is on loan from VfB Stuttgart, where he is likely to be installed as first-choice goalkeeper next season. Accordingly, this was likely his last game for Paderborn.

Mexico’s president sees ‘no issue’ with her country hosting Iran’s World Cup team during tournament

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that she has “no issue” with her country hosting Iran’s World Cup team after its training base was moved from the United States to Mexico for the summer soccer competition.

The team will still play its group stage matches in the U.S. but its base has been moved to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego, California, a move that Iran’s soccer federation announced recently and that was formally confirmed by FIFA, the sport’s governing body, on Monday.

Moving the training base comes against the backdrop of the war in Iran, which the U.S. and Israel launched on Feb. 28.

Sheinbaum said at a news conference Monday that she was told by a FIFA representative the U.S. was reluctant to have the Iranian soccer team spend time outside the games on U.S. territory.

“The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum told reporters. She said a FIFA representative had then asked, “Can they stay overnight in Mexico?”

“And we said, ‘Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that’,” she said.

Iran’s soccer team is slated to play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium six days later, before facing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Before the war broke out, the team was originally planned to set up its base in Tucson, Arizona. But with tensions simmering, Iran’s team moved its base to Tijuana in Mexico, Sheinbaum said, confirming an announcement by the Iranian federation over the weekend. The federation said the Iranians had received approval from FIFA, which made the move official on Monday when it released the lists of all 48 base camp sites.

Teams use base camps to train before and after matches. This year’s World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The possibility of a move had simmered for months in the uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. U.S. sanctions on Iran were likely to only make the team’s stay in the U.S. more complex.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday that President Donald Trump had made it clear the Iranian team was welcome to participate in the tournament.

The department’s statement did not address where the team might stay, or Sheinbaum’s comments.

Sheinbaum said that her government was working with FIFA to hash out all the details before the competition.

AP sports writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.

Kalshi Promo Code TSNEWS: Get $10 NBA Prediction Bonus for Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4

Kalshi promo code

Kalshi Promo Code TSNEWS: Get $10 NBA Prediction Bonus for Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New customers can take advantage of an awesome welcome offer before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. By signing up here with the Kalshi promo code TSNEWS, you will get a $10 bonus that unlocks right after making your first $10 in trades.

It’s a straightforward way to build your bankroll for today’s huge Knicks vs. Cavaliers matchup at Rocket Arena, as well as the Spurs vs. Thunder. We're in this together, so let's break down exactly how to get started.

Explaining the Kalshi Promo Code TSNEWS

Kalshi Promo CodeTSNEWS
New User Offer$10 Bonus
Terms and Conditions18+ and Present in the US
Date Last VerifiedMay 25, 2026

Listen, if you want to get into the action of prediction markets, this is your perfect entry point. New customers can secure this $10 sign-up bonus by simply creating a new account and making a first-time deposit of at least $1. Once your account is funded, that $10 bonus unlocks the moment you have made $10 in trades on prediction markets.

Kalshi offers a unique trading platform where you can forecast real-world events, and the best part is that it's legally available in all 50 states. Just remember that you must be at least 18 years old to play.

Making Trades on Game 4: Can the Knicks Complete the Sweep?

TeamProbability
New York Knicks56.2%
Cleveland Cavaliers43.8%

When I'm getting ready to trade my first $10 on a matchup, I always dig into the numbers to see where the real value lies. If you trade your $10 on the favored New York Knicks and they pull it off, you secure a solid, reliable profit. Feeling bold? Backing the underdog Cleveland Cavaliers with that same $10 trade gives you a shot at a much larger return if they can manage the upset.

Looking at the 2025 postseason team metrics, the Knicks give us a highly compelling case as the favorite. New York boasts a dominant 18.1 Net Rate, which completely outclasses Cleveland’s flat 0.0 mark. On top of that, the Knicks are crashing the glass beautifully, pulling down 55.1% of available rebounds compared to the Cavaliers' 50.4%. With those kinds of statistical advantages, making your trades on New York feels like the smartest baseline strategy.

Looking Ahead: Trade on Spurs vs. Thunder Tomorrow

Your trading strategy doesn't have to stop after the final buzzer sounds at Rocket Arena. I’m already scoping out tomorrow's slate, and the Spurs vs. Thunder matchup is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity. Once you've got your feet wet with today's games, you can dive right into tomorrow's action.

You can use your unlocked bonus funds or make fresh trades predicting the specific outcomes of the San Antonio and Oklahoma City showdown. It's all about keeping the momentum going and finding favorable matchups day after day.

How to Activate the Kalshi Promo Code: TSNEWS

Ready to jump in before the Knicks and Cavaliers tip off? Claiming your welcome offer is incredibly simple. I've done this myself, and here are the exact steps to get your bonus activated:

  1. Create an Account: Register here by entering your standard personal information. As part of the standard regulatory process, you will also need to provide proof of identification—standard stuff to keep your account secure.
  2. Enter the Promo Code: During registration, make absolutely sure to enter the Kalshi promo code TSNEWS to opt into the promotion.
  3. Make a Deposit: Fund your new account with a first-time deposit of at least $1.
  4. Start Trading: Make $10 worth of trades on the platform to activate the offer. Here is a great tip: you do not have to make a single trade worth $10. You can spread it out over multiple smaller trades—like picking different outcomes for tonight's New York vs. Cleveland game—as long as the cumulative sum of your trades hits $10.

Once your total trading volume reaches that $10 requirement, your $10 sign-up bonus will be unlocked and credited to your account.

Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50: Get $50 Bonus for Knicks-Cavs 4 Predictions

Novig promo code

Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50: Get $50 Bonus for Knicks-Cavs 4 Predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

We have a real chance to build our bankrolls tonight. Ahead of the crucial playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, new customers can sign up here with the Novig promo code TSNEWS50.

By making a standard $5 purchase within the platform, you will receive $50 in Novig Coins to use for your upcoming predictions. It is the perfect way to get in on the action for today's NBA clash, but the beauty of this offer is its flexibility. You can use your newly acquired Novig Coins to make trades on any NBA game, the NHL playoffs, or regular-season MLB action this week.

Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50 for NBA Predictions

Novig Promo CodeTSNEWS50
New User OfferSpend $5, Get $50 in Novig Coins
Terms and Conditions21+ and Present in Participating States
Date Last VerifiedMay 25, 2026

Unlocking this welcome offer is incredibly straightforward, though it is important to remember that this promotion is exclusively available to new users. By registering a first-time account and completing a qualifying $5 spend on the platform, eligible customers will automatically receive $50 in Novig Coins to unleash on the upcoming sports schedule.

This bonus arrives at the exact right time for tonight's NBA postseason showdown at Rocket Arena. As the Knicks take on the Cavaliers, you can apply your $50 in Novig Coins to back either side. And if you want to look beyond the hardwood, these Novig Coins provide fantastic flexibility, allowing you to chase bigger payouts across the rest of the week's sporting events.

Markets for Game 4: Knicks vs. Cavaliers

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal (O/U)
New York Knicks-142-2.5 (-114)Over 218.5 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers+119+2.5 (-106)Under 218.5 (-110)

When I am handicapping the best bets for our Novig promo tonight, I always start by looking at the recent trends—and right now, they heavily favor the road squad. The New York Knicks are a flawless 5-0 against the spread (ATS) over their last five games, matching that exact 5-0 ATS record in their last five road contests.

Backing New York to cover the -2.5 spread looks like a highly advantageous wager, especially when you consider the Cleveland Cavaliers are just 1-5 against the Knicks in their last six meetings and a concerning 1-4 in their last five playoff games.

If you are eyeing the 218.5 total, the trends lean slightly toward the over. The over has hit in three of New York's last four road games, as well as three of Cleveland's last four games following a loss.

The underlying team metrics highlight a massive performance gap. New York boasts a dominant 18.1 Net Rating and is grabbing 55.1% of available rebounds this postseason. Conversely, the Cavaliers have a flat -0.0 Net Rating and a 50.4% Total Rebound Percentage. Without specific player data to key in on, leveraging these robust team metrics is our best strategy. I'm taking the Knicks to cover the spread—it offers the best angle for a winning ticket tonight.

Steps to Register with the Novig Promo Code

Ready to put your action on tonight's Knicks vs. Cavaliers matchup? Claiming your welcome bonus is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you'll be ready to trade with confidence:

  1. Create Your Account: Register for a new account here by providing standard personal information (such as your name, date of birth, and address).
  2. Verify Your Identity: Provide proof of identification to complete the secure verification process.
  3. Enter the Code: When prompted during registration, be sure to use the Novig promo code TSNEWS50.
  4. Fund Your Account: Make a first-time deposit using one of the available banking methods.
  5. Place Your Wager: Spend $5 in the app—whether you are backing the Knicks to cover the spread, taking a side on the total, or trading on the NHL playoffs—to fully activate your offer and claim your $50 in Novig Coins.

PREVIEW | Libertad vs UCV FC: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)

PREVIEW | Libertad vs UCV FC: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)
PREVIEW | Libertad vs UCV FC: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)

Libertad and UCV FC clash this Wednesday at the Estádio Tigo La Huerta of the Copa Libertadores.

In their last game, Libertad lost 2-1 against Nacional (Paraguayan League Apertura 2026). In their last encounter, UCV FC were beaten 2-1 by Academia Puerto Cabello (Liga FUTVE Triunfobet 2026).

Unavailable

Libertad

  • Hugo Fernández - Ligament Tear
  • Alexis Duarte - Ligament Tear

UCV FC

Last starting XIs

Libertad ( vs Nacional 2026-05-24): Víctor Rojas, Diego Viera, Alexis Fretes, Néstor Giménez, Matías Espinoza, Hugo Martínez, Hernesto Caballero, Axel Bernal, Lorenzo Melgarejo, Gustavo Aguilar, Marcelo Fernández

UCV FC ( vs Academia Puerto Cabello 2026-05-23): Giancarlo Schiavone, Kendrys Silva, Alfonso Simarra, Adrián Martínez, Daniel Carrillo, Daniel De Sousa, Vicente Rodríguez, Alexander González, Juan Cuesta, Jovanny Bolívar, Juan Zapata

Did you know...by playmaker stats

MANAGERS

  • Francisco Arce has faced Daniel Sasso on one occasion, recording one defeat.
  • Daniel Sasso has faced Libertad on one occasion, recording one win.
  • Francisco Arce has faced UCV FC on one occasion, recording one defeat.

TEAMS

  • Away from home, UCV FC have won one of their last nine matches at the moment.
  • Away from home, UCV FC are on a run of seven consecutive matches without a win.
  • Away from home, UCV FC are on a run of two consecutive defeats.
  • UCV FC have won two of their last 12 matches at the moment.
  • UCV FC are on a run of four consecutive matches without a win.
  • UCV FC are coming off two consecutive defeats.
  • At home, Libertad are on a run of two consecutive matches without defeat.
  • Libertad have drawn two of their last 23 matches at the moment.
  • Libertad are on a run of three consecutive matches without a win.
  • Libertad are coming off two consecutive defeats.

HEAD TO HEAD

  • Libertad and UCV FC have met once before, with UCV FC having the advantage: one win
  • In the Copa Libertadores, a match took place between the two teams, with a win for UCV FC

This Kyle Busch-Hater Warmed To Him, And Like Others Mourns His Death

NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 – Qualifying

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet, during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Getty Images

As the great Richard Petty told me recently, NASCAR faces the challenge of “not having a fox for the dogs to chase anymore.” His point: In the early days of the series, there were colorful characters who brought stock car racing to life - Fireball Roberts, Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker - and later, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, to name a few.

Within those ranks, intense rivalries developed. Take Gordon and Earnhardt, Sr. The former was seen more as the clean-cut upstart that battled the meaner and more established Earnhardt, known as The Intimidator. White-collar younger fans tended to gravitate toward Gordon, Earnhardt appealed more to old-school blue-collar types.

One of the sport’s last colorful characters, Kyle Busch, sadly passed away last week. The cause of the 41-year-old’s death was not a racing crash, as with Earnhardt in 2001, but reportedly pneumonia which quickly escalated to sepsis. Busch leaves behind a wife and two children, and his brother, Kurt, also a well-known racer.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 22, 2015: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Crispy Toyota, celebrates winning the series championship and the race after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/NASCAR via Getty Images)

NASCAR via Getty Images

Despite his many many racing accomplishments - including more than 60 Cup wins, 102 victories in what’s now known as the Xfinity series and 69 wins in the Truck series - Busch never crossed the finish line in the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s crown jewel. But he did finish second, third and fourth in the race. This year, he claimed the prestigious Pole position.

Early in his career, Busch could be a prickly character on the track and with the media. Either fans liked that or they didn’t. This reporter didn’t like Busch much early on, and when watching races it was mostly to see him lose, something he rarely did. As Clint Boyer once joked with me, “Kyle Busch is a pain in the ass on all fronts, but he’s extremely talented.”


NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 21, 2026: Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with daughter, Lennix Busch, son Brexton Busch and wife, Samantha Busch in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Later in his career, Busch mellowed, and, according to some naysayers, developed a “nicer guy” image. Kyle Busch, a nice guy? He even won me over.

Busch will be sorely missed by his family, fellow competitors and fans from all all racing series across the world. During the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Busch was honored on the 18th lap of the race, 18 being the predominant number on his stock car.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Bednar: Avalanche will take a limited Nathan MacKinnon as Colorado trails 3-0

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Just when the Avalanche got back reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, Colorado might be without Hart Trophy finalist Nathan MacKinnon.

Or, at least, will have a highly limited MacKinnon, which was what he was after taking a puck to his right knee in Sunday night's 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

It's been that kind of series for the Avalanche, the Presidents' Trophy winners going down 3-0 in the Western Conference Final. With the possibility of being swept Tuesday night, coach Jared Bednar will take MacKinnon in any form he can get him.

“For him to be able to come back out, get some work done late in the second period and intermission and be able to come out and even help us on the power play and empty-net situations, if that’s all he can do, we’ll take it," Bednar said. "It’s better than anything else, in my opinion, we can put on the ice.”

That comment could get plenty of attention in the Avalanche locker room, but as it is, the Golden Knights have Colorado's full focus.

The odds might have been in the Avalanche's favor before the series began — the team with the league's best record going against one so desperate to make the playoffs that it fired its coach with eight games remaining — but not now.

The numbers, in fact, are daunting.

This is the 50th time in the conference finals or league semifinals that a series has gone to 3-0. All previous 49 teams with that advantage went on to make the Stanley Cup Final, with 47 ending the series in six games or fewer.

Only four teams have erased 3-0 deficits in any round. Los Angeles in 2014 was the most recent team to accomplish that in eliminating San Jose in their first-round series.

And then there's the so-called Presidents' Trophy curse. Chicago in 2013 was the last team to claim that and the Stanley Cup in the same season. Colorado already had firsthand knowledge of the difficulty of pulling off the double, winning the Presidents' Trophy in the 2021 COVID-shortened season before going out in six games in the second round ... to the Golden Knights.

“There’s going to be a sense of urgency, but it’s got to be smart urgency,” defenseman Josh Manson said. "It’s got to be desperation. It’s got to be our best style of play the whole night. You’ve got to maintain that sense of do or die, while playing up to the edge. That’s what makes it so difficult.

“The margin of error is so thin now, and you’ve got to be able to balance that for at least 12 periods.”

It will take at least that many periods for the Avalanche to accomplish what no other team has done this deep into the playoffs. They will have to play like the team that looked like the NHL's best for six months and then the first two rounds of the playoffs when they went 8-1.

“We know where we’re at,” wing Martin Necas said. “We know it doesn’t happen very often, but we still feel confident in this group. It’s not like we’ve been outplayed every game and their team is better than ours. We had a lot of stretches this season where we won four in a row. So we just focus on the next game and take it home and anything can happen.”

Getting it back to Denver for Game 5 would be a start.

“Our team's played with more intensity and more desperation as the series (has) gone on,” Bednar said. "Hasn’t worked out for us yet. I think with the hill to climb, it’s definitely a tough one. It just doesn’t happen very often, and we’re certainly understanding of that, but I think we have a lot of pride and a lot of character in our room that displayed that time over time throughout the course of the year,

"This will be our most difficult challenge, but I believe that we will show up and we will be ready to play.”

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Blue Jays place starting pitcher Dylan Cease on injured list with hamstring strain; Vlad Guerrero day-to-day after HBP on elbow

The Toronto Blue Jays are placing one of the most reliable starters in baseball on the injured list.

Dylan Cease is headed to the 15-day IL with a hamstring strain. Manager John Schneider announced the transaction to reporters on Monday. Cease was limited to 4 2/3 innings in Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates due to the injury.

All-Star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., meanwhile, is considered day-to-day due to elbow soreness. Guerrero was hit by a pitch on his left elbow in the same game vs. the Pirates and left in the fifth inning.

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Per Schneider, Guerrero could be available off the bench for Monday’s game against the Miami Marlins, but the Blue Jays “didn't want to push it” by placing him in the starting lineup.

As for Cease, Schneider is hoping that his stint on the IL will be abbreviated.

"It doesn't look too terrible, knock on wood," Schneider said, per Sportsnet. "Just trying to be smart and not have it get worse. Don't know the exact timeline yet ... hoping it's a minimal stay."

Cease joined the Blue Jays in the offseason on a seven-year, $210 million contract. He’s responded with a career-best 3.05 ERA in 62 innings as part of a 1-2 punch at the top of Toronto’s rotation alongside veteran Blue Jay Kevin Guasman.

He is not known for lengthy stints on the injured list. Cease has made at least 32 starts and thrown at least 165 innings in each of the last five seasons with the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox. He’ll certainly hope for a quick return as he seeks to make his first MLB All-Star game at 30 years old.

The Blue Jays can’t afford to lose him for long. They’ve followed up their trip to the 2025 World Series with a disappointing 25-28 start as of Monday.

They announced last week that veteran starter José Berríos won’t return this season from a stress fracture in his elbow and instead required Tommy John surgery.

Cease has been a bright spot amid Toronto’s lackluster start. A quick return will be key to the Blue Jays’ chances of making a return to playoff contention.

Pirates’ Wilber Dotel Earns First Win, Looks Poised for Bigger Role

Wilber Dotel, Pittsburgh Pirates
Photo provided by Matt Lynch

PITTSBURGH — Five appearances and two stints into his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wilber Dotel earned his first big-league win.

The 23-year-old rookie threw three-scoreless innings out of the bullpen for the Pirates in their 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Starter Carmen Mlodzinski left the game after five innings with the score tied 1-1, and Dotel was pitching when Henry Davis hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning.

“It’s awesome,” manager Don Kelly said of Dotel getting his first win. ” Three innings out of the ‘pen in that situation in such a close game. Mixed, changed speeds, threw strikes. He was tremendous.”

Dotel entered in the sixth inning and stranded a Moisés Ballesteros one-out single. He then recorded two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 seventh inning. After Davis put the Pirates ahead in the bottom of the seventh, Dotel went back out for the eighth inning and delivered another scoreless frame.

“That was great,” Mlodzinski said of Dotel’s performance. “I feel like he went right after guys. It was a 1-1 game and it looked like we were winning 10-0 which is a compliment to his composure on the mound, which is super-important in a game that is close.”

Dotel, who has been used as a starting pitcher for the majority of his minor-league career, has slotted in nicely to a bullpen that has had its struggles this season.

“It feels really comfortable,” Dotel said of pitching out of the bullpen through coach/interpreter Stephen Morales. “My job is to eat innings. I they need me for one or for three out four, I’ll be ready.”

Despite being a rookie, Dotel has shown plenty of composure on the mound. After Monday’s masterful performance, the right-hander has a 1.69 ERA, having allowed two runs on six hits in 10.1 innings.

His confidence seems to be growing with each outing.

“It’s strong right now,” Dotel said of his confidence. “It all comes from my hard work and then trusting my abilities.”

Kelly, who said he thought Dotel looked good during his first stint with the Pirates earlier in the year, has seen him grow as a pitcher even more of late.

“Looks a little more comfortable now, getting some innings under his belt and starting to understand how to attack guys,” said Kelly.

Given that the Pirates bullpen this season has been shaky and Dotel has looked solid through the first handful of outings to begin his career, he looks like a player poised to take on a larger role.

The post Pirates’ Wilber Dotel Earns First Win, Looks Poised for Bigger Role appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

49ers' most intriguing UDFA could be 105-tackle former Tennessee star

49ers' most intriguing UDFA could be 105-tackle former Tennessee star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to contend again in 2026. The team had an excellent 12-5 record last year but still finished in third in the extremely tough NFC West. 

This offseason, the team added several talented players in a bid to get even further in 2026. Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans was added to the wide receiver room, while Dre Greenlaw and Osa Odighizuwa were added to the defense. 

The 49ers, especially recently, always get roasted for their draft performances. However, the team signed some interesting undrafted free agents, and it wouldn't be surprising if a couple of these guys make the team. 

There's definitely one UDFA who stands out above the rest, though. 

Tennessee's Bryson Eason named 49ers best UDFA 

One of the undrafted defenders the 49ers signed was Tennessee's Bryson Eason. Eason played in parts of six season for the Volunteers and was widely expected to be a late-round pick. 

However, for one reason or another, Eason fell completely out of the draft. The defender went through several changes in college, originally coming in as a linebacker and leaving school as a massive run-stuffing defensive tackle. 

This change could work wonders for Eason, especially in San Francisco. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport identified Eason as the best UDFA in the 49ers' class and offered the following analysis: 

Eason arrived in Knoxville as an oversized inside linebacker. He left Knoxville as just oversized—a 323-pound lane-clogger of a defensive tackle.

A lack of statistical production and uneven tape led to Eason going undrafted. But the physical tools are there—enough so that he has a puncher's chance of carving out a rotational role along San Francisco's defensive front.

As Davenport mentioned, Eason likely went undrafted due to his production not meeting expectations. However, the Tennessee product has all of the physical traits, and has plenty of big-game experience. 

San Francisco was a great landing spot for Eason as the team has had no problem developing defensive linemen. The edges in San Francisco are set, but the interior isn't the deepest, so it's not hard to imagine Eason breaking through. 

In 2025, Eason played in 13 games for the Volunteers and racked up 31 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. Eason won't give you much pass rush, but he clogs running lanes and has a high football IQ. In total, Eason racked up 105 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks during his college career. 

More NFL news:

Lionel Messi Limps Off Field with Apparent Injury During Inter Miami’s Last Match Before World Cup

Lionel MessiCredit: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty; Megan Briggs/Getty
Lionel Messi
Credit: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty; Megan Briggs/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Lionel Messi left the field during Sunday’s game after reaching for his left hamstring as a precaution
  • A journalist clarified Messi does not have a muscle injury but chose to avoid further strain or risks
  • Earlier this year, Messi made headlines when a fan tackled him during a friendly match in Puerto Rico

Lionel Messi left fans worried after limping off of the field with an apparent hamstring issue over the weekend.

During the Major League Soccer matchup on Sunday, May 24, the Argentina-born soccer superstar, 38, left the pitch after reaching for his left hamstring during the game.

PEOPLE has reached out to Inter Miami for comment.

Lionel MessiCredit: Megan Briggs/Getty
Lionel Messi
Credit: Megan Briggs/Getty

Journalist Gastón Edul said in an X post, originally penned in Spanish. “Leo Messi requested to be substituted as a precautionary measure because his hamstring tightened up. He does not have a muscle injury. He did not continue to put strain on the area or take any risks.”

Earlier this year, the Inter Miami player also made headlines after an unexpected encounter with a fan during a friendly match against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Video from the game showed a shirtless fan sprinting across the field while being chased by security guards before reaching Messi and hugging him from behind as the athlete posed for a photo on the field.

Lionel Messi leaves the field during the Major League SoccerCredit: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty
Lionel Messi leaves the field during the Major League Soccer
Credit: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty

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Security eventually tackled the fan while he was still holding onto Messi, briefly pulling the soccer star to the ground in the process. Messi appeared unharmed following the incident.

According to an Inter Miami press release, the game marked the fourth stop on the team’s Champions Tour. Inter Miami defeated Independiente del Valle 2-1, with Messi and teammate Santiago Morales both scoring during the match.

Read the original article on People

Shane van Gisbergen 'pissed' but excited after strongest oval race of NASCAR Cup career

Motorsport photo

The 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600 wasn't the best oval finish of Shane van Gisbergen's NASCAR career, but it was his most impressive to those paying attention to the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.

SVG's best Cup finish on an oval came at Atlanta earlier this year, placing sixth. He has one other top ten -- P10 at Kansas last fall. Charlotte was oh so close to becoming his third oval top ten on Sunday, but instead, it was his fourth 11th place finish since moving up to the Cup Series (all on different oval tracks).

But that doesn't even begin to tell the whole story. After starting third due to qualifying being rained out, Van Gisbergen did not fade at all. He remained inside the top five for some time, and never really fell outside the top ten for the majority of the race.

Scoring stage points and leading late

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

At the end of Stage 1 he was 10th, at the end of Stage 2 he was 9th, and at the end of Stage 3 he was 7th -- five extra points for his efforts.

But in the final stage, Van Gisbergen made some big moves to challenge for a spot inside the top five. He the stayed out on older tires, but managed to hold the lead for 11 laps with rain threatening. 36 laps after losing control of the race, rain did end the event, with Daniel Suarez claiming the victory.

SVG ultimately finished 11th through some chaotic restarts and a sluggish pit stop. Still, it was enough for him to jump two positions in the standings, and he is no longer on the Chase bubble.

Van Gisbergen was thrilled with the run, but admittedly 'pissed' that he missed out on a top ten with how much time he spent near the front of the field.

"It’s hard," said Van Gisbergen. "I had an amazing day, but I’m pissed. We were a top-five or six car, but we just didn’t execute at the end. It was really cool to run up front all day. We were gifted a good starting position with qualifying getting canceled. It was a good call by Stephen (Doran, crew chief) to stay out there. It was awesome to be able to lead some laps.”

However, his main adjective for the night was 'fun,' especially when he got to rip the top and make gains as the tires began to wear on longer runs.

And despite the end result, it was clearly his strongest oval race yet. He even out-paced teammate Ross Chastain (before his mid-race crash), which is extra impressive considering the fact that Chastain won last year's Coca-Cola 600.

Cool to start up the front and stay there, heaps of fun to run there, it was awesome. Disappointed to finish 11th after all that but thanks to the #97 SuperFile crew for the hard work! pic.twitter.com/oH5x0exDrj

— Shane van Gisbergen (@shanevg97) May 25, 2026
Read Also: Scott McLaughlin thought "if I crash, I crash" before mad Indy 500 charge to P3 Full race results from the 2026 NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after the 2026 Coca Cola 600

 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

PREVIEW | Independiente del Valle vs Rosario Central: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)

PREVIEW | Independiente del Valle vs Rosario Central: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)
PREVIEW | Independiente del Valle vs Rosario Central: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)

Independiente del Valle host Rosario Central this Wednesday at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil of the Copa Libertadores.

In their last encounter, Independiente del Valle were beaten 2-3 by Libertad de Loja (Ecuador League 2026). In their last game, Rosario Central won 4-0 against UCV FC (Copa Libertadores 2026).

Unavailable

Independiente del Valle

  • Patrik Mercado - Cruciate Ligament Tear
  • Guido Villar - Knee Injury
  • Jean Arroyo - Tibia And Fibula Fracture
  • Richard Schunke - Cartilage Damage

Rosario Central

Last starting XIs

Independiente del Valle ( vs Libertad de Loja 2026-05-23): Aldair Quintana, Darwin Guagua, Gustavo Cortez, Juan Viacava, Andy Velasco, Jhon Espinoza, Matías Perello, Ronald Briones, Jhegson Méndez, Youri Ochoa, Djorkaeff Reasco

Rosario Central ( vs UCV FC 2026-05-19): Jeremías Ledesma, Emanuel Coronel, Gastón Ávila, Facundo Mallo, Agustín Sández, Vicente Pizarro, Franco Ibarra, Ángel di María, Julián Fernández, Enzo Copetti, Alejo Veliz

Did you know...by playmaker stats

MANAGERS

  • Joaquín Papa has faced Jorge Almirón on one occasion, recording a draw.
  • Jorge Almirón has faced Independiente del Valle on three occasions, recording two draws and one defeat
  • Joaquín Papa has faced Rosario Central on one occasion, recording a draw.

TEAMS

  • Rosario Central currently have one defeat in their last ten matches.
  • Rosario Central currently have one draw in their last 11 matches.
  • At home, Independiente del Valle currently have two defeats in their last ten matches.
  • At home, Independiente del Valle are coming off four consecutive games scoring goals.
  • Independiente del Valle currently have three defeats in their last 16 matches.
  • Independiente del Valle currently have one draw in their last 17 matches.
  • Independiente del Valle are coming off five consecutive games scoring goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

  • Independiente del Valle and Rosario Central have already faced each other once, with no advantage between Independiente del Valle and Rosario Central: zero wins for either team in one match.
  • In the Copa Libertadores, a match was played between the two teams, ending in a draw

"I just feel empty" – Wolfsburg boss Diego Benaglio reacts to relegation

"I just feel empty" – Wolfsburg boss Diego Benaglio reacts to relegation

VfL Wolfsburg have been relegated from the Bundesliga after losing the second leg of their play-off 2-1 against SC Paderborn after extra time on Monday night.

Speaking to Sky Germany after the match, Wolfsburg supervisory board member Diego Benaglio expressed the depth of the disappointment.

He pointed to Joakim Mæhle’s early red card, which came after Dženan Pejcinović had given Wolfsburg the lead, as a decisive blow for Die Wölfe.

“The disappointment is huge for all of us. Right now, I just feel empty. We gave everything. Over 100 minutes with one man down – it wasn’t easy. It feels brutal,” Benaglio said.

“We started the match really well with the goal. And before the game I could also sense from the lads that they were fired up, that they were burning. I’m convinced that with eleven men we wouldn’t have lost this match.”

VfL Wolfsburg and Diego Benaglio will now have to come to terms with the fact that they will be playing 2. Bundesliga football next season.

Game 53 Game Day Thread – Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

Jul 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; The Silver Boot trophy is on display on the concourse for the Lone Star series with the Texas Rangers playinng against the Houston Astros at Global Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

Monday, May 25, 2026, 6:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Tatsuya Imai vs. RHP Kumar Rocker

Today’s Lineups

ASTROSRANGERS
Jeremy Pena – SSJoc Pederson – 1B
Isaac Paredes – 3BAlejandro Osuna – LF
Yordan Alvarez – DHBrandon Nimmo – DH
Christian Walker – 1BEzequiel Duran – 3B
Jake Meyers – CFEvan Carter – CF
Cam Smith – RFJustin Foscue – 2B
Zach Dezenzo – LFAndrew McCutchen – RF
Nick Allen – 2BDanny Jansen – C
Christian Vazquez – CMichael Helman – SS
Tatsuya Imai – RHPKumar Rocker – RHP

Go Rangers!

Crystal River (FL) football tabs Brice Spaulding as head coach

Crystal River High School (Fla.) has finally found who will be the next head football coach of their program.

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

Brooksville (Fla.) Hernando offensive coordinator Brice Spaulding has been tabbed as the Pirates’ next head football coach. Spaulding spoke to Rivals on Monday regarding his appointment as Crystal River’s new lead man of the football program.

“I am very excited to come into the Crystal River Football Program as the Head Coach,” Spaulding said to Rivals on Monday. “The opportunity to lead a program so rich in history is absolutely humbling. To be able to put my name in with the previous Head Coaches to lead this program makes me very proud. The legacy that Earl Bramlett has in this program is one that I aspire for. The community support surrounding pirate football is absolutely second to none. My relationship with Athletic Director Mark Lee and Principal Phil McCloud was a huge part of what made this opportunity so great for me. An admin team that I am fully aligned with will allow me to accomplish something great here.”

Coming in strong with a standard heavy focus, and a team that will be built through Grit in the weight room. Crystal River Football will pull itself back to the top in the region where it belongs. For me this is my dream job. This is the only head coach job that I have ever wanted. Leading the team at the center of the community that I live in is a goal I have aspired for since I began coaching. This program has a ton of talent that has just been waiting for strong leadership and direction. A bunch of hardworking athletes that want to win. Big things are coming for Crystal River Football.”

The Pirates initially had hired former Division I offensive coordinator Bill Legg as the program’s head coach before a month later he stepped down.

Crystal River has seen somewhat of a revolving door at the head coaching position in recent memory as the Pirates have seen Bill Vonada and Chris Cook, respectively, as the coaches between the 2024 and 2025 Florida high school football seasons. The Pirates won a district championship in 2024, going 6-5 by Vonada before the longtime head coach decided to step down after the season.

Last season, Crystal River finished as the state’s No. 387 ranked team, according to the final 2025 Florida High School Football Massey Rankings.

How to Follow Florida High School Football

For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Sunshine State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Florida.

‘Down in the Dumps’ Avalanche Look Mentally Defeated as Elimination Nears

May 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) checks Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton (20) during the third period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

What we saw late Sunday night after a 5-3 Game 3 loss was the same as what was clear on Monday morning when Jared Bednar, Brock Nelson, Josh Manson, Martin Necas, and Sam Malinski met with the media on an off-ice day.

The Colorado Avalanche are still stunned — they’re in disbelief — and it doesn’t seem like they have entirely grasped what has happened over the past five days.

What was supposed to be a competitive advantage in the Western Conference Final has turned into anything but that. The Avs are now a game away from elimination, but still four back of a Stanley Cup Final berth. The injuries are piling up, but that’s not the only reason they’re losing.

Colorado isn’t getting nearly as many saves as the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Avs’ offense isn’t generating as many high-danger opportunities as Vegas.

The Avalanche are straying away from their structure far more than the opposition.

Most importantly, the Avs look scared. For three games, they’ve looked like a team afraid to make mistakes, of giving the game away, and far too nervous with the puck at key moments. Those are all things an opportunistic team like Vegas can sniff out of an opponent.

“Everyone’s down in the dumps right now, and that’s what the next 36 hours are for to get our team back and make sure our focus is in the right place,” Bednar said postgame. “It seems like a tough hill to climb, too, obviously, especially against a tough team like Vegas.”

On Monday, the message wasn’t much different. The Avalanche know it’s not over until a team wins four games. But they also seem a bit delusional about what’s going on. The underlying numbers show that they’re playing well. It really could and should be a 2-1 series if they got one more save in any one of these games.

But beyond that, Vegas has been the one in control for three games. The Avalanche have spent most of the time chasing and have been the inferior team when it comes to grabbing a hold of games.

“I think it’s a fine line. The spirit is there. The work ethic is there,” Bednar said. “We’re having what’s proved to be the most difficult for us, in my opinion, is sort of eliminating a couple of these big mistakes in this game. And that’s likely due a little bit to their pressure and the way they play.”

Game 4 seems like the inevitable end to the Avalanche’s season. If they can escape that game with a win, they’d still need two more to force a winner-take-all Game 7 at home. The task is not impossible, but pretty close to it. Especially given the general vibe around the team — the feeling that they just might be resigned to their fate.

“Starts with one game, that’s what it comes down to,” Nelson said. “Not taking anything for granted, know that everything matters, and margin for error is razor thin. … Just do whatever it takes.”

The post ‘Down in the Dumps’ Avalanche Look Mentally Defeated as Elimination Nears appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Extra innings loss after a million ties: Orioles 9, Rays 7 (F/13)

May 25, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) is tagged out by Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Richie Palacios (1) on a steal attempt after a pickoff throw during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Happy Memorial Day, everyone (unless you are a Canadian, like me, in which case, happy very belated Victoria Day). The Rays are facing familiar foes this week, as they head to Baltimore to take on the Orioles. The O’s were just in St. Pete last week, where the Rays swept them. However, Baltimore might be feeling a little more emboldened. They took on the struggling Detroit Tigers over the weekend and took two of three games in that series. The Rays had Shane McClanahan on the mound, up against Kyle Bradish for the O’s. I don’t mind telling you that every time someone says Bradish’s last name, I hear it as “Radish” and it’s adorable.

With two outs in the top of the first, Jonathan Aranda doubled, but the Rays weren’t able to bring him home. In the home half, the Orioles went down in order.

The second inning was a speedy affair on both sides, and each team went down in order. It is a good time to acknowledge a classy gesture from Orioles fans as they gave Cedric Mullins a big round of applause when he came out for his first at-bat. That speaks volumes about a player when they are still so beloved by a team after they’ve moved on to a new club.

In the third, with two outs, Chandler Simspon singled. Junior Caminero then singled right behind him. Unfortunately, the Rays simply weren’t able to bring their baserunners home. Blaze Alexander got the home half going with a leadoff single. With one out, Alexander was then caught stealing, eliminating the baserunner. Tyler O’Neill singled, but a lineout then ended the inning with no harm done.

Two outs into the fourth, Mullins got a walk, but the Rays were once again unable to convert the baserunner. McClanahan continued to deal in the bottom of the inning, working his way through the Orioles in order.

Taylor Walls got a one-out single in the top of the fifth. Once again, though, the Rays let an opportunity get by them. Bradish has been good, despite having some issues with command, and while the Rays were getting on base, they were also having a hard time finding opportunities to then score those runs. In the home half with one out, Leody Taveras singled on a bunt towards first that McClanahan tried to scoop toss towards first but ended up overthrowing and allowing Taveras to get to second. With two outs, Jackson Holliday walked, but McClanahan got redemption and the final out by making a much more secure toss to first after catching a soft comebacker.

The Rays finally broke up the scoreless game in the top of the sixth with a solo home run by Aranda. It bounced off the top of the outfield wall so there was some initial concern the O’s might challenge, but they didn’t.

Allllll around Aranda pic.twitter.com/4tyokvbNcs

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 25, 2026

With two outs, Mullins walked, his second of the game, but the Rays had to settle for just the one run. McClanahan returned for the sixth, only his second time all season going more than five innings. He’d likely be on a very short leash for the inning, though. With one out, Gunnar Henderson was hit in the back with a pitch. Shane was looking pretty fired up after the HBP, so Kyle Snyder headed out to cool him down (and likely give the bullpen a little extra time to warm up). He then walked Adley Rutschman, and that was it for McClanahan. His final line for the day was 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K on 84 pitches. Hunter Bigge came out of the pen to replace him and hopefully get the final two outs of the inning. The O’s went for a double steal, but Henderson got snagged going for third, getting the second out of the inning. They found themselves back in a similar situation, though, when Pete Alonso walked, putting two on again. Bigge managed to get himself out of a tight corner, though, getting the final out and keeping the Orioles off the scoreboard.

Grant Wolfram was in for Bradish in the top of the seventh. With two outs, Chandler Simpson doubled to center. Yennier Cano replaced Wolfram to get the final out of the inning. In the home half, the Bigge wheels kind of fell off. Taveras got a leadoff walk, then stole second. Bigge tried to pick him off at second and the ball went into center, Taveras ended up at third. Then, Alexander singled, and the Orioles managed to tie the game. This, of course, begs the eternal question: if a pitcher is the one who commits the error that ultimately causes a run to score, should they not still be responsible for the run? A question for the ages. Bigge’s day was done and he was replaced by Casey Legumina, who got the first out. With two outs, Taylor Ward singled into right and Victor Mesa Jr. did his darndest to get the ball over to third, but it went over Caminero’s glove and into the netting, putting it out of play and allowing another run to score. An error was charged to Mesa. The Rays got the final out of the inning at last, but the O’s had claimed the lead.

Sloppy fielding wasn’t restricted to the Rays for this game. Anthony Nunez came in to pitch and Yandy Diaz hit a one-out double to deep center, but Taveras bobbled the ball, dropping it before he could throw to second, and Diaz was able to get all the way to third. Taveras was charged with an error. Oliver Dunn came in to run for Diaz, and Richie Palacios singled to bring Dunn home. A Mullins groundout got Palacios to second, but a lineout by newbie Mesa Jr. ended the inning with a 2-2 tie. In the home half, Alonso got a one-out walk, but was eliminated in a double play to end the inning.

Rico Garcia was the new Orioles pitcher in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Simpson singled, but he was then caught stealing, killing the Rays’ chance at a tie-breaker unless the game headed to extras. Bryan Baker came in for the Rays in the bottom of the inning, and he got the Orioles out in order to force extras.

In the top of the tenth, with one out, Garcia intentionally walked Aranda to put two runners on. Oliver Dunn then walked to load the bases. In the absolute best scenario they could have had, Palacios struck out (and he was big mad about it) and Mullins hit a liner right to first base to end the potential rally. Ian Seymour was the new Rays pitcher. With one out, Taylor Ward was intentionally walked to put two on, but two outs followed to get the Rays out of the inning.

Tyler Wells came in for the O’s in the eleventh, and newbie Mesa Jr. finally got his redemption moment with a leadoff homer to score two runs. It was the only hit the Rays would get in the inning, but it was enough.

Absolutely barreled 😮‍💨

Victor Mesa Jr.'s first hit & homer as a Ray! pic.twitter.com/tMxddBRSut

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 25, 2026

Pete Alonso singled to start the inning, and in an attempt to get the ball home, it actually ended up near the dugout, and the Orioles easily scored. Alonso moved to second. Chandler was charged with the error. Jeremiah Jackson singled to score Alonso with another poorly placed throw home. With one out, Alexander was walked intentionally. He then advanced to second on defensive indifference (more like fear of overthrowing another base), and while the Rays finally got out of the inning, they were right back to being tied.

In the twelfth, Caminero flied out to advance free runner Chandler to third, then Aranda hit a sac fly to bring him home and get the Rays back into the lead. They would have to settle for just the one run, but hopefully it would be enough.

Aranda ➡️ Chandler pic.twitter.com/3625k2l28F

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 25, 2026

Jesse Scholtens was the next Rays’ pitcher out of the pen, and all eyes were on him to keep the O’s from scoring. Ward flied out to advance the ghost runner Cowser to third. Gunnar Henderson reached on a fielder’s choice, but they got Cowser out at home. Henderson somehow ended up at third and Kevin Cash absolutely lost his mind. Henderson was forced to head back to first. Nick Fortes, meanwhile, was looking like he felt a little tender after getting plowed into by Cowser. The Orioles evidently decided on a Hail Mary play by challenging the safe call at home, claiming Cowser touched the plate before he was tagged out. Honestly, depending on what angle you look at, it could go either way. The call was then overturned, and the game was once again tied. Pete Alonso got a two-out single, but no additional runs scored and the game headed to the 13th.

Dietrich Enns came out, and Palacios singled, moving runner Dunn to third. Mullins then singled to bring Dunn home. A sac bunt by Mesa moved both baserunners into scoring position, then a Fortes sac fly scored Palacios. The Rays were up 7-5. Taveras started the home half with a double to score their free runner Jackson. Blaze Alexander singled, then a Holliday sac fly scored Alexander to re-tie the game for the millionth time. Cowser then homered, scoring two and walking off the game with an Orioles win.

Final: Orioles 9, Rays 7 (F/13)

Texas baseball gets favorable path to CWS through Austin regional

The Longhorns baseball team has officially found out their postseason draw. A 40-13 regular season earned Texas a top eight seed, checking in a No. 6. That means they’ll be hosting three teams in Austin this weekend: UC Santa Barbara, Tarleton State and Holy Cross. According to the all-important RPI metric, it’s one of the easier draws Texas could’ve asked for. 

The 16 regionals ranked by the average RPI of the teams included:

1. Lawrence 37.8
2. Hattiesburg 38
3. College Station 39
4. Chapel Hill 39.3
5. Morgantown 48
6. Gainesville 48.8
7. Tallahassee 53.8
8. Starkville 55.8
9. LA 64
10. Eugene 65
11. Athens 67.8
12. Atlanta 73.5
13.…

— David Eckert (@davideckert98) May 25, 2026

Texas currently sits at 5 in the RPI rankings. Their opponent Friday, Holy Cross, checks in at 201, the 4th lowest in the tournament. UC Santa Barbara checks in at 38, while Tarleton State sits at 56. Both of those sit on the lower side of the 2 and 3 seeds in regionals around the country. That places their average RPI at 75, placing them 14th out of 16 regionals.

Now, it should be said the RPIs being lower doesn’t guarantee a thing. UC Santa Barbara enters with one of, if not the best pitcher in the country in Jackson Flora. Tarleton State walked into Austin earlier this season and handed Texas a 6-1 loss. Holy Cross is on a special postseason run after finishing just .500 in conference play. All of these teams present challenges and nothing is a given because of the favorable RPI ratings. 

Average RPI breakdown of every Regional.... There is one clear outlier in the top 8. pic.twitter.com/leB41svmpE

— Tristan (@Tristan95827831) May 25, 2026

This weekend is a massive one for Jim Schlossnagle and company. Last season ended in an Austin regional at the hands of a dangerous mid-major. There are two in Austin this weekend, hoping to knock off the Longhorns. RPI is incredibly favorable for Texas but they’ll have to confirm those rankings this weekend.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Austin regional is a favorable draw for Texas, according to RPI

Sporting JAX women’s inaugural season ends with semifinal loss

The Sporting JAX women’s team concluded its inaugural season on Sunday, after a 1-0 loss to Carolina Ascent FC in the Gainbridge Super League Semifinal match.

Carolina Ascent FC secured the victory with a goal from Mackenzie George in the first half. Despite the defeat, the Sporting JAX women’s team maintained strong composure throughout the game.

Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam expressed pride in the team’s performance during their first season. “Obviously, [I’m] so proud of the team,” Balaam said. “Everybody keeps talking about the first for this club and I think we can look back and be proud.”

Balaam also outlined the team’s plans for the off-season. “We only have a short break, but during that break, we’re going to be doing a lot of reflecting on what is needed to move this team forward, to move this club forward, for us to better ourselves from this year to next,” Balaam said.

She added that a core group of players will be retained and the squad will be strengthened. “We’ve got a core group here that we’re keeping together and we’ve got to make sure that we continue to strengthen the squad and we can use this as leverage now and use these experiences and these moments as a way to look forward and improve.”

Fans can find upcoming match details and ticket information for the Sporting JAX men’s team here.

Updates for both professional teams, including news, matchday information and behind-the-scenes stories, are available by following @Sporting_JAX across all social platforms.

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GAME THREAD: Nationals at Guardians, game 56 of 162

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 23: Kyle Manzardo #9 of the Cleveland Guardians bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 23, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Guardians 3-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s the Nationals lineup:

memorial day in ……… northeast ohio

https://t.co/iUBDqlACVspic.twitter.com/RNK1TlRRYp

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 25, 2026

Here’s the Guardians lineup:

Tanner toes the rubber tonight.#GuardsBallpic.twitter.com/s7kDeyoAfp

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 25, 2026

Let’s go, Guardians!

Watch: Lando Norris Congratulates Felix Rosenqvist After the Most Insane Last Lap in Indy 500 History

Lando Norris had a day to bury in Montreal – McLaren‘s bet on intermediate tyres collapsed, gearbox trouble ended any remaining hope, and the reigning world champion walked away from the Canadian Grand Prix with nothing.

His response was to board a plane to Indianapolis. There he linked up with Daniel Ricciardo and Conor Daly to absorb the chaotic end of the Indy 500.

It was also his first time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Good timing, as it turned out.

Felix Rosenqvist had just delivered a daring outside move past David Malukas to win the closest finish in Indy 500 history by 0.0233 seconds – his first oval win across 120 IndyCar starts. He and teammate Marcus Armstrong had run side by side for 23 seconds, spanning all the way from the middle of Turn 1 to the entrance of Turn 4.

Footage shot outside the paddock at IMS captured Norris, orange McLaren polo, cap on backwards, walking up to Rosenqvist, still in his Meyer Shank Racing whites and winner’s wreath, and pulling him into a hug.

The Two of Them Broke It Down Right There on the Asphalt

What followed was one a discussion between now-motorsport royalty. Norris, visibly stunned, stepped back from the embrace and swore at the sheer lunacy of what he’d just watched:

“[Inaudible]… F-ck. That’s on the final lap, man. Even on the straight…”

Rosenqvist replied: “I can’t even describe it.”

And then, still standing there with his hands on his hips, Norris started picking the lap apart the way a racing driver would – not out of politeness, but because he genuinely wanted to understand it. He asked how long they were running side by side. Rosenqvist corrected him: not Turn 1 to Turn 3, but Turn 1 to Turn 4.

“Side by side pretty much.”

“…what, from one to three, right?”

“Uh, one to four. I was on the outside of three and just… yeah. And I’d never done that. I never, ever tried it before, so…”

Rosenqvist had said as much in his post-race press conference: “I’ve never been flat around… To do the whole lap on the outside, that was pretty cool. It’s kind of unheard of at Indy.”

Running the high line for a full lap at a place as unforgiving as Indianapolis – against your own teammate, no less – and doing it for the first time, in the last lap of the race, to win by the width of a shadow.

It was the first time since 1993 that a reigning Formula 1 world champion had been at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Month of May, and Norris clearly wasn’t going to waste the visit.

Rosenqvist had said after the race that following the birth of his daughter Stella 20 days prior, he already felt like he’d won the month of May.

Getting the actual trophy on top of that is the kind of story that writes itself. Norris, fresh off a weekend he’d rather forget, showed up at exactly the right track at exactly the right moment – and the look on his face said everything about what he’d just seen.

Kyle Busch Died of Sepsis. An Expert Explains the Condition and Why It Is So Deadly (Exclusive)

Kyle Busch in FebruaryCredit: Michael Bush/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Kyle Busch in February
Credit: Michael Bush/Icon Sportswire via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

Key Takeaways

  • Kyle Busch, 41, was a NASCAR champion with more wins than any driver in the sport's history when he died at 41 of sepsis after falling ill with pneumonia
  • Busch's sudden death highlights how sepsis can strike even young, healthy individuals with little warning
  • An expert explains how sepsis can develop from an infection and why it can be so deadly

When news broke that NASCAR star Kyle Busch had died at the age of 41, fans were stunned.

Busch, who has won more NASCAR races in his two-decade career than any driver in the sport's history, was not just healthy, he was a champion in a physically demanding sport.

Kyle Busch with his family in FebruaryCredit: Sean Gardner/Getty
Kyle Busch with his family in February
Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty

After facing pneumonia in the weeks leading up to his death, Busch developed sepsis, an extreme reaction by the immune system to an infection that can cause organ and tissue damage. Sepsis kills 350,000 adults in the United States each year—one out of every three adults who dies in a hospital had sepsis during their stay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Especially among younger people, the onset can be sudden and the symptoms hard to recognize, says Dr. Todd Rice, professor of medicine and director of the intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Rice, who has not treated Busch and is not connected to his case, explains how an illness like pneumonia can cause sepsis, and why the condition can be so deadly, even for young, healthy people like Busch, who shared two young children with his wife Samantha Busch —son Brexton Locke, 11, and daughter Lennix Key, 4.

Pneumonia isn't an uncommon disease. How can it turn deadly for someone like Kyle Busch?

"Pneumonia is one of the top causes of death for older people. Young people get pneumonia but usually they tolerate it pretty well. They get some chest pain, fever, shortness of breath and that prompts them to go see a doctor and they get some antibiotics and they do reasonably well. But there are cases where with an infection, the body has a response to control the inflammation so it doesn't get widespread. With sepsis, it kind of gets out of control. Sepsis is sort of an imbalance where you get this inflammatory response throughout the body and that causes other parts of the body to not work very well. Your blood pressure may be low, your kidneys may not work very well, your brain may not work very well. It's somewhat rare that we'll see a young person that comes in with an infection like pneumonia that will have bad sepsis and will end up dying from it, but it's certainly not unheard of."

Why might an infection like pneumonia turn into sepsis?

"It's a question we don't know the answer to entirely. Why do some people have this over-exuberant, uncontrolled inflammatory response that affects other parts of the body and other patients don't? There are risk factors. We know people that are older are more likely to get sepsis. People who have things like diabetes or who are immunosuppressed are more likely to get it. And different sites of infection are higher risks—pneumonia gives you a higher risk for having sepsis. You can get sepsis from a urinary tract infection, but it's a much lower incidence. In general, younger people have a more robust inflammatory response, but it's usually well-controlled. If it's not, then younger people will often get this sick inflammatory kind of response and be really sick. And if you get pneumonia in your lungs, but it spreads into the blood, you are more likely to get this inflammatory response and sepsis."

It seemed to happen so fast in Kyle Busch's case. Is that common?

"There's probably a couple potential things that happened. Even if you don't have sepsis, one of the effects of pneumonia is it can make your oxygen levels low. So did he have low oxygen levels for a couple of days before he had this collapse and was taken to the hospital? Low oxygen, even without the sepsis, can cause damage to other organs. If they don't get enough oxygen, they could start failing. A second possibility is an effect of sepsis called septic shock that makes your blood pressure low. When you have low blood pressure, you don't get enough blood flow to your organs and then your organs start to fail. So did he collapse because his blood pressure was low from having an infection? And then subsequently lots of things started not working very well because his blood pressure was low?"

The day before he died, Busch was using a racing simulator. And the day after he died, he was scheduled to race. How is it possible he didn't know how sick he was?

"Young healthy people tend to tolerate infection pretty well. But when it gets really severe and they get really sick, we call it falling off the cliff. They are cruising along, maybe they don't feel very well, but they're doing okay. And then suddenly everything fails and they are in the ICU really sick and their blood pressure's low and we can't get it up and their kidneys don't work and their lungs don't work and they're on a ventilator. I'm guessing a little bit, but my bet is that he hadn't felt well for a few days but he was in general doing okay and his body was kind of compensating. And then he kind of got to that point where his body couldn't compensate anymore, and everything kind of fell apart at once."

Kyle Busch at a NASCAR event in MarchCredit: Sean Gardner/Getty
Kyle Busch at a NASCAR event in March
Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty

What else should people know about the risks of pneumonia and sepsis?

"If you're having a fever and it's lasting for a couple of days, if you have shortness of breath, if you have chest pain, you probably need to have a doctor or a healthcare provider look at you, and not just say, 'If I just kind of ignore it'll go away.' With sepsis, it is a common thing and people just don't know about it. Sepsis is a lot more common than people recognize. There are cases of teenagers that got sepsis who died, or young people that were otherwise doing fine and then they somehow got an infection and then next thing you know, they died. Young people like to think they're immune to a lot of these things, but sepsis can happen to anybody. Young people do better than older people, but that doesn't guarantee that you won't die from it like Kyle Busch did."

Read the original article on People

Mexico’s president says country has ‘no issue’ hosting Iran’s World Cup team amid US tensions

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that her country has "no issue" with hosting Iran's World Cup team, following the squad's decision to move its training base from the United States to Mexico for the summer soccer competition.

The team is still scheduled to play its matches in the U.S., but its new base has been relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, situated just south of San Diego, California, as confirmed by Iran's soccer federation.

President Sheinbaum clarified at a news conference Monday that she was told by a FIFA representative that the U.S. was reluctant to have the Iranian soccer team spend time outside of their scheduled games on U.S. territory.

“The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum told reporters. She said a FIFA representative had then asked, “Can they stay overnight in Mexico?”

Iran's soccer team is slated to play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 (Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS)
Iran's soccer team is slated to play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 (Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS)

“And we said, ‘Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that',” she said.

Iran's soccer team is slated to play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium six days later, before facing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Before the war broke out, the team was originally planned to set up its base in Tucson, Arizona. But with tensions simmering, Iran's team moved its base to Tijuana in Mexico, Sheinbaum said, confirming an announcement by the Iranian federation over the weekend. The federation said the Iranians had received approval from FIFA, though it has not confirmed the move.

Teams use base camps to train before and after matches. This year’s World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The possibility of a move had simmered for months in the uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. U.S. sanctions on Iran were likely to only make the team’s stay in the U.S. more complex.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday that President Donald Trump had made it clear the Iranian team was welcome to participate in the tournament.

The department’s statement did not address where the team might stay, or Sheinbaum's comments.

Sheinbaum said that her government was working with FIFA to hash out all the details before the competition.

Virat Kohli to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: How top batters rank in IPL 2026 &#39;false shot&#39; charts

In today’s fast-scoring T20 cricket, batters are happy to get runs in any manner possible. While cleanly-timed drives and big sixes remain the most pleasing shots for batters, the aggressive nature of the format often forces players into false shots. Yet, some batters have managed to combine attacking cricket with remarkable control.

KL Rahul has been one such batter for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The opener scored 593 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.61 and a career-best strike rate of 174.41. His season included a century, a record 152 not out against Punjab Kings — the first 150-plus score by an Indian in IPL history — and five fifties.



Rahul has also hit 31 sixes this season, the second-highest by a DC batter after Rishabh Pant, who struck 37 sixes in the 2018 season.

Despite batting at a high strike rate, Rahul has the lowest false shot percentage this season at 12.1, according to CricViz, as cited by news agency ANI. That means nearly 88 per cent of his shots were properly connected.

Among the players closest to him are Dhruv Jurel of Rajasthan Royals and Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad, both with a false shot percentage of 12.6.

Jurel scored 458 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of more than 149, including five fifties, while Klaasen made 606 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate above 159 with six fifties.

Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also shown impressive control despite his attacking style. The 15-year-old has scored 583 runs in 14 matches at an average of 41.64 and a strike rate of more than 232, including a century, three fifties and 53 sixes. His false shot percentage stands at 17.8, the same as Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

On the other hand, some batters have managed strong numbers despite making more errors. Cooper Connolly of Punjab Kings has the highest false shot percentage this season at 25.6. He has still scored 491 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.63 and a strike rate of 163.12, including a century and two fifties.

Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans has a false shot percentage of 18.1. He has scored 638 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 157.92, with a century and seven fifties, managing to make the most of his scoring opportunities despite a higher error rate.

Voter explains why he left Victor Wembanyama off 2026 All-NBA First Team

May 24, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) speaks with Peacock sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi after game four of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama made the 2026 All-NBA First Team with 99 out of 100 votes.

Justin Termine, host of NBA Today on SiriusXM NBA Radio, placed Wembanyama on the second team instead of the first, casting the only ballot in the entire voter pool that did not give Wembanyama first-team honors. In a video posted to social media, he made clear this was not a slight on the player, widely considered one of the most must-see athletes in any sport.

“I voted for Wembanyama third for MVP, and I actually think he’s a better player than [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander],” Termine said. “I think he is the best player in the world right now, but I thought [Nikola] Jokić had a better regular season at the same position… I’m a massive fan of Victor Wembanyama, but this year, he was the second-best center, and I vote by position.”

Why I was the lone voter to leave Wemby off 1st Team All-NBA. pic.twitter.com/jWuwKdx46s

— Justin Termine (@TermineRadio) May 25, 2026

Termine has voted by position his entire career, and his argument has nothing to do with Wembanyama and everything to do with what happened to Patrick Ewing in 1994, when one of the most dominant centers of his generation finished fifth in MVP voting and was left off every All-NBA team entirely because Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal happened to be playing at the same time.

“So historically speaking, years from now people will look, and they’ll go, ‘Well, Wembanyama and Jokić made these many first teams, but why didn’t Patrick Ewing make this many?'” asked the SiriusXM host.

The rule Termine is pushing back against was itself born out of the Jokić-Embiid era, when Joel Embiid spent several seasons as arguably the second-best player in the league and had nothing to show for it because Jokic was the better center. The NBA changed the positional restrictions specifically so that the situation could never happen again.

“But in my opinion, that’s not fair to the centers of the past who got screwed,” Termine added.

Wembanyama is currently lighting up the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a series that has only burnished his reputation as one of the most captivating players the sport has ever produced. Mike Tirico has said he has to actively fight the urge to gush about him on NBC broadcasts. None of it moves Termine, who sees his lone dissenting vote not as a slight against Wembanyama but as a debt owed to the players who came before him.

“Obviously, as you can see, I’m the only person that did it,” he said. “This rule of voting without going by position, I think it’s done a great disservice to the history of the sport.”

The post Voter explains why he left Victor Wembanyama off 2026 All-NBA First Team appeared first on Awful Announcing.

French Open: Amanda Anisimova returns, wins first-round match

Amanda Anisimova needed some time to shake off the rust on Monday during her first-round match at the French Open.

It was nine weeks to the day that Anisimova last played a competitive match. But once the No. 6 seed found her form, she rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over France's Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on a scorching hot day in Paris.

Aleksandar Kovacevic of the U.S. keeps his head in the match during his first round match against Spain's Rafael Jodar.

Anisimova had 24 winners and 24 unforced errors and needed just 69 minutes to complete the victory.

Anisimova's hiatus was due to a left wrist injury that she described as "nothing too serious." Her last action was at the Miami Open and on Monday, she was happy to be running around the court at Roland Garros.

"I tried to not really overthink anything," Anisimova said. "I was super excited to be here, to be fit to play, honestly, and that was the only thing I really thought about is what a great opportunity. … I'm just super relieved that all is good and that I'm ready to play."

Rakotomanga Rajaonah had 11 winners and 19 unforced errors in defeat.

Anisimova next plays Austria's Julia Grabher, who registered a 6-2, 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova.

No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and No. 3 Iga Swiatek rolled to straight-set wins.

Rybakina had 27 winners and 27 unforced errors while beating Slovenia's Veronika Erjavec 6-2, 6-2. Swiatek carded 17 winners and 16 unforced errors in a 6-1, 6-2 win over Australia's Emerson Jones.

Swiatek would have preferred the temperatures weren't in the low 90s, atypical weather for Paris in May.

She said the heat couldn't be compared to when the Summer Olympics were held in Paris in late July and early August of 2024.

"It is much different," Swiatek said. "Maybe it was that hot in the Olympics, but the balls were different, so I wouldn't treat it as the same tournament."

No. 7 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine lost the first set and had to win a third-set tiebreaker to land a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3) victory over Hungary's Anna Bondar in two hours, 26 minutes.

Svitolina ended a two-match losing streak against Bondar and now leads the head-to-head competition, 3-2.

"When you are competing at your highest level, it's all about the small details," Svitolina said. "It's physical freshness, it's mental freshness and, you know, just being strong and collected in these moments."

Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova took care of Russia's Anastasia Zakharova 7-5, 6-2. Italy's Jasmine Paolini, seeded No. 13, notched a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska.

Camila Osorio of Colombia upset No. 14 Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-2, 6-4, and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann knocked off Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, the No. 20 seed, 6-4, 6-4.

No. 23 Elise Mertens of Belgium beat Germany's Tatjana Maria 7-5, 6-0 and No. 28 Anastasia Potapova of Russia was a 6-1, 6-2 winner over Maya Joint of Australia.

Meanwhile, American Alycia Parks upset No. 24 seed Leylah Fernandez of Canada 6-4, 6-4, with a 26-10 edge in total winners. No. 25 seed Diana Shnaider of Russia had an easier time beating Mexico's Renata Zarazua 6-4, 6-1.

No. 29 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ella Seidel of Germany. Swiss qualifier Susan Bandecchi beat No. 31 Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

In other first-round matches, Poland's Maja Chwalinska defeated China's Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 6-0; Eva Lys of Germany defeated Croatia's Petra Marcinko 6-3, 6-0; and Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland rolled to a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Panna Udvardy of Hungary. American McCartney Kessler rallied for a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5 victory over Guo Hanyu of China.

Daria Kasatkina of Australia defeated Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez 6-4, 6-4. Spain's Kaitlin Quevedo beat France's Leolia Jeanjean 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2), and Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan knocked off Talia Gibson of Australia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova outlasted Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, and Brit Katie Boulter outlasted American Akasha Urhobo 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Men's draw

Stan Wawrinka lost a four-set match to Jesper de Jong on Monday, bringing a swift end to the final French Open for the 2015 champion at Roland Garros.

Wawrinka, 41, announced in December that he would retire at the end of 2026. The three-time Grand Slam winner was unable to add to his total of 46 wins at the French Open, falling 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to de Jong on a hot day in Paris.

"It's hard, I don't want to say goodbye to you here," Wawrinka said during a post-match ceremony that included messages from Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the "Big Three" whom the Swiss staged so many battles with since turning professional in 2002.

"You have been so inspirational to me and for many other players," Djokovic said. "I'm very honored to call you a friend."

Fifth-seeded American Ben Shelton began his tournament with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Spain's Daniel Merida, tying his career high with his eighth clay-court win of the season. Shelton saved the only break point he faced, and advanced to play Belgium's Raphael Collignon in the second round.

"I think I'm learning more and more every year," said Shelton, who reached the fourth round last year before falling to eventual champion Alcaraz. "The French crowd always knows how to bring energy, and that's part of the reason I play so well here."

Fellow Americans Alex Michelsen and No. 31 seed Brandon Nakashima also advanced in straight sets, while No. 24 seed Tommy Paul rebounded from dropping his opening set to knock off Australia's Rinky Hijikata in four sets. No. 19 seed Frances Tiafoe also needed four sets to get by fellow American Eliot Spizzirri.

Unranked Jenson Brooksby, Emilio Nava, Aleksander Kovacevic and Marcos Giron each failed to win a set in their openers. Kovacevic managed to win only five games against Spanish 27th seed Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old rising star who marked his French Open debut by cruising 6-1, 6-0, 6-4.

Jodar, who competed at the University of Virginia, has now won 16 of his past 19 matches including reaching the quarterfinals of the Italian and Madrid Opens after a semifinal run in Barcelona. He is seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time.

"The first matches are always difficult in a tournament," Jodar said. "I had to serve very well. I tried to play my game during the first two sets, and even when things got a little bit more difficult for me in the third set, I think I played those points especially very well, playing my game."

Jiri Lehecka was the biggest upset earlier Monday, with the 12th-seeded Czech falling in straight sets to Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3. Norway's Casper Ruud avoided a similar fate later in the day, with the 15th seed surviving a five-set test against Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, 6-2, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 0-6, 6-2.

A two-time French Open finalist, Ruud began the tournament as one of the few players viewed to be a potential threat to No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

"I was close to being on the way home," Ruud said in his on-court interview, adding that he felt "horrible and dizzy" at times due to the heat. "Luckily I was able to give myself some time to breathe in the fourth set, to see if I could calm down and let the high temperature ease off. It was a really tough match."

Eighth-seeded Alex de Minaur from Australia and Italian 10th seed Flavio Cobolli each advanced in straight sets. No. 11 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia went four sets to eliminate Peru's Ignacio Buse. Other seeded players who advanced included No. 22 Arthur Rinderknech of France, No. 25 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina and French 32nd seed Ugo Humbert.

The match of the day was arguably waged between big-serving Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis and Terence Atmane playing in front of his home crowd. The pair of unranked players battled for 4 hours and 18 minutes, with Kokkinakis prevailing 6-7 (5), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Also advancing were Italy's Matteo Berrettini, France's Luca Van Assche, Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, Yibing Wu of China and Argentina's Mariano Navone and Camilo Ugo Carabelli.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: French Open: Amanda Anisimova returns, wins first-round match

Today in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov sets takedown mark at UFC 160

Although he's regarded as one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn't even chart in the top 10 of one key UFC stat.

The former lightweight champion, who retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, the last 13 wins of which came in the UFC, falls well short of the promotion's top 10 for career takedowns. That leader is former bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili with 119, and 68 has former champ Rafael dos Anjos and former title challenger Demian Maia in 10th.

Nurmagomedov wrapped his UFC career with 52 takedowns in 13 fights, which is a robust four per outing. Few would argue against that being an exceptional number.

But what makes it a little bonkers is the fact Nurmagomedov got 40 percent of his total UFC takedowns in one three-round fight.

At UFC 160 on May 25, 2013, Nurmagomedov had a lightweight fight with Abel Trujillo in Las Vegas. Tensions and a shove at the weigh-ins led to their separation, but when fight night arrived in the desert, it was a one-sided affair.

Nurmagomedov landed 21 takedowns in their three-round fight and cruised to a decision win. Those 21 set the standard, and it hasn't been touched. In fact, the UFC record for a five-round fight is held by Dvalishvili – with 20. He had two more rounds and still is short of Nurmagomedov's record.

Take a look back at the ex-champ's record-setting performance in the video above, as well as the photo gallery below.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: May 25, 2013, MMA history: Khabib sets takedown mark at UFC 160

Ahead of the curve? Cowboys placing premium on NFL&#39;s newest role, APEX

An apex predator in the animal kingdom is a hunter who sits at the top of the food chain with no natural predators of its own. Lions, polar bears, orcas and owls all qualify as apex predators under these parameters.

In the NFL, an apex predator is a defender who stands impervious to changes in offensive personnel. It’s a role that can be filled by any combination of positions, and a role the Dallas Cowboys have paid keen interest in upgrading under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.  

The evolution of the slot defender role has been as apparent as it’s been impactful. Gone are the days of the diminutive, second-rate cornerback being forced into the middle. Today’s slot defender requires elite skill and versatility. It’s what Sumer Sports called the “APEX Defender” and it’s ultimately what makes successful defenses as adaptable and resilient as their offensive counterparts.

An APEX defender is a nickel defender who is physical enough to play the run, but athletic enough play the pass. He’s a player who’s not just capable in man coverage, but potentially dominant in man coverage, because modern day slot receivers are oftentimes WR1s, like in Dallas with CeeDee Lamb. Lke the tiny nickel cornerback of yesteryear, the diminutive Cole Beasley-like slot protypes are going extinct. APEX defenders have to keep up with the times and that’s why man coverage ability is king here.

APEX makes nickel personnel resilient  

Offensive coordinators know defenses prefer their nickel personnel. Nickel personnel is the most used personnel group in the NFL these days and it's not even close. It allows defenses to matchup against 11 personnel (three receivers, one back, one tight end) and prioritizes pass defense, so its usage is understandable.

Knowing this, offensive innovators have been increasing their usage of larger personnel packages. Large personnel groups force defenses out of their nickel comfort zones and into lesser used base personnel. Base personnel, which swaps a defensive back for a linebacker, opens up loads of opportunities in the passing game for the offense with the best opportunities coming from the slot.

By dictating personnel, offenses gain matchup advantages after defenses adjust. But defensive coaches like Mike McDaniel, Vic Fangio and Parker know they can beat offenses at their own game, all by employing APEX defenders on their nickel personnel group. With an APEX, they no longer feel obligated to change personnel because the APEX can do it all with elite proficiency. What used to be a second-rate position is now arguably the most critical.

Across the NFL, elite defenses are moving their best coverman from the outside to the inside to play on obvious passing situations. As Bradley Locker pointed out at PFF, three of the top five defenses in the NFL last year ranked in the top five in nickel usage rate.

"One guy isn't going to fix the Cowboys defense."

Yes...but Caleb Downs might get close. pic.twitter.com/tIHonuLomZ

— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) April 7, 2026

It’s here where the Cowboys' rookie Caleb Downs really differentiates himself.

He’s not just the APEX on early downs, but also those obvious passing situations. No matter what offenses do with their personnel, Downs is equipped to defend in a way very few can. Even some of the best-known APEX defenders like Seattle Seahawks’ safety Nick Emmanwori will be asked to vacate the role in obvious passing situations. Downs brings extra man coverage ability to the role few can.

“What an investment in the slot defender allows you to do is not worry about all these personnel changes,” said Sam Bruchhaus of Sumer Sports. “It basically puts you in position where the window dressing is taken away…you can play your defense the way you want it to be.”

Middle > Sideline

The biggest gains on offense, from an EPA perspective, are passes down the middle of the field. And with teams making many of those gains in large personnel packages lined up in tight formations, it makes APEX defenders all the more important.

With Downs, and to a lesser extent, Jalen Thompson, manning that APEX role on defense, offenses can’t force Dallas to do any personnel changes Parker doesn’t want to do. Like Cooper DeJean in Philadelphia, Downs is Parker’s not-so-secret weapon in the middle. He can be moved around if needs be, but he has no discernable weakness and doesn’t ever have to leave the field because of matchups.

After speaking with people across the league and looking into the data, I’ve come up with the following.

- if we assume linebackers and safeties can’t cover like corners, they simply cannot be the ideal Apex Defender. Apex Defenders are asked to play too much man coverage, and… https://t.co/meYY6aMJ9I

— Sam Bruchhaus (@sambruchhaus) May 21, 2026

You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys look to Downs to corner market on NFL's top new defensive role

DFL completely rules out name sponsor for Bundesliga

04 February 2026, Hamburg: Marc Lenz, Managing Director of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, sits on stage during the Spobis sports business conference at the CCH Congress Center Hamburg. Photo: Marcus Brandt/dpa (Photo by Marcus Brandt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The question of how to bridge the financial gap to other top leagues, most notably the English Premier League, is a very pressing issue for football in Germany. The Deutsche Fußball Liga, or DFL for short, constantly discuss many options and consider what measures they can reasonably take to boost their funding. Eliminating the 50+1 rule is the easiest path to greater investment, but it comes with a loss of identity for German football that is deemed simply unacceptable.

Another method of funding deemed unacceptable by the DFL is accepting a name sponsor. Other top leagues across world football, such as the La Liga EA Sports, Ligue 1 McDonald’s and Serie A Enilive, have chosen to garner additional funding this way. But the DFL have confirmed (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) that this is not an option for Germany football:

The DFL has ruled out the introduction of a name sponsor for the Bundesliga such as is the case in other top leagues. “All options in every direction are being discussed. But no, that wasn’t an option for us”, said DFL director Marc Lenz.

It is worth noting that La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A earn between €20-€30 million per year from these sponsorships, as reported by sources here, here and here respectively. Is that amount of money worth changing the Bundesliga’s name?

The English Premier League, being the league everyone is trying to catch, have also foregone a name sponsor for a decade now. The league did long carry a name sponsor, becoming known as the Barclays Premier League, but their deal with Barclays ended in 2016 and they have not had another since. Clearly, a name sponsor is not what propelled the Premier League to the incredible financial advantages it currently enjoys.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Live WWE Raw Results & Highlights: Clash In Italy Go-Home Show (May 25, 2026)

Live WWE Raw Results & Highlights: Clash In Italy Go-Home Show (May 25, 2026)

WWE is back with this week’s edition of WWE Raw on Netflix.

Monday’s episode will take place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH, and kick off at 8:00 PM ET. On tonight’s show, WWE will have the final build for Clash in Italy. 

Below, you can get caught up with all the WWE Raw results and highlights.

Quick WWE Raw Results May 25, 2026 

  • Oba Femi kicks off the show to respond to Brock Lesnar’s sneak attack
  • Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing for Tribal Combat at Clash in Italy
  • Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez
  • Becky Lynch is expected to appear
  • The Vision advertised

WWE Raw Highlights

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Eric Garcia sends heartfelt message after being called up to Spain’s World Cup squad following impressive Barcelona season

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - MAY 13: Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona reacts prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on May 13, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Eric Garcia has sent out an emotional message after being called into the Spain squad for World Cup 2026 off the back of an impressive season with Barcelona.

The versatile Barcelona star is one of eight players from Hansi Flick’s side on Luis de la Fuente’s roster and he couldn’t be happier to be involved.

He posted on Instagram: “December 2022 World Cup Qualifiers for Qatar. That was the last time I wore the Spain shirt.

“Since then I had to make many decisions and work a lot without making noise to be better, on and off the field, to play again and compete for everything with my club, and 4 years later, comes the opportunity to be able to live my second World Cup.

“More prepared and motivated than ever to fight for it all with this group of players, and grateful to everyone who supports me and helps me be better every day! #VamosEspaña

The call-up is a deserved reward for Eric. He was tipped to leave Barcelona not so long ago but has worked incredibly hard, even going out on loan to Girona, to prove he deserves a place at Camp Nou.

Congratulations, Eric Garcia.

Aleksandar Rakic moves to Heavyweight, collides with Marcin Tybura in Serbia

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 25: Aleksandar Rakic of Austria prepares to face Azamat Murzakanov of Russia in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 321 event at Etihad Arena on October 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

It was probably inevitable.

Longtime-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic is officially moving up to Heavyweight and will face No. 12-rankedMarcin Tybura at UFC Belgrade on Sat., Aug. 1, 2026, inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.

The promotion announced the matchup today.

After spending his entire 20-fight professional MMA career competing at 205 pounds, Rakic (14-6) is finally abandoning the brutal weight cut and moving to Heavyweight — which honestly makes a lot of sense considering the Serbian striker is an absolute giant at 6’5.

Even during his Light Heavyweight run, Rakic looked enormous compared to most of the division and has openly discussed how difficult the cut to 205 pounds had become over the years.

More importantly, the move feels necessary for his career.

Rakic enters the Heavyweight division riding a rough four-fight losing streak, including stoppage losses (watch highlights) and the devastating knee injury he suffered against Jan Blachowicz that sidelined him for nearly two years.

At 34 years old, a fresh start at Heavyweight may be exactly what he needs and interestingly enough, Rakic is not the only oversized Light Heavyweight making the jump lately.

Johnny Walker is also officially moving to Heavyweight — and he will compete on the very same UFC Belgrade card against former PFL standout Ante Delija.

As for Tybura (27-11), the longtime UFC veteran will put his No. 12 Heavyweight ranking on the line against the Serbian divisional newcomer.

The 40-year-old Polish grinder is currently riding a two-fight losing streak after suffering an upset knockout loss to Delija (watch highlights) before dropping a decision to former Bellator Heavyweight Tyrell Fortune in his most recent outing.

Still, despite the recent losses, Tybura remains one of the division’s toughest outs thanks to his durability, cardio and grappling-heavy style — which makes him a very interesting first test for Rakic at Heavyweight.

Here is what UFC Belgrade looks like right now:

Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Marcin Tybura vs. Aleksandar Rakic
Ante Delija vs. Johnny Walker
Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin
Max Gimenis vs. Jovan Leka
Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina


To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.

Rams still searching for answers against Eagles under McVay

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: (L-R) Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams after the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles have been the Los Angeles Rams’ kryptonite since Sean McVay arrived in Los Angeles. With both teams set to face each other for the fourth straight season, L.A. must figure out a way to get past their nemesis in 2026 or risk falling short in the conference yet again.

Under McVay, the Rams are 1-6 against the Eagles, including 0-4 against the Nick Sirianni-Jalen Hurts duo. The lone win came in 2020 versus a severely broken Carson Wentz.

Since then, L.A. has been hard-pressed to secure a win over their NFC rival, with each loss, particularly in the Sirianni era, being more painful than the last. Apologies in advance for this sucky trip down memory lane.

2025 – Week 3 (Lost 33-26)

This is the one that got away from the Rams. The final result was one of several reasons the team failed to secure the NFC’s top seed last season, aside from special teams, not playing guys in the preseason, I could go on.

Up 19 in the third quarter against an Eagles team unable to air it out consistently, L.A. gave up 26 unanswered points to fall short again at Lincoln Financial Field.

The ending to this one hurt like hell, as the team did have a chance to pull out the win despite letting Philly back in it. Two blocked kicks in the final frame, unfortunately, sealed the Rams’ fate. McVay is still having difficulty processing the ending of this one all these months later.

Sean McVay watching the Eagles block the kick:

“Man, I must have taken a quaalude, because this can’t be real life” 💀😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/XFHWSmpX2y

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) May 23, 2026

Again, there were a variety of reasons the Rams failed to secure the conference’s top seed. Had they pulled this one out, they still might not have gotten home-field advantage, but they could’ve at the very least put more pressure on the Seahawks late in the season.

2024 – Week 12 (Lost 37-20) & Divisional Round (Lost 28-22)

Both Rams-Eagles matchups from the 2024 season can be summarized in two words: Saquon Barkley. L.A.‘s failure to stop the All-Pro was the main culprit for the pair of losses that year, as Barkley twice ran Chris Shula’s unit out of the stadium.

Saquon Barkley in two games vs the Rams:

🦅 52 carries
🦅 459 rushing yards
🦅 325 yards after contact
🦅 4 TDs (all over 60+ yards) pic.twitter.com/8PuaQPirNA

— PFF (@PFF) January 19, 2025

In both games, Philadelphia managed to break open a close game thanks to Barkley’s running and mistakes by L.A.

During the regular season, Kyren Williams opened up the first drive of the game with a fumble. The Rams moved the ball for most of the night in the 37-20 loss, but couldn’t keep pace. Williams’ fumble was far from costing the team a win, yet a mistake like that killed any chance at Los Angeles keeping pace in a game that very well could’ve become a shootout.

Then in the playoffs, the Rams actually had a chance against a superior opponent … until they didn’t. Down one with the ball in their hands after the Eagles took a safety, Williams lost a fumble against Philly for the second time that season. A few plays later, down four, it was Matthew Stafford’s turn to fumble. Eventually, L.A. had a chance late in the game, making it all the way to the 22-yard line before turning it over on downs. Those fumbles turned a potential massive upset into what might’ve been.

Being unable to stop the run is the primary reason the Rams just missed out on an NFC Championship appearance in 2024. Giving up nearly 600 total yards on the ground was never going to be a recipe for success, in addition to the other mistakes that happened along the way.

2023 – Week 5 (Lost 23-14)

Los Angeles had a BRUTAL schedule to kick off the 2023 campaign, made tougher by hosting the reigning NFC champs. Not much was expected from the Rams that year, but they missed out on a signature win early in the year.

Cooper Kupp’s return powered the team to a decent start, highlighted by a three-point deficit entering halftime.

After that, the Eagles completely shut down L.A. in the second half. The Rams were held to 95 yards and failed to cross midfield after halftime.

At least the defense was the saving grace in this one, holding Philly to a pair of field goals, which were both scored in the fourth quarter.

Rams working against troubling history

Struggling against the Eagles is not exclusively a McVay problem.

The Rams have beaten Philly only six times since 1978. Additionally, they have secured back-to-back wins over the team once (2001-02) in that stretch, after having beaten the Eagles seven straight times from 1964-78.

For reasons explained above and otherwise, the Rams have a troubling history against their NFC foe, one they’ll be working against until they can figure out a way to put the past behind them.

With a fourth straight season facing Philadelphia, the Rams won’t fully get over the hump if they cannot beat one of the teams expected to be in their way during this upcoming season.

Benjamin Sesko: National team boss explains fury at Man United’s handling of striker

Benjamin Sesko: National team boss explains fury at Man United’s handling of striker
Benjamin Sesko: National team boss explains fury at Man United’s handling of striker

Benjamin Sesko has enjoyed an excellent debut season.

For a striker whom some were quick to label as another big-money flop, the Slovenian hitman has truly silenced his critics.

In 30 league games, with just 17 starts, the £74 million summer 2025 signing managed to score 11 goals and provide one assist.

For a player arriving in a new league under immense pressure, at a club demanding immediate results, Sesko has performed well.

It is also worth noting that he could have achieved even better statistics; most of his goals came at the turn of the year, and had he not missed the last three games, he would likely have recorded higher numbers.

Indeed, in 2026, Sesko was in outstanding form; he found his feet in United colours, scoring 10 goals during this period.

His brilliance in recent months has even left his national team boss somewhat envious that he never had the opportunity to use him.

Benjamin Sesko handling has frustrated national team boss

Slovenian national team boss Bostjan Cesar is frustrated that he could not rely on Sesko for the March international break due to injury, yet the striker continued to play for United.

In Cesar’s view, playing on only worsened the issue, culminating in a collision with the hoardings following a push from Ibrahima Konate in United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, which has ruled the striker out since.

In a rant, as per The Daily Mail, the coach pointed out:

“He missed the last assembly in March, and then I kind of wanted him to be absent from United for a while, but then he came back quickly, and I don’t think he missed a game for the club.”

And while Sesko could have joined the Slovenian camp for the upcoming friendlies against Cyprus and Croatia, he will not feature, with Cesar adding:

“But if a player hasn’t been in a competitive rhythm for a month, then I don’t see the point in him coming and playing at half-strength.”

It is unfortunate for Slovenia that they cannot call upon Sesko for those fixtures.

Fitness boost for Man United

For United, the hope is that the extra rest will help the striker recover fully and return fit and available when pre-season kicks off in early July.

Given the glimpse he provided this season while leading United’s attack, some will expect films to be made of his performances next season.

With United’s thirst for glory and the demand to compete on multiple fronts, a Sesko firing on all cylinders is exactly what they need.

Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Apple To Quietly Steal Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display Trick For The M6 Pro & M6 Max MacBook Pro, Three Years Ahead Of Schedule

26 May 2026 at 02:01

Apple may not discontinue the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models after the M6 MacBook Pro series has arrived

While Apple was expected to incorporate Samsung's so-called Privacy Display within its MacBook Pro lineup a couple of years down the line, a new tantalizing tidbit has just dramatically accelerated that timeline, with the feature drop now expected in a matter of months, when Apple debuts the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro variants, replete with an OLED screen. Apple might not only adopt Samsung's OLED panels for its M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro variants, but also go a step further by incorporating the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display tech as well For the benefit of those […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-to-quietly-steal-samsungs-galaxy-s26-ultra-privacy-display-trick-for-the-m6-pro-m6-max-macbook-pro-three-years-ahead-of-schedule/

The Incredibly Fast And Reliable Samsung 990 PRO PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD In The 2TB Capacity Drops To $390 On Amazon After A 39% Discount

26 May 2026 at 01:39

Samsung's 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD drops to $390 on Amazon

There’s little comfort for PC builders and laptop owners knowing that SSD prices have gone up thanks to the DRAM shortage, but Amazon has presented buyers with a little gift with which they can upgrade their storage while also making their systems snappier. The Samsung 990 PRO PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD in the 2TB variant is now down to $389.99 after a 39 percent discount on the online retailer. Given that this is a rare deal, there’s no time like the present to make a purchase. With its DRAM cache and sequential speeds upwards of 7,000MB/s, Samsung’s 990 PRO […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-2tb-990-pro-ssd-drops-to-390-on-amazon/

Subnautica 2 Early Access – How to Craft a Tadpole

26 May 2026 at 01:38

A screenshot from the game Subnautica 2 showing a docking area with a vehicle partially submerged in water, surrounded by interface elements displaying 'O2 75' and other game-related icons.

As is the case with any good survival crafting game, there are certain crafting milestones you reach that dramatically open the game up more than what was previously possible. For Subnautica 2, in its current early access state, arguably the biggest milestone to reach is when you craft your first Tadpole, the vehicle that lets you explore the alien ocean with ease. Essentially, half of what's currently available to explore in the game is locked behind your ability to craft a Tadpole, so you're going to want to get there as soon as you can. This guide will show you […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/how-to/subnautica-2-how-to-craft-tadpole/

Casio's silver-dial Edifice watch hits all-time low price of only $72 on Amazon, down 40%

Deal | The silver-dial Casio Edifice EFV160D-7AV has dropped to its all-time low of $72 on Amazon — 25% off its typical $96 price. It shares the same Clous de Paris textured dial and 40 mm slim build as the black-dial 1AV, but with a quieter, more formal all-silver look.

Apple will add Google Cast to iOS 27, new report says

26 May 2026 at 01:01

According to a new report from the usually very reliable Mark Gurman over at Bloomberg, Apple is currently working on adding third-party AirPlay alternatives to the upcoming iOS 27, which is going to be unveiled on June 8. So far, the only streaming protocol built right into iOS at the system level is Apple's own AirPlay. However, the company will allegedly add third-party options like Google Cast in iOS 27, and will even let you set these as the default for wirelessly streaming stuff from your iPhone to a speaker or TV. If you're wondering what's happening, the EU is to "blame" for...

Honor 600 and 600 Pro debut in China with bigger batteries

25 May 2026 at 23:56

Usually, the Chinese models come out earlier than their global counterparts, but Honor released the Honor 600 series the other way around. First came the Honor 600 and 600 Pro for the global market, and now we get to see the Chinese versions. Honor 600 vs. Honor 600 Pro However, the differences aren't that many. One of the main disparities between the global and the Chinese Honor 600 series is battery capacity. The regular Honor 600 from China comes with a huge 8,600 mAh battery, while the international unit caps at 7,000 mAh. The same goes for the Pro model - China gets an 8,000...

Liverpool legend Michael Owen picks Jarrod Bowen as ‘perfect’ Mohamed Salah’s replacement

26 May 2026 at 01:35
After a successful tenure, Mohamed Salah has left Liverpool as a club legend, playing a key role in securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Following his departure, club legend Michael Owen has identified Jarrod Bowen as the ideal replacement for the Egyptian star.

Liverpool managed to salvage a disappointing season by securing qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. Nevertheless, the Reds now face one of their toughest challenges, as Mohamed Salah decided to leave the club as a free agent. With the Premier League season concluded, they appear set to strengthen the attacking department in response to the Egyptian’s departure. The legend Michael Owen has suggested Jarrod Bowen as the ideal replacement.

I think Bowen is the absolute perfect replacement for Mo Salah at Liverpool. If an opportunity came along for him like that, to play for Liverpool, then even the most ardent West Ham fan couldn’t begrudge that. Instead of playing in the Championship, go to one of the best teams in the world and fill Mo Salah’s boots, it’s really exciting for him,” Owen said, via talkSport.

As one of West Ham United’s biggest stars, Jarrod Bowen remains under contract with the club until 2030. Nevertheless, relegation to the EFL Championship could force his departure, as the English forward continues to rank among the Premier League’s standout performers. In addition, the Hammers reportedly need to raise more than £100 million (around $135 million) through player sales, making Bowen’s potential exit a crucial part of their financial restructuring.

Despite already being 29 years old, Jarrod Bowen has continued to become as one of the Premier League’s standout performers, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 appearances. However, Liverpool would likely face competition from clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United, potentially pushing his transfer fee into the €50–60 million range. Given his proven ability to deliver immediate results, the Reds could make a smart move by pursuing his signing.

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United.
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United.

Yan Diomande emerges as Liverpool main target as Salah’s replacement

Despite the opportunity to sign Jarrod Bowen, Liverpool do not appear to view his arrival as an absolute priority, potentially allowing rivals such as Manchester United and Chelsea to gain ground in the race. Instead, Liverpool’s front office reportedly seems determined to pursue younger players in an effort to secure long-term performance and sustainability. With this in mind, Yan Diomande has reportedly emerged as the Reds’ top transfer priority.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via X, formerly Twitter, Yan Diomande remains the absolute priority for Liverpool, as he is capable of playing on both wings and offers valuable tactical flexibility. Under contract with RB Leipzig until 2030, the Ivorian star could command a transfer fee exceeding €100 million, especially with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly pushing to secure his signature.

Liverpool legends Michael Owen and Mohamed Salah.

Report: Massimiliano Allegri’s dismissal paves the way for Andoni Iraola to become AC Milan’s new head coach

26 May 2026 at 00:09
After failing to qualify for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, AC Milan have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri. Following this, the Rossoneri are reportedly targeting Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, signaling a major shift in the club’s sporting project.

Despite a strong first half of the season, AC Milan suffered a significant drop in form that ultimately left them out of the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed alongside several other key figures within the club’s sporting structure. Following these changes, Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to lead the search for a new head coach, reportedly identifying Andoni Iraola as the leading candidate.

According to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter, the Rossoneri have identified Andoni Iraola as their next head coach after Allegri. Coming off a successful spell with AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches of the summer of 2026. After guiding the English side to qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League, Iraola has reportedly decided to pursue a new challenge, departing as a free agent.

As one of the Premier League’s standout managers, Iraola is attracting interest from far more than just AC Milan. As per Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, via teamTALK, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing strong interest in securing the Spanish coach. With this in mind, Zlatan Ibrahimović could face a major challenge in convincing him to join the Rossoneri, potentially needing to present a long-term sporting vision backed by significant reinforcements.

With his children reportedly settled in London, Iraola reportedly prefers taking charge of a club based in or near the city. In addition, he could be tempted by the opportunity to manage in the UEFA Champions League, meaning Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool may also influence his next move. Nevertheless, the Rossoneri may not have much time to wait, as they are expected to move quickly in appointing a new head coach ahead of a crucial rebuild.

pulisic leao
Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic

AC Milan may need to reshape the roster ahead the 2026-25 season

AC Milan failed to maintain consistent performances under Massimiliano Allegri throughout the season. With very limited squad depth and few players truly suited to his tactical system, the Rossoneri struggled for stability. Lacking a world-class goalscorer and reliable backups for Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, they often fell short when trying to change matches from the bench. As a result, the Rossoneri could now be forced into a significant squad rebuild.

With their defensive solidity and strong quality in midfield already in place, the Rossoneri may need to focus their efforts on strengthening the attacking department. Not only will securing the continuity of Leão and Pulisic be crucial, but also finding reliable backups capable of providing greater rotation. In addition, signing world-class striker could become a priority, as Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku failed to meet expectations.

If AC Milan manage to secure Iraola’s arrival, the club’s younger players could receive a major boost, as the Spanish coach is known for trusting and developing emerging talent. As a result, players such as Davide Bartesaghi, Francesco Camarda, and Yunus Musah could have a strong opportunity to shine under his system. In addition, Luka Modrić’s departure could open the door for Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to take on larger roles.

Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan and Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth.

On the Canvas: the art of Tom Cribb vs Tom Molineaux and 19th century boxing folklore

26 May 2026 at 00:33

Boxing art collector Ingo Wegerich explores the stories behind iconic fight artwork, drawing on his extensive private collection. This piece centres on the legendary rivalry between Tom Cribb and Tom Molineaux, one of the most controversial and mythologised contests of 19th-century prizefighting. Few fights in boxing history have generated as much debate and mythology as […]

The post On the Canvas: the art of Tom Cribb vs Tom Molineaux and 19th century boxing folklore appeared first on Boxing News.

Galatasaray'a büyük ikramiye! En güzel bayram hediyesi

Galatasaray'a piyango vurdu... menajerler İngiltere'de küme düşen West Ham'ın 44 milyon Euro'luk yıldız adayı Mateus Fernandes'i teklif etti. Londra ekibinin maaş bütçesini düşürme zorunluluğu nedeniyle kiralama formülünün masaya gelmesi, transferde Galatasaray'ın elini güçlendirdi. Taraftara adeta çifte bayram yaşatacak bu dev hamle için süreç başladı.

Galatasaray’da yeni sezonun transfer çalışmaları tüm hızıyla sürerken, 10 numara bölgesi için İngiltere’den sürpriz bir teklif geldi. Menajerler, Premier Lig’den düşen West Ham'ın Portekizli genç yıldızı Mateus Fernandes’i sarı-kırmızılı yönetime önerdi. Finansal olarak küçülmeye gitmek zorunda olan Londra ekibinin bu durumu, sarı-kırmızılılar için tarihi bir fırsat doğurdu.

Galatasaray

44 MİLYON EURO'LUK YILDIZ ADAYI

Mateus, Sporting’den 15 milyon Euro karşılığında Southampton’a transfer olmuş, ardından West Ham oyuncu için tam 44 milyon Euro bonservis bedeli ödemişti.

Premier Lig’de West Ham formasıyla sezonu 3 gol ve 4 asistle tamamlayan 21 yaşındaki maestro, takımının küme düşmesiyle birlikte ayrılık noktasına geldi.

KİRALIK OLARAK KADROYA KATILABİLİR

İngiltere'de alt lige düşen kulüplerin yaşadığı mali kriz ve maaş bütçesi kısıtlamaları, West Ham'ı da vurdu. Maaş skalasını acilen düzenlemek zorunda olan Londra ekibi, Mateus dahil yüksek kazançlı birçok oyuncusunu kiralamaya sıcak bakıyor. Galatasaray yönetimi, bu finansal zorunluluğu lehine çevirerek Portekizli yıldızı kiralık olarak kadrosuna katmak için kolları sıvadı.

İSTATİSTİKLERİ ÇOK ÜST DÜZEYDE

Genç yıldız, Galatasaray'ın ısrarla istediği Bruno Fernandes'in Portekiz futbolundaki veliahdı olarak gösteriliyor. Oyun zekası ve saha içi liderliğiyle büyük benzerlik taşıyan genç oyuncu, sarı-kırmızılı taraftarları heyecanlandıracak cinsten bir profile sahip. Mateus Fernandes, sadece tabelaya yaptığı katkıyla değil, modern futbolun gerektirdiği tüm elit istatistiklerle ön plana çıkıyor.

Galatasaray

İŞTE GALATASARAY'I BAŞTAN ÇIKARAN ÖZELLİKLER

Baskı Altında Kusursuz (%87.5 Pas İsabeti):

En yoğun pres altında bile soğukkanlılığını kaybetmeyen Portekizli, %87.5 pas isabet oranıyla takımını geriden kusursuz çıkarıyor.

Dikine Oyunda Elit:

Topu savunmadan alıp üçüncü bölgeye dikine taşıma istatistiğinde, Premier Lig'in en elit genç oyuncuları arasında yer alıyor.

U21 Kategorisinde Premier Lig'in Zirvesinde:

Sadece yaratıcı bir 10 ya da 8 numara değil; top kapma, pas arası ve sahipsiz top kazanma metriklerinde Premier Lig'deki U21 orta sahalar arasında zirveye oynuyor. Okan Buruk'un çok sevdiği, hem hücumda hem savunmada yoğun prese dayalı çift yönlü oyun yapısına birebir uyum sağlıyor.

Süper Lig'in yeni üyesi Amedspor'dan transfer uyarısı

Süper Lig'in yeni ekiplerinden Amed Sportif Faaliyetler'den transfer görüşmelerinde "yetkisiz kişi" uyarısı geldi.

Amed Sportif Faaliyetler Kulübü, transfer çalışmalarının yalnızca yönetim kurulları tarafından yetkilendirilmiş "transfer komitesi" aracılığıyla yürütüldüğünü ve bu komite dışında herhangi bir kişi veya kuruma transfer görüşmeleri yapma yetkisinin verilmediğini bildirdi.

Kulübün açıklamasında, kulüp adına transfer sürecinde bazı futbolcular ve kulüplerle görüşmeler yapıldığı yönünde bilgilerin kendilerine ulaştığı belirtilerek, şu ifadelere yer verildi:

"Kulübümüzün transfer çalışmaları, yalnızca yönetim kurulumuz tarafından yetkilendirilmiş transfer komitesi aracılığıyla yürütülmektedir. Bu komite dışında herhangi bir kişi veya kuruma transfer görüşmeleri yapma yetkisi verilmemiştir. Bu nedenle, kulübümüz adına yetkisiz kişiler tarafından gerçekleştirilen hiçbir temas, görüşme veya teklifin dikkate alınmaması önemle rica olunur."

Hakan Safi: Başarı parasız olmaz

Fenerbahçe Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi seçim hazırlıklarını sürdürüyor. Safi, son olarak Fener Kongre Üyeleri Platformu ile bir araya geldi.

Fenerbahçe Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi, Fener Kongre Üyeleri Platformu ile bir araya geldi.

Faruk Ilgaz Tesisleri'nde gerçekleştirilen toplantı, yoğun katılıma sahne oldu.

Burada açıklamada bulunan Hakan Safi, "Bugün yaptığımız 2 transfer görüşmesi sanki buraya yansımış. Bize 'yıldız oyuncu alamazsınız' diyorlar, emin olun alacağız. Kulübü finansal fair-play kıskacında bırakanların bugünkü hassasiyeti hepimizi duygulandırıyor. UEFA'nın koyduğu kurallar net ve açık. Bilgi sahibi olmak isteyenler buna ulaşabilirler. Seçim kaybederken 'Fenerbahçe'ye vereceğim bir şey kalmadı' diyen, sonrasında 'bu işi benden başkası yapamaz' diyerek Fenerbahçelilerin zihnini bulandırıyorlar. Şunu da garanti ediyorum. Bizim dönemimizde tribünler kapatılmayacak, kombineler iptal edilmeyecek. Fenerbahçe'nin gerçek sahibi sizlere haksızlık edilmeyecek. 'Şampiyon olmazsanız ne olur' dedikten sonra 'Fenerbahçeli çocuklar ağlıyor' diyenlerden olmayacağız." şeklinde konuştu.

Başarının parasız olamayacağını dile getiren Safi, şöyle devam etti:

"Yıllardır 'transferler kampa yetişecek' dedikten sonra Avrupa'dan elenmeyi bekleyenlerden olmayacağız. Parasız hiç olmaz o işler. O nedenle hodri meydan. El kaldırıyorum, hodri meydan. Seçim er meydanıdır. Kim neyi ne kadar yapacaksa çıksın açıkça söylesin. Böylelikle sandığa gelen Fenerbahçelinin kafasındaki soru işaretleri bitsin. Oy kullanmaya geldiğinizde kafanızda en ufak bir soru işareti bırakmamaya kararlıyız. Bizler sadece ortaya para koymaya değil, akıl koymaya da geliyoruz. Fenerbahçe'mize nasıl kaynak sağlayacağımızı da açık şekilde açıklayacağız. 350 milyon avro olan gelirleri önce 500 milyon, sonra da hep beraber 1 milyar avroya çıkaracağız. Fenerbahçe'mizi el birliğiyle 2050 senesine hep beraber hazırlamalıyız. Bu hedef bizim gelecek kuşaklarımıza da borcumuzdur. Kimse endişelenmesin, Fenerbahçe'mizin bir kaynak problemi yok, biz buradayız. Fenerbahçe'nin problemi kaynaklarını düzgün kullanamamak. Bunu da biz çözeceğiz."

Fenerbahçe'nin yönetimde istikrarı yakalayamadığını vurgulayan Safi, "Biliyorsunuz 12 yıldır şampiyon olamıyoruz ama şuna emin olun ben bunun 13 yıla çıkmasına asla izin vermeyeceğim. Gelecek sezon Fenerbahçe'yi mutlaka ama mutlaka şampiyon yapacağız. Bunun için de aylar öncesinden bu kardeşiniz çalışmaya başladı. İlk adımımız adaylık açıklamasıydı. Şartsız koşulsuz adaylığımızı açıkladık, ardından yönetim kurulunu oluşturduk. Yaptığımız görüşmelerde camiada değişim isteyen güçlü bir Fenerbahçe isteyen onlarca kıymetli Fenerbahçeli kardeşimize dokunduk. Finansal olarak katkı sunmaya hazır, camiaya hakim bir yönetim oluşturduk. Ne istersen iste benden sadece seçim sloganımız değil. Ben Fenerbahçe'ye katkı vermek için hiçbir zaman makam teklif edilmesini beklemedim. Kulübüm ne zaman ihtiyaç duyduysa beklentisiz, şart koşmadan destek vermeye özen gösterdim. Yol arkadaşlarım için de makam hedef olmadı. Hepsi hayatlarının her alanında Fenerbahçe için mücadele eden isimler." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Hakan Safi, herhangi bir taleplerinin olmadığını vurgulayarak, şunları aktardı:

"Biz Fenerbahçe'yi şampiyon yapacağız, bundan hiç kimsenin şüphesi olmasın. Tarihin en iyi kadrolarından birini kurduktan sonra oyuncu grubunu saha dışında da tüm gücümüzle koruyacağız. Fenerbahçe'mizin futbolcusunu, teknik direktörünü kimseye yedirmeyeceğiz. Camia üzerinde kendilerine menfaat devşirenlere nefes aldırmayacağız. Benim olduğum yerde yapıyı ancak ben kurarım. Fenerbahçe'de rahatlık, umursamazlık dönemi 8 haziran sabahı itibarıyla sona erecek. Taraftarının uykusuz kaldığı yerde kimse uyumayacak. Samandıra'ya tam anlamıyla hakim olacağız. Saha içinde ve dışında Fenerbahçe'ye zarar veren kim varsa hemen müdahale edeceğiz. Kararsızlık dönemi artık sona erecek."

Hakan Safi, sözlerini Basketbol Avrupa Ligi (Euroleague) yönetimine şu ifadeleri kullanarak tamamladı:

"Amatör şubelerle ilgili politikalarımız. Mevcut şubeleri korumak ve yeni branşlar açmak en önemli hedeflerimden biridir. Fenerbahçe yarıştığı her branşta zirvede olmalı. Bizlere de bu camiaya yakışan da budur. Elimizden gelen her şeyi yapacağız. Buradan Euroleague yönetimine seslenmek istiyorum. Fenerbahçe, Euroleague'nin ortağıdır. Onlar bize değil, biz onlara ortağız. Oraya değer katan bizleriz. Saha içindeki hakem faciasını gördükten sonra alternatifler oluşuyor. İkincilikler Fenerbahçe'nin kaderi değildir. Bunu hep birlikte yeniden hatırlayacağız."

Borussia Dortmund Salih Özcan'a veda etti

Borussia Dortmund, Salih Özcan için veda mesajı yayımladı.

Almanya Bundesliga ekibi Borussia Dortmund, sözleşmesi sona eren Salih Özcan için veda mesajı yayımladı.

Alman ekibi yaptığı açıklamada "Borussia Dortmund'daki herkes, Salih'e dört yıl boyunca siyah-sarı formayla gösterdiği tutku, özveri ve bağlılık için teşekkür ediyor. Yeni hayatında sana en iyisini diliyoruz, Salih!." ifadelerini kullandı.

28 yaşındaki oyuncu, Borussia Dortmund ile 96 maça çıktı.

Trabzonspor yine 'büyük balık' peşinde! Üç kuruşa geleceğin yıldızı

Scout şefi Eren Mert'in İspanya'da en az 3 maçını tribünden bizzat takip ettiği 18 yaşındaki Thiago Helguera, Trabzonspor'un radarına girdi. Bonservisi Braga'da olan ve Mirandés formasıyla sergilediği pas kalitesi ile top geri kazanma istatistikleriyle parmak ısırtan 2006 doğumlu genç deha için yönetim, 3-4 milyon Euro'luk bir bütçeyle geleceğin multi-milyonluk yıldızını kadroya katmayı planlıyor.

Trabzonspor yeni sezon transfer çalışmalarında TFF'nin 2004 ve sonrası için belirlediği kota çerçevesinde genç yeteneklerin peşinden gidiyor. Bordo-mavililerin, İspanya 2. Lig ekiplerinden Mirandés’te kiralık olarak forma giyen ve bonservisi Portekiz ekibi Braga’da bulunan 2006 doğumlu ön libero Thiago Helguera’yı radarına aldığı ortaya çıktı.

MODERN BİR ÖN LİBERO GÖRÜNÜMÜNDE

Karadeniz fırtınasının scout şefi Eren Mert’in, 18 yaşındaki Uruguaylı oyuncuyu en az 3 maçta stadyumda bizzat canlı gözle takip ettiği bildirildi. Geleceğe yatırım gözüyle bakılan genç ön liberonun transferi için 3-4 milyon Euro civarında bir bonservis bedeliyle el sıkışılabileceği belirtiliyor.

Oyuncunun bu sezon İspanya 2. Ligi'nde sergilediği performans, Trabzonspor için hem potansiyelli bir modern ön libero profilini ortaya koydu.

Trabzonspor

İŞTE POTANSİYEL GÖSTERGELERİ

18 yaşında olmasına rağmen fiziksel direnci yüksek bir ligde maç başına 4 kereden fazla topu takımına kazandırması (4.3 topu geri kazanma, 1.4 top çalma ve 0.7 pas arası), savunma önünde tam bir "çapa" olabileceğini gösteriyor.

Kendi yarı sahasındaki %89'luk pas (rakip yarı sahada %72 isabet) başarısı, baskı altındayken bile topu stoperlerden alıp oyuna temiz sokabildiğini kanıtlıyor.

Avrupa'nın en sert liglerinden (34 maç-25 ilk 11), 2320 dakika süre.birinde 18 yaşında bu kadar düzenli süre bulması, oyuncunun taktik disiplininin yüksek ve sakatlık eğiliminin düşük olduğunun en büyük göstergesi.

BİR KAÇ SEZONA BÜYÜK KAZANÇ

Thiago Helguera, Trabzonspor için hem orta sahadaki defansif direnci ve pas kalitesini artırabilecek hem de birkaç yıl içinde çok yüksek kar marjıyla Avrupa'ya satılabilecek tam bir "scout transferi" potansiyeline sahip.

“Atletiko” Dieqo Simeonenin dövründə ilk dəfə bu aqibəti yaşadı

25 May 2026 at 23:40

“Atletiko” Dieqo Simeonenin baş məşqçiliyi dövründə ilk dəfə olaraq İspaniya La Liqasında bir mövsüm ərzində 70 xaldan az toplayıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Madrid təmsilçisi 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünü 69 xalla dördüncü yerdə tamamlayıb.

Bu nəticə argentinalı mütəxəssisin klubdakı 14 mövsümlük dönəmində ən zəif göstərici kimi qeydə alınıb. Simeonenin rəhbərliyi dövründə bu komanda əvvəlki illərdə daha çox xal toplayıb.

Komandanın ən yaxşı nəticəsi 2013/2014-cü illər mövsümünə təsadüf edib. Həmin vaxt komanda 90 xal toplayaraq 1996-cı ildən sonra ilk dəfə La Liqa çempionluğunu qazanmışdı.

Dieqo Simeone “Atletiko”nu 2011-ci ilin dekabr ayından çalışdırır. Argentinalı mütəxəssisin Madrid klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2027-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

Dieqo Simeone Madrid təmsilçisinin sükanı arxasında 800 oyun keçirib, 470 qələbə, 168 heç-heçə, 162 məğlubiyyət yaşaşıb. Bu oyunlarda “döşəkçilər”in top fərqi 1389:724 nisbətindədir.

Argentinalı mütəxəssis Madrid klubuna 8 qənimət qazandırıb: 2 İspaniya La Liqası (2013/2014, 2020/2021), İspaniya Kral Kuboku (2012/2013), İspaniya Super Kuboku (2013/2014), 2 Avropa Liqası (2011/2012, 2017/2018), 2 UEFA Super Kuboku (2012/2013, 2018/2019). Həmçinin Dieqo Simeone 2015/2016-cı illər mövsümündə dünyanın ən yaxşı məşqçisi seçilib.

Alessio Lişi “Osasuna”dan qovuldu

25 May 2026 at 23:20

Futbol üzrə İspaniya La Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Osasuna” komandasının italiyalı baş məşqçisi Alessio Lişi istefaya göndərilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə İspaniya klubunun rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

40 yaşlı mütəxəssis komandanı 2025-ci ilin yayından çalışdırırdı. “Osasuna” onun rəhbərliyi altında başa çatmış 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünü turnir cədvəlinin 17-ci pilləsində başa vurub və İspaniya çempionatının yüksək Liqasındakı yerini çətinliklə qoruyub. Bu üzdən də rəhbərlik italyan məşqçini postunda saxlamaq istəməyib.

“Osasuna” Lişinin rəhbərliyi altında bütövlükdə 42 oyun keçirib. Komanda bu görüşlərdə 14 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 19 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Xatırladaq ki, Alessio Lişi daha əvvəl İspaniyanın “Mirandes” və “Levante” klublarının da əsas komandalarında baş məşqçi kimi çalışıb.

Report Iraola targeted by Milan last week, Emery also on wish list

25 May 2026 at 23:51

Sky Sport Italia claim Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola spoke to Milan over a week ago, so long before they missed out on the Champions League and sacked Max Allegri, with Unai Emery of Aston Villa also on the list.

Multiple sources in Italy and England have said today that Iraola is the top name to take over at San Siro next season, having already declared that he would leave Bournemouth for a new adventure after securing Europa League qualification.

Iraola first on Milan list

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at the City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at the City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

It comes after the Rossoneri sacked coach Allegri, director of sport Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada in one fell swoop.

That was a result of failing to qualify for the Champions League, but Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio now suggests contact with Iraola was already started last week.

This means Milan were making plans to remove Allegri even if he had taken them to the top four finish in Serie A.

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While Iraola is the hot favourite and first choice for RedBird patron Gerry Cardinale, he is not the only name on the list.

Xavi was already mentioned, despite being out of work for two years since leaving Barcelona, but also included according to Sky Sport Italia are Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, ex-Juventus coach Thiago Motta, and Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano.

Emery is fresh from winning the Europa League yet again, this time on the bench of Aston Villa, while Italiano is linked with Napoli.

Como celebrate Champions League triumph with open top bus parade

25 May 2026 at 23:37

Como and coach Cesc Fabregas are enjoying an open top bus parade through the city streets after securing Champions League qualification for the first time.

They went into the final round of the season in joint sixth place with Juventus, two points behind Milan and Roma.

However, their 4-1 victory away to Cremonese and the simultaneous Milan 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari saw the situation turned around to snatch fourth place.

Huge achievement for Como

CREMONA, ITALY - MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The Lariani were in Serie B two years ago and had never even qualified for European football before, let alone the Champions League.

Mister @cesc4official 👏 pic.twitter.com/YXE9nHm8vi

—  (@1907) May 25, 2026

They set out from the Stadio Sinigaglia to salute the crowds in an open top bus parade and are showing clips from the event on their social media channels.

This season there was plenty to celebrate, as the club also made it to the Coppa Italia semi-final for the first time in their history, losing to eventual trophy victors Inter.

They notched up 20 victories, 11 draws and seven defeats, scoring 65 goals and conceding 29.

Only title winners Inter managed to find the net more times this season on 89.

Next term they will be in the biggest club competition in world football and their fans are looking forward to welcoming the greatest stars to the Stadio Sinigaglia.

And we go 🚎⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/ZZqdCf4XVD

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) May 25, 2026

……THE CHAMPIOOOOONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/QXAttgH7hX

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) May 25, 2026

‘Done Deal’: Sky Sports man drops exciting Liverpool transfer update as first summer signing all but done

25 May 2026 at 23:58

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has shared an update confirming that Samuel Martinez to Liverpool is a done deal, with the teenager set to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Anfield.

The widely respected Sky Sports Germany reporter took to X to deliver the update, revealing that the next steps in the process involve Martinez, who was also scouted by Chelsea, is to complete the visa process before travelling to England for his medical examinations.

Once those formalities are concluded, the young prospect will sign a five-year contract with the Reds, tying him to the club for the long term.

Samuel Martinez in action for Colombia
(Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Plettenberg also shed light on the pathway Liverpool have mapped out for the teenager.

The plan is for Martinez to integrate into the first-team pre-season setup from the summer of 2027 onwards.

In the immediate term, his debut season in England is expected to be split between Liverpool’s Under-21 side and the UEFA Youth League, giving him valuable exposure to competitive football at a high level while he continues his development.

??? Samuel Martínez to Liverpool is a done deal, as reported. Next steps: visa process and trip to England for medical examinations. Afterwards, he will sign a five-year contract. #LFC

The general plan – depending on wildcard regulations – is for him to join first-team… pic.twitter.com/oiR1479pib

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 25, 2026

The move signals Liverpool’s continued commitment to identifying and securing elite young talent from across Europe before rival clubs can act.

Liverpool begin summer work with pursuit of two emerging talents

Samuel Martinez in action for Colombia U17
(Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

The capture of Martinez forms part of what appears to be a busy summer of recruitment for Liverpool, who have already been active in the market for emerging talent.

The Reds appear to have all but concluded the deal for Samuel Martinez and are also reportedly interested in 16-year-old wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn.

As per Plettenberg, concrete talks have taken place between Liverpool and Hertha BSC.

The pursuit of two emerging stars shows that the club are looking to bolster both their first-team pipeline and their academy infrastructure ahead of the new season.

 

The post ‘Done Deal’: Sky Sports man drops exciting Liverpool transfer update as first summer signing all but done appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bitcoin quantum proof by 2029? Stanford cryptographer warns against rushed transition

26 May 2026 at 01:00
Stanford cryptographer Dan Boneh says Bitcoin should prepare for quantum risk now, but warns a rushed post quantum migration could cause worse failures than the threat itself. Bitcoin’s post quantum transition debate is escalating after Isabel Foxen Duke highlighted a…

CoinQuant trading launches unified AI agent architecture

25 May 2026 at 23:55
CoinQuant trading platform has expanded its architecture to serve both human traders and autonomous AI agents. CoinQuant announced the expansion of its no-code trading platform into a unified trading intelligence architecture serving both human traders and autonomous AI agents. The…

Prometheum says $24B tokenized securities lack distribution

25 May 2026 at 23:30
Prometheum has launched new infrastructure allowing broker-dealers and RIAs to offer tokenized securities through traditional brokerage accounts. Prometheum launched new infrastructure on May 25 allowing broker-dealers and registered investment advisers to offer tokenized securities and crypto assets through traditional brokerage…

Rio Ngumoha&#8217;s rise at Liverpool has been historic and it&#8217;s only just beginning

Rio Ngumoha’s rise at Liverpool has been historic and it’s only just beginning
Rio Ngumoha’s rise at Liverpool has been historic and it’s only just beginning

Rio Ngumoha England Call Underlines Liverpool Breakthrough Season

Rio Ngumoha’s rise at Liverpool has moved quickly enough to make even a place in England’s pre World Cup training camp feel logical rather than premature. The 17-year-old forward has been selected as one of the additional young players to join Thomas Tuchel’s group in Palm Beach, with England preparing for friendlies against New Zealand on 6 June and Costa Rica on 10 June before their World Cup opener against Croatia on 17 June.

For Liverpool, it is another marker in what has become a brilliant debut first team season for Ngumoha. 29 appearances and three goal involvements in 2025/26, while also becoming Liverpool’s youngest player in European competition, signed his first professional contract, made his first Premier League start, and became the club’s youngest Premier League scorer at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Ngumoha earns England experience

Thomas Tuchel explained the decision to take Ngumoha and other young players by saying England wanted to “keep the squad in the size that we need” and manage “the minutes and the load of the players.” 

That matters because this is not a ceremonial nod. Ngumoha is being brought into a senior international environment before a World Cup, around elite players, under a manager preparing for tournament football. For a 17-year-old, that is valuable exposure.

Liverpool know the talent is real

On Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Dave Davis and David Lynch did not spend long on Ngumoha, but the references were revealing. When discussing Liverpool’s attacking issues, Lynch said the team had looked “a little bit short of cutting edge” and noted, “Rio is not ready to play every game.”

That line should not be read as criticism. It is closer to a reminder of scale. Liverpool may have a serious young forward, but he remains 17. The club still need senior attacking solutions around him.

Later, Davis brought up Ngumoha’s appearance against Brentford, saying he thought it was “a good little cameo” and that “you saw his qualities.” Lynch agreed, “Yeah, really good little player really.”

Careful development remains crucial

The strongest part of Lynch’s assessment was about opportunity. He said, “I just think it’s a shame Liverpool season’s been so poor because I think there would have been more minutes for him.” He pointed to potential chances in cup competitions, adding that if Liverpool had been competing more strongly, Ngumoha “probably could have got involved in those games a bit more.”

That is the balance Liverpool must strike. Ngumoha’s England involvement confirms his standing, but his development still needs care. Lynch put it plainly, “there’s real talent there,” while adding that “it’s not been a season where he’s unfortunately got enough minutes.”

Brilliant season, bigger stage

Ngumoha’s call into England’s pre World Cup training camp does not make him part of the final 26 man squad, but it does make him part of the preparation picture. It also reflects how quickly his reputation has grown.

For Liverpool, the message is encouraging. They have a 17-year-old forward already trusted in first team moments, recognised by England, and praised on Anfield Index as a “really good little player”. The next step is not hype. It is smart management.

As Lynch said, Liverpool fans “would like to see more of him”, but the club have to decide whether he is ready for more minutes now or whether his pathway needs another carefully chosen step. Either way, Ngumoha’s debut season has already put him firmly into the conversation.

Fabulous photos of WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins has been a basketball star since arriving at Notre Dame in 2009. The 5-foot-9 guard was an All-American for the Fighting Irish, and two-time Big East Player of the Year. She was the third overall pick in the first round of the 2013 WNBA draft and has had a great career in the league. She currently is on the Chicago Sky, her fourth WNBA team. She actually began as a member of the Tulsa Shock before they relocated and became the Dallas Wings. Diggins is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and four-time All-WNBA first team selection. In her WNBA career, she has averaged better than 16 points and five rebounds per game.

Skylar Diggins has been a basketball star since arriving at Notre Dame in 2009. The 5-foot-9 guard was an All-American for the Fighting Irish, and two-time Big East Player of the Year.

She was the third overall pick in the first round of the 2013 WNBA draft and has had a great career in the league. She currently is on the Chicago Sky, her fourth WNBA team. She actually began as a member of the Tulsa Shock before they relocated and became the Dallas Wings.

Diggins is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and four-time All-WNBA first team selection. In her WNBA career, she has averaged better than 16 points and five rebounds per game.

Skylar Diggins

Professional basketball player Skylar Diggins backstage at the Richard Chai LOVE & Men's fashion show.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins attends a tribute to Nick Cannon benefiting St. Mary's Healthcare System For Children at Hard Rock Cafe.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Tulsa Shock at Roc city classic: Flatiron District.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins attends State Farm All-Star Saturday Night - NBA All-Star Weekend 2015.

Skylar Diggins

WNBA athlete Skylar Diggins attends Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins (R) prepares backstage at The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2016.

Skylar Diggins

WNBA player Skylar Diggins-Smith attends Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2017.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins attends the 31st FN Achievement Awards at IAC Headquarters.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggin of the United States looks on during USA Women's National Team Winter Tour 2020 game between the United States and the UConn Huskies.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Phoenix Mercury.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Phoenix Mercury wears Puma sneakers as she warms up before Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Digginsof the Phoenix Mercury reacts during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins attends the 2022 ESPYs.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Seattle Storm reacts after beating the Minnesota Lynx 91-63 at Climate Pledge Arena on July 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Seattle Storm.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Seattle Storm arrives prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Skylar Diggins

A detail of Skylar Diggins #4 of the Seattle Storm shoes against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on July 24, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Seattle Storm dribbles against the Chicago Sky.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins of the Seattle Storm looks on before the game against the New York Liberty.

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Skylar Diggins

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) goes to the basket against the Atlanta Dream.

Skylar Diggins

Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) chases the ball during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.

Skylar Diggins

Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith speaks to the media.

Skylar Diggins

Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins (4) waits to be introduced before the game against the Syracuse Orange.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Skylar Diggins of WNBA Chicago Sky

Fantasy Rookie Profile: Eli Stowers in redraft leagues

We are diving into some fantasy football content this offseason as we look to bring in all sorts of football fans to Bucs Wire. It is arguably the most popular game that is around football, so not dipping our toes into the proverbial pool wouldn't make sense.

What we will start with is some rookie profiles, and where they fit into the landscape of the team they were drafted by. Next up, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Eli Stowers.

Depth Chart Situation

  • Dallas Goedert
  • Eli Stowers

Skill Players Around Him

  • Dallas Goedert, Tight End
  • Saquon Barkley, Running Back
  • Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver
  • A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver*

*A.J. Brown may be traded this offseason

2026 Stat Projections

Stat projections are done by ESPN's Mike Clay

  • 14 Receptions
  • 143 Receiving Yards
  • 1 Touchdown
  • 38 Fantasy Points

Reason to Believe in Eli Stowers in 2026: Redzone offense

There is not much of a chance for Stowers to emerge as a reliable fantasy option, but the redzone could help him. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles get creative the closer they get to the redzone and perhaps that allows for Stowers to emerge as a potential playmaker for them inside the 20.

2026 Outlook

Eli Stowers can be avoided in redraft leagues in 2026, not much to dive into here. He could become a big piece of the offense in 2027 since Dallas Goedert could be gone next year, and that is where his fantasy value lies

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Fantasy Rookie Profile on Eagles TE Eli Stowers

Brewers&#39; Misiorowski sets record with 57 100 mph pitches in game since tracking era started in 2008

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski threw 57 pitches of at least 100 mph — the most in a single game since pitch tracking began in 2008 — while getting 12 strikeouts to match his career high Monday in a 5-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The previous record for 100-mph pitches in a single game was 47 by Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene against St. Louis on Sept. 17, 2022.

Misiorowski (5-2) allowed two hits and one walk in his seven-inning stint. He improved his ERA to 1.83.

The 24-year-old right-hander reached 101 mph on 40 of his 96 pitches. He got to 102 mph on 22 pitches and had nine of at least 103. His top velocity was 103.4 mph, which he reached three times.

Nine of his strikeouts came on pitches that reached 100 mph, tying the single-game record that Greene set in that 2022 game against St. Louis.

Misiorowski started the game by walking JJ Wetherholt on a 3-2 pitch inside, but the Cardinals didn't get another runner on base until Pedro Pagés hit a bloop single to lead off the sixth. The Cardinals got a run later in the sixth to end Misiorowski’s streak of consecutive scoreless innings at 29 1/3.

Teddy Higuera owns the Brewers franchise record with 32 straight scoreless innings in 1987. Misiorowski entered Monday having not allowed any runs in his past four starts.

___

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

White Sox prospect Rikuu Nishida dazzles with outfield assist, draws multiple standing ovations as Chicago debuts another impressive rookie

After years of misery, the Chicago White Sox are turning the corner in 2026, thanks in part to rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami.

On Monday, they debuted another rookie who looked very much like a difference maker in his first MLB game.

The White Sox called up utility player Rikuu Nishida to face the Minnesota Twins. A capable outfielder who prefers to play second base, he made his debut in right field. He looks like he’s got the goods to play there full time.

Nishida draws standing ovation in second inning of MLB debut

In the second inning, with runners on first and second and two outs, Twins catcher Alex Jackson hit a line drive to right field that looked destined to break a 1-1 tie. But Mushida charged the bouncing ball from his position deep in the outfield, scooped it up and fired a laser to home plate as Orlando Arcia rounded third. Arcia didn’t stand a chance.

Mushida’s throw reached home long before Arcia, and Arcia couldn’t dance around catcher Drew Romo’s tag for an inning-ending and run-saving out.

Rikuu Nishida had his arm tested early in his debut …

And he threw a perfect strike 🎯 pic.twitter.com/mXLtABXEIJ

— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2026

This drew a worthy standing ovation from the South Side Chicago crowd. It wasn’t his last of the day.

In the bottom of the fourth, Nishida hit a chopper over the middle of the infield that got through to the shallow outfield grass. Nishida legged out a base hit and thought about taking a shot at second before settling on a single.

major-league debut: ✅
1st career hit: ✅ pic.twitter.com/idvUUPpvjz

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 25, 2026

This again drew White Sox fans to their feet.

The White Sox held on for a 3-1 win to improve to 27-26. Nishida finished 1 for 3 at the plate in addition to his outfield assist that shut down a potential Twins scoring rally in the second.

Nishida isn’t Chicago’s highest-rated prospect. In fact, he doesn’t rank in MLB.com’s top 30 White Sox prospects. But he is one of their most intriguing. And he offers a versatile skillset that can make him a valuable player at the major league level.

Hitting, speed, defensive versatility

As established, Nishida is a versatile defender. He’s also a patient contact hitter with speed who gets on base. Nishida slashed .323/.449/.384 with 43 runs scored, 12 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 44 minor league games this season before being called up.

He lacks power with two home runs in 306 total minor league games. But he has 110 stolen bases in those games and more walks (201) than strikeouts (174).

“He’s one of the best baseball players that we have in our organization,” White Sox director of player development Paul Janish told reporters of Nishida on Saturday. “He is contagious in the best way.

“The players around him get better. The teams that he is on win.”

Murakami passes Aaron Judge

As for Chicago’s established standout rookie? Murakami hit a solo home run to get the scoring started in the first inning.

Mune knew.
We knew.
Everyone knew. pic.twitter.com/UAjSNPiXV3

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 25, 2026

The blast was Murakami’s 18th of the season, moving him ahead of Aaron Judge for the American League lead.

Misiorowski sparkles and Yelich homers in Brewers&#39; 5-1 victory over Cardinals

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jacob Misiorowski matched a career high with 12 strikeouts and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Monday.

Christian Yelich hit a two-run homer and Andrew Vaughn went 3 for 4 as the Brewers extended their NL Central lead over St. Louis to 2 1/2 games.

Misiorowski (5-2) threw 57 pitches of at least 100 mph, which represented the most in a single game since pitch tracking began in 2008. The previous record for 100-mph pitches in a single game was 47 by Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene against St. Louis on Sept. 17, 2022.

He reached a top velocity of 103.4 mph while allowing one run, two hits and one walk in seven innings. His ERA improved to 1.83.

Misiorowski started the game by walking JJ Wetherholt, but the Cardinals wouldn’t get another runner on base until Pedro Pagés hit a bloop single to lead off the sixth. The Cardinals got a run later in the sixth to end Misiorowski’s streak of consecutive scoreless innings at 29 1/3.

Teddy Higuera owns the Brewers record with 32 straight scoreless innings in 1987.

Milwaukee took the lead for good by scoring three runs in the first inning off Matthew Liberatore, who entered the day with a 1.26 ERA in four career starts against the Brewers.

Jackson Chourio drew a leadoff walk, stole second and scored on a single to left by William Contreras. Yelich followed that by sending a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left-center, an opposite-field shot that traveled 381 feet.

The Brewers wouldn’t do any more damage against Liberatore (2-3), who had a career-high 10 strikeouts in five innings.

Milwaukee added single runs in the seventh and eighth inning against Brycen Mautz, who was making his major league debut. Garrett Mitchell had an RBI single in the sixth and Vaughn doubled home a run in the seventh.

Up next

Michael McGreevy (3-3, 2.40 ERA) starts for the Cardinals and Kyle Harrison (5-1, 1.77) pitches for the Brewers on Tuesday night.

___

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

Jaylen Brown’s All-NBA result raises questions after carrying Celtics to No. 2 seed

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown’s All-NBA result raises questions after carrying Celtics to No. 2 seed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the Boston Celtics had an abrupt end to their 2025-26 season, they surprised everyone with how well they did. 

Losing Jayson Tatum last season to an Achilles tear, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and losing Al Horford and Luke Kornet to free agency really had people thinking this would be a gap year for Boston.

Instead, the C’s other superstar Jaylen Brown put the team on his back and carried Boston to the second seed. And how was he rewarded by his efforts by the NBA? He was put on the All-NBA second team.

Brown truly balled out this season 

Jaylen Brown

Imagn Images

Brown finished the year as the Celtics top scorer, with averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and one steal in 34.4 minutes per game. 

Even with Tatum back, he still was the number one option this year. He was the sole reason their seed was as high as it was upon Tatum’s return, who only helped solidify it. However, even with all that, it seems the voters didn’t think Brown had done enough.

Some players ahead of him are debatable

Cade Cunningham Luka Doncic

© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, DPOY Victor Wembanyama, and All-Stars in Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham made up the first team All-NBA. 

Those first three names make sense; they are arguably the three best players in the NBA. However, Doncic and Cunningham are debatable. Both players had the rules bent for them, as they were able to bypass the 65-game minimum rule due to complications. 

Even critics are calling it out

Jaylen Brown Jayson Tatum

© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Some critics are definitely not OK with the results as well. Skip Bayless called out the NBA for giving first team to Doncic over Brown, as he believed Brown did more for his team on both sides of the floor. 

It was also pointed out that Brown and Doncic were the only two players in the NBA to average at least 28/6/5 this season, which adds more doubt to Cunningham’s case as well.

In the end, there’s not much Brown can do. If the voters feel he wasn’t first team, he doesn’t get the accolade. However, fans will always know how much he did for Boston this season, and hopefully that’s enough for him.

MORE NBA CONTENT

Boston Celtics could make shocking Derrick White decision despite latest defensive honor

Celtics trade rumors intensify as media debates Jaylen Brown’s future in Boston

Celtics may finally make all-in move for Giannis after playoff disappointment

French Open - schedule, seedings and how to follow

Coco Gauff of United States with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy
Coco Gauff came from a set down to win the 2025 French Open title [Getty Images]

The second Grand Slam of the year is under way, with players in Paris for the French Open.

Top seeds Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are searching for their first Roland Garros title, while Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek will be hoping to add another crown to their collections.

There will be comprehensive coverage of the tournament across the BBC - here is all you need to know.

When is the French Open 2026?

The clay-court Grand Slam started on Sunday, 24 May at Roland Garros and finishes on Sunday, 7 June.

The women's singles final takes place on Saturday, 6 June, with the men's final concluding the tournament a day later.

Qualifying, where players must win three matches to reach the main draw, began on Monday, 18 May.

How to follow the French Open on the BBC

There will be daily live text commentaries of key matches on the BBC Sport website and app, while there will be a daily podcast recapping the biggest stories on BBC Sounds.

5 Live Sport has daily coverage and commentary live from Court Philippe-Chatrier across Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller will be joined Katie Smith, Abigail Johnson David Law and Gigi Salmon, with analysis from Annabel Croft, Pat Cash, Daniela Hantuchova, Naomi Broady, Ryan Harrison and Leon Smith.

Commentary of the day sessions will take place from 13:00 BST and 19:30 for the night sessions.

Who won the French Open in 2025?

Carlos Alcaraz with the men's Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy in 2025
Carlos Alcaraz has won the past two French Open men's singles titles [Getty Images]

Carlos Alcaraz won his second French Open title last year after coming from two sets down - and saving three championship points - to beat Sinner in a thrilling men's singles final.

Coco Gauff, meanwhile, fought back to defeat world number one Sabalenka in the women's singles final to win her first French Open title and second singles major.

Is Carlos Alcaraz playing?

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz will not defend his French Open crown this year because of a wrist injury he sustained at the Barcelona Open.

Alcaraz will also miss next month's Wimbledon.

The Spaniard, who recently lost his world number one ranking to Sinner, completed the career Grand Slam when he won the Australian Open in January.

Who were the in-form players heading into Roland Garros?

With Alcaraz absent, top seed Sinner could secure his own career Grand Slam - winning each of the major tournaments at least once - with the French Open the only one missing from his collection.

The Italian has been in top form, having won the past six ATP Masters 1000 titles - including three consecutive clay-court events at Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.

In doing so, he became just the second man, after Novak Djokovic, to complete the full set of nine Masters titles - known as the 'career Golden Masters'.

Djokovic has won three French Open titles but the 39-year-old had not played many matches this year and suffered an early exit at the Italian Open in his only clay-court appearance this season, prior to his first-round win at Roland Garros.

While Sinner is the red-hot favourite in the men's draw, picking a women's singles winner is harder to predict.

Reigning champion Gauff reached the final of the Italian Open, where she was defeated by Elina Svitolina, but her form has been inconsistent in 2026.

Barring an injury worry, top seed Sabalenka should be in contention, along with Swiatek - a four-time winner at Roland Garros - and Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina.

Which Britons are in the main draw?

Cameron Norrie is the only Briton who is seeded at Roland Garros, while 122nd-ranked Jacob Fearnley also had direct entry into the men's main draw.

Jack Draper - the only other British man in the world's top 100 - is missing the tournament because of an ongoing knee injury.

Toby Samuel made it through qualifying but lost in straight sets to eighth seed Alex de Minaur in round one.

Emma Raducanu was beaten in the first round on Sunday, but Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones are through to round two having also received direct entry to the main draw in the women's singles.

Sonay Kartal is out with injury.

What is the prize money?

The total prize money for the French Open is 61.7m euros (£53.7m), with the men's and women's singles champions set to take home 2.8m euros (£2.4m) each.

There is an ongoing dispute over prize money in tennis, with the men's and women's top-10 players demanding a higher percentage of the revenue generated by the four majors.

French Open 2026 draw

The draw for this year's tournament took place on Thursday, 21 May.

French Open 2026 schedule

24-26 May: Men's and women's singles first round

26 May: Men's and women's doubles begins

27-28 May: Men's and women's singles second round

27 May: Mixed doubles begins

29-30 May: Men's and women's singles third round

31 May-1 June: Men's and women's singles fourth round

2-3 June: Men's and women's quarter-finals

2 June: Wheelchair tournament begins

4 June: Women's singles semi-finals

5 June: Men's singles semi-finals

6 June: Women's singles final

7 June: Men's singles final

GB&#39;s Boulter scrapes into French Open second round

Katie Boulter celebrates winning a point
Monday's victory was only Katie Boulter's second match win at Roland Garros [Getty Images]

Great Britain's Katie Boulter avoided an early slip-up at the French Open as she ground out a gruelling first-round win over American wildcard Akasha Urhobo.

Playing on clay has never come easy for Boulter, who only won her first WTA Tour-level match on the surface last year - at the age of 28.

But she booked her place in the second round at Roland Garros for just the second time with a scrappy 6-4 4-6 6-4 win over 19-year-old Urhobo, who was making her debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam.

Boulter's reward is a second-round encounter with Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova.

Earlier on Monday, Boulter's Australian fiance Alex de Minaur ended Toby Samuel's breakthrough run after the Briton came through three rounds of qualifying in Paris.

Ranked 114 places higher than Urhobo, Boulter was the favourite on paper - but limited exposure to clay has sometimes meant she has struggled against lower-ranked opposition on the surface.

However, Boulter told BBC Sport earlier this month that she was embracing the challenge of playing on the red dirt more each year.

"There have been times in the past where I feel like I have had to try to convince myself that I like the clay, whereas at the moment I genuinely believe that I can play great on it," she said.

The 29-year-old endured a difficult 2025, dropping from 24th in the world to outside the top 100, and she lost her British number one ranking amid injury issues.

Searching for a fresh start, she split from her long-time coach Biljana Veselinovic and appointed Michael Joyce - the former coach of Maria Sharapova - in early 2026.

After a first-round exit in January's Australian Open, Boulter returned to the world's top 100 with a WTA 250 title in Ostrava and a run to the third round in Miami.

But her form remained inconsistent and she had won just three WTA Tour-level singles matches from four clay tournaments in the build-up to the Paris major.

Unforced errors flew freely from both players' racquets and the pair twice traded breaks in the opening set before Boulter served it out at the second time of asking.

Back-to-back double faults from Boulter put Urhobo on the front foot early in the second, and although Boulter levelled the scores mid-set, the Florida-born player restored her advantage immediately and forced the decider.

Both players raised their level in the third and the quality improved somewhat as Boulter stamped her authority on the contest with a break in the fourth game.

Once again, the Briton failed to serve out the set and she eventually grabbed the win - after two hours and 10 minutes - by breaking Urhobo's serve for a sixth time.

Ultimately, 58 unforced errors to Boulter's 35 proved too costly for rising star Urhobo, who broke into the top 200 for the first time earlier this year.

Speaking after the match, Boulter said she was not quite physically at 100% during her first-round contest, adding: "I think it's just been cumulative over the last few weeks, maybe playing with a bit of an illness.

"I really expected to feel a bit better today walking on the court, but I wasn't fully there. Whether it was just a little bit of the conditions, a little bit of the last few weeks, I haven't quite got enough rest, I'm not entirely sure.

"In the last couple of days I've been pretty tired going on the practice courts. My goal was just to go out and not overthink it, just try to play, almost forget that I wasn't feeling amazing and try to do the best I could."

'More than I ever wanted' - Samuel's dream run comes to an end

Samuel, 23, dropped to almost 2,000 in the world rankings after missing much of the 2024 season with bruising in his right arm.

But he has climbed more places than anyone else on the men's tour over the past year, rising to 159th amid a run of titles on the ATP Challenger Tour - the second tier of men's professional tennis.

Contesting the biggest match of his career on Monday, Samuel produced an encouraging display despite a 6-4 6-4 6-2 against seven-time major quarter-finalist De Minaur - the first top-100 player he has ever faced.

"The week has been more than I could ever hope for," Samuel told BBC Sport. "To be in the main draw is more than I could have ever wanted."

On now aiming for a wildcard to play at Wimbledon, he added: "I'm just taking it one week at a time, trying to do my best and put myself in the best position to get a wildcard."

Max Muncy Playing Catch on the Field Following Injury Concern

May 18, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) tosses his bat after striking out during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy played catch on the field Monday after missing consecutive games with a wrist injury.

Max Muncy testing out the right wrist that has kept him out of the last two games and likely tonight. #Dodgerspic.twitter.com/tFt5H98Tvz

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 25, 2026

Muncy took a 96 mph sinker off of his right wrist in the eighth inning of Friday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, and left the game despite his best efforts to stay in. After the incident, manager Dave Roberts was optimistic about Muncy’s chances to avoid a stint on the injured list.

The veteran third baseman sat out of the lineup for the final two games of the series and will miss Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies as well, but seeing him active on the field is a good sign for the Dodgers.

Muncy has been one of the Dodgers’ most productive bats through the first couple of months of the season, hitting 12 homers and driving in 19 runs while posting an .878 OPS. He has a 148 OPS+, which would rank as the second-highest mark of his career if he continued at this pace.

May 18, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) tosses his bat after striking out during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
May 18, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) tosses his bat after striking out during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Who Will Play Instead of Max Muncy?

After Muncy went to the sidelines, Santiago Espinal filled in for him for the remainder of Friday’s game and all of Saturdays’s win, while Miguel Rojas handled the hot corner in the series finale. The Dodgers designated Espinal for assignment ahead of Monday’s series opener to make room on the active roster for Kiké Hernandez, who is now the most likely suitor to take over the position for the time being.

Manager Dave Roberts stated Hernandez would feature in Monday’s game, and he will look to get off to a good start to the season against the Rockies. Hernandez has been an important role player for the Dodgers since his return to LA in 2023, and will look to build off of his solid postseason run last year.

After a .621 OPS regular season, Hernandez did what he does best in the postseason and posted an OPS just shy of .800 through the Dodgers’ first three series.

The Dodgers will hope Hernandez can start hot as Muncy continues to progress as they look to extend their 1.5-game lead at the top of the NL West. Their first game against the Rockies comes Monday at 6:10 p.m. PT.

Does Max Muncy’s injury still concern you?

Henry Davis lifts Pirates to win over Cubs with late homer

This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.

Henry Davis’ solo home run in the seventh inning lifted the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Memorial Day at PNC Park.

Scoring Plays

Bottom 3rd, 1-0 PIT: Spencer Horwitz drew a leadoff walk against Ben Brown and Brandon Lowe followed with an RBI double off the center field wall just out of reach of the leaping Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Top 5th, 1-1: Michael Busch hit a solo home run off Carmen Mlodzinski to center. Busch’s sixth home run, which came on a 2-1 sinker left up in the zone, traveled 409 feet.

Click here to read more on PGHBaseballNOW.

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Dylan Cease To IL

May 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Well, that stuff about Dylan Cease making his next start? Not so much.

The team has put him on the IL.

“It doesn’t look too terrible, knock on wood. Just trying to be smart and not have it get worse. Don’t know the exact timeline yet, hoping it’s a minimal stay.”

The team hasn’t said who is coming to take his roster spot, but likely a reliever for now and then a starting pitcher when it is Cease’s turn in the rotation again.

And Vlad isn’t in tonight’s lineup. They say he is available off the bench, but I have my doubts.

Tonight’s lineup:

Today’s Lineups

MARLINSBLUE JAYS
Xavier Edwards – 2BGeorge Springer – DH
Liam Hicks – 1BNathan Lukes – CF
Otto Lopez – SSYohendrick Pinango – LF
Kyle Stowers – DHKazuma Okamoto – 3B
Jakob Marsee – CFJesus Sanchez – RF
Javier Sanoja – 3BErnie Clement – 2B
Owen Caissie – RFAndres Gimenez – SS
Joe Mack – CBrandon Valenzuela – C
Esteury Ruiz – LFLenyn Sosa – 1B
Janson Junk – RHPTrey Yesavage – RHP

Exclusive: In a first, BCCI appoints three women&#39;s coaches at CoE

MUMBAI: For probably the first time in its history, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed a batch of three specialist women's coaches at its Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Former India cricketers Nooshin Al Khadeer (bowling coach), Sunetra Paranjpe (batting coach) and Vellaswamy Ramu Vanitha (fielding coach) have all been appointed as the batting, bowling and fielding coaches at CoE.

Former India batting great VVS Laxman is the Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.


Many former cricketers have been appointed as coaches at BCCI's CoE, but this is the first time that a batch of ex-India women's cricketers have been recruited as specialist coaches for women's cricket at the world-class facility, which was known as national cricket Academy earlier.

Nooshin, who was an off-spinner, appeared in five Women's Tests (took 14 wickets@26.64), 78 WODIs (100 wickets@24.02) and two T20WIs (one wicket @41.00) for India from 2002 to 2012. She was the head coach of the victorious India Under-19 Women's teams in the 2023 and 2025 U-19 Women's T20 World Cups.

Paranjpe, an ex-India allrounder, played three Women's Tests and 28 WODIs from 2002-07. She has been the head coach of the Mumbai women's team for the last three seasons (Mumbai clinched Women’s domestic T20 titles in black-to back seasons in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 during her tenure), and has been the head coach of Baroda for three seasons before that. Vanitha ‘VR’, a former batter, played six ODIs and 16 T20Is between 2014-16.

Hailing the BCCI's decision to appoint three former India cricketers at CoE as coaches for the first time, former India women's team captain Diana Edulji told TOI, "It's a good step by the BCCI. It shows how much women's cricket has grown in India, and that the BCCI is taking it very seriously. It's another good development for Indian women's cricket after our team's maiden title triumph in the Women's World Cup last year. This trio will enable us to build the bench strength of women's cricket in the future, since these coaches are likely to go with India A, the Emerging women's team and India Under-19 tours."

The BCCI has also hired three fast-bowling coaches-former India pacers Lakshmipathy Balaji and former first-class pacer P Krishna Kumar, at CoE. Former Karnataka batter Yere Goud has been hired as the batting coach, Former Rajasthan wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik has taken over as a fielding coach at the CoE.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s cricket team is currently in England for an almost two-month long England tour, which also includes the historic one-off Women's Test at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground between India and England, which will be played from July 10-13. The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup will start on June 12, with England playing Sri Lanka at Birmingham on the opening night. India will launch their campaign against traditional arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 at Birmingham. Placed in Group A, India will face Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia in the group stage.

The India women's team will play a T20 warm-up match, Team India vs ECB Development XI at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground in Chelmsford on Monday, and will train under lights at the same venue on Tuesday.

JKCA's Rajesh Dhar is manager of Indian men's team for Afghanistan series
In possibly another first, Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association's Rajesh Dhar has been appointed by the BCCI as the manager for the short home series, comprising a one-off Test at New Chandigarh, and three ODIs in June.

Diamondbacks must trade for one position to &#39;have a shot&#39; at playoffs, per MLB insider

Diamondbacks must trade for one position to 'have a shot' at playoffs, per MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

So far during the 2026 MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been a solid team with a 28-24 record. They're 4.5 games back in the NL West, and currently own the third and final Wild Card spot.

But, while the Diamondbacks are in decent shape in the playoff hunt right now, there is still some concern about whether this team will actually be able to stay in contention the rest of the season.

According to USA Today's MLB insider, Bob Nightengale, there is one position that the D-Backs should look to add to "have a shot" at returning to the postseason. That position? Relievers.

MLB insider reveals what Diamondbacks need to trade for at deadline

"Their bullpen is still unstable, and if they're going to have a shot at the playoffs, they'll need to add veteran relievers at the deadline," Nightengale writes.

This is not a surprise for the Diamondbacks. The offense does have room for improvement, and the starting rotation isn't ideal either. But, in the bullpen, there is some concern.

Paul Seawald has a 3.72 ERA this season in 22 games, while Ryan Thompson has a 3.12 ERA, and Brandon Pfaadt has a 5.60 ERA this season so far.

Brandyn Garcia, Kevin Ginkel, Juan Morillo, and Taylor Clarke have actually been fairly strong for the D-Backs this season, but there is still room for improvement.

MOREDodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem

Namely, if the Diamondbacks could go out and add someone like Aroldis Chapman to get a true dominant closer, their bullpen could take the next step to becoming a strength.

This isn't terrible until right now, but if the Diamondbacks could add a back-end closer-type to fill in for Seawald, the end of games would be a lot less stressful for the Diamondbacks.

Nightengale does mention that multiple relievers could be helpful for the Diamondbacks to have a shot at the playoffs, which is a bit interesting.

But, even if it's only one very good reliever, the Diamondbacks could still use a bit more help out of the bullpen, especially if they're committed to the current crop of starters who have struggled at times this season.

More MLB news:

Will Brady Ballinger play for Kansas baseball in NCAA regional?

LAWRENCE — Kansas baseball’s run to a Big 12 Conference tournament title this past weekend saw the Jayhawks overcome not having Brady Ballinger available due to injury.

Ballinger, a junior and regular starter for the Jayhawks (42-16), wasn’t able to assist KU on the field as it defeated Baylor, Oklahoma State and then West Virginia. Kansas had to rely upon its depth to make up for the absence of the honorable mention All-Big 12 talent.

Ahead of the NCAA regional that KU will host in Lawrence, coach Dan Fitzgerald shared an update on what Ballinger’s status is as postseason play continues.

RELATED: Who does Kansas baseball play in NCAA Tournament Lawrence Regional?

“I haven’t specifically talked to him today, just the group, and Brady was, as you know, talking to everyone on the team, so I didn’t pull him away, but we’ll check with him today,” Fitzgerald said Monday. “We fully anticipate him to be available this weekend.”

Kansas opens regional play Friday, May 29 with a game against Northeastern at noon CT at Hoglund Ballpark. Also in this regional with KU, the No. 15 national seed, are Missouri State and Arkansas. Depending on how the games play out, the regional could go through Monday.

Ballinger has started all 55 games that he’s played so far this season. He’s a valuable part of the squad both at the plate and in the field. Having him back would do a lot to increase the Jayhawks’ chances of advancing.

Kansas baseball player Brady Ballinger (26) makes an out against Wichita State during a game at Hoglund Ballpark on April 14, 2026.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Brady Ballinger injury update for Kansas baseball in NCAA regional

UFC Macau: Make predictions for Yadong Song vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

We want your predictions for UFC Fight Night 277. Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we'll use the official tallies that are registered by Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those reader consensus picks will be part of the main card staff predictions we release ahead of UFC Fight Night 277 (Paramount+), which takes place Saturday at Galaxy Macau in China.

Make your picks below.

Jaqueline Amorim vs. Loma Lookboonme

  • Records: Amorim (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Lookboonme (10-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
  • Division: Women’s strawweight
  • Rankings: Amorim No. 13, Lookboonme honorable mention
  • Odds (as of 05.25.26): Amorim -115, Lookboonme -105

Everton Are Not First In Line For £25m Player: Will He Suit Under David Moyes?

Everton Are Not First In Line For £25m Player: Will He Suit Under David Moyes?
Everton Are Not First In Line For £25m Player: Will He Suit Under David Moyes?

Everton made discreet enquiries over Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams this summer, joining a cluster of Premier League clubs monitoring the Welsh defender. However, the club’s former chief executive, Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, put cold water on the idea that Everton would push hard for him. Wyness stated clearly that he does not see Williams as someone who will dramatically alter the squad’s quality or trajectory.

Everton are not leading the race for Williams, says former CEO

Nottingham Forest responded to the growing interest by opening talks with Williams over an improved contract, despite the 25-year-old already being contracted to the City Ground until June 2029. Williams finished the 2025–26 season with two goals and three assists across 35 Premier League appearances, contributing steadily without ever seizing headlines.

He captained Forest for the first time last weekend and featured in the squad eliminated by Aston Villa at the Europa League semi-final stage. Alongside Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Newcastle United all registered interest in the Welshman, making the race a genuinely crowded one. Wyness acknowledged that monitoring a player costs nothing, yet insisted the club’s real priority targets lie elsewhere and that Williams carries little promise of a meaningful upgrade.

“I don’t see Neco being a game changer for the squad. Monitoring him is one thing. I don’t think he’ll be the one that Everton get, but he’s not one that I think is going to dramatically change the squad. While he’s obviously a talented, quick player as well, I don’t see that one happening.”

Does Williams suit Everton under David Moyes?

Everton

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 10: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Neco Williams and Nikola Milenkovic during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United at City Ground on May 10, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

I do feel yes, not convincingly. Williams is a naturally right-footed player operating at left-back, and that positional mismatch catches up with him in tight moments. He committed 0.80 fouls per 90 minutes this season and collected seven yellow cards and one red card across 35 appearances, which points to a player who compensates with physicality when caught out of position. His crossing accuracy of 20.1% is also telling; he gets into crossing positions but rarely makes them count.

David Moyes builds his teams around defensive structure and positional discipline. Jake O’Brien has been filling in at right-back for Everton, averaging 1.6 tackles, 3.1 ball recoveries, and four clearances per game, numbers that reflect the kind of dependable, low-risk profile Moyes typically prefers. Williams brings more pace and more ambition going forward, but Everton’s system does not necessarily reward those qualities the way a higher-pressing side would.

Everton intend to strengthen at full-back as one of their top priorities this summer, with the Friedkin Group backing David Moyes in the transfer market regardless of European qualification. That situation suggests they need a genuine upgrade, not a sideways step. Williams, at his current level, feels like the latter. Wyness is right. Everton should keep looking.

Tottenham Hotspur considering bringing former players back for the right roles, Ben Davies could step up into a coaching position

Tottenham Hotspur considering bringing former players back for the right roles, Ben Davies could step up into a coaching position
Tottenham Hotspur considering bringing former players back for the right roles, Ben Davies could step up into a coaching position

Tottenham Hotspur will consider bringing former players back for the right roles, according to The Times.

Toby Alderweireld recently revealed that he would love to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club.

Spurs defender Ben Davies is also expected to step up after he finishes playing, either into a coaching or strategic position.

Alderweireld has admitted that he would love a strategic role at Tottenham, and both of them could now be appointed to key roles as the Lilywhites look to rebuild things after a woeful season.

They finished 17th in the Premier League campaign, two points above the relegation zone, and changes are needed from board level to the dressing room and the pitch.

Daniel Levy left Spurs as executive chairman last September, and the club has been short of football leadership.

Former Tottenham stars with knowledge and experience of the North London club could be perfect for some positions, and both Alderweireld and Davies fit the bill given their years of service there.

Davies joined Spurs from Swansea City in 2014 and has made 363 appearances across 12 seasons.

A one-year extension to his contract was triggered last summer and he is not likely to sign a new deal.

Alderweireld spent six seasons at the club, making 236 appearances for them before leaving and later retiring as a professional footballer at the end of the 2024-25 season.

He could be a solid addition to the club and fans will be looking forward to the appointment of some of their former stars.

Longtime Premier League star Phil Neville ‘parts ways’ with MLS club after two seasons

Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville looks on ahead of a game
Phil Neville has left the Portland Timbers after roughly two-and-a-half years in charge -Credit:Soobum Im/Getty Images

Former Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville’s latest managerial chapter has come to an end after roughly two and a half years, with the 49-year-old ‘mutually parting ways’ with the MLS’s Portland Timbers.

During his time in charge, Neville won 33 games, tied 26, and lost 36, finishing ninth in the Western Conference in 2024 and eighth a year later.

In 2024, the Timbers were knocked out of the MLS Cup Playoffs in the Wild Card round via a 5-0 defeat by the Vancouver Whitecaps. The following season, they returned to win their Wild Card encounter with Real Salt Lake 3-1 before being knocked out in the following round across three legs by San Diego FC.

Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville celebrates a win
Neville first joined the Timbers back in November 2023 -Credit:Craig Mitchelldyer - Portland Timbers/MLS via Getty Images

Neville leaves Providence Park with the Timbers 14th in the Western Conference, off back-to-back losses and with a 4-2-8 record, heading into the FIFA World Cup break.

In a statement, team owner Merritt Paulson said, “In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville.

“Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity. I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club and the Portland community, which he and his family truly embraced.”

General manager Ned Grabavoy also thanked Neville for his work, saying, “We are appreciative of Phil’s commitment and efforts during his time with the Portland Timbers.

“Phil brought enthusiasm and passion to the role, and it was a pleasure to work with him. We wish Phil all the best in his next opportunity.

To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

“This offseason we had pointed discussions about the areas we needed to build on and improve. Ultimately, we have not seen the progress we’ve needed to, and, most importantly, results have fallen well short of expectations.”

Neville’s replacement has not yet been named, with the team stating that “Any interim coaching decisions will be made in concert with the timing of the head coach hire.”

As for the former England international, who has previously managed the England women's national team as well as David Beckham's Inter Miami, he also put on record his gratitude for the Timbers’ staff and fans, stating, “I'd like to thank Merritt Paulson, Ned Grabavoy, and the entire Portland family for their unwavering support in giving me the job and standing behind me.

“To my staff, thank you for your incredible loyalty and hard work. And to the most incredible bunch of players: thank you for the effort, the good times, the good results, the bad results, and all the laughs we shared together.

“I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectation of this football club. To the Timbers Army — you are the reason I felt inspired to try and bring success to this club. Keep getting behind the players and the club in this wonderful city. I will miss you all.”

Huntington fends off Mt. Hebron late for 3-1 win in Maryland&#39;s MPSSAA Class 2A softball state championship game

softball

Huntington fends off Mt. Hebron late for 3-1 win in Maryland's MPSSAA Class 2A softball state championship game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Huntingtown Hurricanes fended off a late challenge from the Mt. Hebron [Ellicott City] Vikings Monday evening to win Maryland's MPSSAA Class 2A softball state championship.

Trailing 3-1, Mt. Hebron started its final turn at the plate with a strikeout before getting a runner on with a single. A fielder's choice resulted in a force at second base for the penultimate out, but the Vikings still weren't done. Another single put runners on first and second, bringing the winning run to the plate.

But a solid hit to third base was fielded cleanly by Huntingtown, and the Hurricanes' celebration began with the state title in hand.

Huntingtown entered game as the favorite, listed No. 1 in the latest edition of the MaxPreps rankings for Maryland. They finished the season 22-2.

For Mt. Hebron, the loss was heartbreaking, the only blemish on a 19-1 season.

HOW TO WATCH: Huntingtown vs. Mt. Hebron on the NFHS Network

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Refresh for updates

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SEVENTH INNING

__________

Good contact on the second pitch of the at-bat, but Huntingtown makes the play. They are the MPSSAA Class 2A state champions! It's Mt. Hebron's first loss of the season after a 19-1 start.

__________

Ball one.

__________

A single up the middle! Two on, two out. Runners on first and second. The winning run is at the plate.

__________

Mt. Hebron still alive! They rip a single into right field, but then they ground into an out at second. They still have a runner on first with two outs, so the batter at the plate represents the tying run.

__________

Huntingtown gets out No. 1 on a strikeout.

__________

Mt. Hebron has done all they can to at least have a chance. They head to the bottom of the seventh needing at least two runs to extend this or three to win it.

__________

SIXTH INNING — Huntingtown 3, Mt. Hebron 1

__________

Mt. Hebron gets a run back, but a second runner is tagged out rounding third nowhere close to making it home. Crucial error there as they would have had a run in scoring position, possibly two. But they still get a run out of it. They head to the seventh.

__________

Two on, two out. Mt. Hebron is trying to mount a rally with the tying run at the plate.

__________

Mt. Hebron silences Huntingtown at the plate to stay within reach headed to the bottom of the sixth.

__________

FIFTH INNING — Huntingtown 3, Mt. Hebron 0

__________

Mt. Hebron just doesn't have any answers at the plate, and they head to the sixth still trailing, 3-0.

__________

Mt. Hebron's pitching is keeping them in this as they shut Huntingtown down again. But the bats need to come alive.

__________

FOURTH INNING — Huntingtown 3, Mt. Hebron 0

__________

Nothing for Mt. Hebron, and they go to the fifth.

__________

Huntingtown is unable to add to its lead, but Mt. Hebron has got to get something going if they want to chip away at this lead.

__________

THIRD INNING — Huntingtown 3, Mt. Hebron 0

__________

Nothing from Mt. Hebron, and they head to the fourth inning.

__________

Mt. Hebron finally gets out of the inning without any further damage, but they've got to get things figured out at the plate quickly. They're coming up in the bottom of the third.

__________

An error from Mt. Hebron allows two runs to score. 3-0 is already a deep hole against the state's top-ranked team.

__________

SECOND INNING — Huntingtown 1, Mt. Hebron 0

__________

Mt. Hebron is unable to answer, and they head to the third inning.

__________

Huntingtown strikes first with a single run.

__________

FIRST INNING

__________

Mt. Hebron is unable to score, and they head to the second with no runs on the board, yet.

__________

Huntingtown came up empty in its first turn at the plate, and they head to the bottom of the first with Mt. Hebron taking its turn.

__________

They're finally under way!

__________

They're getting close to first pitch.

__________

Coming soon!

__________

How can I watch Huntingtown vs. Mt. Hebron?

More high school softball

Dodgers activate Enrique Hernández for season debut, avoid putting Max Muncy on injured list

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Enrique Hernández from the 60-day IL on Monday, getting their valuable utility player back for the first time this season after offseason surgery on his left elbow. The elbow issue kept him out of the lineup for seven weeks and limited him to 92 games.

Hernández finished a three-week minor-league rehab assignment to prepare for his return. In 12 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he compiled a .214/.298/.310 slash average while mostly playing third base and seeing some time in the outfield.

A vintage Kiké Hernández play at the hot corner! pic.twitter.com/BXspn1Rcdm

— Oklahoma City Comets (@OKC_comets) May 24, 2026

Perhaps more importantly, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts feels Hernández brings energy to the lineup that the team needs.

"There's a different energy with Kiké,” Roberts said on Saturday. “There’s a levity, there’s an intensity. I'm looking forward to having that edge. He should be available for [Sunday]."

"There's a different energy with Kiké... I'm looking forward to having that edge. He should be available for tomorrow."

Dave Roberts speaks on the return of Kiké Hernández before the #Dodgers series finale in Milwaukee against the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/O7TBDm5eWb

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 24, 2026

Playing third base will be particularly useful for the Dodgers if Hernández has to fill in for Max Muncy at that position.

Muncy was hit on the right wrist by a 96 mph sinker from pitcher Aaron Ashby in the eighth inning of Friday’s 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He left the game and imaging exams did not reveal a break. However, Muncy sat out Saturday and Sunday’s games, and is out of the lineup on Monday as well.

Max Muncy left tonight’s game after being hit by a pitch in the hand/wrist area pic.twitter.com/ivMwjZLoea

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 23, 2026

Muncy, 35, leads the Dodgers with 12 home runs while batting .258/.363/.515. However, he’s struggled in May with a .210/.347/.387 slash average, two doubles and three homers.

At third base, advanced metrics rate Muncy highly, crediting him with 6 Defensive Runs Saved and 5 Outs Above Average. He rates among the top five at the position in those categories.

With Hernández’s return, the Dodgers had a surplus of infielders. Hyeseong Kim or Santiago Espinal were the candidates to lose a spot on the roster if Muncy did not go on the injured list. Muncy was seen playing catch before Monday’s game by reporters, sporting a wrap on his wrist.

Kim has batted .214/.267/.268 in May with 17 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances, reverting to the poor strike zone judgment that the Dodgers thought he’d worked through in the minors before being called up. However, if Hernández has to play third base in Muncy’s absence, Kim will likely be at second base.

However, Espinal was ultimately an easy candidate to be designated for assignment despite being effective in a utility role without requiring much playing time. Appearing in 26 games for the Dodgers, he compiled a .220/.238/.366 slash average while playing at second and third base.

Lakers Could Reunite Luka Doncic With Former Mavericks Teammate in Trade Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are building a roster around superstar Luka Doncic, who signed a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the franchise last summer.

In a recent trade proposal by ESPN, the Lakers were connected to Doncic’s former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Daniel Gafford. In exchange for Gafford, the Mavericks would receive Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

“He can rejoin Luka Doncic and thrive once more as a pick-and-roll partner and rim-running threat,” ESPN NBA insider Zach Kram wrote. “This deal should be a no-brainer for the Lakers, as they’d address their glaring hole at the center position — which would still exist even if Deandre Ayton exercised his option for next season — with a player who’s a proven fit next to Doncic. Gafford would certainly help the Lakers more next season than any rookie they could draft with the No. 25 pick.”

Vanderbilt is halfway through a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Lakers, while Gafford is signed to a three-year, $60 million deal. Therefore, the trade would clear some cap space for the Mavericks.

The Lakers already tried trading Knecht in February to the Charlotte Hornets, so it is expected Los Angeles will continue exploring trade options with 2024 first-round pick.

Doncic and Gafford Made NBA Finals Appearance Together

Doncic and Gafford never played a full season together on the Mavericks. The Washington Wizards traded Gafford to the Mavericks in February 2024. Then, a year later, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers.

But the pair reached the NBA Finals in 2024 and could bring that same success to the Lakers if Gafford is traded. During that season, Gafford led the NBA in field-goal percentage, shooting 72.5% across 74 games.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center.
Feb 10, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

This season, the 6-foot-10 forward averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 65.5% from the field in 55 games with Dallas.

Gafford struggled with a lingering ankle injury all season after spraining it on the opening day of training camp. The injury caused him to miss all of training camp, preseason games and the first five games of the regular season. Then, he missed final four games of the season with a right shoulder impingement.

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The post Lakers Could Reunite Luka Doncic With Former Mavericks Teammate in Trade Deal appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Patriots scouting report: Behren Morton is at the bottom of the QB pecking order

FOXBOROUGH, MA - MAY 09: Behren Morton #15 of the New England Patriots throws during New England Patriots rookie camp on May 9, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New England Patriots entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear hierarchy at quarterback. Nonetheless, they opted to add more depth to the pairing of starter Drake Maye and backup Tommy DeVito: they invested the 234th overall selection in the seventh round, bringing aboard Texas Tech’s Behren Morton.

The ninth QB picked in this year’s draft, Morton is heading toward his rookie campaign as the third option on the roster. What can be expected of him, though? Let’s find out.

Hard facts

Name: Behren Morton

Position: Quarterback

Jersey number: 15

Opening day age: 24 (1/17/2002)

Measurements: 6’2 1/8”, 218 lbs, 30 5/8” arm length, 75 7/8” wingspan, 9 1/2” hand size, 4.89s 40-yard dash, 7.17s 3-cone drill, 4.44s short shuttle, 30 1/2” vertical jump, 9’5” broad jump, 5.66 Relative Athletic Score

Experience

NFL: New England Patriots (2026-) | College: Texas Tech (2021-25)

A multi-purpose player at Eastland, TX, High School, Morton played quarterback, safety, punter and kicker. The four-star recruit went on to earn scholarship offers from prestigious programs such as USC, Baylor and Texas A&M, but ultimately went with the team that first showed serious interest in him — and the one he was rooting for growing up: Texas Tech.

Morton arrived in Lubbock in January 2021, but despite being the highest-ranked QB recruit in the program’s history saw minimal action before redshirting as a freshman. He upped his workload the next two seasons as the backup to starter Tyler Shough, earning honorable All-Big 12 mentions twice as a busy injury replacement (he started 12 combined games in 2022 and 2023). After Shough transferred to Louisville in 2024, the door was open for Morton to become the Red Raiders’ full-time QB1.

In that role, he started all 24 games he appeared in over the next two seasons and was twice named a team captain while also adding his third honorable All-Big 12 nomination. In total, Morton played 45 games with 36 starts in college, completing 793 of 1,263 pass attempts (62.8%) for 8,986 yards, 71 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.

Scouting report

Strengths: Morton is a tough and sturdy quarterback, who clears the minimum height NFL teams are looking for in their quarterbacks. His arm doesn’t stand out, but he still delivers a generally accurate ball and has shown that he is willing and able to push the ball downfield. He also throws with anticipation and goes through his progressions. Morton offers experience operating RPO concepts, and is flexible enough in his lower body to maneuver the pocket or escape altogether in hopes of extending plays. He furthermore was a leader at Texas Tech, as evidenced by his status as a two-time captain.

Weaknesses: Morton lacks any true standout traits as a thrower of the ball. His velocity is adequate at best, which makes tight-window throws a challenge, and his accuracy can be on-again, off-again. His decision making also leaves some to be desired, as does his ability to sense pressure or quickly diagnose coverage. He also is not the most natural athlete, and while he can find escape lanes is typically not a serious threat with the ball in his hands. Furthermore, Morton missed a combined nine games over his four non-redshirt seasons in college; he had to sit out at least one game per season.

2025 review

Stats: 12 games (12 starts) | 687 offensive snaps | 219-of-332 (66.0%), 2,780 passing yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs | 89 times pressured (incl. 21 sacks), 4 FMBs | 21 carries (excl. 4 kneel-downs), 75 rushing yards (3.6/carry) | 1 penalties (incl. 0 declined/offsetting)

Season recap: Coming off his most successful season up until that point, Morton decided to stay in school for his final year of eligibility. Entering 2025, his role was very much set: he returned as Texas Tech’s No. 1 quarterback and one of the team’s leaders. He was once again voted captain and went on to start all 12 of the games he appeared in.

Morton started the season hot, completing almost 70% of his passes and throwing 11 touchdowns versus only one interception over the first three games. However, in Week 4 versus Utah, he struggled: not only did he throw two picks, he also fumbled the ball and exited the game in the third quarter due to a head injury.

He returned for the next two games, bouncing back from his lackluster performance against the Utes, but again was bitten by the injury bug in Week 7 versus Kansas. He suffered a hairline fracture in his right leg injury in the second quarter of that game, and had to sit out the next two contests because of the issue. He eventually returned in early November and led the Red Raiders on a five-game win streak that culminated in the Big 12 Championship.

Morton played some solid football during that stretch — 64.7% completions, 9 TDs, 1 INT — but also was not asked to do too much of the heavy lifting to carry the fourth-ranked team in the nation to the playoff tournament. Once there, his season and college career found an underwhelming end: Morton went 18-for-32 for 137 yards with no touchdowns and three turnovers in a CFP quarterfinal loss to Oregon.

Regardless of that game, Morton had another solid season and earned honorable All-Big 12 recognition for a third time in the last four years. However, his injury woes combined with his role and some uneven outings meant that he seemingly failed to boost his draft stock in any meaningful way in 2025.

2026 preview

Position: Third-string quarterback | Ability: Camp body/Practice squad candidate | Contract: Signed through 2029 (2030 UFA)

What will be his role? As mentioned above, Morton joined a team with a clear-cut quarterback hierarchy when he was drafted by the Patriots. With Drake Maye locked into the starter role and Tommy DeVito effectively guaranteed to serve as his backup, the rookie will spend spring and summer as the team’s QB3 with only limited prospects of climbing up the depth chart.

What is his growth potential? Morton has some limitations in terms of arm talent and overall athleticism that might cap his ceiling in the NFL. He also has plenty of shortcomings that very much are fixable, though, including his decision making, mechanics and play diagnosis. If he can improve in those areas, he could develop into a suitable second-string quarterback further down the line.

Does he have positional versatility? As evidenced by the fact that he averaged only 4.5 yards per rushing attempt over his two seasons as a starter — a solid number but one not indicative of a dual-threat player — Morton is not a particularly versatile quarterback. Yes, he has some versatility in his high school background, but he enters the NFL as a rather one-dimensional player at the position. That does not necessarily have to be a bad thing either, though.

What is his salary cap situation? Morton signed a standard four-year rookie contract shortly after joining the Patriots that is structured in a straight-forward fashion: it includes a non-guaranteed $885,000 base salary complemented by a fully-guaranteed $37,307 signing bonus proration. His resulting cap hit of $922,307 is not high enough to qualify for Top 51 status, meaning that only his signing bonus is counted against New England’s books during the offseason.

How safe is his roster spot? Despite hearing his name called in the draft, Morton is not guaranteed a spot on the Patriots’ roster. The chances of him beating out Tommy DeVito for the backup spot behind Drake Maye are slim, which means that the team might have to ask itself a fairly simple question come cutdown day: is a third quarterback more valuable than additional depth elsewhere on the 53-man roster?

Summary: Morton did look good during the only open practice of rookie minicamp, but one session alone does not make the case for a roster spot. He will get his opportunities to earn one, of course, but ultimately might not offer enough upside to be kept around on the active team. Instead, he seems like a prime practice squad candidate at this point in time.

What do you think about Behren Morton heading into the 2026 season? Will he be anything more than emergency depth at quarterback? Will he even make the roster? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Wawrinka gives emotional farewell after last French Open appearance

A former champion waved an emotional goodbye to Roland Garros as a potential title challenger announced himself in style on the Parisian clay.

Stan Wawrinka lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires back in 2015 with one of the great final performances against Novak Djokovic and announced late last year that this season would be his swansong.

Now 41, Wawrinka is no longer the bludgeoning force he once was but he remains a fan favourite, especially in Paris, and a packed house cheered him on in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat by lucky loser Jesper de Jong.

The three-time grand slam champion was honoured in an on-court ceremony and his voice cracked as he addressed the crowd.

“It’s hard, I don’t want to have to say goodbye here,” said the Swiss. “It was tournaments like this that I dreamed of, that made me want to become a tennis player. I grew up with the aim of playing once at Roland Garros. Thanks for making the dream possible.”

Wawrinka’s countryman and former sparring partner Roger Federer then led a video tribute that also included contributions from Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Wawrinka’s exit means 39-year-old Djokovic is the only former men’s champion left in the draw, but a player 20 years younger may yet have a say in the final stages.

Spaniard Rafael Jodar has the perfect name to thrive at Roland Garros and he lost just five games on his debut, beating American Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-1, 6-0, 6-4.

Ranked 165 at the start of the season, Jodar arrived in Paris as the 27th seed having won his maiden ATP Tour title in Marrakech and then reached the quarter-finals at the Masters 1000 events in both Madrid and Rome.

Jodar’s draw has also become more favourable over the first two days with 12th seed Jiri Lehecka following seventh seed Taylor Fritz out in the first round.

Former finalist Casper Ruud will fancy his chances of a deep run as one of the few top players who is both in form and a clay aficionado.

All appeared to be going smoothly for the Norwegian when he led qualifier Roman Safiullin by two sets and a break but he spurned five match points and almost wilted in the heat before finally winning 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 after three hours and 56 minutes.

There were comfortable wins for two of the favourites in the women’s draw, with four-time champion Iga Swiatek beating Australian teenager Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-2 and second seed Elena Rybakina seeing off Veronika Erjavec 6-2, 6-2.

Seventh seed Elina Svitolina is heavily fancied to do well here having won the Italian Open in Rome last weekend but she survived a real battle against Anna Bondar.

Bondar had won their last two matches so there was huge relief for Svitolina when she clinched a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-3) victory.

‘Barcelona isn’t just a club’ – Joao Cancelo sends out strong message as loan deal ends

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona celebrates 3-1 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Betis at the Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Joao Cancelo has shared an interesting post on social media amid speculation about his future at Barcelona.

The defender arrived on loan from Al-Hilal in the winter transfer window and has gone on to become a regular in the starting XI.

Barcelona are reportedly keen to keep hold of the Portugal international and his latest update on Instagram suggests that he’s really hoping that he can stay.

“Sometimes, the most important decisions aren’t just about football, but about the place where talent truly belongs. Barcelona isn’t just a club, it’s a stage where football turns into art, where exceptional players enter history.

“João was born for this style, for this jersey, for this challenge. At Barcelona, he won’t just be another player, but an essential star, a reference, a source of inspiration.

“The city, the club, and the fans are ready to welcome him as he deserves. Tell him not to hesitate. Some paths don’t require second thoughts. The moment is now. Barcelona awaits him.”

Barcelona still need to agree a deal with Al-Hilal, however, as Cancelo still has a year left to run on his contract with the Saudi Pro League side.

UCLA named No. 1 seed in the LA Regional for the NCAA tournament

As expected, the UCLA Bruins claimed a No. 1 seed in the Los Angeles Regional for the NCAA tournament. It’s the second time that UCLA baseball has been the tournament’s No. 1 seed, with the 2019 UCLA team also being the No. 1 overall seed.

UCLA IS THE NO. 1 OVERALL SEED IN THE NCAA BASEBALL TOURNEY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IWacFI8xjp

— ESPN (@espn) May 25, 2026

The Bruins are seeking a second-straight College World Series appearance after the program just clinched their first-ever Big Ten Conference tournament championship, with UCLA getting three walk-off wins to get through the tournament. 

Joining UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional is No. 2 seed Virginia Tech, No. 3 seed Cal Poly and No. 4 seed Saint Mary’s. The Bruins will begin their regional action on Friday with a noon start time versus Saint Mary’s.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL

(1) @UCLABaseball@SMC_Baseball@CalPolyBSB@HokiesBaseball#RoadToOmahapic.twitter.com/WH85PW5RZ4

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 25, 2026

There aren’t any Big Ten opponents in the Los Angeles Regional with the Bruins and UCLA must be relieved about that, following three nail-biters in the conference tournament, where the Bruins were down to their final out in two different games.

UCLA will be playing on their home field, Jackie Robinson Stadium, throughout the regionals, with the Bruins owning a 27-5 record at home this season. The Bruins have technically been better on the road this season, having gone 6-0 in neutral site games and 18-1 on the road, but UCLA won’t be mad for the chance to play in front of their home crowd for a few more games.

The regional will wrap up either on Sunday or Monday depending on how the action unfolds. UCLA enters the regional having won five games in a row and having an impressive 51 wins on the season, the most in Division I college baseball this season.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA baseball named the No. 1 seed in the Los Angeles Regional

Jacob Misiorowski Too Much for Cardinals as Brewers Win 5-1 Monday

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 25: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on May 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sometimes you just have to tip your cap and admit that someone was better than you. Today’s cap is tipped to Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski who overwhelmed the St. Louis Cardinals on Memorial Day Monday as Milwaukee won 5-1.

If you could erase the first inning, Matthew Liberatore had a better-than-average start for the Cardinals. He registered a career-high 10 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the 1st inning did happen and it was a punishing one for Matthew as he gave up a leadoff walk to Jackson Chourio who ended up stealing second base when Liberatore’s pickoff attempt was tardy and he was ruled safe on a successful Brewers challenge. Chourio then scored on a single to left by William Contreras making it 1-0 Brewers. That wasn’t nearly as damaging as what Christian Yelich would do when he slammed a 381 foot opposite field home run giving Milwaukee a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 lead.

That 3-0 lead felt “insurmountable” because Jacob Misiorowski was dealing. He didn’t allow a St. Louis Cardinals hit for the first 5 innings. The no-hit bid would end in the top of the 6th inning when Pedro Pagés managed a single into short right field. After Victor Scott II reached on a fielder’s choice, JJ Wetherholt smoked a single between first and second base and Victor advanced to third base. Suddenly, the St. Louis Cardinals had the tying run at the plate in Ivan Herrera, but all he was able to manage was a groundout to third which scored Victor Scott II and cut the Milwaukee lead to 3-1. Jacob Misiorowski ended up throwing heat for 7 innings and striking out 12.

Matthew Liberatore’s final stat line for Monday was 5 innings pitched allowing 3 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 10 and walking 2. Brycen Mautz made his Major League debut in the 6th inning and got off to a shaky start allowing a single to Vaughan who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brycen then walked Rengifo and then gave up a single to Garrett Mitchell which scored Vaughan making it 4-1 Brewers. Mautz finished the bottom of the 6th inning strong, though, with strikeouts of Ortiz and Chourio.

Milwaukee would tack on a run to their lead in the bottom of the 7th inning when Brycen Mautz walked Turang. After getting Contreras to fly out, Yelich singled and then Vaughan hit a ground-rule double scoring Turang and making it 5-1 Brewers. It could have been more, but Christian Yelich gave a clinic on why you don’t slide into home with your lead foot sticking straight up in the air as he was thrown out by Jordan Walker after a successful Cardinals challenge. Kudos to Brycen Mautz for setting the Brewers down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 8th inning. Imagine making your Major League debut in a tight 3-1 game against your NL Central Division-leading rival. He should feel good about his first game.

The St. Louis Cardinals will try again on Tuesday night as Michael McGreevy will start for the good guys while Kyle Harrison takes the mound for the villains. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Eye-catching stat sums up Manchester United&#8217;s impressive season

Eye-catching stat sums up Manchester United’s impressive season
Eye-catching stat sums up Manchester United’s impressive season

A remarkable stat has come to light, putting Manchester United’s brilliant season into perspective.

Stunning campaign

United enjoyed a wonderful 2025/26 season, the catalyst for which was Michael Carrick’s appointment as Ruben Amorim’s replacement at the start of the year.

Far from finding stability under Amorim, United were a study in inconsistency, dogged by problems both on and off the pitch. But Carrick steadied the ship and embarked on a brilliant run that secured Champions League football and a third-placed finish for the Red Devils.

Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium took Carrick’s record to 12 wins, three draws, and just two losses from 17 games.

Carrick was confirmed as permanent head coach last week. United, however, had consistently stressed they would not make a knee-jerk decision, vowing to explore all suitable and available options before naming anyone to the role.

But Carrick’s outstanding results and performance made it nearly impossible to overlook him. Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle at Brighton, the legendary midfielder was hugely optimistic about the club’s future prospects.

Astonishing stat

There is even more reason to be hopeful, if a stat by Opta is anything to go by.

Per the data analysts, United head a top-five mini-league of the Premier League’s strongest teams this term.

Opta analysed the head-to-head matches between the leading five clubs and United came out on top of this mini-table, having won five of their eight games.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa ran in second spot, followed by cross-town rivals Manchester City. Title-winners Arsenal are only fourth and Liverpool at the bottom.

With memorable victories over City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Villa, Carrick’s sensational run proves one thing: United can beat anyone.

Hopefully, with a strong summer window and more signings, United can kick on and mount a title charge next season.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Spain set World Cup history with Real Madrid decision

Spain set World Cup history with Real Madrid decision
Spain set World Cup history with Real Madrid decision

Spanish national team boss Luis de la Fuente has this week made history.

This comes courtesy of his decision not to include a single Real Madrid player in his squad for the upcoming World Cup.

De La Fuente’s panel of stars for the upcoming North American showcase was unveiled on Monday, featuring a whole host of leading names from across La Liga and beyond.

The likes of David Raya, Marc Cucurella, Lamine Yamal and Pedri were all afforded deserved places in La Roja’s ranks.

As alluded to above, however, overlooked entirely were the entire playing squad at Real Madrid.

Dani Carvajal’s exclusion was widely predicted, but Dean Huijsen being left at home has come as something of a surprise, with the youngster having played an important role under the watch of Luis de la Fuente.

And owing to as much, the Spanish staff have made history.

For the first time ever, not a single first-team Real Madrid star has been included in the country’s travelling party for a World Cup.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Liverpool have asking price for &#39;magic&#39; transfer target revealed

Liverpool have asking price for 'magic' transfer target revealed
Liverpool have asking price for 'magic' transfer target revealed

Arne Slot's first-team squad have not been their usual selves this season.

Most people expected the Anfield outfit to be unstoppable, especially since they signed players such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in the summer.

However, due to things such as injuries and the lack of harmony among the squad, things just haven't gone to plan.

This lack of form has caused chaos for Liverpool with the club miles off the pace compared to their title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

So, with all of this in mind, it's hardly surprising to see Liverpool get linked with many different players.

And now, they've actually been told the asking price for one of their long-term targets.

Liverpool would only need to spend £34.5 million to sign Maxence Lacroix

Liverpool's defence have been lacklustre this term.

Only Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson can say that they've put in mostly solid performances despite the Reds spending £45 million on Milos Kerkez and £29.5 million on Jeremie Frimpong.

This lack of form has caused more than one problem for Liverpool which all need to be resolved in the upcoming summer transfer window.

That's why almost every day Liverpool's fanbase have seen new links emerge for players in every position.

And now, the Reds have finally been told how much they'd need to spend if they want to sign Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix this summer.

That is, if an update from RMC Sport is to be believed.

"The story between Maxence Lacroix and Crystal Palace could be coming to an end," they wrote.

"According to several sources close to the matter, the French defender is expected to play his last match for the Eagles this Sunday against Arsenal.

"For his part, Maxence Lacroix has a clear idea of ​​the next step in his career.

"The Frenchman prefers a club that has qualified for the next Champions League, a criterion that has become central to his decision when choosing his future destination.

"To convince Palace to release their player, suitors will have to open their wallets. A minimum of €40 million will be required to even begin negotiations."

Maxence Lacroix would be a perfect replacement for Ibrahima Konate

Even though Liverpool may want to keep hold of Ibrahima Konate this season, it doesn't feel all that likely to happen.

The Frenchman is now into the final month of his current contract and, even though talks have been going on all season, both parties have failed to come to an agreement.

Several clubs are vying for his transfer with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid among the most linked.

And, even though it would hurt Liverpool if they lost him for nothing, Lacroix could be a perfect replacement.

The Frenchman already has plenty of Premier League experience and, since Palace are in the final of the Conference League, he's also had a decent chunk of European experience.

At 26 years old he's the perfect age to continue growing and perhaps take over from Van Dijk and become the defensive leader in the future.

Lacroix has been described as a "magic" player and, for a fee worth around £35 million, a move would be a no-brainer for Liverpool.

Peter Sblendorio: Thunder-Spurs slugfest is playing out perfectly for the Knicks

Throughout these NBA playoffs, the Knicks have answered the “Rest vs. Rust” debate rather emphatically.

Buoyed by three days off before the start of their second-round series, the Knicks pounded the beleaguered Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1, then kept punching en route to a low-stress sweep.

The Knicks then enjoyed eight full days off before the Eastern Conference finals, and while they did come out rusty to begin Game 1, their fresh legs served them well during a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback and overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Similarly, the Knicks were the superior second-half team in their Game 2 and 3 wins over the Cavs.

“We need to get our legs under us, quite honestly,” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said after Game 2. “We know their rest advantage.”

Before facing the Knicks, the Sixers and Cavaliers were both barely removed from seven-game series that seemed to drain them, physically and emotionally.

The Knicks must be loving, then, what they’re watching in the Western Conference Finals.

With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are duking it out in a full-blown slugfest — a best-of-seven series that’s turning into a war of attrition.

It’s now tied, 2-2, after Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs defeated the defending NBA champions, 103-82, in Game 4 on Sunday night.

“We had never been in this kind of situation before,” Wembanyama said after totaling 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks in Game 4.

“It was our first deficit in a playoff series, and we just responded. It was nothing amazing. It wasn’t magic. We just did what we needed to do, and the series is far from over.”

Indeed, the Western Conference Finals is now guaranteed to last at least six games and cannot be decided until Thursday at the earliest. Game 5 is set for Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.

Long series tend to have a carry-over effect, as evidenced by the flat performances and underwhelming finishes by the Sixers and Cavs, which the Knicks have taken advantage of.

“[Playing fewer] minutes helps,” Knicks guard Josh Hart said after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

“I think at one point, they played 50 percent more minutes — or we played half the minutes or something — than the Cavs did. When you do that, obviously you’re at an advantage and you’re able to play faster and do those kinds of things. Obviously, it’s helped.”

Those kinds of advantages could also go a long way in an NBA Finals where the Knicks would be considered underdogs against either the top-seeded Thunder or second-seeded Spurs, both of whom won at least 60 games in the regular season.

The NBA builds in extra time off between the conference finals and the NBA Finals, so even if Thunder-Spurs goes to seven games, the winner would get three full days off before Game 1 on June 3.

OKC and San Antonio boast enviable depth, too, but that has been tested as both teams navigate injuries.

Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox sat out of Games 1 and 2 with an ankle injury and has suffered a dip in production since returning, clearly still dealing with the issue.

San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper (right adductor) missed the end of Game 2, and while the standout guard played in Games 3 and 4, he totaled only 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting in them.

And on the other side, Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) — two of the Thunder’s top scorers and ball-handlers — missed the Game 4 loss due to injury.

The Thunder are not the same team without those two, and especially without Williams, who has played in only four of a possible 12 games this postseason.

Without them in Game 4, the Thunder had their worst offensive performance of the playoffs — by far.

“I think it’s just a snowball effect. When you come out with the right energy, things like that work out, and the offense has flow,” said Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the back-to-back reigning NBA MVP.

“I don’t think we came out with the right energy [in Game 4], and it just trickled down. We were stagnant on both ends. They were the aggressor. They were forcing turnovers. It’s easy to blame the offense, but to me, it always starts with the energy and effort you put forth.”

If nothing else, the Spurs are proving the Thunder aren’t invincible. But beating them over a seven-game gauntlet would take a heavy toll.

Wembanyama is playing 39.0 minutes per game in the Western Conference finals, up significantly from the 29.2 he averaged in the regular season or the 29.0 he averaged over the first two rounds of the playoffs.

It might require even more to dethrone the Thunder.

“It’s a fact that the series is 2-2, and basically 0-0, and it’s first to two [wins] now,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s not at the front of our minds, but it is a fact, and it’s the reality of where we are.”

7 things to watch as Eagles begin OTAs

The Philadelphia Eagles officially enter the OTA portion of the offseason this week, beginning the final major phase before mandatory minicamp and eventually training camp in late July. Philadelphia spent the offseason reshaping portions of the roster while emphasizing offensive upgrades through the draft and free agency. OTAs will provide the first real look at how many of those pieces fit together.

From Jalen Hurts and the reshaped offense to the revamped secondary, here are seven key storylines to monitor as Eagles OTAs begin.

1. Jalen Hurts is adjusting to another offensive reset

Every Eagles offseason somehow centers on Jalen Hurts adapting to new voices and offensive philosophies, whether due to a Super Bowl appearance or an outright coordinator failure. Hurts has already begun working with Sean Mannion while also benefiting from the additions of Josh Grizzard and Jerrod Johnson. The Eagles are hoping improved continuity and communication can stabilize an offense that slipped badly at times in 2025.

OTAs will offer the first glimpse into how comfortable Hurts looks inside the new structure.

2. The evolving wide receiver room

No position group feels more fluid entering OTAs.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith remain the established stars, but Philadelphia aggressively reshaped the depth around them by adding Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore. Add in the fact that Brown is about a week or at the most two weeks away from being traded.

The Eagles suddenly have legitimate competition for roster spots and playing time. OTA reps will matter.

3. Makai Lemon's immediate role

Among Philadelphia's rookie class, Lemon appears best positioned for early offensive snaps. The former USC standout brings explosiveness, versatility, and dangerous run-after-catch ability to the offense. The Eagles clearly envision him playing quickly, and OTAs should provide the first clues regarding how creatively the coaching staff plans to use him.

4. Eli Stowers and the future at tight end

Dallas Goedert remains one of the offense's most important veterans, but the Eagles' drafting Eli Stowers signaled long-term planning at the position. Stowers enters Philadelphia with elite athletic traits, including rare explosiveness for a tight end. The biggest OTA question becomes how quickly he earns Hurts' trust and whether the Eagles immediately carve out a specialized role for him.

5. Life after Jeff Stoutland

For the first time in over a decade, someone other than Jeff Stoutland oversees Philadelphia's offensive line. That alone makes new offensive line coach Chris Kuper one of the most fascinating figures of the spring. The Eagles still possess elite foundational talent with Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, and Landon Dickerson, but maintaining that standard remains a huge storyline.

Philadelphia also needs developmental linemen like Markel Bell, Myles Hinton, and Drew Kendall to begin emerging.

6. The loaded secondary

The Eagles quietly assembled one of football's deepest secondaries. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen headline a group suddenly overflowing with size, speed, and versatility. OTAs should reveal how Vic Fangio plans to deploy DeJean, whether Woolen immediately settles into a major outside role, and which younger corners begin to separate themselves from the starters.

7. The battle at safety

Safety may quietly be Philadelphia's most unsettled defensive position. Drew Mukuba looks locked into one starting role entering Year 2, but the second spot remains wide open following Reed Blankenship's departure. Veteran Marcus Epps returns. J.T. Gray brings special teams value. Rookie Cole Wisniewski adds intrigue. OTAs should provide the first legitimate clues about how the Eagles view this competition heading into training camp.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Seven key things to monitor during Eagles OTAs

Wander Franco criminally responsible for abuse, judge finds, but spared punishment in Dominican case

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve a sentence for it, a Dominican judge ruled Monday.

Judge José Antonio Núñez, in his decision, considered that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother, who was sentenced to ten years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter.

Franco was arrested in January 2024 after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.

After the ruling, Franco left the courthouse alongside his lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez, and briefly answered reporters’ questions, saying, “I feel calm,” and asking his fans to “continue supporting me and trusting in me.”

The player also said that he personally had not contacted the Rays, but that his lawyers surely had.

“We don’t have the physical sentence in our hands, but he was exempted from punishment because the president of the court established that he was also a victim and because he is exempted from punishment through judicial pardon,” said Teodosio Jáquez, Franco’s attorney.

The full sentencing will be June 16.

“When we have the full sentence in hand, we will give you more details," Jáquez said. "He was exempted from punishment and we think that’s fine, but we need to have the sentence in hand.

In November 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays, but his career was upended when authorities in the Dominican Republic announced in August 2023 that they were investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor. Franco was 22 at the time.

Six months after his arrest, Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list, which cut off the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Insider Reveals Key To Winning Patriots Third-String Running Back Job

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings

Insider Reveals Key To Winning Patriots Third-String Running Back Job originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots will continue to have a two-headed monster in Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Yet, ahead of OTAs and training camp, the battle for the third and likely final running back will be an interesting one. The battle will feature Terrell Jennings, Jam Miller, and Lan Larison.

Although all three can help run the ball, Patriots insider Evan Lazar of Patriots.com believes the job will likely go to the best kick returner, as the third-string running back will likely handle kick return duties.

“The Pats opted not to add a veteran back in free agency, so it'll come down to a roster competition between Jennings, Larison, Miller, and undrafted rookie Myles Montgomery. Jennings is the only back in that group with NFL experience, playing 77 offensive snaps and 69 special teams snaps in his first two seasons,” Lazar wrote in an article published on Monday. …

“One thing to keep in mind in this competition is kickoff return upside, as the Pats RB3 was used frequently as a returner last season, whether it was Jennings, Antonio Gibson, or D'Ernest Johnson. Whoever wins the job out of camp will likely return kickoffs, so showing well in that role could be the deciding factor.”

Given that Jennings has NFL experience, he would appear to have the leg up. Yet, New England used a seventh-round pick on Miller, so perhaps the Patriots will want to get a good look at him.

Regardless, it appears the Patriots' kick returner will likely come down to who wins the third-string running back job.

More NFL: Texas A&M OL Coach Shares High Praise For Patriots Rookie Tackle

What happened to Dylan Cease? Why Blue Jays ace is headed for IL

Dylan Cease

What happened to Dylan Cease? Why Blue Jays ace is headed for IL originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays are having a bit of a rough 2026 season, as they've gone 25-28 on the year. After a four-game winning streak had the vibes high, the Blue Jays got some tough news during a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Unfortunately, both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dylan Cease left the Sunday game early, sparking injury concerns.

One day later, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the Blue Jays got some confirmed bad news on one of these players, with Cease being the one to hit the injured list due to an injury. But what exactly happened to Cease?

Blue Jays to lose Dylan Cease to IL placement

"News: Dylan Cease is going to be placed on the 15-day IL (left hamstring) #BlueJays," Matheson reported Monday afternoon.

The veteran right-hander, who signed a huge $210 million contract over the offseason, is heading to the injured list due to this hamstring injury.

Cease left in the middle of the fifth inning against the Pirates, posting a line of 4.2 innings pitched with four hits and two runs allowed while being handed the loss for Sunday's game.

But the far bigger loss for the Blue Jays is that Cease, their right-hander who has a 3.05 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 11 starts this season, is headed for the injured list.

MOREYankees Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons

After an MRI, Cease is landing on the IL with a left hamstring injury, leaving Toronto to a bleak rotation of Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Patrick Corbin, and Spencer Miles.

Cease, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer are all on the IL and could come back this season, while Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios are both done for the year.

The injury issues for the Blue Jays' rotation have been a problem, and this Cease injury is only making things exceptionally worse.

More MLB news:

Wander Franco found guilty of sexual abuse but will not serve jail time

Former All-Star shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a 14-year-old girl but will not serve prison time, according to a verdict delivered Monday, May 25 by a three-judge panel in the Dominican Republic and reported by ESPN.

Franco, 25, was facing a second trial after he received a two-year suspended sentence when he was convicted in June 2025 of having an intimate relationship with a 14-year-old girl when Franco was 21. The girl's mother was convicted of trafficking her daughter and received a 10-year prison sentence that was overturned on appeal; prosecutors allege that Franco had paid off the mother.

The mother was once again convicted of trafficking her daughter and again received a 10-year sentence, ESPN reported. Although the outlet reported that the court issued a judicial pardon to Franco, he was still convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, which would prevent Franco from obtaining a visa to work in the USA.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco throws to first base during a game against the Kansas City Royals on July 15, 2023.

Major League Baseball is aware of the verdict but refused comment. The full decision will be issued June 16. Franco remains on MLB's restricted list for failure to report.

Both the prosecution and Franco's attorney appealed the first trial's outcome, and according to "Diario Libre," a Dominican Republic newspaper, the state sought a five-year prison sentence, while Franco sought to have the conviction overturned – which would likely be his only hope to continue a major league career.

Franco was in the second year of an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2023 when posts emerged on social media of Franco and the 14-year-old girl. Franco's conviction meant the Rays have not had to pay Franco in the years since, and that's likely to continue.

Franco was named to the American League All-Star team in 2023 and had accumulated 5.4 WAR before he was placed on the restricted list that August. He played his last game on Aug. 12.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wander Franco guilty of sexual abuse of minor in Dominican Republic

Munetaka Murakami homers as the White Sox cool off the Twins with a 3-1 win

CHICAGO (AP) — Munetaka Murakami homered, Anthony Kay pitched six sparkling innings and the Chicago White Sox stopped Minnesota's four-game win streak with a 3-1 victory over the Twins on Monday.

Drew Romo also connected for Chicago in the opener of a seven-game homestand. Rikuu Nishida singled in the fourth for his first hit in a successful big league debut.

The White Sox have won seven in a row against the Twins for the first time since an eight-game streak in 1995. The opener of the four-game series was the first meeting of the AL Central teams this season.

Brooks Lee homered for Minnesota, which had won six of seven overall. Zebby Matthews (1-2) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings.

Murakami tied it at 1 when he connected for his 18th homer in the first, a 375-foot drive to right. It was the first homer for the Japanese rookie since he went deep twice during an 8-3 victory over the Cubs on May 16.

Romo hit his fifth homer after Tristan Peters reached on a leadoff walk in the second.

That was more than enough for Kay (4-1), who allowed five hits, struck out five and walked one. The left-hander improved to 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his past four starts.

Kay got some help from Nishida in the second. The Japanese prospect threw out Orlando Arcia when he attempted to score from second on Alex Jackson’s single to right, ending the inning.

The Twins put runners on the corners with two outs in the fifth, but Kay escaped the jam when Austin Martin fouled out.

Seranthony Domínguez handled the ninth for his 11th save in 14 opportunities.

Up next

Joe Ryan (3-3, 3.02 ERA) starts for Minnesota on Tuesday, and fellow right-hander Sean Burke (2-3, 4.08 ERA) pitches for Chicago.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Charles Schwab Challenge 2026: Odds, favorites for Colonial

For whatever the Charles Schwab Challenge lacks in star power, it makes up for with a plethora of gambling-questions that both fans and bettors are denied typically when there's a pre-tournament runaway favorite creating a lop-sided board or the Scottie vs. Rory narrative taking too much up of the center frame.

Who's better, Justin Thomas or Ludvig Åberg? J.J. Spaun or Hideki Matsuyama? It's just easier to focus on a field like the Charles Schwab when some of the more constant names on Tour are not there to all but guarantee themselves top 10 spots on the leaderboard Sunday afternoon.

Let's take a look at what the sportsbooks think of the field at Colonial this week that includes seven top 20-ranked played, including defending champion Ben Griffin.

Charles Schwab Challenge 2026 odds (as of May 26, courtesy of DraftKings)

  • Ludvig Åberg +990
  • Russell Henley +1950
  • Robert MacIntyre +2000
  • Rickie Fowler +2400
  • Ben Griffin +2500
  • Justin Thomas +2600
  • Akshay Bhatia +2900
  • Hideki Matsuyama +3100
  • Keegan Bradley +3200
  • J.J. Spaun +3200
  • Keith Mitchell +3300
  • Harry Hall +3400
  • Alex Smalley +3500
  • Pierceson Coody +3900
  • Gary Woodland +4200
  • Michael Thorbjornsen +4300
  • Sungjae Im +4400
  • Bud Cauley +4500
  • Ryo Hisatsune +4500
  • Sahith Theegala +5000
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2026 - Final Round
Brooks Koepka will be sitting out the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas this week, after competing for three straight weeks on the PGA Tour circuit.
  • Marisa Marcellino
    ,
  • Marisa Marcellino
    ,

Who will win at Colonial this weekend?

Åberg has been electric this spring compared to how he looked in California to start the season but he's hard to rely on for a full 72 holes, especially as a favorite with odds that are anything less than 14-to-1. Last week we went high with Si Woo Kim only to see that ticket burn late at TPC Craig Ranch.

We'll aim for a name more in the middle of the list this week and give out the 54-hole leader at AroniminkAlex Smalley at +3500. In case you missed it on the telecast, this Duke alum has made 13 of 14 cuts this year, eight of which have seen him finish T-21 or better. Sounds like a natural fit in another field, right? Nope, think he's due and the time to strike has never been better in terms of value.

Also, speaking of that "V" word a pair of longshots that don't sit right with us after how they played over the weekend: Tom Hoge (+15500) and A.J. Ewart (+19500).

First round leader prediction: Charles Schwab Challenge

Harry Hall has been given out here already this year so if he goes 0-for-2 then you'll never hear his name mentioned in these great halls ever again. Ahem, back to the analysis. We like Hall here at +4800

We'll give out a trio of longshot names to finish in the opening round top 10 or better: Bud Cauley (+610), Kevin Streelman (+1425) and Camilo Villegas (+1650).

Charles Schwab Challenge best bet

Guardiola saluted by Michael Jordan at Man City farewell party

Pep Guardiola at an 'after-party' event following Manchester City's trophy parade (Darren Staples)

Basketball legend Michael Jordan joined thousands of Manchester City fans paying tribute to Pep Guardiola at the manager's farewell party on Monday.

Guardiola is about to step down after a glorious decade in charge of City and the Premier League club gave him a fitting send-off during a trophy parade in Manchester.

Jordan, one of the NBA's all-time greats, was a surprise participant in the event, delivering a recorded video message saluting Guardiola.

"Hey Pep. This is Michael Jordan. I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career," the former Chicago Bulls star said as Guardiola watched the video on a screen inside the Co-op Live 'after-party' following the parade.

Referencing Guardiola's fondness for golf, Jordan quipped "Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations."

Earlier, fans lined the streets to salute Guardiola as the Spaniard joined City's players and staff on an open-top bus ride to the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola led City to the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season in charge, taking his trophy haul to 20 since arriving in 2016.

He masterminded six Premier League title victories, as well as City's first Champions League crown in 2023.

City finished second in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal this term and were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa in Guardiola's last game on Sunday, with the boss reduced to tears after the final whistle.

The 55-year-old's decision to leave City was officially announced on Friday after several days of speculation that he was set to quit.

A host of current and former City players brought every trophy won during Guardiola's reign onto the Co-op Live stage to cheers from the sell-out 19,000 crowd.

Guardiola said goodbye for the final time in an interview with Oasis rock star Noel Gallagher at the after-party.

"I think, first of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye," Guardiola said.

"To say bye to John (Stones) and Bernie (Bernardo Silva) and all these incredible legends like Vinny (Vincent Kompany), Fernandinho, Eddy (Ederson), Jack (Grealish), all of them and many, many more. 

"I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. (City chairman) Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.

"Thank you so much, I don't have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart. Thank you so much."

smg/iwd

Pirates 2, Cubs 1: Should Ben Brown have gone one more inning?

The headline represents about all I’ve got for the Cubs’ 2-1 loss to the Pirates Monday afternoon, their ninth consecutive defeat.

Ben Brown was absolutely dealing. He allowed four hits and a run and struck out seven in six solid innings, throwing 83 pitches (58 strikes). The six-inning effort was his longest of the season, but the 83 pitches were just one more than he’d thrown in his previous outing. It was a warm day in Pittsburgh (73 degrees) but not overly hot and humid, so why not let him go one more?

Perhaps that would have prevented Henry Davis from hitting the solo home run off Trent Thornton that was the difference in the game.

We’ll never know, of course.

The other difference in the game, naturally, was the Cubs’ almost-complete offensive failure. They had six hits and three walks off Carmen Mlodzinski and Wilber Dotel over eight innings (and no runners in the ninth), but again couldn’t get any of the runners across the plate. It was so bad that the RISP numbers were just 0-for-2, largely because they simply couldn’t get anyone to scoring position. Overall the Cubs left seven on base, with one runner (Alex Bregman) picked off.

The only Pirates run off Brown came in the third when he walked Spencer Horwitz with one out and Brandon Lowe doubled him in.

The Cubs tied the game in the fifth when Michael Busch homered off Mlodzinski, his sixth [VIDEO].

Busch has now homered in back-to-back games. So that’s good. Too bad there wasn’t anyone on base. That home run went a long way [VIDEO].

A bit more on Brown’s outing from BCB’s JohnW53:

Ben Brown finished with one run on four hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in six innings.

Only 12 previous Cubs starters since 1901 had exactly the first four numbers in at least six innings. Just three did not get a decision: Rube Kroh, first of the 12, in 8.0 innings in 1908 at Philadelphia; Tom Gorzelany, in 6.1, in 2010 at Cincinnati; and Jeff Samardzija, the last before today, in 6.0, on June 23, 2014 at home vs. the Reds.
Eight were winners: Orval Overall (1910), Dick Selma (1969), Fergie Jenkins (1972), Scott Sanderson (1987), Jon Lieber (2000), Mark Prior (2003), Carlos Zambrano (2004) and Rodrigo Lopez (2011).

Prior and Lopez pitched 6.0, as Brown did.

Matt Garza pitched a complete game in 2011 vs. the White Sox and lost, 1-0.

Here’s more on Brown’s day [VIDEO].

As you can see there, Brown used a really good pitch mix and mostly baffled Pirates hitters. Could it be that Ben Brown has finally arrived as a MLB starter? You know I had my doubts, but the fact that he has developed good secondary pitches appears to have made the difference. Great for Ben, and great for the team. Here are Brown’s seven strikeouts [VIDEO].

Thornton retired the first two Pirates in the seventh on ground balls before Davis homered. The pitch wasn’t a bad pitch, either, a cutter down and away, but Davis just got it.

Jacob Webb threw a scoreless eighth, helped in part by this fine catch by Pete Crow-Armstrong [VIDEO].

Craig Counsell sent three pinch hitters to the plate in the ninth, the first was Nico Hoerner for Pedro Ramirez.

I’m having trouble understanding why you’d bat for a switch-hitter (Ramirez) in that situation. Okay, Nico’s experienced at leading off innings, I guess you can make a case for it.

Nico swung at what would have been ball three and grounded out.

Seiya Suzuki, batting for Moisés Ballesteros, struck out and Carson Kelly, batting for Miguel Amaya, grounded out to end the game.

You can tell these guys are pressing, which can happen when a team’s on a long losing streak. All the team can do is pick up and try to win tomorrow.

A couple of likely meaningless notes on the Cubs losing recently: First, this game ran 2:24. It’s the sixth game this year the Cubs have played in that time or shorter. They’ve lost all of them.

Second, and even more meaningless:

Maybe wear the blue alternates the rest of the road trip? Just for the heck of it? Can’t hurt, right?

The Cubs will once again attempt to end the losing streak Tuesday evening at PNC Park. Jordan Wicks will make his first 2026 start for the Cubs and Braxton Ashcraft will go for the Pirates. Game time Tuesday is 5:40 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.

Aston Villa Chase €40m Serie A Player: Do The Birmingham Club Need Him?

Aston Villa Chase €40m Serie A Player: Do The Birmingham Club Need Him?
Aston Villa Chase €40m Serie A Player: Do The Birmingham Club Need Him?

Aston Villa are firmly monitoring Jonathan Rowe’s progress at Bologna this summer, with French journalist Sébastien Vidal confirming that Unai Emery himself has identified the 23-year-old winger as one of the key profiles to strengthen their attacking options. The report, also covered by Sport Witness and TuttoBolognaWeb, makes clear that Aston Villa are not the only interested party; Chelsea and Galatasaray are circling too.

Aston Villa push hard for Rowe as Bologna’s €40m exit clause emerges

Rowe joined Bologna from Marseille last summer for around €20m, with the cut-price fee largely attributed to a falling-out with Adrien Rabiot during his time in France. He endured a sluggish opening to life in Serie A, but things changed sharply in 2026.

He scored eight goals and contributed five assists across 42 competitive appearances; four of those goals came in the Europa League, including a well-taken strike against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. With both Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey expected to leave Villa Park this summer, Emery needs width, and Rowe sits firmly at the top of the list.

Bologna finished outside European qualification, and that financial hit may force them into selling one of their prized assets, with TuttoBolognaWeb reporting a price tag of around €40m as the starting point for negotiations. Rowe’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara runs until 2029, which gives Bologna proper control, but the absence of European football weakens their hand considerably.

Should Aston Villa sign him?

Aston Villa

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna FC clebrates during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

We feel they should, and without hesitation. Aston Villa are heading back into the Champions League, and Emery has a well-established track record of getting the very best from direct, transition-oriented wingers. Rowe has all the attributes as he is quick, decisive, and has already proven he belongs at a high European level. Stan Collymore put it bluntly after the Europa League quarter-final, describing Rowe as exactly what Aston Villa need: physically strong, direct, lightning quick, and unafraid to shoot.

At €40m for a 23-year-old English winger with a contract running to 2029 and genuine Champions League ambitions, this deal makes complete sense. Emery wants to reduce Villa’s over-reliance on Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in the final third, and Rowe gives him a genuinely different threat out wide. Bologna will sell. Aston Villa should be first through the door.

Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors: Mavericks, Timberwolves Buzz

A Resurfaced Tweet Has Kyrie Irving Fans Hoping for a Dallas Mavericks Trade
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

A resurfaced Kyrie Irving tweet is fueling fresh NBA trade speculation — and Minnesota Timberwolves fans are running with it.

According to Sporting News, shortly after the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd, an old social media post from Irving’s 2017 free-agency period began circulating online again. In the post, Irving identified Minnesota as one of his preferred destinations before he was ultimately traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics.

Kyrie Irving has listed the Timberwolves as a preferred landing spot 👀 https://t.co/YIl5mT4jyo

— MNMuse (@_MNMuse) May 20, 2026

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Nearly a decade later, with Dallas entering another organizational reset, the timing of the tweet’s return has reignited talk of Irving potentially landing in the Twin Cities.

The renewed chatter comes as league insiders increasingly expect teams to explore Irving trade scenarios this offseason, even after the nine-time All-Star missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from ACL surgery.

NBA reporter Marc Stein recently noted there is “anticipation leaguewide” that the Mavericks could receive calls about Irving regardless of whether Dallas actively shops him. That conversation has only intensified following Kidd’s exit and the arrival of Masai Ujiri as the Mavericks’ new president of basketball operations.

Minnesota’s interest is tied closely to Anthony Edwards, who has reportedly made it known privately that he wants to play alongside Irving. A Timberwolves source described the potential pairing as “sweet,” while another league figure told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson that “Irving in Minnesota makes the Timberwolves a contender.”

The idea of pairing one of the league’s most explosive young stars with one of its most skilled veteran guards has quickly become one of the NBA offseason’s loudest rumors.

Irving’s future in Dallas suddenly looks less stable than it did a year ago. The veteran guard signed a three-year, $119 million extension after helping lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, but the franchise has since spiraled into chaos.

Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster move that reshaped the organization; Anthony Davis lasted only 29 games before being moved again; and Kidd exited after reportedly unsuccessfully pushing for expanded control over basketball operations.

According to Robinson’s reporting, Kidd “wanted out” after Patrick Dumont hired Ujiri instead of elevating the coach into a larger executive role. Kidd’s departure marked another dramatic shift for a Mavericks franchise that has spent the past two seasons dismantling the core that reached the Finals.

Dallas is now reportedly preparing to build around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick who arrived after the team’s collapse following the Dončić trade.

That uncertainty is why Irving’s name keeps surfacing across the league. The Timberwolves are believed to be searching aggressively for a veteran playmaker, while the Houston Rockets are also reportedly monitoring Irving’s availability.

Any deal would be complicated by salary-cap restrictions and Irving’s no-trade clause, but the conversation is no longer staying quiet behind the scenes.

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Why Tennessee baseball will – and won’t – win Chapel Hill NCAA Regional

Tennessee baseball has won an NCAA Tournament regional five consecutive years. It enters the Chapel Hill Regional as the No. 2 seed looking to make it six in a row.

The No. 25 Vols (38-20) will begin against No. 3 seed East Carolina (36-22-1) on May 29 (noon, ESPNU) at Boshamer Stadium. Regional host and No. 1 seed North Carolina (45-11-1) will face No. 4 seed VCU (37-23) at 5 p.m. on the opposite side of the double-elimination bracket.

The Chapel Hill Regional is matched with the College Station Regional, hosted by No. 12 overall seed Texas A&M (39-14). The regional winners will play in a super regional with a spot in the College World Series on the line.

Here’s what to know about the teams in Tennessee’s regional:

Will Tennessee’s starting pitching step up?

Considering the tight schedule of a regional and Tennessee’s relative lack of pitching depth, the Vols’ starters will need to perform.

Sophomore Tegan Kuhns (5-4, 3.39 ERA) is expected to start the first game and Evan Blanco (7-4, 4.94 ERA) will likely pitch the second game.

If Landon Mack (4-4, 4.67 ERA) comes back for the regional after missing his last two regular season starts and the SEC Tournament, Tennessee will have its rotation back at full strength. If he doesn’t, freshman Cam Appenzeller (6-1, 4.94 ERA) might be next in line after starting the first round of the SEC Tournament.

If Tennessee finds itself relying on its bullpen, it will be an uphill battle. In SEC play, Kuhns, Blanco, Mack and Appenzeller combined for a 4.97 ERA in 186.1 innings. The rest of Tennessee’s pitchers had a combined 8.37 ERA in 86 innings.

North Carolina powered by top-notch pitching staff

The Tar Heels are led by an elite pitching staff that has the nation’s 10th-best ERA (3.92), with starters junior Jason DeCaro (10-2, 2.30 ERA) and sophomore Ryan Lynch (4-4, 4.44 ERA) leading the way. DeCaro was named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top player in the nation.

ACC Freshman of the Year Caden Glauber (9-0), whose 1.93 ERA is No. 3 in the country, is the best arm in a reliable bullpen.

North Carolina’s lineup is strong but a level below its pitching staff. It ranks middle-of-the-pack in the ACC in many offensive categories, including the eighth-best batting average (.293) and 10th-most home runs (78).

East Carolina doesn’t hit for power, needs strong start from ace

East Carolina doesn’t boast much power in its lineup. It hit only 56 home runs this season, tied for No. 136 in the country. Its offense as a whole hasn’t been particularly effective, averaging 7.2 runs per game (No. 87 nationally).

Senior outfielder Jack Herring is ECU’s most dangerous bat, leading the team in batting average (.358), home runs (9), RBIs (51) and OPS (1.085). He has a 65-game on-base streak dating back to last season.

Junior lefty Ethan Norby (7-3, 4.20 ERA) will likely start against Tennessee on May 29. He is one of the nation's best strikeout artists, with his 120 this season tied for seventh nationally.

The Pirates’ team ERA of 4.30 is No. 21 in the country, but if Tennessee gets to Norby early, East Carolina could have trouble catching up.

VCU will be the underdog

VCU won the Atlantic 10 Tournament for an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Rams’ defense has been prone to errors with the nation’s No. 128 fielding percentage (.972). Walks have also been an issue for pitchers, with an average of 4.64 per game ranking No. 157.

Redshirt senior starter Patrick Steitz (7-3, 3.01 ERA) and senior reliever Zach Peters (8-1, 1.60 ERA) have led the way on the mound, and sophomore catcher Jacob Lee is the team's best hitter, hitting .342 with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs.

Prediction

Tennessee will fall to North Carolina in the regional final. The Vols have shown their ability to beat some of the best teams in the country, but North Carolina’s pitching staff is better set up for a regional setting that can expose depth issues. Getting into the winners' bracket early and needing just three wins instead of four is Tennessee's best chance.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Can Tennessee baseball win its NCAA Tournament regional? Our prediction

Why Tennessee baseball will – and won’t – win Chapel Hill NCAA Regional

Tennessee baseball has won an NCAA Tournament regional five consecutive years. It enters the Chapel Hill Regional as the No. 2 seed looking to make it six in a row.

The No. 25 Vols (38-20) will begin against No. 3 seed East Carolina (36-22-1) on May 29 (noon, ESPNU) at Boshamer Stadium. Regional host and No. 1 seed North Carolina (45-11-1) will face No. 4 seed VCU (37-23) at 5 p.m. on the opposite side of the double-elimination bracket.

The Chapel Hill Regional is matched with the College Station Regional, hosted by No. 12 overall seed Texas A&M (39-14). The regional winners will play in a super regional with a spot in the College World Series on the line.

Here’s what to know about the teams in Tennessee’s regional:

Will Tennessee’s starting pitching step up?

Considering the tight schedule of a regional and Tennessee’s relative lack of pitching depth, the Vols’ starters will need to perform.

Sophomore Tegan Kuhns (5-4, 3.39 ERA) is expected to start the first game and Evan Blanco (7-4, 4.94 ERA) will likely pitch the second game.

If Landon Mack (4-4, 4.67 ERA) comes back for the regional after missing his last two regular season starts and the SEC Tournament, Tennessee will have its rotation back at full strength. If he doesn’t, freshman Cam Appenzeller (6-1, 4.94 ERA) might be next in line after starting the first round of the SEC Tournament.

If Tennessee finds itself relying on its bullpen, it will be an uphill battle. In SEC play, Kuhns, Blanco, Mack and Appenzeller combined for a 4.97 ERA in 186.1 innings. The rest of Tennessee’s pitchers had a combined 8.37 ERA in 86 innings.

North Carolina powered by top-notch pitching staff

The Tar Heels are led by an elite pitching staff that has the nation’s 10th-best ERA (3.92), with starters junior Jason DeCaro (10-2, 2.30 ERA) and sophomore Ryan Lynch (4-4, 4.44 ERA) leading the way. DeCaro was named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top player in the nation.

ACC Freshman of the Year Caden Glauber (9-0), whose 1.93 ERA is No. 3 in the country, is the best arm in a reliable bullpen.

North Carolina’s lineup is strong but a level below its pitching staff. It ranks middle-of-the-pack in the ACC in many offensive categories, including the eighth-best batting average (.293) and 10th-most home runs (78).

East Carolina doesn’t hit for power, needs strong start from ace

East Carolina doesn’t boast much power in its lineup. It hit only 56 home runs this season, tied for No. 136 in the country. Its offense as a whole hasn’t been particularly effective, averaging 7.2 runs per game (No. 87 nationally).

Senior outfielder Jack Herring is ECU’s most dangerous bat, leading the team in batting average (.358), home runs (9), RBIs (51) and OPS (1.085). He has a 65-game on-base streak dating back to last season.

Junior lefty Ethan Norby (7-3, 4.20 ERA) will likely start against Tennessee on May 29. He is one of the nation's best strikeout artists, with his 120 this season tied for seventh nationally.

The Pirates’ team ERA of 4.30 is No. 21 in the country, but if Tennessee gets to Norby early, East Carolina could have trouble catching up.

VCU will be the underdog

VCU won the Atlantic 10 Tournament for an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Rams’ defense has been prone to errors with the nation’s No. 128 fielding percentage (.972). Walks have also been an issue for pitchers, with an average of 4.64 per game ranking No. 157.

Redshirt senior starter Patrick Steitz (7-3, 3.01 ERA) and senior reliever Zach Peters (8-1, 1.60 ERA) have led the way on the mound, and sophomore catcher Jacob Lee is the team's best hitter, hitting .342 with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs.

Prediction

Tennessee will fall to North Carolina in the regional final. The Vols have shown their ability to beat some of the best teams in the country, but North Carolina’s pitching staff is better set up for a regional setting that can expose depth issues. Getting into the winners' bracket early and needing just three wins instead of four is Tennessee's best chance.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Can Tennessee baseball win its NCAA Tournament regional? Our prediction

Want to see the world&#39;s best golfers practice for five bucks? You can at the Memorial

If you're looking to attend the 2026 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, there's still time to get tickets.

The 50th anniversary of the event, which takes place June 4-7, has multiple options available for those looking to acquire tickets and see if Scottie Scheffler can capture a third straight title. Last year, he brought home $4 million for his win.

Here's a look at what it will cost you to get into the tournament, be it for a day or for the whole week. Information is current as of the afternoon of May 24, and parking is free.

What does it cost to attend a practice round?

There are options available for fans wanting to see members of the field get their early swings in.

A ticket for each day of practice rounds is $20 and still available on the tournament's official website. Practice rounds will be played June 1-3.

There are cheaper options on the resale market. Ticketmaster.com's resale platform has practice round tickets for each of the first two days for as low as $5.83, and there are also Golden Bear Club options as low as $11.65.

The final practice day is slightly more expensive: a single ticket starts at $12.82 and a Golden Bear Club ticket at $18.64.

How much are resale tickets for the 2026 Memorial Tournament?

The cheapest days to attend the Memorial Tournament are the first and the last. On Ticketmaster, a single-day pass is $93.20 for June 4, $116.50 for June 7, $173.59 on June 5 and a tournament-high $177.08 on June 6.

Tickets for the Golden Bear Club follow the same pattern. Day one tickets start at $111.84, with June 7 tickets at $160.77, June 5 at $227.18 and June 6 at $262.13.

All prices include fees but not taxes.

Can I get tickets without buying resale?

Yes, if you want to purchase a ticket for the full week. The tournament's website has patron grounds tickets available that give you access to all three practice days and the four-day tournament.

A weekly ticket package is $336, while a Golden Bear Club weekly package is $446.

Are there other options to purchase resale tickets?

Yes. Here's what tickets for each day cost on other resale websites.

June 1

  • Stubhub: $7; $4 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $7; $8 for Golden Bear Club

June 2

  • Stubhub: $5; $7 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $8; $10 for Golden Bear Club

June 3

  • Stubhub: $11; $14 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $13; $15 for Golden Bear Club

June 4

  • Stubhub: $78; $103 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $85; $108 for Golden Bear Club

June 5

  • Stubhub: $158; $212 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $144; $198 for Golden Bear Club

June 6

  • Stubhub: $167; $214 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $169; $198 for Golden Bear Club

June 7

  • Stubhub: $109; $127 for Golden Bear Club
  • SeatGeek: $103; $118 for Golden Bear Club

Adam Jardy can be reached at ajardy@dispatch.com, on Bluesky at @cdadamjardy.bsky.social or on Twitter at @AdamJardy.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How much tickets for the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Bengals undrafted free agent getting some national love

When it comes to Cincinnati Bengals undrafted free agents, some big names stick out. 

Bengals undrafted rookies like Eric Gentry and Jack Dingle were some of the big names making waves right out of the gates. 

Rather far removed from the draft now and with OTAs hovering around, another name has started to emerge, though. 

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport looked at the most exciting undrafted free agent for each team and circled Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright. 

“Now, Ceyair Wright isn't going to challenge for a starting spot in the Queen City,” Davenport wrote. There's a reason why he wasn't drafted—his speed and agility are average at best. But the 6'0", 185-pounder started 32 games over five seasons at USC and Nebraska, and he has good technique and isn't afraid to get dirty in run support.”

There’s a lot right there the Bengals will love. Wright has experience starting inside and out. Bonus points for his aggressiveness against the run. 

Frankly, the Bengals didn’t appear to do enough at slot cornerback this offseason (yet, anyway). And better depth at the boundary is always welcome in the pros. 

Since Wright can do both and has good size, he feels like a fit and could always be an outside name to keep in mind by 53-man cutdown day. 

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals undrafted free agent getting some national love

What is FSU&#39;s record vs their Tallahassee Regional opponents

Going into a regional round hosted in Tallahassee for the third straight year, No. 10-seeded Florida State baseball is eyeing another trip to the Super Regionals and beyond. Firstly, they'll have to get through three other teams: Coastal Carolina, Northern Illinois, and St. John's. But what are the Seminoles' records against each of these teams?

FSU's record vs. Coastal Carolina (37-21 in 2026) is the most lopsided of the bunch, with the Seminoles dominating the Chanticleers 13-1 overall. In their last matchup in 2015, FSU was handed its lone loss against CCU, 4-2. The series dates back to 1991, but their best win came in 1994 with a 17-2 blowout.

While FSU might not have played Northern Illinois (35-17) as much, only once in 1971, the Seminoles did emerge from that game victorious, 7-1. For the first time in 55 years, perhaps the two will have a chance to meet again this weekend.

Finally, FSU has only played St. John's (33-24) three times, all in 2016, where the Seminoles took the series against them, 2-1. A 16-4 opener, followed by a 9-2 second game, was wrapped up with a 5-1 loss.

FSU will face St. John's first on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, with the result of Coastal Carolina and Northern Illinois determining their second-game opponent of the regional.

Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Baseball: Series records vs Coastal Carolina, NIU, and St. John's

IO Interactive unveils the first 13 minutes of 007 First Light gameplay

IO Interactive releases the first 13 minutes of 007 First Light 007 First Light is coming to PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 on May 27th, and IO Interactive has released the first 13 minutes of the game. This gameplay is for the opening mission of 007 First Light. If you want to avoid […]

The post IO Interactive unveils the first 13 minutes of 007 First Light gameplay appeared first on OC3D.

Prizmi – Your proactive AI assistant for everyday life


Prizmi is a proactive AI assistant for everyday life. Unlike chatbots that only answer questions, Prizmi takes action across your phone and computers: drafts your texts and emails, organizes your files, fills out web forms and flight check-ins, runs tasks on a schedule, and notices when something matters and reaches out to you first. You stay in control as Prizmi never clicks Submit or Pay for you. Chat from your phone or computer. Install it on your Mac, Windows, or Linux to handle tasks on your computer. Built for everyone: grandparents, parents, professionals, and developers. Privacy-first design with end-to-end encryption for sensitive data.

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Samsung Galaxy Dark Mode looks off? Fix it with this easy trick

25 May 2026 at 23:37

After updating to One UI 8.5, some Samsung Galaxy users noticed an issue with Dark Mode in Google apps such as Gmail, Google Messages, and others. Usually, Dark Mode should look very dark with deep black backgrounds. But now, many users are seeing light gray or washed-out dark screens instead of real black.

While Samsung has not officially confirmed or addressed the issue yet, users have discovered a simple workaround that restores the expected Dark Mode appearance. The fix is using the Color Palette feature. This feature changes the overall colors of the phone system. When it is turned on, it can bring back proper Dark Mode in Google apps.

To use this fix, first press and hold on an empty space on your home screen. Then tap on “Wallpaper and style.” After that, tap on “Color palette.” Turn it ON, choose any color you like, and then tap Apply.

With the issue, the screen looks brighter in dark mode, and text sometimes does not stand out clearly. The issue seems to have started after the One UI 8.5 update. Many people think it is caused by a small problem between Samsung’s system theme and Google’s Material You. This is why different Google apps are showing wrong or inconsistent dark colors.

One UI 8.5 Google Apps Dark Mode Gray

After doing this fix, Google apps go back to normal Dark Mode. The background becomes darker again, closer to true black, and everything looks clearer and better to read. One Galaxy user, @saichandudodda, shared that this method worked and fixed the problem on their phone.

Until Samsung releases an official update, this Color Palette method is the easiest way to fix the Dark Mode issue and make your phone look normal again. Try it now!

The post Samsung Galaxy Dark Mode looks off? Fix it with this easy trick appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Lenovo releases new 15-inch gaming laptop internationally with 48 GB VRAM and 1,100 nit OLED display

Lenovo has finally released its 15-inch gaming laptop powered by AMD Strix Halo processors. Sold internationally, the Legion 7a 15ASH11 combines Radeon 8060S graphics with a 165 Hz OLED display, an 84 Wh battery and dual M.2 slots. The laptop can configure up to 48 GB VRAM too, thanks to optional 64 GB RAM variants.

Casio G-Shock GA-2100LXB: New images of metallic accent watches leak

Images of the Casio G-Shock GA-2100LXB-1A and GA-2100LXB-1A9 watches have leaked at a retailer. These two watches, spotted in a certification database earlier in 2026, are expected to form part of a new luxury range. Features of these CasiOak watches include metallic accents and 200 m water resistance.

Oppo Pad 6 launches with Dimensity 9500s, 12-inch screen, 10,420 mAh battery

25 May 2026 at 22:41

Alongside the Reno16 and Reno16 Pro smartphones, today in China Oppo also unveiled the Pad 6 tablet. It comes with a 12.1-inch LCD screen with 3000x2120 resolution, 7:5 aspect ratio, 144Hz refresh rate, and 900-nit peak brightness. It's powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s SoC, and it has a couple of 8MP cameras (one on the front, one on the back), as well as a 10,420 mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging. It runs Android 16 with ColorOS 16 on top. The Oppo Pad 6 has six speakers, two mics, and no fingerprint sensor. It measures 266.93 x 193.35 x 5.99 mm and weighs...

Cristiano Ronaldo could see U-turn on Jorge Jesus decision as Al Nassr president pushes for him to stay

25 May 2026 at 23:51
Despite the coach's decision, Cristiano Ronaldo could witness a U-turn on Jorge Jesus' departure as Al Nassr president is pushing for the 71-year-old boss to stay next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s post-championship celebrations suffered an immediate setback following Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, as manager Jorge Jesus abruptly announced his departure from the club. However, the 41-year-old superstar may yet see a dramatic U-turn, with Al Nassr’s president publicly revealing that the front office is launching a massive push to retain the veteran tactician.

Following Thursday’s title-clinching victory over Damac FC, Jorge Jesus shocked reporters by using his post-match press conference to announce he was stepping down, stating he had fulfilled the exact promise that led him to accept the vacancy in the first place. With his current deal expiring in June 2026, the manager remained tight-lipped regarding his next destination, noting only that he was headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a well-deserved vacation.

Yet, the separation might not be a done deal just yet. In a statement compiled by Saudi outlet Al-Wyam, Al Nassr club president Abdullah Al-Majed made the board’s aggressive stance abundantly clear: “At the current moment, there are ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay, and we will convince him, God willing.

Alongside high-profile arrivals like Iñigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, Jorge Jesus masterminded one of the most dominant campaigns in Al Nassr history. The 71-year-old manager orchestrated the best start to a season in SPL history with 11 consecutive wins, while also shattering the club record with a 20-match win streak across all competitions (16 in league play, four in the AFC Champions League Two).

Coach Jorge Jesus and Al Nassr players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans.

Having already experienced immense success with arch-rivals Al Hilal, Jesus was personally targeted for the job by Ronaldo, eventually guiding the club to the finals of both the Saudi Super Cup and the Champions League Two. Over his 49-game tenure, he accumulated an outstanding 40-2-7 record, averaging a staggering 2.49 points per match.

Al-Majed also established clear timelines and expectations for Al Nassr’s upcoming 2026-27 campaign. “Work on the next season will begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday (in June), focusing on preparing the squad and securing upcoming transfers… the work ahead will be very substantial,” the club president concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pressuring management to finalize renewal

By declaring his mission accomplished at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus immediately sparked rumors linking him to high-profile roles at Fenerbahce, a return to Brazilian club soccer, or potentially taking over the Portugal national team after the World Cup. With the manager’s future hanging in the balance, Ronaldo is reportedly eager to flex his immense institutional leverage to force a change of heart.

According to 365 Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is heavily pressuring Al Nassr’s executive board to iron out the details and lock Jesus down to a one-year contract extension. The timing of the contract is critical; Ronaldo is currently tied to the club through June 2027, meaning Jesus would have the opportunity to manage the iconic forward through what could realistically be the final season of his legendary professional career.

As it stands, Jesus holds all the leverage in negotiations and will likely demand significant backing from the hierarchy to reconsider his exit. Reports suggest the manager’s list of demands includes a substantial salary increase paired with a guarantee of six major summer signings, a clear effort to avoid the squad depth issues that plagued the club during the 2026 winter window, when a lack of transfer activity reportedly prompted a frustrated Ronaldo to go on a brief two-game strike.

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Jorge Jesus (R), Head Coach of Al Nassr.

Maldini'den dikkat çeken paylaşım: Hakan Safi detayı

Fenebahçe Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi ile geçtiğimiz günlerde İstanbul'da bir araya gelen Paolo Maldini'den dikkat çeken bir paylaşım geldi.

Paolo Maldini, Fenerbahçe Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi ile görüştüğü anları paylaştı. Paolo Maldini, Fenebahçe Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi ile geçtiğimiz günlerde İstanbul'da bir araya gelmişti.

Maldini paylaşımında şu ifadeleri kullandı:

-İstanbul’da Hakan Safi ile harika vakit geçirdik. Güçlü bir futbol zihni, tutkulu bir lider ve en önemlisi gerçek bir dost. Futbol üzerine harika sohbetler ettik ve gelecekte birlikte daha pek çok an paylaşmaya devam edeceğimizden eminim.

Resmen açıklandı: TFF tescil etti

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu, 2026 sezonu Ziraat Türkiye Kupası ve Trendyol 1. Lig'i tescil etti.

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF), 2025-2026 sezonunda Ziraat Türkiye Kupası ve Trendyol 1. Lig müsabaka sonuçlarının tescil edildiğini duyurdu.

TFF'nin internet sitesinden yapılan açıklamada, "Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nı kazanan Trabzonspor Kulübünün Ziraat Türkiye Kupası şampiyonu olarak tesciline, 2025-2026 sezonu Trendyol 1. Lig puan cetvelinin tesciline, Trendyol 1. Lig müsabakaları sonucunda puan cetvelinde ilk 2 sırada yer alan Erzurumspor FK ile Amed Sportif Faaliyetler ve play-off müsabakaları sonucunda başarılı olan Arca Çorum FK takımlarının Trendyol Süper Lig'e yükseltilmelerine karar verilmiştir." denildi.

Trendyol 1. Lig müsabakaları sonucunda puan cetvelinde son 4 sırada yer alan Serikspor, Sakaryaspor, Atakaş Hatayspor ve Adana Demirspor takımlarının Nesine 2. Lig'e düşürülmelerinin de tescil edildiği belirtildi.

Davinson Sanchez'e milli davet

Kolombiya'nın 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosu belli oldu. Galatasaraylı futbolcu Davinson Sanchez kadroda yer aldı.

Kolombiya Futbol Milli Takımı'nın FIFA 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosu belli oldu.

Kolombiya Futbol Federasyonunun yaptığı açıklamaya göre Galatasaray'ın savunma oyuncusu Davinson Sanchez de ABD, Meksika ve Kanada'nın ev sahipliğindeki Dünya Kupası kadrosunda yer aldı.

Kolombiya'nın kadrosu şöyle:

Kaleci: Camilo Vargas , Alvaro Montero, David Ospina

Defans: Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Daniel Munoz, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado

Orta Saha: Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma, Kevin, Castano, Juan Camilo Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, James Rodriguez, Jamınton Campaz

Forvet: Juan Camilo Hernandez, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Carlos Andres Gomez, Jhon Cordoba

İşte Fenerbahçe'nin Devler Ligi'ndeki muhtemel rakipleri

Fenerbahçe'nin UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi 2. eleme turundaki muhtemel rakipleri belli oldu.

Fenerbahçe'nin UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi 2. eleme turundaki muhtemel rakipleri belli oldu.

Sarı-lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre kura çekimine seri başı olarak katılacak Fenerbahçe, İskoçya'dan Hearts ya da Polonya'dan Gornik Zabrze takımlarından biriyle eşleşecek.

İlk maç 21 ya da 22 Temmuz'da, rövanş ise 28 veya 29 Temmuz'da oynanacak. Kura çekimi de 17 Haziran Çarşamba günü yapılacak.

Beşiktaş'ı ayağa kaldıracak! Danimarkalı teknik adamla sıcak temas

Önder Özen, Beşiktaş tribünlerinin özlediği coşkulu, önde basan ve modern hücum futbolunu sahaya yansıtacak "sistem mimarını" buldu. Euro 2020'de Danimarka ile destan yazan Kasper Hjulmand için sıcak temas kurdu. Menajeri Allan Bak Jensen'in ardından bizzat Danimarkalı teknik adamla yapılan FaceTime görüşmesiyle ilk görüşmeden beklenenden iyi sonuç alındı.

Beşiktaş’ta futbol direktörlüğü koltuğuna oturan Önder Özen yeni teknik direktör profilini belirledi. Geleneksel metotları bir kenara iterek modern futbolun şifrelerini çözecek bir "sistem mimarı" için düğmeye basan Özen, taraftarı heyecanlandıracak bir isme yöneldi. Özen aradığı tüm kriterleri karşılayan Danimarkalı dahi Kasper Hjulmand için operasyonun düğmesine bastı.

MENAJER JENSEN İLE GÖRÜŞTÜ

Özen, Hjulmand’ın menajeri Allan Bak Jensen ile resmi olmayan bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Bu ilk temasın ardından bizzat Hjulmand ile de bir FaceTime görüşmesi yaptı. Projenin detayları ve kulübün vizyonunu deneyimli hocaya aktardı.

Leverkusen'i çalıştıran Hjulmand "barışçıl bir ayrılık" formülü üzerinde çalışıyor. Bu da Beşiktaş'a gelmesinde kolaylık sağlayacak bir unsur olacak.

Besıktas

TARAFTARIN ARADIĞI İSİM

Siyah-beyazlı taraftarlar coşkulu, önde basan ve akıcı bir oyun görmek istiyor. Tam da bu noktada Hjulmand ismi öne çıkıyor. Başarılı teknik adamın Danimarka Milli Takımı ve Nordsjælland’da başarıyla uygulattığı modern, pas trafiğine dayalı ve dinamik hücum felsefesi tribünleri mest edebilir.

EURO 2020'DEKİ LİDERLİĞİ AKILLARDA

Hjulmand denince akla ilk gelen Danimarka ile Euro 2020’de oynattığı harika futbol ve yakaladığı yarı final başarısı. Turnuva esnasında Christian Eriksen’in yaşadığı kalp krizi trajedisinin ardından takımı ayağa kaldırma biçimi, Hjulmand’ın "liderlik ve kriz yönetimi" becerisini tüm dünyaya kanıtlamıştı.

"İNŞA EDEBİLİRİM" DİYE DÜŞÜNÜRSE

Duyguyla hareket eden ve stadyum atmosferinden beslenen Hjulmand için Beşiktaş taraftarının yarattığı o yoğun, tutkulu atmosfer ve iç saha baskısı en büyük avantaj. Bu tutku, onun gibi elit hocaları cezbeden ve "Burada büyük bir şeyler inşa edebilirim" hissi veren en önemli unsur olarak masada duruyor.

Jorge Mendes Hakan Safi'yi böyle ikna etti: Ferdi Kadıoğlu'nu unutturur

Fenerbahçe'de başkan adayı Hakan Safi, Jorge Mendes ile gerçekleştirdiği zirvede turnayı gözünden vurdu. Portekizli menajerin "Ferdi'den daha büyük potansiyel" diyerek önerdiği Fransa 2. Ligi ekibi Clermont'un 2006 doğumlu gurbetçi sol kanat oyuncusu İlhan Fakılı için düğmeye bastı. Safi, Trabzonspor'un Bastia'dan getirdiği Oualai örneğiyle ikna oldu.

Fenerbahçe’de kongre rüzgarları eserken, başkan adaylarının transfer operasyonları tüm hızıyla sürüyor. Teknik direktör ve dünya çapındaki yıldızlar için kolları sıvayan başkan adayı Hakan Safi, bu süreçte dünyanın bir numaralı menajeri Jorge Mendes ile bir araya geldi. İkilinin gerçekleştirdiği son stratejik zirveden ise Fenerbahçe camiasını heyecanlandıracak sürpriz bir gurbetçi hamlesi çıktı.

Fenerbahce

TÜRK U-21 MİLLİ TAKIMINDA DA OYNUYOR

Fransa Ligue 2 ekiplerinden Clermont forması giyen ve U-21 milli takımında da oynayan 18 yaşındaki sol kanat oyuncusu İlhan Fakılı’nin transferini bitirme noktasına getirdiği iddia edildi.

Görüşmenin perde arkasından sızan bilgilere göre; Clermont ile sözleşmesi gelecek sezon sonunda bitecek olan genç oyuncu için Hakan Safi adeta gözünü kararttı. Kulübüyle olan kontrat durumunu fırsat bilen Safi'nin, mali şartlara takılmadan bu yatırımı yapmaya hazır olduğu belirtildi.

HAKAN SAFİ'YE GÜVENCE VERDİ

Zirvede masaya gelen İlhan Fakılı ismi için Jorge Mendes’in de Hakan Safi’ye çok özel bir güvence verdiği öne sürüldü. Portekizli menajerin, 2006 doğumlu sol kanat için, "Ferdi Kadıoğlu’ndan çok daha büyük bir kariyer bekliyor" ifadelerini kullandığı iddia edildi.

Fenerbahce

KAÇIRILMAMASI GEREKEN FIRSAT

Hakan Safi’nin bu transfer için ikna olmasının arkasında Trabzonspor’un Fransa 2. Ligi ekibi Bastia’dan kadrosuna kattığı Oualai transferinde yakaladığı başarının yattığı da iddia edildi. Bu referansı dikkate alan Safi ve ekibi, İlhan Fakılı’yi "kaçırılmaması gereken bir fırsat kapısı" olarak görüyor.

BU SEZON 9 GOLE KATKI SAĞLADI

Bu sezon Clermont formasıyla Ligue 2'de adından sıkça söz ettiren İlhan Fakılı, istikrarlı yapısı ve skora katkısıyla dikkat çekiyor. Takımıyla çıktığı 33 resmi maçta 4 gol ve 5 asistlik performans sergileyen genç gurbetçi hızı, adam eksiltme becerisi ve yüksek oyun zekasıyla Avrupa’daki birçok scout listesinin en üst sıralarında yer alıyordu.

Fatih Tekke işi bitirdi! Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'a çalım

Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray, Manisa FK'nın 2008 doğumlu sol stoperi Ada İbik'i kadrosuna katmak için amansız bir savaşa tutuşmuşken, sahneye çıkan Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke ezberleri bozdu. Geleceğin savunma lideri olarak gösterilen ve "Yeni Abdülkerim Bardakcı" olarak anılan 17 yaşındaki stoperle baş başa görüşerek ikna etmeyi başardı.

Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray birbirini yerken, devreye giren Trabzonspor Teknik Patronu Fatih Tekke işi bitirdi. Türk futbolunda transfer piyasası daha önce benzeri görülmemiş bir çalımla sarsılıyor!

Gazetemizin daha 10 Nisan’da "Yeni Abdülkerim Bardakcı için Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray kapışıyor" başlığıyla manşete taşıdığı Ada İbik transferinde, iki İstanbul devine de unutamayacakları bir ders geldi. Geleceğin en büyük savunma lideri olarak gösterilen Manisa FK'nın 2008 doğumlu stoperi Ada İbik, herkes Galatasaray veya Fenerbahçe’ye imza atmasını beklerken rotayı Trabzonspor’a kırdı!

Trabzonspor

TEKKE GİRDİ VE İŞİ BİTİRDİ

Transfer savaşında dengeleri altüst eden hamle Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke’den geldi. Genç oyuncuyla baş başa bir görüşme gerçekleştiren efsane futbol adamı, Ada’yı ikna etmeyi başardı.

Tekke’nin genç stoperi, "sana benim Trabzonspor’da vereceğim şansı vermeyecekler" diyerek Trabzonspor forması giyme konusunda ikna etti.

Tekke’nin bu vizyoner yaklaşımı ve oyuncuya sunduğu gelişim projesi, Ada İbik’in tercihini bordo-mavili ekipten yana yapmasında kırılma noktası oldu.

17 YAŞINDA AMA ÇOK OLGUN

Henüz 17 yaşında olmasına rağmen bu sezon Manisa FK formasıyla tam 29 resmi maça çıkan Ada İbik, sadece yaşıtlarının değil, ligin tecrübeli isimlerinin de önüne geçti.

Saha içindeki inanılmaz olgunluğu, %86’lık pas isabet oranı ve geriden oyun kurma becerisiyle modern bir stoper profili çizen genç yetenek, aynı zamanda tam bir joker.

Trabzonspor

SOL AYAKLI VE ÇOK YÖNLDÜ

Sol ayaklı olmasının avantajıyla sol stoper, sol bek ve ihtiyaç halinde sol önde (kanatta) de görev yapabilen Ada, bu yönüyle transfer piyasasının en gözde ismi haline gelmişti.

Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe transfer masasında birbirine üstünlük kurmaya çalışırken, Trabzonspor sergilediği kararlılık ve Fatih Tekke faktörüyle yılın transfer çalımını atmış oldu. Bordo-mavililer, Türk futbolunun geleceğine çok büyük bir imza atmaya hazırlanıyor!

Okan Buruk'un yeni Yunus Akgün'ü! Daha 18 yaşında

Okan Buruk, Yunus Akgün gibi kiralık gönderilip parlayan Berat Luş'u yeni sezon planlamasına ekledi. Bu sezon kiralık gittiği Esenler Erokspor'da sergilediği 5 gol ve 4 asistlik performansla adından söz ettiren 18 yaşındaki genç yetenek için Buruk'tan sürpriz talep geldi. Sözleşmesi 2027'de bitecek olan altyapı patentli yıldız adayının kontratının uzatılmasını ve yeni sezonda doğrudan Galatasaray A Takım kadrosuna dahil edilmesini istedi.

Galatasaray'da gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması şekillenmeye başladı. Sarı-kırmızılıların teknik patronu Okan Buruk, yerli rotasyonunu güçlendirmek ve öz kaynak düzeninden yeni yıldızlar çıkarmak için kollarını sıvadı. Deneyimli çalıştırıcının yeni sezondaki en büyük sürprizi ise Esenler Erokspor’da kiralık olarak harika bir sezon geçiren genç kanat oyuncusu Berat Luş olacak.

Galatasaray

EROKSPOR'A ÖNEMLİ KATKI VERDİ

Sezon başında maç tecrübesi kazanması adına 1. Lig ekiplerinden Esenler Erokspor'a kiralanan 18 yaşındaki Berat Luş beklentilerin üzerinde bir sezon geçirdi. İstanbul ekibinde sergilediği etkileyici performansla takımın hücum hattındaki en önemli silahlarından biri haline gelen genç yetenek, sezonu 5 gol ve 4 asistle tamamlayarak dikkat çekici bir istatistiğe imza attı.

SÖZLEŞMESİNİ UZATIN TALİMATI

Genç oyuncunun gelişimini yakından takip eden teknik direktör Okan Buruk, Berat’ın performans raporlarından oldukça memnun kaldı. Gelecek sezon genç yıldız adayını A Takım kadrosuna dahil etmeyi düşünen Buruk, yönetimden de kritik bir talepte bulundu.

Başarılı teknik adam, sarı-kırmızılı kulüple olan mevcut sözleşmesi 2027 yılında sona erecek olan Berat Luş'un mukavelesinin uzun vadeli olarak uzatılmasını istedi. Yönetimin, önümüzdeki günlerde oyuncu ve menajeriyle masaya oturarak yeni sözleşmeyi imzalaması bekleniyor.

Galatasaray

YENİ BİR YUNUS AKGÜN HİKAYESİ

Berat Luş'un Galatasaray'daki bu yükselişi, akıllara sarı-kırmızılıların bir diğer altyapı patentli yıldızı Yunus Akgün’ü getirdi. Tıpkı Berat gibi Florya'da yetişen Yunus Akgün de daha önce Adana Demirspor ve Leicester City'de kiralık olarak forma giymiş, kazandığı tecrübeyle Galatasaray'a dönerek takımın vazgeçilmezi olmuş ve kaptanlık pazubandına kadar yükselmişti.

YAZ KAMPINDA YER ALACAK

Okan Buruk'un hızı, dripling yeteneği ve oyun zekasıyla ön plana çıkan Berat Luş'u da benzer bir gelişim formülüyle Türk futboluna kazandırmayı hedeflediği belirtiliyor. Florya'nın yeni "Yunus Akgün" etkisi yaratması beklenen Berat, yaz kampında kendisini kanıtlamak için sahaya çıkacak.

İşte Önder Özen'in 'kral' golcüsü

Beşiktaş'ta gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması için kollar erken sıvanırken, futbol direktörü Önder Özen transfer operasyonunun ilk resmi ve en çarpıcı hamlesini gerçekleştirdi. Siyah-beyazlıların radarına giren ilk isim, bu sezon Eyüpspor formasıyla adeta devleşen ve attığı kritik gollerle takımını ligde tutan Süper Lig'in eski gol kralı Umut Bozok oldu.

Gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması için kollar sıvayan Beşiktaş futbol direktörü Önder Özen, transfer operasyonu için ilk resmi hamlesini yaptı. Siyah-beyazlıların radarına giren ilk isim, son haftalarda sergilediği muazzam performansla Eyüpspor’u adeta tek başına ligde tutan Umut Bozok oldu.

Besıktas

ÖZEN GÖRÜŞTÜ VE SÖYLEDİ

Gelen son iddialara göre; Beşiktaş adına transfer çalışmalarını yürüten Önder Özen, daha önce Trabzonspor forması da giyen 29 yaşındaki golcü oyuncuyla yüz yüze bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Umut Bozok’a olan beğenisini açıkça dile getiren Özen’in, deneyimli forvete "Hiçbir yere imza atma, bizi bekle" mesajını ilettiği öğrenildi.

Özen, yeni sezonda göreve gelecek teknik direktörün de onay vermesi durumunda, Umut’u mutlaka Beşiktaş formasıyla görmek istediğini oyuncunun kendisine bizzat aktardı.

ASLEN GALATASARAY TARAFTARI

Aslen Galatasaray taraftarı olduğu bilinen, Süper Ligin eski gol krallarından Umut Bozok, Türkiye kariyerinde daha önce bir başka dev; Trabzonspor’un da formasını terletmişti. Siyah-beyazlı formayı giymeye de sıcak bakan tecrübeli futbolcu, Beşiktaş’ın teklifini masaya koydu ve gelecek resmi adımları beklemeye çekildi.

Besıktas

12 GOLE DOĞRUDAN KATKI

Bu sezon özellikle ligin son virajında Eyüpspor adına adeta bir kahramana dönüşen 29 yaşındaki santrfor, kritik anlarda sahneye çıktı. Sezon genelinde 6 gol ve 6 asistlik bir performans sergileyerek toplamda 12 gole doğrudan katkı sağlayan Umut Bozok, Eyüpspor'un ligde kalmasında başrolü oynadı.

Çorumspor'da Fenerbahçe çılgınlığı! Yeni başkanı bekliyorlar

Tarihinde ilk kez Süper Lig'e yükselerek büyük bir başarıya imza atan Çorumspor, transfer piyasasını altüst edecek tarihi bir operasyon için düğmeye bastı. Cengiz Ünder başta olmak üzere Çağlar Söyüncü, Dominik Livakovic, Diego Carlos ve Musaba gibi yıldızları listesine alan Çorum ekibi, bu dev transfer harekatını resmileştirmek için Fenerbahçe'de önümüzdeki günlerde yapılacak kritik başkanlık seçimini bekliyor.

1. Lig play-off finalinde Erokspor'u devirerek tarihinde ilk kez Süper Lig’e yükselen Çorumspor, transfer piyasasını altüst etmeye hazırlanıyor. Kırmızı-siyahlı yönetim, Süper Lig’deki ilk sezonunda kalıcı olmak ve ses getirecek bir kadro kurmak için devlerin yıldızlarını gözüne kestirdi.

Super Lıg

TÜM İMKANLAR SEFERBER OLACAK

Transfer kulislerinden sızan ilk bilgilere göre, Beşiktaş'ın bonservisini almayı kesinlikle düşünmediği, bonservisinin bulunduğu Fenerbahçe'nin ise geri dönmesine sıcak bakmadığı Cengiz Ünder için Süper Lig'in yeni ekibi tüm imkanlarını seferber etmeye hazır.

4 İSİM DAHA LİSTEDE VAR

Çorumspor’un çılgın transfer listesi bununla da sınırlı değil. Kırmızı-siyahlılar, Fenerbahçe'den 4 oyuncu için de seçilecek yeni başkanı bekliyor.

- Çağlar Söyüncü

- Dominik Livakovic

- Diego Carlos

- Musaba

Fenerbahce

SEÇİM YAPILDIKTAN SONRA

Çorum yönetimi, bu büyük operasyon için öncelikle Fenerbahçe'de önümüzdeki günlerde gerçekleştirilecek olan kritik olağan seçimli genel kurulu bekliyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin yeni seçilecek başkanı ve yönetiminin belirlenmesinin ardından, Çorumspor masaya resmi teklifle oturacak.

Fenerbahçe'deki başkanlık seçiminin tamamlanmasıyla birlikte Çorumspor’un bu transferler için vites artırması ve dev kulüplerin kapısını resmen çalması bekleniyor.

Okan Buruk'u dinlemedi gitti! Beşiktaş'la dönüyor

İki sezon önce Okan Buruk'un tüm "kal" ısrarlarına rağmen Galatasaray'dan ayrılıp Westerlo'nun yolunu tutan Emin Bayram, Beşiktaş formayla Süper Lig'e dönüş yapmaya hazırlanıyor. Futbol aklının lideri Önder Özen'in modern ve geriden oyun kuran stoper tanımına uyan genç yıldız, Beşiktaş'ın transfer listesinin ilk sırasına yerleşti. Maliyeti el yakan Agbadou'yu olabilecek en yüksek rakama satarak dev bir bütçe amortisi hedefleyen Beşiktaş yönetimi boşluğu Emin'le doldurmak istiyor.

Beşiktaş transfer piyasasını altüst edecek sürpriz bir transfer için düğmeye bastı. Siyah-beyazlıların radarına giren son isim, Galatasaray altyapısından yetişen ve Avrupa’da sergilediği performansla dikkat çeken Emin Bayram oldu.

Besıktas

İki sezon önce Okan Buruk’un tüm "kal" ısrarlarına rağmen, düzenli oynamak adına Belçika ekibi Westerlo’nun yolunu tutan genç savunmacı, şimdi Beşiktaş formasıyla Süper Lig’e dönüş yapmaya çok yakın.

GERİDEN OYUNA KURAN STOPER

Önder Özen, modern futbolun gereksinimlerine uygun olarak hazırladığı transfer listesinin en üst sıralarına Emin Bayram’ı yazdı. Taktik tahtasında stoperlerin sadece top uzaklaştıran değil, birinci bölgeden oyunu kuran ana aktörler olmasını isteyen Özen, Emin’i tam bir geriden oyun kuran stoper olarak görüyor.

Emın Bayram

EMİN BAYRAM ÇOK ÖZEL BİR YERDE

Bayram’ın Westerlo’da kazandığı maç ritmi, Belçika Ligi’ndeki baskı altında soğukkanlı kalabilme yeteneği ve dikine attığı hat kıran paslar, Önder Özen’in elit savunma kriterleriyle %100 uyuşuyor. Genç oyuncunun bu üstün pas menzili, Beşiktaş’ın yeni sezondaki oyun kurulumunun da şifresi olacak.

HEDEF AGBADOU'YU EN YÜKSEĞE SATMAK

Bu transfer hamlesinin arkasında yasa sadece bir oyuncu takviyesi değil, aynı zamanda devasa bir mali strateji yatıyor. Özen’in planları arasında, uygun bir müşteri bulunması halinde Emmanuel Agbadou’nun satışı kesinleşti.

Fildişi Sahilli stopere ödenen bonservis bedeli kulüp bütçesi üzerinde ciddi bir yük oluşturdu. Hedef Agbadou’yu olabilecek en yüksek rakama satarak bu maliyeti amorti etmek.

Ahmetcan Kaplan, Abdülkerim'i unutturmaya geliyor! Uğurcan Çakır aracı oldu

Galatasaray'da sol stoper harekatı başladı. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk'un uzun süredir kadrosuna katmak istediği Yusuf Akçiçek'in transferi oyuncunun Fenerbahçe aidiyeti ve Avrupa hedefi nedeniyle çıkmaza girince rota Hollanda'ya çevrildi. Hem Abdülkerim Bardakcı'yı yedekleyecek hem de uzun vadede onun yerini alarak savunmanın yeni lideri olacak bir isim arayan Buruk, geçen sezon da gündeme gelen Ajax'ın genç yeteneği Ahmetcan Kaplan'da karar kıldı.

Galatasaray’da gelecek sezonun transfer planlaması doğrultusunda savunma hattı için sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk’un raporu doğrultusunda sol stoper arayışlarını hızlandıran sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, rotasını Hollanda’ya çevirdi. Abdülkerim Bardakcı’yı hem yedekleyecek hem de uzun vadede yerini alabilecek potansiyelde bir isim arayan Buruk, kararını verdi.

Galatasaray

"FENERBAHÇELİYİM" DEDİ KESTİRDİ ATTI

Okan Buruk’un listesinin ilk sırasında, şu anda Suudi Arabistan ekibi Al-Hilal forması giyen Yusuf Akçiçek yer alıyordu. Ancak bu transfer hamlesi oyuncunun kariyer planlaması ve aidiyeti nedeniyle gerçekleşmedi. Fenerbahçe altyapısından yetişen ve sar-lacivertli kulübe bağlılığını gizlemeyen Yusuf, şu aşamada Türkiye’ye dönmeye sıcak bakmadığını söyledi. Genç savunmacı, Al-Hilal’den ayrılması durumunda kariyerine mutlaka Avrupa’da devam etmek istiyor.

BURUK'UN ÖNCELİĞİ YUSUF

Yusuf Akçiçek transferinin zora girmesiyle birlikte Okan Buruk, geçen sezon da sarı-kırmızılıların gündemine gelen Ahmetcan Kaplan ismini yeniden masaya getirdi.

Ajax'ta beklenen patlamayı yapamadıktan sonra kiralandığı NEC formasıyla oldukça başarılı ve istikrarlı bir sezon geçiren Ahmetcan, teknik heyetin tam notunu aldı.

Okan Buruk, genç stoperin yüksek potansiyeline fazlasıyla güveniyor. Deneyimli teknik adama göre Ahmetcan, hem kısa vadede Abdülkerim’i kusursuz şekilde yedekleyecek hem de uzun vadede Galatasaray savunmasının liderliğini üstlenebilecek kumaşa sahip.

Galatasaray

AJAX İLE 2027'DE BİTİYOR

Transfer için resmi adımlar atılmadan önce ilk nabız yoklama operasyonu tanıdık bir isim üzerinden yürütüldü. Ahmetcan Kaplan ile ilk görüşmenin, Trabzonspor’dan eski takım arkadaşı olan milli kaleci Uğurcan Çakır aracılığıyla yapıldığı ve oyuncunun fikrinin alındığı öğrenildi.

Galatasaray'ın bu transferde elini güçlendiren en büyük etkenlerden biri ise oyuncunun sözleşme durumu. Ahmetcan Kaplan’ın Ajax ile olan kontratı 2027 yılında sona eriyor.

3-4 MİLYON EURO'YA BİTECEK

Sözleşmesinin son dönemine yaklaşılması ve Hollanda devinin kadro planlaması nedeniyle, kapının uçuk olmayan makul rakamlarla açılması bekleniyor. Futbol kulislerinde, Ajax’ın genç stoper için 3-4 milyon Euro civarında bir bonservis bedeline "Evet" diyeceği konuşuluyor.

Acun Ilıcalı'nın Okan Buruk'tan istediği iki Galatasaraylı

Şampiyonluğun ardından Marmaris ve Bodrum'da enerji depolayan, 30 Mayıs'ta ise Şampiyonlar Ligi finali için Macaristan'a çıkarma yapacak olan Okan Buruk'la ilgili kulisleri sallayan bir transfer iddiası gündeme bomba gibi düştü. Hull City'yi Premier Lig'e çıkaran Acun Ilıcalı'nın Buruk'tan, Galatasaray'ın Premier Lig tecrübesine sahip iki dünya yıldızı; İlkay Gündoğan ve Davinson Sanchez'i istediği iddia edildi.

Galatasaray’ı üst üste 4. şampiyonluğa taşıyan Okan Buruk, saha içindeki yoğun sezonun yorgunluğunu üzerinden atmadan yeni sezonun planlamasına başladı. Hem tatil yapan hem de transfer rotasını çizen tecrübeli teknik adamın önümüzdeki günlerdeki takvimi adeta baş döndürüyor.

Galatasaray

BURUK GÜNEY'İN TADINI ÇIKARIYOR

Sezonun bitmesiyle birlikte ayağının tozuyla Marmaris’e giden Okan Buruk, buradaki kısa molasının ardından Bodrum’a geçecek. Bodrum tatilini noktaladıktan sonra 30 Mayıs’ta Macaristan’da oynanacak PSG-Arsenal Şampiyonlar Ligi finalini tribünden canlı gözle takip edecek.

Dev finalin hemen ardından İstanbul’a dönecek olan Okan Buruk, ayağının tozuyla yönetimle bir araya gelerek geniş kapsamlı bir transfer zirvesi gerçekleştirecek.

BİRBİRLERİNİ KUTLADILAR

Okan Buruk cephesinde saha dışı ilişkilerde de sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Geçtiğimiz sezon yaşanan birtakım gerilimlerin ardından Buruk ile Acun Ilıcalı’nın dostluğunu bitirdiği iddia edilmişti. Ancak ikili arasında herhangi bir sorun olmadığı ortaya çıktı.

Takımı Hull City’yi Premier Lig’e çıkarma başarısı gösteren Acun Ilıcalı’yı ilk tebrik edenlerden biri Okan Buruk oldu. Başarılı teknik adam, Ilıcalı’yı Facetime üzerinden görüntülü arayarak Premier Lig biletinden dolayı samimi bir şekilde kutladı.

Acun

ACUN, BURUK'TAN 2 İSİM İSTEDİ

Bu sıcak tebrikleşmenin ardında ise transfer piyasasını sallayacak çok konuşulacak bir iddia yatıyor. Premier Lig'e yükselerek devasa bir bütçenin sahibi olan Hull City’de Acun Ilıcalı’nın, gözünü Galatasaray’ın aslarına diktiği ileri sürüldü.

İddialara göre Acun Ilıcalı, Galatasaray'dan İlkay Gündoğan ve Davinson Sanchez’i kadrosuna katmak istior. Hem İlkay'ın hem de Davinson'un daha önceki Premier Lig deneyimleri, Acun'un iştahını kabartırken; İstanbul'da yapılacak transfer toplantısında bu konunun da masaya gelmesi bekleniyor.

Osimhen'den bile pahalı! Galatasaray istedi rakam uçtu

Galatasaray, Frankfurt'un yıldızı Can Uzun'u kadrosuna katmak için hem oyuncu hem de kulüp cephesiyle resmi görüşmelere başladı. Frankfurt'un Avrupa kupalarından uzak kalması nedeniyle takımdan ayrılmaya sıcak bakan genç yetenek için Bayern Münih, Dortmund ve Milan gibi devler sıraya girdi. Alman ekibinin istediği astronomik bonservis bedeli ise adeta dudak uçuklattı.

Frankfurt formasıyla sergilediği performansla dikkatleri üzerine Can Uzun, transfer pazarının en gözde ismi. Kulübü Frankfurt’un sportif açıdan hayal kırıklığıyla geçen ve Avrupa kupaları biletini kaçırdığı sezonun ardından, genç oyuncunun takımdan ayrılması an meselesi.

Galatasaray, Can Uzun transferi için resmi adımları attı. Gelen bilgilere göre sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, hem oyuncu cephesiyle hem de Frankfurt kulübüyle masaya oturdu.

Galatasaray

CAN UZUN AYRILMAK İSTİYOR

Bild'in haberine göre Frankfurt’un önümüzdeki sezon Avrupa kupalarında yer alamayacak olması, Can Uzun’u yeni bir arayışa itti. Frankfurt yönetimi 20 yaşındaki yeteneği en az bir yıl daha elinde tutmak istese de, genç oyuncunun "kesinlikle Avrupa arenalarında boy göstermek istediği" ve bu nedenle yaz aylarında takımdan ayrılmaya sıcak baktığı vurgulandı.

Galatasaray

ÇOK ÖNEMLİ TAKIMLARIN LİSTESİNDE

4 kez A Millî Takım forması giyen Can Uzun için sadece Galatasaray değil, Avrupa’nın birçok köklü kulübü de pusuda bekliyor. İtalya'dan AC Milan, İngiltere'den Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa ile Almanya'dan Bayern Münih, Can Uzun için aportta bekleyen ekipler.

Can Uzun'un Eintracht Frankfurt ile 2029 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunuyor. Bu durum, Alman kulübünün elini fazlasıyla güçlendiriyor. Sky Sports'un daha önce geçtiği bilgilere göre, Frankfurt'un sportif direktörü Markus Krösche'nin kapıyı 80 milyon Euro civarında bir maksimum ücretle açması bekleniyor.

Aziz Yıldırım, Ali Koç'a ne dedi, şimdi kendisi ne diyor!

Daha önce dünyaca ünlü yıldızlar için 'Sen Ali Koç'sun, git al' çağrısı yapan Fenerbahçe Başkan Adayı Aziz Yıldırım aday olunca ağız değiştirdi. 'Büyük transferler kulübü küme düşürür' çıkışıyla fren yaptı. Spor kamuoyunda 'tek taşla iki kuş' olarak yorumlanan bu ani dönüşün arkasında; hem seçilmesi halinde taraftarın devasa transfer beklentisini şimdiden dizginleme hem de rakiplerini finansal sorumsuzlukla suçlayarak köşeye sıkıştırma stratejisi yatıyor.

Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan olağan seçimli genel kurul öncesi başkan adaylarından Aziz Yıldırım’ın son açıklamaları çok fazla "alt metin" okuması gerektiriyor. Daha önce eski başkan Ali Koç’a dünyaca ünlü yıldızlar Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Benzema'nın isimlerini vererek, "Fenerbahçe'ye Serdar Dursun almak yakışmaz" çağrısı yapan Yıldırım’ın, söylemini bir anda değiştirerek finansal kısıtlamalara ve UEFA cezalarına vurgu yapması dikkat çekti.

Fenerbahce

YILDIRIM'IN ÇOK KONUŞULACAK SÖZLERİ

Yıldırım'ın kurduğu yönetim kurulu listesinin, maddi olarak Hakan Safi’ye karşı zayıf kaldığı yönündeki iddialar tartışılırken, Yıldırım’ın bu ani "fren"i stratejik bir hamle olarak yorumlandı.

Yıldırım'ın eski sözlerini taca actan çıkışı da çok dikkat çekici:

- Onu getireceğiz, bunu getireceğiz diyorlar. Getiremezsiniz. UEFA'dan ceza alırsınız. Ceza katlanarak ilerliyor. Örnek veriyorum: 500 milyon Euro gelirin varsa yarısı kadar ceza ödersiniz. Bunu da kimse ödeyemez. Hataya devam ederseniz küme düşme cezası alırsınız. Bu kabul edilemez.

UEFA'NIN KÜME DÜŞÜRME YETKİSİ YOK

Yıldırım’ın "küme düşme" çıkışına karşın, uluslararası futbol hukukunda kurallar farklı işliyor. Bir üst kuruluş olan UEFA’nın, Süper Lig gibi yerel liglere doğrudan müdahale ederek bir takımı alt lige düşürme yetkisi bulunmuyor. UEFA'nın uygulayabileceği en ağır yaptırım Avrupa kupalarından men etmek.

Aziz Yıldırım’ın geçmişteki popülist transfer söylemlerinden, kurallara ve bütçeye vurgu yapan bu sert çizgiye kayması, spor basını ve genel kurul kulislerinde iki farklı pencereden değerlendiriliyor:

Fenerbahce

YILDIZ BEKLENTİSİNİ FRENLEDİ

Aziz Yıldırım bu stratejik çıkışıyla tek taşla iki kuş vurmayı hedefliyor. Deneyimli başkan öncelikle başkan seçildiğinde sırtına binecek "uçuk yıldız" beklentisini frenlerken, diğer yandan da rakibini finansal uçurumla itham ederek seçim yarışında elini güçlendirmeyi hedefliyor.

Aziz Yıldırım neden isimleri açıklamıyor? Seçim kaybettirecek 4 transfer

Fenerbahçe'de "Sezon açılışına 6 transfer yetiştireceğim" diyen başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım'ın prensip anlaşmasına vardığı iddia edilen 4 sözleşmesiz futbolcu kulislere sızdı. Camia "Seçim kaybettirecek 4 transfer" yorumlarıyla ayağa kalktı! Doekhi, Zeballos, Malacia ve Chuki isimlerinin taraftardaki büyük yıldız beklentisini karşılamaktan uzak olduğu konuşulurken, "Aziz Yıldırım neden isimleri açıklamıyor?" sorusu yükselmeye başladı.

Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan kongre öncesi başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım, transfer stratejisine dair çok net mesajlar vererek camiayı heyecanlandırmıştı:

- İki santrfor dahil toplam 6 transferle kadroda ana iskeleti oluşturacağız. Bu oyuncuların hepsi 20-25 Haziran civarındaki sezon açılışına yetişecek. Sonra durup bakacağız, giden olursa ihtiyaca göre yeniden elden geçireceğiz.

Ancak perde arkasında yürütülen transfer operasyonuna dair sızan ilk isimler, kulislerde büyük bir tartışmanın fitilini ateşledi.

Fenerbahce

4 TANE ÇOK TARTIŞILACAK İSİM

Yıldırım’ın bonservis yükü yaratmamak adına direkt olarak sözleşmesi biten ya da kulübünden ayrılma aşamasındaki oyunculara yöneldiği iddia edildi. İşte konuşulan o isimler:

- Danilho Doekhi: Union Berlin ile yollarını ayıran Hollandalı stoper.

- Exequiel Zeballos: Boca Juniors forması giyen sağ kanat oyuncusu.

- Tyrell Malacia: Manchester United'dan ayrılması beklenen sol bek.

- Chuki: Real Valladolid forması giyen 10 numara.

İSİMLER SONRASI KULİSLER ALEV ALDI

Yıldırım'ın gizlilikle yürüttüğü ancak yakınındaki kişiler tarafından dışarı sızdırılan liste kongre üyeleri ve camia içinde sert eleştirileri de beraberinde getirecek cinsten.

Kulislerde konuşulan iddialara göre; listesindeki bu 4 ismi resmen açıklaması durumunda Aziz Yıldırım’ın seçimi kaybetme noktasına gelebileceği ileri sürülüyor.

Fenerbahce

4 İSİM AÇIKLANIRSA SAFİ ÖNE GEÇER

Bonservissiz ve soru işaretleri barındıran bu hamlelerin, taraftarın beklediği "dünya yıldızı" profiline uymadığı yüksek sesle dillendirilmeye başlandı.

Hatta iddialar öyle bir boyuta ulaştı ki, Yıldırım'ın bu sözleşmesiz 4 oyuncuyu resmen duyurduğu anda, diğer güçlü aday Hakan Safi'nin yarışta net bir şekilde öne geçeceği konuşuluyor.

Beşiktaş'a 'sirtaki' paketi: Operasyon ileri aşamada

Sergen Yalçın dönemi resmen kapanmadan Önder Özen'in onayladığı isimlerle transfer operasyonuna sıfırdan başlayan Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı, iki Yunan yıldız için ileri aşamaya geldi. Portekiz devi Benfica ile 20 milyon Euro'dan açılan pazarlıklarda aşama kaydedilen golcü Pavlidis, siyah-beyazlıların sunduğu 3 katı maaş teklifine 'evet' dedi. Newcastle United'ın gözden çıkardığı Vlachodimos ise Sevilla'nın bütçe engeline takılmasının ardından rotayı İstanbul'a çevirdi ancak imza için teknik direktör şartı koştu.

Beşiktaş’ta yeni sezon öncesi futbol yapılanması sil baştan yazılıyor. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın ile yolların resmen ayrılmasından önce "farklı bir yoldan" transfer çalışmalarına başlayan başkan Serdal Adalı, gizli yürüttüğü operasyonunda çok önemli bir yol katetti.

Yalçın’ın verdiği raporlardan bağımsız olarak, 12 yıl sonra kulübe futbol direktörü olarak dönen Önder Özen’in raporu belirleyici oldu. Özen'in listesinde ilk sıralarda yer aldığı iddia edilen iki Yunan yıldız için Başkan Adalı taarruz başlattı.

Besıktas

YALÇIN'IN DEĞİL ÖZEN'İN LİSTESİ

Siyah-beyazlıların ilk hedefi, Önder Özen'in sistemine tam uyum sağlayan, stoperleri yıpratan ve modern bir bağlantı forveti olan Vangelis Pavlidis.

Gelen bilgilere göre, Portekiz devi Benfica ile masaya oturan Beşiktaş yönetimi, 20 milyon Euro'dan başlayan sıkı bir pazarlık sürecinin içinde. İki kulüp arasındaki mali beklentilerde şu an için büyük farklar var gibi görünse de, bu farkın kapanmayacak seviyede olmadığı belirtiliyor.

Besıktas

PAVLIDIS MAAŞI DUYUNCA COŞTU

Oyuncu cephesinde ise Beşiktaş'ın eli son derece güçlü. Siyah-beyazlı yönetimin, Pavlidis'e Benfica'da kazandığı yıllık ücretin neredeyse 2-3 katını teklif ettiği öğrenildi.

Bu astronomik teklif sonrası Yunan golcünün Beşiktaş'a gelmeye dünden razı olduğu ve adeta imza atmaya hazır konumda beklediği ifade ediliyor.

YUNAN KALECİ HOCAYI BEKLİYOR

Diğer bir Yunan yıldız da kaleci Odysseas Vlachodimos. Tecrübeli file bekçisi için bonservisini elinde bulunduran İngiliz ekibi Newcastle United’ı ikna etmenin çok zor olmadığı gelen haberler arasında. Ancak bu transferin önündeki en büyük engel, oyuncunun geleceğe yönelik belirsizlikleri.

Yunan kaleci, Beşiktaş'a imza atmadan önce yeni teknik direktörün netleşmesini ve projesini görmeyi şart koşuyor. Ayrıca Vlachodimos geçen sezon kiralık olarak formasını giydiği Sevilla'da kalmak istiyor. Ancak İspanyol ekibinin bu transferi kalıcı hale getirecek ekonomik gücü yok.

Yesterday — 25 May 2026Main stream

“Sanderlend” 53 ildən sonra avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazandı!

25 May 2026 at 23:20

“Sanderlend” futbol üzrə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün son oyununda “Çelsi”ni 2:1 hesabı ilə məğlub edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda bu qələbə sayəsində Premyer Liqanın yarış cədvəlində 7-ci yeri tutub və Avropa Liqasına vəsiqə qazanıb.

Bu isə “qara pişiklər”in təxminən yarım əsrlik həsrətinə son qoyub. Belə ki, bu komanda 53 ildən sonra ilk dəfə avrokuboklarda oynayacaq.

Xatırladaq ki, “Sanderlend” sonuncu dəfə 1973/1974-cü illər mövsümündə avrokuboklarda mübarizə aparmışdı.

Maraqlıdır ki, bu komanda əvvəlki mövsümü Çempionşipdə keçirdiyi halda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündən etibarən Premyer Liqaya qayıtmışdı. Amma elitadakı uğurlu çıxış fransalı mütəxəssis Rejis Le Brinin rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektivə möhtəşəm nəticə qazanmağa kömək edib.

“Arsenal” Premyer Liqada 2 ilkə imza atdı

25 May 2026 at 23:00

2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə futbol üzrə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının qalibi olmuş “Arsenal” komandası bir neçə ilkə də imza atıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, London təmsilçisi Premyer Liqa tarixində mövsümü qırmızı vərəqəsiz başa vurmuş ilk çempion olub.

Bundan əlavə, mövsüm ərzində “topçular”ın qapısına 38 oyunun heç birində penaıti təyin edilməyib. Bu baxımdan da londonlular ilki gerçəkəşdiriblər.

Mikel Artetanın rəhbərlik etdiyi komanda mövsüm ərzində yüksək səviyyədə intizam və müdafiə etibarlılığı nümayiş etdirib ki, bu da titul uğrunda mübarizədə əsas amillərdən biri olub.

Xatırladaq ki, Premyer Liqa yekunlaşsa da, 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümü hələ “Arsenal” üçün tam bitməyib. Belə ki, İngiltərə çempionu UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının finalında mübarizə aparacaq. Sözügedən komanda mayın 30-da Fransa nəhəngi PSJ ilə qarşılaşacaq.

Bruno Jenezio “Lill”i ÇL-ə çıxardı, klubdan ayrıldı

25 May 2026 at 22:40

Fransanın “Lill” komandasına rəhbərlik edən Bruno Jenezio 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün başa çatması ilə baş məşqçi vəzifəsindən ayrılıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Liqa 1 təmsilçisi rəsmi saytı vasitəsilə məlumat yayıb.

Maraqlıdır ki, “Lill” Jenezionun rəhbərliyi altında Liqa 1-in 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə 61 xal toplayaraq turnir cədvəlində üçüncü yeri tutub. Bu uğurlu nəticə sayəsində komanda növbəti mövsüm üçün UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında iştirak hüququnu təmin edib. Amma fransalı məşqçi daha ciddi təkliflər aldığı üçün postundan ayrılmağa qərar verib. Belə ki, onun Marsel “Olimpik”ini və ya “Nitsa”nı çalışdırması gözlənilir. “Lill”in yeni baş məşqçisinin kim olacağı isə hələ məlum deyil.

Xatırladaq ki, Jenezio ölkəsində 2025-ci ilin ən yaxşı fransalı məşqçisi seçilmişdi.

Bruno Jenezio 2024-cü ilin yayından “Lill”ə rəhbərlik edirdi. 59 yaşlı mütəxəssis bu komandanı bütövlükdə 99 oyuna çıxarıb, 50 qələbə, 19 heç-heçə, 30 məğlubiyyət görüb.

Jenezio məşqçilik karyerası ərzində “Vilfranş”, “Rasinq” (Bezanson), “Olimpik” (Lion), “Beytsin Qoan”, “Renn” kimi klublarda da baş məşqçi kimi çalışıb.

Cəlal Hüseynov mövsümün son matçında 63 dəqiqə oynadı

25 May 2026 at 22:20

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin mərkəz müdafiəçisi Cəlal Hüseynov Bolqarıstanın “Arda” komandasının heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Cəlalın komandası Bolqarıstan çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün sonuncu – 36-cı turu çərçivəsində “Çerno More” ilə qarşılaşıb.

“Arda” səfərdə baş tutmuş bu oyundan qələbə ilə ayrılıb – 3:2. Hüseynov start heyətdə meydana çıxıb və 63-cü dəqiqədə əvəzlənib.

“Arda” 36 oyunda topladığı 54 xalla 16 iştirakçı arasında 6-cı yeri tutub. Komanda 15 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 12 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb. “Arda” Avropa Konfrans Liqasına vəsiqə qazanmış Plovdiv “Lokomotiv”indən cəmi 1 xal geri qalıb.

Xatırladaq ki, “Zirə”nin yetirməsi olan Cəlal Hüseynov Bolqarıstan təmsilçisi ilə 2023-cü ilin iyun ayında 3 illik müqavilə imzalayıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu bu komandada 85 rəsmi oyuna çıxıb, 5 qol vurub. Cəlal 2024/2025-ci illər mövsümünü icarə əsasında “Şamaxı”da keçirsə də, ötən ilin yayında yenidən Bolqarıstan klubuna qayıdıb.

Hüseynov 2021-ci ilin noyabrında debüt etdiyi Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində 9 oyuna çıxsa da, məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə yadda qalmayıb.

Massimiliano Alleqri “Milan”dan qovuldu

25 May 2026 at 22:00

Futbol üzrə İtaliya A Seriyasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünü uğursuzluqla başa vurmuş “Milan” baş məşqçisi Massimiliano Alleqri ilə vidalaşıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə A Seriyası klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

İtaliyalı mütəxəssisin istefasına “Milan”ın 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə göstərdiyi zəif nəticələr səbəb olub. Belə ki, komanda ölkə çempionatında beşinci yeri tutub və UEFA Çempionlar Liqasına vəsiqə qazana bilməyib.

Alleqri 2025-ci ilin may ayında “Milan”ın baş məşqçisi vəzifəsinə təyin olunmuşdu. 58 yaşlı mütəxəssisin bu klubla müddəti 2027-ci ilin 30 iyununa qədər nəzərdə tutulmuş müqaviləsi var idi.

Massimiliano Alleqri 2010-2014-cü illərdə də “Milan”ı çalışdırıb. O, 2010/2011-ci illər mövsümündə “Milan”ı İtaliya çempionu edibsə, 2011/2012 mövsümündə bu kluba İtaliya Super Kubokunu qazandırıb.

Alleqri daha öncə “Yuventus”, SPAL, “Qrosseto”, “Sassuolo”, “Kalyari” kimi komandaları da çalışdırıb.

Rüfət Abbasov “Şamaxı”dan getdi – Rəsmi

25 May 2026 at 21:40

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Şamaxı” sol cinah müdafiəçisi Rüfət Abbasov ilə yollarını ayırıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə əyalət klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

21 yaşlı müdafiəçi ilə başa çatmış müqavilənin müddəti yenilənməyib. Klub Rüfətə xidmətlərinə görə təşəkkür edib, gələcək karyerasında uğurlar arzulayıb.

Bu, “Şamaxı”da mövsümlərarası fasilə dönəmində ikinci ayrılıqdır. Əyalət klubu bu gün Karim Rossi ilə də yollarını ayırdığını açıqlamışdı

Xatırladaq ki, Rüfət Abbasov “Neftçi”nin yetirməsidir. O, “Şamaxı”ya 2024-cü ildə paytaxt klubunun əvəzedicilərdən ibarət komandasından ayrılaraq keçmişdi. 21 yaşlı futbolçu əyalət klubunun heyətində 74 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qol vurub, 12 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.

Abbasovun “Şamaxı”nı tərk etməsinin keçmiş klubu “Neftçi”dən sərfəli təklif alması ilə bağlı olduğu iddia edilir.

Rüfət Azərbaycanın U-17, U-19 və U-21 yığmalarında forma geyinib. 2025-ci ildə isə o, əsas millimizdə debüt edib.

Cremonese player given massive 4-match ban for insulting referee

25 May 2026 at 23:18

Cremonese player Alberto Grassi has been given a four-match ban for insulting and pushing the referee during the ill-tempered 4-1 defeat to Como.

CREMONA, ITALY - MAY 24: Jesus Rodriguez of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Jesus Rodriguez of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The hosts reacted furiously to a soft penalty that was awarded to Como in a game that they needed to win or face relegation from Serie A.

This resulted in a flurry of red cards to Grassi on the pitch, plus Milan Djuric and David Okereke, who were warming up when they accosted the assistant referee.

Cremonese hit by Serie A bans

PARMA, ITALY - MARCH 21:  Alberto Grassi of US Cremonese during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Cremonese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 21, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
PARMA, ITALY – MARCH 21: Alberto Grassi of US Cremonese during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Cremonese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 21, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Lega Serie A today announced that Grassi was handed a massive four-match ban.

This is because he uttered a blasphemous phrase, which is the worst kind of swearing in the Italian language, approached referee Fabio Maresca in a threatening manner, and lightly pushed the official.

His Cremonese teammate Djuric received a two-match ban for insulting the officials, while Okereke has only a one-game suspension.

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 24: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Christian Kabasele of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 24: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Christian Kabasele of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

There is also a two-match ban for Udinese defender Christian Kabasele, who was sent off during the defeat to Napoli for kicking out at Rasmus Hojlund in an off the ball situation.

The final one-match bans handed out by the Lega Serie A for this season, which carry on to the next, are for Nicolas Valentini (Verona), Sascha Britschgi (Parma), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter), Ylber Ramadani (Lecce) and Jamie Vardy (Cremonese).

Report Paratici targeted by Milan as new director of sport

25 May 2026 at 23:00

Fabio Paratici only accepted the Fiorentina job in February, but multiple sources claim he is being targeted by Milan to be their new director of sport.

The Rossoneri are having a complete clear out of their hierarchy after the failure to secure a Champions League qualifying spot last night.

Coach Max Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, director of sport Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada were all fired using a single official statement.

While Andoni Areola and Xavi have been mentioned as candidates to be the new coach, their first task must be finding a new director of sport to lead the transfer strategy.

Paratici first choice for Milan

FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 7: Sporting Director Fabio Paratici of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Artemio Franchi on February 7, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Sporting Director Fabio Paratici of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Artemio Franchi on February 7, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

According to MilanPress, Calciomercato expert Daniele Longo, Matteo Moretto and more, the first choice for the role is Paratici.

It is claimed that Milan special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had direct contact with Paratici to ask for his availability.

VERONA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08:Fabio Paratici of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona and Juventus at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 8, 2020 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08:Fabio Paratici of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona and Juventus at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 8, 2020 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The director only took the Fiorentina job in February after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, while before that he was director of sport at Juventus from 2010 to 2021.

It was during that period that his somewhat creative accounting techniques on profits from player sales saw Juventus fined and docked points.

Paratici was suspended from all football activity for 30 months in April 2023 and returned to the club in October 2025.

It was the possibility of an extended ban that prompted Milan to withdraw their job offer to Paratici in April 2025.

Another candidate for Milan would be current Atalanta director Tony D’Amico, but he is widely reported to be heading towards Roma instead.

Atalanta will replace D’Amico with former Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli.

Milan fans demand Ibrahimovic be fired too after mass dismissal

25 May 2026 at 22:40

Milan ultras are not happy about Zlatan Ibrahimovic being given more powers after the cull of coach and directorial staff. ‘Get Ibra out now too.’

It has been a devastating 24 hours for the Rossoneri, who saw their Champions League hopes evaporate after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari.

Even a point would’ve been enough to have a better head-to-head record with Como and snatch fourth place.

Ibrahimovic given more Milan power

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 03: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Senior Advisor of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Senior Advisor of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

RedBird patron Gerry Cardinale dismissed coach Max Allegri, director of sport Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada in one fell swoop, announcing their sacking in a single, brutal statement.

However, special advisor Ibrahimovic remains with even more powers than he had before, and arrived at the hotel where Cardinale is staying this evening for another crisis meeting.

Milan ultras had been protesting against Furlani for a while, but were largely in favour of keeping Allegri and Tare until last night’s capitulation.

That changed today and they put up a new banner outside the Casa Milan headquarters.

‘Nobody must remain: Get Ibra out now too.’

📣🥶 Nuovo striscione fuori Casa Milan: questa volta il bersaglio è Zlatan #Ibrahimovic.

(Via @lollodean_ ) pic.twitter.com/3khPuKQVgL

— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) May 25, 2026

It does not seem likely that Cardinale will sweep away the former player and special advisor too, having already fired the entire directorial and coaching staff.

Maldini confirmation of Fenerbahce meeting as Milan in shambles

25 May 2026 at 22:19

While his old club Milan is in shambles, Paolo Maldini confirms he met with Fenerbahce Presidential candidate Hakan Safi. ‘A strong football mind.’

The Rossoneri have wiped the slate clean after failing to qualify for the Champions League, today firing coach Max Allegri, director of sport Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani with a single brutal statement.

Maldini in talks with Fenerbahce

LECCE, ITALY - JUNE 22: Paolo Maldini of Milan during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on June 22, 2020 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
LECCE, ITALY – JUNE 22: Paolo Maldini of Milan during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on June 22, 2020 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

During the current chaos, Maldini it seems will not be targeted for a return to his beloved San Siro, because he is being lined up as the new technical director of Fenerbahce.

That all depends on if Hakan Safi wins the Presidential election, but the Italian did post on social media about their meeting last week.

“Wonderful time in Istanbul with Hakan Safi. A strong football mind, a passionate leader and most importantly a true friend. We had great discussions about football and I’m sure we will continue sharing many more moments together in the future.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paolo Maldini (@paolomaldini)

It remains to be seen what role he would have at Fenerbahce if Safi were to be elected, but this was one of several meetings, following their encounter in Italy earlier this month.

There were also reports that he was lining up former Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli for the Turkish team.

Maldini was director of development at Milan in 2018-19, then promoted to technical director from 2019 until his dismissal in June 2023.

Mourinho: ‘Materazzi and Terry the best defenders I ever had’

25 May 2026 at 22:05

Jose Mourinho announced the names of the two best defenders he ever worked with in his career are Marco Materazzi and John Terry.

The former Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager poured immense praise onto the Italy international and England centre-back.

He sat down for a video interview for MM23, an interactive book that covers the career of the 2006 World Cup winner.

Mourinho praise for Materazzi

“In my whole career, where I coached the best players of that generation, the two best central defenders I ever had were John Terry and Marco Materazzi,” said Mourinho.

The Special One famously lifted the Treble in 2010 with Inter, and Materazzi was a key part of that squad that won the Champions League, Scudetto and Coppa Italia in the same season.

He was the coach of the Nerazzurri from 2008 to 2010.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho lifts the trophy in front of his team after winning the UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, 22 May 2010. EPA/EMILIO NARANJO NO MOBILE DEVICES
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho lifts the trophy in front of his team after winning the UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, 22 May 2010. EPA/EMILIO NARANJO NO MOBILE DEVICES

Mourinho’s experience with Terry was at Chelsea, where the England international played 267 games for this coach, scoring 26 goals and providing 11 assists.

Mou had two different spells at Stamford Bridge, in 2004-07 and then returning in 2013-15.

Brad Levy warns cross-chain compliance is crypto’s AML gap

25 May 2026 at 23:18
Cross-chain compliance gaps at blockchain bridges are crypto’s most dangerous AML blind spot, ThetaRay CEO Brad Levy says. Compliance teams monitoring crypto transactions lose the trail the moment assets cross a blockchain bridge. Brad Levy, CEO of ThetaRay, calls this…

MoonPay ChatGPT app lets users buy Bitcoin and XRP

25 May 2026 at 22:41
MoonPay ChatGPT app is now the first crypto onramp inside OpenAI’s platform, supporting Bitcoin, XRP and Solana. MoonPay launched a dedicated app inside ChatGPT’s App Store on May 22, allowing users to generate cryptocurrency purchase links without leaving OpenAI’s chatbot.…

Moomoo crypto brings 52 coins to Texas at zero commission

25 May 2026 at 22:35
Moomoo crypto is now live in Texas, giving investors access to 52 cryptocurrencies with zero commission trading. Moomoo announced the expansion of its cryptocurrency trading services to Texas on May 22, alongside the launch of its Direct Crypto Deposit and…

XRP pre-sale surpasses $10 million, XRP holders are paying close attention to SHRMiner’s free cloud mining service

25 May 2026 at 22:27
Regulatory progress and XRP growth fuel interest in cloud mining platforms like SHRMiner among crypto investors. According to CNBC, following months of negotiations regarding stablecoin yield rules and decentralized finance (DeFi) regulation, the Digital Asset Market Transparency Act was passed…

Meme mogul James Wynn says the easy-money era is over for memecoins

25 May 2026 at 22:00
High-leverage trader James Wynn has declared that the “lottery ticket” phase of memecoins is finished, arguing the sector is now saturated and structurally tilted toward insiders at the top. James Wynn, the hyper-leveraged crypto trader who turned a roughly $7,000…

Leicester confirm brutal summer clear-out as Jamaal Lascelles among 10 players released

25 May 2026 at 23:22

Former Newcastle United club captain Jamaal Lascelles is set to leave Leicester City along with several high-profile teammates, following a swift and brutal end to his short-lived tenure at the King Power Stadium.

The announcement comes as part of a massive squad clear-out by the Foxes following their devastating relegation down into League One.

Lascelles, who spent 12 years at St James’ Park and famously captained the Magpies to a Championship title, only departed Tyneside in January in search of a fresh chapter.

However, his stay in the East Midlands has been cut short after the club decided on a total reset of their playing staff.

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Former Newcastle star Jamaal Lascelles set to leave Leicester City as contract expires

Leicester City officially confirmed the mass exodus in a club statement detailing the departure of ten senior players upon the expiration of their deals this summer.

The club also noted that while veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begović’s contract is similarly ticking down, he “remains in discussions with us about the possibility of extending his stay at King Power Stadium.”

The statement posted on their official website read as below:

“We can confirm that 10 Men’s First Team players will depart Leicester City Football Club upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

“Among those is captain Ricardo Pereira, who made 220 appearances for us across eight seasons since joining from Porto in his native Portugal in the summer of 2018.

“Alongside Ricardo, strikers Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew, defender Jamaal Lascelles and Academy graduate Wanya Marçal will also leave us at the end of the season following the expiration of their contracts.

“Goalkeeper Asmir Begović’s contract is also due to expire this summer, but he remains in discussions with us about the possibility of extending his stay at King Power Stadium.”

Jamaal Lascelles time at Leicester was a disaster

For Lascelles, a free transfer offers an immediate opportunity to regroup.

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Having barely settled into life with the Foxes after his emotional January departure from Newcastle, the experienced center-back suddenly finds himself back on the market.

At 32, the tough-tackling defender still possesses plenty of leadership value and top-flight pedigree.

While his brief stint at Leicester didn’t go to plan, his extensive experience anchoring a Premier League backline ensures he won’t be short of suitors as clubs look to snap up proven defensive leadership on a free transfer this summer.

The post Leicester confirm brutal summer clear-out as Jamaal Lascelles among 10 players released appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Darren Bent lifts lid on Villa humiliation that ended his Paul Lambert relationship

25 May 2026 at 22:29

Former England striker Darren Bent has opened up on his fractured relationship with ex-Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, revealing how he was shockingly stripped of the club captaincy just weeks after being appointed.

The ex-Premier League forward described a dramatic collapse in trust and communication that quickly derailed what had initially been a promising spell at Villa Park.

Bent has lifted the lid on the incident during an appearance on In The Mixer.

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Darren Bent details shock Aston Villa dressing room humiliation under Paul Lambert

Bent recalled how Lambert initially placed significant trust in him after arriving at Aston Villa in 2012, even contacting him during the off-season to ask for insights into the squad and younger players.

“He’s calling me asking what cars the young players are driving and if they are getting above their station,” Bent explained.

After being handed the captaincy during pre-season, Bent believed he was central to Lambert’s plans. However, everything changed following the arrival of Christian Benteke, who would go on to become Villa’s first-choice striker.

The turning point came ahead of a West Midlands derby against West Bromwich Albion. Bent had been rested for a midweek League Cup win over Manchester City, a result Villa won 4-2, and expected to return to the starting XI.

Instead, he was brutally left out without warning.

“He comes into the dressing room, flips the whiteboard chart and I’m not in the team. He walks straight out,” Bent said.

When he confronted Lambert, he was told the captaincy would be handed to Ron Vlaar so he could “focus on scoring goals.”

But the situation worsened when Bent spoke to Vlaar, who revealed he had already been informed of the change days earlier.

“Ron comes and finds me and goes, ‘Oh, has the boss spoken to you about the captaincy? Yeah, he spoke to me like last week or the week before.’ From that game, it’s never the same,” Bent admitted.

Aston Villa fallout marked turning point in Darren Bent’s career

The captaincy incident proved to be a major turning point in Bent’s Aston Villa career, with his role at the club rapidly diminishing thereafter.

Bent had joined Villa from Sunderland in a then-club record £24 million move in 2011 and made an immediate impact, scoring nine goals in his first half-season.

However, despite a strong Premier League scoring record from his spells at Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sunderland, his relationship with Lambert never recovered.

He was eventually loaned out to Fulham and Brighton, marking the end of his top-flight influence at Villa Park.

The episode remains a striking example of how quickly managerial decisions can reshape a player’s career trajectory at Premier League level.

Bent’s time in the Premier League

Bent’s overall legacy in the top flight remains firmly secure as a member of the elite Premier League “100 Club.”

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Darren Bent Premier League stats via Transfermarkt

Over the course of his distinguished career in the English top tier, the striker racked up an impressive 106 Premier League goals in 276 appearances.

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‘United could convince me’: Man United handed huge transfer boost as 22-goal star gives green light to Old Trafford move

25 May 2026 at 21:45

Manchester United’s summer recruitment plans have received a massive shot in the arm. Club Brugge sensation Christos Tzolis has explicitly given the green light to a potential move to Old Trafford, while simultaneously shutting down interest from several Premier League rivals.

The 24-year-old Greek international has enjoyed a stunning rise in Belgium, alerting a host of top-tier clubs to his talents.

However, Tzolis has made it clear that he will not leave Brugge for just any project, setting a strict set of criteria that heavily favours the Red Devils.

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Christos Tzolis gives green light to Man United

Speaking in a candid interview with Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad this week, Tzolis openly admitted that the allure of Old Trafford might be too strong to resist.

Despite feeling incredibly settled at Brugge, the forward confessed his admiration for the red side of Manchester.

“United could convince me,” Tzolis admitted freely. “Such a massive club with so much history. It would be hard to say no to that.”

The forward’s willingness to join represents a major boost for the United hierarchy as they look to injection dynamism into their frontline.

Christos Tzolis rules out mid-table Premier League clubs

United are far from the only English club monitoring the winger, but Tzolis has brutally narrowed down his options.

He explicitly closed the door on mid-table Premier League suitors, demanding elite European football if he is to take the next step.

“It would have to be a Champions League team from England, Germany, Spain, or Italy. Only PSG is a better option than Club,” Tzolis stated firmly.

When pushed on interest from Crystal Palace, his response was definitive: “The Crystal Palace train has already left the station for me.”

This elite requirement also dampens Newcastle United’s hopes, while keeping fellow suitors Aston Villa firmly in the conversation.

Tzolis is in no rush to leave Belgium, concluding that he has “everything I need to be happy here,” but if Manchester United or Aston Villa decide to formalise their interest, the path to a deal is officially clear.

Christos Tzolis stats highlight breakout European season

It is no surprise that a host of clubs are tracking the forward, considering his devastating form in front of goal.

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Tzolis has transformed into one of the most productive wingers in European football, finding the back of the net 17 times in the Belgian Pro League campaign alone.

Across all competitions, his output is even more staggering, racking up 22 goals and an incredible 29 assists across all competitions.

Competition Apps Goals Assists
Jupiler Pro League 26 9 13
Jupiler Pro League Champions’ Play-Offs 10 8 10
UEFA Champions League 9 2 1
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 4 1 4
Croky Cup 2 1 0
Volkswagen Supercup 1 1 1
Total 52 22 29

Christos Tzolis stats this season via transfermarkt

His ability to consistently break defensive lines and carry an elite offensive burden explains why Europe’s biggest clubs are queuing up for his signature.

The post ‘United could convince me’: Man United handed huge transfer boost as 22-goal star gives green light to Old Trafford move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing season opener vs. Lions

The New Orleans Saints won’t get much time to ease into the 2026 NFL season. Their year opens on the road in Detroit against the Lions, one of the NFC’s toughest and most physical teams. For a Saints team that’ll be looking to establish an identity early, this is about as strong an opening test as a schedule could offer.

The Lions have become one of the league’s toughest home opponents, and opening the season in Detroit gives the matchup a different feel than if it were in New Orleans. The Saints have had success in the all-time series, but the Lions won the most recent meeting and will now look to extend their winning streak to two games. Can the Saints pull off a stunner in Week 1?

Upcoming game in Saints vs. Lions

  • When: Sunday, Sept. 13 (Week 1) at Noon CT
  • Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • Record: Saints lead 14-13-1.

Last meeting in Saints vs. Lions

  • Lions won 33-28 on Dec. 3, 2023.

An ascending Lions team took home the win in a high-scoring affair late in 2023. It was a tall task for the Derek Carr-led Saints, who were sitting around .500, but a late-game comeback made things interesting in the final minutes. Carr threw for 226 yards and a touchdown, but gave an interception to Brian Branch and the Lions’ defense — and it could’ve been the difference in the game. Taysom Hill led the Saints in rushing yards with 59 alongside Alvin Kamara, who rushed for 51 yards on 3.64 yards per carry. Both combined for three touchdowns on the ground.

The Lions did most of their damage early. Goff threw touchdown passes to Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and David Montgomery added a rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The Saints responded in the second half behind Kamara and Hill, cutting the lead to 24-21 in the third quarter, but the Lions answered just enough to escape with the win.

Common connections in Saints vs. Lions

Lions head coach Dan Campbell spent five seasons with New Orleans as the Saints’ assistant head coach and tight ends coach before landing the job in Detroit. He has since established a tough, winning culture with the Lions and has seen much success in his tenure.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore began his NFL playing career with the Lions.  He spent three seasons in Detroit before being released during the 2015 training camp.

Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. Lions

  • The Lions remain one of the NFC’s most complete rosters. Detroit still has Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta. They parted ways with David Montgomery, trading him to the Houston Texans early in the offseason.
  • Detroit has given both pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Jack Campbell long-term contract extensions since their last matchup against the Saints. Campbell was recently rewarded with a four-year, $81 million extension, and Hutchinson signed a four-year, $180 million deal in October. Both have emerged as the centerpieces of the Lions' defense.
  • The Lions made a few notable moves in free agency, including signing former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract. Detroit also re-signed linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and added former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco on one-year deals.

This is not the type of season opener the Saints can afford to spend a quarter figuring things out. Detroit’s offense is too talented, Ford Field will be too loud, and the Lions have enough pieces to pummel a team with a slow start. The Saints learned that in their last meeting, a bad opening stretch forced New Orleans to play from behind for the rest of the game.

For the Saints, the road to an upset begins with composure from their second-year signal caller, Tyler Shough, who will need to handle the noise and protect the football. New Orleans will need to manage the persistent threat Hutchinson poses. If he comes down with two, three, or even four sacks, Hutchinson can single-handedly wreck the game.

Defensively, the Saints must limit St. Brown’s yards after catch and force Gibbs to accept short gains, rather than turning dead plays into explosive gains. If they can avoid the early avalanche of points that hurt them in the last matchup, the Saints will have a real opportunity to make an early statement to the rest of the league.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing Week 1 season opener vs. Lions

Arsenal Are Among The Clubs Monitoring The Progress Of This Atletico Madrid Star: Should Arteta Go For Him?

Arsenal Are Among The Clubs Monitoring The Progress Of This Atletico Madrid Star: Should Arteta Go For Him?
Arsenal Are Among The Clubs Monitoring The Progress Of This Atletico Madrid Star: Should Arteta Go For Him?

In a recent report, Fichajes revealed that Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring the progress of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. It has been stated that the Gunners are facing stiff competition from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to land the Argentine talent this summer.

Alvarez’s Impressive Form In La Liga

Alvarez has enjoyed a good run of form at the Madrid club this season as he has been responsible for producing a series of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 26-year-old has banged in 20 goals and grabbed nine assists in 49 matches for Atletico Madrid in this campaign across multiple competitions.

The Argentine talent is currently one of the best strikers in La Liga. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Gunners are in the running to sign him this off-season.

Alvarez is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium until the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Arsenal to sign him on the cheap later this year.

Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Go For Alvarez?

Alvarez is proficient at finding a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the vision to create some decent chances for his teammates in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The Argentina international can contribute by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team up top. Alvarez is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in as a winger on either flank if required. He already knows the Premier League well from his time at Man City and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the North London club.

Alvarez would bring more pace and goals to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s frontline. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the Emirates Stadium next season.

At 26, Alvarez has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for the Gunners to pursue at the end of this campaign. He might even help the London outfit compete for some major honours in the coming years. Therefore, Arsenal should focus on going for a player of Alvarez’s quality this summer.

AC Milan fires Allegri and CEO Furlani for &#39;unequivocal failure&#39; of a season

MILAN (AP) — AC Milan fired coach Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Giorgio Furlani on Monday after what it deemed “an unequivocal failure” of a season.

The team's U.S. owner, RedBird, cleaned house a day after Milan missed out on a Champions League berth by one point after blowing a 1-0 lead and losing at home to also-ran Cagliari 2-1. The Rossoneri were booed off the field by their own fans.

Milan spent much of Serie A in the top two positions and fighting for the title but a run of only two wins in its last eight matches dropped it to fifth on Sunday, the last day of the season.

“The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point, with last night’s disappointing loss in the final game turning the season into an unequivocal failure,” RedBird said in a statement.

“It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganization of football operations. Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.”

RedBird kept only special adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Allegri returned to Milan last year tasked with taking the Rossoneri back to the Champions League after the team finished eighth in Serie A the previous season. Allegri oversaw 42 matches resulting in 22 victories, 10 draws and 10 defeats.

RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale is now expected to work closely with Ibrahimovic to restructure the club, including choosing a coach, CEO and sporting director.

"Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course — with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season," the statement concluded.

___

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

Live updates, score for Maryland MPSSAA Class 4A softball championship between Broadneck and Urbana

Live updates, score for Maryland MPSSAA Class 4A softball championship between Broadneck and Urbana originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

And then there were two.

The Broadneck [Annapolis] Bruins and the Urbana [Ijamsville] Hawks are the last teams standing in Maryland's MPSSAA Class 4A ranks, surviving a 48-team field to set up the final matchup of the tournament.

The two teams have yet to play in 2026, but on paper, it would appear to be a pretty even matchup. Broadneck enters the game ranked No. 5 in the latest edition of the MaxPreps rankings for Maryland, while Urbana checks in at No. 11.

Both teams, however, have lost four games, with Broadneck holding a slight edge in the wins column with 20 to Urbana's 18.

Game time is set for 12:30 p.m. EST local in College Park, MD.

HOW TO WATCH: Broadneck vs. Urbana on the NFHS Network

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Refresh for updates

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SIXTH INNING

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Gaby McAnaw has pitched a one-hitter so far, and they go to the seventh scoreless as the shuts down Broadneck again.

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Nothing for Urbana once again, but they strand two runners.

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FIFTH INNING

__________

Broadneck is unable to follow up on their threat in the fourth, and they go to the sixth inning still scoreless.

__________

Urbana still isn't able to get the bats going, and Broadneck is coming up in the bottom of the frame.

__________

The rain has cleared out for now so we'll see if the offenses can get going.

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FOURTH INNING

__________

Bennett made it to third base, but she was stranded there. So, they head to the fifth inning still scoreless. First one to score might actually win this thing.

__________

Corinn Bennett gets the first hit of the day for the Bruins, and they're finally in business with a baserunner on and just one out.

__________

They're playing in a light rain, and nobody's been able to get the bats going yet. Urbana comes up empty again, and now Broadneck back up for another go at the plate.

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THIRD INNING

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Nothing for Broadneck. They head to the fourth still scoreless in a game that has been a heck of a showcase for the pitching.

__________

Still nothing for Urbana from their bats, and it's Broadneck coming up.

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SECOND INNING

__________

Broadneck can't break the ice, and they head to the third inning still scoreless.

__________

Urbana again comes up empty, and now it's Broadneck's turn again.

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FIRST INNING

__________

Broadneck also comes up empty, and they head to the second inning.

__________

Urbana is unable to get any runs across, and Broadneck is coming up next.

__________

They are under way!

__________

Coming soon!

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How can I watch Broadneck vs. Urbana?

More high school softball

Mets signing Justin Turner or Wilmer Flores has a serious case to be made

ドジャース-ターナー

Mets signing Justin Turner or Wilmer Flores has a serious case to be made originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets have dealt with such a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness this season, and their fanbase is getting restless.

Things are so tough that two players that were discarded by MLB, Justin Turner and Wilmer Flores, could both make sense for the Mets right now.

This is what a Mets analyst posted on X, and he's not wrong:

Not even joking when I say that Mets could sign either of Wilmer Flores or Justin Turner away from Mexican league and they would immediately be the best cleanup hitter option on active roster.

— Ernest Dove (@ernestdove) May 25, 2026

MORE: Patrick Corbin shows Paul Skenes you can't predict baseball

Turner and Flores are both playing for Tijuana in Mexico.

The 41-year old Turner has a .944 OPS in Mexico right now. He spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, for whom he struggled.

Flores is 34 years old now, and he has a .986 OPS so far this season with Tijuana. He most recently played for the San Francisco Giants in 2025.

Neither Turner nor Flores have a ton of athleticism left at this point in their careers, and their bats weren't amazing last season, but they've got long track records.

It seems both would consider returns to MLB if an opportunity were given.

To be clear, the Mets haven't made any reported offers to this point. But it could be something worth considering. They need a spark from somewhere, even if it's from an old guy or two.

More MLB news:

Mom Secretly Buys $1,700 Knicks Playoff Tickets for Son’s Birthday, and Husband Had No Idea (Exclusive)

Angelisa Rios surprises son, Carmelo with knicks ticketsCredit: @angelisariosphotography
Angelisa Rios surprises son, Carmelo with knicks tickets
Credit: @angelisariosphotography

NEED TO KNOW

  • A 12-year-old Knicks fan received surprise playoff tickets from his mom after celebrating his birthday
  • The emotional reveal, shared on TikTok, went viral as the boy burst into tears, realizing he’d get to attend Game 5 of the playoffs
  • His mom saved for months to afford the tickets, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her son and husband

For 12-year-old Carmelo, his birthday gifts already seemed perfect.

The die-hard New York Knicks fan had spent the morning celebrating at home with his family, surrounded by racing-themed decorations inspired by his love of Formula 1 (though he repped his favorite team with a Knicks jersey). He opened presents, smiled through every surprise and never complained when one item he had quietly hoped for — a pair of Knicks shorts — never appeared.

What he didn’t know was that his mom, Angelisa Rios, 47, had one final surprise waiting.

Hidden inside a blue gift bag alongside a pair of Knicks socks was a printed sheet of paper revealing the real present: playoff tickets to Game 5 at Madison Square Garden for Carmelo and his dad, Felix.

Even more shocking? His father had absolutely no idea.

“I told my husband to sit next to him because I had a big surprise and he would want to see the gift up close,” Angelisa, a 47-year-old professional photographer from New York City, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “He had NO IDEA the tickets were remotely even an option.”

At first, both father and son assumed the bag simply contained the Knicks shorts Carmelo had wanted.

“Carmelo shows the socks, and the white paper falls out,” Angelisa recalls. “It’s only after Carmelo sees the words on the paper that his dad catches on, and the rest is history.”

The emotional moment, which Angelisa later shared on TikTok, quickly went viral as viewers watched the 12-year-old burst into tears after realizing he’d be attending the biggest Knicks game of his life.

“When Carmelo finally saw that he was being gifted the ticket of a lifetime, he sobbed,” Angelisa says. “He is a child that wears his emotions on his sleeve, and I love that for him.”

“He’s been exposed to celebrities, and he’s unfazed by that,” she adds. “His tears were because he loves the Knicks so much and he loves being a New Yorker.”

Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with knicks ticketsCredit: @angelisariosphotography
Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with knicks tickets
Credit: @angelisariosphotography

Carmelo’s connection to the team runs especially deep. He was named after former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, and Angelisa says both her son and husband are lifelong fans.

“My husband has been a Knicks fan since birth,” she says. “The Knicks, of course, have not won a championship since 1973. He was born in 1977, so to have our son be a huge Knicks fan is so emotional for him as a dad.”

Planning the surprise took weeks.

Angelisa says she reached out to friends who were fellow Knicks fans for help figuring out the safest way to purchase playoff tickets online. Although she initially hoped to attend the game herself, the soaring prices forced her to make a sacrifice.

“I originally planned on going as well, but after seeing ticket prices I decided to forgo my ticket and get them in a better section,” she says.

Ultimately, she spent $1,752 on the two tickets for Game 5. The mother of two says she had quietly been saving money for months in case the Knicks made a deep playoff run.

“We are a family that values experiences over material things,” she says. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him and for his dad.”

Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks ticketsCredit: @angelisariosphotography
Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks tickets
Credit: @angelisariosphotography

The gamble, however, came with uncertainty.

Angelisa specifically purchased tickets for Game 5 — which at the time was only scheduled “if necessary,” depending on how the series unfolded.

The New York Knicks are currently leading the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0, and if they win Monday night, they’ll advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 — meaning there would be no Game 5 at all.

“Although I wanted the Knicks to sweep, I figured one win from the Cavs would secure a Game 5, and the Knicks could win it all with my son and his dad in the building,” she says.

“I know the price difference between Game 5 and tickets to a Finals game,” she adds. “I don’t know what tonight holds, but he wants his team to win regardless of how it’s done and what game it happens in.”

“The price difference does scare me, but I will cross that bridge when I get there,” she continues. “I just want him in the building to experience that magic.”

Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks ticketsCredit: @angelisariosphotography
Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks tickets
Credit: @angelisariosphotography

While the ticket price itself shocked many viewers online, Angelisa says the moment represented something much bigger for her family.

“What I didn’t record was a moment where my husband and I said, ‘We didn’t grow up with this financial opportunity. We didn’t,’ ” she shares. “To provide this for my son and his dad is deep-rooted and for our inner child as well.”

For Angelisa, the viral reaction to the video has also been emotional to witness.

“My career is to capture emotion. To share. To make people feel,” she says. “I know how badly the world needs joy right now, and sports bring people together.”

Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks ticketsCredit: @angelisariosphotography
Angelisa Rios, surprises son, Carmelo with Knicks tickets
Credit: @angelisariosphotography

As comments poured in from fellow Knicks fans, parents and New Yorkers alike, Angelisa says she was touched by how many people connected to the family’s story.

Still, she says the biggest lesson she hopes her children take away from the experience has nothing to do with basketball — or money.

“I want them to know that the meaning of being rich has nothing to do with finances,” she says. “The definition is in these moments where you are abundant with love and family.”

“We are rich,” she adds, “not in the sense of money, but because we have happiness and appreciation for one another and understand that life truly is a moment.”

Read the original article on People

Former star QB Johnny Manziel impresses in MMA debut

Johnny Manziel has a lot of accomplishments to his name, including being a former Heisman Trophy winner and a first-round NFL Draft pick. Now, he can also add a win in an MMA fight to his resume.

Manziel made his mixed martial arts debut on Saturday night at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas at 33 years old, more than a decade after his last NFL appearance, as he battled against 38-year-old social media influencer Bob Menery – and won quite dominantly, landing multiple strikes before the official waved off the match just over two minutes into the action.

Johnny Manziel dominated in his MMA debut 👏 pic.twitter.com/O7aokZMnyK

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 24, 2026

The match was a part of a card promoted by streamer Adin Ross' Brand Risk Promotions, which is known for pairing celebrities and content creators in boxing matches. After winning the fight, Manziel said he likely would not step into the ring for another fighting the future, protecting his now-undefeated MMA record and making this fight a rare one-off side quest in Manziel's athletic career.

Manziel was selected in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick, but played only two seasons in the league before being cut by the organization in 2016. He threw 1,675 yards and seven touchdowns in his NFL career before playing professionally in multiple other leagues.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Former star QB Johnny Manziel impresses in MMA debut

Numbers show why Chet Holmgren comparison to Victor Wembanyama no longer works

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have been linked since the moment the Spurs star entered the NBA.

Both were billed as new-age seven-footers, big men with shooting, rim protection and the skills to shift how the position is played.

But the Western Conference Finals have exposed how wide the gap has grown. Wembanyama’s numbers are in another league, while Holmgren’s form has dipped.

Victor Wembanyama outproducing both of OKC’s big men

Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images
Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images

Across the first four games against Oklahoma City, StatMuse has Wembanyama averaging 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and three blocks.

That scoring total is more than Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein combined, with the Thunder pair averaging 18.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 blocks together.

While the rebounding and passing numbers are similar, the difference in scoring and rim protection shows why Wembanyama has commanded the matchup.

Holmgren’s drop-off has been clear. He averaged 20 points and 9.8 rebounds against the Lakers in the previous round and looked like a major playoff presence.

Against San Antonio, though, he has struggled to have the same impact, while Hartenstein has been asked to take on more physical work inside.

That does not mean Holmgren is not a top young big man. It just underlines the problem with treating this as an even rivalry.

The Frenchman is not just ahead in the comparison. Through four games, he is surpassing the output of OKC’s center rotation on his own.

Read more:

Live updates, score for Kansas KSHSAA Class 2A-1A softball quarterfinal between Cedar Vale/Dexter and Central Heights

softball

Live updates, score for Kansas KSHSAA Class 2A-1A softball quarterfinal between Cedar Vale/Dexter and Central Heights originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's playoff time in the Kansas KSHSAA softball ranks, and a full slate of action is taking place on Memorial Day.

In the Class 2A-1A ranks, the Cedar Vale/DExter Spartans are set to take on the Central Heights Vikings.

The two teams will play for a spot in the semifinals against the St. Mary's-Colgan Panthers, a 9-4 winner earlier in the day against Inman Teutons.

Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. EST/1:30 p.m. CST local.

HOW TO WATCH: Cedar Vale/Dexter vs. Central Heights on the NFHS Network

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Refresh for updates

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FINAL — Cedar Vale/Dexter 7, Central Heights 3

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SEVENTH INNING — Cedar Vale/Dexter 7, Central Heights 3

__________

A shallow fly to left is gathered by the Cedar Vale/Dexter outfielder, and this one is in the books. The Spartans move on!

__________

The bases are loaded, two out, and the tying run is coming to the plate. One swing of the bat could even this thing up.

__________

Central Heights is down to its final out.

__________

A leadoff walk. That's the last thing Cedar Vale/Dexter needs.

__________

SIXTH INNING — Cedar Vale/Dexter 7, Central Heights 3

__________

Central Heights gets through inning without surrendering any runs, and they'll need to rally for at least four runs in the seventh to keep this game going.

__________

Central Heights is unable to cut into the lead, meaning they only have one more opportunity to make up the deficit. It's crucial here to keep Cedar Vale/Dexter from adding to its lead.

__________

FIFTH INNING — Cedar Vale/Dexter 7, Central Heights 3

__________

Cedar Vale/Dexter adds two additional runs before Central Heights can stop the rally.

__________

A mistake by Central Heights' centerfielder is costly. Cedar Vale/Dexter clears the bases, and the batter also made it all the way around. Four runs in, and Cedar Vale/Dexter regains the lead, 5-3.

__________

FOURTH INNING — Central Heights 3, Cedar Vale/Dexter 1

__________

Neither team is able to get any runs across in the fourth inning, and they head to the top of the fifth with Central Heights coming to the plate.

__________

THIRD INNING — Central Heights 3, Cedar Vale/Dexter 1

__________

Cedar Vale/Dexter is unable to answer, and they head to the fourth.

__________

Central Heights surges into the lead with a three-run RBI single.

__________

SECOND INNING — Cedar Vale/Dexter 1, Central Heights 0

__________

Both teams come up empty in the second, and they head to the third with Cedar Vale/Dexter leading, 1-0.

__________

FIRST INNING — Cedar Vale/Dexter 1, Central Heights 0

__________

Central Heights comes up empty, but Dexter/Cedar Vale gets on the board with a run to take the early lead.

__________

They're under way!

__________

They're getting close to the first pitch.

__________

Coming soon!

__________

How can I watch Cedar Vale/Dexter vs. Central Heights?

More high school softball

4 Panthers undrafted rookies who can compete for a roster spot

The Carolina Panthers have found themselves a few gems out of the undrafted free-agent pool over the past few years.

Wide receiver Jalen Coker quickly comes to mind, especially after establishing himself with a 134-yard performance in the team's wild-card round game against the Los Angeles Rams in January. Cornerback Corey Thornton also made an impression, as he squeeze himself into a starting role as a rookie before his season-ending injury in Week 12.

So, have the reigning NFC South champs dug up any more treasure this spring?

Let's take a look at some undrafted free agents here in 2026 who should have a chance to fight their way onto the initial 53-man roster . . .

QB Haynes King

To start out, former Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King will be competing with returning Panthers vet Will Grier for the third spot on the depth chart beneath starter Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett.

King has legit rushing talent, but accuracy questions will come up. If the 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year can't beat out Grier, he may have trouble sticking on for the long haul.

WR Kobe Prentice

The top four receivers for the Panthers are all of the tall, big-bodied variety. What they need more of is the smaller, quicker, speedier type of wideouts who can take the top off a defense.

Prentice (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) fits the bill, and he only has to compete with a couple of fellow speedsters in John Metchie III and Jimmy Horn Jr.

TE Heinrich Haarberg

No NFL team may be weaker at tight end than the Panthers. And all due respect to Haarberg—but that didn't change when they signed him.

He could, however, crack the roster given his ability as a gadget guy. If he can impress more than special teams ace Feleipe Franks and James Mitchell, Haarberg could find himself with a unique role on offense—even as a rookie.

DT Aaron Hall

It's going to be tough for any UDFAs to make the cut on defense, where Carolina is relatively much deeper. The neck injury to starting defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton may change that math, though.

Wharton's absence will likely open up a spot for second-round pick Lee Hunter in the starting lineup, as well as a potential bump up for every other interior lineman on the roster—including Hall.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 OTAs: 4 UDFAs who can compete for a roster spot

Atlanta Falcons could reset NFL market at multiple positions

The shaping and re-shaping of an NFL roster never ends. It's a 365-days-a-year kind of competition but the Atlanta Falcons won't have to make any major moves until the end of August when the preseason winds down.

In the meantime, the most important business on the calendar should be securing extensions for the Falcons' best skill players. Running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts represent the young nucleus of this team, but with the exception of Robinson's fifth-year option, none will be under contract after 2026.

While all three should get paid, a couple of them could end up re-setting the market at their respective positions, according to Kristopher Knox at Bleacher Report. Here's what he had to say about a potential market-breaking deal for Robinson:

"This is a big part of the reason why Robinson could reset the running-back market, if not change how we view the position entirely," wrote Knox. "His ability to fill multiple roles in an offense makes him far more valuable than a typical every-down ball-carrier. Of course, Robinson isn't the first player to be more of an offensive weapon than a pure running back. Barkley was exactly that during his 2024 Offensive Player of the Year campaign, which directly led to his latest deal. Christian McCaffrey had a very similar season in 2023."

He concludes by projecting a four-year, $89 million deal for Robinson. Knox also believes that Pitts could reset the market at tight end:

"At some point, we're going to see the pay gap between receivers and tight ends start to shrink, and Pitts could be the one to make it happen," added Knox. "He's set to earn just over $15 million on the franchise tag this season, and he'd earn just over $18 million if tagged a second time in 2027. Paying Pitts a bit more and locking up the 25-year-old for the foreseeable future—and doing it before Brock Bowers becomes extension-eligible in 2027—could be a logical long-term move."

Knox's projection for Pitts is four years and $80 million.

Needless to say, Bijan Robinson deserves every penny of his next contract and the only way that it will age poorly is if he suffers a major knee injury and winds up missing a full season or more.

However, when it comes to Kyle Pitts those numbers are far more questionable. Yes, Pitts is coming off an impressive breakout season- but it was also late in coming and his production over the previous four seasons was disappointing, especially for a top-five pick.

Pitts is not worth significantly more than the $15 million he's set to make on the franchise tag. While it makes sense to clear some room with an extension, it might be a big mistake if the Falcons go for $20 million a year for Pitts.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts contract predictions

Guardians lineup today, live score updates vs. Nationals

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians (32-23) return home to begin a three-game series with the Washington Nationals (27-27) on Monday, May 25.

The Guardians won six of seven games during a May 18-24 road trip, with a four-gamesweep of the Detroit Tigers before winning two of three games against the PhiladelphiaPhillies.

The Guardians are in first place in the American League Central Division and the Nationals are second in the National League East Division behind the Atlanta Braves (36-18).

Follow along for live updates from Progressive Field.

More MLB coverage: Jose Ramirez still impacting Guardians as hitter, infielder, leader

When do the Guardians play today?

First pitch is 6:10 p.m. ET.

Where to watch Guardians game tonight?

The Guardians-Nationals game is on Guardians TV.

More MLB coverage: Guardians embrace warm weather with impromptu home run derby, Ohio Cup rout

Guardians lineup today vs. Nationals

We'll have these when they are announced.

Nationals lineup today vs. Guardians

We'll have these when they are announced.

May 20, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) delivers during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Guardians vs. Nationals starting pitchers today

Right-handed pitcher Tanner Bibee (0-6, 3.75 ERA) will take the mound for the Guardians and the Nationals will counter with right-handed pitcher Zack Littell (3-4, 5.83 ERA).

American League Central Division standings

  1. Cleveland Guardians 32-23 .582 --
  2. Chicago White Sox 26-26 .500 4.5
  3. Minnesota Twins 26-27 .491 5
  4. Kansas City Royals 22-31 .415 9
  5. Detroit Tigers 21-33 .389 10.5

Guardians record in May features 7-game winning streak

The Guardians have won 11 of their last 13 games and enter Monday 16-7 in May.

The Guardians posted a season-high seven-game win streak, May 16-22:

The Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0 May 23 to snap the streak before the the Guardians were 3-1 winners May 24 in the series finale.

Cleveland allowed 12 runs in during the seven-game road trip, posting an MLB-best 1.43 ERA on the trip (10 ER/63.0 IP). The Guardians allowed five runs in 35 innings over the final four games of the trip, and limited the Phillies to four runs in three games.

The Guardians are 15-10 at home and 17-13 on the road.

The Nationals are 17-11 on the road and 10-16 at home.

Guardians vs. Nationals pitching probables

  • The Guardians are scheduled to play the Nationals in a three-game series. Here's the pitching matchups for the rest of the series:
  • May 26 at 6:10 p.m. - Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo (4-1, 3.05) vs. Nationals RHP Cade Cavalli (2-3, 3.86).
  • May 27 at 1:10 p.m. - Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (7-3, 3.25) vs. RHP Miles Mikolas (1-3, 6.17).

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians lineup today, score, live updates vs. Nationals

How many Oklahoma players landed on On3&#39;s Top 100 list?

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has worked hard to build a roster capable of competing in the Southeastern Conference, and his toil began to bear fruit in 2025. OU won 10 games and made the College Football Playoff, navigating a brutal SEC schedule.

Now, the goal in Norman is to make the CFP each and every year and compete at the highest level once they get there. To do that, you need depth all over the roster, but also top-end talent that can excel in the biggest moments.

On3 Sports released their list of the top 100 players in college football for the 2026 season, and four OU players made the cut for writer Clark Brooks. Unsurprisingly, three of those four players came on the defensive side of the ball, Venables' expertise.

First up was junior defensive lineman David Stone, who ranked No. 20 on the list. Stone had a breakout season in 2025, making good on all of the potential that made him a five-star prospect coming out of high school. He showed strong play against the run and the pass. With four defensive linemen heading to the NFL last month, more responsibility will fall on Stone in 2026.

Next, redshirt-senior linebacker Kip Lewis was the No. 52 player on the list. Lewis became a starter midway through the 2023 season, and he hasn't looked back since. He's the longest-tenured Sooner on the roster, and one of only four that remain from Venables' first season in 2022. Lewis is the leader and emotional heartbeat of the OU defense, and his relentless energy is unmatched on gameday.

Redshirt-junior defensive lineman Taylor Wein came in as the 75th-ranked player on the list, and he also had a breakout season in 2025. In a matter of weeks, Wein went from unknown to a household name in Norman, and he'll look to build on that success this year. As Oklahoma looks for leaders to replace the departed seniors defensively, Wein is a prime candidate to fill one of those roles.

Offensively, redshirt-senior wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III was ranked as the No. 78 player on the list. After transferring in from Arkansas last season, Sategna became OU's top WR and the offense's most consistent weapon, showcasing his knack for big plays and his electric speed. As the Sooners rebuild the wideout room around him, they hope that defenses won't be able to place as much focus on him in 2026, which should open up more room in the secondary for the speedster.

Notably, Oklahoma players like quarterback John Mateer, defensive lineman Jayden Jackson, linebacker Owen Heinecke, and defensive back Peyton Bowen did not make the cut.

As the Sooners look to book a return trip to the playoff, look for more than four players to be on this type of list at the end of the season, especially if OU is successful in doing so.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Which Oklahoma Sooners were ranked among On3's top 100 players in CFB?

Khadija Shaw confirms new Manchester City contract in shock announcement at parade

Khadija Shaw confirms new Manchester City contract in shock announcement at paradeKhadija Shaw has committed her future to Manchester City by signing a new four-year contract with the Women’s Super League champions.

The WSL Golden Boot winner’s contract was due to expire this summer and it was expected she could leave the club with Chelsea making a contract offer worth at least £1million per year for the 29-year-old.

But during the club’s joint parade with the men’s team on Monday in Manchester, it was confirmed the Jamaica forward, who scored 21 WSL goals this season, would be staying.

It all seemed to happen in slow motion during the celebrations. Shaw’s future was mentioned, there was some confusion, an awkward glance or two and then the confirmation from Shaw herself.

“I’m still here, I’m still hungry and there’s no place I’d rather be,” she told the crowd

There were huge cheers in the arena, which was packed and full of emotion and energy.


WSL Golden Boot winner Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City 🚨✍️ pic.twitter.com/Kn57wRXjYF


— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2026

Of the new deal, Shaw said: “I’m so happy to be at this incredible Club for another four years. I’ve always said that Manchester City feels like home – I’ve developed so much as a player and grown so much as a person during my first five years here.

“I’ve always said that Manchester City feels like home – I’ve developed so much as a player and grown so much as a person during my first five years here.

“Helping the girls win the WSL title is one of the proudest moments of my career, and I’m so excited to see what we can do next season and beyond – although there’s one more huge game to come against Brighton!

“To the City fans – thank you for always supporting us all. I’m so happy to be on this memorable journey with you all and can’t wait to see what we can achieve in the future.”

Director of football Therese Sjogran said: “It’s a huge statement from City that we’ve secured the services of one of the best centre-forwards in the world, but also from Bunny that she believes we’re the best place for her to succeed. I’d like to thank her for that continued faith in what we’re hoping to achieve.”

More to come…

‘Man City want a dynasty … keeping Bunny is integral to success’

Analysis from Megan Feringa

Fair plays are in order for Therese Sjogran and managing director Charlotte O’Neill. For months having to bat back accusations from all side of incompetence to pull off a signing that is no doubt one of the most pivotal in the upcoming transfer window.

Where to begin? City want to be a dynasty. They said as much. Best way to do that? Retain the world’s best striker, the one who is now a three-time Golden Boot winner and your go-to record breaker. Don’t let her go to the very club you’ve just dethroned.

But City have arguably done this with the most grace and finesse possible in a game of agent leaks and media speculation that increasingly lacks those values. O’Neill and Sjogran kept to themselves, unencumbered by the heat and noise. And they’ve got their striker to stay. For City on the pitch, keeping Bunny is integral to success. She has become the total striker she has always promised to become. But arguably off the pitch this is even bigger: City are the club to be at. The best striker in the world just said as much.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Manchester City, Women's Soccer

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Ole Miss earns No. 2 seed in NCAA Tournament at Lincoln Regional

OXFORD – For the second year in a row, Ole Miss baseball is playing past Memorial Day.

The Rebels (36-21, 15-15 SEC) earned a No. 2 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and will play in the Lincoln Regional. Ole Miss will be joined by No. 1 seed and host Nebraska – the No. 13 overall seed in the tournament – No. 3 seed Arizona State and No. 4 seed South Dakota State. The Lincoln Regional is paired with the Auburn Regional, and the winners of each will play in a Super Regional hosted by the higher-seeded team.

The Rebels will face No. 3 seed Arizona State on Friday at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2. Regional play is double-elimination format.

It is the 27th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and 20th under 26th-year head coach Mike Bianco. The Rebels finished No. 18 in the RPI (ratings percentage index), which takes strength of schedule and strength of wins/losses, among other things, into effect. Ole Miss had the nation’s No. 3 strength of schedule.

After a two-year hiatus from the postseason following their 2022 College World Series title, the Rebels hosted a regional in 2025 as the No. 10 overall seed, ultimately falling to Murray State in the regional final. Ole Miss was on the bubble as a host contender heading into last week’s SEC Tournament, but the Rebels dropped their opener to 16th-seeded Missouri.

The Rebels are 34th nationally with a 4.47 team ERA and are fourth in the nation in both strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.44) and strikeouts per nine innings (11.7). Sophomore Cade Townsend, a second-team All-SEC pick, leads Ole Miss starters with a 3.81 ERA.

Ole Miss is tied for 17th nationally with 100 home runs hit, led by senior third baseman Judd Utermark and senior outfielder Tristan Bissetta’s 20 apiece. Rebel batters have struck out an SEC-high 589 times this season.

Vote for Messenger/Herald athlete of week

Vote below for the Messenger/Herald athlete of the week.

The poll is for performances from May 18 to May 23. The poll runs from 3 p.m. Monday to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

High school baseball Drastic changes for Lakota's Hunter Sweeney in 13 months

Candidates

Ethan Grahl won the pole vault and finished fourth in the 100 for St. Joseph Central Catholic boys track at the Division V district meet at Gibsonburg.

Lucy Edwards hit a walk-off two run home run in the 10th inning as Margaretta softball topped Wynford for a district championship.

Lily Kiser won the 1,600 and 3,200, and was part of the first-place 4x800 relay for Fremont Ross girls track at the Division II district meet at Tiffin Columbian.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Vote for Messenger/Herald athlete of week

Jason Kelce worries that NFL schedule is &#39;getting away&#39; from Sunday

How much is too much?

It's the question that continues to swirl following the release of the 2026 NFL schedule. After all, the schedule looks notably different than the ones that came before it. Only Tuesday was spared from the calendar this year, with games slated to be held on the other six days of the week. That increase in standalone games has gotten the attention of fans, as well as a former Philadelphia Eagles center – and not for good reason.

On the May 20 episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Jason Kelce said he feels like the league is drifting away from Sunday being the most important day of the football week.

"Sunday is the day of football," Kelce said. "Outside of going to church in the morning, if you're still religious and do that, Sunday is where so many games happen and and that's what you grow up and you gear your entire week around watching football on Sunday.

"It's an institution at this point, the NFL playing games on Sunday. With every day that we keep adding in there, we're getting away from that just a little bit. And I worry that I think the game got big. One of the reasons it got so popular and big was because all of the games, it was an event. Sunday is the NFL and everybody set their week apart to tune in to their games that were happening on Sunday and you're watching kind of all of them."

Kelce added that he worries the league is getting away from that as they continue to expand the calendar beyond the traditional days.

The league will kick off the season on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in 2026, despite normally opening on a Thursday. Instead, that Thursday contest will take place in Australia as the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers meet in an NFC West clash.

Yet it also extends beyond Week 1 in Kelce's eyes, who pointed out that the NFL scheduled games for the night before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas this season.

One person Kelce wasn't winning over in this discussion was his brother, Travis, who had a different perspective on the topic.

"I think it's awesome," Travis said. "I honestly do. As somebody who's played on Christmas, who's played on Christmas Eve, who's played on Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving, who's played in a lot of like awkward short week moments, I think it's fun.

"And I don't think it's, you know, as taxing as it may seem because it's the NFL. You're living out your dream. If there's a chance to play on a (expletive) primetime game, which all these one-off games are that aren't on Sunday, I'm (expletive) getting so excited for those opportunities because those are the opportunities you really get to show yourself."

The schedule saturation has become a major debate this offseason amongst fans, players and media. Ratings, injuries, revenue and more will ultimately determine who was right in the end.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kelce doesn't want NFL schedule to forget Sundays

NBA analyst details proposed trade for Phoenix Suns to land Ja Morant

Well, Ja Morant did watch the Phoenix Suns defeat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament from a suite at Mortgage Matchup Center. 

ESPN NBA Insider Ben Golliver proposed the Suns trade Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen, Haywood Highsmith, Jamaree Bouyea and two future second-round picks (2029, 2032) for the talented Memphis Grizzlies star guard who has had his share of troubles and injuries in recent years. 

“Memphis can't begin its next chapter until it finds a taker for Morant, whose value has been damaged by multiple off-court incidents and chronic injuries,” wrote Golliver, a recent ESPN hire. “Morant has two years and $87 million remaining on his contract, so an ambitious team stuck in the middle of the pack, such as Phoenix, could talk itself into giving him a chance."

Morant played his first four seasons in Memphis with Suns forward Dillon Brooks. 

“In this scenario, the Suns would install Morant as point guard, move Devin Booker back to his natural scoring guard role and shift Jalen Green into a tertiary role," Golliver continued. "That's a decent amount of highlight-reel potential for a Suns team that lost in the play-in tournament and doesn't have a clear path to joining the Western Conference's elite.” 

The Suns have said they’re looking to stand pat for the most part after winning 45 games and losing to defending NBA champion Oklahoma City in the first round of the 2026 playoffs as an eighth seed, but Morant was once viewed as one of the league’s best players.

He’s coming off a 20-game season in which he averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists to 3.6 turnovers and shot a career-low 23.7% from 3. Morant posted 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists with six turnovers in leading Memphis past the Suns, 114-113, Oct. 29 in Phoenix.

Playing 32 minutes in his only game against the Suns this season, Morant hit a game-winning jumper with 7.6 seconds left.

The Grizzlies suspended Morant for one game last November for “conduct detrimental to the team.” The 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year had a verbal exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“The Suns overachieved last season, and they now are faced with the choice of relying on the same roster or making an aggressive trade for a player such as Morant,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote. "Because the Suns would be taking back more salary in the trade, it would hard cap them at the first apron. The restriction could put them in a position to lose free agents Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin.” 

Gillespie and Goodwin are unrestricted free agents, while Williams is a restricted free agent. 

“The Grizzlies already had entered the rebuilding phase of their roster, and they now do it without the former face of the franchise, Morant,” Marks wrote. “In taking back Allen and O'Neale, the Grizzlies save $25 million in salary for 2027-28. They also increase their future second-round picks to eight.” 

O’Neale and Allen have each played their past three seasons in Phoenix.

Allen averaged a career-high 16.5 points this season, but he played just 51 games in the regular season due to multiple injuries.  

The 6-foot-4 guard spent two seasons with the Grizzlies (2019-21). 

O’Neale, a veteran 6-foot-8 forward, missed just four games in averaging a career-high 9.8 points and shooting a career-best 40.8% from 3 this season after making 40.6% of his 3s in 2024-25. 

The Suns signed Bouyea to a two-way deal in November and upgraded that to a standard contract in March, and added Highsmith after the trade deadline.

A 6-foot-2 guard, Bouyea averaged 5.7 points in 46 games, while Highsmith contributed 5.4 points a game in seven games. 

Morant received a 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 season after an NBA investigation because of conduct detrimental to the league. 

The two-time All-Star brandished a firearm in a video on social media that led to the Grizzlies suspending him from team activities in May of 2023.  

The NBA suspended Morant eight games in March of that year when he was seen on Instagram Live holding a handgun while intoxicated at a nightclub in the Denver area. 

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What the Phoenix Suns would risk in a trade for Ja Morant

Arthur Fils’ heartbreaking statement after Roland Garros withdrawal has fans in tears

Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

Arthur Fils expresses frustration after forced Roland Garros withdrawal

Arthur Fils has expressed his frustration after being forced to pull out of Roland Garros due to injury.

The Frenchman, who picked up a hip issue during the Italian Open earlier this month, was slated to play Stan Wawrinka in his opening match before making the difficult decision to step away from his home Grand Slam.

Fils had been hoping for another strong showing in Paris after reaching the third round last year, where he pushed Francisco Cerundolo to five sets. Instead, he’ll have to watch from the sidelines as this year’s tournament gets underway without him.

His withdrawal is a blow not just for him but also for French fans who were eager to see a homegrown player make a deep run. Without Fils in the draw, that hope takes a significant hit before the tournament even gets fully underway.

Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Arthur Fils addresses fans after withdrawing from Roland Garros

Fils posted on his Instagram: “I won’t be able to play Roland Garros this year.

“I did everything I could to be ready.

“This tournament means everything to me and not being able to compete here is one of the toughest things I’ve had to face.

“I know what I’m capable of.

“Right now, I’m just not there.

“See you soon.”

The 19-year-old has dealt with a number of injuries in his young career and this latest setback is another tough blow for the Frenchman. But Fils will hope that taking time away from the court now will allow him to return stronger later in the season.

Arthur Fils’ ATP Record

Fils has won four titles on the ATP Tour, including one in Barcelona earlier this year.

The 21-year-old was out for eight months with a back injury, but since returning in February, he’s put together an impressive run.

He’s posted a 22-7 record so far in 2026 and climbed his way back into the ATP top 20.

Statistically speaking, Fils has been among the best under pressure recently, even topping Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in clutch points won per match this season.

But it’s still unclear how long this latest setback will keep him out. The timing couldn’t be worse for a player who had just started to build momentum again.

Read more:

‘Barcelona are interested’ – FC Twente chief confirms interest in Ruud Nijstad but sends warning

FC Twente player Ruud Nijstad during the Dutch Vriendenloterij Eredivisie match between PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on May 17, 2026. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

FC Twente’s departing technical director Jan Streuer has confirmed that Barcelona are interested in talented teenager Ruud Nijstad.

The Catalans have been linked with the 18-year-old Dutch talent but Streuer has warned the defender he may not play if he does make the move to Camp Nou.

“Barcelona is interested. There is English interest as well,” he told Voetbal International.

“Actually, as a talent, you should have enough self-knowledge to know that you won’t play there. Not at that age. Here you play every game, in a good team, and you have European football.

“You wish the boys a little patience. But the problem also lies with the agents. They want to make transfers.”

Barca have been making moves to recruit young talent in recent transfer windows, bringing in the likes of Patricio Pacífico and Hamza Abdelkarim among others.

Jesse Bisiwu is another player that Barca are reportedly keeping tabs on ahead of a potential transfer.

Highest-paid athletes in 2026 only features 2 boxers, 0 MMA fighters again

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Jake Paul reacts against Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images for Netflix) | Getty Images for Netflix

The latest highest-paid athletes list for 2026 saw only two boxers make the top 50, and once again, MMA fighters were shut out from making an appearance.

The list compiled by Forbes had soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on top after reportedly earning $300 million over the past year, which includes estimated fight purses and sponsorships. Ronaldo was also No. 1 in 2025 after reportedly earning $275 million.

Ronaldo has now topped the list four years in a row.

As far as combat sports athletes, the latest list only has two fighters making the top 50 over the past year.

Canelo Alvarez actually ended up at No. 2 overall after reportedly earning $170 million, which includes $160 million in fight purses and another $10 million for sponsorships and endorsements. Of course, Canelo competed in one of the biggest boxing matches this past year when he went to war with Terence Crawford in one of the most watched fights in history with over 41 million people tuning in on Netflix.

Strangely enough, Crawford didn’t actually make the list despite winning a one-sided decision over Canelo in that fight.

The only other boxer to make the list was Jake Paul at No. 23 after he reportedly earned $70 million over the past year, which includes $60 million in fight purses and $10 million in sponsorships and endorsements.

Paul fought twice in 2025 including a win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and then suffering a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua this past December, which also cost him a broken jaw in the fight.

But Paul obviously got paid handsomely for those two fights as he continues to make waves in the sport of boxing through his own career as well as his company Most Valuable Promotions.

When it comes to MMA fighters, nobody made the list in 2026.

It’s the second year in a row where not a single MMA fighter cracked that top 50 with tennis star Jannik Sinner sitting at No. 50 after reportedly earning $54.6 million over the past year.

In years past, Conor McGregor has been the one UFC superstar to break through and make the top 50 highest paid athletes list including in 2021 when he took over the No. 1 spot for the year. While fighting obviously paid him well that year, McGregor’s biggest earnings came from the sale of his Proper No. 12 whiskey with his share coming in at reportedly $150 million.

McGregor also made the list after his fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 but the lion’s share of his earnings came from boxing rather than MMA.

Of course, McGregor is finally making his return to action in the main event at UFC 329 on July 11 when he faces Max Holloway in a rematch. It’s unknown if that fight alone will catapult McGregor back into the top 50 highest-paid athletes list, but he may remain the only hope that someone from the UFC is represented in 2027.

New York Yankees Rumors: Insider Names Potential Trade Target for Club

The New York Yankees have one of the best rotations in baseball and a lineup that is at times capable of rivaling any team in MLB. With the MLB trade deadline just a few months away, there’s one potential target an insider believes could be on New York’s radar.

Robert Murray of Fansided believes that St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien could be a top potential option for the Yankees to consider. There is an expectation that New York will again making adding to its bullpen a priority this summer.

Entering MLB games today per FanGraphs, the Yankees bullpen ranks 11th in ERA (3.51) and 18th in batting average allowed (.237). It’s been slightly better this month, with a 3.17 ERA and a .223 batting average allowed, but there’s still room to improve.

One way New York could improve its bullpen is with some internal moves. When Max Fried comes off the injured list, the club figures to go back to a five-man rotation with Ryan Weathers moved into the pen. Likewise, right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt will presumably work as a reliever when he returns to the mound in August.

O’Brien, a 31-year-old righty, could be a strong addition for New York. In 24.1 innings pitched this season, he’s compiled a 2.96 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. O’Brien also has a track record of success, as evidenced by a 2.38 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP, a 24.3% strikeout rate, and a .205 batting average allowed across 72 innings pitched over the last two seasons.

While O’Brien profiles as nothing more than a late-inning reliever, he comes on a team-friendly contract. He’s making just $795,000 this season and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2028. However, since he’s already 31 years old, his trade value will be slightly diminished.

Related Headlines

Uli Hoeneß under fire for hiring Max Eberl at Bayern Munich

26 March 2026, North Rhine-Westphalia, Münster: Uli Hoeneß, Honorary President of FC Bayern Munich, sits on stage at the Data and AI Festival. Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa (Photo by Bernd Thissen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Somehow, after a wildly successful season for Bayern Munich, there is a war brewing in the board room.

While Max Eberl has taken the most direct hits of late, Uli Hoeneß could be in the crosshairs of some others as he was the driving force behind the hiring of Eberl per Sport1 journalist Stefan Kumberger (a captured by @iMiaSanMia):

Uli Hoeneß himself is facing criticism within the supervisory board on the topic of Max Eberl. Ultimately, it was Hoeneß who almost single-handedly appointed Eberl. Should the latter be dismissed, this would be Hoeneß’ second consecutive ‘mistake’ after he also singlehandedly appointed Oliver Kahn as CEO – at least that’s how some behind the scenes see it

Hoeneß said after the Pokal final regarding Eberl’s future: “I know what people at the club are thinking. So I don’t want to say something I can’t stand by later”

The message is clear: Even if Hoeneß wanted to keep Eberl, he couldn’t do it alone. He isn’t the only one who decides on the supervisory board – even though it often appears that way from the outside.

BFW Commentary

This story gets more wild by the day…or by the report.

The interpersonal dynamics of Bayern Munich’s inner-workings are certainly a case study for some aspiring clinical psychologist. It is a wild scene to say the least.

At a time where the club should be celebrating a great season just before devising a strategy to take the team to the next level — a Champions League title — there is internal strife and bickering per reports.

They don’t call it FC Hollywood for nothin’, folks!


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Hugo Viana holds informal Manchester City transfer talks with Chelsea&#8217;s Enzo Fernandez

Hugo Viana holds informal Manchester City transfer talks with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez
Hugo Viana holds informal Manchester City transfer talks with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez
  • Informal talks have taken place between Enzo Fernandez & Man City over summer transfer
  • Argentina international understood to be a priority target for incoming manager Enzo Maresca
  • Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for a British record fee of £106.8M in January 2023

Manchester City have held preliminary discussions with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez to add the Argentine to their ranks this summer, as per reports.

The update follows a report from journalist Uriel Iugt earlier this week that City are going all out to sign the Chelsea midfielder, with informal conversations already having taken place with those close to the 25-year-old.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British record fee of £106.8 million and has since established himself as one of the most technically accomplished midfielders in the Premier League, combining defensive authority with creativity and a winning mentality shaped by Argentina’s FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar two years prior.

Hugo Viana taking concrete steps to sign Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez for Enzo Maresca

Report: Informal talks held between Fernandez and City

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, some informal and formative talks have taken place between Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City, a development that represents a meaningful step forward in a pursuit that has been building in recent days.

The upcoming appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola‘s successor at the Etihad Stadium is understood to be a key factor in City’s confidence that a deal is achievable, with the incoming manager having worked closely with Fernandez during his time as Chelsea head coach.

Maresca’s personal relationship with the midfielder gives City a significant advantage over any rival clubs who may attempt to enter the race.

What is the wider context for City’s pursuit?

City’s midfield faces considerable reconstruction this summer following the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones, with Rodri‘s contract situation also yet to be fully resolved.

Director of football Hugo Viana has identified midfield reinforcements as the most urgent priority of the window – and a player of Fernandez’s calibre and profile would represent a statement of intent from Maresca’s City from the very first day of his tenure.

The financial complexity of a deal with Chelsea, who paid a British record fee for Fernandez just two-and-a-half years ago and are already seeking compensation from City for Maresca’s departure – makes this one of the more delicate negotiations of the summer. However, with informal talks between player and club already underway, the direction of travel is clear.

Dallas Cowboys 2026 Opponent Preview: Seattle Seahawks

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 08: LB DeMarcus Lawrence (0) of the Seattle Seahawks raises his arms during the Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots Super Bowl LX game on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As we continue to preview the 2026 Dallas Cowboys schedule, having already looked at the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, it is time to keep with the bird theme and look at the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is actually where the Cowboys season will begin, in exhibition fashion, as Dallas will play their first preseason game at the Seahawks, but it won’t be until Week 13 on Monday Night Football when they play in one of the toughest road environments in the NFL for real.

This Week 13 Seahawks game will come with a very uncommon rest advantage for the Cowboys, as it follows their Week 12 Thanksgiving home game on a Thursday afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles. For just the third time in their history, the Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving game will be followed by a Monday night game, giving them a rare 11 days between games. The Cowboys will then go into their bye week following the Seahawks game, but stay out west following it for another NFC West opponent, playing at the L.A. Rams in Week 15.

With Mike Macdonald at the helm in Seattle, the Seahawks have created the latest version of their “Legion of Boom” defense, and rode this defense along with a strong running game and timely, explosive passing game all the way to a Super Bowl championship. The Cowboys have not won on the road at the Seahawks since 2014, an early season win that sent a clear signal that season’s team was built different.

That year’s Cowboys were also sparked by their run game, and now over a decade later it will be interesting to see what the Cowboys run game looks like by the time they get to Seattle in 2026, and equally what the Seahawks ground attack will look like after losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency, but drafting Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the last pick of the first round this April.

Seahawks Key Free Agent Signings/Departures

* SIGNED IN FREE AGENCY

  • LB Dante Fowler Jr.
  • LB Chazz Surratt (Re-signed)
  • CB Noah Igbinoghene
  • RB Emanual Wilson
  • WR Jake Bobo (Re-signed)
  • OL Josh Jones (Re-signed)
  • CB Josh Jobe (Re-signed)
  • WR Rashid Shaheed (Re-signed)

* DEPARTED IN FREE AGENCY

  • RB Kenneth Walker III
  • LB Boye Mafe
  • S Coby Bryant
  • CB Riq Woolen

The Seahawks put a heavy emphasis on re-signing their own free agents this offseason, which gives them a short list of departures, but they are all significant nonetheless. Coby Bryant played 100% of the team’s defensive snaps in the Super Bowl, while Riq Woolen and Boys Mafe were contributors as well, while Kenneth Walker was the Super Bowl MVP on offense.

Seattle did add another former Cowboys pass rusher in Dante Fowler Jr. to now pair with DeMarcus Lawrence, and still have a depth chart in the secondary that will be the envy of every other team trying to play catch up to the “big nickel” defenses having the most success in today’s game.

On the other side of the ball, also much like the Cowboys, the Seahawks offense is going to be a great case study in “running things back”. Their core of Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp will have a new play-caller in Brian Fleury, replacing Klint Kubiak who parlayed winning a Super Bowl with this group into the head coaching job for the Las Vegas Raiders.

With Fleury coming over from within the Seahawks own division, where he most recently served as run game coordinator and tight ends coach for the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks will feel like they have the right fit in a division known for similarities in playing styles offensively. Having a fresh running back and ascending offensive line for Fleury to put to work are also positives – which brings us to what else the Seahawks have done in the draft and with their coaching staff this offseason.

Seahawks 2026 Draft Class

  • Round 1, Pick 32: RB Jadarian Price
  • Round 2, Pick 32 (64 Overall): S Bud Clark
  • Round 3, Pick 35 (99 Overall): CB Julian Neal
  • Round 5, Pick 8 (148 Overall): G Beau Stephens
  • Round 6, Pick 18 (199 Overall): WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
  • Round 7, Pick 20 (236 Overall): CB Andre Fuller
  • Round 7, Pick 26 (242 Overall): DT Deven Eastern
  • Round 7, Pick 39 (255 Overall): CB Michael Dansby

With the exception of grabbing Price at the end of round one as their replacement for Walker, the Seahawks drafted in a way that adds young talent to existing positions of strength already, with four picks going to the secondary, and another to the interior offensive line.

This is an organization that has been complimented for it’s continuity and synchronicity under Macdonald, who just became the first ever head coach to win a Super Bowl as their team’s primary defensive play-caller. Their best challenges to a Super Bowl defense will come from within their own division, with the Rams leading the league in primetime game appearances this season as a white hot pick to win it all, and the 49ers always in the mix.

With this season’s Cowboys at Seahawks game coming in December, which Seahawks draft picks are seeing the field and have established roles by this point will be something to keep an eye on.

Seahawks 2026 Coaching Changes

*New to staff this season:

  • Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury
  • Offensive Line John Benton
  • Running Backs Thomas Hammock
  • Inside Linebackers Zach Orr
  • Quarterbacks Tyson Prince

The Seahawks will have several other new coaches in more secondary positions this season, but more noteworthy are the changes at the positions we’ve already highlighted as ones that will be crucial to making or breaking their title defense season. Sam Darnold will have both a new quarterback coach and offensive coordinator. Fleury’s experience working closely with the offensive line group as this new coordinator will have to gel with a new line coach entirely in John Benton. Their first-round pick in the backfield will have a new running backs coach in Thomas Hammock.

One of the most underrated moves of the entire NFL offseason is also on this list though, with the Seahawks adding former Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr as inside linebackers coach. Having this wealth of defensive knowledge between Macdonald and Orr is the rich getting richer, and a scary thought that the Seahawks already with a threatening secondary could be even more fearful in the front seven as well.

Ultimately when it comes to the coaching matchup against the Cowboys though, this game will just be another late-season litmus test of just how good of hands the Cowboys highly-paid offense is in with head coach Brian Schottenheimer calling the plays in year two, as well as for offensive coordinator Klayton Adams alongside him for year two as well. By this point in the season, Schottenheimer and Adams’ gameplans will already be put to the test by the Giants, Ravens, Texans, Buccaneers, and 49ers defenses, but the Seahawks on paper stand to be the toughest of this entire season’s bunch.

A win would send the Cowboys into the bye with the highest of possible vibes, and take a bit of pressure off the following game against the Rams potentially, while a loss at the Seahawks would make beating the Rams off the bye much more crucial but no less difficult. With only the Jaguars, Giants, and Commanders remaining on the schedule after this bunch, the Cowboys will need a statement win sometime between Thanksgiving and Week 15, seeing how they match up with the reigning champs in the middle of this tough stretch.


Previous 2026 Opponent Previews:

Baltimore Ravens

Arizona Cardinals

PSG joins Arsenal in the race for relegated Premier League star

PSG joins Arsenal in the race for relegated Premier League star
PSG joins Arsenal in the race for relegated Premier League star

Mateus Fernandes was the standout player for the West Ham team that has just been relegated from the Premier League, with several top clubs now keen to secure his signature.

He remained one of the few consistent performers as his teammates struggled throughout the campaign, despite the club ultimately failing in their bid to maintain Premier League survival.

Arsenal have been tracking him closely all season, with the Gunners believing he could develop into one of their most important players if he joins their squad. At 21, he has significant room for improvement, and Arsenal are keen to nurture that potential, although they are not alone in their interest.

Chelsea are also monitoring him and were regarded as a serious rival in the race for his signature.

Premier League Interest Grows

Arsenal have been monitoring Fernandes closely throughout the season, with the club viewing him as a long-term midfield option. Chelsea are also strongly interested, and their involvement has created significant competition for his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners believe his technical ability and maturity make him an ideal fit for their project, particularly as they continue to build a young squad capable of challenging for major honours in the coming years.

PSG Enter Transfer Battle

As reported by The Daily Mail, Paris Saint-Germain are the latest club to show interest in his signature, with the French champions also impressed by his performances for West Ham despite their relegation.

They view Fernandes as a player who can strengthen their midfield options and are expected to compete strongly with Arsenal and Chelsea for his signing when the transfer window opens.

The situation is expected to develop quickly as all three clubs assess their summer targets, with Fernandes likely to attract further attention if negotiations progress in the coming weeks.

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NY Mets vs Reds live updates, score and analysis

NEW YORK — As the Mets offense continues to try and find its footing, the club will be without its most valuable bat to start Monday's game against the Reds.

Juan Soto remained out of the Mets' lineup for a second straight game as he works through an illness. Soto developed a fever again on Sunday night and remained weak, Carlos Mendoza said. There was some hope that Soto would be available off the bench.

The Mets will have to produce without him as they open a three-game series with the Reds at 4:05 p.m. on Monday at Citi Field. The Mets have dropped three straight games following a sweep at the hands of the Marlins over the weekend. They scored two runs in three defeats.

Nolan McLean will hope to play the role of stopper as he makes his 11th start. He enters with a 2-3 record and 3.57 ERA on the heels of an outing against the Nationals where he allowed six earned (nine total) runs on eight hits and two walks in 5⅔ innings.

The Reds have left-hander Nick Lodolo on the mound making his fourth start. Lodolo has struggled since returning from the injured list where he began the season with blister issues. The southpaw is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA.

Check back for updates as the Mets and Reds play the opening game of their three-game series on Monday afternoon:

What time is NY Mets vs Reds game today?

Time: 4:05 p.m.

What channel is NY Mets vs Reds today?

TV: SNY

How to stream NY Mets vs Reds game today

Streaming: MLB.TV

NY Mets, Reds starting pitchers today

Mets: Nolan McLean (2-3, 3.57 ERA)

Reds: Nick Lodolo (0-1, 7.20)

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets vs Reds live score, updates and highlights today

Vote for the Hometeam Softball Player of the Week, presented by the YMCA of Central Mass.

These athletes were selected as a Hometeam Central Mass. Athlete of the Week in their respective sports, presented by the YMCA.

There were plenty of tremendous performances last week in the Central Mass. softball season, and Jennifer Toland found some of the best of them for readers to vote on to decide the Hometeam Softball Player of the Week.

Congrats to Millbury's Brielle Brothers for taking the top spot in last week's poll, registering 5,255 votes (36 percent) to get past Leominster's Cali Gevrekakis (3,113 votes), Oxford's Ariella Donahue (2,221 votes), South's Shakeira Hutchins (1,767) and Wachusett's Mia Porcelli (1,611 votes) for the honor.

These picks were selected from performances reported by area coaches to the Hometeam Scoreboard. Coaches or administrators are encouraged to report game results and highlights each night by calling the T&G sports desk at 508-793-9350 or emailing sports@telegram.com.

Clinton’s Leo Repole.

Adrianna Arsenault, Tyngsborough

Arsenault had the winning two-run single against Lunenburg and went 3-4 with an RBI to lead the Tigers past Clinton.

Taylor Attaway, Hudson

Attaway allowed 5 hits in a 5-inning shutout of Acton-Boxborough and went 2-3 with a triple and 4 RBIs in a win over Grafton.

Bianca Bazernick, Bromfield School

In a win over Quabbin Regional, Bazernick had 13 strikeouts, including the 200th of her career. She struck out 10 in a win over Murdock.

Lacey Beauregard, Narragansett

Beauregard hit a home run and drove in three runs to lead the Warriors past North Middlesex Regional.

Antonia Bianchini, West Boylston

Bianchini went 4-0 and pitched a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts against Narragansett Regional to help the Lions remain undefeated.

Brielle Brothers, Millbury

Brothers led the Woolies to a 3-0 week by pitching her first career no-hitter against Grafton and hurling a 2-hit shutout against Notre Dame Academy. She struck out 30 batters in the three games. Brothers belted a 2-run homer against Bellingham.

Madi Carpenter, Shepherd Hill

In two wins, Carpenter had 23 strikeouts, including the 250th of her career in a victory over Tantasqua Regional.

Meghan Charlton, Auburn

In a win over Douglas, Charlton had 2 doubles and 4 RBIs. She had 4 hits in a win over Worcester Tech.

Ava Courtemanche, Burncoat

In a win over South, Courtemanche struck out 12 and had three hits.

Kira DeBaggis, Nipmuc

DeBaggis went 3-3 with two home runs to lead the Warriors past Nashoba Regional.

Allie Fitzsimmons, Gardner

In a win over Tahanto Regional, Fitzsimmons was 2-3 and drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth.

Lola Grube, Uxbridge

Grube went 3-4 with 2 doubles, a home run and 5 RBIs in a win over Doherty and scored 3 runs in a win over Northbridge.

Leah Harrington, Lunenburg

In a win over Ayer Shirley, Harrington was 3-4 with a double, 2 stolen bases and 4 RBIs.

Avery Horrigan, Marlborough

Horrigan delivered a walk-off RBI single to lift the Panthers past Oakmont Regional.

Layla Huntley, Hopedale

Huntley hit a 2-run homer in a win over Maynard and went 4-4 with 4 RBIs in a win over Shepherd Hill Regional.

Kyra Krasinskas, Oxford

In a win over David Prouty, Krasinskas pitched five perfect innings and struck out 11 of the 15 batters she faced.

Miranda Linde, Bay Path

In a win over Monty Tech, Linde hit her 13th home run to tie the Bay Path all-time record and collected her 100th career hit.

Averill Maarouf, Wachusett

Maarouf went 5-6 with four RBIs in the Mountaineers’ 2-2 week.

Keira McCord, Tantasqua

McCord struck out 19 in a three-hit shutout of Hopedale and delivered the winning RBI in the 11th inning. In three games, she registered 36 strikeouts.

Ava McLeod, AMSA

McLeod struck out 11 in a no-hitter of Oxford and collected four hits, including a home run, to lead the undefeated Eagles to a 4-0 week.

Mabel Miling, Monty Tech

Miling pitched a 4-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts against Assabet Valley and had 5 hits and 2 RBIs in two games.

Alyssa Olsen, David Prouty

In a win over Assabet Valley, Olsen had a double and four RBIs.

Fallyn Pederson, Leicester

Pederson pitched a 3-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts against David Prouty and combined with Ayla Pederson on a 1-hit shutout of Quaboag Regional.

Ryleigh Raschi, Maynard

In a win over Marlborough, Raschi struck out 15 batters and drove in two runs.

Leo Repole, Clinton

In a 1-hit, 5-inning shutout of Fitchburg, Repole collected her 100th career hit. She went 4-5 with 3 RBIs in a win over Oakmont Regional.

Abigail Ricker, Westborough

In wins over Algonquin Regional and Nashoba Regional, Ricker was 4-8 with a home run and eight RBIs.

Abby Rogowski, Quabbin

Rogowski had 3 hits and 5 RBIs in a win over Bromfield and struck out 8 batters in a win over Murdock.

Lyla Rose, Shrewsbury

In a 2-0 week, Rose had four hits, including a home run, and six RBIs.

Ireland Shea, St. Paul

Shea hit an inside-the-park grand slam in a win over Leominster and had a single and two RBIs in a win over Uxbridge.

Payton Smith, Valley Tech

Smith hit a walk-off homer to beat Bay Path in the State Vocational Tournament semifinals.

Anna Soini, Fitchburg

In wins over Clinton and Lunenburg, Soini had 5 hits and 5 RBIs. Against Lunenburg, she and her twin sister, Ina, both collected their 100th career hits in the same inning.

Jocelyn Solitro, Ayer-Shirley

In a win over St. Bernard’s, Solitro had three hits, including a grand slam.

Abby Spaulding, Notre Dame Academy

Spaulding went 3-5 with 3 stolen bases and 2 RBIs in a win over St. Bernard’s.

Kallie Tevepaugh, Northbridge

Tevepaugh had three hits and three RBIs in a win over Monty Tech.

Jasmine Trudeau, Douglas

Trudeau had 2 hits and an RBI in a win over BMR and went 4-6 with 4 RBIs in a loss to Auburn.

Madison Ward, Littleton

Ward was 3-4 with three RBIs in a win over North Middlesex Regional.

Cast Your Vote

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Vote for the Hometeam Softball Player of the Week, presented by the YMCA of Central Mass.

Juan Soto out of Mets lineup for second straight day because of illness

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets star Juan Soto was out of the starting lineup for the second straight day Monday because he was sick.

Manager Carlos Mendoza was unsure whether Soto would be available off the bench against the Cincinnati Reds.

“He developed fever again last night. Still weak,” Mendoza said.

Soto was scratched Sunday, when the Mets lost 4-0 at Miami as the Marlins completed a three-game sweep that dropped New York to 22-31, last in the NL East.

Soto is hitting .294 with 10 homers, 21 RBIs and a .949 OPS is his second season after signing a record $765 million, 15-year contract.

New York's batting order already was without shortstop Francisco Lindor (strained left calf), catcher Francisco Alvarez (surgery to repair a torn right meniscus in his right knee), designated hitter/first baseman Jorge Polanco (bruised right wrist) and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (lumbar spine disk herniation).

Lindor, sidelined since April 22, has started running and hitting indoors and will soon start fielding grounders, according to Mendoza.

“It’s hard to put a timetable,” Mendoza said. “He’s still got to go through a lot — he’s got to check a lot boxes still.”

Infielder Jared Young, who last played April 12 because of a torn left meniscus, could be activated Tuesday. He hit .227 with one RBI over 22 at-bats in six minor league games since May 15.

Left-hander A.J. Minter, returning from surgery on May 12 last year to repair his left lat muscle, was to go through a throwing progression Monday and could be activated Tuesday or Wednesday. The 32-year-old has a 1.59 ERA in 12 minor league outings since April 7, striking out seven and walking one in 11 1/3 innings.

“Every time you miss that much time, mentally, it’s a grind,” Mendoza said. “He's a big part of our bullpen.”

Polanco, who last played April 14, was to work out Monday in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and could start a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment this week.

Alvarez, who got hurt on May 12, could be back sooner than the original six-to-eight-week projection.

“He’s already hitting. He’s already doing catching,” Mendoza said.

Right-hander Kodai Senga, who last pitched for the Mets on April 22 because of lumbar spine inflammation, was to throw a bullpen Monday and will make a second minor league rehab start Thursday. He allowed two runs, four hits and one walk with two strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings for Class A St. Lucie on Friday, throwing 37 of 64 pitches for strikes.

Banged up New York also is missing right-hander Clay Holmes, out until late in the season because of a broken right leg.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Jacob Misiorowski continues to light up radar gun in latest record-setting outing vs. Cardinals

Jacob Misiorowski is on the bump for the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday and is pitching against the St. Louis Cardinals.

It didn’t take long for the starting pitcher to continue to set new records on the mound. In the first inning, Misiorowski struck out catcher Iván Herrera on a 103 mph fastball.

103.4 MPH
102.9 MPH

Jacob Misiorowski blew away two hitters in his first frame of work pic.twitter.com/UNDkTg1ZvD

— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2026

The pitch was officially clocked at 103.4 mph, which is a new record for the fastest strikeout pitch by a starting pitcher since pitch tracking began in 2008.

He just broke his own record again!!

Fastest strikeout pitches by starters under pitch tracking (2008, incl playoffs):

5/25/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.4 mph
5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.3 mph
5/13/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.2 mph
5/25/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 102.9 mph
5/8/26 Jacob… https://t.co/LzYSsVdNIq

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 25, 2026

Despite only being in the league for less than a calendar year, Misiorowski now has the six fastest strikeout pitches by a starting pitcher since 2008. Two of them, 103.4 mph and 102.9 mph, have come during Monday’s game against the Cardinals.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

In a recent episode of Bleacher Report’s “On Base” podcast with Mookie Betts, the Milwaukee starter said that he believes that he can throw 105 mph.

This is baseball’s current pitch speed barrier. The fastest recorded pitch in the history of the game was thrown by closer Aroldis Chapman on September 24, 2010 and was registered at 105.8 mph.

Chapman currently has 10 of the fastest 12 pitches thrown in a major league game. All 12 pitches were thrown by relief pitchers.

Misiorowski already has the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher. He threw a pitch that registered 103.6 mph on May 8 and is inching closer to topping 104. The starter is already known for his high-octane fastball, and it is scary to think he believes he can get even faster.

Fastest pitches by starters under tracking (2008, incl playoffs):

5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.6 mph
5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.6 mph
5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.6 mph
5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.5 mph
5/13/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.3 mph
5/8/26 Jacob Misiorowski: 103.3… https://t.co/JhkDWynBLX

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 13, 2026

Saints pioneers Cunningham & Rudge to retire

England's most-capped women's international rugby league players Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge are to retire at the end of the season.

Cunningham is the current St Helens and England skipper and has 34 international caps, one more than Saints vice-captain Rudge who also led her country from 2018 to 2023.

Both have been with Saints since the formation of the women's side eight years ago, and have 197 appearances for the club between them.

The 2021 Woman of Steel, Cunningham led St Helens to a league title, two League Leaders' Shields, and four straight Women's Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024.

"Rugby league has given me everything in life and I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had playing the sport I love," Cunnigham told the club website.

"There's still a long way to go with a Challenge Cup final, the Women's Super League and, hopefully, a World Cup at the end of the year.

"But knowing this is my last season just makes me even more motivated to go out and give everything I've got to hopefully lift some silverware."

'We didn't want to play without the other'

Sharing the same club honours as her lifelong friend, Rudge became only the second women's player to reach 100 match appearances for the club, following Channy Crowl. She has 48 tries in 102 appearances.

"I think Jodie and I always knew that we would finish together," she said.

"We've had a long career side by side and, honestly, I don't think either of us wanted to play without the other.

"I probably do feel like I could carry on for another couple of years, but I'm certain that this is the right decision. I'm excited for other opportunities and being able to experience some new things."

Both players are hoping to make the England squad for the 2026 World Cup in Australia which begins in October.

Cunningham has begun a career off the field, having become St Helens' head of women's pathways and performance in 2024.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus compared them with suffragette leaders Christabel, Sylvia, and Adela Pankhurst - daughters of Emmeline Pankhurst - for their impact in the women's game.

"Jodie and Emily have been at the core of the remarkable rise of women's rugby league, both at St Helens and for England, in recent years," he said.

"They have driven the pioneering spirit for the women's game, and it is future generations who will really bear the fruit of their incredible efforts. They are truly the Pankhurst sisters of women's rugby league."

Joe Davis and Greg Olsen Are the Best Broadcast Duo in the NFL

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Panther and now announcer Greg Olsen during pregame warm ups between the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Every unforgettable moment forged in the memory of fans always has one element.

It wasn’t just the play, but the call behind it. In an endless field of talent, what separates the good from the great?

For the Fox NFL broadcast crew of Joe Davis and Greg Olsen, it’s more than just talent that fuels them: it’s passion

More Than Just Experience

Sure, it’s undeniable that Olsen brings a wildcard ability from his time in the NFL. The infamous tight-end who spent 14 years in the pro leagues adds an extra layer of insight that Davis — or any other non-player — can generate. Inevitably, this is true across any sport, not just football. Despite this, having playing experience doesn’t just guarantee your ability (No, this is not a shot at Tony Romo). 

When an elite NFL player finds a way to carry their experience into the world of commentary, they create something that few people ever make. More than just boring monologues, it’s a deep dive into the field that fascinates fans. Olsen has demonstrated his hard work in how he has learned to evaluate the game as a commentator. In an interview with the New York Times, he said, “I hope people come out of our games and think, ‘I heard two or three things in this game today that I never had anyone lay out for me.’” 

When has a former NFL player said something of that magnitude? In spite of giving up his lead position to Tom Brady, Olsen still electrifies the audience with Davis. It’s almost unimaginable to think of a game that has had these two in the booth without it being the most thrilling watch of the day, even with the most boring games. 

Joe Davis Is the X Factor

There’s always that one commentating duo that just feels out of place. Perhaps it’s their chemistry or their overall flow when calling the game. Or in their own respective right they simply lack the emotional power to elevate a game. Fortunately, Davis brings a completely different level of heavenly excellence to his calls.

The former collegiate quarterback, Davis found an entirely unique pathway into commentating. During his college years he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver after a sudden shoulder injury; he had quality stats, nothing out of the ordinary, but proved his worth. It was during the offseason, however, that Davis took up announcing for baseball and basketball. His final three years of college situated him as the voice of the Beloit Buccaneers before his graduation in 2010

It’s not entirely out of the ordinary for broadcasters to dive into multiple sports for a living. Look at Mike Tirico, who is commentating the NBA playoffs currently. However, a baseball commentator becoming one of football’s best? Outrageous. 

Who could possibly forget 2024’s call between the Cowboys and Commanders? Olsen is the mastermind of the operation, but Davis is the one who convinces the company to purchase the product. In such a short time he has easily risen to the top of the commentating world; it’s not just having emotion but knowing how to use it that elevates his talent to another level. 

JAYDEN DANIELS

TERRY MCLAURIN

86-YARD TOUCHDOWN

pic.twitter.com/Y29DXXD6IL

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 24, 2024

Ultimately, there are incredible broadcasting duos in the NFL who have shown their worth. In no shape or fashion is their ability to be undermined by the greatness of Olsen and Davis. And yet, despite the talent, how many fans around the league could watch one game commentated by all of the broadcasters in the NFL and not pick Davis and Olsen as their favorite? 

The post Joe Davis and Greg Olsen Are the Best Broadcast Duo in the NFL appeared first on The Lead.

Wyndham Clark withdraws from Charles Schwab after big win

For the second straight week, a player has withdrawn from a PGA Tour event after collecting a victory.

Two weeks ago, Aaron Rai captured the title at the PGA Championship, giving the 31-year-old his first major title (and his second Tour victory after winning the Wyndham Championship in 2024). Rai then promptly pulled out of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Dallas.

And the winner of that event, Wyndham Clark, used the same move, announcing on Monday that he was a WD from this week's Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.

The winner of the 2023 U.S. Open, Clark, who had climbed as high as third in the Official World Golf Ranking two years ago, hadn't won since the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He didn't qualify for any of the signature events this season and his world ranking dipped to No. 75 entering the Byron Nelson.

"It's been a pretty heavy fall," he said after the win. "It's frustrating, but that's golf. I went through kind of a tough spurt, not swinging it good, not feeling comfortable with a lot of things, and I did a lot of work this off-season working on my golf swing. Then I started hitting it better but wasn't making the putts. Then finally landed on a great putter, and then everything's been kind of coming together.

On Sunday, Clark didn’t just close at TPC Craig Ranch — he overwhelmed it. A dazzling Sunday charge, Clark fired an 11-under 60 to run away with the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, finishing three clear of Si Woo Kim and five ahead of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Wyndham Clark reacts after making a birdie on the 14th green during the final round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson golf tournament.

The turning point came on the second nine, where Clark fired a blistering 28, featuring a moment of pure electricity at the par-5 12th, where he poured in a 15-foot eagle putt to vault into the lead. From there, he never looked back. At the par-4 15th, Clark delivered the knockout blow, rolling in a 45-foot birdie that brought the crowd to life and effectively ended the chase.

By the time he tapped in on the 72nd hole, Clark had claimed his fourth PGA Tour title, doing so with a performance that turned a tightly packed leaderboard into a one-man showcase.

"Needless to say, it feels amazing to be back in the winner's circle," Clark said. "I feel like my game's trending in a great direction to continue to have success through the rest of the year."

"Today feels really special after having a really tough year...I'm happy where I'm at right now."@Amanda_Balionis caught up with @cjbyronnelson winner Wyndham Clark. pic.twitter.com/No4Ftvf6oh

— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 24, 2026

Clark was replaced in the field by Lanto Griffin. Also, Brooks Koepka had previously withdrawn from this week's event at Colonial.

Koepka, who had played four of the last five weeks, finished T-14 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Sunday. He has committed to play in the RBC Canadian Open in two weeks and is exempt into the U.S. Open, which he won in 2018, the last time it was played at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which will be the site of this year’s Open in three weeks.

Tim Schmitt is the managing editor for Golfweek.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Wyndham Clark withdraws from Charles Schwab Challenge

Caitlin Clark admits it’s ‘exhausting’ dealing with trash talkers

Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark talks with media Friday, May 22, 2026, before a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever took down the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday to improve to 4-2 on the season, good for the second-best record in the WNBA as of Monday afternoon. At one point during the game, things got heated between Clark and Valkyries forward Tiffany Hayes, with the two getting in each other’s faces after Clark hit a deep three over Hayes.

Caitlin Clark got in Tiffany Hayes’ face after hitting a deep 3 in the Fever’s 90-82 win over the Valkyries

Clark: “You like that?”

Hayes: “Better get yo’ a** out my m*****f**kin’ face!”

Clark: “Bring it on. Let’s go. Step up.” pic.twitter.com/SqYMBMHnE8

— Who Likes Sports? (@WhoLikesSports) May 23, 2026

After the game, Clark was asked by a reporter about the intensity of the exchange and what it’s like dealing with those intense moments in a game.

“Yeah, I think that’s just being a competitor, and like, that’s what’s fun. That’s what I love about it,” Clark said. “And like, I think that’s what gets the crowd into it too and gets my teammates hyped up. And I think there’s times I can probably find a little bit better of a balance because like doing all that is a little bit exhausting too.

“I just love the game. I love being out there, and I love those moments and getting the crowd hype. And, you know, I think that just brings out the best in both teams. Like, this is a great game, a lot of great competitors on both sides.”

while hayes is on insta/threads liking and responding to threats about cc #okpic.twitter.com/cYhA841gT5

— liya – im 13 (@liyawhis) May 25, 2026

Clark went on to praise the job Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase has done.

“Natalie’s done a great job coaching them. She gets them to compete no matter what. Like, they played a tough game and won last night in New York, and they came in here and you wouldn’t have known that.”

Hayes, Nakase, and the Valkyries will have a chance to even the season series with Indiana on Thursday, when they play host to Clark and company.

The post Caitlin Clark admits it’s ‘exhausting’ dealing with trash talkers appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Why Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen Refuse to Help Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli has officially earned the respect of the Formula 1 grid. The 19-year-old Mercedes prodigy is currently dominating the 2026 season, recently securing his fourth consecutive victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. But if anyone expects the veteran champions to help the rookie navigate his first title fight, they are going to be very disappointed.

During the post-race press conference in Montreal, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were asked what advice they would offer Antonelli. Instead of sharing a veteran blueprint for success, their answers proved that their ruthless competitive instincts are still very much alive.

“We Are Competitors”

When a reporter invited Hamilton and Verstappen to pass down some wisdom to the young championship leader, Hamilton immediately shut the idea down with a laugh.

“I think you forget that we’re competitors,” the seven-time world champion stated.

Recognizing Antonelli’s massive 43-point lead in the standings, Hamilton bluntly added, “He’s already doing a great job. I’m not going to give him any more pointers!”.

While Verstappen also sat on the panel, Hamilton’s response perfectly captured the mood of the older generation. They might respect Antonelli’s generational talent, but they are absolutely not going to make his path to the championship any easier.

The 2007 Comparison

After laughing off the request for advice, Hamilton actually offered a very candid reflection on his own rookie title campaign. He looked back at his explosive 2007 season with McLaren, where he fought for the championship as a 22-year-old rookie.

Hamilton pointed out a massive difference between his early days and Antonelli’s current situation at Mercedes. According to the Ferrari driver, Antonelli has a much better safety net.

“I don’t think I had the same support system that he has, for example, today in a place that I worked at,” Hamilton admitted.

He specifically praised Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for building a stable environment around the teenager. “Toto did a great job of surrounding you with the right support, and I definitely didn’t feel that”.

Hamilton noted that while his old McLaren team was nice, they lacked the right elements to help a rookie stay mentally stable and guided during an intense title fight.

Hamilton famously lost that 2007 championship to Kimi Raikkonen by a single point on the final day of the season. He knows exactly how brutal the pressure can get. But as a rival driver trying to drag Ferrari back to the front of the pack, Hamilton is leaving Antonelli to figure out the rest of the 2026 season entirely on his own.

Live updates, score for Kansas KSHSAA Class 3A semifinal between Lakin and Southeast of Saline

softball baseball

Live updates, score for Kansas KSHSAA Class 3A semifinal between Lakin and Southeast of Saline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's playoff time in the Kansas KSHSAA softball ranks, and a full slate of action is set to take place on Memorial Day.

In the Class 3A ranks, the Lakin Broncs are set to take on the Southeast of Saline [Gypsum] Trojans.

The two teams will play for a spot in the semifinals against the winner of Frontenac-Jefferson West.

Game time is set for 2 p.m. EST/1 p.m. CST local.

HOW TO WATCH: Lakin vs. Southeast of Saline on the NFHS Network

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Refresh for updates

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SECOND INNING

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We've lost the feed for now with Southeast of Saline leading 3-0. We're working to get it back.

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Lakin is unable to answer, and Southeast of Saline is coming back up next.

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FIRST INNING — Southeast of Saline 2, Lakin 0

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A good start for the Trojans as they get two runs across to take the early lead heading to the second.

__________

Lakin is unable to get any runs across, and Southeast of Saline is up next.

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They are under way!

__________

Coming soon!

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How can I watch Lakin vs. Southeast of Saline?

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Report: Hütter top candidate for Frankfurt coaching job

Adi Hütter has emerged as the favourite to return as Eintracht Frankfurt in succession of Albert Riera, Kicker sports magazine reported on Monday.

Austrian Hütter coached Frankfurt 2018-2021 and led them into the Europa League semi-finals in his first season and the German Cup semis a year later. He was last in charge of French league side Monaco where he was axed in October.

Frankfurt finished eighth and outside the European berths in the past season. Spain's Riera, who succeeded Dino Toppmöller in February, had to go despite a contract until 2028.

Kicker said that Frankfurt board member for sport Markus Krösche recently met with Hütter in Majorca. The report said that Krösche did not want to comment on the issue.

Former Bundesliga player Matthias Jaissle, currently in charge of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, is reportedly another candidate for the Frankfurt job.

👀 Enrique Riquelme promises: we&#39;ve signed two stars

👀 Enrique Riquelme promises: we've signed two stars

The electoral race for the Real Madrid presidency keeps adding chapters of high tension. After the validity of his candidacy was confirmed, Alicante businessman Enrique Riquelme opened his campaign headquarters and gave a revealing interview to Diario ABC. In it, the president of Grupo Cox dropped what promises to be the bombshell of the transfer market and harshly attacked Florentino Pérez’s management.

Transfer market bombshell: Two stars secured

Riquelme’s most striking announcement focused on squad planning for next season, a strategy designed to win over Real Madrid voters with world-class names.

"We have signed two international stars. If we win the election, two major figures will play for Real Madrid," he stated categorically.

The candidate said he will "probably" reveal the identities of both footballers in the coming weeks. He also insisted on the need to bring in a sporting director and was highly critical of the latest decisions regarding the bench: he called Xabi Alonso’s departure a "mistake" and described Álvaro Arbeloa’s interim spell as an unacceptable "experiment." Although he did not confirm his ideal coach, he expressed deep admiration for Jürgen Klopp, praising his management skills.

Stopping privatization as a red line

Beyond individual names, Riquelme placed the survival of the current ownership model at the heart of his campaign. The candidate warned that these "could be the last elections" if a statutory reform is allowed that gives the green light to outside capital.

For this reason, he publicly challenged Florentino Pérez to debate: "Let him bring his privatization project and the club members will be able to decide." On that basis, he insisted that his candidacy represents the only independent path, recalling that the costly bank guarantee was backed entirely by his own assets: "I don’t have any big fish behind me."

Financial criticism and the neglect of club members

Finally, the businessman focused on the club’s social debts. He questioned how Real Madrid "loses 80 million euros a year" covered by extraordinary income, pointing to Real Madrid TV’s high budget compared with its low audience.

On the social side, he denounced the lack of transparency in ticket resales and the moving of long-time season-ticket holders to the upper sections of the Bernabéu to prioritize VIP boxes: "Why are the club members always put last?" he concluded.

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

⚠️ Down to 10 after 15 mins: Wolfsburg survival in huge danger!

⚠️ Down to 10 after 15 mins: Wolfsburg survival in huge danger!
⚠️ Down to 10 after 15 mins: Wolfsburg survival in huge danger!

From SC Paderborn’s point of view, the relegation playoff second leg against VfL Wolfsburg could hardly have started any worse. After just three minutes, Dzenen Pejcinovic gave the Bundesliga side a 1-0 lead.

But the challengers from East Westphalia are sensing an opportunity! And of all people, it’s thanks to a Wolfsburg player...


Wing-back Joakim Mæhle somehow managed the remarkable feat of picking up two yellow cards in the space of just two and a half minutes.

First, the Dane prevented Paderborn from taking a quick throw-in. Filip Bilbija thanked him with a hefty shove.

Those scuffles may also explain his over-eager challenge just moments later. In a completely harmless area of the pitch, Mæhle sent Mattes Hansen crashing to the ground and was rightly shown his second yellow card. Referee Felix Zwayer had no choice but to send him off.

So for more than 75 minutes, Wolfsburg now have to nervously protect their lead with ten men. As for Paderborn, there are now absolutely no excuses left... 

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

Fabrizio Romano rules out Liverpool move for Premier League star

Fabrizio Romano rules out Liverpool move for Premier League star
Fabrizio Romano rules out Liverpool move for Premier League star

Fabrizio Romano: Premier League Star ‘Isn’t High’ on Liverpool’s List

Just one day after Liverpool’s final game of the season, the transfer rumours are starting to really ramp up.

A long list of names have been mentioned as potential signings this summer, as Liverpool look to bounce back from a disastrous title defence.

The exits of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have made things a bit more complicated, whilst the likes of Alisson Becker, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa could all leave the club too.

Liverpool have already wrapped up one major deal, with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet arriving for £60m once the transfer window opens.

But now, they are seemingly focusing on attacking options. RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande and PSG’s Bradley Barcola remain strong contenders, but Fabrizio Romano has now seemingly ruled out one potential option…

Liverpool Not Considering Anthony Gordon

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “At the moment, my understanding is that Anthony Gordon is not that high on Liverpool’s list of preference.”

“In terms of preference, Liverpool have Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola. Anthony Gordon is not on this level of preference.”

The former Everton forward has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield for a number of years now. Back in  2024, Gordon was reportedly on the verge of joining the Reds but the move collapsed due to Newcastle United’s PSR issues.

But now, it seems certain that the 25-year-old will leave Newcastle United this summer. As it stands, Bayern Munich looks the most likely destination.

In terms of who could join, both Diomande and Barcola would be massive signings for the Reds. Whilst Gordon offers Premier League experience, there’s no real doubt that both Diomande and Barcola are closer to the world-class level needed to represent Liverpool.

Roberto De Zerbi wasn’t appointed sooner by Tottenham Hotspur because he needed heavy persuasion

Roberto De Zerbi wasn’t appointed sooner by Tottenham Hotspur because he needed heavy persuasion
Roberto De Zerbi wasn’t appointed sooner by Tottenham Hotspur because he needed heavy persuasion

Tottenham Hotspur secured Premier League safety on the last day of the 2025-26 campaign and they have manager Roberto De Zerbi to thank.

The Italian joined the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club on March 31, replacing Igor Tudor, and he helped Spurs secure three victories and two draws in seven league games.

Those 11 points were enough to keep the Lilywhites up and those at the club have revealed why De Zerbi was not appointed sooner.

The answer that comes from Tottenham when the question was asked is that he needed ‘heavy persuasion’.

Spurs started the season with Thomas Frank as manager after Ange Postecoglou was sacked in the summer, but the Dane was sacked on February 11, a day after a 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.

They had won just seven league games at the time, losing 11 and drawing the other eight. Tottenham appointed Tudor as an interim coach, with a view to making a proper, permanent appointment in June.

However, they did not win any league game under the Croatian, losing four and drawing one of the five fixtures he oversaw.

Spurs were only two points above the relegation zone when De Zerbi arrived, and while they finished the season two points above the relegation zone, things could have been worse without him in charge.

He was first discussed at Spurs as early as January but was at Marseille at the time. However, the Ligue 1 club sacked him on the same day Tottenham parted with Frank.

He was not keen on joining Tottenham, and it appears he was not convinced with the culture, ambition, experience, stability, quality in the team and leaders in the dressing room.

De Zerbi eventually agree to join them and will go down in history as a hero after keeping them up.

Jaylen Brown names 4 NBA stars he wants to work with this offseason

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has never been one to rest on his laurels. So, following what might've been the best season of his 10-year NBA career, the five-time All-Star announced on his Twitch stream on Sunday night that he intends to get even better.

"I'm still looking to continue to improve," he said while livestreaming to over 2,000 viewers. "I feel like I'm coming into my prime. My mind, my body, my athleticism are all coming together. So I'm excited to see what I can do and where I can go with it. I don't think I've reached my limit yet."

Jaylen Brown named multiple players he wants to get in the gym with this summer and learn from:

- Steve Nash
- James Harden
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Kevin Garnett pic.twitter.com/1vuv9ZRNmV

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) May 24, 2026

But how does Brown plan on reaching a new peak? He said that he plans on improving his efficiency and getting in the gym with some NBA greats, including 11-time All-Star and current Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, two-time MVP Steve Nash, 1994 MVP and two-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon, and 2004 MVP and Celtics legend Kevin Garnett.

While Brown didn't specify what he'll take from each player, he could get some ball-handling help from Nash and Harden. Moreover, Olajuwon and Garnett could offer advice on how to best work in the post.

"We got to put in the work," Brown stated.

Shortly after name-dropping these basketball greats, Brown learned that he was selected to the All-NBA Second Team for the 2025-26 season. The five-time All-Star received the sixth-most First Team votes of any player, coinciding with his sixth-place finish in MVP voting.

Jaylen Brown in Year 10:

- Became 10th all-time scorer in Celtics history
- Became 7th all-time playoff scorer in Celtics history
- Became 14th Celtic ever to make multiple All-NBA Teams
- Scored the 15th-most points in a single season in Celtics history

An all-time Celtic. pic.twitter.com/acUWocYaWJ

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) May 25, 2026

Brown was honored by this All-NBA achievement, which was a testament to his strong season that, despite an unceremonious exit from the 2026 NBA Playoffs in the first round, was one for the history books.

"I'm grateful," he said. "It's a blessing."

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Jaylen Brown hopes to get in gym this summer with current, former NBA stars

Where did Texas A&M land in the USA TODAY Sports poll this week?

Texas A&M didn’t get the ending it wanted to close the regular season, and the late‑season slide proved costly. After spending much of May positioned for a coveted top‑eight national seed, the Aggies ultimately fell to the No. 12 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, a drop that will spark plenty of debate after Selection Day.

A&M appeared to steady itself by taking the final SEC series against Mississippi State, a win that kept the Aggies firmly in the national‑seed conversation. But an early exit in Hoover changed the calculus. Their quarterfinal loss to Auburn, the same Tigers who handed them trouble earlier in the year, capped a 4–6 finish to SEC play and left the committee with a tougher evaluation than anyone in College Station hoped for.

Whether the No. 12 seed is an under‑seed is a fair question. The resume still featured top‑tier wins, strong metrics, and a season spent inside the national spotlight. But the timing of the slump, combined with the SEC Tournament exit, pushed A&M just outside the elite tier.

Now the focus shifts to the two biggest questions of the postseason. Health and pitching durability. Head coach Michael Earley made the calculated decision to rest key arms in Hoover including holding out Aiden Sims entirely prioritizing long‑term readiness over short‑term seeding. It may have cost the Aggies a top‑eight spot, but if the extra week of recovery gets this roster closer to full strength, the trade‑off could pay dividends when it matters most.

With the bracket set and the path to Omaha defined, the Aggies enter the NCAA Tournament with something to prove and the talent to make noise if the pitching staff stabilizes and the lineup returns to form.

Below is the updated USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Top 25.

RankTeamRecordPTS1stPrevChgHi/Lo
1UCLA Bruins51-6746261-1/2
2Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets48-97184312/5
3Georgia Bulldogs46-126800413/13
4North Carolina Tar Heels45-116670222/14
5Texas Longhorns40-1360605-2/5
6Auburn Tigers38-1958506-4/12
7Southern Miss Golden Eagles44-1550801037/20
8Oregon State Beavers43-124970716/18
9Florida State Seminoles38-174640816/17
10Texas A&M Aggies39-144570917/NR
11West Virginia Mountaineers39-14424011-11/NR
12Oregon Ducks40-16388012-10/NR
13Arkansas Razorbacks39-20385013-5/24
14Florida Gators39-1937301738/25
15Kansas Jayhawks42-1636901619/NR
16Alabama Crimson Tide37-1934101519/NR
17Mississippi State Bulldogs40-1732901433/17
18Nebraska Cornhuskers42-15244018-16/NR
19USC Trojans43-15223019-8/NR
20Ole Miss Rebels36-21160020-18/NR
21Oklahoma State Cowboys37-20136021-21/NR
22Arizona State Sun Devils37-1993022-17/NR
23Jacksonville State Gamecocks46-13840NR323/NR
24Cincinnati Bearcats37-2074023123/NR
25Tennessee Volunteers38-2067025-15/NR

Schools Dropped Out

No. 24 Coastal Carolina;

Others Receiving Votes

Coastal Carolina 49; Wake Forest 17; Mercer 13; Oklahoma 11; UC Santa Barbara 10; Louisiana 6; California Baptist 6; Virginia 5; Boston College 5; Miami (FL) 4; Missouri State 2; Campbell 2; UCF 1; Purdue 1;

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M drops to No. 10 in the USA TODAY poll after tournament loss

Dodgers’ Bullpen Has Longest Scoreless Streak Since 2017

May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kyle Hurt (63) reacts after a strikeout during the sixth inning Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Heading into the 2026 season, one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest concerns lied within their bullpen.

They signed All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to alleviate those worries, but the right-hander landed on the injured list with loose bodies in his elbow and will remain sidelined until the second half of the season. The bullpen needed to step up to keep the Dodgers in contention, and step up they have.

Dodgers relievers have pitched 38 consecutive scoreless innings, which is the longest scoreless inning streak from any team’s bullpen since Cleveland reached 38.2 scoreless innings in 2017.

The @Dodgers bullpen hasn't allowed a run in its last 38 innings!

This is the longest scoreless inning streak by any team since Cleveland in 2017 (38.2 IP) pic.twitter.com/R2GKkdRC5z

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 25, 2026

The last run the Dodgers allowed came against the San Francisco Giants on May 12, when Blake Treinen let a single run cross in a loss. Treinen has since pitched in four games, spanning 3.2 innings, and has allowed just one hit. The veteran right-hander isn’t the only pitcher performing well, though.

May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kyle Hurt (63) reacts after a strikeout during the sixth inning Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kyle Hurt (63) reacts after a strikeout during the sixth inning Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Which Dodgers Relievers Have Stepped Up?

The Dodgers have several relievers who have performed well during this stretch, but Kyle Hurt has stood out among them. Hurt didn’t begin the season with the team, as the Dodgers wanted him to slowly ramp up following several long stints on the injured list, but has been an invaluable asset since joining the MLB club ahead of schedule.

He allowed a run in his first outing of the year, but has been nearly perfect since. The right-hander has made 14 appearances since, and has prevented his opponents from scoring even once. He has a 0.60 ERA on the year, pairing nicely with his 0.87 WHIP.

Tanner Scott has quietly had a fantastic year so far, and is on a scoreless streak of his own. Scott last allowed a run against the Chicago Cubs on April 24, and has thrown 10.1 scoreless innings since. He has a season ERA of 1.25, and looks to be the All-Star the Dodgers wanted him to be when they signed him to a four-year deal ahead of 2025.

May 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott (66) pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
May 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott (66) pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dodgers have turned one of their biggest weaknesses into a strength early in the 2026 season, and with a few of their biggest names on the mend, they’re sure to get even better as the season progresses.

How long can the Dodgers’ streak continue?

Full NCAA Tournament Hattiesburg Regional schedule: See Jax State&#39;s path

Jacksonville State baseball will head to down to Mississippi to kick off the NCAA Tournament.

The Gamecocks (46-13) will play in the Hattiesburg Regional. They will play Virginia in the first game. Jax State is joined by the regional's top seed, Southern Miss, and No. 4 seed Little Rock in the regional. The Gamecocks will get started at 6 p.m. CT Friday. Southern Miss is the No. 9 national seed.

The Gamecocks run-ruled Liberty in the Conference USA Tournament finals to claim their first CUSA title since joining the league three seasons ago.

Hattiesburg NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional

All times Central

Friday, May 29

Game 1: No. 1 Southern Miss vs. No. 4 Little Rock, 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

Game 2: No. 2 Virginia vs. No. 3 Jacksonville State, 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

Saturday, May 30

Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2, 3 p.m.

Game 4: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 31

Game 5: Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4, 4 p.m.

Game 6: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5, 8 p.m.

Monday, June 1

Game 7 (If Necessary): Rematch of Game 6, TBD

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports, Jax State athletics, the outdoors in Alabama and more for the Gadsden Times and USA TODAY Network. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: See Jax State baseball's path in NCAA Tournament Hattiesburg Regional schedule

Colonel Crawford comes up short in district championship against Ada

SHELBY - Colonel Crawford's district championship against Ada could not have been more unconventional.

First it was moved back a day to Friday due to Ada and Carey having back-to-back wash outs, then the game was halted in the bottom of the sixth on Friday due to rain and scheduled to resume Saturday morning. Poor field conditions thwarted Saturday and the final nine outs would be played Monday morning, on Memorial Day.

Coach Ethan Weithman and his Eagles had all weekend to stay focused knowing they'd resume with the bases loaded and no outs trailing by three. Unfortunately, they weren't able to get the runs needed and ended up as Division VI district runner-up with an 11-10 loss to the Bulldogs in a clash of No. 1 seeds.

DIVISION III: Seventh inning surge powers Ontario to first district title since 2023

DIVISION III: Madison softball flips script on 2026 season with district title

"We've had four days to talk about that eight-run inning ... you take that away, we win," Weithman said, Ada put a snowman on the board in the second inning. "We talked all year, and really stressed it the last two weeks, about the things you can't control. They stress so much — especially with a young team — about little things, so we harped on it this week about not worrying about things you can't control, worry about the things you can control."

Colonel Crawford's Kinley Hoepf slides in to third base. The Eagles and Bulldogs clashed in a Division VI district championship at Shelby High School on May 22, 2026.

It was a thrilling championship, as to be expected with two top seeds. Colonel Crawford struck first with a trio of runs in the first inning as Olivia Friley opened with a lead-off home run out of centerfield and Paige Allen drove in a pair with two outs.

Ada responded in a big way loading the bases with one out. The Bulldogs scored a pair on a fielding error, then three more on an error in left field. Back-to-back home runs capped off an offensive explosion and gave them an 8-3 lead.

DIVISION IV: Clear Fork softball scores 16 in the first, wins first district title since 2017

Colonel Crawford pulled one back in the bottom with Rylie Hoepf driving in Friley and then tacked on two more on a Friley double scoring Brooklyn Vanderpool and Arabella Stratton.

Ada pushed the lead to five (11-6) in the fifth inning largely in part due to an onslaught of rain making it difficult for Colonel Crawford's Aubrey Betts in the circle and the defense fielding. The Eagles began their comeback attempt in the sixth with back-to-back singles and a drawn walk by Kinley Hoepf to load the bases. Saylor Holt stepped up and belted a ball to left field to score pinch runner Hadley Davis, then Allen hit one to centerfield scoring pinch runner Peyton Rowlinson to make it 11-8 and keep the bases loaded with no outs.

But then the rain came down even more and the umpires paused the game Friday. After about a 30-minute delay and despite the rain slowing down dramatically, the decision was made to postpone due to Ada concerns of slick turf in the circle for the pitcher.

Colonel Crawford's Paige Allen chases down a shallow infield pop-up. The Eagles and Bulldogs clashed in a Division VI district championship at Shelby High School on May 22, 2026.

"We came in and hit Saturday, I made it optional, then Sunday we came in and hit at 6 p.m. last night," Weithman said of how they spent the days between. "They were in good spirits and they weren't stressing, which is a good thing ... this one just wasn't meant to be."

Any momentum gained on Friday was lost as the Eagles struck out twice upon resuming on Monday. Friley ripped a double to right field to score Kinley Hoepf and Holt, but that's as close as they'd get going down in order in the bottom of the seventh.

'PLAY LIKE SOUP': The motto for Rams during softball tournament run

"They responded and that's all you can ask for," Weithman said. "There have been a few games this year where they put themselves in situations to still compete and have a chance to win, and that's what they've done consistently. We had a few games where things got out of control, but for the most part ... they've done that and at the end of the day as a coach, that's all you can ask for."

The break ended up being just what the Bulldogs needed as Aubry Jordan was rattled in the circle on Friday. By Monday, she was almost unhittable with four strikeouts and two fly outs on 39 pitches.

"I think our team in general, and even myself, felt pretty good coming in today," Ada coach Jeff Bassitt said. "You have a three-run lead, there's probably just as much pressure on them as there is us. We just felt felt really good about today coming in with dry weather. They're a very talented team, but I think we're very good too. I thought if we put it together, we'll get the win."

Colonel Crawford's McKenna Potter dons a Hawaiian flower headband and lei in the dugout. The Eagles and Bulldogs clashed in a Division VI district championship at Shelby High School on May 22, 2026.

It's a result these Eagles will always wonder what could've happened had the game finished on Friday or even been played on Saturday. Allen had two hits and three RBIs, Rylie Hoepf three hits, one run, one RBI, one walk, Betts two hits, Rowlinson and Davis each stole a base.

And as much as it stings, it was a season these seniors — Rylie Hoepf, Stratton, Allen, Bailey Betts, McKenna Potter, Lillie Teiben — will never forget.

"I love them to death," Weithman said. "I came in their freshman year and helped when Sarah (Fraser) was the coach, then it just kept going from there. I'm super proud of them because up until this point, those seniors haven't had a (memorable season). One year they were 14-10, but they got beat in sectionals every year.

"This is the most wins they've had as a group in the last two years combined ... 20 wins is the Crawford standard, it was when (Chuck) Huggins was here and hopefully we can keep building on that and get back to this.

"And one day, we'll punch through."

Colonel Crawford's Olivia Friley slaps a ball into play. The Eagles and Bulldogs clashed in a Division VI district championship at Shelby High School on May 22, 2026.

Friley dazzles in districts, cupboard far from bare for Colonel Crawford

Colonel Crawford maybe have ended up on the losing end of the district championship game, but if there was an award for district MVP, Friley would've been the unanimous choice.

She was 5-for-5 against Ada with two runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases coming off the semifinal win over New London where she was 2-for-2 with three runs, four RBIs, one walk drawn, and a stolen base. She hit a home run in each game and hit for the cycle across both with a triple and a home run against the Wildcats, then a single, two doubles, and home run against the Bulldogs.

For those bad at math, here's her district tournament stat line ... 7-for-7 at the plate, five runs, nine RBIs, three stolen bases, two home runs, two doubles, one triple, and one walk.

"Her work ethic is second to nobody," Weithman said. "It's what you don't see that makes her so good because that kid works, and works, and works. She plays for an elite level travel team all year long and her goal is to play college softball somewhere, but at the end of the day if you want to be good at something, it's what people don't see that makes you good."

And she still has two years left of varsity ball alongside Betts in the circle, Holt in centerfield, and Vanderpool in left field. Adalyn Bond and Kinley Hoepf at third are both freshmen giving the Eagles six starters slated to return next spring. Add in Rowlinson (jr.) and Davis (fr.) who both scored against Ada, and a promising group of rising sophomores.

"Our left side of the infield was two freshmen ... if you can stabilize that, it's huge," Weithman said. "We had a big freshman class here and a lot played JV that, under normal circumstances, would have played varsity. It gave them a little bit of time and hopefully they buy in.

"If they buy into it, they'll get their opportunities. If they don't, they won't."

zholden@gannett.com | 419-617-6018 | Twitter/X: @Zachary_Holden

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Colonel Crawford softball finishes with 20 wins and district runner-up

Jaylen Brown gives candid reaction to All-NBA Second Team honor

Jaylen Brown was named second-team All-NBA for the second time in his career on Sunday. The Celtics star posted new career-highs across the board during the 2025-26 season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while leading Boston to a 56-win season with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the majority of the year.

Brown just missed out on his first ever First-Team All-NBA spot, finishing sixth overall in the voting. He got 44 First Team votes, 54 Second Team votes and two Third Team votes, finishing with 384 points overall. That was 30 points behind Cade Cunningham, who got the final spot on the First Team. Players received five points for each First Team vote, three points for each Second Team vote and one point for each Third Team vote.

Brown delivered a candid reaction to falling short for the First-Team honor while speaking on his Twitch stream on Sunday night.

“I’m not the most-liked, [by] fans or media,” Brown said. “Sometimes I use my platform a little controversial, so I’m surprised I’m on any team, let alone first or second. I’m grateful for everything. I’m not surprised about nothing.”

Cunningham and Luka Doncic both topped Brown for First Team All-NBA. They were eligible for postseason awards despite playing under the 64-game threshold after appealing for “extraordinary circumstances” clause, which was granted by the NBA. Cunningham played in 64 games after suffering a collapsed lung late in the year. Doncic also played 64 games but missed two of those games due to attending the birth of his child overseas during the season.

Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made up the final spots on the first-team.

Joining Brown on the second-team were Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell. Derrick White got three votes for the third-team on the voting panel made up of 100 media members.

Brown also made the All-NBA Second Team during the 2022-23 season.

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St. John’s baseball clinches Big East title, will face Florida State in Tallahassee Regional for NCAA Tournament

It doesn’t matter the decade or the era, St. John’s will find a way to affirm their place at the top of the Big East baseball food chain.

The Red Storm secured their league-best 11th conference title and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament by defeating Creighton on Sunday, 5-3. As a result of claiming the Big East’s auto-bid, the Johnnies earned a spot in the Tallahassee Regional, which features 10th national-seeded Florida State, Coastal Carolina, and Northern Illinois. They will face the Seminoles in the first round on Friday afternoon (3 p.m., ACC Network).

RED STORM WARNING IN MASON, OHIO 🔴⛈️🏆⚠️

Take cover!!!#RedStorm | #EveryTrippic.twitter.com/mSkrAemjiX

— St. John's Baseball (@StJohnsBaseball) May 24, 2026

Heavy rain in southwestern Ohio was the only thing that could stop the Red Storm this week, as they won all three of their games in the double-elimination tournament despite a tight schedule due to multiple postponements. First pitch for their title-deciding game against Creighton was tossed right after 9 a.m. Eastern time, instead of the original Saturday afternoon start time.

In the Red Storm’s first game on Thursday afternoon, Liam O’Leary backpacked St. John’s to a 4-2 victory over Creighton. The junior right-hander threw a staggering 137 pitches in eight innings of work, only surrendering two earned runs, seven hits, and three walks while striking out six Bluejay batters.

The Johnnies didn’t need their pitching staff to spin a gem in their next game, scoring a program conference tournament record 17 runs to demolish Xavier in their home away from home. All nine starting hitters recorded a hit, six of which had multi-hit games, and designated hitter Will Cowan mashed two home runs and piled up a career-high seven RBIs in the win.

One day later in the title-deciding game, Cowan was the hero once again, driving in the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pitchers Ian Mowad, Tyler Longoria, Victor Frederick, and Evan Hoeckele each split multiple innings and held the Bluejays to three runs (two earned), seven hits, and one walk.

After losing ten of their first eleven games to start their season, the Red Storm have since gone 32-14 and won the Big East regular season title with a 15-6 conference record.

St. John’s is set to make their 39th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament, tying the Red Storm for the 11th most among Division I programs. This year’s bid marks their second postseason appearance in three years, as they went 1-2 before they were eliminated from the Charlottesville Regional in 2024. The Johnnies have also reached six College World Series, making their last trip in 1980.

Royals get very concerning Cole Ragans injury update after rehab start

Royals get very concerning Cole Ragans injury update after rehab start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Royals are having a rough 2026 season, and things seemingly aren't getting much better as the year progresses.

One of the big concerns with the team right now is the starting rotation, and specifically the injury recovery of lefty ace Cole Ragans.

According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Royals got a very concerning update on Ragans after his rehab start. Unfortunately, it appears Ragans is going to be out for a while longer.

Royals get concerning Cole Ragans injury update

"Cole Ragans did not bounce back well from his rehab start, manager Matt Quatraro said," Rogers reports. "Felt similar symptoms with his elbow as before, even though he didn't feel it while pitching. He'll be shut down for 2-3 days before being reevaluated."

The Royals' All-Star left-hander, who landed on the injured list earlier this season due to an elbow issue, did not have a good reaction to his rehab outing.

Despite pitching well during this rehab outing, going 4.1 innings, allowing one run and three hits with three strikeouts, Ragans is not at 100% a few days later.

MOREEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success

He was trending in the right direction lately, but now he's had a setback that could cause him to miss a while longer, depending on how his reevaluation in a few days goes.

Ragans has a 4.84 ERA this season in eight starts, as he's once again struggling after his 4.67 ERA in 13 starts during his 2025 season.

While there's no concrete injury update for Ragans just yet, this update from Quatraro is not a good one at all.

Ragans' injury update is a worrying one, as he might have to miss a while longer if this elbow injury doesn't get any better in the next few days for his reevaluation.

More MLB news:

Bungie Kept Most Destiny 2 Devs in the Dark About Sunsetting While Moving Resources to Marathon

25 May 2026 at 21:11
Following the recent news that Bungie would stop development on Destiny 2 in June 2026 after delivering one final update, rumors are starting to emerge from insider sources about the months leading up to the announcement and the inner workings at Bungie surrounding the game's sunsetting. According to insider sources, as reported by Forbes, the vast majority of Bungie staff were unaware of the plans to end development on the game, with only the select few team members—some working on the final update and others who had been moved to Marathon development—privy to the information. Those who were unaware of the upcoming announcement only found out about the plans to end development at the same time as the public, and many of those workers were left to continue working on future updates for Destiny 2 in the meantime.

Meanwhile, leading up to and following the announcement, Bungie has been Destiny 2 team members over to Marathon, its latest large-scale game—a game that appears to not have had quite the commercial success Sony and Bungie were hoping for, despite an estimated 1.2 million sales, as the developer scrambles to add features to address player concerns. The report also claims that Sony is supporting Marathon with more resources following the Destiny 2 announcement and that there is no expectation for Marathon to become the next big live-service hit that would replace Destiny as a revenue stream, although there is an expectation that upcoming PvE and PvP updates will grow the game's player base. Currently, there are still no other upcoming games in development at Bungie, at least none that have been rumored or announced, and it's unclear if anything else will be green-lit while Marathon is this early in its live-service life cycle—numerous projects have been pitched by Bungie employees, including more Destiny games, but none have been pursued so far.

Star Citizen crosses $1 billion in crowdfunding as Chris Roberts eyes version 1.0

25 May 2026 at 21:33

Just one year after reaching $800 million in its unrelenting funding spree, Star Citizen has now crossed yet another significant milestone. The overly ambitious space trading and combat simulator, developed by Cloud Imperium Games, has officially raised more than $1 billion from enthusiasts and early backers. Game director Chris Roberts,...

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Nearly 500 Marvel Rivals Cheaters Get Permabanned by NetEase, and Most of Them Couldn’t Even Climb Out of Bronze

25 May 2026 at 22:14

Marvel characters from the video game Marvel Rivals stand together.

Marvel Rivals makers NetEase have made their stance on cheating in the popular shooter abundantly clear in the studio's latest blog post, where it not only squashes rumours revolving the game's anti-cheat software but names (without directly doxing) and shames hundreds players who were caught using and distributing cheats, each of them also being permanently banned from the game. Following a recent weekend update, NetEase found that "a faction of rogue players began promoting and deploying unauthorized third-party enhancements," or 'cheats,' in layman's terms. The team moved to conduct an investigation and found hundreds of accounts violating the studio's "primary […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/netease-shuts-down-marvel-rivals-anti-cheat-rumours-perma-bans-hundreds-of-cheaters/

Fotocaja – Free online photo editor running entirely on your device for privacy


Fotocaja is a free, browser-based photo editor that runs entirely on your device for speed and privacy. Open it in any modern browser to crop, resize, apply filters, add text and shapes, and export images without uploads or accounts. It also helps you design social posts and multi-page layouts with templates, typography, SVG elements, layers, and masking, then export high-resolution images or print-ready PDFs.

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GreenGo – Import, analyze, and tag tracks from URLs with BPM, key, vibe in one click!


GreenGo is a Windows desktop app (MacOs comming soon) that automates the entire DJ library preparation pipeline. Paste a URL from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, SoundCloud, or 6 other platforms - GreenGo downloads the audio, detects BPM and musical key, analyzes energy and mood, converts the format, and writes everything directly into the file's ID3 metadata. Open Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, or VirtualDJ - your tracks are already tagged and ready to play.

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Carnival’s Brand Ambassador Addresses ‘Silly’ Demand That Entertainer Be Fired

25 May 2026 at 21:33

Humor is, as they say, subjective. But at least one person found a recent Carnival Cruise Line comedian’s jokes inappropriate and suggested the humorist should be fired for having told them.

About the Adults-Only Comedy Show

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador, on board ship. Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald. (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

As he has had to do from time to time, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, addressed the topic during a recent video posted to his Facebook page.

It apparently began when someone suggested that a comedian should be fired for having told offensive jokes at the adults-only show on board a Carnival ship. (For those not familiar with Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club, it typically offers two shows an evening, the second of which is aimed specifically at an adults-only audience. This is made abundantly clear via signage as well as notations in the Fun Times program, not to mention live announcements before the show begins.)

Despite this, an unhappy passenger raised the issue with Heald. “Being a comedian in 2026 is one heck of a difficult profession,” the former cruise director acknowledged. “Probably more-so today than ever.” 

‘Walk On By’

“Most jokes are at somebody else’s expense,” Heald explained, citing such classic examples as Laurel bullying Hardy and “Jerry the Mouse dropping a bowling ball on Tom the Cat’s head.” 

He added that it’s something of a truism among humorists that “if a joke is funny enough, people often forget their right to take offense.” 

They do, however, maintain that right. Which is where Heald appealed to people’s judgment. “The adult comedy shows are uncensored,” he reminded, “and if you are in any doubt, don’t go. Please don’t go!” 

Additionally, “If you don’t like a joke a comedian says [at] the Punchliner, please don’t write to me and say that you demand that they be fired. It’s just silly.”

Instead, he offered these wise words: Go and do something that does bring you joy and brings you happiness.

A colorful children's water play area on the Carnival Cruise Ship deck features various tubes, poles, and structures for climbing. The deck is red, white, and blue, with a large red funnel in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

“Most of our Punchliner headliners will also tell you that if a joke is funny enough, people often forget their right to take offense.”

“If you don’t like a joke a comedian says [at] the Punchliner, please don’t write to me and say that you demand that they be fired. It’s just silly.” 

“Go and do something that does bring you joy and bring you happiness. Walk on by!” 

Read Next: New Feature Coming to (Almost) Every Carnival Ship

Samsung’s AI AC uses wearables to track and adjust sleep comfort

25 May 2026 at 22:20

Samsung has announced a new feature – WindFree Wearable Good Sleep. It is made for its 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioners. The aim of this feature is to helps you sleep better by keeping your room at a comfortable temperature automatically.

Usually, people set their air conditioner before going to bed. But the problem is that the temperature you feel comfortable with at night can change later. Sometimes you may feel too hot, and sometimes too cold. Due to this, many people wake up in the middle of the night to change the AC settings.

Samsung’s new feature tries to solve this problem. It connects your air conditioner with your wearable device like a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring. When you wear it while sleeping, the device can understand when you fall asleep. As soon as you are asleep, it sends a signal to the air conditioner.

After that, the AC turns on a special mode – WindFree Cooling and Good Sleep mode. In this mode, the air conditioner does not stay at one fixed temperature. Instead, it slowly changes and adjusts the cooling during the night. This helps your body stay comfortable while you sleep without any disturbance.

To use this feature, you first need to install the SmartThings app on your Galaxy Watch or Ring. Then you connect your air conditioner to your home Wi-Fi. After setting it up, you can turn on the feature from your phone or watch under sleep settings. You also need to wear your watch or ring while sleeping so it can track your sleep.

Samsung’s new feature makes your AC smart. It watches when you sleep and automatically changes the temperature so you stay comfortable all night. You don’t need to wake up or adjust anything.

The post Samsung’s AI AC uses wearables to track and adjust sleep comfort appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung brings May 2026 update to Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 globally

25 May 2026 at 21:10

Samsung has expanded the May 2026 security update for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 in more countries. After first releasing the update in South Korea, the company has now made it available in Europe, and other regions are expected to get it soon.

Earlier this month, Samsung released a major update for these foldable devices. Now, the May 2026 security update is based on One UI 8.5. Users of these devices can verify the update via One UI build version ending with BZE2, and the file size is around 500MB.

Now, the new May 2026 security patch improves the stability and security of the devices. It fixes 36 security problems that were found in the previous software version to protect users from bugs and possible security risks.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7

Source – Samsung Mobile Press

Samsung users can easily check if the update is available on their phones by going to Settings >> Software update >> Download and install. More users will get this update soon.

Aside from this, Samsung is also working on its next major software version, One UI 9.0. The company recently introduced the beta version of One UI 9.0 for the Galaxy S26 series. The new update is expected to bring fresh design changes, smoother performance, and useful new features.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to receive One UI 9.0 in the future because both phones are eligible for the update. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Samsung brings May 2026 update to Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 globally appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Debian-based Besgnulinux 4-0 launches with multiple improvements

With a focus on stability and lightness, Besgnulinux 4-0 is now available with plenty of updated packages, improvements to the Font Manager tool, DPI settings, and more. Thanks to these improvements, this refreshed Debian-based distro is suitable for both new silicon and older, less potent hardware.

Oppo Reno16 Pro and Reno16 go official with 200MP rear camera

25 May 2026 at 21:31

The Oppo Reno16 series has made its debut in China. The lineup consists of the Reno16 Pro and the Reno16 for now. Both phones come with a triple rear camera setup with a 200MP main sensor, and are available in three color options. While both phones share the same rear camera setup, other specifications remain different. The Reno16 Pro offers a 6.78-inch AMOLED display and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset. On the other hand, the Reno16 sports a smaller 6.32-inch OLED panel and is equipped with the Dimensity 8550 Super SoC. Both handsets offer up to 120Hz refresh...

Report: Lionel Messi injured at Inter Miami, but 2026 World Cup with Argentina not at risk

25 May 2026 at 21:50
Following his two-assist performance in Inter Miami’s victory, Lionel Messi worried fans after asking to be substituted in the 73rd minute due to physical discomfort. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old star reportedly does not place his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina at risk.

Lionel Messi once again emerged as a key figure for Inter Miami. In the team’s recent 6–4 victory over Philadelphia Union, he contributed two crucial assists. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old star worried fans after asking to be substituted in the 73rd minute due to physical discomfort. Despite this, he reportedly would not place his participation with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup at risk, bringing relief to supporters.

According to Gastón Edul, a well-known journalist covering the Argentina national team, via X, formerly Twitter, Lionel Messi requested to be substituted during Inter Miami’s most recent match as a precautionary measure. After feeling tightness in his hamstring, the Argentine veteran decided not to risk a more serious injury. With this in mind, he could still be available to play at the 2026 World Cup, pursuing his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Even though Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the World Cup, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala revealed that the veteran would be called up if he wants to be part of the process. Still performing at a high level with the Herons, Messi could once again emerge as the central figure of the national team to pursue another title. With the anticipated tournament drawing closer, Lionel continues to shine thanks to his all-around impact.

Throughout the season with Inter Miami, Messi has remained one of the standout players in MLS, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists, ranking among the league’s top contributors in both categories. In addition, he has continued to prove crucial for Argentina, scoring eight goals to finish as the top scorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. After avoiding a serious injury setback, he appears poised to once again play a key role at the anticipated tournament.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.

Rodrigo De Paul shares Messi’s physical plan for 2026 World Cup

At 38 years old, Lionel Messi has chosen not to reveal whether he will be present at the 2026 World Cup, preferring instead to focus on day-to-day progress. Nevertheless, Rodrigo De Paul has revealed details that could hint at the veteran star’s presence with Argentina at the tournament. Not only has Messi continued to shine physically in MLS, but he has also reportedly maintained an intense preparation routine outside regular training sessions.

We are both pushing ourselves physically to arrive in the best possible shape; we set a double-shift routine for ourselves and we have our own trainer—we’re putting in the work and doing well. It’s separate work from the club with the World Cup in mind,” De Paul said, via Lo del Pollo on YouTube. With this in mind, the 38-year-old star is near to play his sixth edition in the tournament history.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on against the Portland Timbers.

Dembele and Hakimi’s absences from PSG training raise concern ahead of Champions League final vs Arsenal

25 May 2026 at 21:45
Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi were absent in PSG's last training session on Saturday, rising concern over their fitness for the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal.

Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi have been two of the most influential figures in Paris Saint-Germain‘s run to the UEFA Champions League final, which makes their absence from training sessions all the more concerning heading into the showdown with Arsenal.

After wrapping up the Ligue 1 title, PSG played their last league fixture on May 17 against Paris FC, leaving a 13-day gap before the final on the 30th. With no competitive matches to maintain sharpness, coach Luis Enrique has had to design a carefully managed preparation program to keep the squad in peak condition.

On Saturday, PSG held a public training session at the Poissy campus featuring a 40-minute internal scrimmage between mixed teams of first-team players and academy prospects, followed by a fan meet-and-greet. Hakimi and Dembele were the two most notable absentees from the session, with fewer than six days now remaining until the Budapest final.

Hakimi in serious doubt

Hakimi has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury during the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich on April 28. The Moroccan right back missed the second leg against the Germans and the final four Ligue 1 matches, meaning he will arrive at the final with a significant lack of competitive minutes.

Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain celebrating.
Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain celebrating.

According to L’Equipe, Hakimi has been limited to individual training sessions, with a return to full group work expected on Wednesday, May 27. However, the French outlet reports that it is unlikely the right back will be fit enough to start against Arsenal in Budapest.

PSG cautious over Dembele

Ousmane Dembele’s situation is more recent, having been substituted off in the final Ligue 1 game against Paris FC with what was described as tightness in his right calf. Like Hakimi, he was working through an individual session on Saturday rather than joining the main group.

Speaking to RMC Sport in the days since, Dembele was upbeat about his prospects. “I’m doing very well. I had a little scare against Paris FC, but I’m fine and I’m going to be ready for the final. I believe I will be at 100%. I’ve had so many scares and serious injuries in my career, whether here at PSG or before, right before massive matches. With this final ahead, I chose to stop and, above all, not take any risks,” the Ballon d’Or winner said.

While Nuno Mendes and William Pacho have both recovered from their respective injury concerns, Dembele and Hakimi have yet to rejoin full team training. With PSG set to return to the training pitch on Tuesday following two days off, if Dembele is still working separately by then, he will join Hakimi as a genuine fitness doubt, and with the 2026 World Cup set to begin just days after the final, the stakes could not be higher for both players.

Ousmane Dembele (L) and Achraf Hakimi (R) of Paris Saint-Germain.

James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz headline Colombia’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup

25 May 2026 at 21:12
After regaining solidity in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Colombia arrive at the 2026 World Cup with major ambitions. To achieve this, head coach Néstor Lorenzo has announced the final 26-man squad, with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading the project.

Colombia finished the CONMEBOL qualifiers in strong form, securing their place at the 2026 World Cup. While they experienced a dip in performances at one stage, head coach Néstor Lorenzo managed to turn the situation around, relying on collective play amid the team’s struggles in front of goal. With only a few weeks remaining for the anticipated tournament, they have announced their final 26-man squad, with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading the way.

Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has decided to make only minor adjustments to his squad, maintaining consistency with the group that went through the qualifiers. With this in mind, Luis Díaz emerges as the undisputed leader of the team, having finished as Colombia’s top scorer. In addition, the left winger has shined with Bayern Munich, becoming a key creative force that he hopes to replicate at the anticipated tournament.

Alongside the 29-year-old winger, James Rodríguez remains part of the national team despite his limited playing time with Minnesota United. Nevertheless, Néstor Lorenzo has made it clear that the 34-year-old star remains a cornerstone of his sporting project. “James arrived in great shape; he’s been training hard. Then he had a minor injury that kept him out of a couple of training sessions, but he’s doing great now,” he said in the latest press conference.

Compared to the 55-man preliminary squad, several notable names have been left out of Colombia’s World Cup roster, with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado among the most surprising omissions. Despite impressing with Pisa SC, the 37-year-old veteran has been excluded. In addition, Jhon Jader Durán and Rafael Santos Borréhave also been left out, as Néstor Lorenzo opted to keep faith in Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Córdoba, and Luis Javier Suárez up front.

James Rodríguez of Colombia is challenged by Maxence Lacroix of France.
James Rodríguez of Colombia is challenged by Maxence Lacroix of France.

Colombia’s full 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup

Unlike many other coaches, Néstor Lorenzo has not made surprising changes to the roster, as he has shown a very clear understanding of both his starting lineup and overall game plan. Because of this, Colombia will maintain continuity with most of its core players despite the team’s recurring struggles in front of goal. In addition, Juan Camilo Hernández returns to the national team in strong form after impressive performances with Real Betis.

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina and Álvaro Montero.
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumi, Yerry Mina and Willer Ditta.

Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodríguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, Gustavo Puerta Juan Camilo Portilla, and Jamilton Campaz.

Forwards: Carlos Andrés Gómez, Luis Suárez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernandez, Jhon Arias, and Luis Diaz.

Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates with teammates James Rodriguez

Hakan Safi'den Fenerbahçe projesi

Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi, Mardin Fenerbahçeliler Derneği yöneticileri ve kongre üyeleriyle bir araya geldi. Türkiye'de "Fenerbahçe" adı altında farklı bölgelerde 5 pilot takım kurmayı hayal ettiğini belirten Safi, oynamayan futbolcuların burada çalışmasını düşündüklerini kaydetti.

Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi, "Fenerbahçe'nin olmazsa olmazı, kendi yerinde stadını 65 bin kişiye çıkarması. İlk yıl şampiyon olduktan sonra kazmayı vuracağız." dedi.

Merkez Artuklu ilçesinde bir restoranda Mardin Fenerbahçeliler Derneği yöneticileri ve kongre üyeleriyle bir araya gelen Safi, kentte bulunmaktan duyduğu memnuniyeti dile getirerek, Fenerbahçe'nin yarınları ve cesaretli günleri için çalıştıklarını söyledi.

Daha sonra katılımcıların sorularını cevaplayan Safi, transferlerle ilişkin soruya, dünya yıldızı sporcuları getirirken futbolcuların kariyerlerine ve istatistiklerine baktıklarını ifade etti.

Fenerbahce

Oyuncu alırken aynı zamanda karakterini de önemsediklerini belirten Safi, şunları kaydetti:

"Forvet için gol asistleri yüzde 50'nin üzerine çıkıyorsa istatistikler bizim için yeterli oluyor. Rakamlar yalan söylemiyor. Hayatım boyunca hep istatistikleri, rakamları kullandım, kullanmaya devam ediyorum. İnşallah bizim dönemimizde dünya yıldızları ile bazı durumlar yaşanmayacak. Hepsini takip ediyoruz. Artık transfer edeceğimiz oyuncuların uyku düzenlerinin bile raporlarını istiyoruz. Disiplin her zaman için önemli. O yüzden bizim de getireceğimiz topçuların da her şeyine bakmaya çalışıyoruz. Takımın kurgusunu iyi yapmamız lazım. Onun için uygun oyuncular getirmek lazım. İyi maç, iyi topçu ile oynanıyor. Niye şampiyon olamıyoruz, beceri sorunumuz var. İşi sportif direktöre bırakmayacağız. Topun ne olduğunu biz de görüyoruz. Dolayısıyla o kırılma anlarını doğru oynamamız lazım, doğru yapmamız lazım, futbol aklımızın doğru olması lazım. Geldiği zaman da atanın tutanın iyi olacak. Bu mottoya göre kendimizi şekillendiriyoruz."

Türkiye'de "Fenerbahçe" adı altında farklı bölgelerde 5 pilot takım kurmayı hayal ettiğini belirten Safi, oynamayan futbolcuların burada çalışmasını düşündüklerini kaydetti.

Stat çalışmalarına ilişkin soruyu cevaplayan Safi, en kısa sürede stat kapasitesinin büyütülmesi gerektiğini vurgulayarak, şöyle dedi:

"Fenerbahçe Sportif AŞ'nin en büyük geliri stadyum geliri. Sonra sponsorluk gelirleri geliyor. Dolayısıyla stadyum gelirlerinden ne yazık ki rakibimizden her sene 40 milyon eksik gelirimiz var. Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne 2008'den beri onlar gidiyor, biz gidemiyoruz. Orada da her sene 30 milyon avro bizim tersimize gelişen bir durum var. Çok övündüğümüz Fenerium gelirleri de ne yazık ki forma satışları da rakiplerimizin gerisinde. Basketbola yaptığımız yatırımlar çerçevesinde 40 milyon avro harcadığımız para. Bu para futboldan basketbola gidiyor. Bu rakamları topladığımız zaman 120 milyon avro. Her sene maça eksik başlıyoruz. Her yerde 'en büyük Fenerbahçe' için, tekrar stadımızı en büyük hale getirmemiz gerekiyor. Stat kendi yerinde 65 bin kişiye çıkıyor. Biz bunun çalışmasını yaptık. Stadımızın çatısını kaldırıp, kendi yerinde, etrafını sırayla çelikten üçüncü katları dikerek stadımız 65 bin kişiye çıkıyor. Çıktığı zaman da bu hikayeyi, gelirimizi arttırıp Fenerbahçe'mizin bu gelir farkını kapatıp maça tekrar 0-0 başlamasını sağlayacağız. Ondan sonra da iyi bir yönetim anlayışıyla da rakibimizi geçeceğiz. Yakın zamanda Fenerbahçe'mizi en büyük yapmak için bu mücadeleyi tekrar başlatacağız. Fenerbahçe'nin olmazsa olmazı kendi yerinde stadını 65 bin kişiye çıkarması. ilk yıl şampiyon olduktan sonra kazmayı vuracağız ama bizim birinci yıl konsantrasyonumuz tamamıyla A takımın şampiyonluğu."

Safi, Trendyol 1. Lig'e yükselen Mardin 1969 Spor'u tebrik ederek, elinden gelen bir görev varsa yapacağını ifade etti.

Mardin Fenerbahçeliler Derneği Başkanı Muhammed Diri de burada konuşma yaptı.

Aziz Yıldırım: Fenerbahçe aşağıya çekildi

Fenerbahçe'de başkanlık seçimine kısa bir süre kalırken adaylığını açıklayan Aziz Yıldırım seçim çalışmalarını sürdürüyor. Kulübün eski başkanları arasında yer alan Aziz Yıldırım Fenerbahçe'nin artık şampiyonluk yaşaması gerektiğini belirtti.

Fenerbahçe başkan adaylarından Aziz Yıldırım TRT Spor'a açıklamalarda bulundu.

Aziz Yıldırım'ın açıklamaları şöyle:

-2024 yılında çocuklarda, Fenerbahçe'nin şampiyon olamamasından ve başarı gelmemesinden kaynaklanan bir üzüntü vardı. Bunu kendi çocuklarımda da görüyordum. Onlar da üzülüyor, şikayet ediyorlardı.

Herkes başarı bekliyor ve o başarı da şampiyonluktur. Şampiyonluk geldiğinde bütün kırgınlıklar biter, herkes birbirine sarılır. Çünkü yanınızdaki insanı tanımasanız bile, o başarının getirdiği mutlulukla ona sarılırsınız.

-Fenerbahçe'de 12 yıldır şampiyonluk yaşanmadığı için ayrışmalar başladı. Herkes farklı taraflara çekilmeye başladı. İnsanlar arasında 'şucu, bucu' şeklinde ayrışmalar ve tartışmalar ortaya çıktı. Sonuçta Fenerbahçe başarısız bir görüntü veren bir yapıya dönüştü. Fenerbahçe camiasının büyüklüğünün tartışılır hale gelmesini önlemek, çocuklarımızın okula giderken formalarını gururla giyip taşıyabilmeleri için ben ve arkadaşlarım bir araya geldik ve aday olduk.

"FENERBAHÇE AŞAĞIYA ÇEKİLDİ"

-Şunu görüyoruz ki tecrübe sahibi olmak ve geçmişte yaşananlardan ders çıkarmak gerekiyor. Bu dersleri en iyi bilenlerin de bizler olduğuna inanıyorum. Çünkü Fenerbahçe tarihinde 6 kez şampiyonluk yaşadık, 3 kez de son maçlarda şampiyonluğu kaybettik. Ayrıca 3 Temmuz süreciyle birlikte Fenerbahçe’ye büyük zarar verildi. 2006 yılında maçın uzatılmasıyla yaşananlar da aslında bir örgüt operasyonuydu. Daha sonra 2011’de bu operasyonun etkileri tamamen hayata geçirildi ve Fenerbahçe aşağıya çekildi.

-Türkiye’nin, Fenerbahçe’nin başarılı olmasına ihtiyacı var. Fenerbahçe’nin ihtiyacı olduğu kadar Türkiye’nin de buna ihtiyacı var. Çünkü Fenerbahçe kazandığı zaman Türkiye mutlu olacak.

-Çocukların gülmesini istiyoruz, ağlamamasını istiyoruz. Geçmişte benim ve arkadaşlarımın yaptığı başarıları gösterip onları anarak mutlu olmalarını değil, gelecekte mutlu olmalarını istiyoruz.

-2 yabancı santrfor getireceğiz, isimleri belli. Bu hafta son görüşmeleri yapacağım. Bütün Türkiye'ye ve Fenerbahçelilere söylüyorum. Seçimden önce gerekirse kendileri açıklarlar. Bu kadar basit.

-Kadıköy cehennemdir, oradan çıkış yok. Benim 20 senelik başkanlık sürecimde diğer kulüpler oradan çıkamadılar. En kötü berabere kaldılar, sevindiler. Şimdi biz berabere kalıyoruz, biz seviniyoruz; öyle şey olmaz. Biz Kadıköy’de herkesi yeneceğiz. Büyü falan da yok orada, yürek var. Biz orada her geleni yeneceğiz. Gelen takımların ayağı titrerdi. Onlar söylüyorlar, ben söylemiyorum.

-Aykut Kocaman ile şu an için henüz bir konumuz yok. Gerektiği takdirde olabilir, değerlendireceğiz. Eski değerli oyuncularımızı da göreve davet ediyoruz, onlar da aramıza katılacak. Burası bir aile haline gelecek.

-Mourinho beni 2003'ten biliyor. O zaman bir menajer getirmek istedi, karar verememiştik. Oradan Porto'ya gitti.

Son görüşmemizde 5 tane futbolcu söylemiştim, o da 'Bunlar gerçekse iyi' demiş. Ama sonra o kadar transfer yapıp hiçbirini almadılar.

-Ederson iyi bir kaleci. Kendisine yüksek bir ücret ödedik ancak bu onun hatası değil, bizim sorumluluğumuz.

-Jorge Jesus ile hiçbir görüşmem yok.

“Aykut Kocaman teknik direktör adaylarından biri mi?”

-Olabilir ama oldu demiyorum. Biz bir kere seçilelim. Eğer seçilmeden ‘Seni antrenör yapacağım’ dersem, yarın seçilemezsem ne olacak?

-Her şeyi unutalım. Ali Koç da Hakan Safi de gelsinler. Ben burada ağabey olarak varım.

Milliler kaldığı yerden devam: Dünya Kupası mesaisi

A Milli Futbol Takımı, 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası hazırlıklarına bugün yaptığı antrenmanla devam etti.

A Milli Futbol Takımı, 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası hazırlıklarına devam etti.

TFF Hasan Doğan Milli Takımlar Kamp ve Eğitim Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Vincenzo Montella yönetiminde ilk 15 dakikası basına açık olan antrenman ısınma koşularıyla başladı. Top kapma çalışmasıyla devam eden idmanın basına kapalı bölümünde taktiksel organizasyonların üzerinde durulduğu bildirildi.

Takımda Altay Bayındır, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Zeki Çelik, Atakan Karazor, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, Merih Demiral ve Mustafa Eskihellaç izinli oldukları için çalışmada yer almadı. Hakan Çalhanoğlu ve Kerem Aktürkoğlu da sakatlıkları nedeniyle antrenmana katılmadı.

İdmanı Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, TFF 2. Başkan Vekili Fuat Göktaş ve TFF Genel Sekreteri Abdullah Ayaz yerinde takip etti.

Ay-yıldızlılar, yarınki saha testlerinin ardından 2 gün izin yapacak.

Fenerbahçe gönderdi: 4 büyük lig peşine düştü

Fenerbahçe'de bir devir kapanmış ve teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco ile birlikte Devin Özek ile de yollar ayrılmıştı. Devin Özek için 4 büyük ligden transfer iddiaları gündeme geldi.

Fenerbahçe'nin şampiyonluk umutlarını tüketmesinin ardından yollarını ayırdığı isimlerin arasında yer ala Devin Özek kulüplerin radarına girdi. Genç sportif direktör Devin Özek'in sarı-lacivertli kulüpten ayrılması, Avrupa'nın dikkatinden kaçmadı.

Gianluca Di Marzio'nun haberine göre; Devin Özek; Premier Lig, Serie A, Ligue 1 ve La Liga'nın en iyi kulüpleri tarafından yakın takibe alındı.

31 yaşındaki sportif direktör de kariyerinde yeni bir sayfa açmaya hazır durumda.

Fenerbahce

ÖZEK'İN FENERBAHÇE'YE ALDIRDIĞI OYUNCULAR?

Sidiki Cherif (Angers)   22 milyon Euro

Jhon Duran (Al-Nassr)    21 milyon Euro

Dorgeles Nene (Salzburg) 18 milyon Euro

Archie Brown (Genk)       8 milyon Euro

Milan'da Massimiliano Allegri devri kapandı

İtalya Serie A ekiplerinden Milan'da teknik direktör Massimiliano Allegri ile yollar ayrıldı.

İtalya Serie A ekibi Milan, teknik direktör Massimiliano Allegri ile yolların ayrıldığını duyurdu.

İtalya ekibi yaptığı açıklamada, Allegri ile beraber takım CEO'su Giorgio Furlani, Sportif Direktör Igli Tare ve Teknik Sorumlu Geoffrey Moncada ile de yolların ayrıldığı belirtildi.

Bu sezonu, 70 puanla 5. sırada bitiren Milan, UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne katılma hakkını kaybetmişti.

UEFA rəsmisi Tovuz şəhər stadionuna baxış keçirdi

25 May 2026 at 21:20

UEFA-nın stadion inspektoru Skott Struters “Turan Tovuz” komandasının ev oyunlarını keçirdiyi Tovuz şəhər stadionuna baxış keçirib.

Arena.az bu barədə Tovuz klubunun mətbuat xidmətinə istinadən xəbər verir.

Bildirilir ki, bu gün Skott Struters, eləcə də AFFA-nın İnfrastruktur Departamentinin direktoru Fuad Cəfərov və Futbol İnfrastruktur Layihələri şöbəsinin rəisi Sabir İsmayılov “Turan Tovuz”un nümayəndələri ilə birlikdə Tovuz şəhər stadionunda olublar. 4 saatdan çox davam edən baxış zamanı stadionun UEFA-nın 2-ci kateqoriya tələblərinə uyğunlaşdırılması ilə bağlı mühüm məqamlar müzakirə olunub.

Yekunda stadionun bu kateqoriyaya yiyələnməsi üçün tələb olunan şərtlər, həmçinin yerinə yetirilməli tapşırıq və tövsiyələr klub nümayəndələrinin diqqətinə çatdırılıb.

Daha sonra keçirilən iclasda stadionun beynəlxalq standartlara tam cavab verməsi üçün görüləcək işlər ətrafında geniş fikir mübadiləsi aparılıb. Stadionda həyata keçirilən yenidənqurma və təkmilləşdirmə işləri müsbət qiymətləndirilib.

Xatırladaq ki, “Turan Tovuz” Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yekunlarına əsasən Avropa Konfrans Liqasında iştirak hüququ qazanıb. Əyalət təmsilçisi avrokubok oyunlarını məhz Tovuz şəhər stadionunda keçirmək istəyir. Amma bundan ötrü UEFA-nın sözügedən arenaya müvafiq lisenziya verməsi lazımdır.

Lautaro Martines – A Seriyasının ən sərrast qolçusu!

25 May 2026 at 21:00

“İnter”in kapitanı, argentinalı hücumçu Lautaro Martines İtaliya A Seriyasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün bombardiri olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Martines rəqiblərinin qapılarını 17 dəfə dəqiq nişan alıb.

Milan təmsilçisi ilə bu mövsüm A Seriyasının qalib olan argentinalı hücumçu çempionatda iştirak etdiyi 30 oyunda 17 qol vurmaqla yanaşı, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə də verib.

Qeyd edək ki, Lautaro bombardir olmaqla yanaşı, A Seriyasında geridə qalmış mövsümün ən yaxşı hücumçusu da elan edilib.

Lautaro Martines 2018-ci ilin iyul ayından “İnter”də çıxış edir. İtaliya nəhəngi argentinalı hücumçunu 25 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində Avelyaneda “Rasinq”indən “neradzurri”nin heyətinə qatıb.

Martinesin “İnter”lə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2029-cu ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir. 2024-cü ilin yayında Martinesə “İnter”in kapitan sarğısı həvalə edilib.

Argentinalı hücumçu cari mövsümdə bütün yarışlarda “İnter”in heyətində 41 oyuna çıxıb, 22 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

Lautaro Martinesin “neradzurri”nin heyətində çıxışının ümumi mənzərisi isə 376 oyun, 175 qol, 56 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.

Martines “İnter”lə 3 dəfə İtaliya A Seriyasını, 3 dəfə İtaliya Kubokunu və 3 dəfə də İtaliya Super Kubokunu qazanıb.

Lautaro Martines 2018-ci ilin mart ayında debüt etdiyi Argentina yığmasının heyətində 75 oyuna çıxıb, 36 qol vurub, 11 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. Lautaro 2021-ci və 2024-cü illərdə Amerika Kubokunun, 2022-ci ildə Qətərdə keçirilmiş dünya çempionatının, həmçinin 2022-ci il Çempionların CONMEBOL-UEFA Kuboku çərçivəsində “Finalissima” oyununun qalibi olub.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 28 yaşlı argentinalı mərkəz hücumçusunun transfer dəyərini 85 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

Maks Dauman Premyer Liqa tarixində daha bir ilkə imza atdı

25 May 2026 at 20:40

“Arsenal”ın sağ vingeri Maks Dauman İngiltərə Premyer Liqası tarixində start heyətində meydana çıxmış ən gənc futbolçu olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 16 yaş 144 günlüyündə olan ingiltərəli oyunçu bu rekordu turnirin 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün sonuncu – 38-ci turunda, “Kristal Pelas”a qarşı keçirdikləri görüşdə (2:1) gerçəkləşdirib.

O, “Everton”un sabiq futbolçusu Xose Baksterin 2008-ci ildə qeydə alınmış rekordunu (16 yaş 198 gün) qırıb.

Dauman 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə Premyer Liqada debüt edən və qol vuran ən gənc oyunçu olmaqla yanaşı, “Arsenal”ın heyətində turnirin qalibi olan ən gənc futbolçu kimi də tarixə düşüb. O, həmçinin 15 yaş 308 günlüyündə UEFA Çempionlar Liqası tarixində meydana çıxan ən gənc oyunçu ünvanına yiyələnib.

Xatırladaq ki, Maks Dauman “Arsenal”ın öz yetirməsidir. O, 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə çıxış etdiyi bütün turnirlər çərçivəsində ümumilikdə 13 matçda 1 qol vurub və 1 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.

Dauman İngiltərənin U-16, U-17 və U-19 yığmalarında da oynayıb.

Adı “Neftçi” ilə hallanan futbolçu “Şamaxı”dan ayrıldı

25 May 2026 at 21:44

“Şamaxı” futbolçusu Rüfət Abbasovla yollarını ayırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Cinah müdafiəçisi ilə müddəti bitən müqavilə uzadılmayıb.

Abbasovun adı “Neftçi” ilə hallanır.

Azərbaycan yığmasının da üzvü olan futbolçu bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 33 oyunda 1 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

“Milan”da baş məşqçi ayrılığı

25 May 2026 at 21:23

“Milan” baş məşqçisi Massimiliano Alleqri ilə yollarını ayırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Mütəxəssislə müqaviləyə qarşılıqlı razılaşma əsasında xitam verilib.

“Milan” A Seriyasında mövsümü 70 xalla beşinci sırada bitirib.

Tovuz şəhər stadionuna baxış

25 May 2026 at 20:53

UEFA stadion inspektoru Skott Struthers, AFFA-nın İnfrastruktur Departamentinin direktoru Fuad Cəfərov və Futbol İnfrastruktur Layihələri şöbəsinin rəisi Sabir İsmayılov “Turan Tovuz” klubunun nümayəndələri ilə birlikdə Tovuz şəhər stadionunda baxış keçiriblər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, 4 saatdan çox davam edən baxış zamanı stadionun UEFA-nın 2-ci kateqoriya tələblərinə uyğunlaşdırılması ilə bağlı mühüm məqamlar müzakirə olunub. Yekunda stadionun bu kateqoriyaya yiyələnməsi üçün tələb olunan şərtlər, həmçinin yerinə yetirilməli tapşırıq və tövsiyələr klub nümayəndələrinin diqqətinə çatdırılıb.

Daha sonra keçirilən iclasda stadionun beynəlxalq standartlara tam cavab verməsi üçün görüləcək işlər ətrafında geniş fikir mübadiləsi aparılıb. Stadionda həyata keçirilən yenidənqurma və təkmilləşdirmə işləri müsbət qiymətləndirilib.

Azərbaycan millisi Dünya Kubokunda

25 May 2026 at 20:32

İlk dəfə Dünya Kubokunda mübarizə aparacaq Azərbaycanın qadınlardan ibarət 3×3 basketbol millisinin heyəti məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yığma Arika Karter, Aleksandra Mollenhauer, Brianna Freyzer, Dina Ulyanovadan ibarət heyətlə mübarizə aparacaq.

Yarış iyunun 1-7-də Polşanın paytaxtı Varşavada keçiriləcək.

Milli komanda A qrupunda Niderland, Polşa, Çexiya və Madaqaskar ilə qarşılaşacaq.

Iraola and Xavi top Milan names for new coach after Allegri fired

25 May 2026 at 21:42

Andoni Iraola and Xavi are the top names emerging to take over at Milan after Max Allegri was sacked along with the entire directorial staff.

PARMA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 08: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri announced in a single brutal statement this evening that they had done away with coach Allegri, director of sport Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.

Owner Gerry Cardinale and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic are now working to completely rebuild the club after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Iraola and Xavi on Milan list

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, looks on after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at the City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, looks on after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at the City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

After initial Antonio Conte rumours, sources from with Milan told the Corriere dello Sport they were instead looking for a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ of coach.

That fits the fresh reports this evening that the top two names are Iraola and Xavi.

There is some mixed reporting on the Iraola situation, with Sky Sports UK claiming that Milan reached out to his representatives, whereas Italian media are more confident the Bournemouth boss was instead proposed to the Rossoneri by intermediaries.

He turns 44 next month and has been at Bournemouth since 2023, but is set to walk away this summer for a new adventure.

Xavi is 46 years old and currently out of contract after his experiences with Al-Sadd and Barcelona, leaving the latter in June 2024.

There had also been some reports that Iraola was on the radar for Napoli to replace Conte, but that was dismissed by Sportitalia, who again said intermediaries were shopping his name around in Serie A.

BREAKING: AC Milan have approached Andoni Iraola’s representatives about becoming their head coach next season 🚨 pic.twitter.com/H1voGVw4ku

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2026

Baldini calls fresh new Italy squad with 3 Borussia Dortmund talents

25 May 2026 at 21:15

Interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini has called up a practically new squad for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, including Samuele Inacio and Filippo Mane of Borussia Dortmund.

The Azzurri organised the matches after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, losing the play-offs on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned and with no new coach in place yet, Italy brought in Under-21 coach Baldini for these two friendly fixtures.

They are on June 3 in Luxembourg and June 7 in Crete.

EMPOLI, ITALY - MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
EMPOLI – MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Baldini said there was no point calling in players from the usual Azzurri squad, so he would only focus on younger figures, many of them getting their first opportunity at senior level.

The exception is captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, as the Manchester City goalkeeper is seen as the ‘guide’ to the others, as the squad has an average age of 20 years and six months.

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 26: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Others who already featured for the Nazionale are Pietro Comuzzo, Marco Palestra, Niccolò Pisilli and Francesco Pio Esposito.

Notable new faces include Davide Bartesaghi from Milan, Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor and Francesco Camarda.

Also worth pointing out is just how many play abroad, with Fabio Chiarodia at Borussia Monchengladbach, Filippo Mane, Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio all at Borussia Dortmund, and Luca Koleosho for Paris FC.

Italy squad for Luxembourg and Greece games

Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Avellino), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone);

Defenders: Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia Monchengladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Costantino Favasuli (Catanzaro), Filippo Mane (Borussia Dortmund), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Luca Reggiani (Borussia Dortmund);

Midfielders: Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Juventus), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Lorenzo Venturino (Roma);

Forwards: Francesco Camarda (Lecce), Luigi Cherubini (Sampdoria), Jeff Ekhator (Genoa), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC).

Watch: De Zerbi greets his biggest critic with a handshake after keeping Tottenham Hotspur up

25 May 2026 at 21:08

Roberto De Zerbi’s post-match press conference following Tottenham’s survival on the final day was as entertaining as, if not far more than, anything seen on the pitch this season for the North London club, with the Italian coach producing a moment that perfectly encapsulates his personality and the relief of keeping the club in the top flight.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

De Zerbi sees funny side as Spurs finish in 17th

With a broad smile upon entering the room, the coach called out a journalist who had been a regular negative presence at the training ground throughout his tenure.

“Where is he? Where is he? That negative journalist who was always at the training centre?” he said. “Go and get him.”

Times journalist Tom Allnutt was in the mixed zone at the time but the coach requested he be brought before him.

The reporter was duly brought to the room, up to the stage, at which point De Zerbi greeted him with a smile and a warm handshake.

Roberto De Zerbi’s hilarious exchange with @TomAllnutt_ pic.twitter.com/Lvo8pzIiec

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) May 24, 2026

De Zerbi ‘prevented a disaster’ – Maddison and Vicario hail Spurs’ Italian job

25 May 2026 at 20:59

James Maddison has paid a glowing tribute to Roberto De Zerbi after Tottenham Hotspur secured their Premier League survival on the final day of the season, crediting the Italian coach with saving the club from what could have been a catastrophic relegation.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Maddison was effusive. “I’ve been really, really impressed with the manager,” he said. “That appointment saved a disaster from happening to be honest. He’s been living at the training ground. I sleep at the training ground the night before a home game, I’ve got too many kids. He’s there at 9pm with the tactics board.”

“That appointment has saved the disaster from happening” 🗣

James Maddison on the impact of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur ⚪ pic.twitter.com/Qlknl38ipG

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2026

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Vicario echoes Maddison praise as De Zerbi saves Spurs from embarassment

The sentiment was echoed by Italy international goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to the Spurs supporters.

“Thanks a lot,” Vicario wrote. “Without you it wouldn’t have been possible. COYS.”

Report Italiano now first on Napoli list after Milan sack Allegri

25 May 2026 at 20:54

Following the Milan collapse and dismissal, Max Allegri is suddenly no longer quite so appetising for Napoli, who Alfredo Pedullà claims are turning to Vincenzo Italiano.

The managerial merry-go-round went into overdrive less than 24 hours after the end of the Serie A season.

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 11: Vincenzo Italiano Bologna FC 1909 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Vincenzo Italiano Bologna FC 1909 head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli had already announced the departure of Antonio Conte by mutual consent, even though he still had one year left to run on his contract after the Scudetto and Supercoppa Italia victories in two seasons.

Allegri had been the hot favourite to replace him and was reportedly in dinner meetings with director Giovanni Manna over the last few weeks.

However, paradoxically the fact he was fired by Milan and is now a free agent makes him less intriguing to President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Napoli turn to Italiano rather than Allegri

CREMONA, ITALY - APRIL 05: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Sportitalia transfer pundit Pedullà maintains that now Napoli are stepping up their pursuit of Italiano, who is still under contract at Bologna.

Italiano has long been linked with the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona position too, and is very different to Allegri for having a more pro-active style of football.

He proved it when Bologna earned a surprise 3-2 victory away to Napoli earlier this month.

The former Fiorentina boss is expected to sit down with Bologna directors for a summit to work out their next steps later this week.

Andoni Iraola was mentioned by some sources, but Pedullà is confident that will not be a likely scenario for the former Bournemouth coach.

Report: Juventus make decisive move for Alisson as Liverpool talks reach final stage

25 May 2026 at 20:48

Juventus are pushing to finalise a deal for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, with negotiations between the two clubs now understood to be in their decisive phase, and the Bianconeri pressing ahead despite missing out on Champions League football.

According to journalist Romeo Agresti, via Goal.com, Juventus have been working on the operation for several weeks and are now moving to close the deal.

Alisson would arrive on a permanent basis, with Juventus prepared to pay Liverpool a fee to secure the Brazilian’s release, and a three-year contract until June 2029 is understood to be ready for the goalkeeper to sign.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Alisson Becker of Liverpool warms up prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (Juventus and Inter links)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Alisson Becker of Liverpool warms up prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Di Gregorio’s struggles prompt Juventus to pursue Alisson as statement signing

The pursuit of Alisson is driven by a clear need. Michele Di Gregorio endured a difficult debut season at the club, regularly alternating with Mattia Perin, and Luciano Spalletti has been explicit about his desire to add both quality and leadership to the squad.

Alisson, a Champions League and Premier League winner with enormous experience at the highest level, fits that profile precisely.

The Brazilian’s departure from Liverpool had appeared uncertain given Juventus’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, a competition Alisson has competed in throughout his time at Anfield since joining from Roma in 2018.

However, Juventus’s pursuit has not cooled, and the club appear determined to make the move work regardless of competing in the Europa League next season.

Official: Milan fire Allegri, Tare, Furlani and Moncada with brutal statement

25 May 2026 at 20:24

Milan have officially sacked coach Max Allegri, director Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani and chief scout Geoffrey Moncada in a brutal statement on their ‘unequivocal failure.’

The Rossoneri needed only a point to be sure of a top four finish and Champions League qualification going into the final round of the Serie A season, as they had a two-point advantage and a better head-to-head record than Como.

However, they fumbled a 1-0 lead and lost 2-1 at home to a Cagliari side with nothing left to play for.

Multiple sources today reported that there would be a Monday Night Massacre at Milan, with RedBird patron Gerry Cardinale cleaning house and keeping only special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

That was confirmed, as the others were all dismissed in a single statement on the club website.

Milan statement

epa10157496 AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale (R) before the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and FC Inter Milan at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 03 September 2022. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
epa10157496 AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale (R) before the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and FC Inter Milan at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 03 September 2022. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

“After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the Club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A.

“For the majority of this season, we were in the top two positions in Serie A, with a credible shot at competing for the Scudetto. The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point, with last night’s disappointing loss in the final game turning the season into an unequivocal failure.

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan dejected after the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
ITALY – MAY 24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan dejected after the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganization of football operations. Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, Sporting Director Igli Tare, Head Coach Massimiliano Allegri and Technical Director Geoffrey Moncada.  We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.

“Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course – with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season.”

Allegri oversaw 42 competitive games this season, resulting in 22 victories, 10 draws and 10 defeats.

Now Cardinale and Ibrahimovic will work together to choose a totally new structure for the club, including a coach, director of sport and CEO.

Furlani had been part of the board of directors since 2019 and then became CEO in 2022, effectively representing former club owners Elliott Management.

Now that Cardinale has refinanced the vendor loan with Elliott, his services were no longer required.

VERONA, ITALY - APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Tare arrived only last summer along with Allegri, so their tenure has been swept aside within 12 months.

Moncada had been chief scout since 2018 and then promoted to technical director in 2023.

New Serie A season kicks off on August 23, four international duty slots

25 May 2026 at 20:16

The 2026-27 Serie A season will kick off on the weekend of August 23 and conclude on May 30, with two midweek rounds and a Christmas break.

The 2025-26 campaign came to a close only last night, but the authorities are already preparing for the next term.

It was announced by the Lega Serie A that the new season will begin on the weekend of Sunday August 23, 2026.

The final round is going to be played on Sunday May 30, 2027.

Serie A outline new season

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d'Italia trophy 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)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy 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)

There are scheduled to be two midweek rounds, on Wednesday October 28 and Wednesday January 6.

A Christmas break will see no games on the weekend of Sunday December 27.

International duty is given four slots on the weekends of September 27, October 4, November 15 and March 28.

It is not yet confirmed when the Serie A fixture list will be drawn up, but this tends to be in late June or early July.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 13: Ceo of FC Internazionale Giuseppe Marotta celebrates with team after winning the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Ceo of FC Internazionale Giuseppe Marotta celebrates with team after winning the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The dates of the Coppa Italia are also drawn up, with the preliminary round starting on Sunday August 9.

The Final is set for the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday May 19.

How Ledger’s approach to the AI security arms race will keep wallets safer

25 May 2026 at 21:37
AI is transforming both crypto security and crypto attacks. Here’s how Ledger is approaching AI-powered threats, human verification, and secure wallet infrastructure. AI can detect suspicious transactions, phishing attempts, malware, and unusual wallet behavior faster than humans. It can also…

Paris Saint-Germain’s Road to the 2026 Champions League Final: Evolution, Power, and a Defining Test

Paris Saint-Germain’s journey to the 2026 Champions League final did not begin with dominance, but with development. The league phase of the expanded competition demanded both consistency and resilience, and PSG’s campaign reflected exactly that: a balance between dazzling attacking displays and occasional setbacks that ultimately shaped a more complete side. A League Phase of […]

The post Paris Saint-Germain’s Road to the 2026 Champions League Final: Evolution, Power, and a Defining Test appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Paris Saint-Germain’s Road to the 2026 Champions League Final: Evolution, Power, and a Defining Test appeared first on Soccer News.

Journalist: Liverpool have set their sights on move for forward with &#8216;ridiculous&#8217; numbers

Journalist: Liverpool have set their sights on move for forward with ‘ridiculous’ numbers
Journalist: Liverpool have set their sights on move for forward with ‘ridiculous’ numbers

Liverpool Transfer News: Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and a Summer Built Around Wingers

On Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Dave Davis and David Lynch moved from the emotion of Liverpool’s final day into the business that now defines the summer, and the conversation quickly narrowed around one question, where does Liverpool find the winger it needs?

Davis framed it as “the business end of the season” giving way to “the summer business”, before pointing to Yan Diomande as a name that had gathered force. His summary was direct, “RB Leipzig winger Yande remains a priority when he’s talking about Salah’s replacement.” From there, Lynch made clear that Liverpool’s interest is not casual. “I think he’s going to be the number one winger target out of anyone who’s available on the market.”

Liverpool need wide attacking certainty

The Diomande discussion came after a broader assessment of Liverpool’s attack. Lynch had already warned that “they’ve got to make some more signings there this summer” and described the need for “a reliable source of 20 odd Premier League goals and, you know, 10 assists.” In that context, Liverpool’s winger search is not decorative. It is structural.

Lynch’s point was not that Diomande guarantees that output. In fact, he was careful to stress risk. “That’s not a guarantee of success,” he said, adding that Diomande “looks like the best available player out there to kind of help try and solve that problem.”

That is the heart of Liverpool’s dilemma. The club need immediate impact, but the market may be offering elite potential rather than finished certainty.

Yan Diomande as priority target

Lynch’s admiration for Yan Diomande was unmistakable. “He’s been the one who’s most concretely linked, the one that they seem to like the most,” he said. He also emphasised the data profile, “his numbers are just ridiculous.”

The concern is timing. Lynch called him “a teenager coming to a new league” and “the hardest league of all”, with “no space to operate in” and “all the physicality that goes on.” That matters because Liverpool, as Lynch put it, need someone who can “hit the ground running.”

Still, when asked whether Liverpool would push if they could, Davis put it plainly, “you do get the serious impression that if Liverpool can get this done, they’re just going to try and get it done.” Lynch later added, “he would definitely be a good signing.”

Photo: IMAGO

Bradley Barcola remains part of the equation

Davis then put the hierarchy simply, “it kind of feels like Diamande one, Barcola two at the moment.” Lynch agreed, “Yeah, definitely.”

Bradley Barcola enters the picture because PSG’s interest in Diomande could change the shape of the market. Lynch explained, “if they get him then Barcola is available.” He also said Barcola is “a player Liverpool have watched a lot and like for a while.”

There is a caveat. Lynch’s worry was positional, “he does kind of prefer that left hand side” and there is “not a lot of data on him playing on the right.” His conclusion was clear, “Liverpool definitely needs someone who’s capable of playing there.”

PSG factor sharpens Liverpool decision

The biggest obstacle may be PSG. Lynch said their interest is “a massive factor” and added, “you wouldn’t lean towards Liverpool being favourites at this moment.” Yet he also described a convincing Liverpool pitch, “you are going to start the majority of the games here” and “we need someone on that right hand side.”

For Liverpool, Yan Diomande looks like the priority, Bradley Barcola the logical alternative, and the need for a winger unavoidable. Lynch’s final assessment captured it best, “he really would be a perfect signing in so so many ways.”

Saints rookie WR not named Jordyn Tyson predicted to have &#39;massive impact&#39; in 2026

Saints rookie WR not named Jordyn Tyson predicted to have 'massive impact' in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New Orleans Saints came into the NFL offseason with a clear need for wide receiver help. While they didn't add anyone of note in free agency, they did splurge in the NFL Draft.

Jordyn Tyson was their first-round pick at No. 8 overall, and along with Chris Olave, that new WR duo should be just what Tyler Shough needs to make the next step as a quarterback.

However, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski is predicting that a different rookie WR than Tyson will have a "massive impact" on the Saints offense in2 026. That rookie is the brother of Trey Lance and fourth-round pick Bryce Lance.

Saints' Bryce Lance predicted to have 'massive impact' on 2026 offense

"Bryce Lance has the physical ability and potential opportunity to become a significant contributor sooner rather than later," Sobleski writes.

If the Saints were able to get great production from Lance, their fourth-round pick at No. 136 overall, it would be a great sign for not just the offense and Shough but especially for Lance.

However, in predicting that Lance would be a positive contributor for the Saints in 2026, Sobleski paired it with a negative: "The odds are Lance is going to be on the field filling in for one of the Saints' top targets at some point, and he can then be highlighted."

Even though the Saints getting a productive rookie year from Lance would be a good thing, if it coincided with Olave and Tyson getting hurt, it would be far from ideal.

MOREBears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded

Both top receivers for the Saints have some injury question marks, so it wouldn't be a total surprise if they missed a game or two in 2026.

However, to predict that Lance will break out as a rookie, thanks in part to an injury to Tyson or Olave, would not be an ideal way for the North Dakota State rookie to break out.

Ideally, Tyson and Olave are an elite one-two punch, while Lance could factor in as a downfield threat who could take on a similar role to what Rashid Shaheed had for the Saints the last few years.

Lance making a "massive impact" as a rookie, as Sobleski predicts, would be incredible for the Saints, but only as long as it doesn't come at the expense of Olave or Tyson.

More NFL news:

Quiet Aliyah Boston happy to stack up numbers for Fever as Caitlin Clark gets headlines

Aliyah Boston IMAGN 05252026

Quiet Aliyah Boston happy to stack up numbers for Fever as Caitlin Clark gets headlines originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Is Aliyah Boston actually the Indiana Fever's best player?

While explosive scoring guards Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell continue to generate the most attention, it is Boston who remains the Fever's fulcrum, the steady heartbeat of a team with WNBA championship ambitions this season.

MORE: Caitlin Clark, Raven Johnson silence old controversy with viral Fever moment

After signing the richest contract in WNBA history by total value, Boston is eyeing her fourth All-Star appearance in as many professional seasons. Though she started a little slowly -- and missed the first game of her pro career with a lower leg injury -- Boston has roared into gear over the Fever's past two games.

Boston scored 24 points and added eight rebounds in the Fever's 90-73 win over the Portland Fire without Clark, who missed the game with a back injury. In Friday's 90-82 win against the Golden State Valkyries, Boston recorded a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double. In the two games, Boston showed off her expanding range as she hit on three 3-pointers.

After back-to-back games scoring fewer than 10 points, Aliyah Boston bounced back in a big way last week, helping guide Indiana to a (2-0) week.

She posted consecutive 20-point performances, averaging (22.0) points, (12.0) rebounds, (3.0) assists, and (2.0) steals across the two… pic.twitter.com/aXQ8IbudQk

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) May 25, 2026

Boston had scored a combined 13 points in the previous two games against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics, and her bounce back has put her season averages in line with what had become the expectation for her.

Now averaging 16.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 stocks per game, Boston is thriving while the spotlight shines elsewhere in Indiana. That suits her just fine.

More WNBA news:

Notre Dame vs. Princeton box score: Live stats from NCAA men&#39;s lacrosse national championship

Notre Dame vs. Princeton box score: Live stats from NCAA men's lacrosse national championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No. 1 Princeton and No. 2 Notre Dame meet to crown a new national champion in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse. This will be one of the best games this season and it comes on the perfect stage.

Notre Dame seeks a third national championship in the last four seasons. Another title will put them further in the dynasty conversation behind one of the biggest transfers Josh Yago.

Princeton will try for its first national championship since 2001. But they're also the No. 1 overall seed and carry momentum after a convincing win over Duke in the semifinal. The National Championship Game goes down at University of Virginia's Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia at 1 p.m. ET on Monday. 

4th Quarter- 14:53

2026 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship1234Total
No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-2)3047
No. 1 Princeton Tigers (16-2)38213

Notre Dame vs. Princeton live box score NCAA men's lacrosse national championship 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

NONamePOSGASHSOGGB
77LUKE MILLER11641
12JOSH YAGO10420
1THOMAS RICCIARDELLI00002
4MATT JEFFERY10410
10WILL ANGRICK21421
16WILL MAHERAS10421
90SHAWN LYGHT00002
21BROCK BEHRMAN00210
27NATE SCHWITZENBERG00000
47WILL GALLAGHER00002
9AIDAN DIAZ-MATOS00005
99GAVIN BURLACE00000
6FISHER FINLEY00000
5TEDDY LALLY00111
14DYLAN FAISON10221
91GRIFFIN GRANT00000
81WILL DONOVAN00002
23MAX BUSENKELL00200
24CHRIS REIHNARDT00001
25TYLER SPANO00111
26JALEN SEYMOUR01221
20MIGUEL IGLESIAS00000
19CHRISTIAN ALACQUA01000
55CHRISTOPHER IULIANO00000
44KYLE BERGEN00001
Total74321822
GoaliesPOSMINSAVESGA
Total451713

Princeton Tigers

NONamePOSGASHSOGGB
15HUNTER SPIESS00002
19TUCKER WADE101052
17FINN FOX00002
10CHAD PALUMBO411182
26RYAN CRODDICK00001
28JACK STAHL00001
8PARKER REYNOLDS02522
48JOHN DUNPHEY11323
2NATE KABIRI13435
COLIN BURNS30762
14OWEN FISCHER00001
99RUSS FITZGERALD00001
77AIDAN MCDONALD00112
66COOPER MUELLER00000
36JAKE VANA10111
9JACOB TODD00000
7ZACH FRIEDMAN00003
33PORTER MALKIEL10210
32ANDREW MCMEEKIN10116
31CADEN FRANK00000
Total137453036
GoaliesPOSMINSAVESGA
Total45117

How to watch Notre Dame vs. Princeton: 2026 NCAA women's lacrosse national championship

Date: Monday, May 25

Time: 1 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

More NCAA News

🚨Italy squad list: the generational shift begins

🚨Italy squad list: the generational shift begins

Italy have announced their squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies, which, as is already known, they will not be playing in.

However, Silvio Baldini has begun the transition until the Federation announces its new coach, naming a squad packed with youngsters.


As can clearly be seen, the 'big stars' have been left at home to make way for gems such as Samuele Inacio, Luca Reggiani, Fini, Venturino, among others.

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

Boston Celtics must address key holes in their roster this 2026 NBA offseason

The Boston Celtics must address key holes in their roster this 2026 NBA offseason. Or at least that is the point of view of The folks behind the "98.5 The Sports Hub" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Felger and Mazz" show that took a deep dive into what Boston President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and company need to do to make the team better after an early exit from the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Should the Celtics swing big with a trade for a player like star Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo or Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reeves? Can they address said roster holes by making less major moves to the team while keeping the proverbial powder dry for a blockbuster move or two down the road?

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about how they think the Celtics should change the team this summer.

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 must address key holes in their roster this 2026 NBA offseason

Gibson helps England beat NZ to clinch T20 series

Third T20 international, Hove

New Zealand80 (19.1 overs): Kerr 20 (27); Dean 3-13, Gibson 3-14

England 81-3 (13.5 overs): Dunkley 22 (21) ; Patel 1-7

England won by seven wickets; win series 2-1

Scorecard

A clinical bowling display spearheaded by Dani Gibson helped England beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third T20 international to secure a 2-1 series victory.

The Kiwis were bundled out for just 80 after winning the toss and choosing to make first use of a favourable pitch on a sizzling day in Hove, with all-rounder Gibson ripping through the middle order with a career-best 3-14.

She was backed up by England's impressive spin attack, who stifled New Zealand's ability to rotate the strike which curtailed the scoring and prompted some loose shots in search of boundaries.

Jess Kerr top-scored for the White Ferns with 20 as only three players made double figures in their eighth-lowest total in T20s.

England made relatively light work of the chase after Sophia Dunkley's breezy 22 had got them off to a positive start.

Heather Knight fell for 18 - caught at backward point reverse sweeping Melie Kerr - but Maia Bouchier's unbeaten 19 put them within striking distance.

Freya Kemp hit the winning run off Bree Illing as she got England over the line with 37 balls to spare, to wrap up their seventh successive T20 bilateral series victory against the White Ferns.

Charlotte Edwards' side will now play three T20 internationals against India, followed by warm-up matches against Australia and India before the T20 World Cup.

England start the home World Cup against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on 12 June.

Kiwis melt against ruthless England

England had threatened to blow away New Zealand in the second T20 when they reduced the tourists to 11-4.

On that occasion, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green diligently weathered the storm before they took the game to England's bowlers in a fifth-wicket stand of 159 which laid the platform for a 14-run victory.

This time around England were ruthless when they got themselves into a strong position, their spinners building dot-ball pressure and the lack of scoring opportunities scrambling the minds of the Kiwi batters.

The key New Zealand wicket was Devine, and when she tamely chipped Gibson to mid-off for a five-ball duck England's joy was obvious.

Devine was the fourth wicket to fall as the White Ferns' middle order melted quicker than an ice cream in the 27C heat, collapsing from 29-1 to 33-6.

For a while New Zealand's lowest total in T20 internationals - 60 all out against England in Whangarei in February 2015 - looked under threat.

Jess Kerr ensured that batting nadir was avoided before she was snared by Issy Wong, but in truth it was England's spinners who appear key for what is to come later this summer.

According to CricViz, 47% of deliveries bowled by their spinners were hitting the stumps as their 11.1 overs claimed six wickets for 39 runs.

Linsey Smith was particularly difficult to get away at the start en route to 2-15 while Dean took 3-13 and Sophie Ecclestone snared 1-11.

There are sterner tests to come for this attack, but this was encouraging.

Dunkley needs to convert

Such a low total in ideal batting conditions meant this was a relatively straightforward chase for England's batters.

Dunkley looked in cruise control before giving her wicket away in a rather careless - and needless - manner. She made scores of eight, 26 and 22 in this series.

England need more from Dunkley, who has talent in abundance but at 27 and playing in her 75th T20 international still seems prone to the kind of errors you would expect from a more inexperienced player.

She was not under huge amounts of pressure, even if she was opening with a slightly more unfamiliar partner in Alice Capsey.

Edwards needs to figure out how to get to her to convert starts if England are to be serious challengers in the World Cup.

Knight and Bouchier were predictably more methodical - with strike rates of 81.8 and 65.5 - at the crease when they could have shown some fearless aggression.

There may be a time in the World Cup when a low target needs to be chased much quicker and England would have a useful reference point to fall back upon.

New Zealand's batting looks in worse shape, though.

They are the current T20 World Cup holders but were flummoxed by England's spinners and doubtless their opponents at the tournament will have taken note.

A lot is resting on the shoulders of Devine.

Atlanta Dream storm back again, stay atop WNBA at 4-1 after rally vs Phoenix

Never count the Atlanta Dream out.

The Dream have twice rallied from 15-point deficits this season to win, including Sunday's victory over Phoenix. No one else in the WNBA has done that once according to ESPN.

“We are resilient team, the game isn’t over till it’s over,” Atlanta guard Jordin Canada said after the Dream rallied to beat the Mercury. “We always come together in the fourth quarter, whether we have to make a run or sustain a lead. ... We battle to the very end, we get stops and try to execute down the stretch. What we’ve been doing in the fourth quarter, we got to sustain that in the first three quarters.”

Atlanta sits atop the WNBA standings at 4-1 — the only team in the league with only one loss. The Dream head out for road games at Minnesota and Portland this week.

The Dream are getting everyone's best shot so far which coach Karl Smesko feels will help them down the road.

“When teams play Atlanta it's a big game for everyone now,” he said. “We'll see everyone's best shot. ... Constantly playing against a team's best effort makes you stronger over the course of the season. They are seeing a different team than other teams see. I've noticed that so far this year. ... Happy we met the moment a few times already."

Power poll rankings

Atlanta moved up to No. 1 for the first time in the 10-year history of the rankings. The Dream were followed by Las Vegas and Minnesota. Indiana, Dallas and New York were next. Golden State and Chicago were seventh and eighth. Los Angeles and Phoenix followed the Sky. Portland, Washington and Toronto were the 11th through 13. Seattle and Connecticut rounded out the poll.

Homecourt disadvantage

Through the first few weeks of the season, playing at home hasn't really been an advantage for teams. Only two teams have winning records on their home court — Atlanta and Indiana. As a league, teams are 16-30 through Sunday's games.

Player of the week

Kelsey Plum of Los Angeles was the AP player of the week. She averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds to help the Sparks win both their games last week. Plum had a 38-point effort in the win at Las Vegas to spoil the Aces night the champions raised their banner from last season. Other players receiving votes included Natasha Howard of Minnesota and Rhyne Howard of Atlanta.

Game of the week

Atlanta at Minnesota, Wednesday. While a lot was expected of the Dream this season, the Lynx were expected to struggle early on with star Napheesa Collier sidelined after having offseason surgery on her injured ankles in late March. The Lynx have flourished with rookie guard Olivia Miles leading the way.

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Where to watch Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Monday, May 25

The Los Angeles Dodgers (33-20) open a series against the Colorado Rockies (20-34) in a meet of the first- and last-place teams in the NL West. The Dodgers are favored with a -327 moneyline compared to the Colorado Rockies' +259. Scheduled starting pitchers are Tanner Gordon for Colorado, with a 6.59 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan for Los Angeles, with a 4.93 ERA.

How to watch Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Team records

  • Colorado Rockies: 20-34 (No. 5 in NL West)

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: 33-20 (No. 1 in NL West)

Odds

  • Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers -327 (73.3%) / Colorado Rockies +259 (26.7%)

  • Over/Under: 9.0

Starting pitchers

Colorado Rockies: Tanner Gordon (0-0, ERA: 6.59, K: 30, WHIP: 1.50)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan (3-1, ERA: 4.93, K: 51, WHIP: 1.27)

Weather: 69°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 56,000 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

OG Promo Code: Claim $100 Bonus for Knicks-Cavs, Memorial Day MLB Games

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OG Promo Code: Claim $100 Bonus for Knicks-Cavs, Memorial Day MLB Games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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When handicapping this postseason clash, the underlying numbers tell a pretty clear story: New York holds a massive edge on both ends of the floor. The Knicks currently boast a tremendous 18.1 Net Rate, drastically outperforming Cleveland's completely flat 0.0 Net Rate.

Furthermore, New York has controlled the glass much more effectively throughout the playoffs, securing a 55.1% Total Rebound Percentage compared to the Cavaliers' 50.4% mark. I always look to key in on teams dominating the boards, making the Knicks a very compelling option tonight.

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Indiana All-Star week: Rosters, locations, tickets, what to know on annual series

Basketball is right around the corner.

IndyStar Indiana All-Star week officially tips off on Sunday when the Indiana Junior All-Stars play a doubleheader at Charlestown against the Kentucky Junior All-Stars (the girls start at 2 p.m., followed by the boys at 4 p.m.).

The basketball fun continues the following day (June 1) with the Futures Games at New Palestine, then the Junior All-Stars vs. the Indiana All-Stars play at New Palestine on June 3. The week will conclude with the annual series against the Kentucky All-Stars on June 5 at Lexington Catholic High School and the return games on June 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

What to know about Indiana All-Star week:

History

This is the 88th year of the Indiana boys’ All-Stars and 51st year for the girls.

The Indiana boys hold a 107-46 advantage in their series with Kentucky that began in 1940, one year after the first All-Star team played Indiana state champion Frankfort. The Indiana girls have a 55-43 lead in their series with Kentucky that started in 1976. No games were played in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the boys’ All-Stars did not play in 1943 or 1944 because of World War II.

The Indiana boys have dominated Kentucky for two decades, winning 35 of the past 40 meetings. The five Kentucky victories in that time all came on Kentucky soil. The Indiana boys have not lost the Indiana home game since 1996. Indiana swept the series last year after splitting the games in 2023 and ’24.

On the girls’ side, the series has been far more competitive over the past decade. Kentucky swept the series last year, including a 106-103 double overtime win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, to avenge an Indiana sweep in 2024. The teams have split the last 16 games overall.

The Senior Indiana boys and the Senior Indiana girls lead their respective Junior rivals in games that began in 1996 by identical 42-12 counts. The Indiana Juniors lead in games the Kentucky Juniors, the boys ahead 9-5 and the girls 13-1.

This year’s schedule, tickets

>>> Admission is $15 per person for the Indiana Juniors vs. Kentucky Juniors doubleheader on Sunday at Charlestown. Tickets are available at the door. The girls start at 2 p.m., and the boys follow about 4 p.m.

>>> Admission is $15 per person for the Indiana All-Star Futures Games on Monday, June 1 at New Palestine. Tickets are available at the door. The girls start at 6 p.m., and the boys follow about 8 p.m.

>>> Admission is $15 per person for the Junior-Senior doubleheader on Wednesday, June 3 at Mt. Vernon. Tickets are available at the door. The girls start at 6 p.m., and the boys follow about 8 p.m. EDT.

>>> Tickets are $15 each for the All-Stars against Kentucky on Friday, June 5 at Lexington Catholic High School. The girls start at 5:30 p.m. EDT, and the boys follow about 7:30 p.m. EDT. Tickets are available at kentuckybasketballcoaches.org.

>>> Tickets are priced from $12 to $100 for Saturday, June 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The All-Star doubleheader has the girls at 5 p.m. EDT and the boys about 7:30 p.m. EDT. Tickets are available at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse box office and at this link: 

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05006464D293F425

Rosters

Senior boys Indiana All-StarsNo. 1 (Mr. Basketball): Luke Ertel, Mt. Vernon, 6-2 (Purdue)No. 2: Dikembe Shaw, Crown Point, 6-7 (Illinois-Chicago)No. 3: Noah Smith, Plainfield, 6-9 (DePaul)No. 4: Baron Walker, Noblesville, 6-2 (Butler)No. 5: Brennan Miller, Lawrence North, 6-7 (Southern Illinois-Edwardsville)No. 6: JaShawn Ladd, Ben Davis, 6-4 (College of Charleston)No. 7: Cameron Webster, Lawrence North, 5-11 (Trevecca Nazarene)No. 8: Anthony Fresh, Charlestown, 6-3 (Miami of Ohio)No. 9: Evan Harrell, Carmel, 6-8 (Bellarmine)No. 10: Nick Shrewsberry, South Bend St. Joseph, 6-5 (Notre Dame)No. 11: Dane Caldwell, Silver Creek, 6-10 (Richmond)No. 12: Kai McGrew, Fishers, 6-9 (Fishers)No. 13: Brady Scholl, Northridge, 6-7 (Indiana Wesleyan)Head coach: Todd Woelfle, Terre Haute NorthAssistant coach: Chad Ballenger, Hamilton HeightsAssistant coach: Joe Bradburn, Mt. Vernon Senior girls Indiana All-StarsNo. 1 (Miss Basketball): Gracyn Gilliard, Center Grove, 5-11 (Stanford)No. 2: Lola Lampley, Lawrence Central, 6-2 (LSU)No. 3: Kennedy Holman, Hamilton Southeastern, 5-8 (Oregon)No. 4: Mollie Ernstes, Jennings County, 6-0 (Kansas)No. 5: Lilli Barnes, Valparaiso, 5-10 (Ball State)No. 6: Vanessa Rosswurm, Norwell, 5-10 (Indiana Wesleyan)No. 7: Joslyn Bricker, Warsaw, 5-9 (Indiana Wesleyan)No. 8: Brooke Zartman, Warsaw, 5-8 (Miami of Ohio)No. 9: Myah Epps, Homestead, 5-10 (Louisville)No. 10: Laniah Wills, Lapel, 6-0 (Butler)No. 11: Brooklynn Renn, Silver Creek, 6-3 (Kansas)No. 12: Komari Booker, Pike, 6-1, Northern IllinoisNo. 13: Laniah Davis, Marquette Catholic, 5-7 (Northern Illinois)Head coach: Joe Huppenthal, Lake CentralAssistant coach: Amy Shearer, Columbia CityAssistant coach: Brian Smith, Loogootee Senior boys Kentucky All-StarsJake Feldhaus, Madison CentralLeek Ateny, Danville ChristianMalachi Ashford, George Rogers ClarkKeriawn Berry, North HardinCole Edelen, BallardJeremiah Jackson, St. XavierJayden Johnson, TrinityDamian Jung, EasternAthens McGillis, Covington CatholicJonathan Moss, Daviess CountyAmari Owens, Bryan StationJacob Spurlock, Boyd CountyDemarcus Surratt, Frederick DouglassDeAaron Watkins, Daviess County Senior girls Kentucky All-StarsAshlinn James, AssumptionA’Tylia Green, Henderson CountyEmma Holtzapfel, Notre DameJaelyn Jones, RyleTaylor King, Rockcastle CountyJaidan Koch, Calloway CountyKennedy Lane, Daviess CountyAva Moore, AssumptionDestiny Scott, North HardinAnna Tinelli, Bullitt EastHaylie Webb, Simon KentonBrianna Wilkins, Sacred HeartCariann Williams, Edmonson CountyTeigh Yeast, George Rogers ClarkMadison Young, South Oldham Boys Indiana Junior All-StarsCoach: Scott McClelland, NoblesvilleAssistant coach: Heath Howington, Barr-Reeve Core (play both Junior games)Harper Baker-Lands, PlainfieldJason Gardner Jr., FishersIsaiah Hill, PikeJahari Miller, PikeMax Vise, Mt. VernonCooper Zachary, Fishers Red Group (will play vs. Kentucky Juniors)Devin Bolden, Cardinal RitterDuncan Combs, Bloomington SouthDerrick Cross Jr., Bloomington NorthJake Grissom, Guerin CatholicBrandon Hunter, Silver CreekTyler Renn, Terre Haute North Blue Group (will play vs. Indiana All-Stars)Brady Baker, Harrison (West Lafayette)Cash Daniels, CarmelElijah King, South Bend St. JosephDa’Kori Parker, South Bend RileyAustin Schlabach, WestviewMack Welker, Homestead Girls Indiana Junior All-StarsCoach: Lisa Finn, CathedralAssistant coach: Andy Heim, BellmontCore (play both Junior games)Lillie Graves, McCutcheonAdah Hupfer, Pendleton HeightsClaire Larrison, GreensburgHannah Menser, PlainfieldKylah ‘KP’ Patterson, Hammond MortonPaige Schnaus, Gibson SouthernLily Scholl, Northridge Red Group (will play vs. Kentucky Juniors)Te’Asia Briscoe, Purdue Poly-EnglewoodAlaina Diamond, LoogooteeKendal Hill, South KnoxChesney Jackson, CharlestownSaniya Smith, PikeEtta Young, Jennings County Blue Group (will play vs. Indiana All-Stars)Payton DuVall, Franklin CentralKenzie Koch, Eastern HancockElliot Leffler, RoncalliCourtney Mathew, Rensselaer CentralCarlee Schrader, NorthviewHallie Schwieterman, Jay County Futures GamesIndiana North boysBradly Basila, ChestertonDon Bowling III, AndersonCaleb Coolman, PennWill Davison, New PalestineQuentavious Fly, Bowman AcademyCharles Hardiman, MerrillvilleBryce LaCross, Fort Wayne Blackhawk ChristianMari Leggett, BlackfordJosh McBride, NorwellD.J. Nash, KokomoWill Tonagel, Oak HillJaece Vogt, West Lafayette Indiana South boysBraxton Bowman, Crawford CountyCole Breeden, Evansville Mater DeiRomyiez Calvin, Evansville HarrisonVarschon Clark, Hamilton SoutheasternJaylin Foster, ScecinaChandon Gilbert, Lawrence NorthIshmael Kiteka, CloverdaleLandon Lampley, PikeMicah Mohler, AustinKarson Stoudemire, New AlbanyQuintyn Voltz, PrincetonNoah Washington, New Albany Indiana North girlsJanaya Cooper, Fort Wayne SniderLaine Lyles, Culver AcademyDelaney Noll, HomesteadKendall VanderWal, AngolaSuzy Perego, HomesteadJillian Sanderson, PennArianna Rowell, South Bend Saint JosephHillary Labis, WestvilleAva Richie, Crown PointAshley Bleke, BellmontMarianne Bleke, BellmontSavayah Mitchell, Pike Indiana South girlsZoie Walls, MonroviaRiley Johnson, Heritage ChristianAubrey Sparks, Owen ValleyLillian Clark, WestfieldDenaijah Jacobs, Warren CentralNyomi Hahn, MarionZoey Wood, Mt. Vernon (Fortville)Natalie Stenger, East CentralCaroline Wiggins, CathedralRiley Suarez, Hamilton HeightsHaley Wagoner, Center GroveBrianna Dailey, Oak Hill Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana All-Stars: What to know on the annual high school basketball series

Canadiens predicted to trade $5.5 million forward with only 5-team no-trade list

Canadiens predicted to trade $5.5 million forward with only 5-team no-trade list originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Montreal Canadiens are still on a deep playoff run despite being a young team, which makes the future quite exciting.

Part of being a team on the younger side of things is that contracts will have to rise in the years ahead, and that can create a need to subtract from some expensive areas.

This offseason, that could mean trading Josh Anderson.

Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin writes that Anderson could be a cap casualty trade candidate over the summer. Anderson has a $5.5 million cap hit but only a five-team no-trade list, so there should be plenty of possibilities out there if Montreal decides to make a move.

"Emerging superstar blueliner Lane Hutson’s extension kicks in next season, spiking his AAV from $950,000 to $8.85 million," Larkin writes. "Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million comes off the books, but Montreal also needs to extend RFA forwards Zachary Bolduc and Kirby Dach and RFA defenseman Arber Xhekaj. They have a projected $9.18 million for that, but GM Kent Hughes also needs room to add."

MORE: Jets' trade cost of Connor Hellebuyck to Sabres revealed

The Canadiens feel a bit too top-line heavy, and whatever they do this offseason should come with the goal of enhancing their 5-on-5 lineups to supplement their big-time power play.

"Montreal still doesn’t have a true No. 2 center, especially with top prospect Michael Hage opting to stay in college another year," Larkin writes. "Jettisoning Anderson’s cap hit would help a lot. Brendan Gallagher is another option, but Anderson is younger and has been a lineup mainstay this postseason, so he has more value. There’s a use for his blend of size and speed somewhere."

Anderson is the kind of guy who could have plenty of use for another team as an experienced veteran, and if the Habs are mostly trading him for cap purposes, the cost shouldn't be too high, either.

More NHL news:

England World Cup-winning captain Stratford to join Sale

Zoe Stratford lifts the World Cup for England in 2025
Zoe Stratford has won 69 Test caps since making her England debut in 2016 [Getty Images]

England's World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford has agreed to join Sale Sharks.

The 29-year-old, who led England to their third World Cup triumph last year, will leave three-time defending Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury at the end of the season.

Stratford joined Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017 and played a key role in their rise to become the dominant force in the women's domestic game.

She is pregnant with her first child, due in September, and will join up with her husband Luke, who is Sale's women's scrum coach, when she returns to rugby.

"I feel ready to take the next step in my career and, being pregnant, I really want to bring my child up as a northerner," said Stratford.

"Luke absolutely loves it at Sale. He loves the whole vibe of the club. It's been brilliant to see how much investment Sale have put into the women's team and it's something I can't wait to be a part of.

"I've enjoyed success at Gloucester and with England and hopefully I can bring that experience of winning and help build that belief into the team because I've got no doubt we can achieve big things."

Stratford's Gloucester-Hartbury and England team-mate Tatyana Heard, 31, agreed a deal to join Sale last week.

Sale are enjoying their best ever Premiership season, rivalling Harlequins and Trailfinders for the final play-off spot with two rounds left to play.

Joe Schilling defiant following bizarre stoppage loss at PFL Brussels


Joe Schilling's first MMA fight since 2019 ended in controversy. | PFL MMA


Joe Schilling’s first mixed martial arts appearance in more than six years ended in unusual fashion at PFL Brussels.

Schilling was on his back during a light heavyweight matchup against Donegi Abena when his opponent headbutted him while inside guard. “Stitch ‘Em Up” was visibly angry as the bout was halted due to the foul. The fight appeared ready to resume after referee Mike Beltran took a point from Abena, but Schilling decided to call it quits when the fighters were repositioned on the canvas. As a result, Schilling suffered a technical knockout loss due to retirement at the 36-second mark of Round 1.

😱 C'EST DU JAMAIS VU !

Joe Schilling met fin au combat après avoir pris un coup de tête de son adversaire, parce qu'il n'est pas d'accord avec la position pour reprendre l'action ! pic.twitter.com/hggZdvQlsU— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) May 23, 2026


'One of the Coolest Moments of My Life'


The former Glory Kickboxing standout reacted to the incident in a post on Instagram.

"One of the coolest moments of my life," Schilling wrote."Everything else is just noise. I know exactly who I am and so does my family. Most of you talking s—t couldn’t hold my jock strap. My opponent also [knows] exactly who he is and that’s on him. God Bless.”

Schilling hadn’t competed in MMA since Oct. 4, 2019, when he suffered a 36-second TKO defeat to Tony Johnson at Bellator 229. The 42-year-old Californian is 4-7 in MMA overall, with his most notable victory coming via second-round KO over Melvin Manhoef in November 2014.

The fight was Abena’s pro MMA debut.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joe Schilling 🦍 (@joe_schilling)

Sean Mannion aims to alleviate worries over his play-calling experience

One of the biggest questions surrounding Sean Mannion since becoming the Eagles' offensive coordinator hasn't centered around scheme, philosophy, or personnel decisions. It's centered around experience. More specifically, the play-calling experience. Philadelphia handed one of football's most important coordinator jobs to a coach stepping into the role for the first time, inheriting an offense with championship expectations and a quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who remains central to everything the Eagles hope to accomplish offensively.

For some outside the building, that lack of play-calling experience creates uncertainty. Mannion doesn't seem particularly concerned.

Asked by Zach Berman how he plans to compensate for lacking prior NFL play-calling experience and which coaching influences have shaped his development, Mannion offered perhaps his clearest explanation yet for why he believes he's ready.

“I've always been kind of working towards the hope of getting the opportunity to do this,” Mannion explained.

The answer wasn't framed around suddenly learning how to call plays over the last few months. Instead, Mannion described years of preparation happening long before Philadelphia called. As Green Bay's quarterbacks coach, he constantly placed himself mentally inside game-planning situations.

“You're saying, ‘All right, what calls do I have to have Jordan Love ready for?’” Mannion said. “You're kind of thinking through the process of the game throughout the week, ‘What's Matt going to look to call here? What's my favorite third down call?’ You're always kind of taking yourself through that process mentally.”

That preparation extended even further back.

Mannion said he approached football similarly as a player, constantly processing situational football and game flow.

“If it's a high blitz game, what's my favorite call? When am I going to come to the sideline and be like, ‘Hey, can I get this one on our next third medium where you might be getting a lot of pressure?’”

Philadelphia didn't hire someone hoping he'll eventually learn how to think like a play-caller. Mannion believes he's already been building those muscles for years.

That process continues daily for Mannion, whether it's practice or scripting plays. It creates another layer of preparation, forcing coordinators to think situationally while anticipating game flow and problem-solving offensive answers before Sundays arrive.

“It's first and 10, it's second and eight, it's third and eight,” Mannion explained. “What are the things that I really want us to get work on for those specific situations?”

Preparation remains central to how Mannion operates. So do teaching and communication. When discussing coaching influences, Mannion didn't begin with NFL names. He started with his family, most notably, his father.

"My dad was a longtime high school football coach," Mannion said. "My mom's a teacher."

Teaching continues surfacing repeatedly whenever Mannion discusses football. Player development, communication, fundamentals, and relationships are recurring themes. Mannion mentioned longtime Oregon State coach Mike Riley, calling him a "great leader of men" and an effective communicator. For Eagles fans, Matt LaFleur's influence may ultimately be the most significant. LaFleur provided Mannion with his first NFL coaching opportunity in Green Bay, where he learned about offensive structure, preparation habits, leadership principles, and quarterback development within one of football's most respected offensive systems.

“I learned a ton from him as a player,” Mannion said. “I learned a ton from him as a coach.”

Now another influence enters the equation. Nick Sirianni. Mannion praised Philadelphia's head coach repeatedly, highlighting his leadership, communication skills, and commitment to building sustainable winning habits.

“He's built an unbelievable program here,” Mannion said.

Ultimately, Philadelphia isn't asking Mannion to reinvent football; the Eagles are asking him to maximize and reinvigorate one of the NFL's premier rosters while maintaining a championship standard.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion reveals coaching influences that prepared him for Eagles

Road to Omaha 2026: Cougars & Beavers go to Eugene. Texas State also in the field.

ROUND ROCK, TX - FEBRUARY 24: Washington State Cougars pitcher Connor Wilford (20) throws a pitch during game between the Washington State Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks on February 24, 2024 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX. (Photo by Jo throws a pitchhn Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

College Baseball wrapped up their own “Selection Monday” on Memorial Day, laying out the Field of 64 as the postseason tournament is set to begin.

Once again, for those who are new to following college baseball, 64 teams make the “Road to Omaha”, which is the nickname for the NCAA Baseball Tournament that is set to begin on Friday, May 29 and run through the College World Series, which will wrap up on Father’s Day or the following day.

Games will start with the regional rounds, with four teams in each of the sixteen regions. They play a double-elimination mini-tournament to advance to the next round. The next round is the super regionals, where the sixteen teams play a best-of-three series, with eight advancing to the College World Series in Omaha. Those teams are once again put into a double-elimination bracket to determine a champion.

The 64 teams are selected in a manner similar to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Each conference tournament champion automatically qualifies, accounting for 29 bids, leaving room for 35 at-large bids. It appears there was a change in how the 64 teams are seeded, with a committee ranking the top 32 teams. Numbers 1-16 all get 1-seeds, 17-32 get 2-seeds, but two teams from the same conference can’t be in the same region.

For 2026, three teams that are under the Mountain West and future Pac-12 umbrellas made the Field of 64. Although all three will play in the Pac-12 starting next season.

Eugene Regional

Mountain West tournament champion and former/current/future Pac-12 member Washington State won’t have to travel far, playing in Eugene as the three-seed. It’s a tough draw, as they are paired up with Oregon, which is the 11th overall team, and fellow conference-mate Oregon State as the second seed. The Beavers are one of the premier college baseball programs, opting to compete as an independent the last two seasons. Oregon State ended the year on a downslide, but is just as likely to emerge as the winner of this region as Oregon.

College Station Regional

Future Pac-12 program Texas State is the other school worth mentioning on our site to make the postseason. The Bobcats actually made the tournament as an at-large team after failing to win the Sun Belt this year. They were the second-to-last team in the field, or the 63rd-ranked team out of 64th. Again, it’s going to be tough for Texas State to find wins, as USC was ranked 25th heading into the conference tournament weekend and Texas A&M was 10th.

Regardless, three tournament teams for the future Pac-12 conference is a good sign for them going forward.

Track has grabbed Lourdes&#39; Nathaniel Gaines by the heart

May 25—ROCHESTER — Nathaniel Gaines had pretty much resigned himself to the notion that he was never going to be anything too special in sports.

He wasn't passionate about the ones he was playing, baseball and football. And he wasn't especially good at them, either.

One year ago, Gaines became dispassionate enough about baseball that he determined it was time for a change. Track and field and baseball happen at the same time, spring, so Gaines said goodbye to his baseball glove and hello to a new pair of running shoes.

Life hasn't been close to the same since. Gaines, also a standout singer, had a passion in sports, he just hadn't discovered it yet.

In track and field, he found something he was not only good at it, but it suited him in almost every way, including being around teammates whom he already knew well — since early grade school days — away from the track.

This transition to track and field has been almost too good to be true. That includes those rare days when he throws up after an exhausting workout. He finds a certain amount of pride in "losing it."

"I like putting in the work," Gaines said. "When I throw up, it just means I did my best. Or maybe that I shouldn't have eaten so much before practice. . ."

When Lourdes track and field coach Pete Gilman got his first look at Gaines a year ago, there was no revelation that it happened. The truth is, Gaines didn't look like much of a runner.

"He had a very odd stride pattern," Gilman said. "He almost looked to me like the Road Runner cartoon. His torso was over his toes and his back kick was super pronounced, almost like he was going to fall over because he was leaned over so much."

His opening time in what has become his signature event wasn't anything to brag about, either. He was clocked in 57.44. By the time the season had ended though, he did show promise with Gilman having cleaned up his running form and Gaines getting in better shape. He concluded his season timed in 55.34.

That progress was all that Gaines would need. He would spend the next year throwing himself into track and field, managing a strict diet, lifting weights regularly and spending time on the indoor track at Rochester Community and Technical College, busily getting his times down.

"At first, based on what I'd done in past sports, I didn't think I'd amount to too much in track," Gaines said. "So I didn't want to set the bar too high."

All of that has now changed. In that offseason, Gaines transformed himself. In his very first meet this year, Gaines was already hitting the state meet qualifying standard, clocked in 50.72. He has grown into the best 400 runner that Lourdes has, and it is a talented group. His 4x400 relay team of Gaines, Michael Buntrock, Lucas Brooks and Cameron Hedstrom all run the 400 in the 50- to 54- second range, making them the second fastest 4x400 relay team in southeastern Minnesota, only Winona Cotter better.

Better still for this group is their age. Gaines, Brooks and Buntrock are all juniors, while Hedstrom is a sophomore. State figures to be their destination this season with the following year promising even bigger things, such as a possible state title.

All seem to be on the same hard-charging page. Gilman started their season breaking that 400 group off and working them incredibly hard. Throwing up wasn't just an occasional thing those first few weeks. But a lack of complaining about it was. All are on the same page. They just want to get better.

"It showed their maturity that there was no challenging me about it," Gilman said. "It was just part of the deal. The wanted to know what they needed to do next to get better. They've all bought in."

That's especially true of one of the guys, Nathaniel Gaines. He's obsessed and it's working for him.

He's got one thing in mind now. It's to break that 50-second barrier. His best this year is 50.53.

"Track is my passion now," Gaines said. "It's everything to me."

Michigan baseball misses cut for NCAA Tournament

Michigan’s baseball team, which endured a late-season fade, has missed the NCAA Tournament for a fourth straight season.

The NCAA released the Tournament bracket on Monday.

Michigan looked like it was going to make the Tournament after winning seven straight Big Ten series, but was then swept in Ann Arbor by Ohio State in a three-game series to end the regular season. The Wolverines were 34-24, and they last time they made the NCAA field was in 2022 when they earned the automatic bid by winning the Big Ten Tournament.

“Proud of our fight this season!” the Michigan baseball social media account shared on Monday. “From 37 contests away from home to winning 7 of our 10 conference series, there is a lot to be proud of this year!”

In the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan defeated Rutgers, 10-0, in Game 1 but then lost two of the next three. The Wolverines’ season ended with a 6-4 loss to Nebraska in the quarterfinals.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan Wolverines baseball misses cut for NCAA Tournament

NCAA baseball bracket revealed: Who were the last four teams in?

A 64-team baseball bracket was revealed on Monday for the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee (38-20, 15-15 SEC) is in in the field and will play in its 16th NCAA Tournament in program history (1951, 1993-97, 2001, 2004-05, 2019, 2021-25).

The Vols will open play Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed North Carolina (45-11-1).

No. 2 regional seed Tennessee will play No. 3 regional seed East Carolina (36-22-1) on Friday at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. First pitch is scheduled for noon EDT and will be televised by ESPNU.

UCLA is the No. 1 overall national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Georgia Tech (2), Georgia (3), Auburn (4), North Carolina (5), Texas (6), Alabama (7), Florida (8), Southern Miss (9), Florida State (10), Oregon (11), Texas A&M (12), Nebraska (13), Mississippi State (14), Kansas (15) and West Virginia (16) are also national seeds.

Liberty, Kentucky, Texas State and Troy were the last four schools in the tournament, while Mercer, Michigan, Pittsburgh and TCU were the last four schools out.

The field of 64 is locked in. 🔒⚾️

📲 https://t.co/ZUEUkZyAP0
➡️ https://t.co/NdxRoTqbEk
🎟️ https://t.co/i73Q25MuVk#RoadToOmahapic.twitter.com/ZYMMSOFDEl

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 25, 2026

More: Tennessee's NCAA baseball regional announced, who the Vols will play

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

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: 2026 NCAA Tournament baseball bracket, national seeds revealed

Brewers vs. Cardinals score, updates, starting lineups

The first-place Milwaukee Brewers kick off a three-game series against the team right below them in the National League Central Division standings, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a Memorial Day matinee on May 24.

The Brewers send right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (4-2, 1.89) to the mound where he'll face left-hander Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.70).

Brewers 2026 record

30-20.

Brewers lineup

  • Jackson Chourio LF
  • Brice Turang 2B
  • William Contreras C
  • Christian Yelich DH
  • Andrew Vaughn 1B
  • Luis Rengifo 3B
  • Blake Perkins RF
  • Garrett Mitchell CF
  • Joey Ortiz SS

Cardinals lineup

  • JJ Wetherholt 2B
  • Iván Herrera DH
  • Alec Burleson 1B
  • Jordan Walker RF
  • Nolan Gorman 3B
  • Masyn Winn SS
  • Bryan Torres LF
  • Pedro Pagés C
  • Victor Scott II CF

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 19: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)

Brewers schedule and probable pitchers

Brewers vs Cardinals, May 26, 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (5-1, 1.77) vs. St. Louis RHP Michael McGreevy (3-3, 2.40) . TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

Brewers vs Cardinals, May 27, 1:10 p.m.: Milwaukee TBA vs. St. Louis RHP Dustin May (3-5, 5.00) . TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers vs. Cardinals score, updates, starting lineups

Brewers vs. Cardinals score, updates, starting lineups

The first-place Milwaukee Brewers kick off a three-game series against the team right below them in the National League Central Division standings, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a Memorial Day matinee on May 24.

The Brewers send right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (4-2, 1.89) to the mound where he'll face left-hander Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.70).

Brewers 2026 record

30-20.

Brewers lineup

  • Jackson Chourio LF
  • Brice Turang 2B
  • William Contreras C
  • Christian Yelich DH
  • Andrew Vaughn 1B
  • Luis Rengifo 3B
  • Blake Perkins RF
  • Garrett Mitchell CF
  • Joey Ortiz SS

Cardinals lineup

  • JJ Wetherholt 2B
  • Iván Herrera DH
  • Alec Burleson 1B
  • Jordan Walker RF
  • Nolan Gorman 3B
  • Masyn Winn SS
  • Bryan Torres LF
  • Pedro Pagés C
  • Victor Scott II CF

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 19: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)

Brewers schedule and probable pitchers

Brewers vs Cardinals, May 26, 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (5-1, 1.77) vs. St. Louis RHP Michael McGreevy (3-3, 2.40) . TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

Brewers vs Cardinals, May 27, 1:10 p.m.: Milwaukee TBA vs. St. Louis RHP Dustin May (3-5, 5.00) . TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers vs. Cardinals score, updates, starting lineups

Keibert Ruiz is playing the best baseball of his career for the Washington Nationals

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 23: Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals hits a double against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park on May 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the biggest storylines of this month for the Nats has been the play of their catcher Keibert Ruiz. The Nats catcher is playing some of the best baseball in his career, combining great offense with a new found defensive game. It is no secret that Ruiz has struggled since signing his 8 year extension, so seeing this from the 27 year old is very encouraging.

In April, it was clear that Ruiz was laser focused on his defense, to the point where it was harming his hitting. He was grading out well defensively early in the season, but his hitting was putrid. Ruiz posted a dismal .480 OPS in April. However, he has totally flipped the switch in May, hitting .340 with a 1.049 OPS. Ruiz has done all this while maintaining his strong defense.

It feels like the Twins series early in May was a big turning point for him. Ruiz had a monster three for four day with 8 total bases. Ever since then, Ruiz has been absolutely smoking baseballs. Ruiz has been looking to do damage rather than just put the bat on the ball this month.

gonna tell my kids this is keibert ruiz pic.twitter.com/YWX2D8S8cZ

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 7, 2026

Of Keibert Ruiz’s 16 hits this month, 11 of them have gone for extra bases. Ruiz has a crazy 8 doubles this month, and it is not like he is turning singles into doubles with his speed. The Nats catcher is just smoking balls, especially to the pull side. That pull side thunder has been a staple of his game this season.

Among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, nobody is pulling the ball in the air more than Keibert Ruiz. His air pull percentage is an insane 38.2%. Statistically, pulled flyballs are some of the most productive batted ball events for hitters. Some guys are not built to sell out for air pull, but if you can do that, it is a positive. That is exactly what Ruiz is doing right now.

He is not just pulling balls in the air in an attempt to hit a bunch of home runs though. Ruiz is yanking a ton of balls down the line for doubles as well. He is able to outslug his pedestrian exit velocity numbers because of this. A great example of this is his double the other night. If he hit this ball to center field, it would be a routine fly out. Instead, it was almost a home run that bounced off the wall and became a double.

Keibert Ruiz has now hit safely in seven straight games:

⚾️ 11-for-24 (.458)
⚾️ 5 doubles
⚾️ 2 home runs
⚾️ 9 RBI / 5 runs scored
⚾️ 1 stolen base

Ruiz has an extra-base hit in six of the seven games and now leads MLB catchers in doubles (12). pic.twitter.com/OxZVC8YjsU

— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) May 23, 2026

Some of Ruiz’s underlying numbers are still in rough shape because of how bad that April was. His xWOBA is still only .261, but it has been going up steadily this month. His overall numbers for the season look very good though. Ruiz is hitting .252 with a .754 OPS, which is very good for a catcher playing quality defense. Sure, his on base percentage is only .269 because he has only walked twice all season, but he is making up for that with a very good .485 slugging percentage.

Pulling the ball more is a big reason for the jump in slug, but it is not everything. Ruiz is also hitting the ball a lot harder. His average exit velocity has gone from 86.2 MPH last year to 90.1 MPH this year. That is a massive jump, and it is allowing him to do a lot more damage.

The bat has been very impressive this month, but we have seen Ruiz get hot with the bat before. His defense has probably been the most impressive thing about his season. For most of his career, Ruiz has been one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball, with -22, -7 and -10 fielding run value the last three seasons. Under the tutelage of new catching coach Bobby Wilson, Ruiz has +3 FRV for the season, a truly stunning turnaround.

Ruiz’s blocking and framing have gotten so much better this season. He has 2 blocks above average and is in the 84th percentile as a framer. Last season he had -6 blocks above average and was a 4th percentile framer. Ruiz has also done a nice job controlling the running game, especially lately.

Keibert Ruiz has now hit safely in seven straight games:

⚾️ 11-for-24 (.458)
⚾️ 5 doubles
⚾️ 2 home runs
⚾️ 9 RBI / 5 runs scored
⚾️ 1 stolen base

Ruiz has an extra-base hit in six of the seven games and now leads MLB catchers in doubles (12). pic.twitter.com/OxZVC8YjsU

— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) May 23, 2026

Among catchers with at least 60 plate appearances, Ruiz is tied for 10th in fWAR with 0.8 wins above replacement. That is a crazy turnaround for a guy who has posted negative fWAR in the last three seasons, mainly due to his defense. You have to give credit to Bobby Wilson, but also wonder what they were teaching Ruiz before.

If Keibert Ruiz can even post a .700ish OPS for the season while playing solid defense, that would be a massive win. With that kind of production, Ruiz would be playing up to, or even exceeding his contract. Coming into the season, that contract looked like an anchor, but who knows now.

We still need to see Ruiz keep this up. It has only been a month, so there’s still a decent chance that his bat falls off a cliff again. I actually think the defense is fairly likely to be at least average going forward. We are two months into the season, and I think the defensive improvements are real.

One other thing that is important to point out is how they are using Ruiz. The Nats are managing his playing time very well. He has been in a near even split with Drew Millas this year. In this hot run, Ruiz is getting a bit more playing time, but Millas still gets at least a couple starts a week. Under Davey Martinez, it felt like Ruiz was getting run into the ground. Ruiz is a competitive guy, and it seemed like Davey just asked Keibert if he was ready to play, and naturally he always said yes. 

Now, Ruiz is not putting too much strain on his body, and is being put in advantageous matchups. Blake Butera has really liked Ruiz against left handed pitchers this year, and it is easy to see why. The switch hitting Ruiz is hitting .333 with a .911 OPS as a right handed hitter. Ruiz starts just about every game against lefties, and some of them against righties.

There is still plenty of time for things to go haywire, and I am knocking on wood, but I love this version of Keibert Ruiz. He is a reliable defender, who is looking to do damage at the plate. Ruiz still has his warts, like never walking, but he has been an ultra-productive player for the Nats this month. Long may that continue for the Nats catcher.

Is Juan Soto playing today? NY Mets announce lineup vs Reds

NEW YORK — The Mets are limping back home after a disheartening road trip against NL East foes.

After leaving New York on a high following a Subway Series win, the Mets were 2-5 against the Nationals and Marlins. They were swept in Miami across three games as they slipped back to 22-31.

Now, as the Mets look to get back on track, they welcome the Reds for the first of three games at 4:05 p.m. on Monday afternoon at Citi Field.

Juan Soto missed Sunday's game due to an illness and was out of the lineup for a second straight day on Monday.

Despite an uneven performance all season long, the Mets have had more success at home where they are 11-13, compared to 11-18 on the road. But against teams with winning record, like the Reds (27-25), they are 10-21.

NY Mets, Reds probable starting pitchers for Monday's game

Nolan McLean will be returning to the mound after arguably the worst start of his career last time out against the Nationals.

The Mets rookie right-hander allowed six earned runs (nine total) on eight hits and two walks in 5⅔ innings in a loss to the Nationals. He maintains a 2-3 record with a 3.56 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 69 strikeout in 58 innings.

An issue with blisters early in the season has forced Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo to make only three starts after he was activated on May 8. He has gotten off to a shaky start in 2026, with a 0-1 record with 12 earned runs in 15 innings (7.20 ERA) and 1.53 WHIP.

Lodolo gave up three earned runs in 5⅔ innings in his most recent start against the Phillies.

NY Mets announce Monday lineup vs Reds

Back home 🏡 #LGMpic.twitter.com/M9DUrxcCyn

— New York Mets (@Mets) May 25, 2026

US beats Hungary to stay alive for ice hockey world quarterfinals

ZURICH (AP) — Defending champion the United States topped Hungary 7-3 and kept hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals at the ice hockey world championship on Monday.

Matthew Tkachuk scored two goals and set up two and captain Justin Faulk and Ryan Leonard also netted twice each in Zurich. Tommy Novak assisted on five goals and netminder Joseph Woll stopped 14 shots.

The Americans' seventh and final Group A game is against Austria on Tuesday. A victory earns them a spot in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. has made the last eight every year since 2011.

Faulk one-timed a low slap shot for a 1-0 lead midway through the opening period and Tkachuk doubled the advantage with a shot between the pads of goaltender Adam Vay on a power play with 1:38 remaining.

It was the second goal for the two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic champion in three games since he joined the team on Tuesday.

The U.S. jumped to 4-0 up before the midpoint in the middle period. Leonard scored from the slot and Faulk roofed one into the net with his second on a power play.

Captain Csanad Erdely replied with Hungary’s first followed by Leonard's second on a power play with 1:47 left.

In the final period, Erdely with his second and Gabor Tornyai reduced the deficit to 5-3. Tkachuk answered with an empty net goal and Max Plante finished it off.

In Fribourg, Norway upset Czechia 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.

The Czechs and Group B leader Canada had already qualified and the fourth and final quarterfinal spot from the group will be decided between Sweden and Slovakia on Tuesday.

Later Monday, Italy faced Slovenia in Fribourg to decide who stays in the top division. Already-relegated Britain met Germany in Zurich.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Champions League has 29 of 36 teams set, see the pots 🏆

Champions League has 29 of 36 teams set, see the pots
Champions League has 29 of 36 teams set, see the pots 🏆

The 2026/27 Champions League already has 29 of its 36 clubs qualified. Only seven spots remain, which will be decided in the qualifying rounds.

Pot 1 features giants like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, as well as the finalists of the current edition (Arsenal and PSG).

Pot 2 includes, among others, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Roma. And Pot 3 has Napoli, RB Leipzig, and Villarreal.

In other words, a group of death with PSG, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Stuttgart is possible. Or Real Madrid, Aston Villa, RB Leipzig, and Como.

Check out how the pots are shaping up and make your prediction!


Pot 1 👇

Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid.


Pot 2 👇

Aston Villa, Betis, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Manchester United, PSV, Porto, Roma, and Sporting.


Pot 3 👇

Feyenoord, Galatasaray, Lille, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Villarreal, and another club that advances from the qualifying rounds.


Pot 4 👇

Como, Lens, Slavia Prague, Stuttgart, and four other clubs that advance from the qualifying rounds.

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

Why does Liverpool&#39;s new kit not match?

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson
Liverpool debuted their new kit on Sunday [Getty Images]

On a day when Liverpool fans said goodbye to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson at Anfield, social media was awash with fans highlighting that the colour of Liverpool's shirts and shorts did not match during their 1-1 final day draw with Brentford.

Arne Slot's side were debuting their new home kit, which was released last week and is produced by Adidas. The strip is inspired by the one worn during the Reds' 1989-90 title-winning campaign.

Adam Rowe posted on X: "I know this isn't the main point or anything but I cannot believe they are the actual shorts that go with that new shirt. They're a completely different shade of red."

@Jennyc97x added: "That Liverpool kit ain't it. The shorts and the top are completely different. Different pattern and shade of red."

For those watching television coverage of the match, there was a clear difference between the colour grading on the shirt compared to the shorts but the understanding is that the disparity is not as visible in person.

That said, the slight difference in the tone of red is deliberate, as was the case with the kit in 1989-90 and therefore, Adidas and Liverpool have opted to go with the same approach.

When the kit was released, Liverpool said: "The new home shirt draws inspiration from the original adidas design, instantly recognisable for its dynamic geometric pattern, combining timeless club heritage with modern performance design.

"The 2026/27 Home kit is completed with deep red shorts and socks, creating a bold, unified look."

Though some would suggest they should have continued the geometric design on the shorts for a consistent look, it is unknown at this stage whether any changes will be made ahead of next season.

Either way, Liverpool have plenty more things to worry about than the colour of their kit after a disappointing season, in which they finished trophy-less but ended up qualifying for the Champions League by finishing 5th in the Premier League.

Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian winger, is a leading target for Liverpool this summer a breakthrough season with RB Leipzig.

&#39;Teddy Bridgewater Act&#39; could reshape Florida high school football

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Teddy Bridgewater Act" into law on Friday. The regulation allows state high school head coaches to spend up to $15,000 in personal funds annually on player expenses such as food, transportation and recovery services.

Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater served as an inspiration for the law after being suspended from coaching at Miami Northwestern. The Miami, Florida, native was cited for financing meals, transportation and recovery expenses for players.

The former Northwestern star athlete who went on to play at Louisville and later for eight NFL franchises, Bridgewater led the Bulls to a state championship as the head man. It was after this success that controversy surrounding the impermissible benefits emerged.

The law imposes restrictions that permit only head coaches to spend on players. All spending must be reported and funds cannot be used for the purpose of recruiting. This measure can be used in conjunction with Florida's signing legislation that could lead to higher salaries for high school coaches through booster and donation revenue.

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: Florida football recruiting may change after 'Teddy Bridgewater Act'

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball earns first All-NBA votes after healthy 2025-26

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball put together an impressive 2025-26 season, reminding the NBA what he can do when healthy. In 72 appearances, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, helping the Hornets earn 44 victories, the most for Charlotte since the 2015-16 season. This was Ball's healthiest season since the 2021-22 campaign, where he averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 75 appearances to earn his first and only All-Star selection to date.

As a result, Ball earned All-NBA votes for the first time in his career, with five voters putting Ball on their ballot for the All-NBA Third Team. This ranked him tied for 21st with Stephon Castle (Spurs), six spots shy of Chet Holmgren (Thunder), who earned the final spot. Had Ball gotten the nod, he'd have been the fifth player in Hornets franchise history to do so, the third since 2000 and the first since franchise legend Kemba Walker did so after the 2018-19 season.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: LaMelo Ball earns first All-NBA votes after healthy 2025-26

Tech Baseball wins ACC Tournament, Regional Starts Friday

Tech hoisting the ACC Tournament trophy in Charlotte | GTAA

For the first time since 2014, #3 Georgia Tech Baseball won the ACC Tournament title, defeating North Carolina 13-7 in the championship game in Charlote, North Carolina on the backs of two doubles by Alex Hernandez, a homer by Ryan Zuckerman, and a clearing of the bases on three wild pitches late in the game that put Tech’s lead out of reach.

In the process, Drew Burress hit his 58th career home run, a two-run shot to left field, pasing Jason Varitek for the most in Institute history. Tech has been playing baseball since the 1890s.

After the game, Ryan Zuckerman was named ACC Tournament MVP after a three-homer performance across Tech’s three games.

The last three teams to win both the ACC regular season and tournament championship in the same season made it to Omaha, joining North Carolina (2013), Miami (2008), and Clemson (2006) in that category. The win was Tech’s 10th ACC tournament title in program history.

Tech enters the NCAA Tournament as the national #2 seed, tied for the best in program history. UCLA is #1.

On Friday, Tech will square off against UIC in the Atlanta regional with Oklahoma and The Citadel rounding out the regional. If Tech were to advance, they would host a super regional as one of the top 8 teams in the country. Tech is one of three ACC teams hosting a regional this season (North Carolina, Florida State).

“To have a regional in Atlanta is a big deal. It’s something we don’t take lightly,” said Tech head coach James Ramsey after the regional was revealed. “I think we have a very mature group that’s mission minded that is going to be ready to play our best baseball.”

Oklahoma coming to Atlanta has an extra dose of drama, as yesterday their 17-year tenured golf coach Ryan Hybl announced he would be taking the Georgia Tech job after Bruce Heppler’s retirement.

UIC automatically qualified for the tournament as the Missouri Valley champions, The Citadel qualified as the SoCon champions, and Oklahoma is an at-large bid.

If Tech were to advance, they would face the winner of the Kansas regional, which includes the Jayhawks, Arkansas, Northeastern, and Missouri State.

Anecdotally, these guys look as ready as any team Tech has had in years to take on this regional. The atmosphere in the Fanning Center to watch the selection show was very calm and collected. While the team has known for weeks they were in the tournament and likely hosting, the fact they earned it from winning the ACC didn’t push them off the tracks. For them, Omaha is the goal, not just playing more games in Atlanta.

“The first and foremost goal we’ve had is going to Omaha and winning a national championship. We know how great we are and that’s something we set out to do at the beginning of the year,” said Drew Burress.

First pitch against UIC is Friday at 12pm on ACCN. Tickets have sold out but the team did announce they might be able to release standing room tickets on Thursday.

Tech all time against Atlanta Regional opponents

UIC: 12-3 record, most recently beating them 6-3 in 2019 at home

The Citadel: 2-0 record, the only games coming in 2000 and 2013

Oklahoma: 1-6 record, the only win coming in their last meeting in 2017. All losses have come at neutral sites, most notably in 1994 to lose the College World Series.

Vote for Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Week presented by Wexner Medical Center

Dispatch.com readers can vote for their favorite boys high school athletes of the week on their desktop, the Dispatch.com mobile web or Dispatch app once per hour by scrolling down to ballots listed below.

Deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, May 29.

The girls Athlete of the Week poll will be published on Tuesday, May 26.

OSU Wexner Medical Center Athlete of the Week

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center high school Athlete of the Week voting occurs each week during high school sports competition and recognizes athletes across all sports.

Last week's Athlete of the Week: Olentangy Orange's Xavier Aguila named OSU Wexner Boys Athlete of the Week

If you can't see the ballot when you scroll to the bottom of this story, try refreshing the link or clearing the cache in your browser. You do not have to be a subscriber to vote.

Please do not email your votes; they will not count. Nominations and votes are not the same things.

Athletes were nominated over the past week for the vote starting May 25. 

Please do not email your votes; they will not count. Nominations and votes are not the same things.

Athletes are on this week's ballot based on information made available to The Dispatch and nominations.

Once athletes win during the regular season, they're not eligible to be back on the ballot until the postseason. If athletes haven't won in the regular season, they can be nominated more than once.

The Dispatch staff reserves the right to remove ballots or athletes from the ballot where voting irregularities have occurred.

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Have any questions? Email sports editor Brian White at bwhite1@dispatch.com

Please do not email your votes; they will not count. Nominations and votes are not the same things.

Here are this week's Boys Athlete of the Week candidates:

Shane Hand, Olentangy Liberty tennis: Repeated as Division I district singles champion, winning four matches without dropping a set in the district tournament.

Tyler Thomas, New Albany tennis: Earned his fourth consecutive Division I state tennis tournament berth, winning four doubles matches with freshman teammate Brady Kattan. They won three sets by shutout and never lost more than three games in a set.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Vote for Boys Athlete of the Week sponsored by Wexner Medical Center

Jets reportedly have bold plan with rookie QB Cade Klubnik

Cade Klubnik Clemson Tigers 091925

Jets reportedly have bold plan with rookie QB Cade Klubnik originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets revamped their offense this offseason, and it's in a much better spot than it was last season when Justin Fields was leading the charge.

Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr., and Adonai Mitchell make up a strong wide receiver room. The offensive line is strong, Breece Hall is locked in for the next few years, and Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq are a fun young tight end duo.

But Geno Smith is the biggest addition. And now, the question is who will be his backup. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets have an interesting plan with rookie QB Cade Klubnik that is a very bold one.

Jets have bold plan with Cade Klubnik for QB spot

"The Jets haven't signed a veteran because they want to see what Klubnik can do over the next month," Cimini writes.

While the Jets are going to start Smith, the backup quarterback spot is still very much up for grabs. There is a real competition here, and Klubnik has a chance to win.

Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe will also compete for the backup QB job this offseason during OTAs and training camp, but Klubnik is being given the chance to earn this job.

If he struggles, and the Jets need to pivot, Russell Wilson has been in contact with the Jets about the backup QB spot. While he's mulling retirement and a return to the NFL with the Jets, Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich have a backup plan in Klubnik.

MOREESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong

If the fourth-round rookie could have a good offseason, then it wouldn't be a surprise for him to earn the backup QB spot for the 2026 season.

It's a bold plan for the Jets, as it's a lot to put on the plate of a rookie QB who was taken in the fourth round and isn't meant to be a starter right away.

But if the Jets like what they see from their rookie QB, then Klubnik will wind up as the Jets' backup QB for 2026. This is going to be a storyline worth paying close attention to, as Klubnik might see a lot more playing time than expected when he was drafted.

More NFL news:

Rohit Sharma conferred with Padma Shri: Full list of sportspersons honoured with Padma Awards 2026

The Padma Awards are the highest civilian honours, which the Government of India confers in recognition of 'distinguished contribution of Indian citizens in various spheres of activity, including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service, sports and public affairs.

In 2026, a total of nine Indian sportspersons were conferred with the Padma awards, out of which eight received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour and Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour.

The eight athletes who were awarded the Padma Shri awards include World Cup-winning India women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Before Sharma and Kaur, 15 other cricketers had received the Padma Shri Award in the past, including legends like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Full list of sportspersons honoured with Padma Awards 2026

PlayerSportAward
Vijay AmritrajTennisPadma Bushan
Rohit SharmaCricketPadma Shri
Harmanpreet KaurCricketPadma Shri
Baldev SinghField HockeyPadma Shri
Bhagwandas Raikwar Martial ArtsPadma Shri
K Pajanivel Martial ArtsPadma Shri
Praveen KumarAthleticsPadma Shri
Savita PuniaField HockeyPadma Shri
Vladimir Mestvirishvili (Posthumous)WrestlingPadma Shri

Watch: De Zerbi greets his biggest critic with a handshake after keeping Tottenham Hotspur up

Watch: De Zerbi greets his biggest critic with a handshake after keeping Tottenham Hotspur up
Watch: De Zerbi greets his biggest critic with a handshake after keeping Tottenham Hotspur up

Roberto De Zerbi’s post-match press conference following Tottenham’s survival on the final day was as entertaining as, if not far more than, anything seen on the pitch this season for the North London club, with the Italian coach producing a moment that perfectly encapsulates his personality and the relief of keeping the club in the top flight.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

De Zerbi sees funny side as Spurs finish in 17th

With a broad smile upon entering the room, the coach called out a journalist who had been a regular negative presence at the training ground throughout his tenure.

“Where is he? Where is he? That negative journalist who was always at the training centre?” he said. “Go and get him.”

Times journalist Tom Allnutt was in the mixed zone at the time but the coach requested he be brought before him.

The reporter was duly brought to the room, up to the stage, at which point De Zerbi greeted him with a smile and a warm handshake.

Liverpool star jets out with immediate future shrouded in doubt

Liverpool star jets out with immediate future shrouded in doubt
Liverpool star jets out with immediate future shrouded in doubt

Liverpool’s 2025/26 season is at an end.

Arne Slot’s men brought the curtain down on a disappointing campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season.

It was a day that Anfield bid farewell to Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah - who leave the club after their trophy-laden spells. But uncertainty remains over several other Premier League title-winning stars.

Alisson Becker remains a target for Juventus and could even secure a move to Serie A before the FIFA World Cup kicks off next month.

Curtis Jones is a target for Tottenham and Inter Milan - per various reports - and it’s believed Liverpool would do a deal at £35m for the midfielder.

Konate adds to uncertainty

But the biggest problem right now is Ibrahima Konate. The French defender, 27, was in Slot’s lineup for the Brentford game but may well have kicked a ball for the Reds for the final time.

Despite stating a few weeks ago that a contract renewal was close the centre back is now on track to leave the Merseyside club in just a few weeks.

With his current deal expiring in June 2026 Konate will be soon free to find a new club - unless a last-minute contract deal can be sorted.

According to a report in the Athletic the former RB Leipzig man declined the opportunity to clarify his future following the Brentford game.

Konate contract ends in a few weeks

Ibrahima Konate’s situation is the most confusing as he’s going to be out of contract in just over a month but is still to extend or explain what happens next,” the report reads.

“Konate also declined interviews with the written media, which only added to the uncertainty. A month has passed since he revealed he was “close to an agreement” and still there’s no formal clarification on what happens next.”

Ben Jacobs writing before the game meanwhile expects the France international’s future to be sorted out “imminently”.

Right now it looks like Konate will be leaving after five years at Anfield. Talks between the player’s entourage and sporting director Richard Hughes have been ongoing for over a year.

It was originally speculated that the club and their defensive linchpin were far apart in terms of salary - with Konate seeking a deal worth over £200k per week.

Liverpool are running out of time to reach a deal with Konate - and he heads off on his post-season break ahead of the World Cup with his immediate Anfield future shrouded in doubt.

Man Utd captain Fernandes takes on Keane over &#39;lie&#39;

Bruno Fernandes playing for Manchester United, wearing the club's red kit
Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting in 2020 [Getty Images]

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes firmly defended his character and achievements as he accused Roy Keane of telling a "lie" about his pursuit of the Premier League assists record.

Fernandes said Keane had put untrue "words in my mouth" on a recent podcast appearance and he hopes to contact the United legend to set him straight.

Keane described Fernandes as being at the centre of a "circus act" following United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on the penultimate weekend of the season.

He suggested the Portugal international was prioritising individual assists glory over the team's interests in his eagerness to set the single-season record.

Speaking on podcast The Overlap, Keane had said: "After the [Forest] game he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United said: 'A few times, I probably should have shot but I made them passes.' Wow. How can your mindset of a footballer be going into a match to be about an individual record?

"He won't be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team."

Fernandes' actual post-match comments were: "There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot. I'm very happy for the assist, but more than that, I'm happy for the win and to finish the season on a high."

Former Republic of Ireland and United captain Keane appeared to have misinterpreted Fernandes' comments rather than sought to distort the truth.

Fernandes registered a record-equalling 20th assist of the season in United's win against Forest, and then took the record outright on the final day in the victory at Brighton.

That took Fernandes past the mark previously set by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

His anger over Keane's comments was clear as he told podcast The Diary of a CEO: "Like I've always said, I don't mind criticism. I've always taken criticism from everyone and anyone and I never reply to anything or whatsoever.

"People have an opinion; they think it's good, bad, whatever. What I don't like is when people lie about things and [in] this case that you said about Roy Keane basically what he said is a lie because… either he saw some other interview or he can't say that I said one thing that I've just not said and luckily for me is everything on record.

"I accept his criticism, I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not. But what I don't like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said. That's the only thing I don't like."

Fernandes is not the first player in the current squad to have voiced disapproval towards a United great.

Earlier this season, Lisandro Martinez was involved in a spat with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after they made comments about his height and ability to compete with Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby.

Fernandes keen to 'have a word' with Keane

Roy Keane working as a pundit in a dark coat and with an earpiece in his left ear
Roy Keane won seven Premier League titles, the FA Cup four times and the Champions League, during his time at Old Trafford [Getty Images]

Fernandes was a key figure for United during the 2025-26 campaign, helping the club secure a third-place Premier League finish and a return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.

As well as laying on 21 goals, he also scored nine times in the English top flight.

His efforts were rewarded in May when he collected the Football Writers' Association men's Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season awards.

Fernandes says he has contacted former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ask for Keane's phone number so that he can confront the issue.

"Obviously I think I've always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and for everything he's done for the club and for everything he's always said," Fernandes added.

"I've never ever had something to say, I've never said something wrong. I even asked Ole his number to text him to be honest, to have a word with him to say that I don't mind the criticism [but] I don't like when people lie about things that I say.

"Because this is like… it goes a little bit over the top of the things that I think are acceptable.

"I accept criticism. I accept that he can say things that I don't like and I don't like to see it. But as I said before, that improves me. What I don't like is that people make their own words on what I say and it's not true.

"Obviously I prefer Roy Keane to give me some praise sometimes because I've achieved something that not many players have achieved. I understand that this club is about winning trophies and I have never taken that off my mind."

Keane had added to his criticism of Fernandes after the Forest game by questioning United's contentment with their narrow victory, added: "They're giving up two goals and everyone's getting all giddy because he's equalled the record for assists. It's mind-boggling. It's a circus act."

Nike to Release JuJu Watkins’ LeBron NXXT Gen Shoe Wednesday

Back in February, USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins announced she would be co-creating a shoe within the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen line. Now, Watkins’ Nike LeBron NXXT Gen By JuJu “Silver Lining” color way will be officially released on Wednesday, May 27.

Nike teased the release of the shoe in a new video on Friday.

Watkins signed her first endorsement deal with Nike as a high school senior in 2022. Then, the superstar re-signed one of the most lucrative, multiyear endorsement deals in women’s basketball with the brand in 2024.

With the “Silver Lining” color way, Watkins is the first athlete to co-create a shoe as part of the NXXT series.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has shown his support for Watkins’ collaboration with Nike. On Friday, he supported the brand’s teaser video for the shoe, and James wore the shoes in a game against the Golden State Warriors in February.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Feb 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“JuJu is a great ambassador of today’s game, and this shoe gives her one more tool to chart her own path on and off the court,” James said in a press release. “Nike footwear has been another way for me to share my story with athletes and fans around the world, so it’s exciting to share the NXXT Gen platform with JuJu for a shoe that will inspire a new generation of hoopers to put in the work and believe in themselves.” 

The shoe is set to drop at 7 am PT on the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers in-store and online. The retail price is set at $170.

Watkins Is Returning After Tearing ACL

Watkins missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. She will make her long-awaited return to the court this season with USC.

In the teaser video, Watkins hinted that she has been preparing for an insane comeback next season.

“I may be out, but I’m still locked in,” Watkins said in the teaser. “They think my game is on ice, but I never stopped working.”

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center.
Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The post Nike to Release JuJu Watkins’ LeBron NXXT Gen Shoe Wednesday appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Warriors rumor could result in Golden State parting ways with $71 million NBA champion duo

Golden State Warriors

Warriors rumor could result in Golden State parting ways with $71 million NBA champion duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Navigating NBA offseasons isn’t easy in the slightest. 

The ultimate goal is to retain as many valuable assets as possible while also bringing new contributors into the equation. It doesn't always work out like that, though, and that trend won’t disappear anytime soon. 

In the Golden State Warriors’ case, The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami recently reported that the franchise may find itself parting ways with an NBA champion frontcourt duo instead of re-signing them.

“In this environment, I don’t see how the Warriors can bring back both Kristaps Porzingis (unrestricted free agent) and Al Horford (player option for next season), even if both are interested in returning,” Kawakami wrote last Tuesday.

“I think they’re not likely to bid too high if De’Anthony Melton declines his player option. And I don’t see much chance of using up a roster spot for Seth Curry again.”

Porzingis started the season with the Atlanta Hawks, but was traded to the Dubs after appearing in only 17 games with the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals participants due to injuries. Porzingis health concerns reared their ugly head again from early February to late April, as he was frequently listed on the Dubs’ injury report. 

In 17 games with Golden State, the 7-foot-2 stretch five averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 43.3% from the field and 31.1% from beyond the arc. 

Horford, who won a title alongside Porzingis with the Boston Celtics in 2024, improved as the 2025-26 campaign progressed and was the serviceable low-post/pick-and-pop threat the Warriors brought him in to be by the year’s end. 

The Florida product contributed 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his first season with the Dubs, shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.1% from three-point land. 

If Kawakami’s report holds merit, both contributors will be forced to continue their NBA careers elsewhere when the offseason commences.

More NBA news:

Nebraska lands another major target: 4-star OT Timi Aliu commits to the Huskers

Timi Aliu has felt the pull toward Nebraska for a long time. The four-star offensive tackle out of Locust Grove (Ga.) visited Lincoln for the USC game last fall, and from that point forward, Matt Rhule’s staff never stopped pushing.

Now the No. 261 prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking has committed to Nebraska over Florida.

“They’ve been putting me very hard since that first time visiting in the fall,” Aliu told Rivals. “From that time, they made me feel very important. The coaches called and texted me a lot. They came to see me in January, then again this spring, so they have really done a great job recruiting me. It never changed, and that meant a lot.”

Aliu visited Nebraska five times throughout the process, and each trip only strengthened the connection between him and the program.

“They just kept making sure I got back up to Lincoln to hang with the guys, hang with the players and recruits… they just showed me so much love. They always wanted me there. The connections and the relationships made me ready to pull the trigger.”

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

The commitment came together even faster once close friend Jordan Agbanoma committed to Nebraska. KD Jones is another one Aliu has gotten close to. Both committed to the Huskers last week.

“Ever since Jordan committed, I thought more about it. Nebraska has always been on top for me, then after Jordan and KD committed, I knew it. It has always felt like home for me at Nebraska.”

Relationships were a big factor. Geep Wade has led the way since he got there. Rhule has been involved as well.

“As soon as Coach Wade got to Nebraska, he called me and let me know he wanted me to be part of the O-line group in the future,” Aliu said. “Coach Wade has put a lot of effort into recruiting me. He can develop players and I know he wants to work with me at Nebraska. He wants what’s best for me

“Coach Rhule is a great coach too. He’s going to do so many great things at Nebraska. The players love him, he is a winner and I think this ’27 class and even the next class are really going to show what Nebraska can really do.”

What Nebraska as a program is was the icing on the cake.

“Their tradition, fan base and football culture also stood out throughout the process,” Aliu said. “The passion they have at Nebraska every single game every single year, — there is nothing like it.”

Liverpool Reportedly Make Yan Diomande Top Wing Transfer Target

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - MAY 09: Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig looks on during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC St. Pauli at Red Bull Arena on May 09, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s been twenty-four hours since the curtain fell on a terrible horrible no good very bad season for Liverpool Football Club, and fans have spent most of that time alternately feeling sad about the departures of club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson and uncertain about the future.

Head coach Arne Slot is widely seen by the fanbase as not the right man for the job, but the club have signalled strongly that they intend to persist with the Dutch trainer, a situation that has many fearing a repeat of Brendan Rodgers’ aborted final season in charge. If that is in fact the plan and not just misdirection, the club need to send another strong signal quickly.

Namely, they need to send a strong signal about their plan for what comes next given the doubts surrounding not just Slot but sporting director Richard Hughes who oversaw a summer transfer window in 2025 that left a thin and unbalanced squad and made Slot’s job harder.

It’s been twenty-four hours now since the curtain fell on 2025-26 and it appears we have that signal. The club will target 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to be their Salah replacement, and with the briefinggoing out to every club-connected journalist today there’s already talk of them possibly being prepared to trigger his €100M (£86M) release clause.

It would be a headliner of a transfer, make no mistake. Yet given how big the club spent last summer only to end up with a worse squad than they started with, and as Diomande is a teenager with one season of senior football under his belt and he’s likely to cost somewhere in the region of £86M, there will be some skepticism.

Diomande has a grand total of 46 senior games under his belt, with 36 coming this past season at Leipzig in the Bundesliga and ten the year before with CD Leganés in Spain. His 13 goals and ten assists in 2724 minutes last season equate to a quite impressive goal involvement every 118 minutes.

But it’s still just 23 goal involvements and 2724 minutes. In his career he has 26 goal involvements in 3266 minutes. Diomande is one of the most talented young attackers in Europe, that’s inarguable. However, it’s an almighty £86M gamble on the teenager being able to walk in, replace a legend, and be a difference maker in the Premier League from day one.

For fans already worried that 2026-27 will end up being another wasted season after how the just concluded 2025-26 went, spending so much money on an exceptional talent but also a player who is very young and not yet the finished product will raise eyebrows.

It’s the kind of statement signing that could help Liverpool to win the transfer window in the eyes of fans and pundits. Hopefully, if it goes through, it will prove worth it from day one unlike some of the deals that helped Liverpool to win the transfer window in the eyes of fans and pundits last summer.

Monday Morning Minnesota: The “Back to Our Winning Ways” Edition

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Orlando Arcia #11 of the Minnesota Twins hugs Ryan Kreidler #5 after their 6-5 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 24, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Before we start with our usual fanfare, we do want to thank the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country to allow us to enjoy things like Memorial Day Weekend.

The week started auspiciously with Royce Lewis getting sent to St. Paul and ended with a sweep of the Red Sox. I just give out the facts folks; you can choose to connect the dots if you want. All joking aside, it was a much-needed week for the Twins as they went 5-1 against the bottom-feeders in the American League. The bullpen is still in a state of organized chaos, with Travis Adams becoming the 11th reliever to earn a save this season. We also saw some fruits of the Jorge Polanco trade as Gabriel Gonzalez made his debut with the major-league team on Friday, going 1-2 with two walks. Ironically, earlier in the week, Justin Topa, another player who came over in that deal, was DFA’d. The Twins now go to South Side Chicago to face the White Sox in a four-game series and could take second position in the AL Central. The team will wrap up May with a three-game series in Pittsburgh.

The Past Week on Twinkie Town:

  • Check out The Feed, where you can add your discussions about the Twins!
  • We’re starting a new segment called Daily Questions! Provide your opinion on the Twins and debate with the community!
  • Game threads and recaps are back! Commiserate with your fellow fans as we experience the season together.
  • Zach Koenig takes us back to the miserable year of 2006.

Elsewhere in Twins Territory:

In the World of Baseball:

  • The Rays have increased their lead to 4.5 games over the Yankees, who are tied with the Guardians for second in the AL standings. The A’s are a distant fourth place now, 4.0 games behind. The Twins have actually vaulted into the top six in the standings, despite owning a losing record, half a game behind the Chicago White Sox.
  • It’s a bit of a tighter race in the National League, with the Dodgers 2.0 games behind Atlanta, while the Brewers and Padres are 1.5 games behind LA. You have to scroll down to the 11th team, the Philadelphia Phillies, to find the first team with a losing record.
  • Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers has been throwing gas this season, with over 250 pitches over 100 mph. Brian Murphy at MLB.com looks at what the Miz thinks are the limits of his talent.-
  • Ryan Hockensmith at ESPN documents how Aaron Judge’s freshman year at Fresno State set him up for success as a big leaguer.

Tyson Fury warm-up for Anthony Joshua to be announced this week

Boxing promoter Frank Warren (left) and Tyson Fury during a press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Monday February 16, 2026. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images

Promoter Frank Warren says that Tyson Fury has his next opponent set, and that the “warm-up” before facing Anthony Joshua will be announced this week.

From Sky Sports:

“It’ll be a good opponent – it’ll be good for him. He can’t afford to slip up, because obviously AJ’s got his fight in a few weeks’ time. [Joshua’s] got to come through that, Tyson has to come through his, and then the big one will be in November.”

Fury (35-2-1, 24 KO) returned on April 11 to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, and called out Joshua from the ring after the fight. Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated interest but didn’t play along much with Fury’s antics.

The interest, at least, is real. Joshua will fight Kristian Prenga on July 25, which presents very little threat on paper, and then, as Warren noted, reports have Fury vs Joshua signed for late in the year, likely November.

Don’t expect a whole lot of Fury’s next foe, either, as all the money and all the intrigue is in finally seeing Tyson vs AJ.

Paul Pierce explains why Jaylen Brown deserved Luka Doncic’s All-NBA spot

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Jaylen Brown’s place on the 2025-26 All-NBA Second Team has not gone unnoticed, and at least one Boston legend thinks he deserved more.

The All-NBA teams were announced last Sunday, and the First Team featured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham.

Brown was named to the Second Team, alongside Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell, and his placement has sparked debate among fans, former players and analysts.

Paul Pierce says Jaylen Brown deserved Luka Doncic’s spot

Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images

Speaking on the latest No Fouls Given show, former NBA champion Paul Pierce said: “I think if I had to take one person off, maybe it would be Luka, and I know that’s saying a lot because Luka did lead the league in scoring, but he had more to work with, too. Think about it. He had LeBron all year. You got Reaves most of the year.”

He added: “Jaylen Brown, he did the most with the least out of all these guys that’s on this and maybe Cade Cunningham. I mean, you know, but Jaylen Brown didn’t have a second All-Star. A lot of these guys did. So, I would have probably removed Luka for Jaylen.”

Pierce framed the debate around context rather than raw production.

The 29-year-old star helped guide Boston to the playoffs while Jayson Tatum missed most of the season injured, carrying a heavier burden than expected.

Brown was also the only Celtics player named to an All-NBA team, while the Third Team featured Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren.

Read more:

Monday&#39;s NYC resident World Cup ticket lottery closes after 50,000 entries reached in 3 minutes

The NYC resident World Cup ticket lottery opened on Monday, and the 50,000 registration limit was reached in just three minutes.

The lottery is for residents to have a chance at winning $50 tickets to a World Cup match.

1,000 tickets will be split across several matches.

The website is not accepting any more entries on Monday and will begin receiving more at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

New Yorkers had the opportunity to register to enter a ticket lottery each morning until 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30th.

Winners will be notified on June 3rd.

Residents can enter once online per day.

Winners will also get free round-trip transportation.

Register to win at www.regnyctix.com.

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What The Mariners’ Slow First 1/3 Means For The AL West

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 12: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners bats in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 12, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Pre-season prognosticators were virtually unanimous: The Seattle Mariners will win the AL West. And they may well do so, but if they win the division it will not be on the strength of the season’s first 1/3. The Mariners completed their 54th game yesterday, an 8-6 loss to the Royals that left them 25-29 for the season.

How many games were the Mariners predicted to win in 2026? Here projection systems vary a touch, but let’s go with 93 as a reasonable median that conveniently is divisible by 3. That means Seattle was projected to average winning 31 games in each of the season’s three “thirds”.

Does a 25-29 start mean analysts were way, way off and in fact the Mariners are going to win only 75 games? Probably not. Does it mean analysts were exactly right and to make up for lost time Seattle will go 68-40 the rest of the way to finish with those 93 wins? Probably not.

Here’s what I would submit is the most mathematically sound way to look at it. If the Mariners are a 93 win team that masqueraded as a 25-29 squad for 2 months, you can reasonably expect them to play at a 93 win clip going forward. But this comes with a significant caveat: Some losses are already in the bank.

How many losses? Instead of going the projected 31-23 the Mariners won a whopping 6 fewer games than that pace. And those are 6 losses they can’t get back. Give Seattle its 93 win pace going forward and you get a big turnaround of a 62-46 record in the last 2/3 of the season. Don’t be surprised if the Mariners “get up on the deck” and go 62-46 the rest of the way.

The problem, for Seattle, is that this leaves them with a season record of 87-75, not the 93-69 originally predicted. And that is a huge difference in terms of what the bar might be for teams like the A’s, Rangers, even Astros (who are only 4.5 games back of 1st place thanks to the mediocrity of the division to date).

This is important because it suggests that while the standard needed to win the AL West was poised to be something like 24 games over .500, Seattle’s stumbling first 1/3 might bring that standard all the way down to more like 12 games over .500. The A’s need to go 60-49 (a .550 clip) the rest of the season in order to finish with 87 wins.

Of course none of this is set in stone or even etch-a-sketch. It’s still entirely possible Seattle could get sizzling hot and win 95 games or that they could remain in quicksand and finish with just 78 wins. Or Texas could turn out to be the team to beat, or who knows? This is why you play the games and just try to win as often as possible.

Is my “mathnalysis” the right way to look at the division going forward? Or if not what do you think is a better projection for “The State Of The AL West” going into the season’s second 1/3? The only analysis I can bet we will all agree on is this: beating Seattle these next 3 days will only help the A’s cause.

Memorial Day Orioles game thread: vs. Rays, 1:35

Apr 19, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) stands for the playing of God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The first series of the Orioles’ season-longest 10-game homestand went reasonably well. The O’s took advantage of a reeling Tigers team to take two out of three games, though let’s not try to think about the fact that they were one strike away from losing the series.

Now the task gets much tougher with a rematch against the majors’ best team, the Rays, who swept the Orioles at Tropicana Field last week. Tampa Bay enters today with a stupendous 34-16 record, 12.5 games better than the Birds. And it’s only May.

The Rays will throw Baltimore-born ace lefty Shane McClanahan at the O’s in today’s opener. The good news is that the Orioles actually had some success against him last week, tagging him for four runs, tied for his season worst. The bad news is that the O’s still got destroyed in that game, 16-6, so McClanahan cruised to an easy win. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles. He pitched well in Tampa Bay last week, holding the Rays to two runs in 5.1 innings, but got no run support. Imagine that.

The Birds, as usual against a lefty, are stacking their lineup with righties, even those who can’t hit against southpaws (most notably Tyler O’Neill, who is 2-for-39 against lefties). The exception is Jackson Holliday, a lefty-swinger who’s getting the start today against McClanahan. He probably wouldn’t be if Coby Mayo were healthy, but the O’s third baseman is still sidelined with a back injury.

Today marks Cedric Mullins’ return to Baltimore for the first time since the O’s traded him last July. He’ll surely receive a standing ovation from the Camden Yards crowd and a nice video tribute on the Jumbotron. Best of luck, Cedric. I hope you have a great game individually while your team loses.

Orioles lineup:

LF Taylor Ward
DH Gunnar Henderson
C Adley Rutschman
1B Pete Alonso
3B Weston Wilson
CF Leody Taveras
SS Blaze Alexander
2B Jackson Holliday
RF Tyler O’Neill

RHP Kyle Bradish

Rays lineup:

LF Chandler Simpson
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Díaz
2B Richie Palacios
CF Cedric Mullins
RF Victor Mesa Jr.
C Hunter Feduccia
SS Taylor Walls

LHP Shane McClanahan

Lincoln Regional: Ole Miss heads to Nebraska as two seed

Ole Miss infielder Judd Utermark (27) fouls off a ball during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3. | Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There was not a lot of drama and anticipation for the Ole Miss baseball team headed into the NCAA Baseball Championship Selection Show on Monday morning.

The Rebels (36-21) had squandered any chance of hosting a regional after being upset by 16-seed Missouri in the SEC Tournament. Ole Miss was simply waiting to see where it would land as a two seed, and now the Rebels not only head to Lincoln Regional hosted by the Nebraska Cornhuskers but will have to face Arizona State (37-19) in its first game.

First pitch is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2 against the Sun Devils who went 19-11 in the Big 12 this season. From an RPI standpoint however, ASU comes in at No. 44 in the latest rankings. Nebraska of course leads the way in RPI at No. 10 and Ole Miss sits at No. 16. The four seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits have an RPI of 239th out of the Summit League.

This is a tough regional draw no doubt about it. ASU has a pedigree of a very solid baseball program just like Ole Miss, and the Sun Devils and Rebels have locked horns in the postseason in the past. Nebraska has had a phenomenal season sitting at 42-15 overall and going 23-7 in the Big Ten.

The Lincoln Regional is paired with the Auburn Regional where the Tigers will be huge favorites to blast through its slate. For Auburn, it has the No. 36 and No. 52 RPI ranked UCF and NC State squads as its two and three seeds comparably.

We will have a more in-depth look at this regional this week prior to the first game, but the good news is the Rebels are back in the tournament while the bad news is its draw is a tough road to get to Omaha.

AC Milan sack coach Allegri after Champions League failure

Massimiliano Allegri returned as AC Milan coach last year (Piero CRUCIATTI)

AC Milan announced on Monday they had sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and a host of senior club management after missing out on next season's Champions League.

The 19-time Serie A winners lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari on Sunday in the final game of the league game season denying them a return to European football's leading competition.

Allegri was appointed last May, returning to the northern club 11 years following his first tenure ended, after they also failed to qualify for the Champions League.

"After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A," AC Milan's owners RedBird capital said.

"It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganisation of football operations. 

"Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.

"We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.

"Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course - with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season," they added.

jr/iwd/lp

Rivals 2026 high school girls flag football Player of the Year honors

The high school girls flag football season around the country ended last weekend and with that comes honors for coaches and players from the 2025-2026 season.

The 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state finals just recently ended and we decided to get right to it when it comes to end of the year honors.

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

We take a look around the country for the top players from 2025-2026 as Rivals looked through the season and selected award nominees from this past season. Who were the best girls flag football players for the 2026 season, though?

Rivals give you the high school girls flag football honorees from the 2025-2026 season.

Player of the Year: Makena Cook, QB, Orange (CA) Orange Lutheran 

Cook owns the distinct honor of being the first girls flag football player to ever receive the sport’s first Division I P4 overture, receiving an offer from Nebraska. Now the quarterback, who is already committed to Georgia for soccer, had herself an incredible 2025 season for the Lancers and put up some eye-popping numbers which we recognize with the national Player of the Year award. Cook ended the 2025 campaign throwing for an eye-popping 7,083 yards and 112 touchdowns for the Lancers and also added 313 and three scores on the ground.

Offensive Player of the Year: Ariana Akey, QB, Littleton (CO) Mountain Vista 

Akey is our Offensive Player of the Year after becoming the first ever player to commit to a Division I, Power 4 program when she announced her commitment to Nebraska back in mid-April. Akey has had herself a prolific prep career behind center for the Eagles, with the signal caller throwing for a total of 8,980 yards with 171 touchdowns over the last two seasons. This past season was a prolific year for Akey as she completed 384 of 570 passes for 4,545 yards, 89 touchdowns through the air. On the ground, Akey rushed for 1,526 yards and 22 scores.

Coach of the Year: Josh Saunders, Tampa (FL) Robinson

Early on in the season wasn’t the easiest of times for Tampa Robinson as the Knights dropped a 25-20 decision to Bloomingdale and then Saunders had to deal with the injury loss of quarterback Paige Halverson after a 47-6 win over New Port Richey (FL) Gulf a few games later. All Saunders did was do quite arguably one of his best coaching jobs at the school as the Knights notched their 10th straight state championship and 11th overall. Saunders inserted junior Annie Keith behind center and the rest is history as Robinson ran the table to the FHSAA Class 2A state championship and taking the country’s No. 1 ranking.

How to Follow National High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night high school football action. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.

Florida hosts NCAA regional featuring Miami among four teams in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE — The red-hot Florida baseball team will have chance to get back to the College World Series playing on the Gators’ home field.

Coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s squad was awarded the No. 8 national seed in the 64-team NCAA Tournament and will host Miami (38-18) — the No. 2 seed in the Gainesville Regional — No. 3 Troy (32-29) and No. 4 Rider (33-18).

UF opens at 1 p.m. Friday against Rider on ESPN+. Miami and Troy will meet at 6 p.m. on the ACC Network.

Winners of 10 of their last 12 games and featuring a nation-best 15-7 record against top-25 opponents, the Gators will host a Super Regional if they prevail during the double-elimination series, slated run Friday-Sunday at Condron Family Ballpark.

Florida, ranked ninth by Baseball America and No. 11 in the RPI, closed the regular-season with three-straight SEC series and reached the conference tournament semifinals before squandering a 6-0 lead during an 8-7 loss to fourth-ranked Georgia.

The Gators have hosted a regional 13 times under O’Sullivan and reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his 19 seasons in Gainesville.

Florida features

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Intel “Unified Core” plans leak – Hyper-Threading Returns!

Intel’s “Unified Core” plans have leaked, and it’s coming to desktop with Hammer Lake Earlier this year, Intel confirmed the existence of its “Unified Core” with a job listing. Now, Intel’s “Unified Core” plans have leaked, and they are due to come into fruition with Titan Lake and Hammer Lake. According to leaked documents, unveiled […]

The post Intel “Unified Core” plans leak – Hyper-Threading Returns! appeared first on OC3D.

Intel’s 12 P-Core Bartlett Lake Flagship Fails To Beat The 4-Year-Old Core i9-13900K In Gaming Benchmarks

25 May 2026 at 20:46

The Intel Bartlett Lake flagship CPU may have additional P cores, but they do not bring any noticeable improvements in gaming. PC Games Hardware Demonstrate Core 9 273PQE 12-P-Core CPU's Capabilities in Games Against 8+16 Core i9 13900K; CPUs Tie in Most Gaming Benchmarks Perhaps the reason for not releasing any 10 or 12-P-Core only CPU is the lackluster performance uplift the Intel Bartlett Lake P-core-only CPUs bring to the table when compared against Intel's 8-P-core CPUs from the consumer-segment Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh families. We were all hyped up to see someone booting up his system with […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intels-12-p-core-bartlett-lake-flagship-fails-to-beat-the-4-year-old-core-i9-13900k-in-gaming-benchmarks/

Jason Voorhees Finally Stalks Into Dead by Daylight After Years of Fan Begging, Arriving on the Game’s 10th Anniversary

25 May 2026 at 20:46

A masked character is prominently featured in the game “Dead by Daylight,” holding a bloodied weapon, with the logos for “Dead by Daylight” and “Jason” visible at the bottom.

After ten years of Dead by Daylight fans begging developer Behaviour Interactive to add one of horror's most iconic slasher villains, as part of the game's 10th anniversary celebrations, Friday the 13th icon Jason Voorhees will join the game's growing roster of villains on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with the game's next update (though public beta test build players on Steam can get a taste of Jason's evil even earlier). Jason's long-awaited entry into The Fog as a new killer for players to control was revealed with a teaser trailer (which you can check out below) that hits all the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/dead-by-daylight-10th-anniversary-jason-voorhees/

Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Is Rumored To Outperform Apple’s A18 Pro, Will Utilize A New “Stacking” Technology To Bypass Older Node Limitations

25 May 2026 at 20:35

Huawei is preparing the Kirin 9050 and it's reported to beat the A18 Pro

China’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, SMIC, is currently hindered by its failure to acquire advanced EUV machinery to mass produce wafers on the 5nm lithography or below. With no alternative to scale past this limitation, the need for innovation and creativity is absolutely vital, so a new 3D IC stacking solution is rumored to be incorporated on Huawei’s upcoming Kirin 9050 to improve performance. The one positive to take away from the latest rumor is that the SoC can beat Apple’s older A18 Pro. New packaging technology will enable the Kirin 9050 to stack components vertically to increase transistor density and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/huawei-kirin-9050-breakthrough-3d-ic-design-beats-a18-pro/

Subnautica 2 Early Access Tips and Tricks – Nine Tips I Wish I Knew Before Diving Into its Alien Ocean

25 May 2026 at 19:49

A player in 'Subnautica 2' aims a scanner at a colorful alien creature in an underwater landscape.

Subnautica 2 has finally arrived in its early access state, and millions of players have excitedly dived into its alien ocean waters right away, only to find it incredibly overwhelming. Now, veteran Subnautica players are used to the game's loop, but whether you're familiar with the series or not, its good to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve when getting started. That's what this guide aims to provide. I've spent a solid number of hours diving into Subnautica 2, clearing through the story missions and what's currently available to do in its early access state, and there […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/how-to/subnautica-2-tips-and-tricks/

After LG, AOC Rolls Out Its First 1000 Hz Native FHD Gaming Monitor, Equipped With BLMB Technology

25 May 2026 at 19:41

A gaming monitor displaying an off-road racing game with a buggy on a snowy track, featuring '54%' progress and '350 x1.2' multipliers, branded as AGON.

AOC fulfils its promise of releasing the first 1000 Hz 1080p gaming monitor that will trade blows with LG's offering. AOC Launches AGON PRO AGP257FT, its First-Ever Native 1080p Gaming Monitor That Can Hit 1000 Hz Refresh Rate AOC was the first monitor maker to announce a 1080p 1000 Hz monitor, even before LG. While LG released the world's first native 1080p 1000 Hz monitor nearly a week ago, AOC is next to have its first-ever 1080p 1000 Hz gaming monitor on the shelves. As per a previous report, the company was preparing a couple of high-end gaming monitors that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/after-lg-aoc-rolls-out-its-first-1000-hz-native-fhd-gaming-monitor/

Jett Optics – Authenticate with quantum-resistant gaze-based spatial encryption


Jett Optics provides spatial encryption and DePIN-based authentication that turns your gaze and attention patterns into a secure biometric. Powered by Agentive Gaze Tensors, it delivers post-quantum, hands-free verification across devices and immersive environments. The platform includes AGT Auth for biometric login, Jett-Chat for encrypted messaging, and the AARON Protocol on Solana to anchor proofs on-chain, enabling privacy-preserving, verifiable interactions. It powers OPTX/JTX Neuromorphic Software.

We build augments.

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MyOwnChildbook – Create a hardcover storybook starring your child in minutes


MyOwnChildbook creates personalized children's storybooks that put your child at the heart of the adventure. Enter a name, choose a theme, and optionally upload photos. Its AI mirrors your child's traits in custom illustrations. Preview and edit the full story, then order a premium 21×21 cm hardcover on 200‑gram silk paper. Suitable for ages 3–10, supports multiple children, and ships worldwide within days.

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Your Samsung phone may still be uploading photos to OneDrive – Here’s why

25 May 2026 at 20:05

Some Samsung Galaxy users are getting confused after they noticed that their photos and videos suddenly started uploading to OneDrive. This issue appeared even though they believed all syncing was turned off. 

The issue seems connected to a big change coming from Samsung and Microsoft. Microsoft has confirmed that Samsung Gallery sync with OneDrive will completely stop working on September 30, 2026. Due to this, users are being moved to a different system, OneDrive Camera backup. The problem is that many users say this new backup feature appears to be turning on by itself.

People on Reddit and Samsung forums shared (via PiunikaWeb) similar issues. Some users said they had disabled photo syncing a long time ago, but OneDrive still uploaded all their pictures overnight. Others checked the OneDrive app and found that Camera backup was switched on without them doing it manually.

Samsung Gallery OneDrive Exit

Samsung Gallery and OneDrive Breakup

The confusion happens because Samsung Gallery sync and OneDrive Camera backup are not the same thing. Even if Gallery sync is turned off in Samsung settings, OneDrive’s own backup option inside the OneDrive app can still upload photos.

Microsoft says users must manually enable Camera backup if they want automatic uploads after 2026. But many users believe updates, notifications, or migration prompts may be turning the feature back on without clearly warning them.

If you do not want your photos uploaded to OneDrive, the quickest thing to do is open the OneDrive app and check the Camera backup setting yourself. If it is on, turn it off. You should also check app permissions on your phone and remove the connection between your Samsung and Microsoft accounts if you no longer use cloud backup.

As Samsung and Microsoft prepare to end the old Gallery sync system, many Galaxy users are feeling frustrated because they believed their cloud uploads were already disabled. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Your Samsung phone may still be uploading photos to OneDrive – Here’s why appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G gets added to One UI 8.5 update list

25 May 2026 at 19:31

Samsung has officially pushed the latest One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A16 5G, continuing this major update expansion across Galaxy devices. After releasing the update for the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy A17, the company is now bringing fresh improvements and features to another affordable Galaxy smartphone.

One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A16 5G comes with firmware version A166PXXU7DZE2 (via Mohammed Khatri). Currently, the update is available for users in Malaysia, while Samsung will expand the rollout to more regions in the coming hours or days.

The latest update brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes to make the phone work better and more smoothly. Users now get better performance, smoother animations, improved battery usage, and enhanced security. The update may also improve the overall user experience with a cleaner and faster interface.

Samsung Galaxy A16 LTE

Image: Samsung

Samsung is focusing on providing regular software updates even for its affordable Galaxy A-series smartphones. The Galaxy A16 5G getting the One UI 8.5 update shows that the company wants more users to enjoy the latest Galaxy features without needing a premium device. Notably, Galaxy S22 series users are still waiting for this major update.

Users in Malaysia can check for the update by going to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install on their phone. Since Samsung usually releases updates in phases, some users may receive it earlier than others. People in other regions may have to wait a little longer for the update to arrive. Stay tuned.

The post Samsung Galaxy A16 5G gets added to One UI 8.5 update list appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Ubuntu-based Rhino Linux 2026.1 sports Lomiri support on both desktop and mobile

Designed for both PCs and mobile devices, Ubuntu-based Rhino Linux 2026.1 introduces the Lomiri user interface. The generic ISO images now come with the 7.0.9 kernel, while the special editions for Pine and Raspberry Pi hardware feature the 6.18.32 (PinePhone, PinePhone Pro & PineTab), 6.9.0 (PineTab2), and 7.0.0 (Raspberry Pi) kernels.

Ubisoft reportedly testing generative AI in Far Cry 7

As Ubisoft weathers a catastrophic €1.3 billion operating loss, the gaming giant is making a high-stakes gamble on generative artificial intelligence. Using the unannounced Far Cry 7 as a testing ground, the company is experimenting with dynamic, conversational NPCs, despite early insider reports calling the experimental results underwhelming.

Destiny 2's finale follows $764M in impairment losses amid Bungie layoffs

Bungie will end Destiny 2’s live-service updates on June 9, 2026, with “The Moment of Triumph,” while keeping servers online and the game playable. The decision follows The Final Shape’s underperformance, $764 million in impairment losses, and wider turmoil at Bungie as the studio shifts resources toward new projects.

Samsung Galaxy A26 receives the update to One UI 8.5

25 May 2026 at 20:21

Samsung is continuing its ongoing rollout of One UI 8.5, the version of its Android skin that debuted on the Galaxy S26 family back in January. The rollout started earlier this month with the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, and then trickled its way down to more and more of the company's high-end devices, including foldables. [#InlinePriceWidget,13679,1#] Today the update has reached the Galaxy A26. This phone launched in March of last year with One UI 7 on board, and received its update to One UI 8 in late September. And now the update to One UI 8.5 has been spotted rolling out in...

Oppo A6c launches in India, here are the prices

25 May 2026 at 19:16

Oppo launched the A6c in China in January, and then the phone made its way to Thailand in April with slightly different specs. Now, the international model has also landed in India, where it's priced at INR 13,999 ($146) with 64GB of storage, and INR 16,999 ($178) with 128GB of storage. The UFS 2.2 storage is expandable. Oppo A6c in Stone Brown The phone is powered by the Unisoc T7250 SoC, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. It comes with a 6.75-inch LCD screen with 720x1570 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. On the rear there's a 13MP camera, and for...

AC Milan prepare major shakeup after Massimiliano Allegri exit, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly set for bigger role

25 May 2026 at 21:01
Despite a solid start to the season, AC Milan failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, triggering a major shakeup at the club. The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri along with several other key figures, while reportedly giving Zlatan Ibrahimović a larger role.

AC Milan have missed out on a place in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, capping off a disappointing season. As a result, the club are preparing for a major overhaul of the sporting project. After failing to meet the season’s objectives, Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed alongside other key figures within the club’s structure. In response, Zlatan Ibrahimović is reportedly poised to take on a more prominent role with the Rossoneri.

The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri, as the team’s performances have failed to meet the standards of the sporting project. Alongside him, Igli Tare, Giorgio Furlani, and Geoffrey Moncada have been dismissed with immediate effect as an emergency measure following the club’s failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. In response, AC Milan are now preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026–27 season.

“After the disappointment of last season, the mandate defined by the Club’s ownership was clear: to return to the Champions League… The time has come for change and a profound reorganization of the Club’s sporting structure. Effective immediately, the careers of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada at AC Milan have come to an end,” posted AC Milan on their website.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Massimo Calvelli will be tasked with finding AC Milan’s new CEO, while Ibrahimović will be responsible for deciding who becomes the next sporting director and next head coach. With this change, the Swedish executive is set to take on a far more influential role, emerging as the leader of the Rossoneri’s long-term sporting vision and placing the development of young players at the center of the strategy, as he has stated on several occasions.

AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match.
AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match.

AC Milan shake-up sparks doubt over Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic

Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Rossoneri appeared to have Christian Pulisic’s continuity firmly planned, while Rafael Leão seemed destined to leave in the summer of 2026. However, the departures of Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri have put all major decisions on hold. As a result, Zlatan Ibrahimović’s choices regarding the new sporting director and head coach will shape the futures of both the Portuguese star and the USMNT standout.

While Ibrahimović reportedly wants both Pulisic and Leão to remain at the club, either player could still be sold to generate funds. In addition, the USMNT star could be motivated to leave due to their absence from the UEFA Champions League, a move that could provide the Rossoneri with key financial resources. Nevertheless, they may define the new leaders of the sporting project before the 2026 World Cup, decisions that could ultimately shape the futures of both stars.

Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match.

Ve Beşiktaş'tan teknik direktör açıklaması geldi

Beşiktaş, başkan Serdal Adalı ve sportif direktör Önder Özen ile birlikte teknik direktör arayışının devam ettiğini ve taraftarların sosyal medyada yazılan iddialara itibar edilmemesi gerektiğini açıkladı.

Beşiktaş teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın ile yollarını ayırdığını açıklamıştı. Yeni sezon için yeni teknik direktör arayışına devam eden siyah-beyazlıların adı ise her geçen gün yeni bir hoca ile anılıyor.

Sosyal medyada siyah beyazlıların adayları ile ilgili çok fazla spekülasyon yapılması nedeniyle kulüp, taraftarlara uyarıda bulundu.

Beşiktaş'ın açıklaması şöyle:

-Futbol A Takımımızın yeni teknik direktörünü belirlemek için çalışmalar, Başkanımız Serdal Adalı ile Yönetim Kurulumuzun bilgisi dahilinde Futbol Direktörümüz Önder Özen tarafından titizlikle yürütülmektedir. Konuyla ilgili olarak yazılı ve görsel basınla sosyal medyada iddia edilen isimlere itibar edilmemesini önemle rica ederiz. Futbol A Takımımızın yeni teknik direktörü belirlendiğinde detaylı bilgilendirme, kulübümüzün resmi iletişim kanalları aracılığıyla camiamız ve kamuoyuyla paylaşılacaktır.

Acun Ilıcalı'dan transfer müjdesi

Championship play-off finalinde Middlesbrough'yu Wembley Stadyumu'nda 1-0 yenerek Premier Lig'e yükselen Hull City'de kulübün sahibi Acun Ilıcalı'dan transfer müjdesi geldi.

Championship play-off finalinde Middlesbrough'yu Wembley Stadyumu'nda 1-0 yenerek Premier Lig'e yükselen Hull City zaferini kutluyor. Kutlamalara katılan kulübün sahibi Acun Ilıcalı, Sky Sports'a açıklamalarda bulundu.

Acun Ilıcalı'nın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Bizi en zayıf takım olarak görüyorlardı. Gerçekte ise en güçlü takım bizdik.

-Tabi ki para harcayacağız. Biz şansımız olduğunu düşünüyoruz. Bu çocuklar bizim kahramanımız.

Galatasaray'ın karşısına Real Madrid çıktı: Çok ciddiler

Galatasaray'ın merkez orta saha adayları arasında Manchester City'den Tijjani Reijnders de bulunuyordu. Ancak Real Madrid'den sürpriz bir hamle geldi...

Manchester City'deki forma sürelerinden rahatsız olan Tijjani Reijnders, ayrılık kararı almıştı. Galatasaray, 27 yaşındaki merkez orta saha için nabız yokladı. City cephesi, 50 milyon euronun altındaki tekliflerin değerlendirmeye alınmayacağını belirtti. İngiliz devi, Tijjani Reijnders'i bu sezon başında Milan'dan transfer etmişti.

HAREKETE GEÇECEKLER

Manchester City, 54.9 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödedi. Bu sebeple en az zararla olayı kapatmaya çalışıyorlardı. Galatasaray ise 50 milyonluk talepte indirim bekliyordu. Ancak hiç hesapta olmayan bir gelişme yaşandı. Real Madrid, oyuncu konusunda harekete geçme kararı aldı.

ZATEN YETERİNCE ZORDU!

Ortada Real Madrid yokken bile bu transfer Galatasaray için zordu. Şu anda durum daha da içinden çıkılmaz bir hal aldı. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın alternatiflere ağırlık vermesi bekleniyor. Merkez orta saha konusunda geniş bir liste var. Yönetim bütün transferleri kısa süre içinde bitirmek istiyor.

Sörloth ihtimali düşük: Schick yine liste başında

Beşiktaş'ın yeni forvet listesinde Patrik Schick ve Sörloth başı çekiyor. Sörloth'un gelme ihtimali bariz bir şekilde daha düşük. Bu sebeple Schick hala favori konumda...

Beşiktaş yaz döneminde Oh'un haricinde kesinlikle santrfor hamlesi yapacak. Kartal'ın listesinde Bayer Leverkusen forması giyen Patrik Schick ve Atletico Madrid'den Sörloth başı çekiyor. Ancak Sörloth'un gelme ihtimali daha düşük. Çünkü Norveçli golcünün Avrupa'dan ciddi talipleri var.

Besıktas

EN AZ 30 MİLYON

Milan ve Barcelona'nın oyuncuya ilgisi devam ediyor. Bu sebeple Beşiktaş ağırlığını daha çok Patrik Schick'e vermiş durumda... Başkan Serdal Adalı da Çekyalı santrforu çok istiyor. Leverkusen cephesi bu transferden en az 30 milyon euro bekliyor. Kartal ise rakamı düşürmeye çalışıyor.

PİYASA ÇOK YÜKSEK

Avrupa'da genç santrforların piyasası çıldırmış durumda... 30 yaşındaki Patrik Schick'in beklentileri karşılayacağı düşünülüyor. Futbol Direktörü Önder Özen de Başkan Serdal Adalı'yla aynı fikirde... Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın, önümüzdeki 2 haftalık süreçte temaslarını yoğunlaştıracağı öğrenildi.

Fenerbahçe'nin gözü Betis ve Como'da: Teklif yapacaklar mı?

Fenerbahçe sezon başında Sofyan Amrabat'ı Real Betis'e, Diego Carlos'u ise Como'ya kiralamıştı. İki kulüp de Şampiyonlar Ligi vizesini aldı. Kanarya, 2 futbolcu konusunda teklifleri bekliyor.

Fenerbahçe, Faslı ön libero Sofyan Amrabat'ı İspanyol ekibi Real Betis'e kiralamıştı. Betis, La Liga'yı 5. sırada tamamladı ve Şampiyonlar Ligi biletini kaptı. Doğal olarak Amrabat'ın bonservisi konusunda teklif yapıp yapmayacakları merak ediliyor. 29 yaşındaki futbolcunun, Fenerbahçe ile 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var.

KOLAYLIK GÖSTERECEK

Şu anda İspanyol ekibinin konuyla ilgili kendi içinde değerlendirmelerde bulunduğu öğrenildi. Henüz Amrabat konusunda ne yapacakları net değil. Ancak Fenerbahçe'deki iki başkan adayının da Faslı futbolcuya sıcak bakmadığı söyleniyor. Teklif gelmesi halinde gerekli kolaylık gösterilecek.

Fenerbahce

KESİN KARAR YOK

Kanarya'dan sezon başında kiralık giden isimlerden biri de Diego Carlos'tu (Como)... İtalyan ekibi, Serie A'yı 4. basamakta noktaladı. Onlar da Şampiyonlar Ligi deneyimi yaşayacak. Ve tıpkı Amrabat örneğinde olduğu gibi, Como'da da Carlos konusunda kesin bir karar yok. Sarı-Lacivertliler'deki muhtemel yeni yönetimin, Brezilyalı stoperle de yollarını ayırması bekleniyor. 33 yaşındaki savunmacının Kanarya'daki sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2028'de bitiyor.

Beşiktaş'a kalede olumlu dönüş: Jose Sa

Beşiktaş, Wolverhampton'da küme düşme üzüntüsü yaşayan Jose Sa ile kişisel konularda anlaştı. Ancak konuyla ilgili son kararı, yeni teknik direktör verecek...

Beşiktaş yaz döneminde kesinlikle 1 kaleci transferi yapacak. Ersin Destanoğlu'nun ayrılık durumuna göre sayı 2'ye çıkabilir. Kartal'ın listesindeki isimlerden biri; Wolverhampton forması giyen Jose Sa'ydı... 33 yaşındaki tecrübeli eldiven, İngiliz ekibinde küme düşme üzüntüsü yaşadı.

Besıktas

HİÇBİR ANLAMI KALMADI

30 Haziran 2027 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunan Portekizli oyuncuyla kişisel şartlarda anlaşma sağlandığı öğrenildi. 1.92 boyundaki file bekçisinin kontratında ayrıca +1 yıllık uzatma opsiyonu bulunuyor (çift taraflı). Ancak tecrübeli kaleci ayrılmak istediği için bu maddenin hiçbir anlamı kalmadı.

KOLAYLIK GÖSTERİLECEK

Wolverhampton Yönetimi de ayrılık talebini ileten futbolcu konusunda gerekli kolaylığı gösterecek. Ancak konuyla ilgili son karar; Beşiktaş'ın yeni teknik direktöründe olacak. Bu isim resmen göreve başladığında, Jose Sa'ya onay verirse iş bitirilecek. Aksi halde alternatiflere gidilecek.

Habib Diarra'ya teklif hazırlanıyor: Resmi görüşme yakında

Galatasaray'ın merkez orta saha adayları arasında Sunderland forması giyen Habib Diarra da bulunuyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın, İngiliz ekibine önerilecek rakam konusunda çalıştığı öğrenildi

Galatasaray'ın yaz döneminde orta alana 2 takviye yapması bekleniyor. Bu oyunculardan biri 10 numara, diğeri ise merkez orta saha olacak. Aslan'ın listesindeki merkez orta saha adayları arasında Sunderland forması giyen Habib Diarra da bulunuyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar, konuyla ilgili sonraki adımı planlıyor.

31.5 MİLYONA ALDILAR

Cim-Bom'un, 22 yaşındaki futbolcuya önerilecek rakam konusunda fikir alışverişinde bulunduğu öğrenildi. Sunderland onu bu sezon başında Strasbourg Kulübü'nden transfer etmişti. 31.5 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. Senegalli oyuncunun 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi bulunuyor.

Galatasaray

ISMAİL JAKOBS ETKİSİ

Yani olası bir transferin ucuza bitme ihtimali yok... Galatasaray'ın Senegalli yıldızı Ismail Jakobs, kısa süre önce verdiği röportajda, "Eğer Habib Diarra veya Pape Gueye konusunda Galatasaray'ın girişimi olursa seve seve onlarla konuşurum" ifadelerini kullanmıştı.

Hakan Safi: Biz değişimin öncüsüyüz

Şanlıurfa Fenerbahçeliler Derneğini ziyaret eden Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi, seçim öncesi açıklamalarına devam ediyor.

Şanlıurfa Fenerbahçeliler Derneğini ziyaret eden Hakan Safi, kongre üyeleri ve taraftarlarla bir araya geldi.

Kulüp üyeleri veya taraftarlar için farklı projeler üreteceğini anlatan Safi, sosyal ve kültürel çalışmalara ağırlık vermek istediğini ifade etti.

Yoğun seçim çalışması yaptığını aktaran Safi, "Fenerbahçe'nin neferiyiz ve hizmetkarıyız. Kimse takımın sahibi değildir, Fenerbahçe'nin sahibi sizlersiniz. Seçimde sandıklara sahip çıkıp Fenerbahçe'yi tekrar Fenerbahçelilere emanet edeceğiz." diye konuştu.

"Koltuklar emanettir, camiadan alacağımız teveccüh ile buraları sizlerle yönetmeye talip olacağız." ifadesini kullanan Safi, "İnşallah çıktığımız bu yolda rabbim bizleri utandırmasın. İnşallah güzel bir seçim olacak. Eskiden yeni olmaz, değişmeyen tek şey değişimdir, biz değişimin öncüsüyüz. Fenerbahçe bir kulüptür bu takıma gelen başkanlar başarılı olmak zorundadır. Fenerbahçe'nin genlerinde ve özünde şampiyonluklar vardır. Dün ile yaşayamayız, her zaman ileri ve yarına bakmamız lazım. Biz de onun için buralara talip olduk. İştahımızla yeteneğimizle cesaretimizle maddi ve manevi varlığımızla Fenerbahçe'ye hizmet etmek istiyoruz." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Udinese kulübünden Gökhan İnler hamlesi

Udinese, teknik heyetteki Gökhan İnler ile sözleşmesini 2028'e kadar uzattığını açıkladı.

İtalya Serie A ekibi Udinese, Gökhan İnler'in sözleşmesini 2028'e kadar uzattı.

Udinese'den yapılan açıklamada "Kulüp, Gökhan'ın sözleşmesinin 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar uzatıldığını ve önümüzdeki iki sezon boyunca Udinese'de teknik alan başkanı olarak görevine devam edeceğini duyurmaktan mutluluk duyar." ifadelerini kullandı.

Futbolculuk kariyerinde Aarau, Zürich, Udinese, Napoli, Leicester City, Beşiktaş, Başakşehir ve Adana Demirspor formalarını giyen Türk asıllı İsviçreli futbol adamı, Udinese'de 2024 yılından beri sportif direktör (Teknik alan sorumlusu) olarak görev yapıyor.

ÇL-in Liqa mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazanmış 29 klub bəllidir

25 May 2026 at 20:20

2026/2027-ci illər mövsümü üçün UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının (ÇL) əsas mərhələsinə birbaşa vəsiqə qazanmış 29 komandanın hamısı bəlli olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu, İtaliya A Seriyasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün sonuncu – 38-ci turunun oyunlarından sonra dəqiqləşib.

Son olaraq “Roma” və “Komo” komandaları ÇL-in Liqa mərhələsində iştirak hüququ əldə ediblər.

UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının əsas mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazanmış 29 klubun siyahısında aşağıdakı komandalar yer alıblar:

İspaniya: “Barselona”, “Real”, “Vilyarreal”, “Atletiko”, “Betis”;

İngiltərə: “Arsenal”, “Mançester Siti”, “Mançester Yunayted”, “Aston Villa”, “Liverpul”;

Almaniya: “Bayern”, “Borussiya” (Dortmund), “Leypsiq”, “Ştutqart”;

İtaliya: “İnter”, “Napoli”, “Roma”, “Komo”;

Fransa: PSJ, “Lans”, “Lill”;

Portuqaliya: “Sportinq”, “Portu”;

Niderland: PSV, “Feyenoord”;

Türkiyə: “Qalatasaray”;

Ukrayna: “Şaxtyor” (Donetsk);

Çexiya: “Slaviya” (Praqa);

Belçika: “Brügge”.

Xatırladaq ki, ÇL-in 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə son 7 vəsiqənin sahibi avqustun sonunda təsnifat mərhələsinin oyunlarından sonra bəlli olacaq.

Simon Minyole karyerasını başa vurdu

25 May 2026 at 20:00

Futbol üzrə Belçika milli komandasının sabiq qapıçısı, “Brügge”nin şərəfini qoruyan Simon Minyole peşəkar futbolçu karyerasını başa vurub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 38 yaşlı qolkiper bu barədə sosial şəbəkə hesabında paylaşım edib.

Təcrübəli qapıçı karyerasını məhz “Brügge”də başa vurmağın onun üçün böyük şərəf olduğunu qeyd edib.

Minyole 2019-cu ilin avqustundan etibarən “Brügge”nin formasını geyinirdi. O, bu müddətdə komanda ilə 5 dəfə Belçika çempionu olub, həmçinin 1 ölkə kuboku və 3 super kubok qazanıb. Qapıçı Belçika klubunun heyətində bütövlükdə 311 oyuna çıxıb, 333 qol buraxıb, 112 matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.

Minyole peşəkar karyerasına “Sent Trüden”də (106 oyun, 122 qol, 3 “quru” matç) başlayıb. O, daha sonra “Sanderlend” (101 oyun, 135 qol, 33 “quru” matç) və “Liverpul” (204 oyun, 239 qol, 66 “quru” matç) kimi Premyer Liqa klublarının uğurları üçün çalışıb. Minyole “Liverpul”la 2018/2019-cu illər mövsümündə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının qalibi olub.

Simon Minyole 2011-ci ildə debüt etdiyi Belçika milli komandasında 35 oyun keçirib ki, bunların 10-da qapısının toxunulmazlığını qorumağı bacarıb. 35 yaşlı qolkiper milli komanda ilə DÇ-2018-də bürünc medal qazanıb.

Harri Keyn yenə “Qızıl buts” mükafatını qazandı

25 May 2026 at 19:40

İngiltərə millisinin və Almaniya çempionu “Bayern”in hücumçusu Harri Keyn karyerasında ikinci dəfə “Qızıl buts” mükafatını qazanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 32 yaşlı futbolçu Almaniya Bundesliqasının 2025/2026-cı mövsümündə 31 oyunda 36 qol (72 xal) vuraraq buna nail olub.

Forvard Avropanın bütün liqalarında ən çox qol vuran oyunçu olub.

İngiltərənin “Mançester Siti” klubunun forvardı Erlinq Haland 27 qolla (54 xal) ikinci, İspaniya təmsilçisi “Real”ın futbolçusu Kilian Mbappe 25 qolla (50 xal) üçüncü yeri tutub.

Xatırladaq ki, Keyn “Bayern”dəki debüt mövsümündə (2023/2024) də “Qızıl buts” mükafatına sahib çıxmışdı. O, həmin vaxt da Bundesliqada 36 qolla yadda qalmışdı.

Harri Keyn “Tottenhem”in yetirməsidir. İngilis hücumçu 2023-cü ilin avqust ayında 100 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində elə, London klubundan “Bayern”ə keçib. Harrinin Münhen klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2027-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

Cari mövsümdə Keyn “Bayern” üçün bütün yarışlarda 50 oyuna çıxıb, 58 qol və 7 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.

Harri Keynin Almaniya nəhənginin heyətində çıxışının ümumi mənzərəsi 146 oyun, 143 qol və 33 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.

İngilis hücumçu “Bayern”lə 2 dəfə Almaniya çempionu olub, 1 dəfə Almaniya Super Kubokunu qazanıb.

Keyn 2015-ci ilin mart ayında debüt etdiyi İngiltərə yığma komandasının heyətində 112 oyuna 78 qol və 19 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib. Keyn İngiltərə yığmasının ən sərrast qolçusudur.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 32 yaşlı ingilis hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 65 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

Erlinq Haland Premyer Liqada bunu 3-cü dəfə bacardı

25 May 2026 at 19:20

“Mançester Siti”nin norveçli mərkəz hücumçusu Erlinq Haland növbəti dəfə adını futbol üzrə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının tarixinə yazdırıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, norveçli futbolçu İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün bombardiri olub.

Haland artıq geridə qalmış mövsümdə çempionat çərçivəsində meydana çıxdığı 35 oyunda 27 qol vurub, 8 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

Beləliklə, Haland son 4 ildə üçüncü dəfə Premyer Liqanın “Qızıl buts” mükafatını qazanıb. O, daha əvvəl 2022/2023 və 2023/2024 mövsümlərində də bu ada layiq görülmüşdü.

Bombardirlər yarışında Haland “Brentford”un braziliyalı hücumçusu İqor Tyaqo (22 qol) və komanda yoldaşı Antoni Semenyonu (17 qol) qabaqlayıb.

Xatırladaq ki, ötən mövsümün ən məhsuldar futbolçusu 29 qolla “Liverpul”un misirli hücumçusu Məhəmməd Salah olmuşdu.

Erlinq Haland “Mançester Siti”yə 2022-ci ilin iyul ayında 60 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində Dortmund “Borussiya”sından keçib. Norveçli hücumçunun İngiltərə klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2034-cü ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

Cari mövsümdə Erlinq “şəhərlilər”in heyətində bütün yarışlarda 52 oyuna çıxıb, 38 qol vurub, 9 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

Halandın “Mançester Siti”nin heyətində çıxışının ümumi mənzərəsi isə 198 oyun, 162 qol və 30 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.

Haland “Mançester Siti” ilə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının (2 dəfə), İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunun (2 dəfə), İngiltərə Liqa Kubokunun, İngltərə Super Kubokunun, UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının, UEFA Super Kubokunun və FIFA Klub Dünya Kubokunun qalibi olub.

Erlinq Haland hazırda kapitanı olduğu, 2019-cu ilin sentyabr ayında debüt etdiyi Norveç yığmasının heyətində 49 oyuna 55 qol, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 25 yaşlı norveçli hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 200 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

“Şimal” – “Qaradağ Lökbatan” matçı Kamal Umudluya tapşırıldı

25 May 2026 at 19:00

Birinci Liqada çıxış etmək uğrunda “Şimal” və “Qaradağ Lökbatan” arasında keçiriləcək pley-off matçının təyinatları müəyyənləşib.

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

Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, həlledici oyunu Kamal Umudlu idarə edəcək. Ona yan xətt hakimləri Namiq Hüseynov və Vüsal Məmmədov kömək edəcəklər. Dördüncü hakim funksiyasını Elvin Bayramov yerinə yetirəcək. Fərid Hacıyev VAR-da, Şirmamed Mamedov AVAR-da fəaliyyət göstərəcək.

Xatırladaq ki, sözügedən qarşılaşma mayın 27-də Şamaxıda keçiriləcək. Oyuna saat 16:00-da start veriləcək.

Birinci Liqaya vəsiqə uğrunda pley-off oyunu
27 may

“Şimal” – “Qaradağ Lökbatan”
Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Namiq Hüseynov, Vüsal Məmmədov, Elvin Bayramov.
VAR: Fərid Hacıyev.
AVAR: Şirmamed Mamedov.
Hakim-inspektor: Anar Salmanov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu, 16:00.

“Kəpəz”in debütantları

25 May 2026 at 20:16

“Kəpəz”in yetirmələri Ruslan Quliyev və Elgün Bayramov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının son turunda debüt edib.

Futbolopress.az xəbər verir ki, Ruslan Quliyev ilk oyununa 17 yaş 240 günlüyündə çıxıb. Elgün Bayramov isə Premyer Liqada debüt edərkən 23 yaş 81 günlük olub.

“Kəpəz” son turda “Neftçi”yə uduzub – 0:1.

Komanda mövsümü 10-cu sırada bitirib.

“Napoli” Konte ilə vidalaşdı

25 May 2026 at 19:56

“Napoli” baş məşqçisi Antonio Konte ilə yollarını ayırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Konte 2024-cü ilin yayından “Napoli”yə rəhbərlik edirdi. Komanda ötən mövsüm onun rəhbərliyi altında A Seriyasını qazanıb.

“Napoli” bu il çempionatı 2-ci sırada bitirib.

 

Avropa Liqasına vəsiqə qazanan “nəhəng”lər

25 May 2026 at 19:29

“Qarabağ” yeni mövsümdə Avropa Liqasında mübarizə aparacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “atlılar” turnirə I təsnifatdan başlayacaq. Qurban Qurbanovun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektivin liqa mərhələsinə düşmək ehtimalı böyükdür. Komandanın son illərdə avrokuboklarda göstərici nəticə “Qarabağ”ın yenidən əsas mərhələdə olacağına şübhə yaratmır.

“Qarabağ” təsnifat mərhələsini keçsə, Liqa mərhələsində TOP-5 çempionatlarında mübarizə aparan nəhəng klublara rəqib ola bilər. TOP-5-də mövsüm başa çatıb və Avroliqada birbaşa Liqa mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazananlar artıq məlumdur:

İngiltərə Premyer Liqası: “Bornmut”, “Sanderlend”
İtaliya A Seriyası: “Milan”, “Yuventus”
İspaniya La Liqası: “Selta”, “Real Sosyedad”
Almaniya Bundesliqası: “Hoffenhaym”, “Bayer”
Fransa Liqası: “Marsel”, “Renn”.

Avropa Liqasında “Qarabağ”ın da mübarizəyə başlayacağı ilk püşk iyunun 16-da atılacaq.

Paytaxt klubu kuboku qazandı

25 May 2026 at 19:13

Rusiya Kubokunun qalibi məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici görüşdə “Spartak” ilə “Krasnodar” üz-üzə gəlib. Əsas vaxtı bərabərliklə bitən (1:1) matçın qalibi penaltilər seriyasından sonra müəyyənləşib.

Son zərbələrdə dəqiq olan Moskva klubu kubokun qalibi olub.

Pley-off oyunu FIFA referisinə tapşırıldı

25 May 2026 at 18:44

Premyer Liqada çıxış etmək uğrunda pley-off matçının təyinatları məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Qəbələ” ilə “Mingəçevir” arasında baş tutacaq oyunu FIFA referisi Tural Qurbanov idarə edəcək.

28 may (cümə axşamı)

“Qəbələ” – “Mingəçevir”
Hakimlər: Tural Qurbanov, Cəmil Quliyev, Asiman Əzizli, İnqilab Məmmədov
VAR: Rəvan Həmzəzadə
AVAR: Teymur Teymurov
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Mehtiyev
“SOCAR Polymer Arena”, 18:30

YZi Labs launches YZi Talent to funnel AI, Web3 and biotech job openings

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SpaceX related party maze puts Valor and Musk in creditors’ spotlight

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Where Juventus and Milan threw away Champions League qualification

25 May 2026 at 20:04

A careful look at the statistics shows that Milan and Juventus lost out on the Champions League because of their terrible record against the teams outside the top six.

There had been complaints about Inter under Cristian Chivu that they struggled to win the big games, including two defeats in the Derby della Madonnina.

However, their almost perfect results against the so-called smaller sides proved crucial to dominating the Scudetto race.

The flipside of that is how those same fixtures did the damage to rule Milan and Juventus out of the Champions League qualifying places.

Juventus and Milan struggled with smaller teams

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan chases a loose ball alongside Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan chases a loose ball alongside Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

If we look purely at the record against teams outside the top six, it becomes clear where things went wrong for these clubs.

Milan were never out of the top four from Week 4 until the final round, when they crumbled with a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari.

The Rossoneri picked up just 51 points out of a possible 84 against the teams outside the top six this season, dropping 33 potential points.

All the more disconcerting is how many of those matches were at San Siro, losing to Cremonese, Parma, Udinese, Atalanta and most famously Cagliari.

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan dejected after the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan dejected after the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Instead, Milan’s record against the other teams in the top six saw them pick up 19 points out of a possible 30, with the only defeat away to Napoli in April.

Juventus follow a not dissimilar pattern, as their record against the smaller clubs is 57 points from a possible 84, including two draws against relegated Hellas Verona.

FLORENCE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 22: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

In this case, they had a worse head-to-head record with the top six than Milan, losing to Como twice, Napoli and Inter once.

Report Allegri will be fired by Milan after just 1 year

25 May 2026 at 19:18

Max Allegri will be fired by Milan today after throwing away Champions League qualification on the final round of the season, claim multiple reports.

Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia, Sport Mediaset and MilanNews are all confident the decision has been made by patron Gerry Cardinale.

Allegri will be informed of the dismissal later today and then a formal announcement is set to be released.

Milan slam the door on Allegri

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He only took the job last summer, his second stint at the club after a run from 2010 to January 2014, and had for many months been challenging for the Scudetto.

However, the team’s form collapsed in the closing stages straight after the Derby della Madonnina victory over rivals and leaders Inter.

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri shows the yellow card to Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri shows the yellow card to Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

That success on March 8 was followed by just three wins, a 0-0 draw against Juventus and six losses.

Allegri oversaw 42 competitive games this season, resulting in 22 victories, 10 draws and 10 defeats.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 06: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

His exit is expected to be part of a wider revamp of the entire club hierarchy, with only Cardinale and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic surviving.

President Paolo Scaroni should remain, although with the focus only on the new stadium project.

CEO Giorgio Furlani, director of sport Igli Tare and chief scout Geoffrey Moncada are all expected to move on this summer.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Cardinale and Ibrahimovic are seeking a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ coach who will be more attacking and proactive.

As for Allegri, he has been heavily linked with the Napoli job, even before this Rossoneri collapse.

Too Many Foreign Players, Too Many 3-5-2s: How Serie A Killed the Italian Footballer

25 May 2026 at 19:15

The World Cup is a tournament that the entire football world waits for. Fans, analysts, and casual viewers alike eagerly anticipate watching the planet’s finest players compete on the grandest stage. 

With the expanded 48-team format now in place, the competition promises even more dynamics, more surprises, and more football than ever before: more nations, more stories, and more genuine drama across a longer, richer tournament.

 

Betting sites across the globe have recorded significant increases in user activity as people dissect squad selections, form guides, and individual performances in granular detail. In Romania in particular, local betting platforms have noted a marked surge in traffic, with users placing bets on a wide range of sides. England, Spain, and France are attracting particular interest. 

But as every football fan already knows, Italy will not be at this World Cup. Worse still, this is the third consecutive major tournament they have failed to qualify for, a staggering, almost incomprehensible collapse for a nation that won the trophy four times. That reality demands a serious look at exactly what has gone so wrong in Italian football over the last fifteen years.

A System That Stopped Producing Footballers

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - APRIL 01: Keep Racism Out logo is seen prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on April 01, 2024 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 01: Keep Racism Out logo is seen prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 01, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

The most obvious place to begin is youth development, or rather, the steady erosion of it. For decades, Italian clubs ran some of the most sophisticated academies in Europe. They produced technically sound, tactically disciplined players who could slot into the national team setup with minimal adjustment.

That pipeline has narrowed dramatically. The academies still exist, but the pathway from youth football to first-team minutes in Serie A has become so congested with foreign talent that young Italian players are reaching their mid-twenties without having played meaningful professional football at the top level.

This is not a new observation, but its consequences are only now being fully felt. A generation of Italian players who should have been peaking between 2022 and 2026 simply wasn’t developed properly. 

They trained well, perhaps, but they didn’t compete enough. Top-level football requires decision-making under pressure, game management, and the experience of high-stakes moments, none of which can be absorbed on a training ground. When the national team needed experienced, battle-hardened players in their mid-twenties, too many of them were either playing in Serie B or sitting on top-flight benches.

The Foreign Player Flood and Its Real Cost

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 21: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Serie A clubs have consistently prioritised cheap, readily available foreign talent over the longer-term investment in homegrown players. The financial logic is understandable. Signing a proven midfielder from Eastern Europe or South America at a low transfer fee is simply more efficient in the short term than nurturing an Italian teenager through four or five years of gradual development. But that efficiency has a national cost that no club balance sheet accounts for.

Walk through any Serie A squad today, and the ratio of Italian players to foreign players is stark. Some starting elevens feature at most one or two Italians.

This wouldn’t necessarily matter if those Italians were guaranteed to play, but they often aren’t. Coaches pick the best available players regardless of nationality, which is entirely correct from a club perspective. 

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

The problem is structural: when the Italian players who do get minutes are spread thin across a league increasingly populated by foreign talent, the national team ends up selecting from a shallow pool of adequately experienced players rather than a deep one.

There is also a cultural dimension worth acknowledging. Italian football used to have a clear identity: defensive intelligence, positional discipline, and the ability to control a game without dominating possession. Foreign players bring different habits, different instincts, and different footballing cultures. Over the past 15 years, Serie A has gradually diluted the Italian footballing identity without replacing it with anything coherent.

The Tactical Trap of the 3-5-2

The tactical monoculture that has gripped Serie A deserves its own examination. The three-man defensive line, typically flanked by wing-backs and supported by a double pivot, became so dominant in Italian football that an entire generation of players was shaped entirely around it. 

Coaches at the club level drilled these systems relentlessly, and national team coaches inherited players who were almost incapable of functioning comfortably in other structures.

The 3-5-2 and its variants are not inherently bad systems. They can be devastatingly effective. But when every team plays roughly the same shape, and every player is trained for roughly the same roles, tactical flexibility disappears.

International football demands adaptability. Opponents study you, adjust at half-time, and expose predictability. Italy has repeatedly looked rigid and one-dimensional against teams that had simply done their homework. 

The inability to change shape mid-game, to press differently, or to attack with genuine unpredictability has cost the Azzurri crucial points in qualifying campaigns that should not have been as close as they were.

Beyond the shape itself, the style of football prioritised in Serie A has drifted away from the technical development that creates world-class individuals. Wing-backs need to be athletic and functional. Central midfielders need to be positionally disciplined. These are useful qualities, but they are not the qualities that produce a player capable of creating something from nothing in a tight World Cup qualifier against a well-organised opponent.

Governance, Politics, and Missed Opportunities

Italian football’s administrative failures have compounded the on-pitch problems. Plans for youth development reform have been drawn up, presented, and quietly shelved. 

Figures with genuine footballing knowledge have been brought in as advisors or technical directors, only to find their recommendations ignored or their access blocked by the political machinery of the Italian Football Federation. The gap between stated ambition and actual action has been consistent and damaging.

The cycle tends to repeat itself: a crisis occurs, prominent former players are brought in to add credibility to a reform project, announcements are made, and then the underlying power structures quietly reassert themselves.

Real change requires dismantling those structures, which is precisely what the people who control them have no incentive to do. Until Italian football is governed by people whose primary concern is the quality of the product on the pitch rather than the preservation of their own institutional position, the deeper problems will remain unresolved.

Three consecutive World Cup absences are not bad luck. They are the logical outcome of decisions made. and not made, over the better part of two decades. The talent still exists in Italy, as occasional glimpses in youth tournaments confirm. But talent without a functioning system to develop and deploy it produces exactly what Italy keeps serving up: promise, disappointment, and another cycle of outrage that changes nothing. 

Until the league itself changes, until Italian players are given real minutes in real matches, the national team will keep arriving at qualifying campaigns with the same structural disadvantages, no matter who is coaching them.

 

Serie A whirlwind as Sarri to Atalanta, Gattuso for Lazio, Milan to fire Allegri

25 May 2026 at 18:50

With Maurizio Sarri set for Atalanta and Gennaro Gattuso replacing him at Lazio, plus reports Milan will sack Max Allegri, the Serie A managerial merry-go-round is in full swing.

The 2025-26 season only concluded last night, but there is already a whirlwind of activity and numerous clubs are set to change their coaches.

Sarri sparking domino effect

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri head coach SS Lazio celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

It was already known that Sarri was heading for the Atalanta job, and today multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia confirm the details of the agreement.

This is going to be a two-year contract with option for a third, with wages set at circa €3m per season plus bonuses.

His replacement at Lazio has also been secured already, with multiple sources noting that former Italy boss Gattuso has shaken hands with President Claudio Lotito.

This is also a two-year contract to take the bench at the Stadio Olimpico.

ROME, ITALY - JUNE 19: The Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso attends the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: The Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso attends the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte and Napoli announced their separation by mutual consent yesterday, while multiple sources are confident Milan will sack Max Allegri after failing to secure Champions League football.

Going into next season, the only coaches who seem absolutely rock solid to remain are Cristian Chivu at Inter, Gian Piero Gasperini with Roma, Como’s Cesc Fabregas, plus probably Luciano Spalletti at Juventus.

Serie A’s fastest: Palestra edges Man Utd loanee Hojlund and Dodo in speed rankings

25 May 2026 at 18:33

Marco Palestra has been named Serie A’s fastest player of the 2025/26 season, claiming the Frecciarossa Speed Award after recording the highest average sprint speed in the division throughout the campaign.

The Atalanta wing-back, who spent the season on loan at Cagliari, clocked an average sprint speed of 27.96 km/h, narrowly ahead of Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli at 27.92 km/h and Fiorentina’s Dodo at 27.77 km/h.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Mario Gila of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Mario Gila of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Palestra pips Hojlund speed crown ahead of summer market scramble

The award, presented by Serie A, measures average speed across all sprints above 25 km/h across the entire league season.

Last year’s winner was Jackson Tchatchoua, the Hellas Verona full-back who subsequently joined Wolverhampton last summer.

The recognition adds another accolade to what has been a remarkable season for Palestra, who also claimed the Serie A Best Defender award earlier this week and has established himself as one of the most coveted young players in Italian football ahead of an expected summer move.

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Palestra has been linked heavily with a move to Inter, if he stays in Italy, whilst Premier League sirens are sounding out a move for the youngster.

Hojlund, meanwhile, appears to be edging closer to a permanent stay in Naples, after a strong campaign on loan with the Partenopei from Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic only survivor of Milan cull, seeking Fabregas type coach

25 May 2026 at 18:31

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was slammed by fans and given a police escort leaving San Siro, but it looks as if he’s the only survivor in Gerry Cardinale’s Milan cull, seeing a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ coach.

The Rossoneri collapsed in a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari last night, missing out on a Champions League spot when only a draw would’ve been enough thanks to a superior head-to-head record with Como.

The tension was already sky high before kick-off, with fan protests outside the stadium and a Curva Sud fanzine statement calling for Ibrahimovic, CEO Giorgio Furlani, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada and President Paolo Scaroni to leave.

They had defended coach Max Allegri and director of sport Igli Tare, who both arrived only last summer.

Ibrahimovic given more Milan power

KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA - JANUARY 25: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former AC Milan player, looks on as he attends the Men's Downhill of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on January 25, 2025 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA – JANUARY 25: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former AC Milan player, looks on as he attends the Men’s Downhill of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on January 25, 2025 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

It was reported that Ibrahimovic and owner Cardinale were given a police escort as they left San Siro last night, with fears the anger of the fans would spill out.

Now multiple sources suggest that the RedBird chief will have a clean sweep of the entire Milan hierarchy, saving only his special advisor and former striker Ibrahimovic.

Allegri, Tare, Furlani and Moncada are all on their way out, with Ibra given the task of choosing their new coach.

Milan owner Gerry Cardinale
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Corriere dello Sport reported today that Antonio Conte was approached to take over, but the same source suddenly changed tack following a call with Cardinale.

It is now claimed that they are looking for a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ who can bring fresh ideas.

GENOA, ITALY - MAY 17: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that Ibrahimovic and Allegri clashed, so with the Swede given more decisional power, they cannot continue together.

⚡ Weekly Recap: Linux Flaws, Defender 0-Days, Router Botnets, and Supply Chain Chaos

Monday recap. Same mess, new week. A sketchy dev tool got people pwned, old bugs came back from the dead, and security products somehow needed protecting from themselves. A bunch of companies spent the week checking old boxes and forgotten servers they should've patched years ago. Good times. Phishing crews are getting smarter too - less obvious scam junk, more targeted stuff that actually

See Mississippi State softball celebrate first WCWS in pool with uniforms still on

Mississippi State softball celebrated its Game 3 NCAA Tournament super regional win over Oklahoma in a fun way.

The Bulldogs (43-19) defeated the No. 3 seed Sooners (52-10) 6-0 at Love's Field on May 24. With the win, Mississippi State is advancing to the Women's College World Series for the first time.

The Bulldogs celebrated their achievement by jumping into a pool fully clothed. A video posted to social media shows coaches and players still in their uniforms leaping into the water and splashing around with big smiles on their faces.

Splashing down in OKC!#HailStatepic.twitter.com/86uHHuCZxi

— Mississippi State Softball (@HailStateSB) May 25, 2026

In its win over Oklahoma, Mississippi State gave the Sooners their first shutout since 2019 thanks to a three-hitter by Delainey Everett. The Bulldogs also snapped Oklahoma's streak of making nine consecutive WCWS appearances.

Mississippi State will make its WCWS debut on May 28 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN) against No. 11 seed Texas Tech at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.

The Bulldogs also played the Red Raiders in last year's NCAA Tournament, losing 9-6 in the regional finals in Lubbock, Texas.

2026 Women's College World Series schedule

All times CT

  • May 28
    • Game 1: Mississippi State vs Texas Tech (11 a.m., ESPN)
    • Game 2: Tennessee vs Texas (1:30 p.m., ESPN)
    • Game 3: UCLA vs Alabama (6 p.m., ESPN2)
    • Game 4: Arkansas vs Nebraska (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
  • May 29
    • Game 5: Game 1 loser vs Game 2 loser (6 p.m., ESPN2)
    • Game 6: Game 3 loser vs Game 4 loser (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
  • May 30
    • Game 7: Game 1 winner vs Game 2 winner (2 p.m., ABC)
    • Game 8: Game 3 winner vs Game 4 winner (6 p.m., ESPN)
  • May 31
    • Game 9: Game 5 winner vs Game 7 loser (2 p.m., ABC)
    • Game 10: Game 6 winner vs Game 8 loser (6 p.m., ESPN2)
  • June 1
    • Game 11: Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (11 a.m., ESPN)
    • Game 12 (if necessary): Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (1:30 p.m., ESPN)
    • Game 13: Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (6 p.m., ESPN2)
    • Game 14 (if necessary): Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
  • June 3
    • Finals Game 1 (7 p.m., ESPN)
  • June 4
    • Finals Game 2 (7 p.m., ESPN)
  • June 5
    • If necessary, finals Game 3 (7 p.m., ESPN)

Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State softball celebrates first WCWS by jumping in pool

MLB expert calls Mariners baseball&#39;s biggest disappointment despite strong AL West belief

Cal Raleigh

MLB expert calls Mariners baseball's biggest disappointment despite strong AL West belief originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners are 25-29 at Memorial Day, and there is plenty of reason to worry about this team that came into the year as a World Series contender.

It's been a frustrating 2026 season for the Mariners, and with Cal Raleigh on the injured list after a poor start to the year, and Luis Castillo struggling mightily, it's hard not to be pessimistic about the season so far.

That's why it's not a surprise that ESPN's Bradford Doolittle called the Mariners the biggest disappointment of the 2026 season so far. However, while giving the Mariners such a label, Doolittle also shared a strong AL West belief in Seattle.

Mariners are biggest disappointment despite AL West favorite label

"I'd go with Seattle," Doolittle said of the Mariners being MLB's biggest disappointment. "... The Mariners are still the AL West favorites in my book, but they blew a golden opportunity to seize control of the division early."

While the Mariners might be Doolittle's biggest disappointment this season, he still believes them to be the favorites to come out of the AL West.

At 25-29, the Mariners aren't in first place, but they are tied for second in the division, and only 2.5 games back of the Athletics for the division lead.

MOREYankees Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons

They begin a three-game series against the A's on Memorial Day, and if they were to sweep them, Seattle would all of a sudden be in first place in the AL West.

It's been a disappointing season for the Mariners, but there is still a good chance for them to not only make the playoffs but also win the AL West.

Doolittle called the Mariners the biggest disappointment in MLB this season, not necessarily for being the worst team in baseball, but for the missed opportunity the Mariners had to separate themselves from the competition in the AL West this season.

More MLB news:

&#8216;Perhaps the best player in the world right now&#8217;: Former Real Madrid boss defends superstar forward

‘Perhaps the best player in the world right now’: Former Real Madrid boss defends superstar forward
‘Perhaps the best player in the world right now’: Former Real Madrid boss defends superstar forward

Former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano has come to the defence of Kylian Mbappe at a time when criticism and debate continue to surround the French forward.

The 27-year-old striker has divided opinions with his performances this season and there have been occasions when fans at the Bernabeu have let their feelings known by booing and whistling at him.

With PSG moving closer to another Champions League title without the Frenchman and Real Madrid coming off an inconsistent season, much of the attention has shifted toward Mbappe and his perceived impact on both clubs.

Valdano jumps to Mbappe’s defence

However, speaking on Movistar (h/t MARCA), Valdano addressed the scrutiny that has followed Mbappe since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2024 and pushed back against what he considers excessive criticism of the player.

Valdano has defended Mbappe against criticism. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Valdano pointed to the 27-year-old forward’s achievements with France as evidence of the level of player under discussion.

“He has won a world championship and was runner-up in another, scoring three goals in the final. We are not talking about a fraud, we are talking about perhaps the best player in the world right now,” the Argentine said.

Valdano argued that the narrative surrounding Mbappe’s influence, both at PSG and Real Madrid, has become exaggerated.

Too much responsibility placed on Mbappe

Valdano believes the expectations and blame directed toward the forward have become disproportionate.

Mbappe has finished as the La Liga top scorer for a second season in a row. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“To place the blame for everything good that happens to Paris Saint-Germain and everything bad that happens to Real Madrid on this man, who is the league’s top scorer, seems like an abuse to me,” he stated.

The former Real Madrid player and executive suggested that Mbappe is being turned into the central explanation for situations that involve many different factors.

Despite the criticism surrounding him, the French superstar continues to produce statistically, remaining one of the team’s leading figures and maintaining the goalscoring level expected of one of football’s biggest stars.

He ended the 2025/26 campaign with 42 goals from 44 games, with 25 of those strikes coming in La Liga, making him the top scorer for the second consecutive season.

NCAA baseball: Georgia Tech hosts Atlanta regional, Georgia hosts Athens regional

The Road to Omaha will start in Atlanta and Athens.

Georgia Tech baseball (48-9) and Georgia baseball (46-12) will both host a regional when the NCAA Division I Baseball postseason begins on Friday. The full bracket and schedule will be unveiled at 12 p.m. Monday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Both the Yellow Jackets and Bulldogs won their conference tournaments in dominating fashion on Sunday afternoon.

Georgia Tech defeated North Carolina, 13-6, for its first ACC Tournament championship since 2014 and the first under new head coach James Ramsey. Georgia defeated Arkansas, 11-1, for its first SEC Tournament championship in program history.

The Atlanta regional will be the 13th time the Yellow Jackets have hosted and the first since 2019. Tickets can be purchased here.

2026 will be the third consecutive and ninth overall time the Bulldogs have hosted a regional. Tickets can be purchased here.

Here are all 16 NCAA regional sites and hosts in alphabetical order.

Athens Regional

  1. Georgia (46-12)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Atlanta Regional

  1. Georgia Tech
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Auburn Regional

  1. Auburn (38-19)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Austin Regional

  1. Texas (40-13)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Chapel Hill Regional

  1. North Carolina (45-11-1)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

College Station Regional

  1. Texas A&M (39-14)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Eugene, Oregon Regional

  1. Oregon (40-16)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Gainesville Regional

  1. Florida (39-19)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Hattiesburg Regional

  1. Southern Mississippi (43-15) 
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Lawrence Regional

Lincoln Regional

  1. Nebraska (42-15)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Los Angeles Regional

  1. UCLA (51-6) and No. 1 overall seed
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Morgantown Regional

  1. West Virginia (39-14)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Starkville Regional

  1. Mississippi State (40-17)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Tallahassee Regional

  1. Florida State (38-17)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

Tuscaloosa Regional

  1. Alabama (37-19)
  2. TBD
  3. TBD
  4. TBD

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Kusal Mendis back as Sri Lanka captain for ODIs and T20s against West Indies

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka has handed the captaincy of its one-day and Twenty20 teams back to Kusal Mendis while retaining Dhananjaya de Silva as skipper for the tests on next month's cricket tour of the West Indies.

Mendis captained Sri Lanka in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 but was replaced in 2024. He has never led his country in T20s.

He succeeds Charith Asalanka as ODI captain and Dasun Shanaka in the T20s. Both former skippers were kept in those respective squads named Monday.

Sri Lanka called up two uncapped players, batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara and fast medium bowler Isitha Wijesundara, to its test squad.

Leg-spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Eshan Malinga, who were ruled out of this year's T20 World Cup because of injury, have returned to the white-ball squads.

Paceman Matheesha Pathirana, who also missed the World Cup, is sidelined again after being injured in the Indian Premier League.

The first tour game is an ODI in Kingston, Jamaica on June 3.

Squads

Test squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha.

ODIs: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.

T20s: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.

___

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

The Ventura Orthopedics Athletes of the Week

Ventura Orthopedics Athletes of the Week

DESTINEE HERRERA

School: Oxnard

Year: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Destinee Herrera

Comment: The sophomore ace was dominant in the circle last week to help lead the Yellowjackets to the CIF-SS Division 4 championship game. On Wednesday, Herrera didn’t allow an earned run in 11 innings, striking out nine while throwing 112 of her 147 pitches for strikes, and drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th to give Oxnard a 5-4 win over St. Bonaventure in a quarterfinal game. She pitched a four-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and no walks to lead the Yellowjackets to a 1-0 win over Monrovia on Saturday in a semifinal game. Herrera hasn’t allowed an earned run in 30 postseason innings. Oxnard will play Mission Viejo for the Division 4 title this weekend in Irvine.

HAEDEN WEBER

School: Ventura

Year: Junior

Sport: Golf

Haeden Weber

Comment: The junior shot an even-par 72 at the CIF-Southern Section Individuals and SCGA Qualifier last Thursday at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard to advance to the state regional qualifier. Weber fired a 67 to finish sixth out of 130 players at the CIF-SS Northern Regional Tournament on May 11 at Los Robles Greens Golf Course after earning all-Channel League second-team honors. He will play at Los Serranos Golf Course in Chino Hills on Thursday, May 28, with a chance to advance to the state tournament, which will be held June 3 at San Gabriel Country Club. Weber’s scoring average is 72.6 for 18 holes.

The athletes are chosen by The Star sports staff.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: The Ventura Orthopedics Athletes of the Week

Mitch Marner cautious of Avalanche ‘firepower’ after Vegas wins Game 3

Mitch Marner remained cautious despite the Vegas Golden Knights moving within one win of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas is now in control after a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the NHL‘s Western Conference Final.

The Golden Knights erased a 3-0 first-period deficit Sunday night to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Marner recorded two assists in the win and continued his dominant postseason run. Through 15 playoff games, the star winger has collected seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points while contributing heavily on both special teams units.

MORE: NHL world reacts to bold Maple Leafs take on Mitch Marner

Speaking after the game, Marner focused less on the comeback and more on the challenge still ahead.

“I think we’re just getting everyone to buy in,” Marner said. “Every single line is doing their job and doing their thing and contributing on the ice, so that’s all you can ask for.”

Marner also made it clear Vegas is not overlooking Colorado despite the series score. He repeatedly pointed toward the Avalanche’s offensive depth and ability to shift momentum.

“We still got a lot of work left to go,” Marner said. “The next one is going to be hard, and we know that. So, like i said, we are playing a hell of a hockey team over there, we know they are not going to roll over, they got a lot of firepower, they are going to come with everything next game. So, gotta go home, take care of yourself and be ready for the next one.”

Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche fight during the third period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

That mindset reflects the identity Vegas has built throughout this playoff run. The Golden Knights continue winning through structure, depth, and discipline rather than relying on one line to carry offense. Vegas has now overcome deficits in back-to-back games against Colorado and continues to find production throughout the lineup.

Mitch Marner’s impact in the playoffs and the Avalanche series

Marner’s impact for Vegas remains central to that success. So far, he has 3 points against the Avalanche in this series, all assists, and has logged nearly 22 minutes with a +2 rating.

Beyond his scoring numbers, he has become one of Vegas’ most trusted all-situations players. He leads all postseason skaters with four shorthanded points and continues logging heavy defensive assignments while driving transition offense.

Still, Marner emphasized composure over celebration after Game 3.

“It was a grind,” Marner said. “I think we spoke about it since day one. We knew we were playing this team. It’s a hell of a team we’re playing against. We respect them a lot, but respect ourselves too. So, I think we talked about it all year.

“We always know that we have a chance in a game regardless of the score. I think we just put our nose down to the grindstone there and just went to work.”

MORE: NHL analyst slams Avalanche coach’s public comment on injured Cale Makar

Vegas now heads into Game 4 with a chance to complete a sweep, but Marner’s comments showed little interest in looking ahead.

Gerry Sandusky says grandchildren changed retirement plans completely!

For two decades, Gerry Sandusky became one of the most recognizable voices in Baltimore sports, but the decision to step away from broadcasting ultimately came down to family. During an appearance on The Lounge with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, Sandusky revealed that the birth of his grandchildren last season completely changed his perspective on retirement and his future priorities.

Sandusky explained that while he still loved the job, missing the birth of his grandchildren because of the NFL schedule made him realize it was time for a new chapter.

“At that moment, I just realized I cannot keep living my life around a schedule that I have no control of, right? As much as I have loved and I have loved all of it, I have a bigger love in my life now. And those grandkids are just like the axis of our family now. And I don’t want to miss their birthday this September 19th. And I don’t want to miss their big events because, you know, grandpop’s got a game.”

Sandusky said he knew during the 2025 season that it would be his final year behind the microphone, even before publicly announcing his retirement months later. For someone who spent decades making Ravens memories part of Baltimore sports history, it's fitting that family ultimately became the reason he decided the "hay was in the barn."

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Gerry Sandusky says family changed his retirement plans forever

Dana White admits losing &#36;10K at Adin Ross’ MMA event

Dana White lost a wager at the Fred Talks Fighting. “And the fight went the way I had expected if he did show up… I did [lose $10,000]. And I didn’t believe it until he actually stepped inside the ring. So he did it. I absolutely positively did not think he would show up, and he did. Much respect to Bob for showing up.”

Poorly Prepard to Fight


White also confirmed that he is not interested in watching Menery fight ever again. The UFC head honcho claims Menery was kicked out of the Red Rock Casino on the morning of the fight in a drunk state.

“The guy got kicked out of Red Rock Casino at 4 a.m. in the morning, s—faced drunk,” White said.  

White has known Menery since the latter was a member of the Nelk Boys. Menery exited the group after a falling out last year. 

NASCAR honors racer Kyle Busch at Coca-Cola 600 after he died days before event

Daniel Suarez secured an emotional and historic victory at the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night, a triumph made profoundly poignant by the recent passing of his mentor, Kyle Busch.

The win marked Suarez as the first Mexican-born driver to claim the prestigious crown jewel Cup Series race, his third career win and first since 2024, capping a day filled with tributes to the late racing legend.

Suarez's path to victory was a strategic masterclass, benefiting from a crucial two-tire pit stop late in the race.

He then skillfully fended off intense challenges from Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin during subsequent restarts before Mother Nature dramatically intervened.

Heavy rain drenched the Charlotte Motor Speedway track shortly before midnight Eastern time, leading NASCAR officials to call the race with 27 laps remaining, solidifying Suarez's unexpected win.

 (Getty)
(Getty)

The victory held deep personal significance for Suarez, who had previously raced for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

During his early struggles to establish himself in auto racing, Busch frequently offered words of encouragement and urged him to persevere.

"Kyle, he was special," Suarez said, visibly emotional as he teared up. "I was doing this for Kyle, for (his wife) Samatha, for (his children) Brexton and Lennix and for all of his family."

The motorsports world was still reeling from the death of Kyle Busch, who passed away just three days prior at 41.

The two-time Cup Series champion and winner of a record 234 races across NASCAR’s three national series succumbed to severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Busch had become unresponsive while practicing in a Chevrolet simulator.

His family, present at the race, received assurances from NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell that they remain a vital part of the community, stating, "we got you."

Tributes to Busch were prominent throughout the event, including his No. 8 and signature emblazoned on the frontstretch grass, a highway billboard near the main entrance, and black No. 8 decals affixed to all 39 cars in the field.

 (Getty)
(Getty)

The U.S. Army Golden Knights also carried a Busch flag prior to the race.

Despite their best efforts, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Bell and Hamlin couldn't overtake Suarez. Bell, who finished second, expressed disappointment, stating, "It’s a bummer. It wasn’t meant to be today. That's 2026 for us."

Hamlin, who placed third, attributed his outcome to being "just a little unlucky," adding, "The 20 car (Bell) and us were just really battling because we knew whoever could clear him (would win the race). We were really good all day. We just didn’t get to see it through."

Bell had previously won the rain-shortened 2024 Coca-Cola 600.

The race also saw several significant incidents. Defending champion Ross Chastain crashed out when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. clipped his car in Turn 2 with 81 laps remaining.

Connor Zilisch and Austin Cindric's race ended prematurely after just 52 laps in a collision. Two-time 2024 winner Chase Elliott hit the outside wall and then ping-ponged into the inside wall on Lap 90, admitting, "I was trying to make something happen and I stepped over the line."

Austin Hill, a regular in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, stepped in for Busch, driving the No. 33 car after Richard Childress Racing temporarily retired the No. 8 until Busch's 11-year-old son Brexton is ready to drive.

Hill finished 26th, while RCR's Austin Dillon finished 32nd after sustaining damage to the front of his car.

Suarez's victory stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and a heartfelt tribute, weaving a narrative of personal triumph with the collective grief and enduring spirit of the racing community.

😅 Hide-and-seek? Players use GENIUS ploy to dodge a booking

😅 Hide-and-seek? Players use GENIUS ploy to dodge a booking

Two CRB players came up with a curious and brilliant strategy, in the best hide-and-seek style, to try to avoid a yellow card.

All of CRB’s substitutes ran onto the field to celebrate a goal in the 4-2 win over Ponte Preta on Sunday (24) at Rei Pelé Stadium.

During the match, referee Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (RJ) showed yellow cards to EVERYONE... at least everyone he saw.

Two of them stayed hidden behind the advertising board. On the match report, however, the officiating crew noted yellow cards for them as well.

The strategy didn’t work out very well, but the scene went viral. Watch:

In total, CRB received 12 yellow CARDS. To make matters worse, four players were already one booking away from suspension and will miss the next round.

That is the case for Estrella, Guilherme Pato, Bressan, and Dadá Belmonte, who will serve suspensions against Cuiabá on Sunday (31) at Arena Pantanal.

After 10 rounds, CRB sit in eighth place with 14 points.

The top two teams will be promoted automatically. And four more teams (from third to sixth) will compete in the promotion playoffs.


Featured photo: Reproduction

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

Analysis: No surprise as Shinnie departs a hero

Graeme Shinnie graphic
[BBC]

Graeme Shinnie's departure will come as no surprise to Aberdeen fans, with his influence on the pitch waning in a turbulent season.

The midfielder only started half of the club's league games as they limped to ninth place, with his all-action play becoming less effective week-to-week as age catches up.

Robinson clearly agrees as he starts his Aberdeen rebuild, with regular game time the sticking point in Shinnie extending his stay.

But the captain will depart as a hero to every Dons supporter. One of their own, he visibly gave everything every time he stepped on to the pitch.

Watching a local lad fly into tackles, rally team-mates, and sometimes single-handedly drive their team forward is not something fans are regularly accustomed to in the modern game. That is what Shinnie gave the Red Army.

During his first spell he was part of a brilliant midfield three which also involved Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack as Aberdeen became Celtic's main challengers, losing out in finals and in the league.

Latterly, with lots of signings coming and going, he has been one of few consistent presences giving the club a sense of identity.

Despite that turbulence of recent years, he got the moment he and his fellow fans had dreamed of on 24 May 2025.

Shinnie will forever be remembered for sticking Aberdeen's first penalty in the shootout win over Celtic right into the top corner.

That, and the celebrations which followed that long-awaited Scottish Cup win will be the defining image of him at Pittodrie.

Renegade Getting Ready To Rumble In Belmont Stakes

RENEGADE - The Arkansas Derby G1 - 03-28-26 - R13 - Oaklawn Park - Finish 05 - Renee Torbit

Renegade was much the best in winning the Arkansas Derby and now prepares for a run in the Belmont Stakes

Coady Photography (Renee Torbitt)

The Belmont Stakes is coming into focus for Thoroughbred runner Renegade. As the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown series rapidly approaches, the 2026 Kentucky Derby runner-up will be ready to once again go to battle as a rematch with the likes of Derby winner Golden Tempo will come on June 6.

IMG_4919

Renegade battled from his 1 post to finish a courageous second in the Kentucky Derby

Danny Brewer

The Kentucky Derby Proved Renegade’s Toughness

The Kentucky Derby always presents the biggest challenge of any young horses’ career. Renegade came into Derby 152 as the morning line favorite and fresh off a dominant win in the Arkansas Derby. Drawing the rail and post 1 in a 20-horse field could easily turn this race into the Saturday night special no holds barred cage match the Kentucky Derby can become. And true to form it actually did for Renegade.

“All of our fears of drawing the 1 post unfolded right out of the gate,” says Renegade trainer Todd Pletcher. “The good news is despite all the contact he came out of the race unscathed and with no cuts.”

As soon as the horse broke there was an immediate scrum of equine flesh. Intrepido veered inward from his 3 post and created major contact with the 2 horse Albus and sandwiched him with a fast-breaking Renegade who was attempting to clear and not get squeezed inside. To their credit, Renegade and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. escaped the figure four leg lock the horses just to his outside had tried to apply and eased out of the pack as the horses moved down the back stretch. While the runners rolled around the far turn and headed for the wire, the big-running Renegade weaved through the crowd and muscled his way towards the front. Despite more jostling in the stretch, this son of Into Mischief found himself right there within rock-throwing distance of the finish pole. In the final yards of the world’s most famous race, Renegade was looking like he might just overcome it all. Then the late-running Golden Tempo, who had been completely free flowing throughout the mile and a quarter, stole the show by a neck.

Golden Tempo made the history books with his worst to first run, but those who really watched the fight can’t deny the toughness of Renegade.

“He has always shown us he is a very gritty horse,” says Pletcher, who has two Kentucky Derby wins (2010, 2017) to his credit. “Renegade runs with a lot of courage and he has proven he is not afraid to wrestle if he needs to.”

152nd Kentucky Derby - Previews

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - APRIL 26: Todd Pletcher, trainer of Renegade, looks on during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 26, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Belmont Stakes Can Be A Showcase For Renegade

Sports fans will be looking forward to the third leg of the Triple Crown and the rematch between the top two finishers in the Kentucky Derby. Run on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York, this edition of the “Test of a Champion” has been shortened to a mile and a quarter because of the track configuration at the Spa. Belmont Park is going through major renovations and will again host the race next year as it returns to its normal mile and a half distance. With a number of other runners lining up for New York’s signature race for three-year-olds, this promises to be anything but a two-horse race. With $2 million on the line, a stallion-making race like this should draw plenty of interest.

The field is yet to be determined for the 158th running of this historic event, but it will draw fewer horses than the Kentucky Derby. Renegade has displayed a big late kick in winning the Sam F. Davis Stakes and Arkansas Derby earlier this year. Of course the Kentucky Derby showed more of the same, but depending on how the race plays out at Saratoga, Pletcher’s charge may not be coming from far off the pace.

“Renegade is versatile enough and has enough experience that we feel he can win from anywhere,” says the New York-based Pletcher, who has won the Belmont Stakes four times (2007, 2013, 2017, 2022). “The shortened distance and it being run at Saratoga is no real factor for him. We will see how the race unfolds and just let him be him.”

Renegade is owned by Robert Low and Repole Stables. He was purchased for $975,000 at the Keeneland yearling sale in September of 2024. He has 2 wins, 3 second place finishes, and 1 third from six career starts while earning $ 2,031,500 on the track.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Which teams could Liverpool face in 2026/27 Champions League as Reds finally clinch qualification

Which teams could Liverpool face in 2026/27 Champions League as Reds finally clinch qualification
Which teams could Liverpool face in 2026/27 Champions League as Reds finally clinch qualification

It took until the concluding day of the Premier League season, but Liverpool can finally look forward to Champions League football in 2026/27.

The Reds needed just a point from their fixture against Brentford on Sunday to confirm qualification for Europe’s premier club competition and they duly got it, although Bournemouth’s failure to beat Nottingham Forest meant that we’d have qualified even had we lost to the Bees yesterday.


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It preserves a tremendously consistent record of playing in the tournament for the ninth time in 10 years, missing out only in 2023/24, even if we needed the lifeline of England earning one of the two allocated European Performance Spots to avoid dropping into the Europa League instead.

As of Sunday night, all 29 automatic berths for next season’s Champions League have been filled, with the remaining seven teams to emerge from the qualification rounds over the summer.

Liverpool set to be in Pot 1 for Champions League draw

It means the precise seeding pots for the 2026/27 league phase have yet to be finalised, but with those determined by UEFA’s club coefficient, we can say with near-certainty that Liverpool will once again be in Pot 1.

That’s because the Reds sit fourth in the overall coefficient, with this being the last year that their run to the 2022 Champions League final is classified (therefore, reaching the quarter-finals this term was a timely boost).

As it stands, the four seeding pots will be allocated as below, with the caveat that seven more clubs have yet to be added, and some could move between pots depending on who ultimately qualifies.

*Could potentially move to Pot 4, depending on which teams come through the qualifying rounds

Being in Pot 1 doesn’t carry the same significance now as it did in the pre-2024 group stage format, when it meant avoiding the continent’s highest-ranked clubs until the knockout rounds, but it’s nonetheless a source of pride that Liverpool are the best-ranked English club at present.

Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Liverpool could face some familiar foes in the Champions League

The Reds will face two teams from each pot (playing one at home and one away) and can’t be drawn against a fellow Premier League side in the league phase.

It means there’s a greater than 50% chance of once more coming up against a team they faced in the Champions League this season, with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and both Atletico and Real Madrid all projected to be in Pot 1, with LFC unable to face Manchester City or Arsenal.

Prospective Pot 2 opponents include memory-evoking potential clashes against Borussia Dortmund and/or Roma, as well as a possible revenge mission against a PSV Eindhoven side who won 4-1 at Anfield last November.

Pots 3 and 4 are set to be more fluid due to the uncertainty over which seven teams come through the qualifying rounds, but among the eye-catching opposition from those pots are old foes Napoli, RB Leipzig and Galatasaray (three meetings this season was enough, thanks!); along with Champions League first-timers Como, who finished above AC Milan and Juventus to claim fourth in Serie A.

We won’t know which eight clubs Liverpool will face until the draw is made in late August, but after a very bumpy 2025/26 campaign, we’re just glad that the Reds will be in the draw at all in three months’ time!

&#39;Give him time to splash some water on face&#39;: Sunil Gavaskar on Rishabh Pant using &#39;F&#39; word on live TV

NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant drew widespread criticism after his post-match comment that included the 'F' word. Pant, after LSG's defeat to Rajasthan Royals on May 19 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, was called for the post-match interview and said: "We're a f***** good team," on live television.

For this comment, Pant was slammed and criticised from all corners.


However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar backed Pant and said broadcasters should have given the captain some breathing space rather than calling him directly just after the match.

"Rishabh Pant dropping the 'F' word in his post-game interview does make one wonder whether it is necessary to interview the captain whose team has just lost the game barely minutes earlier. If it's been a last-over finish, then the disappointment for the captain would be even greater and if he is also the wicketkeeper who has been running up and down to the stumps every other delivery and that too in this heat, then it can add to his frustration," Gavaskar wrote in Mid-day.

Both LSG and Pant didn't have a good outing in Indian Premier League 2026. LSG signed off IPL 2026 at the bottom of the points table. They managed just four wins in 14 matches and suffered 10 defeats.

Pant too struggled with the bat, scoring just 312 runs in 14 matches.

"It might be a better idea to speak to the 'player of the match' from the winning team and give the captain of the losing team a little time to splash some water on his face and regain his composure and then come over for an interview. As it is, there will be a bit of time for the presentation party to be ready, so giving the captain of the team that has lost, a few more minutes could well ensure that such things won't happen," he added.

"Rishabh Pant is one of the most cheerful guys in the game who loves playing the sport in his own unique way. And the fact that even he lost it does make the case for the losing team's captain to be given a few more minutes to recover his thoughts rather than have the mic shoved in his face even before he has had time to get his breath back. Is that too much to ask?" he wrote.

Brooks Koepka withdraws from Charles Schwab Challenge after Byron Nelson T-14 finish

Brooks Koepka will be sitting out the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas this week, after competing for three straight weeks on the PGA Tour circuit.

In his return to the PGA Tour, Koepka has taken every opportunity to prove himself this season and previously said, "Every week is a new fresh start for me, and I'm obviously with my penalty I'm not allowed to play every event, and if I get the chance to tee up, I want to play," but after grinding the last few weeks he withdrew from this week's tournament on Sunday evening.

The 36-year-old finished T-14 Sunday at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch. Prior to the Texas tournament, Koepka played in the PGA Championship outside of Philadelphia at Aronimink Golf Club and finished T-55 for the weekend.

"Any major is always a difficult week," Koepka said before Byron Nelson. "It's the third week in a row for me, which is usually -- I like playing a little bit, playing a few weeks in a row and kind of build up that momentum, build a rhythm."

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2026 - Round One
Brooks Koepka was telling anyone who would listen that he was close – it was just a matter of making some putts.

Prior to the major tournament, Koepka finished T-11 at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic on May 10, so it's undoubtedly been a busy stretch for the former LIV Golf player.

Koepka's withdrawal from this week's tournament means he won't qualify for the Memorial Tournament the first week of June in Dublin, Ohio, the Tour's seventh Signature Event of the season. His decision not to play also impacts the alternates in the field at Charles Schwab. Under the Returning Members Program, if Koepka had stayed in the tournament, the field would have expanded from 132 players to 135.

ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic 2026 - Round Three
Brooks Koepka eagled No. 13 at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic on Saturday in the middle of a run up he called the most fun he’s had playing golf in years.

Looking ahead, Koepka has committed to the RBC Canadian Open June 11-14 and has an exemption to play the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club the following week. Last time the Open was played at the Southampton course, Koepka went home with the major trophy.

So far this season in Koepka's return to the PGA Tour, he's played in 11 tournaments and only missed the cut three times and it's safe to say, he's been enjoying the hustle.

"I've kind of fallen back in love with this. I'm enjoying the grind. I'm enjoying battling it out here," Koepka said.

2024 PGA Championship - Round One
Ben Griffin defends his crown against Ludvig Åberg and Justin Thomas at Colonial as the PGA Tour heads to Cowtown for its final tournament of the month.

2026 Premier League Darts play-off night match predictions and 3 storylines to watch

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries

2026 Premier League Darts play-off night match predictions and 3 storylines to watch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Play-off night for the 2026 Premier League Darts season is almost here.

Four players remain after an eight-player field clashed for the past 16 weeks in the league phase.

Three of the four players competing this Thursday at The O2 arena in London have won this event before, and all four have made the final.

2026 Premier League Darts play-off night matchups

Match TypePlayers
Semifinal #1Luke Littler (1) vs. Gerwyn Price (4)
Semifinal #2Jonny Clayton(2) vs. Luke Humphries(3)
FinalLittler/Price vs. Clayton/Humphries

Play-off night match predictions

Here are my predictions for who will go through to the final and who will end the night as the last player standing.

*SF1 & SF2: Best-of-19 legs (First to 10)

*F: Best-of-21 legs (First to 11)

MORE:2026 Baltic Sea Darts Open qualifiers: Is Luke Littler playing this weekend?

Semifinal #1: Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price

Winner: Luke Littler, 10-8

Price has yet to beat Littler in the best-of-11 PL format this year.

They've had a lot of close matches in the PL and at other events, so despite Littler having a 6-0 2026 PL record against Price, it should be closer than what that record suggests.

Price is itching to get a major, as it's been a few years since he's won one, but with some of his inconsistent performances and issues off the oche, it's hard to get a feel for what version of Price will show up this week.

Littler hasn't really had many explosive performances in recent weeks, so the door could be open for Price to steal this game and make the final.

It really comes down to whether Price can get into his zone quickly at the start of his match with Littler.

The same can go for Littler, as he's extremely hard to beat when he has one of those nights where the scoring is excellent, and when he's giving his opponent few chances at doubles.

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table

Semifinal #2: Jonny Clayton vs. Luke Humphries

Winner: Luke Humphries, 10-7

Clayton has been a little flat in the past few weeks of the PL, winning just one of his last six matches.

That could all mean nothing, though, as he's had a play-off spot practically clinched for a while.

It's going to be tough for Clayton to get by Humphries either way, as Humphries has peaked at this point in the season and looks to be in better form than Clayton.

Humphries enters play-off night with eight straight PL matches where he averaged over 100, showing how consistent he's been.

I expect Clayton to have chances to take command of this game, but he's going to have to be near perfect if a confident and relaxed Humphries shows up again this Thursday.

MORE: Gerwyn Price proposes intriguing Premier League Darts format change, with royal rumble component

Final: Luke Littler vs. Luke Humphries

Winner: Luke Humphries, 11-9

A Luke/Luke final would be the third straight year we get the matchup in the play-off final, and I'm not sure many would be upset about it.

Their final in 2024 was electric, as Littler made history, winning his first PDC major title and hitting a nine-darter in the match as well.

Humphries got revenge this time last year, winning another close final in 2025, making them tied 1-1 in the PL title category.

As mentioned before, Humphries enters this week in great form, which is arguably better than what we've seen from Littler over the past few weeks.

Littler has a career record of 4-3 over Humphries when they've played in major finals, but Littler has won the last three (World Masters, Grand Slam and World Grand Prix).

I believe that with how Humphries has played, we'll see him take down Littler and lift the PL trophy for a second year in a row. 

Three storylines to watch during the play-off night

Here are some storylines to look out for on play-off night.

Luke vs. Luke part 3?

We've seen Littler and Humphries play in the final twice before, but will we see it for a third straight year, and if so, who will come out on top?

Can Clayton or Price pull off the upset?

Both players have had great PL campaigns, but can either take down a Luke or two to take home the coveted title?

Will there be a 9-darter?

We've seen four 9-darters hit on play-off night in the PL, with Phil Taylor most notably hitting two in one match in the 2010 final, but can a player find perfection this year?

More Darts articles:

‘Now I Feel Stronger’ – Ramadan Ondash Reloaded For Flyweight Debut Against Suriyanlek At The Inner Circle On May 29

Lebanese phenom Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash has already showcased terrifying knockout power at strawweight. Now, as he moves up a division, fans may be about to witness a completely different animal.

After four electrifying wins and multiple knockdowns across five appearances in ONE Friday Fights, the 19-year-old returns to action against Suriyanlek Por Yenying in a highly anticipated flyweight Muay Thai showdown at The Inner Circle on Friday, May 29.

The blockbuster event airs live exclusively for subscribers on live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

Ondash enters the matchup looking to bounce back from the first setback of his ONE Championship career — a razor-close and deeply emotional battle against Aliff Sor Dechapan at ONE Fight Night 38 last December.

While a future rematch with the Thai-Malaysian contender remains one of his primary long-term goals, Ondash and his team ultimately decided that the flyweight division represents the next natural step in his martial arts evolution.

He explained:

“My body changed because I don’t have fat in my body, only muscles. My team told me moving up is better for me because now I feel stronger, more conditioning, more power. I feel very good.

“Next week you will see a different Ramadan. Different from before. More relaxed. More clear. I changed my mind a little bit.”

The move up in weight may prove highly dangerous for the rest of the division.

Still just 19 years old, Ondash continues developing physically. According to the Lebanese striker, the additional size and freedom at the 135-pound limit have already helped him feel sharper, stronger, and far more complete during his training camp.

More importantly, the teenage sensation firmly believes fans will see a calmer and more mature version of his fighting style against Suriyanlek.

The battle-tested Thai veteran owns an impressive 85-21 professional record and has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the ONE Friday Fights series, compiling 11 victories through his trademark forward pressure, ironclad durability, and a fearless willingness to engage in ferocious exchanges.

Still, “The Scorpion” sounds far more excited than intimidated by the stylistic matchup.

He said:

“He’s a good fighter. He has good hands, strong hands, power. It will be a very good fight.”

Stylistically, this clash has all the makings of an absolute thriller.

Unlike Aliff’s movement-heavy style, Suriyanlek prefers marching straight forward and trading heavy combinations in close range. That is exactly the type of chaotic environment where Ondash has historically looked his absolute most dangerous.

But according to the Tiger Muay Thai phenom, fans should not expect the exact same approach this time around. Known primarily for his slick boxing combinations and aggressive pressure, Ondash hinted that he has spent significant time sharpening new weapons ahead of his flyweight debut.

He offered:

“Maybe more kicks this time. I trained very hard for this fight. Almost three months. Even during Ramadan I was training. I don’t stop training.

“I want to do my best and show the fans who Ramadan Ondash is.”

Ondash Eyes Explosive Showdown With Ghazali

Even before stepping into the ring against Suriyanlek Por Yenying, Ramadan Ondash already knows exactly who he wants to face next: Johan “Jojo” Ghazali.

The potential matchup between the two teenage knockout artists has rapidly become one of the most talked-about fantasy fights among Muay Thai fans online.

Young, fearless, highly explosive, and wildly popular among Gen Z audiences, both martial artists are widely viewed as the future global faces of the sport.

According to Ondash, the epic matchup almost sells itself.

He said:

“Everybody wants to see me and Jojo. We are both strong, young, and we have big futures together. A very beautiful fight.”

The two actually go back several years. Ondash first met Ghazali during their amateur days, competing in IFMA tournaments long before either teenager emerged as a global superstar under the ONE banner.

While their relationship remains respectful outside the ropes, Ondash made it crystal clear that friendship would not matter once the opening bell rings.

“The Scorpion” stated:

“We were friends. But inside the ring there are no friends. After the fight we can be friends again.”

More importantly, the Lebanese striker already has the perfect stage in mind for this dream showdown.

Following the massive success of ONE’s blockbuster event in Japan earlier this year, Ondash revealed that competing at ONE SAMURAI has become one of his ultimate career goals. And if he gets through Suriyanlek in style, he wants Ghazali waiting for him there.

Ondash concluded:

“If I win this fight, I want to fight Jojo at ONE SAMURAI event in Japan. I love Japan. It’s my dream to fight there. I want to fight at ONE SAMURAI 2 in August.”

Source

Patriots links 5/25/26: Year 3 Drake Maye primed to deliver

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 1: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Will Drake Maye improve in 2nd year with McDaniels? Plus, coaching points, Kyle Williams change, Jaylinn Hawkins podcast recap, quotes and more.
  • Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: Late AJ Brown chatter; Real or leverage?
  • Doug Kyed’s NFL Notes: What history says about Will Campbell’s left tackle ceiling with the Patriots.
  • Karen Guregian identifies 5 Patriots storylines to monitor in the coming weeks. No 3. Year 3 Drake Maye.
  • Sara Marshall mentions how the Patriots have quickly become a team worth watching again for NFL fans.
  • Matt Legros examines whether the Patriots can repeat as AFC East champs in 2026.
  • Chris Mason looks at how many individual games the Patriots are favored in for 2026.
  • Matt Legros considers the 2026 stat projections for TE Hunter Henry and RB TreVeyon Henderson.
  • Ethan Hurwitz explains why the Patriots already feel comfortable with Zak Kuhr’s promotion.
  • Chris Mason says that while landing Dre’Mont Jones was one of New England’s top priorities in free agency, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell calls it the team’s worst move of the offseason.
  • Ian Logue notes Adam Schefter holds firm: Patriots-AJ Brown trade seems to be just a formality.
  • Sara Marshall relays Tom E. Curran, who thinks there’s a good chance WR Kayshon Boutte will force the Patriots’ hand to be traded ahead of the 2026 season.

NATIONAL NEWS

Spurs embarrass Thunder through defensive efforts not seen since 2020

Victor Wembanyama

Spurs embarrass Thunder through defensive efforts not seen since 2020 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Antonio Spurs had a different demeanor when the ball went up in the air during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Coach Mitch Johnson and Coach Gregg Popovich gave his team an earful after a horrendous two-game losing streak to the Oklahoma City Thunder. How did they respond? Well, Victor Wembanyama and Co. choked the squad led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander so much that they notched a feat not seen since 2020.

Spurs force Thunder to confront defensive reality through efforts last seen in 2020

82 points was all the Thunder could muster up against the Spurs in Game 4. A team that had two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA All-Star Chet Holmgren, and All-Defensive Second Team selection Cason Wallace could not break at least 90 points in a decisive Western Conference Finals game.

It was all due to the efforts of Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs that the final score turned out to be 103-82. In fact, Coach Mitch Johnson achieved a massive defensive feat that the Thunder has not faced in a long time. See, the last time that Gilgeous-Alexander and his squad was held under 90 points was way back in April 10, 2022 which was well over four years ago. What made the defensive effort of the Spurs more insane? The Thunder was last held under 90 points in the NBA Playoffs in August 29, 2020, per ESPN Insights.

Domination may even fall short as a descriptor for how the Spurs manhandled the Thunder in Game 4. Wembanyama led their defense and it was great display of grit for the young superstar. The Thunder could only score as much as 19 points per quarter in the first half. By the second half, the uptick was only limited to 22 points in the remaining quarters.

It was all in the numbers too. The Spurs had 52 rebounds while the Thunder only had 47 rebounds. Coach Johnson saw his team notch 10 blocks, nab 11 steals, and force 17 turnovers. Wembanyama and Co. also bothered the shots of Gilgeous-Alexander's squad. Game 4 only had the Thunder going 33% from the field on 91 shots and also a horrendous 18.2% from three-point range.

If Wembanyama, Coach Johnson, and the Spurs manage to keep this defensive pressure up, they will prevent the Thunder from being a dynasty.

More Spurs News:

Spectators injured in &#39;serious incident&#39; at TT

Isle of Man TT logo on the bonnet of an official course car.
The practice session was red flagged at about 13:50 BST [BBC]

Eight spectators had to be taken to hospital after a motorbike rider crashed into a crowd on the opening day of practice in the Isle of Man TT races.

Organisers said the incident at the exit to Parliament Square in Ramsey involved a single competitor and "several spectators".

The session was red flagged at about 13:50 BST following the crash, which led to the implementation of "serious incident procedures".

The spectators were "reported as conscious, and were transferred to Nobles Hospital for further assessment and treatment", organisers said.

The rider, who has not been identified, suffered leg injuries and was "conscious and talking", they said.

"In accordance with the event's standard operating procedures, an investigative process is now under way involving race, medical and safety personnel," they added.

Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson earlier confirmed the remainder of the day's schedule had been cancelled "as management of the incident" continued.

The 2026 TT, which takes place on closed public roads over the 37.7-mile (60km) Mountain Course, is set to run until 6 June.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.

More on this story

Related internet links

How Usyk vs Verhoeven referee justified controversial stoppage to Peter Fury

Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images
Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images

Rico Verhoeven was expected to struggle badly against Oleksandr Usyk, but the heavyweight kickboxing great turned the fight into a far tighter contest than many predicted.

Usyk eventually won by 11th-round stoppage, yet the finish became the story because the Dutchman appeared to survive just as the bell became central to the dispute.

That made the defeat harder to accept for Verhoeven’s camp, especially after a performance that shocked fans and left the underdog close to a remarkable boxing upset.

Rico Verhoeven’s coach reveals what referee Mark Lyson told him on flight home

Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images
Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images

Verhoeven’s coach Peter Fury told iFL TV he was on the same flight home as referee Mark Lyson and asked him directly about the stoppage.

“The referee was on the flight with me on the way back. So I spoke to him. I went over, and the best way to sort any dispute is go and ask him the question, isn’t it? Ask the person who’s done it,” Fury began by saying.

“I said, ‘You’ve made a mistake.’ And he said to me, which is very important, he said, ‘Peter, I didn’t hear the bell.’ I said, ‘Well, now I believe, because I didn’t hear the bell either.’ I didn’t hear the bell. I thought it was like two seconds before.

“So, yes, it’s a mistake. And I’m going to call it a genuine mistake. After me speaking with him, he said it. And he said it honestly. He said, ‘I never heard the bell.’ So I take that as right, because I didn’t hear the bell either.”

That explanation does not remove the controversy, but it gives the decision a human context.

The frustration will remain for Verhoeven. He dropped jaws as a huge underdog and had his chance to achieve an outstanding feat blocked by a mistake.

Still, that fight just added to his status as a combat sports superstar and more opportunities are certainly set to come.

Read more:

Monday Dots: Don’t Look Back in Anger

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 08: Denzel Boston #12 of the Washington Huskies catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

You don’t know what you’re missing, now
Any little Dots that you know
Everything that’s small has to grow
And it’s gonna grow, push push, yeah

  • High school recruiting has been a major focus and success during Jedd Fisch’s tenure at UW so far. Fisch hasn’t reached the on-field heights that Kalen DeBoer did during his brief stay in Seattle. However, the success feels more sustainable and appears to be building on an upward trajectory due to the talent acquisition system. Christian Caple looks back at the 2022 recruiting class, which is an especially stark example of the difference. It was DeBoer’s first class as he moved over from Fresno St to UW. A few recruits stuck around from Jimmy Lake’s final class, a few followed DeBoer, but the overall ranking was a scary 102nd nationally. The class produced Denzel Boston, but basically nobody else who was a long-term contributor.

  • Speaking of recruiting, the UW staff has lined up a big weekend of official visits starting this coming Friday. Scott Eklund posted a recruiting blog for Dawgman to outline what we know so far about the visitors and where the recruitment stands with each of them. If things break well, the Dawgs could fill out really impressive groups at WR, OL, and DB in the relatively near future.

  • The Seattle Times has a touching profile of UW rower Luke Collins. After his father died last year, Collins left the UW rowing team. After some time to grieve, Collins, a native of Poulsbo, returned to the team and is using his mom and sister as support to try to restore a sense of normalcy.

  • UW Baseball had a miserable start to the season, but showed some green shoots in the last few weeks. After the Dawgs beat #1 UCLA in the last series of the regular season, they had a nice showing in the B1G Tournament. They won their first-round game over Ohio St and then beat Michigan to qualify for the quarterfinals. They lost to Oregon on Saturday, but the improved play late in the season gives hope for a step forward next year.

washington transfer punter, hunter green, uploaded a new profile picture of his younger self in the old husky team meeting room.

hunter’s late father, phil green, was a walk-on punter at washington under don james, and was on the 1992 national championship team pic.twitter.com/dR4V1tHB0j

— the doogfather (@thedoogfather) May 25, 2026

A new dawn. A new day. QB1 pic.twitter.com/Zn3l7BidPC

— Washington Football (@UW_Football) May 23, 2026

Our standard-bearer of strength, Head S&C Coach @TOwens034 leads the Dawgs to new heights. Bow Down 🐺☔️ pic.twitter.com/G99lnCO57L

— Washington Football (@UW_Football) May 24, 2026

Who would you pick if you had to listen to one CFB Play-By-Play Announcer the rest of your life? pic.twitter.com/LGxr5W9YjK

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) May 23, 2026

‘This kid means business’: Pirates rookie, young fan make trade for home run ball

The Pittsburgh Pirates worked out a big trade during their matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez’s first major league hit was also his first major league home run.

The outfielder celebrated the feat with his teammates in the dugout, after initially getting the silent treatment.

The Pirates then began “negotiations” with the young fan who caught the ball, the team said in a social media post, adding, “this kid means business.”

The parties eventually struck a deal following what appeared to be some serious bargaining.

In exchange, the fan got a signed bat from Valdez, who the Pirates signed during the 2020-21 international signing period.

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Why Tigers are MLB&#39;s biggest disappointment according to Jeff Passan

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch (14) walks off the field after a pitching change against Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Why Tigers are MLB's biggest disappointment according to Jeff Passan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers are not having a good 2026 season by any stretch of the imagination. While they weren't in great shape a few weeks ago, it's quickly devolved into one of the worst seasons of any team in baseball.

At 21-33, the Tigers are 10.5 games back in the AL Central, with a Wild Card spot, fortunately, just 5.5 games back. But, it's still a ways away for this Tigers squad.

And according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Tigers are the biggest disappointment in Major League Baseball this season. More than the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros, the Tigers are the biggest disappointments, and for good reason.

Why Tigers are MLB's biggest disappointment

"They were strong favorites to win the AL Central after holding onto Tarik Skubal, who is heading into free agency, and signing Framber Valdez to go alongside him this past winter," Passan writes. "They put Kevin McGonigle on the Opening Day roster and signed him to a massive extension. Everything was coming up Tigers. Then the losing started."

Detroit was 18-17 on May 3, which isn't an incredibly impressive record by any means, but it was still within the AL Central race. But with Skubal headed for surgery, things quickly unraveled.

They've since gone just 3-16, and now are well behind the eight-ball to return to the postseason in what was meant to be a contending season.

MOREEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success

There are plenty of other teams that have had disappointing seasons so far, but the Tigers, according to Passan, have been the biggest disappointment of all.

The Skubal situation is a huge reason why, as the moment he went down, things spiraled out of control. It might get bad enough that the Tigers actually have to trade Skubal at the deadline to recoup something from this potentially disastrous 2026 season.

Still, the Tigers have time to rebound from this awful start. But, if things don't get better soon, there might not be any doubt that the Tigers are the biggest disappointments in MLB this season, if there is any at the moment.

More MLB news:

Jets waiting to evaluate Cade Klubnik before committing to veteran quarterback

Cade Klubnik
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) warms up during the Pinstipe Bowl practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

The New York Jets are hoping that the second season of the Aaron Glenn era goes much better than the first. After a disastrous season with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback, New York and Glenn have brought in Geno Smith for the 2026-27 campaign.

Smith was brought in to be the starter, but things behind him on the depth chart are a lot murkier. The Jets have Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook on the roster, and drafted former Clemson Tigers standout Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets plan on evaluating Klubnik before deciding on adding a veteran quarterback to the room.

“The Jets haven’t signed a veteran because they want to see what Klubnik can do over the next month. That goes for Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe, too,” Cimini wrote, “but it’s really about Klubnik, a fourth-round pick.

“Klubnik looked good at the recent rookie camp, but that was against mostly undrafted free agents and tryout players. The speed will intensify at OTAs, which should give the coaches a better idea of his ability to absorb and execute the system.”

The Jets have already met with veteran Russell Wilson, who said that he was offered, but that he is also mulling an opportunity in the media.

“They offered me,” Wilson said of his meeting with the Jets, “and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but also I have an opportunity to do TV, so we’ll see what happens.”

However, if Klubnik impresses over the next month, the Jets may make Wilson’s decision for him.

The post Jets waiting to evaluate Cade Klubnik before committing to veteran quarterback appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Sean Strickland reacts to Jake Paul entering Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes

Sean Strickland claims he isn’t earning even a fraction of what Jake Paul earns. 

Paul entered the Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes for 2026. “The Problem Child” is ranked 23rd on the list with a total earnings of $70 million. When Strickland heard the news, the UFC middleweight champion joked about terminating his contract with the promotion to go fight Paul. Strickland claims even a fraction of Paul’s earnings is more than he is earning in the UFC. Strickland is absolutely confident that he would school Paul if they met in the squared circle.

“I gotta leave the UFC and go beat up Jake Paul. That’s it,” Strickland told Nina Marie-Daniele at a recent MMA event. “Leave my contract with the UFC. It’s time for me to leave. If I made even a fraction of that I would be making more than the UFC is paying me. I would beat the s—t out of Jake Paul.” 

Rare Air for MMA Athletes


The only other combat sports athlete to make it to the list is Saul Alvarez, who took the second position with a total earnings of $170 million. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is the only MMA fighter who ever made to the Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes, first due to his boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather, and then due to the profits from his sale of majority shares in Proper No.12 whiskey. 

Meanwhile, Paul initially started his boxing career against fellow social media influencers. Paul became a popular name in combat sports by fighting MMA fighters. The 29-year-old has since progressed to fighting boxers like Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul most recently fought his toughest competition in former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who stopped him in the sixth round. 

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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates preview, Monday 5/25, 12:35 CT

Monday notes…

  • EIGHT IS ENOUGH: The Cubs have not lost a ninth consecutive game since July 17, 2022, when they fell at home to the Mets, 4-3, in 10 innings in the second game of a doubleheader. They had lost the first game, 2-1, in 11 innings. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • LET’S NOT DO THIS: A loss today would give the Cubs the dubious distinction of having the longest losing streak, nine games, of any team that had multiple double-digit winning streaks in a season. The 1916 Giants had winning streak of 17, 14 and 12 games. The first came after they had lost eight in a row. The second and third were separated by a tie. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • IT’S AS BAD AS YOU THINK IT IS: In their eight losses, the Cubs have been outscored, 43-20, an average of 5.4-2.5. They have been outhit, 68-39, an average of 8.5-3.8. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: One day after Jon Lieber one-hits the Reds, Kerry Wood matches that feat by one-hitting the Brewers at Wrigley Field. The only Milwaukee hit is a leadoff single by Mark Loretta in the seventh. Wood walks two and strikes out 14. The Cubs win 1-0 with the only run a solo homer by Rondell White in the fourth. It happened 25 years ago today, Friday, May 25, 2001.

Cubs lineup:

Start of a new series.

Watch the game live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/QWjPomuhGB

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 25, 2026

The Pirates lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Pirates lineup.

Ben Brown, RHP vs. Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP

Ben Brown’s first two starts this year, after being pressed into the rotation due to injuries, were very good. The third, last Tuesday vs. the Brewers, wasn’t quite as good, though still decent — three runs in five innings with six strikeouts. He threw 82 pitches in that one so should be fully stretched out to go as far as needed today.

Brown’s only appearance vs. the Pirates this year was two scoreless innings of relief April 11 at Wrigley Field in a game the Cubs lost in 11 innings.

Here’s one really positive thing about Brown — he has allowed just one home run this year in 38.2 innings, and that was to the very first batter he faced this season on Opening Day (Daylen Lile of the Nationals), so he’s faced 153 batters since then without allowing a long ball. Keep up the great work, Ben.

Carmen Mlodzinski has made eight starts and two “bulk guy” relief appearances after an opener this year, after being mostly a reliever up to this year.

He threw 5.1 shutout innings against the Cubs April 10 at Wrigley Field, and last time out, last Wednesday vs, the Cardinals, he threw five shutout innings. He has allowed just two home runs this year in 50 innings. This will not be an easy game for Cubs hitters.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around PNC Park.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout. If you do go there to interact with Pirates fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

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Vasco da Gama, Itabirito and Atlético Piauiense through to A2 round two

Vasco da Gama, Itabirito and Atlético Piauiense through to A2 round two
Vasco da Gama, Itabirito and Atlético Piauiense through to A2 round two

The top three teams in the Brasileirão Feminino A2 standings have already mathematically secured qualification for the second stage of the competition. Vasco da Gama leads with 31 points; Itabirito is in second place with 28 points; and Atlético Piauiense is in third with 27 points. There are still five spots left for the quarterfinals. Check the full table by clicking here.

The 11th round of the competition took place over the weekend. On Friday (22), Atlético Rio Negro and Pérolas Negras drew 1-1 in a match played at Canarinho, in Boa Vista (RR).

Saturday (23) began with a goalless draw between Taubaté and Minas Brasília at Joaquim de Morais Filho, in Taubaté (SP). Vasco da Gama thrashed Doce Mel 5-0 at Estádio da Rua Bariri, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Away from home, Ceará beat Itacoatiara 2-1 at Floro de Mendonça, in Amazonas. Finally, Instituo 3B defeated Vila nova 3-0 at Ismael Benigno, in Manaus (AM).

The final matches of the round were played on Sunday (24). Paysandu beat UDA 2-1 at Modelão, in Castanhal (PA); Itabirito defeated Ação by the narrowest of margins at Dito Souza, in Várzea Grande (MT); and Atlético Piauiense overcame Sport 3-0 at Lindolfo Monteiro, in Teresina (PI).

The next round of the Brasileirão Feminino A3 returns on Saturday (30), starting at 3 p.m.

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

Vote now for the Longplex Athlete of the Week in Baseball

Much like the weather might have forced some of you to do over the long Memorial Day weekend, we’ve switched things up on the fly here. 

The last edition wasn’t the final Longplex Baseball Player of the Week poll for the regular season (and a little extra). It’s here now. 

A few stray games remained on the schedule through Wednesday before preliminary playoff action got underway. Division I, Division II and Division III started with single-elimination contests before Pod play commenced. Two losses will be required to send teams home for the summer from there, and it all builds toward three best-of-3 title series at Rhode Island College. 

North Kingstown, Lincoln, Smithfield and Moses Brown advanced in Division I. Narragansett, Chariho, St. Raphael and Johnston moved on in Division II. Hope and Tiverton staged the biggest upsets to date in Division III by toppling Providence Country Day and Juanita Sanchez, respectively – Blackstone Valley Prep/Central Falls and North Smithfield also went through. 

Winners will be announced in the following Player of the Week poll. The prize is pretty simple – nothing tangible. Bragging rights, a bit of extra exposure on social media, the right to belong to an exclusive club by the start of June – that's about it. 

Who was last week's Longplex Athlete of the Week in Baseball?

Mason Hunt of West Warwick earned 63% of the nearly 15,000 votes cast. North Providence's Mike Ryan was second with 36%.

Hunt played a key role in the Wizards' home-and-home sweep of Ponaganset two weeks ago. He picked up a save in a 1-0 win in the opener and was outstanding in the rematch, allowing five hits and striking out six in a 3-1 triumph. Hunt helped himself at the plate with a 3-for-3 day that included a triple, an RBI and a run scored. 

We still need your help

We can’t do this alone. We need your help – engagement, reporting scores, spreading the word about the poll. That’s all up to you. We can facilitate in a few different ways, but this weekly competition will be what you make of it – we appreciate you for it. 

Coaches and athletic administrators from either team in a given game are asked to contact us through the Game Changer app, by phone at (401) 277-7340 or via email at pjsports@providencejournal.com. We’ll accept phone and email submissions Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and we’ll also check email over the course of the weekend. Getting in touch as early as possible will always be preferable. 

Longplex Athlete of the Week logo.

Meet this week's nominees

That’s enough of a preamble. It’s time for the Week 8 nominees (in alphabetical order).

Noah Ferreira, Blackstone Valley Prep/Central Falls Baseball

Noah Ferreira, Blackstone Valley Prep/Central Falls 

The Warrior Pride won four games last week, including a Division III playoff contest over returning finalist Pawtucket Co-op. Ferreira was key in all of them, including against the Tigers – a hit, a walk, a run scored and nine strikeouts in a one-hit gem on the mound. Ferreira added a combined seven hits in victories over Paul Cuffee, Times2 and North Smithfield, driving in a pair of runs apiece against the Eagles and Northmen. 

Bodie Forsell, North Kingstown baseball

Bodie Forsell, North Kingstown 

Forsell authored one of the best outings of his high school career exactly when it was needed most. He carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning as the Skippers shut out Cranston East, 5-0, in a Division I preliminary matchup. Forsell allowed just two infield singles, walked one and struck out 10 in a complete game that pushed North Kingstown into Pod 1 play. 

Brayden Menard, Moses Brown 

Menard delivered under pressure on the mound as the Quakers outlasted Barrington, 4-3, in a 12-inning Division I preliminary thriller. He allowed just two hits and struck out eight in 5 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the victory over the Eagles. Menard escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 12th while Moses Brown sealed a place in Pod 1. 

Alex Monkevicz (33), Tiverton baseball, April 15, 2026.

Alex Monkevicz, Tiverton 

The Tigers upset their way into Pod 2 of the Division III playoffs by avenging a loss earlier in the week to Juaniat Sanchez. Monkevicz had two hits in the defeat and went to work on the mound in the 12-4 triumph, striking out eight through six innings to go along with his two hits, two runs and three RBI. He also knocked in three runs and scored twice against Scituate and drove home another pair against Davies. 

Josh Tejada, Hope 

The Blue Wave advanced as the 12th-seeded team in Division III partly thanks to Tejada, who fired a gem in a 2-1 upset of Providence Country Day. He struck out five, allowed just two hits and scored a run on a Chris Bernard homer that decided it. Tejada also threw five innings in a win over Davies and collected two hits and two RBI in a victory against Paul Cuffee. 

bkoch@providencejournal.com 

On X: @BillKoch25 

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Vote for The Providence Journal Baseball Player of the Week sponsored by Longplex

Joe Burrow’s comment about Bengals’ offensive line says it all

Much has been written this offseason about how the Cincinnati Bengals return the same starting five offensive linemen for the first time in the Joe Burrow era. 

Rest assured Burrow realizes it, too. 

While speaking with reporters recently during offseason workouts, Burrow made sure to stress this point about what an advantage it is to have the starting five in front of him locked down. 

"To have all these guys back is a big advantage early in the season," Burrow said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "You don't have young guys trying to fit into the mix and learn the communication on the fly. These guys had a lot of reps last year together, and communication is so key on the offensive line, and to be able to have reps at that is so valuable."

The Bengals made sure to avoid more line disruptions this offseason by agreeing to an extension with guard Dalton Risner. It’s a move that got overlooked quickly thanks to the team's gigantic splashes later in the process, but it’s still a massive factor for the 2026 season. 

With Risner in the fold, the Bengals have Ted Karras at center, breakout sophomore Dylan Fairchild at the other guard spot and Orlando Brown and Amarius Mims at the tackle spots. 

The buzzword continuity has been the big thing around the Bengals this offseason. Hence, keeping all things related to Zac Taylor in place while the rest of the AFC North resets with new head coaches. 

What shouldn’t go overlooked, though, is the continuity on the offensive line. Even Burrow isn’t being shy about it in public. 

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Joe Burrow’s comment about Bengals’ offensive line says it all

Notre Dame vs Princeton NCAA men&#39;s lacrosse championship score, live updates

If it's Memorial Day, that means Notre Dame lacrosse is playing for the national championship.

That's been the case now in three of the past four years for coach Kevin Corrigan's would-be Irish dynasty. Just don't ask him about the D-word; he's not interested in ruminating over what a win today in Virginia (1 p.m. ET) over top-seeded Princeton would mean for No. 2 seed Notre Dame's place in lacrosse history.

Winners of 12 of their past 13 NCAA Tournament games, the Irish (13-2) are coming off a 15-7 demolition of sixth-seeded Syracuse in Saturday's national semifinals. Notre Dame, as a No. 3 seed, outlasted top-seeded Duke 13-9 in the 2023 NCAA final; in 2024 against seventh-seeded Maryland, the top-seeded Irish rolled 15-5.

Princeton (16-2) is looking for its seventh NCAA title in the modern era but its first since 2001. This is just the second trip to Championship Weekend for the Tigers since 2004.

Behind the scenes: How scout team contributions drive Notre Dame lacrosse to new heights

Follow along below for LIVE updates from Notre Dame vs. Princeton in the NCAA men's lacrosse national championship game.

Notre Dame vs Princeton NCAA men's lacrosse national championship game live updates

This section will be updated closer to game time

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: NCAA men's lacrosse national title live score, Notre Dame vs Princeton

Seattle Mariners Minor League Roundup – Week Nine

Tacoma Rainiers

It was a brutal week for the Rainiers, dropping five of six to the Salt Lake Bees on the road. This team has weathered a substantial amount of turnover as of late and is certainly down several of their core players, but with plenty of injury issues still present on the big league roster, it looks unlikely they’ll see substantial reinforcements anytime soon. As a Triple-A affiliate, such is life.

It was unsurprisingly a tough week for most Rainiers this week after the thorough butt-kicking they took, but longtime Mariner farmhand Colin Davis had a fantastic showing offensively. Collecting 12 hits that included two homers, Davis raised his season OPS to .887 and has been one of the better performers for this ballclub. They need someone to step up and replace the offensive output Colt Emerson provided for this lineup, and so far, Davis has done an excellent job at doing just that.

Arkansas Travelers

The Travs continued their winning ways against Springfield this week, taking four of six from the pesky Redbirds. They maintain their spot atop the division and are in prime position for the first half crown.

Kade Anderson racked up 7 Ks over 4.2 scoreless frames at Double-A tonight 😮‍💨

The @MsPlayerDev No. 2 prospect is up to 58 strikeouts over 38.2 innings this season.

(🎥@MiLBMariners) pic.twitter.com/piX6gxn2C5

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) May 23, 2026

Bouncing back from his first tough start last week, Kade Anderson was back to his usual self against the Cardinals, working 4.2 scoreless innings back home in DSP. The lefthander whiffed seven and walked two, allowing just three hits on the afternoon. Anderson’s season ERA sits at 1.63 and has a great chance to lead the Texas League for the rest of this 2026 season; the M’s head brass have indicated a promotion to Triple-A is unlikely at this point in time. Still just 21 years old, it’s fair to be cautious with his promotion schedule, though getting him closer to fans in the PNW would certainly be a big perk for the Rainier faithful.

With as much fanfare as the top names get on this roster, former 19th rounder Charlie Pagliarini has led the way for this Traveler offense and has been on an absolute tear during the month of May. An infielder out of Fairfield University, Pagliarini is a Three-True-Outcome type of bat that’s displayed impressive power this season, mashing his way to a season OPS of .892. Over the last several weeks, Pagliarini is slashing an absurd .392/.483/.716 with a ~20% K% and ~14% BB%, routinely hitting the ball incredibly hard and explaining away at least some part of his elevated BABIP. At 25, Pagliarini is a candidate for Triple-A this season and could be the latest in a long line of Mariner developmental successes.

Everett AquaSox

The Frogs were unable to even the series in Sunday afternoon’s bout against the Dust Devils and ended up dropping the weekly slate by a score of four to two. The Frogs aren’t officially eliminated just yet, but with a middling record in a lopsided race, a first half title is looking tougher and tougher by the day.

Jonny Farmelo had a very impressive showing at the plate this week, managing a 6-18 series with an even 5:5 K/BB ratio. Farmelo has utilized his speed to get plenty of extra-base knocks this year, and though the stolen bases are coming inefficiently right now, they’ve begun to trend up as of late after a middling start to the season. Now with a season OPS at the .799 mark, Farmelo’s solid month of May is a great sign of positive things to come for the rest of the season.

Jonny Farmelo continuing his great month of May as he smokes an RBI triple. pic.twitter.com/U8uIxbILGl

— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 24, 2026

Though his legendary hit streak was thwarted at 25 games this week, it’s worth reflecting on just how gaudy a month Felnin Celesten has been having. Playing excellent shortstop defense essentially every day, Celesten has managed a .409/.512/.667 slash line with as many strikeouts as walks. It’s unfortunate he was just a few games away from breaking the league’s all-time record, but his incredible achievements over the past few weeks deserve to be celebrated thoroughly. There have been very few months in the history of the Northwest League better than what he’s been able to accomplish in the month of May, and it seems likely he’ll be on his way to Arkansas once the first half comes to a close.

Inland Empire 66ers

It was a weird week for the 66ers, as despite excellent offensive production throughout the entire series, the pitching was unable to hold up their end of the bargain, ultimately leading to a narrow series loss. For context, Inland Empire averaged over 8 runs a game this series, yet only managed to win two games. Peak minor league baseball.

Corner outfielder Aiden Taurek has been torching the baseball for the better part of a month at this point, and this past week was no exception. Collecting eight hits on the week, half of Taurek’s knocks went for extra bases and ultimately raised his monthly OPS to .995, a whisker shy of the coveted 1.000 barrier. Taurek was an OBP machine in his brief taste of pro ball last July, but now tapping into more power, Taurek looks like a very sneaky bat that could fly through this system over the next few seasons.

Final line for Mason Peters vs Ontario:
3IP, 4H, 0R, 0BB, 4K, 7 whiffs, 56 pitches, 41 strikes. pic.twitter.com/SkczdjzygL

— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 23, 2026

Another week, another excellent start for Mason Peters. One of the only bright spots for this pitching staff all week, Peters continued his reign of terror over the California League and looks a step ahead of his competition. Lowering his season ERA to 1.74, Peters’ three shutout innings featured just four baserunners all day, and he matched that total with four punchouts of his own. He’ll be on the shortlist for Everett this summer.

ACL Mariners

In case you missed it, Baseball America ($) published a piece featuring Yorger Bautista as a major breakout candidate this season, as his batted ball metrics and swing decisions have ascended several grades on the 20-80 scale through the early goings of this season. Accomplishing this without sacrificing any bit of power whatsoever, Bautista has the underlying metrics that scream a big jump in production is coming. He could be a real threat to see the California League some time this summer and has the tools to be a mainstay on top 100 prospect lists for years to come.

Explosive claim: Canelo Alvarez insists referee pulled Rico Verhoeven out just before a savage Usyk knockout

Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images

While many criticised the stoppage in Oleksandr Usyk’s fight against Rico Verhoeven, Canelo Alvarez thinks the referee made the right call.

Usyk stepped into the ring to defend his Ring Magazine and WBC World Heavyweight titles against Verhoeven, with the bout taking place in front of a striking backdrop: the Pyramids in Giza.

The former kickboxing champion, who was only making his second appearance in professional boxing, surprised many with how well he performed against one of the division’s top fighters.

By round 11, one judge had Verhoeven ahead by a round, while the other two had it even. But just before the bell rang to end the fight, Usyk forced a stoppage that sparked immediate debate about whether it was justified.

Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Canelo backs referee decision in Usyk vs Verhoeven despite backlash

Even at 37, Verhoeven had been putting together a case for one of the biggest upsets the sport has seen, managing to stay competitive deep into the fight.

The finish didn’t sit well with many. The referee stepped in after the bell sounded to end the round, and some of Usyk’s punches clearly landed after time had expired.

Verhoeven’s camp protested immediately, and it didn’t take long for him to announce plans to officially appeal the result.

Still, Canelo Alvarez stood by the referee’s call, going against what seemed like most people’s opinion on how things played out.

Speaking outside of an impromptu venue setup for post-fight reactions, Canelo said: “It was a good fight. I didn’t expect that from Rico but it was a good fight.”

“It’s tough to say (how it was scored). I don’t think (it was an early stoppage), I think they saved Rico from a knockout,” he added.

No decision has been made yet about whether Verhoeven will chase a rematch or look elsewhere. After the bout, Jake Paul floated an MVP MMA fight between Verhoeven and Francis Ngannou—something that would be hard not to notice if it came together.

Read more:

Kyle Larson’s son Owen consoles Brexton Busch during emotional tribute to Kyle Busch

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

During the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, a quiet moment between Owen Larson and Brexton Busch captured the heartbreak felt across NASCAR as the sport continued to mourn the loss of Kyle Busch.

The Busch family made their first public appearance since Kyle’s passing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with Samantha Busch attending the race alongside Brexton and Lennix Busch.

One moment in the garage area quickly became one of the most talked-about scenes of the weekend, after Owen Larson was seen comforting Brexton during the tribute event.

Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Owen Larson supports Brexton Busch during emotional NASCAR weekend

Fans reacted emotionally after footage showed Owen Larson approaching Brexton and sharing a hug as the young driver tried to process the difficult weekend.

The moment carried extra significance given the close ties between the Larson and Busch families, who have known each other for years through grassroots racing and the Cup Series.

Owen and Brexton have also raced against each other in junior events, making the gesture feel especially personal during such a difficult time.

The Coca-Cola 600 weekend itself had a sombre atmosphere, with NASCAR honouring Kyle Busch through various ceremonies and tributes.

Owen’s gesture was highlighted by many fans as a reminder of how deeply Busch’s loss has affected the wider racing community beyond just the Cup Series garage.

Busch family’s return to NASCAR spotlight carries emotional weight

Samantha Busch attended the race with Brexton and Lennix, marking the family’s first major appearance at a NASCAR event since Kyle’s death earlier this month.

NASCAR held tributes throughout the weekend, and Richard Childress Racing reserved Busch’s No. 8 car number for Brexton’s potential future racing career.

The emotional scenes involving the Busch children became one of the defining storylines outside of the racing itself during Sunday’s event.

For many fans, seeing Owen Larson support Brexton was a powerful reminder of the close bonds shared between racing families, especially among children who have grown up together in the sport.

While the Coca-Cola 600 delivered its own drama on track, the quiet moment between Owen and Brexton stood out as one of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

Read more:

Report: Juventus rekindle interest in Crystal Palace forward available at discount

Report: Juventus rekindle interest in Crystal Palace forward available at discount
Report: Juventus rekindle interest in Crystal Palace forward available at discount

Juventus could launch a new onslaught for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after missing out on him in January.

The physically imposing centre-forward has been spearheading the Eagles’ lineup since making the move from Mainz in January 2021.

The Frenchman has established himself as a household name in the Premier League and earned his senior national team debut last year.

Juventus still interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta

Between his injuries and the team’s inconsistent performances, Mateta wasn’t able to replicate last season’s exploits in 2025/26, but he still delivered 15 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Therefore, the Sevran native remains an interesting profile followed by several suitors, including Juventus, who had already made a move in the winter.

With Dusan Vlahovic ruled out with a long-term injury, Luciano Spalletti had asked the Bianconeri management to add a new centre-forward to the fold.

Mateta was one of the main options on Damien Comolli’s shortlist. It was reported at the time that the Serie A giants had an agreement in principle with the player, but fell short in their negotiations with Palace, who insisted on their €35 million price tag.

But according to TuttoJuvejournalist Mirko Di Natale, the Bianconeri plan to try again this summer, knowing that the English club’s asking price has significantly dropped.

Crystal Palace lower their asking price for Mateta

Mateta’s contract with Palace will expire in June 2027, so the source believes the Premier League club will be willing to entertain offers starting from €20m or €25m.

The Frenchman’s affordable price makes him a tempting option for Juventus, who must sign at least one new striker in the summer.

The Serie A giants will almost certainly offload Arkadiusz Milik and Lois Openda, while Jonathan David would be sold for the right offer.

Finally, Dusan Vlahovic’s contract will expire next month, and it remains to be seen if the two parties can find an agreement on a renewal.

Relegated manager set to be dismissed

Relegated manager set to be dismissed
Relegated manager set to be dismissed

Nuno Espírito Santo Facing West Ham Crisis Talks After Relegation

West Ham hierarchy consider swift Nuno decision

Nuno Espírito Santo’s short West Ham United reign appears to be hanging by a thread after The Times reported that the Portuguese coach has been called into crisis talks with the club hierarchy.

According to The Times, Nuno has been summoned to meet David Sullivan, West Ham’s co-chairman, and other board members, with his future as head coach now in serious doubt. The report states that the meeting “could well conclude with Nuno’s dismissal”, a dramatic development after West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League on Sunday.

Relegation clause changes financial picture

Nuno signed a three-year contract in September after Graham Potter’s departure, with the deal worth up to £8million including bonuses. Yet West Ham’s failure to survive reportedly allows the club to activate a clause enabling them to dismiss him without compensation.

Photo IMAGO

That detail matters. In modern football, poor decisions often carry heavy financial punishment. Here, West Ham may have a cleaner route towards change, although another reset would raise serious questions about strategy, planning and leadership.

Managerial search could begin again

Should Nuno leave, West Ham would be seeking a fourth permanent manager in two years since David Moyes’s second spell ended. Former Hammer Scott Parker and Slaven Bilic are already expected to be among the names considered.

For supporters, that speaks to instability as much as ambition.

Word count: 197

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For a concerned football supporter, this report lands with the thud of inevitability. West Ham have not simply reached a difficult crossroads, they have driven at speed into a wall built from poor planning, short-term thinking and managerial churn.

Nuno Espírito Santo may carry responsibility for results, as every head coach must, yet the wider picture feels more troubling. Four permanent managers in two years would not scream elite structure. It would whisper panic. West Ham were once a club speaking about growth, European nights and pushing into a higher bracket. Now the conversation is about relegation clauses, compensation escapes and another managerial shortlist.

There is also a sadness in seeing names such as Scott Parker and Slaven Bilic linked so quickly. Both understand the club, but sentiment cannot be allowed to replace clarity. West Ham need an identity before they need another familiar face.

From a fan perspective, the frustration would be immense. Relegation hurts. Uncertainty hurts more. If Nuno goes, the next appointment must be part of a proper rebuild, not another reaction to failure. Supporters deserve a football plan with conviction, not another press conference promising a fresh start while the foundations remain cracked.

Sources: Chelsea could aim to replace Enzo Fernandez with &#8220;defensive midfielder&#8221; to help out Cole Palmer

Sources: Chelsea could aim to replace Enzo Fernandez with “defensive midfielder” to help out Cole Palmer
Sources: Chelsea could aim to replace Enzo Fernandez with “defensive midfielder” to help out Cole Palmer

Chelsea could sell Enzo Fernandez this summer, a move that would weaken the team but would help balance the squad.

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

Our writer Simon Phillips’ superb piece on his Substack has lots of juicy details from his source about Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.

As well as looking at new defenders and an attacker, he claims that among Chelsea’s targets is “a new centre midfielder.”

“The club will look to replace Enzo Fernandez if he does go, but that could be in the form of a defensive midfielder, then pushing Cole Palmer into the more central position.”

Chelsea could solve squad balance problems with Enzo sale

We don’t hate that idea at all. The fact is that Enzo and Palmer have struggled to play in the team at the same time, and various managers have tried various imperfect solutions to get it to work. Enzo proved unable to play a double pivot with Moises Caicedo, so he has consistently been moved to the 10, with Palmer then pushed wide right.

Having Palmer central and some more midfield force behind him would be a good way of sorting an imbalanced squad as we prepare for a season without European football.

In other news…

Nicolas Jackson is coming back from his loan this summer – although nobody is sure whether he’ll be sticking around. Xabi Alonso needs to decide.

Marc Cucurella may be leaving Chelsea, and another central defender coming means two defensive additions to the Blues.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

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

Myles Murphy’s future “probably isn’t in Cincinnati,” per NFL.com writer

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Myles Murphy #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t exercise Myles Murphy’s fifth year option, they framed it as a way of maintaining cap flexibility.

But, according to NFL.com writer Nick Shook, that may have been an indication that they don’t think he was worth it.

“Murphy’s Year 3 jump in production wasn’t enough to convince the Bengals to pick up his fifth-year option, making for a natural prove-it season in a contract year,” Shook wrote in his piece on make-or-break players for 2026. “As it stands now, his future probably isn’t in Cincinnati, unless his rate of compensation fits nicely into the Bengals’ bigger financial picture. But he will sign a second contract somewhere, and now is the time to earn that money.“

Shook discussed how Cincinnati has invested heavily in edge rushers in the Draft in recent years: Murphy in the first round of 2023, Shemar Stewart in the first round of 2025, and Cashius Howell in the second round this year.

As a result, Shook wrote, there will be “a battle royale of sorts for the top edge-rushing job opposite free-agent addition Boye Mafe.”

Meanwhile, Murphy has only shown glimpses so far. The implication is that, if he has an outstanding season, he will be out of the Bengals’ price range. And if he’s only average, they have enough young talent to move on.

&#39;Outstanding leader&#39; Shinnie to leave Aberdeen

Aberdeen Captain Graeme Shinnie celebrates with the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Trophy during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup Final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park, on May 24, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Graeme Shinnie won the 2025 Scottish Cup with Aberdeen [SNS]

Aberdeen's Scottish Cup-winning captain Graeme Shinnie is to leave the club next month when his contract expires.

The 34-year-old has played 344 times over two spells for his hometown team, with last season's triumph over Celtic at Hampden making him the first Aberdeen captain for 35 years to win the Scottish Cup.

The club say Shinnie was offered a two-year contract extension which also included a pathway into coaching. However, the midfielder has chosen to move on to continue playing more regularly.

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson described Shinnie as an "outstanding leader".

"His dedication, work rate and influence within the dressing room have been invaluable and he has captained this club with distinction," Robinson added.

"We understand his desire to continue playing regularly, something I could not guarantee going into next season.

"It goes without saying that he leaves here with our sincerest thanks, admiration and very best wishes for the future."

Shinnie first joined Aberdeen in 2015 after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he also lifted the Scottish Cup as captain, and he is now expected to return to the Highland club after their promotion to the Championship.

A successful spell working with Derek McInnes followed which included several finals and top-three league finishes, before he departed for Derby County in 2019.

Shinnie returned to Pittodrie in 2023 and has been a pivotal figure for three-and-a-half years and the club say he leaves a "true Dons legend".

He is 20th on the club's all-time appearance list and also made 32 appearances in European competition, which is the 12th-most in the club's history.

Analysis: No surprise as Shinnie departs a hero

Shinnie's departure will come as no surprise to Aberdeen fans, with his influence on the pitch waning in a turbulent season.

The midfielder only started half of the club's league games as they limped to ninth place, with his all-action play becoming less effective week-to-week as age catches up.

Robinson clearly agrees as he starts his Aberdeen rebuild, with regular game time the sticking point in Shinnie extending his stay.

But the captain will depart as a hero to every Dons supporter. One of their own, he visibly gave everything every time he stepped on to the pitch.

Watching a local lad fly into tackles, rally team-mates, and sometimes single-handedly drive their team forward is not something fans are regularly accustomed to in the modern game. That is what Shinnie gave the Red Army.

During his first spell he was part of a brilliant midfield three which also involved Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack as Aberdeen became Celtic's main challengers, losing out in finals and in the league.

Latterly, with lots of signings coming and going, he has been one of few consistent presences giving the club a sense of identity.

Despite that turbulence of recent years, he got the moment he and his fellow fans had dreamed of on 24 May 2025.

Shinnie will forever be remembered for sticking Aberdeen's first penalty in the shootout win over Celtic right into the top corner.

That, and the celebrations which followed that long-awaited Scottish Cup win will be the defining image of him at Pittodrie.

VOTE for Morris/Sussex Baseball Player of the Week for May 18-24

After an exciting finish to the high school baseball regular season, it's time to look back on the best performances.

Read about the players who stood out last week and let us know who you think should be the Morris/Sussex Player of the Week in the poll at the bottom of this page.

Voting closes at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Sean Benbow, Hackettstown

Benbow collected five hits, five RBIs, five runs, two doubles, four walks and a stolen base as the Tigers won all four of their games last week.   

Michael Kmec, Lenape Valley

Kmec went 4 for 8 in three games last week with six RBIs, three runs and a walk.

Drew Shepulski, Pope John

Shepulski collected six hits, scored four runs, three RBIs, a double and a walk in four games last week.

Jake Sweat, Morris Tech

Sweat went 6 for 11 last week with five runs, an RBI, four doubles, four walks and two stolen bases.

Matt Zisa, West Morris

Zisa hit three home runs, a double and collected nine RBIs as the Wolfpack went 3-1 week.

Vote!

Note: If you can't see the poll, try refreshing the link or clearing the cache in your browser. If you are viewing the poll in the Twitter app, try viewing it in the Varsity Aces app or at NorthJersey.com. 

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: VOTE Morris/Sussex Baseball Player of the Week for May 18-24

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