Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 1/2 Bookmaker: Luckster Signing off their historic La Liga campaign on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel to the Mestalla when they meet Valencia. Valencia Starting with the hosts, while Valencia might be seeking a final weekend miracle in the race to book a lucrative European […]
Verdict: Real Madrid win Best Odds: 6/11 Bookmaker: Dachbet Signing off the 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Saturday night, Real Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might be signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a domestic flurry, Los Blancos have found themselves at the […]
Two of the key contributors for their teams in Game 1 — Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper and Thunder star Jalen Williams — both could not finish Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals due to what appears to be hamstring injuries. Both are set to undergo an MRI, reports Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN. The status for both in Game 3 — and the rest of the series — remains in question.
Williams missed six Thunder playoff games — two against the Suns and the entire Lakers series — with a left hamstring strain, and that was the leg again getting treatment. After a 26-point, seven-rebound performance in Game 1, Williams played just seven minutes in Game 2 before leaving the game, getting treatment on the bench for a while before going back to the locker room and being ruled out for the night.
It's been an injury-plagued season for Williams, who made an All-NBA team a season ago and was a critical part of Oklahoma City's title run, but played in just 33 games this season due to recovery from wrist surgery and then a right hamstring strain. Harper, the Spurs rookie, had a breakout Game 1 starting in place of the injured De'Aaron Fox (ankle): 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals. However, he left the game in the third quarter of Game 2 not to return, with what appeared to be a right hamstring injury.
Harper’s absence as a ball-handler, alongside Fox missing both games this series due to ongoing ankle soreness after rolling it in the last series against Minnesota, has put a lot of pressure on Stephon Castle as the primary ball-handler and shot-creator against an elite defensive team in Oklahoma City. The result is that Castle has 20 turnovers through the two games of this Western Conference Finals. "They turn you over," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of the Thunder after Game 2. "So when you're down some of your primary creators and initiators, it causes a little bit of an extra strain, whether that's who to play, what to play, what to run, etc. It's tough fully loaded against these guys."
We should have official word on Harper and Williams as we move closer to the tip-off of Game 3, on Friday night in San Antonio (tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET, a game you can catch on NBC or stream on Peacock).
However, it seems unlikely either Harper or Williams would play in Game 3, and their status for the rest of the series may be up in the air.
NBA superstar forward and free agent LeBron James is going to take his time weighing his options for his soon-to-be unprecedented 24th season.
In his recent podcast episode alongside Steve Nash, "Mind The Game," James provided a clearer timeline of when he will make his next move.
"Yeah, I'm still in the moment of taking my time," James said. "I haven't really thought about it too much, I understand that I am a free agent and I can control my own destiny.
"I haven't even taken my family vacation, which is going to happen after Memorial Day. That's the thing at the forefront of my mind.
"I think at some point up in June, late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going and July rolling, maybe into August, we start to get a feel of what my future may look like. If it's continuing to play the game that I love, which I could still give so much to the game and play at a high level, or if it's not. But I have not got to that point yet."
Free agency season is loading for @KingJames, but not until after Memorial Day.
LeBron James’ future remains one of NBA’s biggest storylines
The 41-year-old superstar is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. James has a chance to start somewhere fresh if he chooses to, or there is a chance that he returns to the Lakers for what could be his ninth season with the team.
While retirement could technically be on the table for James, it still seems highly unlikely that it will happen this summer. What comes after this upcoming season, however, remains much more uncertain.
James could sign a deal with the Lakers this summer; however, they will have some major competition, specifically from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors and Cavaliers appear to be the Lakers' biggest challenge to potentially signing James. While those three teams appear to be the frontrunners, it remains a mystery where the 22-time All-Star will go.
“All the indications I’ve gotten over the course of the year is that he’s going to play one more season,” Charania said.
“The where? The how much of it all? That’s all obviously going to be a factor. Is it going to be Los Angeles? That’s got to probably be his preference. … The Lakers have made clear they want him back.”
The NBA world will be on pins and needles until they find out where the future Hall of Famers will go.
Coco Gauff entered the 2025 French Open final as the underdog. Despite being the No. 2 ranked woman coming into the event, Gauff was set to face off against Aryna Sabalenka — the women’s No. 1 — for the 2025 French Open title.
Gauff overcame the odds, defeating Sabalenka in three sets to claim the 2025 French Open title. It marked the first time in her career that Gauff won the event.
Now, she’ll look to make it two in a row.
The 2026 French Open draw was revealed Thursday, giving fans a glimpse at Gauff’s path to a repeat. It will be a harder road for Gauff this time around, as she enters the French Open as the No. 4 seed in 2026.
2026 French Open women’s draw: Coco Gauff vs. Taylor Townsend in Round 1
Gauff’s first match of the event will come against American Taylor Townsend. The two have squared off just one time in their careers, with Townsend picking up the win.
If Gauff can advance, she wouldn’t face another high-ranked opponent until the third round, where she could meet No. 28 Anastasia Potapova.
Getting back to the final could prove difficult for Gauff, as both No. 3 Iga Swiatek and No. 2 Elena Rybakina are also in the bottom half of the women’s singles bracket.
Sabalenka — once again the No. 1 on the women’s side — doesn’t necessarily have it easy, but likely won’t face a major challenge until the fourth round, where she could take on either No. 17 Iva Jovic or No. 16 Naomi Osaka. Further down the bracket, Sabalenka could meet with No. 5 Jessica Pegula.
If Sabalenka and Gauff are fated to meet again in the event, that wouldn’t happen until the final.
2026 French Open men’s draw: Jannik Sinner looking for career grand slam
Jannik Sinner’s pursuit of a career grand slam received a major boost Tuesday, as Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the 2026 French Open due to an injury. Sinner and Alcaraz met in the final last year, where Sinner lost despite jumping out to an early lead.
Sinner’s 2026 French Open will begin with a match against wildcard Clement Tabur. Deeper into the bracket, Sinner could square off against No. 5 Ben Shelton. That might be Sinner’s toughest opponent until much deeper into the event.
The bottom half of the men’s bracket is far more stacked with talent. It contains No. 2 Alexander Zverev, No. 3 Novak Djokovic and No. 4 Felix Auger Aliassime. Sinner has a better record against all three competitors — though is just 6-5 vs. Djokovic — giving him an edge should he face one of them in the men’s final.
2026 French Open schedule
The 2026 French Open will begin play Sunday, May 24. First round matches will take place Sunday and Monday, with the second round beginning Wednesday, May 27.
From there, the event will whittle down competitors until the semifinals begin June 4. That’s when the women will take the court. The men’s semifinal will take place the next day, Friday, June 5.
The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, June 6. The men’s final will end the event Sunday, June 7. The French Open has not revealed match times for the finals just yet.
NOVI LIGURE, Italy (AP) — Alec Segaert claimed his first Grand Tour stage victory and Bahrain Victorious teammate Afonso Eulálio increased his overall lead of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday.
The 12th stage was expected to end in a bunch sprint but Segaert jumped from the peloton with just over three kilometers remaining and the Belgian rider even had time to lift up his arms in celebration as he crossed the line.
Toon Aerts won the sprint for second, three seconds behind his compatriot at the end of the mainly flat 175-kilometer (109-mile) route from Imperia to Novi Ligure.
Guillermo Thomas Silva was third.
Nearly all of the general classification contenders were in the main bunch, but Eulálio picked up six bonus seconds earlier in the stage so increased his advantage to 33 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard.
Thymen Arensman was third overall, 2:03 behind Eulálio.
Friday’s 13th stage is another mainly flat leg that features two lower-classified climbs toward the end. It is a huge target for Italian rider Filippo Ganna, who dominated Tuesday’s time trial, as the 189-kilometer (117-mile) route from Alessandria ends in his hometown of Verbania.
The 109th men’s Giro ends on May 31 in Rome.
The women’s Giro runs from May 30-June 7 with Italian rider Elisa Longo Borghini as the defending champion.
Robertson admits hidden Liverpool pressure follows players home
Andy Robertson has opened up on the pressure that comes with playing for Liverpool, offering an honest insight into the demands that exist long before and long after matchday.
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The Scotland captain is preparing for his final appearance as a Liverpool player against Brentford at Anfield, with supporters ready to salute one of the greatest left-backs in our history.
There will rightly be huge focus on the trophies, the assists, the tackles and the famous left-sided partnerships, but Robertson’s latest comments explain the other side of life at Anfield.
Robertson opens up on Liverpool pressure
Speaking in his interview with Ian Wright on The Overlap, Robertson explained how the pressure of representing Liverpool changes with experience.
The 32-year-old said: “I think it was always serious pressure, but the older you get, the more you get better at dealing with it.”
Robertson then added: “It’s so intense when you’re out there and it’s so intense on the training pitch… everything’s under a microscope.”
That is an important admission from a player who made the journey from Hull City squad option to Champions League and Premier League winner.
It also helps explain why not every player can handle the step up to Liverpool, because talent alone is rarely enough when every touch, mistake, performance and reaction is analysed.
Robertson had to earn everything at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp’s first message to Robertson was brutally honest, with the former Liverpool boss telling the full-back that he liked what he did offensively but didn’t like much about his defending.
That could have broken some players, but Robbo used it as fuel and gradually turned himself into one of the most trusted players in the squad.
Jordan Henderson has also explained how the Glaswegian worked away from the spotlight, doing one-v-one training and crossing sessions on his own while waiting for his chance.
That background makes Robertson’s pressure comments even more powerful, because his Liverpool story wasn’t built on arriving as a ready-made superstar.
It was built on graft, resilience and the ability to survive inside the goldfish bowl.
As he prepares to say goodbye, it’s another reminder that we’re not just losing a brilliant full-back, but someone who understood exactly what the badge demanded.
From France: Richard Hughes has already set wheels in motion to potentially replace Arne Slot
Reports from France have suggested that the Liverpool hierarchy might now be seriously contemplating life after Arne Slot at Anfield.
The Dutchman has found himself coming under increasing pressure throughout a wretched second season in charge of the Reds, and it was reported earlier this week that FSG have become ‘increasingly alarmed’ over the extent of the club’s drop-off since winning the Premier League a year ago.
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Multiple reliable outlets (such as The Athletic) have maintained that the 47-year-old continues to enjoy the full backing of the powerbrokers in L4, although the tide might just be gradually turning in the other direction.
Liverpool could consider replacing Slot with Iraola
According to a report for Foot Mercato, the Liverpool hierarchy aren’t ruling out the possibility of removing Slot from his position as head coach after the season-ending fixture at home to Brentford on Sunday.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is said to have ‘discreetly activated a lead he knows perfectly well’ – Andoni Iraola, who he hired at Bournemouth three years ago when he held a similar job title at the Vitality Stadium.
It’s claimed that the 43-year-old’s profile appeals to Anfield chiefs, who’ve been impressed by his ‘exceptional tactical adaptability’, humble attitude, focus on a collective ethos and the importance he places on the development of young talent.
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Iraola would seem to be an ideal replacement for Slot
We’d be inclined to take these reports with a pinch of salt for now until they’re corroborated by top-tier sources closer to home, but there’s a growing sense that FSG might be reconsidering Slot’s position after a calamitous season on the pitch.
The mood of toxicity at Anfield during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea earlier this month and the sparsity of away fans who stayed to the bitter end at Villa Park last Friday were clear signs that even large sections of the match-going fan base have lost patience with the Dutchman after eight abysmal months.
Few supporters would be complaining if Liverpool were to make a change in the dugout once the Brentford game is out of the way, and Iraola – who’s available for hire as he steps down from Bournemouth – would appear to be a prime candidate to take the reins.
The Spaniard has led the Cherries into Europe for the first time in their history, and there’s still a chance that his parting gift to the south coast club could be qualification for next season’s Champions League.
He’s achieved that whilst remaining committed to a proactive, high-intensity approach which has seen his team register 57 top-flight goals this term (joint-fifth most in the division) and go 17 Premier League games unbeaten, last tasting defeat on 3 January (against eventual champions Arsenal).
That feat seems even more impressive when considering that Iraola lost 75% of his first-choice defence from last season during the summer transfer window, simply getting on with the job and going again rather than crying foul over the scale of the 2025 exodus.
Slot has a crucial mission to complete on Sunday in terms of getting us over the line for Champions League. It could viably be his final act as Liverpool head coach.
Robertson sends blunt Liverpool message before final Anfield game
Andy Robertson has delivered an honest verdict on Liverpool’s season before his final game as a Red, and it’s hard to argue with much of what the Scotland captain has said.
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The 32-year-old is preparing to say goodbye at Anfield against Brentford, on a day that should have been built purely around celebration, gratitude and one last roar for a player who has given us absolutely everything.
Instead, Liverpool still have to get over the line in the Champions League race after a poor run that has turned the final day into something far more uncomfortable than it needed to be.
Robertson gives blunt Liverpool verdict
Speaking to Ian Wright on The Overlap, Robertson didn’t try to dress up what this campaign has been for Arne Slot’s squad.
The left-back said: “For us, and especially for the experienced lads, it’s been a disappointment. There’s no hiding away from that… we expected a lot more from this season.”
That admission matters because it comes from one of the senior players who has lived through the highest standards this club has set in the modern era.
Robertson has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup with Liverpool, so when the former Hull defender says this season has fallen short, he knows exactly what the benchmark should be.
It also ties in with his message after the Aston Villa defeat, when the Glaswegian admitted that the performance summed up our campaign and was a long way short of what supporters rightly expect.
Liverpool must secure Champions League before rebuild
Robertson’s second point was just as important, because for all the emotion around his farewell, the job against Brentford still has to come first.
He added: “It’s important that we get Champions League football. That’s a must… hopefully then next season they can rebuild and the performance levels can lift again.”
That is the clearest possible message from a player who is leaving but still wants to help set Liverpool up for what comes next.
There will be a rebuild, there will be change, and there will be major questions for Slot, Richard Hughes and FSG to answer this summer.
However, Champions League football gives us the strongest platform to attract the right players and begin fixing what has gone wrong.
Robertson deserved a farewell without tension, but his final act may still be helping drag Liverpool over the line one more time.
Robertson reveals why Trent rivalry made Liverpool better
Andy Robertson has lifted the lid on the real reason his famous Liverpool battle with Trent Alexander-Arnold became such an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s great team.
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The assist competition between the two full-backs became a huge talking point during their peak years at Anfield, but the Scotland captain has now made clear that the numbers were only part of the story.
Robertson and Alexander-Arnold helped redefine what full-backs could do for us, with Liverpool’s width, intensity and creativity so often coming from two players who refused to settle for what they had already achieved.
Robertson says Trent rivalry drove standards
Speaking to Ian Wright on The Overlap, Robertson explained that the relationship with the Scouser was built on standards rather than personal statistics.
The 32-year-old said: “Everyone focuses on the assist competition, but it wasn’t that. It was more the fact that we were just pushing each other to new limits.”
That feels like the better way to view one of the most iconic full-back partnerships in Liverpool history.
Yes, the assists mattered, because both players were judged on output as well as energy, but what made the pair so special was how they dragged more out of each other every week.
If Trent produced a brilliant pass from the right, Robertson wanted to respond from the left.
If Robbo set the tone with a press, a tackle or an overlapping run, Alexander-Arnold had to match that level.
Liverpool have missed that full-back force
Klopp’s Liverpool was built on many things, but the attacking ability of those two full-backs was central to how we overwhelmed teams.
That hasn’t really been present this season, with Trent no longer at the club and Robertson now preparing for his final game as a Liverpool player.
Steven Gerrard has already admitted that he “wished and hoped” Alexander-Arnold didn’t leave us, while also calling the England international “world-class”.
Robertson, meanwhile, is leaving in a very different way, with Anfield ready to give the Glaswegian the farewell he deserves against Brentford.
His latest comments are a reminder that the best Liverpool sides were not just about talent.
They were about internal competition, standards and players pushing each other until greatness became normal.
Robertson names what Liverpool have missed since Trent exit
Andy Robertson has explained why Liverpool have missed more than just Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability this season.
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The Scotland captain is preparing for his final game as a Red against Brentford, with Anfield set to say goodbye to one of the defining players of the Jurgen Klopp era.
Robertson and Alexander-Arnold were central to that great Liverpool side, with the pair changing what people expected from full-backs and helping drive us to Champions League and Premier League glory.
This season, though, has shown just how difficult it is to replace not only elite quality but also the personalities who helped shape the dressing room.
Robertson makes Trent admission
Speaking to Ian Wright on The Overlap, Robertson was asked about what Liverpool have missed since Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
The Glaswegian said: “We’ve missed him as a player, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve missed him as a character as well.”
That line feels important because so much of the discussion around Trent has understandably focused on his football.
The Scouser’s passing range, crossing, creativity and ability to dictate games from unusual areas made him one of the most unique players in world football.
Steven Gerrard has already admitted that he “wished and hoped” Alexander-Arnold didn’t leave Liverpool, while also describing him as “world-class” and difficult to replace.
However, Robertson’s point adds another layer because he saw the No.66 every day, not just on the pitch.
Liverpool have missed dressing-room presence
Liverpool have looked short of rhythm, leadership and personality too often this season, and Robertson clearly believes Trent’s absence has been felt inside the building as well as on matchdays.
That matters at a time when our squad is already going through huge change.
Robertson is leaving, Mo Salah is preparing for his final appearance, and the last links to Klopp’s great team are disappearing quicker than many supporters would have wanted.
The former Hull City defender also summed up Liverpool’s campaign after the Aston Villa defeat, admitting we had been a “long way short” of the standards expected at this club.
That honesty is why supporters have always connected with him.
Robertson knows what Liverpool have lost with Trent, and soon the squad will have to absorb losing him too.
Inter revive Kone for Frattesi plus cash proposal to Roma
The idea of Inter exchanging Davide Frattesi with Roma midfielder Manu Koné has been floated before and is reportedly back on the agenda this summer.
It is absolutely no secret that the Nerazzurri wanted Koné last summer and again in the January transfer window, but were always rebuffed by the Giallorossi.
At the same time, Frattesi was proposed as part of an exchange deal plus cash, but again it never quite went through.
Kone-Frattesi exchange still an idea
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport insist the same package is on the table again, especially as Roma must register significant profits by June 30 to stick with the UEFA settlement agreement.
Roma paid €18m plus €2m in bonuses to sign Koné from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024 and his value on the transfer market has since more than doubled to circa €50m.
That could go even higher if he has a good World Cup, having been called up by France coach Didier Deschamps for the tournament.
With Frattesi valued at €20-25m, Inter would need to add a significant cash sum on top to get the swap deal underway.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 05: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Kairat Almaty at Stadio San Siro on November 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There is another reason for Roma to want Frattesi, because he is a product of their youth academy who was sold to Sassuolo in 2017 for €14.6m.
Report Thiago Silva offered new Milan contract at age 42
Thiago Silva is a free agent after leaving FC Porto, but it’s reported Milan have offered him a new contract ahead of his 42nd birthday, with a Chelsea managerial proposal too.
He was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for €42m, then moved on to Chelsea, Fluminense and in January returned to Europa as a free agent for FC Porto.
Thiago Silva return to Milan?
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Thiago Silva of FC Porto looks on during warm ups prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Nottingham Forest FC and FC Porto at City Ground on April 16, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
It was announced today that his contract will not be renewed, so he is available again from June 30 and might not necessarily be hanging up his boots yet, despite the fact he is set to turn 42 in September.
The Brazilian made 14 appearances this term, starting 12 of them.
According to ESPN Brazil, Milan have made an offer for a new one-year contract for his return to the Rossoneri after 14 years.
This pivotal bantamweight Muay Thai main event goes down live in Asia primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, available exclusively to members at live.onefc.com.
Yod-IQ has proven to be one of the sport’s most technically sound tacticians. The Thai sensation paid his dues on the weekly circuit to amass an 11-1 promotional record, culminating in a breakthrough first-round knockout of Alexey Balyko to secure a six-figure contract.
Nabati, however, brings a flawless 22-0 professional record and a reputation for absolute destruction. Following a devastating knockout of Suablack Tor Pran49 and a surgical victory over former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama, the returning Russian has a major point to prove.
Here is what each man must do to keep their momentum going on Friday.
Yod-IQ’s game centers on surgical precision, fluid movement, and calculated defense. The slick tactician shares a competitive lineage with his training partner and close friend, reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
A master of range, his stabbing teep and stiff jab act as premier distance-management tools. He commands the perimeter of the ring to ensure his technical advantages are constantly maximized.
That immense length also doubles as a deadly finishing weapon. In his high-stakes rematch with Balyko at ONE Friday Fights 137, the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product secured his redemption with a picture-perfect head kick knockout.
The setup was textbook muay femur style, using subtle feints to draw his adversary forward before launching the fight-ending strike. Nabati thrives on dictating the pace, but if Yod-IQ commands the distance, the Russian’s power is effectively neutralized.
#2 Nabati’s Relentless Pressure And Dynamite Left Hand
Nabati’s defining quality is his punishing forward aggression the moment the opening bell rings. He immediately smothers his opponents and forces heavy exchanges.
He has been absolute kryptonite for his Thai counterparts. Nabati’s chaotic, punch-heavy offense leaves zero room to breathe, making him a stylistic nightmare devoid of traditional pattern recognition.
After blitzing opponents with combinations, he brilliantly sets up his left-hand missile to showcase his one-shot knockout power. He displayed this perfectly in his contract-winning finish of Suablack, where he cut off the ring immediately and landed a devastating left-hand combination.
Yod-IQ is a typical Thai warrior who likes to use the early rounds to gauge his opponent’s timing and speed. However, the undefeated Russian employs a suffocating pressure that directly counters that measured start, forcing immediate action.
Yod-IQ is a brilliant kinetic chess player who constantly adjusts round by round. Training alongside Tawanchai and the world-class athletes at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym has elevated his tactical acumen to a world-beating level.
Despite his youth, the 24-year-old Thai already boasts a staggering 126-36 career record and has faced every stylistic puzzle imaginable. He expertly reads his opponents’ rhythms, and the longer the fight goes, the more his tactical brilliance compounds.
He showed exactly how well he understands the intricacies of the sport when he neutralized power puncher Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev. Through intelligent lateral movement and pinpoint counter-striking, he completely dismantled his dangerous opponent.
The Buriram native excels at defusing physically imposing juggernauts without trading power for power. Nabati brings that exact forward-moving aggression to the ring, but it’s a familiar puzzle the young maestro has solved many times before.
Nabati finds massive success against high-level Thai opposition because of his extensive knowledge of the clinch game. His most effective work comes in the pocket, where he operates as a suffocating close-quarters specialist.
He is a master at initiating these chaotic entanglements and engineering his escape. Against Avatar PK Saenchai, the Archangel Michel representative repeatedly breached the guard to score two rapid-fire knockdowns in the final minute.
Nabati displayed that same phone booth mastery against Nong-O, who is widely considered one of the best defensive fighters in the history of the sport.
Yod-IQ will no doubt lean heavily on his reach advantage to keep the action on the outside. However, if the 31-year-old can reliably get inside and make the exchanges dirty, the Thai’s technical advantages will quickly diminish as that fight-ending power takes over.
The Golden State Valkyries, ranked fourth in the league with a 2-1 record, face the New York Liberty, who are second in with a 3-1 record. New York enters the game with one more win and one additional game played than Golden State.
How to watch Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Kyle Williams took a moment to reflect on the past while also looking a bit towards the future.
The young receiver addressed reporters following Community Day at Gillette Stadium, and was asked about the potential of the New England Patriots trading for A.J. Brown.
“I’m focused on where my feet are,” Williams said. “If it happens it happens. If it doesn’t, we still gotta keep going.”“He’s somebody that I studied a little bit. I’m not as big as him, but I try to play big if I can,” Williams added. “He’s just a great player. Great habits, a consistent guy. He’s a player you would want to look up to and watch.”
However, Williams did have the benefit last season of playing alongside Stefon Diggs. And it was an experience he is beyond thankful for as the veteran receiver served as a mentor.“Everything from when I first met him, to his last day here, I know I can take a lot from it, going on from here to the end of my career,” Williams said of Diggs. “Just the wise words, and wise lessons that he taught me.”
Diggs was released by the Patriots in March due to financial ramifications, but it's clear the receiver is well-liked among the team, with many of his former teammates trying to encourage him to re-sign with New England. And that remains to be seen as he has yet to find a new home. But a lot will also depend on what happens with Brown after the June 1 deadline.
Morgan Rogers has played 55 times for Aston Villa this season in all competitions [Getty Images]
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has been named the Europa League Player of the Season by Uefa.
The England international scored and made an assist in Villa's 3-0 win against Freiburg in Wednesday's final, helping his side end a 30-year wait for a major trophy.
Across the tournament Rogers scored three goals and recorded five assists in 15 appearances.
The 23-year-old also played 1,088 minutes in the competition, 67 more than any other Villa player.
His Villa team-mates Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn and Emi Buendia were named alongside Rogers in the team of the season, decided by the Uefa technical observer group.
They were joined by Nottingham Forest duo Igor Jesus and Morato, who helped their side reach the semi-finals before a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Villa.
Uefa's technical panel also named stunning strikes by Villa's Buendia and Youri Tielemans in the final as the fifth and seventh best goals respectively in this season's competition.
A spectacular volley from Jones El-Abdellaoui, for Celta Vigo against Ludogorets, claimed top spot.
Uefa Europa League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Victor Gomez (Braga), Morato (Forest), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo)
Midfielders: John McGinn (Aston Villa), Maximilian Eggestein (Freiburg), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Igor Jesus (Forest), Emi Buendia (Villa)
Gilbert Arenas has built a media empire with his Gil’s Arena podcast in partnership with Underdog. But in spite of his growth and success, Arenas says he is in a very weird spot with the company.
The conference finals should theoretically be a time when someone of Arenas’ name recognition and NBA experience would be centerstage, especially on the show that bears his name. However, on Wednesday, Gilbert Arenas was nowhere to be seen and Skip Bayless was sitting in his seat, fresh off his First Take comeback.
Bayless was originally brought in to take part in a football show with Underdog and Arenas. But while Gilbert Arenas was off of his own show, he did stream later in the day. And he had some very interesting things to say.
In a clip posted to social media, Arenas hinted that there may be drama brewing behind the scenes at Underdog and that he may be on the way out of his own show.
Gilbert arenas with a subtle warning to underdog thinking they can replace him with skip bayless on gils arena pic.twitter.com/JGoJ5a2I8E
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@Thechat101) May 21, 2026
“I’m not sure they like me anymore. I just, I don’t know,” Arenas said. “I’m just going to let you all know. No different than NBA. Just remember this, chat, words are powerful, just like in the NBA. When people start writing the team is better without them, that player reads it, that player believes it, that player starts acting like it.”
“If you all saying this show is better without me and the producers say, ‘hey, fans, they don’t care if he’s here or not.’ But I’m on vacation, so I don’t need to be at work. I’m Finals. I think I’m on Finals duty, not this one.”
The show’s name is still Gil’s Arena, but the podcast channel now carries the more generic name of The Arena. But Gilbert Arenas sold 50% of his show to Underdog, so they theoretically have the ability to do what they want with his show as the cast has contracts with the company.
Still though, why wouldn’t Underdog want Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena during what is arguably the most anticipated conference finals series in years in the absolute peak of the NBA postseason? Why is he streaming on his own and not hosting?
His comments would suggest that there is some serious conversation behind the scenes about the future direction of the show and his role in it. It would be a shock if the two sides parted ways given just how successful the show has been with Arenas at the forefront and as one of the rising stars in the industry. At the very least, it’s going to invite a very close look as to what happens over the next few weeks and if Gil may be kicked out of his own arena.
John Hunter Nemechek's status in the No. 42 car for Legacy Motor Club during the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season has been revealed. Nemechek will return to the No. 42 car for a fourth season at Legacy Motor Club, the team announced. The 28-year-old driver currently sits 28th in the point standings entering the 2026 Coca-Cola 600.
Nemechek has run well in the No. 42 car, and Legacy Motor Club is clearly happy with his performances. The driver of the No. 42 car is only 25 points behind Erik Jones in the point standings, so both are in a similar place. Obviously, Jones and Nemechek wish they were winning races, but Legacy Motor Club is working on their development.
For now, Nemechek can focus on the rest of the 2026 NASCAR season knowing he has a ride secured for 2027. The hope is that Legacy Motor Club can steadily improve over the rest of the campaign. Nemechek has the potential to win in the Cup Series, so it is smart to keep this partnership moving forward.
According to the viewership numbers, the MVP MMA card — headlined by Ronda Rousey’s quick stoppage of Gina Carano — was a big success. Now what’s next for MVP as they plan to continue on in the space moving forward, and how can they pull it off?
On an all-new edition of BTL, the panel discusses the event itself, the fallout, the reaction from the MMA community, the numbers, the pros and cons, and more. Additionally, topics may include Dana White announcing Conor McGregor’s return to action at UFC 329 in a rematch with Max Holloway, McGregor’s chances in the fight, Colby Covington notifying the UFC of his retirement and what his legacy is in the sport, Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven coming up this weekend, other news and notes, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and more as they answer your questions all show long.
If you missed the show live, you can still watch above, or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.
The New York Giants were league average on the offensive line in 2025, ranked No. 15 by Pro Football and Sports Network using their “Impact Score” grading system. Can the Giants build on that and be better, or will they slide backwards and be held back by a problematic offensive line?
New head coach John Harbaugh replaced starting right guard Greg Van Roten with No. 10 overall pick Sisi Mauigoa. The Giants also added Daniel Faalele, Lucas Patrick and sixth-round pick J.C. Davis, while losing inerior offensive line backup Austin Schlottmann in free agency.
Harbaugh also replaced popular offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo with Mike Bloomgren. Bloomgren is a veteran coach, but 2025 with the Cleveland Browns was his only experience as an NFL offensive line coach. We have to wait and see how that works out.
Let’s examine whether or not the line will be better in 2026.
Key additions:Sisi Mauigoa, Daniel Faalele, Lucas Patrick, J.C. Davis Key losses: Greg Van Roten, Austin Schlottmann
The roster: Bryan Hudson, John Michael Schmitz, Jake Kubas, Jon Runyan, J.C. Davis, Jermaine Eluemunor, Josh Ezeudu, Daniel Faalele, Marcus Mbow, Evan Neal, Lucas Patrick, Ryan Schernecke, Aaron Stinnie, Reid Holskey, Andrew Thomas
*** Rookies are in bold.
Why they could be better
Left tackle Andrew Thomas is clearly the offensive line’s best player. Thomas is not rehabbing from Lisfranc surgery this offseason, and provided he does not suffer another injury, should be available from Week 1. The more healthy games the Giants get from Thomas, the better.
The drafting of Sisi Mauigoa to play right guard should give the Giants an upgrade over veteran Greg Van Roten. Van Roten played well enough the past two seasons, but Mauigoa should at least give the Giants a power run-blocking presence they have not had.
Center John Michael Schmitz has shown at least modest improvement in each of his first three NFL seasons. Perhaps that continues in the final season of his rookie contract.
The depth should be better. The signing of Lucas Patrick cancels out the loss of Austin Schlottmann. The Giants added Daniel Faalele, an every-game starter with the Baltimore Ravens the past two seasons, and drafted a player who may have four-position versatility in J.C. Davis. Marcus Mbow showed the ability to be the swing tackle last season, and should be better with a year of experience.
Why they could be worse
Thomas’s health, Mauigoa’s transition to the NFL and to guard, and Bloomgren’s work replacing Bricillo, will be the major question marks.
The verdict
The Giants should be at least as good as they were last season, or better. There are, though, things that can go wrong. The biggest key is the health of Thomas, who has played just one full season in the past five years.
Patrick Mahomes set to participate fully in Chiefs’ early OTAs
Patrick Mahomes is expected to fully participate in the Chiefs’ first OTAs, even though he’s still early in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.
It’s an encouraging sign for Kansas City, but it also means the offence will need to start addressing some tough questions sooner than planned—starting with how it will adjust if Mahomes is present but not yet fully mobile.
The answer isn’t as simple as “same playbook, fewer scrambles.” The Chiefs are heading into a season where protecting Mahomes from himself may be as important as protecting him from pass rushers.
Brett Veach sees it that way, too. He mentioned that while Mahomes is “way ahead of schedule,” the team will have to be cautious about letting him push too hard, too soon.
Mahomes tore his knee ligaments in December and had surgery soon after. His recovery has been quick enough that Andy Reid has already said Mahomes could take part in some OTA work, even if it’s still limited.
Reid explained that Phase 2 is non-contact, with no offence-versus-defence periods, making it safer for early involvement. Phase 3 introduces team drills with more movement and unpredictability, so they’ll need to be more cautious then.
The rehab timeline has shifted what spring is about for the Chiefs. Instead of building from scratch, they’ll be working on fine-tuning details, even if Mahomes isn’t at full speed yet.
Early passing work can still be useful without pushing him too hard or asking him to do things he’s not physically ready for yet.
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
The Chiefs need to have a working offence before Mahomes is back to full strength
Mahomes underwent knee surgery in December after the injury and has progressed quickly enough that Andy Reid hasn’t ruled out his participation in OTAs. The move from Phase 2 into Phase 3 of offseason activities also changes what’s needed from him.
That is an important distinction because there are no pads and no actual team drills during Phase 2. That creates a more controlled environment for early work than Phase 3, where things get more crowded and players have to start reacting rather than just following a script.
The Chiefs can get Mahomes back into live reps earlier than first thought. That doesn’t mean they should expect him to move like he usually does. Kansas City can still benefit from having him throw with teammates while easing back into heavier movement and teamwork.
These decisions tie back into the team’s broader strategy. Kansas City made moves this offseason to give Mahomes more help, from strengthening the running game to bringing in Justin Fields as a backup.
It is not about replacing Mahomes if he’s nearly ready to play. The idea is that the Chiefs have built enough depth and flexibility to avoid putting him back on the field before he is fully cleared.
Improved run support, quicker reads, and stronger protection are not just nice-to-haves this season—they are essential pieces of his rehab process.
If the offence can stay ahead of schedule, Mahomes does not have to win every second-and-8 with movement. If the run game has teeth, linebackers cannot simply sit in throwing lanes. If the quick game is sharp, the ball can leave before the pocket turns into a medical risk.
Spring workouts are about chemistry, not early judgment
Mahomes’ participation in OTAs will spark all sorts of predictions about his readiness for Week 1, but that’s not really the point right now.
What matters in May is whether the offence can install and rep the quicker, earlier options that help protect Mahomes from unnecessary contact and movement.
Kansas City already knows what he can do when a play breaks down. The challenge is to build an attack that doesn’t require him to perform miracles straight away.
This phase is more about consistency than highlights. How often is the first read available? Is the checkdown reliable? Are the line and backs giving Mahomes enough support to avoid improvising too early in his return?
Mahomes is eager to return without limitations, but the team’s priority is keeping him healthy for when the season reaches its most important stretch.
That balance can work if the offence is structured to handle it. Seeing Mahomes at OTAs is encouraging, but it also marks the beginning of a tougher period for Kansas City.
The Chiefs now face the challenge of building an early-season attack that supports a quarterback whose physical limits might still be catching up with his competitive drive.
Baseball field, engraving, United States of America, 19th century. | De Agostini via Getty Images
On May 21, 1880, a strange thing happened in upstate New York. While playing at Riverside Park in Albany, Lip Pike — playing for the National Association team in Albany in between stints at the professional/semi-professional level — hit a fly ball over the fence in right field and into the nearby river. Outfielder Lon Knight, playing for the visiting Worcester Ruby Legs, hopped in a boat to chase the ball — because, despite the fact that the ball went over the wall, it was still technically a live ball!
These days, when the ball goes over the fence, it is out of play, and depending on whether it gets there on the fly or on a bounce determines whether it’s a home run or a ground-rule double (yes, it’s officially called an automatic double, but, well, old habits die hard). However—like everything in baseball—this rule wasn’t written down on golden tablets handed to Abner Doubleday/Alexander Cartwright/whichever semi-mythological figure you consider to be the founder of baseball, but one that evolved throughout the history of the game. Unfortunately, the Baseball Almanac’s list of rules changes does not give us an exact moment that this rule was created, but we can surmise that it came into existence prior to the National League’s creation in 1876, as on May 2nd of that year, Chicago White Stockings second baseman Ross Barnes hit the first home run in what would become Major League history. But even then, its story was not so simple.
If you have followed my history-of-early-baseball posts over the past few years, you already know that 19th-century baseball was organized very differently than the baseball of today. Rather than a centralized league imposing a particular ruleset, the home team determined the particular rule set the game was played under, with convention dictating the most basic rules, up until the creation of the NL. Indeed, even after the Senior Circuit came into existence, the home teams still had quite a bit of say in how the game was played, as the NL office in its early years focused less on the product on the field and more on bullying other leagues out of existence to ensure a monopoly over the sport (but that’s a story for another day).
We see hints of this still today, where individual ballparks have rules to determine home run/ground rule double/foul ball when the ball hits a catwalk, or gets stuck in the ivy, or any other random thing occurs that is unique to that ballpark. But in the 1800s, even fundamental rules, such as what happened when a ball went over the fence, depended on where the game was played.
Did Lon Knight actually grab a boat and chase down a ball in the river in order to get the ball and try to make a play? In truth, it sounds a bit ridiculous. How slow must the batter have been where hopping the fence, heading into a boat, and setting sail on the river seemed a perfectly reasonable solution? It’s not for nothing that the SABR biography of Knight says “there is undoubtedly some fictitious element to the story.” Since the teams had a limited amount of balls back in those days, it seems more likely to me that Knight hopped in the river not to continue the play, but to continue the game, and that over time, the story grew in its telling. What this story does reinforce, though, is the fact that these rules depended by and large on the ballpark; if a ball over the fence was always a home run, after all, this story could not have come into existence in the version described.
Naturally, some teams took advantage of this. In the early 1880s, the Chicago White Stockings played on a field with short fences (some sources place them less than 200 feet from home plate), and according to convention at the time, batted balls hit over a fence that was less than 250 feet were treated as doubles, not home runs. According to SABR, however, in 1884, Chicago changed their own ground rule so that everything that went over the fence was considered a homer, not a double, resulting in a season in which Ned Williamson hit 27 home runs, a record that would stand until Babe Ruth’s 29-homer season in 1920.
In time, to stop shenanigans such as this, rules surrounding batted balls hit over the fence were ultimately standardized. Originally, in addition to all fly balls that went over the wall being considered home runs, all balls that bounced just once before going over fell into this category, neatly paralleling the fact that, up until 1864 for fair balls and 1883 for foul balls, batted balls caught on one bounce were considered an out; only in 1931 was this rule changed, and the modern-day ground-rule double brought into existence. As such, these days, shenanigans about long fly balls are limited to non-professional games, such as your local little leagues or bar softball games — or, apparently, the Saarikenttä in Finland.
The long-term futures of Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm remain uncertain given the major concerns with LIV Golf.
LIV Golf will lose its funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund at the end of the 2026 season, placing its future in serious doubt.
And that should concern its two biggest superstars, who are Spanish ace Rahm and American icon DeChambeau.
Brooks Koepka has proven that a return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf is possible, although Rahm and DeChambeau likely won’t have such an easy route back given that they rejected the offer that the five-time major winner accepted.
And according to Alan Shipnuck, DeChambeau may face another barrier entirely regarding the feelings of most PGA Tour players.
Most PGA Tour players claimed to want Jon Rahm back over Bryson DeChambeau
Speaking on Dan on Golf after last week’s PGA Championship, Shipnuck said: “It was fun to see Jon Rahm in full flight.
“Obviously he didn’t win but he was a couple of putts away from being right there. He hit so many beautiful shots.
“The violence in his swing is something to behold, the width is unlike anything else, that short backswing and the force he creates. He had a presence.
“There was something sort of majestic about Rahm from 2021 to 2023 and I think people do miss that. He has been a monster in the Ryder Cup and that elevated his reputation.
“Everyone knows that Bryson moves the needle, but Rahm has more friends in the locker room and I think the purists appreciate his game more.
“If you put it to the players I think they would vote Rahm and it would not even be that close.”
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Is Jon Rahm a better option for the PGA Tour than Bryson DeChambeau?
Of course, any decision to bring Rahm and DeChambeau back must not be based on the PGA Championship alone, but it was certainly a good indicator of their current status.
The Spaniard was in contention to lift the trophy at Aronimink, showcasing his superb ability as he finished three shots off winner Aaron Rai in a tie for second.
Meanwhile, the American suffered a PGA Championship nightmare, shooting seven-over from his first two rounds to miss the cut.
Long-term history is also on the side of Rahm, who is an 11-time PGA Tour winner and a former world number one, with DeChambeau having claimed nine wins and a career-high rank of fourth.
He does, however, boast a huge following thanks to his YouTube content, while he joins his LIV Golf counterpart on two major wins.
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 21: Landon Young #67 of the New Orleans Saints blocks during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Over the next few months, we’ll be breaking down all of the rookies added by the Jets during the draft and as undrafted free agents. However, we’ll break from that today to look at a veteran signing that was made after rookie mini-camp; offensive tackle Landon Young.
The 28-year old Young is listed at 6’7” and 321 pounds and was a sixth round pick out of Kentucky in 2021. He has started 12 games in his NFL career so far, all with the New Orleans Saints.
Background
Young was a five-star high school recruit who opted to stay close to home and accepted a scholarship at Kentucky.
He started three games in 2016 and six in 2017, but missed the entire 2018 season due to injury. However, he returned from the injury to start 24 games a row at left tackle over the next two seasons.
Having considered entering the NFL draft after the 2019 season, Young returned for 2020 and earned all-SEC first team honors.
After he was invited to the combine, Young was ranked as a probable late round pick and ultimately selected by the Saints in the sixth round.
In his rookie season, Young was a backup that was used sparingly but got a chance for his first start in November. Unfortunately, he got hurt and missed the rest of the year.
He remained in the same role but got more and more opportunities to contribute as he started twice in 2022, four times in 2023 and five times in 2024, then signed a one-year extension. However, he missed all of last year due to a season-ending injury in preseason.
Young was invited to attend the recent Jets rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis and impressed enough to earn a contract.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Young brings to the table, based on in-depth research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Young has bulked up by over 50 pounds since he was a high school recruit, although he was still only 310 when he did his combine weigh-in. He now has good size at 321 and adequate length.
His workout numbers are excellent, even though his reported 40-yard dash time of 4.91 from his pro day was unofficial and the real time was 5.18.
Young’s explosiveness numbers are solid and he posted a good three-cone drill despite a poor short shuttle. He also racked up 34 bench press reps.
Usage
Other than a handful of plays where he kicked inside due to injury, Young played his entire college career at left tackle. However, he has showcased terrific versatility at the pro level.
Young has started regular season games at both guard positions and both tackle positions, playing over 100 total snaps in each role during regular season action. He also has plenty of experience in jumbo packages but has never played center at any level.
Pass Blocking
Young gave up eight sacks during his college career but only two of these were in his last two seasons when he was a full-time starter.
His pass protection numbers in his first year as a starter were outstanding as he only gave up five total pressures. However, his pressure rate was slightly higher in his final year. At the time, though, Kentucky didn’t really throw the ball very often as they passed for less than 1,500 yards in each of his two years as a starter and, when they did, he rarely had any true pass sets.
At the NFL level, he’s predictably had some struggles in pass protection. Although his pressure rate has not been bad, he has given up eight sacks in less than 900 snaps in his career.
In addition to struggling to stay in front of rushers off the edge, Young has also been susceptible to bull rushes at times.
Run Blocking
Young was a big part of the Wildcats’ running attack in college, racking up a lot of knockdowns. However, he’s had mixed results at the NFL level, although he’s shown signs of the power and dominance he displayed at times.
He works well with his linemates in terms of combo blocks, from which he can climb to the second level or gain control of his man to seal him off.
He’s less effective on the move, as his athletic numbers don’t necessarily translate to an ability to pull, make reach blocks or get downfield effectively.
Short Yardage
In the first of Young’s five starts in 2024, the Saints scored on a two-yard and a one-yard touchdown run, including this play where he blocked his man to the ground.
However, they didn’t have any other touchdowns of less than four yards in his four other starts.
He can be useful as a jumbo package tight end in short yardage situations as he can generate some good power at the point of attack and is the kind of player you can run behind inside.
Screen Blocking
The Saints didn’t have much success on screen passes with Young in the line-up, other than on plays where he stayed in to block with other players leaking downfield.
Here’s a play where he didn’t manage to get out in time to make a downfield block so he tried to seal off the player behind him instead.
Footwork/Technique
Young was a wrestler and participated in the hammer throw and discus in high school, all of which translate into his ability to win leverage battles and his punch power. However, he can struggle to recover when losing a leverage advantage.
He has one or two technical flaws that can hopefully be cleaned up. Primarily, he will bend at the waist which can lead to a narrowing of his base and a tendency to lunge into and fall off blocks in space.
Young has previously had some issues with maintaining and sustaining blocks as he doesn’t always manage to reposition himself to reset angles and keep his feet under him, but seems to be getting better at this.
Penalties
Penalties have never been a massive issue for Young, who had 13 in his college career but never more than five in any season. At the NFL level, he’s been called three times for holding and twice for a false start.
Special Teams
Both at the NFL level and in college, the only role Young has had on special teams has been blocking on the placekicking unit. He has had no significant mistakes and no penalties within that role.
Instincts/Intelligence
Young’s football IQ has enabled him to play multiple positions at the NFL level and, according to Kentucky’s own internal charting, he only had one missed assignment in his two seasons as a full time starter.
He was good academically too, graduating in 2019 and then taking on a second degree. He was also on the 2019 SEC fall academic honor roll, as well as receiving first year honors in 2016 and 2017.
There have occasionally been situations where Young has looked uncertain about which assignment to pick up or who to help, though.
Attitude
Young, who was married in 2020, grew up on a farm, which instilled in him a work ethic that has been described as second-to-none. He was a team captain in high school and in his senior year at Kentucky.
He regularly displays on-field toughness and aggression in terms of playing to the whistle.
Off the field, Young has received a ton of recognition for his work in the community. He was named the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was twice on the Wuerffel Trophy watch list. He was also on the 2019 SEC community service team.
Injuries
Young has had some bad injury luck over the course of his career, including last season where his preseason ankle injury required surgery so he was on injured reserve all season.
He also missed the entire 2018 season in college due to a meniscus injury and ended up on injured reserve with a foot injury in his rookie season.
Scheme Fit
Young’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a useful camp addition and gives him a strong chance of being retained for emergencies once he’s comfortable with the system.
He has been a teammate of current Jets players Demario Davis, David Onyemata, Kene Nwangwu, Jack Heflin and Cade York while with the Saints.
Conclusions
Generally speaking, you wouldn’t ordinarily give a veteran who was on the street and had to try out at rookie camp much chance of being a meaningful contributor in the year ahead.
However, Young had a viable record as a rotational player with the Saints who has filled in at times, so he could be the kind of player the Jets retain as cover.
He’s not a player with a high ceiling and has generally been overmatched when relied upon to fill in as a starter, but the versatility and intangibles make him a solid option to bring along to camp to fill out the offensive line room with some of the less-experienced options.
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Masai Ujiri is not treating Kyrie Irving as an automatic casualty of the Dallas Mavericks’ reset around Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks’ new President of Basketball Operations has already made major changes, including parting ways with Jason Kidd.
Irving’s future naturally became a question after that move, but Ujiri sounds more interested in exploring the fit than rushing toward another blockbuster decision.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bloomberg Philanthropies
Masai Ujiri wants to see Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg’s partnership with Dallas Mavericks
Masai Ujiri explained why the Dallas Mavericks are curious about Kyrie Irving playing next to Cooper Flagg.
“I’ve said it before, there’s a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg,” Ujiri said.
“He’s just [an] incredible, talented player, and I think we owe this organization that. … My goal is to put him in a place where he’s successful here,” the Mavs executive added,
The message was important because Ujiri is building a new Mavericks structure, but he did not speak as if Irving is simply an old-era piece to move away from.
That matters after a chaotic stretch in Dallas. The Luka Doncic trade changed the franchise’s direction, Flagg became the long-term centerpiece, and Ujiri arrived to restore order after years of instability.
Kyrie Irving gives Cooper Flagg a Dallas Mavericks partner Masai Ujiri still wants to test
The basketball logic behind Ujiri’s stance is easy to understand because Irving can make Flagg’s transition easier if he is healthy.
Ujiri previously said he wanted to see the pairing, adding that Irving’s ability to play off the ball could help Flagg. That is the main reason Dallas has not closed the door. Flagg needs structure, spacing, and experienced late-game creation around him, and Irving still offers all three when available.
The concern is availability. Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL, and NBA.com reported that his three-year Mavericks extension can run through 2027-28 if he activates the final-year player option.
That contract gives Dallas time, but also makes the decision more complicated. Ujiri has to decide whether Irving is a bridge, a core veteran, or eventually a trade asset.
For now, his public stance is clear. The Mavericks owe themselves a real look at Irving with Flagg before making the next franchise-altering call.
Apr 10, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detail view of the mended bat in the hand of a bronze statue of Seattle Mariners former outfielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) outside T-Mobile Park before a game against the Houston Astros. The bat broke during its unveiling earlier in the day. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
There’s been enough roster turnover since the last time we did this to warrant a new edition of the classic Jeff Sullivan bit.
Logan Gilbert
I love him so much, and it feels life-ruining when he’s bad.
J.P. Crawford
This was more useful when the radio function worked too, but it still tells time. I’m not getting rid of something that still does one thing well.
Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone
Sometimes having two of the exact same thing is redundant, but there’s plenty of room for both of these here.
Julio Rodríguez
This is simultaneously hugely popular and yet still underrated. Some people want to insist that it’s bad for the sake of having a contrarian take, but those people are dumb and wrong.
Mitch Garver
When I use this once a week, I don’t spend any time thinking about it. When I have to use it more often than that, something’s gone horribly wrong.
Cole Young
He makes me smile every time I look at him.
Emerson Hancock
I thought I was done with this, but it’s been a huge source of joy the past couple months.
Eduard Bazardo
This seems like it should be a luxury item. And it is. But it’s also necessary—the whole room doesn’t really work without it.
Bryce Miller
This has been sitting in a box since I moved in, but I just hooked it up and am excited to start using it again.
George Kirby
I acknowledge that this is objectively good—it’s just not a personal favorite.
Cal Raleigh
I moved to DC during the pandemic and away from DC this winter. So this was a lot more valuable to me from 2022 to 2025 than it has been in 2026.
Matt Brash
I got this basically for free. It takes more maintainance than I’d like, but it’s one of my favorite things now.
Alex Hoppe
Every time I look at these, I am reminded of life’s impermanence.
Colt Emerson
I bought this recently, and it has immediately made my life much better.
Luis Castillo
This has a lot of sentimental value to me, but I don’t really have a good place to put it.
Gabe Speier
I loved Taylor Swift before everyone else did, and I’m genuinely happy they’ve caught up, even if loving her is a less interesting fact about me now.
Víctor Robles
I don’t know why I still have this.
Jhonny Pereda
Acquired for emergencies, but there’s no reason you couldn’t use it on other occassions.
Randy Arozarena
The lock on this gate doesn’t work properly, so this is not a good defensive strategy. What it does do is swing really violently, and make a very loud noise when it connects.
Andres Muñoz
I looked great in this as recently as last summer, but I’m carrying a little too much weight right now for it to have the same effect. I’m optimistic that’s a short term problem though.
Bryan Woo
It doesn’t seem like this stuff should work, but it’s a miracle product.
Josh Naylor
I suppose I wouldn’t literally die without this, but is that really a good thing? I mean, what kind of life would that be?
Athens, Greece - March 31: Nicolo Tresoldi of Germany looks dejected during the UEFA U21 EURO 2027 Qualifier match between Greece and Germany at Apostolos-Nikolaidis-Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann dropped a bit of a shocker during his press conference after the squad selections were made for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America when he indicated that Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi almost made the squad.
“Nicolò Tresoldi was very, very close to making the squad. He’s not a classic target man, but he’s a classic striker. He was extremely close, but in the end he didn’t make the squad because in that case we had to leave someone else out. It’s not easy,” said Nagelsmann (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Tresoldi has had a very good season for Club Brugge, as he has tallied 19 goals and seven assists in 56 games across all competitions. The 21-year-old is 6’1” (1.86m) and offers a different look at the striker position than the two frontrunners to start — Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade.
Like Bayern Munich’s Tom Bischof and FC Köln’s Said El Mala, though, Tresoldi will have to wait for the EURO 2028 to — hopefully — experience his first big tournament with Germany.
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…
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers are a part of the same family, and there is no clearer evidence than the fact that basketball star Austin Reaves ended up taking medical advice from the baseball team.
The Dodgers and Lakers have been a cross-section of LA sports for a very long time, with fans of one team also being fans of the other.
There are two smaller teams in LA in both sports, with the Clippers and the Angels still holding a certain foothold, but their little-brother status has made Dodgers-Lakers fandom the most prevalent in the city.
Now, with the Lakers’ purchase by Dodgers owner Mark Walter, the two are quite literally sibling teams in both sports.
Apr 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten talks with Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
As a byproduct of the new union, Walter — who is aiming to make the Lakers as successful as the Dodgers — has hired Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi as consultants to help modernize the Lakers’ process.
There is a detailed executive overhaul underway with the Lakers, led by the Dodgers’ braintrust, but according to a Yahoo Sports feature by Yaron Weitzman, the changes also relate to how players receive medical care.
The Lakers will be getting a biomechanics lab, with help from the Dodgers executives, per Lakers president Rob Pelinka.
However, until the facility is built, the Dodgers will be a resource for any Lakers player, including guard Austin Reaves, who was battling an oblique injury.
“Until then, players may have to get used to working with the baseball group at Dodger Stadium,” Weitzman wrote.
“That, according to two league sources, is what the Lakers told Austin Reaves to do while he was rehabbing from an oblique injury during the playoffs.”
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter looks on in the eighth inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the same story, Weitzman highlighted that the Dodgers’ medical staff and knowledge are well-renowned within MLB, helping the team land players.
“The giant contracts obviously play a big role, but the way Andrew and his department are able to help players get the best out of themselves has become a major recruiting tool.”
The Dodgers spare no expense when it comes to treating their players, and they have become the standard around the sports world, to the point that they are immediately a resource for franchises in different sports — quite the feat for the organization.
The Indianapolis 500 continues to divide opinion across Formula 1, with some world champions fascinated by the challenge while others, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, have made clear they have no interest in risking oval racing.
The race still carries a unique reputation inside Formula 1 because Indianapolis requires a completely different mentality compared to modern grand prix racing. Some drivers see the event as part of motorsport’s ultimate challenge, while others view the dangers as unnecessary.
That divide has produced some fascinating opinions from Formula 1 champions over the years, particularly when discussing whether they would ever attempt the Indy 500 themselves.
Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher never embraced the Indianapolis challenge
Hamilton previously said he had “zero interest” in competing at the Indianapolis 500 despite respecting the event and the drivers involved.
“I’ve got zero interest in doing the Indy 500. I think it’s amazing what they do, but it’s just not for me.”
Hamilton has consistently praised IndyCar drivers in previous interviews, although the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has made clear that oval racing simply does not match the type of competition he enjoys.
Michael Schumacher also showed little interest in pursuing Indianapolis during his Formula 1 career. Previous comments linked to Schumacher suggested his focus remained entirely on Formula 1 rather than exploring crossover events later in his career.
“First of all, it’s a step down from Formula 1, and second, it’s too dangerous. The speed you do that close to the walls, if you have an accident, there is no way a chassis can survive a certain way of having a crash.
“That means your legs can be heavily damaged or even further. And I don’t see any point in that. I have nothing to prove there.”
Max Verstappen has taken a similarly cautious stance in modern Formula 1.
Verstappen previously revealed he has no desire to race in the Indianapolis 500 because of the risks involved with oval racing.
“For me, I have no desire to risk my life there.”
The growing Formula 1 calendar has also made crossover appearances increasingly difficult, especially with the Monaco Grand Prix traditionally taking place on the same weekend as the Indy 500.
Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna openly admired the Indy 500
Fernando Alonso became one of the few modern Formula 1 champions willing to fully embrace the Indianapolis challenge when he entered the race with Andretti Autosport and McLaren.
Writing in The Players’ Tribune, Alonso explained why the Indianapolis 500 immediately captured his attention as part of his Triple Crown ambitions.
“I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to experience.”
Alonso later admitted the race itself felt intimidating because drivers spend long periods running inches apart at speeds above 220mph.
Alonso said the mental pressure of running side by side for an entire race created a completely different challenge compared to Formula 1.
“You are side by side for 200 laps, and that is scary.”
Even before Alonso’s appearances, Ayrton Senna had already spoken respectfully about the challenge Indianapolis presented for Formula 1 drivers.
Speaking in a historic interview discussing the Indy 500, Senna explained how difficult adapting from Formula 1 to oval racing would become for any driver.
“Every discipline must have their own experience. So if I have to go to Indianapolis probably have to start everything again.”
Senna still believed elite drivers could eventually adapt across categories, showing the deep respect many Formula 1 champions have always held for the Indianapolis 500 despite never competing there themselves.
James “The Missile” Magnussen was happily retired in February 2024 when he agreed to go on one of Australia’s most popular sporting podcasts.
Then the swimming legend issued an audacious challenge that led to him returning to the pool and helping usher the Enhanced Games into existence.
When asked if gaining the ability to use performance-enhancing drugs could transform some second-tier sprinter or swimmer into the second coming of Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, Magnussen told the Hello Sport podcast that was unrealistic. If organizers of the Enhanced Games were serious about shattering records, Magnussen insisted they would need to offer enough money to attract world-class athletes, athletes who had previously medaled at the Olympics and World Championships, athletes like himself.
“I’ve kept myself in reasonable shape in retirement,” said Magnussen, then 32 and five years removed from his last competitive race. “If they put up a million dollars for the 50 freestyle world record, I’ll come on board as their first athlete. I’ll juice to the gills and break the record within six months.”
Video of Magnussen’s remarks spread quickly on social media and caught the attention of Enhanced Games founder Aron D’Souza. Within 24 hours, D’Souza vowed to write Magnusson a $1 million check if he competed in the Enhanced Games and swam the 50-meter freestyle faster than any human in history. In response, Magnusson became the first athlete to open himself to criticism for agreeing to participate in a billionaire-backed event derisively christened the “Steroid Olympics” for encouraging PED use rather than punishing it.
The 42 swimming, track and weightlifting athletes who will compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games on Sunday in Las Vegas were invited to push the limits of human potential by taking an array of performance-enhancing substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Doctors recommended individualized combinations, selecting substances from five categories including testosterone, anabolic steroids, growth factors, metabolic modulators and stimulants like Adderall.
Organizers of the Enhanced Games are quick to bristle when their event is characterized as a doping free-for-all. When criticized, they point out that 36 of 42 Enhanced Games athletes are participating in a rigorous clinical trial during which health professionals have monitored the substances being used, the dosages and the health of the competitors. They argue that the science-driven approach and regulated environment will reduce harm compared with the underground, unsupervised PED use that exists in many sports.
As Enhanced Games chief communications officer Chris Jones told Yahoo Sports, “You may not like what we’re doing. You may think it’s morally bankrupt. But it’s not reckless and it’s not absent safety measures.”
A conga line of critics disagrees. Last year, outspoken U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart condemned the Enhance Games as a “clown show that puts profit over principle.” The International Olympic Committee and anti-doping agencies around the world have issued similar statements, arguing that athletes who take banned substances put themselves at elevated risk of heart attacks and other longterm, potentially irreversible or fatal side effects.
Sports medicine experts who spoke to Yahoo Sports are most concerned with the message that Enhanced Games organizers are sending to the public by claiming that athletes can safely take performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.
Said sports cardiologist Aaron Baggish: “It’s akin to me saying I’m going to make smoking safe by supervising you while you’re smoking.”
The "Enhanced Games" team attends a press conference to announce new games scheduled for 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., May 21, 2025.
REUTERS / REUTERS
‘Biology was never the ceiling’
Last May, at a flashy launch event inside a resort on the Las Vegas Strip, Aron D’Souza framed the Enhanced Games in epic terms. The Oxford-educated lawyer and entrepreneur described the project as the start of a cultural and scientific revolution destigmatizing performance medicine and redefining what the human body can do.
“In 50 years, we’ll look back and realize that biology was never the ceiling,” D’Souza told the audience. “It was only the starting line. We’ll be faster. We’ll be stronger. We’ll be younger for longer. And we’ll wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science.”
The idea for the Enhanced Games, D’Souza has said, came to him between sets at an upscale Miami gym. He overheard two gymgoers chatting about their use of performance-enhancing substances and began to question why athletes were still bound by rules preventing them from benefiting from modern science.
“I imagined a new kind of competition,” D’Souza said at last May’s Las Vegas launch event, “one where science and sport and society could evolve together, where we stopped apologizing for progress and started to embrace it.”
To find an investor willing to back such a norm-breaking idea, D’Souza approached longtime friend and business associate Peter Thiel. D’Souza had earned the PayPal co-founder and tech billionaire’s trust years earlier by masterminding Thiel’s clandestine legal war to destroy Gawker Media.
Rather than sue Gawker for running a story that outed him as gay and for subsequent negative coverage, D’Souza suggested instead bankrolling the legal battle of someone else with a grudge against the snarky, no-holds-barred media outlet. Thiel gave D’Souza $10 million to lead Hulk Hogan’s litigation against Gawker for publishing a sex tape involving the wrestler without his permission. Hogan won a nine-figure jury verdict, forcing Gawker into bankruptcy.
Thiel agreed to back the Enhanced Games. So did Christian Angermayer and Maximilian Martin, deep-pocketed investors with an interest in technology to improve health and life expectancy. By early 2025, D’Souza also secured much-needed political muscle when Donald Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital announced it was investing in the project.
When he first unveiled his vision for the Enhanced Games, D’Souza foresaw a progressive alternative to the Olympics that would include track and field, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics and combat sports. Athletes would receive undisclosed appearance fees and vie for a $500,000 prize pool in each event. An additional payout worth up to $1 million would go to any athlete who surpassed the world record in his or her event.
In February 2024, D’Souza told the BBC that dozens of Paris Olympians were eager to compete in the Enhanced Games and “make some real money.” Weeks later, D’Souza boasted to Running Magazine, “We’ve had 4,000 athletes come to us directly, and expect 10,000 athletes to apply when applications open.”
A source who worked closely with D’Souza admitted that the Enhanced Games founder exaggerated athlete interest but also defended the approach.
“He had an amazing idea and he needed to excite people to attract capital,” the source said. “To a large degree it worked.”
Of course, the downside is an inaugural Enhanced Games that will inevitably fall short of D’Souza’s outsized predictions. There are no gymnasts or combat sports athletes scheduled to compete on Sunday. There will only be a men’s and women’s 100 meters contested on the track. More than half the men scheduled to run the 100 have never reached an Olympic or World Championships final. More than half the women slated to run the 100 have never qualified for a global championship meet.
In the pool, the headliner is Great Britain’s Ben Proud, silver medalist in the men’s 50-meter freestyle in Paris and at the 2025 World Championships. The 31-year-old has told reporters that he views the Enhanced Games as a late-career pivot, a chance to pursue life-altering financial rewards while also enjoying the scientific freedom to test his body’s limits.
The most accomplished track athletes who are participating in the Enhanced Games both chose this path in part because they’re ineligible to compete elsewhere. Two-time Olympic men’s 100 meters medalist Fred Kerley, 31, is serving a two-year suspension for missing three scheduled drug tests. Marvin Bracy-Williams, 32, is halfway through a 45-month suspension for testing positive for testosterone and then initially trying to tamper with the investigation.
Of the 42 swimming, track and weightlifting athletes who will compete Sunday in Las Vegas, there are few rising stars and only three medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Other big names got cold feet about jeopardizing their careers, especially after World Athletics president Sebastian Coe threatened track and field athletes who compete in the Enhanced Games with lengthy bans and World Aquatics ratified a new bylaw permanently banning Enhanced Games athletes and coaches.
When asked how the money available at the Enhanced Games compared to what elite sprinters can make competing on the pro circuit, one high-profile track and field agent gave a telling response.
“I never really looked into that,” he told Yahoo Sports. “None of my clients were interested.”
Fred Kerley won a bronze in the men's 100 at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Kerley will compete Sunday in the Enhanced Games.
Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
Unlocking human potential or PED Olympics?
The athletes who did sign on to compete in the first Enhanced Games prepared for their events by gathering in January at a five-star beachfront resort in Abu Dhabi for an all-expenses-paid, 16-week training camp.
They trained at state-of-the-art facilities. They worked with renowned coaches. And, besides a few athletes who intend to compete naturally on Sunday, they tried performance-enhancing drugs that they previously had been led to believe were dangerous or unethical.
Enhanced chose not to publicly reveal what substances individual athletes took leading up to the Games, but the company did release aggregate data on Wednesday evening: 91% of athletes used testosterone; 79% used human growth hormone; and 62% used stimulants like Adderall. By contrast, only 41% of athletes used EPO and only 29% used anabolic steroids, presumably the weightlifters seeking to add muscle and power.
Enhanced Games administrators have emphasized that all PEDs were administered as part of a clinical trial with oversight from the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, that competitors undergo ongoing health monitoring and that medical and scientific commissions are available to provide guidance and answer questions. And yet several medical experts said it’s “100% misleading” to claim that PEDs can be made safe if taken under medical supervision.
Baggish, previously the team cardiologist for the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins and New England Revolution, remembers Enhanced Games organizers reaching out to gauge his interest in being part of their scientific commission. Baggish turned down the opportunity immediately, he said, because he doesn’t believe in healthy subjects boosting their athletic performance by taking pharmaceuticals designed to treat medical conditions.
“When we talk about performance-enhancing drugs, people only focus on half the reason that they’re banned — that they create an unfair playing field,” Baggish said. “That’s true, and that’s important, but the other reason many of these substances are banned is they carry health risks that we don’t understand well enough to negate. You cannot use these drugs to get bigger, faster, stronger without taking a serious risk.”
Athletes who have listened to the claims of Enhanced Games organizers have then reached out to Baggish for his perspective on whether the medical community now considers PEDs safer than they once were thought to be. Baggish quickly shoots down that notion, warning athletes that testosterone use has been linked to heart disease and infertility, that EPO can cause blood clots and put an unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system and that other substances on the WADA banned list also carry an elevated risk.
To Baggish, the primary concern isn’t necessarily the health of the 40-plus swimmers, sprinters and weightlifters who will compete in the Enhanced Games on Sunday. What bothers Baggish more is the message the event sends to the public that “using these substances in the context of sports is in any way, shape or form OK.”
“That’s the really scary thing,” Baggish said. “I worry this is going to lead to people using these things on a much broader level, which would be a real disaster.”
Why would Enhanced be willing to withstand so much criticism to put on a sporting event that will likely cost more than it earns, at least for this year? Perhaps because running a sports event is only a small part of the company’s business model.
Enhanced has also begun selling a range of consumer health products, from peptides, to hormonal and testosterone replacement therapies, to anti-aging creams and supplements. Its hope is that hundreds of thousands of TV viewers will watch 42 athletes — nearly all of them openly taking performance-enhancing substances — glide through the pool, dart down the track and perform superhuman feats of strength. Then maybe those viewers will want to buy some of those same treatments for themselves.
“The core strategic question is simple: which brand will consumers trust when it comes to human enhancement?” Angermayer wrote last month in a Substack post. “I believe consumers will trust the company that can show them — credibly, scientifically, and transparently — how elite athletes are using these protocols to safely unlock new levels of performance.
“I believe consumers will observe the tangible results our athletes achieve and seek to apply those enhancements to their own lives. Enhancements are not only relevant to breaking world records — (in my honest opinion) they can help anyone reach new heights: whether running a marathon faster, performing better as a business executive, or simply having more energy to spend time with family and friends.”
Enhanced executives argue that the two elements of their business are complementary to one-another. Cynics counter that the Enhanced Games have primarily become a marketing tool with the athletes being paid handsomely in return for selling products to consumers and taking outsized risks with their long-term health.
“This isn’t about elite sport, as has been argued at times. This isn’t about athletes not being properly compensated. It’s about selling telehealth protocols to the general population and the exercise population. It’s using elite sport as a vehicle to do that.”
Enhanced organizers don’t entirely disagree. In fact, D’Souza acknowledged as much last May at the launch event for Sunday’s games.
“This isn’t just a sporting event,” D’Souza told the audience. “We’re not just organizing a competition. We’re unlocking human potential.”
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: The Rutgers Scarlet Knight rides onto the field against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rutgers football has added a new long snapper to its roster, as former Southeastern long Snapper Talan Shields has committed to the Scarlet Knights. His commitment comes not too long after he made the trip up to campus on May 11th, according to The Knight Report.
Shields did not play during his one season at Southeastern, as he decided to redshirt. After the season ended, Head Coach Adam Waugh ended up stepping down from his position due to health reasons. It was following this decision that Shields decided to enter the transfer portal.
Shields held offers from schools such as Delaware State, Hampton, New Hampshire, and New Haven in addition to Rutgers since entering the Transfer Portal in January.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound transfer played his high school ball at Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was rated as a 4.5-star recruit and the No. 123 overall-ranked long snapper recruit per RubioLongSnapping.com coming out of the 2025 recruitment class.
Shields joins a team that has always put a special emphasis on special teams under current head coach Greg Schiano. Despite some miscues last season, the Knights are known to have one of the better special teams units in the country, providing Shields with a good opportunity to refine his game.
Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant Credit: WWE/WWE via Gett
Andre the Giant was the biggest name in wrestling when he was pitted against Hulk HoganThe two were set as the main event at WrestleMania III, but no one but Andre the Giant knew how the match would endThe match is dissected in the 2018 documentary about Andre, who would have turned 80 on May 20
The unique wrestling talent, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on May 20, remained calm, cool and collected as he entered WrestleMania III, turning heel in one of the biggest performances of his career as he battled Hulk Hogan.
The unforgettable fight was part of 2018's Andre the Giant, which looked back at the life of the wrestler, whose size was a result of gigantism caused by excess growth hormone. The documentary explains that the two had wrestled together and even performed as partners in a world before the monumental match, but WrestleMania III marked a reset, positioning them as rivals.
"It was monumental, because Andre had been such a revered character for so many years. He was the kind of guy that people could relate to and felt that they knew the real Andre and that he was genuinely a good guy. All of a sudden we're gonna create a new character, totally different from anything that people had ever seen, and that's the bad guy, Andre the Giant," Jerry Lawler recalled.
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Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan in 1980 Credit: The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty
Commentator David Shoemaker explained, "For fans of my generation, that wasn't just the first time we'd seen Andre as a heel, that was the first time that we'd even thought about morality on that level. We can't possibly imagine Hogan losing. But we also can't imagine him beating Andre the Giant. You know, it's crazy, but we would really talk about these things like you're talking about Ali-Frazier."
"Both are physical phenoms. Andre stands at 7'4" and weighs 525 pounds. We were kids, but we were breaking this down like it was a real sporting contest, even though on some level we knew it was fake, right? But it's just like, 'How could this possibly go?' "
Shoemaker notes that at the time, Andre's health was "in dire straits" after a back surgery left him dependent on a cane.
"And I said to myself, 'That's gonna be your main event for WrestleMania III? How are these two guys gonna pull this off?' Andre didn't let Hogan know a whole lot about what he could or couldn't do in the ring. And I think that kind of weighed on Hulk Hogan in the back of his mind for a match of that magnitude. It bothered him."
Shoemaker notes that Hogan feared Andre wouldn't follow the script and lose the match. "Terry had so much respect, again, for Andre, he just wouldn't come up to Andre and say, 'Are you gonna put me over?' You know? He wouldn't do that because that would be disrespectful. So it was always this bit of doubt."
Andre the Giant versus Hulk Hogan Credit: Jeffrey Asher/Getty
Hogan said that it came down to the wire, with the match being scripted the night before WrestleMania with Vince McMahon on a yellow legal pad.
"I wrote it all down, wrote the whole match from top to finish, and then I left the finish open. Gave Vince the legal pad, Vince goes to talk to Andre," he recalled.
Shoemaker notes, "Andre loved to bust balls, and he was busting Hogan's... So Hogan was concerned, all the way up to the day of the show."
Hogan admitted, "If Vince knew the finish, I don't remember him telling me that 'You're gonna win.' I never remember him saying that to me. I never remember him saying, 'You're winning.' "
The day of, as everyone's anxiety was at full tilt, Andre remained cool, even with Hogan sitting next to him in the dressing room.
"I know his back was killing him. And as we were sitting there, I said, 'Andre, what do you want to do out there?' [He said], 'Don't worry.' I said, 'Okay, I won't worry.' "
Hogan would ultimately take the March 1987 match. Journalist Dave Meltzer noted, "For the narrative of wrestling, you want that old star to pass the torch to the new star, and that was the moment that it happened. In the history of wrestling, it was huge... Hogan beating Andre was symbolic of Vince McMahon putting the ghosts of the territorial era to bed."
He continued, "This is Hulk Hogan defeating the biggest star in professional wrestling history until Hulk Hogan. Andre's career started going downhill pretty much immediately after WrestleMania III."
Andre the Giant's condition later resulted in acromegaly, a disorder that can cause joint pain and headaches, along with a host of other complications. He died of congestive heart failure in 1993 at just 46. Hogan remained part of the wrestling world in various degrees through his death in July 2025 at age 71.
Bills head coach Joe Brady said he was pleased with the attendance at the start of Organized Team Activities. But one high-profile Bills player wasn't there: James Cook.
Cook, who led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards, was not present for the start of OTAs. It's unclear whether Cook plans to attend voluntary practices for the rest of the offseason, and there's been no reason given for his absence. Missing OTAs will cost Cook his $250,000 workout bonus.
Often when star players aren't at OTAs, that's a sign that they're not happy with their contracts. Cook just signed a four-year, $46 million contract nine months ago, so it would be awfully early for him to become unhappy. But last week Dolphins running back De'Von Achane signed a four-year, $64 million contract, which could have changed Cook's assessment of whether he's being properly paid as the NFL's leading rusher.
With Cook not on the practice field, third-year running back Frank Gore Jr. got a lot of work at the start of OTAs. Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com reports that Gore looked explosive and decisive during the non-contact practice.
The Oklahoma City Thunder needed a bounce-back performance in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals Wednesday night after absorbing one of the most stunning individual performances in recent playoff memory.
Victor Wembanyama had just put up 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks in Game 1, leading the Spurs to a convincing 122-115 double-overtime victory on Monday. OKC responded with the right answer and so, eventually, did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Just not right away.
The Thunder took Game 2, 122-113, to even the Western Conference Finals at one game apiece. SGA, who shot 30.4% and posted a game-worst minus-15 in Game 1, bounced back with 30 points, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, shooting 50% from the floor and finishing plus-14.
The key adjustment on the other end was Isaiah Hartenstein. Coach Mark Daigneault hadn't felt great about playing Hartenstein just 12 minutes in the series opener. So, he increased Hartenstein's playing time and the 7-foot, 250-pound center used his size to push Wembanyama away from the rim.
Wemby went from nine offensive rebounds in Game 1 to five in Game 2. As a team, the Thunder won the offensive glass 17-16, a major shift from their 15-9 deficit on Monday.
Then came the moment that almost broke the internet. Courtside reporter Zora Stephenson asked Shai about the tactical adjustment of putting Hartenstein on Wembanyama.
Gilgeous-Alexander at first got a bit confused and responded, "I'm not sure if it was good, to be honest." When pressed for a better explanation, the 2026 regular-season MVP changed his answer quickly and confirmed with confidence, "It was alright. It was good, it was good."
Everyone who watched his sideline slip got increasingly confused because it looked a lot like Shai was dissing his own teammate. To clear up the misunderstanding, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the moment during his postgame press conference.
SGA explained he "didn't really hear" Stephenson's initial question, but once he pieced it together, he gave her "the right answer." He added, “I heard it wrong what she said.”
According to NBA.com, Hartenstein himself was straightforward about his assignment, saying, "That's kind of my game, just being physical. Last game, they were more physical than us and so I just wanted to establish that early. Again, he's a great player. He's going to get to certain things, but you just have to make it as hard as possible, and I think I did a solid job."
With the series tied 1-1, the challenge for Hartenstein is replicating this physical defense on the road. Game 3 is Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio, broadcasting on NBC and Peacock. Oklahoma City will need that same inside presence to counter Wembanyama, who will be playing in front of his home crowd.
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with a severe illness and won’t compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, including the Coca-Cola 600, his family said Thursday.
His family posted the news on social media and said he is currently undergoing treatment.
“We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,” the statement continued.
Busch ranks 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season. The 41-year-old driver and Las Vegas native won championships in 2015 and 2019. Busch is in his fourth season at Richard Childress Racing after winning titles with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided to make a barbecue rather than watch the match that clinched his team the Premier League title.
Arteta was due to watch the Bournemouth-Manchester City game with Arsenal's players and coaching staff at the club's London Colney training base on Tuesday evening, but he left before kickoff because “I couldn’t bring the energy that I wanted.”
Instead, he went home and started to grill in his yard, only “hearing some noises in the background” as second-place City could only draw 1-1 to leave Arsenal as English champion for the first time since 2004.
“My oldest son opened the garden door,” Arteta said, describing the moment he discovered Arsenal had won the title. "He started to run towards me, he started to cry, he gave me a hug and said, ‘We are champions, daddy.’
“And then my other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful, just to see that joy on them as well ... it was magical.”
“Everybody’s been just keeping emotions and living those emotions, but not being able to really express them,” he said Thursday. “So when we opened that bottle, I think everybody had so much release and it’s been incredible to witness.”
Arteta said he had questioned himself about whether he was “good enough to lead this team, this club, these players to win a major trophy.”
“Until you do it, you cannot validate yourself,” Arteta said.
“What I’m the most proud,” he added, “is how we’ve won it. Because we showed very important values, not only in sport but in life as well, which is perseverance, to be resilient, to be composed in moments when people are doubting. To be vulnerable.”
Arsenal's players will lift the trophy after the game at Crystal Palace on Sunday in the Premier League's final round.
The Gunners will then play the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30. A parade is set for the next day in north London — and it could be a double celebration.
According to the Weather Channel, there is a 100% of rain at 10 a.m., which is supposed to last for the next two hours. Lightning and thunder are currently surrounding the area.
The rain arrived during Game 3 of the MHSAA 6A title game between Pearl River Central against Salitllo right before first pitch, which was scheduled for 10 a.m. The series is tied at 1-1 after Pearl River Central won Game 1, 12-11, on May 19. Saltillo won Game 2, 3-1, on May 20.
The MHSAA announced it will wait out the weather delay in hopes of finishing the delayed game.
Pearl River Central and Saltillo were the first scheduled game for Day 3, with four games followed by the Class 1A, Game 2 between Taylorsville and West Union at 1:07 p.m., Class 2A, Game 1 with East Webster and Mize at 4:07 p.m. and lastly Class 7A, Game 2 between Oxford and Petal at 7:07 p.m.
Trustmark Park installed infield turf this year, but the outfield grass has standing water in multiple spots.
A rain delay also occurred May 20 during the game between Pearl River Central and Salitllo. Play was resumed an hour and 30 minutes later.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch will not race in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness, his family said in a statement.
The 41-year-old Busch, who drives the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will not compete in his first race since 2015 and was also scheduled to compete in the Busch Craftsman Truck Series race.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," a statement from his social media account said. "He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Fellow Childress driver Austin Hill, who helms the No. 21 for Richard Childress Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will take Busch's place this weekend.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them," Richard Childress Racing said in a statement. "Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him. We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend. Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Monday May 11, 2026. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
OK, I’m going to preface this story, which has a particularly scary headline, by saying that you should absolutely NOT FREAK OUT. OKAY? STOP IT. ITS FINE. EVERYTHING WILL BE ALL RIGHT.
If you’re connected to social media then you already know that there were rumors floating around the various Spurs ITK accounts and its assorted media aggregators about Kinsky having surgery at the end of the season. The implication was that Kinsky is carrying some sort of injury, much like Guglielmo Vicario before his own surgical procedure, and there was a distinct freak-out from terminally-online Spurs fans.
Now Alasdair Gold, an Actual Journalist™, has weighed in and it turns out the rumors are true… kind of.
Understand Antonin Kinsky is set to undergo a small procedure after the end of the season for a medical issue rather than an injury.
So there are a few things to unpick here. First, contrary to the earlier reports (which I will not link to) this appears to be a medical issue and not a football-related injury. That’s important. Notably, we have no details as to what this “medical issue” is that requires a “small procedure” but it could be anything, from having a mole removed, maybe a suspicious lump, or perhaps cosmetic follicular depilation to remove… whatever it is he’s sporting on his face at the moment that could only generously be called a “goatee.” The truth is, we don’t know and we may not know. It’s pointless to speculate, so I won’t do so and I’d encourage the rest of you not to either. But it sure doesn’t seem like anything particularly serious.
As to why Kinsky would opt to have the surgery this summer and miss the World Cup… well, it might be something that needs to be done in the short term for whatever reason (again, not speculating). Kinsky is a Czech international footballer who has yet to make his full senior debut for the Czech Republic. While he was listed on Czechia’s preliminary World Cup roster, he was one of seven keepers on that list and the suggestions are he’d be way behind Matej Kovar and Lukas Hornicek. Even if he made the squad it’s highly unlikely he’d see the pitch anyway. I might even suggest that undergoing this procedure signifies that he’s already been told he’s unlikely to make the final squad. A lot of players with no other commitments opt to have medical procedures done immediately following the end of the league season, so this doesn’t strike me as anything to worry over, and this isn’t a decision one makes if there’s any chance that he’s going to make a World Cup squad for a competition that starts in a couple of weeks
So yes, Kinsky’s going to have a medical procedure. No, it probably doesn’t mean anything about Sunday’s league-ending (and relegation-deciding) match against Everton, in which I would assume he starts. Nor is it another spurious knock on Tottenham’s physio and medical team, since it’s not a playing injury. It’s just a thing that players do after a long surgery when they know they don’t have much football to play for a couple of months.
Zohran Mamdani has announced a World Cup ticket program for New Yorkers.Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, on Thursday announced that a new tranche of 2026 World Cup tickets will be made available to residents of the five boroughs at $50 per ticket. The tickets, which will be distributed via random draw, will be for every game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium other than the final. They will also include bus transportation to and from the event.
A total of 1,000 tickets will be available as part of the program, with a block of about 150 tickets for each of the seven games. The tickets will be located in the upper bowl of the 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium.
The games eligible for the program include five group games (Brazil v Morocco on 13 June, France v Senegal on 16 June, Norway v Senegal on 22 June, Ecuador v Germany on 25 June and Panama v England on 27 June), plus a Round of 32 game on 30 June and a Round of 16 game on 5 July.
Mamdani unveiled the plan on Thursday in the Little Senegal neighborhood of Harlem in upper Manhattan. He was accompanied by community leaders and Tim Weah, a winger for the US men’s national team and New York native.
The plan marks the first and to date only time an individual 2026 World Cup host city will provide special access to tickets for residents of that particular city. In that way, it marks a return to the status quo: residents of Qatar receiving discounted tickets to the 2022 edition of the tournament in the country.
The lottery system for the tickets will open on 25 May at 10am Eastern Time and close on 30 May at 5pm ET, with a maximum of 50,000 allowed daily entries into the lottery. Winners will be allowed to buy up to two tickets each. The initiative will be positioned as a collaboration between the mayor’s office and the NY/NJ World Cup host committee – not with Fifa, who have control over ticket operations and have utilized dynamic pricing amid much criticism.
Ticket pricing has been a major issue throughout the buildup to this World Cup, with games in the New York/New Jersey area garnering significant attention for both the price of admission and the cost of transportation. New Jersey Transit, the authority that operates most of the bus and train routes to MetLife Stadium from New York City proper, initially announced that a round-trip train ticket between New York’s Penn Station and MetLife Stadium would cost $150, when the usual fare is $13. That price has since dropped to $105 for a round-trip ticket. Buses between New York City and the stadium are expected to run at $80 per ticket.
Fifa had previously responded to criticism around ticket prices by releasing a limited amount of tickets at $60, comprising approximately 1.6% of those available for sale. The federation had initially set $60 as the cheapest possible tickets for any World Cup games, but dynamic pricing has rocketed the prices up into the hundreds for every game of the tournament.
Mamdani, an avowed soccer fan who made affordability a central pillar of his successful mayoral campaign, took aim at Fifa over the prices of admission, saying last year that the federation was putting revenues over accessibility for what should be an inclusive celebration of soccer.
“There’s just no chance for so many who love this game so much to actually be able to go and see this,” Mamdani said at a campaign stop in September. “This also has a real impact on the potential for the atmosphere of the World Cup and just how many fans will actually be there. Because so often the people who get the tickets quickest are not the ones who are actually the most eager to be there. They’re the ones who are the most excited at the prospect of a profit.”
That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Sweat was supposed to be part of Tennessee’s long-term plans after arriving as a second-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, but that relationship ended quicker than expected. The Titans ultimately shipped him to New York in a deal that brought Jermaine Johnson back the other way, giving both teams a fresh start.
Still, fresh starts don’t erase narratives.
Reports following Sweat’s exit painted an unflattering picture, with questions surfacing about conditioning, work ethic, and overall commitment. Fair or not, those are the kinds of labels players don’t forget, especially when an early chance at proving people wrong lands directly on the schedule. What better stage can one ask for than Week 1?
This isn’t just another regular-season opener. It’s a game dripping with personal motivation. Saleh gets his shot at the Jets. Jermaine Johnson gets to face his former team. Former Jets now wearing Titans uniforms will have their own emotions attached. Sweat, meanwhile, gets a direct crack at the organization that decided it was time to move on.
That alone makes him someone worth watching because if his social media reaction is any indication, Tennessee’s former defensive tackle already knows exactly what this game means. If this opener needed one more personal grudge to elevate the stakes, T’Vondre Sweat just supplied one of his own.
Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain and Julian Alvarez centre-forward of Atletico de Madrid and Argentina compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
One way of looking at things at Barcelona is that if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it.
In Spain at least, the pressure is on Real Madrid and other rivals to find a way to get on their level. Hansi Flick’s system has been unstoppable in La Liga since his arrival two summers ago. The Champions League, however, is another question.
What we know for sure is that Robert Lewandowski is leaving, and Ferran Torres alone can’t replace him. How big Barcelona’s ambitions should be on the market will be the question of the summer.
Julián Alvarez is the perfect signing. We can go around in circles considering other options, but tactically and philosophically, the Argentinian looks tailor made for the Camp Nou.
He would be expensive, perhaps prohibitively so. We shouldn’t pretend, however, that most alternatives, like João Pedro would be much cheaper. Both signings would require considerable financial engineering. Alvarez is the only player I can think of who may be worth the effort in pursuing a formula.
First step, Alvarez would have to really want to come to Barcelona, and he would have to put pressure on Atlético Madrid. Without that, the conversation becomes moot.
You’d have to imagine that Alvarez sees what everyone else can. He would fit Barca like a glove, and with Flick in charge, there is a real opportunity to reach superstardom. It’s confounding to consider how and why he arrived at Atleti to begin with, except to concede that at the end of the day money talks, and the summer he made the move, the Colchoneros went on a spending spree.
The second step in the process is that Barcelona would have to make sales. This is where it gets tricky because it highlights that bringing in Alvarez isn’t just about what he adds, but what he subtracts from Barcelona.
It would take more than letting loose a few players who are obviously surplus to requirements, like Marc Casadó or even Ferran Torres. It would mean making the hard decisions of moving on reliable parts of the starting eleven. Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong come to mind. Maybe even Raphinha if that’s the only thing that can get the job done of making the math work.
To that end, would it be worth it, or does it become too big of a risk? At that point, you’re perhaps messing too much with a foundation that has proven to work.
What the Alvarez conversation is really about is whether Barcelona should go down the path of big structural change or simply tinker with the stucture that’s already there.
Going for Alvarez means going big, and building around him for the future, as a part of the core nucleus of the team alongside Lamine Yamal and Pedri. In other words, if you do it, it better work or there will be consequences.
If you don’t go for him, then I think Barcelona may have to settle for more pragmatic signings. Marcus Rashford at least, even at 30 million euros, is good value compared to what João Pedro would cost. You of course still need to bring in another forward or two, but maybe it doesn’t have to be a classic number nine, since the good ones are so few and far between anyway.
Defense is where Barcelona could really get the biggest bang for their buck in terms of strengthening their chances to win more titles. The Blaugrana, afterall, haven’t stopped outscoring everyone in Spain by a mile.
If not Alvarez, then that’s where the investment should go.
These aren’t easy choices. Barcelona have to be humble and realistic about where they still stand as a club.
Prudence, at the end of the day, is probably the best principle to apply when the time comes to decide.
If Barcelona has learned anything from the past, it’s that you can’t spend your way to winning trophies.
The New York Mets, ranked fifth in the NL East with a 21-28 record, face the Washington Nationals, who are third in the NL East with a 25-25 record. The game is essentially a pick'em, with the Mets at -115 and the Nationals at -105. Starting pitchers are David Peterson for the Mets, with a 5.40 ERA, and Cade Cavalli for the Nationals, with a 4.05 ERA.
How to watch New York Mets vs Washington Nationals
Emily Ryan has been promoted to assistant coach for the Iowa State women's basketball team. Cyclones head coach Bill Fennelly announced the move in a May 21 news release.
Ryan spent the 2025-26 season as an Iowa State graduate assistant following a record-breaking five-year career as the Cyclones’ point guard.
Fennelly's staff saw two departures since the end of the 2025-26 season, as associate head coach Jodi Steyer retired and assistant coach Latoja Schaben took a job at Texas State.
Caroline McCombs was recently named associate head coach, so Ryan's promotion fills the vacancy left by Schaben's exit.
“Emily made a tremendous impact on our program as a player and that will continue as a coach," Fennelly said in the release. "Emily’s loyalty and commitment to Iowa State women’s basketball has been truly special. Our players will be learning the Iowa State Way from one of the best Cyclones ever!”
Ryan mentored Cyclone point guards last season. She finished her playing career as one of the best point guards in Iowa State history, recording top-five all-time marks in assists, steals and blocks. The Claflin, Kansas, native set the program record for assists and ranked seventh all-time in NCAA women’s basketball history with 993 assists at the time of her graduation.
The ISU sports information department contributed to this report.
PARIS (AP) — The French Open prize money will not change this year despite players complaining they deserve a bigger share, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday.
Top players have criticized the Open organizers for reducing the players’ share of revenue to an alleged 14.3% — compared to 22% at standard ATP and WTA events.
To show their discontent, many competing at Roland Garros, where play begins on Sunday, are planning to limit their interaction with reporters to 15 minutes during Friday’s traditional pre-tournament media day.
Mauresmo, a former Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, said she remained open to dialogue and was confident of a solution. A meeting is expected on Friday between tournament organizers and the players and their representatives.
But asked whether there was a chance the prize money would change this year, Mauresmo said: "No, we are not going to change anything. We are going to initiate discussions and that is what everyone wants.”
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and No. 4 Coco Gauff were among leading players this month who supported a boycott of the Grand Slams if they don’t start receiving more compensation.
Roland Garros organizers increased the prize money by about 10%, after the U.S. Open last year raised their's by 20% and this year's Australian Open by 16%.
The entire French Open pot was 61.7 million euros ($72 million), up 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players claimed their share of Roland Garros revenue declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026. They say the event generated 395 million euros in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%.
The singles champions at Roland Garros will each receive 2.8 million euros, an increase of 250,000 euros compared with 2025.
“I’m not going to tell you that everything will be resolved with the snap of a finger," Mauresmo said. “But the discussions will continue, probably after the tournament.”
NEW YORK — Kenny Atkinson understood what Mike Brown was thinking.
Before Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach fielded a question about a massive decision that his counterpart on the New York Knicks’ bench had made two rounds earlier — the choice to dramatically reorient his offense, shifting from a version predicated primarily on Jalen Brunson creating with the ball in his hands to the more motion-heavy approach that Brown had tried to install at the start of the season, with Karl-Anthony Towns acting as the playmaking hub at the top of the floor.
That tactical change revolutionized New York’s attack, sending the Knicks on a rampaging run to seven straight wins and a second straight conference finals, where that high-octane offense would now become Cleveland’s problem. So what did Atkinson think about the change? That necessity is the mother of invention.
“Down 2-1, we gotta change something, something’s not working — I get it,” Atkinson said before Game 1. “Atlanta’s got elite iso defenders.
“Sometimes, it’s like, you know, you have to be presented with that problem first, right? And then, you’re like, ‘Oh, man, we gotta make a change.’”
Atkinson’s Cavs pose a number of problems: Donovan Mitchell’s scoring, James Harden’s playmaking, Evan Mobley’s advancing versatility, Jarrett Allen’s increasing physicality on the boards, and credible shooters everywhere. One specific problem, though, presented itself to Brown early in the first quarter: Cleveland wasn’t going to gift-wrap the Knicks their preferred defensive matchups in this series. (Well, not yet, anyway.)
Why the Knicks got off to a slow start
Atkinson opened the series by cross-matching, slotting power forward Mobley onto Towns while center Allen slid over onto forward Josh Hart — an alignment we discussed in our series preview, and one that plenty of teams have deployed against the Knicks going back to Tim Thibodeau’s tenure, in an attempt to defang New York’s more dangerous offensive weapons by funneling shots to Hart, an at-times shaky shooter who shot 41.3% from 3-point range during the regular season, but entered the conference finals just 11-for-40 from deep in the 2026 playoffs.
“You know, Josh — we faced this coverage all year,” Brown said after Game 1. “And we played well throughout the course of the year, and we faced it in Atlanta.”
When they faced it against Cleveland in Game 1, though, the Knicks struggled out of the gate. New York went right to Towns as the high-post hub, but between Mobley’s ball pressure, the Cavs seamlessly switching off-ball screens to take away backdoor cuts and Allen sagging off Hart to park himself in permanent help position near the paint, the Knicks couldn’t find anything clean on their opening possession, settling for a contested late-clock pull-up 3-pointer by the returning OG Anunoby.
On its next possession, New York quickly dialed up a counter, putting the ball in Hart’s hands to draw Allen into the play and away from the paint while running an off-ball action with Brunson and Towns — a means of finding another entry point into the two-man game that wrecked the Hawks and 76ers. It got Towns a clean catch, but a strong closeout by Mobley (and, arguably, an uncalled foul) resulted in another missed 3-point try without a preceding paint touch.
Brown spun up another counter on the next trip, using Hart as the screener in an inverted pick-and-roll with Towns on the handle — a move aimed at drawing Allen into the action and away from the paint, and weaponizing Towns’ unusual ability to drive the ball for a man his size. But Mobley, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, dug into Towns’ dribble, forcing him to lose possession with a live-ball turnover that got the Cavs out in transition.
A minute later, with Cleveland again gloving up all the Knicks’ off-ball activity while Towns surveyed from the top of the floor, New York wound up once again needing to settle for a late-clock 3 — this one, a dare-you attempt by Hart, with Allen nearly 10 feet away from him. It clanged clear.
When Mobley checked out with 6:42 to go in the opening frame, the 6-foot-5 Max Strus checked in — and promptly picked up the Towns assignment, sticking with the cross-match. On the Knicks’ next offensive trip, Towns aggressively drove at the smaller defender, going left, getting into the paint and getting to a runner … that Allen, who’d left Hart unattended in the far corner, calmly slid over and swatted clear, triggering another Cleveland fast break.
From Game 4 against Atlanta through the end of their sweep of Philadelphia, the Knicks had scored an average of 137.4 points per 100 possessions — an incendiary rate that would rank as the most efficient offense of all time. And yet, nearly halfway through the first quarter of a game against the NBA’s No. 15 regular-season defense, they’d scored just four points on 2-for-11 shooting.
Maybe the slow start was to be expected, given New York’s nine-day layoff between series.
“Yeah, I mean, to be real, there was definitely rust,” Towns said after Game 1. “You could see we were a team that hadn't played a playoff game in a while.”
“We just started the game off 2-for-19 from the 3-point line,” Brown said. “And it wasn't just Josh — we had some pretty good looks from the right people, and you know, if those go in, the mojo is a little bit different.”
Given the specific nature of the struggle, though, it sure seemed like maybe those long-standing problems with the Knicks’ starting lineup — and the offensive issues presented by Hart’s wax-and-wane shooting — were rearing their ugly head once again. They continued to do so throughout Game 1.
Despite Hart trying his level best to contribute in other areas — seven rebounds, four assists, a steal, aggressive on-ball defense, some sharp takes in transition — the downstream effects of how Cleveland exploited his presence effectively cratered New York’s overall offensive ecosystem. The Cavs dominated the middle quarters, building a 22-point lead largely on the strength of a defensive effort that held the Knicks starting lineup to just 80 points per 100 possessions in its 18 minutes, and the Knicks to a horrendous 68.8 points-per-100 with Hart on the floor in Game 1.
And then, in the fourth quarter, Brown played a card he’d been holding: Out went Hart, in went Landry Shamet.
It went well.
Two timely triples from Landry Shamet 🔥
Shamet (3-3 3PM) delivered in big moments for the Knicks to help them complete their largest postseason comeback in franchise history!
It’s not just that Shamet made three 3-pointers in the historically remarkable 44-11 surge that delivered the Knicks a Game 1 victory (although those were nice). It’s that, with Shamet — a 38.6% career 3-point shooter who shot 39.2% during the regular season and had gone 10-for-23 from deep (43.5%) through the first two rounds of the playoffs — on the floor alongside Towns, Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks fielded a lineup with five credible, dangerous shooters. That meant there was no weak link to exploit to enable Allen to load up defensively, and no safe place to hide a weaker defender. And that meant Brown had created the conditions for Brunson to go hunting again.
“The game's about adjustments,” Brown said after Game 1. “We made an adjustment down the stretch, and we were fortunate to be able to come back and get the win.”
Atkinson, for the record, doubled down on his post-Game 1 assertions that he both trusted Harden to hold up defensively and that he and his coaching staff did make some changes to their defensive coverages on Brunson pick-and-rolls. At Cleveland’s Wednesday walkthrough, he told reporters that the Cavs’ proprietary internal analytics graded New York’s fourth quarter shot quality “in the first percentile,” and that he viewed the choice between letting Brunson go one-on-one and sending a second defender at him as a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” sort of proposition.
“We didn’t, like, stick with the analytical thing, where you’d say, ‘Live with it, live with it, live with it.’ We started double-teaming, and you know, we got hurt with the double-team. So if you’re on either side of the fence, you’re right,” Atkinson said with a laugh. “And you know, the coach, especially when you lose, you’re wrong, no matter what side you take.”
The Cavs presented Brown with a problem, and he made a change, and he was right. Two big questions leading into Thursday’s Game 2 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN): Assuming Brown keeps Hart in the starting lineup, will Cleveland stick to its script, even knowing that Brown has a ready-made adjustment in a five-out look with Shamet or Deuce McBride off the bench? And, if so, how quickly will Brown go to it if New York’s offense once again gets off to a slow start?
Hart, for his part, expects more of the same.
“I mean, probably the same game plan,” Hart told reporters at New York’s Wednesday practice session. “For them, this was the game plan that [put them] up 20 or whatever.”
He also, however, expects to handle it better.
“I shot shots, good shots, and I just didn’t make them — I’m working on that. Obviously, I would’ve liked to make them,” he said with a laugh. “But I’m going to continue to shoot. I’m working incredibly hard on my shot, so I’m going to keep shooting them with confidence. And then, if they don’t go in, then I’ve got to find a way to combat that, whether that’s getting guys in [dribble handoff] and quick actions while the big is in that drop, and get them open shots.”
If he doesn’t, though, Brown might find himself in a similar position to where his predecessor was in this round last season — needing to weigh the clear value Hart brings in all other areas of the game and as an emotional bellwether for this Knicks team against the need to not get off to slow offensive starts at a time of year when the margins between winning and losing, advancing and seeing your season end in heartbreak, can be razor-thin.
Last May, it took Thibodeau falling into a 2-0 hole with Games 3 and 4 coming on the road to make a change and send Hart to the bench. Brown went there three quarters into Game 1. He’s tended to be a little quicker on the draw with shake-ups and adjustments throughout his first season on the Knicks’ bench; if he decides that Hart needs to once again join him there (or if Hart, once again, calls for it himself), the veteran forward insists he’ll do what’s best for the team.
“Obviously, that’s always difficult, watching it on the bench — obviously, I want to be out there, I want to help my guys win,” Hart said Wednesday. “But at the end of the day, for me, I don’t have an ego to it. I approach this game with extreme humility, and that’s just how I approach it, man. I don’t have an ego.
“I said it last year, the last several years: I’m here to serve these guys. That’s the gift God’s given me: to serve these guys and make sure they’re in the best position to be successful, and I put the success of the team over the success of myself any day.”
There have been a ton of things to like about the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals through 20 days of May, with the "Tarps-Off" section in the stands, JJ Wetherholt's production, and the unexpected 28-20 record all being exciting storylines this year.
With how well the season has gone thus far, there is now a fascinating question of whether this team will act as buyers at the trade deadline. They could still be sellers with eyes on the future, but this will be a fascinating decision come the deadline.
But, as Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report highlighted, there is one player on the Cardinals who is completely untouchable in trade talks who seemed to be a bona fide bust just last year. That player is, obviously, Jordan Walker.
Jordan Walker went from bust to untouchable
"On the cusp of being labeled a true bust, Walker has broken through this season as one of the best hitters in baseball," Reuter writes.
Walker looked like a massive bust last year, with a 66 OPS_ and a .584 OPS in 11 games with a ridiculous -1.7 bWAR on the year.
Even though he was just 23 years old, the 279-game sample size of -2.6 bWAR with a .680 OPS was very concerning. If he wasn't a bust, it was solely due to Walker being just 23 years old and still having room to turn things around.
Turn things around, he did, as he's been awesome in 2026. This season, he's posted 2.8 bWAR in just 47 games with 13 homers, 34 RBIs, seven stolen bases, a .296 batting average, a .938 OPS, and an NL-leading 167 OPS+.
Walker was a bona fide bust in 2025, but now he's completely untouchable in trade talks as he's a future cornerstone of the Cardinals' roster going forward.
If there were ever a sign of a turnaround being for real, it would be the team not willing to part with him. Instead of trying to sell high, the Cardinals should fully believe in Walker's breakout being real and invest in him as a key to the franchise.
This breakout for Walker is for real, and Reuter's call of Walker being untouchable in trade talks is the correct trade decision. Walker needs to be built around, as this breakout could have Walker as an MVP candidate for many years to come.
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has revealed he has not slept for a week and a half, as the extraordinary ‘Spygate’ controversy continues to engulf the Championship play-offs.
His Teesside club now finds itself preparing for a Wembley final against Hull City, with a staggering £200 million reward at stake, following a dramatic turn of events that saw Southampton excluded from the competition.
The saga began with Middlesbrough’s complaints that a member of Southampton’s staff had breached EFL rules by observing their training sessions ahead of the first leg of the play-off semi-final.
An independent commission subsequently ruled in favour of Middlesbrough, leading to Southampton’s exclusion from the final and their subsequent appeal being dismissed. This decision propelled Boro into the showpiece event, despite their initial semi-final defeat.
For Hellberg, the emotional and logistical toll has been immense. Preparing for a maiden trip to Wembley, he admitted the episode has severely impacted his rest.
Tonda Eckert's Southampton have been expelled from the play-offs (PA)
Asked about his dreams of victory, he candidly stated: "I don’t sleep! I haven’t slept for one and a half weeks, I think, so there are no dreams. Hopefully, I get a good night’s sleep today, and then I will tell you about the dreams tomorrow."
In a bid to momentarily escape the intense pressure, Hellberg took a brief break after the semi-final exit, travelling back to his native Sweden with his son.
He recounted the experience: "I took my son to Sweden to see a Hammarby game. It was a 4-1 win so it was very nice for me – watching a game, drinking beer, shouting at the referee from the stands. It gives you a bit of perspective on things and gave me some time with my son. I could think about something different."
Despite the favourable outcome for his club, Hellberg expressed a nuanced sense of sympathy for those affected by the unprecedented situation.
"It’s weird. Southampton is a big organisation with so many things involved in that," he remarked. "Of course, I feel a lot of sympathy for supporters paying for tickets, having booked, thinking they’re going to go to Wembley. For some players that were not involved and tried – there’s a lot of sympathy for different things.
“There’s a lot of sympathy for our fans, for Hull supporters in terms of not knowing when to play the game. It’s been a lot of sympathy for different things, and that is what this situation is about.
“It’s been weird for a lot of different teams and supporters, ups and downs that are not fair to them, but it also comes from the decision they have made. So, yes, I have a lot of sympathy for a lot of different people."
Hayden Hackney is facing a race against time to make the Middlesbrough squad at Wembley (Richard Sellers/PA) (PA Wire)
Looking ahead to the final, Hellberg faces significant challenges. His players have had minimal training since the second leg of the Southampton tie, and are still grappling with the psychological impact of that initial defeat.
Midfielder Hayden Hackney’s fitness also remains a concern, with Hellberg prepared to give him until the last minute to prove himself.
Assessing his squad’s mental state, he conceded: "It’s very difficult to know (where the players are mentally) to be fair. After the Southampton game away from home with all the things that come with that, it was very tough. Then it’s been back and forth. We tried to keep them here, but it’s been impossible to train."
LIAN LI Industrial Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, announces the O11 VISION-M, a dual-chamber microATX chassis that blends panoramic three-sided glass presentation with improved airflow. Designed to retain the visual appeal of the O11 Vision series while addressing airflow limitations commonly associated with full-glass cases, the O11 VISION-M features a ventilated top-glass cut-out aligned with the radiator to improve cooling support. It also features a hidden AIO layout with dedicated tube-routing space, a removable center divider, and a pre-installed 140 mm fan in the second chamber to improve airflow to the radiator. Despite its compact footprint, the case supports up to 12 x 120 mm fans, 360 mm top radiators, 410 mm GPUs, 162 mm CPU air coolers, and 182 mm ATX power supplies.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan spoke at the J.P. Morgan TMT Conference, providing more details about the company's roadmap for future node developments. According to Lip-Bu Tan, Intel now forecasts the 14A node risk production run in 2028, with high-volume manufacturing in 2029. This is expected to coincide with major customers ramping up their designs and starting to ship 14A silicon worldwide. Intel plans to utilize the node both internally and offer it to third-party customers, who will consume High-NA EUV exposed wafers at scale. Interestingly, the Intel CEO notes that this timeline is very similar to TSMC's A14 node, which is expected to be a direct competitor to Intel's 14A in the angstrom era of semiconductor manufacturing.
We have already reported on the progress Intel is making with 14A, noting that the node is advancing at a much better pace than Intel experienced with the 18A node. This means better yields at early stages, less complex manufacturing, and an overall improved production process. Notably, 14A is the first semiconductor node globally to utilize ASML's High-NA EUV lithography tools, which are the most sophisticated chip manufacturing machines ever designed. The 14A node is currently at the 0.5 PDK stage, and customers will finalize volume, design, and other requirements when the PDK 0.9 is released. Lip-Bu Tan expects this 0.9 PDK, which he refers to as a "holy grail," to be available in October of this year, allowing customers to start their designs.
CEO Sasan Goodarzi sent an email to staff yesterday saying that the 17% staff reduction would help the firm deliver better products. Goodarzi added that the reductions would help reduce complexity at the organization by simplifying its structure and sharpening its focus on key bets, including, of course, its efforts...
Vivaldi 8 introduces a refreshed desktop interface focused on faster navigation and deeper customization, while continuing the browser's power-user approach to tab management and productivity.
The popular Helldivers 2 is the rare modern game that launched on PC without supporting any major upscaling technology like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR, but this is set to change next week, on May 27, with the release of a new set of technical improvements. Console users will also get some of these improvements, but PlayStation 5 Pro players will inevitably be disappointed by the decision not to bring support for the latest iteration of the PSSR upscaler. "We’re excited to announce a new set of technical improvements, deploying May 27th. In collaboration with our partners at Nixxes, this release brings […]
The newest Core Ultra Series 2 chip offers superior raw performance at lower power consumption vs Raptor Lake Refresh's flagship chip. Core Ultra 7 251X Beats Core i9 14900HX At 50W and 70W TDP, But Shows Regressions When Compared to Core Ultra 7 255HX The Arrow Lake-HX lineup was expanded a month ago with the introduction of the Core Ultra 7 251HX. The processor sits between the Core Ultra 5 245HX and the Core Ultra 7 255HX, offering an 18-core configuration as a result of a 6+12 core arrangement. With two fewer Performance cores than the Ultra 7 255HX, one […]
When it comes to specs on a budget, the GIGABYTE M27Q2 is hard to beat, delivering over 200 Hz refresh rate for just under $180. One of the Best Budget QHD IPS Gaming Monitors Drops from $249 to Just $179: Introducing the GIGABYTE M27Q2, a Solid IPS Monitor That Can Hit 210 Hz Refresh Rate GIGABYTE is already one of the most dominant hardware makers and is equally solid when it comes to the peripherals. Apart from dominating the graphics card and motherboard segments, the company offers some decent options in its peripheral catalog. From gaming mice to gaming monitors, […]
Not all is well at Samsung after agreeing to a new incentives deal, with the South Korean tech behemoth now having to contend with not only intra-divisional resentments due to the massive difference in the implied incentives of the semiconductor division and its Device Experience (DX) counterpart, but also shareholder wrath, with one group of shareholders going so far as to unabashedly term the still-fledgling deal "illegal." Samsung is facing a multi-vector pushback from ex-semiconductor division employees and shareholders on the windfall that its memory- and chip-focused workers now stand to accrue According to South Korea's Yonhap, Samsung's semiconductor employees […]
AMD's EPYC Venice CPUs have entered volume production, making them the first HPC product to achieve the milestone on TSMC's 2nm process tech. AMD & TSMC Enter Volume Production On The Industry's First 2nm HPC Chip, 6th Gen EPYC Venice The Agentic AI boom is driving the CPU market up, unlike anything that came before. High-Performance CPUs are seeing massive demands, and AMD, being a leader in HPC, has just achieved volume ramp of its next-generation EPYC Venice CPUs based on the Zen 6 core architecture. The volume ramp was achieved on TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm process technology. Looking ahead, AMD […]
The European Commission is preparing to propose a temporary exemption for a Chinese semiconductor manufacturer from the EU's 20th Russia sanctions package.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly preparing to distribute up to 40 trillion won ($26.6 billion) in semiconductor employee bonuses after reaching a last-minute labor agreement. The proposed deal ties payouts to AI-driven chip profits and could see average employee bonuses approach $400,000.
Lantern lets small groups and churches read and hear the Bible together in a shared, real-time space. Open a lobby, share one link, and everyone can highlight verses, add notes, post prayers, and chat as chapters are read aloud by natural AI voices, even offline. Hosts can pre-highlight lessons, manage private or public groups, and download books for travel. Guests join instantly without accounts, while subscriptions add lesson planning, devotional libraries, and community tools.
StarDream Cruises has implemented Versonix’ Seaware platform into its operations. This next-generation reservation and revenue management platform combines AI, dynamic pricing tools and real-time business insights to support operations. Cruise lines can use it to make smarter pricing and inventory decisions and create more personalized guest experiences, according to a statement. “We are excited to...
Samsung is working on new ideas for smartphones again. This time, the company is thinking about phones with rollable screens. A new patent shows that Samsung may want to make phones that can grow bigger by pulling the screen out.
The Korean tech giant is already famous for foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip. These phones can fold in half.Now Samsung is trying something different. Instead of folding, the screen could roll out and become larger.
The patent shows two new ideas (via Android Authority). The first phone looks like a normal smartphone. But when users need a bigger screen, they can pull the display sideways.The phone then becomes wider, almost like a small tablet.
Another interesting thing is the design. The screen stays hidden inside the phone.The phone has two sides that can be pulled apart. When the user pulls the phone open, the display slides out from inside the device. When closed, the screen stays protected inside the body of the phone.
The patent also says the phone may have sensors.These sensors can understand how far the screen has been pulled out and how fast it moves. This would help the phone adjust apps and screen size smoothly.
Right now, this is only a patent. Samsung has not announced a product yet.Many companies create patents for ideas that never become real devices. Still, this shows Samsung is thinking about the future of smartphones.Rollable phones may seem unusual today, but they could become popular in the future. Stay tuned for more information.
Lenovo has released a new 14-inch laptop globally under its IdeaPad Slim 5 range. Featuring Intel Panther Lake processors, the IdeaPad Slim 5i 14IPH11 can also be configured with a 60 Wh battery, 32 GB of RAM and a choice between 60 Hz OLED or 120 Hz IPS displays for the time being.
Anbernic has released cheaper versions of one of its popular retro handhelds. Now available with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the Anbernic RG557 is significantly cheaper than it was previously, despite retaining an AMOLED display and a powerful chipset.
Alongside the Xiaomi 17 Max, the company has released a new affordable smartwatch, the Smart Band 10 Pro. The starting price in China is CNY 399, around $59, and the fitness tracker features a bright AMOLED display and a 21-day battery life rating.
Deal | Darkest Dungeon II sends players on a merciless journey through a dying fantasy world. The roguelike is 75% off on Steam until June 1 and currently costs just under $10.
Xiaomi recently launched a new water purification system for household use. Apart from reducing the amount of contaminants, the device can possibly also improve smell and taste of water.
Deal | Stray is an atmospheric cyberpunk adventure from a cat’s perspective and is currently cheaper on Steam than ever before. Until June 3, a 50% discount lowers the price to $14.99.
The global EV market is currently breaking all records and growing at an unprecedented pace. Latest data analyses impressively demonstrate how rapidly electromobility is establishing itself around the globe, and why traditional internal combustion engine vehicles are increasingly falling behind EVs.
Since May 13, Figure 03 humanoid robots in San José have been sorting parcels almost continuously on camera – and the stream seems to hold a surprising fascination for viewers. Due to the high level of interest, it has now been running for over a week instead of the originally planned eight hours.
Apple is currently testing a quad-curved display for the iPhone 19 Pro and/or iPhone 20 (2027), signaling a potential radical design shift for at least one of the 20th-anniversary iPhone models. Details indicate a transition to bezel-less OLED panels with under-display camera technology, hinting at a major hardware overhaul.
The fourth member in the Xiaomi 17 series is here, and it brings the Max moniker. The Xiaomi 17 Max is the less flashy sibling of the 17 Pro Max, omitting the secondary rear screen and opting for a higher resolution 200MP main cam while also housing a larger 8,000 mAh Si/C battery.
According to Xiaomi, the 17 Max should be good for over 2 days of normal usage with the battery rated to retain up to 80% of its charge even after 1,600 charging cycles, which is over 4 years of daily usage. When you do need to recharge, you can do so at up to 100W speeds via cable and 50W wirelessly. The 17...
Despite their recent draw against Al Hilal, Al Nassr remain a strong contender to win the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. However, they must secure a victory today against Damac. To that end, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, as he could be the difference-maker in terms of scoring.
Al Nassr have managed to become as one of the best teams in the Middle East. Not only did they shine in the AFC Champions League Two, but they have also done so in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, they face Damac today, needing a victory to crown as league champions after many years of drought. For this, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldoas he points to be differential from a goalscoring perspective.
According to Arriyadiyah, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Al Nassr FC, being in full physical condition. While he comes from two games without scoring, the Portuguese striker has shown a great ability to shine in high-pressure moments. In addition, the 41-year-old star managed to score in the previous match between both teams, giving signs that it could happen again today, as he looks to close the gap in the top scorers table.
Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, head coach Jorge Jesus could repeat the successful setup with João Félix. In addition, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman would be the options on the wings, as they come in strong form with Al Nassr. Being one of the best attacking teams, they aim to dominate heavily from a goalscoring perspective, as their opponent is one of the teams with the most defensive instability.
Unlike Al Nassr FC, Damac are not coming from their best season. With only 29 points, they are fighting to avoid relegation, battling with Al Riyadh SC, meaning they absolutely need a victory. However, they have not shined from a defensive perspective, conceding 51 goals. Despite this, head coach Fábio Carille could opt for an offensive approach, seeking to take advantage of the spaces behind the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in order to search for a victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr battling for the ball during the Saudi pro league match vs Damac.
Al Nassr predicted lineup vs. Damac
After their dominant season, Al Nassr arrive as clear favorites to take the victory against Damac, as they have not lost against them since 2021. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will not be able to count on Marcelo Brozović and Sultan Al-Ghannam due to injury. Despite this, they still maintain their main stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, who will be boosted by the speed and dribbling ability of Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman.
With this in mind, Al Nassr could lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ali Al Hassan, Saad Al Nasser, Sadio Mane; Joao Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Damac predicted lineup vs. Al Nassr
Damac arrive with the urgent need to secure a victory against Al Nassr, as they need to avoid relegation. For this, head coach Fábio Carille could once again rely on Valentin Vada as his main offensive focal point, as the team does not shine defensively, meaning their only way to pursue a victory is by trying to score goals. Nevertheless, goalkeeper Kewin Silva could be vital in preventing Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix from shining.
Considering this, they could lineup as follows: Kewin; Sanousi Al-Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid; Tariq Abdullah, Morlaye Sylla, Valentín Vada, Dhari Al Anazi, Arielson, Jonathan Okita.
The Saudi Pro League title race reaches a critical moment as Al Nassr host Damac in a matchup loaded with pressure on both sides. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr sits first in the standings with 83 points, holding a slim two-point lead over Al Hilal and knowing a win would secure the league title without needing help elsewhere.
Damac, meanwhile, enters the finale battling to avoid relegation with 29 points, as Al-Riyadh SC remains within striking distance. With the championship and survival both on the line, this showdown is shaping up to be a must-watch finish to the season.
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Ivan Toney pushed the race all the way to the final matchday with Al-Ahli, but despite his impressive scoring form, the English striker could not erase one of the most iconic individual achievements in Saudi Pro League history.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence over Saudi soccer continues to grow even during a season in which the Al-Nassr captain failed to secure another Golden Boot. Ivan Toney pushed the race all the way to the final matchday with Al-Ahli, but despite his impressive scoring form, the English striker could not erase one of the most iconic individual achievements in Saudi Pro League history.
The battle for the scoring crown produced plenty of suspense during the closing weeks of the campaign. Toney entered the final fixture knowing he had already overtaken Ronaldo in the current Golden Boot standings, while Julian Quinones was still mathematically in contention heading into the final round.
Al-Ahli closed out its league campaign emphatically with a commanding 4-1 victory over Al-Khaleej at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. Although Matthias Jaissle’s side had already secured third place in the table, the club still delivered one of its most complete attacking displays of the season.
Ivan Toney stops Ronaldo from third consecutive Golden Boot
Even though he failed to score in the final game, Toney will most likely finish the season as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer. His total of 32 league goals was enough to deny Ronaldo a third consecutive Golden Boot award in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pro League 25-26: List of goalscorers
That achievement alone represents a major accomplishment considering Ronaldo’s extraordinary consistency since arriving at Al-Nassr. The Englishman adapted quickly to Saudi soccer and became the focal point of Al-Ahli’s attack throughout the campaign.
Ronaldo’s legendary record survives another challenge
While Toney looks set to capture the Golden Boot, the bigger piece of history remained untouched. Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary 35-goal record in a single Saudi Pro League season officially stays unbroken after Toney ended the campaign on 32 goals.
He established that historic mark during the 2023-24 season with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar scored 35 league goals in only 31 appearances, surpassing the previous single-season record of 34 goals held by former Al-Nassr striker Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Last two Saudi Pro League Golden Boot winners
The achievement became even more remarkable because the superstar accomplished it at the age of 39. His campaign also included 11 assists, three free-kick goals, and an astonishing average of one goal every 75.6 minutes.
Meanwhile, second-placed Julian Quinones sits on 30 goals, but he is highly unlikely to bridge the massive gap needed to surpass the Portuguese’s historic benchmark. Even if Quinones scores against Al-Ittihad on the final matchday, needing at least five goals in a single game makes the possibility extremely remote.
This weekend, Oleksandr Usyk is tasked with Dutch kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in a controversial defence of his WBC heavyweight world title. Now, UFC heavyweight champion and longtime sparring partner of Verhoeven, Tom Aspinall, has offered his thoughts on the contest. Verhoeven possesses a record of just 1-0 in professional boxing, with that solitary outing […]
There is a list of several possible options available to , but he has now made it clear exactly who he wants next. Benavidez became WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion earlier this month when he successfully stepped up to 200lbs to stop Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. […]
Fenerbahçe'nin eski teknik direktöründen Türkiye itirafı geldi. Kariyerine bir kupa daha eklemeye hazırlanan dünyaca ünlü teknik direktör Jorge Jesus, Portekiz basınına sansasyonel açıklamalarda bulundu. Kazandığı başarıları listeleyen Portekizli çalıştırıcı, kariyerindeki tek eksik halkayı itiraf ederek Süper Lig'e açık kapı bıraktı.
Fenerbahçe'ye Ali Koç zamanında gelen ve Galatasaray'ın önünde ligi bitiremeyince bir sezon kalıp giden Jorge Jesus, Türkiye'yi unutamıyor. Portekiz’in Record gazetesine konuşan tecrübeli teknik adam, kariyer hedefleri ve başarıları hakkında ses getiren açıklamalarda bulundu. Suudi Arabistan'da şampiyonluk ateşini yakmaya hazırlanan Jesus, kariyerindeki tek eksik halka olarak Türkiye’yi işaret etti.
- Portekiz'de üç kez şampiyon oldum. Bugün Suudi Arabistan'da ikinci şampiyonluğumu kazanabilirim ve daha önce Brezilya'da da şampiyonluk yaşadım. Şu an için geriye sadece Türkiye'de şampiyonluğu kazanmak kaldı.
2022-2023 sezonunda Fenerbahçe'yi çalıştıran ve sarı-lacivertli ekiple Türkiye Kupası'nı müzesine götüren Portekizli teknik adam, Süper Lig şampiyonluğunu ise ezeli rakibi Galatasaray'a kaptırmıştı.
Jorge Jesus'un son dönemde Fenerbahçe'ye döneceği konuşuluyordu.
Almanya Milli Takımı Teknik Direktörü Julian Nagelsmann, kulüp düzeyindeki istatistikleri eleştirilen Leroy Sane'yi Dünya Kupası kadrosuna dahil etme gerekçesini açıkladı: Takım içinde inanılmaz bir saygınlığı var ve son 4 milli maçta 5 gole katkı sağladı!
Almanya Milli Takımı Teknik Direktörü Julian Nagelsmann, Dünya Kupası kadrosunu açıklarken en çok merak edilen isimlerden biri olan Leroy Sane hakkında çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu.
Galatasaray performansına yönelik eleştirilere rağmen Sane’yi kadroya dahil eden tecrübeli teknik adam, yıldız oyuncunun milli takım için önemini vurguladı.
Nagelsmann, Leroy Sane’nin saha içindeki yeteneklerinin yanı sıra takım dinamikleri açısından da vazgeçilmez bir figür olduğunu belirtti:
- Leroy Sane'nin takım içinde inanılmaz yüksek bir saygınlığı var! Rüdiger, Jonathan, Musiala... Muhtemelen 15 kişi daha sayabilirim. Onunla çok yakın bağları olan oyuncular bunlar ve bu durum takım içinde özel bir uyum oluşmasını sağlıyor.
- Kulüp seviyesindeki istatistikleri yeterince yüksek değildi. Ancak bizimle çıktığı son dört maçta beş gole katkı sağladı. Elbette onun milli takımdaki performansını da değerlendirmem gerekiyor.
- Leroy Sane ile aramda harika bir bağ var. Dünya Kupası’ndan sonra insanların ona çok daha olumlu bakmasını sağlayacak şekilde onu motive edebileceğime inanıyorum. Başlangıçta muhtemelen formayı zorlayan rolü üstlenecek.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) növbəti – 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünün start tarixi müəyyənləşib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.
Belə ki, PFL-in qərarına əsasən yeni mövsümə avqustun 14-də start veriləcək.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümü üçün “transfer pəncərələri”nin də vaxtı bəlli olub.
Belə ki, yay transfer dövrü iyunun 19-dan sentyabrın 10-na qədər (saat 23:59) davam edəcək. Qış transfer dönəmi isə 2027-ci il yanvarın 14-dən fevralın 10-na qədər (saat 23:59) olacaq.
2027-ci il martın 31-i agent statusuna malik peşəkar oyunçuların sifarişi üçün son tarix kimi müəyyən edilib.
Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünə bir neçə gün sonra – mayın 24-də yekun vurulacaq.
FIFA prezidenti Canni İnfantino Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyasının (AFFA) prezidenti Rövşən Nəcəfə məktub ünvanlayıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, dünyanın ali futbol qurumunun rəhbəri məktubla “Sabah” klubunu Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün qalibi olması münasibətilə təbrik edib.
FIFA prezidentinin göndərdiyi məktubun məzmununu diqqətinizə çatdırırıq:
“Hörmətli prezident, Bu məktub vasitəsilə Azərbaycanın yeni çempionu “Sabah”ı təbrik etməkdən məmnunam! Onların mövsümboyu davamlı səyləri və nəticələri öz bəhrəsini verib, bu mühüm titul qazanılıb. Bu böyük nailiyyətə görə komandanı və klubun hər bir üzvünü təbrik edirəm.
Hörmətli prezident, ölkənizdə futbolun inkişafı üçün göstərdiyiniz davamlı dəstəyə, əməyə və fədakarlığa görə sizə və assosiasiyanıza təşəkkür etməklə yanaşı, sizi tezliklə yenidən görməyi səbirsizliklə gözləyirəm”.
Kraken’s parent company, Payward, received preliminary approval from Dubai's VARA, paving the way for UAE dirham funding, margin and OTC trading and institutional access via Kraken Prime.
The private Telegram backchannel allegedly allowed Jane Street to unwind hundreds of millions in potential exposure “mere hours before” the Terra ecosystem’s $40 billion collapse.
Boerse Stuttgart’s Seturion has partnered with Societe Generale, SG-FORGE and flatexDEGIRO to build a pan-European blockchain securities settlement system.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında 2026/27 mövsümü üçün “transfer pəncərələri”nin vaxtı bəlli olub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, belə ki, yay transfer dövrü 19.06.2026-10.09.2026 (saat 23:59), qış transfer dövrü isə 14.01.2027-10.02.2027 (saat 23:59) tarixlərini əhatə edəcək.
31 mart 2027-ci il azad agent statusuna malik peşəkar oyunçuların sifarişi üçün son tarix kimi müəyyən edilib.
“Qəbələ” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXXIII turunda bu gün “Şamaxı”nı qəbul edəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, saat 18:30-da start götürəcək oyuna komandalar aşağıdakı heyətlə çıxacaqlar:
“Qəbələ”:1. Səlahət Ağayev 28. Murad Musayev (k) 13. Nicat Əliyev 10. Şahin Şahniyarov 27. Eşqin Əhmədov 33. Seydina Keyta 12. İbrahim Sanqare 50. Adriel Ba Loua 6. Xayme Syerra 16. İsaak Amoah 14. Domi Massumo Ehtiyat oyunçular:93. Rza Cəfərov 94. Həbib Hüşənov 22. Fərid İsgəndərov 74. Süleyman Damadayev 66. Nuğay Rəşidov 26. Elnur Mustafayev 21. Ziya Şəkərxanov 3. Eduardo Kunde 70. Paulo Quimbila 30. Prins Ovusu Baş məşqçi:Kaxaber Sxadadze
“Şamaxı”:99. Səlim Həşimov 5. Arsen Ağcabəyov (k) 2. Abdulla Rzayev 80. Həbib İsmayılov 27. Emil Süleymanov 97. Oruc Məmmədov 82. Rüfət Abbasov 7. Edqar Adilxanov 9. Karim Rossi 3. Vladislav Veremeyev 11. Dioqo Balau Ehtiyat oyunçular:66. Salih Məmmədli 17. Rafael Məhərrəmli 21. Bilal İsmayılov 48. Ramiz Muradov 77. Nihat Mehralıyev 14. Ravil Qafarov 90. Davud Mənsumov 19. Abdullahi Şuaybu 8. Alfons Msanqa Baş məşqçi:Ayxan Abbasov
“Liverpul”dan ayrılacağını açıqlayan Məhəmməd Salah karyerasını “Fənərbağça”da davam etdirməyə yaxındır.
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33 yaşlı futbolçu 2017-ci ildən “Liverpul”da çıxış edirdi. O, bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 26 oyunda 7 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.
İyunun 6-dan etibarən Bakıda 2013-2014-cü il təvəllüdlü futbolçular arasında seleksiya xarakterli turnir keçiriləcək.
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Olimpiya sistemi əsasında baş tutacaq turnirdə məğlub olacaq komandalar yarışdan kənarlaşdırılacaqlar.
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This week starts small.
A token leaks. A bad package slips in. A login trick works. An old tool shows up again. At first, it feels like the usual mess. Then you see the pattern: attackers are not always breaking in. They are using the parts we already trust.
That is what makes it worrying. The danger is in normal things now - updates, apps, cloud buttons, support chats, trusted accounts. AI
MAX rejects the allegations, deeming the analysis "a fake," but a Russian digital rights group could also confirm most of the security claims. Here's how to stay safe.
Europol and Eurojust have led a massive, multi-country law enforcement operation to dismantle 'First VPN,' a tool allegedly used by cybercriminals to hide their tracks while launching ransomware and fraud attacks.
Thursday’s reports indicate that Juventus’s Fabio Miretti is the latest Italian player to be linked with a summer move to Como, who are in need of more homegrown talents ahead of their first ever experience in European competition next season.
Miretti the latest Italian to be linked with a move to Como
Cesc Fabregas’s ambitious Como side have already confirmed that they will be competing in the Europa League at least in 2026-27, and remain in the mix for a Champions League spot heading into the final round of Serie A fixtures this weekend.
Como have often been criticised by supporters in Italy for the total lack of homegrown, Italian talent among Fabregas’s squad. Their most-used Italian player in 2025-26 has been 32-year-old defender Edoardo Goldaniga, who has featured for just 104 minutes across all competitions this term.
This is an issue ahead of Como’s European adventure, as UEFA regulations specify that competing teams must have a minimum quota of club- and association-trained players in their 25-man ‘A’ lists.
That means that Como are left looking at available Italian talents to add to their ranks this summer.
Andrea Cambiaso is among the initial names to be linked with a move to the Stadio Sinigaglia, but reports on Thursday claim that Barcelona are now also among the interested parties. Recent updates claim that Fiorentina’s Fabiano Parisi and Lazio’s Luca Pellegrini are alternative options if Como go for a different Italian profile at full-back.
Reports from Calciomercato.com claim that Juventus’s Miretti is also an option for Como’s midfield.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Fabio Miretti of Juventus FC is challenged by Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Como 1907 at on February 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Miretti has made 22 appearances in Serie A this season, chipping in with a goal and two assists. He also has seven appearances in the Champions League to his name this term.
There are several other names that are already being linked with a potential summer move to Como, including plenty of, but not entirely limited to Italians.
Among them are Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi, Pietro Comuzzo, Alessandro Marcandalli, Andres Cuenca, Cesar Palacios and Andreas Schjelderup.
Victor Lindelof won the Europa League with Aston Villa, but his season could’ve been so very different, as Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè revealed ‘we embarrassed him’ by dropping his deal.
The Swede had been a free agent last summer when his contract with Manchester United came to a conclusion, ending his eight-year spell at Old Trafford.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Victor Lindelof of Aston Villa runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Aston Villa FC and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at Villa Park on November 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
However, the deal collapsed at the last minute because Lindelof was meant to be the replacement for Pietro Comuzzo, who then refused to make the planned transfer.
“Simone Inzaghi really wanted him in the team, and they had offered us €35m, but Comuzzo turned them down.”
Instead, Lindelof was left to wait until transfer deadline day before Aston Villa snapped him up as a free agent.
The 31-year-old made only 27 competitive appearances this season, contributing one assist, but proved decisive in his new tactical role as a midfielder.
He was in the starting XI for last night’s 3-0 Europa League Final victory over SC Freiburg in that position.
Reports continue to grow that Max Allegri is on the Napoli shortlist to take over from Antonio Conte, as director of sport Giovanni Manna is meeting the Milan coach for dinner.
Conte has dropped very heavy hints that he is leaving at the end of this season, and Sky Sport Italia note that a barbecue has been organised at the training ground to say goodbye to their boss.
While Maurizio Sarri is a primary candidate to replace him, the rumours around Allegri are growing fast, having already been in talks last summer before Conte decided to stay on.
Allegri targeted by Napoli again
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to kick-off in 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)
With the tension sky high at Milan and uncertainty evident, Napoli are making a concerted effort to convince their coach to come to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on 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)
They already worked together at Juventus, so know each other well, and the proposal was a similar two-year contract to the one that was already offered last summer.
While Milan are eager to keep Allegri, at least patron Gerry Cardinale is, the coach wants certain guarantees from the transfer market before accepting.
He is not prepared to remain if Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Giorgio Furlani continue to dominate the strategy.
Lazio have released a video with Pedro’s farewell message to the club and will wear a special edition patch on their jersey in his final game.
The Spain international will celebrate his 39th birthday in July and becomes a free agent, but it is by no means yet certain if he will hang up his boots this summer.
“Today is a very sad day for me, because I say goodbye to this journey and the splendid Lazio family,” read Pedro in the official video.
“I want to thank all the fans, the players, the coaches and the whole club, dependents and collaborators included, for allowing me to be part of the glorious history of this club.
“It’s true that I did not bring trophies to what I consider to be a marvellous home, but I always defended the jersey with courage, humility, ambition and passion, along with my teammates. I am sure that soon you will celebrate something important with these great men and players.
“Every time I set foot onto the pitch, I looked up and proudly admired our people. Every emotion I experienced, every unforgettable goal, every song that was sung together, are moments that will remain etched in my memory.
“Against Pisa it will be my final game in this jersey, so I expect you all at the stadium and hope you can be by my side. However, I also understand that this year has been difficult and complicated for everyone, so I have the utmost respect for your decision.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Pedro of SS Lazio celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“It was a real honour to wear this shirt and the club logo on my chest, I wish you all the best, my Lazio family, I will carry you forever in my heart.
“One of you, forever Forza Lazio!”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 28: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio celebrates a frist goal during the Serie match between Lazio and Parma at Stadio Olimpico on April 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
He came up through the Barcelona youth academy and became a start for the Blaugrana, completing a transfer to Chelsea in 2015.
Pedro came to Italy for Roma at first in 2010, then a year later was allowed to cross the city to their bitter rivals Lazio, again free of charge.
It was a decision the Giallorossi would regret, especially as he flourished there with 38 goals and 19 assists in 208 competitive matches, most famously in the 3-2 Derby della Capitale victory against Roma in September 2021.
Former Juventus director Francesco Calvo was part of the Aston Villa delegation celebrating their victory in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, but the former Bianconeri executive insists that he is too busy in his current role to watch any Italian football: ‘English football is so intense’.
Aston Villa won their first European title in 44 years with a resounding 3-0 victory against SC Freiburg in Wednesday’s final in Istanbul: Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers with the goals.
Among Aston Villa’s executive staff is Juventus’s former director of revenue and institutional relations, Calvo. The Italian has previously held roles with Barcelona and Roma.
Ex-Juventus director Calvo reacts to Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph
EMPOLI, ITALY – MAY 22: Francesco Calvo of Juventus during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 22, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Calvo expressed his joy at Aston Villa’s latest European triumph in a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia: “The club has been waiting for 44 years for this, it’s an historic night for Birmingham and for Aston Villa,” he said. Villa head coach Unai Emery has now won the Europa League a staggering five times with three different clubs, all with ‘Villa’ in their name – Villarreal, Sevilla and Aston Villa.
“Unai is an incredible professional,” said Calvo. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen. He tells us every day that we have to improve. He’s a unique professional.”
Calvo believes that it is Villa’s togetherness that got them over the line in the Europa League.
“We definitely have a lot of strong players, the (strength of the) group is our main characteristic and that has kept us going, especially in the tough moments.”
The Italian also feels that Aston Villa are now firmly ‘back on the map’ among the big sides in the Premier League and beyond.
“Absolutley. Including the next one, it’s now four seasons that we’ve consecutively been in Europe. We’re happy and the important thing is to stay there.”
Calvo was in a mood for celebrating after full-time, and wasn’t particularly interested in analysing the struggles that the Italian teams have faced in Europe this season: “English football is so intense that I don’t watch much Italian football. Let’s enjoy the evening.”
Despite being part of the Inter squad that won the domestic double in 2025-26, centre-back Yann Aurel Bisseck has not done enough to convince Julian Nagelsmann to call him up to the Germany national team squad for the 2026 World Cup.
There are no Serie A representatives included in Germany’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Opportunities in the Germany national team set-up have been hard to come by for Bisseck, who still has just one cap to his name.
Bisseck made 25 appearances across all competitions for Inter this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists from 22 Serie A outings, and turning out seven times in the Champions League.
“I hope that the success and my performances will be seen in Germany,” Bisseck said in a recent interview with BILD. “It’s my second title in three years and it’s the first time since 2018 that a team has won the double in Italy. Of course that makes me really proud and very happy.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He later continued:” I’m sure that the national team coach knows what he’s looking for and what he wants to see in his team. I try to do my job as best as possible. I think I’ve done that and that I’ve achieved the maximum with the double in Italy.
“My goal and my dream is to be at the World Cup and wear the Germany shirt. If it works out, I’d be incredibly happy.”
Confirmed Germany squad for 2026 World Cup: No Bisseck
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel.
Defenders: Waldamir Anton, Nathaniel Brown, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw.
Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller.
Forwards: Maximilian Beier, Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade.
The France international has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent times, with the feeling being that he was no longer in Real Madrid’s plans.
Indeed, well-placed sources had informed us that clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal had been offered Camavinga‘s services, while a report from TEAMtalk stated that the player was unhappy with his situation in the Spanish capital.
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Now, however, it seems that Mourinho’s arrival as manager could lead to Camavinga being kept around, according to Fichajes.
Eduardo Camavinga faces interesting transfer decision
It seems Mourinho has already made detailed plans about what he wants his Madrid squad to look like, with Camavinga seen as a key figure he doesn’t want to lose.
The 23-year-old is undoubtedly a fine player who has done well for much of his time in La Liga, with his ability to play a few different positions also surely an advantage.
However, if Camavinga can get the chance to try a new challenge with Liverpool or Arsenal, perhaps he should take it.
It could be a risk sticking around at Real for much longer, even if Mourinho is seemingly planning to make more use of him.
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This isn’t an easy call, and one imagines it will be some time before we see Camavinga coming to a final decision on his future.
It also remains to be seen, of course, how much control Mourinho will actually have if he returns to Los Blancos.
The Portuguese tactician will no doubt want some say over how his squad looks, but it is increasingly the case in the modern game that there are multiple decision-makers such as sporting directors and club presidents who can overrule managers.
Arteta’s side beat Burnley 1-0 on Monday night knowing that one more slip-up from nearest challengers Manchester City would guarantee them the title, with Pep Guardiola’s side away against Bournemouth the following evening.
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Despite a late equaliser from Man City striker Erling Haaland, the draw at Bournemouth meant Arsenal were confirmed as champions for the 2025/26 season, but Arteta couldn’t actually bring himself to watch the game.
Speaking in his press conference today, the Spanish tactician admitted it was one of the best feelings of his life to hear the news from his son.
“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I went home, I went outside, I started to do some bbq. I couldn’t watch it (the match). I could hear noises from inside, then my son opened the door, ran towards me. He was crying and he… pic.twitter.com/YmrA33kGU9
“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I went home, I went outside, I started to do some bbq,” Arteta said.
“I couldn’t watch it (the match). I could hear noises from inside, then my son opened the door, ran towards me. He was crying and he said ‘we are champions daddy.'”
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Arsenal’s season is not over yet
Remarkably, despite the immense scenes of celebration we’ve seen from Arsenal fans this week, the season isn’t over for them yet.
The north London giants have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to at the end of the month, for what could well be their first ever European Cup triumph.
It won’t be an easy game against the current Champions League holders, but Arsenal now have that much-needed experience of getting over the line and winning a major trophy.
AFC are also still unbeaten in the Champions League this season, having finished top of the league phase, so you certainly can’t rule them out even if Luis Enrique’s star-studded side may be the slight favourites.
Newcastle United could have a difficult fight on their hands this summer as interest grows in Lewis Hall.
The 21-year-old left-back has developed into one of the most exciting young defenders in the Premier League, and several major clubs are now watching his situation closely.
Newcastle still see Hall as a key part of their long-term plans. He is under contract until 2029, which gives the Magpies a strong negotiating position.
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However, according to TEAMtalk, the player would at least consider leaving St James’ Park if the right opportunity arrived.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been linked with him, while Newcastle are determined to keep him.
Lewis Hall has impressed the top clubs
Hall’s rise has been impressive because he has gone from a talented Chelsea academy player to a serious Premier League full-back in a short space of time.
Newcastle originally brought him in from Chelsea on loan before making the move permanent, and he has continued to grow under Eddie Howe.
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His background as a midfielder has helped him become more than just a traditional left-back.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, stepping inside, progressing possession and helping attacks develop from deeper areas.
That is exactly why so many clubs like him. Man United have been looking for a long-term solution on the left side, especially with ongoing uncertainty around their defensive options.
Jason Wilcox is reportedly a big admirer, and INEOS are said to like Hall’s progression, attacking support and defensive discipline.
Bayern Munich’s interest may be the most dangerous for Newcastle. The German champions are already speaking to Newcastle about Anthony Gordon, and they have previously asked about Tino Livramento.
Now Hall is another name on their radar. Bayern want to strengthen at full-back, and Hall’s age, energy and ability to play multiple roles make him a very attractive option.
Reports have also said Newcastle are trying to protect their position by preparing improved terms for Hall.
Newcastle want to keep him, but the interest from Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich is real enough to create pressure.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly had some doubts about William Saliba when he first took over as Gunners boss in 2019.
Saliba first moved to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2019 when Unai Emery was still manager, but he immediately went back to previous club Saint-Etienne on loan.
The France international had a great reputation in Ligue 1 and many Arsenal fans were keen to see him get a chance, but he had to be patient and go out on loan to Nice and Marseille before finally getting a look-in in the 2022/23 season.
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According to the Independent, Arteta was not entirely sure about Saliba at first, though he “quickly realised what he had” on his hands.
It’s clear now that Saliba is one of Arsenal’s most important players, so fans will be delighted that Arteta didn’t end up getting this wrong.
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The 25-year-old is not only incredibly consistent with his positioning and strength in the tackle, but he is actually also Arsenal’s best passer this season.
Stats from WhoScored show that Saliba has a pass accuracy of 92.9% this season – for context, the other players just below him have also not played nearly as many games, as the table below shows…
Player
PL Appearances (as sub)
Pass accuracy
William Saliba
30 (1)
92.9%
Myles Lewis-Skelly
4 (15)
91.4%
Cristhian Mosquera
8 (11)
90.8%
Max Dowman
0 (5)
89.3%
Piero Hincapie
19 (5)
88.5%
Gabriel Magalhaes
30 (1)
88.1%
Arsenal like to control games by almost smothering their opponents, so having a centre-back that can pass this well is essential.
This helps AFC dominate possession and to stay on the front foot, even if there have been times this season when fans were frustrated by the team struggling to get its more creative players on the ball more often.
Still, it now makes sense that Saliba is such an important player for Arteta, and there’ll be widespread relief that the manager gave this elite defender another chance.
Maka Kids is building a streaming app for children ages zero to six featuring content designed for healthy development. The startup has now raised $3 million in seed funding to scale its platform.
Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave Manchester City at the end of the season. His departure, according to Marca, has opened the door for Rodri to leave as well, and Real Madrid are wasting no time in making the Premier League club and the player himself aware of their interest in his services. Despite struggling with […]
Six Premier League titles. Three FA Cups. Five League Cups. Three Community Shields. One Champions League, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. That’s how many trophies Bernardo Silva has won over nine years at Manchester City. City fans will have a chance to say goodbye to the 31-year-old at […]
Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave Manchester City at the end of the season. His departure, according to Marca, has opened the door for Rodri to leave as well, and Real Madrid are wasting no time in making the Premier League club and the player himself aware of their interest in his services. Despite struggling with […]
The biggest moves that the Atlanta Falcons made this offseason were mostly on the sidelines. In addition to hiring a new GM, new head coach and new President of Football, Atlanta also added a bunch of highly-qualified assistants, including the best offensive line coach in the game, Bill Callahan.
Callahan comes with 30 years of experience coaching offensive lines at this level, and he's famous for implementing a strong run game wherever he's put in time - including seven other NFL teams before landing with the Falcons this year.
The challenge for Callahan in Atlanta will be producing an elite run game when opponents know that the most-talented player on the Falcons is waiting for the rock in the backfield.
So far, so good - at least according to the guy who will be leading the charge. Here's what star running back Bijan Robinson had to say about the Falcons' new run scheme, per Josh Kendall at The Athletic.
"Bijan Robinson, who had a career-high 1,478 rushing yards last year, said the run game being installed by Callahan (who will serve as the Falcons’ run game coordinator) is similar to the system he ran at Texas. “Obviously, (Callahan) has had these legendary run schemes, and it’s pretty cool talking to him and seeing how it’s all going to develop,” Robinson said. “I love the plan that he has.”
The Falcons fielded a quality rushing attack in 2025, finishing with 2,138 yards on the ground at an average of 125.8 yards per game - the eighth most in the NFL. They also finished in the top 10 in the 2024 and 2023 seasons.
While that's a good starting point, it's not unrealistic to expect Atlanta to have a top-five run game, or even the best rushing attack in the league given the talent that they have both up front and in the backfield.
Callahan's scheme and Robinson's prodigious gifts can only take the Falcons' run game so far, though. The most important element will be establishing a lead more often than Atlanta has over the last three seasons. Playing from behind will force a pass-heavy attack, and neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix have proven that they're the kind of QB who can lead a comeback. If they're going to win, the offense needs to run through Robinson.
If head coach Kevin Stefanski can establish more leads they'll have all the elements they need to field the best run game in football - and set Robinson up for a potential Offensive Player of the Year award.
Vettori (19-10-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC), who was scheduled to face Ismail Naurdiev (25-8 MMA, 4-3 UFC) on June 27 from Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan, took to his Instagram story to announce that he broke his ribs.
"Unfortunately I'm here to tell you that a few days ago, I got hurt on my rib," Vettori said. "I did an MRI and it came back today showing that the rib is broken so, I won't be fighting June 27. I was really looking forward to this fight. I moved from Florida to California for this camp. I wanted to get back to my roots, train with Beneil (Dariush), train with Julian for my boxing, train with Chase for my conditioning.
"I was feeling good, but sometimes sh*t happens and you can't do anything about it. So yeah, now I'm just going to focus on my recovery, hopefully it doesn't take too long, 4-6 weeks I'm good to train again. If they reschedule me with the same guy, great. If not, it doesn't matter. Anybody is good to me. For everybody that supported me, I'm thankful for that, and I promise you that I will be back."
Vettori was looking to rebound from a four-fight losing skid, where he most recently dropped a decision to Brunno Ferreira at UFC 323 this past December. The former middleweight title challenger's most recent win came over Roman Dolidze at UFC 286 in March 2023.
NASCAR is gearing up for the 15th race weekend of the 2026 season at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Cup Series is bound to put on a show. In 2025, Ross Chastain beat William Byron for his first win of the year. Now, the sport will head to Charlotte with a substantial amount of money on the line.
The purse for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte will be $13,855,363 on Sunday afternoon. NASCAR doesn't release the earnings for the winning driver anymore, meaning it's impossible to tell how much of the $13,855,363 will go toward the team in victory lane. Last year, the purse for Charlotte sat at $13,651,450, which is roughly a $200,000 increase.
It will be fascinating to see which NASCAR driver will earn the most money at Charlotte this weekend. Chastain is looking to go back-to-back in the Coca-Cola 600, but Byron and Chase Briscoe had good cars in 2025. Charlotte always puts on a show, and this weekend should be no different.
The 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship gets underway Friday at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's North Course in Carlsbad, California. Thirty teams and six individuals not on those teams advanced from regional play last week to the national championship.
Stroke play will last four rounds, and the top eight teams will advance to match play, with the championship match set for Wednesday, May 27. Northwestern is the defending national champion, and Arkansas star Maria Jose Marin won the individual title last May.
This is the third of five years at Omni La Costa for the NCAA Championship.
Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 NCAA Women's Golf Championship, including TV and ticket information.
NCAA Women's Golf Championship format
Finals play for both championships consist of three days of stroke play on Friday thru Sunday (54 holes), after which the top-15 teams and nine individuals not on an advancing team will be determined. That is followed by a final day of 18 holes of stroke play (Monday) to determine the top eight teams that will advance to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion. The team national champion will be determined by a match-play format that will consist of quarterfinals and semifinals conducted on Tuesday, followed by the finals on Wednesday.
NCAA Women's Golf Championship TV information
Golf Channel is the TV home for the NCAA Championships. All times ET.
Hanse and Wagner implemented significant changes to the North layout. Among the renovations: A new drivable par-4 11th was built, the green of the par-3 16th was repositioned in a fashion reminiscent of Augusta National Golf Club’s No. 12, and the par-5 18th was stretched to more than 600 yards with water on both sides of the fairway.
The revised layout will feature six sets of tees that play from 4,500 to 7,500 yards. Other changes include transitioning irrigation lines that will continue to use reclaimed water, the removal of several man-made ponds and the reintroduction of natural barrancas that feature drought-tolerant and native species of plants.
Report Allegri had dinner with Napoli director amid Milan tension
Reports continue to grow that Max Allegri is on the Napoli shortlist to take over from Antonio Conte, as director of sport Giovanni Manna is meeting the Milan coach for dinner.
Conte has dropped very heavy hints that he is leaving at the end of this season, and Sky Sport Italia note that a barbecue has been organised at the training ground to say goodbye to their boss.
While Maurizio Sarri is a primary candidate to replace him, the rumours around Allegri are growing fast, having already been in talks last summer before Conte decided to stay on.
Allegri targeted by Napoli again
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to kick-off in 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)
With the tension sky high at Milan and uncertainty evident, Napoli are making a concerted effort to convince their coach to come to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on 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)
They already worked together at Juventus, so know each other well, and the proposal was a similar two-year contract to the one that was already offered last summer.
While Milan are eager to keep Allegri, at least patron Gerry Cardinale is, the coach wants certain guarantees from the transfer market before accepting.
He is not prepared to remain if Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Giorgio Furlani continue to dominate the strategy.
Villarreal legend announces exit from club after six years
Villarreal have announced that veteran midfielder Dani Parejo will leave the club in the summer, after six years at La Ceramica. The 37-year-old has not yet given clarity on whether he will retire or seek a new club.
Less than an hour after Celta Vigo announced that Iago Aspas would be staying at Balaidos for another season, Parejo’s departure was announced in an emotional video. The veteran midfielder joined from Valencia in 2020 for €2.25m, and set the standard in midfield for some time at the Yellow Submarine.
Parejo’s Villarreal career
Despite already being in his thirties when he arrived, Parejo had arguably the best spell of his career for Villarreal. Dictating tempo in the middle of the pitch, he was one of the key figures when the Yellow Submarine secured the only major title in the club’s history, beating Manchester United in the 2021 Europa League final on penalties. In total, he has made 269 appearances, scoring 16 goals and giving 36 assists.
This season, his participation has been on the decline, as was the case last year under Marcelino Garcia Toral. Over the course of this season, he has made 18 starts and 40 appearances in total, registering a single assist. This Sunday night will be his final game for Villarreal against Atletico Madrid, when the club will pay homage to him.
Retirement or another club?
Arguably one of the best players in Villarreal’s history, Parejo is ninth on Villarreal’s all-time appearance list, . It is not yet clear whether he will hang up his boots, but he is currently doing his coaching badges, with a view to becoming a manager. With a career that spans 18 years at the top level since his debut for Real Madrid, Parejo has seen more than enough football to justify leaving the game as a player, yet at the same time, still looks at home in La Liga. Villarreal are reportedly looking at Luis Milla as a potential replacement.
Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart) looks on during Semifinal DFB-Pokal: Stuttgart and Freiburg at MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany on April 23 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Earlier this season, VfB Stuttgart midfielder and former Bayern Munich academy star Angelo Stiller was not in his best form and on the verge of being excluded from World Cup consideration. However, some improved play for Stuttgart and a strong showing in March for Germany went a long way in convincing Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann that Stiller was a must have player for the roster.
“Angelo was in a difficult situation before March’s international games. He wasn’t called up initially for reasons he knows. But then we brought him and he played two very good games. He didn’t let the pressure get to him. If we’re talking about two deep-lying holding midfielders, with Pavlovic and him, they are the two most consistent holding midfielders we have in the league. Angelo absolutely deserves his place in the squad because he has earned it through consistently strong performances,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Stiller’s strong second half of the season was vital for Stuttgart and — as it turns out — his own World Cup hopes. Now, he could be in line for a starting role in Nagelsmann’s midfield group.
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…
The Tampa Bay Rays (33-15) have surged to a stunning start. So far, they’re first in the American League, and a big part of that is their pitching. Currently, they’re ranked no. 6 in earned run average (3.57) and no. 4 in walks+hits through innings pitched. The starting pitching has been solid, but it’s not Drew Rasmussen or Shane McClanahan leading the team in ERA.
35-year-old Nick Martinez has a 1.51 ERA so far. It’s not only the best among the Rays, but also the second-best among qualified pitchers in the MLB, behind Cam Schlitter of the New York Yankees. He has a career 4.01 ERA, and he’s never had a 3.10 ERA in any season before this one. It’s one of the biggest surprise developments of the MLB.
Improbably Journey to Tampa
Sep 27, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nick Martinez (22) delivers to the plate in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Martinez is a journeyman starting pitcher. He started his career in Arlington, with the Rangers drafting him in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB draft. He mucked and grinded for three years to make the majors, making his debut on April 5, 2014.
If that wasn’t impressive enough for an 18th-round pick, he became a starter every fifth day for the Rangers. He started more than 15 games in three of four seasons between 2014 and 2017.
However, he was a below-average starter. He went 17-30 with a 4.77 ERA, and after the 2017 season, the Rangers non-tendered him. He received little attention from MLB teams in the 2018 season.
Martinez signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters out of Nippon Professional Baseball. He was alright, with a 3.51 ERA in 2018 and a 4.62 ERA in 2019. However, when the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks signed him in 2021, he broke out, with a 1.64 ERA through 140 2/3 innings.
That stellar season gave him another MLB chance. The San Diego Padres signed him to a one-year contract to be a reliever. The investment worked out; Martinez earned a 3.47 ERA through 106.1 innings in 2022. The Padres re-signed him for a three-year contract in 2022. Somehow, he outdid himself, with a 3.43 ERA and 6-4 record through 110.1 innings (63 starts) in 2023.
Martinez declined a player option, ending his contract early, and he earned a great payday from the Cincinnati Reds. They signed him to a two-year, $26 million contract in the 2023 offseason. Unfortunately, he ran into a wall. He had a 3.10 ERA in 2024 when he was a reliever, but when the Reds tried to transition to a starter again, he faltered. He had a below-average 4.45 ERA through 165.2 innings.
Martinez once again didn’t receive much interest in the 2025 offseason, paving the way for the Tampa Bay Rays to nab him. They signed him to a one-year, $13 million contract in Feb. 2026, and while it went largely unnoticed, it’s could be the best free agent investment from this past season.
Choose Your Weapon
May 16, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez (28) pitches during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
At his best, Martinez is a very balanced pitcher. Looking at the Baseball Savant statistics, he’s in the 99th percentile in fastball (four-seam, sinker, cutter) run-value and offspeed (changeup) run-value. Unfortunately, he’s just in the eighth percentile in breaking ball (slider) run-value, but he only throws his slider 4% of the time anyway.
There are some indicators in advanced statistics that work well in his favor. He’s causing opponents to top the ball more, boasting a 32.1% top percentage versus 27.9% last season. His sinker (92.5MPH) and changeup (78.8MPH) have been his most valuable pitches, with a six-run value.
His changeup, which he has relied on a lot more this season, has induced a 25.4% strikeout percentage (K%) and a .121 batting average. The sinker is used a lot more often, too, as he throws it 30.2% of the time vs. 17.1% of the time in 2025. It induces just a .230 batting average.
Under The Hood
May 10, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez (28) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
In terms of advanced analytics outside of repertoire, Martinez hasn’t really changed. He’s always been one of the best pitchers at avoiding walks, and his 5.1% walk percentage is in the top 7% of qualified MLB pitchers.
Unfortunately, all the non-elite parts of his game are relatively the same. His K% is around 16.2% this season, which continues a steady decline from his 23.0% K% in 2023. Expected batting average (xBA) predicts him allowing a .257 average, and as a result, his expected ERA (xERA) is at 3.88.
However, he’s defying the statistics thanks to his sinker and changeup, making a great 1-2 punch. His sinker is placed strategically around the zone, while his changeup is put down and away to strike out batters or cause weak contact.
That is why you see Martinez, at 35, rolling eight innings of one-run ball on April 22 against the Cincinnati Reds. That’s why you see him pitching seven shutout innings in a 1-0 win against the Cleveland Guardians. His pitch mix has resulted in fewer runs and more poultry contact. Hopefully, he can continue to defy analytics and potentially make his first All-Star appearance.
Former K-1 Champion Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto returns with her radar firmly locked on securing her first highlight-reel finish on the global stage of ONE Championship.
The 33-year-old Japanese striker meets Vero “The Kayan Leopard” in a high-stakes atomweight kickboxing matchup at The Inner Circle. Broadcasting live in Asia primetime, the blockbuster event takes place inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, May 22, available exclusively to subscribers on live.onefc.com.
The matchup carries massive implications for both women.
A victory for either star could immediately position them as the leading contender to challenge ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Queen” Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom.
“There’s both the challenge of the kickboxing rule set, and if she beats me, she gets a shot at Phetjeeja. Whether she wins or loses this fight will significantly change what comes next for her, so she’ll be coming in with very high motivation. I’m sure of it.”
With her World Title dreams well within reach, Kana has gone all out to ensure she gets her hand raised inside the ring.
The Team Aftermath striker is fully prepared for what the Myanmar standout brings to the table, though she admits Vero’s physical frame at atomweight provides a distinct advantage that could cause real problems.
She said:
“She has an amateur boxing background, so her boxing is sharp. And she has very long limbs, using that reach to make the most of her boxing technique is something I’m genuinely cautious about.”
Respect, however, only takes the Japanese star’s analysis so far. She is highly confident the kickboxing ruleset shifts the equation right back into her corner — and not by a small margin.
Where Vero’s boxing pedigree shines in a narrow technical window, the former four-time K-1 Champion believes her own arsenal spans the entire kickboxing canvas across every level, range, and weapon the ruleset allows. As such, Kana plans to drag Vero into deep waters before hunting for a late knockout to earn her 25th career victory.
She stated:
“The ruleset works in my favor – the volume of techniques available, the range of exchanges and tactical options. I think the gap in technical depth will show clearly.
“I want to put that on full display and win. And winning on points means nothing to me. I want to go for the finish. I plan to build the first and second rounds, then close it out in the third.”
A finishing performance against Vero unlocks the door to the only fight Kana Morimoto is truly chasing: a blockbuster rematch against Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom.
The Thai megastar overcame the Team Aftermath affiliate in their five-round World Title tiff at ONE 172 in Saitama, Japan, in March of last year, and she is the only person standing between Kana and the 26 pounds of gold she covets in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
“Krusher Queen” shared:
“Vero is a fighter who deserves a title shot if she beats me, so I think she would be that caliber of opponent.
“But it depends on how I win. If I win convincingly, the Phetjeeja rematch comes into view for me. I want to win, then tell Phetjeeja I want that rematch – right there in the ring.”
The destination for that rematch is strictly non-negotiable in Kana’s mind. She wants the highly anticipated sequel to take place inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Before any title conversation can officially begin, however, the former K-1 Champion has one massive job in front of her at The Inner Circle on May 22. And the Japanese warrior is ready to deliver a grueling battle that fans will remember long after the final bell — the exact kind of high-octane fight where the engine note matches her beloved bright red American muscle car.
The 33-year-old concluded:
“To Vero, I want to tell her, ‘Let’s have an exciting striking exchange and put on a great show for the crowd.’
“And to the fans, I’m going to give them that kind of fight and make the arena electric. So, I really hope everyone watches and pays attention to this one.”
PARIS (AP) — The French Open begins in Paris on Sunday. This guide tells you what you need to know about how to watch the second tennis Grand Slam of 2026 on TV, what the betting odds are, what the schedule is, who the reigning champions are and more:
When does it start?
Play begins Sunday at 11 a.m. local time (0900 GMT, 0500 EDT).
Coco Gauff of the United States and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
Gauff won the trophy for the first time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three match points to beat top-ranked Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) for his fifth major title in as many finals. It was Alcaraz’s second straight French Open title. Alcaraz injured his right wrist this season and has withdrawn from the French Open and Wimbledon.
Who are the top seeds?
Sabalenka is the women's, and Sinner is the men's. They are ranked No. 1 and the tournament seedings follow the WTA and ATP rankings.
Who are the betting favorites?
Four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek is listed by bookmakers as the money-line favorite in the women's singles. She is at +225 ahead of Sabalenka (+275). In the men's draw, in the absence of the injured Alcaraz, Sinner is the overwhelming favorite at -300, ahead of Alexander Zverev at +750.
What is the singles schedule?
— Sunday through Tuesday: First Round (Women and Men)
— Wednesday-Thursday: Second Round (Women and Men)
— Three-star gastronomy is coming to Roland Garros. Organizers are launching The Jardin des Chefs, a new dining area showcasing the best of French cuisine. Some of France's top chefs and pastry chefs will take turns preparing their signature dishes, along with exclusive creations.
— Electronic devices that record players’ biometric data have been authorized on a trial basis for the first time. The initiative is designed to help players gain insights into their physical performance and recovery throughout the tournament, organizers said. Athletes will be allowed to use any device included on the “Player Analysis Technology” list approved by the International Tennis Federation. The trial will begin at Roland Garros and continue at the other Grand Slam tournaments this year.
What is the prize money?
Top players have expressed “their deep disappointment” at the French Open prize money. Open organizers announced an overall prize money increase by about 10% for an overall pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million). The total amount is up 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players said their share of Roland Garros revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026. The Australian Open this year increased the players’ pay by 16%, and the U.S. Open last year went up by 20%.
Is it the French Open or Roland-Garros?
Both, as you can read about in this AP story from 2019. English speakers tend to use “French Open,” although the French Tennis Federation doesn’t call it that. The French — and much of the rest of the world — go with “Roland Garros,” which is the facility that hosts the tournament and is named after a World War I fighter pilot.
Basic facts about the clay-court major
The French Open is played outdoors on red clay courts at Roland-Garros on the southwest outskirts of Paris. Women play best-of-three-set matches with a first-to-10 tiebreaker at 6-all in the third; men play best of five with a tiebreaker at 6-all in the fifth. There are separate day and night sessions most days. The event lasts 15 days. There is a retractable roof on the main stadium, Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The pair first clashed in November 2024 at ONE Friday Fights 85, where Jarvis delivered one of the absolute standout performances of his career. The English striker dominated his highly experienced Thai rival with relentless forward pressure before closing the show in the third round via a devastating knockout.
That monumental victory was as significant as it gets for the 25-year-old Lumpini Crawley product, earning him a coveted US$100,000 contract and a permanent spot on ONE’s global roster in one unforgettable night.
However, since that setback, Rungrawee has wasted absolutely no time proving that the loss was merely a bump in the road and not a true reflection of his elite standing in the lightweight Muay Thai ranks.
The 30-year-old Sitsongpeenong veteran, whose crippling leg kicks earned him the famous moniker “Legatron,” boasts an incredible 158-49 career record with 50 finishes. His 6-3 promotional slate is built on some of the most resilient and thrilling performances the division has ever seen.
He bounced back from the Jarvis defeat with a dominant unanimous decision win over Youssef Assouik, which ultimately earned him a shot at reigning ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel.
At The Inner Circle on April 10, the Thai warrior pushed the defending king the full five-round distance before falling just short via decision—a gutsy performance that underlined exactly how much he has evolved since he last shared the ring with “G-Unit.”
Jarvis, meanwhile, has continued his own upward trajectory since claiming the life-changing contract. The highly technical striker, who brilliantly switches stances to keep opponents guessing, fell short in his own ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship challenge against Eersel in August 2025.
He responded in characteristic fashion, returning to action this past March and defeating Thai superstar Sinsamut “Aquaman” Klinmee in a brutal, high-octane three-round firefight that instantly reignited his World Title ambitions.
A second consecutive win over Rungrawee—now a proven, battle-tested World Title challenger in his own right—would make a highly compelling case for another crack at the lightweight Muay Thai crown.
When the same two elite martial artists meet with this much tremendous growth, this much history, and this much at stake, the result is a massive rematch that promises to surpass the original in every conceivable way.
Senegal’s Sadio Mane is a key selection in the 28-man World Cup squad named by coach Pape Thiaw as the influential forward looks to make up for lost time, having missed the tournament four years ago through injury.
Thiaw will have to trim his squad, announced on Thursday, by two players in advance of the final deadline towards the end of this month.
Mane remains a leading player for a star-studded Senegal lineup that looks to be the most potent of the 10 African qualifiers in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with a blend of experience and youthful athleticism in the squad.
The 34-year-old is Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer with 53 in 126 appearances.
Al Nassr’s Mane is likely to lead the line, but also selected are Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Jackson, plus Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.
Bayern’s 18-year-old midfielder Bara Ndiaye has also been called up, but there is no place for Malang Sarr, who has excelled this season with Lens.
Idrissa Gueye, also of Everton, has been included despite missing the tail-end of the season through injury, with Sunderland’s Habib Diarra and Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr also midfield options.
Experienced centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has been picked along with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
[Al Jazeera]
Senegal were the best team at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and edged the hosts 1-0 in a contentious final that was later awarded to the North Africans, a matter that is before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I at the World Cup and open their campaign against France on June 16 in New Jersey in a repeat of their famous 2002 World Cup meeting in which the African side came out on top against the then-holders.
They also take on Norway at the same venue on June 22 and Iraq in Toronto on June 26.
Senegal reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002 before losing to Turkiye, their best showing to date, and for several of their so-called “Golden Generation” of players, Mane included, this will likely be their last chance to improve on that.
They went out in the group stage following a drawing of lots in 2018 in Russia and in the round of 16 four years ago in Qatar.
GTplaying XI: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have already qualified for the playoffs, and they are now fighting for a top-two finish.
Live Scorecard
GT vs CSK IPL 2026: Win probability and toss result
After 15 overs, GT 159/1
Sai Sudharsan joins Virender Sehwag, David Warner and Jos Buttler in an elite list of batters to score five consecutive 50s in IPL.
After 10 overs, GT 111/0
The century partnership is up as Gill looks to be in sublime touch.
After 6 overs, GT 62/0
GT off to an impressive start.
Toss: CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first.
GT vs CSK: Playing XIs
GTplaying XI: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj
Coco Gauff came from a set down to win the 2025 French Open title [Getty Images]
The second Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday, with players heading to 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 starts 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 re-capping the biggest stories on BBC Sounds.
5 Live Sport has daily coverage and commentary live from Court Philippe-Chatrier across 5 Live Sport, 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 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 picked up at the Barcelona Open.
Alcaraz will also miss next month's Wimbledon.
The Spaniard, who lost his world number one ranking to Sinner last month, completed the career Grand Slam when he won the Australian Open in January.
Who are 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 arrives in Paris in top form, having won the past six ATP Masters 1000 titles - including three consecutive clay-court events at Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Djokovic has won three French Open titles but the 38-year-old has not played many matches this year and suffered an early exit at the Italian Open in his only clay-court appearance this season.
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 have qualified for the main draw?
Cameron Norrie is the only Briton who will be seeded at Roland Garros, while 122nd ranked Jacob Fearnley also has direct entry into the men's main draw.
Jack Draper - the only other British man in the world's top 100 - will miss the tournament because of an ongoing knee injury.
Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones have all received direct entry to the main draw in the women's singles, while Sonay Kartal is out with injury.
Toby Samuel qualified for his first Grand Slam main draw, while Felix Gill will bid to join him in Friday's final round.
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.
Emma Raducanu has only played twice at the French Open, reaching the second round on both occasions [Getty Images]
Emma Raducanu has been handed a tricky first-round test at the French Open against Argentine clay-court specialist Solano Sierra.
British number one Raducanu missed out on a seeding for the clay-court Grand Slam after falling to 37th in the world rankings.
The draw could have been less kind than 64th-ranked Sierra, given there was the prospect of Raducanu facing one of the world's very best.
However, like most Argentinian players, 21-year-old Sierra started on the clay as a toddler and recently showed her ability by taking a set from reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in Madrid.
Italy's 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini potentially awaits Raducanu in the second round.
British number two Katie Boulter will open against American wildcard Akasha Urhobo, while Francesca Jones - the only other Briton in the women's singles - faces Brazil's 2023 semi-finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia.
In the men's draw, Cameron Norrie - Britain's only seeded player - will play Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.
Jacob Fearnley faces Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo with the likely prospect of world number one Jannik Sinner waiting in round two.
Italy's Sinner - the overwhelming favourite for the title with rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured - starts his bid to become only the 10th man to complete the career Grand Slam against French wildcard Clement Tabur.
Three-time championNovak Djokovic did not receive a favourable draw as he bids once again for a standalone record 25th major victory.
Djokovic, who turns 39 on Friday, opens against huge-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who is now coached by former British number one Greg Rusedski.
Two-time champion Alcaraz's absence with a wrist injury has deprived Roland Garros of one of the sport's biggest stars.
It also means his absorbing rivalry with Sinner - which led to such a thrilling final in Paris last year - has been put on hold, with the pair having won the past nine Grand Slam titles between them.
Sinner, who has lifted the Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome clay-court titles as part of a 29-match winning streak, is now the overwhelming favourite to win his maiden French Open title.
At this stage it is difficult to see anybody stopping him.
Djokovic is only man other than Alcaraz who has beaten Sinner at the majors since Wimbledon in 2024.
But the 24-time major champion - who beat Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals before losing to Alcaraz - has barely played since.
Djokovic sticks to a sparse schedule these days, believing it gives him the best shot at finally moving clear of Margaret Court in terms of all-time major wins.
Playing a huge server like Mpetshi Perricard is not ideal for his hopes of finding rhythm, although Djokovic still has more than enough quality to beat a player who has won seven of his 10 tour-level matches on clay.
Former US Open champion Raducanu has endured another stop-start season after picking up a virus in February, with the after-effects limiting her to only two tournaments since.
Raducanu made her return in Strasbourg this week after a two-month absence, losing in straight sets to France's Diane Parry.
It will be interesting to see what 23-year-old Raducanu's expectations at Roland Garros are.
Her performances at the Grand Slams have generally been disappointing and the limp manner in which she lost in the Australian Open second round was particularly disheartening.
Shortly afterwards she parted ways with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig and has now rehired Andrew Richardson - the man who helped her shock the world by winning the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier.
Raducanu has only gone past the third round of a Grand Slam once since then.
The clay is not a surface she has ever felt completely comfortable on and it has also exacerbated a long-standing back issue.
If Richardson returning is going to spark a revival in Raducanu's career it would likely not happen over the next fortnight, given her lack of match fitness and a tricky draw.
Other notable first-round draws
Women's singles:
Aryna Sabalenka [1] v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (Spa)
The Los Angeles Angels are one of the worst teams in the Major Leagues right now, and they're sorely lacking star power outside of Mike Trout.
Only a few years ago, they had Shohei Ohtani dominating on the mound and at the plate. But, he left in free agency after the 2023 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Angels didn't get anything of value in return for losing Ohtani.
However, a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed the Angels missed out on a massive opportunity at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, as they had a chance to send Ohtani to the Tampa Bay Rays for a package headlined by Junior Caminero.
Angels backed out of trade with Shohei Ohtani for Junior Caminero
"Imagine if he had been traded for Junior Caminero, who would now be starring at third base for the Los Angeles Angels instead of the Rays," Rosenthal writes. "A blockbuster involving those players, carrying mammoth implications for both cubs, was seriously discussed before the 2023 trade deadline, according to people briefed on conversations."
During the 2023 season, the Angels could've traded Ohtani for a massive haul, but the specifics of some of their offers weren't fully known.
But, with this report from Rosenthal, that the Angels had an offer on the table with Caminero involved, it makes their decision not to swing a trade look a lot worse.
Caminero was 19 years old at the time and was not the only top prospect reported to be in this deal. Rosenthal reports that, "The other would have been shortstop Carson Williams, who was then a 20-year-old at High A."
While trading Ohtani would've stung at the time, their reluctance to move on from Ohtani has resulted in what might be one of the worst, if not the worst, rosters in baseball.
But, had they made this trade with the Rays, they would've added Caminero, who is now a 22-year-old All-Star who has 65 homers, 162 RBIs, 257 hits, 143 runs scored, and 6.1 bWAR in 252 games across four seasons with a .261 average and .822 OPS.
This season, he has a 142 OPS+ and is one of the best young sluggers in the game. Williams hasn't exactly panned out for the Rays, but Caminero alone would've made this trade worth it.
Instead of losing a few months earlier than they actually did, but landing Caminero for a long time, the Angels lost Ohtani, and didn't get anything in return for him.
This was a huge missed opportunity for the Angels, as they could've traded the two-way superstar to the Rays for one of the best young hitters in the game in Junior Caminero, back at the 2023 trade deadline.
If the CFP does end up expanding to 24 teams, then it becomes well within UCLA’s reach, with the Bruins program seemingly on the rise under new head coach Bob Chesney. UCLA hasn’t come close to a CFP appearance since the format was adopted in 2014.
UCLA isn’t alone, as the USC Trojans also have yet to make the playoffs. With the potential CFP expansion coming, Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek wrote on how the programs should shift the scheduling of their rivalry game in order to best prepare themselves for a shot in the playoffs.
“USC and UCLA therefore need to realize that in order to ensure their rivalry means everything, and that resting starters is never a possibility or a question for their annual game, they should move their game up a week so that it's not the finale of the regular season,” Zemek wrote. “The Trojans and Bruins, instead of playing a cupcake opponent in late August or on Labor Day weekend, should schedule that cupcake for the season finale so that if either team is going to the expanded 24-team CFP, they can rest starters for that game on that final weekend.”
With UCLA and USC being conference rivals, there shouldn’t be any worries about the rivalry going to the wayside, but with an expanded playoff format, the timing of the rivalry could be changing in the coming years.
Linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (R) is under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles through 2027-28. File Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI
May 21 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested on speeding and reckless driving accusations and later released, a spokesperson from the Twiggs County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office told UPI on Thursday.
Smith, a Savannah, Ga. native, was clocked driving at Lamborghini at 135 mph in a 70-mph zone on the interstate Friday night, police said. He was booked at 11:24 p.m. EDT Friday and released at 12:41 a.m. Saturday.
Smith has a July 14 court date, but will not need to appear if he pays the citations he was issued.
The Twiggs County Sheriff's Office posted about the incident Saturday on Facebook, stating that officers observed Smith driving at nearly double the speed limit Friday on Interstate 16 eastbound.
"The driver was cooperative throughout the encounter," the post read. "Instead of a tow truck visit for a very expensive Italian 'supercar nap,' the driver chose to follow deputies back to the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office, where citations were issued, bond was posted and the driver was released.
"No drama. No injuries. Just a very fast car learning a very expensive lesson," the sheriff's office said.
The Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Smith's rookie contract in April. He is set to make $13.7. million in 2027, the final year of that pact.
The three-year veteran, who joined Philadelphia as the No. 30 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, totaled 91 combined tackles, 25 quarterback hits, 10.5 sacks, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries through the first 45 appearances of his career.
Smith made a career-high 12 starts last season. He missed five games due to a triceps injury.
Eagles players will participate in the first day of organized team activities Tuesday. Mandatory minicamp is scheduled June 9 and 10. Philadelphia will open its preseason campaign against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 15 in Baltimore.
James Uthmeier probably won't want to read this. Even if he should.
A recent article from Brent Schrotenboer of USA Todayexplores the lack of Black coaches at the college level. It includes pointed quotes from Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, who is in his first year as the head coach at Southern University, regarding the inability of Black players to become coaches at the college or pro level.
First, the facts. As Schrotenboer notes, only 13 major-college programs have Black head coaches. That's down from 17 out of 120 in 2011.
"Football’s the only sport that players struggle to come off the field and become a coach,” Faulk told Schrotenboer. “They look at us like if you’re successful at the game playing then you won’t be successful at the game in any other capacity. . . .
“I’m just gonna say what it is,” Faulk said. “Matt Ryan can be a G.M. Why do other players kind of go through and jump through the hoops to be a G.M.?" (Ryan is the president of football with the Falcons, one step above the G.M.)
“What’s the quarterback [coach] that’s now in Minnesota?” Faulk added, referring to former NFL quarterback Josh McCown. “He was in Houston. They were about to give him the [head coaching] job. . . . He barely played. Played a few games in the league. But it happens. You can be JJ Redick and never have coaching experience and get the Lakers job. But can Marshall Faulk get the Rams job? Hell no. It is what it is."
The numbers don't lie, and facts are stubborn things. As it relates to the current (and historic) numbers in both college and pro football, something is clearly off. The demographics of the coaching population don't match the demographics of the player population.
The only way it will change is through litigation. Which is slow. And expensive. And detrimental to the career of the person who dares to stand up and say something about it — especially in the current political climate.
The current political climate is sufficiently hostile to the notion of diversity that Uthmeier is hassling the NFL for diversity efforts that have failed to move the needle. Beyond being wrong (and probably performative), it's bizarre.
Hiring systems supposedly based on "merit" have created results that speak for themselves. And what those results are saying is that there has been, and continues to be, a very real problem. Even if some will insist it's a problem to try to fix it.
A former draft pick of the Green Bay Packers is signing with the rival Chicago Bears. According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. -- a seventh-round pick of the Packers in 2023 -- will sign with the Bears.
Johnson was a tryout player for the Bears at rookie minicamp earlier this month.
The Packers drafted Johnson out of Iowa State with the 242nd overall pick in the 2023 draft. As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 12 games, including four starts, and he produced 24 tackles, three passes defensed and an interception. His first career interception came during a win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also appeared in both playoff games.
Johnson was released by the Packers at final cuts before the 2024 season. He was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants and eventually played in nine games, seeing action on 21 defensive snaps and 113 on special teams.
Johnson spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve and was waived by the Giants in March.
Johnson will join a Bears safety room that includes first-round pick Dillon Thieneman, free agent signings Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis and undrafted free agent Skyler Thomas.
Johnson also joins Jonathan Garvin as former Packers draft picks currently on the Bears offseason roster.
Serie A Preview: Torino vs Juventus – Team News, Lineups & Prediction
Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino forms the backdrop for the 162nd Serie A edition of the famous Derby della Mole between Torino and Juventus. Sunday’s showdown in Turin won’t change much for the mid-table hosts, but it could decide the fate of their more esteemed visitors.
Sitting 12th in the standings after a 2-1 defeat at Cagliari in the penultimate round, Torino will have to settle for a second consecutive bottom-half finish irrespective of the outcome of this clash. However, the Granata are expected to take the field heavily motivated to spoil their eternal rivals’ Champions League ambitions.
Despite having nothing but pride left to play for, Torino could still play a massive role in the fiercely contested race for a top-four finish. Vying for a place in next season’s Champions League, Juventus trail fourth-placed Roma by two points following a disheartening 2-0 home loss to Fiorentina last time out.
Therefore, their top-four destiny is completely out of their hands, as they need either Milan or Roma to drop points on the final day. More importantly, Luciano Spalletti’s underperforming side must hold up their end of the bargain in this ‘make or break’ clash if they’re to sneak their way back into the top four right at the death.
Match Preview
Torino
Torino’s late-season slump has seen them lose two of their last three league games (W1), having previously suffered just one defeat in six Serie A outings (W3, D2). Nonetheless, they should still head into proceedings in high spirits, especially after rebuilding their home fortress under the tutelage of Roberto D’Aversa.
Now unbeaten in five consecutive home league games (W4, D1), the Granata will be out to score at least twice in six top-flight matches at this stadium for the first time since 1992. Interestingly, the only blemish on this near-flawless run was a 2-2 draw against newly crowned champions Inter last month, highlighting the magnitude of the task awaiting Juventus on Sunday.
However, D’Aversa’s charges have notoriously struggled against the division’s elite teams, securing just two home wins against pre-round top-half sides this season (D1, L6). That’s not the only reason for concern, as Torino have won just one of their 41 competitive meetings with Juventus since December 1995 (D11, L29).
Juventus
Despite their long-standing dominance in this match-up, Juventus cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Indeed, they’ve shared the spoils with Torino in three of their last four Serie A encounters (W1), including a tepid 0-0 draw in November’s reverse fixture at the Allianz Stadium. Adding to this sentiment, the visitors head into this season-defining clash in dire form.
In addition to the abovementioned loss to Fiorentina, Juventus have gone winless in two of their last four league outings (W1, D2, L1). As such, it’s fair to say that they’ve been the architects of their own demise, allowing Milan and Roma to leapfrog them in the standings when it mattered most. As a result, there’s no margin for error here.
However, Juventus can take confidence from winning six of their nine away league matches against sides starting this round in the bottom half of the table (D2, L1). Furthermore, they’re currently on a five-game unbeaten road run in Serie A (W3, D2), keeping clean sheets against Atalanta and Milan in that promising-looking sequence.
Team News
Torino will be without long-term absentees Zakaria Aboukhlal, Ardian Ismajli, and Tino Anjorin. On a more positive note, Lithuanian midfielder Gvidas Gineitis returns from suspension and could dislodge Cagliari loanee Matteo Prati from the starting lineup. Veteran striker Duvan Zapata is expected to lead the line, supported by the likes of Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic.
Meanwhile, with Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal starting on the bench against Fiorentina last weekend, Juventus will make this crosstown trip at full strength. Despite having a second-half goal disallowed by VAR, Dusan Vlahovic remains the frontrunner to spearhead the Bianconeri attack ahead of the misfiring duo, Lois Openda and Jonathan David.
This derby has all the makings of a ‘must-win’ clash for Juventus, but given their rough patch, it’s hard to put it past Torino to defy their dreadful record in this fixture. We wouldn’t go as far as to back the Granata for the win, yet it’s not impossible to envisage another share of the spoils.
‘Will always be part of the shield’: Araujo, Laporta, Yuste pay tribute to Lewandowski at Barcelona team dinner
Barcelona recently celebrated the success of the ongoing season with a special team dinner with the players, coaching staff, the president and even Hansi Flick.
It was a special night that included speeches from notable members, an honour for Robert Lewandowski, who was handed a jersey signed by all his teammates, and Barcelona’s stand-in president, Rafa Yuste, singing the club’s anthem.
What made it more special was the presence of the close family of players, with most turning up with their spouses or girlfriends at the ‘red carpet’ before the event.
Yuste speaks on the occasion
As relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Rafa Yuste, Joan Laporta and even Ronald Araujo spoke to the team with passionate speeches at the gathering, both with the intention of celebrating successes and bidding farewell to Robert Lewandowski.
Yuste, the club’s stand-in president, first praised the team for the season they delivered, saying,
“We have won the League and the Super Cup. It is a source of great pride. As president, I want to tell you that without this group we would not have gained anything.”
“It’s not something of today, but of a long time. This is an incredible group and is building a team that can become legendary. We always know how to get up, especially in difficult times,” he added.
Yuste, Laporta spoke highly about Lewandowski. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
He then spoke kindly of Fermin Lopez, who suffered a gut-wrenching fracture that will keep him out of the World Cup next month.
“Today I want to remember those who have overcome adversity, for those who have suffered pain and have had injuries. In that sense, I want to give recognition to Fermín.”
“I also want to highlight friendship, which is a very precious value. My best friend has given me the option to be president of Barça, and I will never forget it,” he added, thanking Laporta.
He then spoke highly of Robert Lewandowski and wished him luck.
“Finally, I want to address a few words of gratitude to Lewandowski and tell you that you will always be with us.”
Laporta’s address
Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president-elect, was the next to speak to the media and began by thanking the team for a special season.
“Congratulations and thank you all. It was a fantastic season. A legendary team is being built. Last season was historic, just like the current one.”
“I want to thank Hansi, the staff, the players, and the board members, among many others, for their effort,” he added.
Praising the team’s character, ability to fight back and personality, Laporta said,
“We have a group with a great extraordinary human level, with talent and a great character. The spirit is the key to success.”
Lewandowski is leaving as a free agent. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Laporta then praised Robert Lewandowski and thanked him for all his contributions to rebuilding the team into what it is today.
“Finally, I want to dedicate a few words to Lewandowski: you left a great club to come here. For us, it was an extraordinary moment.”
“You will always be part of the shield. Barcelona is your home and we want to see you here soon,” he concluded.
Araujo’s honest words
Finally, Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo had heartfelt words for Lewandowski, as a tribute from the dressing room that will miss his presence from next season.
“I want to have a few words of thanks to Lewandowski. You came at a very difficult time and we are very grateful.”
“From your arrival, with your effort, discipline and attitude, we grew a lot as a team,” he added.
The Indiana Fever got their third win of the season on Wednesday night with a 90-73 win over the Portland Fire, but the game is being overshadowed by Caitlin Clark's status.
The star guard missed the game on Wednesday, her first missed game of the season, even though she seemed to be healthy entering the night. The Fever downplayed Clark's back injury, claiming it wasn't serious and the team fully expected Clark to play against the Fire.
However, the way the Fever treated Clark's injury is now being scrutinized. Clark was not on the injury report leading into the game against the Fire, and that decision could lead to the WNBA punishing Indiana.
Here's why Clark's injury report status is being questioned.
Caitlin Clark missed her first game of the season on Wednesday night with a back injury. Head coach Stephanie White said before the game that Clark woke up with a stiff back and spent practice on Tuesday getting treatment.
However, Clark was not on the injury report, leading to some questions to how the Fever handled the injury. White said there was nothing nefarious about it.
"Not everybody that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the injury report. That happens all the time," White said. "And she wasn’t listed on the injury report earlier because we expected her to play."
White didn't have much more information on Clark's injury, though she deferred to the training staff. Additionally, White said this wasn't part of any load management by the team after Clark was injured for much of last year.
"Her back is sore. If there’s anything more detailed than that, that’s the training staff," she added.
When asked if Clark is injured, White said "Her back is sore. If there's anything more detailed than that, that's the training staff."
White said pregame that "she's healthy. We're not managing anything, it's just a back issue that we want to give the time to be ready." https://t.co/6S3kkKPN4w
The Fever may have broken WNBA rules by not disclosing Clark's back injury on the injury report. According to the rules, WNBA teams "must designate a participation status and identify a specific injury, illness, other medical condition, or other reason for any player whose participation in the game may be affected for any reason."
If Indiana had any reason to believe that Clark could miss Wednesday night's game, they would then be required to list Clark on the injury report the day before. As head coach Stephanie White said, Clark didn't practice with the rest of the team on Tuesday; it appears the team was aware of the ailment.
Given White said Clark did not practice yesterday, and there was no indication Clark was dealing with an ailment until she was ruled out 100 minutes before tip tonight, would imagine this is something the league may take a look at https://t.co/xC8EyPb6Kt
However, White claims the team fully expected Clark to play, which is why the star didn't appear on the injury report.
In a back-and-forth with @RomeovilleKid, Steph White says they expected Caitlin Clark, even without practicing, to be available tonight. That's why she wasn't on the injury report.
When asked if she expected the Fever to get fined for not listing her on Tues, she went "no, no."
The WNBA has specific rules regarding how teams are required to treat the injury point so they remain transparent with the public. Here's what the WNBA rulebook says:
"WNBA teams must report information concerning player injuries, illnesses, other medical conditions, or rest for all WNBA games. By 5 p.m. local time the day before a game (other than the second day of a back-to-back), teams must designate a participation status and identify a specific injury, illness, other medical condition, or other reason for any player whose participation in the game may be affected for any reason. For the second game of a back-to-back, teams must report the above information by 1 p.m. local time on the day of the game."
Any team that breaks these rules is subject to punishment, likely beginning with a fine but becoming more severe the more it occurs.
Heslop won the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving world title at the age of 22 [Getty Images]
"I should have probably stopped earlier and that would have changed the outcome of how I'm feeling now, but I also wouldn't have the trophy sitting on my shelf."
It was the middle of the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2024 series and a 22-year-old Aidan Heslop was faced with a dilemma.
Suffering with major back pain, the high diver - who has competed twice for Wales at the Commonwealth Games - was at the top of the standings, with his ambitions of becoming the youngest world champion in touching distance.
He looked at his girlfriend, fellow diver Molly Carlson, and said: "I want to win this year, and if that means I need to take a year off next year to just recover from this dream of mine, then that's what it's going to be."
As the competition moved to Sydney for the eighth and final round, Heslop was able to maintain his lead and win the world title, but it was not without incident.
"Just a couple hours after getting of the plane in Sydney I was playing chess in the park.
"A piece fell down and as I went to pick it up I just, it was almost like I got stabbed in the back, and I couldn't even walk."
"In that moment I was convinced it was over.
"If I can't even walk how am I going to run to the end of a 27m platform and do the hardest dive in the world?"
Heslop has described how the pain affected him in a documentary called 444 days - The Long Way Back.
"The pain for the longest time had just been in my right glute, just shooting down my leg all the time.
"I'd have to get out of bed, brush my teeth and then lay back in bed in a foetal position.
"I never called myself invincible or anything like that.
"You always think it happens to someone else and never happens to you, that was my mentality and now it's happened to me, I think I had to learn my lesson on that one."
As Heslop began his preparations for 2025, the pain remained.
He met with multiple physios and had medical treatment, but nothing could get him ready for the season opener in the Philippines in March, as he decided to pull out.
Two months later he met a doctor who recommended Heslop undergo back surgery, ruling him out for the season.
Heslop underwent surgery in Munich on 20 May, 2025, getting back on the 27m board on 27 January, 2026, 444 days after his World Series triumph in Sydney.
Exactly one year to the day since his surgery, he is back in action at the Kroya Waterfall & Kelingking Beach in Bali, Indonesia for the 2026 opener from 20-23 May.
In Heslop's absence last year, Gary Hunt won his 11th title at the age of 41.
While Heslop would love to win his title back, the 24-year-old is realistic about his ambitions.
"As much as I'd like to stand here and say that I want to win the whole series and smash it out the park, I don't think that's my main goal for this year.
"Ideally I'd have 15 years in this sport still.
"This year is about learning how to be healthy as a cliff diver and what I need to do to have my body in a position where I can do this sport without hurting myself.
"I hope I can stay healthy, but there's a little part of me that wants to kick everyone's asses as well!"
"I think I've done cliff diving all these years, purely because I love it, there's nothing else in this world that makes me feel the same as I do when I cliff dive."
Former University of Georgia star and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith faces reckless driving and speeding charges.
ESPN reports that the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office pulled Smith over on Friday after a deputy saw Smith driving over 135 mph. Smith posted bond later that night, ESPN reported.
The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook about a traffic stop involving a Lamborghini driver caught going 136 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. The post does not identify Smith as the driver, but said he cooperated with deputies.
“Instead of a tow truck visit for a very expensive Italian ‘supercar nap,’ the driver chose to follow deputies back to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office, where citations were issued, bond was posted, and the driver was released,” the post read. “No drama. No injuries. Just a very fast car learning a very expensive lesson.”
Philadelphia will start organized team activities (OTAs) on May 26. The Eagles have not released a statement on Smith’s traffic stop as of Thursday morning.
Heated Rivalry actor and hockey history-maker Harrison Browne has something to say about the ongoing debate about transgender athletes playing in sports with cisgender athletes.
In an interview with CNN, Browne, who made history as the first out trans professional hockey player, said that too much of the conversation around trans athletes has revolved around the idea that hormones, specifically testosterone, should be singled out as the exclusive source of competetive advantage.
“When we focus so solely on one hormone, we’re overlooking the real barriers to fairness in sport,” he said. He went on to elaborate that many other factors can actually affect athlete performance, including training, access to coaching, nutrition and socioeconomic status, all of which he believes affect athletic performance more consistently than any hormone.
“Sports have never been fair,” Browne said. “If they were, everyone would be the same height and have the same access to resources, but that’s just not reality.”
Browne added that the focus on hormones is both reductive and misleading, per CNN. The focus on physiology “dehumanizes people,” he said, adding, “You’re just talking about their bodies — not their lives.”
Browne spoke to CNN to mark the forthcoming paperback release of his book, Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes, due May 26.
In its reporting, CNN did acknowledge that the science backs up Browne’s assertions and that the relationship between hormones and athletic performance is not nearly as simple as “testosterone = good.”
“The single biggest misconception is that testosterone is some kind of permanent performance-enhancing drug, and once you’ve been exposed to it, the advantages are locked in forever,” Ada Cheung, an endocrinologist, told the news channel.
The bisexual comic was concerned her criticism of the Trump administration would make her a target for detention at the Canada border.
“People hear ‘male puberty’ and assume it creates an irreversible athletic superpower,” Cheung continued. “But that’s not what the science shows.”
Browne shared some of his personal story with CNN, as well, including the fact that he had come out to his colleagues on the women’s hockey team at the University of Maine, even as his deadname and she/her pronouns were used to announce him when he stepped onto the rink.
“Hockey was the one place where I could turn my brain off,” Browne said. “The one space where my body wasn’t the enemy. All that mattered was how fast my feet moved.”
Browne briefly appeared in Heated Rivalry’s fourth episode as Connors, Ilya’s teammate. Connors is the one who alerts Ilya of tabloid reports claiming Shane Hollander is dating Rose Landry.
Browne has previously been vocal about trans participation in sports, including taking to Instagram to criticize the International Olympic Committee’s recent policy banning trans women from all competition. Browne pointed out that only one trans woman, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, has ever competed at the Olympic level.
“It really seems like trans women participating in the Olympics is a non-issue, because it is,” Browne said on Instagram at the time. “What is an issue is the policing of women’s bodies, and the surveillance, and the whistle-blowing effect, and now this moral panic around trans athletes.”
JB Copeland shares how concussions ended his football career and led to struggles with addiction and mental health
He sought help in 2022, spending 60 days in rehab, which he says transformed his life and perspective
Copeland now uses his platform to advocate for mental health and encourage men to express their emotions
In honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month, athlete-turned-content creator JB Copeland is opening up to PEOPLE about overcoming a 10-year-old struggle with addiction and mental health.
Copeland — a 31-year-old from Dallas, Texas — spent the majority of his life committed to football. He worked his way up through high school and landed a scholarship playing at the University of North Carolina. But in 2016, during his junior year, back-to-back concussions forced him to retire from the sport he loved.
“I just felt like a shell of a human,” he says. “My whole identity was wrapped up in football so when that ended, it just felt like, what do I do now?”
“I had issues with not feeling good enough for myself and for my coaches and teammates. And it felt like I was a bit worthless now that I could not give my talents or my performance,” he continues. “I just felt out of place and I felt really sad. A mix of a lot of emotions that I wasn't sure how to deal with, which is kind of what took me downhill.”
JB Copeland at UNC Credit: Courtesy JB Copeland
When his football career ended, Copeland — who had already been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana since high school — amped up his substance use and even started abusing other drugs.
He was prescribed Xanax for anxiety after his concussions. However, while trying to “mask and suppress my emotions,” he started taking more and more. He also found himself turning to his teammates who had surgery and asking for their prescription medications, which ultimately led to an addiction.
“It was kind of a thing we were all doing, but for me, there was a deeper thing in me that was like, ‘I need this to feel okay.' And it just got worse and worse,” he says.
Copeland says he had a strong support system during that time, but he was so good at hiding his struggles that no one knew.
“Obviously my parents loved me and they tried. You know, my coaches would ask me, ‘Are you okay? Do you need help?' And I would deflect. I wasn't honest,” he recalls. “I didn't know how to get help or what that looked like. I was used to just saying a prayer and hoping that this thing would be taken from me. There is power in prayer, but at the end of the day, there also is more power when it comes to addiction and actually getting therapy and taking care of it.”
Feeling “lost” without football and struggling mentally and physically, Copeland ultimately failed out of college during his senior year and continued spiraling downward in the years following.
Things changed in April 2022. His addiction to alcohol, marijuana and pills got so bad that he lost a lot of weight and started having severe panic attacks. He landed in the ER, and then, could no longer hide his struggles from his wife Chloe, whom he married in 2019.
“I finally just was like, ‘I think that I'm at a breaking point. Obviously what I've been doing isn't working anymore.' So I had a conversation with my wife and I made the decision to check into an addiction rehab facility in a small country town outside of Dallas.”
“I was very scared to make the decision,” he says. “I didn't feel comfortable making it, but I knew that something had to change.”
JB Copeland Credit: Jenny Lawson
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Copeland spent 60 days at the rehabilitation center, calling the first three weeks the hardest weeks of his life. “All this pain that I'd suppressed for years, I didn't even know how to begin to sort and file these feelings away and try and make sense of them,” he explains.
“What's communicated to younger men is that feelings aren't a thing that we're gonna talk about. It's not a cool thing to talk about. To cry is to be weak, to feel is to be weak. Put your chest out, put your shoulders back. We don't go there,” he says. “So for me, going through that rehab process showed me that that's actually where freedom lives, it's being able to hold space for myself.”
And it ended up being a life-changing experience for Copeland.
“I remember during one of the group therapy sessions, someone made a funny joke and I belly laughed. And this thought came to me like, ‘When was the last time you laughed?' It had been years since I had actually let out an authentic, genuine laugh. And that laugh was a moment that shifted everything for me,” he recalls. “It's like this emotion and this inner child came back and it was almost like some type of miracle or spiritual awakening. A laugh is what changed my direction and changed my life.”
JB Copeland Credit: Jenny Lawson
Through his rehab journey, Copeland was able to get sober and feel connected to himself again. And after returning home, he continued therapy and other tools he learned in the program to start a “new lease on life.”
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He admits he's had setbacks over the years. “I got out of rehab almost four years ago and I've had a ton of ups and downs and not everything is rainbows and sunshine,” he says.
But he says he's proud of being honest with himself and loved ones in the face of those challenges.
“I relapsed about a year and a half out of rehab but I quickly told my wife and said, ‘I'm just not well at the moment. I messed up again.' And over the past couple of years, I've learned to say, ‘Okay, we're not going back to where we were.' I still have hard days but I have to be anchored in knowing where I wanna go and that things are gonna be okay.”
JB Copeland Credit: Jenny Lawson
Copeland says that's one of the reasons why he's dedicated his social media platform to being a mental health advocate. He hopes that sharing his story will encourage more boys and men to discuss mental health topics and break the stigma attached to expressing their emotions.
“I didn't want my pain and the things that I had gone through to just be for me. I wanted to help people. I wanted to show people that there's hope,” he tells PEOPLE. “I just wanted to be a voice of encouragement and comfort for people and let people know that they're not alone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Young athletes will have several chances to stay active and build skills this summer through a lineup of sports camps offered by Wicomico County Recreation & Parks.
The camps, running from late June through early August, cover a range of sports and age groups, including flag football, soccer, volleyball, disc golf and a multi‑sport program.
All‑Sports Camp runs Aug. 3–7 and allows participants to try basketball, baseball, golf and floor hockey. The camp concludes with an Olympic‑style competition where campers can demonstrate skills learned during the week. The cost is $75 per participant.
The Wicomico Youth Flag Football Summer Camp will be held June 22–24. Open to all skill levels, the camp focuses on football fundamentals, game strategy and developing players’ football IQ. The cost is $90 and includes a camp T‑shirt.
Shore Soccer Summer Camp returns July 6–9, offering age‑appropriate drills and game situations designed to reinforce fundamental skills. The camp costs $140 per participant.
Disc Golf 101, scheduled for July 20–22, introduces participants to the basics of disc golf in a non‑competitive setting. The cost is $45 per participant.
Two volleyball camps are also planned. Eastern Shore Elite Volleyball Academy runs Aug. 3–5 for boys and girls ages 13–18 and is designed to prepare athletes for the 2026 high school season. The three‑day camp costs $150 and includes a T‑shirt.
Shore Volleyball Camp, for boys and girls ages 8–16, will be held July 29–31. The camp emphasizes fundamental volleyball skills in a supportive environment. The cost is $150 and includes a T‑shirt.
Registration for all programs is available online through Wicomico County Recreation & Parks at wicomicorecandparks.org or in person at the Wicomico Civic Center box office, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at wicomicociviccenter.org.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti watches the game from the sidelines during a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini, on October 19, 2024, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/IconSportswire) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Please: at LEAST a 24-team College Football Playoff. But might we make a recommendation?
Dear Commissioner Pettiti,
Hi. MNWildcat here. Thanks for putting your thumb on the scale earlier this week to prevent SBNation from being sold to the Murdochs along with Vox. I know you’re too humble and good-looking a genius to take any public credit for it, but I know a Pettiti job when I see it.
And that’s why I want to tell you: don’t listen to the haters.
Sure, you looked bad when you tried to sell out stakes of the conference to private equity, an idea so craven and shitty that even USC and Michigan—Michigan!—told you to fuck off. But, visionary genius that you are, you persevered and decided that the new way to make money was by expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams.
And, Commissioner Pettiti, as a fan of a team that—at best—will be the 14th- or 15th-best team in college football in a pre-NIL landscape and might make it to seven wins a few times in the post-college football landscape, I say bring it on.
I personally salivate at the thought of getting—not having, as your detractors would say, but getting the privilege—to stay up until 1am watching Northwestern play a football game at Washington while knowing that there’s going to be an extra $82 million in the athletic department’s bank account that’s going to be used to get into an arms race with the Ohio States of the world that my school will never win. Sure, we’ll only see Purdue and Iowa twice every five years, but think about how I’ll be Scrooge McDucking it into the shallow end of a pool filled with the concept of gold coins.
I know you’ll speak at my funeral, Commissioner Pettiti, because I am the kind of consumer who gleefully eats up the visionary innovation you have brought to our conference.
We, the fans, are the consumers of your inventory. You might think that your customers are the media companies and their commercial advertiser partners.
But I say NAY! In fact, please sell more parts of the Big Ten to commercial advertisers! Have you ever seen a soccer game—I haven’t, obviously, soccer’s for those coastal types and also Indiana for some reason—featuring the Mexican team Leon?
That’s what I want you to aspire to, Tony. I want those Ultra 5K-Hi-Def cameras and microphones that B1G FOX is going to put around the field to capture every bead of sweat falling off Bret Bielema, every pleat in Kirk Ferentz’s khakis, every ping! of a coin falling out of your pocket up in the Super Top Secret Suite that you reside in, lest you accidentally see a consumer—don’t let them tell you we’re called “fans,” that’s only when you need to sell us something—at one of these inventory items—I mean, games.
I know that I, a Northwestern football consumer, cannot wait to lose 52-7 to some top seed in the College Football Playoff—or watch Iowa lose 24-6, what we call a “Ferentzian blowout”—but rest easy in the knowledge that at least we made The Dance. What I’ve always said, consumer that I am, is that I wish fewer inventory items meant something so that I can be on my couch for what really matters—the FOX B1G N00D Saturday Summer Slam Super-Show, featuring Dave Portnoy and Tucker Carlson, Football Talked Also. It’s stressful to consume college football inventory, and I certainly don’t want to be burdened by watching my certified product preference—Northwestern, to review—actually contesting any inventory with a fellow franchise in the product lineup.
Tony, you do not understand that college football fans are a unique, bizarre, occasionally unhealthily obsessed bunch. You do not understand your job.
I say don’t worry about it, you good-looking business genius. You’re doing great, and I for one cannot wait to consume more inventory that means even less. It’ll allow me to do what I’m really concerned about, which is maintaining my subscriptions to as many different channels and streaming services as possible. THAT’S what college football is all about.
With love,
MNWildcat Subscriber 482947
PS: can I interest you in a media company? Lightly used, some blogs still remain to talk about Big Ten inventory for fellow consumers, will pivot to video for food.
Race fans are only a few days away from the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and weather predictions for the skies above this year's running of the Indy 500 are getting cautiously optimistic.
The dreary forecasts from earlier this week have been tempered with slightly more sunshine and calls for rain have been pushed further back in the afternoon.
IndyStar is helping race fans prepare their outfits and accessories for the spectacle by publishing daily updates as race day draws near.
IndyStar's historic weather analysis (provided below) shows that it's rained only once on May 24 since 2006 and the average temperature for the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s. That said, multiple current forecasts call for some precipitation this year on Sunday, May 24.
What will weather be like for the Indy 500?
The National Weather Service on Thursday is predicting a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms for Sunday's race. The service's forecast shows rains are likely to hold off until around 2 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny (a more optimistic outlook than previous forecasts) with temperatures nearing a high of 80 degrees.
AccuWeather's forecast shows a 65% chance of rain totaling about 3.5 hours throughout the day. The high temperature will be in the upper 70s with humidity and other conditions making it feel more like the mid 80s.
The Weather Underground is predicting the least chance of rain with a 30% possibility the skies will open over the Big Race. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin in the afternoon, and the group's hour-by-hour forecast for Sunday shows rains will hold off until 5 p.m. Temperatures will reach a high of around 75 degrees.
What is the weather forecast for Memorial Day if there's a delay?
The National Weather Service is predicting a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms for Memorial Day with mostly cloudy skies and a high around 80 degrees. Storms aren't likely to roll in until the early afternoon.
What will weather be like for Legends Day?
This year's Indy 500 Legends Day takes place Saturday, May 23, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The National Weather Service forecast predicts a 40% chance of rain before skies begin to clear in the early afternoon. Temperatures will be warm with highs nearing 77 degrees.
The National Weather Service forecast gives a 60% chance of rain Friday with potential thunderstorms around 2 p.m. Rainfall totals could be between a quarter and half an inch. Temperatures will be in the low 70s.
Indy 500 weather history
IndyStar analyzed 20 years of historic data from Weather Underground for May 24, this year's Race Day.
Daily temperatures averaged in the high 60s and it has rained only one day out of the last 20 since 2006. Precipitation totals on rainy days were light, with the highest on record at only one-tenth of an inch.
The most rain fell on May 30, 2004, when Race Day was inundated with nearly 4 inches of precipitation. The race eventually ran but was cut short due to a tornado in the area.
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk
IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Race fans are only a few days away from the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and weather predictions for the skies above this year's running of the Indy 500 are getting cautiously optimistic.
The dreary forecasts from earlier this week have been tempered with slightly more sunshine and calls for rain have been pushed further back in the afternoon.
IndyStar is helping race fans prepare their outfits and accessories for the spectacle by publishing daily updates as race day draws near.
IndyStar's historic weather analysis (provided below) shows that it's rained only once on May 24 since 2006 and the average temperature for the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s. That said, multiple current forecasts call for some precipitation this year on Sunday, May 24.
What will weather be like for the Indy 500?
The National Weather Service on Thursday is predicting a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms for Sunday's race. The service's forecast shows rains are likely to hold off until around 2 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny (a more optimistic outlook than previous forecasts) with temperatures nearing a high of 80 degrees.
AccuWeather's forecast shows a 65% chance of rain totaling about 3.5 hours throughout the day. The high temperature will be in the upper 70s with humidity and other conditions making it feel more like the mid 80s.
The Weather Underground is predicting the least chance of rain with a 30% possibility the skies will open over the Big Race. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin in the afternoon, and the group's hour-by-hour forecast for Sunday shows rains will hold off until 5 p.m. Temperatures will reach a high of around 75 degrees.
What is the weather forecast for Memorial Day if there's a delay?
The National Weather Service is predicting a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms for Memorial Day with mostly cloudy skies and a high around 80 degrees. Storms aren't likely to roll in until the early afternoon.
What will weather be like for Legends Day?
This year's Indy 500 Legends Day takes place Saturday, May 23, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The National Weather Service forecast predicts a 40% chance of rain before skies begin to clear in the early afternoon. Temperatures will be warm with highs nearing 77 degrees.
The National Weather Service forecast gives a 60% chance of rain Friday with potential thunderstorms around 2 p.m. Rainfall totals could be between a quarter and half an inch. Temperatures will be in the low 70s.
Indy 500 weather history
IndyStar analyzed 20 years of historic data from Weather Underground for May 24, this year's Race Day.
Daily temperatures averaged in the high 60s and it has rained only one day out of the last 20 since 2006. Precipitation totals on rainy days were light, with the highest on record at only one-tenth of an inch.
The most rain fell on May 30, 2004, when Race Day was inundated with nearly 4 inches of precipitation. The race eventually ran but was cut short due to a tornado in the area.
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk
IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Oklahoma City needed a response after dropping Game 1, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered when the Thunder returned home.
OKC levelled the series at 1-1 with a 122-113 win over the Spurs last Wednesday night, regaining momentum before the matchup shifted.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the game with 30 points and added nine assists, turning a strong team recovery into another personal Thunder milestone.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moves past Russell Westbrook in OKC history
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
According to ESPN, Gilgeous-Alexander now has 27 career 30-point playoff games for Oklahoma City, moving him into second place in franchise history.
That pushed him past Russell Westbrook, and left only Kevin Durant ahead with 39 such games for the franchise.
The achievement matters because Westbrook remains one of OKC’s defining icons, carrying the team after Durant’s departure and winning MVP in Thunder colours.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring was not just historic. It was necessary, with the Spurs threatening late before OKC finished the job and levelled the series.
Stephon Castle is still making SGA work hard
The milestone does not mean the series has been easy. Stephon Castle has given Gilgeous-Alexander one of the toughest defensive matchups of this playoff run.
ESPN reports that, with Castle as his primary defender, Gilgeous-Alexander is 10-for-19 from the field for 24 points through the series so far.
Those numbers are efficient, but they show how much attention San Antonio is placing on every possession he controls.
That makes Game 2 even more important. The Canadian guard passed Westbrook while solving a defender built to slow him down.
Arsenal were crowned champions of England on Tuesday night after title rivals Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth. The win coronated Arsenal as Premier League winners with a game to spare.
The North London side celebrated their win in midweek and will be presented with thePremier League trophy after this weekend's final day fixture at Crystal Palace.
Arsenal's title is the club's first for 22 years and Arteta has opened up on how he celebrated confirmation of their championship win.
The Spaniard said he did not watch Manchester City's clash at Bournemouth, but revelled in the post-match aftermath with his family.
Asked how he felt to be a Premier League champion at hispre-match press conference, Arteta said: "It’s incredible to hear them [words], especially when you consider the journey they’ve been on, the way they’ve done it, and how many people have been involved and waiting so long to achieve that goal.
"You probably don't realise it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had. I was supposed to be here, at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff because that's what they wanted - but I couldn't. I think 20 minutes before the game I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted, and ultimately it was their moment to watch it together and be themselves.
"I went home, I went outside to the garden and had a BBQ and I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the living room and suddenly the magic happened. My eldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, gave me a hug and said: 'We are Champions, daddy!' It was beautiful."
The Boston Red Sox swept the Kansas City Royals on the road as the bats came to life, with Jarren Duran being a key reason why.
Duran has hit home runs in back-to-back games as he hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to give Boston the lead en route to a 4-3 win. It was another stellar game from Duran and the Red Sox, and interim manager Chad Tracy believes the outfielder is starting to put together good swings.
“His at-bats have been good for about five games now, dating back to Atlanta,” Tracy said postgame on Wednesday. “And yeah, when you're sitting atop the offense in front of Wilyer (Abreu) and Willson (Contreras) and that group of guys, if he starts going, it's no secret that's going to help us go. He's taking some really, really big at-bats right now.”
If Duran and the Red Sox’s offense can continue this hot streak, it will help Boston get back on track.
It's always fun to hit a homer, especially oppo, because this one was into our bullpen, too,” Duran said. “So that was always a cool thing. I got to see them jumping around for me, which is probably what made my night.”
With the sweep of the Royals, Boston is now 22-27.
Foster, a former Vols player, spent only one season in the UT radio booth alongside “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith. Now the sidekick job is open again.
Here are a few names to consider for the color analyst position for the 2026 Tennessee football season.
Pat Ryan
Pat Ryan, 70, is a broadcast veteran. He served as UT color analyst alongside Bob Kesling from 2021-24. Before that, he was already a longtime member of the Vol Network crew.
Ryan was part of the “Big Orange Hotline” show for 11 years and on the pregame show for six years prior to take over for Tim Priest in the color analyst role.
Ryan was a quarterback at Tennessee from 1974-77 and played in the NFL with the New York Jets from 1978-89. He was also the color analyst for the Titans from 1999-2004.
Ryan and Keith were broadcast partners during the Titans’ 1999 season, including the iconic Music City Miracle call.
Jayson Swain
Jayson Swain, 41, has spent the past five seasons on the Vol Network team. In the 2025 season, he provided analysis on the “Big Orange Countdown” pregame show and co-hosted the halftime and postgame shows. Before that, he was a sideline reporter for UT games.
Swain was a standout Tennessee wide receiver from 2003-06 and served as a team captain. He signed with the Chicago Bears in 2007 and then started his broadcast career.
Swain has been a fixture on Knoxville sports talk radio, currently as co-host of the “Josh and Swain” show on The Sports Animal. And he’s hosted his own podcast, “The Swain Event,” since 2009.
Erik Ainge
Erik Ainge, 39, has been a sports talk fixture in Knoxville for almost a decade, especially when it comes to Tennessee football topics. Each weekday, Ainge breaks down UT’s schematics from his expertise under center for the Vols.
Since 2017, Ainge has co-hosted “The Erik Ainge Show” with Brian Rice on The Sports Animal. He has also served numerous roles on the pregame and postgame shows on the Vol Network.
Ainge was a quarterback for the Vols from 2004-07. He was selected in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Jets and spent three seasons in New York before returning to Knoxville and starting his broadcast career.
Will Overstreet
Will Overstreet, 46, has been a regular guest on TV and radio sports talk shows in Knoxville for several years.
Overstreet has appeared on the “Big Orange Countdown” pregame show on the Vol Network, as well as local radio shows focused on UT football. He is a regular guest on the “Sports Source” TV show and digital network.
Overstreet was a member of the 1998 national title team, an All-SEC performer and team captain. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 and played two seasons. He also founded and served as CEO of Knoxville-based Voices Heard Media, Inc.
Foster, a former Vols player, spent only one season in the UT radio booth alongside “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith. Now the sidekick job is open again.
Here are a few names to consider for the color analyst position for the 2026 Tennessee football season.
Pat Ryan
Pat Ryan, 70, is a broadcast veteran. He served as UT color analyst alongside Bob Kesling from 2021-24. Before that, he was already a longtime member of the Vol Network crew.
Ryan was part of the “Big Orange Hotline” show for 11 years and on the pregame show for six years prior to take over for Tim Priest in the color analyst role.
Ryan was a quarterback at Tennessee from 1974-77 and played in the NFL with the New York Jets from 1978-89. He was also the color analyst for the Titans from 1999-2004.
Ryan and Keith were broadcast partners during the Titans’ 1999 season, including the iconic Music City Miracle call.
Jayson Swain
Jayson Swain, 41, has spent the past five seasons on the Vol Network team. In the 2025 season, he provided analysis on the “Big Orange Countdown” pregame show and co-hosted the halftime and postgame shows. Before that, he was a sideline reporter for UT games.
Swain was a standout Tennessee wide receiver from 2003-06 and served as a team captain. He signed with the Chicago Bears in 2007 and then started his broadcast career.
Swain has been a fixture on Knoxville sports talk radio, currently as co-host of the “Josh and Swain” show on The Sports Animal. And he’s hosted his own podcast, “The Swain Event,” since 2009.
Erik Ainge
Erik Ainge, 39, has been a sports talk fixture in Knoxville for almost a decade, especially when it comes to Tennessee football topics. Each weekday, Ainge breaks down UT’s schematics from his expertise under center for the Vols.
Since 2017, Ainge has co-hosted “The Erik Ainge Show” with Brian Rice on The Sports Animal. He has also served numerous roles on the pregame and postgame shows on the Vol Network.
Ainge was a quarterback for the Vols from 2004-07. He was selected in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Jets and spent three seasons in New York before returning to Knoxville and starting his broadcast career.
Will Overstreet
Will Overstreet, 46, has been a regular guest on TV and radio sports talk shows in Knoxville for several years.
Overstreet has appeared on the “Big Orange Countdown” pregame show on the Vol Network, as well as local radio shows focused on UT football. He is a regular guest on the “Sports Source” TV show and digital network.
Overstreet was a member of the 1998 national title team, an All-SEC performer and team captain. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 and played two seasons. He also founded and served as CEO of Knoxville-based Voices Heard Media, Inc.
Kai Havertz has been called up by Germany for the World Cup, with Julian Nagelsmann sending a message of support to the Arsenal striker.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Germany have officially confirmed their final 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz making the cut.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann took the opportunity to send a message of support to Havertz, adding his hope that the 26-year-old can stay fit for the summer tournament.
“On the pitch, you are outstanding. Incredibly important for us,” Nagelsmann said. “Stay healthy, clear your mind and go for it. You have everything we need to have a top goalscorer up front.”
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images
Havertz has struggled badly with injuries this season, but he’s played an important role for Arsenal when he’s been fit.
The striker scored a late equaliser in the Champions League last-16 against Bayer Leverkusen, before scoring the only goal in the quarter-final win over Sporting CP.
Havertz’s late goal against Chelsea saw Arsenal into the League Cup final, and his recent goal against Burnley ended up helping the team to win the Premier League when City dropped points the following day.
The forward still has a couple of games left with Arsenal, but he’s now become the sixth Gunner called up for the World Cup, with five more countries still to announce whether Arsenal players have made their squads.
McLaren reserve driver Pato O’Ward says he no longer follows Formula 1, admitting the sport doesn’t hold the same interest for him as it once did.
O’Ward became a test driver for McLaren in 2022 and stepped up to reserve driver in 2024. He has participated in five practice sessions, with his most recent outings coming at last year’s Mexico City and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
His main commitment remains the IndyCar championship, where he drives for Arrow McLaren. Last season, he finished second in the standings behind Alex Palou.
Pato O’Ward admits he hasn’t watched an F1 race in 2024
O’Ward was on the Formula Latina podcast ahead of this weekend’s Indy500 and admitted he wasn’t sure how McLaren performed in Miami, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both made the podium.
Qualifying has also come under fire, with drivers frustrated that energy management limits how much they can push. O’Ward, though, isn’t tuning into the races either.
At 27, an F1 seat looks out of reach for O’Ward now, not that he seems too bothered. He says he’s perfectly happy competing in IndyCar instead.
“I haven’t even watched a Formula 1 race,” said O’Ward. “I don’t even watch qualifying anymore. I don’t see anything, but they did well in Miami, right? I don’t even remember. I think one of them finished on the podium or both of them finished on the podium?
“I know I’m part of the reserve team and all that but I don’t know – I’ve lost interest a lot. I don’t know if it’s the years but right now where Formula 1 is it doesn’t appeal to me.”
Norris joins Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso among those openly criticising this year’s regulations.
Many have noted that Verstappen seems more content racing GT3 cars these days, while Lance Stroll has also spent time sportscar racing this season.
If F1 continues to leave some drivers feeling unsatisfied, more could start exploring other racing options outside the series.
Pedro says farewell to Lazio with special video and patch
Lazio have released a video with Pedro’s farewell message to the club and will wear a special edition patch on their jersey in his final game.
The Spain international will celebrate his 39th birthday in July and becomes a free agent, but it is by no means yet certain if he will hang up his boots this summer.
Pedro goodbye message
“Today is a very sad day for me, because I say goodbye to this journey and the splendid Lazio family,” read Pedro in the official video.
“I want to thank all the fans, the players, the coaches and the whole club, dependents and collaborators included, for allowing me to be part of the glorious history of this club.
“It’s true that I did not bring trophies to what I consider to be a marvellous home, but I always defended the jersey with courage, humility, ambition and passion, along with my teammates. I am sure that soon you will celebrate something important with these great men and players.
“Every time I set foot onto the pitch, I looked up and proudly admired our people. Every emotion I experienced, every unforgettable goal, every song that was sung together, are moments that will remain etched in my memory.
“Against Pisa it will be my final game in this jersey, so I expect you all at the stadium and hope you can be by my side. However, I also understand that this year has been difficult and complicated for everyone, so I have the utmost respect for your decision.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Pedro of SS Lazio celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“It was a real honour to wear this shirt and the club logo on my chest, I wish you all the best, my Lazio family, I will carry you forever in my heart.
“One of you, forever Forza Lazio!”
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 28: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio celebrates a frist goal during the Serie match between Lazio and Parma at Stadio Olimpico on April 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
They suspended it only for the Coppa Italia Final against Inter, but look set to abandon the stands again this weekend.
Lazio players will wear a special patch on the jersey against Pisa depicting Pedro.
He came up through the Barcelona youth academy and became a start for the Blaugrana, completing a transfer to Chelsea in 2015.
Pedro came to Italy for Roma at first in 2010, then a year later was allowed to cross the city to their bitter rivals Lazio, again free of charge.
It was a decision the Giallorossi would regret, especially as he flourished there with 38 goals and 19 assists in 208 competitive matches, most famously in the 3-2 Derby della Capitale victory against Roma in September 2021.
Man Utd star with 33 starts this season to be dropped for final day vs Brighton to begin World Cup preparations
Reports from Brazil are suggesting Casemiro will not feature in Manchester United’s last game of the season on Sunday.
The clash away to Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend would mark the midfielder’s final outing as a United player.
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Why is Casemiro rumoured to miss out on Sunday?
However, with nothing left for the Red Devils to play for, having already secured a third-placed finish and Champions League qualification, it seems as though Casemiro is being urged to sit the weekend fixture out.
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He bid an emotional farewell to the Old Trafford faithful following the win over Nottingham Forest last week, but was expected to retain his starting spot for the trip to the Amex.
Casemiro’s Premier League record with United (Transfermarkt)
It comes after numerous outlets have revealed that Casemiro is closing in on a move to Inter Miami before the World Cup gets underway next month, which would see him link up with fellow ex-La Liga veterans Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.
Casemiro could oversee a triumphant summer on international duty
The 34-year-old is also preparing for another major tournament with his native Brazil – their first under his former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
Concluding his United duties prematurely (his contract runs until the end of June) would allow him to jet off to Miami and finalise his next club venture before joining up with the national team and putting his full focus on the World Cup, where the Canarinha will once again be one of the favourites to add to their record-breaking five titles.
Jannik Sinner lifted his sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title at the Italian Open earlier this month (Filippo MONTEFORTE)
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic will not be able to meet until the French Open final after the pair were placed in opposite halves of the men's draw on Thursday, while Coco Gauff could face Aryna Sabalenka in the women's semis.
Sinner, the red-hot men's title favourite in the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz, will start his bid for a maiden Roland Garros crown against French wildcard Clement Tabur, the world number 165.
Women's world number one Sabalenka faces a tough potential road to the final, with Naomi Osaka, Victoria Mboko and reigning champion Gauff all potential hurdles for the Belarusian.
The build-up to the event, which gets under way on Sunday, has been overshadowed by threats from players to boycott some of their media duties over a pay dispute with Grand Slam tournament organisers.
World number one Sinner is slated to meet big-hitting American fifth seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
Daniil Medvedev is a possible semi-final opponent for the Italian.
The Russian gave Sinner a rare scare in the Italian Open semis earlier this month before eventually succumbing in three sets.
Sinner won his sixth consecutive Masters 1000 trophy by beating Casper Ruud in the Rome final.
That made the four-time Grand Slam champion only the second man to complete the set of all nine Masters 1000 titles, after Novak Djokovic.
Third seed Djokovic will kick off his latest tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title against home player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Second seed Alexander Zverev is a potential semi-final opponent for Djokovic, who turns 39 on Friday.
The German has played Djokovic twice before at Roland Garros, suffering quarter-final defeats against the Serb in 2019 and last year.
Djokovic is hoping to finally break out of his tie with Margaret Court on 24 Slam titles with a first major triumph since the 2023 US Open.
Zverev, still without a Grand Slam trophy after several near misses, plays Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in round one.
The stand-out first-round tie sees in-form French number one Arthur Fils take on 41-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka, featuring at the tournament for the last time before retirement.
- Sabalenka v Osaka possible last-16 tie -
American fourth seed Gauff, who beat world number one Sabalenka in a tense final 12 months ago, will start her title defence against compatriot Taylor Townsend.
Sabalenka, who has never won the Roland Garros tournament, was handed a difficult draw.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka is a potential last-16 opponent for Sabalenka, although the Japanese star has never previously reached the second week in Paris.
Rising Canadian star Mboko or fifth seed Jessica Pegula could await the Belarusian in the quarters.
Sabalenka will take on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain in the first round.
Gauff may need to get past fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who lost the Wimbledon and US Open finals last year, in the last eight.
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, seeded third, could meet Italian Open winner Elina Svitolina in the quarters.
Second seed Elena Rybakina, who won the year's opening Grand Slam event at the Australian Open, is slated to meet Swiatek in the semi-finals.
Poland's Swiatek will start her campaign against 17-year-old Australian wildcard Emerson Jones, while Rybakina plays Slovenia's Veronika Erjavec.
There is a possible all-Southeast Asian clash in the second round between Indonesia's Janice Tjen and the Philippines' Alexandra Eala.
If that tie materialises, it may be for a last-32 meeting with Osaka.
The Yankees (30-20) and the Blue Jays (22-27) conclude their four-game series tonight at Yankee Stadium with the Jays aiming for a split following last night’s 2-1 win.
It was the pitchers’ duel everyone expected it would be as Trey Yesavage and Cam Schlittler put their repertoire on display showcasing why each is one of the best in baseball. Yesavage was near perfect through six allowing just two hits while striking out eight. Schlittler was less dominant but did not allow a run until he walked Andres Gimenez with the bases loaded in the seventh. Vlad Guerrero Jr. added a sacrifice fly two batters later and Schlittler’s night was done. Paul Goldschmidt drove in the Yankees’ lone run on a groundout in the ninth.
On a night when the Yankees had but six hits as a team, Jazz Chisholm Jr. picked up half of them. The mercurial second baseman is hitting .500 (13-26) over his last seven games. He has driven in four runs and scored five during his streak.
Braydon Fisher takes the mound for Toronto today. Carlos Rodon gets the ball for the Yankees. This will be Rodon’s third start since returning from the disabled list. He has yet to reach the sixth inning allowing five earned runs over eight innings in his two outings. Primarily a reliever to this point in the season, Fisher will be making his second start of the season tonight. No doubt manager John Schneider is hoping for two or three innings max out of the 25-year-old righthander.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game Details and How to Watch: Yankees vs. Blue Jays
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 7:05PM EST
Site: Yankee Stadium
City: New York, NY
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, Sportsnet One, YES
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Yankees vs. Blue Jays
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: New York Yankees (-175), Toronto Blue Jays (+144)
Spread: Yankees -1.5 (+129), Blue Jays +1.5 (-156)
Total: 8.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers: Yankees vs. Blue Jays for May 21
Yankees: Carlos Rodon Season Totals: 8.0 IP, 0-1, 5.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 10K, 8 BB
Blue Jays: Braydon Fisher Season Totals: 26.1 IP, 2-1, 3.08 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 24K, 10 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Yankees vs. Blue Jays
Jazz Chisholm is hitting .313 in May after hitting .200 in April
Paul Goldschmidt is 11-24 over his last 8 games and is hitting .348 in May
Austin Wells is hitting .111 in May (5-45) without an extra base hit or an RBI
Vlad Guerrero Jr. is 2-10 in this series
Kazuma Okamoto has struck out 10 times in his last 20 plate appearances
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Yankees vs. Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are 9-16 on the road this season
The Yankees are 16-7 at home this season
The Yankees are 25-25 on the Run Line this season
The Jays are 22-27 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 23 times in Toronto games this season (23-24-2)
The OVER has cashed 22 times for the Yankees this season (22-25-3)
Expert picks & predictions: Yankees vs. Blue Jays
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s game between the Yankees and the Blue Jays:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Yankees on the Run Line
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8.0
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
The Washington Huskies will continue to have an international flavor in 2026-27.
After bringing Hannes Steinbach in from Germany and Nikola Dzepina from Serbia, the Huskies rostered five players from outside the United States: Steinbach, Dzepina, Canadian Christian Nitu, Frenchman Mady Traore, and Franck Kepnang from Cameroon. But Steinbach is off to the NBA Draft, Nitu did not appear in a game and is now at McNeese State, and Kepnang transferred to Kentucky this offseason.
Washington has compensated for that - and other losses - by bringing in Brazilian forward Wini Braga earlier this month to add to four American transfers. On Wednesday, head coach Danny Sprinkle also added Australian Tristan Devers, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound 20-year-old combo guard who most recently played with the Brisbane Bullets of the NBL.
NEWS: Brisbane Bullets' Tristan Devers has committed to Washington, agents Brian Jungreis and Menchie Spigler tell DraftExpress.
The 6'4, 20-year-old guard played a rotational role in the Australian NBL this season, averaging 4.9 points in 16 minutes per game. pic.twitter.com/WamTv0njfs
Devers spent three seasons as a designated developmental player for the Bullets, but earned a rotation spot this season, averaging 4.9 points and 1.1 assists in 16.3 minutes per game across 29 games this season. His performance was good enough to earn him a promotion to a full roster spot at the conclusion of the season, which was announced by the Bullets on April 14.
Instead, Devers will head to Montlake, where he'll look to leverage his professional experience into a major role for a new-look Huskies backcourt. Wesley Yates III will have a starting spot locked down, but San Francisco transfer Ryan Beasley and Davidson transfer Parker Friedrichsen will battle with Devers for the other spot in the backcourt. Texas Tech transfer LeJuan Watts, who will likely start at the 3, will also handle the ball a fair amount.
Regarded as a high-end defender, Devers is also a proficient shooter who made 34 percent from three-point range this season in the NBL. He won a gold medal with the Australia U16 team at the Asia Cup and has also represented Australia in the U17 World Cup.
Brisbane Bullets (NBL) guard Tristan Devers is looking to play in the NCAA, his agency @SerosPartners told @ThePortalReport.
"An elite defensive guard with size who can shoot it well. Devers Won Gold with National team in Asia Cup u16, represented Australia for the World Cup in… pic.twitter.com/BDSS746oVq
Devers' addition brings the Washington roster to 13: Devers, Braga, Dzepina, Traore, Yates, Beasley, Friedrichsen, Watts, Gonzaga transfer Steele Venters, forward Jasir Rencher, center Lathan Sommerville, walk-on guard BJ Roy, and incoming freshman Lattimore Ford.
That leaves two roster spots potentially open: the Huskies carried 16 players (15 on scholarship plus Roy) last season. One of those spots could go to guard Courtland Muldrew, who entered the transfer portal but has not announced a new destination.
Microsoft will retire Teams Together mode on June 30, removing the shared views introduced during the remote‑work boom. The company says the change will simplify meetings and reduce cognitive load.
IO Interactive has announced the global launch times for 007: First Light, an upcoming action-adventure game that will tell the tale of James Bond from an upstart rookie into the iconic secret agent he is today.
Announcing Dynamic 3, the evolution of a fan series engineered to deliver strong cooling performance in a stylish, modern form.
Crafted for PC builders seeking reliable airflow, quieter acoustics, and a refined system aesthetic, Dynamic 3 offers PWM control and a considered design suited to a wide range of gaming setups. Each fan uses a rifle bearing for smooth, stable rotation and features swept blades for quieter, more efficient performance. At the same time, its refined appearance, molded center cap, and daisy-chainable cables make it easy to achieve a tidy, cohesive build.
Breakthrough in chip manufacturing: As part of the European APECS pilot line, researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS have developed a method that allows different chip components to be fused almost seamlessly into a single unit. By precisely embedding small chiplets into specially structured silicon pockets, Fraunhofer IPMS succeeded in combining the advantages of a compact single chip with the flexibility of modular systems for the first time. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of quasi-monolithic integration (QMI) and bridges the gap between traditional chip packaging and cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing.
Growing demands for greater complexity, computing power and system compactness are calling for a radical rethink of semiconductor manufacturing. The vision for future-proof microelectronics is to create systems that are as powerful as a single chip yet offer the flexibility of modular building blocks. Within the APECS pilot line, which focuses on "Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems", Fraunhofer IPMS is pursuing the quasi-monolithic integration (QMI) approach. The aim is to integrate various chip components, such as control electronics, sensors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), at the wafer level, while retaining the benefits of a compact single chip.
Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced OWC Stack AI, the world's first Thunderbolt 5 AI accelerator and storage hub designed to help businesses, developers, researchers, and power users run larger AI models and workflows locally on select Windows and Linux PCs and laptops with Mac support planned for future release. OWC Stack AI will be demonstrated for the first time at COMPUTEX TAIPEI, in OWC Booth R1002, 4F, Nangang Hall 2.
Businesses today are adding more and more AI models across their operations so quickly that a lot of the hardware assets businesses already own are starting to hit a wall trying to keep up. As a result, many organizations end up stuck choosing between sending sensitive data offsite and paying ongoing cloud AI costs, or trying to run AI locally and discovering their existing hardware simply can't handle it. OWC Stack AI fixes this by expanding the amount of effective AI working memory available to existing PCs and laptops, allowing them to run much larger AI models locally than their onboard GPU memory would normally support. OWC Stack AI helps existing PCs and laptops run larger AI models locally without slowing down, crashing, or running out of GPU memory. Instead of paying ongoing cloud AI fees and sending sensitive data offsite, organizations can keep AI local with better speed, privacy, security, and cost control.
GL.iNet, a leading provider of OpenWrt-based networking and remote access solutions, announces the launch of the Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE10000), the upgraded version of the Slate 7 (GL-BE3600). This travel router is first of its kind to achieve tri-band Wi-Fi aggregation with wireless speeds up to 10 Gbps, rivaling performance that of full-size home routers. Powered by advanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), it improves network visibility while strengthening privacy and transmission security. Combining premium performance with intelligent control in a travel-ready design, Slate 7 Pro is built for professionals and power users who demand uncompromising networking on the move.
True Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Performance
Slate 7 Pro supports simultaneous tri-band operation across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity across diverse network environments. Featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enhanced OFDMA, 4KQAM, and preamble puncturing, it maintains high throughput and stable performance even in congested networks, ensuring smooth, reliable connections for work, streaming, and real-time applications.
A review of the Founder Edition model on BiliBili shows the 12GB card running a range of modern titles, which is an achievement in itself for a new GPU vendor using its own hardware, architecture, drivers, and software stack. The problem is that while it can run these games, the...
The Samsung Group's trade union will vote on the company's latest proposal to avert an 18-day strike involving tens of thousands of memory manufacturing workers. The negotiating parties reached the preliminary deal just an hour and a half before strike action was set to begin. Voting will take place on...
The fastest Intel-based gaming handheld will cost at least $1780 for the standard edition and slightly above $1,800 for the launch pack edition. MSI Claw EX AI+ Standard Edition Lists for $1780 While the Launch Pack Edition at $1846 at an Australian Retailer Roughly three weeks ago, we spotted the first-ever retail listing of the upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld. This is also going to be the first-ever gaming handheld to utilize the Arc G3 Extreme chip, a Panther Lake variant, that brings the 2+8+4 core arrangement, and a strong integrated graphics equivalent to the Intel Arc B390. […]
AMD's HDMI 2.1 breakthrough on Linux hits a small roadblock as FRL will stay disabled by default initially. AMDGPU HDMI 2.1 FRL Support Will Require Manual Enabling Initially, As Spotted In the Latest Linux Patches We recently saw AMD posting the FRL (Fixed Rate Link) patches to the Linux kernel, adding support for HDMI 2.1, which has been a challenge for a long time. The company has once again posted the sixth revision of its HDMI 2.1 FRL and DSC patches for the open-source AMGPU Linux driver. This is a major development for Radeon users on Linux, as FRL will […]
Ubisoft reported its Q4 2026 and full fiscal year (FY2025-26) results yesterday, reflecting a major company-wide reset: net bookings were down 17% year-on-year to €1.525 billion as the publisher narrowed its portfolio, cut costs, and prepared for a much lighter FY2026-27 release slate. The company also confirmed that its free cash flow outlook remains weak in the near term, with FY2026-27 expected to be a low point before a rebound later in the cycle. The company also reported an IFRS operating loss of €1.3 billion for the year, which Chief Financial Officer Frederic Duguet said on the earnings call was […]
Getting banned Hopper or Blackwell chips into mainland data centers just became exponentially more fraught as Taiwan begins to crack down on smugglers.
ASIC-based AI server shipments are projected to reach 27.8% of the market in 2026, the highest share since 2023, and custom ASIC shipments will grow 44.6% year-over-year.
MSI delivers blistering performance and pro-level color accuracy from its MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 gaming monitor. It’s a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, DisplayHDR 400 True Black, and accurate color to rival any pro display.
Notes ASM turns offhand ideas into shipped code while you sleep. Talk to your editor through Claude Code or any MCP client to file tickets without context switching. On your schedule, an autonomous agent clones your repo, makes changes, runs real-browser QA, and opens a PR with screenshots and video.
Notes ASM learns your workspace, respects ticket dependencies, and self-corrects failed QA up to three times. Connect Anthropic and GitHub, keep code in your repo via ephemeral clones, and toggle predictable night shifts whenever you need them.
AISA is a free AI skills assessment that replaces quizzes and surveys with a real conversation. Chat with Aisa for 20 minutes — she adapts to your role, evaluates your AI proficiency across five dimensions, and delivers an evidence-backed report with your AI persona, dimension scores, and a prioritized growth plan. Add a LinkedIn-verifiable AI certificate in one click.
For individuals, AISA is free. If you score below your potential, the AI Coach provides personalized lessons delivered to WhatsApp, built from your specific gaps. For organizations measuring workforce AI readiness, AISA offers team intelligence dashboards, individual reports, and board analytics.
Birthday trips are becoming one of Europe’s clearest travel trends, as more travellers use personal milestones as a reason to book short, experience-led escapes. Google data shared with SiViaggia showed searches linked to birthday travel […]
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will take place from 14–17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre after organisers revised the event schedule following consultations with exhibitors and industry partners. RX said the date change […]
MSC Cruises has achieved independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions from two ships, the MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia. The certification was done in collaboration with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for the purposes of FuelEU Maritime compliance, with MSC noting in a statement that it is the first cruise...
P&O Cruises is offering low deposits on cruises across its fleet sailing from August 14, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Thanks to the deal, a £49pp deposit applies to Select Price or Early Saver bookings made up to midnight on June 1, 2026, for sailings of three to 13 nights. Additionally, a £99pp deposit is valid for longer sailings of 14-23 nights, P&O said in a statement. The deal covers fly-cruise holidays to the...
Samsung has officially responded to the scrolling issue reported by many users in the Samsung Members app. The issue is that the app sometimes showed a blank screen while scrolling through posts and pages. After several reports from users, Samsung investigated the issue and has now confirmed that a fix is on the way.
Many Samsung Members users noticed that while scrolling inside the app, the screen suddenly turned blank.This made it difficult to read posts, access community pages, or continue using the app normally. The issue mainly appeared during scrolling and affected the overall experience of the Samsung Members platform.
As per Samsung, the issue was caused by a WebView display error.WebView is a system component that helps apps display web-based content. Because of this error, some pages inside the Samsung Members app failed to load properly while users were scrolling.
Samsung’s support team replied to affected users and confirmed that the company had analyzed the app logs to identify the issue. After the investigation, Samsung developers modified the app to stop the blank screen issue from happening again.
The company also apologized for the inconvenience caused to users. Samsung stated that the fix will be included in the next Samsung Members app update.Users are advised to install the upcoming update once it becomes available.
Samsung has begun releasing an Android 16-based May 2026 security update for the Galaxy S22 series. This update is currently available for users in South Korea and will soon reach more countries through a phased rollout.
Users of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series can verify the May 2026 security update via the One UI build version given below.
S901NKSS9GZE5 – Galaxy S22
S906NKSS9GZE5 – Galaxy S22 Plus
S908NKSS9GZE5 – Galaxy S22 Ultra
The new update comes with a download package size of around 500MB. It is a regular security maintenance update. It brings security improvements, system upgrades, and updated apps to improve the overall phone experience.
Samsung says the update fixes 39 security issues found in Android and Samsung’s own software system, One UI. These fixes help protect your phone from bugs and possible security threats.They also make your device safer when using apps, browsing the internet, and storing personal data.
Along with security improvements, the update also makes the phone more stable. This means the Galaxy S22 series should run smoother with fewer crashes or glitches.
The update is based on Android 16, and the device is already eligible for the One UI 8.5 update. The next update is expected to be One UI 8.5. The current software update makes the device ready for future updates, so install it now.
To install the update, users can go to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and install on their phone. Download the update now to enjoy a better Galaxy experience.
Heybike has launched the new Saturn e-bike in the global market. The company’s new e-bike features a motorcycle-inspired styling, full suspension, a long bench seat, fat tires, and a 1,000 W rear hub motor, which is rated for up to 1,800 W peak output and 95 Nm of torque.
A new leak is giving Nintendo fans fresh hope: after years of silence, Genshin Impact may still be coming to a Nintendo console – although most likely to the Switch 2 rather than the original Switch.
A new report reveals the compact-ish Galaxy S27 Pro flagship may share two cameras with the S27 Ultra, including a removal of the 3x telephoto lens and upgrades to a new 200MP primary sensor. The zoom cameras are expected to make (almost) all the difference between the S27 Pro and S27 Ultra.
Following on from the popular Flipper Zero hacking multitool, the manufacturer launches a new model that offers numerous new features with two Ethernet ports, an optional 5G modem, Wi-Fi 6E and a much more powerful processor.
Sennheiser has begun teasing a new pair of over-ear wireless headphones. Billed as 'the legend continues', the headphones appear to be replacements for the Momentum 4 Wireless. Photos of the Momentum 5 Wireless have already surfaced online, too.
Microsoft appears to be removing the expansion port from new Xbox controllers without making an official announcement. For many players, the change will likely go unnoticed. Users of chatpads, headset adapters or older accessories, however, may be left behind.
The Xiaomi 17 Max has now officially launched in China. It's powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, has a bright 6.9-inch OLED display, and features a Leica 200MP camera setup on the back. The starting price in China is CNY 4,299, around $632.
Apple is currently testing a quad-curved display for the iPhone 19 Pro and/or iPhone 20 (2027), signaling a potential radical design shift for at least one of the 20th-anniversary iPhone models. Details indicate a transition to bezel-less OLED panels with under-display camera technology, hinting at a major hardware overhaul.
Newly leaked images point to a Casio G-Shock Camo & Gold 2026 collection comprising four models — GM-6900CMG-3, DW-6900CMG-3, GA-V01CMG-3A, and GA-700CMG-3A — with a June 2026 launch and pricing between $100–$200.
The Razer Blade 16 2026 swaps out the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU of the 2025 model with the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 386H CPU. However, this move has reportedly resulted in notably slower CPU and gaming performance than 2025 Razer Blade 16 as well as hotter CPU operating temperature.
The new Rogbid GeoX2 is a new budget-friendly smartwatch promising a wide range of features, including dual-band GPS, offline navigation, water resistance, and a highly rugged design. It is equipped with an AMOLED display as well as an LED light for illumination in the dark.
Samsung was facing the biggest strike in its history in its Device Solutions business, thanks to it posting record sales but not sharing much the profits with its employees. Now, however, the labor union suspended its planned 18-day strike, following a round of negotiations led by South Korea's minister for labor and employment. These talks resulted in a tentative agreement.
Now all members of the union will vote, from May 22 to May 27, on whether to accept the tentative agreement that was proposed. Samsung would allocate a special bonus equivalent to 10.5% of operating profits to its chip...
Oppo has revealed more details about the upcoming Reno16 series ahead of its launch in China. The Reno16 and Reno16 Pro are already up for pre-order in the country, and the company has previously showcased their designs.
The company has now shared the camera specifications of the smartphones. The Reno16 series will offer a triple rear camera setup with a primary 200MP sensor.
It will also feature a 50MP periscope telephoto camera and a 50MP ultrawide unit. At the front, the phones will offer a 50MP ultrawide selfie camera as well.
While Oppo hasn’t detailed the exact sensors used...
Will Rico Verhoeven become the most successful kickboxer-turned-boxer this weekend if he beats Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt? Known as ‘the King of Kickboxing’, Verhoeven has chosen perhaps the single toughest route into boxing. In his second pro bout – the first being a forgettable stoppage against Janos Finfera in 2014 – he will take on […]
The return of is imminent and is one of his main targets, but the Ukrainian fan-favourite has been warned that he must wait for his turn, if he indeed wants to purse a clash with the Baltimore-born brute. Davis was last victorious back in June 2024, when he defended his WBA lightweight world title with […]
İngiltere Premier Lig ekiplerinden Manchester United forması giyen milli futbolcu Altay Bayındır, Anadolu Ajansının Türkiye'nin Ödeme Yöntemi TROY'un katkılarıyla hayata geçirdiği "2026 Dünya Kupası Yolu'nda Milli Gururlar" projesinin yedinci konuğu oldu.
Dünya Kupası hasretini 24 yıl sonra sona erdiren A Milli Takım futbolcularını Türk halkına daha yakından tanıtmayı ve "milli takım taraftarı" olgusunu güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan projede, ay-yıldızlı oyuncuların Dünya Kupası'ndaki hedefi, milli takımla ilgili düşünceleri, yaşadıkları şehirlerdeki günlük yaşamları ve kulüp takımlarındaki durumları detaylı ele alınıyor.
"Play-off'lardaki iki maçta da herkes bir bütündü"
24 yıl sonra Dünya Kupası bileti alan A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kalesini koruyan isimlerden Altay Bayındır, turnuvaya katılmanın tüm takım adına gurur verici olduğunu belirtti.
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın 2002 Dünya Kupası'nda 3. olduğunda kendisinin 4 yaşında olduğunu belirten Altay, "Şu an 28 yaşındayım. Tekrar Dünya Kupası'nda olmak, ağabeylerimizin bize yaşattığı duygular, Dünya Kupası'ndaki başarıları, galibiyetleri gerçekten de tarif edilemez duygular. Çok gurur duyduk, izlerken onurlandık. Sahada onlarla birlikte ailelerimiz, büyüklerimiz mücadele etti. Biz o zamanlar 4 yaşındaydık ama o duyguları tattık. Hala içimizde var. Yıllar sonra böyle güzel bir jenerasyonla, tekrar bu anı tazeleyip daha fazlasını yapabilmek için orada olmak bizler adına önemli. Grup maçlarında stresli bir dönem geçirdik. Gönül isterdi ki gruptan direkt çıkabilelim fakat zor olsa da sonu güzel oldu. Grup maçları da heyecan vericiydi. İspanya grubumuzdaki en güçlü rakibimizdi, mağlubiyet bizi çok üzdü fakat bizi güçlendirdi. Genelde bu tarz mağlubiyetlerden sonra hep güçlenerek ayağa kalktık. İkinci maçta elimizden gelen mücadeleyi yaptık ve sahadan alnımızın akıyla çıktık. Play-off'lardaki iki maçta da herkes bir bütündü. Oynayan, oynamayan herkes ayaktaydı." ifadelerini kullandı.
Milli takımda iyi bir jenerasyonun yakalandığını vurgulayan Bayındır, "Birbirine bağlı ve destek olan bir jenerasyonuz. Kim oynarsa oynasın herkes birbirini destekler. O an bir seçim yapılıyor ve sahaya çıkan oyuncular oluyor ama herkes hazır ve başarı için mücadele ediyor. Yıllar sonra tekrar Dünya Kupası'nda olmak gerçekten de tarif edilemez, gurur verici. Evet orada olmamızın duygusu güzel ama sorumluluğu da büyük. Oraya bir şeyleri başarmak ve ispatlamak için gideceğiz. İnşallah isteklerimizi sahaya yansıttığımız anlar, galibiyetlerden sonra yaşayacağımız sevinçler olur." açıklamasında bulundu.
Dünya Kupası play-off finalinde Kosova'yla oynanan maça değinen Altay Bayındır, karşılaşma öncesinde tüm takımın karşılaşmadan önce baskı altında olduğunu söyledi.
Kosova karşısında sahaya çıktıklarında en zor durumda olan isimlerin oynamayan futbolcular olduğunu vurgulayan Bayındır, "Mesela araba kullanıyorsunuz ama direksiyonda değilsiniz, böyle bir durum. Uğurcan ters eliyle bir kurtarış yaptı ve ben buna yorum yazdım, bu kurtarışı ben, Mert abi ve Muhammed beraber kurtardık. Herkes o kadar motiveydi ki. Gol attığımızda, golü atan oyuncuyla beraber şut çekiyorduk. Kişilerden ziyade büyük bir topluluğun mutluluğunu, sevincini yaşayacağız. Bunun da farkındayız. Maalesef bizim ülkemizde bir şey var, kazanınca en tepedesin, kaybedince ortası yok, en diptesin. Bunun sorumluluğunu da biliyorsun. Dışarıda pusuda bekleyen, başarısızlıkla mutlu olan insanlar da var. Bunu söylemek çok acı ama... Sonu güzel biten bir serüvendi, şimdi yeni bir serüven başlıyor. Başından sonuna güzel anlar yaşadığımız, sevinçten kahkahalara boğulduğumuz, çok güzel motive olup bu motivasyon sonucunda güzel galibiyetler aldığımız güzel bir Dünya Kupası olur inşallah." diye konuştu.
Milli takımın Dünya Kupası'ndaki rakipleriyle ilgili de değerlendirme yapan Altay Bayındır, "Bu seviyelerde herkesin açlığı var. Bu seviyelerde herkes her maçı kazanmak istiyor. 'Kolay rakip, kolay maç' gibi bir düşüncemiz kesinlikle olamaz. Biz her maçımıza final maçı gibi, hocamızı dinleyerek, kazanmak için çıkacağız, yüreğimizi ortaya koyacağız." açıklamasını yaptı.
"Sen her ne kadar kulübünde oynamak istesen de bazen olmuyor"
Altay Bayındır, A Milli Futbol Takımı Teknik Direktörü Vincenzo Montella'nın Türkiye'nin futbola bakış açısını benimsediğinin altını çizdi.
Montella'nın kendisini Türk gibi hissettiğini dile getiren milli kaleci, "Hocamız Montella gerçekten ülkemizin, futbola bakış açısını, dinamiklerini benimsemiş bir isim. Toplantılarda her zaman kendisinin Türk hissettiğini, bize çok saygı duyduğunu, bizim gibi bir grupla çalışmaktan memnun olduğunu ifade eder. Bu bütünlüğü sağlayan baş etkenlerden biri odur. Oyuncularla bire bir görüşür, çok disiplinlidir. Kamplarda her gün toplantı yapıyoruz. Futbolda sonucu belirleyen küçük ayrıntılara önem veriyor, bu ayrıntıları bize detaylıca anlatıyor." ifadelerini kullandı.
Montella'nın milli takım aday kadrolarında genel olarak aynı oyunculara şans vermesinin kulüp takımı havasında bir ekip ortaya çıkardığı görüşüne katıldığını aktaran Altay Bayındır, şöyle konuştu:
"Milli takıma kendini ispatlamış, başarılı oyuncular geliyor. Hocamız da oyuncuların neler yapabileceğini, kapasitelerini biliyor. Seçim yapmak çok zor, hocamız bu konuda da saygı duyulması gereken pozisyonda. Başarının temellerini oluşturan birlikteliği çok fazla oynatmamak gerekiyor diye düşünüyorum. Oyunculara, kulübünde oynuyor ya da oynamıyor diye bakılabiliyor ama sen her ne kadar kulübünde oynamak istesen de bazen olmuyor. Ama sahadaki antrenmanın, saha dışı mücadelen, hedeflerin her zaman devam ediyor. Bazen milli takımda şans bulamadım. Avrupa Şampiyonası'nda Mert abi oynuyordu, ben ikinci seçenektim, Uğurcan arkadaydı. Şimdi Uğurcan birinci seçenek oldu. Bu şekilde değişkenlik gösteriyor. Yarın Muhammed oynar, diğer kalecilerimiz oynar. Bizlerin yapması gereken bu dinamiği, temeli korumak ve hocamızın kararına ne olursa olsun saygı duymak. Ben ABD'deki kampımızda oynamamıştım. Oynasam da oynamasam da saygı duydum. Olması gereken de bu. Bu olmayınca sağlıklı sonuçlar doğurmuyor. Bugün bizler buradayız. Sonuçta armanın bir duruşu var. Dün ağabeylerimiz vardı, yarın da başkaları olacaktır."
"Milli formayı giymek başka bir boyut"
A Milli Takım formasını ilk kez Azerbaycan'a karşı Alanya'da giydiğini hatırlatan ve bunu kendisi için rüya gibi olduğunu vurgulayan 28 yaşındaki file bekçisi, "Milli formayı giymek başka bir boyut. Çok büyük sorumluluk hissiyatı veriyor. Çok büyük bir gurur. Alanya Oba Stadı'ndaydık, formayı ilk kez üstüme giydim, direkt armaya baktım, sonra etrafa baktım, 'Ne yapıyoruz, gerçek mi burası, şu an uyanacağız mı?' dedim. Büyük bir sorumluluk ve gurur. Bazı duyguların kelimelere dökülerek açıklaması olmaz ya o şekilde bir duygu. Maç öncesi ailemle konuştum, 'Ne olursa olsun her zaman arkandayız, yanındayız. Bugünlere gelene kadar neler yaşadığını biliyoruz. Bu gururu, onuru bize yaşattığın için de teşekkür ederiz.' tarzında mesajlar aldım. Bu gururu, onuru, mutluluğu aileme ve kendime yaşattığım için de çok mutluyum." ifadelerini kullandı.
A Milli Takım'ın puansız döndüğü 2020 Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası'yla ilgili konuşan Altay, olumsuz geçen turnuvanın kendilerine pozitif anlamda ciddi tecrübeler kattığını vurguladı.
Futbolda şanssızlıkların olduğunu anlatan Altay, "EURO 2020'de elimizden geleni yapmaya çalıştık ama bazen işler istediğin gibi gitmiyor, ne yaparsan yap olmayınca olmuyor. Biz de bu anlardan birini yaşadık, oradan aldığımız tecrübelerle geri döndük. Sonraki şampiyonada da o tecrübeleri sahaya yansıtarak mücadele verdik. Yeterli bir başarı mı? Yeterli bir sevinç mi? Kesinlikle değil. Kesinlikle yarıda kaldı, üzüldük. Daha fazla şeyleri başarabilirdik. Daha güzel şeyler olabilirdi ama geldiğimiz o nokta da bize çok şey kattı." diye konuştu.
Milli takımın çeyrek final oynadığı 2024 Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası hikayesine değinen Altay, takım birlikteliğinin ve herkesin birbirine saygı duymasının başarı getirdiğini söyledi.
Takımda forma giyen, giymeyen herkesin bütün olduğunu vurgulayan Altay, "Güzel bir kadromuz vardı. Birbirinden değerli, dinamik, başarıya aç, bir şeyleri ispatlamaya çalışan oyuncular. Güzel şeyler yaptığımızı düşünüyorum. Biraz yarıda kaldı, daha fazlasını da yapabilirdik ama ne olursa olsun güzel şeyler yaşadık, yaşattık. Maçlardan sonra otobüsün önünde danslar ettik, birbirimize sarıldık, sevinci de üzüntüyü de aynı şekilde yaşadık. Yaklaşmıştık, kupa da alabilirdik. Genç ve yetenekli bir topluluğun birbirine olan saygısından doğan güzel bir başarıydı. Bunun üstüne çıkmamak için hiçbir neden olmadığını da gösterdik. Beklentiyi arttırdığımızı düşünüyorum. Beklentiyi karşılamak için elimizden geleni yapacağız." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Şampiyonada yaşadıkları eğlenceli anlara da değinen Altay, şöyle konuştu:
"Şampiyona boyunca en güldüğüm an; kampın ortalarında yaptığımız karaokeydi. Şarkı söyleyen bazı oyuncularımızın ses tonları bizi kahkahalara boğdu. Şimdi oyuncuların ismini vermeyeyim. Gür sesli insanların o şarkıları söylemesi gerektiğinde ortam kahkahalara boğuldu. İlk şarkıyı sanırım Merih söyledi. Merih sesi gür ve baskın biri. O gür sesin şarkı söylemesi ortalığı koparttı. İsmail'in de sesi çok güzeldir ama şarkı söylerken biraz hüsran. Bazen şarkı söylerim ama daha çok dinlemeyi severim. Arabada bazen eşlik ederim. Sevdiğim Türkçe olan şarkılardan bir tane söylemem gerekirse Kolpa grubunun 'Hiç Bitmez Bu Masal' şarkısıdır. Güzel sözleri var."
"İngilizce bilerek gittiğimi düşünüyordum ama gittiğim ilk dönemde çok zorlandım"
Fenerbahçe'den Manchester United'a transfer olduğu dönemi anlatan Altay Bayındır, sarı-lacivertli kulüpte sözleşmesinin bitimine 1 sene kala teklif aldığını belirtti.
Dönemin başkanı Ali Koç ve yönetim kurulunun bilgisi dahilinde Manchester United için sağlık kontrollerinden geçtiğini dile getiren Altay, "Başkanımıza teklif geldiğinde söyledim. Açık bir şekilde oynamayı severim. Yarın kimin ne zaman öleceğinin bir garantisi yok, belli de değil. En azından öldüğünde arkada bırakacağın tek şey karakterin, kişiliğin ve itibarın. Başka bir şey değil. Dolayısıyla başkanımızla bunu konuştum ve paylaştım. Sağlık kontrollerine gittim, geldim. Ondan sonraki süreçte başkanımızla istişare yaptık. Ben operasyon geçirdim. Operasyondan geldim, tekrar başladım. Tekrar bana transfer teklifi geldi. O dönemde protokol imzalasaydım imzalayabiliyordum. Hiçbir problem yoktu ve her şey resmi olması gerektiği gibiydi. Eleştirildiğim ve sakatlandığım dönemde her şey üst üste geliyordu. Uzun süredir çalıştığım bir psikoloğum vardı. Yoğun seanslar yapıyorduk. Çok zor bir dönemdi. Sonra transfer teklifi geldi. Ben toparlandım, antrenmana geldiler. Sonrasında başkanımızla istişare ettik. Tabii bu bahsettiğim tesise gelip izleme olayları benim şimdi anlatacaklarım bittikten sonra oldu. Ben başkanımızla ‘Başkanım ben kulübümüzün çıkarları ve menfaatleri doğrultusunda hareket etmek istiyorum. Bir şeyler yapmak istiyorum. Sözleşmeyi uzatabiliriz, sözleşmeyi uzattıktan sonra karşı tarafa bildiririz. Devam ederse istenme olayı ya da gitme olayı o şekilde değerlendiririz.’ dedim. Başkan da o dönem çok etkilendi. Hatta bunu havalimanında da söyledi. Biz baş başa da stadyumda kendisiyle çok konuştuk. Pozitif anlamda dertleştiğimiz çok anlarımız olmuştur. Onun da elinden geleni yaptığı, bazı şeylerde karşılık alamadığı durumlar oldu. Hatasız kul olmaz. Hepimiz gibi onun da hatalar yaptığı dönemler oldu. Sonra böyle bir süreç oldu." ifadelerini kullandı.
Kendisinin o dönemde Fenerbahçe'yle sözleşme imzaladığının altını çizen Altay, "Manchester United tarafına bunu söyledik. Onlar da kabul etti. Sözleşmemde bir çıkış maddesi vardı. Belli bir miktarda ödeme yapıldıktan sonra serbest bir şekilde oraya gidebiliyordum. Böylelikle kulüp de para kazanmış oldu. Sonra transfer gerçekleşti. Başkanımız ve yöneticilerimiz havalimanına geldi. Bu olay onlar tarafından da çok güzel karşılandı. Başkanımız havalimanında yaklaşık 3-4 saat bizimle beraberdi. Orada da yaşananlarla ilgili röportaj verdi. Süreç böyle gerçekleşti. Sonra valizlerimizi aldık, uçağa bindik. Uçakta indik bir baktık ki bambaşka bir yer. Ankara gibi oldu. Farklı yerler, farklı şehir, farklı dil. İngilizce bilerek gittiğimi düşünüyordum ama gittiğim ilk dönemde çok zorlandım. İlk senede çok zorlandım. Bizim de ülkemizde her yerin başka aksanı ve şivesi var. Burası da aynı şekilde. Ama burada yaşamak, sürekli burada olmak bunu çabucak öğrenmene de yarıyor." açıklamasını yaptı.
"Oynamadığında kendisini rahat ve iyi hisseden oyuncu, futbolu bıraksın"
28 yaşındaki kaleci, kariyer hedeflerine ilişkin de şu değerlendirmede bulundu:
"Daha fazla oynamak, daha fazla sahada kalmak istiyorum. Bu, milli takım açısından da oynadığım kulüp açısından da geçerli. Ben oynadığında mutlu olan bir insanım. Oynamadığında kendisini rahat ve iyi hisseden oyuncu, futbolu bıraksın. Oynamayınca üzülüyorsun ama saygı duyup mücadele etmen gerekiyor. Kafamdaki planları zaman gösterecek. Güzel şeyler yaşamak için bugünleri iyi değerlendirip çok çalışmak gerekiyor. İnşallah sonunda da arkaya baktığımızda 'Ne güzel şeyler yaşamışız, ne güzel maçlar olmuş, ne güzel kararlar vermişiz, haklı olduğumuzda da haksız olduğumuzda da insanların sevdiği birisi olmuşuz.' dedirtmek için elimizden geleni bugünden yapmamız gerekecek."
"Old Trafford'da Türk bayrağının dalgalanıyor olması ve sebebinin ben olmam gurur verici"
Manchester United'ta forma giyen ilk Türk oyuncu olmanın gurur verici olduğunu dile getiren Altay, İngiliz ekibinin dünyanın en büyük kulüplerinden birisi olduğunu vurguladı.
Çocukluğunda hayaller kurduğu bir kulübün içinde olmanın mutluluğunu yaşadığını söyleyen Altay, "Çok farklı duyguydu benim için. İlk stadyuma girişim, sahayı, enerjiyi, atmosferi ilk görüşüm gerçekten de düşlerin tiyatrosuydu. Düşler tiyatrosunda gibi hissettim kendimi. Bir hayalin ve rüyanın gerçekleşmesiydi. Çok gurur ve onur duydum, çok mutlu oldum. Bugüne kadar verdiğim mücadelenin, savaşın karşılığını almak, bir yerlerde olmak beni çok mutlu etti ama devamında daha yapabileceğim şeylerin de ne kadar fazla olduğunu bana gösterdi." açıklamasını yaptı.
Manchester United'ın oyuncularının vatandaşı olduğu ülkelerin bayraklarını stadyuma astığını vurgulayan Altay, "İngiltere'nin en büyük şehirlerinden birindeki Old Trafford'da Türk bayrağının dalgalanıyor olması ve sebebinin ben olmam gurur verici. Hatta bir video çekilmişti o dönem. Sonra babam da çok duygulandı, çok hoşuna gitti, gurur duydu. Kelimelerle tarif edemem. Old Trafford, tarihi bir stadyum. Bu enerjiyi stadyumda hissediyorsun. Gerçekten de çok büyük oyuncuların ayak bastığı, çok büyük başarılar elde ettiği, tarihinde sayısız kupası olan, efsanevi hocaları olan bir takım. O takımda olmak çok güzel, gurur verici ama aynı zamanda sorumluluk veren bir his. Sorumluluklarımızı da yerine getirmek için bugüne kadar olduğu gibi bundan sonra da devam edeceğiz." açıklamasını yaptı.
Takımın efsane teknik direktörü Sir Alex Ferguson'ın zaman zaman tesislere geldiğini belirten Altay, şunları söyledi:
"Kendisi stadyumdaki hemen hemen her maçı takip ediyor. Hala enerjisi yüksek ve pozitif bir insan. Onun kitabını da okumuştum. Oyunculara karşı tutumu, davranışları... Kendisiyle tanışma fırsatım oldu. Herkesin çok saygı duyduğu biri, elde ettiği başarılar malum ortada. Çok detaylı konuşamadık maalesef çünkü başı hep çok yoğundu. Tarihi bir kulübün efsanevi hocası. Teknik direktörlere her zaman saygı duyan bir oyuncuyum. Kariyerim boyunca çok fazla menajerle çalıştım. Bunun artı ve eksi yönlerini de gördüm. Hatta şu anda yaptığım bir kitap var. Bütün hocaların pozitif, taktik, teknik, davranış biçiminin takımı etkilemesini not alırım. İleride hocalığa doğru kariyerim yönelirse aldığım bilgilerle takıma vereceğim etki çok farklı bir olur. Manchester United kariyerimde de farklı hocalarla çalıştım. İlk geldiğim sene Erik ten Hag vardı, sonra Ruud van Nistelrooy geldi. Efsane, Manchester United için çok değerli bir isim. Çok ilgili biri ve çok da iyi bir hoca. Sonrasında Darren Fletcher. Onunla da güzel diyalog içerisindeydik. Ardından Ruben Amorim geldi. Ruben hocamızla da çok güzel deneyimler edindik. O da çok pozitif birisi. Takıma katkı vermek için yoğun mesai harcadı. Birçok başarılı maçları da oldu. Takım onunla farklı bir seviyeye çıktı. O da elinden geleni yaptı. Şu anda da başımızda Michael Carrick hocamız var. O da Manchester United'ın efsanevi futbolcularından biri. Aynı zamanda kulübün dinamiklerini ve geleneklerini biliyor. Onunla da çok güzel bir çıkışımız mevcut. Takımın gidişatı çok güzel."
"Burada kalabilmen için kaliteli olman, mücadeleye devam etmen gerekiyor"
Manchester United'taki kariyerinin daha farklı başlamasını istediğini söyleyen Altay, transfer olduğunda dönemin teknik adamı Erik ten Hag'la 5 kez konuştuğunun altını çizdi.
Oynayarak geldiğini ve forma giymek istediğini belirten 28 yaşındaki kaleci, "Tabii ki de olaylar sadece saha içinde bitmiyor. Saha içinde istediğiniz kadar mücadele edin, istediğinizi yapın, saha dışı olayları da var. Ben her zaman bunu söylerim. Sahada oynanan kısım biraz daha bizim için kolay oluyor. Saha dışı ofis bölümünde biraz daha bazı şeyler zor olabiliyor maalesef. Ama ne olursa olsun bugüne kadar öz güvenimi yüksek tuttum, çünkü şansın ne zaman geleceğini bilmiyorsunuz, her an hazır olman gerekiyor. Özellikle milli takım düzeyinde bir oyuncuysan her an hazır olman gerekiyor. Ben de her zaman bunu yaptım. Her antrenmanda maç oynarcasına konsantre olup mücadele ettim. Tabii ki de bazen alındığım, sinirlendiğim ve rahatsızlık duyduğum şeyler oldu. Bunları da zaten objektif bir şekilde yansıttım. Bugüne kadar başım dik bir şekilde her zaman çalışmalarımı sürdürdüm. Şans geldiği zaman görevimi elimden geldiğince yapmaya çalıştım. Bundan sonra da aynı şekilde bu yoldan gitmeye devam edeceğim." ifadelerini kullandı.
Beğendiği futbolcularla ilgili soruyu yanıtlayan Altay, "Burada kalabilmen için kaliteli olman, mücadeleye devam etmen gerekiyor. Takımdaki oyunculardan oyun aklını çok sevdiğim, farklı bir görüş açısı olan oyuncuyu söylemek istiyorum; Bruno Fernandes. Kendisiyle aram da çok iyi. Casemiro aynı şekilde. Gerçekten de oyunu değiştiren, katkı sağlayan birçok oyuncu var. Arsenal'den oyuncular sayabiliriz. Ayrıca Haaland, bitiriciliğiyle, hızıyla ve çalışma dinamikleriyle kendini göstermiş bir oyuncu. İngiltere'deki oyun hızı, antrenman temposu, oyuna ve taktiğe bakış bana çok şey kattı. Anı yaşıyorum, anın tadını çıkarıyorum ve her antrenmana gittiğimde her anımı dolu dolu yaşamaya çalışıyorum. Çok iyi çalışarak, mücadele ederek, ekstra çalışmalar yaparak ve kendime dikkat ederek... Bunlar çok önemli. Bu seviyedeki bir oyuncunun dikkat etmesi gereken şeyler." diye konuştu.
"Daha fazla sahada olmak isterim. Bunun için de bir karar alınması gerekiyorsa alacağız"
Premier Lig'de üzüldüğü maçları da açıklayan Altay, "İlk maçımı söyleyebilirim. Newcastle United maçıydı. Mağlup olduk. Deplasmanda zor bir maça çıktık, sakat oyuncularımız vardı. O maç üzüldüğüm bir maçtı. Ondan sonra Avrupa Ligi maçına çıkmıştım, benim için keyifli ve güzel geçmişti. Galip geldik. Arsenal maçı benim adıma çok güzel geçen bir maçtı. Maçın içinde ve seri penaltı atışlarında birer penaltı çıkardım. Çok özgüven verdi, müthiş bir performanstı. Ondan sonraki maçta oynamamam beni gerçekten de çok rahatsız etti ve üzdü. Kalecilikte en önemli şey ritimdir. Ritmi yakalaman gerekiyor, oynadıktan sonra oynamaya devam etmen gerekiyor. Bunu yakalamadığın zaman bazen sallanıyorsun. Bu sallantıyı da çok fazla yaşamamak için her antrenmanı maç niteliğinde yapman gerekiyor ki maçta bir an geldiğinde o ana hazır olmak için. Ne zaman olursa olsun, ne an olursa olsun oynamaya aç bir insanım. Oynamak için elimden geleni yaparım. Bazı şeyler de sağlıklı gitmiyorsa, yani tabiri caizse doğru toprağa gömmek lazım ki çiçek açsın. Her yerde açmıyor çiçek. Oynamayı seven bir insanım. Bu doğrultuda da ileride neler yaşarım bilmiyorum. Bir futbolcunun kariyerindeki basamakları doğru adımlaması çok önemli. Daha fazla sahada olmak isterim. Bunun için de bir karar alınması gerekiyorsa alacağız ya da ne yapılması gerekiyorsa onu yapacağız. Zaman her şeyi bize gösterecek." diye konuştu.
İngiltere Premier Lig ile ilgili görüşlerini de aktaran Altay, şöyle konuştu:
"Bu ligi farklı kılan özellikler; taktiksel bakış, reaksiyon verme, rakibe göre doğru analiz, her maçın ayrı bir hikayesinin oluşu ve rakibe göre her hafta çalışma. Çünkü her takımın farklı taktiği, oyun dinamiği ve oyuna bakış açısı var. En önemlisi de şu, her antrenmanı çok ciddi, çok disiplinli bir şekilde sonuna kadar yapma. Aynı zamanda sadece saha içinde değil fitness tarafında da. Türkiye'de geçirdiğim zamanda da bunun eksikliklerini yaşıyordum. Bunu kapatmak için ekstra her zaman çalışmalar yapıyordum. Bu konulara çok önem veriliyor. Aynı zamanda beslenme, diyet... Her sabah kulübe gittiğimizde ölçüm yapılıyor. Bir günde ne değişebilir diyorsunuz ama değişmemesi için yapılıyor. Oyuncu kalitesi de tabii ki Premier Lig'i farklı kılan özellikler."
"Mağlubiyetten sonra mücadeleden dolayı taraftar bizi alkışladı"
Ay-yıldızlı futbolcu, İngiltere'deki futbol iklimine de değindi.
Manchester United formasıyla ilk yenilgisini yaşadığı maça dair konuşan Altay, "Burası futbolu çok seven, futbolun çok değerli olduğu bir ülke ama aynı zamanda insanların oyunculara da saygı duyduğu bir ülke. İnsanların da oyuncuların da insan olduğuna inandığı ve bildiği bir ülke. Ben buraya geldiğimde ilk maçımda mağlubiyet aldık. Mağlubiyetten sonra mücadeleden dolayı taraftar bizi alkışladı. Biz taraftarı alkışladık. O benim ilk maçımdı ve yani bana farklı gelmişti çünkü içeride oynadığımız bir maç. Kaos olması gereken bir maç. Medya konusunda da öyle. Maçın ardından çok fazla televizyonlarda konuşulmuyor. İki konuşuluyor, sonra bitiyor çünkü yeni hafta, yeni maç. Bu şekilde devam ediyor." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
"En büyük rekabet Liverpool-Manchester United arasında oluyor"
Altay Bayındır, Premier Lig'de Manchester United'ın en büyük rekabeti Liverpool ile yaşadığını anlattı.
Liverpool maçlarının öncesinde Manchester United'lı taraftarların daha coşkulu olduğunu söyleyen Altay, "Kazanma aşkı ve hırsı çok eskiye dayalı bir rekabet. Bir dönem Leeds United ile de aynı şekilde çok rekabet yaşandı. O maçlar da bizim için çok önemli. Duygusal anlamda taraftarlarımızın daha çok önem verdiği, daha farklı bir bakış açısıyla baktığı maçlar. Ama tabii Manchester United-Manchester City dünya çapında bir derbi ama burada özellikle tarihe baktığınızda en büyük rekabet Liverpool-Manchester United arasında oluyor." şeklinde konuştu.
Altay'ın forvetten kaleye geçiş süreci
İlk kulübünün Bursa Yolspor olduğunu hatırlatan Altay, "7 yaşımda ağabeyimle birlikte Bursa Yolspor'da beraber başladık. Yolspor’da futbola başladığımda kaleci değildim, stoper olarak başladım sonra forvete geçtim. Gol atmayı çok severim, çok keyif aldığım bir pozisyondu. Forvet olarak bir sürü pozisyon kaçırıyorsun ama bir tane gol attığında takımın en değerli oyuncusu olma olasılığın var. Kalecilikte bu ne yazık ki böyle değil. Her an her pozisyona konsantre olup hazır olmak gerekiyor." diye konuştu.
Farklı pozisyonda oynamasına karşın bir gün antrenmana kalecinin gelmediğini ve kendisinin de kaleye geçtiğini dile getiren Altay, "Eğlenceli bir antrenman yapıyorduk. O gün hoca 'Altay kaleye geç.' dedi, en uzun bendim. Kaleye geçtim, atlıyorum top çıkarıyorum, hoşuma gitti. Herkes 'Bravo' diye bağırıyor, bu durum da beni etkiledi. Akşamında Şampiyonlar Ligi maçı vardı, televizyonda izliyordum. Bütün oyuncuların forması aynı, kalecinin forması farklı ve bu çok dikkatimi çekmişti. Hangi maç olduğunu hatırlamıyorum, o maçta kaleci penaltı kurtarmıştı. O an dank etti. Forvetlerin gol atma özelliği var ama kritik bir pozisyonda kalecinin yaptığı bir kurtarış herkesi çok farklı sevindiriyor. Penaltı olduğunda kaleci de hoca da başkan da yönetici de sensin. Herkes o an sende. Dolayısıyla bu tarz pozisyonların bende uyandırdığı ateş çok yükseldi. Bende antrenmandan sonra kalede olduğum için çok zevk aldığımı hocaya söyledim. Kalecilerin kullandığı malzemeler daha fazla ve daha farklı. Bir farklılık oluyordu ve bu benim çok dikkatimi çekmişti. Kaleci hocamızla direkt konuştum, 'Kaleci antrenmanları yapabilir miyim?' dedim. Başladık ve zevk alıyordum. Kurtarış yapmak, yan top geldiğinde çıkıp almak, bana aşırı özgüven veriyordu. Hiç düşünmediğim bir olay, kanıma işledi." ifadelerini kullandı.
Kaleye geçip geçmeme konusunda kararsız kaldığını sözlerine ekleyen Altay, "Geçiş sürecinde annem bulaşık yıkarken yanına gittim, 'Sana çok kritik bir soru soracağım.' dedim. Annemin içgüdülerine çok güveniyorum, 'Sen ne dersen o yoldan devam edeceğim. İkilemdeyim kaleci de, forvet de, defans da olabilirim. Aradayım ne yapmam lazım sence?' dedim. Annem de 'Sen kaleci ol, çok koşma, yorulma.' dedi. Şu an bir maç izlediğinde kadıncağız artık dayanamıyor, 'O gün keşke sana forvet ol deseydim.' diyor. Annem benim için çok güzel bir karar verdi. Bulunduğum pozisyondan çok mutluyum." şeklinde kalecilik serüveninin nasıl başladığını aktardı.
Bursaspor'a kaleci olarak gidip antrenmanlara katıldığını söyleyen Altay Bayındır, abisiyle birlikte bir dönem yeşil-beyazlı kulüpte forma giydiğini söyledi.
Abisinin daha sonra arabalara olan merakı sebebiyle farklı bir yol çizdiğini belirten Altay, "Bursaspor'da 4 senelik bir serüvenim oldu. O dönemdeki bazı problemler sonrasında ailemle karar alarak takımdan ayrıldım, tekrar Yolspor’a döndüm, yaşımdan büyüklerle oynamaya başladım. O zaman amatör kümedeydik. Bu bahsettiklerim 12-13 yaşları. O dönem Arabayatağıspor vardı. Bursa’da amatör kümede fırtına gibilerdi. Oraya geçtim. Çok iyi bir takım ve iyi bir ortam vardı, çok iyi bir başkanımız vardı. Geçme sebebim de Murat Gündoğdu hocamız oradaydı. Kaleci antrenörümüzdü ve bana çok fazla şey kattı. O dönemde taşları, topları önüme dizerdi, karşıdan vururdu, refleks-reaksiyon çalışmaları yapardık. Kıvılcımı içeriden artırıyordu. Yaşımdan çok büyüklerle oynuyordum. Hatta birkaç tane fotoğraf gönderdi geçenlerde o günlere ait. Herkesin sakalı var ben orda küçücük, fasulye gibiyim, eldivenler elime büyük. O zamanlar eldiven bulamıyorduk. Eldiven almak çok büyük bir işti. Doğum günümde eldiven hediyesi geldiği zaman ben uçacak yer arıyordum. Bir eldiveni 1 yıl kullanıyorduk. Eldivenimde yırtıklar olurdu, annem parmaklarını dikerdi, yenisini almaya imkanımız olmuyordu. Ben de annemden gördüm dikmeyi, kendim dikiyordum." diye konuştu.
Daha önce Arabayatağıspor’da oynamış bir futbolcunun Ankaragücü'nde forma giydiğini belirten Altay, referansla kendisinin Ankara'ya denenmeye davet edildiğini söyledi.
14-15 yaşlarında büyük bir kararın eşiğinde olduğunu vurgulayan Altay, süreci şöyle anlattı:
"Yaşım genç, anne kuzusu, hiç dışarı çıkmamış bir çocuğum. Annem gözyaşlarıyla alınan bir karardan sonra onayı verdi, babam zaten her zaman evlatlarının mutluluğu için sonuna kadar destek veren bir adamdı. Sağ olsun her zaman arkamızdaydı. İyi zamanda da kötü zamanda da elinden geleni yaptı bizler için. Sonraki adımım Ankara oldu, Akademi Ligi'ne transfer oldum, yaşım gençti. Bir hafta deneme süreci gibi bir şey olacaktı ama ilk antrenmandan sonra hoca 'Daha fazla incelemeye gerek yok biz onay verdik. Aileni öp, eşyanı topla gel artık bizimsin.' dedi."
"O dönem çok zor bir dönemdi"
Kendisinin küçük yaşta Fenerbahçe'de altyapı seçmelerine gittiğini hatırlatan Altay Bayındır, kalacak yer sıkıntısı sebebiyle sarı-lacivertli kulüpte futbol oynayamadığını belirtti.
Dereağzı Tesisleri'nin o dönemde çok yoğun olduğunu söyleyen Altay, "Tesis dışında yaşama şansım yoktu. Dereağzı’na 14-15 yaşında gittim, 2 antrenmana çıktım. O dönemki hocalar 'Altay'ın burada kalacak yeri varsa bizle kalabilir ama kalacak yeri yoksa tesis şu anda dolu ve yerimiz yok.' dediler. O an orada kalacak maddi durumumuz yoktu. Dereağzı’ndan çıkarken stadyuma bakmıştım, çok içten şekilde 'Bir gün burada oynamak inşallah nasip olur.' demiştim. Çok mutlu ve gururluyum o anı yaşadığım için. Tesisten çıktım sonra Ankaragücü hikayesi başladı. Tesise yerleştim, antrenmanlara başladım ama çok sıkıntılar yaşadığımı söyleyebilirim. O dönemde kulübün maddi durumu çok iyi değildi, alt liglerde oynuyorduk. Odalar ve tesis küçüktü. Liseye gidiyordum, benden daha küçükler de vardı, gurbete gelmişler. Ben orada tesisin velisi gibiydim. O yaşta gidiyordum, kapı çalıyordum, 'Hadi uyanın okula gideceğiz.' diyordum. Akşam 6’dan sonra tesiste yemek çıkmıyordu. Mesela gece geç uyursan bayağı aç uyuyordun. Çamaşırları da gününde veremezsen yıkayamıyorsun. Büyük bir damacanayı ortadan kesiyordum lavabodan içine sıcak suyu döküp deterjan döküp tüm kıyafetlerimi yıkıyordum. Ütü de yok, alt katta malzemecilerde vardı. Onlar çıktıysa, önce kalorifere asıyordum kuruduktan sonra yatağımı kaldırıp çamaşırı altına koyup üstüne yatıyordum, ütü şeklim buydu." açıklamasını yaptı.
Celal Kıbrızlı hoca vardı, altyapıdaki maçtan sonra 'Yarın A takım tesislerine geliyorsun, orada idman yapacaksın.' dedi. Bir idmanda, beni kaleye geçirdi, bir penaltı kurtardım, yan top geldi yumrukladım, karşı karşıya çıkardım. Antrenmandan sonra Celal hoca yanıma geldi, beni kafamdan öptü, 'Bundan sonra benim yanımdasın, burada olacaksın.' dedi. Hikayem öyle başladı. Bana profesyonel olacağım söylendi. O dönem 2. ligdeydik. Ailemi aradım, çok heyecanlandım. İlk maçımda, 2. ligde şampiyonluğu garantilediğimiz, Ankaragücü’nün şampiyonluk maçlarında kalede ben vardım, o yönden çok şanslıyım. Şampiyonluk maçında oynadım, Hatayspor maçıydı. 19 Mayıs Stadı’nın eski hali. Çok güzel bir maç geçti benim için. İsmet Taşdemir’di hocamız. Murat hoca da kaleci antrenörlüğümüzü yapıyordu. Her zaman yanımdaydı mental olarak."
"Yaşım küçüktü ama bir şeyler yapmazsam kimsenin önüme bir şeyler sunmayacağını biliyordum." sözlerini kullanan Altay, "Sonra 1. Lig’e çıktık. Orada oynamaya başladım. İsmail Kartal hocamız geldi. Güvendi, bana şans verdi. Korcan Çelikay vardı, o oynuyordu ama güvendi bana şans verdi. Forma yarışına girdik, güzel şeyler yaşadık. 1. Lig’e çıktığımız ilk sene şampiyon olup Süper Lig’e çıktık. Ankaragücü’nün yeniden diriliş kampanyasıyla Süper Lig'e yükseldik. Başkanımız da o dönem yoğun efor sarf etmişti." diye konuştu.
Süper Lig'e çıktıktan sonra Ankaragücü'nün Gençlerbirliği'nden kaleci Johannes Hopf'u kadrosuna kattığını söyleyen Altay Bayındır, "Ondan da çok şey öğrendim. Korcan abi, Hopf ve ben vardık. Hopf bir sakatlık yaşadı, Korcan abi oynamaya başladı. Sonra bir Rizespor maçı vardı. Kampta Korcan abiyle kalıyoruz, maçlardan önce saat 3’te oynayacak oyuncuların telefonlarına mesaj geliyor. Ben oynayacağımı bilmiyordum, düşünmüyordum da. Antrenmanlarda çalışmaya devam ediyorum. Sonra bana 'Altay toplantı var.' diye mesaj geldi, yanımda da Korcan abi kalıyor. O an bir muhabbet oldu aramızda 'Altay bana mesaj gelmedi.' dedi. Sonra ben toplantıya gittim, hoca 'Sana güveniyoruz, senin şansın, çalıştın mücadele ettin.' dedi. Güvendi bana. Sağ olsun ilk Süper Lig maçımdı. Heyecan vardı içimde ama o anda gelmişti. Güzel bir andı benim için. çıktım maça güzel başladık. Kaleci bir topu ilk pozisyonda eliyle tuttuğu zaman iyi bir özgüven geliyor, sonrasında götürüyor. Maçın 80. dakikasıydı 1-1’di maç. İlk maçımda penaltı oldu. Doğru köşeyi tahmin ettim çıkardım, o anki duyguyu hiç unutmam. Puan aldık, benim ilk maçım. İlk maçımda penaltı çıkarmışım. Hatta annem maçtan sonra bir video gönderdi, abim çıldırıyor televizyona yumruk atacak, öyle bir duygu yoğunluğu. O serüven de o maçtan sonra başlamış oldu." diyerek Süper Lig macerasının nasıl başladığını özetledi.
"Sivas maçı, benim oynamadığım maç. Çok içimde kaldı"
Fenerbahçe'de sakatlık yaşadığı bir dönemin kendisinde ciddi bir yara bıraktığını dile getiren Altay Bayındır, o dönemi şu sözlerle aktardı:
"İçeride oynadığımız Sivasspor maçıydı. O maçı yenseydik şampiyonluk son maça kalıyordu. Yani her şey bizim elimizdeydi. Son maçta Kayserispor deplasmanına gidecektik. Hatta ben çok oynamak istedim. Elim tam iyileşmemişti. İki tane vida takmışlardı. Elim kırık. Son maçta bandajla oynadım, kazandık. Sivas maçı, benim oynamadığım maç. Çok içimde kaldı. Kazandığın zaman şampiyonsun. Bir de uzun süreden beri şampiyon olmamışsın ve bir camianın da bir öfkesi ve duygusu var. Bunu güzel bir şekilde sonlandırmak istiyorsun. Ciddi bir emek var. Yani talihsiz bir an. Sakat olmama çok üzüldüm. O maçtan sonra eve gittiğimi hatırlıyorum. Yenildik. Yani ipleri kendi elimizden başka bir tarafa verdik. Takımda oynayan herkes elinden geleni yaptı. O dönem eğer şampiyon olsaydık çok şey değişecekti. Şu anda bile en büyük problem şampiyonluğun gelmemesi. Yani bir şampiyonluk belki bütün buzları kıracaktı. Fenerbahçe'de son senemdeki sıkıntılar, unutmadığım anlar... Belimde bir fıtık var. Doktor, ‘Sen ne yapıyorsun, devam edemezsin.’ diyor. O dönemki hocamız ‘Devam edeceksin, ben sana destek olacağım. Her zaman yanındayım.’ diyor. İğne oluyordum, ağrı kesici hap içiyordum, maçlara öyle çıkıyordum. Çok zor bir süreçti ve şunun da farkındaydım. O dönemde televizyonda bir röportaj yaparken ‘Belimde ağrı var. Böyle oynuyorum.’ dediğiniz zaman insanlar ‘Oynama kardeşim, seni kim tutuyor?’ diyordu. Ancak o dönemde ben Fenerbahçe ile yatıyorum Fenerbahçe ile kalkıyorum. Bir de sorumluluğum var, takım kaptanıyım. Böyle yoğun bir mesai vardı. Fenerbahçe’de unutamadığım çok anım var."
"Hata yapmayan bir oyuncu mu var?"
Empati yapabilen biri olduğunu söyleyen Altay Bayındır, herkesin hata yapabileceğini ancak çalışmaya devam etmenin öneminden bahsetti.
"Beni tanıyan, kişiliğimi ve karakterimi bilen insanlar her zaman bana karşı pozitiftir." diyen milli file bekçisi, şunları kaydetti:
"Empati yaptığın zaman herkesin düşünceleri ve fikirleri vardır. Tabii karşımdaki insanı adam yerine koyduğumda eleştirisini ciddiye alırım. Televizyonda konuşan bir sürü insan var. Hayatında sahaya inmemiş, sahada yürümemiş, fileyi tutmamış ama oturduğu yerde… Şu an kamera karşısındayım, burada oturuyorum. Her şeyi söyleyebilirim. O niye böyle yaptı, bu niye çıkmadı? Şu an masadayım, koltuğum rahat, arka taraf böyle güzel destek veriyor. Burada her şeyi konuşabiliyorsun, söyleyebiliyorsun ve rahat olabiliyorsun. İnsanlara oturup konuşunca herhalde biraz öz güven de geliyor ama o saha atmosferi, sahaya indiğin zaman… İnsanların şu düşüncesi de var: 'Kardeşim sözleşmeli profesyonel futbolcusun, onu öyle yapacaksın.' Hatalar oluyor. Hata yapmayan bir oyuncu mu var? Onlar daha farklı bir para mı alıyor? Bazen bazı yerlerde insanların bakış açısı, kitlenişi çok farklı ve üzücü. O dönemde ben de görüyordum. Şimdi 'Görmüyorum, bakmıyorum' diyen oyuncu yalan söyler. Görüyorsun, senin hakkında birileri konuşuyor, bir şeyler söylüyor. Pozitif konuştuğunda nasıl mutlu oluyorsan, negatif konuştuğunda da etkileniyorsun."
Futbolun bir takım oyunu olduğunu belirten tecrübeli kaleci, "Bir şeyler olumsuz gittiğinde bir kişiden dolayı olmaz. Mesela üç tane kurtarıyorsun, bir tane gol oluyor. 1-0 yenildik. İki gol atsaydık yenerdik. Böyle bir şeyler de var. Şimdi televizyona çıkan ve çok layıkıyla görevini yerine getiren ağabeylerimiz de var. Ben her zaman onları takdir ederim. Halden anlayan, sahada oynamış ve bu mücadelenin nasıl bir ortam olduğunu bilen. Maça çıkıyorsun ve üzerinde baskı var. Maçın 20. dakikası 1-0 geriye düşüyorsun, tepki yiyorsun. Maç bitsin bari, daha yenilmedik. Bırak, belki penaltı kurtaracağız, belki forvetimiz iki tane atacak. Her şey yaşanabilir. Benim onlara bir kötülüğüm olmamıştır. Herkesin eksikleri vardır. İnsanız, hatasız kul olmaz. Önemli olan hatalarımızın farkına varıp bunları düzeltip çalışmaya devam etmektir." diye konuştu.
Projelerini, hobilerini anlattı
Altay Bayındır, maçlardan ve antrenmanlardan geriye kalan zamanda nelerle ilgilendiğini paylaştı.
Resim yapmaya İstanbul'da başladığını anlatan Altay Bayındır, "İstanbul'da da çiziyordum. Çocukluktan gelen bir şey, kafa dağıtmak için. Çok hoşuma gidiyor. Bir klasik müzik açarım. Arkadan gelen tıngırdamayla kafamda ne varsa onu kağıda dökerim. Yağlı boya, çalışmalarımı tuvale yapıyorum. O an kafama ne eserse. Çok da profesyonel olduğumu söyleyemem. Mütevazı, kendi halinde, elinden geleni yapmaya çalışan bir minik ressam." dedi.
Sevdiği şarkıları da paylaşan Altay, "Bob Marley'in 'Don't worry everything's gonna be alright' şarkısı, bunu çok severim. Arabada bazen yolda dinlerim. Tesiste de bazen açarım. Bu zaten dünyanın neresinde olursan ol nasıl bir düşünce yapısında olursan ol, herkesin sevebileceği bir şarkı olduğunu düşünüyorum. Benim de favori şarkılarımdan bir tanesidir." şeklinde görüş belirtti.
Manchester'daki yaşantısından da bahseden Altay Bayındır, şunları kaydetti:
"Manchester'da sokağa çıktığımda herkes pozitif, herkes çok iyi niyetli. Mesela bir takım arkadaşımla bile restorana gittiğimizde yemek yerken seni tanıyan biri bile olsa asla ve asla kimse senin yanına gelip yemek yerken fotoğraf ya da herhangi bir şey için seni asla rahatsız etmez. Bunu bir saygısızlık olarak karşılıyorlar ama dışarıda yürürken tabii ki de fotoğraf ricası oluyor, uzaktan da olsa bir selam verip iyi şanslar dileyebiliyorlar."
"Tırnaklarım silikondan dolayı simsiyahtı"
Üç kardeşten en küçüğü olduğunu belirten Altay, şöyle konuştu:
"En büyük ablam, ortanca ağabeyim. Annem ev hanımı ama babamla evlendikleri süreçte, annem öğretmendi. Sonra işi bıraktı. Babam serbest meslekle uğraşıyor. Ben küçükken bizim iki tane taksi plakamız vardı. Sonra onu satıp başka bir işlere girdik. Benim yaşım çok küçüktü. Sonra bazı işlerde istediğimiz sonuçlar alınmadı, problemler oldu. Bir aşağı iniş dönemi başladı. Benim Ankara'ya gitme süreçlerim, o dönemlere denk geldi. Bu süreçte çok fazla şey öğrendim, bana artı olarak kattığı şeyler oldu. Ablam belediyede memur olarak çalışıyor. O da uluslararası ilişkiler bölümü mezunu. Ağabeyimin arabalara yoğun merakı var, Bursa'da bir dükkanı var. Araba tamiratı yapabiliyor. Arabalardan anlıyor. Araba alım satımıyla uğraşıyor, araba sevdalısı bir insan."
Bursa'dan Ankara'ya gitmeden önce işlerin yolunda olmadığı bir dönem yaşadıklarını ifade eden Altay Bayındır, şu değerlendirmeleri yaptı:
"Babam bir oto yıkama işletmeye başlamıştı. Annem o dönem çalışmaya başlamıştı. Annem o dönem halamın kızının çocuklarına bakmaya gidiyordu. Ağabeyimle ablam da sabah okula gidiyorlardı. Babaannem de bizle yaşıyordu. Babaannem rahmetli oldu, alzheimer hastasıydı. Sabahları uyandığımda evde sadece ben ve babaannem olurduk. Kahvaltısını annem hazırlıyordu. Ben dolaptan alıp onun önüne koyuyordum. Çay demliyordum. Sonra kahvaltıyı toplayıp, babamın yanına oto yıkama dükkanına gidiyordum. Sarı çizmelerim vardı, araba yıkıyorduk, kuruluyorduk. Bir iki araba yıkamak böyle zevkli, güzel gibi geliyor ama yoğun çalıştığın zaman zorlukları çok fazla. Arabanın içini süpür, camlarını temizle, dış kaporta, silikonlar... Hatta orada çalıştığım dönemlerde tırnaklarım silikondan dolayı simsiyahtı. Bursa'da Uluslararası Ticaret Lisesi'nde bilgisayar bölümü okuyordum. Okul çıkışında da koşa koşa hemen metroya gidiyordum. Metroya binip, metroyla o dönem Yolspor'da oynuyordum, antrenmana gidiyordum. Eve geldiğimde yatağı bulunca atlayıp direkt bayılıyordum. Uzun bir süre günlerim böyle geçti."
"Babamın bazı sözleri bir tokattan daha çok acıtır"
Altay Bayındır, çocukluğuna dair bir anıyı ve babasının kendisine söylediği sözü unutamadığını ifade etti.
Araba kullanmaya erken yaşta başladığını belirten Altay, "Oto yıkamanın içindeyken birçok arabayı kullandım. Arabalara da merakım vardı. Bir akşam, bir akrabamızın arabasını gezmek için almıştık. Gece saat 02.00 sularıydı. Böyle şeyleri hiç sevmem ama işte çocuk aklı. Ağabeyimle beraber sinsice bir plan yapıp, kapı girişinden anahtarları aldık. Arabaya bindik, manuel vites bir araçtı. Arabayı sokağın başına kadar ittik, arabayı çalıştırırsak ses çıkacak diye düşündük. Sonra arabayı çalıştırıp biraz turladık. Amaç sıfır, yok. Gece yarısı ne işin var, git uyu işte. Sağlıklı bir anı değil, önereceğim bir anı değil. Dönünce sokağın başında motoru durdurduk, iterek arabayı aynı yere bıraktık. Babam bugüne kadar bize bir fiske vurmamıştır. Fakat acı veren taraf şu, bir kere vursaydı konuyu kapatır yola devam ederdik, öyle kelimeler söyledi ki hep kalıcı kaldı. Sonrasında bu durumu öğrendi. Emanet bir araçla bu yapıldığı için güzel özlü sözler söyledi. Bazı sözleri bir tokattan daha çok acıtır. Etkileyici bazı anlarımız oldu." ifadelerini kullandı
Dünya Kupası'na dair
Altay Bayındır, Dünya Kupası'nda unutamadığı oyuncuları ise Brezilyalı Ronaldo Luis Nazario, Fransız Zinedine Zidane, Salvatore Schillaci ve kaleci olarak da Gianluigi Buffon olarak dile getirdi.
2022 FIFA Dünya Kupası finalindeki Arjantin-Fransa mücadelesini unutamadığını belirten milli kaleci, "Güzel ve heyecanlı bir finaldi ama inşallah önümüzdeki süreçlerde bizim yaptığımız, bizim kazançlarımızla hafızalarda kalan güzel maçlar olur." ifade etti.
Altay, dünyanın birçok yerinde Türk bayrağını dalgalandırdıklarını vurgulayarak, "ABD kalmıştı, oraya da bayrağı dalgalandırmaya gidiyoruz." dedi.
"İstiklal Marşı'nı seremonide okurken kan akışım hızlanıyor"
"İstiklal Marşı'nı seremonide okumak motivasyonumu artırıyor. Daha fazla hırçınlaşıyorum. Kan akışım hızlanıyor, tüylerim diken diken oluyor. Oynadığım ligde bunu uzun süredir yaşayamıyorum, bunun özlemi var. Maçtan önce seremonide İstiklal Marşı okumak motivasyonuma motivasyon, hırsıma hırs, konsantrasyonuma konsantrasyon katıyor."
Milli takımda oynamanın hissettirdiği duyguyu ise tecrübeli file bekçisi, "Milli takımda isimler değil, bayrak oynar. Biz sahada 11 kişi değil, bir milletiz." sözleriyle dile getirdi.
Altay Bayındır, kalecilikle ilgili ise "Kalecilik hayat gibidir. Gol yediğinde yalnızlığınla yüzleşirsin, kurtardığında ise kalabalığın umudu olursun." ifadeleriyle konuşmasını noktaladı.
Galatasaray, Udinese'nin genç yıldızı Arthur Atta için operasyon başlattı. İtalyanların 30 milyon Euro'luk inadını kırmak isteyen sarı-kırmızılılar, gözden çıkarılan Victor Nelsson'u piyasaya sürdü.
Galatasaray, Udinese’nin orta saha oyuncusu Arthur Atta'ya göz koydu. İtalyan Messaggero Veneto'nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre, Fransız orta saha oyuncusu için Udinese’nin sahibi olan Pozzo ailesi 30 milyon Euro’dan fazla bir bonservis bedeli istiyor.
Sarı-kırmızılılar, Udinese’nin direncini kırmak için Serie B'ye düşen Verona'da kiralık olarak forma giyen Victor Nelsson'u takasta kullanmak istiyor.
Galatasaray’ın takas formülünde en büyük soru işareti ise Nelsson'un maaşı. Sözleşmesi 2028 yılına kadar devam eden Danimarkalı yıllık 1,1 milyon Euro net maaş ve 275 bin Euro bonus kazanıyor. Bu Udinese bütçesi ve kasası için oldukça fazla.
Noa Lang, milli takımdan arkadaşı Virgil van Dijk ile aralarında geçen dev transfer itirafını açıkladı: Van Dijk bana Galatasaray'ı ve İstanbul'u sordu.
Napoli'ye dönen Noa Lang’dan transfer gündemine bomba gibi düşecek açıklamalar geldi. Dünyaca ünlü savunma oyuncusu Virgil van Dijk’ın Galatasaray’a olan ilgisini açık açık itiraf eden Lang, çarpıcı detaylar paylaştı. İşte o sözler:
- Van Dijk, bana Galatasaray'ı ve İstanbul'u sordu. Oradaki atmosferi, kulübün yapısını merak ediyor. Bana açıkça Galatasaray'ı sevdiğini ve yakından takip ettiğini söyledi.
Noa Lang’ın bu sözleri, özellikle sarı-kırmızılı taraftarlar arasında büyük bir heyecan yaratırken, transfer kulislerini de adeta hareketlendirdi.
Liverpool ile sözleşme durumları ve geleceği her dönem tartışma konusu olan tecrübeli stoper Van Dijk'ın, Türk futbolu ve Galatasaray hakkındaki bu hayranlığı, önümüzdeki transfer dönemleri için şimdiden büyük bir merak konusu oldu.
Kendi evinde düzenlenecek olan Final Four'a çıkamayan Panathinaikos'ta başantrenör Ergin Ataman ile yolların ayrılmaya hazırlandığı iddia edilmişti. Konuya dair Yunan ekibinin başkanı Dimitris Giannakopoulos'tan bir paylaşım geldi.
A Milli Takım kalecisi Altay Bayındır, 24 yıl sonra Dünya Kupası'na katılmanın gururunu yaşadıklarını belirterek, "Orada olmak güzel ama sorumluluğu da büyük. Bir şeyleri başarmak ve ispatlamak için gideceğiz" dedi.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de 2025-2026 sezonunda 18 takım toplam 35 farklı teknik direktörle çalıştı. Gençlerbirliği 6 değişiklikle zirvede yer alırken, Galatasaray, Trabzonspor, Göztepe, Alanyaspor ve Kocaelispor sezona başladıkları teknik adamlarla yola devam etti.
Türkiye Kupası, Trabzonspor ile TÜMOSAN Konyaspor arasında oynanacak 64. finalle yeni sahibini bulacak. Organizasyonun tarihinde kupalar uzatmalar, penaltılar, hükmen kararlar ve hatta kura sonucuyla sahiplerini bulurken, rekorların büyük bölümü Galatasaray'ın elinde bulunuyor.
Fenerbahçe'de Olağanüstü Seçimli Genel Kurul'da seçilecek yeni başkan haricinde teknik direktörün kim olacağı da merak ediliyor. Bu doğrultuda İtalyan basınından sürpriz bir iddia gündeme geldi. İşte detaylar......Devamı için tıklayınız
Son dakika Fenerbahçe transfer haberleri: Yeni sezon öncesi en az iki golcü takviyesi yapması beklenen Fenerbahçe ile ilgili flaş bir iddia ortaya atıldı. İngiliz basını, sarı-lacivertlilerin transfer...Devamı için tıklayınız
Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu, Trendyol Süper Lig'deki 10+4 yabancı kuralını resmi olarak açıkladı. İşte detaylar... | Son dakika spor haberleriDevamı için tıklayınız
Son dakika Galatasaray transfer haberleri: Yeni sezon öncesi orta saha takviyesi yapmak isteyen Galatasaray, Udinese forması giyen Arthur Atta'yı gündemine almıştı. 23 yaşındaki futbolcunun transferini...Devamı için tıklayınız
İngiltere Premier Lig ekiplerinden Manchester United forması giyen milli futbolcu Altay Bayındır, "Yıllar sonra tekrar Dünya Kupası'nda olmak gerçekten de tarif edilemez, gurur verici. Oraya bir şeyleri...Devamı için tıklayınız
Galatasaray'ın sol beki Ismail Jakobs ve Samsunspor'un golcüsü Cherif Ndiaye, Senegal Milli Takımı'nın 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosuna dahil edildi.Devamı için tıklayınız
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Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da yarın başlayacak Basketbol Avrupa Ligi (EuroLeague) Dörtlü Final organizasyonunun basın toplantısı düzenlendi. Fenerbahçe Beko Başantrenörü Sarunas Jasikevicius, "Umarım...Devamı için tıklayınız
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AFFA-nın Sosial və Ətraf Mühit Dayanıqlığı şöbəsinin təşkilatçılığı, QOLAT Sport Service və WUF13 Azərbaycan Əməliyyat Şirkəti ilə əməkdaşlığı çərçivəsində “Dəniz Mall” qarşısında AFFA-ya məxsus 6×12 metr ölçüdə ikinci minifutbol meydançası qurulub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mayın 22-dək fəaliyyət göstərəcək meydançada AFFA-nın sosial layihələrində iştirak edən uşaqlar saat 15:00–19:00 aralığında müxtəlif futbol fəaliyyətlərinə qoşulacaqlar. Eyni zamanda, qonaqlar və futbolsevərlər də bu fəaliyyətlərdə iştirak edə biləcəklər.
Futbolpress.az-ın məlumatına görə, 24 yaşlı futbolçunun mövsümün sonunda müddəti başa çatacaq müqaviləsi uzadılmayacaq.
Klub artıq oyunçunu bu haqda məlumatlandırıb. Eldar böyük ehtimalla yenidən Ukraynaya dönəcək. O, daha əvvəl “Şaxtyor”, “Mariupol” və “Minay”da forma geyinib.
Eldar 2023-cü ilin fevralından “Zirə”də çıxış edir. Quliyev bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 6 oyunda forma geyinib.
FIFA-nın prezidenti Gianni İnfantino Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyasının prezidenti Rövşən Nəcəfə ünvanladığı məktubla “Sabah” Futbol Klubunu Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün qalibi olması münasibətilə təbrik edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə AFFA-nın mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Məktubun məzmununu diqqətinizə çatdırırıq:
“Cənab Rövşən Nəcəf
Prezident
Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyası
Sürix. 20 may 2026-cı il
“Sabah” FK-ya təbrik
Hörmətli prezident,
Bu məktub vasitəsilə Azərbaycanın yeni çempionu “Sabah” FK-nı təbrik etməkdən məmnunam!
Onların mövsümboyu davamlı səyləri və nəticələri öz bəhrəsini verib, bu mühüm titul qazanılıb. Bu böyük nailiyyətə görə komandanı və klubun hər bir üzvünü təbrik edirəm.
Hörmətli prezident, ölkənizdə futbolun inkişafı üçün göstərdiyiniz davamlı dəstəyə, əməyə və fədakarlığa görə sizə və assosiasiyanıza təşəkkür etməklə yanaşı, sizi tezliklə yenidən görməyi səbirsizliklə gözləyirəm.
Bakıda keçirilən Ümumdünya Şəhərsalma Forumunun 13-cü sessiyası (WUF13) çərçivəsində Braziliya Avarçəkmə Federasiyasının İctimaiyyətlə Əlaqələr direktoru Samiya Süleyman paytaxtımızda səfərdədir.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, səfər zamanı Samiya Süleyman Azərbaycan Su İdman Növləri Federasiyasının inzibati binasında olub. Qonağa federasiyanın fəaliyyəti və iş prosesi barədə məlumat verilib. Daha sonra o, Bakı Avarçəkmə və Kanoe İdman Klubunun məşq bazasını gəzib. Veteranlar arasında dünya çempionatının mükafatçısı olmuş Samiya Süleyman Xəzər dənizində avar çəkib.
Sonda braziliyalı qonağa federasiya tərəfindən xatirə hədiyyəsi təqdim edilib.
Argentinanın “Boka Xuniors” klubunun futbolçusu Milton Delqado karyerasına Avropada davam edə bilər.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “İnter”, “Bornmut” və “Beşiktaş” 29 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçinin xidmətində maraqlıdır. Bu barədə İtaliya mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. Klublar oyunçunun performansını yaxından izləyir.
20 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçi bu mövsüm 22 oyuna çıxıb. O, Argentinanın U-20 yığmasının da üzvüdür.
İngiltərənin “Çelsi” klubunun müdafiəçisi Mark Kukurelya “Atletiko”nun maraq dairəsinə düşüb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, 27 yaşlı ispaniyalı futbolçu Madrid klubunun […]
İngiltərənin “Arsenal” klubu yay transfer pəncərəsində heyətini ciddi şəkildə gücləndirmək haqqında düşünür. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, klub rəhbərliyi yeni mərkəz […]
İspaniyanın “Vilyarreal” klubu futbolçusu Daniel Parexo ilə yollarını ayırıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə La Liqa təmsilçisinin mətbuat xidməti […]
Microsoft has disclosed that a privilege escalation and a denial-of-service flaw in Defender has come under active exploitation in the wild.
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Reports in Italy claim that Manchester United are pushing ahead with their plans to complete the signings of midfielders Ederson from Atalanta and Italy international Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this coming transfer window.
Manchester United want both Tonali and Ederson
Both Tonali and Ederson are said to be seeking moves away from their current clubs this summer as neither Atalanta nor Newcastle will be taking part in next season’s Champions League.
Reports from Gianluca Di Marzio claim that United are ‘confident’ they will be able to pull off an ambitious double deal to revamp Michael Carrick’s midfield department.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Ederson of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
United are certainly in the market for a midfielder to replace Casemiro, who bid farewell to Old Trafford during the team’s final home match of the season last weekend. Ederson has been linked with a move to the Premier League for several seasons, and recent reports indicate that this summer may be the window where Atalanta decide to cash in.
Depending on the source, reports claim that La Dea will entertain bids in the region of €40m-€50m for the Brazilian this summer.
Tonali has also had admirers in Manchester in recent seasons. The former Milan midfielder will not be playing in next season’s Champions League as things stand, Newcastle sitting in 11th place heading into the final week of Premier League fixtures.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Recent updates in Italy claim that Newcastle will seek a fee in excess of €90m for the Italy international, though.
Roberto Baggio has explained why he did not see eye-to-eye with Marcello Lippi during his time at Inter towards the end of his career, and says that the former coach tried to get him to ‘spy’ on his teammates in the dressing room.
Baggio told the story of his turbulent relationship with Lippi in an extract from his recently-released autobiography, titled Luce nell’oscurita.
Baggio spent two seasons with Inter between 1998 and 2000, and in his second season in San Siro, he reunited with Lippi. The pair had previously worked together at Juventus between 1994 and 1995.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 17: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 98/99 Mailand; INTER MAILAND – MANCHESTER UNITED 1:1; Roberto BAGGIO/Inter Mailand (Photo by Henri Szwarc/Bongarts/Getty Images)
However, the pair did not always see eye to eye, and Baggio says that he was put in a difficult position when the coach asked him to report on his teammates’ behaviour in the dressing room.
Baggio also says that he was ‘put on public trial’ in front of his teammates after criticising Lippi in a newspaper interview in which he described Inter as a ‘Ferrari being driven by a traffic warden’.
Baggio on his turbulent relationship with Lippi at Inter: ‘Don’t ask anything more from me’
“Marcello Lippi wanted to speak to me in March and asked me to give him the names of the players who might be going against him in the dressing room,” Baggio wrote (via Calciomercato.com).
“I replied in my own way: ‘Mister, I train to the maximum, you evaluate whether or not I deserve to play, but don’t ask anything else from me.
18 May 2000: Sven Goran Erikkson (left) the Lazio Coach chats to Marcelo Lippi (right) the Inter Milan Coach during the Coppa Italia Final Second Leg match at the San Siro, in Milan, Italy. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Claudio Villa/Allsport
“Annoyed, Lippi tried to provoke me, to get a reaction from me. One day he shouted at me in an arrogant and aggressive manner: ‘Phenomeno, tell me the teammates that don’t suit you’. I replied with the utmost calmness: ‘Mister, tell my teammates what you asked me to do’.
“After I made a joke to a journalist saying that Inter were like a Ferrari being driven by a traffic warden, I was put on public trial in front of my teammates when we returned to training.
“But then Lippi was practically forced to play me in the play-off against Parma in Verona for Champions League qualification. I scored the two decisive goals.
“I played for my team, to honour the shirt and the fans. I was just doing my duty, with the same passion I always had: To play football and to entertain the supporters.”
Juventus have reportedly decided to fine both Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic after the Bianconeri pair were seen arguing on the pitch during the team’s costly 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina in Serie A over the weekend.
Vlahovic and Locatelli fined after Juventus 0-2 Fiorentina argument
The Old Lady were beaten 2-0 in their own backyard after goals from Cher Ndour and Rolando Mandragora against Fiorentina on Sunday, which has left the team in sixth place and two points shy of the top four heading into the final round of 2025-26 fixtures.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 17: Players of Juventus FC face the fans after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Juventus now need favours from multiple sides on the final day if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The disappointment during and after the Fiorentina match was clear for all to see. Supporters voiced their frustrations after the full-time whistle and the players themselves were clearly unhappy with the way things were going while the match was still being played.
At one stage, Vlahovic and Locatelli were seen exchanging frustrated words with each other, waving their arms about as they shouted at each other across the pitch.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have decided to take disciplinary action against both players in the form of a fine. This was a choice made ‘mutually’ by head coach Luciano Spalletti and the Bianconeri directors.
Reports elsewhere suggest that Vlahovic and Locatelli will be fined €40,000 each.
Genoa have officially announced the signing of striker Lorenzo Colombo on a permanent deal from Milan following a successful loan spell in 2025-26, which is set to benefit the Rossoneri to the tune of €10m.
Official: Milan sell Colombo to Genoa on permanent basis
Colombo joined Genoa on loan with a potential obligation to buy at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. There had been reports that the release clause would be triggered in the event that Genoa secured Serie A survival and that the striker scored five or more goals in the league. The 24-year-old is up to seven goals from 37 outings in Serie A this term.
Genoa have confirmed that Colombo has put pen to paper on a three-year contract, running until the summer of 2029.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Lorenzo Colombo of Genoa (on loan from Milan) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Reports at the time of Colombo’s loan move to Genoa confirmed that the obligation to buy clause was for €10m.
Despite the fact that he has only made five top-flight appearances for Milan, this is Colombo’s first permanent move away from the Rossoneri, having spent the last 16 years on the club’s books. He has spent the last five seasons out on loan, with Cremonese, SPAL, Lecce, Monza, Empoli and most recently Genoa.
“I wanted to form a bond with a club, a team and a place like this and I will do my best to repay the trust and support that the club, coach, my teammates and the fans have shown me,” Colombo said in a statement on the Genoa website.
“I’m happy to continue playing in the Rossoblu jersey. Genoa is Genoa. I’m obsessed with the atmosphere that we see in the stadium every game and I’m aware of the heritage that we represent for tens of thousands of supporters.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now a Premier League champion, but there was a moment early on in his reign that he apparently considered quitting.
The Spanish tactician took over in the 2019/20 season and it took some time for him to really turn the Gunners into a serious team again.
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Early on in the following campaign, Arsenal were in a really poor run of form, winning just once in ten Premier League games between October 17th and December 19th.
According to the Independent, it was around that time that Arteta felt like he’d made “a terrible mistake” and was feeling “very low” about the situation at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta inherited “toxic” atmosphere at Arsenal
The report also claims that the atmosphere inside Arsenal was described as “toxic” when Arteta took over, with some players clearly having a negative impact.
Although no specific names are mentioned in the report, it sounds like Arteta had to deal with some players who would fake injuries to get out of certain games they didn’t fancy.
Even going back to his time as a player at Arsenal, Arteta apparently noticed the habit of some players to mentally check out before the end of the season and start thinking about their holidays.
Given how bad things were, it’s not surprising that the 44-year-old had serious questions about if he could turn things around after that poor run of form in the winter of 2020.
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Arsenal now chasing historic double
Arsenal have been transformed under Arteta and they’re now set to lift the Premier League trophy after their final game away to Crystal Palace this weekend before gearing up for their clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
It could end up being one of the greatest seasons in Arsenal’s history if they get their hands on their first ever European Cup, perhaps even eclipsing the achievement of going the entire season unbeaten under Arsene Wenger in 2003/04.
Even if Arsenal miss out, the fact that they’re back at this level at all given the mess the club was in when Arteta took over seems like a minor miracle.
Beauty and wellness booking marketplace Fresha says it has raised $80 million investment from KKR’s Next Generation Technology Growth fund, KKR's growth equity arm.
Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave Manchester City at the end of the season. His departure, according to Marca, has opened the door for Rodri to leave as well, and Real Madrid are wasting no time in making the Premier League club and the player himself aware of their interest in his services. Despite struggling with […]
Sadio Mane was one of the best and most important players for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, but there were still moments when the pair didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye.
Real Madrid presidential candidate putting together all-star team to take on Florentino Perez
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to face fierce competition in the recently announced election, with Enrique Riquelme ready to take on the veteran leader.
The Spanish businessman will officially communicate his candidacy to Real Madrid’s Electoral Board this Thursday, with a clear and pointed message at the centre of his campaign.
Riquelme is building a star team
Enrique Riquelme is ready to take on Florentino Perez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According toEl Confidencial, Riquelme has assembled a team of corporate heavyweights to take on Perez.
Sons of Vicente Boluda and Fernando Fernandez Tapias are involved, alongside investor Rosauro Varo, raw materials magnate Damaso Quintana and Iberdrola’s David Mesonero, who happens to be the son-in-law of Perez’s fiercest business rival.
Angel Martin, a close friend of Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, is also expected to feature prominently, potentially as vice-president.
Riquelme must also secure a pre-guarantee of €194 million to formalise his candidacy.
Privatisation is the battleground
Riquelme believes Perez will privatise Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Riquelme’s decision to stand is driven primarily by his opposition to what he believes is an inevitable push towards privatising Real Madrid.
“These could be the last elections in Real Madrid’s history. Privatisation is coming. We believe we are not in agreement with that privatisation. The club has to belong to its members,” he stated.
This was the tone in which he had the campaign, built around ownership, transparency and democratic accountability.
He also framed standing as a moral obligation for those with the means to do so.
“There is a moral and ethical obligation for Real Madrid members who are lucky enough to be able to take a step forward and put forward something that could make sense and be exciting,” he added.
Celtic legend Jim Craig, a revered member of the club’s iconic 1967 European Cup-winning squad, has revealed to the public that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 83-year-old is one of only three surviving players from the team who became known as the ‘Lisbon Lions’ following their historic success in the Portuguese capital 59 years ago.
Craig, who amassed more than 230 appearances for the Glasgow side, informed The Herald that he received the diagnosis for the irreversible brain disorder in 2022.
Reflecting on the news, he stated: "I was pleased that they diagnosed something wrong, because I thought I was just ageing. But I was a bit surprised to hear what it was, and I find it very frustrating."
Craig was diagnosed back in 2022 (Getty)
He elaborated on the nature of his memory struggles, noting: "I’m OK with the old days and the football and family memories. I’m Ok with them. It’s the recent, modern things I have trouble with."
While numerous former footballers have been diagnosed with brain conditions, often linked to the repeated heading of heavy footballs, Craig remains unconvinced that his own situation is directly connected to his playing career.
"I heard about that in other people and thought, ‘No, I’m not sure that’s to do with playing football’," he said.
"I just lived from day to day and I’m still not sure. I mean, I always tried to head the ball as little as humanly possible when I played. I tried to keep my head away from it, but we played with those heavy leather balls in those days."
His wife, Elisabeth, added: "I think a lot of people know now (about the diagnosis) and have been very understanding and very caring. It’s something that we manage and we navigate our way around."
While Celtic have dominated domestically for several decades, they have not added to their European Cup tally since that famous night in 1967.
Celtic faced Italian giants Inter Milan in the final and went behind early on before mounting a stirring comeback in the second half.
It was Stevie Chalmers who popped up with the winning goal with six minutes remaining to seal a famous 2-1 victory for Celtic.
BERLIN (AP) — Berlin’s state parliament has given the go-ahead for the city’s bid to rehost the Olympic Games on or after the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Games staged by the Nazis.
“Our bid is a genuine promise for future generations,” Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner said during the 90-minute debate that preceded the vote Thursday. “We want positive development for Berlin.”
Wegner’s CDU political party received support from rival SPD members and the far-right AfD for the Berlin Olympic plans that he first presented in May last year in the same stadium where Jesse Owens defied Adolf Hitler in the 1936 Games.
Berlin’s state government approved the concept this month for a bid that relies mostly on existing sports facilities and envisages using city landmarks such as the city park at the former airport Tempelhof.
It estimated the cost at 4.82 billion euros ($5.6 billion), with revenue of 5.24 billion euros projected, giving a net profit of around 420 million euros, with a quarter of that going to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“If we put on a summer fairy tale for the world, then it’s a chance for the world,” Wegner said.
The plans were opposed by politicians from the Left party and Greens who referred to the financial risks of hosting the Olympics and criticized what they called “empty promises” and “castles in the air,” news agency DPA reported.
Tobias Schulze of the Left party said the last three Olympic Games were more than twice as expensive as initially planned, and he pointed out that many of the proposed venues need renovation.
The bid organizers decided not to hold a referendum.
Berlin’s bid is one of four — along with Munich, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia — that will be selected by the German Olympic Sports Confederation on Sep. 26 for submission to the IOC. Germany wants to host the Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044.
Former Clemsonfootball standout Deshaun Watson is back on the field with the Cleveland Browns as OTAs get underway, and there appears to be real belief he can still work his way back into the starting quarterback conversation.
Watson has not played since October 2024 after suffering another Achilles injury, but Cleveland’s new offensive staff believes the veteran may benefit from a different approach under coordinator Todd Monken.
“This can be a good thing for Monken because he’s got a veteran that he can play with low expectations,” the evaluator said. “If [Watson is] even 80% of what he was, that’s a win.”
Monken’s system is expected to feature more spread concepts and quicker reads, something many around the league believe fits Watson’s skill set better than what Cleveland previously ran.
The early OTA reviews have also been encouraging.
“Ball’s coming out great,” Monken said after practice. “Looks great. … He moved around great. And the ball came out great.”
Watson has appeared in only 19 games since joining Cleveland, throwing for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during that span.
Baseball flop a fitting end to miserable year for Clemson sports
The Browns will continue evaluating the quarterback room throughout the summer with Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green also competing for reps heading into training camp.
If USC football has reason for optimism going into the 2026 season, it's not hard to find the main source of a brighter outlook. John Brice of USA TODAY Sports has more:
"Fifteen USC starters are back from last year’s 9-4 team, nine of them on offense including redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava. Riley doesn’t remember ever having such broad returning experience, even after taking over for Bob Stoops at Oklahoma and punching three CFP appearances.
“'With Baker (Mayfield, at Oklahoma) a couple years we returned some guys, but didn’t have it past that there and certainly haven’t had anything close to that here,' said Riley, with 55 wins in five seasons at Oklahoma and 35 in his first four at USC. 'It’s pretty rare to have that guy back at quarterback in Jayden and continuity at key positions. I would guess we’re one of just a handful of teams across the country that’s happened with in this era.'”
It's true that for USC to take the next step and make the College Football Playoff, the defense has to improve relative to 2025. The Gary Patterson hire at defensive coordinator has to be a home run. However, it remains that USC's trump card is and will be its offense stuffed with veterans. Other than Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane leaving, everyone else is back. Maiava behind a strong offensive line, accompanied by talented running backs, should be able to produce at a high level. Lincoln Riley has to get the most out of his offense if the Trojans are to finally break through and return to the top tier of college football.
The whole NFL world followed along as the Baltimore Ravens pulled off a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby.
And everyone was still watching when the Ravens pulled out of the deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, citing a failed physical.
That generated all the headlines, but an unintended consequence flew under the radar. It took multiple days for all the Crosby physical stuff to get handled.
And in the meantime, the Ravens lost a number of key contributors.
They went from having a bunch of money and resources tied into Crosby to not having that, except they couldn't go back in time and change their approach to those few days.
"A lot of talent walked out the door in Baltimore before Crosby's physical was annulled," Barnwell writes, "including Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Could the Ravens have kept some of those players had they resolved the Crosby situation before the legal negotiating period began?"
Yes, the Ravens ended up with Trey Hendrickson, so at least as far as the pass rush is concerned, things turned out OK. And they didn't have to give up the two first-rounders that Crosby would've cost.
But it's smart of Barnwell to look beyond the immediate picture and see the other connections to the drama, and those are three big names in Linderbaum, Likely and Kolar. Those are guys who would've helped the Ravens win games in 2026, and now they're all gone.
If the failed Crosby trade contributed to those departures, too, that's an additionally brutal development for Baltimore.
Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has mentioned that his family is financially comfortable, but has played into the rich guy persona on social media by flaunting his watches, cars, and lavish lifestyle.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is not amused by any of it, and debunked the claim that Tsarukyan and his family are well off.
"He has the mind of a little kid, you know?," Topuria said of Tsarukyan in a translated interview with ABC. "He's a man child who is playing a game. I think he's playing the rich guy game and he's neither rich nor is his father, I'm telling you. He's just not.
"I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that, you know? He's playing a game of buying a car and sending it to Russia to resell it. And I think he's not even rich, I'm telling you for real. He's like a loser."
Tsarukyan will serve as the official backup for Topuria's title-unification bout against Justin Gaethje in the UFC Freedom 250 headliner on June 14 from the White House.
The Philadelphia Eagles once again enter the season with massive expectations after becoming one of the NFL's premier franchises over the past five years. Philadelphia's 2026 schedule features everything from revenge games and division rivalries to international travel and heavyweight NFC battles.
With primetime appearances scattered throughout the season and several games carrying potential playoff implications, here are the five most intriguing matchups on the Eagles’ 2026 regular-season schedule.
5. Week 1: Commanders at EaglesThe season opens with immediate NFC East drama as the Washington Commanders travel to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 1 showdown. Washington could develop into Philadelphia's biggest threat inside the division, making this opening matchup far more important than a typical season opener. Throw in the potential departure of A.J. Brown, and the addition of OC Sean Mannion, and a fast start in the NFC East race could prove critical later in the year.
4. Week 5: Eagles vs. Jaguars in LondonInternational games are always unpredictable, and the Eagles will head overseas for a Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. With the travel, early kickoff, and neutral-site atmosphere, this game presents one of the most distinctive challenges on Philadelphia's schedule. Momentum swings can define international games, especially early in the season.
3. Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys on ThanksgivingThere's never a quiet matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Eagles, but a Thanksgiving showdown in Dallas raises the intensity even higher. Philadelphia will spend the holiday under the national spotlight in one of the NFL's most historic rivalries. With potential NFC East implications attached, this game could become one of the defining moments of the regular season.
2. Week 15: Seahawks at EaglesOne of the biggest games on the NFL calendar arrives in Week 15 when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks visit Lincoln Financial Field for a Saturday night showdown. This matchup has all the ingredients of a playoff preview, featuring two physical NFC contenders battling late in the season with postseason seeding likely hanging in the balance.
1. Week 17: Eagles at 49ersThe most anticipated game on Philadelphia's schedule comes in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. The rivalry between these franchises has intensified over the past several seasons, and this matchup could have enormous playoff implications. Traveling west to face one of the league's most talented rosters in primetime creates arguably the toughest assignment of the season for the Eagles, and there's a legitimate chance this game serves as a preview of another NFC Championship clash.
Jose Mourinho wants former Real Madrid player as part of coaching staff
Prospective Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is currently planning for next season at the club, and is shaping his coaching staff to come in with him. While that will likely include a lot of his staff from Benfica, he is also keen to find a figure to link his staff with the Real Madrid players.
Mourinho keen to bring in former Real Madrid player
According to Marca, Mourinho is keen to bring in a ‘firefighter’ this summer to help ease the dressing room tensions at Valdebebas. In essence, he is keen to have a former Real Madrid player come in as a link between himself and the squad, that can help mediate situations in the dressing room. The role is alternatively described as a ‘team manager’, and Zinedine Zidane carried out a similar duty during Carlo Ancelotti’s first spell. When Zidane became Castilla manager, Fernando Hierro took over his duties. Under Mourinho, it was assistant Aitor Karanka.
Mourinho outlining Real Madrid staff
That is the remaining member of Mourinho’s staff to be decided, say Diario AS. Benfica assistant manager Joao Tralhao will accompany Mourinho from Portugal, as will Pedro Machado, fitness coach Antonio Dias and analyst Roberto Merella. Goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos is also likely to follow, while Ricardo Formosinho and Ricardo Rocha will not be following him.
Those additions also place doubt over the roles of fitness coach Antonio Pintus and goalkeeing coach Luis Llopis. The latter has been at Real Madrid since 2021, and is in his second spell, having previously been there between 2015 and 2018. It brings the controversial figure of Pintus back into the spotlight again. Dismissed in 2025, Pintus was brought back by the club in January after Xabi Alonso’s exit, but struggled to reduce the number of injuries at Real Madrid.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have won his second straight NBA MVP award, but it looks like Victor Wembanyama is genuinely establishing himself as the best basketball player in the world, not just in general but, more importantly, when it matters most.
In Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday, he produced 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks, and he took over in crunch time of the San Antonio Spurs' double-overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs are now a serious threat not only to reach the NBA Finals but also to win it all, despite how young most of their key players are.
Wembanyama is already displaying not only the heart of a champion but also the dedication and work ethic of one. In a recent ESPN article, Ramona Shelburne detailed his intensive training this past summer at the Shaolin Temple in China, where he ran, hiked, meditated and even dribbled a basketball up a long and dangerous mountain hiking route.
If that wasn't enough to reveal how badly he wants to become a legend among legends, his agent, Bouna Ndiaye, reportedly met with Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to discuss and learn about the late great Kobe Bryant's mindset and training regimen.
"Last April, he called Los Angeles Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, who represented Kobe Bryant for much of his career, and scheduled a lunch," Shelburne wrote.
"The reason was simple.
"'The way they think is different,' Ndiaye told ESPN. 'The way they play, the way they stretch themselves. Just their curiosity. How they study and watch things. They're both very creative on how to solve a problem.'"
Ndiaye also said Wembanyama wants to be challenged, the way that true athletes and competitors want to be challenged, a quality Bryant had tons of.
"Mentally, physically, spiritually. Challenged in every way a supremely conditioned athlete who already pushes himself harder than most humans can be challenged.
"Pelinka listened while Ndiaye talked. He knew the type.
"Bryant used to do that, too, he told him. One summer Bryant had become obsessed with studying how great white sharks hunt and attack their prey. So it became Pelinka's job to find him the best place in the world to do that -- which is apparently Guadalupe, an island 150 miles off the coast of Baja, Mexico, where you can go cage diving in the crystal-clear waters.
"Bryant would later write in The Players' Tribune in 2017 that his study of great whites helped him defend Allen Iverson.
"Then there was Bryant's obsession with the Sistine Chapel. Pelinka arranged for him to travel there one summer for a private tour guided by an art historian.
"Bryant was fascinated by how Michelangelo had painted a three-dimensional masterpiece while lying on scaffolding in a space without abundant natural light, Pelinka told Ndiaye.
"The lesson was not about the techniques used but the vision and perseverance to create something extraordinary under impossible conditions.
"Ndiaye nodded along as Pelinka recounted these stories, both men delighting in the intellectual curiosity each of their star clients brought to their craft.
"'I wanted to understand how Kobe did things,' Ndiaye told ESPN. 'So that we could learn from him. Victor is not like anybody else. We have to be creative to build programs that are unique to him.'"
It is said that true winners will do today what others aren't willing to do so that they can have tomorrow what most will not have or get to enjoy. Bryant constantly did so, to the point where it made him seem alienated from others, especially earlier in his career. But it resulted in him winning five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals, not to mention scoring more points than any other guard in league history.
With this type of overly developed work ethic and desire, the only thing that can stop Wembanyama from becoming one of the greatest athletes anyone has seen in any sport is health — and it looks like he's doing what he can to get stronger and lower his risk of injury.
The day before the Thunder’s must-win game against the Spurs, Mark Daigneault pulled Isaiah Hartenstein aside.
The Thunder coach wanted his big man to know that even though he didn’t start the second half of the opener of the Western Conference finals, he was going to start the second game of the series. Even though he played only a dozen minutes, he was going to not only play more but also start the game guarding Victor Wembanyama.
“I didn’t feel great about you playing 12 minutes,” Daigneault confessed.
Hartenstein didn’t blink.
“I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do,” he said.
On a night the Thunder had to win — if it falls behind 2-0, who sees it beating the Spurs four of the next five games? — Oklahoma City won for lots of reasons. An offense that was way more aggressive than it had been in Game 1. An MVP who played more like he has so many nights over these past few seasons. A defense that forced the Spurs into 21 turnovers.
But after Wembanyama scored 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in the series opener and the Spurs won in double overtime, it was clear the Thunder had to do something different.
Pundits, both the professional and the amateur varieties, offered suggestions.
Chet Holmgren needs to guard Wemby.
Isaiah Hartenstein needs to come off the bench.
Alex Caruso or Cason Wallace or one of the Thunder’s other defensive dynamos needs to start instead.
Daigneault didn’t do any of those things. In fact, he went full Nietzsche on the NBA, rejecting the conventional wisdom and shunning the league norms. He zigged when everyone else zagged.
And Hartenstein turned Daigneault into a genius.
Wembanyama managed only 21 points and 17 rebounds. Sure, those are still big numbers, but after 41 and 24 in Game 1, 21 and 17 in Game 2 is a significant improvement.
What’s more, Wemby only got off 16 shots and seven of those came from behind the arc.
“At the end of the day, he’s a great player,” Hartenstein said. “Just coming out there, being more physical, just making sure he doesn’t get any easy rim finishes. … Sometimes, you just have to make it as hard as possible.”
That was exactly what Daigneault wanted from Hartenstein.
Exactly what the Thunder needed, too.
“I thought the other night and in the regular season, having wings on him was effective in the macro,” Daigneault explained of the defensive philosophy against Wemby. “The other night, he just had way too much of the restricted (area), but if you zoom out, they turned the ball over a ton, we gave up 101 points in regulation … the quality of shots were what we would want, other than his stuff at the rim.”
About that stuff at the rim …
In Game 1, Wemby got 17 shots in the restricted area. Seventeen! The Thunder, by comparison, got 27 shots in the restricted area, and this is a team that gets to the rim with regularity.
What’s more, Wemby made 11 of those shots at the rim, meaning more than half of his 41 points came at extremely close range.
“Just felt too sustainable,” Daigneault said of those shots, “so we had to make some corrections there.”
Something else gnawed on Daigneault after Game 1.
“The other thing that doesn’t feel good is playing Hart 12 minutes,” the coach said. “It just didn’t feel good to me, but in order to get him extended past that, that’s the match-up.”
“So we decided to start with it,” Daigneault said. “It’s never going to be predetermined that we would do that the whole game.”
But right off the bat, Hartenstein proved himself. A defensive rebound on the first possession of the game. A physical, aggressive approach to guarding Wemby that drew a couple of early fouls but showed the wiry Spurs center something no other Thunder player could.
Size and strength.
While Alex Caruso and Lu Dort, Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams (when those persnickety hamstrings allow it) can be physical with Wembanyama, all of them stand nearly a foot shorter. While Chet Holmgren has the height, he does not have not the brawn.
Enter, Hartenstein.
He’s 7-foot, 250 pounds, and while he tends to play more on the perimeter when the Thunder has the ball, he is more of a traditional center on the defensive end, hunkering down in the paint and trying to make life there difficult for opponents.
Daigneault said, “If you listed all the skills you wanted for a modern center, like a true center, he checks every box. That’s why I love him. The other thing that I love about him is, I played him 12 minutes and he doesn’t bat an eye and turns around tonight and plays a great game.”
Hartenstein limited Wembanyama to only four shots in the restricted area. He made all four, but still. Four shots at the rim in Game 2 is way more manageable than 17 in Game 1.
Wemby actually attempted more shots from behind the arc (six) than at the rim (four).
Credit Hartenstein for forcing Wembanyama to look for open shots other than inside his beloved restricted zone.
“I thought he just did a good job of being physical, making him work all game,” Caruso said. “Which ended up being beneficial for him on the glass late in the game. He cleaned that up offensively and defensively for us.”
There was a stretch with just under five minutes left in the game when Hartenstein scrambled for a long offensive rebound and snagged it, then just a few seconds later got inside rebounding possession and kept out anyone who dared to try to come inside. The very next possession, he was at it again, snagging a miss, getting fouled and going to the free-throw line.
Hartenstein looked like he had early-game energy left at the end.
Wembanyama looked more gassed, getting beat for rebounds he’d often snag. Even though the guy is a unicorn, an alien, a player the likes of which the NBA has never seen, he is still a human who can get tired.
Hartenstein made it so.
“Just making it kind of trench warfare,” Caruso said. “Putting his will on the line to go get the job done.”
It became an afterthought, but Hartenstein was pretty great on the offensive end, too. He finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
Quite the bounceback — for the Thunder and for Hartenstein.
“Coach didn’t call his number much in the first game,” SGA said. “Called it tonight, and he just stood up to the challenge. You need guys like that. You need teammates like that. When you have a room full of guys like that, you get good results.”
Daigneault said, “The guy’s an ultimate compete-together player. He’s a big-time competitor. He’s a big-time team guy.”
Hartenstein shrugged off the idea he’d done something out of the ordinary.
“When you play a team sport, you have to really put your ego aside,” he said. And I trust Mark’s decisions a lot. He does a great job of just communicating before what your role is going to be.”
So when Daigneault pulled Hartenstein aside on Tuesday, the coach said he believed the limited playing time on Monday had been the right thing to do. It had been the right decision in the moment.
“But tonight,” Daigneault said after Game 2 on Wednesday, “I thought the right thing was rolling with him a little longer.”
Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at @jennicarlsonok.bsky.social and twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
After earning a double-bye into the quarterfinals of the 2026 SEC Baseball Tournament, Texas A&M will face the Auburn Tigers in a rematch, with an opportunity to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2023 on the line.
Auburn secured a 3-1 win over LSU on Wednesday night with poor weather conditions beginning to roll into Hoover, Alabama. While it remains unknown whether the inclement weather could cause more issues with scheduling or performance on Thursday, the Aggies must set the tone against a lineup that has no shortage of electric hitters.
In his second season as the skipper in Bryan-College Station, Michael Earley has led an incredible turnaround to place his club in contention to be a top-eight national seed, just one year removed from missing out on competing in the postseason. However, the nagging factor that has prevented Texas A&M from locking down the opportunity to host a regional and super regional at Blue Bell Park is the inconsistency on the mound.
Entering the conference tournament, the Aggies rank 11th in the SEC with a 5.05 team ERA, and their 448 total strikeouts this season rank last. Injuries have played a role in the starting rotation throughout the year, including the absence of right-hander Aiden Sims. During this week's media availability, Earley mentioned that Sims would not pitch in Hoover, as he continues to battle back from tightness that kept him out of last weekend's series win against Mississippi State. That leaves the door open for Ethan Darden, Weston Moss, or Shane Sdao to get the start against the Tigers on Thursday night.
Regardless of who steps on the mound first against Auburn, Texas A&M needs a clean, consistent outing, which is something that it has lacked all year. The Aggies will be matched up against a Tiger lineup that ranks fourth in the SEC in team batting average thus far.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M's hitters have established a reputation for being a nightmare to face for any pitcher in 2026. The Maroon and White lineup ranks third in the SEC in team batting average and second with 114 total home runs, 42 of which have come from outfielder Caden Sorrell and infielder Gavin Grahovac.
Here is how both teams stack up statistically entering Thursday's showdown in Hoover:
Texas A&M hitting:
AVG - .325 (3rd in SEC)
HR - 114 (2nd in SEC)
OPS - .999 (2nd in SEC)
BB - 300 (5th in SEC)
K - 428 (3rd in SEC)
Auburn hitting:
AVG: .298 (4th in SEC)
HR - 70 (11th in SEC)
OPS - .860 (T-9 in SEC)
BB - 238 (12th in SEC)
SO - 418 (1st in SEC)
Texas A&M pitching:
ERA - 5.09 (11th in SEC)
WHIP - 1.40 (9th in SEC)
SO - 448 (16th in SEC)
BB - 144 (1st in SEC)
HR - 81 (15th in SEC)
Auburn pitching:
ERA - 3.55 (1st in SEC)
WHIP - 1.18 (1st in SEC)
SO - 540 (10th in SEC)
BB - 145 (2nd in SEC)
HR - 51 (4th in SEC)
The quarterfinal contest between the Aggies and Tigers is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT, dependent upon the weather conditions at the Hoover Met and the progression of games played before the nightcap. Texas A&M's SEC Tournament matchup against Auburn will be broadcast live on the SEC Network.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
While the Tigers have seemingly led his recruitment from the start, it is still a blow for the Seminoles, who have struggled to keep the top players in the state home recently. There is still plenty of time in the 2027 recruiting cycle, but FSU does not have a commitment from a single top 20 player in the state of Florida and is only seriously involved with a few of them.
Simmons is ranked as the No. 106 overall player and No. 18 wide receiver in the 247Sports composite. He is also the No. 12 player from Florida.
He had a strong junior season at Godby High School, catching 59 passes for 932 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 27 career games, he has caught 116 passes for 2,037 yards and 25 touchdowns, averaging 17.6 yards per catch. He also played some defense as a junior, finishing the year with 25 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups.
The Seminoles still have several of their top wide receivers available, but the pressure is on for them to land them. They are set to host four-star prospects Sean Green and Cam Wade on official visits and are among the top schools for both.
BREAKING: Four-Star WR Jamarin Simmons has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @Rivals
The 5’11 170 WR chose the Tigers over Florida, Florida State, Auburn, and Tennessee
🏆 Arsenal champions after 22 years! Longest ever droughts? 👀
A moment a lifetime in the making. With Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, Arsenal have lifted the Premier League again after twenty-two years. An eternity.
It had started to feel like the title was cursed for the Gunners, to the point that people were already talking about Arteta as the eternal runner-up, Guardiola’s disciple but without Pep’s winning edge. After years of disappointment, though, the student has finally beaten the master, at the end of a campaign they dominated, only partly called into question in the final stretch of the season.
Twenty-two years, as we were saying. A long time, especially for a fanbase that, up until 2004, was used to winning. In football, though, when cycles come to an end, it’s not automatic that you pick up where you left off. And Arsenal are only the latest example.
🏴 Tottenham and United...
If the Gunners have ended their curse, the same certainly cannot be said for their number one rivals, Tottenham. Spurs, who in fact still have to secure safety this year, have not finished top for a staggering 65 years!
Manchester United’s drought is shorter, although Ferguson had set the bar incredibly high for the club’s fans. Since Sir Alex stepped away from management in 2013, however, Premier League titles have been nowhere to be seen: 13 years of suffering around Old Trafford...
Similar to Arsenal’s was the run endured by Liverpool, who before winning the league in 2019/20 had gone almost 30 years without doing so (their previous title came in 1989/90).
The droughts continue, meanwhile, for Everton (39 years), Leeds (44), Nottingham Forest (48) and Aston Villa (45). Villa, however, have plenty of reason not to dwell on it after winning the Europa League last night...
🇮🇹 The Rome clubs and then... Napoli!
In Italy, as we know, the three big clubs have often dominated. Juve, Inter and Milan have won the vast majority of Italian league titles, albeit with alternating periods of difficulty. Perhaps the toughest of all is what Milan are going through, having won only twice in the last22 years, in 2011 and 2022.
Still, that is nothing compared to the 25 years since Roma last won the Scudetto, or the 26 for Lazio. Napoli, meanwhile, have been crowned champions twice in the last three years, but before that their tally had been stuck all the way back in 1990!
🇫🇷 Who still remembers Lyon?
And in France? It goes without saying that PSG’s dominance is now unquestioned, but the French league used to be far more balanced. Lyon, Monaco, Marseille... Every year a different club could win it.
While Lille and Monaco have managed to partially interrupt PSG’s run of success, the same cannot be said for Lyon and OM, clubs that have now been waiting 19 and 17 years respectively for a league title. The problem here is not so much that, but rather the fact that the drought looks destined to get even longer in the future!
🇪🇸 Tough when you’re up against Barça and Real...
In Spain, La Liga is often a matter between the two giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Two clubs that hardly know what the word drought means, something they have experienced at most for a handful of seasons.
So how tough must life be for an colchonero fan? Eleven league titles, compared to Barça’s 29 and Real’s 36. With Simeone’s arrival in 2011, Atlético ended an 18-year Liga curse three years later.
🌍 The others
In Germany, the lack of trophies for Borussia Dortmund is starting to make headlines, with their last Bundesliga title dating back to 2011. Schalke, meanwhile, have not triumphed since 1958!
In Scotland, this year we almost witnessed the end of the Celtic-Rangers duopoly, as the two have shared every title since 1984/85. The last time that did not happen, the winners were Aberdeen, managed by... Sir Alex Ferguson!
Finally, in Turkey, Fenerbahçe have been without a title since 2013, while in Greece Panathinaikos have been waiting 16 years.
The club has asked supporters to help make Wembley a "sea of red" [Getty Images]
Middlesbrough fans have been scrambling to secure Wembley tickets, travel and accommodation after it was confirmed the team would definitely compete in Saturday's Championship play-off final.
Original finalists Southampton had their appeal against expulsion from the play-offs for spying on other clubs' training sessions thrown out late on Wednesday, meaning Boro were reinstated and will face Hull City for a place in the Premier League.
Boro's head of supporter engagement Craig McManus said the club had doubled its staffing to support fans getting down to London.
But he warned transport options were "extremely limited" due to a combination of other national events and planned engineering works.
McManus urged fans to come forward if they were having trouble securing tickets.
"We've got everyone all hands on deck," he said.
"We've got a lot of canny fans and they've already booked their hotels and trains many, many months ago and they've held on to that."
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg said he was proud of the team [PA Media]
At a press conference manager Kim Hellberg said the ups and downs had been a "crazy time" just "trying to keep your head in the game".
"It's been a lot of emotions and I'm very happy to be here," Hellberg said.
"It's a tricky one, it's a weird one, but I'm still very proud of how we handled all those things that's been."
The spygate scandal marred the Championship play-offs [PA Media]
Engineering works mean LNER train services will be reduced in frequency at the weekend with replacement coaches operating between York, Northallerton and Darlington.
However, the train company announced it was putting on an extra service each way between York and London.
City of York Council and First Bus also extended the opening hours of all six of its Park & Ride sites until midnight.
Meanwhile, the club said most of the spots on its official Travel Club coaches had been sold but a "very small number of additional buses may be made available over the coming days".
A limited number of buses would also be made available directly from National Express.
Terry Ainsley, from bus tour agency Family Outings North East, said he had a "mad scramble" to secure coaches for fans at such short notice as a lot of transport was already allocated.
The company said it managed to get coaches from Manchester to come to Teesside.
David Rigg was a groundsman at the club for 15 years [BBC]
The fans' excitement and anticipation only grew with the late confirmation of their play-off spot, with Southampton - who were due to contest the final with Hull - being sanctioned after admitting spying on a number of opponents including Boro.
David Rigg, 77, served as groundsman at Ayresome Park and the Riverside Stadium years between 1987 and 2002.
He said during his time "spying was never heard of" but he was delighted with the EFL ruling.
He told the BBC: "It was disgraceful and I think a lot of people saw it that way, it's in no way sporting and I think they've come to the right decision.
"I certainly never was on the look out for spies. The most I had to do was keep track of Paul Gascoigne, I'd keep him from getting where he wasn't suppose to go."
"Now I just hope the team can go and win at Wembley, especially after all this carry on."
Fans in the town centre were in high spirits saying they were "delighted" and "happy to be there".
However, one said the logistical effort to get to London had "turned into a circus, but it is what it is, so let's see what we can do".
The club said it had sold more than 10,000 tickets so far.
A spokesperson said: "However you are able to get there, let's make Wembley a sea of red."
Teesside Airport, meanwhile, invited fans to come and wave off the team as they fly to London on Friday afternoon.
Verizon's last drop of free 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets is happening just 10 days before the action begins.
The official telecommunication services sponsor for the event, Verizon has been giving away World Cup tickets over the past seven months. This last giveaway, which takes place June 1, will be Verizon's largest with more than 2,500 free tickets given away to 64 matches across all the U.S. host cities, the company says.
Verizon mobile and home customers will get a chance to win tickets on June 1 at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT in the myAccess section of the My Verizon app or the Verizon Access portal on the web. (Giveaway is on a first-come, first-serve basis; travel and accommodations are not included.) Some extra lucky winners will also get “Golden Tickets” allowing them to watch a portion from the game pitchside.
One difference in this wave of free tickets: the giveaways are localized, so customers must have a home address within a 150-mile radius of the host city they want to claim tickets for.
Verizon has a deal to woo new customers who are soccer fans, ahead of the ticket giveaway. New Verizon Home Internet customers can get three months of the Fox One streaming service, which will carry all the matches, for free (for a limited time).
Current Verizon Wireless myPlan customers can add Fox One as a monthly perk for just $15 per month, a savings of about $ off the standard monthly price.
How to win FIFA World Cup tickets from Verizon
The 2026 World Cup begins June 11, 2026 in Mexico City and ends July 19 with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. To win tickets, Verizon customers will want to to the myAccess section of the My Verizon app or the Verizon Access portal on the web at the times below.
Verizon is giving away tickets to matches in these host cities (check FIFA's schedule for when each match takes place).
Pacific U.S. cities (Giveaway begins at noon PT)
Seattle: M16, M32, M52, M63, M82
Los Angeles: M4, M15, M26, M39, M59, M73, M84
San Francisco Bay Area: M8, M20, M31, M44, M60, M81
Central U.S. cities (Giveaway begins at 2 p.m. CT)
Kansas City, Missouri: M19, M34, M58, M69, M87
Dallas: M11, M22, M43, M57, M70, M78, M88
Houston: M10, M23, M35, M47, M65, M76
East Coast cities (Giveaway begins at 3 p.m. ET)
Boston: M5, M18, M30, M45, M61, M74
Atlanta: M14, M25, M38, M50, M72, M80
New York/New Jersey: M7, M17, M41, M56, M67, M77
Miami: M13, M37, M49, M71, M86
Philadelphia: M9, M29, M42, M55, M68
Timed to the promotion: a new Verizon commercial with David Beckham, who has been in ads touting the provider's ability to get customers "Ultimate Access" to the tournament.
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
WATERLOO — There is just under a month to go before the Iowa State basketball team reports for duty and begins the summer grind.
The Cyclones will be doing so without one of their signed incoming freshmen. On May 19, four-star forward Jackson Kiss, who was originally committed to Iowa State, announced that he was flipping to UNLV instead.
As a result of Kiss' change of plans, the Cyclones now have three incoming freshmen and the No. 24 recruiting class for 2026, according to 247 Sports' rankings.
While Kiss' decommitment and flip to UNLV was a surprise for Cyclone fans, Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger affirms that there is no bad blood over the late change.
"Unbelievable young man, committed to our program for a period of time and as we got into approaching into the summer, Jackson was looking for an opportunity for more immediate playing time than what we may have available in our program and we totally support him in that endeavor," Otzelberger told the Register. "We want to have guys that we have the opportunity that fits them at that point in time. For Jackson, as he's continued on his journey and he's settled on things that, for him, as a freshman, the most important thing is getting on the court and getting minutes, and — right now — in our program that may be tough to do when you're competing against guys who have the experience that our guys do."
Iowa State still has a trio of incoming freshmen from the recruiting class of 2026: four-star big man Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan, four-star guard Christian Wiggins and three-star point guard Yusef Gray Jr.
There are also five additions through the transfer portal, two of them are frontcourt pieces: Tre Singleton (Northwestern) and Taj Manning (Kansas State). Jaquan Johnson (Bradley), Ryan Prather Jr. (Robert Morris) and Leon Bond III (Northern Iowa) will bolster the backcourt.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Kiss originally committed to Iowa State back in October and signed in November. He is a consensus four-star big man with a versatile skill set. He plays with a high motor on both ends of the court and possesses playmaking abilities and solid footwork.
A native of New Zealand, he moved stateside to help cultivate his basketball career. He attends Utah Prep and was a former teammate of consensus first-team All-American A.J. Dybantsa. He also served as a member of New Zealand's 2024 U-17 national team, helping them take fourth place at the 2024 FIBA U-17 World Cup, the highest finish in team history.
Despite Kiss' departure, the Cyclones are prepared to move forward with summer preparation with their current roster and not make any changes.
There is still an opportunity to make a late roster addition through the transfer portal, but that doesn't seem to be a focus at the moment. However, Otzelberger and his staff aren't completely ruling out that option.
"We just take things as they come, it'd be reasonable to think that our roster is set and we stay where we're at," Otzelberger said. "But, you never want to say never. You just don't know what could happen, so I'd say at this point, we're looking at our roster like we have our team in place and we're moving forward. We're not looking at that as a position we need to fill, but at the same time, you just never know how things continue to evolve."
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
The New York Giants' defense is undergoing a transformation this offseason. Several captains were sent packing (Dexter Lawrence, Bobby Okereke), and new faces that fit the vision of the new regime under head coach John Harbaugh have been brought in.
One of the biggest changes is at off-ball linebacker, where free agent Tremaine Edmunds and top draft pick Arvell Reese will be stationed this season. They are taking the places of Okereke and Micah McFadden, who is now a backup.
The obvious difference between the old and new players is height. Okereke and McFadden are listed at 6-foot-2. The incoming pair are 6-foot-4 or taller.
Tom Rock of Newsday recently spoke to Edmunds about the shift to taller players in the off-ball linebacker community.
"I said to him (Reese), 'There are not a lot of times that you find someone that you are looking eye-level with, at least for me, because I have always kind of been an outlier as far as one of the taller guys,'" Edmonds said. "But the league is changing. A lot of teams are going out and getting taller with some bigger guys. That's life in the NFL. It’s always evolving."
The Giants are not looking to become trend-setters here; they're just keeping current with the times. The tradition was to have lower-to-the-ground players in the linebacker ranks. No more. Big, tall, fast is in vogue.
According to Stathead Football, the average size of an NFL linebacker in 2025 was 6 feet, 2.12 inches, but that included outside linebackers as well; they tend to skew taller. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, for example, are 6-5 and Abdul Carter is 6-4.
It’s rare to find the kind of height the Giants now have with their off-the-ball skyscrapers because of the variety of skills and requirements called for by the position. Those players have to be able to plug holes at the line of scrimmage and drop back into coverage. They need to be bulldozers and drag racers.
The choice of Reese with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft makes a ton of sense now. It did at the time as well, but now, you can see the vision the Giants are forming for their defense.
"He is 6-4-plus, 240-something pounds, yet he moves like a smaller guy," Harbaugh said of Reese at the Giants' recent minicamp. "He moves his feet. He can flip his hips. Very natural-looking mover off the ball, which was something we saw on tape. We thought we saw it, but now we saw it on the practice field, so we feel better about it.’’
Opposing offenses won't, though. The Giants plan on being everything all at once this year on defense.
Denver reached agreements on four-year rookie contracts with safety Miles Scott, tight end Justin Joly, linebacker Red Murdock, tight end Dallen Bentley, offensive lineman Kage Casey and running back Jonah Coleman over the last two weeks. The only remaining unsigned member of the team's draft class is third-round defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim.
So, what's the holdup?
Onyedim is one of six players picked at the top of the third round who have not yet signed with their respective clubs. The first pick in the third round was Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck, and some of the players picked immediately after the QB are waiting to sign until Beck's deal is finalized, according to the Denver Post's Luca Evans.
As a quarterback, Beck might have some leverage to negotiate some guaranteed base salary. If the Cardinals grant that, players picked in the same range will want some guaranteed salary, too. Beck was picked 65th overall in April's draft and Onyedim was picked one spot later (66th overall) by Denver. While fans wait for Onyedim to eventually sign, Beck's status in Arizona will be worth monitoring.
Girls and women's flag football is early in what appears to be a huge boom, and now UTEP alum Sam Singleton is riding the first wave.
Singleton, a cornerback on the 2000 WAC championship team who got his UTEP degree a year later, has been tasked with starting up the inaugural women's flag football team at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas.
The Yellow Jackets will compete for an official championship in the American Southwest Conference in 2026, one of 13 collegiate conferences nationwide that sponsors the sport. To that end, Singleton has begun the work of creating a program that will debut in the spring.
Sam Singelton to build flag football program at Howard Payne
"There's nobody that has a blueprint," Singleton said. "So if I land one of these (jobs), I'm going to be a pioneer in this thing, I'm going to be right at the forefront to build a program with the support of our AD.
"It's humbling to know I'm being part of history. I'm paving the way not just for my (9-year-old) daughter but other young ladies joining the sport."
The 48-year-old Singleton, who also ran track at UTEP, has an extensive coaching background and began to get familiar with the flag football version of the game in 2019 in his hometown of San Angelo when he was a director for the Boys and Girls Club.
He moved to Midland the next year and since then he has coached arena football professionally, was the head coach at Texas Leadership Charter Academy and held several different coaching positions in Ector County ISD, including a stint as secondary coach for Odessa Permian.
Through all that he never lost his passion for flag football and kept doing that on the side, coaching his daughter in the Permian Basin Youth Football League. The longer he did that, while watching the sport grow at the high school and college levels, he decided to pursue that career path.
He saw where the sport is headed.
"Coaching flag with these girls really sparked a fire in me, especially seeing my daughter," Singleton said. "This thing can really take off if I dig deeper."
Flag football enjoys boom time
He talked with Stillman University in Alabama about its job, but eventually decided staying in West Texas, where he has spent almost his entire life, with his wife and child, was the way to go. He interviewed with Howard Payne, a private Baptist university, in mid-April and was officially announced as the program's first coach on May 1.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Singleton to Howard Payne University," athletic director Adam Bright said. "Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and we are excited to bring that momentum to our campus. Just as important, we are proud to have a West Texas native leading the charge in building this program and connecting it to our region."
Howard Payne, a Division III school that doesn't offer athletic scholarships, announced last fall it was going to sponsor flag football, joining more than 240 schools nationwide that have added women's flag football in the past two years.
Flag football catching on
There are 10 schools in Texas that officially sponsor the sport, including six in the American Southwest Conference that Howard Payne competes in. At this point, the sport is biggest in Division III, which doesn't offer scholarships and makes it more affordable than schools that offer scholarships.
Everything about girls and women's flag football is moving quickly. It's in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and on Tuesday, May 19, the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact gave a formal recommendation to make it an championship sport. Its first championship is projected for spring 2028.
Texas' high school governing body, the University Interscholastic League, has been studying sanctioning girls flag (17 states already do) and will give an update at its June 10 meeting.
At the moment, the NFL sanctions girls flag in Texas through the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys and more than 160 Texas schools have it, including almost everyone in El Paso starting last spring.
"This sport is growing rapidly nationwide, and we're proud to be part of a forward-thinking group of institutions in the ASC that are working together to create new pathways for women to compete, lead and succeed at the collegiate level," Bright said when HPU announced its sponsorship of the sport.
Singleton begins the work of assembling a team
Singleton's first job, obviously, is finding players. He's getting familiar with the recruiting service scoutSMART and will be back this direction at the beginning of August recruiting a tournament in Las Cruces being put on by El Pasoan Johnny Rivers of Sports X Inc., a major sponsor of competitions for flag football.
"We have a budget, now I have to go get girls," Singleton said. "We're building our roster through the values of Howard Payne. I'm trying to get to 12 to 15 girls this year, second year bump up to 18, the third year, 2028, is when they are going to do NCAA championships.
"The rollout is very steep, it's going to be monumental."
Then he has to continue to teach and coach the sport.
"It's a different game," Singleton said. "There are the same concepts, but there is more skill and finesse in flag compared to the grit and grind of traditional 11-man. It's exciting to see the support around the world. This wave is going to his big before the Olympics."
When the NCAA fully takes over the college version of the sport in 2028, it will be walking into a good situation.
"By the time this thing is settled in and the NCAA takes the horns, it's going to be settled," Singleton said. "It will be ready to roll. This provides opportunities for young ladies to get the college experience through the game of football."
That's gone from zero to supersonic speeds in just a few years and Singleton is ecstatic to come along for the ride.
About flag football
Flag football is a non-contact sport played with seven players per side on an 80-yard field, emphasizing speed, strategy, and teamwork. Teams typically include 20-25 athletes, and most competition takes place in the spring semester.
Texas teams sponsoring women's flag football
At the moment 10 colleges and universities in Texas offer flag football, including six in the Division III American Southwest Conference. UT-Arlington is the only Division I program and there are no Division II programs offering the sport.
UT-Arlington, Division I
Concordia, Division III
American Southwest Conference, Division III: Howard Payne, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry, Mary-Hardin Baylor, Schriener.
Texas Wesleyan, NAIA
Our Lady of the Lake, NAIA
Bret Bloomquist can be reached, bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
“It hurts” – Nagelsmann on tough call to leave Stuttgart duo out of World Cup squad
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann faced several difficult decisions when selecting his World Cup squad.
In the end, he was unable to find room for everyone and was forced to trim his selection to 26 players, with VfB Stuttgart duo Maximilian Mittelstädt and Chris Führich among those who narrowly missed out.
“They are both in strong form and have taken good steps forward. They were among the difficult decisions,” Nagelsmann said.
“With ‘Maxi’ (Mittelstädt), it honestly hurts a lot, and I feel very sorry for him. He has developed really well. He was at the Euros and then not involved for a while. Nevertheless, he always spoke very positively about the situation. From a sporting point of view, he has little to reproach himself for.
“But David (Raum) and ‘Nene’ (Brown) also have nothing to reproach themselves for. He (Mittelstädt) struggled a bit before the World Cup qualifiers, then both of them performed very well. We debated whether we could adjust our system differently. In the end, you unfortunately have to make a decision. But it’s not like he doesn’t deserve to be there,” added the Germany coach.
On Führich, who is set to face FC Bayern Munich with VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, Nagelsmann said:
“Chris will have a great game on Saturday. Unfortunately, with us he never showed his Stuttgart form. We therefore had to make a difficult decision.”
Florida's dilemma at quarterback has been the prevailing storyline as it relates to offseason position battles for the Gators. While the fight for signal-calling duties will be pivotal, other competitions could shape Florida's first season under Jon Sumrall.
Another important question for the Gators focuses on left tackle. The program lost Austin Barber to the NFL draft, leaving big shoes to fill in Phil Trautwein's unit. The former national champion and Gators alumnus will be in search of consistency and stability to backfill the tackle position.
With Buster Faulker's offense built on timing and tempo, protecting the quarterback will be pivotal and a defining factor of the 2026 season. Redshirt juniors Caden Jones and Eagan Boyer are projected to compete for these major roles on the line.
At the linebacker position, the Gators lost experienced veteran Grayson Howard to the transfer portal, leaving Aaron Chiles, Jaden Robinson and Malik Morris competing for snaps on the weak side next to Myles Graham who is the expected starter.
Last season, Howard and Robinson split starting duties before Howard's season was cut short due to an ankle injury. Graham stepped into a leadership role last fall for Florida, emerging as a sophomore to wear the "green dot." His 76 total tackles and five-and-a-half tackles for loss helped cement him as a star for Brad White's defense.
Depth at wide receiver could pose the most intriguing battle in Gainesville. Vernell Brown III and Eric Singleton Jr. are almost certain to get starting nods, but the third and fourth receiver spots remain fluid with several talented candidates fighting for recognition. Former five-star prospect Dallas Wilson will join Micah Mays, Bailey Stockton and TJ Abrams in a battle for rotational minutes and targets.
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.
The bats have cooled off the past three weeks, with nobody batting over .500.
Pinckney junior Addison Wroblewski is an exception, boosting her average from .471 through April to .485, good enough to vault from seventh to first in the county.
Here are the county’s softball statistical leaders through games of Wednesday, May 20:
Batting average
(Minimum 35 at-bats)
.485, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
.482, Zoey Overton, Howell
.477, Leighton Scott, Howell
.446, Reese Dunny, Hartland
.438, Jada Chelenyak, Pinckney
.431, Clem Stevens, Howell
.431, Kennedy Stone, Howell
.429, Natally Pease, Pinckney
.424, Lily Hoag, Howell
.418, Kiely Davis, Fowlerville
.396, Anna Minnick, Brighton
.378, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
.371, Annabelle Szumlinski, Fowlerville
.368, Libby Carah, Brighton
.366, Allison Ulanowski, Howell
.366, McKenna Maybee, Fowlerville
.365, Emme Kottong, Hartland
.360, Ella Olrich, Fowlerville
.360, Michaela Gulledge, Fowlerville
.356, Mackenzie Carter, Howell
.349, Caitlin Watripont, Howell
.329, Kaitlyn Brennan, Hartland
.325, Lucy Nelson, Hartland
.322, Sophia May, Howell
.317, Payton Ryan, Fowlerville
.311, Holland Urbain, Brighton
.309, Reese Vawter, Brighton
.309, Lauren Damron, Brighton
.309, Addy Mach, Hartland
Runs batted in
47, Zoey Overton, Howell
38, Natally Pease, Pinckney
33, Jada Chelenyak, Pinckney
32, Libby Carah, Brighton
29, Leighton Scott, Howell
28, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
26, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
24, Kaitlyn Brennan, Hartland
22, Ella Olrich, Fowlerville
21, Kiely Davis, Fowlerville
18, Lily Hoag, Howell
18, Reese Dunny, Hartland
17, Sophia May, Howell
17, Anna Minnick, Brighton
17, McKayla Fletcher, Fowlerville
17, Annabelle Szumlinski, Fowlerville
17, Tess Raymond, Pinckney
17, Morgan Kubat, Pinckney
Runs
42, Zoey Overton, Howell
39, Natally Pease, Pinckney
37, Anna Minnick, Brighton
36, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
30, Leighton Scott, Howell
30, Libby Carah, Brighton
30, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
30, Emme Kottong, Hartland
30, Tess Raymond, Pinckney
29, Kiely Davis, Fowlerville
29, McKenna Maybee, Fowlerville
Doubles
13, Leighton Scott, Howell
12, Natally Pease, Pinckney
11, Libby Carah, Brighton
10, Anna Minnick, Brighton
9, Zoey Overton, Howell
9, Lily Hoag, Howell
9, Kiely Davis, Fowlerville
8, Kaitlyn Brennan, Hartland
8, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
8, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
Triples
6, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
6, Reese Dunny, Hartland
6, Emme Kottong, Hartland
6, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
6, Natally Pease, Pinckney
4, Leighton Scott, Howell
3, Michaela Gulledge, Fowlerville
Home runs
10, Zoey Overton, Howell
7, Natally Pease, Pinckney
5, Leighton Scott, Howell
2, Laya McCarthy, Howell
2, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
2, Kaitlyn Brennan, Hartland
2, Jada Chelenyak, Pinckney
Stolen bases
23, Anna Minnick, Brighton
21, Emme Kottong, Hartland
17, McKenna Maybee, Fowlerville
17, Addison Wroblewski, Pinckney
16, Caitlin Watripont, Howell
15, Lucy Nelson, Hartland
14, Kendall Peckens, Brighton
13, Libby Carah, Brighton
13, Emma Fesl, Pinckney
12, Tess Raymond, Pinckney
Earned run average
(Minimum 15 innings)
2.28, Allison Ulanowski, Howell
2.89, Bailey Hill, Brighton
3.29, Rylee Gulledge, Fowlerville
3.57, Jada Chelenyak, Pinckney
Strikeouts
124, Rylee Gulledge, Fowlerville
111, Bailey Hill, Brighton
109, Natally Pease, Pinckney
71, Jada Chelenyak, Pinckney
61, Allison Ulanowski, Howell
40, Kate Anderson, Howell
32, Reese Vawter, Brighton
20, Molly Rowe, Hartland
20, Payton Ryan, Fowlerville
Contact Bill Khan at wkhan@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @BillKhan
After the clouds put on a lightning display to halt to the Bloomington South girls track sectional on Tuesday, the Panthers girls took over from there with a flashy display of their own Wednesday, May 20 when the meet finished up.
The Panthers dominated a still rainy day with perhaps an all-time performance, scoring the most points ever at the local sectional, with 207½ topping North's 189 in 2019 thanks to nine individual titles and a sweep of the relays.
"I'm thrilled with how they did," South coach Jill Rensink said. "Not the greatest conditions for us and to have to come back and go again today. I'm thrilled. I think they've all wrapped their brains around the fact that we have a shot to do something pretty special this year and they have all bought into it."
Double individual winners included senior Ellie Barada, who blasted a school record 4:43.73 (beating her record mark from a week ago by .2 and the meet record by 11 seconds) and won the 800 in 2:11.86. Junior Lexi Kollbaum, who had a career best 4:50.01 and a 2:16.88 in those races respectively, was second in both races. They book ended the winning 4x800 relay (9:21.27) and 4x400 relay (meet record 3:59.09).
Senior Adriene Shaevitz swept the hurdles, winning the 100s in a meet record 14.05 and the 300s in 46.46. Senior Helena Cutshall was first in the 100 (12.59) and won long jump (16-10½). Both helped the 4x100 relay win in a meet record 48.38, third best ever time for the Panthers.
"(Cutshall) has had such a hard time with injuries (knee, back)," Rensink said. "So, to see her come out of here with three sectional titles is great."
Senior Violet Hall, the 4x100 relay anchor, took the 200 in 25.54 while senior Jasmine Martoglio roared past the meet record by 11 seconds in the 3,200 with a career best 10:38.70, just four seconds from sister Aurelia's school record.
"She's been waiting for that for a while," Rensink said.
But for Rensink, it was great to see several freshmen and sophomores not only contribute to the team score but also earn some valuable experience next week at regional.
Freshman Reese Robertson has taken to high jump, winning with a career best 5-4, snaking over on her last attempt. Freshman Claire Hill was runner-up in both hurdles at 15.18 and 47.28. Sophomore Edith Long was a runner-up in the 200 (26.91) and third in the 400 (1:02.07) and sophomore Chelsea Johnson was third in pole vault (9-0).
"Edie qualified for two events in her first year really running track," Rensink said. "There's more in there that we haven't tapped yet. Reece was phenomenal. I think in middle school she went 4-8. Claire just keeps getting better. She had two PRs today.
"It's really promising to see we have some freshmen heading to regionals."
The top three in each event automatically advanced, while the next four best competitors in each event will be pulled up from the combined results from the sectionals at Bloomington, Columbus, Madison and Seymour.
North was second at 116½, then Edgewood at 103½ as the top three far outstripped the field. Brown County (35) and Martinsville (34) rounded out the top five. Eastern Greene (27) and Owen Valley (20) went 7-8.
South's shot put area is well outside the fence around the track and up a small rise behind the visiting bleachers.
Crider made it through with a runner-up finish in the 100 at 12.76 and anchored the 4x100 relay team of Kelsey Davis, Ella LaRoche and Langley Hill to second and a school record 50.00, .15 better than the old mark from conference.
Somewhere in between those races, she ducked out to win shot put with a 38-2.
"We scratched her from the 200 just because it was one more prelim and final and back and forth," Edgewood coach Kyle Walter said. "I think she missed out on some warm-up time over there at shot because she always just doing whatever she has to do. She doesn't get that controlled environment like the others.
"I think she was a little reluctant when we initially presented it to her."
Crider was in the weight room one day when assistant coach Scott Fischer had her throw a medicine ball against the wall as hard as she could. Watching the result, Fischer told her she could be a 40-foot shot put thrower.
"She loves it now," Walter said. "It's been fun to watch."
Edgewood had two other sectional champs as sophomore Mikayla Prater tossed a 127-8 on a wet surface to start the finals in discus while LaRoche made it over 10-0 to win pole vault.
"We've been really lucky this year with all three of those girls," Walter said. "And they should all three have a really good chance to get out next week."
Senior Hannah Crain was second in the 3,200 (11:14.78) and fourth in the 1,600 (5:03.33), which is likely to get called up. Ava Norton was also third in shot put and Davis was third in the 300 hurdles.
North's Winkle making strides
North sophomore Sophie Winkle has taken some huge steps, and as a result, earned spots at regional with a PR of 15.42 for third in the 100s hurdles and taking second in the long jump at 16-2¼. She was also fourth in the 300 hurdles (PR 48.08) with a likely call back.
"You just look at the growth from last year and see how much she's improved," North coach Justin Helmer said. "She didn't long jump last year, and all around, we just don't have jumpers right now. We asked her to try long jump at the beginning of the year. It was 13 feet, but then all of a sudden, its 15 feet and now 16.
"She just wants to be good and she's dedicated to this sport. She gets emotional. She gets pumped up when she does well and frustrated when she doesn't, but that's just the competitor in her. She has been absolutely great."
North's lone sectional champ was another sophomore, Lucah Feagans, in the 400 with a PR of 59.96, while junior Ashley Greer was a double qualifier in the shot put (34-7½) and discus (117-6), taking second in both. Jossilyn Draughn was third in the 200. All three relays got through as well.
North is expecting a few call-ups, with Hayden McGuire going 2:18.29 in the 800 but settling for fourth.
"I think we got everything that we felt like we knew we'd get through," Helmer said. "Delilah was fourth in the pole vault so we hope she gets pulled through. But overall, we had some good performances.
"Lucah in the 400, that put her in our top 10. Hayden was a big PR for her, puts her No. 3 or 4 all-time at North. Ashley had a good day in the throws."
Eastern Greene, OV qualifiers
Only eight of the 48 auto qualifiers were not from Monroe County's Big Three.
Eastern Greene saw its 4x800 team of senior Esther Crane, Cheyenne Bahr, Avery Fuller and freshman Juniper Crane break the school record while taking third in 10:22.02, edging out the 10:22.44 from the 2023 regional that Esther helped set as a freshman.
Kena Maddox also took second in high jump at 5-1. Esther was fourth in the 3,200 in 11:41.80 and hoping for a call-up.
Owen Valley's lone qualifier came at the end of the night with the 4x400 team running a 4:13.12 for third.
Martinsville's Laura Barco took third in the 800 (2:17.88) and 1,600 (4:59.54).
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH SECTIONAL
Team scores: Bloomington South 207½, Bloomington North 116½, Edgewood 103½, Brown County 35, Martinsville 34, Clay City 30, Eastern Greene 27, Owen Valley 20, White River Valley 16, Linton 15, Cloverdale 10½, Eminence 3, Bloomfield 3, Shakamak 2, Lighthouse Christian NS.
Top 3 in each event and those who meet or exceed the state standard (in parenthesis) automatically advance to regional
100 (12.23): 1. Helena Cutshall, BS 12.59; 2. Macey Crider, Edg 12.76; 3. Alaina Bunnell, BS 12.82; 4. Jossilyn Draughn, BN 13.26; 5. McKenzie Allen, L 13.38; 6. Leanne Hash, BC 13.41; 7. Katarina Reuter, OV 13.54; 8. Layla Wolff, M 13.82.
During a recent appearance on the 'Ross Tucker Football Podcast', Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith revealed he's not sure what to do with the additional time this offseason after missing the playoffs.
"I'm excited to get back to work, period. This is the longest offseason I've had. I'm already a little bit antsy. I want to get back to lifting," said Smith, "I want to get back to lifting and stuff. I'm trying to be smart and let the body heal and let everything take its course."
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 18, 2026
Smith was selected in the 6th round, 226th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he had only experienced long playoff runs, including multiple Super Bowl titles. He discussed being focused on preparation for next season and building on his success.
"I feel like being more detail-oriented, paying attention to the smaller things. Being more consistent, especially with my game," said Smith, "At the end of the day, just approaching it with a renewed sense of excitement. I feel like for us, just going out there and being the best version of ourselves, and not necessarily reinventing the wheel, but doing the little things right and being detailed in our work."
Smith is a two-time Pro Bowler and continues to be an anchor at guard on the Chiefs' offensive line.
The BYU-Notre Dame game is already officially locked into the calendar for Oct. 17. After both programs barely missed the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff last season, the game is now being seen as a potential CFP eliminator or a major launching point for whichever program comes out on top.
How an Annual BYU-Notre Dame Game Benefits Both Schools
Prominent college football analyst Blaine Fowler shared his thoughts on the possibility of the BYU-Notre Dame game turning into an annual rivalry.
“I really like the idea,” Fowler said on Wednesday. “I think it could become one of the great rivalries in college football, and I think it’d be great for BYU. In the Big 12, it feels like, since you know, BYU hasn’t been in the college football playoff, at least not with this number of teams in the playoff the last couple of years, that a Notre Dame game, especially a win against Notre Dame, would make all the difference. You could lose the Big 12 championship game and still get in.”
Under the current 12-team College Football Playoff structure, BYU’s clearest path into the postseason is winning the Big 12 and claiming an automatic berth. However, if the Cougars struggle with a demanding nine-game conference schedule, unbeaten but suffer a narrow loss in the conference title game, their at-large chances would likely sit on the edge.
A loss to a school like Notre Dame would not heavily damage BYU’s standing with the selection committee, but a win could dramatically elevate the school’s playoff case.
As for Notre Dame, the program is fiercely independent and does not participate in a conference championship game. So, its playoff hopes depend entirely on the quality of its regular-season schedule.
If the Irish finish 10-2 against weaker competition, they lack the extra boost that conference title games provide. That is why Fowler believes Notre Dame also benefits greatly from establishing a permanent rivalry with BYU.
“But it’s not just on BYU’s side that they need this thing,” Fowler said. “Notre Dame needs it too, and you think about Notre Dame with scheduling these days… They need some strength to schedule games, and it feels like for Marcus Freeman and his crew that some of their old natural rivals, USC, Michigan, are saying, ‘No. The way the Big 10 is these days, we don’t need to play anybody non-conference other than our Big 10 matchups. So, we’re not going to play Notre Dame anymore.’
“Notre Dame needs some quality games. They need this game maybe more than BYU does, and it could become a great national rivalry that everyone pays attention to each year when the two teams play. So I love it, and I think both teams could use it for sure.”
The two schools have met nine times since their first meeting in 1992, with Notre Dame holding a 7-2 advantage when Marcus Freeman and the Irish travel to Provo in October. Kalani Sitake’s squad will attempt to snap a four-game losing streak in the series.
According to the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter, Notre Dame currently has an 82.9% chance to reach the playoff, while BYU sits at 29.7%.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Mathys Tel of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images) | Offside via Getty Images
Well, I clearly forgot to do the hoddle today.
This is what I get for staying up last night watching the finale of Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. It wasn’t the best finale of Survivor I’ve seen, but it was a finale.
Anyways I fell asleep after watching it instead of doing the hoddle.
So here we are.
Today was supposed to be about the EFL Champ playoff final. It won’t be. I’ll do a double bill tomorrow on the EFL Championship and Matchday 38. Til then here is your hoddle, sans links, to be used at your whim.
Fitzie’s track of the day:It’s Raining Again, by Supertramp
And now for your links:
no links today because someone forgot to do the hoddle
And the Pats are paying Jones about $3 million more this season (and have him signed for two more seasons) than Chaisson is getting from the Commanders.
Does that actually make sense? ESPN's Bill Barnwell questions it in a new article on Thursday.
"Jones is a good pass rusher and a solid player, and the Pats were able to get a two-year commitment, but he's also three years older than Chaisson and a more inconsistent run defender," Barnwell writes. "There's never any room for sentiment in New England, but it would have been nice to see the Patriots reward one of their developmental success stories from 2025, and there's a chance Chaisson's upward trajectory still had some room for growth."
Chaisson has turned his career around the past couple of seasons, and while he was a bargain for New England a year ago, that doesn't mean the Pats should've avoided paying him what he was worth now.
"Chaisson was viewed as a massive bust during his time with the Jaguars, but the onetime first-round pick revitalized his career with the Raiders in 2024 and then had a career year with the Pats in 2025," Barnwell writes. "In a starting role, Chaisson managed 7.5 sacks and 18 knockdowns, making multiple big plays to help seal games late. It was inevitable that he was going to earn a raise on the $3 million he made with the Patriots in 2025."
Jones could end up looking like a solid signing for the Patriots, but the longer-term investment for an older player also has the potential to backfire.
For whatever reason, the Pats opted not to stick with the guy they already had, and so Chaisson is gone and replaced by Jones, maybe at an unexpectedly odd cost.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the least popular great teams to climb the NBA mountaintop in some time, and NBC’s Mike Tirico can’t understand why.
As Tirico calls the Thunder’s second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals, he has revealed the depths of his frustration with the team’s reputation around the NBA and within other fanbases.
In an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Show ahead of Game 2 of the conference finals, Tirico said that “it bothers” him to see criticism of the Thunder over their style of play, the size of the city, or anything else, calling Oklahoma City “the Green Bay of the NBA.”
“The fanbase is unbelievable, the organization’s rock solid, they invest back in their team,” Tirico said.
Some will argue that the Thunder get an unfair whistle on both sides of the court, given that they play incredibly physical defense while MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander feeds on a hefty number of free throws on the other end. And given that they rebuilt quickly in a smaller market, they are an easy target for fans more used to big stars forcing trades to glamour markets.
Tirico is hearing none of it.
“Their stars, OK, SGA draws fouls. Great. He’s also really damn good at drawing fouls. He’s a really damn good player. And he got the MVP, came back and got more efficient,” Tirico noted. “Their players are hard workers. When you see (them) do the interviews after the game, when one’s there, they’re all there. They’re all about each other. They’ve set a tone for the culture for the rest of the league to be about each other.”
“What’s not to like about this team? Because they play physical defense? Because they are aggressive defensively and you feel like they get the benefit of the whistle? They earn it,” he said. “They earn it by the way they play. If the league wants to change, completely, how defense is played, they can legislate that. But what is there to dislike about a team that does it the right way? It bothers me.”
If nothing else, many of the factors Tirico highlighted are giving OKC an identity. Even if the style of play might be off-putting to some. In the big picture of the league and how many fans tune into Tirico’s broadcasts on NBC, interest and curiosity matter more than straight-up likeability.
Few countries can match England’s depth of attacking talent right now – which is exactly what makes Thomas Tuchel’s No 10 dilemma so fascinating.
Ahead of Friday’s World Cup squad announcement, the England manager still faces a huge decision over who should be trusted as the creative heartbeat of his side this summer.
Jude Bellingham may be the established star, but injuries, form and tactical balance have opened the door to serious competition.
Cole Palmer remains one of the most naturally gifted attacking players in world football despite an inconsistent season at Chelsea disrupted by injury, while Phil Foden is still searching for the form that made him one of Europe’s standout players just a year ago.
Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers has quietly emerged as one of Tuchel’s most trusted options after an outstanding campaign for Aston Villa.
Tuchel has spent recent weeks travelling across the country watching contenders in person before finalising his squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico – and now we want to know who readers would pick.
So who should start as England’s No 10 this summer? Vote in the poll below and tell us your views in the comments.
Washington has offered an international prospect who has never played a game of football.
New Zealander Tarquin Schwalger, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound tight end/offensive lineman who reports arms of nearly 36 inches and an 83-inch wingspan at only 16 years old on his social media, reported an offer from the Huskies on Wednesday.
Schwalger also has offers from Cal, Boston College, North Carolina, Syracuse, UCLA, Auburn, Louisville, and Florida State, among others, according to his social media feed.
His offer from Washington comes after the NFL Academy Asia-Pacific, located in Queensland, Australia, traveled to IMG Academy in Florida to showcase a number of their prospects coming up in the region. NFL Academy has deeper roots in England, where the league runs its Europe-Africa program, but Schwalger is one of seven prospects from around Oceania currently listed on the Asia-Pacific roster.
A former member of the U15 national basketball team in New Zealand, Schwalger has also competed at the national level in swimming and at a high level in volleyball. His trip to IMG with his compatriots was the first time he had experienced full contact in pads. The NFL scouted him at a national basketball tournament and offered him the first scholarship to the Australia-based academy for a non-Australian.
Listed by the academy as a tight end, Schwalger's favorite player is San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. Given his broad athletic experience before putting on the pads and impressive list of offers since his time in the US, it appears as though Schwalger will be a quick study to the game. Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch may offer a unique perspective to his development, considering his close ties to Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. The Eagles just drafted a Nigerian defensive tackle, Uar Bernard, in the seventh round despite Bernard never playing a game of football before as well.
Washington will also be pursuing No. 1 in-state player Tytan McNeal at tight end in 2028, but Schwalger would likely be on a much more developmental path than McNeal, who would likely be in the mix right away given Fisch's propensity to play freshmen.
A dominant Hurricanes team and battle-tested Canadiens squad are ready to fight for a berth in the Stanley Cup Final, starting with Game 1 on Thursday night.
Carolina has not yet dropped a game in the NHL Playoffs, sweeping Ottawa and Philadelphia in the first two rounds. The Hurricanes will try to shake off the rust in front of the home crowd after taking a nearly two-week break between series.
Montreal took a much more challenging road to the Eastern Conference Finals, as it needed seven games to defeat both Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Can the Canadiens hand the Hurricanes their first postseason loss?
Here is everything you need to know about Hurricanes vs. Canadiens, including TV and streaming options for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
How to watch Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 1: TV channel, live stream
Game 1 between the Hurricanes and Canadiens will air live on TNT and truTV. The game will also be available to stream on DIRECTV.
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Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 1 start time
Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Game 1 between the Hurricanes and Canadiens is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21. The game will be played at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Ethan Anderson #57 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Norfolk second baseman Payton Eeles had himself a big game, going 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two walks, and a run scored. The rest of the lineup when 1-for-27 with five walks and 14 strikeouts. The only other hitter with a hit was Bryan Ramos. The team went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Trey Gibson started on the mound, but went just three innings, allowing a run on three hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. Gerald Ogando was the standout for the Tides, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings and recording all four outs via strikeout. Nick Raquet had a tough afternoon. He allowed two runs in 1.1 innings and made two fielding errors. Josh Walker coughed up a run in his 1.1 innings or work. And Alex Pham worked a scoreless eighth inning to close the book on the pitching staff for the game.
Chesapeake were actually outhit by visiting Somerset 12-9, but they also walked 12 times and hit four home runs as part of the onslaught. Ethan Anderson got the scoring going with a solo homer un the first inning as part of his 1-for-2 game with three walks and three runs scored. Aron Estrada added two hits, a double and a home run, plus three runs scored and four RBI. Carter Young hit his fourth home run of the season while Tavian Josenberger went deep for the second time. Thomas Sosa had a 2-for-2 game with a double, three walks, and two runs scored.
Seven different Baysox pitchers took the mound in the winning effort. The first four hurlers allowed eight runs over 4.1 innings. That included starter Juaron Watts-Brown, who recorded just two outs and allowed three runs. The final three pitchers combined for 4.2 shutout frames. Cohen Achen earned the win, striking out two over 1.2 innings. Ben Vespi also had a nice outing, striking out three in his 1.2 shutdown frames.
High-A: Frederick Keys 6, Greenville Drive (Red Sox) 4
Eight of the Keys nine hitters collected hits. Many of them had multiple as the team collected 17 base knocks altogether, though only one went for extra bases. Leandro Arias led the way with his 4-for-5 game that included an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Wehiwa Aloy had two hits and a stolen base. Victor Figueroa had two hits of his own to go with a walk and two runs scored. Colin Yeaman had a three-hit game plus a stolen base. Ike Irish was out of the lineup again with a wrist bruise he suffered on a hit by pitch over the weekend.
Boston Bateman delivered 5.2 shutout innings in this one, striking out six and walking two in the process. The lefty is in the midst of an impressive run that has seen him allow just one earned run over his last four starts. His ERA is down to 3.62 on the year. The three relievers that came behind him had more trouble. Jacob Cravey allowed one run over 1.1 innings. Braeden Sloan followed with a run allowed on no hits but four walks in his lone inning. And Chandler Marsh coughed up two runs in the ninth inning before closing out the win.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 12, Wilson Warbirds (Brewers) 6
The Shorebirds absolutely loaded up the box score in this win. The team had 13 hits, nine walks, four stolen bases, and three errors. So, not perfect, but still an impressive showing. They were led by the two Amparos. Félix Amparo went 3-for-3 with a triple and four RBI. Edwin Amparo hit his second home run of the season and drove in two. Andrés Nolaya collected three hits, scored twice, and stole two bases. Juan Ortega added a pair of hits, a pair of runs, and a pair of RBI.
Christian Rodriguez put in a solid effort on the mound. The starter worked 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. Brendan Parks was credited with the win despite giving up two runs in his 2.1 innings of work. Jason Shockley allowed two runs but neither were earned as he recorded the final three outs of the game.
KANSAS CITY, KS - MAY 06: Savannah Banana Malachi Mitchell (2) flips in the air as the team cheers before the start of a banana ball game against the Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field on Friday, May 6, 2022 in Kansas City, KS. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Good morning, baseball fans!
It’s an off day for the San Francisco Giants today, so I wanted to touch on a topic that I’ve been thinking about for a while.
At this point, I can only assume that most people familiar with baseball are also at least somewhat familiar with the Savannah Bananas, and the league that was created around them called Banana Ball. If not, it’s a fast-paced version of baseball with an emphasis on entertainment value and fan engagement.
The rules are a bit different, but not so much that a fan of traditional baseball cannot follow the game. There’s an emphasis on trick plays and entertaining the crowds (both at the parks and those watching online). But that doesn’t take away from the on-field product at all, it just adds to it.
I recently had the chance to have a brief conversation with the founder of Banana Ball, Jesse Cole. You may know Cole as the dude that’s always in the yellow tux and top hat, featured in a lot of promotional materials for the league.
During the conversation, I told Cole that I think MLB should absolutely be taking notes from Banana Ball in terms of growing the game. What they are doing to engage new audiences is some of the best work I’ve seen from any league.
What works about it, in my opinion, is that it’s not intended to be gatekept. And what I mean by that is something that I think a lot of women who are sports fans can relate to. You have to prove you belong there, you don’t just get to be a fan because you like the team. I’ve had many experiences where I tell a male acquaintance that I was a Giants fan and I would get presented with a pop quiz to prove it.
And I feel like MLB in general kind of leans into that gatekeeping, whether they realize/intend it or not. Women are grudgingly allowed in the fandom, but not really catered to as a legitimate part of the audience.
Meanwhile, Banana Ball is not only catering to their female fans, they’re making the league as accessible and inviting as possible. And the game play is electric, there is never a dull moment for fans. If you go to a Banana Ball game, you know with absolute certainty that you’re going to have a great time, regardless of how the game plays out.
The same cannot necessarily be said for MLB games. Before the game I went to last month, the last five games I had attended in person were complete shut out losses by the Giants. And I had to pay about $300-400 and travel several hours for the pleasure of sitting through those games with dull, lifeless eyes watching a dull, lifeless team.
The Giants’ past offensive woes aside, with the cost of everything skyrocketing these days, entertainment value is assuredly going to become much more of a factor in terms of people planning to spend money on sports outings.
And listen, I’m not here to say that MLB should have dancing umpires and outfielders doing backflips. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with traditional baseball existing as it is, and having the more exhibition style league exist as a separate thing.
But MLB would be doing themselves a massive disservice to not take notes from how Banana Ball markets to all audiences, and focuses on appealing to a wide demographic of people by creating a fun environment for everyone. It’s a massively successful league that is only growing in popularity and talent.
Just this week, former MLB player Jackie Bradley, Jr. announced that he would be joining the Indianapolis Clowns, a team in the Banana Ball league. They also have the biggest stars of the upcoming Women’s Professional Baseball League, a former Broadway actor, and are so popular that they will have a player on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
The kind of astronomical growth that Banana Ball has seen over the last few years should absolutely be studied by MLB. They’d be silly not to. Given the game’s decline in popularity, sticking to the traditional route of “playing the game the right way” and policing anything that could remotely be considered fun or an individual’s personality is not going to cut it.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
Starting next month, 16 NFL and soccer stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico will be hosting teams for the 2026 World Cup. But for local fans, things at those stadiums are going to look a little different than the rest of the year.
Stadiums will undergo significant brand scrubbing ahead of FIFA’s marquee tournament, with all brands not associated with the global soccer governing body covered up before play begins. This includes everything from the signs inside the venue to the logos on the roof, to the beer sold at concession stands.
On top of that, all of the stadiums will be neutrally renamed during the run of the tournament, as is standard for international competitions. This affects all of the stadiums with lucrative naming rights deals, which is especially notable among the well-known NFL stadiums in the U.S.
SoFi Stadium, the home of the Rams and the Chargers, will become Los Angeles Stadium. The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium will be Dallas Stadium. Arrowhead Stadium, named not for an outside company but for the Chiefs that play there, will be Kansas City Stadium. Perhaps the oddest one is MetLife Stadium, which will be known as New York New Jersey Stadium — a mouthful, to say the least.
Of course, the change is merely a formal one; odds are high that locals heading to Philadelphia Stadium (aka Lincoln Financial Field), for example, will still call it The Linc. But for all official purposes, these stadiums will be totally brandless.
There is one notable exception to this policy: At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the stadium’s retractable roof is decked out with a very large logo from the automotive sponsor. After working on the issue for months, the stadium was granted an exception to the branding rules because they simply couldn’t figure out a way to cover the logo without causing damage, per reporting from The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell in March. The venue will still be called Atlanta Stadium throughout the World Cup, but the Mercedes-Benz logo will remain.
A couple scenes today outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as FIFA officially has taken over the venue ahead of the #WorldCup, less than a month away now! pic.twitter.com/jzrBWQLlg0
The other exception is Vancouver’s BC Place, which is owned by the province of British Columbia and does not have any naming rights deals. As a result, the stadium will be known as “BC Place Vancouver” during the tournament.
Some stadiums have already started the process of removing or cloaking any wayward branding. Earlier this month, Gillette Stadium — or “Boston Stadium,” as it will be known — started the process of covering up signs while doing other improvements.
Some noticeable changes in Foxboro
The Gillette signs are covered up. This will be known as ‘Boston Stadium’ during the #WorldCup
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Tanner Franklin #43 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
On Monday, I looked at how the pitchers in the upper minors were doing and honestly from a statistical standpoint, it wasn’t great. Mind you, it’s early in the season, and we know pitchers work on things at the expense of the best way they currently know how to get hitters out, and the run environments are pretty rough at both levels. Also, AAA has a different ball than the rest of the minor leagues. These are all reasons the stats are going look worse without being a problem. Lower minors however have good pitching environments, so I expect more pleasing-to-the-eye stats.
Peoria
Brandon Clarke, LHP – 23 (VEB’s #9 prospect)
Clarke was diagnosed with an aneurysm in his left arm and had surgery around the beginning of spring training and it has caused him to be out until at least June. I haven’t heard an update since.
Franklin is working on two things simultaneously. He is working on developing pitches to add to his fastball and slider while also working on a starting pitcher’s workload. He usually faces between 15 and 18 batters in a start, which even in today’s age, is short of how many outs a starter needs to get regularly. But he was facing between three and nine batters in college, and you don’t want to skip a step.
I am feeling very good about placing Fajardo 9th on my list. He has been unbelievable this season. That is an absurd K/BB ratio. He has 47 strikeouts and 6 walks in 32.2 IP. Just purely scouting the stat line + age, I feel like Fajardo should be a much bigger prospect than he appears to be.
I don’t know what to do with this line. His strikeouts are way up from last year, his walks are about the same, and he’s still getting groundballs. But when hitters make contact, they appear to be going for hits most of the time. Tough to say if that’s unlucky or not in this kind of sample. He has allowed 10 homers already, and he’s only allowed 28 flyballs all year. If you’re wondering, a normal amount of luck and that’s three homers allowed. He’s probably pitching worse than someone who would allow three homers, but 10 certainly feels unlucky.
Nate Dohm, RHP – 23 (acquired in the Ryan Helsley trade)
Well Dohm is for sure pitching poorly, but wow another case of a wildly disproportionate ERA in comparison to advanced stats. Now this is a significantly smaller sample size and can happen when you get blown up in three of your six starts, which unfortunately appear to be his three most recent starts.
Blake Aita, RHP – 23 (acquired in the Willson Contreras trade – with Fajardo)
The return for Sonny Gray has resulted in a completely missing season and one where they haven’t debuted yet, but the early returns for the Contreras trade have been fantastic. Dobbins, the MLB ready piece, looks like an ideal sixth starter, Fajardo has probably catapulted himself into a top 10 team prospect, and Aita – well he’s been fine. Clearly they’re making an effort to get him more strikeouts, which has the side effect of more as well so far. The next step is keep the strikeouts, lower the walks.
Oh yeah there was a third part of the Gray trade, which is Galle. He was quite literally unhittable in Low A, throwing 5.2 hitless innings down there. Just three of the 23 hitters he faced even made contact. No wonder they promoted him to High A after just five appearances. But it’s clear Galle doesn’t have a lot of control and High A hitters – well they’re still barely getting hits despite much more contact.
Frank Ellisalt, RHP – 24 (acquired in the Ryan Helsley trade)
Ellisalt suffered some kind of hip injury in February, and I’m not exactly sure how long he’s expected to be out, but he was put on the minor league 60-day injured list, so he certainly won’t pitch the rest of this month at least.
Van Dyke has already been promoted to Peoria and he had… a not very good first start there. He threw 3.2 IP, walked three, struck out two, and allowed three runs. Nevermind that though, it was his first start and we have a 10th rounder who the Cardinals promoted him to High A after just 12 starts at that level. I’d call that a success.
Well, I like the strikeouts. The walks and lack of groundballs aren’t great. A good example of his season is his last two starts. In his most recent start, Crossland threw 5 innings, struck out 7, walked two and allowed 2 ER. The start before, Crossland walked six, struck out six, allowed no hits and yet gave up a run. Every other start seems to involve a lot of walks. It has only really burned him in one start, when he gave up seven runs.
Jack Martinez, RHP – 23 (acquired in Nolan Arenado trade)
These stats kind of scream reliever to me. He misses plenty of basses but can’t find the zone a lot and almost nothing is on the ground. I don’t know, it’s a tough profile to make work. But these are his first 8 career pro starts, despite his age, because he was in college last season. Too early to make any declarations.
Oh hey a genuine breakout. Odle has been a strikeout machine and a groundball machine, which is a pitching coach’s dream. Very tough for an offense to get runs if the pitcher does both of those things. His walks are a little high, but really not that bad and especially not bad with that K rate.
Despite just one game started, Shelagowski appears to currently be a starting pitching prospect, average over 3 innings per game. And he was a starter in his most recent game, so he may have officially moved into the rotation. While his walks haven’t been bad, he has somehow hit seven batters already this season.
Well it’s obviously early in the season, but Batista may be seeing a promotion before the year is up, because 13 strikeouts to one walk is quite the K/BB ratio. He was kind of being treated like a starting pitching prospect a year ago, but his stats weren’t very good, so he seems to be in more of a relief role this year. And it has made a difference. Last year, his K% was just 16.4% and he walked 10.9%. The Cardinals made the right decision.
Young hasn’t quite pitched as bad as his ERA. It just so happens when you walk your fair share of batters and your BABIP is .400, you’re going to allow a lot of runs. It’s too early to judge if that BABIP is comically unlucky, or a sign that Young is pretty hittable. Striking out 26% of batters would seem to suggest the BABIP is probably, at least somewhat, unlucky.
Holiday is in the beginning stages of his rehab from his Tommy John surgery last year, which caused him to miss the entire season. He was the 3rd round pick of the 2024 draft, and he didn’t get a chance to pitch in the pros, getting hurt before he ever threw a pitch. These are exactly the stats I’d expect of college righty rehabbing in rookie leagues.
Graham is also pitching in the pros for the first time after having had Tommy John surgery last season. In Graham’s case though, he had it before he got drafted, and I was actually under the impression that Graham would debut much later. He’s carving up these teenagers like Michael Myers, so I actually expect to see him in Palm Beach pretty soon.
And that’s pretty much it. I wasn’t going to list any rookie league players, because the season just started, but both Holiday and Graham are arguably Low A pitchers at least who are simply pitching for the first time after Tommy John surgery. Graham was healthy and ready to pitch earlier than Holiday, because Graham faced 11 batters and threw 3 innings in his first outing, Holiday only pitched an inning. So just not the order I would have expected there.
There are football matches, and then there are days that can define a generation. Sunday is one of those days.
For months, this team has fought for every point, every tackle, every moment. They’ve given us memories we’ll talk about for years — nights under the lights, limbs in the stands, late winners, impossible moments, togetherness like we’ve not seen in decades.
Now it comes down to this. One final home game. One final push. One chance to drag this football club somewhere it hasn’t been in over fifty years.
European football is within touching distance.
But this is Sunderland. Nothing comes easy. If we’re going to get over the line, the players need the Stadium of Light at its absolute best. Not quiet. Not nervous. Not waiting for something to happen.
Relentless.
Get into the city early. Line the streets for the team bus. Fill the ground before kick-off. Wear red and white. Scarves up. Flags out. Voices gone by full-time. Make Chelsea feel every tackle. Every chant. Every roar.
This club has always been about more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about the people. The city. The noise. The passion. The belief.
For ninety minutes, forget everything else. Back the lads. Push them forward. Carry them if we have to.
One more effort. One more result. One more memory. ’Til The End.
Last summer Tommy Lloyd had never made a Final Four, Chip Hale was coming off a trip to the College World Series, Brent Brennan was an embattled football coach, Caitlin Lowe’s team had fallen in the regional after a very successful debut season in the Big 12 and Becky Burke was trying to assemble a roster mostly from scratch.
That was last summer.
This summer sees those coaches all in vastly different positions than they once were. Lloyd and Brennan, for example, are riding high after very successful seasons, whereas Hale is coming off his worst since taking over the program, Lowe’s contract has yet to be extended and Burke is still the beneficiary of the standard honeymoon period.
Everyone had opinions of these coaches when they were hired and it’s reasonable that those opinions have evolved with time and performance. The goal at Arizona is to compete for and win championships, something every one of the aforementioned coaches has said they can do in Tucson. A realistic goal? For some sure, for others maybe not.
Nevertheless as we head into the summer it’s a good idea to take a look at these high-profile coaches and see if we should feel confident in their abilities to get the job done, whatever that means. Let’s roll with a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most confident.
Chip Hale
Hale’s hire was not the most inspiring, but right out the gate he had some pretty good success in trying to pick up the pieces after Jay Johnson bolted. The Arizona great guided the program into the postseason in each of his first four seasons, won the Pac-12 regular season and conference championship in 2024 and then brought the Cats to the College World Series in 2025.
Even his doubters had to be at least moderately impressed.
Then 2026 happened. Picked to finish 2nd in the Big 12 in February, the Wildcats instead finished second-to-last. Injuries and a bit of a rocky offseason with regards to pitching coaches ultimately proved to be too much to handle, and the result was a team that couldn’t even qualify for the conference tournament.
It wasn’t all bad, of course. Freshmen Tony Lira and Nate Novitskemade the All-Freshman Team, giving the program a couple of building blocks (assuming they stick around). Garrett Hicks (and Lira) also were all conference honorable mention choices.
But that is all of little consolation given what the expectations for the season were and now the fear of what the future might bring. Defections are a concern even when things are good, so we can only wonder and worry about what will transpire following the disaster that was ‘26.
Confidence Level: 6
Reason: Hale has proven to be a good coach and leader, but whereas before he was challenged with not letting the program slip he is now tasked with a rebuild. Hiring the right coaches and retaining key players will make all the difference.
Tommy Lloyd
This is an easy one, right? All Lloyd has done since being named Arizona’s head coach is win. Be it big nonconference matchups, important regular season games, conference tournaments, NCAA tournament games or recruiting, he’s won. He’s also a strong and enjoyable presence in the community and a terrific ambassador for the program and school.
That was before he took Arizona to its first Final Four since 2001, a feat that all but solidified Lloyd as the coach in Tucson.
Continuing to keep the program at an elite level will not be easy, especially in this era of NIL, the transfer portal and players who one would think would have no eligibility possibly having some left. But if there was a coach to feel confident in being able to navigate these bumpy waters, it’s Lloyd.
One need only look at how he’s done as Arizona’s coach, consistently blending returning talent with high-impact freshmen and valuable transfers to create rosters that have consistently been among the conference’s and country’s best. There is a level of trust in the coach that he has most definitely earned, which is why even what on the surface looks like a disappointing offseason coming off a trip to the Final Four is no reason to panic or doubt.
If Lloyd (or the NBA’s coaches, scouts and GMs) can convince Koa Peat to return to school the Cats would be in a great spot heading into next season, but even if he departs does anyone think Arizona will struggle to fill his spot? Arizona’s picked up a good amount of fresh talent via the portal and the incoming freshman class features one of the best players in the country in Caleb Holt and another excellent piece in Cameron Holmes.
Confidence Level: 9
Reason: Maybe Arizona takes a step back next season. It would be understandable as there’s not much room to step forward. But five seasons into his tenure Lloyd has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the country, to the point where blue blood North Carolina made a serious run at him. Lloyd turned them down and extended his contract at Arizona, but the likelihood that this won’t be the last time a top-tier program tries to pry the coach away is the only reason why Lloyd doesn’t get a 10.
Caitlin Lowe
Lowe was never going to have it easy replacing a legend in Mike Candrea, but being the successor to the all-time great made plenty of sense. Having played for Candrea and then coached under him at Arizona, Lowe was a perfect fit for the pressure-packed gig.
Things started off well, too, as her team got hot in the postseason and made a run to the Women’s College World Series in her first year. But after missing the postseason in Year 2 Lowe’s teams have never made it further than the NCAA Super Regionals, with Regional exits in each of the last two seasons.
That she is entering this offseason with just one year remaining on her contract and is not an obvious candidate for an extension is, in a word, concerning.
To Lowe’s credit, she was able to withstand losing 10 players from last season’s team in the portal and the graduations of aces Devyn Netz and Miranda Stoddard to build a team that won 37 games, but struggles late in the season and then falling to Duke in back-to-back games after run-ruling the Blue Devils the day before has left a pretty sour taste in many a fan’s mouth.
Where the program goes from here is going to be interesting to see. Coaches don’t normally like to go into the final year of their contracts, but given how often players move around these days perhaps it’s not as big of a hindrance when it comes to player acquisition.
Confidence Level: 5
Reason: Everyone wants Lowe to succeed, and it’s true that expectations might be a bit unreasonable for her and her program. However, the further Arizona gets from the Candrea era the less the program looks like a national power, and questions about whether Lowe can lead Arizona back to that level in the current landscape are valid. If her contract does not get extended this summer we’ll have a pretty good idea of how much confidence her bosses have in her abilities.
Brent Brennan
If ever there was an example of “just give the coach a chance” Brennan is it. His first season, one that began with incredibly high expectations, was a dud. His second, which had incredibly low expectations, was a smashing success.
It certainly seemed like Brennan benefited from a full offseason in charge of the program as well as an opportunity to truly assemble the kind of coaching staff he wanted. The results were a nine-win team that produced four NFL draft picks and a handful of others who signed with teams as undrafted free agents. QB Noah Fifita is returning as a dark horse Heisman candidate and given how the offseason went with regards to recruiting and the portal there’s little reason to believe a big step back is on the way.
With the coaching staff largely returning, including coordinators Seth Doege, Danny Gonzales and Craig Naivar, and rather than fear of a step back there should be an expectation of continued success.
Then again, this is Arizona Football and we know how things can go. The last time there was confidence heading into the season things went about as poorly as they could have and the Cats won’t be overlooked by anyone in ‘26.
Confidence Level: 7
Reason: All throughout his career Brennan has proven to be at least a solid coach, but solid will not be good enough to make waves in a pretty competitive Big 12. It’s fair to believe much of the head coach’s success is due to having an elite veteran QB and hitting on both coordinators and we can all wonder what will happen when Fifita is gone and if either Doege or Gonzales were to leave. However, it is important to point out that Brennan is the guy who hired the coordinators and was able to keep Fifita in Tucson, so it’s not as if he does not have an eye for talent or ability to sell himself and the program.
Becky Burke
Taking over a program that wasn’t exactly in great shape, Burke’s first season at Arizona was not particularly memorable. The team battled all season long but was short on talent and injuries, especially to leading scorer Mickayla Perdue, proved to be too much to overcome. Is that an excuse? Absolutely.
Mix in some returners and quality veteran portal additions and the result is a largely different team from last year but one that is definitely Burke’s, and similar to Brennan with football there’s every possibility all she needed to show her abilities was a complete offseason to work with.
Confidence Level: 7
Reason: Successful coaches recruiting at a high level is rarely a surprise or reason to celebrate. But for Burke, who is unproven in the Big 12 and coming off a rough year to pull in the kind of talent she has shows that there is a strong believe in what she can do and what she is building. Last year’s team played hard, but was short on talent. Assuming that is less of an issue going forward, she seems to have the mentality and ability to lead Arizona into the future.
FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 08: Iowa State Cyclines offensive lineman Tyler Miller (#66) blocks during the college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and Iowa State Cyclones on November 8, 2025 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos signed several undrafted free agents, including Iowa State offensive tackle Tyler Miller. He is a massive player who comes in at 6-9 and 335 pounds and gives the Broncos yet another large human at the offensive tackle position.
The Broncos love BIG offensive tackles.
They signed Mike McGlinchey, who is 6-8 with long arms, Frank Crum is 6-8 with long arms, Matt Peart is 6-7 with nearly 37-inch arms, and now they signed Tyler Miller, who is a 6-9, 335-pound offensive tackle with 34-inch arms.
The Broncos have a type at OT. They like them tall, big, and with long arms and they signed another UDFA OT behemoth in Tyler Miller pic.twitter.com/RNp9pImJyB
Miller played a total of five seasons at Iowa State and appeared in 55 games for the Cyclones, which includes 50 career starts. He started his career at left tackle before shifting over to the right side, where he started for three seasons and earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors this past season.
Now he joins the Broncos as an undrafted free agent and gives them yet another massive and athletic offensive tackle to develop. We have seen former undrafted free agents Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum make the 53-man roster in their rookie seasons and become key reserves for them. Could Tyler Miller follow in their footsteps?
Player Profile
Tyler Miller | Offensive Tackle | Denver Broncos
Height: 6-9
Weight: 335 pounds
Age: 24 years old
Experience: Rookie
Arm Length: 34 1/8 inches
Hand Size: 10 1/8 inches
40-time: 5.21 seconds
Vertical Jump: 29.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9’9”
Bench Press: 27 reps
Tyler Miller’s 2026 outlook with the Broncos?
I think he could push for a spot on the 53-man roster if things shake out a certain way, but he seems like a lock to be on their 16-man practice squad at the very least.
Right now, the Broncos’ reserve offensive tackles are veteran Matt Peart, Frank Crum, undrafted rookie Gavin Ortega (he could be a G/T player), potentially 4th round rookie Kage Casey, who will be a G/T player, and undrafted rookie Tyler Miller. So, there is an avenue where Miller could make the 53-man roster if he impresses during training camp and the preseason.
First, he would likely need either Casey or Crum to become the Broncos’ main swing tackle and replace veteran Matt Peart. If that were to happen, and the team parted ways with Peart, who took a pay cut already to stay with the team, it would open up a roster spot for Miller. We saw the Broncos carry Frank Crum on the 53-man roster his rookie year, despite not really playing and being viewed as a developmental player, and Miller could potentially do the same this season. This also would allow him to avoid hitting the waiver wire and potentially being claimed by an offensive tackle-needy team.
Now, a lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen, and the more realistic option would be for him to land on the practice squad. The risk here is again, he could be claimed on the waiver wire, but it is probably the more realistic avenue for him right now. With that said, if he impresses, he could force the Broncos’ hand a bit and have them find a way to keep him on the 53-man roster.
“I would say the offensive line just in general, when you come out and you look at them, we were able to draft a player and then sign a number of guys that we had draftable grades on. It’s an impressive-looking group.”
The team signed two undrafted free agent offensive linemen, with one of them being Tyler Miller. So, if they had a draftable grade on Miller, that could help him potentially make the 53-man roster since they already thought highly of him.
Final Thoughts
Miller has impressive size and traits, and when you pair that with the Broncos recent history of developing undrafted rookie offensive linemen, it’s hard not to get excited about his potential.
I think he has a real shot at the 53-man roster. First, I believe veteran Matt Peart is on the hot seat. He took a pay cut to stay with the team, which is never a good sign, and they have several young players behind him who could have elevated roles this upcoming season. Rookie Kage Casey played left tackle at Boise State and could be viewed as a potential left tackle/left guard backup. Then you have Frank Crum, who the team seems to love, who could be looking at a larger role this upcoming season. On top of that, you also have Alex Palczewski, who has proven he can play guard or right tackle in the NFL. So, they have options already on the roster who could replace Peart, and if that happens, that would open up a roster spot for Tyler Miller.
In the end, I am intrigued to see how Miller does this summer and what Payton and the Broncos think about him. Their recent track record with undrafted offensive linemen has me excited about his potential, and hopefully he can follow in Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum’s footsteps and make the Broncos’ 53-man roster his rookie season.
The NFL has had a busy offseason beyond free agency and the NFL Draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell has continued to push the league’s global expansion through both broadcasting platforms and the International Series. On Tuesday, NFL owners voted to expand the International Series to 10 games in the future.
The league also made a major decision regarding how those games will be scheduled. According to multiple reports, the NFL voted to eliminate teams’ ability to block up to two games from being scheduled internationally. As a result, any matchup on the schedule can now be moved to an international site.
Of all the changes tied to the International Series, this may be the league’s worst decision yet. We are already seeing divisional games removed from home stadiums and played on neutral fields abroad.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This season, the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars matchups will take place at international sites. Both games could carry significant playoff implications later in the season. Why would the NFL willingly remove home-field advantage from divisional games that could help decide the standings?
A questionable decision with consequence?
What comes next? Bears-Packers in London? Steelers-Ravens in Japan? Patriots-Bills in Italy? At that point, the NFL might as well do away with divisions altogether. And that only scratches the surface of the issue.
What happens when marquee matchups such as Bills-Chiefs — games with major playoff implications — are moved overseas? It makes sense for the NFL to want attractive matchups for the International Series, and the league should have some flexibility to make that happen.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
However, there is a fine line. By removing the limited protection teams previously had, the NFL risks damaging the long-term integrity of the initiative. There is nothing wrong with hosting games such as Cowboys-Ravens in Brazil or Patriots-Lions in Germany.
But placing more divisional and interconference games at risk of being taken away from home fans — or stripping teams of the ability to keep those games in their own stadiums — creates a much bigger problem.
This may end up being the most puzzling decision the league makes in 2026.
TOPSHOT - 2018 Men's Ballon d'Or award for best player of the year's Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric poses with the trophy after the 2018 Ballon d'Or award ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris on December 3, 2018. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
2025-26 marked the first season in the 21st century where Real Madrid had no Ballon d’Or winners in the squad. Since the turn of the millennium, Los Blancos have always had at least one in their roster.
It started with the seismic transfer of Luis Figo in 2000 – he won it at the back of a great 1999-00 season with FC Barcelona. The first Galactico era – from 2000 to 2006 – had multiple Ballon d’Or winners in the same team – Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, and Michael Owen.
After Zidane retired, Italy’s World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro joined Real Madrid and kept the Ballon d’Or lineage sustained through 2009. Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo joined Madrid in 2009 as former Ballon d’Or winners with AC Milan and Manchester United, respectively. Cristiano won four more with Real Madrid. After Cristiano, Luka Modric won it in 2018, and Karim Benzema in 2022.
Since Modric left the club in 2025, Real Madrid no longer have a former Ballon d’Or winner in their squad.
Nebraska will host its first ever Super Regional in Lincoln for softball today. The Huskers have advanced to the Women’s College World Series before but always having to do so on the road. This atmosphere is going to be quite electric at Rhonda Revelle Field at Bowlin Stadium. If you haven’t gotten tickets by now, be prepared to pay a shiny nickel to get one.
Before tonight is out, Nebraska baseball will have learned its opponent for the single elimination portion of the Big Ten Tournament. The Huskers will be a regional host, but there may be a very outside chance that they could host a Super Regional themselves. The most likely path being winning their own regional and the number 1 seed in the opposite regional not making it out. What fun times lie ahead in Lincoln! Here are your flakes…
It’s a new WNBA season, and while there have been plenty of roster changes via free agency, plus two new expansion teams, one thing has remained the same: The Las Vegas Aces are the team to beat.
They had a slip up on opening day, losing in blowout fashion to the Phoenix Mercury, but it’s been business as usual for the dynasty from Nevada since then. They’ve won four-straight games, all on the road, including a tough contest against the Atlanta Dream.
The Aces being an elite team is no shocker, but how they are doing it has been a mix of old and now, or expected and unexpected.
The numbers behind the Aces’ success
Where it matters, in the win-loss column, Las Vegas sits at the top of the league. However, it’s in the data that you see why that is.
The WNBA is pushing the pace this season, and Las Vegas is leading the charge. The Aces are second in the WNBA in pace at 100.44. This is a stark contrast to last season, when they were seventh in the league at 94.92. There are plenty of reasons why that could be, but what’s clear is that Las Vegas wants to get out and run to increase their possessions and take advantage of defenses that aren’t yet set.
The Aces have taken 57 shots within the first six seconds of a possession. That’s the most in the WNBA, and they are making 57 percent of those takes.
Not only are the Aces getting shots off at a blistering pace, but they are high-quality looks. Of their 343 shot attempts, 113 are in the restricted area. That’s nearly a third, and on those attempts, they are converting on 73.5 percent of them.
With a team scoring so quickly and efficiently, the only way to try to beat them is by taking advantage of them on the other side of the court.
While offense is a strength of Las Vegas, defense isn’t necessarily a weakness. The Aces have the third-best defense with a defensive rating of 101.4. They lead the league in blocks, averaging 7.6 blocks per game, and they are tied for third in allowing only 14.8 points off of turnovers. So even when an advantage is created, they are good enough to neutralize that opportunity.
Yes, A’ja Wilson is still a goddess
A’ja Wilson isn’t playing basketball against her opponents; she’s playing a game against herself, trying best her own previous efforts.
To start 2026, she isn’t just raising the bar—she’s lifting it out of anyone’s grasp.
Wilson is averaging 25 points, 5.6 rebounds and two blocks per game. She remains a well-balanced player and one who can score in bunches. Against the Sun, Wilson scored 45 points and did so being unbelievably efficient. She went a perfect 2-for-2 from 3-point range, made all of her 11 free throws and missed only three of her 18 shot attempts.
A'nother record in the history books for our 4x M'VP 💅
45 PTS 3 AST 15-18 FG@_ajawilson22 recorded her fifth career 40-point game and became the only player with multiple 45+ point games in @WNBA history. pic.twitter.com/c7JsEXzkuF
How do you stop a player like that? There are long answers that can be provided, but the short one is the truth and a bitter pill to swallow: You can’t.
What makes Wilson so unique offensively is that she isn’t a dominant big who just barrels to the rim and does her work in the paint. Her game is finesse. Sure, she has the power and height to get inside and score over opponents, but it’s her footwork, speed and ability to use all of the angles that physics allows that make her unstoppable.
She thrives off the shots most players would rather not take.
Most of her attempts are from the 3-foot to 10-foot range. She’s taken 25 of those and has made 48 percent. Also, let’s not forget that Wilson is still the co-Defensive Player of the Year, and remains at that level, averaging the second-most steals in the WNBA.
The Aces are a complete team and are where they’re at because of their depth, all-around quality of play, great coaching and an organization run so well that it’s the envy of the league.
Still, without Wilson, none of that would matter. They’d just be one of the good teams instead of the ones to beat. It’s why she’s a future Hall of Famer, the MVP, the best player of this time—and maybe of all time.
Chennedy Carter is an absolute cheat code
The Aces are a dynasty, and aside from Wilson, they have a strong nucleus that keeps everything running smoothly. Chelsea Gray is the Point Gawd and Jackie Young is a perennial All-Star.
While it’s ideal to have veterans staying together to try to run it back and win it all, fresh blood is needed to keep that desire sharp.
Enter Chennedy Carter.
She’s been a WNBA journeywoman playing on four teams over her past five seasons in the league. She is now in Las Vegas, and she isn’t just along for the ride. Carter has been a driving force in many of their early wins.
A bucket getter 💪
Chennedy Carter (97 PTS) set a new record for the most points by a player coming off the bench in their first 5 games of the szn!
Game 1: 10 PTS | 5-8 FGM Game 2: 22 PTS | 9-13 FGM Game 3: 27 PTS | 13-16 FGM Game 4: 18 PTS | 5-8 FGM Game 5: 20 PTS | 7-13 FGM pic.twitter.com/JyWjWLC9GG
Carter is averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game. She is coming off the bench, injecting the team with offense. She is wreaking havoc on defenders with her blazing speed. She’s always been an offensive menace, but with Las Vegas having so many ball handlers, she can showcase even more of her off-ball skills.
Carter can get more catch-and-shoot looks, finds herself open weakside and when the pass comes her way, she can finish with authority at the rim.
And on-ball, she remains one of the most electrifying players on the court. Her handles are second to none, and the moment you make a mistake, she makes you play and will blow right past her opponent as if they were never in front of her.
Chennedy Carter getting the defender off balance oh mannnn. 20PTS in 21 mins off the bench too 😳 (via @wnba) pic.twitter.com/iSqSr5JBkJ
Bringing on a player who has experienced some difficulties in her previous WNBA stops is a risk, but the payoff is obvious. Carter can play with the best of them, and if that remains and the chemistry on and off the court is good all year long, then Carter might give the Aces one too many guards for the rest of the WNBA to handle.
If all goes well, this could not only be the Aces’ fourth title of the 2020s, but it could be Carter’s first, and finally, everyone can see just how great her skills are and how much they can impact winning.
So far, four games in, her impact has been clear, and it’s a big reason why the Aces remain No.1.
Sky: Man Utd ‘confident’ they can complete remarkable double-swoop of Premier League and Serie A midfielders
Manchester United are reportedly growing in ‘confidence’ over the prospect of signing both Ederson and Sandro Tonali this summer.
That’s according to Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, who adds that the Red Devils have overtaken Atletico Madrid in the race for Ederson’s signature.
Ederson closing in on United switch
Remarkably, personal terms between Atleti and the Brazilian have been in place since March, but Diego Simeone’s side were unwilling to commit to the £39 million transfer fee set by Atalanta.
The La Liga outfit then turned their attention to an alternative target in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers wantaway Joao Gomes, who has also been linked with United in recent months.
It’s anticipated he will part ways with Newcastle United this summer due to his desire to continue playing in the Champions League, which he can fulfil at Old Trafford.
Although the Magpies will be desperate to keep hold of their midfield talisman, there is an acceptance behind the scenes that sales will be necessary to balance the books when the window opens, and he is undoubtedly one of their most valuable assets.
The 25-year-old was offered by his agent to Arsenal in the winter, but Newcastle blocked any potential mid-season departure.
Negotiations for Tonali could also commence as soon as the window opens, given he won’t be heading to the World Cup with Italy following their play-off final heartbreak.
It remains to be seen what kind of fee Newcastle would demand for him, and how much they’ll add when it looks as though he could be United-bound.
ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 18: Michigan Wolverines kicker Stuart Blake (35) kicks a field goal during the Michigan spring football game on April 18, 2026 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For the past few seasons, Michigan’s kicker position hasn’t really been in question. Now, there could be a battle to find out who’s starting for Michigan’s special teams unit. While we’re all rooting for more touchdowns, it’s critical to have a solid and reliable special teams unit. Let’s look ahead at the under-the-radar battle that could have a major impact on how Michigan’s 2026 season goes.
Stuart Blake
Stuart Blake definitely had the better spring game of the two kickers, as the junior was the only reason the Blue Team put any points on the board. He made field goals from 23 and 40 yards out to give the Blue Team the lead for most of the game.
While he doesn’t have experience in games over his past two seasons, he could be the answer for Michigan’s special teams this season. He posted a video on social media hitting a 73-yarder, and even though it’s very unlikely that he won’t be converting from that distance in a game, knowing he’s able to kick from a far distance is reassuring and could help Michigan out in close games.
Meanwhile, sophomore Trey Butkowski didn’t have the best spring game. He missed his only field goal attempt — a 29-yard kick — for the Maize Team in the second quarter. The thing is, he was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist last season after going 19-of-22 in the regular season with Pitt. His career long is a 47-yarder, and he recently posted a video of him kicking a 72-yard kick.
While it may have seemed like there wasn’t much of a battle ahead of Michigan’s spring game, now it looks like there’s one heating up. Blake’s ability to hit his field goals in the spring game while Butkowski missed his, at least gives him an argument that he’s worth considering heading into the season. They’re both clearly working with some impressive leg strength, and while Butkowski was a consistent option at Pitt last year, Blake is trying to prove he’s worth getting on the field.
We know special teams is critical. Michigan’s success in that area helped lead it to one of the most unlikely wins over Ohio State in 2024. Dominic Zvada went from automatic to sporadic last season, and that meant Michigan occasionally walked away with no points.
Now these two kickers are battling it out this offseason. One thing’s for sure, special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs knows what he’s doing. Every aspect of Michigan’s special teams looked better in the Citrus Bowl and he was only with the team for a few weeks at that point. He’s got the ability to help Blake and Butkowski take their games to the next level.
While it’s nice to have starters locked in at positions, the competition is only going to make these guys better. It could have been easy for Butkowski to transfer in and assume he’ll be the starter, but he’s now getting pushed by Blake to be at his best. As with everything right now in the offseason, we’ll just have to wait until the first week of the season to see how things go on the field.
For now, which kicker do you think will start for the Wolverines in 2026? Let us know down in the comments!
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: Ilia Topuria is seen on stage during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Ilia Topuria isn’t buying what Arman Tsarukyan’s social media is selling.
A glance at Tsarukyan’s Instagram paints the picture of a fighter not starving for his next bout agreement, as the top UFC lightweight contender is frequently shown driving fancy cars, eating extravagant meals, and generally flaunting his wealth.
According to Topuria, who is set to defend his lightweight championship in a unification bout against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14, Tsarukyan’s affluence is all an illusion.
“He has the mind of a little kid,” Topuria told Alvaro Colmenero. “He’s a manchild who is playing a game. I think he’s playing the rich guy game. He’s neither rich nor is his father, I’m telling you. He’s just not. I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that.
“He’s playing a game of buying a car and sending it to Russia to resell it. And I think he’s not even rich, I’m telling you. He’s a loser.”
While Tsarukyan’s financial standing may be in question, what’s not is his in-cage success. Tsarukyan is currently MMA Fighting’s No. 2 lightweight, behind only Topuria, having won five straight fights and 10 of his past 11. Were it not for his extracurricular antics that have rubbed UFC officials the wrong way on more than one occasion, he would likely be guaranteed the winner of Topuria’s clash with Gaethje.
As it stands, Tsarukyan is scheduled to be the backup for the UFC White House main event, which Topuria is fine with, though he doubts Tsarukyan has any interest in actually stepping into the cage with him.
“If they give Tsarukyan a week’s notice, he won’t fight me at the White House,” Topuria said. “He only shows up to make weight because they always put him as a backup since my fights actually matter. Since he needs the money, he’ll go make weight.”
Regardless of what Topuria thinks, the UFC is lining Tsarukyan up to potentially play the spoiler should Gaethje be unable to compete, so should Topuria add some extra preparation to his UFC White House training camp?
“I mean, what he can bring to the fight is wrestling,” Topuria said. “I’ve been wrestling since I can remember. I’m prepared to the maximum, I prepare for any type of scenario. I’m ready. I’d start the fight, I’d be fully focused, what I’ve always talked about.
“I’d look for that dominance from the start with wrestling. He’d realize very, very quickly that I’m made of different stuff. That I’m like nothing he’s faced before.”
This actually tracks with the way many fans/media talk about any UFC "competitor" since Pride. IFL, EliteXC, Affliction, Bellator, Strikeforce … the narrative hasn't changed much. Some of that is astroturf. Some brainwash. Some valid critique. But it's not new or odd for MMA. https://t.co/hv00In1I7E
Since I had gotten into the habit of actually listening (and enjoying) the play-by-play for a few days, I’m back to turning the audio down. The story below by Michael Cerami is a great article.
I think MLB has the same feelings (if it has feelings) that I do by the PCA drama at this point: What PCA did was horrible; hopefully he has learned the importance of professionalism; let’s move on. I’m tired of seeing the same story over and over take up half of my feed four days later. I think the fine is adequate — it acknowledges that something did occur, and that MLB is watching.
The stories below about Cabrera were before his blister issue Wednesday night.
*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.
Cory Sparks (North Side Baseball): What’s Behind Edward Cabrera’s Struggles? “Why is Edward Cabrera struggling to keep the ball in the park—and can he get it fixed soon enough for a struggling Cubs rotation?”
Trade talk — Patience is wearing thin in some corners of Cubdom:
LOBby numbers by the Cubs’ hitters are getting out of hand:
Tommy Erbe (OnTapSportsNet): By The Numbers: Chicago Cubs “Woes” With Runners On Base. “The Chicago Cubs lead the league in runners left on base by a wide margin. How detrimental is it, and how much stock should be put in it?”
An excellent article — that doesn’t need to name names:
Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation): A Request for Marquee: Have Some Feel for the Moment … Please. “But (at Marquee), there are still some flaws – well, one main flaw today – I want to discuss. And that’s the occasional lack of feel for the moment.”
Tyler Courtney (LastWordOnSports): The Cubs Have a Major Bullpen Issue. “In addition to the injuries, the Cubs’ bullpen has seen a lot of inconsistent performances.”
Bradford Doolittle (ESPN): MLB 2026: What we’ve learned so far about ABS. “While it’ll take years to truly assess the effects of ABS on the game, we can at least dive into the early results and see what stands out.”
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Cubs’ home winning streak snapped by Brewers in NLDS rematch. “The North Siders have been trying to overtake their rivals to the north for three years running and understand that the finish line matters more than how the division race looks in mid-May.”
Food For Thought:
The Black Circles are no more but Sam Bratley is working on new music. The Black Circles have a big and energetic sound that is packed with attitude. Guitarist & Vocalist Sam Bratley has been compared to the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Albert & Freddie King. The Blues is the blues whether you come from the deep-south or from Warrington in the North West of the UK.
Police in France are warning drivers to beware of drunk deer and other inebriated wildlife wandering into roadways after eating fermented fruits. The Saône-et-Loire Gendarmerie posted a video to social media showing a deer frolicking erratically and running in circles after apparently consuming intoxicants.
“Not all road users are sober,” the post said.
The Gendarmerie wrote deer and other creatures can become inebriated after eating buds, fermented fruits or decaying plants, leading them to “totally unpredictable behavior.” Drivers were warned to keep a lookout for “sudden crossing, inconsistent trajectory, immobilization on the road [and] disorderly escape. If Bambi overindulges on the forest aperitif, it might not be the time to drive like you own the road,” the post said.
Top 20 Destinations in the World
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 16: Tom Bischof of Bayern Muenchen reacts during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Köln at Allianz Arena on May 16, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christina Pahnke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images) | Corbis via Getty Images
It appears that Bayern Munich midfielder Tom Bischof was the recipient of the unkindest cut from the German national team.
At this time last season, Bischof was a prime contender to make the World Cup team, but it appears that a season playing mostly out of position cost the youngster an opportunity to make the trip to North America.
“He often played at Bayern in a different position to the one we need him here. I told him he was really close. We discussed his name until the last moment. I think he played just 30% of possible minutes, he will certainly play more in the future. He will also play major tournaments for Germany in the future. I rate him highly. Of course, he was sad and frustrated, but he reacted well. He will have a big future,” Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We have many talented players who have what it takes to play in a World Cup. Be it Said (El Mala), Assan (Ouédraogo), or Tom. We didn’t call them up for various reasons. There’s a lot of competition for Tom’s position. I think the appearances he made have been good. But he hasn’t played in many crucial matches. I told him he was incredibly close. I think very highly of him.”
If Bischof had stayed with Hoffenheim for one more season, would he have made the team? Probably. If he had made the move to another club aside of Bayern Munich where he played minutes in big games, would he have had a better chance? Almost certainly.
It will be a tough pill to swallow for 20-year-old, but he did win a Bundesliga title and could clinch a DFB-Pokal crown this weekend as well. Not all was lost for the midfielder even if he fees like it at the moment.
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…
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 16: Michael Stefanic #16 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to first base as he singles in the third inning of their MLB game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on May 16, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for a new identity as the momentum they enjoyed during an exciting World Series run last year eludes them in this season.
The team holds a losing record after revamping its roster in the offseason and it’s becoming clear that the new-look lineup is unable to create the same kind of impact on games that it did as the hottest hitting team in the sport last year.
“I never question the guys' effort and their prep, kind of just seems like we're kind of stuck in the middle there where you can either get a little separation or add on in a different way,” manager John Schneider said after a recent loss to the New York Yankees, per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. “But when you get all singles, it's tough to make that sustainable, for sure.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Second Baseman Cuts Ties With New Team After Just 2 Games
Among the most significant changes for the Blue Jays are the loss of long-time shortstop Bo Bichette and the addition of veteran Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto. But now the team has gotten a surprising update on the availability of another one of its infielders from last year.
“Infielder Michael Stefanic has elected free agency,” Darragh McDonald reported for MLB Trade Rumors. “The Athletics outrighted him to Triple-A yesterday. Since he has a previous career outright, he has the right to reject further such assignments. He has exercised that right and heads to the open market.”
Stefanic signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays in 2024 and started last season with the Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons before being added to the team’s big-league roster shortly after Opening Day.
The 30-year-old infielder made nine appearances for the Blue Jays last year, making six starts at second base, playing one inning at shortstop and closing out a game on the mound. But he was designated for assignment in June, cleared waivers and returned to Triple-A where he finished out the season.
Before this campaign began, Stefanic signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics and was called up for a brief season debut in the big leagues before being designated for assignment again. He has now rejected that assignment and returned to free agency, presumably searching for another major-league opportunity.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Infielder Michael Stefanic Becomes A Free Agent
But with a crowded Blue Jays infield searching for an identity, Stefanic’s next best opportunity might come in a return to the new team he just left.
“In these situations, it’s common for the player to return to his previous club on a new minor league deal, but Stefanic can at least explore the market to see if there’s a better opportunity somewhere else,” McDonald added. “The A’s would probably be happy to get him back with both Wilson and Max Muncy on the IL right now, leaving them a bit shorthanded on the dirt.”
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
The customer journey used to start on the SERP. But that’s no longer the case. By the time a buyer types a search query into Google, they usually already have a few potential brands in mind. They’ve:
Seen the same product recommended across multiple Instagram Reels over the course of days or weeks.
Read a Reddit thread where five strangers agreed the same tool was the best option.
Watched peers recommend a specific service inside a Facebook group.
Google has become the confirmation step, not the starting point. Nobody searches with a blank mind. Buyers arrive focused on confirming assumptions and gathering more specific information, not browsing for options.
The question that matters is whether your brand made it onto that mental shortlist before the search happened. In most categories, getting on the shortlist means being visible on the platforms where buyers compare options.
Where is the shortlist actually built?
Peer-driven decisions happen across a handful of environments specific to each industry. For example:
In Facebook groups where peers recommend the same three brands again and again.
On Reddit threads where the same product keeps surfacing as the community pick.
On Instagram Reels and YouTube videos where independent creators and paid influencers endorse the same brand and model, and algorithms keep showing users the same product repeatedly.
On LinkedIn posts where an expert the buyer already follows names a tool or brand.
On podcasts where a trusted host endorses a specific person, brand, or product.
In AI answers that keep naming the same brands for similar questions.
By the time one of these interactions triggers a Google search, the scope is usually narrow, often limited to “brand X review,” “brand X vs. brand Y,” or a direct navigational query.
Ranking for the head term usually doesn’t decide the buyer. Being mentioned in those off-SERP conversations does.
Reddit is booming right now. That won’t always be the case. Platforms rise and fade in cycles, and visibility on any single platform is temporary by nature.
What doesn’t change is the underlying behavior: People ask peers before they ask search engines. The takeaway isn’t to chase whichever platform is hot this quarter. It’s to be part of the conversation wherever your category comes up.
The two objectives of search everywhere optimization (SEvO)
Every campaign in this space has two objectives:
Direct visibility: Show up where the shortlist is being built while buyers are narrowing down their options. This is the more obvious objective, and the easier one to measure through signals like direct search traffic and increases in specific branded queries.
Engine comprehension: Every time your brand appears next to a relevant problem, audience, or solution, you increase the likelihood of being recommended later by AI systems. This work is difficult to measure in the moment and usually only becomes visible in hindsight.
It might remind you of a famous quote from Steve Jobs:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
You can’t see the system working while it’s being built. Only after enough signals accumulate does your brand start appearing in AI responses and in the conversations shaping buyers’ shortlists.
Where the shortlist lives today: SERP evidence
Pull any buyer query in your niche and count how many Page 1 results come from Reddit, Quora, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Medium, Substack, or industry-specific publications. The mix has already shifted.
Here are five recently verified examples pulled from live SERPs in Ahrefs.
SaaS and CRM
Query: “best CRM for small business” (U.S.)
YouTube at Positions 1 and 8.
Reddit at Positions 2 and 6.
Quora at Position 6.
Before buyers reach a traditional listicle, they’ve already watched a YouTube review and read multiple Reddit threads.
Consumer fitness
Query: “best home gym equipment” (U.S.)
Multiple Reddit threads on Page 1.
YouTube at Position 7.
Community recommendations inside home gym subreddits are shaping the consideration set.
Ecommerce platforms
Query: “Shopify vs. WooCommerce” (U.S.)
YouTube at Positions 1 and 4.
Reddit at Position 2, plus another result at Position 8.
The comparison decision is often shaped through video content and Reddit discussions before any vendor page gets a click.
Consumer electronics
Query: “best noise-canceling headphones” (U.S.)
YouTube at Positions 1 and 6.
Instagram at Position 1.
Reddit at Positions 3 and 5.
Facebook at Position 6.
Five of the top six results are social or user-generated. Brands that only show up on their own websites are missing the broader conversation.
Running and apparel
Query: “best running shoes” (U.S.)
YouTube at Positions 1 and 7.
Reddit at Positions 4 and 6, with multiple threads.
Quora at Position 6.
Even in highly commercial categories, community and video content dominate a large share of page one.
If your strategy ends at “rank on Google,” you’re optimizing for the last slide of a deck the buyer already watched.
In many categories, the SERP now acts more as a confirmation layer than a discovery layer.
To organize this work without overwhelming your team, I developed a framework called the Search Everywhere Optimization Pyramid.
From the bottom up, each layer supports the one above it. Skip a layer, and the structure above it becomes harder to sustain.
Layer 1: Audience platform research (APR)
This is the foundation. Before you touch a single platform, you map where your ICP researches, compares options, and makes decisions. The output is a prioritized list of platforms, along with specific sub-communities and engagement strategies.
This isn’t a generic “be on social” plan.
Problem: Most teams skip APR and default to whichever platform is trending internally. We’ve seen B2B consultants trying to build visibility on Pinterest instead of LinkedIn, and DTC brands focusing on LinkedIn even though their audiences were clearly on TikTok and YouTube.
Solution: Conduct one deep research pass per ideal customer profile (ICP), documenting the exact subreddits, LinkedIn creators, niche Slack communities, YouTube channels, and publications your buyers actually consume. Without this, every decision above this layer becomes a guess.
Audience research tools like SparkToro can help narrow your focus and identify the right platforms more quickly.
Practical steps: In SparkToro, enter a description of your ICP. The output is a ranked list of platforms by audience concentration, topics, social profiles they follow, and more, all exportable.
The deliverable from an APR sprint is a one-page brief per ICP that includes:
The Top 3 platforms,
The Top 5 sub-communities, such as subreddit names, LinkedIn hashtags, and Facebook group names, and
The exact phrases buyers use to describe their problems.
Layer 2: Alert systems and making them usable with AI
Once you know where your audience is, you need to know when they’re talking about topics relevant to your business. That means setting up alerts whenever someone mentions a competitor, asks a relevant question, or surfaces a problem your product solves.
Google Alerts exists. It underdelivers. Three tools worth considering are:
Semrush Brand Monitoring.
AlertMouse.
Firehose.
But picking the right tool is only half the problem. Volume is the other half.
Alerts can become messy very quickly. While you want broad coverage across conversations, it’s equally important to add enough exclusions so decision-making conversations don’t get buried in noise.
Fifty notifications a day quickly becomes unmanageable, and unmanageable systems get ignored.
The solution: Layer AI on top of your alert stream to filter and prioritize what actually deserves your attention. Two criteria matter most:
Recency: Someone is asking the question right now, which means you can join the conversation while attention is still high.
Ranking strength: The thread is already ranking for keywords relevant to your business, which means your response can live on a page that keeps surfacing over time.
Quick win: Beyond creating a smart alert setup, run each day’s alerts through an AI prompt that scores them against these two criteria and ranks the top three to five opportunities. Respond only to those.
Too often, teams set up 50 alerts and abandon the system within a month because it becomes impossible to manage. Prioritization is what makes the system sustainable.
The following prompt can serve as a starting point for your own alert workflow. You can expand it using APIs from Semrush, Ahrefs, DataForSEO, or SE Ranking to factor in ranking data more easily:
"You are helping a B2B SaaS company prioritize daily monitoring alerts. Their ideal customer is a founder or operations lead at a 10-50 person company, evaluating tools like CRMs, project management software, or productivity platforms. The company wants to show up in conversations where that buyer is actively comparing options or asking for recommendations. Here are today's alerts: [paste list].
Score each one from 1 to 10 on two criteria: Recency (is this thread active in the last 24 hours?) and Ranking potential (does this thread appear to rank or have the structure of a ranking thread - high engagement, authoritative domain, keyword in title?).
Return only the top 3 to 5 alerts, ranked from highest to lowest priority.
For each one, provide:
- The alert title or link
- Recency score (1-10) with one sentence of reasoning
- Ranking potential score (1-10) with one sentence of reasoning
- Combined priority score (average of the two)
- A one-line suggested angle for how to respond (useful answer, not a pitch)
Ignore alerts that are news articles, press releases, or brand mentions with no question or conversation attached."
Swap the ICP definition in the example prompt for your own brand’s ICP
When it comes to the alerts that actually matter, show up with a useful answer, not a pitch. The goal is to become a recognized voice in the spaces where your buyers already spend time.
Eventually, your audience may start mentioning your brand before you even receive the alert and join the conversation yourself.
You can’t build third-party credibility by publishing only on your own blog. A byline in a publication your ICP already reads carries more weight. When someone searches your name after seeing you in a Reddit thread or LinkedIn comment, seeing a trusted publication in the results changes the dynamic entirely.
There’s a second reason industry publications should come before frequent publishing on your own platforms: distribution.
Many sites don’t have a strong distribution network in place. At a time when new articles can struggle to drive clicks or visibility despite solid SEO, publishing often makes more sense on platforms that already have distribution figured out. Here are a few practical tips:
Pitch angles that spark interest: Lead with data or a contrarian position, not a broad topic. “Why Reddit is outranking your blog for your own keywords” gets attention. “I’d like to write about SEO trends” does not.
Start with accessible publications: Focus first on publications with contributor portals or clear guest article guidelines. Cold-pitching editors at top-tier outlets without an existing relationship usually has a low success rate. Build momentum with mid-tier publications first.
Volume benchmark: Two to four bylines in relevant publications are often enough to change the dynamic when someone Googles your name. You don’t need 20.
Prioritize relevance over scale: One strong placement on a site your ICP already reads beats 10 placements on general marketing blogs they’ve never heard of.
Layer 4: Distribution
This is the most underestimated layer, and usually the reason great content dies quietly.
Producing content is the straightforward part. Getting the right people to see it at the right time is where most teams quietly fail.
Before you scale content production or invest heavily in studies, surveys, or large-scale experiments, build the necessary distribution infrastructure.
Distribution infrastructure means:
An email list you own.
A LinkedIn audience you’ve built.
3-5 partners or collaborators who will share your content when it publishes.
A repurposing system that automatically turns one article into 5-7 social posts.
You should also consider amplifying key pieces of content through paid ads to reach a wider audience.
A good test before publishing anything new is to ask yourself: “Where will this be seen by 500 people in the first 48 hours?”
If you can’t answer that, go back to the drawing board. Your distribution layer isn’t ready.
Every content piece you publish afterward becomes more effective simply by moving through a distribution framework you’ve already built.
Layer 5: Your own publications
After audience platform research, smart alert systems, third-party credibility, and strategic distribution, it’s finally time for your own content.
Most SEO teams treat their blog as layer one. The pyramid places it at layer five for a reason.
Content in 2026 needs to be highly relevant to your brand’s core business or topic, and it needs to add value that isn’t already widely available elsewhere on the web.
If you can create that kind of content and leverage your existing distribution channels and third-party placements, it will reach your target audience through multiple paths.
Here’s what this looks like in practice without overloading your team.
Phase 1: APR sprint
Conduct one deep research pass per ICP. Document platforms, sub-communities, and the exact language buyers use when describing problems.
Phase 2: Alert setup and AI prioritization
Configure 20 to 50 alerts across your ICPs’ primary challenges and conversation topics. Add enough exclusions so you don’t have to sift through excessive noise, and use an AI-based filter to help identify which conversations deserve attention.
Assign a daily 10-20 minute engagement block to maintain consistency. Track brand mention volume as your baseline metric.
Phase 3: Industry publications and distribution
Pitch topics to the publications your ICP already reads. In parallel, or shortly afterward, build your own distribution layer so every piece of content has a promotion plan before it publishes.
Phase 4: Owned content at scale
At this point, your LinkedIn posts, Reddit contributions, and blog articles all sit on top of a system designed to amplify them.
Important: This isn’t a “replace SEO” program. Technical SEO, keyword targeting, internal linking, Core Web Vitals, and all the fundamentals still matter. Search everywhere optimization sits atop traditional semantic SEO.
How do you measure something that happens before the click?
You can’t measure pre-click influence with perfect precision, but you can track the signals that suggest buyers already know your brand before they search.
Brand mention volume, measured against a baseline from your alert tool over a 90-day period.
Branded search growth in Google Search Console, which is often the clearest downstream signal that pre-click visibility is working.
Assisted conversion path length and entry sources in Google Analytics 4, specifically non-Google touchpoints that precede branded Google sessions.
Direct traffic, where users type your domain directly into the browser.
Self-attribution through lead form questions like “How did you find out about us?”
Attribution before the click is inherently fuzzy. You usually only see the full picture in hindsight once enough signals connect over time. What you’re building is compounding evidence, not a single-touch conversion path.
The real question is whether buyers are already arriving at your site familiar with your brand, and whether AI systems and other users across the web consistently mention you for relevant queries.
When those things happen, CTR on branded queries rises, sales cycles shorten, and paid CPCs on branded terms often decline.
Buyers arrive at Google with a shortlist. Your job is to make sure your brand is on it and to give search engines and AI systems enough evidence across the open web to understand who you are and who you serve.
The search everywhere optimization pyramid organizes the work in order of leverage:
APR first.
Alerts second with AI prioritization.
Industry publications third.
Distribution fourth.
Your own content last.
Each layer supports the one above it. Platforms will rise and fade. The conversation itself is what you’re investing in.
Ask any paid media manager how their Monday morning starts, and you’ll hear some version of the same story.
Google Ads. Meta. LinkedIn. TikTok. Reddit. Pull the numbers, drop them into a spreadsheet, make them tell a coherent story, and send the report to your client or boss by 10 a.m. Somewhere in there, figure out what worked last week and why.
It’s a terrible use of a Monday morning.
I’ve been in performance marketing long enough to remember when “multi-channel” meant running Google Ads and maybe a Facebook campaign on the side. That was already hard enough to reconcile. Now you’re dealing with 10 or 11 networks, each with its own attribution logic, campaign structure, and definition of a conversion.
The data doesn’t just live in different places. It doesn’t even speak the same language.
And yet most teams still manage everything the same way they did five years ago: too many tabs, spreadsheets, and Monday mornings.
The Monday morning problem nobody talks about
What doesn’t get discussed enough is that most of the time paid media teams spend on “campaign management” isn’t actually campaign management. It’s
Data entry.
Reformatting.
Logging in and out of platforms.
Rebuilding the same campaign brief five different times because Google’s campaign structure doesn’t map to Meta’s, and neither of them map to LinkedIn’s.
Industry data puts the average paid media manager at 5 to 9 hours a week on administrative work alone. My sense from talking to practitioners — and from doing the job myself — is that’s probably conservative for anyone managing more than three or four active networks. Agencies handling multiple clients across multiple platforms can easily spend twice that.
Think about what 10 hours a week actually means. That’s 40 hours a month — five full working days.
If you’re billing that time to clients, a meaningful part of the retainer isn’t going toward the work they actually hired you to do. If you’re absorbing it internally, it’s a hidden cost that never shows up in your ROAS calculations but absolutely shows up in your margins.
Every week.
And that’s before you get to the errors. Manual data transfer is really just manual error introduction — there’s no way around it.
Budget caps get mistyped.
Negative keyword lists don’t get updated across platforms.
A campaign gets paused in Google while it keeps running in Meta because nobody caught it.
Small things, but small things compound.
What you’re actually losing (it’s not just time)
The time cost is real, but it’s not even the biggest problem. The bigger issue is the lag.
When your performance data lives in 12 different places and only gets consolidated once a week, you miss a meaningful optimization window between Monday and Friday.
The insight that LinkedIn is overspending while Google is underspending doesn’t surface until the budget’s already gone. The creative that stopped working on Wednesday doesn’t get flagged until Monday.
Another week of wasted spend.
There’s also a consistency problem that’s harder to see but just as expensive. When campaigns are built natively inside each platform — one brief rebuilt five times across five different UIs — the strategy starts to drift.
Audience definitions stop matching exactly.
Budget allocation logic becomes inconsistent.
Creative strategy changes not because you made a deliberate decision, but because you were tired on Thursday afternoon by the time you got to the LinkedIn build.
For agencies, there’s another layer. You’re not just managing drift across networks, you’re managing it across clients. Thirty native dashboards. Thirty credential sets. Thirty reporting exports to manually combine every week.
I’ve been that person. It doesn’t get easier.
It’s a lot. And if we’re being honest, most teams have just accepted it as part of the job.
Why native dashboards will never fix this
I want to be direct about something: Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and every other ad network aren’t going to solve the cross-network management problem. Not because they can’t, but because they won’t.
Every platform is incentivized to maximize your time inside its interface. Time spent in Google Ads is time you’re not questioning whether Google deserves that budget. Same with Meta. Same with LinkedIn.
The fragmentation isn’t an accident. It’s the product.
Yes, they’ve all built APIs. Yes, there are integration ecosystems. But use any of them and tell me this feels solved. Managing a multi-network buy in 2026 still means logging into 10 different tools. The gap hasn’t closed — it’s just been covered with more software.
Anyway.
The solution has to start from the opposite direction: not “how do we stitch together the outputs of 10 platforms,” but “what if you never had to build inside those platforms in the first place?”
What AI-native management actually changes
The tooling shift happening in performance marketing right now isn’t really about dashboards. Dashboards are the symptom fix. The real shift is about who — or what — is doing the operational work.
AI-native ad management platforms handle the upstream work that lives in your team’s heads and your team’s time.
Campaign planning from a plain-English brief instead of rebuilding logic for every platform.
Creative automatically sized to each network’s specs instead of manually reformatted.
Two-way sync on live campaigns so editing a headline in one place pushes the update across all 10 channels at once — no native dashboards required.
That last point matters because it changes the workflow itself. The old process for updating a live creative is: log into Google, pause the ad, upload the new version, publish. Then repeat the same process in Meta, LinkedIn, and TikTok. With two-way sync, you make one edit and the update propagates everywhere. The platform archives the old version and handles deployment.
That’s not a marginal improvement. That’s a different category of tool.
For agencies, the reporting side is probably the most immediately valuable. AI-generated client reports — normalized data, performance narrative, budget pacing — delivered in a branded format that’s ready to send. No more Sunday-night Excel ritual.
None of this is speculative. These platforms already exist, built specifically for teams that have been absorbing this operational overhead for years without a real alternative.
3 things worth doing this week
I’ll keep this practical:
1. Track where your hours actually go for one week.
Not roughly — actually track them. Before you evaluate a new tool or process, you need a real baseline.
Most teams I talk to underestimate their admin time by about 40%. Seeing the real number tends to motivate change faster than another article about it ever will.
2. Standardize naming conventions across every active account
Seriously. It’s unglamorous work, but the payoff is immediate. Inconsistent campaign names, ad set labels, and conversion event naming create a disproportionate amount of reconciliation pain in multi-network reporting.
Two hours of cleanup now can save hours every week going forward, no new tools required.
3. Evaluate what’s available now
This is the step most teams skip. The AI-native ad management space has moved quickly over the last 18 months.
If your mental model of “cross-channel management tools” is based on something you evaluated two or three years ago, it’s probably outdated. The gap between what the best tools can do today and what most teams are actually using is significant — and getting wider.
The operational edge is the performance edge
The teams winning in paid media right now aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones that have compressed the cycle between data and action — teams that can see cross-network performance in real time, make changes across every channel at once, and get reporting out the door without losing half a day to manual work.
That’s an operational advantage. And operational advantages compound in ways that are hard to catch once another team has them.
The Monday morning spreadsheet reconciliation ritual isn’t inevitable. It’s just what the industry was stuck with until recently.
Poll results and community reactions show strong interest in disc‑to‑digital, even though the program isn’t confirmed. With Project Helix potentially dropping the disc drive, readers are signalling how they want Xbox to handle discs.
Today, IBM and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) to build an American quantum chip foundry, securing the nation's global quantum leadership and fueling the country's growing quantum ecosystem. The CHIPS incentive from the DoC will support the research and development efforts of a new IBM company: Anderon, which will be America's first pure-play quantum foundry. This initiative represents one of the most significant commitments by the U.S. Government to date in quantum R&D to position the United States to manufacture most of the world's quantum wafers.
In addition to the $1 billion in CHIPS incentives provided by the DoC, IBM will contribute $1 billion of cash into Anderon, along with IBM investing significant intellectual property, assets, and a skilled workforce, with additional investors expected as Anderon grows. Headquartered in Albany, New York as a standalone company, Anderon will operate as a state-of-the-art 300-millimeter quantum wafer foundry. It will help the nation solidify its leadership at the center of a thriving new quantum industry that is estimated to generate up to $850 billion in economic value by 2040 and spur American economic growth while also bolstering national security.
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A new entry in the Virtua Fighter series has been in development for a while, but not much has been said about it yet. However, a new major online leak revealed that the game will be called Virtua Fighter 6 Crossroads while showing the first gameplay footage which was likely prepared for an imminent reveal. While the leaked video, available on Reddit, is rather short and of poor quality, it does an excellent job showcasing the game's impressive visuals. The animations, in particular, look incredibly advanced, far ahead of anything that we have seen in fighting games to date, delivering an unprecedented […]
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This Newegg deal on an ABS Kaze II Aqua gaming PC drops the price down to just $2,175.49 with discount code ABSGAMER5, netting you a PC with a 24-core Intel Core i9-14900KF CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, a 2TB SSD, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
Images of the PCB Intel will be using with Crescent Island has been published on X, showing a single-GPU design and pads for the graphics card's 20 LPDDR5X modules.
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Pryzen also supports amateur teams with Clubs: create a team, recruit nearby players, run leagues and tournaments, and anchor results and player NFTs on the Chiliz chain. Club performance boosts tokens and routes on-chain rewards to players, staff, and fans.
The Mariner of the Seas is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean and Western Europe during the summer of 2027. After being redeployed by Royal Caribbean International, the Voyager-class vessel will operate cruises departing from Portugal, Spain and Italy during that timeframe. Upon completing a winter season sailing from New Orleans, the 2004-built ship offers...
The Carnival Legend recently welcomed guests back onboard following a 16-day drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard. Set to cruise in Europe during the upcoming summer season, the ship resumed revenue service in Miami on May 20, 2026. For its first post-drydock sailing, the Spirit-class vessel is offering a four-night cruise to the Bahamas from...
MSC Cruises’ new sustainable water is being rolled out to more ships in 2026, according to the company’s website. The initiative, which produces mineral-enriched water onboard using a seawater filtering system, is expected to be available on all of the company’s fleet by the end of the year. As previously reported by Cruise Industry News,...
The Norwegian Aqua recently completed its first year of service after being delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard on March 13, 2025. As the third ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class series, the 3,571-passenger ship welcomed its first passengers in Europe a few weeks later. Before arriving in PortMiami for its christening ceremony, the Aqua offered...
Samsung has started releasing the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 in more countries. The update first launched in South Korea, and now Samsung is expanding it globally.
Galaxy A36 users in Turkey are now getting the One UI 8.5 update. At the same time, Galaxy A56 users in Malaysia, Indonesia, and several European regions have also started receiving the new software update.This shows that Samsung has officially started the worldwide rollout for both devices.
One UI 8.5 update comes with a download size of around 3GB. Since it is a major update, users are advised to connect to a Wi-Fi network before downloading it. The update is expected to improve the overall user experience with smoother performance, better animations, improved battery optimization, and stronger security features.
Users can identify the update through the firmware version numbers.For the Galaxy A36, the firmware version ends with CZDD. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A56 update carries a firmware version ending with CZDR.
Samsung releases updates in phases, so some users may receive it earlier than others depending on their country or carrier. If the update has not arrived yet, users may need to wait a few more days.
To check for the update manually, users can go to Settings, then tap Software Update, and select Download and Install. With the One UI 8.5 rollout now expanding globally, more Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 users are expected to receive the update very soon.
Samsung is working on the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra alongside the base and Plus models, and a supply chain leak has just revealed the potential upgrades linked to the camera hardware, display and battery.
Prolific tipster Ice Universe dropped details on Weibo suggesting the Galaxy S27 Pro will share its main and ultrawide cameras with the S27 Ultra. The leaker calls them “entirely new” hardware, which would make the Pro a serious imaging machine.
IceUniverse stayed vague on the telephoto, only confirming it’ll differ from the Ultra’s setup. Here’s hoping Samsung finally retires that embarrassing 10MP 3x shooter it’s been recycling since 2021.
Korean blogger Yeux1122 made a separate claim, drawing on sources from component suppliers. The camera configuration apparently mirrors the S25 Edge, though the blogger was careful to clarify that’s not camera count.
Cross-reference that with tipster Ice Universe’s leak and the S27 Pro’s camera stack starts taking shape: 200MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, and some form of telephoto that we know practically nothing about.
Yeux1122 also mentioned that Samsung is chasing a bigger battery and a display quality closer to Ultra standards. Pricing could land around $1,100, roughly matching the S25 Edge, though the source hedged heavily on that figure.
The more grounded reporting came from ET News, which pegged the S27 Pro as an Ultra-adjacent device minus the S Pen. The outlet later pinned the screen at 6.47 inches of OLED, making it notably compact compared to the S26 Plus.
The leaks keep coming, but this time, they’re actually interesting.
Samsung has lowered the prices of the Galaxy S26 series by up to $250 in the US, offering consumers direct upfront discounts.
AI Week is still kicking, and flagship phone buyers get a decent opportunity to make their purchase in this sale season. The direct discounts on the Galaxy S26 series range from $80 to $250, with the S26 Ultra getting the most.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 now starts at $820, Galaxy S26+ at $925, and Galaxy S26 Ultra at $1,050 in the US. The base model is getting a discount of $80 and $100, the Plus variant is down by $175 and $200, while the Ultra is down by $250.
Note that the prices written above are as of May 21, 2026. They may go down further or increase as well, so always verify from the official website at the time you’re going to make the purchase.
The latest price cuts may not be permanent as they seem to be a part of the AI Week promotion. If you are considering an upgrade, finalize your decision before the price goes back to the original list price or the benefits are reduced.
Samsung has increased the Galaxy S26 series prices this year. However, the company is offering consumers continuous opportunities to have the new phone. You can pick any color or storage configuration at the given discount.
Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most sold smartphone in the 2026 lineup. The variant alone surpasses the combined sales of the base and Plus. It features the world’s first Privacy Display feature and Horizon Lock video recording tech.
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The RedMagic 11S Pro series has recently launched in China, and this gaming phone lineup is powered by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. AnTuTu reports that with its performance-focused configuration, the Pro+ can achieve one of the highest benchmark scores.
With today’s Take-Two earnings call potentially bringing news about GTA 6, many fans on Reddit seem more frustrated than excited. Some are tired of having to wait for official updates during a financial call, while others are urging patience.
Garmin CIRQA will soon mark Garmin's debut in a brand new product category. After the wearable was spotted at a retailer, references to Garmin CIRQA have also appeared in the code of the Garmin Connect app.
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Yesterday, Red Hat Inc. unleashed Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.2 and 9.8, two updates that push the current and legacy branches of this operating system one step forward. Thanks to them, the users now enjoy simplified hybrid cloud management, improved security capabilities that include protection from quantum computing risks, and more.
A poisoned VS Code extension linked to the TanStack supply chain attack breached GitHub, OpenAI, and Mistral AI, exposing 3,800 internal repositories and developer credentials.
The Analogue Wonderland Pure35 compact camera with flash and optical viewfinder launches for £30. The 35 mm camera offers a 31 mm lens and is powered by a single AAA battery.
Smaller battery, but still great runtimes - the OnePlus Nord 6's battery has been cut back compared to its Chinese model, but still impresses with a full day's runtime under load. Here's what we found out about the mid-range phone.
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The Vibe 2 5G sports a 6.75-inch LCD display that offers an HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
It is powered by the Unisoc T8200 chipset, which can be paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The phone offers a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB.
In terms of optics, the handset gets a 50MP primary rear camera and an...
is expected to collide with WBC welterweight champion in September, and now former unified super-lightweight titlist has offered his opinion on the bout. Benn has not fought at welterweight since he knocked out Chris van Heerden in April 2022, with his recent Zuffa Boxing debut coming in a 150lb catchweight affair against Regis Prograis after […]
Trendyol Süper Lig'de 2025-2026 sezonunu şampiyon tamamlayan Galatasaray'ın en golcü futbolcusu Victor Osimhen oldu.
Süper Lig'de sezonu 24 galibiyet ve beşer beraberlik ile mağlubiyetle tamamlayan sarı-kırmızılı ekip, 77 puan topladı. Galatasaray, en yakın takipçisi Fenerbahçe'nin 3 puan önünde ligi zirvede bitirdi.
Böylece üst üste 4, toplamda ise 26. kez mutlu sona ulaşan sarı-kırmızılı ekibin bu sezonki başarısında 27 yaşındaki Nijeryalı yıldız Victor Osimhen, attığı gollerle önemli rol oynadı.
İtalya'nın Napoli takımından 75 milyon avro bonservis bedeliyle transfer edilen Osimhen, bu sezon 22 lig maçında 15 kez ağları sarstı.
Osimhen'i bu alanda 14 gol atan Arjantinli Mauro Icardi ve 8 kez ağları havalandıran Barış Alper Yılmaz takip etti.
Osimhen, gol krallığında 4. sırada
Galatasaray'ın Nijeryalı yıldızı Victor Osimhen, Süper Lig'deki gol krallığı yarışını 4. sırada tamamladı.
Ligde toplamda 15 kez rakip fileleri havalandıran Osimhen, gol krallığında Trabzonsporlu Paul Onuachu (22), RAMS Başakşehirli Eldor Shomurodov (22) ve Fenerbahçeli Anderson Talisca'nın (19) ardından Gaziantep FK oyuncusu Mohamed Bayo (15) ile dördüncü sırayı paylaştı.
21 gol Türklerden geldi
Galatasaray'ın bu sezon kaydettiği 77 golün 21'i Türk oyunculardan geldi.
Ligde Türk oyunculardan Barış Alper Yılmaz 8, Yunus Akgün 7, Eren Elmalı 3, İlkay Gündoğan 2 ve Kaan Ayhan 1 kez ağları havalandırdı.
4 golü rakipler kendi kalesine attı
Süper Lig'de bu sezon Galatasaray'ın hanesine yazılan 77 golün 4'ünü rakip futbolcular kendi kalelerine attı.
Süper Lig'in 2. haftasında konuk ettiği Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük'ü 3-0 yenen sarı-kırmızılı ekibin ikinci golünü rakip oyuncu Fatih Kurucuk kaydetti.
Ligin 20. haftasında 4-0 kazanılan Zecorner Kayserispor maçında ilk golü Kayserisporlu futbolcu Aaron Opoku kendi kalesine attı.
Galatasaray'ın Eyüpspor'u 5-1 yendiği 22. haftadaki müsabakada sarı-kırmızılı takımın beşinci golü Jerome Onguene'nin ayağından geldi.
Son olarak 27. haftada Göztepe'yi deplasmanda 3-1 yenen Galatasaray'ın ikinci golünü İzmir temsilcisinin oyuncusu Allan kendi kalesine attı.
Süper Lig'in en golcü iki takımından biri
Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'de bu sezonun en golcü iki takımından biri oldu.
Ligde çıktığı 34 müsabakada 77 gol atan şampiyon sarı-kırmızılı ekip, Fenerbahçe ile bu alanda zirvede yer aldı.
Galatasaray, ayrıca kalesinde 30 gol görerek ligin en iyi savunma yapan takım ünvanını aldı.
Performans
Galatasaray'da bu sezon Süper Lig maçların gol atan futbolcular şunlar:
İsim Maç İlk 11 Gol
Victor Osimhen 22 19 15
Mauro Icardi 31 12 14
Barış Alper Yılmaz 30 27 8
Yunus Akgün 28 23 7
Leroy Sane 28 27 7
Gabriel Sara 27 21 5
Lucas Torreira 30 28 3
Eren Elmalı 25 16 3
Mario Lemina 27 19 2
İlkay Gündoğan 24 15 2
Wilfried Singo 19 11 2
Davinson Sanchez 30 29 1
Roland Sallai 30 26 1
Kaan Ayhan 19 2 1
Sacha Boey 11 6 1
Renato Nhaga 3 1 1
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası 10. kez müzesine götürmek isteyen Trabzonspor, 4. turdan itibaren yer aldığı kupada finale yükselme başarısı gösterdi.
Kupada ilk olarak 4. turda sahasında İmaj Altyapı Vanspor'u konuk eden bordo-mavililer, bu karşılaşmadan 2-0 galip ayrılarak gruplara kaldı.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası A Grubu'nda ilk maçta sahasında Corendon Alanyaspor'a 1-0 mağlup olan Karadeniz ekibi, daha sonra İstanbulspor'u deplasmanda 6-1, sahasında Fethiyespor'u 3-0, İstanbul'da da RAMS Başakşehir'i 4-2'lik sonuçla mağlup etti.
Grubu 12 puanla lider Galatasaray'ın ardından 9 puanla ikinci sırada tamamlayan Trabzonspor, çeyrek finalde Samsunspor ile deplasmanda karşılaştı.
Samsunspor'u normal süresi ve uzatma bölümü golsüz sona eren karşılaşmada penaltı atışlarıyla 3-1 eleyen bordo-mavililer, yarı finalde de Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-1 mağlup ederek finale yükselmeyi başardı.
17 gol attı, 5 gol yedi
Trabzonspor, kupada oynadığı 7 karşılaşmada rakip fileleri 17 kez havalandırarak maç başına 2,42 gol ortalamasını yakaladı.
Bordo-mavililer, kalesinde ise sadece 5 gol görerek rakiplerine fazla skor üretme şansı vermedi.
Kupanın golcüsü Muçi
Trabzonspor'un Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda en golcü oyuncusu Muçi oldu. Arnavut oyuncu 4 gol ile takımına kupada en çok skor katkısı yapan isim olurken ara transferde Belçika'nın Anderlecht takımına transfer olan Danylo Sikan da 3 gol ile bu oyuncuyu takip etti.
Muçi, Trabzonpor'un Ziraat Türkiye Kupası A Grubu'nda galip geldiği İstanbulspor maçında 2, Fethiyespor maçında 1 gol attı.
Arnavut oyuncu, Gençlerbirliği maçında attığı gol ile kupada gol sayısını 4'e yükselterek takımını finale taşıdı. Muçi, ayrıca Samsunspor ile oynanan ve penaltı atışlarına giden karşılaşmada da kullandığı son atışı gole çevirerek turu getiren isim oldu.
Futbolda 64. Ziraat Türkiye Kupası, Trabzonspor ile TÜMOSAN Konyaspor arasında yarın Corendon Airlines Park Antalya Stadı'nda yapılacak final maçıyla sahibini bulacak.
Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu tarafından 1962-1963'ten itibaren düzenlenen Türkiye Kupası, 1980-1981 sezonu itibarıyla Federasyon Kupası adı altında oynanmaya başladı. Organizasyonun adı 1992-1993 sezonundan itibaren yeniden Türkiye Kupası olarak değiştirildi.
Kupada geçen sezon Gaziantep'te oynanan finalde Galatasaray, Trabzonspor'u 3-0 yenerek mutlu sona ulaştı.
Trabzonspor 17 kez final oynadı, 9 kez kupayı kazandı
Trabzonspor, daha önce 17 kez final oynadığı Türkiye Kupası'nda 9 kez şampiyon oldu.
Bordo-mavili takım, kupada 1976-1977, 1977-1978, 1983-1984, 1991-1992, 1994-1995, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2009-2010 ve 2019-2020 sezonlarında mutlu sona ulaştı.
Trabzonspor, 1974-1975, 1975-1976, 1984-1985, 1989-1990, 1996-1997, 2012-2013, 2023-2024 ve 2024-2025 sezonundaki finallerde ise kupayı kaybetti.
Konyaspor bir kez final oynadı ve şampiyon oldu
Konyaspor, daha önce bir kez final oynadığı Türkiye Kupası'nda şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
Yeşil-beyazlı takım, 2016-2017 sezonunda normal süresi ve uzatmaları golsüz berabere biten final maçında penaltılarda RAMS Başakşehir'e 4-1 üstünlük sağlayarak kupanın sahibi oldu.
Rekorlar Galatasaray'da
Türkiye Kupası tarihinde rekorlar Galatasaray'ın elinde bulunuyor.
Sarı-kırmızılı ekip organizasyonda daha önce 24 kez final oynarken, 19 kez kupayı müzesine götürmeyi başardı.
Kupayı en çok kazanan takım olan Galatasaray, organizasyonun ilk 4 senesinde de kupayı kimseye kaptırmayarak bu alanda da rekora sahip.
Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, organizasyonun ilk kez düzenlendiği 1962-1963 sezonu ile 1963-1964, 1964-1965, 1965-1966, 1972-1973, 1975-1976, 1981-1982, 1984-1985, 1990-1991, 1992-1993, 1995-1996, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2004-2005, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2018-2019 ve 2024-2025 sezonlarında kupanın sahibi oldu.
16 ayrı takım kazandı
Türkiye Kupası'nı, 63 yıllık geçmişinde şimdiye dek 16 ayrı takım müzesine götürdü.
Kupada şimdiye dek Galatasaray 19, Beşiktaş 11, Trabzonspor 9, Fenerbahçe 7, Altay, MKE Ankaragücü, Göztepe, Gençlerbirliği ve Kocaelispor ikişer, Eskişehirspor, Bursaspor, Sakaryaspor, Kayserispor, Konyaspor, Akhisarspor ve Sivasspor da birer kez mutlu sona ulaştı.
24 ayrı takım final oynadı
Türkiye Kupası'nda daha önce 24 ayrı takım finallerde mücadele ederken, bunlardan 16'sı en az 1 kez kupa sevinci yaşadı.
Finale yükselip de kupayı şimdiye dek hiç kazanamayan takımlar ise eski ismi İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor olan RAMS Başakşehir (3 kez), Antalyaspor (2 kez), Adana Demirspor, Boluspor, Mersin İdmanyurdu, Samsunspor, Kayseri Erciyesspor ve Alanyaspor.
Bunun yanı sıra Kocaelispor 2, Sakaryaspor, Konyaspor ve Sivasspor ise oynadığı tek finalde kupayı kazanma başarısını gösterdi.
Finalistler ve kupa sayıları
Türkiye Kupası'nın 63 yıllık geçmişinde finale yükselen takımlar ve kazandıkları kupa sayıları şöyle:
Takımlar Final Kupa
Galatasaray 24 19
Beşiktaş 17 11
Trabzonspor 17 9
Fenerbahçe 18 7
Altay 7 2
MKE Ankaragücü 5 2
Gençlerbirliği 5 2
Göztepe 3 2
Kocaelispor 2 2
Bursaspor 6 1
Eskişehirspor 4 1
Akhisarspor 2 1
Kayserispor 2 1
Sakaryaspor 1 1
Konyaspor 1 1
Sivasspor 1 1
Medipol Başakşehir 3 -
Antalyaspor 2 -
Boluspor 1 -
Mersin İdmanyurdu 1 -
Samsunspor 1 -
Adana Demirspor 1 -
Kayseri Erciyesspor 1 -
Alanyaspor 1 -
Türkiye Kupası finalleri
Türkiye Kupası'nı şimdiye dek kazanan takımlar, sezonlara göre finallerdeki rakipleri ve maç sonuçları şöyle:
Sezon Kazanan Finalist 1. Maç 2. Maç
1962-63 Galatasaray Fenerbahçe 2 - 1 2 - 1
1963-64 Galatasaray Altay 0 - 0 3 - 0 Hükmen
1964-65 Galatasaray Fenerbahçe 0 - 0 1 - 0
1965-66 Galatasaray Beşiktaş 1 - 0
1966-67 Altay Göztepe 2 - 2 Kurayla
1967-68 Fenerbahçe Altay 2 - 0 0 - 1
1968-69 Göztepe Galatasaray 1 - 0 1 - 1 Uzatmada
1969-70 Göztepe Eskişehirspor 1 - 2 3 - 1
1970-71 Eskişehirspor Bursaspor 0 - 1 2 - 0
1971-72 Ankaragücü Altay 0 - 0 3 - 0
1972-73 Galatasaray Ankaragücü 3 - 1 1 - 1
1973-74 Fenerbahçe Bursaspor 0 - 1 3 - 0
1974-75 Beşiktaş Trabzonspor 0 - 1 2 - 0
1975-76 Galatasaray Trabzonspor 0 - 1 1 - 0 5-4 (Penaltılar)
1976-77 Trabzonspor Beşiktaş 1 - 0 0 - 0
1977-78 Trabzonspor A.Demirspor 3 - 0 0 - 0
1978-79 Fenerbahçe Altay 1 - 2 2 - 0
1979-80 Altay Galatasaray 1 - 0 1 - 1
1980-81 Ankaragücü Boluspor 2 - 1 0 - 0
1981-82 Galatasaray Ankaragücü 3 - 0 1 - 2
1982-83 Fenerbahçe Mersin İ.Y. 2 - 1 2 - 0
1983-84 Trabzonspor Beşiktaş 2 - 0 Uzatmada
1984-85 Galatasaray Trabzonspor 2 - 1 0 - 0
1985-86 Bursaspor Altay 2 - 0
1986-87 Gençlerbirliği Eskişehirspor 5 - 0 1 - 2
1987-88 Sakaryaspor Samsunspor 2 - 0 1 - 1
1988-89 Beşiktaş Fenerbahçe 1 - 0 2 - 1
1989-90 Beşiktaş Trabzonspor 2 - 0
1990-91 Galatasaray Ankaragücü 3 - 1 Uzatmada
1991-92 Trabzonspor Bursaspor 0 - 3 5 - 1
1992-93 Galatasaray Beşiktaş 1 - 0 2 - 2
1993-94 Beşiktaş Galatasaray 0 - 0 3 - 2
1994-95 Trabzonspor Galatasaray 3 - 2 1 - 0
1995-96 Galatasaray Fenerbahçe 1 - 0 1 - 1 Uzatmada
1996-97 Kocaelispor Trabzonspor 1 - 1 1 - 0
1997-98 Beşiktaş Galatasaray 1 - 1 1 - 1 5-3 (Penaltılar)
1998-99 Galatasaray Beşiktaş 0 - 0 2 - 0
1999-00 Galatasaray Antalyaspor 5 -3 Uzatmada
2000-01 Gençlerbirliği Fenerbahçe 2 - 2 6-3 (Penaltılar)
2001-02 Kocaelispor Beşiktaş 4 - 0
2002-03 Trabzonspor Gençlerbirliği 3 - 1
2003-04 Trabzonspor Gençlerbirliği 4 - 0
2004-05 Galatasaray Fenerbahçe 5 - 1
2005-06 Beşiktaş Fenerbahçe 3 - 2 Uzatmada
2006-07 Beşiktaş K.Erciyesspor 1 - 0 Uzatmada
2007-08 Kayserispor Gençlerbirliği 0 - 0 11-10 (Penaltılar)
2008-09 Beşiktaş Fenerbahçe 4 - 2
2009-10 Trabzonspor Fenerbahçe 3 - 1
2010-11 Beşiktaş İBB Spor 2 - 2 4-3 (Penaltılar)
2011-12 Fenerbahçe Bursaspor 4 - 0
2012-13 Fenerbahçe Trabzonspor 1 - 0
2013-14 Galatasaray Eskişehirspor 1 - 0
2014-15 Galatasaray Bursaspor 3 - 2
2015-16 Galatasaray Fenerbahçe 1 - 0
2016-17 Konyaspor Medipol Başakşehir 0 - 0 4-1 (Penaltılar)
2017-18 Akhisarspor Fenerbahçe 3 - 2
2018-19 Galatasaray Akhisarspor 3 - 1
2019-20 Trabzonspor Alanyaspor 2 - 0
2020-21 Beşiktaş Antalyaspor 2 - 0
2021-22 Sivasspor Kayserispor 3-2 Uzatmada
2022-23 Fenerbahçe RAMS Başakşehir 2-0
2023-24 Beşiktaş Trabzonspor 3-2
2024-25 Galatasaray Trabzonspor 3-0
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde sezonun sürpriz takımı İspanya ekibi Valencia, 40 yıllık tarihinde ilk kez bu organizasyonda dörtlü final oynayacak.
Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da 22-24 Mayıs'ta düzenlenecek dörtlü finale katılacak Valencia, oldukça başarılı bir sezon geçiriyor.
Avrupa Ligi'ne bir yıl aradan sonra dönen Valencia, normal sezonu 25 galibiyet, 13 yenilgiyle 2. sırada tamamladı. İspanyol temsilcisi, play-off'ta ise Ergin Ataman'ın çalıştırdığı Panathinaikos'la eşleşti.
Rakibine İspanya'daki iki maçı da kaybeden Valencia, 2-0 geriye düştüğü seriyi büyük bir sürprize imza atarak çevirmeyi başardı. Panathinaikos'u Yunanistan'da iki kez yenen, son maçı da İspanya'da kazanan Valencia, seriyi 3-2 galip bitirerek adını tarihinde ilk kez dörtlü final organizasyonuna yazdırdı.
Avrupa'da 4 kupası var
Valencia, kulübün 40 yıllık basketbol tarihinde 4 kez Avrupa Kupası elde etti.
Turuncu-siyahlı ekip 2003, 2010, 2014 ve 2019'da Avrupa Kupası organizasyonunu şampiyonlukla tamamladı.
Montero sırtladı
Valancia'nın bu sezon en dikkati çeken ismi Dominik Cumhuriyeti'nden Jean Montero oldu.
İspanyol ekibinin 22 yaşındaki oyun kurucusu ilk kez yer aldığı Avrupa Ligi'nde 14,4 sayı ortalaması yakaladı. Montero'dan sonra 11,8 sayıyla Kameron Taylor, 11,3 sayıyla Brancou Badio ve 10,3 sayıyla Nathan Reuvers takımın diğer skorer isimleri olmayı başardı.
Kadro
Başantrenör Pedro Martinez yönetimindeki Valencia'nın kadrosunda şu isimler bulunuyor:
Oyun kurucu: Brancou Badio, Josep Puerto, Sergio De Larrea, Xabi Lopez Arostegui, Jean Montero, Omari Moore, Darius Thompson, Tomas Talcis, Isaac Nogues, Alex Blanco
Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da yarın başlayacak THY Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Finali'nde mücadele edecek Fenerbahçe Beko, basketbolda Türkiye'ye kulüpler bazında 20. Avrupa kupasını kazandırmaya çalışacak.
Türkiye'den basketbolda daha önce erkeklerde Anadolu Efes 3, Fenerbahçe 2, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Darüşşafaka ve Bahçeşehir Koleji birer kez; kadınlarda ise Fenerbahçe 5, Galatasaray 3, Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi ve ÇBK Mersin de birer defa Avrupa kupalarında şampiyonluk yaşadı.
Erkeklerde Avrupa Ligi'ni Anadolu Efes ve Fenerbahçe ikişer kez kazandı. Galatasaray ve Darüşşafaka BKT Avrupa Kupası'nı; Bahçeşehir Koleji, FIBA Avrupa Kupası'nı; Beşiktaş ise FIBA EuroChallenge Kupası'nı birer kez kazanma başarısı gösterdi. O zamanki adıyla Efes Pilsen de 1996'da Koraç Kupası'nı alarak Türkiye'ye ilk Avrupa zaferini getirdi.
Kadınlarda ise Fenerbahçe 3, Galatasaray 1 defa Avrupa Ligi zaferi yaşadı. Galatasaray ayrıca iki kez, Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi ve ÇBK Mersin ise birer defa FIBA Avrupa Kupası'nı Türkiye'ye getirdi.
Fenerbahçe Kadın Takımı, ayrıca 2 kez Süper Kupa'yı da kazandı.
Avrupa'nın kulüpler bazındaki bir numaralı kupası olan THY Avrupa Ligi'nde 2017 yılında şampiyon olan Fenerbahçe, Atina'da yapılacak Dörtlü Final'de de mutlu sona ulaşması durumunda bu organizasyonda üçüncü kez kupayı müzesine götürecek.
Bu sezonki üçüncü kupa olacak
Fenerbahçe Beko'nun THY Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Finali'nden şampiyonlukla ayrılması durumunda Türk basketbolu, bu sezon üçüncü Avrupa kupasına kavuşacak.
Sarı-lacivertli kulübün kadın basketbol takımı Fenerbahçe Opet, bu sezon FIBA Kadınlar Avrupa Ligi'ni kazandı. ÇBK Mersin ise. FIBA Kadınlar Avrupa Kupası'nı müzesine götürdü.
19 kupanın 7'si Fenerbahçe'den
Türk basketbolunun Avrupa'da kazandığı 19 kupanın 7'sini Fenerbahçe elde etti.
Sarı-lacivertlilerin erkek basketbol takımı 2 kez, kadın basketbol takımı ise 5 defa Avrupa'da zafer yaşadı.
Fenerbahçe, Avrupa basketbol tarihine geçebilir
Fenerbahçe Beko, Atina'da zafere ulaşırsa Avrupa basketbol tarihine geçecek.
Fenerbahçe Opet Kadın Basketbol Takımı bu sezon Avrupa Ligi'ni kazanma başarısı gösterdi. Fenerbahçe Beko da Atina'da kupaya uzanırsa, Avrupa Ligi'nde hem kadınlar hem de erkeklerde aynı sezonda şampiyon olan tarihteki ilk kulüp olacak.
İlk kupa Anadolu Efes'ten???????
Türk basketbolu, ilk Avrupa zaferini 1996'da Anadolu Efes ile yaşadı.
Başantrenör Aydın Örs yönetiminde o zamanki adı Efes Pilsen olan lacivert-beyazlılar, Makedon oyuncusu Petar Naumoski'nin önderliğinde büyük bir başarı elde etti.
Lacivert-beyazlılar, 1995-1996 sezonunda Avrupa'nın iki numaralı kupası olan Koraç Kupası finalinde İtalya ekibi Stefanel Milano'yu geçerek, Türk basketbol tarihinin ilk büyük başarısına imza attı.
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Finali'nde mücadele edecek İspanya'nın Real Madrid takımı, organizasyonda en çok mutlu sona ulaşan takım durumunda bulunuyor.
Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da 22-24 Mayıs'ta düzenlenecek dörtlü finale katılacak Real Madrid, ünvanını koruyarak 12. şampiyonluğunu almayı hedefliyor.
Son olarak 2023'te Litvanya'daki dörtlü finalde kupayı müzesine götüren Real Madrid, Kaunas şehrinde 11. Avrupa Ligi şampiyonluğuna ulaşmıştı.
İspanyol ekibi, 1958 yılından bu yana düzenlenen Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki en prestijli organizasyonunda 1963-1964, 1964-1965, 1966-1967, 1967-1968, 1973-1974, 1977-1978, 1979-1980, 1994-1995, 2014-2015, 2017-2018 ve 2022-2023'te sezonlarını şampiyon tamamladı.
Dörtlü finallerin değişmezi
Real Madrid, son 15 sezonda 11. kez dörtlü finalde yer alacak.
Dünyanın en büyük kulüplerinden biri olan Real Madrid, basketbolda da adından fazlasıyla söz ettiriyor.
Bu organizasyonda son 15 sezonda 11. kez dörtlü final oynayacak Real Madrid, sadece 2012, 2016, 2021 ve 2025 yıllarında son dört takımın dışında kaldı.
Real Madrid, dörtlü finalin ilk maçında bir başka İspanyol ekibi Valencia ile karşı karşıya gelecek.
Normal sezonu 3. sırada bitirdi
Real Madrid, normal sezonu 3. sırada tamamladı.
Ligi 24 galibiyet, 14 yenilgiyle tamamlayan Real Madrid, çeyrek finalde İsrail ekibi Hapoel'le eşleşti.
Rakibini 4 maç sonunda 3-1'le geçen Real Madrid, 2025-2026 dörtlü finale adını yazdırdı.
Lyles, Heznonja, Campazzo ön planda
Real Madrid'in bu sezon en skorer isimleri Trey Lyles, Mario Hezonja ve Facundo Campazzo oldu.
İspanyol ekibinin Kanadalı forveti Lyles, sezonu 13,1 sayı ortalamasıyla tamamlayarak en skorer isim olmayı başardı. Bir diğer forvet Hırvat oyuncu Hezonja ise sezonu 12,9 sayıyla tamamlarken, takımın Arjantinli oyun kurucusu Campazzo 12,3 sayı ortalaması yakaladı.
Tavares'in sakatlığı nedeniyle uzun rotasyonunda sıkıntı yaşayan Real Madrid'de tecrübesiyle 38 yaşındaki Sergio Llull de ön plana çıkıyor.
Başantrenör Sergio Scariola yönetimindeki Real Madrid'in kadrosunda şu isimler yer alıyor:
Oyun kurucu: Facundo Campazzo, Theo Maledon, Sergio Llull, Andres Feliz
Forvet: Trey Lyles, David Kramer, Alberto Abalde, Gabriele Procida, Mario Hezonja, Izan Almansa, Gabriel Deck, Egor Amasov, Gunars Grinvalds
Pivot: Chuma Okeke, Usman Garuba, Walter Tavares, Alex Len
Amerikan Basketbol Ligi'nde (NBA) Batı Konferansı finali ikinci maçında Oklahoma City Thunder, sahasında San Antonio Spurs'u 122-113 mağlup ederek seride 1-1 eşitliği sağladı.
Paycom Center'daki maçta Thunder'da Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 30 sayı ve 9 asistle galibiyette önemli rol oynadı.
Victor Wembanyama 21 sayı, 17 ribauntla Spurs'e liderlik ederken Stephon Castle, 25 sayı, Devin Vassell ise 22 sayı kaydetti.
Eşleşmenin üçüncü maçı 23 Mayıs Cumartesi günü San Antonio'da oynanacak.
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde (EuroLeague) dörtlü final heyecanı yarın başlayacak. Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da düzenlenen organizasyondaki ilk maçta Fenerbahçe Beko, Olympiakos ile karşılaşacak.
Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da düzenlenecek organizasyonda son şampiyon Fenerbahçe Beko, Yunanistan ekibi Olympiakos ile İspanya temsilcileri Real Madrid ve Valencia Basket, Avrupa basketbolunun en büyüğü olabilmek için mücadele edecek.
Telekom Center'ın ev sahipliği yapacağı dörtlü finalin ilk maçında Fenerbahçe Beko, saat 18.00'de Olympiakos ile karşı karşıya gelecek. Günün saat 21.00'de başlayacak ikinci müsabakasında ise Real Madrid ile Valencia Basket kozlarını paylaşacak.
Organizasyonda ilk maçları kazanan takımlar, finale yükselecek. Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı organizasyonunda final mücadelesi, 24 Mayıs Pazar günü saat 21.00'de oynanacak. Karşılaşmalar, S Sport'tan canlı yayımlanacak.
EuroLeague Dörtlü Final organizasyonunda mücadele edecek takımlarından 3'ü, toplam 16 kez kupanın sahibi oldu.
Real Madrid 11 şampiyonluk yaşarken, Olympiakos 3, Fenerbahçe ise 2 defa mutlu sona ulaştı.
Valencia Basket ise ilk kez dörtlü final sahnesine çıkacak.
Fenerbahçe, Olympiakos ile 37. kez karşılaşacak
Dörtlü finalin ilk maçında mücadele edecek Fenerbahçe Beko ile Olympiakos, Avrupa Ligi'nde 37. kez rakip olacak.
İki takım arasında 2011-2012 sezonundan bu yana oynanan 36 müsabakanın 18'ini sarı-lacivertliler, 18'ini Yunanistan ekibi kazandı.
Fenerbahçe ile Olympiakos, dörtlü finalde ise 3. kez kozlarını paylaşacak.
Sarı-lacivertli takım, 2016-2017 sezonunda İstanbul'da oynanan finalde Yunanistan temsilcisini 80-64 yenerek EuroLeague'deki ilk şampiyonluğuna ulaştı.
Olympiakos ise 2023-2024'teki üçüncülük maçında sarı-lacivertlileri 87-84 mağlup etti.
Valencia Basket ile Real Madrid'in 17. randevusu
Dörtlü finalin ikinci maçında sahaya çıkacak Valencia Basket ile Real Madrid, EuroLeague'de 17. kez kozlarını paylaşacak.
İki takım arasında yapılan 16 karşılaşmanın 10'unu eflatun-beyazlılar kazandı. Valencia ise 6 mücadelede sahadan galibiyetle ayrıldı.
Dörtlü final heyecanı, 3. kez Atina'da yaşanacak
Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Final organizasyonu, üçüncü kez Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da düzenlenecek.
Atina, dörtlü finale 1993 ve 2007 yıllarında ev sahipliği yaptı. 1993'te Fransa ekibi Limoges şampiyonluğa ulaşırken, 2007'de ise Panathinaikos kupayı müzesine götürdü.
Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda şampiyonluk kupası, 41. kez Türk teknik adamın ellerinde yükselecek.
Futbolda Ziraat Bankasının sponsorluğunda düzenlenen 64. Türkiye Kupası, Trabzonspor ile Tümosan Konyaspor arasında yarın Antalya'da oynanacak final maçıyla sahibini bulacak.
Türkiye'nin en prestijli 2. ulusal turnuvasında geride kalan 63 sezonda 44 farklı teknik adam şampiyonluk sevinci yaşadı. Kupa tarihinde Türk teknik adamlar, 40 kez mutlu sona ulaştı. Türk teknik direktörleri Almanlar 5, İngilizler 4, Yugoslavlar 3, Fransızlar 2, Belçika, Brezilya, Galler, İtalya, İskoçya, Macaristan, Romanya, Hollanda ve Portekizli teknik adamlar birer şampiyonlukla takip etti.
64. Türkiye Kupası'nı ya Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke ya da Tümosan Konyaspor Teknik Direktörü İlhan Palut kazanacak. Her iki sonuçta da Türk teknik adamların kupada şampiyonluk sayısı 41'e yükselecek.
Fatih Tekke ve İlhan Palut ilk peşinde
Fatih Tekke ve İlhan Palut, ilk kez Türkiye Kupası'nı kazanmak için sahada olacak.
Futbolculuk kariyerinde Trabzonspor formasıyla 3, Beşiktaş formasıyla 1 kez olmak üzere organizasyonda 4 şampiyonluk sevinci yaşayan Tekke, teknik adamlık kariyerinde ilk kupasını almaya çalışacak.
İlhan Palut da kariyerinin en büyük başarısını yakalamak için yarın takımının başında sahada olacak.
Türkiye Kupası zaferi yaşayan teknik direktörler
Geride kalan 62 sezonda Türkiye Kupası'nda şampiyon olan takımlar ve teknik direktörleri şöyle:
Sezon Kazanan Teknik direktör Uyruk
1962-63 Galatasaray Gündüz Kılıç Türkiye
1963-64 Galatasaray Coşkun Özarı Türkiye
1964-65 Galatasaray Gündüz Kılıç Türkiye
1965-66 Galatasaray Gündüz Kılıç Türkiye
1966-67 Altay Halil Bıçakçı Altay
1967-68 Fenerbahçe Ignac Molnar Macaristan
1968-69 Göztepe Adnan Süvarı Türkiye
1969-70 Göztepe Adnan Süvari Türkiye
1970-71 Eskişehirspor Abdullah Gegiç Yugoslavya
1971-72 Ankaragücü Ziya Taner Türkiye
1972-73 Galatasaray Brian Birch İngiltere
1973-74 Fenerbahçe Didi Brezilya
1974-75 Beşiktaş Horst Buhtz Almanya
1975-76 Galatasaray Fethi Demircan Türkiye
1976-77 Trabzonspor Ahmet Suat Özyazıcı Türkiye
1977-78 Trabzonspor Ahmet Suat Özyazıcı Türkiye
1978-79 Fenerbahçe Necdet Niş Türkiye
1979-80 Altay Ayfer Elmastaşoğlu Türkiye
1980-81 Ankaragücü Yılmaz Gökdel Türkiye
1981-82 Galatasaray Özkan Sümer Türkiye
1982-83 Fenerbahçe Branko Stankovic Yugoslavya
1983-84 Trabzonspor Ahmet Suat Özyazıcı Türkiye
1984-85 Galatasaray Jupp Derwall Almanya
1985-86 Bursaspor Tomislav Kaloperovic Yugoslavya
1986-87 Gençlerbirliği Metin Türel Türkiye
1987-88 Sakaryaspor Necdet Niş Türkiye
1988-89 Beşiktaş Gordon Milne İngiltere
1989-90 Beşiktaş Gordon Milne İngiltere
1990-91 Galatasaray Mustafa Denizli Türkiye
1991-92 Trabzonspor Urbain Braems Belçika
1992-93 Galatasaray Karl-Heinz Feldkamp Almanya
1993-94 Beşiktaş Christoph Daum Almanya
1994-95 Trabzonspor Şenol Güneş Türkiye
1995-96 Galatasaray Graeme Souness İskoçya
1996-97 Kocaelispor Holder Osieck Almanya
1997-98 Beşiktaş John Benjamin Toshack Galler
1998-99 Galatasaray Fatih Terim Türkiye
1999-00 Galatasaray Fatih Terim Türkiye
2000-01 Gençlerbirliği Samet Aybaba Türkiye
2001-02 Kocaelispor Hikmet Karaman Türkiye
2002-03 Trabzonspor Samet Aybaba Türkiye
2003-04 Trabzonspor Ziya Doğan Türkiye
2004-05 Galatasaray Gheorghe Hagi Romanya
2005-06 Beşiktaş Jean Tigana Fransa
2006-07 Beşiktaş Jean Tigana Fransa
2007-08 Kayserispor Tolunay Kafkas Türkiye
2008-09 Beşiktaş Mustafa Denizli Türkiye
2009-10 Trabzonspor Şenol Güneş Türkiye
2010-11 Beşiktaş Tayfur Havutçu Türkiye
2011-12 Fenerbahçe Aykut Kocaman Türkiye
2012-13 Fenerbahçe Aykut Kocaman Türkiye
2013-14 Galatasaray Roberto Mancini İtalya
2014-15 Galatasaray Hamza Hamzaoğlu Türkiye
2015-16 Galatasaray Jan Olde Riekerink Hollanda
2016-17 Konyaspor Aykut Kocaman Türkiye
2017-18 Akhisarspor Okan Buruk Türkiye
2018-19 Galatasaray Fatih Terim Türkiye
2019-20 Trabzonspor Eddie Newton İngiltere
2020-21 Beşiktaş Sergen Yalçın Türkiye
2021-22 Sivasspor Rıza Çalımbay Türkiye
2022-23 Fenerbahçe Jorge Jesus Portekiz
2023-24 Beşiktaş Serdar Topraktepe Türkiye
2024-25 Galatasaray Okan Buruk Türkiye
Gençlerbirliği Kulübü Başkanı Haydar Arda Çakmak, teknik direktör Metin Diyadin ile yola devam edeceklerini ve kırmızı-siyahlı kulübün yeni sezonda mali disiplin içerisinde kadro kuracağını söyledi.
Çakmak, AA muhabirine, Gençlerbirliği'nin sezon planlaması, teknik direktör Metin Diyadin ile devam kararı, kulübün mali durumu ve taraftar desteğine ilişkin değerlendirmelerde bulundu.
Kulübün efsane başkanı İlhan Cavcav'dan öğrendikleri en önemli yöneticilik dersinin mali disiplin olduğunu vurgulayan Çakmak, "İlhan Cavcav'ın bize öğrettiği kulüple ilgili en büyük yöneticilik dersi mali disiplindi. Mali disiplin içerisinde kadro kuracağız, bundan kimsenin şüphesi olmasın. Yüksek maliyetli oyuncularımızdan çıkmaya çalışacağız. Metin Diyadin'in raporları doğrultusunda istediği bölgelere gerekli transferleri yapacağız çünkü önümüzdeki sezon kendisiyle devam edeceğiz. Hedeflerimiz arasında ligi beşincilikle onunculuk arasında bitirmek, Türkiye Kupası'nda bu sene kaçırdığımız finali yakalamak var. Her şey adım adım gidecek." ifadelerini kullandı.
"6 Aralık günü 11 puanla 17. sıradaydık"
Başkanlık sürecini değerlendiren Çakmak, göreve geldiğinde Gençlerbirliği'nin zor bir tabloda bulunduğunu dile getirdi.
Başkanlığa 6 Aralık 2025'te seçildiğini hatırlatan Çakmak, şöyle devam etti:
“Ben aday bile değildim, bir düşüncem de yoktu. Devam etmek istemeyen yönetim ve başkanlar vardı. Biz de arkadaşlarla kalktık gittik. Burası bizim kulübümüz, evimiz. Hiçbir şekilde kötü yerde olmasını istemeyiz. 'Gençlerbirliği için elimizden gelen ne varsa yapalım' dedik. Herkes 'son haftaya niye kaldı' diyor ama bizim başkan seçildiğimiz 6 Aralık günü Gençlerbirliği'nin 11 puanı vardı ve 17. sıradaydı. Biz Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne gidecek bir takımı almadık. Elimizdeki takım buydu. Kadro kalitesi, yapılanma ve mali açıdan sıkıntılar yaşayabileceğimizi biliyorduk. Çok şükür birçok şeyi hallettik, Allah da yüzümüze baktı, Süper Lig'de kaldık.”
Metin Diyadin süreci
Metin Diyadin ile iki ayrı dönem çalıştıklarını anlatan Çakmak, tecrübeli teknik adamla eskiye dayanan dostluklarının bulunduğunu anlattı.
Volkan Demirel'in ayrılığının ardından Metin Diyadin ile çalışma niyetlerinin olduğunu aktaran Çakmak, "Metin Hoca ile çok eski dostluğumuz, abi-kardeş ilişkimiz var. Volkan Demirel, seçildiğimiz günün ertesi günü Fatih Karagümrük maçından önce, bir evvelki yönetimle anlaştığını ve ayrılmak istediğini söyledi. Biz her ne kadar bırakmamasını istesek de saygıyla karşıladık. Metin Diyadin ile zaten görüşüyorduk, çalışma niyetimiz vardı. Kendisini çağırdık, geldi ve başladık." dedi.
İlk dönemde yönetimsel anlamda tam hazır olmadıkları için bazı sorunlar yaşandığını ifade eden Çakmak, "Kongre salonunda gördüğüm arkadaşların ismini yazarak bir liste oluşturabildim. Ne futbol şubesini doğru düzgün oluşturabildik, ne stattan sorumlu yönetici yapabildik, ne tesislerden sorumlu yönetici yapabildik. O boşlukta Metin hocayla ufak tefek gerginliklerimiz oldu, bizim de hatamız oldu. En sonunda bir noktada yollar ayrıldı. Gitmese daha mı iyi olurdu? Muhtemelen, daha iyi olabilirdi. Belki bu takım daha önce ligde kalabilirdi. Ama eğrisi doğrusunu buldu, Metin Diyadin geldi, son iki maçta takım kurtuldu." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
"Volkan Hocanın kırmızı kartı kararımızda etkili oldu"
Çakmak, Volkan Demirel'in kırmızı kart görmesi nedeniyle son iki maçta takımın başında olamamasının teknik direktör değişikliği kararında etkili olduğunu ifade etti.
Hiçbir teknik adamı suçlamadığını vurgulayan Çakmak, "Kırmızı kart görüp son iki maçta takımın başında olamayacağı bizim için negatif bir durumdu. Bu kararımızda etkili oldu. Ama Gençlerbirliği'nin sezon başındaki planlaması çok kötü yapılmış. Burada Volkan hocaya da Levent hocaya da Metin hocaya da bir şey diyemem. Ellerindeki malzeme belliydi. Her hoca elinden gelenin en iyisini yapmaya çalıştı fakat ellerindeki malzemeyle yapılacak bu kadardı." ifadelerini kullandı.
Onyekuru ve Niang değerlendirmesi
Çakmak, Onyekuru ve Niang başta olmak üzere bazı oyunculardan beklenen verimin alınamadığını ancak bu futbolcuların kariyerlerinin de göz ardı edilmemesi gerektiğini belirtti.
Söz konusu oyuncularla ilgili değerlendirme yapacaklarını kaydeden Çakmak, "İkisi de kariyerli futbolcular. Kimse Onyekuru'nun ya da Niang'ın kalitesini, geçmişini, kariyerlerini tartışamaz. Belki de onlar da kendi yönlerinden haklı ama sonuçta kağıt üzerinde verim alamadığımız birkaç oyuncudan ikisi de kendileri. Oturup konuşacağız, nasıl yol izleyebiliriz, ne yapabiliriz bakacağız. Sadece onlar değil, elimizde birkaç tane daha yabancı oyuncumuz var. Bu sene sakatlıktan dolayı maçlara çıkamayan Kyabou ve Etebo var. Bunlar da bizim sözleşmesi devam eden oyuncularımız. Onları da hocamızın raporu doğrultusunda değerlendireceğiz." diye konuştu.
"Kara gün akçesi"
Mali disiplin konusunun Gençlerbirliği için hayati önemde olduğunu dile getiren Çakmak, kulübün gelir-gider dengesini koruması gerektiğini vurguladı.
Gençlerbirliği'nin gerçekçi bütçelerle hareket etmesi gerektiğini aktaran Çakmak, şu değerlendirmeleri yaptı:
"Bir kulübün geliriyle giderinin arasında denge olması lazım. Hatta bir kısmı da 'kara gün akçesi' diye ayrılması lazım. Yıllarca biz bu işi böyle öğrendik. Bu bütçeler içerisinde belli şeyleri kısmaya çalıştık. Ben devre arası, Metin hocayla da görüştüğümüzde transfer istiyordum fakat yapamadık. Niye yapamadık? Çünkü Kevin Csoboth dışında elimizdeki yabancıların hiçbirini yollayamadık. Onun sözleşmesi sezon sonuna kadar devam ediyordu, dedik ki 'yarım sezonluğunu ödeyelim en kötü, karşılıklı feshedelim' dedik. Zaten o bizi beklemeden kendisi feshetti gitti. Kiralık giden Adam Traore'nin Suudi Arabistan'daki takımı onu düşünmediğini, çünkü daha yüksek maliyetli bir yabancı oyuncu aldıklarını, dolayısıyla kadrosunu boşaltmak istediğini söyledi. Biz de kendilerine 'Parasının tamamını ödeyin. O şartla geri alabiliriz" dedik. Yabancı hakkımızı orada kullandık. Yerlilerden de kalecimiz Gökhan Akkan'ı Sivasspor'a kiralık verdik, ondan boşalan yere de Trabzonspor'dan Cihan Çanak kardeşimizi kiralık getirebildik. Çok sıkışmış bir bütçe ve kontenjan vardı."
Çakmak, Gençlerbirliği'nin mevcut gelirleriyle yüksek bonservis ve maaşlar ödeyemeyeceğinin altını çizerek "Gençlerbirliği'nin öyle birkaç milyon avro verip futbolcu oynatma şansı yok. Daha dengeli bütçelerle, daha küçük maliyetli oyuncularla hedefi olduğu yerde oynayacak. Ondan sonra da yavaş yavaş üstüne koya koya gidecek. Çünkü Allah göstermesin, bu sene Gençlerbirliği düşseydi, birçok örnekte olduğu gibi Gençlerbirliği de olurdu. O konuda hiç tereddüt yok. Ama Allah'tan mali disiplini yapabildiğimiz kadar yaptık, cebimizden koyduk, ek gelirler yarattık, yönetim kurulumuz büyük katkıda bulundu. Bazı harcama kalemlerini kıstık. Bunlarla belli bir noktaya getirdik. Allah'a şükür de ligde de kaldık, bütçeyi de dengeledik." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Altyapı vurgusu
Gençlerbirliği altyapısında yetenekli oyuncular bulunduğunu anlatan Çakmak, gelecek yıllarda bu oyunculardan A takım seviyesinde yararlanabileceklerini aktardı.
Trabzonspor ile oynanan kupa maçında genç oyuncuların performansının görüldüğünü ifade eden Çakmak, "Altyapımızda çok iyi oyuncularımız var. 14, 15, 16 yaşındaki oyuncular birkaç senelik bir birikimle geliyor. Birkaç sene içerisinde onların birçoğunu Süper Lig'de kullanma şansımız var. Belki bu sene bir kısmını alacağız, belki bir sene sonra bir kısmını alacağız. Altyapımız gümbür gümbür geliyor. Altyapıya aldığımız bir iki tane yabancı sporcu var, onlardan çok umutluyuz. Onlar da bu sene inşallah iyi işler yapacak, kulübe büyük katkı sağlayacaklar." diye konuştu.
"Oyuncularımız terlerinin son damlasına kadar savaştı"
Çakmak, sezonun son hafta deplasmanda alınan galibiyetle ligde kalmalarının büyük mutluluk verdiğini söyledi.
Gençlerbirliği'nin son hafta kazanmak zorunda olduğu bir durumun oluştuğunu dile getiren Çakmak, "O kadar zor bir maçtı ki Antalyaspor yendiği anda bize beraberlik bile yetmiyordu çünkü ikili averajda Antalyaspor'un altındaydık. 'Kazanalım, işimize bakalım' dedik. Uykusuz, sıkıntılı, zor bir gündü ama oyuncularımız çıktı, terlerinin son damlasına kadar savaştılar, ellerinden geleni yaptılar, takımımızı ligde tuttular. Hatta kupa maçında takımımızın birçok as oyuncusunu oynatamadık çünkü 11 tane oyuncumuz vardı o gün itibariyle 12.'miz yoktu. Ama o gün saat 10'dan sonra da büyük keyif aldık, büyük mutluluk duyduk. Belki bazı şeyleri daha düzgün yapsaydık, bizim de hatalarımız olmuştur, bu son haftaya kalmazdı. Birkaç hafta önce ligde kalmayı garantileyebilirdik. Ama eninde sonunda ligde kaldık. Bizim için hedef buydu, başardığımız için de mutluyuz." ifadelerini kullandı.
"Yeni statta 25-30 bin kişiyi rahatlıkla toplayacağımıza inanıyorum"
Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadı'nın yerine yapılan yeni statta oynama ihtimalini de değerlendiren Çakmak, Gençlerbirliği'nin yeni statta ciddi taraftar potansiyeline ulaşabileceğini söyledi.
Son iki iç saha maçını 18-19 bin kişiye oynadıkları bilgisini veren Çakmak, "İyi bir statta, merkezi, yeni büyük statta 25-30 bin kişiyi Gençlerbirliği'nin rahatlıkla toplayacağına inanıyorum. Çünkü Ankara'nın o potansiyeli var. Biz orada oynamak istiyoruz. O stat yapıldı, devletimiz bu kadar para harcadı, boş durması hiç kimsenin işine gelmez. Açılışına göre bir planlama yaparız. Belki birkaç maçımızı burada oynar, daha sonra kombinelerimizi ve localarımızı oraya transfer ederiz." diye konuştu.
Kongre ve tüzük tadilatı açıklaması
Yakın dönemde seçim gündemlerinin bulunmadığını söyleyen Çakmak, önceliklerinin tüzük tadilat kongresi yapmak olduğunu dile getirdi.
Ocak ayındaki kongrenin yönetimi yenileme amacı taşıdığını anlatan Çakmak, "Şu anda kongre gündemimizde yok. İki sene daha süremiz var. İyi giden bir şeyi niye bozalım? Tüzük tadilat kongresi yapacağız. Onun çalışmalarını yapıyoruz. Beş aydır yaşadıklarımızı biz biliyoruz. Ağustos ayında peşinat alınmış, eylül, ekim, kasım maaşları içeride duran futbolcu topluluğuna geldik. 11 puanı olan, 17. sıradaki takımı aldık. Geçen seneden şampiyonluk kutlamalarının bile parası ödenmemişti. Gençlerbirliği ile alakası olmayan insanların üye yapıldığı bir defterle aldık bu kulübü. Bunların hepsini temizledik. Allah'a şükür birçok problemi hallettik. Bunlar da bir anda olmuyor. Biraz zamana ihtiyacımız var. Beş ayda yaptıklarımız ortada, biz tüzüğü de yaparız ama bir daha düzeltmemek üzere. Gençlerbirliği üç sene önce bir tüzük tadilat kongresi yaptı, bugün yine yapmak zorunda kalıyoruz. Çünkü alelacele, o gün insanların kafalarına göre yapıldığı için bu şekilde oldu. Tüzüğü Avrupa standartlarında en düzgün haline getireceğiz" ifadelerini kullandı.
"Kendi paramı ne kadar rahat harcıyorsam Gençlerbirliği'nin parasını o kadar rahatsız harcıyorum"
Çakmak, zor bir sürecin ardından Gençlerbirliği taraftarının mutluluğu hak ettiğini söyledi.
Taraftarlardan yönetime desteklerini sürdürmelerini isteyen Çakmak, "Gençlerbirliği taraftarı bu yönetime ve bana güvenmeye devam etsin. Çünkü ben Gençlerbirliği'nin 40 senedir içinde olan bir insanım. Çocukluğum bu kulüpte geçti; benim babam bu kulüpte yöneticilik yaptı, ben 18 sene bu kulüpte yöneticilik yaptım. Biz bu kulübe yanlış yapmayız. İnsanız hata yapacağız tabii ki ama bu hataları minimuma indiririz, isteyerek yapmayız. Gençlerbirliği'nin her kuruşunu kendi paramdan daha değerli görüyorum. Kendi paramı ne kadar rahat harcıyorsam Gençlerbirliği'nin parasını o kadar rahatsız harcıyorum. Elimizden gelen her şeyi yapıyoruz. Taraftarlar rahat olsun. Seneye daha iyi, daha düzgün, maddi açıdan daha az sıkıntıları bir Gençlerbirliği olur. Taraftarlarımızdan tek isteğim; kombinelerini alsınlar, bu sene de takımlarını desteklemeye devam etsinler. Gençlerbirliği'ni artık Türkiye'nin taraftar sayısı açısından ilk beşine sokalım. Bu konuda bütün desteklerini sonuna kadar arkamda hissetmek istiyorum." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.
Gaziantep FK Başkanı Memik Yılmaz, 2025-2026 sezonuna ilişkin, "Fedakarlık isteyen bir sezon oldu, umarım gelecek yıl çok daha başarılı olacağız." dedi.
Yılmaz, yaptığı açıklamada, sezonun ilk yarısını iyi bir noktada tamamlamalarına rağmen ikinci yarıda düşüş yaşadıklarını belirtti.
Ligde 4. sıraya kadar yükselmeyi başardıklarını ancak sonraki süreçte bunu devam ettiremediklerini dile getiren Yılmaz, şunları kaydetti:
"Elbette bunlardan bizler de gerekli dersleri çıkaracağız. Emeği geçen taraftar, şehir, futbolcular, teknik heyet ve tüm personelimize gönülden teşekkür ederim. Fedakarlık isteyen bir sezon oldu, umarım gelecek yıl çok daha başarılı olacağız. İçinde bulunduğumuz şartlar ne yazık ki ligimizdeki rekabeti durdurma noktasına getirdi. Bir ligde 500 milyon avroluk takımlara karşı 10 milyon bütçelerle yarışmaya çalışıyoruz. Bugüne kadar elimizden gelen tüm fedakarlıkları yapmaya çalıştık ve buna da yönetim kurulumuzdaki arkadaşlarımızla devam edeceğiz. Sürdürülebilir bir gelir olmadığı sürece ne yazık ki düzenli bir ekonomi de sağlamak kolay olmuyor. Bölgemizdeki ekonomik sorunlar da kulüp ve şehrimize fazlasıyla yansıyor. Bu yüzden tabiri caizse ayağımızı yorganımıza göre uzatmak zorunda kalıyoruz. Gaziantep şehri Türkiye'nin en önemli sanayi şehirlerinden ve bizler de oluşturacağımız birkaç projeyle özellikle yeni sezonda tabandan tavana bir farkındalık oluşturmak istiyoruz."
"Ekonomik istikrarımızı sağlamaya devam etmek istiyoruz"
Göreve geldikleri günden bu yana kadroyu gençleştirmek üzere hareket ettiklerini aktaran Yılmaz, "Bizler her zaman başarıya aç, genç ve potansiyelli arkadaşlarımızı aramıza katmak istiyoruz. Şu ana kadar bizim hoca tercihlerimiz bile bu yönde oldu. Selçuk İnan, Burak Yılmaz ve son olarak Mirel Radoi de benzer jenerasyonlardan oluşan isimler. Takımımızın yaş ortalamasını ciddi olarak düşürmeyi başardık ve bu oyuncularımıza da birçok ilgi olması normal bir durum olarak görüyoruz. Gelen teklifleri değerlendirerek, kulübümüzün yarınına katkı sağlayacak olanlara hep beraber karar vereceğiz. Gücümüzü düşürmek değil, ekonomik istikrarımızı sağlamaya devam etmek istiyoruz." ifadelerini kullandı.
Geride kalan sezonda taraftarların her şartta takımın yanında olduğunu anlatan Yılmaz, şunları aktardı:
"Bu sezon taraftar sayımızdaki artış bizleri mutlu etti. Elbette son haftalara hedefsiz bir konumda girmesek çok daha yüksek sayılara ulaşacağımızı biliyorduk. Ancak taraftar sıralamasında Gaziantep uzun yıllar sonra 9. sırada yer aldı. Taraftar ortalamasında 11 bin ortalamayı yakalamak, son yıllara baktığımızda ciddi bir artış gösterdiğini anlıyoruz. Amacımız bu sayıyı yeni sezonda daha da yükseltmek. Taraftarlarımıza yeni sezon öncesi bir çağrı yapmak istiyorum. Kısa süre içerisinde yeni sezon kombinelerimiz satışa sunulacak. Lütfen bu konuda kulübümüze destek olsunlar, herkes gücünce bu takımın yanında olsun. Bizim en büyük gücümüz taraftarımızdır ve böyle olmaya devam edecek."
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde (EuroLeague) Real Madrid, elde ettiği 11 şampiyonlukla en başarılı takım olarak öne çıkıyor.
EuroLeague'de Dörtlü Final organizasyonu, 22-24 Mayıs'ta Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da gerçekleştirilecek. Organizasyonda son şampiyon Fenerbahçe Beko'nun yanı sıra İspanya temsilcileri Real Madrid ile Valencia Basket ve Yunanistan ekibi Olympiakos mücadele edecek.
Real Madrid, 1958'den bu yana düzenlenen Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı turnuvasında 11 kez kupayı müzesine götürdü. Eflatun-beyazlılar, EuroLeague'de 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1995, 2015, 2018 ve 2023'te şampiyonluk ipini göğüsledi.
Olympiakos, 3 kez şampiyon oldu
Avrupa Ligi'nde normal sezonu zirvede bitiren Olympiakos, 3 şampiyonluk yaşadı.
Organizasyonda ilk kez 1997'de kupanın sahibi olan Yunanistan temsilcisi, 2012 ve 2013'te de art arda şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
Fenerbahçe, iki defa Avrupa basketbolunun zirvesine çıktı
Sarı-lacivertli takım, Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde iki kez şampiyonluk elde etti.
EuroLeague'de ilk şampiyonluğunu 2017'de İstanbul'da kazanan Fenerbahçe Beko, 2025'te ise Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri'nin başkenti Abu Dabi'de kupayı müzesine götürdü.
Valencia, ilk şampiyonluğunun peşinde
İspanya temsilcisi, Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Final organizasyonunda ilk kez mücadele edecek.
İkinci sırada bitirdiği normal sezonda sergilediği performansla dikkati çeken, play-off'ta ise Panathinaikos AKTOR'u eleyen İspanya ekibi, büyük bir sürprize imza atarak organizasyondaki ilk şampiyonluğunu kazanmaya çalışacak.
CSKA Moskova 8, Panathinaikos 7 kez kazandı
EuroLeague'de Real Madrid'in ardından en fazla şampiyonluk yaşayan takımlar CSKA Moskova ile Panathinaikos oldu.
Rus ekibi organizasyonda 8 kez zirveye çıkarken, bu sezon ev sahibi olmasına rağmen Dörtlü Final'de yer alamayan Panathinaikos ise 7 şampiyonluk yaşadı.
Avrupa Ligi'nde Maccabi Rapyd 6, Varese 5, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, ASK Riga ve Split 3'er, Barcelona, Virtus Bologna, Anadolu Efes, Cantu ve Cibona ise 2'şer kez kupanın sahibi oldu.
Organizasyonda Dinamo Tiflis, Joventut Badalona, Zalgiris, Bosna, Virtus Roma, Partizan ve Limoges ise birer defa şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
2001'de iki kupa düzenlendi
Uluslararası Basketbol Federasyonları Birliği (FIBA) ile Avrupa Basketbol Ligleri Birliği (ULEB) arasındaki anlaşmazlık nedeniyle, 2000-2001 sezonunda iki ayrı şampiyona düzenlendi.
FIBA'nın Suprolig'i 20 takımla oynanırken, ULEB ise 24 ekiple Avrupa Ligi'ni organize etti.
Suprolig'in Dörtlü Final organizasyonu Fransa'nın başkenti Paris'te oynandı. Finalde Panathinaikos'u 81-67 yenen Maccabi, şampiyon oldu.
Avrupa Ligi'nde ise 5 maçlık final serisinde TAU Ceramica'ya 3-2 üstünlük kuran Kinder Bologna mutlu sona ulaştı.
FIBA ve ULEB'in anlaşmasının ardından Avrupa'nın kulüpler düzeyindeki en büyük organizasyonu, 2002 yılından itibaren Avrupa Ligi adıyla düzenlenmeye başlandı.
1988'de Dörtlü Final sistemine geçildi
Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı organizasyonunda Dörtlü Final sistemine 1988 yılında geçildi.
İlk yıllarda çift maç üzerinden yapılan finaller, daha sonra 1987'ye kadar tarafsız sahada tek müsabaka olarak oynandı.
Avrupa Ligi'nde 1988 yılından itibaren ise Dörtlü Final düzenlenmeye başlandı.
EuroLeague'in şampiyonları, finalistleri ve sonuçlar
Organizasyonda şampiyonluk yaşayan takımlar, finalistler ve final maçlarının sonuçları şöyle:
Yıl Yer Finalistler Şampiyon
1958 Riga/Sofya ASK Riga-Akademik Sofya ASK Riga
1959 Riga/Sofya ASK Riga-Akademik Sofya ASK Riga
1960 Tiflis/Riga ASK Riga-Dinamo Tiflis ASK Riga
1961 Riga/Moskova CSKA Moskova-ASK Riga CSKA Moskova
1962 Cenevre Dinamo Tiflis-Real Madrid Dinamo Tiflis
1963 Madrid/Moskova CSKA Moskova-Real Madrid CSKA Moskova
1964 Brno/Madrid Real Madrid-Spartak Brno Real Madrid
1965 Moskova/Madrid Real Madrid-CSKA Moskova Real Madrid
1966 Bologna Simmenthal Milano-Slavia Prag Simmenthal Milano
1967 Madrid Real Madrid-Simmenthal Milano Real Madrid
1968 Lyon Real Madrid-Spartak Brno Real Madrid
1969 Barselona CSKA Moskova-Real Madrid CSKA Moskova
1970 Saraybosna Ignis Varese-CSKA Moskova Ignis Varese
1971 Antwerp CSKA Moskova-Ignis Varese CSKA Moskova
1972 Tel Aviv Ignis Varese-Jugoplastika Split Ignis Varese
1973 Liege Ignis Varese-CSKA Moskova Ignis Varese
1974 Nantes Real Madrid-Ignis Varese Real Madrid
1975 Antwerp Ignis Varese-Real Madrid Ignis Varese
1976 Cenevre Mobilgirgi Varese-Real Madrid Mobilgirgi Varese
1977 Belgrad Maccabi Tel Aviv-M. Varese Maccabi Tel Aviv
1978 Münih Real Madrid-M. Varese Real Madrid
1979 Grenoble Bosna Sarajevo-Emerson Varese Bosna Sarajevo
1980 Berlin Real Madrid-Maccabi Tel Aviv Real Madrid
1981 Strasbourg Maccabi Tel Aviv-Synudine Bologna Maccabi Tel Aviv
1982 Köln Squibb Cantu-Maccabi Tel Aviv Squibb Cantu
1983 Grenoble Ford Cantu-Billy Milan Ford Cantu
1984 Cenevre Banco di Roma-Barcelona Banco di Roma
1985 Atina Cibona Zagreb-Real Madrid Cibona Zagreb
1986 Budapeşte Cibona Zagreb-Zalgiris Cibona Zagreb
1987 Lozan Tracer Milan-Maccabi Tel Aviv Tracer Milan
1988 Gent Philips Milan-Maccabi Elite Philips Milan
1989 Münih Jugoplastika Split-Maccabi Elite Jugoplastika Split
1990 Zaragoza Jugoplastika Split-Barcelona Jugoplastika Split
1991 Paris POP 84 Split-Barcelona POP 84 Split
1992 İstanbul Partiza-Joventut Badalona Partizan
1993 Atina Limoges-Benetton Limoges
1994 Tel Aviv Joventut Badalona-Olympiakos Joventut Badalona
1995 Zaragoza Real Madrid-Olympiakos Real Madrid
1996 Paris Panathinaikos-Barcelona Panathinaikos
1997 Roma Olympiakos-Barcelona Olympiakos
1998 Barcelona Kinder Virtus Bologna-AEK Kinder Virtus Bologna
1999 Münih Zalgiris-Kinder Bologna Zalgiris
2000 Selanik Panathinaikos-Maccabi Elite Panathinaikos
2001 Paris(Suprolig) Maccabi Tel Aviv-Panathinaikos Maccabi Tel Aviv
2001 Bologna/Vitoria Kinder Virtus Bologna-TAU Ceramica Kinder Virtus Bologna
2002 Bologna Panathinaikos-Kinder Virtus Bologna Panathinaikos
2003 Barcelona Barcelona-Benetton Barcelona
2004 Tel Aviv Maccabi Elite-Skipper Fortitudo Bologna Maccabi Elite
2005 Moskova Maccabi Elite-TAU Ceramica Maccabi Elite
2006 Prag CSKA Moskova-Maccabi Elite CSKA Moskova
2007 Atina Panathinaikos-CSKA Moskova Panathinaikos
2008 Madrid CSKA Moskova-Maccabi Elite CSKA Moskova
2009 Berlin Panathinaikos-CSKA Moskova Panathinaikos
2010 Paris Regal Barcelona-Olympiakos Regal Barcelona
2011 Barcelona Panathinaikos-Maccabi Electra Panathinaikos
2012 İstanbul Olympiakos-CSKA Moskova Olympiakos
2013 Londra Olympiakos-Real Madrid Olympiakos
2014 Milano Maccabi Electra-Real Madrid Maccabi Electra
2015 Madrid Real Madrid-Olympiakos Real Madrid
2016 Berlin CSKA Moskova-Fenerbahçe Ülker CSKA Moskova
2017 İstanbul Fenerbahçe Ülker-Olympiakos Fenerbahçe Ülker
2018 Belgrad Real Madrid-Fenerbahçe Doğuş Real Madrid
2019 Vitoria CSKA Moskova-Anadolu Efes CSKA Moskova
2021 Köln Anadolu Efes-Barcelona Anadolu Efes
2022 Belgrad Anadolu Efes-Real Madrid Anadolu Efes
2023 Kaunas Real Madrid-Olympiakos Real Madrid
2024 Berlin Panathinaikos-Real Madrid Panathinaikos
2025 Abu Dabi Fenerbahçe Beko-Monaco Fenerbahçe Beko
NOT: Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde 2019-2020 sezonu, Kovid-19 salgını nedeniyle tamamlanamadı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in son haftasında Trabzonspor'u 3-0 yenerek kümede kalan Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'nin bu sezonki vazgeçilmezleri, savunma oyuncuları Dimitrios Goutas ve Zan Zuzek oldu.
Yönetim ve teknik direktör değişiklikleriyle anıldığı sezonda Süper Lig'de kalmayı başaran Gençlerbirliği'nde, 2025-2026 sezonunda en fazla şansı Goutas ve Zuzek buldu.
Bu sezon 5 kez teknik direktör değişikliğine giden kırmızı-siyahlılarda en fazla süreyi, 2 bin 907 dakikayla Yunan stoper Goutas aldı. 33 lig karşılaşmasında ilk 11'de görev yapan Goutas, cezalı olduğu için 1 maç kaçırdı.
Bu sezon mücadelesiyle taraftarların gönlünü kazanan başkent ekibinin kaptanı, 23. haftadaki ikas Eyüpspor maçında sakatlandığı için 41. dakikada oyundan çıkmak zorunda kaldı.
Goutas gibi 33 lig maçında şans bulan Sloven savunma oyuncusu Zan Zuzek de istikrarıyla dikkati çekti. Stoper ve zaman zaman ön liberoda görev yapan Zuzek, 2 bin 744 dakika süre aldı. Zuzek de Goutas gibi sarı kart cezalısı olduğu için 1 maçta takımını yalnız bıraktı.
Gençlerbirliği'nde Goutas ve Zuzek'i, 2 bin 618 dakikayla Portekizli sağ bek Pedro Pereira ve 2 bin 529 dakikayla Brezilyalı Thalisson Kelven takip etti.
Ligi 34 puanla 14. sırada tamamlayan Gençlerbirliği'nde bu sezon 32 oyuncu görev yaptı. En fazla sahada kalan kırmızı-siyahlı futbolcular ise şunlar:
Transfer edildiğinde kariyeriyle kırmızı-siyahlı taraftarları heyecanlandıran Henry Onyekuru, beklentileri karşılayamadı.
Kariyerinde Everton, Monaco, Galatasaray gibi önemli takımlarda forma giyen 28 yaşındaki Nijeryalı futbolcu, ligde 17 maçta toplam 302 dakika süre aldı.
Başkent ekibinin son 5 lig maçında 21 kişilik kadroya dahil edilmeyen Onyekuru, takımına gol katkısı sağlayamadı.
Gençlerbirliği, sezon başında kadrosuna kattığı Senagalli golcü Niang'dan da verim alamadı. Gençlerbirliği'nin bu sezonki kadrosunda forvet pozisyonunda alternatifi bulunmayan Niang, ligde ikisi penaltıdan olmak üzere 4 kez gol sevinci yaşayabildi.
Disiplinsiz hareketlerde bulunduğu iddiasıyla da zaman zaman gündeme gelen Niang, kritik Kasımpaşa ve Trabzonspor maçlarının kadrosunda yer almadı.
Gol istatistikleri
Süper Lig'de 49. sezonunu geçiren Gençlerbirliği, 34 haftada 36 gol atarken kalesinde 47 gol gördü.
Gençlerbirliği'nin en golcü isimleri, fileleri 6'şar kez havalandıran Koita ve Metehan Mimaroğlu oldu.
Tongya 5, 16 yaşındaki Furkan Ayaz Özcan dışında takımın tek forveti olan Niang ile orta saha oyuncusu Oğulcan Ülgün ise 4'er gol kaydetti.
Devre arasında Beştepe'ye geri dönen Adama Traore, Kasımpaşa ve Trabzonspor maçlarında takımının ilk gollerini atarak başkent ekibinin Süper Lig'e tutunmasına katkı sağladı.
12. haftadaki RAMS Başakşehir maçıyla kaleyi devralan Portekizli Velho da kritik maçlardaki kurtarışlarıyla adından söz ettirdi.
Ligde 23 ile 29. haftalar arasında gol atamayan kırmızı-siyahlar, üst üste 7 maçta gol sevinci yaşayamadı.
Volkan Demirel'in ikinci döneminde 8 maçta sadece 2 gol atabilen Gençlerbirliği, Metin Diyadin yönetiminde çıktığı son iki karşılaşmada ise toplam 6 gol buldu.
Öte yandan Gençlerbirliği, 6 kırmızı kartla Kasımpaşa'dan (7 kırmızı) sonraki en "hırçın" takım oldu. Başkent temsilcisinde Koita ve Thalisson 2'şer, Tongya ve takımdan ayrılan Michal Nalepa ise birer kez kırmızı kart gördü.
Teknik direktör ve başkan değişiklikleriyle sık sık gündeme geldi
Efsane başkanı İlhan Cavcav sonrası yönetiminde istikrarı sağlayamayan kırmızı-siyahlılarda bu sezon başkanlık koltuğunda sırasıyla Osman Sungur, Mehmet Kaya ve Haydar Arda Çakmak oturdu.
"Çalkantılı" bir sezon geçiren Gençlerbirliği'nde 5 kez de teknik direktör değişikline gidildi. Volkan Demirel ve Metin Diyadin, bu sezon iki kez göreve getirildi. Başkentin Süper Lig'deki tek temsilcisini, bu iki ismin dışında Hüseyin Eroğlu ve 18 gün görevde kalan Levent Şahin çalıştırdı.
Gençlerbirliği'nde bu sezon görev yapan teknik adamların performansları (Süper Lig) ise şöyle:
Teknik direktör Maç G B M
Hüseyin Eroğlu 10 2 2 6
Volkan Demirel (1. dönem) 5 2 - 3
Metin Diyadin 6 2 2 2
Levent Şahin 2 - 1 1
Volkan Demirel (2. dönem) 8 1 1 6
Metin Diyadin (2. dönem) 2 2 - -
Not: Sezonun ilk yarısında 0-0 biten Kasımpaşa-Gençlerbirliği maçında, takımın başında Özcan Bizati yer aldı.
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde (EuroLeague) en fazla şampiyonluğu İspanya ekipleri kazandı.
EuroLeague'de dörtlü final organizasyonu, 22-24 Mayıs'ta Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da gerçekleştirilecek. Organizasyonda son şampiyon Fenerbahçe Beko'nun yanı sıra İspanya'dan Real Madrid ile Valencia Basket ve Yunanistan'dan Olympiakos mücadele edecek.
Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı organizasyonunda İspanya temsilcileri, 14 şampiyonlukla zirvede yer alırken İtalya takımları ise 13 kez kupanın sahibi oldu.
İspanya, son olarak 2022-23 sezonunda Real Madrid ile şampiyonluk sevinci yaşadı. İtalya ise en son 2001'de Kinder Bologna ile kupayı müzesine götürdü.
Türk ekiplerinden 4 şampiyonluk
Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde Anadolu Efes ile Fenerbahçe Beko, ikişer şampiyonluk kupası aldı.
Fenerbahçe, 2016-17 sezonunda mutlu sona ulaşarak Türkiye'ye bu organizasyondaki ilk şampiyonluğunu kazandırdı.
Sarı-lacivertliler, İstanbul'un ev sahipliğinndeki dörtlü finalde önce Real Madrid'i, ardından Olympiakos'u mağlup ederek turnuvada şampiyonluğa ulaştı ve tarihi başarıya imza attı.
Fenerbahçe, geçen sezon ise Abu Dabi'deki dörtlü finalde ilk olarak Panathinaikos'u, finalde de Monaco'yu yenerek 8 yıl sonra kupanın yeniden sahibi oldu.
Anadolu Efes, 2020-21 ve 2021-22 sezonlarında kupayı müzesine götürdü.
Lacivert-beyazlı takım, 2020-21 sezonunda Almanya'nın Köln kentindeki dörtlü finalde önce Rusya ekibi CSKA Moskova'yı, finalde de İspanya'dan Barcelona'yı mağlup ederek şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
Anadolu Efes, 2021-22 sezonunda da Sırbistan'ın başkenti Belgrad'daki dörtlü finalde ilk olarak Yunanistan ekibi Olympiakos'a sonra da finalde İspanya temsilcisi Real Madrid'e üstünlük sağlayarak şampiyonluk kupasını aldı.
Yunanistan temsilcileri 10 kez şampiyon
Avrupa Ligi'nde Yunanistan temsilcileri 10 şampiyonluk kupası aldı.
Organizasyonda Panathinaikos 7, Olympiakos ise 3 defa kupanın sahibi oldu.
Panathinaikos, son şampiyonluğunu 2023-24 sezonunda Türk başantrenör Ergin Ataman yönetiminde elde etti.
Rusya'nın 8 kupası var
Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı organizasyonunda Rusya ekipleri, 8 şampiyonluk yaşadı.
Söz konusu 8 şampiyonluğun tümüne CSKA Moskova ulaştı. Moskova temsilcisi, son olarak 2018-19'da kupayı müzesine taşıdı.
Ülkeler ve şampiyonluk sayıları
Avrupa basketbolunun kulüpler düzeyindeki bir numaralı organizasyonunda ülkelerin şampiyonluk sayıları şöyle:
Ülke Şampiyonluk
İspanya 14
İtalya 13
Yunanistan 10
Rusya 8
İsrail 6
Hırvatistan 5
Türkiye 4
Letonya 3
Gürcistan 1
Bosna Hersek 1
Sırbistan 1
Fransa 1
Litvanya 1
NOT: Hırvatistan, Bosna Hersek ve Sırbistan takımları Yugoslavya döneminde, Letonya ve Gürcistan ekipleri de Sovyet Sosyalist Cumhuriyetler Birliği (SSCB) döneminde şampiyonluk yaşadı. Rusya'nın CSKA Moskova takımı, 8 şampiyonluğun 4'ünü SSCB döneminde elde etti.
Son yıllarda spora yaptığı yatırımların karşılığını almaya başlayan Özbekistan, olimpiyatlardan futbola, bokstan satranca kadar birçok branşta elde ettiği başarılarla uluslararası arenada öne çıkıyor.
Yaklaşık 38 milyon nüfusa sahip Orta Asya ülkesi, özellikle genç sporculara yönelik devlet destekli programlar, altyapı yatırımları ve uluslararası organizasyonlara verdiği önem sayesinde son dönemde dikkati çeken sportif başarılara imza attı.
Paris 2024 Olimpiyatlarına 90 sporcu ile katılan Özbekistan, bu oyunlarda tarihinin en başarılı sonucunu elde etti. Paris Olimpiyatları'nda 8'i altın 13 madalya kazanarak madalya sıralamasında dünya 13'üncüsü olan Özbekistan,Tokyo 2020'ye göre 19 basamak yükseldi.
Bu olimpiyatlarda 3 Özbek sporcu ikinci kez olimpiyat şampiyonu olmayı başarırken Özbek sporcular, boksta 5 altın madalya kazanarak Paris Olimpiyatları'nda bu branşın en başarılı ülkesi oldu. Özbek boksörler Bahadır Calalov ve Hasanboy Dusmatov arka arkaya ikinci kez olimpiyat şampiyonu ünvanını elde ederken tekvandocu Uluğbek Raşitov da üst üste ikinci olimpiyat altınını kazanan sporcular arasa girdi.
Özbekistan ilk kez Dünya Kupası finallerinde
Futbolda da tarihi başarıya imza atan Özbekistan Milli Takımı, ilk defa 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'na katılma hakkı elde ederek ülke spor tarihine geçti.
Dünya Kupası Asya Elemeleri 3. Tur A Grubu'nu ikinci sırada tamamlayan Özbekistan, tarihinde ilk kez futbolun en büyük organizasyonunda yer alma başarısı gösterdi.
1994 yılında ilk kez resmi turnuvaya katılan Özbekistan Milli Takımı, 31 yıl boyunca mücadele ettiği Dünya Kupası elemelerinde sekizinci denemesinde finallere yükselmeyi başardı.
Özbekistan'da milli takımın başarısı ülke genelinde büyük coşkuyla kutlanırken Cumhurbaşkanı Şevket Mirziyoyev, teknik heyet ve futbolcuları devlet nişanlarıyla ödüllendirdi.
Son yıllarda genç futbolculara yönelik yatırımların artırıldığı Özbekistan'da, altyapı projeleri ve genç milli takımların başarıları da dikkati çekiyor.
Özbekistan genç milli takımı 2024'te ilk defa Olimpiyat Oyunları'na katılma hakkı elde ederken, 17 Yaş Altı Milli Takımı ise geçen yıl Suudi Arabistan'da düzenlenen Asya Kupası'nda galip oldu.
Satrançta dünyanın yükselen güçlerinden biri oldu
Özbekistan, satrançta da son yıllarda dünyanın yükselen ülkeleri arasında yer alırken "ustalarının" uluslararası turnuvalarda sergilediği başarılar öne çıkıyor.
Özbekistan Satranç Milli Takımı, 2022 Dünya Satranç Olimpiyatı’nda şampiyon olurken takım turnuvayı yenilgisiz tamamlayarak spor kamuoyunun dikkatini çekti.
Özbek büyükustalar, son yıllarda uluslararası turnuvalarda elde ettikleri derecelerle dünya satrancında önemli konuma ulaştı. 2004 doğumlu genç yıldız Nodirbek Abdusattorov 2021'de Dünya Hızlı Satranç Şampiyonu olarak tüm zamanların en genç dünya şampiyonu ünvanını elde etti.
2005 doğumlu Özbek büyükusta Cavohir Sindarov ise 2025 Dünya Kupası'nı kazanarak turnuva tarihinin en genç şampiyonu oldu. Sindarov ayrıca 2026 Adaylar Turnuvası'nı kazanarak büyük başarıya imza attı.
Sindarov, Adaylar Turnuvası'nda puan rekorunu kırarak turnuva bitimine bir tur kala birinciliği garantiledi. Bu yıl düzenlenecek Dünya Satranç Şampiyonası'nda mevcut Dünya Şampiyonu Gukesh Dommaraju'ye karşı oynama hakkı kazandı.
"Başarıların temelinde devlet destekli spor politikaları ve güçlü altyapı bulunuyor"
Uzmanlar, Özbek sporcuların son yıllarda olimpiyatlardan futbola, bokstan satranca kadar farklı branşlarda elde ettiği uluslararası başarıların arkasında devlet destekli spor politikaları, kurumsallaşmış altyapı ve uzun vadeli planlamanın bulunduğunu belirtiyor.
Özbek spor yazarı Aybek Yunusov, AA muhabirine yaptığı açıklamada, bu başarıda, hükümetin spora verdiği önemin, altyapıya ayrılan mali kaynakların ve sporun toplumdaki prestijinin artmasının önemli rol oynadığını söyledi.
Ülkede genç nüfus oranının oldukça yüksek olduğuna dikkati çeken Yunusov, devlet destekli spor okulları sayesinde çocukların erken yaşta keşfedilerek uygun branşlara yönlendirildiğini, birçok spor dalında sistemli tarama programlarının uygulandığını aktardı.
Yunusov, Özbek futbolunun uzun yıllar büyük potansiyele rağmen Dünya Kupası'na katılamadığını anımsatarak, son dönemde altyapı akademileri, yabancı teknik direktörler ve genç milli takım projelerinin sonuç vermeye başladığını belirtti.
Genç milli takımların Asya'daki başarılarının A Milli Takım'ın tarihinde ilk kez 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'na katılma hakkı elde etmesinin temelini oluşturduğunu ifade eden Yunusov, "Özbekistan, güçlü spor politikası, azim ve akıllı stratejiyle futbol tarihine adını altın harflerle yazdırdı." dedi.
Spor yazarı Rustam Sulaymonov da ülkedeki spor okullarında güçlü antrenörlük ve spor eğitimi geleneğinin bulunduğunu, özellikle boks, güreş, halter ve satrançta geleneksel spor metodolojisinin modern sistemlerle birleştirildiğini belirtti.
Bu yaklaşımın disiplinli ve teknik açıdan güçlü sporcuların yetişmesini sağladığına işaret eden Sulaymonov, birçok spor branşında kurumsallaşmış altyapının oluşturulduğunu söyledi.
Sulaymonov, Özbekistan'da adeta milli spor haline gelen boksta il ve ilçe düzeyinde çok sayıda bölgesel spor okulunun faaliyet gösterdiğini, ulusal şampiyonalar ve uluslararası kamp programları sayesinde sürekli yeni yeteneklerin yetiştirildiğini dile getirdi.
Satrancın ülkede yalnızca bir spor dalı değil aynı zamanda eğitim aracı olarak da görüldüğünü belirten Sulaymonov, okullarda satranç eğitiminin yaygınlaştırıldığını ve ülke genelinde çok sayıda satranç okulunun açıldığını aktardı.
Hükümetin satrancın gelişimine büyük önem verdiğini ve sporculara ciddi maddi destek sağladığını ifade eden Sulaymonov, "Bu destekler sayesinde Nodirbek Abdusattorov ve Cavohir Sindarov gibi genç büyükustalar, Özbekistan'ı dünya satrancının önemli merkezlerinden biri haline getirdi." diye konuştu.
Sulaymonov, sporun toplumdaki prestiji ve başarılı sporculara verilen devlet desteğinin, Özbekistan'ın spor alanındaki yükselişinde önemli pay sahibi olduğunu vurgulayarak "Özbekistan'ın başarısı yalnızca bireysel yeteneklerden değil, devlet politikası, altyapı yatırımları, genç nüfus, disiplinli eğitim sistemi ve uzun vadeli planlamanın birleşiminden kaynaklanıyor." ifadelerini kullandı.
Avrupa futbolu bu sezon birçok ülkede kıyasıya mücadelelerin yanı sıra uzun yıllar şampiyonluk hasreti çeken kulüplerin başarı hikayelerine de sahne oldu.
İsviçre ve Azerbaycan'da futbolseverler liglerinde yeni bir şampiyonla sezonu tamamlarken, İngiltere, Avusturya, Danimarka, Romanya, Bulgaristan ve Macaristan'da ise yıllar süren şampiyonluk hasreti sona erdi.
Şampiyonluğu en uzun süre bekleyen takımların başında gelen LASK Linz, uzun yıllar Red Bull Salzburg dominasyonunun sürdüğü ligde 61 yıl sonra mutlu sona ulaşmayı başardı. Avusturya temsilcisi, tarihinin ikinci şampiyonluğunu elde etti.
Danimarka’da AGF Aarhus, en yakın takipçisi Midtjylland'ın 4 puan önünde sezonu tamamlayarak 40 yıllık özlemi sona erdirirken, Romanya temsilcisi Universitatea Craiova 35 yıl sonra yeniden zirveye çıktı.
Londra'da şampiyonluğun rengi kırmızı
Premier Lig'de en son 2003-04 sezonunda Fransız teknik adam Arsene Wenger ile şampiyonluk yaşayan Arsenal, 22 yıl sonra bu kez Mikel Arteta ile mutlu sona ulaşmayı başardı.
Bu dönemde 5 Chelsea şampiyonluğu gören Kuzey Londra ekibi, son 8 yıldaki 6 Manchester City, 2 de Liverpool şampiyonluğunun ardından kupayı başkente getirdi.
Arsenal, sadece ligde değil UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde uzun soluklu bir bekleyişi kupayla taçlandırmanın eşiğinde.
Tarihinde tek "Devler Ligi" finalini 2006 yılında oynayan ve Barcelona'ya kaybeden Arsenal, 28 Mayıs Cumartesi günü Macaristan'ın başkenti Budapeşte'de Paris Saint-Germain'e üstünlük kurması halinde ayrı bir tarihi başarıya daha imza atacak.
Bulgaristan'da Ludogorets Razgrad'ın ligdeki 14 yıllık hegemonyasına son veren Levski Sofya, 17 yıl sonra ilk, toplamda ise 27. şampiyonluğunu ilan etti.
???????Ferencvaros'un üst üste 7 şampiyonluk kazandığı Macaristan'da da Gyori ETO, bir puan farkla ipi göğüsleyerek 13 yıl sonra taraftarlarına büyük mutluluk yaşattı.
Thun ve Sabah'ın ilk şampiyonluk sevinci
İsviçre'de Thun, Azerbaycan'da Sabah takımları tarihlerinde ilk kez şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
128 yıllık tarihe sahip Thun, St. Gallen'in 5 puan önünde ipi göğüslerken, 9 yıl önce kurulan Sabah ise Karabağ'ın üst üste 4 yıllık şampiyonluk serisine son verdi.
Manchester City'den ayrılan Bernardo Silva için hem Galatasaray hem de Fenerbahçe'nin devreye girdiği dev yarışta, Atletico Madrid attığı son adımlarla Türk kulüplerinin canını sıktı.
Manchester City’den ayrılması beklenen Portekizli süper solak Bernardo Silva’nın yeni adresi netleşmeye başladı. İtalyan basınının saygın spor gazetesi La Gazzetta dello Sport'un okuyucularına duyurduğu özel habere göre; Bernardo Silva transferinde İspanyol devi Atletico Madrid yarışta öne fırladı.
Diego Simeone’nin orta sahaya hem yaratıcılık hem de taktiksel disiplin katacak bir lider aradığı ve Bernardo Silva’yı bu projenin merkezine koymak istediği belirtiliyor.
Portekizli yıldızın da La Liga’da forma giymeye ve Atletico’nun rekabetçi yapısına son derece sıcak baktığı gelen haberler arasında.
Portekizli yıldız için Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'ın adları da uzun süredi gündemde.
Juventus, Hollandalı yıldız orta sahası Teun Koopmeiners ile yolları ayırma kararı aldı! Ayrılık kararını oyuncunun menajerine resmen ileten İtalyan devinin bu hamlesi, orta sahaya dünya çapında bir lider arayan Galatasaray için kaçırılmayacak bir "fırsat transferi"nin kapısını araladı.
Corriere dello Sport’un haberine göre; Juventus, Teun Koopmeiners ile yolları ayırmaya hazırlanıyor. Haberin detaylarında, siyah-beyazlı yönetimin oyuncunun geleceğine dair kesin kararını verdiği ve bu durumu Koopmeiners’ın menajerine resmi olarak ilettiği belirtildi.
Juventus’un beklentileri karşılayamadığı düşünülen 28 yaşındaki futbolcu için gelecek teklifleri değerlendirme kararı aldığı haberde yer aldı. Türkiye’den de Galatasaray’ın da durumu yakından takip ettiği iddia edildi.
Koopmeiners’ın çok yönlü oyunu ve liderlik özellikleriyle, Galatasaray’ın Şampiyonlar Ligi ve lig hedefleri doğrultusunda tam aradığı profil olduğuna da dikkat çekildi.
Juventus'un oyuncuyu elden çıkarmak konusunda aceleci olduğunu ve mali şartlarda esneklik gösterebileceğini belirtiyor. Bu durum, Galatasaray yönetiminin elini güçlendirebilecek en önemli faktör olarak görülüyor.
Bu yıl 64'üncüsü düzenlenen Türkiye Kupası'nda daha önce Türk teknik direktörler 40 kez mutlu sona ulaştı. Kupa, Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke ya da Konyaspor Teknik Direktörü İlhan Palut'un ellerinde yükselecek.
Gençlerbirliği Başkanı Haydar Arda Çakmak, yeni sezonda teknik direktör Metin Diyadin ile yola devam edeceklerini açıkladı. Çakmak, mali disiplinden taviz vermeyeceklerini vurgulayarak hedeflerinin ligi ilk 10 içinde tamamlamak ve Türkiye Kupası'nda final görmek olduğunu söyledi.
EuroLeague'in dörtlü finalinde mücadele edecek İspanyol temsilcisi Real Madrid, 11 kezle Avrupa Ligi tarihinde en çok şampiyon olan takım durumunda bulunuyor
Trabzonspor, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası finalinde TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'u yenerek 5 sezonluk kupa hasretine son vermeyi ve tarihindeki 10. şampiyonluğunu yaşamayı hedefliyor.
Yunanistan'ın başkenti Atina'da düzenlenecek Avrupa Ligi Dörtlü Finali'nde mücadele edecek Fenerbahçe Beko, Türkiye'ye basketbolda 20. Avrupa kupasını kazandırmaya çalışacak.
Trabzonspor, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda finale kadar uzanan yolculuğunda oynadığı 7 maçta 17 gol atıp 5 gol yedi. Bordo-mavililerde Muçi ise 4 golle takımın kupadaki en skorer ismi oldu.
Başkan Tim Connelly, sezonun sona ermesinin ardından yaptığı açıklamalarda Minnesota Timberwolves kadrosunu geliştirmek adına agresif hamleler yapacaklarının sinyalini verdi.
Galatasaraylı milli voleybolcu İlkin Aydın, "Geçen sene Brezilya'ya yine genç bir ekiple katılmıştık ve 4'te 4 yapmıştık. Tabii her zaman, her turnuvada hedef şampiyonluk. Biz de elimizden gelenin en iyisini yapmaya çalışacağız" dedi.
Oklahoma City Thunder süperstarı Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Batı Konferansı Finalleri'nde oynanan ikinci maçın ardından takım arkadaşı Jalen Williams'ın sakatlığıyla ilgili dikkat çeken açıklamalarda bulundu.
Houston Rockets forması giyen milli yıldız Alperen Şengün, Avrupa basketbolunun en büyük organizasyonlarından biri olan EuroLeague Final Four hafta sonunda Atina'da yer alacak isimler arasına katıldı.
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İspaniya La Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Selta”nın ən yaxşı bombardiri olan Yaqo Aspas sözügedən klubla yeni müqaviləyə imza atıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, tərəflər arasındakı yeni müqavilənin müddəti 2029-cu ilin 30 iyununa qədər nəzərdə tutulub.
38 yaşlı futbolçu daha bir mövsüm “Selta”ya futbolçu kimi xidmət göstərməyə davam edəcək. Növbəti mövsümün sonunda isə o, karyerasını bitirməyə qərar versə, klubun strukturunda fəaliyyətə başlayacaq.
Xatırladaq ki, Yaqo Aspas “Selta”nın yetirməsidir. 2006-2009-cu illərdə mütəmadi olaraq “Selta”nın “B” komandasında çıxış etmiş Aspas, 2008-ci ildə əsas komandaya keçdikdən sonra burada yerini möhkəmlədərək, 2013-cü ilə qədər əsas heyətin aparıcı futbolçusu olub. Aspas 2013-2015-ci illərdə “Liverpul”da çıxış edib və 2014-2015-ci illərdə “Sevilya”da icarədə olub. Hücumçu 2015-ci ilin iyulunda doğma klubuna qayıdıb və bu günə qədər “Selta”nın şərəfini qoruyur.
Cari mövsümdə Aspas “Selta”nın heyətində 47 oyun keçirib, 8 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub. Aspasın “Selta” karyerası bütövlükdə 571 oyun, 222 qol və 90 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.
38 yaşlı futbolçunun “Selta” ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti bu ilin yayında bitəcəkdi.
Aspas 2016-cı ilin noyabr ayında debüt etdiyi İspaniya yığmasında 20 oyun keçirib, 6 qol vurub və eyni sayda məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Maraqlıdır ki, Aspas karyerası ərzində cəmi 1 kubok qazanıb. Bu Aspasın “Sevilya”da icarə əsasında çıxış etdiyi vaxta təsadüf edir. Aspas “Sevilya” ilə 2014/2015 mövsümündə Avropa Liqasını qazanıb. O, 3-ü ardıcıl olmaqla 4 dəfə (2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 və 2021/2022) Telmo Zarra mükafatına layiq görülüb. Bu göstəricidə Aspas hücumçu David Vilya ilə rekordu bölüşür.
Telmo Zarra mükafatı La Liqada (həmçinin Sequndada) mövsüm ərzində ən çox qol vurmuş ispan futbolçuya təqdim edilir.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 38 yaşlı futbolçunu 1,8 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Futbol üzrə Braziliya milli komandasının və “Santos” klubunun hücumameyilli yarımmüdafiəçisi Neymar baldır əzələsindən zədə alıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Braziliya klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Amma klubun tibb departamentinin rəhbəri Rodriqo Zoqaib futbolçunun zədəsinin ciddi olmadığını söyləyib. O, 34 yaşlı futbolçunun sağ baldır əzələsindəki problemin mayın 27-nə qədər tam formaya düşməsinə mane olmayacağını qeyd edib. Komandasının növbəti oyunlarını buraxacaq təcrübəli hücumçunun gələn həftə Braziliya yığmasının düşərgəsinə qoşulacağı gözlənilir.
Neymarın müalicəsinin “Santos”un məşq mərkəzində davam etdirdiyi, onun həmçinin Braziliya millisinin həkimlərinin də ciddi nəzarəti altında olduğu qeyd edilib.
Xatırladaq ki, Neymar Braziliya millisinin qarşıdakı dünya çempionatı üçün açıqlanmış heyətində də yer alıb.
DÇ-2026 iyunun 11-dən iyulun 19-dək ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikada keçiriləcək. Braziliya yığması C qrupunda Mərakeş, Haiti və Şotlandiya ilə mübarizə aparacaq.
İspaniyanın “Selta” klubu hücumçusu Yaqo Aspasla müqaviləni uzadıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə La Liqa təmsilçisinin mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 38 yaşlı futbolçunun anlaşması 2030-cu ilə qədər artırılıb.
Aspas “Selta”nın yetirməsidir. O, eyni zamanda klub tarixində ən çox oyun (571) keçirən və ən çox qol vuran (222 qol) futbolçudur.
Bu gün boks üzrə kadetlər arasında zona birinciliklərinin final mərhələsi start götürəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Şamaxı Olimpiya Mərkəzində keçiriləcək yarışda 18 çəki dərəcəsi üzrə qaliblər müəyyənləşəcək.
Yarışda 57 komandanın 159 boksçusu gücünü yoxlayacaq. Final mərhələsi mayın 26-da başa çatacaq.
Döyüşlər saat 15:00-da başlayacaq. Görüşlərdən öncə isə komandaların paradı baş tutacaq.
Qeyd edək ki, yarışın baş hakimi Anar Babanlı olacaq. Döyüşləri yerli ədalət təmsilçiləri ilə yanaşı, Qazaxıstan, Moldova, Qırğızıstan və Özbəkistandan beynəlxalq dərəcəli referilər də idarə edəcək.
Azərbaycanlı futbol məşqçisi Tural Lətifov təcrübəsini artırmaq üçün ölkə sərhədlərini aşıb. Gənc mütəxəssis 2026-cı ilin fevralında başlayan Rusiya Futbol İttifaqının Akademiyasının “C – RFS fiziki hazırlıq üzrə məşqçi” kursuna qatılıb. İmtahanı uğurla verən Lətifov nüfuzlu təşkilatın sertifikatını qazanıb:
“Proqram futbolda fiziki hazırlıq istiqamətində ixtisaslaşmaq istəyən məşqçilər üçün nəzərdə tutulub. Tədris iki əsas moduldan ibarət idi və hər dərsdən sonra test mərhələləri keçirilirdi.
Əsasən daxili və xarici yüklənmə parametrləri, futbolçunun fiziki inkişaf tendensiyaları, zədələrin profilaktikası, yeniyetmə futbolçuların inkişaf modeli, baza hərəkət bacarıqları, futbolda testləşdirmə, güc hazırlığı, fiziki keyfiyyətlərin inkişafı, məşq prosesinin planlaşdırılması, bərpa, psixologiya və qidalanma kimi mövzular tədris olunurdu.
Bu proqramın mənim üçün əsas əhəmiyyəti ondadır ki, fiziki hazırlığa yalnız qaçış, güc və ya trenajor zalı prizmasından deyil, məhz futbolun spesifik tələbləri baxımından yanaşılır. Futbolda fiziki hazırlıq təkcə sürətli qaçmaq və güclü olmaq demək deyil. Buraya sürət, partlayıcı güc, təkrar sprintlər, istiqamət dəyişmələri, dözümlülük, bərpa, yüklənmənin planlaşdırılması, testləşdirmə və zədələrin profilaktikası kimi vacib istiqamətlər daxildir.
Bu sertifikat mənim üçün fiziki hazırlıq və performans istiqamətində peşəkar inkişafımı təsdiqləyən mühüm mərhələdir. Eyni zamanda, növbəti mərhələdə UEFA Fitness B proqramına müraciət etmək və bu istiqamətdə təhsilimi davam etdirmək üçün rəsmi əsas yaradır”.
Özünü fiziki məşqçi kimi inkişaf etdirmək istəyən Lətifovun fərqli yanaşması var. O, hesab edir ki, əksəriyyət baş məşqçi olmağa meyl edir, fiziki məşqçi olmaq populyar seçim olmasa da, bu istiqamətdə öncüllərdən olmaq istəyir:
“C-RFS fiziki hazırlıq üzrə məşqçi” sertifikatı mənə növbəti mərhələdə “UEFA Fitness B” proqramına qoşulmaq və bu istiqamətdə təhsilimi davam etdirmək üçün rəsmi əsas yaradır. Yəni bu sertifikat mənim üçün sadəcə bir sənəd deyil, fiziki hazırlıq və performans sahəsində daha yüksək səviyyəli təhsil mərhələsinə keçid imkanı yaradan ciddi bir addımdır. Azərbaycanda baş məşqçidən çox peşəkar fiziki məşqçilərə ehtiyac var. Buna görə də seçimim bu istiqamətdə oldu”.
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