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Canes anthem singer Adam Lee Decker feels the energy as he readies for Game 1 spotlight

With two days left until puck drop, Carolina Hurricanes national anthem singer Adam Lee Decker says he is already feeling the energy brewing inside the Lenovo Center.

"You walk into this building, and it's a funnel. You're going to fall into it," Decker said.

Decker has become a familiar face to fans -- and to the team itself -- as his performances continue gaining national attention.

"Yeah, exactly. Apparently, allegedly Svechnikov knows who's going to be singing the anthem every time. So I love that," he said.

On Tuesday, Decker walked ABC11 through his routine inside the Lenovo Center as he prepares to perform before a sold-out crowd and a nationally televised audience for Thursday night's Eastern Conference Finals opener.

Adam Lee Decker has become a familiar face to fans -- and to the team itself -- as his performances continue gaining national attention.

"It's one of those things that are just it's so raw. It's so fresh. It's alive, and I love it," he said.

Despite the growing recognition, Decker said he remains grounded.

"Everybody kind of knows my face and my name, and it's my opportunity to show everybody that I'm just kind of a normal dude who appreciates hockey," he said.

Often, Decker jokingly said, he'll have to think about what he wears outside the house for errands and other activities. Decker, a musician himself, also performs at weddings and was once a contestant on "America's Got Talent."

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Before thinking ahead to a potential Stanley Cup run, Decker said his focus is on the immediate task as he preps to lead the arena and hockey fans into Game 1.

"I'm just glad to lead the charge," he said.

Cam Skattebo shooting for a 2,000-yard season

Cam Skattebo insists he will be "ready to go" Week 1 as he continues his rehab from a gruesome leg injury. That is good news for the Giants as the running back had 125 carries for 617 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.

Skattebo has much bigger goals for his second season.

"I do not consider that successful for me," Skattebo said of his rookie season, via Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. "I had 400 yards on 100 carries. When I play 17-plus games this year, it's going to be 300 carries for over 2,000 yards."

Nine running backs have had a 2,000-yard season, the most recent coming by Saquon Barkley in 2024. Eric Dickerson owns the NFL record with his 2,105 rushing yards in 1984.

Tiki Barber holds the Giants team record with 1,860 rushing yards in 2005.

Kenny Atkinson admits the Cavaliers got unlucky in their fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1

Kenny Atkinson admits the Cavaliers got unlucky in their fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1 against the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, the Cavs had a historic collapse, as they gave up a 44-11 run over the final 7:45 of regulation and overtime.

Sam Merrill had an opportunity to win with a game-winning three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, but it rimmed out. Even ESPN commentator Mike Breen had his iconic "Bang!" call lined up, but it did not go in.

Kenny Atkinson believes the Cavaliers were unlucky to lose Game 1

As the head coach of the Cavaliers, Kenny Atkinson has done a wonderful job of leading the team. Unfortunately, Game 1 against the Knicks was only good for three quarters because their late collapse was not a great look.

Jalen Brunson took over for the Knicks, as he scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. He spearheaded the comeback, and the Knicks never looked back, as they dominated the extra period. 

MORE: Even Jalen Brunson could not believe the Knicks' comeback against the Cavs in Game 1

Atkinson will always bat for his players, but it is hard to defend what happened. On Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley was quite candid in calling it a choke because it was a truly historic collapse for Cleveland.

"We got a little unlucky, quite honestly. Brunson took over in the fourth quarter. We started double-teaming him, tried to do different things, but listen, I'm super proud of how our group played tonight. We played great basketball for three quarters. Unfortunately, they dominated us in the fourth quarter," Atkinson said after the game in his press conference.

It will be hard for Atkinson and the Cavaliers to bounce back from this. They had the win in the bag, but they failed to close it out.

Of course, the Cavs have proven they can come back from adversity in this postseason. They will be back and motivated to prove everyone wrong again.

More NBA news:

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama may be breaking major NBA rule, analyst believes

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama may be breaking major NBA rule, analyst believes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama orchestrated a two-way masterclass against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. 

The former No. 1 overall pick did it all in the first game of the Western Conference Finals, using his unreal length/wingspan, wizard-like slashing ability, timely three-point shooting, and awe-inspiring rim protection to a hard-fought 122-115 victory over the defending champs. 

Wembanyama recorded 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 49 minutes. While the 22-year-old’s brilliance was the primary topic of discussion during the contest, another intriguing subject came to light. 

Late in the third quarter, NBA analyst Reggie Miller suggested that Wembanyama may be breaking a major NBA rule.

“Somewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo is saying, ‘Wait a minute,” Miller stated. "Every time Wemby goes to the free-throw line, it’s very close and borderline to 10 seconds.” 

For clarity, Miller referenced Antetokounmpo because the two-time MVP has urged referees to closely monitor opponents at the foul line, as he’s under the impression that many of them are taking 10 or more seconds to launch their free throws.

To Miller’s point, Wembanyama did take his time while attempting his 13 free throws, mainly due to his cool, calm, and collected technique approach. That said, the generational center ended the game without getting whistled for a 10-second violation, indicating that he doesn’t need to adjust his methodical routine.

More NBA news:

Zoey Gruber helps Lansing Catholic start Softball Classic title defense strong

LANSING —'The nerves used to be through the roof for Zoey Gruber before pitching performances early in her varsity career for the Lansing Catholic softball team.

That's no longer the case for the junior.

Being a third-year varsity player has helped Gruber calm those nerves. Also having trust in the team around her has provided a calming presence.

Those elements have helped Gruber make a big mark for the Cougars.

Gruber added to her success with a strong showing Tuesday, May 19 while helping Lansing Catholic open its title defense at the Softball Classic with an 11-1 win over Fowler at Ranney Park.

Zoey Gruber

Gruber struck out 12 while tossing a complete game to help the Cougars (22-3) advance to the semifinals Thursday, May 21. She limited a strong lineup for CMAC champion Fowler headlined by sisters Saige Miller, a Maryland signee, and Bristol Miller.

"I trust myself a little more now," Gruber said. "I was nervous going in knowing that we had some competitive hitters (we were facing) and just being able to trust my catcher (helped). I just say it's between me and my catcher and just one batter at a time. It really helps my mental focus. This gained my confidence a little bit but we've still got more games to go."

Gruber did her damage more than in the circle and went 3-for-5 at the plate with two doubles and a home run to left field. She homered in the seventh inning while putting together a strong finish to her night.

"She just gets better every game," Lansing Catholic coach Amy Poljan said. "She's working very hard to refine her pitching and bounce back from some things maybe she's not real happy about."

Alyssa LaConte added four hits and two RBI and Kathy Howard went 3-for-4 for Lansing Catholic which scored three in the top of the first and stayed in control from there. Tuesday marked a strong opening step for the Cougars as they chase one of their top goals.

"This has been one of the things on our goal board to come back and just compete really well," Poljan said. "This is a great opportunity as we move into districts and hopefully beyond for us to be able to fine tune what we're doing and to have great competition. That was actually a really good game. (Fowler is) a very good team. I think that's a great thing for us."

DEWITT 3, HOLT 2

DeWitt's Kaydence Ballinger-Szostak pitches against Holt, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Ranney Park.

Tess Rypstra and Emily Agnew had key doubles to help vault the Panthers past CAAC Blue rival in the other Softball Classic opener on Tuesday. Rypstra had three hits and drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh, to lead DeWitt as it took the rubber match between the programs after they split their meetings in CAAC Blue play on May 7.

Kaydence Ballinger-Szostak earned the pitching win and allowed just four hits in seven innings of work for the Panthers (23-8).

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway and Bluesky @briancalloway.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Zoey Gruber leads Lansing Catholic softball past Fowler

Top-seeded Caldwell hits stride at right time, advances to district finals

CALDWELL — A 20-win season is sweet, but punching a ticket to the district finals on the back of a nine-game winning streak is even sweeter. Top-seeded Caldwell hit both milestones in one dominant afternoon on Tuesday, May 19, riding a brilliant one-hit, nine-strikeout shutout from senior ace Makayla Mumaw and a potent offensive explosion to a 10-0 victory over the No. 3 seed River Pilots during Division VIII district semifinal action.

"We are definitely playing well at the right time of the year," Caldwell head coach Scott Davis said of his team's blistering nine-game win streak. "I think everybody has totally settled into their roles which is a huge plus for us."

With the victory, the 20-3 Caldwell squad advances to the district championship game on Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m. where it will battle No. 4 seed Conotton Valley at Meadowbrook High School in Byesville, with a regional berth hanging in the balance.

Strength in numbers

It was a largely business-like postseason victory for the top seed, which leaned on the familiar formula that has carried them all spring. Mumaw delivered another stellar effort in the circle, keeping the Pilots off-balance while being backed by a solid defensive effort behind her to lock down the dominant complete-game effort.

Caldwell's offense was equally efficient, manufacturing a timely hitting attack that produces 10 runs on seven hits. Caldwell took a 4-0 lead through the first five innings, before breaking the game open with a six-run explosion in the bottom of the sixth frame to trigger the OHSAA tournament mercy rule and bring an early end to the game.

More: Kendall Snider's 18 Ks propels Muskies past Cambridge in D-IV district semifinals

More: Make your pick for the Daily Jeffersonian Athlete of the Week for May 11-May 16

Junior Breighlee Moracco paced the Caldwell offense with a double and a single. Cami Arick provided a major punch with a single and three RBIs, while freshman Mea Hendershot and Cecelia Marshall each collected an RBI base hit to fuel the attack.

That balance approach has made Caldwell an incredibly tough out as the tournament games grow in magnification.

"We have such a talented group, not just one or two players you can try to take away," Davis said. "We have a lot of girls who can make things happen."

Caldwell's Lexi Franklin (3) rounds third base heading home with third base coach Jeremy Franklin cheering her on during their Division VIII district semifinal matchup up with No. 3 seed River on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The perfect postseason blueprint

Davis couldn't have asked for a cleaner execution of the game plan against a dangerous River squad, pointing to a vintage blend of pitching, defense and timely hitting.

"Tonight we just took care of business," Davis added. "Makayla threw a one-hitter with nine Ks and we played solid defense behind her with timely big hits... that's a pretty good combination."

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Caldwell softball dominates River in D-VIII district semifinal matchup

2027 Summer Scouting Report: Dylan Wingate, LB, Maryland

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

  • Wisconsin
  • FAU
  • Michigan

Background Info

  • Listed at 6-5/230 lbs.
  • 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
  • Going to school to be a sports psychologist
  • Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026

  • 163 tackles
  • 15.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks
  • Generated 1 turnover

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

  • 66.3 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
  • 61.8 Career PFF Coverage Grade
  • 7 Hurries
  • Missed tackle rate of 14.7%
  • 73 Stops

Strengths

  • Great size for the position
  • Uses his size to win reps when blocked or tackling bigger offensive players
  • Leads the middle of the defense for Maryland
  • Shows promise stuffing the run 
  • Has good instincts to not overcommit

Player Summary

Wingate is a more typical linebacker that you expect to see in the NFL. At Maryland, he has shown he has the ability of an NFL linebacker, too, but he needs to work on his coverage ability. Where he can contribute right now is as a run stuffer or even on special teams in the NFL. He doesn’t do anything great and does a lot in a good way, but between the coverage and processing, it seems he is a step behind. Once he speeds up his play, he could take another step in his development in 2026. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 Summer Scouting Report on Maryland LB Dylan Wingate

This Jarren Duran Catch Might Be the Best of the 2026 MLB Season

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran

The Boston Red Sox got a very good offensive game from speedy outfielder Jarren Duran on Tuesday night, but his best play of the night had nothing to do with his bat. 

With the Red Sox holding onto a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning and the Kansas City Royals having a man on third base, Salvador Perez hit a ball to left field that seemed destined to touch down on the warning track over Duran's head. While this is the case, he made a ridiculous jumping and twisting catch to keep Boston's lead at one. 

You've got to see the play to really know how difficult it was.

Jarren Duran just hit the Jordan logo. Another nice play from him in left field tonight. pic.twitter.com/E8K4rR5bSJ

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) May 20, 2026

Do you have a take to get off your chest? Do you want to engage in a growing Red Sox community? Comment on our content alongside staff and fans alike!

Plus, Duran hit a homer and a double in the contest. If this is the version of Duran Boston fans will be seeing from here on out, the Red Sox are going to be just fine in the long run. This is the version of Duran that has thrived in a Boston uniform. He hasn't had the season he wanted, but Tuesday was nearly perfect for him.

More MLB: Red Sox's Craig Breslow Looks Like A Genius Thanks To One Move

How are the World Cup favourites shaping up?

Kylian Mbappe, in white, in action for France against Brazil in March -- these two nations are among the leading contenders to win the upcoming World Cup (FRANCK FIFE)

With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now barely three weeks away, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals (world ranking in brackets):

France (1)

Les Bleus have won the World Cup twice and lost two finals on penalties in the last seven editions. This will be their last tournament before long-serving coach Didier Deschamps steps down. "It's a strange feeling," admitted Deschamps, in charge since 2012.

France beat Brazil 2-1 in March and then defeated Colombia 3-1 with an entirely different starting line-up, with those games both played in the US. Unbeaten in nine matches since last June, France have a fearsome attack featuring reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. They will take some stopping.

Spain (2)

The European champions have not lost since winning Euro 2024. Luis de la Fuente's team are a perfectly-oiled machine in which the standout player is teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. But the 18-year-old Barcelona winger is currently out with a hamstring injury, and reports suggest he might miss their first two group games.

His Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez is set to miss out entirely with a foot fracture. Arsenal's Mikel Merino, scorer of eight goals for Spain in 10 games in 2025, has not played since January due to injury. But La Roja still boast fearsome quality -- think 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, or Pedri. 

Argentina (3)

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are dreaming of retaining the title they won in 2022. That tournament marked Lionel Messi's crowning glory, and it is hard to see how he can hit the same heights again given he turns 39 next month.

Nevertheless Messi is very much at home in the US now and has 12 goals in 13 MLS games for Inter Miami this year. 

Argentina also won the 2024 Copa America in the USA and comfortably topped South American qualifying. Beyond Messi they boast a wealth of attacking talent, including Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Nico Paz, the Tenerife-born attacking midfielder with Como.

England (4)

After several near misses under Gareth Southgate, with agonising defeats in the finals of the last two Euros and exits from the 2018 World Cup in the semi-finals and the 2022 quarters, England now hope German Thomas Tuchel can deliver a first title since 1966.

England cruised through qualifying and have formidable depth but there are some doubts. They drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan in March friendlies, while big names like Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer have not had straightforward campaigns. However, they will hope Harry Kane continues the remarkable form he has shown with Bayern Munich, for whom he has 58 goals this season.

Portugal (5)

Portugal, who have never gone beyond the semi-finals, are serious candidates -- provided they are not held back by the possibly overbearing presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 41, this will be his sixth World Cup, but the quality of their midfield –- Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes –- could be the key.

UEFA Nations League winners last year, Portugal stumbled a little in qualifying, losing in Ireland as Ronaldo was sent off. Ronaldo did not play in their last game, a 2-0 friendly win over the USA in Atlanta.

Brazil (6)

Brazil's progress under new coach Carlo Ancelotti will be fascinating to watch. That the Selecao felt it necessary to turn to an Italian says much about Brazil's ongoing footballing identity crisis, and their current lack of depth has been exposed by Ancelotti's decision to name Neymar in his squad. 

Now 34 and playing for Santos, Neymar has not been capped since 2023, and Vinicius Junior is Brazil's attacking leader now.

Since winning their fifth title in 2002, Brazil have only reached the semi-finals once, when they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany as hosts in 2014. They finished fifth in South American qualifying, losing six of 18 games.

"The World Cup won't be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn't exist," insists Ancelotti. "It will be won by the most resilient team." 

Germany (10)

Julian Nagelsmann's side sit behind the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium in the rankings and it seems a stretch to suggest Germany could win a first World Cup since 2014.

They suffered group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, and lost in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts. However, the class of Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz ensure Germany should be taken seriously.

as/bsp 

Shirtless fans the stars at MLB stadiums as "Tarps Off" trend sweeps baseball world

Major League Baseball is experiencing an epidemic of (mostly) guys being dudes.

At ballparks all across the country, groups consisting of mostly young men are joining in on the “Tarps Off” trend that's loud, goofy, infectious and new to the baseball world. Joining in on the fun is simple: Go to the section where the party is happening, take off your shirt and start twirling it above your head.

Soccer-like chants or singing usually follow — injecting a jolt of energy for a sport that is occasionally chided for its lack of energy inside the stadium.

After getting it's start in St. Louis last Friday, it has spread across the league to places like Detroit, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Anaheim, California.

“It’s hard not to have fun when the fans are like that," Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn said. “We’ve got the best fans in the world, but it seems like the younger generation makes it more like a college atmosphere.”

Ground zero for the shirtless outbreak was in St. Louis last Friday, when a club baseball team affiliated with Stephen F. Austin State University was in Alton, Illinois, for the National Club Baseball Division II World Series. The Cardinals offered tickets to the team, and 17 players attended.

That group started the fun, dozens of others joined and suddenly their were a couple hundred fans creating a ruckus in right field that helped propel the Cardinals to a 5-4 victory in 11 innings over the Kansas City Royals. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol loved the energy so much that he bought tickets for the shirtless revelers for Saturday's game and they returned.

Even the Cardinals' mascot Fredbird joined in on the fun.

Now it might be the start of a tradition — more shirtless fans cheered for the Cardinals in Tuesday's game against the Pirates. It certainly seems to be a boost for the club's homefield advantage: Ivan Herrera hit a three-run homer to lift the Cardinals to a 9-6 win in 10 innings.

A similar outbreak of shirtless fans broke out at a Tampa Bay Rays game on Monday and again Tuesday. Another small group celebrated in Philadelphia as the Reds and Phillies played in the rain. Angels' fans celebrated with a mix of joy and irritation, chanting for owner Arte Moreno to sell the team.

MLB certainly won't complain about the recent attention. Attendance is up at big-league stadiums so far this season, averaging roughly 1,000 more fans per game than a year ago through Monday's contests.

If the trend continues, baseball could average 30,000 fans per game for the first time since 2016.

More and more — they might just be shirtless.

___

AP freelance writer Warren Mayes contributed to this story.

___

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

Rangers 10, Rockies 0: The Rockies dog did not hunt

May 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view behind home plate during the first inning between the Texas Rangers against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

When the Colorado Rockies welcomed the Texas Rangers to Coors Field for Game 2, their hope was to pick up where they left off after getting a Monday night win. After all, it was “Bark in the Park,” so the vibes (and the dogs!) were good.

However, by the time the game ended, there was nothing to be heard but howls of disappointment from the Rockies side of Coors Field as the Rangers racked up a decisive 10-0 win.

The hits, they kept coming — for the Rangers

The Rangers got on the board first after a rough first inning from opener Sammy Peralta.

He opened by walking Andrew McCutchen on four pitches and then hitting Brandon Nimmo. Ezequiel Duran hit a double to bring them home. After that, Peralta issued yet another walk, loading the bases with one out for Alejandro Osuna. After Peralta struck out Osuna, bulk reliever Tanner Gordon entered the game to get the final out, which he did with just one pitch.

Still, the Rockies were down two runs before even sending a batter to the plate. Worth noting is that the Rangers are 17-3 when scoring first, and that trend continued tonight.

In their half of the first, the Rockies did not get a hit. Adding to the bad news, Brenton Doyle left the game after attempting a diving catch with a left-side contusion.

E1: Rangers 2, Rockies 0

That would be as good as it got for Gordon with the Rangers hitting him hard for the rest of the game.

The second inning saw the Rockies falling further behind as a Nimmo RBI single scored Joc Pederson. Following that, Duran singled to bring home Nimmo, and then a Jake Burger single brought home Josh Jung. When the Rockies finally got the third out, the Rangers had a 5-0 lead.

Rockies pitchers had already issued three walks before the top of the second had ended.

Kumar Rocker took over pitching duties for the Rangers in the second inning and never looked back. Troy Johnston — the second hitter Rocker faced — hit a single, the Rockies’ first hit of the game. Tyler Freeman, fresh off paternity leave, followed that with another single, but the Rockies failed to capitalized.

E2: Rangers 5, Rockies 0

After a scoreless third inning, the Rangers got back to work in the fourth. They scored two more runs — seven runs on 10 hits with the game not yet half over.

Although Ezequiel Tovar walked in the bottom half of the inning, he was unable to advance.

E4: Rangers 7, Rockies 0

The hits kept coming in the fifth inning as Pederson scored his third hit despite entering the game in the second inning. Justin Foscue hit a sacrifice fly to bring him Evan Carter, and the score was 8-0 Rangers.

In contrast, the Rockies did not have a single baserunner in the fifth.

E5: Rangers 8, Rockies 0

This is a pretty grim game recap, so please enjoy this catch from Mickey Moniak in the sixth:

Also worth noting is that the Rockies got three outs on four pitches. The sixth was that rare inning when the Rangers failed to put a runner on base.

In the seventh inning, the Rangers scored again on a — stop me if you’ve heard this one before — Joc Pederson single that scored Danny Jansen. Pederson went 4-for-4 with one RBI.

The Rockies managed a baserunner in the bottom of the inning after a Johnston single, his second of the evening and the Rockies third hit, but they were unable to score.

E7: Rangers 9, Rockies 0

Seth Halvorsen entered the game in the eighth and promptly surrendered two hits, two walks, and a run.

Catcher Brett Sullivan was preparing to enter the game to relieve Halvorsen when Willi Castro caught two quick line-outs to end the inning.

E8: Rangers 10, Rockies 0

The Rockies sent Sullivan to pitch the ninth. Things were grim, but watching the Rockies turn a double play never gets old, and the Rockies turned a nice one to end the inning for Sullivan. (Unfortunately, no video was available.)

Ezequiel Tovar drew a two-out walk in the ninth — worth noting, he walked twice in this game. They were unable to score in the ninth.

E9: Rangers 10, Rockies 0

For the Rangers, this marked a season high in terms of hits (16) and runs (10). Add to that, an excellent performance from Kumar Rocker who absolutely muzzled the Rockies.

“The slider was devastating,” said manager Warren Schaeffer after the game.

On the flip side, it marked an offensive wasteland for the Rockies. They had just three hits and no runs. They walked three times and had and had seven Ks.

The Rockies pitching, it was not good

This will not go down as the best-pitched game in Rockies history.

Opener Sammy Peralta went 0.2 IP giving up two runs (both earned) on two hits. He also walked to and struck out one on 23 pitches. Tanner Gordon did his best, but the Rangers dinged him for hits throughout the game.

He went 6.1 IP, allowing seven runs (all earned) on 12 hits. He walked one and struck out five while throwing 81 pitches. Although Gordon was not effective on the mound, he saved the bullpen.

“The length was extremely valuable to us tonight, ” Schaeffer said.

The eighth inning went to Halvorsen, who struggled much as Gordon did. When the inning ended, he had thrown 25 pitches and allowed one run (earned) on two hits. He also walked two and did not strike out a hitter.

Sullivan pitched the ninth inning as the Rockies waved the white flag. He went one inning, allowed no hits or runs, and walked one.

“He’s willing to do it, and he saved the ‘pen,” Schaeffer said. “That was big for us and good job by Sullivan.”

Up Next

Join us tomorrow for the rubber match when Jack Leiter will face Kyle Freeland. First pitch is at 1:10.

See you then.


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NFL News: Get ready for even more International games in 2027

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: General view inside the stadium as the national anthems are preformed during the NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On Tuesday at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Orlando, the owners approved a larger slate of International games moving forward. This year, a record nine games were scheduled outside the United States, but that has now been increased to 10, starting with the 2027 season.

And that ten doesn’t include the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual game in London, so technically, there could be 11 games played internationally starting next year, pending the NFL Players Association approval.

Currently, each team with a ninth regular-season home game is eligible to host an international game while protecting two matchups from being selected, but in 2027, teams will no longer be able to protect any games from being moved.

That means we could see the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in Spain as soon as 2027. Spain is one of the Bears’ International markets, along with the United Kingdom. There are 22 global markets shared among the 32 clubs, but the League plans to open even more territories to market the sport.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that 16 international games each year is the long-term goal, meaning every team’s ninth home game will be played outside the United States.

These games often have a Super Bowl feel for the host cities, so what are the chances the Super Bowl will be played abroad someday?

“I don’t know if I can fully parse that in terms of feasibility versus likelihood, but if you’re just talking feasibility, obviously, as we go to new stadiums around the world, we’re getting a better sense of those buildings,” NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said. “And, as we go around the whole world, we get a sense of the passion there, and the partnerships, governmental partnerships, private sector partnerships, and otherwise. So I think all of that strengthens the foundation that you need to perhaps someday on a far off horizon have an international Super Bowl.”

Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to historic 0.005% comeback in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to historic 0.005% comeback in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks were in a state of limbo for quite a time in Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their offense only came from Mitchell Robinson free throws which rarely found the bottom of the net. But something shifted in the clutch. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell looked like their basketball prowess was sucked out of them. Jalen Brunson and Co. then proceeded to make a historically unlikely comeback which only happens 0.005% of the time in NBA Playoffs history.

Brunson, Knicks stage comeback with only 0.005% odds of succeeding

At a certain point in Game 1, the Knicks trailed by as much as 22 to the Cavaliers. Coach Mike Brown had no answers for the barrage led by Donovan Mitchell. Then, the rain from the Cavaliers offense stopped. This is where Jalen Brunson stepped in. He started heating up and to send the game to overtime.

By the end of the game, Brunson dropped 38 points on a 51.72% field goal percentage. He also went 70% from the free throw line to will the Knicks back into life. When the final buzzer sounded, he helped the Knicks accomplish their biggest NBA Playoffs comeback in franchise history.

How huge were the odds that the Knicks and Brunson had to overcome?

Well, squads that go down 20 or more in the fourth quarter of an NBA Playoffs bout have only won thrice out of 747 tries prior to this Knicks comeback. When the numbers are crunched and this game is included, Brunson and the Knicks are only the fourth team among 747 others to beat the odds. To put that into perspective, overcoming this large of a fourth quarter deficit only happens 0.005% of the time in the NBA Playoffs, per Keerthika Uthayakumar.

Moreover, this is the second-largest fourth quarter comeback since the play-by-play era started in 1997. The Knicks usurped the Boston Celtics' 21-point comeback against the New Jersey Nets back in 2002 along with the Golden State Warriors overcoming a 20-point deficit against the New Orleans Pelicans in 2015. Only the Los Angeles Clippers' 24-point resurgence to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012 had a bigger deficit than this feat.

Obviously, the Knicks will take an NBA Playoffs win regardless of how they get it. But schematic and rotational changes against the Cavaliers need to implemented in case they want to be more consistent as a title contender.

More Knicks News:

NBA playoffs 2026: 1 Knicks bettor wagered $775K on 5 bets ... and won all of them after New York's incredible Eastern Finals Game 1 comeback

The New York Knicks weren’t supposed to be down 22 points in the fourth quarter in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at home in Madison Square Garden, especially coming off a week’s rest — and considering the Cleveland Cavaliers had just won a Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons less than 48 hours earlier.

But with 7:48 remaining in the game, the Cavaliers — 6.5-point underdogs entering the game — had a 93-71 lead. And one bettor was sweating through a series of five- and six-figure wagers on the Knicks.

A bettor at BetMGM had wagered $775,000 on a series of ladder bets on the Knicks to cover at various numbers before the game, ranging from Knicks -2.5 to Knicks -6.5. Here was the full range of wagers:

  • $70,000 on Knicks -6.5 (-120)

  • $95,000 on Knicks -5.5 (-140)

  • $185,000 on Knicks -4.5 (-160)

  • $350,000 on Knicks -3.5 (-185)

  • $75,000 on Knicks -2.5 (-210)

Realistically, the bettor’s only chance to win any of these wagers was for the game to go to overtime — and that’s exactly what happened, as the Knicks staged a furious rally from that 22-point deficit to force overtime. And New York never trailed in OT, en route to a stunning 115-104 win.

The Knicks had moneyline odds of as high as 80-1 at one point in the fourth quarter at DraftKings.

New York ended up covering every one of the five wagers for this bettor — who has been making ladder bets throughout the playoffs and is up on his reported wagers — and the Cavs +6.5 will go down in history as an all-time bad beat for spread bettors.

'Ultra aggressive' Nationals made it tough for Mets starter Nolan McLean to adjust without best stuff

It’s not often that the Mets score a bunch of runs in games started by Nolan McLean this season, but that’s exactly what they did on Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals after scoring five runs in the first two innings.

However, this time it was McLean who let his offense down after the right-hander allowed nine runs (six earned) in 5.2 innings. The six earned runs given up by McLean are a career-high and four of them came on one swing.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning, James Wood attacked McLean’s first pitch sweeper and sent it deep to left center field, where the Mets couldn’t make a play on it, which resulted in an inside-the-park grand slam.

In fact, all three hits allowed by McLean in that second inning came on the first pitch. All three were on different pitches.

“They were ultra aggressive, especially that first time through,” manager Carlos Mendoza said about the Nationals. “… They were hacking first pitch, they were looking hard. The sinker, the cutter, 1-0 [count] and they were aggressive. Balls found holes, they attacked him.”

With how aggressive Washington’s hitters were, McLean found it difficult to make the necessary adjustments on his pitches because they wouldn’t allow him to get settled or find a rhythm.

“Sometimes it’s tough to make adjustments when they’re putting the first pitch in play on multiple different pitches,” McLean said. “… They were just up there pretty aggressive, so sometimes it’s tough to get to the adjustment as quick as normal.”

To make things more difficult for McLean, he clearly didn’t have his best stuff and had to battle with every pitch. On top of that, his fastball, which usually sits around 96 to 97 mph, was hovering around 94 mph for most of the night, perhaps due to the high heat and humidity.

It’s also possible the 45-minute rain delay at the start of the game threw off the right-hander.

“They made some pretty good swings on some decent pitches,” McLean said. “Obviously, I didn’t have my best stuff, but that’s no excuse for not going out there and competing better than I did.”

In the end, McLean went 5.2 innings before handing it off to Daniel Duarte, who saved the bullpen by finishing the game with 2.1 scoreless innings.

Still, it’s not the outing that McLean expects out of himself.

“Obviously, the bullpen’s been getting after it these last couple of days, but my job every time, whether we have a full bullpen or not, is to go out there and get at least seven, so I’m disappointed I didn’t do that,” he said.

But back to the biggest swing of the night, that inning actually began with McLean retiring the first two batters. A double kept the inning going, but after that McLean got ahead 0-2 to No. 8 hitter Drew Millas before hitting him with a curveball.

That mistake elongated the inning and proved costly as an infield single loaded the bases before Wood jumped the rookie.

“In that second inning there, with two outs, even after the double, the 0-2 hit by pitch was kinda like the killer there,” Mendoza said. “… The 0-2 hit by pitch ended up costing a lot in that inning. Overall, especially in those early innings, like I said, he wasn’t able to go to his secondary, make that adjustment… It was a battle for him.”

Bulldog Breakdown: Former Fresno State golfer hosting Fresno City Amateur

A Memorial Day tradition nearly 100 years old returns to Riverside Golf Course.

In this week's Bulldog Breakdown, sports director Stephen Hicks looks at the Former Fresno State golfer getting the course ready for the Fresno City amateur.

For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, X and Instagram.

As Vikings search for next GM, what do they value most?

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Minnesota Vikings fired their last general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, on Jan. 30. The timeline was unusual after the hiring cycle for general manager openings had come and gone.

Longtime football administration executive Rob Brzezinski has served as interim general manager since. He is a candidate for the full opening. Would Minnesota consider someone whose primary experience is not in talent evaluation?

“There's some science to it,” team owner Mark Wilf told Yahoo Sports at the NFL’s May owners meetings on Tuesday. “There's of course some art. You have to see the person, know the person, get to know them and understand.

“This is a leadership position and someone needs to lead our football organization and that's kind of how we're viewing it. Of course, football expertise, football personnel, our entire staff and team and getting people to work together. All of it plays into a mix. I can't give you any scientific formula, but I'm confident as we spend more time with these candidates and get to know everybody better, it'll become clear to us.”

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 8: Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf talk prior to to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on September 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 8: Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf talk prior to to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on September 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Todd Rosenberg via Getty Images

Some teams in recent years have bifurcated leadership into a head business/football administration role and a head talent evaluation role. Wilf does not plan to operate that way, he said.

“I think we still ultimately need to have a leader who represents ownership who can kind of bring the building together,” Wilf said. “It's not just the [scouts and executives], it's coaches, it's even on the business side.”

Several of the candidates whom Minnesota has interviewed were in Orlando for the league’s talent accelerator program. San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager RJ Gillen, Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray, Rams assistant GM John McKay and Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasley were all in Orlando at the same time as Wilf and Vikings leadership.

Did that advance their candidacy?

“I’m meeting people here in general because I think this accelerator program does great work,” Wilf said. “Some of them are candidates for our GM search and I'll have informal conversations with them. But of course, the meat of the conversations are in the interviews and spending time in the facility and getting to know them really better.”

Kristian Winfield: Knicks found answers to their biggest playoff test

NEW YORK — With just over seven minutes left in the third quarter of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and the Knicks trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers by nine, Jalen Brunson gave an impassioned speech — a cry for help — to his teammates on the sidelines. The gist of the message? It had to be along the lines of lock-in defensively against a Cavaliers team surgically dismantling the Knicks defense through the three periods.

Four minutes later, a deafening silence fell about Madison Square Garden: The Knicks suddenly found themselves down by 14. The Cavaliers began intentionally fouling Mitchell Robinson — a poor free-throw shooter who’d been New York’s most impactful defender on the night. And as Robinson proceeded to miss six out of his eight ensuing free throws, the Cavaliers took an 83-69 lead into the fourth quarter. They went on to build a late-game lead as large as 22.

And just when it looked like the Cavaliers were set to make off with the heist of a century, with the same theft of home-court advantage the Indiana Pacers pulled in the conference finals last season, Brunson let his game do the rest of the talking for him.

He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone. Mikal Bridges hit the two biggest corner 3s of his Knicks career. And Landry Shamet’s corner 3 bounced around the rim several times before falling through the net, completing an epic Cavaliers meltdown — and yet another historic Knicks comeback.

“We don’t stop until the clock hits zero and shoutouts to our captain for holding it down for us,” Mikal Bridges said in his walk-off interview. “We learned from our mistakes and came out here and didn’t want the same things to happen [as last year].”

The Knicks, who came back from down 20 in Games 1 and 2 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics last season, did it again on Tuesday. Only this time, the win moved them just three games shy of the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

And yet the Knicks needed this, a wake-up call, a gut-check for a team that hasn’t been adequately tested on its playoff run. The Atlanta Hawks tested the Knicks, yes, when they took a 2-1 series lead in the first round, but they were outclassed by the Knicks, who blew them out over the final three games of the opening round. The Philadelphia 76ers posed little-to-no resistance in a four-game sweep in Round 2, even with a roster littered with talent in Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and V.J. Edgecombe.

Yet here were the Cavaliers, after going seven games against the new-and-improved Toronto Raptors, then seven more against the Eastern Conference’s No. 1-seeded Detroit Pistons. The Cavaliers, as Mike Brown noted, boast four All-Stars and a competitive roster deep at virtually every position. And they were a 61-win team last season that revamped its roster midseason in separate deals for James Harden and both Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.

The Cavaliers tested the Knicks: They tested their newfound offense running primarily through Karl-Anthony Towns and forced the Knicks back to Brunson, who has the biggest mismatch of the series against a Cavs backcourt incapable of guarding him. Towns finished with 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field. They tested New York’s resilience, too. The Knicks, as they’ve done all year, passed on Tuesday night with flying colors — and this time, they passed because Brunson rose to the level champions are made of.

“He carried us offensively when we needed him,” Bridges said while walking off the court. “We wouldn’t be here without Cap.”

The Knicks pulled off the improbable with OG Anunoby limited by a right hamstring injury. Anunoby, who’d been out since Game 2 of the first round, wore a wrap around his right leg while seated on the bench and.shot two-of-nine from the field for 13 points, even shooting an airball with under a minute left in the extra period.

It’s all a distant memory for a Knicks team that averted a crisis on Tuesday. Championship dreams nearly turned into familiar nightmares, and the Knicks still have work to do — but Brunson bailed the Knicks out with an all-time performance. The Knicks took the Cavs’ best punch and responded with haymakers of their own,

Rocker's strong outing, Nimmo's homer, lift Rangers over Rockies, 10-0

DENVER (AP) — Kumar Rocker tossed a career-high 7 2/3 innings, Brandon Nimmo homered, and the Texas Rangers beat the Colorado Rockies 10-0 on Tuesday night.

Ezequiel Duran continued his hot start to the series with two doubles and a single, giving the Texas shortstop six hits in the first two games. Joc Pederson had four of the Rangers' season-high 16 hits.

Rocker (2-4) entered in the second inning and held Colorado down while his offense built a lead. Troy Johnston and Tyler Freeman had consecutive one-out singles in the second but Rocker retired 14 of the next 15. He left after hitting Ezequiel Tovar with two outs in the ninth.

The third overall pick in the 2022 draft, Rocker fanned seven on a career-high 103 pitches. He hasn’t allowed a run in 13 1/3 innings.

Colorado center fielder Brenton Doyle left the game in the middle of the first inning when he was injured making a diving attempt on Duran’s double. He was replaced by Freeman, who had one of the three Rockies hits.

Catcher Brett Sullivan pitched a scoreless ninth for Colorado.

The teams played in chilly conditions for the second straight night. Temperatures were in the 40s Monday and Tuesday was overcast and 50 at first pitch.

Colorado opener Sammy Peralta, who made his first career start and season debut, didn’t last a full inning. Peralta (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits and hit a batter before being replaced by Tanner Gordon.

The Rangers got to Gordon in the second inning with three two-out RBI singles to build a 5-0 lead. Nimmo hit a two-run homer in the fourth, Justin Foscue had a sacrifice fly in the fifth, and Texas scored single runs in the seventh and eighth inning

Up next

Rangers RHP Jack Leiter (1-4, 4.35 ERA) will face Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-5, 7.22) to wrap up the series Wednesday.

___

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

2027 Summer Scouting Report: Dylan Wingate, LB, Maryland

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

  • Wisconsin
  • FAU
  • Michigan

Background Info

  • Listed at 6-5/230 lbs.
  • 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
  • Going to school to be a sports psychologist
  • Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026

  • 163 tackles
  • 15.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks
  • Generated 1 turnover

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

  • 66.3 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
  • 61.8 Career PFF Coverage Grade
  • 7 Hurries
  • Missed tackle rate of 14.7%
  • 73 Stops

Strengths

  • Great size for the position
  • Uses his size to win reps when blocked or tackling bigger offensive players
  • Leads the middle of the defense for Maryland
  • Shows promise stuffing the run 
  • Has good instincts to not overcommit

Player Summary

Wingate is a more typical linebacker that you expect to see in the NFL. At Maryland, he has shown he has the ability of an NFL linebacker, too, but he needs to work on his coverage ability. Where he can contribute right now is as a run stuffer or even on special teams in the NFL. He doesn’t do anything great and does a lot in a good way, but between the coverage and processing, it seems he is a step behind. Once he speeds up his play, he could take another step in his development in 2026. 

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 Summer Scouting Report on Maryland LB Dylan Wingate

Bryson DeChambeau questions moon landing footage but believes in interdimensional beings ‘for sure’

Bryson DeChambeau says he and Donald Trump like to joke about pickles. Photograph: Laurence Kesterson/UPI/Shutterstock

As someone who has made much of his devotion to science, Bryson DeChambeau isn’t foolish enough to fall for any old conspiracy theory. But he does believe the moon landings may not have been all they seemed. And that interdimensional beings may be visiting Earth.

The two-time major champion appeared this week on a podcast hosted by Katie Miller, the wife of White House senior adviser Stephen Miller. During the interview DeChambeau spoke about conspiracy theories, golf and his friendship with Donald Trump.

Miller asked DeChambeau whether he believed astronaut Alan Shepard had played golf on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

“Oh, I don’t, here we, conspiracy theory, I don’t know,” DeChambeau said. “Look, Elon [Musk] says we’ve definitely gone there. So I tend to go that route, because he’s the man that knows quite a bit about all that. Artemis just went around the moon. So I do believe if we spent a lot of our resources like they say we did, I think we did. I don’t think the footage is real. But I think we did go to the moon. I don’t know about the footage. It’s quite, it’s quite wild.”

After suggesting thousands of people – including Shepard, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin – had not been entirely truthful about Nasa’s moon landings, DeChambeau dealt with other weighty topics.

Related: Bryson DeChambeau could give up golf for YouTube in his athletic prime. Is he right?

“I do think that there are interdimensional beings out there, for sure,” DeChambeau, who was a physics major in college, said. “I do believe in UAPs [Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena]. UAPs, UFOs, I think they’re more than just aliens from another world. Maybe aliens from another world. But I think there’s more. There’s a lot more to that story.”

DeChambeau was also asked about his relationship with Trump, the most powerful man in the world. “He gives me a lot of crap about pickles, actually,” said DeChambeau.

DeChambeau is one of the most prominent players on the LIV Golf, which faces an uncertain future after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced plans to withdraw funding. The American has said he may concentrate on his YouTube career if LIV does fail, a topic he returned to with Miller.

“I’m in that weird space right now, I don’t know what to do, either: Content creation or professional golf,” DeChambeau said. “I don’t know what to do right now.”

DeChambeau has missed the cut at the last two majors he has entered, the Masters and the US PGA Championship.

Knicks erase 22-point deficit in 4th, stun Cavaliers in overtime to take Game 1

NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden has seen Eastern Conference finals heartbreak before. Tuesday night, the Knicks answered it with something far more satisfying.

A year after blowing a 17-point fourth-quarter lead against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1, the Knicks authored their own late-game stunner, rallying from 22 points down to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-104, in overtime in Tuesday’s Eastern Conference finals opener at the Garden.

It was the largest fourth-quarter comeback in the NBA playoffs in 13 years. Game 2 will be played in Manhattan on Thursday.

Jalen Brunson led the charge, finishing with a game-high 38 points on 15-for-29 shooting after catching fire late and dragging the Knicks back from the edge. And Donovan Mitchell dazzled for Cleveland with 29 points, five rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley added 15 points and 14 rebounds.

The Knicks trailed by 22 in the fourth quarter. They looked buried. Then Brunson changed the entire night.

The Knicks outscored Cleveland 32-18 in the period, with Brunson pouring in 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting to fuel a furious comeback. He drove an 18-1 run that pulled the Knicks within eight with 4:08 remaining, pushing his total to 34 points and breathing life back into a building that had spent much of the second half in stunned silence.

Cleveland needed a response, and Mobley delivered one, burying a massive 3-pointer with 3:09 left to cool off Brunson, silence the Garden crowd and restore an eight-point Cavaliers lead.

Brunson answered anyway. He drilled a 3-pointer with 2:38 remaining to cut Cleveland’s advantage to four and keep the Knicks’ comeback alive. Then Landry Shamet finished the climb, burying yet another 3-pointer with 45 seconds left to tie the game at 99 and send the Garden into a frenzy.

The teams were tied again at 101 with 19 seconds remaining, leaving Cleveland with one last chance to steal it in regulation. Sam Merrill found a clean look as the clock wound down. He missed, sending Game 1 to overtime and giving the Knicks a second life they’d spent the entire fourth quarter fighting to create.

And they didn’t waste it. The Knicks opened overtime on a 9-0 run, seizing the extra period before Cleveland could regain its footing and finishing a comeback that had seemed far beyond reach only minutes earlier.

Game 1 needed time to become appointment television, but once it did, it stood shoulder to shoulder with Monday night’s Western Conference finals opener between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. The early possessions were ragged. The Knicks looked like a team shaking off a long layoff. Cleveland looked like a team still carrying two seven-game series. For a while, the flaws canceled each other out. By the fourth quarter, the Garden had a classic on its hands.

OG Anunoby returned to the starting lineup after missing the final two games of the second round with a left hamstring strain, but the Knicks’ offense didn’t resemble the version that cut through the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. Passing seams closed quickly. Possessions crawled toward the end of the shot clock. The jump shooting didn’t settle.

The Cavaliers jumped ahead 10-4 midway through the first quarter and controlled the boards early, prompting Mike Brown to replace Josh Hart with Mitchell Robinson. The move drew a rousing ovation and immediately jolted the Knicks. Robinson checked in, stripped Jarrett Allen and helped the Knicks stiffen defensively. Brunson attacked at the other end.

By the end of the first quarter, the Knicks led 23-16. Brunson had 10 points. Cleveland had five turnovers, several of them careless. Brown had said before the game that the Knicks needed to “hit first” after their long break, and for a stretch, they did. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson had also warned that the first five or six minutes could shape Cleveland’s night. The Knicks owned those early minutes. They just couldn’t build enough from them.

The Knicks tried to feature Karl-Anthony Towns early, but those actions didn’t give the offense much force. Towns went into halftime with two points, four assists and a 1-for-4 mark from the field. Brunson, Hart and Mikal Bridges combined for 32 first-half points. The rest of the Knicks totaled 14.

That imbalance helped Cleveland recover from its sloppy start. James Harden created back-to-back open 3-pointers in the second quarter, forcing Brown to call timeout after an 11-point Knicks lead had shrunk to three. The Cavaliers kept generating cleaner looks from deep. Mitchell closed the half with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, and Cleveland carried a 48-46 lead into the locker room.

The Cavaliers seemed to seize the night in the third quarter. Mitchell dictated terms. Mobley pushed deeper into the game. Midway through the period, Cleveland had opened a 63-54 lead. Mitchell had 22 points. Mobley had 10 points and seven rebounds. Every Knicks starter was minus-11 or worse.

The Garden went quiet. Soon, boos came down.

The Knicks’ defensive problems became more damaging than their missed shots. Cleveland found easy baskets. The Knicks blitzed Harden hard, and the pressure opened the floor instead of shrinking it. Harden had only seven points at one stage in the third quarter, but scoring wasn’t the point. He passed over the traps and let the Cavaliers attack space.

Atkinson had flagged that challenge before the game, saying Cleveland needed good decisions once it got into the paint against a Knicks defense that packs driving lanes. The Cavaliers found those decisions for long stretches. Cleveland also turned to a Hack-a-Mitch approach against Robinson in the third quarter, another way to disrupt the Knicks’ rhythm. By the end of the period, the Knicks trailed by 14. The deficit eventually reached 22.

Then Brunson detonated. Shamet followed. Merrill missed. The Knicks survived regulation, then stormed through overtime to complete one of the wildest playoff comebacks the Garden has seen.

Last year, the building watched a conference finals opener slip away.

This time, the Knicks ripped one back.

Cubs Minor League Wrap: Iowa falls to Memphis, 6-3

Iowa Cubs' James Triantos (4) swings at the ball on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Principal Park in Des Moines. | Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Right-hander Kaleb Wing was promoted from rookie ball ACL Cubs to Low-A Myrtle Beach.

Right-hander Luis A. Reyes went from the Pelicans down to Mesa.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs lost their eighth-straight game, 6-3 to the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals).

If you want some more bad news, Iowa starter Connor Noland had to be carted off the mound in this game after he was hit in the ankle by a line drive comebacker. Noland’s line on the game was one run on four hits over 1.1 innings. Noland struck out two and walked one.

If you want some good news, Ryan Jensen relieved Noland, stranded two runners and went on to pitch 2.1 scoreless innings. Jensen allowed two hits and walked two while striking out four.

The loss went to Yacksel Rios, who pitched two innings of relief and gave up one run on two hits. Rios walked two and struck out two.

Iowa pitchers walked a season-high 13 batters. Memphis got two runs with bases-loaded walks and two on sacrifice flies.

Left fielder Justin Dean hit a solo home run in the eighth inning, his third on the year. Dean was 1 for 3 with a walk.

James Triantos tripled in a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game 2-2. Triantos went 2 for 4.

Pedro Ramirez missed this game because of illness.

A Jensen strikeout.

Ryan Jensen picks up his third strikeout of the game! pic.twitter.com/c5EhE2Mc9A

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) May 20, 2026

The Triantos triple.

Triantos triples home a run! pic.twitter.com/kRT8090RZ5

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) May 20, 2026

Dean goes 366 feet to right-center

Third homer of the year for Justin Dean! pic.twitter.com/1ccG4neACF

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) May 20, 2026

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies were fried by the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays), 3-1.

Starter Yenrri Rojas took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked no one.

Jace Beck tossed the next three innings, gave up no runs and struck out seven. He allowed one hit and walked two.

The Smokies had just five hits. First baseman Edgar Alvarez went 1 for 2 with an RBI double in the seventh inning. He also walked once.

Alvarez’s double.

Edgar Alvarez doubles in the 7th, eliminating a Smokies shutout 💯 pic.twitter.com/kHbq8nZGVI

— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) May 20, 2026

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs were taken out with the tide by the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers), 6-4.

Nazier Mulé made his first start since returning from the Development List and got the loss. Mulé allowed one run on one hit over 1.1 innings. He walked four batters and struck out three.

Center fielder Kane Kepley was most of South Bend’s offense tonight as he hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning. It was Kepley’s second home run this year. Kepley went 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.

Shortstop Ty Southisene continued to hit for average in South Bend. Tonight he went 3 for 5 with a stolen base. Southisene is hitting .373 over 13 games in the Midwest League.

Kepley’s three-run home run.

Them: You can't have a .490 OBP, lead the league in stolen bases, and hit bombs!

Us: Womp Womp

Kane Kepley slugs a @hoosierlottery home run for the second consecutive Tuesday!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/3AlZDKoYPo

— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) May 20, 2026

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

‘The Myrtle Beach Pelicans got splashed on by the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox), 3-1.

Pierce Coppola was terrific for the Birds even if his final line doesn’t completely show it. He no-hit the Cannon Ballers through five innings, although he did give up a run in the fourth inning on a walk, two stolen bases and a sac fly. He came out to pitch the sixth and exited after giving up a one-out walk and a single. Both of those runs scored off of reliever Mason McGwire, although to be honest, it was more an issue with the Pelicans defense than McGwire.

So Coppola ended up getting the loss after being charged with three runs on one hit over 5.1 innings. He walked three and struck out nine.

McGwire pitched 1.2 innings and allowed two hits and no runs of his own. He walked one and struck out one. But the two runs scored because of a high infield chopper that both shortstop Alexis Hernandez and third baseman Derniche Valdez just whiffed on, so it rolled into shallow left field for a double.

The only Pelicans run came on a single in the seventh inning by second baseman Jose Escobar. Escobar was 2 for 3 with a double.

Here’s that double by Kannapolis’ Javier Mogollon that I was talking about [VIDEO]. Low-A ball at its finest.

Some Coppola highlights.

Pierce Coppola. 9 Ks, 1 hit, 1 run, 5.1 innings pic.twitter.com/59WLoW4L1Z

— Todd ⚾️🐻🦌 (@CubsCentral08) May 20, 2026

ACL Cubs

Tied 6-6 with the Diamondbacks in the 7th inning.

Will Sanders made a rehab start in this game and got battered for five runs on six hits over 1.2 innings. Sanders struck out two and walked one. That’s not good, but as I always say, the only thing that matters about a rehab appearance is how the player feels afterwards. It’s about health, not results.

Vikings sign second-round LB Jake Golday

The Vikings signed second-round linebacker Jake Golday to his four-year rookie deal on Tuesday, the team announced. Minnesota now has its entire nine-player draft class under contract.

The Vikings selected Golday with the 51st overall pick.

He played defensive end for two seasons at Central Arkansas before switching to linebacker. In 2024, he transferred to Cincinnati.

In earning All-Big 12 honors in 2025, Golday totaled 105 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble last season.

The Vikings previously signed first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks, third-round defensive tackle Domonique Orange, third-round offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan, third-round safety Jakobe Thomas, fifth-round fullback Max Bredeson, fifth-round cornerback Charles Demmings, sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne and seventh-round center Gavin Gerhardt.

Derrick Henry praises new Ravens coach Jesse Minter's energy

There's always curiosity surrounding how veteran players will respond when a franchise hires a new head coach, especially on a team with Super Bowl expectations already in place. Based on Derrick Henry's comments during Ravens OTA media availability, it sounds like Jesse Minter has already made a strong early impression inside the building.

Henry emphasized Minter's energy, preparation, and willingness to fully attack the opportunity in front of him. For a veteran like Henry, those details matter because experienced players can usually tell quickly whether a coach truly has command of the room and a clear vision for the team. During media availability, Henry said:

“[Jesse Minter] is a guy that's hungry. He’s somebody that wanted this opportunity, and when it presented itself, he took advantage of it, and he’s excited to be here, excited to get to work and put the work in so we get the results we want.”

That quote probably says a lot about what this coaching staff is trying to establish early. The Ravens don't sound interested in easing through the offseason. The tone appears centered around urgency, work ethic, and building something daily that can eventually translate into January football. 

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Derrick Henry on Ravens coach Jesse Minter's energy

How Cherryville baseball slugged its way to NCHSAA 2A West Game 1 victory

CHERRYVILLE — All Cherryville baseball players dream of their seasons ending with a celebratory dogpile, wanting to have their names mentioned alongside past Ironmen teams which claimed NCHSAA state titles.

Nine years removed from its last championship, the 2026 Cherryville team has the singular aim of restoring the program to its past glory.

Making its first regional final appearance since 2022, the Ironmen are a win away from an NCHSAA 2A state final, this after a 5-2 victory over Cornerstone Charter at “Buck" Fraley Field in Cherryville Tuesday, May 19. 

BASEBALL PLAYOFF SCOREBOARD: NCHSAA baseball regionals start tonight. Follow here for scores, schedules

SOFTBALL PLAYOFF SCOREBOARD: NCHSAA softball regionals start tonight. Here's your schedule, scores

“It feels like (we’re in a regional championship series) every year, but the reality is that’s not always the case,” said Cherryville baseball coach Scott Heavner. “It’s tough to make it to this point, and when you get here there’s a good team waiting in the other dugout. But we got exactly what we expected (in Cornerstone Charter); it was a good, hard-fought game and we’re happy to start off with a win.”

While Cherryville didn’t provide the offensive barrage it is accustomed to, it made up for in quality base hits. Five of the Ironmen’s seven base hits went for extra bases, including two from first baseman Canon Whitesides. 

An RBI double in the second inning helped his team draw first blood, bringing Davin Digh around to give Cherryville a 1-0 advantage. Two innings later, Whitesides’ home run gave the Ironmen a two-run cushion.

Cherryville added three runs in the fifth. Parker Anderson did the most damage, sending a Cornerstone Charter pitch over the left-field wall for a two-run homer. Following a Digh double earlier in the frame, pinch-runner Colton Robinson scored on a balk to give the Ironmen a 5-0 lead.

Cornerstone Charter got two of those runs back in the top of the sixth, but was all it would manage against a strong pitching effort by Cherryville starter Camden Williams and reliever Aaron Heavner.

Williams went five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits with seven strikeouts. Heavner allowed no runs on two hits with a strikeout in two innings of relief.

“I can’t say enough about (Williams),” the Cherryville skipper said. “I mean, what he’s done to step up when (Anderson) hurt his hamstring and trying to nurse that back together. He’s stepped in and made sure we haven’t skipped a beat.”

The Ironmen will travel to Greensboro on Wednesday for Game 2 in the best-of-three series, the matchup moved up a day due to an unfavorable weather forecast. First pitch is at 4:30 p.m.

Area playoff scoreboard

Baseball

5A West

(2) South Point 4, (1) North Lincoln 3 (8 innings): The Red Raiders scored the game’s final two runs, including a Zeke Pruitt RBI on a fielder’s choice in the eight to help South Point seize command of the best-of-three series.

Game 2 is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, May 21 in Belmont.

4A West

(2) Burns 3, (4) Lincoln Charter 1: Freshman Brian Buttrick allowed one run (none earned) on four hits with seven strikeouts over five innings, while Max Davis was 2-for-4 with two runs scored for Burns in a winning effort.

Game 2 is 7 p.m., Thursday, May 21 in Denver.

Softball

6A West

(2) South Caldwell 9, (1) Kings Mountain 0: Despite 16 strikeouts by Kings Mountain hurler Maddie Huffman, the South Caldwell lineup managed 10 hits, breaking open a close game with seven runs in the final two innings. Kayla McSwain had two hits for Kings Mountain.

Game 2 is Wednesday, May 20 at South Caldwell.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Cherryville baseball takes Game 1 of NCHSAA 2A West final

'That as a choke job,' Charles Barkley says of Cavs Game 1 loss vs Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a chance to steal a game on the road against the New York Knicks.

Instead, in Game 1, the Cavs blew a 22-point lead as the Knicks closed regulation on an 18-1 run, forced overtime and pulled away for a 115-104 win to take a 1-0 series lead.

ESPN NBA analyst Charles Barkley didn't mince words immediately after the loss.

Cavs lose Game 1: Our instant reactions to Cleveland's stunning loss

"Hell yeah that was a choke job," Barkley said on ESPN after the game. "They started to take the air out of the ball with six minutes to go like dummies."

The game was the second largest postseason comeback in NBA history after the Los Angeles Clippers came back to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012.

Cleveland was outscored by New York 44-11 to end the game.

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson criticized for timeout usage

Barkley and fellow analyst Shaquille O'Neal also criticized Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson for not calling timeouts as the 22-point lead evaporated.

"That was a damn gag job right there," Barkley said later in the broadcast.

The Cavs and Knicks will play Game 2 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21.

"The Knicks feel like they stole one," Barkley went on to say. "Cleveland has got to be deflated. All losses are not the same."

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs ripped by Charles Barkley for Game 1 'choke job' against Knicks

Jalen Brunson in disbelief after the Knicks' magical comeback in Game 1 vs the Cavaliers

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson in disbelief after the Knicks' magical comeback in Game 1 vs the Cavaliers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks are now up 1-0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was a magical comeback, as they were down 93-71 in the fourth quarter. It is the biggest comeback win in franchise history in the Playoffs for the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson was once again the superstar for New York, as he scored 17 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Despite being the star player for the Knicks, he was in clear disbelief with what they pulled off in the comeback.

Jalen Brunson could not believe the Knicks came back in Game 1 vs the Cavs

Brunson was already having a good game despite the Knicks losing big. As the Knicks' captain and best player, he knew he needed to step it up further in the fourth quarter. Despite the 22-point deficit, he took over the game.

The Knicks looked so much livelier in the fourth quarter, and it kept pumping the team up. Brunson was the main catalyst, but the rest of the team was following his example with his scoring ability.

MORE: The box score for the Knicks' big Game 1 win vs the Cavaliers

It was an unbelievable comeback for the Knicks, and Brunson himself could not fathom what they did. After the game, Brunson was nearly speechless as he spoke to Lisa Salters after the final buzzer sounded.

"We got some stops, we kept fighting, kept believing. They were playing great basketball, we just found a way, I really don't have an answer," Brunson said to Lisa Salters in the ESPN post-game interview.

Brunson was in the zone, and he could not believe what he just did. Even on Inside the NBA, he was a bit shellshocked, but that will carry him further in the series because the Knicks showed what they are truly capable of against the Cavs.

More NBA news:

Red Sox, Jarren Duran defeat Royals 7-1

May 19, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) runs to first base after hitting a three-run home run in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

With Kris Bubic out with some elbow discomfort, the Kansas City Royals turned to ye olde “bullpen game” against the Boston Red Sox. While the bullpen held for most of the game, the Royals offense stayed sleepy and the Red Sox eventually did their damage, beating the Royals in a 7-1 slog.

Kansas City turned to Bailey Falter, whose ERA entering tonight’s game was an eye-watering 10.13. Falter did nothing to dispel the implication that his ERA suggested, immediately walking leadoff hitter Jarren Duran on four consecutive pitches.

Somewhat miraculously, Falter only gave up two runs in his two innings of work. A Willson Contreras single poked across one run in the first inning, and Falter escaped a bases loaded jam in the second inning while only allowing one run thanks to a Wilyer Abreu double play.

In the clubhouse, a visibly frustrated Falter answered the first question from our press corps simply and directly: “I haven’t been good since being acquired.” He took responsibility for not being good, but it sure doesn’t seem like he has any answers, unfortunately.

On the offensive side, the Royals drew blood quickly. Bobby Witt Jr. hit a bouncing single to opposite field. Salvador Perez—who was briefly possessed by Juan Soto during this game—challenged a strike call! At the plate! And won! And then walked! Lane Thomas then hit a hustle double (a questionable send, TBH, but that will be a theme) to tie the game at the time.

Then, one of the turning points happened. Against a tough lefty, Cags hit a dribbler to the right side. It sure seemed that he beat it out on replay. But New York upheld the call, making it two outs. It really should have been one, but a questionable call shouldn’t sink a whole team.

The Royals challenged this play at 1st and the Call had STAND.. what do you think? pic.twitter.com/zzqSDBFySN

— Bobby Passan (@TheBobbyPassan) May 20, 2026

Oh, we should mention Duran here. Duran walked in the first inning. He also walked in the second inning. He also was flying everywhere on defense. In the second inning, Vinnie Pasquantino struck out looking bad against Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez, a lefty. But Nick Loftin came up to bat and swatted a beautiful line drive.

But then, Duran made a hell of a diving play. Out.

In the third inning, Salvador “Juan Soto” Perez walked, again, his second walk in three innings. Now, he didn’t score, but if Salvy can draw some walks, he can mitigate his declining hit tool a bit. Notably, Salvy was in the third spot in the order. Perez was the DH tonight, and Carter “Salvador Perez” Jensen threw out Isiah Kiner-Falefah on a delightful, perfectly thrown ball to second base.

Duran continued his night in the fifth inning with a booming double. But Lane Thomas scooped up the ball quickly and rifled a throw to Witt, who unleashed a beautiful laser of his own to third base and cut Duran down. It was ruled a double, but you should know.

Amusingly, one of the Boston beat writers to my left confidently said “triple” as the ball sailed to center field. Well, welcome to Kansas City. Witt is in charge here, and the only triples allowed here are his own.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, more baserunning bad happened. Jensen hit a leadoff double, a ground ball just fair down the first base line. A Maikel Garcia line drive moved him to third base, but Garcia was thrown out at second base after the relay went home; he had slowed down at first base and almost belatedly decided he would do it. It looked odd at the moment.

After the game, Garcia—through a translator, which is not his standard practice—answered some questions. “We made too many mistakes running the bases,” he said. He elaborated that he wasn’t running hard out of the box, and that first base coach Damon Hollis sent him when the throw came in high. “Honestly, it was a mistake. Coach said ‘go,’ but he didn’t see me coming out of the box.” To be clear, I think that Garcia blamed himself, and interviews through translators always have a sort of margin for error. But it was interesting nonetheless.

Anyway, nobody scored. A fly ball from Witt was too shallow, and a blistered line drive from Perez wasn’t quite high enough to go over the fence, instead finding its way into, of course, Duran’s glove. Duran made a…questionable route, but a leaping catch looked very snazzy.

In the sixth inning, this seemed like a turning point in the game. After failing to push a run in scoring position across with one out, and with John Schreiber coming into the game, things seemed prime to fall apart.

Now, while it didn’t fall apart immediately, it did fall apart—it just took some time, with a baserunning farse detour along the way. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Thomas led off with a single. Cags struck out, but Starling Marte singled to put men on first and second…until Thomas got picked off at third base, the Royals’ second. A Vinnie line drive then ended the inning.

The pitching took a little bit to topple. I mentioned Schreiber—he actually pitched a clean sixth inning. Nick Mears struck out a pair in his two innings of work, giving up one run in the eighth inning off a Rafaela double and some productive out shenanigans. But it was the ninth inning where things really fell of the rails. Fresh from Triple-A Omaha, the Red Sox greeted reliever Eli Morgan with a flurry of hits. And then Duran, capping off an excellent game, smashed a three-run shot to expand Boston’s lead to 7-1. Red Sox social media called it a “dagger,” but let’s be real—the true dagger came three runs earlier.

In the ninth inning, the Royals were blessed with not needing to face Aroldis Chapman. It didn’t matter; lefty Jovani Moran might as well have been, as he mowed down Caglianone, Marte, and Pasquantino with three strikeouts.

A halfhearted chorus of boos percolated through the crowd. The game ended. The Royals fall to 20-29, but are not yet alone at the bottom of the division because the Detroit Tigers are inexplicably also 20-29. So it goes.

How Tom Dundon Could Poison The Well Of The Portland Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans v Portland Trail Blazers

Tom Dundon has owned the Portland Trail Blazers for less than a month, and has already upended the organization. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Tom Dundon has owned the Portland Trail Blazers for less than 30 days. Without clearly showing why penny pinching moves will translate into luring the best talent to a small market, he risks alienating not just fans, but free agents on the court and off.

Dundon and his group of investors purchased the Blazers for a reported $4.25 billion. Accumulating his wealth through subprime car loans and accused of predatory lending, Dundon is a break from two prior cornerstone ownership groups of the Blazers in Harry Glickman and Paul Allen. Where both wanted their touches on the club, neither decided that going bargain-basement shopping was the best route to do business.

Dundon has been framed as “cheap” due to cost-cutting measures. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said that Dundon “knows what he’s doing.”

“People are starting to say he’s not willing to spend the money,” Silver said. “You gotta remember, this is a guy who just won a bidding war, call it $4.5 billion to buy a team, and they’re calling him cheap. It just can’t be.”

Frugal or unconventional might be the kindest way to describe Dundon.

There were several events during the postseason that were not entirely Dundon’s fault that played into his “cheap” narrative, not all of which were entirely his fault. There was limited travel for support staff; the team and staff was notified the night before arriving in Phoenix that they had to check out of hotel early forcing them to hang in a in a ballroom; stopped offering free T-shirts to fans, although they is not entirely on Dundon. That was notably in the playoffs when other teams normally do, and; excluded two-way players from traveling with the team during the playoffs. Although on the latter, Dundon said he “made a mistake” saying he did so based on what he knows about the NHL, which ignores picking up the phone and asking the league how these things function in the NBA.

It’s not like he’s gone down this route before. When he purchased the Carolina Hurricanes, he notably let the radio broadcast team go, which featured Hall of Fame and long-time radio announcer Chuck Kaiton, in favor of airing a simulcast of the TV broadcast audio in 2018 when Kaiton wouldn’t take an 80% pay cut to stay with the team. One would hope Dundon wouldn’t attempt that in Portland, but if so, there’s the precedent.

Dundon is a man focused on the hustle. He expects his staff to hustle as he does. As a Sports Business Journal feature story outlined, Dundon learned to like money from an early age.

“I always wanted to have money if I didn’t have it,” Dundon recalled. “It’s always been enjoyable to me to figure out how to make money.”

Since the changes in Portland, he blown off his detractors.

“The Hurricanes, since I bought the team, have the first or second-best record in the league,” Dundon said to the Oregonian. “So, I’m just not going to waste $100MM, just because somebody wants to write an article calling me cheap. I’m just not going to do it. And so, it’s hard because I don’t think about a budget when it comes to the playing team and how to make sure we win. Some of the stuff that was blamed on money is actually not 100% true.”

There have been other owners across the pro sports landscape who have gone in and tossed over the tables. Notably, Jim Crane after he purchased the Houston Astros. Crane made it clear that ripping the roster down to the axels and investing more in analytics was something he saw would lead to success and mirrored his efforts around how the St. Louis Cardinals functioned. He was lambasted for the moves but ultimately proved wise given the Astros incredible run.

Dundon will say his track record with the Hurricanes will show he can do the same with the Blazers.

It’s more likely he poisons the well if his methods permeate his entire ownership tenure.

The penny pinching doesn’t exactly translate with the NBA, a players’ league and one where market size to elevate brand is difficult in Portland. Damian Lillard proved it could be done, but luring free agents to a small market with the cuts that affect players’ quality time with the club make it difficult as a destination.

To add, it’s been rumored that Dunton is going to go on the cheap for a new head coach, offering in the neighborhood of $1.5 million a year, which would rank at the bottom of the league’s head coach pay scale. Add that as one more reason for key player talent to avoid Portland.

And there are changes raising eyebrows with the Blazers’ fanbase, one of the most loyal in the league. On Tuesday, as many as 70 employees on the business side were laid off, including digital reporter Casey Holdahl.

New Orleans Pelicans v Portland Trail Blazers

Tom Dundon has owned the Portland Trail Blazers for less than a month, and has already upended the organization. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Getty Images

“These changes impacted talented people who have helped shape the Trail Blazers over many years,” Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations, said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for their contributions, their leadership and the care they showed every day for our team, our fans and the Portland community.”

Dundon can say that the Blazers have bloat, but if the high number of layoffs in the front office is true, you’re moving well past cutting fat and into bone compared to other NBA organizations.

And that leads to a core problem: who wants to work in a front office under those conditions, and how does that translate to the fan experience? As Dundon has shown during the playoffs, maybe the fan experience isn’t a priority.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what Dundon’s game plan is, even if he’s been poor at communicating it the right way to fans who don’t follow what he’s done with the Hurricanes: winning cures everything.

In the near term, that means trades. Or maybe it’s not just the near term, but the overall way of roster building.

Rumors have circulated that a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo favors the Blazers given draft picks out of the Damian Lillard trade for 2028-30, and the fact that Giannis has played with Lillard and Jrue Holiday. If that were pulled off, it would mark a significant early prize for Dundon and prove to the fans that all the penny pinching is easy to push aside if it doesn’t affect improving the team. But, it’s not a given that a star of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is headed to Portland, and more than one sees the chances as a dark horse.

So, there’s a duality playing out with Dundon. He’ll point to the success of the Hurricanes and say that the track record and methods have proven their worth. The other is thinking that just because something works in the NHL doesn’t mean that it works in the NBA, and burning down the house and fanbase along the way isn’t the greatest way to start off. After all, the Blazers have been spoiled with incredible ownership for over 50 years, even if the fans maybe didn’t know it at the time.

The problem is, will Dundon push away talent, both on and off the court? The well isn’t poisoned… yet. After all, he’s only had 30 days to upend the Blazers.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Section V girls lacrosse 2026 tournament scores

Girls lacrosse teams are contending for Section V titles across four classifications, for the right to advance to the NYSPHSAA tournament.

Coaches can report results to sports@democratandchronicle.com.

Section V girls lacrosse tournament scores

Tuesday, May 19

Class B first round

No. 5 Mercy 17, No. 12 Gates Chili 3

M: Carmela Rizzo 3 goals, 1 assist; Avery Parrinello 3 goals, 1 assist; Mia Quagrello 3 goals, 1 assist, 10 draw controls; Angelina Borrelli 2 goals, 1 assist; Sydney Cook 1 goal, 5 assists.

No. 6 Brighton 10, No. 11 Webster Schroeder 3

B: Lena Brunette 3 goals, 2 assists; Eva Holbrough 2 goals, 1 assist; Riley Lawrence 2 goals; Tatum Cook 2 goals.

WS: Olivia Schrage 2 goals.

No. 7 Spencerport 20, No. 10 Churchville-Chili 1

S: Brooke Endres 8 goals, 1 assist, 14 draw controls; Ava Pittman 6 goals; Joey Cerretto 2 goals.

No. 9 Hilton 8, No. 8 Webster Thomas 6

H: Brynn Graves 3 goals; Ryleigh Lent 2 goals, 1 assist; Charley Barlette 2 goals; Lola Vogt 10 saves.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V girls lacrosse playoffs 2026: Scores, top players

ACC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Irish advance after 5-4 win over Clemson

Notre Dame kept its season alive with a 5-4 win over the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Jayce Lee was an absolute villain against the Tigers with a 3-3 performance that included two doubles and a home run. The Irish will now take on Virginia Tech in the next round. The two teams did not face each other during the regular season.

Moving on mood 😄 pic.twitter.com/SMqrH1qZy1

— ACC Baseball (@ACCBaseball) May 20, 2026

Notre Dame Baseball: Irish Take Down Tigers in ACC Tournament Opener

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Notre Dame baseball team battled their way to a 5-4 win over Clemson in the first round of the ACC Tournament at Truist Field on Tuesday evening.

Jack Radel capped off a three-up, three-down first inning with a strikeout for the Irish. Drew Berkland then put Notre Dame ahead with a solo home run to opposite field for a quick 1-0 lead. Radel, meanwhile, needed just seven pitches to retire the side in order in the top of the second.

The Tigers equalized the game with a solo homer of their own in the top of the third and used a two-out triple to drive in a second run. Bino Watters drew the Irish back even in the bottom half of the inning with an opposite-field shot of his own to make it a 2-2 game. Noah Coy kept the inning alive with a single to left-center field and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Jayce Lee battled his way to a double down the left field line, and Coy came around to score for a 3-2 Irish lead.

Radel forced the Tigers into stranding a runner at second with a strikeout and a ground out to end the top of the fourth. Radel then had a three-up, three-down effort in the top of the fifth to keep the game at 3-2 in favor of Notre Dame.

Jayce Lee drilled a 3-1 pitch to right-center field and beyond the wall to put the Irish up 4-2 through six complete.

The Tigers put a run on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh with a home run to cut the margin to one at 4-3 before Dylan Singleton closed out the inning with an infield ground out. Noah Rooney posted a perfect eighth inning to keep the Irish ahead.

Mark Quatrani led off the bottom of the eighth with a single before advancing on a wild pitch. A ground out allowed Quatrani to move to third, and Clemson intentionally walked Jayce Lee. Lee stole second, and Dylan Passo drove in Quatrani with a sacrifice fly for a 5-3 lead. 

The Tigers plated a run in the top of the ninth before putting the tying run on base. Noah Rooney, however, slammed the door shut with a strikeout to end the game by the 5-4 final score.

Jayce Lee went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a home run, two RBI and a run. Drew Berkland and Bino Watters each hit a home run in the win. Mark Quatrani had a 2-for-4 effort at the plate with a run, and Noah Coy added a hit and a run. Dylan Passo drove in a run with a sacrifice fly for the Irish. 

Jack Radel earned the win after going 6.1 with eight strikeouts on the night. Dylan Singleton posted two-thirds of an inning with a strikeout. Noah Rooney posted his sixth save of the season after going the final 2.0 innings on the hill with three strikeouts.

The Irish (31-21) now face Virginia Tech on day two of the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET at Truist Field.

.@NDBaseball pitcher Jack Radel after an 8-strikeout performance vs. Clemson in the opening round of the ACC Tournament ☘️@FightingIrish | #GoIrishpic.twitter.com/9U7ifND4xu

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) May 20, 2026

23-25 – Successful first inning propels Rangers to blowout win

DENVER, CO - MAY 19: Kumar Rocker #80 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Texas Rangers scored a girthy ten runs while the Colorado Rockies scored no runs at all.

This one’ll do wonders for the ol’ Pythagorean W-L.

Maybe last night’s loss was the kick in the butt moment the Rangers needed as they came out tonight and immediately scored a couple of runs before turning to a opener to help ease Kumar Rocker into one of his best outings as a big leaguer.

The first inning has been among the biggest trouble areas for Texas this season as they have given up a lion’s share of their runs allowed in the first frame while not scoring much of their own in the game’s first inning. That has put the Rangers in a hole in an exorbitant number of contests, which has only hindered a lineup that has clearly been pressing.

Tonight however, it felt like an upset that Texas scored only two runs in the first inning as Ezequiel Duran doubled in a pair before the Rangers left ‘em loaded.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the first, on Rocker’s usual day, manager Skip Schumaker decided to go with reliever Tyler Alexander for an inning with Rocker being among the biggest first inning-issues offender this season.

The plan worked swimmingly as not only did Alexander enter with a lead and pitch a scoreless frame, by the time Rocker took the mound to start the second inning, the Rangers had scored three more runs to give Rocker a 5-0 lead to work with.

Big lead Rocker was a hit to put it mildly. The righty ended up going all but the final out with 7.2 shutout innings while allowing just three hits and three of walks with seven strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the Rockies also went for an opener and it, uh, didn’t work out as well for them. Left-handed opener Sammy Peralta didn’t even make it out of his opening inning and once he left, Schumaker inserted left-handed hitting Joc Pederson in for leadoff man Andrew McCutchen and Pederson ended up with four hits in five at-bats.

Texas scored runs in six of the nine innings and every member of the lineup contributed at least a hit, walk, or run scored.

The Rangers reached double digits in runs scored for the first time this season as the season-high ten runs allowed them to tie up this series ahead of tomorrow’s finale.

Player of the Game: The lineup had a lot to like tonight. Aside from Pederson, Brandon Nimmo had three hits including the game’s lone home run. Duran had three hits and drove in a team-high four runs. Justin Foscue doubled in a run and walked. Jake Burger had a couple of hits, walked, and drove in a run.

But then again, it’s hard to ignore what Rocker accomplished. 7.2 innings of shutout relief on 103 bullpen-saving pitches. It goes down as a win but it was the ultimate save!

Up Next: The Rangers close out this series against the Rockies with a day game finale with RHP Jack Leiter expected to pitch for Texas opposite LHP Kyle Freeland for Colorado.

The Wednesday afternoon first pitch from Coors Field is scheduled for 2:10 pm CDT and will be viewable via the Rangers Sports Network.

Cavs have a huge James Harden problem, and it's like they didn't notice

Cavs have a huge James Harden problem, and it's like they didn't notice originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's like the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't realize they were allowed to do something different.

As the New York Knicks mounted one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the NBA playoffs, they continued to send the man James Harden was guarding to screen the guy guarding Jalen Brunson. The Cavs would switch, Harden would be on Brunson, and the Knicks' lefty guard would go to work against Cleveland's southpaw.

It was a total and utter mismatch.

Brunson carried the Knicks from 22 points down to force overtime, where they won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final in a stunner.

The Cavs never changed their approach, and it cost them a game they had absolutely zero business losing.

JALEN BRUNSON JUST COOKED HARDEN. OMG. KNICKS ARE ROLLING. pic.twitter.com/kFEXyTD1KE

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 20, 2026

It's a bizarre plight of the modern NBA. Defenses are so switch-happy that even if a screener just sort of arrives in the area, the defense will switch.

It means it wasn't hard at all for the Knicks to get Harden on Brunson every time down the floor, and the aging Harden simply couldn't handle Brunson at all.

For a few possessions, fine, it happens. Eventually, though, it's shocking that Cleveland didn't do anything different.

Double team on the screen, or don't switch, or shade the big on the inside way in Harden's direction.

It was as if the Cavs truly believed they couldn't lose this game. Why else let Harden be on this island with no adjustment?

If Cleveland's season ends in this series, it will be in large part because of their historic blown lead in Game 1.

And the main culprit of that was Harden switching onto Brunson, over and over again, with no change in plan. 

The Cavs did a lot wrong down the stretch, but this defensive assignment was very controllable, and Cleveland let the Knicks get exactly what they wanted.

The Cavaliers will have to take a different approach in the games ahead, but after what Brunson already did to Harden, it might be too late.

MORE: How Jalen Brunson led Knicks to rally from 99.9% chance to lose

Another One Run Loss

May 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Mason Fluharty (68) pitches in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Jays 4 Yankees 5

I don’t know…..

Dylan Cease was pitching great and the Jays got three runs in the fourth. All seemed good in the world.

In that fourth:

  • Daulton Varsho singled.
  • Kazuma Okamoto walked.
  • Yohendrick Piñango singled, and we had our first run.
  • Jesús Sánchez singled in the second run, nice line drive hit, but his follow through caught catcher Austin Wells in the head and there was a delay while they looked at him.
  • Andrés Giménez singled, scoring our third run. Unfortunately it ended there, Tyler Heineman popped out and George Springer ground out.

The long break seemed to affect Cease, he wasn’t great in the bottom of the fourth, giving up a couple of walks and a Ryan McMahon home run.

Cease gave up two more in the fifth, on a Ben Rice homer. 5 innings, 5 earned isn’t what we were hoping to see.

The bullpen did the job. Adam Macko (two outs), Chase Lee (one out, two walks), Mason Fluharty (one inning), Louis Varland (1 inning).

But we didn’t score again. We had chances:

  • In the seventh, Vlad was hit by pitch and Varsho singled but Okamoto ground out.
  • In the ninth, Giménez walked and Ernie Clement singled (have to admire that he came into the game since he was suffering from strep throat). But Springer lined one right at pitcher Camilo Doval, who managed to snag it. 90 mph and almost straight at his head (Baseball Savant has it at a .470 expected BA). Then Vlad lined one fairly deep to right-center (339 feet, I thought it was deeper when I first watched), but Trent Grisham made the catch (Baseball Savant says a .320 expected BA) that scored a run. Varsho beat out an infield single, putting runners on the corners. But Okamoto ground out and that was the game.

We had nine hits, and 3 walks, but again, no extra base hits, which seems to be the usual thing for out Jays.

Daulton went 4 for 5. No one else had more than one hit.

We had three guys in the lineup with batting average in the .100s, with Schneider’s .136 being the low mark. I don’t know how much more run way he has. You can tell he’s been bad, John had him bunt (and he did a good job of it). Heineman isn’t much better at .143.

Of note, the Yankees lost a challenge on a caught stealing call that the replay we saw made it look like he was easily safe. Aaron Boone was understandably upset.

And I always get irritated when announcers talk about how hard it will be for a pitcher when he sits a long and generally, when they come back for the next inning they are fine, but tonight was the time it came to pass that Clease (at least seemed) to be affected by the long inning.

Jays of the Day: Varsho (0.21 WPA), Clement (0.15) and Giménez (0.09).

Other Award: Cease (-0.36), Vlad (-0.18), Springer (-0.10), and Heineman (-0.10).

Tomorrow Trey Yesavage (1-1, 1.40) goes against Cam Schlittler (6-1, 1.35). The bullpen could use a big of a rest but Trey isn’t pitching deep into games.

Oregon offers 2028 safety Legarrette Blount Jr., son of former standout Ducks and NFL RB

There are plenty of NFL legacy prospects littered throughout the high school ranks and one of the most notable is Phoenix Mountain Pointe three-star safety Legarrette Blount Jr.

The son of former longtime NFL running back LeGarrette Blount, Blount Jr. is a class of 2028 prospect who’s gearing up for his junior season at the high school level. On Tuesday evening, he announced the biggest offer of his recruiting process thus far.

Oregon, his father’s alma mater, has offered Blount Jr.:

After a great conversation with @RashaadSamples i am blessed to receive an offer from the University of Oregon#agtg@CoachJonRoberts@coachJArtis@LG_Blount@MP_PrideFB@angxfosterpic.twitter.com/ULiWKFL1jr

— Legarrette Blount Jr (@LG_Blount_Jr) May 20, 2026

“(Let’s go) son son. So proud of you LB my guy. You deserve it,” the elder Blount wrote on X after his son announced the legacy offer.

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

Blount left his mark on Eugene, playing in 16 games across the 2008 and 09 seasons. He transferred to Oregon from East Mississippi Community College and made a splash in 08, rushing for 1,002 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Despite going undrafted in 2010, the bruiser made quite the career for himself in the NFL. The three-time Super Bowl champ played in 132 games across nine seasons and rushed for 6,306 yards and 56 touchdowns. He scored at least twice in all nine seasons.

Blount Jr. is likely to line up in the secondary at the college level, not the backfield. He’s currently the No. 578 overall prospect and No. 48 safety in the 2028 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies.

Playing in just five games as a sophomore due to transferring, Blount Jr. picked up 20 total tackles, a pair of interceptions, four pass-breakups and a sack while also scoring three touchdowns. He’s gearing up for a monster junior campaign as one of the best in Arizona.

Oregon assistant head coach Ra’Shaad Samples offered Blount Jr. The Ducks joins North Carolina, Marshall, Sacramento State, Southern Miss, Memphis, Colorado State, UNLV, Oregon State and San Diego State on his offer sheet, which will certainly continue to add schools as he works through his process.

Caitlin Clark, Fever enter Wednesday with history looming

Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark, Fever enter Wednesday with history looming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever have already become one of the biggest stories in sports behind Caitlin Clark, but Wednesday night’s matchup against the Portland Fire carries an added layer of significance for the franchise. When Indiana takes the floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever will officially face the Fire for the first time in franchise history as the WNBA continues its long-awaited expansion era. With Portland and the Toronto Tempo joining the league this season, the matchup represents another reminder of how quickly women’s basketball continues to grow, and how important the Fever have become to that momentum.

The timing also feels fitting considering Clark’s remarkable start to the 2026 season. Through four games, Clark has scored at least 20 points while recording five or more assists in every contest. That ties the longest streak to begin a season in WNBA history and further reinforces how dramatically the second-year superstar continues to elevate Indiana’s national profile.

Caitlin Clark keeps delivering on the biggest stage

At this point, historic performances from Clark almost feel expected, which says everything about the standard she has already created. Indiana enters Wednesday’s game at 2-2 after earning an impressive 89-78 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. The Fever looked far more comfortable offensively during that victory, with Clark once again controlling the pace while veterans Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham provided additional scoring support.

The Fever accomplished that despite missing Aliyah Boston, who sat out the first game of her WNBA career because of a lower leg injury. Boston returned to practice Tuesday and appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Wednesday night’s matchup, which would provide Indiana with a major boost inside.

MOREAliyah Boston update could change everything for Fever against Portland

WNBA expansion creates another major moment

The arrival of the Fire is about more than simply adding another opponent to the schedule. It marks the latest step in the WNBA’s rapidly expanding future. Clark’s arrival last season helped fuel unprecedented television ratings, attendance figures and overall interest across the league. Now, as expansion teams begin entering the WNBA, Indiana finds itself directly connected to a transformational period for the sport.

That is part of what makes Wednesday feel bigger than an ordinary regular-season game. For the Fever, it is another opportunity to continue building momentum at home while also participating in a moment that reflects just how much the league has evolved in a short amount of time.

More WNBA news:

Cam Appenzeller could be difference for Tennessee baseball after stunning start

HOOVER, AL – It was the biggest start of Cam Appenzeller’s career. Not that there was much competition.

The Tennessee baseball freshman's start against South Carolina was his first against an SEC team and only the second of his career. The other lasted only 14 pitches.

But when Appenzeller took the mound at the Hoover Met, he was unfazed. The lefthander struck out the first two batters he faced in a perfect first inning, then retired the side in order again in the second.

Appenzeller settled in fast and met the moment as the No. 10 seed Vols beat No. 15 seed South Carolina, 11-6, on May 19 to set up a second-round matchup with No. 7 seed Arkansas (36-19) on May 20 (5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

Appenzeller (6-1, 4.94 ERA) finished with a line of five innings pitched and three earned runs allowed, giving up six hits and striking out five against the Gamecocks (22-35).

“I mean, it’s the most important part of the season,” Appenzeller said. “So, just being my best for that is the goal.”

Appenzeller’s first campaign with the No. 25 Vols (38-19) has been a tale of two seasons.

He allowed just six earned runs in his first 36.1 innings, and after a five-inning outing at Mississippi State on April 10, which earned him the win in the first game of a crucial series sweep, his ERA was 1.49. He had been included on Perfect Game’s Midseason Freshman All-American first team and Baseball America’s Freshman of the Year watchlist.

Then he hit a wall.

Appenzeller allowed six runs in less than three innings against Ole Miss, then four in 3.1 innings against Alabama. Entering the final series of the season at Oklahoma, he had allowed 18 earned runs in his previous 8.1 innings against SEC competition. His ERA ballooned to 4.73 in less than a month.

“The past four or five outings, it’s just been a bit of a grind,” Appenzeller said. “I didn’t have my best stuff, but I’m working my way to get back there.”

The Appenzeller that showed up against the Gamecocks looked more like the one coach Josh Elander would gush about as a future staple in the weekend rotation, comparing him to some of the best to come through Tennessee, like Chase Burns. Like the one that looked like one of the best freshmen in the country, like the headliner of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class.

Tennessee will need Appenzeller in peak form as it heads toward the NCAA Tournament. Its bullpen continues to be erratic, but having a reliable Appenzeller could change that equation, providing Elander a more reliable option in the short-turnaround, all-hands-on-deck environment of a regional.

“He’s tough on himself, but his stuff’s plenty good enough,” Elander said. “It’s always been good enough, and it’s only going to continue to get better.”

Evan Blanco will start for Tennessee against Arkansas

Elander said Evan Blanco (7-3, 4.56 ERA) will start against Arkansas.

Blanco, a senior left-hander, will be pitching on just five days’ rest after starting against Oklahoma on May 15. He threw 99 pitches against the Sooners, earning the win after allowing three runs in six innings. He started all 14 weekend series of the regular season for Tennessee.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: In first SEC start, Tennessee baseball's Cam Appenzeller met the moment

Cam Appenzeller could be difference for Tennessee baseball after stunning start

HOOVER, AL – It was the biggest start of Cam Appenzeller’s career. Not that there was much competition.

The Tennessee baseball freshman's start against South Carolina was his first against an SEC team and only the second of his career. The other lasted only 14 pitches.

But when Appenzeller took the mound at the Hoover Met, he was unfazed. The lefthander struck out the first two batters he faced in a perfect first inning, then retired the side in order again in the second.

Appenzeller settled in fast and met the moment as the No. 10 seed Vols beat No. 15 seed South Carolina, 11-6, on May 19 to set up a second-round matchup with No. 7 seed Arkansas (36-19) on May 20 (5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

Appenzeller (6-1, 4.94 ERA) finished with a line of five innings pitched and three earned runs allowed, giving up six hits and striking out five against the Gamecocks (22-35).

“I mean, it’s the most important part of the season,” Appenzeller said. “So, just being my best for that is the goal.”

Appenzeller’s first campaign with the No. 25 Vols (38-19) has been a tale of two seasons.

He allowed just six earned runs in his first 36.1 innings, and after a five-inning outing at Mississippi State on April 10, which earned him the win in the first game of a crucial series sweep, his ERA was 1.49. He had been included on Perfect Game’s Midseason Freshman All-American first team and Baseball America’s Freshman of the Year watchlist.

Then he hit a wall.

Appenzeller allowed six runs in less than three innings against Ole Miss, then four in 3.1 innings against Alabama. Entering the final series of the season at Oklahoma, he had allowed 18 earned runs in his previous 8.1 innings against SEC competition. His ERA ballooned to 4.73 in less than a month.

“The past four or five outings, it’s just been a bit of a grind,” Appenzeller said. “I didn’t have my best stuff, but I’m working my way to get back there.”

The Appenzeller that showed up against the Gamecocks looked more like the one coach Josh Elander would gush about as a future staple in the weekend rotation, comparing him to some of the best to come through Tennessee, like Chase Burns. Like the one that looked like one of the best freshmen in the country, like the headliner of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class.

Tennessee will need Appenzeller in peak form as it heads toward the NCAA Tournament. Its bullpen continues to be erratic, but having a reliable Appenzeller could change that equation, providing Elander a more reliable option in the short-turnaround, all-hands-on-deck environment of a regional.

“He’s tough on himself, but his stuff’s plenty good enough,” Elander said. “It’s always been good enough, and it’s only going to continue to get better.”

Evan Blanco will start for Tennessee against Arkansas

Elander said Evan Blanco (7-3, 4.56 ERA) will start against Arkansas.

Blanco, a senior left-hander, will be pitching on just five days’ rest after starting against Oklahoma on May 15. He threw 99 pitches against the Sooners, earning the win after allowing three runs in six innings. He started all 14 weekend series of the regular season for Tennessee.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: In first SEC start, Tennessee baseball's Cam Appenzeller met the moment

NFL insider says star WR Stefon Diggs could be ideal target for Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has already made several upgrades to his team's roster during the 2026 offseason. Still, NFL insider James Palmer isn't sure that the veteran deal-maker's work is done.

During an appearance on the beloved morning program 'Up & Adams' this week, Palmer mentioned star wide receiver Stefon Diggs — who is currently a free agent — as a potential pass-catcher who could be a perfect fit for Kansas City's new-look offense.

Take a look at Palmer's full comments on Diggs' potential fit in Kansas City in this video, which was posted to Twitter by the official account of 'Up & Adams':

Stefon Diggs ➡️ Chiefs?

NFL Insider James Palmer breaks down why the move makes sense for both sides:@JamesPalmerTV | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/3xuDzNGWb1

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 19, 2026

Diggs is among the NFL's most accomplished wideouts and is no stranger to facing the Chiefs, having played stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots.

It is unclear if Veach will actually move to acquire Diggs in free agency, but Palmer's assessment of the former Patriots' fit in Kansas City is sure to get Chiefs fans excited as the team prepares for OTAs later this month.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs rumors: Insider says this star WR could be ideal target for KC

Iván Herrera's 3-run, walk-off homer in the 10th inning lifts Cardinals past Pirates

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Iván Herrera hit a three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning — one of four homers by St. Louis — as the Cardinals rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Herrera’s 410-foot shot off of Mason Montgomery (1-1) was his first career walk-off RBI. It is the fifth walk-off win of the season for St. Louis, which improved to 7-1 in extra-inning games.

JJ Wetherholt, Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson also homered as the Cardinals improved to 5-0 this season against their Central Division rivals.

Gorman hit a pitch from Pirates reliever Evan Sisk 436 feet over the right-centerfield wall in the sixth inning to give the Cardinals a 5-4 lead. Burleson led off the eighth with a solo shot to add to the St. Louis lead.

Spencer Horwitz’s pinch-hit single off Riley O’Brien in the ninth capped a two-run rally by the Pirates, tying the game at 6.

George Soriano (2-0) pitched a perfect 10th inning for the win.

Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore struck out a career-high nine, but allowed four runs in the fifth before being pulled after 4 2/3 innings. He gave up seven hits and walked two.

Wetherholt’s two-run homer off Pirates starter Mitch Keller broke a scoreless tie in the third. Three of Wetherholt’s nine career home runs have come against the Pirates.

Burleson singled to lead off the fourth and eventually scored on a Gorman double play, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

Brandon Lowe singled and scored on a wild pitch to spark a four-run Pirates rally in the fifth. Bryan Reynolds’ two-run double tied the game and Oneil Cruz’s RBI single gave Pittsburgh a 4-3 lead.

Keller allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Pirates. He gave up four hits, struck out three and walked one.

Up next

Pirates RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (3-3, 4.40 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (3-2, 2.10) on Wednesday.

___

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

Patriots UDFA RB Signed To Compete With Alabama Draft Pick For Final Spot

New England Patriots running back Myles Montgomery

Patriots UDFA RB Signed To Compete With Alabama Draft Pick For Final Spot originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots brought in a pretty deep undrafted free agent class, all competing for a spot on the Super Bowl-contending roster. Of the 12-member class, none signed a richer contract than former Central Florida running back Myles Montgomery.

Montgomery put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth $272,500. He told ESPN's Mike Reiss that he chose the Patriots over the 31 other teams in the NFL because he believes he can win the competition to become the third running back on the roster. 

"(The contract) reflects how the Patriots had competition from others to sign Montgomery, who was timed at 4.44 in the 40-yard dash in the predraft process," Reiss wrote.

"Those close to the 23-year-old Montgomery say the Patriots appealed to him because of the opportunity to compete for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart with Terrell Jennings, Lan Larison and Jam Miller, and also the approach and success of the (Mike) Vrabel-led coaching staff."

Looking down this Patriots roster, the third running back slot could wind up being the only real roster battle this offseason. I suppose first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu could make a push for the right tackle position currently held by veteran Morgan Moses. But aside from that, fans generally know who they're going to see in Week 1. 

There is no reason Montgomery couldn't steal that spot if the 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back lives up to the hype. Terrell Jennings did nothing to set himself apart last season in his many opportunities after Antonio Gibson got hurt, while Lan Larrison did not make it through the preseason healthy. 

As an Alabama fan myself, I can confidently tell you that he never truly impressed in his four seasons with the Crimson Tide. He averaged less than four yards per carry his senior year and only found the endzone three times. 

Selfishly, I hope this story carries into training camp. It could be a very fun thread. 

More NFL: Insider Names Patriots' AFC Rival As Ideal Fit For Stefon Diggs

Knicks rally to stun Cavs in overtime in NBA Eastern Conference finals opener

New York's Jalen Brunson drives around James Harden and Sam Merrill in the Knicks' overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals (Sarah Stier)

The New York Knicks, fueled by 38 points from Jalen Brunson, erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime Monday in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

The Knicks looked done for when they trailed 93-71 with 7:52 left in regulation.

But Brunson spearheaded an 18-1 New York run and banked in a floater to tie it at 101-101 with 19.3 seconds left in regulation.

When Cleveland's Sam Merrill missed a three-pointer they went to the extra session -- in which the Knicks scored the first nine points.

Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points to lead the Cavaliers and James Harden added 15.

But the Knicks will have a chance to double their lead in the best-of-seven series when they host game two on Thursday.

The winner of the series will face either the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the championship series.

The Spurs, fueled by a 41-point performance by Victor Wembanyama, beat the Thunder in double-overtime in game one of the Western Conference finals.

It's the first time in NBA history that the first two games of both conference finals have been decided in overtime.

bb/dh

Samsung Strike All Set To Go Ahead As Last-Minute Negotiations, The Threat Of A 100 Million Daily Fine, And Government Intervention All Fail

20 May 2026 at 07:24

Samsung's semiconductor division now appears destined for partial paralysis amid a general workers' strike that looks all but certain, especially after last-minute negotiations have collapsed again, with nary a reprieve in sight. Samsung's unionized workers now appear determined to go on an 18-day general strike on May 21 As per the reports that are just trickling out of South Korea, the last-minute negotiations between Samsung's unionized workers and its management have collapsed, setting the stage for the planned 18-day general strike to commence on May 21. In what is a rare bit of good news though, the union has expressed […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-strike-all-set-to-go-ahead-as-last-minute-negotiations-the-threat-of-a-100-million-daily-fine-and-government-intervention-all-fail/

TwitterAPI.io – Real-time and historical X data via a fast, affordable API


TwitterAPI.io provides a fast, affordable API for real-time and historical X (formerly Twitter) data, plus write actions like posting and liking. Developers get high throughput (1000+ req/sec), sub-second latency, REST and WebSocket streams, and global infrastructure with pay-as-you-go pricing. You can start without a Twitter developer account using simple keys, clear docs, and 24/7 support.

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FlowMarket – Let AI agents discover, match, and engage to drive B2B deals


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Galaxy A53 and A33 get 39 patches with May 2026 update

20 May 2026 at 06:44

Samsung is now expanding its latest security patches to even more devices. The Galaxy A33 and A53 have started getting the May 2026 update. This release carries fixes for 39 vulnerabilities targeting Android and One UI.

Before the Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A53, Samsung’s May 2026 update was released for plenty of Galaxy devices, including the A54, A55, A56, and A57. In the meantime, the One UI 8.5 rollout is also underway for eligible models.

Galaxy A33 and A53 are listed in Samsung’s Quarterly support chart. This means the devices receive new software updates once every three months. The next OTA is likely to arrive by August 2026, and it could be the last one.

Software version information

Samsung’s update installation experience is simple. Head toward Settings and open the Software update page. Tap the Download and install button to initiate the firmware download, then tap Install now to complete the process.

One UI 8.5 rollout is underway, and it remains to be seen whether the update arrives on the Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A53. Both smartphones have been upgraded to the Android 16-based One UI 8.0 version in October 2025.

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is also built on Android 16-based One UI 8.0. However, it has significant changes for the user interface and functions. Samsung should deliver One UI 8.5 to the A33 and A53 as part of the farewell update.

The post Galaxy A53 and A33 get 39 patches with May 2026 update appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 rolling out with blur UI tweaks, bouncy animation and more

20 May 2026 at 06:15

Google is showcasing its software advancements at the I/O 2026 keynote. At the same time, the company has also pushed the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 update for Pixel phones, bringing bug fixes, UI tweaks, and new features.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 has new Pixel features

Blur UI is widening

With QPR1 Beta 3, the operating system has expanded the blur user interface. Pixel users now have blur UI in the Power menu when long-pressing the button or from Quick Settings.

New bouncy animation for Quick Settings

Google has also refined the Quick Settings experience. Android’s bouncy animation is being expanded from the Notification panel to the Quick Settings window.

9to5Google reports that Pixel phones now display a new bouncy animation when pulling down the Quick Settings, and this UI tweak matches the Notification shade.

Screen recording improvements

Pixel’s screen recording feature now has a memory, and it remembers the last preferred app for the job. Triggering the screen recording menu opens the interactive interface, and it retains the last used app as well as single app setting.


Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 brings the following bug fixes:

  • A recurring system error in ContextHubClientManager that caused excessive logcat noise when attempting to send messages to unregistered clients.
  • Clicking on the date on at a glance prompts to open the terminal
  • Wi-Fi unexpectedly disconnects due to erroneous low-quality detection despite strong signal strength.
  • Users experienced frequent crackling or distorted audio during media playback from any source.
  • UI elements are partially cut off or positioned off-screen when apps are expanded to full-screen mode.
  • Home screen widgets would disappear or become unavailable in the widget picker after a device reboot.
  • The mobile data icon incorrectly remains active in the Quick Settings panel after Airplane Mode is enabled.

The post Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 rolling out with blur UI tweaks, bouncy animation and more appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Itel A100 Pro goes official with a 6.6-inch display and a 5,000mAh battery

20 May 2026 at 06:03

Itel has launched a new budget phone in India under its A100 series, called the Itel A100 Pro. The handset features a 6.6-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery, and an orange color option that bears a striking resemblance to the iPhone 17 Pro. The Itel A100 Pro is powered by the octa-core Unisoc T7100 chipset, paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Luckily, the storage can be expanded further via a microSD card. On the front, the device sports a 6.6-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The panel features relatively thick bezels and a waterdrop-style...

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami regain top MLS spot in latest CONCACAF rankings but miss overall Top 3

20 May 2026 at 05:30
Lionel Messi's great form has led Inter Miami to take the top MLS spot in the CONCACAF rankings, though they're still trailing the overall Top 3.

Lionel Messi has been the driving force behind an Inter Miami side that has spent the first portion of the 2026 season rediscovering the form that carried them to the MLS Cup title last year. The progress is now showing in the standings, with the Herons reclaiming their status as the top MLS club in the CONCACAF rankings, though they still find themselves outside the overall top three.

Back in March, Inter Miami suffered a significant setback with their Round of 16 exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Nashville, and a string of poor results through early April sent them tumbling to seventh in the rankings. Since then, the club has undergone a reset, including the dismissal of Javier Mascherano and the appointment of Guillermo Hoyos, and the results on the pitch have followed.

With CONCACAF releasing its latest club ranking update on May 18, Inter Miami have climbed from sixth to fourth overall, now sitting as the highest-ranked MLS side on the list. LAFC and the Seattle Sounders had been positioned above them, but both clubs have shed points in the most recent update following difficult stretches of form.

After a strong start to the season, LAFC hit a wall in May, falling in the Champions Cup semifinals against Toluca and then collecting just one draw and three consecutive MLS defeats. The Sounders followed a similar trajectory, bowing out of the Champions Cup in the quarterfinals to Tigres UANL before managing only one win, two draws and one defeat in May league play.

Germán Berterame #19 celebrates with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami.
Germán Berterame #19 celebrates with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami.

Messi’s contribution to Inter Miami’s revival

Hoyos took charge of his first Inter Miami match on April 18 against the Colorado Rapids, and under the Argentine coach the team has found a level of consistency that was largely absent earlier in the season. A significant factor in that turnaround, beyond the improvement from several players across the squad, has been Lionel Messi returning to his best form.

Since that Colorado Rapids fixture, Messi has featured in seven games, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. In May alone across four appearances, he has posted four goals and four assists, performances that have positioned him as the leading candidate for the MLS Player of the Month award.

Who sits at the top of the CONCACAF rankings?

Over the stretch that includes the Colorado match, Inter Miami have posted five wins, one draw and one defeat with 20 goals scored, accumulating 1,241 points in the CONCACAF index. Despite the momentum, the gap between the Herons and the Liga MX clubs occupying the top three remains considerable.

Tigres UANL and Deportivo Toluca hold the top two spots with 1,277 and 1,276 points respectively, as the two CONCACAF Champions Cup finalists. Cruz Azul, who reached the quarterfinals and are set to face Pumas UNAM in the Liga MX Clausura final, sit third with 1,258 points, leaving a 17-point gap between them and the highest-ranked MLS club.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.

James Wood's inside-the-park grand slam sparks rally, helps Nationals defeat Mets 9-6

WASHINGTON (AP) — James Wood hit the majors’ first inside-the-park grand slam since 2022, and the Washington Nationals rallied from an early five-run deficit Tuesday night to defeat the New York Mets 9-6.

José Tena also homered for Washington, which avoided its first three-game skid since April 22-24.

Bo Bichette homered twice and drove in four runs and Juan Soto also went deep for New York, which had won six of seven.

Down 5-0, the Nationals loaded the bases with two outs in the second inning. Mets starter Nolan McLean (2-3) threw a first-pitch sweeper to Wood, who lofted it to deep left.

It glanced off the arm of the leaping Nick Morabito and caromed into center. Wood scampered around the bases in 15.15 seconds and dove into the plate well ahead of the throw for his first career grand slam.

It was the Nationals’ second inside-the-park grand slam since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005. Michael A. Taylor hit one on Sept. 8, 2017, at home against Philadelphia. It was the ninth inside-the-park grand slam since 1994 and the first since Toronto’s Raimel Tapia did it on July 22, 2022.

Tena led off the third with a homer to the Mets' bullpen in left. CJ Abrams scored the go-ahead run on catcher Luis Torrens’ passed ball later in the inning, and Jorbit Vivas’ sacrifice fly made it 7-5.

Washington tacked on two unearned runs in the fourth thanks to errors by second baseman Marcus Semien and Torrens.

Bichette hit two-run homers off Washington starter Foster Griffin (5-2) in the first and second innings. It was Bichette’s 10th career multi-homer game and first since signing with New York in January.

Griffin allowed five runs in five innings and struck out five.

Richard Lovelady pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save.

McLean surrendered nine runs — six earned — in 5 2/3 innings.

Morabito, making his major league debut, was 0 for 3 and was hit by a pitch.

The game was delayed 46 minutes at the start because of the threat of rain.

Up next

Washington’s RHP Zack Littell (2-4, 6.10 ERA) starts the third game of the series Wednesday. New York has not announced its pitching plans.

___

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

Lakeside sets sights on Class 1A state title after near miss last season | Track and field

May 19—If Lakeside sprinter Brody Doran has his way, a 1A state track and field championship will be secured long before the last event.

Lakeside fell a half point shy of a state title a year ago. King's leapfrogged past the Eagles of Nine Mile Falls to claim the championship in the last event, the 4x400-meter relay.

King's collected six points for third, finishing with 66.5 and Lakeside earned three for sixth for 60.

Accepting the trophy for second was difficult considering Lakeside, sitting in third in the relay finale, was third before being passed 5 meters from the finish line.

"It's definitely going to make us compete better, compete harder, and push ourselves to get as many points as we can," Doran said. "We really want to make a statement."

Doran, Jett Winger and Mel Hatch, all seniors, accounted for the majority of Lakeside's points last year. They'll carry the load again when state is held May 28-30 at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima.

"They were pretty heartbroken," Lakeside coach Casey Monahan said. "They're back with a renewed focus."

Doran and Winger ran legs on Lakeside's state title-winning 4x100. Winger also captured gold in the javelin and Hatch did likewise in the discus and was second in the shot put.

"There were so many places where we could have gotten one more point," Hatch said. "If I had thrown it another four inches in the shot. If one of our other guys had made it to the finals in the 100. If we had passed one more person in the 4x400. There were so many variables and a lot of what ifs."

The trio has put what could have been behind them. They're focused on this week when Lakeside, Medical Lake and Riverside travel to Colville for the District 6 state-qualifying meet to be held over two days, Wednesday and Friday. As the smallest 1A district in the state, just one state berth is available in each event. To earn at-large berths athletes must best state qualifying standards.

Monahan knew his sprinters were talented last year, but when they surged late in the season they exceeded his expectations.

"By the time district came around, our speed just popped," Monahan said.

And has kept popping. In the 100, for example, Doran has the best time in the state at 10.60 seconds. Junior Bryan Delzer, the anchor on the 4x100, and Winger can each beat the qualifying time of 11.34.

Doran, who also has the state's top time in the 200 (21.67), will be joined in the event at district by junior Jacob Smith, who also runs the 4x100. Smith is capable of meeting the state qualifying time (22.77). His personal best this spring is 22.42.

The 100 and 200 state finals will be loaded. Doran took third in both events last year. The winners and runners-up in both are back.

Doran didn't crack 11 seconds in the 100 last year until May, eventually clocking a season-best 10.66 in a preliminary heat at state.

His best event, though, is likely the 200. He broke the school record when he did 21.52 at state.

Doran's personal best this season is 21.67, and he and his coach believe he's trending to break his record.

"The 100 at state is going to be a great race, but I don't know if Brody can be touched in the 200," Monahan said. "His win at the Pasco Invite was very impressive. He was moving down the track pretty clean and easy."

Said Doran: "I want to go sub 10.5 in the 100 and sub 21 in the 200."

Doran will try to qualify for state in a fourth event, the 4x400. He earned four state medals last year including sixth in the 4x400.

He owns four school records. The 4x100 foursome set the mark in the state final last year. Doran wanted the record in the 400 and Monahan gave him one shot in a regular-season ending meet and he got it.

A fifth school record could come in the 4x400. Doran teams with Smith, senior Silas Kaluza and junior Tanner Cummings in the longest sprint relay.

Doran, who has signed to continue running at the University of Montana, wants two individual state titles. If things go perfectly, he could leave Yakima with four gold medals.

Winger runs the first leg in the 4x100 and then hands the baton to Doran, who usually opens a significant lead before Smith and Delzer finish the race.

"(Jett) is one of the best starters I've seen in the 4x100," Monahan said. "He always eats up the stagger on anybody ahead of him. If he could start the 100 with runners ahead of him he'd probably be as fast as Brody. Jett is a competitor to the core."

Smith is the newest participant on the 4x100, replacing a runner who graduated.

"Jacob has waited his turn," Monahan said. "I always knew Jacob would take it to the next level."

Winger won the javelin title last year with a personal best of 202 feet, 6 inches. His best this season is 200-0.

He wants to defend his title and break the school record (203-1).

Winger, the state leader by more than 20 feet, credits the speed work in the 4x100 as a big asset in the javelin.

"The more speed I can have on the runway the farther the javelin is going to go," said Winger, who plans to throw at Eastern Washington.

Little did Winger's parents know their son would be speedy when they named him Jett.

"When he started to sprint it helped his javelin out a ton," Monahan said. "He can do anything. He was one of our best football players. He's really a great (guitarist). Anything he picks up and tries he's good at."

Winger practices with the javelin in hand no more than once a week and rarely lets loose in a meet before the postseason. It's part of his strategy to stay as fresh as possible for when it counts the most.

Hatch is the second-best thrower in the region that nobody knows about because of a large shadow cast by multitalented Simon Rosselli of Mead. Hatch broke the school record in the shot last year and broke it again this year (59-9). His personal best in the discus is 176-3 and he hopes to break the school record (185-1).

He wants to go out a double state winner in the throws and eclipse 60 feet in the shot.

"That was my goal coming into the year," said Hatch, who will serve a two-year mission through his church before going on to throw in college. "The dream is (NCAA) Division I."

Hatch is the state leader by more than five feet in the shot and second in the discus.

"Discus has always been his love, but he came on late in the shot last year," Monahan said.

Hatch was leading in the shot at state last year before Simon VanderWel of King's got the winning throw by four inches on his last attempt.

Extra motivation wasn't needed by Hatch this year. Coming so close in the shot and the team race has lit a fire under Hatch and his teammates.

"We've all put in the work and we really want the state title," Winger said.

What makes Lakeside's determination to capture a state title even more applaudable is the Eagles likely have the worst track in the state. Voters in April rejected a capital levy that included money to rebuild and resurface the track that is 16 years old. Most tracks are resurfaced after eight years.

"It's atrocious," Monahan said. "It's in the worst shape it's ever been. We have cracks all over where the foundation is unstable."

A rubberish material has been applied to fill in the cracks over time, but most have torn loose and worsened.

"It's not fair to the kids," Monahan said. "By far it's the worst track I've ever seen. There are a lot of things going against them and we just focus on what we can control."

That's why nothing would be sweeter than winning gold in two weeks.

State-qualifying meets

The quest for state berths in 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B district meets is this week across the area.

In addition to the state berths allocated for each classification, athletes can earn berths by meeting qualifying standards.

The 4A, 3A and 2A state meets are May 28-30 at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma. The 1A, 2B and 1B state meets are at the same time at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima.

Here's a look at each district meet:

—District 6 4A/3A: Greater Spokane League and Mid-Columbia Conference athletes converge at Central Valley on Thursday and Friday.

The top three finishers in each event for 4A and 3A advance to state.

—GSL 2A teams gather at West Valley on Thursday.

The top two finishers in each advance qualify for state.

—Northeast A League teams will decide state berths over two days, beginning today and concluding Friday at Colville.

The winners of each event earn state berths.

—The District 6 2B meet is Thursday and Saturday at Whitworth's Pine Bowl.

The top four finishers in each event qualify for state.

—The District 6 1B meet is Wednesday and Friday at Valley Christian.

The top five finishes in the boys and top six placers in the girls advance to state.

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 19: Francis Ngannou returns

Although there was a UFC event on the same night, it was Rousey vs. Carano on Netflix that created the most notable ranking movement this past week.

Inside the octagon, Arnold Allen maintained his position in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie featherweight rankings with a main event victory over Melquizael Costa at UFC Fight Night 276 from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

In MVP MMA's hexagon, however, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou returned to MMA competition after nearly two years with a first-round knockout of Philipe Lins. Ngannou was not ranked due to inactivity, but is now eligible to rejoin the list.

Check out all of the moves in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 19: Francis Ngannou returns

Guardians survive a ninth-inning scare to beat the Tigers 4-3 for a fourth straight win

DETROIT (AP) — Travis Bazzana hit a two-run homer, Cade Smith pitched out of a jam in the ninth inning, and the Cleveland Guardians held off the Detroit Tigers 4-3 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight victory.

Brayan Rocchio drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning with a groundout that allowed Steven Kwan to score.

Smith got into trouble in the ninth when Matt Vierling and Kevin McGonigle hit one-out singles to put runners on first and second. But Smith struck out Jahmal Jones looking and Dillon Dingler swinging for his 15th save in 17 opportunities, handing the Tigers a fourth straight loss.

Kyle Manzardo walked leading off the fourth against Keider Montero and Bazzana hit his second homer two pitches later to put the Guardians up 3-2.

Riley Greene singled leading off the bottom of the fourth against Parker Merrick and took second on a two-out base hit by Hao-Yu Lee. Greene scored to tie it 3-3 on a throwing error by catcher Austin Hedges.

Greene has reached base eight straight times in the first two games of the four-game series.

Kwan doubled off Tyler Holton (0-3) to begin the seventh and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Hedges.

Kwan hit a sacrifice fly in the second inning for a 1-0 lead.

Greene drew a one-out walk off Merrick in the bottom half and Spencer Torkelson hit the next pitch for his seventh homer to put the Tigers ahead 2-1.

Messick pitched five innings and gave up three runs — two earned — on four hits with three walks. Colin Holderman (1-0) pitched a scoreless sixth for the win.

Montero allowed three runs on two hits and four walks in five innings.

Up next

Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (0-6, 4.15) starts Wednesday. The Tigers have not named a starter.

___

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

Latest update mentions potential dark horse in A.J. Brown trade talk

The New England Patriots have long been viewed as a team that will acquire Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown on or after June 1.

However, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, a personnel executive mentioned the Jacksonville Jaguars as a possible fit for the three-time All-Pro wide receiver. Given the 2025 struggles of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter being utilized more as a cornerback, La Canfora noted that a veteran playmaker like Brown could help the Jaguars.

La Canfora wrote:

"Another personnel exec mentioned Jacksonville as a potential fit for Brown. Jags receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. has regressed and been subject of trade rumors and 2025 top pick Travis Hunter is going to be playing way more cornerback than receiver moving forward and a vet like Brown could help fill a void there."

The Patriots have still widely been viewed as the likeliest landing spot for Brown, who already has a close relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel. New England also has a clear need for a No. 1 receiver to pair with Romeo Doubs.

However, things could get interesting if the Jaguars are willing to include Thomas in a trade. He racked up 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season in 2025. Could the Eagles be looking at a potential wide receiver corps of Thomas, Makai Lemon and DeVonta Smith?

More importantly, if the Patriots fail to land Brown, what would the pivot move be?

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Latest update mentions potential dark horse in A.J. Brown trade talk

Guardians score vs. Tigers. Travis Bazzana HR helps power 4th straight win

Travis Bazzana hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot, and the visiting Cleveland Guardians edged the reeling Detroit Tigers 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Kyle Manzardo scored two runs for the American League Central Division leaders. Steven Kwan scored a run and knocked in another as the Guardians won for the seventh time in their last eight games. The Tigers have lost 12 of their last 14 games.

Colin Holderman (1-0) picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief. Cade Smith got out of a ninth-inning jam for his 15th save.

Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run homer and Riley Greene scored twice for Detroit. Tyler Holton (0-3) took the loss.

Manzardo led off the second with a single and Bazzana walked. Following a sacrifice to move the runners up, Kwan brought in Manzardo with a sacrifice fly.

Detroit took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the inning. Greene drew a one-out walk and scored on Torkelson's homer off Cleveland starter Parker Messick.

Cleveland regained the lead in the fourth as Manzardo reached on a leadoff walk and Bazzana launched a long ball over the right field wall.

Travis Bazzana of the Cleveland Guardians watches his two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning at Comerica Park on May 19, 2026 in Detroit.

Detroit tied it at 3-all in the bottom of the inning. Greene led off with a single and advanced on Hao-Yu Lee's two-out single. Greene scored on an errant pickoff throw by catcher Austin Hedges.

The Guardians took a 4-3 lead in the seventh. Kwan ripped a double that banged off right fielder Wenceel Perez's glove at the top of the wall. He moved up on a sacrifice and scored on Brayan Rocchio's groundout.

Detroit loaded the bases in the eighth and came up empty. Jahmai Jones walked to lead off the inning. With one out, Greene was hit by a pitch. Pinch-hitter Colt Keith, replacing Torkelson, bounced into a fielder's choice. A walk to Wenceel Perez loaded the bases but Hunter Gaddis got out of the jam by retiring pinch-hitter Zach McKinstry on a weak grounder.

Matt Vierling and Kevin McGonigle had one-out singles in the ninth. Smith responded by striking out Jahmai Jones and Dillon Dingler to end the contest.

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com. 

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians score 4th straight win as Travis Bazzana homers vs. Tigers

NFL Writer Names Rising AFC Team As 'Underrated' Fit For Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs

NFL Writer Names Rising AFC Team As 'Underrated' Fit For Stefon Diggs originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is still on the open market, but that could change soon with OTAs kicking off across the NFL.

As teams look to finalize their rosters before training camp at the end of July, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay suggested that the Tennessee Titans could be an underrated option for Diggs.

"If Diggs joins the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off a 3-14 campaign, it wouldn't be a shock to see them become the latest team in what has become a trend of programs making worst-to-first jumps," Kay wrote on Tuesday.

"Their record may not indicate it, but the Titans already have several foundational pieces in place. The most notable is quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft. Ward lacked support as a rookie, but the Titans have completely overhauled what was one of the league's worst receiving corps this offseason and set the signal-caller up to make a massive Year 2 leap."

The Titans should consider bringing in Diggs, as he could play a crucial role in helping Ward leap in his second season. Diggs was instrumental in Drake Maye's improvement last season, his sophomore year, so why not replicate that success with the team in Tennessee?

Tennessee likely doesn't have the roster to make it to the Super Bowl like the Patriots did last season, but acquiring Diggs could help the Titans compete for the AFC South title.

More NFL: Bill Belichick Reacts To Hall Of Fame Snub Four Months After Controversial Decision

National recruiting analyst praise MSU football commit, says he has 'five-star potential'

A Michigan State football recent commitment has received some high praise from a national recruiting analyst.

Tom Lemming of CBS Sports is high on Michigan State commitment Ohimai Ozolua of Chicago. Lemming recently spoke with Ozolua and considered him a player with five-star and future first round NFL Draft pick potential.

You can see the full social media post from Lemming on Ozolua below:

Ohimai Ozolua 6‘6“ 250 Chicago Saint Rita HS, IL already looks like an NFL DE. Long arms, violent and quick hands to go with a great first step. No doubt he has. 5* potential. Just might be the most underrated player in the Midwest.@ohimai21 1st rd potential. Ability is there. pic.twitter.com/19FOr1qZfN

— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) May 18, 2026

Ozolua is currently listed as a four-star prospect with a recruiting rating of 89 in 247Sports' system. He ranks as the No. 48 defensive lineman and No. 414 overall prospect in the 2027 class.

Michigan State picked up a verbal commitment from Ozolua over the likes of Illinois, Iowa, Miami (FL), Michigan, Missouri, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. He committed to the Spartans last month and is arguably their top current prospect in the class.

It's great to see Lemming give such high praise to Ozolua but it also makes me worry about some of those big-time programs continuing to pursue him on the recruiting trail. Michigan State is going to certainly need to keep actively recruiting Ozolua in order to retain this notable commitment.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: National recruiting analyst praise MSU football commit, says he has 'five-star potential'

Knicks vs. Cavaliers live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series

New York vs Cleveland - 022426

Knicks vs. Cavaliers live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks erase a 21-point deficit in the 4th quarter to take Game 1 in overtime 115-104. Cleveland held a lead for the majority of this game. The second half included a 3rd quarter 'Cavalanche' that began to feel insurmountable. 

The explanation to how the Cavaliers could blow a 21-point 4th quarter lead came down to turnovers and an improved 3P% when New York needed it. At halftime, the Knicks were collectively shooting 11% from three. By the end of the game, they ended with a respectable 32%. Cleveland also committed eight turnovers in the last 13 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime. 

Despite how the game went for the first three and a half quarters, the Knicks did what was expected and won Game 1 to maintain home court advantage. Whether it was fatigue after a 7 game series for Cleveland or determination by New York, the Cavs find themselves down 0-1 in the series after a game they should have won. 

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live scores | Full schedule | Updated bracket

Cavaliers vs. Knicks live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 1 

Full Game Team Stats

CLENYK
FG36-9042-88
Field Goal %4048
3PT16-5010-32
Three Point %3231
FT16-2321-32
Free Throw %7066
Rebounds3847
Offensive Rebounds119
Defensive Rebounds2738
Assists2320
Steals1110
Blocks62
Total Turnovers2119
Points Conceded Off Turnovers2820
Fast Break Points1213
Points in Paint3860
Fouls2926
Technical Fouls00
Flagrant Fouls00
Largest Lead2211
Percent Led5937

The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime. 

OT-0.29: Evan Mobley missed a three-point attempt and the Knicks killed the clock. The Knicks win in come from behind fashion. Capping off the biggest playoff come from behind win in 13 years. 

OT-0:39: OG Anunoby hits two free throws after a foul on Merrill CLE could not afford. On the following possession, Bridges steals the ball from an unsuspecting Max Strus. On the other end, Merrill commits a kick ball violation. Cavs are unraveling. 

OT-1:45: Max Strus gets Cleveland off the scoreless streak with a timely elbow three. Knicks lead by 6. 

OT-1:48: The Knicks continue the onslaught. Landry Shamet hits a 25-foot three to extend the lead to 9 with only a shade under two minutes to play in the overtime period. 

OT-2:56: The Brunson and Anunoby show continues with an OG layup. The Knicks lead is now +6. 

OT-4:03: After a pair of OG Anunoby free throws and a Jalen Brunson layup, the Knicks jump out to a 4 point lead to start the overtime. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are tied at the end of regulation

4th Quarter-0:19: After a Landry Shamet three and a Harden two, with 19 seconds left, Brunson ties the game with a banked in layup. Game tied at 101 and headed to overtime. 

4th Quarter-1:00: Down by only 4, the Knicks had a wide-open lane with Anunoby driving. Play called off as Karl Anthony Towns gets called of an offensive foul for pulling on the arm of a defender. 

4th Quarter-2:38: With the shot clock ticking down, Mikal Bridges hits an far elbow three as the shot clock expired. Cutting the lead to only 4. The Knicks are on a 22-4 run. 

4th Quarter-3:09: Evan Mobley hits an elbow three to stop the hemorrhaging. The Knicks have come back from down -20 to as close as 7. Mobley's three puts the lead back at 10. 

4th Quarter-4:03: Jalen Brunson has connected on midrange shots on consecutive possessions. Cutting the Cavs lead to 8. 

4th Quarter-7:03: It is clear the Knicks need Brunson to create. He is driving and taking on double teams on almost every 4th quarter possession. This time he loses control of the ball but it falls right to Karl Anthony Towns who finds an open Landry Shamet who buries a three from the top of the key. 

4th Quarter-8:39: Dennis Schroder finds Dean Wade for a 23-foot three-point shot. He was fouled on the play and made the extra free throw. Extending the Cavaliers lead to +20. 

A(nd)-1 PRIME DEAN WADE. @deanwade3232 | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/D8jLBxrG4F

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 20, 2026

4th Quarter-9:17: Karl Anthony Towns makes a two-point shot. Putting an end to the scoreless streak by both teams to start the 4th quarter. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the New York Knicks 83-69 after three quarters

3rd Quarter-1:09: Donovan Mitchell takes the inbounds pass and weaves coast to coast virtually untouched for a contested layup. Cavs lead by 14. 

3rd Quarter-1:52: Jalen Brunson makes a running layup between two Cleveland defenders. That is Brunson's first field goal since the end of the 2nd quarter. Cavaliers lead by 13. 

3rd Quarter-2:38: CLE has employed "hack-a-Robinson". He has been sent to the free throw line. Attempting to prevent him from getting hot as a shooter. As a team, the Knicks are shooting 17% from three on 23 attempts. 

3rd Quarter-3:05: The Knicks are sending two defenders when Mitchell gets the ball in the last few minutes. That has led to the Cavaliers finding an open shooter. With Sam Merrill being the beneficiary twice in the last two minutes. Cavs lead by 13. 

3rd Quarter-3:55: The 'Cavalanche' continues. CLE is on a 8-3 run. Including four consecutive points from Jarrett Allen. 

Sammy BUCKETS.@smerrill05 | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/N9pNUMSrTe

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 20, 2026

3rd Quarter-6:40: Knicks call a timeout as the Cavaliers lead has ballooned to +9. "Knicks need a timeout and the Garden has gone quiet" -Mike Breen. 

3rd Quarter-7:24: Donovan Mitchell gets his 6th steal of the game and converts a driving layup. Mitchell remains the game's high scorer with 22. The next closest is Jalen Brunson with 14. 

3rd Quarter-8:59: Dean Wade and Evan Mobley make consecutive three-point shots. Extending the CLE lead to +4. 

3rd Quarter-10:27: Josh Hart takes a hard shot and falls to the floor for the second time in three possessions. Cleveland challenges the call. Official review. Officials ruled no flagrant foul as they opted to charge Karl Anthony Towns with an offensive foul before the contact with Hart. Call overturned, CLE retains their timeout. 

3rd Quarter-11:00: OG Anunoby misses a midrange jumper, but the deep rebound goes to Karl Anthony Towns. He misses the three-point shot, but another long rebound gives him a second chance. He pulls it back behind the three-point line and made that shot. That is only New York's third three after going 2-for-21. 

a long ball from 3️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/nDcQzlqOCn

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

Team Stats

CLENYK
FG16-3820-43
Field Goal %4247
3PT8-212-19
Three Point %3811
FT8-104-4
Free Throw %80100
Rebounds1718
Offensive Rebounds42
Defensive Rebounds1316
Assists1011
Steals66
Blocks20
Total Turnovers118
Points Conceded Off Turnovers159
Fast Break Points86
Points in Paint1432
Fouls610
Technical Fouls00
Flagrant Fouls00
Largest Lead611
Percent Led3262

The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the New York Knicks 48-46 at halftime

2nd Quarter-1:08: Max Strus makes a 25-foot three point shot off of an Evan Mobley screen. That shot ties the game for first time since 4 minutes left in the first quarter. Mitchell made a 26-foot three-point shot to take the lead just before halftime. 

2nd Quarter-2:01: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot. Mitchell was fouled on the play and makes the additional free throw. That puts Mitchell firmly at the top of the scoring for either team and cuts the lead to 1. 

2nd Quarter-4:26: James Harden and Sam Merrill hit back-to-back three-point shots (30 and 24 feet respectively). Capping an 8-0 run. Cutting the Knicks lead to +3. 

2nd Quarter-6:12: Jalen Brunson makes another driving layup. That score gets Brunson over the double-digit mark in scoring. Extending the Knicks lead to +8. 

2nd Quarter-7:56: Jose Alvarado makes an 8-foot driving floater. 

2nd Quarter-8:15: Dean Wade makes a 23-foot three-point shot. 

2nd Quarter-9:05: Evan Mobley makes a driving layup. 

2nd Quarter-9:52: Karl Anthony Towns makes a 1-foot layup. 

2nd Quarter-10:06: Evan Mobley makes a 9-foot two-point shot. 

2nd Quarter-10:23: Jose Alvarado makes a 1-foot driving floater. 

2nd Quarter-11:17: Donovan Mitchell makes a driving layup

the playoffs energy is electric 🔋 pic.twitter.com/c3vVf0mBWn

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

The New York Knicks lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 23-16 after the 1st Quarter

1st Quarter-0:33: Jordan Clarkson makes a 24-foot three-pointer

1st Quarter-0:47: Sam Merrill makes running layup. 

Muscle Man Sam. @smerrill05 | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/tIFIWWS11y

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-2:44: Mitchell Robinson makes alley oop dunk.

1st Quarter-3:33: Mikal Bridges makes a running dunk.

PAY THE BRIDGES TOLL‼️ pic.twitter.com/km27CDGDDy

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-3:46: Jalen Brunson makes a 1-foot shot. 

the burner is lit.

8 PTS and counting for 11 🔥 pic.twitter.com/We4wWPz2dJ

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-4:18: Mikal Bridges makes a driving layup. 

1st Quarter-5:38: Josh Hart makes a running layup. 

that hart hustle >>> pic.twitter.com/uY3enwcL3P

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-6:01: Jalen Brunson makes a 16-foot pull up jumper. 

1st Quarter-8:08: Donovan Mitchell makes a driving layup. 

1st Quarter-8:22: Jalen Brunson makes a 9-foot floater. 

1st Quarter-8:44: Donovan Mitchell makes a running layup. 

1st Quarter-9:24: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot. 

We like to call that a "SPIDA BITE".@spidadmitchell | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/exK4l6qIJt

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-10:01: Mikal Bridges makes a 7-foot driving floater. 

mikal gets the floater to go 👏 pic.twitter.com/xyZtC7e6SF

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026

1st Quarter-11:10: James Harden makes a 6-foot driving floater. 

UNO puts us on the board! @JHarden13 | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/idppK2JnCZ

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 20, 2026

bring on the ECF 🙌 pic.twitter.com/w29lImifBh

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 18, 2026

We've got a Cavs champ calling the game tonight, folks. #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/sjeqG7QePj

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 19, 2026

back at @TheGarden 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/RmRDQhHV8E

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 19, 2026

SPIDA. #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/DujS7HzfR8

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 19, 2026

How to Watch Game 1 Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0) vs Detroit Pistons (0-0)

Friday, May 19

Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN 

More NBA Playoff news:

Latest Fire & Ice podcast is all about the Firebirds' must-win Game 4

The Fire & Ice Podcast with Judd Spicer

Can the Firebirds do it again?

Needing to stave off elimination for the third time in as many playoff series with back-to-back wins, the Coachella Valley Firebirds look to force a deciding Game 5 vs. Colorado in the Pacific Division Finals.

Get prepped for Wednesday's must-win Game 4 via this mid-series Media Roundtable featuring Shad Powers and Andrew John from The Desert Sun, and Kevin McGlue, VP, Communications & Broadcasting and play-by-play voice for the Colorado Eagles.

It's always fascinating to hear what out-of-town hockey minds think of the Firebirds. Listen to the latest Fire & Ice Podcast brought to you by Desert Willow Golf Resort right here. Enjoy!

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Latest Fire & Ice podcast is all about the Firebirds' must-win Game 4

Finally: Trinity Christian baseball clears hurdle, wins FHSAA title

Trinity Christian's super seniors are finally Florida's finest.

Nationally ranked throughout the year, Trinity Christian blew the game open in a five-run third inning and beat Miami True North 8-3 to capture the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A baseball final on May 19.

Denied in the opening round in 2023, in the semifinals in 2024 and in the final in 2025, a Trinity senior class to rank among the most talented in Jacksonville baseball history hoisted the trophy at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

For nearly a dozen Conquerors signed with illustrious college baseball programs — Florida, Alabama and LSU, just to name a few — they'll make the move to the next level as state champions.

Title game newcomer True North (22-8) didn't make it easy. But moments after True North had exploited fielding lapses and a close call at first base to tie the game 3-3 midway through the third, the Conquerors did what they've done all year long: blast the baseball for a big inning.

Trinity Christian's Jordan Martinez (center, 23) and teammates celebrate their regional championship against Bishop Snyder. The Conquerors finished their postseason run by defeating True North for the Class 2A state title.

Trinity (27-8) sent 11 batters to the plate in the third, beginning with the second double of the night from Tyler Ellis and piling up runs until Jordan Martinez drove home two with an RBI single for an 8-3 lead.

That was all they needed. Daytona State College commit Brennan Bachtell worked around the rocky third to pitch five innings, Romy DeCenzo worked out of sixth-inning trouble with two crucial strikeouts and Trinity turned a game-ending double play in the seventh to complete the championship year.

LSU commit Martinez, Florida commit Ellis and junior Ja'Rod Flowers recorded two hits apiece, and Virginia Tech-bound Aiden Arnett reached three times.

Trinity and True North had to endure a delay of three hours and 20 minutes after the scheduled 4 p.m. start, but rain scrambled the early afternoon and the preceding Class 4A semifinal between Bishop Moore and American Heritage stretched 11 innings.

The Conquerors add a 2026 championship to join their only previous FHSAA trophy, when they defeated Bishop Verot 6-4 in 2015.

Trinity's triumph concludes one of Northeast Florida's most successful seasons in history. The region crowned the FHSAA champions (Trinity in 2A, St. Johns Country Day in 1A and Union County in Rural), the second time that has occurred and the first since Bishop Kenny (4A), Providence (2A) and Eagle's View (1A) finished on top in 2008.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Trinity Christian baseball in FHSAA high school final

Nationals' James Wood hits majors' first inside-the-park grand slam since 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood hit the majors' first inside-the-park grand slam since 2022 against the New York Mets on Tuesday night.

Down 5-0, the Nationals loaded the bases with two outs in the second inning against Mets starter Nolan McLean. Wood hit a first-pitch sweeper to the opposite field, where it glanced off the leaping Nick Morabito's arm and bounded into center. Wood scampered around the bases in 15.15 seconds and slid headfirst across the plate well ahead of the throw for his first career grand slam and 13th homer of the season.

It was the ninth inside-the-park grand slam in the majors since 1994. The previous one was hit by Toronto's Raimel Tapia on July 22, 2022.

The Nationals have two inside-the-park grand slams since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005. Michael A. Taylor hit one Sept. 8, 2017, at home against Philadelphia.

___

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

Cavaliers vs. Knicks box score: Full stats from NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Cavaliers vs. Knicks box score: Full stats from NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to play the role of giant killers against the New York Knicks. This year's Eastern Conference Finals is setting up to be a great matchup.

With the bright lights of Madison Square Garden shining and the Knicks coming into the series as the favorite, this is where the drama begins. The Cavs need James Harden and Donovan Mitchell to boost them to a ticket to The Finals.

On the other hand, Jalen Brunson looks to lead his team into uncharted territory with a chance to flex a bit. Detroit, the East's No. 1 seed, is gone. This leaves New York as the team to beat.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Box Score

Cleveland Cavaliers

StartersMinPtsFG3PTFTRebAstStlBlk

J. HardenPG

23:4573-71-30-04300

D. MitchellSG

21:58229-143-71-13261

D. WadePF

22:4962-42-40-05300

E. MobleyPF

21:05104-81-31-28301

J. AllenC

23:4661-40-04-65211
BenchMinPtsFG3PTFTRebAstStlBlk

M. StrusSF

14:5531-51-50-00110

S. MerrillSG

12:5493-52-41-10010

D. SchröderPG

9:0131-61-40-00100

K. EllisSG

5:2720-00-02-20000

L. Nance Jr.PF

000-00-00-00000

T. BryantC

000-00-00-00000

C. Porter Jr.PG

000-00-00-00000

J. TysonSG

000-00-00-00000

N. TomlinPF

000-00-00-00000

T. ProctorPG

000-00-00-00000
Team Totals6824-5311-309-12251593

    New York Knicks

    StartersMinPtsFG3PTFTRebAstStlBlk

    M. BridgesSF

    25:17105-70-10-03110

    J. BrunsonPG

    26:37146-140-52-31220

    O. AnunobyPF

    21:1331-51-40-01020

    J. HartSG

    24:45135-111-52-25400

    K. TownsC

    23:1494-101-50-05410
    BenchMinPtsFG3PTFTRebAstStlBlk

    M. RobinsonC

    9:2121-10-00-03120

    M. McBridePG

    9:0100-10-10-01100

    J. ClarksonSG

    8:2831-11-10-02000

    J. AlvaradoPG

    4:3142-30-10-00000

    L. ShametSG

    3:1300-10-00-00000

    J. SochanPF

    000-00-00-00000

    P. DadietSG

    000-00-00-00000

    T. KolekPG

    000-00-00-00000

    A. HukportiC

    000-00-00-00000

    M. DiawaraSF

    000-00-00-00000
    Team Totals5825-544-234-5211380

    More NBA Playoff news:

    SEC baseball tournament 2026 bracket, schedule, scores, TV channel, live streams to watch

    SEC baseball tournament

    SEC baseball tournament 2026 bracket, schedule, scores, TV channel, live streams to watch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Georgia put together one of the best regular-season showings SEC baseball has seen recently, but can the Bulldogs finally secure a tournament championship?

    Ranked No. 4 nationally, the Bulldogs enter this week's festivities in Hoover, Alabama, as the No. 1 seed after going 23-7 in conference play and winning nine of their 10 series against SEC opponents. While that makes UGA the favorite this week, but the Bulldogs have never won the SEC tourney and haven't even reached the championship game since 1989. 

    Georgia's snakebit tournament history aside, this is a difficult bracket for any team to navigate. The league has 10 teams ranked in the D1Baseball Top 25 this week and the single-game format puts everyone on upset alert at any time in a field this deep. 

    Vanderbilt and Tennessee have alternated tourney titles the last four years but both will play on the first day in 2026, with the Commodores seeded 12th and the Vols 10th. Not to mention LSU, which has won two of the last three national titles, entering the tournament as the 14th seed. 

    Anything can happen in Hoover. Here's everything you need to know to tune in to every game this week. 

    SEC baseball tournament bracket 2026

    The full seeding, bracket and team records for the 2026 SEC baseball tournament are below. 

    SeedTeamRecord (SEC)
    1Georgia43-12 (23-7)
    2Texas40-12 (19-10)
    3Texas A&M39-13 (18-11)
    4Alabama37-18 (18-12)
    5Florida37-18 (18-12)
    6Auburn36-18 (17-13)
    7Arkansas36-19 (17-13)
    8Mississippi State39-16 (16-14)
    9Ole Miss36-20 (15-15)
    10Tennessee37-19 (15-15)
    11Oklahoma32-20 (14-16)
    12Vanderbilt32-24 (14-16)
    13Kentucky31-20 (13-17)
    14LSU29-27 (9-21)
    15South Carolina22-34 (7-23)
    16Missouri23-30 (6-24)

    SEC baseball tournament schedule 2026

    The SEC tournament will be played at its traditional home, the Hoover Met in Hoover, Alabama.

    Tuesday, May 19 - First Round

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Game 1: No. 16 Missouri 10, No. 9 Ole Miss 8
    Game 2: No. 12 Vanderbilt 8, No. 13 Kentucky 5
    Game 3: No. 10 Tennessee 11, No. 15 South Carolina 6
    Game 4: No. 11 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 LSU9:55 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app

    Wednesday, May 20 - Second Round

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Game 5: No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 16 Missouri10:30 a.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 6: No. 5 Florida vs. No. 12 Vanderbilt2 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 7: No. 7 Arkansas vs. No. 10 Tennessee5:30 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 8: No. 6 Auburn vs. Game 4 winner9 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app

    Thursday, May 21 - Quarterfinals

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Game 9: No. 1 Georgia vs. Game 5 winner4 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 10: No. 4 Alabama vs. Game 6 winner8 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app

    Friday, May 22 - Quarterfinals

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Game 11: No. 2 Texas vs. Game 7 winner4 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 12: No. 3 Texas A&M vs. Game 8 winner8 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app

    Saturday, May 23 - Semifinals

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner1 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app
    Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner5 p.m.SECN, fubo, ESPN app

    Sunday, May 24 - Championship

    GameTime (ET)Watch
    Semifinal winners2 p.m.ABC, fubo, ESPN app

    Where to watch the SEC baseball tournament

    The opening round through the semifinals of the SEC tournament will be broadcast on the SEC Network, with the championship game set to air on ABC. Fans can stream every game on the ESPN app or fubo

    Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

    SEC baseball tournament champions list

    Here are the last 10 SEC tournament champions and runners-up. There was no tournament in 2020 due to COVID-19.

    YearChampionRunner-up
    2025VanderbiltOle Miss
    2024TennesseeLSU
    2023VanderbiltTexas A&M
    2022TennesseeFlorida
    2021ArkansasTennessee
    2019VanderbiltOle Miss
    2018Ole MissLSU
    2017LSUArkansas
    2016Texas A&MFlorida
    2015FloridaVanderbilt

    Related Links

    The Cincinnati Reds have Chase Burns and the rest of baseball does not

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 19: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts in the sixth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    There has been ample to lament about the Cincinnati Reds of late.

    They endured that brutal 8-game losing streak, one that featured record walk rates, bullpen meltdowns, and even a trio of consecutive walk-off defeats. They came back up for air briefly, but rode into Tuesday evening’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies once again on a 3-game skid, one that would put them officially under the .500 mark for the season if it continued.

    The bullpen is a disaster. The starting rotation is in tatters. Leadoff man TJ Friedl has been effectively benched during his struggles, and 3B of the present (and future, per his contract) Ke’Bryan Hayes has basically been peak Homer Bailey in the batter’s box all season.

    What the Cincinnati Reds do have, though, is Chase Burns, and nobody else does. And when Burns gets the ball, it’s an automatic that something brilliant is going to happen for the Reds regardless of the rest of their struggles.

    Burns took the ball in Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday and breezed through the Phillies, firing 6.0 IP of 3 H, ER, 0 BB ball on 86 pitches. He struck out 9, never once looked the least bit fazed, and exited seemingly just fine despite the final out he recorded being a comebacker off the bat of Bryce Harper that hit him somewhere in between the waist and knees.

    And for the first time in seemingly forever, handing the ball over to the Reds bullpen didn’t appear to be a problem.

    The Reds posted a 4-1 victory that moved them to 25-24 on the season, with a couple timely hits, a series of sacrifice flies, some unequivocally poor defense from the Phils, and quality pitching all around in windy and rainy conditions contributing to their victory. Elly De La Cruz tripled, scored, and walked with the bases loaded to drive in a run, while Tyler Stephenson got a mighty OPS boost by singling and walking 3 times on the night.

    It wasn’t a pretty game offensively, with precious few hard-hit lasers. It did feature Ke’Bryan Hayes twice hitting into double plays in big spots and grounding into a force play at home with the bases loaded on a ball that, if the Phillies weren’t playing in to prevent a run, would’ve been a third double-play. Still, the collective parts were good enough to bring home a much needed W for the good guys, and they’ll have a chance to take the series tomorrow afternoon with Andrew Abbott on the bump.

    Thank heck for Chase Burns. The Reds would be woefully lost without him, and he’s only 18 starts into his big league career.

    JUCO track and field: Galvez leads IHCC to fourth-place national finish

    HOBBS, NM — For the third consecutive year, the Indian Hills Men's Track and Field squad brought home a top-five finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men's Outdoor National Championship. The Warriors placed fourth overall at the Ross Black Field of Champions in Hobbs, New Mexico.

    The Warriors were led by sophomore Raynier Galvez who brought home his second consecutive NJCAA Division I Men's Outdoor Track 800-meter national championship. The sophomore standout, who was tapped as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Regio Track Athlete of the Year, crossed the line in 1:49.35 to take home the gold.

    In total, the Warriors produced All-American honors in 14 separate events, including two relay events. Indian Hills boasted three national runner-up honors and a total of seven top-five performances to finish with 60 team points.

    The Warriors continued an unprecedented run at the national championships with its third consecutive outdoor top-five finish. Indian Hills placed fifth in 2024, fourth in 2025, and fourth in 2026 in addition to the program's indoor national title in 2024.

    Along with Galvez's dominant showing in the 800 meters, the sophomore powered the 4x800 relay squad to a silver medal with a time of 7:18.73. The mark proved to be a new national meet record, along with an Indian Hills school record, but the Warriors were edged by Iowa Central by just 0.46 seconds.

    The Warriors produced a second relay silver medal with a runner-up finish in the 4x100 relay. The quartet of James Kokuro, Damor Miller, Izaiah Loveless and Hector Benjamin secured the second-place showing with a time of 39.33.

    Sophomore Devonni Ferguson brought home a silver medal in the 400-meter dash with a time of 46.41, the best showing in the event for the Warriors since Kenny Bednarek captured the national championship in 2019.

    Miller and Benjamin both starred for the Warriors in the sprint events. Miller captured a bronze medal in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.15. Miller also finished 10th overall in the 100m dash for the Warriors. Benjamin wowed the crowd in the 100m dash with a preliminary time of 10.05, the second-fastest in school history, before placing sixth overall in the finals with a time of 10.09 to earn All-American honors. Benjamin also earned All-American honors in the 200-meter dash with an eighth place finish.

    Yverson Alexandre placed fifth overall in the 110-meter hurdles with a new school record time of 13.85 to earn a spot on the podium. Alexandre becomes the highest individual finisher in the event for the Warriors. Dayton LaMar also earned All-American honors with a fifth-place showing and a school record mark of 7.48 in the men's long jump.

    Joseph McDonald Jr. secured a spot on the All-American squad with a sixth-place finish in the high jump, clearing a mark of 2.02.

    Kameron Hall took home All-American honors in the 400-meter hurdles, just the second individual in program history to do so, with a seventh-place finish in a time of 52.22 while both Kemarrio Bygrave and Kohlby Newsom earned All-American honors in the 800m and 1,500m events, respectively.

    Galvez, the 2026 Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, capped an unprecedented career at Indian Hills that now features three national titles, 10 All-American honors, five school records, and a multitude of conference, regional, and national accolades.

    The 14 separate All-American honors are the most for a Warrior squad at the NJCAA Outdoor National Championships in program history.

    New Mexico Junior College took the team title with 97 points followed by South Plains College (TX) and Iowa Central Community College.

    Girls golf: Redettes advance to 2A regional finals

    MORNING SUN — Survive and advance.

    When it comes to the postseason in any sport, those are the three words any team will be happy to utter when the day is over.

    After all, it's much better than 'the season's over.'

    The Centerville girls golf team advanced to the Class 2A, Region 5 championship tournament by surviving tough conditions on a tough course. The Redettes posted a team score of 396, pulling away from Mediapolis and a pair of South Central Conference rivals to punch their ticket to the next round of postseason play.

    "Anytime you get into any type of postseason, no matter what sport it is, you just want to advance," Centerville head girls golf coach Matt Kovacevich said. "We survived the day. We survived the conditions. The set-up of the course left a little bit to be desired. Our girls battled and did what they needed to do to get the job done and move forward."

    Centerville produced three of the top 10 individual scores in the tournament, paced by Gracie Zaputil's round of 90 finishing fourth overall. Taya Belloma, who qualified for the state track and field meet in the girls shot put less than 24 hours earlier, finished sixth in the Region 5B tournament working her way around the Heritage Oaks course for a round of 95 denying Mediapolis sophomore Kate Wischmeier an individual regional berth.

    "I was able to get done with my throws early over in Eddyville, so I was able to get over here and drive the course a little bit," Belloma said. "This course was hard, but I knew it was going to be difficult going in. I'm excited to be moving on. It's going to be a busy week. I'll be trying to qualify for state in golf on Wednesday before throwing at state on Thursday."

    Albia senior Emma Kipfer returned to the regional finals after finishing third at Heritage Oaks, posting a round of 89. Kipfer found herself tied for the lead with Mid-Prairie junior Olivia Swartzendruber at six-over-par before a quadruple-bogey on the 14th hole dropped Kipfer out of the lead.

    "I just started to not play very well," Kipfer said. "There are things I need to improve on. Everything needs to be critqued if I want to make it back to state."

    Albia finished fourth overall as a team with score of 430, edging Davis County by three strokes as both SCC squads faded behind Centerville in the chase for a regional team berth. Mustang junior Jayden Koenig finished fifth overall in the Region 5A Tournament with a round of 92, extending her season.

    "I did really good on the back nine, which is where I started, so I think I got a little bit ahead of myself," Koenig said. "I lost my ball twice on the front nine. That's when I started to get down. I started talking with the girls I was playing with and I realized there was no point in getting down on myself because it was only going to get worse.

    "What happened was going to happen. I can't do anything about it in the moment. I focused on just trying to finish with a smile."

    Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont's season came to a close at Heritage Oaks as the Rockets finished seventh with a team score of 467. Ella Stevens finished 20th overall to pace EBF with a round of 112.

    In Class 1A, the Sigourney Savages were able to advance in regional play finishing third at the Brooklyn-Victor Club posting a score of 389. Ella Bruns led Sigourney to the Region 3 finals, finishing sixth overall with a score of 92.

    "Our goal is to just keep getting through each round," Sigourney head golf coach Zach Tremmel said. "We've got some really good teams to go up against, but you never know when you show up. I definitely think Ella has a shot if she can get it together for 18 holes."

    Van Buren County finished just short of advancing in Class 1A, Region 5 placing third at Deerwood Golf Course with a team score of 440. Sophia Jirak earned a trip to Heritage Oaks for the regional finals, winning the individual title at the 5C tournament with a round of 89.

    Prep baseball: Grinnell holds off late Trojan rally in season opener

    FAIRFIELD — Fairfield players knew they would be part of opening night for the 2026 Iowa High School baseball season.

    The Trojans just didn't realize they'd be starting so early.

    With rain in the forecast for Monday night, Fairfield and Grinnell moved up the start of their season-opening contest in Jefferson County by two hours playing the varsity contest ahead of the scheduled junior varsity game. The Trojans took a little longer adjusting to the early start to the season, falling short despite scoring three runs in the final two innings as the Tigers held on late for a 5-3 road win as Trenton Huls forced Chase Countryman to ground out to second after a pair of two-out hits brought the tying run to the plate.

    "We just didn't come into this game with enough energy," Fairfield senior Aiden Westercamp said. "We got our energy going in the last inning and I think that helped out a lot to get the tying run. There are a few minor things we need to work on, but I feel like there are a lot of good things we can take away from battling a really good team."

    Even while trying to get adjusted to the earlier start time, the Trojans came within a hit of taking the early lead on Grinnell stranding three base runners in the first two innings. Huls, before recording the save on the mound, drove in the first run of the season for the Tigers (1-0) with a two-out RBI infield single to drive in Brooks Vosburg ahead of a wild pitch that scored Josh Ringler, giving Grinnell a 2-0 third-inning lead.

    "We've got to have the energy from the very first inning. We had some new guys in new positions and had to adjust on the fly," Fairfield head baseball coach Josh Allison said. "We just needed that one little thing to turn things our way. We gave up a couple of free bases that came back to cost a couple of runs. When you look up at the final score, those free bases might have been the difference."

    Dax Flanagan shut out Fairfield over 4 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out four batters leaving with Grinnell leading 3-0 in the fifth after a solo home run in the top of the frame by Ringler. Vosburg doubled in Levi Jack in the sixth, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead, before state track qualifier Jacob Crew drove in Fairfield's first run of the season with a two-out RBI single to left that plated Jaxon Coleman cutting Grinnell's lead to 4-1.

    "I spent a lot of time thinking about how this would go," Crew said. "I got here about an hour before first pitch after track practice ended. I got a few swings in the batting cage. I just went up to the plate, stayed calm and pulled off some hits."

    Huls had to retire the potential tying run in each of the final two innings, forcing Henry Konczal to ground out in the sixth stranding a pair of Fairfield baserunners before a two-out RBI hit by Jack gave the Tigers a 5-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh. Westercamp doubled in Dain Burkhart with two outs in the final frame before scoring on an RBI single by Coleman, cutting Grinnell's four-run lead in half before Countryman's groundout to second ended Fairfield's final threat.

    "I'm excited about the season," Allison said. "We got a few first-game jitters out of our system. We should have some good leadership from a good number of seniors. I don't think anything is going to overwhelm them. We're going to battle no matter what the situation is. I think that's going to lead us to more good things than bad this year."

    Fairfield (0-1) hosts Oskaloosa on Tuesday night before hitting the road for the first time this season on Wednesday making a trip to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

    Baseball, softball project continues forward

    OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Community School District Board of Education approved two of the more important pieces of the proposed renovations of Legion Memorial Field, as well as construction of a new high school softball field in Ottumwa Park.

    During Monday's meeting at Career Campus, the board unanimously voted to go with Axiom Consulting and Engineers for the design of the project, and then approved the conception design that will house baseball and softball in the same place.

    Superintendent Mike McGrory said the district has $5 million budgeted for the project, and that by going with a civil engineering firm, the district could save on costs. The district hopes the project will come in under budget, and adjustments to the baseball field could help that cause.

    The contract is for $185,000, or about 3.7% of the total estimated cost of the project. McGrory said going with an architecture firm would have been more expensive. The project is scheduled to begin later this summer, and the new complex open for the 2027 season.

    "We vetted this with other schools that had gone with a civil engineer, and they had a lot of success with it," McGrory told the board. "An architect would probably be between 7.5 and 8.5, so it's a significant cost savings, and we're utilizing this as an opportunity to save costs on the project."

    The project will place grass at Legion Memorial Field and install turf, based on the wishes of a committee formed to examine what the playing surface would look like. A committee overwhelmingly wanted grass for the softball field, which will be located off the first-base side of the baseball field.

    District officials seemed to be won over by turf for the baseball field after a visit to Duane Banks Field on the University of Iowa campus. By installing turf, the district expects to save more money as well by bringing in the outfield fences, perhaps up to 40 feet, narrowing foul territory and shortening the backstop area behind home plate.

    The softball field will have red stone instead of dirt, but also have its own amenities shuch as bullpens, a storage building, batting cages and grandstand. The middle school field, which also serves at the field for Babe Ruth League, will see lighting improvements and playing surface improvements.

    However, with a turf baseball field, the middle school field will likely be used for more practice time, activities director Brandon Brooks said.

    He also said a turf baseball field will allow for more time on the field, one of the positive aspects district staff learned on its visit to Iowa City.

    "We're going to be able to get on this field, on a nice day in January or February to let kids get some reps in," Brooks said. "I think other programs will be able to get on there too, including softball or the middle school program, just to be able to get reps earlier."

    Assistant superintendent Brad McCloskey pointed out another positive aspect to the complex.

    "One thing that impressed me, with the conception design, is that we're forecasting 500 parking spots," he said. "I think it's going to be just an amazing complez. I couldn't be happier with where the conceptual design is right now."

    The board will approve the construction design package in Juy, with bid approval in August, followed quickly by breaking ground.

    Yandy Díaz homers, leads Rays to 4-1 win over Orioles

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Yandy Díaz went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI double, Griffin Jax allowed one run and had six strikeouts in five innings, and Tampa Bay beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 on Tuesday night for the Rays' third consecutive win.

    Tampa Bay has won 20 of 24, has the best record in MLB at 32-15 and is a season-high 17 games above .500.

    Jax gave up three hits and walked one before Kevin Kelly (3-1) earned the win with a scoreless sixth. Bryan Baker pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 13th save.

    Díaz homered to leadoff the sixth and give the Rays a 2-1 lead.

    Taylor Ward hit a home run to leadoff the game for the Orioles' only run.

    Kyle Bradish (2-6) allowed two runs and four hits, walked three and stuck out six.

    Samuel Basallo went 0 for 3 and had his career-best 10-game hitting streak snapped. It was the longest active streak of its kind and the longest by an Orioles player this season. The 21-year-old’s string of five consecutive games with a run scored also came to an end.

    After Jonathan Aranda walked with two out, Díaz hit an RBI double that made it 1-1 going in the second inning.

    Díaz was hit by a pitch with two out in the eighth and was replaced by pinch-runner Carson Williams. After Rico Garcia relieved Yennier Cano, Richie Palacios doubled to drive in Williams and advanced to third on the throw home. He scored when Jonny DeLuca singled to make it 4-1.

    The Rays set or tied season highs in runs (16), hits (18), doubles (six), extra-base hits (eight), and walks (seven, T-1st) in their 16-6 win Monday.

    Up next

    Orioles RHP Shane Baz (1-5, 5.26 ERA) starts Wednesday in the finale of a three-game series. The Rays haven't announced their starter.

    ___

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

    Report: Rams could revisit A.J. Brown trade after coming ‘really close’ to deal

    After already making one blockbuster trade for Trent McDuffie this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams attempted to make another. They explored a deal for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown, which likely would have involved Davante Adams, but the two sides never got a trade done.

    Mike Garafolo of NFL Network talked about just how close the Rams were to acquiring Brown during an appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show” Tuesday, and it sounds like they nearly got across the finish line.

    "That was really close," Garafolo said. "It was closer than it got with the Patriots. That was really close. There was one point where overnight it sort of died. It was like, 'Late one night, this could be going down by the next morning. You know what, there's too many moving parts here.'"

    Les Snead and Sean McVay have both admitted the Rams talked to the Eagles about a deal for Brown, but they decided against it and chose to keep Adams instead. It’s hard to imagine them bringing Brown in and keeping Adams, but Garafolo isn’t ruling out the possibility of Los Angeles restarting talks.

    ”I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams re-emerge,” he said, citing the uncertainty with Puka Nacua’s off-field situation. “I wouldn’t not be surprised if the Rams at some point re-engage and check in, and he checks in with them.”

    Garafolo doesn’t know if Brown will end up with the Rams, but it sounds like the door is at least open for talks to start back up.

    This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams, Eagles were ‘really close’ to A.J. Brown trade

    Keon Coleman says 2026 season is 'make or break' for his Bills career

    Keon Coleman knows it's now or never.

    The Buffalo Bills receiver has been the subject of criticism through his first two seasons and hasn't lived up to big expectations. Drafted with the 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman was penciled in to be the solution to the Bills' receiving issues.

    Instead, he's become the poster child for them, especially after team owner Terry Pegula took aim at Coleman earlier this offseason. Coleman dismissed those comments when he met with reporters at Bills' organized team activities (OTAs) on May 19 and shifted the focus to the upcoming season.

    "For me, it's make or break," Coleman said.

    "[If you are] (expletive), you might not be here. Simple as that, [simply] put, man. ... I know what I'm capable of. So, if I fall anything short of that, I'm doing myself a disservice and my team."

    Coleman noted that it's time for him to put it all together, but he isn't worried about the outside noise.

    "I mean, it's on the outside," Coleman said. "That's why it's on the outside. I just don't let it bother me. So it just is what it is.

    "I know what they saying. I hear it. I just don't care. You know what I'm saying? None of them going to come lace them up and try to stand in front of me. None of those things. So, it's just people say they going to say what they want to say. At the end of the day, my job is to come out here, put my cleats on, strap them up, and prove my worth."

    Coleman finished his second season with 38 catches, 404 receiving yards and four touchdowns in only 13 games. The receiver found himself on the sidelines more than he would've liked, another thing he addressed on May 19.

    "Getting benched four games, some (expletive) like that. Unacceptable," Coleman said. "Ended off on a decent note, had a touchdown [in the playoffs], so that was – I wouldn't even call that a confidence boost, it was just a positive to end the season on. But we lost. So, that was another negative to erase that. But, I mean, I don't need self-motivation, though. I know what I am here to do and what I am capable of doing."

    When asked, the receiver said he hasn't spoken to Pegula, adding that he's in the building so there's nothing to talk about.

    The owner didn't hold back his displeasure with Coleman during a press conference on Jan. 21, when Pegula opted to defend general manager Brandon Beane's decision to draft the often-criticized player.

    "The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon," Pegula said. "I'm not saying Brandon wouldn't have drafted him, but he wasn't his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff, who felt strongly about the player.

    "He's taking, for some reason, heat over it and not saying a word about it, but I'm here to tell you the true story."

    The Bills made sure to add some receiving help this offseason, swinging a trade with the Chicago Bears for DJ Moore and drafting Skyler Bell out of UConn. It means that Coleman is likely to find himself in a battle for snaps going into the season, since the depth chart has gotten more crowded.

    At best, Coleman is penciled in at WR4 on the depth chart, behind Moore, Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer.

    If he puts it all together, however, the former Florida State standout might be the missing piece that puts the Bills over the top.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keon Coleman addresses Terry Pegula comments, upcoming Bills season

    How to watch Michigan State baseball in Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday

    Michigan State baseball will play for the opportunity to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday evening.

    The Spartans are one win away from locking up a spot in the single elimination format of the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State topped No. 5 seed Purdue in their first Big Ten Tournament game on Tuesday, and now will play No. No. 8 seed Iowa on Wednesday evening with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

    First pitch between the Spartans and Hawkeyes is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

    The winner of this matchup between Michigan State and Iowa will play No. 4 seed USC on Friday morning in the quarterfinals. The loser of this matchup will play on Thursday afternoon in a win-or-go-home game to reach the quarterfinals.

    Stay with Spartans Wire for additional coverage on Michigan State baseball during the Big Ten Tournament.

    Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

    This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: How to watch Michigan State baseball in Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday

    Havlicek Stole the Pod: How the Thunder and the Spurs are changing Celtics, NBA plans

    With the Boston Celtics now in their offseason after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs, retooling the roster is a given. But in the meantime, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are locked in a battle for the ages that is giving 28 other front offices pause when it comes to building a competitive contender.

    And we can and should include Boston and Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens in that camp, meaning teams that want to compete for titles will need a roster able to counter the buzzsaw that is the Thunder AND the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs behemoth arising out of the West. To get a better idea of how OKC and San Antonio might be looking at the future (and the series mentioned above, yikes), the hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with Thunder Wire editor and OKC beat writer Clemente Almanza.

    Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about what the Celtics and the rest of the NBA need to consider when building contenders, just how worried we ought to be about Wemby, and more.

    Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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

    iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

    YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

    This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: How the Thunder and the Spurs are changing Celtics, NBA plans

    Duke, UNC battling for No. 1 point guard in 2027 class, brother of 15.0 PPG Magic guard

    Jon Scheyer

    Duke, UNC battling for No. 1 point guard in 2027 class, brother of 15.0 PPG Magic guard originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    It’s a longstanding tradition for Duke and North Carolina to have their sights set on the same high-profile prospects on the recruiting trail. 

    The two blue bloods have mastered the art of enticing high school standouts looking to join well-respected and storied Power 4/mid-major programs.

    The Blue Devils and Tar Heels have reportedly done it again, as they both appear to be in the mix for Beckham Black, the No. 1-rated point guard in the Class of 2027 and brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, who averaged 15.0 points per game this season.

    While UNC was already in the mix for Beckham, Duke joined the mix on Monday.

    “Blessed to receive a offer from Duke University,” Beckham stated on X/Twitter. 

    The Blue Devils and Tar Heels will certainly have their work cut out for them, as Beckham currently holds 22 offers ahead of his senior season at Southeastern Prep. 

    Per 247Sports, those offers include Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, USC, Georgetown, Auburn, California, Cincinnati, Duke, Miami, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Virginia, SMU, Creighton, Villanova, and Florida A&M. 

    Even if Black removes Florida A&M from his list of potential landing spots, there will still be 19 other programs set to compete with and Jon Scheyer and Michael Malone's respective clubs to land the highly sought-after 6-foot-3 lead guard.

    Needless to say, there’s no telling where Black will end up before the start of the 2027-28 college basketball season.

    More college basketball:

    NFL owners approve increase in max number of international games

    More international games are soon to come for the NFL and surely the Arizona Cardinals. At the league's spring meeting in Orlando, Florida, owners voted 32-0 to approve allowing up to 10 international games a year. There will be an unprecedented nine in the 2026 season.

    Owners also approved a measure that eliminated all protections to eliminate certain opponents for international games, essentially making any matchup a potential international matchup.

    The moves are a step in the direction that many feel will be inevitable — an 18-game regular-season with 16 international games, with every team playing in one.

    Such moves are good for the league's bottom line, which ultimately is good for players, as they get a percentage of revenues. It is good for fans abroad and for the league in terms of growing its popularity.

    It does make it tough for the coaches and players, but it comes with the possibility of an experience abroad these players might not normally have.

    The Cardinals do not have an international game this coming season and has not been in an international games since they played the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City in 2022.

    Their time is coming.

    Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

    This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL owners approve increase in max number of international games

    Detroit's Rickea Jackson to miss WNBA season with torn ACL

    The Chicago Sky will be without promising newcomer Rickea Jackson (Detroit) for Wednesday's home opener against the Dallas Wings and for the rest of the 2026 season.

    Chicago announced Tuesday that Jackson, a forward acquired from Los Angeles during the offseason, tore her left ACL during Sunday's road victory against Minnesota.

    Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson (5) lays on the floor after an injury against the Minnesota Lynx in the second quarter at Target Center on Sunday.

    Jackson, a former Michigan Miss Basketball award winner with Detroit Edison Public School Academy, was averaging a team-best 18 points before sustaining a non-contact injury in the first half of an eventual 86-79 win at Minnesota.

    "We're devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery," general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement.

    "Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year."

    Selected fourth overall by the L.A. Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team last year, averaging 14.7 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

    Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson (5) brings the ball down the court during the third quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.

    Storm cut ex-Spartan VanSlooten

    The Seattle Storm waived former Michigan State forward Grace VanSlooten.

    VanSlooten appeared in the first four games of the season with the Storm and averaged 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.

    She made her Storm debut during the April 29 preseason matchup against Golden State and shot 75% (3-for-4) from the line.

    VanSlooten averaged 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in the preseason.

    This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Rickea Jackson to miss WNBA season with torn ACL

    Here's why Memphis coach Charles Huff is not in favor of CFP expansion

    College Football Playoff expansion is again a hot topic, but not all coaches are on board with a proposal that would increase the field to 24 teams.

    Memphis football coach Charles Huff said May 19 at a Tigers on Tour event in Germantown that he sees both sides of the debate but isn't personally in favor of expanding the CFP.

    "The competitor in me says if you can't be one of the 12, then you're not a national champion," Huff said. "That's coming from a person that's probably in the worst spot as far as trying to get in. Being a Group of Six school, a little bit on the outside, we have an automatic bid but it's not as guaranteed as some of the others. Win all your games. Win all your games, you'll get in. It's just hard for me to see an 8-4 national champion. Are you really a national champion, or did you just survive the longest?"

    More administrators and coaches have started to come out in favor of an expanded playoff this offseason. The American Football Coaches Association said in a statement earlier this month that it supports playoff expansion, and conference commissioners have signaled they support it as well.

    An expanded playoff would likely also come with significant changes to the college football calendar and with more autobids for teams from power conferences. Even a 24-team playoff might only include one spot for a team from the Group of Six. Huff referenced NCAA Tournament expansion for basketball from 68 to 76 teams and said he didn't want to see the football playoff field expand in the same way.

    "If they go to 16, they're going to go to 24 and then it's 48, and next thing you know, it's where we are in society, everybody gets a medal," he said. "I think the 12 system is perfect. I think it makes every game valuable and I promise you, if you go undefeated, they can't keep you out. So win every game.

    "That's what I tell our guys, right? Don't leave it up to a vote, don't leave it up to who gets in, who doesn't get in. You play every Sunday, every Saturday, Thursday, Friday like it's the only opportunity you've got. And give it everything you've got. And at the end, if you haven't lost a game, you're in."

    The playoff is still set to feature 12 teams in 2026, but the format could change after that.

    Memphis, which will be considered one of the top Group of Six teams in the preseason, opens its season on Aug. 29 at UNLV in a game that could ultimately have playoff implications.

    Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

    This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Charles Huff says College Football Playoff should stay at 12 teams

    🚨River's squad for Bragantino

    🚨River's squad for Bragantino

    Through its social media channels, River Plate announced the squad list for its match against Bragantino on matchday five of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. 

    Coudet faced a major challenge due to the many injury absences affecting the Millonario squad, which is why the list includes several surprises.

    Among them, the return of Kendry Páez stands out, along with youth players Lucero and Spiff, the latter a 19-year-old Nigerian player receiving his first call-up to the senior team. 

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

    Oregon Ducks strike out on trio of 2027 blue-chip recruits

    Not long ago, the Oregon Ducks were flying high on the recruiting trail. Earlier in the month, the Ducks stacked commitments from four-star offensive linemen Gus Corsair and Cameron Wagner and appeared to be unstoppable. Now, some of the momentum has slowed.

    On Tuesday, the Ducks missed out on three recruits they were pursuing heavily. Four-star defensive lineman Tevita Nonu committed to the Ducks' rival, Washington. The big 6-foot-4, 270-pound defender chose the Huskies over Notre Dame, Michigan, Arizona and Oregon. The Ducks made a big push for Nonu, but the ability to stay close to home was too much to pass up for the Seattle recruit. Nonu is the top defensive recruit from Washington.

    Four-star running back Javian Jones-Priest from Texas was the next domino to fall, opting to commit to Virginia Tech. Jones-Priest took an early official visit to the Hokies and the momentum quickly swung in their direction. He chose the Hokies over Oregon, which pushed hard by getting him on campus twice in the offseason, and TCU, where both of his parents graduated from. Jones-Priest ran for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior in high school.

    Lastly, the Ducks fell victim to another recruit opting to stay close to home, as four-star offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand chose to join former Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham in the Valley by committing to Arizona State. Hildebrand is the No. 92 overall player and No. 8 offensive tackle in the 2027 class, per the Rivals Industry Ranking. He chose the Sun Devils over Oregon, Utah and Texas A&M.

    The Ducks were contenders for all three highly sought-after targets. After catching fire in April, Oregon's momentum on the recruiting trail has fallen off. The Ducks recently lost top-100 corner Ai'King Hall, who flipped from Oregon to Miami. The Ducks also missed out on Georgia commit Donte Wright, who was long expected to flip to Oregon but eventually jumped ship to Miami as well.

    All hope is not lost, however. Oregon is still preparing for the official visit season to begin, and plenty of high-profile recruits are scheduled to make their way to Eugene in the summer. The Ducks are hosting several blue-chippers at the end of the month, with four-star linebacker Toa Satele being the most notable target.

    In June, the Ducks will have three consecutive busy recruiting weekends on campus. Among those visiting are four-star wide receiver Dakota Guerrant (June 5), five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou and five-star corner Hayden Stepp (June 12), and four-star offensive lineman Ismael Camara (June 19).

    There are plenty of recruits coming to visit, and the Ducks are expecting a few commitments to help offset these tough losses. Oregon currently has the No. 10 class in the nation, per Rivals.

    Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

    This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon misses out on trio of 2027 recruiting targets

    Blue Jackets Have Free-Agent Target To Consider In Sharks Defender

    The Columbus Blue Jackets should be looking to improve their roster this off-season after failing to make the playoffs again this year. When looking at their current group, one area that they should be aiming to upgrade is their defense. 

    This year's free agent class has some interesting potential options for the Blue Jackets to consider. One specific pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) who stands out as an interesting potential target for the Blue Jackets is San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.

    If the Blue Jackets landed Ferraro, he would give them another strong option to work with in their top four due to his ability to play both sides. However, even if he played on their bottom pairing and penalty kill, he would have the potential to be a very good addition to Columbus' blueline due to his steady defensive play and grit. 

    Ferraro appeared in 82 games this season with the Sharks, where he recorded seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points, 137 hits, and 150 blocks. With numbers like these, Ferraro provides a bit of everything from the point and would be a very solid player for the Blue Jackets to add to their blueline this off-season because of it. 

    However, if Ferraro ends up hitting the free-agent market and the Blue Jackets target him im, they would need to offer him a pretty high payday to successfully land him. This is because Ferraro is a legitimate top-four defenseman and one of the top pending UFAs heading into the summer. Because of this, interest in his services will be incredibly high, and this only helps raise his value. With this, Ferraro will certainly be looking for a raise from his current $3.25 million AAV.

    Yet, with the Blue Jackets being in need of some help on their blueline, bringing in a hard-nosed defenseman who is strong defensively like Ferraro would make sense for them. He may not be the flashiest of blueliners, but he is dependable, and it also does not hurt that he is right in his prime at 27 years old. 

    However, with how important of a defenseman Ferraro is to the Sharks' blueline, it is very likely that they will be working hard to keep him around in San Jose. Yet, if he ends up testing free agency, the Blue Jackets should make a real push for him.

    In 490 career NHL games over seven seasons, Ferraro has recorded 24 goals, 90 assists, 114 points, 216 penalty minutes, 920 blocks, and 955 hits. 

    Netflix claims 12.4 million global viewers for Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano fight

    Ronda Rousey (blue gloves) fights Gina Carano (red gloves)
    Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

    Netflix put up a solid showing for its most recent combat sports card, but it fell short of its other previous promotions.

    According to multiple reports, Saturday’s MMA card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano drew 12.4 million global viewers live and on-demand within 24 hours. Global viewership for the event peaked at nearly 17 million viewers. The figure, which includes measurements from VideoAmp, G&G Closed Circuit Events, and internal Netflix data, cannot be compared to traditional Nielsen data.

    17 million global viewers tuned in to watch Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix, averaging 12.4 million viewers across the triple main event! #RouseyCaranopic.twitter.com/p4TMQ3cPBn

    — Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2026


    In the United States, Saturday’s card averaged 9.3 million viewers and peaked at 11.6 million viewers when Rousey submitted Carano early in the first round.

    No matter how you slice it, Rousey-Carano was not nearly the same viewership draw as other fights Netflix has promoted. For instance, the boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua averaged 33 million viewers in December, and Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez captured 36.6 million viewers for the streamer.

    It is difficult to put any fight viewership data Netflix releases into context considering the streamer uses different measurement firms for live events than the rest of the industry, which treats Nielsen data as the gold standard. However, assuming Netflix hasn’t meaningfully changed how it measures its own events, it is reasonable to compare the Netflix fights to each other.

    While Rousey-Carano did not live up to the peaks that Netflix has captured, like 60 million viewers for Jake Paul-Mike Tyson in 2024, it did beat out the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano fight last summer, which drew 6 million viewers.

    Even if Rousey-Carano was on the low end for a Netflix fight, few other sporting events are capturing eight-figure audiences, albeit with the big caveat that these figures could look much different if measured by Nielsen. The fights also fit perfectly into Netflix’s events-based sports strategy.

    It’s pretty clear Netflix has a good thing going with its foray into combat sports, but there are still legitimate questions about how well these events can draw without a huge name like Rousey anchoring the card.

    The post Netflix claims 12.4 million global viewers for Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano fight appeared first on Awful Announcing.

    Red Sox's Craig Breslow Looks Like A Genius Thanks To One Move

    Boston Red Sox executive Craig Breslow
    Boston Red Sox executive Craig Breslow

    The Boston Red Sox — and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow — have taken a lot of heat so far this season. 

    While this is the case, there is one move that Breslow made before the 2026 season that arguably stands above the rest and that was the acquisition of Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. Boston got the three-time All-Star and cash in exchange for Hunter Dobbins and prospects Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita. 

    Boston got Contreras and cash for three players that are currently down in the minors in the Cardinals' system. For Boston, Contreras has been electric. He entered the day on Tuesday slashing .253/.360/.481 with an .841 OPS, 10 homers, and 27 RBIs. The offense in general has been brutal, but Contreras and Wilyer Abreu have carried the load for Boston. That's not all, though. He's under contract next season at just $17 million and has a $20 million club option for 2028. 

    As good as he has been offensively, he arguably has been better defensively over at first base as well. 

    Do you have a take to get off your chest? Do you want to engage in a growing Red Sox community? Comment on our content alongside staff and fans alike!

    With Triston Casas dealing with multiple serious injuries over the last few years, Contreras has been a consistent breath of fresh air for Boston. 

    It's easy to be upset with how the Red Sox have played in general this season, but Contreras is a star and Boston fans should be happy about him, at least.

    More MLB: Red Sox-Pirates Blockbuster Will Come Back to Haunt Boston

    Another Former Celtic Signs Deal To Return To College Basketball

    Boston Celtics guard RJ Luis Jr.

    Another Former Celtic Signs Deal To Return To College Basketball originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    College basketball is in a weird place, and new LSU Tigers head coach Will Wade is taking full advantage of it. 

    Yesterday, I wrote a story about 2020 second-round draft pick Yam Madar committing to LSU after a six-year professional career. Madar reportedly accepted a $5 million NIL deal that took him out of the EuroLeague and into the NCAA.

    Hours after I hit post, another story dropped reporting that Wade and the Tigers had once again gone to the former Boston Celtics pipeline to find a commit. 

    BREAKING: Former pro guard RJ Luis Jr. has signed with LSU, @PeteNakos reports🐯

    Luis was the 2025 Big East player of the year.https://t.co/mzMe9luCgHpic.twitter.com/ZdUDJKoec3

    — On3 (@On3) May 19, 2026

    RJ Luis Jr.'s story is somehow even more bizarre than Madar's. 

    "After a terrific 2024-25 campaign for the Red Storm, Luis entered the transfer portal and entered the NBA draft," wrote ESPN's Jeff Borzello. "He remained in the draft past the withdrawal deadline before going undrafted. Luis then signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Boston Celtics in early August in exchange for Georges Niang and two future second-round picks."

    He did not make the Celtics team. He was waived and sent to Maine to play for the G League affiliate. However, an injury prevented him from ever suiting up for the Maine Celtics. 

    Luis went from a conference player of the year to an undrafted free agent before being traded for in exchange for an NBA vet and some serious draft capital, only to end up right back where he started two years later.

    Stories like this are going to dominate the college basketball offseason as athletes and universities continue to see how far they can push the NCAA's flimsy eligibility rules. 

    More NBA: Celtics Work Out Star Final Four Guard, Son Of NBA All-Star

    No-show offense, lousy defense cost Orioles in 4-1 loss

    May 19, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) attempts to catch a fly ball in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

    One night after the Orioles lost to the Rays because their pitching staff imploded, they lost again to the Rays because their offense failed to show up. Gotta hand it to the O’s — they might always lose, but they’re always keeping it fresh!

    The O’s suffered a 4-1 defeat at Tropicana Field in game two of the series, wasting a solid Kyle Bradish effort because they failed to score any runs after the second pitch of the game. An Orioles defensive meltdown in the eighth inning turned a one-run game into a comfortable Rays win and left the Birds seven games under .500.

    It’s not great. But at least the Orioles didn’t lose by 10 runs again. So…progress?

    Things actually started out OK for the Orioles, who wasted no time taking their first lead of the series. On the second pitch of the game, leadoff man Taylor Ward jumped on a fastball and launched it into the left-field seats for his second home run of the year and first in exactly one month. I must say I didn’t expect Ward, who hit 36 homers last year, to have just two dingers by May 19. But I also didn’t expect him to lead the league in doubles and walks, so I suppose we’ll take what we can get. The O’s were up, 1-0.

    The lead didn’t even last an inning. Orioles starter Kyle Bradish came storming out of the gates with two quick strikeouts in the bottom of the first, but an extended Jonathan Aranda at-bat seemed to break his concentration. Aranda battled Bradish for 10 pitches, eventually working a walk, and a rattled Bradish promptly coughed up an RBI double to Yandy Díaz and another walk before Samuel Basallo bailed him out of the inning, alertly challenging a 2-2 pitch to Jonny DeLuca and getting it reversed to an inning-ending strikeout. Bradish had to throw 36 pitches in that opening inning, and it seemed we might be on track for an early Albert Suárez appearance.

    But Bradish settled in. He worked past a leadoff baserunner in both the second and third innings to keep the Rays off the board, and followed with a perfect fourth. By the time he got to the fifth, he had retired eight batters in a row, and another scoreless frame left his pitch count at 94. That’s a perfectly reasonable total considering how laborious his first inning was.

    Manager Craig Albernaz tried to push Bradish for one more inning, which proved to be a mistake. The first batter of the sixth, Díaz, walloped a go-ahead home run to straightaway center field. Welp. Bradish lasted one more batter before exiting. It was a gutsy effort by the right-hander, who threw 102 pitches in 5.1 innings and held the Rays to two runs. On most nights — or on a better team — Bradish’s performance would’ve been more than enough to earn the win.

    Sadly, the team Bradish plays for is the Orioles, who are not good at that whole “winning” thing. His laudable effort was rendered moot by a hapless O’s offense that did nothing against Griffin Jax, a 31-year-old righty who has just recently been converted back to a starter after four seasons in the bullpen. I’d say the starter experiment is going pretty well for Jax, or maybe the Orioles just have a habit of making pitchers look better than they really are.

    Jax worked five full innings for just the second time this year, and the Ward home run on his second pitch was the only damage he allowed. The O’s couldn’t do anything with the few scoring opportunities they had. Pete Alonso grounded into a double play after an Adley Rutschman single in the first. In both the third and fourth innings, the O’s put a runner at second with one out but failed to cash in their runners in scoring position. Jax escaped the third-inning jam on strikeouts of Ward and Gunnar Henderson, then wriggled out of the fourth by fanning Samuel Basallo and inducing a Leody Taveras groundout.

    The good news for the Orioles was that the still-getting-stretched-out Jax left the game after five innings and 62 pitches. The bad news is that the O’s were equally inept against the Rays’ bullpen. Right-hander Kevin Kelly worked a scoreless sixth, erasing a Henderson single on a Rutschman double play, and lefty Ian Seymour retired all four batters he faced.

    Casey Legumina, which I’m not convinced is the real name of a real person, issued a walk to Coby Mayo in the eighth. Pinch-runner Blaze Alexander stole second (overturned on replay after initially being called out) by making a nifty swim move to beat the tag, putting the tying run in scoring position. It didn’t matter. Ward flied out harmlessly just two pitches later, ending the inning. The O’s were 0-for-5 with RISP in this game.

    A horrific bottom of the eighth inning truly put the game out of reach. After Yennier Cano retired the first two batters, he drilled Díaz on the hand to keep the inning alive. Albernaz, wanting to keep it a one-run game, turned to his best reliever, Rico Garcia. Unfortunately Garcia’s magic didn’t show up on this night, but mainly the Orioles’ defense is to blame.

    Richie Palacios lined a sharp shot to deep right field. Colton Cowser got turned around and tried to make the catch at the wall, but the ball nicked off his glove as he banged into the fence. It wasn’t an easy play, but one that he probably should have made. Still, the O’s had plenty of time to throw out pinch-runner Carson Williams trying to score. The throw home beat the runner by approximately 10 minutes, but Basallo inexplicably muffed the catch, and Williams scored safely. Just a brutal play by both Cowser and Basallo. Palacios then scored on a DeLuca RBI single, tagging Garcia with just his second earned run of the season. Again, the inning should’ve been over before that ever happened. What a mess.

    The demoralized Orioles went down 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth against Rays closer and former Oriole Bryan Baker, sealing another woeful, uncompetitive loss. Can this season be over yet?

    MLB Fans Blast Pete Crow-Armstrong Over NSFW Outburst During Cubs Game

    Pete Crow-Armstrong on the diamond.
    MEGA

    MLB fans are slamming Pete Crow-Armstrong after the Chicago Cubs star was heard using vulgar language with a fan on Sunday, May 17, 2026. After the clip began gaining traction, Crow-Armstrong, known as PCA, seemed to apologize for his words, admitting the emotional response wasn’t like him at all.

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Heard On Camera Using NSFW Language With A Female Fan During A Chicago Cubs Game

    Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Chicago White Sox fan: “suck my f**kin d**k b**ch” pic.twitter.com/LwmYT96aCy

    — js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) May 17, 2026

    It all went on down on Sunday, May 17, when the Cubs took on their cross-town rivals, the Chicago White Sox.

    During the fifth inning, PCA was seen running on the field, trying to track down a fly ball. However, things didn’t go his way, as he slammed into the fence and later sat on the ground, appearing dumbfounded by what had happened.

    It was in that moment that a female White Sox fan could be seen on camera crashing out, heckling PCA over the drop.

    Instead of ignoring the fans’ words, the 24-year-old shot back with a vulgar statement: “Suck my f-cking d–k b–ch.”

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Appears Apologetic Over His Comments, Telling Reporters That It Wasn’t Like Him

    Pete Crow Armstrong.
    MEGA

    Speaking with ESPN, PCA admitted he had regrets about his “choice of words,” especially because of how they would affect those closest to him.

    “Directly or indirectly, I don’t think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly. I’m just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well,” he said.

    Despite being on camera, PCA said that the heat of the moment sparked his emotional response. “I saw the cameras in my face, it’s not like I didn’t,” he said, admitting he knew the clip had gone viral.

    Cubs manager Craig Counsell also responded to the video, seemingly offering grace and understanding to his young star.

    “Pete made a mistake with his choice of words,” Counsell said. “He’s aware of that. … It’s the reality of this job. Fan interactions happen. You want to try and keep them positive even when they’re not.”

    MLB Fans Lay Into Pete Crow-Armstrong Online After His Words Go Viral

    Pete Crow-Armstrong
    MEGA

    MLB fans have shared their reactions to PCA’s NSFW response on Reddit, and many appear unamused by the All-Star’s words or apology.

    “A very over emotional reaction. Makes you wonder if he can handle the pressures of major league baseball. Should probably send him down for the next two days,” someone wrote, while another said, “He regrets that there were mics that picked it up. That’s all.”

    Someone else condemned his words, writing, “Didn’t do his family proud there. I’m shocked how easily those words came out to a woman… even if she was heckling.”

    And another added: “I’m guessing that wasn’t the first time that came out of his mouth. Watch the dudes that say stuff like that so effortlessly when insulted or challenged.”

    One MLB Player Faced Backlash After Using A Homophobic Slur During A Game

    𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: There is simply no place in this world, let alone MLB, for homophobia. Period. Like it or not, fans will always heckle and Jarren Duran needs to be far more mature than to respond, "Shut up, you fucking faggot!" – MLB needs to take a strong stance and suspend him. pic.twitter.com/gCDOJpyplu

    — Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) August 12, 2024

    PCA isn’t the first professional baseball player to be criticized by the public over comments some deem inappropriate.

    According to MLB News, Boston Red Sox player Jarren Duran was under scrutiny in 2024 after calling a heckler a “f—-t” while at bat.

    His words were so loud that they were captured and aired during the live MLB broadcast.

    Durran received an unpaid two-game suspension by the Red Sox, and that portion of his salary was donated to PFLAG Boston, an offshoot of PFLAG National, one of the country’s biggest LGBTQ+ organizations.

    Duran Issued An Apology For His Words

    Duran also issued an apology after the incident, admitting he used a “truly horrific word when responding to a fan.”

    Duran explained that he felt “awful” knowing he hurt people in the community before apologizing to the Red Sox team and “the entire LGBTQ community.”

    “Our young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model, but tonight I fell far short of that responsibility. I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person,” he finished.

    The Red Sox, too, released a statement, condemning Duran’s comments and offering support to the queer community.

    “We strive to be an organization that welcomes all fans to Fenway Park, and we will continue to educate our employees, players, coaches and staff on the importance of inclusivity,” the statement finished.

    The MLB Fans Blast Pete Crow-Armstrong Over NSFW Outburst During Cubs Game first appeared on The Blast

    Brian Flores will amend lawsuit to include retaliation claim over arbitration issue

    Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a tiger by the tail. And he's pulling it, hard.

    Via Daniel Kaplan in an item published by Front Office Sports, Flores will be amending his complaint against the NFL and multiple teams on Wednesday to include a claim for retaliation. The alleged basis for the retaliation is Flores's opposition to the NFL’s enforcement of its arbitration provisions in employment agreements.

    The argument is simply stated, even if it will be difficult to prove. He'll argue that his head-coaching prospects have been blocked by his aggressive, and to date successful, assault on the NFL's habit of requiring coaches to agree to contracts that require all disputes to be resolved by arbitration ultimately controlled by the league.

    Flores has secured multiple victories on that front, culminating in a federal appeals court scrapping the league's longstanding practice of forcing coaches to submit to an in-house procedure that has the head of the organization — the Commissioner — ultimately responsible for processing and deciding claims made against the NFL and/or its teams.

    Flores, who continues to be one of the most successful defensive coordinators in the NFL, has been unable to get a second head-coaching job since being fired by the Dolphins after the 2021 season. (His pending lawsuit includes a retaliation claim against the Texans for not hiring him in the aftermath of the filing of his race discrimination case against the NFL and multiple teams.)

    Kaplan also reports that Flores has sought information from all 32 teams about their hiring practices, now that the discovery process is moving forward.

    Flores filed his lawsuit in early 2022. For most of the past four-plus years, the case has been bogged down as to the threshold question of whether the claims will be processed in arbitration, or in open court.

    It's gutsy, to say the least, for Flores to keep pushing these issues as aggressively as he is. Businesses like the NFL don't like to be sued. It will make it harder for Flores to get another head-coaching job, even if he's been kept out due to improper motivations.

    Still, if he truly believes in his position, he's doing the right thing by refusing to back down.

    That said, proving retaliation will be a challenge. No one will admit to it. His lawyers will be required to show through circumstantial evidence and/or aggressive cross-examination that the stated reason(s) for not hiring Flores are a pretext for a prohibited consideration.

    Michigan Baseball blows out Rutgers in Big Ten Tournament opener

    OMAHA, NEBRASKA - MAY 19: Colby Turner #14 of Michigan celebrates during the second inning against Rutgers at Charles Schwab Field on May 19, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)

    The Michigan Wolverines won their first game of the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha on Tuesday night in blowout fashion, beating Rutgers by a final score of 10-0.

    Michigan got things started in the first inning courtesy of a two-out solo home run by Brayden Jefferis. The game very well could have just ended there.

    BYE BYE, BASEBALL 👋

    Brayden Jefferis put a charge into this one to give @umichbaseball the early lead.

    📺: @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/QfKsUYqbZK

    — Big Ten Baseball (@B1Gbaseball) May 19, 2026

    Evan Haeger and Noah Miller hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning. The game later ended in the seventh via the run-rule following a Colby Turner two-run single.

    b2b HRs 💥

    Evan Haeger and Noah Miller go deep to extend @umichbaseball's lead.

    📺: @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/NNYYmiZ8zI

    — Big Ten Baseball (@B1Gbaseball) May 20, 2026

    WOLVERINES WALK IT OFF‼️

    Colby Turner's 2-run knock sends @umichbaseball to just the third run-rule win in @bigten tourney history.

    📺: @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/haObJNNRUJ

    — Big Ten Baseball (@B1Gbaseball) May 20, 2026

    Up next will be the winner of Washington and Ohio State at 10 p.m. tomorrow night.

    Tennessee baseball to play Arkansas in second round of SEC Tournament

    HOOVER, Ala. — Tennessee baseball will play Arkansas in the second round of the SEC Tournament after beating South Carolina in the first round.

    No. 10 seed Tennessee and No. 7 seed Arkansas will square off on May 20 (5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at the Hoover Met. The winner advances to a quarterfinal game against No. 2 seed Texas on May 22 (4 p.m., SEC Network).

    The Vols moved on to the second round after an 11-6 win over South Carolina on May 19. Arkansas earned a bye to the second round as a top-eight seed.

    Tennessee and Arkansas did not play in the regular season, but the programs are plenty familiar with each other. They played in the Fayetteville Super Regional last season, which Arkansas won to advance to the College World Series. The Vols have won just three of their last 17 games against the Razorbacks dating back to 2017, including a loss in the 2021 SEC title game.

    Tennessee has frequently played deep into the SEC Tournament in recent years, though, advancing to the semifinals in four of the past five seasons.

    Who does Tennessee baseball play next in the SEC Tournament?

    Tennessee will play No. 7 seed Arkansas in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Vols are the No. 10 seed.

    When does Tennessee baseball play next in the SEC Tournament?

    Tennessee's second-round game against Arkansas is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 20. It is the third game of the day so it could start later if the preceding game between Florida and Vanderbilt finishes late.

    Where to watch Tennessee baseball in the SEC Tournament

    Tennessee vs. Arkansas will broadcast on SEC Network. All SEC Tournament games are on SEC Network except for the championship game on ABC.

    SEC Tournament schedule

    All times Eastern

    Tuesday, May 19

    • Game 1:  16-seed Missouri 10, 9-seed Ole Miss 8
    • Game 2:  13-seed Kentucky 8, 12-seed Vanderbilt 5
    • Game 3: 10-seed Tennessee 11, 15-seed South Carolina 6
    • Game 411-seed Oklahoma vs. 14-seed LSU, approx. 9:55 p.m. on SEC Network

    Wednesday, May 20

    • Game 5:  8-seed Mississippi State vs. 16-seed Missouri, 10:30 a.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 6:  5-seed Florida vs. 13-seed Kentucky, approx. 2 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 7:  7-seed Arkansas vs. Game 3 winner, approx. 5:30 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 8:  6-seed Auburn vs. Game 4 winner, approx. 9 p.m. on SEC Network

    Thursday, May 21

    • Game 9:  1-seed Georgia vs. Game 5 winner, 4 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 10:  4-seed Alabama vs. Game 6 winner, approx. 8 p.m. on SEC Network

    Friday, May 22

    • Game 11:  2-seed Texas vs. Game 7 winner, 4 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 12:  3-seed Texas A&M vs. Game 8 winner, approx. 8 p.m. on SEC Network

    Saturday, May 23

    • Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 1 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, approx. 5 p.m. on SEC Network

    Sunday, May 24

    Championship Game:  Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 2 p.m. on ABC

    Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

    This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Who does Tennessee baseball play in second round of SEC Tournament? Vols' opponent set

    Tennessee baseball to play Arkansas in second round of SEC Tournament

    HOOVER, Ala. — Tennessee baseball will play Arkansas in the second round of the SEC Tournament after beating South Carolina in the first round.

    No. 10 seed Tennessee and No. 7 seed Arkansas will square off on May 20 (5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at the Hoover Met. The winner advances to a quarterfinal game against No. 2 seed Texas on May 22 (4 p.m., SEC Network).

    The Vols moved on to the second round after an 11-6 win over South Carolina on May 19. Arkansas earned a bye to the second round as a top-eight seed.

    Tennessee and Arkansas did not play in the regular season, but the programs are plenty familiar with each other. They played in the Fayetteville Super Regional last season, which Arkansas won to advance to the College World Series. The Vols have won just three of their last 17 games against the Razorbacks dating back to 2017, including a loss in the 2021 SEC title game.

    Tennessee has frequently played deep into the SEC Tournament in recent years, though, advancing to the semifinals in four of the past five seasons.

    Who does Tennessee baseball play next in the SEC Tournament?

    Tennessee will play No. 7 seed Arkansas in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Vols are the No. 10 seed.

    When does Tennessee baseball play next in the SEC Tournament?

    Tennessee's second-round game against Arkansas is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 20. It is the third game of the day so it could start later if the preceding game between Florida and Vanderbilt finishes late.

    Where to watch Tennessee baseball in the SEC Tournament

    Tennessee vs. Arkansas will broadcast on SEC Network. All SEC Tournament games are on SEC Network except for the championship game on ABC.

    SEC Tournament schedule

    All times Eastern

    Tuesday, May 19

    • Game 1:  16-seed Missouri 10, 9-seed Ole Miss 8
    • Game 2:  13-seed Kentucky 8, 12-seed Vanderbilt 5
    • Game 3: 10-seed Tennessee 11, 15-seed South Carolina 6
    • Game 411-seed Oklahoma vs. 14-seed LSU, approx. 9:55 p.m. on SEC Network

    Wednesday, May 20

    • Game 5:  8-seed Mississippi State vs. 16-seed Missouri, 10:30 a.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 6:  5-seed Florida vs. 13-seed Kentucky, approx. 2 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 7:  7-seed Arkansas vs. Game 3 winner, approx. 5:30 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 8:  6-seed Auburn vs. Game 4 winner, approx. 9 p.m. on SEC Network

    Thursday, May 21

    • Game 9:  1-seed Georgia vs. Game 5 winner, 4 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 10:  4-seed Alabama vs. Game 6 winner, approx. 8 p.m. on SEC Network

    Friday, May 22

    • Game 11:  2-seed Texas vs. Game 7 winner, 4 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 12:  3-seed Texas A&M vs. Game 8 winner, approx. 8 p.m. on SEC Network

    Saturday, May 23

    • Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 1 p.m. on SEC Network
    • Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, approx. 5 p.m. on SEC Network

    Sunday, May 24

    Championship Game:  Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 2 p.m. on ABC

    Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

    This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Who does Tennessee baseball play in second round of SEC Tournament? Vols' opponent set

    Could the Rams play a game in Japan at some point in the future?

    The Los Angeles Rams are the only team in the NFL with international marketing rights in Japan. As part of their expanded venture into the Pacific, which included a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the 2025 season and the team's campaign in Australia, the Rams have secured marketing rights with seven different countries.

    Those nations, all connected by the Pacific Ocean, are regions for which the NFL has expressed tremendous interest. With an expanding international schedule, including the Rams' season opener in Melbourne, they could be headed back west as soon as next season, with the league looking to break into Asia.

    Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on the latest from the NFL, noting that league EVP Peter O’Reilly mentioned Tuesday that Japan is on the list of countries that could host a game.

    A couple more notes from NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly …

    • The owners resolution gives league the ability to move towards 11 international games in 2027, but they’d have to have NFLPA approval to go beyond 10.

    • O’Reilly mentioned Japan specifically as a future frontier.

    — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 19, 2026

    A quick caveat to the resolution is the Jacksonville Jaguars' annual London game, meaning the NFL could have 11 contests outside of the United States instead of 10.

    If the NFL is going to Japan, it's highly likely the Rams will be a part of that contest.

    This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: With NFL looking to play in Japan, could Rams help make it happen?

    Tennessee baseball wins first-round game against South Carolina

    The SEC baseball tournament opened Tuesday with the first round at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.

    No. 10 seed Tennessee (38-19, 15-15 SEC) defeated No. 15 seed South Carolina (22-35, 7-23 SEC), 11-6. The Vols advance to face No. 7 seed Arkansas on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. EDT.

    On Tuesday, Cam Appenzeller (6-1) started for the Vols and pitched five innings, earning his sixth win of the season. He recorded five strikeouts 84 pitches, including 52 strikes, against 23 batters.

    Brayden Krenzel pitched 1.2 innings in relief for the Vols. He totaled two strikeouts and 28 pitches (19 strikes) against nine batters.

    Will Haas earned his first save of the season.

    Tennessee's offense totaled 15 hits against the Gamecocks. Henry Ford and Garrett Wright hit one home run each for the Vols. Wright went 4-for-5 and recorded three RBIs and two runs.

    Nate Eisfelder started in right field for Tennessee in replace of Reese Chapman.

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

    This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Vols eliminate South Carolina baseball in SEC Tournament

    SEC baseball tournament 2026: Schedule, scores, bracket, and more

    AUSTIN, TX - MAY 14: Pitcher Dylan Volantis #99 of the Texas Longhorns pitches the ball during the SEC college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Missouri Tigers on May14, 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    The SEC baseball tournament gets underway later today in Hoover, Alabama.

    And you might want to pay attention.

    As is often the case, the SEC baseball tournament sports a very deep field. According to the latest projections, 12 teams from the conference are expected to earn spots in the field of 64 come Selection Monday, but teams that are on the outside looking in — like Vanderbilt — could help themselves with a deep run down in Hoover.

    But at the top of the conference, teams like Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Alabama are looking to lock down spots as regional hosts in the field of 64.

    Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 SEC baseball tournament.

    What is the format for the SEC baseball tournament?

    The SEC baseball championship is a 16-team, single-elimination tournament. All 16 teams are entered.

    The top four teams in the conference — Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, and Alabama — are seeded No. 1 through No. 4, and all receive byes to the Quarterfinals, which begin on Thursday. The next four teams in the standings — Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, and Mississippi State — are seeded No. 5 through No. 8 and receive byes to the second round.

    The remaining eight teams will meet in the first round.

    All games are single elimination, building to Sunday’s SEC Championship Game.

    What are the seeds for the SEC baseball tournament?

    Here are the seeds for the SEC baseball tournament, along with conference record:

    1. Georgia (24-6)
    2. Texas (19-10)
    3. Texas A&M (18-11)
    4. Alabama (18-12)
    5. Florida (18-12)
    6. Auburn (17-13)
    7. Arkansas (17-13)
    8. Mississippi State (16-14)
    9. Ole Miss (15-15)
    10. Tennessee (15-15)
    11. Oklahoma (14-16)
    12. Vanderbilt (14-16)
    13. Kentucky (13-17)
    14. LSU (9-21)
    15. South Carolina (7-23)
    16. Missouri (6-24)

    What is the bracket for the SEC baseball tournament?

    Here is the SEC baseball tournament bracket, courtesy of the conference:

    Who are the favorites for the SEC baseball tournament?

    As is often the case, the SEC has one of the deepest conferences in all of college baseball.

    According to the latest projections for the field of 64, the conference is expected to see 12 teams in the overall field come Selection Monday. Five SEC teams — Georgia, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, and Texas A&M — are expected to be top eight seeds in the field. In addition Mississippi State and Florida are projected to be regional hosts.

    Georgia is the top seed in the tournament, and with good reason. The Bulldogs posted a 23-7 record in SEC play, and finished 43-12 overall. Georgia also can lean on the SEC Player of the Year in catcher Daniel Jackson, who secured the conference Triple Crown with a .394 batting average, 27 home runs, and 77 runs batted in. Jackson was one of four Bulldogs to earn All-SEC honors, along with third baseman Tre Phelps, outfielder Rylan Lugo, and shortstop Kolby Branch, who was an All-SEC Second-Team selection.

    Jackson is also the first catcher in Division 1 history to post a 25/25 season, as he added 25 stolen bases along with his 27 home runs.

    Texas comes into the tournament as the No. 2 seed, and the Longhorns are a balanced squad with some of the top arms in the conference. But Texas also has some youth, as outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after slashing .360/.479/.559 while swiping 20 bases. The Longhorns also have freshman closer Sam Cozart, who posted an ERA of 1.59 along with a WHIP of 0.640, securing eight saves over the season.

    Then there is ace Dylan Volantis. The lefty was a First-Team All-SEC selection for the second consecutive season, after finishing the year with an 8-1 record and an ERA of 2.05. He posted a WHIP of 0.991 and notched 105 strikeouts, third-most in the SEC.

    But again, this is a very deep conference. Any of the top seeds in the SEC tournament, including Texas A&M, Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, and Mississippi State, could make a deep run this week in Hoover.

    ACC baseball tournament schedule and scores

    Here is the schedule, and scores, for the 2026 SEC baseball tournament.

    All games are in Hoover, Alabama. The lower seed will be the visiting team for each game.

    First round: Tuesday, May 19

    Game 1: No. 16 Missouri 10, No. 9 Ole Miss 8 (Ole Miss eliminated)
    Game 2: No. 12 Vanderbilt 8, No. 13 Kentucky 5 (Kentucky eliminated)
    Game 3: No. 10. Tennessee 11, No. 15 South Carolina 6 (South Carolina eliminated)
    Game 4: No. 11 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 LSU, 9:00 p.m. Eastern

    Second Round: Wednesday, May 20

    Game 5: No. 16 Missouri vs. No. 8 Mississippi State, 10:30 a.m. Eastern
    Game 6: No. 12 Vanderbilt vs. No. 5 Florida, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
    Game 7: No. 10 Tennessee vs. No. 7 Arkansas, 5:30 p.m. Eastern
    Game 8: Game 4 Winner vs. No. 6 Auburn, 9:00 p.m. Eastern

    Quarterfinals: Thursday, May 21

    Game 9: Game 5 Winner vs. No. 1 Georgia, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
    Game 10: Game 6 Winner vs. No. 4 Alabama, 8:00 p.m. Eastern

    Quarterfinals: Friday, May 22

    Game 11: Game 7 Winner vs. No. 2 Texas, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
    Game 12: Game 8 Winner vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, 8:00 p.m. Easter

    Semifinals: Saturday, May 23

    Game 13: Game 9 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
    Game 14: Game 11 Winner vs. Game 12 Winner, 5:00 p.m. Eastern

    Championship: Sunday, May 24

    Game 15: Game 13 Winner vs. Game 14 Winner

    Jo Adell getting his extra-base hits and an update on Ben Joyce

    Jo Adell #7 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to third base during an MLB match against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium on April 4, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
    Jo Adell #7 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to third base during an MLB match against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium on April 4, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

    ANAHEIM, Calif. — Offense has been hard to come by for the Angels as of late, but one bright spot in the lineup has been right fielder Jo Adell. 

    Coming off a career year that saw him hit 37 home runs, Adell’s start to this season was interesting because he was getting hits, but not tapping into the power that he’s known to possess. 

    Through his first 38 games, Adell hit .258, but he had only six extra-base hits for a lowly .351 slugging percentage. 

    “It was pretty bad weather for hitting early on, especially when he went to Chicago, but that's when he probably felt his worst and he was still surviving and getting some line drive singles,” Angels hitting coach Brady Anderson said. “That sort of is the hallmark of hitters who have a lot of success in the league, is they know how to get through their rough times without being shut out, and that's what he was able to do.”

    Adell’s strikeout rate in that span was 22.4%, which is about league average and well below his career average. So he was putting more balls in play than he normally does, but the quality of contact was missing. 

    “Just trying to stay over the ball a little bit more,” Adell said. “In weeks prior, I think I've been pulling off the ball a little bit, which is causing me to kind of just really mishit some of those pitches, and really outer half pitches that I've been pulling that have been not hit very well, versus like the other night against the Dodgers when I went backside on that double. That was more kind of the way that I'm used to hitting the ball, is all parts of the field with good exit (velocities). So I think we just got in the cage and worked on staying over the ball a little bit more, and knowing there's going to be outer lane attack for me and just be able to get more barrel there.”

    From adjusting to staying over the ball, Adell has more than doubled his hard hit rate from 30.2% in his first 38 games to 65.2% over his last 10 games. In these past 10 games, Adell has hit six extra-base hits as well to double his season total with four doubles and a pair of home runs.

    Adell has also drawn more walks as a result, drawing just four walks in his first 38 games and drawing three in his last 10 games. 

    “Typically, people are pulling off the ball because they feel like they're late and so when they're late on the heater, they're pulling off, trying to catch up is a typical move,” Anderson said. “That leaves you susceptible to the sliders low and away. So that's the never-ending battle, being on time so you don't have to pull off so you can recognize all pitches in the zone.

    “That's something that when you see a lot of hitters. If they're landing their first move as the right-hander is left. That becomes problematic. You have to be very disciplined with your upper body if that’s the case. That's what he means by that, staying a little more square, making sure that when he lands, and that also improves pitch recognition. A lot of times you're swinging at a lot of bad pitches, well, he doesn't know they're bad, he's not in a position to see the ball.”

    Despite keeping his batting average just about the same, Adell has raised his slugging percentage by 37 points and his OPS by 42 points over his last 10 games. And if the Angels' offense wants to turn things around, Adell will have to keep up the quality of his contact. 

    “We're definitely always on the same page of just trying to get to a spot to where anywhere in the strike zone that I'm ready to pull off a swing, no matter what the count is, and just being aggressive in those swings and we can live with the rest,” Adell said of his work with Anderson. “So really kept it simple, and that's kind of what we're shooting for is just at any point in time during the AB, I'm going to recognize who I am, but be ready to attack any pitch in the strike zone and put off my swing.”

    Ben Joyce Update

    Ahead of the Angels’ Tuesday night matchup against the Athletics, Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said right-hander Ben Joyce is now at the team’s complex in Arizona doing more rehabbing on his shoulder.

    Joyce had surgery on his shoulder to repair his labrum last May, but paused his rehab assignment after feeling soreness in his shoulder last week.

    Suzuki said he’s in Arizona to “take a step back” and build up strength before resuming his rehab assignment. Suzuki also said he’s unsure if Joyce has been playing catch since getting to Arizona. 

    ACC baseball tournament 2026: Schedule, scores, bracket, and more

    ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: The Tech team hangs on the dugout rail during the Tuesday evening men's college baseball game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on April 21, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Selection Monday is just one week away, but until the field of 64 teams is announced, there is just one small matter of business.

    The conference tournaments.

    While the Patriot League begins play on Monday, the bulk of the conference tournaments kick off on Tuesday, including the ACC Tournament. The ACC is expected to get a host of teams into the field of 64, with some of the latest projections focusing on nine teams, but there are some teams that need a deep run this week in Charlotte to improve their chances of getting into the tournament. According to some of the latest projections three teams in particular — Clemson, Pittsburgh, and NC State — begin the week on the bubble.

    Here is a look at how the ACC baseball tournament works, the bracket, and more.

    What is the format for the ACC baseball tournament?

    All 16 teams that play baseball in the ACC qualify for the ACC conference tournament. Syracuse and SMU do not currently field baseball teams.

    The top four teams in the standings — Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Florida State, and Boston College — are seeded No. 1 through No. 4 and all receive byes to the Quarterfinals, which begin on Thursday. The next four teams in the standings — Miami, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and Virginia — are seeded No. 5 through No. 8 and receive byes to the second round.

    The remaining eight teams will meet in the first round.

    All games are single elimination, building to Sunday’s ACC Championship Game.

    What are the seeds for the ACC baseball tournament?

    Here are the seedings for the 2026 ACC baseball tournament, along with conference records:

    1. Georgia Tech (25-5)
    2. North Carolina (22-8)
    3. Florida State (19-11)
    4. Boston College (18-14)
    5. Miami (16-14)
    6. Wake Forest (16-14)
    7. Virginia Tech (15-15)
    8. Virginia (14-16)
    9. NC State (14-16)
    10. Notre Dame (13-17)
    11. Louisville (13-17)
    12. Stanford (13-17)
    13. California (12-18)
    14. Pittsburgh (11-19)
    15. Clemson (10-20)
    16. Duke (10-20)

    What is the bracket for the ACC baseball tournament?

    Here is the bracket for this year’s ACC baseball tournament, courtesy of the ACC:

    Who are the favorites in the ACC baseball tournament?

    We start at the top of the standings with Georgia Tech.

    The Yellow Jackets are coming off the greatest regular season in school history. Georgia Tech polished off its second consecutive regular-season title this weekend, sweeping Boston College on the road to clinch the regular-season conference championship. And they closed out the regular season with another run-rule victory, defeating Boston College by a final score of 15-2 in just seven innings. It was the sixth sweep of an ACC series this season, and in those three wins over the Eagles, Georgia Tech won by a combined score of 38-3, the most lopsided sweep over a Top 25 opponent in school history.

    The Yellow Jackets can absolutely mash, and enter the conference tournament leading all of baseball in several offensive categories including batting average (.358), hits (674), on-base percentage (.469), scoring (10.7 runs per game), and slugging percentage (.630).

    However, the Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 team in the country according to the latest Top 25 from D1 Baseball, as North Carolina clocks in at No. 2. While Georgia Tech finished the year with a 45-9 regular-season record North Carolina came in at 43-10-1. When these two teams met in Chapel Hill back in mid-April, North Carolina took two games of the three-game series.

    ACC baseball tournament schedule and scores

    Here is the schedule, and scores, for the ACC baseball tournament.

    All games are in Charlotte, North Carolina. The lower seed will be the visiting team for each game.

    First Round: Tuesday, May 19

    Game 1: No. 16 Duke 21, No. 9 NC State 12 (NC State eliminated)
    Game 2: No. 12 Stanford 11, No. 13 California 4 (California eliminated)
    Game 3: No. 10 Notre Dame 5, No. 15 Clemson 4 (Clemson eliminated)
    Game 4: No. 11 Louisville vs. No. 14 Pittsburgh, 9:00 p.m. Eastern

    Second Round: Wednesday, May 20

    Game 5: No. 16 Duke vs. No. 8 Virginia, 9:00 a.m., Eastern
    Game 6: No. 12 Stanford vs. No. 5 Miami, 1:00 p.m., Eastern
    Game 7: No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech, 5:00 p.m., Eastern
    Game 8: Game 4 Winner vs. No. 6 Wake Forest, 9:00 p.m., Eastern

    Quarterfinals: Thursday, May 21

    Game 9: Game 5 Winner vs. No. 1 Georgia Tech, 3:00 p.m., Eastern
    Game 10: Game 6 Winner vs. No. 4 Boston College, 7:00 p.m., Eastern

    Quarterfinals: Friday, May 22

    Game 11: Game 7 Winner vs. No. 2 North Carolina, 3:00 p.m., Eastern
    Game 12: Game 8 Winner vs. No. 3 Florida State, 7:00 p.m., Eastern

    Semifinals: Saturday, May 23

    Game 13: Game 9 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner, 1:00 p.m., Eastern
    Game 14: Game 11 Winner vs. Game 12 Winner, 5:00 p.m., Eastern

    Championship: Sunday, May 24

    Game 15: Game 13 Winner vs. Game 14 Winner, 12:00 p.m., Eastern

    Jason Kidd out in Dallas as Masai Ujiri begins remaking the Mavericks

    Jason Kidd out in Dallas as Masai Ujiri begins remaking the Mavericks

    Masai Ujiri wasted no time making his mark in Dallas.

    Less than a month after being named team president, the Mavericks and Ujiri decided to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd, the franchise announced.

    It ended a five-season tenure the team described as a mutual decision.

    Kidd leaves with a 205-205 overall record, going 22-18 in the playoffs and guiding Dallas to the 2022 Western Conference finals and the 2024 NBA Finals. The California native had four years remaining on his contract, according to DLLS Sports’ Marc Stein.

    Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, who extended Kidd’s contract during Dallas’ NBA Finals run in 2024 and again before last season after the franchise declined the New York Knicks’ request to interview him, gave new president Masai Ujiri full authority to determine the coach’s future with the franchise.

    “He’s done a great job, but we are going to look at this thing from head to toe,” Ujiri said of Kidd during his introductory news conference.

    Ujiri told DLLS Sports he planned to speak with Kidd the day after his introductory news conference. After taking more than two weeks to weigh the decision, Ujiri concluded it was time for the team to move in a new direction.

    “Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals,” Ujiri said in a team statement. “As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team.”

    Kidd forged strong relationships with both of the Mavericks’ stars, forward Cooper Flagg and guard Kyrie Irving, during his time in Dallas. Flagg, 19, just completed his rookie season and has three years remaining on his contract. Irving has one year left on his deal before he can exercise a player option in the summer of 2027.

    Multiple teams have expressed interest in Irving’s services next season, sources tell DLLS Sports. But Ujiri may look to pair the NBA champion with Flagg going forward.

    “You dream like me, man. I can’t wait. I want to see that,” Ujiri said at his introductory news conference. “Kyrie Irving is one of the best players, and I know he’s the best ball handler in the game. His experience. He’s a championship player. I’m excited to see that, we all are. His injury was unfortunate, but I know he’s moved past that. I think it’s going to be pretty cool, and I know it’s going to help Cooper, because Kyrie likes to play off the ball too, and this is going to be interesting for us.”

    Ujiri has never been quick to pull the trigger on coaches. In Denver, he kept George Karl. In Toronto, he held onto Dwane Casey for years before parting ways. But something about Dallas felt different  and Kidd paid the price.

    Now the Mavericks face a coaching search at a pivotal moment, tasked with finding the right voice to shepherd 19-year-old Cooper Flagg into stardom. It is a job that did not exist 15 months ago, before the franchise shipped out Luka Dončić — the very superstar Kidd was brought to Dallas to coach.

    Matt Riccardi, a Plano native who served as the Mavericks’ co-interim general manager, is out along with several other staff members as Ujiri continues reshaping the organization, sources told DLLS Sports.

    The Dallas Mavericks will hold a news conference at American Airlines Center with Ujiri at 10:30 a.m. CT Wednesday.

    With another expansion of its international series, the NFL is plowing the road for an 18-game schedule

    When the NFL tells you what its regular season is going to look like, believe it. That’s the message that should be taken from Tuesday’s installment of the owners’ meetings in Orlando, when another step in the league’s (carefully planned) relentless march into future schedule expansion was established.

    The latest move was via an amendment that will allow a new maximum of 10 league-run international games each season. The ceiling was eight prior to Tuesday’s change. Technically, the league’s international series is already at nine games this season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars taking part in back-to-back contests in London during the 2026 season as Everbank Stadium continues $1.4 billion in renovations. However, one of those two games was established through the Jaguars choosing to operate as the home team, sacrificing one date in Jacksonville, which allowed for nine international games this season rather than eight.

    Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president of club business, international and league events, framed the expansion to 10 games as sooner rather than later when meeting with media.

    “There’s a path to 10 [international games] in 2027,” O’Reilly said.

    Find NFL tickets on Gametime | More NFL team schedules

    One of Yahoo Sports’ 25 game changers to watch in 2025, O’Reilly has been a power player in stewarding the league’s international strategy. He was even dubbed “the most impactful league employee not named Roger Goodell” by a highly influential NFL team president who spoke with Yahoo Sports about O’Reilly’s place in the NFL. And Tuesday’s vote to expand the international series showcases why, as it acts as another stepping stone to the league’s push toward 18 regular-season games.

    06 November 2025, Berlin: Artificial turf has been rolled out at the Brandenburg Gate - where fans can try their hand at flag football (a variant of American football). On 09.11.2025, the Atlanta Falcons will play the Indianapolis Colts in the Berlin Game. Photo: Jordan Raza/dpa (Photo by Jordan Raza/picture alliance via Getty Images)
    The NFL continues to expand its international slate, staging games in places like Berlin and beyond. (Jordan Raza/picture alliance via Getty Images)
    picture alliance via Getty Images

    Goodell, the league’s commissioner, along with O’Reilly and the NFL’s heaviest-hitting club owners, continue to lay the groundwork for an annual 16-game international season. The primary goal of that kind of international season would be to create a “33rd” NFL franchise in a foreign-based aggregate, driving an expansion of NFL popularity outside the continental 48 states in North America. In turn, the league would aim to create markets for expanded overseas television rights contracts, along with a multitude of other new revenue drivers that help offset the cost of rising player salaries, more expensive stadium complex builds, other renovations and overall costs. Not to mention a general expansion of the league’s bottom line, which was once aimed at $25 billion by Goodell but is being recalculated to blast beyond that mark in the coming decade.

    As part of that effort, the league’s team owners also struck down scheduling protections Tuesday as it pertained to international games. Previously, franchises were granted the right to protect two scheduled opponents from being chosen for international games. The NFL eliminated that protection as part of the new ceiling of 10 international games.

    In some ways, it mirrors the NFL’s aggressive scheduling blitz over the last several seasons, which went from Thursday night games to expanding the Thanksgiving schedule to a Thanksgiving Eve game, three Thanksgiving Day games, a Black Friday game, three Christmas Day games and a Wednesday season-opener. All of this despite complaints from players and the NFL Players Association about the schedule grind throwing chaos into recovery times between some games — and an international game in Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers that will be a test cast of far-flung “complex” international games that stretch the limits of teams and travel.

    This push, particularly from an international standpoint, was foreshadowed in comments from powerful team owners who have thrown support behind the strategy. That includes the New England Patriots’ Robert Kraft, who laid out the plans involving both international games and expanding platforms (like Netflix) in unambiguous terms last January when speaking with the team’s flagship network, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

    “We’re gonna push like the dickens now, to make international [exposure] more important with us,” Kraft said in the January interview. “Every team will go to 18 [games] and two [exhibition games] and eliminate one of the preseason games. Every team every year will play one game overseas. Part of the reason is so we can continue to grow the cap and keep our labor happy. Because we’re sort of getting near the top here, you know, with the [domestic] coverage.”

    “Ninety-three of the top 100 programs on television are NFL games,” Kraft continued. “Think about that. It’s really amazing. … You know, we had that Amazon game on Thursday a couple weeks ago — 31 million people streamed in. So as long as we can keep growing revenue, we can keep long-term labor peace.”

    Make no mistake, Tuesday was part of that “push like the dickens” plan. Where it goes now depends on future labor negotiations — both on an 18-game regular-season schedule and possibly raising the international limit beyond 10 games. To go beyond 10 games in the future, the NFL would have to negotiate a new cap with the players’ union under the current collective bargaining agreement. As it stands, the union, which recently elected new executive director JC Tretter, has resisted expanding to an 18-game schedule.

    Dallas Mavericks Part Ways With Jason Kidd

    Dallas Mavericks v Memphis Grizzlies - Play-In Tournament

    MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    Masai Ujiri is making his presence felt with the Dallas Mavericks already.

    The team’s new president parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd, the franchise announced Tuesday evening.

    Kidd had four years and more than $40 million remaining on his contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    “Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals,” Ujiri said in a statement. “We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I’ve developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family.”

    Kidd, 53, won an NBA championship with the team asaplayer (2011). He coached the Mavericks for five seasons, taking the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024. Dallas finished 26-56 this season.

    “As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said. “We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”

    Former Dallas GM Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic at the deadline in 2025 in what is considered by many among the worst trades in NBA history, if not the worst.

    The Mavericks then proceeded to win the NBA Draft Lottery and earned the right to draft Duke star Cooper Flagg last summer. Flagg, who enjoyed a close relationship with Kidd, went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

    Harrison was fired last November and the Mavericks finished 26-56 this past season while dealing with a slew of injuries, including to Kyrie Irving (ACL) and Dereck Lively II (foot surgery).

    The Mavericks own the No. 9 and 30 picks in this summer’s NBA Draft.

    This article was originally published on Forbes.com

    Avalanche Legend Fired By Canucks After Turbulent Season

    The honeymoon ended fast for Adam Foote, whose tenure behind the bench of the Vancouver Canucks came crashing to an abrupt and unforgiving end.

    Former Vancouver head coach Adam Foote is out in Vancouver, ending a turbulent run behind the bench that never fully gained traction despite the organization’s hopes for internal continuity.

    Foote’s dismissal closes a brief and frustrating chapter for a Canucks team that entered the season believing stability would follow after promoting a familiar voice from within the organization. Instead, Vancouver spiraled through inconsistency, defensive breakdowns, and mounting pressure that eventually forced management to make a change.

    The move also reignites speculation surrounding Foote’s future — and whether another opportunity could emerge elsewhere around the league, including possible ties to the Colorado Avalanche organization where he built much of his legacy as a player.

    Foote had been viewed internally as a culture-setting presence when Vancouver elevated him into the role. The organization valued his direct communication style, defensive mindset, and longstanding relationships within the room. But as losses mounted and expectations slipped further out of reach, patience inside the market rapidly evaporated.

    Expectations Collided With Reality

    Canucks president Jim Rutherford had publicly praised Foote’s leadership qualities when the organization committed to him behind the bench.

    “Adam is a strong leader, good teacher and person who knows what it takes to build a great culture and winning attitude,” Rutherford said. “His past experiences on the ice have translated nicely into a coaching style that fits our organization’s goals and vision. He has worked extremely hard the past few years, gaining our players’ respect and trust for his strong communication and honest straightforward opinion.”

    Foote also embraced the opportunity enthusiastically at the time of his hiring.

    “I’m very honored to become the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks,” Foote said. “This is something I have worked very hard towards for a long time. I would like to thank the Aquilini family, Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin for their belief in me. We have a great group of players and a very determined coaching staff and support team in place already. I know this fanbase is passionate and loyal, and I’m excited to get started.”

    But the optimism surrounding the hire eventually gave way to frustration.

    Vancouver struggled to establish a reliable identity under Foote, particularly during high-pressure stretches where defensive lapses and offensive inconsistency repeatedly surfaced. In a Canadian market where scrutiny escalates quickly, the noise surrounding the team became impossible to ignore.

    For Foote, the firing represents another harsh reminder of how quickly momentum can disappear behind an NHL bench. Respected assistants often receive opportunities based on leadership, communication, and tactical promise — but translating those qualities into sustained success as a head coach is an entirely different challenge.

    Now, one of the most recognizable former players in Avalanche history finds himself back on the coaching market, with questions already beginning about what comes next.

    Image

    Pixo – Your personal AI agent for long-form video creation


    Pixo is an AI agent video platform where a conversational agent handles your entire creative workflow, from scripting and storyboarding to asset generation and final editing. Built on a storyboard-first approach, it gives you intuitive control over every scene and shot. Pixo integrates multiple leading models—Kling, Seedance 2.0, Image2, and Grok—in one platform, so you get the best output without switching tools.

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    Kourze – AI markets your course and publishes clips on social media


    Kourze is a course platform for creators. You upload a lesson, and the AI detects the viral moment, generates 9:16 clips with subtitles, and automatically posts them on TikTok, Reels, X, and LinkedIn to attract sales. It includes a Claude-based tutor that answers student questions 24/7 in your voice and context, plus a video player, community, certificates, and your own storefront. Start free and build your first course in minutes, then scale with custom domains, bundles, and affiliates.

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    Samsung One UI 9 Beta eligible devices: Android 17 beta expected list

    20 May 2026 at 05:15

    Samsung just kicked off the One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series in mid-May 2026. If you own one of those new flagships, you can already sign up through the Samsung Members app in countries like the US, UK, Germany, Korea, and soon India and Poland. But what about the rest of us? Based on how Samsung has handled betas in the past, here’s a clear picture of what to expect next.

    Samsung almost always starts with the latest S series phones. The same is happening with the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. These devices have the latest hardware, which is perfect for testing new software. But what about the One UI 9 beta program for other devices?

    You should not expect it tomorrow, but history shows the previous year’s flagships join the beta program quickly. For example, the S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, and even the S25 FE are strong candidates to join the One UI 9 beta soon, probably by next month. The S25 owners are currently busy getting the stable One UI 8.5 update, so Samsung is rolling out the stable update first before moving to the next big beta testing program.

    After the S25 lineup, look for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 (and possibly the new Fold8/Flip8 around the July launch). Foldables usually get early access because these devices are premium, and Samsung wants feedback on the flexible screen experience. The stable One UI 9 version is expected to drop alongside the new foldables in July 2026, so the beta could open in June, around the same time as the S25 series.

    Then the rollout widens. Older flagships like the Galaxy S24 and S23 series often join in the following weeks or months. FE models, some Tab S series tablets, and higher-end A-series phones usually come later in the beta phase. Samsung promises 4 to 7 years of updates for its recent flagships, so most S23 and newer devices should eventually get One UI 9.

    Samsung One UI 9 Official Image

    Keep in mind that betas are not perfect. Beta builds can have bugs, battery drain, or app crashes. Only join if you are okay with troubleshooting and reporting issues to help Samsung improve the stable version. To get a beta update, you need to sign up in the Samsung Members app, and availability depends on your country and carrier.

    The full stable One UI 9 should start rolling out in July or August 2026, starting with the newest phones and foldables, then spreading to others through the rest of the year.

    If you have an older device, don’t worry, your turn will come. Just keep an eye on the Samsung Members app and official news.

    The post Samsung One UI 9 Beta eligible devices: Android 17 beta expected list appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Insider denies PS6 release date delay or lower specs, with slow PS5 sales as factor

    Some analysts anticipate that the next PlayStation console may not surface until 2028 or later. Yet, amid lagging PS5 sales, one insider rejects the idea of a PS6 release date delay. Moore’s Law Is Dead also thinks Sony is unlikely to reduce the system’s memory capacity to lower its price.

    Galaxy S27 Ultra or Oppo Find X10 Ultra: "Best-ever 200MP sensor" specs tipped - LOFIC, 1/1.12-inch HPA by Samsung

    Oppo Find X10 Ultra is rumored to feature Samsung’s 200MP HPA sensor with LOFIC tech for industry-leading dynamic range, while the Galaxy S27 Ultra is tipped to miss out. Samsung’s upcoming 200MP HPA sensor will be the "strongest" main camera on the market, say the leaks coming from top insiders.

    Here's when the RedMagic 11S Pro is launching internationally

    20 May 2026 at 04:41

    Yesterday, RedMagic unveiled the 11S Pro and 11S Pro+ gaming smartphones for the Chinese market, and in light of that you may have been wondering when to expect an international launch. RedMagic is usually quite quick to bring its devices to global markets, and the situation is similar in this case. The brand has just revealed that the global launch will be taking place on May 27 at 8 AM EDT, which is 1 PM in London, 2 PM in Central Europe, 3 PM in Eastern Europe, and 5:30 PM in India. It appears as if only one device is making the international trip. This will be called RedMagic...

    Pedri dreams of World Cup glory with Spain, but admits: ‘Winning it isn’t easy’

    20 May 2026 at 04:07
    Pedri dreams with Spain winning the World Cup but knows it won't be easy as he feels sorry about Fermín López.

    Many teams reach the World Cup with very good players in their squad. Spain are one of them, mainly because of the great midfielders they usually have, with an outstanding Pedri among them. The Barcelona midfielder spoke about their chances at an event organized by Adidas.

    Pedri said: “I’m very keen on the World Cup. We all dream about winning the star, but winning it isn’t easy. We have a great team. I’d like to finish the tournament with the feeling of having heavy arms from lifting the trophy.”

    The midfielder is not just there to be part of the squad. His most likely role in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup is to be one of the team’s key players. In great form to finish the season with his club, Pedri looks like a player to watch.

    Pedri on Fermín López

    With nothing at stake for Barcelona, an unfortunate situation came up in a meaningless match against Betis in a La Liga season that had already been won by the club. Fermín López was the main figure, with the midfielder leaving the field at halftime with an injury from a win that has ruled him out of the World Cup, with an expected recovery of around three months.

    López may be out for a few months with an injury (David Ramos/Getty Images)

    The club confirmed his injury in a statement: “Fermín has undergone successful surgery for the fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The recovery time will be determined based on his progress.”

    Pedri said: “Fermín was very sad. Missing the World Cup is not an easy pill to swallow. I just hope he recovers well. It was a blow for everyone; I have a very good relationship with him. Soccer can be cruel sometimes. I wish him a quick recovery.”

    Pedri on José Mourinho rumors

    The midfielder was also asked about Real Madrid, especially about the manager who could replace Álvaro Arbeloa next season after serving as interim coach, as José Mourinho is being mentioned most often for the job. Pedri said: “It is not official and it is not the time to talk about it if he comes. It does not make sense.”

    Pedri may be firm in Spain's lineup

    Rousey's return draws US-record MMA viewership for Netflix

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first live MMA event broadcast on Netflix — featuring a double-comeback bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano — attracted the most U.S. viewers in the sport's history.

    Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions reported on Tuesday that Saturday's event in Inglewood, California, drew as many as 17 million viewers worldwide, including a peak of 11.6 million in the U.S.

    The U.S. figure surpassed the previous MMA record of 8.8 million in 2011 for UFC on FOX 1.

    The 39-year-old Rousey, performing in a mixed martial arts cage for the first time in nearly a decade, defeated the 44-year-old Carano with her signature armbar move just 17 seconds into the bout. Carano was fighting for the first time in 17 years.

    Other featured bouts at the Intuit Dome on Saturday included a fight between UFC veterans Mike Perry and Nate Diaz. Perry won the welterweight matchup on a doctor's stoppage after bloodying Diaz.

    In another bout, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou knocked out Philipe Lins in the first round.

    ___

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

    Drake Baldwin’s oblique strain a Grade 1

    May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) reacts after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox center during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

    After today’s victory against the Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that catcher Drake Baldwin’s MRI results came back with a mild Grade 1 oblique strain.

    Baldwin was placed on the 10-day IL earlier today as part of a bevy of moves. With Sean Murphy also on the injured list with a fractured finger, the Braves will now have veterans Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp as their primary backstops – barring a move to bring in a catcher from outside the organization – for at least the next week-and-a-half, although the length of Baldwin’s stay on the IL in unknown. Murphy isn’t expected back until next month, at the earliest.

    This is some slightly good news for Atlanta and their star catcher. Baldwin, who has amassed 2.2 fWAR already this season behind 13 home runs and a 160 wRC+, seemed likely to be headed to his first All-Star game with a performance that has positioned him among the top catchers in the game.

    15 years ago pro bowler Tom Daugherty was humiliated. He turned it into the sport’s greatest comeback story.

    bowler, bowling, sports, bad sports, funny sports bloopers, bowling alley, lowest bowling score, redemption, underdog, heartwarming, never give up
    The bowler who scored the lowest total in televised history returned the very next year.

    Everyone has bad days, even world class athletes. Any number of circumstances can cause someone who’s been training their entire life to simply miss the moment; be it physical, mental, or just plain bad luck.

    It happened to Simone Biles when she got the the “twisties” and became disoriented in the air during what should have been a pinnacle moment in her Olympic career. It happened to golfer Greg Norman when he squandered an unprecedented six-stroke lead at the 1996 Masters in a stunning collapse.

    The best athletes, and people, aren’t defined by perfection, however. They’re defined by what they do after they fail.

    Bowler Tom Daugherty puts on one of the worst performances of all time

    Bowling, while not a premier sport in the minds of most viewers, comes with a ton of pressure. It’s a highly technical sport where being just a millimeter or a fraction of a second off in your technique can be disastrous.

    Tom Daugherty found this out firsthand in what has became a legendary game…but not legendary for the reasons he’d like.

    In 2011, Daugherty faced off with Mike Koiveniemi in a semifinal match of the PBA Tournament of Champions. The event was televised, and the pressure was high. Luck, however, was not on Daugherty’s side that day. He rolled his way into every conceivable bad split you could possibly imagine.

    The round was a nightmare, and Daugherty found himself facing his final shot of the night with a score under 100. His opponent, meanwhile, finished with a 299—nearly a perfect game. For reference, a 70-100 is roughly an achievable score for people who only bowl a few times per year and are not trained at all in form and technique. Yikes.

    When Daugherty’s last shot connected, it put his final score at 100 exactly: triple digits. He reacted by running around and high-fiving the crowd, determined not to let himself get down.

    His 199-point loss is one of the worst margins in professional bowling history, and his score of 100 is the lowest that’s ever been televised.

    Daugherty did not let the humiliation define him, and came back stronger

    Through it all, Tom Daugherty kept an impressive sense of humor about what could have been the greatest failure of his career, to date.

    As the third place winner in the tournament, he won $50,000. He joked that he was excited to have won “$500 per pin.”

    Later, he was quoted as saying: “That 100 game was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have no problem with it. No one would remember me if I hadn’t bowled that game.”

    The positive attitude served him well. The very next year, he returned to another PBA tournament—this time the Bowlers Journal Scorpion Championship at the World Series of Bowling in Las Vegas—in his first televised performance since the infamous “100 game.”

    Daugherty won the whole thing, snagging his first PBA title.

    Since then, he’s gone on to have a fantastic career that features four PBA Tour titles, including one major title at the 2021 PBA World Championship.

    In 2026, he even got a rematch against his opponent from the famed 100-game—and beat him.

    Athletes like Daugherty give us a good blueprint for how to deal with failure

    Anyone who performs at the highest level of their chosen endeavor is going to fail and suffer setbacks. We can learn a lot from how they pick themselves back up afterwards.

    Kevin Chapman, PhD, clinical psychologist and founder of The Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorder, writes: “People who have a high standard for themselves understand that failure is part of the journey towards growth and success. On the other hand, people who are perfectionistic view failure as unacceptable, which is actually very limiting. When you view failure as just another part of the process, then significant learning can occur as a result. You fix it and then move forward.”

    It would be easy for anyone to implode after a performance like Daugherty’s. The way he handled the epic loss with humility and humor, though, no doubt helped him get in the right mindset for next time. He was able to learn where things had gone wrong for him in 2011 and come back a far better bowler the very next year when he won it all.

    The post 15 years ago pro bowler Tom Daugherty was humiliated. He turned it into the sport’s greatest comeback story. appeared first on Upworthy.

    Coveted safety Turmarian Moreland names three finalists and sets commitment date

    2027 DB Turmarian Moreland.

    West Palm Beach (Fla.) Palm Beach Lakes three-star safety Turmarian Moreland has accrued offers from myriad Power Four programs, but as he heads into the summer, three have stood above the rest.

    On Tuesday, Moreland told 247Sports’ Riley Alberts that Auburn, Georgia and Virginia Tech are his three finalists and he plans to commit on the Fourth of July.

    Moreland is the No. 495 overall prospect and No. 46 safety in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 42 recruit in the Sunshine State.

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

    The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder is coming off a string of spring visits that have helped create separation. He’s already locked in official visits to each — Virginia Tech (May 29), Auburn (June 5), Georgia (June 12) — too.

    Auburn is the program with the slight edge for Moreland, according to the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine. He was back on The Plains back in March and was visited by AU defensive backs coach DeMarcus Van Dyke earlier in the year.

    “Auburn is strongly positioned for defensive back Turmarian Moreland,” Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong wrote on March 20.

    He was also at Georgia in March. Recapping the trip with Rivals’ Chad Simmons, Moreland said he’s been feeling like a priority to the defensive staff in Athens.

    “They get around fast and coach hard,” Moreland said. “Everything you would expect. Seeing it in person is different though. It was fast, physical and intense. It was Georgia football.”

    “They’ve been on me hard,” Moreland said. “Not just wanted, but needed. Coach T-Rob (Travares Robinson), Coach Donte and the other coaches have been recruiting me hard.”

    The speedster plays on both sides of the ball at the high school level. He tallied 45 total tackles and seven pass deflections as a junior last fall, according to MaxPreps.

    Moreland’s Palm Beach Lakes squad went 6-6 in 2025 and finished as the No. 292 team in Florida, according to the Rivals Composite Rankings. He’ll look to lead the Rams as a senior captain this coming season.

    Bloomington South boys have 3 for the show in sectional in the 200 dash

    The Bloomington South boys track team made some history this year — not an easy thing to do considering the talent head coach Larry Williams has had over the past 42 years.

    But he has a special group of sprinters led by Gabe Taylor, Khaliq Akou and Simon Barnes, who all made it under the state standard in the 200 meter dash, and thus can all race that event in the postseason under the three-participant standard. Normally, schools can enter only two athletes per individual event.

    That's a first for the Panthers.

    More: VOTE Herald-Times Athlete of the Week for May 11-16 presented by IU Health

    Bloomington South’s Gabe Taylor (middle) and Simon Barnes (right) and North's Josiah Powell (left) compete in the 100 meter dash during the Conference Indiana track meet at Bloomington South on Friday, May 1, 2026.

    But Taylor is the school record holder in the 100 (10.75) and been as fast as 21.78 in the 200; Akou owns the mark in the 200 (21.62) and has been as fast as 10.96 in the 100; and Barnes has come on strong to join both of them in meeting the state standard (22.15) in the 200, and he's also gone 10.96 in the 100. Combined, not surprisingly, they've lowered the school record in the 4x100 relay to 42.17.

    The rules moving forward are the same for those three in the 200 as anyone else. They must finish in the top three or run under the state standard in the finals to automatically stay alive in the state series, but they can also be called up to fill in the last four spots at regional.

    Bloomington South’s Khaliq Akou races to a win in the 200 meter dash in a state standard and school record 21.88 seconds during the IHSAA boys’ track and field regional championship at Bloomington North on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

    This also holds true for regional to state, where they must make the top three or hit the state standard.

    There are four coming in seeded under 11 seconds in the 100 and six under 23 in the 200, the deepest and fastest the sectional has been in a long time in the sprints.

    Elsewhere, Bloomington North is after a state title and that run starts with gobbling up several top seeds for sectional, with Caleb Winders (800), Caelan D'Onofrio (1,600), Shep Jackson (3,200), Alan Hays (110 and 300 hurdles), Adis Hamidovic (shot put, discus) and Evan Cheng (long jump). The Cougars are No. 1 in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays.

    This will be Cheng's first competition in weeks after an injury. Jacob Mitchell, a medal winner at state in the 3,200 last year, also managed to run a solid time in his first compete 2-mile race since being hit with severe illness early in the year. Liam Conlin, North's No. 2 hurdler, is also questionable after his injury.

    South's Arthur Banks is the top pole vaulter, and Owen Valley's Noah Hall is the top high jumper once again.

    Bloomington North’s Adis Hamidovic competes in the discus during the Conference Indiana track meet at Bloomington South on Friday, May 1, 2026.

    Boys sectional, what to know

    The meet will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, with field events. The 3,200 relay will run at 5:45 p.m., running trials at 6 p.m. (100, 200, 100 hurdles) and running finals at 6:45 p.m.

    Participating schools are Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, Eastern Greene, Lighthouse Christian, Owen Valley, Bloomfield, Brown County, Eminence, Linton, Martinsville, Shakamak and White River Valley.

    The top three automatically advance, and those who meet the state standard in each event also advance to the Bloomington South Regional on May 26. The last four spots in each event will be filled with the four best remaining results (plus ties) from the sectionals at Bloomington, Columbus, Madison and Seymour.

    BLOOMINGTON SOUTH BOYS TRACK SECTIONAL

    Teams: Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, Eastern Greene, Lighthouse Christian, Owen Valley, Bloomfield, Brown County, Clay City, Cloverdale, Eminence, Linton, Martinsville, Shakamak, White River Valley.

    Top seeds (state standard in parenthesis)

    100 (10.97): 1. Gabe Taylor, BS 10.75; 2. William Hosey, Edg 10.95; 3. Josiah Powell, BN 10.96; Simon Barnes, BS 10.96; 5. Eric Shin, BN 11.07; 6. Zeus Calisanga, WRV 11.10.

    200 (22.15): 1. Taylor, BS 21.78; 2. Khaliq Akou, BS 22.08; 3. Simon Barnes, BS 22.14; 4. Powell, BN 22.23; 5. Shin, BN 22.75; 6. Hosey, Edg 22.92.

    400 (48.87): 1. James Bosco, BN 48.32; 2. Rayce Wolff, M 50.80; 3. Brody Arther, BN 51.22; 4. Aaron Hudson, EG 51.85; 5. Jayden Armstrong-Diggs, Clv 53.20; 6. Ezra Furr, BS 53.29.

    800 (1:55.30): 1. Caleb Winders, BN 1:47.87; 2. Caelan D'Onofrio, BN 1:53.00; 3. Wolff, M 1:54.20; 4. James Rice, BS 1:59.87; 5. Kyler Pitkin, BS 2:02.39; 6. Caden Stewart, LCA 2:04.76..

    1,600 (4:15.49): 1. D'Onofrio, BN 4:12.87; 2. Shep Jackson, BN 4:23.45; 3. Landon Lundy, WRV 4:29.81; 4. Matthew Zinkan, BS 4:33.36; 5. Luke Reinhart, BS 4:33.40; 6. Noah Gallagher, Edg 4:34.79.

    3,200 (9:09.20): 1. Jackson, BN 9:23.33; 2. Monte Kester, Edg 9:38.26; 3. Jacob Mitchell, BN 9:49.77; 4. Eddie Webb, BC 9:58.24; 5. Isaiah Dilger, BS 10:00.56; 6. Lundy, WRV 10:08.36.

    110 hurdles (14.62): 1. Alan Hays, BN 14.28; 2. Liam Conlin, BN 15.04; 3. Anthony Rush, M 16.16; 4. Hayoon Kim, BS 16.18; 5. August Wu, BS 16.84; 6. Daryl Dewey, CC 16.89.

    300 hurdles (39.10): 1. Hays, BN 38.24; 2. Conlin, BN 39.71; 3. Kim, BS 43.59; 4. Wu, BS 43.70; 5. Rush, M 45.31; 6. Hayden Bolander, Edg 45.55.

    4x100 relay (42.36): 1. Bloomington South 42.17; 2. Bloomington North 43.36; 3. Edgewood 44.58; 4. Owen Valley 45.30; 5. Martinsville 45.92; 6. White River Valley 46.50.

    4x400 relay (3:21.72): 1. Bloomington North 3:22.83; 2. Bloomington South 3:32.38; 3. Edgewood 3:35.91; 4. Owen Valley 4:43,.31; 5. Brown County 3:43.68; 6. Martinsville 3:44.01.

    4x800 relay (7:55.14): 1. Bloomington North 7:58.97; 2. Bloomington South 8:07.90; 3. Brown County 8:42.50; 4. Edgewood 8:44.04; 5. Eastern Greene 8:56.84; 6. Martinsville 9:06.45.

    High jump (6-6): 1. Noah Hall, OV 6-10; 2. Trey Greenlee, WRV 6-6; 3. Landon Cazee, M 6-5; 4. Bo Busenburg, Blmf 6-0; 5. Colton Algood, BS 5-10; T6. Leo Miller, Shk 5-8; Bradley Wilson, M 5-8; Zane Powell, Edg 5-8.

    Long jump (22-3): 1. Evan Cheng, BN 22-4; 2. Busenburg, Blmf 22-0; 3. Hall, OV 20-9½l 4. Liam Gregory, BS 20-8½; 5. Eddie Kreller, BS 20-6; 6. Artevion Henderson, Clv 20-5.

    Pole vault (14-9): 1. Arthur Banks, BS 16-3; 2. Andrew Mathis, BS 12-6; 3. Harrison Tyler, Clv 12-0; T4. Carter Holladay, Shk 11-6; Josh Foster, Clv 11-6; T6. North Milner, BN 11-0; Ethan Janneck, M 11-0.

    Shot put (56-3¼): 1. Adis Hamidovic, BN 57-8; 2. Quinn Walters, BN 54-2; 3. Noah Field, BS 53-9¾; 4. Maddox Beauchamp, Edg 49-2½; 5. Jaxon Young, BS 48-6; 6. Lincoln Getts, Edg 47-6½.

    Discus (165-8): 1. Hamidovic, BN 189-8; 2. Walters, BN 163-3; 3. Young, BS 147-10; 4. Beauchamp, Edg 136-7; 5. Colby Gordon, Edg 135-8; 6. Tyler Franklin, L 129-8.

    This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington South boys have 3 for the show in sectional in the 200 dash

    NORRA To Host 10-Day Rally In Baja Spanning 1,400 Miles In 2027

    Source: NORRA
    Source: NORRA

    The National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) hosts some of the best off-road racing on the planet. With varied terrain and courses plus an enormous variety of vehicles-- from UTVs to full-size race rigs to dirt bikes-- it's a fantastic spectacle that is helping champion the sport. With the organization's 60th birthday coming up, they're putting on an enormous event to celebrate.

    Source: NORRA
    Source: NORRA

    Racing will span ten full days (April 27 to May 8, 2027) and the course, instead of a traditional loop, is set up in a way that racers have to hit an end point and then double back on the same track, albeit going effectively the opposite way. It's slated to run from Ensenada to San José del Cabo, with the first six days including racing, the following two being "rest" days, and the final four will be to race back to the start point.


    The race is obviously still a long way out, and NORRA is hoping to use that time to solicit feedback from participants. By entering the event, you can help the team design the actual track, structure classes, and even provide input on the end-of-event parties. Pretty cool if you ask us.


    Stay tuned as things develop, and mark your calendars for the 2027 Mexican 1000.

    Spurs and West Ham's Premier League relegation battle set for dramatic final chapter

    Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven celebrates a goal with Richarlison
    Richarlison's goal wasn't enough to spare Tottenham Hotspur from defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday -Credit:Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

    The stage is set for a nail-biting final-day showdown between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United as both clubs battle to preserve their Premier League status. With the last weekend of the 2025/26 season approaching, neither side has managed to secure their top-flight survival, and the outcome remains firmly in the balance.

    Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs had a golden opportunity to seal their Premier League safety on Tuesday when they faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A single point would have been enough to secure their position and simultaneously condemn West Ham to the Championship.

    However, strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos condemned the North Londoners to yet another loss, despite Richarlison pulling one back. That said, the equation remains straightforward for Spurs heading into the season's finale, as per The Mirror.

    West Ham United's Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen, and Valentin Castellanos applaud fans
    West Ham United could yet leapfrog Spurs and survive relegation on the final day of the season -Credit:MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Avoid defeat against Everton on the final day - and bank on West Ham failing to beat Leeds by 12 goals or more - and Spurs will retain their Premier League status. A victory would guarantee their survival outright, regardless of what the Hammers manage against Leeds.

    Should Spurs lose, they will be desperately hoping West Ham fails to overcome Leeds. If the Hammers do win, it will be West Ham who survive at Spurs' expense.

    Away from the relegation drama, Tuesday also brought the title race to a conclusion. Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal were officially crowned Premier League champions.

    Arsenal put themselves on the brink of the title with Monday's 1-0 victory over Burnley, and were able to pop the champagne corks just 24 hours later as AFC Bournemouth held Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

    To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

    That result also secured Bournemouth a spot in the Premier League's top eight, which should be enough for the Cherries to punch their ticket to European competition.

    A win for Bournemouth would have set up a final-day battle for a Champions League berth, but they now require a six-goal swing on the last day to leapfrog Liverpool. The two sides are scheduled to face off on Sunday at Anfield.

    On the European front, several clubs remain in contention for a spot in continental competition. Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland could all sneak into the top eight on the final day of the season.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba's brother calls out NFL for OPOY trophy typo

    Another member of the Smith-Njigba family is taking aim at the NFL.

    Just one day after Seattle Seahawks star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said he felt disrespected by the league for sending him a mislabeled NFL "Oefensive" Player of the Year award trophy, his brother, Canaan, also voiced his displeasure. Canaan, who played 18 games across two seasons with MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates, had plenty to say about the league his brother represents.

    "The NFL quickly collected a fine for the dunk celebration, then used those same images for promotion," Canaan said in a May 19 post on X. "The Offensive Player of the Year was turned into a comedy segment with Druski, minimizing an award earned through elite performance and hard work."

    "NFL Honors never acknowledged the poor representation of one of the league’s top individual awards. The 'prestigious' ceremony didn’t even air the pre-recorded acceptance speech. After months to prepare and ship the award, the only offensive player selected received a Defensive Player of the Year trophy. At some point, professionalism, respect, and attention to detail should matter."

    Jaxon was unable to attend NFL Honors to receive his award in person, since he was preparing for Super Bowl 60 – a game the Seahawks went on to win, 29-13. In addition to receiving the award and winning his first ring, Jaxon also went on to ink a four-year, $168.6 million extension in Seattle.

    In between those personal highlights have been multiple outside lowlights.

    The Druski comments came as the comedian struggled to pronounce Smith-Njigba's last name when announcing the receiver as the winner of the award at the 2026 NFL Honors, an incident for which the comedian has since apologized.

    While it appeared that the NFL Honors fiasco was behind the star receiver, the drama came into focus again when Jaxon's trophy arrived on May 18.

    "It's getting disrespectful guys," he said, while holding his trophy up to the camera and referencing that it appeared to say "Defensive" instead of "Offensive."

    The award also featured a typo, in which "TheYear" was combined into one word, with no space between.

    It's an error that the league has since apologized for, saying that the misspelling was actually "Oefensive" – a misspelling of "Offensive" – rather than "Defensive."

    Regardless, a new trophy is in production for the Seahawks star. The NFL might want to proofread that one a couple of times as it tries to make amends with the Smith-Njigba family.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba's brother, Canaan, has issue with NFL trophy error

    Lakers should part with Dalton Knecht, acquire Luka Doncic's $54 million ex-Mavericks lob threat

    Lakers should part with Dalton Knecht, acquire Luka Doncic's $54 million ex-Mavericks lob threat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Los Angeles Lakers must return to the drawing board on the lob threat front. 

    Deandre Ayton, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Lakers last offseason, was supposed to build a daunting pick-and-roll partnership with Luka Doncic this season. However, Ayton’s inability to give maximum effort and impose himself on the offensive end could lead to the franchise searching for his replacement this summer. 

    CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently floated Doncic’s 27-year-old former Dallas Mavericks lob threat as a potential trade target for the Lakers this summer.

    “The Mavericks have an entirely new front office,” Quinn wrote last Tuesday. “How attached are they to either of Doncic's former centers, (Daniel) Gafford or (Dereck) Lively? Would ownership allow another trade with the Lakers? It's worth the call, but it's hard to imagine these teams working together again.”

    Given Dalton Knecht’s rapid decline in Los Angeles and eagerness for a fresh start with a franchise that could develop him correctly, the Tennessee product is an asset the Lakers should be comfortable using in a trade to land Gafford or any other frontcourt contributor.

    Why would Gafford be a solid return for the Lakers in a potential trade sending Knecht to the Mavericks? Well, besides the obvious reason (his proven chemistry with Doncic), the former Washington Wizards forward/center is a high-energy big man who can be depended on to attack every loose ball, high-point lobs, and score efficiently in the low post. 

    Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game with the Mavericks this season, shooting 65.5% from the field in 55 contests. Combine that with the fact that a Gafford-Doncic pairing has already resulted in an NBA Finals appearance, and the Lakers have clear motivation to strike another big-time deal with the Mavericks.

    More NBA news:

    Eckert faces Southampton sack and ban from FA as own players fume

    Eckert faces Southampton sack and ban from FA as own players fume
    Eckert faces Southampton sack and ban from FA as own players fume

    Southampton are reportedly considering sacking manager Tonda Eckert for bringing the game into disrepute after his side were expelled from the Championship Playoff Final on Saturday.

    Sources close to the owner of the club, Dragan Solak, have said that he will be “furious” with the German, with players also reported to share his feeling and even considering legal action due to a loss of earnings.

    The Saints were removed from the final at Wembley for spying on fellow Championship clubs Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and semi-final opponents Middlesborough and docked four points for next season by the EFL’s independent disciplinary commission at a hearing held yesterday.

    According to the Independent, the tight-lipped Eckert could face action from the Football Association (FA) for misconduct in light of the incidents, including a lengthy ban from football if he is found to have brought the game into disrepute.

    Speaking live on talkSPORT in reaction to the breaking news, journalist Adrian Durham sided with the decision made by the EFL to expel Southampton from competing at Wembley, claiming the Saints had no right to do so in the first place.

    “I predicted this would happen. I knew this would happen. It had to happen. You can’t have rules that then get broken and there’s no punishment,” Durham said.

    “I’m all for the EFL with this one. I think they have to do this. You have to have a play-off final, so I’m all for Middlesbrough being in that final. I have no problem with this whatsoever.

    “And I heard Perry [Groves] saying that the reason Middlesbrough didn’t win the semi-final was because they couldn’t finish chances. Well, how on earth does he know that Southampton weren’t spying to try and see who was the weakest finisher?

    “Let’s channel the ball in his direction and he’s probably not going to score. I mean, it’s just ludicrous to say that the spying hasn’t helped them. Of course it has.”

    Rule E3 of the FA’s regulations, which covers incidents of misconduct, states that “a participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or which brings the game into disrepute.”

    Middlesborough said in a statement that they “welcome the outcome”, after previously calling for Southampton to face punishment for breaching the EFL’s regulation, with their manager Kim Hellberg accusing them of cheating.

    The Teeside club, who were defeated 2-1 on aggregate last week yet continued to train anticipating action from the EFL, have been reinstated in place of the Saints and will face off against Hull City for a place in next season’s Premier League.

    Inside Arsenal’s Premier League triumph and the crucial intervention that turned the title race

    As Mikel Arteta finally gets to savour the moment, he will be repeating a few words he couldn’t help ruminate on throughout the season. “Twenty-two years,” he’d say to anyone listening. “Twenty-two years. It’s far too long for a club like Arsenal.”

    And now, after so much angst and frustration from the length of that very wait, Arteta and his squad can at last say it’s over. On Sunday, he will lift the Premier League trophy, the club’s first title since 2004 and 14th in all.

    The Basque, for his part, was more conscious than anyone of the effects of that wait. He could sense it through the season, that sudden danger when everything looked like slipping away in the manner that so many people expected.

    If there has been one great virtue of Arsenal’s campaign, it is how Arteta has managed that; how he ensured the team stayed in control.

    That was occasionally rather fragile. There were at least four major moments of emotional crisis, when Arteta felt he had to intervene. The trick was always to get the players to look at it from a new perspective, to remember they’d rather be in this situation than not.

    It is testament to their resilience, which was so often doubted.

    And yet there was a crucial moment when one of the players had to get Arteta himself to look at it all anew.

    Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game to beat Burnley (Getty)
    Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game to beat Burnley (Getty)

    The days after the 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth were probably the worst of the campaign, all the more so because it was before that huge trip to Manchester City that had been weighing over the team for months; the great nemesis that had to be overcome.

    A growing problem at that point was not just psychological, though. It was physical. Arsenal’s players looked and felt exhausted.

    That was partly because of the schedule, but also Arteta’s own training demands. The Basque’s response to any setback was to work even harder on the training ground. It was an ethic that could be construed as admirable in other circumstances, but not with finely tuned athletes. The effects could be seen in the injury crises endured every April.

    So, Eberechi Eze, one of the newer players who was also among the most laid-back, went up to his boss. In so many words, he told Arteta, we can do this, but we need a bit of space.

    The manager listened.

    Eberechi Eze intervened to lighten Arsenal's training load (Reuters)
    Eberechi Eze intervened to lighten Arsenal's training load (Reuters)

    Days off were increased. The intensity of training sessions was lightened. In the week before they claimed the title, he gave them three days off followed by a barbecue.

    At the training ground, Arteta also insisted on “cutting out all the noise” by turning off any sports channels or news. They were replaced by music from the 90s and early 2000s – coincidentally, when they were last winning leagues.

    These might sound like mundane details but they are genuinely the unseen elements that make the difference between reclaiming such titles and not.

    That’s especially true when you play as deep “within the margins” as Arsenal.

    There is of course a bigger debate to be had about the aesthetics and style of the new champions, as well as the wider influence on the game.

    The story is still ultimately one of control, though, of a manager seeking to maximise the effect of everything at his disposal.

    That might not have always felt true in terms of the expansiveness of attack, but it ensured that Arsenal were the most rounded team in the game. And hence, the new champions.

    It also plays into a theme that isn’t too popular given the general debate around Arsenal, but remains emphatically true: this is still a story of overperformance; of beating a much wealthier opponent through careful planning and strategy. City’s wage bill from the last accounts was still £80m more than Arsenal’s – in other words, five Bukayo Sakas.

    That depth has an effect, so Arteta had to cut his cloth in different ways.

    Mikel Arteta steered his team through challenging times (PA Wire)
    Mikel Arteta steered his team through challenging times (PA Wire)

    He sat with the then football leadership of Tim Lewis and Andrea Berta and devised ways to achieve advantages, both in play and in squad profile.

    It was from this that the focus on set-pieces and physical robustness came. Arteta could see which way the game was evolving, and admittedly furthered it. Oleksandr Zinchenko was moved on because he didn’t have that size.

    The new approach could also be seen from the summer business.

    Arteta has gone into some deep places after previous second-place finishes – bad memories which make this all the more of a release – but such lows usually evolved into the manager deeply thinking about what could be improved.

    The most obvious one from 2024-25 was squad depth, and the effect of injuries. Aware of how demanding the new calendar was, Arteta realised he needed back-up in every position.

    There was a brief early consideration over whether they should just get Alexander Isak, and the outline of a potential package was presented to them. Arteta did love the Swede.

    It was just too much money for a forward of whom there were doubts over his ability to sustain performance in two-game weeks. That decision was ultimately vindicated.

    Viktor Gyokeres has scored 21 times for Arsenal so far this season (PA Wire)
    Viktor Gyokeres has scored 21 times for Arsenal so far this season (PA Wire)

    It also afforded Arteta another advantage that he always longed for. That was to be able to go to a game with the opposition having no idea what configuration of players he would use.

    Hence he would always play games around injuries, often instructing club media not to mention or photograph returning players.

    For all the devices, though, this title victory was ultimately about thinking about everything as deeply as possible; of seeking to “control every element of a game”, according to one source. That even extended to training at the Emirates pitch so they could use the stands to get their pressing lines right.

    Arteta is described as “a probabilities guy” and he essentially knew that if Arsenal created around 2.0 xG a game while keeping the opposition down to 0.5 and keeping clean sheets, while being able to score set-pieces, they would go some way to securing the points needed to win the title.

    All of that did feed into a campaign that often felt methodical, even laborious. There were only brief moments when Arsenal had the spark of 2022-23. Those defending Arteta would say he did what he needed.

    And yet, amid so much process, there were still some key moments when the team just had to produce.

    One was the late 2-1 comeback away to Newcastle United at the end of September, which many of the squad felt was crucial in setting a marker. It also set a tone in Gabriel scoring the winner from a set-piece. That would happen again.

    Another was the 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Christmas, which Arteta felt produced their best spell of football of the entire season. The players were even singing “set-piece again, ole ole” in the dressing room.

    Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring the second goal against Aston Villa (PA Wire)
    Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring the second goal against Aston Villa (PA Wire)

    The 4-0 win away at Leeds United was crucial in settling nerves after the 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, with the 4-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur having the same effect after the shock 2-2 draw at Wolves.

    Throughout all of this, there was a sense of some players being too concerned with the noise around them. Opposition players even spoke of noticing that tension while insiders themselves saw how Arsenal were visibly more relaxed in the Champions League.

    Arteta’s staff would insist that was also partly because of how competitive the Premier League had become.

    Every game was a battle, compounded by how war-weary Arsenal were becoming. They probably should have gone clear multiple points through late winter and spring.

    By mid-April, when the effects of Max Dowman’s breakthrough goal against Everton had worn off, they were really feeling it.

    They were exhausted. Injuries were mounting. Martin Zubimendi, signed specifically for that control, looked exhausted.

    So, Arteta took Eze’s message on board.

    It came at a crucial moment, just before the City game was out of the way. If there were obviously some key victories over the course of the season, this was an influential defeat.

    The worst had happened in losing 2-1 but it hadn’t happened in the worst way. There was even a sense that City had celebrated that victory too much. Arsenal felt emboldened, and encouraged. Declan Rice’s line, “this is not over”, was not – well – just a line.

    Arsenal fans’ long wait for a Premier League title is at an end (Getty)
    Arsenal fans’ long wait for a Premier League title is at an end (Getty)

    They believed again. The Champions League run helped.

    So did Arteta’s willingness to go with momentum.

    He could see that Myles Lewis-Skelly was working hard and felt he could use that energy. There was a release.

    Suddenly, players were back.

    They still weren’t exactly motoring, but they were getting through.

    Key players were coming back. By the win over Burnley, Arteta had almost a full squad.

    They went through the full range of characteristics: another set-piece goal, a 1-0, a VAR controversy – but crucially not a “bottling”.

    That accusation could instead be levelled at City, given the momentum shifting 3-3 draw at Everton.

    Arteta had instead restored in Arsenal a resilience, and a self-respect.

    They’re a serious team again. And they’re champions again.

    Charles Barkley calls Cavs sharpshooter 'a pretty man'

    Charles Barkley denounces Minnesota ICE shootings: 'Somebody's gotta step up'

    Charles Barkley calls Cavs sharpshooter 'a pretty man' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Charles Barkley has never been shy about speaking his mind.

    His latest claim that caught everyone's ear: He called one of the Cleveland Cavaliers' key playoff contributors "a pretty man."

    Who caught his eye? Max Strus.

    Strus did an interview recently from which Barkley made the comment after the fact.

    The next time the Inside The NBA crew spoke with Strus, they made sure he got a chance to laugh about it with them:

    "I'm thinking what everyone else is thinking, that's a pretty man." 😂

    Chuck gets to tell Max Strus his feelings to his face🤣 pic.twitter.com/bMypPzf0MX

    — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 20, 2026

    MORE: This is how close Donovan Mitchell was to getting traded to the Knicks

    To be fair to Barkley: Strus does have a beautiful jump shot.

    Barkley must appreciate Strus' long, flowing hair, too.

    It's the kind of content that makes fans adore the Inside The NBA crew, who behave unlike any other studio show in sports. They touch on any topic they feel like, with it often feeling quite spontaneous.

    Barkley, affectionately known as "Chuck," has a whole history of classic lines. This one just gets added to the list.

    MORE: Wemby's 3 is a total clone of Steph Curry

    Twins legend Joe Mauer talks Ryan Jeffers’ rise, Marlins’ use of analytics, Dodgers’ World Series three-peat chances, and more

    Twins legend Joe Mauer talks Ryan Jeffers’ rise, Marlins’ use of analytics, Dodgers’ World Series three-peat chances, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Legendary Minnesota Twins catcher/first baseman Joe Mauer is a believer in Ryan Jeffers’ rise, isn’t sold on analytics having a totally positive impact on the MLB, and believes the field is wide open as it pertains to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ potential World Series three-peat bid this October.

    I caught up with Mauer ahead of the 2026 American Century Championship, which takes place July 8-12 in Stateline, Nevada, at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Mauer will be one of over 90 participants in NBC’s annual celebrity golf tournament.

    Here’s what the six-time All-Star, three-time AL batting champion, and 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee said about various topics -- including the current state of the game in Minnesota and elsewhere, and his 15-year career, all played for his hometown franchise:

    On Ryan Jeffers already being considered one of the greatest catchers in Twins history

    “Ryan Jeffers, he's a great ball player. I enjoy watching Ryan play. I've gotten to know Ryan well over the last couple of years, and he's a great guy and works hard. That's great to hear that (Jeffers is considered an all-time Twins catcher)...

    “He's definitely a guy, I think, who still has a bright future. He's been around for a little bit, and I think he's still going to continue to do some really good things for not only the Twins, but for himself as well.”

    On playing and living through the MLB’s shift to a more analytical game…

    “It definitely felt like I saw a transition for sure. Obviously, technology is getting better and better each year. When I played, I would say different things were measured, different things may have been valued…When I look at analytics, it's definitely a part of the game, and it's a good tool to measure things…

    “I don't think it's the end-all, be-all. I definitely think there's a place for it, and things you could take from that to use to your advantage. For me, I feel like experience is definitely probably getting a little overlooked…

    “I also think it's kind of swinging back towards that other side of the game… It's funny, in baseball, when there's something out there, it seems like everybody seems to jump on it. And then it kind of comes back a little bit more to reality. So I think analytics, it isn't going anywhere. That is not going anywhere. I look at it as information. Information is a good thing, but it cannot be the end-all, be-all.”

    On his reaction if he was ever to be asked to catch for a team like the Miami Marlins that uses analytics on nearly every pitch…

    “I would probably ask for a trade (laughs). That's one thing I think I feel pretty strongly against. I feel like that pitcher-catcher relationship is an important thing and a trust that's built between the two. I also felt scouting reports are only good until you throw that first pitch, and then you’re just competing…

    “What better position than the pitcher and catcher is there to make those adjustments in-game? I totally get why managers and coaches are trying to find the best way to do that. I just disagree with it. I guess that’s what's going on right now, because I've heard a couple of teams are starting to shift in that direction.”

    On his ceremonial last pitch behind the plate for the Twins in his final career inning against the Chicago White Sox in 2018…

    “It was pretty crazy. I mean, even looking back at that, I was going into the last year of my contract. Honestly, you can say even that morning, I wasn't sure which direction I was going to go. I felt like that last day, though, there were a lot of different signs saying that it was okay to be done.”

    “A couple of good buddies, actually, Derek Shelton, he was a bench coach that year. He and a good friend of mine, our bullpen catcher, Nate Dammann, called me in the office and kind of came up with this idea a few days before, putting the gear on one last time. I got really emotional and kind of taken aback…

    “I kind of heard both of those guys out and their reasoning to do it. When I first heard it, I didn't really want to do it. I just wanted to play the season out and respect the game and the team. I wanted to just finish the season as is. After hearing their reasons, I felt like it was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up…

    “It's funny, the game of baseball, how things played out, throughout that day…It allowed me to have that last pitch and kind of ride off to the sunset. I think it was the perfect ending to my career.”

    On the Dodgers’ World Series three-peat chances this October…

    “I mean, there are some good teams out there. I think for me, it's really who's the healthiest when you get down to it. The Dodgers look strong. But the season's just starting. It’s really still pretty young. So, anything can happen, especially leading up to the trade deadline…

    “There are a lot of opportunities now, with the extra playoff games, of teams sneaking in there and then making a run. I think as long as you can keep healthy and catch fire at the right time, that's what everybody's trying to do.”

    On his prediction for the 2026 American Century Championship…

    “It's a heck of a field, to be honest. There are a lot of good players out there. You tend to see some of the same names at the top of the list year in and year out. Last year’s winner, Joe Pavelski, is always at the top. John Smoltz, I think, is a dark horse. I think that might be one of our best MLB chances. I played a few rounds with him out there, and he's definitely a player to watch… 

    “Steph Curry's won it. Mardy Fish is always up there. It's a deep tournament, but I'm pulling for my guy, John Smoltz, here. If it’s not him or me, then hopefully it's another Major League Baseball guy. (laughs)”

    Sean McVay explains why Rams were intrigued by Ty Simpson

    Sean McVay explains why Rams were intrigued by Ty Simpson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay explained why they were so intrigued by Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. 

    The Rams, who drafted Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, received a ton of backlash for the selection. On top of that, it appeared that McVay himself was not a fan of the pick. 

    None of that appears to be the case, and hearing McVay speak so highly about his future potential franchise quarterback only quiets those concerns even more. 

    "Based on the film and some of the vetting that Les [Snead] and his crew did, you project this guy to, whenever Matthew [Stafford] decides [to retire], potentially be a starting caliber quarterback," McVay said. "You like the body of work because of the way he was asked ot play the position. 

    "Is it a short sample size? Yeah, it is, but it's easier to evaluate that short sample size because you are evaluating all parts of in the drop back pass game. You are evaluating the three-step, the five-step, the seven-step, the way the field is distributed, and the types of coverage contours he's seeing in the SEC are similar to what he would see.  

    "I like the way that he responded when guys would drop balls, and he didn't flinch. Or when guys would give up an immediate free runner and didn't say a word except, 'Where can I be better?' Those are the things that the tape communicated to me." 

    Ty Simpson expected to lead Rams after Matthew Stafford era

    Simpson is set to be the franchise quarterback whenever Stafford decides to call his career quits. 

    The 23-year-old has only started in 15 games after the high school level, and they all came in the 2025 season for Alabama. His time in Tuscaloosa was defined by patience, elite efficiency and success, leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC 
    Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. 

    Simpson dealt with injuries in the latter half of the season, including cracked ribs that he suffered in their brutal loss in the playoff to the eventual champions, the Indiana Hoosiers.

    The 13th overall pick will soon be handed the keys to the Rams franchise, and it's clear that the front office and McVay have high hopes for the Tennessee native. 

    More NFL news: 

    Astros scratch Lance McCullers Jr., place starting pitcher on 15-day IL due to right shoulder inflammation

    HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
    Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is struggling for the second season in a row. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
    Kenneth Richmond via Getty Images

    The Houston Astros entered Tuesday with a 19-30 record and the worst ERA (5.45) in MLB. Their injury-riddled pitching staff took another hit hours before first pitch when they scratched starter Lance McCullers Jr. ahead of a road matchup versus the Minnesota Twins.

    Houston placed McCullers on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to May 16. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters the righty has been pitching through shoulder pain “for a while.”

    “He’s been recovering well, kind of your normal, typical post-start soreness,” Espada said pregame, per The Athletic. “But, this week, he wasn’t able to get rid of it. We decided to get him seen by our doctors.”

    McCullers is the latest member of Houston’s season-opening starting rotation to be bitten by the injury bug. He’ll join both Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown on the IL, where those two are healing up from Grade 2 shoulder strains.

    Another right-handed pitcher, Jason Alexander, took McCullers’ place on the mound Tuesday. The Astros recalled Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land earlier this week.

    We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/5utQCDBuT4

    — Houston Astros (@astros) May 19, 2026

    Not only did the 32-year-old McCullers land on the IL, but the Astros also sent him back to Houston for further evaluation and treatment.

    That said, the Astros did reinstate outfielder Jake Meyers and right-handed reliever Nate Pearson from the IL, optioning Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land in the process.

    As for McCullers, injuries have plagued the one-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion throughout his Astros tenure. He’s missed three full seasons because of them.

    McCullers had Tommy John surgery in 2018. In 2023, he needed flexor tendon repair. Now he’s in the final season of a five-year extension reportedly worth $85 million.

    He’s made eight starts and registered a 6.86 ERA during the Astros’ frustrating 2026 campaign. Last year, over 13 starts, his ERA ballooned to 6.51, by far his highest since 2017 when he clocked out with a 4.25.

    On May 6, McCullers exited a start against the Los Angeles Dodgers early, telling reporters postgame that a portion of the fingernail on his right index finger “popped off” during the third inning.

    McCullers bounced back to throw 5 1/3 innings during a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on May 13. But less than a week later, he’s on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.

    Want to work for Banana Ball this weekend?

    Fans of Banana Ball are invited to work at “The Greatest Show in Sports” as a gameday teammate this weekend at PNC Field.

    Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was chosen as one of the stops for the new Banana Ball Championship League. The Moosic home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be the site of two games Friday and Saturday between the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Firefighters.

    Workers will assist at two sold-out games at PNC Field both evenings.

    Gameday “teammates” will work in hourly positions to support the event. This opportunity provides a chance to work in banana land for a day or even two.

    Workers will be doing everything from scanning tickets to helping fans find merchandise and beyond.

    They will get to learn all about what it takes to bring the fans-first experience to life, organizers said.

    Those interested can apply at https://bananaball.com/world-tour-local-teammates/.

    You must be 18 to apply.

    Dallas Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd mutually agree to part ways

    In a sudden change of direction, Jason Kidd is out as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

    In a statement, the team announced that the sides mutually agreed to part ways. The move comes just 15 days after it was announced that Dallas had hired Masai Ujiri as the team's new head of basketball operations.

    "Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," said Mavericks President Masai Ujiri in a statement announcing the move. "We are thankful for Jason's leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I've developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family."

    At his introductory press conference, Ujiri was noncommittal about Kidd's future with the team, saying the plan was to review every level of the organization and proceed from there.

    The Mavericks will now start a "comprehensive search" for Kidd's replacement. This will be a highly coveted job because Dallas has Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg on the roster to build around.

    "As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Ujiri said in his statement. "We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

    Kidd still had four years and roughly $40 million on his contract — and there is no way he left that money on the table — but owner Patrick Dumont signed off on this decision, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Kidd got a contract extension after last summer, when the Knicks reached out to the Mavericks about talking to Kidd for their open coaching position. Kidd wanted a move into the front office — something also reported at his previous coaching stops — and he talked to Dumont about that before Ujiri was hired, but was shot down, ESPN's MacMahon reports.

    If he's willing to return to the bench, Kidd will be the top choice for many teams and will have options.

    Kidd was a Hall of Fame point guard who helped lead Dallas to its one NBA Championship in 2011, then returned as coach. In Kidd's five years as the Dallas head coach, he had a 205-205 record, leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first year and the NBA Finals in 2024, but the team missed the playoffs the past two years after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis.

    One name to watch in Dallas is Billy Donovan, who stepped away as the Chicago Bulls coach to look for a job where he felt he could coach a team in more meaningful games. While he is considered the frontrunner for the Orlando Magic job, he might well consider Dallas as well.

    Analyst has ideal Bills prediction for Joe Brady

    Analyst has ideal Bills prediction for Joe Brady originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    When it comes to expectations for Joe Brady's Buffalo Bills, for most, they haven't changed: it's Super Bowl or bust.

    Now, we know teams never "bust," but the Bills have been so close for so long that eventually they have to break through, right?

    Well, Brady will be under pressure to deliver what Sean McDermott couldn't, and that is a tough thing to do.

    But for NFL.com's Ali Bhanpuri, he has the Bills going 12-5 and being the AFC's No. 1 seed in his 2026 predictions.

    "The schedule-makers are throwing first-time coach Joe Brady into the fire, handing him one of the tougher first quarters in the entire league -- at least in terms of his competition," Bhanpuri wrote. "Although I expect the Bills to reclaim the division, the NFC North could jeopardize their spot in the overall AFC hierarchy."

    MOREBuccaneers' 2026 prediction nightmare fuel for Baker Mayfield

    Bills prediction ideal for Brady

    To win the division and be the AFC's No. 1 seed, that gives Brady and the Bills the best chance to break their Super Bowl drought.

    They would have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and it would give them Josh Allen home comforts in what will be a pressurized playoff race.

    Of course, we have seen the Bills be in a good position like that before, and fail, so Buffalo will once again have it all to do in the postseason.

    Winning a Super Bowl is tough, just ask Jim Kelly, but this prediction, if it comes to fruition, would give Buffalo a great chance to finally claim that elusive Super Bowl trophy. 

    More NFL news:

    Steelers Insider Names Why Mason Rudolph Could Hold Edge Over Will Howard For Final QB Spot

    Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph

    Steelers Insider Names Why Mason Rudolph Could Hold Edge Over Will Howard For Final QB Spot originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical decision this offseason about which quarterback to keep, as it's unlikely they'll carry four on the 53-man roster.

    Aaron Rodgers and Drew Allar are expected to occupy the active roster spots, but the final position will come down to either Will Howard or Mason Rudolph. Steelers insider Joe Starkey believes Rudolph could secure the spot because of his experience.

    "My guess is that the (Mike) McCarthy and the Steelers will want Rudolph’s experience behind Rodgers," Starkey wrote on Tuesday. "But if Howard shows out in the spring and into training camp and the preseason, it feels like Rudolph’s job could be in jeopardy."

    The Steelers selected Howard with the 185th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he didn't see any game action for Pittsburgh last season. With the team’s decision to draft Allar in the third round this year, he now has the advantage over Howard for a spot on the 53-man roster.

    Since Howard lacks any NFL experience, it will be tough for the Steelers to keep him over Rudolph. Pittsburgh needs to ensure that at least one of its backup quarterbacks has NFL experience, especially given that Rodgers is nearly 43 and could go down early in the season.

    More NFL: NFL Writer Names Giants 'Underrated' Fit For Former Steelers Pass Catcher

    Cotter boys not an aberration at state tennis anymore

    May 19—ROCHESTER — A trend?

    Maybe. After all, after Lourdes had dominated boys tennis in Section 1, Class 1A for decades, here comes Winona Cotter. The Ramblers have now won the section title for the second time in three years.

    They did it just barely on Tuesday at the Rochester Athletic Club. The Ramblers, who beat Waseca 6-1 in the semifinals (Lourdes beat Red Wing 5-2), needed three sets at No. 3 doubles to secure that win and ultimately the team title.

    But, the Ramblers got the job done and now advances to the state tournament at Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center for the second time in three years.

    The Ramblers are elated.

    "This senior class, we had five seniors play today," Cotter coach Jeff Besek said. "They've been working hard; some have been on the varsity for six years, some for five. But they have been working hard for this, including playing a lot of tennis in the off-season. They've been working their butts off, and today it paid off."

    The match ultimately came down to what happened at No. 3 doubles, where Lourdes had senior Guiherme Favarete and sophomore Oliver Engler. Cotter countered with senior Bobby Fitzgerald and freshman Ben Matthews.

    Lourdes built a nice lead in that one, winning 7-6 (7-2 tie breaker) in the first set before Fitzgerald and Matthews found a groove.

    "After that first set, we were just going to battle as best we could," Matthews said.

    "Once we won the second set, I was pretty confident we could do it, and into that third set I was really confident."

    It was the second time this season that Lourdes and Cotter had met in a tennis dual. The score was the same last time, only then it was Lourdes doing the edging, winning 4-3.

    "We played smart (today)," Matthews said.

    "We didn't overhit the ball and when it was a good ball to hit we just smoked it."

    Matthews says going to state is a unique opportunity. He cherished it last time and knows he will again.

    "It is a whole different environment, a lot more cheering," he said. "It's the best teams in the state and everyone is really trying. It's just a lot more fun."

    After Lourdes had won at No. 1 singles and doubles, things were looking good for the Eagles. It was star Evan Witter who came through at No. 1 singles, beating Logan Granseth 6-4, 6-1 and it was the powerful combination of 6-foot-5 Joseph Palen and fellow sophomore Easton Ackley who easily dispatched their opponent with a 6-2, 6-0 win, Palen crushing things at the net.

    Witter was near his best in his match. He exploded with some of his forehands, something he's become better and better at over the past year.

    "I think I had it all along," said Witter, who finished second at that state individual tournament a year ago. "It just took a while to unleash it."

    The loss came as a bit of a surprise to Lourdes. It felt like it was playing its best tennis leading up to the section semifinals and finals.

    Losing wasn't easy on them.

    "We were very hungry to get back to state," Ackley said. "It is a thing in our program. State is always the end goal for us. It is very important to us. It is that big stage, and also just being up there and hanging out with the guys. You can't beat it."

    That will be Cotter's privilege this season. The Rambers earned it. They'll bring with them a 14-3 record into the state tournament, June 2-3.

    SEMIFINALS

    Lourdes 5, Red Wing 2

    Singles: Evan Ritter (L) def. Walter McCoy 6-0, 6-0; Andy Fink (L) def. Austin Hosfeld 6-0, 6-0; Anton Ackley (L) def. Seth Malyon 6-1, 6-1; Chrstian Hanson (RW) def. Jude Smith 6-3, 6-1. Doubles: Easton Ackley/Bobby Fitzgerald (L) def. Eli Flattum/Luke Farrar 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-7); Santiago DuVaught/Ian Teshirogi (L) def. Bo Doyle/Rocco Dohle 7-6 (7-3), 6-2; Ben Matthews/Rhyan Pulos (L) def. Zach Mikkelson/Graiden Mueller 7-5, 6-1.

    Winona Cotter 6, Waseca 1

    Singles: Logan Granseth (C) def. Henry Huttemier 6 — 2, 6-3; Everett Engler (C) def. Armaan Bhatti 4-6, 6-1, 1-0 (7-4); Keenan Collins (W) def. Michael Row 6-3, 6-0; Oliver Engler (C) def. Korbin Collins 6-2, 6-3. Doubles: Hamilton Brewer/Carter Knesel (C) def. Allen Kopetzki/Nolan McQuery 6-0, 6-1; Zeke Jaworski/Hunter Schroeder (C) def. Bryghton Rugger/Carson True 6-0, 6-1; Damon Miller/Guiherme Favarete (C) def. Nick Nelson/Jacob Harguth 6-0, 6-4.

    CHAMPIONSHIP

    Cotter 4, Lourdes 3

    Singles: Evan Ritter (L) def. Logan Ganseth 6-4, 6-4; Hamilton Brewer (C) def. Santiago DuVaught 6-1, 6-1; Everett Engler (C) def. Ian Teshirogi 6-1, 6-1; Carter Knuesel (C) def. Ryan Pulos 6-0, 6-2. Doubles: Joe Palen/Easton Ackley (L) def. Michael Row/Damno Miller 6-2, 6-0; Andy Fink/Anton Ackley (L) def. Zeke Jaworski/Hunter Schroeder; Bobby Fitzgerald/Ben Matthews (Cot) def. Oliver Engler/Guiherme Favarete 6-7 (7-2), 7-5, 6-3.

    Highlights from Morris County Track and Field Championships

    BOONTON — Kayla Ewing doesn’t mind a bit of competition. In fact, she relishes it. The Morristown senior edged Parsippany sophomore Jacqueline Reid to claim her first Morris County 400-meter hurdles title on May 19.

    Ewing had a faster closing sprint after the final hurdle, winning by 16 hundredths of a second. Senior Stephen Shih got Morris Hills’ title defense off to a solid start with a half-second victory in the intermediate hurdles.

    “Every time I get out on the track, I’m trying to put my best effort forward,” said Ewing, who plans to compete for Columbia University. “Every race, I go out with the same mentality of trying to attack as fast as I can. I’m blessed and grateful to be in a county with such incredible runners, to have girls to push me, and maybe I can push them.”

    The Morris County Championships continue on May 20 at Boonton High School.

    West Morris juniors Alanna Parkes and Georgia Hostler went 1-2 in the 100 meters, picking up 18 points. Both also posted new personal bests, and Parkes’ winning time of 12.18 seconds improved on her school record.

    Junior Kelly Kaasmann and sophomore Caroline Sardeira went 1-2 in the 400 meters to wrap up the first day of competition on the track.

    “We’re all at such close levels. That’s what makes us so competitive,” said Hostler, who was also third in the long jump. “You push to get there with them. We’re such close friends, so it’s all just happiness for each other.”

    ➤ Randolph senior Seannah Parsons had a personal-best 20-1.25 on her final long jump attempt, breaking 20 feet for the first time.

    “This is my last county meet. I lowkey had to win,” said Parsons, who is heading to the University of Pennsylvania. “I asked for a clap, and my teammates were here to support me. I have to set the precedent and set the standard high.”

    Girls results

    100 meters: 1. Alanna Parkes (West Morris) 12.18; 2. Georgia Hostler (West Morris) 12.3; 3. Lucy Arps (Chatham) 12.44; 4. Sara Pietraszewski (Morris Knolls) 12.46; 5. Daniela Bracken (Parsippany Hills) 12.47; 6. Gabrielle Monroe (Mount Olive) 12.59.

    400 meters: 1. Kelly Kaasmann (West Morris) 57.14; 2. Caroline Sardeira (West Morris) 57.37; 3. Sarah Nacinovich (Chatham) 57.48; 4. Julia Covey (Morristown Beard) 57.93; 5. Gianna Benfatti (Roxbury) 5947; 6. Tatiyana Sewall (Roxbury) 59.64.

    1,600 meters: 1. Carly Renna (Randolph) 5:07.72; 2. Gabriella Pelov (Montville) 5:09.31; 3. Blythe Dudley (Villa Walsh) 5:11.41; 4. Lilah Willis (Randolph) 5:17.24; 5. Addison Emge (Morristown) 5:19.75; 6. Amaya Davidson (Morristown) 5:21.9.

    400-meter hurdles: 1. Kayla Ewing (Morristown) 1:03.79; 2. Jacqueline Reid (Parsippany) 1:03.95; 3. Tatiyana Sewall (Roxbury) 1:07.06; 4. Fiona Jackson (Chatham) 1:08; 5. Sahar Naematullah (Parsippany Hills) 1:08.8; 6. Emily Piskadlo (Chatham) 1:08.81.

    Long jump: 1. Seannah Parsons (Randolph) 20-1.25; 2. Jacqueline Reid (Parsippany) 19-2.5; 3. Georgia Hostler (West Morris) 18-7.25; 4. Azariah Andrews (Villa Walsh) 18-2; 5. Gianna Benfatti (Roxbury) 17-7.25; 6. Riley Wright-Phillips (Whippany Park) 17-0.5.

    Pole vault: 1. Gianna Ledford (Morris Hills) 11-6; 2. Nicole Driscoll (Madison) 10-6; 3. Hailey Simmons (Villa Walsh) 10-0; 4. Julianna Kuber (Morris Hills) 9-0; 5. Sadie Chase (Madison) 8-6; 6. Chloe Papa (St. Elizabeth) 8-6.

    Shot put: 1. Adair Para (Morris Knolls) 38-6.25; 2. Jasmine Laroche (Mount Olive) 35-2; 3. Lily Riordan (St. Elizabeth) 33-9.25; 4. Gisele Scott (Mendham) 33-5.24; 5. Johanna Olsen (West Morris) 33-4; 6. Jayda Lambo (Randolph) 33-0.5.

    Boys results

    100 meters: 1. Andrew Zuccala (Pequannock) 10.92; 2. Ben Wans (Morris Hills) 11.02; 3. Kyle Wickham (Chatham) 11.03; 4. Ilario Badalamenti (Kinnelon) 11.16; 5. Adam Braccioforte (West Morris) 11.17; 6. Michael Vogt (Mendham) 11.28.

    400 meters: 1. Ryan Foley (Mount Olive) 50.06; 2. Mouhamed Sarr (Parsippany) 50.65; 3. Kyle Wickham (Chatham) 50.83; 4. Hans Clovis (Delbarton) 51.18; 5. Hunter Iorio (Morris Hills) 51.36; 6. Mario Sandoval (Boonton) 51.4.

    1,600 meters: 1. Marcus Valenzuela (Chatham) 4:20.86; 2. Nicholas Falcone (Morris Hills) 4:26.65; 3. Thomas Haines (Chatham) 4:31.46; 4. Jacob Conti (Randolph) 4:32.82; 5. Anthony Manno (Morristown) 4:33.45; 6. Matthew O’Reilly (Morristown) 4:33.45.

    400-meter hurdles: 1. Stephen Shih (Morris Hills) 57.06; 2. Nicholas Foley (Mount Olive) 57.54; 3. Matthew Frick (Jefferson) 57.85; 4. Sebastian Matos (Morristown) 58.26; 5. Sebastian Matos (Morris Hills) 58.42; 6. Zachary Richards-Powell (Parsippany Hills) 58.94.

    High jump: 1. Stephen Shih (Morris Hills) 6-8; 2. Nathan Enelamah (Morristown) 6-4; 3. Walter Hedblom-Green (Boonton) and Patrick Piechowski (Boonton) 6-2; 5. Martin Hindenlong (Delbarton) 6-2; 6. Camilo Sepulveda (Morris Hills) 6-0.

    Triple jump: 1. Kevin Grundy (Chatham) 46-2; 2. Lajohn Alexis (Morris Hills) 43-4.5; 3. Alan Curtil (Mendham) 43-2.5; 4. Oscar Zacharski (Butler) 43-1; 5. Aidan Ponzio (Delbarton) 42-7.5; 6. Kali Polanco (Boonton) 41-9.75.

    This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris County Track and Field Championships first day highlights

    Highlights from Morris County Track and Field Championships

    BOONTON — Kayla Ewing doesn’t mind a bit of competition. In fact, she relishes it. The Morristown senior edged Parsippany sophomore Jacqueline Reid to claim her first Morris County 400-meter hurdles title on May 19.

    Ewing had a faster closing sprint after the final hurdle, winning by 16 hundredths of a second. Senior Stephen Shih got Morris Hills’ title defense off to a solid start with a half-second victory in the intermediate hurdles.

    “Every time I get out on the track, I’m trying to put my best effort forward,” said Ewing, who plans to compete for Columbia University. “Every race, I go out with the same mentality of trying to attack as fast as I can. I’m blessed and grateful to be in a county with such incredible runners, to have girls to push me, and maybe I can push them.”

    The Morris County Championships continue on May 20 at Boonton High School.

    West Morris juniors Alanna Parkes and Georgia Hostler went 1-2 in the 100 meters, picking up 18 points. Both also posted new personal bests, and Parkes’ winning time of 12.18 seconds improved on her school record.

    Junior Kelly Kaasmann and sophomore Caroline Sardeira went 1-2 in the 400 meters to wrap up the first day of competition on the track.

    “We’re all at such close levels. That’s what makes us so competitive,” said Hostler, who was also third in the long jump. “You push to get there with them. We’re such close friends, so it’s all just happiness for each other.”

    ➤ Randolph senior Seannah Parsons had a personal-best 20-1.25 on her final long jump attempt, breaking 20 feet for the first time.

    “This is my last county meet. I lowkey had to win,” said Parsons, who is heading to the University of Pennsylvania. “I asked for a clap, and my teammates were here to support me. I have to set the precedent and set the standard high.”

    Girls results

    100 meters: 1. Alanna Parkes (West Morris) 12.18; 2. Georgia Hostler (West Morris) 12.3; 3. Lucy Arps (Chatham) 12.44; 4. Sara Pietraszewski (Morris Knolls) 12.46; 5. Daniela Bracken (Parsippany Hills) 12.47; 6. Gabrielle Monroe (Mount Olive) 12.59.

    400 meters: 1. Kelly Kaasmann (West Morris) 57.14; 2. Caroline Sardeira (West Morris) 57.37; 3. Sarah Nacinovich (Chatham) 57.48; 4. Julia Covey (Morristown Beard) 57.93; 5. Gianna Benfatti (Roxbury) 5947; 6. Tatiyana Sewall (Roxbury) 59.64.

    1,600 meters: 1. Carly Renna (Randolph) 5:07.72; 2. Gabriella Pelov (Montville) 5:09.31; 3. Blythe Dudley (Villa Walsh) 5:11.41; 4. Lilah Willis (Randolph) 5:17.24; 5. Addison Emge (Morristown) 5:19.75; 6. Amaya Davidson (Morristown) 5:21.9.

    400-meter hurdles: 1. Kayla Ewing (Morristown) 1:03.79; 2. Jacqueline Reid (Parsippany) 1:03.95; 3. Tatiyana Sewall (Roxbury) 1:07.06; 4. Fiona Jackson (Chatham) 1:08; 5. Sahar Naematullah (Parsippany Hills) 1:08.8; 6. Emily Piskadlo (Chatham) 1:08.81.

    Long jump: 1. Seannah Parsons (Randolph) 20-1.25; 2. Jacqueline Reid (Parsippany) 19-2.5; 3. Georgia Hostler (West Morris) 18-7.25; 4. Azariah Andrews (Villa Walsh) 18-2; 5. Gianna Benfatti (Roxbury) 17-7.25; 6. Riley Wright-Phillips (Whippany Park) 17-0.5.

    Pole vault: 1. Gianna Ledford (Morris Hills) 11-6; 2. Nicole Driscoll (Madison) 10-6; 3. Hailey Simmons (Villa Walsh) 10-0; 4. Julianna Kuber (Morris Hills) 9-0; 5. Sadie Chase (Madison) 8-6; 6. Chloe Papa (St. Elizabeth) 8-6.

    Shot put: 1. Adair Para (Morris Knolls) 38-6.25; 2. Jasmine Laroche (Mount Olive) 35-2; 3. Lily Riordan (St. Elizabeth) 33-9.25; 4. Gisele Scott (Mendham) 33-5.24; 5. Johanna Olsen (West Morris) 33-4; 6. Jayda Lambo (Randolph) 33-0.5.

    Boys results

    100 meters: 1. Andrew Zuccala (Pequannock) 10.92; 2. Ben Wans (Morris Hills) 11.02; 3. Kyle Wickham (Chatham) 11.03; 4. Ilario Badalamenti (Kinnelon) 11.16; 5. Adam Braccioforte (West Morris) 11.17; 6. Michael Vogt (Mendham) 11.28.

    400 meters: 1. Ryan Foley (Mount Olive) 50.06; 2. Mouhamed Sarr (Parsippany) 50.65; 3. Kyle Wickham (Chatham) 50.83; 4. Hans Clovis (Delbarton) 51.18; 5. Hunter Iorio (Morris Hills) 51.36; 6. Mario Sandoval (Boonton) 51.4.

    1,600 meters: 1. Marcus Valenzuela (Chatham) 4:20.86; 2. Nicholas Falcone (Morris Hills) 4:26.65; 3. Thomas Haines (Chatham) 4:31.46; 4. Jacob Conti (Randolph) 4:32.82; 5. Anthony Manno (Morristown) 4:33.45; 6. Matthew O’Reilly (Morristown) 4:33.45.

    400-meter hurdles: 1. Stephen Shih (Morris Hills) 57.06; 2. Nicholas Foley (Mount Olive) 57.54; 3. Matthew Frick (Jefferson) 57.85; 4. Sebastian Matos (Morristown) 58.26; 5. Sebastian Matos (Morris Hills) 58.42; 6. Zachary Richards-Powell (Parsippany Hills) 58.94.

    High jump: 1. Stephen Shih (Morris Hills) 6-8; 2. Nathan Enelamah (Morristown) 6-4; 3. Walter Hedblom-Green (Boonton) and Patrick Piechowski (Boonton) 6-2; 5. Martin Hindenlong (Delbarton) 6-2; 6. Camilo Sepulveda (Morris Hills) 6-0.

    Triple jump: 1. Kevin Grundy (Chatham) 46-2; 2. Lajohn Alexis (Morris Hills) 43-4.5; 3. Alan Curtil (Mendham) 43-2.5; 4. Oscar Zacharski (Butler) 43-1; 5. Aidan Ponzio (Delbarton) 42-7.5; 6. Kali Polanco (Boonton) 41-9.75.

    This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris County Track and Field Championships first day highlights

    OU baseball vs LSU live score updates from Sooners-Tigers in SEC Tournament

    No. 11-seeded Oklahoma baseball begins the SEC Tournament against 14-seeded LSU on Tuesday.

    The Sooners (32-20) took a road series from the Tigers earlier this season.

    Coach Skip Johnson's squad is looking to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume with a couple of wins this week in Hoover, Alabama. The Sooners entered Tuesday at No. 21 in RPI and projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

    Left-handed pitcher Gavyn Jones (0-0, 6.20 ERA) will start on the bump for OU. It'll be the junior's second start for the Sooners this season.

    The winner of the OU-LSU game will face No. 6-seeded Auburn at approximately 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday on SEC Network.

    Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Sooners-Tigers game:

    More: OU baseball coach Skip Johnson preaches 'one pitch at time' to Cam Johnson

    OU baseball live score updates vs. LSU

    OU baseball vs LSU live score updates from Sooners-Tigers in SEC Tournament

    No. 11-seeded Oklahoma baseball begins the SEC Tournament against 14-seeded LSU on Tuesday.

    The Sooners (32-20) took a road series from the Tigers earlier this season.

    Coach Skip Johnson's squad is looking to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume with a couple of wins this week in Hoover, Alabama. The Sooners entered Tuesday at No. 21 in RPI and projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

    Left-handed pitcher Gavyn Jones (0-0, 6.20 ERA) will start on the bump for OU. It'll be the junior's second start for the Sooners this season.

    The winner of the OU-LSU game will face No. 6-seeded Auburn at approximately 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday on SEC Network.

    Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Sooners-Tigers game:

    More: OU baseball coach Skip Johnson preaches 'one pitch at time' to Cam Johnson

    OU baseball live score updates vs. LSU

    LSU baseball vs Oklahoma game score – Live updates from SEC Tournament

    The final road to the NCAA Tournament starts now for LSU baseball in Hoover, Alabama this week.

    Jay Johnson and his Tigers (29-27) have played their way out of an at-large bid for a regional after struggling for majority of the 2026 regular season. Now their only paht to get in is the go on a run at the SEC Baseball Tournament to the championship to secure the SEC's automatic berth into the field.

    No. 14-seed LSU opens up conference tournament play against No. 11 Oklahoma (32-20) in the opening round Friday night at the Hoover Met.

    LSU AT SEC TOURNAMENT What seed will LSU baseball be in SEC Tournament?

    Earlier this season, the Tigers lost the series to the Sooners at home. LSU won the first game of the three-game set, but managed to only score five runs over the next two games to lose the series.

    Sophomore William Schmidt will start on the mound for the Tigers. Against Oklahoma back in March, the right-hander struck out seven batters while giving up one run on six hits in four innings.

    The Daily Advertiser will provide live updates from LSU-Oklahoma at the SEC Tournament. Follow along here.

    LSU baseball vs Oklahoma game score, live updates

    Longtime digital reporter Casey Holdahl let go by Portland Trail Blazers

    Detailed view of the Portland Trail Blazers logo
    Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

    When Tom Dundon paid $4.25 billion for the Portland Trail Blazers, Casey Holdahl had already spent nearly two decades building the franchise’s digital presence. On Tuesday, Dundon made clear what that tenure was worth to him, as Holdahl, one of around 70 employees, was let go on the business side of the organization.

    “I have indeed been let go after 18+ years with the @trailblazers,” Holdahl wrote on X. “My sincerest thanks to all of you who have read/listened/watched/engaged with my work over the years.”

    I have indeed been let go after 18+ years with the @trailblazers. My sincerest thanks to all of you who have read/listened/watched/engaged with my work over the years.

    — Casey Holdahl (@CHold) May 19, 2026

    The departure follows a month of scrutiny over how Dundon has been running the franchise since the NBA Board of Governors approved his $4.25 billion purchase in April. Last month, multiplereports surfaced that for both the play-in game in Phoenix and the first-round series in San Antonio — Portland’s first road playoff trip since the 2020-21 season — the Blazers left Holdahl and award-winning team photographer Bruce Ely at home as part of broader cost-cutting measures. Both were kept out of the traveling party, not because their work wasn’t needed, but because sending them cost money that the organization apparently didn’t want to spend. The people whose job it is to document and distribute the franchise’s postseason moments to its fan base weren’t there to do it.

    That wouldn’t be the last of it.

    The Rose Garden Report‘s Sean Highkin reported that the Blazers also left their three two-way players — Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood, and Jayson Kent — at home rather than bring them to San Antonio, something Highkin confirmed no other road playoff team did this weekend. Sports Illustrated‘s Chris Mannix, meanwhile, reported that staff members were asked to vacate their Phoenix hotel rooms mid-afternoon to avoid late-checkout fees. OregonLive’s Bill Oram added that the team decided against offering a T-shirt giveaway to fans when the series returned to Portland, and that the Blazers skipped sending a scout to the Minnesota-Denver series despite potentially facing the winner in the second round.

    Dundon addressed some of the criticism in an appearance on The Ringer’s Game Over podcast last week, claiming he was willing to spend on players and calling the two-way player situation a “mistake” he hadn’t understood. Clearly, he understands what laying off an 18-year employee and 69 of his colleagues on the business side means, and yet here we are.

    The post Longtime digital reporter Casey Holdahl let go by Portland Trail Blazers appeared first on Awful Announcing.

    Panthers get awful mark in 2023 NFL Draft regrade

    The Carolina Panthers' final draft before Dan Morgan took over as general manager hasn't held up well.

    CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco recently revisited his grades from the 2023 NFL Draft. At the time, he had given the Panthers a 'B+' for their class, one headlined by No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.

    But now, in 2026, he knocks the grade down to a 'D.' Prisco writes:

    How I did: Not good. Why in the hell did I give this grade a B+? I didn't love the Young pick, but did say he was a good passer. I was worried about his size and was never really in on the hype. I liked Mingo, so that's a big miss. But I said Johnson was their worst pick, so that's a hit. This draft is not good, but Young can save it.

    To review, second-round wideout Jonathan Mingo was a total bust, but at least he got the Panthers a fourth-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys at the 2024 trade deadline. Third-round outside linebacker DJ Johnson was cut at the end of last September and Jammie Robinson didn't even make it to 2025 before he was released.

    The only picks still on the team are Young and backup guard Chandler Zavala, which would make this one of the worst draft classes in Panthers history . . . if Young doesn't work out as a long-term solution under center.

    If Young, however, does end up becoming the guy for Carolina at quarterback, then nobody will even remember the rest of these picks. He's coming off a career campaign in 2025, where he passed for career-highs across the board while leading the Panthers to their first division title in a decade.

    So if Young and the team can keep up their ascension, that grade might go back up with them.

    Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

    This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: CBS Sports' Pete Prisco drops Panthers in 2023 draft regrade

    Brewers' Shane Drohan Reacts to Clutch Outing

    The Milwaukee Brewers on Monday opened their series against the Chicago Cubs in convincing fashion with a 9-3 win to bring them one step closer to regaining control of the National League Central Division.

    In the game, Brewers manager Pat Murphy and his staff chose to go with a strategy that worked in their favor in a 2-1 win against the Minnesota Twins over the weekend.

    Murphy counted on just two pitchers on Monday: Brandon Sproat as the starter, and Shane Drohan as the lone reliever. In Saturday’s low-scoring win against the Twins, Murphy counted on Logan Henderson and Chad Patrick to carry the Brewers through to the finish line.

    Sproat provided 4 ⅔ innings of work and five strikeouts while allowing three hits, three earned runs, and three walks. It was far from perfect for the 25-year-old right-hander, but he did enough early to let Milwaukee mount a comfortable lead.

    Then, Drohan took over the mound in the bottom of the fifth inning after Sproat had allowed a single, a home run, and a double. Drohan, however, would not give the Cubs’ batting order the same luxury.

    In 4 ⅓ shutout innings, Drohan notched five strikeouts of his own while only allowing four hits. After the game, Drohan talked about his outing and his preparation leading up to it.

    "I mean, yeah, I kind of always prepare for that," Drohan said. "I'm always more surprised on shorter ones, so just prepare for the most and then if they surprise you with just a quick one, then great."

    Drohan, 27, improved to 2-1 after Monday through the first eight appearances of his rookie season. It has been a transition year for Drohan, but he is relishing the journey.

    "Yeah, of course," Drohan said. "I mean, pitching in the big leagues, what's not to enjoy? But yeah, it just goes back to, like I said before, sticking to the routine, being mindful of the preparation and what goes into getting guys out and what their lineup struggles with and which of my pitches are going to play best, and just going out there and executing."

    After Drohan got to see Patrick in a similar relief role on Saturday, he was happy to fulfill it as well.

    "Yeah, absolutely," he said. "Especially early on in the series, it just sets us up so well. You know, we kind of can just be really flexible for these next two games, so I'm thankful to be that guy."

    Monday's win brought the Brewers within a half game of Chicago for first place in the division, and Drohan talked about the experience of pitching against the Cubs at Wrigley Field for the first time.

    “I mean, it's obviously a big game every time these two teams play,” Drohan said. “Yeah, it was awesome. Getting out there at early work, just to see the stadium and everything is really cool. And, it's a raking field, so, everybody knows it.”

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    Washington track & field takes home 3 individual titles at Big Tens

    The Washington Huskies women were fourth, scoring their most points in a conference championship meet since 1998, and the men were sixth over the weekend at the Big Ten Track & Field Championships.

    The Husky men scored in every distance running event, the only team in the conference to do so, but it was the women who took home all three of Washington's individual conference titles. Junior Hana Moll won the pole vault, junior Ashley Schroeder won the javelin, and senior Chloe Thomas took home the crown in the 10,000 meters. Six other Huskies finished second in the conference in their events: Amanda Moll in the pole vault, Evan Jenkins in the 10,000 meters, Teko Cates in the decathlon, Jimmy Rhoads in the pole vault, Julia David-Smith in the 5,000 meters, and Reuben Reina in the 5,000 meters.

    Hana waited more than two hours to enter the women's pole vault, by which point the bar was up at 14-6 1/4. That long wait shook her on the first attempt at that height, but she cleared on her second try. Her twin sister, Amanda, whose season best coming into the meet was 14-3 1/4 after recovering from an indoor season injury, took the lead with a clearance at 15-2 1/4, tied for the second-best mark in the NCAA this season. Hana passed, then cleared 15-6 1/4 on her first attempt, while Amanda used up her three attempts at that bar.

    With the win secured, Hana raised the bar to 15-10, one inch higher than her NCAA record. It was a breezy first attempt clearance to reset the record. She then attempted 16-1 3/4, just touching the bar enough to knock it down on her final attempt.

    ANOTHER @NCAA RECORD FOR HANA MOLL 🏆

    📺 B1G+ #B1GTF x @UWTrackpic.twitter.com/0BK6DZxFMa

    — Big Ten Conference (@bigten) May 15, 2026

    Freshman Veronica Vacca, the Big Ten Indoor runner-up behind Hana with Amanda out, set the No. 5 mark in school history with a clearance of 14-6 1/4 that was good for fourth place. Sara Borton finished 10th, and Avril Wilson was 12th.

    Schroeder and Saydi Orange entered the meet ranked fourth and fifth in the conference in the javelin, but a massive 179-6 throw from Schroeder broke her school record by four feet and put her in the lead in the fourth round. Nebraska's Jana Lowka was the only one who got close in the remaining two rounds, launching her javelin 177-4 on the final throw of the competition.

    It was a historic feat for Schroeder, who became the first Husky woman to win a conference throwing title since Seselia Thomas in the 2000 indoor shot put. It's the first time a Washington woman has won a throwing title outdoors since Aretha Hill in the discus in 1998, and the first time a Husky woman has taken home the crown in the javelin since Helena Uusitalo in 1987.

    Orange finished fourth, and Leonie Troeger, who started in the first flight but threw her way into the final, finished fifth with her best throw as a Husky.

    Thomas and Ali Weimer of Minnesota led the pack in the women's 10,000 meters with a mile to go, but the Canadian Husky put the hammer down to gap Weimer by an eventual eight seconds en route to Washington's third title of Friday night. She went 79-77-76-75-74.5-75 in the final six laps of a humid night race to win in 32:59.51, with enough time to turn around and watch teammate Abby DeVeau pick her way into third in 33:18.23, the 10th-fastest time in school history in DeVeau's first 10k of her collegiate career. Maeve Stiles was seventh in 34:00.45 as well.

    On Saturday, Spainard Sofia Cosculluela entered only the long jump and 100-meter hurdles, rather than her full heptathlon program. The NCAA leader in the multi-event, Cosculluela, had to balance between both events going on at the same time. Despite that and a massive -3.2 headwind, Cosculluela broke Washington's second-oldest school record on her first attempt, sailing to a mark of 21-1 1/2 to move past Meledy Smith's 21-0 mark from 1984.

    That mark wound up good for third place in the conference, giving Cosculluela some extra momentum heading into the NCAA Prelims.

    Chloe Symon broke a 53-year-old Canadian U20 record on Saturday with a time of 2:02.61 in the 800-meter heats, while Martin Barco moved to No. 5 in school history in the men's side of the event with a prelim time of 1:46.69.

    Rhoads could have won the men's pole vault with a clearance at 19-1 after Nebraska's Dyson Wicker missed all three attempts, but he just clipped the bar in heavy winds on his final attempt. He still flew over the previous Big Ten Championships meet record.

    David-Smith went with the lead pack of 10 women in the 5,000 meters, then stayed with the lead group as it thinned to six with a lap to go. She was fifth around the final turn, but she and Dalia Frias of Oregon were the only ones with energy remaining. Frias had moved just a touch earlier, however, and David-Smith couldn't quite make up the .24 of a second that wound up being the difference.

    Reina was in the lead group of three men who were separated by only two-tenths of a second at the tape in the men's 5,000 meters, but found himself outleaned at the line to settle for second after coming in fourth in the 1,500-meter final earlier in the day.

    Washington will receive their seedings for the NCAA West Preliminaries in Fayetteville, Arkansas, sometime in the coming days. The West Prelims start Wednesday, May 27, before the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which begin Wednesday, June 10.

    This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: UW track & field takes home 3 individual titles at Big Tens

    UFC announces return to Abu Dhabi for Fight Night event

    UFC Abu Dhabi
    ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 26: A general view of the Octagon during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

    The UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi is official.

    The promotion announced on Monday that, once again, their heading back to the UAE for a summer Fight Night card. UFC Abu Dhabi is set for July 25 at Etihad Arena, and streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S.

    No fights were officially announced, but MMA Fighting already reported a lightweight clash between Ismael Bonfim and Axel Sola is set for the card.

    During the 2025 promotional Fight Night visit to Abu Dhabi, the main event saw former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker face Reinier de Ridder in a five-round contest. After a competitive 25 minutes, de Ridder picked up the close decision victory. In the co-main event, Petr Yan set himself up to regain the UFC bantamweight title with a decision win over Marcus McGhee.

    Following the Fight Night card, the UFC is expected to head back to Etihad Arena for a numbered event in October.

    Your Way Too Early 2027 Miami Dolphins Draft Needs

    GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with The Pick Is In with the Miami Dolphins 13th pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    With the 2026 NFL Draft now behind us, and most of the free agents that the team could afford to add up to this point already part of the roster, I asked the following “way too early” question:

    Given what you know about the Miami Dolphins roster presently and given what you believe you know of the most current draft class, what positions should the team be targeting in free agency in 2027, as well as the 2027 NFL draft? Please give us your way-too-early list of needs in 2027, along with your reasoning.

    Below are some of your thoughts and answers-

    ALSKI78 has a list that relies on Willis proving that he can be the long-term answer at QB.

    In order, assuming Willis proves to be the long-term QB solution:

    1. Edge

    2. DT

    3. CB

    4. WR

    5. IOL

    6. TE

    7. LB

    8. QB

    9. RB

    If Willis proves NOT to be the answer, QB rises to the VERY TOP of the list!

    NCDolfan wants some more defensive ends.

    Pass rush

    UpInPensacola wants the team to address special teams where needed.

    If special teams causes losses (or fails to win close games), punter, kicker, returner. I really believe special teams play is the difference in numerous games this season.

    davidson11 is clearly not sold on Willis.

    QB

    Safety

    WR

    TE

    sirdolphin just wants some more defense and blockers for Achane.

    Apparently we’ve extended Achane, so just keep drafting defense and players who block, and let one of the best players in the league run all day.

    Xkar25 hopes they got it right on Willis and that Bell proves to be what we hope he can be.

    I think the priority for fans next year will be either QB, WR, or CB.

    If they made the right call on Willis, then it will depend on if Bell can be healthy and good enough to the the WR1 his play before the injury last year suggest he could be. If he does then CB will be the biggest concern but WR2 will still be a big concern. Honorable mention for area of concern will be edge rusher

    JUK agrees with most of us.

    QB could be top or it could not be a need at all. Outside that, my top 3 would be edge, safety and receiver.

    TheRoo1 sees safety as a top need.

    As others have said, the answer depends on Willis, If he balls out take a QB in the third looking toward a good backup or developmental pick.

    If Willis is average,,m, A QB becomes the top pick. Either way a safety should be next.

    And I’ll cause a couple of aneurysms now in saying I dont think edge will be seen as being as critical as some claim now because I think Haf will disguise his use of LB sufficiently to get the disruption of opposing QB’s without a superstar,,,,, until about year 3 when the other areas have been solidified. Hmmmm, when is the next Watt going to college?

    Jbellon2527 has the needs ranked.

    1 QB

    2 Edge

    3 WR

    4 CB

    5 OL

    PA phinphan sees the right side of the OL being a priority.

    Based on the idea of keeping Proctor on the left side of the Oline, they will need to draft for the right side especially if they move on from Jackson and Jonah/Campbell don’t work out. I would also think a dominant edge would be nice to have again.

    TommyNascar needs Willis to show out.

    If Willis doesn’t show out, then my order would be

    QB

    CB

    Edge

    IOL

    WR

    Well, there does seem to be some level of consensus, with most believing that the quarterback is a need if Willis does not prove to be the long-awaited long-term answer at the position. I am sure that we all hope he is finally the answer, but most of us are unlikely to allow ourselves to believe that anyone is finally the answer until we actually see it. There is also some consensus on the remaining needs if QB is no longer a need. Here’s to hoping! As always, thank you to each of you who took the time to answer our PQOTD again.

    Robert Lewandowski’s parting message to Barcelona squad revealed

    (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Robert Lewandowski confirmed he was leaving Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s La Liga win over Real Betis at Camp Nou and enjoyed an emotional farewell after the game.

    The veteran’s team-mates have been quick to pay tribute to the 37-year-old and tell the world how he’s been a huge asset in the dressing room over the last four years.

    Lewandowski has also had a parting message to the squad after Barcelona’s final training session before the game against Betis, according to Cadena Ser.

    A very emotional Lewandowski told his team-mates he was prdou of their work they had done and the legacy he leaves at Camp Nou. He also added: “You are ready to win the Champions League.”

    There were plenty of hugs and affection afterwards, with Ronald Araujo and Hansi Flick reportedly giving a speech to thank Lewandowski on behalf of the whole team.

    Lewandowski won the Champions League with Bayern but sadly didn’t manage to get his hands on the European Cup as a Barcelona player.

    After quarter-final and semi-final exits under Hansi Flick, the coach has admitted this season that it’s his dream to win the Champions League during his time at the club.

    Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl headed to World Cup, Nathaniel Brown also gets Germany nod

    17 May 2026, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer, men: Bundesliga, FC Bayern Munich championship celebrations. Lennart Karl (FC Bayern München) celebrates on the balcony of the town hall with the championship trophy. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    According to a report from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich phenom Lennart Karl will be a part of Julian Nagelsmann’s German national team for the FIFA World Cup in North America:

    🚨💥 EXCLUSIVE | Lennart Karl, nominated for the World Cup.

    The 18 y/o FC Bayern gem has been called up. Julian Nagelsmann has informed him. Outstanding debut season at FC Bayern with 9G/8A in the Bundesliga and Champions League. @SkySportDE

    Karl had a fantastic rookie season with Bayern Munich and was a consistently good part of the team’s dominant attacking group. Karl recently overcame a torn muscle fiber and put in a strong effort in Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga season ending 5-1 win over FC Köln.


    Eintracht Frankfurt left-back and rumored Bayern Munich transfer target Nathaniel Brown is going to be part of the German national team as well.

    Brown’s inclusion on the team could mean that VfB Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt will be left home for the tournament:

    🚨✔️ Nathaniel Brown, nominated for the World Cup. @SkySportDE 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/oT6JGQ57wu

    — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 19, 2026

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

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    Did Usyk And Rico Just Have The G.O.A.T Staredown?

    CAIRO, EGYPT - MAY 19: Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven Face Off for the the first time in fight week at "The Pyramids of Giza" ahead of their fight on Saturday night on May 19, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    It’s going to be tough for another staredown — in any combat sport — to top the one that boxing Heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk, shared with kickboxing legend, Rico Verhoeven, earlier today (Tues., May 19, 2026) ahead of their highly-anticipated WBC title fight this Saturday (May 23) event.

    That’s because the backdrop to their face off were the historic Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt, site of the big man showdown. Take a look at the scenes courtesy of Ring Magazine, which looks like something straight out of a movie shoot.

    According to Verhoeven, he passed on big offers from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a fight against Francis Ngannou in order to cement his legacy as one of the best strikers in the game by attempting to become the first man to ever defeat Usyk, all while snatching the belt up in just his second pro boxing match.

    The accomplished kickboxer will have a tall task ahead of him because Usyk is the pound-for-pound best boxer in the game today with a record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts, laying claim to the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring and IBF heavyweight titles along the way. “The Cat” was last seen knocking out Daniel Dubois in July 2025 for the second time (see it here).

    In the co-main event of the evening — which streams on DAZN PPV — Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0) will fcae Alem Begic (29-0-1) for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight title, while Jack Catterall (32-2) battles Shakhram Giyasov (16-0) for WBO Welterweight strap.


    For more boxing news and notes click here.

    Dennis-Yarmouth girls golf notch first win of the season.

    The Martha's Vineyard girls tennis team continues to prove why they sit at the top of the Division 3 MIAA Power Rankings.

    The Vineyarders (15-0) won their 15th straight to remain unbeaten as they swept Nantucket (12-5).

    Laina Dubin defeated Viki Bozhkova 6-0, 6-0 in first singles, Charlotte Marshard beat Sara Dussault in second singles 6-0, 6-0, and Josey Johns won third singles over Gabby Nokolova 6-3, 6-1.

    Leah Thomson and Zoe Treitman defeated Sutton Lebretcht and Evie Phelps 6-1, 6-0 in first doubles, while Tessa Schulz and Maple Martone beat Presy Penkova and Emery Bouchard 6-1,6-2 in second doubles.

    In other high school action:

    Girls Tennis

    St. John Paul II 4, Mashpee 1: The Lions (8-8) have won two of their last three matches as they beat the Falcons (6-13).

    Sophia Martins beat Hayden Shvonski 6-2, 6-0 in second singles, and Emily Desruisseaux defeated Lilly Lewis 6-0, 6-1 in third singles. Isabella Loffredo and Ella Corcoran beat Chloe Fischer and Hamna Shakeel 6-2, 6-1 in first doubles, while Stella Rose and Maria Roncelli defeated Audrey Ogilvie and Greenley Davis 6-0, 6-0 in second doubles.

    Esme Milde beat Lexi Sadlemire 6-2, 6-2 in first singles for Mashpee.

    Old Rochester 5, Bourne 0: The Canalmen (11-7) were swept for just the third time this season, twice by Old Rochester.

    Monomoy 4, Sandwich 1: The Sharks (15-2) have won seven of their last eight matches as they beat the Blue Knights (2-12).

    Ella Cutter beat Abby Binienda 6-0, 6-0 in first singles, Hanadi Rezk defeated Senja Kravitz 6-1, 6-2 in second singles, and Alexa Spirito won third singles 6-0, 6-1 over Tenley Rothera. The Sharks won first doubles by forfeit from resumed play on May 8 due to rain.

    Sandwich won second doubles by forfeit from resumed play on May 8 due to rain.

    Softball 

    Sandwich 14, Sturgis 0: The Blue Knights (16-3) have won 13 of their last 14 games. Sophie Farrington struck out eight on the mound and Maddie Brown knocked in three runs on three hits. Arabella Finton, Mia Consalvi and Jenna Fay all had extra base hits. 

    Sturgis fell to 6-7 with one game remaining, and if they win, they make the postseason.

    Mashpee 10, Nashoba Valley Tech 2: The Falcons (6-11) have won two of their last three games. Tess Provencher went 3-for-3 with five RBIs.

    Baseball 

    Old Rochester 18, Bourne 4: Tucker Muldoon had a two-RBI triple for the Canalmen (4-13).

    Girls Lacrosse

    Dennis-Yarmouth 15, Sturgis West 7: The Dolphins (8-9) ended their regular season with a with a win over the Navigators (4-10). Carolyn O'Keefe (three goals, one assist) recorded her 100th career point. Jenna Richard (seven goals, one assist), Keira Butler (one goal), Mia Medeiros (one goal) and Nadia Cerquiera (three goals, three assists) led the offense. Mya Cerqueira had eight saves, while Arianna Corso and Riley Caruso played well on defense.

    Cora McDade (two goals, two assists), Savannah Roy (one goal), Olivia Cabral (one goal) and Bridgit Dwyer (four goals) led the offense in the loss. Ceci O'Connor made 15 saves in the cage and now has 703 saves for her career.

    Barnstable 11, Falmouth 10: The Red Hawks (10-8) will go into the playoffs with some momentum as they ended their regular season on a three-game win streak as they beat the Clippers (12-6).

    Caroline Meins (five goals), Caroline Curley (two goals, one assist), Emelie Jonsson (two goals, one assist), Avery Croteau (two goals) and Makayla Bishop (one assist) led the offense. Morgan Mueller had eight saves and Kera Clifford played well in midfield.

    Boys Lacrosse 

    Monomoy 9, Cape Cod Academy 8: The Sharks (5-12) spoiled the Seahawks' (0-11) chance at their first win. Izaiah Freeman (two assists) and Shea Gvazdauskas (one assist) each tallied hat tricks for Monomoy.

    Henry Fisher recorded five goals for Cape Cod Academy.

    Girls Golf 

    Monomoy 6, Silver Lake 0: The Sharks (6-6) picked up their first sweep win of the season.

    Ava LaRocco beat Charlotte Synder 4 and 3. Gianna LaRocco beat Anna McGaffey 5 and 4. Lexi Goode defeated Sydney Roman 4 & 3. Georgia Story beat Cassie Lodge 3 and 2. Lizzie Cronin won 5 and 4, and Mia Zimemrman won 5 and 4.

    Dennis-Yarmouth 3.5, Scituate 2.5: The Dolphins (1-12) won their first match of the season at Bass River Golf Course.

    Courtney Jacobs is the Sports Editor for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at cjacobs@capecodonline.com and follow him on X: @coolinwithCJ.

    Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

    This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod and Islands high school scores and highlights from May 19.

    Broncos' biggest secret weapon identified, but team has more than one

    Broncos' biggest secret weapon identified, but team has more than one originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Denver Broncos will return one of the league's most versatile rosters in 2026, which has the team eyeing a trip to Super Bowl LXI. 

    The Broncos figure to be in a prime position to make a push on the AFC side, so long as Bo Nix can recover from a broken ankle suffered in the divisional round of the playoffs. Though they have a tough first six games to open the season, the second half of the schedule could be quite favorable.  

    Of course, any team that makes a legitimate run at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy is going to have to be deep. There will need to be contributors who make an impact outside of the regular starting lineup. Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently took a crack at identifying who some of those players could be and for the Broncos, he landed on linebacker Jonah Elliss. 

    "How much a player can do for a team is sometimes more important than being a reliable starter. Case in point, Jonah Elliss hasn't started a single game for the Denver Broncos since being a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

    His ability to help by playing on the edge or off the ball makes him an invaluable contributor.

    This year, Elliss is expected to make the full-time transition from edge-defender to linebacker", wrote Sobleski.

    "If people watch the games, they'll see that a lot of times on third downs he was lined up at inside linebacker already," Pro Bowl teammate Nik Bonitto told reporters. "We have multiple packages for him. He's one of our best coverage players when we drop him into coverage. ... He provides so much versatility.

    "I have no doubt about his talent. He's one of the most talented guys on the team."

    Broncos may have multiple secret weapons

    Due to his reported move to inside linebacker, Elliss will be one of the more intriguing players on the roster to follow this summer. However, the team could have a big surprise on the other side of the ball as well. 

    Last year's seventh-round pick, Caleb Lohner, is generating some early buzz this offseason. The former Utah basketball player, who hardly played any football at the college level, was taken as a pet project by Sean Payton last year. During rookie minicamp, Payton had the following to say:

    "I'll tell you who stood out... Caleb. He looks entirely different in this camp now. He was here in this camp a year ago as a draft pick, but he stood out", said Payton. When asked what he is doing better, Payton went on...

    "Everything. And in fairness to him, remember, that was a basketball prospect that had limited snaps of a year and  so, one year into the program, how he's moving, what he's doing, everything looks entirely different. That learning curve and growth curve is greater for someone who had far less experience, maybe than others, if that makes sense. It's entirely noticeable and he's in great shape". 

    This is encouraging news and it could make the Broncos' tight end position one of the most interesting battles in training camp. With Evan Engram back and Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull all being re-signed this offseason, Lohner joins the team's two draft picks — Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley — for one should be a fun competition to see who makes the 53-man roster. 

    ROSTER REVIEW:Broncos Undrafted Rookie Spotlight: Gavin Ortega prepares to push for rotational spot

    The Broncos may have multiple under-the-radar players who can make a big impact in their quest to win the Super Bowl in 2026. 

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    This fan-favorite Chiefs DB just visited the Bears as a free agent

    The Kansas City Chiefs decided to completely rebuild their secondary during the 2026 offseason, and veteran defensive back Nazeeh Johnson was among the most recognizable players to find themselves on the outside looking in when the team made its decisions about who would stay and who would go.

    A two-time Super Bowl champion, Johnson has a considerable amount of valuable experience that should serve him well wherever he lands in free agency.

    On May 19, NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that Johnson was visiting with the Chicago Bears after previously taking meetings with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.

    Source: Former #Chiefs CB Nazeeh Johnson is visiting the #Bears.

    Johnson amassed 66 total tackles and one sack during his time in Kansas City and was a key special teamer as well. He also recently met with NYG and PHI. pic.twitter.com/iAG6GRwk27

    — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 19, 2026

    While Johnson was never a cornerstone of Steve Spagnuolo's defense during his time with the Chiefs, his outstanding contributions won't be forgotten by Kansas City's fans any time soon.

    During his three regular-season campaigns on the Chiefs' active roster, Johnson appeared in 29 games (six starts) and tallied 66 combined tackles, three passes defensed, and one sack.

    This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs rumors: This fan-favorite DB just visited Bears in free agency

    Maple Leafs' 1st overall pick buzz gives latest insight into Gavin McKenna

    Gavin McKenna IMAGN 050526

    Maple Leafs' 1st overall pick buzz gives latest insight into Gavin McKenna originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    It's going to be a decision that won't allow for full judgment until a decade or so has passed, but it's still a pivotal choice for the Toronto Maple Leafs next month.

    They won the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft lottery. Soon, they'll have to pick the player they want. Will it be Gavin McKenna?

    McKenna has been assumed as the top pick for more than a year, dating to his time with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League.

    He spent this past season at Penn State in the NCAA ranks, getting off to a bit of a slow start but eventually finding an impressive groove.

    Now, McKenna is in the draft, and everyone is wondering whether he could fall out of that top spot after holding it down so solidly for the past couple years.

    Could he fall? Yes. Will he? That's less certain.

    MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

    The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, in a new mock draft on Tuesday, still has McKenna as the top pick.

    "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that McKenna is the pick for the Leafs," Wheeler begins his blurb. "There is some doubt out there about him, and there's a case to be made to prioritize a longtime organizational need on D. But there's risk in chasing a premium position at the expense of a premium talent, and I still expect that the Leafs will land on McKenna in the end."

    Given that the Maple Leafs are coming off a brutal season, and may have a bunch of personnel moves to make this offseason, it's risky to chase after need versus taking the player they think is the best available.

    If they believe McKenna is the best player in the draft, he should probably be their pick.

    And at least based on what Wheeler expects, the Leafs are currently leaning in that direction.

    MORE: Alex Newhook is the Canadiens' hero no one ever expected

    What is a realistic statline for Rueben Bain Jr. in 2026?

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are banking on immediate defensive impact from first-round pick Reuben Bain Jr., a player the organization views as a long-term cornerstone for its pass rush under Todd Bowles. At 6-foot-2, 262 pounds, Bain enters the league with a powerful, compact frame and an explosive first step that made him one of the most disruptive edge defenders in his draft class.

    That blend of strength and burst is exactly what Tampa Bay is hoping translates quickly to the NFL level within its blitz-heavy scheme.

    From day one, Bain is expected to be part of the Buccaneers’ starting edge package rather than being eased in as a developmental piece. The team plans to deploy him in multiple alignments, including traditional hand-in-the-dirt edge snaps and stand-up rush looks designed to maximize his speed and power off the line of scrimmage.

    The Buccaneers will also look to incorporate him heavily into stunt and twist concepts, where his explosiveness can be used to collapse pockets and force quarterbacks off their spots.

    Statistically, Bain’s rookie projection reflects a rotational but impactful role. A reasonable expectation would be 6-9 sacks, 35–50 total tackles, 8–12 tackles for loss, and 10–15 quarterback hits. Those numbers would represent a strong rookie campaign for a player taken in the top 15 of the draft and notably one of, if not the best, in his position. While his raw production may fluctuate week to week, Bain’s impact is expected to extend beyond the stat sheet. His ability to generate pressure, disrupt timing, and draw attention from opposing offensive lines should help free up opportunities for others, such as Yaya Diaby.

    This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could Rueben Bain Jr. make an impact as a rookie for the Bucs?

    IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 93 keeps Rajasthan Royals’ playoff hopes alive

    NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again stole the spotlight as the 15-year-old produced a stunning 93 off just 38 balls to guide Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2026 clash in Jaipur.

    The victory kept Rajasthan firmly alive in the playoff race, with the team now needing one more win against Mumbai Indians to strengthen their qualification hopes.



    Chasing a huge target of 221, Rajasthan looked fearless from the start. Sooryavanshi smashed 10 sixes and attacked almost every bowler, making the difficult chase look surprisingly easy.

    He first added a quick partnership with stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal before building another massive stand with Dhruv Jurel, who stayed unbeaten with a half-century. Although the teenager missed his century by just seven runs, he had already taken the game away from Lucknow.

    Former cricketer Ian Bishop summed up the youngster’s brilliance perfectly on commentary, saying: “He is ready.”

    Earlier, Mitchell Marsh had powered Lucknow to 220/5 with a brutal 96 off 57 balls. Josh Inglis also played aggressively, scoring 60 as the pair gave LSG a flying start with a 109-run opening partnership. Marsh continued the attack even after Inglis got out, smashing boundaries all around the ground and narrowly missing out on a century.

    However, Rajasthan’s bowlers struggled for most of the innings, with only young spinner Yash Raj Punja managing to create some control with two wickets. Jofra Archer’s disciplined final over also helped limit further damage.

    The young batter is now closing in on several IPL records, including Chris Gayle’s mark for most sixes in a season. His fearless batting even put pressure on India pacer Mayank Yadav, who conceded heavily during one over.

    While Lucknow’s playoff hopes ended with the defeat, Rajasthan now head into their final league match with qualification still within reach.

    Mariners’ Colt Emerson makes 1st first career start at shortstop as J.P. Crawford gets day off

    SEATTLE (AP) — Colt Emerson will make his first MLB start at shortstop for the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night against the White Sox, less than 24 hours after hitting a three-run homer for his first big league hit.

    Emerson will be playing in his third MLB game. He was the team's top pick in the 2023 amateur draft and started the first two games of his big league career at third base while J.P. Crawford played his usual position of shortstop.

    Crawford, the longest-tenured member of the Mariners, was given the day off Tuesday. That move gave Emerson, who recently signed a $95 million, eight-year contract — the largest for a minor league player with no big league experience — his first chance to play at his natural position in the majors.

    Manager Dan Wilson has been impressed by the 20-year-old Emerson in the early stages of his career.

    “He’s come up here and been very mature, and his approach has been outstanding,” Wilson said. “That’s the guy, the player that we thought he was.”

    Emerson was called up from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday because All-Star utilityman Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin muscle strain. General manager Justin Hollander estimated that Donovan will be sidelined for two to three weeks, which means Emerson will have plenty of other chances to start at third base.

    With left-hander Anthony Kay (3-1, 4.61 ERA) starting for Chicago, Wilson chose a more right-handed heavy hitting lineup, giving Crawford a day off. Patrick Wisdom, who was reinstated from the injured list on Monday following a left oblique strain, will start at third base for Seattle.

    ___

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

    Joe Inglis back in Australia's National Basketball League after a 12-year, 800-game NBA career

    MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Joe Ingles is returning to play in Australia's National Basketball League after a 12-year NBA career spanning more than 800 games.

    The 38-year-old Ingles signed with the NBL's Melbourne United on a two-year contract just days after the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Ingles played the last two seasons, were beaten by San Antonio in six games in the second round of the playoffs.

    It's Ingles' second stint in the NBL — he began his professional career with the now-defunct South Dragons from 2006-2009, winning the 2007 rookie of the year and helping his team to the 2009 title.

    Ingles’ NBA career was 810 regular-season games for the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, and Timberwolves, where he played only 267 regular-season minutes in two seasons (2024–26), appearing in 46 games.

    The 2.03-meter (6-foot, 8-inch) forward is a five-time Olympian for Australia, winning a bronze medal with the Boomers in 2021 at the Tokyo Games. It marked Australia's first appearance on an Olympic podium in men's basketball.

    “I don’t need the money, I don’t need the notoriety and I don’t need the presence of coming back, but I want to compete, I want to play and I want to win,” Ingles told the Australian Associated Press on Tuesday from Orlando, Florida. “That’s what I’ve missed the last couple of years; that competitiveness of being out on the court.”

    Ingles said he was eager to return “home” to Melbourne with his wife, Renae, and their three children.

    “I still love competing, I still love the game, and I believe I can genuinely help this group win,” Ingles said. “At this stage of my career, it’s not about individual achievements. It’s about impact, leadership, helping a group come together and chasing something meaningful.”

    ___

    AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

    Will Wade adds another pro prospect to LSU basketball

    Will Wade adds another pro prospect to LSU basketball originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    For the second time on Tuesday, Will Wade has gained a commitment from a player that has either been drafted the NBA, was signed to an NBA team, or played professionally overseas. This time, the 58th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Saliou Niang, has committed to Wade and the Tigers.

    Niang has played professionally internationally for four years with stops in Serie A in Italy, EuroCup, and the EuroLeague. In his most recent stint with Virtus Bologna of Lega Basket Serie A in Italy, he averaged 9 points, 5,1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.

    With the move, LSU has now gained a commitment from five total players who have either been linked to an NBA team or played internationally at the pro level. Niang is the second pro-prospect to join the Tigers on Tuesday, with former Big East Player of the Year and undrafted NBA free agent, RJ Luis Jr., also committing.

    At this point, Will Wade is turning LSU basketball into the next NBA expansion team.

    Saliou Niang has committed to LSU. He was the 58th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He now joins:

    Yam Madar (Drafted 2020)
    RJ Luis (G League)
    Brice Dessert (EuroLeague)
    Marcio Santos…

    — Sammy Profeta (@profeta_sammy) May 19, 2026

    Yam Madar, Brice Dessert, and Marcio Santos are other previously professional players who have signed with LSU since Will Wade arrived this offseason. Madar was also drafted back in 2020 by the Boston Celtics in the second round.

    More: Will Wade adds NBA guard who was Big East POTY to LSU Tigers basketball roster

    Divine Ugochukwu, Abdi Bashir, Austin Nunez, and Mo Dioubate are other players who were added through the NCAA Transfer Portal that did play in college last season.

    More college basketball news:

    Alexander Rossi is sore but determined to make another Indianapolis 500 start following crash

    INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Alexander Rossi was sore Tuesday morning after enduring one of the hardest crashes of his career.

    He's still determined not to let an injured right ankle or bad left hand keep him out of IndyCar's biggest race. So the Ed Carpenter Racing team spent Tuesday afternoon in Gasoline Alley, prepping Rossi's backup car with the expectation the Californian will use his best career starting position at the Indianapolis 500, second, to claim his second race win in front of a sellout crowd.

    At least that's the plan.

    Rossi was still recovering from Monday night surgery on his ankle and hand. Indianapolis Motor Speedway medical director Dr. Julia Vaizer will continue monitoring Rossi's recovery as he tries to return for Friday's final practice. And Rossi has every intention of climbing into that No. 20 car when WNBA star Caitlin Clark gives the traditional starting command.

    “I feel like with where he (Rossi) is at, everybody from the doctors to Alex is super optimistic he’s going to be ready to go," team president Tim Broyles told The Associated Press. "So as we’re sitting here today, I don’t feel like we’ll have any concerns moving forward, If one of the milestones he needs to hit over the next few days doesn’t happen or he’s not comfortable, we have a backup plan.”

    Here, in the fast lane, it's a way of life. Every team has backup cars and every team executive has a list of backup drivers they can call in a pinch — a contact list Broyles acknowledged he's been checking since Monday.

    And when the inevitable big crash happens, everyone knows how to react.

    That's why Broyles was in Gasoline Alley on Tuesday when there was on-track activity. Back in the Carpenter garages, crew members worked to switch out engines for race day and tried to finetune the car Rossi used in last year's race.

    “It’s a bit of work for the guys, but the car he’s running is actually the car he ran in the 500 last year,” Broyles said. “He raced the car in the (Indianapolis) GP last weekend, we had it prepared as a backup car for the 500 anyway after the GP so we were already kind of prepared for it it anyway but I don’t have any concerns over it. Alex led the race with it last year.”

    Arrow McLaren scrapped its scheduled Wednesday off to help Pato O'Ward. The Spaniard was too close to avoid Rossi's spinning car Monday and wound up hitting the side of Rossi's car while severely damaging his own. The two-time Indy runner-up qualified sixth on the outside of Row 2 but now must rely on a backup car as he tries again to become the first Mexican to reach victory lane at the Brickyard.

    And after Conor Daly ran over debris from the crash, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing spent Monday night and Tuesday morning fixing his broken front wing and an undertray beneath his car. Daly, the stepson of Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles will start eighth, the middle of Row 3. Boles also serves as IndyCar president.

    “Hopefully the (crew) guys can get that all fixed up. I am still quite happy with the car overall,” Daly said. “It would be nice to get some more running and we got some very pit stops in today too. Hopefully, the Carb Day weather is good so we can get some laps in before the race.”

    The good news is those three and French-Swiss driver Romain Grosjean of Dale Coyne Racing, who also was swept up in the crash, are expected to be on the track before Sunday — even if Friday's weather doesn't cooperate. Grosjean is starting No. 24.

    There's a 51% chance of rain in the forecast for Carb Day activities, but Broyles said his understanding is Plan B would put Rossi and the others on the track Saturday for a shakedown, a systems check and the ability to make sure Rossi will be comfortable racing.

    “He’s in good spirts, yeah, he sounded good this morning,” Broyles said. “It was a big impact. He has a couple little, nagging things, so we’ll see how that goes.”

    ___

    AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

    Brewers score vs Cubs tonight, live game updates, highlights, starting lineups

    CHICAGO – The Milwaukee Brewers have a series victory on their mind and will be in great position to acquire one as they again take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, May 19.

    The reason for the optimism? Jacob Misiorowski (3-2, 2.12) is on the mound, bringing with him an 18 ⅓-inning scoreless streak and a tie for the major league lead in strikeouts with 80.

    The Cubs will counter with right-hander Ben Brown (1-1, 1.60), who's pitched well in various roles this season and has traditionally been tough on Milwaukee in three previous starts.

    The Brewers are coming off a 9-3 drubbing of the Cubs in the opener, a game in which both Christian Yelich and Jake Bauers homered off the video board in right field.

    Brewers 2026 record

    27-18.

    Brewers lineup

    • Jackson Chourio LF
    • Brice Turang 2B
    • William Contreras C
    • Christian Yelich DH
    • Garrett Mitchell CF
    • Jake Bauers 1B
    • Luis Rengifo 3B
    • Sal Frelick RF
    • David Hamilton SS

    Cubs lineup

    • Nico Hoerner 2B
    • Michael Busch 1B
    • Alex Bregman 3B
    • Ian Happ LF
    • Seiya Suzuki RF
    • Moises Ballesteros DH
    • Dansby Swanson SS
    • Pete Crow-Armstrong CF
    • Miguel Amaya C

    Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws during the first inning of their game against the San Diego Padres Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    Brewers probable pitchers, schedule

    Brewers at Cubs, May 20 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (4-1, 2.09) vs. Chicago RHP Edward Cabrera (3-1, 4.06). TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

    This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers vs Cubs score, live game updates tonight, highlights, lineups

    Brewers score vs Cubs tonight, live game updates, highlights, starting lineups

    CHICAGO – The Milwaukee Brewers have a series victory on their mind and will be in great position to acquire one as they again take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, May 19.

    The reason for the optimism? Jacob Misiorowski (3-2, 2.12) is on the mound, bringing with him an 18 ⅓-inning scoreless streak and a tie for the major league lead in strikeouts with 80.

    The Cubs will counter with right-hander Ben Brown (1-1, 1.60), who's pitched well in various roles this season and has traditionally been tough on Milwaukee in three previous starts.

    The Brewers are coming off a 9-3 drubbing of the Cubs in the opener, a game in which both Christian Yelich and Jake Bauers homered off the video board in right field.

    Brewers 2026 record

    27-18.

    Brewers lineup

    • Jackson Chourio LF
    • Brice Turang 2B
    • William Contreras C
    • Christian Yelich DH
    • Garrett Mitchell CF
    • Jake Bauers 1B
    • Luis Rengifo 3B
    • Sal Frelick RF
    • David Hamilton SS

    Cubs lineup

    • Nico Hoerner 2B
    • Michael Busch 1B
    • Alex Bregman 3B
    • Ian Happ LF
    • Seiya Suzuki RF
    • Moises Ballesteros DH
    • Dansby Swanson SS
    • Pete Crow-Armstrong CF
    • Miguel Amaya C

    Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws during the first inning of their game against the San Diego Padres Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    Brewers probable pitchers, schedule

    Brewers at Cubs, May 20 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (4-1, 2.09) vs. Chicago RHP Edward Cabrera (3-1, 4.06). TV – Brewers TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.

    This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers vs Cubs score, live game updates tonight, highlights, lineups

    Another Key Dodgers Reliever Facing Possibility of Surgery

    Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol pitching in the 2024 World Series.

    Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol may need surgery after a regression in his recovery from injury.

    Graterol had been playing for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets in a rehab assignment but, on Friday, he was removed from the team with back pain.

    He’d made four rehab appearances before the setback, and he was moving toward pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2024.

    Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol pitching in the 2024 World Series.
    Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

    However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Graterol will again miss significant time, and surgery is a real possibility, as reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic.

    “Graterol and the team are still weighing other options,” Woo added.

    Graterol isn’t giving up after setback

    Despite what surely was disheartening news, Graterol hasn’t lost faith.

    On social media, he posted an inspirational message.

    “Baseball is not easy,” he said. “But it’s no reason to give up. LFG”

    But that’s not the only setback he’s experienced recently, and he’s shown a drive to overcome obstacles.

    In spring training, he detailed to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain that he’d worked out two or three times per day in the offseason to get back on track.

    “I lost a few pounds, like 20 pounds right now, so I feel great,” he said.

    Graterol is listed at 265 pounds by ESPN, but he said he was up to “280, 285,” and starting to get back into shape was hard.

    “The first three weeks, to lose a lot of pounds … It’s so hard, I can’t walk or breathe, I can’t sleep very well. One day, I said, you know what, let me change my physical. And now I feel way better,” he said.

    Jul 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol (48) celebrates at the end of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    Graterol also told McKain that he’s “so proud of what I did with my body,” and he credits his family with giving him the motivation.

    “Never give up, always stay strong,” he said. “Thank God my wife, my mom, my daughter were there next to me to push me, keep my head up.”

    Forza Horizon 6 Peaks at Over 270,000 Day-1 Concurrent Steam Players

    20 May 2026 at 04:01
    The weekend prior to launch, Forza Horizon 6 featured advanced access for buyers of the $120 Premium Edition of the game, garnering peak concurrent player counts of just over 172,000 players on the first day of Advanced Access. Following Advanced Access, the new racing game officially launched to a global audience on May 19, and it appears to have been a successful launch day so far. Nine hours after the official release, Forza Horizon 6 peaked at 273,148 concurrent players on Steam, making it a very successful launch compared to Playground Games's Forza Horizon 5, which only managed to reach a peak of 81,086 concurrent steam players in 2022.

    By comparison, Subnautica 2, which launched but a few days earlier in Early Access on Steam and on the Xbox Series consoles, managed to garner over 467,000 concurrent players on Steam on launch day. Forza Horizon 6 also launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on PC via the Microsoft Store, so the actual player turn out was likely much higher than that, despite the premium $69.99 price tag. The Steam review rating for Forza Horizon 6 is also quite positive, currently at 86% positive, and the game's proprietary ForzaTech engine acquitted itself admirably in our performance testing on both handheld devices and on more powerful hardware.

    Valve Streamlines Steam Store Tags List, Reveals Most Ubiquitous Tags

    20 May 2026 at 03:32
    Valve's official tags in the Steam Store can be a helpful resource for narrowing down your search for new games, but by Valve's own admission, the list of tags has become somewhat bloated in recent years. In an effort to remedy this, Valve has revealed a rework of the current list of tags, with 17 new tags coming to Steam and 28 tags being removed. The full list is included below the break, but some of the new tag highlights include "Bullet Heaven," a relatively new game genre that gained popularity thanks to games like Vampire Survivors; Samurai; Desktop Companion; Cleaning—for Power Wash Simulator fans—Organizing; and Desktop Companion. In stroke of typical Valve whimsy, it has also defined the tag "Capybaras" as "The largest and possibly most adorable rodent species."

    As for removed tags, Valve argues that some tags, like NSFW and Mature, are too generic, and there are more descriptive tags that should be used in their place, while other tags, like LEGO and 3D Vision, have been removed over IP concerns—in these IP-related cases, franchise pages will fill the same discoverability niche as a tag. Other tags were also removed for being too subjective or underused. With the changes, Valve hopes to make tag filtering more effective, whether filtering to include or exclude tags from your search. Valve also revealed the most popular tags on Steam. Singleplayer is the most-used, with over 98,000 games or about 62% of all Steam games, getting that tag. Indie, with 53% of the Steam library, came in second, followed by Action, Casual, and Adventure.

    Publisher of Indie Hit "Far Far West" Rejects Gen AI in Videogames

    20 May 2026 at 02:45
    Although Far Far West was made by a small indie team, it seems to have struck a chord with gamers, topping Steam's Top Sellers chart on launch day and garnering a 97% positive review rating on Steam. The publishing company behind the game, Fireshine Games, recently clarified its stance on generative AI in gaming, with the CEO, Brian Foote, drawing a line in the sand in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz. Foote explained that, under no circumstances, will Fireshine work with studios who use generative AI in their games. Foote said that "We don't work with partners that are relying on generative AI or generative art, and I think that's the red line we are very clear on," going on to reiterate that "as it stands, it's something we are firm on."

    He explained that using AI tools like code completion or Copilot in Word, "that's an entirely different set of scenarios," and commented that "it will be very hard for anybody to say they're not touching AI in some way, shape, or form." The CEO explained that "in terms of the core game creation," it does not seem like players want AI generated games—an idea that echoes what many developers have said about the use of generative AI in creative pursuits. Foote went on to say that the tech is "not something that we think is healthy for the development community." In April 2026, a survey of game industry workers found that as many as 64% of video game workers think generative AI use is negatively affecting creativity in the gaming industry.

    CinderReels.com – Social web app where your posts vanish at midnight


    CinderReels is a social platform where every post (images, videos, DMs) vanishes at midnight in your timezone. Share photos, albums, videos, and text to your feed or to Public, Private, or Hidden groups, and schedule posts for later today or tomorrow. Connect in DMs and group chats without leaving a permanent trail. The platform limits signups to 16+, offers report and block tools, prioritizes privacy in groups and chats, and shows live countdowns on every post.

    View startup

    JPMorgan ether warning says network boom is the only fix

    20 May 2026 at 02:50
    JPMorgan ether and altcoin analysts said the tokens won’t catch bitcoin without a major lift in network activity. JPMorgan said ether and the broader altcoin market are unlikely to reverse a multi-year underperformance against bitcoin without a meaningful pickup in…

    Google Android XR smart glasses launching this fall with Gemini AI

    Google to launch this fall its new Android XR smart glasses with the first consumer-ready frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The glasses will feature built-in navigation, hands-free messaging, photo capture, live translation, and other AI-powered tools designed to work without constantly reaching for a phone.

    Honor Power3 aims to break the mainstream smartphone battery capacity record

    20 May 2026 at 03:11

    The Honor Power2 launched back in January with a massive 10,080 mAh battery, but the brand isn't resting on its laurels - far from it, in fact. According to a new rumor from China today, Honor is already working on the Power3, and this one may break the mainstream smartphone battery capacity record. Honor allegedly aims for its battery capacity to be 11,000-12,000 mAh, but the exact number hasn't been decided on just yet. The phone will be powered by the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 8600 SoC. Honor Power2 The Power3 will have a 6.8-inch flat LTPS OLED screen with "1.5K" resolution....

    UEFA reportedly distances itself from FIFA over mouth-covering and walk-off rule changes

    20 May 2026 at 03:03
    UEFA and FIFA reportedly have different views regarding certain upcoming rule changes.

    Several weeks ago, FIFA approved two rule modifications that will be implemented starting with the 2026 World Cup. While the global governing body intends for these new measures to eventually be adopted worldwide, reports indicate UEFA has other plans.

    UEFA has opted against following FIFA’s lead and introducing automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent or leave the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision,” The Guardian reported on Tuesday.

    The ban on players covering their mouths while interacting with opponents was promoted by FIFA following an incident that actually involved UEFA competition, as it took place during a Champions League match. It was the well-known episode involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

    That incident resulted in a six-match suspension for Prestianni imposed by UEFA, which was later extended to the international level as well, potentially affecting the forward’s chances of making Argentina’s roster for the World Cup.

    Gianni Infantino (President - FIFA) speaks on stage during Semafor World Economy 2026.
    FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

    The other situation that motivated these rule changes took place during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when Senegal players temporarily walked off the field during the final against Morocco in protest of refereeing decisions. Although they later returned and secured a 1-0 victory, CAF ultimately awarded the title to Morocco in a controversial ruling that is now in the hands of the CAS.

    UEFA to closely monitor the World Cup

    Although FIFA approved these rule modifications following the latest meeting of the International Football Association Board, the decision has not been imposed as mandatory worldwide. That means each continental confederation and local association can evaluate whether implementing the changes is appropriate.

    UEFA’s executive committee will meet for the final time this season in Istanbul on Wednesday and it is understood no regulation changes are on the agenda,The Guardian reported. However, that does not necessarily mean the decision is permanent, as the issue is expected to be revisited in the near future.

    UEFA sources said that its referees committee would monitor the impact of the new regulations during the World Cup with a view to discussing potential changes during next season,” the report added.

    The possibility of seeing a situation similar to the Africa Cup of Nations final happen again during the World Cup is extremely unlikely given how unusual that episode was. However, players covering their mouths while speaking to opponents is far more common, so it will be interesting to see whether that behavior disappears during the World Cup and, if not, whether referees will consistently enforce the new rules with the strictness FIFA intends.

    Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica and Arda Guler of Real Madrid.

    Arteta breaks Guardiola’s mark and trails only Mourinho in Premier League coaching record after Arsenal title win

    20 May 2026 at 02:43
    Wit Arsenal's Premier League title, Mikel Arteta broke Pep Guardiola's mark, but trails José Mourinho.

    It finally happened for the Arsenal fans who had been anxious about the finish. They held a healthy margin, but this year was not their best and allowed Manchester City back into the Premier League race. Even so, Mikel Arteta’s side managed something Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho had already done.

    Arteta established himself as a leader despite his young age. In doing so, he surpassed his fellow countryman, as he is now 44 years and 55 days old after winning the Premier League title, while Guardiola was 47 years and 87 days old when he achieved it.

    That leaves him only behind Mourinho in the list of youngest managers to win the title. The Special One did it with Chelsea at 42 years and 94 days. Completing the top four is Kenny Dalglish, who won it at 44 years and 71 days, followed by Arne Slot and then Guardiola at 46 years and 222 days.

    Better win percentage than Arsène Wenger

    The club has been one of the most important in England for decades. In the modern era, however, it is more closely associated with Arsène Wenger’s teams. Under the French manager, they produced a brilliant style that brought many titles, especially in his earlier years.

    Wenger is a club legend for his time as manager (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

    His long spell may be the reason Arteta ranks higher than Wenger in win percentage, since the historic manager spent more than 20 years at the club, while the younger coach has been in charge since December 2019.

    Arteta has been slowly building a team that has come very close over the last two years. His win percentage now stands at 60.4 percent, with 212 wins, 66 draws and 73 losses, slightly ahead of Wenger’s 57.2 percent from 707 wins, 280 draws and 248 losses, among managers with at least 50 matches.

    The final matches

    There is one Premier League match left, against Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, that one no longer matters much, with the chance of history arriving later this month. Arteta’s biggest date is May 30, when they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

    Arteta finally won the title

    Errol Spence Jr opens up on whether he considered retirement after Terence Crawford loss

    20 May 2026 at 02:19

    Ahead of his comeback, has opened up on his extended layoff from the world of boxing, revealing whether a return to the sport was always definite. Spence maintained his undefeated record through 27 fights to announce himself as the welterweight standout, defeating Kell Brook to claim the IBF world title before unifying the WBC and […]

    The post Errol Spence Jr opens up on whether he considered retirement after Terence Crawford loss appeared first on Boxing News.

    Yan Dyomande – Bundesliqanın ən yaxşı gənc oyunçusu!

    19 May 2026 at 19:00

    “Leypsiq”in vingeri Yan Dyomande futbol üzrə Almaniya Bundesliqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün ən yaxşı gənc oyunçusu seçilib.

    Arena.az bu barədə Almaniya Bundesliqasının mətbuat xidmətinə istinadən məlimat verir.

    Bu, 19 yaşlı ivuarlı ilk müvafiq qənimətidir. O, artıq geridə qalmış mövsümdəki parlaq çıxışı ilə artıq dünyanın aparıcı klublarının diqqət mərkəzinə düşməyi də bacarıb

    Yan Dyomande peşəkar karyerasına İspaniyanın “Leqanes” klubunda başlayıb. “Leypsiq” onu 2025-ci ilin yayında 20 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində məhz İspaniya klubundan transfer edib. 19 yaşlı cinah hücumçusu Almaniya klubunun heyətində indiyə qədər 36 oyuna çıxıb, 13 qol vurub, 10 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

    Kot-d’İvuarın U-17 və U-23 yığmalarında da oynamış Dyomande 2025-ci ildə debüt etdiyi əsas millinin heyətində 9 oyun keçirib, 3 qola imza atıb.

    “Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 19 yaşlı vingerin transfer dəyərini 75 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

    Watch: Wild scenes! The moment Arsenal players found out they are the new Premier League champions

    20 May 2026 at 02:41

    Arsenal’s players erupted in wild celebrations as they watched Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night,  handing the Gunners their first Premier League title in 22 years.

    It was the moment the red half of North London had been waiting decades for. As the full-time whistle blew at the Vitality Stadium confirming a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester City, Arsenal’s players, watching the game together on TV, let loose in unforgettable fashion.

    DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

    The scenes, which quickly went viral across social media, captured the raw emotion of a squad that has endured years of near misses.

    Absolute scenes as Arsenal win the Premier League ?

    ? Arsenal via Instagram pic.twitter.com/5XS0Pvi9cH

    — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 19, 2026

    Declan Rice leads Arsenal celebrations after historic Premier League win

    Declan Rice led the celebrations, posting a dressing room photo on Instagram alongside teammates Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Eberechi Eze, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with a message that said it all: “I told you all… it’s done.”

    It was a special moment for Rice, who was famously filmed after a recent defeat to City saying “it’s not done”, a clip that had circulated widely online and now serves as the perfect before-and-after to one of football’s most satisfying redemption arcs.

    Arsenal end 22-year wait and three consecutive runner-up finishes

    The title is Arsenal’s 14th English league title and their first since the iconic 2003-04 “Invincibles” season under Arsene Wenger.

    "WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS" ?? pic.twitter.com/2JJs24m6DI

    — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 19, 2026

    It ends three consecutive heartbreaking second-place finishes, twice being overtaken by Manchester City and once pipped by Liverpool, and represents the ultimate vindication for manager Mikel Arteta, who remained in the job through years of agonising near misses.

    The Gunners conceded a league-low 26 goals in 37 games, recorded 19 clean sheets, and scored a league-high 24 goals from set pieces, a title built on defensive steel, tactical brilliance, and sheer collective willpower.

    A stunning double on the cards for Arsenal

    Arsenal’s season may not be over yet, with a Champions League final still to come later this month in Budapest.

    The Gunners have had a stupendous season in Europe as well, securing a place in the final in Budapest, where they will face a dangerous PSG side.

    Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

    Arsenal face PSG thrice last season, once in group stage winning 2-0 and then again in the semi-finals, losing both marginally with 1-0 defeat at home and 2-1 defeat away.

    With the Gunners boasting a much stronger defence this season while also improving in attack, there is no reason why Mikel Arteta’s side can’t go on to win the final.

    If they do, Arteta will have ended the club’s wait for a Champions League trophy, marking it a historical double.

    The post Watch: Wild scenes! The moment Arsenal players found out they are the new Premier League champions appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Watch: Pape Matar Sarr produces stunning backheel assist for Richarlison vs Chelsea

    20 May 2026 at 01:50

    Pape Matar Sarr produced a stunning backheel assist for Richarlison who pulled one back late in the game to make it 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but it wasn’t enough as Tottenham’s relegation fears intensify heading into the final day.

    Chelsea had already doubled their lead through Andrey Santos, who fired into the bottom right corner to put the Blues 2-0 up, following Enzo Fernandez’s spectacular opener in the first half.

    Sarr’s moment of brilliance gave Spurs fans a glimmer of hope late in the game.

    The Senegalese midfielder, one of Tottenham’s standout performers in what has been a turbulent season, flicked a backheel pass into the path of Richarlison, who calmly slotted the ball inside the left post to reduce the deficit.

    Richarlison pulls one back for Spurs! ?? pic.twitter.com/ygpQiMmUv9

    — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026

    The Brazilian striker’s goal gave Spurs late hope, but Chelsea held firm to claim all three points and secure a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

    Tottenham defeat means Everton game is a must-win for Spurs

    The defeat leaves Spurs in a precarious position heading into the final day of the Premier League season.

    Tottenham sit 17th with 38 points from 37 games, while West Ham remain 18th with 36 points, with their last fixture a home game against Leeds United on May 24.

    Spurs now need to beat Everton at home on the final day, while simultaneously hoping West Ham fail to defeat Leeds.

    If Tottenham lose and West Ham win, Roberto De Zerbi’s side could be dragged into a relegation dogfight decided purely by goal difference, a margin in which Spurs currently hold the edge at -9 versus West Ham’s -22.

    The final day showdown promises to be one of the most nerve-shredding in recent Tottenham history.

    The post Watch: Pape Matar Sarr produces stunning backheel assist for Richarlison vs Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Venture Capital & Startup Funding Roundup, May 19, 2026

    20 May 2026 at 02:28

    The venture capital landscape on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is defined by an aggressive transition from model experimentation to industrial-scale deployment. This shift, colloquially termed the “Agentic Infrastructure Super-Cycle,” follows a historic first quarter where global venture investment surged to […]

    The post Venture Capital & Startup Funding Roundup, May 19, 2026 first appeared on Tech Startups.

    OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy joins Anthropic to advance Claude AI research

    19 May 2026 at 23:27

    Andrej Karpathy is heading back to the center of the AI race. The OpenAI co-founder and former Tesla AI director announced Tuesday that he is joining Anthropic, adding another high-profile name to the growing battle for top AI talent between […]

    The post OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy joins Anthropic to advance Claude AI research first appeared on Tech Startups.

    RADAR reaches unicorn status after raising $170M to modernize physical retail with AI

    19 May 2026 at 21:46

    For decades, physical retail operated with a blind spot that e-commerce solved years ago. Online retailers know exactly where every product is, what customers click on, what sits in carts, and what sells out first. Physical stores never had that […]

    The post RADAR reaches unicorn status after raising $170M to modernize physical retail with AI first appeared on Tech Startups.

    Mistral AI acquires Emmi AI to expand industrial AI push across Europe

    19 May 2026 at 19:45

    Europe’s race to build its own AI champions is moving deeper into factories, robotics, and semiconductor production. French startup Mistral AI said Tuesday it has acquired Austrian startup Emmi AI for an undisclosed amount, giving the company new technology focused […]

    The post Mistral AI acquires Emmi AI to expand industrial AI push across Europe first appeared on Tech Startups.

    Meta begins layoffs of 8,000 employees as Zuckerberg doubles down on AI overhaul

    19 May 2026 at 18:40

    For years, Silicon Valley promised that AI would make workers more productive. Meta is now showing what that can look like inside one of the world’s biggest tech companies, and thousands of employees are paying the price. Meta has begun […]

    The post Meta begins layoffs of 8,000 employees as Zuckerberg doubles down on AI overhaul first appeared on Tech Startups.

    Top Tech News Today, May 19, 2026

    19 May 2026 at 16:59

    It’s Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and the AI infrastructure gold rush just went nuclear. Wall Street is writing billion-dollar checks, utilities are merging at record scale, and Big Tech is slashing headcount to fund the next leap in compute. From […]

    The post Top Tech News Today, May 19, 2026 first appeared on Tech Startups.

    How Startup Teams Build Trust Before Scaling

    19 May 2026 at 04:09

    Startups often focus on growth, funding and product speed, but trust usually decides whether early momentum lasts. Before a company can scale, users need to believe the team can deliver consistently. Investors, partners and customers may forgive a young company […]

    The post How Startup Teams Build Trust Before Scaling first appeared on Tech Startups.

    Channel 9 Sports Director Alex Walker goes 1-on-1 with Florida head football coach Jon Sumrall

    WFTV hosted Florida head football coach Jon Sumrall at the Channel 9 studios for a one-on-one conversation with Sports Director Alex Walker.

    They spoke about his first six months on the job, expectations for year one and much more.

    Sumrall makes his debut as Florida head coach on September 5 at The Swamp against Florida Atlantic. He will make his SEC head coaching debut on September 19 at Auburn.

    Here is part two of Alex’s conversation with Sumrall.

    Channel 9 Sports Director Alex Walker continues his 1-on-1 interview with the Gators head man.

    Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

    Iowa wins, will face Michigan State in Big Ten Tournament

    The Big Ten baseball tournament began on Tuesday, with the No. 12 seeded Spartans playing against the No. 5 seeded Purdue Boilermakers. Michigan State was able to defeat the Boilermakers, 8-4, en route to the opening round win. With the opening round win, the Spartans are just one win away from moving on to the single elimination portion of the tournament.

    Now, with Iowa defeating Illinois 10-6, it will be the Spartans and Hawkeyes squaring off for a right to play USC in the tournament's quarterfinal round. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with MSU getting the better of Iowa in two of the three matchups.

    The second game will be on Wednesday at approximately 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network.

    On to the next 🤝 pic.twitter.com/sc8qw59y7J

    — Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) May 19, 2026

    Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy

    This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Iowa wins, will face Michigan State in Big Ten Tournament

    Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50: Claim $50 Prediction Bonus for Game 1 of Cavs-Knicks

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    TeamMoneylineTotal (O/U)
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    Cleveland Cavaliers-120U 216.5 (-110)

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    H.S. SOFTBALL: Previewing the District 11 Playoffs

    While the Class 4A playoffs got underway on Tuesday afternoon due to expected inclement weather on Wednesday, the rest of the District 11 softball playoffs will get underway on Thursday and Friday.

    Here’s what you need to know about this week’s District 11 playoff opening matchups.

    Class 1A – May 22

    No. 2 Marian Catholic (11-9) vs No. 3 Weatherly (9-11) – 4:30 p.m. at Pine Grove

    A Schuylkill League matchup opens up the Class 1A playoffs with Marian Catholic taking on Weatherly.

    The two sides have met two other times, with Marian winning both games. The Fillies defeated Weatherly 6-0 on March 26 and 16-1 on April 21.

    Marian enters the postseason with a 2-3 record over its last five games, including a 3-2 loss to Lehighton on May 7.

    Malina Letcher leads the Fillies with a .525 batting average, four home runs, and 36 RBI.

    Hailey Treskolasky, Emily Upanavage, and DeAnna Pugh have also been major contributors to the Fillies offensively.

    Weatherly enters the postseason with a 9-11 record and has won each of its last two games, including an 11-4 win over Columbia Montour Vo Tech on May 11.

    No.1 Tri-Valley (15-4) vs No. 4 Nativity BVM (4-16) – 6 p.m. at Pine Grove

    The second game of the doubleheader will feature another Schuylkill League matchup between Tri-Valley and Nativity BVM.

    The Bulldogs despite a disappointing loss to Pine Grove in the Schuylkill League playoffs, have been one of the league’s best teams all season.

    Before the loss to Pine Grove, Tri-Valley had won eight straight games entering the postseason, including wins over Schuylkill Haven, Marian Catholic, and Williams Valley.

    Summer Cupsta-Klinger and Mya Schwalm have led the Bulldogs offensively, both hitting well over .450 while driving in 20+ runs and each collecting a pair of home runs.

    Tri-Valley has a strong trio of pitchers in Schwalm, Amber Lettich, and Alina Leonard, allowing just 47 earned runs and 80 runs total.

    It was a tough regular season for Nativity with a 4-16 record, though it did win two of its last five games. Lauren Clark leads the Green Wave with a .404 batting average and 12 RBI. Addison Ricard is hitting .371 this season as well with 11 RBI.

    Class 2A – May 21

    No. 1 Williams Valley (16-4) vs No. 4 Mahanoy Area (8-12) – 6:00 p.m. at Blue Mountain

    Williams Valley’s Schuylkill League playoff run came to an end with a loss to North Schuylkill, but remain a legitimate contender in Class 2A.

    The Vikings struggled over the last few weeks with losses in four of their last five games, but will have had 10 days off by the time they take on Mahanoy Area.

    This will be their first matchup.

    The Vikings are led offensively by Cierra Brill with a .417 batting average, while Olivia Hand’s with five home runs and 36 RBI are both team highs.

    Quin Smeltz and Megan Perhach have also both gone deep twice for a team total of nine homers.

    Hand is also the Vikings’ leading pitcher with a 3.00 ERA across 65.1 innings. Kamri Koppenhaver has also pitched quite a bit with a 2.85 ERA in 39.1 innings.

    Mahanoy Area enters the District 11 playoffs with losses in three of its last four games, with a win over Tamaqua sandwiched in between.

    The Golden Bears will rely on Hailey Mroczka, Naomi Kowalick, and Allison Killian offensively. The trio has been the heart and soul of the Golden Bears at the plate all season and will need to lead the upset effort.

    The Mahanoy offense has been solid, with over 150 runs scored, but has struggled in the circle, allowing nearly 200 runs in 20 games.

    No. 2 Schuylkill Haven (14-6) vs No. 3 Minersville (12-8) – 7:30 p.m. at Blue Mountain

    After meeting twice in the regular season, Schuylkill Haven and Minersville meet again in the playoffs. The Hurricanes won both previous matchups, 12-11 and 9-5.

    Fielding a younger squad, Schuylkill Haven is one of the more intriguing postseason teams this year. The Hurricanes caught fire in early April, winning 11 of their last 12 games.

    After making the Schuylkill League playoffs, they were ousted by Pine Grove, 12-2.

    Schuylkill Haven will look to Aisley Jenan, who hit .544 with 31 RBI, to lead the way. Allison Scherer hit .492 with one home run and 17 RBI, while Joie Schoffstall hit .471 with 20 extra base hits and 29 RBI.

    Minersville didn’t qualify for the Schuylkill League playoffs but still had a strong season, winning four of its final six games, including a 2-1 win over Williams Valley.

    Rilynn Brennan has been the Battlin’ Miners leader with a .492 batting average and 11 RBI. Sara McGrath has hit .441 with one home run and a team-high 25 RBI. Isabella Cruz and Grace Sterner both hit over .400, as well.

    Class 3A – May 21

    No. 1 Pine Grove (21-2) vs No. 4 Palisades (8-12)- 4 p.m. at Blue Mountain

    The Pine Grove Cardinals won a second straight Schuylkill League crown and will now look to defend their District 11 and state championship.

    The Cardinals will start their run against Palisades on Thursday at Blue Mountain.

    Florida State commit Callee Leffler leads the Cardinals into the playoffs with a ridiculous .685 batting average, 14 home runs, and 43 RBI.

    Meadow Umbenhauer has collected five home runs of her own with 26 RBI. Four other Pine Grove hitters have totaled 20 or more RBI this season, with two more entering the District 11 playoffs with just under 20 RBI.

    The pitching duo of Jamie Dinger and Chelcy Clark is one of the best in the state. Dinger has a 0.45 ERA in 92.1 innings while Clark posted a 0.72 ERA in 38.2 innings.

    As a team, Pine Grove has outscored opponents 248-25.

    Palisades enters the playoffs at 8-12 and has lost six of its last seven games.

    Leading the Pirates at the plate are Catie Russo, who is hitting .529 for the Pirates with three home runs, Kadence Combs, who is hitting .500, and Nadia Wilt, who is hitting .469.

    Palisades’s pitching this season has struggled at times with a 4.64 ERA. They’ll rely almost solely on freshman Kendre Leidtke, who has pitched 95.2 of 99.2 innings this season.

    Class 5A – May 22

    No. 1 Southern Lehigh (14-6) vs No. 4 Pottsville (11-9) – 6 p.m. at Pates Park (Allentown)

    Pottsville will have a tough matchup with Southern Lehigh in its District 11 opener.

    The Crimson Tide enters the postseason with a 3-3 record over their last six games, with wins over Lourdes, Panther Valley, and Mahanoy Area while losing to Pine Grove, North Schuylkill, and Blue Mountain.

    Peyton Eckert is the leader of the Crimson Tide both at the plate and in the circle. She’s hitting .535 this season with one home run and 19 RBI while also pitching 77 innings in the circle to the tune of a 4.00 ERA.

    The Crimson Tide will also lean on Jes Siminitus and Izzy Kunstek, who have posted .377 and .356 batting averages, respectively, while driving in 17 and 15 runs each.

    Southern Lehigh has won three of their last five games and has been a high-throttle offense, totaling 212 runs this season.

    Isabella Germani leads Southern Lehigh offensively with a .479 batting average, five home runs, and 20 RBI. Five Spartans hitters this season are hitting over .400, while the team as a whole has hit .375 with nine home runs and 182 total runs.

    Their pitching has also been fantastic with a 2.77 ERA in 106 innings, allowing just 42 earned runs and 71 runs total. The Spartans have a pair of strong pitchers in Delaney Young and Clara Detwiler, both pitching to sub-3.00 earned run averages this season.

    Game #48 GameThread: Jays @ Yankees

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: Members of the public head towards a subway station following a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on April 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    I spent the last hour in one of the lower circles of hell, a Rogers phone shop. I needed a new phone, something that should have taken 10 minutes……

    Anyway, speaking of circles of hell, the Jays are playing at Yankee Stadium again. But Dylan Cease is on the mound to battle the demons.

    Today’s Lineups

    BLUE JAYSYANKEES
    George Springer – DHTrent Grisham – CF
    Vladimir Guerrero – 1BBen Rice – 1B
    Daulton Varsho – CFAaron Judge – RF
    Kazuma Okamoto – 3BCody Bellinger – LF
    Yohendrick Pinango – LFJazz Chisholm – 2B
    Jesus Sanchez – RFRyan McMahon – 3B
    Davis Schneider – 2BAnthony Volpe – SS
    Andres Gimenez – SSSpencer Jones – DH
    Tyler Heineman – CAustin Wells – C
    Dylan Cease – RHPWill Warren – RHP

    Go Jays Go.

    Bill Belichick says Tom Brady made right decision leaving the Patriots

    Bill Belichick spent his NFL career always focused on the next play or the next game.

    With those days now behind him, it's about reflecting on the past. The former New England Patriots coach joined Fox News' Sean Hannity on the latest episode of the "Hang Out" podcast, where he spoke about a variety of topics from his Hall of Fame snub to Tom Brady's decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and everything in between.

    The coach's NFL days are long gone at this point. He departed the Patriots organization after the 2023 season, officially leaving the post in Jan. 2024 in what was framed as a mutual decision with team owner Robert Kraft.

    MORE: Tom Brady talks failure, comebacks, Bill Belichick in commencement speech

    It has been an up-and-down journey for Belichick in the years since. The current North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach has been in the news for his move to the college ranks and his personal relationships.

    Belichick was back on the NFL radar this offseason after news surfaced that he wouldn't be part of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class – something that left many in disbelief.

    The coach had always been known for keeping things close to the vest, or hoodie in this case. Now he's peeling back the curtain and speaking his mind.

    Here's a look at some of the highlights from Belichick's discussion with Hannity.

    Bill Belichick on Tom Brady's decision to leave Patriots

    Brady's 20th season with the Patriots was capped off with a pick-six to the Tennessee Titans' Logan Ryan in the wild-card round. Rather than sign up for another year, the then-six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback opted for a new challenge.

    He signed with the Buccaneers ahead of the 2020 season, a decision that Belichick said was the right one.

    "Tom leaving was absolutely the right thing for him to do," Belichick told Hannity.

    "We didn’t have a good team in 2020. We just didn’t have a good football team. We had all those guys that left –[Rob] Gronkowski and [Julian] Edelman. Most of our team was gone. [Devin] McCourty and a few others were still there, but they were about to go too. We were just at the end."

    Belichick added that he was happy things worked out for Brady, saying they would've gone much differently if he had stayed in New England.

    "It wouldn’t have gone well in 2020 in New England," he said. "On this, I can guarantee that. We put everything we had into the '19 season, including paying him a lot of money at the end of the year without anything for it. There was no first right of refusal, there was no franchise tag, nothing.

    "And so we all understood that there was a good chance he would leave. And I think he made a great career decision, obviously. I wish we could have done more, but we went as far as we could. And look, he proved it – he played longer than anybody, played at a higher level than anybody. And again, tremendous credit to him. Nobody else did that – that was him."

    Bill Belichick on what he learned from Tom Brady

    Longevity and continuity aren't easy in the constantly evolving world of sports. Despite those challenges, Brady and Belichick spent 20 seasons together, winning six Super Bowls.

    Many have debated for years whether Brady or Belichick deserved more credit for New England's success, but the coach revealed that it was a true partnership.

    "I learned so much from Tom," Belichick said. "I never played quarterback. Tom saw the game through a quarterback’s eyes. I saw the game through a coach’s eyes. Together, I think we both learned a lot from each other – Tom on how defensive coaches looked at him or looked at offense, and me on what a quarterback can do and what he can’t do, what’s hard, what’s easy, what I can see, what I can't see, and how you see the game."

    The coach later added that once Brady took over as the starter, everything was tailored to what Brady did best – both in play-calling and in how they built the roster. Still, Brady always wanted to make sure he was treated as one of the guys.

    "People say, well, I was hard on Tom and I yelled at Tom," Belichick said. "Yeah, I mean, at times, sure – that’s part of coaching. But Tom was great about that. A lot of times I might say, 'You know, it might be a little rough in there today in this meeting because of what happened in the game yesterday or whatever.' And he’d say, 'Yeah, I understand – we probably need it.'

    And he goes, 'Make sure you include me, because then I’m one of the guys. If you leave me out of it, then it’s like, well, Tom’s great but everybody else is the problem.' So he kind of said, 'Don’t forget to include me.' Yeah, no problem, Tom. Sure, I’ll yell at you too. It’s easy."

    Bill Belichick reacts to Hall of Fame snub

    The NFL world was shocked when it was revealed that Belichick wouldn't be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. He ultimately fell short of the votes necessary, despite being one of the faces of the Patriots' dynasty.

    Hannity asked Belichick about the snub, but the coach said his focus is elsewhere.

    "Well, it’s out of my control," Belichick said. "And honestly, I’ve been very focused on my job at the University of North Carolina and the players and the university there. So, you know, whatever happens, happens. But I’m proud of what we accomplished as teams at New England and certainly at the Giants, and proud of those relationships. So that’s what matters most."

    However, he did appreciate the outpouring of support for his Hall of Fame case in the immediate aftermath.

    "It’s great to hear that support from so many people and from so many different fields – not just football, but many others," he added. "And so, you know, I was very appreciative of that support and the positive comments that they made."

    Belichick wasn't willing to speculate on why he wasn't voted in, saying you'd have to ask the voters.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bill Belichick reflects on Hall of Fame snub, Tom Brady leaving Patriots

    Rousey vs. Carano smashes records, peaks at 17 million Netflix viewers

    INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Ronda Rousey celebrates after defeating Gina Carano by submission in their featherweight bout during the main card of Netflix's Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome on May 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix) | Getty Images for Netflix

    “Rowdy” got her wish — and then some.

    The first-ever mixed martial arts (MMA) event to stream live on Netflix turned into a massive success this past weekend as former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey returned from retirement to face fellow women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano in the main event of MVP MMA 1.

    The fight itself lasted just 17 seconds, with Rousey quickly submitting Carano in front of a packed Intuit Dome crowd in Los Angeles, California.

    But despite the incredibly short main event, the event generated historic numbers.

    According to an official press release issued on Monday, “Over 12.4 million viewers around the world tuned in live on Netflix, with viewership peaking at almost 17 million during Rousey vs. Carano, making it one of the most-watched MMA events of all time.”

    The event also shattered records in the United States.

    Per the release, “the triple-main card averaged 9.3 million viewers and peaked at 11.6 million viewers during the main event, making it the most-watched MMA event ever in the U.S.”

    Before the event, Rousey openly stated she hoped the card could break the long-standing American MMA television record set by Junior dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez, which drew 8.8 million viewers during the UFC’s FOX debut back in 2011.

    Needless to say, she got her wish.

    Beyond the viewership numbers, MVP MMA 1 also reportedly generated more than 410 million impressions across Most Valuable Promotions’ social media channels, while Netflix’s global platforms produced over one billion additional impressions.

    The event also drew a live gate exceeding $2.2 million.

    So what does all this mean moving forward?

    This strongly suggests MVP MMA is not going anywhere anytime soon.

    “We’re incredibly proud of what was accomplished alongside our partners at Netflix and grateful to the athletes who helped make MVP MMA’s debut such a success,” MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in the press release. “We’ve received an overwhelming amount of interest from investors, strategic partners, and fighters who want to be involved with MVP and the future of MVP MMA.”

    “We are currently reviewing all strategic options to do something very meaningful within MMA on a go-forward basis with a distribution partner like Netflix that shares our vision to create lasting impact,” Bidarian continued.

    Considering the staggering numbers attached to the debut event, it’s hard to imagine Netflix and MVP not aggressively pursuing more MMA cards in the future.

    Now the big question becomes: can UFC’s upcoming White House event touch those numbers?

    Time will tell.

    How the world looked when Arsenal last won the Premier League: Blair as PM, Eamon at No 1, £2 pints

    Arsenal have won the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.

    Here is a glimpse at how the world looked the last time the Gunners finished top of the pile.

    The last time the Gunners topped the league, Tony Blair was serving his second term as Prime Minister, with Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Sir Keir Starmer all yet to hold the office.

    Daily life also looked different: a pint of beer in the UK cost £2.33, a pint of milk was just 35p, and a loaf of bread set you back 64p.

    Tony Blair was still Prime Minister (PA)
    Tony Blair was still Prime Minister (PA)

    American singer Eamon’s ‘F*** It (I don’t want you back)’ topped the UK’s number one singles’ chart the day the Gunners clinched the title at White Hart Lane. The number one song globally of 2004 was ‘Yeah!’ by Usher, while Shrek 2 was the biggest cinematic hit of the year.

    Since 2004, approximately two billion people have been born, according to UN global birth data.

    Social media was in its formative existence through MySpace. Facebook (founded just months before Arsenal’s title triumph), X, Instagram and TikTok have all gained billions of users since.

    The iPhone was three years away from its global launch.

    Hit American TV sitcom Friends ended its 10-year run.

    Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager of Manchester United. The club have had seven permanent head coaches since; David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick set to become the eighth. Arsenal have had just three permanent bosses across that period; Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.

    The final episode of Friends aired in 2004 (HBO Max)
    The final episode of Friends aired in 2004 (HBO Max)

    Manchester City, four years away from their Abu Dhabi takeover, finished 16th in the league, 49 points behind Arsenal, and eight points above the relegation zone.

    Arsenal’s current first-team players Myles Lewis-Skelly, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman had not been born. Bukayo Saka was just two.

    Greece hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics, with subsequent Games in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Paris.

    Arsenal were still playing at Highbury. They would make the short journey to their new home at the Emirates Stadium two years later.

    Since Arsenal last won the league, Pep Guardiola has retired from playing, gone into management, won 14 trophies with Barcelona, taken a year out, won a further seven trophies with Bayern Munich, and overseen six Premier League titles as manager of Manchester City.

    Arteta, then 22, was on the brink of joining Real Sociedad from Rangers. However, he would return to the UK with Moyes’ Everton in January of 2005, joining Arsenal as a player six years later before he became the club’s manager in December 2019.

    Game #48: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals

    PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 1: Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 1, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals, May 19, 2026, 7:45 p.m. ET

    Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

    Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet-PIT

    Pitching Matchup: Mitch Keller (4-2, 3.59 ERA) vs. Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.40 ERA)


    The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the St. Louis Cardinals looking to grab a win.


    Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

    • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
    • Remember Bucs Dugout is basically a non-profanity site
    • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
    • The commenting system was updated during the summer. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

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

    Ravens pass-catchers shine at OTAs regardless of Lamar Jackson’s absence

    LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) runs up field after a catch during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans on November 29, 2025, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    No suspense here, folks. Lamar Jackson was not at the Ravens’ OTAs on Tuesday, giving Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and undrafted rookie Diego Pavia more opportunities in full-team reps. None particularly stood out, though Huntley, as usual, was all smiles, all day, especially when he faked out the entire defense on a QB keeper and laughed at how much open space there was on the left side.

    On the other end, the Ravens’ new-look group of pass-catchers made a number of plays throughout practice. Zay Flowers often looked like the best player on the field and certainly the most dynamic athlete. Rookie wideouts Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt each took their turn in the spotlight, with Lane making a few second-level grabs over the middle and Sarratt consistently finding space against zone coverage.

    Maybe the biggest individual takeaway I had from today's OTAs: Elijah Sarratt looks really good against zone coverage. Finds soft spots, uncovers, makes himself a big target and braces for contact at the catch point. Could be a safety valve/underneath guy to start.

    — Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) May 19, 2026

    There was less to see from rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas. The 6-foot-5, 251-pound Hibner passes the eye test, and his all-around abilities could help him quickly find a role in the Ravens’ new offense. Head coach Jesse Minter noted how Hibner was more of an inline blocker during their shared time at Michigan, but evolved into a more versatile pass-catcher in SMU’s spread offense. That combination of skillsets should give him a good shot at seeing the field as a rookie, especially when the Ravens want to threaten defenses in multiple ways out of 12 personnel.

    Cuevas did not look bad; he just did not stand out. With Durham Smythe expected to take on a sizable blocking role, the Alabama project could get edged out of the picture as a rookie. Cuevas was responsible for one of the last highlights of the day, part of a series of practice-ending competitions that Minter said are designed to encourage the team to “be at their best when the best is needed.”

    On Tuesday, individual offensive and defensive players squared off to throw a medicine ball as far as possible with the losing side doing push-ups. Sarratt beat fifth-round corner Chandler Rivers, Cuevas bested 2025 UDFA Kaimon Rucker, and Vega Ioane completed the offense’s sweep over Zion Young.

    Ravens held a competition at the end of practice to see who could throw medicine balls the furthest. Offense arm 3-for-3 with Elijah Sarratt beating Chandler Rivers, Josh Cuevas beating Kaimon Rucker, and Vegan Ioane beating Zion Young. Losers did push ups. pic.twitter.com/CAtz49ewbL

    — Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) May 19, 2026

    I’m not sure what I found the most amusing: the offense collectively exploding with each win, Ronnie Stanley wanting to count out the defense’s push-ups military-style, or Ja’Kobi Lane celebrating Ioane’s win with a backflip.

    Like Hibner, rookie running back Adam Randall passed the eye test, both with his 6-foot-3, 232-pound frame and his downhill explosiveness as a ballcarrier. 2023 fifth-rounder Rasheen Ali also had a nice day. It will be interesting to see how much they factor into the Ravens’ backfield rotation this year.

    Ravens sign second-round pick Zion Young

    The Ravens have signed all of their 2026 draft picks.

    Second-rounder Zion Young became the final member of the group to sign on Tuesday. The edge rusher signed a four-year deal with the team.

    Young had 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles for Missouri last season. It was his second season at the school after opening his college time with two seasons at Michigan State.

    Trey Hendrickson became the big addition to the Ravens' edge rusher group after the team pulled out of the Maxx Crosby trade. Young joins Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, and Adisa Isaac as options to join him in the lineup.

    Twenty-two years in the making - how Arsenal celebrated title win

    For Arsenal fans, it has been a very, very long wait to celebrate winning the Premier League again. So they made sure Tuesday was a special night.

    Supporters had gathered outside Emirates Stadium and nearby pubs while rivals Manchester City played Bournemouth, needing a win to keep the title race alive.

    In the end, Pep Guardiola's side could only draw - confirming Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years.

    As the full-time whistle went on the south coast, there was an explosion of cheer in pubs across north London as Arsenal fans celebrated a moment they felt, after recent title near misses, might never come.

    There were celebrations also at the Gunners' training ground.

    That is where the Arsenal squad had gathered for the evening and, much as in the pubs, the final whistle was greeted by huge celebrations. layers and staff danced and hugged while chanting: "Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!"

    Last month, Arsenal captain Declan Rice was seen insisting "it's not done" after the Gunners lost to Manchester City. But on Tuesday, with the title race decided, he posted a picture on social media of players celebrating, captioned: "It's done."

    The title win came in Mikel Arteta's seventh year in charge, and underlined just what can be achieved if a manager is given time.

    "Mikel Arteta's been there a long period of time. The best gift you can give a good manager is time," former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    "Yes you can give them hundreds of millions of pounds but you have to mould that money into a team, into a dressing room, a winning side.

    "You give a good manager time? There's the proof."

    Now Arsenal fans dreaming of the double

    When Arsenal went unbeaten to lift the Premier League trophy in 2003-04 - resulting in them being dubbed 'The Invincibles' - they would not have believed it would take them almost a quarter of a century to win the title again.

    "I've got married, had a child, who's now a teenager, and got divorced, all since Arsenal last won the league," Gunners fan Matt said on the BBC Sport live text commentary page.

    To finally see that long wait ended prompted some fans to mark it in different ways, some more questionable than others.

    Gunners supporter Barry wrote: "I've got a can of lager from 2021 commemorating the 1971 double. I said I wasn't drinking it until Arsenal won the league. It's five years out of date, wish me luck."

    While other fans are looking to the future, the dream of a double is still on as Arsenal face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on 30 May.

    "I am confident that we are going to do it," Gunners fan Chloe said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    "PSG are very worthy opponents. But I feel there is that edge and hunger and on our day... I feel that this is our time."

    'Twenty-two years in the making'

    Arsenal's win also prompted messages of congratulations on social media.

    Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a Gunners fan, posted on X:"22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we're back where we belong. Champions!"

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wrote: "Congratulations to Arsenal - the first London club to win the league in almost a decade and 22 years in the making."

    Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton shared an image on Instagram of the Arsenal team celebrating the win with the caption: "Come On You Gunners."

    While after seeing his side's title hopes ended at Bournemouth, City boss Guardiola added his congratulations to Arsenal.

    "We were close," he said.

    "On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League.

    "They deserve it."

    Arsenal crowned Premier League champions after Man City draw

    Arsenal fans celebrate winning the Premier League (Brook Mitchell)

    Arsenal celebrated their first Premier League title for 22 years on Tuesday after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, sparking wild scenes of joy around the Emirates Stadium. 

    City had to win to take the fight to the final day but fell short and can no longer catch their rivals, who have ended a six-year trophy drought.

    After finishing second for the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta's side have finally made it over the line to win the London club's first English title since Arsene Wenger's "Invincibles" in 2004.

    Arsenal edged to the brink of a 14th English top-flight title with an unconvincing 1-0 win over already relegated Burnley on Monday, which took them five points clear of City.

    The Gunners, who have set the pace for most of the season, have bounced back impressively since losing to City last month, winning four straight league matches without conceding a goal.

    "Congratulations to Arsenal, Mikel, the staff, all the players, fans for this Premier League," said City boss Pep Guardiola. "You deserve it!"

    On Monday, just 48 hours after completing a domestic cup double with victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final, City were rocked by widespread reports that Guardiola will depart after a decade in charge at the end of the season.

    Victory at Wembley on Saturday secured a 20th trophy of Guardiola's glorious reign.

    But he cannot add to his six Premier League titles when Aston Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday for what is expected to be his final match in charge.

    "The first person I have to talk to is my chairman," said Guardiola, referring to his future. "We decide when we finish the season, we'll sit down and we'll talk. It's as simple as that and after we'll take the decision."

    Red smoke from flares billowed around the Emirates in north London as fans sang "Campeones" and chanted Arteta's name.

    "22 long years for the Arsenal," British Prime Minister and Arsenal fan Keir Starmer posted on X. "But finally, we're back where we belong. Champions!"

    - City challenge fizzles out -

    At the club's training ground, there were scenes of celebration from the Arsenal players who had gathered to watch the action at the Vitality Stadium.

    "You did it! Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment," Wenger said in a video posted on the club's social media channels.

    Guardiola had warned that fatigue could cost City against a highly motivated Bournemouth, who still have Champions League qualification in their sights for next season.

    City fans forlornly chanted "One more year, Guardiola" in the early stages in a bid to convince their decorated coach to see out the final season of his contract.

    But if the travelling fans hoped City's players would be inspired to give Guardiola a glorious goodbye, they were left sorely disappointed.

    The home side opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Eli Junior Kroupi curled into the top corner to set a new record of 13 goals in a debut Premier League season for a teenager.

    The home side failed to take their chances to extend their lead, giving Erling Haaland the chance to equalise deep into stoppage time.

    But it was too little, too late to save City's title challenge.

    Bournemouth, in Andoni Iraola's final home game in charge, extended their unbeaten streak to 17 league games, securing European football for the first time in the club's history.

    Guardiola looks set to depart having failed to win the league for two consecutive seasons for the first time in his coaching career.

    After winning what was billed a potential title decider against Arsenal last month, City lost control following a 3-3 draw at Everton.

    Arteta's side will formally be presented with the trophy on Sunday after their final match of the season at Crystal Palace.

    They could still make it an historic double as they chase their first Champions League title in the final against Paris Saint-Germain later this month.

    kca/jw/bsp 

    State athletic association stands by decision to disqualify runner

    A high school athletic association is standing by its decision to disqualify a runner for his hand gesture as he crossed the finish line at the state championship.

    ALSO READ: Mallard Creek High School files appeal after taunting call costs team championship

    Officials said they warned Mallard Creek senior Nyan Brown before the race, prior to the disqualification that stripped the school of their fifth title. Brown’s coach said he was holding up the No. 5 as he crossed the finish line.

    The North Carolina High School Athletic Association reiterated its stance in a new statement on Tuesday when it said it considers the decision officials made at the track meet final.

    However, under state law, Mallard Creek can still appeal the call with an independent board appointed by the state superintendent - a process that’s underway now.

    That process is outlined in the Board Policy Manual’s Policy ATHL-013.

    Within the policy, it states the appeal board can expedite the process, if the ruling affects a coach or student-athlete’s ability to participate.

    That’s not the case here.

    The appeal comes after the state championship, where Mallard Creek was awarded second place.

    Head coach Sam Willoughby expressed frustration Monday, recalling other celebrations he witnessed.

    “Oh, there are several celebrations even worse than what Nyan did,” Willoughby said.

    “I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but if you’re going to be consistent with the rules, please do that. Apply it to everyone, not just Mallard Creek.”

    In a statement from Brad Alford, Director for the Office of Athletics with the NC Department of Instruction, he confirmed the board has the appeal and is currently reviewing it.

    They’ll hand down their decision in the next 30 days.

    North Carolina Department of Public Instructionstatement:

    The Independent Interscholastic Athletics Appeals Board has received an appeal from Mallard Creek High School regarding a ruling at the State Track & Field Meet. State Board of Education Policy ATHL-013 outlines a detailed process for reviewing appeals of decisions by an athletics rule administrator, in this case the NCHSAA. The Appeals Board is currently reviewing the appeal and will issue a decision within 30 days. Since the appeal remains pending before the Appeals Board, we are unable to comment further on the case at this time.

    NCHSAAstatement:

    Over the past several days, the conclusion of the 8A Men’s Track and Field Championship has generated significant discussion across North Carolina and beyond. The NCHSAA recognizes and understands there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved.

    As previously stated, officiating decisions made during competition are judgment calls administered by certified meet officials under NFHS playing rules and NCHSAA rules relative to unsporting behavior and actions, and are considered final decisions. The Association appreciates the efforts of the officials who are tasked with applying and enforcing those rules during our championship events.

    Under state law, an aggrieved party may challenge the decision of an official that results in disqualification by appealing to an independent appeals board appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision. Following the established appeals process outlined in the NCHSAA Handbook and state procedures, Mallard Creek High School has exercised its right to such an appeal through the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

    The NCHSAA respects the right of member schools to utilize that process and appreciates the importance of ensuring all concerns are heard through the appropriate review structure. Because that process is underway, the NCHSAA will not provide further public comment regarding the specifics of the matter.

    Title despair & Guardiola going - 24 hours of pain for Man City

    Manchester City's world fell apart in the space of 24 hours as they surrendered the Premier League title - following on from the bombshell news of manager Pep Guardiola's impending departure.

    The headlines every City fan feared about the Spaniard's future broke on Monday night, before their side's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday meant Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to become champions with a four-point advantage and one game left.

    While Guardiola insists he will make his decision after talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the expectation is for him to end his trophy-laden, decade-long tenure with the club, with Enzo Maresca poised to be his successor.

    Guardiola, whose side host Aston Villa on Sunday in their final game, told Sky Sports: "I could say that I have one more year of contract and with the conversations I have had for many years, always from my experience when you announce - whatever you announce - during the competition, [it] is a bad, bad result.

    "And like you understand, the first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided when we finish the season we will sit and we will talk. It is as simple as that and after we will take the decision."

    The 55-year-old, who has led City to Carabao Cup and FA Cup success this season, added: "Listen, I have one more year of contract.

    "I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, with my players, with my staff because when we play for the FA Cup, qualification for the Champions League, the Premier League it's just one thing in my mind and focus: Try to bring the team to the highest point and it's what we have done."

    Arsenal have been Premier League pacesetters for much of the campaign and Guardiola's protégé, and former City assistant, Mikel Arteta finally delivered their first title since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' in 2004.

    They also face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on 30 May and a gracious Guardiola said: "On behalf of Man City, congratulations to Arsenal, Mikel and all the backroom staff on the Premier League that they deserve.

    "He put a lot of effort and work. Congratulations to him."

    'Guardiola will be remembered as an icon'

    All eyes were on Guardiola at Vitality Stadium for City's must-win game.

    He was greeted by the flashing cameras of 22 photographers as he entered the dugout before kick-off, while one City fan raised a bedsheet with 'Pep Stay' scribbled on it.

    "One more year, one more year, Guardiola," was chanted during the game but, by the end, the manager was the first to make a hasty exit down the tunnel as his disconsolate players took the applause of the travelling supporters.

    The shock developments, should they officially be confirmed by the club, mean it is now shaping up to be a significant summer of change at City this summer.

    Until last Friday, Guardiola - who will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest managers to grace English football - had continued to insist he had "one more year" left on his contract.

    But it now appears to be the end of the road after a successful spell in charge since he replaced Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.

    Guardiola masterminded historic achievements at City, such as becoming the first top-flight side to achieve 100 points, the first English team to win the title in four successive seasons, and a Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League Treble in 2023 which he has described as his greatest achievement with the club.

    A domestic cup double was secured this season, but the title has eluded them for a second straight campaign - something which has not happened before in Guardiola's distinguished managerial career, which included spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

    And if it does transpire to be his final week, he will no doubt depart with a tinge of regret.

    City had the title in their own hands 15 days ago, but the trip to Everton proved to be a turning point, dropping two points in a thrilling 3-3 draw that Arsenal fully capitalised on.

    Sunday's game against Villa will now be viewed as an emotional farewell to a man who has brought so much joy, and success, to supporters over the past 10 years.

    "Pep Guardiola's DNA has spread to other teams as well," former City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I think Pep at Man City will be remembered as an icon.

    "For them to find so much success, trips to Wembley on such big occasions. He will be remembered as the greatest ever. The success that came at this time came when it was very competitive in the league.

    "The fact he is going to step aside, and someone has to come and try to build another legacy will be very different. Guardiola at Man City has been a constant. There is a huge void, but then huge potential."

    'Impossible to make the impact of phenomenal Pep'

    The baton is set to be passed on to Maresca, another of Guardiola's disciples and someone who played a key role in City's academy and was the Spaniard's assistant during the 2023 Treble season, before going on to enjoy success as manager of Leicester City and Chelsea.

    The Italian does not appear to be a candidate, but is the chosen one.

    Talks between the two parties are understood to be at an advanced stage and the 46-year-old will be handed the unenviable task of filling the boots of one of the standout coaches of his generation.

    Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "How can anybody replace what Pep has done for so many seasons at Manchester City in terms of the brand of football and winning trophies?

    "It's impossible to come in and make the impact which Pep Guardiola has had, not just at Manchester City, but in the Premier League as a whole. With regard to Pep being one of the greatest managers of all time? Yeah, absolutely.

    "With regard to the Premier League, it will always be Sir Alex Ferguson, but in terms of what Pep Guardiola has achieved and transformed, in terms of making coaches think and what football fans think. I think that he has been phenomenal."

    Maresca would likely want to bring his own staff to Etihad Stadium and it is understood his former Leicester and Chelsea assistant, and ex-City goalkeeper, Willy Caballero will join him.

    Meanwhile, the outcome of City's 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules remains unresolved, but will it finally be revealed before any appointment?

    'There is going to be a huge void'

    Guardiola has reshaped his squad in the past three transfer windows with the acquisition of 11 new players so, should his exit be confirmed, Maresca will take the helm of a team ready-made and hungry to challenge for more honours.

    The off-field upheaval will coincide with the need to appoint a new captain as Bernardo Silva leaves this summer, along with popular England defender John Stones, when their contracts expire, while more could follow.

    Dutch defender Nathan Ake, keeper James Trafford, Rico Lewis and midfielder Mateo Kovacic have had their first-team minutes limited this term, and Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez could also be moved on.

    "I believe there is going to be a huge void when Pep Guardiola leaves the football club," said former City keeper Shay Given. "You look across the city at what happened at Manchester United with Sir Alex [when he left as manager in 2013]. That's the last thing City want.

    "In [director of football] Hugo Viana, who has been there a year, they have let him settle in at the club. He will be here for the next number of years, I am sure.

    "The handover won't be as volatile as Manchester United, but it is easier said than done. Who comes in? That's the huge next big thing."

    Pep Guardiola
    Pep Guardiola has failed to win the top-flight title in successive years for the first time in his career [Getty Images]

    Why Lamar Jackson was absent for second day of Ravens' OTAs

    Why Lamar Jackson was absent for second day of Ravens' OTAs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Lamar Jackson made headlines on Tuesday, but not for a reason Baltimore Ravens fans will like. 

    According to Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons, the two-time MVP quarterback wasn’t an active participant in the Ravens’ OTAs.

    “While Lamar Jackson has been in attendance for parts of Baltimore’s offseason program, he is not on the field on Tuesday,’ Simmons reported. “Via multiple reporters on the scene, Jackson is not attending the Ravens’ second OTA practice, which is the first open to the media.”

    It’s reasonable to assume many Baltimore supporters feel it’s appropriate to hit the panic button after Simmons’ report. After all, missing OTAs can sometimes signal a disconnect between a player and an organization. Head coach Jesse Minter doesn’t believe that’s the case with Jackson and the Ravens, though, as the 43-year-old hinted that the organization’s fan base has nothing to worry about going forward.

    “Lamar’s been one of our leaders of the offseason program, and he had a couple things going on yesterday and today, and I do expect him to be back soon,” Minter said while speaking to reporters. “We’ve had some great conversations. I know when he’s going to be back and again, I’ll probably leave those between me and Lamar.” 

    Essentially, all appears to be well in Baltimore, which is a good sign for an AFC North club hoping to return to the postseason in 2026-27 and make a commanding statement. Jackson is the heart and soul of the Ravens’ organization, making it pivotal to ensure he's on good terms with the two Super Bowl champions heading into the next stage of the offseason. 

    It’ll be interesting to see how Jackson and the Ravens fare in Minter’s first year as Baltimore’s head coach.

    More NFL: 

    What time does the Knicks game start tonight? What channel are the Cavs on

    The most famous arena in the world will be rocking tonight.

    The New York Knicks, who have been sitting around for more than a week awaiting an opponent, will clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who just got past the No. 1 seed Detriot Pistons in the second round.

    Who is headed to the NBA Finals?

    We'll soon find out with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. Here's what to know about the first game of the series.

    When is Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals

    The Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Donference Finals on May 19.

    What time is Cavs vs. Knicks?

    The game will start at 8 p.m.

    What channel are the Knicks vs. Cavs on tonight?

    The game will air on ESPN.

    Where to stream the Cavs vs. Knicks

    The game will stream on ESPN Unlimited.

    Game 1 Cavs vs. Knicks line

    The Knicks are favored by 7.5 points in tonight's game.

    Cavs vs. Knicks over/under Game 1

    The over/under is 215.

    Cavs vs. Knicks schedule

    • Game 1 — May 19: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ESPN
    • Game 2 — May 21: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ESPN
    • Game 3 — May 23: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — ABC
    • Game 4 — May 25: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — ESPN
    • Game 5 — May 27: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ESPN
    • Game 6 — May 29: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — ESPN
    • Game 7 — May 31: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ABC

    Knicks vs. Cavs prediction

    The Knicks are healthy and fresh. But sometimes it takes a while to come off a long layoff. But the Cavs have to be tired from running through the series with the Detroit Pistons. This will be a fun series and it will go deep. We're going with the Cavs tonight. Cleveland 108, New York 103

    This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Where to watch Cavs game tonight? When is the Knicks vs. Cavs game

    Guardiola to hold imminent talks with City chairman about his future

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League soccer match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League soccer match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa

    Pep Guardiola plans to hold imminent talks with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak about his future amid reports he will leave the club at the end of the season.

    Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after second-placed City failed to take the title race to the final day following Tuesday's 1-1 draw against a Bournemouth team bound for Europe.

    Build-up to the must-win game on the south coast was dominated by news of Guardiola's possible summer departure, with Enzo Maresca rumoured to be his potential successor.

    The City manager, who has a year remaining on his contract, refused to clarify the situation as he turns his attention to Sunday’s season finale at home to Aston Villa.

    "With the club, I always talk but not now," said Guardiola.

    "Three, four seasons ago when there was one year left, the first thing you have to understand, I should talk with my chairman first.

    "And when I talk with my chairman, we (may) decide to have one more year, we will talk (about) everything and we will decide. We (will) talk in the next days."

    City arrived in Dorset seeking to keep alive their pursuit of a domestic treble after lifting the FA Cup on Saturday following Carabao Cup glory in March.

    Erling Haaland cancelled out Junior Kroupi's first-half opener in the fifth minute of added time but the visitors were unable to force a last-gasp winner as Guardiola was denied a potential fairytale farewell.

    Travelling fans chanted "one more year, one more year, Guardiola" during the game, while one fan unfurled a bedsheet with "Pep Stay" written on it.

    Referring to the potential negative impact of a manager announcing his departure ahead of time, Guardiola continued: "I always said that when you are fighting for the titles or FA Cups, in the first moment there is a problem the players don’t follow you anymore.

    "You have to stay there and I have to talk with my chairman and I say 'let the season go and when it will be over we will talk.' But he deserves the first talk about what we have to do."

    City are now an unassailable four points adrift of table-topping Arsenal.

    Guardiola, who began his post-match press conference by congratulating the Gunners and their manager Mikel Arteta, initially used the word "we" when asked about his club’s future prospects, before saying "City."

    "Next season, we will be back," said the 55-year-old, who has won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his 10-year reign.

    "City will be back and we will try to bring the team in that sense: competing until the end in the competitions."

    Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS: New $50 Welcome Bonus for Cavaliers-Knicks Trades

    Polymarket promo code

    Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS: New $50 Welcome Bonus for Cavaliers-Knicks Trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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    Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS Activates $50 Bonus

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    Polymarket Promo CodeTSNEWS
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    How to Make Trades on Game 1

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    TeamProbability
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    Mateus Fernandes: United hold secret meeting as summer move looms large

    Mateus Fernandes: United hold secret meeting as summer move looms large
    Mateus Fernandes: United hold secret meeting as summer move looms large

    Manchester United’s hunt for Casemiro’s successor could be edging towards a conclusion if the latest reports are to be believed.

    Initially, it seemed as though fellow Brazilian Ederson had been earmarked as the five-time Champions League winner’s replacement.

    Those updates were premature, with INEOS considering the Atalanta ace as a backup to a more elite operator.

    Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba remain at the top of the pile, but the Nottingham Forest ace’s price tag and his preference for Manchester City have made a potential move difficult.

    Why Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a genuine option

    The Newcastle superstar would welcome the chance to switch to Old Trafford, but whether INEOS can muster the funds required remains to be seen.

    And question marks remain over the Cameroonian owing to his inconsistent form this season, coupled with Brighton’s asking price.

    This is why the Red Devils have earmarked West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes as the primary option in case a move for the aforementioned trio fails to materialise.

    According to The Daily Mail, United officials recently met with the Hammers over a summer move for the Portuguese ace.

    United hold secret meeting with West Ham

    Bruno Fernandes is a fan of his compatriot and has been pushing the 20-time English league champions to sign him.

    And with the former Southampton ace missing out on a place in Portugal‘s World Cup squad, the chances of agreeing an early deal have been made easier.

    “Confidential understands United have had more recent discussions with West Ham about the availability of midfielder Mateus Fernandes as we creep closer to the opening of the transfer window.

    “While United are by no means the only suitor in for Fernandes – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are keen – there is an understanding that relegation will put increased pressure on the Hammers to make sales to satisfy financial rules.

    Summer move has been made easier due to World Cup snub

    “Sources have indicated that West Ham will likely need to recoup £100 million, with Fernandes arguably their most valuable asset.

    “United are understood to be working to a budget of around £150m, as recently revealed in this column, to overhaul their midfield engine room and Fernandes is a primary target outside of the top tier picks of Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni and Carlos Baleba.

    “The fact Fernandes has been left out of Portugal’s World Cup squad makes any potential move easier, too.”

    Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing Mateus Fernandes, whose ability to play across the midfield makes him an attractive prospect.

    West Ham’s hopes of earning a bumper amount from his sale could dissolve if they get relegated. All eyes will be on what happens next Sunday.

    Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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

    Game 49: Astros at Twins

    MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 12: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins loses his helmet after rounding third base during the fifth inning of the game against the Miami Marlins at Target Field on May 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    First Pitch: 6:40 PM CDT

    TV: Twins.TV Presented by Progressive, FOX9 KMSP, Gray Media

    Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com

    Know thine enemy:The Crawfish Boxes

    ICYMI: Royce Lewis was optioned to AAA and Ryan Jeffers was placed on the IL, with Orlando Arcia and Alex Jackson coming up to replace them. You can read more about that here.

    The good news is that Byron Buxton is back in the lineup, leading off as the DH.

    Today’s Lineups

    ASTROSTWINS
    Jeremy Pena – SSByron Buxton – DH
    Isaac Paredes – 3BTrevor Larnach – LF
    Yordan Alvarez – DHJosh Bell – 1B
    Christian Walker – 1BKody Clemens – 2B
    Zach Dezenzo – RFAustin Martin – RF
    Zach Cole – LFBrooks Lee – SS
    Jake Meyers – CFVictor Caratini – C
    Braden Shewmake – 2BTristan Gray – 3B
    Christian Vazquez – CJames Outman – CF
    Jason Alexander – RHPZebby Matthews – RHP

    Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week?

    Troy Deeney banner
    [BBC]

    After every round of Premier League matches this season, BBC football pundit Troy Deeney will give you his team and manager of the week.

    Here are this week's choices. Do you agree? Give us your thoughts using the comments form at the bottom of this page.

    A graphic of Troy's Team of the Week: Darlow; Rodon, Van Dijk, Saliba, Hato; Wharton, Le Fee, Fernandes; Osula, Watkins, Ouattara
    [BBC]
    Goalkeeper banner
    [BBC]

    Karl Darlow (Leeds): A wonderful goalkeeping performance from him against Brighton, who absolutely battered Leeds. Somehow - mainly because of Darlow - Leeds won the game.

    Defenders banner
    [BBC]

    Joe Rodon (Leeds): Part of a monstrous defensive display for Leeds. They kept a clean sheet - and how good have they been this season?

    Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): Strange, I know, considering Liverpool conceded four, but he scored two goals when the team were all over the place.

    William Saliba (Arsenal): Another big defensive performance. Arsenal were playing a poor Burnley team but he was one of the few who stayed professional throughout.

    Jorrel Hato (Chelsea): His tackle on James Maddison potentially sent Spurs down. It was a huge, huge tackle from a young player who deserves more game time. Hopefully, he will get more chances under Xabi Alonso.

    Midfielders banner
    [BBC]

    Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): Not only does he score, he dictates play. However, that back-flip celebration was a bit weird. It felt like a 'thank you for everything, I am leaving' moment.

    Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): I felt it wasn't his best game against Nottingham Forest, but when you get 20 assists during a Premier League season, you go in the team of the week.

    Enzo le Fee (Sunderland): A goal and an assist against Everton. He has been a breath of fresh air. They had him in the Championship, and he has just got better.

    Forwards banner
    [BBC]

    Dango Ouattara (Brentford): Two goals against Crystal Palace... he has been in wonderful form. Brentford brought him in for plenty of money to replace Bryan Mbeumo, and he has been fantastic in his first season.

    Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Watkins has come into good form in good time for the Europa League final, and also the World Cup.

    William Osula (Newcastle): Osula has been unbelievable. When you look at Newcastle getting Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, he was under the radar. Eddie Howe has trusted him, and he is kind of like Callum Wilson. He had two wonderful finishes against West Ham in a massive breakout season for him.

    Manager banner
    [BBC]

    Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): It has to be Arteta. Not only this week, but every week he gets the job done when others keep falling short. Massive congratulations to him.

    Do you agree with Troy's selections? Who would be in your Team of the Week? Have your say using the comments form below:

    Where to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 19

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) will try to catch the San Diego Padres (29-18) for the NL West lead. The Padres shut out the Dodgers 1-0 in the first game of the series on Monday. The scheduled starting pitchers are Emmet Sheehan for the Dodgers, with a 4.54 ERA, and Griffin Canning for the Padres, with a 10.64 ERA.

    How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres

    • Date: Tuesday, May 19

    • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. PT

    • Where: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA

    • TV Channels: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SportsNet LA

    • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

    Team records

    • Los Angeles Dodgers: 29-19 (No. 2 in NL West)

    • San Diego Padres: 29-18 (No. 1 in NL West)

    Odds

    • Spread: San Diego Padres +1.5

    • Moneyline: San Diego Padres +134 (41.0%) / Los Angeles Dodgers -160 (59.0%)

    • Over/Under: 8.5

    Starting pitchers

    Los Angeles Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan (3-1, ERA: 4.54, K: 49, WHIP: 1.25)
    San Diego Padres: Griffin Canning (0-2, ERA: 10.64, K: 14, WHIP: 2.18)

    Weather: 71°F at first pitch

    Ballpark: Capacity: 40,222 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

    Cubs reinstate left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar, designate Ty Blach for assignment

    CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs reinstated left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day injured list before Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, giving their depleted bullpen a boost.

    In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated lefty Ty Blach for assignment.

    The 39-year-old Thielbar has been sidelined since April 23 with a left hamstring strain. In 8 2/3 innings over 11 games this season, he’s 2-2 with a 3.12 ERA with two saves.

    “I think any time we get one of our core guys back, that’s a good day,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We feel like he’s in a good spot and ready to go.”

    In his 10th major league season, Thielbar is 28-18 with a 3.26 ERA over 425 games. He’s in his second season with Chicago after eight with Minnesota.

    The Cubs had called up the 35-year-old Blach from Triple-A Iowa before their 9-8 loss to the White Sox on Sunday. The journeyman pitched three scoreless innings on Monday in a 9-3 loss to Milwaukee for his only work in the majors this season.

    The Cubs' bullpen and rotation have been hit hard by injuries this season. Opening day starter Matthew Boyd remains sidelined after left meniscus surgery. Right-handed starter Cade Horton is out for the season because of elbow surgery, and Justin Steele has an uncertain timeline after he had a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury.

    The Cubs, a half-game ahead of Milwaukee in the NL Central entering Tuesday, have lost three straight and seven of nine following a 20-3 run that included two 10-game win streaks.

    ___

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

    As Big Ten pushes toward 24-team playoff, SEC commissioner thinks some in his league favor that, too

    RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. (AP) — By now, pretty much anyone following college football knows the Big Ten wants to double the size of the playoff to 24 teams.

    In what might come as a mild surprise, the Southeastern Conference, considered the major roadblock to such a big expansion, might be willing to go along with that plan.

    With the Big Ten's annual meetings taking place this week in California, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey previewed his own league meetings, set for next week, on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” in a way that made the SEC sound like something other than an impediment to the 24-team bracket.

    “What you will hear next week is a lot of our coaches, a lot of our athletic directors and probably some others think 24 is the right direction,” Sankey said. “What we’ve said is, that could ultimately be the proper direction. We just don't think you lead to that without information. And research and understanding the marketplace informs that decision.”

    He said the research the SEC has done so far favors a lighter expansion, to 16 teams.

    The Big Ten wants to go bigger, and if the two conferences can't agree, there can be no change. The upcoming season's playoff will be a 12-team affair, with a deadline of Dec. 1 to decide about 2027.

    Sankey suggested the meeting about expansion in Florida next week could last two hours, about double the duration of last year, as league leaders sort through the scheduling, financial and competitive implications of such a change.

    Those discussions are playing out this week in the Big Ten, which appears to be forming a united front in favor of the move to 24.

    “I think 24 is the right number,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said Tuesday in California, noting the ratio of teams that make the playoff compared to the entire division would be about the same as in March Madness and the FCS playoffs.

    “I think the College Football Playoff is urgent,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “I think everything else will trickle down from that decision. And I agree that 24 is the number, so hopefully, we can get that done.”

    The Big Ten commissioner, Tony Petitti, was scheduled to address the media later Tuesday.

    ___

    Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

    EXCLUSIVE: Fresno Pacific serves up new sport with beach volleyball

    Fresno Pacific is planning to add a new sport to its Division-II athletics lineup.

    The Sunbirds are bringing beach volleyball to the Valley, becoming the first four-year program of its kind in the Fresno area.

    Action News got an exclusive look at a rendering of the new facility, which includes three beach courts and bleachers near the track and field complex.

    Fresno Pacific's head volleyball coach, Kelsee Montagna, says this is a huge step for the university.

    "We've had recruits reach out to us from the Valley the past two years asking, 'Are you going to start beach? When is it in the works? ' and, unfortunately, they've had to go off and play somewhere else," coach Montagna said. "Now, we can finally say 'Yes, in 2027, we have a place for you here.'"

    Fresno Pacific is working to raise $300,000 ahead of its planned inaugural season in 2027.

    For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Arizona State football lands a big one as Basha's Hildebrand commits

    Chandler Basha left tackle Jake Hildebrand, the top-recruited football player in the state in the 2027 class, announced on Tuesday, May 19, that he has committed to Arizona State.

    Hildebrand, 6 feet 6, 297 pounds, had narrowed his list to ASU, Utah, Texas A&M and Oregon.

    Hildebrand has been atop The Arizona Republic's player rankings in his recruiting class every year since his freshman season, when he started on varsity for the Bears.

    He was a key part of Basha's 2025 Open Division state championship run.

    Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. Please sign up for Azcentral Preps Now newsletter. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

    This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Basha OL Jake Hildebrand commits to Arizona State football

    Dodgers’ Mookie Betts defends Shohei Ohtani during offensive slump

    Dodgers’ Mookie Betts defends Shohei Ohtani during offensive slump originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts came to the defense of two-way stud Shohei Ohtani amid his offensive struggles. 

    During a recent episode of On Base with Mookie Betts featuring Jo Adell, Betts delivered a direct response to fans asking, “What’s wrong with Shohei Ohtani?”

    "If he doesn't get a hit or if he has a couple bad games it's like ' What's wrong with Shohei?,' Betts said. "Well he did just go seven innings, two hits, he does have a point seven ERA. You forget about all the other ways he affects the game." 

    Adell, Ohtani’s former teammate, also praised his remarkable two-way ability and reflected on what it was like sharing the field with him during their time together.

    "Think about that, he would pitch, leadoff, work the count just like he would any other position player and then go out and throw seven innings with three hits and no runs and we expected it. 

    "I had to wake myself up and say, 'This is ridiculous.' Sitting on the bench and expecting a guy to go out and do this in a major league game is insane." 

    Shohei Ohtani’s pitching excellence offsetting slow offensive start

    Ohtani is truly one of one, and while his offense is far from where many expect it to be at this point in the season, his pitching is at peak form. 

    The four-time MVP is on a tear at the mound, tallying a 0.82 ERA in seven starts along with 50 strikeouts, 488 ERA+, 2.38 FIP, 0.81 WHIP and holds a 3-2 record in 44 innings. 

    As for the offense, it hasn’t fully clicked yet. Ohtani is currently hitting .265 and is on pace for roughly 24 home runs. Still, it’s only mid-May, and the expectation remains that he’ll eventually find another gear sooner rather than later.

    More MLB news: 

    Astros Roster Moves: McCullers to IL; Meyers, Pearson Activated

    HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros reacts after a strikeout to end the third inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    The Houston Astros starter was scratched from his scheduled start today vs. Minnesota.

    The Astros have placed RHP Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day IL (retro 5/16) due to right shoulder inflammation.

    The team also optioned UT Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land.

    Houston has reinstated CF Jake Meyers and RHP Nate Pearson from the Injured List.

    McCullers becomes the fourth member of the Astros’ Opening Day starting rotation to land on the IL.

    Jason Alexander is making the start tonight for Houston.

    New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Will Warren vs. Dylan Cease

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on May 06, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Has your heart rate returned to normal after last night?

    The Yankees pulled out one of the tightest wins you can ever have on Monday night, but they must also turn around and face one of the game’s best in game two of this big series. Fortunately, they’ll be able to counter with a pitcher that truly seems to be rounding into his own form, and while Will Warren isn’t quite as good as Dylan Cease, I’m not sure Dylan Cease is as good as he’s been pitching right now.

    Cease boasts a stunning 34-percent strikeout rate, the best of his career so far this season. A solid walk rate accompanies the whiffs, but what’s really helped him this year is the lack of home runs. Just a single baseball has left the yard in 52.1 innings this year, driving his FIP down to 1.80. Now, good pitchers typically don’t give up many home runs, but everyone leaves a ball or two over the plate once in a while. The Yankees are a good home run-hitting team, so they may be able to serve Cease up some immediate regression.

    Do note that Cease is very much in the Blake Snell mold — he throws a lot of pitches and takes his time. For all his talent, it does suck to watch him.

    Warren, meanwhile, has pushed himself to another level this year. His FIP stands at 3.00, and that from your No. 4 pitcher is a wonderful thing to have. Strikeouts are up, walks are down, and when guys are making contact he’s posted a new career best for lowest hard-hit rate. He still nibbles around the zone too much for my liking, especially once batters reach base, and cleaning that up is the next step in his continued development.

    Speaking of development, Spencer Jones is back in the lineup, batting eighth and pulling DH duties. Austin Wells is behind the plate in the daily game of “can you stand there with a bat” that the Yankees play with their catchers.

    How to watch

    Location: Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY

    First pitch: 7:05 pm ET

    TV broadcast: YES, SN1

    Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, SN590 THE FAN

    Streaming: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)

    For updates, follow us on BlueSkyTwitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

    Tuesday at The Stadium 🏟️#RepBXpic.twitter.com/ZZr49u4eoz

    — New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 19, 2026

    Day 2 in the Bronx! #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/pquz2XpQx1

    — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 19, 2026

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    Blake Snell has new surgical procedure expected to expedite Dodgers return

    An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Blake Snell pitching, Image 2 shows Tarik Skubal pitching for the Detroit Tigers

    SAN DIEGO –– Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell had three loose bone spurs removed from his elbow on Tuesday via a new, less-invasive surgical procedure that is expected to help expedite his process to return.

    According to a source, Snell’s surgery utilized a new medical device called the NanoNeedle 2.0, which is a smaller version of a traditional arthroscope that can cut up to a month off the typical recovery time from such operations.

    After beginning the season on the IL, Blake Snell pitched in one game this season before heading back to the IL with ‘loose bodies’ in his elbow. AP

    Snell was originally placed on the injured list last week after being diagnosed with loose bodies in his elbow.

    Normally, such an injury can take 2-3 months to recover from –– as is the case with Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz (who had a traditional loose-body removal in April, and isn’t expected back until the second half of the season).

    The kind of surgery Snell had, however, might drastically cut down his timeline to return.

    The two-time Cy Young Award winner became the second MLB pitcher in recent weeks to have the NanoNeedle procedure.

    Earlier this month, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal became the first known major-leaguer to have such an operation; which has since been nicknamed around the sport as the so-called “SkubalScope.”

    Skubal had his surgery on May 6, but has already resumed a throwing program and could be ready to return in as little as six weeks.

    Reigning AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal was 3-2 this season with a 2.70 ERA in 43.1 innings this season. AP

    Snell’s exact timeline remains unclear, but both manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes said in recent days they were hopeful he would be back quicker than usual.

    “Hopefully it’s the shorter timeline,” Gomes said Monday. “That’s the hope and expectation right now. Obviously, we don’t know 100% until they’re in there, but that’s what we’re expecting.”

    Tuesday was the second time in Snell’s career that he underwent surgery to remove loose bodies. In 2019, he missed almost two months while playing with the Tampa Bay Rays after undergoing the traditional version of the procedure.

    The location of the bone spurs in Snell’s elbow this time made him a candidate for the NanoNeedle method. His surgery was performed by head team physician and renowned sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who also did Skubal’s surgery.

    4-Star OT Jake Hildebrand stays in-state, Arizona State lands Top 100 recruit

    Chandler (Ariz.) Basha offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand isn’t going far for college.

    The two-time Navy All-American Bowl selection announced his commitment to Arizona State on Tuesday.

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

    Hildebrand picked the Sun Devils over Oregon, Texas A&M and Utah.

    Offensive line coach Saga Tuitele worked hard to land Hildebrand, a constant presence at Basha, including last week at the Basha Showcase.

    The culture that head coach Kenny Dillingham has built at his alma mater was evident to Hildebrand.

    In fact, the offer from the Sun Devils came almost three years ago, in June 2023, before Dillingham and Tuitele coached a game for the Sun Devils.

    “I picked Arizona State because of the culture that they have here in Tempe,” said Hildebrand. “Being able to help build a program has been a dream of mine for a while now.”

    Dillingham turning down overtures for other jobs also showed Hildebrand he’s there for the long haul.

    “I know the coaches will not leave ASU because they were offered the biggest job that was available and both coach Dillingham and coach Tuitele declined the job because they feel something special there, and I see into that vision as well,” said Hildebrand.

    Hildebrand is also impressed with the academics that Arizona State offers.

    “They have the number one honors school in public universities,” said Hildebrand.

    And playing in his back yard was an added bonus.

    “It is also close to home which means I don’t have to leave my family,” said Hildebrand. “That means everything to me.”

    The nation’s No. 93 overall prospect according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services, is a huge recruiting coup for Dillingham, who lands his highest-rated in-state commit since taking over at his alma mater.

    Hildebrand was selected to play in the 2027 Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio, which follows up his selection in 2026, making him a rare two-time All-American Bowl selection.

    No. 24 BYU clinging to fifth place at NCAA regionals, while No. 35 Utah fades to 13th

    BYU freshman phenom Kihei Akina hits a shot during photo day Sept. 2, 2025.
    BYU freshman phenom Kihei Akina hits a shot during photo day Sept. 2, 2025. | Olivia Taylor, BYU Photo

    Utah’s men’s golf team has a lot of ground to make up to advance to the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships next week at La Costa Golf Resort in Carlsbad, California.

    Meanwhile, BYU’s team is in a dogfight to return to the national finals as well, but is in significantly better position to do that than the Utes.

    The final round is Wednesday. The top five teams at each of six regionals will advance to the 30-team finals at La Costa.

    At the Athens (Georgia) Regional on Tuesday, BYU shot a 5-under 279 and is now at 11-under through 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament, and alone in fifth place.

    Vanderbilt leads at -22, followed by Louisville at -19 and No. 1-ranked Auburn at -14. Homestanding Georgia (-12) is in fourth, a stroke ahead of BYU, while playing on a course in which the Bulldogs are familiar, the University of Georgia Golf Course.

    “The team started off really hot today with six birdies in our first three holes, but we went flat for a 10-hole stretch,” BYU director of golf Todd Miller said in a released statement. “We were able to get back inside the top-five because we made five birdies on the par-5 seventh and a couple on eight.”

    Charleston and Illinois are one and two shots behind the Cougars, respectively, so BYU can’t afford to let off the gas Wednesday. BYU won the Reno (Nevada) Regional last year, but another regional title does not appear to be in the cards in legendary coach Bruce Brockbank’s last year.

    BYU head men's golf coach Bruce Brockbank. | Jaren Wilkey/BYU

    Individually, freshman Parker Bunn led the Cougars with a 4-under 67 Tuesday and is tied for ninth at -5 for the tournament. Junior Peter Kim (-3), freshman Kihei Akina (+1) and senior Simon Kwon (+1) also contributed to BYU’s team total Tuesday. Senior Tyson Shelley shot a non-counting 2-over 73.

    Akina, the No. 6-ranked golfer in the country, is tied for 21st place, while Kim is tied for 11th, Shelley is tied for 40th, and Kwon is tied for 53rd.

    At the Columbus (Ohio) Regional, No. 35 Utah struggled with a +19 and is in last place at +35, two shots behind Wright State. The Utes are 15 shots behind the fifth-place team, No. 23 Long Beach State (+20), and will need a miracle to make it to nationals.

    Davis Johnson and Gabriel Palacios each shot 3-over 74 on Tuesday, while Jack Jerge shot +6 and senior Brandon Robison added a +7. Sergio Jimenez carded a non-counting +8.

    Bournemouth in Europe for first time - but Champions League still on

    Bournemouth might have been denied victory at home to Manchester City because of Erling Haaland's late equaliser, but the Cherries still had plenty to cheer.

    Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium confirmed that Bournemouth will be playing European football next season for the first time.

    That will at least be in the Europa League, but they still have two possible routes to the Champions League.

    The first will be opened up should Aston Villa beat Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

    Then, if the Villans finish fifth in the Premier League, Unai Emery's side will qualify for the Champions League as the Europa League winners.

    The extra place in the Champions League that the Premier League earned through the European Performance spot would go to the team finishing sixth.

    To finish fifth, Villa would need to lose at Manchester City, and Liverpool win at home to Brentford.

    If Bournemouth avoid defeat at Nottingham Forest, or Brighton fail to win at home to Manchester United, the Cherries would finish sixth and play among Europe's elite next season.

    There are a couple of other routes, too.

    If Liverpool lose, then Bournemouth could overtake them on goal difference. That would probably require a swing of at least seven goals - so Liverpool to lose 3-0 and Bournemouth to win 4-0.

    But how about an end-of-season play-off to decide the final place in the Champions League?

    That could happen if Liverpool lost 1-0 to the Bees, and Bournemouth won 5-0 at Forest. Goals scored and goals conceded would be identical, head-to-head points would both be three, while they each scored twice away from home against each other.

    Still plenty riding on final day

    The Premier League title is now Arsenal's for the first time in 22 years, but six of the 10 games on the final day will still have something riding on them.

    As well as the Champions League, slots in the Europa League, Conference League and relegation are to be decided.

    For the final relegation place, West Ham need a victory at home to Leeds United to give themselves a chance.

    Then it is down to Tottenham, who would need to cast aside their home hoodoo to stay in the Premier League.

    No team has won fewer points at home than Spurs this season, with Burnley also on 12 points and two wins.

    And Roberto de Zerbi's side will host Everton, with only two teams winning more than the Toffees' 26 points on the road this season.

    Everton, though, now have nothing to play for.

    Liverpool and Bournemouth will contest the last Champions League spot, though Arne Slot's side would have to suffer a heavy loss for Bournemouth to have any chance of overhauling them.

    Brighton must win at home to Manchester United to be sure of playing in the Europa League. If they fail to do so, they could miss out on Europe with Brentford, and either Chelsea or Sunderland able to overtake them.

    Chelsea, who hold the Conference League spot in eighth, go to the Stadium of Light knowing victory could get them Europa League football, but a loss would guarantee they miss out on Europe. The Black Cats must claim a victory and hope either Brentford fail to win or Brighton lose.

    Brentford are the only other team in contention, but they have to win at Anfield to have any chance of fighting their way back into the European spots.

    Derrick Henry says all is well after practice collision

    Running back Derrick Henry down on the ground holding his knee is just about the last thing that the Ravens want to see at an OTA practice, but they got a glimpse of it on Tuesday.

    Henry stayed down for a bit after banging knees with a teammate during drills. He eventually got up and got more work in 11-on-11 drills before giving himself a clean bill of health while speaking to reporters.

    "I laid on the ground a little bit. The ground felt like a bed for a little while," Henry said, via the team's website. "And I saw you all looked hot and bored, so I was like, 'I've got to give them something to tweet and write.'"

    Henry's on the money about the attention paid to star players going down in practice and the Ravens hope that eyeballs will be on Henry for more positive reasons the rest of the way.

    Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar misses practice on eve of Game 1 of Western Conference Final

    DENVER (AP) — Cale Makar sat out another practice session Tuesday on the eve of the Western Conference Final against Vegas.

    Any cause for concern over the health status of the Colorado Avalanche defenseman heading into Game 1 on Wednesday?

    “No,” coach Jared Bednar said. “Not yet.”

    Makar, a Norris Trophy finalist, left the ice following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota, only to return as Colorado won the game — and the second-round series — 4-3 in overtime. He also briefly left Game 1 after taking a hit along the boards, with his right leg flying into the air before falling to the ice.

    The 27-year-old Makar has four goals and an assist while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time through two rounds. He's a crucial part of their offensive and special teams plans.

    Asked what he'd say to fans worried about missing Makar for Game 1, fellow defenseman Sam Malinski responded: "I don’t know what to tell them. Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. You can’t replace him, and we’re going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him.”

    Makar has missed some recent practices but no games as the Avalanche have gone 8-1 so far in the playoffs.

    Should Makar not be able to go, it puts more responsibilities on Malinski, Devon Toews, Josh Manson, Brett Kulak, Jack Ahcan, Nick Blankenburg and the 41-year-old Brent Burns.

    But not pressure.

    "We’re all going to have to play a little bit more and we’ll be challenged with different situations," Malinski explained. "I might have to penalty kill or whatever it is. But, yeah, I wouldn’t say we feel pressure. We’re just going to have to step up.”

    Manson agreed.

    "If he can’t go, it is what it is,” Manson said of Makar. “That’s a huge piece. You don’t replace a guy like that, right, so hopefully he can. If not, then guys will step and you fill roles and you just do what you can.”

    Forward Artturi Lehkonen returned to practice Tuesday. He's been dealing with an upper-body injury and didn’t play in the final two games of the Minnesota series.

    ___

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

    Yankees vs Blue Jays live updates, score and analysis of today's game

    NEW YORK – As you might imagine, Giancarlo Stanton is OK with lefty-hitting teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. borrowing a pair of his game pants.

    “I think it’s cool,’’ a smiling Stanton said Tuesday. “Especially since he’s been raking.’’

    While the Yankees’ second baseman has enjoyed a hot recent stretch at the plate, Stanton has been limited to hitting off the Trajekt pitching machine these last few weeks.

    Sidelined since April 25, due to a strained right calf, Stanton said he’s in “a holding pattern.’’

    Last week, a comparison MRI revealed that Stanton’s condition hadn’t improved to the point where he’d be cleared to ramp up his rehab to running, though he feels better physically than the results showed.

    “I want to be back as soon as possible,’’ said Stanton, who has been doing plyometrics in lieu of running. For now, he’s “got to be careful not to make it (a) longer (recovery) than it needs to be.’’

    So, he’s left to watch Chisholm trot or tear around the bases in his pinstriped pants this homestand.

    “Well, they’ve got homers in them,’’ Stanton said of his baseball britches.

    Follow us live tonight for Blue Jays-Yankees from the Bronx...

    This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees vs Blue Jays live score, updates and highlights today

    Tom Elliott: 3AA-North baseball fans, please buckle up

    May 19—Asked about the impending Section 3AA-North playoffs and Tim Epema doesn't mince words.

    "It is so loaded," the veteran

    head baseball coach said. "It's going to be an absolute gauntlet."

    Coaches will seed 3AA-North on Wednesday and it's conceivable that five of the six teams could wind up winning it, regardless of the seedings.

    Going into Tuesday's games, three of the top eight teams in the state, according to the

    QRF power rankings, reside in 3AA-North.

    Leading the way is New London-Spicer. The Wildcats are No. 2 in the QRF and have a 17-3 record, including 3-1 in the section. Their lone loss is to Montevideo.

    Paynesville is No. 4 in the QRF and 16-4 overall with a 2-3 section record. Among the Bulldogs' losses are to Montevideo, New London-Spicer and Minnewaska.

    Montevideo is ranked eighth. The Thunder Hawks are 15-4, including 7-0 in section play. That 3AA-North record and overall schedule is Montevideo's best claim for No. 1.

    But we're not done yet. Next up is Morris/Chokio-Alberta. The Tigers are 14-6 and have a No. 33 QRF ranking. They also may have the best player in the sub-section in Riley Asmus, who is headed to Division I Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska on a baseball scholarship. The Tigers have lost twice to Montevideo, by scores of 4-3 and 3-2. Yes, it's that close.

    Next up is Minnewaska, which is 12-5 and has a No. 46 QRF. The Lakers have lost to Morris and beaten Paynesville, losing twice to Montevideo and once to New London-Spicer. They also play Morris again Wednesday.

    And don't dismiss Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City. The Falcons are 7-11 but no pushover. They average 6.3 runs a game and are 0-1 in sub-section games. They're the kind of team that could upset one of the top dogs.

    "It's a toss-up, really," Epema said.

    Epema also pointed out that whomever gets out of 3AA-North isn't assured of anything because 3AA-South is really good, too. That includes No. 12 Luverne (15-3), No. 13 Fairmont (16-4) and No. 23 Windom (15-5).

    "And St. James is a good team, too," Epema said of the Saints, who are 14-8.

    Redwood Valley (9-10), Jackson County Central (5-12) and Pipestone (5-13) round out 3AA-South.

    Let's just get this out: Section 3AA is the best in the state this year.

    Epema said he saw this coming last summer in American Legion baseball. New London-Spicer beat Montevideo for the Division II state title in Ely. Luverne took third. Legion ball is different from high school ball. But the state results demonstrated that the three top teams last August are from the same high school section and all three of them are really good this spring.

    Epema said it's one of the reasons he had Montevideo play such a difficult schedule. Included have been games against Duluth Marshall, Mankato East and St. Charles. There were easier non-conference teams to play a lot closer to home. But, Epema thought the Thunder Hawks needed the difficult competition in order to be ready for 3AA-North.

    "If you told me before the season that we would be 15-4 right now I'd have said you were crazy," Epema said.

    But things have mostly worked out. Montevideo's top-line talent is good and experienced. It's led by shortstop/pitcher Griffin Epema, the coach's son and a University of St. Thomas recruit. Seniors Brody Dack, Ben Gunlogson and Jackson Koenen are all having excellent seasons. Epema said Dack is having an amazing year. Gunlogson, the outstanding wrestler, is heading to the University of Chicago to continue that pursuit. Koenen is headed to Northwestern of Iowa to play basketball.

    "We've had a lot of people doing a lot of the little things right and that has turned out to be big for us," Epema said.

    While it won't matter in the seedings, Montevideo plays Luverne at 5 p.m. Thursday in Montevideo. If you're a Thunder Hawk fan, you could make a case for that being a potential section final.

    The 3AA playoffs begin Tuesday, May 26 with high seeds hosting early. It's double-elimination, with eventually the North No. 1 playing the South No. 2 and the North No. 2 facing the South No. 1 in Marshall, with neutral locations the rest of the way.

    The Class AA state tournament is June 11-12 in St. Cloud with the championship set for June 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis.

    Rest assured that whomever gets to state from 3AA will have earned it.

    Buck up, 3AA fans.

    Cristiano Ronaldo included in Portugal World Cup team as Diogo Jota honored

    Cristiano Ronaldo appears on screen behind Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez
    Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Roberto Martínez's FIFA World Cup roster -Credit:Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

    Portugal national team boss Roberto Martínez has named his final roster for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo included as he looks to participate in his record sixth tournament.

    The 41-year-old could be the first player to achieve this feat in North America, although Argentina’s Lionel Messi could accomplish the same should he opt to help Lionel Scaloni’s side defend their crown.

    Ranked fifth in the world by FIFA heading into the World Cup, Portugal will travel to the newly expanded tournament as one of the favorites alongside the likes of France, Spain, England, and, of course, Argentina.

    Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring
    Ronaldo will be appearing in his sixth World Cup -Credit:Diogo Cardoso - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

    Discussing Ronaldo’s inclusion on Tuesday, Martínez said, via AP, “When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players.

    “We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players, the competitiveness to be in the national team. Our captain is an example. We want him to continue with the same level of responsibility and leadership inside the locker room.”

    Ronaldo, who currently plys his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, will not only be looking to add a World Cup trophy to his already burgeoning trophy cabinet, but will also be hoping to increase his records as the all-time leader in men’s international appearances with 226 as well as goals with 143.

    Martínez also took a moment to discuss former Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who sadly died aged just 28, alongside his brother André Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain in July 2025.

    To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

    “The final list includes 27 names plus one,” he said. “To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment.

    “But the next day it was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo Jota’s dream and for the example that he was in our national team. The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one. He will be the plus one forever.”

    Portugal will be aiming to improve upon their quarter-final exit in Qatar four years ago, which marked their best performance since Germany 2006, when they finished fourth.

    Yet to win the World Cup, they will kick off their campaign in Group K against DR Congo on June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, before facing Uzbekistan on the 23, again in Houston.

    Their group phase will close out on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, against Colombia.

    A screen displays a tribute to Diogo Jota during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier
    Martínez paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota as he announced his team -Credit:Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
    Full Roster:

    Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa - FC Porto, José Sá - Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rui Silva - Sporting CP, Ricardo Velho - Genclerbirligi Ankara

    Defenders: Diogo Dalot - Manchester United, Matheus Nunes - Manchester City, Nélson Semedo - Fenerbahçe SK, João Cancelo - FC Barcelona, Nuno Mendes - PSG, Gonçalo Inácio - Sporting CP, Renato Veiga - Villarreal, Rúben Dias - Manchester City, Tomás Araújo - SL Benfica

    Midfielders: Rúben Neves - Al Hilal, Samuel Costa - Mallorca, João Neves - PSG, Vitinha - PSG, Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United, Bernardo Silva - Manchester City

    Forwards: João Félix - Al Nassr, Francisco Trincão - Sporting CP, Francisco Conceição - Juventus, Pedro Neto - Chelsea, Rafael Leão - AC Milan, Gonçalo Guedes - Real Sociedad, Gonçalo Ramos - PSG, Cristiano Ronaldo - Al Nassr

    NFL plans to eliminate home game protections for international series

    Oct 19, 2016; London, United Kingdom; General view of NFL Shield logo helmet and the River Thames and the Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster prior to game 16 of the NFL International Series between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams on Oct 23, 2016. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    NFL owners voted Tuesday to eliminate teams’ ability to protect home opponents from being scheduled for international games.

    Until now, teams could shield two home matchups per year from being moved abroad. That number had already been cut down significantly — teams once had the ability to protect four or five home opponents — and the league has been chipping away at it for years. Now, it’s zero.

    The NFL is also eliminating teams’ ability to protect games against specific home opponents from being played abroad. Until now, teams could protect two home games each year. https://t.co/utRnTQaEaA

    — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 19, 2026

    Owners also voted to raise the cap on international games from eight to 10 starting in 2027, per NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly. That cap doesn’t account for the Jaguars’ annual game at Wembley Stadium, which sits outside the standard international series framework under a separate agreement the team has held with the league for years. Add that in, and the NFL could play as many as 11 games overseas in 2027.

    NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly announces that owners voted through a measure to increase the cap on international games from eight to 10 in 2027. That doesn’t include the Jags’ game at Wembley, so we could have 11 international games next year.

    — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 19, 2026

    The protection change is the more consequential of the two. As Mike North explained on a media call last week, teams tend to protect their best opponents, which quickly limits what the league can send overseas. Once Baltimore gets used in one market, it’s off the table for the others. Teams like Philadelphia and Cincinnati, which have been eager for international appearances, kept getting squeezed out because their opponents kept protecting games against them.

    “You can’t have a team say, ‘Well, I don’t want my two best games eligible for international,'” North said. “What kind of message does that send to the international fans?”

    The league is playing nine international games in 2026 across seven countries, already the most in history and surpassing the previous cap. Ten is a step forward, but it’s not where the league wants to end up. Goodell has said his target is 16 international games per season — one for every team — and you can’t really run a protection system in a world where every team is going overseas every year.

    Getting rid of it now is the logical move, but it also makes financial sense for the league.

    The NFL has been targeting a dedicated international rights package worth potentially billions, separate from its domestic deals. The value of that package comes down to the quality of the games it contains, and teams shielding their best opponents have been an obstacle to putting together a compelling slate.

    With the protections gone, the league can finally put its best games in that package starting in 2027.

    The post NFL plans to eliminate home game protections for international series appeared first on Awful Announcing.

    Washington Football Starts Late Push For 4-Star Mississippi DT

    Not often does Washington venture into the state of Mississippi for a high school football recruit. Sam LeJeune is one of the few exceptions.

    The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman from Poplarville, Mississippi, announced his latest offer from the Huskies this past Thursday, marking the 25th program to make a push for the four-star recruit in the 2027 class.

    Last October, UW offered one of LeJeune's teammates, four-star running back Ty Keys, who has since committed to Miami. While the Huskies weren't able to make headway with Keys, making a late offer relative to where the overall process is with most recruits in the '27 cycle is significant and similar to the staff's pursuit of Tufanua Ionatana "T.I." Umu-Cais in last year's class.

    Blessed to recieve an offer from Washington. pic.twitter.com/qsCJv2l2yK

    — Sam LeJeune (@sam_lejeune08) May 15, 2026

    Much like Umu-Cais, LeJeune is a game-wrecker along the interior defensive line for Poplarville. As a junior, the No. 105-ranked prospect and No. 10 defensive lineman, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, the Magnolia State product racked up 58 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception, which he returned 36 yards—a singular encompassing example of why LeJeune is so coveted.

    However, UW is entering the mix in mid-May with four official visits already scheduled; Auburn (May 29), California (June 5), Florida State (June 12), and LSU (June 19), which doesn't leave much wiggle room for the UW to find its own place, unless the staff can push out one of the aforementioned four schools from its current spot.

    What works in the Huskies' favor is immediate playing time and the selling point of being one of the two premier conferences in college football, the Big Ten, which could unseat one or both of Cal and FSU, neither of which has had as many victories as UW has had the past two seasons.

    With the Huskies also having a trio of juniors—Elinneus Davis, Darin Conley and DeSean Watts—set to be entering their final year of eligibility by the time LeJeune gets on campus and a pair of current freshmen, Derek Colman-Brusa and Umu-Cais, being one year into the program it could open the door for LeJeune to follow in their footsteps while creating a new tertiary recruiting ground in Mississippi.

    This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies extend late offer to high-end Mississippi DT

    High school boys soccer: Lone Peak gets over the hump, finally advances to a 6A final

    Adobe Stock

    It’s been four years in the making, but Lone Peak’s seniors finally achieved one of their goals: make a final. Simply making a final isn’t end goal — that opportunity will come on Friday — but after three years of playoff failure, Tuesday’s 6A semifinal win was a huge sigh of relief.

    Lone Peak scored a goal in each half and then senior keeper Sam Parker came up clutch in some frantic final minutes as the top-ranked Knights held off a late push from No. 4 seed Salt Lake Academy for the 2-0 win at Zions Bank Stadium.

    “For these boys, especially the seniors, I mean, it’s the world. Lone Peak’s been in this position a lot, yet we have come up short for whatever reason. And these guys that have been here four years, it’s been their goal to get over that hump,” said Lone Peak coach Kyle Hartman. “It means the world to our school for these boys to have this opportunity now to play for a state championship.”

    Three years ago as the No. 1 seed, Lone Peak lost to No. 12 Syracuse in the semifinals. Two years ago it lost to Bingham in penalties in the quarterfinals, and then last year it lost to Bingham again in PKs in the semis.

    Things appear to be lining up for Lone Peak this year, though. After finally beating Bingham in PKs in last week’s quarterfinals, the Knights got over the semifinal jinx against Salt Lake Academy.

    “We’ve come short the last couple of years. For us seniors especially, like our freshman year, there was a big upset against Syracuse. It just never feels good to get upset. We’ve been playing so well in the playoffs, but we take it one game at a time,” said Parker. “I think that’s the main difference between this year and last year’s team, is we’re only focused on our next opponent. And now we do have one opponent to finally focus on, so we’re excited for that.”

    That opponent is the winner of the Mountain Ridge-Farmington semifinal game, with the teams meeting in the 6A championship on Friday at 1 p.m. at Zions Bank Stadium.

    The Knights struck first in the 25th minute on a great one-time finish from Blake Stuart. A Salt Lake Academy defender cleared the initial corner kick delivery at the near post, but Stuart was first to the ball as it landed near the top of the box, banging his shot just inside the post for the 1-0 lead.

    Two minutes into the second half, Lone Peak pounced on a defensive miscue to double the lead.

    A Salt Lake defender tried to play the ball back to his keeper under pressure from Lone Peak’s Patrick Stevenson, but he didn’t pass it nearly hard enough as Stevenson got to the ball first and tapped it in for the 2-0 lead.

    Despite the two-goal cushion, Hartman said the lead never felt safe until the final whistle.

    “It’s 80 minutes. Whether you’re up or down, you’ve got to have the intensity and you’ve got to keep fighting. You can’t let up. The moment you let up, you open the door for the team to come back,” said Hartman. “And that was what our message was at halftime. We may be up one goal, but we’ve got to play like we’re down.”

    Lone Peak will now carry a 14-game winning streak into the state championship as it seeks its first boys soccer title since 2005.

    Game 49: Tigers vs. Guardians, 6:40 p.m. ET

    DETROIT, MI - MAY 2: Keider Montero #54 of the Detroit Tigers works up a baseball while pitching against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Comerica Park on May 2, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Detroit Tigers (20-28) vs. Cleveland Guardians (27-22)

    Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park
    SB Nation Site: Covering the Corner
    Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
    Pitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (2-3, 3.65 ERA) vs. RHP Parker Messick (5-1, 2.35 ERA)

    Game 2 in Detroit.#GuardsBallpic.twitter.com/Jf5iOnn7nb

    — Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 19, 2026

    49/162 ⤵️

    ⚾️ 6:40 PM ET
    📺 @WatchDSN
    📻 @971theticketxyt
    🏟️ Comerica Park pic.twitter.com/rZIxkR5TkC

    — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 19, 2026

    Game Thread: Happy Steely Dan Day!

    DETROIT, MI - JULY 07: Third base umpire Charlie Ramos makes the call as Javier Báez #28 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Danny Jansen #19 of the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Bradburn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

    Go Rays!

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    Bengals' Joe Burrow offers 5-word statement on 2026 season fans will love

    Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow

    Bengals' Joe Burrow offers 5-word statement on 2026 season fans will love originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the better teams in football when Joe Burrow is healthy, but the thing is, that has been rare recently, plus, the defense has been horrible.

    When Burrow is healthy, he plays at an All-Pro level, but the defense lets him down badly.

    Well, this offseason, moves have been made to strengthen the defense, highlighted by the trade for Dexter Lawrence. Still, some aren't sold on the Bengals as a genuine AFC contender in 2026.

    However, for Burrow, he thinks the 2026 version of Cincinnati is ready for all the smoke.

    "They're going to keep getting great players to come play for the Bengals, and when they do that, then it's my job and Zac (Taylor)'s job and the leaders of this team to bring the locker room together and then go execute on the field," Burrow said. "We have everything we need."

    MORE:Bills' Keon Coleman has incredible response to 2025 season

    Bengals need to return to postseason

    Having missed the playoffs for the past three seasons, that is unacceptable for a player of Burrow's caliber.

    Now, the big question is, can the Bengals' defense come to the party and just be competent while Burrow maintains the offense's high standards?

    Because, as we saw in 2024, when Burrow threw for 43 TDs and just nine interceptions, the Bengals can't make the playoffs if only one side of the ball is good.

    So, all eyes will be on the defense in 2026. Burrow thinks the team has everything they need.

    Time will tell if that's correct.

    More NFL news:

    Where Colorado's class of 2027 ranks after Ba'Roc Willis' commitment

    Colorado football made another splash on the class of 2027 recruiting trail Tuesday, landing a commitment from three-star edge rusher Ba'Roc Willis.

    Willis, a former Alabama commit, is coming off an official visit this past weekend and clearly came away impressed, announcing his decision just days after. 247Sports ranks the pass rusher as the No. 581 overall player in the class of 2027, the No. 48 linebacker and No. 22 player from Alabama.

    Colorado got off to a slow start with the class of 2027, but has picked it up over the last few months. Four-star quarterback Andre Adams joined in April, as did three-star offensive lineman Kenny Fairley. It is still early, but the program has started to pick up steam with its 2027 recruiting class as the summer recruiting season nears.

    After Willis, here is where the Buffaloes' class of 2027 now ranks nationally.

    Colorado football updated class of 2027 recruiting ranking after Ba'Roc Willis' commitment

    • On3: No. 45 overall, No. 6 Big 12
    • 247Sports: No. 62 overall, No. 10 Big 12

    Follow Charlie Strella on XThreads, and Instagram.

    Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

    This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football recruiting 2027 ranking DE Ba'Roc Willis commit

    Marlins' Sandy Alcantara remains attractive acquisition target

    Sandy Alcantara Marlins 04022026 サンディ・アルカンタラ マーリンズ

    Marlins' Sandy Alcantara remains attractive acquisition target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Peter Bendix is known as an aggressive trader. Will the Miami Marlins' president of baseball operations enhance his reputation this summer?

    He dangled pitchers Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers at the end of 2025, but elected to hold on to his assets. For a short time. Last January, Bendix dealt Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs for prospects, including centerpiece Owen Caissie. Weathers was the next to go, jettisoned to the New York Yankees for another package of prospects.

    Alcantara remains in the rotation, amassing a 3-2 record with over a quarter of the season expired, but for how much longer?

    With emerging stars in middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards and a potential ace in Max Mayer, Bendix could be tempted to add new blood to the meandering Marlins' lineup.

    Is Marlins' SP Sandy Alcantara available to suitors?

    Under team control through 2027, Alcantara could prove to be an attractive acquisition for a contender. In his opening 10 starts this season, the former Cy Young award winner posted a 1.2 WAR, yielding 60 hits in 63.2 innings.

    Pointing to the team's fragile pitching depth, Bendix likely will need to be blown away by an offer. 

    The Marlins already cut ties with Chris Paddack (0-5, 7.63 ERA) after seven starts. His replacement, Robby Snelling, injured his elbow during his first start, prompting Braxton Garrett's promotion. 

    Garrett started Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves at loanDepot park and surrendered two earned runs on three hits in three innings. In two starts this season, the 28-year-old left-hander allowed seven runs in 4.1 innings.

    How much longer will 6-foot-5 top prospect Thomas White marinate at Triple-A Jacksonville?

    With Lopez (.337 batting average), Edwards (.322) and catcher Liam Hicks (.289) breaking out offensively, the Marlins continue to wait for Kyle Stowers and Caissie to rebound from sluggish starts.

    If they don't, Alcantara could finally be on the move.

    Bears host CB Nazeeh Johnson for visit

    Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is doing his due diligence to continue improving his football team, and he's looking at someone from his former organization to possibly bolster the secondary. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears are hosting former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nazeeh Johnson for a visit up at Halas Hall this week.

    Source: Former #Chiefs CB Nazeeh Johnson is visiting the #Bears.

    Johnson amassed 66 total tackles and one sack during his time in Kansas City and was a key special teamer as well. He also recently met with NYG and PHI. pic.twitter.com/iAG6GRwk27

    — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 19, 2026

    Johnson was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Marshall and was a special teams contributor during their run to Super Bowl LVII. He totaled eight tackles in 11 regular-season games. Johnson missed the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL and returned the following year, playing a larger role for the Chiefs' defense. In 16 games, Johnson recorded 56 total tackles (three for loss), one sack, and three pass breakups.

    Injuries limited Johnson to just two games in 2025, and now he's looking to bounce back in 2026—possibly with the Bears. His experience on special teams and ability to fill on defense could be what Poles is looking for. Especially after the team released second-year cornerback Zah Frazier prior to rookie minicamp. Schultz also reports Johnson has visited the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.

    This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears host former Chiefs CB Nazeeh Johnson for visit

    USC baseball ranked No. 19 USA TODAY Coaches Poll after Oregon series

    Over the weekend, the USC baseball team wrapped up its regular season by dropping two of three games at Oregon. The Trojans finished the regular season with an overall record of 42-14 and a 20-10 mark in conference play.

    Following the series, USC dropped six spots in the latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll. The Trojans now sit at No. 19 in the rankings, six spots behind Oregon, who moved up three spots to No. 12.

    While the Ducks did win the series, all three of the games were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings. In addition, the two teams finished with the exact same record in Big Ten play. Hence, having Oregon seven spots ahead of USC in the rankings is a rather questionable decision by the voters.

    Right now, however, the Trojans have more pressing matters at hand than the polls. On Friday, USC will open up play at the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha. A strong conference tournament performance could very well be the difference between the Trojans getting to host an NCAA regional and having to go on the road for one the following week.

    This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC baseball ranked No. 19 in latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll

    Vote for the top Arizona High School Athletes of the Week, May 11-16

    Here are this week's nominees for The Arizona Republic's boys’ and girls’ athletes of the week, sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath. Nominees are based on performances in Arizona Interscholastic Association-sanctioned sports from May 11-16. Vote for the top selection in each of our polls. Voting will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22, and winners will be announced the next day on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic on Sunday, May 24. Submit a weekly nominee at static.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools/nominations/).

    Here are this week's nominees, followed by poll (scroll down on poll to vote):

    Girls

    Imani Galera-Young, Chandler, track and field, Sr.: She set the Arizona record in the 300-meter hurdles at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 40.65 seconds to become the second girl in state history to go under 41 seconds and move up to No. 3 in the United States this season.

    Addysan Prassas, Phoenix North Canyon, track and field, Sr.: She won the 100 meters at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 11.83. Prassas’ time of 11.78 in the prelims set the state lead in the event. She also ran on the winning 4x100 and the second-place 4x400-meter relay teams, contributing 28 points to help lead North Canyon to the team championship.

    Lorelai Sander, Joseph City, softball, Sr.: In an 18-2 1A championship win over Superior on May 11, she gave up six hits and two runs in five innings and went 2-for-2 with an RBI at the plate.

    Boys

    Jett Merrill, Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge, track and field, Jr.: He won the 110-meter hurdles and long jump at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 13.91 and hitting 23 feet, 8 inches. Merrill’s time of 13.79 in the prelims set the state lead and moved him into a tie for No. 9 all-time in state history. He also finished second in the 100 meters, running 10.75.

    Beckham Goodman, ALA Queen Creek, track and field, Sr.: He won the 200 meters at the AIA State Track and Field Championships on May 16, running 21.57. Goodman’s time of 21.12 from the prelims set the state lead and moved him up to No. 8 all-time in state history. He also finished third in the 400, running 47.63 to move up to No. 3 in the state this season.

    Cade Trimble, Williams, baseball, Sr.: He helped Williams win its first 1A state title with three hits and four RBIs in a 10-5 win over Heber Mogollon on May 16.

    Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com todaySign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.

    This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Top Arizona High School Athlete of the Week, May 11-16

    (PR) LucidSound Introduces LS500 Wireless Gaming Headset

    20 May 2026 at 01:25
    LucidSound, a gaming and lifestyle audio sub-brand from PowerA, today announced the LS500 Wireless Gaming Headset, a new wireless option designed for players who want reliable performance, long-lasting comfort, and the flexibility to move between gaming and everyday listening—making high-quality audio and all-day wearability part of every player's setup.

    Built around a comfort-first design philosophy, the LS500 combines lightweight construction, breathable materials, and intuitive controls with the audio performance gamers expect. High-quality sound keeps players locked into the action, while lasting comfort ensures they can stay there, creating a headset that feels as good at hour five as it does at the start.

    Discover the leading crypto to buy right now: Why DOGEBALL’s innovative presale can outshine ASTER’s 830% surge

    20 May 2026 at 01:30
    DOGEBALL presale extension fuels momentum as investors compare next-generation gaming crypto projects. Imagine being at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement that blends gaming and finance in a way never seen before. DOGEBALL (DOGEBALL) is not just another token; it…

    Stripe-backed Tempo launches Morpho lending on its payments chain

    20 May 2026 at 00:30
    Tempo Morpho integration went live this week, plugging $7.5 billion in decentralized lending into the Stripe-backed payments blockchain. Tempo, the stablecoin payments blockchain backed by Stripe and Paradigm, has switched on Morpho’s lending marketplace, adding $7.5 billion in decentralized credit…

    Diffmode – Growth plan for SaaS products that can't outspend competitors


    Diffmode is a growth plan for indie hackers, first marketing hires, and bootstrapped SaaS founders who can't outspend their competitors. It cross-references 576 documented growth mechanisms across six categories: psychology, structural arbitrage, leverage, positioning, conversion, and resource optimization. Then it combines two to three of these into customer-acquisition tactics specific to your constraints that aren't found in any playbook.

    View startup

    OneOne – A social network limiting users to one intentional post per day


    OneOne is a calm, intentional social app with one simple rule: one post per day. Before publishing, you must answer: "Why does this matter today?" No algorithm, no endless scroll, no likes chasing. Instead of performing for the feed, you build a personal Calendar Archive — a long-term record of what truly mattered to you. If you're tired of performative social media and want to share more meaningfully, join the waitlist.

    View startup

    Dock – Work with your team and agents in a shared live AI workspace


    Dock is an AI workspace where humans and agents co-edit tables and documents in real time. Agents have their own identities, API keys, and audits; every edit is attributed, columns are typed, and a durable ledger records changes. Dock renders tables, documents, code, media, and embeds inline, and connects to agents like Claude and ChatGPT plus MCP tools. Use Dock Live for human-agent chat, start from templates, and control access that revokes when people leave.

    View startup

    TinyHumans – An open source AI harness built with the human in mind


    90% of people who try AI agents give up because of memory that resets every session, data stored on external clouds, and complex terminals to get started. TinyHumans fixes all this. It's local-first and privacy-first, remembers everything about you, and gets smarter the more you use it. Every feature is in one simple interface. The product is fully open source and has one-click setup. It's in beta, so expect some bugs, but we're building and shipping fast.

    View startup

    Tourizzy – Explore cities with local storytellers at your pace on your phone


    Tourizzy lets you explore cities through location-based stories told by local creators, right on your phone. Skip group tours and rigid schedules; start anytime, move at your pace, and listen in your language. Creators can publish routes, narrate authentic tales, and earn from every walk, turning real locations into living narratives for travelers and locals alike.

    View startup

    Teneks – Get real-time coaching on sales calls and turn insights into wins


    Teneks delivers real-time coaching during sales calls so reps say the right thing at the right moment. It listens across Zoom, Teams, Meet, or any VOIP, detects risk patterns, and shows proven responses on screen to keep deals moving. Install in minutes with no IT. After each call, Teneks analyzes conversations to reveal where revenue leaks, what top performers do differently, and which objections slow wins. Insights sync with your CRM and support 100+ languages, helping managers save time while teams close more.

    View startup

    MyLifeOS – Treat your life like a system and build momentum with adaptive AI


    MyLifeOS helps ambitious people build momentum by treating life as an interconnected system. It analyzes seven domains: Discipline, Health, Sleep, Focus, Finance, Learning, and Communication, and adapts daily to your momentum state, weakest system, and current needs. Instead of punishing missed days, it guides recovery and encourages consistent progress with ranks that evolve as your systems level up.

    View startup

    Sony 1000X The ColleXion in for review

    20 May 2026 at 01:44

    If you're into headphones, then you're no doubt familiar with Sony's WH-1000X series, which is easily one of the most popular wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones around. One could say that alongside the Bose QuietComfort 35, which started the trend, Sony's 1000X series has been the most popular option for years. An achievement remarkably maintained even after many others, including Apple, joined the space. Sony's line of wireless over-ear ANC headphones turns 10 (wow), so the Japanese made something special to mark the occasion - meet the Sony 1000x The ColleXion (reads like...

    Marcus Rashford reportedly weighing long-term or new loan deal at Barcelona to avoid Man United return

    20 May 2026 at 02:05
    In order to avoid returning to Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is reportedly weighing the possibility to sign either a long-term or a new loan deal at FC Barcelona.

    Marcus Rashford has successfully resurrected his career at FC Barcelona during the 2025-26 season, but his current loan agreement is rapidly approaching its expiration date. Desperate to avoid a return to Manchester United, the English forward is reportedly exploring all avenues to extend his stay in Spain, weighing the possibilities of either a permanent long-term transfer or a second consecutive loan spell with the Catalan giants.

    After falling completely out of favor under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford was forced to seek a move abroad last summer to keep his international ambitions alive under England boss Thomas Tuchel. Barcelona emerged as the ideal landing spot, securing his services on a one-year loan where the forward has Rediscovered his world-class form, transforming his future into a critical priority for both the player and the club.

    According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is fully prepared to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a permanent move from Old Trafford to the Camp Nou. The Spanish outlet underlines that the English winger has zero desire to return to the Red Devils, a stance that could give Barcelona significant leverage in negotiations with the Manchester United front office.

    One straightforward path for Barcelona is to trigger the €30 million ($32.5 million) release clause that was negotiated into the initial loan agreement back in June 2025. However, pulling off a permanent transfer of that magnitude remains incredibly complicated for the Spanish side given their ongoing financial instability and La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play restrictions.

    Mundo Deportivo notes that Rashford has already agreed to personal terms on a reduced salary structure should Barcelona manage to activate that buyout clause. To make the numbers work, Barca officials are reportedly exploring a structured payout that would split the €30 million fee into three annual €10 million installments, paired with a lengthy contract extension designed to amortize the cost and keep the club compliant with league accountants.

    The alternative route is to negotiate a fresh loan extension, though it remains to be seen if Manchester United will play ball, as the Premier League club would heavily prefer a permanent sale to clear his wages. Rashford’s current contract with United runs through June 2028, where he sits as one of the club’s highest earners alongside Bruno Fernandes, a financial burden that might ultimately force the Blaugrana to push for a simple one-year loan extension instead.

    Hansi Flick holds Rashford in high regard after stellar campaign

    Following Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams last summer, Rashford emerged as a late market opportunity, with his substantial Premier League wages serving as the only initial hurdle. In his first true test outside of English football, the forward silenced critics by becoming an invaluable asset in Spain, racking up 14 goals and 14 assists across 48 appearances while seamlessly adjusting to a heavy squad rotation.

    Whenever injuries struck, coach Hansi Flick weaponized Rashford’s versatility across the frontline, deploying him on both the left and right wings, and even using him as a central striker when Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres were sidelined. Yet, despite his productivity, Rashford’s long-term future remains completely up in the air, drawing close parallels to Joao Cancelo’s previous high-stakes loan saga at the club.

    At the end of the season, we will analyze everything, and then we will see what happens,” Flick remarked when pressed on the club’s upcoming summer transfer strategy in the press conference last Sunday. “Marcus gave us a lot this year and his numbers speak for themselves. I am very grateful to him,” added the German tactician, who clearly values the forward after recently putting pen to paper on his own contract extension through 2028.

    Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.

    From rejecting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to ending Man City’s title hopes: Who is Eli Junior Kroupi?

    20 May 2026 at 01:52
    Eli Junior Kroupi scored against Manchester City this Tuesday after choosing France over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

    This Tuesday, Arsenal secured the Premier League title after 22 years thanks to Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Eli Junior Kroupi scored the goal that ended the Citizens’ remaining title hopes, after making headlines for rejecting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

    Born in Lorient, France, on June 23, 2006, Kroupi has Ivorian roots through his father and Portuguese heritage through his mother. Those circumstances made him eligible to represent any of the three national teams, but he ultimately chose the country of his birth.

    Portugal tried to convince him to join the program, as Roberto Martinez acknowledged during Tuesday’s press conference. Yes, there was interest, we stayed ahead of the news. Before the March training camp we had contact,” explained the head coach.

    However, Martinez made it clear that Kroupi’s intentions did not align with Portugal’s plans: “It is important to follow players who can represent the Portugal national team and those who want to represent it. Junior wanted to play for France and we respected it, it is a case that we left closed.”

    🔥 ¡BOMBAZO CON OLOR A CAMPEÓN EN LONDRES!

    💥 Kroupi dispara tremendo remate a borde de área para abrir el marcador del Bournemouth.

    🔴 El Arsenal comienza a saborear las miles de la gloria.#PremierLeagueTelemundo pic.twitter.com/ECzhO1jMbq

    — Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) May 19, 2026

    With Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement seemingly approaching, Portugal will need young and talented forwards to build the squad for the near future, and Eli Junior Kroupi fits that profile. Still, it was difficult to imagine him having a realistic chance of making the roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup given the level of competition at the position.

    Another option for France

    Eli Junior Kroupi has represented France’s youth national teams over the past several years. He joined the U-16 national team in 2021 and later remained involved with the country at the U-17 and U-21 levels, most recently appearing in November 2025 against the Faroe Islands.

    As for the senior national team, however, Kroupi will need to work hard to earn a spot in the near future. France already feature world-class forwards who are still relatively young and expected to remain part of the national team for years to come, such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. In addition, emerging talents like Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue and Michael Olise have gradually established themselves within the squad.

    Kroupi shining in the Premier League

    The current 2025-26 campaign is Eli Junior Kroupi’s first season in the Premier League. He has delivered more than solid performances for Bournemouth, ranking among the league’s top 10 scorers with 13 goals in 32 matches. Beyond the numbers, the importance of those goals also stands out: in addition to scoring against Manchester City this Tuesday, the French forward also found the net this season against Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.

    Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

    Pep Guardiola potential exit sparks uncertainty as Josko Gvardiol reportedly eyes a transfer from Manchester City

    20 May 2026 at 01:45
    After a highly successful tenure, Pep Guardiola appears determined to leave Manchester City FC at the end of the season. That decision may already be having consequences inside the squad, as Joško Gvardiol is reportedly seeking a transfer away from the Citizens during the summer 2026 window.

    Despite failing to win the 2025-26 Premier League title, Manchester City once again remained competitive across every major competition. However, Pep Guardiola has reportedly decided to leave the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to his legendary era with the Citizens. Amid the possible departure of the Spanish manager, Joško Gvardiol has also reportedly decided to leave the Citizens during the summer of 2026.

    According to Stefan Kumberger via SPORT1, Joško Gvardiol is interested in leaving Manchester City FC, with a potential move to Bayern Munich emerging as his preferred destination. Since his tenure at RB Leipzig, the Croatian defender has reportedly been a well-known admirer of Bayern. In addition, club legend Lothar Matthäus revealed that the German side have already made initial enquiries regarding a possible transfer.

    With his contract at Manchester City running until 2028, Gvardiol’s potential departure would reportedly cost around €90 million the same fee the Citizens paid for him in 2023, as per Sport Bild. However, Bayern would first need to offload either Kim Min-jae or Hiroki Ito, as they currently lack space in their defensive rotation. With that in mind, the Croatian star’s future could ultimately be decided after the 2026 World Cup.

    Despite arriving as one of the best defenders in the world, the Croatian star has struggled to fully secure a permanent starting spot. Under Pep Guardiola, he has increasingly become a rotational option, as Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly have emerged as two of Manchester City’s main defensive bets. Because of this, Joško Gvardiol’s potential departure might not be as damaging to the team’s competitiveness as initially expected.

    Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City celebrates with Erling Haaland.
    Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City celebrates with Erling Haaland.

    Manchester City are set to lose two stars amid Guardiola uncertainty

    Heading into the 2026-27 season, Manchester City appear to be preparing for major changes within their sporting structure. With the possible departure of Pep Guardiola, the Citizens reportedly already have an agreement in place with Enzo Maresca to take charge of the sporting project. However, the Citizens will also deal with the departures of two key players: Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

    Both Bernardo Silva and John Stones are expected to leave the Citizens as free agents after failing to reach agreements over contract renewals. While the English defender had gradually lost prominence within the squad, the Portuguese midfielder remained an undisputed starter for the Citizens. Because of this, Manchester City could be forced back into the transfer market, especially as they attempt to avoid further departures after the expected exit of Pep Guardiola.

    Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City and Josko Gvardiol.

    Declan Rice reacts to Arsenal’s Premier League title win on Instagram: ‘It’s done’

    20 May 2026 at 01:22
    Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph with a message to his fans on his Instagram account.

    Declan Rice took to Instagram to celebrate Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years, clinched with one matchday still remaining in the season. The historic triumph marks the end of over two decades of heartbreak for the North London club, securing their first league crown since the legendary “Invincibles” campaign of 2003/04.

    The Gunners’ title confirmation hinged on a slip-up from relentless rivals Manchester City, who traveled to the Vitality Stadium. In a dramatic twist, Bournemouth handed Arsenal the ultimate favor, grinding out a gritty 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s men to mathematically end City’s charge.

    The 27-year-old took to social media to share the euphoria with the Arsenal faithful, posting a picture from the dressing room alongside teammates Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, and Bukayo Saka. He captioned the post with a triumphant message to the doubters: “I told you all.. it’s done”.

    Arsenal will now walk out at the Emirates Stadium for the final matchday of the season against Crystal Palace as official Premier League Champions, where they will finally lift the coveted trophy in front of a bouncing home crowd.

    Arsenal going for historic Champions League title

    Arsenal have enjoyed a wildly successful Premier League campaign. With just one match remaining, they boast a record of 25 victories, seven draws, and a mere five defeats. Furthermore, they rank as the league’s second-highest scoring team with 69 goals, while anchoring the division’s best defense, having conceded just 26 goals.

    However, the Gunners’ success extends far beyond England. Mikel Arteta’s side is making waves across Europe and now stands on the precipice of a historic achievement, with the chance to lift its first-ever Champions League title when it face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30, at the Puskas Arena.

    On their road to the final, Arsenal displayed the same defensive resilience and tactical steel that defined their Premier League title charge, reaching the showcase event completely unbeaten.

    Mikel Arteta’s side cruised through the league phase with eight victories, before navigating the knockout rounds with three wins and three draws to book their ticket to Budapest.

    Declan Rice of Arsenal.

    Spygate explained: What rules did Southampton break to be expelled from Championship playoffs

    20 May 2026 at 00:38
    Southampton have been expelled from the EFL Championship playoffs following a spying scandal involving their rivals, stripping them of the chance to fight for promotion to the Premier League.

    Southampton had successfully reached the EFL Championship playoff final, where they were set to face Hull City for a coveted spot back in the Premier League. However, the governing body has made the dramatic decision to disqualify the Saints from the playoffs after they were found guilty following an espionage complaint.

    After an investigation was launched in response to a complaint filed by Middlesbrough, Southampton admitted to breaches against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026, according to an official statement released by the English Football League.

    Specifically, Southampton violated two key regulations within the EFL Championship framework. The club was charged with breaking EFL Regulation 3.4, which demands that clubs behave toward one another with the utmost good faith, and Regulation 127, which strictly prohibits any club from viewing, or attempting to view, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two sides.

    Furthermore, the EFL announced that Southampton retains the right to appeal the decision made by the Independent Disciplinary Committee, noting that the club is actively working to resolve any appeal by Wednesday, May 20. In light of this, the governing body indicated that scheduling adjustments could be made for the final on Saturday, May 24, depending on the outcome.

    An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.

    In addition, the Club has received a… pic.twitter.com/VxyXFk48BA

    — EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) May 19, 2026

    Who’s replacing Southampton?

    Following the confirmation of Southampton’s expulsion from the EFL Championship playoffs, Middlesbrough will step in to replace the Saints. They will now face Hull City for a place in the Premier League on Saturday, May 24, at Wembley Stadium.

    Middlesbrough’s selection as the replacement stems from the fact that they were the team defeated by Southampton in the playoff semifinals, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss on aggregate.

    What other charges will Southampton face?

    On top of being barred from competing in the EFL Championship playoff final—missing out on a guaranteed minimum revenue of £110 million from Premier League broadcasting rights—Southampton have also been hit with a four-point deduction, which will be applied at the start of next season.

    Cameron Archer of Southampton.

    How to watch Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 Copa Libertadores

    20 May 2026 at 00:30
    Boca Juniors host Cruzeiro on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can catch the action live—here’s everything you need to know about kickoff time plus TV and streaming coverage.
    Here are all of the details of where you can watch Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro on US television and via legal streaming:
    WHO Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro
    WHAT Copa Libertadores
    WHEN 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
    WHERE Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
    FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW

    Match Overview

    Everything is on the line in Group D as Boca Juniors return to La Bombonera for a massive showdown against Cruzeiro. After opening the campaign with back-to-back wins before dropping their last two matches, Boca enter the night sitting third in the standings with six points and little margin for error in the race for a knockout-round spot.

    Cruzeiro, meanwhile, hold second place with seven points and know a strong result on the road would put them in excellent position heading into the final Matchday. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance for both clubs, expect a high-intensity battle in one of South America’s most electric atmospheres.

    More details on how to watch

    With Fubo, you can watch Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
    Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
    Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
    The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
    If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

    How to watch anywhere with VPN

    If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

    Free resources available to you

    Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
    To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

    Milton Gimenez of Boca Juniors

    Zab Judah sees only one winner in Devin Haney vs Keyshawn Davis fight: “No disrespect”

    20 May 2026 at 01:00

    Talk of a showdown between and has once again emerged, but should the fight take place, two-division world champion Zab Judah has admitted that he can only see one winner.  Davis called for a shot at Haney’s WBO welterweight world title after knocking out Jamaine Ortiz in January and whilst the champion seemed interested at […]

    The post Zab Judah sees only one winner in Devin Haney vs Keyshawn Davis fight: “No disrespect” appeared first on Boxing News.

    Lenovo launches Legion Y960 gaming headset with physical 7.1 surround sound

    20 May 2026 at 00:49
    Lenovo Legion Y960 gaming headset

    Lenovo has introduced the Legion Y960 gaming headset during its latest hardware launch event in China. It is priced at 599 yuan (around $88) and stands out by offering a physical 7.1-channel surround sound system. The headset comes in black and silver colors.

    Lenovo Legion Y960 gaming headset

    Lenovo Legion Y960 Headset Specifications

    To achieve this physical 7.1 setup, Lenovo has engineered a patented six-driver acoustic architecture inside the earcups. The system pairs two primary 40mm drivers with four secondary 20mm drivers.

    According to Lenovo, this hardware-level separation of audio channels is designed to help players better distinguish overlapping in-game sounds, like footsteps, gunfire, and environmental cues, with improved directional accuracy and lower latency than standard virtual processing allows.

    The headset has Hi-Res audio certification and a frequency response range of 20Hz to 40kHz. It uses titanium-coated diaphragms, which are designed to help with audio clarity and dynamic range.

    Lenovo also included a feature called Soundprint Perspective, which is tuned to identify and highlight specific in-game sounds to help players understand where sounds are coming from.

    For communication, the Y960 comes with a detachable, unidirectional microphone. It features a cardioid pickup pattern and AI environmental noise cancellation. It also supports sidetone, so you can hear your own voice through the speakers and avoid talking too loudly.

    Lenovo Legion Y960 gaming headset

    The headset includes an inline controller with a dual sound card setup. This allows users to switch between 7.1 and 2.0 channel audio, and change between Game, Music, and Cinema sound profiles directly from the cable, without needing to install extra software.

    In terms of design, the headset features customizable RGB lighting with 16 million colors and works with Microsoft Dynamic Lighting. For comfort, it weighs 346 grams and uses a suspended dual-side headband design to distribute the weight across the head, which is intended to make it more comfortable for longer periods of use. The ear cushions are fully enclosed to block out background noise passively.

    The Y960 connects via a cable and comes with USB-C and USB-A options, plus a dedicated 3.5mm microphone port. It is a plug-and-play device, meaning it does not require you to download drivers to use it. It is compatible with PCs, consoles, handheld gaming devices, and phones.

    At the same event, Lenovo also unveiled the Yoga 32 Ultra Aura all-in-one PC featuring a 4K 165Hz OLED display and Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, alongside the new YOGA Air 14 Ultra Aura laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra chips.

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

    Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! 💡

    (Lenovo)

    The post Lenovo launches Legion Y960 gaming headset with physical 7.1 surround sound appeared first on Gizmochina.

    Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion celebrates 10 years of 1000X series with premium materials, new V3 processor

    19 May 2026 at 23:47

    Sony is marking the 10th anniversary of its 1000X headphone lineup with a noticeably more premium take on the series. The new WH-1000X The ColleXion sits above the WH-1000XM6 in Sony’s lineup and leans heavily into luxury materials, nostalgia, and refined audio tuning rather than chasing dramatic new features.

    The headphones borrow several design ideas from the original MDR-1000X from 2016, which was the model that started Sony’s now-dominant noise-canceling headphone lineup. This new version uses synthetic leather around the ear cup housing, larger ear pads, a wider headband, and stainless steel accents to create a more upscale feel overall.

    Sony also appears to be prioritizing comfort more aggressively this time. The ear cushions are deeper and slightly wider than those on the XM6, and the overall structure looks more substantial. The foldable hinge design from older XM models is still gone, though, with the headphones instead folding inward similarly to the XM5 and XM6.

    Under the hood, Sony is still using 30mm drivers, but the company says the new soft-edge driver design improves bass response and overall sound depth. There are also internal hardware tweaks, including a thicker copper substrate on the circuit board, which Sony claims helps improve detail and soundstage performance.

    The company is adding more software processing as well. New 360 Upmix modes are designed specifically for movies, gaming, and music, while DSEE Ultimate AI upscaling returns for compressed audio enhancement. Sony also says the headphones were tuned alongside engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering.

    Noise cancellation remains one of the main selling points. The ColleXion uses Sony’s QN3 processor alongside a newer V3 chip and a 12-microphone setup for adaptive ANC.

    Battery life lands at up to 24 hours with ANC enabled and 32 hours without it. That is slightly below the XM6, though still comfortably within flagship territory.

    The biggest difference, however, is probably the price. Sony is charging $649 for the ColleXion, putting it roughly $200 above the XM6. That makes it less of a mainstream upgrade and more of a niche luxury version for buyers who want the most premium version of Sony’s headphone design philosophy.

    Realistically, most people probably will still gravitate toward the XM6. But for longtime Sony headphone fans, the ColleXion feels more like a commemorative flagship built around materials, comfort, and presentation rather than pure specs alone.

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    Lenovo launches Yoga 32 Ultra Aura AIO with 4K 165Hz OLED display & Intel Core Ultra X7 358H

    19 May 2026 at 22:36
    Lenovo Yoga 32 Ultra Aura AIO

    Lenovo recently introduced a new all-in-one desktop PC in China called the Yoga 32 Ultra Aura. It combines a 31.5-inch display with Intel’s newer Core Ultra processors. The desktop is priced at 22,999 yuan (around $3,374), positioning it as a high-end option for users who want an integrated desktop setup without a separate computer tower.

    Lenovo Yoga 32 Ultra Aura AIO

    Lenovo Yoga 32 Ultra Aura Specifications

    The AIO uses a 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) OLED panel with symmetrical 12.5mm bezels. The display specifications include a 165Hz refresh rate, a 0.1ms response time, and 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It reaches a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Lenovo also added anti-reflective and anti-fingerprint coatings, as well as DC dimming, which is designed to reduce eye strain during extended use.

    Lenovo Yoga 32 Ultra Aura AIO

    Inside, the Yoga 32 Ultra Aura is powered by Intel’s third-generation Core Ultra X7 358H processor, built on the Intel 18A process. This is a 16-core, 16-thread chip consisting of four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four low-power efficiency cores, with boost speeds up to 4.8GHz. Lenovo says the system can reach up to 180 TOPS for local AI tasks, which is a standard metric companies are currently using to market new PCs.

    For graphics, the system relies on Intel’s integrated GPU, which has 12 Xe cores, 12 ray tracing units, and supports XeSS 3 frame generation. The processor is paired with 32GB of 9600MT/s LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. To manage heat, the desktop uses a dual-fan cooling system with large-diameter heat pipes to keep operating noise down.

    Lenovo Yoga 32 Ultra Aura AIO

    The PC also includes a 16-megapixel IR camera for facial recognition, a four-microphone array, and a quad-speaker audio system tuned by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos support.

    The base of the monitor stand also has built-in RGB lighting. For connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 7 and includes a standard mix of ports: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, USB-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Lenovo includes a wireless keyboard and mouse in the box.

    In related news, Lenovo recently unveiled the YOGA Air 14 Ultra Aura, a lightweight 975g laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor. The company also introduced a new 10,000mAh 100W power bank featuring a built-in USB-C cable and a smart display.

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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    (Lenovo)

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    Sony faces class-action lawsuit over PS5 price hikes tied to tariffs

    19 May 2026 at 22:28

    Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing a new class-action lawsuit in the US over PlayStation 5 price increases introduced last year during the height of tariff uncertainty. The case argues that Sony raised prices citing import-related costs, but may have continued benefiting from those increases even after the tariffs themselves were later struck down.

    The lawsuit, filed in California earlier this month, centers around PS5 pricing changes made in August 2025. At the time, Sony pointed to challenging economic environment, which included tariffs introduced under the Trump administration alongside broader supply chain pressures and rising component costs.

    Things became more complicated after the US Supreme Court ruled those tariffs unlawful earlier this year. That decision potentially opened the door for companies to recover some of the tariff money through refunds from US Customs and Border Protection.

    According to the plaintiffs, that creates a problem. The lawsuit claims consumers may have effectively paid higher PS5 prices because of tariffs while companies could still end up reclaiming some of those same costs afterward. In simple terms, critics argue companies might have passed the costs onto buyers while also seeking reimbursement later.

    The lawsuit specifically accuses Sony of unfairly profiting from the situation, though it is important to note there is currently no proof the company intentionally engaged in wrongdoing. Sony also never said tariffs were the only reason behind the price increases. Like most electronics manufacturers at the time, the company was also dealing with higher logistics costs, component shortages, currency fluctuations, and general inflation across the supply chain.

    The case is seeking refunds for consumers who bought PlayStation consoles during the affected pricing period.

    Sony is not alone here either. Similar legal complaints have reportedly targeted other major companies, including Nintendo, Amazon, Nike, and Adidas, as frustration grows around how corporations handled tariff-related pricing during that period.

    At the center of all this is a broader question that goes beyond gaming: when companies raise prices because of temporary external pressures, should those prices come back down once those pressures disappear?

    Sony has not publicly responded to the lawsuit in detail so far. But the case will probably be watched closely, especially by gaming communities already frustrated with rising console and game prices over the past few years.

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    Sony Xperia 1 VIII turns out to be thicker than official claims

    19 May 2026 at 20:25

    Sony’s new Xperia 1 VIII is drawing some criticism online, though this time it is not about the cameras or pricing. Instead, the discussion is centered around the phone’s actual thickness versus what Sony officially lists on the spec sheet.

    Sony advertises the Xperia 1 VIII at 8.3mm thick, but well-known leaker @OnLeaks recently measured the device and arrived at roughly 8.59mm instead. That may sound like a tiny difference, but it was enough to spark debate about how smartphone brands report dimensions in the first place.

    The front and rear glass panels of the Xperia 1 VIII sit slightly above the metal frame, which Sony could be excluding from its thickness measurements. In other words, Sony appears to be measuring just the middle frame thickness.

    The internet already mocked Apple for advertising the iPhone 17 Air at 5.64mm despite its huge camera bar reaching roughly 11.32mm in thickness. Now Sony seems to be taking things a step further by excluding part of the phone body users actually hold.

    Sony might have some justification for this new way of measuring thickness, just as it did during the recent AI Camera Assistant controversy. Unfortunately, there has been no official response so far, so we cannot say for sure how the company measured the Xperia 1 VIII and arrived at the 8.3mm figure.

    Most people probably would never notice a 0.29mm difference in daily use. Still, the situation touches on a larger issue that has existed in the smartphone industry for years. Brands often advertise the thinnest possible point of a device while ignoring protruding camera bumps or slightly raised glass edges.

    Some companies even end up with small dimension differences between color variants because of coating layers or material changes, yet the marketing almost always highlights the smallest number possible.

    At the end of the day, this is not exactly a scandal-level controversy. But it does highlight how smartphone measurements can sometimes be more complicated than the clean numbers listed on product pages. For buyers who care about ergonomics and in-hand feel, independent measurements and hands-on reviews still matter quite a bit.

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    (Sources: Sony | OnLeaks)

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    New Lenovo YOGA Air 14 Ultra Aura packs Intel Core Ultra chip in a 975g laptop

    19 May 2026 at 17:39
    Lenovo Yoga Air 14 Ultra Launch Specs Price

    Lenovo has officially announced the new Lenovo YOGA Air 14 Ultra Aura in China. The company says the laptop weighs just 975 grams while boasting a premium 14-inch OLED screen and Intel Core Ultra series processors. The device starts at 9,999 yuan, or some USD 1,470. 

    The laptop is 13.9mm thick and comes with a skin-friendly silk coating that gives the body a soft matte finish. Lenovo is offering the laptop in three color options inspired by silk fabrics.

    Lenovo Yoga Air 14 Ultra Launch Specs Price

    Lenovo Yoga Air 14 Ultra Aura Specifications

    Despite the slim and lightweight design, Lenovo claims the laptop can still deliver up to 40W of performance output. To manage heat, the company has included a cooling system that uses a diamond copper thermal solution made with around 3.4 carats of diamond material. 

    Lenovo says the laptop’s surface temperature can stay as low as 28 degrees Celsius during office workloads. The cooling system also includes a superconducting aluminum heat dissipation module and a high-strength aluminum fan.

    Lenovo Yoga 14 Ultra Design

    As for the raw performance, users can configure it with up to Intel’s third-generation Core Ultra X9 388H processor. The chip includes 16 cores made up of four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four low-power efficiency cores. It can reach boost clock speeds of up to 5.1GHz and includes 18MB of L3 cache.

    For display, the YOGA Air 14 Ultra Aura uses a 14-inch 2.8K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,100 nits. The screen also supports touch input for intuitive navigation. 

    Lenovo says the laptop can deliver up to 27 hours of offline video playback and around 16.8 hours of simulated office battery life. 

    The laptop also includes up to 64GB RAM and 2TB storage configurations, along with Windows 11 and Lenovo’s Tianxi AI assistant features.

    Price and Availability

    As mentioned earlier, the Lenovo Yoga Air 14 Ultra Aura starts at 9,999 yuan (around $1,470) for the Ultra5 325 model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. 

    The Ultra5 338H model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage starts at 12,499 yuan (around $1,840), while the Ultra X7 358H version costs 13,999 yuan (around $2,060). 

    The top-end Ultra X9 388H model with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage is priced at 22,999 yuan (around $3,390). Lenovo has also announced educational discounts and bundled accessories for early buyers.

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    Xiaomi 17 Max lasts more than twice as long as the iPhone 17 Pro Max

    19 May 2026 at 17:19

    Xiaomi is leaning heavily into battery life with the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Max, and the company’s latest teaser makes it pretty clear what the phone’s main selling point is going to be.

    Ahead of the official launch later this month, Xiaomi shared a new video showing the 17 Max running through an extended video playback test. The phone managed 33.3 hours of continuous screen-on time during streaming, which Xiaomi demonstrated was enough to outlast two iPhone 17 Pro Max units combined under the same conditions.

    Naturally, official endurance tests should always be taken with some caution since brands tend to optimize these demos heavily. Still, even allowing for marketing exaggeration, the result points to genuinely massive battery endurance.

    The reason is not hard to figure out. The Xiaomi 17 Max is the first phone in Xiaomi’s history to pack an 8,000mAh battery.

    The rest of the hardware is flagship-level as expected. The phone features a large 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and Leica-branded cameras led by a new 200MP main sensor. Xiaomi is also including 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and IP68 water resistance.

    The official unveiling is scheduled for May 21 in China, where Xiaomi is also expected to announce several other products, including the Xiaomi Band 10 Pro, new clip-on earphones, and the YU7 GT electric SUV.

    Battery life has become a bigger focus across the smartphone industry lately, especially as brands compete to push silicon-carbon battery technology further. But even in that context, 8,000mAh is still unusually large for a mainstream flagship phone.

    If Xiaomi manages to balance that battery size without making the phone too heavy or bulky, the 17 Max could end up standing out pretty quickly among 2026 Android flagships in markets across China and Europe.

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    (Source)

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    Baseus launches new 3-in-1 67W power bank that replaces your charger, cables & battery pack

    19 May 2026 at 17:08
    Baseus-PicoGo-Super-Energy-Pro

    If you travel frequently, you probably have a dedicated pouch just for keeping your charging gear organized. You need a wall adapter for the hotel room, a portable battery for the flight, and enough cables to connect everything. Baseus is trying to simplify that setup with its new PicoGo Super Energy Pro, a 3-in-1 device that just launched in China.

    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro

    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro Specs

    The concept isn’t entirely new, but the execution here is highly practical. It’s a 10,000mAh power bank that features built-in foldable wall prongs, meaning it doubles as your standard wall charger. What makes it stand out is the integrated cabling. Baseus managed to fit a retractable 72cm USB-C cable into the chassis, along with a shorter 20cm USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying lanyard. The goal is to let you leave your extra cables at home.

    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro

    In terms of power, the brick is surprisingly capable for its size. Both the built-in retractable cable and the standalone USB-C port can output up to 67W. That is plenty of juice to fast-charge a phone, a tablet, or even keep a thin-and-light laptop like a MacBook Air running at full speed. There is also a standard USB-A port that outputs 20W for older accessories.

    When you plug the unit into a wall outlet, it acts as a pass-through charger. It smartly prioritizes routing power to your connected devices first; once your phone or laptop is topped up, it redirects the current to refill its own 10,000mAh internal battery. If you aren’t near a wall outlet, you can also recharge the power bank via a USB-C cable at up to 35W.

    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro
    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro

    Naturally, cramming a power supply, a battery, and a mechanical retracting cable into one box means it isn’t the smallest device on the market. It measures 112 by 39 by 56mm and weighs 326 grams. That is quite heavy for a 10,000mAh battery, but the trade-off is that you aren’t carrying a separate wall adapter and wires.

    Baseus also threw in a few extra features, including a basic LED display to check your battery percentage and an NFC tag. If you tap a compatible phone to the brick, it pulls up the battery’s health and diagnostic stats. It also supports all the standard charging protocols, PD, PPS, QC, and others, so it will work fine with Apple, Samsung, and Google hardware.

    Baseus PicoGo Super Energy Pro

    Pricing and Availability

    The PicoGo Super Energy Pro is currently available in China in silver, white, and pink for an introductory price of 345 yuan (about $50). Baseus hasn’t announced international availability yet, but the company regularly brings its charging accessories to global markets, so it will likely show up on Amazon eventually.

    In related news, Baseus has recently introduced the MC2 clip-on earbuds with up to 60 hours of battery life, IP67 dust and water resistance, and LDAC audio support.

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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    (JD)

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    One UI 8.5 vs One UI 8.0: 5 major upgrades you can’t miss

    19 May 2026 at 15:35
    One UI 8.5 vs One UI 8.0 major upgrades
    One UI 8.5 major upgrades

    Samsung has recently started to roll out the stable One UI 8.5 update globally. It is now available for over a dozen Galaxy devices, with more to receive it in the coming days and weeks. Whether you have received the update or are still waiting for it, don’t miss these five upgrades that turn One UI 8.5 from a mere incremental upgrade into a truly useful upgrade.

    1. Quick Panel receives its biggest upgrade in years

    One UI 8.5 Quick Panel
    One UI 8.5 Quick Panel design
    Image credit: Tarun Vats/X

    Quick Panel has received numerous upgrades in recent years, but this one is big, especially for those who like customization. One UI 8.5 removes almost all restrictions on Quick Panel customizations, allowing users to drag, resize, and remove any slider, toggle, or widget.

    You can even change the sliders from standard bars to vertical bars. Further, major interface widgets like media player, brightness sliders, and volume sliders can be shrunk or expanded.

    For comparison, One UI 8.0 only allows reordering specific sections. It doesn’t even let us remove or reposition Smart View and Device Control tiles. One UI 8.5 offers absolute freedom to customize the Quick Panel as you need. You can even remove all sections and tiles for a completely blank layout.

    Related: One UI 8.5 stable update is available for these Galaxy devices

    2. Floating tab bar gives modern aesthetics

    Floating tab bar in One UI 8.5

    One UI 8.5 replaces the traditional bottom navigation bar with a modern pill-shaped UI element, officially called the “Floating tab bar.” It’s a compact element with translucent matte appearance and a smooth gradient blur.

    Unlike the previous navigation bar, the floating tab bar is detached from the edges of the screen. It appears to dynamically float directly above the on-screen content, offering a premium aesthetic and improved one-handed reachability.

    Samsung offers a floating tab bar UI across many of its first-party applications, including Phone, Gallery, and Samsung TV Plus. Third-party developers have also started integrating the modern floating bar into their apps, pushing towards a unified user experience.

    3. Galaxy AI becomes a lot more useful

    Samsung phones offer the best AI experience, and it only keeps getting better with each upgrade. The latest software, One UI 8.5, adds the “Call screening” feature within Call Assist. It can automatically pick up calls and ask the caller why they’re calling.

    One UI 8.5 Call Screening

    Even if the AI picks up the call, you can still talk to the caller any time, or switch to the Text call. This is a great way to filter spam calls, and also helps avoid unnecessary calls when you’re busy.

    One UI 8.5 also features an upgraded Photo Assist, which lets users edit photos with AI without needing to save each iteration. And there’s a history button at the top-right corner to see past generations. The Sketch to image feature has also been replaced with a more versatile Create tab, which lets you change backgrounds or add objects using descriptive text prompts rather than drawing them.

    Unfortunately, Galaxy AI is limited to a small subset of Galaxy devices, particularly the high-end phones released in recent years. That’s because of hardware limitations.

    4. Seamless file sharing with Apple devices via AirDrop support

    One UI 8.5 AirDrop support

    One UI 8.5 finally removes the file sharing complexities that have existed between Android and Apple devices for years by making Quick Share compatible with Apple’s AirDrop. So, you can now seamlessly share files with Apple devices in a few easy clicks.

    To enable this new feature, navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share and enable Share with Apple devices. When you want to share a file, go to Settings > AirDrop on your Apple device, tap Everyone for 10 minutes, then start sending files.

    5. More lock screen customizations

    Lock screen clock settings in One UI 8.5
    Image Credit: Android Authority
    Lock screen in One UI 8.5
    Image Credit: Android Authority
    Image credit: Android Authority

    One UI 8.0 already offers rich lock-screen customization, but it has just gone a level up with One UI 8.5. The new software automatically adjusts the placement of people and pets around the clock and widgets for a perfect fit. You can now also preview and apply live weather effects directly from the wallpaper preview screen.

    If you’re still waiting for the One UI 8.5 update, go to Settings > Software updates > Download and install to manually check the status. Anyway, you can visit the Samsung section regularly for the latest details, or join our Telegram channel to get instant alerts.

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    Asus launches new RGB Bluetooth speaker with 20W audio & IPX7 waterproofing

    19 May 2026 at 15:19
    Asus Adol Bluetooth Speaker

    Asus has quietly added a new portable Bluetooth speaker to its Adol sub-brand lineup in China. The new device is currently listed on JD.com for 239 yuan ($35). For that price, it offers a fairly standard but useful set of features for a portable audio device, including a 20W speaker setup, customizable RGB lighting, and a few different ways to play your music.

    Asus Adol Bluetooth Speaker

    Asus Adol Bluetooth Speaker Specifications

    On the outside, the speaker is clearly designed to be easy to carry around. It weighs 480 grams and measures 142 by 86 by 57mm, making it small enough to toss into a backpack.

    Asus included a built-in strap for carrying or hanging the device, and it comes with an IPX7 water-resistance rating. You can pick it up in four colors: Meteorite Gray, Rose Gold Pink, Sage Green, and Iris Purple.

    Asus Adol Bluetooth Speaker

    For audio, the speaker uses a 20W triple-driver system. This includes two bass drivers and a single dedicated tweeter. If you want a wider sound, the speaker supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, so you can link it up with other compatible units to create a stereo setup.

    The front of the device features the Adol logo, surrounded by an RGB light ring. There are five lighting modes to choose from, including a setting that syncs the lights to the beat of whatever you are listening to.

    Connectivity is straightforward. It runs on Bluetooth 6.0, which Asus says provides a stable connection up to 10 meters away. If you prefer not to use Bluetooth or want to save your phone’s battery, the speaker also has a TF card slot and an AUX input for wired connections. There is also a built-in microphone for taking hands-free calls.

    Asus Adol Bluetooth Speaker

    Inside, the speaker is powered by a 2000mAh battery. Asus estimates it will last up to 10 hours on a single charge. However, like most battery claims, there is a catch: you have to keep the volume at 50% and leave the RGB lighting turned off to actually get that much time out of it. Right now, there is no word on whether Asus will release the speaker outside of China.

    In related news, GOBOULT recently unveiled Mustang-inspired speakers with Marshall-style aesthetics at affordable prices, while Portronics introduced the Strings smart speaker with a built-in alarm clock and wireless charging support.

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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    (JD)

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    Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Wide specs leak suggests Samsung is finally listening to fans

    19 May 2026 at 14:15

    Samsung’s next foldables are starting to leak in more detail, and this year the company seems to be focusing less on redesigns and more on fixing the things people have been complaining about for years. According to a new report from TechManiacs, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup could bring larger batteries, slimmer bodies, and even a new wider version of the Fold.

    The regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 is reportedly getting thinner again, measuring around 4.1mm when unfolded, down slightly from the Z Fold 7’s 4.2mm thickness. Weight is also said to drop to roughly 210 grams, compared to 215 grams on the current model. Together, these changes should make the phone feel a bit less bulky in everyday use. Samsung foldables have improved steadily in this area, but Chinese brands like Honor and Huawei have been moving much faster lately, so the pressure is clearly there.

    Battery life may finally see a meaningful upgrade too. The Fold 8 was previously tipped to jump from the Fold 7’s 4,400mAh battery to a larger 5,000mAh unit, along with faster 45W charging. That may not sound huge on paper, but Fold users have been asking for better battery endurance for a long time.

    The more interesting leak, though, is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. Samsung reportedly is testing a wider foldable with a 7.6-inch inner display using a near-square 4:3-style aspect ratio. In other words, something that feels more like a small tablet when opened instead of the tall, narrow Fold design Samsung has used for years.

    Samsung may drop the telephoto camera entirely and stick to a simpler dual 50MP setup. The saved space seemingly goes toward the battery, which is tipped to reach 4,800mAh — around 400mAh larger than the 8.0-inch Galaxy Z Fold 7.

    If these reports turn out to be accurate, the Fold 8 series may end up being less about flashy new features and more about finally catching up in areas users actually care about.

    Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

    (Source)

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    HUAWEI Watch Fit 5 Pro Review: A Refined Look With Practical Features at Reasonable Pricing

    19 May 2026 at 14:14

    Introduction

    The HUAWEI Watch FIT 5 Pro came out in April 2026. It sits in the middle of HUAWEI’s wearable lineup, not as basic as a fitness band, not as expensive as a flagship smartwatch. Gizmochina reviewed its predecessor, the Fit 4 Pro – A major upgrade to this series with a sleek design. But the new smartwatch is still beyond expectations – a clearly more polished upgrade over the Fit 4 Pro, especially in terms of look and design details.

    At around £249, it’s meant for people who want solid health and fitness tracking without paying top-tier prices. After wearing it for two weeks, here are the things you need to know.

    Design

    The FIT 5 Pro keeps the rectangular shape that HUAWEI has used since the first Fit model. It measures 44.5 × 40.8 × 9.5 mm and weighs about 30 grams without the strap, so it’s light enough to wear all day and sleep with at night. One delightful detail is the default sports strap— The bright orange one features the same breathable nylon strap found on the HUAWEI Watch GT Runner 2. It feels comfortable on the wrist, offers some flexibility, allows sweat to evaporate quickly, and most importantly, it is very gentle on the skin – the best sports strap we’ve tried so far.

    It keeps the titanium alloy bezel and aluminum body. The screen is covered with 2.5D sapphire crystal glass, which is harder to scratch than regular glass. The display is a 1.92-inch AMOLED panel with 480 × 408 resolution. It gets bright enough, 3,000 nits at peak, to read in direct sunlight. The bezels around the screen are thin at 1.8mm, and completely equal at four sides, so the watch face looks fairly modern. The main eye-catching difference is the brilliant ring set into the bezel, applied using the Oil-filling technique, which makes the watch stand out from the rest of the HUAWEI Watch series.

    There’s a rotating crown on the side for scrolling through menus, plus a button below it that opens the workout menu. The straps attach with a lug-style connector, which makes them easier to swap than the pin system on cheaper HUAWEI watches. You can get it in orange, white, or black.

    Features

    The watch runs HarmonyOS 6. Basic features are here, you can answer calls through Bluetooth, get notifications, store music for offline listening, and use it as a remote camera shutter. There’s also an NFC chip for payments, though this depends on whether your bank supports it in your region.

    Almost every HUAWEI Watch model will be upgraded with the latest tech for sports tracking. The FIT 5 Pro is no exception. For the new FIT series, it inherited advanced tracking for freediving (up to 40 metres), golf mode with most course maps on the planet; brought specific ‘Pro-level’ trail running options (setting checkpoints & destination markers), and new cycling metrics for pro riders (e.g., virtual power, real-time grade & slope); created a brand-new mini-workout mode driven by a fun Panda-themed watch face for instant light-training exercises. All these new features are perfectly in line with the positioning of the FIT series.

    You can get some third-party fitness apps like Strava, but don’t expect a wide range of apps. If you use an iPhone, you might feel more restrictions—you can’t reply to messages from the watch, and some features won’t work at all. This watch is clearly designed for Android users, especially those with HUAWEI phones. But thankfully, whether the companion is an iPhone or Android, the health and fitness features are mostly inherited with HUAWEI Health App.

    Health Monitoring

    This is where the Fit 5 Pro does more than you’d expect for the price. It has the newest Trusense on it, It tracks heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), stress levels, and sleep. The sleep tracking automatically detects naps and breaks down your sleep stages. The sleep tracking is my favorite feature actually, not only because it is accurate, but also because it tracks naps after lunch very well, even it is just a 20mins nap, it has the time recorded accurately. A power nap is very important for your energy in the afternoon, so it should be taken into the health monitoring data.

    More notably, it has an ECG sensor that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation. It also measures arterial stiffness and can analyze your pulse wave for arrhythmia. These are features usually found on watches that cost much more. There’s also a diabetes risk assessment tool and sleep breathing monitoring.

    In practice, the sleep tracking seems accurate when compared against dedicated sleep trackers. The health data gets presented in the HUAWEI Health app, which is straightforward to read. An advanced detail here is the Sleep Breathing Awareness, which helps identify the risk of potential sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome. And there’s a hidden feature for the Watch associated with the Diabetes Risk Study from Huawei Research, which can be found in HUAWEI Health APP. The assessment of Diabetes risk can be prompted on the watch after continuous wear for a few days. Since we do not have professional medical testing equipment here to verify the result, we can only use it as a reference for risks and cannot confirm its accuracy. In any case, it was a pretty good attempt for those in need.

    Sports Modes

    The watch supports over 100 sports modes. For the most part, people will use the core ones: running, cycling, swimming, and walking.

    For running and cycling, the GPS uses dual-band positioning (L1+L5) along with multiple satellite systems. This helps accuracy in cities with tall buildings or areas with tree cover. Cyclists get power estimates, cadence readings, and FTP data if you connect external sensors. The watch can also auto-pause when you stop at traffic lights and resume when you start moving again.

    Trail runners get route navigation with offline maps and more metrics for capacity assessment. The watch will alert you if you go off course, which is a more advanced mode than the hiking mode; it places greater emphasis on your athletic performance and physical capabilities. Golfers have access to maps for over 17,000 courses with distance measurements to the green.

    For swimming, it’s water-resistant to 5ATM and certified for recreational free-diving down to 40 meters. That’s deeper than most people will ever go, but it’s there if you need it.

    Mini Workout Mode

    HUAWEI added a feature called Mini Workouts—30 short exercises you can do anywhere without equipment. These include simple stretches, desk exercises, and basic movements that take one or two minutes each – extremely friendly for those sitting in the office for the whole day.

    The watch face includes a panda character that reminds you to move if you’ve been sitting too long. It’s a small thing, but it makes the reminders feel less clinical than just a buzz and a text alert. The exercises themselves are basic but useful if you work at a desk and need quick movement breaks.

    Battery Life

    I can’t find any information about the battery capacity, but they claim up to 10 days with light use, 7 days with normal use, and 4 days if you keep the always-on display turned on. In the last two weeks of use, if I have the AOD on all the time, I would be able to get 5-6 days of use. And the last 5% would be able to get you through a night of sleep, that’s very thoughtful. But this is something I really hope it can do better, because if it can survive a full week of use with AOD on, then I don’t need to bring the charger for it.  

    GPS use drains it faster, but you still get about 20-25 hours of continuous tracking, enough for long hikes or multiple runs between charges. In real use, expect to charge it about once a week unless you’re tracking long outdoor activities daily.

    It charges with a proprietary magnetic dock. A full charge takes around an hour, but 10 minutes of charging gives you roughly a day of use. That’s handy if you forget to charge it and need to top up quickly.

    Who Is It For?

    This watch makes sense for a few types of people:

    – People getting serious about fitness. Who wants more data than a basic band provides, but doesn’t want to spend £400+ on a Garmin or Apple Watch.

    -Cyclists and runners, who wants accurate GPS and detailed workout metrics without wearing a bulky sports watch.

    -People who want health tracking like ECG and sleep analysis without paying flagship prices.

    -All Android users. Especially HUAWEI phone owners, who will get the full feature set.

    Summary

    The HUAWEI Watch Fit 5 Pro is a capable fitness watch that punches above its weight in some areas (such as cycling and running), and thankfully, it refines an already solid formula without overcomplicating things. The health sensors are genuinely good for the price, and the GPS is accurate with quick response. It also has solid fitness tracking, reliable health monitoring, and a watch that doesn’t need daily charging. The Fit 5 Pro covers those bases well. It’s not perfect. I still would prefer to have a solid 7 days of use (or even longer) out of it.  

    At £249, you’re getting features that cost significantly more from other brands. Overall, with its comprehensive feature set and reasonable pricing, the FIT 5 Pro already packs an exceptional overall performance among products in its price range, making it widely appealing to fitness users worldwide. For people who care about fitness and health more than apps and flashy tech, this one fits just right.

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    Xiaomi 17T, 17T Pro spotted in retailer listing with complete specs and price

    19 May 2026 at 13:11
    Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro

    Xiaomi’s upcoming 17T series has leaked almost completely ahead of its official debut on May 28. A Russian retailer briefly published listings for both the Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro, revealing official-looking renders, detailed specifications, and even pricing before Xiaomi could announce the phones itself.

    Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro

    The company has already been teasing the launch globally, calling it the “biggest T Series upgrade yet.” The standard Xiaomi 17T is expected to feature a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset. The leaked configuration includes 12GB RAM paired with either 256GB or 512GB storage.

    Camera hardware looks fairly strong for the segment as well. The phone reportedly uses a Leica-branded triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide. A 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.

    Battery capacity appears to be one of the bigger highlights. The 17T is tipped to pack a 6,500mAh battery with 67W fast charging support.

    The Xiaomi 17T Pro pushes things further with a larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display and what is reportedly a 144Hz refresh rate. It is expected to run on MediaTek’s top-of-the-line Dimensity 9500 chipset.

    The camera setup remains similar on paper, though leaks mention a better Light Fusion 950 primary sensor on the Pro model. Battery capacity reportedly jumps to 7,000mAh, alongside faster 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging support. Both phones are expected to ship with Android 16 and Xiaomi’s HyperOS out of the box.

    The retailer listing puts the Xiaomi 17T at RUB 51,625 for the 256GB version and RUB 54,537 for the 512GB model, while the 17T Pro starts at RUB 68,535 and goes up to RUB 81,861 for the 1TB variant. Direct RUB conversions do not always reflect actual global pricing very accurately, but they roughly translate to the $700–$1,100 range depending on the model and storage option. Separate European pricing leaks suggest the 17T Pro could approach the €1,000 mark in some markets.

    If accurate, Xiaomi seems to be positioning the 17T lineup much closer to premium flagships this year rather than the traditional “flagship killer” category the T-series was once known for.

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    (Via)

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    ViewSonic launches ultra-premium 4K projector with triple laser tech and gaming support

    19 May 2026 at 12:48
    ViewSonic LX720-4KC Ultra projector launch specs price

    ViewSonic has officially announced its new and premium LX720-4KC Ultra projector in China, with pre-orders starting tomorrow. The projector is priced at 6,999 yuan (~ $1030) and can serve both your home theatre and gaming needs.

    The LX720-4KC Ultra supports multiple display modes, including 1080p at 240Hz, 1440p at 120Hz, and 4K at 60Hz. It also offers ultra-low input latency of under 1ms, making it perfectly compatible for competitive gaming. 

    ViewSonic LX720-4KC Ultra projector launch specs price

    The projector is powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP 472TP DMD chip, along with a new generation 8445 driver. For light source technology, ViewSonic uses a pure three-color laser system combined with a glass optical lens. 

    It supports HDR10 and HLG video formats, and features SuperColor technology for richer and more accurate colors. The device is capable of 4K resolution with 8.3 million pixels, and offers brightness of up to 3,500 ANSI lumens. The laser light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours in energy-saving mode, reducing long-term maintenance needs.

    High-end Performance for Gaming and Home Theater

    In terms of design flexibility, the projector offers a 1.3x optical zoom and a throw ratio between 1.13 and 1.47. It also includes keystone correction and four-corner adjustment, making setup easier in different room layouts. A built-in 10W speaker provides basic audio support, while HDMI ARC allows connection to external sound systems for better audio performance.

    ViewSonic LX720-4KC Home Theater Projector

    ViewSonic has also added features like IP5X dust resistance, 24/7 operation support, USB system updates, and smart power functions for convenience. With its mix of gaming performance, 4K visuals, and home theater features, the LX720-4KC Ultra positions itself as a high-end projector for both entertainment and gaming use.

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    Galaxy S27 Ultra to bring 2 major changes: new design, larger battery; S27 Pro could join the party

    19 May 2026 at 12:33
    Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra (AI-generated render)

    Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy S lineup may bring some notable changes if recent leaks are to be believed. A South Korean tipster has now shared fresh details about the S27 lineup, suggesting that Samsung could introduce a new Pro variant as well as major changes to the S27 Ultra. Continue reading ahead to learn all the new details mentioned in the latest leak.

    Galaxy S27 Pro said to be in the works

    Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra (AI-generated render)
    Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra (AI-generated render)

    According to the tipster, Samsung may introduce a Galaxy S27 Pro model next year, aimed at users looking for a smaller flagship smartphone without compromising on performance. The device is expected to feature a display measuring around 6.4 inches, making it more compact than Samsung’s larger Ultra models. The leak also mentions possible upgrades such as new camera sensors, a bigger battery, and a thinner body.

    However, the tipster also raised concerns regarding Samsung’s final approach. There are worries that the company could change the original concept during development or position the phone somewhere between the Plus and Ultra models. Cost-related decisions may also reportedly affect hardware choices and the overall identity of the Pro model.

    Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra to bring much-needed changes

    The Galaxy S27 Ultra is also expected to receive major changes. According to the leak, Samsung may finally upgrade the physical rear camera sensors and redesign the camera layout on the back panel.

    A recent report claimed that Samsung may scrap the 3x telephoto lens from the S27 Ultra, which indicates that it could feature a triple-camera setup on the back. This may possibly allow the Ultra flagship to sport a horizontal camera bar design, as shown in the AI-based render above.

    The new leak further states that the S27 Ultra will house a larger battery while reducing overall weight. However, the thickness of the device may remain largely similar to current Ultra models.

    The leak also claims that Samsung could continue using existing display materials on the Galaxy S27 Ultra because of production costs. Some display-related upgrades may reportedly focus more on software optimization rather than entirely new panel technology. The tipster also suggested that exterior design changes and weight reduction efforts could be limited by manufacturing expenses.

    While these details are still based on early leaks, the possibility of a compact Galaxy S27 Pro and a redesigned Ultra model could make Samsung’s next flagship lineup more interesting than previous generations.

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    (source)

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    A leaked Xiaomi concept phone puts AI in control of the camera

    19 May 2026 at 12:26
    Xiaomi-18-Pro-render

    Xiaomi is reportedly working on a new concept smartphone built around artificial intelligence and futuristic design, according to well-known leaker Digital Chat Station.

    The information suggests that engineers at Xiaomi are exploring a device that is very different from today’s smartphones. This is not a finished product, but a concept phone meant to test future ideas that could later appear in real devices.

    Xiaomi AI Agent phone leak

    The phone is said to have a seamless unibody build with no visible joints. The front of the device would use a 6.5-inch LIPO display with extremely thin and perfectly equal bezels on all sides, measuring only around 0.5 mm. 

    On the back, the phone is expected to feature a single 200-megapixel camera sensor. It uses a large 1/1.12-inch sensor size. The front camera details have not been fully revealed yet.

    As for the battery, the concept phone reportedly includes an 8000mAh cell.

    The AI takes control of the hardware

    The biggest focus of the device, however, is artificial intelligence. The phone reportedly includes a system-level AI agent that continuously runs in the background. This AI can use the front camera to constantly observe the surroundings and react automatically without user input. It is also said to work with the main camera, helping detect scenes and produce optimized final images using AI processing.

    According to the leak, the AI system can understand the environment and improve photos in real time. This means the camera would not just capture images, but also actively interpret what it sees.

    Although this concept phone is not expected to launch as a real product soon, it gives us an idea of how Xiaomi is thinking about the future of smartphones. Many of these ideas, especially the AI features and camera improvements, may eventually appear in upcoming Xiaomi smartphones.

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    Honor Power 3 specs leak reveals enormous 12,000mAh battery, 3nm Dimensity 8600 chip

    19 May 2026 at 12:16
    Honor-Power-2-Launch-Specs-Price

    Honor is reportedly working on a couple of new phones for the Chinese market. The brand is expected to unveil the Magic 9 series in October this year, followed by the Win 2 series of performance-focused phones by the end of the year. The company is also said to be developing the Honor Power 3 as the successor to the Honor Power 2, which debuted with a 10,080mAh battery earlier this year.

    Considering the Power 2 was announced in January 2026, the Power 3 could likely debut at the beginning of next year. Well ahead of the expected launch, tipster Digital Chat Station has leaked what appears to be the Power 3’s key specifications.

    Honor Power 3 key specifications tipped

    According to the leak, the Honor Power 3 could feature a next-generation MediaTek Dimensity 8600 series chipset and may target the mid-range segment with a strong focus on battery life and performance.

    The tipster claims that an early engineering prototype currently features a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPS flat display with 2.5D glass. One of the biggest highlights is said to be the battery capacity, which could exceed 10,000mAh, with Honor reportedly aiming for a battery size between 11,000mAh and 12,000mAh.

    Honor-Power-2-Launch-Specs-Price
    Honor Power 2

    A previous leak from the same source revealed that the Dimensity 8600 will also power phones from Vivo, Oppo, and their sub-brands. Apart from the Honor Power 3, the chipset is also expected to power devices such as the Redmi Turbo 6 and Poco X9 Pro.

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    Amazon launches its fastest Fire TV Stick HD with Wi-Fi 6, Xbox cloud gaming

    19 May 2026 at 11:58
    Amazon Fire TV Stick HD

    Amazon has launched the new Fire TV Stick HD in India, bringing a slimmer design and faster streaming experience for users looking to upgrade older televisions with smart features. The latest streaming stick arrives with performance improvements, updated connectivity options, and a redesigned Fire TV interface focused on quicker navigation and smoother content discovery.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick HD specifications and features

    Amazon Fire TV Stick HD
    Amazon Fire TV Stick HD

    The new Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is claimed to deliver over 30 percent faster performance compared to the previous generation. Amazon has also redesigned the device to be slimmer and more compact, making it easier to fit behind televisions or carry while travelling. The streaming stick supports Full HD playback along with HDR10+ support for improved colour and contrast during supported content playback.

    Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. According to Amazon, the Wi-Fi 6 integration is aimed at improving streaming quality even on slower internet connections. The Fire TV Stick HD can also draw power directly from compatible television USB ports, reducing the need for a separate wall adapter setup.

    Amazon has introduced an updated Fire TV experience with reorganised categories for movies, television shows, live content, and free streaming options. The device also includes the Alexa Voice Remote, allowing users to search content, control playback, and manage Alexa-compatible smart home devices using voice commands.

    One notable addition is Xbox cloud gaming support on a Fire TV HD device for the first time. Users can pair a compatible Bluetooth controller and access cloud-enabled Xbox games through an Xbox Game Pass subscription. The updated Fire TV mobile app also allows users to browse content, manage watchlists, and remotely control playback from smartphones.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick HD price and availability

    The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is priced at Rs 4,999 (~$52) in India. It is available through Amazon.in, Blinkit, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, with offline retail availability expected later.

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    This new BenQ 240Hz gaming monitor aims to turn everyAAA game into a visual masterpiece

    19 May 2026 at 11:51
    BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ 240Hz gaming monitor

    BenQ has announced the Mobiuz EX321UZ, a premium gaming monitor lineup in India. The new display is designed for gamers, creators, and entertainment enthusiasts looking for high refresh rate gaming combined with cinematic picture quality and advanced OLED technology. The monitor also introduces several new software and hardware enhancements focused on immersive gaming experiences.

    BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ specifications and features

    BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ 240Hz gaming monitor
    BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ 240Hz gaming monitor

    The BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ features a 31.5-inch 4K UHD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time. It uses a fourth-generation tandem QD-OLED panel with a five-layer structure designed to improve brightness efficiency, colour accuracy, and durability while maintaining deep blacks and ultra-fast pixel response times.

    One of the major highlights is BenQ’s Smart Game Art technology, which uses AI-powered colour optimisation based on AAA game art styles. Through the company’s Colour Shuttle software, users can access more than 120 customised colour profiles tailored for different gaming genres and visual styles. The monitor also supports Spectral Colour Refinement and High Pixel Contrast technologies for smoother colour transitions and improved shadow details.

    For connectivity and gaming performance, the monitor includes DisplayPort 2.1a with UHBR20 bandwidth support, HDMI 2.1 with eARC, USB-C with 90W power delivery, and Smart KVM functionality. The display supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and carries VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. BenQ has also added a reinforced surface coating claimed to improve black depth perception while increasing scratch resistance.

    The monitor covers 99 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut with Delta E below 2 for professional-grade colour accuracy. Additional features include graphene film OLED protection, an integrated remote controller, ergonomic stand adjustments, and a three-year warranty that also covers burn-in protection.

    BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ price and availability

    The BenQ Mobiuz EX321UZ gaming monitor is available in India starting May 19 through leading online and offline retailers. It carries a launch price of Rs 1,28,998 (~$1,340).

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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    Oppo Reno 16, Reno 16 Pro official images, color options, and variants revealed

    19 May 2026 at 11:45
    Oppo Reno 16 series

    On May 25, Oppo will unveil the Reno 16 series of smartphones in China. The lineup will comprise of two models, such as the Reno 16 and 16 Pro. With a week remaining for the launch, both phones are listed for pre-orders on the Oppo Shop online. The listings have revealed the official images, color options, and configurations of both phones

    Oppo Reno 16 color variants and configurations

    Oppo Reno 16- Heartbeat Star (white)
    Oppo Reno 16- Heartbeat Star (white)
    Oppo Reno 16 - Galaxy Purple
    Oppo Reno 16 – Galaxy Purple
    Oppo Reno 16 - Midnight Black
    Oppo Reno 16 – Midnight Black

    The Oppo Reno 16 will come in three shades, such as Heartbeat Star (white), Galaxy Purple, and Midnight Black. It will be available in multiple configurations, such as 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB.

    On the other hand, the Reno 16 Pro will come in three color options, such as Heartbeat Star (white), Dream Blue, and Midnight Black. It will be sold in fewer options like 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB.

    Oppo Reno 16 series specifications

    Oppo Reno 16 Pro- Heartbeat Star (white)
    Oppo Reno 16 Pro – Heartbeat Star (white)
    Oppo Reno 16 Pro - Drream Blue
    Oppo Reno 16 Pro – Drream Blue
    Oppo Reno 16 Pro - Midnight Black
    Oppo Reno 16 Pro – Midnight Black

    Leaks suggest that Oppo could introduce the Reno 16 lineup with two different flat-screen form factors. The standard Reno 16 is expected to feature a compact 6.32-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution, while the Reno 16 Pro may sport a bigger 6.78-inch OLED screen offering the same resolution along with LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates. Both devices are also rumored to come with premium metal frames and a range of colour finishes.

    Under the hood, the Reno 16 Pro is said to debut with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset and a 7,000mAh battery, whereas the vanilla Reno 16 could run on the Dimensity 8550 along with a 6,700mAh battery. Fast charging support is expected to remain at 80W wired charging for both devices, while the Pro variant could further include 50W wireless charging support.

    In terms of cameras, Oppo may equip the Reno 16 series with a triple rear camera system led by a 200-megapixel Samsung HP5 main sensor. The setup is also tipped to include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens for zoom photography.

    The May 25 launch event will also see the arrival of the Oppo Bubble accessory for the Reno 16 series, the Oppo Pad 6 tablet, and Enco Air 5s TWS earbuds Additionally, the brand will also announce the Oppo Pad Air 5’s new color variant.

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    Moto Buds 2 bring 48hr battery life, smart connectivity without premium pricing

    19 May 2026 at 11:39
    Moto Buds 2

    Motorola has unveiled the Moto Buds 2 in India alongside the new Moto G37 smartphone series. The latest wireless earbuds are designed for users looking for immersive sound quality, active noise cancellation, and smart connectivity features without spending heavily on premium audio products. Here’s more in detail about Motorola’s new earbuds for the Indian market.

    Moto Buds 2 specifications and features

    Moto Buds 2
    Moto Buds 2

    The Moto Buds 2 feature an 11mm and 6mm dual dynamic driver setup combined with Hi-Res Audio and LDAC support for richer sound output and improved audio clarity. Motorola has also included Spatial Audio support to create a wider and more immersive listening experience while watching videos, gaming, or listening to music.

    The earbuds support Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation of up to 55dB, helping reduce surrounding noise in crowded public spaces or while travelling. Motorola has also added Transparency Mode, allowing users to hear nearby sounds without removing the earbuds. For voice calls, the Moto Buds 2 come equipped with six microphones, Environmental Noise Cancellation, and CrystalTalk AI technology to improve voice clarity during calls.

    Battery life is another major highlight. The Moto Buds 2 can deliver up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, while the charging case extends the total usage time to 48 hours. The earbuds also support fast charging, with 10 minutes of charging claimed to offer up to three hours of playback time.

    Additional features include Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, dual device pairing, wear detection, gaming mode, and Moto AI integration for connected Motorola ecosystem features. The earbuds are IP54-rated for water resistance, while the charging case carries an IPX2 rating. Motorola says the lightweight design and Fit Test support are aimed at improving long-term comfort during daily usage.

    Moto Buds 2 price and availability

    The Moto Buds 2 are available in Pantone Violet Ice, Pantone Carbon, and Pantone Grey Mist colour options. The earbuds are priced at Rs 2,999 and will be available from May 25 through Flipkart, Motorola.in, and leading retail stores across India.

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    Vivo X300 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 1 VIII: Battery, Camera, Display & Performance Compared

    19 May 2026 at 11:26
    vivo vs sony

    Vivo X300 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII represent two completely different visions of what an ultra-premium Android flagship should be in 2026. Vivo is chasing maximum hardware dominance with a massive battery, extreme camera setup, and ultra-fast charging, while Sony continues to refine its creator-focused Xperia formula with professional camera tools, expandable storage, and one of the few remaining headphone jacks in a flagship phone. 

    Both devices sit at the very top of the Android market, but they target very different kinds of users. This comparison breaks down which flagship actually delivers the better overall experience in design, performance, cameras, battery life, and long-term value. 

    Please note: Since the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is still expected to launch in June 2026, some specifications, features, and pricing could change before the official release. 

    Major Features:

    FeatureVivo X300 UltraSony Xperia 1 VIIIWinner
    Display6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 1440p, Dolby Vision6.5-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, FHD+Vivo – Sharper resolution, faster refresh rate, and better HDR support
    ProtectionArmor Glass, IP68/IP69Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP65/IP68Vivo – Stronger water resistance and premium durability focus
    ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Tie – Same flagship processor and GPU
    RAM & StorageUp to 16GB RAM, 1TB, UFS 4.1Up to 16GB RAM, 1TBVivo – Faster UFS 4.1 storage performance
    Expandable StorageNomicroSDXC supportSony – Rare expandable storage support in a flagship
    Main Camera200MP + 200MP + 50MP48MP + 48MP + 48MPVivo – Much larger sensors and more advanced camera hardware
    Zoom FeaturesOptional external zoom lensesContinuous telephoto focusVivo – More versatile long-range photography setup
    Selfie Camera50MP AF12MPVivo – Higher resolution with autofocus support
    Video Recording8K, 4K 120fps, Dolby Vision4K 120fps HDRVivo – More advanced recording formats and flexibility
    AudioStereo speakers, Hi-Res audioStereo speakers, 3.5mm jack, Snapdragon SoundSony – Better wired audio experience and creator-friendly audio tools
    Battery6600mAh5000mAhVivo – Significantly larger battery capacity
    Wired Charging100W30WVivo – Much faster charging speeds
    Wireless Charging40W15WVivo – Faster wireless charging support
    SoftwareAndroid 16, OriginOS 6Android 16, 4 major upgradesSony – Longer confirmed software upgrade support
    Special FeaturesSatellite SOS, external lensesAlpha camera support, bypass chargingSony – Better ecosystem integration for creators
    Approx Price$1500 / ₹160000$1600 / ₹140000Vivo – Delivers stronger hardware value for the price
    Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

    Design and Display

    Build and Feel

    The Vivo X300 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII approach flagship design very differently. Vivo focuses on a bold ultra-premium camera-centric style with curved edges, a polished aluminum frame, and strong IP68/IP69 protection. The phone feels futuristic and luxurious, especially with the massive camera module that clearly signals its imaging ambitions. Sony, meanwhile, keeps its signature minimalist Xperia identity with flatter sides, Gorilla Glass protection, and a cleaner professional look. The Xperia feels more practical for long-term use thanks to the dedicated microSD slot and headphone jack, which are becoming increasingly rare in flagship phones.

    Display Quality

    Vivo easily pushes ahead in raw display specifications. Its LTPO AMOLED panel offers a sharper 1440p resolution, smoother 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and extremely high brightness handling. Content consumption and gaming feel more immersive and premium. Sony’s OLED panel is still color-accurate and cinematic with HDR BT.2020 tuning, but the lower resolution and 120Hz refresh rate feel conservative for a 2026 ultra-flagship. Sony’s display is clearly tuned for creators, while Vivo aims for maximum visual impact.

    Verdict

    The Xperia 1 VIII feels cleaner and more functional, but the Vivo X300 Ultra delivers the more modern and visually impressive flagship experience overall.

    Specifications Including Battery

    Performance

    Both phones run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with the Adreno 840 GPU, so flagship-grade performance is guaranteed on either side. Heavy gaming, AI processing, multitasking, and 4K video editing should run effortlessly. Vivo, however, appears more aggressive with overall optimization. The combination of UFS 4.1 storage, a high-refresh display, and OriginOS tuning makes the phone feel exceptionally fast in daily use. Sony takes a more balanced approach focused on sustained performance and creator-oriented stability. Features like bypass charging and native Sony Alpha support make it especially appealing for photographers and videographers.

    Battery and Charging

    Battery capacity is one of Vivo’s biggest strengths. The massive 6600mAh battery paired with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging significantly outclasses Sony’s 5000mAh setup with 30W charging. Vivo clearly targets power users who demand long endurance and minimal downtime. Sony’s battery system is more conservative but likely healthier for long-term battery lifespan. Still, charging speeds now matter heavily in premium phones, and Vivo simply feels more future-ready here.

    Verdict

    Sony offers refined stability and creator-focused features, but Vivo dominates in battery life, charging technology, and overall flagship performance feel.

    Camera

    Main and Secondary Lenses

    Camera hardware is where the Vivo X300 Ultra becomes extremely difficult to ignore. Its dual 200MP setup with large sensors, gimbal stabilization, Zeiss optics, and optional external zoom lenses creates a camera system that feels closer to dedicated photography equipment than a smartphone. Low-light shots, zoom quality, and cinematic video recording are likely among the best in the market. Sony takes a different route by focusing on natural color science, eye tracking, Alpha-inspired controls, and balanced lens consistency. The Xperia 1 VIII may produce more realistic photos, especially for creators who prefer manual tuning over aggressive computational photography.

    Selfie Camera

    Vivo again carries stronger hardware with a 50MP autofocus selfie camera capable of detailed 4K recording. Sony’s 12MP front camera prioritizes natural tones and stable video rather than extreme detail. Content creators who rely heavily on front-camera quality may find Vivo more versatile overall.

    Verdict

    Sony delivers a professional photography experience with cleaner image processing, but Vivo provides a more advanced and versatile flagship camera package in nearly every hardware category.

    Pricing

    The Vivo X300 Ultra is priced around $1500 or ₹160000, while the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is expected to cost around $1600 or ₹140000, depending on the region and configuration. Interestingly, Sony carries the higher global pricing despite offering a comparatively weaker display and charging specifications on paper. Vivo aggressively packs flagship-grade hardware into nearly every category, making the pricing feel surprisingly competitive for what is included.

    Sony justifies its premium through niche creator-focused features like microSD support, headphone jack integration, Alpha ecosystem compatibility, and cleaner Android software support. That approach will appeal strongly to photographers and long-time Xperia enthusiasts. However, mainstream flagship buyers often prioritize battery life, charging speed, and camera hardware, areas where Vivo clearly provides more value.

    Verdict

    The Xperia 1 VIII feels premium but specialized. The Vivo X300 Ultra offers stronger overall hardware value and feels like the better flagship deal for most buyers at this price level.

    Disclaimer:
    Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

    Conclusion

    The Vivo X300 Ultra stands out with its enormous battery, extremely advanced camera hardware, optional zoom lenses, satellite communication support, and ultra-fast charging system. It feels designed for users who want the most cutting-edge smartphone technology available without compromise. The Xperia 1 VIII, on the other hand, continues Sony’s niche flagship philosophy by prioritizing creator tools, expandable storage, professional camera controls, and audio-focused features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and Snapdragon Sound support.

    Both phones target premium users, but they cater to different personalities. Vivo feels bold, experimental, and specification-heavy, while Sony feels mature, focused, and intentionally practical. The difference is not just about hardware numbers but also about the kind of user experience each brand wants to deliver.

    Verdict

    The Sony Xperia 1 VIII remains one of the most creator-friendly Android flagships available, but the Vivo X300 Ultra delivers the more complete ultra-premium experience overall with stronger display, battery, charging, and camera hardware.

    Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

    Read More:

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    Realme 16T price leaks ahead of launch, and it’s not exactly budget anymore

    19 May 2026 at 11:22
    Realme 16T launch date

    Realme is preparing to launch the Realme 16T in India on May 22, and just days before the announcement, its price has now surfaced on the web.

    According to the tipster Abhishek Yadav on X, the Realme 16T will start at Rs 29,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 8GB/128GB model is said to be priced at Rs 31,999, while the top-end 8GB/256GB version will cost Rs 33,999.

    Realme 16T Specifications (Expected)

    For the price, the Realme 16T is expected to run on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. The phone has also appeared on Geekbench listings with Android 16 and up to 8GB of RAM.

    The device is expected to feature an 8,000mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging and bypass charging. Realme claims the phone can last up to three days on a single charge and can handle long gaming sessions, including up to 11 hours of BGMI at 60fps under ideal conditions.

    The display is expected to be a 6.8-inch flat LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. However, earlier leaks also mention thick bezels, which suggests the design will not focus heavily on premium aesthetics. The phone is also expected to have a slim 8.8mm body despite the large battery.

    The Realme 16T camera hardware includes a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP secondary lens on the rear, while the front will carry a 16MP selfie camera. Realme is also focusing on AI-based photography features such as portrait enhancements and automated editing tools.

    Other expected features include IP69 water and dust resistance, military-grade durability, and three color options: Aurora Green, Starlight Red, and Starlight Black.

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    (Source)

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    Moto G37 Power arrives with 3-day battery life and military-grade durability

    19 May 2026 at 11:05
    Moto G37 Power

    Motorola has expanded its affordable smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the Moto G37 and Moto G37 Power. The new devices focus on long battery life, reliable 5G performance, durable build quality, and immersive entertainment features while targeting users looking for value-focused smartphones with modern software and practical features.

    Moto G37, G37 Power specifications and features

    Moto G37 Power
    Moto G37 Power

    The Moto G37 Power stands out with its large 7000mAh battery, which Motorola claims can deliver up to three days of usage on a single charge. The smartphone supports 33W TurboPower fast charging and also includes Battery Care technology designed to maintain long-term battery health for up to 1200 charging cycles.

    Both the Moto G37 and G37 Power are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chip built on a 6nm process for improved efficiency and stable 5G connectivity. However, the G37 gets a smaller 5,200mAh battery with 20W charging support/

    Motorola has equipped the devices with a 6.7-inch HD+LCD display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, Display Colour Boost technology, and brightness levels reaching up to 1050 nits. The phones also come with Smart Water Touch support for better usability with wet fingers. The Moto G37 Power is paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, along with RAM Boost support for smoother multitasking.

    For photography, the Moto G37 Power features a 50-megapixel Quad Pixel rear camera system supported by AI-powered editing tools such as AI Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. An 8-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls. The smartphone also includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio support, dual microphones, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

    Motorola has also focused heavily on durability. The Moto G37 series comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, MIL-STD-810H certification, and an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. Both phones run Android 16 with Hello UI and are confirmed to receive Android 17 along with three years of security updates.

    Moto G37, G37 Power price and availability

    The Moto G37 Power comes in Pantone Capri, Pantone Nautical Blue, and Pantone Impenetrable shades. The 4GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 15,999 (~$165), while the 8GB + 128GB model costs Rs 18,999 (~$200).

    The Moto G37 arrives in a 4GB + 64GB configuration priced at Rs 13,999 (~$145). Both smartphones will go on sale from May 25 via Flipkart, Motorola.in, and retail stores across India.

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    Save the date: Vivo S60 series set to launch on May 29

    19 May 2026 at 10:05
    Vivo S60 launch date

    Vivo has officially confirmed the launch date of the Vivo S60 series for the Chinese market. The upcoming lineup is expected to compete with rivals such as the Oppo Reno 16 series and the Honor 600 lineup. Alongside the launch confirmation, Vivo has also started revealing several hardware details of the new smartphones.

    Vivo S60 series launch date confirmed

    Vivo S60 launch date
    Vivo S60 series launch date

    An official teaser confirms that the Vivo S60 series will debut in China on May 29. Reports suggest that the lineup may include the Vivo S60 and Vivo S60e models. However, there is currently no confirmation on whether Vivo also plans to launch the rumoured Vivo S60 Pro Mini. It remains unclear whether the device has been delayed or scheduled for a separate announcement later.

    In terms of design, the Vivo S60 series adopts a new silver-white finish inspired by shimmering reflections on the summer sea. According to Vivo, the rear panel creates a flowing light effect that changes with viewing angle.

    Photography is said to be one of the key upgrade areas for the Vivo S60 series. The company claims the lineup introduces a new Live Photo feature and describes it as one of the best Live imaging experiences available in the industry.

    The Vivo S60 series is confirmed to support direct 4K Live Photo output. Vivo says it has improved end-to-end efficiency, memory usage optimization, and intelligent frame-rate temperature control to address heating, memory, and processing issues commonly associated with 4K capture.

    The company has also announced a new Starlight Live feature, which can automatically detect bright highlights within scenes to improve the atmosphere and visual appeal of photos and videos.

    Vivo S60 specifications

    Reports have revealed that the Vivo S60 will pack a 6.59-inch OLED screen with 1.5K resolution support and may house a 7,200mAh battery paired with 90W fast charging support. It may feature a Sony IMX8-series periscope telephoto camera and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset.

    The device is also tipped to support magnetic accessories and may launch in multiple colour options, including a pink variant. The device is also expected to feature stereo dual speakers, an X-axis linear motor, an IR blaster, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance.

    At present, there is no information available regarding the specifications of the Vivo S60e.

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    Find X10 Ultra may feature exclusive 200MP Samsung camera; Oppo also tests 100MP 1:1 selfie sensor

    19 May 2026 at 09:47

    Recent reports have revealed several details about the upcoming Find X10 series, which is expected to include the Find X10, X10 Pro, and X10 Pro Max. Oppo is expected to unveil these devices in China in October this year. The lineup is also expected to include the Find X10 Ultra, which may launch in the first half of 2027. Well ahead of its arrival, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has shared details about what appears to be its primary camera.

    Oppo Find X10 Ultra’s primary camera tipped

    In a recent Weibo post, the tipster suggested that Oppo is testing a next-generation 200-megapixel 1/1.12-inch LOFIC primary camera sensor. He later confirmed in the comments section that this sensor will be exclusively available on the Find X10 Ultra.

    For those unaware, LOFIC, which stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, is a sensor technology designed to improve dynamic range by helping cameras capture better highlight and shadow details in difficult lighting conditions. In February, the same tipster claimed that this sensor is expected to debut around 2027 on an Ultra-tier flagship phone.

    DCS also claimed that Oppo is testing multiple camera technologies on the alleged Find X10 Ultra, including a customized 100-megapixel 1:1 square front-facing camera sensor. Such a selfie camera could allow the phone to capture a larger image area, making it easier to crop photos and videos for different social media formats without losing much detail.

    Traditional front cameras are usually optimized for vertical shots, meaning users often need to rotate the phone horizontally to record wider selfie videos or group photos. A 1:1 square sensor could address this by capturing a wider usable frame from a single shot.

    As for the rest of the specifications, the Find X10 Ultra may feature a 6.89-inch 2K LTPO OLED display and a 7,000mAh+ battery. Under the hood, it is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset.

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    New Motorola Moto Edge (2026) stars in a champagne gold in renders

    19 May 2026 at 08:58
    Motorola Moto Edge 2026 Render Specs Leak

    Motorola’s upcoming Moto Edge (2026) has surfaced in new renders, courtesy of tech outlet Digital Citizen.

    From what the renders show, Motorola is not planning a dramatic redesign. The Moto Edge (2026) has the company’s usual left-aligned square camera module layout and a hole-punch screen on the front. 

    Motorola Moto Edge 2026 Render Specs Leak

    The back has a fabric-like woven texture finish instead of the usual glossy glass surface. And the render is in a warm champagne gold shade that also extends to the frame.

    On the right side of the phone sit the standard power and volume buttons. However, there is also an extra button placed on the upper left edge. It could either be a shortcut key for AI features, camera access, or another custom function.

    The display itself is flat; however, key display details such as size, resolution, and refresh rate have not been revealed yet.

    In terms of cameras, the phone is shown with a triple rear camera setup. The module includes markings such as “OIS,” “Super Zoom,” and “Sony LYTIA,” confirming optical image stabilization, zoom capabilities, and a Sony-made sensor.

    The specs are unknown yet!

    We are not yet aware of the specific features of the upcoming Edge (2026). To give an idea, its predecessor has a Dimensity 7400 Ultra chip with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The front is a 6.7-inch OLED panel that runs off a 52000mAh cell and 68W charging support. We can expect this year’s model to go in a similar direction.

    As for launch timing, the device is expected to follow Motorola’s usual schedule, with a possible announcement around late May or June this year, similar to its predecessor.

    For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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    (Source)

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    Purported Redmi K100 Pro to pack Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 9,000mAh battery

    19 May 2026 at 08:44
    Redmi K90 Pro Max

    A recent report revealed that Redmi may unveil the Redmi K100 series as early as September this year in China. Last year, the brand only announced two devices, namely the Redmi K90 and K90 Pro Max, in October, but it appears that the K100 lineup may initially include three models. While their official monikers are under wraps, they are tentatively dubbed the Redmi K100, K100 Pro, and K100 Pro Max. A new leak, courtesy of reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, has seemingly revealed details about the Pro variant.

    Alleged Redmi K100 Pro details tipped

    Yesterday, DCS revealed details about the standard Redmi K100, claiming that it has a 6.59-inch screen, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and a battery with around 8,000mAh capacity and 100W charging support. It is also said to have other specs, such as a 200-megapixel main camera, a telephoto lens, symmetrical dual speakers, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, and an IP68/69-rated dust- and water-resistant body.

    In today’s leak, the tipster revealed the existence of another Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered Redmi K100 series phone. The engineering prototype of this device is currently said to pack a battery rated at around 9,000mAh, although the company is reportedly testing even higher-capacity solutions in the lab.

    The phone is also tipped to support 100W wired fast charging alongside wireless charging support. Considering that this device packs a larger battery than the Redmi K100, this leak could be referring to the Redmi K100 Pro.

    The tipster has not revealed the display size of the alleged K100 Pro. Considering that it packs a larger battery, it may feature a bigger display than the K100.

    Rumors surrounding the Redmi K100 Pro Max suggest that it will feature the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chip along with 16GB of LPDDR6 RAM and 1TB of storage. The device is also expected to feature a 200-megapixel main camera backed by a 1/1.28-inch sensor and a 50-megapixel mid-range periscope telephoto lens.

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    Xiaomi launches Mijia Mini Dual-Zone Washing and Drying Machine for your intimate garments

    19 May 2026 at 08:32
    Xiaomi Mijia Mini Dual Zone Washing and Drying Machine Containers

    Xiaomi has officially announced its new “Mijia Mini Dual-Zone Washing and Drying Machine 1kg” in China. It’s a compact washing machine designed for small clothing items such as underwear, socks, baby clothes, and towels. The product is now available for pre-order in China at a starting price of 1499 yuan (~ $220)and will officially go on sale on May 30.

    Xiaomi Mijia Mini Dual Zone Washing and Drying Machine 1Kg Specs Launch Price

    The new machine comes with a dual-drum setup that allows users to wash and dry clothes separately. Xiaomi says the machine supports dual 0.5kg washing zones and dual 0.2kg drying zones, allowing for different types of clothes to be cleaned independently to avoid cross-contamination.

    Xiaomi Mijia Mini Dual-Zone Washing and Drying Machine targets hygiene-focused users

    According to the company, the washing machine is designed to address concerns about washing intimate apparel alongside regular clothes. The dual-tube system uses separate water inlet and outlet pipes, which Xiaomi says helps prevent cross-infection between clothing categories.

    As for stain removal capabilities, the company claims the washer achieves protein stain removal ratios of 1.95 and blood stain removal ratios of 1.85. It also supports 95-degree Celsius high-temperature boiling wash.

    The machine includes high-temperature drum self-cleaning as well. Xiaomi says a combination of hot water flow and steam can refresh and sterilize the inside of the drum in around 15 minutes.

    Xiaomi Mijia Mini Dual Zone Washing and Drying Machine Containers

    For drying, the Mijia Mini Dual-Zone machine uses intelligent low-temperature drying technology. The system monitors temperature in real time and automatically stops drying once clothes are dry.

    The washer supports 23 washing and care programs. Users can access six programs directly from the control panel, while another 17 programs are available through the Mi Home app. The app also allows users to customize settings such as water level and temperature.

    The machine supports Xiaomi’s HyperOS Smart Connect platform and can also be controlled through Xiao Ai voice commands. Other features include OTA updates, antibacterial fresh air hosting, quiet operation, and a compact design with a footprint of less than 0.2 square meters.

    The machine’s 1kg capacity can handle up to 14 pairs of socks, 15 pieces of women’s underwear, or seven pieces of men’s underwear in a single wash cycle, depending on clothing size and weight.

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    Huawei launches new 27-inch 4K monitor with 320Hz dual mode and 100W USB-C charging

    19 May 2026 at 03:58
    Huawei Qingyun M273U

    Huawei recently announced the Qingyun M273U in China. It is a 27-inch 4K monitor built primarily for office and enterprise use, though it includes a few specifications that are more common in gaming displays.

    Huawei Qingyun M273U

    Huawei Qingyun M273U Specifications

    The monitor is built around an IPS panel with a standard 16:9 aspect ratio and a 3840 x 2160 resolution. Instead of the standard 60Hz found on most office monitors, this one has a 160Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through documents and moving windows around the desktop look smoother.

    There is also a dual-mode feature that lowers the resolution to 1080p but increases the refresh rate to 320Hz. For color accuracy, the panel covers 95% of the DCI-P3 gamut and 100% of sRGB. Peak brightness sits at 450 nits, and it supports HDR Vivid.

    Huawei is selling the monitor in two different versions: a Standard Edition and a Soft Light Edition. The Soft Light model comes with a matte, anti-glare finish to reduce reflections from overhead lights, alongside hardware-level low blue light and flicker-free certifications to help with eye strain.

    It also features a built-in 4.1-channel speaker setup, which includes two 5W full-range drivers, two 3W tweeters, and a 10W subwoofer. The Standard Edition has a standard glossy finish and does not include built-in speakers.

    Huawei Qingyun M273U

    The ports also differ between the two models. Both versions include two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. The Soft Light Edition, however, adds a USB-C port. This single USB-C connection can handle 4K 160Hz video output while simultaneously providing 100W of power delivery.

    For ergonomics, both monitors come with a stand that offers 110mm of height adjustment, standard tilt, and a 90-degree pivot so you can use the screen in a vertical portrait orientation. The software includes picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes.

    Huawei has not yet announced pricing for either version of the Qingyun M273U, and the current release is limited to the Chinese market.

    In related news, MSI recently launched a 425Hz 1440p gaming monitor with esports-grade speed at a surprisingly affordable price.

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    (Huawei)

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    Red Magic launches 49g carbon fiber gaming mouse with dual 8K polling & PAW3950 sensor

    19 May 2026 at 03:15
    Red Magic Carbon Fiber Gaming Mouse

    Red Magic recently held its 11S Pro launch event in China, and alongside its new devices, the company introduced a new gaming mouse. The main selling point of the peripheral is its construction: it uses a full carbon fiber top shell paired with a magnesium-aluminum alloy base. This combination brings the total weight down to just 49 grams without relying on a plastic chassis.

    Red Magic Carbon Fiber Gaming Mouse

    Red Magic Carbon Fiber Gaming Mouse Specs

    Lightweight gaming mice have been popular for a few years, but they sometimes suffer from flimsy build quality or require a honeycomb design full of holes to shed weight. By using carbon fiber and metal, Red Magic is trying to avoid those compromises. The company claims the mouse can withstand up to 100kg of pressure, which practically means it shouldn’t flex, bend, or creak when you grip it tightly during a game. The mouse has a symmetrical shape, though it is ergonomically optimized for right-handed users. Red Magic says it is built primarily for people with larger hands and accommodates standard palm, claw, or fingertip grip styles.

    Inside, the mouse uses familiar, reliable components. It features a PixArt PAW3950 sensor, which provides up to 30,000 DPI, a tracking speed of 750 IPS, and 50G acceleration. It also includes custom optical switches rated for 100 million clicks and a Nordic 54L15 wireless chip to handle connectivity. You can connect the mouse via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or a standard USB cable. If you use the wired or 2.4GHz modes, the mouse supports an 8KHz polling rate to minimize input delay.

    The device is powered by a 306mAh battery. While Red Magic hasn’t provided a total battery life estimate for a full charge, it does support fast charging; the company claims plugging it in for one minute provides enough power for 10 hours of use. For customization, the mouse works with Red Magic’s TouWan software. The software has a web-based interface, meaning you can adjust your DPI, polling rates, and button layouts directly through a browser without having to install a dedicated desktop app.

    Pricing and Availability

    The mouse goes on sale in China this June. Its standard price is 1,299 yuan (about $190), though it will temporarily be available for 999 yuan (around $146) at launch. Red Magic hasn’t announced international availability yet, but the company’s gaming accessories usually make their way to other regions a few months after their domestic release.

    Alongside this mouse, the company has also launched a new magnetic power bank with 45W wired fast charging and 25W wireless charging.

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    Bye Bye Icardi! Hoş geldin Muriqi

    Galatasaray'da yer yerinden oynayacak... sarı-kırmızılı yönetimle 5 milyon Euro pazarlığına girişen Mauro Icardi'nin biletini kesen Okan Buruk, Osimhen'in yanına La Liga'yı sallayan eski öğrencisi Vedat Muriqi'yi getirmeye hazır. Osimhen ile Şampiyonlar Ligini titretecek bir hava hakimiyeti ve ön alan presi canavar hattı kurmak için gün sayan Muriqi'nin, "Türkiye benim ikinci evim" sözleri büyük avantaj.

    Galatasaray'ın "Alex Ferguson'u" olmak için zamanı geldiğinde "David Beckham"ı bile göndermesi gerektiğinin farkında olan Okan Buruk, tarafarın sevgilisi olan Mauro Icardi'nin fişini çekti. Victor Osimhen ile kusursuz bir ortaklık kuracağına inandığı Rizespor'dan eski öğrencisi Vedat Muriqi'yi Galatasaray'a davet eti.

    Galatasaray

    Fotospor’un 8 Mayıs’ta gündeme getirdiği ön görüşme adım adım gerçeğe dönüşüyor. Buruk, Galatasaray’da gelecek sezonun hücum planını Victor Osimhen-Vedat Muriqi ikilisi üzerine kurdu.

    Icardi'nin yerine Vedat Muriqi! Okan Buruk Galatasaray'a çağırdı

    BURUK'TAN BÜYÜK ÖVGÜ ALMIŞTI

    Transfer ateşini yakan ilk kıvılcım, Buruk ile Kosovalı golcü arasındaki o özel görüşmeyle çakıldı. Deneyimli teknik adamın, "Çalıştığım en karakterli ve en güçlü santrforlardan biri" diyerek övdüğü eski öğrencisine Galatasaray kapılarını açtı. Türkiye’ye dönmeye sıcak bakan Muriqi de Buruk’a, "Türkiye benim ikinci evim" yanıtını vererek bu tarihi buluşmaya "yeşil ışık" yaktı.

    SAFİ GÖRÜŞMESİ İŞLERİ ZORLAŞTIRDI

    Icardi'nin menajeri Elio Pino'nun, Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi ile yaptığı görüşme ve Dursun Özbek'ten sözleşme yenilemek için talep ettiği 5 milyon Euro bardağı taşıran son damlalar oldu. Maliyeti yüksek olan Icardi ile yolları ayırma kararı alan yönetim, rotayı İspanya’ya kırdı.

    BONSERVİSİ DE DÜŞÜK TUTULACAK

    Mallorca’da net 2 milyon Euro kazanan Muriqi, 3 milyon Euro karşılığında Galatasaray forması giymeye hazır. Sözleşmesinin son sezonuna girecek olan ve yaşı da ilerleyen Kosovalı golcü için Mallorca'nın kapısının 8-10 milyon Euro bandında bir bonservis bedeliyle çalınması planlanıyor.

    Galatasaray

    MBAPPE İLE GOL KRALLIĞI YARIŞI

    Muriqi bu sezon sakatlıklardan tamamen uzak, kariyerinin en olgun ve parlak dönemini geçiriyor. İspanya La Liga'da Real Madrid'in süper yıldızı Kylian Mbappé ile gol krallığı yarışına giren 31 yaşındaki santrfor, devlerin de iştahını kabartıyor. Öyle ki, Katalan devi Barcelona bile Robert Lewandowski'nin yerini doldurmak adına Muriqi'yi listesinin ilk sıralarına yazmış durumda.

    BURUK'A GÖRE ÖLÜMCÜL FORVET HATTI

    Buruk'un kafasındaki taktik ise rakiplerin uykusunu kaçıracak. Muriqi, takımda tam bir "Pivot Santrfor" rolünü üstlenecek. Uzun topları göğsüyle indirecek, sırtı dönük top saklayacak ve fiziksel gücüyle rakip stoperleri adeta hırpalayacak.

    Victor Osimhen ise Muriqi’nin kazandığı bu ikinci topları toplamak ya da onun açtığı devasa koridorlara yırtıcı koşular atmak için serbest kalacak.

    Arsenal 22 yıl sonra başardı

    Arsenal, Premier Lig'de 22 yıl sonra şampiyon oldu.

    İngiltere Premier Lig'de lider Arsenal, en yakın takipçisi Manchester City'nin puan kaybetmesiyle 22 yıllık şampiyonluk özlemine son verdi.

    Ligin 37. hafta mücadelesinde Bournemouth'a konuk olan Manchester City, Eli Junior Kroupi ve Erling Haaland'ın karşılıklı golleriyle sahadan 1-1 berabere ayrıldı.

    Bournemouth forması giyen milli futbolcu Enes Ünal, 89. dakikada oyuna girdi.

    Bitime 1 hafta kala Manchester City ile puan farkını 4'e çıkaran Arsenal, 2003-04 sezonundan bu yana ilk şampiyonluğuna ulaştı.

    İspanyol teknik adam Mikel Arteta yönetimindeki başkent temsilcisi, toplamda 14. lig şampiyonluğunu kazandı.

    Dino Toppmöller Beşiktaş'a neler vadediyor?

    Sergen Yalçın'ın istifasının ardından teknik direktörlük koltuğu için güçlü aday Dino Toppmöller gelirse Beşiktaş'ın çehresini değiştirebilir. Geride bıraktığımız sezona ait hücum, savunma ve pas istatistikleri mercek altına alındığında Alman teknik adamın modern geçiş felsefesi çok fazla vaatte bulunuyor.

    Beşiktaş’ta Sergen Yalçın’ın istifasıyla boşalan teknik direktörlük koltuğu için en güçlü adaylardan biri Dino Toppmöller. Julian Nagelsmann’ın RB Leipzig ve Bayern Münih dönemlerindeki sağ kolu olan Toppmöller, modern, geçiş oyununa dayalı ve taktiksel esnekliği yüksek bir felsefeyi temsil ediyor.

    Beşiktaş’ın geçen sezonki istatistik verileri ile Frankfurt’ta uygulattığı modern Alman ekolü yan yana geldiğinde Topmöller'in gelmesi durumunda Beşiktaş taraftarına vaadi ne olacak?

    Besıktas

    FRANKFURT'LA BUNDESLIGA'DA YAPTIKLARI

    Beşiktaş, Yalçın'la maç başına %55.4 topla oynama oranına sahipti. 16.9 şut atılmasına rağmen, üretilen büyük şans sayısı sadece 3’te kaldı. Bu durum, siyah-beyazlıların topa sahipken set hücumlarında yaratıcılık problemi yaşadığını ve oyunu dikine oynamakta zorlandığını gösteriyor.

    Toppmöller, Frankfurt’u Bundesliga'nın en çok dikine hücum ve kontratak şutu atan ekibi haline getirdi. Beşiktaş’ın geçen sezonki 45 kontratak verisi, Toppmöller’in elinde ciddi şekilde katlanacak.

    Statik paslaşmalar yerine, rakip stoper ile bek arasına yapılan iç koşular ve forvetlerin derine inip kanatları arkaya kaçırdığı dinamik 4-2-4 veya 3-2-5 yerleşimleri görebiliriz.

    Besıktas

    3-2-5 GİBİ BİR SİSTEM GÖREBİLİRİZ

    Beşiktaş'ın pas isabeti %83.5 ile kağıt üzerinde iyi görünse de, rakip yarı sahada bu oran %77.9’a düşüyor. Daha da kritiği, maç başına isabetli orta sayısı sadece 5 (%25.2). Kanatlardan açılan ortalara bağımlı bir oyun yapısı vardı.

    Alman hoca, oyunu kanat çizgisine hapsetmeyi sevmiyor. Frankfurt’ta sıklıkla kullandığı 4-2-2-2 veya 3-2-5 yapılarında bekleri içeri çekerek merkezde sayısal üstünlük kurdu. Beşiktaş’ın merkezdeki pas akışkanlığını artırıp, ceza sahası dışından atılan isabetsiz şutları (geçen sezon 5/205) daha olgunlaşmış ceza sahası içi organizasyonlarına dönüştürmeyi vaat ediyor.

    TOPLA OYNAMA ORANI DÜŞECEKTİR

    Toppmöller, Beşiktaş’a gelirse taraftarlar topa körü körüne sahip olan değil, topu kaptığı an en fazla 4-5 pasla rakip kaleye dikine giden, daha dinamik ve atletik bir takım izleyecek. Geçen sezon yakalanan %55.4'lük topla oynama oranı belki %50-52 seviyelerine düşebilir.

    Ancak Beşiktaş'ın maç başına ürettiği 3 büyük gol şansı verisi, Toppmöller’in geçiş oyunuyla çok daha verimli bir noktaya ulaşabilir.

    Trabzonspor'da planlar hazır! 30 milyon Euro'ya büyük rüya

    Gençlerbirliği mağlubiyetinin gölgesinde, dışarıdaki karamsar algının aksine Trabzonspor, kulüp içinde dev bir devrime hazırlanıyor. Sezon başındaki enkazdan lig üçüncülüğü ve kupa finali çıkaran bordo-mavili yönetim, teknik direktör Fatih Tekke'nin iletişim dilini profesyonel destekle çözmeye kararlı. Oyunculara gelen astronomik tekliflerle eli güçlenen yönetim; maaş dengesini bozmadan, 30 milyon euro seviyesindeki akılcı bir bütçeyle UEFA Avrupa Ligi'ni kazanacak kadro kurmak için ilerliyor.

    Trabzonspor'da Gençlerbirliği karşısında alınan 3-0'lık mağlubiyetin yankıları sürerken, dışarıdaki olumsuz algı ile kulüp içerisindeki hava arasında büyük kadar fark var. Sezon başındaki enkazdan lig üçüncülüğü ve kupa finali çıkaran bordo-mavililerde, yönetim ve teknik heyet büyük hedefler için sessiz ve derinden ilerliyor.

    Trabzonspor

    ASTRONOMİK TEKLİFLER GELİYOR

    Maliyet olarak rakiplerin gerisinde kalınmış olabilir ancak teknik heyet ligin en iyi üçüncü kadrosuna sahip olduklarını kabul ediyor. Bazı oyuncular sezon başında kendilerine biçilen rollerin çok üzerine çıktı. Doğru dokunuşlarla ortaya çıkan bu potansiyelin en büyük kanıtı astronomik transfer teklifleri.

    TEKKE'YE YARDIMCI GELECEK

    Teknik direktör Fatih Tekke'nin bazı açıklamaları camiada tartışma yaratsa da asıl sorun Tekke'nin iletişim hatalarına neden olan "yanlış dil" kullanımı. Bu nedenle Tekke'ye profesyonel bir iletişim desteği sağlanması gerektiği konuşulmaya başlandı.

    HEDEF UEFA AVRUA LİGİ

    Çünkü Tekke'nin amacı "küçük takımız" mesajı vermek değil... kulüp içinde Avrupa hedefiyle ilgili beklentiler için uzun ve sabırlı bir süreci işaret ediyor. 30+ milyon euro seviyesindeki bir bütçeyle UEFA Avrupa Ligi'ni kazanacak takım kurulması ve o psikoloji ile ilerlenmesini planlıyor.

    Trabzonspor

    MAAŞ DENGESİ EN KRİTİK KONU

    Transfer tarafında dağınık bir görüntü yok. Bordo-mavili kulüp şu an tamamen ekonomik denge üzerinden hamlelerini yapıyor. Takımdan gidenler ve yeni gelenler olacak ancak yönetimin önceliği maaş dengesini korumak ve takıma en doğru karakterdeki profilleri kazandırmak.

    Sergen Yalçın konuşursa ortalık karışır! ‘Beşiktaş'ın anahtarını teslim etmişler‘

    Sergen Yalçın'ın zamanında "Önder Özen kimdir ya? Kulübün anahtarlarını teslim etmişler, inanılır gibi değil" diyerek geçmişte sert yüklendiği isim şimdi kendisinin yerine Beşiktaş'ta futbolun başına patron olarak geçecek. Beşiktaş kulislerini sallayan şok iddiaya göre; Başkan Serdal Adalı, Sergen Yalçın henüz "istifa" demeden Önder Özen ile gizlice masaya oturdu. Özen'in "Sergen ve Serkan yanlış işler yapıyor, transferlerini yapma" sözünü dinledi.

    Beşiktaş kulisleri camiada deprem etkisi yaratacak şok bir iddiayla çalkalanıyor. Başkan Serdal Adalı, istifa eden teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın’ın ardından futbol şubesini Önder Özen’e teslim etmeyi planlıyor. Bu durum Beşiktaş’ta hem futbolcu hem de teknik direktör olarak şampiyonluk yaşamış, camianın sembol isimlerinden Sergen Yalçın’ın canını çok sıkacak iddialar barındırıyor.

    Besıktas

    SERGEN YALÇIN'A KADAR ULAŞTI

    İddialara göre Başkan Adalı, henüz Sergen Yalçın "istifa" bile demeden çok daha önce Önder Özen ile gizli bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Özen bu görüşmede Yalçın ve ekibini hedef aldı. "Sergen ve Serkan’ın (Reçber) transferlerini yapma... Yanlış işler yapıyorlar. Aldıkları oyuncular ortada" şeklinde ağır bir ithamda bulundu. Bu iddialar bizzat Sergen Yalçın'ın kulağına gitti.

    HOCAM DA TRANSFERLER DE HAZIR

    İddialar bununla da sınırlı değil... Özen’in, Başkan Serdal Adalı’yı ikna etmek için planını çoktan hazırladığı ve görüşmede, "Benim hocam da belli, transfer edeceğin oyuncular da belli" diyerek kendi listesi doğrultusunda hareket etmeye ikna ettiği ileri sürülüyor.

    SERGEN YALÇIN SERT GİRİŞTİ

    Sergen Yalçın ile Önder Özen'in çekişmesi yeni değil... eskiye dayanıyor. İşte zamanında Yalçın'ın, Özen'in Beşiktaş sportif direktörltüğü ile ilgili açıklamaları:

    - Önder Özen kimdir ya? Necidir yani? Futboldan ne anlar? Kendisi hayatında iki kere topa vurmuş mu? Beşiktaş gibi devasa bir kulübün futbol şubesini, transferlerini nasıl bu adama emanet edersiniz? Kulübün anahtarlarını teslim etmişler, inanılır gibi değil.

    - Getirdiği oyuncuların hiçbirinin Beşiktaş seviyesinde olmadığını hepimiz gördük. Çuval yüküyle para akıtıp kulübü borca sokuyorlar, sonra da ortada başarı yok. Önder Özen'in yaptığı transferler tam bir fiyaskodur.

    - Televizyona çıkıp saatlerce futbol teorisi anlatıyor, terimler kullanıyor. Futbol bu kadar komplike bir oyun değil. Bize hikaye anlatmasın, sahada ne yapmış, hangi başarıyı elde etmiş ona baksınlar. Futbolun içinden gelmeyenler böyle süslü laflarla göz boyar.

    Besıktas

    ÖZEN TRANSFERLERİNİ SAVUNMUŞTU

    Önder Özen hiç bir zaman Sergen Yalçın'ı hedef almadı... ancak kendi yaptığı transferleri savundu:

    - Yapılan transferlerin fiyasko olduğu iddiasına katılmıyorum. Motta bu takımın şampiyonluğunda pay sahibi oldu, Pedro Franco genç yaşta gelip uzun süre hizmet etti ve kulübe para kazandırarak gitti. Beşiktaş'ın o günkü mali gerçeği içinde, en doğru ve planlı adımları atmaya çalıştık.

    Beşiktaş'ta transferleri Önder Özen mi yapacak? Franco, Eneramo ve Sezer

    Beşiktaş'ta sportif direktörlük koltuğu için Önder Özen adı öne çıktı. 2013-14 sezonunda futbol direktörlüğü yapan ve tam 10 yıldır yorumculuğa soyunan Özen'in olası dönüşü, eski transfer bilançosunu yeniden tartışmaya açtı. Özen, Pedro Franco, Eneramo ve Sezer Öztürk gibi büyük hayal kırıklığı yaratan 11 kişilik transfer listesi ve Yalçın Ayhan kriziyle istifaya uzanan sürecin bir yenisini yaşatabilir mi?

    Beşiktaş’ta Sergen Yalçın'ın prensi Serkan Reçber’in yerine Önder Özen'in getirileceği iddiası yüksek sesle konuşuluyor.

    2013-14 sezonunda Beşiktaş’ta futbol direktörlüğü yapan, ardından 2016 yılında kısa bir süre (1 ay) Göztepe’yi çalıştıran ve tam 10 yıldır futbol yorumculuğu yapan Önder Özen’in yeniden Beşiktaş’a sportif direktör olarak başa geçeceği iddia ediliyor.

    Besıktas

    TRANSFERLERİ HİÇ UNUTULMADI

    Özen’in göreve gelmesi durumunda teknik direktörü soru işareti. Ancak deneyimli futbol adamının siyah-beyazlılardaki ilk döneminde yaptığı transferler yeniden tartışma konusu oldu.

    Atiba ve transferine herkesin onay verdiği Gökhan Töre dışındaki hamleler, camiada hala derin soru işaretleri barındırıyor. İşte Önder Özen’in Beşiktaş’taki o çok tartışılan, doğrusuyla yanlışıyla 11 oyunculuk transfer bilançosu ve istifaya giden sürecin perde arkası:

    BİR ATIBA BİRAZ DA MOTTA

    - Önder Özen’in Türk futboluna ve Beşiktaş’a sunduğu en büyük miras Atiba oldu.

    - Flamengo'dan önce kiralanıp sonra tapusu alınan Motta belki de en önemli isimlerden birisiydi.

    - Rubin Kazan’dan önce kiralanıp ardından bonservisi alınan Gökhan Töre'yi o dönemde herkes istiyordu.

    - Özen’in "geleceğe yatırım" ve "canlı izlenerek yapılan" transfer dediği Pedro Franco balon çıktı.

    - Potansiyelli genç olarak alınan Kerim Frei'nin Beşiktaş'a hemen hiç katkısı olmadı.

    - Gaziantepspor’dan 1.75 milyon Euro bedelle geri döndürülen Serdar Kurtuluş eridi gitti.

    - Fenerbahçe’den 1.5 milyon Euro’ya aldırdığı Sezer Öztürk tam bir facia çıktı.

    - Antalyaspor’dan 1.65 milyon Euro karşılığında alınan Ömer Şişmanoğlu hep yedekti.

    - Almanya 3. Lig ekibi Stuttgarter Kickers’tan 200 bin Euro’ya alınan Günay'ın varlığı unutuldu.

    - Sivasspor’dan bedelsiz olarak büyük umutlarla kadroya katılan Eneramo sıfır katkı verdi.

    Besıktas

    SONUNU YALÇIN AYHAN GETİRDİ

    Özen’in Beşiktaş’taki ilk dönemini bitiren ve istifasını tetikleyen en somut olay Yalçın Ayhan transferi süreci oldu. Özen ve Slaven Bilic'in onayıyla Ayhan, İstanbul'da sağlık kontrolünden geçirildi. Takımla birlikte İngiltere kampa götürüldü.

    Ancak dönemin başkanı Fikret Orman, "Yalçın transferi olmayacak, sakın antrenmana çıkarmayın" talimatını vermesi kamptaki tüm ipleri kopardı.

    Hakan Safi'nin zor kararı: Hemen şampiyonluk mu, dünya kulübü olmak mı?

    Fenerbahçe'de taşları yerinden oynatmaya hazırlanan Hakan Safi, kulübün geleceğini emanet edeceği futbol aklı için dünya futbolunun iki kutup ismi arasında tarihi bir kumarın eşiğinde... Bir tarafta kısa vadede mutlak başarı, askeri disiplin ve anında kupa sözü veren taktik deha Antonio Conte, Diğer tarafta gençlik aşısı, küresel saygınlık ve sürdürülebilir bir futbol akademisi ekolü vaat eden efsane Paolo Maldini.

    Fenerbahçe’de devrim niteliğinde adımlar atmaya hazırlanan başkan adayı Hakan Safi, "futbol aklı" için tarihi bir yol ayrımında. Bir tarafta gittiği her takıma askeri disiplin ve anında şampiyonluk getiren taktik deha Antonio Conte... diğer tarafta kulüp kültürünü, küresel saygınlığı ve sürdürülebilir başarıyı temsil eden Paolo Maldini.

    Seçilmesi durumunda Safi’nin bu iki dev isim arasındaki tercihi, Fenerbahçe’nin sadece gelecek sezonunu değil, önümüzdeki 10 yılını da şekillendirecek.

    Fenerbahce

    CONTE'NİN VAADETTİKLERİ

    Conte, kaosu ve ikinciliği sevmeyen bir lider. Elindeki kadroyu (Kanté, Škriniar) birer robota dönüştürerek ligi ve Avrupa’yı sallayacak bir geçiş takımı yaratması muhtemel. Hakan Safi’nin aradığı o "kazanan ve ezen takım" kimliğini anında sahaya yansıtacaktır.

    Conte, finansal sınırları zorlar. "Hemen şimdi pivot santrfor ve sol kanat alınmazsa giderim" diye rest çekecek bir isim. Safi gibi bir başkan figürüyle, Samandıra'da "tek patron benim" diyen Conte’nin ego çatışması yaşanabilir. İlk krizde basının önünde karşı karşıya gelebilirler.

    Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

    FotoSpor (@fotosporcom)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

    MALDINI'NİN VAATLERİ

    Maldini; AC Milan’da kısıtlı bütçelerle Hernandez, Leão, Maignan gibi isimleri bulup dünya yıldızı yapan ve kulübü şampiyonluğa taşıyan bir dahi. Kulübe getireceği saygınlık, uluslararası transferlerde Fenerbahçe’nin elini inanılmaz güçlendirecektir.

    Hakan Safi, parayı ve vizyonu yönetirken; futbolun anahtarını kulübün geleceğini karartmayacak, genç yetenekleri parlatacak bir efsaneye bırakmış olur.

    Maldini acele etmez, projeye inanır. Türk futbolunun ve camianın "hemen yarın şampiyonluk" baskısına Maldini’nin sabırlı ve sürdürülebilir felsefesi ters düşmesi muhtemel. Safi’nin transferde yapacağı bazı "fırsat/yıldız" hamlelerine Maldini sistem dışı olduğu gerekçesiyle şerh koyabilir.

    Fenerbahce

    BAŞKAN SEÇİLMEDEN ÖNCE

    Hakan Safi’nin iki isimle de dirsek temasında olduğu, ancak kendi dinamik, sonuca odaklı ve vizyoner yapısına hangi modelin daha çok uyacağını tartacağı aşikar. Safi'nin camiaya vereceği mesaj ya Conte ile "bu ligi darmadağın etmeye geliyoruz" ya Maldini ile de "Biz Avrupa’nın elit kulüpleri arasına girmeye geliyoruz" olacak.

    Fenerbahçe tarihinin en lüks, en zor ama bir o kadar da heyecan verici kararı Hakan Safi’nin masasında duruyor. Bu kararı başkan seçilmesinden öncesine mi sonrasına mı bırakacak? Belli değil.

    Premyer Liqa: “Arsenal”ın 14-cü çempionluğu rəsmiləşdi!

    20 May 2026 at 01:00

    Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 37-ci turunun oyunlarına yekun vurulub.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.

    “Çelsi” London derbisində “Tottenhem”i qəbul edib və qalib gəlib. “Bornmut” isə çempionluq uğrunda mübarizə aparan “Mançester Siti” ilə qarşılaşıb. “Şəhərlilər” bu oyunda xal itirməklə çempionluq şanslarını itiriblər. Belə ki, “Arsenal” sona bir tur qalmış MS üçün əlçatmaz olub və çempionluğunu rəsmiləşdirib.

    Hazırda “Arsenal” 82 xalla vahid liderdir. “Mançester Siti” 78 xalla ikinci, “Mançester Yunayted” 68 xalla üçüncü pillədə qərarlaşıb. “Aston Villa” 62, “Liverpul” 59, “Bornmut” 56, “Brayton” 53, “Çelsi” və “Brentford” 52 xal toplayıblar.

    Sonda onu da xatırladaq ki, “Arsenal” çempion olmaqla 22 illik həsrətinə son qoyub. Bu komanda sonuncu dəfə 2003/2004-cü illər mövsümündə İngiltərə çempionu olmuşdu. Bütövlükdə isə bu, “topçular”ın 14-cü çempionluğudur!

    İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa
    37-ci tur

    15 may

    Aston Villa – Liverpul 4:2
    Qollar: M.Rocers, 42. O.Uoktins, 57; 73. Makqinn, 89 – Van Deyk, 52; 90+2.

    17 may

    Mançester Yunayted – Nottingem Forest 3:2
    Qollar: Şou, 5. Kunya, 55. Mbömo, 76 – Morato, 53. Gibbs-Uayt, 78.

    Brentford – Kristal Pelas 2:2
    Qollar: Uattara, 40; 88 Sarr, 6-pen. Uorton, 52.

    Everton – Sanderlend 1:3
    Qollar: Rohl, 43 – Brobbi, 59. Le Fi, 81. İsidor, 90+1.

    Lids – Brayton 1:0
    Qol: Kalvert-Lyuin, 90+6.

    Vulverhempton – Fulhem 1:1
    Qollar: Mane, 25 – Robinson, 45+3-pen.

    Nyukasl – Vest Hem 3:1
    Qollar: Voltemade, 15. Osula, 19; 65 – Kastelyanos, 69.

    18 may

    Arsenal – Börnli 1:0
    Qol: Haverts, 37.

    19 may

    Bornmut – Mançester Siti 1:1
    Qollar: Krupi, 39 – Haland, 90+5.

    Çelsi – Tottenhem 2:1
    Qollar: E.Fernandes, 18. A.Santos, 67 – Riçarlison, 74.

    Fermin Lopes əməliyyat olundu, DÇ-2026-nı buraxacaq

    19 May 2026 at 20:00

    Futbol üzrə İspaniya milli komandasının və “Barselona”nın hücumameyilli yarımmüdafiəçisi Fermin Lopes bu gün əməliyyat olunub.

    Arena.az bu barədə Kataloniya klubunun rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.

    La Liqanın 37-ci turunda “Betis”ə qarşı keçirdikləri matçda zədələnmiş futbolçu Barselonadakı xəstəxanalardan birində uğurla əməliyyat olunub. Məlumata görə, o, təxminən iki ay yaşıl meydanlardan uzaq qalacaq.

    Xatırladaq ki, “Betis”lə matçdan sonrakı həkim müayinəsində 23 yaşlı futbolçunun sağ ayağının beşinci daraq sümüyündə sınıq aşkarlanmışdı.

    Bu ağır zədə səbəbindən Fermin bu yay ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikada keçiriləcək dünya çempionatını (DÇ-2026) buraxacaq.

    Fermin Lopes “Barselona”nın öz yetirməsidir. Yarımmüdafiəçi 2023-cü ildən Kataloniya təmsilçisinin əsas komandasında forma geyinir. İspan futbolçu indiyə qədər “Barselona”da 136 oyuna çıxıb, 32 qol vurub, 28 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub. O, cari mövsümdə 48 oyuna çıxıb, 17 qol və 17 assistlə diqqət mərkəzinə düşüb.

    Lopes bir müddət “Linares”də də icarədə olub və 40 oyuna 12 qol və 4 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.

    Fermin 2024-cü ilin iyunundan İspaniyanın əsas yığma komandasında forma geyinir. O, milli komandanın heyətində 7 oyuna çıxıb, 2 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub. Lopes Paris-2024-də çempion olan İspaniyanın Olimpiya millisinin heyətində meydana çıxdığı 6 matçda 6 qol və 2 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.

    “Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 23 yaşlı ispan yarımmüdafiəçinin transfer dəyərini 100 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

    Tibo Kurtua İspaniya klubunun həmsahibi oldu

    19 May 2026 at 18:00

    Futbol üzrə Belçika yığmasının və Madrid “Real”ının əsas qapıçısı Tibo Kurtua İspaniyanın “Ekstremadura” klubunun həmsahibi olub.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Kurtuanın həmtəsisçilərindən biri olduğu idman investisiya platforması NXTPLAY bu mövsümün yekunlarına əsasən İspaniyanın 3-cü divizionuna yüksəlmiş klubun səhmlərinin bir hissəsini alıb.

    Şirkət daha əvvəl növbəti mövsüm Liqa 1-də iştirakını təmin etmiş “Le Mans” klubuna da investisiya yatırmışdı.

    Xatırladaq ki, Tibo Kurtua futbola Belçikanın “Bilzen” klubunda qədəm qoyub. Buradan “Genk”ə yol tapmış qapıçı böyük futbolda debüt edib. Daha sonra Kurtua “Çelsi”yə keçib və 2011-ci ilin iyulunda icarə əsasında Madrid “Atletiko”suna yollanıb. 2018-ci ilin avqustuna qədər Kurtua “döşəkçilər”in uğurları üçün çalışıb. Daha sonra belçikalı qapıçı “döşəkçilər”in düşərgəsindəki icarə müddətini başa vuraraq, transfer hüquqlarının məxsus olduğu “Çelsi”yə qayıdıb.

    “Real” Kurtuanı 2018-ci ilin avqustunda 35 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində “Çelsi”dən “qaymaqlılar”ın düşərgəsinə qatıb. Kurtuanın klubla müqaviləsi 2027-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

    Cari mövsümdə belçikalı qapıçı “Real” üçün 44 oyun keçirib, 41 qol buraxıb, 17 oyunda isə qapısının toxunulmazlığını təmin edib.

    Tibo Kurtuanın “qaymaqlılar”ın düşərgəsində çıxışının ümumi mənzərəsi 332 oyun, 323 buraxılmış qol və 129 “quru” oyundan ibarətdir.

    “Real”ın heyətində belçikalı qapıçı 3 dəfə İspaniya çempionluğunu, 1 dəfə İspaniya Kral Kubokunu, 3 dəfə İspaniya Super Kubokunu, 2 dəfə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasını, 2 dəfə UEFA Super Kubokunu, 2 dəfə FIFA Klub Dünya Kubokunu və FIFA Qitələrarası Kuboku qazanıb.

    Həmçinin Kurtuanın qənimətlər muzeyində “Atletiko” ilə qazandığı İspaniya La Liqası (2013/2014), İspaniya Kuboku (2012/2013), Avropa Liqası (2011/2012) və UEFA Super Kuboku (2012/2013) var.

    Kurtua 2011-ci ildə debüt etdiyi Belçika yığmasının heyətində 107 oyun keçirib, 84 qol “yeyib”, 54 oyundan “quru” qurtulub.

    “Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 34 yaşlı qapıçının transfer dəyərini 18 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

    “Mançester Siti” xal itirdi, “Çelsi”dən qələbə

    20 May 2026 at 01:09

    İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında XXXVII tura yekun vurulub.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu gündə iki qarşılaşma keçirilib.

    “Mançester Siti” səfərdə “Bornmut”la heç-heçə edib. “Çelsi” isə “Tottenhem”ə qalib gəlib.

    İngiltərə Premyer Liqası
    XXXVII tur

    19 may

    Bornmut – Mançester Siti 1:1
    Qollar: E.Krupi, 38 – E.Haaland, 90+4

    Çelsi – Tottenhem 2:1
    Qollar: E.Fernandes, 18, A.Santos, 67 – Riçarlison, 74

    “Arsenal”ın çempionluq həsrəti bitdi

    20 May 2026 at 00:52

    İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında 2025/26 mövsümünün qalibi məlum olub.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, XXXVII turda turnir cədvəlinin ikincisi “Mançester Siti”nin səfərdə “Bornmut”la heç-heçə etməsindən sonra lider “Arsenal”ın sona bir tur qalmış çempionluğu rəsmiləşib.

    “Topçular”la “şəhərlilər” arasındakı xal fərqi 4-ə yüksəlib.

    “Arsenal” 22 il sonra Premyer Liqada çempion olub.

    “Qarabağ”ın çəkisi çox ağırdır” – Qurbanov

    20 May 2026 at 00:47

    “Azərsun Holdinq”in Müşahidə Şurasının sədri, “Qarabağ”ın prezidenti Tahir Gözel və klubun İdarə Heyətinin üzvləri komandanın məşqçi və futbolçu heyəti ilə görüş keçirib.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, tədbir mövsümün yekunlarına həsr olunub.

    Görüşdə “Qarabağ”ın tarixi uğura imza ataraq UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-offuna qədər irəlilədiyi mövsümün yekunları müzakirə olunub. Həmçinin yeni mövsüm və klubun hədəfləri barədə fikirlər bildirilib.

    Komandanın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov başa çatmaqda olan mövsüm haqda danışıb. O, “Qarabağ”ın UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında qazandığı uğuru, illərdir qitəmiqyaslı turnirlərdə göstərdiyi davamlı nəticələri futbolçuların cəsarətli oyunu və işgüzarlıqla əlaqələndirib:

    “Bu komandanın çəkisi çox ağırdır. Buradakı hər bir futbolçu, çalışan hər kəs bu klubun dəyərini bilməlidir, həm cəsarətli, həm dürüst, həm işgüzar olmalıdır. Klubumuz etibarlı əllərdədir. Çox yaxşı, sadə, işgüzar rəhbərlərimiz var. Futbolçulara təşəkkür edirəm, hər zaman yanlarındayam. Qarşıdakı ildə ən döyüşkən, ən mübariz, ən cəsarətli biz olacağıq”.

    Tədbirin sonunda futbolçular çıxış edərək komandaya başa çatmaqda olan mövsümü dəyərləndirib, yeni mövsümdə uğurlar arzulayıblar. Onlar komandanın hədəflərinə çatması üçün əllərindən gələni edəcəklərini bildiriblər.

    “Əminəm ki, qarşıdakı mövsüm “Qarabağ” üçün yeni uğurlarla yadda qalacaq”

    20 May 2026 at 00:46

    “Azərsun Holdinq”in Müşahidə Şurasının sədri, “Qarabağ”ın prezidenti Tahir Gözel və klubun İdarə Heyətinin üzvləri komandanın məşqçi və futbolçu heyəti ilə görüş keçirib.

    Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, tədbir mövsümün yekunlarına həsr olunub.

    Görüşdə “Qarabağ”ın tarixi uğura imza ataraq UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-offuna qədər irəlilədiyi mövsümün yekunları müzakirə olunub. Həmçinin yeni mövsüm və klubun hədəfləri barədə fikirlər bildirilib.

    Tahir Gözel “Qarabağ”ın mövsüm ərzində göstərdiyi ümumi performansı dəyərləndirib, komandanın həm ölkədaxili yarışlarda, həm də UEFA Çempionlar Liqasındakı çıxışının Azərbaycan futbolu üçün mühüm əhəmiyyət daşıdığını vurğulayıb.

    “Daha bir möhtəşəm mövsümün şahidi olduq. Azərbaycan xalqı, bütün futbol dünyası Avropa arenasında mükəmməl oyunlar sərgiləyən bir “Qarabağ” izlədi. Komandamız il ərzində Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında yüksək səviyyəli və sabit çıxışı ilə çempionatın ön sıralarında qərarlaşdı, ölkə futbolundakı lider mövqeyini bir daha təsdiqlədi. Bununla yanaşı, Avropanın ən nüfuzlu klub turnirində Azərbaycanı layiqincə təmsil etdik. Komandamız UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının əsas mərhələsinə yüksəldi. Bu mövsüm Çempionlar Liqasında yaşananlar isə Azərbaycan futbol tarixinin ən parlaq Avropa səhifələrindən biri kimi yadda qaldı. “Qarabağ”ın artıq Avropa futbolunda təsadüfi iştirakçı deyil, böyük rəqabətin real söz sahibi olduğunu bütün qitəyə nümayiş etdirdi. Bütün bunlar eyni zamanda Azərbaycan futbolunun beynəlxalq arenadakı nüfuzunun nümayişi idi. Bu uğurlu yolun formalaşmasında Qurban Qurbanovun rolu xüsusi qeyd olunmalıdır. O, “Qarabağ”ın yalnız baş məşqçisi deyil, həm də klubun futbol fəlsəfəsini formalaşdıran əsas memarlardan biridir”.

    Klubun prezidenti transfer siyasəti və ümumi idarəetmə modelindən də bəhs edib:

    “Biz hər zaman olduğu kimi səs-küylü addımlarla deyil, sistemli və uzaqgörən transfer siyasətinə üstünlük verdik. Klubun maliyyə dayanıqlığının qorunması, uzunmüddətli inkişaf strategiyasının davamlılığı və sabit idarəetmə modeli bizim üçün əsas prioritetlər sırasındadır. “Qarabağ” uzun illərdir planlı inkişaf prinsipi əsasında idarə olunur və bu strateji xətt dəyişməyəcək. Akademiyamızın inkişafı istiqamətində də işlər ardıcıl şəkildə davam edir. Son illər aşağı yaş qruplarında qurulan sistem artıq öz bəhrəsini verməyə başlayıb. Aşağı yaş komandalarımız həm ölkədaxili yarışlarda uğurlu nəticələr qazanır, həm də beynəlxalq turnirlərdə mühüm təcrübə toplayır. UEFA Gənclər Liqasında iştirakımız, Avropa səviyyəsində keçirdiyimiz oyunlar və futbolçularımızın beynəlxalq rəqabət mühitində formalaşması akademiyamız üçün olduqca vacib mərhələyə çevrilib. Bu turnirlər gənc oyunçularımızın inkişafına, onların peşəkar futbola daha sürətli uyğunlaşmasına və beynəlxalq futbol atmosferini dərindən hiss etmələrinə böyük töhfə verir. Bu gün əsas məqsədlərimizdən biri yalnız güclü əsas komanda formalaşdırmaq deyil, eyni zamanda “Qarabağ”ın futbol fəlsəfəsini gələcək nəsillərə ötürməkdir. İnanırıq ki, yaxın illərdə akademiyamızdan yetişən daha çox futbolçu həm əsas komandamızda və Azərbaycan millisində uğurla çıxış edəcək. Klub olaraq yerli futbolçuların inkişafına xüsusi önəm verir və bu istiqamətdə yatırımlarımızı və layihələrimizi ardıcıl şəkildə davam etdiririk”.

    Tahir Gözel gələcək mövsümə dair gözləntilərini də bölüşüb. O, “Qarabağ”ın qarşıdakı dövrdə də həm ölkə daxilində, həm də beynəlxalq arenada yüksək hədəflərlə çıxış edəcəyini bildirib:

    “Növbəti mövsümün hazırlıqlarına artıq start vermişik. Komandanın gücləndirilməsi istiqamətində işlər davam edir və ilk transferimizi də uğurla reallaşdırmışıq. İnanıram ki, komandamıza qoşulacaq yeni futbolçular öz keyfiyyətləri, xarakterləri və peşəkarlıqları ilə “Qarabağ”ın oyun fəlsəfəsinə qısa zamanda uyğunlaşaraq klubumuza böyük fayda verəcəklər. Əminəm ki, qarşıdakı mövsüm “Qarabağ” üçün yeni uğurlar, yeni hədəflər və yeni tarixi anlarla yadda qalacaq. Biz hər zaman olduğu kimi böyük məsuliyyətlə çalışır, azarkeşlərimizə layiq komanda formalaşdırmaq üçün bütün gücümüzü ortaya qoyuruq. “Qarabağ” olaraq hər il olduğu kimi, bu mövsüm də sabit inkişafı davam etdirmək, komanda oyununu daha da gücləndirmək, həm Premyer Liqada, həm də Avropa yarışlarında rəqabətədavamlı çıxış sərgiləməkdir. Avropa səhnəsində qazandığımız təcrübə bizə böyük üstünlük verir. “Qarabağ” yeni mövsümdə də Avropada Azərbaycanı layiqincə təmsil etməyə, rəqabətli və cəsarətli futbol sərgiləməyə davam edəcək. Məqsədimiz hər oyunda xarakterimizi göstərmək, mübarizə aparmaq, klubun və Azərbaycanın adını daha yüksək səviyyədə tanıtmaqdır”.

    Sonda Tahir Gözel klubun bütün üzvlərinə və azarkeşlərinə təşəkkür edib:

    “Bu mövsüm azarkeşlərimizin dəstəyi xüsusi qeyd olunmalıdır. Həm ölkədaxili oyunlarda, həm də Avropa səfərlərində tribunaları dolduran, komandamızı bir an belə yalnız buraxmayan azarkeşlərimiz bir daha “Qarabağ” ailəsinin gücünü göstərdilər. Bu mövsüm bir sıra azarkeş rekordlarına imza atılması da klubumuz üçün xüsusi qürur mənbəyi oldu. İnanıram ki, qarşıdakı mövsümdə də birlikdə yeni rekordlara və yeni uğurlara şahid olacağıq. Əminəm ki, azarkeşlərimiz Avropada da bizi yenə tək qoymayacaq və “Qarabağ”ın ən böyük güclərindən biri olaraq komandamızın yanında olacaqlar. Bir daha futbolçularımıza, məşqçilərimizə, əməkdaşlarımıza, tərəfdaşlarımıza və hər zaman tribunada bizimlə olan azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür edirəm”.

    Conte prepares for Napoli farewell as newspapers confirm termination agreement

    20 May 2026 at 00:02

    Antonio Conte will say his farewells in front of the Stadio Maradona for the final time on Sunday, as newspapers in Italy confirm that he will walk away from Napoli in a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Partenopei President Aurelio De Laurentiis. 

    Conte set for Napoli farewell against Udinese

    According to reports from various outlets including La Gazzetta and Il Corriere dello Sport, later confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Conte will leave his role with Napoli at the end of the 2025-26 season, with his final game coming at home against Udinese on Sunday evening. 

    NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 23: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, kisses the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team's victory in the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
    NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Antonio Conte kisses the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team’s victory in the Serie A match against Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

    Tuesday’s reports confirm that Conte will leave Napoli by mutual agreement as part of a pact with De Laurentiis, which means that the club will not have to hand over any severance pay, despite the fact that the coach still has a year remaining on his contract. 

    La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that it is a sign of the strength of the friendship between Conte and De Laurentiis that a contract termination has been agreed so smoothly given that both have shown the fiery side of their personalities on multiple occasions in the past. 

    Antonio Conte Aurelio De Laurentiis Napoli

    Leaving Napoli after two seasons continues a long-standing trend: The Partenopei will be the eighth different club that Conte has left after two years or less, nine if the Italy national team is included. Juventus remains the only side where he has stayed for three seasons. 

    Sunday’s match against Udinese will be Conte’s 91st in charge of Napoli and his 76th with the Partenopei in Serie A. He has averaged 2.07 points per game in the league and has an overall win percentage of 56.67% across all competitions.

    Declan Rice sends six-word message on social media after Arsenal title win

    20 May 2026 at 01:30

    Arsenal have been crowned as the champions of the Premier League after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth in the penultimate game of the season. 

    Having been in control of the title race for the vast majority of the season, Arsenal almost slipped towards the end when they were beaten by Manchester City recently. However, midfielder Declan Rice said that the title race was not over after the game.

    The Arsenal star was adamant that the Gunners are still very much in the race, and his optimism has now been vindicated.

    Declan Rice reacts to title win

    The midfielder shared a post on Instagram after Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth.

    He wrote: “I told you all, it’s done 🏆❤”.

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Declan Rice (@declanrice)


    Rice has been outstanding for Arsenal all season, and he is certainly one of the best players at the club. Apart from his quality as a footballer, his leadership has been vital for the north London club this season.

    Can Rice help Arsenal win the Champions League?

    Arsenal have now won the Premier League title after 22 years, and they are also in the UEFA Champions League final. It remains to be seen whether they can go all the way in the competition and win their first-ever Champions League trophy.

    Mikel Arteta has faced intense criticism in recent seasons, but he has finally delivered the league title for Arsenal. He will be hoping to finish the season strongly by winning the UEFA Champions League final against PSG now.

    Arsenal have been excellent in the UEFA Champions League so far, and there is no reason why they cannot beat the defending champions to win the European Cup. They have a rock-solid defensive unit, and if they can improve in the final third, there is every chance they could end the season with a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double.

    The post Declan Rice sends six-word message on social media after Arsenal title win appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Chelsea fans savage Tottenham with brutal relegation chant every time Spurs make a mistake

    20 May 2026 at 00:39

    Chelsea fans were heard aiming a brutal chant at Tottenham players each time they made a mistake during their recent clash, ruthlessly trolling their London rivals about potential relegation.

    The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is always electric when these two sides meet, but the home support found a cruel new way to needle the visiting players.

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    With Tottenham going through a nail biting survival battle, the Chelsea faithful seized the opportunity to twist the knife, turning every misplaced pass and heavy touch into a moment of collective mockery.

    What Chelsea fans were heard chanting towards Tottenham

    According to BBC Sport’s Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella, the home crowd took immense pleasure in reminding Spurs of their current league anxieties.

    Kinsella noted that Chelsea fans thoroughly enjoyed chanting “that’s why you’re going down” every single time a Tottenham player made an error on the pitch.

    “Chelsea fans are enjoying chanting “that’s why you’re going down” every time a Tottenham player makes a mistake.”

    Every failed clearance, overhit cross, or defensive slip-up from a Spurs player was instantly met with the booming, sarcastic chorus from the stands.

    The brutal taunt was designed to remind Tottenham of their current position in the league, as they sit 17th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.

    A defeat vs Chelsea will see them scrambling for survival on the final day of the season, needing a win.

    Andrey Santos doubles the lead for Chelsea

    Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning opener early in the first half to give Chelsea the lead and Andrey Santos has now double the blow for Tottenham.

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    It’s a soft goal to concede as a simple cross in at the back post is teed up by Enzo towards Santos who taps it in from close range.

    Spurs fans will not be happy to see how easily they conceded that.

    Andrey Santos doubles Chelsea's lead over Spurs! ? pic.twitter.com/0m2u1bAM6H

    — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026

    The post Chelsea fans savage Tottenham with brutal relegation chant every time Spurs make a mistake appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Watch: Enzo Fernandez scores long-range stunner to give Chelsea the lead vs Tottenham

    20 May 2026 at 00:09

    Enzo Fernandez has given Chelsea the lead against Tottenham with a stunning long-range strike in the 17th minute.

    In an incredibly tense encounter with massive ramifications at the bottom of the table, the Argentine midfielder broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

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    Enzo Fernandez scores stunner vs Spurs

    The goal came when Fernandez collected a pass in midfield. Sensing an opening from around 30 yards out, he unleashed a fierce, swerving effort.

    The breathtaking shot completely beat Tottenham’s young goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, flying into the corner out of the keeper’s reach.

    Fernandez’s world-class strike was exactly what Chelsea needed to settle their nerves in an exceptionally high-stakes London derby.

    Watch the goal below:

    Enzo Fernández, what a STRIKE?! ? pic.twitter.com/bQeuiG9TzW

    — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026

    Chelsea win would take Tottenham relegation fight to final day

    The stakes could not be higher for Spurs. Coming into this match, Tottenham have been locked in a grueling battle for survival.

    As things stand, they sit on 17th place, two points above 18th placed West Ham, who lost to Newcastle on the weekend.

    Spurs have a chance to capitalise and secure survival by winning tonight. A point would also be enough as they have a much better goal difference compared to West Ham.

    However, a defeat against their bitter rivals tonight would officially take the Premier League relegation fight down to the final day of the season where West Ham will take on Leeds while Spurs will be up against Everton.

     

    The post Watch: Enzo Fernandez scores long-range stunner to give Chelsea the lead vs Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Chelsea closing in on 12-G/A South American utility man as talks intensify

    20 May 2026 at 00:00

    Chelsea is now closing in on a deal to sign Valentin Barco at the end of the season.

    The player has already confirmed that he will leave Strasbourg at the end of the season, and a report from L’Equipe claims that Chelsea is in constant discussion with the player’s representatives.

    The move is advancing, and it is likely to be completed soon. The 21-year-old has been a key player for Strasbourg, and he will now look to test himself in the Premier League.

    Chelsea could use Valentin Barco

    Chelsea needed more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the Argentine midfielder should prove to be an excellent acquisition. He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and he has the technical attributes to thrive in England. He will look to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea.

    Barco has three goals and nine assists this season. Naturally, he is a central midfielder, but he can also operate as a full-back or wing-back.

    Alonso could nurture Barco into a star

    The Blues have brought in a new manager, and Xabi Alonso could play a key role in the development of the South American. He has done well to groom young players at Bayer Leverkusen.

    It has been a disappointing season for Chelsea, and they will look to bounce back strongly next season. A club of their stature should be pushing for Champions League qualification every season and doing well in the cup competitions. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in the right additions and get themselves back on track.

    Barco will look to hit the ground running in the Premier League and establish himself as a starter for Chelsea. The player is expected to sign a six-year contract with Chelsea, and it remains to be seen. Whether all parties can finalise the move quickly.

    The post Chelsea closing in on 12-G/A South American utility man as talks intensify appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Tottenham want in-demand 36-G/A Aston Villa target to fix key weakness

    19 May 2026 at 23:30

    Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Vangelis Pavlidis from Benfica. 

    According to a report from Hooligan Soccer, they will face competition from Aston Villa. The striker is in fine form, having scored 30 goals and recorded 6 assists this season. Tottenham are looking to bring in a reliable finisher, and they have identified the 27-year-old as a target.

    Valneglis Pavlidis will cost a premium

    The player will cost around $70 million (£52m), and it remains to be seen whether the English club is willing to break the Bank for him. He is at the peak of his career, and he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He could transform Tottenham in the attack.

    Randal Kolo Muani will leave the club at the end of the season, and Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly. Investing in a quality striker will be a top priority for Tottenham.

    The report claims that Pavlidis is the most hunted “number nine” in Europe right now. It remains to be seen where he ends up. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. 

    Villa also keen on Pavlidis

    Meanwhile, Aston Villa have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they need to improve the team. They have been overly dependent on Watkins. They need another goal scorer, and the Benfica star would be ideal. They will be able to offer him Champions League football, and they could be an attractive destination for the player.

    The asking price could be an issue for both clubs. They need to improve multiple areas of the squad, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

    The post Tottenham want in-demand 36-G/A Aston Villa target to fix key weakness appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    Liverpool eye cut-price move for 27-goal wide player with agents pushing for transfer

    19 May 2026 at 23:00

    Liverpool have been linked with a move for Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan at the end of the season.

    The 30-year-old defender is expected to be on the move this summer, and his representatives are pushing for a move to Liverpool.

    Reds to sign Denzel Dumfries?

    Liverpool has struggled with injury problems in the right back department this season, and Dumfries could prove to be a very useful acquisition for them. He has the quality and the experience to play for a big club, and he could be a quality short-term option. He is available for a fee of £20 million, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

    Liverpool has the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and they should look to wrap up the move. They need more depth in the team if they want to bounce back strongly after a disappointing season. They are fifth in the league table, and they were expected to defend the Premier League title this season.

    The player has also been offered to clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City. However, it is fair to assume that he might get more opportunities at Liverpool next season.

    It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to get the deal done.

    Dumfries fancies a move to Liverpool

    They have a strong Dutch contingent at the club, and it is no surprise that the player is keen on joining them.

    He would get to play for a top club and compete in the Premier League as well. He is at the peak of his career, and this could be the ideal time for him to leave Italy and take on a new adventure.

    Their asking price is quite reasonable, and the deal could look like a bargain if he manages to adapt to English football quickly. Dumfries has five goals and two assists this season. Overall, he has 27 goals and 28 assists for Inter Milan.

    The post Liverpool eye cut-price move for 27-goal wide player with agents pushing for transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

    When Will XRP Price Hit a New All-Time High?

    XRP price prediction $100

    The post When Will XRP Price Hit a New All-Time High? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

    XRP has been consolidating in a tight range between $1.42 and $1.46 for weeks. To casual observers the flat price looks like stagnation. To analysts tracking the technical structure, it looks like the final stage of accumulation before a significant move.

    According to analysts, XRP is currently in what they describe as a coiled spring setup, where prolonged price compression stores energy for a sharp directional move when the range finally breaks.

    The trigger level is $1.50. That is the neckline of an inverse head and shoulders pattern forming on the four-hour chart, a classic bullish reversal structure. A confirmed break above it, analysts argue, would open a technical path toward a new all-time high.

    Why 2026 Is Different From Previous Cycles

    The argument for a new all-time high this year rests on a combination of factors that did not exist in previous cycles.

    The SEC lawsuit reached final resolution in August 2025. The court ruling that XRP secondary market sales are not securities removed the regulatory uncertainty that kept institutional capital sidelined for years. That legal clarity has since been codified into the CLARITY Act, which cleared the Senate Banking Committee last week with a 75% probability of becoming law in 2026 according to Galaxy Research.

    Spot XRP ETFs have accumulated over $1.5 billion in assets. Goldman Sachs disclosed a $153.8 million position spread across Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, and Grayscale products. Weekly inflows into XRP investment products spiked 1,220% in early May. Institutional bots running time-weighted average price strategies have been quietly accumulating at current levels, with one tracked bot purchasing 10,000 XRP every 18.5 seconds during a single afternoon session.

    Open interest in XRP derivatives has surpassed $3 billion, a 23% increase in just a few weeks. When the $1.50 level breaks analysts expect a short squeeze as bearish positions are forced to cover, adding additional fuel to any breakout move.

    The Supply Squeeze Building Underneath

    Every XRP purchased by an ETF is removed from open market circulation and locked in institutional custody. As ETF demand grows and exchange supply shrinks, the available float tightens. Analysts describe this as the mechanism that turns a technical breakout into a parabolic move rather than a brief spike.

    The average cost basis for a large portion of current XRP holders sits within the $1.42 to $1.46 consolidation range. Weak hands have already sold at lower levels. The holders remaining have demonstrated conviction through months of sideways price action and regulatory uncertainty.

    The Question the Market Is Now Asking

    The debate has shifted from whether XRP has utility to how high the price can go once institutional adoption reaches scale. The CLARITY Act passing would give Ripple and the XRP Ledger a permanent federal regulatory framework covering payments, settlement, and stablecoin operations across the US banking system.

    Analyst Cheeky Crypto put the question directly to his audience. In a post-CLARITY Act world with institutional ETFs, Goldman Sachs allocations, and banks actively using the ledger for settlement, is $10 XRP a speculative target or the next logical step for a global settlement layer?

    The technical setup, the institutional data, and the regulatory trajectory are all pointing in the same direction. The timing depends on whether $1.50 breaks with conviction or becomes another level of temporary resistance in a range that has already lasted longer than most expected.

    Where Florida football stands in USA Today SEC football spring power rankings

    Florida football spent its first spring under Jon Sumrall developing a tougher mindset while learning new offensive and defensive schemes.

    How that will play out for the Florida Gators in 2026 under Sumrall remains to be seen as UF looks to bounce back from a dismal 4-8 season in 2025.

    Florida is ranked ninth out of 16 teams in USA Today's SEC spring power rankings.

    UF returns five starters on offense and five starters on defense. Sumrall turned over close to half the roster from the 2025 season with 20 incoming freshmen and 30 transfers. The starting quarterback competition between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. will extend into fall drills.

    "The way I want them to do everything is with urgency," Sumrall said. "I think for some of them, that’s a little bit new. I want them to walk urgently in the building. I want them – I don’t like casual behavior, and complacency’s a killer. If you think because you did something one week, it’s gonna happen the next week, you’re going to be exposed."

    Florida football strengths

    The return of junior running back Jadan Baugh gives UF a proven offensive star to build around. The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 TDs last season, becoming UF's first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015. Baugh also had 33 catches for 210 yards and a TD for UF in 2025 and is expected to be utilized in a variety of creative ways under new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

    Florida's receiving corps has received a boost with the addition of transfers Eric Singleton Jr. (Auburn), Micah Mays Jr. (Wake Forest) and Bailey Stockton (Georgia Tech). Returning receivers Vernell Brown III (40 catches, 512 yards), Dallas Wilson (12 catches, 174 yards, 3 TDs) and TJ Abrams (14 catches, 202 yards) provide more depth and playmaking ability within the position group.

    Florida's front seven, led by edge rusher Jayden Woods (3.5 sacks, 1 interception in 2025), linebacker Myles Graham (76 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and defensive tackle Brendan Bett (4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks), has the potential to be a stout run-stuffing unit capable of generating pressure on the quarterback.

    Florida football weaknesses

    UF's offensive line needs to continue and develop physically under first-year coach Phil Trautwein after losing three starters, including All-American center Jake Slaughter (NFL second round draft pick, Los Angeles Chargers) and starting left tackle Austin Barber (NFL third round draft pick, Cleveland Browns).

    A playmaking threat at tight ends needs to emerge. Florida is hopeful returning redshirt sophomore Amir Jackson (3 catches, 29 yards, 1 TD), James Madison transfer Lacota Dippre or Georgia Tech transfer Luke Harpring can fill that well.

    Florida's secondary recorded three interceptions but also surrendered a handful of big plays in UF's spring game. Sumrall wants to see more consistency from UF's cornerbacks, with redshirt juniors Cormani McClain and Dijon Johnson as the projected starters.

    Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.

    This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football in USA Today SEC spring power rankings, where UF is ranked

    Detroit Pistons intend to re-sign Jalen Duren in restricted free agency

    The Detroit Pistons’ president of basketball operations was strategically ambiguous through most of his end-of-season press conference. 

    Trajan Langdon said the team will search for ways to improve this offseason after a 60-win regular season and Game 7 exit in the second round of the playoffs. He hinted the roster could look different next season. Only time will reveal what that will look like. 

    However, Langdon was far more direct when discussing the futures of two players who are eligible for new contracts this summer – Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. He expects that both will sign with the franchise long term. Thompson is eligible for his rookie-scale contract extension. And Duren, who has completed the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, is entering restricted free agency. 

    WINDSOR: It's time for Pistons to take an offseason gamble. But not quite the one you think

    There has been debate about Duren’s value to the Pistons following a breakout regular season, and underwhelming postseason. But any speculation about his future with the franchise can be laid to rest, because the Pistons are committed to reaching a new agreement with the 22-year-old big man. 

    Duren arguably was the player who improved the most this past year, ascending into stardom with a breakout season. He and Cade Cunningham both were named All-Stars and were two of the biggest drivers of success on the best Pistons team in two decades. Langdon has a lot to navigate, but he’s not breaking up a young core that has now drastically exceeded expectations two seasons in a row. 

    “First of all, J.D. had a fantastic season,” Langdon said at the team’s practice facility in New Center on Tuesday, May 19. “All-Star, one of the biggest contributors to us being a No. 1 seed. Darn-near 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. An incredible year and an incredible leap from last year to this year because of the work that he put in last summer and his focus. I have no doubt that we’ll put a plan together and he’ll attack it this summer, just like he did last summer, and he’ll come back a better player from his experience, not only during the regular season but also in the postseason just like all of our guys will. 

    “We look forward to coming together with his representative and getting a deal done, and for him to continue to be a Piston.” 

    Few had Duren pegged as a soon-to-be star after a productive-but-uneven third season in 2024-25, during which he averaged 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. He started the season slow on both ends of the floor, but slowly rounded into form as the team hit its stride at the end of December. As he got better, so did the Pistons. 

    By the playoffs, he and Cunningham had formed a reliable two-man game that became the basis of the Pistons’ offense. Defensively, Duren went from poor to respectable to impactful. His focus and execution sharpened, and he held his own as a key part of a defensive unit morphing into one of the league’s best. 

    It was expected that, after an offseason of hard work, Duren would come back an improved player in 2025-26. What was tougher to predict is that he would grow into one of the league’s most-efficient offensive bigs while also taking a step forward as a rim protector. 

    Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, on 65% overall shooting. He nearly averaged 20 points per game on just 11.5 shot attempts, making him one of the league’s most unique weapons. Among players who averaged 12 or fewer shots, Duren was the only one to crack the 18-point threshold. Trae Young (17.9 points) is second on the list, followed by Chet Holmgren (17.1 points). 

    Even as he diversified his shot profile, Duren remained efficient. His lob connection with Cunningham remained potent, but he mixed in more drives to the rim against slower centers, more post moves against weaker players and the occasional midrange shot. And like the previous season, he got better as it went on. 

    Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) celebrates a play against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 6 of second round of NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Friday, May 15, 2026.

    After returning from a two-game suspension exiting All-Star weekend, Duren averaged 22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a block per game on 67.8% shooting. He was a big reason the Pistons were able to withstand a late season collapsed lung for Cunningham, which cost him 11 games in March and April, and clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as he recovered. 

    That momentum didn’t carry into the playoffs, though. His numbers dropped across the board through 14 postseason games, averaging 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on 51.4% shooting. Passes and rebounds that were one automatic bounced off of his hands. Attacking mismatches didn’t come as easily, and he wasn’t as decisive with the ball. Often, it appeared he was thinking about the game more than playing it. 

    The Orlando Magic made a point to isolate Duren away from the Pistons’ offense in the first round, and he was slow to adjust. He did look like the regular-season version of himself, though, at times. Such as Game 7 against the Magic, when he tallied his first double-double of the playoffs with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three assists to help them clinch their first trip to the second round since 2008. 

    “I think defenses took some things away from him and that's the biggest thing,” Langdon said. “A lot of the things that we did during the regular season, defenses made sure that he didn’t get easy baskets close to the rim. I think that was the biggest thing offensively. 

    “He battled in both series. I don’t think it made him quit at all. He kept battling, he did a lot of things to help us win. I think if you were to ask him if he were the best version of himself, he would say ‘Yeah, I didn’t play the basketball I would’ve liked to have played.’ Sometimes that happens with young players in the league.” 

    The Pistons can offer him a maximum of up to five years and roughly $239 million, which is a starting salary of around $41.4 million, or 25% of next year’s salary cap, with 8% annual raises. Outside teams are limited to offering a maximum four-year contract at about $177.4 million with the same starting salary. Though the Pistons offering him a maximum deal already wasn't a guarantee before the playoffs, a big offer from another team could still force Detroit to pay a hefty sum to retain him.

    The extent that Duren’s postseason performance will weigh into negotiations remains to be seen. But for the front office, 14 playoff games won’t undo the growth they saw from Duren through 148 regular season games. In a sense, he is a victim of his own success. The Pistons have seen what he’s capable of, and how high their floor is when he plays to his potential. 

    Their bet is that a 22-year-old who has undergone massive growth in two years, will continue to climb upward. 

    “I think like I said before with all our guys, we’re all going to learn from the positives and negatives, the takeaways and get better from that,” Langdon said. “But saying all that, he had a lot of success this season. He got a lot better from the previous season. A lot for him to be proud of and build on.”

    Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on X and/or Bluesky.

    This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons intend to sign Jalen Duren in restricted free agency

    Texas A&M's Alex Caruso erupts for 31 in playoff loss to Spurs

    For the last few seasons, the NBA has taken heat for feeling like a watered‑down product, especially during the regular season, and at times even in the early playoff rounds. But Monday night’s double‑overtime thriller between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs was the kind of game that shuts that narrative down fast. And former Texas A&M star Alex Caruso was right in the middle of it.

    In a matchup headlined by two of the league’s premier young superstars, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Victor Wembanyama, it was Caruso who unexpectedly stole the spotlight. Known primarily for his defense and relentless energy, the 6‑foot‑5, 32‑year‑old guard drew the unenviable assignment of guarding the 7‑foot‑4 All‑NBA phenom throughout stretches of the game. The Thunder trusted him with the toughest job on the floor, and Caruso responded with one of the best performances of his career.

    Caruso entered the night averaging just 6.2 points in the regular season and roughly 7.0 in the postseason. Then he detonated. Thirty‑one points. Eight three‑pointers. Two blocks. Two steals. A vintage “do‑everything” Caruso performance, only this time with an offensive explosion no one saw coming.

    Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, even that wasn’t enough to overcome Wembanyama’s monster night. The Spurs’ franchise cornerstone delivered a thunderous 41‑point, 24‑rebound double‑double that ultimately overshadowed Caruso’s heroics and pushed San Antonio to the win.

    Still, Caruso’s outburst was a reminder of what he’s capable of when the moment demands it and when he’s feeling it. He’s built a career on defense, toughness, and intangibles, but Monday night showed he can still flip a game on its head.

    You can check out some of his best highlights below.

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

    This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Alex Caruso vs. Wemby stole the show in a wild double OT game

    Joke's over! Arsenal end 22-year wait, internet rejoices

    Joke's over! Arsenal end 22-year wait, internet rejoices
    Joke's over! Arsenal end 22-year wait, internet rejoices

    Arsenal are the 2025/26 Premier League champions and lift the English trophy again after 22 years.

    There may even have been a bit of an anticlimax, watching from the couch, as rivals Manchester City drew with Bournemouth, thus securing the title for the Gunners.


    But the truth is that the fans celebrated the end of the Premier League drought in style!

    Check out X’s reactions to Arsenal’s title below and tell us what you thought!

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

    Lifeline for West Ham as Tottenham loss takes Premier League relegation fight to final round

    LONDON (AP) — The fight between West Ham and Tottenham to avoid relegation from the Premier League is headed to the final round.

    Tottenham's 2-1 loss at Chelsea on Tuesday kept alive West Ham's hopes of retaining its 14-year top-flight status.

    With one game remaining, West Ham is in third-to-last place — the final relegation spot — and two points behind Tottenham. They are the only teams who can go down with already-relegated Wolverhampton and Burnley.

    On Sunday, West Ham is at home to Leeds and Tottenham hosts Everton.

    Tottenham has a superior goal difference of 12 compared to West Ham so is highly likely to remain higher if they finish level on points and it comes to that tiebreaker.

    Tottenham has been an ever-present in the Premier League since the competition was founded in 1992 and last played in the second tier in the 1977-78 season.

    ___

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

    What do Tottenham and West Ham need to stay up? Premier League relegation permutations ahead of final day

    Mathys Tel celebrates scoring Tottenham’s goal (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

    The Premier League relegation battle will be decided on the final day with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United battling to avoid the drop.

    Spurs had the chance to seal their safety with a game to spare, but were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

    One point would, barring a mighty goal difference swing, be enough for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, with both they and their relegation rivals at home on the final day.

    Tottenham host Everton while West Ham take on Leeds at the London Stadium with a thrilling battle set to go to the wire.

    With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Position: 17th | Played: 37 | Points: 38 | GD: -10

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 24 May - Everton (H)

    One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with a game to go. Everton have little to play for – though David Moyes may wish to keep his former club up.

    De Zerbi expects the relegation battle to go down to the ‘last minute’ (Getty)
    De Zerbi expects the relegation battle to go down to the ‘last minute’ (Getty)

    West Ham United

    Position: 18th | Played: 37 | Points: 36 | GD: -22

    Remaining fixtures:

    • 24 May - Leeds (H)
    West Ham were dealt a late blow against Arsenal as an equaliser was ruled out (PA Wire)
    West Ham were dealt a late blow against Arsenal as an equaliser was ruled out (PA Wire)

    There is just one game to come for West Ham, though they are, at least, not relegated before they play it. West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs take a point, it will require a goal difference swing that is surely beyond Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

    Naamo chosen for provisional Iraq squad after Finland switch

    Dundee United right-back Dario Naamo has been named in Iraq's provisional World Cup squad after having his request to switch allegiance from Finland approved by world governing body Fifa.

    Born to a Finnish mother and a Kurdish father, he grew up in the Espoo region, where he progressed through the youth academy of local club Honka.

    Naamo, who turned 21 last week, has played at youth level up to under-21s for Finland but makes the switch in time to be considered by head coach Graham Arnold for this summer's finals in the Americas.

    The 35 players will enter a preparatory camp in Spain and will be reduced to 26 on 1 June before facing the Spanish in a friendly three days later.

    Iraq then take on Norway, France and Senegal in Group I.

    Naamo joined United from Austrian club St Polten last summer and has made 21 appearances, although only nine have been starts.

    Mound gems abound in NAC softball

    Mound gems abounded across NAC girls softball action Monday.

    In the NAC West, Hermon-DeKalb blanked Hammond 17-0 and Morristown checked Lisbon 2-0.

    In the NAC East, Norwood-Norfolk bested Chateaugay 20-5 and in the Central Division, Canton quieted Gouverneur 19-3 to take control of the division race while St. Lawrence downed Malone 6-2 and Massena beat OFA 16-6.

    H-D 17 - Hammond 0: Maya Green and Lauren Bishop combined on a 14-strikeout no-hitter and Green stroked three hits to drive in three runs in the Green Demons’ Senior Day game. Peyton Wright and Lauren Holland singled twice and Bishop, Nellie French and Ella Sharpe all singled.

    “It was a nice game on Senior Night, contributions all the way around,” said H-D Coach Bob Bice.

    Morristown 24 - Lisbon 0: Makia Green pitched a one-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and stroked two singles and scored four runs along with Cambree King. Nadia Leagault provided a huge spark in the ninth spot in the MCS batting order with two doubles and a single and five RBIs. Reese Murdock rapped a double and two singles, Scarlett Ritchie doubled and singled and Aria Simons and Khloee Moore singled.

    Arianna Kingsley singled for the lone Lisbon hit.

    Canton 19 - Gouv 3:Tessa Alguire (6 innings) and Elle White (1 inning) combined on a 13 strikeout 3-hitter and Jenna Larrabee belted a homerun and a single to spark the winning offense along with Alguire who tripled and singled and White who singled three times. Hope Dollman singled twice and Elise Harvey and Layla Clifford added singles.

    Arianna Wood Raegan Devlin and Emily Hance singled for Gouverneur.

    SLC 6 - Malone 2: Brianna Williams limited Malone to two hits and Stella Todd belted a homerun and singled for SLC. Mary Cate Dow doubled, Cam Miner singled twice and A. Marcil, Williams, Maddy Bernard and Savannah Jandreau all singled.

    Calleigh Synder doubled for Malone and Cam Keating added a single.

    N-N 20 - Chateaugay 5: Kali Burdette struck out 16 batters as the Flyers stayed unbeaten atop the NAC East standings. Rhylee Conte tripled and singled, Nicolina Frederick and Olivia Plonka lined a double and two singles and Angelina Favreau singled and doubled to lead the winning offense.

    Katelyn Plonka, Claire Shoen, Gabby Brabant and Mackenzie Leashomb all singled.

    Makaya Carosella singled three times for Chateaugay and Ainsley Crawford and Blaylyn Nichols singled.

    Massena 16 - OFA 6: The Blue Devils settled down defensively after an eight-run first inning but couldn’t overcome the fast start by the Raiders who were sparked by three singles by Stella Kelso, two singles by Emma Guslaw and four runs scored by Katie Ledbetter.

    Lauren Bouchard, Amya LaFlair and Lydia Power each singled.

    Canton, OFA post two NAC golf wins

    Canton (7-0) stayed undefeated and OFA lifted its record to 5-4 with two wins in Monday’s NAC golf action.

    In a triangular at Gouverneur, OFA (218) gained wins over Gouverneur (254) and Madrid-Waddington (260).

    Canton (229) hosted Salmon River and an incomplete Morristown team.

    In a dual meet, Malone downed Norwood-Norfolk 215-249.

    Quintin Murphy turned in a medalist round of 40 and Blake Morrill and Grady Pharoah both came in at 43 to lead the Blue Devils to a swept at the meet. Rounding out the winning total was Noah O’Neil at 45 and Gavin Moran at 47.

    JD Minckler led Gouverneur with a 49 and Lane Ayen tallied at 50.

    Boston Murphy led M-W with a 43 and Murphy Burke and Hayden came in at 47 and 49.

    Canton’s Dan Richardson turned in a medalist 38 and Dan O’Neill and Jackson Zebedee posted rounds of 43 and 44. Tehotentian Herne led SR with a 44 and Grant Butler’s 49 led Morristown.

    The Huskies put together a solid team match led by Tanner Andrews at 39, Rylan Patenaude at 40, Ethan Botto at 44 and Elliott Stone at 45. Riley Russell and John Boyce led N-N at 41 and 46.

    OFA girls, Malone boys post intense lacrosse wins

    The OFA girls relied on defense while the Malone boys were constantly on the attack to post wins in Monday’s NAC lacrosse action.

    OFA 8 - PHS 4: The Lady Blue Devils held the Hornets scoreless in the second half and received well-rounded leadership from Brooke Irvine who delivered four goals and one assist and won 11 of 15 draws.

    Quinn Duprey backstopped the win with 11 saves.

    “We played a remarkable second half on defense. We held them scoreless while scoring two goals,” said OFA Coach Jake Jeneault.

    Maddy Costello scored a pair of goals, Quinn Jacobs tallied one goal with one assist, Avery LaPage and Kenna Stull netted one goal and Kyra McCarthy passed out an assist.

    Elizabeth Burnham tallied three goals with one assist for PHS and Alexis Thorton made seven saves in goal.

    Malone 13 - SLLP 12: The Huskies gained an overtime win on Senior Night when both teams maintained high energy on a hot night at Crowner Field.

    “It was a great game to watch and I am very proud of our boys. They were exhausted with the heat for sure but kept on pushing and SLLP never stopped either,” said Malone Coach Chris Yaw.

    Jake Reynolds scored five goals with two assists for Malone and Blake Holthaus scored three goals. Ayden Cox of Malone and Red Storm keeper Charlie Wilson each finished with eight saves.

    Canada Shakes: Montreal Canadiens Fans Trigger Earthquakes Celebrating NHL Playoffs Win Over Buffalo

    The Montreal Canadiens’ 3-2 overtime win on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres literally made the Earth move.

    Might seem smalltime to LA residents, but Natural Resources Canada seismographs registered tremors of 0.5 on on the Richter scale during both the May 16 at-home NHL playoff in the Canadian metropolis and similar shakes during the away game on May 18. According to sensors at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and McQuill University, the multiple small earthquakes and seismic activity occurred during primetime ET goals scored by the Original Six team in their Stanley Cup second round down-to-the-wire battle with the formidable Sabres.

    Both institutions are fairly close to the Canadiens’ Bell Centre home in downtown Montreal. The legendary arena had 21,000 fans inside and 20,000 fans outside on both nights — and they weren’t sitting on their hands, if you know what I mean?

    In moves familiar to Los Angeles residents, Habs supporters commonly riot if their team wins or loses. Like the City of Angels, Montreal sits on a  significant fault line. In the case of the ancient city (by North American standards), it is the Western Quebec Seismic Zone.

    And it can shake and stir.

    Last night, even with the Canadiens winning Game 7 in the 3-3 tied series over the border in Buffalo, seasoned Montreal cops were deployed in force around the Bell Centre and other watch parties.

    The first two goals by Montreal saw a huge reaction by hometown hockey fans with strong seismic reactions. When Canadiens forward Alex Newhook scored the winning goal less than 10 minutes into OT, the célébration by the thousands of fans caused those sensitive sensors to peak again.

    After the game ended, riot police moved in to contain some trash can tossing and fireworks setting fans and chemical gas was unleashed. The Montreal Gazette’s Harry North was on the streets when the celebration (and police reaction) of the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference finals went down.

    Riot police charging at and also deploying some kind of tear gas/chemical irritant against #Habs fans in downtown Montreal pic.twitter.com/liPciquIrg

    — Harry North (@hsnorth_) May 19, 2026

    Heading into the next round against the Carolina Hurricanes with Game 1 on May 21 in Raleigh, NC, the Canadiens are far from the only team to cause a quake or two.

    The 60,400-strong fan jamboree in the May 2025 Premier League title win by Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspurs generated at 1.74 reading when Alexis Mac Allister put The Reds ahead 2-1. Of course, as many a metal and pop fan can tell you, that’s weak sauce. Very weak compared to the 2.3 seismic activity Taylor Swift devotees created in at the ‘Shake It Off’ star’s Seattle shows on July 2023 her Eras tour stop. That could be Emerald City fans — as several Seahawks games have registered such shakes as well.

    BTW – the only team from the Great North still in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, the Canadiens have not won the iconic trophy since 1993. The best of seven games Eastern Conference series will be shown on TNT and truTV.

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    Pitchers answer call as OFA boosts Class B baseball status; MCS, Canton, Pirates win

    OFA’s pitching depth continued to expand Monday as the Blue Devils recorded a third straight Central Division baseball win.

    The Blue Devils continued to boost their Section 10 Class B status with a 16-10 win over Massena while Canton did the same gaining late season momentum with a 8-1 win over Gouverneur.

    In NAC West action, Morristown outscored Lisbon 18-11 in eight innings and Harrisville won its third game in two days with a 10-5 win over Edwards-Knox. The Pirates won a doubleheader against Clifton-Fine on Sunday.

    OFA 16 - Massena 10: Kellen Sutton provided a gritty outing in his first start of the season pitching into the sixth inning against the Raiders. Noah White and Blake Ashley combined to close out the win as the Blue Devils climbed to 6-3 in the Central.

    Blake Ashley lined a double and two singles and Maddox Brenno stroked three singles and scored four runs for OFA. Sutton came through with two hits as the Blue Devils reversed a recent loss to Massena. Cole Mathews doubled and Demsey Sutton singled.

    Conner Murtaugh singled and doubled for Massena, Drake Love singled twice and Gavin Mitchell doubled. Nate Bombard and Mason Deshane added singles.

    Canton 8 - Gouverneur 1: Zadok Roiger hurled a tidy 3-hitter backed by two singles from Paul Ames and a double from Matt Hollenbrook. Roiger, John Gidney and Nate Gidney added singles to the Bears’ cause.

    James Fishel, Warren and Joe Weldon all singled for Gouverneur.

    MCS 18 - Lisbon 11: The Green Rockets scored six runs in the top of the eighth inning to cap a comeback after Lisbon scored eight times in the first two innings. Skylar Black doubled in the eighth inning and Damian Young-Hollister and Ethan Simmons singled in the win.

    “We had a good game but we made some errors in the eighth,” Lisbon Coach Wilson Matos.

    Gabe Smith drilled a homerun and two singles for Lisbon and Kaleb King singled and doubled. Eddy Walker also doubled and Will Pirie and Blake Woods singled. Austin Cutway pitched the last five innings for Morristown striking out 11 and allowing just one walk.

    Harrisville 10 - E-K 5: Jackson Jennack pitched the win and lined two doubles and two singles for the Pirates who also received a double and a single from Jayden Frerichs and a double from Adam Kibling. Devin Labba singled twice.

    Greyson Knox doubled and singled for E-K and Ethan Bressett singled twice.

    Harrisville 7 - C-F 0: Jackson Jennack pitched the shutout and singled and doubled at the plate. Drew Labba, Joe Schrodt and Adam Kibling all singled.

    Harrisville 20 - C-F 4: Adam Kibling pitched the win and drilled two doubles and a single. Jackson Jennack rapped a double and three singles in the victory. Drew Labba and Joe Schrodt doubled.

    High school baseball: South Lewis pounces on Watertown to stretch win streak to 14 straight

    WATERTOWN — The South Lewis baseball team has gotten the jump on opposing teams after moving up to play in the Frontier League’s Division I.

    This proved to be the case again Monday as sparked by Conner Carpenter, the Falcons took another big step.

    Carpenter tripled to lead off the game as South Lewis scored 11 runs over the first three innings to outslug Watertown and record an 18-13 triumph in a division game on a summer-like evening at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds.

    “We love to get up early, we’ve got to jump on them quick and don’t look back — that’s coach (Chad) Brown’s motto,” Carpenter said.

    The Falcons extended their winning streak to 14 games, improving to 15-1, including 11-1 in league play.

    “This is a big win, a big win for us,” Carpenter, a center fielder said. “I mean, they’re a (Class) AA school, Watertown, they have very good hitters on their team. But a big win for South Lewis.”

    Also, South Lewis clinched at least a share of the division title.

    “Coming into the season they’ve worked hard,” South Lewis coach Chad Brown said. “We knew we were going to be playing the A’s and B’s, and that’s been a goal of ours, just to try and come in and play well and just try and win that league.”

    “It’s great, we’re a pretty senior heavy team, so to do that for their last year, it feels great,” Falcons shortstop Kal Cihocki said.

    The game proved to be a slugfest as both teams combined for 35 hits, including 19 from the Cyclones.

    Carpenter, Cihocki and Maddox Morrison each totaled three hits and five different players each drove in a pair of runs for South Lewis.

    After hitting a triple to lead off the game, Carpenter scored on single to right field by Morrison.

    Watertown answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning on an RBI double from Nolan Brown and a run-scoring single to deep center field by Liam Flowers.

    But South Lewis answered by batting around to generate nine runs in the second inning, with Case Allen, Gauge Hartley, Carpenter, Morrison, Cihocki, Robert Dailey and Jackson McCall each delivering RBI singles.

    Watertown didn’t help its cause by committing five errors in the frame.

    “That was probably the worst I’ve seen us play defensively all year,” Watertown coach Riley Moonan said. “So we definitely dug ourselves in a hole there, but they easily could have just thrown in the towel and call it a day, but we definitely tried battling back there. But we made just one too many mistakes in the field to really kind of force a comeback.”

    After the Cyclones got a run back on an RBI single from Eddie Hayden in the bottom of the inning, the Falcons scored a run in third to push the lead to 11-3.

    Watertown responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning on RBI singles from Ben Hopperstad-Bartlett and Flowers to pull within 11-5.

    “I tell you what, Watertown, they didn’t die, they didn’t go away, they kept at it and did a nice job,” Brown said. “But we seemed to answer, also, that was the thing, they would put a couple runs up, but we would match them with a couple runs, that’s sort of how the whole game went.”

    South Lewis plated three more runs in the fourth, keyed by a two-run triple from Cihocki, to lead 14-5 and added two runs in the fifth and single runs in both the sixth and seventh.

    “Those guys, one through nine, they put their bats on the ball, they’re good hitters,” Moonan said of South Lewis. “You really have to give them credit.”

    The Cyclones didn’t go quietly by scoring three runs in the fourth inning on RBI single from Brown and a two-run triple by Hopperstad-Bartlett and five more in the fifth as Hayden belted a three-run home run over the left-field wall.

    Despite mounting its comeback bid, Watertown (7-11, 5-7) also made 11 total errors.

    Hayden and Brown each went 4-for-5 on the day, with Brown hitting a double, and drove in four and three runs, respectively, for the Cyclones, while Hopperstad-Bartlett went 3-for-3 and drove in three runs of his own.

    The Cyclones had won three of their previous five games, with victories against Beaver River, South Jefferson and Carthage.

    “We have a fairly young team, we’ll only graduate two, so there’s going to be growing pains,” Moonan said. “But they’re starting to play better together as a unit and without a doubt, the talent is there. We’ve just to be able to put it together whether one day we’re playing great defense and our bats aren’t there, or like today our bats were there but our defense was not.

    “We’ve got to consistently play defense and offense at a high level on a day-to-day basis in order to be more successful in the future.”

    South Lewis has traditionally played in the league’s “C” Division, but after the program moved up to Class B this year, it also chose to compete in Division I.

    “We’ve been working hard, so we deserve to get a chance at a higher level,” Cihocki said. “And now that we’re here, we’re playing the best that we can.”

    “I think we’re just all around playing pretty well,” Brown said. “When you talk about putting the ball in play and make things happen, also, our pitchers are throwing strikes and defensively we’re playing OK. Tonight we had a couple blunders, but things happen and that’s the game.”

    The Falcons hope to earn one of the top seeds in upcoming sectional play, perhaps even snaring a No. 1 seeding for the tournament, which begins next week.

    “We’ve been in the C’s for years and with the cut number we have to play in the B’s,” Brown said. “It’s working out for us, we’re playing OK right now.”

    “It’s been a while for us, so really to have a great season like we have now, everybody’s pretty excited about it,” Cihocki said.

    The Falcons and Cyclones will square off again at 5 p.m. Wednesday at South Lewis, also in league play.

    “Pretty crazy,” Carpenter said of the team playing in Division I. “But we’ve been playing well, our pitchers have been throwing great and our hitters have been phenomenal.”

    Guardiola swerves Man City exit talk as title hopes ended

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured at Bournemouth (Glyn KIRK)

    Pep Guardiola said he would speak to Manchester City's hierarchy after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended his team's hopes of winning the Premier League.

    The result at the Vitality Stadium confirmed Arsenal as champions after a 22-year wait.

    Widespread reports on Monday said City boss Guardiola would stand down after Sunday's final Premier League game against Aston Villa.

    City have yet to respond publicly to the speculation.

    "I could say that I have one year of my contract and the conversations I've had for many, many years. From my experience, when you announce whatever you announce during the competition, it's a bad result," Guardiola told Sky Sports.

    "You understand the first person I have to talk to is my chairman. We decide when we finish the season, we'll sit down and we'll talk. It's as simple as that and after we'll take the decision."

    "Listen, I have one year of contract. It's different. 

    "I will not tell you here, because I have to talk with my chairman, with my players, with my staff, because when we play for the FA Cup, when we play for the Premier League, it's just one thing in my mind and focus, to try to bring the team to the highest point."

    The departure of Guardiola, who has a year remaining on his current deal, would bring to an end one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history.

    Since the 55-year-old's appointment in 2016, City have won 20 trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

    Guardiola's former assistant Enzo Maresca is understood to have been lined up to replace him, having been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the start of the year.

    jw/bsp 

    The key moments that decided the Premier League title race

    Arsenal's wait is over.

    After 22 long years, the Gunners can finally celebrate another Premier League title.

    The disappointment of three consecutive second-placed finishes can now be put behind them as Mikel Arteta's side successfully held off the challenge of Manchester City to be crowned champions.

    BBC Sport looks at the key moments that helped turn Arsenal from nearly men to league winners.

    Arsenal add depth in summer spree

    Viktor Gyokeres poses with the home shirt alongside sporting director Andrea Berta after signing for Arsenal
    Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal in July 2025 after two seasons at Sporting [Getty Images]

    Having seen Liverpool's strength in depth praised as they strolled to the title last season, clinching it with four games to spare, Arsenal were keen to add to their squad over the summer.

    In total, eight new players were added to the squad, with out-of-contract midfielder Thomas Partey the only first-team regular to depart.

    Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres was the headline signing, arriving from Portuguese side Sporting for £64m, giving Gunners fans the number nine they had long been calling for.

    Meanwhile, central midfielder Martin Zubimendi joined from Real Sociedad, the defence was bolstered by the loan signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie and Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze moved across London from Chelsea and Crystal Palace, respectively.

    An outlay in excess of £250m, with little recouped through sales, was substantial but as the season has progressed, the importance of those additions has been proven.

    With a league title now secured and a Champions League final still to come, it is looking like money well spent.

    Martinelli equalises to deny City

    Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrates a late equalising goal against Manchester City at Emirates Stadium
    Gabriel Martinelli earned Arsenal a crucial point against title rivals Manchester City in September [Getty Images]

    It came in just the fifth game of the season but as important as Gabriel Martinelli's 93rd-minute equaliser against City felt back in September, it looks even more crucial now.

    A three-point swing in a title race that ultimately went Arsenal's way.

    Back then, it was more a feeling of relief for Arsenal as they denied Pep Guardiola's side a statement win and narrowed the gap to early leaders Liverpool to five points.

    Having taken an early lead through Erling Haaland, it was notable that City were content to sit back for much of the second half - Guardiola even switched to a back five - as they backed themselves to keep out an Arsenal side lacking any real creativity.

    Had they held on a couple of minutes more, this game would have been viewed much differently - Guardiola showing a new string to his bow with a defensive masterclass against a title rival.

    Instead, it was Arsenal's new-found strength in depth being praised as that creative spark finally came in stoppage time with substitutes Eze and Martinelli combining to draw the home side level.

    Gabriel completes late turnaround at Newcastle

    Arsenal's Gabriel celebrates his late winner against Newcastle at St James' Park
    Gabriel's winner at Newcastle came in the 96th minute [Getty Images]

    A week later and Arsenal were celebrating in injury time again.

    Trips to St James' Park have not been kind to Arteta's side in recent years, with three losses and no goals scored in their previous three visits.

    So when Nick Woltemade put Newcastle ahead in the first half of an ill-tempered game, in which Arsenal also had a penalty overturned by VAR, the away fans may have feared the worst.

    However, Mikel Merino headed Arsenal level in the 84th minute and when Gabriel nodded in from a 96th-minute corner, Gunners fans, players and staff went wild.

    After Liverpool's slip up at Crystal Palace the previous day, suddenly Arsenal were only two points off the top.

    Eze hat-trick sees off Spurs as Gunners go six clear

    Two months on and after a run of 10 straight wins in all competitions, including eight in a row without conceding, Arsenal were top of the table and flying high.

    A 2-2 draw at Sunderland ended that run but the Gunners came into November's north London derby with the chance to go six points clear after City fell to a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle on Tyneside.

    Any thoughts Tottenham had of landing a blow to dent their rivals' title hopes soon faded as Arsenal went into the break 2-0 up and made it three seconds into the second half.

    Richarlison got one back for Spurs but the Gunners had the final word, with the crowning moment fittingly belonging to Eze, who so nearly joined Thomas Frank's side in the summer before signing for Arsenal.

    The England midfielder sealed the win as he completed his first senior hat-trick to give Arsenal their biggest advantage after 12 games of any Premier League campaign.

    Derby defeat compounds City's poor start to 2026

    As Patrick Dorgu wheeled away having nipped in front of Rico Lewis to put the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Manchester derby was over.

    United were two goals up at Old Trafford and City were headed for a new low as a dismal start to the new year continued.

    Having clawed their way back into contention over the Christmas period, Guardiola's side failed to win any of their first four league games in 2026.

    A stalemate at Sunderland was followed by dropped points at home to Chelsea and Brighton, allowing Arsenal - despite a couple of slip-ups of their own - to take a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

    Gabriel escapes red card for 'headbutt' on Haaland

    By April, the gap was still at six points but a game in hand for City meant, as Arsenal arrived for a top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad, both sides could claim the title was in their hands.

    It was City who emerged from a thrilling game victorious with Erling Haaland scoring the winner 20 minutes into the second half.

    But perhaps the most crucial moment came late on as a game-long battle between Haaland and Gabriel finally boiled over.

    The pair squared up and moved forehead to forehead before the Arsenal centre-back jerked his head forward. That Haaland stayed on his feet likely saved Gabriel from a red card.

    Admirable as that approach from Haaland may be, it did Arsenal a huge favour as a sending off for violent conduct would have left Arteta's team without one of their star defenders for the next three games.

    Guehi mishap costs City at Everton

    Manchester City's Marc Guehi with Erling Haaland
    Manchester City came back to draw 3-3 at Everton [Getty Images]

    Victory for City at Burnley put them top of the league on goals scored.

    By the time they played their next Premier League game - at Everton - Arsenal had already played twice more and were six points clear.

    Win their games in hand and City would draw level, but Arsenal had the points on the board.

    But there was no sign of scoreboard pressure telling at the Hill Dickinson and when Jeremy Doku put the visitors in front just before half-time, few would have looked past an away win.

    That was still the case as Marc Guehi controlled the ball inside his own penalty area in the 68th minute.

    One under-hit backpass later and it was a very different story. Thierno Barry nipped in to equalise for Everton and the game changed.

    David Moyes' side scored three in the space of 13 minutes and although City managed to claw it back to earn a point deep into stoppage time with a 3-3 draw, two points dropped meant it was advantage Arsenal again.

    Raya's vital save and VAR controversy

    On paper, a trip to a West Ham side scrapping to avoid relegation looked the toughest of Arsenal's last three fixtures.

    It was a game Arteta's men needed to win to avoid letting City back in but they struggled to break the Hammers' stubborn resistance.

    The game was still goalless when West Ham midfielder Matheus Fernandes arrived to collect a loose ball, played a one-two with Pablo and found himself six yards out with just David Raya to beat.

    Fernandes tried to beat the keeper at his near post but Raya stuck out his right leg to make a brilliant save from point-blank range and ensure the scores remained level heading into the last 10 minutes.

    That Raya save looked all the more important when Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal ahead in the 83rd minute.

    But the game was far from over and with time running out, West Ham piled forward in search of an equaliser.

    Gabriel made a huge block to keep out Callum Wilson's shot but the West Ham striker would get another chance from the resulting corner - smashing the ball through the bodies to score a stunning injury-time leveller.

    Or so he thought.

    The video assistant referee (VAR) stepped in and after a lengthy review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on Raya as Pablo had his arm across the goalkeeper's chest and was holding his left arm.

    A number of other potential infringements, including penalty shouts for fouls by Trossard and Declan Rice, were considered and waved away meaning that while West Ham - and likely Manchester City - fumed, Arsenal clung on.

    Report: New PGA Tour schedule could have 16 'elevated' events with 120-man fields

    The future of the PGA Tour is beginning to become a bit clearer.

    In a report published Tuesday by Josh Carpenter with Sports Business Journal, several details were laid out about what changes might be made to the Tour's schedule in the coming years. Sources told Carpenter that the "concept of a plan" was presented to players during a meeting two weeks ago at the Truist Championship.

    A detailed view of a PGA Tour logo prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California.

    The plan was consistent with what PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said during a press conference prior to the Players Championship in March: A two-tiered system, or, as Rolapp called them, "two tracks." According to Carpenter's sources, the new "first track" schedule would feature 16 elevated regular-season events, three playoff events and, of course, the four major tournaments, resulting in a total of 23 events for the year. Unlike the current model, which features eight signature events with fields consisting of 70-80 players, the 16 regular-season events on "track 1" would have 120-man fields.

    Along with the restructured schedule would come expansion into more major markets — something Rolapp said in March was a big priority for him as CEO. Sources told Carpenter the Tour is considering cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, Nashville, San Francisco and Seattle as potential hosts.

    As for "track 2," Carpenter reports that those tournaments would feature around 140 players, but beyond that, the plan for those events remains unclear, as does their impact on existing developmental circuits like the Korn Ferry Tour or the PGA Tour Americas.

    Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, speaks to the media prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

    Of course, all of this seems tentative, and sources emphasized the fact that these plans have not been finalized and could still change. Carpenter reported that the PGA Tour declined his request for comment.

    More player meetings are reportedly set to be held this week during the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, and Rolapp is expected to address the media again at some point in the lead-up to the Travelers Championship, which runs June 25-28, following a PGA Tour board meeting scheduled for the same week.

    As of May 19, the PGA Tour has 13 events scheduled for the 2027 season. Both Hawaii tournaments, which have served as a kickoff to the season for many years, are confirmed to be discontinued. Other than that, the Tour's 2027 calendar looks quite similar to this season's, but it still has a ways to go in filling out the schedule.

    This article originally appeared on Golfweek: PGA Tour informs players of tentative plan for new schedule, per report

    The night kayfabe cracked: 30 years ago, WWE's most infamous hug changed pro-wrestling forever

    Pro wrestling history has plenty of notorious bumps and bruises over the years. But if it's a notorious hug that you're looking for … well, there will only ever be one of those. And it happened 30 years ago today.

    In the decades that followed, plenty of ink has been spilled about the event known as the Curtain Call — a small gesture after a WWE (then WWF) event on May 19, 1996 that would have been unremarkable in practically any other sport. Four men — Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall — opting to close that night's show with a group hug in the ring following an untaped house show in New York.

    Naturally, hugs don't come around every week in wrestling, but there was at least some context. For years, the four men involved had worked together in WWF, forming close friendships as they helped revive the promotion from its post-Hulk Hogan lull. Now Hall and Nash were set to depart for WCW, the rival show backed by the recently departed Ted Turner. The companies themselves were bitter rivals, but the talents themselves were friends. So why not mark the occasion with a gesture of comradeship?

    On the face of it, it sounds innocent enough. But in the world of pro-wrestling, which has long enforced the rules of kayfabe — i.e. the pretense that what happens in the ring is its own reality — it was an instant scandal. In one small gesture, the men had committed one of the cardinal sins of wrestling: Acknowledging that the good guys and bad guys actually got along just fine.

    Add in the fact they did it at Madison Square Garden — the closest thing to hallowed ground in Vince McMahon's WWF — and you can see why some veterans in the business instantly regarded the whole thing as nothing short of sacrilegious. One WWF lifer, Gerald Brisco, apparently responded to the incident by driving his boot full force into the backstage furniture.

    Sure, if we're being sensible about the whole thing in 2026, we should admit that the huggers had some mitigation — not least the fact that they waited to embark on their risky plan on an untelevised WWF show. But deep down, we all know that the excuses count for nothing: This is the world of kayfabe, and kayfabe doesn't care about your feelings.

    The backstage blowback to the incident was very real. Incensed by the provocation, Vince McMahon effectively demoted Triple H — one of the two members of the group who was staying with WWF — dropping plans to crown him as King of the Ring later that year. (At the time, the King of the Ring tournament was still a massive deal and a surefire route to the world title scene.)

    Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

    For all the notoriety surrounding the incident, though, it's interesting that McMahon’s fury didn't actually last that long. Within 18 months, the WWF was even acknowledging the controversy — albeit obliquely — within its own storylines. By the time the mid-2000s rolled around, it was considered fine to joke about it. A few years ago, WWE even published a light-hearted interview with all four men involved.

    It probably helped that, at least in retrospect, the Curtain Call came and went with a massive dose of serendipity on its side. The fact that Triple H was passed over for that year's King of the Ring led to Vince McMahon choosing to push another up-and-comer: A 31-year-old Texan named "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. When Austin won, he went on to deliver his legendary "3:16" promo, giving WWF one of its most iconic lines in history.

    Of course, things worked out pretty well for Triple H himself. These days he's not only a multi-time world champion but also one of WWE's most powerful executives. If he wants to make cutesy-cute jokes about the incident on Andrew Schulz's podcast, who exactly is going to stop him?

    Yet for all the revisionism, we shouldn't lose sight of what a massive indiscretion the Curtain Call really was at the time. If anything, the real proof of its infamy is the fact of how rare it remains. All of those taboos that Triple H and company violated when taking matters into their own hands? Most of them are still very firmly in place in the modern WWE.

    Sure, kayfabe may have evolved over the years, to the extent that it's now fine to discuss pro-wrestling storylines on the “WWE Unreal” series on Netflix. But the idea that what happens in the ring is part of the show — and thus should be protected as such at all practical costs? That is still very much core to the entire pro-wrestling product.

    Even when what happens in kayfabe runs very close to reality, the former has to take precedence. What does that mean in reality? Think back to when Cody Rhodes first won his world title back at WrestleMania XL in 2024. Of course we all knew those scenes of him celebrating with other talents were about as real as it gets. But WWE made sure only to send the babyfaces — i.e. the kayfabe good guys — out to join the party.

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 7: Cody Rhodes celebrates with Family and Friends during Night Two of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 7, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
    Cody Rhodes is surrounded by kayfabe babyfaces after winning the WWE title at WrestleMania 40.
    WWE via Getty Images

    Any grown adult would have known full well that someone like Paul Heyman — a man who had worked closely with Rhodes’ father — would be just as stoked to see Rhodes finally getting his moment. But we also know that Heyman is a pro-wrestling lifer; you'd sooner see him signing up for one of those 50% TKO paycuts rather than break kayfabe.

    On the rare occasions where WWE does bend the rules, you soon feel the instinctive resistance. One of the reasons a lot of us disliked The Rock's appearance on the Netflix premiere back in January 2025 was that his whole promo seemed to be coming from Dwayne Johnson — i.e. the real-life entertainment magnate and TKO board member — rather than the “Final Boss” character who we actually wanted to see.

    I mean, come on … to have The Rock congratulating Cody Rhodes — the man he had flogged with a belt in the pouring rain just a few months earlier — for carrying the company on his back as WWE champion? You should be saving that sort of stuff for the red carpet jamboree or the TKO boardroom, not for the start of a pro-wrestling show where the two men are meant to be adversaries.

    Obviously, these things can sound silly in isolation. I can just imagine how some non-wrestling fans might respond to these kinds of grumbles. ("Wait, do you guys need your heroes and villains to stay in character at all times? And you wonder why they call wrestling fake…") But deep down, we know why they matter. Every time someone takes liberties with these things, they're essentially unpicking another stitch that holds the product together. Do it too often and the whole thing will come apart.

    That was true at the time 30 years ago on that fateful night in MSG and it's equally true now. For all Triple H's joking about the Curtain Call years after the event, you know that he wouldn't hesitate to enforce the same rules if something like that happened today (unless, perhaps, the culprit happened to be on the TKO board). If you care about pro-wrestling, you should probably hope that it always stays that way.

    Florida State offers linebacker prospect in Texas

    As the Florida State Seminoles look for more talent at the linebacker position in the 2027 recruiting cycle to go along with four-star Gregory Batson, they have found a new target in the state of Texas. They have extended an offer to three-star Cam Pettijohn.

    "AGTG blessed to receive an offer from florida state!!," Pettijohn wrote on social media.

    The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has seen his recruitment take off tremendously this month. He's received offers from the Colorado Buffaloes, Auburn Tigers, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Kansas Jayhawks during that time.

    Pettijohn is coming off a monster junior season at Plano Prestonwood Christian High School. He registered 111 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 12 games.

    The 247Sports composite rankings have listed Pettijohn as the No. 1,313 overall recruit and the No. 120 linebacker in the country. He's the No. 164 prospect in the state of Texas as well.

    #AGTG blessed to receive an offer from florida state!! @Coach_Norvell@ThomsenChris@ErnieSims34pic.twitter.com/YVG4tUTmuM

    — Cam “Major” Pettijohn ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆LB (@Campettijohn) May 18, 2026

    Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience

    This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Florida State extends offer to LB Cam Pettijohn

    Three Tar Heels remain in ESPN's post-NBA Combine Mock Draft

    The 2026 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, with a pair of Tar Heels expected to hear their names called, lus the possibility for a third.

    Most of the current Draft debate surrounds the lottery picks, with Caleb Wilson battling Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson for the Top 4 spots. Thought Wilson's game is arguably this bunch's most NBA-ready, Wilson will go Top 5 regardless.

    In ESPN's latest mock draft, which comes after the recently-completed NBA Combine, Wilson goes fourth overall to the Chicago Bulls.

    Joining Wilson in the latest mock are Henri Veesaar, projected 25th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers and Matt Able, mocked 33rd overall to the Brooklyn Nets.

    Here's what NBA Draft analyst Jeremy Woo had to say about Wilson, who quickly proved himself amongst college basketball's elite, before two separate injuries shortened his promising freshman season:

    "As expected, Wilson tested well vertically and posted good measurements," Woo writes. "However, he weighed in at just 211 pounds, making him more of a true power forward positionally for the time being. Although he's broadly viewed as the fourth player in this top group, there are plenty of people around the NBA who rate him higher and are enamored with his upside. Chicago looks like a friendly backstop for him."

    Veesaar, who consistently recorded double-doubles while starting all 31 of his UNC appearances, formed the country's top frontcourt duo with Wilson.

    Coming off a productive season, he has built solid first-round momentum, measuring as one of the tallest players at the combine," Woo writes about Veesaar. "As a near 7-footer who shot 42.6% from 3 last season, he projects as a functional rotation big man with a more tangible floor-spacing profile than the other centers in the class. The Lakers lack wing defenders and also need help at center, something they could address with this pick, depending on which players fall here. Veesaar could figure into their rotation next season."

    Able is the greatest wildcard here. Slated to start in Michael Malone's first lineup as North Carolina head coach, Able thrived at the NBA Combine, but is currently projected as an early, second-round selection.

    Able averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign, appearing in all 34 games for NC State. Able shot 41.6 percent from the field, including a 35.5% mark on 3-pointers, while sinking free throws at a 79.6% clip.

    Wilson and Veesaar are guaranteed gone, while Able staying a Tar Heel almost certainly boosts his future Draft stock. It's exciting to know that regardless of where Wilson, Veesaar and maybe Able land, they're all catching the eyes of NBA teams.

    Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

    This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Three Tar Heels in ESPN's updated mock NBA draft

    2026 NBA Draft rumors: AJ Dybantsa not a lock at No. 1, center Aday Mara climbing fast

    We are a little over a month away from the NBA Draft, and rumors are starting to fly around. Here are some of the latest — and also check out the latest NBC Sports Mock Draft.

    AJ Dybantsa not lock to go No. 1

    AJ Dybantsa helped his cause at the NBA Draft Combine — he was everything teams expected, and his 42-inch vertical leap solidified him as one of the best pure athletes in the draft. Which is why most teams have the BYU wing on top of their draft boards, projected to go No. 1.

    But it's not a lock that Dybantsa goes first, reports Jeremy Woo at ESPN.

    Rival teams don't view Dybantsa as a lock to go first, however, as there has been no true consensus No. 1 among scouts all season. Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson are all expected to receive consideration as the Wizards go through their process.

    With all due respect to Boozer and Wilson, if it's not Dybantsa at No. 1, it will be Darryn Peterson out of Kansas — he was the guy on top of draft boards before the season, and scouts have told NBC Sports he still has the highest ceiling of the group. What has dropped Peterson's stock in the eyes of most teams is health concerns in a season where he yo-yoed in and out of the Jayhawks' lineup due to cramping and other injuries. Scouts and front office people have told NBC Sports they want to see Peterson's medical reports, and ESPN's Woo echoes that, also reporting Peterson did well in his combine interviews with teams.

    NBA teams are still awaiting the results of Peterson's medical evaluation, which is viewed around the league as the most important off-court piece after he dealt with serious cramping concerns, which he attributed to high dosages of creatine. According to team sources, Peterson came across as quiet but serious in interviews last week and handled that part of the process well, addressing questions about his strange season.

    One thing is clear out of the Combine: Those top four — Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson — are considered by teams in their own tier, something Woo and others at the combine report.

    Other draft notes

    • Aday Mara climbing. One of the winners of the draft combine, Michigan center Aday Mara is climbing draft boards, and it's not out of the question that he could be the surprise pick that disrupts the run on point guards expected in picks 5-8 (Brooklyn at No. 6 reportedly is taking a look). The Spanish native had physical measurements at the combine similar to Zach Edey — 7'3" with a 9'9" standing reach — and he showed during the season (and reminded everyone at the combine) that he moves well for a man his size.
    • Don't expect Jazz to trade up for Dybantsa. It's easy to see why the speculation started: Dybantsa went to prep school in Utah, then attended BYU for college — a place that owner Ryan Smith, as well as team president Danny Ainge and GM Austin Ainge, all have ties. And, it would be a hit with the fan base. However, multiple reports — including Sarah Todd of The Deseret News — say the same thing: Don't expect the Jazz to move up to No. 1. The price to swap picks with Washington to go No. 1 and ensure the Jazz get Dybantsa is likely a quality young player — the Wizards reportedly really liked Ace Baley a year ago — and another first-round pick. Unless the Jazz rate Dybantsa on his own tier and well above anyone else in the draft — and as noted above, that's not how anybody sees it — then the price is far too steep to play that game.
    • Kings eye Darius Acuff Jr. The lottery gods were not kind to the Sacramento Kings — again — but they could still land a difference maker at No. 7. Sacramento reportedly is interested in Arkansas' Darius Acuff, reports Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. There is a real logic to this: the Kings need someone to inspire the fan base (and help them win games), and all you need to know about Acuff is that Allen Iverson says Acuff reminds him of him. He's just fun to watch. Acuff is a dynamic scorer who can play on or off the ball and is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game.
    • Bucks acting like a team about to get another pick. Milwaukee has one pick in the first round, No. 10, but they are acting like a team that is going to make multiple picks in this draft, reports ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. If, as widely expected, Milwaukee trades Giannis Antetokounmpo before the draft, that will very likely come with a pick this season from whichever team lands the two-time MVP. Consider it another sign that the Bucks are serious about making a deal this time around.

    WNBA corrects Caitlin Clark assists figure vs. Mystics, sets record

    After recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists in the Indiana Fever's 89-78 win over the Seattle Storm, Hawkeyes legend Caitlin Clark extended her WNBA record for career games with at least 20 points and 10 assists to 12.

    Clark set the record in unconventional fashion. After an uproar from fans and then an official request from the Fever to the WNBA league office to review the film of its 104-102 overtime loss against the Washington Mystics, the WNBA corrected Clark's stat line from the May 15 contest.

    Two assists that hadn't been credited were subsequently added to Clark's box score, making her stat line 32 points and 10 assists against the Mystics.

    With her performance against the Mystics, Clark broke a tie with Courtney Vandersloot for the most career WNBA games with at least 20 points and 10 assists. At the rate Clark is going and with how early she is in her career, this figures to be a record that she just might make untouchable one day.

    🐐 @CaitlinClark22https://t.co/wTflXXWla1

    — Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) May 18, 2026

    "I always take pride in being able to set my teammates up for success," Clark said. "That allows our team to really get flowing, and I can do a really good job of that. I only played 23 minutes tonight, and I had 10 assists, so I think it shows the potential of what this team can do offensively.

    "They've got to make the shots for me to get the assist, so half of it is them, and I've got to set them up for success."

    On Sunday, Clark registered her fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points and five assists, tying her for the longest streak to start a season in WNBA history. 

    12th career game with 20+ PTS and 10+ AST for Caitlin Clark tonight.

    two more than any other player in @WNBA history 😈 pic.twitter.com/LHMYT72whq

    — Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 18, 2026

    Perhaps most importantly, it seems like Clark is finding her shooting touch.

    "Sometimes as a shooter, you can overthink when things aren't going your way,” Clark said. “I knew I was going to break through at some point, and it was good to see them go in. But in my head, just telling myself to let it fly. Don't hold onto it, don't aim it, just shoot it."

    Up next for Clark and the Fever is Wednesday night's matchup against fellow Hawkeye legend Megan Gustafson and the newly-formed Portland Fire (2-2) in their inaugural meeting at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

    That game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff and will be nationally broadcast on the USA Network.

    Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

    This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: WNBA corrects Caitlin Clark assists figure vs. Mystics, sets record

    Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League: Post-match reaction, ratings

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Andrey Santos of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Enzo Fernandez after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) | Chelsea FC via Getty Images

    Both teams had something to play for, but only Chelsea seemed to want to do something about it at first, with the visitors offering very little, outside of a few enterprising runs from Mathys Tel, who seemed to be under the impression that it was 30°C outside and really needed to tuck up one leg of his shorts. Didn’t help his finishing, that’s for sure.

    Chelsea weren’t particularly dangerous either, and the game featured zero shots on target from either side through the first quarter hour. But Chelsea were the better side, and we got our reward through Enzo Fernández, who showed off some rarely seen shooting skill from range to give us the 1-0 lead on 18 minutes.

    That would be all for the first half, with the second half then continuing on in similar vein. Spurs did start coming forward a bit more to look for that point to save themselves from relegation, but that left a bit more space for Chelsea as well. And we would take advantage of that as Enzo turned provided to set up Andrey Santos and give us the 2-0 lead halfway through the period.

    Alas, Spurs would quickly get one back through a scuffed backheel attempt finding its way to a wide open Richarlison, setting up a slightly nervy final 15 minutes. Jorrel Hato made one tremendous last ditch tackle on Spurs’ best chance, and that Maddison chance was thankfully the closest Spurs would get to an equalizer.

    Things got a bit heated in the final minutes, not unsurprisingly, and at one point we spent a solid two minutes just wrestling in the penalty area on a defensive corner,

    • Back to a back-four with Fofana and Hato in the center and Colwill rested for workload concerns
    • Acheampong’s first start in 13 games
    • Our first Premier League win in two and a half months
    • Alas, Man City failed to beat Bournemouth in the other game today, which means that Champions League is now officially out of our reach (and it also means Arsenal are champions)
    • Europa League or Conference League assured with a win on the final day however
    • Spurs still not quite safe from relegation
    • Next up: Sunderland away on the final day of the season
    • KTBFFH

    PLAYER RATINGS:

    Aaron Rodgers’ Teammates Were Kept In The Dark About His NFL Future

    Aaron Rodgers with Steelers teammate.
    MEGA

    Don’t count Aaron Rodgers out. Days ago, it was reported that the 4X MVP signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers after previously stating the 2025 season would likely be his last. After making an appearance on the Steelers’ practice field on Monday, May 18, several of his teammates spoke about his return, saying they were kept in the dark about his offseason moves.

    Steelers Players Said They Were Left In The Dark About Aaron Rodgers And His 2026 Plans

    Aaron Rodgers at 2023 Tony Awards-Red Carpet
    RCF / MEGA

    According to several reports, including ESPN and Steelers PR, Rodgers reached a one-year deal with the team worth up to $25 million just days ago.

    The signing comes after the Pittsburgh-based team placed a UFA tender on the athlete, giving the organization the chance to receive a compensatory draft pick if he signed elsewhere.

    At practice, Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr. opened up about Rodgers’ return, saying, “He never told me anything. I learned from Twitter before he told me.”

    Pittman Jr., a USC alum, said he was hopeful the Super Bowl champion would return before announcing his comeback on his own terms. “Aaron is going to do what Aaron wants to do, right?”

    Other Steelers Players React To Aaron Rodgers Signing On The Dotted Line For Another Year In The League

    Aaron Rodgers in a blue tux
    MEGA

    In addition to Pittman Jr., Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu said he, too, learned about the athlete’s return via social media.

    “I opened the app and saw Pat McAfee post it, and I said, ‘Here we go,'” he said, revealing that most of the team learned of the news around the same time.

    A Steelers defensive player shared a similar sentiment, saying the superstar athlete has a “mysterious” vibe.

    “Shoot, that’s just who he is,” Alex Highsmith said. “He’s mysterious, but he’s one heck of a teammate. It’s just who he is. He is a great dude.”

    Aaron Rodgers Teased 2025 Would Be His Last Season

    Aaron Rodgers
    MEGA

    According to Steelers PR, Rodgers started in 16 of 17 games in 2025, missing one due to injury. The 21-year veteran completed 327 of 498 passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

    Over his decades-long career, Rodgers has appeared in over 260 games, starting in 257 of them. He’s completed 5,696 of 8,743 passes for 66,274 yards and 527 touchdowns.

    In June 2025, Rodgers spoke with Pat McAfee before the start of the season, saying he believed it was his last.

    “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had,” he said.

    He went on to say that he’s enjoyed his “20 fricking years” in the league, adding that finishing his career with the Steelers was the best place for him.

    Steelers Dealt With Change After The 2025 Season

    Aaron Rodgers.
    MEGA

    Another reason Rodgers’ return to the Steelers might’ve surprised his teammates was because of his emotional response to former head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down.

    According to a previous report from The Blast, sources said that Tomlin’s announcement to the team “felt like a funeral,” and that Rodgers had an emotional reaction, saying “no” repeatedly.

    In the past, Rodgers praised Tomlin as a coach and said his position with the organization played a role in his signing with the team.

    “Mike T. has had more success than damn near anybody in the league for the last 19, 20 years,” Rodgers said. “And more than that, though, when you have the right guy and the culture is right, you don’t think about making a change, but there’s a lot of pressure that comes from the outside and obviously that sways decisions from time to time. But it’s not how I would do things and not how the league used to be.”

    Rodgers Broke His Silence On Teammates’ Fight With Fan

    Aaron Rodgers posing on the red carpet.
    MEGA

    Before that, Rodgers broke his silence on his teammate, DK Metcalf, being suspended for two games after appearing to strike a heckling fan.

    While it’s unclear what the fan said, numerous reports claimed that the man, identified as Ryan Kennedy, repeatedly called Metcalf by his government name.

    “I think there’s a mindset that you pay for a ticket, you say whatever the heck you want. I think there should be some code of conduct,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, [what Kennedy did] was intentional, and I think there was some celebration afterwards on his part.”

    While Rodgers condemned Metcalf’s alleged actions, the quarterback also said that his teammate had his full “support.”

    “The truth is that that would never happen face to face. You know, even some of the people that hate me the most in the cities that I’ve played against over the years, especially in the NFC North, it’s always pretty cordial when you see some of those people out and about,” he said.

    The Aaron Rodgers’ Teammates Were Kept In The Dark About His NFL Future first appeared on The Blast

    Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham: Blues keep West Ham afloat heading into final day

    Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham: Blues keep West Ham afloat heading into final day
    Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham: Blues keep West Ham afloat heading into final day

    Enzo Fernández scored and assisted as Chelsea extended Tottenham’s run of just a single victory in 41 matches at Stamford Bridge with a clinical 2-0 win to prevent their rivals West Ham from being relegated with one match remaining.

    Enzo Fernández drove home from range to put Chelsea within touching distance of the Europa Conference League, a trophy they currently still hold, before Andrey Santos swept in a second after Randall Kolo Muani’s poor giveaway after the break.

    Richarlison found himself unmarked to steer in a lifeline for Chelsea inside the final 20 minutes, but his side fell short of completing the fightback and earning the point that would have ended the Hammers’ 14-year stay in the top flight.

    As it happened

    Spurs started brightly despite the torrid record at Stamford Bridge and almost found a priceless goal when Mathys Tel rose to meet an accurate cross by Pedro Porro 11 minutes in, but his header instead clattered the upright.

    Following Cole Palmer’s warning shot that was parried by Antonín Kinsky, the keeper was no match for Fernández smashing a dipping strike into the net to open the scoring as Pedro Neto skipped infield unchallenged and shifted the ball across.

    Chelsea were in their groove approaching the half-hour mark, as Moises Caicedo’s lovely through ball set Marc Cucurella away and the Spaniard picked out Liam Delap only for the towering striker to curl well wide.

    Blues captain Fernández then went within inches of his second goal when his free kick hit the crossbar, taken from a tight angle on the left – chances were mounting for the hosts while Spurs saw few and far between during the opening 45 minutes.

    Spurs resembled the side that found themselves in the bottom three after De Zerbi’s first game in charge when Kolo Muani aimed a pass back towards his half and gave it straight to Palmer.

    The number 10 drove forward and picked out Fernández to the left of goal, who aimed a cushioned pass across towards Santos and the Brazilian midfielder caressed the shot past Kinsky to put Calum McFarlane’s side in cruise control.

    But it wouldn’t last all that long as Porro burst into the penalty area and found substitute Pape Matar Sarr with a low cross, for the Senegalese to attempt a backheel that came the way of Richarlison before he found the net all too easily.

    James Maddison, not long recovered from a lengthy injury, had a chance to level with six minutes of regular time left on his cameo from the bench but his shot from an acute angle was brilliantly blocked by Dutch defender Jorrel Hato.

    There was a brief VAR check for a potential penalty when Cucurella appeared to drag Van De Ven to the floor right on the goal line, earning a booking, but as the corner hadn’t yet been taken no spot kick was forthcoming.

    Maddison was presented with a free kick to save Tottenham’s season having featured for just five minutes of it, but curled over the top as the Blues fans breathed a collective sigh of relief to contrast the visitors’ desperation.

    Spurs kept pushing until the seven added minutes were up, but were unable to ensure their Premier League status and avoid a final day shootout with West Ham on Sunday while Chelsea gave themselves hope of European football.

    What next for Chelsea and Tottenham?

    The victory for Chelsea saw them rise into eighth, meaning a draw at Sunderland on the final day would ensure they qualify for the Europa Conference League if Brentford fail to beat Liverpool, yet a defeat could see the Black Cats leapfrog them.

    Tottenham’s fate is far from decided either, as West Ham’s former boss David Moyes could relegate them if they beat Roberto De Zerbi’s team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Hammers win against Leeds.

    Survey: Will Kyle Whittingham win a national championship at Michigan?

    ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Kyle Whittingham speaks at a news conference introducing him as the new Michigan Wolverines head football coach at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on December 28, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Michigan fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

    The Michigan Wolverines have a new head coach in Kyle Whittingham, a man who’s done a lot of winning in his career. Whittingham always did more with less at Utah. During Whittingham’s 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach, he compiled a 177-78 record with wins in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while also notching two Rose Bowl appearances.

    Whittingham, 66, now has more resources than he’s had in his career in terms of recruiting, NIL, staff budget, and beyond — could Whittingham’s final years as a head coach wind up being his best?

    In this edition of SB Nation Reacts, we want to know if you think Michigan will win a national championship under Whittingham. Vote below.

    Whittingham has a five-year contract with Michigan, and it may take a year or two for him to instill the culture needed to compete for a national championship. The hope will be that Whittingham can lead Michigan to a rapid turnaround just as Curt Cignetti did at Indiana.

    While Michigan is considered an elite program, they’ve won just three national championships in the last 80 years — 1948, 1997, and most recently in 2023. However, in the age of NIL and the constant changes in college football, Michigan will remain a powerhouse for years to come, and they may have the right man leading the program for at least the next five years.

    How did you vote? Let us know in the comments, and come back later in the week when we reveal the results.

    Rookie Dennis Hauger and overcoming the uncomfortable feeling ahead of first Indy 500

    Motorsport photo

    Dennis Hauger is inching closer to feeling more comfortable running 230mph around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

    The Norwegian comes into the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, but, despite qualifying a lowly 29th, he set the third-fastest speed (224.554mph) in Monday’s rain-shortened post-qualifying practice.

    It’s been a trial by fire for Hauger, the 2021 Formula 3 champion and former Red Bull junior, as he continues to get acclimated to ovals, with the Indy 500 serving as just his second career oval start in IndyCar. The track discipline isn’t completely unknown to him, having gained some familiarity last season en route to claiming the Indy NXT title. 

    Changing comfort levels

     Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

     Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

    Even so, though, the Brickyard is a whole different beast, and the Dale Coyne Racing driver shared his comfort level on a scale of 1-10.

    “Honestly it really depends on the session, the day,” said Hauger, 23. “Qualifying, I didn't really feel comfortable. We were really on the limit with the car.

    “It was pretty loose, but we kept it flat, and I feel like I maximized that as well as I could and experienced how a car is around there in the qualifying stint fighting it as long as I can stay flat, which is cool.

    “I mean, out of one to 10, probably, like, (Monday) was probably, like, an eight. We still have stuff to work on for sure, but it's probably the best I've felt so far.

    “Yeah, I think it's just about keeping it clean, as we said earlier, and building momentum. If you have these small moments or lose some confidence in the car and it goes in the wrong direction, it can hurt you a lot. So it's just about chipping away.”

    Improving the setup

     Rinus VeeKay, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet,  Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

     Rinus VeeKay, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet,  Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

    As for what would help improve his comfort, whether it be simply experience or something regarding rear stability and the setup of his #19 Honda, Hauger provided some perspective.

    “I feel like we've been getting a bit better and better on setup and stuff,” said Hauger, a five-time race winner in Formula 2. 

    “This has been one of the weak tracks for Dale Coyne Racing in the past three years. I think it's the first time my car has qualified in the last three or four years. I don't remember.

    “So I feel like we're definitely in the better spot. We know qualifying was not good, but it's a completely different game when you get to the race. So I feel like we've gotten better on setup.

    “I've got more comfortable. Obviously, my first time here. But the race day is always a bit different. I'll just do what I always do, study hard to make sure I'm on top of things before I get onto the track, and hopefully we can have a good day.”

    Read Also: The milk of choice for every 2026 Indy 500 driver The voices in Mick Schumacher’s head for the Indy 500 Alexander Rossi suffered minor injuries to finger and ankle, still aims to race Indy 500

    To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

    Jacksonville Jaguars 'TOUCHDOWN' statue moved for stadium renovations

    The iconic bronze Jaguar statue, dubbed 'TOUCHDOWN' that guards the west side of EverBank Stadium for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been temporarily removed after 31 years.

    To make way for the team's Stadium of the Future renovation project, the statue was moved to make way for the construction crew that is working around the clock to stay on target for the stadium's grand re-opening in 2028.

    The Jaguars will still play games in Jacksonville this season, albeit with two home games sent away to London. In 2027, the team will play their home games in Orlando at Camping World Stadium.

    "After bearing witness to Jaguars football over the last 31 seasons and serving as a superintendent to the first year of stadium construction, TOUCHDOWN is taking a well-deserved sabbatical as we identify a temporary location that keeps his safety in mind during the next phase of the construction," the Jaguars said in a statement Tuesday.

    "He is very much a part of our new Stadium of the Future plans, where he will be permanently relocated to his new home, welcoming fans entering at Gate 1 upon its grand opening in August 2028."

    Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaxson joins the construction crew for the relocation of TOUCHDOWN during the Stadium of the Future construction project on May 19, 2026.

    The statue will be moved to the Fairgrounds for now while the team works on identifying a temporary, public location for the upcoming season. The Jaguars revealed the removal via a social media post on X, featuring a construction crew and team mascot Jaxson De Ville. The latter didn't appear happy to see the Jaguar moved.

    Our beloved TOUCHDOWN is headed on sabbatical 🐆

    After supporting us for the last 31 seasons, TOUCHDOWN is moving to a temporary location for his safety and will return to his permanent home at the Stadium of the Future in August 2028! pic.twitter.com/bH4k763W5D

    — Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 19, 2026

    Weighing a staggering 3,100 pounds, the crew had to use 200 tons of counterweight on the crane to lift the big cat.

    Jaguars 'TOUCHDOWN' statue has infamous history

    It hasn't been a particularly quiet 31 years for 'TOUCHDOWN.' On Nov. 26, 1997, 9-year-old Andy Wilkinson was playing around the statue before getting his head stuck in the teeth of the Jaguar.

    A crowd of Jaguars team leaders and other onlookers quickly went to work, attempting to remove the boy from the statue's jaws, however the fire department had to be called.

    The crew went through many methods of getting Wilkinson out of the statue without harming either party. They thought about using grease or pulling, but everything was too tight, leading to the eventual dental work the crew had to use on the team statue. The fire department ultimately used a smaller saw to cut the tooth, which freed the child.

    The entire process took about an hour before Wilkinson was finally retrieved without harm.

    Afterward, Wilkinson wrote a letter of apology to former team owner Wayne Weaver and offered to do chores to help him pay for the damage.

    Ultimately, the statue created by Leigh Weaver, daughter of Wayne and Delores Weaver, and sculptor Beau Gage, was repaired without further incident.

    Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky at Demetrius.

    If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider subscribing to support local journalism in Northeast Florida.

    This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Famous Jaguars 'TOUCHDOWN' statue removed from EverBank Stadium

    Premier League: Arsenal win title, Spurs still need a point for safety after Chelsea loss

    • Click the 'Watch and listen' icon at the top of the page for live BBC coverage
    • Arsenal Premier League champions after Man City draw at Bournemouth
    • Cherries confirm their place in Europe next season
    • Guardiola expected to leave City at end of season with Maresca lined up as replacement
    • Inside Arsenal's title win
    • Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur - Fernandez scores from distance before Santos second, but Richarlison pulls one back
    • Spurs still need point to cement safety

    Premier League: Arsenal win title, Spurs still need a point for safety after Chelsea loss

    Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham: job not done

    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, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Tottenham Hotspur went into today’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge knowing that a point would essentially confirm — if not mathematically — their Premier League survival. But as we know, getting a result at Stamford Bridge is hard in any circumstance. Spurs went down 2-0 to a first half wonder strike from Enzo Fernandez and a second half goal from Andrey Santos. Richarlison gave Spurs fans some hope with a 74’ goal off a backheel assist from Pape Sarr, and things got tetchy afterwards with multiple cards handed out to both sides. But ultimately, the game ended the way it almost always does when Spurs play away at Chelsea — a 2-1 loss that means Spurs’ survival will go down to the final day of the Premier League season.

    It felt inevitable, didn’t it? It never seems to matter what the form of either team is going into this game — and while Spurs dominated possession and xG, ultimately it didn’t matter. A loss means that Spurs MUST win their final home match this Sunday against Everton; a draw or a loss opens the door for West Ham to sneak ahead of them with a win at home over Leeds.

    Here are my match reactions.

    Match Reactions

    • Final xG: 0.63 – 1.72. I hate this game.
    • Honestly, a draw would’ve been a very fair result. But as we know, form doesn’t matter. Strength doesn’t matter. Players rested or available doesn’t matter. Nothing matters — Tottenham Hotspur just doesn’t win at Stamford Bridge. Ever. And it SUCKS.
    • Watching Spurs actually move the ball consistently up the pitch against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge I was struck by how absolutely wild it is how poorly Spurs have been coached to attack this season. It’s just incredible.
    • 18 minutes of solid build-up play, a ball off the post and then Enzo just rifles a worldy into the back of the net. Ahh, Chelsea-Spurs — same as it ever was.
    • I don’t know how much I actually have to say about the first half — Spurs looked nervy after the goal and never really seemed like they regained their composure. Pedro Porro had a bit of a nightmare half, getting caught up pitch and letting Cucurella basically have free reign on that left side, and putting in some hilariously bad passes when he got forward. Tel had a couple of bright moments, but wasn’t helped by Udogie, who was similarly poor. But ultimately, Ball Went Goal™ for Chelsea and that sucks.
    • That second goal was just incredibly poor, and most of the blame should be directed at Rodrigo Bentancur. Just the easiest possible goal you could possibly give up on one of the weakest counterattacks imaginable and Spurs concede. God.
    • Richy’s goal was pretty, but equally pretty was the backheel pass from Sarr to get him the ball. Lovely goal! Hope is back on the table!
    • I guess I can understand why the Cucurella foul on Richarlison wasn’t given as a penalty as the rule is the ball has to be in play, but maaaaaaan that was milliseconds away from being a penalty but instead NOPE. And we were never getting that call on the road at the Bridge.
    • I can’t understand how Rory Delap didn’t get sent off for throwing his arm into Djed’s face. He was looking right at Djed, too — it was absolutely deliberate. Real shithead play, that.
    • So much for the party atmosphere on the last day. It was nice to have a little hope after Richarlison’s goal, but ultimately this played out more or less exactly as I feared it would. Spurs now HAVE to beat an Everton team that is not going to be pushed over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in order to secure Premier League football next season. Anything less than that — draw or loss — and we’re reliant on West Ham, and that should scare the crap out of everyone. And with Spurs’ home form… I dunno, y’all. I’m scared.

    NFL Moves Closer to 10 International Games—and Could Hit 11

    ORLANDO — The NFL’s pursuit of global domination has taken a critical procedural step.

    Team owners on Tuesday at the league’s spring meeting approved a plan that will increase the maximum number of league-run international games beginning with the 2027 season from eight to 10. The NFL is all but certain to hit that upper limit next year, particularly given its keen interest in staging more non-U.S. games. 

    With the Jaguars’ separate agreement to play part of their home schedule in the U.K., the total number of international games next year could ultimately reach 11, but that would require a supplemental agreement with the NFL Players Association. 

    Regardless of how that nets out, the NFL is set to move beyond the league-record nine such contests planned for 2026. As it does so, the league will focus primarily on existing global markets, but also potentially include new ones that the NFL is looking to develop.

    “We’re in the process of exploring what ’27 looks like and there’s a path to 10 [international games] in 2027,” said NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly. “There’s some new markets that we’re looking at … parts of the world that we’re also looking at, maybe not 2027 but beyond. Asia would be an example of that. Japan would be an example within that. It’s a market that has complexity, like Australia does this year, from a time-zone perspective, but is an important part of the world for the league.”

    All Fair Game

    Parallel to that, the NFL also approved Tuesday a rule in which teams can no longer protect any home opponents on its schedule from being designated as international games. Teams previously could protect up to two games each year from being allocated for international play. 

    Beyond the league’s worldwide ambitions, that move was made to help give its schedule makers maximum flexibility in developing the overall slate each year.

    Elephant in the Room

    Like many other parts of league business, the accelerating international push also intersects directly with the league’s desire to ultimately play an 18-game regular season. Team owners such as the Patriots’ Robert Kraft have openly talked about their aim for an 18-game schedule. That enlarged plan would include two bye weeks for each team, and also open up additional inventory to create a 16-game international slate each season in which every team would play globally. 

    The NFLPA remains reluctant at best toward the prospect of the expanded regular-season schedule, but the global expansion is one of the foremost underpinnings in management’s push on this topic.

    Should some sort of agreement develop there, though, it’s also uncertain whether the NFL would immediately push from 10 international games annually to 16, or pursue a more gradual path.

    “That’s all part of the conversation,” O’Reilly said. “We’re evaluating every year, and I can envision any of those scenarios.”

    The NFL’s International plans, meanwhile, dovetail with the newly expanded Netflix media rights deal that includes worldwide distribution. 

    Full Steam With Flag

    The NFL, meanwhile, continues to advance on plans to begin play in a newly formed professional flag football league, operated in conjunction with TMRW Sports. The league and TMRW intend to have the men’s and women’s leagues up and running in 2027.

    That pro-level effort runs along with continued development of the sport at the scholastic and amateur levels, including the planned competition at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

    “We’re seeing continued momentum across the board surrounding flag,” O’Reilly said.

    The post NFL Moves Closer to 10 International Games—and Could Hit 11 appeared first on Front Office Sports.

    Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta break silence as Arsenal celebrates Premier League title win

    Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates a win with fans
    Declan Rice quickly took to social media to celebrate Arsenal being crowned Premier League champions -Credit:Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

    Declan Rice could finally declare it was 'done' after Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions.

    The England midfielder infamously stated that the title race was not over following the Gunners' gut-wrenching defeat to Manchester City earlier this season.

    Taking to Instagram moments after Arsenal were confirmed as champions, he shared a photo alongside teammates Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Bukayo Saka, via The Mirror.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with Declan Rice after a game
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also swift to respond following City's draw, claiming, 'We made history again together' -Credit:Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

    Rice's post was accompanied by the caption: "I told you all.. it's done," with red heart and trophy emojis. The post references the viral moment where he was overheard telling Martin Odegaard 'it's not done' just seconds after Arsenal's loss to Man City, which had appeared to hand Pep Guardiola's side the upper hand in the title race.

    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was among those to praise Rice's remarks. Speaking at the time, he said: "It's not done, and we are more confident that we're going to do it.

    "That was the feeling that, probably without them expressing it in the dressing room, I felt immediately, and that was very powerful."

    Ultimately, Arsenal were confirmed as champions with one game still to play.

    Monday's 1-0 victory over Burnley pushed them to the brink of the title, with City's draw against AFC Bournemouth sealing their first championship in 22 years.

    To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

    Rice wasn't the sole voice expressing emotion on Tuesday. Arsenal manager Arteta declared: "We made history again together, I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody that is involved in this football club. Let's enjoy the moment."

    Additionally, former manager Arsene Wenger appeared in a touching montage shared on the official Arsenal account.

    The legendary Frenchman remarked: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."

    Arsenal will lift the famous trophy on the season's closing day versus Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. They will subsequently shift focus toward the UEFA Champions League final, where they could achieve greatness with an impressive double.

    The North London team will face French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece in Budapest in less than two weeks' time.

    Jhostynxon Garcia Name Pronunciation: Why Pirates Prospect Is Known As 'The Password'

    Jhostynxon Garcia

    Jhostynxon Garcia Name Pronunciation: Why Pirates Prospect Is Known As 'The Password' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Pirates are officially calling up one of their top prospects, and he already possesses one of the most memorable nicknames in baseball.

    Jhostynxon Garcia moved from Triple-A Indianapolis to the main roster on Tuesday, bringing a dynamic bat to the Pirates' lineup. The 23-year-old is known as "The Password," a moniker that has quickly turned him into a fan favorite.

    MORE:Former MLB GM Reveals What Pirates Need At Trade Deadline

    Beyond the viral name, Pittsburgh is getting a talented outfielder with game-changing raw power. Pirates fans are ready to see if "The Password" can unlock a whole new level for a team that is hoping to make a playoff push, but first, they should probably learn how to say his name.

    Jhostynxon Garcia name pronunciation and 'The Password,' explained

    Garcia's first name is pronounced "Yos-TIN-son." You can hear Garcia say his name via the Pirates' official pronunciation guide.

    During a 2025 interview with NBC Sports Boston, Garcia, who was traded from the Red Sox to the Pirates last year, explained why his Triple-A Worcester teammates were much more likely to use his nickname rather than his first name.

    "They call me 'The Password' for the reason that it's very difficult to say my first name," Garcia said.

    Simple enough.

    In addition to pronunciation issues, Garcia's first name resembles the string of characters that Wi-Fi users are often required to enter in order to connect to a network. That's why "The Password" works so well as a nickname.

    Why Pirates promoted Jhostynxon Garcia

    Garcia has the potential to become a great player in the future, but he also fills an immediate need.

    The Pirates recently placed outfielder Ryan O'Hearn on the 10-day injured list (quad strain). He will likely miss a month of action, per MLB.com. O'Hearn had a slash line of .289/.368/.459 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs before suffering the quad injury.

    Pittsburgh activated outfielder Jake Mangum from the IL, but Garcia offers much more pop for a team that failed to score a single run in its last two games against Philadelphia over the weekend. The Pirates need a big bat with O'Hearn out for an extended period, and "The Password" has much more power than Mangum.

    While Garcia will need to work through some growing pains against elite MLB pitching, he gives Pittsburgh a high-reward option to inject life into the lineup. This could be a tremendous opportunity for one of the best prospects in the Pirates' system.

    Jhostynxon Garcia minor league stats

    Garcia made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on Aug. 22, 2025. He appeared in five games for Boston last season, finishing the short stint with only one hit in seven at-bats.

    After being traded to the Pirates in December 2025, Garcia began the 2026 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He had a strong spring training run with the Pirates, slashing .405/.463/.595 with two home runs and three stolen bases in 17 Grapefruit League games.

    Earlier this month, he went 5-for-5 with three home runs in a 10-8 win over the Louisville Bats.

    Jhostynxon Garcia's first 3 at-bats of the day for the Triple-A @indyindians:

    ⚫️ 107.3 mph homer
    🟡 109.9 mph homer
    ⚫️ 113.5 mph homer@Pirates | @YoungBucsPITpic.twitter.com/ZWG31wgE9z

    — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 12, 2026

    Here are his stats for the 2026 season with Single-A Bradenton and Triple-A Indianapolis:

    YearTeamGABHHRRBIAVGOBPSLGOPS
    2026Total259523613.242.291.463.754
    2026Bradenton (A)622836.364.400.8181.218
    2026Indianapolis (AAA)19731537.205.256.356.613

    More Pirates

    Jalen Hurts didn't attend AJ Brown wedding amid trade rumors

    Jalen Hurts AJ Brown 051926

    Jalen Hurts didn't attend AJ Brown wedding amid trade rumors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown got married over the weekend, but Jalen Hurts was nowhere in sight amid alleged tensions between the two.

    Hurts was not in attendance at Brown's wedding despite knowing each other for years, according to TMZ. However, it is unclear if Hurts was invited in the first place. 

    Brown married Kelsey Riley in Montage Laguna Beach, TMZ reported on May 16. The couple shares two children who were also a part of the pair's big day. 

    While Hurts and Brown have not commented on the alleged tension, former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy shared that there has seemingly been a change in the once-close pair's friendship.

    “I think sometimes, when it’s a work relationship and where friends outside a work relationship are not delivering on the field, maybe because of his fault (or the others’), the relationship might get affected,” McCoy, 37, said in an appearance on the Monday, May 18 episode of the “Speakeasy” podcast. “And I think this is the problem we have right here. … Now there’s a little bit of friction there.”

    While Hurts was not at the wedding, TMZ noted that neither were any "current" Eagles players there either, but former cornerback Darius Slay was in attendance. 

    This also follows some trade rumors where it's suggested that Brown could end up on a different roster come the start of the 2026-2027 season.

    More lifestyle news:

    Nutting, Pirates Charities celebrate Somerset County baseball field

    Pirates Charities, along with Pittsburgh Pirates owner and chairman Bob Nutting, joined the Field for Kids program in celebrating the renovation of the Casselman Valley Youth Baseball League field in Garrett Monday, May 18.

    In May of 2025, storms ran through southern Somerset County, causing severe flooding and damage. Through a $20,000 grant issued by Nutting and Pirates Charities, along with hours of volunteer work, the Casselman Valley Youth Baseball League has a new field to compete on.

    Good news for youth baseball Pittsburgh Pirates owner helps fund playground repair after flood in Somerset County

    "This means the world to our small town of Garrett," Casselman Valley Treasurer Matt Donaldson said on a video posted to the Pittsburgh Pirates X account. "And just to go through what we did last year but then have the outreach and support with Mr. (Bob) Nutting and Pirates Charities, has been tremendous. They've been with us this whole process, and this is truly a story we couldn't have done without Pirates Charities."

    The event included a ceremony on the field, ticket drawings for prizes, a Pierogi Race, food trucks and a first pitch thrown by the Pirate Parrot.

    Pittsburgh Pirates owner and chairman Bob Nutting speaks during a celebration at the newly renovated Casselman Valley Youth Baseball League field, Monday, May 18, in Garrett.

    State Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69) was on hand for the festivities. He's witnessed the integral role Pirates Charities and the organization played in the revitalization of the field.

    "This area was devastated a year ago by severe flooding," Metzgar said. "Some people might think a baseball field in a small town doesn't mean very much, but for us, it was sort of a turning point that we could see the light at the end of the tunnel and people had a spot to rally around. It means a lot that Pirates Charities put the money up and Mr. Nutting put the money up to bring it back, because the community wouldn't be the same without it."

    The Casselman Valley 12U teams played a game to wrap up the memorable evening.

    Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

    This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Casselman Valley Youth Baseball League receives field renovation

    Official: Sevilla announce key board departure

    Official: Sevilla announce key board departure
    Official: Sevilla announce key board departure

    La Liga outfit Sevilla have on Tuesday announced the departure of an important figure in the club’s boardroom.

    The individual in question? Antonio Cordón.

    Cordón for his part only linked up with Sevilla last summer, taking over as the club’s new Director of Football.

    The Spaniard has since come in for heavy criticism on the part of the Nervionenses’ fanbase, after Sevilla’s season-long battle against relegation to the 2nd tier of Spanish football.

    On top of as much, Cordón is understood to have endured a rocky relationship with his fellow board members at The Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

    And as alluded to above, early this week, such friction has given rise to a swift exit for the 62-year-old.

    As per a statement across Sevilla’s website and social media platforms:

    ‘Sevilla FC and Antonio Cordón have mutually agreed to terminate the employment relationship of the club’s Director of Football. Both parties have agreed to end his contract after the 2025/26 season, which concluded with the team securing its place in La Liga. The agreement will take effect on May 31, at the close of the current La Liga season.’

    Conor Laird – GSFN

    Jarrod Bowen: Man United identify West Ham star as solution to new position

    Jarrod Bowen: Man United identify West Ham star as solution to new position
    Jarrod Bowen: Man United identify West Ham star as solution to new position

    Manchester United are considering a swoop for West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen as INEOS look to bolster their forward line this summer, according to a new report.

    Adding More Firepower

    Despite the focus being on a midfield revamp, Manchester United are also on the hunt for reinforcements on the left wing and, in particular, up front.

    Joshua Zirkzee has proven to be a dismal signing since his £36.5 million switch from Serie A side Bologna two years ago, returning a paltry nine goals and four assists in 74 appearances. The Dutchman is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, with a return to Italy the most likely destination.

    This means that an experienced back-up to Benjamin Sesko is on the agenda to help ease the burden on the 22-year-old Slovenian, despite a positive maiden campaign as the team’s top scorer following his big-money capture from RB Leipzig last summer.

    A new winger on the left is also understood to be on the cards to help bring better balance to the attack. Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu have shared the responsibility under Michael Carrick, but neither is as comfortable as Bryan Mbeumo or Amad on the right.

    However, the summer war chest is set to be directed primarily towards fixing the stalling engine room. The club’s primary targets in midfield are expected to cost up to £100 million, leaving little in the bank to fund two new attackers.

    But this is why Bowen – a versatile forward with a proven track record of goals in England – is such a sensible target, particularly if West Ham United are relegated this week.

    A Proven Goal Scorer

    Bowen has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goal scorers, despite playing for a side often with their backs to the wall and has previously been hailed as “unbelievable” by Jurgen Klopp.

    The 29-year-old winger, who is capable of playing on either flank or through the middle as a false nine, has produced eight goals and 10 assists for the Hammers this season. Last year, it was 13 goals and nine assists; the campaign before, 16 goals and six assists.

    With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side facing the impending prospect of a descent into the Championship, their captain – another green flag for United – is far too good a player to not remain in England’s top division.

    The Guardian reveals United are joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in their admiration of Bowen, with West Ham United said to be “under extreme pressure to make sales if relegation is confirmed this week.”

    The report states the Red Devils see the England international’s “versatility as a big plus” as they look to “add more depth in attack after qualifying for the Champions League”.

    Interestingly, United have also been strongly linked with Bowen’s teammates, midfielder Mateus Fernandes and full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, setting up the possibility of a blockbuster triple raid on the London Stadium this summer.

    Final Thoughts

    If INEOS can sign Bowen in a cut-price deal following West Ham United’s relegation, he would represent a shrewd acquisition capable of solving multiple issues in United’s squad. His leadership qualities and Premier League pedigree would also be major bonuses.

    However, the Herefordshire native turns 30 in December, raising fears of a physical decline moving forward. United’s hierarchy have attempted to move away from this type of target since taking the helm at Old Trafford in 2024.

    If West Ham United are able to generate a bidding war for their prized asset amongst three of England’s elite, the deal would quickly lose its appeal for United, even if Bowen remains a hugely underrated footballer.

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

    Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City: Arsenal win Premier League as City drop points

    Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City: Arsenal win Premier League as City drop points
    Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City: Arsenal win Premier League as City drop points

    Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth crowned Arsenal as Premier League champions, while also confirming that the Cherries will be playing European football next season.

    Bournemouth came into the game unbeaten in their last 16 matches and they showed why that was so. Their left-hand side was strong throughout the game and it led to their opener when Adrien Truffert and Marcus Tavernier linking up before being played into Junior Kroupi who finished emphatically.

    Manchester City were poor and failed to create. Bournemouth shut them out effectively, with few chances for the visitors although Erling Haaland pulled one goal back late on, but it was not going to be enough.

    Dropped points mean that Manchester City are mathematically out of the title race and thus Arsenal have been crowned as Premier League champions, while Bournemouth have confirmed European football for the first time in their history.

    As it happened

    Needing no less than a win to take the Premier League title race to the final day, an early chance for Jérémy Doku looked promising for Manchester City as he dropped the shoulder to move onto his weaker left foot. His shot did not get the force he would have wanted behind it and made it a simple save in the end for Djordje Petrovic.

    The visitors thought they had found the opener after just 12 minutes when Erling Haaland received the ball just inside the Bournemouth half before sending ex-Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo through on goal, only for the offside flag to be raised.

    Soon after, Evanilson was left wondering how he failed to put the hosts ahead. Some brilliant play between Adrien Truffert and Marcus Tavernier saw the latter deliver a ball across the face of goal; Evanilson should have buried the chance with ease but instead saw his effort fly over the bar before the offside flag was raised.

    But it was teenager Junior Kroupi who eventually found the breakthrough for the hosts towards the end of the first half. It was Bournemouth’s left-hand side that had proved fruitful again, with Tavernier playing the ball down the line to Truffert who pulled it back to Kroupi on the edge of the area. He opened up his body and finished superbly, curling it into the top right-hand corner.

    Manchester City should have drawn level almost immediately after the break through Nico O’Reilly. Excellent work from Haaland saw the Norwegian breeze past the Bournemouth defence and slide O’Reilly through on goal, and while the full-back should have done better, Petrovic was on hand to make the save.

    With the Premier League title slipping out of reach, Pep Guardiola turned to his bench, with Semenyo one of the three players making way for fresh legs. The forward, who only departed the Cherries in January, received a standing ovation from the home fans.

    But still, Bournemouth were on top. Andoni Iraola’s side struck the post through Rayan before the Brazilian forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into action after an O’Reilly cross.

    A lively finale on the South Coast could have seen David Brooks double Bournemouth’s lead, first seeing a back post effort smothered by Donnarumma before striking the woodwork after running behind the Manchester City defence.

    Instead though, it was Manchester City who found the second goal of the evening to ignite late hopes of a comeback victory as a spell of pinball inside the box saw Rodri smash an effort against the woodwork before an emphatic Haaland finish ricocheted off the post and over the line.

    It proved to be too little, too late for Pep Guardiola’s men though, as Arsenal are crowned Premier League champions. Bournemouth have confirmed European football for the first time in their history, and could yet seal a place in the UEFA Champions League on the final day of the season.

    Chelsea x Tottenham - Highlights, Summary and Match Report

    Chelsea x Tottenham - Highlights, Summary and Match Report
    Chelsea x Tottenham - Highlights, Summary and Match Report

    Incidents: The story of the match

    Chelsea Official Line-ups:

    Robert Sánchez, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Andrey Santos, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Pedro Neto

    Tottenham Official Line-ups:

    Antonín Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Mathys Tel

    1':

    The match begins

    Enzo Fernandez scores to make it 1-0.Chelsea leads 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur. Enzo Fernández scores for Chelsea with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the left corner, assisted by Pedro Neto.Chelsea leads 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur. Enzo Fernández scores for Chelsea with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the left corner, assisted by Pedro Neto.Enzo Fernandez scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Pedro Neto.Enzo Fernandez scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Pedro Neto.Chelsea leads 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur. Enzo Fernández scores for Chelsea with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the left corner, assisted by Pedro Neto.

    18':

    GOAL Chelsea: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) scores!

    Enzo Fernández scores goal number 10 in the competition (35 matches) Enzo Fernández scores goal number 31 for his team (168 matches)

    Chelsea lead 2-0 against Tottenham Hotspur. Andrey Santos scores for Chelsea with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the right corner, assisted by Enzo Fernández.

    67':

    GOAL Chelsea: Andrey Santos (Chelsea) scores!

    Andrey Santos scores goal number 1 in the competition (27 matches) Andrey Santos scores goal number 3 for his team (47 matches)

    Richarlison scores for Tottenham Hotspur with a right-footed shot from close range. The score is now Chelsea 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1.Richarlison scores for Tottenham Hotspur with a right-footed shot from close range into the left corner. The match score is now Chelsea 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1, with an assist from Pape Matar Sarr.

    74':

    GOAL Tottenham: Richarlison (Tottenham) scores!

    Richarlison scores goal number 11 in the competition (31 matches)

    Vikings Have a New Dance Partner

    Vikings Have a New Dance Partner
    Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

    Every summer, at least as of late, the Minnesota Vikings schedule joint practices with another NFL team, either in Eagan or on the other franchise’s turf. In 2026, that dance partner is the Baltimore Ravens.

    Baltimore’s August trip to Eagan now has an interesting purple-on-purple wrinkle.

    It’ll be trial by fire for the Vikings in August, and that’s not a bad thing.

    Baltimore Brings a Real Test to Vikings Training Camp

    Two purple teams in Eagan. Book it.

    Lamar Jackson and J.J. McCarthy meet after a game between the Ravens and Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings Ravens joint practices
    Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson greets Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy after a matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The quarterbacks shared a postgame moment on Nov. 9, 2025, after Jackson and the Ravens battled McCarthy’s Vikings during a notable interconference showdown featuring two of the league’s most dynamic signal-callers. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

    MIN-BAL = Joint Practices

    It’s official, as Vikings.com’s Craig Peters wrote Monday, “There will be purple on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Minnesota Vikings will host the Baltimore Ravens for two days of scheduled joint practices during 2026 Training Camp, the teams announced Monday. Details for timing and ticketing will be announced later, but the joint practices are planned for Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Thursday, Aug. 20.”

    “The teams will conclude their week of work on Saturday, Aug. 22 when Minnesota hosts Baltimore for a noon (CT) kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium in the second preseason game for both teams. It will be the lone home exhibition contest this year for Minnesota, which will host nine regular-season games.”

    Last year, Minnesota danced with New England during the summer — and the Patriots later reached the Super Bowl.

    Every Four-Year Cadence

    Matching up against the Ravens is pretty fitting because the Vikings don’t see that franchise often. Based on the league’s typical schedule rotation, the clubs meet every four years, and it just so happens that Baltimore toppled Minnesota last November.

    Unless the teams finish in the same place in the NFC North and AFC North, respectively, they won’t face each other until 2029. Or — for example — if the Ravens win the AFC North while the Vikings capture the NFC North, they’ll square off in 2027 in Baltimore.

    Generally speaking, that’s unlikely, so hooking up with an unfamiliar opponent during the summer is good business.

    Our Janik Eckardt’s take on the joint practice system: “The Ravens will test the Vikings. They will have elite quarterback Lamar Jackson under center, a player that Brian Flores has had success against over the years. It will be a good test regardless. The Ravens will also have a new head coach on the sidelines, as they said goodbye to John Harbaugh, going with Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers.”

    “The Vikings’ training camp will have one primary theme and that’s the so-called quarterback competition that every reporter and the head coach is teasing. Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will square off in training camp to determine the Week 1 starter.”

    Vikings Get One of the League’s Best

    A saying like “iron sharpens iron” might apply here — if one assumes the Vikings will contend for the postseason in 2026. Baltimore sure will, perceived by sportsbooks as the second most-likely club to win the Super Bowl this year. The Los Angeles Rams lead the pack at +700, according to oddsmakers, but the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, and the Ravens are not far behind at +1,000.

    Derrick Henry runs the football while Harrison Smith defends during a Ravens-Vikings game in Minneapolis. Vikings Ravens joint practices
    Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry carries the football while Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith closes in during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium. The veteran stars squared off on Nov. 9, 2025, during a physical matchup between Baltimore and Minnesota as Henry powered the Ravens’ rushing attack against Brian Flores’ defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

    Theoretically, Minnesota could’ve scheduled joint practices against a weaker team, like the Miami Dolphins, but would that really provide the challenge and competition that Baltimore offers? Unlikely.

    If wins and losses are not assigned in the summer, there’s no reason not to scrimmage against an elite team — to determine how close Minnesota is to true contention.

    Former Player + Coach Angles

    The Ravens’ new skipper, Jesse Minter, worked as the Michigan Wolverines’ defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023. That’s when Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy played there. Minter will know McCarthy better than most, making it a productive few days for McCarthy, as Minter will bring the heat and awareness of McCarthy’s talents.

    Too, this offseason, Brian Flores interviewed for the Ravens’ head coaching job, but Baltimore declined and hired Minter. Some fuel for Flores.

    Kirk Cousins prepares to throw while Christian Darrisaw blocks Justin Houston during a Vikings game against the Ravens. Vikings Ravens joint practices
    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins scans the field for a pass while offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw blocks Ravens pass rusher Justin Houston at M&T Bank Stadium. The play unfolded on Nov. 7, 2021, during Minnesota’s road matchup against Baltimore as Cousins operated behind one of the Vikings’ emerging young offensive linemen. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.

    Vikings TE2 Josh Oliver spent his rookie contract in Baltimore. He’ll get to see his old buddies in August.

    On the Ravens’ end, former Vikings safety K’Von Wallace, who spent some of the summer of 2025 in Minnesota, will be on the field as a roster bubble candidate. And for full disclosure, most Vikings fans, including this website, believe Minnesota should have drafted Kyle Hamilton in 2022 when it had the chance. He’ll patrol the Ravens’ summer defense in Eagan.

    Sportsbooks expect the Ravens to finish around 11-5 or 12-6 in 2026, while Minnesota has an 8-9 or 9-8 forecast.


    How Tottenham can get relegated on final match day of Premier League season

    This much is certain: No matter what happens on Championship Sunday, a big London club is going to see its time in the Premier League come to an end. But we could be looking at the near-unthinkable:

    Tottenham Hotspur relegated to the EFL Championship.

    With 37 matches completed in the Premier League season, the battle to avoid the final relegation spot will come down between Tottenham and West Ham. Spurs needed to pick up at least a point at London rival Chelsea to earn safety on Tuesday. But the 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge clinched an awfully nervous Sunday for the Spurs supporters.

    Spurs have played in England's top flight for 48 straight seasons and are one of six clubs to never be relegated from the Premier League (founded in 1992). Tottenham heads into Sunday with just a two-point lead over West Ham in the drop zone.

    This is how that run can come to an end on Sunday.

    Spurs relegated with

    Tottenham loss at home against Everton AND a West Ham win against Leeds at the London Stadium.

    West Ham relegated with

    Tottenham win/draw against Everton OR a West Ham loss against Leeds.

    On Tuesday, Arsenal locked up its first Premier League title in 22 years. So, all eyes will be on the relegation battle.

    The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions. pic.twitter.com/gNnfzesrhP

    — Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026

    This article originally appeared on For The Win: What Tottenham needs to do to avoid Premier League relegation on final match day

    Roberto De Zerbi reaction: What did Spurs boss say after Chelsea loss extends relegation race to final day?

    If Tottenham Hotspur are to avoid relegation and remain in the Premier League, it will have to be done on the the final day of the season after Roberto De Zerbi's side was beaten 2-1 by bitter rivals Chelsea on Tuesday.

    CHELSEA 2-1 SPURS Video highlights & recap

    Below is the latest De Zerbi reaction, speaking after Spurs suffered a narrow defeat in west London that will take the relegation race to Championship Sunday (11 am ET, at home against Everton). Spurs (17th) sit two points above West Ham (18th) with a vastly superior goal difference, meaning all they (should) need is a point to stay up.

    Roberto De Zerbi reaction: What did Spurs boss say after narrow loss to Chelsea?

    We'll have De Zerbi's post-match interviews and press conference as soon as they start, here.

    What Brad Stevens, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle taught Butler basketball coach Ronald Nored

    Two of Ronald Nored's most important influences as a coach came in Indianapolis.

    The new Butler basketball coach was a Bulldogs point guard from 2008-12, learning daily from Brad Stevens, who led them to national championship game appearances in 2010 and '11.

    "He got on me more than probably anyone he's ever coached," he told Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68.

    "What I learned from Brad, as a player and working for him as a coach (for the Boston Celtics G-League affiliate), has built the foundation of who I am as a coach," Nored noted, emphasizing hiring the right people, building a culture, enunciating a clear message, and having an analytic mindset.

    Nored said building a college basketball roster these days is somewhat similar to G League coaching, where NBA teams often dictate who is available to the affiliate team through their own roster transactions.

    "For me, there's a right and a wrong about how the game should be played. We've got to clear about the right and the wrong is. There's different times to jump on guys. There's different times to put your arm around him," Nored said. "I told all our guys, 'I'm going to coach you hard. ... I'm going to give you the truth … but it's going to be in a graceful way that helps you understand."

    Ronald Nored remembers his time with the Indiana Pacers

    The 36-year-old father of four also had high praise for Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. Nored was a Pacers assistant from 2021-23.

    "He's never stopped adjusting. He coached one way several years ago, and he was a Hall of Fame coach. And he coaches a completely different way now," Nored said. "To watch him and see he has progressed in his long career, continuing to want new ideas, understanding where the game is going next, was something that was really important for me to learn."

    Nored said Carlisle gives his assistants significant responsibilities so he can focus "only on what's important for him as the head coach."

    Nored has been an Atlanta Hawks assistant the past three seasons, and he said he also learned plenty from head coach Quin Snyder.

    Here's the plan: Inside Nored's vision for building Butler's roster, and 'our one mission'

    Ronald Nored wants Butler players like Matt Howard

    And what kind of player does Nored want to recruit? He would plenty of guys similar to former Butler teammate Matt Howard.

    "Absolute animal. He was undersized for a center," Nored said. "But there was no one who was going to beat him."

    Nored offered an example.

    "We're up 30 against Wright State in the Horizon Conference championship game. There was a lot of time left in the game, and there was a ball going out of bounds," noting that Hinkle Fieldhouse has a raised court. "Matt runs after a ball ... dives for the ball as it's going out of bounds, throws it back in, takes out the front row of courtside seats. That's just who he was."

    This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball coach Ronald Nored learned from Brad Stevens, Pacers coach

    What Brad Stevens, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle taught Butler basketball coach Ronald Nored

    Two of Ronald Nored's most important influences as a coach came in Indianapolis.

    The new Butler basketball coach was a Bulldogs point guard from 2008-12, learning daily from Brad Stevens, who led them to national championship game appearances in 2010 and '11.

    "He got on me more than probably anyone he's ever coached," he told Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68.

    "What I learned from Brad, as a player and working for him as a coach (for the Boston Celtics G-League affiliate), has built the foundation of who I am as a coach," Nored noted, emphasizing hiring the right people, building a culture, enunciating a clear message, and having an analytic mindset.

    Nored said building a college basketball roster these days is somewhat similar to G League coaching, where NBA teams often dictate who is available to the affiliate team through their own roster transactions.

    "For me, there's a right and a wrong about how the game should be played. We've got to clear about the right and the wrong is. There's different times to jump on guys. There's different times to put your arm around him," Nored said. "I told all our guys, 'I'm going to coach you hard. ... I'm going to give you the truth … but it's going to be in a graceful way that helps you understand."

    Ronald Nored remembers his time with the Indiana Pacers

    The 36-year-old father of four also had high praise for Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. Nored was a Pacers assistant from 2021-23.

    "He's never stopped adjusting. He coached one way several years ago, and he was a Hall of Fame coach. And he coaches a completely different way now," Nored said. "To watch him and see he has progressed in his long career, continuing to want new ideas, understanding where the game is going next, was something that was really important for me to learn."

    Nored said Carlisle gives his assistants significant responsibilities so he can focus "only on what's important for him as the head coach."

    Nored has been an Atlanta Hawks assistant the past three seasons, and he said he also learned plenty from head coach Quin Snyder.

    Here's the plan: Inside Nored's vision for building Butler's roster, and 'our one mission'

    Ronald Nored wants Butler players like Matt Howard

    And what kind of player does Nored want to recruit? He would plenty of guys similar to former Butler teammate Matt Howard.

    "Absolute animal. He was undersized for a center," Nored said. "But there was no one who was going to beat him."

    Nored offered an example.

    "We're up 30 against Wright State in the Horizon Conference championship game. There was a lot of time left in the game, and there was a ball going out of bounds," noting that Hinkle Fieldhouse has a raised court. "Matt runs after a ball ... dives for the ball as it's going out of bounds, throws it back in, takes out the front row of courtside seats. That's just who he was."

    This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball coach Ronald Nored learned from Brad Stevens, Pacers coach

    NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2027 unveiled

    Motorsport photo

    Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Larry Phillips will soon be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

    On Tuesday, members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met for an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate upon the 15 nominees. This Class of 2027 was determined by votes cast from the 50-member panel.

    The panel includes current living members of the Hall of Fame, track owners, media members, manufacturer representatives and reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. Fans also received a single collective vote collected through NASCAR.com.

    NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting

    NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting

    The accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) presided over the tabulation of the votes.

    Harvick received 92 percent of the Modern Era ballot votes and Burton received 32 percent. Others receiving votes included driver Neil Bonnett, engine builder Randy Dorton and driver Greg Biffle. Phillips received 38 percent of the Pioneer ballot votes.

    The Modern Era inductees also included Biffle, Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Dorton, Ray Elder, Ernie Elliott, Randy Lajoie and Jack Sprague. Pioneer Ballot nominees also included Ray Fox, Harry Hyde, Banjo Matthews and harb Nab.

    Harvick is the 2014 Cup Series champion and a two-time Busch Series champion with 60 wins at the highest level. Those wins include the 2007 Daytona 500, three Coca-Cola 600 wins, two Southern 500 wins and three wins in the Brickyard 400.

    He first reached the Cup Series with Richard Childress Racing in the unenviable position of taking over for Dale Earnhardt Sr. after his death in the Daytona 500. He moved to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 where he immediately won the championship and was one of the most prolific drivers until 2023 paired with Rodney Childers.   

    Burton earned 21 Cup Series victories and 27 in what is now the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series across stints with Roush Racing and Richard Childress Racing. Since his retirement from the Cup Series in 2013, Burton has taken a behind-the-scene role as an intermediary between drivers and the sanctioning body while also serving as a driver analyst for NBC Sports. 

    Phillips boasts a NASCAR-sanctioned short track and dirt track resume of over 1000 wins and upwards of 2000 overall. He claimed five NASCAR Weekly Series national championships. 

    Lesa France Kennedy was also announced as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Other nominees included Alvin Hawkins, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Les Richter and T. Wayne Robertson.

    The Class of 2027 is set to be inducted during a ceremony on Friday, January 22, 2027 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center. 

    To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

    6 key takeaways from Bills HC Joe Brady’s OTA press conference

    ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    New Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady took his place at the podium ahead of Tuesday’s Organized Team Activities (OTA) session, with a notable departure from seasons prior: Brady was standing, point out that he’s “not a sitter.” Though that may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, it points to new routine and a different direction at even the smallest of levels. That’s significant when considering how many have openly wondered what, if anything, can truly change off an in-house hire.

    Sure, it’s only May and there’s plenty of room for Bills-focused writers like yours truly to focus on the off-field minutiae. However, we’re that much closer to the start of real football with training camp a couple of months out. What did Joe Brady have to offer reporters? Let’s dive into a few key moments from his latest date at the podium.

    This article is in-process and will be updated with more specific information about Dalton Kincaid. Be sure to refresh the page after you finish reading.


    Expect to see previously injured Bills a part of training camp

    Responding to a question asked about the availability of defensive tackle Ed Oliver and linebacker Terrel Bernard, Brady said it comes down to properly managing their return-from-injury plan, which includes giving them days off. That’s also allowed some of the team’s newest players a truly necessary chance to acclimate to their surrounding on the field. Brady went on to say that:

    “I think we have a great plan for a lot of those guys. The plan is to have these guys ready to go for training camp. Right? So, it’s good to get Ed Oliver out on the football field, and good to get TB, get around these guys, but we gotta be smart about what we’re doing knowing that training camp’s in a month, two months, and we can’t win it all right now. So, if we overdo them ‘em with a lot of reps, we gotta be smart — and we’re installing a new defense. We need to get a lot of guys reps. We drafted some young guys. So, it’s all opportunity with it.”

    Whatever you think you understand about Bills’ new defensive philosophy is likely wrong

    As a follow-up, Brady was asked about how things may look for both Oliver and Bernard in terms of their fit in the new defense. With so much unknown and many wondering how both players fit into the plan moving forward, it’s natural to be curious what the plan is for guys who’ve played key roles as starters.

    Brady admitted that while it’s a different scheme, there are some things that come standard to playing defensive tackle and linebacker, as with any position, going on to state that “I think the calls are different, but the way that, you know, the game is played and how they’re being attacked — once they figure that out at the end of the day, I think it ends up playing the same for them.”

    That doesn’t sound like a lot on the surface, but it does help to explain Brady and the team’s confidence in players like Oliver and Bernard being able to (hopefully mostly seamlessly) transition to a new scheme simply because of their innate abilities as starters at the sport’s highest level.

    Brady, too, loves going away for training camp

    Whether it’s a point of corporate coaching and company philosophy or not, Brady is all-in on going away for training camp. Last fall, the Bills and Saint John Fisher University reached an agreement on a three-year extension to keep training camp on the east side of the Genesee River, which begins with this summer’s camp.

    That’s of course fantastic news for Bills Mafia who reside in Rochester and its surrounding areas, which certainly includes a large base of fans in Syracuse and Central New York in general. Going away from their typical work setting has many benefits, not least of which centers around how the team is able to bond.

    “We have a great locker room, and a great group of guys that want to be here in Buffalo, want to be around the guys. And it’s part of the reason I enjoy going away for training camp. Right? Is… you go away and the guys are together and they’re connecting. And, you know, this is the time of year that a lot of the guys have homes elsewhere, maybe their families might not come, so the guys are around. So I, you know, whether it’s [in] their contract or not, I think the guys enjoy being around here. It helps that we have some of the news schemes and the new (sic) kind of coming around. But no, I’ve been really pleased with our attendance and I think it’s showing out there.”

    What’s the plan at nickel/slot cornerback?

    Buffalo doesn’t have an “incumbent” nickel cornerback, someone who locked down the role last season of any prior for the team. What does that mean for 2026? Brady pointed to the team making the position a priority in free agency, stating that:

    “We were very intentional about a guy like Dee Alford, you know, and bringing him in and his versatility to be an inside nickel and have the flexibility to play on the outside. Right? And so, one of the perks of being a versatile defense is you’re gonna be playing nickel, you’re gonna play base defense; you’re gonna have a bunch of different packages, and having them — as many guys as we can — move around as possible. And so, you guys’ll see out there today, there’ll be a lot of guys kind of rolling and rotating in that. But, fortunately, we got a guy like Dee that has done that at a high level (going against him) and, [we have] a clear fit and vision for how he’s going to fit in this defense.”

    Keon Coleman’s 2026 offseason

    There will be no shortage of Keon Coleman coverage this summer, and likely all season. He’s become a very polarizing a player, perhaps on a level similar to prior criticism levied at Aaron Maybin, or even Donte Whitner. However, Coleman has shown to be productive in spots, and he’s still an ascending talent as a wide receiver.

    It may simply be that folks are concerned why Coleman can’t seem to consistently click with an all-world talent at quarterback in Josh Allen. Part of that has been due to off-field concerns by the team, which have landed him in administrative hot water. For his part, Coleman seems like a fantastic young man who wants to be great. The key will be finding the right path that unlocks his focus to take the next step. We know that Brady has gone on record essentially saying that his promotion to head coach was the best thing to happen for Coleman’s Bills career. Still… is Brady ready, and confident?

    “Keon, the way that he approaches his day — like he knows that some of the elements that happened last year — he, he owned them. Right? And he knew going into this year it’s another opportunity. Right? Like, I made sure once I got the job I let him know he’s gonna be here and he going to be a part of our offense man, and I’m excited about, you know, him progressing in this offense and getting with Josh and doing those things. You know, we communicated a lot this offseason about what he’s doing, what he’s working on and seeing here, coming here, and working and seeing — it’s been really cool to see the perspective from Pete Carmichael, and Drew Terrell, and Bo Hardigree, and like watching training camp reps from last year, watching some things, and then seeing them kind of all come together. But, love the work ethic, love how he’s kind of been doing it right now. Again, it’s — we just had one day going against the defense, right? So, this is a lot of Routes on Air and just the approach. But that’s been the biggest thing with him, is, you know, establishing, you know, a pro mentality and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him so far.”

    Brady was further asked how he “manages” a situation such as what developed with co-owner Terry Pegula calling out Coleman, and also his well-documented attendance record. Brady was able to deflect the bait, realizing that any soundbite willing to meet the specific question’s intent wouldn’t lead to productive discussions.

    Yet, Brady understands how important Coleman is to Buffalo’s offense, and he was quick to praise the young wide receiver after being asked about any magnified pressure, saying:

    “I don’t think anybody’s ever had higher expectations for [him] than Keon — for himself. I’m not saying, you know, like I’ve never tried to put expectations on player. Right? ‘Cause sometimes you put — sometimes it’s warranted based upon where they’re drafted — but sometimes it’s like ‘hey man, we might be putting them in a box that [they] actually can probably be better than who they are. Right? Keon understands, you know ,the role that he can have in this offense. I think he understands the things that have happened in the past, but he also has known that ‘hey look, there’s going to be things that are going to be questioned about him and he can’t control that. All he can control is what he’s doing moving forward, and not putting any more pressure on himself. Just go out there, run the routes, do your job, man, block in the run game, you know, make the touchdown blocks; do the things that, you know, that he’s capable of doing, and just uphold that standard every single day. And I believe he’ll be able to do that.”

    For his part in this equation, a confident Keon Coleman spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s OTA session, admitting he didn’t play well and that this is a make-or-break season for him.

    We heard from Keon Coleman today.

    Said his play last season was "ass" & that this upcoming season is make or break for him. pic.twitter.com/MoxbrxLQ7z

    — Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) May 19, 2026

    QB-WR Chemistry 101: What DJ Moore can do for and with Josh Allen

    If there’s one thing almost every football fan understands it’s that chemistry is key, especially so between a quarterback and pass catcher. Chemistry like that between Allen and Stefon Diggs (as well as many others) led the offense to prolific seasons. Many want to know how things are progressing on that front between newly added wide receiver DJ Moore and Allen.

    Is it wise to expect similar results where Moore aligns as the team’s undisputed WR1 able to take apart a defense at all levels? That’s to be determined, obviously, given the early state of things. It’s impossible to replicate the hostile environment of an actual game, but the roots of production sprout from the acute work in practices. Speaking at length about that chemistry, and what the pair can even meaningfully dive into in OTAs, Brady offered:

    “No, it’s huge. I mean, like you guys, you remember the — and I’m not equating it to that right now, they just started — but you know the chemistry that Josh and Stef had, Josh and Gabe had. Like guys, when you’re playing — Josh has with Khalil right now, and, you know, Dawson, Dalton — when you’re playing with someone for a while you understand how they speak to you running routes. Right? The body language, like, ‘hey, when I do this, this is what this means.’ Right? I think a lot of times we take that for granted. Like, we think guys can just come in here and pitch & catch. But there’s nuances to running routes. There’s nuances to, like, how they speak to you. So this is the time of year that we kind of do that. And look, there’ll be times like, I’m sure there’ll be times that at practice you’ll be like, ‘man, I feel like Josh might have forced that throw.’ And then you look and it’s like he forced to DJ, you know, but he might have tried to get a feel of like, ‘hey, kind of let’s sort through that, let’s talk through that; hey I wanted to see kind of how that felt throwing that in-cut to him.’ So, not saying, ‘hey, that’s what I want, him to just force throws,’ but I think there’s some components of him trying to get a feel of, you know, the timing of the routes, the speed in which he comes out of some of the breaks. And, you know, the only way you can kind of get that chemistry is by kind of working at it at a full-speed level — not necessarily just Routes on Air. And so, we try to be really intentional about some of these routes. And some of it is just putting, you know — maybe it’s not necessarily putting DJ at the primary of a play and make, you know, trying to be intentional about, ‘hey, I might put a play down and make sure I got the worst coverage possible for us so Josh has to progress back to it and maybe find DJ from there.’ And so now it’s ‘hey, how do I get my body in a certain position to throw a football? Oh now I’m coming back to DJ,’ as opposed to ‘hey he’s the primary. Good I get the completion. I kept moving forward.’ So, there’s a lot that goes into it, but, you know, I think they have developed so far good chemistry in terms of communication, in terms of ‘hey, this is what I’m looking for.’; ‘hey, how did you know, what did you think there?’ And I think that’s all you can ask for at this point.”


    Vote for The Norwich Bulletin Athlete of the Week for May 11-16

    Norwich Tech’s Carlie Brown has been voted The Bulletin athlete of the week for May 4-9.

    The Warriors sophomore went 5-for-5 with a triple and was also the winning pitcher with seven strikeouts in a 24-8 softball victory over Grasso Tech. 

    Last week saw plenty of standout performances in baseball, softball, boys outdoor track and field, girls outdoor track and field, boys golf, and girls lacrosse across Eastern Connecticut. While there's no shortage of talent, we went and found the best of the best.

    Norwich Tech sophomore Carlie Brown was voted The Bulletin Athlete of the Week for May 4-9.

    Did your hometown hero make the list?

    The Bulletin has you covered for what's happening this spring at Norwich Free Academy, Killingly High School, Plainfield High School, Griswold High School, Norwich Technical School, and Harvard Ellis Technical School.

    Please vote now for The Bulletin ‘Athlete of the Week’ for May 11-16. Voting closes at 5 p.m. on Friday. You can cast your vote below.

    Here are the nominees: 

    Amelia Gray, Griswold

    The Wolverines freshman won both the 100 (13.3) and long jump (personal best 14-3) to lead Griswold past Plainfield, 63.5-54.5, in a girls outdoor track and field meet.

    Hailey Haggett, Ellis Tech

    The Golden Eagles junior went 3-for-4 with a double and four runs scored as Ellis Tech edged Grasso Tech in girls softball, 14-13, at Groton. 

    Tyler Hollis, Norwich Free Academy

    The Wildcats junior earned medalist honors to help NFA win the CIAC Spring Golf Classic at the Grassy Hills Country Club in Orange. Hollis shot a tournament best 36 amongst a field of 13 teams.   

    Hollis also earned medalist honors with a 35 in NFA’s 7-0 win against Woodstock Academy at Norwich Golf Course. 

    More: Norwich Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2026 | Zanor column

    Riley Lewis, Plainfield

    The Panthers sophomore had two hits, including a double, and four RBIs to help Plainfield top Griswold, 15-8, in girls softball.

    Riley Ritchotte, Killingly

    The Trailblazers senior scored an overtime goal to lift Killingly to their second win of the season, an 8-7 victory over Wheeler. Ritchotte scored two goals, including her 100th career goal. 

     Ritchotte also scored seven goals in Killingly’s 17-2 win against Griswold.  

    Jeremiah Smith, Killingly

    The Trailblazers senior won the 110 hurdles (16.38), 300 hurdles (45.75), high jump (6-2), and long jump (personal best 20-11) in Killingly’s 105-26 boys track and field victory against Putnam.

    Carter Stringer, Norwich Free Academy

    The Wildcats junior right-hander tossed a complete game two-hitter to lead NFA to a 6-1 non-league baseball victory against Cheshire. Stringer struck out 10 and walked one.

    Kyle Stringer, Norwich Tech

    The Warriors junior lefthander tossed a complete game shutout with 14 strikeouts to lift Norwich Tech baseball past Vinal Tech, 2-0. Stringer allowed just two hits and walked none. 

    More: There was magic in the air again at Killingly's Morgan Ross game

    Mason Tavernier, Plainfield

    The Panthers junior right-hander allowed just one earned run and struck out eight in a complete game performance to lift Plainfield to an 8-1 non-league baseball win against Wilbur Cross in New Haven. Tavernier also had a triple and scored two runs.

    Lyric Teevan, Ellis Tech

    The Golden Eagles senior went 3-for-4 with two doubles in a 10-1 baseball win over Grasso Tech. Teevan also drove in three runs and scored two runs.

    Jessie Williams, Killingly

    The Trailblazers junior short won both the long jump (17-0) and triple jump (personal best, 34.5) in a girls outdoor track and field meet against Putnam. Killingly fell short, 79.7-66.33.

    This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Vote for The Norwich Bulletin Athlete of the Week for May 11-16

    Tigers' slugging outfielder tagged as team's 'most untouchable' trade asset

    Tigers' slugging outfielder tagged as team's 'most untouchable' trade asset originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Riley Greene dominated as a high school baseball player in Florida. And after hitting .422 as a senior, he was committed to play college baseball for the University of Florida. 

    However, Greene was one of the top prospects ahead of the 2019 MLB Draft. And instead of going to be a Florida Gator, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as the fifth overall pick. 

    After getting drafted, it would not take him long to work his way through the minors, making his MLB debut in June during the 2022 season, and he has not looked back. 

    MORE: Tigers' ugly record since Tarik Skubal injury shouldn't change trade deadline plans

    Tigers' slugging outfielder tagged as team's 'most untouchable' trade asset

    Since making his debut during the 2022 season, he has been named a two-time All-Star and has been good for at least 24 home runs over the last two seasons. 

    He has been a cornerstone piece for the offense, and he has been good on defense as well. With this, and some other things already been taken care of, Bleacher Report's Joel Retuer points to Greene as Detroit's "most untouchable" trade asset. 

    "Since rookie phenom Kevin McGonigle is already locked up, the focus shifts to a more established star. After a 36-homer, 111-RBI season last year, Greene is hitting .320/.410/.473 for a 149 OPS+ through 195 plate appearances this season. Even with some likely regression, he is the most important run producer in the middle of their lineup and just now in his first year of arbitration."

    As McGonigle is already locked up for eight years, it's about surrounding him with other star players. This is where Greene comes in. He is too important for this team to just get rid of, especially in an American League Central division that seems to be pretty open at this point in the season. 

    More MLB news:

    UFC 329: Max Holloway Opens As Betting Favorite Over Conor McGregor

    UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland walks through the arena before his lightweight bought against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    On Saturday, the UFC announced the return of Conor McGregor. The former two-division UFC champion is booked to headline the UFC 329 fight card during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. McGregor faces Max Holloway in that matchup. Holloway, a former UFC featherweight and BMF titleholder moves up to welterweight for the July 11 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early betting odds for the upcoming matchup have Holloway as a substantial betting favorite over McGregor, who last competed in July 2021.

    This is not the first time UFC CEO Dana White has announced a McGregor return to the cage. In April 2024, the UFC booked McGregor vs. Michael Chandler for the main event of UFC 303. A month later, White was happy with ticket sales for the event, saying UFC 303, which was booked for June 29, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, would be the first UFC card to have a live gate of $20 million or more.

    Things fell apart in mid-June when McGregor withdrew from UFC 303 because of a broken toe. The card, which was headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between then-champion Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, drew a live gate of $15,909,243.

    UFC 306 became the first card to top the $20 million live gate number. That event, at Sphere in Las Vegas drew $21,829,245 on an attendance of 16,024.

    Ticket prices for UFC 329 have not been announced. The fight card anchors International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

    The 37-year-old McGregor (22-6) is 1-3 since October 2018. His most recent win was a January 2020 TKO victory over Donald Cerrone. He is coming off back-to-back TKO losses to Dustin Poirier. McGregor’s most recent fight, his July 2021 loss to Poirier, came after a broken leg left McGregor unable to continue.

    Holloway has fought eight times since McGregor’s last UFC outing, he is 5-3 in those bouts. Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight). The 34-year-old’s wins came against Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, Korean Zombie, Justin Gaethje (for the BMF title), and Dustin Poirier (defense of the BMF title).

    McGregor and Holloway first met at 145 pounds in August 2013. McGregor won that contest via decision.

    When the betting odds for the rematch opened, Holloway was listed as the -550 favorite over the +420 McGregor. Today, Holloway is listed at -400, while McGregor checks in as the +330 betting underdog.

    We will have more on UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 as fight night nears.

    This article was originally published on Forbes.com

    ON THIS DAY: Microsoft is working on its own 'Bing Concierge Bot' to rival Google Assistant

    20 May 2026 at 01:11
    From our archives: Ten years ago today, Microsoft was testing a Bing “concierge bot” designed to live inside your conversations, handle tasks, and fetch info — basically the same thing Google is now announcing as its new AI information agents. The irony is hard to miss.

    Forza Horizon 6 is now available on Xbox Game Pass, just as fourteen other games have been revealed for May 2026's second batch and beyond

    20 May 2026 at 00:09
    Microsoft has unveiled the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass for May 2026 and early June 2026. Alongside that main attraction, which is Forza Horizon 6, this batch includes other titles like Jurassic World Evolution 3, Remnant 2, and Echo Generation 2, to name a few.

    Gateron Launches Magnetic Jade Silent Switch for HE and TMR Gaming Keyboards

    20 May 2026 at 00:47
    It's safe to say that the variety of magnetic switches for Hall effect and TMR gaming keyboards has grown in recent months, with Gateron's recent perfectly linear switch, and Keychron going so far as to release tactile magnetic switches. Gateron's latest magnetic switch, however, is a more traditional linear design, but this time with silent bottom- and top-outs. The Gateron Magnetic Jade Silent switch takes a lot of what makes Gateron's Jade series of switches so desirable and removes any auditory feedback to provide an option for gamers or office workers who don't want to disturb those around them. Gateron Magnetic Jade Silent switches are available as a set of 70 for $56 or 90 for $72 from Gateron's online store. The Magnetic Jade Silent switch is a n-pole magnetic switch, meaning it should be compatible with most magnetic keyboards that support switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming, Gravastar UFO, and TTC KOM switches, for example.

    The Gateron Magnetic Jade Silent switch has a 33 gf starting force and 45 gf bottom-out force, with a total travel distance of 3.2 mm (±0.2 mm). The switch has the same closed-bottom design as the regular Jade Pro and Gaming switches, but it shakes up the design with a circular stem. Keystrokes are silenced by two silicone or rubber rings mounted to the sides of the stem—a fairly traditional silent switch design—and Gateron claims that the switch has been optimized for low wobble. The Jade Silent switch has a POM stem and top housing, but the bottom housing is unspecified, although POM or nylon are likely candidates. There is also a removable LED diffuser for translucent and shine-through keycaps.

    AMD Launches EPYC 8005 Series Server CPUs with Up to 84 Zen 5 Cores

    20 May 2026 at 00:20
    AMD has formally launched the EPYC 8005 series, codenamed "Sorano" after its announcement at MWC 2026 back in February, and now the full details are in. The new lineup succeeds the EPYC 8004 "Siena" family and sits between the high-end EPYC 9005 and the entry-level EPYC 4005, targeting single-socket low-power platforms with eight to 84 Zen 5 cores across a 95 W to 225 W TDP range. The flagship is the EPYC 8635P featuring 84 cores, 168 threads, 384 MB of L3 cache, and a 225 W TDP with a 1.6 GHz base clock. Compared to its 64-core EPYC 8004 predecessor, AMD claims 40% higher integer performance and 9.5% better performance per watt. Against Intel's 40-core Xeon 6716P-B at 235 W, it offers 2.1 times the core count (84 vs 40), a 10 W lower TDP (225 W vs 235 W), and 91% higher integer performance. AMD also claims 48% better integer performance per CPU watt per dollar versus Intel 72-core Xeon 6776P-B in a single-socket configuration.

    The full lineup spans seven SKUs, from the 8-core EPYC 8025P at 95 W up to the 84-core 8635P at 225 W. All models are single-socket only and support six channels of DDR5-6400 ECC memory with up to 3 TB total capacity, 96 lanes of PCIe Gen 5, and full AVX-512 support. AMD is positioning the 8005 series around dense edge deployments and software-defined storage workloads. In those scenarios, core density, I/O bandwidth and power efficiency matter more than raw single-threaded performance.

    (PR) Dell Technologies Introduces Dell PowerStore Elite Storage Platform

    19 May 2026 at 23:38
    Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) introduces Dell PowerStore Elite, a new class of modern storage platform that delivers breakthrough performance and efficiency through software-driven innovation and a fully refreshed hardware platform. PowerStore Elite supports block, file, virtual machines and container workloads with mixed-generation clustering that lets existing customers adopt the latest PowerStore without disruption.

    Why it matters
    Enterprise storage decisions have never been more important. Data is exploding. AI workloads are expanding. Cyber threats are intensifying. Flash supply dynamics are putting new pressure on infrastructure planning. And IT teams are expected to modernize through all of it, without adding complexity, risk or operational overhead.

    Has Smartphone Thermal Capabilities Hit A Wall? Latest Results Show Cooling Solutions Are Unable To Tame Mobile SoC Performance

    20 May 2026 at 00:20

    Has smartphone thermal capabilities hit a wall?

    Every generation, we see smartphone chipsets break some kind of performance record and achieve feats that we thought weren’t even remotely possible, such as running AAA games at decent visual settings. However, two metrics that we’ve more or less ignored while admiring these SoCs are power consumption and temperature. Putting aside the benchmarks and those impressive framerates, a new discussion paired with some test results has shown that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for smartphone makers to effectively cool chips, and it appears as though the problem will get worse. With vapor chambers unable to effectively transfer heat from smartphone chipsets, […]

    Read full article at https://wccftech.com/new-results-show-smartphone-thermal-capabilities-have-hit-a-wall-in-cooling-chipsets/

    Google’s WearOS 7 Finally Kills Off Tiles For Widgets, While Bringing A 10% Battery Boost

    20 May 2026 at 00:15

    A user interface showing the song Dandelion by Ella Langley playing with 'Headphones' selected as the current audio output and options for other outputs like 'Bedroom speaker' and 'Living room TV.'

    Google has just announced the all-new WearOS 7, bringing Gemini Intelligence and some of the most utility-heavy features of Android 17 onboard. WearOS 7 brings a substantial battery boost and tons of productivity-geared features to your smart watch Tiles are out and widgets are in. Wear Widgets are debuting on WearOS 7, replete with 2x1 and 2x2 sizes that align with the widget format on your smartphone. What's more, Live Updates now allow you to view time-critical updates, such as delivery or ride tracking, directly on your watch face, with the information updating in real-time. This precludes the need for […]

    Read full article at https://wccftech.com/googles-wearos-7-finally-kills-off-tiles-for-widgets-while-bringing-a-10-battery-boost/

    Market maker says Ethereum is the wrong trade for this macro, dropping 10% this week

    20 May 2026 at 00:00
    Ethereum dropped another 10.2% this week, with the ETH/BTC ratio sinking toward 0.0275, and market maker Wintermute is now flatly calling ETH “not the right asset for this macro” as yields and inflation grind higher. According to a note shared…

    Lolli launches automatic Bitcoin cashback on cards

    19 May 2026 at 23:45
    Lolli launched automatic Bitcoin cashback for users who link eligible debit or credit cards, partnering with commerce network Kard. Lolli announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with independent commerce media network Kard to launch card-linked Bitcoin cashback rewards for…

    XRP Alliance links D’CENT’s 720k users to vaults

    19 May 2026 at 23:20
    The XRP Alliance launched on May 19, linking D’CENT’s 720,000 hardware wallet users to XRP yield vaults via Flare Smart Accounts. D’CENT Wallet and Flare Network announced the XRP Alliance on May 19, a coalition that connects D’CENT’s estimated 720,000…

    Dogecoin price prediction: Can DOGE hold $0.10 or is a deeper reset coming?

    19 May 2026 at 22:44
    Dogecoin is trading around $0.10–$0.105 today, with most serious 2026 forecasts clustering in a restrained $0.12–$0.18 band unless another meme‑mania shock hits. According to Binance, Dogecoin (DOGE) is trading around $0.104–$0.105 today, with 24‑hour volume just over $1 billion and a…

    New Microsoft Surface for Business PCs pair Panther Lake chips with as little as 8GB of RAM — 13-inch Surface Laptop goes light on memory but still starts at $1,299

    Microsoft has announced the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 for Business, both starting at $1,949 and featuring Intel's Panther Lake silicon. There's also a new Surface Laptop 13-inch that comes with as little as 8GB RAM coming later this year and starting at $1,299.

    Elon Musk said Sam Altman ‘stole’ a non-profit — but the trial showed he had similar aims

    20 May 2026 at 00:11
    The jury's speedy decision to reject Elon Musk's lawsuit against the other founders of OpenAI and Microsoft confirmed what we saw in the courtroom: Musk's case was a weak one, in part because he waited so long to file it.

    Google takes a page out of Meta’s book, announces new audio-powered smart glasses at IO 2026

    19 May 2026 at 23:15
    Google is calling the new devices "audio glasses," in that users will be able to issue verbal commands to them and get things done via its ecosystem of apps and services, including Gemini.

    Google unveils Gemini 3.5: A powerful step toward smarter AI agents

    20 May 2026 at 00:42

    Google has introduced a new AI system – Gemini 3.5. It is designed to be smarter, faster, and more helpful than older versions. The first release is Gemini 3.5 Flash. It is built to handle complex tasks in a simple and quick way.

    Gemini 3.5 is not just a chatbot, as it can understand tasks, plan steps, and complete work like a digital assistant. For example, it can help write code, solve problems, and organize large amounts of information in a clear way.

    The main power of this is speed. Gemini 3.5 Flash works very fast while still giving high-quality results. Google says it performs better than older models like Gemini 3.1 Pro in difficult tasks such as coding and problem-solving.

    Gemini 3.5

    This AI also works in an “agent-like” way. That means it can break big tasks into smaller steps and finish them one by one. It can also use different tools when needed, which helps it handle more complex work easily.

    Gemini 3.5 is available for many users. People can use it in the Gemini app on mobile phones. Developers can access it through tools like Google AI Studio and Android Studio. It is also available for businesses through Google’s enterprise platforms.

    Google has also added strong safety features to Gemini 3.5. These features help make sure the AI gives safe, useful, and responsible answers. It is designed to avoid harmful or incorrect outputs as much as possible.

    Google is also working on a more advanced version called Gemini 3.5 Pro, which will be released soon. Stay tuned.

    The post Google unveils Gemini 3.5: A powerful step toward smarter AI agents appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Google Pics lets you edit any part of an image with just a click

    20 May 2026 at 00:13

    Google has unveiled a new AI image editing app, Pics. The app is designed to help people edit pictures in a simple and easy way. It will be added to Google Workspace and uses Google’s Gemini AI and Nano Banana 2 image model.

    The best feature of Google Pics is that users do not need to write long instructions to change a picture. Instead, they can click on the part they want to edit and leave a small comment. The app then changes only that part of the image. It works like adding comments in Google Docs.

    With Pics, users can easily edit anything in an image, including text, pictures, size, and placement of objects. The app also lets users drag content and make quick changes, making image editing simple and easy for everyone.

    Google Pics app

    Google showed how the app works during a demo. A Google employee was making a birthday party invitation for a child. The card had a picture of a cat, but she wanted to replace it with a dog. She clicked on the cat and wrote a short note asking the app to change it. She also changed the address on the card by clicking on the text directly.

    After a few seconds, the app updated the invitation automatically. The result was good, but the dog still looked a little like a cat. This shows that AI image editing is improving, but it is not perfect yet.

    Google Pics can help students, teachers, office workers, and small businesses create images quickly without using difficult editing software. People can make changes easily by simply clicking and typing short comments. With Pics, Google wants to make AI image editing faster, easier, and more useful for everyday users.

    Google Pics is currently live for limited testers and will be rolling out later this summer to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in Workspace.

    The post Google Pics lets you edit any part of an image with just a click appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Google brings smarter app recommendations to Gemini with Play Store integration

    19 May 2026 at 23:26

    Google is adding a new feature to Gemini that will help people find apps more easily. Instead of searching the Play Store by typing many words, users can simply ask Gemini what they need. Gemini will then suggest the best apps for that task.

    Gemini will search the Play Store and show useful app recommendations. It will use app information, ratings, and user reviews to give better suggestions. Users can also install apps directly from Gemini to make everything faster and simpler.

    Google says Gemini will only recommend apps when users clearly ask for them. This means people will not see too many unwanted app suggestions or ads. The company wants the experience to feel natural and helpful.

    Gemini can also check apps already installed on a user’s phone. If a person already has an app that can do the job, Gemini may remind them about it instead of suggesting a new app. This can help users make better use of apps they already have.

    The new Play Store feature for Gemini will start rolling out in the next few weeks. It will be available on Android phones, Gemini Live, and the web version of Gemini.

    Google also plans to expand this feature later in the year. Gemini will not only help users find apps but also movies, TV shows, and streaming services. People can ask Gemini where they can watch their favorite content, and it will guide them to the right platform or app.

    This update shows how Google is using AI to make technology easier for everyone. With Gemini and Play Store working together, users will spend less time searching and more time using the apps and entertainment they enjoy.

    The post Google brings smarter app recommendations to Gemini with Play Store integration appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Wear OS 7 launches with new widgets, Live Updates, laying foundation for One UI 9 Watch

    19 May 2026 at 23:15

    Google has officially unveiled Wear OS 7, and for Samsung users, this announcement matters far more than a routine platform update.

    Wear OS 7 is the software foundation that will shape Samsung’s upcoming One UI 9 Watch experience for the next generation of Galaxy Watches.

    Under the hood, Wear OS 7 is based on Android 17, bringing major improvements focused on battery life, smarter AI integration, redesigned widgets, richer media controls, and a more connected wearable ecosystem.

    Google is laying fresh groundwork that could make One UI 9 Watch feel significantly more intelligent and polished than previous generations.

    Wear OS 7

    Wear Widgets

    The new widgets support flexible small and large card layouts that mirror the 2×1 and 2×2 widget styles already used on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

    Samsung now has an opportunity to create a much more unified ecosystem experience between Galaxy phones and Galaxy Watches.

    Gemini Intelligence

    Google confirmed that select Wear OS watches arriving later this year will feature Gemini Intelligence integration. Google’s example was simple: saying “Start tracking my run” could instantly launch workout tracking inside Samsung Health.

    Live Updates

    Wear OS 7 also introduces “Live Updates,” which essentially upgrades how real-time information appears on smartwatches. Google specifically showcased delivery tracking experiences similar to apps like DoorDash and Just Eat.

    For Galaxy Watch users, this means services like food delivery, ride tracking, navigation progress, sports scores, or order updates can stay persistently visible.

    Samsung could integrate this deeply into One UI 9 Watch with support for Galaxy ecosystem apps and third-party services alike.

    Media controls

    Wear OS 7 introduces per-app media auto-launch controls, letting users decide which apps automatically trigger media controls on the watch when playback starts on a paired phone.

    Watch faces

    Google also introduced Watch Face Format 5 (WFF 5), bringing major improvements for customizable watch faces. The update adds:

    • Better text alignment
    • Improved auto-sizing
    • Blend modes
    • Hierarchical settings
    • More advanced complication management

    Galaxy Watch users could finally see better battery life

    With Wear OS 7, watches upgrading from Wear OS 6 can deliver up to 10 percent better battery life. That may not sound massive on paper, but on a smartwatch, every extra hour matters.

    Especially for Galaxy Watch users who rely on sleep tracking, workouts, notifications, GPS, and always-on displays throughout the day.

    For Galaxy Watch users, Wear OS 7 could end up being the biggest leap in Samsung’s wearable experience in years.

    The post Wear OS 7 launches with new widgets, Live Updates, laying foundation for One UI 9 Watch appeared first on Sammy Fans.

    Mid-June Nintendo Direct leaks, with new first-party Switch 2 games rumored

    After comments from a trustworthy insider, a June Nintendo Direct looks more probable. Jeff Grubb has heard that the company will respond to the Summer Game Fest with its own livestream. Fans are anxious to see unannounced first-party Switch 2 games, like the Ocarina of Time remake.

    Microsoft announced the new Surface Laptop 8 series and Surface Pro

    20 May 2026 at 00:22

    Microsoft updated four of its laptops today - the Surface Pro 13, the Surface Laptop 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13.8-inch and Surface Laptop 15-inch. The new devices run on the recently released Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, but Snapdragon X2-powered versions are expected later this year. Surface Laptop Starting with the most important updates - the Surface Laptop 13.8 and 15-inch. They now come with new display options, some of which include a privacy screen feature similar to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's. The 15-inch model gets a higher resolution, but it's still LCD. OLED...

    The media starts receiving the first Trump Mobile T1 Phone units, launch is imminent

    19 May 2026 at 23:01

    The Trump Mobile T1 Phone was supposed to launch last year in August, but many future customers who put a $100 pre-sale order were left empty-handed until now. It looks like the T1 Phone is actually happening as the company started distributing units to media, which in turn means that the actual shipments to customers will begin shortly. But there's a catch. If you haven't followed the news around the T1 Phone lately, you will be surprised to see a couple of discrepancies. The most obvious one is the new design, which is a lot different from the initial one. Also, the American flag at...

    Nicolás Paz’s injury sparks disagreement between Como and Argentina with the World Cup in sight

    20 May 2026 at 01:38
    With the World Cup in sight, a disagreement between Como and Argentina may arise as Nicolás Paz deals with an injury.

    For most players so close to the World Cup, the priority is usually to avoid taking unnecessary risks when they are near the tournament. However, Como have a big objective ahead that makes them consider risking Nicolás Paz, something Argentina are not sure about.

    Paz missed his team’s most recent match against Parma with a knee injury. While Como won that game, they remain fifth in Serie A alongside Juventus, with both teams sitting two points behind Roma and Milan in the race for Champions League qualification.

    With Como closing a strong season against Cremonese on Sunday, the Italian club are willing to take another look at Paz with the intention of playing him, according to Marca. This prompted Argentina to send a staff member to assess the risk, according to Olé. His chances of being called up by the national team could ultimately decide whether he plays.

    With Argentina set to make their World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16, there is still close to a month for Paz to recover, provided he does not suffer a setback or reinjure himself.

    Paz’s fantastic year

    Paz was already showing flashes of what he could do last season at Como. The Real Madrid product is rumored to return there soon, even if it is only to be sold again as a business decision.

    Fábregas was very important to his growth (Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)

    But during his time in Italy, he has shown that he can lead a team to big things without a star-studded cast around him. His importance to Cesc Fàbregas is evident in him being the outfield player with the most minutes for the entire team.

    The left-footed midfielder has not only been reliable, he has also been decisive. Even if he is not a striker, he has scored 12 goals in 35 Serie A matches. He has also added six assists for a total of 18 goal contributions, while being important in his team’s run to the Coppa Italia final.

    Paz’s contract

    Paz’s future at Como could depend heavily on which competition they play in next season, but Real Madrid are expected to be heavily involved. When the Italian club bought him, the Spanish club inserted a very low buy-back clause. If Real Madrid want him back this summer, the fee would be just 9 million euros, a huge difference compared with his market valuation of around 60 million euros.

    Paz missed his team's last match

    Arsenal secure fourth Premier League title: When did they last lift the trophy?

    20 May 2026 at 00:25
    Arsenal secured the Premier League title and ended a lengthy drought without major success.

    This Tuesday, the 2025-26 Premier League title race was decided with Manchester City’s unexpected draw to Bournemouth. That result left Arsenal at the top of the standings with an unassailable lead, securing the club’s first league title in a long time.

    Arsenal last won the Premier League trophy 22 years ago, when they captured the 2003-04 title under legendary head coach Arsene Wenger. That squad finished comfortably ahead of runners-up Chelsea, who ended the campaign 11 points behind.

    The Gunners that season featured stars such as Thierry Henry — the Premier League’s top scorer that year with 30 goals — Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole. During that campaign, they earned the nickname ‘The Invincibles’ after going unbeaten across all 38 league matches.

    The 2025-26 title under Mikel Arteta is Arsenal’s fourth since the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Before 2004, they had also been crowned champions in 1997-98 and 2001-02. Prior to that, the London side won 10 titles in the old Football League First Division, which served as England’s top flight for more than a century.

    Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

    The 22-year drought Arsenal ended this Tuesday was the longest spell without a league title in club history since their first championship in 1931. Their previous longest droughts lasted 18 years, between 1953 and 1971, and then again until 1989.

    Clubs with the most English league titles

    Taking into account both the Football League First Division and Premier League eras, Arsenal are the third-most successful club in English league history with 14 titles. Only Manchester United and Liverpool rank higher, with 20 each.

    Here is the full list of English league champions:

    1- Manchester United – 20 titles
    1- Liverpool – 20 titles
    3- Arsenal – 14 titles
    4- Manchester City – 10 titles
    5- Everton – 9 titles
    6- Aston Villa – 7 titles
    7- Chelsea – 6 titles
    7- Sunderland – 6 titles
    9- Sheffield Wednesday – 4 titles
    9- Newcastle United – 4 titles

    Arsenal facing another historic opportunity

    This Arsenal squad will be remembered for ending the longest league-title drought in club history by winning the Premier League. But they could elevate their legacy even further by claiming what would arguably be the most important trophy in the club’s history.

    On May 30 at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. There, the Gunners will have the chance to win the competition for the first time, as it will be only their second appearance in the final after losing to Barcelona in 2006.

    Bukayo Saka, Cristhian Mosquera and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal.

    Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher compares Mohamed Salah’s Anfield exit to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United departure

    20 May 2026 at 00:19
    After his tense relationship with Arne Slot, Mohamed Salah decided to leave Liverpool, while also delivering explosive public comments. In response, club legend Jamie Carragher criticized the Egyptian star, even comparing his departure to Cristiano Ronaldo’s one from Manchester United.

    Mohamed Salah has not enjoyed the best season of his career, eventually losing his starting role under Arne Slot, a situation that later culminated in his departure from Liverpool. Far from having a quiet exit, the Egyptian star posted a controversial message on social media. In response, Reds legend Jamie Carragher delivered a harsh criticism of Salah, even comparing the situation to Cristiano Ronaldo’s turbulent departure from Manchester United.

    After the latest defeat Mohamed Salah posted a strong message on his X profile, criticizing the team’s poor run of results. In addition, the Egyptian star appeared to take aim at Arne Slot’s tactical approach, making it clear that he wants to see the more attacking style. With this becoming his second major public criticism, Carragher sees strong similarities between the Egyptian and Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial exit from the Red Devils.

    “I’m not surprised. I told everyone: something’s going to happen before the end of the season. He’ll drop another bombshell, a bit like Ronaldo did when he left Manchester United… I called him selfish in an interview, and I still stand by that. Liverpool have a crucial week coming up; they haven’t secured their Champions League spot yet, and the focus should be on Liverpool FC, not Salah FC,” Carragher said, via Sky Sports.

    Like Salah, Ronaldo also made explosive remarks about Manchester United. “When I signed for Manchester United, I expected things to have changed. I spent nine years at Real Madrid, then at Juventus… but I was negatively surprised. Everything was still the same — the technology, everything… Right now, it’s a club that is not at the highest level,” he said, via Piers Morgan. With this in mind, both stars left under controversial circumstances, despite being legends.

    Liverpool star Mohamed Salah
    Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match.

    Arne Slot may not rule out Salah vs. Brentford after his remarks

    Not only has Jamie Carragher criticized Mohamed Salah for his recent comments, but Wayne Rooney has also publicly questioned the Egyptian star’s behavior, suggesting that he should be dropped for the match vs Brentford. Because of this, Arne Slot appears to have significant backing if he chooses to bench the legend for his final match at Anfield. Even so, the Dutch head coach may not have intention of completely leaving the 34-year-old star out of the squad.

    Liverpool FC have revealed that a special mosaic will be displayed at Anfield to honor both Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson. Because of this, Arne Slot is not expected to leave the Egyptian star out of the stands entirely due to the farewell tribute for both legends. In addition, the Dutch head coach already gave Salah minutes against Aston Villa, making it clear that there are no physical concerns surrounding the 34-year-old forward.

    Mohamed Salah of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Premier League match.

    How to watch St. Louis vs Houston Dynamo in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 US Open Cup

    20 May 2026 at 00:00
    St. Louis will square off against Houston Dynamo in the 2026 US Open knockout quarterfinal. Here is how you can watch the match live in the USA.
    Here are all of the details of where you can watch St. Louis vs Houston Dynamo on US television and via legal streaming:
    WHO St. Louis vs Houston Dynamo
    WHAT US Open Cup
    WHEN 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
    WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and Hulu + Live TV
    STREAM WATCH NOW

    Match Overview

    Houston Dynamo shift their focus from the MLS playoff race to the US Open Cup. With 21 points and only eight behind Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps, Houston remain in solid form heading into a knockout clash against St. Louis City SC.

    St. Louis battling near the bottom of the standings. For them, this tournament represents one of the few remaining chances to salvage their season, adding even more pressure to a matchup neither side can afford to lose. Don’t miss this high-stakes cup showdown.

    More details of how to watch

    With Fubo, you can watch St. Louis vs Houston Dynamo and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
    Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
    Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
    The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
    If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

    How to watch anywhere with VPN

    If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

    Free resources available to you

    World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
    Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
    To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

    Antônio Carlos of Houston Dynamo

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence could trigger historic Saudi Pro League rule change as three new foreign player proposals emerge

    19 May 2026 at 23:43
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the direction of the Saudi Pro League, with league officials now reportedly discussing major new foreign player regulations that could dramatically change the competition’s future.

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the direction of the Saudi Pro League, with league officials now reportedly discussing major new foreign player regulations that could dramatically change the competition’s future. The proposed changes are already creating debate among clubs, supporters, and analysts as Saudi soccer searches for the right balance between global star power and local player development.

    The Saudi Pro League has grown rapidly since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in early 2023. Since then, some of soccer’s biggest names have followed him to the Kingdom, transforming the league into one of the sport’s fastest-growing competitions.

    According to reports circulating from meetings involving league officials and club representatives, several new proposals are currently being considered behind closed doors. The discussions could lead to one of the most significant rule changes since the Saudi Pro League began aggressively recruiting international stars.

    Ronaldo himself recently acknowledged the impact his transfer had on Saudi soccer’s global rise. Speaking in a conversation with England great Rio Ferdinand, the Portuguese forward made it clear he believes his move opened the door for many of the league’s elite signings. “I was the first to come to this league, and the rest came because of me,” the 41-year-old superstar said.

    🚨🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Rio Ferdinand:

    "Some clubs have influence off the pitch, but I don't want to talk about that now, I'll talk at the end of the season about many real things." pic.twitter.com/3qu3QPLFLE

    — The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) April 30, 2026

    His arrival was later followed by players such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. Saudi soccer authorities now appear ready to take another ambitious step. The latest discussions focus on how many foreign players clubs should be allowed to use during league matches.

    Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad talk prior the Saudi Pro League match.
    Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad talk prior the Saudi Pro League match.

    Three possible options under discussion

    Zone 1 has revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that three separate foreign player models are currently being debated by Saudi Pro League officials. Meetings with club executives are already underway, with a final decision expected soon.

    The first proposal would allow 10 foreign players on the pitch at the same time. Such a move would create one of the most internationally focused domestic leagues in world soccer.

    The second proposal, which is reportedly closest to approval, would permit nine foreign players on the field while one foreign player would be excluded from the matchday squad. Many insiders believe this option offers a compromise between competitiveness and squad balance.

    ronaldo felix
    Joao Felix celebrates scoring their third goal with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr

    The third option would keep stricter limits in place by allowing eight foreign players on the pitch while two remain on the bench. Supporters of this approach believe it offers the best long-term pathway for Saudi player development.

    Current rules already changed the league structure

    The Saudi Pro League already introduced major foreign player reforms ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Under the current system, clubs can register 25 players, including up to 10 non-Saudi players.

    Eight foreign players can be senior internationals without age restrictions, while two additional foreign spots are reserved for players born in 2003 or later. Clubs may also register one foreign-born player who was born inside Saudi Arabia and meets specific eligibility criteria.

    Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman.
    Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman.

    On matchdays, teams are currently allowed to field eight foreign players plus one Saudi-born foreign player. That means a maximum of nine non-Saudi players can appear during league matches under existing regulations.

    League officials introduced these rules in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Soccer Federation as part of a broader long-term development plan. Workshops involving club representatives reportedly played a major role before the framework was approved.

    Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr

    How to watch Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 US Open Cup

    19 May 2026 at 23:30
    Orlando City SC will square off against Atlanta United in the 2026 US Open knockout quarterfinal. Here is how you can watch the match live in the USA.
    Here are all of the details of where you can watch Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United on US television and via legal streaming:
    WHO Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United
    WHAT US Open Cup
    WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Tuesday, September 23, 2026
    WHERE Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network and Amazon Prime Video
    STREAM WATCH NOW

    Match Overview

    With a US Open Cup semifinal spot on the line, Orlando City SC and Atlanta United meet again after a 1-1 draw last Saturday that highlighted how little separates them. Orlando enters with 14 MLS points, just three shy of the Play-In line.

    Facing the Florida team will be Atlanta United, who sit on 11 and still chasing the same cutoff, but league form takes a back seat in this knockout rematch where fine margins are expected to decide it. Don’t miss it.

    How to watch the game

    Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to English League Cup, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; The Women’s Cup; NWSL; Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol; and other competitions.
    Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
    Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
    If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

    Free resources available to you

    World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
    Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:

    How to watch anywhere with VPN

    If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

    Free resources available to you

    Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
    To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

    Iago Teodoro da Silva Nogueira of the Orlando City SC

    Cristiano Ronaldo on alert as Marcelo Brozovic’s availability for Al Nassr clash vs Damac is reportedly in doubt

    19 May 2026 at 23:01
    Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to lose a key teammate for Al Nassr's final Saudi Pro League fixture against Damac, as Marcelo Brozovic’s availability hangs in the balance.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of a massive opportunity to lift his first official title with Al Nassr as they prepare to face Damac on the final matchday of the Saudi Pro League, where a victory would crown them league champions. However, the Portuguese superstar might have to do it without a vital teammate, as Marcelo Brozovic’s availability for the clash remains shrouded in doubt.

    According to a report from Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Brozovic underwent an additional treatment session on Tuesday, but his chances of featuring in the season finale have significantly diminished.

    The Croatian midfielder was notably absent from Al Nassr’s recent 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, after picking up a muscle injury during the dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

    However, it is not all bad news for Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggest that Kingsley Coman has fully recovered ahead of the crucial SPL showdown. After coming off the bench against Gamba Osaka, the French forward is expected to return to the starting lineup for Thursday’s match against Damac.

    brozovic al-nassr
    Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr. (Getty Images)

    Optimism surrounding other players

    Brozovic’s injury brings plenty of anxiety to the Al Nassr camp, given that their entire season rests on this final fixture against Damac. Amidst this setback, the club did receive some positive updates regarding other players who were previously considered doubts due to various fitness concerns.

    In addition to Coman, the report notes that Angelo Gabriel, Abdulelah Al-Amri, and Abdullah Al-Khaibari will undergo a specialized treatment session before training. This is intended to ensure they are completely pain-free before being cleared for selection in Thursday’s season finale.

    A massive loss for Cristiano

    Losing Brozovic is undoubtedly a heavy blow to Al Nassr’s midfield, where he provides crucial defensive stability and dictates the tempo of the play. It is equally a major setback for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the two boast impressive numbers when sharing the pitch.

    Out of the 105 matches the duo have played together, Al Nassr have emerged victorious in 75, drawing 11 and losing just 19. Furthermore, Cristiano has found the back of the net five times courtesy of a Brozovic assist, while the Croatian playmaker has scored twice from Ronaldo’s setups.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr.

    Google’s new intelligent Search box – its biggest change to the search box in 25 years

    19 May 2026 at 21:45

    Google unveiled the biggest change to its search box in 25 years. It is calling the new search box the “Intelligent Search box.” The new search box aims to bring easier access to the AI search features in Google Search to Google’s users.

    And yes, this is all powered by the latest Gemini release, Gemini 3.5 Flash.

    What it looks like. Google redesigned this search box to give searchers more space to ask longer, deeper queries. The search box will continue to expand as the user enters the query or prompt. There is an AI-powered suggestion that Google’s Head of Search, Liz Reid, said “goes beyond autocomplete.”

    Plus, you can search with text, images, files, videos or your Chrome tabs.

    Here is what the new intelligent search box looks like:

    This puts Google’s “most powerful AI tools right at your fingertips, making it easier to ask your questions,” Liz Reid of Google said.

    Seamless Google Search to AI Mode. Google also said it made the AI Overviews seamless link approach to AI Mode live today globally both on desktop and mobile. This is something that launched to many back in January but is now fully live.

    Here is how this works:

    Why we care. The Google Search box looks and feels different and that might be a big deal to how it leads to how users search on Google. It might impact the type of search traffic Google has been sending you and will send you in the future. It might lead to more people jumping to AI Mode sooner from Google Search and it might lead to more AI Overviews with deeper answers. It might lead to fewer clicks to your web site than before.

    Change is not always easy, but it is inevitable, especially when it comes to Google Search.

    Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO told us that the extraordinary thing about Search is how people search and expect more from Google Search.  Search is evolving, from individual queries to ongoing conversations and now to agentic workflows.  Search is the most used product in the world, Sundar said and Google will evolve super hard to stay a step ahead of where our users want to be.

    💾

    This new search box aims to gives searchers easier access to AI search capabilities, with longer prompts and more AI options.

    Google Search now powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash

    19 May 2026 at 21:45

    Google announced its latest and greatest AI model, Gemini 3.5 Flash today at Google I/O. Google’s head of Search, Liz Reid, said Gemini 3.5 Flash is Google’s “newest Flash model delivering sustained frontier performance for agents and coding.” She added that is now being used to power AI Mode globally.

    Gemini 3.5 Flash. Not only is Gemini 3.5 Flash powering AI Mode in Google Search, but it is also powering the Gemini app, for all users, not just paid users.

    For developers, 3.5 Flash is now live in Google Antigravity, Gemini API for Google AI Studio and Android Studio and for enterprise users for Enterprise Agent Platform and Gemini Enterprise.

    Koray Kavukcuoglu, CTO of Google DeepMind and Chief AI Architect, said:

    • “Gemini 3.5 Flash delivers intelligence that rivals large flagship models on multiple dimensions, at the speeds you have come to expect from the Flash series.”
    • “It’s our strongest agentic and coding model yet, outperforming Gemini 3.1 Pro on challenging coding and agentic benchmarks like Terminal-Bench 2.1 (76.2%), GDPval-AA (1656 Elo) and MCP Atlas (83.6%), and leading in multimodal understanding (84.2% on CharXiv Reasoning).”
    • “When looking at output tokens per second, it is 4 times faster than other frontier models. Landing in the top-right quadrant of the Artificial Analysis index, 3.5 Flash delivers frontier-level intelligence at exceptional speed — proving you no longer have to trade quality for latency.”

    Why we care. Gemini 3.5 is already powering Google Search’s AI Mode and is likely soon to power AI Overviews. It is a step up from the previous AI model and will continue to get smarter and more useful.

    It is important for you to see how the AI Mode responses differ from the previous model for the queries and prompts that matter to your site.

    Search is changing rapidly and you need to stay on top of these changes.

    Google Search gains information agents and improved agentic experiences

    19 May 2026 at 21:45

    Google also announced new search agents, including information agents and new agentic capabilities within Google Search. The information agent will continue to scan the web to find and monitor changes to your tasks and help you along your tasks journey.

    “We’re entering the era of Search agents, where you can easily create, customize and manage multiple Al agents for your many tasks, right in Search,” Liz Reid, the head of Google Search said.

    Information agents. The information agents will help you stay on top of your questions and tasks. Google said the agent will “intelligently look across everything on the web, like blogs, news sites and social posts, plus our freshest data, such as real-time info on finance, shopping and sports, to monitor for changes related to your specific question.”

    The information agent will then send you “an intelligent, synthesized update, with the ability to take action.”

    The example. Here is the example Google provided:

    “So if you’re apartment hunting, you can brain dump all of the exact requirements you’re looking for, and your agent will continuously scan for you, notifying you when listings meet your needs. Or if you want to know the instant any of your favorite pro athletes announce a sneaker collab, your agent will let you know when a new drop lands so you don’t miss out.”

    Availability. This will first roll out in the summer to Google Al Pro & Ultra subscribers.

    Agentic experiences. Google is also expanding its agentic booking capabilities in Google Search to handle new tasks including things like local experiences and services. So if you want to find a place that has a private karaoke room for a specific time and night, that also serves specific food, you can use Google Search to book that place for you.

    Google will pull together the latest pricing and availability with direct links for your to purchase it.

    This works across home, repair, beauty or pet care and will roll out this summer in the U.S.

    Personal intelligence expanding. Google also announced it is expanding Personal Intelligence in AI Mode to about 200 countries and territories and 98 languages.

    💾

    Google will continuously scan the web to give you updated information on your search - as an agent would do.

    Google lets you build your own app within Google Search with agentic coding

    19 May 2026 at 21:45

    Google is now letting searchers build their own apps directly into Google Search. This enables searchers to set up a search feature that delivers the information they need, in the format they want, from the sources they want.

    Liz Reid, the head of Google Search, announced at Google I/O, “Search can build the ideal response, in the right format for your question – completely on the fly. So you can get custom generative Ul, including visual tools and simulations, tailored precisely to your needs.”

    Examples. Here are a few examples of what you can code yourself into Google Search:

    (1) Whether you want to wrap your mind around astrophysics or visualize how your watch works, Search can design custom layouts, assembling components (like interactive visuals, tables, graphs or simulations) in real-time, Google wrote.

    (2) Ongoing tasks widgets, like planning a wedding or managing a home move. Search can go a step further, building you custom dashboards or trackers that you can continue to come back to and make progress on. You can think of these like mini apps for your own specific tasks, Liz Reid explained.

    (3) Fitness tracker in Search, where you can ask Google Search to build you a custom fitness tracker. Search will code it for you, tapping into fresh, real-time sources including reviews, live maps and local data like the weather, so you get a tracker that works for you, helping you stay on track week after week.

    What it looks like. Here are some examples of what this looks like in Google Seaerch.

    Generative UI example:

    Custom tracker example:


    Availability. The generative Ul capabilities will be available for everyone in Search this summer, free of charge.

    The custom experiences with Antigravity, like mini apps, right in Search in the coming months, starting first for Google Al Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

    Why we care. Google Search will not just answer your questions but you can code your own mini apps within Google Search to give you the answers you want, in the format and style you want.

    This is really a unique way for search and likely can only be done with generative-AI features and tooling.

    💾

    This is powered by Google Antigravity and uses Gemini 3.5 right in Google Search.

    Google Search Universal Cart, expands UCP and AP2

    19 May 2026 at 21:45

    Google also announced some new agentic commerce features today in Google Search including Universal Cart, expanding Universal Commerce Protocol and Agent Payments Protocol (AP2).

    Plus, Google’s Shopping Graph now contains 60 billion product listings, which is up from 50 billion from earlier this year, announced Vidhya Srinivasan, VP/GM Ads & Commerce.

    Universal Cart. Google announced what it is calling the Universal Cart, where you can put products and items from multiple retailers into one single Google Universal Cart and check out on all those items with your Google Wallet with the click of a button.

    As you are on Google Search, you can add items directly to your Google Universal Cart without having to go to a specific retailer’s website. This will work across Google Search, Gemini, YouTube and Gmail, so just keep throwing items in your cart – across Google interface and retailer and the cart will maintain your list.

    Here is a screenshot of Universal Cart showing multiple retailers:

    Google will find the best prices and deals, including which retailer has it in stock and let you check out with your preferred retailer.

    Plus, Google said Universal Cart will “anticipate your needs and help solve problems before they.” Google’s example:

    “Say you’re building your first custom PC and add a few parts from several retailers to your cart. Your cart will proactively flag any product incompatibilities and suggest alternatives. Since the cart was built on Google Wallet, it understands your payment method perks, loyalty information and merchant offers to help you choose. This lets you quickly find opportunities for hidden savings or points without having to remember them yourself.”

    Merchants. Google listed a number of merchants that support this, including Nike, Sephora, Target, Ulta Beauty, Walmart, Wayfair, and Shopify merchants such as Fenty and Steve Madden.

    Availability. This is available in Google Search and the Gemini app in the U.S. starting this summer and with YouTube and Gmail later on.

    UCP and AP2. Google expanded the Universal Commerce Protocol on Google to Canada and Australia in the coming months and in the U.K. later on. UCP will also be coming to YouTube and more Google verticals including hotel booking and local food delivery.

    Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) helps agents make payments for you, securely and with accountability, Google said. “Just tell your agent the specific brands and products you want and how much it can spend, and the agent only makes the purchase when your criteria are met,” Google explained.

    Google will launch AP2 to Google products in the coming months, starting with Gemini Spark.

    Kuyt devreye girdi! Fenerbahçe van Dijk'ta öne geçti

    Galatasaray'ın ha bitirdi, ha bitirecek diye konuşulan Virgil van Dijk transferinde sürpriz bir kırılma anı yaşandı! Aziz Yıldırım'ın hocası Aykut Kocaman'ın ekibinde yer alacağı iddia edilen Dirk Kuyt, Hollandalı süper yıldıza çubuklu formayı giydirmek için devreye girdi. Dünyaca ünlü stoperin marka menajeri İstanbul'da yeni futbol patronu Batuhan Özdemir'le masaya oturması da ibrenin Fenerbahçe'ye döndüğüne işaret etti.

    Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan seçim öncesi başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım, sadece camiaya değil Galatasaray'a da "döndüm" diyeceği bir çalım atmaya hazırlanıyor. Sarı-kırmızılıların uzun süredir gündeminde yer alan Virgil van Dijk için Yıldırım'ın "saman altından su yürüterek" spor kamuoyunu yaya bırakacak operasyon başlattığı konuşuluyor.

    Fenerbahce

    VAN HOOIJDONK DA DEVREYE GİRDİ

    Aziz Yıldırım’ın yeni dönemdeki teknik direktör adayı Aykut Kocaman’ın ekibi netleşirken, bu ekibin içinde yer alan Dirk Kuyt'ın van Dijk konusunda aktif rol oynadığı konuşuluyor.

    Kuyt’ın yanı sıra diğer bir unutulmaz Hollandalı; Pierre van Hooijdonk’un da bizzat Van Dijk ile bir görüşme gerçekleştirdiği haberi gündeme geldi. İkilinin, vatandaşına Fenerbahçe’nin vizyonunu anlatarak sarı-lacivertli formayı giymesi için yoğun baskı yaptığı sızan bilgiler arasında.

    SAVUNMAYA ÇİN SEDDİ ÖRDÜRECEK HAMLE

    Savunma kurgusunu tamamen değiştirmeyi hedefleyen Aykut Kocaman'ın, klasik bir "sol stoper" arayışından ziyade, arkada iki "güçlü ve lider" stoperle oynamak istediği biliniyor.

    Deneyimli teknik adamın kafasındaki şablon ise Van Dijk-Milan Skriniar ikilisi üzerine kurulu! Kocaman’ın, bu iki dev ismin yan yana gelmesi durumunda savunmada adeta bir "Çin Seddi" örüleceğine ve şampiyonluğun kilidinin bu ikiliyle açılacağına kanaat getirdiği öğrenildi.

    Fenerbahce

    ÖZDEMİR, ROSS'U İSTANBUL'DA AĞIRLADI

    Yıldız oyuncunun ismi her ne kadar Galatasaray ile anılsa da, perde arkasında yaşanan sıcak bir gelişme transferin yönünü tamamen Fenerbahçe’ye çevirdi. Aziz Yıldırım'ın yeni yönetiminde "futbolun patronu" olarak öne çıkacak olan Batuhan Özdemir, tarihi bir operasyona imza attı.

    Virgil van Dijk’ın saha dışı pazarlama ve marka menajeri Duncan Ross, bizzat Batuhan Özd

    Fenerbahçe'ye Rafael Leao çalımı! George Gardi'nin 'top Secret' planı

    Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi'nin Milano'da Rafael Leao için başlattığı tarihi transfer operasyonu, menajerler dünyasında eşi benzeri görülmemiş bir savaşı tetikledi! Geçmişteki Elif Elmas krizi nedeniyle sarı-lacivertlilerle ihtilaflı olan George Gardi, Jorge Mendes'ten aldığı Türkiye yetkisiyle gizli planını devreye soktu. Yıldız oyuncuyu Fenerbahçe'nin istikrarsız tablosuyla korkutup Galatasaray'ın görkemli şampiyonluk kutlamalarıyla kafasını karıştıran Gardi'nin hedefi ise bambaşka.

    Galatasaray'ın masasına Rafael Leao ismi gelse de, Okan Buruk’un bu transfere yaklaşımı mesafeli. Başarılı çalıştırıcı Portekizli yıldız için telaffuz edilen 50-60 milyon Euro’luk devasa maliyetlerin tek bir oyuncuya harcanmasına sıcak bakmıyor.

    Bu bütçenin çıkması halinde önceliğin takımdaki eksik bölgelere verilmesini istiyor. Bu parayla hem 6/8 numara oynayabilen kaliteli bir defansif orta saha, hem sol stoper hem de 10 numara transfer edilerek takımın ana omurgasının çok daha güçlü hale getirilebileceğine inanıyor.

    Galatasaray

    HER ŞEY ELİF ELMAS YÜZÜNDEN BAŞLADI

    Buruk’un bu planına rağmen arka planda enteresan bir süreç gelişti. Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi, Milano’da Rafael Leao için bizzat bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Bu temas transfer piyasasını hareketlendirirken, asıl büyük fırtına menajerler savaşında koptu.

    Jorge Mendes, Leao’nun Türkiye haklarını George Gardi’ye verdi. Gardi’nin aklında bambaşka bir plan vardı. Geçmişte Elif Elmas’ın transferi sürecinde Fenerbahçe ile ihtilaf yaşayan İtalyan menajer, Leao’nun Fenerbahçe’ye gitmesi durumunda devre dışı kalacağına ve para kazanamayacağına inandı.

    Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

    FotoSpor (@fotosporcom)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

    SOSYAL MEDYA PAYLAŞIMININ SIRRI

    Bu yüzden, Portekizli yıldızın Fenerbahçe’ye olası transferini baltalamak için operasyon başlattı. İddiaya göre bizzat Leao ile görüşen Gardi, oyuncuya Fenerbahçe’nin uzun süredir şampiyon olamadığını, kulüpte sürekli başkan ve teknik direktör değiştiğini anlatarak istikrarsız bir tablo çizdi.

    Gardi’nin operasyonu bununla da sınırlı kalmadı. İtalyan menajer, Leao’ya Galatasaray’ın görkemli şampiyonluk kutlamalarının videolarını izletti. Leao’nun, sosyal medyada Galatasaray’ın kutlama paylaşımlarından birini beğenmesinin arkasında da bu süreç vardı.

    Galatasaray

    GARDI KENDİNE GÖRE STRATEJİ YAPIYOR

    Kulislerde konuşulan en çarpıcı iddia ise Gardi’nin bu hamleyi neden yaptığıyla ilgili... Galatasaray’da son dönemde transfer operasyonlarının başına Mehmet Özbek ve Cenk Ergün’ün getirileceği, Gardi’nin ise tamamen elimine edileceği yüksek sesle konuşuluyor.

    Gardi’nin, Leao gibi bir yıldızı Galatasaray’a yaklaştırıp ve ezeli rakibe gitmesini engelleyerek, "Galatasaray’la iş yapmaya devam etmek" adına bu strateji yaptığı iddia ediliyor.

    Silva mı, Brandt mi? Galatasaray'a menajer tezgahı!

    Galatasaray'ın transfer listesinde olduğu yönünde haberler çıkan Bernardo Silva ve Julian Brandt için uyarılar geldi.

    Galatasaray’da yeni sezon öncesi 10 numara arayışları sürerken, basında yan yana zikredilen iki isim sarı-kırmızılı taraftarları heyecanlandırıyor: Bernardo Silva ve Julian Brandt. Bu iki oyuncunun oyun karakterlerine bakıldığında ortaya çıkan tek gerçek var... ya Okan Buruk'un kafası karışık ya da basın, sadece "sözleşmesi biten yıldızlar" listesinden rastgele isimleri Galatasaray'a yazıyor.

    Galatasaray

    MENAJER TEZGAHI GİBİ DURUYOR

    Çünkü bu iddialar tam anlamıyla bir "menajer tezgâhı" ya da transfer gazetecilerinin her boşa çıkan elit oyuncuyu aynı torbaya atma alışkanlığının bir ürünü. Çünkü taktik tahtasında yan yana bile getirilemeyecek, genetiği taban tabana zıt iki oyuncunun Galatasaray'ın transfer listesinde "aynı pozisyon için" alternatif olarak sunulmasının tek açıklaması: Bonservissiz olmaları.

    İKİSİ BAMBAŞKA 10 NUMARA

    Galatasaray daha fazla topa sahip olan, seti delen ve temposu düşük ama merkez kalitesi ekstrem bir yapıya büründürmek için Silva gibi takımı dinlendiren, pas ritmini ayarlayan bir oyuncu arıyor.

    Brandt, topu ayağında Silva kadar tutmaz, hemen dikine oynar. Ceza sahasına koşu yapar. Brandt, Galatasaray'ın ön alandaki Osimhen, Barış Alper ve Sané gibi atletik oyuncularıyla birlikte "dikine, daha dikey ve direkt" bir kaos/kontra oyunu planı olabilir.

    Galatasaray

    Julian Brandt

    FUTBOLUN DOĞAL AKIŞINA AYKIRI

    Okan Buruk gibi taktiksel keskinliği olan bir teknik adamın, ne oynatacağını bilmeden bu iki uç profil arasında gidip gelmesi futbolun doğal akışına aykırı.

    Bu durum, transfer manşetlerinin teknik bir ihtiyaca göre değil, "Dünya yıldızı ve bonservisi elinde" filtresiyle arama motorlarından çekilerek yapıldığının en net kanıtı.

    Okan Buruk'un yerine Guardiola mı? Galatasaray'da tarihi değişiklik

    Galatasaray'da üst üste gelen şampiyonluklara ve teknik direktör Okan Buruk'un açık taleplerine rağmen sözleşme yenileme görüşmelerinin ağırdan alınması, futbol kulislerini sarsan dev bir iddiayı beraberinde getirdi. Guardiola'nın Aston Villa maçının ardından Manchester City'den kesin olarak ayrılacağını duyurmasıyla eş zamanlı yaşanan bu sessizlik, "Guardiola, Okan Buruk'un yerini alacak" dedikodusuyla yerini bambaşka bir sürece bıraktı.

    Galatasaray’da üst üste gelen 4. şampiyonluğa rağmen Okan Buruk’un sözleşmesinin hala yenilenmemiş olması dedikodu kazanını kaynattı. İngiltere’den gelen "Guardiola ayrılıyor" haberi ve Katalan hocanın Galatasaray’a olan ilgisi, çok konuşulacak bir dedikoduyu kazana attı.

    Galatasaray

    HEP 1+1 YILLIK SÖZLEŞME

    Buruk, son dönemde birkaç kez net şekilde sözleşme konusunu gündeme getirmesine rağmen henüz beklediği kontratı alamadı. Yönetim Buruk'a bugüne kadar hep 1+1 yıllık sözleşme verdi. Bu nedenle gecikme değil rutin bir süreçten bahsediliyor. Ancak başarılı teknik adama henüz somut bir teklif yapılmaması, arkasında "başka bir B planı mı var?" sorusunu gündeme de getirdi. Üstüne bir de Guardiola’nın boşa çıkacak olması iddiaları patlattı.

    BİR SEZON ÖNCEDEN BIRAKIYOR

    Daily Mail, BBC ve The Athletic'in haberlerine göre Guardiola, City’den ayrılıyor. Normal şartlarda 2027'ye kadar sözleşmesi bulunan Katalan hoca, 10 yıllık döneminin ardından misyonunu tamamladığına inanıyor. Üstüne bir de Guardiola’nın son dönemde Galatasaray’a ve yıldızlarına olan özel ilgisi üst üste birince dedikodu kazanı fokur fokur etmeye başladı.

    Galatasaray

    İLKAY'A VE GALATASARAY'A MESAJ

    Guardiola kısa süre önce eski öğrencisi İlkay ve Galatasaray’ı tebrik bir mesaj yayımladı:

    - Yeni şampiyonluğun için tebrik ederim İlkay. Normalde komşum olduğun için böyle bir durumda ya ben senin evine bir şişe şarap getirirdim ya da sen bana getirirdin. Şimdi uzaklardayız ama o şarabı senin için saklıyorum. Seni ve Galatasaray'ı tebrik ederim.

    TÜRKİYE ATMOSFERİNİ MERAK EDİYOR

    Ayrıca Şampiyonlar Ligi maçından önce de Galatasaray'a övgüler dizdi:

    - Türkiye’deki atmosferin inanılmaz olduğunu duydum. Kariyerimde hiç Türkiye deplasmanına gitmedim, bunu deneyimlemeyi çok isterim.

    Okan Buruk'un sözleşme beklentisine yönetimin sessiz kalması ile Pep Guardiola’nın Manchester City’ye veda edip "Türkiye atmosferini tatmak istemesi" aynı döneme denk geldi.

    Barış Alper Yılmaz'ı Barcelona'ya götürecekler! Flick'ten Sane'ye telefon

    Galatasaray'ın Milli yıldızı Barış Alper Yılmaz için Avrupa transfer piyasasını altüst edecek tarihi bir iddia gündeme bomba gibi düştü. FC Barcelona teknik direktör Hansi Flick, milli oyuncuyu yakından tanıyan eski öğrencileri İlkay Gündoğan ve Leroy Sane'yi bizzat arayarak bilgi istedi! Leroy Sane'nin "Hiçbir sınırı yok, hayranım" diyerek övdüğü, Flick'in ise tam hayalindeki "modern kanat" profili olarak gördüğü Barış Alper için Dünya Kupası sonrasına hazırlanan hayal bile edilemeyecek o çılgın transfer gündem.

    Galatasaray’ın yıldızı Barış Alper Yılmaz için dünya transfer piyasasını sarsacak, Türk futbol tarihine geçecek nitelikte iddialar ardı ardına patladı.

    Dünyaca ünlü teknik direktör Hansi Flick ile futbol dünyasının en güçlü menajerlerinden Pini Zahavi’nin radarına giren milli oyuncu için devasa bir operasyonun hazırlığı yapılıyor.

    Galatasaray

    İLKAY'DAN DA BİLGİ TALEP ETTİ

    FC Barcelona'nın dahi teknik adamı Hansi Flick, bir süredir yakından takip ettiği Barış Alper hakkında eski öğrencisi Leroy Sane'den özel bilgi talep etti.

    Hansi Flick’in bu ilgisinin ardından Sane'nin menajerliğini yürüten Pini Zahavi de harekete geçti. Zahavi, Barış Alper'i Avrupa'nın devlerine pazarlamak için gaza bastı.

    FLICK'İN TARİFİNE UYUYOR

    Flick'in Barış Alper Yılmaz hayranlığının arkasında, kafasındaki ideal modern kanat oyuncusu tanımı yatıyor olabilir. Başarılı teknik adam, daha önce verdiği bir demeçte modern kanat oyuncusunu şu sözlerle tarif etmişti:

    - Gol atmak istiyorsanız ceza sahası içinde sayısal üstünlük kurmalısınız. Sadece santrforla gol bulamazsınız. Kanatlar ve arkadan gelen oyuncular ceza sahasının içine girmeli.

    LEROY SANE DE HAYRANI

    Flick'in eski öğrencisi Sane de Barış Alper Yılmaz’a olan hayranlığını gizlemedi:

    - Beni bu takımda en çok şaşırtan oyuncu Barış Alper oldu. Bir futbolcuda olması gereken her şey var; çok güçlü, çok hızlı ve inanılmaz yetenekli. Her gün daha iyi olmak için çalışıyor, eğer biraz daha üstüne koyarsa onun için gerçekten hiçbir sınır yok. Onu çok beğeniyorum.

    Galatasaray

    ASTRONOMİK BİR RAKAM ÇIKABİLİR

    İddialara göre, hem Pini Zahavi’nin hem de transfer etmek isteyen devlerin asıl planı Barış Alper’in Dünya Kupası’nda sergileyeceği performans üzerine kurulu.

    Turnuvada vitrine çıkacak olan milli oyuncunun, şampiyonanın ardından Türk futbol tarihinde "hayal bile edilemeyecek" astronomik bir bonservis bedeliyle Galatasaray'dan ayrılması planlanıyor.

    5 maddelik Maldini manifestosu! Fenerbahçe böyle şampiyon olacak

    Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi ile Milano'da el sıkışan dünya futbolunun efsane futbol aklı Paolo Maldini, sarı-lacivertli kulübü ayağa kaldıracak tarihi projenin detaylarını sundu. İşte AC Milan'ı enkazdan alıp Serie A şampiyonu yapan dünyaca ünlü futbol profesöründen, teknik direktör seçiminden transfer sihirbazlığına kadar uzanan 5 maddelik Maldini Manifestosu!

    Fenerbahçe’de 6-7 Haziran’da gerçekleştirilecek seçim öncesinde adaylığını açıklayan Hakan Safi, Milano çıkarmasıyla dünya futbolunun gündemine oturdu. San Siro'daki Milan-Atalanta maçının ardından Casa Milan’da temaslarda bulunan Safi, İtalyan futbolunun ve AC Milan’ın efsane ismi Paolo Maldini ile prensip anlaşmasına vardı.

    Görüşmede Maldini, Safi’ye AC Milan’da sıfırdan kurup şampiyonluğa ulaştırdığı modeli anlatırken, Fenerbahçe’yi yeniden Avrupa’nın elit kulüpleri arasına sokacak projesinin detaylarını sundu.

    Fenerbahce

    5 YILLIK BİR PROJE VARDI

    Maldini, Hakan Safi ile yaptığı toplantıda 2018-2023 yılları arasında AC Milan’da uyguladığı ve 11 yıl sonra gelen Serie A şampiyonluğuyla taçlanan stratejiyi paylaştı.

    Göreve geldiğinde UEFA kısıtlamaları ve yüksek maaş bütçesiyle boğuşan AC Milan’da tavan ücret politikasını katı şekilde uyguladığını anlattı.

    Kulübün geleceğini ipotek altına almadan da elit bir takım kurulabileceğini vurguladı.

    Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leão, Fikayo Tomori ve Mike Maignan gibi isimleri çok makul bedellerle takıma kazandırarak kulübe devasa bir "yeniden satış değeri" kattığını aktardı.

    PIOLI VE CONTE TERCİHLERİ

    Maldini, Fenerbahçe’deki futbol yapılanmasının başına geçmesi halinde öncelikle teknik direktör krizini çözmeye öncelik vereceğini iletti.

    Maldini, AC Milan’da omuz omuza çalışarak şampiyonluk kupasını kaldırdığı eski çalışma arkadaşı Pioli'yi sistemini sahaya en doğru şekilde entegre edecek isim olarak sundu.

    Ayrıca elit liglerde şampiyonluk refleksleri üst düzeyde olan Antonio Conte ismini de verdi.

    Fenerbahce

    BİZZAT GİDİP GÖRÜŞECEK

    Maldini, Fenerbahçe projesinde küresel saygınlığını nasıl kullanacağını da özetledi. Türkiye Ligi'nin, Avrupalı genç ve elit yetenekler için ilk cazip görünmediğini kabul ettirdi. Ancak AC Milan'da yaptığı gibi, oyuncularla bizzat masaya oturarak projesini anlatıp onları ikna edeceğinin sözünü verdi. Avrupa transfer piyasasında Fenerbahçe’nin ağırlığını iki katına çıkarma sözü verdi.

    PROFESYONEL BİR DUVAR ÖRECEK

    Türkiye’deki futbol iklimini ve baskıyı da bilen Maldini, saha dışı yönetim planını da Safi’ye aktardı. Kurulacak yapıda Samandıra ile yönetim kurulu arasında aşılmaz bir profesyonellik duvarı örülecek. Medya baskısı, iç siyaset ve taraftar tepkileri tamamen Maldini’nin yönetimindeki futbol departmanı tarafından göğüslenecek. Teknik heyet ve futbolcular sadece sahaya odaklanacak.

    Dino Toppmöller cepte! Adalı'nın hayali Okan Buruk

    Süper Lig bitti transfer iddiaları alev alev her yeri sardı. Sosyal medyada ise hayal gücünü zorlayan iddialar birbirini kovalıyor. İşte bunlardan sonuncusu: Beşiktaş'ta Sergen Yalçın'ın şok istifası sonrası Başkan Serdal Adalı gündemi sallayacak çılgın bir operasyon için start verdi! Şenol Güneş seçeneğini masadan kaldıran Adalı, teknik direktör koltuğu için Okan Buruk'a kafayı taktı. Galatasaray'ı üst üste şampiyon yapmasına rağmen hak ettiği değeri göremediğini düşündüğü Okan Buruk için tarihi bir çalım hazırlığına başladı. Başarılı hocayı ikna etmek için 6-7 milyon Euro'luk astronomik bir bütçe ayırdı.

    Beşiktaş'ta Sergen Yalçın’ın istifasıyla boşalan teknik direktörlük koltuğu için Başkan Serdal Adalı düğmeye bastı! Şenol Güneş seçeneğini masadan kaldıran Beşiktaş Başkanı listenin ilk sırasına Fotospor’un günler öncesinden duyurduğu Dino Toppmöller’i koydu. Ancak sosyal medyada öyle büyük bir iddia pompalanıyor ki, gerçekleşirse Türk futbol tarihine geçecek bir operasyon planlıyor.

    Besıktas

    İTALYA DÖNÜŞÜ DE BEŞİKTAŞ'A GELMİŞTİ

    Bu iddiaya göre; Başkan Serdal Adalı, futbolculuk döneminde Galatasaray'dan Inter'e giden, Türkiye’ye Beşiktaş'la dönen Okan Buruk'u, bu kez teknik direktör olarak siyah-beyazlı kulübün kapısından içeri sokmak istiyor.

    Adalı, Galatasaray'ı üst üste şampiyon yapmasına rağmen hak ettiği değeri göremediğine inandığı Buruk’un durumunu yakından takip ediyor.

    Her seferinde önüne 1+1 yıllık sözleşmeler konulan, sanki takımı zirveye taşıyan o değilmiş gibi en küçük başarısızlıkta acımasızca eleştirilen başarılı teknik adamın kırgınlığını biliyor. Adalı, eğer niyeti varsa Buruk’un Galatasaray’dan ayrılmasını sağlamak için tüm şartları zorlamaya ant içmiş durumda.

    Besıktas

    5 YILLIK SÖZLEŞME 6 MİLYON EURO MAAŞ

    Bu operasyon için kasayı kırmaya hazır... Galatasaray’dan yıllık 3.5 milyon Euro kazanan Okan Buruk’u ikna etmek adına, 6-7 milyon Euro gibi astronomik bir ücreti gözden çıkarmaya hazır. Hem de Buruk'a 5 yıllık sözleşmeyi de vermeyi düşünüyor.

    İŞİ KIVANÇ OKTAY BİTİRECEK

    Bu tarihi transfer çalımı için başkan Adalı, camianın ve kendisinin en güvendiği isimlerden biri olan Kıvanç Oktay’ı devreye sokmak için nabız yokladı bile.

    Fikret Orman ve Ahmet Nur Çebi dönemlerindeki çetin başkanlık yarışlarında, sahada bizzat Serdal Adalı için kulis yapan ve futbol aklıyla tanınan Oktay, bu dev operasyonun da yönetimini üstlenecek.

    O DÖNEMDE DE GÜVEN İŞİ BİTİRDİ

    Hatırlanacağı üzere Inter'den sonra Beşiktaş'a transfer olduğunda kendisine yöneltilen "Galatasaray da seni istiyordu, neden Beşiktaş’ı tercih ettin?" sorusuna Okan Buruk "güven vurgusuyla" yanıt vermişti:

    - İhtiyacım olan şey güvendi, bu güveni bana Beşiktaş verdi.

    4 milyon euro için gönderildi! İnönü'deki finalde iç çektirecek

    Beşiktaş'ta Tammy Abraham transferinin perde arkasındaki finansal kumar gün yüzüne çıktı. İstifa eden Serkan Reçber'in Gyun-oh transferine kaynak yaratmak için 1.5 ay boyunca aklını çeldiği, Sergen Yalçın'ı ise "Kulübün menfaatine" diyerek ikna ettiği İngiliz golcü, 17 milyon Euro'ya bonservisi alınıp Yasin Özcan artı 21 milyon Euro karşılığında Aston Villa'ya sattığı ortaya çıktı. Siyah-beyazlıların bu operasyondan net karı 4 milyon Euro olurken; Premier Lig'de ayın oyuncusu seçilen, Unai Emery'nin sisteminde devleşen ve takımını Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne taşıyan Abraham, UEFA Avrupa Ligi finali için Beşiktaş'ın evi İnönü Stadı'na geri dönüyor.

    Beşiktaş’ın devre arasında Premier Lig ekiplerinden Aston Villa’ya uğurladığı Tammy Abraham transferinin perde arkasında yaşananlar ve kulüp içindeki büyük operasyonun detayları çok su kaldıracak iddiaları barındırıyor.

    Türkiye’de son derece mutlu olan ve ayrılmayı düşünmeyen İngiliz golcünün, Aston Villa yolculuğunun nasıl başladığı ve bu süreçte yaşanan yönetimsel hamleler netleşti.

    Tammy Abraham ??#UELfinal | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/QE9OSxVXaa

    — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 19, 2026 4 MİLYON EURO KAZANILDI

    AS Roma’dan 2 milyon Euro bedelle kiralanan ve kısa sürede takıma uyum sağlayan Abraham, Türkiye’deki hayatından son derece memnundu. Sözleşmesinde 15 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonu bulunan 28 yaşındaki forvet, kariyerine siyah-beyazlı formayla devam etmek istiyordu.

    Ancak transfer komitesinin başında yer alan Serkan Reçber, Gyun-oh'a kaynak yaratabilmek adına radikal bir karar aldı. Abraham’ın satışını zorunlu gören Reçber ve yönetim, hemen harekete geçerek Roma’ya 15 milyon Euro daha ödedi ve İngiliz yıldızın haklarını toplamda 17 milyon Euro karşılığında satın aldı.

    Besıktas

    SERGEN YALÇIN'I BÖYLE İKNA ETTİ

    Bonservisi alınan Abraham’ın Aston Villa’ya satışı öncesinde, Serkan Reçber’in oyuncuyu ikna etmek için yoğun bir mesai harcadığı belirtildi. Yaklaşık 1-1.5 ay boyunca Abraham ile görüşen Reçber, golcü oyuncunun aklına Premier Lig fikrini sokarak transferi zihinsel olarak hazırladı.

    Bu sırada Teknik Direktör Sergen Yalçın ile de bir araya gelen Serkan Reçber, tecrübeli hocaya projesini şu sözlerle aktardı:

    - Böyle bir operasyon var ve ben bu işi resmiyete dökeceğim. Aston Villa oyuncuyu çok istiyor, bu hamle kulübün mali menfaatlerine fazlasıyla uyuyor. Gerisini bana bırak, ben halledeceğim.

    PREMIER LİGİN KADERİNİ DEĞİŞTİRDİ

    Ocak ayı sonunda katıldığı Aston Villa’da adeta küllerinden doğan Tammy Abraham, Premier Lig’deki şampiyonluk yarışının kaderini değiştiren isimlerden biri oldu.

    Özellikle Şubat ayında kritik Leeds United beraberliğinde attığı gol başta olmak üzere sergilediği performansla Aston Villa’da "Ayın Oyuncusu" seçildi. Teknik direktör Unai Emery’nin oyun sisteminde rotasyonun ve hücum gücünün en kilit parçalarından biri haline geldi.

    Besıktas

    İNÖNÜ'DE YİNE SAHAYA ÇIKACAK

    Nisan ayında Sunderland karşısında attığı dramatik son dakika galibiyet golüyle Villa Park tribünlerinin sevgilisi oldu ve yerini sağlamlaştırdı.

    Gelecek sezon UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde mücadele etmeyi garantileyen Aston Villa, bu sezon ise UEFA Avrupa Ligi’nde kupaya yürümeye devam ediyor. Tammy Abraham, Aston Villa formasıyla UEFA Avrupa Ligi finali için yeniden İnönü'ye ayak basmaya hazırlanıyor.

    Sergen Yalçın 250 milyonu Fenerbahçe için mi bıraktı?

    Transfer sezonu ile beraber "avcılar kahvesi" için "serbest atış" poligonu da açıldı... Fenerbahçe'de yaklaşan başkanlık seçimi öncesi bir başkan adayının, Sergen Yalçın ile gizlice masaya oturduğu ve "Seni çok beğeniyorum, yeni dönemde kesinlikle seninle çalışmak istiyorum" diyerek kendisine açık çek verdiği ileri sürüldü. Sarı-lacivertli cepheden gelen bu teklif sonrasında gözünü karartan Yalçın'ın, köprüleri atarak 250 milyon TL'lik tazminatı Beşiktaş'a bırakıp istifasını sunduğu iddia edildi.

    Süper Lig'de transfer perdesi açılır açılmaz dedikodular alev aldı... transfer söylentileri yağmur gibi yağmaya başladı! Ancak hiçbiri, Türk futbolunun gündemine bomba gibi düşen bu iddia kadar büyük ses getiremez: Sergen Yalçın, Fenerbahçe'nin başkan adayından aldığı teklif sonrası Beşiktaş'la gemileri yaktı! 250 milyon TL gibi bir rakamı bırakıp istifasını verdi.

    Fenerbahce

    RADİKAL KARARLA İSTİFA ETTİ

    Dedikoduara göre, hareketli günler geçiren Fenerbahçe’de başkan adaylarından birisi, Sergen Yalçın ile bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Görüşmede Yalçın’a, "seni çok beğeniyorum, yeni dönemde kesinlikle seninle çalışmak istiyorum" diyerek açık çek verdiği iddia edildi.

    Fenerbahçe cephesinden gelen bu elit teklif ve kurulan büyük vizyon sonrası Sergen Yalçın’ın duraksamadığı ve radikal bir hamleyle istifa kararı aldığı ileri sürüldü.

    TRANSFER LİSTESİNİ BİLE VERDİ

    Gündemi sarsan iddiaların boyutu bununla da sınırlı değil... Sergen Yalçın’ın, söz konusu başkan adayıyla yaptığı bu kritik zirvenin hemen ardından adeta Fenerbahçe'nin hocasıymış gibi kolları sıvadığı belirtiliyor. Öyle ki, tecrübeli teknik adamın yeni sezon planlaması dahilinde hazırladığı geniş transfer listesini bile o başkan adayına doğrudan ilettiği dedikodular arasında.

    Fenerbahce

    ALİ KOÇ, TEDESCO'DAN ÖNCE İSTEDİ

    Futbolculuk döneminde Fenerbahçe forması da giyen Sergen Yalçın'ın sarı-lacivertli ekibin başında teknik direktör olmayı istediği her daim konuşuldu... hatta Ali Koç'un, Tedesco'dan önce Sergen'i takımın başına getirmek istediği bile iddia edildi.

    Sergen Yalçın'ın Fenerbahçe ile ilgili sözleri ise hala kulaklarda:

    - Fenerbahçe forması şampiyon olur ya! Bırak kadroyu madroyu. Forması olur! O sene bir şekilde bir yerden tutturur ve şampiyon olur.

    Icardi'nin menajeri transfer görüşmesini doğruladı

    Galatasaray'da sözleşmesinin bitmesine kısa bir süre kala takımdan ayrılacağı iddia edilen Mauro Icardi'nin menajerinden yeni bir açıklama geldi.

    Üst üste 4.kez şampiyon olarak büyük bir başarıya imza atan Galatasaray'da sözleşmesi kısa süre içerisinde bitecek olan Mauro Icardi için ayrılık iddiaları gündeme gelmişti. İddialar arasında Icardi'nin yedek kalmak istemediği için ayrılığa sıcak baktığı da konuşuluyordu.

    Mauro Icardi'nin menajeri Elio Pino'dan Galatasaraylı taraftarları sevindiren bir açıklama geldi. TyC Sports'un haberine göre, Mauro Icardi'nin menajeri Elio Pino, River Plate ile görüştükleri yönündeki iddiaları yalanladı ve Dursun Özbek ile görüştüğünü doğruladı.

    Qurban Qurbanov: “Qarabağ” etibarlı əllərdədir”

    19 May 2026 at 23:00

    “Qarabağ”ın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov başa çatmaqda olan 2025/2026-cı illər mövsüm haqda fikirlərini bölüşüb.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, “Qarabağ”ın prezidenti Tahir Gözəl və “Qarabağ” Futbol Klubunun İdarə Heyətinin üzvləri komandanın məşqçi və futbolçu heyəti ilə görüş keçiriblər.

    Tədbir mövsümün yekunlarına həsr olunub. Görüşdə “Qarabağ”ın tarixi uğura imza ataraq UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-offuna qədər irəlilədiyi mövsümün yekunları müzakirə olunub. Həmçinin yeni mövsüm və klubun hədəfləri barədə fikirlər bildirilib.

    Qurban Qurbanov “Qarabağ”ın UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında qazandığı uğuru, illərdir qitəmiqyaslı turnirlərdə göstərdiyi davamlı nəticələri futbolçuların cəsarətli oyunu və işgüzarlıqla əlaqələndirib:

    “Bu komandanın çəkisi çox ağırdır. Buradakı hər bir futbolçu, çalışan hər kəs bu klubun dəyərini bilməlidir, həm cəsarətli, həm dürüst, həm işgüzar olmalıdır. Klubumuz etibarlı əllərdədir. Çox yaxşı, sadə, işgüzar rəhbərlərimiz var. Futbolçulara təşəkkür edirəm, hər zaman yanlarındayam. Qarşıdakı ildə ən döyüşkən, ən mübariz, ən cəsarətli biz olacağıq”.

    Tədbirin sonunda futbolçular çıxış edərək komandaya başa çatmaqda olan mövsümü dəyərləndirib, yeni mövsümdə uğurlar arzulayıblar. Onlar komandanın hədəflərinə çatması üçün əllərindən gələni edəcəklərini bildiriblər.

    Tahir Gözəl: “Qarabağ” artıq Avropada təsadüfi iştirakçı deyil”

    19 May 2026 at 22:00

    “Qarabağ”ın prezidenti Tahir Gözəl bu gün Ağdam klubunun İdarə Heyətinin üzvləri, məşqçi və futbolçu heyəti ilə görüş keçirib.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, mövsümün yekunlarına həsr olunmuş tədbirdə çıxış edən klub rəhbəri “Qarabağ”ın tarixi uğura imza ataraq UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-offuna qədər irəlilədiyini bildirib.

    “Daha bir möhtəşəm mövsümün şahidi olduq. Azərbaycan xalqı, bütün futbol dünyası Avropa arenasında mükəmməl oyunlar sərgiləyən bir “Qarabağ” izlədi. Komandamız il ərzində Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında yüksək səviyyəli və sabit çıxışı ilə çempionatın ön sıralarında qərarlaşdı, ölkə futbolundakı lider mövqeyini bir daha təsdiqlədi. Bununla yanaşı, Avropanın ən nüfuzlu klub turnirində Azərbaycanı layiqincə təmsil etdik. Komandamız UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının əsas mərhələsinə yüksəldi. Bu mövsüm Çempionlar Liqasında yaşananlar isə Azərbaycan futbol tarixinin ən parlaq Avropa səhifələrindən biri kimi yadda qaldı. “Qarabağ”ın artıq Avropa futbolunda təsadüfi iştirakçı deyil, böyük rəqabətin real söz sahibi olduğunu bütün qitəyə nümayiş etdirdi. Bütün bunlar eyni zamanda Azərbaycan futbolunun beynəlxalq arenadakı nüfuzunun nümayişi idi. Bu uğurlu yolun formalaşmasında Qurban Qurbanovun rolu xüsusi qeyd olunmalıdır. O, “Qarabağ”ın yalnız baş məşqçisi deyil, həm də klubun futbol fəlsəfəsini formalaşdıran əsas memarlardan biridir”.

    “Qarabağ” yerli futbolçuların inkişafına xüsusi önəm verir”

    Klub prezidenti transfer siyasəti və ümumi idarəetmə modelindən də bəhs edib:

    “Biz hər zaman olduğu kimi səs-küylü addımlarla deyil, sistemli və uzaqgörən transfer siyasətinə üstünlük verdik. Klubun maliyyə dayanıqlığının qorunması, uzunmüddətli inkişaf strategiyasının davamlılığı və sabit idarəetmə modeli bizim üçün əsas prioritetlər sırasındadır. “Qarabağ” uzun illərdir planlı inkişaf prinsipi əsasında idarə olunur və bu strateji xətt dəyişməyəcək. Akademiyamızın inkişafı istiqamətində də işlər ardıcıl şəkildə davam edir. Son illər aşağı yaş qruplarında qurulan sistem artıq öz bəhrəsini verməyə başlayıb. Aşağı yaş komandalarımız həm ölkədaxili yarışlarda uğurlu nəticələr qazanır, həm də beynəlxalq turnirlərdə mühüm təcrübə toplayır. UEFA Gənclər Liqasında iştirakımız, Avropa səviyyəsində keçirdiyimiz oyunlar və futbolçularımızın beynəlxalq rəqabət mühitində formalaşması akademiyamız üçün olduqca vacib mərhələyə çevrilib. Bu turnirlər gənc oyunçularımızın inkişafına, onların peşəkar futbola daha sürətli uyğunlaşmasına və beynəlxalq futbol atmosferini dərindən hiss etmələrinə böyük töhfə verir.

    Bu gün əsas məqsədlərimizdən biri yalnız güclü əsas komanda formalaşdırmaq deyil, eyni zamanda “Qarabağ”ın futbol fəlsəfəsini gələcək nəsillərə ötürməkdir. İnanırıq ki, yaxın illərdə akademiyamızdan yetişən daha çox futbolçu həm əsas komandamızda və Azərbaycan millisində uğurla çıxış edəcək. Klub olaraq yerli futbolçuların inkişafına xüsusi önəm verir və bu istiqamətdə yatırımlarımızı və layihələrimizi ardıcıl şəkildə davam etdiririk”.

    “Avropada qazandığımız təcrübə bizə böyük üstünlük verir”

    Tahir Gözəl gələcək mövsümə dair gözləntilərini də bölüşüb. O, “Qarabağ”ın qarşıdakı dövrdə də həm ölkə daxilində, həm də beynəlxalq arenada yüksək hədəflərlə çıxış edəcəyini bildirib:

    “Növbəti mövsümün hazırlığına artıq start vermişik. Komandanın gücləndirilməsi istiqamətində işlər davam edir və ilk transferimizi də uğurla reallaşdırmışıq. İnanıram ki, komandamıza qoşulacaq yeni futbolçular öz keyfiyyətləri, xarakterləri və peşəkarlıqları ilə “Qarabağ”ın oyun fəlsəfəsinə qısa zamanda uyğunlaşaraq klubumuza böyük fayda verəcəklər. Əminəm ki, qarşıdakı mövsüm “Qarabağ” üçün yeni uğurlar, yeni hədəflər və yeni tarixi anlarla yadda qalacaq. Biz hər zaman olduğu kimi, böyük məsuliyyətlə çalışır, azarkeşlərimizə layiq komanda formalaşdırmaq üçün bütün gücümüzü ortaya qoyuruq. “Qarabağ” olaraq hər il olduğu kimi, bu mövsüm də sabit inkişafı davam etdirmək, komanda oyununu daha da gücləndirmək, həm Premyer Liqada, həm də Avropa yarışlarında rəqabətədavamlı çıxış sərgiləməkdir. Avropa səhnəsində qazandığımız təcrübə bizə böyük üstünlük verir. “Qarabağ” yeni mövsümdə də Avropada Azərbaycanı layiqincə təmsil etməyə, rəqabətli və cəsarətli futbol sərgiləməyə davam edəcək. Məqsədimiz hər oyunda xarakterimizi göstərmək, mübarizə aparmaq, klubun və Azərbaycanın adını daha yüksək səviyyədə tanıtmaqdır”.

    Sonda Tahir Gözəl klubun bütün üzvlərinə və azarkeşlərinə təşəkkür edib:

    “Bu mövsüm azarkeşlərimizin dəstəyi xüsusi qeyd olunmalıdır. Həm ölkədaxili oyunlarda, həm də Avropa səfərlərində tribunaları dolduran, komandamızı bir an belə yalnız buraxmayan azarkeşlərimiz bir daha “Qarabağ” ailəsinin gücünü göstərdilər. Bu mövsüm bir sıra azarkeş rekordlarına imza atılması da klubumuz üçün xüsusi qürur mənbəyi oldu. İnanıram ki, qarşıdakı mövsümdə də birlikdə yeni rekordlara və yeni uğurlara şahid olacağıq. Əminəm ki, azarkeşlərimiz Avropada da bizi yenə tək qoymayacaq və “Qarabağ”ın ən böyük güclərindən biri olaraq komandamızın yanında olacaqlar. Bir daha futbolçularımıza, məşqçilərimizə, əməkdaşlarımıza, tərəfdaşlarımıza və hər zaman tribunada bizimlə olan azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür edirəm”.

    “Sauthempton” final matçına buraxılmayacaq – Qalmaqal

    19 May 2026 at 21:00

    “Sauthempton” casusluq qalmaqalına görə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasına vəsiqə uğrunda keçiriləcək pley-offun final matçından kənarlaşdırılıb.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Britaniya mətbuatı məlumat yayıb.

    Mayın 23-də “Sauthempton”un “Uembli” stadionunda “Hall Siti” ilə qarşılaşması nəzərdə tutulub. Həmin oyunun qalibi gələn mövsüm İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında çıxış etmək hüququ qazanacaqdı.

    Məlumata görə, “Sauthempton” nümayəndələri pley-offun yarımfinal oyunları ərəfəsində “Midlsbro”nun məşqlərini izləyiblər. Bundan əlavə, onların dekabrda “Oksford Yunayted”ə və apreldə “İpsviç Taun”a qarşı keçirdikləri çempionat oyunları öncəsi də rəqib komandaların məşqlərini izlədikləri bildirilib.

    Qeyd olunub ki, sözügedən komanda növbəti mövsüm yenə Çempionşipdə çıxış edəcək və hesabından 4 xalı silinəcək.

    Premyer Liqaya vəsiqə uğrunda keçiriləcək final görüşündə isə “Hall Siti” yarımfinalda uduzmuş “Midlsbro” ilə qarşılaşacaq. Həmin oyunlar 0:0 və 1:2 hesabları ilə yekunlaşmışdı.

    Leonardo Pavoletti “Kalyari” ilə vidalaşacaq

    19 May 2026 at 17:00

    37 yaşlı italiyalı mərkəz hücumçusu Leonardo Pavoletti 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün başa çatması ilə “Kalyari”dən ayrılacaq.

    Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə A Seriyası təmsilçisinin mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

    Kapitan “Kalyari”ni azad agent qismində tərk edəcək. Tərəflər cari mövsümün sonunda başa çatacaq ortaq müqaviləni yeniləməmək qərarına gəliblər.

    Pavolettinin “Kalyari”dən ayrılandan sonra karyerasını da bitirməsi gözlənilir. Bunun səbəbi isə təcrübəli futbolçunun hazırda ciddi zədədən əziyyət çəkməsidir.

    Leonardo Pavoletti “Kalyari”yə 2017-ci ildə “Napoli”dən 9,8 milyon avro müqabilində keçmişdi. O, sözügedən komandanın heyətində 231 oyuna çıxıb, 52 qol vurub, 9 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

    Pavoletti karyerası ərzində “Sassuolo”, “Cenoa”, “Vareze”, “Virtus Lansano”, “Paviya”, “Esperiya”, “Çitta di Kasale”, “Napoli”, “Yuve Stabiya” kimi klubların da formasını geyinib.

    Hücumçu 2019-cu ildə İtaliya millisində də 1 oyun keçirib, 1 qol vurub.

    Juventus still the only exception to Conte’s two-year rule

    19 May 2026 at 23:34

    Antonio Conte is now expected to leave Napoli at the end of the 2025-26 season and his departure from the Stadio Maradona means that Juventus are the only club that the former CT has stayed at for longer than two seasons. 

    According to reports from all of the leading outlets in Italy, Conte will leave Napoli by mutual agreement at the end of the 2025-26 season, which comes to a close on Sunday. He continues to be linked with a potential return to the Italy national team set-up. 

    Conte has one year remaining on his Napoli contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, but he is expected to walk away from the Stadio Maradona without severance pay. Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri are among the early frontrunners to replace him

    Conte will leave Napoli after two seasons, one year after guiding the club to its fourth Scudetto. He also won the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana during his time in Naples. 

    Napoli is set to become the eighth different club that Conte has left after just two seasons. The figure rises to nine if his two-year spell in charge of the Italy national team is included. 

    Conte has only stayed for more than two years on one occasion

    PISA, ITALY - MAY 17: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and SSC Napoli at Arena Garibaldi on May 17, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
    PISA, ITALY – MAY 17: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and SSC Napoli at Arena Garibaldi on May 17, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

    The 56-year-old had two short spells in charge of Arezzo at the beginning of his career before taking charge of Bari between 2007 and 2009, leaving after reports of a potential move to Juventus, a move that would not materialise for another few years. 

    Conte’s spell in charge of Atalanta lasted just a matter of months between September 2009 and January 2010. His time in charge of Siena lasted just over a season, taking over in May 2010 and leaving for Juventus ahead of the 2011-12 season. 

    Juventus remains the only club where Conte has stayed for any longer than two seasons. He guided the Bianconeri to three consecutive Serie A titles and two Supercoppa Italiana trophies before leaving to take over as head coach of the Italy national team in 2014. 

    MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Antonio Conte (C) manager of Juventus FC celebrates a victory with Giorgio Chiellini (L), Andrea Barzagli, Claudio Marchisio and Gianluigi Buffon at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Juventus FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 29, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
    MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Antonio Conte (C) manager of Juventus FC celebrates a victory with Giorgio Chiellini (L), Andrea Barzagli, Claudio Marchisio and Gianluigi Buffon at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Juventus FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 29, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

    He went on to leave the Italy set-up immediately after the conclusion of EURO 2016 following a quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat against Germany. 

    Conte would then go on to serve as head coach of Premier League side Chelsea for two seasons between 2016 and 2018 before being sacked and replaced by compatriot Maurizio Sarri. 

    After taking a season-long break, Conte returned to the dugout with Inter in 2019, but left the Nerazzurri amidst reported disagreements with the board shortly after guiding the team to the Scudetto at the end of his second season in charge. 

    Inter Milan's coach Antonio Conte (C), Inter Milan's team manager Gabriele Oriali (2-R) and team members celebrate with the Italian Championship trophy after the Italian Serie A soccer match between FC Inter and Udinese at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 23 May 2021 (re-issued on 26 May 2021).
    Inter Milan’s coach Antonio Conte (C), Inter Milan’s team manager Gabriele Oriali (2-R) and team members celebrate with the Italian Championship trophy after the Italian Serie A soccer match between FC Inter and Udinese at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 23 May 2021 (re-issued on 26 May 2021).

    He took over as head coach of Tottenham in November of 2021, but infamously left the club, again frustrated with the senior hierarchy, in March of 2023. 

    And now he is set to leave Napoli after two full seasons in charge. As things stand, he has taken charge of 90 competitive Partenopei fixtures, winning 51, drawing 22 and losing 17 with a win rate of 56.67%.

    Greece angered by Italy proposal to field U21 side in June friendly – Cancellation risk?

    19 May 2026 at 22:52

    Tuesday’s reports claim that the Greek football federation have been left frustrated by the suggestion that Italy will field a side primarily made up of U21 stars for their scheduled friendly in June, and some outlets suggest that there is a risk the game does not go ahead as a result. 

    Is there a risk that Greece vs. Italy friendly gets cancelled?

    The Italy national team will not be heading to the 2026 World Cup, but still have two friendlies in the calendar for early June: Against Luxembourg on the 3rd of the month and against Greece on the 6th, both of which are set to be played away from home. 

    Italy is without a permanent head coach following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso shortly after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March, so U21s boss Silvio Baldini has been tasked with leading the senior squad into the June friendlies. 

    Baldini is expected to name a side largely, or perhaps entirely, made up from players he already knows from his U21 team. There have been reports that captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has made himself available, but Baldini has insisted that he “will only call up players from the U21s.”

    Though this suggestion went down positively with a large section of Azzurri supporters, the situation has reportedly angered the Greek federation, who want to give their players a competitive test against opponents of a certain level and experience in order to prepare them for the Nations League campaign that kicks off in September. 

    CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Italy U21 players pose before the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
    CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Italy U21 players pose before the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

    According to reports from TMW, representatives from the Greek and Italian federations have been in contact since last week in order to ‘find a solution’. Tuesday’s report claims that there is a risk the match does not go ahead. 

    The parties will need to come to a resolution swiftly, though, as the game is scheduled to take place in just over a fortnight’s time, and the chances of arranging a friendly against different opponents are already diminishing. 

    Greece have already confirmed their squad, and TMW points out that in their official announcement, there was no mention of a game against Italy, just that they would be taking part in ‘June friendlies’.

    Watch: Kroupi strike stuns Man City as Arsenal now 45 minutes away from historic Premier League title

    19 May 2026 at 23:36

    Eli Junior Kroupi has given Bournemouth the lead against Manchester City with a stunning finish, igniting a seismic shift in the Premier League title race.

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    In a match of astronomical stakes, the teenage sensation has broken the deadlock, leaving Man City stunned and a rival fanbase on the verge of absolute excitement.

    In a brilliant build-up, the Bournemouth side carved the left-side of the defence with ease, before a cross from Truffert reaches Kroupi who curls it in to make it 1-0.

    A HUGE goal for the title race!

    Eli Junior Kroupi with a glorious finish to give Bournemouth the lead against Man City! ? pic.twitter.com/Zd5si2q7yX

    — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026

    Kroupi’s goal puts Arsenal on the verge of historic Premier League title

    With Manchester City trailing at the break, Arsenal are now exactly 45 minutes away from being crowned Premier League champions.

    The equations ahead of tonight’s fixture were crystal clear: Pep Guardiola’s side must win to keep the title race alive.

    Any dropped points tonight would mathematically confirm Arsenal as champions.

    Kroupi’s brilliant finish has effectively placed one hand of the Gunners onto the trophy.

    If the current scoreline holds, Mikel Arteta’s squad will secure a historic domestic crown without even kicking a ball tonight.

    Tension is palpable across the country, with millions of fans now watching the clock tick down on a season-defining afternoon.

    Can Manchester City come back in the second half?

    The big question now is whether Manchester City can pull off one of their trademark second-half turnarounds.

    Guardiola will undoubtedly use the intermission to regroup, demand more urgency, and tweak his tactical approach against a highly organised and resilient Bournemouth side.

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    City have the depth, the experience, and the psychological elite mentality required to reverse a 1-0 deficit.

    However, the pressure of a ticking clock and the immense weight of the title race will test their nerves to the absolute limit.

    They have just 45 minutes left to save their season, otherwise, the Premier League crown officially heads to the Emirates.

    The post Watch: Kroupi strike stuns Man City as Arsenal now 45 minutes away from historic Premier League title appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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