A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kaptanı Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Dünya Kupası'na kısa bir süre kala milli takım hakkında açıklamalarda bulundu.
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kaptanı Hakan Çalhanoğlu, ay-yıldızlı formayla Dünya Kupası'nı kazanmayı hedeflediğini söyledi.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Anadolu Ajansının Türkiye'nin Ödeme Yöntemi TROY'un katkılarıyla hayata geçirdiği "2026 Dünya Kupası Yolu'nda Milli Gururlar" projesinin organizasyon öncesinde son konuğu oldu.
Dünya Kupası hasretini 24 yıl sonra sona erdiren A Milli Takım futbolcularını Türk halkına daha yakından tanıtmayı ve "milli takım taraftarı" olgusunu güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan projede, ay-yıldızlı oyuncuların Dünya Kupası'ndaki hedefi, milli takımla ilgili düşünceleri ve kulüp takımlarındaki durumları detaylı ele alınıyor.
"Demek ki iyi bir seviyedeyiz"
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kaptanı olarak 24 yıl sonra Dünya Kupası'nda boy gösterecek olmanın heyecanını yaşayan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, sakatlığını atlattığını söyledi.
Dünya Kupası hedefinden bahseden Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "Hedefimde milli takımla kupa kaldırmak var. Her zaman hedefimi yüksek tutarım, bugün de öyle. Dünya Kupası'ndayız, hedefim tabii ki final, hedefim dünya kupasını getirmek. Hedefimi her zaman yüksek tutuyorum. Bu gücü görmesem zaten bunu söylemem. Bizim takımımıza baktığınızda herkes hemen hemen diğer takımlardaki oyuncularla aynı seviyede. Buralara kadar geldiysek demek ki iyi bir seviyedeyiz." açıklamasında bulundu.
UEFA Başkanı Aleksander Ceferin'in Türkiye'nin orta sahasını övmesiyle ilgili görüşünü dile getiren Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "Bizi 'Underdog (Sürpriz)' olarak gösteriyorlar. Eskiden sıkıntımız vardı, 'Sağ bekimiz az, orta sahamız yetersiz, stoperimiz yok.' diyorlardı. Allah'a şükür şimdi bereketliyiz çok şükür. Her yerde doluyuz ve bu da avantaj. Oyuna giren ya da çıkan fark etmiyor. Herkes elinden geleni yapmaya çalışıyor, hepsi de iyi. Hiçbir pozisyonda sorunumuz yok." diye konuştu.
Takımda çok iyi bir ortam olduğunu ve kendisinin de kaptan olarak dengeyi kurması gerektiğini vurgulayan Hakan, şöyle devam etti:
"Arada bazen tabii ki sıkıntılar oluyor ama çok şükür dengeyi sağlayabiliyoruz. Eşit davranınca her şey daha kolay oluyor. Takım arkadaşlarım bana her zaman yardımcı oluyor. Ben hep fikrimi paylaşırım, hiçbir zaman kendim karar vermem. Yanıma 3-4 kişi alırım, onlara sorarım. Onların yardımı işimi kolaylaştırıyor."
"Hava şartları ne olursa olsun elimizden geleni yapacağız"
2002 yılında 8 yaşında olduğunu ve A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın dünya 3'üncüsü olduğu organizasyonda maçları kaçırmadığını söyleyen Hakan Çalhanoğlu, turnuvada unutamadığı birçok anı olduğunu söyledi.
Milli takımın başarısının çok farklı duygular yaşattığının altını çizen Hakan Çalhanoğlu, şöyle konuştu:
"2002'de İlhan ağabeyin altın golü attığını hatırlıyorum. Dünya Kupası maçlarını hep camide izlerdim. Kur'an-ı Kerim okumaya gidiyorduk, namazdan sonra öğlene doğru maçlar oluyordu, hep camide izliyordum, orada seviniyorduk, gol olduğunda sandalyeler havada uçuyordu. Bunu televizyonda yaşadım, şimdi canlı olarak yaşayacağım. Çok ayrı bir duygu. Küçükken televizyondan izliyorsun, şimdi sahadasın, hem de kaptan olarak sahadasın. Bu, anlatmakla olmaz, bunu yaşamak gerek. O zaman bizim dualarımız kabul oldu, inşallah şimdiki gençlerimiz bize dua eder, bütün ülke eminim bize dua eder, eminim ki edecekler, bizi yalnız bırakmayacaklar. Sahaya çıkıp elimizden geleni yapmaya çalışacağız. Ülkemizi en iyi şekilde temsil etmek istiyoruz. Sadece futbolcu olarak değil, karakter olarak da bu takımı iyi tanımalarını istiyoruz, amacımız bu."
Duygusal bir yapısı olmasına karşın sahada ciddi ve kararlı olduğunu dile getiren Hakan Çalhanoğlu, sahada ciddiyetini ve konsantrasyonunu bozmadığını belirtti.
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kamp yaptığı Arizona'yla ilgili de konuşan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "Sıcak bizi biraz zorlayacaktır ama tabii ki en çabuk şekilde adapte olmamız gerekiyor. Herkesin ilk Dünya Kupası. Hava şartları ne olursa olsun elimizden geleni yapacağız, vücudumuzu alıştıracağız. Sıcakta oynamak kolay değil, ben sıcağı çok sevmiyorum, daha çok yağmurda oynamayı seviyorum. Ama bunu da kabul etmemiz gerekiyor." açıklamasında bulundu.
Dünya Kupası'nda D Grubu'nda karşılaşacakları ABD, Paraguay ve Avustralya'yla ilgili de konuşan kaptan Hakan, "Hocamız bizi bu maçlara hazırlıyor. Hiçbir zaman rakibinizi küçüksemeyeceksiniz. Futbolda böyle. Onlar bizden düşük görünse de tehlikeli olabiliyorlar. Genelde kapanan takım ortaya çıkıyor, bu bizi zorluyor. İyi hazırlanmamız gerekiyor. Tabii ki hedefimiz gruptan lider çıkmak." ifadelerini kullandı.
Hakan, "Turnuva ağacını incelediniz mi? Birinci çıkarsak şu rakip, ikinci çıkarsak şu rakip gelir diye baktınız mı?" sorusunu, "Hayır desem inanacak mısınız? Onu hiç konuşmayız, tabii ki rakipleri analiz ederiz ama hedefimiz her zaman lider çıkmak, sonraki yolu hesaplamayız. Her zaman kazanıp en iyi şekilde gruptan çıkmak istiyoruz." şeklinde yanıtladı.
Kaptan Çalhanoğlu, "Milli takımın hangi 3 özelliği, kendini rakiplerden öne çıkarıyor?" sorusuna ise "Bizim takımımız daha yetenekli, daha istikrarlı ve daha istekli." yanıtını verdi.
"Zidane'ın Materazzi'ye attığı kafa unutulmaz"
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın 2002'de dünya 3'üncüsü olmasının kendilerini baskı altına almayacağını belirten Hakan Çalhanoğlu, aynı durumun 2024 Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası için de geçerli olduğunu söyledi.
Takım olarak bu tip konulara odaklanmadıklarının altını çizen Hakan, "Bu, milli takımın başarısı. Bir gün biz de milli takımdan ayrılınca diğerlerinin başarısını isteriz. Hiçbir zaman 'Onlar bunu başardı.' diye düşünmüyoruz. Nasıl ki o zaman gururlandıysak, sevindiysek, aynısını biz de yapmak istiyoruz. Bülent ve Rüştü ağabeyler geldi. Dünya Kupası'na gelmeye çalışacaklar. 'Bekleriz.' dedik, onlar da gelmeye çalışacak. Sohbet ettik, anıları konuştuk. Onlar da 2002'de 45-50 gün kamp geçirdiler ve keyifli olduğunu söylediler. Soracağımız soruları sorduk ve cevapları aldık. Bülent ağabey ile konuşurken, 'Siz orada mutlu ve huzurlu olduğunuz sürece hiçbir sıkıntı olmaz. Kamp 1 hafta gibi geçer.' dedi. Bizde de bu potansiyel var, Avrupa Şampiyonası'nda bunu yaşadık. İnşallah bu kamp da böyle olur." diye konuştu.
Dünya Kupası'nda unutamadığı anları aktaran Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "İlhan ağabeyin attığı altın gol her zaman gözümün önünden geçiyor ve İlhan ağabeyin Okocha hareketi aklıma geliyor. Ronaldinho'nun İngiltere'ye attığı frikik golünü unutmuyorum. Zidane'ın Materazzi'ye attığı kafa unutulmaz." dedi.
Hakan ayrıca Dünya Kupası denildiğinde Zidane, Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Beckham ve A Milli Futbol Takımı'ndan Rüştü Reçber, İlhan Mansız, Bülent Korkmaz, Hasan Şaş gibi isimlerin aklına geldiğini vurguladı.
"Hangi takımla karşılaşacağımız fark etmez"
Milli takımın kaptanı, Dünya Kupası'nda favori takımların sorulması üzerine, "Fransa'yı favori olarak görüyorum. 1 tane 11'leri yok, 3 takımı var, o kadar güçlü oyuncuları var. Hepsi birbirinden iyi. İsimlere baktığımızda bu takım normalde şampiyon olması gerekiyor dersiniz. Onun dışında Arjantin ve Brezilya gibi ekipler favori oluyor ama inşallah onlar olmaz biz oluruz. Hangi takımla karşılaşacağımız fark etmez. Kendine ve takımına güvendiğinde hangi takım olursa olsun fark etmez. Ben büyük isimlerle karşılaştım, kazandığımız maçlar oldu. O yüzden iyi takımlarla karşılaşmak da güzel oluyor." ifadelerini kullandı.
Milli oyuncu, "Hakan Çalhanoğlu denildiğinde uzaktan goller akıllara geliyor. Dünya Kupası'nda da uzaktan gollerini görecek miyiz?" sorusunu, "İnşallah, o yüzden çok iyi hazırlanıyorum. Sakatlanmadan önce Inter'de güzel gollerle ligi bitirdim, şampiyonluğu da kazandık. Öz güvenim yüksekken küçük bir sakatlık yaşadım. Kendimi iyi hazırlıyorum, inşallah görürüz, elimden geleni yapacağım." şeklinde yanıtladı.
"Adım adım gelişmeye başladık"
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın çeyrek final oynadığı 2024 Avrupa Futbol Şampiyonası'yla ilgili konuşan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, takımın kamp yerinin çok güzel olduğunun altını çizdi.
Almanya'da herkesin kendilerine çok yardımcı olduğunu dile getiren 32 yaşındaki oyuncu, "Hocanın da göreve gelmesiyle daha da güzel oldu, takıma sistem oturttu. Biz kampta baş başaydık ve turnuvaya odaklandık. İyi bir turnuva geçirdiğimizi düşünüyorum. Hollanda maçı daha iyi geçebilirdi. Birkaç pozisyon yakaladık ama değerlendiremedik, buna da futbol diyoruz. Bazen her şey istediğiniz gibi olmuyor." diye konuştu.
Hollanda maçının ardından Almanya'dan ayrılırken taraftarlarla yaşadığı ve gözlerinin dolduğu duygusal konuşmaya da değinen Hakan, şunları söyledi:
"Duygusal biriyim. Hedefimde milli takımla kupa kaldırmak var. Her zaman hedefimi yüksek tutarım, bugün de öyle. Dünya Kupası'na gideceğiz, hedefim tabii ki final, hedefim dünya kupasını getirmek. Hedefimi her zaman yüksek tutuyorum. Olmayınca da tabii ki üzülüyorum. Örnek aldığımız Ronaldo, Messi gibi isimler var. Hep kupa peşindeler. Biz de onlara bakıyoruz, bize de o mantalite gücü geliyor. Milli takım başarısı her zaman farklı noktada kalacak, o yüzden milli takımla kupa kaldırmak inşallah nasip olur. Üzüldüm elenince, iyi de oynamıştık. Hollanda maçını da kazanmayı hak ettik ama kaybettik, ona üzüldüm bir de kampın bitmesine üzüldüm. Her şey güzel gitmişken keşke final görseydik diye aklımdan geçirdim. Duygusal olduğum için de kendimi tutamıyorum, her şey akıyor, öyle bir an yaşadım o an. Arkadaşlarımın da dediği gibi duygusal biriyim, neden öyleyim ama öyleyim duygusal biriyim, burcumdandır herhalde, balık burcuyum. Kendimi bazen tutamıyorum, arada gözyaşı çıkıyor."
Teknik direktör Vincenzo Montella ile yükselişe geçmeleri hakkında da konuşan Hakan, "Hocanın gelmesi takıma iyi geldi. Kendi düşünceleriyle, kendi taktiğiyle takıma verdikleri çok önemli. Adım adım gelişmeye başladık. Her zaman 'Sabırlı olmalıyız.' demiştim. Sonunda dediğim ortaya çıktı. Biz Türk insanı olarak biraz sabırsızız. Yavaş yavaş merdivenleri çıktık. Uluslar A Ligi'ne çıktık, bu da başarı ve bizim zaten orada olmamız gerek. 24 yıl sonra Dünya Kupası'na katıldık, demek ki iyi yoldayız. Hocanın katkısı burada çok. Herkesle iyi anlaşıyor, herkese aynı şekilde yaklaşıyor, dengeyi iyi kuruyor. Bazen kötü durum olunca sesi tabii ki yükseliyor. Bunu siz fazla görmüyorsunuz ama hocayla ağabey-kardeş gibi bağımız var." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
A Milli Takım'da en fazla kaptanlık yapan isim olduğu hatırlatılan Hakan, "Güzel bir his ama daha bitmedi. İnşallah önümde çok yıllar var. Ben şunu hiç kabul etmiyorum, 'Yaşı geldi, çok sakatlanıyor.' diyorlar. Halbuki çok sakatlanan oyuncular var, 32 yaşına girdim ama hala en yüksek seviyede oynuyorum. Sakatlık tabii ki oluyor çünkü tempomuz yüksek. Ama fitim, kendimi yaşlı olarak görmüyorum. Hala gencim, önümde çok yıllar var." diye konuştu.
"Tırnaklarımla kazıyarak buraya geldim"
A Milli Futbol Takımı'ndaki ilk dönemleri hakkında konuşan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Almanya'da doğup büyüyen birisi olarak milli takım tercihini yapmanın kendisi için kolay olmadığını belirtti.
Aklında her zaman Türkiye için oynamak olduğunu vurgulayan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "Almanya'da doğup büyüdüğüm için kolay bir adım olmadı. Aklımda hep Türkiye için oynamak vardı, bu kararı verdikten sonra çok mutlu oldum. Oraya kadar geldiğim için, o hedefe ulaştığım için mutluydum. Burada tüm hocalarıma teşekkür etmem gerek, onların sayesinde buraya kadar geldim. Beni ilk kez milli takıma Fatih hoca çağırmıştı. Ülkem adına oynadığım için mutluyum ve ayrı bir gurur yaşıyorum. O yüzden en mutlu insan benim diyebilirim."
Hakan, "Milli takıma gelişin kolay olmadı ama yakında Türk Milli Takımı'nın kaptanı olarak sahaya çıkacaksın. Geriye dönüp baktığında doğru karar vermişim diyor musun?" sorusuna, "Tabii ki de 'Doğru karar vermişim.' diyorum. Tabii ki her şey kolay olmadı, tırnaklarımla kazıyarak buraya geldim. Milli takımda ağabeylerimle, eski hocalarımla bu yolu paylaştığım için mutluyum. Onlara da ayrı ayrı teşekkür etmek istiyorum. Benim ilk Dünya Kupası tecrübem olduğu için ayrı bir gurur yaşıyorum. Kaptan olarak sahaya çıkarken o hissiyatı anlatabilmek kolay değil, onu ben de ilk kez yaşayacağım, sabırsızlıkla bekliyorum." cevabını verdi.
Milli takımdaki ilk dönemlerinin kendisi için zor olmadığını aktaran Hakan Çalhanoğlu, "İşimi kolaylaştırdılar, bana çok güvendiler. Futbolculuğumdan ziyade insanlığıma güvendiler. Ben her zaman herkese eşit davrandım ve bunu hala yapmaya çalışıyorum. Çünkü burası milli takım. İnsan büyüdükçe küçülmeli. Bunu ağabeylerim ve hocalarım sayesinde öğrendim, hepsine minnettarım. Kaptanlık bana devredildiğinde çok heyecanlıydım, 'Başarabilir miyim, yapabilir miyim?' diye aklımda soru işaretleri oldu. Herkes bana çok yardımcı oluyor. Ben de elimden geldiğince her şeyi yapmaya hazırım. İlk milli maçım benim için çok önemliydi. Her an maça girip 'Bu konu bitsin.' diye aklımdan geçiyordu. Sağ olsun Fatih hoca beni maça soktu. Gençtim, çok heyecanlıydım o zaman. Şimdi takım gençleşti. Ben ağabeylerimle oynadım, büyük isimlerle oynadım. Hepsi ilk günden beri bana sahip çıktı. O anda çok mutluydum. Fatih hocama da teşekkür ediyorum, o maça çıkınca konu kapanmıştı." açıklamasını yaptı.
"Hedefimde Şampiyonlar Ligi'ni kazanmak var"
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, kariyer planı olarak UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi kupasını kazanmak istediğini belirterek, "İki kez Şampiyonlar Ligi finalini kaybettim. Çok üzüldüm, Çok yakınken kupanın yanından geçtiğindeki o üzüntüyü kimseye anlatamazsın, o an orada her şey bitiyor. Hedefimde Şampiyonlar Ligi'ni kazanmak var." açıklamasında bulundu.
valt off Manheim'da kariyerine başlayan Hakan, "Sonra 2. Lig'e Karlsruhe'ye geçtim. Sonra Hamburg'a transfer oldum. Hamburg'dan Bayer Leverkusen'e geçiş yaptım, Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde oynamak için. Sonra Almanya defteri benim için kapandı. İtalya'ya geçtim, Milan'a transfer oldum. O dönem biraz zor geçti. Milan'dan Inter'e geçmek kolay olmadı ama o geçişi yaptıktan sonra doğru bir karar aldığımı anladım. Orada 8 kupa kazandım. İtalya'da her şeyi kazandım. Kariyerim böyle." ifadelerini kullandı.
"Besmele çekip sahaya çıkarım"
Maçlardan önceki ritüellerinden de bahseden Hakan, "Otelden çıkmadan önce mutlaka eşimi ararım, çocuklarımla konuşurum her zaman. Çocuklarımın ve eşimin sesini duymam gerek. Stada geldiğimizde soyunma odasında müziği açarız, bizi coşturan şarkılar açarız. Birbirimizle sesli konuşarak, motive ederek hazırlanıyoruz. Hep konuşarak, takımı motive ediyoruz, eski günleri anıp nerelere kadar geldiğimizi hatırlatma yaparız. Sahaya çıkmadan önce soğuk suyla yüzümü yıkarım, sonra besmele çekip sahaya çıkarım." diye konuştu.
Birçok sanatçının milli takım için marş yazdığını da sözlerine ekleyen Hakan Çalhanoğlu, şunları söyledi:
"Tüm sanatçılarımız bizim için marşlar yazdı, onlara teşekkür etmek istiyorum. Bize değer verdiklerini gösteriyorlar. Müzik seçme olayı takımca yapıp liste yapıyoruz. Bütün yapılan şarkıları soyunma odasında çalacağız. Hakan ağabey sen aç diyorlar, sorumluluk bana geliyor ama bazen diğer oyunculara açmalarını söylüyorum. Kendim karar vermiyorum, takım karar veriyor. Farklı şarkılar yapıldı, Murda ve Mero'nun yaptığı, oyunculara göre yapıldı, adımız geçiyor o güzel. Semicenk, Sinan ve Murat ağabeyin şarkıları güzel. Diğerlerini henüz dinlemedim. Saydıklarımın hepsi birbirinden güzel. Biz bunları ayırt etmeyiz. Kendi müzik tarzıma gelince, ben her şeyi dinlerim. Türk halk müziği severim, rap, hip-hop, house müzik dinlerim, başka ülkelerin şarkılarını dinlerim, biliyorsunuz made in Romanya öyle oldu.''
Beşiktaş'ın Nijeryalı kaptanı Wilfred Ndidi, Portekiz maçı öncesi basın toplantısında içini döktü! Siyah-beyazlı takımdaki arkadaşları için milli takım çağrısı yapan 29 yaşındaki orta saha, Beşiktaş'ın geride kalan sezonuna dair de çok konuşulacak bir itirafta bulundu.
Nijerya Milli Takımı'nın kaptanlığını yürüten Beşiktaş’ın 29 yaşındaki tecrübeli orta saha oyuncusu Wilfred Ndidi, bu akşam saat 20:45’te Portekiz ile oynayacakları kritik hazırlık maçı öncesinde düzenlenen basın toplantısında medyanın karşısına geçti.
Deneyimli futbolcu, siyah-beyazlı takımdaki mesai arkadaşları Tiago Djaló ve Jota Silva hakkında övgü dolu ifadeler kullandı.
- Tiago Djaló ve Jota Silva gerçekten çok iyi oyuncular. Herhangi birine oyuncu önerme yetkim ya da haddim yok tabii ki ama bu Portekizli gençler çok kaliteli.
- Çok çalışıyorlar, sahadaki agresiflikleri üst düzeyde ve antrenmanlarda inanılmaz bir gayret gösteriyorlar. Kesinlikle Portekiz milli takımında şans bulmayı hak ediyorlar.
- Maalesef kulübümüz bu yıl hiçbir şampiyonluk kazanamadı. Sezon boyunca istediğimiz gibi rekabetçi bir yapı ortaya koyamadık ve hedeflediğimiz noktaya ulaşamadık.
Savunma hattını güçlendirmek isteyen Beşiktaş, Flamengo'nun Brezilya Milli Takımı'na kadar yükselen stoperi Léo Pereira'yı gözüne kestirdi.
Beşiktaş, yeni sezon transfer çalışmaları kapsamında savunma hattını güçlendirmek için gözünü Brezilya’ya dikti. Siyah-beyazlılar, Flamengo forması giyen ve son dönemdeki performansıyla dikkatleri üzerine çeken 30 yaşındaki stoper Léo Pereira’yı kadrosuna katmak istiyor. Ancak Beşiktaş'ın bu transferde işi hiç de kolay değil.
5 TAKIM DAHA İSTİYOR
Gazeteci Pablo Oliveira'nın iddiasına göre, Flamengo'nun piyasa değerinin iyice arttığını düşündüğü Pereira ile ilgilenen tek kulüp Beşiktaş değil. 30 yaşındaki tecrübeli savunmacı için yurt dışından tam 5 kulüp devrede.
Siyah-beyazlıların yanı sıra İngiltere'den Nottingham Forest ve Championship'e düşen West Ham, Meksika'dan ise Cruz Azul ve Monterrey oyuncuyu yakından takip ediyor.
DÜNYA KUPASINDA DİREKTEN DÖNDÜ
Léo Pereira, geçmiş transfer dönemlerinde de Sevilla, Valencia ve Porto gibi önemli Avrupa kulüplerinin radarına girmiş ancak Flamengo o dönem ayrılığa sıcak bakmamıştı.
Bu sezon Flamengo formasıyla 24 maça çıkan ve 1 gol kaydeden Léo Pereira, Brezilya futbolunun son dönemdeki en istikrarlı isimlerinden biri olarak öne çıkıyor. Gösterdiği bu güçlü performans, tecrübeli stoperi teknik direktör Carlo Ancelotti yönetimindeki Brezilya Milli Takımı'nın 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosuna kadar taşıdı.
Juventus ile ipleri koparan Dusan Vlahovic için Fenerbahçe'de Aziz Yıldırım'ın kurduğu rüya plana, Galatasaray'dan çılgın bir imza bonusuyla tarihi bir misilleme geldi. Ancak ortaya Newcastle çıktı.
Juventus ile sözleşme yenileme görüşmeleri tıkanan ve kulübüyle yollarını ayıran Dusan Vlahovic, serbest oyuncu statüsüyle devlerin radarına girdi. 26 yaşındaki Sırp golcü için Süper Lig'in iki ezeli rakibi Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray karşı karşıya geldi.
Vlahovic'in boşa çıkması sadece Türkiye'de değil, İngiltere'de de ortalığı hareketlendirdi. Hücum hattından (özellikle Yoane Wissa'nın performansından) memnun olmayan Newcastle United, menajerler aracılığıyla önerilen Vlahovic seçeneğini ciddi şekilde değerlendirmeye aldı. Oyuncunun Premier Lig'e sıcak baktığı bilinse de, Newcastle yönetiminin henüz resmi bir görüşme başlatmadığı ve piyasayı tarttığı belirtildi.
Trabzonspor, Roma'nın Ukraynalı dünya yıldızı Artem Dovbyk için 10 milyon Euro'luk dev teklifle masaya oturdu.
Trabzonspor'un Artem Dovbyk için Roma'nın kapısını yaklaşık 10 milyon Euro'luk bir teklifle çaldığı ifade ediliyor. Ancak İtalyan kulübü bu rakamı henüz yeterli bulmuş değil.
Villarreal de hücum hattını elit bir isimle güçlendirmek adına Artem Dovbyk transferinde yeniden vites yükseltti. Gelecek sezon Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde mücadele edecek olan İspanyol temsilcisi, Avrupa tecrübesi olan ve en üst seviyede gol yükünü sırtlayabilecek bir santrafor arayışında. Bu doğrultuda, daha önce de listelerinde bulunan Ukraynalı forvet için girişimlerini sıklaştırdı.
Trabzonspor'un sunduğu rakamdan çok daha yüksek teklifleri değerlendirmek istiyor. Roma yönetiminin, mevcut transfer döneminde kadroda bazı yapılandırmalara gitme isteği bulunsa da, mali planlamalar ve bütçe dengeleri nedeniyle Dovbyk'i kolay kolay ve ucuza bırakmaya niyeti yok.
ABD, Meksika ve Kanada'nın ev sahipliği yapacağı turnuva, yarın Mexico City Stadı'nda başlayacak ve 6 haftalık heyecanın ardından 19 Temmuz Pazar günü, 82 bin 500 kişilik New York New Jersey Stadı'ndaki final maçıyla sona erecek.
FIFA 2026 Dünya Kupası'nda 16 farklı statta, 4 farklı saat diliminde, toplam 104 maç oynanacak. Karşılaşmaların 78'ine ABD ev sahipliği yapacak.
Katar'da düzenlenen 2022 Dünya Kupası'nda 7 milyar dolar gelir elde eden FIFA, bu rakamın 2026'da 11 milyar dolara ulaşmasını bekliyor.
Katılımcı sayısının artmasıyla Yeşil Burun Adaları, Curaçao, Ürdün ve Özbekistan, tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'na katılma hakkı elde etti.
Mexico City Stadı tarihe geçecek
Meksika'nın başkentiyle aynı adı taşıyan 83 bin kişi kapasiteli Mexico City Stadı, Dünya Kupası tarihinde 3 kez açılış maçına ev sahipliği yapan ilk stat olarak tarihe geçecek.
Mexico City Stadı'nda daha önce 1970 Dünya Kupası'nın açılışında Meksika-Sovyetler Birliği (0-0), 1986 Dünya Kupası'nın açılışında ise İtalya-Bulgaristan (1-1) maçları oynanmıştı.
Futbol tarihinin efsanelerinden Brezilyalı Pele'nin 1970'te kupayı kaldırdığı, Arjantinli Maradona'nın 1986'da "yüzyılın golü"nü attığı Mexico City Stadı, 2026 Dünya Kupası'nın açılışında Meksika-Güney Afrika maçına ev sahipliği yapacak.
En büyüğü Dallas'ta, en küçüğü Toronto'da
Turnuvada 104 maç, ABD, Meksika ve Kanada'da yer alan toplam 16 statta oynanacak.
16 stat arasında en büyüğü 94 bin kişiyle Dallas Stadı olurken en az kapasiteye sahip stat ise 45 bin kişiyle Toronto'da yer alıyor.
Ev sahibi ülkelerin turnuvada kullanılacak statları ve kapasiteleri şöyle:
ABD:
Dallas Stadı, Texas, 94.000
New York New Jersey Stadı, New Jersey, 82.500
Atlanta Stadı, Atlanta - Georgia, 75.000
Kansas City Stadı, Kansas City - Missouri, 73.000
Houston Stadı, Houston - Texas, 72.000
San Francisco Bay Area Stadı, Santa Clara- Kalifornia, 71.000
Los Angeles Stadı, Inglewood - Kalifornia, 70.000
Philadelphia Stadı, Philadelphia - Pennsylvania, 69.000
Seattle Stadı, Seattle - Washington, 69.000
Boston Stadı, Foxborough - Massachusetts, 65.000
Miami Stadı, Miami Gardens - Florida, 65.000
Kanada:
Toronto Stadı, Toronto, 45.000
BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver, 54.000
Meksika:
Mexico City Stadı, Mexico City, 83.000
Monterrey Stadı, Guadalupe, 53.500
Guadalajara Stadı, Zapopan, 48.000
Grup aşaması fikstürü
2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'nda grup aşamasında oynanacak 72 maçın TSİ programı şöyle:
11 Haziran Perşembe:
A Grubu: Meksika - Güney Afrika, Mexico City Stadı, 22.00
12 Haziran Cuma:
A Grubu: Güney Kore - Çekya, Guadalajara Stadı, 05.00
B Grubu: Kanada - Bosna-Hersek, Toronto Stadı, 22.00
13 Haziran Cumartesi:
D Grubu: ABD - Paraguay, Los Angeles Stadı, 04.00
B Grubu: Katar - İsviçre, San Francisco Bay Area Stadı, 22.00
14 Haziran Pazar:
C Grubu: Brezilya - Fas, New York New Jersey Stadı, 01.00
Haiti - İskoçya, Boston Stadı, 04.00
D Grubu: Avustralya - Türkiye, BC Place Vancouver Stadı, 07.00
E Grubu: Almanya - Curaçao, Houston Stadı, 20.00
F Grubu: Hollanda - Japonya, Dallas Stadı, 23.00
15 Haziran Pazartesi:
E Grubu: Fildişi Sahili - Ekvador, Philadelphia Stadı, 02.00
F Grubu: İsveç - Tunus, Monterrey Stadı, 05.00
H Grubu: İspanya - Yeşil Burun Adaları, Atlanta Stadı, 19.00
G Grubu: Belçika - Mısır, Seattle Stadı, 22.00
16 Haziran Salı:
H Grubu: Suudi Arabistan - Uruguay, Miami Stadı, 01.00
G Grubu: İran - Yeni Zelanda, Los Angeles Stadı, 04.00
I Grubu: Fransa - Senegal, New York New Jersey Stadı, 22.00
17 Haziran Çarşamba:
I Grubu: Irak - Norveç, Boston Stadı, 01.00
J Grubu: Arjantin - Cezayir, Kansas City Stadı, 04.00
Avusturya - Ürdün, San Francisco Bay Area Stadı, 07.00
K Grubu: Portekiz - Demokratik Kongo Cumhuriyeti, Houston Stadı, 20.00
L Grubu: İngiltere - Hırvatistan, Dallas Stadı, 23.00
18 Haziran Perşembe:
L Grubu: Gana - Panama, Toronto Stadı, 02.00
K Grubu: Özbekistan - Kolombiya, Mexico City Stadı, 05.00
A Grubu: Çekya - Güney Afrika Cumhuriyeti, Atlanta Stadı, 19.00
B Grubu: İsviçre - Bosna-Hersek, Los Angeles Stadı, 22.00
19 Haziran Cuma:
B Grubu: Kanada - Katar, BC Place Vancouver, 01.00
A Grubu: Meksika - Güney Kore, Guadalajara Stadı, 04.00
D Grubu: ABD - Avustralya, Seattle Stadı, 22.00
20 Haziran Cumartesi:
C Grubu: İskoçya - Fas, Boston Stadı, 01.00
Brezilya - Haiti, Philadelphia Stadı, 03.30
D Grubu: Türkiye - Paraguay, San Francisco Bay Area Stadı, 06.00
F Grubu: Hollanda - İsveç, Houston Stadı, 20.00
E Grubu: Almanya - Fildişi Sahili, Toronto Stadı, 23.00
21 Haziran Pazar:
E Grubu: Ekvador - Curaçao, Kansas City Stadı, 03.00
F Grubu: Tunus - Japonya, Monterrey Stadı, 07.00
H Grubu: İspanya - Suudi Arabistan, Atlanta Stadı, 19.00
G Grubu: Belçika - İran, Los Angeles Stadı, 22.00
22 Haziran Pazartesi:
H Grubu: Uruguay - Yeşil Burun Adaları, Miami Stadı, 01.00
G Grubu: Yeni Zelanda - Mısır, BC Place Vancouver Stadı, 04.00
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 2026 Dünya Kupası öncesi "Her zaman hedefimi yüksek tutarım, bugün de öyle. Dünya Kupası'ndayız, hedefim tabii ki final, kupayı Türkiye'ye getirmek." dedi.
Alman Kulübü Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray'ın renklerine katmayı çok istediği genç yıldız Can Uzun için Dünya Kupası sonrası masaya oturma kararı aldı.
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Portuqaliyanın “Vitoriya” (Gimaraynş) klubunun sol vingeri Noa Saviolo bundan sonra “Trabzonspor”un uğurları üçün çalışacaq.
Arena.az bu barədə Türkiyə klubunun rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Super Liqa təmsilçisi 22 yaşlı futbolçunun transferi üçün Portuqaliya klubuna 8,5 milyon avro ödəyib. “Vitoriya” əlavə bonuslarla daha 3 milyon avro qazana bilər.
“Trabzonspor” Saviolo ilə 5 illik müqavilə imzalandığını bəyan edib. Futbolçu ən azı 2031-ci ilin 30 iyununa qədər bu klubun uğurları üçün çalışmağa davam edəcək.
Saviolo 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə 1 milyon 350 min avro, 2027/2028-ci illər mövsümündə 1 milyon 200 min avro qazanacaq. Sonrakı mövsümlərdə isə onun qazancı 1 milyon avro olacaq.
Noa Saviolo Belçikada dünyaya göz açıb. O, futbola “Anderlext”də başlayıb, daha sonra Fransanın “Lill” klubunun akademiyasına üz tutub. Gənc vinger 2022-ci ildən “Vitoriya”nın sistemində idi. O, 2025-ci ildən cəlb edildiyi əsas komandanın heyətində 36 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qol vurub, 8 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Daha öncə Belçikanın U-15 yığmasında oynamış futbolçu 2026-cı ildə Portuqaliyanın U-21 yığmasında 2 oyun keçirib.
“Trabzonspor” öz futbolçularından Məhəmməd Çamın Serbiyanın “Srvena Zvezda” klubuna keçdiyini də açıqlayıb. Sözügedən klub Çamı qarşıdakı mövsümün sonunadək satınalma şərti ilə icarəyə götürüb.
“Fulhem”dən ayrılan Raul Ximenesin yeni klubu məlum olub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, meksikalı hücumçu “Vulverhempton”a keçib. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Ximenes yeni komandasına dünya çempionatından sonra qoşulacaq.
“Vulverhempton” növbəti mövsümdə Çempionşipdə mübarizə aparacaq.
“Fənərbağça” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirməyə hazırlaşır.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Super Liqa klubu “Malyorka”dan Vedat Muriqi ilə anlaşıb. Bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb. İstanbul təmsilçisi kosovolu hücumçu üçün 15 milyon avro transfer haqqı ödəyəcək.
31 yaşlı hücumçu 2019/2020 mövsümündə “Fənərbağça”da forma geyinib.
Muriqi başa çatan “futbol ili”ndə “Malyorka” formasıyla 23 qol vurub.
“Mançester Siti” futbolçusu Divin Mukasa ilə müqaviləni uzadıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 18 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçi ilə anlaşmanın müddəti 2030-cu ilin yayına kimidir.
Mukasa başa çatan mövsümü “Lester”də icarədə keçirib. O, Çempionşipdə 15 oyunda 2 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.
Yeniyetmə qızlardan ibarət milli komandanın baş məşqçisi Elnur İsmayılovun “Futbolpress.az“a müsahibəsi:
– Qızların cüdosunda mövcud durum necədir?
– Son illərdə qızlar arasında cüdo sürətlə inkişaf edir. Həm ölkə daxilində, həm də beynəlxalq arenada nəticələrimiz yaxşılaşır. İdmançıların sayı artır, yarışlara maraq yüksəlir və qızlarımız Avropa, dünya səviyyəli yarışlarda daha inamla çıxış edirlər. Bu inkişaf gələcək üçün böyük ümidlər yaradır.
– Qızların bu sahəyə marağı necədir və onlar üçün əsas çətinliklər nələrdir?
– Maraq kifayət qədər yüksəkdir. Qızlar cüdonu təkcə idman növü kimi deyil, həm də özünəinam, güclü xarakter və sağlam həyat tərzi qazandıran bir fəaliyyət kimi görürlər. Əsas çətinliklər isə yeniyetməlik dövrünün psixoloji və fiziki dəyişiklikləri, dərs və məşqlərin uyğunlaşdırılması, həmçinin bəzi hallarda cəmiyyətin stereotipləridir.
– Cəmiyyətin stereotiplərinə toxundunuz. Qızların idmana maraq göstərməsi çox hallarda valideynlər tərəfindən müsbət qarşılanmır.
– Düzdür, daha əvvəl fərqli yanaşmalar var idi, çox valideyn qızını idmana, xüsusən, fiziki güc tələb edən sahələrdən çəkindirirdi. Lakin indi vəziyyət dəyişib.
– Bu mövzuda problemlər yaşamısınızmı?
– Tərəddüdlü valideynlər olub, lakin bu gün münasibət daha müsbətdir. Onlar görürlər ki, cüdo uşaqlara intizam, məsuliyyət, özünəinam və sağlam həyat tərzi qazandırır. Təbii ki, zaman-zaman narahatlıqlar olur, amma nəticələri və inkişafı gördükcə bu tərəddüdlər azalır.
– Əvvəl qızlar daha çox gimnastika və voleybolla məşğul olurdusa, indi cüdoya üz tutanlar da az deyil. Sizcə, bunun səbəbi nədədir? Fiziki güclənmək, yoxsa idmana sevgi?
– Düşünürəm ki, hər iki amil burada rol oynayır. Müasir dövrdə qızlar özlərini daha güclü, daha müstəqil hiss etmək istəyirlər. Cüdo həm fiziki hazırlıq, həm də xarakter formalaşdıran idman növüdür. Eyni zamanda uğurlu idmançılarımızın nəticələri və beynəlxalq arenadakı nailiyyətləri də gənclərə motivasiya verir.
– Yeniyetmə qızların inkişafı üçün hansı məqamlara diqqət yetirirsiniz?
– Biz yalnız idman nəticələrinə deyil, şəxsiyyətin formalaşmasına da diqqət yetiririk. Fiziki hazırlıqla yanaşı, psixoloji dayanıqlıq, özünəinam, düzgün qidalanma, istirahət rejimi və təhsil məsələləri də vacibdir. Məqsədimiz təkcə güclü idmançı deyil, həm də sağlam düşüncəli və məsuliyyətli gənc yetişdirməkdir.
– Oğlan uşaqlarının idmana yönləndirilməsi onların pis vərdişlərdən uzaqlaşmasına da faydalı olur. Bəs qızların fərd kimi inkişafında cüdo hansı rolu oynayır?
– Cüdo qızların həyatında çox mühüm rol oynayır. Bu idman növü onlara özünəinam, iradə, məsuliyyət hissi və çətinliklərlə mübarizə bacarığı qazandırır. Qızlar həm fiziki, həm də mənəvi cəhətdən güclənirlər, komandada işləməyi, rəqibə hörmət etməyi və məğlubiyyətdən düzgün nəticə çıxarmağı öyrənirlər. Bütün bunlar onların gələcəkdə daha güclü və uğurlu fərd kimi formalaşmasına kömək edir.
Şahin Cəfərov
Yazı Azərbaycan Respublikasının Medianın İnkişafı Agentliyinin maliyyə dəstəyi ilə hazırlanıb.
Sahə: Uşaq və gənclərin fiziki və mənəvi inkişafında idmanın rolu.
“Qəbələ” daha bir futbolçusu ilə yollarını ayırıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, “qırmızı-qaralar” Adriel Ba Louanın başa çatan müqaviləsini yeniləməyib. 29 […]
Multiple sources in Italy, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that Juventus have reached an agreement with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and are now trying to strike a deal with the Premier League side.
Juventus have reached a principle of agreement with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, reports in Italy claim.
Details behind Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez
Tuttosport, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport report that the experienced shot-stopper has agreed to sign a three-year deal at the Allianz Stadium.
Martinez has reportedly accepted a €5m-a-year salary, lower than his current wages at Aston Villa, which suggests the 33-year-old is ready for a new challenge.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates with his winners medal as he walks past the UEFA Europa League trophy following the team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for an experienced goalkeeper, but the Bianconeri have yet to shake hands with Aston Villa.
Corriere dello Sport claims that Villa’s asking price is around €10m, but Sky Sport suggests the Bianconeri are pushing to sign the player for practically free, given his age and desire to move to Turin.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa looks on from the bus during the Aston Villa trophy parade on May 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. Aston Villa defeated SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League Final in Istanbul to claim their first European trophy in 44 years. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Martinez is under contract with Aston Villa until 2029, so it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side will agree to release their goalkeeper for free.
Tuttosport reports that Juventus hope for a ‘favourable solution from an economic point of view, hoping that Aston Villa agree to a transfer on particularly advantageous terms.’
Players valued at over 13 billion on the pitch. Yamal the most valuable star: 292m. Real offer 150m for the Argentine Alvarez; Atletico reject the offer.
It starts tomorrow with Mexico-South Africa: many new rules
Palestra, assist for Chivu
New meeting: the Percassi prefer to sell him in Italy
Inter, Atalanta are open. Blitz for Solet and Atta
There’s still a gap for the full-back’s value, but La Dea picks Oaktree as their first interlocutor. Double operation with Udinese: there’s the box-to-box midfielder along with the defender.
Napoli, Khalaili blocked
Roma, Gasp is in a hurry
Pulisic: Milan at stake
Julian, shock offer
Juve, Dibu saves
Principle of agreement with the Argentine: three-year contract worth 5m per season. He’s Spalletti’s first target. Now Aston Villa must be convinced; they ask for 10m. Palmisani (Frosinone) is being followed. Sorloth promised himself.
Tuttosport
De Biasi launches the new coach, one of his ex-players, with a message for the club
‘Toro if you have Abate’s ambition…’
‘Hand off Yildiz.’
Arsenal move for Kenan. Juve: ‘He’s not for sale.’
The Gunners can offer up to 100m, but the Bianconeri’s refusal follows Comolli’s promise: ‘Kenan is not for sale.’ The player is happy to stay. The algorithm says Kessié, Spalletti would like something different in midfield. Wait for Brahim. Goal: Dibu Martinez advances.
Sorloth & Co. ‘Us World Cup.’
Juventus relaunch with Atletico for the hitman who has big dreams in the USA alongside Haaland.
Atletico-Real: Alvarez controversy
Glasner says yes to Milan, so many insults for Ibra!
The new coach is incoming from Crystal Palace. Zlatan ‘reporting’ from the World Cup infuriates the fans.
Solet, Inter push: 20m plus add-ons
Atta is the alternative to Jones. Palestra too expensive? There’s Ndoye of Nottingham.
The World Cup 2026 is underway tomorrow! Fans all over the globe will now be looking into how to watch the World Cup on TV this summer.
Read on for our World Cup 2026 TV schedule guide if you’re following it in the UK rather than braving it with the big costs and high temperatures in America…
World Cup 2026 TV schedule – channels and kick-off times for the group stage
Thursday, 11 June
Mexico vs South Africa – 8pm – ITV 1
Friday, 12 June
South Korea vs Czech Republic – 3am – ITV1
Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – 8pm – BBC One
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Saturday, 13 June
USA vs Paraguay – 2am – BBC One
Qatar vs Switzerland – 8pm – ITV1 Brazil vs Morocco – 11pm – BBC One
Sunday, 14 June
Haiti vs Scotland – 2am – BBC One
Australia vs Turkey – 5am – ITV1
Germany vs Curacao – 6pm – ITV1
Netherlands vs Japan – 9pm – ITV1
Monday, 15 June
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – 12am – BBC One
Sweden vs Tunisia – 3am – ITV1
Spain vs Cape Verde – 5pm – ITV1
Belgium vs Egypt – 8pm – BBC One
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – 11pm – ITV1
Tuesday, 16 June
Iran vs New Zealand – 2am – BBC One
France vs Senegal – 8pm – BBC One
Iraq vs Norway – 11pm – BBC One
Wednesday, 17 June
Argentina vs Algeria – 2am – ITV1
Austria vs Jordan – 5am – BBC One
Portugal vs DR Congo – 6pm – BBC One England vs Croatia – 9pm – ITV1
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Thursday, 18 June
Ghana vs Panama – 12am – ITV1
Uzbekistan vs Colombia – 3am – BBC One
Czech Republic vs South Africa – 5pm- BBC One
Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – 8pm – ITV1
Canada vs Qatar – 11pm – ITV1
Friday, 19 June
Mexico vs South Korea – 2am – BBC One
USA vs Australia – 8pm – BBC One
Scotland vs Morocco – 11pm – ITV1
Saturday, 20 June
Brazil vs Haiti – 2am – ITV1
Turkey vs Paraguay – 5am – ITV1
Netherlands vs Sweden – 6pm – BBC One
Germany vs Ivory Coast – 9pm – ITV1
Sunday, 21 June
Ecuador vs Curacao – 1am – BBC One
Tunisia vs Japan – 5am – BBC One
Spain vs Saudi Arabia – 5pm – BBC One
Belgium vs Iran – 8pm – ITV1
Uruguay vs Cape Verde – 11pm – BBC One
Monday, 22 June
New Zealand vs Egypt – 2am – ITV1
Argentina vs Austria – 6pm – BBC One
France vs Iraq – 10pm – BBC One
Tuesday, 23 June
Norway vs Senegal – 1am – ITV1
Jordan vs Algeria – 4am – ITV1
Portugal vs Uzbekistan – 6pm – ITV1
England vs Ghana – 9pm – BBC One
Wednesday, 24 June
Panama vs Croatia – 12am – BBC One
Colombia vs DR Congo – 3am – ITV1
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar – 8pm – ITV4
Switzerland vs Canada – 8pm – ITV1
Morocco vs Haiti – 11pm – BBC Two
Scotland vs Brazil – 11pm – BBC One
Thursday, 25 June
Czech Republic vs Mexico – 2am – BBC One
South Africa vs South Korea – 2am – BBC Two
Curacao vs Ivory Coast – 9pm – BBC Two
Ecuador vs Germany – 9pm – BBC One
Friday, 26 June
Japan vs Sweden – 12am – BBC Two
Tunisia vs Netherlands – 12am – BBC One
Paraguay vs Australia – 3am – ITV4
Turkey vs USA – 3am – ITV1
Norway vs France – 8pm – ITV1
Senegal vs Iraq – 8pm – ITV4
Saturday, 27 June
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – 1am – ITV4
Uruguay vs Spain – 1am – ITV1
Egypt vs Iran – 4am – BBC Two
New Zealand vs Belgium – 4am – BBC One
Croatia vs Ghana – 10pm – ITV4
Panama vs England – 10pm – ITV1
Sunday, 28 June
Colombia vs Portugal – 12.30am – BBC One
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – 12.30am – BBC Two
Algeria vs Austria – 3am – BBC Two
Jordan vs Argentina – 3am – BBC One
All games on BBC and ITV are free to watch in the UK, and can also be accessed online via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Liverpool’s push to sign Hertha BSC talent Kennet Eichhorn has reportedly ended in disappointment.
According to Florian Plettenberg, the 16-year-old has decided against a move to England despite Liverpool making what was described as the most attractive offer financially and in terms of club stature.
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That is a frustrating outcome for Liverpool because they had worked hard behind the scenes to convince one of Germany’s brightest young midfielders.
GOAL recently reported that the Reds had continued intensive talks and were trying to put together a clear development plan.
Youngster wants to continue his football in Germany
Kennet Eichhorn of Germany U17 (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)
The key issue appears to be the player’s preference.
Eichhorn wants to continue his development in Germany rather than move to England at this stage.
That is understandable. At 16, regular development, comfort and a familiar football environment can matter more than money or the size of the club.
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Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
With Liverpool now out of the picture, Bayer Leverkusen are pushing hard for a permanent deal, while RB Leipzig remain hopeful.
Bayern Munich had also been in the race, but they walked away partly because of the financial package involved.
Liverpool should not be too worried. Missing out on a top young talent is disappointing, especially after offering more than German rivals, but this was always a complicated deal.
Eichhorn choosing development over money is actually sensible. For Liverpool, the lesson is simple: elite young players need more than a big name.
Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, but the Cherries remain determined to keep him.
According to TEAMtalk, Andoni Iraola is very keen on a reunion with the 22-year-old after working with him on the south coast, while Bournemouth are still trying to agree a new long-term contract.
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That existing relationship is important. Iraola knows Scott’s game, personality and tactical intelligence better than most, so it is easy to see why Liverpool would be tempted.
Bournemouth are not treating this like a normal transfer battle.
Their current record sale is the £65m deal that took Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, and reports suggest they would expect any Scott deal to comfortably beat that figure.
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talkSPORT has also reported Liverpool’s interest, noting that Scott has made 80 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth and scored four goals since joining from Bristol City in 2023.
That experience matters because he is no longer just a young prospect, he is now a proven Premier League midfielder.
Scott’s 2025/26 numbers show why bigger clubs are watching him.
FotMob lists him with three goals, one assist, 37 Premier League appearances, 2,859 minutes and a 7.17 average rating last season.
Those figures do not tell the full story, but they show his consistency and importance.
He is press-resistant, confident on the ball and capable of playing different midfield roles.
For Iraola, who wants energy, structure and brave possession play, Scott could be a very natural fit.
Liverpool’s interest makes sense, but the price is the issue. Paying more than £65m for Scott would be a major commitment, especially when Liverpool have other areas to strengthen.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted he’ll have to be a bit careful with the fitness of Bukayo Saka at the World Cup after he played through injury for Arsenal recently.
The Gunners star has just celebrated winning the Premier League title with his club, but he also didn’t quite hit his peak form at any point in the season just gone.
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On his day, Saka is a world class attacking player who has shown his value to the England national team, but it seems Tuchel is aware he doesn’t have a fully fit player on his hands.
Speaking at his latest press conference, as quoted by BBC Sport, Tuchel provided some insight into Saka’s situation and his availability for this summer’s World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel on Bukayo Saka’s fitness
“We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through the club campaign,” Tuchel said.
“He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches. That continues a bit at the moment – we are building him up.
“We just came from training and everyone was involved including Bukayo.”
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What other options do England have?
If Saka ends up missing games for England, Tuchel can at least call on a number of other decent options in the attacking midfield department.
Noni Madueke is a like-for-like option as a left-footed winger who plays on the right, but the Three Lions could also experiment with others like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon out there.
Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are probably also versatile enough to fill in there if required, so England shouldn’t be too reliant on Saka, even if it would undoubtedly be better to have him playing as many games as possible.
The 24-year-old has 14 goals in 48 England caps, including two at the last World Cup and one at Euro 2024 two years ago.
Expectations for Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward are rising rapidly heading into the 2026 season. The latest vote of confidence came from NFL analyst Kay Adams, who predicted that Ward will have a top 10 quarterback season on her "Up & Adams" show.
For Titans fans, the prediction is exciting and also surprising. Ward's rookie season featured plenty of ups and downs, which is typical for a young quarterback adjusting to the NFL. However, he consistently flashed the traits that made him the number one overall pick last year.
His arm talent, ability to extend plays, and confidence under pressure have given Tennessee reason to believe it has finally found its franchise quarterback. Now, in his second season, Ward's circumstances are significantly improved.
This is a prediction worth watching
Becoming a top-10 quarterback in today's NFL isn't an easy task. However, New England Patriots QB Drake Maye made the leap to becoming an MVP candidate in his second season last year. That rise followed an up-and-down rookie season, giving precedence for Ward to follow in his second season.
Kay Adams' prediction reflects a growing belief that Ward has the talent and supporting cast necessary to make that jump. The Titans added a well-respected offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, who has a proven track record of growth. They also added his top receiver from his tenure coaching the New York Giants, Wan'Dale Robinson, and drafted former Ohio State WR Carnell Tate fourth overall in the NFL Draft.
Of course, projections in June do not win games in September. Ward will ultimately need to prove it on the field. But the fact that national analysts are beginning to place him among the league's potential breakout stars speaks volumes about the talent he flashed during the second half of his rookie season.
If Adams is right, the Titans won't just have a top-10 quarterback. They'll have one of the biggest reasons to believe a playoff push is within reach in 2026, which she also predicted.
Richard Hughes given green light to sign £39m defender
Liverpool only just scraped Champions League qualification this season.
The Anfield outfit were expected to put up a decent fight to retain their Premier League title but, in reality, this was far from the case.
Whether that was because of the poor management from Arne Slot, the number of injuries the club suffered or the lack of cohesion among their players, nothing went right for the Anfield outfit.
This has resulted in the rumour mill going into overdrive and fans getting excited over the slightest links.
However, for one of their many targets, Richard Hughes has just been given a green light to sign them during the summer transfer window.
Marco Palestra is interested in joining Liverpool
One of Liverpool's main problem areas in the 2025-26 season was their right-back.
Even though they started the campaign with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong as their main options, injuries ruled them both out of a lot of games and, when Frimpong was fit, he was rarely played at right-back anyway.
"Palestra isn't just interested in Inter, but also in England's top clubs (Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City) and Real Madrid in Spain," they wrote.
"Therefore, despite not needing to raise funds, Atalanta understands the dynamics of the transfer market. Given a suitable offer, they would be open to selling him. At the same time, they would already have a replacement ready.
Marco Palestra is exactly what Liverpool need this summer
There are several positions among Liverpool's ranks that could do with an upgrade this summer.
The Anfield outfit struggled this season and, without some new faces bolstering their ranks, it's hard to see how Andoni Iraola will do any better than Slot.
Palestra is only 21 years old and has emerged as one of Caligari's most important players this term.
While on loan from Atalanta, the Italy international played 37 games for the Serie A outfit an contributed to five goals.
His one-on-one defending is a sight to behold and, with how injury prone Bradley is and how unlikely Liverpool are to use Frimpong at right-back next term, he'd probably become the Reds' first-choice right-back.
which is a similar price to what they paid for Milos Kerkez.
Of course, competition for his transfer will be high but, since there's a clear path into Liverpool's starting XI for the youngster, he'd be silly to go elsewhere and, now a transfer for Denzel Dumfries is off the table, the Anfield outfit don't have many more options to choose from.
The high school sports season is winding down, but several highlight performances still are making for a memorable spring.
All-state track and field performances, baseball heroics and a sectional medalist round all happened in a span of four days.
But which performance was the best?
That's up to you to decide.
Below are the nominees for Ivy Tech Journal & Courier male and female athletes of the week for June 3-8.
Fans and readers can vote an unlimited amount of times until Sunday at noon. Winners will be announced on Monday morning.
Male athlete of the week nominees
∎ Eli Barnes, Rossville, baseball: The senior pitched a complete game shutout, allowing six hits and striking out eight in the Hornets' 3-0 victory over Riverton Parke that led Rossville to it first regional championship since 2019.
∎ Zion Clopton, Harrison, track: The sophomore hurdler earned all-state honors in two events at the IHSAA boys track and field state finals. Clopton placed sixth in the 300-meter hurdles in 38.24 seconds and eighth in the 110-meter hurdles in 14.49.
∎ Phillip Ferger, McCutcheon, golf: The sophomore carded a 72 at Battle Ground Golf Club on Monday to earn individual sectional medalist honors and lead the Mavericks to a runner-up finish.
∎ Isaiah Hopkins, Central Catholic, baseball: The junior catcher scored two runs, including the game winner, in the Knights' 3-2 win over Lapel. Hopkins led off the bottom of the seventh in a tie game with a triple and later scored on a sacrifice fly to win a regional championship.
Female athlete of the week nominees
∎ Ashley Caplinger, Faith Christian, track: The junior became the first Faith Christian state medalist when she placed eighth in the 800 meters at the girls IHSAA state finals with a time of 2:11.75.
∎ Olivia Dahlenburg, North White, track and field: The junior high jumper placed highest among local athletes at the girls IHSAA state finals with a height of 5 feet, 6 inches. The jump landed Dahlenburg sixth on the podium.
∎ Kynlee Dunbar, West Lafayette, track and field: After clearing 11 feet to place fifth in the Lafayette Jeff Regional, the senior added three more inches to her height at the IHSAA state finals, placing ninth after clearing 11-3 to outperform her No. 12 seed.
∎ Eva Stokes, Harrison, track and field: The junior thrower competed in both shot put and discus at the IHSAA state finals and took home a pair of top 12 finishes. Stokes earned all-state honors with a mark of 138 feet, 7 inches to place seventh in discus.
The last few months have been a whirlwind of change for Eddie Faulkner.
After seven years as the running backs coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Faulkner is now serving the same role for the Baltimore Ravens after the two AFC North rivals revamped their staffs amid head coaching changes. In a period of such a dramatic shift, one thing has remained the same for Faulkner — his love for his hometown.
Faulkner, a Muncie native and legendary Muncie Central football player, will return to his alma mater this summer for the third annual Team Faulk Youth Development Football Camp on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Central High School.
"It's awesome because it gives you a little peace," Faulkner said in a phone interview with The Star Press. "It's something that you stay into. Obviously, with our transition and everything that goes along with that, buying a house, moving, working your job, it's a lot going on. But we stayed diligent on what we wanted to do with Team Faulk and organizing the camps as normal."
The Team Faulk Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-18 and is completely free to attend. Walk-up registration begins at 9 a.m., but pre-registration is recommended. Sneakers/tennis shoes are required, cleats are recommended, and all participants will receive a camp T-shirt. A liability waiver must also be signed by a parent or guardian.
This year's camp will be one session for all ages — a key difference from the previous two Team Faulk camps, which consisted of two separate sessions for younger and older kids.
As usual, the Team Faulk Camp will be a family affair, with Faulkner's son, Eddie Faulkner IV, overseeing the 13-18 age group and his nephew, Chris Reaves, coordinating the 6-12 age group. Faulkner IV is an assistant secondary coach at Ohio University, and Reaves is an assistant secondary coach at Wabash College.
The decision to combine the two sessions into one was inspired by Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, who has previously appeared as a coach at the other two Team Faulk camps.
"Jaylen Warren had a camp in the Pittsburgh area while we were there, it was actually Morgantown High School in West Virginia," Faulkner said. "They had 350 kids on one field at a high school and managed it. I know we'd be able to do the same thing with the space we've got there at Muncie Central, so that was the primary driving factor because I saw it exactly go down that way."
In addition to Faulkner, his son and his nephew, the camp will also feature coaches and players from the NFL and college football levels. The Muncie Central football coaching staff serves as volunteer coaches, as do many former Bearcat stars who take the opportunity to return home and pour back into the next generation of Muncie football.
"You're always going to have Muncie's finest, people who have gone on and done great things. I'm always reaching out to those people first, some of Muncie Central's best players to come through their program, it's been cool to get them back," Faulkner said. "Everybody's just been phenomenal, from the superintendent of schools to Coach (Kyle) Buresh, he's been unbelievable. Every time I reach out on what I may need, he's there to support, there to help with the advertising and marketing piece, he's been phenomenal and we've developed a good relationship through it all."
While the camp is free, donations will be accepted. Any donations will go to the Edgar Faulkner Sr./Ermal S. Roundtree Fund at the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. The fund is named after Eddie Faulkner's grandfathers.
The local high school sports season on Maryland's Eastern Shore has officially come to a close, and many Bayside South squads saw themselves have successful seasons during the 2025-26 school year. And now, fans have the opportunity to vote for the EZ Cash of Delaware, Inc. Boys and Girls Bayside South Teams of the Year.
Whether it be teams that became conference or state champions, teams that made deep playoff runs, or teams that surprised everyone, there are plenty of top Bayside South teams to choose from.
The poll will open on Wednesday, June 10, and closes on Friday, June 12 at 3 p.m.
Here are the teams nominated for this poll:
Men's Teams of the Year
Stephen Decatur Boys Soccer: Won the Class 3A MPSSAA State Championship
Wicomico Football: Made it to the Class 2A MPSSAA State Semifinals
Washington Football: Snapped six-year losing streak, finished with winning record and won first playoff game since 2003
Stephen Decatur Football: Won their third consecutive Bayside Conference Championship
Wicomico Basketball: Made it to the Class 2A MPSSAA State Championship Game
Stephen Decatur Boys Lacrosse: Won their first Class 2A MPSSAA State Championship
Mardela Baseball: Won the 1A East II Regional Championship
Stephen Decatur Baseball: Won the Bayside Conference and made it to the MPSSAA Class 3A State Championship Game
Women's Teams of the Year
Stephen Decatur Girls Soccer: Won the Bayside Conference Championship
Stephen Decatur Field Hockey: Won the Bayside South
Parkside Volleyball: Won the Bayside South
Pocomoke Field Hockey: Made it to the Class 1A MPSSAA State Semifinals
Wicomico Girls Basketball: Made it to the Class 2A MPSSAA State Semifinals
Stephen Decatur Girls Basketball: Won the Bayside Conference Championship
Mardela Softball: Won their second consecutive Class 1A State Championship
Stephen Decatur Girls Lacrosse: Won the Bayside South
Here are the top Washington County high school outdoor track & field performers during the 21st century (since 2001), through the 2026 MPSSAA state championships. Hand-held times have been converted to FAT. Each school's top relay performance each season was eligible for inclusion.
Boys Track & Field
100
10.67 -- Anthony Winter, North Hagerstown, 2011 (county record)
10.74 -- Chad Brown, Smithsburg, 2007
10.76 -- Jarell Hasan, North Hagerstown, 2007
10.77 -- Cole Schlotterbeck, South Hagerstown, 2022
10.84 -- Ronald Jackson, South Hagerstown, 2005
10.86 -- Coby Gussio, Boonsboro, 2011
10.87 -- Travis Bamfo, North Hagerstown, 2019
10.89 -- Jacob Stoner, South Hagerstown, 2023
10.91 -- Devon Napier, North Hagerstown, 2019
10.91 -- Byron Snyder, Williamsport, 2026
200
21.67 -- Cole Schlotterbeck, South Hagerstown, 2022
21.70 -- Jarell Hasan, North Hagerstown, 2007
21.86 -- Coby Gussio, Boonsboro, 2011
22.09 -- Cole Schlotterbeck, South Hagerstown, 2021
22.13 -- Chad Brown, Smithsburg, 2006
22.18 -- Jordan Alston, South Hagerstown, 2011
22.19 -- Byron Snyder, Williamsport, 2026
22.22 -- Felix Annan, South Hagerstown, 2025
22.25 -- Deontae Blake, South Hagerstown, 2024
22.34 -- Ronald Jackson, South Hagerstown, 2005
400
48.24 -- Domonique Richmond, South Hagerstown, 2001 (tied for county record)
48.65 -- Torin Sitter, South Hagerstown, 2026
48.95 -- Coby Gussio, Boonsboro, 2010
49.51 -- Gaoussou Coulibaly, South Hagerstown, 2019
49.66 -- Fredric Owusu-Ayim, North Hagerstown, 2010
49.77 -- Clinton Otinkorang, South Hagerstown, 2026
49.94 -- Rhet Troxell, Williamsport, 2004
50.04 -- Ronald Jackson, South Hagerstown, 2005
50.13 -- Devin Repp, Clear Spring, 2011
50.18 -- Cameron Rejonis, Smithsburg, 2022
800
1:55.31 -- James Mirembe, Saint James, 2026
1:56.04 -- Donovan McClellan, Boonsboro, 2019
1:56.33 -- Josh Keyfauver, Clear Spring, 2006
1:56.70 -- Dylan Herbst, Smithsburg, 2026
1:57.38 -- Cameron Rejonis, Smithsburg, 2023
1:57.64 -- Devin Hewitt, Williamsport, 2004
1:58.04 -- Rhet Troxell, Williamsport, 2003
1:58.30 -- William Jones, St. Maria Goretti, 2017
1:58.54 -- Aaron Buchman, Williamsport, 2004
1:58.65 -- Evan Hardy, Williamsport, 2012
1,600
4:14.54 -- William Jones, St. Maria Goretti, 2017 (county record)
4:16.71 -- James Mirembe, Saint James, 2026
4:17.82 -- Evan Hardy, Williamsport, 2012
4:19.91 -- Will Merritt, Smithsburg, 2016
4:21.52 -- David Wilson, Smithsburg, 2010
4:21.95 -- Dylan Herbst, Smithsburg, 2026
4:22.12 -- Landon Call, North Hagerstown, 2026
4:24.54 -- Walker Mason, North Hagerstown, 2025
4:25.30 -- Joey Barvir, Smithsburg, 2010
4:25.59 -- Cody Grams, Williamsport, 2013
3,200
9:22.15 -- Evan Hardy, Williamsport, 2012
9:23.64 -- David Wilson, Smithsburg, 2010
9:25.74 -- William Jones, St. Maria Goretti, 2017
9:26.48 -- Will Merritt, Smithsburg, 2017
9:31.07 -- Darren Harman, South Hagerstown, 2016
9:35.33 -- Walker Mason, North Hagerstown, 2026
9:38.92 -- Henry Schmidt, Boonsboro, 2019
9:39.46 -- Dylan Herbst, Smithsburg, 2026
9:44.12 -- Michael Lilley, Williamsport, 2009
9:44.71 -- Alex Duncan, North Hagerstown, 2022
110 hurdles
13.73 -- Andre Turay, South Hagerstown, 2018 (county record)
14.46 -- Justin Bowie, Williamsport, 2010
14.50 -- Dan Robinson, Boonsboro, 2004
14.56 -- Richard Sanon, Williamsport, 2025
14.83 -- Daniel Apiou, Clear Spring, 2026
14.84 -- Derek Martin, Smithsburg, 2006
14.84 -- Brett Morrell, Boonsboro, 2003
14.94 -- Jamal Campbell, Smithsburg, 2007
15.08 -- Gabe Ohaegbu, North Hagerstown, 2025
15.08 -- Jesse Zeger, Williamsport, 2013
300 hurdles
37.72 -- Andre Turay, South Hagerstown, 2018 (county record)
38.84 -- Derek Martin, Smithsburg, 2006
38.94 -- Brett Morrell, Boonsboro, 2003
38.97 -- Ryder Johnston, North Hagerstown, 2024
39.54 -- Dan Robinson, Boonsboro, 2004
39.70 -- Ben Neumann, Smithsburg, 2002
39.78 -- Justin Bowie, Williamsport, 2010
40.00 -- Adam Burlimann, Boonsboro, 2017
40.24 -- Jamal Campbell, Smithsburg, 2007
40.85 -- Nathan Willis, Williamsport, 2011
4x100 relay
42.87 -- South Hagerstown, 2018
42.98 -- Boonsboro, 2014
43.01 -- South Hagerstown, 2025
43.27 -- South Hagerstown, 2019
43.56 -- North Hagerstown, 2019
43.57 -- South Hagerstown, 2026
43.58 -- South Hagerstown, 2012
43.58 -- North Hagerstown, 2025
43.65 -- Williamsport, 2024
43.71 -- North Hagerstown, 2011
4x200 relay
1:28.28 -- North Hagerstown, 2019 (county record)
1:28.99 -- South Hagerstown, 2026
1:29.04 -- South Hagerstown, 2012
1:29.54 -- South Hagerstown, 2018
1:30.56 -- South Hagerstown, 2025
1:30.63 -- North Hagerstown, 2023
1:30.84 -- Smithsburg, 2006
1:31.00 -- South Hagerstown, 2011
1:31.08 -- North Hagerstown, 2017
1:31.09 -- South Hagerstown, 2010
4x400 relay
3:24.61 -- South Hagerstown, 2025 (county record)
3:24.99 -- North Hagerstown, 2024
3:25.63 -- Boonsboro, 2011
3:25.97 -- Williamsport, 2004
3:26.20 -- Williamsport, 2003
3:26.83 -- Smithsburg, 2012
3:28.17 -- Boonsboro, 2013
3:28.81 -- South Hagerstown, 2009
3:28.97 -- Williamsport, 2009
3:29.31 -- Boonsboro, 2019
4x800 relay
7:58.15 -- Williamsport, 2004 (county record)
8:01.70 -- North Hagerstown, 2018
8:05.44 -- Boonsboro, 2018
8:07.45 -- Williamsport, 2003
8:08.07 -- Boonsboro, 2013
8:10.61 -- North Hagerstown, 2026
8:11.28 -- Smithsburg, 2026
8:12.92 -- Williamsport, 2011
8:14.37 -- North Hagerstown, 2017
8:14.38 -- North Hagerstown, 2024
Shot put
56-11 1/2 -- JR Lowery, Boonsboro, 2012
56-6 1/4 -- Nick Kidwell, Boonsboro, 2018
55-2 -- Trey Jones, South Hagerstown, 2007
53-2 -- Daniel Stokes, South Hagerstown, 2013
52-3 1/2 -- Ryan McDonald, Williamsport, 2001
51-9 1/2 -- Andrew Volz, South Hagerstown, 2013
51-7 1/2 -- Ethan VanMeter, South Hagerstown, 2023
50-7 -- Jordan Churchey, Boonsboro, 2017
50-5 -- Nik McKoy, North Hagerstown, 2019
50-3 1/4 -- Alec Nittinger, Boonsboro, 2015
Discus
180-8 -- Ryan Martin, Williamsport, 2003 (county record)
158-2 -- Nick Kidwell, Boonsboro, 2018
155-4 -- Chris Trovinger, North Hagerstown, 2019
153-10 -- Tony DiGiuseppe, Boonsboro, 2015
153-8 -- John Lowery, Boonsboro, 2012
153-0 -- Nick Cullember, Clear Spring, 2025
151-11 -- Tyler Barnhart, Smithsburg, 2009
151-3 -- Ethan VanMeter, South Hagerstown, 2023
150-0 -- Gerick Allen, Boonsboro, 2013
High jump
6-8 -- Billy Lawrence, Smithsburg, 2009 (tied for county record)
6-8 -- Nate Moore, South Hagerstown, 2017 (tied for county record)
6-6 -- Corey Brown, Smithsburg, 2002
6-6 -- Jacob Faith, Clear Spring, 2024
6-6 -- Daniel Apiou, Clear Spring, 2026
6-5 -- Kaithon McDonald, South Hagerstown, 2017
6-5 -- Nick Johnson, Williamsport, 2013
6-4 1/4 -- Stephen Christy, Williamsport, 2010
Several athletes at 6-4
Pole vault
14-6 -- Dominic Sink, North Hagerstown, 2010 (county record)
14-3 1/4 -- Scott Rice, Boonsboro, 2008
14-0 -- David Miller, North Hagerstown, 2001
13-10 -- Travis Reaux, Boonsboro, 2008
13-6 -- Pete Frey, Boonsboro, 2006
13-2 -- Nick Berchock, Williamsport, 2013
13-2 -- Cadyn Nesbitt, Smithsburg, 2026
Several athletes at 13 feet
Long jump
23-9 1/2 -- Kaithon McDonald, South Hagerstown, 2018 (county record)
23-0 -- Brett Morrell, Boonsboro, 2003
22-10 1/2 -- Coby Gussio, Boonsboro, 2011
22-8 1/2 -- Nate Moore, South Hagerstown, 2018
22-8 1/2 -- Corey Brown, Smithsburg, 2003
22-6 -- Brandon Hughes, South Hagerstown, 2016
22-5 -- Andre Turay, South Hagerstown, 2018
22-4 -- Byron Snyder, Williamsport, 2026
22-2 -- Ryder Johnston, North Hagerstown, 2023
22-1 3/4 -- Chris Smith, North Hagerstown, 2016
Triple jump
48-5 -- Ravaughn Dillard, North Hagerstown, 2017 (county record)
They gathered by the hundreds on Sunday, former Bloomington North cross country and track athletes, from his first team 48 years ago to his last, at the former Oliver Winery property on Woodall Road north of Ellettsville.
Several of them even brought their running shoes to take part in a 5K race to break in the cross country course built by the new owners, the Feagans.
Warthan had no clue what was waiting for him. Home at 1:30 a.m. the night before after the Cougars sent him out with the school's first state team title, he was up early to head to church at 7:30 with his wife, Marianne. Then it was out to the Feagans to watch his grandson Isaiah Hollars (who won the race) run in a 5K. Or so he thought.
"We drove up and saw all the tents and thought, 'This is way bigger than a 5K run,' Warthan said. "At that point, I had no idea everybody was going to show up. It was big. I saw all the cars parked there and then I put 2 and 2 together.
"It was a humbling experience for me to see lots of men come back that I had the privilege to work with over the years."
Warthan knew the course was under construction and had been out there a few times, but was surprised when it was announced they were going to dedicate the 2½-kilometer loop course in his honor. His son Jason had a special sign made along with the mile and kilometer markers.
It was, he noted, a 'Wow' moment.
"Everything at North is named after a coach," Warthan said. "After coaching for 48 years, I wondered what they might name after me. Maybe put a nice outhouse out there, that was the joke I made.
"I was clueless. I didn't know that was in the works. The people were pretty tight lipped, but I had a feeling that maybe some extended family might come in and we'd go to Mr. Hibachi for a meal to celebrate my career as a coach."
Instead, for the next six hours, it was a smorgasbord of the past. From Keith Sharpless, Marty Bassett, and Dave McMillan to some of his latest standouts, Kyle Clark, Caleb Winders and Isaac Bentz.
The new course is a far cry from the on-campus one Warthan mapped out when he got to North. It started just behind where home plate is on the current softball field (built decades later) and wound around the baseball field. A trail cut through the woods in the nature center, originally meant as a teaching tool and a way to observe wildlife, was allowed to be used, adding a half-mile loop.
Three trips around the grass track and two turns through the woods added up to three miles. Three miles soon added up to thousands more and a big stack of post-season trophies.
The new course is not just a place the Cougars can use to break up the training routine, there are plans, Warthan said, to play host to a couple of smaller meets this fall.
Rick Rumple is also stepping away as jumps coach after a long career with North and Owen Valley. He will continue to run the Indiana Track Club, which started its summer session this week.
Four-by-four, by four
How rare is it for a school to win four consecutive titles in the same relay?
Gary Roosevelt won the 4x100 relay four times in a row from 1981-84 and Indianapolis Manual won the Mile Relay five straight times from 1905-09.
Next year, in the rain, the Cougars were worried more about just winning than going faster and that's what the D'Onofrio brothers (Caelan joined in), Pierce and Winders did. Last year, North went back to record breaking again as Caelan and Winders added Jacob Mitchell and Jake Gentry to the mix. No problem, as they had a 7:37.01.
With sophomore Shep Jackson joining seniors Gentry, D'Onofrio and Winders this year, they did it again.
"I know my sophomore year if you told me I was going to do it my junior year and senior year, I'd have said, 'No way,'" Gentry said. "So I really was lucky enough to build myself to follow this idea of constant training to get up to that spot."
Making that team means something special and the pressure to perform comes with it.
"Every day, every practice you have to prove yourself to make sure you're at your best," Gentry said. "So when you actually run, it's not just the workouts, it's not just the meets. It's also the long runs, it's your mental attitude on the track, off the track. Just to make sure you can do your best every day."
"It kind of dictated the rest of our meet," D'Onofrio said. "Once we get that going, everyone rolls off of that. We know we have the capability to win, so doing that gives us confidence, gives everyone else confidence. So it's great."
And Gentry's message to those who will take up the mantle next year?
"I'd tell them work hard every day," Gentry said. "Just because a day doesn't feel like something special doesn't mean it's not special. For me, since I was a little kid every single day worked up to this moment."
Track title notes
North's title was the first for a team outside of the Indianapolis area since Gary West Side in 2014. Since 1995, the only other non-Indy area champs were Fort Wayne Northrop (1997 and 2004) and Concordia Lutheran (1999). It was the 11th time the Cougars have finished in the top 10.
Prior to Warren Central's back-to-back titles in 1995-96, Indy-area schools won just four times going back to Manual's win in 1923.
Bloomington (BHS and North), Washington (1914-15) and Linton (1910) are the only places south of 2011 champ Center Grove to win state.
Winders will be tied for fifth all time with six state titles and he's the first to ever win four relay titles. He is the first to repeat in the 800 since Center Grove's Austin Mudd in 2010-11. Winders and Mudd are the only ones to run under 1:50 in the finals.
Fort Wayne Northrop (10 championships, four runner-ups) and Warren Central (six and seven) have ruled the roost as often as not. Carmel's title was its fourth.
Over the past four seasons, only Carmel (160), Hamilton Southeastern (122) and Warren Central (122) have outscored South (97) at state.
First up for spring all-area series voting is baseball, and as always, we're turning it to you, readers.
Below are the 2026 Athens high school all-area baseball players, which were hand selected by the coaches. Cast a vote for who you think deserves the ultimate title of "Baseball Player of the Year."
The poll will be open until Wednesday, June 17, at 5 p.m.
Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre)’s bill would authorize the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to split up playoffs for public and private high schools. (Photo by Emily Scolnick/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
House lawmakers are calling on the state Senate to pass legislation that would allow Pennsylvania’s high school athletics governing body to split up playoff competition for public and private schools.
The bill “does not require the PIAA to make any changes,” Sen. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna), who introduced the Senate’s version of the bill, said. “It simply gives the organization the authority to make changes.”
The legislation gained momentum this year after the boys basketball team at Old Forge High School in Lackawanna County made a historic run to the PIAA championships before losing to Sewickley Academy, a private school outside of Pittsburgh, prompting its superintendent to call for reform.
“The issue was not about working harder, the issue was not about coaching, and the issue was not about dedication,” Chris Rasmus, a recent graduate of Old Forge High School and member of that basketball team, said. “The issue is competitive balance.”
Chris Rasmus, a recent graduate of Old Forge High School, speaks in favor of splitting up private and public high school playoffs on June 9, 2026. (Photo by Emily Scolnick/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
Paul Brennan, the superintendent of Riverside School District, said it is important to consider if “our kids [lost] to a better team from another community, or did they lose to a system that allowed one side to build differently?”
The question of fair competition in Pennsylvania high school sports is not new: Conklin said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, non-boundary schools in the PIAA were considering starting their own league because “it became crystal clear that the idea of high school sports is about teaching that we all stay on the same level.”
Several speakers emphasized that the bill is not an attack on private, religious, or charter schools, but it aims to ensure a level playing field for student-athletes across the state.
“We are here because fairness matters and opportunity matters, and public schools, and athletes matter,” Old Forge School District Superintendent Chris Gatto said.
Non-boundary schools currently comprise 24% of PIAA’s membership but are winning 57% of state titles compared to boundary schools, Gatto said. Since 2011, non-boundary schools have won 68% of state basketball titles.
“The current system adjusts for wins and losses, it does not adjust to access to talent,” he said. “No formula ever will, unless we are willing to honestly acknowledge the difference between these two models.”
Flynn, who represents Old Forge, added that the bill aims to prioritize fair and equitable competition.
“We don’t always see votes that lopsided,” Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Luzerne), who also represents Old Forge, said. “Democrats and Republicans joined together in support of House Bill 41 because it wasn’t about politics, it was about students.”
Casey Scanlan, a Lehigh Valley parent and prominent community organizer in favor of the bill, said the state associations of school administrators and school boards are also backing the measure, along with a coalition of over 400 superintendents statewide.
Haddock said that “PIAA is working” for the bill to pass and “understand[s] the situation.” And should it pass the Senate, Scanlan said changes could go into effect by late 2027 or early 2028 after a series of public hearings.
“We believe they’re going to hear from the public what we’ve been saying,” Scanlan said.
Scanlan also directly addressed Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), urging them to move the legislation through the Education Committee and consider it on the floor.
“The time is now,” he said. “The House just handed you the most bipartisan piece of legislation you will see. Our coalition does not want to be told to wait.”
After all, Atletico Madrid were never likely to sell their star striker to their fiercest rivals, especially not at a time when the Argentine is considered one of the cornerstones of Diego Simeone’s project.
Which is why Florentino Perez’s move raises an intriguing possibility.
Rather than a genuine attempt to bring Alvarez to the Santiago Bernabeu, the offer may have been a strategic play designed to achieve several objectives at once, while knowing full well that Atletico Madrid would slam the door shut.
More questions than answers
Most importantly, the timing of the move naturally raised eyebrows.
Real Madrid’s €150m bid was rejected. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
During his presidential campaign, Perez promised supporters that Real Madrid would submit a €150 million offer for a world-class player without revealing the identity of his target.
That mystery alone generated enormous speculation, with countless names being linked to the club.
When Alvarez was finally revealed as the player in question, the surprise was not his quality but the fact that he plays for Atletico Madrid, one of Real Madrid’s fiercest rivals.
From the moment the offer became public, the chances of Atletico Madrid accepting appeared extremely slim.
Alvarez is not only one of Diego Simeone’s most important players but also a symbol of the club’s ambitions moving forward.
Selling such a player to Real Madrid would have been politically and sportingly difficult regardless of the amount involved.
That is exactly what makes Perez’s strategy so intriguing.
Fulfilling the obligations?
Perez has fulfilled his promise. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Right now, there is a strong argument that Real Madrid knew Atletico would reject the proposal.
In fact, the public nature of the offer, combined with the certainty of Atletico’s refusal, has led many to question whether the bid was ever truly about completing the transfer.
Instead, the move fulfilled an election promise, generated headlines and demonstrated the club’s financial strength.
If there is one good thing that happened from this approach, it was that it complicated matters for Barcelona to negotiate a lower fee for the Argentine striker in the future.
With Atletico now having publicly rejected €150 million, accepting a smaller proposal from the Blaugrana would become much harder to justify.
It could backfire for Real Madrid
Even if the operation was never expected to succeed, it may still create challenges for Real Madrid in the transfer market.
Real Madrid could suffer the repercussions. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
By publicly revealing a willingness to spend €150 million on a single player, the club has effectively shown its hand.
Selling clubs across Europe are now aware of the financial muscle available at the Santiago Bernabeu and could become more demanding in future negotiations.
That is particularly relevant because Real Madrid’s summer business is far from complete.
While the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries are already secured, Jose Mourinho is still believed to be pushing for further reinforcements.
As a result, Real Madrid may soon discover that the biggest consequence of the Alvarez bid is not the rejection itself, but the message it has sent to the rest of the transfer market.
Whether intentional or not, Perez has raised expectations and potentially increased the price tag of every other target the club pursues from this point forward.
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - MAY 16: Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and RB Leipzig at Europa-Park Stadion on May 16, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On his “Here We Go” podcast, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the battle between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain for RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande.
“Diomande is probably one of the most exciting and electrifying wingers on the market.”
“Now, it’s difficult to find players who can be young, talented [good in] one-v-one, fast, score, deliver assists… it’s very difficult.”
“He’s wanted by Liverpool and PSG. Both clubs are still in the mix. Liverpool are really pushing and really insisting to make it happen. For Liverpool, he’s a top, top priority. They are offering important money to the player to get it done. On the other side, PSG are also keen but it depends on what happens Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos and Kang-in Lee. There are players that have to leave at PSG, while at Liverpool they’ve already made space with Mo Salah leaving and more players.”
It makes a lot of sense why Liverpool are trying to seal this deal now, with PSG potentially offloading players to boost their position. Diomande’s value could also go even higher with a good display at the World Cup. The Reds need wingers, and there’s a dearth of right-wingers on the market, which explains why this seems to be the priority of the window so far.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton thinks that a win is on the cards, his first with Ferrari, after earning an amazing podium finish at Monaco.
It has been more than a few races at this point — Hamilton is performing among the elite racers in F1.
He experienced a brutal 2025 season, falling short of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, race after race and looking like a shell of his former self.
Hamilton, however, has truly turned things around, finishing second at Monaco and sitting second in the Drivers’ Championship as well.
May 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesMay 23, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada qualifying at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Hamilton has put together a string of strong weeks, building a team around him that has unlocked the most from his driving style, while moving on from a regulation cycle that has given him fits.
Hamilton’s new state of mind
With all of the momentum bubbling, the seven-time champion sees the light at the end of the tunnel — his first win as a member of the Scuderia is close.
“I can’t believe that I’m second in the championship and I’m really happy and thankful for that,” Hamilton said.
“I couldn’t have done that without this team, without the reliability that we have, and also with Fred. Fred has been awesome in supporting me. Last year was really tough for both of us and [I’ve been] begging him for certain changes [to his team and car], and he pulled through.
“He did those and now I’m seeing the fruits of that and I’m able to finally deliver for them. It’s still very early days in the season, so we just have to keep chasing. It’s actually easier to chase than it is to defend, I would say.
“So, whilst these guys are very quick and they’re an amazing team, we’re going to keep pushing, keep chasing, and I have no doubt at some stage we’re going to get there.”
While Mercedes is the dominant team, Hamilton looms in case either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli slips up. If he keeps his current level, considering the randomness of F1, Hamilton will get his Ferrari.
Report: Talks held as Liverpool step up pursuit of World Cup ace who was keen to join in January
Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of a World Cup-bound defender after discussions took place with his representatives.
Towards the end of the January transfer window, the Reds had explored a potential loan move for Lutsharel Geertruida, who was on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. The Dutchman was believed to have been keen on coming to Anfield, but a deal proved too complex to pull off in time (The Athletic).
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Geertruida’s representatives hold talks with Liverpool
Late on Tuesday night, a well-respected source on X shared an update which suggests that Liverpool aren’t giving up on trying to make a deal happen.
It’s been reported that Geertruida’s representatives ‘have held talks’ with officials from Anfield, with the Merseyside club ‘very keen’ to sign the Netherlands international, who’s been called into his country’s World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber.
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A move for Geertruida seems like a no-brainer for Liverpool
There are several reasons why a summer swoop for the RB Leipzig defender would make so much sense for the Reds.
Firstly, his versatility in being able to cover at right-back or centre-back would give Andoni Iraola greater scope in two positions where Liverpool were worryingly light on squad depth over the past few months.
While Joe Gomez is also capable of playing anywhere across the backline, the Dutchman is only just coming into his prime footballing years and has a much more robust injury record than our long-serving number 2.
The reported asking price of £26m is more than affordable for the Reds and there’d appear to be a mutual desire for the transfer to happen, so long as LFC can produce a convincing offer to Leipzig and fend off other prospective suitors for the 25-year-old.
Geertruida’s sudden World Cup chance might prompt Liverpool to accelerate discussions with his representatives in order to try and strike a deal before his value potentially rises, should he impress alongside Virgil van Dijk in North America.
A versatile, Premier League-proven operator who’s attainble for a reasonable fee and is at an ideal age, there are so many pluses to this prospective signing. Richard Hughes can’t afford to drop the ball on this glorious opportunity to solve an urgent need in the Reds’ squad.
Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez, but want free transfer from Aston Villa
Multiple sources in Italy, including Sky Sport Italia, claim that Juventus have reached an agreement with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and are now trying to strike a deal with the Premier League side.
Juventus have reached a principle of agreement with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, reports in Italy claim.
Details behind Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez
Tuttosport, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport report that the experienced shot-stopper has agreed to sign a three-year deal at the Allianz Stadium.
Martinez has reportedly accepted a €5m-a-year salary, lower than his current wages at Aston Villa, which suggests the 33-year-old is ready for a new challenge.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates with his winners medal as he walks past the UEFA Europa League trophy following the team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for an experienced goalkeeper, but the Bianconeri have yet to shake hands with Aston Villa.
Corriere dello Sport claims that Villa’s asking price is around €10m, but Sky Sport suggests the Bianconeri are pushing to sign the player for practically free, given his age and desire to move to Turin.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa looks on from the bus during the Aston Villa trophy parade on May 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. Aston Villa defeated SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League Final in Istanbul to claim their first European trophy in 44 years. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Martinez is under contract with Aston Villa until 2029, so it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side will agree to release their goalkeeper for free.
Tuttosport reports that Juventus hope for a ‘favourable solution from an economic point of view, hoping that Aston Villa agree to a transfer on particularly advantageous terms.’
Arsenal is set to launch a bold raid on top Serie A target
Arsenal are set to intensify their interest in Kenan Yildiz after reopening discussions over a potential move for the Turkish star this summer. The Gunners continue to assess their options in the transfer market as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Yildiz has been in excellent form over the last few seasons and is regarded as one of the most important players in the Juventus squad. His performances have highlighted his immense potential and explain why the Italian club are reluctant to sanction his departure during the current transfer window.
Juventus Determined to Keep Yildiz
Juventus view Yildiz as a key component of their long-term plans and have continued working to ensure that he remains with the team next season. While the club are focused on reinforcing other areas of the squad, retaining one of their brightest talents remains a priority.
However, Yildiz may believe that his development could benefit from a new environment, particularly given Juventus’ struggles to recapture the standards that previously defined the club. A move elsewhere could offer him the opportunity to compete in a different setting and continue progressing at the highest level.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to provide him with that opportunity as they pursue players capable of elevating the quality of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal’s Renewed Pursuit
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are now serious about adding Yildiz to their squad ahead of the coming season.
The report claims that the Turkish international has re-emerged as one of the club’s leading transfer targets, with Arsenal believing that his attributes would make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s tactical approach at the Emirates.
Arsenal are determined to retain the Premier League crown and will focus on recruiting players who can strengthen an already talented squad. Yildiz is viewed as someone who matches that profile, with his creativity, technical ability and potential making him an attractive option.
Should Arsenal decide to progress their interest further, securing a deal may prove challenging given Juventus’ desire to keep one of their most highly regarded young players.
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Notre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry celebrates assisting with a sack during the second half of a NCAA football game against Purdue at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.
This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.
#18 Jaiden Ausberry LB
Consistent
Notre Dame has been said to have the best linebacker room in the country this season, and it’s quite likely that we will consistently see five linebackers play meaningful minutes each game. Even more extraordinary is that the Irish now use the nickel as its base — so they are really cranking that rotational gear. Through it all, Ausberry always seems to be in the right place at the right time on every play. He isn’t flashy, but he clocks in and goes to work every Saturday.
One of the most underrated Notre Dame football players of the last few years: Jaiden Ausberry. Practice pick. pic.twitter.com/qMj6O9HQll
One of the most important parts of a football player’s DNA is his actual DNA. I know it flys under the radar sometimes, but Jaiden is the son of legendary LSU linebacker, Verge Ausberry, who was a two time captain for the Tigers in the 80’s. Verge is the current LSU athletic director, and was so when Jaiden first came to ND.
Leading the way
I’m not sure who the Notre Dame captains will be in 2026, but at linebacker, Drayk Bowen will likely get the nod for the second year in a row. And yet… it’s quite possible that Ausberry joins him on the field with a “C” on his chest. Jaiden, again, shows up with his lunchpail and kicks in his opponents teeth and the team can and will get behind that all season.
Atlanta Braves (45-22, first in the NL East) vs. Chicago White Sox (35-31, second in the AL Central)
Chicago; Wednesday, 7:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Chris Sale (8-4, 2.23 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 86 strikeouts); White Sox: Davis Martin (8-2, 2.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 73 strikeouts)
LINE: Braves -155, White Sox +129; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox will try to keep a six-game home win streak going when they play the Atlanta Braves.
Chicago has gone 21-11 at home and 35-31 overall. The White Sox have hit 91 total home runs to rank third in MLB play.
Atlanta is 45-22 overall and 23-11 in road games. The Braves have gone 12-6 in games when they did not give up a home run.
Wednesday's game is the second time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Chase Meidroth leads the White Sox with a .274 batting average, and has 13 doubles, five home runs, 26 walks and 21 RBIs. Tristan Peters is 16 for 34 with six RBIs over the past 10 games.
Matt Olson leads the Braves with 19 home runs while slugging .561. Michael Harris II is 15 for 39 with three doubles, a home run and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: White Sox: 6-4, .271 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored opponents by nine runs
INJURIES: White Sox: Noah Schultz: 15-Day IL (knee), Austin Hays: 60-Day IL (calf), Jordan Hicks: 15-Day IL (lat), Everson Pereira: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Munetaka Murakami: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jordan Leasure: 60-Day IL (flexor), Ky Bush: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Teel: 60-Day IL (hamstring), Drew Thorpe: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tanner Murray: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brooks Baldwin: 60-Day IL (elbow), Mike Vasil: 60-Day IL (elbow), Prelander Berroa: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Braves: Ronald Acuna Jr.: day-to-day (hamstring), Kyle Farmer: 10-Day IL (forearm), Sean Murphy: 60-Day IL (finger), Spencer Schwellenbach: 60-Day IL (elbow), Drake Baldwin: 10-Day IL (oblique), Hurston Waldrep: 60-Day IL (elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver: 60-Day IL (elbow), Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow), Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee), Joey Wentz: 60-Day IL (knee)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Cubs -168, Rockies +141; over/under is 12 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies take a 1-0 advantage into the latest game of the series against the Chicago Cubs.
Colorado has a 25-42 record overall and a 13-19 record in home games. The Rockies have gone 14-31 in games when they have given up a home run.
Chicago has a 14-18 record on the road and a 34-33 record overall. The Cubs have gone 27-6 in games when they scored at least five runs.
The teams match up Wednesday for the second time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Hunter Goodman leads the Rockies with 18 home runs while slugging .526. Jake McCarthy is 14 for 44 with four doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
Nico Hoerner has four home runs, 30 walks and 33 RBIs while hitting .247 for the Cubs. Pete Crow-Armstrong is 17 for 43 with two doubles, five home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockies: 5-5, .282 batting average, 7.70 ERA, outscored by 18 runs
INJURIES: Rockies: Mickey Moniak: 10-Day IL (ankle), Jimmy Herget: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Tyler Freeman: 7-Day IL (concussion), Victor Vodnik: 15-Day IL (elbow), Brenton Doyle: 10-Day IL (oblique), Tanner Gordon: 15-Day IL (hip), Jordan Beck: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (back), Welinton Herrera: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jose Quintana: 60-Day IL (elbow), McCade Brown: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Chase Dollander: 15-Day IL (elbow), Pierson Ohl: 60-Day IL (elbow), RJ Petit: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Cubs: Jameson Taillon: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christopher Austin: 60-Day IL (knee), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (tricep), Matthew Boyd: 15-Day IL (knee), Riley Martin: 15-Day IL (elbow), Porter Hodge: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shelby Miller: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cade Horton: 60-Day IL (forearm)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia Phillies (36-31, second in the NL East) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (33-35, third in the AL East)
Toronto; Wednesday, 7:07 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.56 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 80 strikeouts); Blue Jays: Max Scherzer (0-0)
LINE: Phillies -155, Blue Jays +129; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies play on Wednesday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Toronto has a 20-15 record in home games and a 33-35 record overall. Blue Jays hitters have a collective .387 slugging percentage to rank eighth in the AL.
Philadelphia has a 36-31 record overall and a 17-14 record on the road. The Phillies have gone 19-7 in games when they hit at least two home runs.
The matchup Wednesday is the third time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kazuma Okamoto ranks second on the Blue Jays with 21 extra base hits (eight doubles and 13 home runs). Brandon Valenzuela is 8 for 31 with three doubles, three home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.
Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with 23 home runs while slugging .564. Brandon Marsh is 13 for 36 with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Blue Jays: 4-6, .283 batting average, 5.64 ERA, outscored by 13 runs
Phillies: 7-3, .238 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs
INJURIES: Blue Jays: Daulton Varsho: day-to-day (wrist), Lazaro Estrada: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Lenyn Sosa: 10-Day IL (wrist), Joe Mantiply: 60-Day IL (knee), Max Scherzer: 15-Day IL (forearm), Addison Barger: 10-Day IL (elbow), Jose Berrios: 60-Day IL (elbow), Alejandro Kirk: 60-Day IL (hand), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Yimi Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cody Ponce: 60-Day IL (knee), Anthony Santander: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bowden Francis: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Phillies: Kyle Backhus: 15-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Giants -110, Nationals -110; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The San Francisco Giants host the Washington Nationals looking to break a five-game home skid.
San Francisco has a 27-41 record overall and a 12-18 record in home games. The Giants have the second-ranked team batting average in the NL at .258.
Washington has gone 23-13 in road games and 35-33 overall. The Nationals are 16-8 in games when they hit at least two home runs.
The teams meet Wednesday for the sixth time this season. The Nationals are ahead 3-2 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luis Arraez has 13 doubles, five triples and two home runs for the Giants. Bryce Eldridge is 17 for 38 with five doubles, two home runs and five RBIs over the last 10 games.
James Wood has 15 doubles, 17 home runs and 41 RBIs for the Nationals. Luis Garcia is 9 for 34 with a double, a triple, four home runs and 13 RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Giants: 5-5, .311 batting average, 5.06 ERA, outscored opponents by nine runs
INJURIES: Giants: Heliot Ramos: 10-Day IL (quadricep), Matt Gage: 15-Day IL (knee), Joel Peguero: 60-Day IL (hamstring), Harrison Bader: 10-Day IL (plantar fasciitis), Tyler Mahle: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Jared Oliva: 60-Day IL (wrist), Jose Butto: 60-Day IL (arm), Reiver Sanmartin: 60-Day IL (hip), Hayden Birdsong: 60-Day IL (forearm), Jason Foley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Randy Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Rowan Wick: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Nationals: Jake Irvin: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Trevor Williams: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ken Waldichuk: 60-Day IL (forearm), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow), Max Kranick: 60-Day IL (elbow), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Tigers -170, Twins +143; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers play the Minnesota Twins after Dillon Dingler had four hits against the Twins on Tuesday.
Detroit has a 28-39 record overall and a 17-15 record at home. The Tigers rank ninth in the AL with 68 total home runs, averaging one per game.
Minnesota has gone 12-20 on the road and 30-38 overall. The Twins have gone 10-30 in games when they have allowed at least one home run.
The teams meet Wednesday for the sixth time this season. The Twins lead the season series 4-1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin McGonigle has four home runs, 39 walks and 24 RBIs while hitting .286 for the Tigers. Riley Greene is 12 for 38 with a double, three home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
Byron Buxton has 19 home runs, 18 walks and 29 RBIs while hitting .255 for the Twins. Kody Clemens is 13 for 40 with three doubles, a triple, four home runs and six RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 6-4, .248 batting average, 3.88 ERA, outscored opponents by 13 runs
INJURIES: Tigers: Bailey Horn: 60-Day IL (elbow), Trey Sweeney: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kenley Jansen: 15-Day IL (groin), Burch Smith: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Casey Mize: 15-Day IL (abductor), Tarik Skubal: 15-Day IL (elbow), Brant Hurter: 60-Day IL (back), Javier Baez: 10-Day IL (ankle), Justin Verlander: 60-Day IL (hip), Reese Olson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Parker Meadows: 60-Day IL (head/arm), Jackson Jobe: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Twins: Cole Sands: 15-Day IL (forearm), Mick Abel: 15-Day IL (elbow), Bailey Ober: 15-Day IL (elbow), Kendry Rojas: 15-Day IL (elbow), David Festa: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Garrett Acton: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Jeffers: 10-Day IL (hand), Pablo Lopez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Rangers -122, Royals +102; over/under is 9 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals face the Texas Rangers, leading the series 1-0.
Kansas City has a 16-17 record in home games and a 28-39 record overall. The Royals have a 16-32 record in games when they have allowed at least one home run.
Texas is 32-34 overall and 15-20 in road games. Rangers pitchers have a collective 3.69 ERA, which ranks third in the AL.
Wednesday's game is the fifth time these teams meet this season. The Rangers are ahead 3-1 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has 17 doubles, a triple and nine home runs for the Royals. Michael Massey is 13 for 35 with a double and three home runs over the last 10 games.
Jake Burger is second on the Rangers with 22 extra base hits (12 doubles and 10 home runs). Josh Jung is 15 for 42 with two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 6-4, .259 batting average, 3.72 ERA, outscored opponents by nine runs
INJURIES: Royals: Kyle Isbel: day-to-day (foot), Cole Ragans: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jonathan India: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bubic: 15-Day IL (elbow), Nick Mears: 15-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Carlos Estevez: 15-Day IL (foot), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Rangers: Danny Jansen: 10-Day IL (forearm), Josh Smith: 10-Day IL (glute), Carter Baumler: 60-Day IL (ribs), Cody Bradford: 60-Day IL (elbow), Chris Martin: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Robert Garcia: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Mariners -125, Orioles +105; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Baltimore Orioles come into a matchup with the Seattle Mariners after losing four games in a row.
Baltimore is 31-37 overall and 19-17 in home games. The Orioles have a 25-7 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
Seattle has a 17-16 record on the road and a 36-32 record overall. The Mariners have a 20-4 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.
The teams meet Wednesday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Adley Rutschman has 14 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 36 RBIs for the Orioles. Coby Mayo is 7 for 37 with a double and four home runs over the last 10 games.
Randy Arozarena has 18 doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 33 RBIs for the Mariners. J.P. Crawford is 13 for 37 with a double, four home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Orioles: 5-5, .254 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored opponents by eight runs
INJURIES: Orioles: Adley Rutschman: day-to-day (hamstring), Cade Povich: 15-Day IL (elbow), Yaramil Hiraldo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Dylan Beavers: 10-Day IL (oblique), Chris Bassitt: 15-Day IL (back), Zach Eflin: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dean Kremer: 60-Day IL (quadricep), Felix Bautista: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Colin Selby: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Helsley: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Westburg: 60-Day IL (ucl), Ryan Mountcastle: 60-Day IL (foot)
Mariners: Brendan Donovan: 10-Day IL (groin), Cooper Criswell: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Colt Emerson: day-to-day (back), J.P. Crawford: 10-Day IL (hand), Carlos Vargas: 60-Day IL (lat), Miles Mastrobuoni: 60-Day IL (calf), Cal Raleigh: 10-Day IL (side), Will Wilson: 10-Day IL (thumb), Logan Evans: 60-Day IL (arm)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Arizona Diamondbacks (34-32, second in the NL West) vs. Miami Marlins (32-35, fourth in the NL East)
Miami; Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Ryne Nelson (2-4, 4.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 55 strikeouts); Marlins: Ryan Gusto (0-1, 10.80 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, five strikeouts)
LINE: Marlins -110, Diamondbacks -110; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins play the Arizona Diamondbacks after Joe Mack had four hits on Tuesday in a 10-6 win over the Diamondbacks.
Miami has gone 21-16 in home games and 32-35 overall. The Marlins have gone 19-6 in games when they did not give up a home run.
Arizona is 34-32 overall and 13-18 on the road. The Diamondbacks have the eighth-ranked team slugging percentage in the NL at .392.
The teams meet Wednesday for the second time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Xavier Edwards has 11 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 22 RBIs for the Marlins. Heriberto Hernandez is 10 for 28 with four home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games.
Ketel Marte leads the Diamondbacks with 11 home runs while slugging .450. Corbin Carroll is 9 for 39 with four home runs and five RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Marlins: 6-4, .247 batting average, 4.60 ERA, outscored by three runs
INJURIES: Marlins: Josh Ekness: 15-Day IL (calf), Andrew Nardi: 60-Day IL (ribs), Griffin Conine: 60-Day IL (hamstring), Janson Junk: 15-Day IL (shin), Eury Perez: 15-Day IL (gracilis), Robby Snelling: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ronny Henriquez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Adam Mazur: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Diamondbacks: Jordan Lawlar: 60-Day IL (wrist), Corbin Burnes: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Mena: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Carlos Santana: 60-Day IL (groin), James McCann: 10-Day IL (quadricep), A.J. Puk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow), Andrew Saalfrank: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Justin Martinez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Brewers -110, Athletics -109; over/under is 14 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers play on Wednesday with the three-game series tied 1-1.
The Athletics have a 32-35 record overall and a 12-18 record in home games. The Athletics have the fourth-ranked team on-base percentage in the AL at .326.
Milwaukee has a 41-24 record overall and a 20-11 record on the road. The Brewers are 32-4 in games when they scored at least five runs.
Wednesday's game is the third time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Shea Langeliers has a .283 batting average to lead the Athletics, and has 13 doubles and 17 home runs. Tyler Soderstrom is 13 for 32 with five home runs and 11 RBIs over the past 10 games.
William Contreras leads the Brewers with a .286 batting average, and has 10 doubles, six home runs, 23 walks and 42 RBIs. Jackson Chourio is 16 for 43 with three home runs and 12 RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Athletics: 5-5, .245 batting average, 6.32 ERA, outscored by 11 runs
INJURIES: Athletics: Brooks Kriske: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Luis Severino: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Denzel Clarke: 60-Day IL (foot), Aaron Civale: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Gunnar Hoglund: 60-Day IL (knee), Jacob Wilson: 10-Day IL (shoulder)
Brewers: Logan Henderson: 15-Day IL (back), Brian Fitzpatrick: 60-Day IL (elbow), Carlos Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (undisclosed), Quinn Priester: 60-Day IL (wrist), D.L. Hall: 15-Day IL (pectoral), Rob Zastryzny: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Angel Zerpa: 60-Day IL (forearm), Jared Koenig: 15-Day IL (elbow), Brandon Lockridge: 10-Day IL (knee), Brandon Woodruff: 15-Day IL (arm)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
St. Louis Cardinals (36-28, second in the NL Central) vs. New York Mets (29-37, fifth in the NL East)
New York; Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Cardinals: Andre Pallante (6-4, 3.96 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 51 strikeouts); Mets: Christian Scott (2-0, 2.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 41 strikeouts)
LINE: Mets -135, Cardinals +114; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals seek to extend a five-game win streak with a victory against the New York Mets.
New York has a 29-37 record overall and a 15-16 record at home. The Mets have a 19-2 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
St. Louis is 36-28 overall and 17-12 in road games. The Cardinals have a 29-5 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
The teams meet Wednesday for the fifth time this season. The Cardinals lead the season series 3-1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Juan Soto has a .276 batting average to lead the Mets, and has four doubles, a triple and 13 home runs. Carson Benge is 14 for 41 with four home runs and six RBIs over the past 10 games.
Jordan Walker leads the Cardinals with 31 extra base hits (15 doubles and 16 home runs). Alec Burleson is 14 for 40 with four doubles, two home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mets: 6-4, .241 batting average, 3.23 ERA, outscored opponents by 17 runs
INJURIES: Mets: Luis Robert: 60-Day IL (back), Kodai Senga: 15-Day IL (spinal lumbar ), Jorge Polanco: 10-Day IL (wrist), Francisco Lindor: 10-Day IL (calf), Justin Hagenman: 60-Day IL (rib), Tyrone Taylor: 10-Day IL (hip), Clay Holmes: 60-Day IL (fibula), Ronny Mauricio: 10-Day IL (thumb), Reed Garrett: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tylor Megill: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dedniel Nunez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Cardinals: Ryan Fernandez: 15-Day IL (back), Ramon Urias: 10-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Reds -135, Padres +114; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The San Diego Padres play the Cincinnati Reds after Fernando Tatis Jr. had four hits on Tuesday in a 5-3 loss to the Reds.
San Diego is 18-19 in home games and 34-32 overall. The Padres are 13-26 in games when they have allowed at least one home run.
Cincinnati has a 16-18 record on the road and a 32-34 record overall. Reds hitters have a collective .393 slugging percentage to rank sixth in the NL.
Wednesday's game is the third time these teams square off this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tatis leads the Padres with a .278 batting average, and has nine doubles, a triple, a home run, 26 walks and 19 RBIs. Jackson Merrill is 8 for 39 with a home run and four RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Padres: 2-8, .205 batting average, 4.14 ERA, outscored by 17 runs
INJURIES: Padres: Matt Waldron: 15-Day IL (arm), Jake Cronenworth: 7-Day IL (concussion), German Marquez: 15-Day IL (forearm), Luis Campusano: 10-Day IL (toe), Miguel Andujar: day-to-day (hamstring), Joe Musgrove: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jeremiah Estrada: 15-Day IL (knee), Ramon Laureano: 60-Day IL (hip), Nick Pivetta: 60-Day IL (elbow), Bryan Hoeing: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Reds: Emilio Pagan: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Elly De La Cruz: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Pierce Johnson: 15-Day IL (elbow), Graham Ashcraft: 60-Day IL (forearm), Ke'Bryan Hayes: 10-Day IL (back), Jose Trevino: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Greene: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Angels -124, Astros +104; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros meet on Wednesday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Los Angeles has a 14-19 record in home games and a 26-42 record overall. The Angels have hit 77 total home runs to rank seventh in the AL.
Houston is 31-38 overall and 15-19 on the road. The Astros rank fourth in the AL with 86 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.
Wednesday's game is the seventh time these teams match up this season. The season series is tied 3-3.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mike Trout ranks second on the Angels with 24 extra base hits (10 doubles and 14 home runs). Zach Neto is 9 for 39 with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.
Christian Walker has 12 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs and 48 RBIs while hitting .249 for the Astros. Yordan Alvarez is 14 for 34 with two doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Angels: 4-6, .262 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 16 runs
Astros: 5-5, .243 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored opponents by one run
INJURIES: Angels: Nolan Schanuel: day-to-day (calf), Sebastian Rivero: day-to-day (hand), Adam Frazier: 10-Day IL (elbow), Yoan Moncada: 60-Day IL (knee), Vaughn Grissom: 10-Day IL (side), Gustavo Campero: 10-Day IL (hand), Jack Kochanowicz: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jorge Soler: 10-Day IL (hip), Travis d'Arnaud: 60-Day IL (foot), Robert Stephenson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ben Joyce: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Yusei Kikuchi: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Anthony Rendon: 60-Day IL (hip)
Astros: Lance McCullers: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Yainer Diaz: 10-Day IL (abdominal), Hunter Brown: 60-Day IL (shoulder), LaMonte Wade: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nick Allen: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Bennett Sousa: 15-Day IL (elbow), Braden Shewmake: 10-Day IL (groin), Carlos Correa: 60-Day IL (ankle), Brandon Walter: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Dodgers -198, Pirates +164; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Pirates play the Los Angeles Dodgers after losing four games in a row.
Pittsburgh is 34-33 overall and 18-16 in home games. The Pirates are 16-25 in games when they have given up at least one home run.
Los Angeles has a 43-24 record overall and a 21-12 record in road games. The Dodgers have the top team batting average in the NL at .264.
The matchup Wednesday is the second time these teams square off this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bryan Reynolds has 14 doubles, two triples and seven home runs while hitting .267 for the Pirates. Oneil Cruz is 8 for 31 with three home runs over the past 10 games.
Andy Pages has 15 home runs, 17 walks and 56 RBIs while hitting .282 for the Dodgers. Ohtani is 19 for 43 with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pirates: 5-5, .256 batting average, 5.86 ERA, outscored by two runs
INJURIES: Pirates: Oneil Cruz: day-to-day (hand), Chris Devenski: 60-Day IL (illness), Konnor Griffin: 10-Day IL (flexor tendon), Joey Bart: 10-Day IL (foot infection)
Dodgers: Will Smith: day-to-day (neck), Tyler Glasnow: 60-Day IL (back), Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brock Stewart: 15-Day IL (foot), Bobby Miller: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tommy Edman: 60-Day IL (ankle), Blake Snell: 60-Day IL (elbow), Teoscar Hernandez: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Kike Hernandez: 10-Day IL (oblique), Gavin Stone: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Landon Knack: 60-Day IL (chest), Ben Casparius: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Edwin Diaz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jake Cousins: 60-Day IL (elbow), Evan Phillips: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Rays -152, Red Sox +127; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox visit the Tampa Bay Rays looking to break a three-game road skid.
Tampa Bay has a 39-25 record overall and a 23-9 record in home games. Rays hitters are batting a collective .256, the fourth-best team batting average in MLB play.
Boston has a 17-17 record in road games and a 27-38 record overall. The Red Sox have the ninth-best team ERA in the majors at 3.88.
Wednesday's game is the sixth meeting between these teams this season. The Rays have a 4-1 advantage in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Yandy Diaz has 11 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs and 44 RBIs for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda is 7 for 37 with two home runs and four RBIs over the past 10 games.
Willson Contreras has nine doubles, two triples and 13 home runs while hitting .288 for the Red Sox. Jarren Duran is 8 for 42 with a triple and two home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rays: 4-6, .223 batting average, 5.32 ERA, outscored by 17 runs
Red Sox: 4-6, .246 batting average, 3.98 ERA, outscored opponents by five runs
INJURIES: Rays: Jon Heasley: 60-Day IL (elbow), Michael Grove: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Craig Kimbrel: 15-Day IL (wrist), Manuel Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jonny Deluca: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Steven Wilson: 60-Day IL (back), Gavin Lux: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jesse Scholtens: 15-Day IL (wrist), Jake Fraley: 10-Day IL (groin), Ryan Pepiot: 60-Day IL (hip), Edwin Uceta: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Red Sox: Jovani Moran: 15-Day IL (elbow), Garrett Crochet: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Trevor Story: 60-Day IL (abdomen), Nick Sogard: 10-Day IL (oblique), Kutter Crawford: 60-Day IL (wrist), Romy Gonzalez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Triston Casas: 60-Day IL (knee), Willson Contreras: day-to-day (wrist), Roman Anthony: 10-Day IL (wrist), Patrick Sandoval: 60-Day IL (elbow), Johan Oviedo: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tanner Houck: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Guardians -116, Yankees -103; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Guardians host the New York Yankees looking to stop a four-game home skid.
Cleveland has a 37-32 record overall and a 17-16 record in home games. The Guardians have gone 15-6 in games when they did not allow a home run.
New York has a 21-14 record in road games and a 40-26 record overall. The Yankees have a 21-11 record in games when they did not give up a home run.
Wednesday's game is the sixth meeting between these teams this season. The Yankees are ahead 3-2 in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Ramirez has 17 doubles and 10 home runs for the Guardians. Steven Kwan is 9 for 35 with a double over the last 10 games.
Trent Grisham has 11 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 33 RBIs for the Yankees. Jazz Chisholm is 7 for 39 with four home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Guardians: 3-7, .227 batting average, 4.60 ERA, outscored by 16 runs
INJURIES: Guardians: Erik Sabrowski: 15-Day IL (elbow), Gabriel Arias: 60-Day IL (hamstring)
Yankees: Jasson Dominguez: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Giancarlo Stanton: 10-Day IL (leg), Austin Wells: 10-Day IL (cervical headaches), Aaron Judge: 10-Day IL (rib), Angel Chivilli: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Fried: 15-Day IL (elbow), Clarke Schmidt: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Roma is searching the market for more than one striker to boost their attacking capabilities, pairing Malen with experienced players who can have a similar impact to the Dutchman.
The 2003-born player was hampered by groin pain last season after an excellent start that suggested he might be crowned a champion in the Giallorossi shirt thanks to Gasperini’s guidance.
The Argentine winger was providing continuity in the previous season, which ended on a high note under Ranieri, so much so that in 2025 he produced impressive numbers: 10 goals and as many assists in 2,940 minutes.
A distant memory due to the physical problems he endured during the second half of the season. These doubts and concerns could lead Roma to consider selling Soulé, who is being eyed by foreign clubs.
Matias Soulé could leave Roma.
As Nicolò Schirà reports, Borussia Dortmund has shown interest in the Argentine winger, but the Giallorossi have asked for €40 million to try out their talent.
Corriere dello Sport adds that Aston Villa are also interested in the player. In short, Champions League teams are looking for a player who wants to shine in the most prestigious club competition.
Journalist confirms Liverpool star now set to stay
Juventus move fades as Alisson makes major decision
Liverpool’s summer has been defined by change, uncertainty and high-profile decisions. Against that backdrop, fresh developments surrounding Alisson Becker may provide a welcome sense of stability.
For months, speculation linked the Brazilian goalkeeper with a move away from Anfield. Juventus emerged as the strongest candidate to secure his signature, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants were exploring a deal while Liverpool considered their long-term plans. Yet the latest information indicates that a transfer is now increasingly unlikely.
According to reporting originating from Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have shifted their focus elsewhere in the market. Romano stated: “Juventus are exploring several options for the goalkeeper position, including Emiliano Martínez among the names under consideration.”
While the transfer specialist did not directly declare that Alisson would remain at Liverpool, the significance of Juventus targeting alternative options is difficult to ignore. The move represents a substantial shift from the narrative that had surrounded the goalkeeper throughout much of the summer.
Romano signals major shift in Juventus plans
The Juventus interest in Alisson was never a secret. The Italian club viewed the Liverpool goalkeeper as one of the elite options available on the market and believed his experience, leadership and quality could transform their squad.
Reports from Italy had gone as far as suggesting that preliminary discussions regarding personal terms had taken place. At one stage, it appeared entirely plausible that Alisson could be entering the final chapter of his Liverpool career.
However, Romano’s latest update has changed the landscape significantly. Juventus now appear focused on alternative targets, reducing the likelihood of any serious pursuit of the Brazilian.
For Liverpool, that development removes one of the most realistic exit routes available to the goalkeeper. With no immediate replacement lining up a formal move and Juventus looking elsewhere, the chances of Alisson remaining on Merseyside have increased considerably.
Alisson remains central to Liverpool ambitions
Despite turning 33, Alisson continues to be regarded as one of world football’s outstanding goalkeepers. His importance to Liverpool extends far beyond his shot-stopping ability.
The Brazilian provides authority, calmness and elite distribution from the back. Even during periods when Liverpool have undergone tactical or personnel changes, Alisson has remained one of the squad’s most reliable performers.
His contract situation contributed heavily to transfer speculation. Liverpool triggered an option to extend his deal until June 2027, but questions persisted regarding whether both parties would eventually seek a fresh challenge.
Recent developments suggest that possibility has been pushed further into the future.
Stability valuable during transition
Liverpool enter the new campaign amid significant change. Senior figures have departed and the club is navigating a new era while attempting to remain competitive at the highest level.
In such circumstances, retaining players of Alisson’s stature becomes increasingly important.
His experience offers continuity in a dressing room adapting to fresh demands and expectations. Goalkeepers often perform at elite level well into their thirties, meaning Liverpool can still expect several productive seasons from their number one.
The club may continue planning for succession in the long term, but there is little urgency if Alisson remains fully committed and performing at his current standard.
Future outlook becomes clearer
Transfer stories can change rapidly, particularly during a busy summer window. Nevertheless, the latest information surrounding Juventus and Alisson points towards a much clearer outcome than seemed likely only weeks ago.
Romano’s update has effectively altered the conversation. Rather than discussing when Alisson might leave Liverpool, attention is increasingly shifting towards how important he could be during the next stage of the club’s evolution.
While nothing can ever be ruled out completely in football, Juventus pursuing other goalkeeping options represents a significant indicator. For now, Liverpool supporters can feel increasingly optimistic that Alisson will remain at Anfield and continue providing the world-class performances that have defined his time at the club.
Bill Simmons believes Danny Ainge could make one of the biggest calls of the 2026 NBA Draft by taking Cameron Boozer with the No. 2 pick.
The Utah Jazz are sitting in the kind of draft position that can reshape a rebuild. Ainge has never been shy about trusting his own board, and this class gives him several different ways to chase a franchise cornerstone.
Darryn Peterson has been widely discussed near the top of the draft, but Simmons thinks Utah could go in another direction when the moment arrives.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Bill Simmons predicts Danny Ainge will take Cameron Boozer at No. 2
NBA Central shared Bill Simmons’ prediction that Danny Ainge will stay away from Darryn Peterson and target Cameron Boozer with the second pick.
“I think he’s gonna stay away from Peterson, and I could see him taking Boozer at two. That would be my bet right now,” Simmons said.
He added, “I might be wrong, but I really think they’re gonna take Boozer. I do. I can’t explain it, but I think they’re gonna take Boozer at two.”
Simmons framed it as a gut feeling, not a locked report, but the prediction fits the uncertainty around the top of the board.
Utah has been linked to multiple elite prospects, and Ainge has the draft history to make a pick that does not simply follow consensus.
Cameron Boozer gives Utah Jazz a different No. 2 pick argument
Boozer’s case is built around production, size, and fit. The Duke forward is listed around 6-foot-9 and 253 pounds, and his freshman season included major scoring, rebounding, passing, and three-point efficiency.
That matters for Utah because Boozer looks less like a long-term project and more like a player who could help define a frontcourt immediately. His combination of strength, feel, and skill gives the Jazz a different type of foundation than a high-usage guard like Peterson.
There is also an obvious Utah layer. Boozer is the son of former Jazz star Carlos Boozer, and reports have noted the family connection as part of the storyline, even if the pick would ultimately have to stand on basketball reasons.
Peterson may still be the cleaner perimeter upside swing for some teams, but Simmons’ prediction points to the kind of decision Ainge has made before: trust the player he believes can anchor the next version of the franchise, even if the room expects something else.
The fallout from Victor Wembanyama's controversial shove of Jalen Brunson in Game 3 of the NBA Finals continues to grow, and now Draymond Green has entered the conversation with a pointed take against the New York Knicks.
The four-time NBA champion was surprised by the reaction from Brunson's teammates after the New York Knicks guard was sent crashing into the floor while he was battling for a position with Wembanyama in the first quarter.
“He pushed him down and none of the guys on the Knicks team did anything. Don’t not for one second think that didn’t matter,” Green said.
The referees failed to call it a foul at the moment but later acknowledged the mistake.
Speaking with Kevin O'Connor on the incident that happened at Madison Square Garden, Green argued what would have happened had it been his Golden State Warriors teammate Steph Curry instead of Brunson.
"I'm probably going to get thrown out right there," Green said if the hit happened to Curry.
Draymond Green said if Wemby did to Steph what he did to Brunson in Game 3…he would’ve been thrown out.
By this, Green hinted that he would have reacted aggressively against the Spurs, unlike the Knicks teammates who failed to stand up for Brunson in the moment. While the Warriors star realized that it could have cost his team Game 3, it would be worth it.
Victor Wembanyama eligible to play NBA Finals Game 4
After the Spurs' 115-111 win, the NBA acknowledged that the officials failed to call a foul on Victor Wembanyama against Jalen Brunson. However, upon review, they found the foul was not worthy of Flagrant 1.
This was a major relief for Wembanyama and the Spurs camp, as the centerpiece was already possessing two flagrant fouls this postseason. Another one would have hurt his eligibility to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where the Spurs would like to level the series.
AUBURN, ALABAMA - JUNE 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lionel Messi came up against former Barcelona team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen’s son during an international friendly on Tuesday.
Argentina enjoyed a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final World Cup 2026 warm-up game in a match which saw Messi play against a certain Daníel Tristan Gudjohnsen.
“Hi, you played with my dad’ – is how Gudjohnsen reportedly introduced himself. The two had met before, when Gudjohnsen was just a baby, and Messi revealed he had been taken by surprise.
🫂 Mientras los futbolistas se retiraban, el dorsal 22 de Islandia se acercó a Lionel Messi para compartir una charla entre risas y complicidad que llamó la atención de las cámaras. El futbolista en cuestión era Daníel Tristan Gudjohnsen, quien pasó por las cantera del Barça y… pic.twitter.com/u5x2rtcSPj
Messi told reporters: “He said to me, ‘Do you remember who I am?’ I was surprised at the time. I honestly didn’t remember he was very young.”
The two players then enjoyed a chat, a hug and a handshake in a nice moment at the end of the match in Auburn, Alabama.
Gudjohnsen Jr came through the Barcelona academy before going on to play in Sweden for Malmo. His dad, Eidur, spent three seasons at Barcelona with Messi between 2006 and 2009, making 114 official appearances and scored 19 goals for the Catalans.
The game came as Argentina finalise preparations to defend their World Cup crown. The defending champions kick off against Algeria.
Sky Sports: Man United Eye £80m Midfield Move After Ederson Deal
Man United Transfer News: Fernandes Interest Signals Midfield Intent
United explore Mateus Fernandes deal
Manchester United’s summer rebuild is beginning to take shape in midfield, and Sky Sports have now reported that the club are exploring a potential move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
According to the information from Sky Sports News’ Chris Reidy and Danyal Khan, United are continuing background work on the Portuguese midfielder, with the position still viewed as a clear priority this window.
“Manchester United are exploring a potential deal for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.”
That line alone tells us plenty. United are not simply window shopping. They are scanning the market for players who can change the rhythm, energy and technical level of a midfield that has too often looked disjointed in recent seasons.
Fernandes, valued by West Ham at around £80m, would not be a cheap addition. The Hammers paid an initial £38m for him last summer, meaning any sale would represent a major profit, especially after relegation. Yet Sky Sports also report that West Ham are “in no rush to sell the player”, which suggests United may need patience, persuasion and financial creativity.
Midfield rebuild gathers pace
United have already agreed a £38m deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, which makes the Fernandes interest even more intriguing.
Photo IMAGO
Rather than one isolated move, this looks like the beginning of a deliberate reshaping of the engine room. Ederson would bring bite, mobility and defensive security. Fernandes would potentially add control, carrying power and progression.
The most interesting phrase in Sky Sports’ report is that Fernandes is viewed as “a realistic deal after the Hammers’ relegation”. That realism matters. United have spent too many recent summers chasing deals that became auctions, sagas or symbols of confused recruitment. Here, at least, there appears to be a logic.
Fernandes valuation creates transfer tension
An £80m valuation immediately changes the conversation. Fernandes may be attainable, but that does not mean he will be easy to sign.
West Ham know his age, profile and market value. United know relegation can shift a player’s thinking and weaken a club’s negotiating position. Somewhere between those two realities sits the deal.
For United, the question is whether Fernandes is worth becoming a headline transfer. If the answer is yes, they must move with clarity. If the answer is no, they cannot allow another midfield pursuit to drag through the window and restrict other business.
United need clarity, not another saga
This is where United’s recruitment structure will be tested. Fernandes has obvious appeal, especially if the club want legs, intensity and a more modern midfield blend. Yet at £80m, he has to be more than an opportunistic signing.
He has to be a key piece of the next team.
The Ederson deal suggests United are acting earlier and sharper than in previous windows. The Fernandes interest suggests they are not finished. The challenge now is to ensure the plan remains coherent.
Supporters have seen expensive midfield fixes before. What they need now is not noise, but evidence of a proper build.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United fan’s point of view, this report is fascinating because it hints at a club finally recognising where the real work has to be done.
Midfield has been the problem area for too long. United have had names, reputations and moments, but not enough balance. Too often, the team has been too open, too easy to play through and too reliant on individuals producing something from broken structure.
That is why the Fernandes link feels worth watching. If United already have Ederson coming in for £38m, then adding Fernandes would suggest a serious attempt to give the side energy, legs and technical security. It would also raise questions, of course. Where does everyone fit? Who leaves? Is £80m too much for a player signed by West Ham for an initial £38m only last summer?
Those are fair concerns. United cannot keep paying premium prices without a clear plan.
Still, there is something encouraging about targeting midfielders with athleticism and upward trajectory. Fernandes may not be the glamorous superstar some fans crave, but United need fewer vanity signings and more footballers who make the team function.
If the price drops, this could be one to take seriously. If West Ham stand firm at £80m, United need to be disciplined enough to walk away.
The wait for the 2026 World Cup is nearly over and the tournament is set to be launched in spectacular fashion thanks to the unprecedented nature of its setup.
This year’s finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Three host nations means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.
These three elaborate productions are being orchestrated by Italian producer Marco Balich, renowned for his work on this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about who is performing at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies.
Mexico opening ceremony
Mexico will get World Cup proceedings underway with their opening ceremony at 6:30pm BST on Thursday 11 June in Mexico City.
Held at Mexico City Stadium, better known worldwide as the Estadio Azteca, the ceremony will take place ahead of the Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa, a repeat of the clash that rose the curtain on the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Shakira and Burna Boy will perform at the first opening ceremony (AP)
Additional performers include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Canada opening ceremony
Canada will then take the spotlight for their opening ceremony in Toronto, kicking off at 6:30pm BST on Friday 12 June at BMO Field ahead of the host nation’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leading the line-up is none other than Canadian icon Michael Buble, with the likes of Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette among the other featured performers.
Michael Buble will perform at the opening ceremony in Canada (Reuters)
Palestinian singer Elyanna will also perform while French artist Vegedream, who is best known for his the timeless anthem “Ramenez la coupe a la maison” which celebrated France’s World Cup win in 2018.
Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy and William Prince are also on the bill.
USA opening ceremony
Then to Los Angeles, where the United States will put on the third and final World Cup opening ceremony. Getting started at 12:30am BST on Saturday 13 June before the US’ clash with Paraguay, the spectacle will be staged at the SoFi Stadium - the newest stadium being used at this summer’s tournament.
International pop star Katy Perry will headline in her home state, joined by rapper Future.
Katy Perry headlines the third and final opening ceremony in the United States (AFP/Getty)
Tyla will also appear at her second ceremony having performed across the border in Mexico, along with Thai-born star Lisa from K-pop band Blackpink, Nigerian artist Rema and Brazilian singer Anitta.
The US has a history of memorable moments when it comes to World Cup opening ceremonies, including Diana Ross's famous missed penalty ahead of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago.
The Scotland squad for the 1982 World Cup was the most internationally adept the nation had ever assembled.
Ten European Cup winners' medals between them from the previous five years, three Uefa Cup winners and four European Super Cups. Within another two seasons, they would have amassed another two European Cups, two more Uefa Cups, four Cup Winners' Cup winners and five more Super Cups.
Throw in a collective 63 domestic honours and 503 caps and a legendary European Cup-winning manager in Jock Stein.
Even if this assembly of tartan talent only added up to the sum of its parts, then BA Robertson's paean to hope, 'We have a Dream', trumped the blind faith of 'Ally's Army' four years previous.
This was their time. Scotland at their third straight World Cup finals. Cracked it.
What could possibly go wrong in Spain? Joe Jordan, Gordon Strachan and John Wark look back...
The build-up
John Wark: "It must be the best squad we've ever taken to a finals - and the best manager.
"We had players who'd won everything in the game, they needed someone who commanded their respect and big Jock [Stein] did it just by walking into the room. To this day I believe that was our chance."
Joe Jordan: "I had gone from Man United to Italy that year and I spoke to Jock to make sure I would still be part of the Scotland scene at Milan.
"I'd had an injury towards the end of the Serie A season but he involved me in the Home Internationals so I figured he was trying to get me fit to go to Spain. I didn't get my chance until the third game - but I was ready."
Gordon Strachan: "It wasn't easy being away in those days. We got one phone call home a week from the SFA. There was no internet, no social media to keep up, the only telly was Spanish telly, and Willie Miller was the room-mate who just wanted to sleep 24/7.
"The room was the first I'd ever been in that had the harling [rough plaster] on the inside. And Jock used to berate me every time he saw me outside because he thought the sun would kill the wee ginger guy - never mind the fact I might have to acclimatise to play three games in it!"
Wark: "When you score five, you come off the park thinking you've done pretty well. You know you have to beat the minnows - and we did.
"Personally, I was a wee bit annoyed because I had a great chance to score a hat-trick, I had a header I should have put away.
"We gave them two goals for nothing and you don't think about it at the time but they come back to haunt you. Two balls over the top, the first one Danny McGrain and [goalkeeper Alan Rough] Roughie get mixed up, the second Allan Evans gets caught."
Jordan: "It's easy in hindsight but I felt it at the time on the bench as well, 100%. If you're being professional, you just don't give these goals away. That was a regret. I instantly felt it could come back and bite us. And that's borne from experience.
"I go back to Zaire in '74 and the fact we never scored enough goals. We settled, and it cost us. This was the same."
The reality check
The great Socrates flanked by Graeme Souness and David Narey [Getty Images]
18 June, Seville. (Narey 18) Scotland 1-4 Brazil (Zico 33, Oscar 48, Eder 63, Falcao 87)
Wark: "It's incredible to think that Brazil team didn't win the World Cup.
"The heat didn't help. During the anthems, the sweat was lashing off us, then I looked along their line. Not a single drop on a single forehead and I just thought, 'uh-oh'."
Strachan: "The other problem was the pitch - we never had a clue what studs to wear because the grass was so long, which was the way the Brazilians liked it. There was actually a lot of physical engagement to their play, it wasn't as much about moving the ball quickly as it is now.
"In the end it didn't matter too much - we never saw the ball when they got going anyway."
Wark: "Our goal [Scotland took the lead through Dave Narey] just got them annoyed. I was playing on the right - we had so many good centre mids I never got to play in my best spot - and I headed it down for big Sash [handsome Narey's nickname after singer Sacha Distel] to score that famous goal of his.
"He didn't have a clue what to do. He obviously hardly ever scored so he ended up running around like a wee boy who didn't know what day it was!
"After that, though? It was an education."
Strachan: "They were good, but what you don't realise was their height and strength was incredible. Their midfield three - Socrates, Falcao and Cerezo - they were all 6ft 3in.
"I thought I was pretty strong, and I'm eyeing up wee Junior for a challenge, maybe knock him over when I'm taking the ball off him, and bang. I went down like a cartoon character, I just crumpled.
"They're the best team never to have won a World Cup. Probably the best team I ever played, actually - except the big striker Serginho, to be fair, he wasn't that great. I actually swapped strips with him, which means there'll be a Scotland number seven shirt somewhere in a loft in Sao Paulo."
Wark: "Their goals were class. I was the end man in the wall for Zico's and Roughie was giving it, 'perfect, John', with the big thumbs up. Two seconds later it's round me and in the top corner. Two keepers couldn't have stopped it.
"At the final whistle, Kenny [Dalglish], who'd come on as a sub, went to Zico and tried to get his shirt. Big [Alan] Hansen sprinted over to try and get it too - it was probably the closest he got to him all night.
"But Zico fobbed them both off and came over to me instead. 'Swap?' he says. Turns out he just collected number 10s - so when I got back into the dressing room I was waving it in Hansen's face. I actually ended up giving it away to a charity in Ipswich and it made a lot of money at an auction."
(The iron) curtains
The Scots could only draw their final group game [Getty Images]
Jordan: "It was my first start - and what turned out to be my last cap - but I got the goal we needed. Stevie Archibald got on to a mistake from their centre-half but I had a good 35 yards to go. I still had a decent turn of pace for a 30-year-old and although I didn't like having that much time to think, the keeper left me just enough room at the near post."
Wark: "I watched the game a few weeks ago on BBC Scotland and I'd forgotten how much we battered them. We just had to win, any win, and we were good enough to win three games against them, honestly.
"But the goals we lost? Man…
"The first one's horrible, we've got about four defenders round it, but [Aleksandre] Chivadze sclaffs [mishits] it off the ground and it bounces up and over Roughie.
"And the second, the infamous mix-up between Miller and Hansen, even watching it again, even knowing exactly when it's coming, you can't stop yourself shouting 'what the **** are they doing???' at the telly."
Strachan: "That's a footballer's life sometimes, though, all the great things you do and you get talked about for the one mistake. If Steven Gerrard hadn't single-handedly won Liverpool a European Cup in Istanbul, he'd only be remembered for that slip against Chelsea."
Jordan: "The goals we lost were hard to take. When you get to that level and you're playing the best, you should still make them work for it, to score with quality the way Brazil did, say.
"But these were cheap.
"The thing is, the goal Graeme [Souness] scores to pull us level again is a cracker as well, but it almost made it feel worse - touching distance again."
[BBC]
Strachan: "Scottish football was in a seriously good place at the time as well. There have been better teams but the overall quality in our own top division was the best ever, when there were four teams properly going at it.
"And the fact the Anglos [English-based players] were the best as well. Six of them played every week for the two best teams in England."
Wark: "Yes, we had the talent - but the bottom line is we still didn't qualify for the next stage, which we should have done. End of story."
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States arrived Wednesday in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu, where he was received by a crowd of supporters and officials.
Omar Artan was set to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025.
He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday over “vetting concerns,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement without giving details of those concerns. FIFA subsequently cut him from the tournament's referee list.
Artan was issued a visa to travel to the U.S. last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya that processed it.
He returned to a hero’s welcome at the airport in Mogadishu, where he thanked the Somali government and people as well as FIFA for their support for him.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said as hundreds of supporters at the airport waved the Somali flag. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.” The U.S.'s highly unusual move to deny a FIFA-appointed match official permission to enter a World Cup host country drew outrage across the world and raised questions among some fans about America's capacity to host the competition.
Somalia is one of nearly 40 countries subject to new travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
Portuguese veteran has never been a priority for Barcelona
Despite speculation surrounding Bernardo Silva’s future, Barcelona are not treating the Portuguese international as a priority target this summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club remains relaxed about the situation and is not planning to accelerate any move for the experienced midfielder.
Bernardo Silva has found himself linked with a switch to Camp Nou, while reports have also connected him with both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent days.
However, Barcelona’s position appears far less dramatic than the growing transfer rumours suggest.
The report indicates that the initiative has largely come from the player’s side, with the midfielder making himself available after deciding to leave Manchester City.
An opportunity rather than a priority
Bernardo Silva is not Barcelona’s priority. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Despite his obvious quality, it is said that Barcelona view Bernardol Silva as a market opportunity rather than a signing they must complete at all costs.
Club sources maintain that although they value the player and experience, he has never occupied a leading position on the club’s transfer shortlist, which explains the calm surrounding the situation.
The 31-year-old recently stated that he is under no pressure to decide his future and will ultimately join the club that demonstrates the strongest desire to sign him.
Barcelona are unfazed
At Barcelona, with other areas of the squad demanding greater attention, the Blaugrana are currently focusing their efforts elsewhere rather than treating Bernardo Silva as their priority.
Bernardo Silva is also wanted by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s position is largely influenced by their priorities. While Silva would undoubtedly add quality and experience, the club do not consider midfield reinforcement their most urgent need at this stage of the transfer window.
Instead, resources are being directed towards positions viewed as more important to the project heading into the new season.
Notably, that does not mean the door is closed. As a free agent, the Portuguese represents an attractive option and a low-risk opportunity should circumstances change later in the summer.
However, Barcelona are unwilling to alter their transfer strategy simply because a high-profile player has become available.
Real Madrid-bound midfielder prefers another season at current club – Romano
Nico Paz’s expected return to Real Madrid is no longer as straightforward as it seemed just a few weeks ago.
Despite the club holding a €9 million buy-back option and working towards bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabeu, the young midfielder now prefers to spend another season at Como.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Madrid Xtra, Nico believes remaining in Italy would be the best step for his development.
While the Argentine remains deeply attached to Real Madrid and sees his long-term future at the club, he feels another year of regular football under Cesc Fabregas could accelerate his growth before making the jump back to Madrid.
Nico Paz wants to stay at Como. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The situation now leaves Real Madrid with an important decision to make ahead of the June 30 deadline to activate their buy-back clause.
Real Madrid have maintained close contact with the player and have repeatedly expressed their desire to bring him back into the first-team environment.
The midfielder was also understood to be open to the challenge, although the reality of the current squad situation appears to have influenced his thinking.
Mourinho will decide Nico Paz’s fate. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
With competition for places already fierce and further arrivals possible this summer, the Argentine believes he would benefit more from another campaign where he is guaranteed significant playing time.
All eyes on Mourinho
At Como, he would likely continue as a key figure and receive the consistent minutes that are often crucial for young players at this stage of their careers.
Given the situation at hand, it is obvious to imagine that the final call is expected to involve Jose Mourinho, who will have to determine whether Nico Paz should be integrated immediately into the first-team project or allowed to continue developing elsewhere.
Regardless of the outcome, it must be remembered that Real Madrid remain in a strong position thanks to the favourable terms of the buy-back agreement.
Today’s Papers – Palestra’s assist for Inter, Juventus agreement with Dibu Martinez
La Gazzetta dello Sport
Here we are; tomorrow we start
World Cup: weight of gold
Players valued at over 13 billion on the pitch. Yamal the most valuable star: 292m. Real offer 150m for the Argentine Alvarez; Atletico reject the offer.
It starts tomorrow with Mexico-South Africa: many new rules
Palestra, assist for Chivu
New meeting: the Percassi prefer to sell him in Italy
Inter, Atalanta are open. Blitz for Solet and Atta
There’s still a gap for the full-back’s value, but La Dea picks Oaktree as their first interlocutor. Double operation with Udinese: there’s the box-to-box midfielder along with the defender.
Napoli, Khalaili blocked
Roma, Gasp is in a hurry
Pulisic: Milan at stake
Julian, shock offer
Juve, Dibu saves
Principle of agreement with the Argentine: three-year contract worth 5m per season. He’s Spalletti’s first target. Now Aston Villa must be convinced; they ask for 10m. Palmisani (Frosinone) is being followed. Sorloth promised himself.
Tuttosport
De Biasi launches the new coach, one of his ex-players, with a message for the club
‘Toro if you have Abate’s ambition…’
‘Hand off Yildiz.’
Arsenal move for Kenan. Juve: ‘He’s not for sale.’
The Gunners can offer up to 100m, but the Bianconeri’s refusal follows Comolli’s promise: ‘Kenan is not for sale.’ The player is happy to stay. The algorithm says Kessié, Spalletti would like something different in midfield. Wait for Brahim. Goal: Dibu Martinez advances.
Sorloth & Co. ‘Us World Cup.’
Juventus relaunch with Atletico for the hitman who has big dreams in the USA alongside Haaland.
Atletico-Real: Alvarez controversy
Glasner says yes to Milan, so many insults for Ibra!
The new coach is incoming from Crystal Palace. Zlatan ‘reporting’ from the World Cup infuriates the fans.
Solet, Inter push: 20m plus add-ons
Atta is the alternative to Jones. Palestra too expensive? There’s Ndoye of Nottingham.
Liverpool's teenage forward Rio Ngumoha will leave the England camp after making a major impression on Thomas Tuchel and his international team-mates.
The 17-year-ole, who is not in England's 26-man squad for the World Cup, was named man of the match for his debut performance as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-0 warm-up win over New Zealand.
England play their final pre-tournament friendly on Wednesday against Costa Rica - and it will be interesting to see if Tuchel selects Ngumoha again, especially as there will be a full squad to choose from following the arrivals of Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Ngumoha was only meant to participate in training, however Tuchel had been so impressed he felt compelled to play him during the first warm-up match.
That performance had led to assertions that Ngumoha should have been in Tuchel's thinking before now, either included in the final 26 or first in-line for a call-up should a player be injured before the tournament starts.
However, because Ngumoha was not included in Tuchel's initial 55-man squad for the tournament, he cannot be drafted in as an injury replacement.
Ultimately, the German was working with such a small and condensed body of work when it came to Ngumoha. The London-born forward made just 10 senior starts last season for Liverpool.
It is understood there was some dissatisfaction over his level of game time under former manager Arne Slot - so, had he played more, could he have forced his way into Tuchel's plans?
If there were frustrations over his game time last season, he may well be placated by the departure of Mohamed Salah and the arrival of Andoni Iraola.
The former Bournemouth manager has shown a willingness to rely on younger players, with Eli Junior Kroupi, Rayan and Dean Hujisen all proof of the Spaniard's faith in youth.
Nevertheless, Ngumoha will be confident of linking up with Tuchel again when England begin their Uefa Nations League campaign in September.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — As the clock ticks down to the Netherlands' opening World Cup match, soccer fans are gripped once more by orange fever.
Nowhere is the mood of euphoric optimism that descends on parts of this country every time its national team plays at a World Cup more glaringly obvious than on the Marktweg in The Hague, where the local community comes together to crush as much orange as possible into virtually every square inch of their street.
From the thousands of tiny flags fluttering above the road to the facades of houses, trees and streetlights, everything is orange, apart from the few places that choose to display the red, white and blue of the Netherlands' flag.
Depictions of lions — another national symbol — abound, many of them wearing the striking orange soccer shirt of the team known simply as “Oranje” — the Dutch word for orange.
Over the years, this epicenter of orange has become a popular destination for fans and an event that draws together neighbors who spend weeks transforming their street.
“So far, we haven’t encountered anyone who said ‘we don’t like it’ or complain about it," organizer Danny van Dijk told The Associated Press on a visit Tuesday. "Up to now, we’ve only heard positive things.”
In a nod to an accommodation option often chosen by Dutch soccer fans, a single small red, white and blue caravan stands at an intersection surrounded by orange mesh and carrying a banner identifying it as the “Hague Orange Campsite.”
It will become a focal point for fans who aren't traveling to the United States, where the Netherlands opens its Group F campaign against Japan on Sunday in Dallas, then plays Sweden in Houston on June 20 and completes its group stage against Tunisia six days later in Kansas City.
The country's king, queen and crown princess will be in Houston for the Sweden match — and will watch Curaçao, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, play Ecuador. The national color is a consequence of the royals' family name — Oranje-Nassau.
For a small nation of some 18 million, the Netherlands has often punched above its weight at the World Cup, reaching the final three times — 1974, 1978 and 2010 — but never winning the title.
If there were a world cup for street decorators, the residents of Marktweg would be serious contenders.
“The street is beautifully decorated. All that orange. That must have been a huge task," said Rob van Rosmalen, an amateur photographer who visited the street Tuesday. “And it’s great that all the neighbors are working together like that seems to me that’s good for the neighborhood atmosphere.”
F2 star Leonardo Fornaroli will be making his debut in F1 on Friday, taking over Lando Norris’ spot to get experience on the grid.
Fornaroli won the F2 championship in 2025 after winning the F3 title the year before, making him one of the biggest gems in the sport.
McLaren jumped at the chance to sign him to their academy, adding youth to the racing team and a future option.
This will be his first official session in F1, with him having run multiple tests in cars over the years. He hopes to give Lando Norris as much feedback as possible.
May 23, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) during Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada sprint race at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
“I’m very excited to drive the MCL40 this weekend in the Barcelona-Catalunya FP1 session,” Fornaroli said.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to help the team with their preparations and to work through the planned Friday programme. This is going to be a very important mission for me because it’s going to be my first official Formula 1 session. It’s something I’ve worked through for a long time, so very excited for it.
“All the experience I’ve gained through the previous TPC days so far were very important for my development, so a big thank you to Zak, Andrea, and Alessandro, and to all the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. Can’t wait for this weekend!”
What are Fornaroli’s chances of breaking into F1?
Getting a drive in F1 is based on multiple factors beyond just merit. A driver needs a spot to open up at the right time and then to get enough financial backing to make it worthwhile.
At McLaren, Lando Norris looks to be settled with the team, along with Oscar Piastri, who is also secured on a long-term contract.
McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) during the Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
However, things in this sport change quite quickly. Piastri has been rumored as a possible Max Verstappen replacement at Red Bull if the Dutchman leaves.
Additionally, Norris has long been regarded as a star in the sport, with interest certain to come his way if he ever agitates for a move.
A move from either party looks unlikely, but a team can never be too comfortable, making the development of Fornaroli an important one to watch, as other lower-level teams could take a chance on his talent with an impressive session.
(Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Bayern Munich faithful will not be hearing the end of Real Madrid attempting to poach Michael Olise until the end of the transfer window. However, the latest reports indicate that Los Blancos and their new-old President will be unwelcome no matter the mammoth compensation figures involved.
Per Sky’s Florian Plettenberg (via @iMiaSanMia), Real Madrid continue to nurse their insatiable obsession with Michael Olise. A rumored €150m offer, and the Madridistas are already trembling with hype. The reaction in Munich is a completely different picture. The report indicates that while the figures and the bid for Olise are still uncertain, they do not matter to the Bayern bosses. No monetary number or number of bids can convince the club to sell their prized asset.
Is there a “right price” for Olise ?
The Bayern bosses have made clear on multiple occasions that Olise is here to stay. But, realistically speaking, Real Madrid is capable of pulling blinding figures should they choose to. Florentino Perez has been re-elected on the back of a campaign promising massive signings. Suppose he is hell bent on seeing the Frenchman in white, it would not be beyond him to cough up €200m, €250m or even more. What turn would this saga take then ? Regardless of the climax of this saga, the club management will have a huge test in setting an example regarding Bayern’s image as a destination club.
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…
CM Punk has been away from WWE for some time despite main eventing Night 2 of WrestleMania.
Punk and Roman stole the show at Mania 42, putting on what was arguably the match of the night.
However, he has been absent from WWE since April and speculation as to why that is the case has been rife.
There has been a suggestion that creative have no plans for the former World Heavyweight Champion, but WrestleVotes are now claiming he has simply been given some well-earned time off.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
CM Punk given a well-deserved rest
Speaking via Fightful’s Patreon, as quoted by Ringside News, WrestleVotes explained: “It’s a well-deserved rest for a guy who’s been going, outside of injury, for three straight years.
“Just main evented WrestleMania, get a little time off. He’ll be back in no time, right back at the top of the card. It is not true they have no plans for CM Punk.”
WWE’s next Premium Live Event takes place at the end of this month, but at present, Punk is not being advertised for Night of Champions.
Following said event, which will include the King and Queen of the Ring finals plus Cody Rhodes and more, SummerSlam will take place in the first week of August.
Given that it is one of WWE’s flagship PLEs, it would make sense for Punk to return ahead of time and be featured on the show.
Exactly what he will do remains to be seen, but making a potential match with Rhodes for the title would make some sense.
However, that may depend on who wins King of the Ring and which title they decide to go after at August’s PLE.
But regardless, fans will probably be keen to have CM Punk back on WWE TV as soon as possible, given the lack of top, top stars we are currently seeing on the weekly show.
Sale had won the most Prem games (38) in the three seasons before this one [Getty Images]
For the previous three seasons, Sale Sharks have flown the flag as the northern powerhouse of English club rugby.
But this current campaign has left Sale battered and bruised and those foundations severely tested.
"It was the longest, hardest, most challenging season I've ever had," director of rugby Alex Sanderson admitted.
They eventually ended it in seventh after winning only five of their 18 Prem matches, leaving them a whopping 27 points adrift of the play-off spots.
With no consecutive league wins all season and just one victory on the road, the 2025-26 version of the Sharks was unlike what had been on show before.
Yet is it the start of a decline or just a blip in the road for Sale?
The north-west club won their only title in 2006, with stars such as Jason Robinson and Sebastian Chabal. Since replacing Steve Diamond as director of rugby in early 2021, Sanderson, a former Sale player, has been attempting to recreate that success.
They reached the final again in 2023 only to lose to Saracens at Twickenham, and were beaten semi-finalists in the play-offs in both 2024 and 2025.
No other team matched that consistency as Sale were the only ones to finish in the top four in each of those campaigns, with their 38 wins the most of any team during the regular season.
They could not quite make the biggest leap of all, but they were firmly ensconced in the upper echelons.
With two wins from their opening three games in the 2025-26 season, it looked likely to be more of the same from Sale, but from then on, the wheels came off.
It started with a 65-14 drubbing away to Saracens in October as teenage wing Noah Caluori ran in five tries on his first Prem start.
But it was a surprise 27-26 home loss to Exeter Chiefs in November that hinted at trouble ahead as the hosts gave up a 20-point lead early in the second half to succumb to their first home defeat of the season.
The CorpAcq Stadium has been a source of strength for Sale, but this season they lost more games there than they won. A home defeat by Northampton Saints in January effectively ended their top-four hopes with eight games still to play.
In 2026, they suffered the heaviest losses in the club's history - a 77-7 smashing away to star-studded French giants Toulouse in the Champions Cup in January, and an 85-19 humiliation at home by Saracens in April as Caluori helped himself to five more tries.
Success at Harlequins six days after that debacle was Sale's only away victory in The Prem and gave them some breathing space in guaranteeing a top-eight spot and a Champions Cup place for next season.
But giving up leads to lose at both Gloucester and Newcastle Red Bulls - two of the three sides to finish below them - in the final weeks of the campaign showed Sale had lost the hard winning edge of previous campaigns.
Sale shipped 10 tries to Saracens winger Noah Caluori alone in two Prem games this season [Getty Images]
As befits a campaign that has gone badly astray, injuries have played a key part.
Sale's England core have nearly all spent significant stretches on the treatment table and been unavailable for selection.
Back-row twins Tom and Ben Curry, winger Tom Roebuck, Asher Opoku-Fjordjour, and in recent weeks, fellow front-rowers Bevan Rodd and Luke Cowan-Dickie, have all missed large chunks of action.
The coaching front has also been affected. Marco Bortolami left his job as head coach in December after just six months at the club, while defence coach Byron McGuigan started a job share with England in October before leaving Sale in March.
Sanderson said he had been tested in a way he had not experienced before, but with the support of owner Simon Orange, he had real conviction that things would turn around.
"In the tough times, the adversity, you get to see who stands up in terms of leaders," Sanderson said.
"Young lads have to step up, which they did, and you realise who's in your corner and for what reasons.
"For all of those things, I'm really grateful, for learning the lessons the hard way and I'm very positive about the future."
Sale have strengthened their squad for next season by signing England internationals Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski, along with Wales front-row pair Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis, to add experience and ease the pressure on the club's promising homegrown players.
Alex Sanderson has been in charge of Sale for five and a half years [Getty Images]
'Bright future'
While it looks bad at the moment, Sale can take solace in the fact that all of this season's Prem top four have had bleak years in the recent past.
Just 12 months ago, Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs were eighth and ninth respectively. Leicester Tigers were down in eighth two years ago, while Bath propped up the entire division in 2022.
And it is how those clubs have bounced back, as well as coping with what has happened this season, that provides Sanderson with belief for an on-field upturn.
"To some degree, you have to hit rock bottom to learn," he told BBC Sport.
"It has to really hurt and really matter for all the changes you have to make when you're at that end of the table. It puts you in good stead moving forward.
"So I do think this season will be defining for us, not for the losses, but for how bright the future is going to be."
Samsung Electronics is playing the long game in the semiconductor industry, and doing it in a big way. According to the latest report from CEO Score (via @SemiconductorsX), Samsung spent a massive $65 billion in 2025 on factories and research & development. That’s the highest amount among the world’s top 10 chip companies. Just for comparison, Samsung outspent TSMC (the current leader) by more than $15 billion.
Here’s the top 5:
Samsung Electronics: $65 billion
TSMC: ~$50 billion
Intel: ~$29 billion
SK Hynix: ~$25 billion
NVIDIA: ~$25 billion
What makes this really impressive is that Samsung kept spending huge amounts of money even in 2023, when the chip market was bad, and its profits had dropped sharply. Samsung clearly believes that the companies that invest and build strong foundations today will win in the future.
This massive $65 billion investment is mainly going toward:
Stronger memory chips (especially HBM used in AI servers)
Better advanced manufacturing (like its new 2nm process)
New future technologies
In the AI era, having enough factory capacity and the best research is very important. Samsung is clearly preparing for long-term leadership.
In simple words, Samsung is very serious about competing with TSMC and taking full advantage of the huge AI demand. The results may not come immediately, but big long-term investments like this often decide which company becomes the leader in the chip industry in the future.
Samsung is betting big on the future. We will have to wait and see if it works, but one thing is clear: Samsung is not holding back at all.
Football fans, take note! For the 2026 World Cup, TORRAS and the Portuguese Football Federation are presenting an exclusive smartphone case in Portugal's colors.
Telegram has introduced a fully new native app for the Apple Watch. The release comes years after the messaging platform discontinued its original watchOS app, bringing dedicated smartwatch support back to the platform.
In an X post, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced the messaging client's return to the Apple Watch.
The new Telegram app for Apple Watch offers text and voice messages support. It also allows users to share GIFs, watch videos, share location, and stickers. The app also lets users access all their conversations and contacts.
After installing the app on an Apple...
We recently learned about the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's charging speeds, as they have been 3C certified. Both smartwatches will support 10W charging, which is the same as their predecessors. While Samsung isn't offering any charging-speed upgrades for its upcoming smartwatches, a new report claims the Korean brand will pack a larger battery into the Watch Ultra 2.
According to SamMobile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will be fueled by a battery with a rated capacity of 784 mAh, which could be advertised as having a typical capacity of 800 mAh. That's a nice...
Logitech today solved a major pain point for traveling professionals with the introduction of Mobi Fold and Mobi Fold for Business. As Logitech's first foldable mouse, Mobi Fold is engineered to allow users to reclaim their full productivity potential with comfort, whether they are in an airport lounge, a bustling cafe, or a hotel lobby.
For the modern professional, work is no longer anchored to a desk, it happens in the "in-between" spaces. However, Logitech research reveals a frustrating reality: while 72% of professionals own a mouse, only 26% actually use one when working in public places. The primary barriers aren't a lack of desire for precision and comfort, but rather the "bulk and friction" of traditional tools that don't fit into a pocket or are too heavy for a bag. This "On-the-Go Productivity Gap" forces millions to rely on restrictive laptop trackpads, slowing down workflows and increasing frustration.
StartupSubmit manually lists your startup on 60 to 220+ high-authority directories like Product Hunt, G2, and BetaList to build quality backlinks, raise domain rating, and grow organic traffic. A team of human specialists handles every submission without bots and delivers a transparent report with live links and screenshots. Choose from plans with domain rating guarantees and fast turnaround, and add optional Reddit/X outreach to capture high-intent demand while you focus on building.
AutoDoc is a local-first Windows app that documents workflows as you perform them by capturing screenshots of every action, resolving UI elements into clear, step-by-step instructions, and building professional SOPs entirely on your hardware. It offers the speed of modern automation with the security of local data ownership. Use the timeline editor to refine narration, reorder steps, and add notes. Upgrade to Pro for PII masking, watermark-free exports, branding presets, bulk export, sharing packs, and collaborative team libraries via shared folders.
British welterweight title hopeful Conor Benn is expected to challenge Ryan Garcia for the WBC belt in the coming months, and there is now another champion in the division calling for a showdown with ‘The Destroyer’. Despite not fighting in the 147lbs ranks since April 2022, Benn is positioned as the WBC’s mandatory challenger, with […]
Jesse Rodriguez has now vacated his super-flyweight world titles ahead of his bantamweight debut. ‘Bam’ Rodriguez had picked up three of the four major titles at 115lbs and previously said it was his goal to become undisputed. Ahead of facing Antonio Vargas this weekend in Glendale, Arizona, he has vacated the belts, as revealed by […]
Mauro Icardi için Arjantin'den Racing Club iddiası bombası patladı.
Galatasaray formasıyla sergilediği performansla taraftarın sevgilisi olan Mauro Icardi’nin, ülkesinin köklü kulüplerinden Racing Club’a transfer olabileceği ileri sürüldü.
Ünlü gazeteci Juan Etchegoyen’in Mitre Live programında paylaştığı bu iddia, hem spor hem de magazin basınında adeta şok etkisi yarattı.
Söylentilerin arkasındaki en güçlü figür, Inter Milan efsanesi ve Racing Club’ın başkanı Diego Milito. İtalya yıllarından bu yana Mauro Icardi ile çok yakın ve köklü bir ilişkisi bulunan Milito'nun, bu transfer için bizzat devreye girdiği belirtildi. Gelen bilgilere göre Milito, Icardi ile ilk teması kurdu ve golcü oyuncu da Arjantin’in bu dev kulübünde oynamaya sıcak bakıyor.
TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, milli takımın turnuvadaki hedefini açıkladı. İlk maçta Avustralya'yı devirmek istediklerini belirtti.
TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, milli takımın önündeki kritik turnuva öncesi iddialı ve temkinli açıklamalarda bulundu. Takımın hedeflerine dair net bir rota çizen Hacıosmanoğlu, turnuvaya galibiyetle başlamanın önemine vurgu yaptı.
- Hedefimiz belli ama adım adım gitmek lazım. İlk maçımız Avustralya ile. Oradan galibiyetle ayrılmak istiyoruz. Gruptan lider çıkmanın ne kadar avantajlı olduğunu biliyoruz. Allah nasip ederse gruptan lider çıkıp yolumuza devam edeceğiz.
Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, Avrupa devlerinin radarındaki sarı-kırmızılı yıldızların geleceği ve dünya çapındaki golcü Victor Osimhen hakkında ezber bozan açıklamalar yaptı.
Galatasaray Kulübü Başkanı Dursun Özbek, sarı-kırmızılı oyunculara gelen transfer teklifleri ve dünya yıldızı Victor Osimhen’in geleceği hakkında çok konuşulacak açıklamalarda bulundu. Sabah gazetesine konuşan Özbek, Osimhen transferinin perde arkasını anlatırken taraftara da müjdeli haberi verdi.
Galatasaraylı futbolculara Avrupa'nın dev kulüplerinden resmi teklifler olup olmadığı yönündeki soruya yanıt veren Özbek, başarılı oyuncuların dikkat çekmesinin normal olduğunu belirtti:
- Galatasaray'da başarılı olan her oyuncunun Avrupa'nın önemli kulüplerinin radarına girmesi çok doğaldır. Bu, kulübümüzün doğru işler yaptığını gösterir. Ancak bizim önceliğimiz Galatasaray'ın menfaatidir.
Transfer piyasasının en gözde isimlerinden biri olan Victor Osimhen ile ilgili net bir duruş sergileyen Başkan Özbek, yıldız golcüyü bırakmaya niyetleri olmadığını vurguladı:
- Osimhen dünya çapında bir oyuncu ve burada mutlu. Bizim Osimhen'i satmak gibi bir niyetimiz yok.
Son dönemde yapılan transferler arasında en büyük riskin hangisi olduğu sorulması üzerine, kurucu Ali Sami Yen’in gösterdiği "Avrupa'da başarılı olma" hedefini hatırlatan Özbek, Osimhen transferinin sanıldığı gibi bir "kumar" olmadığını ifade etti:
- Biz hiçbir transferi macera olsun diye yapmıyoruz. Sportif katkı, karakter, mali yapı ve takım dengesini birlikte değerlendirip ilerliyoruz. Bu açıdan bakınca Osimhen herkesin imkânsız dediği ama bizim detaylı bir şekilde hesapladığımız, planladığımız bir transferdi. Osimhen'in yaptığı katkıyı da hepimiz görüyoruz.
Galatasaray'ın tecrübeli kalecisi Günay Güvenç, takım içindeki 'gizli kaptanlık' rolünün şifrelerini çözdü.
Galatasaray’ın tecrübeli file bekçisi Günay Güvenç, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün YouTube Katıl kanalına verdiği özel röportajda takım içindeki liderlik rolüne ve soyunma odasının şifrelerine dair ezber bozan açıklamalarda bulundu.
Saha içinde ve dışında takımın "gizli kaptanlarından" biri olarak görülen ve özellikle kötü sonuçların ardından sorumluluk almasıyla dikkat çeken başarılı kaleci, futbol dünyasındaki dayanışmanın önemine vurgu yaptı.
- İyi olunca herkes orada zaten ağabey. İyi oynayan futbolcunun yanına da gitmem, zaten herkes arıyor. Performansı iyi olmayınca asıl destek lazım oluyor.
- Ben de biraz o tarafa çalışıyorum. Futbolun o soyunma odası faktörü çok büyük ve önemli. Kimin nasıl konuştuğu, kimin daha çok motive edebilme gücü var, kimin daha az var.
- Aynı zamanda performans da vermek zorundasın. Yardımcı olmak yani. Öyle bir spor yapıyoruz ki hata yapma payımız çok az. O yüzden en az hatayı yapmak istiyoruz.
Galatasaray'ın tecrübeli joker oyuncusu Kaan Ayhan, sarı-kırmızılıların şampiyonluk yolculuğundaki kırılma anını açıkladı.
Galatasaray'ın tecrübeli futbolcusu Kaan Ayhan, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün YouTube Katıl kanalına verdiği özel röportajda sezonun şampiyonluk hikayesine ve takımın dönüm noktalarına dair samimi açıklamalarda bulundu. Kendisine yöneltilen "Sezonun kırılma anı neydi?" sorusuna içtenlikle yanıt veren Ayhan, ezeli rakipleri Fenerbahçe'ye karşı deplasmanda aldıkları galibiyete vurgu yaptı.
- Çok maç oldu. Herkes Fener maçını demiştir, aklımızdan geçmiştir. Ama ilk Liverpool maçında şampiyonluk için erkendi ama takım gücü, bizi nereye götürebileceğini hafiften belli etti. Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde aldığımız galibiyetler var ama Fenerbahçe'yi 3-0 yendiğimiz maç. Fener galibiyeti çok büyük sinyal oldu yani.
A Milli Takım Kaptanı Hakan Çalhanoğlu, çocukluk yıllarına dair çok konuşulacak bir itirafta bulundu.
A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın kaptanı Hakan Çalhanoğlu, çocukluk yıllarından ay-yıldızlı formanın kaptanlığına uzanan büyüleyici yolculuğunu samimi ifadelerle özetledi.
Yıldız futbolcu, Türk futbol tarihinin en unutulmaz dönemlerinden biri olan 2002 Dünya Kupası'na dair hafızalarından silinmeyen bir anısını aktardı.
- Dünya Kupası maçlarını hep camide izlerdim. İlhan Mansız’ın (Senegal'e) attığı o tarihi altın golü dün gibi hatırlıyorum.
- Küçükken televizyondan hayranlıkla izliyorsun, şimdi ise o sahadasın; üstelik takımın kaptanı olarak görev yapıyorsun. Bu gerçekten anlatmakla bitirilecek bir duygu değil, tamamen yaşamak lazım.
Galatasaray'ın başarılı savunma bakanı Davinson Sanchez, şampiyonluğun kırılma noktalarını açıklarken, sarı-kırmızılı taraftarları heyecanlandıracak transfer mesajını verdi.
Galatasaray'ın Kolombiyalı stoperi Davinson Sanchez, GS YouTube Katıl kanalına özel açıklamalarda bulundu. Sarı-kırmızılı taraftarların merak ettiği "Gelecekte ne olacak?" ve "Şampiyonluk inancı ne zaman başladı?" sorularına içtenlikle yanıt veren başarılı savunmacı, sarı-kırmızılı camiaya uzun yıllar hizmet etmek istediğinin mesajını verdi.
- Kırılma anları vardı. Bunlardan biri Beşiktaş deplasmanındaki maçtı. Ve tabii ki kendi evimizde, şampiyonluk için bize meydan okuyan asıl rakibimize karşı oynadığımız o son maç...
- Şu an için ve umarım uzun bir süre daha. Bu sezondan sonra 3 sezonum daha var. Ailem burada mutlu, ben mutluyum. Bu renkleri taşımaktan dolayı çok gururluyum. Kendimi sağlıklı hissediyorum ve bu forma için daha fazlasını verebilecek enerjiye sahibim. Burada kalmak ve takımı ileriye taşımaya devam etmek istiyorum.
Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, Fatih Tekke'nin kadro planlamasında yer almayan Arda Öztürk'ün geleceğine dair çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu:
- Beşiktaş'tan teklif oldu, önümüzdeki dönem göreceğiz.
Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, genç oyuncu Arda Öztürk’ün geleceğine dair çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu. Oyuncunun kadro planlamasındaki durumuna açıklık getiren Doğan, transfer tekliflerini de doğruladı.
- Arda Öztürk kararı teknik bir karar. Teknik direktörümüz Fatih Tekke’nin kadroda düşünmediği bir isim.
- Beşiktaş’tan teklif oldu, başka takımlardan da teklif var. Önümüzdeki dönem göreceğiz.
Futbola memleketi Diyarbakır'da (Diyarbakır DSİ Spor) başlayan Arda, 2022 yılında Trabzonspor Futbol Akademisi'ne transfer oldu. Bordo-mavili ekibin U16, U17 ve U19 takımlarında gelişim gösterdi.
Trabzonspor U19 takımıyla iki kez U19 Süper Lig Şampiyonluğu yaşadı. Son sezonda U19 formasıyla çıktığı 30 maçta bir stoper olmasına rağmen 4 gol ve 1 asistlik dikkat çeken bir skor katkısı verdi.
Türkiye alt yaş milli takımlarında da görev yapan genç stoper, U18 ve U19 seviyelerinde toplamda 20 kez Ay-Yıldızlı formayı terletti.
Trabzonspor, kupayı getiren eldiveni André Onana'yı takımda tutmak için gemileri yaktı! Başkan Ertuğrul Doğan'ın "İstediği rakamı verdik" dediği transferde Manchester United ile yapılan maaş protokolünün detayları belli oldu.
Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, transfer gündemine ve takımdaki geleceği merak edilen isimlere dair çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu. A Spor’a konuşan Başkan Doğan, adı transfer iddialarıyla anılan bordo-mavili futbolcu Onana’nın takımda kalacağına inandığını belirtti.
- Onana'nın kalacağını düşünüyorum. Maddi konularda istediği rakamı verdik. Taraftar da seviyor. Biz de seviyoruz. Çok kaliteli de bir insan. Takıma çok sahip çıkan birisi. Sıkıntı yaşayacağımızı düşünmüyorum. O da Trabzon'u sevdi. Ben böyle bir ilgiyi kolay kolay dünyanın başka yerinde bulacağını düşünmüyorum. Dolayısıyla kalacağını düşünüyorum.
Onana, İngiltere'de haftalık 120.000 Sterlin, yıllık ise yaklaşık 6.2 Milyon Sterlin (yaklaşık 7.3 Milyon Euro) garanti ücret kazanıyor. Manchester United’ın Premier Lig'de ilk 5'e girerek Şampiyonlar Ligi vizesi alması sebebiyle, Onana'nın sözleşmesindeki özel madde gereği Temmuz ayından itibaren maaşına otomatik bir zam yapılması gerekiyor. Kırmızı Şeytanlar, kadroda düşünmedikleri ve yüksek maliyetli bu oyuncuyu tamamen elden çıkarmak ya da en azından maaş yükünden kurtulmak istiyor.
Trabzonspor'un, oyuncunun bonservisini doğrudan almak için Manchester United'a FFP limitleri dahilinde, başarı bonusları içeren 5-6 Milyon Euro civarında bir teklif paketi sunabileceği konuşuluyor. Ancak İngiliz ekibinin bu rakamı doğrudan kabul etmesi beklenmiyor.
Sürecin tıpkı geçen sezon olduğu gibi 1 yıl daha kiralama formülüyle çözülmesi masadaki en sıcak seçenek. Manchester United, oyuncunun sonraki yıllarda değer kaybetmemesi ve vitrinde kalması için Trabzonspor'a yeniden kiralamaya sıcak bakıyor.
Fenerbahçe'de mazbatasını almaya hazırlanan Başkan Aziz Yıldırım, yeni dönemin ilk büyük transfer bombasını patlatıyor.
Mazbatasını bugün almaya hazırlanan Başkan Aziz Yıldırım, yeni dönemin ilk büyük hamlesini Vedat Muriqi ile yapacak. Transfer bombacısı Fabrizio Romano, sarı-lacivertli kulübün Kosovalı santrforun transferi için kulübüyle kesin anlaşmaya vardığını duyurdu.
Transfer, 15 milyon euro karşılığında neticelendirildi. Sarı-lacivertli kulüp, bu bedeli 3 yıla yayılan vadelerle ödeyecek.Yapılan kontrata, oyuncunun bir sonraki transferinden elde edilecek kazancın %10'unun eski kulübüne ödenmesini içeren bir madde eklendi.
Süper Lig'i yakından tanıyan ve daha önce de Fenerbahçe forması giyen deneyimli golcünün transfer işlemlerinin hızla tamamlanması bekleniyor. Edinilen bilgilere göre Muriqi, bir hafta içinde İstanbul’a gelerek sağlık kontrolünden geçecek ve ardından kendisini sarı-lacivertli renklere bağlayan resmi sözleşmeye imza atacak.
Mallorca sabit 8 milyon Euro artı transfer ücretinin kalan 7 milyon Euro'sunun yüzde 55'ini, yani 3,85 milyon Euro'yu alacak. Toplamda İspanyoş kulübünün kasasına 11,85 milyon Euro girecek.
Lazio bu transferden edilen karın %45'ini, yani 3,15 milyon Euro'yu elinde tutacak. İspanyol kulübü ayrıca Muriqi'nin gelecekteki herhangi bir satışından da %10 pay alacak.
Mallorca başlangıçta 18 milyon Euro fiyat belirlemişti , ancak maaş yükünü azaltma ihtiyacı ve 32 yaşındaki forvet için rekabetin olmaması nihai rakamı düşürdü.
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü'nde başkanlık geçiş sürecinin yaşandığı ve idari olarak koltuğun resmiyette boş kaldığı tarihi günde, voleybol şubesinden gövde gösterisi geldi.
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü, idari anlamda tarihi bir geçiş döneminden geçiyor. Sadettin Saran yönetiminin ayrıldığı, kongreyi kazanan yeni başkan Aziz Yıldırım’ın ise henüz mazbatasını alarak resmi olarak göreve başlamadığı "ara dönemde", sarı-lacivertli kulübün kurumsal hafızası ve profesyonel kadroları operasyonlara hız kesmeden devam etti. Fenerbahçe Medicana, resmiyet pürüzlerinin ve idari geçişin sürdüğü saatlerde adeta gövde gösterisi yaparak hem kadın hem erkek voleybol takımlarına 5’er olmak üzere toplam 10 yeni transferi peş peşe açıkladı.
Sarı Melekler, unvanını korumak ve Avrupa'da zirveye çıkmak için kadrosuna şu 5 ismi dahil etti:
- Chiaka Ogbogu
- Sinead Jack-Kısal
- Brenda Castillo
- Saliha Şahin
- Kübra Akman
Efeler Ligi’nde şampiyonluk kupasını hedefleyen ve adeta sil baştan bir kadro kuran Fenerbahçe Medicana Erkek Voleybol Takımı ise şu 5 yıldızı renklerine bağladı:
Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, Sabah gazetesinden Murat Özbostan ve Levent Tüzemen'in sorularını yanıtladı. Özbek, Osimhen'den Icardi'ye, Okan Buruk'un yeni sözleşmesinden projelere kadar birçok konuda açıklama yaptı.
A Milli Takım, 14 Haziran sabahı TSİ 07.00'de 2026 Dünya Kupası'ndaki ilk maçına Avustralya karşısında çıkacak. Ay-yıldızlı ekipte sakatlıkları bulunan Ferdi Kadıoğlu ve Kenan Yıldız'ın durumu belli oldu.
Paris FC'nin N'Golo Kante için Fenerbahçe'ye yeni bir teklif sunduğu iddia edilirken, sarı-lacivertli yönetimin yıldız oyuncunun geleceğiyle ilgili kararını henüz vermediği öğrenildi.
Jhon Duran'ın kiralık transferi için Al Nassr ve oyuncu ile anlaşan sarı-kırmızılılar daha iyi bir isim bulamazsa 22 yaşındaki golcüyü kadrosuna katacak.
Fenerbahçe'de Aziz Yıldırım'ın başkanlığa gelmesinin ardından sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin son olarak Uruguaylı tecrübeli stoper Jose Maria Gimenez'i radara aldığı öğrenildi.
Aziz Yıldırım yönetimindeki Fenerbahçe, transferde ses getirecek hamleler için düğmeye bastı. Sarı-lacivertlilerin gündemine giren Real Madrid'in yıldızı Brahim Diaz için önümüzdeki günlerde resmi temasların başlaması bekleniyor.
“The same insider trade that improves the accuracy of the price today can reduce the participation that makes the price informative tomorrow,” said Balbinder Singh Gill.
Kalshi has introduced mandatory employer disclosures for certain traders and expanded its market surveillance program after reporting more than 150 investigations, over 100 blocked insider-trading attempts, and 20 law-enforcement referrals during the first quarter of 2026. According to a company…
The anonymous security researcher going by the name Chaotic Eclipse (aka Nightmare-Eclipse) has released a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for yet another Microsoft Defender zero-day named RoguePlanet.
"The exploit is a race condition, so it's a hit or miss," the researcher, who published the exploit under a new GitHub account, "MSNightmare" said. "I have managed to get a 100% success rate on
“Şalke”nin 32 yaşlı almaniyalı əsas qapıçısı Loris Karuis “şaxtaçılar”la 2027-ci ilin yayında başa çatacaq müqaviləsinin müddətini uzadıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Kariusun əcnəbi klublardan təklifləri olsa da, o, Almaniya Bundesliqasına qayıtmış “Şalke”də qalmağa qərar verib.
Tərəflər arasında imzalanmış yeni müqavilənin müddəti 2028-ci ilin 30 iyununadək nəzərdə tutulub.
Xatırladaq ki, Loris Karius peşəkar karyerasına Almaniyanın “Maynts” klubunda başlayıb. O, 2016-cı ildə məhz bu klubdan “Liverpul”a transfer olunub. Amma alman qolkiper İngiltərə nəhəngində əsas heyət oyunçusuna çevrilə bilməyib. 2018-2020-ci illərdə Türkiyənin “Beşiktaş” klubunda icarədə oynamış Karius, 2020/21 mövsümündə “Union Berlin”də icarədə olub. 2022-2024-cü illər aralığında “Nyukasl”da çıxış etmiş alman qolkiper 2025-ci ilin yanvarından “Şalke”də forma geyinir. 32 yaşlı qapıçı bu komandanın heyətində bütövlükdə 35 oyuna çıxıb, 33 qol buraxıb, 14 matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.
Karius Almaniyanın U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, U-20 və U-21 yığmalarında forma geyinsə də, əsas millidə debüt şansı qazanmayıb.
“Yuventus” heyətini yeni qapıçı ilə gücləndirməyə hazırlaşır.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Turin təmsilçisi “Aston Villa”dan Emiliano Martineslə anlaşıb. Bu barədə Canluka Di Marzio məlumat yayıb. “Yuventus” argentinalı qolkiperlə 3 illik müqavilə imzalayacaq.
33 yaşlı qapıçı 2022-ci ildə milli komanda ilə dünya çempionu olub. Martines başa çatan mövsümdə “Aston Villa”nın heyətində Avropa Liqasını qazanıb.
“Sabah” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirib. “Bayquşlar” Cənubi Afrika təmsilçisi “Kayzer Çifs”dən müdafiəçi Eden Makkartini transfer edib. 22 yaşlı oyunçu ölkəsinin milli komandasının da üzvüdür.
“Futbolpress” oyunçunun performansı haqqında hazırlanmış videoçarxı təqdim edir:
Norveç millisi dünya çempionatına 300 kq balıq və ölkənin ən tanınmış aşpazlarını aparacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə VG nəşri məlumat yayıb.
Federasiya rəhbərliyi komandanı öyrəşdikləri qidaları qəbul etməsinə davam etmək imkanı yaratmaq üçün bu addımı atıb. Skandinaviya təmsilçisi daha əvvəl Olimpiya Oyunları zamanı idmançılarına görə ölkədən ərzaq və aşpaz aparmışdı.
ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın ev sahibliyi edəcəyi mundial sabah start götürəcək. Norveç yığması Fransa, Seneqal və İraqla bir qrupda mübarizə aparacaq.
“Real” “Atletiko”nun futbolçusu Yulian Alvares üçün 150 milyon avro təklif edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “kral klubu”nun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. “Atletiko” əzəli rəqibinin təklifini rədd edib. Madrid təmsilçisi Alvaresi istəyən komandanın onun müqaviləsində olan 500 milyon avroluq sərbəstqalma məbləğini ödəməli olduğunu bildirib.
Argentina millisinin də üzvü olan hücumçunun adı “Barselona” ilə də hallanır.
Lionel Messi Argentina millisinin heyətində 117-ci qolunu vurub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, ulduz futbolçu İslandiya ilə yoldaşlıq oyununda (3:0) fərqlənib. […]
Çempionlar Liqasında mübarizə aparacaq “Sabah” heyətinə yeni futbolçu cəlb edib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, paytaxt klubu Cənubi afrikalı müdafiəçi Eyden Makkarti […]
Julian Alvarez always looked like potentially being one of the biggest stories of this summer’s transfer window, and it’s already kicked off in a major way in the last 24 hours.
The Argentina international has been a top performer for Atletico Madrid, even if his La Liga goals tally from the season just gone were a little underwhelming.
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There was always likely to be a lot of interest in Alvarez this summer, and so it’s proven as Real Madrid made the strange decision yesterday of announcing that they’d had a bid rejected for the player.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s been going on and what could happen next in this crazy Alvarez transfer saga…
Real Madrid reveal failed Julian Alvarez transfer bid
Having just won re-election as Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez seemingly followed through on his vow that he would be making a €150m bid for a ‘Galactico’ signing.
Perez sparked plenty of speculation when he made this claim about an unnamed transfer target, and this was yesterday confirmed as being Alvarez.
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“Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez,” Real Madrid said in a statement on their official site.
“After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”
Atletico Madrid hit back
Needless to say, Atletico Madrid were not too happy with how their rivals behaved here, with this first X post below simply responding with laughing emojis…
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 9, 2026
They followed this up with two more posts, with the first one reading:
“Official statement with our clarifications regarding the official statement from our neighbors @realmadriden: 1. Your video of the Pope got cut off before he said he was also an Atleti fan. 2. You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but just to be clear: we don’t thank you for anything. 3. We are neither considering nor evaluating any offer for Julián. 4. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than @FCBarcelona?”
They added in another post: “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop “stealing” players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadriden!”
Could Arsenal or Barcelona still move for Julian Alvarez?
It will be interesting to see if other clubs still move for Alvarez, who has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
In any case, if Atletico have turned down as much as €150m for the former Manchester City man, then it’s hard to see Arsenal being able to afford that.
AS previously reported on Barca looking more likely for Alvarez, but it seems Atletico are not happy with the Catalan giants either, so at this point it’s hard to see any kind of deal happening.
What are Real Madrid planning in the transfer market?
When Perez hinted at a Galactico signing, Alvarez is probably not the kind of player most fans or pundits had in mind.
Michael Olise would perhaps make more sense, and has been linked with the Spanish giants by the Telegraph and others in the last few days.
Still, if Real tried to sign Alvarez, perhaps the club will look at another major striker signing this summer, and that would surely raise questions about the future of other stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe could perhaps shift to the left-hand side to accommodate a new striker, but who knows how happy he’d be to do that? And if he did, it would mean taking Vinicius Junior’s place, which would also surely cause a whole heap of new speculation.
The Alvarez saga might not end up going any further than this, but it’s kicked off the summer transfer window in some style and its effects will be intriguing to follow from here.
Manchester City are working to secure Joško Gvardiol’s long-term future, with talks over a contract extension now underway.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, City are negotiating a new deal that would keep the Croatian defender at the Etihad until 2030, with a club option also being discussed.
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That is a strong sign of how highly City still rate him. Even after a period of change around the club, they clearly see Gvardiol as one of the defensive pillars for the next era.
His current contract runs until 2028, but City do not want to wait too long and risk outside interest becoming more serious.
Bayern and Barcelona are watching closely
The timing is important because interest from Europe has not gone away.
Bavarian Football Works reported that Bayern Munich have shown interest, with the German champions looking at defensive options who can offer both centre-back and left-sided cover.
Barcelona have also considered him, as CaughtOffside previously reported wider interest from Spain.
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That is hardly surprising. Left-footed defenders with pace, physicality and top-level experience are rare, and Gvardiol fits the modern defensive profile perfectly.
At 24, he is still nowhere near his peak. That is why City would be smart to reward him now rather than wait until Bayern or Barcelona decide to push harder.
Keeping him would be just as important as making a big signing. City are entering a new phase, and losing a defender of this quality would send the wrong message.
Bayern and Barcelona may admire him, but City hold the strongest cards. If talks continue positively, this extension would be a major statement that the club’s rebuild starts from the back.
Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Carlos Baleba has taken an interesting twist after the Brighton midfielder reportedly discussed a possible move with several United players.
According to The Sun, Baleba spoke with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha after United’s 3-0 win over Brighton at the Amex on the final day of the Premier League season.
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That might sound like a small detail, but in modern transfers, player relationships can matter. Clubs do the formal work, but conversations between players often help shape opinions.
Familiar faces could make Old Trafford move attractive
United have several personal connections that could work in their favour.
Baleba played with Leny Yoro at Lille, while he is also close to fellow Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo.
The same Sun report claims Andre Onana encouraged Baleba to pursue a move to United last year before leaving on loan for Trabzonspor.
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Patrick Dorgu was also drawn into the story when Baleba caught his attention in the mixed zone, although the left-back stayed coy when asked whether United should sign him.
That kind of reaction only adds to the noise around the situation.
His 2025/26 numbers show a mixed but useful profile. FotMob lists him with 1,662 Premier League minutes, 23 starts, 31 appearances and a 6.62 average rating.
The Guardian described Baleba as having “justified hype” at Brighton, highlighting his physicality, quality and importance to Hürzeler’s side.
Baleba would be a smart United signing if the price is realistic. He is still young, powerful and already Premier League-tested.
Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori is reportedly the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who have asked for information on a potential transfer.
It remains to be seen if the Italy international will be available, but it seems there is genuine interest from Real Madrid, with their new manager Jose Mourinho having previously worked with the player at Roma.
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According to Sky Sports, Los Blancos have made an enquiry about Calafiori’s situation, and it gives Arsenal an interesting decision to make.
The Gunners would surely prefer to keep a talent like Calafiori, but they also have to weigh up how reliable he is due to a pretty poor fitness record.
Riccardo Calafiori has shone for Arsenal, but could a sale make sense?
Calafiori has rarely put a foot wrong when he’s been on the pitch, with the 24-year-old proving a very solid defender, whilst also having quality on the ball that makes him a useful outlet further up the pitch.
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Still, he made only 19 Premier League appearances in his first season, playing just half of the club’s total matches, and that only went up to 26 appearances in the campaign just gone.
In total, Calafiori has missed 236 days with nine separate injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium, so if Real Madrid end up making a big offer, there’d surely be the temptation to accept it.
Arsenal have other options at left-back
Arsenal also have Piero Hincapie as a solid option at left-back, with the Ecuador international doing really well in his first season in north London this term.
If needed, others like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber can also fill in at left-back, so losing Calafiori probably wouldn’t be the end of the world.
We’ve previously been informed of Chelsea also eyeing up Calafiori, so it will be interesting to see if any other clubs get involved if Arsenal decide they’re open to a sale.
Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Alex Scott after his impressive season at Bournemouth, but a move does not appear to be imminent.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the midfielder is firmly on Michael Carrick’s radar, although he doubts United will push ahead right now.
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“Alex Scott is on Man United’s radar, he’s on a lot of top club’s radars,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s gone away with England before the World Cup, which is a big endorsment from Thomas Tuchel and will enhance his reputation.”
England call-up raises Scott’s profile
Scott’s reputation has grown quickly after a superb campaign on the south coast. Bournemouth are determined to keep him after he played a key role in their historic European qualification push.
FotMob lists him with 3 goals, 1 assist, 2,859 Premier League minutes and a 7.17 average rating in 2025/26.
“But from what I’m told, I wouldn’t expect to see them make a move for him at this moment, because he’s not the type of midfielder they’re currently looking for.
“They’ve agreed a deal for Ederson to come in from Atalanta, and he’s an all-action, fiery midfielder who looks like he will be the replacement for Casemiro.”
That last point matters. United are rebuilding midfield, but they seem to want more physical power and ball-winning ability.
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The Guardian reported that United still hope to sign Elliot Anderson, despite Manchester City being in the stronger position.
“They now want another midfielder as well as him, that’s why they’re being linked with Scott and other names who they have been impressed by.
“Kobbie Mainoo has come back into the side, Ederson will play alongisde him, then you’ve got Bruno Fernandes in front of them, Mason Mount at the club as well.
“But the type of midfielder they want to bring in now is somebody like Elliot Anderson. Somebody who will cover the ground, put in tackles and then progress the ball forward.
“Scott doesn’t fit that bill, I don’t think, so while he has been on their radar and I’m sure is somebody they are considering, I don’t think they’ll make a move for him right now.”
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called Scott ‘unbelievable‘ for his performance against his team.
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The talented 21-year-old has impressed during his time at Newcastle, having previously been highly-regarded during his time as a youngster at Chelsea.
It makes sense that Hall could now find himself moving back to a bigger club again, with Man Utd making him one of their top targets as they look to strengthen at left-back, according to TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils could surely do with replacing the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw, and Hall looks like he has a big future at the top level of the Premier League.
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Manchester United target Lewis Hall keen to join
With United back in the Champions League next season after their revival under Michael Carrick, it makes sense that Hall is seemingly keen on the move.
The England international supposedly sees this potential transfer as a good next step in his career, as he’s keen to play in the Champions League again after getting a taste for Europe’s top club competition with Newcastle last season, though the Magpies failed to qualify for 2026/27.
Still, it surely won’t be easy for United to persuade Newcastle to sell Hall, who is a key player likely to cost quite a lot more than his Transfermarkt value of €40m.
Then again, if the player wants the move then it could be tricky for Newcastle, who eventually ended up selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year, while Anthony Gordon recently left for Barcelona.
That’s a really good score for a player who’s already shown what he can do at this level, with plenty of time to keep improving further, with the high transfer fee the only real downside to the deal.
Man United vs AC Milan: Club announce glamour pre-season fixture
Manchester United have announced another fixture for their summer tour.
Pre-season tour
After a successful season last year, during which they finished third in the league, Manchester United will be hoping to start the new campaign with a bang.
Next week, the club will find out their Premier League schedule, and pre-season will start next month. Whilst the Red Devils have opted for international American or Asian tours in recent years, this summer will be closer to home, with a European visit planned.
On Saturday, 18th July, Manchester United will face Wrexham in Helsinki before playing Rosenborg in Norway on Friday, 24th.
They will then take on Atletico Madrid in Sweden on 1st August in the Snapdragon Cup before facing European champions Paris Saint-Germain on the 8th, also in Sweden.
They will then travel to Dublin to take on Leeds United at Croke Park on 12th August.
Final match locked in
The Red Devils have announced their final match of the pre-season tour against European royalty.
They will take on seven-time European champions AC Milan on Saturday, 15th August in Poland.
The club’s official website announced that, “the fixture will take place in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday 15 August at the Tarczynski Arena, with the kick-off time still to be decided.”
The website also provides the information that, “tickets will go on pre‑sale exclusively to all fans, including Season‑Ticket Holders, Executive Club Members and Official Members from Tuesday 9 June at 11:00 BST. General sale will commence on Saturday 13 June at 09:00 BST.”
Commenting on the announcement of the match, director of football Jason Wilcox added, “we’re excited to be concluding our pre‑season tour in Wroclaw, Poland, with a big game against AC Milan. With fixtures now confirmed across five countries and six fantastic cities, these matches will provide strong preparation for the 2026/27 season and a valuable opportunity to connect with our incredible fans across Europe. Their support will be vital as we build momentum.”
Milan finished fifth in the Serie A table last season and will be in next season’s Europa League.
The last competitive game between the two sides was in the Europa League Round of 16 match in 2021, when a Paul Pogba goal gave Manchester United a 1-0 win in the San Siro to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Caroline Weir led by example as Scotland beat Israel [Getty Images]
Head coach Melissa Andreatta says Caroline Weir would prefer her to talk about her team-mates instead, but it cannot be avoided when the Scotland captain has just scored seven goals over two games in four days.
Especially when those goals were crucial in making sure her side finished top of their Women's World Cup qualifying group - and only just ahead of Belgium.
But it was tense at times as Weir conjured up four more goals to add to her hat-trick in Friday's 6-0 thrashing of the same Israeli side.
Asked if Weir had proven again she is a bit of a superstar, Andreatta replied: "Yes, but I don't think she'll like me talking too much about her. She's quite humble.
"She'd want me to talk about her team-mates and she is so well supported by the other leaders in the group. The squad of 25 all play their part. No part is small when our goal is so big, so I think it's really been a squad effort.
"There's always a player that gives her that pass too and sets her up. She drives the standards, but she lifts others with her and that's what I'm really pleased about."
Weir is aware how much Scotland rely on her, especially with fellow midfield dynamo Erin Cuthbert being absent having picking up a long-term knee injury after scoring and setting up two goals on Friday.
"I feel a lot of responsibility," the 30-year-old admitted to BBC Scotland. "I feel responsibility in this squad as one of the more senior players, obviously, leading the team alongside other experienced players, of course.
"Like I said to you the other day, it's my dream to get to the World Cup. So I'm doing everything and anything to help the team by scoring goals and creating chances. That's what I'm there to do."
Those were much needed as Belgium piled the pressure on in Luxembourg.
"To be fair, the team wasn't that aware," Weir said. "I knew at half-time we were in a good position but kept it to myself.
"And then, towards the end of the game, Mel told me the situation. But I think we were just focused on us.
"It helped that we kept scoring in the second half. So that was keeping everyone kind of focused and, you know, not stressed.
"We knew Belgium weren't going to give it up. They've scored a lot of goals again tonight, so we knew we had to kind of be at our best and keep scoring - and that we did."
Weir has yet to reveal what the future holds for her in club football after her Real Madrid team-mates gave her a guard of honour at the end of four years with the Spanish league runners-up.
The first Scottish player to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or Feminin last year is bound to be in demand.
For now, she said "we can let our hair down for one night", have "a bit of break now and then we refocus for next season".
England or Republic to lie in wait?
Wherever she will be playing her club football next season, Weir will also now have her eyes on October and those hazardous World Cup play-offs.
As the third best League B winner behind Switzerland and Portugal, and ahead of Wales on goal difference, Scotland are ranked 19th going into the play-off draw on 24 June.
It means they avoid Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine, who finished bottom of their League A groups and instead will face one of the League B runners-up or third-placed teams - that means Albania, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, Northern Ireland, Slovakia or Turkey.
Win that two-legged play-off in October and they still have another one to traverse to reach the finals in Brazil - likely to be against one of the League A runners-up or third-placed sides.
England and Republic of Ireland are among the sides who will be favourites to progress against Group C winners.
That is a long way off and, although Weir would "kind of want to play them right now", she hopes it means Cuthbert has enough time to make her return.
"It is a massive loss for us," she said. "She's such an integral player in the squad, not only on the pitch but off the pitch. She's such a talent and such a leader.
"So we missed her tonight. We'll be hoping her rehab goes well and she'll be back, hopefully, come the play-offs."
Weir, though, was "really proud of the team" in Cuthbert's absence.
"Not just how we're scoring goals, but the ruthlessness, the mindset, the professionalism of the whole squad," she said.
As her head coach pointed out, after a tense finale, they fully deserve to be able to "draw a breath" while adding: "You've got to have a vision and you've got to have a dream and we're living it."
When Didier Deschamps became manager of France, it was so long ago that Jose Mourinho was in charge of Real Madrid - the first time around, that is. It may be more pertinent to say that Sir Alex Ferguson was at Manchester United, Sir Kenny Dalglish had just left Liverpool and Tottenham were turning to Andre Villas-Boas. Another time.
Deschamps can feel the timeless figure who has spanned eras, but one is ending. After 14 years, he is standing down. It may be after 188 games, too, if he steers France to a third consecutive World Cup final or, indeed, a third-place match. He will fall just short of Joachim Low’s record for a European manager, of almost 15 years and 198 matches at the helm.
His immediate predecessor as a World Cup-winning coach could provide one comparison. Low stayed too long with Germany. If France flounder in the United States, the accusation will be that Deschamps has done likewise, especially as his former teammate, turned triple Champions League-winning manager, Zinedine Zidane seems to have spent years waiting to succeed him.
(Reuters)
Win in New York on 19 July, however, and there is a case for calling Deschamps the greatest World Cup manager of all: it is undeniable he has been gifted with terrific talents, but he has won one tournament and reached the final in another. It is worth remembering, too, that France’s last World Cup before he took charge, in South Africa in 2010, was an exercise in embarrassment, with more mutinies by the French players than wins, with a lone goal and an early exit.
And so, after Laurent Blanc stood down in 2012, there was a logic in turning to Deschamps. He duly joined Franz Beckenbauer in a select group to win the World Cup as both captain and manager. He has nonetheless been damned with faint praise, in part because he has had such talented players, in part because of his pragmatic bent. There is no such footballing philosophy as Deschampsball; yet no other manager has seen his side score seven goals in World Cup finals.
The counter-argument is to note Deschamps’ France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 without scoring an open-play goal; they instead had two own goals, one penalty and a successful penalty shootout. France were less than the sum of their parts then.
Under Deschamps, however, there has often been deft use of them to Les Bleus’ benefit. In the 2018 World Cup, for instance, he brought in Olivier Giroud, who did not muster a shot on target, let alone a goal, but proved the foil Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann required. His use of the unselfish Blaise Matuidi off the left gave Paul Pogba more licence to attack while ensuring it did not cost France.
Come 2022, and stripped of a midfield without Pogba and N’Golo Kante, he improvised, moving Griezmann deeper and showed a forgiving streak; Adrien Rabiot had refused to be on the standby list in 2018 but Deschamps did not hold it against him. There was a brutality in taking off Giroud and Ousmane Dembele in the first half of the final but it facilitated France’s fightback.
Deschamps can seem unsentimental; Griezmann, his great constant, was overlooked for the captaincy after Hugo Lloris retired, with Mbappe preferred. The striker, like Pogba, has touched greater heights in a France shirt than in his club career.
This may be Mbappe’s team now but it also contains the reigning Ballon d’Or winner; Dembele has had a lesser impact in the international game, as a meagre seven international goals shows, but represents one of four extraordinary attackers in Deschamps’ squad, with Mbappe, Desire Doue and Michael Olise.
(Getty)
Part of the challenge for Deschamps will be finding the right balance around them; the profile of the French players means they are unlikely to top the possession statistics, but few possess as much game-changing pace on the break.
It could be required. The French route is scarcely straight forward. Being pitted with Norway and Senegal makes theirs one of the tougher groups. Win it and there is a potential last-16 tie with Germany. Come second and they could instead face Brazil at that stage. There might be a semi-final with Spain; if so, it would be a repeat of Euro 2024.
None of which makes it entirely easy. A feature of Deschamps’ teams, however, is that they tend to progress, sometimes at the expense of fine teams. In six tournaments under him, they have only gone out 1-0 to the eventual winners Germany in 2014, 1-0 to the winners Portugal in extra time in the final in Euro 2016, lost on penalties in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup final and then defeated, rightly but narrowly, by Spain in Munich.
(Getty)
All of which means Deschamps tends to travel further into tournaments than some more feted managers. During his tenure, some – Luis Enrique, Antonio Conte, Louis van Gaal – have had their taste of international football, and now it is the turn of others, such as Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, Deschamps has replaced Low as the great constant. He took over from the German as world champion, too. Their paths diverged there. Not since Beckenbauer had any manager reached consecutive World Cup finals. No coach has gone to three in a row. As France’s World Cup begins at the MetLife Stadium in New York, it is with the possibility Deschamps’ last stand will come there, too.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur's Joao Palhinha celebrates after final whistle during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Silvina Brodersohn - CameraSport via Getty Images) | CameraSport via Getty Images
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of What are you reading right now?, where hoddle headquarters asks the commentariat the books they’re reading:
Several months ago one of you recommended I pick up the book The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago after I mentioned how much I enjoy reading Fernando Pessoa and the Richard Zenith biography.
Let me take this opportunity to thank that hoddler. I finished the book on Saturday and I will remember it as one of my favourite books, and one of the most powerful I’ve read.
The book takes place in Portugal in 1936. Ricardo Reis returns to a dreary Portugal after living in exile for 16 years in Brazil. He checks into the Hotel Braganca where he meets some strange characters including Marcenda Sampaio, a woman with a limp left hand, and Lydia, a chambermaid. He also somehow winds up being questioned by the Portuguese police for reasons never made clear.
The strangest of these interactions, however, is the man who created him. Fernando Pessoa has recently died and his ghost visits Reis from beyond the tomb. For those unaware of Pessoa, he is known as the godfather of Portuguese modernism and for creating dozens of heteronyms: fully formed alter egos who had lives, careers and distinct writing styles of their own.
Several of these were also considered some of the most illustrious writers in Portugal: Alberto Caeiro, Alvaro de Campos, and Reis.
In the months that Pessoa roams the illusory Portugal, he and Reis hold several metaphysical discussions on what it means to live, to die, on love and the changing forces surrounding them that will plunge the world into its second World War.
There is only one way this book could end. Pessoa is a ghost, and, according to the rules laid out in this book, can only roam the earth for so long until they permanently return to the tomb. And of course, for Reis, himself a far-flung extension of Pessoa, must follow.
Fitzie’s track of the day:I Will Follow You into the Dark, by Death Cab for Cutie
And now for your links:
The Guardian: “Bukayo Saka is playing through pain barrier, says Tuchel, as World Cup looms”
BBC: “David Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women’s and youth teams since 2023”
The Telegraph: “Atletico Madrid mock Real after phantom £129m Julian Alvarez bid”
Bulinews Player of the Season Awards: Borussia Dortmund's Player of the Season
After two years of relative instability regarding their league placement, Borussia Dortmund have finally steadied the ship. Although not always in the most convincing fashion, Niko Kovač's side ensured the runners-up spot with room to spare. At one stage, they even closed the gap to eventual winners Bayern Munich down to six points. With 12 games remaining, this margin widened and thus, forcing BVB to focus on sealing Champions League football.
The foundations of Dortmund's season was built on a strong defence martialed by Nico Schlotterbeck. Across the season, BVB only suffered five defeats, twice to Bayern while the other three came in the last six rounds. The German international was also calm in possession, maintaining 88.51% accuracy and finishing 24th-best in the league with 293 duels won with 292.7 kilometres covered.
Perhaps his most impressive attribute over the course of the campaign was his goal-scoring prowess. One of Dortmund's biggest weapons was undoubtedly their set-piece dominance. The 26-year-old registered five goals in total, of which three came from corners and free-kick deliveries. The fact the Westphalians have managed to extend his contract will be a relief ahead of next year too.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCE:
Schlotterbeck's crowning moment of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season came on Matchday 17 in a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen. The central defender only required 11 minutes of first-half action to leave his mark on the game. He shrugged off his marker Jens Stage to find space and head home a perfectly delivered corner from Julian Ryerson.
With around 15 minutes remaining, Marcel Sabitzer and Serhou Guirassy tagged on goals to ensure victory. Schlotterbeck almost assisted the Guinean striker in injury time, but Backhaus made a smart save. The 26-year-old's complete performance was rounded off by winning 100% of his tackles, maintaining a 87% pass accuracy and also playing two key passes on the night.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
There were a handful of other performers who also impressed in yellow and black this season. Julian Ryerson and Serhou Guirassy picked up a pair of votes each. The former produced the league's second-best tally of 15 assists, while Guirassy finished third in the race for the Torjägerkanone with 17 goals. Lastly, Felix Nmecha received one nomination for his fine displays in BVB's engine room.
The World Cup records that could be broken in 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner and it's set to be a record-breaking summer at the expanded tournament.
Here are someWorld Cup records that could fall this summer.
World Cup all-time top scorer
Miroslav Klose's goal record is under real threat with more games than ever and two players in with a genuine chance of catching his 16-goal mark. The German goal-getter is just three goals ahead ofLionel Messi, who will lead Argentina's defence of the trophy this summer.
One goal further back is Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 12 goals across the last two World Cup tournaments. At just 27, it feels a matter of when - and not if - Mbappe catches Klose.
First two-time World Cup Golden Boot winner
Across the entire 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, no player has ever top-scored at multiple tournaments. That could change in 2026, with each of the three previous Golden Boot winners set to feature.
Kylian Mbappe led the 2022 tournament for goals and will captain a heavily-fancied France side, while Harry Kane arrives on the back of a 61-goal club season, seeking a second World Cup Golden Boot after his 2018 exploits.
A 34-year-old James Rodriguez is also part of the Colombia squad for the tournament, after his 2014 Golden Boot win.
Smallest nation to play at a World Cup
Debutants Curaçao will make history by becoming the smallest nation by population and area to ever play at the FIFA World Cup.
The tiny Caribbean island, with a population of less than 150,000, will break the previous record held by Iceland.
First players to play in six editions of the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa can all write their names into the record books by featuring at an unprecedented sixth World Cup. The trio have featured in every tournament since 2006 and are again included in their respective squads.
First foreign manager to win the tournament
Incredibly, no manager has ever coached a foreign side to World Cup success. Just two managers have ever reached a final in charge of a foreign nation, but that could change this summer.
Some of the biggest nations at the tournament are under foreign management, includingEngland (Thomas Tuchel), Brazil (Carlo Ancelotti) and Portugal (Roberto Martinez).
Most managerial wins
France manager Didier Deschamps is closing in on Helmut Schön’s World Cup record of 16 wins as a manager. Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup and a runners-up finish in 2022, has overseen 14 victories at the tournament.
Currently on 19 games overall, Deschamps also has Schön's 25-game record in his sights,
Oldest World Cup manager
Curacao will have an experienced coach in charge for their first World Cup tournament.The 78-year-old Dick Advocaat oversaw their maiden qualification and is set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history.
He'll eclipse Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years old when he oversaw Greece's campaign in 2010.
In a move that was as unceremonious as it was unprecedented, Suryakumar Yadav was not only removed from India's T20 captaincy but also dropped from the squad itself, just three months after he led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title.
It was a monumental call by the BCCI selection committee and, perhaps, the right one, given the evident dip in Suryakumar Yadav's form over the last year and a half.
Yet, there's no denying that Surya has been the finest T20 batter India has ever produced. Possessing a range of shots unmatched in Indian cricket and astonishingly flexible wrists, he could send the same delivery over deep third, covers, midwicket or fine leg.
But beyond his individual brilliance, Suryakumar's role was also instrumental in transforming the way T20 cricket is played in India.
India's T20 journey can almost be divided into two phases: before and after Suryakumar Yadav. There was a distinct style of T20 cricket India played before Surya came into the side, and it looks very different now, five years after his debut and at a time when he has been left out of the squad.
India before Surya
Before Suryakumar made his debut, there were 12 batters who had faced 300 or more balls for India in T20Is. Among them, Virat Kohli had the highest average at 49.63, while KL Rahul had the highest strike rate at 144.48. In fact, Rahul was the only one among them with a strike rate above 140.
Rohit Sharma had a strike rate of 138.79, Kohli 138.11, Yuvraj Singh 136.38 and MS Dhoni 126.13.
Among all Indian batters who had faced at least 300 balls before Surya's debut, Yuvraj had the best six-hitting rate, striking a six every 11.66 balls. Rohit hit one every 15.73 balls, Kohli every 26.17 balls and Dhoni every 24.65 balls.
Indian T20 batting was full of anchors and run accumulators rather than hitters, a requirement of the format, which was one of the reasons India had fallen behind in the T20 race.
Balls per six of Indian batters till Mar13, 2021 (min 300 balls)
Player
Balls Faced
Sixes
Balls per Six
Yuvraj Singh
863
74
11.66
Rohit Sharma
1998
127
15.73
KL Rahul
1068
63
16.95
Shreyas Iyer
376
21
17.9
Rishabh Pant
360
19
18.95
Raina
1190
58
20.52
MS Dhoni
1282
52
24.65
Virat Kohli
2120
81
26.17
S Dhawan
1313
49
26.8
Manish Pandey
562
19
29.58
Ajinkya Rahane
331
6
55.17
G Gambhir
783
10
78.3
Six off Jofra and the beginning of India's T20 revolution
When Suryakumar Yadav walked out to bat for the first time in T20Is against England in the fourth match of the series in March 2021, he was surrounded by three anchors — Rohit, Rahul and Kohli.
Facing his first ball in T20Is, from Jofra Archer in Ahmedabad, Suryakumar nonchalantly played a one-legged ramp hook, sending the England pacer over deep backward square leg for six. That shot would come to symbolise the breaking of India's conservative T20 batting mould and mark the beginning of the country's modern, high-intent T20 revolution.
The next step
Averages, when looked at in isolation, can often be a misleading metric to judge a batter in T20 cricket. However, when viewed alongside strike rate, they can offer a clearer picture. They can help explain, though not always, whether a batter is scoring quickly enough to to win the game, or merely preserving their wicket.
Some batters may have an average above 30 or 35 in T20s, while others may possess a strike rate touching 170.
But sustaining both over a long period is difficult. Unless you are Suryakumar Yadav.
From Surya's debut in 2021 until India's T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados in 2024, 10 batters faced 300 or more balls for India in T20Is. Among them, Kohli had the best average at 46.67 but a strike rate of 134.62.
Suryakumar not only had the second-best average at 43.33 during this period, he also struck at 167.74. He was India's highest run-scorer with 2,340 runs and also had the best strike rate among those batters.
He was scoring more runs than anyone else in the team while also scoring them faster than anyone else, hitting a six every 10.49 balls.
Between 2022 and 2023, there was arguably no more destructive batter in T20 cricket than Surya. In 2022 alone, he scored 1,158 T20I runs at an average of 48.2 and a strike rate of 187. He followed it with 733 runs in 2023 at an average of 48.9. In those two years, he averaged 48.5 while striking at 173.6.
India's talisman in T20Is was named the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. He was the first Indian to win the award and won it in consecutive years.
Suryakumar Yadav had the best six-hitting frequency among all Indian batters who faced at least 300 balls between Mar 13, 2021 - Jun 30, 2024
Player
Balls faced
Sixes
Balls per six
Suryakumar Yadav
1395
133
10.49
YBK Jaiswal
310
28
11.07
RG Sharma
1005
78
12.88
HH Pandya
778
53
14.68
KL Rahul
560
36
15.56
Ishan Kishan
640
36
17.78
RD Gaikwad
357
20
17.85
SS Iyer
435
23
18.91
V Kohli
936
43
21.77
RR Pant
555
24
23.13
India under Surya
Until the 2024 T20 World Cup, Surya was the lone T20 specialist in the side for much of the period. Shivam Dube was the other one after returning to the team in late 2023.
When Surya took over the captaincy after the 2024 T20 World Cup, he did not replace Rohit and Kohli with more anchors. Instead, he backed players like Abhishek Sharma and handed Sanju Samson a permanent opening role.
Eight batters faced 250 or more balls for India between the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Among them, four maintained strike rates above 160, with Ishan Kishan leading at 207.00, followed by Abhishek Sharma at 190.46.
Only two batters scored at a strike rate below 150 — Tilak Varma (147.62) and Shubman Gill (133.50). Surya struck at 152.04 while averaging 25.89.
Kishan also had the best six-hitting frequency, clearing the ropes once every 7.56 balls faced, narrowly ahead of Abhishek Sharma at 7.86.
Before Surya made his India debut, only one of the team's leading T20 batters hit a six every 12 balls or fewer. Now, at a time when he has been left out of the squad, five of India's top eight batters clear the ropes every 10 balls or fewer.
Balls per six of Indian batters from Jun 30, 2024 - Mar 8, 2026 (min. 250 balls)
Player
Balls faced
Sixes
Balls per six
Ishan Kishan
257
34
7.56
Abhishek Sharma
755
96
7.86
S Dube
337
41
8.22
SV Samson
611
69
8.86
HH Pandya
509
48
10.6
RK Singh
225
18
12.5
NT Tilak Varma
714
56
12.75
SA Yadav
613
46
13.33
AR Patel
208
6
34.67
Shubman Gill
400
10
40
Face of India's T20 revolution
It is often difficult to separate a player from the era he plays in. T20 cricket was changing everywhere when Suryakumar Yadav made his debut. Teams were scoring faster, batters were taking more risks and the range of shots kept expanding. It is entirely possible that India would eventually have moved in the same direction even without him. The demands of the format were pushing every team towards a more aggressive brand of cricket.
Yet it is hard to ignore how clearly India's transformation in the format overlaps with Surya's time in the side and how often he stood at the centre of it.
India still had one foot in an older version of T20 cricket when Surya came into the side. Now, at a time when he has been left out of the squad, India have become a team filled with hitters and T20 specialists who go full throttle from ball one and hit more sixes than ever before. Surya was not solely responsible for that change, but he was at its centre.
Surya's greatest skill has not been power but access. A fast bowler could deliver a good ball outside off stump and watch it disappear over fine leg with that now-famous supla shot. A spinner trying to cramp him for room could still be lofted over covers. Few players have manipulated a field the way he did. Fewer still have done it while scoring as many runs as he did.
That success is visible in the numbers: 3,272 runs, 25 fifties, four hundreds, a strike rate of 162.9, two T20 World Cup titles and an unbeaten record in bilateral series as captain in T20Is. For a player who did not make his T20I debut until the age of 30, it is a body of work few could have imagined.
In sport, you never say never and comebacks are always possible. Yet whether or not Surya adds to his T20I numbers, his influence on Indian T20 cricket is unlikely to fade. Few players have been as closely associated with a shift in how a team thinks about a format. India's T20 revolution had many contributors, but Surya was one of its most visible faces and its clearest expression.
Mexico begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11, with South Korea and Czechia completing a Group A that looks more awkward than comfortable for the co-hosts.
The co-hosts begin the tournament under familiar scrutiny. Mexico have twice reached the World Cup quarter-finals on home soil, in 1970 and 1986, and this group gives Javier Aguirre’s side another chance to build momentum in front of their own supporters.
The format is different this time. The expanded 48-team tournament sends the top two sides in every group into the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-place finishers.
That gives Group A a wider margin for movement. Mexico start as the strongest side on paper, but South Korea, Czechia and South Africa each have a clear route to keep their tournament alive.
Mexico
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Mexico enter Group A with the biggest expectation and the strongest case to finish top. They are ranked 15th by FIFA in the supplied tournament guide, qualified automatically as hosts, and open the tournament against South Africa.
Their matches are South Africa in Mexico City on June 11, South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and Czechia back in Mexico City on June 24.
That schedule gives Mexico two group matches in the capital. It also means every performance will be judged against the pressure of home advantage.
Mexico’s best World Cup results came as hosts in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarter-finals. That history is useful, but it also raises the standard for Javier Aguirre’s side.
Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez, Guillermo Ochoa and Gilberto Mora are the key players. Jiménez gives them centre-forward pedigree, Álvarez gives them control, Ochoa brings vast tournament experience and Mora adds youthful invention.
The expectation is clear. Mexico should win Group A, but they cannot treat it as routine. If they fail to beat South Africa, the South Korea match immediately becomes uncomfortable.
South Africa
South Africa are ranked 60th by FIFA in the supplied tournament guide and arrive as the lowest-ranked team in the group. That makes them outsiders, but not irrelevant.
Their matches are Mexico in Mexico City on June 11, Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.
That is a demanding route, but the order gives them a clear target. If South Africa can stay competitive against Mexico, the Czechia match becomes the one that could define their tournament.
South Africa have not reached the World Cup knockout stage before. The 48-team format gives them a more realistic chance to change that.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and Ronwen Williams are the key names. Mbokazi gives them defensive promise, Foster is the main scoring threat and Williams brings captaincy and penalty-box authority.
South Africa are not the team most likely to escape Group A. They are, however, exactly the sort of side that can turn one disciplined performance into a historic opportunity.
South Korea
South Korea are the team Mexico should respect most. They are ranked 25th by FIFA in the supplied tournament guide and have a stronger tournament profile than a simple second-place prediction suggests.
Their matches are Czechia in Guadalajara on June 11, Mexico in Guadalajara on June 18, and South Africa in Monterrey on June 24.
The opener against Czechia is vital. It may decide which side becomes Mexico’s main challenger before the second round of fixtures even begins.
South Korea’s best World Cup result was fourth place in 2002, when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan. They have not matched that run since, but their tournament continuity matters in a group like this.
Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in make them dangerous in different ways. Son remains the headline player, Kim gives them defensive authority and Lee offers craft between the lines.
This is why Mexico cannot coast. South Korea have enough quality to win the group if Mexico start slowly or lose control of the midfield battle on June 18.
Czechia
Czechia are ranked 41st by FIFA in the supplied tournament guide and are the awkward opponent in Group A. They do not carry Mexico’s pressure or South Korea’s profile, but they have the tools to make the group tighter.
Their matches are South Korea in Guadalajara on June 11, South Africa in Atlanta on June 18, and Mexico in Mexico City on June 24.
That first match is crucial. A win over South Korea would change the shape of Group A immediately.
As Czechia, their only previous World Cup appearance came in 2006, when they exited in the group stage. This squad has a chance to reset the country’s modern World Cup story.
Patrik Schick, Pavel Šulc and Tomáš Souček are the key players. Schick is the obvious finishing threat, Šulc adds attacking support and Souček gives them experience, height and midfield presence.
That matters in this group. Czechia do not need to dominate possession to hurt teams. They need territory, discipline and one clean delivery.
Mexico remain the right pick to win Group A. The ranking, schedule and home advantage all point in that direction.
But the better reading is that Group A is not safe. South Korea are too strong to dismiss, Czechia are too awkward to overlook and South Africa have enough of a route through the format to make every match count.
Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart powered the team to an important extra-innings 5-3 victory against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night.
After going through a difficult stretch that included multiple game collapses in the five-game losing streak, the Reds found much-needed spark off the barrel of Stewart, who struck a decisive blow in extra innings.
In the 11th inning, the 22-year-old hit his 13th home run of the season against Yuki Matsui to break the 3-3 tie. Reliever Zach Maxwell did the rest of the job in the bottom half of the innings to give the Reds only their third win in 12 games.
Reds tie series against Padres with timely offense
Previously, the Reds suffered a 6-2 loss against the Padres in the series opener at Petco Park.
On Tuesday, they jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning with Tyler Stephenson's RBI single and JJ Bleday reaching home on a Padres' error. Jackson Merrill's RBI triple off Chase Burns cut the Reds' lead in half. The Padres tied the game with Manny Machado's RBI single in the third inning.
The tie remained in place through the end of regulation as extra innings were forced. In the 10th, both teams scored. Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double for the Reds. The Padres tied the scores again with Samad Taylor's game-tying single off Tejay Antone.
Finally, the tie was broken apart by Sal Stewart, and the Reds held onto the two-run lead through the end of the 11th inning, to tie the series.
The Scotland boss feels like a new man - and he is sensing a fresh wave of optimism as he leads his team into a third major tournament.
The 62-year-old ended a finals absence of more than two decades when he guided the men's national side to the Covid-impacted Euro 2020.
Play-off heartache in their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup was followed by the Scots roaring their way to Euro 2024.
"I've not really enjoyed the previous two tournaments if I'm being honest," Clarke tells BBC Scotland in a candid interview.
So why? Reduced crowds, two group games at Hampden and another at Wembley "didn't give the feel of a tournament" at Euro 2020, he says.
On their showing in Germany two years ago, he adds: "We let ourselves down. We didn't play as well as we should have done and I probably didn't make the decisions that I should have."
Clarke is convinced he and his players have learned from those experiences and are now in a position to "break that glass ceiling" by progressing to a historic knockout tie.
"What we've achieved up to now is great," he says. "Let's see if we can achieve a little bit more."
Clarke points out that a high number of his squad have tournament experience. A chunk of them have two tournaments' worth.
"Now we have to show that tournament experience in a tournament," he says.
That starts on Sunday (02:00 BST) when a World Cup group opener against Haiti officially ends Scotland's 28-year absence from football's grandest stage.
Even after the astonishing qualification-clinching victory against Denmark in November, there was a shift in mood following underwhelming displays in back-to-back friendly defeats against Japan and Ivory Coast.
That intensified somewhat when news broke that Clarke had penned a new four-year deal at the end of last month.
But the vibe around the national team has changed, with Clarke notably positive after warming up for the tournament with a 4-1 win over 10-man Curacao before smashing Bolivia 4-0.
That positivity will still amount to cautious optimism for most of the Tartan Army. Clarke acknowledges these positive vibes are yet to be transferred to competitive football.
There is no denying confidence is quietly bubbling away, though. The Scotland boss referenced it himself but stressed his players are not "over-confident".
"They understand the challenges ahead and when they come, we'll be ready for them," he adds.
"I'm trying to soak it up. I wanted to go to a World Cup as a player. I didn't manage to do that. It's taken me 62 years to achieve what I wanted to achieve, so I'm going to try to enjoy it."
Clarke challenges Scotland to 'start on front foot'
Two summers ago, Scotland's Euros opener proved to be one of their biggest letdowns under Clarke - a 5-1 loss to hosts Germany.
"We have to remember how bad that felt," the head coach says.
Clarke believes that crushing defeat put Scotland "on the back foot" for the remainder of their tournament, which again ended at the group stage.
"This time, we have to make sure we start on the front foot," he insists.
On the evidence of the Scots' warm-up displays, there are signs they can achieve that against a similarly-ranked nation this weekend.
The recent adoption of an aggressive 4-4-2 shape with two strikers playing centrally and direct winger Ben Doak operating off the right feeds into the idea of a "different Steve Clarke", although he suggested he has been unfairly "tagged with a label".
"I think I've shown consistently throughout my time that I'm prepared to try something different," says Clarke, who feels he has his best depth across a Scotland squad.
"Going into this tournament, the something different was to think about maybe playing 4-4-2 to see how it worked.
"What people don't understand is when you're at a club you can work on a system for a long period of time and have a lot of training sessions on it. When you're in an international camp you don't have that."
Away from the relentless preparation in the Charlotte sun, the Scotland boss "can't wait to see" his grandkids when the Clarke clan arrive in the US.
The squad will be granted extended family time over the weekend in Boston, something that was not such a luxury in Germany two years ago.
"I phoned back home a couple of days ago and [the family] are all absolutely buzzing, especially the little ones," Clarke says.
"It's probably something we've learned from the last tournament. We played the game, you saw your family for 15-20 minutes, then we were away to the base and they were back to their hotel.
"So, we decided this time we would try to incorporate a lot more family time so people can be around their loved ones, whether it's a good result or a bad result."
A giant structure obstructs the view of the White House from the South Lawn. As tall as the iconic building itself, this star-spangled, red, white and blue structure looks like it could be the stage for a music festival, or a stomach-depressing stretch on a rollercoaster track. In reality, it is something much more surreal.
Sunday’s unique, inevitably blood-stained celebration of 250 years of the United States (and Mr Trump’s 80th birthday, coincidentally or not) almost defies belief. Almost.
UFC president and CEO Dana White ringside at a recent boxing event (PA)
If this was any other administration, any other president, then the conceptual seeds of UFC Freedom 250 would have never even been planted, let alone watered over the course of a year – to the point of sprouting. You could take that as a compliment of Mr Trump or a criticism, I suppose.
So, somehow, here we are, with arguably the most-unprecedented sporting event of all time soon getting under way. Forget a federal lawsuit seeking to block these fights from taking place; the show must go on. To metaphorically drag a boxing tradition into mixed martial arts: the first bell on UFC Freedom 250 will soon ring out, the diminutive hammer is in the time keeper’s hand.
It’s hyperbole, of course, to which White is more than prone, but it’s also curious because of how starkly it stands in contrast to the UFC’s weekly product.
Over the last couple of years, the UFC has come under increasing criticism for its output. A peak has passed, it feels. Fans have complained about what they deem weaker fight cards with fewer consequential bouts; events playing out in the small and soulless UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas; and the UFC’s seemingly-lacking promotional efforts.
Indeed, it has been increasingly rare for the UFC to go on the road and put on events in front of baying crowds of 20,000 or so. Instead, the Apex (first used during Covid, allowing the UFC to keep trucking on) is the UFC’s cheaper preference, with a smattering of fans watching fights that feel more like sparring sessions. And it’s not uncommon to see Fight Nights headlined by two low-ranked fighters, meaning the winner will not even move into the title picture in their division – this is what fans mean by inconsequence.
A look at the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas, where only a small crowd can attend (Getty)
And that apparently-reduced effort when it comes to promotion? See Conor McGregor’s failed 2024 comeback, which (before it was derailed by the Irishman’s broken toe) was announced by White reading from a scrap of paper at a post-fight press conference. There was no great trailer to hype up fans, as there would have been in years gone by. Or see the retirement of all-time great Jon Jones last summer, a seismic moment that was revealed by White in a throwaway comment at another press conference, after a night of fights in Azerbaijan.
This is especially strange given the feeling among many fans that White, at the moment at least, is much more passionate about his boxing venture than the UFC.
All of that said, he will certainly be motivated to make UFC Freedom 250 land, not least as a means of pleasing his friend Mr Trump. White will also be emboldened by this week’s news, after he was named in Time magazine’s 100 most-influential sports figures for 2026.
The UFC hosted an impressive event at Vegas’s Sphere in 2024 (Getty)
Plus, when the UFC last took a big swing, hosting a unique event at Vegas’s Sphere in 2024, it largely delivered. So, there is precedent for White and his team to deliver when it matters most.
Importantly, many of Sunday’s fights have ramifications for the summits of their divisions, meaning UFC Freedom 250 is built on the kinds of stakes that fans have long craved.
In that way, this unprecedented event can have a short-term legacy that appeases fans, to go along with whatever larger, long-term legacy it develops. And given the scope of UFC Freedom 250, it’s near-impossible to predict what that long-term legacy will be.
Official: Benfica confirm Real Madrid have paid €15m to bring back Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid after Benfica officially confirmed that the Spanish giants have completed all procedures required to appoint the Portuguese coach.
The move sees Florentino Perez deliver on one of the biggest promises of his election campaign, with Real Madrid paying €15 million to activate Mourinho’s release clause and secure his return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
As such, Mourinho’s return is expected to generate huge excitement, particularly given the impact he had during his previous stint between 2010 and 2013.
Benfica confirm Mourinho exit
The deal became official after Benfica released a statement confirming that Real Madrid had completed the necessary steps to appoint Mourinho.
The Portuguese club announced, “Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM that Real Madrid CF has formalised its intention to sign José Mourinho for €15 million, with the coach having given his consent.
“Thank you, José Mourinho.”
Real Madrid paid €15 million to trigger the coach’s release clause, allowing him to leave Benfica despite still being under contract until 2027.
While Mourinho becomes the first major addition of the new presidential term, he is not expected to be the last, as further reinforcements are already being lined up as part of Perez’s plans for the squad.
More signings expected
Mourinho arrives with vast experience, a winning pedigree and a strong connection to Real Madrid.
Benfica confirm Mourinho’s departure. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
During his first spell, he helped build one of the most competitive teams in Europe and played a key role in challenging Barcelona’s dominance at the time.
The Portuguese coach will arrive knowing that expectations are immediately high and he will be supported by new signings.
So far, Real Madrid have agreed to sign Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool, while Denzel Dumfries has been signed after activating his €20 million release clause.
Despite these additions, more players are expected to arrive this summer.
For the second straight night, the Washington Nationals offense did just enough on the road as the team's eight led to an 8-6 win over the San Francisco Giants to clinch the series win.
James Wood anchored the way after accounting for three of the team's eight hits, adding an RBI to his 3-for-5 day, while Jacob Young registered a pair of runs after going 2-for-4. While the duo accounted for nearly half other the team's hits, Nasim Nunez also ended his day with three strikeouts on an 0-for-4 night.
Andrew Alvarez opened on Tuesday after he allowed a pair of earned runs and five hits across four innings, while Brad Lord was credited for the win after allowing three hits over 2.2 innings.
The Nationals would grab the lead early after pulling off a carbon copy of the first two games of the road trip as James Wood opened the game with a leadoff single before Luis Garcia Jr. blasted a 382 foot home run over the right field wall, giving Washington an early 2-0 lead. Washington threatened to add to it in the next inning after Nunez's lone hit was a leadoff double in the second before three straight strikeouts ended the inning.
Three innings later, another James Wood single would lead to an RBI after bringing home Young from third and pushing Washington's early lead to 3-0. Yet the Giants would cut into the lead in the bottom of the inning after a pitching change. Alvarez allowed his first two batters to reach base before Brad Lord stepped on the mound, eventually giving up a two run RBI double. A subsequent walk would load the bases, but Alvarez got out of the jam thanks to a pop out then grounder ended the frame.
Washington's final surge came in the third inning after adding two more runs, first on a wild pitch before Daylen Lile drew a bases loaded walk to push the lead back to 5-2. Lile then belted a triple in the ninth inning for his lone hit of the game, driving in CJ Abrams for the final insurance run to stamp the 6-3 win.
The Nationals will have a chance to secure the series sweep when the two teams meet on Wednesday with first pitch set for 3:45 PM. The win also secured the 23rd road win of the season, tied with the Atlanta Braves for the most across the MLB.
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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 16: Luis Lara #94 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run in the bottom of the third inning during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Marison Bilagody/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Brewers are making a concerted effort to invest in their future.
Sources have indicated the Brewers have made their second long-term prospect contract investment..
On April 3 2026, the Brewers signed shortstop Cooper Pratt, 21, to a new 8-year, $50.75M guaranteed contract.
Pratt’s deal runs from 2026 thru the 2033 season. It includes club options for 2034 and 2035, worth $15M.
sportrace.com indicated Pratt received a $3M signing bonus. They have an entire page dedicated to Pratt’s salary.
On June 9, 2026, it was reported by MLB.com, that Milwaukee is signing outfielder Luis Lara, 21, to a 7-year, contract, with three club options that will guarantee about $31million when finalized. The story was attributed to a “source.”
Lara’s new contract runs from 2026, until 2032. The Brewers hold club options for the years 2033 thru 2035.
MLB.com went on to say in their June 9 story that, “The Brewers did not confirm the deal, which was first reported by Spencer Michaelis, a podcaster and contributor to the fan site, Brewer Fanatic.
The Milwaukee Brewers are contending again, and they want to always keep an eye on their future.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 24: Luis Lara # 89 of the Milwaukee Brewers scores on a single off the bat of Brandon Lockridge as catcher Jose Trevino #35 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on in the seventh inning of an exhibition game at American Family Field on March 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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More About Milwaukee Brewers prospect, Luis Lara:
Luis Lara is the No. 5 prospect in the Brewers organization.
A switch-hitter, Lara is 5-7, 169 pounds.
Lara was signed as an international free agent out of San Felipe, Venezuela for $1.1M in 2022.
Lara is moving quickly through the Brewers minor league development program.
Viewed as a relatively small, slightly built amateur player in Venezuela, Lara has made himself into an exciting player. In fact, Baseball America, a highly respected prospect evaluating organization, has called Lara, “explosive, with skills that translated on both sides of the ball.”
Lara is currently in his fifth minor league development season. He is playing at Triple-A Nashville, where he is hitting .338/.447/.500/.947, with eight doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 27 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Lara has received 247 plate appearances, and has walked 39 times. As he entered play June 9, Lara had struck out 32 times.
While Lara is considered to be an average hitter by MLBpipeline.com, he is hitting very well this season. He is showing surprising pop in his bat. His well above Major League Baseball average speed, and his superb defense have been rated as his best tools.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Cooper Pratt #87 of the Milwaukee Brewers poses for a portrait during photo day at American Family Fields of Phoenix on February 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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More About Milwaukee Brewers Prospect, Cooper Pratt:
Pratt, a right-handed hitting shortstop, is currently ranked the No. 4 prospect in the Brewers organization by MLB.com.
Pratt is 6-4, 210 pounds, which is a large frame for a shortstop. However, he is a minor league Gold Glove winner, and projects to remain at shortstop.
Pratt was a 6th round pick of the Brewers in 2023, out of Magnolia High School in Senatobia, Mississippi.
The Brewers signed him away from attending the University of Mississippi.
Pratt received an signing bonus above the recommended value for his draft slot, when he signed a $1.35M contract. The value was actually 2nd round money in the draft.
It is unusual in Major League Baseball for a 6th round selection to command the type of signing bonus Pratt received.
Pratt could command his lofty signing bonus based upon his high baseball IQ, and the skills he showed on the baseball prospect showcase circuit.
Offensively, Pratt is a solid player, with an average hit tool, according to MLB.com.
The site does indicate that Pratt is an elite defender, based upon their Grade 60 value on his defense, and his arm strength.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 8: The Milwaukee Brewers logo is seen during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 8, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
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Conclusions About The Signing Of Two Milwaukee Brewers Prospects:
The Milwaukee Brewers are investing heavily in their future.
They have signed two of the top players from their excellent farm system to lengthy contracts.
A number of Major League Baseball analysts have named the Milwaukee Brewers as the top farm system in the game.
Cooper and Lara are just two of the very highly regarded players in development with the Brewers.
Both shortstop Cooper Pratt, and outfielder Luis Lara could add some additional spark to a Brewers lineup that has already invested in outfielder Jackson Chourio, having signed Chourio to an eight-year, $84M contract in 2024.
With Chourio, Pratt, and now Lara signed to long-term contracts, the Milwaukee Brewers are making sincere efforts to help insure the success of their future.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
India will be without the services of Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. According to Indian newspaper, The Times of India, the all-rounder has been ruled out due to a quadricep strain.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are yet to name his replacement.
After the one-off Test, India are set to take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, starting June 14.
The series will mark the start of a busy white-ball schedule for the Men in Blue in the second half of 2026 as India prepares for the next ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to happen in Africa in 2027.
On Saturday, the BCCI had announced that Virat Kohli had pulled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury he picked up during RCB's title-run. Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced him in the ODI squad.
One phone call could give the Utah Mammoth their next franchise gamble—and leave the Detroit Red Wings admitting one of their biggest draft investments never became what they envisioned.
Mammoth Exploring Another Major Move
After reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs in just their second season, Utah appears determined to keep accelerating its rise rather than settling for incremental progress. According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes, the organization has entered the conversation for a young goaltender whose future in Detroit has become increasingly uncertain.
“I’m told G Cossa could be on the move with [the Mammoth] among the interested clubs,” Weekes reported.
Selected 15th overall by the Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Draft, Sebastian Cossa arrived with the expectations of becoming Detroit's long-term answer between the pipes. Instead, his development has largely unfolded in the American Hockey League, where the Hamilton, Ontario native has appeared in 123 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins while receiving only a single NHL appearance.
A Low-Risk Bet With High-End Upside
Utah's immediate future in goal already belongs to Karel Vejmelka, who is under contract through the 2029-30 campaign. That stability gives the Mammoth the flexibility to pursue a high-ceiling project without the pressure of forcing him into a starting role.
For a franchise still building its foundation, acquiring a former first-round talent could prove to be a calculated swing worth taking. If Utah believes its development staff can unlock the potential that once made Cossa one of hockey's premier goaltending prospects, the investment could pay significant dividends.
Detroit Appears Ready To Turn The Page
From Detroit's perspective, a potential trade would represent the latest chapter in the organization's ongoing search for stability in net.
General manager Steve Yzerman spent a first-round pick hoping Cossa would eventually become the franchise cornerstone at the position, but five years later that vision appears to be fading. The Red Wings further signaled their intentions by acquiring John Gibson last offseason, creating additional uncertainty around Cossa's place in the organization's long-term plans.
Utah's draft capital is also worth monitoring. The Mammoth surrendered three second-round selections to the Calgary Flames at the trade deadline to acquire Mackenzie Weegar, leaving a first-round pick as their most valuable remaining asset alongside several mid-round choices.
Meanwhile, Detroit could have even bigger decisions looming. Persistent speculation surrounding captain Dylan Larkin's future has fueled talk of a blockbuster offseason, and if the Red Wings ultimately acquire another NHL-ready goaltender or elite goalie prospect in such a deal, moving Cossa would become an even easier decision.
For Utah, the opportunity is straightforward: buy low on a talented young netminder before another organization discovers the player Detroit once believed it had drafted.
The Tennessee Titans finished off the eighth practice of their offseason team activities and continue to work their way toward their mandatory minicamp.
As with every one of these voluntary workouts, some players were absent, and the coaching staff provided no updates on their status, though some information leaked from reporters on social media.
From social media, Amani Hooker, Carnell Tate, Dan Moore Jr., John Franklin-Myers, Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, and JC Latham were not available on Tuesday, and while present, Jeffery Simmons didn’t participate. There was no mention of Femi Oladejo, so that remains a bit of an unknown.
As with any practice session, it was an up-and-down day for Cam Ward, who struggled with some accuracy on the day, but finished on a high with a touchdown pass to Elic Ayomanor on his final red zone snap. Chimere Dike, Xavier Restrepo, and Will Levis all had outstanding days.
All in all, it was a solid day of work at the team facility, and here are some sights and sounds from the afternoon.
Melvine Malard: United Women star’s strike secures World Cup place
Manchester United Women had numerous players in action on Tuesday night for their respective national teams.
Melvine Malard
The French star scored and assisted last time out and once again proved her worth as she guided France to a 1-0 win over Ireland, which secured World Cup qualification.
Malard scored a stupendous acrobatic goal to give her nation the lead just before half-time.
Mared Griffiths and Safia Middleton-Patel
Middleton-Patel started in goal for Wales as they beat Czechia 3-1 to win their qualification group.
United youngster Mared Griffiths added the third to secure a vital win for the Welsh.
Hanna Lundkvist, Fridolina Rolfo, Anna Sandberg, Julia Zigiotti
Sweden had four United stars in action as they drew 2-2 with Italy.
Lundkvist’s headed effort on goal was parried onto the crossbar and into the back of the net to give the Swedes a lifeline after they were 2-0 down on 70 minutes.
Just three minutes later, Rolfo equalised. Another corner was not dealt with by the Italian defence, and the United attacker was on hand to smash in the equaliser.
Rolfo had complained previously about her game time for the national team and will hope this goal allows her to see more time on the pitch in the future.
Anna Sandberg and Julia Zigiotti were also starters for a United-themed Swedish team.
Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund
Both of United’s Norwegians started in Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.
They helped the Scandinavian side to finish second in the qualification group behind Germany.
Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park
Two of United’s stars were in action for England as they beat Ukraine 3-0.
The Manchester United captain, Le Tissier, started at right-back and Park came on in the 65th minute of action.
The Three Lions finished second behind Spain and will need to go to the play-offs to qualify for the World Cup.
Dominique Janssen
United veteran Janssen started at centre-back as the Netherlands defeated Poland 3-1.
The result meant they finished second in the group, just behind Malard’s France.
Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive tackle situation has a new wrinkle with 2023 NFL Draft pick Wanya Morris requesting a trade. The team has agreed to work with him to facilitate a deal. The perfect partner may already exist.
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to explore trade options with OT Wanya Morris, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Morris, a former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, appears to be on the outside looking in for the Chiefs in 2026. This news comes after reports that second-year OT Esa Pole and rookie OT Kahlil Benson have taken first- and second-team repetitions at right tackle during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Chiefs OT Wanya Morris Stats & Facts
Morris has appeared in 42 career games for Kansas City with 16 starts. He’s played the majority of his offensive snaps at left tackle, with over 1,000 career snaps.
Pressures: 62
Sacks: 9
Penalties: 15
The perfect trade partner may already exist, and they’ve already done a deal with them this offseason.
Chiefs exploring Wanya Morris trade as Rams face OT need after Alaric Jackson arrest
Rams starting LT Alaric Jackson was recently arrested on suspicion of felony domestic battery, suddenly exposing an already-thin Los Angeles offensive tackle room. It’s unclear if the NFL will suspend him or put him on the Commissioner’s exempt list. However, LA now has a need for contingencies.
Morris could fit that need with experience at both left and right tackle. He hasn’t been a superstar during his time in Kansas City, but working with a new coaching staff could be exactly what he needs to unlock his potential.
What would a deal for Morris look like? He’s on an expiring contract and would cost the Chiefs roughly $226K in dead money to move, with $1.4 million in cap savings. The minimum you’d likely fetch is a late Day 3 pick in 2027 or 2028. The Rams seem comfortable trading away picks, so that’s the likely target if you’re doing a deal with Los Angeles. If you’re looking into the player-for-player market, perhaps you can swap him for another player on an expiring contract. That might be a tougher sell for Kansas City after a quick look at the Rams’ roster.
🥐 Madrid stirs up the market, internationals... 5️⃣ stories for Wednesday
Wednesday gets off to a flying start. After Álvaro Arbeloa’s departure from the Santiago Bernabéu bench was confirmed, Florentino Pérez wasted no time in making his move to get the club back on track.
The Spanish capital thus becomes the epicenter of the biggest stories in international football, with boardrooms working overtime while the national teams continue to deliver joy on the pitch.
Below, we review the five key points shaping this Tuesday’s news agenda, combining the high-level strategy of elite clubs with the resounding success of international women’s and men’s football.
Mourinho’s return is now official
Real Madrid will announce today the arrival of José Mourinho to take charge of the first team. This move comes just hours after the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa was confirmed and after Benfica made official the payment of the 15 million euro release clause. Fifteen years after his first spell, the Portuguese coach returns to the Bernabéu with the clear objective of leading a major sporting overhaul and taking the club back to winning trophies after a barren year.
Atlético slams the door on Florentino Pérez
Two days after securing his re-election as president, Florentino Pérez has revealed his big secret: a firm offer of 150 million euros for Julián Álvarez. However, Atlético de Madrid has flatly rejected the proposal from its eternal rival. In the Metropolitano offices, they did not consider for even a minute the departure of their star to Chamartín, firmly pointing instead to his prohibitive release clause, set at 500 million euros.
Summit at the top of the Madrid hierarchy
Squad planning under Mourinho’s new ecosystem has already begun behind the scenes. The main figures in the Madrid boardroom, including José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat, held a lengthy meeting at a central Madrid hotel alongside influential Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes. At this conclave, the names of the next priority market targets were put on the table to meet the new coach’s demands.
Spain books its ticket to the 2027 World Cup
The Spanish women’s national team mathematically secured qualification for the 2027 World Cup after cruising to a commanding 1-6 away win over Iceland. The national side, led by a spectacular performance from Vicky López, ends the campaign on a high note and secures the chance to defend its world title. The reigning world champions have shown that their ambition remains fully intact ahead of the major international tournament.
Messi shines in Argentina’s finale
Argentina brought its international friendly tour to a close with a solid 3-0 win over Iceland. The match confirmed that Lionel Messi’s talent remains the driving force of the Albiceleste, after he scored one goal and provided an assist during the game. With confidence sky-high and a well-oiled collective style of play, the South American side wraps up its preparation phase making it clear that it is ready for official challenges.
With the San Francisco 49ers announcing they're canceling minicamp, some have wondered whether that was due to Brandon Aiyuk.
The Aiyuk situation is one of the more interesting in the NFL at the moment, with the organization potentially scared to move on from him, at least according to the man himself. It's a brutal situation for all to be in, but the 49ers have to do what's right and need to move on from him as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like many teams want to trade for him at the moment, which will raise many questions about his future in the NFL and with San Francisco.
I highly doubt that San Francisco decided to cancel its mandatory minicamp because of Aiyuk, but Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio doesn't believe that's the case, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if that was the reason why.
“Last week, Kyle Shanahan announced that he had canceled the 49ers’ mandatory mini camp,” Florio said. “If they hadn’t canceled that mini camp, and I wonder how much of the decision to cancel the mini camp was influenced by the very real possibility Aiyuk could have shown up and said, ‘I’m here. Put me on the field. Let me practice.‘ “It was established nearly 20 years ago when Steve McNair was on the Titans and they were waiting for the Ravens to give them the trade offer that they liked and they basically locked McNair out of the building. You can’t keep a player away from the facility; you can’t keep a player away from practice. You have to welcome him in as a member of the team or you have to cut him or trade him.”
It doesn't sound that crazy to suggest it might have had some impact, but I'd hate the idea that this happened entirely because of Aiyuk.
In fact, that would be a really bad look for the 49ers and all involved.
Several members of Liverpool's first-team squad have failed to prove their worth and now, it feels like the club have yet another massive rebuild on their hands.
And, after what has just happened to one of Liverpool's players, it feels like his time in L4 could easily be coming to an end.
Jeremie Frimpong left out of Netherlands World Cup squad again after Jurrien Timber ruled out
When the Netherlands' World Cup squad was first announced by Ronald Koeman, one of the biggest names to miss out was Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong.
Prior to his Anfield switch, the right-back was often one of the first names on his countries team sheet with his attacking prowess and versatility being two key components of his game.
However, after a season of injuries and unreliability, he was left out which proves how much he's actually flopped.
But, since his fellow countryman Jurrien Timber was injured, Frimpong was given another chance to get called up for this summers tournament.
Again, this wasn't meant to be with Koeman eventually deciding to call up Lutsharel Geertruida instead.
His absence from the tournament will have massively hindered his confidence and could maybe even make Liverpool think about his future at the club, especially since one of their transfer targets was called up instead of Frimpong.
Jeremie Frimpong's time at Liverpool could come to an end
Sure, the Netherlands international can be used as a right-winger or a right-back but, since most of the players that the Reds are being linked with are attackers, the only area left for him to go would be at right-back.
However, as the 25-year-old has shown on multiple occasions this term, he can hardly play in a back four due to how much he attacks.
But, even when he's done this for Liverpool, he's failed to match the numbers he set at Bayer Leverkusen as he's only contributed to four goals this term.
Liverpool will be looking to rebuild their entire team this summer and, in order to do that, they'll need to move some of their own players on.
And, with how poorly Frimpong has performed, it wouldn't be surprising to see Liverpool at least consider moving him on, hence why he could be finished at Anfield this summer.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to the GOAT debate, and Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is no different.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, James was asked for his two cents on the debate, and he shared an answer that is sure to generate some controversy.
LeBron James wouldn't take anyone over himself in GOAT debate
In a hypothetical fantasy draft that included every player ever, James made it clear that there's no one he would select over himself.
“I’m not taking nobody over me. There’s no question. But I think Mike [Jordan] will say the same thing. Rest his soul, Kobe [Bryant] will say the same thing. Magic [Johnson] will say the same thing. [Larry] Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing," James said.
"The late great Wilt [Chamberlain]. Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]. I don’t think none of us are going to take somebody else. If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ.”
Given all that he has accomplished over the course of his long and well-decorated career, James has every reason to think that he's the best player of all time. Many others would agree with him. Of course, many others would disagree, but that's what makes the debate fun and interesting.
James is also probably correct in saying that most all-time greats would pick themselves. It's just how those guys are wired. Frankly, it would have been surprising if James picked anyone else.
If the New York Knicks win it all this year, just remember a high school student called it six years ago and has the receipts to prove it.
Evan Pfeufer, a Long Island resident, opted for an unconventional entry in his 2020 Smithtown High School West yearbook.
While his classmates listed their academic awards, extracurricular activities and sports accolades in the high school yearbook, Pfeufer’s portrait was accompanied by just six words: "Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals."
The prescient prediction has gained significant traction after he shared photos on social media in recent days, with one Instagram post alone amassing over 130,000 views.
Pfeufer's senior quote, which reads ’Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals’ (Evan Pfeufer via AP)
Pfeufer, now 23 and in sales, said he wanted to use the yearbook to make a bold declaration about his beloved Knicks, who he concedes were “terrible” at the time - The Knicks finished the 2020-21 season with a record of 41-31.
“I was at my good buddy’s house and I said, ‘Knicks, six, 2026’,” he said. “It rhymed so well that I just figured, all right, I’m gonna put that there.”
“I could have said Knicks in 5, 2025, or Knicks in 7, 2027,” he added. “I guess I got the right year.”
Pfeufer said he took some grief, particularly from his parents, for not using the yearbook space to spotlight his school achievements, which included being a member of the honor society.
“I kept it just as the quote because I thought that if it happened, it would look way better than if I had a bunch of awards underneath,” he says.
Pfeufer, pointing to his senior quote in his high school yearbook, which reads: ‘Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals’ (Evan Pfeufer via AP)
Pfeufer says his parents have since come around to his thinking.
“Now that it’s happening the way it is, they said for the first time in their lives, 'Alright, you were right’,” he said.
Early in the playoffs, the lifelong Knicks fan said he swore off watching the team’s games because every time he tuned in, they lost. Since they’ve reached the finals and his prediction is inching closer to reality, he’s been watching them at home with family.
Pfeufer believes the current squad has what it takes to win the franchise's first NBA title since 1973 — even if it isn't in six games.
“I absolutely love that they play ethical basketball,” he said. “It’s team basketball. Everyone knows their role and cares so deeply, and you can see it whenever they play. They have heart.”
With the contract talks between Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemingly not being in a great spot at the moment, some have questioned whether the Cleveland Browns could get back in the mix to land their former quarterback.
Mayfield obviously didn't have the time he hoped for or expected in Cleveland, but things have changed for him and the organization since then. Not to say that the Browns would be interested in bringing him back, and even more so Mayfield not wanting to be back, but anything is possible, as we've seen crazier things happen in the NFL.
While it remains uncertain how everything will go with his contract in Tampa Bay, one Browns reporter put some cold water on the idea of him returning to Cleveland, saying that the Browns probably wouldn't want him.
“I don’t think the Browns would want him back. I think they’ve had enough of the Baker Mayfield experience. That’s why he’s not here. …
“I get it, he wants his market value and the pay scale for quarterbacks is what the pay scale for quarterback is. But I just don’t think that the Browns enjoyed their first Baker Mayfield experience, and I don’t know that they want to go that path again. It was not enjoyable for a lot of folks that tried to help him out while he was here. They tried to help him mature. So, these are the facts,” Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan said.
Just as the Browns don't want Mayfield, there's an even better chance that he doesn't want Cleveland. I'd be shocked if something happened, but Cleveland would finally be getting a quarterback it desperately needs.
As everybody knows now, the Chicago Bears still need to add an edge rusher, and it remains uncertain when and if it's going to happen. The Bears are in a position where they have to feel very confident about winning a Super Bowl, or at least getting near the top, if they can make that one final move.
It isn't a guarantee that they're going to win it all if they get there, but they'd be much closer by adding a guy like Maxx Crosby than they would be if they didn't have him.
Sadly, it doesn't seem like Crosby is available at the moment, and his latest comments make it seem like he's more than happy to stay in Vegas for the time being.
“It’s water under the bridge,” Crosby said, per NFL.com. “It’s a long time ago. A lot of things I learned about what’s going on and what this league can bring. A lot of adversity, a lot of different things you can’t really anticipate. But I’ve been through a lot in my life. It’s nothing to me. I’m here and I want to be here and I’m excited to be here. I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Hearing Crosby say that he wants to be there is far from ideal for a team like the Bears, as him coming out directly and saying that he doesn't want to be there could make a trade much more likely. The Bears are going to need some help in the trade, at least in terms of Las Vegas being willing to trade him.
England are making a habit of doing things the hard way.
Having claimed their second European Championship in the most nerve-wracking way possible, coming from behind and needing extra time in each of their knockout matches — and penalties in the quarter-final and final — they will now face two additional rounds of qualifying to reach next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their convincing 3-0 win against Ukraine on Tuesday night was not enough to secure an automatic spot at the tournament in Brazil. Friday night’s thrashing by Spain in Mallorca meant that against Ukraine, England needed to better the world champions’ result against Iceland, which unsurprisingly proved impossible as Spain romped to a 6-1 victory in Reykjavik. England’s 15 points, despite being more than France or Denmark won in topping their qualifying groups, was not enough as Spain topped Group A3 based on their head-to-head record.
England must now face two rounds of two-legged play-offs across the October and November international windows to secure their spot. The seeding will be favourable towards them; they will face a team from League C, the third tier of UEFA qualifying, in the first play-off and will have the second leg at home. Should they win, they will face either a team from League B or a team that came bottom of their League A group in the second round, and again would play the second leg at home.
Not qualifying automatically is a bitter pill to swallow. How much change it should prompt is a more nuanced question.
Ultimately, this qualifying campaign has not revealed much. England have reaffirmed that they are firm favourites against almost every side in Europe, that on their day, they can beat any team, and that on Spain’s day, they are still second-best.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman’s dilemma now is whether she risks tinkering with a formula that is almost all-conquering — or risks staying the same.
The accusation frequently levelled at Wiegman — though it must be said, often more loudly when results do not go her way — is that England are stagnating. Of those who have not retired, many core players from England’s European Championship 2022 victory have kept important roles in the squad. Arguably, it is time to start testing out alternatives.
Some areas of the squad are uncontentious: Hannah Hampton is undisputed No 1 goalkeeper, and the forward line of Alessia Russo flanked by Lauren Hemp and Lauren James contains a lethal mix of pace and finishing ability. Clear deputies are waiting for Russo in Aggie Beever-Jones and the currently injured Michelle Agyemang, who already proved her ability off the bench at the Euros. Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly are Wiegman’s substitute wingers of choice and can start, along with Jess Park, if Hemp or James are unavailable.
However, James and Hemp are most productive when freed up from defensive responsibilities and able to be used as outlets on the counter. That requires the full-backs behind them either to restrain themselves from straying forward, or possess the pace to recover quickly.
This is where Lucy Bronze’s place comes under debate. Bronze loves to crash the box and get involved in attacks but at 34, her recovery pace is not what it was; she was caught out of position for Spain’s opening goal on Friday. Maya Le Tissier, though typically a centre-back for her club Manchester United, started in Bronze’s usual right-back slot against Ukraine. Whether Wiegman uses autumn’s play-offs to further test Le Tissier in that role is one key decision.
The No 10 is England’s most competitive position. An injury to double European champion Ella Toone ruled her out of England’s past two camps and presented opportunities to Laura Blinkilde Brown and Lucia Kendall. Though Toone retook her place for the defeat against Spain, Blinkilde Brown played the full match against Ukraine, and Wiegman’s praise for her after the match gave an insight into the head coach’s selection.
“She has played more minutes for us over the last couple of months. She had a very good year at Manchester City, and she’s really improving,” Wiegman said. “I would not say that it’s experimenting, because she earned her spot.
“That’s a very good example of a player who’s just breaking into the squad and earning minutes.”
Wiegman referred to Blinkilde Brown having ‘earned’ her place twice in her answer, and that is the crux of why England’s starting XI has not changed massively during her tenure. Not many players have made convincing cases that they will perform more strongly than the proven winners ahead of them in the pecking order.
“The main thing is that when I think you’re the best player, I’ll pick you,” Wiegman said.
“If you’re a younger player, or you’re an older player, or you’re a player that has more experience, for me that’s not the priority.
“(Experience in tournaments) is important too, but I pick what are, in my opinion, the best players.”
In theory, the door is open for change. Autumn’s play-offs could be a chance for Wiegman to test players on the fringes of her squad in an environment where the stakes are high, but the opposition is weaker. The Nations League games in the spring will do the same. If players fail to take those opportunities, that would at least ensure different options had been tested ahead of the World Cup.
The risk of tinkering with a successful team should be carefully considered. Bolstering partnerships and understanding on the pitch going into a tournament year is valuable, and England’s tight-knit resilience and mentality are strengths. Disrupting that is a risk, but so is not preparing backup plans for England’s tried-and-trusted players. For instance, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh are undisputed starters in England’s midfield, but using camps before the World Cup to work out who replaces them in case of an injury would be prudent.
England taking the long road to the World Cup does not need to cause panic or a full squad revamp. This is still a winning team. But autumn’s play-offs and the games that follow are Wiegman’s opportunity to see if gentle change can improve them even further.
Phoenix Mercury (4-9, 3-5 Western Conference) at Dallas Wings (7-4, 3-2 Western Conference)
Arlington, Texas; Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Dallas Wings after Alyssa Thomas scored 22 points in the Mercury's 87-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries.
The Wings are 3-2 against Western Conference opponents. Dallas leads the Western Conference with 12.1 fast break points.
The Mercury's record in Western Conference action is 3-5. Phoenix is 3-6 against opponents with a winning record.
Dallas is shooting 45.2% from the field this season, 0.6 percentage points lower than the 45.8% Phoenix allows to opponents. Phoenix averages 7.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 more makes per game than Dallas allows.
The teams square off Thursday for the first time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paige Bueckers is averaging 18.7 points and 5.8 assists for the Wings. Arike Ogunbowale is averaging 14.9 points and 3.2 assists over the past 10 games.
Thomas is averaging 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Jovana Nogic is averaging 10.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wings: 6-4, averaging 86.3 points, 33.8 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 6.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 82.6 points per game.
Mercury: 3-7, averaging 79.9 points, 32.1 rebounds, 17.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 40.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.7 points.
INJURIES: Wings: Odyssey Sims: day to day (ankle), Awak Kuier: out (wrist).
Mercury: Sami Whitcomb: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Las Vegas Aces (8-3, 5-3 Western Conference) at Portland Fire (6-7, 0-3 Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Thursday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Las Vegas Aces visits the Portland Fire after A'ja Wilson scored 34 points in the Aces' 101-91 victory over the Seattle Storm.
The Fire's record in Western Conference play is 0-3. Portland ranks eighth in the WNBA with 19.0 assists per game led by Carla Leite averaging 5.0.
The Aces are 5-3 in Western Conference play. Las Vegas is second in the WNBA with 23.1 assists per game led by Chelsea Gray averaging 7.2.
Portland scores 81.3 points per game, 4.2 fewer points than the 85.5 Las Vegas gives up. Las Vegas averages 8.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 fewer makes per game than Portland gives up.
The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season for the two teams.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bridget Carleton is scoring 13.3 points per game with 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Fire. Leite is averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 assists over the last 10 games.
Wilson is averaging 25.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 blocks for the Aces. Jackie Young is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Fire: 5-5, averaging 79.4 points, 29.3 rebounds, 19.0 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 81.9 points per game.
Aces: 8-2, averaging 92.6 points, 37.6 rebounds, 23.5 assists, 6.1 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 84.1 points.
INJURIES: Fire: Serah Williams: day to day (illness), Jordan Harrison: day to day (coach decision).
Aces: Dana Evans: day to day (leg), Chennedy Carter: day to day (leg).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Liberty (8-4, 5-0 Eastern Conference) at Atlanta Dream (8-3, 3-1 Eastern Conference)
College Park, Georgia; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta Dream will try to keep its four-game home win streak intact when the Dream play New York Liberty.
The Dream are 3-1 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta ranks fifth in the WNBA with 40.2 points in the paint led by Allisha Gray averaging 8.5.
The Liberty are 5-0 against Eastern Conference teams. New York is third in the Eastern Conference scoring 87.3 points per game and is shooting 45.1%.
Atlanta is shooting 43.4% from the field this season, 0.9 percentage points higher than the 42.5% New York allows to opponents. New York has shot at a 45.1% rate from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points below the 45.5% shooting opponents of Atlanta have averaged.
The matchup Thursday is the first meeting this season for the two teams.
TOP PERFORMERS: Rhyne Howard is shooting 41.6% and averaging 17.9 points for the Dream. Gray is averaging 18.7 points over the last 10 games.
Breanna Stewart is averaging 20.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the Liberty. Marine Johannes is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Dream: 7-3, averaging 84.9 points, 36.1 rebounds, 19.2 assists, 9.4 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.8 points per game.
Liberty: 6-4, averaging 84.4 points, 36.2 rebounds, 20.5 assists, 5.8 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 81.8 points.
INJURIES: Dream: Brionna Jones: out (knee).
Liberty: Sabrina Ionescu: day to day (back), Jonquel Jones: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Sky (4-8, 1-4 Eastern Conference) at Indiana Fever (6-5, 2-2 Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Fever -9.5; over/under is 170.5
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana Fever hosts Chicago Sky aiming to prolong its four-game home winning streak.
The Fever are 2-2 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana has a 3-1 record in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Sky's record in Eastern Conference play is 1-4. Chicago ranks seventh in the WNBA with 25.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Kamilla Cardoso averaging 6.3.
Indiana averages 9.1 made 3-pointers per game, 2.3 more made shots than the 6.8 per game Chicago allows. Chicago averages 80.2 points per game, 5.4 fewer points than the 85.6 Indiana allows to opponents.
The teams match up Thursday for the first time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Caitlin Clark is shooting 38.3% and averaging 18.7 points for the Fever. Kelsey Mitchell is averaging 19.6 points over the last 10 games.
Cardoso is averaging 12.3 points, nine rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Sky. Rachel Banham is averaging 1.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Fever: 6-4, averaging 86.6 points, 33.4 rebounds, 20.7 assists, 6.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 83.5 points per game.
Sky: 2-8, averaging 79.5 points, 31.1 rebounds, 18.5 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 88.1 points.
INJURIES: Fever: None listed.
Sky: Courtney Vandersloot: out (knee), Rickea Jackson: out for season (knee), DiJonai Carrington: out (foot).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) and running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The perfect hedge for the Miami Dolphins’ precarious right tackle situation is suddenly staring them right in the face.
The Miami Dolphins‘ offensive line overhaul is well underway this offseason.
First-round draft choice Kadyn Proctor is a far cry stylistically from Cole Strange, a primary starter last season at guard. Jonah Savaiinaea has flipped from left guard to right guard. And for now, the Miami Dolphins have Austin Jackson back in the fray after injuries derailed another season. The team drafted DJ Campbell on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, too. Things are looking different. But you can never have enough offensive line depth - especially with a starter at right tackle in Jackson whose injury rundown is extensive. And that is putting it mildly.
It makes this evening’s news elsewhere in the NFL a tantalizing option for Miami. Jon-Eric Sullivan should be on the phone with the Kansas City Chiefs first thing in the morning.
The Miami Dolphins should be calling the Kansas City Chiefs after news of a possible Wayna Morris trade
The Chiefs and OT Wanya Morris have agreed to explore trade options, per sources.
Morris, who has 16 starts in three seasons (11 in 2024), would like the chance to play more and Kansas City has tackle depth. pic.twitter.com/8LMSO9eEmS
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that the Chiefs are going to be shopping around offensive tackle Wanya Morris via trade this summer. Morris, who was a standout right tackle during his final season at Oklahoma in 2022, has struggled to live up to his draft status in three years with the Chiefs. A top-100 draft choice, Morris has endured a number of high-penalty performances. He’s also been credited with 62 pressures on just over 700 career pass blocking attempts.
But for the Miami Dolphins, he’d be a one-year flier who would have a high probability of getting into the lineup at some point. Jackson’s injury history is too consistent to ignore. And, unlike Kansas City, the Dolphins would then be in a position to play him at right tackle. More than 1,000 of Morris’ career snaps with the Chiefs have come on the left side - perhaps a return to right tackle is just what the doctor ordered?
In 2026, Morris will play on the final year of his rookie contract. He’s owed less than $1.5 million in base salary. So with a shaky injury situation at right tackle, a low salary scheduled, and a buy-low opportunity waiting? The question shouldn’t be “should the Dolphins call?”. It should be “why wouldn’t they?”…
‘You make us laugh more than Barcelona’ – Atletico Madrid brutally mock Real Madrid after €150m attempt for Julian Alvarez
Real Madrid’s attempt to land Julian Alvarez has turned into one of the most talked-about stories in Spanish football, but not because of the size of the offer.
Instead, it is Atletico Madrid’s public response that has stolen the headlines.
The announcement itself came as a surprise, with clubs rarely making such approaches public.
However, Real Madrid chose to confirm the offer through an official statement, bringing an already sensitive situation into the spotlight.
What followed was an extraordinary reaction from their city rivals, who wasted little time in dismissing the approach and publicly ridiculing Real Madrid on social media.
Atletico launch extraordinary response
The first response from Atlético Madrid was relatively light-hearted, with a series of smiling emojis aimed at Real Madrid’s announcement.
But the club soon escalated matters with a strongly worded statement that left little room for interpretation.
In their message, Atletico sought to challenge several aspects of Real Madrid’s communication while making it clear that they had no intention of entertaining discussions over Álvarez.
“Official statement with our clarifications regarding our neighbours’ official statement.
“Real Madrid: 1. You cut the part of the Pope’s video where he said he was also an Atlético fan.
“2. You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but just so there’s no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.
“3. We haven’t considered or evaluated any offers for Julián.
“4. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does?”
There is more
The exchange did not end there, as Atletico later published another message aimed directly at their long-time rivals, adding further fuel to the growing rivalry.
The Rojiblanco club wrote,
“P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you’ll stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thank you very much, Real Madrid!”
Regardless of whether Real Madrid genuinely expected Atletico to negotiate, the public nature of the exchange has everyone talking within the footballing circle.
Chelsea legend John Terry has offered his verdict on England’s chances of winning the World Cup this summer.
England are one of the favourites to win the tournament for the first time since 1966, but there are several other contenders.
Terry named Spain and France as the two biggest threats to Thomas Tuchel’s side in the United States.
However, the former England defender still feels confident that the Three Lions can lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
John Terry believes England can win World Cup 2026
Rather unsurprisingly, John Terry expects Harry Kane to be England’s key player at the 2026 World Cup.
Keeping him fit for all eight games of the tournament will be one of Thomas Tuchel’s main objectives.
Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images
Terry then highlighted England’s need for pacey forwards to run beyond Kane to get the best out of him.
“100 per cent, I think we can win it. I think probably France and Spain are the favourites,” Terry said on TikTok.
“I think if we keep Harry Kane fit, that’s going to be vital to our success. Not only does he score goals, but he dictates football matches now. He drops a little bit deeper, so I think pace running behind is going to be key as well.”
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka are all likely to fulfil that role at times throughout the World Cup.
One of the Premier League’s greatest centre-backs in his playing days, Terry also appreciates England’s defensive solidity under Tuchel.
A potential back four of Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Reece James should be considered among the world’s best.
“I think we have a great chance,” Terry added. “Defensively, we’re very good. We have players in the group coming off the back of really successful seasons.
“Players are full of confidence going into it. Some players haven’t played many minutes, as well, so hopefully they’re going to be fresh.”
World Cup 2026: Mexico City buzzing, United States handed injury boost, Canada forced into late change
We’re almost there, folks. The wait is nearly over as there’s less than 48 hours left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kick-off.
Thursday night’s opener between co-hosts Mexico and former hosts South Africa will mark a landmark occasion in World Cup history.
For the first time, the tournament’s opening match is a repeat from a prior edition as Mexico and South Africa faced each other 16 years ago in Johannesburg.
It was a 1-1 draw that will forever be remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning goal that put Bafana Bafana ahead.
Far away from the infamous noise of vuvuzelas, Mexico will seek a more favourable outcome at the very start of the inaugural 48-team World Cup.
Stay tuned, as we examine several major talking points ahead of the big kick-off.
Euphoria reaches fever pitch in Mexico City
Very few cities in the world can match the atmosphere currently sweeping through Mexico City as fans count down the hours until Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa.
Expectations are sky high as the most prestigious international tournament returns to Mexico for the first time since 1986. What’s the reason? El Tri reached the quarter-finals in both previous editions held in the country.
However, the tournament arrives against the backdrop of a deepening political crisis in Mexico, with widespread opposition to President Claudia Sheinbaum continuing to fuel tensions across the city.
Authorities and security forces remain on high alert, while the government has declared a ‘non-school’ day for the city’s schools, extendable to all three days on which Javier Aguirre’s men will play their matches.
There’s more. Authorities have urged spectators to arrive at the stadium at least three hours before kick-off to avoid potential disruption, as up to seven demonstrations could take place in the surrounding area during the match.
After all, would you expect anything less from football-mad Latin America?
United States handed major fitness boost ahead of World Cup opener
Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards could not have timed his return from injury any better. Out of action since suffering a fitness setback on May 17, the 26-year-old missed the United States’ two warm-up fixtures.
Since Mauricio Pochettino’s side conceded at least twice in both those matches against Germany and Senegal, it’s fair to say that Richards’ recovery comes as a major boost for the USMNT ahead of their Friday opener.
Despite casting doubt on his availability for the tournament after missing the UEFA Conference League final, Richards has shrugged off the problem to put himself at Pochettino’s disposal at the best possible moment.
He will be in contention for Friday night’s showdown against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium after resuming full training on Tuesday, with the US looking to kick things off in Group D with a bang.
Can Richards alone address the USMNT’s defensive woes? Probably not. However, Pochettino must be relieved to know Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson and Tim Ream are no longer his only centre-back options.
Last-minute change for Canada
Canada lost Arsenal academy graduate Marcelo Flores to injury on the eve of Friday night’s Group B curtain-raiser against Bosnia & Herzegovina, forcing Jesse Marsch to make a late change to his roster.
With the Tigres UANL winger ruled out, Austin FC forward Jayden Nelson has made the cut right at the death despite being initially omitted by Marsch. Make no mistake, he could be just as lethal as Flores.
Nelson has managed two goals in ten MLS outings this season and was also on the scoresheet in Canada’s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in a friendly earlier in June.
Ominously for the co-hosts, Flores’ withdrawal may not be the only personnel issue. OGC Nice star Moise Bombito is also at risk of pulling out of the squad, with the Canucks’ medical staff monitoring his condition on a daily basis.
Bombito had been on the sidelines since October with a fractured leg before making a cameo appearance against Uzbekistan, only to limp off injured, handing Marsch another massive reason for concern.
Agonisingly long added time on the horizon
FIFA and UEFA have taken a united stand against time-wasting, one of football’s most persistent and frustrating problems.
You don’t have to look beyond the insanely long periods of added time in the Premier League this season to understand the scale of the problem.
While players may not relish the prospect of playing well beyond the 90-minute mark, the measure has become increasingly necessary.
Set-piece routines and long throw-ins have become a common practice in modern football. Needless to say, that takes some time to set up, further reducing the active play.
For perspective, in the 2024/25 Premier League season, games averaged 56 minutes and 59 seconds of ball in play.
With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising to see double-digit added time come up on the fourth official’s board. Nothing will change this summer.
In fact, fans can expect even stricter enforcement of added time, especially considering these trends have shown no signs of slowing down.
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What to watch
Group A’s opening fixture is Mexico’s to lose. Anything other than El Tri’s clear-cut victory would be a major upset.
Even though these matches could be tricky, there’s no excuse. And frankly, Aguirre has run out of one long ago.
After disappointing last-16 exits in 2002 and 2010, the 67-year-old has the chance to banish ghosts from the past and atone in what he has admitted will be his last World Cup.
What better way to embark on this mission than by giving home fans an opener to celebrate?
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been digitally altered.) Jordan Pickford #1 of England poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 08, 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Here’s how Everton’s four World Cup players could fare this tournament. [RBM]
Speaking of the World Cup, did you fill out your bracket as yet?! [RBM]
Royal Blue Mersey Bracket Challenge – Can You Predict the World Cup? Compete against fellow Blues and show off your international football knowledge.https://t.co/58lPrhmFLy
Everton may lose out in the race for Hayden Hackney as Crystal Palace prepare bid. [Daily Mail]
“I feel like I’m getting better all the time, with each game and each training session. That’s always what I’ve strived for.I’m always asking myself, ‘How can I improve?’, and demanding more from myself. I think that’s what got me to where I am today and seen me play so many games for Everton and England. I want to contribute in every way I can. I try to be a leader in whatever team I’m in. One player has got to wear the captain’s armband but you need more leaders than that in the team to be successful. I want to play my part in driving my team forward – for Everton and for England,” says Jordan Pickford. [EFC]
Atletico Madrid president takes a clear stance on the future of Barcelona and Real Madrid target – “Not for sale”
The Julian Alvarez saga took another dramatic turn late Tuesday, when Real Madrid confirmed Atletico Madrid have rejected a €150 million offer for the attacker.
Atletico Madrid came out all guns blazing in response to Real Madrid’s public statement confirming their rejected €150 million bid for the Argentine forward.
All of this happened while Barcelona were sitting on the sidelines, supposedly being Alvarez’s favoured destination.
Julian is not for sale
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid’s chances of signing Alvarez appear to be seemingly bleak as Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has made it clear that the player is not for sale.
“Julian is not for sale,” Cerezo bluntly told El Chiringuito, making the club’s position crystal clear to both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have been circling the player.
But the club did not stop there. Atletico Madrid took to social media to respond to Real Madrid’s statement in a tone that was equal parts defiant and mocking, posting laughing emojis before following up with a pointed official response.
Atletico’s social media broadside
“Official statement with our clarifications on the official statement from our neighbors Real Madrid: 1. The Pope’s video was cut off where he said that he was also an Atleti fan.
Julian Alvarez is not for sale. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
2. You may have confused education with gratitude, but so that there is no doubt: we do not thank you for anything. 3. We neither study nor evaluate any offer for Julian. 4. How can we not get along, if you make us laugh even more than Barcelona.”
A third message followed shortly after, taking aim at Real Madrid’s recruitment of academy players. “Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop stealing players from our Academy. Thank you very much, Real Madrid.”
Atletico are pointing to Alvarez’s release clause of €500 million, a figure designed to make any transfer practically impossible.
The club insists the striker is not for sale regardless of the offers that arrive, whether from Real Madrid or Barcelona.
The Miami Heat are very hopeful that Giannis Antetokounmpo will end up in South Beach.
The Milwaukee Bucks might not want to move on from Antetokounmpo, and there's reason to believe they won't, though it's still likely that, if they do, it will be in a deal with Miami.
Right now, the Bucks still have some leverage, but if Antetokounmpo doesn't sign an extension with them over the next few months, they won't have much left.
While it remains uncertain when a deal will be done, or whether one will, it's interesting to hear how Heat reporters are talking about it, with one even saying that he believes there's more than a 50% chance that a deal gets done.
“In the pantheon of stories that I’ve written that I’ve never hit ‘print’, last night I wrote my ‘Heat get Giannis Antetokounmpo [story]’… I am at that point, that I think it is possible that I might be out, I might be getting the car washed, I might be doing something else. I got to have that story ready.
“You guys over the years have asked me to put percentages on this stuff, and it’s a hard thing to do. I think saying ‘50/50’ might be selling this even a little bit short,” Ira Winderman wrote.
It seems like many have said this in the past about Antetokounmpo being traded, so I'm in the boat that until it gets done, there really isn't much to talk about here. Of course, there's a possibility it's going to happen, but we can say that for any team and any player in the NBA making a deal.
When it comes to talking about the future of women’s basketball, it’s hard to leave Haylen Ayers out of the conversation.
At just 17-years-old, the Tennessee native is ranked among the top players (No. 3 as per 247 Sports) in the Class of 2027 and holds offers from some of the biggest programs in the country. To put it in perspective a little better, last year she became the youngest athlete to sign a lucrative NIL deal with New Balance. And that alone puts her on an elite roster that includes NBA stars Kawhi Leonard, Cooper Flagg, and WNBA phenom Cameron Brink.
But she didn’t become one of the nation’s most sought-after prospects overnight.
Long before college coaches started appearing on the sidelines to watch her play, the game of basketball was already woven into her everyday life, and the credit for that goes to her mother – Ashley McElhiney Ayers.
During her college days, Ashley scored more than 1,000 points for the Vanderbilt Commodores, which led her to get drafted by the Indiana Fever. However, one of her biggest achievements to date remains the fact that she made history as the first woman to coach a men’s professional basketball team.
So now as Haylen Ayers walks on her own path to stardom, she’s carrying lessons learned from that environment while building a legacy of her own. But let’s take a look at how she is doing that.
During an exclusive conversation with EssentiallySports, the five-star prospect reflected on the influences that shaped her both on and off the court. And unsurprisingly, the story begins with the person who introduced her to the game in the first place.
On Growing Up with a Basketball Pedigree
With a mother who was honored as the Tennessee State 1A Miss Basketball in high school before building an impressive basketball career at Vanderbilt, Haylen Ayers always had a standard to chase. But rather than seeing that as pressure, she viewed it as motivation.
“I think it kind of puts a competitive edge, a competitive spirit in you – kind of growing up knowing that you have something to live up to. But I think for me it’s just something to work towards all the time, and it’s kind of like a competitive thing like, ‘hey, I want to be better than her.'” She added, “So it’s always been just a standard for me. She obviously gets to teach me and help me grow in all the ways that she did, but she wants me to be just as good, if not better than her.”
On Living and Learning with Coaches for Parents
At the University School of Jackson (USJ), Haylen Ayers has developed into one of the top players. During her sophomore season, she averaged 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while earning Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Now, much credit for that goes to her parents.
Her father, Joel Ayers, serves as USJ’s head coach, while her mother, Ashley Ayers, is an assistant coach. For many players, that setup could create challenges. But for the Ayers family, there is a clear separation between basketball and home life.
“We do a really good job of leaving the parent and child at home and then coach and player in the gym. As soon as we step off the court, it is now parent and child. We do a really good job of separating the two and keeping one in one place and one in the other,” she revealed.
“I think the main thing is like most people don’t understand the relationship that you have to have to be able to do that. And for us, it’s kind of we don’t really talk about basketball in the house. We just leave that where it’s supposed to be, and on the court it’s a coach and player, and nothing is brought into either one of the other things, and there’s no favoritism. There might be every now and then a little more yelling at me than some of the others, but that just comes with being a coach’s daughter. But yeah, I think we do a really good job of separating the two.”
On Handling the National Hype
In this sport, only a few players ever reach the level where they are considered superstars. Take Caitlin Clark or A’ja Wilson for example.
Haylen Ayers is definitely one of those. With her success on the court and growing national profile, she has quickly become one of the most recognizable young players in the country. But with this level of stardom also comes the kind of attention that not many could handle. However, for her, this is a “privilege.”
“I’m pretty stress-free. As a player, as a teenager, I kind of live life just stress-free. A lot of it is just – I work at whatever it is that’s put in front of me, and the results are just going to come from that. I think living with that mindset – the mindset that if you just work hard, the results are going to follow – that’s just kind of how I live life. The pressure is a privilege. I know most people say that, but that is just how I move forward. That’s how I’ve become who I am. And I hopefully will become because I take pressure as a positive thing in my life, in all things that I do, not just the sport itself.”
On Embracing the Present
As one of the most exciting players in the country, the temptation to look ahead and wonder what the future holds is everywhere. But Ayers doesn’t believe in living in the future.
“Living in the moment is definitely a huge thing. You don’t really realize how many moments you’ll miss or pass up just by thinking about, ‘hey, what’s next?’ Or ‘what can I do more tomorrow?’ Instead of just living in the moment,” she said.
“I think that’s one thing that’s helped me grow as an athlete is – living in the one rep that I’m doing in the workout or living in the one defensive stop that I need in a game instead of, can I go get this game winner down the road. It’s something that a lot of people in life take for granted: just living in the moment because you’re not guaranteed tomorrow at all. You’re not guaranteed to step on the court again. When you have the mindset that ‘I’ll do better tomorrow.’ Well, what are you doing today kind of question. So yeah, living in the moment is something that the earlier you grasp onto the more likely you are to have success.”
On Balancing Basketball and Softball
While basketball may be her future, it wasn’t Haylen Ayers’ first love.
The 17-year-old is also an accomplished softball athlete, ranking among the best outfielders in her grade, and that’s something she isn’t ready to leave behind anytime soon.
“My love for softball started even before basketball, and I have just hit the ground running with it. A lot of people ask me, ‘Which one do you like better?’ and I think the easiest answer is, ‘Well, I like both of them.’ But for me – I’m a basketball player, but softball has been my outlet.”
“These past three to four years, basketball has been super serious, and it is something that – there’s a lot going on all the time and softball has been the outlet for me. Some people like – it’s music or drawing or art, just something like that, and softball is that for me. So I get to have a full season of it in high school, but just whenever I need it, I have it because it’s the place where I can go and take my mind off of things. So it’s something that comes naturally, and it’s fun to me,” she further added.
“But at the same time I still love to do it, and I hope to do it as long as I can. Even if that’s one more year, if that’s four years in college, who knows? But that is something that it’s always been there for me when I needed it – A space to go.”
On Her Elite Mid-Range Game and the Mental Battle
Being one of the best players on the floor comes with its fair share of consequences. Opponents learn to adjust to your style, defenses adapt.
But for Haylen Ayers, dealing with that has now become a part of the learning process. So when Andrew asked her whether defenses have started focusing more heavily on her scoring ability, she quickly answered:
“Yes, it’s very evident in high school, but I would say in AAU it is now starting to pick up a little bit too.”
However, she believes the challenge is less physical than many people would assume.
“I think a lot of it is mental and a lot of people would be like, ‘Well, I’m going to go work on this,’ or ‘I’m going to add this to my game.’ That’s not me. My game is kind of my game, and that’s just what I do. But I think a lot of it is mental and a lot of people don’t understand that at all. But it is a mindset because mine started at a young age, especially in high school. At a very young age, it happened to me, and mentally you’re probably not ready for that.”
“But the earlier that it happens, the more that you become able to conquer that mindset, and mentally being strong and stable in those moments, but also knowing, like, it’s happening for a reason. You are, you belong. You are that good. That is why it’s happening to you. And I think the mental aspect of it is the biggest part to overcome a double team or being guarded in that way. Because it’s not physical; that’s why it’s happening to you. So it’s the mental part of overcoming that.”
On Her Gold Standard for Mental Toughness
During the interview, when Ayers was asked to identify the gold standard for mental toughness, she didn’t think of a WNBA star or an NBA legend; she immediately pointed towards her mother.
“Mine’s easy. Mine’s my mom. And most people, like you said, they have no idea – she was obviously the first woman to coach a men’s team and you know the national league and she just through life especially, just losing both parents and still being a mom and all the stuff like – she has mentally been guidance for me and she has taught me so much and she would like to say that she’s the best role model in the mental aspect and but she’ll also admit like I have room to grow as well. But just being a mom and a coach and then also being a parent to other kids that she coaches on the floor, it has definitely helped her grow, and it’s helped me grow and see how strong she is mentally, and I think that’s kind of the gold standard for me.”
On Becoming the Youngest Athlete on the New Balance Roster
“I’m very humbled to be in a situation where I’m amongst the names, those names that a lot of people are familiar with, and it’s a very, very intimate culture with New Balance, and that’s kind of how I live life. I’m very grateful to be a part of that conversation and within that program. So yeah, it’s a really cool family to be a part of, and I’m super grateful to be in the position that I’m in.”
On Her On-Court Style and Persona
If you ask any coach or scout about Haylen Ayers, they’ll likely point to her scoring ability as the best part of her game. But when she describes herself, the first word that comes to her mind is – a teammate.
“I would definitely go with unselfish. I’m very energetic. I like to lead. I communicate a lot. When it’s in the moment, it can sound harsh, but I like to get my point across. But the main thing would just be unselfish, and I feel like I’m a ball of energy on the court. I love to smile. Obviously, I probably haven’t stopped smiling since I’ve been on here. So, I enjoy the game. I just love playing it. So, I have a lot of fun while doing it.”
On Carving Her Own Path as a Trailblazer Just Like Her Mother
Ashley McElhiney Ayers (Haylen’s Mother) built a career by doing things that had never been done before. We have already talked about how she stepped into a territory only a few people were willing to enter at that time.
So that willingness of hers to forge a different path left an impression on her daughter to be a trailblazer herself.
“Following in my mom’s footsteps, it’s always going to lead you on a positive path in a really good direction. Obviously, she decided to take a path that not a lot of people were willing to risk or take. And I think that kind of stood out to me whenever, you know, you have a mom that’s like that. I want to take that with me.”
“I’m not going to do what’s casual, or that’s always done. Just for instance, like I don’t say yes to everything. I don’t need to go to everything that I’m invited to, or, you know, there’s just some things that you can say no to, or you can follow your own path, or you can do what is best for you and not what everyone else does. And I think that’s something that what she did has now, kind of, led me down that path and created a name for myself and has been the trailblazing moment, obviously, that has kind of led me to be my own person.”
On Her Dream Matchup Against Caitlin Clark
The stage that Haylen Ayers will enter soon, just a few years ago, belonged to Clark.
But unlike most former prospects, Clark never stopped being the center of attention. She remains one of the biggest names in the WNBA and continues to be the player everyone is talking about.
So when Andrew asked Ayers about who her dream matchup would be, she didn’t hesitate to point towards the Indiana Fever star.
“There’s so many people that I would love to do this with, but I think her name has recently been the hot seat. I think Caitlin Clark, like I just want the opportunity to guard her. You watch her play, and you’re like, ‘Why are you letting her shoot again?’ But her shot is so quick, and I just want the opportunity to guard her. Not even the offensive opportunity, but like I just want to be a dawg on defense against her for one game.”
On the Importance of ‘Having That Dawg’ In Her
“It’s very important. That is something that my parents preach to both basketball and softball teams. Because it’s not something that is just given to you. You obviously work for that type of thing. But once you get that mentality, do not give it back because that’s something that you can carry through life, sports all the way through.”
On Entering the ‘Golden Age’ of Women’s Sports
Women’s basketball has experienced enormous growth over the past several years. Teams in the WNBA are seeing a massive rise in their game attendance, so much so that they have to shift their matches to bigger arenas. Players got a huge bump in their salaries. Television ratings are climbing day-by-day.
Then in college, NIL opportunities have completely transformed their landscape, as player now have the chance to earn based on their Name, Image, and Likeness. So there is very little doubt that this is the golden age of women’s basketball. But is that what Haylen Ayers thinks as well?
“I think women’s sports are in a really good spot, and not just basketball. I think in all areas, women’s sports are on the horizon, and I think it’s a great time to be young. Just with everything that’s involved, and there has been so many people in the past five years, like you said, that have set the pathway for us, and we should be super grateful for that because without them there is nothing that we have today. But I think women’s sports is in a really good space, and I’m happy to be living in the scenario that I’m living in.”
On the Impact of Paige Bueckers
If you are a basketball fan, you already know how big of a name Paige Bueckers has been throughout her college career and her transition in the WNBA.
She was selected as the No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in 2025, and since then she has won the Rookie of the Year award, earned an All-Star nod, and dropped a historic 44-point game.
So when Ayers was asked about her in the interview, she said:
“She’s a dawg. I think she does everything the right way. And obviously, there’s the behind-the-scenes part of it, but I think from what we see on social media or just kind of on TV, I think she does everything the right way. She does it with a smile. She does it with kind of the energy that just looks like she loves what she does. And that’s kind of how people should approach the game, or you’re not doing it for the right reasons.”
On What Kind of Content She Enjoys Making
“A lot of people try to make it solely about the basketball life, and I kind of fall into that trap as well. My life is basketball, and that’s kind of what I do, and then there’s some softball here and there. I think one of the biggest things for me is kind of finding time to put my family and friends out there because that’s what I value most. Because my circle is super small, but the people that are in my circle are my people, and that’s who have put me in this position that I’m in today. So without them, I would be nothing. And so that’s something that I take pride in is allowing my friends and family to also have a spotlight because, like I said, I would be nothing without them.”
On Her Battle with Mattie Minury
Elite players often find themselves linked together long before they even reach college or the professional ranks. That has already happened for Haylen Ayers.
After a recent matchup against Mattie Minury, another highly regarded prospect, many fans couldn’t control their excitement to see these young players in the pro league and suggested that it could become a future WNBA rivalry.
However, when Ayers was asked about that, she made it clear that her focus remains on the competition itself.
“It was a super fun game. It was one of those 8 a.m. games. So, we got to have fun at very, very early morning, but it was a competitive atmosphere. We had coaches on the sideline. It was just – it’s really fun. It’s always really fun to compete. My team will step on the court and face anybody, and they always have my back. So I’m very grateful for that. And to step on the court with another team that is just as competitive and wants it just as much as we are. It was really fun to go head-to-head with someone that’s just as good.”
On Learning From Heartbreaking Losses
One of the most memorable performances of Haylen Ayers’ career so far came in a state championship game, where she finished the night with 40 points and 13 rebounds. However, even with this production, her team still lost in double overtime.
So when asked about that moment in the interview, this is what the young star had to say:
“In the moment, you just wish you could have done a little bit more, not just for yourself, but the person sitting next to you that has battled all the way to the last game with you. Because they’re not just your teammates, they’re your family. And so when you end up not on top, it’s hard to be like, well, you know, that falls on my shoulders, and there’s what else could I have done? I think after you step away, you have to see the good, or you know, you’ll always be chasing, which is a good thing, but it’s something that you just strive to be in that moment.”
“That’s gonna be one of the biggest games of your life or in the life that you’re living now. And so, just being able to be that person that will step up in any moment and kind of the person that my teammates have built confidence and trust in. They want the ball in my hands in those scenarios. So that’s something that I take pride in, and I’m very grateful that they trust me in those moments to be able to do that. But I think when it all is said and done, it’s a team sport, and there’s not much that you reflect on the word ‘I’ in that moment. It’s kind of, what could we have done?”
On What She Would Tell Her Older Self
Athletes are often asked what advice they would give their younger selves. But Andrew has something else in his mind as he asked Haylen Ayers, “What would she tell her older self?” And to be honest, her answer brought the conversation full circle.
“I would be like, ‘Slow down. Live in the moment.’ I think life has gone so quickly. Just in my 17 years of living, I feel like I’m always on the go. People make the comments, or if I’m trying to get on the phone with somebody, they always make the comments, ‘Well, you’re so busy. You’re always going.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t have another life outside of it. I don’t know another life outside of it.’ I think it would be just to settle in and slow down, enjoy life because these are the moments that you don’t get back, and I’m living that firsthand and I’m understanding that. But yeah, I think it would just be to slow down, enjoy the moments.”
The Quickfire Round:
Coach Mom vs. Coach Dad
Agree or Disagree?
The best player in the country should go to the best program. No exceptions.
“I disgree. I think building your own legacy at any school is going to be the right choice. And if that falls, not in the best program, then I think you should do that.”
Playing for your parents makes you tougher than any other player on the court.
“I mean, I probably have a biased opinion. I think probably yes because it’s a hard situation, but there’s two sides to that question.”
NIL changed recruiting more than anything coaches say in a living room visit.
“I think it has changed the game, but I think it’s changed the game for the better. So, agree to disagree on that one.”
Losing a heartbreaker teaches you more than winning a championship.
“I actually can agree to that. I think I lived that firsthand. So I won a championship in ’24, and then lost one in ’25, and then lost one this year in ’26. So I can definitely agree to that. I think it definitely teaches you more.”
As a young player surrounded by attention, expectations, and elite company, Haylen Ayers doesn’t sound rushed by any of it. Instead, she kept circling back to the same idea throughout the conversation – stay present and control what she can.
With fans still awaiting her decision to choose a college, her name is already firmly in national conversations. So her next steps are only going to draw more eyes. But for now, she seems intent on taking it one moment at a time.
Jobs have already been on the line in Boston, as the Boston Red Sox decided to move on from Alex Cora and others over the past few months. At the time, it didn't seem to make much sense, and even a few months later, those moves still don't seem right.
Others should probably be fired as well, including CBO Craig Breslow. Breslow has done some questionable things during his time in Boston, though he hasn't taken all of the blame for that, and that was evident when Boston decided to move on from Cora and others.
While it seems possible he could be fired, The Boston Globe now reports that the Red Sox aren't expected to do so in the immediate future.
“The Red Sox are not considering firing chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, a team source said Monday night.
“Further, amid the team’s underperformance — and speculation that Breslow may be on the hot seat — the club’s ownership hierarchy has not even discussed making a change, the source said,” Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reported.
While the ownership group seemingly hasn't decided whether to move on from him right now, I wouldn't be surprised if that's a conversation that happens during the offseason.
Giving Breslow the trade deadline to see what he cooks up might not be the best idea, but Boston might see what he can do one last time and go from there.
San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) runs after hitting a single during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park.
SAN DIEGO – The Padres had their chances, but a two-run home run by Sal Stewart off Yuki Matsui to center field in the 11th inning sunk San Diego in a 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night at Petco Park.
Fernando Tatis Jr. had his first four-hit game of the season, but the Padres (34-32) only managed three hits on 20 RISP opportunities and left nine in scoring position. Cincinnati (32-34) matched the Majors season-high by stealing seven bases.
"I think we're obviously pressing like in any of those situations, and everybody wants to be the guy that breaks out. Maybe we're trying to do too much in the those situations or maybe we're not trying to do enough, we've got to keep talking through it, keep coaching them up and keep practicing those situations out on the field and in the batting cage," manager Craig Stammen said.
Eugenio Suárez led off the 10th with a double off Bradgley Rodriguez, but the reliever was able to limit the damage to one run with a strike out and getting a ground out to end his half. Then Samad Taylor hit the game-tying single off of Tejay Antone and stole second base. Freddy Fermin just missed a game-winning home run, hitting the final out to the warning track in left field.
San Diego loaded the bases in the ninth, getting a one out single from Sung-Mun Song, then a liner from Tatis and a chopped infield single by Jackson Merrill. But Reds reliever Sam Moll struck out Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets to force extra innings.
"I'll put Manny in those situations tomorrow, the next day, the day after that, the rest of the season. I trust all of our guys, but I would put (Machado) in that situation over many, many others," Stammen said.
The Padres had appeared to go ahead in the eighth after Machado led off with a double, as Taylor dropped down a bunt on a safety squeeze, but the ball bounced back up off his hand as he was leaving the batter’s box for a foul ball — he ultimately struck out. Then Jase Bowen hit a short flare out to shallow right field, but Blake Dunn made a diving catch to end the inning.
San Diego tied the game in the third inning, as Jackson Merrill hit his first triple of the season to bring home Tatis after a one-out single. Machado followed up with a single through the left side, driving in his team-best 33rd RBI.
But after that the Padres came up empty in the fifth despite Tatis hitting a one out ground-rule double. Then in the sixth they loaded the bases, but Fermin grounded into an inning-ending double play.
The Reds had scored a run in both the second and third, with Tyler Stephenson cashing in a Matt McLain walk and stolen base to open the scoring. An inning later the Reds loaded the bases, and Spencer Steer reached on a fielder’s choice after Lucas Giolito made an error fielding the short comebacker.
Giolito lasted four innings, throwing 83 pitches and allowing both runs (only one was earned due to the error) on two hits. His biggest issue was his control, as he walked five batters while striking out three. However he was able to limit the damage in a bases loaded situation in the third by striking out Suárez and getting McLain to ground out.
"He definitely struggled tonight finding the strike zone, fought through four innings and only one earned run, if he makes that play on the little nubber ground ball and gets out of the inning unscathed. He's competitive, he find a way to figure out a way to keep us in the game somehow," Stammen said.
David Morgan replaced the San Diego starter, lasting 1 2/3 innings until he allowed a pair of hits to Edwin Arroyo and Blake Dunn. The runners on the corners situation ended his evening after striking out four and walking one, when Adrian Morejon came on and got the final out of the sixth by getting JJ Bleday to strike out.
Morejon pitched the following inning, finishing with 1 1/3 pitched and allowed a lone hit while striking out three. Then in the eighth Jason Adam was able to work around walking the first two batters he faced, getting a flyout to center, a strike out and pop out to escape the jam unscathed. Mason Miller pitched a one-two-three ninth with two Ks.
The loss was Matsui’s first of the season, as Antone earned his first win and Zach Maxwell notched his first save of the season.
Michael King (4-5, 3.41 ERA) is slated to start the series finale against right-hander Brady Singer (2-6, 5.89 ERA) for Cincinnati. Singer has not had a start since April where he has allowed fewer than three runs, although of the four allowed his last time out at St. Louis only one was earned. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. at Petco Park, after which San Diego will begin a nine-game road swing.
Goooooood morning and welcome to Haway The Podcast – and today, we’re looking at all the latest news in the world of Sunderland AFC as we ramp up towards the World Cup and a summer of fun on Wearside!
On today’s show…
Sunderland’s pre-season fixtures have been released – are we ready to draw a line under last season?! Probably not… but still, which games are we all looking forward to?
Jocelin Ta Bi has been the star of this year’s Maurice Revello Tournament – we chat about what the future might hold for Sunderland’s exciting Ivorian winger…
Elsewhere, a bunch of Sunlun players have been notching goals and playing well for their countries, with one eye on the World Cup…
Transfer tittle tattle – Sunderland have been linked to an exciting young Celtic player for £25m…
We discuss Dennis Cirkin’s departure from the club
The Elvis kit deal – are we caught in a trap?
All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show.
Want to get in touch with us? You can drop us an email at HawayThePodcastSAFC@Gmail.com, or you can contact us via social media – we’re @RokerReport on almost every platform. For your daily SAFC fan-written content, head over toRokerReport.SBNation.com
𝗛𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 🎙️
✨ NEWS ROUNDUP ✨
Sunderland are linked to Celtic’s £25m utility man… what about Elvis?! … and Jocelin is making waves in France!
Jose Alvarado delivered a clear warning to Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs star’s controversial shove on Jalen Brunson went uncalled in Game 3.
The New York Knicks were already dealing with the frustration of an 115-111 loss at Madison Square Garden. But one first-quarter sequence kept following them after the final buzzer because it involved their franchise guard being thrown to the floor.
Alvarado, the 6-foot Knicks guard from Brooklyn, made it clear that New York had not moved past the play while preparing for the next Finals test.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Jose Alvarado warns Victor Wembanyama after Jalen Brunson shove in New York Knicks loss
New York Post shared Jose Alvarado’s reaction after Victor Wembanyama shoved Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“I think that’s not basketball. That’s something that they gotta look at. But he got away with one. That’ll be the last one,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado’s comment sounded like both a complaint and a promise. He did not try to hide how the Knicks viewed the play, especially after no whistle came when Brunson hit the floor.
For a New York team trying to protect its lead in the series, the message was that Wembanyama’s size cannot become an excuse for contact the Knicks believe crossed the line.
Victor Wembanyama avoids flagrant upgrade after Jalen Brunson no-call
The play happened in the first quarter, when Wembanyama shoved Brunson in the back of the head and neck area as the Knicks guard tried to work through contact. No common foul was called, and the sequence immediately fueled anger from fans and former players.
The NBA later acknowledged that a foul was missed, but the league did not upgrade the play to a flagrant after reviewing it postgame.
That mattered because Wembanyama had already been assessed penalty points earlier in the postseason, and another flagrant would have put more pressure on his Finals availability.
Brunson did not offer much when asked about the incident, saying only, “Whatever you saw is what you saw.” The Knicks, however, clearly saw enough for Alvarado to speak up.
Wembanyama finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks as the Spurs cut the Finals series to 2-1. But before Game 4, the shove has become part of the emotional edge around the matchup.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been very outspoken about certain things over the past few years, and one of them has been about the New York Knicks. Green definitely has some issues with Knicks star center Karl-Anthony Towns, though Towns has been putting some of Green's past comments to rest.
I don't think anybody can argue against the fact right now that Towns has been the best player in the NBA Finals, at least on the Knicks roster. He's the reason the Knicks currently have a 2-1 lead, and New York will need him to continue playing at that level if it wants to win it all. He went away from him on Monday, resulting in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Green decided to be quiet about Towns for the moment, though if he loses this series, I definitely expect him to start talking about him once again. This time, he spoke about Jalen Brunson, and his comments were much kinder than those he has said in the past about Towns.
He went so far as to say that Brunson's impact seems to extend far beyond the court, even comparing him to greats like Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
“I’ve obviously played in six NBA Finals or whatever it is. But I played with Stephen Curry and I played against LeBron James a lot. The amount of Jalen Brunson jerseys I see stacks up to the amount of Stephen Curry and LeBron James jerseys you see.
“That’s what been most impressive to me – how much support they have for this team but in particular how much this city has banded around this guy who is the engine pushing this whole thing forward,” Draymond Green said, per Yahoo.
Not only have the Knicks been looking for a superstar to root for, but they've been searching for a guy to take them to the top.
While Brunson hasn't completed the job just yet, he's gotten them a lot closer than most Knicks fans have seen in quite some time. He certainly is loved in the city and is two wins away from going down as perhaps the greatest to ever wear blue and orange.
The Boston Red Sox have to be very careful with every move they make over the next few months.
There is definitely a sense that the Red Sox could go out and make a few trades, whether that means moving on from players on the roster or bringing others in. The Red Sox are in one of those positions where they should buy and sell some, as long as they're buying pieces that can help them in the long term.
Moving on from guys like Jarren Duran and Aroldis Chapman would also make a lot of sense, as Duran has been a trade candidate for multiple years now, and Chapman is only getting older.
However, what Craig Breslow recently said seems a bit problematic, as it sounds like he's still trying to win this year.
It's not out of the picture for the Red Sox to compete for a playoff spot, as we've seen crazier things happen, but he needs to be very careful when trying to make the big move if they have a short-term view, as the Red Sox are 27-37 and things don't look to be getting any better anytime in the near future.
“I think early is probably the right word,” Breslow said on Friday. “(We’re) having a lot of conversations, a lot of discussions, and I think it’s been kind of true industry-wide.
“But there are a lot of teams that probably feel pretty similar to us, which is to say that they have confidence in their rosters, they know they’re not playing as well as they’re capable of, and really, nobody is kind of putting the postseason out of reach. So there are a bunch of teams that are in it right now and are thinking along the same lines as we are.”
In Breslow's defense, the American League is definitely wide open, in that teams can compete if they make the necessary moves at the trade deadline. The problem for the Red Sox is that they're already 11.5 games back in the American League East and aren't exactly in the wild-card picture, either.
Portugal will face Nigeria in their final international friendly match on Wednesday before heading out to the USA for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Portugal vs Nigeria – Match preview and team news
Date: Wednesday, 10th May.
Kick-off: 8:45pm BST.
Venue: Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Leiria, Portugal.
Portugal team news
Portugal heads into their final World Cup warm-up match with a nearly full-strength squad, giving manager Roberto Martínez plenty of elite options.
The team received a massive boost as a Paris Saint-Germain quartet—Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos—joined the camp following their recent Champions League duties.
Additionally, midfielder Matheus Nunes has recovered from a brief illness and is back in full training.
However, the squad will be missing star winger Rafael Leão, who is suspended after receiving a red card during their previous friendly win against Chile.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa is confirmed to play the full 90 minutes. While captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start from the bench, Martínez plans to rotate his squad heavily throughout the game.
This strategy will protect key players and ensure the entire roster stays fresh and fully prepared for the upcoming tournament.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria enters this international friendly with a transitioning, younger squad under coach Éric Chelle.
The Super Eagles face a significant challenge upfront as elite attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are completely missing from the team.
The roster faces further complications because defender Igoh Ogbu sustained a training camp injury that required medical scans, while winger Femi Azeez was held back by his club.
On a positive note, veteran midfielder Wilfred Ndidi returns to the squad to wear the captain’s armband.
He will partner with Frank Onyeka in central midfield to disrupt Portugal’s high-tempo passing game.
This match also marks a massive career milestone for playmaker Alex Iwobi, who is set to earn his historic 100th cap for the national team.
Chelle will rely on this mix of experienced leaders and fresh talent to test the European giants.
Form
Portugal
Portugal is in excellent form as they head towards the World Cup. They secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Chile in their last friendly match, powered by goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. Before that, the team secured a dominant 2-0 victory against the United States and played out a scoreless 0-0 draw with Mexico.
Nigeria
Nigeria enters this match on a highly stable run, remaining undefeated in their last five fixtures. The Super Eagles recently played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Poland, with forward Terem Moffi and substitute Paul Onuachu finding the back of the net. Before that, they secured back-to-back dominant friendly wins, defeating Jamaica 3-0 and Zimbabwe 2-0.
“Tracking him extensively” – But PSG unlikely to let top young talent go this summer
There’s going to be increasing interest in Ibrahim Baye in the months and years to come, but we’re just not sure PSG are interested in selling.
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PSG are going to be making some sales this summer, and one player who could leave is Ibrahim Baye. The superb 18 year old talent continues to be a squad option but
The Daily Mail’s reporter Tom Collomosse says that Premier League team Aston Villa are very keen on him:
“He’s expensive, but could be available and Villa’s recruitment team have been tracking him extensively,” he wrote on Twitter.
Mbaye likely to stay put and try to break into Luis Enrique’s plans
We don’t see PSG letting Mbaye go, we definitely don’t see Villa spending the sort of money it would take to buy a top talent like that.
It will come down to the winger to decide if he wants to push to go, and right now given his age we think it’s likely he stays patient a little longer. He has unbeatable competition, but he can learn a huge amount and injuries will eventually hand him his chance.
It will all have to wait until after the World Cup anyway.
In other news…
One PSG winger is looking ready to move on after a set of seasons mainly used as a rotation player. We can’t say we blame him, although he will be missed.
PSG are thinking about cutting their losses on one of last summer’s additions, and a couple of teams seem interested.
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the best rugged smartwatches out there, but the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might finally have an answer to its battery capacity weakness.
Last month, the BIS certification revealed the battery capacity of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The company reportedly plans to bring a notable battery boost to its next-generation rugged smartwatch launches this Summer.
Up to 35% bigger battery
Samsung might equip the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 with an 800mAh battery. It is a notable upgrade over the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple’s Watch Ultra 3.
The OG Watch Ultra comes with a 590 mAh battery, while Apple’s Watch has a 599mAh battery. Last year, Samsung was merely a few points behind Apple in terms of Ultra Watch battery, but the gap is widening this year.
If the rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery rating is accurate, it translates to a massive 34% hike over the Apple Watch and 35% jump over the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
With this battery capacity, Samsung could claim roughly three days of battery life. It would go upward significantly when used in low power mode, which restricts regular health tracking tools from prioritizing battery life.
Apple Watch Ultra is good at battery life, thanks to the software optimization. However, Samsung’s next Watch paired with Wear OS 7 would improve battery performance. It seems Samsung would finally beat Apple in wearable battery life.
Snapdragon Wear Elite is also an upgrade worth paying attention to. Samsung is sidelining its Exynos wearable chip for the Watch Ultra 2 as the smartwatch is officially confirmed to launch with a chipset made by Qualcomm.
Google has now dropped Gemini 3.5 Live Translate, and it’s the most ambitious thing the company has done with language since the original experiment launched.
It detects over 70 languages automatically, no manual configuration, no awkward menu-diving. Moreover, it preserves the speaker’s actual intonation, pacing, and pitch, not a robotic approximation.
Google Meet’s speech translation topped out at five languages and only worked between English and something else. Now it’s 70-plus languages and over 2,000 language combinations in a single meeting.
Our partners at Grab are testing the model to enable multilingual communication in near real-time between drivers and travelers at pickups. These users make over 10 million voice calls per month through Grab.
Developers can access 3.5 Live Translate right now through the Gemini Live API and Google AI Studio in public preview. Enterprise customers get a private preview in Google Meet starting this month, and regular users?
It’s rolling out globally on Google Translate for both Android and iOS.
The model is also rolling out on the Google Translate app globally, on both Android and iOS. When using the Live Translate feature, simply connect any pair of headphones to experience a more seamless translation that mirrors the speaker’s tone across 70+ languages.
Android users also get Listening mode, which lets you hold your phone to your ear and hear translations stream directly through the earpiece. No headphones needed, surprisingly useful in a noisy street interaction.
All generated audio gets watermarked through Google’s SynthID system, so AI-produced speech stays detectable.
Acemagic is celebrating its 4th anniversary and is thanking its community with attractive offers. As part of the anniversary campaign, technology fans can expect numerous discounts on selected products. We provide an overview of the promotion and take a look at the manufacturer's development over the past few years.
BenQ has announced a new glossy monitor targeted at Mac users. The new BenQ MA320UG features a 120 Hz Nano Gloss display, smart KVM, iKeyboard control, FocuSync, brightness sync, and Thunderbolt 4. The monitor is now officially available through BenQ and other authorized retailers.
The Weeknd visited Atlus in Japan before Persona fans saw official trailers, where he played an early build of Persona 4 Revival and received a preview of Persona 6.
Seiko is bringing the classic Alpinist GMT HBC007 to international markets — a green-dial, gold-handed GMT with the 6R54 caliber and internal compass bezel. It's the global version of the JDM SBEJ005, which launched in Japan back in 2023.
A deleted Official Xbox Podcast episode briefly showed Gears of War: E-Day artwork with a PS5 logo, reigniting claims that Microsoft changed the game’s platform plans shortly before presenting it as an Xbox exclusive.
We were expecting the OnePlus 15 to at some point join the Quick Share - AirDrop party, and today this has happened. If you have the latest software and the latest version of Quick Share on your OnePlus 15, you should be able to send stuff to Apple devices and receive stuff from them just like you can from any other Android device through Quick Share, which connects to Apple's AirDrop seamlessly.
[#InlinePriceWidget,14206,1#]
However, note that the rollout might be one of those staged affairs, which means not every OnePlus 15 handset out there in the wild will have this right away. But...
Popular hack n' slash Stellar Blade just got announced for Nintendo Switch, freeing it from PS5 console exclusivity. Xbox fans have something to say about it.
Zeekr reaches a record volume in May. The 9X is its best-seller.
Domestic sales of locally made Passenger Vehicles continue to freefall in China in May at -22.1% year-on-year to 1.51 million units, but are up 9.2% on April. Year-to-date volumes are now off -19.5% to 7.099 million. Sales are still suffering from the end of tax incentives and EV subsidies at the start of the year. A moderation of the devastating price wars that have characterised the market for the past couple of years has helped ease consumer expectations of further vehicle discounts, encouraging some buyers to return to showrooms. The shift towards New Energy Vehicles (BEV+PHEV) is getting more acute each month, reaching a record 62.9% share in May. However NEVs could not escape a YoY fall at -7% in May to 950,000. ICE sales are properly imploding, off -39% year-on-year to 37.1% share and contributing 82% of the overall market’s decline. Foreign carmakers are finally catching on the NEV craze, with sales up 51% in May vs. -41% for ICE vehicles.
Passenger Vehicle (PV) sales of Chinese domestic brands are down -17% to 1.04 million and 68.7% share, up from 64.9% a year ago in May 2025. Foreign brands saw their sales plunge -35% for the month, with German marques at 13.4% share (vs. 15.7% a year ago), Japanese at 10.5% (vs. 12.6%) and US brands at 5.9% (vs. 5.2%). In the detail by segment, cars are down -29.6% for the month to 613k units, SUVs off -14.6% to 832k and MPVs down -30% to 66k. Year-to-date car sales are down -29.1% to 2.888 million, SUVs are down -10.7% to 3.867 million and MPV off -16.7% to 343k.
The Leapmotor A10 ranks #4 overall for its third month in market.
Meanwhile PV exports surge 75.1% year-on-year to 784,000 units in May, accounting for 35% of total wholesales vs. just 19% in May 2025. NEVs accounted for 54% of total PV imports, up from 45% a year ago thanks to volumes up 112.6% to 424,000 units. Year-to-date NEV exports are up 117.3% to 1.732 million. Exports by domestic brands soar 83% to 682,000 while foreign and luxury brands are up 36% to 102,000. All in all, electrification and export growth will remain China’s main long term growth engines.
Looking at the brands ranking, BYD (-37.9%) is the overall best-seller for the third month running but endures another harsh YoY loss and its 11th straight double-digit decline. It is slowly climbing back up the YTD ladder after a disastrous start of the year, now #2 above Volkswagen. Geely (-21.7%) resists a little better and matches the market, staying #1 year-to-date with a 23,500 unit advantage over BYD. At this rate BYD will be back to #1 YTD by the half year mark. Volkswagen (-37.2%) and Toyota (-32.1%) continue to lose share as their attempts at catching up on domestic rivals in the NEV race face mixed results (see further down).
Nevo sales are up 50.5% in May, its best-seller is the Q05.
Leapmotor (+48.3%) defies the negative context and repeats at a record 5th place overall, one of only three brands in positive in the Top 15 alongside Tesla (+22.5%) and Xiaomi (+16.9%). AITO (-6.3%), Li Auto (-18.4%) and Wuling (-19.9%) manage to contain their loss below the market rate but Chery (-29.1%), Audi (-24.9%) and BMW (-31.2%) aren’t that lucky, with Honda (-48.8%) and Nissan (-40.7%) hit the hardest. In contrast Nevo (+50.5%) continues to shoot up just as Zeekr (+59.1%) reaches a record volume at 27,599. MG (+109.7%), Fang Cheng Bao (+109.3%), Onvo (+91.4%) and NIO (+50.6%) all impress below and are all domestic brands. In fact, other than Tesla there are no foreign brands managing a year-on-year gain this month.
Looking at the models ranking in isolation, the Geely Xingyuan (aka EX2) is the faraway leader this month, selling almost 10,000 units more than any other vehicle in market. The Tesla Model Y (+16.7%) is back up to #2, a ranking it also holds year-to-date, while the Xiaomi SU7 (-14.2%) drops one spot on April to #3. The new Leapmotor A10 confirms it is an instant blockbuster and the marque’s most successful model ever, gaining 5 ranks on last month to #4 with over 22,000 sales for its third appearance in the charts. The Li Auto i6, also a new model, rounds out the Top 5 and is up to #3 YTD. The new Sealion 6 is BYD’s best-seller and only Top 10 member at #6. Launched in March, the AITO M6 is up 109 spots on April to land inside the Top 10 at #9, with the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 making it no less than five recent launches in the May Top 10.
The VW ID.ERA 9X passes the 5,000 monthly sales mark in May.
There are no ICE vehicles among the 17 best-sellers, with the Geely Boyue L (+0.9%) the first one at #18 ahead of the Nissan Sylphy (-54%) at #19 and the VW Lavida (-43.2%) at #20. We noted in our Beijing Auto Show review that foreign manufacturers have finally woken up and are finally launching NEVs to stay competitive in the largest car market in the world. How much of it is successful? Toyota has the bZ3X (+54.9%) at 6,731 sales and the bZ7 sedan is just below the Corolla at 3,254 units vs. 3,268. The VW ID.ERA 9X already passes the 5,000 monthly sales mark for its 2nd month in market. The Nissan N6 (2,002 sales) and N7 (1,447) sedans have missed the mark but the NX8 SUV is up to an encouraging 4,578 sales for its third appearance. Finally, the Audi E5 is a complete failure at just 500 sales for the month, just as the E7X launches with 400 units.
Beşiktaş'ın transfer listesinde yer alan Armand Lauriente için Sassuolo'nun talep ettiği 25 milyon avroluk bonservis bedeli siyah-beyazlı yönetim tarafından yüksek bulundu.
Spartak Moskova, 25 milyon Euro talep etti. Cimbom'da yarım kalan hikayeyi tamamlamak isteyen Portekizli yıldız, senelik 5 milyon Euro maaşa "Evet" diyecek. Sarı-kırmızılılar, Ruslar'ın yüksek talebini kırmaya çalışacak.
Yatırım yapmak isteyenler, birikimlerini değerlendirenler ve düğün sezonunun başlamasıyla birlikte altın almayı planlayan vatandaşlar, "Gram altın bugün ne kadar?", "Çeyrek altın kaç TL oldu?" ve "Tam...Devamı için tıklayınız
Cybersecurity researchers have flagged half a dozen vulnerabilities in protobuf.js, a JavaScript and TypeScript implementation of Protocol Buffers (Protobuf), that, if successfully exploited, could result in remote code execution (RCE) and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
"In affected environments, a single malicious protobuf schema, descriptor, or crafted payload could be enough to trigger
Bu yay “Nyukasl”dan azad agent kimi ayrılmış sağ cinah müdafiəçisi Kiran Trippyer bundan sonra “Vulverhempton”un uğurları üçün çalışacaq.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “Vulverhempton” rəsmi saytı vasitəsilə məlumat yayıb.
Təcrübəli futbolçu ilə 2 illik (2028-ci ilin yayına qədər) müqavilə imzalanıb.
Xatırladaq ki, “Vulverhempton” 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yekunlarına əsasən Premyer Liqadan Çempionşipə düşüb.
Kiran Trippyer “Mançester Siti”nin yetirməsidir. O, “şəhərlilər”in heyətində olarkən “Barnsli” və “Börnli” kimi klublarda icarədə olub. 2012-ci ildə “Börnli” onu birdəfəlik transfer edib. Müdafiəçi 2015-2019-cu illər aralığında “Tottenhem”də, 2019-2022-ci illər aralığında isə Madrid “Atletiko”sunda forma geyinib.
Trippyer 2022-ci ilin yanvarında İspaniyanın “Atletiko” (Madrid) klubundan 14 milyon avro qarşılığında “Nyukasl”a keçib. 35 yaşlı futbolçu bu komandanın heyətində 160 oyuna çıxıb. O, bu görüşlərdə 4 qol vurub, 29 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.
Trippyer 2017-ci ilin iyun ayında, özünün 26 yaşı olarkən İngiltərə yığmasında debüt edib. O, millinin heyətində 54 qarşılaşmada meydana çıxıb və 1 qol vurub. Müdafiəçinin hesabında 5 qol ötürməsi də var. Kiran İngiltərə millisi ilə AÇ-2020 və AÇ-2024-də gümüş medal qazanıb.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 35 yaşlı müdafiəçinin transfer dəyərini 2,5 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Qadınlardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandasının baş məşqçisi Siyasət Əsgərov Şimali Makedoniya yığmasına qarşı keçirilən oyundan sonra fikirlərini bildirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis 3:1 hesabıyla bitən matçı belə şərh edib:
“Futbolçuların çətin və ağır oyun qrafikinə baxmayaraq, qarşılaşmaya yaxşı hazırlaşmışdılar. Baxmayaraq ki, qızlarımız çətin oyundan çıxmış və uzun yol gəlmişdilər, biz onları qarşılaşmaya qədər bərpa edib oyuna kökləyə bildik. Macarıstanla görüşün nəticəsi psixoloji baxımdan komandaya təsir etmişdi. Həmin oyunun sonunda bir xal qazana bilərdik, lakin təəssüf ki, bunu bacarmadıq. Bu da, komandaya mənfi təsir göstərmişdi.
Bugünkü oyuna gəlincə, komanda yaxşı motivasiya olunmuşdu. İlk dəqiqələrdən hər nüansa nəzarət edirdik. Məşq prosesində üzərində işlədiyimiz plana uyğun hərəkət etdik və bunun nəticəsini də gördük. Təəssüf ki, müdafiə xəttində buraxdığımız səhvdən sonra qol buraxdıq. Buna baxmayaraq, komandanı və qızlarımızı təbrik edirəm.
İstər bu mövsüm, istərsə də, son bir ildə qızlar həqiqətən möhtəşəm işlər görürlər. Bu oyun haqqında onu deyə bilərəm ki, qızlar çox gözəl çıxış etdilər. Sonda da, gözəl qələbə qazandıq. Təəssüf ki, qrupda 12 xal toplasaq da, reqlamentə uyğun olaraq, növbəti mərhələyə çıxa bilmədik. Bu, bizi çox üzür. Lakin bizim üçün son deyil. Biz hər zaman irəli baxırıq. Bu mövsüm bizə çox dəyərli təcrübələr qazandırdı, həmçinin komandaya yeni oyunçular qoşuldu. Bu da bizim üçün ən yadda qalan məqamlardan biridir.
İndi önümüzə baxmalıyıq. Qarşıda Millətlər Liqasının püşkatması olacaq. Püşkatmadan sonra həmin oyunlara hazırlaşmağa başlayacağıq”.
Ayın 4-də yazdığım ilk təəssürratımı “9 min tutumluq “Haladaş” stadionundan uğurlu nəticələr, xoş xəbərlər çatdırmaq diləyilə…” cümləsi ilə bitirmişdim.
5 gün ərzində heç nə yazmadım. Təəssüratım yox idi? Əksinə, çox idi!
Məskunlaşdığımız Macarıstanın Bük qəsəbəsi, Şopron, Sombathe şəhərləri, milli komandanın düşərgə saldığı Avstriyanın Bad Valtersdorf kurort şəhərciyi, paytaxt Vyana, ikinci ən böyük şəhər Qraz… Bu qədər yeri gəzdiyim 5 gündə zəngin təəssürat toplasam da, tərkibində futbol motivi olmadığı üçün yazmadım.
Əslində, ilk oyunumuz elə bir məyusluq yaşatdı ki, hər gün üç dəfə neqativ yazsam da, emosional sönüklüyə məlhəm olmazdı. Hərçənd, toplanış olduğunu və burada hər şeyin təkmilləşmə naminə edildiyini bilirik. Ancaq heç bir səbəb əsas vermir ki, milli komanda FIFA reytinqində 161-ci olan rəqibə 2 cavabsız qolla uduzsun.
Ok, Maltanın heyətində 3.5 və 2 milyon avro dəyərində futbolçular ola bilər, ancaq cırtdan ada ölkəsinə uduzmağa bəraət yoxdur!
Hətta dünən San-Marino üzərində 2:1 hesablı qələbə də… 211-ci pillədə olan milli hesabı açır. Gücbəla 2 qol vurub qalib gəlirik. Hətta 80-ci dəqiqədən sonra bəzi futbolçuların vaxtı uzatmaq cəhdlərini görəndə ovucumu alnıma çırpmaqdan saxlaya bilmədim.
Baş məşqçi Ayxan Abbasov eksperimental heyət məsələsini qabartdı və bu səbəbdən nəticələrə çox fokuslanmamağı önərdi.
Bunu məntiqli qəbul etməkdə problem yoxdur.
Problem məzmunsuzluqdadır. Oyunumuz yoxdur. Rəhman Daşdəmirov matçdan sonra deyir ki, “uduzmaqdan qorxurduq”…
Əuzubilləhi minəş-şeytanir-rəcim!
***
Milli komandanın oyun fəlsəfəsi yoxdur. Kombinasiyalar üzərində işlənildiyi görünür, lakin reallaşdırma pisdir. Ən pisi odur ki, bu halın kritik dəyişəcəyinə inam yoxdur. Mübarizə ruhu var, amma sistematik deyil, fərdi keyfiyyətlər məsələsində balans yoxdur və bu da oyunun məzmununu pozur. Bunlar da elə problemlərdir ki, millidə tam düzəldilməsi praktik olaraq mümkünsüzdür.
Futbolçular keyfiyyətli yetişdirilmir. Mentalitet də böyütmür, şişirdir…
***
“Haladaş”dan uğurlu nəticələr haqda xəbər verəcəyinə ümid edən bəndəniz bu xəbəri daha çox San Marino xalqına verə bilər.
Stadionda o qədər azarkeş vardı, düşündüm San-Marino əhli bütünlüklə burdadı.
Bu entuziazmla, saflıqla, dəstəklə və ən əsası, getdikcə inkişaf edən bu futbolla inkişafa doğru getməkdəsiniz, yoldaşlar.
U.S. attorneys said that neither the Department of Interior nor the National Park Service violated any laws regarding the upcoming bout, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House.
The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of two Virginia residents by the Public Integrity Project, was filed last weekend in federal court in the District of Columbia in an effort to stop the fight card. The lawsuit called the event on White House grounds "deeply corrupt" and alleged that several federal rules and regulations had been violated in an effort by President Donald Trump to give UFC head Dana White a favor.
"The President is giving White and his company what none have enjoyed before: unfettered access to the White House and Lincoln Memorial to stage a private, for-profit sports event, with all the promotional and branding opportunities that accompany such access," the lawsuit reads.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that both the Department of Interior and the National Park Service organized a private sporting event on public property and failed to obtain congressional approval for construction sites. The suit is asking for an injunction to stop the event.
But the government disputed those claims, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein, and said that such an injunction would both harm the defendants and affiliated parties after more than $60 million and "tens of thousands of hours of labor" were spent to prepare the fight card. Stopping the event, the government argued, would cause more harm than if an injunction was not granted.
The government said that the delay in filing was "inexcusable," considering that the event has been public knowledge for nearly a year.
It's unclear when a decision will be made regarding the injunction. Plaintiffs can file another reply on Wednesday, and oral arguments could be made on Thursday.
Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria are set to headline the UFC Freedom 250 card in their lightweight title bout on Sunday. Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will square off in the heavyweight interim title bout, too.
The UFC is set to hold news conferences on Friday night in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and weigh-ins on Saturday at the Ellipse. The fights on Sunday will take place on Trump's 80th birthday. The UFC has said that it will pay $700,000 to restore the South Lawn after the fight is done.
If it moves forward, it will be the first professional sports event held on White House grounds in history.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Henry Bolte hit his first career home run and the Athletics went deep five more times Tuesday night at Las Vegas Ballpark on the way to a 7-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Called up May 13 from the minors, Bolte connected on a 1-1 changeup from Robert Gasser and sent it 446 feet to right-center field to give the A's a 3-2 lead in the second inning.
Tyler Soderstrom snapped a 3-all tie with a two-run homer in the fifth, and the A's also got solo shots from Nick Kurtz, Jonah Heim and Zack Gelof.
Each member of that trio homered Monday night, too, as the A's launched seven longballs at the home of their Triple-A affiliate in a wild 15-14 loss to Milwaukee that took 12 innings to decide.
Impact Ratings: How Will PSG Players Fare At The World Cup?
After yet another glorious campaign under Luis Enrique, which saw them successfully defend their Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League crowns, Paris Saint-Germain supporters will be looking to kick back and enjoy watching their players compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. PSG are tied with Arsenal (16) for the third-most representatives in this summer’s tournament, with Bayern Munich (17) and Manchester City (19) leading the way.
Having spent the past few seasons as an impact substitute at PSG, Kang-in Lee has nevertheless proven to be an integral figure in South Korea’s attack alongside captain Heung-min Son, earning praise from the likes of Rodney Marsh, and he’ll be looking to trade the bench for the starting XI in this summer’s tournament. Lee has already proven his worth on the biggest stages, assisting against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup before bagging a goal contribution in his final three World Cup qualifiers in 2025. This isn’t just a chance for Lee to raise his value and earn a transfer to a place where he’ll find more protagonism—this is a chance for him to take the baton from Son and cement himself as the talisman of the Taeguk Warriors.
Projected Impact: 8/10
Group C
Marquinhos will be seeking to become the first non-Real Madrid player since 1974 to win the World Cup and the Champions League in the same year, adding to his already legendary career. At 32 years of age, Marquinhos has established himself as the captain of PSG and Brazil, and after narrowly edging him out for the European Cup, he’ll be looking to team up with Gabriel Magalhães to form an indomitable center-back pairing.
The White Sox may have a clogged outfield when Everson Pereira is done rehabbing. | (Scott Marshall/Imagn Images)
Oklahoma City Comets 6, Charlotte Knights 3 The Knights (35-29) managed to jump out to a 3-0 lead, then watched it all go up in smoke as Oklahoma City stormed back for the win.
Charlotte struck first in the second inning, manufacturing a run without the benefit of a hit after Ryan Galanie led off with a double, Dru Baker moved him over on a ground out, before Josh Breaux lifted a sac fly to center. Textbook small ball.
The Knights added to their lead in the third thanks to back-to-back jacks by Jason Matthews and Everson Pereira to put Charlotte ahead 3-0.
Shane Murphy coasted for four, then with two outs in the fifth, a single, then boom — a two-run shot. The lead shrank to 3-2. Next inning, another solo homer, and just like that, all square. Murphy at least made it through six, three earned, so he gets the ‘quality start’ badge. Unfortunately, it didn’t matter.
Enter Duncan Davitt for the seventh, and the Comets pounced for three runs, making it 6-3, claiming their first lead of the night.
The Knights were unable to mount a response the rest of the way, and it was another one in the loss column.
Biloxi struck first in the opening inning when Jesús Made was hit by a pitch and later scored on a single to center, giving the Shuckers a quick 1-0 edge. Birmingham answered in the bottom half as Alec Makarewicz doubled and Anthony DePino knocked him in with an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
Birmingham briefly fell behind again in the third, but kept pace. After a fourth-inning surge that included a Samuel Zavala solo homer and a Colby Shelton two-run blast, the Barons built a 4-2 lead.
Biloxi responded in the fifth with a big inning of its own off Dylan Cumming, knotting the game at 4-4.
Then came the sixth, and things unraveled. Morris Austin unleashed a wild pitch, walks galore, and Mark Coley II unloaded a three-run homer. Just like that, Biloxi was up 9-4, and the game was all but over.
The Barons didn’t go quietly. In the seventh, Wilfred Veras drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Anthony DePino slapped a two-run single to trim the deficit to 9-7. Birmingham even put the first two runners on in the eighth, but couldn’t get the clutch hit.
Greenville Drive 8, Winston-Salem Dash 7 The Dash (33-25) offense continued its torrid stretch, but a late Greenville rally proved to be the difference in an 8-7 loss to the Drive.
W-S wasted no time. Ely Brown and Caleb Bonemer both singled, then swiped second and third. George Wolkow lined out, but Kaleb Freeman came through with a two-run single. 2-0, Dash, and barely out of the gate.
The offense stayed hot in the second when Alex Ungar launched a two-run homer, extending the advantage to 4-0. Greenville, however, responded immediately, tagging Dash starter Drew McDaniel for four in the bottom half, and just like that, all square.
The back-and-forth affair continued in the third as Freeman put the Dash back on top with a solo homer, but the Drive answered in the fourth when Ronny Hernandez, once a Sox prospect, singled home Mason White, who had doubled with two outs. Tied once again.
The lead again went to the Dash in the fifth. Ryan Burrowes walked, Wolkow doubled, Freeman’s ground out brought one in, and Kyle Lodise singled home another. 7-5, Dash.
Then came the seventh. Jake Curtis on the mound, and Greenville hung a three-spot. Dash went from up two to down one in a blink. The offense had nothing left in the tank, and that’s where it stuck.
Fredericksburg Nationals 2, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 0 Kannapolis (29-29) never got out of neutral, blanked 2-0 by Fredericksburg. The Ballers managed just three baserunners all game. Rylan Galvan recorded a single, James Taussig collected a base hit before being thrown out attempting to stretch it into a double, and Adrian Gil drew a walk. That was the offense.
Starter Gabriel Rodriguez did his part, tossing four scoreless with four hits, a walk, and three punchouts, but he got no help from the bats. The Nationals finally broke through in the fifth off Blaine Wynk, pushing across an unearned run. That was all they needed with Kannapolis stuck in quicksand.
Fredericksburg tacked on an insurance run in the eighth off Choyce Diffey, extending their advantage to 2-0. That was plenty for the Nats arms, who put the Cannon Ballers to sleep and locked up the win.
DSL Pirates Black 1, DSL White Sox 0 (7 innings) It was a tough contest for the DSL Sox squad as they knocked only a one-out single in the fourth over the entire seven frames. They did work five free walks, but went 0-for-3 with RISP. Carlos Vielma had the best afternoon of the bunch, going 1-for-2 with the only base hit and a free pass. Ronald Kelly tossed four scoreless frames, surrendering only a two-bagger in the second and a walk in the third while punching out six. The Pirates plated their only tally in the fifth on a pair of two-out singles and a double steal of second and home off of Alexander De Los Santos.
ACL Cubs 5, ACL White Sox 4 (7 innings) The Cubs came out swinging early, piling on a 5-0 lead by the fourth inning after tagging Fidel Montero for three runs and César Familia for two more. But Jurdrick Profar jolted the ACL Sox to life, blasting a three-run homer that slashed the deficit to 5-3. From that point on, the Cubs’ offense was held in check, as the White Sox pitching staff kept them off the board over the final five frames. The Sox inched closer in the sixth. After back-to-back hit batters, a double steal put both runners in scoring position. A wild pitch then brought a run home, slicing the deficit to just 5-4. Despite the late pressure, the ACL Sox were unable to push across the tying run, as the Cubs held on the rest of the way to secure the one-run win.
DSL White Sox 9, DSL Rockies 3 (June 8 — 7 innings) Five of six Sox arms kept the Rox completely off the board, allowing just two measly hits. The only hurler that surrendered anything was 17-year-old Beinel Adon, who gave up three runs (two earned) on a pair of hits and two walks. The bats, meanwhile, generated plenty of tallies to take an easy win, piling on five runs over the first three frames and collecting nine runs on 11 hits in the contest. Center fielder Sebastian Romero gets the hero’s cape, going 3-for-4 with a double, two bombs, and four RBI.
ACL White Sox 13, ACL Guardians 6 (June 8) The Complex Sox wasted no time, jumping all over this one, pretty much leading from beginning to end. The offense was loud as six of their twelve knocks went for extra bases, featuring two doubles and four bombs. Jose Mendoza did the heavy lifting, clocking in at 2-for-5 with four RBI, both hits leaving the yard for two-run shots. The pitching line looks a bit uglier than it played, as a couple of defensive miscues in the third handed out two of the six runs. Fabian Ysalla took the brunt, tagged for five (three earned) in four innings, but still walked away with the W.
Market analysts are usually judged on their ability to call rate decisions or predict price movements, but with the world's biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, getting underway this Thursday, one prominent investment research firm has turned its models on a rather different kind of asset: the beautiful game.
BCA Research, a Montreal-based investment research firm, has published its third edition of what it calls "The Most Important of All Unimportant Forecasts", using a proprietary two-step statistical model to predict the outcome of the tournament.
The verdict? France lifts the trophy after defeating Portugal in the final. England and Spain, the model says, go home in the semi-finals.
A model with a track record
Unlike the armchair punditry that tends to dominate the pre-tournament conversation, BCA's approach is rooted in the same discipline the firm applies to sovereign debt and equity markets.
The exercise has been running since 2018, and it correctly predicted that France would win the 2018 final. Four years later, it called Argentina to win the 2022 title in a penalty shootout, no small feat given the chaos of that tournament.
For 2026, the model runs in two stages. The first draws on data from five previous World Cups and incorporates variables including average player ratings, forward line speed, and a "home advantage dummy" that adds a 24% boost to each host nation's winning probability per match.
The second applies a separate model calibrated on knockout-stage games from 2006 onwards, where club-level synergy and forward experience measured by matches played, rather than age, carry the most weight.
The firm also applies a "Winner's curse dummy", imposing a 20% penalty on Argentina's winning probability per match, reflecting the historical tendency of reigning champions to underperform.
According to BCA's analysis, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018 fell victim to precisely this dynamic.
BCA also notes that the model performs better in the knockout stage than in the group stage, particularly due to the unpredictability of teams that win their first two games, effectively qualifying, and then end up resting players for their final group-stage match.
Speaking to Euronews, Jérémie Peloso, chief strategist at BCA, pointed to Tunisia's win over France in the final group match of the 2022 World Cup.
"France had already qualified, and the manager decided to leave some of the key players on the bench," he said.
Peloso said such decisions can make group-stage matches harder to predict because factors beyond team strength come into play.
France to edge a tight final
The model places France as the tournament's outright favourite, and the raw numbers offer independent backing for that view.
According to Transfermarkt, France fields the most valuable squad at this year's tournament, with a combined player market value of €1.476 billion, more than three times the average across all 48 nations participating.
Kylian Mbappé alone is valued at €200 million, accounting for over 13% of that total.
France's coach Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé await French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at the training centre in Clairefontaine, 2 June 2026
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AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
According to BCA Research, Didier Deschamps' side, which the firm notes has arguably enough depth to run two competitive starting line-ups, is expected to beat Spain in a razor-thin semi-final, with France assigned a 52.5% probability of advancing, suggesting a genuinely open contest.
Peloso explained to Euronews that "the odds may appear close to a coin toss, but this also reflects the fact that the two teams are both favourites and are currently ranked as the two best nations in the FIFA Rankings."
"The differentiating factor is the quality of the French forwards relative to Spain. In the knockout stage, we have found that the experience and quality of forwards tend to be the deciding factor," Peloso concluded.
Meanwhile, Portugal would see off England in the other semi-final, with a 55.2% probability of progressing, a result the model suggests was shifted in Portugal's favour specifically by England manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire from his squad.
The final that BCA projects would carry significant stakes for both nations.
For France, victory would make Deschamps only the second coach in history to win the World Cup twice, after Italy's Vittorio Pozzo.
For Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 and widely expected to be making his final tournament appearance, a win would close the final chapter left unwritten in one of football's most storied careers.
Prediction markets partly disagree
BCA Research also compared its championship probabilities against prediction market Polymarket, noting that its model broadly aligns with market consensus but diverges on some aspects.
Notably, BCA assigns Portugal a 16.4% chance of winning the tournament versus Polymarket's 10%, which places the nation only as the fourth most likely to win.
On Polymarket, France and Spain are tied in first place with a 16% chance each, and England was third on Tuesday with 11%.
BCA also gives slightly higher probabilities to the three host nations, the US, Mexico and Canada, than current Polymarket odds imply.
On Kalshi, another prediction market, Spain is actually leading the probabilities at the time of writing with a 16.5% chance. France is second with 16.3%, and Portugal comes in third with 10.3%.
For the rest of us, the tournament kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday. The numbers, at least, have been run.
Disclaimer: This information does not constitute financial advice; always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances.
The Philadelphia Phillies have long been searching for an outfielder who can come in and make an impact for them on both sides of the baseball. The Phillies are more worried about what they can do on the offensive side of the baseball, but there's also reason to believe that they could be interested in adding a player who can do what's needed on the defensive side of things as well.
There aren't many players who fit both molds, but one is Ian Happ, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and an above-average offensive player for the Chicago Cubs.
It's now believed that Happ will be available, and the Phillies need to be all over him. He's won four Gold Gloves over the past five years, was an All-Star in 2022, and has consistently been a 120-plus OPS+ hitter.
“For as divisive as Ian Happ is among some Cubs fans, I don’t think the league undervalues him at all. This season, he’s not hitting for average, but he’s getting on base, slugging, and playing his usual solid + defense in left field. He’s also a switch-hitter and a veteran. If a team needed outfield help, they would not hesitate to go after Happ,” Michael Cerami wrote.
In terms of what the Phillies need, there aren't many better players out there than Happ if he becomes available.
It wouldn't make any sense for the Cubs not to make him available, as they've struggled a bunch recently, and he's set to hit the free agency market at the end of the campaign. The Phillies have the prospects to land him as well, making him one of the more intriguing players to go after if he becomes available.
NEW DELHI: A heartwarming moment involving India captain Shubman Gill has gone viral following India's dominant victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.
In a video that has been widely shared on social media, a young ball boy stationed near the boundary ropes was seen touching Gill's feet as the India skipper walked back to the pavilion after scoring a superb century.
Gill, who led from the front with a brilliant 126, acknowledged the youngster's gesture before continuing towards the dressing room. The touching interaction quickly became one of the standout moments of the match.
Manav Suthar steals the show on debut
While Gill's century and the viral video grabbed attention, the match ultimately belonged to debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who enjoyed a dream start to his Test career.
— rushiii_12 (@rushiii_12)
The Rajasthan spinner claimed seven wickets in the match, including a sensational 6/33 in Afghanistan's first innings, as India completed their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket by an innings and 300 runs.
After electing to bat, India posted a massive 564/8 declared. Alongside Gill's 126, KL Rahul scored 100, while Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant contributed 81 each. Washington Sundar added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 52.
Afghanistan unable to recover
Afghanistan resumed Day 3 on 113/5 and were eventually bowled out for 152 despite a fighting 60 from Rahmat Shah. Suthar ripped through the lower order to register the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut.
Asked to follow on, Afghanistan showed some resistance through Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal, who added 42 runs for the opening wicket. Atal looked comfortable during his knock of 42, but India's bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
Mohammed Siraj provided the breakthrough before Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav joined the wicket-taking spree. Afghanistan slipped from 74/1 to 98/5 as Sundar removed Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Atal.
India complete historic win
The visitors never recovered from the collapse. Suthar added another wicket, Sundar finished with four wickets in the innings, and Kuldeep cleaned up the tail as Afghanistan were bowled out for 112.
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The emphatic victory gave India their largest-ever win in Test cricket in terms of innings and runs.
While the hosts dominated with both bat and ball, it was a simple gesture from a young ball boy towards Gill that captured fans' imagination and became one of the most talked-about moments from an unforgettable Test match.
One of the most prestigious professional track and field circuits heads to Norway this week. That's right, Diamond League competes in Oslo Wednesday.
This year marks the 61st annual meet at Bislett Stadium, celebrating top-tier international talent on a global stage. This venue has much history, having seen nearly 100 world records across track and speed skating events.
The Diamond League is coming off a dramatic meet in Stockholm last weekend. Fans saw Swiss athlete Audrey Werro record the third-fastest 800m in history, Kurtis Marschall end phenom Mondo Duplantis' 40-meet winning streak in pole vault, and 17-year-old Texan Cooper Lutkenhaus become the youngest Diamond League champion ever.
What will Oslo bring to the table?
Here's everything you need to know about Diamond League Oslo, including TV channel and streaming options for the professional track and field meet.
The Diamond League's meet in Oslo will stream live exclusively in the U.S. on FloTrack, with a traditional broadcast and uninterrupted coverage of every event.
Diamond League Oslo start time
Date: Wednesday, June 10
Time: Noon - 4 p.m. ET
The Diamond League's meet in Oslo will take place on Wednesday, June 10, with a variety of different disciplines. Competition is expected to continue from noon to 4 p.m. ET.
Diamond League Oslo schedule
Below is the event schedule for Wednesday's meet.
Time (ET)
Event
Noon
4x100m U18 Mixed
12:08 p.m.
200m Women National
12:15 p.m.
400m Women National
12:23 p.m.
400m Women National
12:31 p.m.
1500m Men National
12:41 p.m.
1500m Women National
12:42 p.m.
Shot Put Women
12:52 p.m.
800m Men National
1:01 p.m.
800m Women National
1:10 p.m.
100m Hurdles Women National
1:16 p.m.
Triple Jump Women
1:18 p.m.
110m Hurdles Men National
1:26 p.m.
100m Para Women
1:30 p.m.
Pole Vault Men
1:52 p.m.
100m Men National
2:04 p.m.
400m Women
2:20 p.m.
800m Men
2:29 p.m.
3000m Women
2:35 p.m.
Javelin Women
2:44 p.m.
200m Men
2:45 p.m.
Triple Jump Men
2:52 p.m.
5000m Men
3:12 p.m.
100m Women
3:19 p.m.
Dream Mile Men
3:39 p.m.
400m Hurdles Women
3:52 p.m.
400m Hurdles Men
Diamond League schedule 2026
Below is a brief overview of The Diamond League's schedule for this year.
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 16: New Sunderland keeper Matty Young puts on his boots during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Amendoeira Golf Resort on July 16, 2025 in Pera, Portugal. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) | Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Robin Roefs
In most clubs, the phlegmatic Dutchman would have been the buy of the season, such has been his impact in the Premier League. Unfortunately, at Sunderland, his competition for that accolade included Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Brian Brobbey and Noah Sadiki, such was the wealth of talent that the club accumulated for their Premier League campaign.
Now at the World Cup with his national side, Roefs is blessed with a maturity beyond his years – it is sometimes difficult to remember that he is still only 23, and that he cost just £9 million when he signed from NEC.
He is a vocal presence, with the ability to confidently claim or punch high balls, and is an agile shot stopper, with excellent positional awareness, which was amply evidenced by his stunning save from Jake O’Brien at Everton. The Hill Dickinson stadium was already a happy hunting ground for Roefs after his three penalty shootout saves in the FA Cup.
Roefs’ distribution is excellent – he can ping balls accurately with both feet, and I have eventually become accustomed to him luring attackers onto him, before dispatching the ball. The days of Anthony Patterson (more on him later) repeatedly propelling the ball out of play are long gone.
Roefs will undoubtedly attract interest during the close season but we now have European football to offer. He left NEC in search of regular first-team football – unless a Champions League club is willing to guarantee that he will be their No.1, hopefully, we will see his reassuring presence next season.
Melker Ellborg
If Robin Roefs has the countenance of a somewhat dour Dutchman, Melker Ellborg is very much the smiling Swede.
Against Port Vale, Luke O’Nien had a creditable attempt at scoring the most spectacular Sunderland own goal since Santiago Vergini’s stunning volley against Southampton in 2014. Fortunately, the young Swede improvised brilliantly, turning the ball over the bar. O’Nien had been undone by an unfortunate bobble and, rather than berate his senior colleague, Ellborg laughed it off with a grin.
He appeared in three Premier League matches, in the victory against Leeds at Elland Road, the home defeat to Brighton and, of course, the victory against the noisy neighbours at St James’s Park. That included the incident between him and Luke O’Nien that led to Anthony Gordon’s early opener. It says much for Ellborg’s temperament that he recovered to put in an assured performance for the rest of the game.
With Europa League fixtures on top of the Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup matches, Ellborg is likely to see more action in the season to come, and has shown enough for Régis Le Bris to have confidence in him.
Simon Moore
At 36, Simon Moore is very much the elder statesman of the goalkeeping group. All reports indicate that the former Sheffield United and Coventry stopper is a huge influence in the dressing room, and not just on the keepers. Luke O’Nien had this to say about him
“If I go down now to my locker here at the training ground, I’ve got a Simon Moore shirt in there. How many games did he play in our promotion season last year? Maybe around four, with three clean sheets, conceded two goals. So he played four games and he was the most important cog in our machine that won promotion last season.
“I have his shirt in my locker because if I’m not playing, it reminds me to be like him. He is a wonderful human and he puts that first, and then it’s the footballer.“
If the model professional at the club has that opinion, it speaks volumes about the role that Moore now plays in the squad. As he works towards his coaching qualifications, he may continue his Sunderland career in an entirely different capacity.
Matty Young
The most promising home-grown goalkeeping prospect since Jordan Pickford, Young is clocking up senior appearances at an astonishing rate. Firmly established as Karl Robinson’s No.1 at Salford, Young now has clocked up more than 60 senior appearances in League Two at the age of just 19.
Capped by England at U18, U19 and U20 level, Young will need a higher level of football to continue his development. Pickford went from a breakthrough season at Notts County to a season in the Championship with Preston North End. That is a blueprint which Young appears destined to follow.
Anthony Patterson
There is an argument that, but for Patterson’s early save from Kieffer Moore’s header at Wembley, players like Roefs and Ellborg would never have been pictured outside the Academy of Light, holding the scarf.
The local-born lad was a cornerstone of the promotion-winning team that finally brought Premier League football back to the Stadium of Light. But, like Dan Neil, Patrick Roberts and Dennis Cirkin, it appears that Patto’s future elsewhere.
At 26, he needs to be playing regularly, and he simply won’t get that at Sunderland. He is a hugely competent keeper but there are areas of his game which still need to improve. He has a good physical presence but is not the commanding goalkeeper in his area that he should be. And his distribution definitely needs work. But he is still not fully mature, in goalkeeping terms, and he should be capable of making the step up.
It would be no surprise to see him return to the Stadium of Light with another Premier League team in the future.
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Chelsea at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland in north east England on May 24, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images
The “Crash! Bang! Wallop! Award” For Most Spectacular Goal
Winner: Chemsdine Talbi
A strong list of options here, ranging from Nick Woltemade’s defensive header gone wrong to Chris Rigg’s sumptuous curler at Aston Villa and Brian Brobbey’s hooked finish against Arsenal, but who doesn’t love a long-ranger that thwacks off the crossbar and leaves an opposition goalkeeper grasping at thin air as it nestles into the net?
Burnley — backed by an understandably meagre away following — were heinously bad when they made the trip to the Stadium of Light and we were already in cruise control at 2-0 up when Talbi picked up the ball on the left before shifting it onto his right foot and launching a firecracker past Martin Dúbravka that looked even better on the replays than it did in real time.
The Moroccan winger will be a player to watch next season and this was another flash of his exciting talent. Pick that one out!
The “Stand Back, Lads. I’m Just Going To Leather This” Award
Winner: Brian Brobbey
Sunderland’s enduring habit of salvaging points — a remarkable twenty two gained after falling behind in games, for the record — from seemingly futile positions was one of our most vital qualities last season, and it felt fitting that Brobbey should get himself in on the act at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the Lads having conceded a scrappy opener from a hosts’ set piece.
After some slick interplay from back to front, with Enzo Le Fée eventually setting up the Dutchman with a neat one-two, the former Ajax striker didn’t break stride as he slammed the ball high into the Spurs net, giving Guglielmo Vicario between zero and no chance whatsoever, sparking wild celebrations from the travelling Lads’ fans and robbing Spurs of two valuable points.
Brobbey has a far better touch in front of goal than he’s often given credit for, but this was less about finesse and more about shock and awe. There’s thunder in those boots and on this occasion, Spurs simply weren’t ready for the gathering storm.
The “Peter Cushing/Hammer Horror Award” For The World’s Most Blood-Curdling Tifo
Winner: The Visitors
When Newcastle United’s in-house flag team started trumpeting about what kind of pre-match display they’d planned for the second instalment of the derby, I’m sure that Granit Xhaka and his boys would’ve lost many an hour of sleep as they wondered just what Wor Flags had in mind.
Were we talking a synthesis of a football flag and a Cannibal Corpse album cover? Something too gruesome for words and that was guaranteed to throw Sunderland’s young stars off their game? Erm, no.
What we did get when their grand design was unveiled was a combination of a magpie (or a demonic-looking woodpecker) wearing a top hat filched from Fred Astaire’s milliner, a road sign, the castle keep, and for some bizarre reason, the spires of the Civic Centre and the city’s cathedral.
Hardly X-rated stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree, and it didn’t have the desired effect, with the Lads eventually turning the game around and running out 1-2 winners thanks to Brobbey’s late heroics.
Better luck next time, lads. Think along the lines of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, perhaps.
The “Daftest Blotting Of An Individual Copybook” Award
Winner: Dan Ballard
Luke O’Nien and Reinildo’s red cards against Manchester City and Aston Villa respectively were irritating, and Habib Diarra’s brandishing of an imaginary yellow card during the home shellacking by Nottingham Forest was unsavoury, but when Ballard was sent for an early bath after becoming the latest player to get caught up in the new craze of hair-pulling at Molineux, steam poured out of my ears for at least an hour.
During his maiden Premier League campaign, Ballard enjoyed an absolutely unbelievable season and had basically become an automatic selection when fit.
This made his red card against Wolves all the more infuriating, denying him what would’ve been a glorious final-day outing against Chelsea and arguably costing us two points in the quest for European football — which thankfully made little difference in the final analysis.
Yes, the law needs to be looked at and yes, club-branded hairnets for longer-haired players should be next season’s snoods (Ah, sweet memories of 2010/2011), but it was a silly situation all around and one that we need to try and avoid getting embroiled in next season.
The “We Sing When We Want Award” For Most Vocal Away Following
Winner: Liverpool
A marginal call, this.
Manchester United’s fans — doubtless rejuvenated by the hope of better days under new boss Michael Carrick — were predictable rowdy when they arrived, as were Everton’s travelling contingent during our hard-fought draw, but I have to give this one to their Merseyside rivals, who were loud and proud for almost the entire game during our narrow 0-1 home loss, managing to pull off the increasingly rare feat of not dealing in derogatory chants aimed at the club/city they happen to be visiting.
Fair play. A sub-standard season by Anfield standards, but their fans certainly did themselves proud on a cold Wearside night.
The “We Aren’t Just Here For The Vibes — We’re Here To Compete” Award
Winner: West Ham (H)
Ahead of the opening game of the season, a photograph of This Is Wearside’s pre-match tifo (a spectacular riff on the legend of the Lambton Worm) ramped up the excitement levels even further and by the time we headed home on a glorious August evening with Sunderland emerging as 3-0 winners, you just felt, even at that early stage, that something special was brewing.
The performance was excellent; the new players fitted in superbly, the goals were well-worked and there was a genuine sense of togetherness as Sunderland and Régis Le Bris took their first steps as a newly-promoted top flight side.
Ballard, Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor were the goalscoring heroes but it was a true team effort; a statement of intent against the ultimately-doomed Hammers, and a truly memorable day all round.
As the tifo itself read, “The man who wins is the man who thinks he can” — and this was about as memorable and emphatic an opening shot as we could’ve fired.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: A fan of Sunderland holds up a scarf reading 'Sunderland till I die' during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Following Sunderland has often felt like a thankless task, a cross to bear, something to be endured. A load handed down by my father to carry, handed in turn to my own son.
Dad was at the 1973 Cup Final and will (without prompting) flawlessly name the 12 gladiators that bested Leeds on that May afternoon. Since I first went to Roker Park as a six-year-old, I’ve not had an equally momentous occasion to regale to anyone who will listen.
I started to wonder whether it would ever happen. As a 15-year-old, I was at Wembley to see David Corner try and shepherd the ball out for a goal kick, only to allow a cross for Norwich’s goal. Then I watched Clive Walker miss a penalty right in front of me and that was that.
There have been numerous times when I’ve thought this might just be our time. Wembley again in 1992, this time in the FA Cup Final. Wembley again in 1998 – what a game. Mickey Gray this time missing his penalty and another nearly moment.
Along the way we’ve had some superb times and a number of highs and lows, but the last few years have seen an upward trajectory that is seemingly endless. From the moment Alex Neil was appointed and guided us through the play-offs out of League One, we’ve been heading in the right direction again.
The second time I’ve seen us in the third tier took longer to get out of, but at least when we got out it was at the right end of the table. Tony Mowbray arrived and consolidated us after Neil abandoned us for Stoke City. A couple of interims (yes, I’m including Michael Beale in that) and an unknown Frenchman arrived to guide our ship.
This is where our story takes off.
By now KLD had been in charge a few years and was already showing his ruthless streak. Was I excited by his arrival? Yes, definitely, but even a few years in I was still wondering if it was as good as I’d hoped. Having endured these false dawns over the years as the club passed through Drumaville, Short and Donald, I remained sceptical.
No need to worry, it turns out.
A blip at the end of the season turned out to be a tactical masterstroke. The games against Coventry – first leg and I’m in bits watching on TV. Isidor at the death and I’m jumping up and down in the living room, upsetting the dogs and annoying the neighbours.
Second leg and it’s looking like we might just “do a Sunderland” again. But no. In what must be the greatest football moment of my lifetime, Enzo slings in a corner and Ballard somehow contorts his body to head it home.
121:59 – forever embedded in my memory.
A mate of mine sorts tickets for Wembley. Yet again I’m reminded of the lady on Netflix saying, “Why is it never us?” I’ve never seen us win at Wembley, but in that moment of the greatest event I’ve ever witnessed I wish I could find her and tell her it’s all fine.
It is us. Finally.
Give her a cuddle, dance up and down with more random strangers who have all been through the same distress I have. It’s us!
I’m there with my wife, my dad and my 26-year-old son, the same one I’ve saddled with supporting Sunderland, just as my dad did to me. But it’s worth the pain for this moment in time.
Remembering that day, 24th May, my 55th birthday, I cry again writing this down. Never to be repeated, it will never be this good again. But I don’t care. I have my moment.
Or so I thought.
I could go through this season and repeat all the individual games, moments and lapses. I don’t need to. We arrive on the final day of the season, my birthday again, with, unbelievably, a chance of Europe.
I’m confident we will beat Chelsea and even the games that need to go our way look promising. But I’m still thinking, “Yeah, but it’s Sunderland”, the nearly men of my entire lifetime to date.
The Europa League is mentioned but doesn’t really seem likely.
The game goes by in a flash. I’m flanked by my father and my son, one who has seen even more dross than I have and one who isn’t quite as jaded. The result is never in doubt and, as the other scores come in, we dance and dance again.
Something so unexpected, so beautiful, overwhelms me. A season so good that we achieve something no Sunderland side has ever done before.
Is this to be my moment? The one that I can talk about in years to come?
If it was, I’d take it.
But this is Sunderland. No longer the also-rans I’ve loved all my life, but an animal poised to strike. A black cat on the prowl.
Billy Whitehurst will be sixty-seven years old on this day.
I first became aware of William Whitehurst in the early eighties as a Hull City player, where he netted forty-seven goals in one hundred and ninety-three league matches for the Tigers between 1980 and 1985. He helped Hull to back-to-back promotions from the Fourth Division to the Second Division. Many Hull fans hold Billy in high esteem.
In December 1985 he commanded a big fee for Hull of £232,000 and joined our nearest and dearest (the Visitors) at St James’ Park.
I saw him play for Newcastle a couple of times during this period and would say that he seemed a little out of his depth in the top tier. He had physical presence and aerial ability and most certainly could not be accused of a lack of effort. It would be fair to say that, watching him from the terraces, he was no shrinking violet.
However, sharing the same pitch as the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Peter Beardsley, Glen Roeder and our own Jeff Clarke, Billy’s limitations stood out and he became a bit of a target for the renowned ‘Visitors boo-boys’.
An incident in a cup tie against Bradford City saw him confront fans who were jeering him after he was substituted. His obscene gesture to them as he left the field was the final straw for manager Willie McFaul. After twenty-eight league appearances and seven goals, he was sold in October 1986 to fellow First Division club Oxford United (League Cup holders).
He appeared in forty league games, scoring four goals between 1986 and February 1988, when he was sold to Reading for £120,000.
His time in the top tier at Newcastle and Oxford was not a huge success, so dropping down to the Third Division with Reading, who were putting together a handy team and a promising promotion run, at least on paper looked like a good idea.
Ian Branfoot was the Reading manager at this time and he probably saw in Whitehurst an ingredient that was missing from his team, possibly the final piece of the jigsaw.
Unfortunately, Billy’s off-field exploits were often as “colourful” as his robust play on the pitch. With stories of carousing and bare-knuckle boxing (where he could supplement his wages with up to £1,000 per fight), Branfoot took a dim view of some of these exploits.
After Billy was fined £200 and banned for drink-driving, the Reading boss had had enough and accepted somewhere between £90,000 and £100,000 from Denis Smith at Sunderland in September 1988. His eight-month stay with the Royals saw him score a credible eight goals in seventeen league games.
Smith had just led Sunderland out of the Third Division and, having lost a good forward in Keith Bertschin (to Walsall), wanted a target man to play up front with Marco Gabbiadini.
I reckon I saw twelve of Whitehurst’s eighteen games for Sunderland in 1988 and would say that it never quite looked like it was going to work with Billy and Marco up front.
In many respects, I felt Eric Gates was a better foil for Gabbiadini, though Whitehurst, once again, never lacked for effort.
Something that always impressed me about Denis Smith as our manager was his generally attacking style of play. I had seen him play for Stoke quite a few times over the years and he was a rugged, no-nonsense defender – someone to have in the trenches with you.
As a manager, he liked to get his team playing an attractive, fast-passing game and he sought players who could bring this to the team.
Eric Gates was a conundrum at the time. His form was patchy despite having formed an effective partnership with Marco in the previous campaign. He had also stalled over an extension to his contract and Smith had let it be known he would consider offers for the thirty-three-year-old.
Denis wanted a big target man and Billy looked like that player. He certainly brought a bit of toughness on the pitch to the squad and I particularly recall his performance in the Leeds game at Roker Park, where he was probably at his rampaging best and scored one of our two goals (Gabbiadini got the other) in the victory.
The game before that had been against Oldham at Roker Park. His display in this 3 – 2 victory was not a thing of beauty, but it was very effective as he rampaged around the pitch looking for contact wherever he could find it.
Oldham were managed by Joe Royle and had some solid citizens in their team that night (Andy Ritchie, Roger Palmer, Earl Barrett, Denis Irwin and Willie Donachie, to name five). Joe Royle complained to the press after the game that Sunderland were the most physical team they had played in a long while and lamented the five injured players in his dressing room.
Honestly, I would have to agree with Joe on that night’s evidence. Whitehurst was irrepressibly physical, bordering on violent in that game, and it appeared that this attitude was pervading some of his colleagues.
I thought Gordon Armstrong and John MacPhail sailed pretty close to the wind (both were booked). Steve Doyle too (who was always competitive on the pitch but quite clever with it). He and Marco put themselves about in a fashion that seemed to have an extra edge.
It had been a long time since I had heard my team accused of being over-physical!
During this period, Gabbiadini and Whitehurst played together sixteen times. Billy scored three goals and Marco scored seven, while five games were won, five were lost and eight were drawn during Billy’s eighteen games with the club.
With talk of Billy’s off-field exploits circulating, an incident in training resulted in young keeper Barry Richardson being laid up with a broken ankle. This prevented Denis Smith from transferring Tim Carter to Bristol City and raising some funds for his transfer kitty.
The Billy and Marco pairing had been given a chance. Smith may have decided it had not worked, or maybe he was presented with an opportunity he could not refuse. My guess is it was probably a bit of both.
Billy played his last game for Sunderland against Blackburn Rovers in the Simod Cup on 22nd December in a 2 – 1 defeat at Ewood Park.
In what must be regarded as a fine bit of business for the club, Smith brokered a deal for goalkeeper Tony Norman from Hull. £450,000 plus Billy Whitehurst and Ian Hesford was the cost.
Few people who watched Tony Norman play for Sunderland would argue that this was not a great deal for the club. When you add John Kay, John MacPhail, Colin Pascoe and, of course, Marco Gabbiadini to that list of players brought to the club by Smith, it is an impressive-looking list indeed.
With Billy gone, Gabbiadini and Gates re-established their partnership, with Colin Pascoe also chipping in up front with goals that season.
As for Billy Whitehurst, he continued his footballing travels. He scored five goals for Hull in thirty-six league games between December 1988 and February 1990.
One of these games brought him back to Roker Park, where he and Hesford put in typically characteristic performances. Billy was in bullish fettle for eighty-two minutes, with John MacPhail and he enjoying a physical afternoon’s combat.
Whitehurst missed the last eight minutes after being sent off for a high tackle on MacPhail as Sunderland won the game 2 – 0.
As an aside, this game was Thomas Hauser’s debut and probably saw the best goal Marco ever scored for us!
In a surprise move in February 1990, Billy joined Sheffield United (and Vinnie Jones) to aid their promotion push, which proved successful. He made twenty-two appearances for the Blades in the top tier, scoring twice, before getting on his bike again and spending time at Stoke City, Doncaster and Crewe.
He ended his playing career with brief spells in Hungary, Hong Kong and Northern Ireland with Glentoran before a persistent knee injury forced his retirement.
Billy Whitehurst was not a great success at Sunderland, but he was memorable. His robust, physical style was something of a throwback and his off-field antics were never dull.
His role in bringing Tony Norman to Sunderland adds another layer to the memories of this battler.
Happy Birthday, Billy, bonny lad. I hope you have a good one.
NEW DELHI: Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium has come under scrutiny after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rated the pitch used for the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia as "unsatisfactory" and handed the venue one demerit point under its Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
The sanction places Gaddafi Stadium alongside Lord's in London, where the pitch used for the opening Test between England and New Zealand also received the same rating from the ICC.
Why did the ICC penalise Gaddafi Stadium?
The decision was based on a report submitted by match referee Graeme La Brooy following the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
According to La Brooy, the Lahore surface was too slow and low for a One-Day International, making run-scoring difficult and offering significant assistance to spin bowlers from an early stage.
"It did not suit an ODI game as batters had to spend more time to settle in. It helped spin very early in the match and continued the same way throughout," La Brooy said in his assessment.
The ICC concluded that the conditions created an imbalance that was not ideal for a 50-over international contest, leading to the "unsatisfactory" rating.
Lord's also receives demerit point
Gaddafi Stadium was not the only venue penalised by the ICC.
Lord's also received one demerit point after match referee Andy Pycroft criticised the pitch used during the first Test between England and New Zealand.
Pycroft noted excessive seam movement, variable bounce and several deliveries that stayed unusually low throughout the match.
"There was plenty of excessive seam movement throughout the Test and the ball also kept extremely low on several occasions. The bounce was variable throughout as 16 wickets fell on the first day and 17 on the second.
"There was simply an over-balance in favour of ball against bat caused by the pitch," Pycroft said.
England went on to defeat New Zealand by 115 runs inside four days after the visitors were bowled out for 138 while chasing 254.
What happens next?
The ICC has forwarded the reports to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with both boards having 14 days to appeal the sanctions.
Neither Gaddafi Stadium nor Lord's had any previous demerit points before the latest ruling.
Understanding the ICC demerit points system
Under ICC regulations, a venue receives one demerit point when a pitch is rated "unsatisfactory" and three demerit points when it is deemed "unfit."
These points remain active for a rolling five-year period.
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A venue that accumulates six demerit points is suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months. If a ground reaches 12 demerit points, it faces a 24-month suspension from international matches.
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline about two months away now, with it set at the beginning of August, the New York Yankees and other teams around the league are already looking to see what they could potentially get.
There are a few interesting names already available to the Yankees, and more should be on the way. Some teams in Major League Baseball are likely deciding whether to be buyers or sellers at the moment, with the Chicago Cubs among them.
The Cubs, who have multiple players who could be valuable to the Yankees, have one player who could make a lot of sense for New York. That player is Ian Happ, a switch-hitter who would fit in nicely in this Yankees lineup.
“For as divisive as Ian Happ is among some Cubs fans, I don’t think the league undervalues him at all. This season, he’s not hitting for average, but he’s getting on base, slugging, and playing his usual solid + defense in left field. He’s also a switch-hitter and a veteran. If a team needed outfield help, they would not hesitate to go after Happ,” Michael Cerami wrote.
With Aaron Judge sidelined at the moment, the Yankees need all the offensive help they can get.
Even when Judge is healthy and ready to go, which is expected to be in the back half of the season, Happ would be a nice addition to this lineup. I don't think he should cost too much either, considering he hits free agency at the end of the year, so I don't understand why the Yankees wouldn't be interested.
Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kane Kepley against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cubs acquired left-hander Antoine Kelly in a trade with the Dodgers for cash. Kelly was assigned to Triple-A Iowa.
The Cubs claimed right-hander Eduarniel Núñez off waivers from the Orioles. They assigned him to rookie ball Mesa, where I presume he’ll work in the pitch lab and not pitch. Núñez was in the Cubs system from 2017 to 2024.
Iowa got four good innings out of starter Doug Nikhazy, who gave up two hits but no runs. Nikhazy walked two and struck out two.
Because Nikhazy didn’t go five innings, the win went to reliever Christian Roa. Roa pitched 1.1 innings of relief and surrendered no runs and just one hit. He did not walk anyone and struck out two.
The I-Cubs jumped all over Bats starter Darren McCaughan. Third baseman BJ Murray hit a two-run home run in the first inning, his seventh on the season. Murray was 2 for 5 with a double and the homer.
In the fourth inning, catcher Christian Bethencort extended the I-Cubs lead with a three-run home run. It was Bethencourt’s fifth of the season. He finished the game 1 for 5.
One inning later, in the fifth, left fielder James Triantos clubbed a two-run home run, also his fifth. Triantos was also 1 for 5.
The fourth and final I-Cubs home run came in the seventh inning off the bat of first baseman Jonathon Long with the bases empty. It was his fourth home run this year. Long went 1 for 4 with a walk and he scored twice.
Shortstop Ben Cowles went 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored.
Second baseman Owen Miller was 2 for 5 with an RBI double in the first inning and an RBI single in the seventh. Miller also scored on Murray’s home run.
Grant Kipp allowed four runs on four hits over the first four innings. All four runs came on two home runs—a solo home run and a three run home run. Kipp struck out four, hit one batter and walked one.
The loss went to Marino Santy, who gave up two runs on four hits over two innings. Santy struck out two and walked no one.
DH Owen Ayers was named Southern League Player of the Week and he celebrated by hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning. It was Ayers’ tenth home run and third in four games. Ayers went 2 for 4 with a double and the home run.
Left fielder Carter Trice hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, also his tenth on the campaign. Trice went 2 for 4.
Shortstop Karson Simas doubled twice in a 2 for 4 night. He scored twice.
Catcher Ariel Armas was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI single.
Ayers’ home run.
Owen Ayers gets the Smokies on the board with his 10th home run of the season 💣 pic.twitter.com/jiOrysTdxB
— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 10, 2026
— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 10, 2026
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs demoted the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals), 6-3. The win reduced South Bend’s magic number for clinching a first-half title down to four with eight games to play.
Starter Nazier Mulé gave up two home runs over 4.1 innings, but they were both solo home runs and those were the only two runs he allowed. Mulé allowed four hits. He walked just one and and struck out six. He did hit one batter.
Jackson Brockett threw the next 1.2 innings, permitted no runs on just one hit, and got the win. Brockett struck out three and walked no one.
Alfredo Romero went the rest of the way for the three-inning save. Romero allowed one run on three hits. He struck out five and walked two.
Left fielder Cole Mathis connected for a solo home run in the second inning. It was Mathis’ tenth home run this year and third with South Bend. Mathis went 1 for 4.
DH Kane Kepley was a perfect 2 for 2 with three walks and a three-run home run later in the second. Kepley also stole a base.
Catcher Justin Stransky went 2 for 2 with two walks and two steals. He scored once.
Center fielder Josiah Hartshorn was 2 for 5 with a double. Hartshorn scored one run.
David Bracho gave the Pelicans a good start, allowing just one run on two hits over four innings. Bracho struck out six and hit one batter and walked one.
Daniel Avita went the next four innings and gave up five hits, but no runs. Avita walked two and struck out seven.
Jhon Rosario entered the game in the top of the ninth, looking for the save with the Birds clinging to a 2-1 lead. But Rosario got rocked for four runs on five hits in the one inning he pitched. He neither walked nor struck anyone out.
Left fielder Gueri Lubo tied the game 1-1 with a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. It was Lubo’s fourth home run overall and third with Myrtle Beach. Lubo was 1 for 4.
Catcher Logan Poteet singled home right fielder Eli Lovich in the bottom of the eighth to give the Pelicans the lead. Poteet was 2 for 4 and Lovice went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk.
Gabriela Jaquez has established herself as one of the best rookies in the 2026 WNBA season. Her impressive run with the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA led to her No. 6 selection by the Chicago Sky.
She arrived at Wintrust Arena on Tuesday for the clash against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. The 6-foot guard turned heads with her simple but classy outfit. She wore a fitted white scoop-neck T-shirt under a cream-colored zip-up hooded jacket. Jaquez completed her look with high-waisted tan shorts and pointed-toe, low-heeled mules.
“Looking good! @gabrielajaquezz let’s get this win tonight🔥🔥🔥,” one fan commented
“Sheeeesh slide 1 😍,” a comment read.
May 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Chicago Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) dribbles the bal up the court past Portland Fire center Megan Gustafson (17) in the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Gabriela Jaquez and the Sky vs. Dream
Jaquez failed to make an impact versus Atlanta. She finished with only three points and four rebounds in the 82-75 loss. Skylar Diggins and Kamilla Cardoso led the way for Chicago with 17 an 13 points, respectively.
The rookie is averaging 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 before Tuesday’s performance, proving that she is capable of better production. Her contribution for the remainder of the season will be key in helping the Sky win more games.
They will be back in action on Thursday against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Jaquez will likely have her sights set on bouncing back against one of the best guards in the WNBA.
LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin owes one of his assistant coaches a big-time thank you after what went down this week in South Carolina.
LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin owes his running backs coach Kevin Smith a big-time thank you for what went down in an SEC rival’s backyard this week.
The Tigers weren’t really in the mix for 2027 four-star running back Tre Segarra until Smith essentially flipped the entire recruitment upside down.
Segarra, 5-foot-10/205 pounds from Duncan, SC, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 6 running back in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of South Carolina. He’s also rated as the No. 119 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class.
LSU now looks like the favorite to land Tre Segarra
The Tennessee Vols and the South Carolina Gamecocks have been viewed as the favorites to land Segarra.
LSU, in fact, wasn’t even scheduled to get an official visit from the talented running back.
But that all changed when Smith visited Segarra at his home in South Carolina.
Smith made his pitch to Segarra and now the Tigers are the favorites to land the four-star recruit.
“LSU running backs coach Kevin Smith visited his house in May and pitched to Segarra and his family giving Baton Rogue, Louisiana, a shot despite not being on his official visit slate at the time,” reported 247Sports’ Anna Adams. “Fast-forward just a month later - LSU is out in front and a decision might not be far off.”
There’s a reason why Kiffin brought Smith with him from Ole Miss — and it’s not just because he’s a great on-field coach. It’s because he’s a hell of a recruiter, too.
Smith, who is from Miami, should have no problems landing in-state recruits in Louisiana. And he obviously has great recruiting connections in South Florida.
Now the rest of the SEC knows he can go into another program’s backyard and make some noise with a recruit that wasn’t even previously that high on LSU.
That should be scary for the rest of the conference.
In the grand scheme of Gerrit Cole’s outing on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians, a singular fastball cannot come close to capturing how he performed or telling the story of the game in which it was thrown. But as the New York Yankees’ ace continues to settle into his 2026 campaign and distance himself from the elbow surgery that sidelined him for all of 2025, even the most minute of data points can carry significance.
In this case, it was the first time since Sept. 28, 2022, that Cole had thrown a fastball that registered 100 mph. He crested 99 on several occasions in the years since, including touching 99.6 mph in a Triple-A rehab start leading up to his return to the Yankees’ rotation last month. But not in nearly four years had Cole thrown a fastball that clocked in at triple digits.
On Tuesday, 100 mph marked the right-hander’s best bolt during an outing in which his velocity was up across the board on all five of his pitches, even as his effectiveness wavered. He hit it only once — on his 34th pitch of the night, a four-seam fastball that Guardians catcher Austin Hedges fouled off in a 1-2 count — but his heater hummed in at 97-99 mph all night, and his secondary offerings had an extra bit of giddy-up as well. His slider climbed as high as 92.4, his changeup all the way to 88.6.
Times have changed. That Cole was able to access this kind of heat — in only his fourth major-league start coming back from Tommy John surgery, and with his 36th birthday approaching in September — is undeniably impressive. Yet that velocity doesn’t seize the attention like it did early in Cole’s career, when he was a flamethrower with few peers.
As a rookie in 2013, he threw 22 pitches at 100 mph, more than any other starting pitcher in MLB, with only eight other starters (and 27 total pitchers) achieving the feat in the regular season. In touching triple-digits on Tuesday, Cole became the 19th starting pitcher to reach that velocity threshold this season — and the 62nd overall. He is an outlier no more.
And so, Cole’s brief achievement in velocity on Tuesday served as a positive footnote amid an otherwise scattershot performance. By most measures, his efforts registered as unremarkable, if not downright underwhelming. Although his stuff was sizzling, Cole mustered only a modest contribution to New York’s eventual 3-2 victory.
"I thought Gerrit was OK,” manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “I thought it was kind of a grind for him. I thought his stuff was good, his fastball was up — probably not exactly shapes he wanted, necessarily. But I thought overall, his stuff was good. They obviously made him work hard.”
Cole completed just four frames — marking his shortest outing since June 25, 2024, another time he was working his way back from elbow trouble — including a laborious, 29-pitch third inning in which he coughed up the two-run lead afforded to him by rookie Spencer Jones’ first career homer in the top of the second inning.
“The velocity was up,” Cole noted postgame. “I think that was a product of the night being so warm and just sweating, like right from the get-go.
“And having to just kind of persevere,” he added of what might’ve contributed to his uptick in velocity. “I mean, my heart rate had to be, like, 185 or something like that — I haven't probably touched that in quite some time.”
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After going down in order in the first inning, the Guardians put increasing pressure on Cole in each frame, creating traffic on the basepaths and crafting lengthy at-bats that exasperated the Yankees’ ace as he navigated the chaos on a humid, 86-degree night at Progressive Field.
“I feel like, at a certain point, I was just so gassed,” he said. “It's just like survival mode — just give it your best effort.”
Cole worked around a pair of baserunners to complete a scoreless fourth, but his pitch count had climbed to 83. So that was the end of the line, an uncommon stopping point for a pitcher accustomed to venturing much deeper into ballgames, albeit an understandable one, considering how the game was unfolding and that Cole is still building his workload back up to a normal level.
"The good part is somehow we're able to escape with two [runs] and keep us in the game and squeeze another inning out of it before we ran out of pitches,” he said.
Indeed, for the second consecutive night, the Yankees ground out a narrow victory over the Guardians, this time 3-2 in regulation (a relatively straightforward affair compared to Monday’s 7-5 win that required eight pitchers and the entire bench and lasted 3 hours and 41 minutes across 10 innings).
Jones’ titanic, two-run blast — it traveled 443 feet to center field — plus a solo, go-ahead moon shot from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the eighth turned out to be enough run support as Cole and five relievers — including the five final outs from splitter specialist Fernando Cruz in his first save of the season — secured the series for New York.
On Wednesday, the Guardians will try to avoid being swept for the first time this season, with a southpaw showdown on deck between Yankees veteran Carlos Rodón and Guardians rookie Parker Messick.
As the Yankees embark on a prolonged stretch without captain Aaron Judge, full-roster triumphs along the lines of Monday’s and Tuesday’s results are encouraging demonstrations of New York’s depth and determination on both sides of the ball. And on a night when the Yankees’ face-of-the-franchise pitcher demonstrated flashes of his exceptional arsenal and endured some speedbumps as he continues to find his footing post-surgery, Cole can appreciate the quality of the roster that surrounds him.
"Tonight was all-hands-on-deck, a persevere type of night,” he said. “And luckily we put one more up than them.”
We’re only a day away from the World Cup, as Mexico is putting the final touches in their preparation to open up the tournament for the second time ever against South Africa.
Last time, in 2010, South Africa were the hosts and drew with Mexico. This time around, Mexico, which is holding its third World Cup, will look to leave Thursday with a victory.
In Group J, though, Lionel Messi and Argentina will be hoping to repeat what they did in Qatar four years ago by being the first team since Brazil over 60 years ago to win back-to-back World Cup trophies.
Before the quartet of Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan begins, here are my picks as the best three players from Group B heading into the World Cup.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 17: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea in actio during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Four years ago, Fernández was one of the breakthrough stars on the World Cup stage, putting his name in lights following an excellent tournament in Qatar. He started out as an accessory for the Argentina team at the beginning of the tournament and ended up being one of the main reasons why they defeated France in the World Cup Final. After winning the World Cup, he broke transfer records by moving to Chelsea. And although it hasn’t always been the happiest marriage, Fernández is still one of the most revered creative midfield players in the world.
2. Julián Alvarez (Argentina, Atlético Madrid)
In a similar fashion to Fernández, Alvarez wasn’t expected to be a main character in Qatar all those years ago but transformed into a monster as the tournament went along. He scored a brace against Croatia in the World Cup semifinals and has only grown as a striker over the current cycle, with teams like Real Madrid trying their best to snag him from rival Atlético. If he has another big tournament across North America this summer, his value might start rivaling the true top players in the sport.
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 04: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Atletico de Madrid and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Estadio Metropolitano on November 04, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
Sorry, Jordan, Austria, and Algeria, it’s an all-Argentina podium in the group. And while I know Messi isn’t what he used to be and that through a 38-game campaign you might rather have the two youngsters below him in this ranking, we’re not talking about a marathon here. When Messi puts on the Argentina jersey and steps out onto the field, he elevates everyone around him, including Alvarez and Fernández. He is more than a simple talisman for Argentina; he is the sun that every single Argentine player, old and young, gravitates around.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 09: Pitcher Kai-Wei Teng #17 of the Houston Astros reacts in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 09, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If it was a title fight, it would’ve been stopped early. A TKO. The Astros were soundly defeated by the Angels in Anaheim by the score of 10-1.
Kai-Wei Teng, who back in March boasted a 2 1/3 scoreless outing in Anaheim, couldn’t get out of his own way on Tuesday night, imploding. The final damage after two innings was 52 pitches, multiple walks, a pair of hit batters and seven runs allowed.
The first pair of runs were unearned, without even the benefit of a single hit. It would take until the second inning for all of the runs to be earned, and there were unfortunately five of them.
It was a complete reversal for Kai-Wei Teng and now there’s a legitimate question as to whether or not he’ll remain in the permanent starting rotation going forward. The final stat line for Teng was 4 innings, 7 hits allowed with 5 earned runs, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.
Teng’s counterpart Walbert Urena would go 5 innings in a 107-pitch victorious effort, despite allowing 5 walks. The last time Teng registered a win was on May 23rd at Wrigley.
The Astros had plenty of chances throughout the night, including the opening inning when Alvarez and Paredes each drew walks, but Jose Altuve struck out, which is becoming a troubling trend. Since returning from the IL, Jose has registered only two hits.
The 10-1 loss drops the Astros to 31-38 for the season. For context, it took until July 9th last year for Houston to suffer their 38th defeat.
Houston would finally get on the board with two outs in the 7th inning thanks to an RBI pinch hit single by Brice Matthews, but it was too little, too late. The Angels would pad their lead with 3 additional runs in the 8th.
Odds and Ends:
Peter Lambert will close out the rubber match of the series. He’ll be opposed by left hander Reid Detmers, who has 88 k’s on the season thus far.
Yordan Alvarez has now reached base safely in 17 straight games.
Nolan Schanuel and Sebastian Rivero each left Tuesday’s contest with various injuries for the Angels.
The Astros haven’t dropped a series in Anaheim since 2020.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Wade Meckler and Jo Adell keyed a five-run second inning with two-run doubles, and Walbert Ureña navigated heavy traffic through five shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 10-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.
Houston put two runners on in the first, second and fifth and loaded the bases in the third, but Ureña (4-4) pitched out of each jam to lower his ERA to 2.44 on the season and 1.84 in eight starts since early May.
The 22-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, struck out seven and walked five in his 107-pitch effort, which included a 97 mph fastball to whiff Joey Loperfido with the bases loaded to end the third.
The Angels scored two unearned runs off starter Kai-Wei Teng (3-5) in the first, one when Nolan Schanuel was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and the other on Oswald Peraza’s RBI grounder.
Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero sparked the Angels’ second-inning rally with a one-out single. Zach Neto was hit by a pitch and Mike Trout snapped an 0-for-22 slump with a single to load the bases.
Meckler doubled to left-center for two runs and a 4-0 lead. Adell doubled to left to make it 6-0, and Peraza’s RBI groundout extended it to 7-0.
The Angels added three insurance runs in the eighth on Trey Mancini’s sacrifice fly and RBI groundouts by Peraza and Denzer Guzman. Los Angeles relievers Brent Suter, Drew Pomeranz and Kirby Yates covered the final four innings.
Schanuel, who has been slowed by a left ankle injury, exited after three innings because of left calf tightness.
Rivero, who also singled in the third and has seven hits in his last seven at-bats, was removed in the fifth because of a left wrist injury.
Up next
Astros RHP Peter Lambert (5-4, 3.55 ERA) will oppose Angels LHP Reid Detmers (2-5, 4.26) in Wednesday night’s series finale.
The Golden State Warriors are looking to make upgrades this summer after narrowly falling in the NBA Play-In Tournament for the second time in the last four seasons. Now that head coach Steve Kerr is back into the fold, the Warriors are all-in on building around former two-time MVP Stephen Curry.
While many expect Golden State to add to their roster via trade, reports are insistent that the Warriors will make a push to sign current free agent and former Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "League sources maintain that Golden State remains legitimately interested in adding LeBron to their Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core."
Not only does this indicate their pursuit of James in free agency, but it also displays a level of patience in Golden State's front office as it pertains to Jimmy Butler III, who will miss a large chunk of the season due to a season-ending ACL tear suffered in January. However, if James re-signs with the Lakers or chooses to join another franchise, the Warriors will likely be forced to the trade market, with Kawhi Leonard becoming the next most sensible target.
The Chicago White Sox entered their Tuesday matchup against the Atlanta Braves with a 34-31 record.
Not bad, but they needed someone to give them a spark, an extra push as they are in a battle with the Cleveland Guardians for the top spot in the AL Central.
On Tuesday, an unlikely hero emerged. His name is Braden Montgomery.
The White Sox called up the 23-year-old outfielder from their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, just in time to face the Atlanta Braves, the best team in MLB, record-wise.
Montgomery proved that he’s ready for the show. In his major league debut, Montgomery had himself a game to remember. He registered two hits in five at-bats, and accounted for three RBIs. But his moment of glory came when the lights were brightest — Chicago down a run, 5-4, in the 10th inning.
Andrew Benintendi was on base when Montgomery came to the plate. He delivered, in walk-off fashion, smashing a homer 343 feet into left field. With his two-run home run, Montgomery became the fifth player ever to hit a walk-off homer in his MLB debut.
“Just how we drew it up,” Montgomery said as he was all smiles, relishing and celebrating his historic debut. “That was … I still don’t know what to say. That was unreal.”
He was speechless, at least that’s how he described the feeling when he got the hit.
“I had no clue,” Montgomery said. “I hit it and I thought that it would at least get over his head so I was excited that at least we didn’t lose. That was, yeah, that left me speechless.”
As he rounded the bases and made it back home, he was embraced by his teammates and met with a Gatorade bath.
“That was just surreal,” Montgomery said. “I mean, I couldn’t even hear anything. Obviously I was told the crowd was pretty loud.”
Montgomery saw the pitch coming.
“It was a change up,” he said. “A pretty good swing on it and the rest is history.”
It was an all-around magical night for Montgomery as his first at-bat in the majors led to an RBI. He placed a ball into left field, bringing home Jacob Gonzalez in the fourth inning.
All in a night’s work, he tallied his first career hit, RBI, home run, walk-off and walk-off home run.
Montgomery didn’t just make his debut, he made his name known across baseball. This is what you love about sports.
Braden Mongomery calls game with a walk-off home run in his MLB debut. | (Getty Images)
Wow.
What an incredible game from the South Siders, who never gave up regardless of how many times their safety squeeze failed to score a run, or how many home runs Matt Olson hit against them (two, by the way). This game had everything: solid pitching, drama, home runs, extra innings, an extended hit streak, and a rookie debut for the ages.
The White Sox (35-31) defeated the best team in MLB, stealing an extra-inning W against the Braves (45-22), 6-5. Braden Montgomery went 2-for-4 in his debut and checked many firsts off the list: first hit, RBI, home run, and walk-off. On top of that, Miguel Vargas flashed his power yet again, Chase Meidroth extended his hit streak from nine to 10, and the South Siders went 4-for-12 (.300) with runners in scoring position. Could have done without the bunts, however.
Because of course, the Good Guys went with their trusty opener, as Brandon Eisert was slated to man the first inning, but he only threw strikes roughly half of the time (11 of 21 pitches), gave up two runs, and forced Erick Fedde to enter the game in the first anyway. Eisert was somehow able to strike out Ronald Acuña Jr. after falling behind in the count, 3-0, to start the game, but a base hit from Michael Harris III began the madness before the lefty ceded a two-run bomb to Matt Olson, making it 2-0, Atlanta. Before Fedde came in, Eisert recorded one more out before putting another pair of runners on base, but Fedde thankfully struck out Austin Riley to end the threat.
Fedde made it through the second (mostly) unscathed, not without hitting Ronald Acuña and instigating some Acuña on Acuña crime, as Ronald was thrown out attempting to steal, tagged out by his brother Luisangel to end the inning — later confirmed by review. Unfortunately, Ronald later left the game with hamstring tightness, and hopefully it’s not a serious injury that sends him to the IL.
And listen, it’s not a Fedde outing without him giving up at least one homer, so of course Matt Olson mashed his second of the game; a solo shot to left to extend the Atlanta lead to three, 3-0. Fedde dug the hole deeper on his own, surrendering the fourth run for the Braves on what should have been an inning-ending double play. He was unable to catch the ball for the final out, so it rolled to the dugout, and the Braves scored a run, 4-0. Despite being responsible for one of his two runs allowed with the error, only one was earned on the six hits he relinquished while striking out four.
On the offensive front, it took a few innings for the bats to get heated up, and they did bunt themselves out of some scoring situations, but they never counted themselves out and eventually found ways to score and tie the game at four. With two outs in the third, Sam Antonacci kept the inning alive by drawing a walk, just for Miguel Vargas to blast his 16th home run of the season to cut the lead in half, 4-2.
The Good Guys grabbed another back in the bottom of the fourth, beginning with Jacob Gonzalez ripping a base hit to right, and Meidroth getting hit by a pitch to put a runner in scoring position for Montgomery’s second at-bat. It’s possible many rookies would fold in this situation, but Montgomery isn’t just any rookie. He waited back and went with a hanging, middle-outside fastball to drive a 107 mph single out to left for his first MLB career base hit, killing two birds with one stone by also knocking in his first RBI, bringing the Sox within one, 4-3.
Now, let’s talk about that bunting again. Sure, have the Good Guys succeeded in small ball in some situations this year? Yes. Does that mean they should do it every single chance they get? No! Not once, but twice, the South Siders batted and ran themselves out of innings by attempting to execute a safety squeeze. Completely killing the rally after Montgomery’s RBI, Luisangel bunted with Meidroth on third, but it didn’t go far enough, so the catcher was able to tag Meidroth with several steps to spare.
Just a couple of innings later, the Sox once again had runners on the corners with one out, and Drew Romo laid a bunt down towards the first base side, but since Olson was already charging in, he had Grichuk dead to rights, ending with him getting tagged out in a rundown. Antonacci ended up driving a ball out to right in hopes of tying the game, but Derek Hill was thrown out at the plate, later confirmed by review. A much better situation would have been potentially not sending Hill and handing bases loaded over to Miguel Vargas — you know, the guy that hit a line drive home run just a couple of at-bats ago — but hindsight is always 20/20.
Eventually, they were able to strike with runners in scoring position. It took nine pitches, but Vargas drew a walk to leadoff the seventh, and Andrew Benintendi poked a base hit to right, allowing Miguel to advance to third. Jacob Gonzalez came through in the clutch and scored Vargas for his fifth run batted in this season, 4-4.
It’s good news that the White Sox bullpen was on point today, as the Braves didn’t score after the third until the ghost runner was in effect in the 10th. Tyler Gilbert completed the sixth for Fedde, and the seventh and eighth were clean as both Tyler Davis and Seranthony Domínguez did not give up a hit. The ninth was also solid with Grant Taylor navigating the inning with one hit given up, but keeping the game tied for the Good Guys into the bottom of the ninth. Naturally, the bats could not ignite, and to extra innings we went.
Now responsible for the ghost runner in the 10th, Grant Taylor gave up a leadoff base hit to Mauricio Dubón that allowed Atlanta to take the lead back, 5-4. Taylor was able to work through the jam even with the added pressure with the help of some much-needed defense, and the Braves’ rally ended with one run while the damage could have been way worse. On a ground ball to third from Austin Riley, Miguel Vargas made a heads-up play by throwing Dubón out at the plate, and Mike Yastrzemski flew out to give the South Siders a chance to tie or win the game.
With Benintendi starting at second in the bottom of the 10th, Gonzalez came close to tying the game with a ball down the left-field line, but it was ruled foul, and he struck out. Benintendi advanced to third on a ground out from Meidroth, bringing the White Sox down to their final out with Montgomery up to bat. The ending of this game felt magical, not only because of the drama, but because you could tell he felt confident being in this position. The moment was no match for the rookie, who checked off his first career home run and walk-off, blasting a two-run shot to the opposite field to win the game. The emotion from him, his family, the fans, hell, from me in my living room! It’s a moment that Braden, or any of us, will not be forgetting for quite some time.
Ball. Game.
He was the number two prospect for a reason, folks. It’s been one game, but the fact that he can rise to the moment against the best team in baseball might just be a glimpse into how special a player Montgomery can be. The homer also secured the second win of the season for Taylor, also giving some credit where it is due.
As Tuesday’s games come to a close, the White Sox will head into Wednesday just a half-game behind the Cleveland Guardians, who lost to the New York Yankees, allowing the Good Guys to snag a full game. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy about a Yankees win, but I will take it. And it also brings me joy to know that the Guardians are probably super annoyed upon seeing the glorious Montgomery bomb. Despite being without their best hitter and having to piecemeal the starting rotation and bullpen, they continue to fight and find ways to win, and if they can keep it up, a division title doesn’t sound so crazy after all.
DETROIT,MICHIGAN-January 18: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 celebrates after an interception during the second half of an NFL Divisional Playoff game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Saturday, January 18, 2025. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Commanders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Today, we have two questions in the Reacts survey.
Now that teams have completed free agency, the draft, and a couple of big June 1st trades have taken place in the NFL, rosters are pretty well set for training camp, so it’s finally time to make some predictions. Today, we’re gonna focus on the NFC division title and the Commanders’ playoff future.
Question 1
The first question simply asks you to predict which of the four division teams will win the division crown in 2026.
Here’s the case that might be made by the fans of each of the four teams:
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are sure that this is their year! The team is primed to conquer the division under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who looks to elevate an offense that consistently produced elite passing metrics in ‘25. Backed by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and the crucial addition of top-11 draft pick Caleb Downs to dramatically upgrade a defense that allowed 511 points last year, Dallas has the roster firepower to secure the crown.
New York Giants
The New York Giants have undergone a massive cultural overhaul by hiring head coach John Harbaugh to establish a winning foundation. By pairing his leadership with free-agency upgrades like playmaker Isaiah Likely to supercharge an offense that averaged 5.6 yards per play, New York has the structural blueprint to completely dominate the NFC East.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles possess an incredibly stable foundation under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. This defensive and head coaching continuity protects a roster that outgained opponents with 5,341 total yards last season while showcasing a highly disciplined offense that threw a mere 7 interceptions to dictate the pace of the division.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are set to surge forward as defensive coordinator Daronte Jones unleashes an aggressive, newly revamped scheme, as will offensive coordinator David Blough, who brings a new philosophy to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders high-powered scoring attack. Supported by explosive roster upgrades like elite linebacker Leo Chenal to fix a defense that gave up 26.5 points per game last year, Washington has the tactical upgrades needed to claim the division title.
Question 2
Our second question asks you to gaze deep into your crystal ball to predict Washington’s playoff fate.
While the 11 choices on offer may look overwhelming, you basically just need to decide:
Will they make the playoffs?
If so, will they go as a wildcard team or as a division winner?
How many playoff games will they win?
Just put the answer to those three questions together to select your answer.
Example 1: If you think the Commanders will be a wilcard team that loses in the divisional round, then you would select: “Wildcard 1-1”
Example 2: If you think the Commanders will be a division winnerwith a first round bye that loses in the NFC championship game, then you would select: “NFCE Champ: 1-1”
Example 3: If you think the Commanders will be a division winnerbut not the top seed in the NFC that loses in the super bowl, then you would select: “NFCE Champ: 3-1”
Comments & Results
Of course, we invite you to answer the survey questions below, but also feel free to expand on your answers and provide nuance in the comments section. While you are certainly free to simply share which choices you made on the survey questions, the most interesting comments will explain why you answered the way you did. I rely on those comments when discussing the results of the survey when they are posted in a separate article the next few days.
The Bengals signed the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Taylor in April as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract for the 2026 season.
During the team's OTA June 9, Taylor broke up a pass on a deep ball by starting quarterback Joe Burrow.
What to know about Taylor, who has played in 65 regular-season games over four NFL seasons:
Taylor and former Bengal Jessie Bates III were teammates at Wake Forest.
Bates' second (and final) season as a defensive back for the Demon Deacons was 2017, Taylor's first at Wake.
Bates, a second-round pick of the Bengals in the 2018 draft, played five seasons in Cincinnati before leaving for the Atlanta Falcons.
Taylor played DB at Wake for five seasons.
Taylor was a sixth-round draft pick of the Chargers in 2022.
The only player from the Bengals' 2022 draft class who remains with the team is fellow defensive back Dax Hill.
Taylor played in 57 regular-season games and one playoff game for the Chargers before being traded in November 2025 to the New York Jets for a conditional 2028 seventh-round pick.
Taylor played in eight games for the Jets after the trade, which brought Taylor closer to his hometown of Asbury Park, on the Jersey Shore.
Ja'Sir Taylor's career stats include 21 special-teams tackles.
In 65 regular-season games, Taylor has made 12 starts and recorded 76 tackles, with one tackle for loss.
He has 15 passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Taylor has faced the Bengals once.
The Chargers won Taylor's only game against the Bengals, 34-27, in November 2024.
He defended Tee Higgins, who finished the game with nine catches for 148 yards with a touchdown, on several plays.
Taylor also broke up a deep pass attempt to Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase during the game's fourth quarter.
The Bengals signed the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Taylor in April as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract for the 2026 season.
During the team's OTA June 9, Taylor broke up a pass on a deep ball by starting quarterback Joe Burrow.
What to know about Taylor, who has played in 65 regular-season games over four NFL seasons:
Taylor and former Bengal Jessie Bates III were teammates at Wake Forest.
Bates' second (and final) season as a defensive back for the Demon Deacons was 2017, Taylor's first at Wake.
Bates, a second-round pick of the Bengals in the 2018 draft, played five seasons in Cincinnati before leaving for the Atlanta Falcons.
Taylor played DB at Wake for five seasons.
Taylor was a sixth-round draft pick of the Chargers in 2022.
The only player from the Bengals' 2022 draft class who remains with the team is fellow defensive back Dax Hill.
Taylor played in 57 regular-season games and one playoff game for the Chargers before being traded in November 2025 to the New York Jets for a conditional 2028 seventh-round pick.
Taylor played in eight games for the Jets after the trade, which brought Taylor closer to his hometown of Asbury Park, on the Jersey Shore.
Ja'Sir Taylor's career stats include 21 special-teams tackles.
In 65 regular-season games, Taylor has made 12 starts and recorded 76 tackles, with one tackle for loss.
He has 15 passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Taylor has faced the Bengals once.
The Chargers won Taylor's only game against the Bengals, 34-27, in November 2024.
He defended Tee Higgins, who finished the game with nine catches for 148 yards with a touchdown, on several plays.
Taylor also broke up a deep pass attempt to Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase during the game's fourth quarter.
A complaint was submitted through the city's 311 system Monday evening.
Olympic freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu’s family home in San Francisco’s wealthy Sea Cliff neighborhood is drawing fresh scrutiny after a large pile of discarded furniture and household items triggered complaints from nearby residents.
The debris-covered sidewalk outside the family’s 25th Avenue property on Tuesday reportedly featured a couch, mattress, broken furniture, clothing, books, medication bottles and other household belongings.
The pile was so extensive that it obscured a fire hydrant from view.
Gold medalist Eileen Gu Ailing of Team China celebrates during the medal ceremony. Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
A complaint was submitted through the city’s 311 system Monday evening.
The next morning, a Recology worker arrived to inspect the scene but reportedly found no scheduled pickup.
After receiving no answer at the front door, the worker initially declined to remove the items.
Neighbor Ira Glick, a Stanford academic, told The San Francisco Standard he tried contacting the Gu family after learning no one had responded.
Eileen Gu’s mother, Yan Gu, disputed the impression that the family had simply dumped the items at the curb.
She told the SF Standard she moved the belongings outside around 1 a.m. and had carefully packed them into roughly 20 boxes, covering them in case it rained.
Houses in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Bloomberg via Getty Images
Yan Gu said she was shocked to discover the contents scattered across the sidewalk and blamed either scavengers or what she called “vicious people” for tearing through the pile.
She also claimed someone pulled out a shirt bearing her daughter’s name, which she viewed as a deliberate act.
According to Yan Gu, a truck was already on its way Tuesday afternoon to remove the items.
Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the family and some neighbors.
Glick said the Gu family had recently hired a gardener and had also been involved in a dispute with another resident over property boundaries.
Another neighbor told the SF Standard he had not spoken with the family in four or five years following a disagreement over a newly installed driveway.
Yan Gu, meanwhile, accused that neighbor of maintaining reflective spinning weather vanes that cast light into her home “like a disco ball,” forcing the family to keep curtains closed.
Gu ]competes during the qualification of Women’s Freeski Big Air qualification run of Freestyle Skiing event. Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
City records show the Gu’s property has faced multiple complaints over the years.
An April 28 complaint alleged the home suffered from neglect, overgrown vegetation and trash issues that attracted rodents and birds, though a city inspector found no housing-code violations the following day.
The property was also the subject of sewage-related complaints in January 2024. Inspection records described standing, bubbling sewage in the backyard before a contractor cleaned the area and agreed to obtain permits for permanent repairs.
In a separate matter, the home is named in a lawsuit filed Jan. 28 in San Francisco Superior Court.
Plaintiff Adolfo Avila Chavez alleges he suffered severe injuries while performing gardening work at the property in July 2024 after falling from a 10-foot ramp that had been improperly positioned.
The lawsuit names Yan Gu and contractor Hector Alvarez as defendants.
According to the complaint, Alvarez was an unlicensed and uninsured contractor who hired Avila Chavez and failed to provide safety equipment.
The suit claims the fall resulted in lasting injuries.
Built in 1925, the Sea Cliff home has been the subject of neighborhood complaints and city inquiries for more than a decade.
The Arizona Cardinals' offseason has been dominated for the last month by the story that quarterback Jacoby Brissett wants a new contract and that he was holding out of the voluntary part of the offseason program to get a new deal. After going 1-11 in 12 starts, despite a career high in passing yards and passing touchdowns, and the career seasons by receiver Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride, this holdout is an embarrassing look for all involved.
And it is all because the Cardinals made one big mistake.
The mistake?
They told Brissett that he was going to be their QB1 without a competition.
Why is Jacoby Brissett holding out? Does it make sense?
Brissett enters the final year of his two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Cardinals. He signed the deal expecting to be the backup quarterback to Kyler Murray. When Murray got hurt, Brissett took over and he started 12 games.
Murray was released in the offseason, leaving Brissett atop the depth chart, putting him in an unexpected role — the starter.
He will make $4.9 million in salary in 2026 with $1.5 million of it guaranteed. Starting quarterbacks not on a rookie contract will all make at least 19.5 million in compensation.
If he is going to be the starter, he should be paid starter money.
The Gardner Minshew addition
The Cardinals signed Minshew to a one-year contract worth almost $5.7 million, which is more than Brissett will make this year.
This had to add to Brissett's issue.
What the Cardinals did wrong
While it has not been stated publicly, it was reported after Minshew's signing that he was signed to back up Brissett, and at some point in the offseason, Brissett was told he would be the starter.
That established Brissett feeling he should be paid more.
That is where the Cardinals messed up.
With Murray gone and a veteran signed in Minshew, combined with a new coaching staff and offense, the easiest thing to do with the quarterback position would have been to enter the spring with no established starter. Murray was the starter. He wasn't there anymore, so Brissett and Minshew would battle for the starting job.
With that, there would be no reason to hold out. There would be no assumption of role.
But of course, the Cardinals botched this. Now they look like a foolish franchise with a career backup holding out while other teams like the LA Rams are acquiring a Defensive Player of the Year.
There was no need to say anyone was the starter. Mike LaFleur is in his first year as head coach. Minshew has 47 career starts. And while Brissett had good passing numbers, the team went 1-11 in his starts and lost the final nine games after he was named the starter.
Competition is always what makes teams better. By not creating the competition, the Cardinals are left looking like a joke.
They already are expected to be bad in 2026. Now they look like a bad team that doesn't know what it is doing.
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 Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
The Washington Commanders were back on the practice field on Tuesday to begin the third and final week of OTAs. There were some familiar faces in attendance, but not participating, namely, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
There doesn't appear to be any reason to panic. John Keim of ESPN noted that McLaurin was running on a side field, but not at full speed. Rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams joined McLaurin. Both players watched team drills from the sideline.
Is there reason to panic?
The Commanders offered no updates on McLaurin or Williams because it's not mandatory. So, head coach Dan Quinn does not need to discuss injuries or why a player does not participate in practice.
There's no reason to panic. Washington has OTAs for the remainder of this week, and McLaurin and Williams could be back on the field. If not, there's always next week when the Commanders hold their mandatory minicamp. This could be a case of McLaurin and Williams dealing with something minor, and Washington's training staff is not taking any chances.
There's no need to. It's June. If either player is in the same position next week, there's still no reason for concern. The goal is to have everyone, including those returning from injuries last season, on the field and 100% for training camp, which begins in around six weeks.
It's also possible that McLaurin simply received a veteran's rest day. He has nothing to prove to coaches, so giving him a rest day would make sense.
It's understandable if Washington fans pause when hearing McLaurin missed practice time. He was healthy for his first six NFL seasons, but suffered a quad injury in Week 3 last season, which cost him seven games. This was after his holdout from the team in the summer over his contract. It also raised concerns about McLaurin turning 30 last season. Would injuries begin to mount now that McLaurin reached 30, like they had many others in the past?
The Commanders have two more practices this week. We'll see if McLaurin and Williams are back on the field for minicamp next week. In the meantime, it creates opportunities for others, such as Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey, to impress coaches.
📅 Pumas learn their route in pursuit of the A2026 title
The Pumas have suffered a lot in recent weeks. Losing in the final and seeing the strategist who turned things around for them leave the club has not been easy for the fans.
With the schedule for the new tournament now set, it is time for the university side to turn the page and try to stay near the top of the table.
Pumas know their path and will look to win the championship—can they do it?
Buffalo Gap will be returning to the state softball semifinals after beating Lancaster 7-1 June 9. They will meet Eastside in a repeat of last year's semifinals. Eastside beat George Wythe 10-0 behind a perfect game by Emma Sartin, who had 15 strikeouts in six innings.
The game is set for Friday, June 12 at 12:30 p.m. at Salem's Moyer Sports Complex.
Bailey Tribble led with the bat in the quarterfinal win over Lancaster, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including going deep to open the home half of the first inning with a solo home run. Rachel Showalter got the win in the circle, pitching seven innings, giving up just the one run on three hits and striking out eight.
Showalter said that early run helped her confidence.
"We worked hard on hitting this whole week, so that's what we're trying to do," she said. "Just get on base and go out there and give it our all."
Defense was key early for Gap, especially from catcher Elissa Caricofe. The junior had a huge play at the plate, tagging out a Lancaster runner in the first, and another play where she threw down to third and Faith Showalter tagged out the runner in the second.
Buffalo Gap coach Holly Desper said that defense is so important because it shows the pitcher that her teammates have her back.
"Us firing home knowing Elissa is going to block it up at the plate, that she's going to make the play if we get the ball there, that's huge," said Desper. "Also, if she catches a runner just a little off, Faith is going to be there and we're going to make the play."
Tribble's homer gave Buffalo Gap a slim 1-0 lead, a margin that lasted through 3 1/2 innings before the Bison offense erupted for six runs in the fourth inning. It was the second straight game where fourth-inning fireworks blew open a tight game.
All the runs in the fourth came with two outs. An Elissa Caricofe single and a Charleigh Phillips walk put two on for Makenzie Wooddell, who smacked a line drive single into center for two runs.
Avery Wheeler than walked before Tribble did damage again with her bat, doubling to left to score one more and put Gap up 4-0.
One batter later, Faith Showalter ripped a pitch over the left field fence for a three-run homer and a 7-0 lead.
"I just knew that I needed a hit," said Showalter.
Lancaster finally got a run across in the top of the sixth, but it was too little, too late for the Red Devils, who lost for the second straight year to Buffalo Gap.
Offense has been an issue for Buffalo Gap in the state semifinals. They haven't scored a run in their last five appearances. The team knows stringing together hits and scoring has to be the focus against Eastside this time.
When asked the key to winning in the semifinals, both Tribble and Faith Showalter had the same answer at the same time — hits.
Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
Stephon Marbury unloaded on Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs star’s controversial Game 3 shove on Jalen Brunson went uncalled at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks were already frustrated by the 115-111 loss, but the officiating conversation made the night feel even more heated.
One first-quarter moment between Brunson and Wembanyama became a flashpoint because no whistle came.
Marbury, a former Knicks guard and two-time NBA All-Star, did not hold back while discussing how he would want New York to respond after reviewing the play.
Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images
Stephon Marbury rips Victor Wembanyama after Jalen Brunson shove in New York Knicks loss
New York Basketball shared Stephon Marbury’s reaction to Victor Wembanyama’s physical exchange with Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“Wemby is an international player. They play dirty overseas. We’re not used to playing dirty in America how the way Wemby just threw Jalen Brunson,” Marbury said.
He added, “Now, if I’m watching film, and I see Wemby throw somebody on my team … then next game I’m gonna pop him in his rib cage.
“So hard with my elbow that he’s gonna fall and drop to the ground and he’s gonna wish he never put his hands on me.”
Marbury’s language was extreme, and it should be treated as a heated former-player reaction rather than a blueprint for retaliation. His larger point was that he believed the Knicks needed to show Wembanyama that Brunson could not be thrown around without a response.
Victor Wembanyama’s no-call on Jalen Brunson fuels New York Knicks anger
The play happened in the first quarter, when Wembanyama shoved Brunson while the Knicks guard was trying to work through contact.
Brunson immediately took issue with it, but no common foul was called and no flagrant was assessed during the game.
“After y’all watch that film, what he did to Jalen Brunson … you better make sure you put that knife in his neck … next game,” Marbury stated.
The NBA later acknowledged that a foul was missed on the play, though Wembanyama was not retroactively hit with a flagrant foul. That decision only added to the frustration for Knicks fans, who felt the contact to Brunson’s head and neck area deserved more scrutiny.
Wembanyama still finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks as San Antonio cut the Finals series to 2-1.
For Marbury, the issue was not just the loss; it was the feeling that New York’s best player had been crossed without the officials stopping it.
The 49ers led all NFL franchises with five players featured on the newly released NFL Players Association (NFLPA) year-end top 50 player sales list, reflecting strong retail demand for the team’s biggest stars.
Running back Christian McCaffrey led the 49ers' group at No. 12, followed closely by quarterback Brock Purdy at No. 18. Tight end George Kittle ranked No. 23, linebacker Fred Warner placed No. 25, and defensive lineman Nick Bosa rounded out the team's appearances at No. 48.
Within their respective positions, the 49ers' selections feature prominently. Kittle finished as the league's top-selling tight end, while Bosa earned the No. 1 spot among defensive linemen. McCaffrey and Warner both ranked second at their positions—trailing only Saquon Barkley among running backs and Micah Parsons among linebackers, respectively. Purdy finished as the 10th highest-selling quarterback on the list.
This list of players makes sense, as it more or less reflects how big each one is both for the 49ers and in the NFL at large. McCaffrey is one of the league's top offensive stars, Purdy is a star quarterback, Kittle is recongized face and name, Warner is perhaps the best inside linebacker in the league and Bosa was a highly-drafted pick who is one of the best at his craft.
The NFLPA's annual report is the industry's only verified ranking of officially licensed NFL player merchandise sold at retail. The metrics are compiled using sales data from more than 85 NFLPA licensees—including brands such as Fanatics, Outerstuff, Nike, and Fathead—and capture consumer purchases across online and in-store retail channels.
The tracking period for the report spanned from March 2025 through February 2026. The list evaluates a broad range of player-branded merchandise beyond traditional game jerseys, incorporating sales of apparel, trading cards, wall decals, bobbleheads, and other collectible items.
Three raucous home crowds. Three road team victories.
The NBA Finals has been a bizarre spectacle of close games thus far. In each of these contests, the road team has emerged victorious despite the boos.
Game 3 saw San Antonio win by 4 points, with a final score of 115-111. Victor Wembanyama was once again the leading scorer for San Antonio, with 32 points alongside 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks. OG Anunoby's 28 points were his highest since the first round of the playoffs.
For Game 4, the Spurs can take control if they find a way to limit the Knicks' fast-break offense. New York had 15 fast-break points in Game 3, while San Antonio had just five. Conversely, the Knicks will need to limit their turnovers, as San Antonio scored 14 more points off turnovers in Game 3.
Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between the Knicks and Spurs, including broadcast information and start time.
Knicks vs. Spurs start time
Date: Wednesday, June 10
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Knicks and Spurs is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Knicks vs. Spurs Game 4 will be broadcast by ABC and will stream live on the ESPN app or via DIRECTV or fubo, which offer a free trial to new users.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
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Bob Simmons, seen here in 1995, was the first Black head football coach at Oklahoma State. (The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The Denver Post via Getty Images
Former Oklahoma State head football coach Bob Simmons died Tuesday, the school announced. He was 77.
Specifics of his death are not yet known.
Simmons, who was the first and only Black head football coach at Oklahoma State, spent six seasons leading the Cowboys. The school hired him ahead of the 1995 campaign to replace Pat Jones, who had managed just two conference wins over four seasons.
Simmons led the Cowboys to an 8-4 record in 1997. They reached as high as No. 12 in the national rankings and earned a trip to the Alamo Bowl, which was the program's only bowl appearance under his watch and the school's first in nearly a decade. Simmons earned Big 12 Coach of the Year honors that season.
In total, Simmons finished 30-38 in his six seasons with the Cowboys. He parted with the program after the 2000 season and was eventually replaced by Les Miles.
That marked Simmons' only head-coaching stop in his career, though he spent decades as an assistant throughout the sport and was on staff as the linebackers coach at Colorado in 1990 when the Buffaloes won the national championship.
Simmons also spent time on staff at Notre Dame, Washington, Toledo and West Virginia.
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) stops a shot by Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the 3rd period in game four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena
LAS VEGAS — By now, it should be clearly evident to anyone watching this Stanley Cup Final that no lead is safe. There’s no room for comfort. And the word panic has been eliminated from the vocabulary of both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes.
The chaos that has been the Cup Final continued Tuesday with Game 4 at T-Mobile Arena. By now, we should be used to the twists and turns, the crazy bounces, the near misses and the occasional brilliance that has defined the series.
In the end, it was Carolina that prevailed in yet another wild affair, 5-3, to draw even in the series at 2-2. The always-pivotal Game 5 will be Thursday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh in what has now become a best-of-3 battle.
“We battled back but we’ll regroup and get ready for the next one,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said.
The Knights better figure out a way to slow down if not stop Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal or he may be the one accepting the Cup from commissioner Gary Bettman as well as taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs. He had two goals Tuesday, including the game-winner, scoring while falling down and beating Carter Hart with 6:32 gone in the third period.
“It’s a good thing, no question,” Staal said of his goal-scoring exploits (he has five in the Final through four games, having scored in each game). “The puck’s going in right now so I’ll take it.”
Tortorella said: “Staal is killing us in front of the net. We need to do a better job around the blue.”
Down in the series and needing a spark, Carolina’s Rod Brind’Amour changed goalies, replacing Frederik Andersen with Brandon Bussi, who took over to start the third period in Game 3 and played well only to lose in double overtime on a bad bounce off the T-Mobile end boards.
It was working. For a while anyway. This time, the Canes got the fortuitous bounce less than two minutes into Game 4 as the puck caromed off the end boards before Hart could corral it. It wound up on the stick of Logan Stankoven and ultimately in the Vegas net.
“It’s hard to get game reps in practice,” Bussi said, who was the fortunate beneficiary when Brayden McNabb’s apparent goal at the end of the first period was taken off the board after it was determined the puck went in after time had expired. “So I think it helped to have played (in Game 3).”
But if we’ve learned anything in this series, it’s that a two-goal lead is anything but safe. The Canes had leads of 2-0 and 3-1 only to watch the Knights rally, as has been their custom throughout the season.
William Karlsson made it 3-2 early in the second period. Later in the period, Brett Howden tied it 3-3, setting a team record in the process with his 14th playoff goal. Jonathan Marchessault had 13 in 2023, the year Vegas won the Cup.
In each game so far, the Knights have had the better of things during the middle stanza. The Canes have found their second gear in the second part of the third period. This time, the Knights made a push to take the lead during an early-period power play.
Jack Eichel hit the crossbar. Pavel Dorofeyev had Bussi beat at the left post but he caught a rolling puck and couldn't get enough on the shot to put it home. Mark Stone had a great redirect chance that failed to find the net and Theodore snuck in from the blind side and had a clean look but couldn't beat Bussi.
The team that wins does so by taking advantage of the opposition’s mistakes, which is what usually happens. The Knights had a few miscues and virtually all of them resulted in the puck going in their net. And when they had their chances to score, they were unable to capitalize at the key moment.
Staal’s game-winner was a case in point as Theodore, the hero of Game 3, turned it over trying to clear the puck out of his end. Nik Ehlers wound up with it and Hart made a big save to stop him. But the puck found its way to Staal and as he was losing his balance and falling to the ice, he swiped at the puck and it went by Hart and in.
“We’ve got to make better decisions, myself included,” Theodore said of the turnovers and mistakes Vegas made in its end of the ice.
For the Knights, the chance for redemption will come quickly. They’ll fly to Raleigh Wednesday and play Thursday knowing there’s a Game 6 at T-Mobile Arena Sunday. Whether it will be with a 3-2 lead or a 3-2 deficit will likely depend if they can start faster, finish better and put the disappointment of Game 4 behind them. They’ve been a good road team during the postseason and they have a win at the Lenovo Center, having taken Game 1, 5-4.
“We’re playing a good team but I have faith in our team,” Karlsson said.
Jun 9, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) looks to pass against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) during the 2nd period in game four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.
LAS VEGAS -- Often, when a playoff series winds up being this close, it comes down to who has the best player on the ice every single night.
In Game Three, it was Mitch Marner’s natural hat trick that helped propel the Golden Knights to victory. However, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal has made an impact with goals in three straight games heading into Game Four. Unless the Golden Knights can find answers, that line will wreak havoc throughout the entire Finals, potentially to a Stanley Cup.
That focus has never been more apparent after Game Four, when Staal’s two goal effort put the Hurricanes level with the Golden Knights once again in a 5-3 victory on Tuesday.
“He’s killing us in front of the net,” said Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella about his team’s latest nemesis. “We have got to do a better job around the blue.”
The first period could not have started any rockier for the Golden Knights, as Logan Stankoven got the scoring started for Carolina 66 seconds in, quickly followed by Jackson Blake hitting a one-timer to put Vegas in a 2-0 hole less than four minutes in.
“They’re…just highly competitive players, but they’re super talented too,” said Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour about two-thirds of one of his top lines. “So…you have that combination, that’s pretty special.”
However, as this entire series has proven, no team is willing to stay down for long. After delivering a hit to Staal, Mark Stone found himself on a breakaway against Brandon Bussi. Stone would fake the postseason-debuting goaltender with a slapshot, then deke around him for a tap-in to put Vegas on the board and bring life back to T-Mobile Arena.
The celebration would be short-lived as Staal would get his revenge on a power play goal to restore the two-goal advantage, although Brayden McNabb nearly cut the deficit to one with a shot that just crossed the goal line a second too late.
“Just the fact that it’s happened,” Golden Knights forward Colton Sissons stated about his team giving up goals in bunches. “We got to limit that, for sure.”
The second period, however, would see the Golden Knights return some order to the game. Off of a good offensive zone entry by Marner, Rasmus Andersson would pick up the puck and circle behind the net. The play would cause Bussi to scramble, leaving him out of position for William Karlsson’s one-time shot to get Vegas back within one.
With less than three minutes to go in the middle frame, another multi-goal lead effectively went up in smoke. Taking advantage of a quick-developing play, Brett Howden surprised Bussi with a shot through the legs of Hurricanes defenseman K’Andre Miller for his 14th goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, crossing Jonathan Marchessault (2023) for most in a single postseason in Vegas franchise history.
“I feel like the whole series has been a momentum series,” mentioned Andersson about the back-and-forth nature of this Final. “If you get one, you get two, or if you’re down two, you come back and all of a sudden, you get three. It’s been kind of the same all series. When they get one, we got to find a way to stop the bleeding.”
In the third period, however, the Golden Knights’ effort would be challenged once again. Taking advantage of a turnover from Shea Theodore, Staal made an impact once again with a phenomenal backhand while falling to the ice to return the lead to Carolina.
“For a second, I wasn’t sure if it went in,” admitted Staal on his game-winning goal. “I was in my own world, and it was an incredible moment.”
Nikolaj Ehlers would seal the deal with a 200-foot empty net goal, and the series now transitions into a best-of-three.
With plenty to clean up, the Golden Knights must now regroup for what has quickly turned into a pivotal Game Five at Lenovo Center.
“There are a lot of good minutes in the game. It’s just for free,” said Tortorella about the sequence that ultimately cost the Golden Knights Game Four. “That’s a hard one for me in the third period. So we’ll regroup and get ready for the next one.”
The White Sox have been assertive about calling up their prospects this season. They have had twelve players make their major league debuts this year, and the most recent of them, outfielder Braden Montgomery, ranked 21st overall in MLB’s top 100 prospects, joined the big league club Tuesday night. He introduced himself to the Sox faithful with gusto.
Up to bat in the tenth inning, the Sox trailing the Braves 5-4 and two outs on the board with a runner on third, Montgomery homered just over the White Sox bullpen in left field to give his team a 6-5 win.
“Just how we drew it up,” Montgomery joked. “That was unreal.”
Not just unreal, but rare. Montgomery was only the fifth player in major league history to hit a walk-off home run in his debut. Tuesday night’s homer puts him in a group with Miguel Cabrera.
“It’s history for me. It’s going to be well remembered forever,” Montgomery said. “Any time you are in a sentence with Miguel Cabrera, you are probably in pretty good conversation.”
Delivering a walk-off homer in your major league debut is hardly what’s expected, but like many of the other players the Sox have called up this year, Montgomery is coming up and expected to contribute. The White Sox have been one of the surprise teams of the American League this season, and although they still value the development of their young players, the Sox are calling on the young guys to produce.
“He’s here to play,” manager Will Venable said of Montgomery. “We’re not going to call him up here and sit him on the bench. He’s a guy that we’re excited to have in the lineup on a daily basis.”
Montgomery owned a .970 OPS in 56 games with Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this year, and manager Will Venable said the plan was to bring him up to the majors and give him some runway to play regularly. He can play all three outfield spots, but Venable said to expect him to play mostly in right field, like he did in his debut on Tuesday.
It’s not reasonable to expect Montgomery to produce offensively at the level he was in the minors, at least not right away or with consistency, but because Venable plans to keep penciling him into the lineup for the time being, Montgomery isn’t stepping into the batter’s box trying to prove himself with one at-bat.
“I try not to put pressure on myself at all,” Montgomery said. “You go and you do wherever your name is written. If your name is written on the bench that day, you’re ready for a possibly important pinch hit at-bat. If you’re written in the lineup, you’re ready for whatever that takes.
“It’s really just a matter of being where your feet are and executing whatever role you have for that day.”
Montgomery is coming up in one of the toughest stretches the White Sox have on their schedule. They face the Braves and Dodgers this homestand and then head to the Bronx to face the Yankees. In the past, the Sox might have deliberately chosen a softer landing for debuting their prospects, but that philosophy has shifted.
“The biggest focus all along was getting [Montgomery] to a place where we felt most comfortable about bringing him to the big leagues. It happens to be at this part of the schedule,” general manager Chris Getz said. “We are trying to balance what’s best for a player developmentally as long as being as competitive as we can at the Major League level. We felt like today was the right time.”
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Both on an individual level and as a team, the next nine games are something of a proving ground for the White Sox and for guys like Montgomery. Venable has been clear that he thinks his team is for real, but six games at Rate Field against the two best National League teams and three road games against one of the American League’s best will put that belief to the test.
The same is true for a guy like Montgomery. He’s not in Chicago just because it’s the right time in his personal development as a player, but also because the Sox are looking for ways to keep winning.
Whatever happens with Montgomery in the short term, and however the 2026 season turns out for the White Sox, they have already surpassed preseason expectations. No projections had them owning an above .500 record in the second week of June.
It’s possible they will bolster the roster via trade in the next month, but Getz was clear on Tuesday that he does not plan to stray far from his long-term timetable for the White Sox just because they’ve gotten off to a surprisingly good start this season.
“You don’t want to lose sight of the development of these players. That’s been the primary focus. And it will continue to stay on that track,” Getz said. “But I also don’t want to dismiss and be unfair to what these guys are doing. That’s the beauty of baseball and professional sports, you need to recognize how these guys are playing, where we are in the standings.
“The highest priority is finding opportunities to give runway to young players in our Minor League system or a waiver wire acquisition that makes sense to fuel this club. It’s more being respectful to this team and how they are playing but not losing sight of the future of the Chicago White Sox and what we built, where our farm system is.”
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
At the same time, it’s hard to ignore what seems possible for the White Sox this season. Sure, on paper the most important thing is to be mindful of the development process for guys like Montgomery, but it’s becoming increasingly hard to deny that the Sox have some serious juice.
And it’s also hard to ignore the fact that Montgomery isn’t alone in joining the big league club and providing some spark. Again, there have been twelve debuts this year — and there will be more — including Jacob Gonzalez, who has been in the majors for barely over a week. He was called upon to take Munetaka Murakami’s place when he strained his hamstring. Gonzalez has a .887 OPS so far and drove in the game-tying run in the seventh inning on Tuesday.
“Especially right there, it’s impressive what [Mongtomery] did because all of us would have wanted to hit a walk-off home run right there,” Gonzalez said, “and to actually do it and be calm […] Very impressive, and props to Braden, because that was sick.”
It could be a memorable summer, and even fall, on the south side.
The Dallas Cowboys signed Bryan Anger in 2021, bringing in the veteran to compete with incumbent punter, Hunter Niswander. Niswander was a practice squadder just a year earlier, taking the job from Chris Jones, but Anger soon displaced him, and he's been a staple of the team's special teams mix ever since.
But recent performance has many wondering if Anger's price tag is worth keeping him around in 2026. Coming off his worst season since arriving in Dallas, now might be the best time to bring in competition. There are two punters from the UFL who could, in the tradition of talent like kicker Brandon Aubrey and returner/receiver KaVontae Turpin, potentially beat Anger for the job. The Cowboys should be evaluating the worth of Colby Wadman from the Birmingham Stallions and Jack Browning from the Orlando Storm.
Anger's PFF grade has gradually declined since the 2023 season, from 87.5 (2023) to 76.4 (2024) to 68.7 (2025). His net punt yards have started to slide as well, from 45.3 to 42.6 yards, and his percentage of punts inside the 20 has dropped from 38.6% in 2023 to 34.1% in 2025.
If Dallas were to eventually cut Anger, they would avoid paying his $3.1 million base salary, according to OverTheCap. Anger has earned over $29.2 million already in his career.
Looking at how well Wadman and Browning have performed in the UFL, it would make sense for the Cowboys to bring in competition for Anger.
Both ranked in the top-5 in punting, as Browning's net punt yards numbers are similar to Anger's at 48.6 yards, while Wadman's was slightly better at 49 yards. Both had longer punts than Anger's long of 65 yards; Waldman at 66 yards and Browning at 68.
The stat lines may be similar to Anger's, but with the incumbent falling from the NFL's second-best punter in 2023 to 12th in 2024 and down to 19th in 2025, it's fair to think the fall will continue.
As UFC Freedom 250 inches closer, the trash talk between the main event fighters has steadily escalated. The event, which takes place on the White House lawn on June 14, is headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.
The two appeared on Tuesday's The Pat McAfee Show in a joint interview but in separate locations. The two immediately began taking verbal shots at each other. Topuria believes Gaethje crossed the line when bringing up his divorce in a recent interview.
"I think it definitely doesn't need to be personal. I mean, ultimately we're going to try to hurt each other. So, I guess that is pretty personal," Gaethje said when asked about the smack talk leading up to the fight.
"But that is the job that we do. I never said anything personal. But we're very vulnerable when it comes to fight week. We're very emotional and so we take everything personal and so no matter what I said or didn't say, we're going to take it personal. No matter what he says, I'm going to take it personal because I have a chip on my shoulder and this guy's trying to fight me, beat me up," Gaethje continued.
"I'm not going to take anything personal from you. Don't worry about it. Don't worry," Topuria responded, talking over Gaethje. "I find the first difference here is you are going to try to hurt me and I'm actually going to hurt you. That's the difference between me and you. You are going to try to do something and I'm going to do it."
"I respect Justin as an opponent. I think he's done great things in the sport, but there are big difference between me and him. As he said, he's going to try to do things and I'm going to do it. I'm going to deliver. I'm not going to try to do anything. I'm going to do it," Topuria said.
"He believes everything he says. He sits around and smells his own farts and he thinks he's God. He's human, just like me. I'm going to show him right when I touch his chin he's going to go to sleep just like anybody would whenever I land my shots," Gaethje responded.
The two then engaged in a fierce exchange Watch the full interview below.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) – Two WCIA-local teams are heading to state in IHSA baseball.
Tuesday saw Super-Sectional action in many spots across the state of Illinois, after weather forced several postponements on Monday.
In 2A, St. Joseph-Ogden beat Williamsville 9-0 to advance to the state semifinals. The Spartans and Bullets met on Lincoln Land’s campus in Springfield. In the same location, Routt Catholic, out of Jacksonville, beat Nokomis 8-5 to advance to the 1A semifinals.
Elsewhere in 1A, playing in Bloomington, Armstrong-Potomac fell to Tremont 9-1.
1A and 2A state baseball is set to take place on the campus of the University of Illinois, at Illinois Field in Champaign.
Semifinals are Friday, June 12, followed by championship games and third place contests on Saturday.
SJO will play Ottawa-Marquette at 7 p.m. on Friday. Routt Catholic will play Tremont at 10 a.m.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their recent slump on Tuesday, getting routed 12-3 by the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park.
It was the Pirates' fourth straight loss and fifth in their last six games. The 12 runs allowed were a season high for Pittsburgh, while the nine-run margin of defeat matched its largest of the year.
In other words, it was the Pirates' worst loss of the season, especially considering that Paul Skenes started and pitched well, delivering a quality start. However, Pittsburgh's bullpen promptly surrendered 10 runs in the seventh inning after he finished the sixth, immediately squandering his gem and turning a 2-2 battle into a blowout.
Rather than posting the score after the game, the Pirates' X account shared the following recap: "FINAL: We'll spare you the details."
That's because the details weren't pretty. Pittsburgh managed just five hits, struck out 12 times and also committed a pair of costly errors, contributing to the Dodgers' big inning.
The Pirates will try to bounce back on Wednesday and snap their losing streak behind Jared Jones. That won't be easy, however, as he's going up against NL Cy Young candidate Shohei Ohtani.
The highly anticipated Atlanta Falcons quarterback battle between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa won’t have a quick resolution, and it could continue deep into the preseason as the coaching staff presses the pause button during OTAs.
Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt told reporters that the team does not intend to start the quarterback battle until Penix is healthy enough to practice like Tagovailoa, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix has not been able to participate in 11-on-11 drills this spring as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained last season.
“It’s tough to have a competition when both guys aren’t competing at the same level right now,” Van Pelt said. “So, it’s hard and it’ll come. It’ll happen at some point.
“Mike’s done a great job of getting himself to where he is right now. Really impressive to take 7-on-7 reps and go out and compete. That’s been great. But really, there’s no competition until we can actually evaluate him equally.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills alongside Tua Tagovailoa #1 as head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during OTA’s at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Penix and Tagovailoa are splitting reps as equally as possible for 7-on-7 drills, though the former Miami Dolphins quarterback tends to receive the most reps while Penix recovers.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn’t confirm Penix could see time on the field during preseason games this summer. The Falcons believe Penix isn’t falling behind in his recovery, but the team isn’t worried about the quarterback competition starting in training camp if he cannot participate in mandatory minicamp next week.
“He’s hitting every milestone that he’s supposed to hit,” Stefanski said. “We’re in constant communication with our medical team and Mike, and I think he’s doing everything he can do and certainly when he may want to do more, we have to hold him back from certain things potentially.
“But not going to put any time frames out there just yet, just going to focus on what’s in front of us.”
It won’t be ideal for the eventual winner of the starting job to wait until training camp to start the competition. That means either Penix or Tagovailoa will lose reps with the first team during those pivotal summer practices while the coaching staff evaluates the two quarterbacks.
On Monday, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his frustration in splitting reps with J.J. McCarthy during OTAs, noting that it makes it harder for him to learn the offense.
For the Falcons, a similar set-up could last through a significant portion of training camp.
It's been one of the craziest Stanley Cup Finals in NHL history and Game 4 delivered no different, as the fans were treated to yet another wild back-and-forth affair.
Eventually though, Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal delivered the go-ahead goal to secure a crucial 5-3 win for his team and even up the series at 2-2 heading back to Raleigh.
Staal has been Carolina's MVP all postseason, but he's taken his game to a whole other level in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Hurricanes captain capped off a two-goal night with a highlight reel goal, swiping home the go-ahead goal from his stomach as he was falling to the ice.
Staal has now scored in every game of the series so far (five goals total) and now no skater has more than him.
He's leading the Canes in every way imaginable and it's been truly special to watch.
The Canes also turned to a new face in net for Game 4, letting 27-year-old rookie sensation Brandon Bussi take over for a game to give starter Frederik Andersen a day off.
The southpaw netminder perhaps was a bit shaky in the second period, like the rest of his team to be fair, but he came through in the third period, making multiple big saves to keep his team ahead.
The key to the game for the Hurricanes though, was the strong start. Carolina needed a good start given the way Game 3 ended after an emotional comeback, and they certainly got one, with Logan Stankoven finding the back of the net just 1:06 into the game.
It was kind of a bit of irony too, as the goal came off of a Jalen Chatfield shot that missed wide and ricocheted off the end boards to Stankoven, much like how Game 3 ended in double overtime.
And then just 2:22 later, Jackson Blake got free at the tail end of a power play and popped home a beautiful feed from Taylor Hall at the backdoor.
Vegas would respond just a little bit later as Mark Stone got loose for his second breakaway of the period, but Staal would answer back with a power play tally, cleaning up a loose puck in front.
With the way the second period has been Carolina's kryptonite (Vegas has outscored them 9-1 in the middle frame so far this series), having a two-goal lead after one was massive.
The Hurricanes managed to keep the bleeding to just two goals against this time, with William Karlsson and Brett Howden both scoring off of rush chances through the legs of Carolina defensemen, and that just has to be a win at this point in the series.
Then in the third period, Bussi slammed the door and Staal put his team ahead to preserve the massive win.
The Hurricanes have now evened the series back up 2-2 and retaken home ice advantage, which they hope will be able to turn the series in their tide.
Game 5 will be back in Raleigh on Thursday, June 11.
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Formula 1's 2026 power-unit regulations are set to spark fresh controversy, with reports suggesting the first ADUO assessment has identified Red Bull as having the strongest engine, while Mercedes is eligible for upgrades.
ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) was introduced for 2026 as a mechanism for the FIA to monitor performance across the five power-unit manufacturers (PUMs) and address significant performance gaps.
Under the regulations, 2026 power units are homologated, meaning manufacturers cannot introduce performance upgrades unless ADUO provisions are triggered. The system operates on a sliding scale: a manufacturer deemed to be 2% behind the benchmark can receive one upgrade opportunity in 2026 and another in 2027, while those 4% behind are eligible for two upgrades in each season.
There are two further ADUO assessment windows in 2026, running up to the Hungarian Grand Prix and then the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the latter feeding into 2027 development plans.
Manufacturers are not permitted to save upgrade tokens. They are neither cumulative nor transferable and must be used during the period in which they are granted.
While the FIA has yet to officially confirm the findings, the Monaco paddock was abuzz with reports of a document outlining the first ADUO assessment, which allegedly identified RBPT-Ford as the benchmark for internal combustion engine performance.
The controversy stems from the fact that ADUO only measures internal combustion engine output. Although RBPT-Ford is reportedly the class leader in that area, the regulations allow manufacturers granted development opportunities to make performance improvements across the entire power unit, including the energy recovery systems - an area in which Red Bull has reportedly lagged behind its rivals.
Championship leaders Mercedes, who are expected to receive one ADUO upgrade allocation for 2026, have built much of their advantage on a class-leading hybrid system. The prospect of Mercedes being allowed to further improve an already highly competitive package has left some in the paddock perplexed.
Ferrari, Audi and Honda are reportedly set to receive two upgrade opportunities after being classified within the 4% deficit group.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton suggested that teams had already been informed of the ADUO findings despite the FIA not yet making them public.
“Red Bull have the most powerful engine, Mercedes second, and then we [Ferrari] are behind,” the seven-time world champion said.
“We’ve got now these tokens to try to develop and close the gap. But that’s like an eight-to-10-month project, so it’s not something we can just do next week. We’ll be pushing as hard as we can to see how we can close it up.”
FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has previously stressed that ADUO should not be viewed as a balance-of-performance mechanism.
“It’s important to make clear that ADUO is not a kind of balance of performance mechanism.
“A team or manufacturer will not suddenly get greater fuel flow rate or more or less ballast. It is, in fact, a Cost Cap relief mechanism, where a PU manufacturer meeting ADUO criteria during a review period is given an opportunity to develop its engine through a downward adjustment.
“That’s not to underestimate it but a manufacturer will still need to make the best engine in order to win. It’s not a magic bullet, or like the FIA is handing out brownie points to somebody who’s behind, it simply provides them with leeway to develop their power unit within the framework laid out by the Technical Regulations.”
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The 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix takes place on 13 to 15 June at the 4.657-kilometre Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Round 7 of the World Championship brings the field to one of the most complete layouts on the calendar, with a mix of high-speed corners, long straights, and technical sections that expose every strength and weakness in a car’s package.
This season’s race carries the Barcelona-Catalunya name rather than the Spanish Grand Prix designation, which has been reassigned to the new Madrid race in September. The Montmeló weekend has also shifted later on the calendar by a couple of weeks compared with its original slot, meaning higher ambient and track temperatures than teams have experienced at this venue in recent years.
Why Has Pirelli Selected Softer Compounds for Barcelona?
Pirelli has nominated the C2 as the Hard, C3 as the Medium, and C4 as the Soft for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This is a step softer than the traditional Barcelona selection. The aim is to encourage a greater number of pit stops and to bring the Hard tyre into viable race strategies, rather than leaving it as an unused backup option.
Barcelona’s asphalt is among the most abrasive on the calendar due to the advanced age of the track surface, and the thermal degradation it produces falls hardest on the front axle. The right-hand corners, which make up the majority of the layout, put sustained lateral loads on the left-side tyres. Turn 3 and the final two corners, which were reprofiled in 2023 to create a more flowing entry onto the pit straight, apply the greatest stress.
The shift to a later calendar date compounds the tyre challenge. Track temperatures are likely to exceed those recorded in recent years, accelerating thermal wear and potentially shortening viable stint lengths. If degradation proves higher than models predict, a three-stop race becomes plausible at a venue where two stops have been the default for most of the Barcelona era.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Why It Tells Teams Everything
Barcelona has long served as the benchmark circuit for Formula 1 car development, and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff described this weekend in exactly those terms. “Barcelona is a more traditional, and therefore representative, circuit; it’s a real test of a car,” Wolff said. “It has a long straight and a mix of high, medium, and low-speed corners, so after two Sprint weekends and Monaco, it should give us a better read on our performance.”
The layout packs 14 corners into a lap that tests every aspect of aerodynamic and mechanical performance. The long main straight rewards low-drag configurations and effective Straight Mode deployment, while the high-speed sweeps through Turns 3, 7, and 9 demand peak downforce and driver confidence. The combination of fast-flowing sections and tighter technical zones means a car strong in one sector can lose time in another, leaving no weakness unexposed over a full race distance.
Wolff acknowledged that the team is treating Barcelona as a reset point after a run of atypical circuits. “It will be the first weekend where we can understand more clearly our recent updates and where we sit relative to the rest of the field,” he said. “We need to see how the car behaves, whether the performance is there, and whether we can extract it. Until then, we should be careful not to draw too many conclusions from recent races.”
On Kimi Antonelli, whose five consecutive victories have defined the opening stretch of the 2026 season, Wolff was measured. “Kimi will naturally take confidence from Monaco, but the focus has to be on continuing to build and doing the job in Barcelona.”
For George Russell, who has endured a difficult recent run, Wolff offered his support. “For George, the last races have not gone his way, but that is part of racing. He is very strong mentally, we know the level he can deliver, and he has the right people around him. The objective is simple: reset, focus on the weekend ahead, and put together the performance we know he is capable of.”
What Upgrades Will Teams Bring to Montmeló?
Barcelona has traditionally been one of the busiest weekends for car development, and the 2026 edition is expected to follow that pattern. Teams will arrive with upgrades that could include revised wheel rims, which have a direct impact on heat exchange between the asphalt, the tyres, and the braking system. That area is particularly relevant given the abrasive surface and elevated track temperatures expected this weekend.
Mercedes will use Friday’s first practice session to run reserve driver Frederik Vesti in Antonelli’s W17. “He has been an important part of our development work with the W17 and in helping us understand how to unlock more from the package,” Wolff said. “This session is a good opportunity for him to connect that simulator work with the real car, and for us to gather another useful data point as we keep working to improve.”
Pirelli will remain at Montmeló after the race for a dedicated slick tyre test on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June. Scuderia Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Cadillac will take part in the two-day session.
2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
The weekend begins on Friday 13 June with Free Practice 1 at 13:30 local time (CEST), followed by Free Practice 2 at 17:00. Saturday 14 June features Free Practice 3 at 12:30 and Qualifying at 16:00. The 66-lap Grand Prix starts at 15:00 on Sunday 15 June, covering the full 307.2-kilometre race distance.
2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Fast Facts
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is 4.657 kilometres long with 14 corners: six left-handers and eight right-handers. It is one of the most complete layouts on the Formula 1 calendar, combining long straights with corners taken at high speeds across every speed range.
Pirelli has selected the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), and C4 (Soft) for this weekend. This is a softer selection than usual for Barcelona, designed to encourage more pit stops and bring the Hard compound into viable race strategies.
The race is 66 laps covering a total distance of 307.2 kilometres, at an expected top speed of 329 km/h.
The race lap record is 1:15.7, set by Oscar Piastri in 2025. The absolute lap record is 1:11.4, set by Lando Norris in Q3 at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix.
The distance from pole position to the first braking zone is 565 metres, with pole on the left side of the grid. The pit lane is 368 metres under the speed limit, with a drive-through time of 17 seconds at 80 km/h.
Safety Car probability is estimated at 40%. Average track temperature is 42.9°C, with a maximum of 50.9°C. Average ambient temperature is 28.2°C, peaking at 32.3°C. Wet session probability is just 7%.
The 2026 edition is the fifty-sixth Spanish Grand Prix to count as a round of the Formula 1 World Championship. The race has been held at five different circuits since 1951: Pedralbes (2), Montjuïc Park (4), Jerez de la Frontera (5), Jarama (9), and Barcelona-Catalunya (35).
Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record for the most victories in the Spanish Grand Prix with six each, two more than Verstappen on four. Ferrari leads the constructors with 12 wins, followed by McLaren with nine.
This weekend marks George Russell’s 100th Grand Prix driving for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team – his first came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
This year marks the last year that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya retains a permanent place on the calendar; moving forward it will be in a rotational system with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
Most of the track’s low-speed turns are left-handers and most of the right-handers are taken at high speeds. This poses a challenge for setting up the car, with asymmetric setups an option. That track characteristic also means the left tyres wear out quicker, while the right tyres experience lower temperatures.
24 of the 34 races that have taken place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been won from pole.
Barcelona first appeared on the calendar in 1991 and has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix in every season since until this year, where the Spanish Grand Prix is hosted in Madrid.
Lewis Hamilton recorded his 100th pole position at the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most consecutive wins at a Grand Prix circuit with five in Barcelona (2017-2021). He shares this record with Ayrton Senna and Monaco (1989-1993).
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Veronica Burton scored 19 of her 25 points in the first half as Golden State quickly built a big lead and also dished out eight assists, Gabby Williams added 25 points, and the Valkyries held off the Phoenix Mercury for an 87-81 win Tuesday night.
Burton made 5 of her 7 shots in the initial two quarters and finished 7 for 15 from the floor. Janelle Salaun contributed 11 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Valkyries, who shot 57.1% on the way to a 49-32 lead at intermission and 44.3% for the game.
Williams' 3-pointer with 5:58 to play put the Valkyries ahead 74-67, then she found Kaila Charles for a key layup with 2:26 left. Kayla Thornton's 3 the next time down helped seal it before Williams converted a three-point play moments later.
Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes went down with 5:13 left in the second quarter after a collision but later returned. The Valkyries had lost two in a row and led by as many as 18 but were threatened in this one after Phoenix's 29-point third quarter cut the lead to 66-61 going into the final 10 minutes.
Alyssa Thomas started and finished with 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Mercury after dealing with a left calf injury and missing Friday's game at Portland. She was whistled for a technical foul 1:47 before halftime, then Kahleah Copper got a technical with 56 seconds remaining.
Monique Akoa Makani scored 19 points and Natasha Mack grabbed 10 rebounds for Phoenix, which had won two straight following a six-game skid. The Mercury, who lost 95-79 at Chase Center on May 10 in the Valkyries' home opener, committed 16 turnovers that led to 17 points for Golden State. The teams will face off again July 29 in Phoenix.
The Mercury dropped to 3-2 on the road against the Western Conference.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 06: Jamal Musiala of Germany reacts during the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer thinks that Jamal Musiala is on the verge of a breakout and will show up big as the World Cup goes on.
“I’m absolutely convinced that Jamal Musiala will improve significantly as the tournament unfolds. Maybe not in the first match, maybe in the second – Then comes the knockout stage and suddenly he’ll explode. He’s gradually taking steps forward. When you have a world-class player, you should trust and support him. The coaching staff and his teammates should make him feel: ‘Yes, we know you’re not at 100% yet, but you will be. Join in, we trust you and you trust us,” Sammer said during an appearance on Sky Germany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Musiala has not been at his best so far, but Germany will need him to be moving forward. If that is possible or not in this tourney does remain a massive question.
BFW Commentary
Most observers know and understand the great potential that Musiala has. However, the catastrophic injury that Musiala suffered in the Club World Cup last summer has had lingering effects on the 23-year-old.
The Bayern Munich star has spoken about the difficulties that he has faced both physically and mentally and has not looked close to his old self — at least not yet. Last month, Nagelsmann spoke about Musiala not being 100% and spun it in a positive way by stating, “Even at 95 percent, Jamal is still one of the most extraordinary players on the planet. I’m incredibly happy he’s back and will help us.”
However, what if he is not 95% or 90% or even 80%? It is hard to discern where Musiala is at, but is easy to see that he is not what he was before the injury. That, of course, will take time. so the expectations from Sammer and Nagelsmann might be too much for Musiala at this point of his recovery journey.
It can be debated if he came back too early for Bayern Munich and it can be argued that his workload should have even been less than what it was when he did return, but Musiala has not looked consistently comfortable and has had trouble getting into the flow of the game for both club and country.
This does not mean he is bad and it does not mean that he cannot get back to what he was, it just means that he needs more time to get right and also that placing expectations on him might not be the best thing for him or for Germany.
So, what can Nagelsmann do?
A move to wing might do Musiala wonders, no matter what his positional preference is. At wing, Musiala can work more in 1v1 situations, create for himself and the team, and operate from the outside-in, where he can take advantage of space when he beats his defender. Playing centrally, Musiala is getting beat up, looks tentative, and has struggled with decision-making. Putting him on the flank might help unleash the best version of what he is right now.
So far, Nagelsmann has been reluctant to make the move, but it might be time to see if a change like this can help Germany — and Musiala — be the best version of themselves at this moment.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Samsung has been launching good yet affordable phones under its Galaxy A-Series, but they might no longer be good at pricing. After launching Galaxy A17, Galaxy A37, and Galaxy A57, the company has Galaxy A27 in the pipeline for 2026.
Galaxy A27 5G would join the almost-complete lineup of Samsung’s A-series phones for 2026. The smartphone would be close to the Galaxy A37 from an overall experience perspective, while keeping the price lower.
Rising costs of hardware components are making it difficult for phone makers to keep prices lower. Samsung has already ramped up prices of some existing products, and the new devices are coming with a substantial hike.
Galaxy A27 5G is yet to go official, but a leaker has now revealed its potential pricing. The device could start at €349 in Europe, while the 8GB RAM version with 256GB storage may cost around €439 in select markets.
Galaxy A57, despite being a Galaxy A-series phone, costs as much as the Galaxy S25 FE flagship. The A phone has edges in certain aspects over the FE model, but the natural gap persists: a flagship phone is a flagship phone.
The Galaxy S25 FE starts at $649 in the US for its 128GB storage variant. There’s a 256GB storage model as well, which is $100 pricier than the base model. Samsung offers up to a $100 discount during seasonal sales nationwide.
That said, getting a good and affordable phone in 2026 isn’t easy. Samsung has many options, and they are great, but the price increases have made things worse.
At I/O 2026, Google unveiled the Wear OS 7 operating system for watches. The software is expected to make its official debut with new Samsung Galaxy smartwatches next month, but Verizon just revealed the first Wear OS 7 compatibility list.
Google’s Pixel Watch models are first in line for the Wear OS 7 update. Recently, the US network provider Verizon exposed (via DroidLife) which smartwatches would be receiving the new Wear OS 7 update first.
The carrier has reportedly published the Wear OS 7 changelog on its software support pages. The devices included Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4.
Verizon lists the Wear OS 7 update for Pixel watches as:
Pixel Watch 2: CP2A.260603.001
Pixel Watch 3: CP2A.260603.001
Pixel Watch 4: CP2A.260603.001
Apart from the build versions, the landing pages suggest that the June 2026 security patch may be stapled along. The firmware update, which is ready to roll out, comes with “performance and stability improvements.”
The official rollout hasn’t begun yet, and we expect it to start before Samsung unveils its next-gen Galaxy Watch models at the Unpacked event, likely to happen on July 22.
From Samsung’s Wear OS portfolio, the compatibility list is huge. As per the previous rollout pattern, the Korean tech giant is expected to roll out the Wear OS 7-based One UI 9 Watch update to Galaxy Watch models as follows:
Citizen Taiwan has unveiled the Attesa CC4107-80H — a blacked-out, 44 mm Super Titanium GPS watch featuring recrystallized titanine bracelet center links and the F950 Eco-Drive caliber. It's limited to 1,800 units worldwide, priced at NT$84,800 (~$2,600).
Ever had to grant permissions you don't really want to give a certain app to use it? For instance, when you are asked to give access to your call history or messages just to be able to use a fitness app. Well, Honor has a solution for that and calls it Virtual Permissions.
Virtual Permissions is a feature coming to MagicOS devices this month that allows you to grant blank permissions to apps you don't trust. When enabled for select apps in the settings menu, the system will give empty data - blank call logs, messages, false camera access, etc.
Since Honor is doing this on a...
DeepCool showed off a number of slick new CPU coolers at Computex 2026, which we already covered previously, but some of the company's new fans might be even more interesting to PC builders—especially those looking for silent and clutter-free PC builds. The update to DeepCool's fan line-up sees the brand update its daisy-chain FL12 fans with the INF versions, which now feature ARGB-illuminated infinity mirrors on the edges of the fans that would normally be visible in a daisy-chain setup. The FL12 INF will, like the other fans in the FL12 series, be available in black or white and with both regular and reverse fan blade orientations.
DeepCool has also announced a revised version of the FD12 and FD12 ARGB fans, called the FD12 ARGB V2 and FD12 V2. With the update, DeepCool has redesigned the FD12 fan blades with an integral design that it calls a "closed fan wheel design," which is essentially just a ring that connects the exteriors of all the fan blades. DeepCool says this allows the FD12 V2s to deliver higher airflow, more static pressure, and lower noise, with claims of a 7% increased effective cooling area. The new FD12 ARGB V2 fans feature the same second-generation eight-pin daisy-chain connection, and they have nine ARGB LEDs for color-matching purposes, while the non-RGB FD12 V2s forego both RGB and daisy-chaining in favor of a regular four-pin PWM connector. Like the new FL-series fans, the FD12 V2 fans will be available in both black and white and in forward and reverse configurations.
FormJet is an AI-powered form builder that turns a one-sentence prompt into a complete form in about 8 seconds. It selects the right question types, drafts conditional logic, and lets you edit anything. The free plan includes 3 AI generations and conditional logic; the Pro plan offers unlimited responses and AI generations.
You can connect submissions to Slack, Google Sheets, CRMs, and over 5,000 apps via Zapier and Make, or use the webhook API. Pricing is simple with no per-response fees, starting at $15 per month. Solo-founder built over 4 months. Public beta launches Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with BetaList readers welcome as some of the earliest external users.
Vega trader helps you manage and analyze options trades in one place. Track real-time P/L, visualize risk and break-even points, and monitor performance with rich statistics. Use the option calculator, strategy analyzer, and expiration calendar to plan and review trades. Group positions into strategies and accounts, and receive email, web, and push alerts for price moves and upcoming expirations. Access real-time options and stock market data to make informed decisions.
There are some players missing in the list of participants at the 2026 World Cup, with Dominik Szoboszlai being one of them.
As has often happened in this competition over the years, some great players are missing. For the 2026 World Cup, the list of players not present is not too long thanks to the expansion to 48 teams, but Dominik Szoboszlai did not make the cut.
The reason Szoboszlai will not be in the competition is that his country did not qualify. Hungary was a major part of the sport in its early days, with some memorable names, though not so much in recent years.
In UEFA qualifying, they finished third in their group behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. With only the group winner earning a direct spot and the runners-up reaching a playoff, Hungary were out of contention after a very poor campaign.
Hungary’s World Cup history
In the modern era, it is normal to see Hungary outside the World Cup after they have not been able to produce teams good enough in recent years, failing to qualify since 1986. However, that is not the full story of a country that once dominated the sport.
The Liverpool midfielder couldn’t lift Hungary (Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
When looking at the list of finals since the tournament was created in 1930, Hungary is probably the most surprising country to feature in it given how often they have failed to qualify in recent decades.
Their nine appearances show that they were not always absent. During the 1950s, Hungary was the most dominant team, as Ferenc Puskás showed his talent, but he was not alone in the lineup of the Mighty Magyars, who revolutionized the way the game was played at the time.
The best performance
Their best performance came in 1954, when they made a brilliant run highlighted by an 8-3 group-stage win over strong Germany, only to lose to them in the final by 3-2 in the match known as the “Miracle of Bern”. They were also finalists in 1938 before losing 4-2 to Italy.
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It’s Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and venture investors continue to write large checks—but only for companies operating at the intersection of AI, infrastructure, automation, and strategic technology. Funding activity was lighter than usual over the past 12 hours, yet the […]
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Australia’s end-of-financial-year sales are a good time to pick up a new iPhone for less if you’re in the market for an upgrade, whether through a telco plan or outright.
Carolina's Jordan Staal, laying on the ice, backhands the go-ahead goal for the Hurricanes into the net as Carolina beat Vegas 5-3 to equalize the NHL Stanley Cup Final at two wins each (Ethan Miller)
Jordan Staal scored two goals, including the game winner, as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 on Tuesday to pull level in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Hurricanes will return to Raleigh, North Carolina, for game five on Thursday at 2-2 in the NHL best-of-seven championship series.
Carolina had not lost two games in a row since mid-January and kept that run intact with a dominant third period.
Staal, Carolina's 37-year-old captain, flipped a backhanded shot after falling over that went past Vegas goaltender Carter Hart to give the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead with 13:28 remaining.
"I knew I had it," Staal said. "My goodness. My feet were twisted over each other. I ended up getting enough wood on it. I did see it just poke in. I had a great feeling. A big goal."
It was Staal's second goal of the game and his fifth of the final, more than any other player.
"He's everything," Carolina left wing Taylor Hall said. "He takes every important faceoff, special teams, five-on-five. He's our captain, our leader and really such a calming influence for us.
"He's such a chill guy. Nothing really ruffles his feathers. His game is perfectly suited to the playoffs."
A first-period goal had already made Staal the oldest player to score in the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final.
He is the first to score five in the first four games since Pittsburgh legend Mario Lemieux in 1992.
"I'm happy to contribute that way," Staal said. "I have a lot of other areas I've got to contribute and play well in but when the puck is going in it feels good, no question.
"Good timing. I want to keep that up and find ways to get wins."
Vegas pulled Hart for an extra attacker in the dying minutes, but Nikolaj Ehlers scored an empty-net goal for Carolina with 55 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Carolina goaltender Brandon Bussi made his first career playoff start as 'Canes goalie Frederik Andersen was benched after surrendering four goals in the second period of game three.
"Kids grow up, they dream about doing something like this," Bussi said.
"Excited for the win and to be going back to Raleigh."
Carolina grabbed the lead on Logan Stankoven's backhand goal only 66 seconds into the game and Jackson Blake took a Hall pass and scored 2:22 later for a 2-0 lead.
Mark Stone answered for Vegas with 7:22 elapsed on a breakaway goal, angling a shot past Bussi.
Staal batted in a rebound off Shayne Gostisbehere's shot for a power play goal after 12:48 of the first period for a 3-1 Hurricanes lead.
"The boys grinded and battled hard," Staal said. "We got a few bounces for sure but we worked for them. Proud of the group. Big road win and a lot of work ahead."
William Karlsson blasted a shot past Bussi 4:22 into the second period to lift Vegas within a goal.
Brett Howden netted the equalizer on a two-on-one breakaway with 2:52 remaining in the period, his 14th goal of the playoffs.
It marked the first Cup Final with a multi-goal deficit erased in each of the first four games and set the stage for the closing drama.
The Golden Knights won their only Stanley Cup in 2023 while Carolina only took the trophy in 2006.
Jun 9, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (15) reacts to his two run home run in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Few things are more satisfying for the Colorado Rockies than trouncing the Chicago Cubs, and tonight, they got to bask in the glow of the Cubs flying the L as the Rockies hit their way to a 7-3 win.
Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) gave the Rockies five good innings with the bullpen sealing the deal and putting the Rockies back in the win column.
Their Cubs have lost 21 of their last 28 games.
The Rockies offense comes alive
The Rockies got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first when Hunter Goodman hit a two-run homer (18) to score TJ Rumfield, and the Rockies had a nice 2-0 lead.
By the time the second inning ended, the Rockies had a 5-0 lead.
The Cubs got on the board in the third after Sugano loaded the bases with one out, and Alex Bregman hit a sacrifice fly. However, Sugano managed to limit the damage, and the Rockies left the field with a 5-1 lead.
In the third inning, the Rockies scoring continued, starting with a Goodman lead-off walk, a Troy Johnston double, and a Kyle Karros walk. After that, Julien singled to make the score 7-1.
taco’s anyone?
Things settled down after that.
However, it would be negligent not to show you Cole Carrigg’s first MLB hit, a triple.
He was the first Rockies to have a triple and a walk in his major-league debut.
“Just pure joy, and it couldn’t have been a better hit for a young player like that,” Warren Schaeffer said. “That was vintage Cole Carrigg.”
After Carrigg’s triple and Kyle Karros ground out, Cubs starting pitcher Colin Rea was removed from the game. He finished the evening with 4.2 IP, allowing seven runs (earned) on seven hits. He walked through and struck out two.
The Cubs offense made an appearance in the sixth inning as Michael Busch hit a home run (7) followed by a Bregman single.
And that was it for Sugano. Seth Halvorsen finished the inning, allowing one run to score, but he got the job done with the Rockies leading 7-3.
And then, there was no more scoring.
The Rockies finished the game seven runs (all earned) on 12 hits. They walked six times and struck out four. (You read that correctly: more BBs than Ks.)
Willi Castro had three hits, but did not score while Julien went 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Schaeffer noted that Tovar is taking better at-bats, and he pointed to Goodman’s walks as well.
He also praised Castro: “It seems like he always finds his way on base.”
Tomoyuki Sugano does Tomoyuki Sugano things
In a starting rotation wracked by injuries and underperformance, Sugano has been a mainstay, and tonight’s game was no different until the sixth inning when a Busch home run followed by a Bregman single chased him from the game. It was his fifth start of giving up no more than three runs.
Even though that was the 12th home run he was surrendered, Sugano yet this year to give up a multi-run homer.
His final line was 5.0 IP, allowing three runs (earned) on six hits. He struck out three and walked two on 93 pitches. Sugano has a 4.08 ERA.
For those keeping score at home, he relied primarily on his four-seamer (34%) followed by his slider (19%) and splitter (16%).
“Maybe some abnormally deep counts, but he made pitches when he had to,” Schaeffer said. “I thought he battled without getting ahead like he normally gets ahead.”
After the game, Sugano said, “It’s been a while since I last pitched at Coors, but I was able to keep my pitches down.”
He added, “I definitely felt like they were taking the splitter down.” But he was able to compensate with his four-seamer. He also noted that his slider was “moving really well.”
He gave the Rockies a chance to win.
The bullpen finishes the job
A well-rested bullpen picked up where Sugano left off.
Halvorsen entered the game in relief of Sugano and got the job done after walking the first batter he faced. His final line was 1.0 IP with one walk, one strike out, and no runs. Halvorsen has a 2.35 ERA.
The seventh went to Brennan Bernardino as the left-handed part of the Cubs order came to the plate, but he handled them with ease, retiring the side on 11 pitches. He currently has a 4.44 ERA.
Antonio Senzatela entered the game in the eighth inning He allowed one hit but no runs, striking out one and walking one. He has a 1.93 ERA.
For the ninth inning, Schaeffer turned to Jaden Hill who allowed a lead-off hit, but then shut the Cubs down. He currently has a 5.01 ERA.
Up next
Tomorrow night, the Rockies will meet the Cubs in Game 2 with first pitch at 6:40 pm. Shonta Imanaga will pitch for the Cubs while Michael Lorenzen toes the rubber for the Rockies.
The debate about who the greatest player in NBA history is rages on, and perhaps it will continue forever. In this era, it is generally agreed by many people — whether it is correct or incorrect — that the debate centers around only two men: LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
It still seems like more people consider Jordan to be the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.), even though he hasn't played in the league for more than 20 years. But James has made it clear in the past that he considers himself to be the greatest superstar in NBA history, and in an interview with Time magazine, he seemed to repeat that sentiment, at least indirectly.
“I’m not taking nobody over me,” says James. “There’s no question. But I think Mike will say the same thing. Rest his soul, Kobe [Bryant] will say the same thing. Magic [Johnson] will say the same thing. [Larry] Bird will say the same thing. Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) could say the same thing. The late great Wilt [Chamberlain]. Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]. I don’t think none of us are going to take somebody else. If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ.”
Plenty feel it is ungracious for James to essentially declare himself the No. 1 basketball player of all time. But other than his 4-6 NBA Finals record, he does arguably have a case, at least in terms of his longevity. He became the NBA's all-time leading career scorer three years ago and has scored over 50,000 points in the regular season and playoffs combined. The 41-year-old also has the most All-Star game and All-NBA selections, and he's fourth all-time in career assists with 12,016, just 75 behind Jason Kidd.
While James could retire this offseason, most expect him to play at least one more season, which would give him more time to add to his resume.
Police block the way to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City during a protest by thousands of teachers two days before the World Cup kicks off there (Gerardo Magallon)
Lionel Messi scored moments after coming off the bench on Tuesday to dispel any injury doubts and help Argentina win their final warm-up game for a World Cup overshadowed by off-field distractions, as the Somali referee refused entry to the United States said his dream was over.
The 38-year-old Messi had not featured for Argentina in the build-up to their title defence after injuring a hamstring playing for Inter Miami in late May.
He came on as a substitute with 20 minutes left to huge acclaim from a capacity 88,000 crowd against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, and his clever through ball played in Lautaro Martinez, who was fouled in the box.
Messi, who drove Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar four years ago, lashed in the penalty as the reigning champions eased to a 3-0 win.
The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico starts on Thursday and Argentina's first match is on June 16, against Algeria in Kansas City.
- Dream ripped away -
The biggest-ever World Cup, with a bumper 48 teams, has been dogged in the lead-up by controversies including fans and officials being barred entry, steep ticket prices and a U-turn after FIFA initially banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into stadiums.
Somali referee Omar Artan said the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away after he was turned back at the US border.
"I am very, very disappointed," Artan told The New York Times from Istanbul, where he returned after being refused entry in Miami.
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."
Artan said he was subjected to an 11-hour interview with border officials at Miami International Airport and then taken to a holding cell where he was detained for several further hours before being put on a flight back to Turkey.
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," he added -- an assertion confirmed to AFP by a Somali government advisor.
A US State Department official alleged to AFP that the referee was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," therefore "making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States."
Artan, who in 2025 was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.
- Mexico City protests -
Concerns were rising that the opening match in Mexico City on Thursday could be disrupted by social unrest.
On Tuesday a protest blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico will face South Africa in the curtain-raiser.
As international fans flooded into the three tournament co-host countries, Mexico is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital.
Thousands took part in Tuesday's demonstration following a week of action that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation."
"As if to say, 'Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,'" she told a press conference.
A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium.
Sheinbaum has said that the opening match was "guaranteed," though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.
- Messi cameo -
Along with Spain, France and England, Argentina are among the favourites to win the title.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named an experimental starting line-up against Iceland, with Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister joining Messi on the sidelines initially.
Messi is set to feature in his sixth World Cup and allayed fears he may not be ready with a supreme 20-minute cameo.
The United States team are preparing for their opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday, and one of their own players warned that they need to improve at football's dark arts.
Following Saturday's defeat in a friendly to Germany, coach Mauricio Pochettino urged his men to "learn to play right on the edge of the rules," and midfielder Cristian Roldan echoed those words at the team's training camp on Tuesday.
"I think that's one thing that we can get better at, for sure," he told AFP.
"I think being a little bit more savvy, understanding that being too honest at times is probably too much of a fault for us."
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) celebrates a three run home run against Minnesota Twins with second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) and shortstop Zach McKinstry (39) at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Storms moving through southeastern Michigan delayed the start of the opener of a three-game home series against the visiting Minnesota Twins, who’d swept the Tigers in a frustrating four-game series in April. Well, the Tigers got a fair amount of revenge on Tuesday night as homers flew fast and furious over various fences for both teams, with the home team prevailing by a 10-4 score. Apparently all that needed to happen was a flip of the calendar to June. Who knew?!
Troy Melton made his fourth start of the season for the Tigers, and he’d been sensational so far. His previous outing, an eight-inning, four-hit, tw0-run victory against the Rays, built on a seven-inning start against the White Sox. By this trend he should be going about thirteen innings per start by the All-Star Break, and no, I’m not a mathematician, thank you.
Facing the Tigers tonight was Taj Bradley, who started off this season with a great stretch of starts but has run into trouble recently. In his previous two starts he didn’t finish the fifth, giving up four runs each time. But he was very successful against Detroit in a start on April 7 during that four-game sweep, striking out ten in 6 1/3 innings.
Byron Buxton turned Melton’s first pitch of the night around and deposited it into the visitors’ bullpen for a 1-0 lead. Dillon Dingler didn’t like that too much, so he took a middle-middle curveball just inside the left-field foul pole for a solo home run to tie the score at one in the bottom of the first.
In the second Melton got into enough hot water with one out to make a Jacuzzi envious: a hit-batsman followed by a couple of singles loaded ‘em up with Twins. Chris Fetter paid Melton a visit, mumbled some secret, ancient incantation and gently waved his arms; Melton then struck out the next two batters, including the aforementioned Buxton, to get out of trouble.
Riley Greene saw what Dingler pulled off, and did exactly the same thing to lead off the bottom of the second with an up-and-away fastball to put the Tigers up 2-1. Josh Bell returned the favour by smashing a line-drive home run to straightaway centre in the third to re-tie the score. The balls seemed to be flying out of the park; the warmer, humid weather was partly to blame, I’d imagine.
Starting in the second and carrying into the third, Bradley’s control seemed to elude him; the first pitch of the bottom of the third soared over the home-plate umpire. Kevin McGonigle walked to lead off the inning, and Dingler followed with a single to put runners at the corners; with one out Greene hit a liner to left that was deep enough to score McGonigle and put the Tigers up 3-2.
(When I was a kid, Global TV had this half-hour nightly sports-highlights show called Sportsline, and it was great for someone like me that didn’t have cable. On that show, Jim Tatti used to sardonically refer to a sacrifice fly as “the most exciting way to score a run” or something along those lines. I think about that line a lot.)
The Tigers got runners on second and third with one out in the fourth via a walk, a single and a wild pitch in the dirt. But Gleyber Torres struck out and McGonigle ripped a line drive right at the shortstop, and that was that.
Brooks Lee hit a slider for the fifth solo home run of the game to knot the score at threes. On the next pitch Kody Clemens hit his own solo home run to put the Twins up 4-3.
The slugfest continued in the bottom of the fifth: Dingler doubled to lead off, and Kerry Carpenter hit a non-solo home run to right to put Detroit up 5-4.
After Greene smoked a 112-mph line drive that was caught by Buxton, Bradley and his multiple splitters-to-the-backstop departed. Melton did the same after five innings, and his final line was pretty weird: 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 HR, 0 BB, 5 K.
Brenan Hanifee was brought in for the sixth and it wasn’t great: with one out a fly ball was misplayed by both Carpenter and Matt Vierling. The next batter got plunked, and that was the end of Hanifee, who was replaced by Drew Anderson. He threw a great full-count changeup to strike out Tristan Gray for the second out, bringing the dangerous Buxton up — who also struck out on a changeup. That was one gutsy performance by Anderson there.
Zach McKinstry hit a one-out triple to right-centre on the ninth pitch of his sixth-inning at-bat. Torres was plunked to put two runners on, and Dingler stepped to the plate with two outs and he didn’t miss an inside sweeper from Taylor Rogers.
He needed a triple for the cycle at that point, but I think we’re all satisfied with his result. That was his fourth hit of the night, and the Tigers were up 8-4.
Tyler Holton came into the game after Anderson walked a batter to start the seventh, and his outing didn’t turn out so hot either: Clemens struck out, but a single and yet another hit-batter loaded the bases. Holton handed this hot mess off to Kyle Finnegan, who struck out Victor Caratini for the second out. Royce Lewis lifted a fly ball to left and Greene caught it at the wall — on a night on which balls were flying out of the yard everywhere.
The Tigers started the bottom of the seventh with a pair of walks. With two out McKinstry walked to load the bases, and Torres’ grounder to the left side went right past two infielders to score a pair of runs and put the Tigers up 10-4 there, good buddy.
Enmanuel De Jesus, who was last seen finishing up a game in Tampa in which he went four innings, pitched the ninth, which was pleasantly boring, as ninth innings in such games should be.
Riley Greene leads the Tigers with an OPS of .844 (.305 batting, .396 on-base, .448 slugging). That’s an OPS+ of 136, or 36% above league average.
The interesting thing about that is that he’s nowhere close to the team lead in home runs: he has six, but Dillon Dingler had 14 coming into tonight (and added another pair, as you well know). Greene’s 16 doubles certainly helped his cause.
Johann Galle was born on this day in 1812; he was the first person to identify the planet Neptune, after a suggestion about where to look was given by fellow astronomer Urbain Le Verrier. That’s nice, but have you seen Venus and Jupiter in the western sky after sunset lately? Holy moly, are they close to each other!
It will be an all-Berks County final for the PIAA Class 2A girls lacrosse championship.
District 3 champion Wyomissing will meet BCIAA champion Twin Valley for the title at 10 a.m. Saturday at Penn State.
The Spartans beat West Chester Rustin 14-12 at Comer Field at Penn Manor High School on Tuesday to punch their ticket to Happy Valley, while the Raiders defeated defending state champion Villa Maria Academy 13-11 at West Chester Henderson High School.
In boys 2A volleyball, Brandywine Heights was beaten by Meadville in straight sets in the semifinals.
Meadville won by scores of 25-16, 25-13, 25-16 in a match at State College High School. They were scheduled to play at Bald Eagle High School but the site was changed earlier today.
In the boys 2A lacrosse semifinals, Penncrest defeated Twin Valley 9-8 in five overtimes to advance to Saturday’s championship match.
Adam Schefter has pushed the Aaron Donald comeback talk from offseason fantasy into something the Los Angeles Rams now have to be taken seriously on.
Donald remains retired, and nobody around the situation is treating his return as finished business. That is what makes the latest update so important, because the language has shifted from a hard no to a real possibility.
The Rams’ roster, the Myles Garrett buzz, and a Super Bowl in Los Angeles have all turned what once sounded impossible into one of the NFL’s most fascinating summer stories.
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Adam Schefter says Aaron Donald’s return to Los Angeles Rams is more likely than not
Adam Schefter broke down the chances of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement and returning to the Los Angeles Rams.
“When you talk to all the people involved, nobody is coming out right now and saying, ‘Aaron Donald is coming back.’ But everybody is acknowledging that it is a possibility,” Schefter said.
He added, “And the fact that it is even a possibility in June tells me that I think there’s every possibility it will become more real in July.
“And I think, if and when they present a plan to him as to how he would be used, I think it’s more likely than not that he’ll be back.”
That is not a guarantee, but it is still a major shift. Donald retired in 2024 as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, so even the idea of him listening to a Rams plan changes the conversation.
Aaron Donald’s comeback ingredients are suddenly there for Los Angeles Rams
Schefter also made clear that the move has not reached the finish line yet, even if the situation has become harder to dismiss.
“… It still sounds like we’re a ways away. He has not gotten there yet,” the NFL analyst continued. “But the fact that this is even coming up.”
“And the fact that the Rams have the team that they do, and the fact that Aaron Donald would get to play with Myles Garrett, and the fact that the Super Bowl is in L.A. this year, I just think the ingredients are there to make it happen,” Schefter concluded.
The Garrett factor is the easiest football reason to understand. Pairing Donald with an elite edge rusher would reduce the burden that followed him for years, while giving the Rams a front that could instantly reshape the NFC.
The location matters too. A Super Bowl run ending in Los Angeles would offer Donald the kind of final chapter few retired stars ever get, which is why this rumor now feels less like noise and more like something the Rams can genuinely sell.
PITTSBURGH — Above the handful of unassigned lockers scattered about the Pittsburgh Pirates' home clubhouse, where a player's nameplate would typically be, are instead a smattering of baseball-centric quotations.
Some are genuinely inspiring.
"I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give." — Roberto Clemente
Others are painfully cliche.
"To be successful, one must take chances." — Willie Stargell
"We have to do this together. The team, the city, fans — everyone has a role."
But it is certainly no coincidence that the quote directly adjacent to the locker belonging to ace hurler Paul Skenes reads: "Momentum is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher." — Jim Leyland
Skenes was solid if unspectacular on Tuesday against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He struck out seven and allowed just two runs, exiting after the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2. Notably, Skenes retired Shohei Ohtani in all three matchups between the two all-world talents, including an impressive punchout in the third.
But while the day's starting pitcher was good, momentum proved to be very much out of reach for the Pirates on Tuesday.
After Skenes departed, Pittsburgh proceeded to surrender 10 runs in a horror-show seventh inning that sent boos, jeers and Bronx cheers pouring down from the frustrated masses. Los Angeles ultimately won 12-3, providing a small yet ruthless reminder that the gap between the juggernaut Dodgers and upstart Pirates remains significant.
"We got sloppy there," Kelly said afterward. "We just need to play cleaner."
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For the first time in eons, Pittsburgh entered this season with legitimate playoff aspirations. An uncharacteristically aggressive offseason provided the club's undermanned offense with a much-needed jolt. Über-prospect Konnor Griffin waited in the wings. The pitching staff, helmed by Skenes and supported by a bevy of underrated arms, projected to be one of baseball's best. Projection systems across the game pegged Pittsburgh as a real contender. October baseball, after a decade of autumnal woe, seemed like an attainable dream.
Thus far in 2026, that optimism has been only partially realized.
The Pirates sit one game above .500 at 34-33, yet they're 8 games back of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Many of Pittsburgh's lineup additions have paid off in the early going, giving the club one of the sport's most productive offenses. The rotation has been very good, though not quite elite. That, in part, is because the Pirates rate as a very poor defensive team. A below-average bullpen hasn't helped, either.
These Pirates are definitively better, no longer a punch line. Their plus-21 run differential is an undeniable sign of quality. And still, this team is somewhat frustratingly stuck in neutral, yet to fully capitalize on a very capable roster.
Skenes, for his part, has a stat line slightly below his stratospheric standards. After posting a 1.97 ERA during his 2025 Cy Young campaign, the 24-year-old is currently carrying a still-impressive 2.84. Besides being a tad more homer-prone, there's nothing about Skenes' 2026 to fret over. Mostly, he has been unlucky, the victim of some unfortunate batted-ball sequencing.
He reaffirmed after his previous outing that, on the whole, he has been happy with his performances. But as Tuesday showed, when Skenes isn't humming on all cylinders, he can't carry the Pirates all by his lonesome — especially not against a lineup as formidable as Los Angeles'.
"The changeup command wasn't quite as good as it's been," the self-critical right-hander admitted to reporters after the game.
The towering hurler avoided drawing a larger takeaway from his team's recent struggles versus the National League's best. Before Tuesday's loss to L.A., Pittsburgh lost three straight in Atlanta against the league-leading Braves.
"It might be a little bit independent of who we've been playing," he admitted.
Skenes remains one of the game's most compelling characters: stoic, calculating, direct, dominant. He burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2024, propelled by a triple-digit heater and a social media superstar girlfriend. His 2025 was just as good, if not better, solidifying the flamethrower as one of the faces of baseball despite a comically understated personality. Just this week, Skenes made an impromptu appearance at a local Little League because "I was driving down the road, and I saw a baseball field, and I was bored."
That's Skenes in a nutshell; even his feel-good stories carry an aura of baseball-centric intensity. This, in addition to the on-mound brilliance, is Skenes' superpower. His focus, his commitment to competing, his off-field demeanor — it's all phenomenally contagious. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a man who has seen a ballgame or two, gushed about Skenes' competitiveness before Tuesday's game.
"He's one of the tougher makeup competitor guys that I've been around," he said.
That type of energy raises the bar and the floor for all things Pirates. That is why, despite a rain-soaked, embarrassing defeat in a game that should have been an invigorator, things are looking up in Pittsburgh.
Or at least, they aren't looking down. And for this woebegone franchise, that's a step in the right direction.
Brandon Aiyuk broke his public silence on his situation with the San Francisco 49ers over the weekend, posting a series of layered analogies to Instagram that left many fans puzzled. Former star receiver Chad Ochocinco, appearing on the "Nightcap" podcast with Shannon Sharpe, said he understood exactly what Aiyuk was getting at — and largely took issue with the approach.
In the post, Aiyuk implied that the 49ers undervalued him while other teams would recognize what he brings. Ochocinco said the message wasn't hard to decode for someone who's been in that locker room world.
"A lot of people probably not going to get it," he said. "But the concept and what he's trying to say is obviously I'm a 49er, and the other people that might want me — instead of letting me go elsewhere so someone else could have that same toy that the child is playing with, they're like, 'Nah, I want to keep him here.'"
Ochocinco pushed back on the broader strategy, though. He pointed out that Aiyuk reportedly was willing to return money to force his way out of San Francisco — a move Ochocinco found difficult to justify.
Ochocinco also questioned whether any team would offer Aiyuk a long-term contract given his track record of conflict with the organization.
"He might not get a long-term deal," he said. "He's going to get a prove-it deal, coming off that ACL. To have another team take a liking in you, to want to take a chance on you — some of these antics he's been doing, bro."
Aiyuk hasn't played a snap for the 49ers since he tore his ACL during the 2024 season. He sat out the entire 2025 season and was away from the team so often that the 49ers voided all the guarantees in his contract. Aiyuk has made his desired destination known plainly in the Washington Commanders, but, so far, the Commanders aren't interested in trading for him and the 49ers are interested in releasing him.
That leaves everyone in a state of perpetual stasis ahead of the 2026 season.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Skenes was bored and driving through the northern Pittsburgh suburbs on Monday — a rare in-season off day — when the Pirates ace caught the familiar lights of a baseball field out of the corner of his eye.
The next thing the reigning NL Cy Young winner knew, he was circling the parking lot, searching for a spot. Not long after, one of the brightest stars in the game was watching various Ingomar Little League teams practice.
The 24-year-old star tried to stay “incognito,” which is kind of hard to do in general when you're 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds and one of the brightest young stars in your sport. Soon enough, Skenes found his way onto the field in sandals, a T-shirt, and a pair of shorts, a sure sign that the typically well put-together Skenes hadn't planned on stopping in the first place.
Over the next two hours, he played catch, signed autographs, and remembered a time in his life when his relationship with the game was far simpler.
The impromptu practice went viral, as things tend to do when Skenes is involved. His girlfriend, former gymnast turned influencer and actress Livvy Dunne, s hared it on TikTok. A popular Pittsburgh DJ did the same on Instagram.
Skenes has learned to accept that attention comes with the territory, even when he's trying to avoid it.
“Should’ve worn some sunglasses and a fake moustache,” he joked.
Yes, Skenes is well aware of the core memory he created for the players at Ingomar Little League, about 20ish minutes north of PNC Park. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson did the same for Skenes when the two briefly connected while Skenes was growing up in Southern California.
Yet just as importantly, with the Pirates in the midst of a losing streak that stretched to four after they were drilled 12-2 loss by Los Angeles on Tuesday — when the Dodgers exploded for 10 runs in the seventh immediately after Skenes departed — it offered Skenes a reminder of why he does what he does for a living.
“I went to watch some baseball, but you got to remember it’s just a game,” Skenes said. “There’s a lot of things that make it a business. It’s work. It’s a job for us, for sure, on some days more than others, but you got to remember you love the game and why you started playing it in the first place.”
Particularly during the times when that love can feel elusive during a difficult stretch like the one Skenes is in at the moment.
Despite limiting the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers to two runs over six innings and retiring four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani all three times he faced him, Skenes remained winless over his last five starts after the bullpen imploded behind him.
Is Skenes in a slump? Only in comparison to the remarkably high bar he has set during his rapid ascent to one of the best pitchers in baseball. His ERA since May 17 is a pedestrian 4.50, more than double his career ERA up to that point.
Things were a little better, a little sharper against the Dodgers than they have been of late. He recorded seven strikeouts, and Los Angeles swung and missed at more than 15 of the 103 pitches he threw.
Skenes' fastball largely went where he wanted, when he wanted, and if Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe can knock down a sharp grounder that instead deflected off his glove and into the outfield with two outs in the sixth that allowed Freddie Freeman to score and tie the game, Skenes might have exited with the lead.
Not that it mattered in the end. The 10-spot the Dodgers put up in the seventh made sure of that.
Still, Skenes is trying to keep things in perspective. The season is long. Every team struggles at some point. He is trying his best to remain focused on the process.
Asked why his fastball — which now sits more in the 97 mph range after frequently topping 100 as a rookie two years ago — looked better on Tuesday than it has in a while, he shrugged.
“Just a good day, I think,” he said. "Kinda comes and goes as the season goes. Just a good day with that.”
The lobs he threw to the Little Leaguers didn't have nearly that kind of velocity. They might have as much meaning, however, over the arc of a season that can sometimes feel more like a slog than a dream come true.
“We’ve all played those sandlot fields when we were nine,” he said, later adding, "The game looks different when it’s 200-foot fences and there are no ads out there, no fans out there, just playing for the love of the game.”
BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 22: Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin greets fans on the field before the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Lane Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Virginia Tech Hokies have been on a recruiting heater since hiring James Franklin as head coach in November. Franklin quickly put together a top-25 class for 2026 in a matter of weeks after only being on the job for a short time.
After another successful period with the transfer portal in January, everyone’s attention then turned to the 2027 recruiting class. Since March, Franklin and his staff have added 22 commitments, good enough for a class that’s currently ranked No. 6 nationally, according to 247Sports. And they aren’t done.
When you consider everything that has surrounded the football program since Franklin’s arrival, it’s hard not to get excited.
Fans have had false hope for years. Many knew things would change when the season began, but talked themselves into believing. It really is different this time around. The Hokies have an intriguing mix of returning players, transfer additions, and young players for 2026.
Taylor Tannebaum is all-in on the Hokies.
The ESPN reporter is also a host of the ACC Huddle on the ACC Network, so she’s familiar with every ACC program. She recently joined the “Gramlich and Mac Lain” podcast with fellow ACC Network hosts Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain, sharing her thoughts on Franklin and the Hokies.
“James Franklin has proven to build and rebuild and continue to build every stop he’s been at, Vanderbilt and Penn State,” Tannebaum said. “I feel the momentum. I see it. As I already said, they have like a top-20 newcomer class in the country. I like their quarterback, who’s had real-time Big Ten experience in Ethan Grunkemeyer. The 2027 class is already one of the best in the country, not that they’re going to be on the field this year. But I think the expectation level is raised there. You’re seeing the buy-in from the donors. I just think there’s some real juice there, and I think they can capitalize on the schedule that they have.”
Tannebaum said she believes the home-field advantage that Lane Stadium always brought, but has disappeared in recent years, returns this year.
Mac Lain said it best.
“I dream, late at night, of what Lane Stadium looks like with a top 20 team, top 15 team,” he said. “Like, I just need that in my life.”
Jun 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dbacks dropped the series opener in Miami on Tuesday 10-6 as the Arizona pitching was unable to keep any momentum this whole game long. The Dbacks offense would score, and then the pitching would immediately cough the lead right back up. The offense would come back, and then the pitching would give the lead right back.
Zac Gallen started the game for the Dbacks and he looked very much just ok. Certainly not the player the Dbacks spent 20 million dollars on this offseason, and certainly not a player who is raising his stock and betting on himself to get a big contract. He was just ok going 5.1 innings allowing 4 ER and getting just 3 strikeouts. Despite just the 3 strikeouts, the one positive from this outing was Gallen was able to get 14 swings and misses which is a good sign. However, his struggles to put guys away with 2 strikes persisted as he would dance around the corners of the zone hoping for chase and the Miami hitters much like every other team were simply not fooled.
The Dbacks offense tonight was much improved with Ketel Marte, Carroll, Gabi, and Perdomo going a combined 7-15 with 6 RBI. These are the guys that this team needs going and it is kind of a shame that when you got this kind of production from this core tonight, you still weren’t able to come away with a win. Carroll hit a big home run in the first inning to put the Dbacks on the board that went 400 feet and hit off of the upper deck. Gabi also launched a long ball going 417 feet, a really encouraging sign after the team really needed him to step up into the 3 hole. Perdomo looks much like the move down in the order has gotten him back on track as he was able to look much more like the Perdomo we all know working 3 walks and getting 2 hits. Just great at bats all game long from him, a really encouraging sign. It is also worth noting that Ketel responded to the drama in a big way tonight going 3-5 with 3 RBI as he continues to prove to everyone that he is a leader of this offense and of this team.
Unfortunately even after all of this offense, the bullpen was also not able to maintain any of the momentum. Taylor Clarke came in in relief of Gallen and immediately allowed his inherited runner plus 2 more to score. A guy that usually can spot the ball almost anywhere and had only walked 5 guys all season proceeded to walk the 9 hole batter for the top of the order. Hopefully this is just another weird 1 off like he had in the Dodgers series to start the season and he locks it back in and goes on another run. Garcia also had an uncharacteristic clunker as he gave up some contact on some fastballs that just caught way too much of the center of the zone giving up the lead again to a 7-6 ballgame. Torey brought in Ginkel in the middle of the inning to try and get out of it, and Ginkel proceeded to give up a single and a double allowing Garcia’s runs to score and for the Marlins to blow open the game for a final time in the 8th inning. A rare clunker for these guys and hopefully a strange blip on the radar for a couple of guys who have been really solid lately.
The Dbacks will look to get back on track tomorrow and even the series by sending Ryne Nelson to the mound. Getting Meyer out of the way the rest of the Marlins starters for the rest of the series look to be gettable, but this pitching needs to rebound in a big way and maintain momentum.
In the legal profession, a five-letter "F" word carries far more weight than the popular four-letter one.
Robert Klemko of ESPN reports that five law firms representing 98 retired NFL players are accused of "scheming to defraud" the NFL's concussion settlement fund. An audit by a pair of Special Masters pegged the losses at more than $87 million.
The audit concludes that the firms worked with specific doctors to make invalid diagnoses of Parkinson's disease.
The findings were made public on Monday, in a 51-page written decision.
The NFL, through a spokesperson, said it was "pleased" by the decision. The concussion settlement fund ultimately was uncapped, in order to secure court approval. Any fraud against the fund amounts to direct fraud on the NFL.
The audit recommends the denial of pending claims for retired players filed by the five law firms or evaluated by eight specific doctors.
"The remedies that the Special Masters imposed are provided for by the Settlement Agreement and were necessary given the scope of misconduct uncovered by the Claims Administrator's investigation," the league said. "We are hopeful that this decision will deter future misconduct."
The settlement fund has generated more than one prior controversy. In 2021, the NFL promised to end the practice of "race-norming," which made it harder for Black players to prove cognitive decline in an effort to secure benefits. Also in 2021, a Florida law firm was deemed to have influenced doctors and forged medical records.
The settlement pays benefits based on specific diagnoses, without requiring proof that the conditions resulted from playing football at the NFL level.
No criminal charges have been filed. However, the Special Masters have the power to refer their findings to the relevant federal authorities.
Hockey fans, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially here. The 2026 version might be as good as ever, with a bracket that feels as wide open as any in recent memory.
Sixteen teams have the same quest: to take home Lord Stanley's Cup. Only one will emerge victorious and etch its name into NHL history. The landscape has shifted dramatically this year, as for the first time in a decade, the defending champions will not be in the dance, as the Florida Panthers failed to qualify following their 2025 title run. That leaves the door wide open for the Colorado Avalanche, who enter the postseason as Presidents' Trophy winners, and the Vegas Golden Knights, who look to recapture their 2023 magic under the late-season guidance of John Tortorella.
Then, of course, there's the Buffalo Sabres, who finally shattered the longest playoff drought in NHL history by storming into the postseason as Atlantic Division champions. After 14 years on the outside looking in, Lindy Ruff’s squad has transformed from a December basement-dweller into a legitimate threat to go the distance.
From the breakout Sabres winning the Atlantic to the Utah Mammoth making their postseason debut, the stage is set for a wild ride. Here is the full schedule for every series of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be broadcast across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with six different channels being destinations for games. The Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively on ABC.
Fans can live stream every game from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on DIRECTV. Games appearing on ESPN networks, including ABC, can also be streamed live on fubo and the ESPN app.
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The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs follow a divisional bracket system where 16 teams — eight from each conference —compete in four rounds of best-of-seven series. The top three teams in each of the league's four divisions qualify automatically, while the final four spots are awarded to the two wild card teams in each conference with the highest remaining point totals.
In the opening round, the division winner with the best record in their conference faces the wild card with the fewest points, while the other division winner plays the wild card with the higher point total. The remaining first-round series feature the second- and third-place teams from each division facing off against one another.
Every series follows a 2–2–1–1–1 format, meaning the higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Home-ice advantage is determined by division seeding in the first two rounds and moves to the team with the better regular-season record for the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final.
Postseason hockey also introduces continuous 20-minute, five-on-five overtime periods where the first goal scored ends the game, as there are no shootouts in the playoffs.
How many teams make the NHL playoffs?
Sixteen teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, eight from both the Eastern and Western Conference. This includes the top three teams in all four divisions — Atlantic, Metropolitan, Pacific, Central — and four wild card teams, two from each conference.
How many rounds are in the NHL playoffs?
There are four rounds in the NHL playoffs, each consisting of a best-of-seven series. To win the Stanley Cup, a team must advance through the First Round, the Second Round (Division Finals), and the Conference Finals, before finally winning the Stanley Cup Final.
Because every round requires four victories to advance, a champion must win a total of 16 games over the course of the postseason.
How many games are in a series?
All series in the Stanley Cup playoffs follow a seven-game format.
The matchups are played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format, where the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. This structure remains consistent from the opening series through the Final, ensuring that the team with the better regular-season standing always has the opportunity to host a potential Game 7 in front of their home crowd.
The five-time All-Star and former NL MVP exited in the fourth inning after appearing to suffer an injury while attempting to make it safe to first base.
Atlanta led 4-2 at the time of his injury but lost 6-5 in extra innings. The White Sox won on a walk-off home run from call-up Braden Montgomery, who was making his MLB debut.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is exiting the game after suffering an injury running to first base pic.twitter.com/iJfDcF1BCV
Braves manager Walt Weiss addressed the Acuña injury with reporters after the tough loss. He indicated the Braves think they lucked out with their star’s injury, saying Acuña's previous hamstring injury earlier this year (suffered on May 2 against the Colorado Rockies) was worse.
With that, Weiss said that Acuña won’t be placed on the injured list and his status remains “day-to-day” for now.
Ronald Acuña will not be placed on the injured list at this time. He’s day-to-day for now. Walt Weiss also added that they don’t think it’s “as bad as the last one” (referring to his hamstring injury earlier this year)
The Braves have the best record in baseball at 45-22. Acuña has contributed to their success, hitting .254/.373/.798. He has 49 hits, 22 RBIs and seven home runs so far through the 2026 season. Through nine seasons with the Braves, he’s compiled 193 home runs and is nearing his 1,000th hit with 962 total. His career splits are .287/.383/.901.
Detroit — It was a warm, wet and muggy night at Comerica Park, conditions that are typically conducive to extended ball flight, a fact validated by the Tigers and Twins.
Both teams rank in the middle of the American League pack when it comes to slugging long balls, but they combined to drive eight balls out of the yard Tuesday.
Kerry Carpenter’s two-run laser shot to right field in the bottom of the fifth put the Tigers up 5-4 and Dillon Dingler’s two-out, three-run blast in the sixth, his second of the game, sent the Tigers on their way to a 10-4 win over the Central Division-rival Twins in the first of three.
The Tigers (28-39) have won six of their seven games in June.
Dingler, who had four hits and four RBI, hit his 15th homer in the first inning and his 16th in the sixth. Riley Greene hit his seventh, an opposite-field shot that sliced around the foul pole in left. The first three homers came off Twins starter Taj Bradley.
Dingler’s second homer came against lefty Taylor Rogers. Twins manager Derek Shelton summoned the lefty to face rookie Kevin McGonigle with two on, knowing the penalty would be the matchup with Dingler.
Dingler has hit seven homers since May 16, tied with Houston’s Yordan Alvarez for most in baseball over that span.
Zach McKinstry, who also walked and single, set up that sixth inning with triple to the gap in right-center.
The Twins got their licks in, too.
The Tigers kept giving starter Troy Melton leads and he kept giving them back, in solo homer increments.
The tone was set on his first pitch. Byron Buxton, as he’s done now 25 times in his career, detonated a first-pitch fastball and sent it 428 feet beyond the visitor’s bullpen in left center.
Melton, who allowed just seven homers in 45.2 innings in the regular season last year, also gave up solo shots to Josh Bell, Brooks Lee and former Tiger Kody Clemens. The last two came on back-to-back pitches in the fifth inning and put the Twins up 4-3.
Melton lasted five innings and had base runners in every one of them.
But the Tigers bullpen, despite some tense moments when the lead was just four runs, held the fort.
Drew Anderson struck out Tristan Gray and Buxton with evil kick-changes to strand two runners in the sixth. Kyle Finnegan struck out Victor Caratini and got Royce Lewis to fly out to the track in the left to leave the bases loaded in the seventh.
The Tigers took advantage of three walks in the seventh to tack on two more runs on a seeing-eye, two-run single by Gleyber Torres.
The start of the game was delayed one hour and 51 minutes and it continued to rain off and on throughout the early part of the game.
The Golden Knights are in just their ninth season and have made their fourth Stanley Cup Final, with one win in 2023. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, have qualified for their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years, over twice as long as the Golden Knights have existed.
For the Hurricanes, the key to breaking their championship drought lies in their defense. The Hurricanes lead the NHL this postseason, with the fewest goals allowed per game by a wide margin. During this playoff run, the Hurricanes' only loss came against the Canadiens, where they allowed six goals. In the other 12 games, the Hurricanes allowed no more than two goals and hold a perfect 12-0 record.
The Golden Knights, once again, are an opposite team, whose specialty lies in goal scoring. The Golden Knights have applied scoring pressure early and often in this playoff cycle, but they also boasted impressive defensive numbers. The Colorado Avalanche led the NHL in regular season scoring but only scored 7 total goals in four games against Vegas. Don't be surprised if the Stanley Cup Finals is a low-scoring affair.
Here's what you need to know to watch Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes, including broadcast information and start times.
Games in the Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes series will air on ABC.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
Seattle's got the Big Dumper. Detroit's got the Big Thumper.
Dillon Dingler is fast becoming one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball, and he probably should be starting for the American League All-Star team next month after his latest monster game Tuesday night.
Dingler was 4-for-5 with two homers and four RBIs. It was his second multi-homer game of 2026, his third four-hit game of 2026, and his fourth four-RBI game of 2026. It's his second four-hit, four-RBI game in just over a week. Dingler now has 16 home runs and 48 RBIs in 60 games this year. In his first two major-league seasons, Dingler had 14 home runs and 68 RBIs in 153 games.
Dingler is well on pace for the most homers in a season by a Tiger who predominantly played catcher. Rudy York has the record, with 35 homers in 1937. Dingler is looking to be the first Tigers catcher to top 30 home runs in a season since Mickey Tettleton did it three straight years in the early 1990s.
And all that big thumping is to say nothing of the defense of Dingler, who was a Gold Glover winner for the first time in 2025 and is on his way to another one, especially now that he's added the ABS mastery to his toolbox. The Tigers remain among the best in MLB when it comes to catcher challenges, thanks to Dingler, who got a key strikeout with a challenge Tuesday night as the Tigers won for the sixth time in seven games in June.
Maybe it's just a blip. It's probably just a blip.
But, as scorching hot as Gleyber Torres (oblique) was in his first three games since coming off the injured list last week, he's been ice cold in the three games since.
Torres, first three games back: 7-for-13, home run, three RBIs, one strikeout
Torres, last three games back: 1-for-12, two RBIs, nine strikeouts
Torres was 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in Tuesday's game, his night only salvaged by a seeing-eye single in the seventh inning that drove in two add-on runs with two outs as the Tigers scored double-digit runs for the second time in seven games this month (after doing it just twice in their first 60 games). That's now nine strikeouts in the last three games for Torres. He had only 23 strikeouts in his first 35 games this season.
Torres also had a blunder on defense, too, when some miscommunication with center fielder Matt Vierling led to an undeserved double for the Twins' Royce Lewis. It looked like Torres' ball until he peeled off.
Torres and Kerry Carpenter (shoulder) both returned to the Tigers' lineup this month. Carpenter, by the way, had his third home runs in his seventh game back Tuesday, a two-run, go-ahead shot in the fifth inning.
▶ Dillon Dingler (3) — The Tigers' Nos. 3-5 hitters (Dingler, Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene) combined for six hits, two home runs and eight RBIs, outslugging the Twins' No. 1-4 hitters (Byron Buxton, Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens and Josh Bell), who combined for six hits, four home runs and four RBIs.
Sumo wrestlers throw salt on the dohyo to drive away evil spirits (Philip FONG)
Paris will be the setting next weekend for one of Japan's oldest martial art forms, sumo wrestling, but an unheralded star of the major two-day tournament will be 100 percent French: the 200 kilogrammes of customised Guerande salt ordered by organisers.
"It's an essential part of sumo wrestling. The tournament cannot take place without salt," David Rothschild -- the chief organiser of the Paris event, a rarity outside of Japan -- told AFP.
Salt does indeed play a central role in sumo wrestling, a sport that also has a sacred dimension rooted in the Shinto religion.
Sumo competitions are punctuated by different ritual elements.
"When the wrestler claps his hands, it is to call upon the gods. When he stamps his feet, it is to drive away demons. And the salt is to purify the space," Rothschild explained.
"It is there to ward off anything that might cause trouble: injuries, curses, that sort of thing."
Before each bout, wrestlers throw a generous handful of salt onto the dohyo -- the 4.55-metre-diameter wrestling ring -- in a gesture intended to drive away evil spirits, which is often one of the sport's most iconic images.
During the bouts, the wrestlers, known as rikishi, compete on a clay surface covered with a thin layer of salt, which is swept from time to time by the yobidashi (announcers).
Over the course of the Paris tournament, 200kg (440 pounds) of salt will be required for these ancient rituals.
When they were contacted to supply the salt for the event, Meredith and Gautier Ferard, salt producers in the French coastal town of Le Croisic, were somewhat taken aback.
"It's true that it's not a very common request. But I thought to myself: 'Why not?'" Meredith said.
- 'Sacred salt' -
For the tournament –- the first of its kind in France since 1995 -– the Ferards received a set of highly precise specifications regarding the salt required.
"They asked for a relatively white colour and, above all, a very fine grain size to prevent it from damaging the skin on the wrestlers' feet," Meredith explained.
"The sodium chloride molecule, as it occurs in nature, is rather cubic in shape. And if they have soft skin with 200kg on top of it, that can hurt!"
Harvested last summer, the fleur de sel was then stored, dried, dehumidified, sieved and finally ground by hand.
While the use of their salt for a sumo competition may seem unusual, Meredith pointed out that the mineral, sometimes nicknamed 'white gold', holds a sacred significance in many cultures.
"We already experience it in our daily lives," she said. "My office overlooks the salt marshes. We have a space that has been shaped by human hands for 2,000 years, a product that is entirely natural, entirely handmade.
"So it makes perfect sense that this salt is considered sacred and that it's part of the sumo tournament.
"I just hope it lives up to expectations, that the sumo wrestlers are happy to use our salt and that our salt does what it needs to do for their bouts," she added.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. left their 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox early on Tuesday night due to a hamstring injury.
Acuña, in the fourth inning of the contest at Rate Field in Chicago, hit a ground ball to Miguel Vargas at third and started running up the baseline. While Vargas managed to make the throw in time to get Acuña out, Acuña pulled up awkwardly just before he reached the bag. He started hopping, clearly in discomfort, into the outfield and ended up limping back to their dugout.
Acuña slammed his helmet hard before walking up into the clubhouse, too. The Braves then pulled him from the game due to left hamstring tightness. He was replaced by Eli White in the outfield the rest of the way.
Further specifics of the injury are not yet known. Acuña missed time on the injured list earlier this season with a left hamstring injury, too. He was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain after trying to run out a ground ball on May 2, though he returned less than two weeks later.
Acuña has also dealt with multiple ACL injuries in his career. He tore his right ACL in 2021, and tore his left ACL in 2024. He was named the National League MVP between the injuries, however, picking up the honors in 2023 while hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases that season.
The 28-year-old currently holds a .254 batting average with seven home runs and 22 RBIs this season, his ninth with the team. He is in the final year of an eight-year, $100 million deal with the team this summer, which includes two club options for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.
The loss to the White Sox on Tuesday snapped a three-game winning streak for Atlanta, which now holds a 45-22 record on the season. The Braves still hold a significant lead in the NL East race, though an extended stretch without Acuña available would undoubtedly makes things more difficult for the franchise as it approaches the midway point of the season.
AJ Brown’s final visit to the Philadelphia Eagles facility came with a goodbye message that sounded exactly like the star receiver who spent years calling for the ball.
The trade to the New England Patriots had already turned one of the NFL’s biggest names into the offseason’s biggest shock. Brown was not just leaving a team; he was walking away from the place where he became one of the most productive receivers in Eagles history.
Before that chapter fully closed, he returned to the building, picked up his belongings, and left one more reminder of how he viewed his time in Philadelphia.
Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
AJ Brown signs Philadelphia Eagles wall before New England Patriots trade exit
Underdog NFL relayed Mike Garafolo’s report that AJ Brown stopped by the Eagles facility to say goodbye and signed his picture on the wall.
Brown wrote, “The best to ever play here. Always open.”
The message fit Brown’s personality and his Eagles career. It was confident, slightly defiant, and tied to the “Always open” phrase that had become part of his receiver identity in Philadelphia.
It also made the goodbye feel less quiet. Brown did not leave the facility with only packed bags; he left a signature that Eagles staff and players will keep seeing after his move to New England.
AJ Brown leaves Philadelphia Eagles legacy for New England Patriots reset
The Patriots acquired Brown from Philadelphia in a major trade that reportedly sent the Eagles a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
For New England, the move gives Drake Maye a true No. 1 receiver and a proven star who can immediately change the shape of the offense. Brown also arrives with major money still attached to his deal, making the trade a clear win-now investment.
For Philadelphia, the exit closes a four-year run that included three straight 1,000-yard seasons, multiple Pro Bowl nods, and a franchise-record 1,496 receiving yards in 2022.
That is why the wall message will sting and resonate at the same time. Brown’s Eagles ending was complicated, but his production made his claim hard to ignore.
CHICAGO (AP) — Braden Montgomery hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning of his rousing major league debut to rally the Chicago White Sox past the Atlanta Braves 6-5 on Tuesday night.
Miguel Vargas launched a two-run shot in the third to begin Chicago's comeback from a 4-0 deficit against the Braves, who have the best record in the majors at 45-22. Montgomery made it 4-3 with an RBI single in the fourth, and Jacob Gonzalez tied it with a run-scoring single in the seventh.
The second-place White Sox (35-31) moved within a half-game of scuffling Cleveland atop the AL Central.
Matt Olson homered twice in the first three innings for Atlanta, accounting for three runs. Mauricio Dubón put the Braves up 5-4 in the top of the 10th with an RBI single.
With two outs in the bottom half, Montgomery connected on an 0-1 changeup from closer Raisel Iglesias (0-1) and sent it 343 feet over the left-field wall to send the Rate Field crowd into a frenzy.
Automatic runner Andrew Benintendi scored from third ahead of Montgomery.
If the Pittsburgh Pirates fans at PNC Park were trying to get under Shohei Ohtani's skin on Tuesday night, they failed miserably.
When Ohtani came up for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the seventh with runners on the corners and the score tied at 2-2, Pirates fans could be heard chanting "Shohei sucks" and "overrated."
While he was hitless in the game at that point, Ohtani is neither of those things, of course. He immediately proved it by smoking an RBI double to center field off Wilber Dotel, putting the Dodgers ahead for good.
Pirates fans yell “Shohei sucks” chants just before their team surrenders 10 runs in the inning pic.twitter.com/0TPNAEhnac
That quickly silenced the Pittsburgh fans, who watched the visitors erupt for nine more runs in the frame and bat around. By the time the inning was over, Los Angeles held a commanding 12-2 lead and the game was essentially over.
It was another stunning meltdown by the Pirates' bullpen, which has struggled this year. The collapse also wasted a strong start by Paul Skenes, who struck out seven over six innings of two-run ball.
Ohtani is scheduled to be the Dodgers' starting pitcher on Wednesday, so hopefully Pittsburgh fans don't antagonize him any further.
DENVER, CO - JUNE 09: Cole Carrigg #16 of the Colorado Rockies runs the bases during his Major League Debut during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) — A deflected own goal in the second half gave the U.S. women's national team a 1-0 victory over Brazil on Tuesday night in chaotic match that saw eight red cards handed to the Brazilians.
Coach Arthur Elias and three assistant coaches were sent off with red cards. Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane were both handed red cards, taking Brazil down to nine players in stoppage time and two additional players were carded following the match.
Sophia Wilson's shot deflected off Isabela and got by Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena in the 63rd minute for the lone goal before the 55,144 fans in Fortaleza. Brazil had no shots on goal, while the United States had six.
It was the second of two matches in Brazil for the Americans. The U.S. fell 2-1 in the opener on Saturday in Sao Paulo.
Trinity Rodman was available off the bench as a substitute and came into the game to start the second half.
Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, was subbed into the match in the 80th minute, making her 212th appearance for Brazil.
Dudinha appeared to hurt her right knee in a collision with Emily Sonnett in the 30th minute and was stretchered off the field in obvious pain. The 20-year-old forward, who plays for the San Diego Wave in the National Women's Soccer League, returned to the bench in the second half on crutches.
Brazil had won the last two matches against the United States.
The matches in Sao Paulo and Fortaleza were played at stadiums that will be used next summer for the Women's World Cup.
The United States will attempt to qualify for the World Cup starting in late November at the CONCACAF W Championship.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal scored his sixth and seventh goals of the postseason in a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday in Las Vegas. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI
June 9 (UPI) -- Jordan Staal fell and slid on the ice as he watched his shot beat Carter Hart for what proved to be a gritty game-winning goal in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
The score, which occurred with 13:28 remaining, was just the latest exploit in a hectic series. It also was Staal's second goal in the 5-3 triumph, which helped the Hurricanes tie the best-of-seven-game series 2-2.
Fellow Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers logged a goal and two assists. Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi, who drew his first career playoff start, made 18 saves.
"A lot of kids grow up and they dream about doing something like this," Bussi said on the ABC broadcast. "I'm honored to have the opportunity.
"It was a great effort by us tonight. Excited to get back to Raleigh, N.C."
The Hurricanes got off to a hot start once again in the first period, outshooting the Golden Knights 14-6 in the first period. Logan Staknoven beat Hart for first blood just 66 seconds into the game. Fellow forward Jackson Blake doubled the Hurricanes' lead 2:22 later.
Golden Knights forward Mark Stone sliced the deficit to one about four minutes later. Staal responded with a power-play goal with 7:12 remaining in the opening frame.
But like in the previous three games of the series, the Golden Knights roared in the second period, with forwards William Karlsson and Brett Howden beating Bussi to tie the score.
Staal's go-ahead sequence started when teammate Seth Jarvis intercepted a pass from Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore right in front of the Vegas net. Jarvis had his shot denied, but the puck bounced around.
Ehlers eventually collected the puck and sent a pass into the slot. Staal poked the puck away from defenders and flicked it into the air as he fell on the frozen floor of T-Mobile Arena. The shot managed to soar just out of Hart's reach for a 4-3 advantage.
"It was hectic like the series has been," Bussi said of Staal's goal. "He's a big-time player. He leads us every day and plays the right way and is rewarded."
Ehlers scored an empty netter with 55 seconds remaining to clinch the victory. The Hurricanes outshot the Golden Knights 28-21. The Golden Knights totaled 23 giveaways, compared to the Hurricanes' 15.
Karlsson logged a goal and assist in the loss. Hart made 23 saves.
Game 4 marked the first time in Stanley Cup Final history that four games included a team rallying from multiple goals down to tie the game. It also marked the first time in NHL history that both teams scored three or more goals in each of the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final.
The Hurricanes will host the Golden Knights in Game 5 at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday in Raleigh, N.C. Game 6 will be Sunday in Las Vegas. Game 7, if necessary, will be June 17 in Raleigh.
DENVER (AP) — Hunter Goodman hit a two-run homer in the first inning to spark the offense and the Colorado Rockies broke a four-game skid with a 7-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.
The All-Star catcher has five homers in June. Ezequiel Tovar also homered for Colorado, while Edouard Julien drove in three runs.
Outfielder Cole Carrigg had a memorable major league debut as he hit a triple down the line in right. After sliding into third, he got up and celebrated with a little dance. Carrigg finished 1 for 3 with a walk.
It was the 25th win of the season for the Rockies. Last season, when they made a run at the worst record in big league history, they didn't win game No. 25 until July 22.
Tomoyuki Sugano (6-4) pitched into the sixth before running out of steam. He allowed three runs while striking out three.
Alex Bregman went 2 for 3 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly after shouldering the blame Sunday for Chicago's offensive woes. Michael Busch added a solo homer as the Cubs lost for the 21st time in 28 games.
Colin Rea (5-4) had a rough outing in giving up a season-high seven runs over 4 2/3 innings. Entering the game, the right-hander had allowed three runs or less in 14 of his last 19 starts dating to last August.
The crowd at Coors Field had a sea of vocal Cubs fans in attendance.
“You absolutely notice it,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “It’s loud for the other team in our own ballpark. How much is that on us? I would say all of it is on us.”
Up next
The Cubs are scheduled to throw lefty Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.74) on Wednesday, while the Rockies go with righty Michael Lorenzen (2-8, 8.01).
Seymour's Vince Sigl repeated as Division 2 state champion in individual play and Winneconne captured the D2 team title in a playoff over Edgewood.
Fellow Bay Conference school Xavier also competed in the D2 team field, finishing fifth overall.
Short game pivotal for Sigl in state golf title win
Sigl, who won last year's championship in a playoff, entered Day 2 of this year's tournament leading the field with a 1-under-par 71.
He was brilliant in the second round and finished with a 4-under-par 68 to finish with a two-day total of 139, four shots better than runner-up Elliot Skinner of Altoona.
A big reason for Sigl's success was his short game.
"Short game is definitely a part of golf that I think you gain the most strokes on," Sigl said. "And today and yesterday, I didn't miss much greens but when I did, I knew I had the chance to get up and down. I've been scrambling my whole life around the course, so I'm pretty used to it now."
Seymour coach Katie Grassel said Sigl has a great mental game with his preparation. Sigl improved his championship numbers from last season when he shot 147 (75-72).
"He knew that coming in today he needed to putt better than what he did last year," Grassel said. "Last year, he putted OK, but he knew he wanted to be able to bring it up a little bit more. So that was one of our focuses. Day 1, he was a little disappointed, but Day 2 he had lots of one-putts out there.
"He was excited to play in the morning today because it's nice and calmer. The greens are not as tore up, so that is always a great way to come out on the second day is to have the greens a little bit fresher for you."
Vince's younger brother Owen, a junior, shot a two-day total of 151 (78-73) and tied for seventh in individual play. Senior Tristan Drath had a two-day total of 163 (85-78) and tied for 29th place.
"Owen had a great 35 holes," Grassel said. "He had one hole that he wishes he could take back. I told him not to focus on that. Tristan hits that long ball and he loves the game. You can tell when he is in his groove. I'm proud of those boys and what they've been able to accomplish in putting Seymour on the map for golf."
Wolves survive playoff with Edgewood to win D2 title
Winneconne led by several strokes over the final few holes in regulation play, but a hard push from Edgewood enabled the Crusaders to get the tie and force the playoff.
The Wolves shot a combined 15 in the playoff round compared to Edgewood's 17 on the No. 1 hole. A birdie from senior Parker Groff proved to be the difference.
Winneconne won with a 620. Xavier was fifth with 634.
"That's a dream and definitely a way to go out," Groff said. "It's my last year and I got to play one extra hole to finish it off there. We played good as a team. A couple guys hit some great shots and I made that putt to seal it."
Groff said he didn't want to let nerves get to him in that moment.
"I was thinking don't let the nerves get to you and don't hammer it by," he said. "So we got it done and we made the putt. It snuck to the right side, bottom of the cup."
Austin Dobbe shot a two-day total of 149 (78-71) to tie for fourth place overall and lead the Wolves with Groff four strokes back (76-77-153).
Juniors Sawyer Krueger (85-76-161), Jackson Larson (83-80-163) and Sully Ramthun 79-86-165 also competed for the Wolves.
Dobbe said the team had confidence in that high-pressure, playoff moment.
"I know our team is great. We've done that so many times," he said. "We did exactly what I thought we were gonna do.
"We've been in this for two years, the same team. We're great friends. We all get along. It's a great team. Best team I've ever seen."
It was the Wolves' seventh trip to state and first title. Winneconne had gotten close recently, finishing second in 2023 to Edgewood.
Winneconne coach Chris Peters, who shares head coaching duties with Brad Thomas, said Edgewood has been a nemesis for a while.
"We were always finishing behind Edgewood," Peters said. "We took third a couple of years too. So we were battling those guys all the time. Kind of similar to the back and forth with Xavier. It's just one of those schools where historically we were always competing against and they seemed to get the best of us one way or another. So to come out on top, the way we did, is extremely satisfying."
Xavier's Derek Watry tied for fourth overall in individual play with Winneconne's Dobbe. He fired a two-day 149 (78-71).
Phillip Schmidtke (82-76-158) tied for 23rd for the Hawks with William Bauman (78-82-160) tied for 26th. Jack Schmidtke (83-84-167) and Grant Neumann (86-84-170) also competed for the Hawks.
In Division 3, Shiocton freshman Owen Reese finished 25th with a 166 (86-80).
Papermakers finish second in Division 1
Kimberly placed second in the D1 team competition with a 592. That was 14 strokes behind D1 champ Middleton, but the Papermakers did finish three strokes ahead of defending D1 champ Marquette. De Pere finished in fourth place with a 601 total.
Andrew Ostermann led the Papermakers with a fifth-place finish. He shot a two-day total of 140 (67-73).
"Coming in the boys were very confident, thinking they had a chance. They were hoping for second place," Kimberly coach Greg Lueneburg said. "Andrew's the only one that's ever been to state. He stepped up and showed that he had been a veteran and knew what to do down here under the pressure. And the other boys just stepped up, just enough to take second place, which is phenomenal."
Tyler Steeno tied for 12th (76-70-146) and Collin Hermann was 20th (76-72-148) for the Papermakers. Drew Grant (80-80-160) and Tyson West (78-82-160) were tied for 66th.
All five golfers are juniors, which bodes well for the Papermakers next season.
"They're already talking about how they're going to start doing stuff tomorrow, so they're ready to go," Lueneburg said. "They wanna win the thing next year, which is a great attitude."
Appleton North's Jonathan Huenink tied for 33rd after shooting a two-day total of 153 (77-76).
De Pere was led by freshman Grant Lawton, who finished 10th with a 143 (72-71). Cooper Eakin tied for 33rd with a 153, Palmer Anderson tied for 39th with a 154, Jonah Garot tied for 54th with a 158 and Cam Bjorge tied for 72nd with a 161.
Grant Parrett of West De Pere tied for 58th with a 159. Connor Ness of Bay Port tied for 48th with a 157.
Kewaunee's Evan MacCaux tied for fifth place in Division 3 with a two-day total of 155.
The overarching takeaway from the Minnesota Lynx’s 100-76 victory over the Dallas Wings on Tuesday was that the Lynx are playing better basketball than anyone in the WNBA. It wasn’t intended to be a referendum on the 2026 WNBA Draft, just an example of the league’s best defense shutting off the water of the league’s best offense, earning a key Commissioner’s Cup win in the process.
But with No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd and No. 2 pick Olivia Miles matched up from the opening tip, it was hard not to think of the implications of the Wings’ draft day decision to choose Fudd and pass on Miles. While Fudd has slotted in as a hyper-efficient role player in Dallas, Minnesota landed an instant superstar.
“She’s special,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said postgame about Miles. “We’ve had, obviously, good teams, legendary teams, but it’s a different time now. And there’s an awareness — I’m hearing from people talking about our team, obviously talking about the rookie — that is palpable.”
Miles ended the night with 24 points, six assists and seven rebounds. In their first pro matchup starting for their respective teams, Miles seemingly delighted in going at Fudd early and often. The Lynx guard forced a tie-up on Fudd two minutes into the game and immediately followed that with a drive past her Dallas counterpart. She added another block on Fudd later in the quarter.
“I love the matchups, Dallas has great guards,” Miles said after the game. “It’s always fun to play against someone who’s in your class and we’ve been competing since we were young.”
Miles, the former TCU transfer star from Notre Dame, kept putting Fudd, a former UConn national champ, in screening actions. Some led to drives for Miles, and she finished shooting 6 of 7 inside the arc. Miles also had six assists when the defense committed and she was able to find an open teammate. She also found time to dance with Fudd, hitting a 3-pointer in her eyes off to put Minnesota up 25 late in the first half.
SHE’S HOT 🔥
Olivia Miles shakes her defender and CASHES the triple!
DAL-MIN | Free on League Pass | 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase
Credit to Fudd — unlike Miles, she had to defend the opposing team’s best perimeter player, and the ball wasn’t put in Fudd’s hands as often on offense. Fudd had to work on Miles in the halfcourt and still had energy to make impact defensive plays in transition, even if the Wings rookie didn’t hit her first basket until the third quarter.
Still, her 6 points paled in comparison to Miles’ output, and it illuminated the larger gap between Dallas and Minnesota. The Lynx are now 10-2, only 2 1/2 games ahead of the Wings, but they have more than tripled Dallas’ point differential (plus-12.9 to 3.7). And there seemed to be a play-making deficit for the Wings without Odyssey Sims (ankle injury) available off the bench, one that Miles easily would have addressed.
“(Fudd)’s a great player, she deserved to go No. 1,” Miles said postgame. “She’s a brilliant shooter, one of the best we’ve ever seen in the game, but obviously, against any team, I love to compete.”
There will be no do-overs, and the season is only a quarter through. There is no denying Miles’ capabilities, leading the best team in the WNBA to comfortable wins against the rest of the league’s elite teams.
The Lynx have benefited from draft luck before, most recently in 2019 when Napheesa Collier fell to No. 6 out of UConn. Minnesota and Reeve are always ready to capitalize on what is available to them, and they’ve seemingly done so yet again with Miles, giving her the keys to another contending Lynx group.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the USA to officiate at the World Cup (Khaled DESOUKI)
Somali referee Omar Artan said the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away after he was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup.
Artan, who was named referee of the year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, has been dropped from FIFA's list of officials after he was refused entry to the United States on arriving in Miami on Saturday.
Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
A US State Department official told AFP late Tuesday that the referee was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," therefore "making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States."
After an 11-hour interview with border officials, Artan said he was taken to a separate holding cell where he was detained for several further hours before being put on a flight back to Istanbul.
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup," Artan told the New York Times on Tuesday in a telephone interview from the Turkish city.
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," he added.
FIFA said it was powerless to influence the decision, which it said was the sole preserve of tournament co-hosts the United States.
"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," said a spokesperson for football's governing body.
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.
"Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry," the statement said.
The Somali government expressed "deep regret" at Artan's exclusion from the tournament.
"Artan represents the very best of Somali talent," the sports ministry said.
The largest World Cup in history begins on Thursday, shrouded in political tension.
Iran, who will play their three group games on American soil, were forced to switch their training base to Mexico due to the military conflict between Tehran and the US.
The Iranian football federation on Tuesday said its allocation of tickets for supporters had been revoked, while some of the team's support staff have been denied visas.
AUBURN, ALABAMA - JUNE 09: Nico Paz of Argentina runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Argentina head into the World Cup riding a seven-game winning run after a comfortable 3-0 win over Iceland in Alabama. They took the lead early with Valentin Barco firing home from 20 yards inside eight minutes.
The second goal came from a familiar source on 72 minutes. Just after coming on, Messi slipped Lautaro Martinez through, and the striker was felled in the box, before he buried the penalty. Scaloni’s side made it three with four minutes left, Thiago Almada finishing off a slick move from Rodrigo De Paul’s square ball.
Nico Paz started on the right and was lively in his 58 minutes, leading all players with four shots and forcing a save with one on target. The young midfielder created a chance, completed his only dribble, and won five of his seven ground duels, though he’ll rue a big chance that went begging. The former Castilla player’s future remains up in the air, with possibilities between staying one more season at Como and returning to Real Madrid.
Andrea Gilbo to join Austria Wien from rivals St Pölten
Andrea Gilbo has signed to join Austria Wien from next season. The 24-year-old striker will be transferring from league rivals St Pölten.
The Croatian international has signed a contract with the Violets until summer 2028.
Gilbo said: “The talks with Austria Wien, their vision for the future, and the club’s structure gave me a very good feeling. For several years now, you can see the development of the Violets and I think there’s still a lot of potential in this team. I’m looking forward to the upcoming challenges in the league and the Champions League qualifiers.”
Gilbo was born in Tyrol in 2002, but due to her Croatian roots, she has played for the Croatian youth national team since her youth. She began her career at SK Rum and later moved to Wacker Innsbruck, where she made the jump to the first team in 2019.
At the age of 19, she left Tyrol and continued her career at SK Sturm Graz, where she played for three seasons. In 2024, she transferred to the then champions SKN St. Pölten, where she spent the last two years.
Stefan Kenesei, head coach, said: “With Gilbo, we’ve gained a player who combines a goal-scoring threat and creativity at the highest level. She not only possesses a pronounced finishing instinct but also an eye for the decisive final pass, which allows her to significantly influence matches.
“Furthermore, Andrea is an extremely positive, humorous and cheerful character whose energy enriches any team. We are delighted to welcome her to Austria Vienna.”
Related articles from Her Football Hub:
Earth FC: The environmental campaign ‘defending where football lives’
Ode to Alexia Putellas: La Reina crowned in memory, not goodbye
Opinion: If the Qatar World Cup was worth boycotting, so is USA 2026
Earth FC: The environmental campaign ‘defending where football lives’
Many campaigns use football to amplify a message. Earth FC starts from a different place — it starts with football itself.
At first glance, the project looks like another attempt to connect sport with climate action. Spend a few minutes with it and something becomes clear. Earth FC is not trying to bring climate change into football. It is arguing that climate change is already there.
That distinction sits at the heart of the project.
That philosophy shapes every part of Earth FC. When I spoke with campaign director Jenna Lamb, she repeatedly returned to the idea of a ‘football-forward’ approach. The project begins with football’s existing culture, communities, and emotional connections. It starts with the game itself and examines how climate change is already reshaping the spaces, people, and routines that sustain it.
It’s a subtle shift, but an important one.
Too often, environmental campaigns ask football fans to care about climate change as a distant global issue. Earth FC flips that question. It starts closer to home and asks what happens when climate change begins to disrupt the places, routines, and communities that football depends on.
The answer is much easier than people realise. That thinking shaped one of the project’s most deliberate decisions. Earth FC presents itself as a football club rather than a traditional environmental campaign. For Lamb, that choice is about legitimacy.
Earth FC ‘defending where football lives’
Campaigns often exist outside football. They observe the game, comment on it, and attempt to enter the conversation. Clubs belong to football. They exist within the culture and understand the language of supporters because they share it.
Football is built on identity. It is built on belonging. It is built on local pride, community memory, rivalries, traditions and shared experiences. Earth FC wanted to operate within that ecosystem rather than alongside it.
The decision also avoids a common challenge facing climate communication. Environmental messaging can sometimes feel distant, abstract or disconnected from everyday life. Football provides something much more tangible.
Most supporters do not experience climate change through scientific reports or policy discussions. They experience it through flooded pitches, postponed matches, unbearable temperatures, damaged facilities and disrupted routines. Those experiences make the issue real.
That shift is already visible on the ground. When asked about the most immediate ways climate change is affecting football today, Lamb pointed to changes that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
How climate change is impacting football
People play soccer at a Brooklyn park at dusk at the end of the hottest day of the year so far on June 24, 2025 in New York City. Temperatures in New York reached into the high 90’s with a heat index of over 100 degrees as the first heat wave of the year moves across parts of the Midwest and East Coast. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Extreme heat is altering kick-off times and training schedules. Clubs and governing bodies are introducing new player welfare measures. Flooding regularly renders grassroots pitches unusable. Wildfires and poor air quality have forced cancellations in several parts of the world.
These disruptions are no longer rare exceptions. They are becoming part of football’s reality. Yet Lamb believes the biggest impact often receives the least attention. The real threat is not simply to matches. It is to routine.
Football thrives on consistency. The same park every weekend. Same teammates. Supporters arriving at the same ground. The same rituals repeated over months and years. Those patterns create community. When extreme weather interrupts them, the consequences extend beyond the ninety minutes.
As Lamb explained: “When extreme weather threatens to cancel games, it doesn’t just affect the 90 minutes: it puts a strain on our communities. For some, football is a vital part of their social life. For many others — whether playing or watching in parks, pitches and stadiums week in, week out — it is a lifeline. A way to finally switch off. The thing that keeps them going in uncertain times.
“Flooding, extreme heat and wildfires risk the routines, relationships and moments of connection that people rely on far more than we realise. We need to come together to defend where football lives.”
Bridging the gap between climate science and lived experience
Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives in Brazil for the fifth annual Earthshot Prize Awards Night in Rio de Janeiro Community Football Maracanã Stadium where the Prince tried his football skills with local kids and Brazilian former footballer Cafu on November 3, 2025. (Photo Ian Vogler – Pool/Getty Images)
That final phrase — defend where football lives — captures what Earth FC is trying to achieve.
It shifts the conversation away from abstract environmental concerns and toward something deeply personal. Football does not exist only in stadiums. It exists in local parks, community pitches, recreation grounds, schools and neighbourhood spaces. It exists wherever people gather around the game.
Those places often sit on the front lines of climate change. Earth FC has attracted support from footballers, coaches, activists, and public figures. Lamb is careful when discussing why those voices matter. The answer is not visibility alone.
Football figures bring credibility because they share experiences with the people they are speaking to. Their stories carry weight because they emerge from the game itself.
Supporters may not connect immediately with environmental statistics. They do connect with a player describing a childhood pitch that no longer exists in the same condition. They understand an athlete talking about training in temperatures that were once unusual but now feel routine.
Those stories bridge the gap between climate science and lived experience. Many players have already begun telling them.
Some recall growing up on pitches that regularly flooded after heavy rain. Others describe increasingly extreme temperatures during training and competition. Many have travelled significant distances in pursuit of opportunities, navigating environments shaped by geography, infrastructure, and changing conditions.
These stories do not always arrive labelled as climate stories. That does not make them any less relevant.
Earth FC and the women’s football connection
RECIFE, BRAZIL – JUNE 26: An United States fan looks on in the rain prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil group G match between the United States and Germany at Arena Pernambuco on June 26, 2014 in Recife, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
One of the most interesting aspects of Earth FC’s approach is its connection to women’s football.
Lamb noted that many spaces within the women’s game have shown a particular willingness to engage with environmental and social issues. That openness does not exist because the men’s game is resistant or uninterested. Rather, it reflects differences in culture and history.
Women’s football has often developed through grassroots networks, community structures, and environments where conversations naturally extend beyond the pitch. Players have frequently been required to advocate not only for themselves but also for the broader growth of the game.
That experience can create a greater willingness to discuss wider issues affecting communities. Climate change fits naturally within those conversations.
Many women players already tell stories about access to facilities, changing infrastructure, and the realities of grassroots football. Those experiences make the connection between environment, opportunity, and participation easier to recognise.
The men’s game is also increasingly engaging with sustainability initiatives. Clubs, leagues, and players have invested significant resources into environmental programmes. However, larger institutional structures can sometimes slow how quickly those conversations become part of everyday football discourse.
Earth FC does not present this as a divide between men’s and women’s football. Instead, it highlights different storytelling traditions and different entry points into the same conversation.
‘Football becomes a living record of environmental change’
Throughout my discussion with Lamb, one idea continued to surface. Football often records environmental change without realising it.
Moreover, players remember seasons shaped by weather conditions. Likewise, supporters remember local pitches that looked very different 20 years ago. In the same way, communities remember spaces that once hosted matches every weekend but now struggle with flooding or more extreme conditions.
Football preserves those memories. It becomes a living record of environmental change. That perspective ultimately separates Earth FC from many traditional climate campaigns.
The project does not start with data and attempt to make football care. It starts with football and recognises that the evidence already exists within the game’s own stories.
The flooded pitch. The cancelled fixture. The altered training schedule. The childhood field that no longer looks the same. The community gathering that never happened because extreme weather got in the way.
These moments matter because football matters.
People rarely fight to protect statistics. They fight to protect places. To protect memories and communities. Football gives all three a home.
The challenge now is recognising what is at stake.
Climate change is not simply threatening infrastructure. It is threatening the spaces where football lives, where friendships form, where communities gather, and where generations connect through a shared love of the game.
Earth FC’s call to action is not complicated. Pay attention. Listen to the stories already emerging from football. Recognise the changes happening around us.
Defending football is not only about preserving a sport. It is about protecting the places and people that give the sport its meaning in the first place. Protect the pitches, parks, facilities, and communities that make the game possible.
Related articles from Her Football Hub:
Ode to Alexia Putellas: La Reina crowned in memory, not goodbye
Opinion: If the Qatar World Cup was worth boycotting, so is USA 2026
FIFA launches Female Health and Performance Project, bridging the gap in research within the women’s game
Jun 9, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Seattle Mariners players celebrate a win against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images | James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
5,000 light years from Birdland But I’m still preachin’ the Trident Long-gone, uptight years from Birdland And I’m still watchin’ it with ’em
Years from the land of the Bird And I am still feelin’ dispirit 5,000 light years from Birdland But I know we still hear it
Goms named it Goms made it Goms heard it Then played it Well-stated! Birdland- It happened down in Birdland
Oh!
The Mariners needed Logan Gilbert to go deep on Tuesday. The team is down a reliever because they ditched the ham sandwich for a six-man rotation, for reasons I do and don’t agree with. But regardless, it means they’re short in the bullpen for a bit. After leaning on the leverage arms the last few games, this would have been the time for Gilbert to snap out of his funk, go deep in the game, secure a Mariners win, and help reset things for the week ahead.
That seemed unlikely early. Gilbert threw 31 pitches in the first inning. He loaded the bases, but allowed just one run on a sac fly (which could have been much worse without a great catch from Julio). He threw 27 pitches in the second inning. He put a couple runners on but escaped without a run (thanks to a great throw from Cole Young). This felt like a disaster in the making.
And from there, Gilbert was perfect. He set down the side in order the third, fourth, and fifth innings. I began writing in this very recap that Gilbert’s day ended after five at 96 pitches, then whoa, he stepped out of the dugout for the sixth. He got Pete Alonso to line out on a first pitch slider. He worked a full count against Colton Cowser but dropped a slider on the black for strike three. Then he got Leody Tavares to ground out to first, racing to cover the bag, stomping down for the final out. Six innings, five strikeouts, three hits, two walks, one run. This was roughly the vibe by the end.
I don’t even really know what to say about Gilbert at this point. His FIP still begins with a 4. So many of his outings this year have looked like Tuesday. Well, he’s typically dominated early and struggled late. But every game there’s a handful of batters he can’t quite sit down or even simply move on from, throwing full-count pitch after pitch after pitch. It’s just weird. The arsenal metrics suggest Gilbert should have some resistance to these specific issues. Like, his stuff is sharp, hard, diverse, and deceptive. He got Alonso to whiff so bad he threw his bat into the stands, giving us one of the all-time Brad Adam in-game interviews with Craig from Richland. (Craig kept the bat despite cash offers from Orioles fans! Nice. An all-time Logan Gilbert trophy, in the hands of a Mariners fan.) So I don’t know. I think there’s something to be said for Gilbert tonight. I gave up on this one. He didn’t.
It’s a good thing he didn’t, because the Mariners won 6-5 in extras in what turned out to be a ridiculous, sloppy, fever-dream of a game that the Mariners had no business winning in Birdland.
In the middle of that hub I remember one ball club
Where we went to try and sweep Down on Eu-taw street
Some ornithology nerds That they named it for a Bird
Where Ayala swooped and swirled And League made me want to hurl
Adam Jones was sent there To the distance we stared
The lineup the Mariners together tonight was… uh… not the plan from Spring Training. They’re dealing with a rash of injuries at the moment, and so it’s been the, “We need some guys to step up” time of the season. And step up they, ultimately, kinda, in a way, did.
Randy Arozarena led off the third inning with a line drive single, and Rob Refsnyder followed with one of his own. Mitch Garver fell behind quickly, but laid off a few great pitches out of the zone. Trevor Rogers came back in with a fastball, and Garver was ready, giving us the latest Mitch Garver Exasperated Bat Drop.
This was huge to give the Mariners a 3-1 lead. Again, Gilbert was clearly not long for this game, and they were going to need some runs to survive a shallow bullpen. After the homer, the vibes were roughly here:
Once Gilbert miraculously cleared six with the game still 3-1, the lineup did well to scratch across some cushion. Victor Robles beat out a squibber with two outs, and Julio rocketed another single through the infield. That brought up Arozarena, who picked up a third-straight, two-out single, scoring Robles on a close play the plate.
Unfortunately, the Orioles would get that run right back. An error by Cole Young, a single, and a double play put a runner on third. Alex Hoppe brought him home with a spiked pitch to the backstop. 4-2. The walls of Birdland were closing in.
Jose Ferrer got the ball in the ninth. He threw 42 pitches.
Ferrer quickly got ahead of Tavares leading off. But Tavares battled, working the count back to 2-2. Ferrer threw him a fastball way outside for ball three. Tavares thinking it was ball four started toward first and began to derobe, unbuckling his elbow guard. He tried to play it off cool once he realized, slowly returning to the box. But he’d forgotten about the pitch timer, and when it expired, the umpire called him out. Vibe check:
Still, this is Birdland. Coby Mayo immediately homered to make it 4-3. Jeremiah Jackson singled, and Tyler O’Neill nearly ended the game with a barrel to right. But it landed short and skipped over the wall, crucially, for a ground rule double.
Samuel Basallo then hit a ball just three feet. Ferrer went charging after it down the first base line. He grabbed it and made a desperate, tumbling throw for home that was neither accurate nor on time, scoring the tying run. He probably should have thrown to first.
Ferrer walked Taylor Ward to load the bases. Again, there was still just one out in the ninth inning of a tie game. Gunnar Henderson pounded a one hopper to third. Patrick Wisdom, playing in, leaped high to snag it and made a strong throw home to get the lead runner.
Up stepped Pete Alonso. Ferrer threw him six sinkers to work the count full. He went to the sinker again. It caught the center of the plate and Alonso rocketed a grounder up the middle. Right there was Bliss, who snagged it and raced to the bag to get the runner by a step. The Mariners, somehow, survived.
Arozarena took the lead right back in the 10th. With the Manfred Man on second, he poked a slider way out of the zone to right. It looked like a fly out off the bat, but it just carried and carried and carried the Mariners to a 6-4 lead. It can’t be state enough: What a season he’s having.
Nick Davila got the 10th with a 6-4 lead and the Manfred Man. It didn’t start well. Hoppe hit Blaze Alexander with the first pitch of the inning to bring the winning run to the plate. Tavares followed with a hard grounder through the right side to make the game 6-5 with nobody out.
Davila got Mayo to pop up to Bliss, who made a tremendous diving effort near the foul line for the first out. Jackson then hit a chopper to third. Wisdom, again playing in, cut the ball off perfectly with a backhand ranging toward the third base line. He contorted his body to get off a quick throw, which was right on target to Garver, who slapped down the tag to deny the tying run.
PITTSBURGH — Bullpen woes have been an all-too-common occurrence for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, and they were once again the storyline against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
Paul Skenes delivered six-strong innings and left the game with the score tied 2-2, but the Dodgers erupted for 10 runs in the seventh inning and routed the Pirates 12-3, handing Pittsburgh its fourth straight loss.
The 10 runs marked the most the Pirates have allowed in an inning since the Cincinnati Reds reached double digits in the second inning of a game on July 29, 2019.
Rookie Wilber Dotel, who has emerged as one of the team’s top relievers this season, failed to rretire any of the six batters he faced. Fellow first-year pitcher Brandan Bidios had more walks (three) than outs recorded (two), before Dennis Santana had to come in to get the final out of the inning.
Dotel allowed six runs (all earned) and four runs (one earned) went on Bidois’ ledger. The two have hardly been the reason for the team’s bullpen struggles this season but were the latest display of an area of the roster that is holding the Pirates back from being better than their current 34-33 record.
Following Tuesday’s trainwreck, the Pirates are 19th in baseball and 12th in the National League with a 4.33 ERA from their relievers.
At some point, the Pirates must consider making a move — or multiple for that matter — to shake things up. Until teams are more willing to make trades, general manager Ben Cherington will have to look internal to try and find solutions.
Here are four players the Pirates could consider promoting from Triple-A Indianapolis.
RHP Isaac Mattson
Mattson was with the Pirates to begin the season and posted a 4.12 ERA in 21 appearances before he was optioned on May 20.
Since he was sent down, the right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA in eight appearances. He’s totaled 7.2 innings, allowed two runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts.
Last season, Mattson burst onto the scene and emerged as one of Pittsburgh’s key relief options. In his first extended season as a big-leaguer, the right-hander went 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA across 44 appearances.
Maybe it’s time the Pirates give him another shot.
RHP Antwone Kelly
Kelly, who ranks as Pittsburgh’s seventh-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, was named the Indians Triple-A pitcher of the month for May.
It was a slow start to the season for Kelly, who rebounded in May by going 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in five starts for Indianapolis. His first two appearances in June have both come out of the bullpen, and the 22-year-old has tossed five-scoreless innings with five strikeouts.
On the season, Kelly is 3-4 with a 4.50 ERA across 13 appearances/10 starts. The Pirates added Kelly to their 40-man roster in the offseason, so as with Mattson, they would only need to make a corresponding move to the active roster.
RHP Justin Meis
Unlike the previous two, Meis is not on the Pirates’ 40-man roster, but he’s been performing well with Indianapolis this season.
In 18 relief appearances, the 26-year-old owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He’s only allowed 15 hits and has walked 16 with 27 strikeouts in 30 innings.
Meis has been particularly effective of late. Over his last eight appearances, he has a 0.87 ERA (1er/10.1ip) with a 0.68 WHIP and 12 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .067 batting average.
It would be a homecoming for Meis, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in the suburbs south of the city. The Pirates drafted him out of Eastern Michigan University in the 10th round in 2021.
RHP Beau Burrows
Burrows isn’t on the 40-man roster after re-upping with the Pirates as a non-roster invite for spring training in the offseason.
It’s been a good season with Indianapolis for the right-hander, who is 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA with three saves in 20 appearances. Burrows has totaled 24.2 innings with 15 hits, 10 walks, 20 strikeouts and has held opponents to a .170 batting average.
Burrows, 29, last pitched in the big leagues in 2021. In 11 career appearances between the Tigers and Twins, he is 0-1 with a 10.70 ERA.
Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott were involved in a violent crash this past Sunday during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan when Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled out of a restart on the 148th lap and turned up track, sending him and Bell’s No. 20 Toyota crashing into the outside wall on Turn 4.
"My god, that was the scariest hit I’ve ever seen,” Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota, said over his radio.
Both cars were destroyed, but Elliott and Bell exited their machines under their own power. Elliott later took full ownership for the wreck, saying it was “totally my fault. … It was nothing intentional."
On Tuesday, Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that Bell suffered a fractured left wrist in the accident, but he will remain behind the wheel of the No. 20 car when NASCAR heads to Pocono this Sunday for the Great American Getaway 400 at the tricky triangle.
“After being evaluated and released from the infield care center, Bell returned home to North Carolina where X-rays confirmed the fracture,” JGR said in a statement. “Bell has been cleared and will be behind the wheel of the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE this weekend at Pocono Raceway.”
Bell, who has never missed a Cup Series start since making the jump to NASCAR’s top level full-time in 2020, added his own comments on X.
“Thank you to each and everyone who reached out to check on me, I truly feel the love. I’m grateful for my team of doctors, JGR, NASCAR and all of the previous drivers who have helped pave the way for the safety standards in our sport,” Bell said. “See you in Pocono!”
The 31-year-old from Oklahoma is in his seventh season in NASCAR’s Cup Series and his sixth season racing for Gibbs. He is seen as one of the sport’s consistent championship contenders, having finished inside the top five in the standings in each of the past four seasons.
Bell hasn’t won since taking the checkered flag at Bristol last September, but has five top-five finishes this season and is 10th in the point standings — dropping three spots after his DNF at Michigan. In 2017, Bell won a Truck Series championship driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
His crash at Michigan was one of the hardest ones that NASCAR has seen in its modern era, and that’s not hyperbole. Mike Forde, NASCAR’s vice president of racing communications, put the wreck into context on a recent episode of the podcast "Hauler Talk."
“This was the largest hit we have seen in the Next Gen era, so that’s 2022 on,” Forde said. “Delta-v is the measure of speed lost in an incident. … I can’t give out what the Delta-v number was for Bell. That data is proprietary in a way. … We share that with the team and the driver, and that’s kind of their data to do with what they want.”
From a less scientific perspective, but certainly from the view of someone who has witnessed a whole lot of racing and crashes, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted further to the crash on his podcast this week.
“I don’t believe that I’ve ever seen a car hit the wall harder than Christopher Bell hit on Sunday,” Earnhardt said. “I was terrified about the possibilities of him being injured. … That was just so scary. … I cannot be more thankful for the safety that we have in the cars that allowed those guys to survive that.”
NASCAR has not had a driver die in competition since Dale Earnhardt Sr. was killed on the final lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001.
Following the tragic death of the seven-time Cup Series champion, the sport went through a series of safety reforms, one of which was mandating the use of the HANS (head and neck support) device, a restraint designed to keep the head and shoulders of a driver in place on a frontal impact. In 2003, NASCAR also implemented the SAFER (steel and foam energy reduction) barrier at all of its tracks. Added to the walls around speedways, these barriers reduce G-forces by 30-to-80%, soaking up the impact of crashes and reducing injuries to drivers. NASCAR also made design improvements in seats, belts, helmets and cockpits, and began collecting crash data to continue to make innovations in safety.
Bell and Elliott hit the wall so hard that the red flag came out to stop the race so crews could repair the SAFER barrier that they crashed into.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 9: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox bats in the top of the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 9, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aroldis Chapman was warming up in the top of the ninth inning with the Red Sox down a run just in case he was needed for the bottom half of the frame; but with the way this offense has performed all season, that felt like ownership drawing up World Series parade routes for the fall, just in in case.
Unsurprisingly, the Red Sox went down like church mice for the final three outs to fall to:
11 games under .500 for the first time since 2020
0-27 on the season when trailing by three runs or more at any point in the game
0-35 when trailing after eight innings
Perhaps the most surprising stat to go along with that last bullet is that the Red Sox actually lead all of baseball in runs scored in the ninth inning in 2026 with 40. They just never score when they actually need the runs to tie the game or take the lead. Yes, the offense is bad, but it’s specifically abysmal when the game is on the line in a way that’s all but mathematically impossible.
Tonight was just another verse in the same rancid, repeating song that is the 2026 Red Sox season. The twist on this particular stanza is that the bottom third of the lineup actually performed pretty well while the top six guys when 2-24 with zero walks.
Nowhere was this more evident than in the bottom of the eighth inning when right after a Marcelo Mayer double cut a 4-1 Rays lead to 4-3. In this moment, the first three guys of the inning reached, the top of the order was coming up, and the Rays still had six outs to negotiate before the end of the game. How did the top six guys in the Sox lineup handle the opportunity? They went 0-6 and blew a golden opportunity to avoid all three deadly bullet points above.
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve never seen a team quite like this one. It’s not just that they’re the worse offense in baseball in high leverage situations (batting .214 with a .609 OPS), it’s that they’re 11th in baseball in medium leverage spots to go along with that. For instance, they actually have a higher OPS than the Yankees in medium leverage spots, but are almost 200 points behind them in high leverage situations.
One of the reasons this season feels like such a joyless slog is because there’s never any nights where they randomly come through in a big spot and mix in a comeback win amid the flood of loses and other deficiencies. Those are the beautiful breaths of fresh at the surface that keep you coming back in a season where you’re otherwise drowning. Even most bad teams with bad lineups find a way to sprinkle them in every once in a while, but not this group.
I keep thinking this has to change somewhat just by random chance, but maybe I’m just an idiot. (On a related note, I’ll be going to Boston to catch the games this weekend.)
Three Studs
Marcelo Mayer: One nice thing about tonight is that there’s more signs Marcelo Mayer’s new toe tap might be paying dividends. Not only did he follow up yesterday’s home run with a big eighth inning double, but he also had a nice at bat in the third inning with a runner in scoring position where despite making an out, he got the ball in play with 107mph exit velocity.
Caleb Durbin: 1-3 at the plate, and he also flashed some leather with this wonderful double play in the field in the first inning, which felt really important in the moment:
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: The only man in the Red Sox lineup with a multi-hit game, which is pretty much an automatic ticket into the stud section of the game wrap in 2026.
Five Duds
Ceddanne Rafaela: 0-4 with the lowest WPA in the lineup tonight.
Willson Contreras: 0-4 with the second lowest WPA.
Masataka Yoshida: 0-4 with the third lowest WPA (and boy has he looked awful over the last month).
Mickey Gasper: 0-4 with the fourth lowest WPA.
Together, these four went 0-16 and had a -0.58 WPA.
NESN: They didn’t get back in time from commercial to show the first pitch of the bottom of the third inning. Under no circumstance can this be allowed to slide!
After winning the Champions League for the second time, Paris Saint-Germain begins to relax and talk about matters related to the next transfer window.
With summer also comes changes for the Parisian club, and one of them could be the possible departure of central midfielder Kang-In Lee.
Relegated to a much less prominent role this season, Lee could find more playing time at another club in Europe, as several clubs already have him in their sights.
For some years, Atletico Madrid has wanted to sign the South Korean; in fact, its interest dates back to 2023, when Lee was still with his former Spanish club, RCD Mallorca.
Although they tried to sign him in the winter of that year, nothing materialized because the Colchoneros had other priorities, so Lee signed with PSG later.
Lee had a very good participation in the 2024/2025 season, being accepted by the fans very easily, but his moment to shine has been fading little by little, and now he has stopped appearing in the starting lineup; in fact, he did not even have playing minutes in this year's Champions League final.
Despite this inconvenience, Lee won two Champions League titles with PSG, and rumors say the 25-year-old now wants a change of scenery.
According to information from Mundo Deportivo, the CEO of Atletico Madrid, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and the professional soccer director want to have Lee on the Spanish team, a desire that remains valid now that things look different in Paris for the South Korean.
Kang-In Lee, in the 2025/2026 season, played 43 matches, contributing five goals and four assists, lower statistics than last season.
But the young player is known not only for moving well through the center of the field but also for having a large fan base in his home country.
Since Lee joined PSG, the Parisian club's jersey and merchandise sales have skyrocketed compared to before, so by having the central midfielder on its team, Atletico Madrid will also gain support from South Korean fans.
Having already been at a Spanish club, things are easier for him because Lee speaks almost perfect Spanish, and he also already knows that Atletico is after him, and he has admitted that it is a team he really likes.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs is already done and dusted. However, fans continue to talk about it, particularly Victor Wembanyama shoving Jalen Brunson. A new angle of the incident surfaced after the matchup, but it still causes a stir.
Although unclear, the clip showed that the superstar guard may have pulled Wembanyama’s jersey, prompting the center to retaliate with a push.
Dusty Garza posted the video on X. Viewers have watched it more than five million times, generating hundreds of reactions.
“Wemby is getting held all game and then when he reacts, people want him tossed. If refs were calling the holds, he wouldn’t be as frustrated. KAT especially is holding,” one fan said.
“But when the spurs hold jerseys, no one tosses them violently. What gives spurs fans?” a user wrote.
“It was obvious frustration. He can do better but that kid gets a lot of nonsense thrown his way,” posted another.
“Wemby over reacted to that! He could’ve got Brunson seriously injured, or got himself ejected out of the game for this… “Jersey grabbing” is not something new especially at that level, Wemby himself does it,” a reaction read.
“I don’t think people realize how much Brunson flops. He tries on almost every play. He moves unnaturally trying to look like he gets fouled. He’s Passive Aggressive SGA,” one fan commented.
“Yeah except everyone is doing it so it is not unique to Brunson. Not saying you are implying that,” a comment read.
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks on in the second half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Jalen Brunson vs. Victor Wembanyama Game 3 stats
Brunson scored 32 points on 11-for-25 shooting, along with five rebounds and five assists. He once again made clutch baskets and set up teammates for crucial baskets late in the game. The three-time All-Star’s big plays kept the Knicks in the game and gave them a chance to win.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama also scored 32 points and amassed eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Stephon Castle backed him with 23 points, helping San Antonio secure a 115-111 victory.
Wembanyama and Co. are looking to build on their Game 2 performance by tying the series 2-2 on Wednesday. If they do, they’ll return home back to square one and regain home court advantage.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 09: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes lays on the ice after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period of Game Four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by RJ Forbus/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Jordan Staal had two goals including an iconic moment that old time hockey fans will recognize, The Hurricanes survived another rough second period, Brandon Bussi got his first playoff start and win, and Carolina will hop the plane back to Raleigh with the Stanley Cup Final tied at two.
Rod Brind’Amour had managed to keep his decision of starting goalie under wraps for the last two days, even joking with the media about it when he was asked. Players wouldn’t bite, and neither would Bussi as the only goalie who would speak to the media. However, when the Canes skated out to warm up not only was Brandon Bussi starting, but for the first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Pyotr Kochetkov dressed and was the backup. During the game, Brind’Amour explained to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that playing Kochetkov as backup was about giving Andersen “a full amount of rest.”
Quickly the story of the game shifted from who was between the pipes to the puck once again getting into the net. For the second game this series, the Hurricanes quickly skated out to a 2-0 lead. The first goal came with only about a minute gone from the game, as Logan Stankoven was able to take a shot from Jalen Chatfield that bounced off the wall behind the goal and easily backhand the puck behind Carter Hart.
Carolina kept pushing, and it led to a quick penalty on Vegas. Shea Theodore was sent to the box for tripping Taylor Hall, and Carolina’s resurgent Power Play controlled the action during those two minutes. With the penalty winding down, Vegas made a poor clearing attempt that saw the puck get back in the hands of Alexander Nikishin. Nikishin quickly passed it back to Nikolaj Ehlers, who whipped it over to Hall. Hall then skated in front of Hart and with Hart paying too much attention to the puck, Hall whipped it over to Jackson Blake. Blake burried the shot in the open net and Carolina was again off to their 2-0 lead.
Just like the other games, though, the action wouldn’t calm down and despite making a couple of great stops, Vegas would eventually get one back thanks to Mark Stone and a bad change by the Canes. Stone did what several Golden Knights have done this series, sit at the blue line and wait for a chance to streak in and was able to out wait Bussi. After that, though, Bussi would stop the rest of the shots in the period, while the Canes would get another Power Play with a Vegas too many men penalty. This one was just Jordan Staal being big in front of Hart. Shayne Gostisbehere shot it on net and Staal was able to get the rebound from Hart and stuff it back in.
Carolina would have to kill a penalty at the end of the first, and Vegas would get a puck past Bussi at the end of the period—but the clock had clearly hit 0.0 before the puck even entered the paint, let alone clear the line. Carolina took a 3-1 lead to the locker room with a 14-6 lead on shots.
Unfortunately for Carolina their second period woes carried over even with a different goalie in net. The good news for the Hurricanes is that they ended the period tied at three instead of trailing like they had in others. The bad news was that once again Vegas just completely dominated play during the period. The Golden Knights set the tone early with the Mitch Marner line scoring again. This time, Marner was able to draw the Carolina defense deep behind Bussi, which left the rest of the team scrambling. That eventally led to William Karlsson being all alone as Stankoven had lost him, and Karlsson blasted the shot by Bussi. Carolina would get a Power Play that was easily their worst of the game, and then Vegas would dominate the Canes on a late power play that did everything but score. Like other times in this series, that Power Play gave Vegas momentum, and about 30 seconds after it finished Brett Howden shot it between K’Andre Miller’s legs and over Bussi’s shoulder.
The second period ended tied, and somehow Carolina ended with more shots than the Golden Knights, but much like Game 1 when the Canes hit the locker room, they found themselves tied with Las Vegas. But as much as Vegas has dominated the second period, the Hurricanes have dominated the third, and that script played out again with a goal that can only be described as iconic.
Vegas started the period trying to reverse the trend, dominating play, but the defense was able to block shots and Bussi made a few key saves. Then Carolina flipped the script and what can only be described as a grinding play, Seth Jarvis was able to get loose and get a breakaway. Hart made the initial stop, but the chaos threw Vegas all out of sorts as three players collapsed on Jarvis to try and recover the puck. Instead the puck rolled over to Ehlers, who flexed a pass over to Staal. At the same moment Staal was legally pushed down, but he perfectly timed swinging his stick as he was going down to direct the puck past Hart and give the Canes a 4-3 lead.
The goal evoked memories of Bobby Orr 56 years ago, a goal so iconic a statue of it sits in front of the home of the Boston Bruins.
From there, Vegas would push but Carolina’s defense held firm in perhaps their most complete effort of the Cup Final so far. The Golden Knights would pull Hart with a little under two minutes left, but Carolina held firm and then it was their turn for a good bounce off the boards. Nikolaj Ehlers would simply try to clear the puck, but it bounced off the wall, and as Vegas had collapsed to try and score, they were unable to get to the puck in time as it trickled into the empty net.
The horn would sound and Carolina claimed a 5-3 victory. Vegas actually outshot Carolina 9-5 in that period, but the Canes would win the period 2-0.
There’s no rest for either team as they’ll hop on a plane and head back to Raleigh. Game Five will be in Lenovo Center Thursday Night at 8 PM. Don’t expect any answers about who’ll be in goal for Carolina before then, and what is being called one of the best Stanley Cup Final series in history will go at least six games. No doubt the arena that Ray Ferraro called the loudest he’s been in will be dialed up even higher.
A ticketed Madison Square Garden watch party will take place for Game 4, Mayor Mamdani announced.
In a tweet, Mamdani urged New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly.
"As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence," he wrote, and added, "Knicks in 5."
NEW YORK: We’re back outside the Garden.
We have approved a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4. More details soon.
As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence.
Be safe,…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 9, 2026
After the team's loss on Monday night, Knicks fans spilled out of Bryant Park onto neighboring streets, sparking fights resulting in 21 arrests.
The area outside MSG will see similar security measures to those in place for Game 3, with the NYPD saying 1,000 ticketed attendees will be allowed at the watch party, and everyone will be screened.
In response, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. called Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch "New York City's biggest party poopers" in a statement Tuesday.
"We now know these restrictions were never about the President - it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate," the statement said.
Knicks owner James Dolan is a friend and longtime supporter of Trump.
During the conference finals last month, the NYPD announced it would not support watch parties outside the arena, citing "very rough" crowds as a public safety threat.
But that decision, which ultimately rests with the mayor's office, was later reversed after the Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
More details about watch parties in New York City will be released on the Knicks website.
The NYPD security plan for Game 4 outside Madison Square Garden are listed below:
Watch Party:
New York City approved a permit for a ticketed watch party outside of Madison Square Garden at Plaza33. This will be a ticketed watch party and Madison Square Garden will provide more information on registering for that event. You must have a ticket to attend the watch party and everyone attending will be screened. Watch party attendees may only enter through the access point on the west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street. If you attempt to go to one of the other screening locations, you will be turned away and directed to the screening location on the west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street. If you leave the designated area of the watch party, there will be no reentry. There will also be watch parties at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl.
Security Perimeter and Access Points:
There will be a security perimeter established around Madison Square Garden as there was on Monday night (as the Police Commissioner said there would be for Game 4 at the press conference on Monday). That perimeter will run from West 29th Street to West 35th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue. Within that perimeter, beginning at 4pm, Seventh Avenue between West 29th Street and West 35th Street will be closed to vehicular and general pedestrian traffic. Eighth Avenue will be open to vehicular traffic, but is subject to traffic closure if conditions necessitate a closure. Unless you are going to the game or have business specific to that area, pedestrians should avoid this area. Starting at 4pm, no one will be allowed inside the secure area unless they have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business (restaurant or bar) inside the area, live in the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there. Everyone entering the secure area will be screened. Screening locations will be open starting at 4:30pm. Please make sure you arrive early to allow enough time to get through the security points. If you have reason to be in the secure area (as listed above), you can enter at one of four designated entry points where screening will occur. Those entry points will be located on: West side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street West side of Sixth Avenue at West 32nd Street West side of Eighth Avenue at West 33rd Street Northeast corner of Eighth Avenue and West 30th Street Businesses inside the perimeter, including bars and restaurants between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, and those between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, will be allowed to operate with strict capacity limits. If you plan to frequent one of those locations, you will need to be screened at a security checkpoint. The NYPD will help facilitate access to those businesses. Please remember that certain items will not be permitted inside the secure area, including backpacks, bags, alcohol, or umbrellas. The only exception is for travelers entering Penn Station, who will be allowed to carry bags needed for travel, but are subject to security screening.
Exiting Madison Square Garden:
Fans leaving Madison Square Garden after the game will be able to access public transit at Penn Station. If you are leaving the area by foot or car, you will exit the arena onto Seventh Avenue or Eighth Avenue. If you exit onto Eighth Avenue, you will only be able to walk southbound on the east side of Eighth Avenue until you reach 28th Street. East and west egress from Eighth Avenue will only be possible starting at 28th Street. If you exit onto Seventh Avenue, you can either walk southbound on the west side of Seventh Avenue until you reach 28th Street or you can walk eastbound on 32nd Street until you reach Sixth Avenue. If you are planning to take a taxi or another ride after the game, you will only be able to access vehicles starting at West 28th Street and Eighth Avenue, West 28th Street and Seventh Avenue, or West 32nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
Moynihan Train Hall/Penn Station:
For access to transportation at Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station, including Amtrak, LIRR, and the subway, please use the entrances to Moynihan Station on the west side of Eighth Avenue at 31st and 33rd Streets, which will be outside of the secure area. We do not anticipate any service changes or disruptions as a result of the security plan.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs tips off at 8:30 p.m. You can watch the game on ABC 7. Pre-game coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. The Knicks lead the series 2-1.
Cubs 2026 regular season record wearing various uniforms
White pinstripe: 18-12 Chicago Blues: 2-3 Blue alternate: 7-5 Road gray: 7-13
Cubs 2026 spring training record: 14-18 (14-17 Spring Training, 0-1 WBC exhibition) Al’s 2026 spring training record: 7-8 (7-7 Spring Training, 0-1 WBC exhibition)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 09: Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) is congratulated by Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (44) after making a defensive play to end the fourth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians on June 9, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Cleveland Guardians fell to the New York Yankees, again, tonight. Dropping game two in this series gives New York the series win and puts the Guardians five games above .500.
Slade Cecconi had a strong outing and is looking like he is hitting a groove. Cecconi went 5.0 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. He struck out two batters.
The Guardians scored 2 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks. Both runs came in the bottom of the third inning.
With two quick outs to start the inning, José Ramírez hit a single to center, then reached second on his 24th stolen base of the season. Chase DeLuter singled to center, scoring José from second. Kyle Manzardo drew a walk and Rhys Hoskins was hit by pitch to load them up. Angel Martínez singled to Paul Goldschmidt at first base who made a diving catch. Goldschmidt lobbed the ball to the pitcher with just enough arch that Angel was able to slide into first and beat out the tag.
In the top of the fourth, Travis Bazzana made a great sliding catch to end the inning.
The Guards bullpen did their best to hold it down, all things considering. Colin Holderman walked a batter in his inning of work. Tim Herrin gave up a run in his second inning of work, a solo shot to Jazz Chisolm Jr. He fell to 0-2 on the season, recording the loss. The home run was the only hit he allowed. Matt Festa finished the eighth inning, allowing only one other hit. Shawn Armstrong closed the game, keeping the Yankees at bay, but the damage was already done
This team is going through a funk that seems like it could be easily fixed with a couple of pieces or strategic moves. Tonight they left 13 runners on base and were 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. While the hot start to this season is providing the buffer they need for these sorts of slumps, something needs to improve soon or the White Sox will be taking ahold of first place in the AL Central before we know it.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 20: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates following the team's victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
For the second time in as many months, Juventus and a goalkeeper from one of the top teams in the Premier League look set to agree to personal terms. But a lot like the first time around, that doesn’t mean things are suddenly close to seeing the Bianconeri secure their new starting goalkeeper well ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Regardless, multiple reports out of Italy on Tuesday night say that Juventus are either close to finalizing a contract for Martinez or, like Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, have agreed to personal terms on a deal and are getting “increasingly close” to potentially signing the 33-year-old Argentine goalkeeper who is coming off winning the Europa League with Aston Villa last month. Tuttosport also says that an agreement on a contract has been reached, while La Gazzetta dello Sport says that Aston Villa is asking in the neighborhood of €15 million for Martinez this summer.
Italian transfer reporter Nico Schira says Juve have offered Martinez a three-year contract through 2029 worth €5.5 million net per season. According to previous reports, Martinez makes around €7 million net at Aston Villa and has a contract that currently runs through 2029.
According to Di Marzio, Martinez “believes that Juve is the perfect choice to end an already trophy-laden career.”
With Liverpool’s Alisson Becker now out of the picture after the Merseyside club wouldn’t budge when it came to letting him leave this summer, Martinez has emerged as Juventus’ top choice to fill the request of manager Luciano Spalletti for a new starting goalkeeper following a 2025-26 season in which Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin struggled for much of the campaign. Martinez has been rumored to potentially be on the way out at Aston Villa both this summer window and last, with this year looking like it could very well be the time he heads out and the Champions League-bound Villains usher in a new era in goal.
Martinez has been at Aston Villa since 2020 and has recorded over 200 appearances with the club.
But, exactly like with Alisson, personal terms is only a step in the negotiation process. Juventus and Aston Villa have reportedly been in contact, but it’s unsure where things stand in terms of negotiations between the two clubs. Di Marzio did say, interestingly, that “It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa will release him for free or whether an agreement on the fee will need to be reached.”
Juventus have not yet submitted an official bid for Martinez, according to Schira.
AUBURN — The 88,034 people that filled the stands of Jordan-Hare Stadium had been calling for Argentina's Lionel Messi on multiple occasions after it was announced that he wasn't in the starting lineup in the World Cup friendly against Iceland.
The chantings prevailed after Messi entered the match at the 70th minute on Tuesday, June 9, after a cooling break to an eruption of cheers that shook the air across campus.
Two minutes into Messi's playing time on the pitch of Pat Dye Field, he delivered a well-timed looping pass that drew a foul inside of the goalie's box, forcing a penalty kick.
None other than Messi lined up for the penalty kick for Argentina. He took two steps with his left foot before a brief hesitation, then booted the ball to the upper right corner of the goal. After spending 70 minutes on the bench for Argentina, Messi only needed two minutes to increase the lead over Iceland.
Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.
Jun 9, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) looks to pass against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) during the 2nd period in game four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jordan Staal scored his second goal of the game while stretched out on his stomach at 6:32 of the third period to put the Carolina Hurricanes ahead for good in their 5-3 victory on Tuesday night over the Vegas Golden Knights and even the Stanley Cup Final after four games.
Game 5 is Thursday night at Carolina, which will potentially have two games on home ice to win its first Cup in two decades. The Golden Knights are searching for their second in four years.
This was the first game not decided by one goal.
A two-goal lead has disappeared in all four games in what has been a remarkable series in which momentum often changes at a moment’s notice. Each team has led by at least that many twice.
The 33 combined goals are tied for the third highest in a Cup final.
Staal became the first player in 44 years to score at least one goal in each of the first four games of the final and the ninth overall. Mike Bossy in 1982 with the New York Islanders against the Vancouver Canucks was the last player to score in the first four games of a final.
Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, Logan Stankoven scored a goal.
Brandon Bussi started in place of Frederik Andersen in goal and made 18 saves. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour told ABC that Andersen, who did not dress, needed the rest. Pyotr Kochetkov was the backup goalie with Andersen serving as the emergency goaltender.
“Let (Andersen) rest,” Brind’Amour said. “Give him as many days here as we can.”
Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden scored goals for the Golden Knights, and Carter Hart made 23 saves. Karlsson also had an assist.
The Hurricanes outplayed the Golden Knights in the period, outshooting Vegas 14-6. But the Golden Knights, according to Natural Stat Trick, had four high-danger chances to three for Carolina.
The difference was the Hurricanes took advantage of their chances.
Brind’Amour replaced Andersen with Bussi trailing 4-0 after two periods in Game 2 on Saturday, and he saved the first 18 shots he faced as the Hurricanes mounted a furious rally. Bussi failed to save the 19th shot when Theodore knocked the puck off the boards and it bounced off Bussi’s skate for a Golden Knights victory.
The Philadelphia Phillies could use a boost in the outfield and the Los Angeles Angels are a team that is having a bad season and has an outfielder worth looking into.
Angels superstar Mike Trout would be the perfect target for the Phillies. It doesn't hurt that he's from around the area as well. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller pitched a mock trade that both sides should be all over.
"The Trade: Los Angeles Angels send CF Mike Trout to Philadelphia Phillies for RHP Gage Wood and CF Justin Crawford," Miller wrote. How Realistic Are We Talking? Now roughly two-thirds of the way through his 12-year, $426.5M contract, what we've consistently heard about Mike Trout is that he's perfectly happy in Anaheim and would be unlikely to waive his no-trade clause if the Angels ever came to him with a proposal.
"However, what we also know about Trout is that he's a Jersey kid who grew up as a huge Phillies fan. If he's going to go anywhere in pursuit of a ring, Philadelphia seems the likeliest destination, by far. And the Phillies could certainly use some outfield help."
Now, it would be pretty surprising to see Trout on the move. But if any team would make sense for him, it would be the Phillies.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal chose the simple approach to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with Carolina trailing in the best-of-seven series.
With the game tied at 3 in the third period, Staal’s sprawling backhand shot while in mid-air with 13:29 left beat Vegas' Carter Hart and found the back of the net for his second score of the game, and it held up as the winner in the 5-3 victory.
The series is tied at 2 and returns to Carolina for Game 5 on Thursday.
Staal, who has five goals in the series, became the first player since Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders in 1982 to score a goal in each of the first four games of the final.
Staal also tied the second-longest playoff goal streak in franchise history, behind teammate Logan Stankoven, who set the record at five earlier this postseason.
Staal has 11 points in these playoffs, including seven goals.
After receiving One UI 8.5, you may have been waiting for the Android 17-based One UI 9, but you shouldn’t miss trying an epic feature on your Samsung Galaxy. The feature is an AI-powered Photo Assist that upgraded the Creative Studio.
Samsung pushed One UI 9 Beta to Galaxy S26 series in six countries. The Beta Program will likely stay exclusive to the 2026 flagships for now. The company might expand its availability, probably after the official reveal in July.
AI Creative Studio
Samsung’s AI-powered Creative Studio feature is now even easier to use in One UI 8.5. The new software has made a minor change that makes a big impact. The accessibility has been improved through the Apps screen listing.
Once tied to Photo Assist, the Creative Studio is now available like a standalone app. Launch the Apps screen on your Galaxy and open the Creative Studio.
Samsung describes Creative Studio in One UI 8.5 as:
Creative Studio is now available on the Apps screen for easier access. You can use creative studio to create custom wallpapers, unique stickers, and personalized profile images that you can use throughout on your phone.
Samsung’s next-gen Creative Studio lets you create stunning images, transform photos, design stickers, and make wallpapers using AI-powered tools.
4 things you can do with Creative Studio:
Create a brand new image
Transform a current photo
Create a Sticker
Create wallpaper
Follow these steps to explore its full potential:
Create image and Transform a current photo
Open Creative Studio and choose a style, then type a description > Generate.
Inside Creative Studio, tap Add image, add style or image description > Generate.
Create a sticker or wallpaper
You will find a dedicated Design studio within Creative Studio, which lets you create stickers and wallpapers.
Create sticker: Add image or Add sketch > type Description and choose Style theme > Generate.
Tap Add sketch or image > Type description > Generate.
Since the feature works on artificial intelligence, results may not be up to the mark. However, Samsung has made editing image creation simpler in One UI 8.5. You can view edits made during the creation and re-edit the entire creation.
The gap between idea and execution has always been the cruelest part of building anything. You can see it, but you just can’t touch it. Paris Hilton just demonstrated why that gap might finally be closing with Gemini on Android.
Google tapped Hilton as Android’s first “icon in residence,” a title that sounds like marketing but turns out to be something more interesting.
The setup: drop Paris Hilton into a custom-built space at Google’s campus, pair her with Gemini on Android, and see what happens when someone with zero engineering background tries to actually build Android apps.
Using Canvas inside Gemini, Hilton created Iconic Ideas, a productivity tool she describes as matching the way her ADHD brain processes information.
Three conversational exchanges with an AI, and she had something functional taking shape on screen, pink and sparkly by personal demand.
I used Canvas in Gemini to create a custom productivity app, Iconic Ideas, a tool inspired by the way my mind works. After just three prompts in Canvas, I could already see the app taking shape!
I didn’t have to write code. I described a vision, and Gemini bridged the gap between the idea in my head and an app I could actually use.
She’s describing a genuine shift in who the software creation pipeline belongs to. For decades, building technology meant hiring someone who spoke a language you didn’t.
Hilton brought young women from the YMCA and Altadena Girls to Google’s campus for an Android innovation challenge. One teenager built an app helping girls walk home safely, sharing location with parents and flagging hazards on the route.
After five years of development, a 3D Killer Bean game for PC has finally arrived on Steam as an open-world action shooter. The game entered Early Access on June 8. While officially priced at $14.99, the game is currently available for purchase at $11.99, thanks to a 20% launch discount.
Microsoft hopes to rejuvenate hardware sales, but the Series X and S can strain budgets. In a recent interview, CEO Asha Sharma alluded to a more affordable Xbox console in 2026. The storage and memory shortage also threatens to inflate the Project Helix price without a solution.
Samsung is currently working on the Galaxy A18 4G, in fact the company is already developing test firmware for the device as you can see in the screenshot below which originates on Samsung's test server for Europe.
The phone will have the model number SM-A185F. Interestingly, because Samsung is using the SHA256 hash for these builds instead of the older MD5 format, the Galaxy A18 4G may launch with One UI 9 on board from day one.
If that's the case, then it will only get official in late summer or in the fall, since One UI 9 is expected to make its debut next month on the company's...
Lionel Messi jumped on the field, and in just three minutes, scored from the penalty spot against Iceland to extend Argentina's lead in their last friendly prior to the World Cup.
Lionel Messi started the match against Iceland off the bench as part of a careful strategy by head coach Lionel Scaloni to manage his workload and avoid any potential injury setbacks ahead of the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. However, it took the superstar just minutes after stepping onto the pitch to make his mark, extending Argentina‘s lead from the penalty spot.
Entering the match in the second half immediately following the cooling break in the 70th minute, Messi quickly asserted himself by controlling possession in midfield and slipping a clinical through ball to Lautaro Martinez. Finding himself one-on-one with Elias Olafsson, the striker saw his initial effort nearing the post but managed to draw a penalty after being brought down by the rushing goalkeeper.
On just his fourth touch of the match, Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Olafsson guessed the correct side, the Inter Miami star slotted a precise finish into the top right corner just out of the keeper’s reach. With the conversion, the forward doubled Argentina’s advantage just two minutes after his introduction.
Con la primera pelota de Messi en el juego… ¡PENAL PARA ARGENTINA! ⚽❗
Lo cobra Messi, Argentina aumenta la ventaja 2-0 ante Islandia en el amistoso. pic.twitter.com/HztiSby31x
With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. His impact didn’t stop there, either; the captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory just one week before their World Cup debut.
Messi breaks 69-year-old record with Argentina
Messi has already claimed countless records throughout his legendary career for both club and country, and he stands a chance to shatter even more during the 2026 World Cup. Yet, even before the tournament officially kicks off, the talismanic forward has already rewritten the history books by eclipsing an international milestone that had stood for nearly seven decades.
By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team. The legendary playmaker now claims sole possession of the record at 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old.
The historic benchmark was originally established by iconic striker Angel Labruna back on July 7, 1957, and for the last 69 years, no one had been able to dethrone him until now. The legendary River Plate forward had set the record during a 2-1 friendly victory over bitter rivals Brazil, scoring at the age of 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days old.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring against Zambia.
Former Real Madrid an Juventus teammate Danilo praised the Portugal legend claiming that "people think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy."
Cristiano Ronaldo has left his mark on every single club he’s played for, influencing not only the fans but also his own teammates with his unwavering dedication. Reflecting on his time playing alongside him, Brazilian defender Danilo praised the Portugal legend and pushed back against the myth surrounding him, claiming that “people think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy.“
While reflecting on legendary locker room figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini during his time at Juventus in an interview with The Athletic, Danilo addressed about how Ronaldo was like as a teammate: “I’d played with him at Madrid (too). In Turin, he was more experienced but still scoring a lot of goals, still professional all the time. He pushed you, made you perform at your best in training, in games.“
First at Real Madrid and later at Juventus, Danilo had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Ronaldo across two different clubs, lifting major silverware together including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 UEFA Champions League titles. Yet, beyond his game-winning performances on the pitch, it was Ronaldo’s daily intensity in training that truly made his presence felt.
The Brazilian full-back then offered some insight into the contrast between Ronaldo’s public persona and the man his teammates knew. “People think Cristiano is like an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy who would laugh and have a good time with his family. But of course, Cristiano lives for football, in almost everything that he does, to be better every day,” Danilo added.
Danilo (R) of Juventus FC celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (L) after scoring the opening goal.
Now 34 years old and playing out the twilight of his career with Flamengo, Danilo still managed to secure a spot on Brazil’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti holds Danilo in high regard, valuing the veteran right-back’s leadership qualities and tournament experience even if he is no longer at the absolute peak of his physical powers.
Having shared a locker room with one of the greatest players ever and now playing under one of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Danilo drew a striking parallel between the two: “Ancelotti is like Cristiano. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.“
Ronaldo’s lasting impact on Danilo
Upon arriving at Juventus in 2019, Danilo spent two more seasons alongside Ronaldo before the forward’s high-profile return to Manchester United in 2021. Even so, that window was more than enough for the Brazilian to forge a tight bond with the Portugal captain, leading to a heartfelt send-off when Ronaldo departed Italy.
In a past Instagram post, the veteran defender dedicated a special message to his longtime teammate: “It was a pleasure to share two successful years with you, and also to learn from you every day how to be stronger in every situation, to be a fighter and to be extremely professional! Thanks for the friendship that we have made during this time. I wish you all the best for the next step. Keep making people happy!“
Among the surprising teams that did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup can be Cameroon as they failed their task.
There will be some notable absences at the 2026 World Cup, and Cameroon are one of the surprises missing from the tournament. Even with all the history Cameroon have in this competition, they failed to qualify.
The national team that represents Cameroon finished second in their final-round group. Only the winners of each of the nine groups qualified directly, with the best four runners-up heading to a playoff for a place in the intercontinental matches.
Their 19 points in 10 matches were behind Cape Verde’s 23, but enough for the next round. This brief playoff of four teams saw them eliminated in the semifinals against DR Congo, who ended up qualifying after an extra-time victory over Jamaica in the interconfederation playoff.
Cameroon’s World Cup history
This country has mostly been seen as a tough rival for anyone, as it is the African team with the most World Cup participations. Their total of eight appearances began in 1982 and gave them the record.
Milla remains an icon of the sport beyond just Cameroon (Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images for Golden Foot)
In the last editions, they have been plagued by inconsistency after qualifying, which can be seen in how early they returned from the competition, with only one run beyond the group stage.
They were especially notable in 1990, not just because of the presence of Roger Milla, who was 38 years old and had his famous celebrations, but also for defeating the defending champions Argentina in their opening match and putting themselves on the map for casual fans.
The best performance
Getting out of the group only once means that is their best performance, but it was not just a good one. Cameroon’s run in 1990 should remain in the history books for everything they did after their first match. They were able to reach the round of 16, where they beat Colombia with two Milla goals in extra time. This was followed by a 3-2 defeat to England in the quarterfinals also after extra time.
The Jetour T2 breaks into the South African Top 10 in May.
New vehicle sales in South Africa sign an incredible 19th consecutive month of year-on-year gains in May at +12.8% to 51,071 units. This is the biggest May volume in 13 years: since the 53,997 sales of May 2013. Toyota (+3.3%) retains the brands top spot with 20.9%, albeit lower than the 22.3% it commands year-to-date. Suzuki (+0.2%) is stable at #2 ahead of a very dynamic Volkswagen Group (+15.6%). Hyundai (-6.1%) is in difficulty while Ford (stable) rounds out the Top 5. GWM (+25.9%) and Chery (+28.8%) post fantastic gains but are not as impressive as Jetour (+225.8%) reaching record volumes (2,020) and share (4%). Omoda/Jaecoo (+48.2%) and Stellantis (+26.5%) also shine below.
Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (-3.9%) delvers another win just before its generation changeover, and distances the VW Polo Vivo (+51.3%) now ahead of the Ford Ranger (-3.4%) year-to-date. The Chery Tiggo 4 (+64.1%) repeats at #4, a ranking it now also holds YTD. Solid performances also by the GWM Haval Jolion (+20.8%) and Hyundai Grand i10 (+19%). The event of the month is the Jetour T2 breaking into the Top 10 for the first time at #10. Notice also the GWM P-Series (+98%), Ford Territory (+80.7%) and VW Amarok (+47.9%) with the Jetour T1 cracking the Top 30 at #29.
BMW is the best-selling brand in Luxembourg in May.
The Luxembourg new car market edges down -3% year-on-year in May to 3,939 units, yet the year-to-date tally remains in positive at +1.5% to 21,416. This month BMW (+4%) snaps the brands top spot for the first time since last July, selling just 10 units more than Volkswagen (-9.5%) which remains #1 year-to-date. Mercedes (-9.5%) is also down one spot on April to #3, distancing Skoda (+5.4%) and Audi (-22.1%). Tesla (+147.9%) is the best performer in the Top 25 and climbs back up 11 ranks on last month to #10 and 3% share. Kia (+24%) and Renault (+11.6%) also defy the negative market in the remainder of the Top 10. Other impressive gainers include Seat (+96.7%), Alfa Romeo (+60.7%) and MG (+46.2%).
Seven years is a long time in the speaker world. Marshall‘s Stockwell II launched when AirPods were still new, and Spotify hadn’t yet crossed 100 million subscribers. Now the Stockwell III is here, and Marshall has used that time well.
The new portable Bluetooth speaker keeps everything that made the Stockwell line recognizable — the guitar amp-inspired look, the metal mesh grille, the brass control panel, the velvet-lined strap handle that feels like it belongs on a guitar case. But underneath that familiar retro shell, this is a meaningfully different product.
Marshall Stockwell III Specifications
The biggest upgrade is battery life. The Stockwell III can deliver over 40 hours of runtime, up from roughly 20 on its predecessor. It charges via USB-C and can power other devices, so it doubles as a battery pack when you need it.
Marshall has also bumped durability up to an IP55 rating, meaning it can handle dust and splashes without drama. The audio side gets True Stereophonic technology for 360-degree sound, plus dynamic loudness processing that tries to keep bass, mids, and treble balanced as you push the volume up or dial it down. There’s a dedicated M-button on the top panel for presets and track controls alongside the standard playback buttons.
The most thoughtful addition, though, might be repairability. The Stockwell III ships with a user-replaceable battery, carry strap, grilles, silicone sleeve, and carrying case, parts you can actually swap yourself.
And the timing isn’t surprising. The EU is mandating that consumer electronics use replaceable batteries starting early next year, and Marshall is getting ahead of it.
The Stockwell III is available in black and brass or cream, priced at $249.99 in the US.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
At a time when most candybar smartphones look nearly identical from the front, Huawei continues to experiment with new form factors. The company helped popularize the wider book-style foldable design, a direction that Xiaomi and Apple are now exploring for its more practical aspect ratio. According to recent leaks, Huawei also sees potential in bringing that concept to a traditional slab smartphone with a wider, tablet-like display. The device is reportedly expected to arrive after the Mate 90 series, potentially before the end of 2026.
The leaks suggest Huawei is testing a 16:10 display with a 2K-class resolution, giving the phone a noticeably wider screen than most current flagships. While foldables have explored similar proportions, this would bring the concept to a conventional smartphone form factor.
Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station recently claimed to have seen an engineering prototype and described the device as surprisingly thin and lightweight despite its larger footprint. Details about the final design remain unclear, including the shape of the rear camera module.
On the camera side, Huawei is reportedly testing a 50MP primary sensor with a large 1/1.3-inch format, paired with a 50MP periscope telephoto camera and a multispectral sensor. If those specifications make it to production, the device could sit firmly in flagship territory and continue Huawei’s focus on advanced mobile photography.
Power is expected to come from a next-generation Kirin 9000 series chipset and a 7,000mAh battery.
For now, the device is still believed to be in development, so specifications could change before launch. Even so, the idea of a wide-screen candybar flagship would give Huawei something genuinely different in a market where most smartphones look increasingly similar.
According to a fresh leak, the Galaxy A27 is expected to launch in Europe at €349 for the base 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. If you want the higher-end 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model, that’ll set you back €439.
To put that into perspective, the Galaxy A26 launched at €299 and €369 for the same configurations. That means buyers are looking at a €50 increase on the entry model and a €70 jump on the top variant.
Whether that bump feels justified will depend on what Samsung is actually delivering.
Samsung Galaxy A27
As per rumors, the Samsung Galaxy A27 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ display, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 replacing the Exynos 1380 on its predecessor, a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP front shooter, and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W wired charging.
None of these specs scream upgrade if we take the price hike in consideration. In fact, the ultrawide camera is said to drop to just 5MP from 8MP, and microSD card support appears to be gone entirely as well.
So why is Samsung increasing the price? Due to hike in memory prices, folks. Existing phones from several brands have already gone up in price, as a result, its no surprise that the new models will be expensive too.
A launch is expected sometime between June and August 2026. As with most Samsung releases, promotional pricing or carrier deals could soften the blow once the phone hits shelves.
Xiaomi has unveiled a new smart home gadget that tries to replace several appliances at once. Called the Mijia Instant Hot Water Dispenser (Ice Maker), it’s part water dispenser, part ice maker, part kettle, and even works as a thermos-style hot water station.
Xiaomi has also made installation fairly flexible. If you already have a water purifier at home, the machine can connect directly to it for automatic refilling. If not, there’s a removable 2.6-liter water tank that can be filled manually. That should make it easier to place in a kitchen, office, or even a living room without worrying about plumbing.
The ice-making system sounds surprisingly capable as well. According to Xiaomi, the machine can produce a batch of five 6g ice cubes in as little as 10 minutes in fast mode, while the standard mode produces five larger 10g cubes in around 15 minutes. The storage compartment can hold 45 to 55 cubes and keeps them chilled for about five hours.
Hot water is available almost instantly thanks to a 2050W heating system, with Xiaomi claiming a wait time of just three seconds. Users can choose from several preset temperatures, while those using the Mi Home app can adjust water temperature more precisely between 40°C and 90°C.
There’s quite a bit of attention paid to hygiene too. The company says the machine uses separate UV sterilization systems for both ice and cold water, along with high-temperature pipe cleaning to reduce bacteria buildup. Features like automatic draining and cold-water circulation are also designed to keep the system fresh during long-term use.
Other extras include a color display for monitoring settings, child-lock protection, app connectivity, and operating noise below 35dB during fast ice production.
Price and availability:
The new device is scheduled to go on sale in China on June 15. Its retail price is 3,299 yuan, although Xiaomi will offer it at a discounted launch price of 2,969.1 yuan.
Casio has released its latest G-Shock, the MTG-B4000B-1A, in the US market. The watch is priced at $1,500 and arrives stateside following its initial launch in Japan last month.
Design Details
The watch features an updated Dual Core Guard structure made from laminated carbon, glass fiber sheets, and stainless steel. To optimize its impact resistance, Casio utilized a collaborative workflow where human designers drafted initial concepts, AI simulated structural stress, and engineers refined the final shape.
Externally, the watch uses a dual-layer stainless steel bezel treated with a black ion-plated finish. The metal components feature a combination of brushed and mirror finishes. The case back is manufactured using metal injection molding, a process that allows for more complex, dimensional shapes than standard machining. This specific model pairs the black carbon frame with red dial accents and a soft urethane band.
In terms of physical specifications, the MTG-B4000B-1A measures 56.6 by 45.3 by 14.4 mm and weighs 112 grams. It carries Casio’s Triple G Resist rating, meaning the internal module is protected against mechanical shock, centrifugal force, and heavy vibration. The dial is covered by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and the case is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
For daily operation, the watch runs on Casio’s Tough Solar charging system. It includes Bluetooth for pairing with the Casio Watches smartphone app, which manages automatic time synchronization, alarms, and world time settings across 300 cities. For users who prefer a standalone device, it also features Multiband 6 radio control, allowing it to receive time calibration signals directly from six global transmission towers.
The internal battery provides about five months of standard use without light exposure, extending to 18 months if stored in the dark with the power-saving mode enabled. The MTG-B4000B-1A is available now through Casio’s website, though the company currently lists the inventory as limited stock.
TEMPT has released a new portable fan called the ICY in India. It is priced at Rs. 1,990 ($21) and combines standard fan blades with a built-in thermoelectric cooling plate. It is available now through the company’s website and Amazon India.
TEMPT ICY Portable Fan Specifications
Most handheld fans just circulate the surrounding air, which is not always helpful in high heat. The ICY takes a different approach by integrating a semiconductor cooling plate directly into the center of the fan head. When you turn on the device’s chiller mode, this plate drops to 18°C in a few seconds.
You can press the cold surface directly against your skin to lower your body temperature. It works using the same basic technology found in the active cooling nodes on wearable neck fans.
Behind that cooling plate is a brushless motor that spins the fan blades at over 14,000 RPM. According to TEMPT, the fan operates at under 20 decibels. That makes it quiet enough to use in an office, a classroom, or on public transit without drawing much attention from people nearby.
The device runs on a 4,000mAh lithium battery, and the overall battery life depends heavily on how you use it. If you only run the fan on its lowest setting, it lasts up to 12 hours. If you turn on the cooling plate while keeping the fan speed low, that maximum runtime drops to 10 hours.
There are four speed settings in total, which drain the battery in roughly 12, 9, 6, or 3 hours as you increase the airflow. When it runs out of power, you can recharge it using a standard USB-C cable. The full charge takes about 90 minutes, and you can plug it into a laptop, power bank, or standard wall adapter.
Physically, the fan is six inches long and features a lightweight build with a matte finish. TEMPT kept the hardware interface minimal, using a single physical button to turn the device on, cycle through the fan speeds, and activate the cooling plate. Right above the button, a small LED screen displays the current battery percentage, the active speed setting, and whether the cooling mode is currently running.
The fan ships with a lanyard for hands-free carrying, along with a travel pouch for storage. Buyers can choose from three colors: Elegant Beige, Bold Grey, and Serene White.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Dangbei has launched a new pair of wireless earbuds in China, and they lean heavily into two current tech trends: open-ear clip designs and AI-assisted translation. The Dangbei Air 1S, priced at 1,299 yuan ($190), will officially go on sale on June 15th via JD.com.
Dangbei Air 1S Specifications
The case features a 2.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen built directly into the hardware. While we’ve seen screens on earbud cases before from brands like JBL, Dangbei is using this display for more than just skipping tracks or changing wallpapers. The screen acts as a visual aid for the earbuds’ real-time translation features, displaying translated text during face-to-face conversations so the other person can read along. It also handles basic media controls and includes a few extras like virtual pets and mini-games.
The earbuds themselves use a clip-on style that leaves the ear canal entirely open. They weigh 6.3 grams each and use a 0.5mm titanium memory alloy wire to grip the ear without applying too much pressure. Dangbei also says that the hardware has an antibacterial silver-ion coating.
For audio, the Air 1S relies on 12mm dynamic drivers and supports LHDC 5.0 decoding for higher-resolution audio, along with standard SBC and AAC codecs. Since clip-on designs naturally bleed sound, the company says it is using directional sound technology to help keep your audio private in public spaces.
The software focuses heavily on utility and productivity. The earbuds support real-time translation for 36 languages, and up to 190 languages for standard transcription. These also feature a four-microphone array that handles voice pickup and noise cancellation. Through a companion app, you can also record calls, generate text summaries, and create meeting notes.
Talking about other hardware specs, these include Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, dual-device pairing, spatial audio with head tracking, and an IP54 rating for basic dust and water resistance. Battery life sits at an estimated 8 hours for the earbuds, extending to 42 hours when factoring in the charging case. It also supports fast charging and a 10-minute charge will provide about 2.5 hours of playback.
In related news, Edifier recently launched the LolliClip SE clip-on earbuds with Dolby Spatial Audio, AI transcription, and a 40-hour battery, while Baseus unveiled the Bowie MC2 with LDAC, 11mm drivers, IP67 protection, and up to 55 hours of battery life.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi 17T Pro combines flagship-level performance, a large battery, premium Leica cameras, and a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, making it an attractive option for users looking for a powerful Android smartphone with global shipping support.
Premium AMOLED Display for Entertainment and Gaming
The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 480Hz touch sampling rate. The panel supports HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and Dolby Vision for enhanced video playback and richer colors.
With a peak brightness of up to 3500 nits and 12-bit color support, the display is designed to remain visible even under bright outdoor conditions. The eye-care technology also helps reduce eye strain during extended usage sessions.
Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9500
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17T Pro is powered by the latest 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. The octa-core chipset can reach clock speeds of up to 4.21GHz, delivering strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
The phone comes with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth app switching and responsive performance. Xiaomi offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, giving users plenty of room for photos, videos, games, and applications.
Leica Triple-Camera System
Photography is one of the key highlights of the Xiaomi 17T Pro. The smartphone features a Leica-branded triple-camera setup on the rear.
The primary camera uses a 50MP Leica sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a bright f/1.7 aperture, and a 23mm equivalent focal length. It is designed to capture detailed photos with improved low-light performance.
The second camera is a 50MP Leica floating periscope telephoto lens with OIS and a 115mm equivalent focal length, allowing users to capture distant subjects with enhanced clarity.
Completing the setup is a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view and a 15mm equivalent focal length for landscape and group photography.
For selfies and video calls, Xiaomi includes a 32MP front-facing camera hidden beneath the display.
Massive 7000mAh Battery With Fast Charging
Battery life is another major selling point of the Xiaomi 17T Pro. The smartphone packs a huge 7000mAh battery designed to easily handle heavy daily usage.
Charging is equally impressive, thanks to support for 100W HyperCharge wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The phone also supports 22.5W reverse charging, allowing it to power compatible accessories and devices when needed.
HyperOS 3 and Modern Connectivity
The Xiaomi 17T Pro ships with Xiaomi HyperOS 3 pre-installed. The software includes full-screen gesture navigation and various system optimizations aimed at delivering a smoother user experience.
For connectivity, the device supports 5G networks and Wi-Fi 7, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network efficiency. Additional security is provided by an in-display fingerprint scanner that enables quick and convenient unlocking.
Price and Availability
Xiaomi 17T Pro is now available at Giztop with a starting price of $699. Buyers can choose between 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants, while global shipping is available for international customers.
With its flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, Leica camera system, high-brightness AMOLED display, and massive 7000mAh battery, the Xiaomi 17T Pro aims to deliver a premium smartphone experience at a competitive price point.
ZTE has launched a new 4G portable Wi-Fi hotspot in China called the U15S. It is priced at 179 yuan (about $26) and built primarily around offering a long battery life for users who need an internet connection while traveling or working away from home.
ZTE 4G Portable Wi-Fi Specifications
The device comes with a 10,000mAh battery. According to ZTE, this capacity provides up to 26 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Because of the large battery, the device has a somewhat thick profile, measuring 106 x 55 x 33mm and weighing 237 grams. It features rounded edges for an easier grip and is available in two standard colors: black and white.
To recharge, the hotspot uses a USB-C port and supports 18W charging. It is compatible with standard charging protocols, including PD, QC, and PPS. It also includes a direct power supply mode. This feature allows the device to run directly from a wall outlet or external power source, bypassing the internal battery to help maintain the battery’s lifespan over time.
On the front, there is a 1.44-inch touchscreen. This display lets users check basic network information like signal strength, remaining data, and battery levels without needing to open a separate app on their phone. It also displays a QR code so other people can quickly scan and connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Inside, the U15S runs on a ZTE-developed V3E-A53 dual-core chip. It includes a dual SIM slot, which gives users the option to switch between two different cellular networks if one carrier has poor reception in a specific area.
The device supports Wi-Fi 6, operating on the 2.4GHz band, and can connect up to 16 devices at the same time. It also uses OFDMA technology to manage bandwidth across multiple connected phones or laptops. For cellular connectivity, it supports standard FDD-LTE (B1, B3, B5, B8) and TDD-LTE (B34, B38, B39, B40, B41) bands.
In related news, ZTE has rencently unveiled a new 5G mobile router featuring Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and dual 2.5GbE ports.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
Xiaomi has announced a new addition to its personal care lineup in China: the Mijia Electric Nose Hair Trimmer Pro. It is currently available for an introductory price of 129 yuan (around $19), with the standard retail price set at 149 yuan ($22).
Mijia Electric Nose Hair Trimmer Pro Specifications
Instead of the usual plastic exterior found on most inexpensive trimmers, the Mijia Pro uses a unibody aluminum alloy shell. It has an anodized, matte sandblasted finish, which is meant to provide a better grip when used in a wet bathroom environment. Xiaomi also included a magnetic cap to protect the blade when it is stored away. The power button is located at the bottom of the device rather than on the side.
Inside, the trimmer runs on a motor that spins at 8,000 RPM, which provides enough cutting force to trim hair without pulling or snagging. The cutting head itself uses a rounded safety blade to prevent scratches to the nasal lining. Xiaomi says it has adjusted the design of the blade head with an 11-degree angled groove, which reportedly increases the area for hair to enter by 15.5% compared to the company’s older models. The blade also has an antibacterial coating that is rated at 99% to help maintain hygiene over time.
For cleaning, the trimmer has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning the entire device can be rinsed directly under a running faucet. The blade head can also be completely detached if it needs a more thorough cleaning.
The device features a standard USB-C port, eliminating the need to pack extra proprietary cables when traveling. It fully charges in just one hour, delivering up to 150 minutes of runtime. Additionally, a translucent indicator light near the base conveniently displays the battery level, operating status, and whether the travel lock is engaged.
In related news, Xiaomi recently unveiled a new handheld fan offering 100 speed levels and up to 40 hours of use on a single charge, alongside a 13kg smart washer dryer featuring electrolytic cleaning and HyperOS controls.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
Google is expected to release Android 17 this week. It’s one of the most significant Android upgrades to date, bringing deeper integration of Gemini Intelligence across the entire OS, major multitasking improvements, granular privacy controls, and a polished visual interface, leveling up the Android experience. However, several Pixel devices will miss out on this significant upgrade.
According to the update policy for Pixel devices, only Pixel 6 and newer models are eligible to receive the Android 17 update. Older models won’t be upgraded to the new OS.
Android 17 update won’t reach these Google Pixel devices
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a 5G
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 3
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel
Pixel XL
If your Pixel is on the list, now might be the best time to upgrade to a newer model.
Android 17 isn’t just an annual refresh but a pretty significant upgrade with a major focus on Gemini Intelligence. It moves Gemini from a standalone app into a proactive system assistant capable of automating tasks across applications, creating on-the-fly assets, and managing deep user workflows. It allows users to generate widgets, such as custom tracking goals or countdown timers, with the help of Gemini AI.
The new OS finally has a native app lock. Speaking of privacy, Android 17 also introduces limited contact sharing that grants apps one-time or strict temporary access to chosen contacts rather than your entire phonebook. Furthermore, Android 17 allows users to have separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. The bubble feature expands to all apps, allowing users to run multiple floating apps without leaving the full-screen app.
There are many other exciting upgrades to Android 17. You can read more about them on this page. Lastly, if your Pixel is ineligible for Android 17, go buy a newer model, because Android 17 is too big an upgrade to ignore.
Don’t miss out on the latest Android news. Check back on our Google section regularly, or follow us on Telegram to get notified the second a new story drops.
Just hours after Vivo confirmed the X Fold 6 yesterday, live images of the foldable surfaced online, showing off the device in a blue-green finish. Now, another leak is shedding light on what could be one of the phone’s biggest software additions.
A video posted today by a Weibo account shows the X Fold 6 running a feature reportedly called Atomic Workbench. It is a multitasking system built specifically for foldables to make better use of the device’s expansive inner display.
Vivo X Fold 6 multi-tasking gets an upgrade
According to the leaked video, the Atomic Workbench includes a serial mode that allows users to run up to five applications simultaneously. The interface is optimized to provide more screen space for foreground apps.
Alongside serial mode, the video also shows a one-screen four-use mode, which allows four applications to run on the same screen simultaneously. The system reportedly supports a parallel mode as well, allowing each app to operate independently without interrupting the others.
The leaked footage also reveals several gesture-based controls. In one-screen four-use mode, users can reportedly drag the central corner marker to adjust how much screen space each application occupies. Additionally, placing four fingers on the display enlarges a selected window, making it easier to view content in greater detail.
The new multitasking will be a part of OriginOS 6 Fold, which will debut alongside the Vivo X Fold 6. Previous teasers from Vivo suggest that the software will place a strong emphasis on foldable productivity and AI-powered features.
Vivo has already confirmed that the X Fold6 will launch in June. Additionally, Huang Tao, Vivo’s Vice President of Product, previously revealed that the device will introduce several new features, including the upgraded Atomic Workbench, an AI Assistant, dual-device support, and further improvements to on-device AI capabilities and AI interaction experiences.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Reports have claimed that Honor is gearing up to launch a new X80-series phone this month in China. Today, tipsters Digital Chat Station and Experience More confirmed that this device will be called the Honor X80 Pro Max when it hits the market. One of the major highlights of this device is that it will pack the largest battery ever seen on a smartphone sold by a mainstream phone brand.
Honor X80 Pro Max specs, live shots
Honor X80 Pro Max’s specs tipped
According to DCS, the Honor X80 Pro Max has a massive 6.8-inch OLED panel with super-slim bezels and rounded corners. While the screen refresh rate has not been revealed, the leak states that it will support a 1.5K resolution of 2788 x 1280 pixels.
In May, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5, a chip designed to bring premium AI, photography, and gaming capabilities to affordable smartphones. It appears that the X80 Pro Max will be the first phone to feature it. The device is said to pack a huge 11,000mAh battery, and it will also support 90W fast charging.
DCS further revealed that the X80 Pro Max will have a drop-resistant body that offers full-level water resistance. In terms of design, the device is said to sport a flagship-grade appearance.
As can be seen in the images shared by tipster Experience More, the X80 Pro Max indeed has ultra-thin bezels on the front. The variant shown in the image has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it runs MagicOS 10 based on Android 16.
The X80 Pro Max’s model number has been revealed as BSN-AN00, which was previously spotted with a 90W charger at China’s 3C certification. It appears to feature a premium vegan leather back with a dual-tone finish, combining an elegant ivory-white rear panel with a bold orange accent strip at the bottom for a distinctive look. The circular camera module on the back seems to house a single 50-megapixel camera.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Last month, Oppo unveiled the Oppo Reno 16 and Reno 16 Pro in China. While the Dimensity 8500 Super chip powers the former, the latter comes equipped with the Dimensity 9500s. It appears that the brand is now gearing up for the global launch of the series, as devices such as the Reno 16F, Reno 16, and Reno 16 Pro have already been spotted on certification platforms across different countries. In a new development, the Reno 16’s global version has also appeared on Geekbench, revealing that it will be different from its Chinese counterpart.
Oppo Reno 16 spotted on Geekbench
As can be seen above, an upcoming Oppo smartphone with model number CPH2865 has emerged on Geekbench. Previously spotted on certification platforms such as TDRA (UAE) and NBTC (Thailand), this model number has been linked to the global version of the Reno 16.
The Geekbench listing confirms that the Reno 16 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, which also powers the global version of the Reno 15. As usual, the listing does not directly mention the chipset’s name, but its part number (SM7750), CPU configuration, and GPU details available through Geekbench metadata confirm the presence of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4.
The Reno 16’s Geekbench listing further reveals 12GB of RAM and Android 16. In the single-core and multi-core tests, the device scored 1,240 and 3,994 points, respectively. While there is no official confirmation regarding the Reno 16 series’ launch date, the Geekbench appearance suggests that Oppo could be internally testing the device ahead of its debut. It may launch later this month or in the first half of July.
The other details of the Reno 16’s global version remain under wraps. However, considering that it is launching in the same year as the Reno 15, it may not arrive with major upgrades.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Ugreen has launched an all-new NASync DXP GT series with two NAS devices, the DXP2800 GT and the DXP4800 GT.
The GT name is inspired by the spirit of Grand Touring, and Ugreen says the lineup is built around speed, endurance, and sustained performance, much like the vehicles.
Both models are powered by the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor of 4 cores, 8 threads, and a boost frequency of up to 3.7GHz. This allegedly gives a 26% improvement in CPU performance compared to select older DXP models.
UGREEN NASync DXP2800 GTUGREEN NASync DXP4800 GT
Each device starts with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 64GB, along with 64GB of eMMC storage for the operating system. Both run UGOS Pro, Ugreen’s own NAS operating system.
How is Ugreen DXP2800 GT different from DXP4800 GT
Where the two models differ is in storage and networking. The DXP2800 GT is an entry-level model with a 2-bay device with two SATA HDD slots and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, supporting up to 80TB of total storage.
It comes with a single 10GbE RJ45 port for fast network access, and connectivity includes a USB-C 10Gbps port and a USB-A 10Gbps port on the front panel, plus additional USB-A ports on the rear and an HDMI 2.1 output.
Meanwhile, the DXP4800 GT is a 4-bay model that supports up to 144TB of total storage, again combining four SATA HDD bays with two M.2 NVMe SSD slots.
The bigger upgrade here is networking. It serves dual 10GbE ports, which can be used together for link aggregation up to 20Gbps. As a result, it can handle everything from 4K or 8K video editing to even running virtual machines.
It also has an SD 3.0 card reader on the front panel, and the DXP4800 GT RAID support is broader too, covering JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10.
Both NAS runs Ugreen’s proprietary UGOS Pro with ecosystem support like Docker, virtual machines, AI-powered photo organization, a built-in surveillance center for managing cameras, and Ugreen’s Ugreenlink remote access service that allows secure file access from anywhere without needing to configure a public IP.
The hardware design is identical too. Both have a space gray aluminum body with gold trim accents, a rear magnetic dust mesh filter, and a hydraulic fan that maintains noise between 29 and 34 dB for quiet around-the-clock operation.
Price and Availability
The Ugreen DXP2800 GT is available for purchase at $509.99. The DXP4800 GT, on the other hand, will set you back $659.99 in the US. Both come with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day return window. And of course, the storage drives are sold separately.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Android 17 will be a significant upgrade, especially for newer models like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10, which are confirmed to receive major AI upgrades. Even for older Pixels, there are plenty of improvements and some exciting features to look forward to. But when will Google release Android 17? We may have an answer to that.
The short answer: Google may release Android 17 today or any time this week.
Google switched to a dual-release schedule last year with Android 16 instead of pushing out a single major update a year. As per the new strategy, Google will push a major release around Q2, followed by a minor release later in the year.
Android 17 also follows the new release strategy, so its major release is expected around the same time as last year, in June. Surprisingly, Google didn’t release any Developer Preview builds and moved directly to the public beta.
The first Android 17 beta was released on February 13, followed by the second beta later that month. While these initial builds arrived later than those of Android 16, the gap narrowed with upcoming builds. The new OS reached platform stability with Beta 3 on March 27, two weeks later compared to Android 16.
Beta 4 landed on April 17, followed by a minor Beta 4.1 release on June 1, which should be the final beta. The next build will likely be stable and may be released at any time now. Google usually releases a new Android OS on Tuesday, which is today (Jun 9). If not today, the update will most likely be released any day this week.
Android 17
Release date
Beta 1
Feb 13, 2026
Beta 2
Feb 26, 2026
Beta 3
Mar 26, 2026
Beta 4
Apr 16, 2026
Beta 4.1
Jun 1, 2026
Stable
Second week of June (expected)
If you have an older Google Pixel, you may want to check whether it is eligible for the upcoming major upgrade. Review the list of eligible devices here to find out.
Stay tuned to Gizmochina for the latest tech updates. You can visit the news section regularly for the latest updates, or follow us on Telegram to receive instant alerts.
The Redmi Turbo 5 is just days away from its India debut, and the brand has now started filling in the details. A microsite has gone live on Amazon that reveals key specs of the phone ahead of the June 16 launch.
Here are the Redmi Turbo 5 Specifications for India
The official promo material confirms that the Redmi Turbo 5 features a 7540mAh battery paired with 100W HyperCharge charging support. This is interesting because the Chinese variant has a slightly larger 7560mAh cell.
The difference is only 20mAh, which is unlikely to affect real-world usage, but it does suggest the Indian model could be a slightly tweaked version.
At the front of the phone will be a 120Hz fluid display with 1.5K resolution and a 20MP selfie camera. The back will carry a 50MP main rear camera with both OIS and EIS, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide lens.
Under the hood, the Redmi Turbo 5 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 SoC. It will be paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. However, the end note confirms the LPDDR5X Ultra RAM configuration will only be available on the higher-end variant.
Other expected features include an in-screen fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, an X-axis linear motor, an IR blaster, a metal middle frame, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance.
Redmi Turbo 5
With the launch now just days away, Redmi will likely reveal additional details about pricing, availability, and variant options soon.
Moreover, reports also suggest that Redmi could unveil the Redmi 17 alongside the Turbo 5, although the company has yet to confirm any details. You can learn more about the Redmi 17 in our dedicated post here.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Infinix has introduced a special version of its Note Edge smartphone in India, aimed at users who spend a lot of time listening to music, watching videos, and gaming on their phones. Called the Infinix Note Edge JBL Edition, the device combines the existing Note Edge hardware with JBL-focused audio features and a bundled wireless speaker.
Infinix Note Edge JBL Edition price in India and availability
The Infinix Note Edge JBL Edition is available in a single 8GB+25GB configuration priced at Rs 24,999 (around $290). The smartphone comes exclusively in a Solar Orange colour option and will be sold through Flipkart. Infinix says only 5,000 units of this edition will be available, making it a limited-run offering.
As part of the package, buyers receive a MagPower Speaker worth Rs 3,999 at no extra cost. The company is also offering applicable bank discounts during the sale period, which can further reduce the effective purchase price.
Infinix Note Edge JBL Edition specifications and features
Infinix Note Edge JBL Edition
The biggest difference between this version and the regular Note Edge is the bundled speaker and its entertainment-focused positioning. The handset itself retains JBL-engineered dual stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio support, while the MagPower Speaker is intended to extend the audio experience beyond the smartphone.
The Infinix Note Edge features a 3D curved 1.5K AMOLED display with a slim profile and edge-to-edge design. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The processor supports up to 90fps gaming in compatible titles and is designed to handle multitasking, streaming, and gaming workloads comfortably.
Power comes from a 6,500mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging. For photography, the smartphone includes a 50-megapixel primary rear camera and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. Other notable features include Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and software features aimed at media consumption.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Infinix has introduced the Smart 20 in India, targeting buyers looking for an affordable smartphone with a large display and everyday performance. The new handset arrives as the successor to the Smart 10 and brings upgrades across the screen, hardware, and battery departments while maintaining a slim design.
Infinix Smart 20 specifications and features
Infinix Smart 20
The Infinix Smart 20 sports a 6.78-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centred punch-hole cut-out. The panel supports up to 700 nits brightness in high-brightness mode and includes a Dynamic Bar interface for notifications and status updates.
Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate processor paired with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and up to 128GB eMMC 5.1 storage. Infinix also offers virtual RAM expansion and support for microSD cards up to 2TB, giving users additional flexibility for apps, photos, and videos.
For photography, the Smart 20 features an 8-megapixel rear camera accompanied by an auxiliary sensor and dual-LED flash. Selfies and video calls are handled by an 8-megapixel front camera. The device runs XOS 16 based on Android 16 and packs a 5,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging and 5W reverse wired charging.
Additional features include stereo speakers with DTS audio, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, an infrared sensor, IP64 dust and splash resistance, and UltraLink offline communication technology that enables compatible Infinix devices to connect over distances of up to 1km without a mobile network.
Infinix Smart 20 price in India and availability
The Infinix Smart 20 is available in two variants. The 4GB+64GB storage model is priced at Rs 12,499 (~$145), while the 4GB+128GB storage version costs Rs 13,999 (~ $163). Customers can choose from Sunlike Orange, Cloudline Blue, Shadow Black, and Polaris Titanium color options.
As part of the launch offers, buyers can avail of an instant discount of Rs 500 on major bank cards, reducing the effective starting price to Rs 11,999. The smartphone will go on sale from 12 June through Flipkart and the Infinix India online store.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Apple opened WWDC with a closer look at iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, and unsurprisingly, AI was the main theme of the presentation. Alongside a number of visual tweaks and performance improvements, Apple spent a lot of time talking about the next generation of Apple Intelligence and what it means for everyday iPhone and iPad use.
The biggest announcement was the new Siri AI experience. Apple is giving Siri a much larger role across its software, even introducing a dedicated app for the assistant. According to the company, Siri can now better understand personal context, what’s currently on your screen, and information from the web, allowing for more natural conversations and more useful actions.
Whether it lives up to that promise is something users will find out once the software reaches more devices, but it’s clear Apple is trying to make Siri feel less like a voice command tool and more like a genuine AI assistant.
Apple also made a few changes to the Liquid Glass design language introduced previously. Users can now adjust transparency levels with a slider, and the interface itself looks a bit cleaner thanks to “more uniform refraction and improved contrast”.
There are some performance gains as well. Apple says apps launch up to 30% faster, photos appear in the library more quickly, and AirDrop transfers can be 80% faster than before. The company also highlighted improvements to network switching between Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
A number of smaller features were announced too. Mail search is getting smarter, VoiceOver can provide more detailed image descriptions, and subtitles now support automatic syncing and translation. One update that stood out is support for full-resolution contributions to iCloud Shared Albums from Android and Windows users, something many people have wanted for quite a while.
On the iPad side, Apple is adding a tool that can turn a collection of photos and videos into a customizable slideshow complete with transitions, music, and export options. Calendar events can also be created or edited using natural language, and file transfers to external storage devices are reportedly up to five times faster.
As usual, not every feature will be available on every device. The more advanced Apple Intelligence features require newer hardware, while many of the broader improvements will work on older supported iPhones and iPads.
Developer builds are available starting today, with a public beta expected next month and a wider rollout planned for later this year. AI may have dominated the keynote, but a lot of the updates Apple showed were actually about making everyday tasks a little faster and a little less frustrating.
Xiaomi Auto faces YU7 slowdown claims while preparing Kunlun EREV SUVs, a possible Xuntian sub-brand, and new models to support its 2026 growth targets.
We got an up-close look at Apple's super-charged generative image tools in Apple Intelligence, and they change the game for Apple images and the photos you take and create.
Some of the discounts available right now on Amazon are far better than the recently concluded Mid-Year Sale, dropping some prices to all-time lows, including on premium Bose headphones, Ninja air fryers, Shark vacuums and more.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 09: Evan Carter #32 of the Texas Rangers can't catch a ball hit by Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers scored three runs but the Kansas City Royals scored five runs.
At one point, as we were entering the bottom of the fifth inning of this game, the Rangers had collected eight hits and the Royals had collected zero. Man, the Rangers must have been destroying the AL’s worst team right? Well, no. Because of a bad batch of sequencing, and a dearth of extra base hits, the Rangers led only 2-0 at that point.
Aside from a two-bagger from Ezequiel Duran in the top of the second, the other seven of Texas’ initial eight hits were singles and worse, a great majority of those came with two outs. That required the Rangers to sustain long rallies with little wiggle room, which simply didn’t manifest for the most part.
The Rangers scored their first run on their best rally of the night, but one that was ultimately wasted if the goal was to bust the game open and take a big lead. After Wyatt Langford walked to lead off the second, Duran hit his double, and then Jake Burger singled Langford home. But with two on and still no one out, the Rangers hit two ground balls in a row with the second one a double play that allowed tonight’s KC starter Stephen Kolek and the Royals to escape the inning with Texas up just 1-0.
The Rangers didn’t even need a run-scoring hit to plate their second run thanks to Evan Carter using his legs to menace Kansas City into a couple of throwing errors. After Carter singled with two outs in the top of the third, he reached second on an errant pickoff throw and then scored when KC catcher Carter Jensen threw the ball away attempting to throw Carter out on a steal attempt at third base.
However, with eight hits, the Rangers wasted plenty of chances for that elusive bases-clearing extra base hit that could have broken open the game. Turns out, they were saving them all up for the Royals. How kind. By the end of the sixth inning it was 5-2 Royals as Kansas City collected the next six hits of the game. All of them went for extra bases. All but two of those came off tonight’s starter Nathan Eovaldi who was a tad wild early with three walks but mostly cruising along.
Ironically, Texas’ next and only other hit of the night was a triple by Joc Pederson and the Royals’ only two hits the rest of the way were a couple of singles that did no damage.
Overall, that was a pretty annoying experience and just the latest of several chances for Texas to move back to .500 that went to waste.
Player of the Game: Josh Jung and Brandon Nimmo led the way with a couple of hits apiece. All four of those hits were singles, however.
Up Next: The Rangers will resume the climb back to .500 with LHP MacKenzie Gore set to make the start for Texas opposite RHP Seth Lugo for Kansas City.
The Wednesday evening first pitch from Kauffman Stadium is again scheduled for 6:40 pm CDT and you can catch it on the Rangers Sports Network.
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration asked a judge on Tuesday to reject an effort to halt an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn this weekend, arguing that the event was lawful and the challengers had waited too long to sue.
Two Washington-area residents have asked U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta for a temporary restraining order to stop the June 14 UFC match. They contend that sporting events are barred on the White House's South Lawn and the large metal arena being constructed for the fight lacks required approval from Congress.
The Trump administration also said in a court filing that the plaintiffs had not shown they are likely to succeed in their claims as they had not shown how they would be harmed.
"It would be easy enough to simply avert their gazes for the weekend," the filing said. "Instead, they seek to enlist the power of a federal court to impose their idiosyncratic preferences on the rest of the country and ruin an event designed to celebrate the United States of America."
Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The White House event, dubbed “UFC Freedom 250” and coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday, plans to hold bouts inside a 92-foot-tall (28-meter-tall) octagon-shaped structure with weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial.
The lawsuit alleges the National Park Service and Interior Department unlawfully approved the event and seeks to set that authorization aside.
"This nation's public monuments should not be loaned out for private exploitation," it said.
The administration countered that the regulations do not bar events and that the White House South Lawn has a history of hosting public events.
Trump's ties with UFC date back to the early 2000s, when he agreed to host events at his since-bankrupt Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. UFC Chief Executive Dana White is a close Trump ally.
(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Edwina Gibbs)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rookie Olivia Miles had 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Kayla McBride added 22 points, and the Minnesota Lynx used a big first half to cruise past the Dallas Wings 100-76 on Tuesday night for their eighth straight victory.
Natasha Howard scored 21 points and Courtney Williams added 16 for Minnesota (10-2), which became the first WNBA team to reach 10 wins this season. McBride made four of Minnesota's seven 3-pointers.
Paige Bueckers led Dallas (7-4) with 23 points. Arike Ogunbowale added 16 points, and Jessica Shepard had 12 points and nine rebounds. Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, finished with six points on 2-of-12 shooting.
Four of Minnesota’s starters reached double-figure scoring by halftime. Howard and Miles each had 14 points, and McBride and Williams each added 12 to help the Lynx lead 58-38.
Minnesota made 23 of 32 (72%) field goals in the first half, including 6 of 8 3-pointers.
The Lynx led 75-60 entering the fourth, with 71 points coming from their starters. Williams made a basket with 30.7 seconds left to put Minnesota at the 100-point mark for the third time this season.
The teams combined to make 26 straight free throws before a miss with 56.8 seconds left in the fourth.
TUCSON, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: The Pac-12 logo is seen after the Arizona Wildcats defeated the Oregon Ducks 103-83 at McKale Center on March 02, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/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 Mid-Major fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Conference realignment is striking again.
No, this isn’t an article about another change coming. Even though I’m sure there will be one soon. Because why should things stay the way they are.
This is to start feeling fans out about what they think of the upcoming Pac-12. The conference affectionately known as the “Conference of Champions” was whittled down to two football teams and no basketball teams the last couple of years but will have new life this upcoming season.
Washington State and Oregon State have played in the WCC the last two seasons but are back in the Pac-12 and have some company. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State are joining from the Mountain West. Texas State is making its way from the Sun Belt, and Gonzaga is hopping over from the WCC.
Looking at that lineup, the question is the following: When the mid-majors infiltrate the Pac-12, starting this summer, will the new conference be a mid-major?
Let’s get one elephant out of the way right away… Gonzaga still won’t be a mid-major.
With that being said, let’s talk about the rest.
The Mountain West has been one of the best and most prominent mid-major conferences the last few years, and now several of those top teams are in this new conference. Does the success of San Diego State going to the 2023 Final Four and Utah State winning the last few regular-season championships make this move seem like they are “graduating” to a power conference?
Kind of.
But remember, they are not going to the ACC, SEC, Big 12 or Big 10.
The two teams they are aligning with who have been in a power conference before are WSU and OSU. The Cougar men went a combined 15-21 in the WCC and the women 20-18. The Beaver men finished 19-17, while the women had the best of any of these marks at 25-13.
Those records are by no means dominant the way one might think power-conference teams might do in a mid-major conference.
Then, there’s Texas State.
The Bobcat men and women have each reached the NCAA Tournament just twice in their history and have never won a game. Hard to call them a power-conference team, even with this move.
Anyways, time will tell. And it’s time for you to let us know what you think.
Women's national team match draws over 50,000 fans in Fortaleza
The Brazilian Women’s National Team match against the United States on Tuesday (9) drew 50,402 fans to Arena Castelão in Fortaleza.
The match surpassed Brazil’s friendly against Jamaica at Arena Pernambuco in June 2024, which drew 33,272 people. It also became one of the largest crowds for women’s soccer in Brazil over the last 20 years.
Among clubs, the record belongs to the 2024 Brasileirão final between Corinthians and São Paulo, with 44,529 spectators. In international competitions held in the country, the Olympics remain the clear leader.
The Olympic semifinal between Brazil and Sweden at the Maracanã in August 2016 had 70,454 spectators. Before that, the record was the women’s soccer final at the 2007 Pan American Games, between Brazil and the U.S., at the Maracanã in July 2007, with 67,788 people.
Playing at Castelão for the first time, the Brazilian National Team was welcomed with a huge celebration. While 500 people per minute were entering the stadium, fans already inside watched a quadrilha performance and a show by singer Solange.
Fans created a mosaic for Brazil’s debut at Castelão, in FortalezaCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF
In addition to a banner with the names of all the players, stretched between the upper and lower sections, there was also a “We will play together” mosaic during the national anthem.
The match comes after an important result for Brazil in the first friendly against the U.S. in São Paulo on Saturday (6), in which Brazil came from behind to win 2–1. The victory, the second straight under coach Arthur Elias, was the sixth in the history of matches against the Americans, who are ranked second in the FIFA rankings.
Before kickoff, CBF president Samir Xaud reaffirmed the importance of the event one year before the World Cup. “We are very happy with the presence and support of the fans. This is a pre-World Cup, these are friendlies that will prepare us for the first title,” he said. Until the tournament, coach Arthur Elias and the team will have four more FIFA international windows.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Alex Pereira of Brazil enters the Octagon in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC
Alex "Poatan" Pereira is looking to accomplish something that no man or woman has done in the UFC. On Sunday, at the White House, Pereira will face Ciryl Gane with a chance to become a three-division champion.
While Tom Aspinall is the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, injuries to his eyes suffered in his last fight against Gane have the latter and Pereira fighting for the interim strap on the White House lawn. Despite the interim tag, it will be tough to disparage Pereira's accomplishment if he defeats Gane.
UFC President Dana White insists that if Pereira defeats Gane and wins a title in a third division, he will be the new GOAT, unseating Jon Jones. Is this true? Let's talk MMA.
Key Facts At A Glance
Fighter: Alex "Poatan" Pereira (38)
Pro MMA record: 13-3, with 11 wins by KO/TKO (84.6% finish rate)
UFC record: 10-2
UFC titles: Middleweight and Light Heavyweight (two-division champion)
Next fight: vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026
At stake: First-ever UFC champion in three weight classes
What Is Alex Pereira's UFC Record?
After a standout career as a kickboxer, Pereira has been arguably better as a mixed martial artist. His pro MMA record is 13-3 and that includes a 10-2 mark in the UFC. He's already won the middleweight and light heavyweight championships, and he did it inside his first seven UFC fights, the fastest run to two-division champ status in promotion history.
Of his 13 wins, 11 have come by knockout, a finish rate that ranks among the most lethal the sport has seen. He vacated the light heavyweight belt in late February to chase heavyweight gold, the title then decided between Jiří Procházka and Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327.
Who Has Alex Pereira Beaten In The UFC?
When you look at Pereira's resume, there may not be a fighter with a more impressive strength of schedule. All but three of the men he has beaten in the UFC are current or former world champions. No one else has a ratio that is comparable.
He stopped Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title, knocked out Jiří Procházka twice, flatlined Jamahal Hill in a round and reclaimed the 205-pound belt by finishing Magomed Ankalaev. Sean Strickland, who later won the middleweight title himself, and former champ Jan Błachowicz add to the haul, leaving just Khalil Rountree Jr., Andreas Michailidis and Bruno Silva as the non-champions on the list.
What Are Alex Pereira's Losses?
Pereira has two losses in the UFC. The first came via KO at the hands of Adesanya in 2023. The Last Stylebender is the only man to stop Pereira in the UFC.
The second loss was a close unanimous-decision defeat to Ankalaev. The key with both losses is that Pereira owns a win over both men too, so there is no one who holds an edge on him head-to-head in the UFC.
His only other career blemish came on debut, a 2015 submission loss to Quemuel Ottoni on the Brazilian regional scene, long before the UFC. He erased the Ankalaev decision in spectacular fashion at UFC 320, scoring a first-round knockout to reclaim the light heavyweight crown.
Is Alex Pereira The GOAT?
The GOAT debate is tricky. Jon Jones is virtually undefeated, with the exception of the ridiculous DQ loss to Matt Hamill in 2009, and that has to count for something. He is also a two-division champ.
It could be argued the fight we should be preparing to see at the White House is Pereira-Jones for the heavyweight title and the right to the GOAT distinction. As it is, the debate is harder to solve.
I asked Pereira directly how he sees himself in this space. He didn’t want to answer it directly, but instead he recited his accomplishments. “Three-division champion,” Pereira said plainly. "Breaking a lot of records." He's correct, they do speak for themselves.
A win Sunday at UFC Freedom 250 would make Pereira the first three-division champion in UFC history, the kind of line that reshapes these arguments. In a recent conversation about that history bid, Pereira leaned on the body of work rather than the label, and at 38, the Gane fight is his chance to make the case undeniable.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 1: Indianapolis Colts Ashton Dulin (16) runs through a drill during the Indianapolis Colts OTA on June 1, 2026 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
On Tuesday, two Indianapolis Colts players, both of whom are vying for different starting jobs on opposite sides of the football, weighed in on their newfound opportunities and the ongoing positional competitions.
Each of the competing players has had a different pro career path that’s led to the Colts.
Specifically, Ashton Dulin, who was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by Indianapolis out of DII Malone, has spent the last 7 seasons and his entire NFL career to-date with the Colts.
Initially making his mark as a a core special teams player for the Horseshoe, he’s continued to grown and develop into a rotational receiving option for the Colts—and maybe even a first-team starting wideout for 2026.
With longtime Colts starting veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason, there’s a major void and playing time opportunity for both Dulin and his wide receiver teammates to try to fill and compete for:
“Yeah, losing Pitt, obviously was big for our room.” Dulin said via The Athletic’s James Boyd. “This guy was a culture guy. A leader guy. So we’ll miss him obviously, but our receivers are a good, close-knit group. Everybody’s kind of been riding with us for a while now. Definitely taking that opportunity to fill that space after Pitt left.”
“That’s just being on the basis of doing everything right, every day. Come into work. Open the playbook. Take care of your bodies. Being available and knowing your role as well. Knowing that, that spot is available, and everybody’s competing for it. So for me, it’s attacking as if it was my first year. Knowing that, that spot is open, there’s points to be proven, and reps to be won, so that’s my mindset.”
Dulin figures to be one of the top contenders for the starting outside wide receiver spot opposite Alec Pierce, along with veteran free agent signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who was added earlier this offseason.
Meanwhile, veteran edge Arden Key, who signed a 2-year, $20 million contract with Indianapolis just a few months ago, is widely considered the early frontrunner for the starting defensive end job opposite Laiatu Latu.
He was initially a 3rd round pick of the Raiders organization in the 2018 NFL Draft, but has since had pro stops with the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans before joining the Colts this offseason.
He’s indicated that he’s focused on maintaining consistency regarding the last phase of organized on-the-field team activities before training camp kicks off next month:
“Consistency,” noted Key also via The Athletic’s James Boyd. “That’s it. The most consistent guy will win the job. That’s just what it is in this league. You’ve got to be consistent in order to stay in this league. In order to get the (starting) spot, you have to be the most consistent out of all of them.”
Due to his veteran experience and coming off another productive season for the Titans, where he started 9 games, Key is expected to be the initial favorite to replace former departed first round starter Kwity Paye, who signed with Key’s old club, the Las Vegas Raiders, this past early free agency period.
The Colts also saw fellow veteran defensive end Samson Ebukam sign with the Atlanta Falcons, meaning the 30-year-old Key is one of the veteran leaders of that positional room now—even being brand new to the organization.
Key’s top competition is expected to be former 2025 Colts 2nd round pick, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, who while had a slow start to his pro career as a rookie last year, has gotten leanerand is hoping to take a big step forward during his ‘sophomore campaign.’ He’s hopefully grown and improved from that clear first-year learning curve.
MIAMI (AP) — Otto Lopez hit a tiebreaking RBI single to start off Miami's four-run eighth inning and Joe Mack went 4 for 4 and scored three runs as the Marlins beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-6 on Tuesday night for their sixth win in seven games.
Lopez's run-scoring single started a four-hit sequence in the eighth. Javier Sanoja drove in two more runs with a single and Esteury Ruiz followed with a one-run single as the Marlins broke open a 6-all tie.
Mack, at 22 years, 164 days, became the youngest catcher in Marlins history to record four hits in a game. He also became the 13th MLB catcher with 10 runners caught stealing this season — doing so in just 28 games.
Miami jumped out to an early 3-1 lead behind a Xavier Edwards RBI single in the first, a Connor Norby one-run double in the second and a sacrifice fly from Edwards in the third. Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers added two-run doubles in the sixth for a 6-2 lead.
Pete Fairbanks (1-1) threw a one-hit ninth inning, striking out two.
Max Meyer pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out five. He set a franchise record with 14 starts to begin the season without a loss, also marking the longest such streak in the majors since Tony Gonsolin of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went 17 games from April 9-July 13, 2022.
The Diamondbacks tied the game in the top of the eighth on Ketel Marte's two-run single. Corbin Carroll grounded out to first base and scored Tommy Troy, tying the game 6-all.
Carroll and Gabriel Moreno each homered for Arizona. Marte added an RBI double in the seventh.
Brandyn Garcia (0-1) took his first loss of the season after allowing four runs on two hits. Zac Gallen worked the first 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out three.
The Marlins joined the Houston Astros as the only teams in the majors to collect six or more doubles in at least four separate games this season.
Up next
RHP Ryne Nelson (2-4, 4.60 ERA) takes the mound for Arizona against RHP Ryan Gusto (0-1, 10.80 ERA) in the second game of the series Wednesday.
Over the last two seasons, Seattle Seahawks legendary linebacker KJ Wright has quietly worked his way up to become a mastermind for their rival San Francisco 49ers as their linebackers coach. He’s one of their biggest coaching assets and could become their defensive coordinator as early as next season. Seeing a beloved franchise icon become the face of their enemy would add yet another layer to the NFC West rivalry, and an awkward dynamic that would be tough for fans to navigate.
Wright played for 10 years with Seattle, made a Pro Bowl, and was a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion in 2012. He was an integral part of the Legion Of Boom defense and is roughly top 100-150 in NFL history in career solo tackles, combined tackles, tackles for loss, and playoff games started. He’s one of the top 100-200 defensive players of all time, and fits the “hall of very good” moniker of just not quite being Hall Of Fame worthy. His legacy is formidable, was almost entirely made with the Seahawks, and shouldn’t be able to be tarnished. But the higher he raises through the 49ers ranks and the further the Seahawks move on from The Pete Carroll Era, the more it will.
As Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight once said, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” In Wright’s case, he could become the villain to Seahawks fans sooner than later, but that’s the way the football world works. It’s a business and he was a great candidate. The world of loyalty and sports organizations isn't so cut and dry, though. That’s the lane where Wright’s story could become incredibly complex in the coming years.
NEW YORK (AP) — Alec Burleson homered and finished with three RBIs on Tuesday night, powering the surging St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-0 victory over the New York Mets.
Dustin May tossed six solid innings to snap a seven-start winless streak for the Cardinals, who have won five straight games — one shy of their season high.
JJ Westerholt’s two-run double against Freddy Peralta (4-5) sparked a four-run third. Jordan Walker had an RBI double and Lars Nootbaar added a run-scoring groundout later in the inning.
Burleson hit a two-run shot to left field in the fifth before lacing an RBI double off Joey Gerber in the seventh. The three-RBI game was the fifth this season for Burleson, who entered Tuesday tied for seventh in the NL in RBIs.
Ivan Herrera was plunked twice and had three hits in five plate appearances. Nathan Church, activated from the injured list earlier Tuesday, had three hits and robbed Marcus Semien of a two-run double with a basket catch to end the fourth.
May (4-6) allowed four hits and struck out six with one walk. The red-haired right-hander was 0-4 with a 3.86 ERA since his previous win on April 21.
A.J. Ewing had two hits for the Mets, who were blanked for the seventh time — one shy of their total from last season.
Francisco Alvarez was 1 for 3 in his return from a right knee injury.
Peralta gave up six runs and struck out five with two walks over six innings.
Up next
Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (6-4, 3.96 ERA) starts against RHP Christian Scott (2-0, 2.50) in the middle game of the series Wednesday night.
Union’s Gannon Labrum, sends the ball for a ride over the fence as the Cougars went on to defeat the Grantsville Cowboys in game one of the State Baseball Championship at Kearns’ Gates Field on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Regardless of the obstacles and challenges they faced throughout the course of the season, the 2026 Deseret News Baseball Players of the Year played pivotal roles in their teams’ overall success. Whether it be clutch hitting or game-changing plays in the field, these athletes more than rose to the occasion game-in and game-out.
Here’s a look at the 2026 Deseret News Baseball Players of the Year.
American Fork’s Kenny Johnson throws a pitch during a 6A state tournament bracket game against Jordan at the Miller Park Complex in Provo on Monday, May 18, 2026.
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Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
6A Player of the Year
Kenny Johnson, American Fork, P/1B, Sr.
It was business as usual for American Fork this year, winning yet another 6A state championship which has become the standard year in and year out for the program.
This year’s success was due in large part to the performance and leadership of senior Kenny Johnson.
Johnson was virtually un-hittable for opposing batters, going 8-0 from the mound with 38 strikeouts and a commanding 1.35 ERA.
While Johnson has always been known for his arm and his pitching, he also took his offensive numbers up a notch this year.
At the plate, Johnson had a 394 average with 19 RBIs and 13 doubles.
Throughout the year, Johnson proved he was more than a talented pitcher, excelling offensively while demonstrating outstanding leadership and work ethic.
American Fork head coach Jarod Ingersoll says that the all-around play from Johnson is what really stood out to him this year.
“We always knew he was a good pitcher, but Kenny had a great year offensively for us. He was superb on the mound all year. He is an incredible young man with great leadership qualities. Hard worker in practice, games, and the weight room.”
Maple Mountain pitcher Jeremiah Hall (22) celebrates his double against Spanish Fork during the third and final game of the 5A baseball state championship series, held at UCCU Ballpark in Orem on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
5A Player of the Year
Jeremiah Hall, Maple Mountain, SS/RHP, So.
Maple Mountain’s Jeremiah Hall was a key contributor to Maple Mountain’s success this year. He impacted the games with not only his hitting, but also his play on the mound and his competitive mindset.
Hall had an astounding 465 batting average to go along with eight home runs and a .763 slugging percentage.
An elite two-way player in the Maple Mountain system, The play of Hall helped drive and push his team towards the 5A state championship series, where the group eventually fell to Spanish Fork. Throughout the year, Hall was able to earn the respect of his coaches and peers through his consistency, work ethic and leadership.
“Jeremiah Hall was a huge part of everything we accomplished this season at Maple Mountain. He is the type of player who can impact a game in so many different ways, whether it is with his bat, on the mound or simply by the way he competes every day,” said Maple Mountain head coach Jeremy Thomas.”
Even though Hall is still in the beginning of his high school baseball career, he has already shown his team the type of leadership that is needed if it wants to have continued success within the program.
“What stood out most about Jeremiah was his consistency and the confidence his teammates and coaches had in him. Even though Jeremiah was only a sophomore, he earned the respect of his coaches, teammates and opponents through his work ethic and results on and off the field,” added Thomas.
Scenes from the second game of the 4A baseball state championship series between Desert Hills and Snow Canyon held at Gates Field in Kearns on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
4A Player of the Year
Trey Vaughn, Snow Canyon, OF/P, Sr.
In his senior season, Snow Canyon’s Trey Vaughn had a season to remember for the Warriors, helping to lead Snow Canyon to a 4A state title over Deseret Hills.
Vaughn proved to be one of the most explosive offensive hitters in the region this season, having a 505 average with 10 home runs to go along with 60 RBIs and 10 doubles. In addition to his ability to consistently put the bat on the ball, Vaughn also showed incredible patience at the plate, drawing 13 walks throughout the season.
According to Snow Canyon head coach Reed Secrist, Trey’s leadership, work ethic and dedication helped lead his team to a state championship while his constant improvement made him an exceptional player and teammate.
“Trey has been one of the easiest players I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach. With his leadership, work ethic and his dedication to his teammates, he helped lead us to the 2026 state championship,” Secrist said.
Vaughn’s continued drive and desire to improve particularly stuck out to his coach.
“His commitment to improving was evident as he continued to build on his success each season. He was a warrior for four short years and I’m looking forward to him doing well at USUE,” Secrist added.
Union’s Gannon Labrum, sends the ball for a ride over the fence as the Cougars went on to defeat the Grantsville Cowboys in game one of the State Baseball Championship at Kearns’ Gates Field on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
3A Player of the Year
Gannon Labrum, Union, OF/P, Sr.
Union’s Gannon Labrum has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates alike, having been voted captain the past two seasons in both football and baseball.
The four-year starter had an on-base percentage of 1.237 and constantly showed his speed on the bases, scoring 42 runs while stealing 11 bases on the year.
Gannon has proven to his coaches and teammates to be a driven leader, a fierce competitor and a teammate his peers can count on. His work ethic and commitment to helping others succeed have earned widespread respect on and off the field.
“Gannon is the ultimate competitor and teammate. He loves his teammates and wants them to succeed. He loves the process of what it takes to make oneself elite. He leads by example, he loves the grind in the cages in season and offseason alike,” said Union head coach Mike Labrum.
It’s not just about what Gannon showcases on the diamond that has made him stand out, but how he conducts himself away from the sport as well.
“He has a fire inside to win and be successful not only on the field, but more importantly in life. He has a caring heart for others and cheers for the underdog. It’s been an honor to coach him,” Labrum continued.
Kanab’s catcher Kanon Virostko makes the tag on San Juan’s Keilan Hutchins as he attempts to slide into home plate in 2A baseball state tournament semifinals action at Miller Park Complex at BYU in Provo on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
2A Player of the Year
Kanon Virostko, Kanab, C, Jr.
There were many players and moments throughout the course of the year that contributed to the success and ultimately a 2A state championship for Kanab.
One of the main contributors and catalysts to that success was the play of junior catcher Kanon Virostko.
Virostko was able to easily hold things down behind the plate, allowing just nine stolen bases on the season.
Virostko more than did his part with the bat as well. He filled up the stat sheet with a .495 batting average to go along with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.
For Kanab head coach Craig Brinkerhoff, Virostko’s leadership, work ethic, mental toughness and passion for the game helped push his teammates to be better.
“Kanon is a great teammate and makes his other teammates better with how he leads on the field. Kanon puts in the work on and off the field to make himself a tremendous player. Kanon’s work ethic shows what type of player he is,” Brinkerhoff said.
Brinkerhoff added that that the passion and focus that Virostko has for the game is what makes him stand out above everybody else.
“Kanon is mentally tough, resilient and a true leader on and off the field. His ability to be a great catcher and hitter in the box comes down to his drive and love for the game. Kanon’s plate discipline and barrel control is proof of his stats through the year as he led the team to a state championship.”
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 9: Brandon Valenzuela #59 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates behind Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies after hitting a walk-off RBI single during the ninth inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 9, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays (32-35) got some help from Jhoan Duran’s faulty PitchCom as they walked it off against the Philadelphia Phillies (36-30) by a score of 3-2 in game two of the series.
Zack Wheeler and Dylan Cease went punch for punch as two of the best starters in the game, each allowing one run across six innings of work. It was Cease’s first start back after two weeks on the injured list and he showed no signs of rust, striking out 11 Phillies hitters.
Both bullpens held serve bridging the gap to their closers, with Orion Kerkering going an inning plus and Jose Alvarado shutting the door in the eighth. Jeff Hoffman also pitched a scoreless seventh inning after struggling much of the year for the Jays.
Louis Varland and Duran will both likely take the mound at or near the end of the All Star Game in July, but tonight they were unextraordinary.
Varland came into the game with a 0.26 ERA and doubled it with his second earned run allowed of the season in 36+ innings when he walked Bryce Harper on four pitches to open the inning and Harper later came home to score on an inside out punch shot RBI double by Bryson Stott down the left field line to give the Phillies the 2-1 advantage.
Duran had been perfect in save opportunities on the season but after allowing a lead-off single to Sanchez to begin the bottom of the inning, he began complaining of issues with the PitchCom receiver in his hat. It was clearly not resolved during his next at bat against Yohendrick Pinango, as he crossed up JT Realmuto on a pitch that caught JT near the wrist and caused the Phillies staff to bring out a replacement receiver. Up 0-2 against Jays’ catcher, Brandon Valenzuela, a breaking ball got away from Duran and Realmuto and the tying run came home on the wild pitch. Valenzuela turned on a fastball down the middle on the next pitch to end it.
Jesus Luzardo takes the mound in the rubber match against Max Scherzer who is also making his first start back from the injured list after being sidelined since late April.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andy Pages hit a two-run homer and added a sacrifice fly during a seventh-inning outburst against Pittsburgh's bullpen as the Dodgers quickly pulled away once Pirates ace Paul Skenes exited in a 12-3 win on Tuesday night.
Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, allowed two runs and struck out seven in six innings. He retired Los Angeles star Shohei Ohtani all three times he faced the four-time MVP, getting Ohtani to ground out twice and fanning him once in his best start in nearly a month.
When Skenes left, the Dodgers pounced.
Dalton Rushing led off the seventh with a single off Wilber Dotel (1-0), advanced to third on a single through the hole by Alan Freeland and scored the go-ahead run when Pirates catcher Henry Davis’ attempt to pick Rushing off third hit the Dodger catcher instead and rolled away.
Things only got better for Los Angeles. Ohtani followed with an RBI-double and Pages hit his fourth home run in 12 career games against the Pirates to make it 6-2. A throwing error by Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe, a couple of bases-loaded walks, and Freddie Freeman's 2,500th career hit — a sharp RBI-single to center — highlighted the rest of Los Angeles' biggest inning since an 11-run outburst against St. Louis on June 2, 2021.
Will Klein (2-2) picked up the win in relief of starter Eric Laurer, who allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O'Hearn hit back-to-back homers in the first to give Pittsburgh some early momentum. Pittsburgh managed just three hits the rest of the way to drop its fourth straight game and fall back to just one game over .500 at 34-33.
Skenes is now 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA over his last five starts.
Up next
The series continues Wednesday, when Ohtani (6-2, 0.74 ERA) goes for his fifth straight victory on the mound. The two-way superstar has allowed just one run over his last four starts. Jared Jones (1-0, 4.82) starts for Pittsburgh.
In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama faced backlash after an aggressive play against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in the first half.
With the Knicks running a play on offense, the two players were wrapped up, with Wemby seeming to try to fight through a screen or fight off Brunson, who was grabbing his jersey. A replay revealed a hard shove to the back of Brunson’s head and neck from the Spurs center, which sent the Knicks guard almost down to the court.
Brunson snapped back and got in Wemby’s face after the move, with the Spurs star seeming to laugh it off. Referees didn’t make any sort of call against Wemby or review for a flagrant, allowing things to continue.
Ultimately, the Spurs claimed a hard-fought victory at Madison Square Garden, 115-111. Still, Wemby’s play drew plenty of criticism from various analysts and even former Knicks star Stephon Marbury, who suggested that drastic action should be taken against the Spurs’ big man.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
In a video rant that recently surfaced on X after Game 3, Marbury spoke about Wemby playing “dirty” and gave his thoughts on how the team needs to respond to step up for Brunson.
“Wemby is an international player. They play dirty overseas. We’re not used to playing dirty in America how the way Wemby just threw Jalen Brunson. Now, if I’m watching film, and I see Wemby throw somebody on my team … then next game I’m gonna pop him in his rib cage. so hard with my elbow that he’s gonna fall and drop to the ground and he’s gonna wish he never put his hands on me,” Marbury said.
“After y’all watch that film, what he did to Jalen Brunson … you better make sure you put that knife in his neck … next game,” he suggested in his rant.
It remains to be seen if that happens, but Marbury isn’t the only one who has suggested sending a message back at Wemby in the next game of the NBA Finals. Brunson’s teammate, Jose Alvarado, issued a warning ahead of Game 4, and several analysts also suggested the Knicks should retaliate.
Marbury, who played for New York from 2004 to 2009, is one of the many former Knicks players who have appeared throughout the team’s 2026 playoff run. Others include Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
It’s worth noting that the only player of those individuals who won a championship was Frazier. He played for the Knicks from 1967-77, winning the franchise’s only two championships in 1970 and 1973.
Meanwhile, Marbury seems passionate about his former team, but his advice feels ill-timed, especially as hostile Knicks fans made headlines postgame for attacking fans in Spurs jerseys after the Game 3 loss.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs arrives at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Dodgers rolled over the Pittsburgh Pirates, beating them 12-2 on Tuesday, June 9th, in the series opener.
The Dodgers piled on 15 hits and 12 runs, with a lot of the damage coming in the seventh inning. The game was tied 2-2 heading into the top of the seventh inning, then the floodgates opened for the Pirates.
Their bullpen ended up coughing up a ton of walks and hits once Paul Skenes left the game. He had a strong start with two runs given up and seven strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 2.84.
However, Wilber Dotel and Brandan Bidois, two relievers for the Pirates, gave up seven earned runs and 10 runs total between them, costing the team a game that was quite winnable in the end.
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) greets first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) returning to the dugout after Freeman scored a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Freddie Freeman ended up getting his 2,500th hit during the game, once the game was in hand. It did not ruin the moment for Freeman at all, who is ever closer to 3,000 hits, a milestone that he really wants to reach.
Freddie Freeman has reached 2,500 hits.
The ageless hitter has previously said that his goal is to reach 3,000, but after the birth of his recent child, he is having second thoughts.
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Eric Lauer (33) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Despite a lackluster fastball and poor stuff on the whole, Eric Lauer continues to get it done, going 5.2 innings and allowing just two runs, both of which came from home runs.
He got five strikeouts, an impressive total as the Pirates were quite swing-happy all day. Other than two errant pitches, he only allowed one more hit and no walks.
Lauer is the sixth starter on the team, and with so many injuries hitting the team, he was traded for and called upon to just provide innings and keep the team in games.
The lefty has done that thus far, giving himself a longer leash as a major league player with the Dodgers. He will eventually move into the bullpen as the team gets healthier, and he has earned the trust of manager Dave Roberts, which can pay off during the season.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered leading off the eighth inning and the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Spencer Jones also went deep with his first major league home run for the Yankees, who have won three straight and are 10-4 since May 24.
Cleveland's Angel Martínez had two hits and an RBI. The Guardians have dropped three straight and five of six. They are also 2-6 in their last eight home games.
Chisholm once again used one of Aaron Judge's bats and drove a full-count slider from reliever Tim Herrin (0-2) into the right-field stands to put the Yankees on top. It was his third homer in his last six games.
Chisholm led off the second with a walk before Jones, the 25th overall pick in the 2022 amateur draft, connected on starter Slade Cecconi's cutter down the middle of the plate and drove it 443 feet over the center-field wall.
The Yankees' bullpen pitched five scoreless innings. Camilo Doval (2-0) got the win. Fernando Cruz walked the leadoff hitter in the ninth before striking out the next three for his first save.
Cleveland evened it in the third on RBI hits by Chase DeLauter and Martínez. DeLauter's single to drive in José Ramírez snapped an 0-for-18 Guardians slump with runners in scoring position.
Yankees starter Gerrit Cole gave up two runs and five hits with four strikeouts in five innings. The 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner was making his fourth start this season since returning from Tommy John surgery.
Cecconi allowed two runs on six hits and struck out seven in five innings.
Up next
Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón (1-2, 2.88 ERA) faces Guardians LHP Parker Messick (6-2, 2.40) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.
Paul Skenes delivered his first quality start in nearly a month, but the Los Angeles Dodgers poured it on against the bullpen to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-3 at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
Scoring Plays
Bottom 1st, 2-0 PIT: Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn connected on back-to-back home runs off Eric Lauer. It was the the second time the Pirates (34-33) hit back-to-back home runs this season. The first instance was by the same duo on March 31 against the Reds.
Top 2nd, 2-1 PIT: After back-to-back hits to start the inning gave the Dodgers (43-24) runners on the corners, Kyle Tucker got a run back with a sacrifice fly to center off Paul Skenes.
Top 6th, 2-2: Down to their last strike in the inning, Max Muncy hit a chopper past Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe and into right field for a game-tying RBI single.
Top 7th, 12-2 LAD: The Dodgers struck for 10 runs against Wilber Dotel (1-1) and Brandan Bidois. Dotel allowed six runs (five earned) and Bidois allowed four runs (two earned) before Dennis Santana came in and got the final out. Errors from catcher Henry Davis and Lowe at second base, a two-run home run from Andy Pages, an RBI double from Shohei Ohtani, RBI singles from Ryan Ward and Freddie Freeman, back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Alex Freeland and Ohtani and a Pages sac fly were how the Dodgers accounted for all 10 runs.
Bottom 9th, 12-3 LAD: After a Reynolds double, Marcell Ozuna ripped an RBI single to left field off Tanner Scott.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - MARCH 07: Brian Urlacher plays his shot from the seventh tee during the second round of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational 2026 at The Old Course at Broken Sound on March 07, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The world of celebrity golf is in serious preparation.
In a month’s time the American Century Championship will be upon us and celebrity golfers from across all spectrums of celebrity will be in attendance. Former Chicago Bears linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher is among those in the field, and in a conversation with SB Nation recently he put the whole thing in rather interesting context.
Urlacher noted that the ACC is essentially a major championship to celebrity golfers. This was obviously said in good fun. Given that it is among the most serious titles that celebrity golfers can win Urlacher’s thinking makes sense.
Tournament prize money for the ACC is up to $750,000 total with a $150,000 first prize, but importantly the tournament has at the same time raised over $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. Fans can watch the ACC on NBC or Peacock from July 10th through 12.
When I asked Urlacher if these rules meant that someone like Tony Romo was his version of Scottie Scheffler he laughed it off. There are definitely some aces among those in the celebrity field, Mardy Fish is arguably the one, and the tournament’s point system does an admirable job of leveling the field.
Time will tell who takes home this “major” next month. Maybe Urlacher can be the surprise story.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 09: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run for his first Major League home run during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spencer Jones experiment has been extremely interesting over the first few weeks we’ve seen it. Yankee fans have been wondering aloud how a player with such titanic power, but such concerning holes in his swing, would fare against big-league pitching.
The early results have been mixed. He’s kept up his reputation as someone who usually gets a hit whenever he makes contact and he hasn’t looked too overmatched, but he’s also still running a gigantic strikeout rate. It probably doesn’t help that he keeps facing flamethrowers.
We’ve all been wondering, though, when we’d see that titanic power. It turns out, all we needed was to see him get a mistake from a softer throwing righty, as he pummeled a cutter left over the plate by Slade Cecconi for his first major league home run in the second inning to give the Yanks an early lead. A later home run by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and an impressive five-out save by Fernando Cruz finished off a 3-2 win over the Guardians to secure a series victory.
The game started innocently enough on both sides. Paul Goldschmidt was the only baserunner in a scoreless first for Slade Cecconi, while Gerrit Cole sat down the Guardians 1-2-3 in the bottom half.
That ended as soon as the second inning started. Chisholm worked a six-pitch walk after falling behind 0-2 before Cecconi grooved an absolute cookie down the pipe on 1-0 to Jones, who demolished it 443 feet to dead center field for his first career home run, giving the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead.
Cole got into trouble in the bottom half after a single by Rhys Hoskins and a catcher’s interference call, but worked out of it. Trent Grisham and Goldschmidt both hit singles in the third to threaten further, but a heads up play by Kyle Manzardo cut down on Grisham at the plate on a potential double play ball.
Things unraveled for Cole in the third. After two quick outs, he gave up a single to perennial Yankee killer José Ramirez, who then stole second. With two outs and a runner on second, Chase DeLauter smoked a ball up the middle that Anthony Volpe completely misread, jumping out of the way instead of knocking it down, leading to an RBI single.
While that play could’ve ended the inning, it’s hard to put full blame on Volpe for the rest of the inning. Cole lost Manzardo, plunked Hoskins, and failed to cover first on a play that will give you major flashbacks to tie the game at two. Did all of these extra pitches and baserunners happen because Volpe didn’t make the play? Sure, but if any pitcher should be able to pick up his defense, it’s Cole.
The Yankees had a chance to respond in the fourth after singles by Jones and Ryan McMahon, but stranded them. Cleveland had a chance to take the lead on a laboring Cole with a long single by Austin Hedges and a walk by Travis Bazzana, but the former Cy Young gritted his way through the end of a difficult, four-inning outing.
After Cecconi worked around a two-out walk in the fifth, the Guardians threatened again off Paul Blackburn, putting runners on the corners with one out. The struggling Steven Kwan tried to safety squeeze Manzardo home, but Blackburn made a head’s up play off the mound to tag him out trying to score.
Cecconi finished up his outing with another scoreless inning in the sixth, putting a bow on a second consecutive quality start against the Yankees. Blackburn, Tim Hill, and Camilo Doval were able to get the next six outs to send this game into the eighth, still tied at two.
Tim Herrin, who tossed a scoreless seventh, got to start the eighth and jumped ahead of Chisholm 0-2. For the second time today, a Guardians pitcher was unable to execute a pitch to put away the Yankees’ second baseman, running the count full before hanging a slider that was demolished into the right field seats for a go-ahead home run.
Herrin was pulled for Matt Festa with one out, who got out of the inning after allowing a single to McMahon. With the bullpen depleted, Aaron Boone went to Jake Bird to start the eighth, and just like yesterday, a Yankees’ reliever failed to get outs against their lane. With two on and one out, Boone pulled him for the only fresh reliever on the roster, Fernando Cruz, who did his usual sorcery to get out of the inning with a strikeout of Bazzana and a flyout from J-Ram.
Shawn Armstrong put up a quick 1-2-3 inning for the Guardians in the top of the ninth, setting up Cruz to go for the five-out save. Walking DeLauter on four pitches wasn’t a great start, but he got a pair of swords to strike out Manzardo and Hoskins. Angel Martinez was the last man standing, and he was equally helpless against the deadliest splitter in the game, as Cruz locked down just his second save as a Yankee.
The Yanks will go for the sweep in another mid-week matinee against the Guardians tomorrow at 1:10 pm EST on YES. It’ll be Carlos Rodón up against lefty Parker Messick.
CHICAGO (AP) — Atlanta star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has left Tuesday night's game at the Chicago White Sox with tightness in his left hamstring.
Acuña pulled up and was limping after trying to beat out a grounder to Chicago third baseman Miguel Vargas in the fourth inning.
Eli White replaced Acuña. The Braves announced the initial diagnosis of tightness in the hamstring.
It is Acuña's second left hamstring injury of the season. He was on the 10-day injured list from May 3-18 with a strained left hamstring also suffered when attempting to run out a grounder.
Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP and a five-time All-Star, also has suffered two serious knee injuries in his career. He suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in May 2024. Acuña tore his right ACL midway through the 2021 season.
The 28-year-old Acuña is hitting .251 with seven homers and 22 RBIs.
BALTIMORE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit a two-run homer to lead off the 10th inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 on Tuesday night.
Mitch Garver also homered for the AL West-leading Mariners, who have won 11 of their last 14 games and at 36-32 are tied for a season-high four games over .500.
Coby Mayo homered during a two-run ninth-inning as Baltimore rallied to tie the game at 4-4. The Orioles have lost four in a row for the first time since a five-game skid from April 30 to May 4.
Arozarena hit Rico Garcia’s 0-1 slider over the wall in right for his seventh home run of the season to bring around automatic runner Julio Rodríguez. Garcia (3-1) had allowed only three runs in 27 innings this season.
Seattle’s Nick Davila, called up from Triple-A Tacoma, hit Blaze Alexander and yielded Leody Taveras’ RBI single to open the 10th. Mayo popped out, and third baseman Patrick Wisdom threw out Alexander at home. Davila then struck out O’Neill for his first career save.
The Orioles scored two in the ninth against José A. Ferrer (1-1). After Mayo’s one-out shot made it 4-3, Jeremiah Jackson singled, moved to third on Tyler O’Neill’s ground-rule double and scored when he beat Ferrer’s off-balance throw off Samuel Basallo’s dribbler down the first-base line.
Seattle starter Logan Gilbert allowed Taveras’ bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the first and needed 58 pitches to get through two innings. But the right-hander retired the last 14 batters he faced and struck out five over six innings.
Garver ripped Trevor Rogers’ fastball to deep left for his third home run in the fourth inning to make it 3-1.
Rogers allowed three runs and struck out three in 5 2/3 innings.
Up next
Seattle RHP George Kirby (5-5, 4.04 ERA) faces Baltimore RHP Brandon Young (4-1, 3.47) as the four-game series continues Wednesday.
Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Kahlil Benson (67) walks onto the field Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, ahead of the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs waived S Marlen Sewell on Tuesday to make room for CB L’Jarius Sneed. However, another one of the team’s three tryout players signed after rookie minicamp saw an update that puts him on a rare and tough track.
A pair of Kansas City Chiefs longshots found themselves on diverging paths as the team kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 9.
On Tuesday, that journey came to an end for one of those longshots, while another one of them saw renewed hope.
Did you know: LB Cooper McDonald made the Chiefs’ 53-man roster as a tryout player in 2025.
An undrafted free agent out of TCU, McDonald made the 90-man roster after a rookie minicamp tryout. The 6-foot-3 and 240-pound linebacker would go on to make the 53-man roster right out of the gate in September. He mostly played special teams, but did manage one start on defense late in the season.
17 games played
1 game started
25 total tackles
One tackle for loss
Chiefs cut Marlen to make room for L’Jarius Sneed on 90-man roster
According to the NFL’s daily personnel notice for Tuesday, the Chiefs waived UDFA DB Marlen Sewell to make room on the 90-man offseason roster for the reunion with L’Jarius Sneed. The move keeps Kansas City at 19 defensive backs (12 cornerbacks and 7 safeties).
A team captain for Vandy, Sewell appeared in 45 career games in college. He recorded 101 total tackles, three passes defended, a half-sack, and one forced fumble, primarily making his mark on special teams.
The Chiefs won’t hesitate to cut UDFA developmental talent if there’s a move out there that makes their roster better. Sewell won’t be the first or last player to get called in and informed of his release.
Chiefs UDFA OT Kahlil Benson shouted out as a name to watch in the right tackle battle
While Sewell saw his NFL dream in Kansas City come crashing down on Tuesday, former Indiana OT Kahlil Benson found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Athletic’s Jesse Newell shared a post-practice update, putting him squarely in the race at right tackle.
“Another name to watch in RT battle during training camp: Indiana UDFA Kahlil Benson,” Newell wrote.
Newell clarified in the comments of his post that it’s too early to tell if he’s competing in the battle for the starting job or if he’s competing for a roster spot. But this type of comment is always an attention-getter: “Seems like he’s made an early impression with coaches.”
Remember, Benson was part of this year’s National Championship-winning Hoosiers team. He operated as the blindside protector of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. That has to count for something, and it might already give him an early leg up with the Chiefs.
CLEVELAND — Spencer Jones finally demonstrated his impressive pop in The Show on Tuesday, drilling his first major league home run in the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the Guardians.
Jones got the Yankees on the board in the second inning when he launched a two-run blast off Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi. A no-doubter, the ball traveled 443 feet before landing among the trees and shrubs that decorate Progressive Field’s batter’s eye. That made the milestone easy to retrieve; Jones and the Yankees didn’t have to negotiate with any fans to get it back.
Jones ripped the pitch, an 87.2-mph cutter down the heart of the plate, 112.2 mph.
The 25-year-old Jones, recalled when Aaron Judge went on the injured list last week, struggled during his first cup of big league coffee earlier this season, showing some of the strikeout and in-zone contact concerns that tempered expectations of him as a prospect. But he’s looked better in his first few games back — he went 3 for 3 in his return on June 5 — and has brought his average up to .278 after going 2 for 4 on Tuesday.
His OPS, meanwhile, is at .722.
Jones wasn’t the only Yankee to go deep on Tuesday, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. broke a 2-2 tie with a solo homer in the eighth inning.
The Guardians, assisted by some iffy defense from Anthony Volpe, scored two runs off Gerrit Cole in the third inning.
Cole, making his fourth start back from Tommy John surgery, totaled four innings, five hits, two earned runs, two walks and four strikeouts. He’s now thrown a season-high 83 pitches in back-to-back starts.
Jun. 9—Gonzaga will travel to SEC country for a high-level tune-up game before taking on one of the country's most demanding nonconference schedules.
The Zags will travel to Arkansas in October for a preseason exhibition, Razorbacks coach John Calipari told Pig Trail Nation in an interview on Tuesday.
There isn't a date set for the game at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but it's likely to take place at some point in mid- to late October given Gonzaga is set to open the season on Nov. 2 against Purdue in Las Vegas.
Gonzaga doesn't have any other known games on its exhibition schedule at this point.
"We're bringing Gonzaga in as an exhibition," Calipari said. "I'm trying to remember who the other exhibition is, I can't even remember."
The third-year Arkansas coach and Gonzaga's Mark Few have a relationship that stems back decades to Calipari's tenure at the University of Memphis in the early 2000s.
Few and the Zags played Calipari's teams at Memphis four times from 2006-09 and twice during the coach's tenure at Kentucky. The coaches scheduled a six-year nonconference series prior to the 2022-23 season, but Calipari was involved in only two of those games, leaving Kentucky for Arkansas in 2024.
Gonzaga and Kentucky played twice more in the two seasons that followed, but Few and third-year Wildcats coach Mark Pope mutually agreed to discontinue the series last month.
The Zags have lined up multiple exhibition games against power conference games in recent years, traveling to Frisco, Texas, for a preseason tune-up against Tennessee in 2022 and playing USC in Palm Desert, California, prior to the 2024-25 season.
Gonzaga hasn't played Arkansas during the Calipari era but matched up with the Razorbacks twice previously, winning 91-81 at the 2014 Maui Invitational. The second meeting came in the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where a No. 1-seeded Gonzaga team featuring Chet Holmgren, Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard lost 74-68 to Arkansas at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
This October, the Zags will face an Arkansas team coming off a Sweet 16 run of its own. Featuring projected NBA lottery pick guard Darius Acuff Jr., Calipari's team won NCAA Tournament games against Hawaii and High Point at Portland's Moda Center — the same venue where GU played NCAA games against Kennesaw State and Texas — before bowing out with a 109-88 blowout loss to former Zag assistant Tommy Lloyd and top-seeded Arizona at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
Arkansas is losing four of its five starters from last year's squad, but brings back guard Billy Richmond (11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds) and added five-star high school shooting guard Jordan Smith, who was widely considered the No. 2 overall prospect in the country. The Razorbacks also bring in Finnish prospect Miikka Muurinen, a 6-foot-10 forward and former teammate of Gonzaga's Davis Fogle at Arizona's Compass Prep.
Few's program will travel to Arkansas three years after former Gonzaga guard Khalif Battle wore a Razorbacks uniform, suiting up for the SEC program during Eric Musselman's final season in Fayetteville. Battle averaged 14.8 ppg during his lone season in the season before relocating to Spokane as a sixth-year senior, averaging 13.6 ppg and leading the Zags to a WCC Tournament championship.
The Denver Broncos plan to have Bo Nix back and healthy by the start of training camp next month, but the backup quarterback position remains a question following Jarrett Stidham's lackluster performance in last year's AFC Championship Game.
This has prompted ideas that the Broncos could look for a new backup quarterback this offseason, with the latest coming from Alex Kay at Bleacher Report. Kay discussed the most likely cap casualties around the league and predicts that the Pittsburgh Steelers could clear their logjam at quarterback behind starter Aaron Rodgers by cutting ties with veteran Mason Rudolph.
Not only that, Kay predicts that the Broncos could be the team to give Rudolph his next deal. Here was his analysis:
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are running it back with Aaron Rodgers after he helped guide the team to an AFC North title and playoff appearance in his first season.
With Rodgers firmly entrenched as the starter for 2026, Pittsburgh appears to have just two backup quarterback spots available and three candidates competing for them.
That could leave veteran Mason Rudolph on the outside looking in.
Rudolph has spent most of the past eight seasons serving as Pittsburgh's primary backup and occasional starter. After a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, he returned to the Steelers and immediately slotted in behind Rodgers. The circumstances around Rudolph have changed drastically, however, and could lead to a depth chart shakeup.
With longtime head coach Mike Tomlin no longer in charge, new head coach Mike McCarthy may prefer to use the backup roles to develop his younger quarterbacks. Sixth-round pick Will Howard and rookie third-rounder Drew Allar both offer long-term upside that Rudolph, who turns 31 in July, no longer provides.
To Rudolph's credit, he has been a reliable option when called upon—throwing for 3,395 yards and 21 touchdowns while compiling an 8-5-1 record as Pittsburgh's starter. The Steelers must now decide whether retaining an experienced veteran is worth taking valuable practice reps away from two developmental prospects learning behind Rodgers.
Rudolph is entering the final season of a two-year, $7.5 million contract, making him affordable by quarterback standards. Pittsburgh may value youth and roster flexibility more, however, meaning Rudolph could be expendable.
The Steelers might attempt to carry four quarterbacks or explore trade options, but neither outcome seems particularly likely. If no trade materializes, Rudolph might find himself released before Week 1.
Should that happen, the Denver Broncos would be a logical landing spot. The Broncos need an upgrade to Jarrett Stidham in wake of last year's AFC Championship Game calamity, and Rudolph fits the bill as the ideal QB2 behind Bo Nix."
For starters, there is no guarantee that Stidham will even be the Broncos' No. 2 option this season as Sam Ehlinger is firmly in the mix for that job heading into camp. Beyond that, it's highly questionable whether Rudolph would be an upgrade over either of those guys.
Rudolph could be a good option in an emergency situation, but the Broncos don't have one. Stidham and Ehlinger are much more familiar with Sean Payton's offense and what he is looking for with this team and though Rudolph is an experienced option, it wouldn't make any sense to bring him in ahead of either of those players.
For Broncos fans still lamenting the performance Stidham had in the AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots last year, there were many factors for that defeat. Stidham did not play well, but he got almost no help while the team had to navigate through blizzard conditions. It was an unfortunate result, but certainly not a reason to make a panic move like this one.
The welterweight division saw a continued changing of the guard this past Saturday in Las Vegas.
Former champion Belal Muhammad (24-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) really had very little to offer against Gabriel Bonfim (20-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) and was swept on the scorecards in the UFC Fight Night 278 main event. It was Muhammad's third straight loss, including when he lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena in his first attempted defense.
Now Bonfim is on the rise, and even called out JDM, coincidentally – though the Australian is working off back-to-back losses, himself, including his own title setback in his first attempted defense against Islam Makhachev. And while that matchup might not make sense for him, what we do know is that he took a big jump on the chart at 170 pounds and supplanted Muhammad's prior spot.
Now that the Los Angeles Rams have finalized their blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, opposing offenses in the NFC West are already bracing for impact. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle gave a divisional rival's perspective on exactly how teams will have to alter their game plans to handle the elite edge rusher.
According to Kittle, Garrett is bound to command the same defensive anxiety that retired Rams legend Aaron Donald inflicted on the league for a decade.
"He's probably going to get the Aaron Donald treatment from like all the NFC that we all had to do for so long with Aaron," Kittle explained. "And just say you make a game plan around him and make the rest of the team beat you. Just don't let the best defensive player in the league beat you on every single snap."
Despite how much it will affect the 49ers' game plan against the Rams throughout the year, Kittle noted that he's excited to face off against arguably the best defensive player in the NFL right now, following his second Defensive Player of the Year award in three seasons.
"So it's going to be a huge challenge," Kittle added. "And I love a great challenge. It's going to be really fun."
The Garrett deal gives L.A. perhaps the best one-two pass-rush punch in the league between the ex-Browns star and Byron Young, who had 12 sacks in 2025. With Chris Shula running the defense once more and a loaded secondary with new pieces like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, stopping Garrett might not be enough to hold back the Rams in 2026.
Now, imagine if the Donald unretires from the league? ESPN's Adam Schefter believes that idea is "more likely than not," when means teams would have to potentially block Garrett and Donald on any given play. That idea does scare Kittle.
"Hey," Kittle said, "let's not joke about stuff like that."
Athletes from the Nashville area were honored with player of the year awards. The awards show also handed out premier awards for girls and boys athlete of the year, coaches of the year and teams of the year, including a Scholar Athlete Award, the Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kaia Jergenson Courage Award.
Here are the list of winners from the awards show.
The Clemson football signee has been named Middle Tennessee Sports Awards Male Athlete of the Year for the second straight year. Blivens was a star football, basketball and track athlete for the Mustangs during the 2025-26 season. He had 63 receptions for 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns and made three interceptions. As a basketball standout, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals.On the track, he finished fifth in the high jump and sixth in the long jump.
The Western Kentucky softball signee has already established herself as one of the top players in the state in that sport. But she also developed into a standout basketball player at Liberty Creek West and led it to the Class 3A state tournament. She had 20 points and eight rebounds in the state quarterfinal. This season in the pitcher's circle for softball, she threw 100 innings, striking out 156 batters with a 1.25 ERA.
Boys Coach of the Year
Jeremy Cooke, Station Camp
Cooke didn't just guide his team to a second straight Class AA boys soccer state crown, he did so less than a full month after donating a kidney to friend, MBA assistant basketball coach and former Vanderbilt star Ronnie McMahan. Cooke directed Station Camp to a 3-0 record in the state tournament.
Girls Coach of the Year
Warne Riker, Summit
Riker helped engineer Summit’s first state tournament run to perfection, with the Spartans capturing the Class AAA championship for the program’s first title and finishing the 2025 season with a 30-8 record. Summit avenged a regional tournament loss to Brentwood in the state final, winning a five-set classic.
Boys Team of the Year
Oakland football
Oakland won the team's second straight Class 6A football championship and fifth in the past six years as the Patriots dominated Ravenwood, 62-21. It capped a perfect 15-0 record.
Girls Team of the Year
Stewarts Creek softball
Stewarts Creek won its first TSSAA softball state championship two years after being Class 4A state runner-up. The school hammered Maryville, 10-0, in a run-rule win.
Baseball Player of the Year
Jack Dugan, Lipscomb Academy
Dugan, a Tennessee signee, batted .538 with a .601 on-base percentage. He totaled 70 hits, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, 56 runs and 27 stolen bases.
Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Presented by Upshot Nashville
Ty Cobb, Upperman
Cobb is a two-time Mr. Basketball winner in Class 3A. He was named the Gatorade Tennessee Boys Basketball Player of the Year after guiding Upperman to the 3A state semifinals. He averaged 29 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Presented by Upshot Nashville
Cecilie Brandimore, Franklin
Brandimore, a Missouri signee and Class 4A Miss Basketball finalist, averaged 23 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks. Her most impressive game came against Oakland when she set a school single-game record with 57 points.
Boys Bowler of the Year
Westyn Griffin, Siegel
Griffin led Siegel to its first team championship. In the individual tournament, he had a six-game average of 234, earning the No. 1 seed in the stepladder finals then bowled a 175 to bring home the Division I crown.
Girls Bowler of the Year
Jessica McClintock, Lipscomb Academy
McClintock had a stellar sophomore season, capturing the Division II state championship, bowling a 176 in the championship match. She also helped Lipscomb Academy capture the Division II team state title.
Boys Cross-Country Runner of the Year
Asher Oates, Independence
For the second straight year, Asher has been named our All-Midstate boys cross-country runner of the year. Oates finished as Class AAA state runner-up in a time of 15 minutes and 14.31 seconds this year.
Girls Cross-Country Runner of the Year
Lauren Banovac, Brentwood
In her fourth, and final, TSSAA Class AAA state meet, Banovac captured the state championship, running in a time of 17 minutes, 17.15 seconds. She was nearly 10 seconds faster than the state runner-up.
Offensive Football Player of the Year
Jared Curtis, Nashville Christian
The Vanderbilt signee threw for 2,073 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 614 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was named both Division II-A Mr. Football and Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Defensive Football Player of the Year
Zach Groves, East Robertson
Groves, a four-star Tennessee signee and the Class 2A Mr. Football recipient, recorded 77 tackles, 14 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Boys Golfer of the Year
Walker Webb, FRA
Webb won the Division II-A golf individual title with a 10-under 134, the lowest score of any division at the championship. The Iowa State commitment's final-round 65 tied a school record and ranked as the fourth-lowest round in TSSAA state tournament history.
Girls Golfer of the Year
Poppy Pewitt, Dickson County
Pewitt won the Class AA state tournament, finishing even-par 140. She also captured district and region tournament championships, while averaging 73.4 per 18 holes for the season.
Soundara repeated as our hockey player of the year award. Soundara was a rock in net, being named an All-Star starter after allowing 34 goals on 467 shots with one shutout this season.
Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year
Cooper Rice, Ensworth
Rice was an elite offensive player during Ensworth’s run to the Division II-A state championship. The Mercer commitment and All-State selection scored 64 goals and added 24 assists for a total of 88 points.
Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year
Abigail Ellis, Father Ryan
The Ohio State signee finished the season with 47 goals, 32 assists, an impressive 138 draw controls, 47 ground balls and caused 41 turnovers.
Boys Soccer Player of the Year
Ryan Hendon, Station Camp
Hendon guided the Bison to a second straight TSSAA state championship as Station Camp knocked off South-Doyle for the title. Hendon finished the season with 49 goals and seven assists.
Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Summer Riley, Summit
Riley, a Florida commitment and District 10-AAA Player of the Year, scored 43 goals and recorded nine assists.
Softball Player of the Year
Avary Stockwell, Green Hil
The Tennessee signee wins her second straight softball player of the year award. She batted .548 with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 20 home runs and 78 RBIs.
Boys Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year
Hutch Paxton, MBA
Paxton placed second in the 100 butterfly at the TISCA state championships with a time of 47.21 seconds and won the state title in the 100 free with a time of 44.34.
Girls Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year
Bryce Winzenread, Homeschool
Winzenread will compete at the college level in the Big 10 conference at Indiana University. She placed second in the 200 individual medley at the state championships with a time of 2:01.94. She followed that with a state title in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:00.63.
Boys Tennis Player of the Year
Elliott Parker, Hume-Fogg
Parker rolled to a straight-sets victory in the Class A boys singles state championship, beating Lakeland Prep's Bram Maslowski, 6-0, 6-0.
Girls Tennis Player of the Year
Brooke Franklin, FRA
The sophomore has a career 50-0 record combined. She cruised to the Division II-A state title, beating two-time defending state champ Ivana Petkova of Lausanne with a 6-2, 6-1 score.
Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year
Mac McFarland, CPA
McFarland captured the DII-AA boys decathlon with 7,151 points, 248 points better than the state runner-up. He placed first in the pole vault and discus, finished second in the 100, 110 hurdles and high jump and took third in the 400 and long jump in the decathlon events.
Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year
Chyna Harris-Rucker, Pearl-Cohn
Harris-Rucker took home three individual state championships for the Firebirds and helped her team claim the Class A team title with 88 points. She claimed first in the 100-meter dash, the 200 and 400.
Volleyball Player of the Year
Maggie Kalisz, Summit
Kalisz, a Tulane signee, finished with 388 kills, 47 blocks and 58 aces while helping Summit capture the program's first Class AAA state title.
Little was named The Daily Herald's 2025-26 Boys Wrestler of the Year in Columbia after claiming the Class AA 157-pound state championship, his second consecutive state title. The Appalachian State signee went 49-5.
Bowen won her fourth TSSAA girls state championship, this time in the 138-pound weight class. She is only the sixth female in state history to win four. She went 27-0 as a senior and didn't lose a match as a junior or senior.
Jayden Bailey, a 17-year-old student-athlete at Lebanon High School, was a hero to many. And not just because he played varsity basketball with one arm while battling cancer. But also because of the kind of person he was. Bailey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in June 2022. Three years later his left arm was amputated. He died Feb. 19, 2026. Through it all, Bailey tried his best to reassure those around him he was going to be OK.
Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award
Rick Insell
Rick Insell began his high school coaching career at Shelbyville Central in 1978, guiding the program to 10 state championships, 15 state championship game appearances and USA TODAY national titles in 1989 and 1991. He won 774 games in his 28 years at Shelbyville, including a national-record 110 in a row
Scholar Athlete Award
Sofia Kime, Central Magnet
Kime graduated with a 4.0 GPA and had a 34 on her ACTs, two points shy of a perfect score. As a senior she took 10 advanced courses and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council. She’s a member of Central Magnet varsity soccer team and served as the team captain, playing defender, for the past two years where she was named All District and All State.
Athletes from the Nashville area were honored with player of the year awards. The awards show also handed out premier awards for girls and boys athlete of the year, coaches of the year and teams of the year, including a Scholar Athlete Award, the Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kaia Jergenson Courage Award.
Here are the list of winners from the awards show.
The Clemson football signee has been named Middle Tennessee Sports Awards Male Athlete of the Year for the second straight year. Blivens was a star football, basketball and track athlete for the Mustangs during the 2025-26 season. He had 63 receptions for 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns and made three interceptions. As a basketball standout, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals.On the track, he finished fifth in the high jump and sixth in the long jump.
The Western Kentucky softball signee has already established herself as one of the top players in the state in that sport. But she also developed into a standout basketball player at Liberty Creek West and led it to the Class 3A state tournament. She had 20 points and eight rebounds in the state quarterfinal. This season in the pitcher's circle for softball, she threw 100 innings, striking out 156 batters with a 1.25 ERA.
Boys Coach of the Year
Jeremy Cooke, Station Camp
Cooke didn't just guide his team to a second straight Class AA boys soccer state crown, he did so less than a full month after donating a kidney to friend, MBA assistant basketball coach and former Vanderbilt star Ronnie McMahan. Cooke directed Station Camp to a 3-0 record in the state tournament.
Girls Coach of the Year
Warne Riker, Summit
Riker helped engineer Summit’s first state tournament run to perfection, with the Spartans capturing the Class AAA championship for the program’s first title and finishing the 2025 season with a 30-8 record. Summit avenged a regional tournament loss to Brentwood in the state final, winning a five-set classic.
Boys Team of the Year
Oakland football
Oakland won the team's second straight Class 6A football championship and fifth in the past six years as the Patriots dominated Ravenwood, 62-21. It capped a perfect 15-0 record.
Girls Team of the Year
Stewarts Creek softball
Stewarts Creek won its first TSSAA softball state championship two years after being Class 4A state runner-up. The school hammered Maryville, 10-0, in a run-rule win.
Baseball Player of the Year
Jack Dugan, Lipscomb Academy
Dugan, a Tennessee signee, batted .538 with a .601 on-base percentage. He totaled 70 hits, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, 56 runs and 27 stolen bases.
Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Presented by Upshot Nashville
Ty Cobb, Upperman
Cobb is a two-time Mr. Basketball winner in Class 3A. He was named the Gatorade Tennessee Boys Basketball Player of the Year after guiding Upperman to the 3A state semifinals. He averaged 29 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Presented by Upshot Nashville
Cecilie Brandimore, Franklin
Brandimore, a Missouri signee and Class 4A Miss Basketball finalist, averaged 23 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks. Her most impressive game came against Oakland when she set a school single-game record with 57 points.
Boys Bowler of the Year
Westyn Griffin, Siegel
Griffin led Siegel to its first team championship. In the individual tournament, he had a six-game average of 234, earning the No. 1 seed in the stepladder finals then bowled a 175 to bring home the Division I crown.
Girls Bowler of the Year
Jessica McClintock, Lipscomb Academy
McClintock had a stellar sophomore season, capturing the Division II state championship, bowling a 176 in the championship match. She also helped Lipscomb Academy capture the Division II team state title.
Boys Cross-Country Runner of the Year
Asher Oates, Independence
For the second straight year, Asher has been named our All-Midstate boys cross-country runner of the year. Oates finished as Class AAA state runner-up in a time of 15 minutes and 14.31 seconds this year.
Girls Cross-Country Runner of the Year
Lauren Banovac, Brentwood
In her fourth, and final, TSSAA Class AAA state meet, Banovac captured the state championship, running in a time of 17 minutes, 17.15 seconds. She was nearly 10 seconds faster than the state runner-up.
Offensive Football Player of the Year
Jared Curtis, Nashville Christian
The Vanderbilt signee threw for 2,073 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 614 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was named both Division II-A Mr. Football and Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Defensive Football Player of the Year
Zach Groves, East Robertson
Groves, a four-star Tennessee signee and the Class 2A Mr. Football recipient, recorded 77 tackles, 14 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Boys Golfer of the Year
Walker Webb, FRA
Webb won the Division II-A golf individual title with a 10-under 134, the lowest score of any division at the championship. The Iowa State commitment's final-round 65 tied a school record and ranked as the fourth-lowest round in TSSAA state tournament history.
Girls Golfer of the Year
Poppy Pewitt, Dickson County
Pewitt won the Class AA state tournament, finishing even-par 140. She also captured district and region tournament championships, while averaging 73.4 per 18 holes for the season.
Soundara repeated as our hockey player of the year award. Soundara was a rock in net, being named an All-Star starter after allowing 34 goals on 467 shots with one shutout this season.
Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year
Cooper Rice, Ensworth
Rice was an elite offensive player during Ensworth’s run to the Division II-A state championship. The Mercer commitment and All-State selection scored 64 goals and added 24 assists for a total of 88 points.
Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year
Abigail Ellis, Father Ryan
The Ohio State signee finished the season with 47 goals, 32 assists, an impressive 138 draw controls, 47 ground balls and caused 41 turnovers.
Boys Soccer Player of the Year
Ryan Hendon, Station Camp
Hendon guided the Bison to a second straight TSSAA state championship as Station Camp knocked off South-Doyle for the title. Hendon finished the season with 49 goals and seven assists.
Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Summer Riley, Summit
Riley, a Florida commitment and District 10-AAA Player of the Year, scored 43 goals and recorded nine assists.
Softball Player of the Year
Avary Stockwell, Green Hil
The Tennessee signee wins her second straight softball player of the year award. She batted .548 with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 20 home runs and 78 RBIs.
Boys Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year
Hutch Paxton, MBA
Paxton placed second in the 100 butterfly at the TISCA state championships with a time of 47.21 seconds and won the state title in the 100 free with a time of 44.34.
Girls Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year
Bryce Winzenread, Homeschool
Winzenread will compete at the college level in the Big 10 conference at Indiana University. She placed second in the 200 individual medley at the state championships with a time of 2:01.94. She followed that with a state title in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:00.63.
Boys Tennis Player of the Year
Elliott Parker, Hume-Fogg
Parker rolled to a straight-sets victory in the Class A boys singles state championship, beating Lakeland Prep's Bram Maslowski, 6-0, 6-0.
Girls Tennis Player of the Year
Brooke Franklin, FRA
The sophomore has a career 50-0 record combined. She cruised to the Division II-A state title, beating two-time defending state champ Ivana Petkova of Lausanne with a 6-2, 6-1 score.
Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year
Mac McFarland, CPA
McFarland captured the DII-AA boys decathlon with 7,151 points, 248 points better than the state runner-up. He placed first in the pole vault and discus, finished second in the 100, 110 hurdles and high jump and took third in the 400 and long jump in the decathlon events.
Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year
Chyna Harris-Rucker, Pearl-Cohn
Harris-Rucker took home three individual state championships for the Firebirds and helped her team claim the Class A team title with 88 points. She claimed first in the 100-meter dash, the 200 and 400.
Volleyball Player of the Year
Maggie Kalisz, Summit
Kalisz, a Tulane signee, finished with 388 kills, 47 blocks and 58 aces while helping Summit capture the program's first Class AAA state title.
Little was named The Daily Herald's 2025-26 Boys Wrestler of the Year in Columbia after claiming the Class AA 157-pound state championship, his second consecutive state title. The Appalachian State signee went 49-5.
Bowen won her fourth TSSAA girls state championship, this time in the 138-pound weight class. She is only the sixth female in state history to win four. She went 27-0 as a senior and didn't lose a match as a junior or senior.
Jayden Bailey, a 17-year-old student-athlete at Lebanon High School, was a hero to many. And not just because he played varsity basketball with one arm while battling cancer. But also because of the kind of person he was. Bailey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in June 2022. Three years later his left arm was amputated. He died Feb. 19, 2026. Through it all, Bailey tried his best to reassure those around him he was going to be OK.
Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award
Rick Insell
Rick Insell began his high school coaching career at Shelbyville Central in 1978, guiding the program to 10 state championships, 15 state championship game appearances and USA TODAY national titles in 1989 and 1991. He won 774 games in his 28 years at Shelbyville, including a national-record 110 in a row
Scholar Athlete Award
Sofia Kime, Central Magnet
Kime graduated with a 4.0 GPA and had a 34 on her ACTs, two points shy of a perfect score. As a senior she took 10 advanced courses and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council. She’s a member of Central Magnet varsity soccer team and served as the team captain, playing defender, for the past two years where she was named All District and All State.
The Houston Rockets have had players donning a total of 52 different jersey numbers (and have one not part of any numerical series for Houston assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson) since their founding at the start of the 1967-68 season, worn by just under 500 players in the course of Rockets history.
To honor all of the players who wore those numbers over the decades, Rockets Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who wore them since the founding of the team all those years ago right up to the present day.
With seven of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Rockets of all time to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover.
And for today's article, we will continue with the eighth of eight who wore the No. 17, forward alum Tari Eason. After ending his college career at LSU, Eason was picked up with the 17th overall selection of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
The Portsmouth, Virginia native played the first four seasons of his pro career with Houston, and remains with the team at the time of writing.
During his time suiting up for the Rockets, Eason wore only jersey No. 17 and put up 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
The winds have died down around the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy, but that doesn’t mean the New England Patriots coach is out of the woods yet.
After attempting to laugh off the photos of him and Russini together as “laughable,” Vrabel has tried to half-heartedly apologize and hope everyone moves on.
Crisis communication experts have long said that until the NFL coach fully comes clean in an authentic way, the wound at the center of this controversy will continue to be picked at.
“Vrabel is running, in my opinion, a staged rehabilitation, albeit somewhat clumsily,” McPherson told USA Today Sports. “Everything he’s doing is sequenced to move from that initial denial in the beginning to where we are now.”
McPherson told USA Today that she would suggest Vrabel do a sit-down interview with a news outlet where he could lay out the truth and take full accountability.
“He still hasn’t taken accountability, so people are still going to look for it,” she said. “Accountability that only activates when you get caught isn’t accountability. And Mike Vrabel hasn’t taken any accountability. He’s only spoken publicly about what he’s doing privately as a person.”
McPherson added that it’s not as though many people are calling for Vrabel’s job because of the scandal. If anything, the lack of fear around losing his position should invite more accountability.
“People are not holding NFL coaches to a moral standard where they can never cheat, and if they cheat they have to lose their jobs,” McPherson said.
The TikTok-famous crisis communication expert added that Vrabel has made several good starts, such as missing Day 3 of the draft to spend time with his family and admitting he’s had difficult conversations with his family and the team. However, the entirety of the head-in-the-sand strategy hasn’t been as successful as it might seem in this moment.
The Brooklyn Nets have developed their teams through a number of strategies over the decades, and their front office has put together considerable success through the NBA draft. Many of the franchise's best players have joined the Nets either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades made on that day.
Moreover, it is not only the star players who have been acquired by the Nets through the draft. Several prominent alumni have been selected by the team each offseason during this annual event, with certain colleges being more prominently represented than others. An analysis of the players from different schools reveals that both prestigious programs and smaller institutions have contributed top talent to the Nets' roster over the years.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Nets out of Notre Dame.
Dave Batton - center
Draft year and position: 3rd round (18th pick, 62nd overall), 1978 NBA Draft
Seasons at Notre Dame: four
Seasons played with Nets: did not make the team
Jim Dolan - forward
Draft year and position: 7th round (12th pick, 151st overall), 1986 NBA Draft
Seasons at Notre Dame: 4
Seasons played with Nets: did not make the team
Pat Connaughton - wing
Draft year and position: 2nd round (11th pick, 41st overall), 2015 NBA Draft
Seasons at Notre Dame: 4
Seasons played with Nets: did not make the team
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
World Cup gameplay begins Sunday in South Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Stadium is set to welcome an international crowd.
"This is the largest event the world has ever seen. It's happening right here in Philadelphia. How lucky is that?!" said Jolyon Bowman, venue director.
With five days until the first match, organizers say "football fever" has taken over. All eyes will be on Philadelphia as the tournament prepares to broadcast to 175 territories worldwide.
Food options inside the stadium will feature international flavors, including Korean shrimp bao buns and beet carpaccio, alongside a classic cheesesteak made with caramelized onions, Cooper Sharp cheese and a seeded roll.
"We wanted to elevate the service to our guests that were going to be showcasing, and we think we were able to do it," said James Hennessy, senior executive chef.
The pitch is also ready, with Kentucky bluegrass cut at least once a day to a precise 22 millimeters using riding mowers.
"To mow it once it takes about six to seven miles," said David Sandurski, pitch venue manager.
Behind the scenes, the Philadelphia Eagles' locker room has been converted into a space for FIFA press conferences as crews complete final preparations.
Meg Kane of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 said the city's character will be on full display.
"Its diversity, its welcoming nature, and the authenticity of the city, I think that is absolutely going to shine through," she said.
With scorching late June and July temperatures, organizers noted this will be the first time in FIFA history that benches on the pitch will be air-conditioned.
The recruiting calendar continues to change and that has led to prospects making their college decisions far earlier on average. May saw myriad blue-chippers come off the board and the next two months will bring more of the same.
Plenty of surprise and impromptu decisions will come, but the commitment calendar is jam-packed for June and July. There won’t be many days in the near future where a Power Four program doesn’t stack a pledge or two.
As the summer gets rip-roaring, Rivals is tracking which prospects have locked in commitment dates and which schools are in contention for said prospects.
Commitment Date: June 10 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 245 NATL. (No. 18 IOL) RPM Favorite: Kentucky Other Contenders: Indiana, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Tennessee More:Steve Wiltfong predicts Black to Kentucky
Commitment Date: June 10 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 311 NATL. (No. 28 EDGE) RPM Favorite: Auburn Other Contenders: Virginia Tech More:Jackson to commit live with Rivals this week
Commitment Date: June 16 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 276 NATL. (No. 32 CB) RPM Favorite: Nebraska Other Contenders: Indiana, Washington More:Adam Gorney predicts landing spot for Hill
Commitment Date: June 18 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 786 NATL. (No. 111 WR) RPM Favorite: TCU Other Contenders: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky More:Arkansas makes a big move with Knowles
Commitment Date: June 19 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 155 NATL. (No. 18 EDGE) RPM Favorite: Auburn Other Contenders: Tennessee, Georgia More:Auburn heating up on the recruiting trail
Commitment Date: June 20 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 288 NATL. (No. 43 WR) RPM Favorite: Florida Other Contenders: Georgia, South Carolina, Georgia Tech More: Patterson details official visit to Georgia
Commitment Date: June 24 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 860 NATL. (No. 51 QB) RPM Favorite: Cal Other Contenders: Utah, BYU More:Rudnicki locks in commitment date
Commitment Date: June 27 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 51 NATL. (No. 9 WR) RPM Favorite: Stanford Other Contenders: Washington, Alabama, Tennessee, Notre Dame More:Gayles logs a big official visit to Washington
Commitment Date: June 27 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 264 NATL. (No. 39 WR) RPM Favorite: Ohio State Other Contenders: Oregon, BYU, Utah, UCLA More:Wong taking big official visit to Big Ten program
Commitment Date: July 4 Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 830 NATL. (No. 84 CB) RPM Favorite: Georgia Tech Other Contenders: Virginia Tech, Memphis, Florida State More:Georgia Tech in the mix for Koon
People gather at a shopping center to exchange collectible stickers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer album in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, May 28, 2026.
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Matias Delacroix
It is FIFA World Cup Panini time, and while it has nothing to do with the Italian sandwich, its origins do begin in Italy.
The Panini FIFA World Cup Sticker album is a tradition that has existed among soccer fans for decades, beginning in 1961 for the Italian league. It took off worldwide in 1970 at the tournament hosted by Mexico. Panini, the Italian-based company, began selling albums where fans could collect stickers of players and teams from every participating nation.
The 1970 tournament did not just bring the Panini sticker to life; it was also the first World Cup to be broadcast globally, the first played outside of Europe and South America, the first to use red and yellow cards, substitutions and the first to heavily commercialize the tournament, according to ESPN.
People gather at a shopping center to exchange collectible stickers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer album in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, May 28, 2026.
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Matias Delacroix
Much like trading cards for MLB and NFL fans, Panini sticker albums are the ultimate World Cup collectors item.
Collectors typically buy stickers through authorized Panini packs. New this year, fans can also get stickers by purchasing specially packaged World Cup Coca-Cola bottles, the company announced on social media.
The 2026 collection is bigger and better than ever. It marks the first year of the expanded 48-team tournament lineup, meaning it will take more time — and money — to complete the set.
The quest to complete the Panini album
Soccer fans gather to trade Panini World Cup sticker albums and trading cards at the Bicentenario de La Florida stadium in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, May 31, 2026.
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Esteban Felix
For some enthusiasts like Joaquin Ortega, an Argentinian native attending Ensign College, the expanded tournament is no obstacle. Ortega said he already completed 62% of his album after only working on it for two weeks.
He searched high and low, store after store before finally finding boxes of 25 packs at DC Sports Cards and Collectibles, each pack containing seven stickers. Since then, he has found other stores that have restocked the stickers, but noted he has to go right when they restock, otherwise they will be gone before the day is done.
Ortega’s most prized stickers are two Lionel Messi stickers. When asked if he will trade either one for a missing player in his collection, Ortega’s tone turned serious.
“Messi’s are not tradable,” Ortega said.
Ensign College freshman Arthur Da Silva, who is studying cyber security, kicks a soccer ball to score a goal while Spencer Garcia, center left, who is studying software engineering, watches with other attendees during a FIFA World Cup kick-off party held at the college in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Ortega began collecting Panini stickers when he was 6 years old during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
While he misses the environment back at home during the tournament, Ortega has planned several watch parties with friends in the U.S. He acknowledged the soccer culture is different here, but said he respects it.
Since he was a little boy, his family and friends have gathered together to watch the matches, an aspect of the World Cup Ortega misses most. He is confident he will finish the 2026 album, noting he already has plenty of duplicates to trade and plans to buy more if necessary.
How many stickers are in the collection? And what players are in it?
Attendees get food during a FIFA World Cup kick-off party held at Ensign College in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
A complete 2026 collection requires exactly 980 stickers across all 48 competing teams. Because of the expansion, the collection is larger, more difficult and more expensive, according to Sports Illustrated.
The set features global superstars like Messi, Lamine Yamal, Cristiano Ronaldo and more. It also includes 68 special-edition stickers, along with 12 exclusive stickers found only on Coca-Cola packaged bottles. There are roughly 20 stickers per team, which typically include 18 players, a team badge and sections for mascots or history.
The added stickers makes the 2026 season exciting for collectors, but it comes with a steep price tag.
Peel the label, unlock the excitement ⚽️ Collect all 12 FIFA World Cup 26™ Panini stickers with a 20oz Coca-Cola! pic.twitter.com/OUu9NzIYxP
— Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company (@AtlanticCoke) June 2, 2026
A softcover album costs $5, while a standard seven-sticker pack retails for around $2 in the U.S. — an increase from the five stickers included in previous editions.
For beginners, the purchase of an album typically comes with a few starter packs. Those more committed to completing the set can buy bulk 25-pack or 50-pack boxes from Panini America for $50 and $100, respectively. However, these bulk options do not offer a discounted rate per pack, Sports Illustrated reported.
In an ideal scenario where a collector never receives a single duplicate, completing the 980-sticker set, would require 140 packs for a total price of around $280 in the U.S.
Realistically, duplicates are virtually unavoidable. Reuters estimated that collectors may actually need to buy more than 1,000 packs to finish the album on their own. If a collector relies solely on buying packs, the total price tag could near $2,000 before factoring in the Coca-Cola exclusives.
Trading Paninis — a unifying event
That is where trading comes in, helping collectors keep costs down.
Thousands of soccer fans packed the pitch at Santiago's Bicentenario Stadium for Chile's biggest World Cup sticker-swap event, trading Panini album stickers ahead of the 2026 tournament pic.twitter.com/aagTj8EFIF
Trading events happen worldwide, both in person and online. For Delfi Heredia, a college student in Utah studying content creation, the albums are a family affair.
Heredia was raised in Murphy, Argentina, a small town just outside of Rosario — the same hometown as the U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Heredia’s family collects stickers every World Cup. They trade within the family first, and then invite friends and neighbors over to swap duplicates.
“Soccer is always bringing people together,” Heredia said.
Here in the U.S., Heredia has found community among fellow soccer fans and supporters of Real Salt Lake. They go to games together and have already organized trading nights. Though Heredia does not have the actual album book yet, she already has her sticker collection started.
Sticker packs and albums have been available at retailers like Target, CVS and Costco, but they will become harder to find as the tournament progresses. Heredia said this isn’t a problem unique to the U.S., the packs are hard to find no matter where you look.
When asked who will win the 2026 World Cup, Heredia hopes for an Argentine victory, but admits she is nervous about France standing in the way of her country taking home the coveted trophy.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 09: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 9, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eric Lauer held his own against Paul Skenes into the sixth inning, then the Dodgers broke loose against Not Paul Skenes in a 12-3 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night at PNC Park.
A tie game entering the seventh inning quickly became untied as Pirates reliever Wilber Dotel allowed five hits and a walk to his six batters faced, and all of them scored. Andy Pages hit a two-run home run to break things open.
It took 10 Dodgers to bat in the seventh before the Pirates bullpen recorded its first out. And they weren’t done yet. Two games after a nine-run inning against the Angels that was the Dodgers’ best in five years, they scored 10 runs in the seventh inning on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
PNC Park stands at the confluence of three rivers in Pittsburgh, so perhaps adding a fourth River into the mix might represent a Roberto Clemente Bridge too far. So while River Ryan is in Charlotte and set to start on Wednesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Lauer remains in the rotation, and thus far has basically done exactly what was asked of him when the Dodgers acquired the left-hander from the Toronto Blue Jays on May 17.
What was an uphill battle facing Skenes was smoothed out a bit by Lauer pitching as deep as he did, and the Dodgers giving themselves several chances against the Pirates ace.
In five starts against Skenes, the Dodgers have 25 total hits (in 112 at-bats), but 13 are for extra-bases. Mookie Betts got one of those with a double to lead off the second inning, and scored the first run for Los Angeles. Max Muncy doubled with one out in the fourth, but Skenes struck out Kyle Tucker and Ryan Ward to end that threat.
But the Dodgers kept threatening against Skenes, reaching base in every inning from the second through the sixth, including a one-out double in the sixth by Freeman, his 2,499th career hit. One out later, Max Muncy grounded a ball that took a hop past second baseman Brandon Lowe for his third hit of the game, scoring Freeman with the equalizer.
As good as Skenes has been this season — a 3.08 ERA, 2.29 xERA — the Pirates have managed to lose eight of his 14 starts, despite having a winning record (34-33) overall. Seeing the bullpen makes that more understandable.
Two sides of aggression
Dalton Rushing walked to open the fifth, but his slide into second base on a grounder might have been acceptable 50 years ago, well off the bag and into Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo. Instead, he was rightfully called for interference, turning a forceout into a double play, neutering a potential scoring opportunity.
Rushing channeled that aggression more productively in the seventh inning, with a single and going from first base to third on a single to left center. Then on a pickoff throw by catcher Henry Davis, Rushing went back into the bag standing up, remaining in the way of third baseman Nick Gonzalez. The throw hit Rushing and caromed into foul territory, allowing him to easily score the go-ahead run.
That run seemed important at the time, but got washed away under the avalanche of runs during the frame.
Tuesday particulars
Home runs: Andy Pages (15); Bryan Reynolds (7), Ryan O’Hearn (10)
The Dodgers and Pirates are back at it on Wednesday (3:40 p.m. PT; SportsNet LA, MLB Network), with Shohei Ohtani on the mound for the middle game of the series, and Jared Jones pitching for the Pirates in his third start back from the injured list. Weather permitting, of course.
PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes delivered his first quality start in nearly a month, but the Los Angeles Dodgers poured it on against the bullpen to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-3 at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
Scoring Plays
Bottom 1st, 2-0 PIT: Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn connected on back-to-back home runs off Eric Lauer. It was the the second time the Pirates (34-33) hit back-to-back home runs this season. The first instance was by the same duo on March 31 against the Reds.
Top 2nd, 2-1 PIT: After back-to-back hits to start the inning gave the Dodgers (43-24) runners on the corners, Kyle Tucker got a run back with a sacrifice fly to center off Paul Skenes.
Top 6th, 2-2: Down to their last strike in the inning, Max Muncy hit a chopper past Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe and into right field for a game-tying RBI single.
Top 7th, 12-2 LAD: The Dodgers struck for 10 runs against Wilber Dotel (1-1) and Brandan Bidois. Dotel allowed six runs (five earned) and Bidois allowed four runs (two earned) before Dennis Santana came in and got the final out. Errors from catcher Henry Davis and Lowe at second base, a two-run home run from Andy Pages, an RBI double from Shohei Ohtani, RBI singles from Ryan Ward and Freddie Freeman, back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Alex Freeland and Ohtani and a Pages sac fly were how the Dodgers accounted for all 10 runs.
Bottom 9th, 12-3 LAD: After a Reynolds double, Marcell Ozuna ripped an RBI single to left field off Tanner Scott.
Key Moments
The first nine batters of the inning reached against Wilber Dotel and Brandan Bidois before the first out of the inning. It was the first time the Pirates allowed 10 runs in an inning since the Reds scored 10 runs in the second inning on July 29, 2019.
Player of the Game
The entirety of the Dodgers offense.
Stat to Know
The Pirates have now lost five straight games that Paul Skenes has started, the longest stretch of his career. Their last win with Skenes on the mound came on May 12 against the Rockies at PNC Park.
Notable Performances
Paul Skenes: 6.0 innings, six hits, two runs, two walks, seven strikeouts, 103 pitches/62 strikes
Wilber Dotel: 0.0 innings, five hits, six runs (five earned), one walk, no strikeouts, 29 pitches/18 strikes
Brandan Bidois: 0.2 inning, two hits, four runs (two earned), three walks, one strikeout
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 4, one home run, one double, one RBI, two runs
Ryan O’Hearn: 1 for 4, one home run, one RBI, one run
Noteworthy
The Pirates’ losing streak extended to four games.
The Dodgers out-hit the Pirates 15-5.
Paul Skenes’ stretch of 14.1-straight scoreless-innings pitched against the Dodgers came to an end when the Dodgers scored in the second inning. It was the first time this year Skenes allowed a second-inning run.
Andy Pages’ home run off Wilber Dotel was the first the rookie right-hander allowed since the first batter he faced in the big leagues (Rays’ Junior Caminero).
Oneil Cruz (recurrent left hand discomfort) was scratched from the original lineup and was placed by Jake Mangum in center field. Cruz’s status is day-to-day.
The Pirates added C/1B Rafael Flores Jr. to the taxi squad. Pittsburgh also traded Triple-A Indianapolis RHP Carson Fulmer to the Seattle Mariners.
Up Next
RHP Jared Jones (1-0, 4.82 ERA) will make his third start of the season for the Pirates on Wednesday night. RHP Shohei Ohtani (6-2, 0.74 ERA) will be on the mound and at the plate for the Dodgers. First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB Network/93.7 The Fan.
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell believes his 19th NFL season will likely be the final chapter of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades.
“I always tell myself — and this year I feel it as strongly as ever — that this is probably going to be my last year,” Campbell said following Tuesday’s minicamp practice.
The 39-year-old veteran returned to Baltimore this offseason on a one-year deal after spending the 2025 campaign with the Arizona Cardinals. Campbell, who turns 40 in September, remains one of the NFL’s most respected defensive linemen and leaders despite entering his 19th season.
Campbell enters the 2026 season with 960 career tackles and 117 sacks. He is also closing in on a significant NFL milestone, having appeared in 278 regular-season games, just four shy of the defensive lineman record of 282 held by Hall of Fame-era standout Jim Marshall.
Nearing the end of a remarkable 19-year career
Campbell showed last season that he can still perform at a high level. While starting all 17 games for Arizona, he recorded 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks, marking the third consecutive year he played every game on the schedule. His production helped convince the Ravens to bring him back for another run at a Super Bowl.
A six-time Pro Bowler, former First-Team All-Pro, and the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Campbell has built a résumé that could eventually earn Hall of Fame consideration. Throughout his career, he has played for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and again the Cardinals before returning to Baltimore.
For now, Campbell remains focused on helping a Ravens team with championship aspirations. But barring a change of heart, one of the NFL’s most durable and respected veterans appears ready to savor what could be his final season before calling it a career.
The Rocket Classic will be no more after this year's edition.Getty Images
The PGA Tour’s time in the motor city is coming to an end.
On Tuesday morning, the Rocket Classic announced that it would be ending its tenure as a PGA Tour stop, ending an eight-year run for the tournament in Detroit.
“After nearly 13 years as a PGA Tour title sponsor, including eight years in Detroit, 2026 will mark the final Rocket Classic,” tournament director Mark Hollis said in a statement reported by the Associated Press’ Doug Ferguson. “We are incredibly proud of what this tournament has meant to the city, from creating unforgettable moments for fans to raising more than $10 million for local organizations.”
The Rocket Classic — nee Rocket Mortgage Classic — will play one final time in late July before drifting off into a sponsor-less sunset, with tournament title sponsor Rocket Mortgage declining its option to host the event in 2027, per the Detroit News’ Tony Paul.
The decision follows years of weaker fields in the event, which had fallen out of favor with top stars returning from summer travels at the Open Championship and preparing for the final sprint of the PGA Tour season, the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
But perhaps more pressingly, the decision represents the first of what is expected to be a groundswell of changes for longtime PGA Tour events in 2027 and beyond. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is expected to speak publicly in the coming weeks about the status of the Tour’s new “two track” schedule — a plan to reorient the Tour around a more coherent, easy to follow season-long competition stratified into two distinct buckets, one with larger purses and elevated events for the better players. It is expected that Rolapp’s next update will provide more clarity around the shape of each of those tracks, which could produce even bigger windfalls for the Tour around its biggest events, but could leave some smaller events, like the Rocket Classic, in limbo.
The status of golf’s calendar represents Rolapp’s biggest swing since being announced as PGA Tour CEO a year ago. The PGA Tour schedule has existed under its current general shape and dimensions for the better part of three decades, and to no small degree of financial success. At one point in the early LIV days, its predictably and repeatability were mentioned as strengths by players for both tours.
But critics have suggested that the Tour’s model, while profitable, comes at the expense of a greater (and even more profitable) sense of coherence and drama. Tour events take place twelve months out of the year, and many of the biggest moments on the Tour schedule come in the earliest months of the season, costing the Tour the kind of season-long narrative arc with a dramatic conclusion that fills the calendars (and bank accounts) most other professional sports leagues.
Under the first track of Rolapp’s “two track” vision, the Tour would coalesce the lion’s share of financial support around a smaller, more prominent series of tournaments. Supporters of this vision suggest it amounts to a relatively small shift in the overall pro golf calendar — the underlining of an already existing, if unspoken stratification between certain “big” PGA Tour events and other “local” ones.
Still, there is fair reason to be skeptical: The FedEx Cup Playoffs were initially intended to serve as a bridge to the same outcome of a unified, season-long Tour; they proved to be a ramp to tens of millions in sponsor-dollars and not much more. Rolapp’s vision not only aims to pursue these same ends — it also threatens to undercut the “local” events that have served as the bedrock of the tour for decades.
The Rocket Classic is the first of those events to be shown the door. But with change still lingering in the air at PGA Tour HQ as the heart of the golf season comes into focus, it may very well not be the last.
The New York Mets were hoping to continue the momentum they got after taking their last road series in San Diego, but started Freddy Peralta wasn’t up to the task as he gave up six runs in six innings of work in a 7-0 Mets loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Peralta came undone badly in this one, starting in the third inning when he gave up four runs to put the Mets in a hole. The right-hander hit one batter and walked another, and doubles by JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker powered the rally as the Cardinals sent eight men to the plate and scored half of them.
The Mets’ hole deepened in the fifth as he gave up a bloop single to Ivan Herrera that was misjudged by centerfielder A.J. Ewing, and Alec Burleson followed with an opposite-field, two-run homer. That made it 6-0, which proved to be far too deep a deficit for the Mets to overcome.
New York was shut down completely by Cards starter Dustin May, who came into this one with a high ERA of over four runs a game and routinely gets hit around. But May pitched six strong innings of four-hit ball in this one as he struck out six hitters and was dominant throughout the game.
The Mets lineup didn’t help. Rookie outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing had three of the five hits the Mets had, but Juan Soto and Bo Bichette went a combined 1-for-7, and Ewing’s double was the lone extra base hit of the night for New York.
The final run of the night came against reliever Joey Gerber on a double by Burleson in the seventh, and Ivan Herrera was also an offensive star for St. Louis with a five-hit night.
This was yet another example of the Mets not getting what they need from Peralta. The Mets had a favorable pitching matchup against May, and this should have been a dominant effort from the right-handers. The Mets were expecting him to be an ace, but he’s been average, mostly, and if New York doesn’t get back to .500 by July it’s fair to assume the Mets will start to listen to offers for him.
The Mets will try their luck again tomorrow night with Christian Scott on the mound and Andre Pallante going for St. Louis.
The decorated Irishwoman was ready to call time on a decade-long professional journey that saw her become a two-time undisputed champion — unless her dream swan song at Croke Park could somehow be delivered.
"I spoke to [my team] after the last Serrano fight, and I said, 'Guys, that's me done if Croke Park doesn't happen,'" Taylor admitted Tuesday on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"So I basically retired after the last fight. We had a conversation after the fight in my hotel room with the team, and I said, 'This has been an amazing journey. Thank you so much, but I think I'm going to hang the gloves up. That's me done unless Croke Park happens.'
"The reason I didn't announce my retirement is because I was clinging on to a bit of hope that Croke Park was actually going to happen, and here we are."
Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs), the first-ever Olympic women's lightweight champion and one of the greatest women's boxers in history, told Uncrowned that she believed there was nothing else left to achieve in the sport, except for fighting at her dream venue of Croke Park.
The Irish national stadium, in some ways, after all, is bigger than the sport itself. It has been Taylor's — and every Irish fighter's — lifelong dream to compete at the historic venue. If anything could bring her back, it was Croke Park.
"I was done [after the third Serrano fight]," Taylor acknowledged. "I didn't think there was much else to chase after, to be quite honest. A few days after that conversation [of telling my team I was going to retire], Brian [Peters, my manager] rang me up and said, 'I'm going to give Croke Park one last shot. I'm going to try and get this over the line for you.' Because he knew that this was the dream I had for a few years now."
Throughout her professional career, though, the dream always seemed to be out of reach.
"I think they first brought up Croke Park maybe four years ago after the first [Amanda] Serrano fight [in 2022]," Taylor said.
"This is crazy [that it's happening now]. [Croke Park] was an impossibility back then. To actually get this over the line now is surreal."
After Taylor defeated Serrano in what was by far the biggest fight in women's boxing history in April 2022, momentum began building toward an Irish homecoming.
Yet despite Taylor's growing profile, a fight at Croke Park wasn't to be.
The venue was explored for her Irish debut, but the costs associated with hosting a boxing show at the stadium — primarily security costs — were deemed too high. Thus, Taylor was denied the opportunity to fight at her dream location.
Prior to her success, Ireland's boxing scene had begun to stagnate in the 2010s. There were no major boxing events in Dublin from 2016 until Taylor brought the sport back to the masses in 2023. That was largely because of the fatal shooting during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel with notorious crime boss Daniel Kinahan, the target.
In 2023, though, boxing returned to Dublin with Taylor's bout against Chantelle Cameron at The 3Arena.
After every Taylor fight since, the idea of Croke Park had been touted. It had become a bit of a broken record, particularly since there was never a serious possibility of it materializing.
In early 2026, though, the mood changed. Her promoter, Eddie Hearn, bullishly claimed that he would do everything in his power to give Taylor the perfect sendoff. And after months of anticipation, it was finally announced this past Friday.
Ireland's Croke Park has long been a goal for Katie Taylor and Eddie Hearn.
Piaras Ó Mídheach via Getty Images
"I think it was a few weeks back that Brian had said to me he's very, very close to making this deal done," Taylor said. "Just a few days ago, Brian actually called me and said all the contracts are signed, it's a done deal. I was over the moon. I just couldn't believe — even a few months back, I didn't think this was going to happen."
It is fitting that Taylor will be the first headliner at the iconic 80,000-seat Croke Park on Sept. 5, since another legend, Muhammad Ali, fought at the famed venue in 1972.
Taylor confirmed that when she steps through the ropes against Flora Pili, it will be her final appearance in a boxing ring. If successful, she will bow out of the sport as a three-time undisputed champion on a night she has dreamed about for many years.
"To end my career [at Croke Park], this could be the pinnacle. I think this could possibly be the most iconic moment of my whole career," she said. "I have the chance of becoming a three-time undisputed champion in this fight, as well. I'm living beyond my dreams at this stage."
"I'm just over the moon," she added. "The excitement and the celebration around the place have been amazing, but I obviously have a fight to win. I have a fight to prepare for."
The Edmonton Oilers’ desperation for trying to win a Stanley Cup before star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl get fed up and leave is seemingly causing the team to take drastic action.
Edmonton is reportedly set to hire the controversial Mike Babcock, who resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2023 a little over 10 weeks after being hired amid accusations of inappropriate conduct toward players.
News of the impending hire enraged most of the Oilers’ fan base, many of whom flooded social media with angry messages discouraging the team from hiring the disgraced Babcock.
But that’s not the only backlash Edmonton is dealing with. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, if Babcock does get hired, he’ll be subject to NHL investigation first.
“The NHLPA has asked the NHL to move forward with an investigation into the allegations Mike Babcock invaded players privacy during his time in Columbus,” Dreger wrote on X.
Head Coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs directs his team during the third period of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs 5-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun added more context to the situation.
“Further to what @DarrenDreger reports here, the NHL is awaiting word from the Oilers,” LeBrun added. “Which is to say, if Edmonton wants to go ahead with the Babcock hire, then the league will go ahead with its investigation as per the NHLPA request. But that’s if the Oilers decide to go ahead with the hire.”
The looming investigation stems from an incident during Babcock’s tenure in Columbus in which he was accused of invading the privacy of several Blue Jackets players by looking through personal photos on their phones.
It’s possible the investigation could deter the Oilers from hiring Babcock, or at the very least, he could be subject to potential NHL punishment before being able to start his tenure in Edmonton.
Babcock’s questionable coaching tactics don’t stop there though.
He was also accused of bullying former Detroit Red Wings player Johan Franzen into having a nervous breakdown, asking former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner to rank his former teammates based on their effort level, and healthy scratching players like Mike Modano and Mike Commodore due to a personal vendettas.
LeBron James still has no clue what the immediate future holds, but that hasn’t stopped analysts/insiders from speculating about what the Los Angeles Lakers’ star forward’s offseason could consist of.
“If it doesn’t work out with the Lakers, I’d watch the Warriors,” Windhorst said.“I know that everybody loves the idea of LeBron in Cleveland, but Cleveland needs perimeter defense. It would be a great story.”
“He would definitely help them, but Cleveland needs interior toughness and perimeter defense, and LeBron can do some of that. Also, that would require LeBron to play for three million bucks.”
“If he wants to play for three million, he could do it, but until I hear from (James’ agent) Rich Paul that LeBron is ready to play for three million, I’m not going to believe it. But, I’d watch Golden State. He played with Steph Curry and Steve Kerr on the Olympic team. We know he’s close with Draymond Green. I still think it’s the Lakers. I say 51% Lakers, and then we’ll see.”
Although re-signing James doesn’t appear to be Los Angeles’ No. 1 priority (per a report from Lakers insider Jovan Buha), it’s still encouraging to know that Windhorst believes that James, who can still contribute to winning at the highest level despite his defensive limitations and age, is firmly in the mix for the four-time NBA champion.
In the Warriors’ case, it’s all about adding game-changing talent during the final chapter of Curry’s career, making the timing of James’ free agent status near perfect. Signing James would give the Warriors another prolific scorer who shines bright under pressure and has the championship pedigree the franchise desperately needs.
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Windhorst's informative intel makes a storybook reunion with James slightly less likely (but not impossible). The idea of James going back home to finish his NBA career is easily the most enthralling of them all.
That said, the Warriors and Lakers appear to have a leg up on the 2016 NBA champions, which isn’t a positive development in early June.
In case you have not yet heard, Dylan Larkin has reportedly requested to be traded from the Detroit Red Wings. That’s right, folks, the captain of the Red Wings has made the decision that he would rather be traded than continue to play for the team he rooted for growing up.
Ever since that news broke, there has been plenty of debate about whether this fiasco is more about Larkin not stepping up as a captain should, or Steve Yzerman sucking at his job and not building a competitive roster despite having way more than enough time to do so.
Now, Darren McCarty has weighed in on the situation, and Larkin won’t like what the former Red Wings forward has to say.
“What do I always say? ‘You are either IN, or you are IN THE WAY, so you’re definitely in the way,” McCarty said. “And then we can put blame on this or that, or whatever, but I don’t want a guy, no matter if you’re the top guy, or the bottom guy. If you don’t want to be here, then I don’t want you here. This, I believe, will be one of the best things to happen to the Red Wings organization.”
It’s safe to say that McCarty is taking Yzerman’s side on this one!
WEST CHESTER — A year after losing to the same team in the same spot, La Salle's lacrosse team made sure history didn't repeat itself.
And the Explorers made sure in a hurry.
A flurry of early goals, and then a bunch more the rest of the way, gave La Salle a 12-4 win over defending PIAA Class 3A champion Springfield-Delco on Tuesday night at West Chester East. The win moved the Explorers into Saturday's PIAA title game at Penn State (5:30 p.m.) against District One runner-up Radnor, a 16-3 victor over Manheim Township from District Three. Radnor defeated La Salle in the 2024 state final 9-6.
"They beat us last year and we remembered and that gave us more motivation," La Salle senior Cooper Heilig said.
"We were ready to go and we started fast and everyone just played really well."
La Salle, the District 12 champion, had a 4-0 lead before the game was eight minutes old and was never threatened over the four quarters.
"Our guys came out fast and got the offense going and kept at it," La Salle second-year head coach Jack Forster said.
"They were motivated by what happened last year and our team leaders did a great job of keeping everyone focused."
The Explorers' first seven goals came from seven different players before sophomore Mason Smith netted his second goal of the game to make it 8-2 at halftime.
"We were pretty confident coming into the game and we stuck to our gameplan," La Salle senior Dylan Malone said.
"And a bunch of guys scored goals and it shows that our offense is pretty well-rounded. Everybody just played great for us."
Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
Dallas Goedert had a chance to consider life outside Philadelphia, but the veteran tight end never found a better situation than the one he already had with the Eagles.
Goedert said he was able to test free agency "a little bit" during the offseason and had opportunities to go elsewhere, but ultimately decided that returning to Philadelphia was the best move for his career. The decision keeps one of Jalen Hurts' most trusted targets in place as the Eagles reshape their offense after A.J. Brown's departure and transition into Sean Mannion's system.
“I was able to test free agency a little bit,” Goedert said. “Had opportunities to go elsewhere. Nothing was a better opportunity than I thought I could have here. Being able to play in the same place for nine years is special. It would have had to be something really drastic to have me try to sign somewhere else.”
Goedert's comments reflect both loyalty and practicality. He has spent his entire career in Philadelphia, developing from a second-round pick into one of the NFL's more complete tight ends. Remaining with the Eagles gives him continuity with Hurts, a familiar locker room, and a chance to play a major role in an offense that could lean more heavily on tight ends.
Dallas Goedert: "I was able to test for agency a little bit. Had opportunities to go elsewhere. Nothing was a better opportunity than I thought I could have here. Being able to play in the same place for nine years is special. It would have had to be something really drastic to… pic.twitter.com/3Un8tKapRe
That role may become even more important in 2026. Brown is no longer on the roster, making DeVonta Smith the clear No. 1 wide receiver and creating more opportunity for Goedert, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, and others. Goedert has already praised Mannion's system for creating "easy touches" for tight ends and scheming ways to get players open in space, while also emphasizing that tight ends must be able to block in the new offense.
For Philadelphia, retaining Goedert was about more than keeping a productive pass catcher. He remains a physical blocker, a reliable middle-of-the-field option, and one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. His presence gives the Eagles stability during an offseason defined by change.
Goedert acknowledged that leaving would have required something significant, and that says plenty about how he views Philadelphia. After eight seasons with the organization, the chance to enter Year 9 with the same franchise still carried value.
DENVER (AP) — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog was presented with not one, but two awards on Tuesday, earning the Mark Messier Leadership honor and the Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The 33-year-old forward from Sweden becomes the first player to win both in the same season. It's been a long road back to the rink for Landeskog in his return from a serious knee injury.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
The Messier Award goes to the player who demonstrates “great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey."
Landeskog’s knee issues began after a skate blade cut his right knee during the 2020 playoffs in the Edmonton bubble. He worked his way through it and helped the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup title in 2022.
The Cup clincher, though, was his last game for quite a stretch. After missing a full season, Landeskog underwent cartilage replacement surgery on May 10, 2023.
He made it back last season for Game 3 of the playoffs against Dallas, which was his first NHL contest in 1,032 days.
This season, he had 14 goals and 21 assists over 60 regular-season games. Colorado went 45-7-8 with him in the lineup and 10-9-3 when he was out.
He added six goals and five assists in the playoffs before the Avalanche were swept in the Western Conference Final by Vegas.
Landeskog remains active in the community, too, taking part in Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s (KSE) Charity Brunch and leading the team’s annual hospital visit. He also hosts several local foundations through the team's “Community Ticket Pride” program.
His recovery from his knee injury was covered in a six-part documentary series titled “A Clean Sheet.”
The Masterton Trophy, which is presented by the NHL Writers’ Association, was first awarded in 1967-68. The Mark Messier Leadership Award made its debut in 2006-07.
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