Liverpool Transfer News: Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and a Summer Built Around Wingers

On Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Dave Davis and David Lynch moved from the emotion of Liverpool’s final day into the business that now defines the summer, and the conversation quickly narrowed around one question, where does Liverpool find the winger it needs?

Davis framed it as “the business end of the season” giving way to “the summer business”, before pointing to Yan Diomande as a name that had gathered force. His summary was direct, “RB Leipzig winger Yande remains a priority when he’s talking about Salah’s replacement.” From there, Lynch made clear that Liverpool’s interest is not casual. “I think he’s going to be the number one winger target out of anyone who’s available on the market.”

Liverpool need wide attacking certainty

The Diomande discussion came after a broader assessment of Liverpool’s attack. Lynch had already warned that “they’ve got to make some more signings there this summer” and described the need for “a reliable source of 20 odd Premier League goals and, you know, 10 assists.” In that context, Liverpool’s winger search is not decorative. It is structural.

Lynch’s point was not that Diomande guarantees that output. In fact, he was careful to stress risk. “That’s not a guarantee of success,” he said, adding that Diomande “looks like the best available player out there to kind of help try and solve that problem.”

That is the heart of Liverpool’s dilemma. The club need immediate impact, but the market may be offering elite potential rather than finished certainty.

Yan Diomande as priority target

Lynch’s admiration for Yan Diomande was unmistakable. “He’s been the one who’s most concretely linked, the one that they seem to like the most,” he said. He also emphasised the data profile, “his numbers are just ridiculous.”

The concern is timing. Lynch called him “a teenager coming to a new league” and “the hardest league of all”, with “no space to operate in” and “all the physicality that goes on.” That matters because Liverpool, as Lynch put it, need someone who can “hit the ground running.”

Still, when asked whether Liverpool would push if they could, Davis put it plainly, “you do get the serious impression that if Liverpool can get this done, they’re just going to try and get it done.” Lynch later added, “he would definitely be a good signing.”

Photo: IMAGO

Bradley Barcola remains part of the equation

Davis then put the hierarchy simply, “it kind of feels like Diamande one, Barcola two at the moment.” Lynch agreed, “Yeah, definitely.”

Bradley Barcola enters the picture because PSG’s interest in Diomande could change the shape of the market. Lynch explained, “if they get him then Barcola is available.” He also said Barcola is “a player Liverpool have watched a lot and like for a while.”

There is a caveat. Lynch’s worry was positional, “he does kind of prefer that left hand side” and there is “not a lot of data on him playing on the right.” His conclusion was clear, “Liverpool definitely needs someone who’s capable of playing there.”

PSG factor sharpens Liverpool decision

The biggest obstacle may be PSG. Lynch said their interest is “a massive factor” and added, “you wouldn’t lean towards Liverpool being favourites at this moment.” Yet he also described a convincing Liverpool pitch, “you are going to start the majority of the games here” and “we need someone on that right hand side.”

For Liverpool, Yan Diomande looks like the priority, Bradley Barcola the logical alternative, and the need for a winger unavoidable. Lynch’s final assessment captured it best, “he really would be a perfect signing in so so many ways.”

Saints rookie WR not named Jordyn Tyson predicted to have 'massive impact' in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New Orleans Saints came into the NFL offseason with a clear need for wide receiver help. While they didn't add anyone of note in free agency, they did splurge in the NFL Draft.

Jordyn Tyson was their first-round pick at No. 8 overall, and along with Chris Olave, that new WR duo should be just what Tyler Shough needs to make the next step as a quarterback.

However, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski is predicting that a different rookie WR than Tyson will have a "massive impact" on the Saints offense in2 026. That rookie is the brother of Trey Lance and fourth-round pick Bryce Lance.

Saints' Bryce Lance predicted to have 'massive impact' on 2026 offense

"Bryce Lance has the physical ability and potential opportunity to become a significant contributor sooner rather than later," Sobleski writes.

If the Saints were able to get great production from Lance, their fourth-round pick at No. 136 overall, it would be a great sign for not just the offense and Shough but especially for Lance.

However, in predicting that Lance would be a positive contributor for the Saints in 2026, Sobleski paired it with a negative: "The odds are Lance is going to be on the field filling in for one of the Saints' top targets at some point, and he can then be highlighted."

Even though the Saints getting a productive rookie year from Lance would be a good thing, if it coincided with Olave and Tyson getting hurt, it would be far from ideal.

MORE: Bears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded

Both top receivers for the Saints have some injury question marks, so it wouldn't be a total surprise if they missed a game or two in 2026.

However, to predict that Lance will break out as a rookie, thanks in part to an injury to Tyson or Olave, would not be an ideal way for the North Dakota State rookie to break out.

Ideally, Tyson and Olave are an elite one-two punch, while Lance could factor in as a downfield threat who could take on a similar role to what Rashid Shaheed had for the Saints the last few years.

Lance making a "massive impact" as a rookie, as Sobleski predicts, would be incredible for the Saints, but only as long as it doesn't come at the expense of Olave or Tyson.

More NFL news:

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• 49ers and Chiefs rumored as Eagles trade partner for AJ Brown
• Harold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offense
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage

Quiet Aliyah Boston happy to stack up numbers for Fever as Caitlin Clark gets headlines originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Is Aliyah Boston actually the Indiana Fever's best player?

While explosive scoring guards Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell continue to generate the most attention, it is Boston who remains the Fever's fulcrum, the steady heartbeat of a team with WNBA championship ambitions this season.

MORE: Caitlin Clark, Raven Johnson silence old controversy with viral Fever moment

After signing the richest contract in WNBA history by total value, Boston is eyeing her fourth All-Star appearance in as many professional seasons. Though she started a little slowly -- and missed the first game of her pro career with a lower leg injury -- Boston has roared into gear over the Fever's past two games.

Boston scored 24 points and added eight rebounds in the Fever's 90-73 win over the Portland Fire without Clark, who missed the game with a back injury. In Friday's 90-82 win against the Golden State Valkyries, Boston recorded a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double. In the two games, Boston showed off her expanding range as she hit on three 3-pointers.

After back-to-back games scoring fewer than 10 points, Aliyah Boston bounced back in a big way last week, helping guide Indiana to a (2-0) week.

She posted consecutive 20-point performances, averaging (22.0) points, (12.0) rebounds, (3.0) assists, and (2.0) steals across the two… pic.twitter.com/aXQ8IbudQk

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) May 25, 2026

Boston had scored a combined 13 points in the previous two games against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics, and her bounce back has put her season averages in line with what had become the expectation for her.

Now averaging 16.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 stocks per game, Boston is thriving while the spotlight shines elsewhere in Indiana. That suits her just fine.

More WNBA news:

• Storm's Awa Fam made history in her delayed WNBA debut

• Fever's Caitlin Clark once again makes basketball history never done before in WNBA

• Indiana Fever announce Caitlin Clark’s arrival at Indy 500 in viral moment

• It's time for Wings' Azzi Fudd to get her chance as a starter

Notre Dame vs. Princeton box score: Live stats from NCAA men's lacrosse national championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No. 1 Princeton and No. 2 Notre Dame meet to crown a new national champion in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse. This will be one of the best games this season and it comes on the perfect stage.

Notre Dame seeks a third national championship in the last four seasons. Another title will put them further in the dynasty conversation behind one of the biggest transfers Josh Yago.

Princeton will try for its first national championship since 2001. But they're also the No. 1 overall seed and carry momentum after a convincing win over Duke in the semifinal. The National Championship Game goes down at University of Virginia's Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia at 1 p.m. ET on Monday. 

1st Quarter- 8:31

Notre Dame vs. Princeton live box score NCAA men's lacrosse national championship 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Princeton Tigers

How to watch Notre Dame vs. Princeton: 2026 NCAA women's lacrosse national championship

Date: Monday, May 25

Time: 1 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

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Italy have announced their squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies, which, as is already known, they will not be playing in.

However, Silvio Baldini has begun the transition until the Federation announces its new coach, naming a squad packed with youngsters.

As can clearly be seen, the 'big stars' have been left at home to make way for gems such as Samuele Inacio, Luca Reggiani, Fini, Venturino, among others.

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

The Boston Celtics must address key holes in their roster this 2026 NBA offseason. Or at least that is the point of view of The folks behind the "98.5 The Sports Hub" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Felger and Mazz" show that took a deep dive into what Boston President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and company need to do to make the team better after an early exit from the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Should the Celtics swing big with a trade for a player like star Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo or Los Angeles Lakers rising star Austin Reeves? Can they address said roster holes by making less major moves to the team while keeping the proverbial powder dry for a blockbuster move or two down the road?

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about how they think the Celtics should change the team this summer.

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics must address key holes in their roster this 2026 NBA offseason

Third T20 international, Hove

New Zealand80 (19.1 overs): Kerr 20 (27); Dean 3-13, Gibson 3-14

England 81-3 (13.5 overs): Dunkley 22 (21) ; Patel 1-7

England won by seven wickets; win series 2-1

Scorecard

A clinical bowling display spearheaded by Dani Gibson helped England beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third T20 international to secure a 2-1 series victory.

The Kiwis were bundled out for just 80 after winning the toss and choosing to make first use of a favourable pitch on a sizzling day in Hove, with all-rounder Gibson ripping through the middle order with a career-best 3-14.

She was backed up by England's impressive spin attack, who stifled New Zealand's ability to rotate the strike which curtailed the scoring and prompted some loose shots in search of boundaries.

Jess Kerr top-scored for the White Ferns with 20 as only three players made double figures in their eighth-lowest total in T20s.

England made relatively light work of the chase after Sophia Dunkley's breezy 22 had got them off to a positive start.

Heather Knight fell for 18 - caught at backward point reverse sweeping Melie Kerr - but Maia Bouchier's unbeaten 19 put them within striking distance.

Freya Kemp hit the winning run off Bree Illing as she got England over the line with 37 balls to spare, to wrap up their seventh successive T20 bilateral series victory against the White Ferns.

Charlotte Edwards' side will now play three T20 internationals against India, followed by warm-up matches against Australia and India before the T20 World Cup.

England start the home World Cup against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on 12 June.

• Beaumont shines as The Blaze edge past Lancashire
• The questions for England to answer during World Cup preparation

Kiwis melt against ruthless England

England had threatened to blow away New Zealand in the second T20 when they reduced the tourists to 11-4.

On that occasion, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green diligently weathered the storm before they took the game to England's bowlers in a fifth-wicket stand of 159 which laid the platform for a 14-run victory.

This time around England were ruthless when they got themselves into a strong position, their spinners building dot-ball pressure and the lack of scoring opportunities scrambling the minds of the Kiwi batters.

The key New Zealand wicket was Devine, and when she tamely chipped Gibson to mid-off for a five-ball duck England's joy was obvious.

Devine was the fourth wicket to fall as the White Ferns' middle order melted quicker than an ice cream in the 27C heat, collapsing from 29-1 to 33-6.

For a while New Zealand's lowest total in T20 internationals - 60 all out against England in Whangarei in February 2015 - looked under threat.

Jess Kerr ensured that batting nadir was avoided before she was snared by Issy Wong, but in truth it was England's spinners who appear key for what is to come later this summer.

According to CricViz, 47% of deliveries bowled by their spinners were hitting the stumps as their 11.1 overs claimed six wickets for 39 runs.

Linsey Smith was particularly difficult to get away at the start en route to 2-15 while Dean took 3-13 and Sophie Ecclestone snared 1-11.

There are sterner tests to come for this attack, but this was encouraging.

Dunkley needs to convert

Such a low total in ideal batting conditions meant this was a relatively straightforward chase for England's batters.

Dunkley looked in cruise control before giving her wicket away in a rather careless - and needless - manner. She made scores of eight, 26 and 22 in this series.

England need more from Dunkley, who has talent in abundance but at 27 and playing in her 75th T20 international still seems prone to the kind of errors you would expect from a more inexperienced player.

She was not under huge amounts of pressure, even if she was opening with a slightly more unfamiliar partner in Alice Capsey.

Edwards needs to figure out how to get to her to convert starts if England are to be serious challengers in the World Cup.

Knight and Bouchier were predictably more methodical - with strike rates of 81.8 and 65.5 - at the crease when they could have shown some fearless aggression.

There may be a time in the World Cup when a low target needs to be chased much quicker and England would have a useful reference point to fall back upon.

New Zealand's batting looks in worse shape, though.

They are the current T20 World Cup holders but were flummoxed by England's spinners and doubtless their opponents at the tournament will have taken note.

A lot is resting on the shoulders of Devine.

• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Never count the Atlanta Dream out.

The Dream have twice rallied from 15-point deficits this season to win, including Sunday's victory over Phoenix. No one else in the WNBA has done that once according to ESPN.

“We are resilient team, the game isn’t over till it’s over,” Atlanta guard Jordin Canada said after the Dream rallied to beat the Mercury. “We always come together in the fourth quarter, whether we have to make a run or sustain a lead. ... We battle to the very end, we get stops and try to execute down the stretch. What we’ve been doing in the fourth quarter, we got to sustain that in the first three quarters.”

Atlanta sits atop the WNBA standings at 4-1 — the only team in the league with only one loss. The Dream head out for road games at Minnesota and Portland this week.

The Dream are getting everyone's best shot so far which coach Karl Smesko feels will help them down the road.

“When teams play Atlanta it's a big game for everyone now,” he said. “We'll see everyone's best shot. ... Constantly playing against a team's best effort makes you stronger over the course of the season. They are seeing a different team than other teams see. I've noticed that so far this year. ... Happy we met the moment a few times already."

Power poll rankings

Atlanta moved up to No. 1 for the first time in the 10-year history of the rankings. The Dream were followed by Las Vegas and Minnesota. Indiana, Dallas and New York were next. Golden State and Chicago were seventh and eighth. Los Angeles and Phoenix followed the Sky. Portland, Washington and Toronto were the 11th through 13. Seattle and Connecticut rounded out the poll.

Homecourt disadvantage

Through the first few weeks of the season, playing at home hasn't really been an advantage for teams. Only two teams have winning records on their home court — Atlanta and Indiana. As a league, teams are 16-30 through Sunday's games.

Player of the week

Kelsey Plum of Los Angeles was the AP player of the week. She averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds to help the Sparks win both their games last week. Plum had a 38-point effort in the win at Las Vegas to spoil the Aces night the champions raised their banner from last season. Other players receiving votes included Natasha Howard of Minnesota and Rhyne Howard of Atlanta.

Game of the week

Atlanta at Minnesota, Wednesday. While a lot was expected of the Dream this season, the Lynx were expected to struggle early on with star Napheesa Collier sidelined after having offseason surgery on her injured ankles in late March. The Lynx have flourished with rookie guard Olivia Miles leading the way.

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

The Los Angeles Dodgers (33-20) open a series against the Colorado Rockies (20-34) in a meet of the first- and last-place teams in the NL West. The Dodgers are favored with a -327 moneyline compared to the Colorado Rockies' +259. Scheduled starting pitchers are Tanner Gordon for Colorado, with a 6.59 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan for Los Angeles, with a 4.93 ERA.

How to watch Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Date: Monday, May 25

• Time: 9:10 p.m. ET / 6:10 p.m. PT

• Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

• TV Channels: SportsNet LA, Rockies.TV

• Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Team records

• Colorado Rockies: 20-34 (No. 5 in NL West)

• Los Angeles Dodgers: 33-20 (No. 1 in NL West)

Odds

• Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5

• Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers -327 (73.3%) / Colorado Rockies +259 (26.7%)

• Over/Under: 9.0

Starting pitchers

Colorado Rockies: Tanner Gordon (0-0, ERA: 6.59, K: 30, WHIP: 1.50)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan (3-1, ERA: 4.93, K: 51, WHIP: 1.27)

Weather: 69°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 56,000 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

OG Promo Code: Claim $100 Bonus for Knicks-Cavs, Memorial Day MLB Games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

By unlocking the latest OG promo code offer, new customers can unlock up to a $100 sign-up bonus to use ahead of today's playoff clash between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Register here to start making predictions on the NBA playoffs and other sports. Of importance, you won't even need a code to claim it.

Whether you are handicapping tonight's ESPN broadcast or other sports on Memorial Day, this promotion provides an immediate boost to your account. There is no promo code required; simply sign up through the provided links to claim your welcome offer and get in on the action.

OG Promo Code: Welcome Offer Overview

Let's talk strategy. New ustomers can secure up to a $100 sign-up bonus to deploy on the upcoming NBA postseason clash between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. When we're looking for an edge in the prediction markets, promotions like this are specifically designed to give first-time users the extra capital needed to comfortably navigate the board during a critical playoff matchup.

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Use Your OG Promo Code Today on Knicks vs Cavaliers

Let's look at how we can put these funds to work. If we decide to use $50 of our OG bonus to back the favored New York Knicks on the moneyline, a successful prediction would bring home a solid $35.21 in profit. On the flip side, if we want to chase a bigger payout and place that $50 on the hometown underdog Cavaliers, an upset victory at Rocket Arena would net us $59.50 in sweet winnings.

When handicapping this postseason clash, the underlying numbers tell a pretty clear story: New York holds a massive edge on both ends of the floor. The Knicks currently boast a tremendous 18.1 Net Rate, drastically outperforming Cleveland's completely flat 0.0 Net Rate.

Furthermore, New York has controlled the glass much more effectively throughout the playoffs, securing a 55.1% Total Rebound Percentage compared to the Cavaliers' 50.4% mark. I always look to key in on teams dominating the boards, making the Knicks a very compelling option tonight.

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Canadiens predicted to trade $5.5 million forward with only 5-team no-trade list originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Montreal Canadiens are still on a deep playoff run despite being a young team, which makes the future quite exciting.

Part of being a team on the younger side of things is that contracts will have to rise in the years ahead, and that can create a need to subtract from some expensive areas.

This offseason, that could mean trading Josh Anderson.

Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin writes that Anderson could be a cap casualty trade candidate over the summer. Anderson has a $5.5 million cap hit but only a five-team no-trade list, so there should be plenty of possibilities out there if Montreal decides to make a move.

"Emerging superstar blueliner Lane Hutson’s extension kicks in next season, spiking his AAV from $950,000 to $8.85 million," Larkin writes. "Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million comes off the books, but Montreal also needs to extend RFA forwards Zachary Bolduc and Kirby Dach and RFA defenseman Arber Xhekaj. They have a projected $9.18 million for that, but GM Kent Hughes also needs room to add."

MORE: Jets' trade cost of Connor Hellebuyck to Sabres revealed

The Canadiens feel a bit too top-line heavy, and whatever they do this offseason should come with the goal of enhancing their 5-on-5 lineups to supplement their big-time power play.

"Montreal still doesn’t have a true No. 2 center, especially with top prospect Michael Hage opting to stay in college another year," Larkin writes. "Jettisoning Anderson’s cap hit would help a lot. Brendan Gallagher is another option, but Anderson is younger and has been a lineup mainstay this postseason, so he has more value. There’s a use for his blend of size and speed somewhere."

Anderson is the kind of guy who could have plenty of use for another team as an experienced veteran, and if the Habs are mostly trading him for cap purposes, the cost shouldn't be too high, either.

More NHL news:

• Henrik Sedin's son is excelling in a different sport
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England's World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford has agreed to join Sale Sharks.

The 29-year-old, who led England to their third World Cup triumph last year, will leave three-time defending Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury at the end of the season.

Stratford joined Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017 and played a key role in their rise to become the dominant force in the women's domestic game.

She is pregnant with her first child, due in September, and will join up with her husband Luke, who is Sale's women's scrum coach, when she returns to rugby.

"I feel ready to take the next step in my career and, being pregnant, I really want to bring my child up as a northerner," said Stratford.

"Luke absolutely loves it at Sale. He loves the whole vibe of the club. It's been brilliant to see how much investment Sale have put into the women's team and it's something I can't wait to be a part of.

"I've enjoyed success at Gloucester and with England and hopefully I can bring that experience of winning and help build that belief into the team because I've got no doubt we can achieve big things."

Stratford's Gloucester-Hartbury and England team-mate Tatyana Heard, 31, agreed a deal to join Sale last week.

Sale are enjoying their best ever Premiership season, rivalling Harlequins and Trailfinders for the final play-off spot with two rounds left to play.

• Listen: Sport's Strangest Crimes - Bloodgate
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😱 C'EST DU JAMAIS VU !

Joe Schilling met fin au combat après avoir pris un coup de tête de son adversaire, parce qu'il n'est pas d'accord avec la position pour reprendre l'action ! pic.twitter.com/hggZdvQlsU— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) May 23, 2026

'One of the Coolest Moments of My Life'

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One of the biggest questions surrounding Sean Mannion since becoming the Eagles' offensive coordinator hasn't centered around scheme, philosophy, or personnel decisions. It's centered around experience. More specifically, the play-calling experience. Philadelphia handed one of football's most important coordinator jobs to a coach stepping into the role for the first time, inheriting an offense with championship expectations and a quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who remains central to everything the Eagles hope to accomplish offensively.

For some outside the building, that lack of play-calling experience creates uncertainty. Mannion doesn't seem particularly concerned.

Asked by Zach Berman how he plans to compensate for lacking prior NFL play-calling experience and which coaching influences have shaped his development, Mannion offered perhaps his clearest explanation yet for why he believes he's ready.

“I've always been kind of working towards the hope of getting the opportunity to do this,” Mannion explained.

The answer wasn't framed around suddenly learning how to call plays over the last few months. Instead, Mannion described years of preparation happening long before Philadelphia called. As Green Bay's quarterbacks coach, he constantly placed himself mentally inside game-planning situations.

“You're saying, ‘All right, what calls do I have to have Jordan Love ready for?’” Mannion said. “You're kind of thinking through the process of the game throughout the week, ‘What's Matt going to look to call here? What's my favorite third down call?’ You're always kind of taking yourself through that process mentally.”

That preparation extended even further back.

Mannion said he approached football similarly as a player, constantly processing situational football and game flow.

“If it's a high blitz game, what's my favorite call? When am I going to come to the sideline and be like, ‘Hey, can I get this one on our next third medium where you might be getting a lot of pressure?’”

Philadelphia didn't hire someone hoping he'll eventually learn how to think like a play-caller. Mannion believes he's already been building those muscles for years.

That process continues daily for Mannion, whether it's practice or scripting plays. It creates another layer of preparation, forcing coordinators to think situationally while anticipating game flow and problem-solving offensive answers before Sundays arrive.

“It's first and 10, it's second and eight, it's third and eight,” Mannion explained. “What are the things that I really want us to get work on for those specific situations?”

Preparation remains central to how Mannion operates. So do teaching and communication. When discussing coaching influences, Mannion didn't begin with NFL names. He started with his family, most notably, his father.

"My dad was a longtime high school football coach," Mannion said. "My mom's a teacher."

Teaching continues surfacing repeatedly whenever Mannion discusses football. Player development, communication, fundamentals, and relationships are recurring themes. Mannion mentioned longtime Oregon State coach Mike Riley, calling him a "great leader of men" and an effective communicator. For Eagles fans, Matt LaFleur's influence may ultimately be the most significant. LaFleur provided Mannion with his first NFL coaching opportunity in Green Bay, where he learned about offensive structure, preparation habits, leadership principles, and quarterback development within one of football's most respected offensive systems.

“I learned a ton from him as a player,” Mannion said. “I learned a ton from him as a coach.”

Now another influence enters the equation. Nick Sirianni. Mannion praised Philadelphia's head coach repeatedly, highlighting his leadership, communication skills, and commitment to building sustainable winning habits.

“He's built an unbelievable program here,” Mannion said.

Ultimately, Philadelphia isn't asking Mannion to reinvent football; the Eagles are asking him to maximize and reinvigorate one of the NFL's premier rosters while maintaining a championship standard.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion reveals coaching influences that prepared him for Eagles

College Baseball wrapped up their own “Selection Monday” on Memorial Day, laying out the Field of 64 as the postseason tournament is set to begin.

Once again, for those who are new to following college baseball, 64 teams make the “Road to Omaha”, which is the nickname for the NCAA Baseball Tournament that is set to begin on Friday, May 29 and run through the College World Series, which will wrap up on Father’s Day or the following day.

Games will start with the regional rounds, with four teams in each of the sixteen regions. They play a double-elimination mini-tournament to advance to the next round. The next round is the super regionals, where the sixteen teams play a best-of-three series, with eight advancing to the College World Series in Omaha. Those teams are once again put into a double-elimination bracket to determine a champion.

The 64 teams are selected in a manner similar to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Each conference tournament champion automatically qualifies, accounting for 29 bids, leaving room for 35 at-large bids. It appears there was a change in how the 64 teams are seeded, with a committee ranking the top 32 teams. Numbers 1-16 all get 1-seeds, 17-32 get 2-seeds, but two teams from the same conference can’t be in the same region.

For 2026, three teams that are under the Mountain West and future Pac-12 umbrellas made the Field of 64. Although all three will play in the Pac-12 starting next season.

Eugene Regional

Mountain West tournament champion and former/current/future Pac-12 member Washington State won’t have to travel far, playing in Eugene as the three-seed. It’s a tough draw, as they are paired up with Oregon, which is the 11th overall team, and fellow conference-mate Oregon State as the second seed. The Beavers are one of the premier college baseball programs, opting to compete as an independent the last two seasons. Oregon State ended the year on a downslide, but is just as likely to emerge as the winner of this region as Oregon.

College Station Regional

Future Pac-12 program Texas State is the other school worth mentioning on our site to make the postseason. The Bobcats actually made the tournament as an at-large team after failing to win the Sun Belt this year. They were the second-to-last team in the field, or the 63rd-ranked team out of 64th. Again, it’s going to be tough for Texas State to find wins, as USC was ranked 25th heading into the conference tournament weekend and Texas A&M was 10th.

Regardless, three tournament teams for the future Pac-12 conference is a good sign for them going forward.

May 25—ROCHESTER — Nathaniel Gaines had pretty much resigned himself to the notion that he was never going to be anything too special in sports.

He wasn't passionate about the ones he was playing, baseball and football. And he wasn't especially good at them, either.

One year ago, Gaines became dispassionate enough about baseball that he determined it was time for a change. Track and field and baseball happen at the same time, spring, so Gaines said goodbye to his baseball glove and hello to a new pair of running shoes.

Life hasn't been close to the same since. Gaines, also a standout singer, had a passion in sports, he just hadn't discovered it yet.

In track and field, he found something he was not only good at it, but it suited him in almost every way, including being around teammates whom he already knew well — since early grade school days — away from the track.

This transition to track and field has been almost too good to be true. That includes those rare days when he throws up after an exhausting workout. He finds a certain amount of pride in "losing it."

"I like putting in the work," Gaines said. "When I throw up, it just means I did my best. Or maybe that I shouldn't have eaten so much before practice. . ."

When Lourdes track and field coach Pete Gilman got his first look at Gaines a year ago, there was no revelation that it happened. The truth is, Gaines didn't look like much of a runner.

"He had a very odd stride pattern," Gilman said. "He almost looked to me like the Road Runner cartoon. His torso was over his toes and his back kick was super pronounced, almost like he was going to fall over because he was leaned over so much."

His opening time in what has become his signature event wasn't anything to brag about, either. He was clocked in 57.44. By the time the season had ended though, he did show promise with Gilman having cleaned up his running form and Gaines getting in better shape. He concluded his season timed in 55.34.

That progress was all that Gaines would need. He would spend the next year throwing himself into track and field, managing a strict diet, lifting weights regularly and spending time on the indoor track at Rochester Community and Technical College, busily getting his times down.

"At first, based on what I'd done in past sports, I didn't think I'd amount to too much in track," Gaines said. "So I didn't want to set the bar too high."

All of that has now changed. In that offseason, Gaines transformed himself. In his very first meet this year, Gaines was already hitting the state meet qualifying standard, clocked in 50.72. He has grown into the best 400 runner that Lourdes has, and it is a talented group. His 4x400 relay team of Gaines, Michael Buntrock, Lucas Brooks and Cameron Hedstrom all run the 400 in the 50- to 54- second range, making them the second fastest 4x400 relay team in southeastern Minnesota, only Winona Cotter better.

Better still for this group is their age. Gaines, Brooks and Buntrock are all juniors, while Hedstrom is a sophomore. State figures to be their destination this season with the following year promising even bigger things, such as a possible state title.

All seem to be on the same hard-charging page. Gilman started their season breaking that 400 group off and working them incredibly hard. Throwing up wasn't just an occasional thing those first few weeks. But a lack of complaining about it was. All are on the same page. They just want to get better.

"It showed their maturity that there was no challenging me about it," Gilman said. "It was just part of the deal. The wanted to know what they needed to do next to get better. They've all bought in."

That's especially true of one of the guys, Nathaniel Gaines. He's obsessed and it's working for him.

He's got one thing in mind now. It's to break that 50-second barrier. His best this year is 50.53.

"Track is my passion now," Gaines said. "It's everything to me."

Michigan’s baseball team, which endured a late-season fade, has missed the NCAA Tournament for a fourth straight season.

The NCAA released the Tournament bracket on Monday.

Michigan looked like it was going to make the Tournament after winning seven straight Big Ten series, but was then swept in Ann Arbor by Ohio State in a three-game series to end the regular season. The Wolverines were 34-24, and they last time they made the NCAA field was in 2022 when they earned the automatic bid by winning the Big Ten Tournament.

“Proud of our fight this season!” the Michigan baseball social media account shared on Monday. “From 37 contests away from home to winning 7 of our 10 conference series, there is a lot to be proud of this year!”

In the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan defeated Rutgers, 10-0, in Game 1 but then lost two of the next three. The Wolverines’ season ended with a 6-4 loss to Nebraska in the quarterfinals.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan Wolverines baseball misses cut for NCAA Tournament

A 64-team baseball bracket was revealed on Monday for the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee (38-20, 15-15 SEC) is in in the field and will play in its 16th NCAA Tournament in program history (1951, 1993-97, 2001, 2004-05, 2019, 2021-25).

The Vols will open play Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional, hosted by No. 5 national seed North Carolina (45-11-1).

No. 2 regional seed Tennessee will play No. 3 regional seed East Carolina (36-22-1) on Friday at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. First pitch is scheduled for noon EDT and will be televised by ESPNU.

UCLA is the No. 1 overall national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Georgia Tech (2), Georgia (3), Auburn (4), North Carolina (5), Texas (6), Alabama (7), Florida (8), Southern Miss (9), Florida State (10), Oregon (11), Texas A&M (12), Nebraska (13), Mississippi State (14), Kansas (15) and West Virginia (16) are also national seeds.

Liberty, Kentucky, Texas State and Troy were the last four schools in the tournament, while Mercer, Michigan, Pittsburgh and TCU were the last four schools out.

The field of 64 is locked in. 🔒⚾️

📲 https://t.co/ZUEUkZyAP0
➡️ https://t.co/NdxRoTqbEk
🎟️ https://t.co/i73Q25MuVk#RoadToOmahapic.twitter.com/ZYMMSOFDEl

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 25, 2026

More: Tennessee's NCAA baseball regional announced, who the Vols will play

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: 2026 NCAA Tournament baseball bracket, national seeds revealed

One of the biggest storylines of this month for the Nats has been the play of their catcher Keibert Ruiz. The Nats catcher is playing some of the best baseball in his career, combining great offense with a new found defensive game. It is no secret that Ruiz has struggled since signing his 8 year extension, so seeing this from the 27 year old is very encouraging.

In April, it was clear that Ruiz was laser focused on his defense, to the point where it was harming his hitting. He was grading out well defensively early in the season, but his hitting was putrid. Ruiz posted a dismal .480 OPS in April. However, he has totally flipped the switch in May, hitting .340 with a 1.049 OPS. Ruiz has done all this while maintaining his strong defense.

It feels like the Twins series early in May was a big turning point for him. Ruiz had a monster three for four day with 8 total bases. Ever since then, Ruiz has been absolutely smoking baseballs. Ruiz has been looking to do damage rather than just put the bat on the ball this month.

Of Keibert Ruiz’s 16 hits this month, 11 of them have gone for extra bases. Ruiz has a crazy 8 doubles this month, and it is not like he is turning singles into doubles with his speed. The Nats catcher is just smoking balls, especially to the pull side. That pull side thunder has been a staple of his game this season.

Among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, nobody is pulling the ball in the air more than Keibert Ruiz. His air pull percentage is an insane 38.2%. Statistically, pulled flyballs are some of the most productive batted ball events for hitters. Some guys are not built to sell out for air pull, but if you can do that, it is a positive. That is exactly what Ruiz is doing right now.

He is not just pulling balls in the air in an attempt to hit a bunch of home runs though. Ruiz is yanking a ton of balls down the line for doubles as well. He is able to outslug his pedestrian exit velocity numbers because of this. A great example of this is his double the other night. If he hit this ball to center field, it would be a routine fly out. Instead, it was almost a home run that bounced off the wall and became a double.

Some of Ruiz’s underlying numbers are still in rough shape because of how bad that April was. His xWOBA is still only .261, but it has been going up steadily this month. His overall numbers for the season look very good though. Ruiz is hitting .252 with a .754 OPS, which is very good for a catcher playing quality defense. Sure, his on base percentage is only .269 because he has only walked twice all season, but he is making up for that with a very good .485 slugging percentage.

Pulling the ball more is a big reason for the jump in slug, but it is not everything. Ruiz is also hitting the ball a lot harder. His average exit velocity has gone from 86.2 MPH last year to 90.1 MPH this year. That is a massive jump, and it is allowing him to do a lot more damage.

The bat has been very impressive this month, but we have seen Ruiz get hot with the bat before. His defense has probably been the most impressive thing about his season. For most of his career, Ruiz has been one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball, with -22, -7 and -10 fielding run value the last three seasons. Under the tutelage of new catching coach Bobby Wilson, Ruiz has +3 FRV for the season, a truly stunning turnaround.

Ruiz’s blocking and framing have gotten so much better this season. He has 2 blocks above average and is in the 84th percentile as a framer. Last season he had -6 blocks above average and was a 4th percentile framer. Ruiz has also done a nice job controlling the running game, especially lately.

Among catchers with at least 60 plate appearances, Ruiz is tied for 10th in fWAR with 0.8 wins above replacement. That is a crazy turnaround for a guy who has posted negative fWAR in the last three seasons, mainly due to his defense. You have to give credit to Bobby Wilson, but also wonder what they were teaching Ruiz before.

If Keibert Ruiz can even post a .700ish OPS for the season while playing solid defense, that would be a massive win. With that kind of production, Ruiz would be playing up to, or even exceeding his contract. Coming into the season, that contract looked like an anchor, but who knows now.

We still need to see Ruiz keep this up. It has only been a month, so there’s still a decent chance that his bat falls off a cliff again. I actually think the defense is fairly likely to be at least average going forward. We are two months into the season, and I think the defensive improvements are real.

One other thing that is important to point out is how they are using Ruiz. The Nats are managing his playing time very well. He has been in a near even split with Drew Millas this year. In this hot run, Ruiz is getting a bit more playing time, but Millas still gets at least a couple starts a week. Under Davey Martinez, it felt like Ruiz was getting run into the ground. Ruiz is a competitive guy, and it seemed like Davey just asked Keibert if he was ready to play, and naturally he always said yes. 

Now, Ruiz is not putting too much strain on his body, and is being put in advantageous matchups. Blake Butera has really liked Ruiz against left handed pitchers this year, and it is easy to see why. The switch hitting Ruiz is hitting .333 with a .911 OPS as a right handed hitter. Ruiz starts just about every game against lefties, and some of them against righties.

There is still plenty of time for things to go haywire, and I am knocking on wood, but I love this version of Keibert Ruiz. He is a reliable defender, who is looking to do damage at the plate. Ruiz still has his warts, like never walking, but he has been an ultra-productive player for the Nats this month. Long may that continue for the Nats catcher.

ZURICH (AP) — Defending champion the United States topped Hungary 7-3 and kept hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals at the ice hockey world championship on Monday.

Matthew Tkachuk scored two goals and set up two and captain Justin Faulk and Ryan Leonard also netted twice each in Zurich. Tommy Novak assisted on five goals and netminder Joseph Woll stopped 14 shots.

The Americans' seventh and final Group A game is against Austria on Tuesday. A victory earns them a spot in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. has made the last eight every year since 2011.

Faulk one-timed a low slap shot for a 1-0 lead midway through the opening period and Tkachuk doubled the advantage with a shot between the pads of goaltender Adam Vay on a power play with 1:38 remaining.

It was the second goal for the two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic champion in three games since he joined the team on Tuesday.

The U.S. jumped to 4-0 up before the midpoint in the middle period. Leonard scored from the slot and Faulk roofed one into the net with his second on a power play.

Captain Csanad Erdely replied with Hungary’s first followed by Leonard's second on a power play with 1:47 left.

In the final period, Erdely with his second and Gabor Tornyai reduced the deficit to 5-3. Tkachuk answered with an empty net goal and Max Plante finished it off.

In Fribourg, Norway upset Czechia 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.

The Czechs and Group B leader Canada had already qualified and the fourth and final quarterfinal spot from the group will be decided between Sweden and Slovakia on Tuesday.

Later Monday, Italy faced Slovenia in Fribourg to decide who stays in the top division. Already-relegated Britain met Germany in Zurich.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

The 2026/27 Champions League already has 29 of its 36 clubs qualified. Only seven spots remain, which will be decided in the qualifying rounds.

Pot 1 features giants like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, as well as the finalists of the current edition (Arsenal and PSG).

Pot 2 includes, among others, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Roma. And Pot 3 has Napoli, RB Leipzig, and Villarreal.

In other words, a group of death with PSG, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Stuttgart is possible. Or Real Madrid, Aston Villa, RB Leipzig, and Como.

Check out how the pots are shaping up and make your prediction!

Pot 1 👇

Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid.

Pot 2 👇

Aston Villa, Betis, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Manchester United, PSV, Porto, Roma, and Sporting.

Pot 3 👇

Feyenoord, Galatasaray, Lille, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Villarreal, and another club that advances from the qualifying rounds.

Pot 4 👇

Como, Lens, Slavia Prague, Stuttgart, and four other clubs that advance from the qualifying rounds.

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

On a day when Liverpool fans said goodbye to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson at Anfield, social media was awash with fans highlighting that the colour of Liverpool's shirts and shorts did not match during their 1-1 final day draw with Brentford.

Arne Slot's side were debuting their new home kit, which was released last week and is produced by Adidas. The strip is inspired by the one worn during the Reds' 1989-90 title-winning campaign.

Adam Rowe posted on X: "I know this isn't the main point or anything but I cannot believe they are the actual shorts that go with that new shirt. They're a completely different shade of red."

@Jennyc97x added: "That Liverpool kit ain't it. The shorts and the top are completely different. Different pattern and shade of red."

For those watching television coverage of the match, there was a clear difference between the colour grading on the shirt compared to the shorts but the understanding is that the disparity is not as visible in person.

That said, the slight difference in the tone of red is deliberate, as was the case with the kit in 1989-90 and therefore, Adidas and Liverpool have opted to go with the same approach.

When the kit was released, Liverpool said: "The new home shirt draws inspiration from the original adidas design, instantly recognisable for its dynamic geometric pattern, combining timeless club heritage with modern performance design.

"The 2026/27 Home kit is completed with deep red shorts and socks, creating a bold, unified look."

Though some would suggest they should have continued the geometric design on the shorts for a consistent look, it is unknown at this stage whether any changes will be made ahead of next season.

Either way, Liverpool have plenty more things to worry about than the colour of their kit after a disappointing season, in which they finished trophy-less but ended up qualifying for the Champions League by finishing 5th in the Premier League.

Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian winger, is a leading target for Liverpool this summer a breakthrough season with RB Leipzig.

• Liverpool clinch Champions League spot on day of farewells
• Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Teddy Bridgewater Act" into law on Friday. The regulation allows state high school head coaches to spend up to $15,000 in personal funds annually on player expenses such as food, transportation and recovery services.

Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater served as an inspiration for the law after being suspended from coaching at Miami Northwestern. The Miami, Florida, native was cited for financing meals, transportation and recovery expenses for players.

The former Northwestern star athlete who went on to play at Louisville and later for eight NFL franchises, Bridgewater led the Bulls to a state championship as the head man. It was after this success that controversy surrounding the impermissible benefits emerged.

The law imposes restrictions that permit only head coaches to spend on players. All spending must be reported and funds cannot be used for the purpose of recruiting. This measure can be used in conjunction with Florida's signing legislation that could lead to higher salaries for high school coaches through booster and donation revenue.

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

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football recruiting may change after 'Teddy Bridgewater Act'

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball put together an impressive 2025-26 season, reminding the NBA what he can do when healthy. In 72 appearances, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, helping the Hornets earn 44 victories, the most for Charlotte since the 2015-16 season. This was Ball's healthiest season since the 2021-22 campaign, where he averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 75 appearances to earn his first and only All-Star selection to date.

As a result, Ball earned All-NBA votes for the first time in his career, with five voters putting Ball on their ballot for the All-NBA Third Team. This ranked him tied for 21st with Stephon Castle (Spurs), six spots shy of Chet Holmgren (Thunder), who earned the final spot. Had Ball gotten the nod, he'd have been the fifth player in Hornets franchise history to do so, the third since 2000 and the first since franchise legend Kemba Walker did so after the 2018-19 season.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: LaMelo Ball earns first All-NBA votes after healthy 2025-26

For the first time since 2014, #3 Georgia Tech Baseball won the ACC Tournament title, defeating North Carolina 13-7 in the championship game in Charlote, North Carolina on the backs of two doubles by Alex Hernandez, a homer by Ryan Zuckerman, and a clearing of the bases on three wild pitches late in the game that put Tech’s lead out of reach.

In the process, Drew Burress hit his 58th career home run, a two-run shot to left field, pasing Jason Varitek for the most in Institute history. Tech has been playing baseball since the 1890s.

After the game, Ryan Zuckerman was named ACC Tournament MVP after a three-homer performance across Tech’s three games.

The last three teams to win both the ACC regular season and tournament championship in the same season made it to Omaha, joining North Carolina (2013), Miami (2008), and Clemson (2006) in that category. The win was Tech’s 10th ACC tournament title in program history.

Tech enters the NCAA Tournament as the national #2 seed, tied for the best in program history. UCLA is #1.

On Friday, Tech will square off against UIC in the Atlanta regional with Oklahoma and The Citadel rounding out the regional. If Tech were to advance, they would host a super regional as one of the top 8 teams in the country. Tech is one of three ACC teams hosting a regional this season (North Carolina, Florida State).

“To have a regional in Atlanta is a big deal. It’s something we don’t take lightly,” said Tech head coach James Ramsey after the regional was revealed. “I think we have a very mature group that’s mission minded that is going to be ready to play our best baseball.”

Oklahoma coming to Atlanta has an extra dose of drama, as yesterday their 17-year tenured golf coach Ryan Hybl announced he would be taking the Georgia Tech job after Bruce Heppler’s retirement.

UIC automatically qualified for the tournament as the Missouri Valley champions, The Citadel qualified as the SoCon champions, and Oklahoma is an at-large bid.

If Tech were to advance, they would face the winner of the Kansas regional, which includes the Jayhawks, Arkansas, Northeastern, and Missouri State.

Anecdotally, these guys look as ready as any team Tech has had in years to take on this regional. The atmosphere in the Fanning Center to watch the selection show was very calm and collected. While the team has known for weeks they were in the tournament and likely hosting, the fact they earned it from winning the ACC didn’t push them off the tracks. For them, Omaha is the goal, not just playing more games in Atlanta.

“The first and foremost goal we’ve had is going to Omaha and winning a national championship. We know how great we are and that’s something we set out to do at the beginning of the year,” said Drew Burress.

First pitch against UIC is Friday at 12pm on ACCN. Tickets have sold out but the team did announce they might be able to release standing room tickets on Thursday.

Tech all time against Atlanta Regional opponents

UIC: 12-3 record, most recently beating them 6-3 in 2019 at home

The Citadel: 2-0 record, the only games coming in 2000 and 2013

Oklahoma: 1-6 record, the only win coming in their last meeting in 2017. All losses have come at neutral sites, most notably in 1994 to lose the College World Series.

Jets reportedly have bold plan with rookie QB Cade Klubnik originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets revamped their offense this offseason, and it's in a much better spot than it was last season when Justin Fields was leading the charge.

Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr., and Adonai Mitchell make up a strong wide receiver room. The offensive line is strong, Breece Hall is locked in for the next few years, and Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq are a fun young tight end duo.

But Geno Smith is the biggest addition. And now, the question is who will be his backup. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets have an interesting plan with rookie QB Cade Klubnik that is a very bold one.

Jets have bold plan with Cade Klubnik for QB spot

"The Jets haven't signed a veteran because they want to see what Klubnik can do over the next month," Cimini writes.

While the Jets are going to start Smith, the backup quarterback spot is still very much up for grabs. There is a real competition here, and Klubnik has a chance to win.

Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe will also compete for the backup QB job this offseason during OTAs and training camp, but Klubnik is being given the chance to earn this job.

If he struggles, and the Jets need to pivot, Russell Wilson has been in contact with the Jets about the backup QB spot. While he's mulling retirement and a return to the NFL with the Jets, Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich have a backup plan in Klubnik.

MORE: ESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong

If the fourth-round rookie could have a good offseason, then it wouldn't be a surprise for him to earn the backup QB spot for the 2026 season.

It's a bold plan for the Jets, as it's a lot to put on the plate of a rookie QB who was taken in the fourth round and isn't meant to be a starter right away.

But if the Jets like what they see from their rookie QB, then Klubnik will wind up as the Jets' backup QB for 2026. This is going to be a storyline worth paying close attention to, as Klubnik might see a lot more playing time than expected when he was drafted.

More NFL news:

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule
• 49ers and Chiefs rumored as Eagles trade partner for AJ Brown
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage

The Padma Awards are the highest civilian honours, which the Government of India confers in recognition of 'distinguished contribution of Indian citizens in various spheres of activity, including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service, sports and public affairs.

In 2026, a total of nine Indian sportspersons were conferred with the Padma awards, out of which eight received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour and Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour.

The eight athletes who were awarded the Padma Shri awards include World Cup-winning India women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Before Sharma and Kaur, 15 other cricketers had received the Padma Shri Award in the past, including legends like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Full list of sportspersons honoured with Padma Awards 2026

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Roberto De Zerbi’s post-match press conference following Tottenham’s survival on the final day was as entertaining as, if not far more than, anything seen on the pitch this season for the North London club, with the Italian coach producing a moment that perfectly encapsulates his personality and the relief of keeping the club in the top flight.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

De Zerbi sees funny side as Spurs finish in 17th

With a broad smile upon entering the room, the coach called out a journalist who had been a regular negative presence at the training ground throughout his tenure.

“Where is he? Where is he? That negative journalist who was always at the training centre?” he said. “Go and get him.”

Times journalist Tom Allnutt was in the mixed zone at the time but the coach requested he be brought before him.

The reporter was duly brought to the room, up to the stage, at which point De Zerbi greeted him with a smile and a warm handshake.

Liverpool’s 2025/26 season is at an end.

Arne Slot’s men brought the curtain down on a disappointing campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season.

It was a day that Anfield bid farewell to Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah - who leave the club after their trophy-laden spells. But uncertainty remains over several other Premier League title-winning stars.

Alisson Becker remains a target for Juventus and could even secure a move to Serie A before the FIFA World Cup kicks off next month.

Curtis Jones is a target for Tottenham and Inter Milan - per various reports - and it’s believed Liverpool would do a deal at £35m for the midfielder.

Konate adds to uncertainty

But the biggest problem right now is Ibrahima Konate. The French defender, 27, was in Slot’s lineup for the Brentford game but may well have kicked a ball for the Reds for the final time.

Despite stating a few weeks ago that a contract renewal was close the centre back is now on track to leave the Merseyside club in just a few weeks.

With his current deal expiring in June 2026 Konate will be soon free to find a new club - unless a last-minute contract deal can be sorted.

According to a report in the Athletic the former RB Leipzig man declined the opportunity to clarify his future following the Brentford game.

Konate contract ends in a few weeks

“Ibrahima Konate’s situation is the most confusing as he’s going to be out of contract in just over a month but is still to extend or explain what happens next,” the report reads.

“Konate also declined interviews with the written media, which only added to the uncertainty. A month has passed since he revealed he was “close to an agreement” and still there’s no formal clarification on what happens next.”

Ben Jacobs writing before the game meanwhile expects the France international’s future to be sorted out “imminently”.

Right now it looks like Konate will be leaving after five years at Anfield. Talks between the player’s entourage and sporting director Richard Hughes have been ongoing for over a year.

It was originally speculated that the club and their defensive linchpin were far apart in terms of salary - with Konate seeking a deal worth over £200k per week.

Liverpool are running out of time to reach a deal with Konate - and he heads off on his post-season break ahead of the World Cup with his immediate Anfield future shrouded in doubt.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes firmly defended his character and achievements as he accused Roy Keane of telling a "lie" about his pursuit of the Premier League assists record.

Fernandes said Keane had put untrue "words in my mouth" on a recent podcast appearance and he hopes to contact the United legend to set him straight.

Keane described Fernandes as being at the centre of a "circus act" following United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on the penultimate weekend of the season.

He suggested the Portugal international was prioritising individual assists glory over the team's interests in his eagerness to set the single-season record.

Speaking on podcast The Overlap, Keane had said: "After the [Forest] game he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United said: 'A few times, I probably should have shot but I made them passes.' Wow. How can your mindset of a footballer be going into a match to be about an individual record?

"He won't be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team."

Fernandes' actual post-match comments were: "There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot. I'm very happy for the assist, but more than that, I'm happy for the win and to finish the season on a high."

Former Republic of Ireland and United captain Keane appeared to have misinterpreted Fernandes' comments rather than sought to distort the truth.

Fernandes registered a record-equalling 20th assist of the season in United's win against Forest, and then took the record outright on the final day in the victory at Brighton.

That took Fernandes past the mark previously set by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

His anger over Keane's comments was clear as he told podcast The Diary of a CEO: "Like I've always said, I don't mind criticism. I've always taken criticism from everyone and anyone and I never reply to anything or whatsoever.

"People have an opinion; they think it's good, bad, whatever. What I don't like is when people lie about things and [in] this case that you said about Roy Keane basically what he said is a lie because… either he saw some other interview or he can't say that I said one thing that I've just not said and luckily for me is everything on record.

"I accept his criticism, I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not. But what I don't like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said. That's the only thing I don't like."

Fernandes is not the first player in the current squad to have voiced disapproval towards a United great.

Earlier this season, Lisandro Martinez was involved in a spat with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt after they made comments about his height and ability to compete with Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby.

• 'I don't care what they say' - Martinez on pundits
• Man Utd's complicated relationship with Class of 92

Fernandes keen to 'have a word' with Keane

Fernandes was a key figure for United during the 2025-26 campaign, helping the club secure a third-place Premier League finish and a return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.

As well as laying on 21 goals, he also scored nine times in the English top flight.

His efforts were rewarded in May when he collected the Football Writers' Association men's Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season awards.

Fernandes says he has contacted former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ask for Keane's phone number so that he can confront the issue.

"Obviously I think I've always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and for everything he's done for the club and for everything he's always said," Fernandes added.

"I've never ever had something to say, I've never said something wrong. I even asked Ole his number to text him to be honest, to have a word with him to say that I don't mind the criticism [but] I don't like when people lie about things that I say.

"Because this is like… it goes a little bit over the top of the things that I think are acceptable.

"I accept criticism. I accept that he can say things that I don't like and I don't like to see it. But as I said before, that improves me. What I don't like is that people make their own words on what I say and it's not true.

"Obviously I prefer Roy Keane to give me some praise sometimes because I've achieved something that not many players have achieved. I understand that this club is about winning trophies and I have never taken that off my mind."

Keane had added to his criticism of Fernandes after the Forest game by questioning United's contentment with their narrow victory, added: "They're giving up two goals and everyone's getting all giddy because he's equalled the record for assists. It's mind-boggling. It's a circus act."

• Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Man Utd - what do you want to know?

Back in February, USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins announced she would be co-creating a shoe within the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen line. Now, Watkins’ Nike LeBron NXXT Gen By JuJu “Silver Lining” color way will be officially released on Wednesday, May 27.

Nike teased the release of the shoe in a new video on Friday.

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Watkins signed her first endorsement deal with Nike as a high school senior in 2022. Then, the superstar re-signed one of the most lucrative, multiyear endorsement deals in women’s basketball with the brand in 2024.

With the “Silver Lining” color way, Watkins is the first athlete to co-create a shoe as part of the NXXT series.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has shown his support for Watkins’ collaboration with Nike. On Friday, he supported the brand’s teaser video for the shoe, and James wore the shoes in a game against the Golden State Warriors in February.

“JuJu is a great ambassador of today’s game, and this shoe gives her one more tool to chart her own path on and off the court,” James said in a press release. “Nike footwear has been another way for me to share my story with athletes and fans around the world, so it’s exciting to share the NXXT Gen platform with JuJu for a shoe that will inspire a new generation of hoopers to put in the work and believe in themselves.” 

The shoe is set to drop at 7 am PT on the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers in-store and online. The retail price is set at $170.

Watkins Is Returning After Tearing ACL

Watkins missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. She will make her long-awaited return to the court this season with USC.

In the teaser video, Watkins hinted that she has been preparing for an insane comeback next season.

“I may be out, but I’m still locked in,” Watkins said in the teaser. “They think my game is on ice, but I never stopped working.”

Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The post Nike to Release JuJu Watkins’ LeBron NXXT Gen Shoe Wednesday appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Warriors rumor could result in Golden State parting ways with $71 million NBA champion duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Navigating NBA offseasons isn’t easy in the slightest. 

The ultimate goal is to retain as many valuable assets as possible while also bringing new contributors into the equation. It doesn't always work out like that, though, and that trend won’t disappear anytime soon. 

In the Golden State Warriors’ case, The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami recently reported that the franchise may find itself parting ways with an NBA champion frontcourt duo instead of re-signing them.

“In this environment, I don’t see how the Warriors can bring back both Kristaps Porzingis (unrestricted free agent) and Al Horford (player option for next season), even if both are interested in returning,” Kawakami wrote last Tuesday.

“I think they’re not likely to bid too high if De’Anthony Melton declines his player option. And I don’t see much chance of using up a roster spot for Seth Curry again.”

Porzingis started the season with the Atlanta Hawks, but was traded to the Dubs after appearing in only 17 games with the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals participants due to injuries. Porzingis health concerns reared their ugly head again from early February to late April, as he was frequently listed on the Dubs’ injury report. 

In 17 games with Golden State, the 7-foot-2 stretch five averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 43.3% from the field and 31.1% from beyond the arc. 

Horford, who won a title alongside Porzingis with the Boston Celtics in 2024, improved as the 2025-26 campaign progressed and was the serviceable low-post/pick-and-pop threat the Warriors brought him in to be by the year’s end. 

The Florida product contributed 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his first season with the Dubs, shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.1% from three-point land. 

If Kawakami’s report holds merit, both contributors will be forced to continue their NBA careers elsewhere when the offseason commences.

More NBA news:

• Lakers named best fit for record-setting $53.8 million star

• Jazz, Hawks, Bulls, Nets named top landing spots for $53 million Lakers superstar

• Lakers predicted to cut ties with Dalton Knecht, acquire $175 million two-time MVP

Timi Aliu has felt the pull toward Nebraska for a long time. The four-star offensive tackle out of Locust Grove (Ga.) visited Lincoln for the USC game last fall, and from that point forward, Matt Rhule’s staff never stopped pushing.

Now the No. 261 prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking has committed to Nebraska over Florida.

“They’ve been putting me very hard since that first time visiting in the fall,” Aliu told Rivals. “From that time, they made me feel very important. The coaches called and texted me a lot. They came to see me in January, then again this spring, so they have really done a great job recruiting me. It never changed, and that meant a lot.”

Aliu visited Nebraska five times throughout the process, and each trip only strengthened the connection between him and the program.

“They just kept making sure I got back up to Lincoln to hang with the guys, hang with the players and recruits… they just showed me so much love. They always wanted me there. The connections and the relationships made me ready to pull the trigger.”

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The commitment came together even faster once close friend Jordan Agbanoma committed to Nebraska. KD Jones is another one Aliu has gotten close to. Both committed to the Huskers last week.

“Ever since Jordan committed, I thought more about it. Nebraska has always been on top for me, then after Jordan and KD committed, I knew it. It has always felt like home for me at Nebraska.”

Relationships were a big factor. Geep Wade has led the way since he got there. Rhule has been involved as well.

“As soon as Coach Wade got to Nebraska, he called me and let me know he wanted me to be part of the O-line group in the future,” Aliu said. “Coach Wade has put a lot of effort into recruiting me. He can develop players and I know he wants to work with me at Nebraska. He wants what’s best for me

“Coach Rhule is a great coach too. He’s going to do so many great things at Nebraska. The players love him, he is a winner and I think this ’27 class and even the next class are really going to show what Nebraska can really do.”

What Nebraska as a program is was the icing on the cake.

“Their tradition, fan base and football culture also stood out throughout the process,” Aliu said. “The passion they have at Nebraska every single game every single year, — there is nothing like it.”

It’s been twenty-four hours since the curtain fell on a terrible horrible no good very bad season for Liverpool Football Club, and fans have spent most of that time alternately feeling sad about the departures of club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson and uncertain about the future.

Head coach Arne Slot is widely seen by the fanbase as not the right man for the job, but the club have signalled strongly that they intend to persist with the Dutch trainer, a situation that has many fearing a repeat of Brendan Rodgers’ aborted final season in charge. If that is in fact the plan and not just misdirection, the club need to send another strong signal quickly.

Namely, they need to send a strong signal about their plan for what comes next given the doubts surrounding not just Slot but sporting director Richard Hughes who oversaw a summer transfer window in 2025 that left a thin and unbalanced squad and made Slot’s job harder.

It’s been twenty-four hours now since the curtain fell on 2025-26 and it appears we have that signal. The club will target 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to be their Salah replacement, and with the briefinggoing out to every club-connected journalist today there’s already talk of them possibly being prepared to trigger his €100M (£86M) release clause.

It would be a headliner of a transfer, make no mistake. Yet given how big the club spent last summer only to end up with a worse squad than they started with, and as Diomande is a teenager with one season of senior football under his belt and he’s likely to cost somewhere in the region of £86M, there will be some skepticism.

Diomande has a grand total of 46 senior games under his belt, with 36 coming this past season at Leipzig in the Bundesliga and ten the year before with CD Leganés in Spain. His 13 goals and ten assists in 2724 minutes last season equate to a quite impressive goal involvement every 118 minutes.

But it’s still just 23 goal involvements and 2724 minutes. In his career he has 26 goal involvements in 3266 minutes. Diomande is one of the most talented young attackers in Europe, that’s inarguable. However, it’s an almighty £86M gamble on the teenager being able to walk in, replace a legend, and be a difference maker in the Premier League from day one.

For fans already worried that 2026-27 will end up being another wasted season after how the just concluded 2025-26 went, spending so much money on an exceptional talent but also a player who is very young and not yet the finished product will raise eyebrows.

It’s the kind of statement signing that could help Liverpool to win the transfer window in the eyes of fans and pundits. Hopefully, if it goes through, it will prove worth it from day one unlike some of the deals that helped Liverpool to win the transfer window in the eyes of fans and pundits last summer.

Before we start with our usual fanfare, we do want to thank the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country to allow us to enjoy things like Memorial Day Weekend.

The week started auspiciously with Royce Lewis getting sent to St. Paul and ended with a sweep of the Red Sox. I just give out the facts folks; you can choose to connect the dots if you want. All joking aside, it was a much-needed week for the Twins as they went 5-1 against the bottom-feeders in the American League. The bullpen is still in a state of organized chaos, with Travis Adams becoming the 11th reliever to earn a save this season. We also saw some fruits of the Jorge Polanco trade as Gabriel Gonzalez made his debut with the major-league team on Friday, going 1-2 with two walks. Ironically, earlier in the week, Justin Topa, another player who came over in that deal, was DFA’d. The Twins now go to South Side Chicago to face the White Sox in a four-game series and could take second position in the AL Central. The team will wrap up May with a three-game series in Pittsburgh.

The Past Week on Twinkie Town:

• Check out The Feed, where you can add your discussions about the Twins!
• We’re starting a new segment called Daily Questions! Provide your opinion on the Twins and debate with the community!
• Game threads and recaps are back! Commiserate with your fellow fans as we experience the season together.
• Zach Koenig takes us back to the miserable year of 2006.

Elsewhere in Twins Territory:

• Bobby Nightengale at the Star Tribune reveals how Twins rookie Andrew Morris has earned manager Derek Shelton’s trust.
• For all the grief that the Twins have earned this season, John Shipley at the Pioneer Press actually likes the team.
• Theo Tollefson at Zone Coverage checks in on Royce Lewis as he figures out his swing in St. Paul.

In the World of Baseball:

• The Rays have increased their lead to 4.5 games over the Yankees, who are tied with the Guardians for second in the AL standings. The A’s are a distant fourth place now, 4.0 games behind. The Twins have actually vaulted into the top six in the standings, despite owning a losing record, half a game behind the Chicago White Sox.
• It’s a bit of a tighter race in the National League, with the Dodgers 2.0 games behind Atlanta, while the Brewers and Padres are 1.5 games behind LA. You have to scroll down to the 11th team, the Philadelphia Phillies, to find the first team with a losing record.
• Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers has been throwing gas this season, with over 250 pitches over 100 mph. Brian Murphy at MLB.com looks at what the Miz thinks are the limits of his talent.-
• Ryan Hockensmith at ESPN documents how Aaron Judge’s freshman year at Fresno State set him up for success as a big leaguer.

Promoter Frank Warren says that Tyson Fury has his next opponent set, and that the “warm-up” before facing Anthony Joshua will be announced this week.

From Sky Sports:

“It’ll be a good opponent – it’ll be good for him. He can’t afford to slip up, because obviously AJ’s got his fight in a few weeks’ time. [Joshua’s] got to come through that, Tyson has to come through his, and then the big one will be in November.”

Fury (35-2-1, 24 KO) returned on April 11 to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, and called out Joshua from the ring after the fight. Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated interest but didn’t play along much with Fury’s antics.

The interest, at least, is real. Joshua will fight Kristian Prenga on July 25, which presents very little threat on paper, and then, as Warren noted, reports have Fury vs Joshua signed for late in the year, likely November.

Don’t expect a whole lot of Fury’s next foe, either, as all the money and all the intrigue is in finally seeing Tyson vs AJ.

Jaylen Brown’s place on the 2025-26 All-NBA Second Team has not gone unnoticed, and at least one Boston legend thinks he deserved more.

The All-NBA teams were announced last Sunday, and the First Team featured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham.

Brown was named to the Second Team, alongside Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell, and his placement has sparked debate among fans, former players and analysts.

Paul Pierce says Jaylen Brown deserved Luka Doncic’s spot

Speaking on the latest No Fouls Given show, former NBA champion Paul Pierce said: “I think if I had to take one person off, maybe it would be Luka, and I know that’s saying a lot because Luka did lead the league in scoring, but he had more to work with, too. Think about it. He had LeBron all year. You got Reaves most of the year.”

He added: “Jaylen Brown, he did the most with the least out of all these guys that’s on this and maybe Cade Cunningham. I mean, you know, but Jaylen Brown didn’t have a second All-Star. A lot of these guys did. So, I would have probably removed Luka for Jaylen.”

Pierce framed the debate around context rather than raw production.

The 29-year-old star helped guide Boston to the playoffs while Jayson Tatum missed most of the season injured, carrying a heavier burden than expected.

Brown was also the only Celtics player named to an All-NBA team, while the Third Team featured Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren.

Read more:

Pre-season prognosticators were virtually unanimous: The Seattle Mariners will win the AL West. And they may well do so, but if they win the division it will not be on the strength of the season’s first 1/3. The Mariners completed their 54th game yesterday, an 8-6 loss to the Royals that left them 25-29 for the season.

How many games were the Mariners predicted to win in 2026? Here projection systems vary a touch, but let’s go with 93 as a reasonable median that conveniently is divisible by 3. That means Seattle was projected to average winning 31 games in each of the season’s three “thirds”.

Does a 25-29 start mean analysts were way, way off and in fact the Mariners are going to win only 75 games? Probably not. Does it mean analysts were exactly right and to make up for lost time Seattle will go 68-40 the rest of the way to finish with those 93 wins? Probably not.

Here’s what I would submit is the most mathematically sound way to look at it. If the Mariners are a 93 win team that masqueraded as a 25-29 squad for 2 months, you can reasonably expect them to play at a 93 win clip going forward. But this comes with a significant caveat: Some losses are already in the bank.

How many losses? Instead of going the projected 31-23 the Mariners won a whopping 6 fewer games than that pace. And those are 6 losses they can’t get back. Give Seattle its 93 win pace going forward and you get a big turnaround of a 62-46 record in the last 2/3 of the season. Don’t be surprised if the Mariners “get up on the deck” and go 62-46 the rest of the way.

The problem, for Seattle, is that this leaves them with a season record of 87-75, not the 93-69 originally predicted. And that is a huge difference in terms of what the bar might be for teams like the A’s, Rangers, even Astros (who are only 4.5 games back of 1st place thanks to the mediocrity of the division to date).

This is important because it suggests that while the standard needed to win the AL West was poised to be something like 24 games over .500, Seattle’s stumbling first 1/3 might bring that standard all the way down to more like 12 games over .500. The A’s need to go 60-49 (a .550 clip) the rest of the season in order to finish with 87 wins.

Of course none of this is set in stone or even etch-a-sketch. It’s still entirely possible Seattle could get sizzling hot and win 95 games or that they could remain in quicksand and finish with just 78 wins. Or Texas could turn out to be the team to beat, or who knows? This is why you play the games and just try to win as often as possible.

Is my “mathnalysis” the right way to look at the division going forward? Or if not what do you think is a better projection for “The State Of The AL West” going into the season’s second 1/3? The only analysis I can bet we will all agree on is this: beating Seattle these next 3 days will only help the A’s cause.

The first series of the Orioles’ season-longest 10-game homestand went reasonably well. The O’s took advantage of a reeling Tigers team to take two out of three games, though let’s not try to think about the fact that they were one strike away from losing the series.

Now the task gets much tougher with a rematch against the majors’ best team, the Rays, who swept the Orioles at Tropicana Field last week. Tampa Bay enters today with a stupendous 34-16 record, 12.5 games better than the Birds. And it’s only May.

The Rays will throw Baltimore-born ace lefty Shane McClanahan at the O’s in today’s opener. The good news is that the Orioles actually had some success against him last week, tagging him for four runs, tied for his season worst. The bad news is that the O’s still got destroyed in that game, 16-6, so McClanahan cruised to an easy win. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles. He pitched well in Tampa Bay last week, holding the Rays to two runs in 5.1 innings, but got no run support. Imagine that.

The Birds, as usual against a lefty, are stacking their lineup with righties, even those who can’t hit against southpaws (most notably Tyler O’Neill, who is 2-for-39 against lefties). The exception is Jackson Holliday, a lefty-swinger who’s getting the start today against McClanahan. He probably wouldn’t be if Coby Mayo were healthy, but the O’s third baseman is still sidelined with a back injury.

Today marks Cedric Mullins’ return to Baltimore for the first time since the O’s traded him last July. He’ll surely receive a standing ovation from the Camden Yards crowd and a nice video tribute on the Jumbotron. Best of luck, Cedric. I hope you have a great game individually while your team loses.

Orioles lineup:

LF Taylor Ward
DH Gunnar Henderson
C Adley Rutschman
1B Pete Alonso
3B Weston Wilson
CF Leody Taveras
SS Blaze Alexander
2B Jackson Holliday
RF Tyler O’Neill

RHP Kyle Bradish

Rays lineup:

LF Chandler Simpson
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Díaz
2B Richie Palacios
CF Cedric Mullins
RF Victor Mesa Jr.
C Hunter Feduccia
SS Taylor Walls

LHP Shane McClanahan

There was not a lot of drama and anticipation for the Ole Miss baseball team headed into the NCAA Baseball Championship Selection Show on Monday morning.

The Rebels (36-21) had squandered any chance of hosting a regional after being upset by 16-seed Missouri in the SEC Tournament. Ole Miss was simply waiting to see where it would land as a two seed, and now the Rebels not only head to Lincoln Regional hosted by the Nebraska Cornhuskers but will have to face Arizona State (37-19) in its first game.

First pitch is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2 against the Sun Devils who went 19-11 in the Big 12 this season. From an RPI standpoint however, ASU comes in at No. 44 in the latest rankings. Nebraska of course leads the way in RPI at No. 10 and Ole Miss sits at No. 16. The four seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits have an RPI of 239th out of the Summit League.

This is a tough regional draw no doubt about it. ASU has a pedigree of a very solid baseball program just like Ole Miss, and the Sun Devils and Rebels have locked horns in the postseason in the past. Nebraska has had a phenomenal season sitting at 42-15 overall and going 23-7 in the Big Ten.

The Lincoln Regional is paired with the Auburn Regional where the Tigers will be huge favorites to blast through its slate. For Auburn, it has the No. 36 and No. 52 RPI ranked UCF and NC State squads as its two and three seeds comparably.

We will have a more in-depth look at this regional this week prior to the first game, but the good news is the Rebels are back in the tournament while the bad news is its draw is a tough road to get to Omaha.

AC Milan announced on Monday they had sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and a host of senior club management after missing out on next season's Champions League.

The 19-time Serie A winners lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari on Sunday in the final game of the league game season denying them a return to European football's leading competition.

Allegri was appointed last May, returning to the northern club 11 years following his first tenure ended, after they also failed to qualify for the Champions League.

"After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A," AC Milan's owners RedBird capital said.

"It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganisation of football operations. 

"Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.

"We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.

"Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course - with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season," they added.

jr/iwd/lp

The high school girls flag football season around the country ended last weekend and with that comes honors for coaches and players from the 2025-2026 season.

The 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state finals just recently ended and we decided to get right to it when it comes to end of the year honors.

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We take a look around the country for the top players from 2025-2026 as Rivals looked through the season and selected award nominees from this past season. Who were the best girls flag football players for the 2026 season, though?

Rivals give you the high school girls flag football honorees from the 2025-2026 season.

Player of the Year: Makena Cook, QB, Orange (CA) Orange Lutheran 

Cook owns the distinct honor of being the first girls flag football player to ever receive the sport’s first Division I P4 overture, receiving an offer from Nebraska. Now the quarterback, who is already committed to Georgia for soccer, had herself an incredible 2025 season for the Lancers and put up some eye-popping numbers which we recognize with the national Player of the Year award. Cook ended the 2025 campaign throwing for an eye-popping 7,083 yards and 112 touchdowns for the Lancers and also added 313 and three scores on the ground.

Offensive Player of the Year: Ariana Akey, QB, Littleton (CO) Mountain Vista 

Akey is our Offensive Player of the Year after becoming the first ever player to commit to a Division I, Power 4 program when she announced her commitment to Nebraska back in mid-April. Akey has had herself a prolific prep career behind center for the Eagles, with the signal caller throwing for a total of 8,980 yards with 171 touchdowns over the last two seasons. This past season was a prolific year for Akey as she completed 384 of 570 passes for 4,545 yards, 89 touchdowns through the air. On the ground, Akey rushed for 1,526 yards and 22 scores.

Coach of the Year: Josh Saunders, Tampa (FL) Robinson

Early on in the season wasn’t the easiest of times for Tampa Robinson as the Knights dropped a 25-20 decision to Bloomingdale and then Saunders had to deal with the injury loss of quarterback Paige Halverson after a 47-6 win over New Port Richey (FL) Gulf a few games later. All Saunders did was do quite arguably one of his best coaching jobs at the school as the Knights notched their 10th straight state championship and 11th overall. Saunders inserted junior Annie Keith behind center and the rest is history as Robinson ran the table to the FHSAA Class 2A state championship and taking the country’s No. 1 ranking.

How to Follow National High School Football

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

GAINESVILLE — The red-hot Florida baseball team will have chance to get back to the College World Series playing on the Gators’ home field.

Coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s squad was awarded the No. 8 national seed in the 64-team NCAA Tournament and will host Miami (38-18) — the No. 2 seed in the Gainesville Regional — No. 3 Troy (32-29) and No. 4 Rider (33-18).

UF opens at 1 p.m. Friday against Rider on ESPN+. Miami and Troy will meet at 6 p.m. on the ACC Network.

Winners of 10 of their last 12 games and featuring a nation-best 15-7 record against top-25 opponents, the Gators will host a Super Regional if they prevail during the double-elimination series, slated run Friday-Sunday at Condron Family Ballpark.

Florida, ranked ninth by Baseball America and No. 11 in the RPI, closed the regular-season with three-straight SEC series and reached the conference tournament semifinals before squandering a 6-0 lead during an 8-7 loss to fourth-ranked Georgia.

The Gators have hosted a regional 13 times under O’Sullivan and reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his 19 seasons in Gainesville.

Florida features

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Whales withdrew $170 million in XRP from Binance as the price holds a key $1.35-$1.40 accumulation and support zone.

CoinQuant, the AI-powered no-code trading platform that has attracted over 15,000 users since launch, today announces its expansion into a unified trading intelligence architecture built for both human traders and autonomous AI agents.

A third-party module drained about $3 million from Safe wallets, with Squid attributing the incident to an external Safe module, saying its core systems were unaffected.

Intel’s “Unified Core” plans have leaked, and it’s coming to desktop with Hammer Lake Earlier this year, Intel confirmed the existence of its “Unified Core” with a job listing. Now, Intel’s “Unified Core” plans have leaked, and they are due to come into fruition with Titan Lake and Hammer Lake. According to leaked documents, unveiled […]

The post Intel “Unified Core” plans leak – Hyper-Threading Returns! appeared first on OC3D.

The Intel Bartlett Lake flagship CPU may have additional P cores, but they do not bring any noticeable improvements in gaming. PC Games Hardware Demonstrate Core 9 273PQE 12-P-Core CPU's Capabilities in Games Against 8+16 Core i9 13900K; CPUs Tie in Most Gaming Benchmarks Perhaps the reason for not releasing any 10 or 12-P-Core only CPU is the lackluster performance uplift the Intel Bartlett Lake P-core-only CPUs bring to the table when compared against Intel's 8-P-core CPUs from the consumer-segment Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh families. We were all hyped up to see someone booting up his system with […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intels-12-p-core-bartlett-lake-flagship-fails-to-beat-the-4-year-old-core-i9-13900k-in-gaming-benchmarks/

After ten years of Dead by Daylight fans begging developer Behaviour Interactive to add one of horror's most iconic slasher villains, as part of the game's 10th anniversary celebrations, Friday the 13th icon Jason Voorhees will join the game's growing roster of villains on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with the game's next update (though public beta test build players on Steam can get a taste of Jason's evil even earlier). Jason's long-awaited entry into The Fog as a new killer for players to control was revealed with a teaser trailer (which you can check out below) that hits all the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/dead-by-daylight-10th-anniversary-jason-voorhees/

China’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, SMIC, is currently hindered by its failure to acquire advanced EUV machinery to mass produce wafers on the 5nm lithography or below. With no alternative to scale past this limitation, the need for innovation and creativity is absolutely vital, so a new 3D IC stacking solution is rumored to be incorporated on Huawei’s upcoming Kirin 9050 to improve performance. The one positive to take away from the latest rumor is that the SoC can beat Apple’s older A18 Pro. New packaging technology will enable the Kirin 9050 to stack components vertically to increase transistor density and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/huawei-kirin-9050-breakthrough-3d-ic-design-beats-a18-pro/

Subnautica 2 has finally arrived in its early access state, and millions of players have excitedly dived into its alien ocean waters right away, only to find it incredibly overwhelming. Now, veteran Subnautica players are used to the game's loop, but whether you're familiar with the series or not, its good to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve when getting started. That's what this guide aims to provide. I've spent a solid number of hours diving into Subnautica 2, clearing through the story missions and what's currently available to do in its early access state, and there […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/how-to/subnautica-2-tips-and-tricks/

AOC fulfils its promise of releasing the first 1000 Hz 1080p gaming monitor that will trade blows with LG's offering. AOC Launches AGON PRO AGP257FT, its First-Ever Native 1080p Gaming Monitor That Can Hit 1000 Hz Refresh Rate AOC was the first monitor maker to announce a 1080p 1000 Hz monitor, even before LG. While LG released the world's first native 1080p 1000 Hz monitor nearly a week ago, AOC is next to have its first-ever 1080p 1000 Hz gaming monitor on the shelves. As per a previous report, the company was preparing a couple of high-end gaming monitors that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/after-lg-aoc-rolls-out-its-first-1000-hz-native-fhd-gaming-monitor/

Jett Optics provides spatial encryption and DePIN-based authentication that turns your gaze and attention patterns into a secure biometric. Powered by Agentive Gaze Tensors, it delivers post-quantum, hands-free verification across devices and immersive environments. The platform includes AGT Auth for biometric login, Jett-Chat for encrypted messaging, and the AARON Protocol on Solana to anchor proofs on-chain, enabling privacy-preserving, verifiable interactions. It powers OPTX/JTX Neuromorphic Software.

We build augments.

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MyOwnChildbook creates personalized children's storybooks that put your child at the heart of the adventure. Enter a name, choose a theme, and optionally upload photos. Its AI mirrors your child's traits in custom illustrations. Preview and edit the full story, then order a premium 21×21 cm hardcover on 200‑gram silk paper. Suitable for ages 3–10, supports multiple children, and ships worldwide within days.

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Some Samsung Galaxy users are getting confused after they noticed that their photos and videos suddenly started uploading to OneDrive. This issue appeared even though they believed all syncing was turned off. 

The issue seems connected to a big change coming from Samsung and Microsoft. Microsoft has confirmed that Samsung Gallery sync with OneDrive will completely stop working on September 30, 2026. Due to this, users are being moved to a different system, OneDrive Camera backup. The problem is that many users say this new backup feature appears to be turning on by itself.

People on Reddit and Samsung forums shared (via PiunikaWeb) similar issues. Some users said they had disabled photo syncing a long time ago, but OneDrive still uploaded all their pictures overnight. Others checked the OneDrive app and found that Camera backup was switched on without them doing it manually.

Samsung Gallery and OneDrive Breakup

The confusion happens because Samsung Gallery sync and OneDrive Camera backup are not the same thing. Even if Gallery sync is turned off in Samsung settings, OneDrive’s own backup option inside the OneDrive app can still upload photos.

Microsoft says users must manually enable Camera backup if they want automatic uploads after 2026. But many users believe updates, notifications, or migration prompts may be turning the feature back on without clearly warning them.

If you do not want your photos uploaded to OneDrive, the quickest thing to do is open the OneDrive app and check the Camera backup setting yourself. If it is on, turn it off. You should also check app permissions on your phone and remove the connection between your Samsung and Microsoft accounts if you no longer use cloud backup.

As Samsung and Microsoft prepare to end the old Gallery sync system, many Galaxy users are feeling frustrated because they believed their cloud uploads were already disabled. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Your Samsung phone may still be uploading photos to OneDrive – Here’s why appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung has officially pushed the latest One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A16 5G, continuing this major update expansion across Galaxy devices. After releasing the update for the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy A17, the company is now bringing fresh improvements and features to another affordable Galaxy smartphone.

One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy A16 5G comes with firmware version A166PXXU7DZE2 (via Mohammed Khatri). Currently, the update is available for users in Malaysia, while Samsung will expand the rollout to more regions in the coming hours or days.

The latest update brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes to make the phone work better and more smoothly. Users now get better performance, smoother animations, improved battery usage, and enhanced security. The update may also improve the overall user experience with a cleaner and faster interface.

Image: Samsung

Samsung is focusing on providing regular software updates even for its affordable Galaxy A-series smartphones. The Galaxy A16 5G getting the One UI 8.5 update shows that the company wants more users to enjoy the latest Galaxy features without needing a premium device. Notably, Galaxy S22 series users are still waiting for this major update.

Users in Malaysia can check for the update by going to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install on their phone. Since Samsung usually releases updates in phases, some users may receive it earlier than others. People in other regions may have to wait a little longer for the update to arrive. Stay tuned.

The post Samsung Galaxy A16 5G gets added to One UI 8.5 update list appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung is continuing its ongoing rollout of One UI 8.5, the version of its Android skin that debuted on the Galaxy S26 family back in January. The rollout started earlier this month with the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, and then trickled its way down to more and more of the company's high-end devices, including foldables. [#InlinePriceWidget,13679,1#] Today the update has reached the Galaxy A26. This phone launched in March of last year with One UI 7 on board, and received its update to One UI 8 in late September. And now the update to One UI 8.5 has been spotted rolling out in...

Oppo launched the A6c in China in January, and then the phone made its way to Thailand in April with slightly different specs. Now, the international model has also landed in India, where it's priced at INR 13,999 ($146) with 64GB of storage, and INR 16,999 ($178) with 128GB of storage. The UFS 2.2 storage is expandable. Oppo A6c in Stone Brown The phone is powered by the Unisoc T7250 SoC, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. It comes with a 6.75-inch LCD screen with 720x1570 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. On the rear there's a 13MP camera, and for...

AC Milan have missed out on a place in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, capping off a disappointing season. As a result, the club are preparing for a major overhaul of the sporting project. After failing to meet the season’s objectives, Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed alongside other key figures within the club’s structure. In response, Zlatan Ibrahimović is reportedly poised to take on a more prominent role with the Rossoneri.

The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri, as the team’s performances have failed to meet the standards of the sporting project. Alongside him, Igli Tare, Giorgio Furlani, and Geoffrey Moncada have been dismissed with immediate effect as an emergency measure following the club’s failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. In response, AC Milan are now preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026–27 season.

“After the disappointment of last season, the mandate defined by the Club’s ownership was clear: to return to the Champions League… The time has come for change and a profound reorganization of the Club’s sporting structure. Effective immediately, the careers of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada at AC Milan have come to an end,” posted AC Milan on their website.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Massimo Calvelli will be tasked with finding AC Milan’s new CEO, while Ibrahimović will be responsible for deciding who becomes the next sporting director and next head coach. With this change, the Swedish executive is set to take on a far more influential role, emerging as the leader of the Rossoneri’s long-term sporting vision and placing the development of young players at the center of the strategy, as he has stated on several occasions.

*Developing Story…

Beşiktaş, başkan Serdal Adalı ve sportif direktör Önder Özen ile birlikte teknik direktör arayışının devam ettiğini ve taraftarların sosyal medyada yazılan iddialara itibar edilmemesi gerektiğini açıkladı.

Detaylar Geliyor...

Championship play-off finalinde Middlesbrough'yu Wembley Stadyumu'nda 1-0 yenerek Premier Lig'e yükselen Hull City'de kulübün sahibi Acun Ilıcalı'dan transfer müjdesi geldi.

Championship play-off finalinde Middlesbrough'yu Wembley Stadyumu'nda 1-0 yenerek Premier Lig'e yükselen Hull City zaferini kutluyor. Kutlamalara katılan kulübün sahibi Acun Ilıcalı, Sky Sports'a açıklamalarda bulundu.

Acun Ilıcalı'nın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Bizi en zayıf takım olarak görüyorlardı. Gerçekte ise en güçlü takım bizdik.

-Tabi ki para harcayacağız. Biz şansımız olduğunu düşünüyoruz. Bu çocuklar bizim kahramanımız.

Galatasaray'ın merkez orta saha adayları arasında Manchester City'den Tijjani Reijnders de bulunuyordu. Ancak Real Madrid'den sürpriz bir hamle geldi...

Manchester City'deki forma sürelerinden rahatsız olan Tijjani Reijnders, ayrılık kararı almıştı. Galatasaray, 27 yaşındaki merkez orta saha için nabız yokladı. City cephesi, 50 milyon euronun altındaki tekliflerin değerlendirmeye alınmayacağını belirtti. İngiliz devi, Tijjani Reijnders'i bu sezon başında Milan'dan transfer etmişti.

HAREKETE GEÇECEKLER

Manchester City, 54.9 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödedi. Bu sebeple en az zararla olayı kapatmaya çalışıyorlardı. Galatasaray ise 50 milyonluk talepte indirim bekliyordu. Ancak hiç hesapta olmayan bir gelişme yaşandı. Real Madrid, oyuncu konusunda harekete geçme kararı aldı.

ZATEN YETERİNCE ZORDU!

Ortada Real Madrid yokken bile bu transfer Galatasaray için zordu. Şu anda durum daha da içinden çıkılmaz bir hal aldı. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın alternatiflere ağırlık vermesi bekleniyor. Merkez orta saha konusunda geniş bir liste var. Yönetim bütün transferleri kısa süre içinde bitirmek istiyor.

Beşiktaş'ın yeni forvet listesinde Patrik Schick ve Sörloth başı çekiyor. Sörloth'un gelme ihtimali bariz bir şekilde daha düşük. Bu sebeple Schick hala favori konumda...

Beşiktaş yaz döneminde Oh'un haricinde kesinlikle santrfor hamlesi yapacak. Kartal'ın listesinde Bayer Leverkusen forması giyen Patrik Schick ve Atletico Madrid'den Sörloth başı çekiyor. Ancak Sörloth'un gelme ihtimali daha düşük. Çünkü Norveçli golcünün Avrupa'dan ciddi talipleri var.

EN AZ 30 MİLYON

Milan ve Barcelona'nın oyuncuya ilgisi devam ediyor. Bu sebeple Beşiktaş ağırlığını daha çok Patrik Schick'e vermiş durumda... Başkan Serdal Adalı da Çekyalı santrforu çok istiyor. Leverkusen cephesi bu transferden en az 30 milyon euro bekliyor. Kartal ise rakamı düşürmeye çalışıyor.

PİYASA ÇOK YÜKSEK

Avrupa'da genç santrforların piyasası çıldırmış durumda... 30 yaşındaki Patrik Schick'in beklentileri karşılayacağı düşünülüyor. Futbol Direktörü Önder Özen de Başkan Serdal Adalı'yla aynı fikirde... Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın, önümüzdeki 2 haftalık süreçte temaslarını yoğunlaştıracağı öğrenildi.

Fenerbahçe sezon başında Sofyan Amrabat'ı Real Betis'e, Diego Carlos'u ise Como'ya kiralamıştı. İki kulüp de Şampiyonlar Ligi vizesini aldı. Kanarya, 2 futbolcu konusunda teklifleri bekliyor.

Fenerbahçe, Faslı ön libero Sofyan Amrabat'ı İspanyol ekibi Real Betis'e kiralamıştı. Betis, La Liga'yı 5. sırada tamamladı ve Şampiyonlar Ligi biletini kaptı. Doğal olarak Amrabat'ın bonservisi konusunda teklif yapıp yapmayacakları merak ediliyor. 29 yaşındaki futbolcunun, Fenerbahçe ile 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var.

KOLAYLIK GÖSTERECEK

Şu anda İspanyol ekibinin konuyla ilgili kendi içinde değerlendirmelerde bulunduğu öğrenildi. Henüz Amrabat konusunda ne yapacakları net değil. Ancak Fenerbahçe'deki iki başkan adayının da Faslı futbolcuya sıcak bakmadığı söyleniyor. Teklif gelmesi halinde gerekli kolaylık gösterilecek.

KESİN KARAR YOK

Kanarya'dan sezon başında kiralık giden isimlerden biri de Diego Carlos'tu (Como)... İtalyan ekibi, Serie A'yı 4. basamakta noktaladı. Onlar da Şampiyonlar Ligi deneyimi yaşayacak. Ve tıpkı Amrabat örneğinde olduğu gibi, Como'da da Carlos konusunda kesin bir karar yok. Sarı-Lacivertliler'deki muhtemel yeni yönetimin, Brezilyalı stoperle de yollarını ayırması bekleniyor. 33 yaşındaki savunmacının Kanarya'daki sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2028'de bitiyor.

Beşiktaş, Wolverhampton'da küme düşme üzüntüsü yaşayan Jose Sa ile kişisel konularda anlaştı. Ancak konuyla ilgili son kararı, yeni teknik direktör verecek...

Beşiktaş yaz döneminde kesinlikle 1 kaleci transferi yapacak. Ersin Destanoğlu'nun ayrılık durumuna göre sayı 2'ye çıkabilir. Kartal'ın listesindeki isimlerden biri; Wolverhampton forması giyen Jose Sa'ydı... 33 yaşındaki tecrübeli eldiven, İngiliz ekibinde küme düşme üzüntüsü yaşadı.

30 Haziran 2027 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunan Portekizli oyuncuyla kişisel şartlarda anlaşma sağlandığı öğrenildi. 1.92 boyundaki file bekçisinin kontratında ayrıca +1 yıllık uzatma opsiyonu bulunuyor (çift taraflı). Ancak tecrübeli kaleci ayrılmak istediği için bu maddenin hiçbir anlamı kalmadı.

Wolverhampton Yönetimi de ayrılık talebini ileten futbolcu konusunda gerekli kolaylığı gösterecek. Ancak konuyla ilgili son karar; Beşiktaş'ın yeni teknik direktöründe olacak. Bu isim resmen göreve başladığında, Jose Sa'ya onay verirse iş bitirilecek. Aksi halde alternatiflere gidilecek.

Galatasaray'ın merkez orta saha adayları arasında Sunderland forması giyen Habib Diarra da bulunuyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın, İngiliz ekibine önerilecek rakam konusunda çalıştığı öğrenildi

Galatasaray'ın yaz döneminde orta alana 2 takviye yapması bekleniyor. Bu oyunculardan biri 10 numara, diğeri ise merkez orta saha olacak. Aslan'ın listesindeki merkez orta saha adayları arasında Sunderland forması giyen Habib Diarra da bulunuyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar, konuyla ilgili sonraki adımı planlıyor.

31.5 MİLYONA ALDILAR

Cim-Bom'un, 22 yaşındaki futbolcuya önerilecek rakam konusunda fikir alışverişinde bulunduğu öğrenildi. Sunderland onu bu sezon başında Strasbourg Kulübü'nden transfer etmişti. 31.5 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. Senegalli oyuncunun 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi bulunuyor.

ISMAİL JAKOBS ETKİSİ

Yani olası bir transferin ucuza bitme ihtimali yok... Galatasaray'ın Senegalli yıldızı Ismail Jakobs, kısa süre önce verdiği röportajda, "Eğer Habib Diarra veya Pape Gueye konusunda Galatasaray'ın girişimi olursa seve seve onlarla konuşurum" ifadelerini kullanmıştı.

Şanlıurfa Fenerbahçeliler Derneğini ziyaret eden Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkan Adayı Hakan Safi, seçim öncesi açıklamalarına devam ediyor.

Şanlıurfa Fenerbahçeliler Derneğini ziyaret eden Hakan Safi, kongre üyeleri ve taraftarlarla bir araya geldi.

Kulüp üyeleri veya taraftarlar için farklı projeler üreteceğini anlatan Safi, sosyal ve kültürel çalışmalara ağırlık vermek istediğini ifade etti.

Yoğun seçim çalışması yaptığını aktaran Safi, "Fenerbahçe'nin neferiyiz ve hizmetkarıyız. Kimse takımın sahibi değildir, Fenerbahçe'nin sahibi sizlersiniz. Seçimde sandıklara sahip çıkıp Fenerbahçe'yi tekrar Fenerbahçelilere emanet edeceğiz." diye konuştu.

"Koltuklar emanettir, camiadan alacağımız teveccüh ile buraları sizlerle yönetmeye talip olacağız." ifadesini kullanan Safi, "İnşallah çıktığımız bu yolda rabbim bizleri utandırmasın. İnşallah güzel bir seçim olacak. Eskiden yeni olmaz, değişmeyen tek şey değişimdir, biz değişimin öncüsüyüz. Fenerbahçe bir kulüptür bu takıma gelen başkanlar başarılı olmak zorundadır. Fenerbahçe'nin genlerinde ve özünde şampiyonluklar vardır. Dün ile yaşayamayız, her zaman ileri ve yarına bakmamız lazım. Biz de onun için buralara talip olduk. İştahımızla yeteneğimizle cesaretimizle maddi ve manevi varlığımızla Fenerbahçe'ye hizmet etmek istiyoruz." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Udinese, teknik heyetteki Gökhan İnler ile sözleşmesini 2028'e kadar uzattığını açıkladı.

İtalya Serie A ekibi Udinese, Gökhan İnler'in sözleşmesini 2028'e kadar uzattı.

Udinese'den yapılan açıklamada "Kulüp, Gökhan'ın sözleşmesinin 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar uzatıldığını ve önümüzdeki iki sezon boyunca Udinese'de teknik alan başkanı olarak görevine devam edeceğini duyurmaktan mutluluk duyar." ifadelerini kullandı.

Futbolculuk kariyerinde Aarau, Zürich, Udinese, Napoli, Leicester City, Beşiktaş, Başakşehir ve Adana Demirspor formalarını giyen Türk asıllı İsviçreli futbol adamı, Udinese'de 2024 yılından beri sportif direktör (Teknik alan sorumlusu) olarak görev yapıyor.

2026/2027-ci illər mövsümü üçün UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının (ÇL) əsas mərhələsinə birbaşa vəsiqə qazanmış 29 komandanın hamısı bəlli olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu, İtaliya A Seriyasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün sonuncu – 38-ci turunun oyunlarından sonra dəqiqləşib.

Son olaraq “Roma” və “Komo” komandaları ÇL-in Liqa mərhələsində iştirak hüququ əldə ediblər.

UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının əsas mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazanmış 29 klubun siyahısında aşağıdakı komandalar yer alıblar:

İspaniya: “Barselona”, “Real”, “Vilyarreal”, “Atletiko”, “Betis”;

İngiltərə: “Arsenal”, “Mançester Siti”, “Mançester Yunayted”, “Aston Villa”, “Liverpul”;

Almaniya: “Bayern”, “Borussiya” (Dortmund), “Leypsiq”, “Ştutqart”;

İtaliya: “İnter”, “Napoli”, “Roma”, “Komo”;

Fransa: PSJ, “Lans”, “Lill”;

Portuqaliya: “Sportinq”, “Portu”;

Niderland: PSV, “Feyenoord”;

Türkiyə: “Qalatasaray”;

Ukrayna: “Şaxtyor” (Donetsk);

Çexiya: “Slaviya” (Praqa);

Belçika: “Brügge”.

Xatırladaq ki, ÇL-in 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə son 7 vəsiqənin sahibi avqustun sonunda təsnifat mərhələsinin oyunlarından sonra bəlli olacaq.

Futbol üzrə Belçika milli komandasının sabiq qapıçısı, “Brügge”nin şərəfini qoruyan Simon Minyole peşəkar futbolçu karyerasını başa vurub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 38 yaşlı qolkiper bu barədə sosial şəbəkə hesabında paylaşım edib.

Təcrübəli qapıçı karyerasını məhz “Brügge”də başa vurmağın onun üçün böyük şərəf olduğunu qeyd edib.

Minyole 2019-cu ilin avqustundan etibarən “Brügge”nin formasını geyinirdi. O, bu müddətdə komanda ilə 5 dəfə Belçika çempionu olub, həmçinin 1 ölkə kuboku və 3 super kubok qazanıb. Qapıçı Belçika klubunun heyətində bütövlükdə 311 oyuna çıxıb, 333 qol buraxıb, 112 matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.

Minyole peşəkar karyerasına “Sent Trüden”də (106 oyun, 122 qol, 3 “quru” matç) başlayıb. O, daha sonra “Sanderlend” (101 oyun, 135 qol, 33 “quru” matç) və “Liverpul” (204 oyun, 239 qol, 66 “quru” matç) kimi Premyer Liqa klublarının uğurları üçün çalışıb. Minyole “Liverpul”la 2018/2019-cu illər mövsümündə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının qalibi olub.

Simon Minyole 2011-ci ildə debüt etdiyi Belçika milli komandasında 35 oyun keçirib ki, bunların 10-da qapısının toxunulmazlığını qorumağı bacarıb. 35 yaşlı qolkiper milli komanda ilə DÇ-2018-də bürünc medal qazanıb.

İngiltərə millisinin və Almaniya çempionu “Bayern”in hücumçusu Harri Keyn karyerasında ikinci dəfə “Qızıl buts” mükafatını qazanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 32 yaşlı futbolçu Almaniya Bundesliqasının 2025/2026-cı mövsümündə 31 oyunda 36 qol (72 xal) vuraraq buna nail olub.

Forvard Avropanın bütün liqalarında ən çox qol vuran oyunçu olub.

İngiltərənin “Mançester Siti” klubunun forvardı Erlinq Haland 27 qolla (54 xal) ikinci, İspaniya təmsilçisi “Real”ın futbolçusu Kilian Mbappe 25 qolla (50 xal) üçüncü yeri tutub.

Xatırladaq ki, Keyn “Bayern”dəki debüt mövsümündə (2023/2024) də “Qızıl buts” mükafatına sahib çıxmışdı. O, həmin vaxt da Bundesliqada 36 qolla yadda qalmışdı.

Harri Keyn “Tottenhem”in yetirməsidir. İngilis hücumçu 2023-cü ilin avqust ayında 100 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində elə, London klubundan “Bayern”ə keçib. Harrinin Münhen klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2027-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

Cari mövsümdə Keyn “Bayern” üçün bütün yarışlarda 50 oyuna çıxıb, 58 qol və 7 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.

Harri Keynin Almaniya nəhənginin heyətində çıxışının ümumi mənzərəsi 146 oyun, 143 qol və 33 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.

İngilis hücumçu “Bayern”lə 2 dəfə Almaniya çempionu olub, 1 dəfə Almaniya Super Kubokunu qazanıb.

Keyn 2015-ci ilin mart ayında debüt etdiyi İngiltərə yığma komandasının heyətində 112 oyuna 78 qol və 19 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib. Keyn İngiltərə yığmasının ən sərrast qolçusudur.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 32 yaşlı ingilis hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 65 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

“Mançester Siti”nin norveçli mərkəz hücumçusu Erlinq Haland növbəti dəfə adını futbol üzrə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının tarixinə yazdırıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, norveçli futbolçu İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün bombardiri olub.

Haland artıq geridə qalmış mövsümdə çempionat çərçivəsində meydana çıxdığı 35 oyunda 27 qol vurub, 8 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

Beləliklə, Haland son 4 ildə üçüncü dəfə Premyer Liqanın “Qızıl buts” mükafatını qazanıb. O, daha əvvəl 2022/2023 və 2023/2024 mövsümlərində də bu ada layiq görülmüşdü.

Bombardirlər yarışında Haland “Brentford”un braziliyalı hücumçusu İqor Tyaqo (22 qol) və komanda yoldaşı Antoni Semenyonu (17 qol) qabaqlayıb.

Xatırladaq ki, ötən mövsümün ən məhsuldar futbolçusu 29 qolla “Liverpul”un misirli hücumçusu Məhəmməd Salah olmuşdu.

Erlinq Haland “Mançester Siti”yə 2022-ci ilin iyul ayında 60 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində Dortmund “Borussiya”sından keçib. Norveçli hücumçunun İngiltərə klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2034-cü ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.

Cari mövsümdə Erlinq “şəhərlilər”in heyətində bütün yarışlarda 52 oyuna çıxıb, 38 qol vurub, 9 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

Halandın “Mançester Siti”nin heyətində çıxışının ümumi mənzərəsi isə 198 oyun, 162 qol və 30 məhsuldar ötürmədən ibarətdir.

Haland “Mançester Siti” ilə İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının (2 dəfə), İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunun (2 dəfə), İngiltərə Liqa Kubokunun, İngltərə Super Kubokunun, UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının, UEFA Super Kubokunun və FIFA Klub Dünya Kubokunun qalibi olub.

Erlinq Haland hazırda kapitanı olduğu, 2019-cu ilin sentyabr ayında debüt etdiyi Norveç yığmasının heyətində 49 oyuna 55 qol, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 25 yaşlı norveçli hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 200 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

Birinci Liqada çıxış etmək uğrunda “Şimal” və “Qaradağ Lökbatan” arasında keçiriləcək pley-off matçının təyinatları müəyyənləşib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, həlledici oyunu Kamal Umudlu idarə edəcək. Ona yan xətt hakimləri Namiq Hüseynov və Vüsal Məmmədov kömək edəcəklər. Dördüncü hakim funksiyasını Elvin Bayramov yerinə yetirəcək. Fərid Hacıyev VAR-da, Şirmamed Mamedov AVAR-da fəaliyyət göstərəcək.

Xatırladaq ki, sözügedən qarşılaşma mayın 27-də Şamaxıda keçiriləcək. Oyuna saat 16:00-da start veriləcək.

Birinci Liqaya vəsiqə uğrunda pley-off oyunu
27 may

“Şimal” – “Qaradağ Lökbatan”
Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Namiq Hüseynov, Vüsal Məmmədov, Elvin Bayramov.
VAR: Fərid Hacıyev.
AVAR: Şirmamed Mamedov.
Hakim-inspektor: Anar Salmanov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu, 16:00.

“Kəpəz”in yetirmələri Ruslan Quliyev və Elgün Bayramov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının son turunda debüt edib.

Futbolopress.az xəbər verir ki, Ruslan Quliyev ilk oyununa 17 yaş 240 günlüyündə çıxıb. Elgün Bayramov isə Premyer Liqada debüt edərkən 23 yaş 81 günlük olub.

“Kəpəz” son turda “Neftçi”yə uduzub – 0:1.

Komanda mövsümü 10-cu sırada bitirib.

“Napoli” baş məşqçisi Antonio Konte ilə yollarını ayırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Konte 2024-cü ilin yayından “Napoli”yə rəhbərlik edirdi. Komanda ötən mövsüm onun rəhbərliyi altında A Seriyasını qazanıb.

“Napoli” bu il çempionatı 2-ci sırada bitirib.

“Qarabağ” yeni mövsümdə Avropa Liqasında mübarizə aparacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “atlılar” turnirə I təsnifatdan başlayacaq. Qurban Qurbanovun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektivin liqa mərhələsinə düşmək ehtimalı böyükdür. Komandanın son illərdə avrokuboklarda göstərici nəticə “Qarabağ”ın yenidən əsas mərhələdə olacağına şübhə yaratmır.

“Qarabağ” təsnifat mərhələsini keçsə, Liqa mərhələsində TOP-5 çempionatlarında mübarizə aparan nəhəng klublara rəqib ola bilər. TOP-5-də mövsüm başa çatıb və Avroliqada birbaşa Liqa mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazananlar artıq məlumdur:

İngiltərə Premyer Liqası: “Bornmut”, “Sanderlend”
İtaliya A Seriyası: “Milan”, “Yuventus”
İspaniya La Liqası: “Selta”, “Real Sosyedad”
Almaniya Bundesliqası: “Hoffenhaym”, “Bayer”
Fransa Liqası: “Marsel”, “Renn”.

Avropa Liqasında “Qarabağ”ın da mübarizəyə başlayacağı ilk püşk iyunun 16-da atılacaq.

Rusiya Kubokunun qalibi məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici görüşdə “Spartak” ilə “Krasnodar” üz-üzə gəlib. Əsas vaxtı bərabərliklə bitən (1:1) matçın qalibi penaltilər seriyasından sonra müəyyənləşib.

Son zərbələrdə dəqiq olan Moskva klubu kubokun qalibi olub.

Premyer Liqada çıxış etmək uğrunda pley-off matçının təyinatları məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Qəbələ” ilə “Mingəçevir” arasında baş tutacaq oyunu FIFA referisi Tural Qurbanov idarə edəcək.

28 may (cümə axşamı)

“Qəbələ” – “Mingəçevir”
Hakimlər: Tural Qurbanov, Cəmil Quliyev, Asiman Əzizli, İnqilab Məmmədov
VAR: Rəvan Həmzəzadə
AVAR: Teymur Teymurov
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Mehtiyev
“SOCAR Polymer Arena”, 18:30

Source

A careful look at the statistics shows that Milan and Juventus lost out on the Champions League because of their terrible record against the teams outside the top six.

There had been complaints about Inter under Cristian Chivu that they struggled to win the big games, including two defeats in the Derby della Madonnina.

However, their almost perfect results against the so-called smaller sides proved crucial to dominating the Scudetto race.

The flipside of that is how those same fixtures did the damage to rule Milan and Juventus out of the Champions League qualifying places.

Juventus and Milan struggled with smaller teams

If we look purely at the record against teams outside the top six, it becomes clear where things went wrong for these clubs.

Milan were never out of the top four from Week 4 until the final round, when they crumbled with a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari.

The Rossoneri picked up just 51 points out of a possible 84 against the teams outside the top six this season, dropping 33 potential points.

All the more disconcerting is how many of those matches were at San Siro, losing to Cremonese, Parma, Udinese, Atalanta and most famously Cagliari.

Instead, Milan’s record against the other teams in the top six saw them pick up 19 points out of a possible 30, with the only defeat away to Napoli in April.

Juventus follow a not dissimilar pattern, as their record against the smaller clubs is 57 points from a possible 84, including two draws against relegated Hellas Verona.

In this case, they had a worse head-to-head record with the top six than Milan, losing to Como twice, Napoli and Inter once.

Max Allegri will be fired by Milan today after throwing away Champions League qualification on the final round of the season, claim multiple reports.

Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia, Sport Mediaset and MilanNews are all confident the decision has been made by patron Gerry Cardinale.

Allegri will be informed of the dismissal later today and then a formal announcement is set to be released.

Milan slam the door on Allegri

He only took the job last summer, his second stint at the club after a run from 2010 to January 2014, and had for many months been challenging for the Scudetto.

However, the team’s form collapsed in the closing stages straight after the Derby della Madonnina victory over rivals and leaders Inter.

That success on March 8 was followed by just three wins, a 0-0 draw against Juventus and six losses.

Allegri oversaw 42 competitive games this season, resulting in 22 victories, 10 draws and 10 defeats.

His exit is expected to be part of a wider revamp of the entire club hierarchy, with only Cardinale and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic surviving.

President Paolo Scaroni should remain, although with the focus only on the new stadium project.

CEO Giorgio Furlani, director of sport Igli Tare and chief scout Geoffrey Moncada are all expected to move on this summer.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Cardinale and Ibrahimovic are seeking a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ coach who will be more attacking and proactive.

As for Allegri, he has been heavily linked with the Napoli job, even before this Rossoneri collapse.

The World Cup is a tournament that the entire football world waits for. Fans, analysts, and casual viewers alike eagerly anticipate watching the planet’s finest players compete on the grandest stage. 

With the expanded 48-team format now in place, the competition promises even more dynamics, more surprises, and more football than ever before: more nations, more stories, and more genuine drama across a longer, richer tournament.

Betting sites across the globe have recorded significant increases in user activity as people dissect squad selections, form guides, and individual performances in granular detail. In Romania in particular, local betting platforms have noted a marked surge in traffic, with users placing bets on a wide range of sides. England, Spain, and France are attracting particular interest. 

But as every football fan already knows, Italy will not be at this World Cup. Worse still, this is the third consecutive major tournament they have failed to qualify for, a staggering, almost incomprehensible collapse for a nation that won the trophy four times. That reality demands a serious look at exactly what has gone so wrong in Italian football over the last fifteen years.

A System That Stopped Producing Footballers

The most obvious place to begin is youth development, or rather, the steady erosion of it. For decades, Italian clubs ran some of the most sophisticated academies in Europe. They produced technically sound, tactically disciplined players who could slot into the national team setup with minimal adjustment.

That pipeline has narrowed dramatically. The academies still exist, but the pathway from youth football to first-team minutes in Serie A has become so congested with foreign talent that young Italian players are reaching their mid-twenties without having played meaningful professional football at the top level.

This is not a new observation, but its consequences are only now being fully felt. A generation of Italian players who should have been peaking between 2022 and 2026 simply wasn’t developed properly. 

They trained well, perhaps, but they didn’t compete enough. Top-level football requires decision-making under pressure, game management, and the experience of high-stakes moments, none of which can be absorbed on a training ground. When the national team needed experienced, battle-hardened players in their mid-twenties, too many of them were either playing in Serie B or sitting on top-flight benches.

The Foreign Player Flood and Its Real Cost

Serie A clubs have consistently prioritised cheap, readily available foreign talent over the longer-term investment in homegrown players. The financial logic is understandable. Signing a proven midfielder from Eastern Europe or South America at a low transfer fee is simply more efficient in the short term than nurturing an Italian teenager through four or five years of gradual development. But that efficiency has a national cost that no club balance sheet accounts for.

Walk through any Serie A squad today, and the ratio of Italian players to foreign players is stark. Some starting elevens feature at most one or two Italians.

This wouldn’t necessarily matter if those Italians were guaranteed to play, but they often aren’t. Coaches pick the best available players regardless of nationality, which is entirely correct from a club perspective. 

The problem is structural: when the Italian players who do get minutes are spread thin across a league increasingly populated by foreign talent, the national team ends up selecting from a shallow pool of adequately experienced players rather than a deep one.

There is also a cultural dimension worth acknowledging. Italian football used to have a clear identity: defensive intelligence, positional discipline, and the ability to control a game without dominating possession. Foreign players bring different habits, different instincts, and different footballing cultures. Over the past 15 years, Serie A has gradually diluted the Italian footballing identity without replacing it with anything coherent.

The Tactical Trap of the 3-5-2

The tactical monoculture that has gripped Serie A deserves its own examination. The three-man defensive line, typically flanked by wing-backs and supported by a double pivot, became so dominant in Italian football that an entire generation of players was shaped entirely around it. 

Coaches at the club level drilled these systems relentlessly, and national team coaches inherited players who were almost incapable of functioning comfortably in other structures.

The 3-5-2 and its variants are not inherently bad systems. They can be devastatingly effective. But when every team plays roughly the same shape, and every player is trained for roughly the same roles, tactical flexibility disappears.

International football demands adaptability. Opponents study you, adjust at half-time, and expose predictability. Italy has repeatedly looked rigid and one-dimensional against teams that had simply done their homework. 

The inability to change shape mid-game, to press differently, or to attack with genuine unpredictability has cost the Azzurri crucial points in qualifying campaigns that should not have been as close as they were.

Beyond the shape itself, the style of football prioritised in Serie A has drifted away from the technical development that creates world-class individuals. Wing-backs need to be athletic and functional. Central midfielders need to be positionally disciplined. These are useful qualities, but they are not the qualities that produce a player capable of creating something from nothing in a tight World Cup qualifier against a well-organised opponent.

Governance, Politics, and Missed Opportunities

Italian football’s administrative failures have compounded the on-pitch problems. Plans for youth development reform have been drawn up, presented, and quietly shelved. 

Figures with genuine footballing knowledge have been brought in as advisors or technical directors, only to find their recommendations ignored or their access blocked by the political machinery of the Italian Football Federation. The gap between stated ambition and actual action has been consistent and damaging.

The cycle tends to repeat itself: a crisis occurs, prominent former players are brought in to add credibility to a reform project, announcements are made, and then the underlying power structures quietly reassert themselves.

Real change requires dismantling those structures, which is precisely what the people who control them have no incentive to do. Until Italian football is governed by people whose primary concern is the quality of the product on the pitch rather than the preservation of their own institutional position, the deeper problems will remain unresolved.

Three consecutive World Cup absences are not bad luck. They are the logical outcome of decisions made. and not made, over the better part of two decades. The talent still exists in Italy, as occasional glimpses in youth tournaments confirm. But talent without a functioning system to develop and deploy it produces exactly what Italy keeps serving up: promise, disappointment, and another cycle of outrage that changes nothing. 

Until the league itself changes, until Italian players are given real minutes in real matches, the national team will keep arriving at qualifying campaigns with the same structural disadvantages, no matter who is coaching them.

With Maurizio Sarri set for Atalanta and Gennaro Gattuso replacing him at Lazio, plus reports Milan will sack Max Allegri, the Serie A managerial merry-go-round is in full swing.

The 2025-26 season only concluded last night, but there is already a whirlwind of activity and numerous clubs are set to change their coaches.

Sarri sparking domino effect

It was already known that Sarri was heading for the Atalanta job, and today multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia confirm the details of the agreement.

This is going to be a two-year contract with option for a third, with wages set at circa €3m per season plus bonuses.

His replacement at Lazio has also been secured already, with multiple sources noting that former Italy boss Gattuso has shaken hands with President Claudio Lotito.

This is also a two-year contract to take the bench at the Stadio Olimpico.

Antonio Conte and Napoli announced their separation by mutual consent yesterday, while multiple sources are confident Milan will sack Max Allegri after failing to secure Champions League football.

Going into next season, the only coaches who seem absolutely rock solid to remain are Cristian Chivu at Inter, Gian Piero Gasperini with Roma, Como’s Cesc Fabregas, plus probably Luciano Spalletti at Juventus.

Marco Palestra has been named Serie A’s fastest player of the 2025/26 season, claiming the Frecciarossa Speed Award after recording the highest average sprint speed in the division throughout the campaign.

The Atalanta wing-back, who spent the season on loan at Cagliari, clocked an average sprint speed of 27.96 km/h, narrowly ahead of Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli at 27.92 km/h and Fiorentina’s Dodo at 27.77 km/h.

Palestra pips Hojlund speed crown ahead of summer market scramble

The award, presented by Serie A, measures average speed across all sprints above 25 km/h across the entire league season.

Last year’s winner was Jackson Tchatchoua, the Hellas Verona full-back who subsequently joined Wolverhampton last summer.

The recognition adds another accolade to what has been a remarkable season for Palestra, who also claimed the Serie A Best Defender award earlier this week and has established himself as one of the most coveted young players in Italian football ahead of an expected summer move.

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Palestra has been linked heavily with a move to Inter, if he stays in Italy, whilst Premier League sirens are sounding out a move for the youngster.

Hojlund, meanwhile, appears to be edging closer to a permanent stay in Naples, after a strong campaign on loan with the Partenopei from Manchester United.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was slammed by fans and given a police escort leaving San Siro, but it looks as if he’s the only survivor in Gerry Cardinale’s Milan cull, seeing a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ coach.

The Rossoneri collapsed in a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari last night, missing out on a Champions League spot when only a draw would’ve been enough thanks to a superior head-to-head record with Como.

The tension was already sky high before kick-off, with fan protests outside the stadium and a Curva Sud fanzine statement calling for Ibrahimovic, CEO Giorgio Furlani, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada and President Paolo Scaroni to leave.

They had defended coach Max Allegri and director of sport Igli Tare, who both arrived only last summer.

Ibrahimovic given more Milan power

It was reported that Ibrahimovic and owner Cardinale were given a police escort as they left San Siro last night, with fears the anger of the fans would spill out.

Now multiple sources suggest that the RedBird chief will have a clean sweep of the entire Milan hierarchy, saving only his special advisor and former striker Ibrahimovic.

Allegri, Tare, Furlani and Moncada are all on their way out, with Ibra given the task of choosing their new coach.

The Corriere dello Sport reported today that Antonio Conte was approached to take over, but the same source suddenly changed tack following a call with Cardinale.

It is now claimed that they are looking for a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ who can bring fresh ideas.

It’s no secret that Ibrahimovic and Allegri clashed, so with the Swede given more decisional power, they cannot continue together.

On Sunday at Anfield, Liverpool’s 1–1 draw with Brentford felt secondary to the moment unfolding around it. The final whistle of the 2025/26 Premier League season brought with it not just another underwhelming result for Arne Slot’s side, but the closing chapter of two defining careers. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson—pillars of Liverpool’s modern era—walked […]

The post Liverpool 1-1 Brentford: Talking points as Reds say farewell to legends with another underwhelming performance appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool 1-1 Brentford: Talking points as Reds say farewell to legends with another underwhelming performance appeared first on Soccer News.

Canton Foundation, Toss, BitGo Among Co-Hosts at Private Event; Token Launch Slated for Second Half of 2026

Brian Armstrong's wishlist for upgrading global finance aligns with the exchange's push into stocks, prediction markets and stablecoin payments, though some priorities remain aspirational.

ETH’s rebound toward the whale’s liquidation zone near $2,150 puts its short at risk of over $1 million in potential losses.

MLB expert calls Mariners baseball's biggest disappointment despite strong AL West belief originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners are 25-29 at Memorial Day, and there is plenty of reason to worry about this team that came into the year as a World Series contender.

It's been a frustrating 2026 season for the Mariners, and with Cal Raleigh on the injured list after a poor start to the year, and Luis Castillo struggling mightily, it's hard not to be pessimistic about the season so far.

That's why it's not a surprise that ESPN's Bradford Doolittle called the Mariners the biggest disappointment of the 2026 season so far. However, while giving the Mariners such a label, Doolittle also shared a strong AL West belief in Seattle.

Mariners are biggest disappointment despite AL West favorite label

"I'd go with Seattle," Doolittle said of the Mariners being MLB's biggest disappointment. "... The Mariners are still the AL West favorites in my book, but they blew a golden opportunity to seize control of the division early."

While the Mariners might be Doolittle's biggest disappointment this season, he still believes them to be the favorites to come out of the AL West.

At 25-29, the Mariners aren't in first place, but they are tied for second in the division, and only 2.5 games back of the Athletics for the division lead.

MORE: Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons

They begin a three-game series against the A's on Memorial Day, and if they were to sweep them, Seattle would all of a sudden be in first place in the AL West.

It's been a disappointing season for the Mariners, but there is still a good chance for them to not only make the playoffs but also win the AL West.

Doolittle called the Mariners the biggest disappointment in MLB this season, not necessarily for being the worst team in baseball, but for the missed opportunity the Mariners had to separate themselves from the competition in the AL West this season.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
• Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem
• Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
• Phillies’ Aidan Miller finally beginning baseball activities amid back injury

Former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano has come to the defence of Kylian Mbappe at a time when criticism and debate continue to surround the French forward.

The 27-year-old striker has divided opinions with his performances this season and there have been occasions when fans at the Bernabeu have let their feelings known by booing and whistling at him.

With PSG moving closer to another Champions League title without the Frenchman and Real Madrid coming off an inconsistent season, much of the attention has shifted toward Mbappe and his perceived impact on both clubs.

Valdano jumps to Mbappe’s defence

However, speaking on Movistar (h/t MARCA), Valdano addressed the scrutiny that has followed Mbappe since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2024 and pushed back against what he considers excessive criticism of the player.

Valdano has defended Mbappe against criticism. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Valdano pointed to the 27-year-old forward’s achievements with France as evidence of the level of player under discussion.

“He has won a world championship and was runner-up in another, scoring three goals in the final. We are not talking about a fraud, we are talking about perhaps the best player in the world right now,” the Argentine said.

Valdano argued that the narrative surrounding Mbappe’s influence, both at PSG and Real Madrid, has become exaggerated.

Too much responsibility placed on Mbappe

Valdano believes the expectations and blame directed toward the forward have become disproportionate.

Mbappe has finished as the La Liga top scorer for a second season in a row. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“To place the blame for everything good that happens to Paris Saint-Germain and everything bad that happens to Real Madrid on this man, who is the league’s top scorer, seems like an abuse to me,” he stated.

The former Real Madrid player and executive suggested that Mbappe is being turned into the central explanation for situations that involve many different factors.

Despite the criticism surrounding him, the French superstar continues to produce statistically, remaining one of the team’s leading figures and maintaining the goalscoring level expected of one of football’s biggest stars.

He ended the 2025/26 campaign with 42 goals from 44 games, with 25 of those strikes coming in La Liga, making him the top scorer for the second consecutive season.

The Road to Omaha will start in Atlanta and Athens.

Georgia Tech baseball (48-9) and Georgia baseball (46-12) will both host a regional when the NCAA Division I Baseball postseason begins on Friday. The full bracket and schedule will be unveiled at 12 p.m. Monday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Both the Yellow Jackets and Bulldogs won their conference tournaments in dominating fashion on Sunday afternoon.

Georgia Tech defeated North Carolina, 13-6, for its first ACC Tournament championship since 2014 and the first under new head coach James Ramsey. Georgia defeated Arkansas, 11-1, for its first SEC Tournament championship in program history.

The Atlanta regional will be the 13^th time the Yellow Jackets have hosted and the first since 2019. Tickets can be purchased here.

2026 will be the third consecutive and ninth overall time the Bulldogs have hosted a regional. Tickets can be purchased here.

Here are all 16 NCAA regional sites and hosts in alphabetical order.

Athens Regional

1. Georgia (46-12)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Atlanta Regional

1. Georgia Tech
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Auburn Regional

1. Auburn (38-19)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Austin Regional

1. Texas (40-13)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Chapel Hill Regional

1. North Carolina (45-11-1)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

College Station Regional

1. Texas A&M (39-14)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Eugene, Oregon Regional

1. Oregon (40-16)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Gainesville Regional

1. Florida (39-19)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Hattiesburg Regional –

1. Southern Mississippi (43-15) 
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Lawrence Regional

Lincoln Regional

1. Nebraska (42-15)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Los Angeles Regional

1. UCLA (51-6) and No. 1 overall seed
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Morgantown Regional

1. West Virginia (39-14)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Starkville Regional

1. Mississippi State (40-17)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Tallahassee Regional

1. Florida State (38-17)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

Tuscaloosa Regional

1. Alabama (37-19)
2. TBD
3. TBD
4. TBD

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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka has handed the captaincy of its one-day and Twenty20 teams back to Kusal Mendis while retaining Dhananjaya de Silva as skipper for the tests on next month's cricket tour of the West Indies.

Mendis captained Sri Lanka in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 but was replaced in 2024. He has never led his country in T20s.

He succeeds Charith Asalanka as ODI captain and Dasun Shanaka in the T20s. Both former skippers were kept in those respective squads named Monday.

Sri Lanka called up two uncapped players, batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara and fast medium bowler Isitha Wijesundara, to its test squad.

Leg-spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Eshan Malinga, who were ruled out of this year's T20 World Cup because of injury, have returned to the white-ball squads.

Paceman Matheesha Pathirana, who also missed the World Cup, is sidelined again after being injured in the Indian Premier League.

The first tour game is an ODI in Kingston, Jamaica on June 3.

Squads

Test squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Isitha Wijesundara, Kasun Rajitha.

ODIs: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.

T20s: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Mitch Marner remained cautious despite the Vegas Golden Knights moving within one win of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas is now in control after a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the NHL‘s Western Conference Final.

The Golden Knights erased a 3-0 first-period deficit Sunday night to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Marner recorded two assists in the win and continued his dominant postseason run. Through 15 playoff games, the star winger has collected seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points while contributing heavily on both special teams units.

MORE: NHL world reacts to bold Maple Leafs take on Mitch Marner

Speaking after the game, Marner focused less on the comeback and more on the challenge still ahead.

“I think we’re just getting everyone to buy in,” Marner said. “Every single line is doing their job and doing their thing and contributing on the ice, so that’s all you can ask for.”

Marner also made it clear Vegas is not overlooking Colorado despite the series score. He repeatedly pointed toward the Avalanche’s offensive depth and ability to shift momentum.

“We still got a lot of work left to go,” Marner said. “The next one is going to be hard, and we know that. So, like i said, we are playing a hell of a hockey team over there, we know they are not going to roll over, they got a lot of firepower, they are going to come with everything next game. So, gotta go home, take care of yourself and be ready for the next one.”

That mindset reflects the identity Vegas has built throughout this playoff run. The Golden Knights continue winning through structure, depth, and discipline rather than relying on one line to carry offense. Vegas has now overcome deficits in back-to-back games against Colorado and continues to find production throughout the lineup.

Mitch Marner’s impact in the playoffs and the Avalanche series

Marner’s impact for Vegas remains central to that success. So far, he has 3 points against the Avalanche in this series, all assists, and has logged nearly 22 minutes with a +2 rating.

Beyond his scoring numbers, he has become one of Vegas’ most trusted all-situations players. He leads all postseason skaters with four shorthanded points and continues logging heavy defensive assignments while driving transition offense.

Still, Marner emphasized composure over celebration after Game 3.

“It was a grind,” Marner said. “I think we spoke about it since day one. We knew we were playing this team. It’s a hell of a team we’re playing against. We respect them a lot, but respect ourselves too. So, I think we talked about it all year.

“We always know that we have a chance in a game regardless of the score. I think we just put our nose down to the grindstone there and just went to work.”

MORE: NHL analyst slams Avalanche coach’s public comment on injured Cale Makar

Vegas now heads into Game 4 with a chance to complete a sweep, but Marner’s comments showed little interest in looking ahead.

For two decades, Gerry Sandusky became one of the most recognizable voices in Baltimore sports, but the decision to step away from broadcasting ultimately came down to family. During an appearance on The Lounge with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, Sandusky revealed that the birth of his grandchildren last season completely changed his perspective on retirement and his future priorities.

Sandusky explained that while he still loved the job, missing the birth of his grandchildren because of the NFL schedule made him realize it was time for a new chapter.

“At that moment, I just realized I cannot keep living my life around a schedule that I have no control of, right? As much as I have loved and I have loved all of it, I have a bigger love in my life now. And those grandkids are just like the axis of our family now. And I don’t want to miss their birthday this September 19th. And I don’t want to miss their big events because, you know, grandpop’s got a game.”

Sandusky said he knew during the 2025 season that it would be his final year behind the microphone, even before publicly announcing his retirement months later. For someone who spent decades making Ravens memories part of Baltimore sports history, it's fitting that family ultimately became the reason he decided the "hay was in the barn."

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Gerry Sandusky says family changed his retirement plans forever

Poorly Prepard to Fight

Daniel Suarez secured an emotional and historic victory at the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night, a triumph made profoundly poignant by the recent passing of his mentor, Kyle Busch.

The win marked Suarez as the first Mexican-born driver to claim the prestigious crown jewel Cup Series race, his third career win and first since 2024, capping a day filled with tributes to the late racing legend.

Suarez's path to victory was a strategic masterclass, benefiting from a crucial two-tire pit stop late in the race.

He then skillfully fended off intense challenges from Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin during subsequent restarts before Mother Nature dramatically intervened.

Heavy rain drenched the Charlotte Motor Speedway track shortly before midnight Eastern time, leading NASCAR officials to call the race with 27 laps remaining, solidifying Suarez's unexpected win.

The victory held deep personal significance for Suarez, who had previously raced for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

During his early struggles to establish himself in auto racing, Busch frequently offered words of encouragement and urged him to persevere.

"Kyle, he was special," Suarez said, visibly emotional as he teared up. "I was doing this for Kyle, for (his wife) Samatha, for (his children) Brexton and Lennix and for all of his family."

The motorsports world was still reeling from the death of Kyle Busch, who passed away just three days prior at 41.

The two-time Cup Series champion and winner of a record 234 races across NASCAR’s three national series succumbed to severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Busch had become unresponsive while practicing in a Chevrolet simulator.

His family, present at the race, received assurances from NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell that they remain a vital part of the community, stating, "we got you."

Tributes to Busch were prominent throughout the event, including his No. 8 and signature emblazoned on the frontstretch grass, a highway billboard near the main entrance, and black No. 8 decals affixed to all 39 cars in the field.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights also carried a Busch flag prior to the race.

Despite their best efforts, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Bell and Hamlin couldn't overtake Suarez. Bell, who finished second, expressed disappointment, stating, "It’s a bummer. It wasn’t meant to be today. That's 2026 for us."

Hamlin, who placed third, attributed his outcome to being "just a little unlucky," adding, "The 20 car (Bell) and us were just really battling because we knew whoever could clear him (would win the race). We were really good all day. We just didn’t get to see it through."

Bell had previously won the rain-shortened 2024 Coca-Cola 600.

The race also saw several significant incidents. Defending champion Ross Chastain crashed out when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. clipped his car in Turn 2 with 81 laps remaining.

Connor Zilisch and Austin Cindric's race ended prematurely after just 52 laps in a collision. Two-time 2024 winner Chase Elliott hit the outside wall and then ping-ponged into the inside wall on Lap 90, admitting, "I was trying to make something happen and I stepped over the line."

Austin Hill, a regular in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, stepped in for Busch, driving the No. 33 car after Richard Childress Racing temporarily retired the No. 8 until Busch's 11-year-old son Brexton is ready to drive.

Hill finished 26th, while RCR's Austin Dillon finished 32nd after sustaining damage to the front of his car.

Suarez's victory stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and a heartfelt tribute, weaving a narrative of personal triumph with the collective grief and enduring spirit of the racing community.

Two CRB players came up with a curious and brilliant strategy, in the best hide-and-seek style, to try to avoid a yellow card.

All of CRB’s substitutes ran onto the field to celebrate a goal in the 4-2 win over Ponte Preta on Sunday (24) at Rei Pelé Stadium.

During the match, referee Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (RJ) showed yellow cards to EVERYONE... at least everyone he saw.

Two of them stayed hidden behind the advertising board. On the match report, however, the officiating crew noted yellow cards for them as well.

The strategy didn’t work out very well, but the scene went viral. Watch:

In total, CRB received 12 yellow CARDS. To make matters worse, four players were already one booking away from suspension and will miss the next round.

That is the case for Estrella, Guilherme Pato, Bressan, and Dadá Belmonte, who will serve suspensions against Cuiabá on Sunday (31) at Arena Pantanal.

After 10 rounds, CRB sit in eighth place with 14 points.

The top two teams will be promoted automatically. And four more teams (from third to sixth) will compete in the promotion playoffs.

Featured photo: Reproduction

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

Graeme Shinnie's departure will come as no surprise to Aberdeen fans, with his influence on the pitch waning in a turbulent season.

The midfielder only started half of the club's league games as they limped to ninth place, with his all-action play becoming less effective week-to-week as age catches up.

Robinson clearly agrees as he starts his Aberdeen rebuild, with regular game time the sticking point in Shinnie extending his stay.

But the captain will depart as a hero to every Dons supporter. One of their own, he visibly gave everything every time he stepped on to the pitch.

Watching a local lad fly into tackles, rally team-mates, and sometimes single-handedly drive their team forward is not something fans are regularly accustomed to in the modern game. That is what Shinnie gave the Red Army.

During his first spell he was part of a brilliant midfield three which also involved Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack as Aberdeen became Celtic's main challengers, losing out in finals and in the league.

Latterly, with lots of signings coming and going, he has been one of few consistent presences giving the club a sense of identity.

Despite that turbulence of recent years, he got the moment he and his fellow fans had dreamed of on 24 May 2025.

Shinnie will forever be remembered for sticking Aberdeen's first penalty in the shootout win over Celtic right into the top corner.

That, and the celebrations which followed that long-awaited Scottish Cup win will be the defining image of him at Pittodrie.

The Belmont Stakes is coming into focus for Thoroughbred runner Renegade. As the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown series rapidly approaches, the 2026 Kentucky Derby runner-up will be ready to once again go to battle as a rematch with the likes of Derby winner Golden Tempo will come on June 6.

The Kentucky Derby Proved Renegade’s Toughness

The Kentucky Derby always presents the biggest challenge of any young horses’ career. Renegade came into Derby 152 as the morning line favorite and fresh off a dominant win in the Arkansas Derby. Drawing the rail and post 1 in a 20-horse field could easily turn this race into the Saturday night special no holds barred cage match the Kentucky Derby can become. And true to form it actually did for Renegade.

“All of our fears of drawing the 1 post unfolded right out of the gate,” says Renegade trainer Todd Pletcher. “The good news is despite all the contact he came out of the race unscathed and with no cuts.”

As soon as the horse broke there was an immediate scrum of equine flesh. Intrepido veered inward from his 3 post and created major contact with the 2 horse Albus and sandwiched him with a fast-breaking Renegade who was attempting to clear and not get squeezed inside. To their credit, Renegade and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. escaped the figure four leg lock the horses just to his outside had tried to apply and eased out of the pack as the horses moved down the back stretch. While the runners rolled around the far turn and headed for the wire, the big-running Renegade weaved through the crowd and muscled his way towards the front. Despite more jostling in the stretch, this son of Into Mischief found himself right there within rock-throwing distance of the finish pole. In the final yards of the world’s most famous race, Renegade was looking like he might just overcome it all. Then the late-running Golden Tempo, who had been completely free flowing throughout the mile and a quarter, stole the show by a neck.

Golden Tempo made the history books with his worst to first run, but those who really watched the fight can’t deny the toughness of Renegade.

“He has always shown us he is a very gritty horse,” says Pletcher, who has two Kentucky Derby wins (2010, 2017) to his credit. “Renegade runs with a lot of courage and he has proven he is not afraid to wrestle if he needs to.”

Belmont Stakes Can Be A Showcase For Renegade

Sports fans will be looking forward to the third leg of the Triple Crown and the rematch between the top two finishers in the Kentucky Derby. Run on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York, this edition of the “Test of a Champion” has been shortened to a mile and a quarter because of the track configuration at the Spa. Belmont Park is going through major renovations and will again host the race next year as it returns to its normal mile and a half distance. With a number of other runners lining up for New York’s signature race for three-year-olds, this promises to be anything but a two-horse race. With $2 million on the line, a stallion-making race like this should draw plenty of interest.

The field is yet to be determined for the 158^th running of this historic event, but it will draw fewer horses than the Kentucky Derby. Renegade has displayed a big late kick in winning the Sam F. Davis Stakes and Arkansas Derby earlier this year. Of course the Kentucky Derby showed more of the same, but depending on how the race plays out at Saratoga, Pletcher’s charge may not be coming from far off the pace.

“Renegade is versatile enough and has enough experience that we feel he can win from anywhere,” says the New York-based Pletcher, who has won the Belmont Stakes four times (2007, 2013, 2017, 2022). “The shortened distance and it being run at Saratoga is no real factor for him. We will see how the race unfolds and just let him be him.”

Renegade is owned by Robert Low and Repole Stables. He was purchased for $975,000 at the Keeneland yearling sale in September of 2024. He has 2 wins, 3 second place finishes, and 1 third from six career starts while earning $ 2,031,500 on the track.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

It took until the concluding day of the Premier League season, but Liverpool can finally look forward to Champions League football in 2026/27.

The Reds needed just a point from their fixture against Brentford on Sunday to confirm qualification for Europe’s premier club competition and they duly got it, although Bournemouth’s failure to beat Nottingham Forest meant that we’d have qualified even had we lost to the Bees yesterday.

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It preserves a tremendously consistent record of playing in the tournament for the ninth time in 10 years, missing out only in 2023/24, even if we needed the lifeline of England earning one of the two allocated European Performance Spots to avoid dropping into the Europa League instead.

As of Sunday night, all 29 automatic berths for next season’s Champions League have been filled, with the remaining seven teams to emerge from the qualification rounds over the summer.

Liverpool set to be in Pot 1 for Champions League draw

It means the precise seeding pots for the 2026/27 league phase have yet to be finalised, but with those determined by UEFA’s club coefficient, we can say with near-certainty that Liverpool will once again be in Pot 1.

That’s because the Reds sit fourth in the overall coefficient, with this being the last year that their run to the 2022 Champions League final is classified (therefore, reaching the quarter-finals this term was a timely boost).

As it stands, the four seeding pots will be allocated as below, with the caveat that seven more clubs have yet to be added, and some could move between pots depending on who ultimately qualifies.

*Could potentially move to Pot 4, depending on which teams come through the qualifying rounds

Being in Pot 1 doesn’t carry the same significance now as it did in the pre-2024 group stage format, when it meant avoiding the continent’s highest-ranked clubs until the knockout rounds, but it’s nonetheless a source of pride that Liverpool are the best-ranked English club at present.

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Liverpool could face some familiar foes in the Champions League

The Reds will face two teams from each pot (playing one at home and one away) and can’t be drawn against a fellow Premier League side in the league phase.

It means there’s a greater than 50% chance of once more coming up against a team they faced in the Champions League this season, with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and both Atletico and Real Madrid all projected to be in Pot 1, with LFC unable to face Manchester City or Arsenal.

Prospective Pot 2 opponents include memory-evoking potential clashes against Borussia Dortmund and/or Roma, as well as a possible revenge mission against a PSV Eindhoven side who won 4-1 at Anfield last November.

Pots 3 and 4 are set to be more fluid due to the uncertainty over which seven teams come through the qualifying rounds, but among the eye-catching opposition from those pots are old foes Napoli, RB Leipzig and Galatasaray (three meetings this season was enough, thanks!); along with Champions League first-timers Como, who finished above AC Milan and Juventus to claim fourth in Serie A.

We won’t know which eight clubs Liverpool will face until the draw is made in late August, but after a very bumpy 2025/26 campaign, we’re just glad that the Reds will be in the draw at all in three months’ time!

2026 Premier League Darts play-off night match predictions and 3 storylines to watch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Play-off night for the 2026 Premier League Darts season is almost here.

Four players remain after an eight-player field clashed for the past 16 weeks in the league phase.

Three of the four players competing this Thursday at The O2 arena in London have won this event before, and all four have made the final.

2026 Premier League Darts play-off night matchups

Play-off night match predictions

Here are my predictions for who will go through to the final and who will end the night as the last player standing.

*SF1 & SF2: Best-of-19 legs (First to 10)

*F: Best-of-21 legs (First to 11)

MORE:2026 Baltic Sea Darts Open qualifiers: Is Luke Littler playing this weekend?

Semifinal #1: Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price

Winner: Luke Littler, 10-8

Price has yet to beat Littler in the best-of-11 PL format this year.

They've had a lot of close matches in the PL and at other events, so despite Littler having a 6-0 2026 PL record against Price, it should be closer than what that record suggests.

Price is itching to get a major, as it's been a few years since he's won one, but with some of his inconsistent performances and issues off the oche, it's hard to get a feel for what version of Price will show up this week.

Littler hasn't really had many explosive performances in recent weeks, so the door could be open for Price to steal this game and make the final.

It really comes down to whether Price can get into his zone quickly at the start of his match with Littler.

The same can go for Littler, as he's extremely hard to beat when he has one of those nights where the scoring is excellent, and when he's giving his opponent few chances at doubles.

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table

Semifinal #2: Jonny Clayton vs. Luke Humphries

Winner: Luke Humphries, 10-7

Clayton has been a little flat in the past few weeks of the PL, winning just one of his last six matches.

That could all mean nothing, though, as he's had a play-off spot practically clinched for a while.

It's going to be tough for Clayton to get by Humphries either way, as Humphries has peaked at this point in the season and looks to be in better form than Clayton.

Humphries enters play-off night with eight straight PL matches where he averaged over 100, showing how consistent he's been.

I expect Clayton to have chances to take command of this game, but he's going to have to be near perfect if a confident and relaxed Humphries shows up again this Thursday.

MORE: Gerwyn Price proposes intriguing Premier League Darts format change, with royal rumble component

Final: Luke Littler vs. Luke Humphries

Winner: Luke Humphries, 11-9

A Luke/Luke final would be the third straight year we get the matchup in the play-off final, and I'm not sure many would be upset about it.

Their final in 2024 was electric, as Littler made history, winning his first PDC major title and hitting a nine-darter in the match as well.

Humphries got revenge this time last year, winning another close final in 2025, making them tied 1-1 in the PL title category.

As mentioned before, Humphries enters this week in great form, which is arguably better than what we've seen from Littler over the past few weeks.

Littler has a career record of 4-3 over Humphries when they've played in major finals, but Littler has won the last three (World Masters, Grand Slam and World Grand Prix).

I believe that with how Humphries has played, we'll see him take down Littler and lift the PL trophy for a second year in a row. 

Three storylines to watch during the play-off night

Here are some storylines to look out for on play-off night.

Luke vs. Luke part 3?

We've seen Littler and Humphries play in the final twice before, but will we see it for a third straight year, and if so, who will come out on top?

Can Clayton or Price pull off the upset?

Both players have had great PL campaigns, but can either take down a Luke or two to take home the coveted title?

Will there be a 9-darter?

We've seen four 9-darters hit on play-off night in the PL, with Phil Taylor most notably hitting two in one match in the 2010 final, but can a player find perfection this year?

More Darts articles:

• Luke Littler hits two 170 checkouts, nearly hits 9-darter in epic Premier League Darts Night 5 campaign
• 2026 Premier League Darts prize money explained
• Luke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history
• Ranking the best PDC Darts moments from 2025: 9-darters to shocking upsets
• Watch: Luke Humphries hits epic 9-darter at 2026 World Masters

Lebanese phenom Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash has already showcased terrifying knockout power at strawweight. Now, as he moves up a division, fans may be about to witness a completely different animal.

After four electrifying wins and multiple knockdowns across five appearances in ONE Friday Fights, the 19-year-old returns to action against Suriyanlek Por Yenying in a highly anticipated flyweight Muay Thai showdown at The Inner Circle on Friday, May 29.

The blockbuster event airs live exclusively for subscribers on live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

Ondash enters the matchup looking to bounce back from the first setback of his ONE Championship career — a razor-close and deeply emotional battle against Aliff Sor Dechapan at ONE Fight Night 38 last December.

While a future rematch with the Thai-Malaysian contender remains one of his primary long-term goals, Ondash and his team ultimately decided that the flyweight division represents the next natural step in his martial arts evolution.

He explained:

“My body changed because I don’t have fat in my body, only muscles. My team told me moving up is better for me because now I feel stronger, more conditioning, more power. I feel very good.

“Next week you will see a different Ramadan. Different from before. More relaxed. More clear. I changed my mind a little bit.”

The move up in weight may prove highly dangerous for the rest of the division.

Still just 19 years old, Ondash continues developing physically. According to the Lebanese striker, the additional size and freedom at the 135-pound limit have already helped him feel sharper, stronger, and far more complete during his training camp.

More importantly, the teenage sensation firmly believes fans will see a calmer and more mature version of his fighting style against Suriyanlek.

The battle-tested Thai veteran owns an impressive 85-21 professional record and has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the ONE Friday Fights series, compiling 11 victories through his trademark forward pressure, ironclad durability, and a fearless willingness to engage in ferocious exchanges.

Still, “The Scorpion” sounds far more excited than intimidated by the stylistic matchup.

He said:

“He’s a good fighter. He has good hands, strong hands, power. It will be a very good fight.”

Stylistically, this clash has all the makings of an absolute thriller.

Unlike Aliff’s movement-heavy style, Suriyanlek prefers marching straight forward and trading heavy combinations in close range. That is exactly the type of chaotic environment where Ondash has historically looked his absolute most dangerous.

But according to the Tiger Muay Thai phenom, fans should not expect the exact same approach this time around. Known primarily for his slick boxing combinations and aggressive pressure, Ondash hinted that he has spent significant time sharpening new weapons ahead of his flyweight debut.

He offered:

“Maybe more kicks this time. I trained very hard for this fight. Almost three months. Even during Ramadan I was training. I don’t stop training.

“I want to do my best and show the fans who Ramadan Ondash is.”

Ondash Eyes Explosive Showdown With Ghazali

Even before stepping into the ring against Suriyanlek Por Yenying, Ramadan Ondash already knows exactly who he wants to face next: Johan “Jojo” Ghazali.

The potential matchup between the two teenage knockout artists has rapidly become one of the most talked-about fantasy fights among Muay Thai fans online.

Young, fearless, highly explosive, and wildly popular among Gen Z audiences, both martial artists are widely viewed as the future global faces of the sport.

According to Ondash, the epic matchup almost sells itself.

He said:

“Everybody wants to see me and Jojo. We are both strong, young, and we have big futures together. A very beautiful fight.”

The two actually go back several years. Ondash first met Ghazali during their amateur days, competing in IFMA tournaments long before either teenager emerged as a global superstar under the ONE banner.

While their relationship remains respectful outside the ropes, Ondash made it crystal clear that friendship would not matter once the opening bell rings.

“The Scorpion” stated:

“We were friends. But inside the ring there are no friends. After the fight we can be friends again.”

More importantly, the Lebanese striker already has the perfect stage in mind for this dream showdown.

Following the massive success of ONE’s blockbuster event in Japan earlier this year, Ondash revealed that competing at ONE SAMURAI has become one of his ultimate career goals. And if he gets through Suriyanlek in style, he wants Ghazali waiting for him there.

Ondash concluded:

“If I win this fight, I want to fight Jojo at ONE SAMURAI event in Japan. I love Japan. It’s my dream to fight there. I want to fight at ONE SAMURAI 2 in August.”

Source

TEAM TALK

• Evan Lazar spotlights six storylines to monitor at this spring’s Organized Team Activities. the Patriots will begin OTAs on Wednesday.
• Key Dates on the 2026 NFL and Patriots calendar. Next up: May 27, 29 Patriots OTAs
• Community: Drake Maye & the Patriots coach elementary schoolers in football drills. (2 min. video)
• Community: Robert Kraft gifts handicap accessible minivan to local family. (2 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Will Drake Maye improve in 2nd year with McDaniels? Plus, coaching points, Kyle Williams change, Jaylinn Hawkins podcast recap, quotes and more.
• Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: Late AJ Brown chatter; Real or leverage?
• Doug Kyed’s NFL Notes: What history says about Will Campbell’s left tackle ceiling with the Patriots.
• Karen Guregian identifies 5 Patriots storylines to monitor in the coming weeks. No 3. Year 3 Drake Maye.
• Sara Marshall mentions how the Patriots have quickly become a team worth watching again for NFL fans.
• Matt Legros examines whether the Patriots can repeat as AFC East champs in 2026.
• Chris Mason looks at how many individual games the Patriots are favored in for 2026.
• Matt Legros considers the 2026 stat projections for TE Hunter Henry and RB TreVeyon Henderson.
• Ethan Hurwitz explains why the Patriots already feel comfortable with Zak Kuhr’s promotion.
• Chris Mason says that while landing Dre’Mont Jones was one of New England’s top priorities in free agency, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell calls it the team’s worst move of the offseason.
• Ian Logue notes Adam Schefter holds firm: Patriots-AJ Brown trade seems to be just a formality.
• Sara Marshall relays Tom E. Curran, who thinks there’s a good chance WR Kayshon Boutte will force the Patriots’ hand to be traded ahead of the 2026 season.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Nate Tice (Yahoo! Sports) NFL’s most improved position groups that can swing the season, from Rams’ CBs to Patriots’ pass catchers and more
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) The final countdown to an A.J. Brown trade begins.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Kyle Williams is working to earn more reps and targets in second season.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Top five tight end groups in the NFL heading into 2026. No Pats.
• Conor Orr and Albert Breer (SI) Texans, Seahawks and Falcons are sneaky contenders. (20 min. video)

Spurs embarrass Thunder through defensive efforts not seen since 2020 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Antonio Spurs had a different demeanor when the ball went up in the air during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Coach Mitch Johnson and Coach Gregg Popovich gave his team an earful after a horrendous two-game losing streak to the Oklahoma City Thunder. How did they respond? Well, Victor Wembanyama and Co. choked the squad led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander so much that they notched a feat not seen since 2020.

Spurs force Thunder to confront defensive reality through efforts last seen in 2020

82 points was all the Thunder could muster up against the Spurs in Game 4. A team that had two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA All-Star Chet Holmgren, and All-Defensive Second Team selection Cason Wallace could not break at least 90 points in a decisive Western Conference Finals game.

It was all due to the efforts of Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs that the final score turned out to be 103-82. In fact, Coach Mitch Johnson achieved a massive defensive feat that the Thunder has not faced in a long time. See, the last time that Gilgeous-Alexander and his squad was held under 90 points was way back in April 10, 2022 which was well over four years ago. What made the defensive effort of the Spurs more insane? The Thunder was last held under 90 points in the NBA Playoffs in August 29, 2020, per ESPN Insights.

Domination may even fall short as a descriptor for how the Spurs manhandled the Thunder in Game 4. Wembanyama led their defense and it was great display of grit for the young superstar. The Thunder could only score as much as 19 points per quarter in the first half. By the second half, the uptick was only limited to 22 points in the remaining quarters.

It was all in the numbers too. The Spurs had 52 rebounds while the Thunder only had 47 rebounds. Coach Johnson saw his team notch 10 blocks, nab 11 steals, and force 17 turnovers. Wembanyama and Co. also bothered the shots of Gilgeous-Alexander's squad. Game 4 only had the Thunder going 33% from the field on 91 shots and also a horrendous 18.2% from three-point range.

If Wembanyama, Coach Johnson, and the Spurs manage to keep this defensive pressure up, they will prevent the Thunder from being a dynasty.

More Spurs News:

• Spurs' Victor Wembanyama enters LeBron James, Kevin Durant territory after Game 4

• Victor Wembanyama’s ruthless Chet Holmgren obsession finally exposed as Spurs celebrate Game 4 win

• De'Aaron Fox reveals Gregg Popovich gave the Spurs a reality check after Game 3

Eight spectators had to be taken to hospital after a motorbike rider crashed into a crowd on the opening day of practice in the Isle of Man TT races.

Organisers said the incident at the exit to Parliament Square in Ramsey involved a single competitor and "several spectators".

The session was red flagged at about 13:50 BST following the crash, which led to the implementation of "serious incident procedures".

The spectators were "reported as conscious, and were transferred to Nobles Hospital for further assessment and treatment", organisers said.

The rider, who has not been identified, suffered leg injuries and was "conscious and talking", they said.

"In accordance with the event's standard operating procedures, an investigative process is now under way involving race, medical and safety personnel," they added.

Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson earlier confirmed the remainder of the day's schedule had been cancelled "as management of the incident" continued.

The 2026 TT, which takes place on closed public roads over the 37.7-mile (60km) Mountain Course, is set to run until 6 June.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.

More on this story

• Rider dies following crash on Pre-TT classic race
• Isle of Man gears up for road racing season with Pre-TT Classic

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• Isle of Man TT Races

Rico Verhoeven was expected to struggle badly against Oleksandr Usyk, but the heavyweight kickboxing great turned the fight into a far tighter contest than many predicted.

Usyk eventually won by 11th-round stoppage, yet the finish became the story because the Dutchman appeared to survive just as the bell became central to the dispute.

That made the defeat harder to accept for Verhoeven’s camp, especially after a performance that shocked fans and left the underdog close to a remarkable boxing upset.

Rico Verhoeven’s coach reveals what referee Mark Lyson told him on flight home

Verhoeven’s coach Peter Fury told iFL TV he was on the same flight home as referee Mark Lyson and asked him directly about the stoppage.

“The referee was on the flight with me on the way back. So I spoke to him. I went over, and the best way to sort any dispute is go and ask him the question, isn’t it? Ask the person who’s done it,” Fury began by saying.

“I said, ‘You’ve made a mistake.’ And he said to me, which is very important, he said, ‘Peter, I didn’t hear the bell.’ I said, ‘Well, now I believe, because I didn’t hear the bell either.’ I didn’t hear the bell. I thought it was like two seconds before.

“So, yes, it’s a mistake. And I’m going to call it a genuine mistake. After me speaking with him, he said it. And he said it honestly. He said, ‘I never heard the bell.’ So I take that as right, because I didn’t hear the bell either.”

That explanation does not remove the controversy, but it gives the decision a human context.

The frustration will remain for Verhoeven. He dropped jaws as a huge underdog and had his chance to achieve an outstanding feat blocked by a mistake.

Still, that fight just added to his status as a combat sports superstar and more opportunities are certainly set to come.

Read more:

You don’t know what you’re missing, now
Any little Dots that you know
Everything that’s small has to grow
And it’s gonna grow, push push, yeah

• High school recruiting has been a major focus and success during Jedd Fisch’s tenure at UW so far. Fisch hasn’t reached the on-field heights that Kalen DeBoer did during his brief stay in Seattle. However, the success feels more sustainable and appears to be building on an upward trajectory due to the talent acquisition system. Christian Caple looks back at the 2022 recruiting class, which is an especially stark example of the difference. It was DeBoer’s first class as he moved over from Fresno St to UW. A few recruits stuck around from Jimmy Lake’s final class, a few followed DeBoer, but the overall ranking was a scary 102nd nationally. The class produced Denzel Boston, but basically nobody else who was a long-term contributor.

• Speaking of recruiting, the UW staff has lined up a big weekend of official visits starting this coming Friday. Scott Eklund posted a recruiting blog for Dawgman to outline what we know so far about the visitors and where the recruitment stands with each of them. If things break well, the Dawgs could fill out really impressive groups at WR, OL, and DB in the relatively near future.

• The Seattle Times has a touching profile of UW rower Luke Collins. After his father died last year, Collins left the UW rowing team. After some time to grieve, Collins, a native of Poulsbo, returned to the team and is using his mom and sister as support to try to restore a sense of normalcy.

• UW Baseball had a miserable start to the season, but showed some green shoots in the last few weeks. After the Dawgs beat #1 UCLA in the last series of the regular season, they had a nice showing in the B1G Tournament. They won their first-round game over Ohio St and then beat Michigan to qualify for the quarterfinals. They lost to Oregon on Saturday, but the improved play late in the season gives hope for a step forward next year.

The Pittsburgh Pirates worked out a big trade during their matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez’s first major league hit was also his first major league home run.

The outfielder celebrated the feat with his teammates in the dugout, after initially getting the silent treatment.

The Pirates then began “negotiations” with the young fan who caught the ball, the team said in a social media post, adding, “this kid means business.”

The parties eventually struck a deal following what appeared to be some serious bargaining.

In exchange, the fan got a signed bat from Valdez, who the Pirates signed during the 2020-21 international signing period.

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Why Tigers are MLB's biggest disappointment according to Jeff Passan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers are not having a good 2026 season by any stretch of the imagination. While they weren't in great shape a few weeks ago, it's quickly devolved into one of the worst seasons of any team in baseball.

At 21-33, the Tigers are 10.5 games back in the AL Central, with a Wild Card spot, fortunately, just 5.5 games back. But, it's still a ways away for this Tigers squad.

And according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Tigers are the biggest disappointment in Major League Baseball this season. More than the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros, the Tigers are the biggest disappointments, and for good reason.

Why Tigers are MLB's biggest disappointment

"They were strong favorites to win the AL Central after holding onto Tarik Skubal, who is heading into free agency, and signing Framber Valdez to go alongside him this past winter," Passan writes. "They put Kevin McGonigle on the Opening Day roster and signed him to a massive extension. Everything was coming up Tigers. Then the losing started."

Detroit was 18-17 on May 3, which isn't an incredibly impressive record by any means, but it was still within the AL Central race. But with Skubal headed for surgery, things quickly unraveled.

They've since gone just 3-16, and now are well behind the eight-ball to return to the postseason in what was meant to be a contending season.

MORE: Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success

There are plenty of other teams that have had disappointing seasons so far, but the Tigers, according to Passan, have been the biggest disappointment of all.

The Skubal situation is a huge reason why, as the moment he went down, things spiraled out of control. It might get bad enough that the Tigers actually have to trade Skubal at the deadline to recoup something from this potentially disastrous 2026 season.

Still, the Tigers have time to rebound from this awful start. But, if things don't get better soon, there might not be any doubt that the Tigers are the biggest disappointments in MLB this season, if there is any at the moment.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
• Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem
• Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
• Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons

The New York Jets are hoping that the second season of the Aaron Glenn era goes much better than the first. After a disastrous season with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback, New York and Glenn have brought in Geno Smith for the 2026-27 campaign.

Smith was brought in to be the starter, but things behind him on the depth chart are a lot murkier. The Jets have Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook on the roster, and drafted former Clemson Tigers standout Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets plan on evaluating Klubnik before deciding on adding a veteran quarterback to the room.

“The Jets haven’t signed a veteran because they want to see what Klubnik can do over the next month. That goes for Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe, too,” Cimini wrote, “but it’s really about Klubnik, a fourth-round pick.

“Klubnik looked good at the recent rookie camp, but that was against mostly undrafted free agents and tryout players. The speed will intensify at OTAs, which should give the coaches a better idea of his ability to absorb and execute the system.”

The Jets have already met with veteran Russell Wilson, who said that he was offered, but that he is also mulling an opportunity in the media.

“They offered me,” Wilson said of his meeting with the Jets, “and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but also I have an opportunity to do TV, so we’ll see what happens.”