After failed attempt to privatise the Big Bash League, Cricket Australia is beginning to create deeper unrest within with concerns now stretching far beyond the future of the tournament itself. What initially looked like a financial restructuring plan for the BBL is now reportedly impacting national contracts, player satisfaction, and even the long-term appeal of Australia’s premier domestic T20 competition.
According to a report by Code Sports, at least five senior Australian cricketers have not yet signed their new national contracts. The reasons reportedly vary from dissatisfaction over the financial terms being offered to players seeking greater flexibility to participate in overseas franchise leagues through no-objection certificates (NOCs).
For years, Australian cricket has stood apart from many other nations because of the priority players placed on international cricket over franchise opportunities. But that balance now appears to be shifting. With leagues such as SA20 and ILT20 offering increasingly lucrative deals, some Australian players are believed to be reconsidering where their financial futures lie.
The issue has become even more sensitive after reports emerged that Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test and ODI captain, was set to receive a massive three-year contract worth around $12 million. While Cummins’ stature within world cricket justifies his value, the figure has reportedly triggered frustration among several other centrally contracted players who believe their own compensation no longer reflects the realities of the modern franchise era.
At the same time, the BBL itself is facing growing dissatisfaction among domestic players. The report claims that a WhatsApp group involving 12 prominent BBL players was formed last October, where discussions focused heavily on pay disparity within the league. A major concern reportedly raised was that overseas recruits are often paid significantly more than local Australian players, despite not always being among the biggest names in global T20 cricket. Many players had hoped that privatisation of the BBL would inject fresh investment into the competition and dramatically improve salaries. Instead, Cricket Australia’s inability to get all stakeholders aligned on the proposal has left those hopes hanging in limbo.
The consequences could be significant. The BBL is already battling scheduling issues and fierce competition from rival T20 leagues played during the same window. Australia’s biggest Test stars are frequently unavailable because of international commitments, and if established white-ball players also begin prioritising overseas leagues for financial reasons, the competition could face an even greater identity crisis.
NEW DELHI: Finn Allen carries the reputation of being the most destructive batter to have come out of New Zealand after Brendon McCullum. Franchise leagues covet him. A six-hitting machine, he holds the men’s T20 record for most sixes in an innings — 19 for San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket.
Despite earning his maiden IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021, the 27-yearold waited five years for his league debut. Even in Kolkata Knight Riders’ purple and gold this season, it took until his seventh innings to be his attacking best.
At the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday night, Delhi Capitals had little answer. KKR restricted the hosts to 142/8 despite Pathum Nissanka’s 50 and Ashutosh Sharma’s 39. Allen then made light of the chase, his 100 not out off 47 balls carrying KKR to 147/2 in 14.2 overs and an eight-wicket win.
Studded with ten sixes and five fours, it was a clinical display of power hitting. It resembled Allen’s unbeaten 33-ball century against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in the T20 World Cup semifinal just a couple of months ago.
He had failed to kick on from that high, though, warming the bench after three successive single-digit scores midway through this IPL. Introduced here as KKR’s ‘impact sub’, Allen admitted the break helped him reassess. “Sometimes, being left out changes your perspective. It allows time for mental refresh. I was putting on too much pressure on myself at the start,” said Allen.
The ease of his knock might suggest a batting paradise. It was not. Most batters struggled with the tacky surface, and KKR were 31/2 in the Powerplay. Allen showed he can stay aggressive on challenging tracks, reaching out to fuller deliveries and sending them straight over the ropes while the shorter balls were pulled towards midwicket and wide long-on with ease.
“I wanted to keep my intent. We lost a couple early. I knew that I had to take a bit of responsibility and bat a bit deeper. It helped me get into better positions,” added Allen.
“Finn was exceptional today. He’s got off to amazing starts. He’s one of the best in the world at doing that and putting pressure back on,” said Cameron Green, with whom Allen put on an unbroken 116-run third-wicket stand.
As Knight Riders make a late charge towards the playoffs, Allen sounded a warning to their rivals. “I’ve been working on having more strings in my bow,” he said.
The women will represent the North East taking on regions from across the country [Simon Thurlow]
Walking footballers are gearing up to compete in a major tournament.
Some who have waited decades to play the sport will represent north-east England in their first Walking Football Association (WFA) Women's Super League in Gloucester on 17 May.
Many of the players said they could only dream of taking part in a sport historically dominated by men, but now some are also competing for spots in the national side.
Centre-forward Jackie Freeman, 61 and from Saltburn, said she was "really looking forward" to playing in the tournament and felt confident the teams would win.
"Since I was little I always kicked a football about," she said.
After playing regular football from the age of 17, she was selected for national training sessions with England but said she "couldn't afford to go" which was "sickening".
"I got over it and put it aside, I had to pay for myself I had no job," she said.
Players said they felt confident ahead of the clash [Simon Thurlow]
Freeman got married at 24 and "missed the football" for 35 years while focusing on family life and running a shoe repair business.
But two years ago, her family encouraged her to play again.
The mother-of-three said she joined the Redcar Town Ladies Development football team playing regular 11-aside football and the Stokesley walking football team.
After first getting back into football she said she could "hardly walk the next day" but the training had got her fitter.
"I'm really excited about playing in it [Super League], I'm looking forward to it and I'm confident," she said.
The North East Team will travel down to Gloucester [Simon Thurlow]
Julie Norris, 56, from Guisborough, helps coach women in their 40s as part of the regional team.
She said the skills of the women she supported in the regional team were "incredible".
She added she was "proud and excited" and felt the women would thoroughly enjoy themselves.
WFA North East regional manager Janette Hynes said it was the first team she had entered from the region [Simon Thurlow]
Lisa Shepherd, 41, from Middlesbrough said she got into the sport when looking for for exercise that was "not too harsh" on her knees following surgery.
She said she used to play football as a teen and had to stop because of her knee injury and after attending her first session of walking football, she "was hooked".
However, after an "excited and nervous" wait to take part in the regional tournament, she has been ruled out as her knee was "playing up".
WFA North East regional manager Janette Hynes said it was the first team they had entered from the region and said she "fought" to get the women into the Super League for two years.
"The northerners will bring the cup back to the north," she said.
The No. 4-seeded Cardinals saw its season come to an end Saturday dropping a four-set battle to UC Irvine in the NCAA Tournament semifinals at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. Ball State's season ends with a 26-5 record.
Hitting woes plagued the Cardinals in the first set. After leading the country in hitting percentage all season, Ball State mustered just a .114 attack in the first frame. This allowed the Anteaters to slowly build their lead before winning the set, 25-19.
Ball State found itself in the second set. Led by the MIVA Player of the Year, Patrick Rogers, the Cardinals hit .387 in the set. They took control midway through before holding off a late UCI rally. Will Patterson finished off the set with a kill, giving the Cardinals the 25-23 win and tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved to be the most entertaining. It was tied on eight separate occasions, including at 23, 24 and 25. Ball State actually led 25-24 and was on serve to win the set, but Rogers foot faulted on his attempt, awarding a point to UCI. An attacking error then made it 26-25 Anteaters before Andrej Jokanovic slammed home the winning point, 27-25.
Irvine rode the momentum off the third-set win into the fourth. After Ball State scored the first point of the set, they never led the rest of the way. The Cardinals were able to tie it at 11-11, but a 14-8 run from the Anteaters to close the match sealed Ball State's fate.
As a team, UC Irvine (21-8) had a hitting percentage of .362. Jokanovic had 19 kills, Trevor Clark 14, Andreas Brinck 13 and William D'Arcy 12 to power the Anteaters offense. Cameron Kosty had 53 assists for UCI, who advances to its fifth national title game in program history. They are 4-0 in their previous trips.
For Ball State, Rogers was the only player with double-digit kills with 20. Patterson added nine, while freshman Daniel Gunther provided a nice spark off the bench in the third and fourth sets to finish with six kills. The hitting percentage was .234, though, a full .100 lower than their season average. Fourteen service errors also hurt the Cardinals.
Austin Hough is a sports editor within the Center for Community Journalism at USA Today Co., overseeing high school sports and Notre Dame athletics coverage for five Indiana newspapers. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough. Hough can be emailed at ahough@usatodayco.com.
The No. 4-seeded Cardinals saw its season come to an end Saturday dropping a four-set battle to UC Irvine in the NCAA Tournament semifinals at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. Ball State's season ends with a 26-5 record.
Hitting woes plagued the Cardinals in the first set. After leading the country in hitting percentage all season, Ball State mustered just a .114 attack in the first frame. This allowed the Anteaters to slowly build their lead before winning the set, 25-19.
Ball State found itself in the second set. Led by the MIVA Player of the Year, Patrick Rogers, the Cardinals hit .387 in the set. They took control midway through before holding off a late UCI rally. Will Patterson finished off the set with a kill, giving the Cardinals the 25-23 win and tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved to be the most entertaining. It was tied on eight separate occasions, including at 23, 24 and 25. Ball State actually led 25-24 and was on serve to win the set, but Rogers foot faulted on his attempt, awarding a point to UCI. An attacking error then made it 26-25 Anteaters before Andrej Jokanovic slammed home the winning point, 27-25.
Irvine rode the momentum off the third-set win into the fourth. After Ball State scored the first point of the set, they never led the rest of the way. The Cardinals were able to tie it at 11-11, but a 14-8 run from the Anteaters to close the match sealed Ball State's fate.
As a team, UC Irvine (21-8) had a hitting percentage of .362. Jokanovic had 19 kills, Trevor Clark 14, Andreas Brinck 13 and William D'Arcy 12 to power the Anteaters offense. Cameron Kosty had 53 assists for UCI, who advances to its fifth national title game in program history. They are 4-0 in their previous trips.
For Ball State, Rogers was the only player with double-digit kills with 20. Patterson added nine, while freshman Daniel Gunther provided a nice spark off the bench in the third and fourth sets to finish with six kills. The hitting percentage was .234, though, a full .100 lower than their season average. Fourteen service errors also hurt the Cardinals.
Austin Hough is a sports editor within the Center for Community Journalism at USA Today Co., overseeing high school sports and Notre Dame athletics coverage for five Indiana newspapers. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough. Hough can be emailed at ahough@usatodayco.com.
Pulisic ruled out of Milan vs. Atalanta: Last chance for Leao
Pre-match reports indicate that Christian Pulisic will not be involved in Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta on Sunday evening, which likely means a last chance for Rafael Leao to impress.
Pulisic out, Leao in for Milan vs. Atalanta
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several personnel changes to his Milan side for Sunday’s game against Atalanta following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend. Sunday’s newspapers claimed that the coach would change both of his starting centre-forwards, replacing Leao and Christopher Nkunku with Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez.
However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic reported an issue with his gluteal muscles in the final session before the Atalanta game, and it is now expected that he will be left out of the matchday squad on Sunday.
The extent of the damage remains to be seen. Further updates are expected in due course.
It has been a disappointing calendar year for Pulisic, who had come up with eight league goals during the first half of the 2025-26 season, but has not hit the back of the net at all for club or country since the turn of the new year.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It hasn’t been a brilliant period for Leao, either, who is on nine Serie A goals for the season, but has gone goalless across his last seven league outings.
It was expected that he would be dropped from the Milan line-up for the Atalanta match, amid claims that he could be sold in the summer, but Gianluca Di Marzio reports that he will be given another opportunity to impress in place of Pulisic on Sunday.
EXETER - The Portsmouth High School girls track team placed second in the Seacoast Freshmen/Sophomore meet at Exeter High School.
Exeter won with a team score of 171, while Portsmouth was second with a score of 113.5.
Portsmouth sophomore Leina Cory won two individual events and was part of the winning 4x400-meter relay team.
Cory won the 100 in a time of 12.82, and the 400 (61.12). The 4x400-meter relay team, consisting of Joey Hofstra, Daisy, Baker, Campbell Parrott and Cory, placed first in a time of 4:25.86.
Portsmouth's Evelyn Avery won the 200 (28.2) and Alona Noble won the discus (71 feet, 5 inches).
In the boys meet, Portsmouth placed fifth with 48 points. Portsmouth's Stephen Whistler won the pole vault (9-7) and Covey Getman won the triple jump (39-7).
BASEBALL
Cape Elizabeth 5
York 3
CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - Orrin Culp-Dechan hit his first homer, and Dom Grover had an RBI single for York in its Class B South loss to Cape Elizabeth.
Freshman Dylan Olsson stole second and scored on Grover's single, tying the game at 2-2 in the sixth. Finn Connelly's three-run homer in the seventh put Cape up for good.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Winnacunnet 9
Bedford 5
BEDFORD - Junior McKinley Fowler had four goals and two assists as Division II Winnacunnet improved to 6-2 with this win over Division I Bedford.
Ari Rizzo added four goals for the Warriors, while Elle Emery and Hannah Curtin both had one goal and one assist. Winnacunnet goalie Benten Lyford had eight saves.
Traip Academy 14
Lincoln Academy 0
NEWCASTLE, Maine - Sam Latchaw had four goals, and Maddy Rohan, Shea Johnson, Harper Malmquist and Lucy Gingras all had two for Traip in this Class C win.
Lucy Bolanos and Keira Hagen also scored for Traip, which got seven saves from goalie Maddy Guay.
BOYS LACROSSE
Marshwood 19
Noble 8
NORTH BERWICK, Maine - Rogan Boisvert had six goals and two assists as Class B Marshwood improved to 6-1 with this win at Class A Noble.
Hayden Demeroto and Robert Williams both had three goals for the Hawks, while Liam Haggerty, Chad Anderson and Drake Anderson all had two, and Damien Gilmore had one goal and one assist.
-Coaches are asked to e-mail game summaries to sports@seacoastonline.com.
At 90 years old, most people have long since traded deadlines for golf courses and front offices for front porches. But for Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown, retirement apparently remains a foreign concept.
Brown is still at the Bengals’ facility every day, still involved, still watching, still working, and according to head coach Zac Taylor, the organization wouldn’t want it any other way.
Speaking this week on The Schrager Hour with Peter Schrager, Taylor offered insight into Brown’s continued daily presence around the franchise and the impact it still has inside the building.
Bengals owner Mike Brown is 90-years-old and is still at the office every day.
Zac Taylor says he wouldn't want it any other way.
In an era where many NFL owners operate from a distance, Brown remains deeply connected to the team his family has run for decades. While his daughter Katie Blackburn and director of player personnel Duke Tobin have taken on larger day-to-day roles in recent years, Brown’s influence still looms large throughout the organization.
“Constant communication,” Taylor said. “They work in the building, they’re at practice every day. I wouldn’t have it any other way, because there’s nothing left unsaid. And it’s been really good for me to have all that experience. Mike Brown’s been around this profession for decades.”
Taylor made it clear that Brown’s commitment continues to resonate with players, coaches, and staff alike.
The Bengals coach praised Brown not only for his longevity, but for the consistency and passion he still brings to the organization after all these years. For a franchise that has undergone dramatic change during Taylor’s tenure (from perennial rebuilding team to Super Bowl contender), Brown’s constant presence has provided continuity behind the scenes.
That consistency has become increasingly important as the Bengals attempt to capitalize on their championship window around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati aggressively reshaped its defense this year while trying to maintain the culture that fueled its rise in the AFC.
And through it all, Brown continues showing up every day.
Defender Joe Gomez says "it does hurt" to hear the Liverpool crowd voice their frustrations but they are "entitled" to do so after a disappointing campaign.
Not for the first time this season, there were loud boos at full-time at Anfield on Saturday after the Reds' 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
"We've all said on record a few times this year that we know this is not where we want to be and the position we want to be in," said Gomez. "We get it, we understand it.
"I guess it just is a summary of our year and it's a reaction to the whole year, and that's fair enough.
"The fans pay their hard-earned money to come and watch us and they're entitled to show their frustration, in the same way they cheer us."
On whether he finds it hurtful, he added: "We feel it. It's the last thing we want.
"For us older boys who have experienced so many good times here it does hurt. If it didn't, then you shouldn't still be here. We want to make it right."
Saturday's draw means Liverpool have now dropped nine points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season, their most at Anfield in a single campaign since 2015-16 (14).
"The main thing is that we're a team and we understand that in the dressing room we don't come in after a result like that without disappointment," Gomez said.
"There's frustrations and there's been plenty of voices and discussions and meetings from different people – staff and players.
"The black and white thing now is that we need Champions League football. That's the objective.
"Then we dust ourselves off and we go again and go into the [next] year and have a good start."
RCB aim to get back to winning ways, while MI fight for survival
Indian Premier League giants Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have formed a formidable rivalry over the years.
Mumbai, historically, have dominated the head-to-head clashes against RCB, however, in recent years, it's the Bengaluru side who have won more games.
In their past encounter at the Wankhede Stadium on April 12, RCB beat MI by 18 runs. In the second leg clash at Raipur, RCB will hope to get back to winning ways after losing against LSG in their last match, while MI will play for survival as one more loss can end their hopes of progressing to the IPL 2026 playoff round.
In the overall IPL head-to-head history, Mumbai Indians (MI) hold a superior record over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Win%
MI
35
19
16
54.28%
RCB
35
16
19
45.71%
MI vs RCB: Head-to-head record at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai
Mumbai's home ground has historically been a graveyard for the Bengaluru franchise, as MI have won eight out of their 13 meetings, while RCB have won five.
However, RCB have now won back-to-back games at Wankhede in IPL.
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Win%
MI
13
8
5
61.53%
RCB
13
5
8
38.46%
MI vs RCB: Head-to-head record at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
At RCB's primary home ground, the Bengaluru franchise have won the lion's share of matches.
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Win%
MI
11
3
8
72.72%
RCB
11
8
3
27.27%
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Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens is happy with the way his debut season has gone at Old Trafford but accepts he still has lots to learn.
Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m in September as a relative unknown to most supporters.
He was coveted by United's scouts though. They pushed to sign him ahead of Ruben Amorim's preferred option of Emi Martinez and while he watched three games from the bench as Altay Bayindir continued as first choice to the end of September, one Lammens got his chance, there was no looking back.
Until his error against Liverpool last weekend, the 23-year-old had barely made a mistake and earned more praise for his outstanding performance in keeping Sunderland at bay at the Stadium of Light.
Lammens is set to go to the World Cup as Thibaut Courtois' deputy for Belgium, which seemed unlikely last summer.
"I think I can be proud of the season I've been having," he said.
"I had the perfect opportunity and it was the perfect time to come into the team and to grow.
"I had a lot of things to learn and still have but in this squad, I also get the opportunity to show myself and to help the team out."
Lammens will get his first chance to experience the Champions League next season following United's rise in the table under Michael Carrick.
It is also anticipated they will do much better in the domestic cups that they managed this term, when they were knocked out at the first hurdle – they had been beaten by Grimsby in the EFL Cup before Lammens arrived at the club.
But Lammens also makes it clear this season's likely third place finish merely intended to be a step towards something better.
"It's been a very good season for me personally," he said.
"As a team as well, we've been growing and now it's about the next step.
"Next season is going to be a big one. Everyone's going to step up again because while this season was okay, it's not our end goal.
"We have to keep building on this and try to get better."
Jack Hinshelwood is one of the Premier League's breakout stars of this season.
His versatility has been widely praised because of his ability to play at right-back , and increasingly in central midfield, and he now has a club record under his belt.
The Brighton academy graduate scored the Seagulls fastest ever goal in the Premier League on Saturday, with just 35 seconds on the clock.
And at just 21-years-old, he has a promising future ahead.
There are four generations of Hinshelwood's – all professional footballers – but none with a senior England cap. Could Jack be the one to change that?
If he continues to impress in the manner he has this season, then he will very likely be on Thomas Tuchel's radar in years to come.
CHENNAI: During their game against RCB on Thursday, LSG’s right-arm pacer Prince Yadav produced a 140.4 kph delivery that nipped back sharply and went through the gate to crash Virat Kohli’s off stump. It was Kohli’s first IPL duck since 2023, and he was left visibly stunned.
LSG’s bowling coach Bharat Arun said such a delivery is not a matter of chance but of persistence and craft. “We even spoke about it with Kohli, and he asked, ‘how did he bowl that ball?’. It’s not a very common delivery. I don’t think any bowler can produce it at will but if you consistently work on your swing, it becomes possible. It was a dream delivery,” Arun said.
This is the 24-year-old Delhi bowler’s second IPL season. Last year, he played six games for LSG, picking up three wickets at an economy of 9.75. Arun said Prince had shown glimpses of what he could achieve in his debut season. “This year during the camps that we had, we discussed his strengths.
Under pressure, sometimes a bowler goes blank, but the one who is confident of executing his strengths is going to be most successful in execution. So, we had a lot of one-on-one chats during the pre-season camps, understood what their strengths are, and went about working on them. We challenged them every single session on execution,” he added.
Arun said his role was to help the youngsters build confidence and tell them where they need to improve. “It would be unfair to say I spotted Prince. But identifying what he could do by looking at him and placing him in the right role within the team was my challenge,” Arun said.
Welcome to GFFN’s live coverage of the 33rd and penultimate game week of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season! On Friday, RC Lens secured their place in the Champions League in sending FC Nantes to Ligue 2. There is plenty at stake tonight in the race for European spots with AS Monaco hosting Lille with Rennes and Lyon also involved.
Follow live coverage of Angers SCO v Strasbourg, Auxerre v OGC Nice, Le Havre v Olympique de Marseille, Metz v Lorient, AS Monaco v Lille OSC, PSG v Brest, Stade Rennais v Paris FC, and Toulouse v Olympique Lyonnais on our live ticker below.
With rookie minicamp taking place this weekend for the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Liam Coen is getting his first up-close look at safety Jalen Huskey, whom the team selected in the third round.
Catching Coen's attention throughout the pre-draft process was Huskey's versatility and length. Listed as a safety with the Jaguars, Huskey measured in at 6-01 with nearly 33-inch arms, and he played 752 career snaps at outside cornerback in college, along with another 193 snaps from the nickel.
"I think you look at obviously some of the trends in the NFL and some of those heavier groupings and what you have to combat that with is making decisions whether you're going to go heavier at linebacker and go bigger people or are you investing a little bit more in some of the bigger skill players on defense, that big skill, that can play maybe at the safety position, drop down to the big nickel, play some dime. I think that's something that's important to us," said Coen.
Having defenders with Huskey's size and versatility allows the Jaguars to match bigger personnel groupings, while still having that added coverage presence in the secondary.
Last season, he allowed a completion rate when targeted of 65%, but held pass-catchers to only 7.4 yards per reception. He also logged 11 interceptions over three seasons with six pass breakups, showcasing impressive ball production, according to PFF.
"It's been important to us really before all these trends kind of started, was that multiplicity and ability to play different positions," Coen said. "And it also helps you on special teams when you have big, longer athletes at DB that can match up with whether it be tight ends, linebacker-type bodies on special teams is really important."
Huskey also joins the Jaguars, having played 320 special teams snaps in his college career. So along with providing depth at safety and potentially competing for that third safety role on the depth chart, Huskey could make an immediate impact in that third phase of the game.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: (L-R) President and CEO Greg Beadles, President of Football Operations Matt Ryan, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, Owner Arthur M. Blank and his son Josh Blank pose for a photo after Stefanski is introduced as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns have improved their roster, have some interesting Day 3 players from the NFL draft, and continue to add intriguing UDFAs as well. Many believe that the Browns 2026 season depends on what happens at the quarterback position, with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson fighting it out for the starting spot while Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green sit in the background, at least for now.
Week 1 and Week 18 tend to get a lot of attention when the schedule comes out. For a young team, starting out strong can be a very helpful process, but it doesn’t guarantee much. Some believe it is helpful for a developing team to “take their lumps early,” with an easier schedule on the back end.
What do you think? Is it better for Cleveland to start off on the right foot with an “easy” opponent or take on the best teams early in the year so they can have more “winnable” games as the schedule progresses?
A look at who will be on the Browns schedule this year:
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Road: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and New York Jets.
Share your thoughts on the Week 1 question and, based on your answer, tell us who you’d like to see the Browns play to open the season.
Join the conversation in the comment section down below
Brentford boss argues they deserved penalty vs Manchester City
Brentford manager Keith Andrews believes his side were unfairly denied a penalty at a crucial moment in Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Manchester City secured a seemingly comfortable 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday afternoon, but the reality is that the game was a lot closer than the eventual scoreline suggests.
There were a few key incidents that could have swayed the contest in a different direction, with one potential DOGSO foul in the first half not given, and one Bernardo Silva swing of an arm that was only punished with a yellow rather than a red.
But perhaps the clearest error was at 1-0 in the second half, when Kevin Schade ran through on goal only to be tripped by Matheus Nunes in the penalty area.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Despite Schade’s foot clearly being clipped to trip him up, no penalty was shown, much to Brentford boss Keith Andrews’ dismay.
“There was a lot going on for the officials,” Andrews admitted. “I know I’m one of the first to always say ‘what a difficult job’, what they have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. It’s difficult, with all the contentious issues, and at times, the playacting.
“[But] I thought Kevin Schade’s one in the second half was a penalty. I must say that. So that was really disappointing.”
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
The incident ended up proving pivotal, as just four minutes later Erling Haaland scored to wrap up the result, before Omar Marmoush added another in injury time to boost City’s goal difference.
Had a penalty been awarded, the referee likely would have had to send off Nunes as well, and if Brentford had converted the penalty it would have been a real task for City’s 10 men to find a win.
But with the referee waving the penalty away, the game ended just as City would have wanted it to.
Joao Gomes: Why Man United are more likely to land midfielder than Atletico Madrid
Reports of Atletico Madrid closing in on a deal for Joao Gomes must have left most Manchester United fans frustrated.
Most were wondering why United are letting a brilliant Casemiro replacement, available at a bargain given Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation, join another club.
Wanting Ineos to sign Gomes is certainly not ridiculous.
Gomes has been a long-term target and has more than justified the Red Devils’ decision to follow him closely.
Joao Gomes, everything Man United are looking for in a summer midfield signing
Tenacious and full of energy, the box-to-box midfielder has dazzled by effortlessly combining a relentless defensive work rate, aggressive tackling, and intelligent ball recovery with the ability to drive forward and initiate attacks. Gomes truly is a complete midfielder.
He is one midfielder to whom you hand the keys to your engine room. Given his Premier League pedigree, he is exactly the kind of signing Ineos are now hell-bent on making, which is why reports of the Brazilian agreeing terms with Atletico came as such a shock.
However, just as some were already writing off a Gomes-Old Trafford switch, Caught Offside are claiming that may not be the case at all.
Atletico Madrid are not the favourites in Gomes race
The UK outlet is reporting:
“Liverpool and Man United frontrunners to sign £40m Brazilian star”
They do acknowledge that Atletico have held talks with Gomes. However, they explain why a move to Spain remains unlikely:
“No formal bids have yet been submitted, but once the transfer window opens, Wolves are expected to face a flurry of offers. The most likely scenario is that Gomes remains in the Premier League, with United or Liverpool leading the chase at around £40 million.”
Premier League tussle
A battle with Liverpool for Gomes is not an easy one, but it is one Ineos should relish.
The good news is that the strong links to Wanda Metropolitano have changed nothing. The Gomes race remains wide open, and United have a brilliant chance of winning it.
The opportunity to play a key role at Old Trafford while succeeding his compatriot should appeal greatly to a 25-year-old with ambitions of going down as Brazil’s finest midfield export.
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid will be without the injured Kylian Mbappé in Sunday's clasico that could seal a second straight Spanish league title for Barcelona.
Mbappé, the league's leading scorer with 24 goals, was not included in Madrid's squad after failing to recover from a left-hamstring ailment that has kept him sidelined since late April.
Mbappé last week addressed a fresh wave of criticism of him in Spain, insisting he was fully committed to the club and to recovering from his latest injury. Some Madrid fans had expressed concern that the France forward was saving himself for the upcoming World Cup.
Barcelona hosts Madrid at Camp Nou with the opportunity to celebrate the La Liga crown with a victory or even a draw against its fiercest rival. Barcelona enters the last clasico of the season leading Madrid by 11 points with four rounds remaining.
Madrid, playing mostly for pride and to avoid the humiliation of watching Barcelona celebrate at its expense, is reeling after an embarrassing week in which players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were each fined 500,000 euros ($589,000) for an altercation during training that left Valverde sidelined with a head injury after allegedly accidentally knocking his head on a table.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training last week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid’s reserve team when Xabi Alonso was fired in January, has Madrid facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back José Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
Thierry Neuville inherited the Rally Portugal lead with one stage remaining after World Rally Championship title holder Sebastien Ogier suffered a puncture on the penultimate stage.
Ogier headed into stage 22 seemingly on course to score an eighth career Rally Portugal victory, equipped with a 17.3s lead over Neuville.
The nine-time world champion had managed to survive the worst of the wet weather that arrived on Sunday morning, before his rally suddenly unravelled.
Running through the penultimate stage, Ogier hit a rock in the line that caused a right rear puncture. Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais managed to complete a wheel change, but lost two minutes in the process and dropped from the lead to sixth overall.
"It was very rough and there were some rocks in the line. There were rocks everywhere at the beginning,” said a frustrated Ogier.
With one stage remaining, Neuville moved into a 14.8s lead and was in pole position to claim a first win of the season for the Hyundai team since last year’s season finale in Saudi Arabia. Neuville came close to claiming a win in Croatia last month before crashing out of the final stage.
Sebastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Sebastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
"Nothing is done yet,” said the 2024 world champion. “So far we have done the job, now we must finish. We know how not to do it [referring to his Croatia crash], now we should do it.”
The leaderboard underwent a severe shake up as third-placed Sami Pajari also suffered a puncture, and was forced to stop and change a wheel, which dropped the Finn to seventh overall.
It meant Toyota’s Oliver Solberg jumped to second while championship leader Elfyn Evans inherited third, ahead of Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux, who set the fastest time in stage 22.
With Colorado goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood pulled for an extra attacker late Saturday at Grand Casino Arena, Colorado center Nazem Kadri, alone at the bottom of the right circle, threw one final puck on net for the Avalanche.
There were nine seconds remaining, and zero chance of the Avs scoring three goals to send the game to overtime. Yet, when Kadri’s shot left his stick, Brock Faber stepped in front of it.
Why let Colorado leave the ice with even a sliver of momentum they could take into Game 4 Monday in St. Paul?
Matt Boldy pounced on the loose puck and scored an empty-netter with four seconds left to seal the Wild’s 5-1 victory, their first since closing out a first-round series win in Game 6 against Dallas on April 30.
Faber set up the first goal, scored the fourth, and set up the empty-netter when he blocked Kadri’s shot. In nine postseason games, he has four goals and nine points. So does blue line partner Quinn Hughes, who has unlocked something in Faber since joining the Wild via trade on Dec. 13.
Together, they have been the engine that makes the Wild go. The Wild are a forechecking team, and they’re the guys that keep the puck in the zone. The Avalanche had no answer for them on Saturday.
The Wild were a little stunned by how sideways Games 1 and 2 went for them in Denver. Now, the Avalanche were talking about what they have to do to contain the Wild forecheck — which was the key to everything for Minnesota on Saturday.
“Mobile D men out there,” veteran center Brock Nelson said. “Quinn and Brock can circle the zone, support one another, create a little bit of space. … We have to be sharp, be quick to close on the D men, try to prevent them from rolling a bit more and then just be quick to support.”
The Wild’s relentless siege on Colorado’s zone put the Central Division leaders, and President’s Trophy winners, on their heels. Avalanche penalties led to Kirill Kaprizov’s four-on-four goal, and to Hughes’ four-on-three score.
Ryan Hartman scored a power-play early in the second period, and the Wild scored on a delayed penalty when Faber started a rush, passed to Vladimir Tarasenko and crash the net, where the rebound off Tarasenko’s shot bounced off Faber’s leg and over the goal line for a 4-1 lead.
“One of those guys,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “He has the ‘it factor.’ ”
With a promising season on the line in a must-win game, Hynes rode his top blue liners hard — 29 minutes, 30 seconds from Faber, 28:30 from Hughes. He had to; it was that kind of game. None of the other defensemen played more than Jared Spurgeon’s 17:38.
The Wild didn’t just get up off the mat on Saturday, keep the bell from ringing at least once so they can look themselves in the mirror. They used a three-day break — their first real rest since sealing their first-round series with Game 6 against Dallas on April 30 — to get better.
The Avs didn’t lose that game Saturday — their first in seven postseason contests — Minnesota won it. The Wild reminded everyone that they’re an awfully good team. Their stars — Kaprizov, Boldly, Hughes, Faber and rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt among them — were the game’s best players. Their checking lines were relentless. The D made smart decisions. Passes were crisp.
“Tonight was a lot better. Tonight was the way we play,” Faber said.
For all the fireworks and special teams play, the Wild really sealed their win by keeping the Avalanche pinned in their own end for much of the third period. Until they pulled Blackwood — a courtesy replacement for Wedgewood in the second period — the Avs just didn’t have enough zone time late to forge a rally.
“They got a couple bounces … but they earned their bounces,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “They were going to the net hard. They looked like they were quicker, more physical and more determined. So, now it’s up to us to respond.”
The forecheck came in waves, mostly with Hughes and Faber at the point. Maybe we were so enamored with Hughes that we slept on Faber a little. He’s been so good since he was a Calder Trophy finalist as a rookie — general manager Bill Guerin followed with an eight-year contract extension worth $68 million — that it’s difficult to call this postseason a revelation.
And yet it has been.
Sometimes good players stay good players; sometimes they become great players. We’re watching Faber, just 23 and in his third NHL season, become a great one.
CHENNAI: CSK are riding the winds of change. After beginning the season with three straight defeats, they have stitched together back-to-back wins to pull themselves into playoff contention with 10 points from 10 games.
Even bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants, on six points from 10, are not out of the race mathematically, improbable as it may look. They need to win their remaining four matches and hope other results fall their way.
When the teams meet at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the stakes will be unforgiving.
For CSK, victory can give their late push real weight. For LSG, another slip could leave their campaign at the exit door. The immediate question is whether Lucknow’s newly-settled batting unit can withstand the heat of a CSK attack that has found rhythm at just the perfect time.
After weeks of playing musical chairs with their batting XI, LSG appear to have found some stability. Mitchell Marsh rediscovered his destructive touch with a spectacular hundred in their rain-hit win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Skipper Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, both searching for fluency, chipped in with brisk cameos too.
Their bigger test, though, will be against a disciplined CSK bowling unit. Anshul Kamboj, the season’s jointleading wicket-taker, has led the pace group with clarity while Jamie Overton, Mukesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh have supplied energy and bite. In CSK’s clinical win over Delhi Capitals in their previous outing, the bowlers restricted the hosts to 155/7 before Sanju Samson finished the chase with authority.
Former W Series driver and Sky Sports analyst Naomi Schiff has argued that Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff is not someone who drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli would want to cross in team orders discussions.
Russell was a clear favourite heading into the 2026 season. But after winning the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race, his 19-year-old team-mate Antonelli became a threat to his championship push.
The Italian driver now leads the standings by 20 points over Russell after winning the Chinese, Japanese and Miami Grands Prix. His somewhat surprising boost in performance has now begged the question of team orders within the Brackley outfit.
While discussing how Mercedes could deal with the intra-team dynamic, Schiff explained on the Up To Speed podcast: "First of all, Toto will have learned a lot of lessons from the Hamilton-Rosberg era, the one that we all saw come crashing down back in 2016.
"But I think he also put out a message saying that these drivers need to remember that they are not bigger than the team. And if anyone starts to think it's about them, he's going to correct that very quickly. Now, I don't know about you guys, but as lovely and as charming as Toto comes across, he doesn't really give me the feeling that he's someone that you want to cross.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
"So, I think that he's going to be very, very clear with his drivers. And when it comes to Antonelli, he's obviously, as we've been saying, the youngest teenager to ever lead the Formula 1 world championship, which also means he has a long career ahead of him.
"He knows he's got to keep Toto on side. I think it's probably a little trickier for George because there is this potential pressure around his seat. So does he play the game? Because he knows that that gives him more of a chance to maintain it should Max Verstappen become available. Or does that little selfish driver characteristic come out and say, 'Well, this is my one and only chance to win the world championship potentially so do I just go for it?'"
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields is already showing the physicality and team-first mindset that could make him an immediate contributor.
During Saturday's practice, head coach John Harbaugh repeatedly highlighted Fields' work on slant routes across the middle. The 6-foot-3 receiver explained the route’s demands with veteran poise.
"I think just beating the guy in front of you, first of all, and having the confidence to come through the middle knowing sometimes it's going to be a hit. It's about the ball," Fields said. "Just securing the catch and then getting what you can get.
Fields is equally committed off the ball. Unlike many receivers who stand and watch during run plays, he has always thrown his body into blocking.
"I definitely think I was someone who always wanted to be a part of going and getting a block, covering up a guy in the backfield. Those dudes do the same thing in pass protection," he said. "They pick up the blitzing linebackers and stick their nose in there. I can only return the favor when they have the ball in their hands."
That willingness to “stick your nose in there” — combined with his fearlessness over the middle — has already caught the coaching staff’s eye. In a run-heavy Giants offense, Fields’ complete-game approach could earn him early snaps as a rookie.
Texas A&M (37-12, 16-10 SEC) will likely drop several spots in the rankings after dropping its second straight SEC series after falling to No. 20 Ole Miss on the road on Friday and Saturday night, even after winning the second game of the doubleheader 18-5 in seven innings, which included seven home runs.
After falling 6-5 in the rubber match, the Aggies will now head into the final week of the regular season, hosting Mississippi in Blue Bell Park, and while losing two out of three SEC games, freshman shortstop Boston Kellner's broken orbital bone led to reserve senior Ben Royo making his fifth, sixth and seventh appearance of the season, and taking full advantage of his opportunity.
After reserve first baseman Blake Binderup started the first game of the doubleheader with a solo home run, Royo followed with his first hit of the season, blasting a home run to take a 2-0 lead, which got out of control late. After Ole Miss made a dent, scoring three runs off pitcher Aiden Sims, Royo hit his second home run of the game, scoring freshman Jorian Wilson.
Recording three hits that scored four runs, Royo's incredible run continued in the rubber match, going on to tie the game at 5 after his third home run of the series, and finished a perfect four for four at the plate, including a late hit when the rest of the lineup couldn't buy a hit in the final two innings.
Finishing 7 for 7 with three home runs, five RBIs and a walk, Ben Royo not only looks like a starter, but provides Boston Kellner all the time he needs to heal from his orbital bone break, and should be in high consideration for SEC Player of the Week. Still, the Aggies must get healthy before the SEC Tournament, especially freshman third baseman Nico Partida.
— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) May 10, 2026
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the New York Knicks in Game 4 of their Round 2 series on Sunday afternoon, and if you're wondering how you can watch all the action live, you've come to the right place. The Sixers will be looking to stave off elimination and avoid being swept at home and send the series back to New York City.
The Sixers will need to find a way to correct their mistakes against a tough and physical Knicks team heading into this elimination game. Philadelphia has found a way to generate a ton of open looks, but hasn't been able to convert on those looks. The Sixers will also need to figure out a way to respond in the rebounding department as the Knicks dominated in that area in the Game 3 victory on Friday.
Here's when and where you should tune in to see the matchup:
How to watch
Date: Sunday, May 10
Time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena Philadelphia, PA
Channel: ABC
Notable injuries
Sixers: PROBABLE: Joel Embiid (right hip soreness)
Knicks: QUESTIONABLE: OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: Head coach Ryan Odom of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Virginia’s offseason roster picture is starting to come into focus.
After adding UC Irvine transfer Jurian Dixon and Arkansas State transfer Christian Harmon earlier in the portal cycle, the Cavaliers have now landed a commitment from 2026 four-star center Favour Ibe. The 7-foot-1, 235-pound big man out of Mt. Zion Prep in Maryland visited Charlottesville earlier this week and left pledged to Ryan Odom and company. This makes him the first member of Odom’s 2026 freshman class.
The Cavaliers have spent this offseason trying to do two things at once. They have needed to capitalize on the momentum of Odom’s first season while also avoiding unnecessary disruption to a roster that already returned most of its core. That is a tricky balance. Compared to 2025, Virginia was looking to supplement its roster instead of rebuilding.
Dixon and Harmon addressed important questions by adding guard/wing depth, but fans were still clamoring for a replacement for fan favorite Ugo Onyenso at the backup five.
Ibe fits that description.
NEWS: 7-foot-1 center Favour Ibe has committed to Virginia, he told @Rivals.
Ibe is huge, mobile, and still developing. Rivals recently jumped him from No. 126 to No. 82 overall recruit in the 2026 class and the best high school center still available. Playing for Mt. Zion Prep, Ibe averaged 16.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in league play, the kind of interior production that makes the high-major interest easy to understand.
Ibe has been recruited like a high-major big for a while. In 2024, he held power-conference offers from Maryland, Arizona State, Georgia, Louisville, and Georgia Tech. In 2025, that list grew to include Villanova, Mississippi State, Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Kansas State, and Michigan. Recently, he made visits to Tennessee, Alabama, and Villanova in addition to Virginia.
That is big news as it highlights Virginia’s ability to land top high school talent over other high-major powerhouses after a transfer portal season that was filled with a lot of almost for UVA. Virginia didn’t have to settle for the dregs because the portal market dried up. The Cavaliers beat out real programs for a player whose recruitment accelerated late and whose physical tools are extremely easy to understand.
Ibe will be coming to Charlottesville to replace Ugonna Onyenso as Virginia’s backup center.
That is a very specific role, and it became a very important one last season.
Onyenso arrived at Virginia as a fascinating but imperfect transfer. He had been a highly regarded recruit, spent two seasons at Kentucky, flashed elite shot-blocking ability, transferred to Kansas State, and then came to UVA without much national attention. At the time, the signing made sense, but it was not treated as some major portal victory.
By March, that looked silly.
Onyenso became one of the most important players on Virginia’s roster because he gave the Cavaliers something that very few teams in the country had: an elite rim protector coming off the bench. He was not asked to be a featured scorer. He was not asked to carry possessions. He was asked to run the floor, finish easy looks, protect the rim, rebound, and change the geometry of the game defensively. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the All-ACC Defensive Team.
He did exactly that.
Then, in the ACC Tournament, he announced himself on the national stage.
When Johann Grünloh got into foul trouble against NC State, Onyenso stepped into a season-high workload and completely changed the game with eight blocks. Against Miami, he added 17 points and four more blocks in a dominant semifinal win. Then, in the ACC Championship against Duke, he blocked nine shots and finished with 21 blocks across the tournament.
That 21-block run shattered the ACC Tournament record of 14, set by Tim Duncan in 1995! It also earned Onyenso ACC All-Tournament First Team honors and pushed him to 105 blocks on the season, second in UVA history behind only the great Ralph Sampson.
His late-season surge was so loud that Onyenso has even started to receive second-round NBA Draft buzz. Meanwhile, Grünloh’s 80 blocks put him seventh on UVA’s single-season list, and he will return as the anchor of the Cavaliers’ defense in 2026.
That is the blueprint.
Again, Ibe is not Onyenso yet. But Virginia is clearly trying to preserve that archetype. Odom wants length at the rim. If Ibe can give UVA even a portion of what Onyenso provided last year, as a freshman, this commitment becomes a short-term success.
Offensively, the expectations should be reasonable, especially as a freshman.
At his best, Ibe should be able to screen, dive, catch lobs, clean up misses, and punish defenses that rotate late. That skill set becomes especially valuable next to guards who can bend the defense. Mallory’s development as a paint-touch creator will be crucial here.
The defensive side is where the upside is more obvious. At 7-foot-1 with legitimate length, Ibe gives Virginia another body who can deter shots at the rim. The question will be how quickly he can handle the physicality and speed of college basketball. High school size advantages do not always translate immediately. ACC guards are stronger, more patient, and much better at manipulating young bigs in ball-screen coverage.
However, given Ryan Odom’s success in 2025 developing Ugo Onyenso, there is hope that Ibe can see significant improvement throughout the season.
Also, Virginia does not need Ibe to be ready for 25 minutes per night. Grünloh is still the starter and with De Ridder and Barksdale playing at the four; Ibe’s job, at least early, should be much more specific.
A realistic freshman role is probably somewhere in the 10-to-15 minute range, depending on matchup, foul trouble, and how quickly he adjusts defensively.
Another big win for Virginia is that Ibe is a freshman.
That might sound strange in the portal era, when most programs are prioritizing older players, proven production, and immediate answers. Virginia has done some of that, too. Dixon and Harmon are veteran additions who should be ready to help right away. But good roster construction cannot only be about next season’s minutes distribution. It also has to be about building a pipeline of players who make sense within the system.
Ibe does.
Despite the realities of player movement in college basketball in 2026, Odom’s retention success this offseason gives Virginia reason to believe that Ibe can develop over multiple years in Charlottesville. He does not need to be rushed into a massive role right away. He can grow behind Johann Grünloh, learn the system, add strength, and gradually become the kind of rim-protecting center that Odom clearly values.
That is what makes this addition so sensible. Ibe gives Virginia a developmental big with legitimate high-major tools. He fills a clear roster need. He preserves the backup rim-protector role that became so important last season. And he does it without forcing the Cavaliers to reshape their offense or disrupt the returning core.
Zooming out, Ibe’s commitment also makes the roster much easier to picture.
A reasonable early rotation could look something like this: Mallory, Dixon/Harmon, Lewis, de Ridder, and Grünloh as the starting five, with the other of Dixon/Harmon playing starter-level minutes off the bench. Gertrude and Carrere remain guard/wing options, Barksdale fills forward minutes, and Ibe becomes the backup center.
It is a night and day difference from the roster Virginia had a few weeks ago that had some fans concerned.
If you had to look for a remaining hole on the roster, Virginia could probably still use another true ball-handler. Mallory is set for a major sophomore role, but asking him to be the only natural table-setter on the roster would be risky. Dixon and Harmon can help initiate offense, but neither profile as a pure point guard. Gertrude’s development could matter there as well.
But that is the point: Virginia is now talking about refinements, not foundational problems.
Ibe does not need to be a star right away for this commitment to matter. He gives the Cavaliers size, long-term upside, and a realistic backup center behind Grünloh. He also gives Odom another developmental piece who fits the exact frontcourt archetype that became so valuable last season.
For a team trying to build on a 30-win season without losing what made it good in the first place, that is a pretty significant addition.
CSK approach the game high on confidence after beating DC in their last game, and one more win in home conditions will further solidify their position in the IPL 2026 playoff race.
In hopes of not losing out on another top in-state recruit, the Wisconsin Badgers need to keep a close eye on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
On Thursday, May 7, Jack Kohnen went on an unofficial visit with Ben McCollum's squad.
Iowa City played host to the class of 2027 forward who currently plays for Slinger High School.
Kohnen is a 6-foot-6 recruit who is 247Sports No. 3 player in Wisconsin. Recently, the Badgers just missed out on Donovan Davis who was listed as the No. 2 player.
Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook's Mark Miller revealed Kohnen was on a visit with the Hawkeyes before later revealing Iowa State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin are all heavily involved.
Clearly, the Big Ten is all over one of the top small forward prospects in the class of 2027. Keep in mind, Kohnen visited with the Cornhuskers less than one month ago.
Greg Gard once again has his work cut out for him, especially with TJ Otzelberger in the mix. Remember, the Cyclones have already taken six key Wisconsin natives from the Badgers.
The Carolina Panthers have been getting rave reviews for their offseason work, especially the work they did in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While it's not immediately apparent where first-round pick Monroe Freeling will play, there is no such confusion about the role or their next selection—Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter.
Hunter's Relative Athleic Score was just 3.72. However, he has more than enough size, power and "heavy hands" to do what the Panthers need him to do—line up next to superstar tackle Derrick Brown and plug up the run. Like Freeling, Hunter also comes with what sounds like a genuine killer instinct.
Head coach Dave Canales recently toldThe Athletic that he keeps describing his game by using one word—violent.
"When you’re an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence. That’s one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as),” Canales said. “What’s your play style? ‘Violence.’ And (he) repeatedly said violence. Just the way that he’s disruptive and explosive at the line of scrimmage.”
Hunter gives the Panthers the partner in crime inside for Brown. He should act as a force-multiplier for a defensive line unit that's been a one-man show for too long.
Between three years at UCF and one at Texas Tech, Hunter racked up 32 tackles for a loss in 52 games to go with 7.5 sacks. It doesn't take long for Hunter's traits to pop off the tape, either . . .
Hunter's violence and other attributes should help bring Carolina's defense to the next level, and it's already being described as a top-10 unit going into 2026.
The spring postseason is just around the corner, and athletes throughout the Eugene-Springfield area have continued to deliver outstanding performances.
Every week, you get to vote for The Register-Guard's Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Active Chiropractic.
Here are the nominees for this week's boys Athlete of the Week:
Tristen Adams, Triangle Lake track and field
Carlin Crutcher, Thurston baseball
Jacob Dugas, Cottage Grove track and field
Trayvn Dumont, Elmira track and field
Drew Granade, Marist Catholic track and field
Aidan Miller, Marist Catholic track and field
Kayden Roberts, Creswell baseball
Coen Rushton, Marist Catholic track and field
Corbin Sage, Marist Catholic track and field
Malachi Schoenherr, Sheldon track and field
Information about each nominee is listed below. Vote for the athlete you think is most deserving at registerguard.com/sports. The poll closes at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Tristen Adams, Triangle Lake track and field
Triangle Lake junior Tristen Adams clocked a personal best of 38.87 seconds to win the 300-meter hurdles May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Adams' time is the fourth-fastest in state history for a Class 1A hurdler. It is also the sixth-fastest time in the state this season, regardless of classification.
Carlin Crutcher, Thurston baseball
Thurston sophomore Carlin Crutcher went 2 for 4 with a double, a triple and three RBIs May 5 to help the Colts to a 24-2 win over Springfield.
Three days later, in a 17-0 win over the Millers, Crutcher hit a home run and drove in five runs.
Jacob Dugas, Cottage Grove track and field
Cottage Grove sophomore Jacob Dugas produced a personal-best triple jump of 42 feet,6 3/4 inches May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Dugas' mark is the ninth-best in the state this season among Class 4A boys.
Trayvn Dumont, Elmira track and field
Elmira sophomore Trayvn Dumont ran a 400 personal-best of 52.04 May 5 at The Cinco De Mayo Meet.
Dumont's time is the ninth-fastest in the state this season among Class 3A boys.
Drew Granade, Marist Catholic track and field
Marist Catholic junior Drew Granade ran a 400 personal best of 49.60 and took second place May 2 at the Marist Track Classic. He also placed second in the 100 (11.47).
Granade's 400 time is the third-fastest in the state this season among Class 4A boys.
Aidan Miller, Marist Catholic track and field
Marist Catholic junior Aidan Miller clocked a 300 hurdle personal best of 40.39 to place third at the May 2 Marist Track Classic.
Miller's time is the fastest in the state this season among Class 4A boys.
Kayden Roberts, Creswell baseball
Creswell senior Kayden Roberts smashed a go-ahead two-run double in the top of the ninth May 5 to lead the Bulldogs to a 5-3 home win over Pleasant Hill.
Coen Rushton, Marist Catholic track and field
Marist Catholic junior Coen Rushton ran a 200 personal best of 22.59 May 2 to win the Marist Track Classic. Rushton's time is ninth-best in the state this season among Class 4A boys.
Rushton also placed second in the 400 with a season-best time of 49.62 — good for the fourth on the 4A season list.
Corbin Sage, Marist Catholic track and field
Marist Catholic junior Corbin Sage ran a 3,000 personal best of 8:51.09 to place third May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Sage's time is the second-fastest in the state this season among Class 4A boys.
Malachi Schoenherr, Sheldon track and field
Sheldon senior Malachi Schoenherr ran a personal-best 3:50.79 in the 1,500 at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite.
Schoenherr's time is the ninth-fastest in the U.S. this season among high school boys and second-fastest in Oregon.
To submit an Athlete of the Week nomination, please email Register-Guard sports reporter Jarrid Denney at jdenney@registerguard.com with the athlete's name, stats and any other relevant information about the performance they are being nominated for.
The spring postseason is just around the corner, and athletes throughout the Eugene-Springfield area have continued to deliver outstanding performances.
Every week, you get to vote for The Register-Guard's Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Active Chiropractic.
Here are the nominees for this week's girls Athlete of the Week:
Kiannah Bailey, Creswell track and field
Emmerson Bickford, Cottage Grove track and field
Ella Cardwell, Cottage Grove track and field
Isabelle Chery, South Eugene track and field
Aspen Gambee, Junction City track and field
Sailor Hall, Springfield track and field
Jordyn Lee, Creswell track and field
Jaylee Litten, Churchill softball
Scarlett Painter, Junction City track and field
Chloee Strasheim, Junction City track and field
Information about each nominee is listed below. Vote for the athlete you think is most deserving at registerguard.com/sports. The poll closes at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Kiannah Bailey, Creswell track and field
Creswell junior Kiannah Bailey produced a personal-best triple jump of 37 feet 8 1/2 inches May 6 at a Class 3A Special District 1 meet.
Bailey's mark is the best in the state this season among Class 3A girls.
Emmerson Bickford, Cottage Grove track and field
Cottage Grove senior Emmerson Bickford ran a personal-best 300-meter hurdle time of 49.47 seconds May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Bickford's time is the eighth-fastest in the state this season among Class 4A girls.
Ella Cardwell, Cottage Grove track and field
Cottage Grove senior Ella Cardwell ran a 1,500 personal best of 4:55.06 to place second May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Cardwell's time is the seventh-fastest in the state this season among Class 4A girls.
Isabelle Chery, South Eugene track and field
South Eugene sophomore Isabelle Chery clocked a personal-best 200 time of 25.19 to win a May 5 dual meet with Willamette. Chery's time is the ninth-fastest in the state this season, regardless of classification.
Aspen Gambee, Junction City track and field
Junction City senior Aspen Gambee produced personal-best leaps in both the long jump (17-3) and triple jump (34-10 1/2) May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Gambee's triple jump mark is the third-best in the state among Class 4A girl, and her long jump mark ranks fourth.
Sailor Hall, Springfield track and field
Springfield junior Sailor Hall launched a personal-best discus throw of 124-7 May 8 to finish as runner-up at the 41st Dean Nice Invitational.
Hall's mark is the best in Class 5A this season and the seventh best in the state regardless of classification.
Jordyn Lee, Creswell track and field
Creswell junior Jordyn Lee ran a 400 personal-best of 58.60 to win the May 2 Marist Track Classic.
Lee's time is the second-fastest in the state this season among Class 3A girls.
Jaylee Litten, Churchill softball
Churchill freshman Jaylee Litten threw a five-inning shutout, struck out five, walked one and allowed just one hit May 8 to lead the Lancers to an 11-0 win over North Eugene. At the plate, she went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a double.
In the first game of the doubleheader earlier that day, Litten threw a seven-inning shutout, struck out five and allowed four hits and no walks in a 3-0 win.
Scarlett Painter, Junction City track and field
Junction City freshman Scarlett Painter ran a 400 personal-best of 1:01.57 May 2 at the Marist Track Classic.
Painter's time is the ninth-best in the state this season among Class 4A girls.
Chloee Strasheim, Junction City track and field
Junction City junior Chloee Strasheim uncorked a personal-best shot put mark of 35-6 3/4 to win the May 2 Marist Track Classic.
Strasheim's mark is the ninth-best in the state this season among Class 4A girls.
To submit an Athlete of the Week nomination, please email Register-Guard sports reporter Jarrid Denney at jdenney@registerguard.com with the athlete's name, stats and any other relevant information about the performance they are being nominated for.
Josh Inglis scored 77 runs in the powerplay during LSG vs CSK clash.
Inglis recorded the fourth-highest individual score in powerplay in IPL history.
Suresh Raina continues to hold the record of scoring the highest individual score in powerplay in IPL.
Highest individual powerplay scores in IPL history
Former CSK star Suresh Raina recorded the highest-ever individual powerplay score when he scored 87 runs against Punjab Kings in an IPL 2014 clash.
Raina is followed by SRH's Travis Head who scored 84 against Delhi Capitals in 2024. Josh Inglis' 77 is ranked fourth in the all-time highest individual powerplay scores in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have recorded three of the highest team powerplay scores in IPL history out of the top five totals. SRH have established themselves as one of the most lethal batting forces in the IPL in the past few seasons.
In 2026, SRH hold the record of scoring the top two highest team totals inside the powerplay.
Team
Opponent
Score
Venue
Year
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Delhi Capitals
125/0
Delhi
2024
Punjab Kings
Delhi Capitals
116/0
Delhi
2026
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Lucknow Super Giants
107/0
Hyderabad
2024
Kolkata Knight Riders
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
105/0
Bengaluru
2017
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Punjab Kings
105/0
Mullanpur
2026
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The OSAA spring sports season is nearing the postseason and Salem-area boys athletes across baseball, track and field, golf, volleyball and tennis are gearing up for the end of the season.
Every week, you get to vote for the Statesman Journal’s Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Maps Credit Union.
Here are the nominees for this week’s boys Athlete of the Week.
Harrison Buckingham, South Salem baseball
Nathan Cloutier, Delphian track and field
Branson Cook, St. Paul track and field
Joey Elston, McNary track and field
Anders Hagen, West Salem track and field
Landon Kline, Kennedy baseball
Derek Olivo, McNary track and field
Jaxson Redel, Sprague baseball
Information about each nominee is listed below. Vote for the athlete you think is most deserving at statesmanjournal.com/sports. The poll closes at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Harrison Buckingham, South Salem baseball
Buckingham, a junior, pitched a full six innings, struck out nine batters and allowed just one hit May 5 in the Saxons' 11-0 win over Sprague.
Nathan Cloutier, Delphian track and field
Cloutier, a senior, ran a 1-minute, 59.64-second 800 meters for second place and the third-best mark in Class 2A this season May 2 at the Amity Invitational.
Branson Cook, St. Paul track and field
Cook, a senior, jumped 6 feet, 2 inches in high jump for a first-place finish and the top mark in Class 1A this spring May 2 at the Jewell HS Jam.
Joey Elston, McNary track and field
Elston, a senior, ran a 48.5 400 for a first place and the third-best 6A time of the season May 2 at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite. Elston also anchored the Celtics' 4x400 with Yosef Picazo, Mason Bowlby and Adam Ellis that ran a 3:19.89 to claim silver medal and second on the 6A season list.
Anders Hagen, West Salem track and field
Hagen, a senior, ran a personal-best 3:54.89 1,500 for second place and the fifth-best 6A time this spring May 2 at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite.
Landon Kline, Kennedy baseball
Kline, a senior, posted three hits, including a grand slam, May 6 in the Trojans' 10-0 win over St. Paul.
Derek Olivo, McNary track and field
Olivo, a junior, threw 208-7 in javelin for a first and the top 6A mark this season May 2 at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite.
Jaxson Redel, Sprague baseball
Redel, a senior, pitched a six-inning shutout and struck out four batters May 6 in the Olympians' 4-0 win over South Salem.
Landon Bartlett covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at LBartlett@statesmanjournal.com or on X, TikTok or Instagram @bartlelo.
The OSAA spring sports season is nearing the postseason and Salem-area girls athletes across softball, track and field, golf and tennis are gearing up for the finish.
Every week, you get to vote for the Statesman Journal’s Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Maps Credit Union.
Here are the nominees for this week’s girls Athlete of the Week.
Liv Curry, Delphian track and field
Lily Griffin, West Salem track and field
Hadley Hughes, Amity track and field
Maddi Jones, Dallas softball
Harlow Nelson, Dallas track and field
Maddy Tingle, Cascade softball
Ashlyn Wittnebel, McNary softball
Information about each nominee is listed below. Vote for the athlete you think is most deserving at statesmanjournal.com/sports. The poll closes at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Liv Curry, Delphian track and field
Curry, a senior, ran a 15.87-second 100-meter hurdles for a first-place finish and the second-best Class 2A time this season May 2 at the Amity Invitational.
Lily Griffin, West Salem track and field
Griffin, a sophomore, jumped 5 feet, 3 inches in high jump for first place and the fourth-best 6A mark this season May 6 in a dual meet against McNary.
Hadley Hughes, Amity track and field
Hughes, a junior, threw 136-7 in javelin for first and the top mark in Class 3A this season May 2 at the Amity Invitational. She also had a 37-4 winning shot put mark that's third on the 3A season list.
Maddi Jones, Dallas softball
Jones, a junior, pitched a full seven innings, struck out 14 batters and allowed just three hits May 4 in the Class 5A Dragons' 7-1 win over 6A Sandy.
Harlow Nelson, Dallas track and field
Nelson, a sophomore, ran a 12.22 100 for first place and the fifth-best 5A time this spring May 5 at a tri-meet with Lebanon and Central.
Maddy Tingle, Cascade softball
Tingle, a sophomore, recorded two hits, including a home run, and a team-high four RBIs May 7 in the Cougars' 7-1 win over Oregon West Conference rival Stayton.
Ashlyn Wittnebel, McNary softball
Wittnebel, a senior, pitched two innings and collected four strikeouts May 4 in the Celtics' three-inning home win over South Salem. Wittnebel also posted two hits and two RBIs in the 16-0 rout.
Landon Bartlett covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at LBartlett@statesmanjournal.com or on X, TikTok or Instagram @bartlelo.
The NCAA softball tournament gets under way in a few days. First up will be 16 regionals this week, followed by eight super regionals next week. But all of the teams have one goal — a spot in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Even though most fans in our neck of the woods will be locked on what OU and OSU are doing, there are lots of storylines. Things to watch. People to see.
Here, in homage to the 16 regionals, are 16 people who you'll want to keep an eye on as the tournament starts.
Kendall Wells, OU slugger: The Sooner freshman has already broken all sorts of home-run records. What will she do in the postseason?
Megan Grant, UCLA slugger: If not for Wells, Grant would've been the talk of the college softball world. She hit 35 homers during the regular season, only one behind Wells. Then she hit three homers in the Big Ten Tournament to break the all-time record.
NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech ace: The Red Raider righty came up one win short of a national title last season. Does she push Tech to the title this time?
Jordy (Bahl) Frahm, Nebraska utility: Yes, the former Sooner is the Husker ace, but she’s also Nebraska’s biggest bat. No player may have more impact on this postseason.
Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee ace: The Vol standout has gotten lots of pitching help this season, but for Tennessee to win a title, Pickens has to be great.
Maya Johnson, Belmont ace: If the WCWS is going to get a non-Power Four team, Belmont might be it. Johnson leads the nations in ERA (0.72) and strikeouts (344).
Ruby Meylan, OSU ace: If the Cowgirls survive regionals, look out. Might be tough to beat Meylan twice in a best-of-three super regional
Mike White, Texas coach: Oh, yeah, the defending national champs. The Horns haven’t been dominant, but White knows how to bring out a team’s best in the postseason.
Moriah Polar, Purdue outfielder: If the bubble Boilers get into the NCAA Tournament, watch Polar. The speedster led the nation with a .577 regular-season batting average.
Isa Torres, Florida State shortstop: Yes, she hit .548 during the regular season, but she also committed no errors at short. A wizard both in the field and at the plate.
Taylor Shumaker, Florida outfielder: After a boffo freshman season, the sophomore leads the Gators in nine offensive categories. No small thing with teammates like Jocelyn Erickson.
Mya Perez, Texas A&M utility: The Aggie slugger finished the regular season with a whopping 50 walks. You’d walk her too once you watch her launch one.
Jocelyn Briski, Alabama ace: The Crimson Tide was a WCWS surprise a year ago. With Briski’s improvement, it is now a contender.
Ella McDowell, Arkansas third baseman: Nifty at the corner, McDowell has also driven in 50 runs for an offense that has more than made up for Bri Ellis’ departure.
Aminah Vega, Duke shortstop: The sparkplug for the Blue Devils’ explosive offense in addition to being the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Alyssa Faircloth, Mississippi State pitcher: Peja Goold gets the headlines, but Faircloth is a powerful second option. She led the SEC with 231 strikeouts during the regular season.
Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at @jennicarlsonok.bsky.social and twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: UFC President and CEO Dana White speaks with media after the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC
Ageless UFC veteran Jim Miller must have impressed Dana White.
White was asked after UFC 328 which fighter's performance in New Jersey shifted his plans moving forward. White said no one shocked him in that way, but he called out the amazing co-main event that saw Joshua Van defeat Tatsuro Taira to retain the UFC flyweight championship. White also announced a new five-fight deal for Miller, who also won one of the $100,000 performance bonuses for his submission win over Jared Gordon.
The bonus and new commitment seems to have come at a great time for Miller.
Key Facts at a Glance
Announcement: New five-fight contract extension for Jim Miller, announced by Dana White at UFC 328 post-fight press conference
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Miller's Current Total: 48 UFC fights (most all-time)
Path To 50: Two more wins on the new contract gets him there
UFC 328 Result: Miller def. Jared Gordon via R1 guillotine choke at 3:29
Bonus: $100,000 Performance of the Night
All-Time UFC Records Held: Most wins (28), most fights (48), 16 post-fight bonuses (tied 3rd)
Miller's Age: 42
What Did Dana White Announce About Jim Miller?
It seems like Miller is destined to get to 50 fights in the UFC. He’s at 47 and he has a five-fight deal. He doesn't even need to finish the contract to reach the milestone.
White made the announcement during the UFC 328 post-fight press conference at Prudential Center, framing the extension as recognition of Miller's record-setting career and ongoing value to the company. Per Heavy.com, White said the extension should "take Miller past the 50-fight mark in the UFC" if he wants it. The five-fight deal effectively endorses Miller's long-stated goal of becoming the first UFC fighter to hit 50 walks under the banner.
What Records Does Jim Miller Already Hold?
Miller's resume is amazing. He spent several years as a solid contender. While he's no longer a contender, he is still a tough out. You have to wonder when considering his records for submissions and longevity if he's a UFC Hall-of-Famer.
The case is real. Miller now sits at 28 career UFC wins (most all-time), 48 UFC fights (most all-time), 20 UFC finishes (second only to Charles Oliveira), and 16 post-fight bonuses (tied for third with Nate Diaz, behind only Donald Cerrone). His Gordon submission was his 20th finish in the Octagon. The numbers don't get touched in a modern matchmaking environment, which is exactly the kind of body of work that earns Hall of Fame consideration regardless of championship status.
Why Does This Contract Matter In The Paramount+ Era?
To have the promotion offer a five-fight deal to a 42-year-old fighters is pretty amazing. It represents stability for Miller.
It also lands at a meaningful moment for the UFC. The Paramount+ broadcast era brings real questions about long-term fighter security in a streaming-first model, and locking in one of the company's foundational guys for a defined runway is exactly the kind of move that helps the UFC point to long-form fighter storytelling rather than prospect-cycling. Miller is also the rare veteran who shows up, fights anyone, and never causes problems behind the scenes — the kind of pro the company quietly values more than most casual fans realize.
What's Next For Jim Miller?
Miller called out Conor McGregor after the event. It makes sense. He'd get a huge payday. He's not a major contender, but he is relatively well-known. I'm not sure if the UFC would be thrilled about putting McGregor in with a grappling specialist when he returns.
McGregor has been out since breaking his tibia against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, and his suspension for missed drug tests just expired in March, making him eligible to fight again. Miller's quote — "I'll test that new ankle he's got there, that titanium" — is exactly the kind of line that markets itself if the UFC wants to give the matchup a shot. Whether or not McGregor is the next opponent, Miller has four to five fights ahead of him and a built-in storyline that the UFC can shape into a true milestone send-off, similar to how other veteran legacy retirements have been handled this year.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Denver Broncos fourth-round draft pick Kage Casey was a left tackle at Boise State, but he has the size (6-5, 310 pounds) and versatility to also play as a guard or center, which coach Sean Payton described as "really attractive" following the NFL draft.
After being picked by the Broncos last month, Casey said during a conference call with reporters that he's willing to play "wherever they want me," and he noted that the club appreciates his versatility.
"I think even in the pre-draft process, me bumping to guard, playing a little bit of center in my pro day was something that helped me out a lot and something I think the Broncos could use," Casey said.
The 22-year-old lineman will likely begin his NFL career as a backup swing tackle/guard, providing cover at multiple positions.
“I think I play quick, aggressive," Casey said when asked to describe his game. "My football intelligence, my ability to read the field and slow down the game for myself, read pressure, see where a defender is going to be moving post-snap allows me to play fast. I’m an extremely consistent guy. I’m disciplined, and I’m ready to learn wherever I need to be.”
Denver has all five starting linemen from the last two seasons returning in 2026, so there's not an immediate starting spot available for Casey, but he figures to have a key backup role as a rookie. Casey will compete for a top backup spot this summer, and he could be a candidate to win a full-time starting job as early as 2027.
Defender Gomez, who is Liverpool’s longest-serving player, said their stars should leave Anfield if they were not upset by the reaction of the crowd and revealed that there have been many discussions behind the scenes as they have tried to improve their form this season.
“We feel it,” he said. “It's the last thing we want. For us older boys who have experienced so many good times here it does hurt. If it didn't then you shouldn't still be here.
“The main thing is that we're a team and we understand that in the dressing room we don't come in after a result like that without disappointment. There's frustrations and there's been plenty of voices and discussions and meetings from different people – staff, players. Black and white now, we need Champions League football, that’s the objective.”
Gomez, who came on for the closing stages on Saturday, said he could see why supporters did not want Ngumoha to go off, but also why Slot had to remove the 17-year-old winger.
He added: “To give a perspective, from the bench, Rio he's young and he played in the high-intense game. I don't know how many games he started this year but physically, he was tired, and I think those are the subtle things behind the scenes you probably don't realise.
“But we get it: Rio is a top player and as the ability to a bright, bright star for us in the future. But it was the later stages of the game and he’s tired. But I get it: he's flying, he looks good for us, he’s a big threat and if he comes off it’s like ‘Oh’ and the fans are entitled to that opinion.”
(Getty)
Gomez feels Liverpool are in a Catch-22 situation with their style of play when the crowd want to see more urgency and intensity but Slot’s more controlled tactics helped them win the title.
He explained: “I think we have to remember that tactically we made a step last year which was very effective and one of the strengths of our coaching staff is to adapt every game and try and expose and overload in certain areas and that that is a different style to the faster pace.
“We get that sometimes it's not as fluid or as high intensity on the ball as always. It does get frustrating when it gets fragmented but there’s also been times when it’s controlled the game, not as much this year.
“It’s a Catch 22 sometimes when you're trying to control the game, keep possession, but we expect to dominate possession percentage-wise any game we’re in but that isn't always high-paced, trying to thread the ball in behind and score.”
The Kansas City Chiefs successfully lobbied for the sanctioning of girls' high school flag football in Kansas. The recent vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board officially recognized girls' flag football as a high school sport in Kansas.
"Today's vote will make it possible for so many girls across the state of Kansas to play flag football," said Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. "We're incredibly grateful to the fans, families, educators, school leaders, and communities across Kansas who raised their voices and showed up in support of these athletes. This outcome reflects a collective effort, and we're proud to stand alongside everyone who helped make it clear that girls' Flag Football deserves a place in Kansas high schools."
Kansas becomes the 18th state in the United States to sanction girls' flag football at the high school level.
The Chiefs released the 'Let Her Play' video campaign, featuring many famous fans and current players, including head coach Andy Reid, and called on the public to support the petition. In total, more than 11,000 individuals signed the petition, urging Kansas leaders to expand access and opportunity for girls.
More information and available resources can be found at chiefs.com/hsflag.
The New Orleans Saints quietly made one of the best additions of the 2026 NFL Draft with the signing of undrafted free agent Zxavian Harris. He has to navigate some legal issues, but his elite frame, surprising athleticism, and special teams contributions make him an outstanding pickup if he can stay on the field. He will be instantly impactful and a dynamic presence on the Saints.
First and foremost, Harris must stay out of trouble. He was charged with a DUI in 2023 and domestic violence and obstruction in 2024. These issues are concerning and are pivotal to his long-term success in the NFL.
Additionally, Harris is currently rehabbing from foot surgery in March. Foot injuries are always a concern with a player of his stature, six-foot-eight, 330 pounds. This will force him to miss all of the Saints’ rookie minicamp; luckily, he’s expected to return by training camp.
Zxavian Harris could be a major contributor on Brandon Staley’s defense
Harris has the potential to be a game-changing player on Staley’s defense. His elite frame gives him staggering power, which helps him dominate opposing linemen. Additionally, his fantastic first step and outstanding lateral agility let him beat his competition off the snap.
This ability makes him impactful against the run, but Harris can also develop into a star while rushing the passer. His violent hand usage helps disrupt the lineman’s punch timing, which lets him easily shed blocks. Beyond this, he’s developed an impressive swim move that he consistently uses.
While these skills make him a dominating presence, his impact on special teams is what separates him from the competition. Harris is a star as a kick blocker, rejecting six in his career. His natural length pairs well with his athleticism, which allows him to leap in the air and get his hand on the ball.
Bryan Bresee has thrived in this role in the past, but adding another piece next to him would further elevate the group. It may not seem like a major upgrade, but it could pay dividends in the near future.
Overall, the Saints' adding Zxavian Harris in undrafted free agency has quietly become a top move during this draft cycle. His massive frame, surprising athleticism, and consistent impact make him a dangerous presence on both defense and special teams. Assuming he stays out of legal trouble, Harris is a major possibility to make the 53-man roster.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the mandate for their American Hockey League affiliate has always been clear: develop NHL-ready talent. But true hockey development isn’t just about calculating ice time, refining a skating stride, or maximizing power-play reps. It’s about plunging young players into high-stakes, pressure-cooker environments that force them to either sink or swim.
On Saturday afternoon inside a hostile, deafening Place Bell, the Toronto Marlies found themselves trailing 1-0 and 2-1 against a heavy, experienced Laval Rocket team. A loss meant the end of their season and a long summer of what-ifs. A win meant advancing to the North Division Final.
They chose the latter, stringing together a gritty, resilient 3-2 comeback victory to eliminate their divisional rivals.
At the very heart of the Game 5 victory was goaltender Artur Akhtyamov. The 24-year-old Russian netminder has been a fascinating prospect for Toronto, displaying a calm, almost icy demeanor in the crease throughout his young professional career.
Facing a barrage of early pressure from the Rocket and staring down elimination on the road, Akhtyamov was the backbone the Marlies desperately needed, stopping 20 of 22 shots to secure the series.
“My preparation was like, it’s a regular game,” Akhtyamov said in his post-game availability. “Obviously, it’s an important game, but I still [kept a] natural mood. Big game.”
It takes a unique psychological makeup for a young goaltender to block out the noise of an opposing crowd and the crushing weight of a do-or-die game. Even when Laval frantically pushed with the goalie pulled, forcing Akhtyamov to remain dialed in until the final buzzer.
"We have to focus every 60 minutes, and yeah, this two seconds was important too," Akhtyamov noted about the frantic final moments of the game.
For a Maple Leafs organization that is perpetually evaluating its goaltending depth chart to find internal solutions, watching Akhtyamov effectively handle the emotional swings of a playoff decider is a massive developmental data point.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of the game was the deployment of 21-year-old defenseman Blake Smith.
Undrafted but signed to an NHL entry-level contract out of the OHL's Flint Firebirds, the towering 6-foot-5, 218-pound Smith was thrust into his very first career AHL playoff game in the ultimate pressure situation.
Laval had injected rugged enforcer Vincent Arseneau into their lineup, threatening to physically overwhelm Toronto’s younger, puck-moving defensemen, most notably, highly-touted Maple Leafs prospect Noah Chadwick. Gruden needed an equalizer to ensure his young stars had the space to operate without fear, and he found one in Smith.
“Just the way it was going with them adding [Arseneau], just adding another big body to protect some of the D back there, to help Chadwick in situations with scrums because you got to make sure you’re putting people in positions to succeed,” Gruden explained. “Blake is a tough kid who’s willing to take a hit to make a play, and I could just tell he’s a hockey player and he wasn’t going to be afraid of the moment. I thought he was outstanding.”
Smith did exactly what was asked of him physically, but he also provided a crucial, unexpected offensive spark. With the Marlies trailing 1-0 in the second period, Smith blasted a shot through traffic to score his first professional playoff goal, tying the game and breathing life into the Toronto bench.
That blend of youthful exuberance and veteran insulation is exactly what AHL teams strive for. When Smith scored, it wasn't just a goal; it was an emotional catalyst for the entire roster.
“I just think we’re resilient,” veteran forward Vinni Lettieri said. “You have a guy like [Smitty] that’s just been patient sitting out of the lineup and working so hard each and every single day… and he comes in and he starts us off and has a big goal for us.”
Lettieri expanded on how much Smith's presence meant to the room.
“He’s just such a great teammate and he’s such a big defenseman out there. He takes up space, he ruffles some feathers when we need him to, and he sticks up for any teammate. So obviously when stuff like that happens for a guy like Smitty, you know you’re just so happy for him.”
After Smith’s tying goal, Laval pushed back to make it 2-1. In years past, a young Marlies team might have folded. But Gruden could feel the tide turning, sensing his group's growing maturity.
"I could sense the way that the game felt and the way it was going," Gruden said . "I thought there were some moments where I'm like, we're taking this over. Even though we were down
The New York Yankees have certainly been playing fine baseball over the last several weeks, but now, they have their first losing streak in quite some time as they have dropped the first two games in a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Saturday night's loss was particularly difficult, as the Yankees blew a 2-0 lead they held heading into the seventh inning, with both Brent Headrick and Camilo Doval surrendering a run apiece.
New York regained the lead in the 10th, but Fernando Cruz walked a batter and then allowed a game-tying infield single in the bottom half of the frame, and then Tim Hill entered the contest and made a wild decision to try and get the lead runner at third base on a rather routine ground ball. A sac fly then won the Brewers the game.
Yes, things got a little weird, and for the most part, Headrick and Hill have been terrific all year. But Doval has not been, and Cruz's command is sometimes a prominent issue. When he isn't locating that splitter, problems tend to arise.
The Yankees' bullpen had been performing well recently, but it's easy to see that there are problems here, starting with Doval's 6.14 ERA. David Bednar (who pitched well in an inning of work on Saturday) has walked a tightrope, too, and New York doesn't really have a single shutdown arm in its pen.
New York Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
This was a hole that was largely ignored by the Yankees during the offseason. Letting Devin Williams and Luke Weaver walk was okay, but they probably should have searched for upgrades ... or at least decent relievers.
Or maybe they should just do the wise thing and promote Yovanny Cruz from Triple-A?
Whatever the case may be, it's really hard to imagine New York winning a World Series with its current bullpen setup.
Now, to be fair, I find it equally difficult to envision the Yanks' bullpen looking the same after the Aug. 3 trade deadline. I absolutely think Brian Cashman will address it, much like he attempted to last summer in adding Bednar, Doval and Jake Bird.
But the trade deadline is three months away, and I'm really not sure the Yankees can wait that long to try and find a solution.
Again, it's entirely possible that New York's best bet — for now — is to look internally. I already mentioned Yovanny Cruz. He's an option. It's also true that Ryan Weathers will probably be headed to the bullpen once Carlos Rodon (who is starting on Sunday) and Gerrit Cole are both back in the fold.
But you kind of get the sense that the Yankees need to find another hurler fairly quickly, or else they might keep coughing up games they absolutely should be winning.
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Among those who tried out were Illinois center Josh Kreutz, son of Bears legend Olin Kreutz.
UWL offensive tackle Dain Walter, Texas Tech defensive end Terrell Tilmon, Hawaii running back Christian Vaughn, Louisiana offensive lineman Jax Harrington, UConn defensive back Devin Pringle, EKU defensive back Jaheim Ward, Youngstown State defensive back D.J. Harris, Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III, Holy Cross offensive lineman Pat McMurtrie, Kansas running back Leshon Williams, Oregon State defensive end Nikko Taylor and Northwestern linebacker Mac Uihlein also tried out.
Chicago signed Utah center Jaren Kump, Louisville quarterback Miller Moss, Wyoming offensive lineman Caden Barnett, San Diego State kicker Gabriel Plascencia, Tulane corner K.C. Eziomume, Kennesaw State running back Coleman Bennett, Oregon State safety Skyler Thomas, Wake Forest defensive tackle Jayden Loving, Florida State receiver Squirrel White, Georgia long snapper Beau Gardner, Iowa tight end Hayden Large, Michigan State WR Omari Kelly and Auburn OT Mason Murphy as UDFAs.
General Manager Ryan Poles made sure to cast a wide net for the Bears' rookie minicamp, and it didn't stop with UDFAs. Chicago brought in Super Bowl champion wideout Scotty Miller.
It seems Miller made a good impression, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Bears were signing him on Saturday. After all, he is an Illinois product, playing high school football at Barrington.
Miller's best years were with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He spent four years with the organization, and it wasn't long before he won a ring. Miller became a Super Bowl champ in his second season with the franchise in 2020. It was the best season of his career so far, as he recorded 501 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Miller isn't a Pro Bowler like Deebo Samuel, who one ESPN writer suggested as a solution at slot receiver, but he provides a deep threat for the Bears.
After Miller's time with the Buccaneers came to an end, he joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. He had 161 receiving yards and two touchdowns there.
He was most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the last two years.
After rookie minicamp, the Bears now have Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, Maurice Alexander, J.P. Richardson, White, Kelly, Zavion Thomas and Miller in the receiver room.
It's uncertain what Miller will do with the Bears, but with Ben Johnson, you've got to be excited about the possibilities.
One of the most overlooked teams on Notre Dame's schedule nationally are the SMU Mustangs. We're talking about a program that made the 12-team College Football Playoffs before Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan and USC. I understand, to a degree, why they're overlooked. It's because they play in the ACC and aren't named Miami or Clemson, but don't let the logo on the helmet fool you. Head coach Rhett Lashlee is building something down in Dallas.
In the last two seasons, SMU has gone 20-7 overall and have a 14-2 record in conference. They went 8-0 in conference play and 11-3 overall in 2024 when they played for the conference title and made the playoffs. This past season, they took a two-game step back and finished 9-4. They went 8-4 in the regular season and beat Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl to pick up their 9th win.
With that being said, my outlook on the Mustangs this season isn't solely based on what they did in previous years. Some of it has to do with the last two seasons, but it's also because of what they bring back for their 2026 campaign.
Starting quarterback Kevin Jennings returns as the signal caller on offense. In the last two years, Jennings has thrown for 6,886 yards, rushed for 408 yards, thrown 49 touchdowns, rushed for nine and thrown a combined 24 interceptions. The 6-0, 192-pound quarterback started to shake off the rough performance he had against Penn State in the playoffs midway through the 2025 season and it started to show.
On the road against Clemson, Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Two weeks later, in an upset win over Miami, the Texas native threw for 365 yards, one touchdown and added another on the ground and didn't turn the ball over. In November when they faced Louisville at home, Jennings threw for 303 yards, completed 78.4% of his passes, threw for three touchdowns and added another score on the ground.
His return brings a lot of confidence back to the SMU offense, but it's not just him. Up front, they return their center, right guard and right tackle. At running back, they brought in Kendrick Raphael from Cal who's coming off a 943-yard, 13-touchdown season with the Golden Bears. Wide receivers Yamir Knight and Jalen Cooper come back to step into much larger roles this season as well. They also brought in a pair of tight ends, Randy Pittman Jr. from Florida State and Theo Melin Ohrstrom from Texas A&M who the Irish faced at home last season.
Defensively, the back end is shored up with linebackers Brandon Booker and Alexander Kilgore returning. Their secondary is also in great shape with Marcellus Barnes and William Nettles coming back. The biggest question for the Mustangs defensively will be the play of their defensive line. They lost all four starters from last season and are inserting four portal players to start in the trenches. If they hold up and play well, their defense should be fine.
The 9-4 season they went through last season has to be the floor under Lashlee. Notre Dame needs SMU to be the 2024 version of themselves rather than the latter. This will, by far, be the toughest opponent the Irish have faced on Senior Day under Marcus Freeman and it could be a resume-building, second ranked win in November, something they didn't have last fall.
Ultimately, the Philadelphia Flyers were no match for the Carolina Hurricanes, but the injury bug certainly played its part in the 4-0 series sweep.
It was largely assumed on social media that a handful of Flyers players were dealing with injuries, evidenced either by their outright absence from the lineup or demonstrably decreased effectiveness.
Owen Tippett and Christian Dvorak were two examples of that.
On Saturday night, after the Flyers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Hurricanes in Game 4, Flyers.com writer Bill Meltzer reported that he heard Tippett was battling a sports hernia, and Dvorak was managing a separated shoulder.
Adding to that list, Meltzer added that defenseman Cam York had been playing through a rib fracture, an injury head coach Rick Tocchet alluded to in his postgame press conference.
Anecdotally, Dvorak's shoulder would explain why he failed to score in the Flyers' 10 playoff games despite scoring two goals apiece in his previous two postseason campaigns.
Still, the 30-year-old managed a career-high four playoff points, even without the goals.
As for Tippett, his playoff run ended prematurely with the Flyers' Game 6 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.
Tippett had been practicing with the Flyers during his absence, but ultimately, and understandably, was unable to return.
Just from my own personal observations, Tippett wasn't looking like himself late in the Penguins series. He was using his legs less and shooting less (more than one SOG in just two of six games), and those are two hallmarks of his game.
A substantial injury to the core area, like a hernia, makes those two things difficult to do well, if not outright impossible.
Flyers locker clean out day is Monday and will learn the injuries this team has been dealing with. When they are announced, fans are going to find a whole new level of respect for this team, especially Owen Tippett and Christian Dvorak. Both are warriors #IgniteTheOrange
— Brandon J. Sommermann (@B_Sommermann) May 10, 2026
Of course, in addition to York, Tippett, and Dvorak, center Noah Cates had been ruled out for the Hurricanes series after a lower-body injury that forced him to sport a walking boot and scooter.
With the losses of Tippett and Cates, the Flyers were down two top-nine forwards, plus half of Dvorak.
Giving the Hurricanes a run for their money was always going to be a tall task, but the aforementioned injuries were just insurmountable at the end of the day.
Given the gravity of this playoff run, though, the Flyers absolutely deserve all the plaudits they'll get for making it here and giving it everything they had.
They literally put their bodies on the line for this run.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic and teammate Jake LaRavia yell at referees after a perceived foul wasn't called against the Thunder during Game 3 on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
I swear, if Luka Doncic was playing, this second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder would be going differently.
But it’s not only because, without him, they’re stuck reliving a recurring nightmare; in all three games, the Lakers have played Oklahoma City tough in the first half, including taking the lead into halftime in Games 2 and 3, only for it to be yanked away.
It’s also because they’re also losing data points on the scoreboard going into a pivotal offseason.
This whole Western Conference semifinal series against these defending champions has been a lose-lose proposition for the Lakers, who are now down 3-0 and staring into the elimination abyss in Game 4 on Monday.
But throw in the 33.5 points per game Doncic averaged this season, and the Lakers don’t get outscored by a combined 54 points after halftime.
Calculate for Doncic’s career 30.9 points per playoff game, and let’s assume their high-water mark would surely eclipse Saturday’s tally in their 131-108 Game 3 loss at Crypto.com Arena.
For whatever that’s worth.
Which is little compared to what else the Lakers miss with Doncic on the bench, nursing the Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered on April 2 in Oklahoma City.
Lakers forward LeBron James, sliding backward across the baseline, looks for a foul call on a missed layup during Game 3 against the Thunder. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
For the Lakers, this end-of-the-road series is most valuable as an evaluation period for next season. It’s a barometer reading: You are here. The Thunder are there.
The goal now is to build a team around Doncic that could conceivably keep pace with Oklahoma City, and so they’re evaluating who will help do that if they come along for the ride next year.
But the Lakers are doing these playoff measurements without Doncic on the court. They’re test-driving the wrong car toward vacation.
Doncic can expect a postcard in the mail: Wish you were there.
So does he, of course.
“It's very frustrating,” Doncic said between Games 1 and 2, standing with his hands in his pockets, pained to report that he wasn’t close to returning, five weeks into his eight-week return-to-work timeline.
“I don't think people understand how frustrating it is. All I wanna do is play basketball, especially this time. It's the best time to play basketball. It's very frustrating seeing what my team is doing. I'm very proud of them. It's been very tough, to, just to sit and watch them play.”
He got to see the Lakers upset the Houston Rockets in a six-game, first-round series without him and, for four games, Austin Reaves — who is averaging 18.7 points and shooting 40% from the floor and 25% from three-point range this series, having become a higher priority of the Thunder’s physical defense without having to deal with Doncic.
On Saturday, Doncic had to watch another lead — and with it, another opportunity to steal a game — disappear as if by a cruel magic trick. As time wore down, Doncic sat on the bench next to Reaves, staring blankly, hands folded in his lap, like so many Lakers fans at the arena.
The Lakers’ latest deflating loss could have used Doncic’s energy,his showmanship, his fire. He’s among the league-leaders in that, too.
“Look, yeah, when you have the league’s leading scorer out there – if he was – it definitely changes the dynamic of a team,” said guard Luke Kennard, who scored 13 of his series-high 18 points in the first half Saturday.
“Obviously, we miss him. And we know he’s working his butt off right now [to return to play] … but yeah, I mean, he would definitely change it for us. But right now, he’s not.”
Kennard is right, of course. Things would be different if Doncic was out there dealing.
Not that different.
But the Lakers at least wouldn’t be running out of gas so far from getting home every game, and they’d also have a better idea of how much farther they have to go.
Virat Kohli is once again on the verge of rewriting the record books. Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Kohli stands just 28 runs away from becoming the first batter in IPL history to score 1,000 runs against the five-time champions.
In RCB’s last outing against MI at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli crossed the 1,000-run milestone against Mumbai Indians in T20 cricket, including runs in both the IPL and the Champions League T20. Kohli scored 50 off 38 balls in that match and now has 1,030 runs against MI in overall T20s. However, in the IPL alone, he has 972 runs against them, meaning he needs just 28 more runs to become the first batter to score 1,000 IPL runs against Mumbai Indians. His consistency against one of the league’s most successful teams highlights both his longevity and dominance at the highest level.
Kohli’s record vs Mumbai Indians in IPL
Innings: 34
Runs: 972
Average: 32.40
Strike Rate: 128.91
50+ scores: 7
Highest score: 92*
Sixes: 36
Fours: 83
His tally already places him ahead of several IPL greats, including KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni in terms of IPL runs scored against Mumbai Indians.
Top 5 highest run-scorers against MI in IPL:
Player
Inns
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
High Score
Not Outs
100s/50s
KL Rahul
21
977
65.13
135.13
103*
6
3/6
Virat Kohli
34
972
32.40
128.91
92*
4
0/7
Shikhar Dhawan
28
901
39.17
128.34
82*
5
0/6
Suresh Raina
34
824
29.42
139.42
83*
6
0/7
Manish Pandey
25
796
36.18
130.27
81*
3
0/6
If Kohli reaches the 1,000-run mark today, MI will become the fifth team against whom he has achieved the milestone in IPL history. He has already scored more than 1,000 IPL runs against Chennai Super Kings (1174), Delhi Capitals (1172), Punjab Kings (1159), and Kolkata Knight Riders (1021).
Virat Kohli in IPL 2026
Virat Kohli has enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 season so far, scoring 379 runs in 10 matches at an average of 47.38 and a strike rate of 164.07. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star currently sits ninth in the Orange Cap standings, with a highest score of 81 and three half-centuries to his name.
Kohli began the season in dominant fashion, including an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, although he suffered a rare two-ball duck against Lucknow Super Giants in his most recent outing.
This season, Kohli also became the first player in IPL history to cross 9,000 career runs and the first batter to hit 800 fours in the tournament. His performances have played a key role in RCB’s strong campaign as they remain among the leading playoff contenders.
Kohli is currently 115 runs behind Orange Cap leader Heinrich Klaasen and just 26 runs away from breaking into the top five run-scorers of the season.
Adam Yates finished third in the Tour de France in 2023 [Getty Images]
Britain's Adam Yates has been pulled out of the Giro d'Italia after suffering concussion in a heavy crash on Saturday.
Yates, 33, hit a barrier at high speed in a huge crash on a wet descent that involved about 30 riders. Two of his team-mates suffered fractures and were taken to hospital.
Although Yates managed to finish the stage to Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, he lost 14 minutes to the leaders.
"He was initially assessed on site for concussion, and cleared to continue, but subsequently he has shown delayed concussive symptoms. He will not take the start of stage three."
This is the first Grand Tour that Yates has contested that he will not finish. He has seven top-10 finishes to his name overall in Grand Tour races.
Team-mates Jay Vine of Australia and Marc Soler of Spain were badly hurt in the crash. Vine suffered concussion and an elbow fracture, while Soler has a pelvic fracture.
The team said Yates, Vine and Soler would be kept under observation by medical staff before travelling home in the coming days to recover.
Arne Slot situation compared to final days of Roy Hodgson
James Pearce believes Arne Slot is now facing the kind of pressure at Liverpool not seen since the final days of Roy Hodgson’s disastrous spell in charge, following another hugely frustrating display against Chelsea.
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The Reds were booed at full-time after a 1-1 draw at Anfield against a Chelsea side who had lost six consecutive Premier League matches before travelling to Merseyside.
Despite an encouraging opening and Ryan Gravenberch’s early goal, Liverpool once again lost control of the contest and drifted into another passive, disjointed performance.
Pearce draws worrying Liverpool comparison
Writing for The Athletic, Pearce compared the current mood surrounding Slot to some of the darkest periods of the modern era at Anfield.
“The parallels are undeniable.”
The journalist referenced Brendan Rodgers’ difficult end to the 2014/15 season before explaining why the reaction inside Anfield on Saturday felt even more alarming.
“A Liverpool manager hadn’t faced this level of dissent on home turf since the final throes of Roy Hodgson’s tenure in late 2010.”
That is an extraordinary comparison to make given how much goodwill the Dutch coach built after winning the Premier League title last season.
However, patience among supporters is clearly beginning to evaporate as performances continue to deteriorate.
Pearce described a “mutinous mood” inside Anfield and pointed towards the loud boos that followed Rio Ngumoha being substituted midway through the second half.
Liverpool performances continue to decline
Slot explained after the game that the 17-year-old winger was suffering from cramp, but supporters wanted Cody Gakpo removed instead as frustration boiled over.
The worrying aspect for Liverpool is that the criticism is no longer isolated.
Pearce acknowledged the sympathy within FSG regarding Liverpool’s injury crisis, especially after losing Diogo Jota last summer and then suffering setback after setback throughout the campaign.
Still, the wider concern is obvious.
Liverpool no longer resemble the aggressive, intense side supporters expect to watch, and the atmosphere at Anfield now reflects that growing disconnect between fans, manager and team.
Barcelona could be crowned champions against fierce rivals Real Madrid in a historic Clasico that comes amid reports of in-fighting at the Bernabeu.
Barcelona are 11 points clear of Madrid in LaLiga and would win the title if they avoid defeat at Camp Nou. In the 97 years of LaLiga, the title has never been won in this fixture.
Real Madrid are in crisis, too, with the club confirming that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde following reports of a training ground bust-up that left Valverde in hospital.
Real Madrid won the first Clasico of the league season 2-1 at the Bernabeu, a result that sent them top at the time. But Barcelona have been top since late November, have won 10 league games in a row and are four more wins from a 100-point season.
Here’s everything you need to know
When is Barcelona v Real Madrid?
Kick-off at Camp Nou is at 8pm BST (UK time) on Sunday 10 May.
How can I watch El Clasico in the UK?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Premier Sports 1. A live stream will be available via the Premier Sports website.
What is the team news?
Barcelona remain without star forward Lamine Yamal but Jules Kounde is able to return from suspension after missing the win at Osasuna. Gavi and Pedri are keeping Frenkie de Jong out of the side but Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford could return to the wings with Dani Olmo behind Robert Lewandowski in attack.
Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Federico Valverde is missing due to a head cut sustained in his training ground clash, but Aurelien Tchouameni is inlcuded in the travelling squad so could feature. The injury list is long with Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Arda Guler out. Thibaut Courtois has also missed several weeks with a thigh injury.
Celtic cannot afford to drop points as they chase leaders Hearts, who are bidding to end the Old Firm’s dominance and become the first team outside of Glasgow’s big two to win the league since 1985.
The Jambos were yesterday held to a controversial 1-1 draw at Motherwell, which means Martin O’Neill’s side can reduce the deficit to just one point with a victory over their rivals.
Rangers were all but knocked out of the race by losing 2-1 to Hearts at Tynecastle on Monday, despite Danny Rohl’s side leading 1-0 at the break, but they would love to harm Celtic’s title chances.
Celtic and Rangers drew 2-2 in the last league meeting in March, before an explosive Scottish Cup quarter-final that finished with fans clashing on the pitch in the immediate aftermath of Celtic’s penalty shoot-out victory.
Here’s everything you need to know
When is Celtic v Rangers?
Kick-off at Celtic Park is 12pm on Sunday May 10.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
What is the team news?
Celtic are without Julian Araujo and Cameron Carter-Vickers in defence and Viljami Sinisalo continues to start in goal ahead of Kasper Schmeichel. Kelechi Iheanacho’s winner against Hibs last weekend could convince Martin O’Neill to bring him in from the start while Daizen Maeda has been passed fit.
Rangers left back Tuur Rommens is fit again and is likely to come back into the side in place of James Tavernier, with Dujon Sterling moving over to the right. Andreas Skov Olsen is likely to drop out after an ineffective display at Hearts but Danny Rohl has no other injury concerns.
West Ham host Arsenal in an all-important fixture in their battle for Premier League survival, but the top-flight leaders will be wary of their relegation-threatened opposition too.
The Hammers are a point shy of safety and opened the door to Tottenham with a 3-0 defeat to Brentford last time out, with Spurs duly obliging by beating Aston Villa, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo’s men running out of time.
Meanwhile the Gunners are two points clear of Man City and riding high off the euphoria of making the Champions League final, where they will face defending champions PSG.
It’s been a good week for the Premier League leaders after that game and a 3-0 league win over Fulham, while City dropping points at Everton means the title race is well and truly Arsenal’s hands.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is West Ham vs Arsenal?
West Ham play Arsenal at the London Stadium on Sunday 10 May, with kick-off at 4.30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and streaming service Sky Go.
Team news
Nuno can call on a full-strength team, with keeper Lukasz Fabianski the only absence with a lower back injury.
Arsenal remain without Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino; Arteta admitted the pair may not return before the end of the season as they struggle to recover from ankle and foot injuries respectively.
Predicted line-ups
West Ham XI: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville, Wilson, Castellanos
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres
During the opening lap of the race at the Miami International Autodrome, the two drivers collided, resulting in aerodynamic damage to Hamilton’s Ferrari that compromised his race pace.
Frustrated by the contact, the seven-time champion was later caught on untelevised onboard footage raising his middle finger at the Alpine driver as Hamilton finally managed to overtake him on the back straight.
But by the time the race was over, it all seemed to be water under the bridge.
“Fighting on track but leaving it behind off track is something we love to see. Good sportsmanship,” one approving fan wrote on Reddit, while another added: “Race was young Lewis, after race unc Lewis kicked in again.”
“Exactly as expected. Adrenaline always runs high and from your point of view you're always right... Then the race ends, you cool down, you have time to reflect, maybe watch a replay and get a different perspective. Love to see there's no bad blood between them and hopefully more battles to come,” someone else commented.
Others branded the moment “wholesome”.
“Looks like Colapinto trying to apologise and Lewis playing it down and saying it’s all good. Wholesome,” one wrote.
Hamilton commented on the contact in an Instagram post after the race. “A challenging weekend for us,” Hamilton posted. “With the contact, I was pretty much stuck in no man's land and couldn't extract more from the car.
"Tough to take especially given all the hard work the team has put in, but this won't define us. It's how we keep going. We're taking what we can from these past few days and putting everything else behind us. We move forward."
Fabio Di Giannantonio has reached an agreement to race for the factory KTM team in the 2027 MotoGP season - opening the door for Nicolo Bulega at VR46.
The 27-year-old, who until now had been contracted by Ducati while racing for VR46, had set Friday of the French Grand Prix weekend as the deadline to receive an offer from the Italian manufacturer that satisfied his financial demands.
But Ducati and Valentino Rossi’s team asked the rider for more time to make a decision and instead of doing so, di Giannantonio has accepted KTM’s offer to become a factory rider alongside Alex Marquez.
The Italian's dream was to become a factory rider for a manufacturer and, in parallel, increase his annual salary to around €2million. These are two ambitions that are fulfilled by signing for KTM, a move that was finalised on Saturday night in the Le Mans paddock at this weekend's grand prix.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team
Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team
Bulega and Marini, VR46’s two options
VR46 must now look for a second rider next year to partner Fermin Aldeguer. Aldeguer, who is contracted by Ducati as a factory rider, will leave Gresini to move to the Tavullia team’s garage.
Motorsport.com understands that the options for that second position are Bulega and Luca Marini. The former, a Ducati factory rider in the World Superbike Championship, has a contract that also makes him a test rider in MotoGP, with “the promise” of an eventual move to the premier class.
“If Diggia does not continue with us, our main option to replace him is Nicolo,” commented a source at Ducati, which would take care of the salaries of the two VR46 riders.
However, there is one detail that could complicate Bulega’s arrival in MotoGP, which is Marini’s situation. If Rossi’s half-brother does not manage to continue at Honda or does not find another destination on the premier class grid, the team could bring him back for next season. But that would mean having to take charge of the rider’s salary and pay Ducati for the full bike.
Our draft-pick introductory series rolls on as we enter the seventh round for the Cincinnati Bengals, where they made two selections. The featured player here: Texas tight end Jack Endries, pick No. 221 overall for the Bengals.
As always, Dane Brugler's The Beast will help guide the creation of this article and these facts.
Has caught passes from at least No. 1 overall pick, potentially two
Before Endries made it to Austin to join the Longhorns in 2025, he spent the first three years of his college career at California. His quarterback those three years? Some guy named Fernando Mendoza. The one who transferred to Indiana and gave the Hoosiers one of the greatest seasons in school history. The one who won the Heisman Trophy, went 16-0 and won the National Championship. The one who just went No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and is now the future of the Las Vegas Raiders.
But Mendoza may not be the only No. 1 pick Endries catches passes from. His current quarterback, Texas' Arch Manning, is the current favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Endries totaled 91 receptions for 1,030 yards and four touchdowns in two playing seasons at Cal with Mendoza. He posted 33 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns last season with Manning at Texas.
Fantasy football helped Endries get into football
Football wasn't always Endries' No. 1 sport. He grew up playing soccer, swimming, and baseball. He didn't get into football until high school. The reason he got into football? His friends were playing fantasy football. Matthew Berry would be proud.
His sophomore season was in 2019. That was the year New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Michael Thomas went on a tear, catching 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. Hopefully, Endries had Thomas on his team.
Received recruiting help from fellow alum Zach Ertz
Endries attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California (about 30 miles from San Francisco). Among the alumni of Monte Vista are linebacker Nate Landman, quarterback Jake Haener and longtime tight end and Super Bowl champion Zach Ertz.
Ertz ended up playing a role in getting Endries recruited in college. The 3-time Pro Bowl selection shared Endries' highlights on social media. That helped Endries receive offers from Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV as well as seven Ivy League schools. That was in addition to the offer he already had from Fresno State. Endries ultimately committed as a preferred walk-on to Cal and eventually received a scholarship.
On the back of Storm Stacey's helmet was a learner plate and a tongue-in-cheek message saying, 'How's my riding? Call me'.
Pretty good, it turns out.
A talented rider with a big personality, Stacey arrived at the North West 200 as one of the most high-profile newcomers in recent years in Northern Ireland.
The 23-year-old is a rising star in the British Superbike Championship and he was making his road racing debut on the north coast.
People had high expectations, but he exceeded even his own high standards.
After impressing in qualifying, he won his second-ever race after out-duelling home hero Michael Dunlop on the final lap of the Superstock race that had those in attendance on the edge of their seats.
Better was to come in the feature Superbike race - the North West 200's blue ribband event - when he led front the front and was the beneficiary when an oil spill stopped the race after three laps.
After it was deemed it would take too long to clean up before roads would have to reopen to every day traffic, Stacey was declared the winner to make it a debut double.
"You can never ask for more than that," Stacey summed up.
Mentored by Michael Rutter, a 14-time winner at the North West 200 and veteran of the sport, Stacey's breakthrough win showed that he was a fast learner.
In the initial start, he missed his braking point on the long run to University Corner and ended up taking a detour into the grass run off.
A reg flag led to the race being restarted from their original grid positions, and Stacey made his second attempt count as he traded places with Dunlop - a nine-time NW200 winner - on several occasions on a thrilling final lap.
In doing so, he became the first winner in their debut year since Christian Elkin in 2007.
Dunlop is the one of the sport's biggest names, and the adulation Stacey received after defeating a fan favourite showed how he had been adopted by the local support.
There was a long queue outside his merchandise stall after his win and the top hats - which Stacey wears to promote talking about mental health and in tribute to his late father - were long sold out.
"I didn't think in my wildest dreams that he would be here winning two races, so he deserves all the credit in the world," said event director Mervyn Whyte.
Rivals impressed as Stacey pays tribute to Holan
His rivals were equally as impressed. Glenn Irwin had been talking about his British Superbike rival ahead of the event and wasn't surprised that he delivered.
The two had gone head-to-head in the final Superbike race, and Stacey's victory ended Irwin's 12-race winning streak in the category.
Irwin was circumspect, saying you "win some and you lose some" and added that Stacey "had done an incredible job".
He did, however, suggest that Stacey's inexperience at road racing led him to "ride harder" than the other competitors, and is hopeful he will "clean it up a little bit" due to the dangers of racing on closed public roads.
While Irwin lost his Superbike crown, he has welcomed the emergence of a new rival.
"He deserves the success now and whatever he has in the future," Irwin added.
"My rivals have changed every year since I've been here. At first it was Alastair [Seeley, the record wins holder], it was Davey [Todd] and Michael [Dunlop] at moments, Dean [Harrison] has pushed me every year and Storm is there now.
"Rivals always change. My motivation in racing is always to win. I'm grateful to have rivals.
"The rivalry is on track, and off track the respect is always there."
Holan, 48, was the first rider to be killed at the North West 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas in 2016, and the 20th in the 97-year history of the event.
His family gave their approval for the event to continue, as the riders on the grid vowed to race on in his memory.
The Czech flag on the main grandstand was flown at half mast and a minute's silence was held on the grid ahead of racing.
Stacey, too, had his own personal tribute.
Debutants at the North West 200 have to wear an orange vest to show they are new to the event.
After his first win, Stacey signed his and auctioned it off in the hospitality suite. It raised £3500, and all proceeds will go to the family of Holan.
While riders are rivals on track, Stacey's contribution highlighted how the road racing community comes together in times of tragedy.
The young and the old
Aged 62, and some 39 years senior to Stacey, Jeremy McWilliams rolled back the years to extend his record as the oldest rider to win at the North West 200.
The former MotoGP race winner claimed the second Supertwins race on Saturday after he was pipped in the opening race of the day.
McWilliams admitted he "got caught napping" on the final lap by race winner Peter Hickman, and while that may be a usual problem for someone eligible for their bus pass and pension, he bounced back with a dominant win in the penultimate race of the event.
"I've been chasing this for a while. People will say the older you get the less likely it is to come.
"This is for the people who believed in me."
Next month will mark the 25th anniversary of McWilliams' sole MotoGP win at Assen - before Stacey was even born.
But for McWilliams, winning at his home race is "possibly the best feeling you could ever get".
"Standing on top of that podium feels every bit as good as it did at Assen," he said.
For Dean Harrison, one of the most popular riders in the paddock, it was another case of what could have been as he missed out on a first North West 200 win.
Luck wasn't on his side as he was second in both Superbike races and the Supersport outing, all of which were impacted by red flags.
He was also contending in the Superstock race, where he was leading before a stoppage, and he was then forced out with a mechanical issue after the restart.
The final Superbike race was a 17th podium at the event for the Honda rider, but that victory remained elusive.
"I'm not disappointed, I've had a good day all-in-all.
"It's one of those things. I think I'm riding well so if I can bring that to the TT then I'll be fighting somewhere for a win."
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the lottery for the first time since 2016, and they are using a familiar face to represent the organization in Chicago.
Mallory Edens will once again be the Bucks' representative at the NBA draft lottery, doing so for the second time in her life. The last time Edens represented the Bucks in this stage, she was deemed a good-luck charm as Milwaukee earned a top-two pick.
If the Bucks win the lottery this year, it would fundamentally change Milwaukee's future as the team assesses the future of star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Get to know Edens ahead of the draft lottery on Sunday.
Mallory Edens is the daughter of Bucks co-owner Wes Edens and represented the Bucks at the NBA Draft lottery in 2014 as well. Then 18 years old, Edens went viral as the Bucks earned the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, a pick that the team used to select Jabari Parker.
Mallory Edens will be representing the Bucks at the NBA Draft Lottery this Sunday.
In 2014, she was the representative when the Bucks received the second overall pick. pic.twitter.com/0QxcBEQ8G0
In the past, Edens was rumored to be dating Aaron Rodgers at one point, although that was never confirmed publicly. She also once mentioned how going viral at such a young age was difficult to navigate.
"I actually think people actually don't know that much about me and I think that the biggest misconception — is just that they don't know that much about me," Edens said last year. "I went really viral on the internet at a really young age and it put me in this place where I felt so protective of myself because the things people were saying online about me at that time felt so harmful."
Edens also said that she enjoys being part of the Bucks family and doesn't rule out staying in basketball in her future.
"I have such a deep respect for what the front office does. And I love just getting to be a fly on the wall in their conversations," Edens said. "I always tell my dad exactly what I think all the time…We have a respectful banter about those things. So we're not always on the same page but I always let him know exactly how I feel. I love basketball. I'm open-minded about what my future holds."
Edens' father, Wes, is worth $2.5 billion, according to Forbes. Wes Edens has made a career in the finance industry, as he cofounded Fortress Investment Group, was a partner at BlackRock, sold Fortress to SoftBank for $3.3 billion, and is the CEO of New Fortress Energy.
The report states as well as Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and AC Milan are monitoring developments, and Arsenal could be tempted to cash in for £35-£40m.
A source told Caught Offside:
“Nwaneri is struggling right now and that means Arsenal are going to have to consider a sale.
“Things can change quickly, but he clearly isn’t progressing as expected, and they’ll feel they can get a decent fee for him.
“Chelsea have tried signing him before. They’re still keeping an eye on how this develops, as are Dortmund, Juventus, and Milan.
“Many top clubs in England and Europe still see him as a fantastic talent, and he might benefit from a fresh start.”
Nwaneri is currently on loan at Marseille, where he’s scored two goals in 11 appearances, and the 19-year-old is under contract at Arsenal until 2030.
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In other news…
Calum McFarlane has hinted Levi Colwill could start the FA Cup final after an impressive performance against Liverpool.
Colwill started his first game of the season at Anfield following an ACL injury, and Chelsea immediately looked better both defensively and in their build-up play.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Toni Toney knows her family role. It’s to have all the right answers. Maybe your mom had the same job with some of the same questions.
“Mom, why can’t I stay up later?”
“Mom, can I watch this show?”
“Mom, where should I go to school?”
Toney was no different with her five children, though the questions are different with Malachi, her fourth child and second boy — “the baby boy,” as mom says of the University of Miami star receiver. “That’s what I call him. My baby.”
It’s Mother’s Day, and you can go through the South Florida sports pages to find a mom’s impact on the bigger names from any age or angle. Tennis legend Chris Evert won everything in that sport, but didn’t hesitate when asked about her biggest accomplishment: “Being a mother.”
Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo was taken by his mother, Marilyn Blount, from the rough streets of New Jersey to the backwoods of North Carolina for a better life.
“I’m nowhere without my mother,” Adebayo said.
Coco Gauff’s mom, Candi, over saw her daughter’s homeschooling to help her tennis. Heat legend Dwyane Wade saying his energy came from his mother, Jolinda, a preacher. Jimmy Johnson realized the light went out on his coaching fire when he stood over his mother’s coffin and knew he wanted to spend more time with family.
Here’s the thing about most such sports names we meet: They’re finished products. Adults in careers. Stars, in most cases, if we get to know them. Malachi Toney is 18. He might be as big a name as there is in college football right now. But he’s just a college sophomore.
Yet there he was the other day, leading a clinic for a few hundred youth at the same Washington Park he played on just a few years ago. An 18 year old giving back? Advising a group of hopeful players, “It’s all about the work?”
Someone taught him right — or is teaching him, present tense, because he was just college football’s big freshman name. Toni, who raised him as a single mom, knew Malachi was different from the time Malachi stepped on a football field at age 7. Everyone did.
She didn’t even want him playing football then, because he was so small. But his local youth team needed a quarterback.
“I’ll play it,” Malachi said.
It needed a defensive back, too.
“I’ll play it,” he said.
Mom didn’t try to hold him back. When that park closed and she needed a new one for her two sons, she found Washington Park for them. Malachi wasn’t sure he wanted to play there, but she knew this was a good place. Wasn’t finding good answers her role?
“My philosophy to him was, to be blunt, ‘Go take someone’s spot,’” Toni said. “I said, ‘Outwork him.’ That’s what he did, too.”
That’s what he’s always done. He’s the first to show up early for Hurricanes practices — even after his stellar freshman season for the 6 a.m. practices this spring.
“Watching my mom get up early for work — if she can do it, why can’t I?” Malachi told reporters when asked.
That brought tears from mom, a postal worker who starts each day at 5 a.m. She didn’t know he thought anything of her early hours until that comment. But her navigating his football youth in big and small ways is part of their story.
They have a word for the map she’s drawn up: The Blueprint. “Follow the blueprint,” she’ll tell him.
She had her role in that. It included mom not just being the organizing mother for youth teams but getting involve in the park. She became an official, overseeing the park’s meetings and representing it before the city commission.
The Blueprint included picking the right high school. She learned from the process of Malachi’s older brother, Monroe, who just joined the Hurricanes this winter as a defensive back.
“Monroe wanted to go to the high school of a coach he knew,” Toni said. “I let him play there. Then, the coach left and it wasn’t the same.”
Two years later, when Malachi was ready for high school, mom researched private schools, academics, coaches and football programs. Malachi attended Plantation American Heritage. But that wasn’t the only football conversation they had. He’d been a quarterback all his youth but now decided to play receiver.
“OK, let’s talk about it,” she said.
It came down to size. How tall did he need to be? Who was the tallest NFL quarterback? Malachi, now 5 foot 11, wasn’t the prototype quarterback but fit at receiver. His mother ran track in high school, but Malachi’s speed and athleticism came from his father, Antonio Brown, a receiver and return specialist who played in the Canadian Football League and three years in the NFL (the other Antonio Brown from Miami played for 12 NFL seasons with Pittsburgh, New England and Tampa Bay.)
Next came the decision to leave high school a year early, at 17.
“It just made sense to us,” mom said.
They discussed three ideas about college: Opportunity to play, exposure of his name and development. Miami checked all boxes. She gave him the same advice in sending him to college that she did at Washington Park: "Go take someone’s job."
“I went to every practice that first (training camp),” she said. “Why? Because I needed to see what he’s doing with my own eyes. I don’t need to hear what anyone said. I needed to see because that’s my son and so I’ll go every day.
“I was in my car on my way to the last fall practice, and he texted me. ‘Congratulations, you have earned a starting position as slot receiver at the University of Miami.’ That was my last practice. I cried. I told him, ‘Congratulations, you keep your head down and keep the same work ethic.’ ”
They’ve kept the same mindset, too, in the NIL era. Toney’s agent, Justin Giangrande, helped organize the Washington Park clinic. They also had a turkey giveaway last Thanksgiving at the park.
“It takes a community,” Toni said. “And this park is part of our community.”
He’s 18. Just 18. The best part of that is the good story mom helped script is just starting.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees grabs his left leg after being struck by a line drive in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 09, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees dropped their first series in a while, losing the first two games in Milwaukee after getting shutout in the first one and getting walked off in the second. New York was in control late, though they’d wasted chances to grow their lead outside of a couple of Paul Goldschmidt RBI hits. The bullpen got themselves into jams after Cam Schlittler kept them off the board through six, and when they eventually bended the game went into extras. The dreaded 10th inning on the road went how it usually goes for the Yankees, and now they’re looking to avoid the sweep today with the first member of the rotation cavalry returning in Carlos Rodón.
Before the matinee finale gets underway, we’ve got a couple things on the docket for you. Scott talks to Oswaldo Cabrera down in Scranton as the infielder works his way back from the gruesome leg injury he suffered last season, and then Matt has a double-feature covering the Rivalry Roundup and honoring Ed Barrow on his birthday. After the game, John will be around to deliver the weekly social media spotlight.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees at Milwaukee Brewers
Time: 2:10 p.m. EST
Video: YES Network, Brewers.tv
Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, MI
Questions/Prompts:
1. How do you think Carlos Rodón will look in his season debut?
2. Can Spencer Jones collect his first career hit before the team leaves Milwaukee?
CHICAGO — DJ Harris’ welcome-to-the-NFL moment came on the final play of Chicago Bears rookie minicamp Friday morning.
Scotty Miller, an eight-year veteran with a Super Bowl ring from his time running routes for Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ran a go route. Harris grabbed hold of Miller and tried to keep up as quarterback Maverick McIvor — a tryout player from Western Kentucky by way of Abilene Christian and originally Texas Tech — lofted a ball down the right sideline inside the Walter Payton Center.
Harris was all over Miller, and had there been officials at practice, a yellow flag surely would have been tossed. The crafty veteran hauled in the pass as the offensive players erupted in cheers.
It’s no knock on Harris, a tryout player who spent the last two years at Youngstown State after starting his college career with three seasons at Division II Tiffin. He competed throughout the play. There will be more reps Saturday.
Miller knows the ins and outs of the league, and he has a chance to latch on with his local team as the Bears probably could use a little more depth at wide receiver on their 90-man roster.
The two-day minicamp is a crash course for the seven-man draft class — and other newcomers — on how the team operates on the field and in the weight room. The rookies will be mixed in with the veterans beginning Monday during Phase 2 of the voluntary offseason program.
“It’s more about just introducing them to our way of life,” coach Ben Johnson said before practice. “That’s really the objective here. Good start already (Thursday) night. I know a lot of information was digested and we’ll see it come to life here.”
First-round pick Dillon Thieneman got his first taste of things. The Bears ran through circuit drills for the first 20 minutes of practice, and then he took reps at strong safety in 7-on-7 drills. There won’t be any highlight videos of him breaking up passes. The ball never made it his way.
Ultimately, Thieneman will be tasked with learning both safety positions. On special teams he lined up as the personal protector during some simulated punts. If he’s a starter on defense, as expected, his special teams role probably will be minimal, but you have to learn your way around, especially as a rookie.
“Been waiting for this moment for a while, so to get out there, it’s cool,” Thieneman said.
lt certainly was a little different to see center Logan Jones, a second-round pick from Iowa, wearing No. 54. The number hadn’t been issued since Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher last wore it in 2012.
Chairman George McCaskey was adamant after Mike Ditka’s No. 89 was retired in 2013 that the Bears were done retiring numbers, a situation they were sort of forced into by being too liberal with retirements decades ago.
And it was different seeing a Kreutz wear No. 57 again as Illinois center Josh Kreutz participated on a tryout basis, more than 15 years after his father, six-time Pro Bowl selection Olin Kreutz, last manned the position for the Bears. If he sticks around, hopefully the team picks a different number for Josh. No pressure, kid.
The newcomers ought to get up to speed pretty quickly with the veterans as organized team activities approach later this month, and then mandatory veteran minicamp comes in June. The Bears had a very productive rookie class a year ago when you consider the statistical output by tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III and running back Kyle Monangai. Ozzy Trapilo made six regular-season starts at left tackle, and defensive end Shemar Turner was starting to pitch in before a torn ACL.
They say it takes a couple of years, sometimes as many as three, to fully evaluate a draft class. Loveland is certainly the real deal. Can Burden ascend to become a No. 1 receiver at some point? Is Monangai’s future as a complementary back or more? Time will tell.
The current crop of draft picks will have different timelines. Thieneman might be the only one projected to start right away. That’s not to say Jones and cornerback Malik Muhammad, a fourth-round pick from Texas, won’t have opportunities to push for action.
Johnson reiterated what he has said previously: Once you’re on the roster, he doesn’t care how you arrived, meaning draft status and contract size don’t matter to him as he’s going through evaluations.
“How can they provide value for this football team?” Johnson said. “Is it special teams? Is it competing for playing time on offense or defense? That’s really up to them.”
Cornerback is a position to keep an eye on. After waiving Zah Frazier on Thursday, the Bears have 11 on the roster if you include free-agent pickup Cam Lewis as a reserve nickel corner and not a safety. That’s probably one light of where the team will be by training camp.
There’s plenty to prove at cornerback. Veteran Jaylon Johnson hasn’t been involved yet in the offseason program, a source said. That’s consistent with how he has operated previously, and the program is voluntary. Johnson surely is fully aware of the stakes on the table for him this season with no guaranteed money remaining in his contract in 2027.
There are opportunities for reps, and the starting job opposite Johnson will have to be won. Tyrique Stevenson, entering a contract year, must prove he can be the consistent performer the Bears have longed for since picking him in the second round in 2023, or else he’ll face a real challenge from someone.
Nahshon Wright, an unknown this time a year ago, emerged to become a starter, and Nick McCloud found meaningful playing time. They were a couple of veterans who forced their way on to the roster, but both are gone now.
Rookie minicamps usually don’t deliver many revelations. There can be some “ooh” and “aah” moments if there’s a highly touted quarterback. The Bears want to get everyone up to speed so they can evaluate their full roster.
Maybe they’ll add a wide receiver or two to the mix, and Miller did have the play of the day. Surely they’re on the lookout for a cornerback. There will be more reps for Harris after a tough one at the end Friday.
Spalletti irked by Juventus approach, opens up on squad revamp: “Not possible”
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti rued his team’s inability to kill off the match against Lecce, as they settled for a slim 1-0 win.
The Bianconeri broke the deadlock through Dusan Vlahovic just 11 seconds into the match. However, the next 90+ minutes didn’t bear any goals, even though the Serbian and Pierre Kalulu thought they had netted, only to be denied by offside calls following VAR interventions.
With this win at the Via del Mare, the Old Lady temporarily leapfrogged Milan in third place and extended the lead over Roma to four points.
However, Spalletti was far from satisfied with the team’s attitude throughout the game, as his men failed to secure the result with a second goal, as they looked hesitant to take the initiative.
Luciano Spalletti displeased with Juventus attitude at the Via del Mare
After the contest, the Tuscan manager addressed his team’s issues, beginning with the negative approach that left them exposed, especially in the final stretch of the game.
“We’ve been saying it for a while now, and tonight was the same again. It was a copy-and-paste of so many other matches,” said the former Italy boss in his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia via JuventusNews24.
“We produce stretches where we completely dominate, and it feels like everything is under control, then comes the moment of superficiality where everything drops off, and we totally lose our identity.
“We make passes that are unbelievable considering the level of football these players have in them.”
Spalletti explained how the team’s mindset tends to gradually unravel throughout the course of the game, as players gradually start losing control.
“To put in dominant performances like the ones we showed, you need a certain level of quality. But then we can’t sustain that concentration, determination, and character over time.
“We start doing things carelessly, we lose a bit of composure, doubt and fear creep in, and suddenly the game is back in the balance.
“Then we get annoyed, we grab the game back by the scruff of the neck and drag it onto our side again.
“It’s all a rollercoaster, because this sort of match cannot end 1-0. It shouldn’t end 1-0. How many times did we get into positions around the edge of the box with huge advantages and situations where all we had to do was make a choice? But instead of taking one of the good options, we pick the third one — the one that punishes us. That’s just how we are.”
Spalletti on the transfer market and returning Vlahovic
Spalletti then opened up on the club’s summer plans in his chat with former Juventus midfielder Giancarlo Marocchi, who was in the Sky studios.
“If you read the newspapers, it would sound like out of a 25-man squad we’re changing 18 players. That’s not possible. Marrocchi, you know well that in the transfer market, it becomes a problem.
“These players need to know this is a serious project — and John Elkann said it tonight as well to our fans. The project we want to build includes many of these players. Replacing huge numbers of them is difficult right now.
“As you know, Juventus have already spent heavily in recent transfer windows, so it’s not easy to start over and rebuild deeply. Things have to be done properly.
“Of course, football evolves, and you have to keep up with the times; you have to add quality, but more than anything, the growth has to come from within. These players need to know that, from both the club and me, many of them will stay. Then obviously we also need to be good at bringing in others because we do have shortcomings.”
Spalletti admitted that Juventus were sorely missing a striker like Vlahovic while he was out of action, explaining the difference between him and Jonathan David, who struggles in physical duels.
“We missed Vlahovic badly, like bread and butter, because he’s a player with different characteristics. You can’t play football without someone who offers those qualities.
“A team that wants to win needs a physical focal point, a strong focal point, maybe not necessarily tall but dynamic, someone with physical impact, someone who can handle duels, hold up the ball and score goals.
“You need that type of player. David scores goals too, but when it comes to contested balls and physical battles…”
Match Preview: Arsenal must refocus quickly for dangerous West Ham test
Just a few days after one of the greatest European nights in recent Arsenal history, Mikel Arteta now faces a very different challenge, making sure his players quickly switch their focus back to the Premier League.
Tuesday’s emotional Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid secured Arsenal’s place in the Final and sent the fanbase into dreamland, but there is little time to celebrate with a difficult away trip to West Ham now next on the schedule.
The Gunners head to the London Stadium knowing they cannot afford any drop in standards if they want to keep the pressure firmly on Manchester City in the title race.
West Ham are currently in the bottom three on the table and currently face relegation which will not make the Gunners job any easier today.
Arsenal must manage emotion as well as fatigue
One of the biggest concerns for Arteta may not simply be tired legs, but emotional energy.
The Atletico victory demanded enormous physical and mental intensity from Arsenal’s players and there is always a danger of a slight comedown following such a huge occasion, especially with a Champions League Final now looming later this month.
Arteta has already confirmed that both Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino will miss the match.
Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard could return to the starting lineup after both began on the bench in midweek, while Gabriel Martinelli may also come back into the side to add pace and directness against a compact West Ham defence.
Declan Rice will once again be central to everything Arsenal do against his former club and the midfielder’s leadership could prove especially important in what feels like a potentially awkward fixture.
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Bowen remains West Ham’s biggest danger
If West Ham are to cause Arsenal problems, much will likely depend on Jarrod Bowen.
The England international has consistently troubled Arsenal in recent meetings and remains the Hammers’ biggest attacking outlet, particularly during transitions and counter attacks.
Arsenal will need to dominate possession while remaining disciplined defensively, especially when committing bodies forward.
However, if Bukayo Saka, Odegaard and Rice can establish control early, Arsenal should still create enough chances to continue their push at the top of the table.
This now feels like a match that will reveal a lot about Arsenal’s mentality. Winning after the emotional high of Atletico would be another huge statement from a squad still fighting to win the Premier League for the first time in over two decades and go all the way in the Champions League.
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JACKSONVILLE — Two elite triple jumpers, two Ocoee High standouts, two young distance prodigies, a pole vault winner with gymnastic experience, and a sprinter who set a national record before she hit high school — all among the best in Central Florida history — scored state titles to highlight Orlando area accomplishments on the final three days of the FHSAA state track and field finals at the University of North Florida.
Kissimmee Gateway junior Maxwell Garcon became the sixth Orlando area boy to leap 50 feet in the triple jump in Friday’s Class 3A meet. He jumped from second to first place by bouncing out to 50 feet and three quarters of an inch on his fourth and final attempt.
That came a day after Montverde Academy junior Samuel Johnson, already in the exclusive 50 foot club, jumped 50-4¼ to take the 2A championship. Johnson, who leaped 50-9¾ to win at the Florida Relays, also won the long jump for the Eagles.
The all-time triple jump record-holder is Seminole High graduate Andre Scott, who set a national record (since broken) of 53-7½ as a 2003 senior in Orlando’s discontinued Golden South Classic postseason meet. Scott’s FHSAA meet record of 52-5½ still stands. He became an Auburn All-American and has been a college assistant coach for more than 20 years — now at Ole Miss.
Here’s the all-time triple jump list:
53-7 Andre Scott, Seminole, 1993.
51-6 James Beckford, Boone, 1993.
51-2 Armani Wallace, Colonial, 2025.
50-9¾ Shane Lewis, Deltona, 2010.
50-9½ Samuel Johnson, Montverde, 2026.
50-3¾ Maxwell Garcon, Gateway, 2026.
Ocoee senior Jaiden Manning, who gave up football after going out for track as a sophomore, won Saturday’s 4A boys 110-meter hurdles in 13.92 seconds. He’s now confident he will earn a college scholarship to race.
His senior teammate, Devin Matthews, an oh-so-close state runner-up in the 800 last year, erased that disappointment with a 47.24 victory in the boys 400. He is also getting college attention.
“I felt really relaxed and for the last 200 I just left it all on the track,” Matthews said. “This means a lot because I felt short last season.”
On the girls side, Lake Minneola sophomore Vanessa Waite had to settle for second in the 100-meter dash with an 11.57 time, but then sped to a 4A victory in the 200 with 23.17 performance. That’s Florida’s fastest this year and the No. 9 time in the nation. Waite set a 15-16 national age group record with a 23.26 time to win at the 2024 AAU Jr. Olympics and was happy to finally eclipse that time.
“I was a little down about not winning the 100, but I know I’m better in the 200,” Waite said. “That’s my race. I’m very confident in myself now.”
Bishop Moore freshman Annabella Tomasic ran a career best 4:53.25 to win the 1,600 title in 3A. That’s her third state title — along with her November cross country win and the cross country championship she claimed as a seventh grader running for Lake Highland Prep. Tomasic was Friday’s runner-up in the 3,200 at 10:44.47.
Montverde Academy senior Nakira Hudson won the 2A girls 400 (53.24), finished fourth in the 200, and ran on the winning 4×400 relay as the Eagles tied Bolles of Jacksonville for the team title. Both scored 84 points. Montverde senior Jizelle Holland piled up points with runner-up finishes in both hurdles finals, a sixth in the triple jump and a leg on the winning relay.
Lake Nona Arrabella Duffel, a tiny sophomore (5-feet-tall) who was a highly-ranked age group tennis player before switching to distance running, won the 3,200 with a strategic 10:29.10 effort. Finishing 15th out of 16 in the 2025 state meet was her motivation.
“I’ve been wanting this for so long,” said Duffel. “It’s like tennis in a way because every single lap is like a different (tennis) set.”
Rain fell for much of Saturday’s 4A meet, and competition was stopped for just over an hour in the afternoon. UNF’s rubberized track held up well for fast race events, but wet conditions were a challenge in the pole vault for Lyman junior Nora Garraughty. That didn’t stop her from winning with an 11-feet, 9¾-inches clearance. She has vaulted 12-3½ in drier conditions and wants to climb past the 13-foot mark with continued training with Bill Cashman, whose Thin Air Vault Club has produced nearly 60 state champions in four decades.
“I thought it was fun vaulting in the rain. But the hard part was gripping the pole,” Garraughty said with a smile. “I wanted to jump higher, but I still have summer meets.”
Spruce Creek’s Mikayla Palmer and Boone senior Naima Durandisse both cleared 5-7¾ in the girls high jump. Palmer won the state title because she had no misses until the bar was moved up to 5-9¾. Durandisse, who signed with Santa Fe College for basketball but hopes to get a ride to USF as a versatile jumper, had one earlier miss.
Cypress Creek senior Alondra Rodriguez, who won the girls 400 hurdles last season, finished fourth Saturday with a 1:00.28 time that was not what she wanted. Nia Armstrong of Sickles (Tampa), a sophomore, won with a 58.88 time that ranks No. 2 nationally.
Wekiva was third in the girls 4×100 (46.58).
Kissimmee Osceola’s Nicole Oliveira finished third in the girls long jump (18-5¼).
Ocoee’s Jayla Newton was third in the javelin (124-3).
Lake Brantley senior Layla Fuller finished fourth at 2:10.96 in a fast 800.
Boone’s girls were 12th with 19 points, followed by Lake Minneola (18), Osceola(17) and Seminole (17).
Class 4A boys
Oviedo senior Aiden Aysun was runner-up in the 1,600 with a school record time of 4:11.71.
Taylor Royster, another Oviedo senior, long jumped 23-11¾ to break his own school record and place second.
St. Cloud’s Denzel Hawkins was third in the 400 hurdles (54.42) and fourth in the 110s (14.32).
Lake Minneola had two boys runners-up: Wesley Morisseau in the high jump (6-5½) and Tyler Mullings in the discus (160-3).
Ocoee was fourth with 31 points in a meet won by Flanagan (77.5).
Class 3A
Bishop Moore’s girls ran an area-best 9:16.05 for second place in the 4×800 relay. The Hornets totaled 26 points, good for seventh in the team standings. Dillard of Fort Lauderdale topped Niceville 69-64 to take the title.
Innovation’s Mariah Turner long jumped 18-7¼ for fifth.
Elijah Cantero of Bishop Moore was the boys 400 runner-up (47.57) and ran on a 4×100 relay that placed second with a 41.23 time. Jones was fifth at 41.53.
The Hornets and Gateway tied for 11th in the boys team standings with 16 points each. Niceville won the title with 88 points.
Gateway’s Ethan Antle cleared 14-3¼ for fifth in the pole vault.
Class 2A
Montverde’s girls were led by senior Jizelle Holland, who scored in all four of her events. She was runner-up in the 100- and 400-meter hurdles with times of 14.30 and 59.84 seconds, sixth in triple jump, and ran on the winning 4×400 foursome (3:44.69).
Also for the Eagles, Angelica Wolfe was second in the 800 (2:11.70); DaQuana Howell was runner-up in the 200 (24.25) and fifth in the 100 (11.97); Adriana Rodriguez was third in the 400 (53.88) and fifth in the 200 (24.55).
Lake Highland Prep’s Saleigh Simpson placed fourth with a 40-2¾ shot put.
Montverde senior Grant Williams cleared 14-feet, 9-inches to win the boys pole vault. His ninth grade teammate, Max Georgiev, placed fourth at 14-3¼.
Windermere Prep’s Akai Tonge placed third in the boys 110 hurdles (14.55).
Lake Highland Prep’s Connor Allen ran 47.59 for third in the 400.
"I think tonight summed it up really well. Seeing so many fans here and them being able to come out on the pitch afterwards just shows how tight this club is," Wainwright said.
"It was a special occasion for me tonight being my last home game here; I think going into next year, [there are] plenty of positives for the Dragons.
"Hopefully they keep the momentum going from what we've done this year because we've had some real good wins over the course of the season.
"Hopefully they can give the fans more to get behind next year."
Aaron Wainwright has become a cult figure with Dragons supporters [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Despite this, Wainwright commended the Dragons fans for their support throughout his nine years at the club.
Many supporters even came dressed up as the Wales number eight, emulating his famous blonde mullet.
"It was awesome having the fans on the pitch. Very hectic as well," Wainwright said.
"I spoke in the week about having that connection with the fans after the games. Even though we lost tonight, they were still in full voice and that's what it's been like over the course of my career here.
"No matter what the scorelines have been, no matter what peaks and troughs we've gone through, the fans are always here cheering us on and supporting us.
"So I can only thank them for sticking by us for so long. They've been awesome."
Wainwright will play his final game for Dragons on the final weekend of the URC season in a Welsh derby away to Scarlets on 16 May, before making his move to Leicester in the summer.
Wainwright is excited by the prospect of challenging himself in England.
"There is a load of history there at the club (Leicester) which was a major attraction for me. The way the Premiership is played week in, week out, the love of competition there," said Wainwright.
"Hopefully I can add to what they're already doing there at Leicester and it can help take my game to the next level.
"I'm really excited about getting started in this next chapter of my career."
Wainwright has also drawn praise from Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia, who says Leicester are lucky to have the Welsh number eight.
"He's a champion of a man. He's very unique, softly spoken. We're going to miss him," said Tiatia.
"We wish him all the best going to Leicester Tigers and they're very lucky to have got him."
PSG will meet Brest at the the Parc des Princes in their next ligue 1 match on Sunday.
Luis Enrique’s men are currently on a five match unbeaten run in all competitions and needs four more points to win the league.
PSG vs Brest – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 10th May.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris.
PSG team news
Paris Saint-Germain enters this fixture grappling with a significant “injury wave” following their gruelling Champions League exploits.
Manager Luis Enrique is forced to reshuffle his backline as both Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho have been ruled out with thigh injuries.
They are joined on the sidelines by key midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is struggling with lower back pain, and long-term absentees Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Chevalier.
These absences leave the Parisians particularly thin at fullback. However, the squad receives a timely boost with the return of centre-back Illia Zabarnyi and striker Gonçalo Ramos, both of whom have completed their respective suspensions.
With several starters unavailable, expect a makeshift defensive line featuring Lucas Hernández and Senny Mayulu in the full-back positions.
Goncalo Ramos is likely to lead the line immediately upon his return as Enrique looks to rotate his squad.
Brest team news
Stade Brestois 29 heads to the Parc des Princes facing defensive shortages of their own as they look to pull off an upset. The most notable absence is regular right-back Kenny Lala, who is serving a suspension, forcing Eric Roy to look for alternative solutions on the flank.
The backline is further weakened by the continued absence of Bradley Locko, who remains out with a hamstring injury, and Soumaïla Coulibaly, who is sidelined by a stress fracture in his tibia.
There are also late fitness concerns regarding forward Ludovic Ajorque; while he travelled with the squad, a nagging back issue makes him a doubt for the starting eleven.
Form
PSG
PSG are on “cloud nine” after reaching the Champions League final by overcoming Bayern Munich 6–5 on aggregate. Domestically, they sit at the top of Ligue 1 with 70 points. While they recently drew 2–2 against Lorient, they have been dominant in 2026, winning 16 of their last 18 matches. A win tonight would likely secure another league title, ending the race with RC Lens.
Brest
Brest are enduring a difficult spell, currently on a six-match winless run in Ligue 1. They sit 12th in the table after a heavy 4–0 defeat to Paris FC last weekend. Their recent away form is particularly concerning, with only one win in their last ten road games. Despite earlier draws against Lens and Nantes, the “Breton side” struggles for consistency and faces a daunting task at the Parc des Princes.
Predicted lineups
PSG: Safonov; Mayulu, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, L Hernandez; K Lee, Vitinha, D Fernandez; Mbaye, G Ramos, Barcola
Puyol: ‘Bastoni a very good defender, but playing at Barcelona isn’t easy’
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has given his verdict on Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a summer move to join the Catalan giants this coming transfer window: ‘Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy’.
Puyol comments on Barcelona links to Bastoni
For several months of the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have been linked with a move to sign Bastoni from Inter during the next summer transfer window.
Recent updates claim that Barca are beginning to cool off in their pursuit of the Italy international, and that the signing of a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski may be more of a priority than the purchase of a new luxury centre-back, but nothing has yet been ruled out either way.
The potential transfer of Bastoni continues to be a hot topic of conversation regardless, and former Barcelona defender Puyol was recently asked about the prospect of signing the recently-crowned Scudetto winner.
“You should ask Deco,” Puyol told DAZN when asked if he thinks Bastoni is the ‘right’ choice for Barcelona this summer.
LIMA, PERU – NOVEMBER 29: Carles Puyol waves to fans prior to the 2025 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Final match between Palmeiras and Flamengo at Estadio Monumental on November 29, 2025 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
“I think he’s a very good defender. I also think that Barcelona have very good defenders, youngsters who know Barcelona’s style well.
“Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy with such a high line. Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt, but if the club thinks they have to go and get Bastoni, then I think they’ll be buying a strong player and they will have analysed him perfectly to understand if he’s the right choice and whether his purchase is feasible, because in the end, you can want a player but there aren’t always the right conditions to buy him.”
A decisive Clásico with La Liga at stake: Barcelona have historic opportunity against eternal rivals Real
Barcelona face Real Madrid in what could be a historic El Clásico contest this evening.
The Catalans are closing in on a second straight Spanish league title and will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat at Camp Nou this evening.
It marks a historic opportunity for Barcelona, who can winLa Liga with a direct result against their arch-rivals for the first time. The La Liga leaders are 11 points clear of Real Madrid with four games to go, and a draw would be enough tonight to seal their success.
Hansi Flick's side will head into the clash with confidence against a Real Madrid side in crisis. Reports this week have emerged that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has fallen out with several squad members, in echoes of Xabi Alonso's short-lived reign earlier in the campaign.
Furthermore, Federico Valverde was involved in an altercation with teammate Aurelian Tchouameni that saw the Uruguayan hospitalised andboth players fined €500,000.
Alongside that drama, a remarkable petition to have leading scorer Kylian Mbappe sold has generated millions of signatures.
Barcelona, in contrast, are riding a 10-game winning run in La Liga that has propelled them to the brink of the title. The Catalan club can secured back-to-back La Liga titles this evening, an achievement that Real Madrid have not managed since 2008.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praises 'unbelievable' young team ahead of El Clasico
Ahead of the game, Flick has hailed the atmosphere and connection at Barcelona, praising the performances of his young side.
"The atmosphere, the connection between the players is something really special," the German coach said in a news conference on Saturday.
"We have players with a lot of quality, world class players. The connection between everyone is amazing -- [especially between] the academy players because they have known each other many years.
"Winning a second title with this young team would be unbelievable. The players have made a fantastic job and now we want to win the title, the second in a row, which is amazing -- and not normal here in Spain."
PSG will face Brest at the Parc des Princes in their next Ligue 1 match on Sunday.
Luis Enrique’s side is currently unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions and needs just four more points to secure the league title.
PSG are in high spirits after reaching the Champions League final, having edged past Bayern Munich 6–5 on aggregate. In Ligue 1, they lead the table with 70 points. Although they were held to a 2–2 draw by Lorient recently, their domestic form in 2026 has been impressive, with 16 wins from their last 18 games.
PSG team news
PSG are dealing with several injury concerns following their demanding European campaign. Luis Enrique will need to adjust his defence, as both Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho are sidelined with thigh injuries.
Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery is also unavailable due to a back issue, while Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Chevalier remain long-term absentees.
These setbacks leave PSG short of options in the full-back areas. On a positive note, Illia Zabarnyi and Gonçalo Ramos return after serving suspensions.
With several key players missing, PSG may field a reshuffled defence, likely using Lucas Hernández and Senny Mayulu in full-back roles.
Up front, Gonçalo Ramos is expected to start right away as Enrique looks to rotate his squad.
PSG predicted lineup
Possible PSG starting XI: Safonov; Mayulu, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, L Hernandez; K Lee, Vitinha, D Fernandez; Mbaye, G Ramos, Barcola
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday, 10th May.
How to watch PSG vs Brest?
In the UK, the match will be available live on Amazon Prime Video as a pay-per-view option.
Jason McAteer pinpoints tactical issue that hurt Liverpool against Chelsea
Jason McAteer believes Chelsea deliberately targeted Curtis Jones during Liverpool’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Anfield, with the former Red insisting the Scouser’s lack of experience at right-back became an obvious weakness.
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Liverpool started brightly and deservedly took the lead through Ryan Gravenberch, but once Chelsea settled into the game, their attacks repeatedly came down the left-hand side through Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer.
Speaking on The Reaction via the official Liverpool podcast, McAteer explained why he felt the tactical battle swung heavily in Chelsea’s favour.
McAteer explains Curtis Jones concern
The former Liverpool midfielder stressed that Jones’ natural instincts as a central midfielder were causing problems defensively.
“Curtis is not a natural right back… he likes to drift inside.”
McAteer argued that someone on the pitch should have recognised the danger much earlier.
“If I was a leader on that pitch… I’d be saying to him, ‘listen, don’t be venturing into midfield, you just hold your position at right back.’”
That frustration reflected what many supporters inside Anfield were seeing as Cucurella continually found space down Liverpool’s right flank.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international made clear he wasn’t criticising the 25-year-old’s effort, but instead the positional discipline required when playing out of position.
“What I won’t do with Curtis Jones is criticise him for his endeavour… but sometimes you’ve got to be disciplined and play the position you’re playing.”
Chelsea exposed Liverpool weakness
McAteer then explained how straightforward Liverpool’s tactical weakness would have looked from the Chelsea dugout.
“If I’m the Chelsea manager and I’m looking for weaknesses in Liverpool’s team, the first thing that’s going to stick out is who’s playing out of position.”
That analysis matches the wider criticism surrounding Liverpool’s performance after another passive display against struggling opposition.
Jones himself actually grew into the contest and thought he had scored in the second half before being denied by the offside flag, but the larger issue remained obvious throughout the afternoon.
Liverpool once again looked disjointed defensively, uncertain in possession and far too easy to play through once the momentum shifted away from us.
NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson was batting on 85 off 48 balls. Chennai Super Kings were already running away with the game at the Wankhede. Mumbai Indians still had two overs of Hardik Pandya left, but the MI skipper tossed the ball towards Krish Bhagat, who was playing just his second IPL game.
Bhagat went for 16 runs, and MI eventually faced the biggest defeat by runs in IPL history, by 103 runs. In the end, it turned out to be an inconsequential over in the context of the match, but questions were raised about Hardik's decision to opt against bowling the last over himself. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene later described it as an opportunity for the youngster (Bhagat) "to step up".
Since the beginning of 2026, Hardik has bowled 60 balls (10 overs) at the death for India in eight innings, taking five wickets and conceding an economy rate of 9.7. In the ongoing IPL, he has bowled just three overs in that phase across seven innings, taking one wicket and conceding 15.7 runs an over.
In India colours, Hardik is the crisis manager, the player trusted with the final over of a World Cup final (at Kensington Oval two years ago in the T20 World Cup final 2024 vs South Africa). He also bowled the 19th over at the Wankhede in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final against England.
In T20Is, Hardik Pandya is India's "Clutch God" with the bat as well as with the ball. But when he plays for Mumbai Indians, since 2024, that clutch god is invisible. In India colours, Hardik Pandya is everywhere. In MI's Blue and Gold, since 2024, Hardik Pandya is nowhere.
Hardik with the ball since 2024
Since 2024, the year Hardik returned to MI from Gujarat Titans (GT), he has bowled 108 balls in the first six overs for MI, conceding 219 runs at an economy of 12.17 and averaging 73.0 with three wickets.
For India in T20Is, Hardik has conceded 394 runs in 290 deliveries of 31 innings in overs 1-6. His economy for India drops to just 8.15, and he averages 39.4 with 10 wickets.
The same pattern follows in the "death overs" too, between overs 16-20.
In India colours, Hardik has bowled 179 balls in overs 16-20 and conceded 274 runs at an economy of 9.18 since 2024. He has averaged 15.2, taking 18 wickets in the same period.
For MI, the junior Pandya has conceded 208 runs in 88 balls since 2024 and his economy rate has been 14.18. This means Hardik concedes five more runs per over when bowling for MI in death overs compared to India in T20Is.
The striking difference in Hardik’s strike rates in 'death
'
Since 2024, between overs 16-20, Hardik has played 302 balls in 26 innings for India, scoring 556 runs at a convincing strike rate of 184.1. The all-rounder has averaged 29.3 with the bat in the same period while hitting a six every 7.7 ball.
For MI, Hardik Pandya's numbers fall drastically. Since 2024, the right-handed batter has faced 173 balls in the IPL between overs 16-20, scoring 270 runs and his strike rate falls to 156.1. Hardik has averaged 15.0 and hits a six every 11.53 balls.
Dig deep and you'll find the problem laid bare.
Since 2024, only five batters (Surya, Tilak, Naman Dhir, Tim David, and Pandya) have played 50 or more balls for MI in overs 16-20 in the IPL. Among those, Hardik Pandya, while scoring the most runs for MI in this period, has struck at just 156.1 which is the worst among the five.
The closest to Pandya is Tim David, who scored at 181.42 when he was part of MI in 2024. Surya has scored with the highest strike rate in this period, at 204.71.
For India too, Pandya has scored the most runs (556) in overs 16-20 since 2024. But his strike rate shoots up to 184.11, which is the third best among all Indian batters who have faced at least 50 balls in the same phase.
The missing aura
The above numbers do not suggest that MI's dismal performance in two of the last three IPL seasons has all been due to Hardik, far from it. However, the MI captain has not been at his best for the franchise since his return in 2024, compared to his performance for India during the same period.
Whether captaincy pressure is the factor for this dip is the question that only Hardik himself can answer. But numbers tell that Hardik hasn't had the same impact for Mumbai Indians since his return in 2024.
For India, Hardik Pandya is the player trusted to bowl difficult overs and finish matches with the bat. But since returning to Mumbai Indians in 2024, he has not had the same impact in the IPL. The numbers show that the player India depends on has looked different while playing for MI.
El Clásico is as much a cultural battle as it is a sporting showdown. And in this psychological war between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Camp Nou tifos have often played a central role. Some have become true symbols in the history of Spanish football.
A look back at these displays that have left their mark on the archives of El Clásico.
“As hungry as they are”: Mavropanos rallies West Ham to attack Arsenal with survival on the line
Konstantinos Mavropanos has said West Ham have no option but to 'go for it' when the club take on Arsenal this afternoon.
West Ham take on their title-chasing London rivals with both teams in need of the points. The Hammers dropped back into thePremier League's relegation places last weekend, after losing 3-0 to Brentford, and are a point from safety with three games to go.
The visit of Arsenal is the first of three massive games for the Irons, who travel to Newcastle and host Leeds before the end of the campaign.
Arsenal arrive at the London Stadium for today's derby with the title race in their hands. The Gunners have a two-point lead over rivals Manchester City, and are closing in on a first league title in 22 years.
Though the teams are at opposite ends of thePremier League table, Mavropanos has said West Ham are just 'as hungry' as Arsenal in the battle for precious points.
“It’s a big game but I think we are as hungry as they are, obviously for different things, but it’s a game that we have to go for it,”said the Greek defender, who spent four years at Arsenal earlier in his career.
“It’s one positive and really important that we play two games at home because we need our fans and their energy in these moments as well to push us.
“We have to make sure that we are going to be ready and we will go for it because that’s the only option.
“Right now, I think it’s getting tough. It’s not in our hands, but the only thing that we have to do is to keep fighting, because it’s football, you never know what’s going to happen and once we give everything we have and get the best out of these three games, then we will see where the table will be in the end.”
CLEVELAND – The Detroit Pistons’ worst first half of the Eastern Conference semifinals wasn’t enough to eliminate their hopes of winning Game 3. No, it was self-inflicted mistakes late that allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to find their mojo late and prevail on their home floor, 116-109, on Saturday, May 9.
With the game tied at 104, Cade Cunningham’s inbounds pass to Daniss Jenkins was intercepted by Max Strus. The Cavaliers wing immediately raced downcourt for a fastbreak layup, giving Cleveland the lead with 2:28 to play.
Cunningham committed turnovers on each of the Pistons’ next two possessions – a bad entry pass to Jalen Duren that was picked off by Jarrett Allen, followed by a bad kickout to Tobias Harris that went out of bounds. All three turnovers took place over a 40-second stretch and were costly.
Finally, James Harden scored seven straight points to help Cleveland close out the win, narrowing the Pistons’ series lead to 2-1. After using a 28-9 run to erase a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, the Pistons had nothing to show for it in a road loss at Rocket Arena.
But it did leave them with lessons for when they regroup on Sunday ahead of Game 4 on Monday (8 p.m., NBC). Cunningham’s miscues hurt, but their issues Saturday went deeper than just one player.
“We did our job getting back into the game,” said Cunningham, who nearly had a quadruple-double: 27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and eight turnovers. “Fourth quarter, turnovers, they had a couple of opportunities out in transition and stuff. A couple bad ones where we don’t get the ball on rim, inbound the ball, little things that, just careless turnovers. I wouldn’t even say careless, I care about it, but just bad plays that could’ve got shots on rim and could’ve gave us an opportunity to win this game.”
Cunningham was responsible for their most prominent mistakes at game's end. But it was an all-around uneven performance for a Pistons team that won the first two games, handily, to enter Saturday riding a five-game postseason winning streak.
The Pistons were outscored 32-18 by the Cavaliers in the second quarter, the result of allowing Cleveland to shoot 68.6% over the entire first half while shooting just 37.5% themselves (including going 2-for-14 on 3s). After knocking down their first two 3-point attempts, they missed 15 in a row before Tobias Harris finally connected at the 7:22 mark of the third.
There were too many missed open shots and not enough defensive resistance as the Pistons struggled with the whistle. They were called for 12 personal fouls in the second quarter, and Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson all had three fouls at halftime.
“Second quarter, obviously we gave them too many good opportunities at the 3,” said Harris, who scored 21 points in reaching the 20-point threshold for his eighth straight playoff game. “Just missed assignments from us all around, offensive boards. The possession game. In the second half, we did a great job of finding our rhythm, our flow and settling into the game, understanding the type of physicality that’s needed for this environment and this structure of a game. Like the way we responded.
“Tough end result for us but a lot of good things we can grow on for it and be ready for the next one. We know where we made our mistakes tonight. We know where we need to be better. We’ll watch the film on it and get ready for the next one.”
It was a bad first half for the frontcourt, collectively– Duren and Isaiah Stewart. They combined for just four rebounds over the opening 24 minutes and struggled to seal off the paint, as Cleveland shot 17-for-22 (77.3%) inside the arc. It led coach J.B. Bickerstaff to turn to Paul Reed in the third quarter, and Reed’s energy was a key part of the 28-9 run that got the Pistons back into the game.
Reed, who finished with 11 points and three rebounds on 4-for-4 shooting in just under 10 minutes, checked in for Duren with 5:07 to go in the third quarter. He immediately finished a slam out of the dunker’s spot courtesy of a nice entry pass from Duncan Robinson; Reed’s putback dunk at the 2:30 mark of the third gave the Pistons their first lead, 76-74, since the score was 30-27 late in the first quarter.
“I just thought at that moment, what we needed is what P Reed provides and he provides that spark, that instant impact to make plays, whether it’s defensively or offensively,” Bickerstaff said. “I think he impacts the game. When you’re down, he’s a guy that you can go to that can raise the energy and I thought he did a great job of that again tonight.”
He went on to play most of the fourth quarter and scored seven more points, bringing the Pistons within three, 99-96, midway through the final period with a pair of free throws. Duren checked back in with roughly 4:30 to go, but went scoreless, with one rebound and one shot attempt in the fourth.
Bickerstaff’s decision to play Reed in the second half of Game 6 against the Orlando Magic was fruitful, as the backup big man helped spark their historic comeback win from a 24-point deficit. It paid off again on Saturday, prompting a question on why he decided to insert Duren back in for Reed with the game on the line.
“You always have those thoughts about what you want to do,” Bickerstaff said. “I think JD’s done a great job for us all year long. P Reed obviously provides a spark for us. We went back with JD.”
Because the Pistons are also focusing on building for the future, Bickerstaff has leaned on Duren in late-game situations even in games in which he has struggled. Duren was better in Games 1 and 2 than in Game 3, in which he finished with nine points, four rebounds and two steals. They’re going to let him try to solve his issues.
The formula that worked as the Pistons built a 2-0 series lead – stout, physical defense, timely shot-making and controlling the boards – remains their best formula for success. The Cavaliers found life in front of their white-out home crowd. The Pistons know what they need to do to get back on track.
“We know it’s a war, not just one battle, so it’s about getting four wins,” Cunningham said. “Just continuing to play our brand of basketball and see if they’re able to withstand that. Beyond that, us trying to break through and go and take wins is the name of the game. This series is what it is. We’re ready for the next game and ready to get back to it.”
CLEVELAND – The Detroit Pistons’ worst first half of the Eastern Conference semifinals wasn’t enough to eliminate their hopes of winning Game 3. No, it was self-inflicted mistakes late that allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to find their mojo late and prevail on their home floor, 116-109, on Saturday, May 9.
With the game tied at 104, Cade Cunningham’s inbounds pass to Daniss Jenkins was intercepted by Max Strus. The Cavaliers wing immediately raced downcourt for a fastbreak layup, giving Cleveland the lead with 2:28 to play.
Cunningham committed turnovers on each of the Pistons’ next two possessions – a bad entry pass to Jalen Duren that was picked off by Jarrett Allen, followed by a bad kickout to Tobias Harris that went out of bounds. All three turnovers took place over a 40-second stretch and were costly.
Finally, James Harden scored seven straight points to help Cleveland close out the win, narrowing the Pistons’ series lead to 2-1. After using a 28-9 run to erase a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, the Pistons had nothing to show for it in a road loss at Rocket Arena.
But it did leave them with lessons for when they regroup on Sunday ahead of Game 4 on Monday (8 p.m., NBC). Cunningham’s miscues hurt, but their issues Saturday went deeper than just one player.
“We did our job getting back into the game,” said Cunningham, who nearly had a quadruple-double: 27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and eight turnovers. “Fourth quarter, turnovers, they had a couple of opportunities out in transition and stuff. A couple bad ones where we don’t get the ball on rim, inbound the ball, little things that, just careless turnovers. I wouldn’t even say careless, I care about it, but just bad plays that could’ve got shots on rim and could’ve gave us an opportunity to win this game.”
Cunningham was responsible for their most prominent mistakes at game's end. But it was an all-around uneven performance for a Pistons team that won the first two games, handily, to enter Saturday riding a five-game postseason winning streak.
The Pistons were outscored 32-18 by the Cavaliers in the second quarter, the result of allowing Cleveland to shoot 68.6% over the entire first half while shooting just 37.5% themselves (including going 2-for-14 on 3s). After knocking down their first two 3-point attempts, they missed 15 in a row before Tobias Harris finally connected at the 7:22 mark of the third.
There were too many missed open shots and not enough defensive resistance as the Pistons struggled with the whistle. They were called for 12 personal fouls in the second quarter, and Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson all had three fouls at halftime.
“Second quarter, obviously we gave them too many good opportunities at the 3,” said Harris, who scored 21 points in reaching the 20-point threshold for his eighth straight playoff game. “Just missed assignments from us all around, offensive boards. The possession game. In the second half, we did a great job of finding our rhythm, our flow and settling into the game, understanding the type of physicality that’s needed for this environment and this structure of a game. Like the way we responded.
“Tough end result for us but a lot of good things we can grow on for it and be ready for the next one. We know where we made our mistakes tonight. We know where we need to be better. We’ll watch the film on it and get ready for the next one.”
It was a bad first half for the frontcourt, collectively– Duren and Isaiah Stewart. They combined for just four rebounds over the opening 24 minutes and struggled to seal off the paint, as Cleveland shot 17-for-22 (77.3%) inside the arc. It led coach J.B. Bickerstaff to turn to Paul Reed in the third quarter, and Reed’s energy was a key part of the 28-9 run that got the Pistons back into the game.
Reed, who finished with 11 points and three rebounds on 4-for-4 shooting in just under 10 minutes, checked in for Duren with 5:07 to go in the third quarter. He immediately finished a slam out of the dunker’s spot courtesy of a nice entry pass from Duncan Robinson; Reed’s putback dunk at the 2:30 mark of the third gave the Pistons their first lead, 76-74, since the score was 30-27 late in the first quarter.
“I just thought at that moment, what we needed is what P Reed provides and he provides that spark, that instant impact to make plays, whether it’s defensively or offensively,” Bickerstaff said. “I think he impacts the game. When you’re down, he’s a guy that you can go to that can raise the energy and I thought he did a great job of that again tonight.”
He went on to play most of the fourth quarter and scored seven more points, bringing the Pistons within three, 99-96, midway through the final period with a pair of free throws. Duren checked back in with roughly 4:30 to go, but went scoreless, with one rebound and one shot attempt in the fourth.
Bickerstaff’s decision to play Reed in the second half of Game 6 against the Orlando Magic was fruitful, as the backup big man helped spark their historic comeback win from a 24-point deficit. It paid off again on Saturday, prompting a question on why he decided to insert Duren back in for Reed with the game on the line.
“You always have those thoughts about what you want to do,” Bickerstaff said. “I think JD’s done a great job for us all year long. P Reed obviously provides a spark for us. We went back with JD.”
Because the Pistons are also focusing on building for the future, Bickerstaff has leaned on Duren in late-game situations even in games in which he has struggled. Duren was better in Games 1 and 2 than in Game 3, in which he finished with nine points, four rebounds and two steals. They’re going to let him try to solve his issues.
The formula that worked as the Pistons built a 2-0 series lead – stout, physical defense, timely shot-making and controlling the boards – remains their best formula for success. The Cavaliers found life in front of their white-out home crowd. The Pistons know what they need to do to get back on track.
“We know it’s a war, not just one battle, so it’s about getting four wins,” Cunningham said. “Just continuing to play our brand of basketball and see if they’re able to withstand that. Beyond that, us trying to break through and go and take wins is the name of the game. This series is what it is. We’re ready for the next game and ready to get back to it.”
Miller, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-2022), the Atlanta Falcons (2023), and the Steelers (2024-2025), was brought in for a tryout during the Bears' rookie minicamp. He apparently made the right impression, as he's now set to earn a spot on the team's 90-man roster.
Through 93 career games, including nine starts, Miller caught 99 passes for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns.
The Bears may have added some terrifying speed in Miller, but the Steelers also completely overhauled their wide receiver room, trading for a 1,000-yard receiver and drafting another early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Gideon Gash misses the lacrosse field, but he's enjoying his first season as a member of the Novi Detroit Catholic Central track and field team, where he's making an immediate impact.
Gash, a junior, switched from lacrosse to track to accommodate his schedule, which has quickly filled with recruiting trips that are a byproduct of being one of Michigan's top football players.
"It's tough," Gash said at the Catholic League Bishop Division championship meet on Saturday, May 9. "I love lacrosse. I love the sport, been playing it my whole life. But I would have to miss a ton of games. I'm traveling all the time for lacrosse because we are playing the best competition in the Midwest. Track gives me a lot more time to travel.
"So, that's really what it was for. Football and recruiting and camps."
He traded in his All-State long stick on the lacrosse field for a pair of track spikes, and he has already put himself in the school's record book.
Gash set the school record in the long jump in his second time doing the event in high school – he previously did long jump in middle school – and set a new personal best on Saturday with a leap of 22 feet, 8 inches to take first place in the league meet.
"I try to help the team out as much as I can here and there," Gash said. "I fill in in the 100 and some relays. [Long jump] has transitioned into my main event.
Along with long jump, Gash ran in the 100-meter relay and the 100 with his brother Samson Gash, the defending state champion, who finished first with a time of 10.63 seconds. Gash finished just behind his brother, with a time of 10.82. It was the first time the brothers were in the same race as high schoolers.
"Seeing his progress, he's never ran track before because he's always been a lacrosse player," said Samson, a Michigan State football signee. "He had the courage to put [lacrosse] away and really focus on his speed. He's getting better every week."
Gash's natural talents are as apparent on the track as they are on the football field, where he earned first-team All-State honors in the fall. Gash was a lockdown cornerback for DCC, the Division 1 state champions with the state's best defense, and caught three deep touchdown passes in the 42-19 state title win over Detroit Cass Tech.
In the winter, Gash earned All-Catholic honors as a starting forward for the 17-7 Shamrocks basketball squad that reached regionals. Now, he's doing the same for the track team.
"He's an overall athlete," said Catholic Central track and field coach Tiberia Patterson. "That's the best way I can put it. The things he does, you can't teach that. It is God-given."
And he has had that impact while still refining his technique. Gash came in with a mindset of "just running" and has had to work on his running posture, his starts and his foot placement on the run-up for the long jump. Gash plans to enroll in college early, which means this season is his only chance for track.
"There are levels to track, I've realized," Gash said. "I'm just putting in that extra work to try to balance the table. I try to run after Samson after practice, but he's a different kind of speed."
The track schedule has allowed Gash to put the requisite focus on his football recruiting, which has picked up significantly as he enters his final summer of high school. Gash has been attending camps and setting up official visits as he whittles down his list. As of now, Michigan State, Michigan and LSU are at the top of his consideration.
He has leaned on his older brothers, who all have experience with the recruiting process, for advice. Samson and Caleb, both Spartans, are giving straightforward advice with some requests to join them in East Lansing.
"They always say, if it's not the right place for you, walk your own race," Gash said. "They are super-supportive. Obviously, they want me to come play with them but they are super supportive."
Nebraska (46-6) extends its winning streak to 21 games, the longest active streak in the country. UCLA falls to 47-8.
The Huskers also won the Big Ten regular-season title, the first conference title since 2014 and the first outright title since joining the Big Ten. The 23 regular-season wins tied for the most in conference history.
Jordy Frahm earned the win in the pitcher's circle. The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year had a complete game with five hits, two runs, and eight strikeouts. Frahm was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
Nebraska now waits to learn its path to a national championship. The 2026 NCAA Division I Softball Tournament selection show will be on ESPN2 on Sunday, May 10, starting at 6 p.m. CT.
Dang pretty impressive for Nebraska Softball to go 46-6 and 23-1 in the conference with only 1 All big ten first team player 😂✌️ https://t.co/9oyqkPd1l2
— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) May 9, 2026
Nebraska sweeps the Big Ten. Huge year for the Cornhuskers. With that and the best Non-Conference the committee should put Nebraska as a Top 3 seed. Will they though? We will find out tomorrow. https://t.co/WbDcZPzCr3
— College Softball Coverage (@collegesbzone) May 9, 2026
Fans everywhere
Here’s the moment they just told over 6-thousand fans at Haymarket Park that Nebraska Softball won the Big Ten Title. Big applause for the #Huskers.🥎👏🏼
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
The Indiana Pacers will be participating in, perhaps, the most important NBA Draft lottery in franchise history. IndyStar's Pacers Insider, Dustin Dopirak, will be in the room as the picks are announced so comeback to indystar.com Sunday for behind the scenes information. Here's what you need about Sunday:
What are the Pacers odds of getting the No. 1 pick?
The Pacers have a 14% chance of getting the top pick. Indiana has never picked No. 1 overall in the draft.
What are the Pacers odds of getting a top 4 pick?
The Pacers have a 52.1% chance of getting a top 4 pick.
What happens if the Pacers don't get a top 4 pick?
The Los Angeles Clippers get the Pacers' pick. The Pacers traded a top 4 protected pick to the Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. Indiana can't pick lower than 6th so the Clippers get the pick if it ends up being 5th or 6th.
How do we know if the lottery is going well for the Pacers?
Only the top 4 picks are subject to the lottery. The broadcast will reveal the picks in inverse order. If any of the teams outside the top 4 isn't called, it means it moved up to the top 4, reducing the Pacers' odds for a spot. For instance, the Bulls have the ninth-best odds, which means if the most likely scenario plays out, they'll pick 9th. If a different team is revealed picking 9th, it means the Bulls have a top 4 pick.
The Pacers can't pick lower than sixth so when the broadcast gets to the sixth pick, it's time to get nervous. Indiana could show up for either of those picks, meaning they lose the pick. But look at the bright side, the Pacers keep their 2031 pick in that scenario.
Who is representing the Pacers at the NBA Draft Lottery?
Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell will be at the lottery Sunday.
Who will the Pacers take if they get a top 4 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery?
There's some level of consensus among draft experts about who the top four picks will be, but the order could end up being determined by how the lottery shakes out.
A.J. Dybantsa, a 6-9 wing who played his lone college season at BYU, seems to be the current frontrunner to the No. 1 pick. The 19-year-old from Boston led Division I in scoring with 25.5 points per game and was named a consensus first-team All-American, first-team All-Big 12 and the Big 12 Rookie of the Year. He struggled somewhat from 3-point range, making 33.1% of his shots from beyond the arc, but proved to be a capable scorer at all three levels.
Cameron Boozer appears to have the highest floor. The Duke big man doesn't have run-and-jump athleticism that matches Dybantsa's, but he was the most effective player in college basketball this season, earning national Player of the Year honors from every major service. Boozer led Duke to an ACC championship, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and the Elite Eight before the Blue Devils lost in a dramatic, heartbreaking regional final to No. 2 seed Connecticut. Boozer, the son of 13-year NBA big man and two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his lone college season, showing remarkable physical and mental maturity. He's 6-9, 250 pounds with a powerful, sculpted frame though the won't turn 19 until July.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is one of the most controversial prospects in the draft. He arguably had the most momentum as a potential No. 1 overall pick when the season started but trouble with cramping led him to ask out of games. He appeared in just 24 of Kansas' 35 games during the season. He still averaged 20.2 points but his efficiency numbers (43.8% from the floor, 38.2% from 3-point range) weren't quite what he and talent evaluators had hoped. Still, he's a talented scoring 2 guard which would be the most direct fit for the Pacers' roster needs.
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson seems likely to be picked fourth. He might not have all the tools to be a franchise player, but he plays with a lot of energy and athleticism which could make him valuable on both ends. The 6-10, 215-pounder made just 7 of 27 3-point attempts (25.9%) but he made 61% of his 2-pointers and averaged 19.8 points per game with an ability to play above the rim and also hit mid-range jumpers.
The Indiana Pacers will be participating in, perhaps, the most important NBA Draft lottery in franchise history. IndyStar's Pacers Insider, Dustin Dopirak, will be in the room as the picks are announced so comeback to indystar.com Sunday for behind the scenes information. Here's what you need about Sunday:
What are the Pacers odds of getting the No. 1 pick?
The Pacers have a 14% chance of getting the top pick. Indiana has never picked No. 1 overall in the draft.
What are the Pacers odds of getting a top 4 pick?
The Pacers have a 52.1% chance of getting a top 4 pick.
What happens if the Pacers don't get a top 4 pick?
The Los Angeles Clippers get the Pacers' pick. The Pacers traded a top 4 protected pick to the Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. Indiana can't pick lower than 6th so the Clippers get the pick if it ends up being 5th or 6th.
How do we know if the lottery is going well for the Pacers?
Only the top 4 picks are subject to the lottery. The broadcast will reveal the picks in inverse order. If any of the teams outside the top 4 isn't called, it means it moved up to the top 4, reducing the Pacers' odds for a spot. For instance, the Bulls have the ninth-best odds, which means if the most likely scenario plays out, they'll pick 9th. If a different team is revealed picking 9th, it means the Bulls have a top 4 pick.
The Pacers can't pick lower than sixth so when the broadcast gets to the sixth pick, it's time to get nervous. Indiana could show up for either of those picks, meaning they lose the pick. But look at the bright side, the Pacers keep their 2031 pick in that scenario.
Who is representing the Pacers at the NBA Draft Lottery?
Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell will be at the lottery Sunday.
Who will the Pacers take if they get a top 4 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery?
There's some level of consensus among draft experts about who the top four picks will be, but the order could end up being determined by how the lottery shakes out.
A.J. Dybantsa, a 6-9 wing who played his lone college season at BYU, seems to be the current frontrunner to the No. 1 pick. The 19-year-old from Boston led Division I in scoring with 25.5 points per game and was named a consensus first-team All-American, first-team All-Big 12 and the Big 12 Rookie of the Year. He struggled somewhat from 3-point range, making 33.1% of his shots from beyond the arc, but proved to be a capable scorer at all three levels.
Cameron Boozer appears to have the highest floor. The Duke big man doesn't have run-and-jump athleticism that matches Dybantsa's, but he was the most effective player in college basketball this season, earning national Player of the Year honors from every major service. Boozer led Duke to an ACC championship, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and the Elite Eight before the Blue Devils lost in a dramatic, heartbreaking regional final to No. 2 seed Connecticut. Boozer, the son of 13-year NBA big man and two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his lone college season, showing remarkable physical and mental maturity. He's 6-9, 250 pounds with a powerful, sculpted frame though the won't turn 19 until July.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is one of the most controversial prospects in the draft. He arguably had the most momentum as a potential No. 1 overall pick when the season started but trouble with cramping led him to ask out of games. He appeared in just 24 of Kansas' 35 games during the season. He still averaged 20.2 points but his efficiency numbers (43.8% from the floor, 38.2% from 3-point range) weren't quite what he and talent evaluators had hoped. Still, he's a talented scoring 2 guard which would be the most direct fit for the Pacers' roster needs.
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson seems likely to be picked fourth. He might not have all the tools to be a franchise player, but he plays with a lot of energy and athleticism which could make him valuable on both ends. The 6-10, 215-pounder made just 7 of 27 3-point attempts (25.9%) but he made 61% of his 2-pointers and averaged 19.8 points per game with an ability to play above the rim and also hit mid-range jumpers.
IRA — The Sundown softball team is used to getting every team's best shot. Such is the privilege of wearing last year's crown deep in the playoffs.
The Roughettes received a reminder Saturday of the shrinking margin for error as the postseason continues. Thanks to some championship mettle, Sundown made sure Haskell fell on the short end of those defining plays.
An out away from a deciding Game 3, Nayleen Morin drove a first pitch to deep right field to score two runs — including Destiny Garza from first — in the Roughettes' 3-2 win at the Ira ISD Sports Complex. The dramatic finish sealed a Region I-2A Division II semifinal sweep for Sundown, which took the opener 7-4 on Friday.
It was Morin's first hit of the series.
"I saw a girl who was struggling all day, kind of a little bit yesterday too, just trust in her abilities," Roughettes coach Meagan Gonzales said. "Trust in her teammates, understand the situation and go up there fearless. We talk about it all the time, if you can go through adversity fearless, you give yourself a shot, and that's exactly what they did today."
Earlier in the afternoon, it looked as if one swing would make all the difference for the Maidens. Haskell's Rebekah Cunningham launched a two-run homer to center field in the fifth to give her team a 2-1 edge. That score held until Morin's late heroics.
"We absolutely knew what we were getting into with Haskell," Gonzales said. "Playing them last year and just hearing about all the good things they've done this year — that's a great ball team on the other side of the field."
Breigh Gregory was solid in the circle awaiting Sundown's breakthrough. She allowed no earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts, no walks and on hit batter. It was the third week in a row Gregory picked up the Game 2 win after Destiny Garza won the opener.
Gregory held the Maidens scoreless after a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the first. She also stranded a pair of runners in the following frame before finding a groove.
"Breigh was getting in some trouble early and then finding ways out of it," Gonzales said. "… That's another young lady that gets up there and just goes to battle for her teammates and never stops."
The Roughettes (27-3) advance to face Big Lake Reagan County in the regional final. Gonzales said anything is possible for the team as long as it stays focused.
"We're getting close to where we want to go," Gonzales said. "We have goals that we want to see. It's so easy, with a big senior class, to get derailed by distractions and graduations coming up. So I think the mindset is what is different. If you can keep your mindset, we'll be OK."
Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson passed along some magical advice to the graduating class at Stillman College during the school's May 9 commencement ceremony.
"You have this big opportunity in front of you. It's what you do with it that's important, no excuses," said Johnson, who built a Hall of Fame basketball career before building billion-dollar business empire. "You can become anything you want to become as long as you prepare, and you believe in yourself. You can go as far as you want to go."
Around 114 students became Stillman College graduates during the commencement ceremony, held at the campus’ Sheppard Lawn in Tuscaloosa.
During the ceremony, Stillman College gave Johnson an honorary doctor of business administration degree. Stillman also made Johnson an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
Stillman College President Yolanda Page praised Johnson "... for his commitment to education and Black generational excellence. He is a true representative of the type of merit Stillman has continued to instill in our communities for the last 150 years.”
The private, historically Black college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), founded in 1876, is marking its sesquicentennial this year.
"This morning, we are celebrating 150 years of excellence," Page said.
Stillman College previously described Johnson's appearance as a "special gift" for this year's graduating class.
“We’re proud of our graduates and excited to see what they make of the future,” Page said.
During his remarks, Johnson encouraged graduates to strive for excellence. He also emphasized the importance of hard work, resilience and professionalism.
Johnson encouraged students to over-deliver in their work, in any job regardless of the role.
"I'm driven by excellence. You got to be driven by excellence in doing your job right," Johnson told the crowd.
He also shared his journey from basketball to business, describing how he had to get out of his comfort zone in order to succeed in the business world.
"You have to sometimes be uncomfortable to get comfortable," Johnson said.
"I know what to do with that ball – but, I wanted to become a businessman, so I got uncomfortable," he said. "It made me uncomfortable because I didn't know business, so I had to study, (do) research, get mentors who are businesspeople to teach me so I can get comfortable with finally becoming a businessman."
His Magic Johnson Enterprises investment company is involved in life insurance, movie theaters, fast food franchises, real estate, healthcare and more. He also owns small stakes in several professional sports teams and has built a net worth estimated at more than $1 billion.
And through the Magic Johnson Foundation, Johnson has supported scholarships, expanded access to technology, and invested in community-based initiatives that advance educational opportunity in underserved communities nationwide.
Johnson also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, especially in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, and he added that being financially literate is a must in today's world.
Graduates must not let others limit their potential and he urged Stillman students to set long-term goals while aiming for significant career advancements.
"I want you to tell yourself, you're going to be here in three years. I want you to say, man, in three years I'm going to be the manager, or the general manager, or whatever that is in that company. I do everything in threes. My dreams are always three years out," he said.
At the end of his remarks, Johnson encouraged graduates to chase their dreams, give back to their communities and to remember their roots.
The 66-year-old Johnson burst onto the basketball scene in 1979, winning an NCAA championship with the Michigan State Spartans before turning pro.
Johnson spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA titles and was named to 12 All-Star teams. He also has three MVPs and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary team.
He was also a member of the USA "Dream Team," which earned a gold medal in 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
Minnesota Vikings owners Leonard Wilf and Mark Wilf react before an NFL International Series matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. On Oct. 2, 2022, the Vikings ownership group participated in another overseas showcase as Minnesota continued expanding its presence during the league’s international push in London. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
We call them the Nopedy Nopes, and we reveal a new batch each weekend at VikingsTerritory — takes and happenings from the Minnesota Vikings orbit that did work out, are too far-fetched for believability, or were flat-out wrong.
Three rumors. Three verdicts. One more offseason reality check.
This week tackles two false theories and one WR theory that won’t come to fruition.
Noise Patrol Tackles the Latest Vikings Rumor Cycle
Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf stands on the field during Jared Allen’s Ring of Fame induction ceremony before a home game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct. 30, 2022. Wilf has overseen one of the franchise’s most successful ownership eras, helping guide the organization through consistent playoff contention and major stadium development. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings didn’t spend much in free agency, so they will probably be sold by ownership.
Pioneer Press‘ Charley Walter unloaded the idea last weekend, claiming, “It’s beginning to look as if Vikings ownership now could be mirroring Twins ownership, which has sought to sell its team. Figuring they were championship worthy, the Vikings a year ago spent more money on player payroll in the offseason ($350 million) than any of the NFL’s other 31 teams.”
“This offseason, the Vikings have spent just $226 million, second lowest in the league. It appears Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have decided on a significant payroll slash this year. The Vikings won’t admit it, but this sure looks like a rebuilding year. This is the 21st year the Wilfs have owned the Vikings. Until this year, they have made a commendable attempt at winning the Lombardi Trophy.”
On the pursuit of a Super Bowl in 2026, it is unclear why Walters believes the Vikings have said “no thanks.” Minnesota featured a Top 3 defense last year and signed Kyler Murray two months ago.
Walters continued, “Meanwhile, the Twins’ Pohlad ownership isn’t unlike what Red McCombs did with the Vikings in 2005 before selling to the Wilfs. McCombs, who bought the Vikings for $246 million in 1998, cut player and coaching staff payroll to a bare minimum and waited until he got his price ($600 million) from the Wilfs.”
“If the Wilfs, who curiously still haven’t named a permanent general manager since firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last January, were to sell the Vikings today, they could get between $8 billion and $9 billion.”
The Verdict: Teams that spend big in free agency — like the Vikings from 2022 to 2024 — are forced to reset because the money runs out. Suggesting a sale of the team is on the way can be construed as the grandaddy of all “nopey nopes.” Credible Vikings sources have since smacked down the reporting. The franchise is not for sale.
The Nopedy Nope: Stefon Diggs is a WR option for Minnesota.
Days after the 2026 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker analyzed Diggs’s employment options in 2026, and the Vikings got the nod.
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs walks off the field after a road game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sep. 22, 2024. Diggs returned to Minneapolis years after his memorable tenure with the Vikings, remaining one of the NFL’s most productive receivers and a central figure in Houston’s evolving offensive attack. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
He wrote, “The Kansas City Chiefs are in a much different spot organizationally. They’re aiming to contend despite quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL. Like the Raiders, the Chiefs didn’t take a receiver until Day 3. Cincinnati’s Cyrus Allen went in the fifth round, so signing Diggs to a short-term contract makes sense for Kansas City.”
“Would one of Diggs’ old teams consider a reunion? Jordan Addison has yet to make a true breakthrough with the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s depth really falls off once you get past him and Justin Jefferson as well. The Vikings have one quarterback on a one-year contract (Kyler Murray) and another who may be heading into a make-or-break season (J.J. McCarthy). Bringing Diggs back to Minneapolis has some merit.”
Fast forward a week, and Minnesota added Jauan Jennings, not Diggs.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Diggs to Minnesota. The choice was Jennings instead.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings have one of the league’s worst quarterback rooms entering 2026.
Naming the Vikings’ quarterback situation the NFL’s eight-worst, CBS Sports‘Garrett Podell wrote, “One would think the Minnesota Vikings’ signing of two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray would keep them off this list, but that’s not the case. Murray earned his Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. That’s a lifetime ago in NFL years. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games.”
“In the five games Murray played for the Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low 227.0 total yards per game. Recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2025, which sparked the signing of Murray. McCarthy’s performance was simply incredible considering the offensive ecosystem under 2024 Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray wears a WVB memorial bow tie patch honoring late owner William V. Bidwill during pregame warmups before a home matchup in Glendale, Arizona, on Oct. 13, 2019. Murray entered the NFL with enormous expectations after becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft following his standout collegiate career at Oklahoma. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic, Arizona Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC.
He added, “Despite an electrifying supporting cast, McCarthy ranked dead last in the league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6). Murray could rediscover his early career form with Minnesota.”
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Murray as the league’s eighth-worst signal-caller. That doesn’t make sense.
Alabama softball may not have ended the SEC Tournament the way it had hoped, but the Crimson Tide has certainly made a statement to be a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
It's time to vote for The Tuscaloosa News Girls Athlete of the Week from May 2-8.
Last round's winner was Hubbertville softball pitcher Anna Sophia Walker, who won 80.68% of the vote (6,802) for striking out nine and allowing one hit and one run through 4⅔ innings in relief in a 13-5 win against Marion County.
Nominees for Athlete of the Week come from our top performers list the week before. Any sport in the Tuscaloosa area can nominate for the top performers list and, in turn, our Athlete of the Week. Coaches and team stat keepers can send in stats to nominate players to sports@tuscaloosanews.com by 10:30 p.m. the night of their game.
Here are our nominees for our Girls Athlete of the Week. Voting will last until noon Thursday, May 14.
Tuscaloosa News Girls Athlete of the Week nominees
Hale County softball’s JJ McDaniel drove in three RBIs, scored three runs and had three stolen bases in a four-hit effort during the Wildcats’ 19-4 three-inning victory against Greensboro, the second in the AHSAA Class 3A Area 7 Tournament. She also pitched the first two innings, allowing two unearned runs on no hits, two walks and a hit by pitch along with three strikeouts.
Hillcrest softball's Jessie Hartley went 7-for-10 with a double, two triples and six RBIs in the Patriots' wins over Prattville (12-11) and Tuscaloosa County (20-19). Hartley also had the walk-off single in Hillcrest's comeback win over the Wildcats.
Holt track and field's Zy'Iona Crooks earned second place in the AHSAA Class 4A 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.29 seconds.
Northridge soccer's Kiley Brewer recorded five saves and allowed one goal at goalkeeper in the Jaguars' 2-1 win over St. Paul's to advance to the AHSAA Class 6A girls state championship.
Paul W. Bryant track and field's Abigail Postell won the AHSAA Class 6A shot put title, throwing over 43 feet, nearly 4 feet longer than any other competitor.
Vote for Tuscaloosa News Girls Athlete of the Week, May 2-8
Robin Frijns says BMW "had to win" the Spa World Endurance Championship race after an unusual strategic choice handed the German manufacturer a big opportunity.
At Spa-Francorchamps, BMW opted for a very different strategy compared to the other Hypercar teams. The #20 M Hybrid V8 of Rene Rast, Sheldon van der Linde and Frijns took on significantly less fuel during its first pitstop, allowing for a shorter stop and enabling the car to move into the lead.
Once in clean air, the BMW proved extremely strong. Lap after lap, Rast and Van der Linde increased the gap to the rest of the field, leaving Frijns with the task of bringing the BMW home for victory.
That still proved challenging thanks to a chaotic final two hours featuring incidents and safety cars. But partly thanks to Kevin Magnussen's defensive driving in the sister car, the #20 BMW managed to secure the win - the first for the German manufacturer in the Hypercar class.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Frijns mainly spoke of “relief” after finally securing BMW’s maiden win in its 18th race in the WEC’s top category.
“It feels really good,” said Frijns. “It was obviously stressful, because we saw, especially once Sheldon got in the car, that the car worked really well in clean air. He was putting in fast laps lap after lap. That’s when we knew this was the race we had to win - or could win.
“So, we absolutely couldn’t make any mistakes. Then you naturally start paying attention to a lot of small details, especially because it’s the first time. Once you’ve won four or five races, it becomes more routine. But there was definitely some pressure on us and on the team. We’ve been here for three years and we hadn’t won a race yet, but now we’ve finally changed that.”
BMW and WRT claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa
BMW and WRT claimed a 1-2 finish at Spa
Unlocking the potential
BMW’s strong race pace, which ultimately delivered a 1-2, came as a surprise after qualifying. The manufacturer started from 10th and 11th on the grid, with the #15 ahead of the #20, but both cars managed to fight their way to the front.
According to Frijns, the major improvement compared to qualifying was mainly the result of BMW’s hard work on the updated LMDh package, with a particular focus on race performance.
“Last year, we usually had pretty strong qualifying pace and we were up at the front,” Frijns explained. “But in the races we always dropped off a bit. We really focused on making sure we had a good race car. It’s nice if you’re on pole, but if you can’t race properly, it doesn’t mean much.
“We gave up a little bit in qualifying. You could already see that at Imola, but especially here at Spa. After qualifying, you start thinking a little bit: ‘it’s not working’ or ‘the pace isn’t there’. But in the race we saw that it actually was working. We need to sit down in the meeting and understand why it worked so well this time.”
Frijns stressed that BMW had “always” believed there was “potential” at Spa.
“One hundred percent,” added the 34-year-old Dutchman. “Especially with the new package we have. But we haven’t always been able to unlock that potential - that’s something we’re still trying to figure out. Today, we managed to maximise it completely.”
Building a comfortable gap
#20 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Rene Rast, Robin Frijns
#20 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Rene Rast, Robin Frijns
The goal behind BMW’s alternative strategy was clear: spend as much time as possible in clean air in order to build a gap to the competition.
“It was basically a gamble. It was obviously a risky strategy,” Frijns admitted. “If the safety car had come out at the wrong moment, we would have dropped to the back - we knew that.
“But if you’re running in ninth or tenth place, like we were at the start with Rene, and you do nothing, then you’ll just finish ninth. We simply wanted to try something different and especially the people behind the scenes, together with my old engineer Adam, took responsibility for that call. Credit to Adam.”
During the final stints, Frijns still had to withstand pressure from, among others, the #50 Ferrari, the #7 Toyota and the #007 Aston Martin. The fact that the #15 BMW was running second and could therefore act as a buffer proved to be a small advantage in that battle. Magnussen ensured that none of the rivals could get close to Frijns.
“You build a gap, especially after the first safety car. I had something like 13 or 15 seconds of an advantage,” Frijns pointed out. “You build that margin to feel comfortable and then the safety car comes out again and the whole gap disappears. Then you have to start all over again.
“I thought: I need to create a gap in those first three laps so I can feel comfortable. And I managed to do that. You know traffic is coming. If you then have one bad moment and someone is within one-and-a-half seconds behind you, then you’re in trouble. That’s why I wanted to build a gap and feel a bit more comfortable.”
Thanks to the victory, the #20 BMW now also leads the manufacturers’ championship, while Frijns, Rast and van der Linde sit on top of the drivers’ standings.
The Green Bay Packers must figure out what is going on behind Josh Jacobs on the depth chart at running back.
As of now, it seems like the team is content to consider MarShawn Lloyd the answer. If you're looking at Lloyd's draft slot only, that may make sense. The Packers selected Lloyd out of USC with the 88th pick (Round 3) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
At the very least, he should be a backup, right?
The issue with Lloyd is that he's incredibly injury-prone. When he's healthy, he's shown off flashy talent and athleticism, but he's played in just one regular-season game over two seasons in the NFL.
He could absolutely be an X-factor for the Packers, but trusting in him to remain healthy for a whole season would be unwise until he can prove that he's actually able to do it.
That makes Green Bay's position at quarterback a bit perilous heading into 2026, because Jacobs, for as good as he is, can also be injury-prone.
The Packers need an RB2 they can trust to carry the load if they asked him to. Emanuel Wilson appeared to be that player, but they let him walk in free agency.
Could their answer to this question be answered in free agency as well, though? The post-draft market does have some "bargain bin" options available at this juncture.
One who is being predicted to end up with the Packers is former first-round draft pick Najee Harris.
He believes the Packers will pick up Harris in free agency. This, even though the 28-year-old played in just three games last season for the Los Angeles Chargers due to injury.
"He shouldn’t be expected to take on the workload he did in Pittsburgh earlier in his career, but he should still be effective for depth as a power back," wrote Infante regarding Harris' potential role with the Packers.
Harris suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3 of the 2025 season, so that's a major red flag considering the aforementioned injury concerns with Jacobs and Lloyd for the Packers.
With that said, he did play in and start in all 17 games in each of his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, so it's not like he has a long injury history. In fact, he has a history of being a bruising back who put up 1,000-plus yards in each of his first four seasons in the NFL.
Yes, the 2025 season was a disappointment, but everything else we've seen from Harris in his NFL career suggests that he, at the very least, would be a more than solid backup running back.
In four seasons in Pittsburgh, Harris rushed 1,097 times for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also caught 180 passes for 1,149 yards and six receiving touchdowns, so he undoubtedly brings a "dual threat" nature to his game as well.
The Packers could also get him on the cheap because he's coming off that devastating torn Achilles.
They have to believe he can actually make a comeback, of course, but there is no better backup running back option available if they do indeed make that determination.
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What time does West Ham vs. Arsenalkick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the London Stadium in London, UK and kicks off on Sunday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date
Kickoff time
Eastern Time
Sun, May 10
11:30 a.m.
Central Time
Sun, May 10
10:30 a.m.
Mountain Time
Sun, May 10
9:30 a.m.
Pacific Time
Sun, May 10
8:30 a.m.
Premier League fixture schedule this week
Sunday, May 10
Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle United (9 a.m. ET)
Given its randomized nature, the NBA Draft lottery has historically worked out for some franchises better than others.
Some teams have benefitted at the perfect time, landing the No. 1 pick right when they need it — such as the San Antonio Spurs landing the right to select Victor Wembanyama in 2023. But even before the lottery was implemented, teams could utilize a No. 1 pick to bring in a potential superstar, the kind of player who can single-handedly elevate a franchise.
The NBA Draft has been held in every year since 1947, with the first lottery held in 1985. Over the years, a few franchises have held the No. 1 pick more than others — and should the Washington Wizards earn the 2026 top selection, they'll make history in that regard.
Here's a look at which teams have held the No. 1 overall pick the most across NBA history.
As things stand heading into the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, there are two franchises tied for the most controlled No. 1 picks ever: the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards.
However, the history of the two teams is a bit different. Four of Washington's six No. 1 picks all-time came in the 1950s and 1960s, while Cleveland has earned the top pick four times since 2000.
Because the Cavaliers are not in the draft lottery in 2026, the Wizards will have the opportunity to break their all-time tie for No. 1 picks with Cleveland. Washington is set to enter the lottery tied for the best odds at 14% after owning the NBA's worst record in 2025-26, totaling just 17 wins.
Wizards No. 1 pick history
Here's a look at the No. 1 picks that the Wizards have had:
Year
No. 1 Pick
1951
Gene Melchiorre (pick made as Baltimore Bullets)
1954
Frank Selvy (pick made as Baltimore Bullets)
1961
Walt Bellamy (pick made as Chicago Packers)
1962
Bill McGill (pick made as Chicago Zephyrs)
2001
Kwame Brown
2010
John Wall
Cavaliers No. 1 pick history
And a look at the No. 1 picks made by the Cavaliers:
Only the Wizards and Cavaliers have made six No. 1 picks, while another two teams, the Kings and Rockets, have had the top selection on five occasions.
Since the lottery began in 1985, the Magic and Cavaliers are tied for the most times winning the No. 1 pick, each winning the lottery four times.
Here's a look at the teams with the most No. 1 picks made in NBA history:
Total No. 1 Picks
Team
Players Taken
6
Wizards
Gene Melchiorre (1951), Frank Selvy (1954), Walt Bellamy (1961), Bill McGill (1962), Kwame Brown (2001), John Wall (2010)
6
Cavaliers
Austin Carr (1971), Brad Daugherty (1986), LeBron James (2003), Kyrie Irving (2011), Anthony Bennett (2013), Andrew Wiggins (2014)
5
Rockets
Elvin Hayes (1968), John Lucas (1976), Ralph Sampson (1983), Hakeem Olajuwon (1984), Yao Ming (2002)
5
Kings
Si Green (1956), Hot Rod Hundley (1957), Bob Boozer (1959), Oscar Robertson (1960), Pervis Ellison (1989)
4
Hawks
Mark Workman (1952), Dick Ricketts (1955), David Thompson (1975), Zaccharie Risacher (2024)
4
Warriors
Ernie Beck (1953), Fred Hetzel (1965), Joe Barry Carroll (1980), Joe Smith (1995)
4
Bucks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969), Kent Benson (1977), Glenn Robinson (1994), Andrew Bogut (2005)
4
Knicks
Art Heyman (1963), Jim Barnes (1964), Cazzie Russell (1966), Patrick Ewing (1985)
4
Magic
Shaquille O'Neal (1992), Chris Webber (1993), Dwight Howard (2004), Paolo Banchero (2022)
4
76ers
Doug Collins (1973), Allen Iverson (1996), Ben Simmons (2016), Markelle Fultz (2017)
4
Trail Blazers
LaRue Martin (1972), Bill Walton (1974), Mychal Thompson (1978), Greg Oden (2007)
The Tampa Bay Rays have proposed to build a stadium and entertainment complex on Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry Highway campus.
Sorry Tampa, ‘mixed use’ doesn’t reverse the poor economics of sports venues | Column, April 26
Rays stadium
The guest columnist’s points are well researched, valid and compelling. Yet somehow, they miss the point.
The decision of whether or not to contribute public funds to a sports stadium is not an algebraic equation. Focusing only on the dollars misses much of the significance of the decision.
The value of a major sports franchise to a metropolitan area cannot easily be quantified. Show me the city that has lost a major sports franchise and, years later, thinks it has been a civic benefit, and I’m all ears.
No other form of business carries the civic clout of a professional sports franchise among the four major team sports in America. Even within this relatively small group, I submit that Major League Baseball reigns supreme. Sure, the NFL is the most popular and valuable. But if you examine the cities that host any of the four major professional sports, baseball emerges as clearly the most elite.
Steve Allison, Tampa
High school seniors weigh in on AI’s future | April 4
Insightful essay
High schooler Rohan Morgan has stated the most articulate piece that I have read on AI. He was specific in stating the pros and cons of using this tool. It is a tool to be used carefully. I appreciate this young man’s perspective. I think he has a bright future ahead. Thank you, Tampa Bay Times, for highlighting and rewarding these students.
Rita Nelson, Hudson
Africa’s cellphone towers are turning to solar as diesel costs surge due to Iran war | May 3
Why not here?
If African nations can run cellular towers on solar, why can’t we do the same here? Surely less reliance on the electric grid would ensure more reliable coverage in times of weather incidents, to say nothing of reducing risk in terms of cyberattacks against the grid.
Willi Rudowsky, St. Petersburg
Florida finally frees churches to start schools without burdensome rules | Column, May 1
Not my money
Pastor Joshua C. Robertson makes an impassioned plea for using tax money to fund religious education. I’d like to point out that he and his denomination are free to open any school they want, but they are not free to use my tax money to pay for it. Use your own money, like the rest of us.
Jim Barrens, St. Petersburg
Florida House rejects added school vaccine exemptions, AI rules | April 29
Empowering parents
As a parent of three fully vaccinated boys, now grown men, I remain deeply grateful for preventive healthcare that supported their healthy growth and development. Today, each contributes meaningfully to society: one is an engineer, one a photojournalist, and one serves as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Their outcomes reflect not only individual effort but also the foundational protection offered by immunization.
Vaccine‑preventable diseases can significantly impair childhood growth through decreased food intake during illness, reduced nutrient absorption, direct nutrient losses, and increased metabolic demands as the body diverts energy from growth to fighting infection. For example, rotavirus causes severe dehydrating diarrhea, and recurrent infections are associated with delayed nutritional recovery. Serious infections such as bacterial meningitis and encephalitis may lead to seizures, hearing loss, and an increased risk of an IQ below 70.
The benefits of vaccination extend beyond physical health. In India, fully vaccinated children scored 4 to 6 percentage points higher in reading, writing, and mathematics than unvaccinated peers, representing relative gains of 6% to 12%. The American Academy of Pediatrics underscores that school immunization requirements help create safe learning environments that support attendance and social development. Ultimately, vaccination promotes long‑term educational attainment, productivity and economic stability while preventing the financial devastation associated with Vaccine‑preventable diseases.
Frances L Gilliland, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC, Tarpon Springs
U.S. destroys 7 Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz | May 5
Political la la land
In a March 22 appearance on Fox News, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., compared taking Kharg Island in Iran to the Battle of Iwo Jima, saying, “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this — my money is always on the Marines.”
What he failed to mention is the true cost of Iwo Jima: 6,821 American service members killed and more than 19,000 wounded. That’s not just history — it’s a reminder of the human price of war. Those numbers represent real people, real families, and lives forever changed.
It’s easy for politicians to invoke past victories, but far harder to acknowledge the sacrifices behind them. Many Americans — especially young families — may be the ones who ultimately bear the burden if history repeats itself in another prolonged conflict, as it did during the Vietnam War.
President Donald Trump entered this situation without a clear plan and still lacks a defined path forward. Statements like Graham’s strike some as detached from the reality faced by those who serve.
As voters head to the polls this fall, it’s worth reflecting on what leadership, accountability, and care for American families truly mean — and choosing representatives who align with those values.
Joseph Lipa, Seminole
Tampa and balanced growth
As Tampa enters another election cycle, the debate over growth is no longer just about zoning maps or development incentives. It’s about whether residents’ lived experience is given equal weight in shaping the city’s future. For decades, development interests and the political networks around them have driven much of Tampa’s expansion. That momentum has brought investment, but it has also pushed our infrastructure to its limits.
As a Tampa resident since 1975 and a long-time neighborhood and infrastructure advocate, I’ve watched the same concerns surface year after year: sidewalks that disappear mid-block, traffic that overwhelms neighborhood streets, parking pressures in older communities, and stormwater systems that fail during routine rainstorms. These issues are not abstract; they affect safety, mobility, and quality of life across South Tampa, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Hyde Park, Davis Islands, West Tampa, and Beach Park.
In my work as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, I’ve learned that durable solutions come from balancing competing interests, not ignoring one side of the table. Tampa needs that same balance now. As major candidates present their visions, voters deserve clarity on how each intends to align growth with the lived realities of our neighborhoods.
London, United Kingdom - May 7: general view inside the stadium during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Crystal Palace FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Selhurst Park on May 7, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Match Preview
Everton got handed a lifeline yesterday with Manchester City beating Brentford, which means they can draw level with the Bees with a win away at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Chelsea sit in ninth with 49 points and the Toffees are in tenth with 48 points.
Crystal Palace meanwhile are through to the final of UEFA’s Europa Conference League and are likely to field a weakened side against the Blues at Selhurst Park today.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League Matchweek 36
Date and start time: Sunday, May 10th at 6:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 a.m ET / 2:00 p.m. BST
Stadium: Selhurst Park, London, England, United Kingdom
TV: Peacock – United States; Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports F1 – United Kingdom; Fubo– Canada, beIN Sports HD 4, SuperSport GOTv Football
Radio: evertontv
Live stream: Fubo, Sky GO, ESPN Play Sur, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, DStv Now, RUSH, Jio Hotstar
Gamethread: There will be a live blog for this game, with our coverage continuing after the final whistle with the match recap and reaction.
*Royal Blue Mersey has affiliate partnerships and may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links provided.
The two sides had met at Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier in the season with the Blues prevailing 2-1 thanks to a penalty from Iliman Ndiaye and a Jack Grealish winner.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Former manager of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, throws out the ceremonial first pitch to start Game Four of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MLB.com | Mark Bowman: Just days after long-time Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling passed away at the age of 87, the baseball world lost another legend with the passing of Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox. Cox was the long-time manager of the Braves across two separate stints, leading the franchise to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the 1995 World Series title. Cox memorably also holds the record for the most ejections as a manager at 162, 75 ahead of Aaron Boone.
Cox played in the minor league systems of the Dodgers and Braves before being traded to the Yankees in 1967 for Bob Tillman and Dale Roberts. He played for the Bombers in 1968 and 1969, even sharing the field with Mickey Mantle, and appeared in 220 games — mostly at third — batting .225 with nine home runs, 58 RBI, and an 87 wRC+. He managed in the Yankees’ minor league system from 1971 to 1976 and was Billy Martin’s first base coach for the 1977 World Series title. He went on to manage 25 seasons for the Braves sandwiched around a four-year stint at the helm of the Blue Jays, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 by the Expansion Era Committee. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.
New York Post | Mark W. Sanchez: The turnaround in Ryan McMahon’s fortunes at the plate began with three words to Aaron Judge: “Cap, watcha got?” The pair then studied video of McMahon’s swings together, Judge pointing out how McMahon was shifting weight from his back hip to his front heel too early. The two of them along with Paul Goldschmidt and a couple of the Yankees’ hitting coaches went into the batting cage where McMahon worked on keeping his weight back for an extra tick which allowed him to see the ball for longer. The result: going from a .167 average and 52 wRC+ through the end of April to batting .375 with a 192 wRC+ in May.
CBS Sports: The Yankees have announced that Gerrit Cole will make his fifth rehab with Double-A Somerset on Sunday. It’s been a long road back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in March 2025, and Cole has looked rusty in his four rehab appearances so far, pitching to a 6.27 ERA with 14 strikeouts, one walk, and six home runs allowed in 18.2 innings. The team is unsure whether he will require two or three more rehab starts before joining the big league club, putting him right in line with the original timetable of a late-May or early-June return.
MLB.com | Casey Drottar: There was a scary moment in the first inning of the Yankees’ 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Brewers on Saturday when Cam Schlittler got drilled in the back of the left calf with a 109-mph line drive off the bat of William Contreras. Schlittler looked to be in visible discomfort, and worryingly threw all of his warmup pitches high when Aaron Boone and the trainer came out to check on him. However, he brushed off the pain to finish the day with six scoreless innings allowing two hits and no walks against six strikeouts.
Hansi Flick ready for ‘the final step’ – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona head into Sunday’s Clásico knowing that victory would secure once and for all the La Liga title. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick praised the work done throughout the season and stressed the importance of staying true to the team’s identity in a match of this magnitude.
Bernal: ‘It will be a day to remember’ – FC Barcelona He was clear and in no doubt. Marc Bernal had this message ahead of the Clásico on Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou, “I would say to the fans that they should trust us, that we should all stick together because it will be very special and a day to remember”. It won’t be easy, but this homegrown Blaugrana is confident and “can’t wait for the match”.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe gives instructions during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on April 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United travel to the City Ground on May 10 for their Premier League MD 36 fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe’s side enters the match following a 3-1 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion, ending a four-game league losing run and a five-game losing skid across all competitions.
Newcastle sit three points and three positions above Nott Forest in the table and only need one point from their remaining fixtures to secure Premier League survival, which was pretty much confirmed with last weekend’s victory.
Before beating Brighton, however, Newcastle was still looking for answers, having lost a ton of matches and facing serious trouble of getting into an unlikely, but still there, relegation battle. Not anymore, one could say, let alone with Tottenham and West Ham not looking very dangerous.
Defensive absences will remain an issue for the Magpies, with Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar both done for the season. Lewis Miley will also miss all remaining matches after suffering a fractured fibula mid-week.
On the positive side, Kieran Trippier is expected to feature in the remaining matches as he completes his farewell tour ahead of his summer departure. Anthony Gordon could very well be doing the same, as he’s bound for Munich in July and has returned to the squad after injury, while Harvey Barnes is pushing for a starting role after scoring against Brighton. Howe’s new favorite son, Will Osula, should be expected to lead the frontline.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, arrive into the match following a Europa League semi-final exit at the hands of Aston Villa, but it must be said they have recorded three consecutive Premier League wins.
Nott Forest are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and sit five points above the relegation zone, not safe but not quite there. Forest could confirm survival with a win depending on other results, although they have several injury concerns, including Willy Boly, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolo Savona.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On Miley’s injury… “It was a really innocuous moment, training on Tuesday. There was no other player involved. He was unable to continue and it was a little more serious than we thought.
“The surgery went well, he now faces a few months out, we hope he will be back in and around pre-season. It is a shame as he was playing well, outstanding in recent weeks and we really missed him.
“A real blow for us but also for Lewi It’s been a huge frustration for him.”
On Livramento’s progress… “Tino is doing well. He is improving, back running on the grass, but I don’t think he will be back this season.
“We could maybe push him for the Fulham game but that would feel silly. We will let him recover and get a good summer behind him.”
On Schär… “We’re not 100% sure. His situation was slightly unique. He was very close to returning to full fitness and got an infection.
“He’s building up his strength and resilience again. He’s looking a lot more positive in his body at the moment.
“Whether or not he’s going to be fit enough to take to the pitch again between now and the end of the season, let’s wait and see.”
On Nick Woltemade, who scored in October’s reverse fixture against Nottingham Forest… “Nick’s fine. There’ll be a sense of disappointment because everyone wants to play.
“Nick’s been training well. Since we’ve returned to team training, I think it’s been good for him and a lot of the other new players. It’s really helped them have a greater understanding of what we want them to do.
“I’m very impressed by all of their attitudes. He’s committed, we really value him and want him to do well.”
On Nottingham Forest, who were knocked out of the Europa League semi-finals last night… “They have done very well; they have a strong squad of players and have responded to the challenges of domestic and European football well.
“They have built some good momentum to their game. We know it will be a tough game, always difficult going to the City Ground. We are going to have to be at our best.”
On Will Osula, who has scored four goals in his last six Premier League appearances… “He’s got really rich potential. He’s outstandingly quick, powerful and scores goals with both feet so he’s got a array of different scoring techniques that he can use.
“He’s willing to learn and improve. I love that about him. From day one here, he’s put a lot of work in his game and is very committed to that process.
“He’s, generally, got a really good attitude to football. He enjoys the game, wants to play and is a very positive guy. It’s great to see him doing well and I’ve seen how hard he’s had to work to get that success.
“Now he’s in the team and doing well, he’s got to make sure he sticks to those processes that have worked for him.”
“Come on you Irons!” – Pep Guardiola’s hilarious press conference plea to West Ham ahead of Arsenal clash
Guardiola sends message to West Ham ahead of Arsenal clash: “Come on you Irons!”
City cut Arsenal’s lead to two points with a 3-0 win vs Brentford on Saturday
Arsenal face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday as the title race picks up pace
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged West Ham to pull off an upset in their Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Sunday evening.
City cut Arsenal‘s lead at the top of the Premier League table to two points with a commanding 3-0 win over Brentford at the City in the Community Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, keeping their slim title hopes alive heading into the final weeks of the season.
Arsenal’s trip to the London Stadium on Sunday now takes on enormous significance, a result that could either effectively end the title race with two games to spare for the Gunners – or set up a dramatic finale to the campaign.
Five Things Learned: Manchester City 3-0 Brentford (Premier League)
Speaking in a press conference after Saturday’s win over Brentford, Guardiola was asked about West Ham‘s meeting with Arsenal on Sunday. His answer amounted to three words.
Guardiola: Come on you Irons!
“Come on you Irons,” Guardiola said.
It is the kind of moment that encapsulates everything about this title race, a manager who spent his pre-Brentford press conference insisting he would not be cheering on anyone other than his own team, now openly declaring his colours the moment City have done their part this weekend.
On whether he is enjoying the title race, Guardiola added: “I love it! I love to be here again. We’ll finish second this season minimum, I love it, I love to be here.
“I didn’t enjoy last season in the moment we were fighting to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, it was so difficult. I love it; Carabao Cup in our pocket, we’ll play the FA Cup final in Wembley – the most beautiful game of the season – and I like it, I love it.
Jeremy Doku issues battle cry ahead of Man City’s Premier League season finale
“Tension? No, no, no. When you arrive and have the feeling that the job has been good, well done! When you arrive there, fighting against Arsenal, being there all the time, after the many changes that happened, the spirit of the team, how they help each other. It’s a joy to work with them. And how they fight, how the experienced players help, it’s really good!”
What is at stake for City on the final weekend?
Having dropped two crucial points against Everton earlier this week, City returned to winning ways against Brentford courtesy of second-half strikes from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush.
Should Arsenal drop points at the London Stadium on Sunday, City will have the chance of going top of the Premier League by beating Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
For now, Guardiola and his players can only wait. They have played their part. The next move belongs to West Ham.
The Jets have known who their opponents will be next season for months. That is determined at the end of last season.
The schedule release announces exactly how that order of games will happen. Fans will then have the ability to plan road trips and know what games will be considered prime-time games.
Prior to the release on Thursday, schedule leaks and rumors will surface.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn made a declaration during his press conference ahead of the team's rookie minicamp on Friday.
Since Quinn was hired in 2024, he has stressed culture and brotherhood. The players bought in immediately. In 2024, the Commanders shocked everyone, going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship game. Things fell apart last year, though, as Washington limped to a 5-12 finish.
Despite such a disappointing season, players remained all-in for Quinn. However, this offseason, general manager Adam Peters has made many changes, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. The changes began in January, when the Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
On Friday, Quinn was asked about implementing Washington's culture with the rookie class this weekend. His answer was interesting and refreshingly honest.
"I think it should get tested, you know, to find where your mettle is when you have a season that goes well and then one that just went terribly," Quinn responded. "You want to dig in, you want to find answers, you want to make sure you can tweak things that need to be tweaked. But one thing that I know to be a fact, like there's some real competitors in this locker room and the standards they have as ball players and teammates, those are the things that help you get to where you want to get to get to."
It's rare to hear a coach acknowledge a season that had gone so "terribly." These days, coaches are one bad season away from the hot seat at all times. Quinn didn't run from it. The Commanders were terrible in 2025.
Injuries played a part in Washington's demise last season. But it was more than that. Much of the good luck the Commanders had on their side in 2024 went the other way last year. That's not to say injuries didn't play a significant part. Quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 games with three separate injuries.
Fortunately, Daniels is healthy now, and the Commanders hope and believe that their active offseason, coupled with a healthy Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, will get them back on track in 2026.
The high school spring sports playoffs are underway, and Wilmington-area athletes are already delivering in the biggest moments.
From baseball to softball, the postseason is just beginning to take shape. The slate only gets deeper May 11, when girls soccer and both boys and girls lacrosse join the bracket. For full coverage, including updated brackets, scores and analysis from across the area, find everything you need here.
Now it’s your turn to weigh in. With 28 nominees in this playoff-loaded StarNews Athlete of the Week Poll, the decision is in the hands of the fans. Cast your vote and help decide the next Athlete of the Week.
Voting runs through Thursday, May 14, at 11:59 p.m. Fans can vote as many times as they like using the poll below.
Voting will open Sunday, May 10, and will be open until noon Thursday, May 14. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 15. Nominees are based off of top performers that are sent in by high school coaches or statisticians. Coaches and team stat keepers can send in stats to sports@montgomeryadvertiser.com to nominate players.
Montgomery Advertiser's Girls Athlete of the Week nominees presented by Vance Law Firm for May 4-8
Brewbaker Tech's Kaymarria Bandy went 3-for-3 with two home runs and four RBIs. Bandy hit the go-ahead home run in a Rams win on May 4.
Saint James' Emily Darby went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in a Trojans win on May 4.
Trinity Presbyterian's Layla Pelt pitched seven innings, earning the win over Alabama Christian. Pelt only allowed three hits and no runs, striking out four batters in a game on May 4.
Alabama Christian Academy's Adalee Lincoln pitched six innings, earning the win in the circle over Montgomery Academy. Lincoln only allowed three hits and no runs in a game on May 4.
Prattville's Kennedy Crum went 2-for-3 with an RBI in a loss on May 4.
Vote for The Montgomery Advertiser's Girls Athlete of the Week presented by Vance Law Firm for May 4-8
Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.
Predicted Arsenal XI and score prediction v West Ham
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon knowing there is still domestic work to do despite the euphoria of Tuesday night’s Champions League heroics.
Arteta has already confirmed that both Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino will not be available for the trip, meaning Arsenal head into the match with limited rotation options after such an emotionally and physically draining European night.
The biggest decision may come in midfield, where Arteta must balance energy levels carefully.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI vs West Ham
David Raya is expected to continue in goal behind a settled back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori.
Further forward, Martin Zubimendi could come into the starting side to help freshen up midfield after Myles Lewis-Skelly put in another huge shift against Atletico Madrid. Declan Rice should once again be central to everything Arsenal do against his former club, while Martin Odegaard may return to the starting lineup to provide greater control and creativity.
Bukayo Saka is almost certain to start despite recent heavy workloads, while Gabriel Martinelli’s pace could prove a huge weapon on the counter attack away from home. Viktor Gyokeres is expected to continue leading the line after another powerful European display in midweek.
West Ham may sit deep and attempt to frustrate Arsenal for long periods, but the visitors should still have enough quality to break them down if they maintain the same focus and intensity shown in Europe.
Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s biggest attacking threat and Arsenal will need to stay alert during transitions, especially after such a demanding midweek fixture.
However, if Rice, Odegaard and Saka can establish control early, Arsenal should create enough opportunities to continue their push at the top of the table.
Score prediction:
West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
The challenge for Arteta now is making sure Tuesday night’s celebrations do not become a distraction. If Arsenal can maintain their standards and professionalism, this is another huge opportunity to keep the pressure firmly on Manchester City in the Gunners fun for the title.
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Juventus player ratings vs Lecce: Vlahovic scores historic goal
On Saturday evening, Juventus returned to winning ways at the Via del Mare thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s solitary strike against Lecce. The Bianconeri thus boosted their Champions League hopes, while temporarily jumping to third place in the Serie A table.
The Italian goalkeeper desperately needed a clean sheet following his shaky display against Verona. While not all of his saves were utterly convincing, he still did the job.
Pierre Kalulu – 6.5
A well-rounded display from the French defender who kept Lameck Banda quiet. He thought he had scored Juve’s second but was denied by a controversial offside call. His only blunder was an overhit pass that gifted Konan N’Dri a golden chance to bag an equaliser.
Gleison Bremer – 6.5
A solid display at the back from the Brazilian defender, who comfortably dealt with Walid Cheddira. However, he still needs to improve his distribution.
Lloyd Kelly – 6.5
A no-nonsense display from the English defender. While he didn’t distinguish himself, he kept things tidy and avoided needless risks.
Andrea Cambiaso – 7
This was one of the wing-back’s best displays in recent memory. Provided the assist for Vlahovic’s opener, and almost added a second when he picked up Kalulu with a clever square ball, only to be denied by the VAR.
Weston McKennie – 7
The American was quite literally all over the pitch. He played as a midfielder with a licence to roam forward and was at the heart of every play. He also had spells as a false 9 and a wing-back before leaving the pitch.
Manuel Locatelli – 6
A hard-working display from the Juventus captain, who fought for every ball but at times struggled to pick up his teammates.
Teun Koopmeiners – 6
The Dutchman did fairly well while filling in for Khephren Thuram, although it was far from spectacular. Won the duel that kept the ball alive in the lead-up to the goal.
Francisco Conceicao – 6.5
The Portuguese winger has been in inspiring form lately. His movement and dribbling put the Lecce defenders in a sea of troubles. Deserved to have an assist to his name after setting up Vlahovic on several occasions.
Dusan Vlahovic – 7
It was an evening that peaked too soon for the Serbian striker, who set a new Juventus record by netting after 11 seconds. The Serbian then had a host of chances to add a second, but couldn’t replicate his early-game exploits. He only found the back of the net on one other occasion, but it was ruled out for a marginal offside position.
Kenan Yildiz – 6
The Turkish international is still trying to find his best form after being hampered by a knee inflammation. While he remains far from his best, he looked much more dangerous and slick compared to his previous outing.
Substitutes
Emil Holm – 6
A decent cameo from the Swede, who added energy rather than technique on the right flank.
Barcelona looking to equal Real Madrid’s record in El Clasico
There is far more than just three points at stake when FC Barcelona take on Real Madrid in tonight’s El Clasico.
For Hansi Flick’s men, a victory tonight will help them seal the La Liga title mathematically and that too against their eternal rivals.
But a win will also see Barcelona draw level with their eternal rivals in the all-time Clasico head-to-head record, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Everything suggests Barcelona are the favourites heading into this game, having dominated Spanish football in the past two seasons, including a Real Madrid team fraught with dressing room unrest.
Historically, Real Madrid have enjoyed the slightest of advantages in the fixture, winning 106 meetings compared to Barcelona’s 105, while 52 encounters have ended in draws.
Barcelona are looking to equal Real Madrid’s record in El Clasico tonight. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Blaugrana entered the matchday with an 11-point lead and just four games remaining, meaning victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side would officially put the championship beyond reach.
Recent history favours Barcelona
Under Flick, the Catalans have already defeated Real Madrid in three major finals this season. Barcelona first dismantled Los Blancos 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup before edging them 3-2 in another Super Cup meeting.
Most recently, the Blaugrana lifted the Copa del Rey after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory sealed by Jules Kounde.
Despite Barcelona’s dominance in recent finals, Real Madrid still maintain a slight edge in overall goals scored in Clásico history. Los Blancos have netted 444 times against Barcelona’s 439.
The rivalry has remained evenly balanced in recent years, with both clubs winning five of the last ten meetings. Real Madrid also narrowly lead the goal difference in those clashes, having scored 24 goals compared to Barcelona’s 20.
Calum McFarlane drops FA Cup final team news hint, praises “exceptional” Chelsea star
Calum McFarlane has hinted Levi Colwill could start the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend after an impressive display against Liverpool.
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Chelsea stopped a run of six consecutive defeats with a 1-1 draw against the Reds at Anfield, as Enzo Fernandez cancelled out Ryan Gravenberch’s opener.
The point does little to help Chelsea’s chances of European football, and the Blues remain ninth in the table with just two games remaining.
Levi Colwill could start FA Cup final
Colwill had been sidelined with an ACL injury, and he made his first appearance of the season as a half time substitute in Monday’s 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
“I thought there was a lot of good performances. I’m really pleased for Levi. He’s been injured for a long time. The first 90 minutes, Anfield away, when the team aren’t particularly in their best form, to go and put that level of performance in, it doesn’t only show his level of talent and quality, it shows his mentality.
“So, I’m really pleased for Levi, as I am for the whole group and the team. I thought it was a really good performance.
When asked if he has a chance of starting at Wembley he said: “Definitely, yeah.”
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That three-week break back in late March and early April looks more and more like it could have been the death knell for Everton’s European ambitions this season.
But it didn’t have to be.
Momentum from the dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea seemed to ebb away, and Everton have looked rusty since returning to action on 12 April.
But the other teams have had to deal with it too, so there’s no excuse.
The Comeback and then the Climbdown
On Monday, Everton demonstrated that they still have it in them. They stuck in the game against Manchester City and then in the second half, and this is no hyperbole, absolutely deserved to go on and win that match.
That they didn’t is down to a combination of factors. First off, poor defending. Michael Keane and James Tarkowski were shambolic for Erling Haaland’s goal, which came straight from the restart after Thierno Barry had made it 3-1, when Man City’s players were on the floor and staring abjectly at the heavens.
That goal cut the celebratory mood and instead led to nervousness, which carried over into an inexplicably long period of stoppage time... and we all know what happened then.
There were other factors, too though. Bad luck and dreadful officiating played their part.
Poor decision-making from Carlos Alcaraz, who showed why he is so far away from a player like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall when it comes to composure on the ball. Poor finishing from Iliman Ndiaye, who missed several golden chances.
Dreadful officiating comes into play when the referee and VAR somehow determine that, at 3-2 up, Everton shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty for a blatant foul on Merlin öhl by Bernardo Silva.
Regression
Perhaps the biggest reason of all, though, is regression.
Opta posted this stat on X: Everton are the first team in Premier League history to concede a result-altering goal in the 90th minute or later in three consecutive matches.
And while that is a horrific record to have, the data Gods do sometimes have a way of showing their hand.
Teams over- and under-perform their underlying metrics across the course of a campaign. Sometimes, they manage to get through the entire season without it levelling out. But eventually, usually, it catches up with you somewhat.
And this is what we’re starting to see now.
According to Opta Analyst, Everton have accrued 40.2 ‘expected points’. Essentially, their underlying metrics suggest they should be hovering around 14th — some 12 points off the Top 6.
But these numbers must always be taken into context. Chelsea, for example, have amassed 56.4 expected points, which is the third-best in the league, and there is no way Chelsea have been the third-best team this season.
But perhaps the biggest mark of Everton’s overperformance comes when looking at the expected Goals Against (xGA) figure.
Everton have conceded 41 times from 50.5 xGA. That 9.5 overperformance is the biggest in the Premier League, ahead of Man City’s 7.5. So the Toffees have not really been brilliant defensively when it comes to keeping it tight, but have managed to concede fewer goals than would have been anticipated based on the quality of chances they have given up.
Ultimately though, when regression strikes, you can get results like Monday, or against West Ham and Liverpool. When you’re on the wrong end of the fine margins.
Doku the Danger Man
Jeremy Doku had very little right to score either of the goals he did, but he is a quality player and turned low xG chances into pinpoint finishes of the highest calibre.
The irony is, Everton finished Monday’s match with 2.72 xG, their second-highest mark of the season, behind Bournemouth at home in February. The Toffees lost that one.
In fact, Everton also won the ‘xG battle’ against West Ham, as well.
Everton have been getting better going forward as the season has gone on. From that Bournemouth game onwards, David Moyes’s men have created the higher xG in 6 of 10 matches.
But then going the other way, the regression has struck — the chances Everton’s defence have given up have started to bite them, whereas earlier in the campaign they were getting away with it.
Re-living it when I close my eyes, that Doku goal might just have floored me. It certainly caused a sleepless night.
Taking a step back, this kind of near-miss is much easier to deal with than the existential dread that came when results would go against Everton in the relegation battles of years gone by, but it still hurts, even if in just a different way.
Everton deserved to get the points for that second-half performance — it was a display worthy of propelling them right back to the front of the European race.
They are still not out of it, which makes it worse in a way, as the hope remains, but it’s really beginning to feel like a case of what might have been... and, when all is said and done, regression to the mean is possibly what’s going to prove ever so costly.
Reader Comments (66)
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Ian Bennett
2 Posted
06/05/2026 at
11:08:01
The ball retention and positional discipline has to be better. They can't score if you can keep the ball, which I think we still struggle at.
For all Grealish's faults, he could take the ball, buy a foul, and run the clock down. It needs that level of professionalism, not panic or stupidity.
I've revised my opinion a bit on the Pickford corner, as all keepers are struggling on the flat delivery, and corner wrestling contest. Not saying he is perfect, but I was surprised how Donnaruma was done vs O'Brien. 6ft-7in Italian international.
Some might not like this, but Carragher was talking about late goals conceded or late goals won on TV about 10 days ago.
He said it's not by accident, top teams score late goals on a regular basis. Lesser teams concede late goals, lack of concentration or they think they have already won the game or taken a point. It's a mind-set.
Having said that, Liverpool have conceded late goals this season, but they got one over on us at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Andrew Ellams
4 Posted
06/05/2026 at
11:48:46
Last season, it was throwing away 2-goal leads; this season it's conceding in added time.
Is it a concentration issue? Fitness? Arrogance, thinking we've got games wrapped up?
Part of it has to be the weakness of the overall squad, combined with the manager's poor decision-making when it comes to substitutions, I guess.
Kevin Molloy
5 Posted
06/05/2026 at
12:03:44
We've not been able to invest in the squad for 5 years up until last summer. So we've got problems that one window won't cure. Like quality in the squad.
If we sold our back four in the summer, we'd get about £40M as a job lot. And that's cos Jake O'Brien is now worth £30M. And we were facing Doku and Haaland. So, you know, mistakes will be made.
It's gonna take a couple of years to bring the squad properly up to scratch.
That draw on Monday was nothing to do with anything other than the players not doing the basics.
Tarkowski and Keane letting Haaland run straight through them. Alcaraz not letting the ball just go out of play. Not closing down Doku for his second.
Basics; nothing to do with how much you spend or quality of squad.
John Collins
7 Posted
06/05/2026 at
12:51:47
Kevin,
Someone's getting a bargain buying Branthwaite for £10M.
Form an orderly queue!
Kevin Naylor
8 Posted
06/05/2026 at
12:59:58
We seem to hold a lot of records -- most of them undesirable.
When you look back over the years, at times you would believe there was a curse on the club.
Ray Jacques
9 Posted
06/05/2026 at
13:25:27
Paul @6, I couldn't agree more. We have better players and a better team this season than in seasons past, but we still don't have any -- as they used to say -- 'savvy' players.
For all his experience and despite being captain, I don't feel that Tarkowski leads on the pitch in terms of telling others to think, organise, waste time, manage the game etc. The Haaland goal was a perfect example.
The only one who seems to understand ball retention, slowing the game and the importance of retaining possession in key areas and at key times is Grealish.
Si Cooper
10 Posted
06/05/2026 at
14:24:31
‘Haunts' and ‘horrific'?! You will have people making out the club is ‘cursed' next…. Oh, hang on… never mind!
Let's put things in context, shall we? It's Premier League history so that already severely limits the possibilities of who could be the first for this. Mammoth amounts of added-on time are also relatively new which further restricts the field.
What about the relative calibre of the opposition and the fact these were games where both sides wouldn't give anything up until the final whistle?
Then how about factoring in that we are in the tail-end of the season when some players are likely to be really feeling it at the end of intense fixtures?
I'd have preferred 4 more points for sure but I'm not going to get hysterical about the exact timing of when the final goals were scored in three games.
Kevin Molloy
11 Posted
06/05/2026 at
15:02:09
Sorry, John, I meant the backline which faced Man City.
Kevin Molloy
12 Posted
06/05/2026 at
15:04:54
Paul that's the great thing about elite players, they deliver the basics as standard.
But when you have players who aren't worth very much, the first thing to be sacrificed is an assumption the basics will be carried out.
John Collins
13 Posted
06/05/2026 at
15:57:24
I know, Kev, a little joke, bud.
I would get shut of three of the back four to be honest. Four at a push.
John Collins
14 Posted
07/05/2026 at
12:17:22
So 3 games to go. The suspense is doing me in, will David go past Sean's total of 48 points???\
Come on, Davy, you can do it. You're the Moyesiah remember.
Kevin Molloy
15 Posted
07/05/2026 at
13:43:49
Sean Dyche wasn't sacked for getting us 48 points, John, which as we all know was a respectable total. He threw himself under the bus after 2 goals in 10 games... that's right, 2 goals in 10 games.
And here you are moaning about the manager after we were seconds away from beating the Champions elect.
Tony Abrahams
16 Posted
07/05/2026 at
14:17:31
I thought Dyche threw himself under the bus, when he started trying to pick little fights with the fans, Kevin. Maybe he felt like he deserved more credit for his work over the previous 18 months, but I personally thought that this was when things began to really change for him.
Losing two nil leads in successive games, would have definitely contributed to his decision to seemingly start concentrating completely on defending, but I think you could already see that the club had taken it's toll on him by the time last season started. I forgot he got to 48 points without the points deduction.
Let's face it, the only really memorable thing about that season was the win against Liverpool, and yet some people are now saying that we are doing great, and have had a much better season this time around.
Kevin Molloy
17 Posted
07/05/2026 at
14:21:58
We clearly are though, aren't we, Tohy? We are surely in a much better situation than then.
We have Keane, O'Brien, Beto, Garner -- all a magnitude better under Moyes. Excellent signings like Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, and Röhl, and the prospect of adding two excellent fullbacks in the summer.
Even Barry is starting to slot.
John Collins
18 Posted
07/05/2026 at
14:46:54
We clearly are though, aren't we, Tony
Not in the points department, Kevin. He didn't beat City and they are not the Champions elect.
Kevin Molloy
19 Posted
07/05/2026 at
15:23:16
They would have been if we hadn't taken points off them, John.
I think if you polled a thousand Evertonians and asked "Is it better now, or then?" none of them would say "It was better then".
John Collins
20 Posted
07/05/2026 at
15:28:59
I agree.
"How much better?" -- That is the question, Kevin.
Kevin Molloy
21 Posted
07/05/2026 at
15:41:33
Well, 2 weeks ago, we were in the running for the Champions League?
No question we've had a frustrating falling off, but our two best players have been out for most of the season.
I don't think anybody would have given this team much of a chance if we'd been told we'd have to have Tarkowsky and Keane as our centre-back pairing all season.
Dale Self
22 Posted
07/05/2026 at
15:50:03
This week, we are in the running for 14th.
Could be in the running to drop below Leeds in two weeks time. Just to add some balance.
John Collins
23 Posted
07/05/2026 at
16:04:20
What finishing position would be acceptable for you, Kevin?
Grant Rorrison
24 Posted
07/05/2026 at
16:33:24
If we finish where we are currently, it's acceptable. If we get up to 8th it's pretty bloody good.
If we had somehow got 6th, especially if it was a Champions League spot, it would be amazing and Moyes should be in the running for Manager of the Season.
John Collins
25 Posted
07/05/2026 at
16:36:12
If we finish 10th or below, Grant? It's frustrating more than anything for me.
So much more could have been achieved if we had had a go in a sub-standard league.
Grant Rorrison
26 Posted
07/05/2026 at
16:41:34
John, I've covered 10th already in my post. I'll personally be a bit disappointed if we drop out of the top half entirely.
But I suppose, as we finished 13th last year and then had the 13th highest spend, a case could be made for it being acceptable. Just not by me.
Dale Self
27 Posted
07/05/2026 at
17:02:01
Acceptably comparable to Dyche?
But, but, he was so...
Kevin Molloy
28 Posted
07/05/2026 at
17:24:31
John,
As we were in the running for the Champions League in April, it doesn't really much matter where we finish in Moyes's first season after taking over a relegation side.
It's clear that progress is being made, that's good enough for me at this stage in our development.
Tony Abrahams
29 Posted
07/05/2026 at
17:48:08
Memorable games wise Kevin. Do you think we have had more memorable games this season than the previous few seasons? Man Utd, away -- winning with 10 men?
What else, beating a Chelsea team that have been getting battered by everyone?
Villa away was good, but other than Forest, I can't off the top of my head, a team who Everton have done the double against?
John Collins
30 Posted
07/05/2026 at
18:08:12
"John,
As we were in the running for the Champions League in April, it doesn't really much matter where we finish. "
I can't think of a suitable, polite, answer, Kevin.
Kevin Molloy
31 Posted
07/05/2026 at
18:27:14
I think I have more of an understanding of football management, John.
As Howard Kendall said in 1985, "This didn't happen overnight, it took 4 years to build this". Or Alex Ferguson, who didn't win a carrot for 5 years.
So I'm not going to freak out with a disappointing May if the previous 8 months have been very encouraging. And when I say 'very encouraging', I'm referring to having the best away record in the Premier League for much of that time.
Grant Rorrison
32 Posted
07/05/2026 at
18:45:02
Does our away form being massively improved count as something 'memorable'? Or would you prefer to talk about the day we beat team 'x' even if it was the only win we had all season?
We've won away to half the current Top 6 this season. Is that 'memorable'?
Dale Self
33 Posted
07/05/2026 at
18:59:37
Do the Moyes defenders answer counter questions like that? Please direct me to those posts so I can read them.
And what's with the 'only win all season' qualification?
John Collins
34 Posted
07/05/2026 at
19:13:42
On that basis, Kevin, Moyesie was 7 years overdue first time around.
What teams have you managed, Bud?
Kevin Molloy
35 Posted
07/05/2026 at
19:24:51
Haha, I thought you'd like that.
Mark Murphy
36 Posted
07/05/2026 at
19:32:51
Tony,
Fulham, mate.
And Palace, come Sunday.
Tony Hughes
37 Posted
07/05/2026 at
20:38:52
Kevin, you keep banging on about having the best away record in the Premier League -- that's just not true, mate.
At best, we're 5th or 6th and probably lower now after our recent Moyesiac falling off to the end of the season.
Kevin Molloy
38 Posted
07/05/2026 at
20:44:43
Tony,
From the moment he joined in January 2025 up until I believe the Brentford game, he had the best win away record in the Premier League. That's over like 16 months.
Tony Abrahams
39 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:11:02
Kevin, I’ve just looked at the Premier League table, and I’m hoping we can win another away game on Sunday, which would mean we have done the double over three bottom-half teams. (Thanks Mark!)
The away form has been very encouraging, Grant, but because of our home form, it hasn’t really made much of a difference points wise to the two previous seasons, even though some people continue to say we have been battling against relegation for years.
I could probably count the really good performances I’ve seen this season on one hand, which actually might be an improvement on the last few seasons....
Taking away the Chelsea game, when everyone got excited (looking back, Chelsea’s form was absolutely horrendous), I can’t remember one home game in 2026 which got the fans excited until the other night.
It’s backward and forward arguments, and for every person who is happy, I’m sure there’s another who sees it a little bit differently and might even be a little disappointed because, with seven games left, the season was looking like it promised a lot more.
Kevin Molloy
40 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:16:26
Tony,
We've had to play with a low block the whole time, and no attacking full-backs. It's going to improve once we get the full-backs in. Moyes knows how to win at home, his whole career has been based on strong home form.
I really don't know why everyone is getting too excited with what the eventual Premier League position is. It could go up or down about 8 places, depending on our and other results. If we luckily finish 7th, it doesn't mean we're a much better side than if we unluckily finish 13th.
I look at things in the round: wwe look set to have a strong side next season. We're in a transitional phase, we need the squad to be improved incrementally, and I think that's what we'll get.
John Collins
41 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:24:02
The targets are slowly being lowered over the last few weeks from some posters...
Tony Abrahams
42 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:26:07
Some fair points, Kevin, but maybe if we had played with a low block all season, then we might have won more home games?
I think we would have won more home games if we had played with a bit more adventure in some games, but we are going over old ground, because that low block has worked away from home!
Martin Reppion
43 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:29:13
To jump into your argument, guys, this season has been a massive improvement on recent years. At no point has it felt like a relegation battle. At times, we have punched well above our depleted squad's weight.
We are stronger than we have been for a long time and have posters on this site moaning that we now look like we will miss out on European football.
Pre-season, most of us would have said that mid-table security for a season was an improvement.
Over the summer, we will see more changes of personnel. Some will bemoan that we don't sign the likes of Lionel Messi. Get real. All we need to ensure is that each signing is better than the starting or cover player they are replacing.
The same level of incremental improvement will give us a realistic chance of a Top 8 campaign next year. I am not advocating support for mediocrity. I am advocating support for realistic targets that will see us back as contenders in 2 or 3 years time.
Brendan McLaughlin
44 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:29:27
When Moyes arrived at Everton in his first stint, he took a team that had generally being looking downwards to the heady heights of 8th.
The following season, we were back in the Bottom 6. And then in his third season we finished 4th.
Progress isn't, as Kevin alludes, necessarily linear.
(The exact seasons and the positions in which Everton finished have been deliberately changed to protect the MOB!)
Tony Hughes
45 Posted
07/05/2026 at
21:42:50
Kevin's right, the squad just had a 3-week spring break, they should have been refreshed and raring to go.
Mentalty issues? It can't be down to tiredness.
John Pickles
46 Posted
07/05/2026 at
22:02:14
Whatever happens from now to the end of the season, three things come to mind.
Firstly, we have made recognisable improvement from the last few seasons; we have a core group of players that are good enough to play in European competitions; and lastly, we are the nation's basket-case club no more.
Brendan McLaughlin
47 Posted
07/05/2026 at
23:35:36
John P #48
Pretty boring but pretty accurate
Stu Gre
48 Posted
08/05/2026 at
11:43:41
Brendan didn't we finish 7th in Moyes first season?
That means if Moyes doesn't finish in the top 8 he'd have failed based on his own previous high standards? (not too dissimilar circumstances to his first stint). Tbh, if he doesn't finish in the top 8 I'd be very disappointed as that's what a lot of us less favourable towards Moyes would have expected at the start of the season.
Have we progressed, yes in some respects but no in terms of youth development and style of play.
Have we progressed on what Moyes did when he first took over from Dyche, I'd argue we have regressed a bit.
We're we ever seriously in for champions league positions. NO! Read back comments if you like, but lots of us predicted the Moyes unravelling, because its not like he doesn't have previous.
BTW, one manager lots of us have spoken about - Glasner - has reached yet another final despite being dealt a far worse hand than our manager. Finding it hard in the league but he still found time to think about trying to win something. Oh and they can still finish above champions league chasing Everton btw.
Now to opta stats, they are fine until you realise people make mistakes, or have moments of brilliance. One moment can defy all statistics. Just ask Stephen Gerrard.
Tony Abrahams
49 Posted
08/05/2026 at
12:01:29
Brendan@44, when Moyes, took Everton, to that 4th place finish mate, I remember that we got absolutely murdered on the opening day of the season at home to a very good Arsenal team.
After that opening game I remember Kevin Campbell, coming out and saying that he would take 17th place right now, and because we had just sold Wayne Rooney, and hadn’t really signed any players during that summer, then I think most people felt the same way.
Moyes, changed the system and then we beat a few of the promoted teams, got a bit of confidence and never really looked back, and yet now, at a time that some of us can see that we have got a few very good players in our squad, and are playing in front of nearly 50.000 Evertonians, every other week, in a fantastic new stadium, why do so many people just keep going on about STABILITY?
It’s time to wake up start demanding more and realise what Everton can become once again, imvho!!
Kevin Molloy
50 Posted
08/05/2026 at
12:42:49
why is there this assumption that getting rid of Moyes and getting someone else in is not a huge risk? Any new appointment is always fraught with risk, and yet we are being urged to ditch the concrete progress of the last year, in order to roll the dice with god knows who? Just cos we've got a new stadium, we aren't this big draw we were 40 years ago. you only need to look at our struggles in the transfer market to see that. Players in France preferred to stay where they were last year. And if we get the appointment wrong, we'll be bobbing around the relegation zone by Christmas, knowing that we absolutely have to get the next appointment right or we'll be relegated. the uptick in form of Garner KDH O'Brien Beto and Keane are all traceable to working under Moyes. They may well fall off again with a new guy. Why would we want to open up that gigantic. can of worms. It's not like we haven't been down this road before, we've appointed the exciting young coaches like Silva and Lamard, and we know that when we have to boot them it forces us to managers like Dyche and Allardyce.
Let's not do that. Let's at least give this manager a fair crack of the whip. ie more than a year.
Andrew Ellams
51 Posted
08/05/2026 at
13:41:33
John P @ 46. If the next 3 go like the last 4 then we will finish the season with pretty much the same points as last season and around the same league position which is not too different from the previous season under Dyche,
Sounds more like treading water to me.
John Collins
52 Posted
08/05/2026 at
13:51:42
The brainwashed from Moyes's first go around remain in situ.
Indoctrinated fans with the fear of relegation as opposed to the accepted stability.
He has made no progress on the points total of Dyche to date.
Brendan McLaughlin
53 Posted
08/05/2026 at
21:23:36
Stu mate #48
I agree I don't think we were ever serious contenders for the Champions League.
Take your own advice and read back the comments and you'll see that the people bigging up our Champions League hopes were mainly the MOB. They were hyping the expectation levels to use as a stick with which to beat the manager.
Not sure Moyes unravelled. I just think we had a difficult run of fixtures and just weren't good enough.
Brendan McLaughlin
54 Posted
08/05/2026 at
21:29:09
Tony #49
That was also the season I discovered ToffeeWeb and it's been great company ever since.
Tony Abrahams
55 Posted
08/05/2026 at
21:54:38
Very debatable what you have written about it only being the MOB, Brendan, because arguably the biggest defender of David Moyes, on this website is Kevin Molloy, and along with him saying we have got the best away record in the league, the other repetitive thing he has kept on saying was, we are in the running for the champions league.
Surely you could argue that Kevin, was also hyping the manager, to make it sound like he wasn’t getting enough credit for the job he was doing?
We have come up short but we have also just lost five points, because we have started conceding last minute goals in our last three games, so if Everton don’t get into Europe, because of this then, does this also mean it was because we simply weren’t good enough, and the manager has still done a fantastic job?
Brendan McLaughlin
56 Posted
08/05/2026 at
22:09:15
Tony #55
Being in the running and being serious contenders are very different arguments but I'm sure Kevin can speak for himself.
Not sure many people are claiming Moyes has done a fantastic job or I'm missing more than I think on ToffeeWeb.
John Collins
57 Posted
08/05/2026 at
22:26:10
"Paranoia is just a heightened sense of awareness." — John Lennon
"The Mob" Brendan?
Brendan McLaughlin
58 Posted
08/05/2026 at
22:55:01
John #57
Obviously notThe MOB
John Collins
59 Posted
08/05/2026 at
23:02:01
I don't know, Brendan....
Given your opinion on the TW MOB, they could be on a par.
John Collins
60 Posted
08/05/2026 at
23:09:57
Fergeddaboutid 😁
Brendan McLaughlin
61 Posted
08/05/2026 at
23:21:36
John #59
The ToffeeWeb MOB can hardly land a punch... a Saint Valentine's Day mob like massacre... doubt I'll see it on these pages.
John Collins
62 Posted
08/05/2026 at
23:39:03
You would dive in the way if it was aimed at Bugsy Moyes, Brendan.
Take one for the gaffer!
Eric Myles
63 Posted
08/05/2026 at
00:38:27
Andrew #51, we were not treading water under Dyche.
We were the drowning man about to go under for the final time until we got a Moyes-shaped rescue boat.
Don Alexander
64 Posted
09/05/2026 at
03:12:52
As me and others have proposed, Freidkin this Summer will display what he is between being the owner of a trophy-winning historically major English football club with a huge measurably fanatic and eternally loyal fan-base... or, regrettably, just another avaricious tosser intent on using us for his personal financial benefit.
Freidkin, be warned: if you're the latter, you will not get decades of ostensible "support".
Us lot, the fans upon which your fortune depends, have been punished enough by bogus owners, for decades, and you should have known that before you acquired us.
Make a statement this Summer, with signings and sales.
Maybe I’m becoming a little bit of a sensationalist myself but, when I read some of the comments from the other little gang, who blame anyone but the manager at times, then it does make me think that they must believe David, is doing a fantastic job, Brendan?
I see quite a few people giving Moyes - stick, on this website Brendan, and although I’m not going to go back and look at the posts, I don’t think many people are using the team’s failure to qualify for the champions league, as a stick to beat up our manager?
If we don’t qualify for Europe, after putting ourselves in such a great position, then I think a lot of the people who don’t really like the manager, will blame him and say he has failed, but let’s see how the season finishes first, is what I’d say.
Fermin, Lewandowski start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid
FC Barcelona are just one point away from being crowned as La Liga champions, and they could achieve that tonight when they face off against Real Madrid in El Clasico.
The Catalans have an 11-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, who are currently going through a period of tumult and turmoil with all the infighting and unrest in the dressing room.
Having already won the Spanish Super Cup by beating Los Blancos, lifting the La Liga title with a win over their arch-rivals will make the triumph even sweeter for Hansi Flick & co.
Leading up to the big game, Barcelona have no new injury concerns, although Lamine Yamal’s absence will be felt. Andreas Christensen, who has been training with the team for a while now, is unlikely to be rushed back either.
Flick, though, has some interesting decisions to make with regard to the lineup that will take the field against Alvaro Arbeloa & co. Here’s how the soon-to-be-confirmed champions could take the field in the Clasico.
Defence
Joan Garcia, on the cusp of winning the Zamora Trophy, will start in goal as usual for Barcelona, hoping to keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid.
The centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, which has never lost a game in La Liga this season, is unlikely to be tinkered with either.
One major dilemma comes in the right-back position, where Flick will have to choose between three players to tackle the threat of Vinicius Jr. Going by the test lineup the manager tried in training, Jules Kounde could get the nod over Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo.
Kounde vs Vinicius tonight? (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
On the left side of the defence, Joao Cancelo is expected to retain his spot in the team ahead of Alejandro Balde.
Midfield
Pedri is a guaranteed starter for Barcelona tonight in the Clasico and will be extremely crucial to the team’s chances of coming out on top.
As for his partner in the double pivot, Flick faces another selection headache. Frenkie de Jong has been the preferred option for the majority of the season and has accumulated plenty of minutes from the bench since returning from injury.
However, Gavi has been in fine form in recent games, performing exceptionally well in the centre of the park, and could, thus, retain his spot for the Clasico.
As for the No. 10 position, Dani Olmo is expected to get the nod again for the home team.
Attack
Raphinha is back from injury, but is unlikely to start from kickoff. As such, Fermin Lopez is expected to feature on the left flank for the Blaugrana against Real Madrid.
Even though Ferran Torres has been making a strong case for his inclusion in the team, Robert Lewandowski has been going through a positive run, and Flick is likely to continue backing the veteran forward in the No. 9 position.
On the right, Roony Bardghji is set to be given another opportunity in Lamine Yamal’s absence, even though Marcus Rashford has impressed on that flank after coming on as a substitute in the past couple of matches.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Wave defender Mimi Van Zanten (16) dribbles the ball against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium.
Mimi Van Zanten’s header goal in the 81st minute was the game-winner at BMO Stadium on Saturday night. The rookie’s first professional goal gave San Diego Wave FC a 2-1 win against Southern California rival Angel City FC.
The 21-year-old Jamaican defender has started all nine games for the Wave this season, and continues her ascension. Dudinha’s two-goal contributions helped snap San Diego’s two-game losing streak on the road. Following their win against LA, they now have a 6-3-0 record and have the second-most points in the NWSL (18), behind the Portland Thorns.
Portland snapped San Diego’s five-game win streak last week in a top-of-the-table clash. Following that loss, the Wave returned to Snapdragon Stadium on May 2 to host Bay FC. San Jose’s early goal from Racheal Kundananji decided the outcome, handing them back-to-back losses.
In that match, head coach Jonas Eidevall received a red card for expressing his frustration with the referee's decision that interrupted a fast break opportunity. Becki Tweed, the Wave's assistant coach, took over for the rest of that match and served as the interim coach while Eidevall served his suspension.
Tweed made a few changes to the starting lineup against Los Angeles, swapping midfielders Gia Corley and Kimmi Ascanio for Lia Godfrey and Laurina Fazer. DiDi Haracic started in goal once again following an injury that kept her sidelined for several weeks.
Meanwhile, Angel City entered Saturday night on a three-game losing streak, falling to Orlando (2-1), Portland (2-1), and Utah (1-0) on May 2. Cloé Lacasse’s goal in the 32nd minute secured the win for the Royals. Los Angeles began the season with three straight wins. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir is their leading goal scorer with three.
Haracic had a very impressive save in the first half. Taylor Suarez entered the attacking third, and a ball that rolled past both San Diego center-backs. Kennedy Wesley’s slide attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Suarez one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Haracic made a terrific block to keep the game scoreless in the 38th minute.
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) May 10, 2026
Neither team was able to score in the opening half, but that would quickly change following the break. San Diego brought on two attacking players to begin the second half in Godfrey and Trinity Byars.
Dudinha continues to prove why she’s one of the league's better attacking players. She flashed her dribbling skills, getting past two Angel City defenders as she entered the box. Her right-footed shot ricocheted off the shoulder of Sarah Gorden and into the net. Dudinha scored her third goal of the season in the 49th minute. This was also the 200th goal scored by a Brazilian player in the NWSL.
Angel City responded five minutes later. Gordon sailed a pass into the box, and Emily Sams perfectly timed her run behind the backline. Her sliding shot got past a diving Haracic to equalize. It was a center-back-to-center-back connection for the score. This was Sams first goal for her new team.
After the tying goal, San Diego increased its offensive momentum and had several opportunities to regain its lead. Kenza Dali fired off two quality shots. Melanie Barcenas, who was subbed on in the 63rd minute, shot was blocked by goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. Godfrey’s powerful shot from outside the box was also saved.
That moment finally came in the 81st minute.
Godfrey swung a pass to the left wing. Dudinha analyzed her options for a quick second and noticed Van Zanten’s hand go up, asking for the ball. She placed the ball right in front of the right post, and a sprinting Van Zanten put the ball inside the net using her head—a perfectly executed play to take the lead.
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) May 10, 2026
Dudinha has the third-most goal contributions in 2026 with seven (three goals and four assists). Van Zanten’s first-ever goal helped San Diego get back into the win column and secure three points. This was the Wave’s fourth road win this season.
Los Angeles committed 20 fouls, compared to the visiting team’s eight. San Diego had one more shot on the night and controlled possession 55.5% of the time.
The Wave will return to Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, May 15, to host the Washington Spirit, who are having themselves a good season as well. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT.
LINE: Padres -136, Cardinals +115; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals meet the San Diego Padres leading the series 2-1.
San Diego has a 23-16 record overall and a 12-10 record in home games. The Padres are 14-4 in games when they did not allow a home run.
St. Louis has a 13-6 record on the road and a 23-16 record overall. The Cardinals are 10-5 in games when they did not give up a home run.
The teams meet Sunday for the fourth time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Xander Bogaerts has two doubles and seven home runs for the Padres. Ty France is 10 for 34 with a double, two triples, three home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games.
Jordan Walker has eight doubles and 10 home runs while hitting .301 for the Cardinals. Alec Burleson is 11 for 40 with two doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Padres: 4-6, .184 batting average, 3.94 ERA, outscored by seven runs
INJURIES: Padres: Joe Musgrove: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Campusano: 10-Day IL (toe), Jake Cronenworth: 7-Day IL (concussion), German Marquez: 15-Day IL (forearm), Jhony Brito: 60-Day IL (elbow), Bryan Hoeing: 60-Day IL (elbow), Nick Pivetta: 15-Day IL (elbow)
Cardinals: Matt Pushard: 15-Day IL (knee), Ramon Urias: 10-Day IL (elbow), Lars Nootbaar: 60-Day IL (heels)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Dodgers -131, Braves +110; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves meet on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1.
Los Angeles has a 13-7 record in home games and a 24-15 record overall. The Dodgers have gone 19-4 in games when they record at least eight hits.
Atlanta has a 27-13 record overall and a 15-7 record on the road. The Braves have the fourth-ranked team on-base percentage in the NL at .335.
The teams play Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Andy Pages leads the Dodgers with 17 extra base hits (eight doubles and nine home runs). Freddie Freeman is 11 for 40 with three doubles, a home run and five RBIs over the last 10 games.
Drake Baldwin has five doubles, nine home runs and 31 RBIs while hitting .298 for the Braves. Ozzie Albies is 12 for 39 with three doubles and two home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Dodgers: 4-6, .247 batting average, 2.90 ERA, outscored opponents by six runs
INJURIES: Dodgers: Brock Stewart: 15-Day IL (foot), Tommy Edman: 60-Day IL (ankle), Tyler Glasnow: 15-Day IL (back), Mookie Betts: 10-Day IL (back), Brusdar Graterol: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Ben Casparius: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Landon Knack: 60-Day IL (undisclosed), Jake Cousins: 60-Day IL (elbow), Gavin Stone: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kike Hernandez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Bobby Miller: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Evan Phillips: 60-Day IL (elbow), Edwin Diaz: 15-Day IL (elbow)
Braves: Ronald Acuna Jr.: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Dylan Dodd: 15-Day IL (back), AJ Smith-Shawver: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ha-Seong Kim: 10-Day IL (finger), Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow), Spencer Schwellenbach: 60-Day IL (elbow), Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee), Joey Wentz: 60-Day IL (knee), Hurston Waldrep: 15-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Diamondbacks -110, Mets -109; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets meet on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Arizona has an 11-9 record at home and an 18-20 record overall. Diamondbacks hitters have a collective .395 slugging percentage to rank ninth in the majors.
New York has gone 9-12 on the road and 15-24 overall. The Mets have the sixth-ranked team ERA in the NL at 3.90.
The teams play Sunday for the sixth time this season. The Diamondbacks lead the season series 3-2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ildemaro Vargas has seven doubles, two triples and six home runs for the Diamondbacks. Corbin Carroll is 9 for 38 with two doubles, two home runs and three RBIs over the past 10 games.
Juan Soto has four doubles, a triple and four home runs for the Mets. Marcus Semien is 10 for 36 with a double, a home run and four RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Diamondbacks: 3-7, .203 batting average, 3.93 ERA, outscored by 10 runs
Mets: 5-5, .221 batting average, 3.93 ERA, outscored by five runs
INJURIES: Diamondbacks: Carlos Santana: 10-Day IL (groin), Jordan Lawlar: 60-Day IL (wrist), A.J. Puk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow), Andrew Saalfrank: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Cristian Mena: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Corbin Burnes: 60-Day IL (elbow), Pavin Smith: 60-Day IL (elbow), Justin Martinez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Mets: Joey Gerber: 15-Day IL (finger), A.J. Minter: 15-Day IL (lat), Jorge Polanco: 10-Day IL (wrist), Ronny Mauricio: 10-Day IL (thumb), Luis Robert: 10-Day IL (back), Kodai Senga: 15-Day IL (spinal lumbar ), Jared Young: 10-Day IL (knee), Francisco Lindor: 10-Day IL (calf), Reed Garrett: 60-Day IL (elbow), Justin Hagenman: 60-Day IL (rib), Tylor Megill: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dedniel Nunez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Giants -118, Pirates -101; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Pirates take on the San Francisco Giants after Nick Gonzales' four-hit game on Saturday.
San Francisco is 15-24 overall and 9-12 in home games. Giants hitters are batting a collective .241, which ranks eighth in the NL.
Pittsburgh has an 11-9 record on the road and a 22-18 record overall. The Pirates are 15-7 in games when they record eight or more hits.
Sunday's game is the third time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luis Arraez has seven doubles and two triples while hitting .312 for the Giants. Casey Schmitt is 11 for 38 with a triple and two home runs over the past 10 games.
Ryan O'Hearn has five doubles and five home runs for the Pirates. Brandon Lowe is 12 for 34 with four doubles, a triple and three home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Giants: 2-8, .228 batting average, 4.43 ERA, outscored by 25 runs
INJURIES: Giants: Logan Webb: 15-Day IL (knee), Sam Hentges: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Erik Miller: 15-Day IL (back), Jared Oliva: 60-Day IL (wrist), Harrison Bader: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Daniel Susac: 10-Day IL (elbow), Jose Butto: 60-Day IL (arm), Reiver Sanmartin: 60-Day IL (hip), Hayden Birdsong: 60-Day IL (forearm), Jason Foley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Randy Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Rowan Wick: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Pirates: Jake Mangum: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Chris Devenski: 15-Day IL (illness), Jared Jones: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Reds -124, Astros +104; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros play on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Cincinnati is 11-9 in home games and 21-19 overall. The Reds have hit 52 total home runs to rank third in the majors.
Houston has gone 7-14 in road games and 16-24 overall. Astros hitters have a collective .436 slugging percentage to rank fourth in the majors.
Sunday's game is the third time these teams square off this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Elly De La Cruz leads the Reds with 18 extra base hits (eight doubles and 10 home runs). JJ Bleday is 8 for 35 with two doubles, three home runs and six RBIs over the past 10 games.
Christian Walker has nine doubles, nine home runs and 27 RBIs while hitting .288 for the Astros. Isaac Paredes is 12 for 35 with three doubles over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Reds: 2-8, .210 batting average, 6.64 ERA, outscored by 33 runs
Astros: 5-5, .265 batting average, 4.40 ERA, outscored by four runs
INJURIES: Reds: Rhett Lowder: day-to-day (shoulder), Eugenio Suarez: 10-Day IL (oblique), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Emilio Pagan: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Caleb Ferguson: 15-Day IL (oblique), Hunter Greene: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Astros: Hunter Brown: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bennett Sousa: 15-Day IL (elbow), Carlos Correa: 10-Day IL (ankle), Yainer Diaz: 10-Day IL (abdominal), Joey Loperfido: 10-Day IL (quadricep), Jake Meyers: 10-Day IL (oblique), Nate Pearson: 15-Day IL (elbow), Taylor Trammell: 10-Day IL (groin), Tatsuya Imai: 15-Day IL (arm), Jeremy Pena: 10-Day IL (knee), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brandon Walter: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Josh Hader: 60-Day IL (biceps), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Yankees -125, Brewers +105; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The New York Yankees hit the road against the Milwaukee Brewers looking to stop a three-game road skid.
Milwaukee is 21-16 overall and 12-8 at home. Brewers pitchers have a collective 3.45 ERA, which ranks third in the NL.
New York has gone 12-8 on the road and 26-14 overall. The Yankees have the second-ranked team on-base percentage in the AL at .333.
Sunday's game is the third time these teams square off this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Bauers leads the Brewers with six home runs while slugging .458. William Contreras is 15 for 42 with a double, a home run and 12 RBIs over the past 10 games.
Ben Rice has nine doubles and 12 home runs for the Yankees. Aaron Judge is 10 for 36 with a double and three home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Brewers: 7-3, .267 batting average, 2.43 ERA, outscored opponents by 34 runs
INJURIES: Brewers: Brandon Lockridge: 10-Day IL (knee), Quinn Priester: 15-Day IL (wrist), Jared Koenig: 15-Day IL (elbow), Brandon Woodruff: 15-Day IL (arm), Angel Zerpa: 15-Day IL (forearm), Rob Zastryzny: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Akil Baddoo: 60-Day IL (quadricep), Christian Yelich: 10-Day IL (groin)
Yankees: Ben Rice: day-to-day (finger), Jasson Dominguez: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Carlos Rodon: 15-Day IL (elbow), Giancarlo Stanton: 10-Day IL (leg), Angel Chivilli: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Gerrit Cole: 15-Day IL (elbow), Clarke Schmidt: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Rangers -131, Cubs +110; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
Texas is 18-21 overall and 8-9 at home. The Rangers have a 13-2 record in games when they scored at least five runs.
Chicago is 27-13 overall and 9-8 in road games. Cubs hitters are batting a collective .255, which ranks third in the NL.
The matchup Sunday is the third meeting between these teams this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Corey Seager is second on the Rangers with 13 extra base hits (six doubles and seven home runs). Josh Jung is 14 for 42 with a double, a home run and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
Ian Happ leads the Cubs with 16 extra base hits (six doubles, a triple and nine home runs). Seiya Suzuki is 11 for 36 with two doubles, three home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 4-6, .224 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored by 12 runs
INJURIES: Rangers: Carter Baumler: 15-Day IL (ribs), Robert Garcia: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Josh Smith: 10-Day IL (glute), Wyatt Langford: 10-Day IL (forearm), Cody Freeman: 10-Day IL (back ), Chris Martin: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Cody Bradford: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Curvelo: 15-Day IL (biceps), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Cubs: Matthew Boyd: 15-Day IL (knee), Jordan Wicks: 15-Day IL (forearm), Riley Martin: 15-Day IL (elbow), Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (tricep), Porter Hodge: 60-Day IL (elbow), Caleb Thielbar: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Shelby Miller: 60-Day IL (elbow), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christopher Austin: 60-Day IL (knee), Cade Horton: 60-Day IL (forearm)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Royals -132, Tigers +110; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers head into the matchup against the Kansas City Royals after losing five straight games.
Kansas City is 19-21 overall and 13-9 in home games. The Royals have the ninth-ranked team ERA in the AL at 4.24.
Detroit is 6-16 on the road and 18-22 overall. The Tigers have the sixth-ranked team on-base percentage in the AL at .323.
The matchup Sunday is the sixth time these teams match up this season. The Tigers hold a 3-2 advantage in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Jensen leads the Royals with six home runs while slugging .402. Maikel Garcia is 12 for 40 with five doubles, a home run and five RBIs over the past 10 games.
Kevin McGonigle has two home runs, 22 walks and 16 RBIs while hitting .294 for the Tigers. Riley Greene is 13 for 36 with four doubles, a home run and three RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 7-3, .246 batting average, 3.40 ERA, outscored opponents by eight runs
Tigers: 3-7, .213 batting average, 3.72 ERA, outscored by six runs
INJURIES: Royals: Cole Ragans: 15-Day IL (elbow), Carlos Estevez: 15-Day IL (foot), Bailey Falter: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jonathan India: 10-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Tigers: Kerry Carpenter: day-to-day (undisclosed), Gleyber Torres: 10-Day IL (oblique), Will Vest: 15-Day IL (forearm), Tarik Skubal: 15-Day IL (elbow), Javier Baez: 10-Day IL (ankle), Casey Mize: 15-Day IL (groin), Justin Verlander: 15-Day IL (hip), Connor Seabold: 15-Day IL (ankle), Bailey Horn: 60-Day IL (elbow), Trey Sweeney: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Reese Olson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Parker Meadows: 60-Day IL (head/arm), Jackson Jobe: 60-Day IL (elbow), Troy Melton: 60-Day IL (elbow), Beau Brieske: 60-Day IL (groin)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Seattle Mariners (19-21, second in the AL West) vs. Chicago White Sox (18-21, third in the AL Central)
Chicago; Sunday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Mariners: Logan Gilbert (2-3, 4.30 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 43 strikeouts); White Sox: Davis Martin (5-1, 1.64 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 43 strikeouts)
LINE: Mariners -130, White Sox +109; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners meet on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1.
Chicago is 8-9 in home games and 18-21 overall. The White Sox have a 13-5 record in games when they scored at least five runs.
Seattle has a 19-21 record overall and a 7-10 record in road games. The Mariners rank fifth in the AL with 46 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.
The matchup Sunday is the third time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Miguel Vargas has four doubles, a triple and nine home runs while hitting .228 for the White Sox. Colson Montgomery is 9 for 39 with three doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games.
Randy Arozarena has nine doubles, a triple and three home runs while hitting .278 for the Mariners. Julio Rodriguez is 15 for 42 with four doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: White Sox: 6-4, .256 batting average, 3.27 ERA, outscored opponents by 13 runs
Mariners: 5-5, .224 batting average, 3.90 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs
INJURIES: White Sox: Andrew Benintendi: day-to-day (neck), Drew Thorpe: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Teel: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Austin Hays: 10-Day IL (calf), Tanner Murray: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Everson Pereira: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Ky Bush: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brooks Baldwin: 60-Day IL (elbow), Mike Vasil: 60-Day IL (elbow), Prelander Berroa: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Mariners: Will Wilson: 10-Day IL (thumb), Victor Robles: 10-Day IL (pectoral), Gabe Speier: 15-Day IL (shoulder inflammation), Cal Raleigh: day-to-day (undisclosed), Patrick Wisdom: 10-Day IL (oblique), Matt Brash: 15-Day IL (lat), Bryce Miller: 15-Day IL (oblique), Logan Evans: 60-Day IL (arm), Carlos Vargas: 60-Day IL (lat), Miles Mastrobuoni: 60-Day IL (calf)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Guardians -148, Twins +124; over/under is 7 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins play on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1.
Cleveland has a 10-8 record in home games and a 21-20 record overall. The Guardians have a 17-7 record in games when they record at least eight hits.
Minnesota has a 17-23 record overall and a 7-13 record on the road. The Twins are 7-4 in games when they hit two or more home runs.
Sunday's game is the third time these teams square off this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Chase DeLauter has a .295 batting average to lead the Guardians, and has 10 doubles, a triple and six home runs. Jose Ramirez is 8 for 36 with three RBIs over the past 10 games.
Byron Buxton leads the Twins with 13 home runs while slugging .563. Brooks Lee is 13 for 40 with three doubles and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Guardians: 6-4, .228 batting average, 3.94 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs
INJURIES: Guardians: Shawn Armstrong: 15-Day IL (groin), Gabriel Arias: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Andrew Walters: 15-Day IL (lat)
Twins: Taj Bradley: 15-Day IL (pectoral), Cody Laweryson: 15-Day IL (forearm), Cole Sands: 15-Day IL (forearm), Garrett Acton: 15-Day IL (shoulder), David Festa: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Mick Abel: 15-Day IL (elbow), Pablo Lopez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Orioles -110, Athletics -110; over/under is 9 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Baltimore Orioles aim to break their three-game home slide with a victory over the Athletics.
Baltimore has a 9-11 record at home and a 17-23 record overall. Orioles hitters are batting a collective .233, which ranks 10th in the AL.
The Athletics have a 21-18 record overall and a 13-10 record on the road. The Athletics have an 8-4 record in games decided by one run.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Gunnar Henderson leads the Orioles with nine home runs while slugging .419. Adley Rutschman is 11 for 37 with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs over the past 10 games.
Shea Langeliers has 11 home runs, 13 walks and 22 RBIs while hitting .340 for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz is 14 for 41 with four doubles, a triple and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Orioles: 2-8, .215 batting average, 6.97 ERA, outscored by 36 runs
Athletics: 6-4, .284 batting average, 4.81 ERA, outscored opponents by six runs
INJURIES: Orioles: Blaze Alexander: day-to-day (calf), Cade Povich: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Westburg: 60-Day IL (ucl), Heston Kjerstad: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jackson Holliday: 10-Day IL (finger), Ryan Helsley: 15-Day IL (elbow), Trevor Rogers: 15-Day IL (illness), Dean Kremer: 15-Day IL (quadricep), Felix Bautista: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Colin Selby: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Zach Eflin: 60-Day IL (elbow), Yaramil Hiraldo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Mountcastle: 60-Day IL (foot)
Athletics: Denzel Clarke: 10-Day IL (foot), Max Muncy: 10-Day IL (hand), Gunnar Hoglund: 60-Day IL (knee)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Angels (15-25, fifth in the AL West) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (18-21, third in the AL East)
Toronto; Sunday, 1:37 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Angels: Jose Soriano (5-2, 1.74 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 54 strikeouts); Blue Jays: Spencer Miles (1-0, 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 16 strikeouts)
LINE: Angels -119, Blue Jays -101; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays play the Los Angeles Angels after Ernie Clement's five-hit game on Saturday.
Toronto is 18-21 overall and 12-8 in home games. The Blue Jays are 7-3 in games when they hit two or more home runs.
Los Angeles has a 7-15 record on the road and a 15-25 record overall. The Angels have a 7-15 record in games when they have allowed a home run.
Sunday's game is the sixth time these teams meet this season. The Blue Jays have a 4-1 advantage in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kazuma Okamoto leads the Blue Jays with 10 home runs while slugging .482. Brandon Valenzuela is 9 for 26 with three home runs and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
Jo Adell leads the Angels with a .261 batting average, and has three doubles, four home runs, four walks and 21 RBIs. Nolan Schanuel is 12 for 37 with an RBI over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Blue Jays: 5-5, .266 batting average, 3.18 ERA, outscored opponents by 18 runs
INJURIES: Blue Jays: Nathan Lukes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Lazaro Estrada: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jose Berrios: 15-Day IL (elbow), Max Scherzer: 15-Day IL (forearm), Yimi Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cody Ponce: 60-Day IL (knee), Anthony Santander: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alejandro Kirk: 10-Day IL (hand), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Bowden Francis: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Angels: Travis d'Arnaud: 10-Day IL (foot), Logan O'Hoppe: 10-Day IL (wrist), Grayson Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (arm), Ryan Johnson: 15-Day IL (illness), Yusei Kikuchi: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Robert Stephenson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ben Joyce: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Anthony Rendon: 60-Day IL (hip)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Real Madrid visit Barcelona in the midst of an institutional crisis. Los Blancos are 11 points behind Barça and Flick’s team could clinch the title with a victory tonight.
Barcelona predicted XI: Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Cancelo; Pedri, Gavi; Rashford, Olmo, Fermín and Lewandowski.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch; Brahim, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé.
Mbappé is expected to return to the lineup having recovered from the mild injury he suffered against Betis. Courtois will also be back as Madrid try to stay alive in the race for the title.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM EL CLASICO
Date: 05/10/2026
Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain.
Available TV: DAZN La Liga (Spain), ESPN Deportes (USA).
Available Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)
Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.
Tampa Bay Rays (25-13, first in the AL East) vs. Boston Red Sox (17-22, fourth in the AL East)
Boston; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Rays: Nick Martinez (3-1, 1.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 28 strikeouts); Red Sox: Payton Tolle (1-1, 2.04 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 23 strikeouts)
LINE: Red Sox -129, Rays +109; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays play on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series.
Boston has a 7-11 record at home and a 17-22 record overall. The Red Sox have an 11-4 record in games when they scored five or more runs.
Tampa Bay is 11-9 in road games and 25-13 overall. The Rays have an 8-1 record in games decided by one run.
The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Willson Contreras has four doubles, eight home runs and 23 RBIs while hitting .259 for the Red Sox. Ceddanne Rafaela is 11 for 39 with two home runs over the past 10 games.
Junior Caminero leads the Rays with 13 extra base hits (three doubles and 10 home runs). Yandy Diaz is 9 for 35 with a double, two home runs and five RBIs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Red Sox: 5-5, .237 batting average, 3.34 ERA, outscored by three runs
INJURIES: Red Sox: Roman Anthony: 10-Day IL (wrist), Danny Coulombe: 15-Day IL (cervical spasms), Patrick Sandoval: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ranger Suarez: day-to-day (hamstring), Garrett Crochet: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Kutter Crawford: 15-Day IL (wrist), Triston Casas: 60-Day IL (knee), Johan Oviedo: 60-Day IL (elbow), Romy Gonzalez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tanner Houck: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Rays: Joe Boyle: 15-Day IL (elbow), Steven Matz: 15-Day IL (elbow), Gavin Lux: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Pepiot: 60-Day IL (hip), Edwin Uceta: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Steven Wilson: 60-Day IL (back), Manuel Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Michael Grove: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Marlins -136, Nationals +115; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: Both the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday.
Miami has gone 13-12 in home games and 18-22 overall. Marlins hitters have a collective .327 on-base percentage, the eighth-best percentage in the majors.
Washington has a 13-8 record in road games and a 19-21 record overall. The Nationals have the seventh-ranked team batting average in the NL at .243.
The teams play Sunday for the third time this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Liam Hicks is third on the Marlins with 12 extra base hits (three doubles and nine home runs). Xavier Edwards is 10 for 36 with a double, three home runs and five RBIs over the last 10 games.
C.J. Abrams leads the Nationals with a .295 batting average, and has six doubles, a triple, nine home runs, 18 walks and 36 RBIs. James Wood is 10 for 38 with a home run and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Marlins: 4-6, .238 batting average, 4.50 ERA, outscored by six runs
INJURIES: Marlins: Pete Fairbanks: 15-Day IL (thumb), Ronny Henriquez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Adam Mazur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Griffin Conine: 10-Day IL (hamstring)
Nationals: Cole Henry: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Kranick: 15-Day IL (elbow), Clayton Beeter: 15-Day IL (forearm), Trevor Williams: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ken Waldichuk: 60-Day IL (forearm), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LINE: Phillies -305, Rockies +243; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Phillies play the Colorado Rockies after Trea Turner had four hits on Saturday in a 9-3 win over the Rockies.
Philadelphia is 18-22 overall and 11-12 in home games. The Phillies have gone 9-5 in games when they hit two or more home runs.
Colorado has a 16-24 record overall and an 8-13 record in road games. The Rockies have hit 41 total home runs to rank ninth in the NL.
The teams meet Sunday for the sixth time this season. The Phillies lead the season series 3-2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with 14 home runs while slugging .553. Brandon Marsh is 15 for 35 with three doubles, a triple and four RBIs over the last 10 games.
Mickey Moniak has seven doubles, a triple and 11 home runs for the Rockies. T.J. Rumfield is 13 for 43 with a double and two home runs over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Phillies: 7-3, .263 batting average, 4.21 ERA, outscored opponents by eight runs
INJURIES: Phillies: Bryce Harper: day-to-day (migraine), Zach Pop: 15-Day IL (calf), Kyle Backhus: 15-Day IL (elbow), Max Lazar: 60-Day IL (oblique)
Rockies: McCade Brown: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Feltner: 15-Day IL (tricep), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (back), Pierson Ohl: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow), RJ Petit: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Monaco predicted XI v Lille: Paul Pogba to drop back to bench?
Last weekend, in a slender 2-1 win over FC Metz, Paul Pogba made his first start in three years. As AS Monaco prepare to face Lille OSC at the Stade Louis II on Sunday night, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder is expected to drop back to the bench. Aladji Bamba may take his place.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Sébastien Pocognoli to contend with, although Caio Henrique has suffered a setback in his return from a muscular injury. While he awaits the results of tests on the setback, he is out of this game. The defence-minded Christian Mawissa may start in his position.
The likes of Kassoum Ouattara, Vanderson, Stanis Idumbo, Mohammed Salisu, and Takumi Minamino, all remain sidelined for the Principality club.
Monaco likely line-up v Lille
Lukas Hradecky; Wout Faes, Denis Zakaria, Thilo Kehrer; Christian Mawissa, Lamine Camara, Aladji Bamba, Jordan Teze; Aleksandr Golovin, Folarin Balogun, Maghnes Akliouche. (L’Éq)
Liverpool’s recruitment team have rarely hidden their admiration for technically gifted forwards capable of altering the rhythm of a match in a single movement. Now, according to a report from L’Équipe, the club are considering a summer move for Maghnes Akliouche as they prepare for another significant transfer window.
The 24-year-old has become one of the most coveted attacking players in Europe after a season of composure, invention and maturity with AS Monaco. Liverpool are believed to be weighing up an offer worth around €50m, although Monaco’s valuation has previously climbed as high as €70m.
Interest in Akliouche is nothing new. Last summer, several Premier League sides tracked him closely, while Paris Saint-Germain also maintained contact. The player resisted a move to Tottenham Hotspur and remained in the Principality, a decision that now looks increasingly shrewd given the rise in his reputation across Europe.
Original reporting from Get French Football News, citing L’Équipe, states that Liverpool have now formally entered the race alongside PSG as Monaco prepare for a potentially turbulent summer.
PSG Pressure Shapes Transfer Battle
PSG’s long-standing admiration for Akliouche gives this transfer saga an added layer of intrigue. The French champions have made a habit of targeting the most gifted domestic talent, and Akliouche fits that profile precisely. Elegant in possession, calm under pressure and capable of drifting between midfield and attack, he carries the kind of technical assurance PSG value highly.
Yet Liverpool’s interest may appeal to different ambitions. At Anfield, Akliouche would likely be offered a central role in a rebuilding attacking structure rather than becoming another luxury addition in Paris. Liverpool’s recent recruitment has focused on energy, tactical intelligence and versatility, all qualities Akliouche has demonstrated consistently in Ligue 1 and European competition.
The report from L’Équipe suggests Monaco are now prepared to sanction a sale this summer after resisting bids previously. That shift is significant. Clubs rarely soften their position unless a player’s departure feels increasingly inevitable.
For Liverpool, the attraction is obvious. Akliouche is capable of operating wide on the right, drifting into central pockets or linking play between midfield and the forward line. He is not merely a winger chasing statistics. He is a footballer who manipulates tempo and space.
Monaco Stand Firm on Valuation
Monaco’s stance last summer discouraged several suitors. Their €70m asking price was considered excessive by some Premier League clubs, especially given Akliouche was still developing consistency at elite level.
That perception has changed.
His performances in the Champions League and Ligue 1 have strengthened Monaco’s negotiating position even if Liverpool hope a fee closer to €50m may now be enough to open serious discussions. Modern transfer markets are driven as much by scarcity as talent, and there are few young attacking players available with Akliouche’s technical profile and ceiling.
Liverpool also face competition beyond PSG. Elite European clubs have monitored the France international for months, aware that his value could soar further if another strong campaign follows.
Monaco, meanwhile, understand timing matters. Selling at peak value is part of their model. Akliouche increasingly looks like the next major departure from the Stade Louis II.
Akliouche Could Transform Liverpool Attack
What makes Akliouche particularly attractive to Liverpool is the subtlety of his game. He does not rely solely on pace or power. Instead, he plays with balance and awareness, constantly scanning for overloads and openings. There is a measured quality to his football that suits high-pressure environments.
Liverpool’s attack at times this season has lacked unpredictability in tighter matches. Akliouche offers exactly that. He can receive under pressure, escape challenges in confined spaces and create numerical superiority with quick combinations.
The prospect of PSG entering a full-scale bidding war may complicate matters financially, but Liverpool’s interest signals intent. They are searching for players capable not only of refreshing the squad but elevating it technically.
As reported by Get French Football News through L’Équipe, the expectation now is that Akliouche will finally leave Monaco this summer. Whether his next destination is Anfield or Paris could become one of the defining transfer stories of the window.
👀 Champions League failures: 1860 fans take aim at Bayern
Despite TSV 1860 Munich’s 1-2 defeat to FC Ingolstadt 04 yesterday, the Lions’ fans were apparently in excellent spirits.
While their team lost on Grünwalder Straße, some home fans seemed mainly preoccupied with eternal rivals Bayern Munich.
The supporters chanted “Champions League losers,” alluding to Bayern’s recent CL exit against PSG.
Bayern fans, whose team managed to win in Wolfsburg yesterday, probably won’t like that. On the other hand, given the current gap in class between the clubs, they can probably live with it.
Jim Magilton pulled no punches as Cliftonville's European hopes were ended by Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.
The Reds had hoped to end what Magilton labelled as a "really poor season" by earning a place in the Uefa Conference League qualifiers.
But the Cliftonville boss was left disappointed as his side couldn't kick on after Luke Conlan had cancelled out Adam Glenny's opener for the Swifts with Kealan Dillon's 74th minute winner condemning the Solitude outfit to more big game heartache.
"We let so many people down. Players let themselves down, we let the fans down," said Magilton.
"We commend Dungannon, we were there last year [bouncing back after losing an Irish Cup final] so we know what it's like. They had to put together a team and they did that and they deserved to win the game.
"But in terms of us, we were nowhere near the levels. Both teams conceded poor goals from set plays. We settled down in the second half, and we expected an onslaught, but we didn't get that.
"We didn't test the goalkeeper enough, we didn't ask enough questions, and it's probably typical of the big games. We've let ourselves down badly in the big games and didn't have enough."
'It's going to be even harder for us to compete next season'
Cliftonville finished fifth in the Irish Premiership and faced penalty shootout disappointment in the County Antrim Shield final, the BetMcLean Cup quarter-final and the Irish Cup semi-final with Magilton frustrated that they ended the campaign with "a lot of what ifs".
"There weren't enough leaders in the team. There weren't enough people smelling blood. Dungannon were fighting for their very lives, which you do, which you have to do, and again showed their qualities," he added.
"But from our point of view, it's so disappointing. It's a really poor end to what has probably been a really poor season. It was a lot of what-ifs.
"Losing on penalties, yeah, you can look to that. You can look to semi-final losses, County Antrim Shield losses, quarter-final losses, whatever it is.
"It was an opportunity for the players to really stand up and be counted and we didn't. We have to accept that it was an unacceptable performance."
Without the additional funds from competing in European competition, Magilton accepts Cliftonville will face another battle to compete next season.
"It's going to make it harder because European money means budgets will be sliced and you have to cut your cloth accordingly," explained the Reds boss.
"Even when we had European money, we still had to cut our cloth accordingly. You only have to look at the standard and quality of players that are being brought into the clubs that finished above us. So, it's going to be even harder for us."
Liverpool closely following Monaco’s Lamine Camara
As Liverpool prepare for a rebuild this summer, the Merseyside club are paying particular attention to AS Monaco. As well as taking an interest in France international Maghnes Akliouche (24), they may also table a bid for midfielder Lamine Camara (22) this summer, as per a report from L’Équipe.
Since joining Monaco from FC Metz two years ago, the Senegal international has excelled at Monaco and was one of the key players for Senegal at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Like Akliouche, Camara is one of the players that will be allowed to leave the club in the event that the Principality club’s valuation is met this summer.
There is interest from Liverpool, L’Équipe understands, whilst Newcastle United, a more long-term admirer, remain in the race as the summer transfer window approaches. He features particularly highly on the Tyneside club’s shortlist. The midfielder’s contract at Monaco runs until 2029.
A lot has changed in the past two years for Scott Bemand and his youthful Ireland squad.
When Ireland last hosted Wales, Bemand was on the search for his first victory as head coach after taking over at the helm of an Ireland team who had recently finished bottom of the Six Nations table.
Now, two years later, the side were the comfortable victors against Wales and have breathing space in third position.
"We said at the very beginning [when he became head coach], it was about belief," Bemand said.
"So, when I first came in, the first season was just about getting the girls to believe they could actually be quite good, and giving themselves permission to go and be brave, knowing they can perform under pressure.
"Where that's changed over the two years is now, they know they can be good. So now it's about executing when pressure dials up and dials down."
Ireland 'starting to handle bigger occasions'
France and England will battle it out for the Six Nations title in the final match next weekend and, even though Ireland aren't pushing those heavyweights, they now established themselves as a young, upcoming squad.
Their victory over Wales is their second of this campaign after an impressive 57-20 win over Italy, who occupy fourth spot.
"We're starting to handle bigger occasions and bigger pressure more, and with that comes more expectation. But that's the cool thing, that's where we want to be," he continued.
"Our next thing now is we're going to start converting that belief, that confidence, that understanding and that we're quite good into results.
"We'll get there, the trajectory is still up and we're still hungry to get better. So no doubt we'll get there and as quick as we can get there, the quicker the better.
Despite their progress, Bemand also acknowledged they still have room to improve.
Ireland have never beaten France nor England with the head coach adding that this must be an aim of the side.
"We do want to be in games where we're in a position to beat an England and a France.
"Are we getting there? Well, with this competition, we've proved that we haven't as yet.
"So, we'll take that, but unfortunately it means we have to sit on it for 12 months before we get another crack at them, a top four team.
"Our job now is to get as good as we can in the next year so that when we get them over here, we can condense that scoreline even further."
Ireland finish their Six Nations campaign with a home match against Scotland on 17 May at the Aviva Stadium.
Real Madrid administration prioritise cultural rebuild over signings amid internal crisis
Real Madrid’s internal crisis is currently one of the most talked about topics in world football, and it is clear that the club is being seen as in downfall from the outside.
For starters, Los Blancos are now on their second straight season without major silverware which comes as a massive blow to their image.
Further, news of internal fights leading up to even hospitalisations, a lack of respect for the manager, and a player-centric dressing room atmosphere are all ruining the image of Real Madrid.
A change in mission
Florentino Perez and Co., needless to say, are worried by the direction the club is headed in both a sporting and a cultural sense. Their priority seemed to be to get the sporting project back in line, but that appears to have changed now.
According to reports from Diario AS, Los Blancos’ primary mission is no longer about winning titles but about restoring the lost prestige and values within the club.
Real Madrid are worried about the damage to the club’s image. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There is an internal belief that the current crisis is far more than a sporting block and that there is a loss of discipline, respect, and leadership within the dressing room.
This has led the management to believe that ‘rebuilding the character’ of the broken dressing room is more important than making massive summer signings.
Only nine players from the current Real Madrid squad have remained free from controversy and internal tussles and the management understands how much damage is being done to the club’s image.
They are thus not only focusing on ensuring that there is better harmony internally but also that there are no leaks of any internal tussles in the future. Signings and sporting moves will now take a back step.
Liverpool consider move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche
Liverpool are expected to spend big once again this summer as they seek to bounce back following an underwhelming season. One of their targets is thought to be AS Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche (24), as per a report from L’Équipe.
Akliouche was expected to leave formative club Monaco last summer, amid interest from the Premier League, as well as European champions Paris Saint-Germain. That interest from England came in the form of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur; Akliouche was opposed to a move to the latter, and, with clubs put off by Monaco’s €70m valuation, the playmaker remained at the Stade Louis II.
However, he will be allowed to leave the Principality club this summer, and the suitors are already lining up. PSG retain their interest in the France international, and Liverpool have now joined the race. The Merseyside club could table a bid of around €50m this coming summer.
Michael Edwards lining up insane Alisson Becker swap deal
Michael Edwards could be lining up an insane swap deal for Alisson Becker.
There is a growing feeling that this summer could mark the end of an era for Liverpool with the Brazilian increasingly likely to leave the club.
Alisson is entering the final year of his contract, and that situation naturally puts Liverpool in a difficult position. While nobody inside Anfield will want to lose one of the best goalkeepers in the world, the club also know they cannot afford to let such a valuable player walk away for free next summer.
That is where the thinking of FSG comes into play. FSG have always been strategic when it comes to contracts and player sales, and from a business perspective, cashing in on Alisson now rather than losing him for nothing would fit perfectly with their approach.
There is already strong interest from Juventus, who are believed to be seriously exploring a move. At the same time, Liverpool have quietly prepared for this possibility over the last year by moving for Giorgi Mamardashvili, a goalkeeper viewed by many as one of the best young shot-stoppers in Europe.
In many ways, the transition already feels planned out. Mamardashvili looks like the long-term successor, while Alisson’s potential departure would allow Liverpool to bring in a significant fee before his contract expires.
Still, even if it makes sense financially, it would be an emotional exit for supporters. Alisson has been one of the defining players of Liverpool’s modern success and replacing his presence, leadership and reliability will never truly be easy.
Having already lost Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah - not to mention a myriad of other big names over the course of the last few years - this is now truly a transitional period in the club.
Liverpool's goalkeeping department are in a strong situation thankfully. Mamardashvili is an astute replacement - he is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe right now.
There's Freddie Woodman, who proved himself in a moment of need and had a strong couple of games while deputising for Alisson and Mamardashvili.
Behind him Armin Pecsi is developing well in the club's academy and there are high hopes for Vitezslav Jaros, who had done well on loan at Ajax up until his injury.
Not to mention Kornel Misciur and DJ Bernard are also both regarded as excellent goalkeepers within the academy.
So, Liverpool are in a good place when it comes to their goalkeepers. However, if Alisson goes, they will still probably need to bring in one more player.
Pecsi is likely to leave on loan, Jaros is also expected to go on another loan. Liverpool will need someone else to come in.
Sean Strickland won the UFC middleweight title for the second time [Getty Images]
Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev to win by split decision and take the middleweight title at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
After surviving the first round on the ground, American Strickland fought back to claim a gritty victory. Two judges scored it 48-47 in his favour and one opted for Chimaev by the same scoreline.
Victory makes Strickland, 35, a two-time UFC middleweight champion and delivers the first defeat of Russian-Emirati Chimaev's 16-fight professional career.
Build-up to the contest had been marred by a series of derogatory and racist comments from Strickland, but the pair appeared to reconcile as Chimaev wrapped the belt around the American's waist in a show of respect.
"I want to apologise to my American fans, Christian fans and Muslim fans. I went too hard, I admit it," said Strickland.
"I respect all you guys. I should be a better example but I try and sell these fights."
An unsavoury build-up involved both fighters engaging in a bitter verbal back-and-forth.
Strickland had been the antagonist, launching comments towards Chimaev which attacked his religion and heritage.
In response, Chimaev goaded Strickland with comments about childhood trauma which the American has spoken about in the past.
The UFC hired extra security to protect each fighter during fight week and this was on display as rows of officers separated the pair as they waited for the opening bell to ring in the octagon.
Despite the animosity, both fighters touched gloves in a sign of respect before the contest, before Chimaev secured a signature early takedown.
Just as he did in defeating Dricus du Plessis for the title in August, Chimaev controlled the action on the ground, but Strickland found success in defending takedowns in the second round.
Fighters have struggled to keep fights with Chimaev on the feet, but Strickland's takedown defence forced him to strike, which is where the American excels.
As Chimaev pushed forward, Strickland edged the contest by using his jab consistently from the back foot to keep his nose in front on the scorecards.
With both fighters sporting bloodied faces, Strickland continued to defy takedowns in the last round before raising his arm at the final bell, confident he had done enough to convince the judges of victory.
"He would not go back. I hit him with everything but he keeps coming forward. Crazy," said Strickland.
"He may have broken my nose, but I love my fans, I would not be here today without you guys."
The respect between the pair during and after the bout suggests the bitter build-up may been in the name of building hype around the contest, but it raises serious questions over whether promoting fights via deeply personal and offensive comments crosses a line.
UFC president Dana White described it as a "top-three" heated rivalry of all time and has said previously fighters would not be punished for offensive comments because he is a supporter of "free speech".
Strickland has a history of racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments, and his platform as a champion shines a brighter spotlight on his actions, but it is unlikely the UFC will take disciplinary action.
The co-headline bout featured Burmese-American flyweight Joshua Van stopping Japan's Tatsuro Taira in the fifth round to retain his flyweight title.
Taira, 26, had success with his takedowns in the early rounds, but Van took control midway through before finding the finish with a flurry of punches to the body and face.
Victory marked 24-year-old Van's first championship defence in the first title fight to take place between two Asian men in UFC history.
After the win, Van called out former flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja for a rematch after taking the title off him in December when the Brazilian injured his arm in the first round.
A couple of years ago, Arne Slot could savour the sound of Anfield in May. It was Jurgen Klopp, chorusing his successor’s name in a gesture of generosity. Two years on, the noise was less welcome, if unsurprising to the only other title-winning Liverpool manager of the last three decades. There were boos twice: first and loudest when Slot substituted Rio Ngumoha, then at the final whistle as his side had laboured to a 1-1 draw that ended Chelsea’s six-game losing streak.
Individual incidents form part of a wider pattern, and the broader picture of discontent, the readiness of the Liverpool faithful to make their unhappiness audible, should concern Slot more. Ngumoha had cramp, the Dutchman reported, and the fans were not to know that. But his removal should have been no surprise, given that the 17-year-old is yet to complete a game in his senior career, and a crowd-pleaser has become a lightning rod. Slot expected the boos because they tend to come with Ngumoha’s withdrawal.
Slot explained that Ngumoha had cramp (Getty)
What has been rather overlooked is that his replacement was an afterthought, belatedly applauded. That is damning of Alexander Isak, the £125m man, that the supporters would rather have seen more of an untried teenager than the British record buy.
The soundtrack at full-time was quieter but notable. Both reaction and result were a replay. A hideously out-of-form Chelsea came from behind to get just Calum McFarlane’s second point as a Premier League manager. Seven weeks earlier, Tottenham’s lone point under Igor Tudor came at Anfield. Liverpool were booed off then, too.
Neither game was lost; but there is the risk that a critical mass of the Liverpool support have been. In the short term, Slot knows he cannot win them back. He nevertheless has confidence he will in time. “Yeah, I do,” he said. “Not this season, by the way. This season they will have their opinion and it will not change but if we can have the summer that we are planning to have, I am 100 per cent convinced we will be a different team next season than we are now. Different in terms of results, different in how things look.”
That does mean there will be a minimum of three months before he can change minds. Time can be a healer, or it can mean views become entrenched.
Slot may hope that fans’ frustration is diminished by a summer off; that a new season brings a new start with new players. Certainly a fully-fit team, with a side given balance by fine recruitment, would help him; maybe that would provide a solution to many of this season’s other failings, from a lack of urgency or a clinical streak to a habit of conceding at set-pieces, though he does not fully explain why he is so sure next season will be better.
The sense, though, is that some made up their minds about Slot during Liverpool's autumn run of nine defeats in 12 games. Anfield has expressed its discontent more of late; the opposition that was initially apparent online – and is certainly more vituperative there – has started to be reflected in the stadium.
Liverpool fans leave Anfield during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea (Getty)
There is the issue, too, of whether he can alter the trajectory of his reign. The up has been followed by the down. Many another has discovered problems do not disappear in a summer. There are plenty of precedents of managers who have limped to the end of one season, discovered they do not have a clean slate in the next and departed in October or November.
For now, Slot has retained the faith of the Liverpool powerbrokers, if not the supporters. He rarely looks beleaguered or beaten. Nor does he ignore the issues. But he is aware he can be blamed for much, regardless of his culpability. “The last time I checked, the Strait of Hormuz being closed is not my fault, is it?” he asked last week.
Not everything is, but the imminent end of a troubled campaign could offer a little respite. Liverpool have played 55 games. They only have two remaining, one at Anfield. That that will be a send-off to, and a celebration of, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. When Brentford visit on 24 May, Slot should be overshadowed by two of Liverpool’s modern greats. There will presumably be a lap of appreciation; maybe in the context of this season, it will be more of a lap of frustration. Slot probably knows that, if some get their way, it will be his last outing at Anfield. Perhaps there is a silent majority who feel his exploits in his debut year mean he merits the chance to carry on. It feels as if his employers do.
But his task involves doing something that became a mission statement for Klopp. At his unveiling at Anfield, he said he had to turn doubters into believers. Now Slot needs to find a way of persuading his doubters and restoring belief.
Slavia Prague are the reigning Czech First League champions [Getty Images]
Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik says the club will impose lifetime bans on fans who invaded the pitch when they were minutes from defeating city rivals Sparta and winning the league.
They were leading 3-2 in the seventh minute of stoppage time on Saturday when hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch at the Fortuna Arena.
With the match abandoned, videos on social media showed players from both teams attempting to leave the pitch as supporters carrying lit flares ran towards the Sparta section and pyrotechnics were thrown into the stands.
Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik appeared to be hit in the face by a flare.
The Czech Republic's League Football Association (LFA) has condemned the "absolutely unacceptable incident" and said its disciplinary committee will meet on Sunday.
In a statement on social media on Sunday morning, Tvrdik apologised to "Sparta Praha, the visiting fans, the referees, the football public, and all decent Slavia supporters who left the stadium yesterday with broken hearts".
"The values of Slavia are not hatred and violence. We accept responsibility and draw consequences," he said.
"What took place at the end of yesterday's derby at Fortuna Arena is the most difficult moment in the modern history of the club.
"This is not football. This is not Slavia. It is a disgrace that we all bear."
He announced the immediate closure of the stadium's North Stand - which he insisted would not reopen until all perpetrators are brought to justice - and said the club will provide "maximum co-operation" with police and other relevant authorities.
"We will hand over all camera footage, results of the evaluation by the organizing service, and identification data of ticket and season ticket holders from the North Stand," he said.
"Identified perpetrators will receive a lifetime ban from entering Fortuna Arena in accordance with the Visitor Rules.
"Slavia will at the same time demand full compensation for damages, including sanctions imposed on the club by football authorities."
Writing on social media, goalkeeper Surovcik said: "For someone to run up and threaten me to my face during the match, accompanied by an assault, is absolutely unacceptable, and I will be pursuing this through legal channels."
The LFA said: "Such behaviour will not be tolerated by the LFA under any circumstances.
"An emotionally tense atmosphere or sporting rivalry can never serve as an excuse for such behaviour.
"Professional football must remain a safe environment for all participants in the match and stadium visitors.
"The League Football Association is ready to provide the police of the Czech Republic with maximum cooperation in identifying the persons who participated in the attack on the players and supports the consistent imposition of responsibility against all perpetrators."
Slavia Prague are next set to play on Wednesday, at home to FK Jablonec.
Slavia Prague are the reigning Czech First League champions [Getty Images]
Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik says the club will impose lifetime bans on fans who invaded the pitch when they were minutes from defeating city rivals Sparta and winning the league.
They were leading 3-2 in the seventh minute of stoppage time on Saturday when hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch at the Fortuna Arena.
With the match abandoned, videos on social media showed players from both teams attempting to leave the pitch as supporters carrying lit flares ran towards the Sparta section and pyrotechnics were thrown into the stands.
Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik appeared to be hit in the face by a flare.
The Czech Republic's League Football Association (LFA) has condemned the "absolutely unacceptable incident" and said its disciplinary committee will meet on Sunday.
In a statement on social media on Sunday morning, Tvrdik apologised to "Sparta Praha, the visiting fans, the referees, the football public, and all decent Slavia supporters who left the stadium yesterday with broken hearts".
"The values of Slavia are not hatred and violence. We accept responsibility and draw consequences," he said.
"What took place at the end of yesterday's derby at Fortuna Arena is the most difficult moment in the modern history of the club.
"This is not football. This is not Slavia. It is a disgrace that we all bear."
He announced the immediate closure of the stadium's North Stand - which he insisted would not reopen until all perpetrators are brought to justice - and said the club will provide "maximum co-operation" with police and other relevant authorities.
"We will hand over all camera footage, results of the evaluation by the organizing service, and identification data of ticket and season ticket holders from the North Stand," he said.
"Identified perpetrators will receive a lifetime ban from entering Fortuna Arena in accordance with the Visitor Rules.
"Slavia will at the same time demand full compensation for damages, including sanctions imposed on the club by football authorities."
Writing on social media, goalkeeper Surovcik said: "For someone to run up and threaten me to my face during the match, accompanied by an assault, is absolutely unacceptable, and I will be pursuing this through legal channels."
The LFA said: "Such behaviour will not be tolerated by the LFA under any circumstances.
"An emotionally tense atmosphere or sporting rivalry can never serve as an excuse for such behaviour.
"Professional football must remain a safe environment for all participants in the match and stadium visitors.
"The League Football Association is ready to provide the police of the Czech Republic with maximum cooperation in identifying the persons who participated in the attack on the players and supports the consistent imposition of responsibility against all perpetrators."
Slavia Prague are next set to play on Wednesday, at home to FK Jablonec.
Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans produced a complete performance against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, and skipper Shubman Gill made sure the celebrations continued online after the emphatic victory.
Soon after Gujarat’s crushing 77-run triumph in Jaipur, Gill shared a picture with star spinner Rashid Khan, with both players recreating the fingers-in-ear celebration.
“Pink city, blue result. Khamma Ghani,” Gill posted on social media, taking a playful dig at the Royals in their own backyard.
The Titans had dominated the contest from the outset after posting a massive 229/4 in 20 overs. Gill led by example with a stylish 84, while opener Sai Sudharsan continued his superb form with a composed 55. The pair stitched together a commanding 118-run opening stand that laid the foundation for Gujarat’s highest total of the season.
Gill brought up his fourth half-century of the campaign in just 30 balls as Gujarat tore into Rajasthan’s bowling attack during the powerplay. Sudharsan, who has already registered a century this season, once again looked fluent before falling to youngster Yash Raj Punja.
Late fireworks from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia ensured Gujarat crossed the 200-run mark comfortably. Sundar remained unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, smashing three sixes, while Tewatia finished strongly with two maximums in the final over.
Rajasthan’s chase began aggressively thanks to 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who hammered 36 off just 16 deliveries. But once the teenager departed, Gujarat’s bowlers tightened their grip.
Rashid Khan turned the game decisively with a brilliant spell of 4/33, slicing through Rajasthan’s middle order with his variations and control. Kagiso Rabada struck twice, while Jason Holder wrapped up the innings with three late wickets as Rajasthan were bowled out for 152.
The convincing win lifted Gujarat to second place on the table and marked their biggest victory by runs in IPL history.
Lust, vengeance, karmic justice, bleeding ears, and shredded knees… It could only come from Redneck Brawl 13! | Redneck Brawl
The 13th edition of Redneck Brawl, arguably the greatest show in the boxing-adjacent universe, delivered big once again in the latest visit to Knoxville, Tennessee. Thirty fights were scheduled, with some scrubbed due to a nervous stomach, a swollen and droopy leg, and a no-show, but even those disappointments ultimately led to a surprise bonus fight. But, more on that happy addition to the card later…
Headlining this edition was a grudge match between The A-hole and High Testosterone, with the online promotional hook being that High Testosterone is married to The A-hole’s ex-wife, by whom each man has two children, though not in the order their weddings might suggest.
High Testosterone’s online presence made him into an overnight Brawl folk hero, with the most ironically prescient video featuring him insisting a fighter should stand still. No need to move unless their opponent moves. No need “to do the jiggy-jiggy-jiggy wiggy-wiggy-wiggy dance.”
Unfortunately, High Testosterone didn’t follow his own tutelage, moving plenty and seemingly gassing out in the first 20 seconds of the fight, then going down in the first five seconds of the 2nd round with a very unpleasant leg injury.
It looked like a broken leg in real time, but upon closer evaluation appeared instead to be a torn ACL or other essential knee ligament. Whatever went wrong with High Testosterone’s leg, it left him in agony. The agony of defeat. And the knee.
Another spotlight fight didn’t involve any marital or parental disputes, but did feature gallons of bad blood between Shizzat da Rizzat and 606 Gamecock. Both have won at the Brawl before, with Shizzat memorably bringing his Nana to the ring after winning the co-feature the last time the Brawl was in Knoxville.
This was a far less wholesome affair, with Shizzat and Gamecock exchanging increasingly vile and heated words in the buildup to fight night. Gamecock won by decision after knocking Shizzat down in the 2nd round, and the win obviously meant a lot to him.
For Shizzat, who lost for the first time in a Redneck Brawl ring, the night was a powerful lesson. Specifically: You can’t call a man a pedophile to his face in front of crowd and cameras without expecting him to try and punish you for it later.
Here’s the rundown of the Best, Worst, Ugliest, Saddest, Most Inspiring, and all things in between from the rest of the show:
Second Ugliest Injury
Back when I was in school, there was an odd kid who liked to constantly sing a metal-type song lyric that went: “It’s perfectly normal that your ears are bleeding… It’s perfectly normal, someone bludgeoned you!” – **
It’s a song that might bring comfort to Hollywood Hart, assuming he can still hear after Bounty Hunter bludgeoned him to the point that blood was leaking from Hart’s left ear. Arguably less awful than a shredded leg, but still in the Top 10 list of worst Brawl injuries that I’ve ever seen.
** – Side Note: If anyone knows what song that kid was singing all the time, please tell me what it is! I haven’t been able to figure it out for over 30 years. And I can’t ask the guy, because he died of a drug overdose before we cleared high school.
Best Knockout
Red River Redneck said in a callout video that his opponent, Tennessee Whiskey, would “enter the ring on [his] legs, but leave on [his] back.” Turns out he made a liar of himself, but only in the most quibbling way, as he landed one of the best one-shot knockout punches you’ll ever see in any sort of fight, leaving Tennessee Whiskey splayed out flat on his face.
Somehow, I doubt Red River regrets predicting the orientation of his explosive knockout incorrectly. The crowd still went nuts, and the check will still clear.
Most Satisfying Revenge (and a close 2nd Best Knockout)
Redneck Brawl 10 saw twin brothers Lil Fire and Lil Smokey lose close but generally accepted decisions to the Doner Twins, Larry and Terry. Tonight saw all parties rematched, with Lil Fire and Doner Twin Larry first to appear in the ring.
It only took about 10 seconds to settle things, and the judges were not needed. Lil Fire feinted and timed a magnificent one-shot counter that caught Larry clean and hard, leaving him disoriented on the canvas for a full ten-count and beyond. It was a thrilling triumph for Fire, a young man who generally functions as the Takuma Inoue to his twin brother’s Naoya, because of Lil Smokey’s earlier start at the Brawl and superior mic skills.
Not only did Lil Smokey lose by decision in his rematch, but their cousin Big Daddy T also lost a fantastic fight against returning Brawl legend Jug. So, Lil Fire is the only Campbell going home with a crown and a winner’s check from this edition of the Brawl. I hope he at least bought the rest of the family’s pizza when they got back to the hotel.
Least Satisfying Revenge
Taylor from the Trailer has booked three fights against Playboy. The first one ended with Taylor knocked out in 13 seconds at Redneck Brawl #6. The next attempt came at Brawl #10, where Taylor didn’t make it to the ring, either because he was suffering from a broken heart and couldn’t bring himself to fight, or because he’d been out too late drinking with Walker Dog (more on him later). Whatever actually happened, Taylor had to feel fortunate to get a third attempt at Playboy, given how the first two bookings went.
Taylor was certainly amped up for the chance, coming in at the best shape of his Brawl career and racing to the ring when his fight was called… Where he immediately face planted after unsuccessfully trying to jump over the top rope on his ring entrance.
We did get most of a round of high quality brawling both ways, but then Playboy suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to retire. Not as satisfying or conclusive as Lil Fire’s revenge, but you wouldn’t know it from the way Taylor celebrated.
Still, a win is a win when they write it down in the record books. Enjoy your crown and your spotlight, Taylor!
Most/Least Satisfying Taste of One’s Own Medicine
Sasquatch has one move: Charge straight ahead like a sumo striking a Heisman pose, try to stiff-arm his opponent into (or over) the ropes, and use his size to smother them so they can’t move even if they stay in the ring. He’s also had a tendency to use his free hand to slap and hit at his opponents until he’s yanked off of them by the referee.
But, tonight against Big R, Sasquatch found himself faced with a man tall and hefty enough to not only neutralize his defining style, but turn it against him. Instead of bullying the action in his usual way, Sasquatch found himself dumped over the near side ropes right along with Big R.
…and then, Sasquatch went over the far side ropes, too!
Big R didn’t let him off the hook, swinging at Sasquatch until he was pulled away, just as Sasquatch has done to his own opponents on multiple occasions. But, it cost Big R this fight, with the referee ruling Sasquatch couldn’t continue due to a late punch on the break, and officially ruling a No Contest.
By all known accounts of those involved with the Redneck Brawl, Sasquatch is a wonderful guy, and truly passionate about this promotion. But… We’re 13 Brawls in, and it’s the same thing every time from him. It’s bizarrely interesting to see one time, tedious to see a second time, and odious to have to watch a 5th, 6th, 7th, or More-th time.
Granted, it was tremendously satisfying to see the man get thrown around and laid out on the mat by the exact same process he usually applies to others. But, even if we could guarantee it every time out, I suspect the returns would prove diminishing on that as well. Perhaps ’Squatch can just work the corner, or at least fight at the top of the card instead?
Best Big Boy Debut
Newcomer Cake Paul made his argument for the Redneck Brawl equivalent of prime Andy Ruiz. Catfish Cooley fired off one of his best lines of the night when he said of Cake: “He looks like Kung Fu Panda!” But, shockingly fast hands and exceptional stamina for such a big fellow gave us a fun fight, and left Cake with his arm raised in victory.
It’s a performance that demands another appearance at a future Brawl. Is Cake ready for Jug? Big Daddy T? Big R, perhaps? Let’s see how high this beefy lad can fly!
Most Unfortunate Way to Finish a Redneck Brawl Career
Chicken man Walker Dog won the hearts of the audience back at Redneck Brawl 9 through his distinctive 33 rpm drawl and his shocking comeback TKO win over Sudafed Crashout. He was immediately booked to appear at Brawl #10, but didn’t appear on that show because he was described at the time as having arrived too drunk to pass the medical evaluation.
Tonight, Walker at least made it to the ring, but the way he looked getting there sparked an immediate discussion between fight officials and medical staff. While the commentary team debated amongst themselves whether Walker looked “sober-ish” or instead looked like he was suffering from “them kidneys-ain’t-workin’-right legs,” the decision was made that Walker, with a visibly swollen leg and a jaundiced tint to his appearance, was not fit to fight scheduled opponent Redneck Jim.
The decision was promptly affirmed by Walker’s struggle to lift his leg high enough to clear the ropes and exit the ring. It’s an unfortunate departure for a colorful character, but hopefully Walker can get healthy, and spend many more years in the company of his beloved fighting gray roosters.
Best Way to Take Lemons and Make Concussion-Flavored Lemonade
Harley the Stripper was amped up and ready to go, but had to settle for a TKO win when her opponent, Wild Wood, started dry heaving in the ring before the bell could even ring from a mix of adrenaline, nerves, and an oversized mouthpiece. Harley was there for a fight, not a check, though, and made it clear she’d fight anyone if an opportunity presented itself before the end of the night.
Three fights later, the equally brawl-hungry Peter Beater found herself the winner of an unsatisfying DQ win when scheduled opponent Blue Hair Ally Daddy didn’t bother to show up.
After a brief consultation with the licensing commission, the ladies were given the option to fight each other later on the card. They both accepted immediately, and we got ourselves a surprise bonus fight!
Perhaps no fight could have lived up to the audience’s excitement as it became clear these women would get a second chance for violence against each other… But, they did give us a solid show. And, in the end, it was Harley the Stripper with her hand raised.
Someday, when the Final Jeopardy answer is: “This Redneck Brawler is the first and only person to win two official fights on the same night,” you’ll know the answer: Harley the Stripper. Bravo, Harley, and way to make history!
The whole situation is Redneck Brawl in miniature. Whatever obstacles may come, whatever challenges may arise… You can’t stop the people from Brawling. They will overcome, persevere, and find a way to wildly throw hands so they can beat the hell out of each other.
May it ever be so, for many, many Brawls still to come.
Until next time, here’s the complete rundown of results, with winners highlighted in BOLD and all wins by decision unless otherwise specified. And if you missed it, here’s the link to our complete live coverage of all fights, including just under 4,500 words of fight capsules and previews.
LESLIE “GRAVE DIGGER” TUCKER VS GILBERT “HELLS ANGEL” BOWLING
WILLIAM “CHOPPER” SHELTON VS LANDON “423 COWBOY” LANE (TKO-3)
MIRANDA “BIG BAD MOMMA” MCGUIRE VS LINDSAY “POUNDCAKE” WAGERS
JAYSON “HEAVY HANDS” DYKES(KO-2) VS JAMES “WAFFLE HOUSE WARRIOR” EATON
TERA “HARLEY THE STRIPPER” PARKER (TKO-1) VS BRITTANY “WILD WOOD” WOOD
SAMUEL “BOUNTY HUNTER” TEASTER VS CHRIS “HOLLYWOOD HART” HART
LEROY “SHANGO” THOMPSON VS CRAIG “CLEANCUT CRAIG” WILLIAMS
VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MAY 09: Alvaro Arbeloa, head coach of Real Madrid, attends his press conference during the training day of Real Madrid ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against FC Barcelona at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on may 09, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel.
El-Clasico – Real Madrid return to Camp Nou…….Spotify!!!
I thought Valverde would be that leader after Benzema because he bleeds white, but I was so wrong. The only player who can lead this team is Courtois pic.twitter.com/TkVz5js7wq
1. Who would’ve ever thought we’d see another Sean Strickland title reign at middleweight? Definitely not the oddsmakers. Not most of us in the media, either. On paper, this looked like another opportunity for Khamzat Chimaev to go out and do his thing. And, for exactly one round, that’s what we got.
Chimaev took Strickland down 15 seconds into the fight and then kept him there for the entire first frame. Strickland did not even get credit for a single attempted significant strike in Round 1. All he did was avoid getting choked. Somehow, that turned out to be a brilliant strategy, since Chimaev fell completely apart in the second round and then had to gradually rally himself back into the fight down the stretch. This allowed Strickland to have exactly the kind of fight he wanted: A battle of jabs contested at a comfortable distance. And he won it. By the skin of his teeth.
Strickland’s best UFC performances have all come in fights where he was greater than a 2-to-1 betting underdog. In fact, he’s only lost one UFC fight where he closed at greater than 2-to-1. That was against Kamaru Usman in 2017. Of his seven UFC losses, he opened as the betting favorite in four of them. Something about being counted out and having his back against the wall seems to bring out the best in him. So now maybe the trick is figuring out how to tap into whatever that is, even when he’s the defending champ and not the misfit toy everyone is ready to throw away for good.
2. So much for Chimaev the boogeyman. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more dramatic drop off between the first and second round. He steamrolled Strickland for the first five minutes, then came out the next round and looked like an out-of-shape cyclist pedaling uphill. Chimaev, the unstoppable wrestler, actually pulled guard! Twice! How did the fabric of the universe not tear immediately apart?
I’m sure we’ll get plenty of theories to sort through. Maybe it was the weight cut. Maybe he came in hurt. Maybe he just spent too much of what he had trying to get a first-round finish. The really weird part is that when he had only just enough gas to stand and trade with Strickland, he did surprisingly well. He arguably landed the more significant punches, and had a chance to win the decision just on striking alone.
But now the blueprint is out here. The guy who seemed unbeatable last week now seems troublingly vulnerable. He also seems a lot less ferocious. All it took was a little bit of fatigue to turn him into Strickland’s high-fiving sparring buddy. Suddenly those vows of destruction and dismemberment were but a distant dream.
Really, that’s one of the big takeaways from this fight. Once again, we were promised an epic blood feud and instead got a very strategic battle for points and positioning. Maybe that, too, was Chimaev letting himself get sucked into what Strickland does best.
3. Can you believe the UFC once thought about getting rid of the flyweight division? Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira gave us an all-time classic to remind us of how dumb that idea was. This was a fight that had everything. High-level grappling. Devastating striking. Wild swings in momentum. Unbelievable grit and heart. In the end we even got a stoppage we can argue over, and you know how much MMA fans love those.
Van proved yet again that he’s an incredible young talent, and in a way that should make his rematch with Alexandre Pantoja even more hotly anticipated. But I can’t say that Taira’s stock plunged with the loss either. He proved his toughness and his determination beyond all question. There’s every reason to think he’ll be back with a vengeance soon. Maybe the fun at flyweight is just beginning.
4. What are we supposed to do with you, Alexander Volkov? According to the UFC’s own rankings, he’s the No. 2 guy on the list of heavyweight contenders. But for the life of me I can’t remember the last time I saw him in a fight that was a clear victory for him and also an enjoyable experience to watch. He got a debatable decision win over Waldo Cortes Acosta here, and he did it in part by shutting down any threat that a fun fight might break out. Mainly what he did was shut down the possibility of a new heavyweight title contender without solidifying himself as one.
It’s painful, is what it is. And there’s no reason to think it’ll end soon.
The old warhorse is still out here doing the dang thing.
Ed Mulholland via Getty Images
5. Jim Miller has had one of the greatest careers in UFC history and you can’t convince me otherwise. No, he’s never won a UFC title. Never even got a shot at one. Most of the big-name opponents he fought, he came away as the loser. He’s spent the bulk of his career on the undercard. Always a supporting cast-member. Never a starring role.
But at age 42, he’s still out here racking up submission wins in the UFC, and no one has more UFC victories than him. He’s also never missed weight, never been anything less than a total professional, never embarrassed the organization or himself. In this sport that’s practically a miracle, especially after 21 years of uninterrupted competition.
Miller is a reminder that you don’t need to win them all to be a legendary fighter. He’s gone through Lyme disease and losing streaks and, most recently, his son’s battle with cancer. Through it all he’s kept showing up and giving us everything he’s got, but without ever making too big a deal out of it. That’s why we owe it to him to make a big deal out of it ourselves. It’s not just an uncommonly special career. It’s something we may never see again.
Rennes and Monaco interested in Tunisia international Adem Arous
Kasimpasa defender Adem Arous (21) is a target for AS Monaco and Stade Rennais, as per a report from Foot Mercato.
Arous has had a breakthrough season at Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa, to the extent that, in March, he made his debut for the Tunisia national team. He is now being heavily linked with an exit as the summer transfer window approaches.
There are several clubs interested in the 21-year-old centre-back. Turkish giants Galatasaray are among them, and they had already shown an interest in recruiting the player back in January. However, a move to Ligue 1 could also be on the cards this summer.
Monaco and Rennes, both of whom are in the race to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season, are also in the race to sign Arous. They may also have to contend with interest from La Liga side Villarreal, who are guaranteed to be competing in next season’s UCL. The defender is valued between €5-6m.
UFC has been patiently waiting for the return of its all-time biggest superstar, Conor McGregor. But plenty has changed since the former two-division champion last fought nearly five years ago, including the promotion’s longtime pay-per-view model.
The UFC kicked off 2026 by starting its new $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount, which effectively removed the additional pay-per-view purchase for all of the organization’s numbered events. Those events are now included with a Paramount+ subscription at no extra charge — and fighters like McGregor, who previously earned an extra percentage of their pay-per-view points per fight, were arguably the most affected.
Although McGregor has yet to return since his gruesome leg break in July 2021, others are being compensated in a new way. UFC CEO Dana White said Saturday that there’s a new system in place based on what big-name superstars previously made in the past era.
Is Conor McGregor fighting this year? All signs are pointing to yes.
Chris Unger via Getty Images
"There's a formula to it. McGregor's going to do just fine," White said at UFC 328’s post-fight press conference. "It's based on if you take the average of his pay-per-view buys, and what they do, there's an equation for that that you can — we've done it with a lot more guys than just McGregor."
McGregor, 37, last fought in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The rivals competed back-to-back after Poirier knocked out “The Notorious” in the rematch and then scored a first-round TKO in their final clash, with McGregor breaking his lower leg.
McGregor has since recovered and occupied his time elsewhere. The Irishman has had only one fight booked in the past five years, which was supposed to be against Michael Chandler in June 2024, though a broken toe ultimately led McGregor to withdraw just weeks before the bout.
White remains confident that McGregor will finally return this year, but still reiterated that no deal has been made official as of yet.
"There's no deal done with Conor. I was just saying I'm confident,” White said. “I was confident last year, too, but I'm way more confident this year.”
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to face Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC
Khamzat Chimaev has had enough of the weight cut to get to 185 pounds. Moments after he lost his UFC middleweight championship to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in New Jersey, Chimaev told UFC President Dana White, "I want to move up. I don’t want to fight in this weight class anymore."
White obliged and told the media on hand of Chimaev's intentions. It all seems to make sense considering Chimaev's struggles with weight cuts and the way he seemed to tire in the second and third rounds of his loss to Strickland on Saturday.
Key Facts at a Glance
Announcement: Chimaev moving to light heavyweight (205 lbs)
Source: Dana White at UFC 328 post-fight press conference
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
UFC 328 Result: Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Chimaev's Career Record: 15-1
Reported Weight Cut: ~45-46 lbs to make 185
Title Shot Status: No immediate LHW title shot per Dana White
LHW Champion: Carlos Ulberg (out until 2027 with torn ACL)
Why Is Khamzat Chimaev Moving To Light Heavyweight?
Chimaev is said to have cut upwards of 45 pounds to make it to 185 pounds at the weigh-in on Friday. He looked worse for wear and some even suggested he cheated to make weight. That's a conspiracy White seemed to downplay at the post-event presser.
The cardio fallout was visible from Round 2 forward. Chimaev failed to attempt a single takedown in the third round despite controlling Round 1 with his wrestling, and Strickland out-landed him 43-29 in significant strikes in that frame. Per Bloody Elbow, White said Chimaev "literally walked up to me after the fight" to declare he was done at the weight class — a reaction tied directly to the toll of the cut, not the loss itself.
Will Chimaev Get An Immediate Title Shot At Light Heavyweight?
You could make the argument Chimaev could get an immediate crack at the light heavyweight title. However, newly crown champion Carlos Ulberg is out with a torn ACL. That leaves Magomed Ankalaev and perhaps Khalil Rountree or Dominick Reyes perhaps fighting for an interim title. Perhaps Chimaev faces Jiri Prochazka with the winner getting a title shot. In any case, Chimaev won't be too far out of the title picture at 205.
White's framing at the presser was that there's no immediate title shot, but a "huge fight" coming for Chimaev given his stature. Heavy.com listed the obvious top-15 candidates: Procházka, Ankalaev, Paulo Costa, Jamahal Hill, Reyes, Volkan Oezdemir, and Rountree all fit the "big debut" criteria. Procházka is the cleanest narrative play given he's coming off the brutal UFC 327 loss to Ulberg and would carry rematch energy regardless of who wins next.
How Does Chimaev's Game Translate Up To 205?
Superior grappling usually translates well when moving up a weight class. Chimaev's striking is also a bit better than he gets credit for in most circles. With a proper camp to strengthen himself, he shouldn't have a problem using very similar skills at 205.
Without the brutal cut, the version of Chimaev that walks into 205 should arrive with a fuller gas tank than fans have ever seen. That alone changes the math — his cardio dropoff against Strickland was directly tied to the weight cut, and removing that variable fixes one of the only real holes in his game. The bigger question is durability against natural light heavyweight power, but Rountree has publicly called Chimaev "one of the best in the world" regardless of weight class. The respect from inside the division is real.
What Does This Mean For The Middleweight And Light Heavyweight Divisions?
Nassourdine Imavov seems like the logical next man up at middleweight. Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of exciting up-and-comers in the division. As for 205, Chimaev injects some much-needed new blood in the division.
Imavov tweeted "I'm gonna put your lights out, Sean Strickland" right after the result, and his five-fight win streak (including high-profile wins over Israel Adesanya and Brendan Allen) makes him the obvious next challenger.
Light heavyweight, meanwhile, has been waiting for a star injection since Alex Pereira moved up to heavyweight, and Ulberg's recovery timeline through 2027 means the division needed a top-of-card story to build around in the meantime. Chimaev fills that gap overnight.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
With the Chennai Super Kings set to host Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the pre-match buzz is all about the potential return of their legendary former captain, MS Dhoni.
Dhoni, who has led Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles in the past, was sidelined with a calf injury right before the start of the new season. However, the CSK icon has now regained fitness and is expected to play against LSG.
Real Madrid captain departed after internal brawl between midfielders, returned only on club’s call
Dani Carvajal is enduring a testing time under Alvaro Arbeloa and has not enjoyed much prominence on the field this season.
The Spanish veteran, who has been a mainstay in the team for a long time, has now seen his place in the starting XI taken over by Trent Alexander-Arnold and all signs point to a likely departure in June.
Despite not having a strong on-field role, however, he does remain an important part of the dressing room as the longest-serving player and the only remaining link with the previous golden generation.
Lack of leadership?
As reported by Diario AS in a recent report, Dani Carvajal’s response to the fight between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni recently is raising questions about his leadership.
The Spanish veteran, who is the team’s first captain, was among the first players to depart the club facilities after the brawl between the two midfielders and was on his way out immediately after the incident.
Questions are being asked of Real Madrid captains. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
As a captain, there is a general sense of expectation that he would be one to stay and douse the fire in the dressing room, but Carvajal reportedly had no such intention as he turned a blind eye and left the facilities.
The club then had to call him back and force him to return immediately for an emergency meeting held by Jose Angel Sanchez. As the first captain, his presence was needed and he thus had to be recalled to the facilities.
It is appalling that the team is suffering from such a dire lack of leadership that even the senior players are not taking up responsibility after an internal divide. The call for a new method of selecting captains, needless to say, is not surprising.
☕️🥐 FC Breakfast: Messi at full throttle 🔥, fresh FIFA row 🥶
Messi at full power 🔥
On Saturday, during Inter Miami’s trip to Toronto, Lionel Messi once again put on a show. The Argentine legend scored once and provided two assists to lead his team to a 2-4 victory.
A performance that takes him to 100 goal contributions in MLS. He is also the fastest player in North American league history to reach that mark. It took him just 64 matches to achieve the feat... 31 fewer than Sebastian Giovinco, the previous record holder.
You can find the match highlights below, including a very nice goal from Rodrigo De Paul.
Another controversy for FIFA 🥶
As reported by ABC News, FIFA has reportedly decided to triple the price of Category 1 tickets for the World Cup final. They would therefore rise from 10,990 to 32,970 dollars.
A decision that is likely to spark more debate, while the cost of this World Cup for supporters is already at the center of all discussions.
📸 Alex Wong - 2026 Getty Images
The great Luis Enrique anecdote 👏
Speaking at a press conference a few days after PSG qualified for the Champions League final, Luis Enrique delivered a touching message as he praised the mentality of Dayot Upamencao and Ousmane Dembélé.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks haven’t slowed down since dispatching of the Toronto Raptors in a tough seven-game first-round series. Jalen Brunson and co. have gone on to take the first three games of the semifinal-round clash with the 76ers, putting them on the precipice of a sweep.
With the 76ers trying to stave off elimination in Sunday’s matinee battle, we dive into a three-leg same-game parlay that could deliver handsome returns on investment:
(Odds listed are best at time of publishing)
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers, 3:30 p.m. ET
Same-Game Parlay:
Knicks Alt. Spread +4.5
Jalen Brunson Over Alt. Total 31.5 Points + Assists
Tyrese Maxey Over Alt. Total 31.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Odds: +210 on FanDuel Sportsbook
As already alluded to, the Knicks will come into Sunday’s potential series-ending battle with plenty of steam. New York has prevailed in the first three games of the series against the 76ers by margins of 39, six and 14 points, underscoring their ability to come out on top in a variety of different game scenarios.
The Knicks’ most recent victory in Game 3 on Friday night was particularly noteworthy in that it came without the services of star forward OG Anunoby, who sat out due to a hamstring injury that also has him listed as questionable for Sunday’s Game 4.
Anunoby was averaging 21.4 points (on 61.9% shooting, including 53.8% from long distance), 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks across 35.3 minutes per contest in the first eight postseason games, so his absence certainly had the potential to disrupt New York’s attempt to match the intensity of the 76ers on the road.
What ultimately turned out to be a relatively comfortable victory naturally should give Mike Brown’s squad plenty of confidence coming into Sunday, but the 76ers are even more desperate than they were Friday. Oddsmakers are acknowledging as much by making the Knicks a slim 1.5-point favorite.
Consequently, we’re going to take advantage of FanDuel’s Alt. Spread feature to afford ourselves a bit more safety and actually give New York four points to work with for our first leg.
Per Team Rankings, the Knicks have a +4.4-point average scoring margin on the road and the Sixers have a -1.6-point figure at home since the start of the regular season, a revised spread of Knicks +4.5 feels comfortable enough, even if Anunoby misses.
Our second leg focuses on the visitors’ most dynamic offensive weapon, that being Brunson. The three-time All-Star has been outstanding over the first three games, averaging 39.6 points + rebounds + assists while shooting 52.5%.
Brunson had also averaged 36.6 points + rebounds + assists over 36.0 minutes per contest in the first five games of the first-round series against the Hawks, so his current run is certainly legitimate.
Brunson’s body of work thus far in the playoffs and the fact he also put up 39.3 points + rebounds + assists while shooting 39.1% from long distance over his first three regular-season meetings with Philadelphia are certainly also encouraging.
Therefore, the Alt. figure of 31.5 points + rebounds + assists a very reasonable one for him to surpass while facing a Sixers squad that’s allowing 54.8% shooting over the last three games, per Team Rankings.
For our third and final leg, we’ll turn to the other side and Brunson’s counterpart, Maxey.
The 2020 first-round pick has had an uneven first three games after a stellar first-round series against the Celtics, when he furnished 38.4 points + rebounds + assists across 41.0 minutes per contest while shooting 41.8% from long distance. The efficiency, especially from downtown, has admittedly taken a hit against the Knicks, shooting only 16.7% from three-point range.
Nevertheless, Maxey should see his usage skyrocket with the 76ers’ season hanging in the balance. He’s averaging a relatively modest 14.7 shots per game over the first three contests against New York, but he’d put up 21.6 per contest in the first round versus Boston.
Additionally, Maxey thrived against the Knicks during the regular season, averaging 39.1 points + rebounds + assists across 36.3 minutes per contest in four games. Maxey shot 51.2%, including 50.0% from three-point range, in that four-game regular-season sample, so the potential for improvement over his current form is certainly there.
Maxey was one point, assist or rebound short from going 4-0 to the Alt. Total of 31.5 points + rebounds + assists prop during the campaign and also easily surpassed it in Game 2 of this series, so the Over on that figure puts a bow on our parlay.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
The newest Manchester City game-breaker struck again against Brentford
It has been a big week for Jeremy Doku. It was Doku’s brace and late equalizer that saw Manchester City pick up a point in a 3-3 draw with Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last Monday. That point could prove to be pivotal in this season’s title race depending on how the 2025-26 season ends. For an hour against Brentford yesterday, Pep Guardiola’s side was frustrated by a stubborn defensive display from Keith Andrews’ side. However, Jeremy Doku was a constant threat to the Brentford defence throughout yesterday’s match, and he broke the deadlock with a superb goal in the 60th minute. Doku broke open the game, and Manchester City picked up a crucial 3-0 win over Brentford yesterday.
Jeremy Doku was once again the game-breaker for City, as his performance yesterday continued to show how far he has come as a player. Doku’s display yesterday showed that he is now Manchester City’s next match-winner, who can break open a game in an instant.
Manchester City simply had to win yesterday and it was Jeremy Doku who led the way.
Entering yesterday’s match against Brentford, Manchester City simply had to pick up all three points. The draw that City played out against Everton had seen City give the initiative to Arsenal in this season’s title race. For an hour yesterday, City were frustrated by Brentford and their stubborn defensive display. Throughout the opening hour of yesterday’s match, Jeremy Doku always seemed the player most likely to break open yesterday’s match for his team. Doku gave Brentford right-back Michael Kayode a torrid time throughout yesterday’s match. He also played in a plethora of teasing crosses that his teammates failed to get on the end of.
What Jeremy Doku has added to his game recently is game-breaking and spectacular goals. The Belgian winger scored two cracking goals against Everton. He added another yesterday. With yesterday’s match level at nil-all, Manchester City needed someone to step up. It was Doku that did it again. Jeremy Doku curled an unstoppable shot into the far top corner from the left of the Brentford penalty area that left Caoimhin Kelleher with no chance of saving the shot. Doku’s goal set City on their way and when his team needed someone to light the fire, Doku stepped up once again.
Pep Guardiola believes that Jeremy Doku is now one of the most dangerous attacking players in the game.
Speaking after his team picked up a massive three points, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked if Jeremy Doku can now be considered one of the most dangerous attacking players in football. Guardiola believes that Doku now is, and the Belgian winger deserves credit for taking the game on. Guardiola explained: “Yes absolutely I completely agree. Always he had this ability when he has the ball, to drop the team with the dribbles but we miss maybe the last pass or the goals. But this season he made an incredible step forward, which players must do. To try to get better and better.It belongs absolutely to him the confidence to try it.”
Jeremy Doku has now firmly established himself as Manchester City’s newest game-breaker. He has scored three spectacular and important goals over the past week. Doku tormented Brentford yesterday with a performance that was the very definition of a match-winning display. Jeremy Doku has lifted for the run-in, and he is now one of Manchester City’s most important players with the potential to take his game to a whole new level.
Bayern Munich honorary president opens up about German midfielder’s Real Madrid move — “Never earn 10 million here”
Toni Kroos’ move from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid is widely regarded as one of the greatest transfers in football history.
Having joined for a figure of just €25 million, Kroos went on to become one of the finest midfielders in the recent memory.
It was a transfer that Bayern Munich would rue even to this day. However, in a recent interview, Bayern Munich’s honorary president explained exactly how the move unfolded, making no apologies for the club’s stance.
Hoeness on Kroos move to Real Madrid
“Michael Ballack went to England, Toni Kroos to Spain, but even then, we were in control,” he said (h/t Defensa Central), defending Bayern’s model of financial discipline.
Kroos is a Real Madrid legend. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus)
On the specifics of Kroos’ departure, Hoeness was remarkably candid. “I met Toni once and told him that he would never earn 10 million and one euro at Bayern, so he left.”
The offer on the table at the time was precisely €10 million, and Bayern refused to go beyond it.
Kroos’ agent tells his side
The account given by Kroos’ agent largely lines up with Hoeness’ version of events.
“I met with Bayern in Munich and Rummenigge told me that because of the high regard we have for Toni, we would go up to 6.5 million. I replied that we wouldn’t accept less than 10 million and the conversation ended,” the agent explained.
Hoeness then took matters into his own hands. “I entered the dressing room and shouted at Toni: ‘Call your agent! You’ll never earn 10 million here!’ Toni replied: ‘I don’t need to call him, we have the same opinion.'”
Kroos ended up joining Real Madrid for just €25 million, winning five Champions League in the process and making almost 450 competitive appearances, before retiring in 2024.
The UFC handed out four bonuses after Saturday's card in New Jersey, including a pair to two of the four title fighters on the show.
After UFC 328, four fighters picked up an extra $100,000 for their performances at Prudential Center in Newark. Additionally, four fighters got $25,000 extra checks for finishes that weren’t bonus-winners.
Check out the list of winners below.
Fight of the Night: Joshua Van, Tatsuro Taira ($100,000 each)
There was little doubt by the time Joshua Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) got his hand raised against Tatsuro Taira (18-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) that the two had turned in a legendary title fight. Van survived early trouble from Taira to knock him out in the fifth round to retain the flyweight belt. Van was one of few champions in UFC title fight history who was an underdog, but after a back-and-forth war in the co-main event, he put Taira away.
Performance of the Night: Jim Miller ($100,000)
After the longest layoff of his career, which included a surgery plus a frightening time with his son’s cancer treatment, Jim Miller (39-19 MMA, 28-18 UFC) crushed Jared Gordon (21-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC) with a first-round arm-triangle choke.
Performance of the Night: Yaroslav Amosov ($100,000)
Yaroslav Amosov (30-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) did something few former Bellator standouts have done lately, and that’s win in the UFC. The former Bellator welterweight champion submitted Joel Alvarez (23-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in the second round.
Finish bonus: Baisangur Susurkaev ($25,000)
Baisangur Susurkaev (12-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) didn't get a tap from Djorden Santos (11-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) with his rear-naked choke. It was because Santos went to sleep and had no choice. Susurkaev kept his undefeated record intact.
Finish bonus: Grant Dawson ($25,000)
Grant Dawson (24-3-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) had to rally for a comeback rear-naked choke over Mateusz Rebecki (20-5 MMA, 4-4 UFC) with just 18 seconds left in the third round. Dawson suffered a second-round knockdown, but rallied to dominate the final frame and got his 14th career submission win.
Finish bonus: Ateba Gautier ($25,000)
Ateba Gautier (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) was a massive betting favorite, but didn't necessarily look like one in the first round. He was patient in the first five minutes. But in the second, he knocked out Ozzy Diaz (10-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) with a big overhand right, which gave him five straight wins. He used his post-fight interview to go big with a callout of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
Finish bonus: King Green ($25,000)
King Green (35-17-1 MMA, 16-12-1 UFC) gave Jeremy Stephens (29-23 MMA, 15-20 UFC) his just desserts with a dominant win and a rear-naked choke with 40 seconds left in the opening round. Green hit a takedown, then punished Stephens with heavy ground-and-pound before he locked in a rear-naked choke to open the main card. It was Green's third straight win – and made Stephens the first fighter in UFC history to have 20 losses in the promotion. To make matters worse for Stephens, maybe desserts actually were an issue: He missed weight by 4 pounds, meaning 30 percent of his purse is going to Green on top of Green’s $25K for the finish.
WWE picked up the pieces from WrestleMania on Saturday night with WWE Backlash 2026 from inside the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. Roman Reigns eked out a win over Jacob Fatu to retain his World Heavyweight Championship, Asuka appeared to say goodbye to the WWE, and Bron Breakker showed he’s ready for the main event.
As we shift into the eventual build toward SummerSlam, here’s six big takeaways from Backlash.
1. When a loss becomes a win
Throughout Roman Reigns’ run across the top of WWE, he’s never looked quite as powerless as he has against Jacob Fatu.
Even during his rivalry against Brock Lesnar, there always appeared to be a healthy tension between the two. But with Fatu, there’s something different and unpredictable.
Their match Saturday night was physical, and had layers of familial history and the Tongan Death Grip blended into their ongoing Bloodline drama. Fatu was dominant and appeared in control for pockets of the match, but Reigns used an exposed turnbuckle and a referee distraction to ultimately help him earn the pinfall victory.
Originally, I would have preferred Fatu continue on his original route and go after Cody Rhodes. But there’s something captivating with this new family drama between Fatu, Reigns, the Usos and Solo Sikoa. It doesn’t feel like we’re even through Chapter 1 of this new Bloodline rivalry and I’m already incredibly intrigued with where WWE goes from here, especially considering the deeper involvement of the Usos that’s certainly around the corner. After a relatively disappointing year from a storyline perspective, it feels like WWE’s going right back to what worked in the past. I can’t say I blame them.
As messy as last year was, with The Vision’s quick build and uneven 2025, there’s still some semblance of success with what the faction has managed to pull off. Two injuries to Seth Rollins — one part of a storyline, the other legitimate — meant “The Visionary” missed chunks of a year which was intended to elevate rising stars in Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. But his absence provided space for Breakker and Reed to step into their own — and the finished product from that space is what we got Saturday night.
Breakker has perhaps never looked as ready-made for the main-event scene as he did against Rollins. A legitimate genetic freak, Breakker was outstanding, showcasing athleticism but also great ring awareness as the duo paced their match perfectly for the show’s opener. Breakker needed a distraction from Paul Heyman and The Vision to save him from a pinfall, eventually earning his own finish with a series of spears.
Even with the loss, Rollins remains in his element as one of the best bell-to-bell guys in WWE right now, and Breakker looks ready to pull up a seat directly in WWE’s spotlight. This rivalry has the legs to carry on, with Breakker continuing his ascent. The real question is whether or not the rest of The Vision can elevate alongside them.
3. Time to say goodbye?
After both former champions somehow missed out on WrestleMania, Asuka and Iyo Sky felt like they were out to prove something Saturday evening.
It was brutal, technically sound, and unquestionably the match of the night. Sky’s win and subsequent emotional embrace with Asuka already felt like a turning point in the moment. But then Big E’s comments later in the night, questioning if it was the last time we saw Asuka in a WWE ring, added more intrigue to her immediate future.
If this is it in WWE for Asuka, what a run. More than 10 years in the company, one of the most dominant women across NXT and WWE — she leaves with quite the legacy. The real question then becomes what’s next. At age 44, is there more to prove, or does she follow what appeared to be Brock Lesnar’s lead and become the latest to hang up her boots?
Iyo Sky and Asuka embrace during WWE Backlash.
WWE via Getty Images
4. All roads lead between the ropes
Sami Zayn couldn’t get the job done against Trick Williams yet again, letting his focus continue to deviate over to Lil Yachty at ringside.
Zayn and Williams had a fine match, with the U.S. Champion once again stealing the spotlight as he continues his quick rise up the main roster. But the focal point of this match felt like the escalation of tensions between Zayn and Yachty.
It was Yachty’s distraction that allowed Zayn to use the kendo stick on Williams, Zayn to pepper Yachty on the outside with a kendo stick, and eventually hit him with a Helluva Kick on the outside. That kick opened the door for Williams to land the Trick Shot and the victory. At this point, Zayn’s loss feels less important to the title picture and more like a direct connection to an eventual showdown with Yachty.
5. A legacy that doesn’t need a title
John Cena returned to the squared circle Saturday night, just one month after hosting WrestleMania, to announce the John Cena Classic — an evening where NXT talent will wrestle more established WWE talent for the chance to win a new championship.
He announced the audience will vote that night to crown the champion of what Cena hopes becomes an annual event.
.@JohnCena just announced the John Cena Classic! 👏
Stream WWE Backlash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
It’s an incredible gesture and fitting for what Cena’s final night actually became — a showcase for young talent to make the leap and get noticed in ways many of them likely hadn’t before. I’m curious to see what this championship means, if anything, to the current landscape of the WWE. It feels odd to introduce a new title with so many already floating around, and this one in particular feels a bit meaningless. A trophy, à la the Andre the Giant Battle Royale or the Dusty Classic, would likely be a bit more fitting.
6. Who doesn’t love that Danhausen?
Danhausen is one of the best things going in WWE right now, and that’s not to discredit anything else that’s happening. He’s just that entertaining. I was bullish on him upon his arrival, and he’s been used to near perfection in the months that followed. I love that his “curse” has real impact in the ring, starting with Dominik Mysterio and leading to Saturday’s result.
His ongoing feud with The Miz and Kit Wilson has been exceptionally entertaining and I’m fascinated to see how WWE navigates keeping this gimmick fresh. Miz has shown real chameleon-like abilities to make anything work, and it’s refreshing to see Wilson get a well-deserved PLE match.
I can’t quite tell if this rivalry has run its course yet, but their showdown — and Wilson’s introduction of a mirror to counter the curse — were a ton of fun for at least one more night.
Emma Oliver is campaigning for the charity Team Daniel, which she set up following the death of her son [Handout]
Ten thousand feet are set to pound the streets of Leeds as runners take part in the Rob Burrow Marathon and Half Marathon later, but what drives some of those to tackle the 26.2-mile (42km) run?
"People have said to my face, 'Daniel took the coward's way out'. This is why we need to keep raising awareness," Emma Oliver says.
After the death of her teenage son, she set up a charity to support young people's mental health.
Emma runs on Sunday for Team Daniel.
"I knew he was getting stressed, obviously I did not realise how stressed," she explains.
Daniel took his own life in February 2017. The 15-year-old was in the middle of studying for his GCSE exams.
"It just got too much for him," remembers Emma.
"I did everything. I approached the school, I paid for a maths tutor to come in three days before he took his own life.
"I remember the tutor saying, 'you are going to smash it', but, even then, Daniel just was not confident."
The heartbroken mum set up Team Daniel in the months following her son's death.
The charity supports teenagers through exam stress with their revision hub and offers mental health support.
Workshops helping young people identify signs of bullying have also been created.
Daniel took his own life when he was 15 [Handout]
Sunday's marathon in which Emma will be running starts at Headingley Stadium, the site of some of Rob Burrow's greatest triumphs with Leeds Rhinos, before snaking through Woodhouse Moor, Adel and Otley and finishing back at the ground.
Emma took up running before Daniel's death, but in the months afterwards she found moments of solace in the sprints.
"It helps my mental health, just to get out with earphones and music," she explains.
"Sometimes the intention is to go for four miles, but by the time I have lost myself I have done six or seven."
If you are affected by the themes in this story, you can can access help and support viathe BBC Action Line.
Emma aims to raise money for the charity with her run: "It is important to share Daniel's story, because even today there is still stigma attached.
"I talk about Daniel all the time - the support has been amazing."
This year's marathon is the second since the death of Rob Burrow in June 2024 [PA Media]
This year marks the fourth time the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has taken place.
It is the second since the death of the rugby league legend in June 2024.
Craig Whiteley, who has completed marathons in Berlin, Tokyo and New York, believes the event is among the best in the world.
"The best one in the world is Boston and then Leeds is underneath," the 65-year-old says.
"The crowd of Leeds just help you around it, even if it is your first time running, the crowd is amazing."
About 45,000 people have taken part across both the marathon and half marathon since its inception.
Five thousand people are expected to take part in this year's marathon and half marathons [PA Media]
The marathon will get under way at 09:00 BST on Sunday, with competitors in the half marathon setting off at 10:00 BST.
Alex Reeves will be among the racers taking part in the shorter - but still not short - half marathon.
The 28-year-old is fundraising for the Bradford charity Gig Buddies which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism in the district to have a full and varied social life.
"I am feeling a bit nervous, but excited at the same time. I did it last year and I was a lot less prepared," he admits.
"I got inspired by Jamie Jones Buchanan from Leeds Rhinos.
"He was speaking at a work thing, basically saying you should always be trying to make a difference and I was like, 'yes that is right, I am going to do that and I am going to try and raise some money'."
As part of his volunteer role, Alex has buddied up with Harry Bowness.
Together, the pair go running, cycling, visiting the cinema or bowling.
"It gives you a chance to meet new people and go out and and explore different things," Harry says.
The 25-year-old will cheering on his buddy Alex from the roadside during the race.
"I think he will smash it - I am chuffed," he says.
"The more fundraising we can get, the more it expands the activities for other people who struggle with day-to-day lives."
Harry Bowness will be cheering on his friend Alex Reeves, who is raising money for the Gig Buddies charity [Handout]
This year, the event will be held in support of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal as well as the MND Association.
Burrow and his family successfully raised funds and campaigned for an MND centre to be built in the city where he spent his sporting career.
Sean Davies is among the runners to have been directly helped by Burrow's campaigning.
"The funding that was given in the past has enabled the drug that I am on to exist," he explains.
Like Burrow, Sean has been diagnosed with MND. He is raising money for the MND Association.
His strain is familial and has been passed down through generations of his family - his children now have a 50% chance of getting a diagnosis.
"You know how you are going to die and it is not a nice death," he says.
"That is why we came together - you have got such a wonderful group of people there it is almost like a second family."
Sean says he will be running the race as a relay with his family and MND Association campaigners.
"I would love to run the whole thing but I am not up to it anymore," he says.
"My father took less than a year from diagnosis to pass away and I have been three years now and I am still running - that tells you the impact of the drug.
"[Running] is what is helping people to do research for people like me, people with this family in it."
The time is right for Manchester United to cash in on Amad Diallo
There was a painful irony in seeing Manchester United winger Amad Diallo trudge around the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, anonymous and ineffective against the very club that once transformed his career.
Four years ago, the Ivorian lit up this ground week after week, scoring 14 goals, winning the hearts of an entire fanbase, and establishing himself as one of the country’s most exciting young wingers.
On his return, he was barely noticeable in a drab 0-0 draw, raising fresh questions about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
United were held to their first goalless draw of the season by Sunderland, with their first shot on target not arriving until added time—a Matheus Cunha effort denied by Robin Roefs—in a performance as toothless as any they have produced this term.
Amad did little to convince that he deserves to remain part of Michael Carrick’s plans beyond this summer.
He created no chances, completed just one of his three dribbles and lost possession 12 times.
The 23-year-old has also yet to register a goal or assist in 2026 and was equally ineffective off the bench against Liverpool last weekend.
Considering he has managed just two goals and two assists all season—for a player once considered one of United’s most potent attacking threats—the scale of his decline is hard to ignore.
The reasons are well-documented: a disruptive AFCON campaign, loss of confidence, and the rise of stronger competition have all played a part.
Saturday’s visit to the Stadium of Light was a chance for Amad to recapture his best form. Instead, it served only as a reminder of how far he has fallen. Now is the time for United to sell.
Thanks to skyrocketing financial might over the past two decades, the Premier League has emerged as a behemoth among European competitions.
While the best teams in England must still battle tooth and nail for European silverware, the Premier League has proven its superiority in terms of depth.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and England's other top clubs have largely met their match against other European giants across UEFA's top leagues, but the league's ability to place its other clubs in European competitions and perform at every level makes it a titan among the forest.
As more English clubs enjoy success on the European stage, the league continues to gain more qualifying places across UEFA competitions, and 2025/26 is no different.
The Sporting News takes a look at which clubs are in the hunt for Champions League, Europa League and Conference League qualification, and what potential scenarios could play out to help the most English clubs find themselves among European tournament fields next season.
Which Premier League teams have qualified for Europe?
As things stand, the following teams are in a position in the Premier League to qualify for European football in 2026/27:
*Teams in bold are guaranteed a place in that competition
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal Manchester City Manchester United Liverpool Aston Villa
Arsenal and Manchester City have long been certain of finishing in the top five and are therefore guaranteed to be playing in next season's Champions League. Manchester United confirmed a place as well with a win over Liverpool in early May.
Arne Slot's side need one win from their final two games to be certain of a place. Four more points will be enough mathematically for Aston Villa.
UEFA Europa League
Bournemouth 2026 FA Cup winners (Manchester City or Chelsea)
Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion can technically still qualify for the Champions League, but it seems a longshot at best for all three clubs. The Cherries sit sixth, with Brighton two points back and Brentford another two adrift but with a game in and. This race will likely go to the wire.
Tracking the race for Europe looks in 2024/25 Premier League
Here is a breakdown of the Premier League teams seeking to qualify for Europe in 2025/26.
Rankings and places updated after Brentford vs. Man City on May 9
Champions League
Pos
Club
GP
Pts
W-D-L
GD
1.
Arsenal
35
76
23-7-5
+41
2.
Man City
35
74
22-8-5
+40
3.
Man United
36
65
18-11-7
+15
4.
Liverpool
36
59
17-8-11
+12
5.
Aston Villa
35
58
17-7-11
+4
Europa League
Pos
Club
GP
Pts
W-D-L
GD
6.
Bournemouth
36
55
13-16-7
+4
Conference League
Pos
Club
GP
Pts
W-D-L
GD
7.
Brighton
36
53
14-11-11
+10
Outside the qualifying positions — In the hunt
Pos
Club
GP
Pts
W-D-L
GD
8.
Brentford
36
50
13-11-12
+4
9.
Chelsea
36
48
13-10-13
+6
10.
Everton
35
48
13-9-13
0
11.
Fulham
36
48
14-6-16
-6
12.
Sunderland
36
48
12-12-12
-9
How the Premier League's European qualifying places can change
Throughout the course of the season, many things can affect how the Premier League hands out its various European qualifying places.
So far, with two full matchweeks remaining to be played and still the FA Cup final to be contested, a number of things can change moving forward.
Here is a look at what has already been decided up to this point, and what can still be determined moving forward.
Will the Premier League get a fifth Champions League place?
With the reorganisation of the Champions League to the Swiss Model, UEFA has earmarked two places in the Champions League group stage to be given to teams from the two best-performing associations across European competition the previous season. This is known as the European Performance Spot
The Premier League has already mathematically confirmed a fifth spot in next year's Champions League competition, one of two leagues to be given an extra slot.
What happens if a Premier League team wins a European title?
The winner of each European competition in 2025/26 will earn an automatic berth in the competition above the one they won. If a Premier League club wins a European competition and has already qualified via the table, its place will fall to the next club that has not already qualified for the indicated competition.
A total of six Premier League clubs theoretically could qualify for the Champions League, with the additional fifth-place slot plus Aston Villa potentially winning the Europa League after failing to secure a Champions League berth through table finish.
If a Premier League team wins the Champions League or Europa League title while having qualified already via table position (namely, Arsenal win the Champions League or Aston Villa win the Europa League while finishing in the top four domestically), it would not affect the European qualifying places for England next season.
However, if Villa finish in fifth place and beat Freiburg in Europa League on May 20, the team finishing sixth WOULD qualify for the Champions League.
This is because fifth is not a designated Champions League place, but awarded as the European Performance Spot. If Villa finish fifth having alreadt qualified for the Champions League through winning the Europa League, then the EPS will be passed down to sixth
This is because if one of these two European winners have already qualified via table position in their respective domestic league, the extra slot does not fall to another team in their association. Instead, their place in the league phase falls to the reigning European domestic champion with the highest individual club coefficient that has not already qualified directly to the league phase. If the team in sixth ends up in the Champions League, that Europa League spot will not drop down to seventh position. It will instead be passed on to another country.
A similar situation will occur in relation to a Champions League spot if Villa win the Europa League but finish above Liverpool in fouth. In this instance, the highest-ranked club from outside the top-10 Euopean leagues (currently Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine) would be upgraded to guaranteed league-phase qualification. From there, the upgrades trickle all the way down, qualifying until an extra team is added to the early stages of qualification that would otherwise not have been included.
How does the FA Cup winner affect European qualification?
The winners of the 2025/26 FA Cup will qualify automatically for the Europa League league phase.
IF the winner of the FA Cup has already qualified for the Champions League or Europa League via table position, this qualifying position will fall to the next-highest team in the table not to have qualified for the Europa League.
Thus, if Man City win the FA Cup, seventh place would become a Europa League position. Meanwhile, if Chelsea win the FA Cup, they would qualify directly for next year's Europa League, assuming they do not also finish in sixth place or higher.
How does the Carabao Cup winner affect European qualification?
Manchester City won the 2025/26 EFL Cup meaning they would have an automatic route into the Conference League playoff round.
However, since City have already mathematically confirmed a place in next year's Champions League, 7th place in the Premier League table now becomes a Conference League qualifying spot.
This spot could be potentially moved further down the standings by other circumstances listed above.
How many Premier League clubs could qualify for Europe?
Given all the circumstances above, a significant number of English clubs could potentially be playing in Europe next season.
At minimum, the Premier League will see eight teams qualify for Europe. The base number each season is seven, with the additional Champions League place they have already earned added to the mix.
Across all three European competitions, the maximum number of clubs that could potentially qualify is 10. This would happen IF all of the following occur:
Aston Villa win the Europa League title but fail to finish top five in the Premier League table.
Crystal Palace win the Conference League title.
If both of these occur, the following European places would be handed out:
Champions League (6):
Arsenal
Man City
3rd place in Premier League table
4th place in Premier League table
5th place in Premier League table
Aston Villa
Europa League (3):
Next highest in Premier League table not yet qualified (6th place unless Aston Villa finish 6th)
Chelsea (FA Cup winners) ORNext highest in Premier League table not yet qualified (7th place unless Aston Villa finish 6th/7th)
Crystal Palace (Conference League winners)
Conference League (1):
Next highest in Premier League table not yet qualified (7th place unless Aston Villa finish 6th/7th)
The maximum number of Premier League teams that could be playing in next season's Champions League is six, with the five qualifying through the table plus a sixth should Aston Villa finish below fourth.
At this point, it would be a major surprise if Arizona gets to play in Surprise later this month.
The Wildcats lost 7-5 to Houston in 13 innings on Saturday night at Hi Corbett Field, their seventh consecutive conference loss and eighth overall in the last nine games. With four games left in the regular season the UA (17-32, 7-19) is two games out of the last spot in the Big 12 Conference Tournament, set for May 18-23 in Surprise.
A game that featured the bottom two teams in the league fittingly featured a lot of disappointment for both teams. Despite combining for 35 hits—23 by the Cougars—the teams left 31 on base (20 by Houston) and were 6 of 33 with runners in scoring position.
Three of those hits for Houston (22-28, 6-20) came in the 12th and 13th innings, while both of those for Arizona were during a 4-run 5th to take a 4-1 lead. An RBI single by Cash Brennan and a Mathis Meurant safety squeeze bunt were followed by a 2-run home run from Carson McEntire.
The UA’s other run came in the bottom of the 12th when, after Beau Sylvester singled with 1 out he scored on an RBI triple from Maddox Mihalakis, one of 11 players honored during Senior Night pregame festivities. But what followed were the kind of at-bats Arizona had most of the time with runners in scoring position.
Caleb Danzeisen was called out on strikes, one of four strikeouts looking for the UA with two by the true freshman, then Brennan grounded out.
After Houston tied it in the 7th on a 3-run home run by Cade Climie the Wildcats stranded the winning run on third base in the 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th, and three of those got there with less than two out. It also had Brennan tagged out at home on a fielder’s choice in the 11th.
Houston then scored twice in the 13th off Collin McKinney, who was scheduled to start Sunday’s finale but ended up throwing the final three innings, and Arizona went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.
Arizona will play its final home game Sunday at 11 a.m. PT.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES – With a stoic expression and subdued tone, LeBron James showcased the conflicting feelings that surround the Lakers’ current circumstances.
They labored through a 131-108 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday because of the defending NBA champion’s superior depth. They still made the game competitive because of their unyielding fight.
That left the Lakers’ star and the entire organization nursing conflicting feelings about the state of the franchise.
“I’m not angry or disappointed,” James said. “Obviously, you’re disappointed with the simple fact that you’re down 3-0. But we still got life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Then, the Lakers will host Game 4 against the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Never in NBA history has any team ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit. The Lakers became the latest team to avoid such a scenario by beating the Houston Rockets in six games after initially holding a 3-0 first-round series lead. The Lakers have experienced the vast difference in playing without Luka Dončić against the Rockets and the Thunder.
Against the Rockets: the Lakers took advantage of a young team that struggled with inconsistent play and decision making while nursing various injuries with Kevin Durant. Against the Thunder: the Lakers have realized that hustle and adjustments do little against a team that virtually lacks any weaknesses.
“The situation sucks. But that doesn’t give us a license to quit,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said. “We got to come in here and compete. We owe the organization that. we owe the fans that. we’ll come in Monday and play as hard as we can.”
The Lakers deserve credit for playing as hard as they can. For three games, they have fought without their star player. They have competed even through shooting slumps. They have played through frustration with the officiating. But for every improvement, another issue arises.
The Lakers earned more free-throws in Game 3 (25) than Game 2 (21), while the Thunder only had 10 attempts. But James only had four free-throw attempts, and he took his first trip to the line in the fourth quarter. The Lakers sent enough double teams to limit
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 23 points on 7-for-20 shooting. But Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell responded with a career-high 24 points on a 10-for-14 clip.
The Lakers shot 14-for-30 from 3-point range, but Reaves struggled with his efficiency for the second time in three games with only 17 points while shooting 5-for-13 from the field and 1-for-5 from deep.
The Lakers held a 59-57 half-time lead by leaning on their ball movement, improved shooting and hustle. But then the Thunder put on an unstoppable clinic in the third quarter (33-20) and fourth quarter (41-29) by tapping into their offensive depth and defensive versatility. Once again, the Lakers struggled against the Thunder on the boards (43-37) and with their ball handling (16 points).
“They’ve kicked our ass for three straight games. They’re an incredible basketball team, ,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “We’ve got to be better. But I’m not giving up on the series. We’re going to try to win on Monday. We’re going to try to extend the series. We’re going to try to take this thing back at OKC.”
How do the Lakers do that?
Lakers guard Luke Kennard suggested the team will address solutions over practice and film on Sunday and can reconvene better at halftimes. Yet, the Thunder have proven that they can dismantle most plans. James observed the team lacked the necessary “energy” and “effort” to open the third quarter. Yet, the Thunder have executed better even when the Lakers have played out their best. The Lakers concede they would love to welcome Dončić’s return, but he told reporters this week that doctors projected an eight-week return when he suffered a Grade 2 strained left hamstring five weeks ago. Besides, the Lakers still trailed by 31 points before Dončić’ suffered the injury against OKC on April 2.
“Luka is over there. We hear him. He’s talking to us a little bit, ” Kennard said. “When you have the league’s leading scorer out there, if he was, it definitely changes the dynamic of a team. We know that. Obviously we miss him. And we know that he’s working his butt off right now. That’s all that he’s been putting the time in. We that he’s trying really hard. He would definitely change it for us. But right now he wasn’t out there.”
All of which gives the 41-year-old James the biggest challenge of his 23-year NBA career. Even more than when he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers overcome a 3-1 Finals deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Finals. Even when he faced a Warriors team with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala in 2017 and 2018. Even when he helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA title in a campus bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pretty damn good from top to bottom,” James said of the Thunder. “They don’t let their foot off the gas.”
James declined to say how the Thunder compare to those Warriors teams or even the ‘90s Chicago Bulls as Redick did recently. Still, James’ body language appeared self-explanatory as he sat by his locker and processed what awaits.
“Everything and more to beat a team like this,” James said. “We have to be at our best on Monday.”
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
A week of chaotic DRAMA at Real Madrid, Marseille, Prague and Southampton
The best football posts from social media this week as chaos descended on Real Madrid, Marseille and Prague, while another Spygate scandal hit the Championship.
Real dominated the news cycle this week when it emerged that Jose Mourinho is the favourite to become their next manager at the same time as Kylian Mbappe caused a stir when he was photographed on holiday with his girlfriend. Fans didn’t take too kindly to the French superstar jetting off in the middle of a disappointing campaign.
But that wasn’t even the biggest story of the week, as Aurelien Tchouameni knocked out Fede Valverde after the pair got into a dressing room tussle.
Although this happened behind closed doors, El Chiringuito has done everyone a massive favour by recreating it using AI. This is the one time I can get behind artificially generated slop.
The Madrid Zone, an aggregator account covering everything Real, has been on a generational heater this week. Their use of block capitals is a sight to behold.
I think Alvaro Arbeloa might have lost the dressing room. Just a hunch.
All of it makes the Madrid boss VERY SAD.
With all of this going on, it’s possible you missed the utter anarchy at Marseille, where a team retreat turned into something resembling a reformatory for delinquent teens. Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly unloaded a fire extinguisher into the room of a team official.
If that wasn’t chaotic enough for you, then check out what happened in Prague on Saturday.
Slavia supporters stormed the pitch, lobbing flares at the Sparta players and fans. They got their own title-winning game abandoned with less than four minutes of stoppage time remaining.
Southampton have been accused of cheating by Middlesbrough after one of their employees was caught spying on a training session ahead of the play-off semi-finals. Boro fans made hay while the sun shone.
Saints manager Tonda Eckert got tired of all the questions about Spygate 2.0 and walked out of his press conference after Saturday’s goalless draw with Boro.
Meanwhile, a youth match in Brazil got way out of hand and resulted in a player racing from the bench to dropkick an opponent.
Pep Guardiola is hoping for a favour from West Ham United on Sunday.
Probably the most cringeworthy thing we’ve ever seen at a football match.
A ball lies in a dugout during a high school baseball game held at Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove on Friday, April 25, 2025.
|
Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Note: Top 8 seeds receive a bye to the Super Regionals on May 13-14: No. 1 Spanish Fork, No. 2 Maple Mountain, No. 3 Pleasant Grove, No. 4 West Field, No. 5 Cyprus, No. 6 West Jordan, No. 7 Fremont, No. 8 Alta.
Note: Top 8 seeds receive a bye to the Super Regionals on May 7-8: No. 1 Snow Canyon, No. 2 Desert Hills, No. 3 Timpanogos, No. 4 Ridgeline, No. 5 Provo, No. 6 Bear River, No. 7 Crimson Cliffs, No. 8 Mountain Crest.
Joshua Zirkzee: Man United striker puts in anemic showing versus Sunderland
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee struggled once again in the Premier League.
Struggles
Since signing for Manchester United in July 2024, Zirkzee has barely made an impact at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has only scored a paltry nine goals in 73 appearances for the Red Devils.
His statistics this season do not make for pleasant reading, as he has only managed two goals in 24 games.
Performance
The Dutchman was given a rare chance to start with Benjamin Sesko out of the squad due to a shin problem.
Sadly, he could not make any sort of impact on the game, as he often cut an isolated figure in the Manchester United attack.
He played 65 minutes of the match before being substituted for Patrick Dorgu.
Zirkzee had one shot on goal in the first half when he headed over Matheus Cunha’s cross, but the chance was always drifting over the bar.
He could not manage a shot on target in the match and was unable to complete any dribble attempts.
The striker did carry the ball forward three times but did not complete any key passes in the match.
In fact, he could only complete 11 passes in an anemic afternoon.
Zirkzee was also weak in his duels, winning just four out of 11, and was also unable to compete in any tackles as he was frequently bullied by the Sunderland defence.
Future
In his post-match press conference, Carrick defended his striker, but it was objectively a missed opportunity for Zirkzee to show his worth.
The former Bologna forward has been linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford and, on this performance, it is hard to argue that this would not be the best course of action for everyone involved.
Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18, first in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29, fourth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Monday, 10:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Thunder -10.5; over/under is 213.5
WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Thunder lead series 3-0
BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder look to clinch the series over the Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the Western Conference second round. The Thunder defeated the Lakers 131-108 in the last meeting on Sunday. Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 24 points, and Rui Hachimura led the Lakers with 21.
The Lakers are 33-19 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is 8-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Thunder are 41-11 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City is third in the Western Conference scoring 119.0 points per game and is shooting 48.4%.
The Lakers average 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 fewer makes per game than the Thunder give up (14.3). The Thunder are shooting 48.4% from the field, 0.1% higher than the 48.3% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: LeBron James is shooting 51.5% and averaging 20.9 points for the Lakers. Hachimura is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Chet Holmgren is scoring 17.1 points per game and averaging 8.9 rebounds for the Thunder. Luguentz Dort is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 5-5, averaging 104.3 points, 40.6 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.3 points per game.
Thunder: 8-2, averaging 119.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).
Thunder: Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Pistons (60-22, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
LINE: Cavaliers -3.5; over/under is 212.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Pistons lead series 2-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Pistons visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference second round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Cavaliers won the last matchup 116-109 on Saturday, led by 35 points from Donovan Mitchell. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 27.
The Cavaliers are 33-19 in conference play. Cleveland is 2-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Pistons have gone 39-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.8 points per game and is shooting 48.5%.
The 119.5 points per game the Cavaliers average are 9.9 more points than the Pistons allow (109.6). The Pistons average 117.8 points per game, 2.4 more than the 115.4 the Cavaliers give up to opponents.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is shooting 48.3% and averaging 27.9 points for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jalen Duren is scoring 19.5 points per game and averaging 10.5 rebounds for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 5-5, averaging 109.7 points, 42.3 rebounds, 21.5 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points per game.
Pistons: 6-4, averaging 104.4 points, 45.6 rebounds, 21.6 assists, 8.6 steals and 7.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.8 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: None listed.
Pistons: Kevin Huerter: day to day (adductor).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
LOS ANGELES — The lights, the bobbleheads, the sold-out crowd and the anticipation all pointed toward a Hollywood return for Blake Snell on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.
Instead, the Dodgers were reminded that even for a two-time Cy Young winner, there is no substitute for real game action.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers dropped a 7-2 game to the Atlanta Braves before 50,209 fans on Saturday night as Snell’s long-awaited season debut unraveled early against one of baseball’s top lineups.
For the first time since Game 7 of last year’s World Series in Toronto, Snell took a major league mound in a meaningful game. The rust showed immediately.
By the end of the second inning, the Braves had already built a 5-0 lead and turned what was supposed to be a celebratory return into a grind. Snell needed 58 pitches just to survive the first two innings, allowing six hits, five runs and two walks while fighting his command throughout the night.
“It was frustrating,” Snell said afterward. “The goal is to give up no runs, so giving up five is pretty frustrating.”
The night spiraled in the second inning.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) talks with manager Dave Roberts (30) in the dugout in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) talks with manager Dave Roberts (30) in the dugout in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
After Eli White reached on an infield single and Jorge Mateo followed with a base hit, Snell walked Drake Baldwin to load the bases with two outs. Ozzie Albies lined a two-run single to center before Matt Olson followed with another two-run hit that blew the game open.
It was the kind of inning that exposed exactly what the Dodgers knew they were risking by accelerating Snell’s timeline.
Two days earlier, Snell had expected to face Single-A hitters as part of what was still considered a rehab progression. Instead, with Tyler Glasnow landing on the injured list Friday, manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers decided to activate Snell rather than continue his buildup assignment with Ontario.
The Dodgers hoped to get five innings out of the left-hander. They got three.
Still, there were flashes.
Snell settled down in the third inning, striking out Mateo to finish his outing after an error by Hyeseong Kim briefly extended the inning. His fastball had life. His breaking stuff still generated swings and misses. He struck out five batters in three innings and, perhaps most importantly for the Dodgers, walked away healthy.
“I feel really good. Stuff is really good,” Snell said. “Got a lot of work to do.”
That may ultimately be the only thing that matters to the Dodgers right now.
This organization has spent the entire season operating with October in mind. The phrase “three-peat” has hovered over the clubhouse since spring training opened. The Dodgers are not chasing April headlines. They are trying to arrive in October with their stars healthy and fully operational.
That philosophy is precisely why Snell did not rush through a traditional spring buildup. The Dodgers were cautious after his heavy workload last postseason, choosing patience over urgency.
Saturday was the consequence of that patience colliding with reality. The Braves are not a rehab assignment.
Facing major league hitters for the first time in nearly seven months was always going to be difficult, especially against one of baseball’s deepest lineups. Roberts understood that context afterward.
“It was his first outing back,” Roberts said. “Something to build off of.”
The Dodgers offense never gave Snell much of a chance to recover.
After Will Smith delivered a two-out single in the first inning, the Dodgers did not record another hit until Andy Pages singled in the seventh. The offense looked lifeless for most of the night before Pages provided the lone late spark in the ninth.
After Alex Call doubled with one out, Pages crushed a two-run homer to left-center for his ninth home run of the season. It continued a torrid stretch for the young outfielder, who already turned heads earlier this week with a three-homer game in Houston.
By then, though, the game had long since slipped away.
Snell’s final line, three innings, six hits, five runs, two walks, five strikeouts on 77 pitches, was far from what the Dodgers envisioned. Yet inside the organization, the bigger picture remains unchanged.
The Dodgers believe a healthy Snell in October matters far more than a polished outing in May.
That long-term approach has even altered Snell’s off-field routine. Now 33 years old and more aware of the physical demands of pitching deep into his career, Snell spent the offseason rethinking how he prepares his body.
“A lot of my injuries have been inflammation based,” Snell said. “I’m getting older, I gotta be a little more wiser. I got a nutritionist, a chef, and pilates has helped me a lot.”
Saturday was not the return anybody envisioned on Blake Snell Bobblehead Night. It was messy, uneven and occasionally ugly.
But it was also a beginning.
For the Dodgers, the most important development was simple: Snell is back on a major league mound again. Now comes the process of sharpening him for the games they truly care about.
Encouraged by a record points haul against England last time out, Wales headed to Ireland looking to build on recent peformances in the Women's Six Nations.
But the tournament's two-week break appeared to have done more harm than good as Wales look uninspired in their 33-12 defeat.
Like they had against Scotland and France, Wales were in the contest up until half-time but Ireland's third try proved the hammer blow.
Wales should have headed down the tunnel trailing 12-7 but a failure to get the ball off the park when the clock had been in the red gifted Ireland one last attack.
"We speak about championship moments and that is one of them," said Wales captain Bethan Lewis.
"Putting ourselves on the back foot going into half-time, it's frustrating. We need to tighten up with things like that."
Compared to their second-half showing against England, where they bagged two late tries for a bonus-point, Wales could muster very little after the break in Belfast.
Ireland were utterly dominant with possession and territory, with last year's player of the championship Aoife Wafer leading the charge.
Travelling fans' only consolation was a 78th minute Jasmine Joyce try but it was not enough to prevent Wales from leaving empty handed.
"We're ranked 12th in the world, we played the team ranked fifth in the world and you can clearly see when you're away from home, you've got to be a lot more clinical," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.
"We said in the huddle at the end of the game, we've got to be better with our composure and accuracy.
"I wouldn't have said the girls dropped their heads. They stuck at it, stuck to their processes, but Ireland kept the ball really well.
"The girls give everything out there and when you see them upset after the game it's because they care, they want to be winning, so it is tough."
Wales are now on a nine-game losing streak and have one last chance next Sunday to prevent a third consecutive wooden spoon in the Six Nations.
And while Italy at home would be a targeted win for Lynn's side, the Azzurri are full of confidence having backed up a convincing victory over Scotland by scoring five tries in their defeat by England.
"We will come out firing. We're hurting. We do have more to give. There is a lot of learnings and hopefully we can put on a good show next week," said Lewis.
"The first two games at home were incredible. The support was incredible and having that red wall in the stand will give us energy."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked better with 23 points and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 18 points and nine rebounds. Ajay Mitchell was awesome with 24 points and 10 assists. Cason Wallace had 16 points off the bench.
Meanwhile, LeBron James was quiet with 19 points and eight assists. Austin Reaves struggled with 17 points and nine assists. Rui Hachimura had 21 points and five rebounds.
Let's look at some of the best photos from the Thunder's 23-point Game 3 win over the Lakers:
Phoenix Mercury (1-0, 1-0 Western Conference) at Golden State Valkyries (1-0, 1-0 Western Conference)
San Francisco; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Golden State Valkyries after Alyssa Thomas scored 20 points in the Mercury's 99-66 win over the Las Vegas Aces.
Golden State finished 14-8 at home and 9-15 in Western Conference play during the 2025-26 season. The Valkyries allowed opponents to score 76.3 points per game and shoot 40.5% from the field last season.
Phoenix went 27-17 overall last season while going 13-11 in Western Conference play. The Mercury gave up 80.1 points per game while committing 17.8 fouls last season.
INJURIES: Valkyries: Iliana Rupert: out (pregnancy), Juste Jocyte: out (not injury related ).
Mercury: Sami Whitcomb: out (knee), Valeriane Ayayi: out (not injury related), Monique Akoa Makani: out (not injury related).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas Aces square off on Sunday.
Los Angeles went 21-23 overall and 10-14 in Western Conference action last season. The Sparks averaged 7.3 steals, 3.1 blocks and 14.1 turnovers per game last season.
Las Vegas went 30-14 overall and 16-8 in Western Conference action during the 2025-26 season. The Aces allowed opponents to score 80.7 points per game and shoot 43.6% from the field last season.
INJURIES: Sparks: None listed.
Aces: Dana Evans: out (leg).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Boston Fleet will look to avoid elimination when they face the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of their playoff series on Sunday afternoon.
Ottawa took a 2-1 series lead with a Game 3 win behind another strong performance from goaltender Gwyneth Philips, who stopped 36 of the 37 shot attempts she faced on Friday night. Ronja Savolainen scored the game-winning goal for the Charge with a shot that bounced off the boards and Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel on its way to the back of the net.
Despite holding a significant advantage in shots on goal in each matchup, Boston has struggled to score. Can the Fleet beat Philips in Game 4 and extend the series?
Here is everything you need to know about Fleet vs. Charge, including TV and streaming options for Game 4.
How to watch Boston Fleet vs. Ottawa Charge Game 4: TV channel, live stream
Fleet vs. Charge will air locally on NESN. The game will also be available to stream on NESN 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Boston Fleet vs. Ottawa Charge Game 4 start time
Date: Sunday, May 10
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Fleet vs. Charge is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 10. The game will be played at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
Boston Fleet vs. Ottawa Charge schedule: Ottawa leads 2-1
What Chelsea sources are insisting on Xabi Alonso and new manager hunt
Chelsea are apparently taking their time on the hunt to find a new permanent manager at Stamford Bridge.
Nobody has been expecting anything to be announced just yet, and fans are expecting to hear something concrete come the end of the season, as it was has always been reported.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea talks with Xabi Alonso going well – they’re handing him the keys and talks continue!
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But fans are also not stupid, and they know that Chelsea will now be working hard behind the scenes to find a new manager, and talks will be happening.
We also know that Chelsea would not get stuck chasing just one candidate and will speak to a number of them at the same time and also have backup plans. So there will be lots going on, and yes, we will have to be patient in terms of seeing who the next manager will be.
Caught Offside info
Andoni Iraola working for Bournemouth. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
According to a sourced article from Caught Offside, Chelsea sources insist they haven’t identified a favoured candidate yet, and have sounded out multiple options, with talks ongoing and no hurry to come to a final decision yet.
The report also says that Andoni Iraola was open to speaking with Chelsea, but he had concerns about the project, as have numerous other managers approached by the Blues, including Xabi Alonso.
In other news today
Former Blues winger Joe Cole has suggested some pretty spicy moves from Chelsea to get their team back on track after a bad year. He did an interview with The Sun over the weekend.
Levi Colwill has spoken of his relief after making his first appearance of the season having recovered from a serious injury. He helped Chelsea get a point at Anfield yesterday.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Report: Man United leading the race to sign 25-year-old La Liga star in red-hot form
Manchester United are the front-runners in the race to sign Elche defensive mainstay David Affengruber.
The Austrian international’s consistent performances for Elche haven’t gone unnoticed. Quite a few top clubs from across Europe are keeping tabs on him, and there could be a bidding war for his signature in the summer.
Manchester United are keen on David Affengruber
According to reports from Spanish sources, Manchester United are leading the race for the signature of David Affengruber. The Red Devils have a significant advantage over other clubs in their pursuit of the 25-year-old centre-back.
Affengruber has taken his game to the next level since joining the Spanish club in 2024 from Sturm Graz on a free transfer. His consistent performances recently earned him an Austrian debut, and his value has risen to €20 million.
Clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and Manchester Unitedare all keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old, who has 36 appearances and three goal contributions in the ongoing campaign.
Affengruber could be interested in a Manchester United move
His camp believes he is ready to make the jump to a bigger club, and there is certainly no shortage of interest. The Red Devils are leading the race at this point despite interest from some top clubs in Italy and Spain. The English club seems to be the most attractive destination from a sporting perspective.
While they have handed Harry Maguire a new deal, Manchester United are still looking for more quality and depth in the heart of the defence. They consider Affengruber a perfect fit for their setup, as he has a strong physical presence, great anticipation, and ball distribution, which are key in English football at this point.
The price tag will not be a problem for the Red Devils, and with only a year left on his deal at Elche, the Spanish club could be open to a potential departure. However, it will be interesting to see whether the Manchester-based giants can fend off the competition for his signature.
Rajasthan Royals created an unwanted IPL record during their clash against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur after conceding 229/4, marking the seventh time this season they have allowed opponents to cross the 200-run mark.
With that, Rajasthan Royals equalled the all-time IPL record for conceding 200-plus totals most times in a single season.
Conceding 200+ totals most times in an IPL season:
The latest batting assault was led by Shubman Gill, who smashed a sublime 84 off 44 balls despite briefly struggling with discomfort in his left foot. Gill and Sai Sudharsan added 118 runs for the opening wicket, completely dominating the RR attack on a flat Jaipur pitch.
Sudharsan continued his excellent season with a fluent 55, while Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia finished strongly to push Gujarat Titans to their highest total of IPL 2026.
RR’s bowling struggles were once again exposed, especially in the Powerplay, where Jofra Archer endured a rare off day, conceding 46 runs in three overs. While Ravindra Jadeja briefly slowed the scoring through the middle overs, Rajasthan failed to contain GT’s relentless batting charge.
Defending the total, Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan returned with impressive figures of 4/33 to steal the show, while Jason Holder (3/12) and Kagiso Rabada (2/33) also rose to the occasion as Gujarat Titans restricted RR to 152 in 16.3 overs to register a comfortable 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals.
The worrying trend continues for Rajasthan Royals, who have now repeatedly failed to control high-scoring games despite once boasting the tournament’s best bowling numbers earlier in the season.
Raphinha talks Yamal, injury return, future and more ahead of El Clasico vs Real Madrid
Raphinha is set to return for Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou, and ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, the Brazilian has sat down with Movistar for a wide-ranging interview.
Heading into this game, the Brazilian talked about his injury, his future at the club and his thoughts on Lamine Yamal.
The winger suffered a blow when he picked up an injury during a friendly with Brazil in the United States, ruling him out of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. He subsequently spent time recovering in Brazil before returning to Barcelona to prepare for the Clasico.
What Raphinha has said ahead of El Clasico
Raphinha was characteristically direct when assessing what lies ahead.
“The rival suits me, maybe. I am looking for my best version again. I’m still a little short. We expect it to be a quite complicated match, they still have mathematical possibilities of winning the league, so they are not going to give us anything. If we win, let’s celebrate the league,” he said (h/t Diario SPORT).
All eyes on Raphinha ahead of Real Madrid clash (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Asked about filling in on the right flank in Lamine Yamal’s absence, Raphinha was quick to manage expectations with a touch of humility.
“If I play on the right wing, don’t expect anything special because I am not Lamine. Lamine is a star and the things he does,” he said.
On the subject of his long-term future at Barcelona, amid recent speculation linking him with a departure, Raphinha was open and straightforward, doubling down on his desire to stay at the club.
“I see myself here for many years. I have a contract until 2028 and if the club wants to talk to me, I am open,” he concluded.
Hansi Flick opted for caution in the last game against Osasuna, but the Brazilian is expected to play a key role as Barcelona as they lock horns against Los Blancos tonight.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Wave forward Ludmila (17) moves the ball while Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) defends during the first half at BMO Stadium.
LOS ANGELES -- For the first time in weeks, Angel City FC delivered the fast, aggressive start head coach Alex Straus had been demanding. But despite matching San Diego Wave FC blow for blow in a physical rivalry match at BMO Stadium, Angel City could not overcome another defensive lapse late in the match, falling 2-1 Saturday night for its fourth consecutive loss.
After a scoreless first half in which both teams searched for a breakthrough, San Diego struck first. Brazilian forward Dudinha fired a strong right-footed shot from the left side of the box that found the center of the net to give the Wave a 1-0 lead. According to Angel City defender Sarah Gorden, San Diego capitalized on transition opportunities throughout the match.
Angel City answered with an equalizer from defender Emily Sams. The sequence began with an Angel City corner kick that was initially cleared out of danger. The ball fell to Gorden, who stayed back on the play and quickly sent it back toward goal. Sams found space near the left side of the six-yard box and redirected the ball into the net with her left foot to tie the match 1-1.
“I think that being in that position on corner kicks where you're just the last one back and everyone's just running at you and the ball is coming, you have like a millisecond to make a choice,” Gorden said. “I was just like, ‘OK, just gonna kick it back,’ and Emily was there.”
The equalizer energized the home crowd and briefly shifted momentum in Angel City’s favor.
“The goal was a bright spot,” Gorden said. “Obviously it’s a disappointing result, but coming back after being one down and being able to tie it up like that was meaningful.”
San Diego regained the lead on a decisive moment from rookie defender Amelia Van Zanten, who goes by Mimi. Van Zanten delivered an aggressive header into the bottom-right corner for the game-winning goal — the first of her NWSL career.
Though the Wave secured the victory, Angel City remained competitive throughout and threatened to change the outcome until the final whistle. After the match, Van Zanten praised Angel City’s athleticism and physicality.
“They have a lot of speedy players that are big and strong,” Van Zanten said. “Getting to play against players like that really continues to push us in different ways and we can continue to grow defensively. When they’re pressing us and coming at us pretty fast, it puts us under a lot of pressure. So we need to figure out ways to play around them and continue to grow in those aspects.”
The loss marked Angel City’s fourth straight defeat. Following the match, Straus kept his assessment simple.
He's blamed for everything! Does this superstar make clubs worse?
A footballer is cuddling up with his girlfriend on a boat, enjoying life, dangling their feet in the water. Innocent enough pictures, the kind you’ve seen in thousands of Insta posts from pros, almost triggered a state crisis at Real Madrid. Some fans are even calling for Kylian Mbappé to be sold.
The forward is the biggest superstar of the new Galácticos. This season, he has scored 41 goals in 41 competitive matches, found the net in both Champions League quarter-final games against Bayern, scored in the Clásico league win over Barcelona, and still has a chance of winning this year’s Ballon d'Or. Even so, 'TNT Sports' reported last Thursday on a fan petition demanding his sale. The alleged number of signatures at the time? 30 million.
Even if the reliability of that figure is highly questionable, Mbappé has once again stirred up the fans. The latest uproar was sparked by a vacation in Italy that he treated himself to around a week ago.
The reports came thick and fast, because the 27-year-old chose to go on the trip even though he was injured. The criticism was that he was not focused enough on getting fit again. 'El Mundo' and 'AS' wrote that Real Madrid were surprised by this behavior, and teammates had reacted with disbelief, especially since this is currently a difficult time for Los Blancos and Barça are on the verge of winning the title. In today’s Clásico against the Catalans, the title could already be decided.
Isolated at Real?
Mbappé is said to have responded only with the following statement: "My body, my decision." Journalist Jorge Picon then added fuel to the fire on Tuesday, because not everyone believes Mbappé was actually injured. It also would not be the first time this season that the striker has taken such a break.
But all the uproar was also a sign of how frantically every little thing involving him is being reacted to. Picon at one point said there was a real crisis between club and player, and 'L'Equipe' added that Mbappé was becoming increasingly isolated within the squad. He does not track back enough, and teammates supposedly feel he is too privileged. Fittingly, 'The Athletic' wrote that there had been an altercation with a member of the coaching staff in which he was disrespectful after an offside decision was given during a training drill.
On the other hand, 'AS' pushes back and says there are no doubts about Mbappé at Real and that he simply needs to be integrated better into the tactical system. The player also knows that he has to adapt more and is willing to do so. Fabrizio Romano said that there are no discussions at Real about letting their biggest star go. The situation is not easy, but the relationship between player and club is by no means broken.
What is truth and what is fiction in all of this is hard for outsiders to judge. But the fact is that Mbappé has not won a major title since arriving in Madrid two years ago. Critics also keep pointing toward Paris, where PSG won the Champions League for the first time after his departure and are now already back in the final of Europe’s top competition. So does Mbappé actually make his teams worse despite his goals? Is he too dominant? Too much of a diva? Does he not work hard enough defensively?
📸 CRISTINA QUICLER - AFP or licensors
"It’s not just Mbappé"
Romano then added one important sentence that may provide the answers to those questions: "It’s a complicated moment for Real Madrid, but it’s not just Mbappé."
And this is probably the heart of the problem. There is constant unrest throughout the entire club right now. The public clashes between then-coach Xabi Alonso and Vinícius Júnior, a fierce dressing-room bust-up between Antonio Rüdiger and Álvaro Carreras a few weeks ago, or a training-ground row between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde that even ended with a hospital visit and caused the vice-captain to miss the Clásico with a traumatic brain injury. According to 'Marca', six players are no longer speaking to the current coach. There is constant tension at Real.
On top of that came ongoing injury problems in defense and, in the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern, also a bit of bad luck with Eduardo Camavinga’s red card. Progressing was certainly possible.
So it is too simplistic to pin Real’s lack of titles solely on Mbappé. Rather, there seem to be too many players throughout the team who see themselves as more important than the team’s success.
Here too there is a parallel with PSG. The French side once also tried to build a super team with Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi. That attempt failed for the same reason: the megastars’ egos clashed. Only after all three had left and been replaced by more team-oriented players did success come. The conclusion would be that no team can afford more than one all-dominating superstar.
Real still remembers the Cristiano Ronaldo era, when he had a special role on the pitch, but the rest of the team accepted it and titles were won.
Madrid therefore have to decide: either they build a team that supports Mbappé optimally and accepts his antics, or they focus on a different centerpiece. Right now, though, it looks more like Real will try a third way once again. They would rather look for another coach who can perform the miracle that neither Carlo Ancelotti nor Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa managed to pull off: turning all of these Real individualists into a functioning collective.
Daniel Dubois has picked up 22 of his 23 wins by stoppage [Reuters]
The 'Don't Blink' tagline was never meant to be taken quite so literally.
When Daniel Dubois crashed to the canvas within 10 seconds of the opening bell in Manchester - and again in the third round - suddenly every soul inside the Co-op Live Arena was paying very close attention.
For years, Dubois has carried the label of a fighter who folds when things become uncomfortable. Opponents and fans alike have questioned his heart, mentality, and toughness.
During fight week, Fabio Wardley even joked that if Dubois was not a boxer, he would be a "bin man".
By the end of Saturday night, though, Dubois had produced the most brutal clean-up operation of his career. He roared back to stop Wardley in the 11th round of a British heavyweight classic and become a two-time world champion.
Perhaps the most revealing moment came between the knockdowns.
After being dropped early, Dubois looked towards his corner and gave a little wink to show he was fine - he did not panic or unravel. Even the tactical knee he took later in the third felt calculated rather than desperate.
Much of the 18,000-strong crowd had come to see the Wardley fairytale continue, but Dubois blocked out the noise and stayed composed.
The win once again silenced critics who have spent years dissecting the character of Dubois as much as his boxing ability.
"No human being on this planet could ever question this kid - certainly don't do that in front of me," trainer Don Charles said afterwards.
"Tonight he erased any doubt of all the negative talk. I'm glad the fight went that way so he could demonstrate this quitting narrative is not right."
Ridiculed Dubois looks comfortable in his own skin
Heavyweights exist under a uniquely harsh spotlight and Dubois has absorbed more than his fair share of scrutiny. One defeat by Joe Joyce and two by Oleksandr Usyk shaped much of the public perception around him, as did persistent questions about his discipline.
Those doubts feel badly outdated now. At 28, Dubois is already a two-time heavyweight world champion - younger than both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury were when they achieved the same feat.
Throughout fight week, the contrast between the two men was stark.
Wardley carried himself with the ease of a man born for the camera. Articulate, witty, and relaxed, the Ipswich man was seen strolling through Manchester city centre. Dubois, meanwhile, walked out of two interviews.
In one, he visibly bristled when the Joyce defeat was raised. In another, he appeared irritated by what he felt was mocking "quick-fire" questioning.
It raises a broader question about double standards; would Joshua or Fury be criticised quite so heavily if they chose not to engage with pre-fight promotional content?
When Dubois answers awkwardly or offers clipped responses, he is often ridiculed online. But boxing is virtually the only world Dubois has ever known.
The home-schooled heavyweight has never looked entirely comfortable under the glare of cameras. He is not a natural salesman and has little interest in manufactured theatre.
Interestingly, moments after the biggest win of his career, Dubois appeared transformed.
In the post-fight interview he spoke calmly, clearly and with genuine warmth. He paid tribute to Wardley, and credited his opponent for the punishment he had absorbed.
Gone was the guarded, uneasy figure seen earlier in the week - Dubois looked entirely comfortable in his own skin.
What next for the champion?
Fabio Wardley (left) lost for the first time in his 22-fight career [Reuters]
Choosing Wardley was itself a statement of intent. After his second defeat by Usyk, Dubois could easily have taken a soft comeback fight to rebuild confidence.
The gamble paid off emphatically, but the story may not be over. A rematch clause exists and, given the back-and-forth nature of those 11 rounds, it is a path both men may feel compelled to take.
It would be a mistake to write off Wardley if they run it again; his display of pure, unadulterated grit - refusing to let his knees touch the canvas despite a heavily damaged nose and shuttered eye - will earn him a new legion of fans.
However, the heavyweight division is now entering a transitional phase and Dubois sits firmly at the centre of it. A third meeting with Usyk feels unlikely in the immediate future; the Ukrainian appears to have his number stylistically and there is limited appetite for a trilogy already settled twice.
But timing changes everything. Usyk will fight novice Rico Verhoeven later this month and has spoken openly about having only a handful of fights remaining. Dubois may decide patience is the smarter play - waiting for the right moment rather than forcing a third meeting too early.
Future opponents aside, Dubois has silenced the ghosts of his past and answered questions about his mentality.
But where is his ceiling? Having matched the milestones of Joshua and Fury while still arguably in his prime, he has another eight years to try to eclipse their achievements.
If his career so far is anything to go by, it is going to be some ride.
Messi smashes MLS record in Inter Miami’s win over Toronto
Lionel Messi set a new MLS record in Inter Miami’s 4-2 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday.
The Argentina international scored a goal and added two assists, smashing Sebastian Giovinco’s record by becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions.
The 38-year-old achieved the feat in just 64 matches, which is 31 fewer than Giovinco.
Messi was at the peak of his powers on Saturday, as he delivered a standout performance to lead his side to success at the BMO Field.
Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute, before Messi set up Luis Suarez and Sergio Reguilon to put the visitors 3-0 ahead.
The experienced forward then got in on the action himself, finishing clinically past the goalkeeper after exchanging possession with De Paul.
Emilio Aristizábal left the bench to bag a brilliant brace, but Miami went on to win comfortably.
Sean Strickland became a two-time middleweight champion on Saturday handing Khamzat Chimaev his first career loss in the UFC 328 main event.
Chimaev was heavily favored heading into the fight but Strickland didn't care what oddsmakers had to say. Leading up to the event, Strickland maintained that he had the style to hand "Borz" his first career defeat. It turned out he was right.
Most scoring the UFC 328 middleweight championship headliner had the bout even with each fighter winning two rounds heading into the final frame. The three cage-side judges had it scored the same after four rounds.
Two of the judges scored the fight for Strickland while one scored the bout for Chimaev resulting in a split decision win for the American. How did you have it scored?
UFC 328: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland Official Scorecard
In March and April, as the Los Angeles Lakers rolled off 16 wins in 18 games and seemed to be turning into the best version of themselves, it looked like perhaps LeBron James was going to end up remaining a member of their roster past this season. But now, the Lakers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-0 in the second round of the playoffs, and James' impending free agency is looming.
But first things first — the Lakers need to avoid a sweep by winning Game 4, which will take place on Monday. James hasn't played up to his standards for much of the series, but even though he shot 7-of-19 in the team's 131-108 loss in Game 3, he hasn't been terrible overall either.
He said after Game 3 that he isn't necessarily hanging his head despite the situation his team is currently in.
"I wouldn't say I'm angry or disappointed," James said. "I mean, obviously you're disappointed in the simple fact of being down 3-0 obviously. But I mean, we still got life and that's all you can ask for. And we gotta be much better on Monday. See what happens."
The Lakers might need a monster performance from James on Monday in order to stay alive in this series. He hasn't asserted himself a lot offensively thus far against Oklahoma City, but perhaps his pride will kick in on Monday and he will be able to avoid the fourth postseason sweep of his career.
He finished Game 3 with 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal.
Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos (14) holds up the championship trophy as she and her teammates celebrate after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The math was pretty simple for Enterprise after scoring just one run in a 2A quarterfinal loss to South Sevier on Thursday afternoon.
The Wolves’ only hope of a state championship from that point forward was winning seven straight games over three days, something they hadn’t done all year.
Despite the long odds, coach Katye Jones believed her team was capable of such a streak. First, she’d seen her players hit all season and knew they were cable of a bounce back, and secondly her young team likely was due to have a game like that.
“I think the first game, our nerves got the best of us. Most of them haven’t played in a key role in a state tournament,” said Jones, who after that game stressed with the team the need to be more disciplined in all facets of the game.
The message resonated, because Enterprise’s bats came alive after that.
The Wolves won their next two games Thursday, three more on Friday by scoring double-digit runs in each game and then beat San Juan twice on Saturday at BYU’s Gail Miller Field to win the 2A state championship despite the unlikely odds.
Senior leader Mylee Platt said everything changed after that 9-1 quarterfinal loss to South Sevier.
“It lit a fire underneath us and we knew we had to work hard, so every at-bat we’re like ‘We got it, we got it, we got it,’ and we just encouraged each other,” said Platt.
Enterprise arrived at BYU on Saturday knowing it needed to beat top seed San Juan twice to win the championship, which was no small task, as the Broncos were the only undefeated team left in the double-elimination tournament.
Enterprise players make their way toward Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos, on ground, as they celebrate after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise players huddle before the start of an inning during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise outfielder Macee Staheli (6) makes a catch for an out against San Juan during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise infielder Mylee Platt (21) delivers a pitch to a San Juan batter during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise catcher Zoee Anzalone (1) reaches for home plate and scores against San Juan during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise outfielder Macee Staheli (6) makes a catch for an out against San Juan during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise outfielder Macee Staheli (6) connects with the ball during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan players huddle before the start of an inning during the 2A softball state championship game against Enterprise, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan’s Ella Stearns (9) connects with the ball during the 2A softball state championship game against Enterprise, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan third baseman Kheirra Keith (22) celebrates after fielding a ground ball and throwing to first base for an out against Enterprise during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise head coach Katye Jones talks with coaches an referees during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
An Enterprise outfielder awaits the action during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan’s Miley Harrison (30) celebrates her double that led to one of her teammates scoring during the 2A softball state championship game against Enterprise, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Harrison was subbed out for a pinch runner after her double.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan’s Brooklyn Lameman (6) celebrates her catch that led to an out against Enterprise during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos (14) takes a moment before starting to pitch against San Juan during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise outfielder Macee Staheli (6) connects with a double during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan pitcher Ella Stearns (9) delivers a pitch to an Enterprise batter during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan infielder Averie Gilson (10) fields a ground ball during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan infielder Averie Gilson (10) celebrates after scoring a run against Enterprise during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan head coach Mike Bowers calls out to his players during the 2A softball state championship game against Enterprise, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
San Juan’s Averie Gilson (10) celebrates after fielding the ball and throwing to first base for an out against Enterprise during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos (14) cheers after third baseman Maddie Carter, left, made a quick catch off a line drive during the 2A softball state championship game against San Juan, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise shortstop Alexi Walker (11) tags out San Juan’s Averie Gilson (10) at second base during the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise players celebrate around pitcher Lauren Ramos, center, after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos (14) holds up the championship trophy as she and her teammates celebrate after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise pitcher Lauren Ramos (14) holds up the championship trophy as she and her teammates celebrate after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise head coach Katye Jones celebrates with her players after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise players and coaches cheer as they pose for photos after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise players celebrate around the championship trophy after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Enterprise players celebrate around the championship trophy after defeating San Juan 7-4 in the 2A softball state championship game, held at Gail Miller Field in Provo on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Isaac Hale, Deseret News
For the Wolves, they never trailed in 14 innings against San Juan. They won the first game 11-6 thanks to an eight-spot in the decisive sixth inning. Then in the second game, they jumped out quick with two runs in the top of the first inning and never trailed en route to a 7-4 win.
During the seven-game winning streak that led Enterprise to its third state title in the past four years, the approaches in the batter’s box were the best they were all year.
“We talked about when you go up in the box, have the right mindset, and they just have done that for the last probably, I don’t know, mid-April they started doing that, just a different frame of mind when they stepped in the box and just knew that they could hit it rather than afraid of what the pitcher’s going to throw them,” said Jones.
In two of Enterprise’s wins on Friday to advance to the championship game, it had to rally late to beat both Duchesne and South Sevier.
Every inning was due or die on Friday, which actually helped calm the players’ nerves in the tense championship game setting at BYU a day later.
In Game 1, Enterprise led 3-1 heading into the fifth inning, but it brought 12 batters to the plate that inning, with Macee Staheli, Platt, Taryne Rupp and Lauren Ramos all delivering big base hits in the eight-run frame to put the game away.
After the game, while Enterprise awaited the outcome of the second 1A championship game, the team grabbed an early dinner at Raising Cane’s, their go-to spot when playing up north.
The energy and camaraderie was palpable as everyone could sense the end goal wasn’t far away, and they knew what it would take to get one more win.
“Our theme was ‘Family: Forget About Me I Love You,’ and that’s what they’ve done. They all forgot about themselves and they all fought for each other. It wasn’t just about themselves,” Jones said.
Enterprise jumped out quick in the second game with two runs in the top of the first inning as it took advantage of a pair of errors from San Juan.
The Broncos cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the first inning on a sac fly from Ella Stearns, but in the third, Staheli singled home another run to push the lead to 3-1, and then scored one batter later on another error.
San Juan responded again on an RBI double from Kheirra Keith to cut the lead to 4-2. In reality, it should’ve been a two-run double, but the second runner fell down rounding third base and had to return to the bag.
The next batter grounded out to end the inning.
Aided by another San Juan error, and then four straight singles by Brynlon Nelson, Hadlee Holt, Nancy Platt and Alexi Walker, Enterprise scored three more runs in the top of the fourth to push the lead to 7-2.
Once again, San Juan had an immediate response, as back-to-back extra base hits by Miley Harrison and Keegan Palmer helped it score a pair of runs to cut the deficit to 7-4, but it stranded a couple of runners as a big inning was certainly possible.
Jones sensed San Juan’s hitters were starting to get a bead on starting pitcher Mylee Platt, so she brought in Ramos to pitch the final three innings and the fiery junior allowed only two hits and zero runs over those final at bats.
“They were catching on to Mylee. When we played them earlier in the season Mylee pitched both games against them and so we just knew that they were onto Mylee, and so we knew we had to make a change so that it would be a little harder for them,” said Jones.
Over the last three days and that seven-game winning streak, Jones pushed all the right buttons and her players responded with the fifth state championship in school history, all in the past eight years.
All week long, Sean Strickland talked the talk. On Saturday night at UFC 328, he backed it up.
Strickland won back the UFC middleweight championship in the main event from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, dealing Khamzat Chimaev his first professional loss. The entire card, including the main event, streamed live on Paramount+.
The decision was as controversial as Strickland is, with two judges awarding the former champion the fight by matching scores of 48-47. The third ruled in favor of Chimaev by the same final.
Strickland out-landed Chimaev, 160-137, including a huge advantage in shots to the head. He denied four of the 13 takedown attempts thrown at him by heavy favorite entering the bout.
Joshua Van retains title in thrilling flyweight affair
The co-main event also featured a championship in the line, but this time, the champ retained.
Joshua Van finished off Tatsuro Taira early in the fifth round to remain UFC flyweight champion. The two put on an exciting exchange throughout, combining for nearly 300 strikes landed. Taira also connected on eight takedowns, but Van recorded a pair of knockdowns, including the final blow.
Alexander Volkov, Sean Brady and King Green earned wins to complete the main card. Volkov and Brady were decision winners, as Green submitted fellow veteran Jeremy Stephens to open the main card.
On the prelims, four straight fights were finishes, highlighted by a stoppage for Ateba Gautier in the featured attraction. Yaroslav Amosov, Grant Dawson and Jim Miller all picked up submissions.
UFC 328 results
Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via split decision to become the new UFC middleweight champion
Joshua Van def. Tatsuro Taira via TKO (strikes) at 1:32 of Round 5 to remain UFC flyweight champion
Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision
Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision
King Green def. Jeremy Stephens via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of Round 1
Ateba Gautier def. Osman Diaz via TKO (strikes) at 1:10 of Round 2
Yarosalov Amosov def. Joel Alvarez via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:13 of Round 2
Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rabecki via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:42 of Round 3
Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:29 of Round 1
Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio via unanimous decision
Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis via unanimous decision
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of Round 3
Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision
What’s next in WWE? Backlash provided the answers.
The next chapter in wrestling kicked off with Backlash 2026, with WWE turning the page on its calendar while also dealing with the fallout of WrestleMania 42.
Newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns had his first title defense, and it was a family affair with Jacob Fatu challenging his cousin for the title in a thriller that had a wild ending. Four other matches took place and most of them were great performances. Asuka and Iyo Sky delivered, while Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker stole the show. But the question is, who won, and how will it carry the momentum forward?
USA TODAY Sports has all of the results, highlights and analysis from Backlash 2026:
Reigns learned very early on Fatu isn't easy to take down, absorbing the early hits and knocking the champion down. He would be able to bounce back with some of his own hits, just for Fatu to get right back to unleashing his punishing arsenal. The champion landed his patented Superman punch that has taken out so many stars before, but when he went for the pin, Fatu kicked out before the count could begin and immediately got up, shocking his cousin. A second Superman punch still wasn't enough.
The announcer's table was cleared off by Reigns, just for Fatu to use it, sending the champion through with a powerbomb. He drags Reigns back in the ring, and gets greeted with a spear. Still, Fatu kicks right out of the pin attempt. Reigns tries another, just to get a Samoan Drop and then moonsault from Fatu, which nearly gets him the win. The unhinged Fatu delivers several headbutts and climbs the rope again for a Swanton, but Reigns gets the knees up.
When both stars are up, Fatu locks in the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns starts to fade, but can keep himself alive. He gets out by pushing Fatu into the referee, who gets taken down. Three Superman punches are landed, followed by a spear, and it's still not enough to beat Fatu.
Fatu pops up to get the Tongan Death Grip in, and Reigns is grasping to get out. He actually takes off the turnbuckle and pushes Fatu into the exposed part. It knocks him down, and Reigns lands the spear. This one finally does it, Reigns getting the pin to retain the title.
Fatu is frustrated with the loss and continues to attack Reigns with the submission, attacking the referee and any official that comes out to try and break it up. The "Samoan Werewolf" eventually lets go, but comes back to unleash another attack. He stands over Reigns and holds the World Heavyweight Championship over him, letting him know he's still coming after the title.
Analysis: Reigns met his match, and he's not done dealing with his crazed cousin.
The match was thriller; you couldn't keep your eyes away from it. The intensity was incredible and the match didn't have any lulls, with both Reigns and Fatu on their A-game.
The family affair turned out to be a stunner, with someone able to not only stand up to Reigns, but completely overpower him. Fatu made the most of his opportunity, and the match did a great job to show the "Samoan Werewolf" is still a deadly force to handle. It would have been a bold decision to strip the title off Reigns so early, but it's a smart move to instead keep this rivalry going because Fatu is worthy of being in the main event.
Cena was so happy with how his last match went, reflecting on how it allowed younger stars the chance in the spotlight. He said he wants to do it again, and he announces the John Cena Classic, "an entire evening of the best of today competing with the best of tomorrow."
It's an event where main roster stars will go against NXT stars for the chance to become a champion, meaning it will be a new championship.
"This is an event and this is a championship I am personally putting my name on," Cena said.
He adds the fans' voices will be heard, and the fans will be the ones voting for the winner of the John Cena Classic. So, a superstar doesn't need to win a match to become the John Cena Classic winner.
.@JohnCena just announced the John Cena Classic! 👏
Stream WWE Backlash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
It was hard to ignore the "we want Kairi" chants from the crowd as the two stars locked up to start the match. Sky was the one to get the first advantage with her acrobatics helping her get ahead, but the technical skills came out of Asuka to lay some punishment.
Some taunting from Asuka gives Sky a chance to get back in the fight, and she does twist and turn her way toward the attack, giving her signature emote in the process. Afterward, it's a quick tempo that keeps both stars' head on a swivel, with momentum changing nearly every second. Asuka gets some version of the Asuka Lock in, and while Sky can get out of it, the move does some damage on the shoulder. After the flurry, they both lay on the mat in exhaustion.
When they get back on their feet, Asuka tries the submission and Sky maneuvers out of several holds before landing her own version of the Asuka Lock. The "Empress of Tomorrow" drags herself and gets her foot on the rope to force a breakup.
Things lead to both stars on the announcer's table, and Asuka tries to mist Sky, but she grabs a notebook to block it. Asuka is stunned and Sky smiles, then gains all the momentum back. She jumps off the ropes for a moonsault out of the ring. She then goes for her finisher, but Asuka moves out of the way and when Sky lands, the Asuka Lock gets in. Asuka nearly gets the win before Sky can get herself out of it.
Sky can feel the momentum back on her side, and she puts Asuka in place for the Over the Moonsault. Sky is able to land it cleanly and wins over her former mentor.
Analysis: When two of the best wrestlers get in the ring, what do you expect? Sky and Asuka are so incredibly gifted with their own style, and they blended perfectly in this one. The chemistry was top notch and made for a great match from start to finish. This match could've used Kairi Sane, and the fans clearly want her back, but this fight still delivered.
Wilson gives Minihausen a boot to start, but the partner doesn't show any fear with some impressive acrobatics on both opponents. When The Miz and Wilson are outside of the ring, Minihausen climbs onto Danhausen's shoulders for a big leap. The Hausens get distracted and it allows The Miz and Wilson to land some cheap shots to Minihausen and control the match.
After taking so much punishment, Minihausen avoids a spear from Wilson and lands a moonsault to break up the rhythm. Danhausen gets the tag and he unleashes a full attack on both opponents. He goes for a running knee on The Miz, but Wilson takes the hit, allowing his partner to get a hit in. However, he doesn't catch Minihausen get a tag in, so he sneaks up for a hit. Minihausen chases Wilson up the ramp, but Wilson gets the idea to put him back in the cloning machine. However, it operates and leads to more Minihausens, like at WrestleMania, to chase Wilson. He runs back in the ring and Minihausen picks up Wilson and throws him.
MORE MINIHAUSENS! 🙌
Stream #WWEBacklash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
The Miz comes in and hits Skull Crushing Finale, and when he goes for the pin, Danhausen breaks it up. He drags Minihausen so he can tag him in, and he goes on full attack.
Out of the ring, The Miz tries to use a fire extinguisher, but the curse clearly is still in place. He tries to use it on Danhausen but it doesn't work, and he turns it to his face when it goes off. He gets Wilson too, setting up for the Finishhausen. Minihausen leaps from the turnbuckle to wipe out Wilson, and Danhausen lands the pump kick on The Miz for the win.
Analysis: An absolute hilarious bout from start to finish, this one reminds you wrestling is supposed to be fun and doesn't need to be serious all the time. There was a lot of speculation on who Danhausen's partner would be, and while it wasn't a big name, Minihausen did great in the ring. It did get a little out of hand with the cloning toward the end, and the finish was as much of a chaotic mess as you'd expect.
There will be divisive opinions on this one. Were there several other matches that would've been better on the card? Yes, but this was still entertaining, and made for a lunatic fight that reminds you of some of the Attitude Era silliness.
Zayn was obviously still frustrated dealing with Williams and Lil' Yachty, trying to attack them before the bell rang. It was a little too much off the jump, allowing the champion to get the advantage once the match was on, and the crowd was only making it worse for Zayn. When it went out of the ring, the challenger was able to get on offense, and was talking to the rapper ringside as he held onto the kendo stick from the Gingerbread Man.
You could see Zayn still confused about the crowd turning on him in favor of Williams. That, mixed with trash talking, was allowing Williams a window to attack, but it didn't last for long. A Blue Thunder Power Bomb almost got the win for Zayn. The challenger indicated he hurt his knee, getting the referee to get Williams to back off, but it was a ruse and Zayn nearly got a roll up pin.
When Lil' Yachty tried to yell at the official, Zayn grabbed the kendo stick to hit Williams. That looked to be the big blow needed but Williams kicked out. He continued the assault on Williams, and when the referee checked up on him, the rapper then hit him with the kendo stick. Williams executed Trick Shot for the win, yet Zayn kicked out.
Outside of the ring, Zayn decided he was tired of Lil' Yachty and landed several punches and a Helluva kick. He got back in the ring and went to do it on his opponent, just for Williams to get out of the way. Zayn turned around and was given a Trick Shot. This one did it, with Williams getting the count to successfully defend the title.
Afterward, Lil' Yachty and Williams made it rain with dollar bills.
Analysis: It's another big showing for Williams, with the match at Backlash a solid encore performance after WrestleMania. This match felt a lot more smoother than the first edition, with more fun twists and turns. Lil' Yachty's involvement gave this feud more flair, and he played a good enough role in this one. You can see Williams is starting to show more growth in the ring.
This should be the end of the battle as Williams now needs a new challenger to keep his momentum going, while it will be intriguing to see where Zayn goes from here, and whether the heat will stay. How he's perceived will dictate his next direction.
Breakker tried to end the match immediately with a spear, but Rollins was ready for it. He jumped out of the way and Breakker hit his face, allowing the former leader of "The Vision" to get out ahead early. Rollins goes flying in and out of the ring to stun Breakker.
Once Breakker is able to catch his breath, his athleticism comes out and it's clear he's one step ahead of his opponent. He essentially throws him around the ring, talking trash through it all. Rollins tries to break up the momentum but he can't turn it into anything significant. A Frankensteiner lands but Rollins kicks out of the pin attempt.
Seeming to get agitated, Breakker throws Rollins out of the ring and is locked in on the running spear. When he goes for it, Rollins gets the boot up and both stars are on the ground, just able to avoid the 10-count. When they get back in the ring, the "Visionary" is the one out front, even delivering a running knee that lands with a big blow, yet isn't enough for a win.
He blows a kiss to Paul Heyman and readies the stomp, just for Breakker to catch it and deliver a military press. Rollins tries to counter another hit but he awkwardly gets tangled with Breakker and ends up landing on his head. Eventually Rollins gets out of the ring, and licking his lips, Breakker leaps for a flying clothesline on the announcer's table. Back in the ring, Rollins gets up for a superplex and tries to lead it into a Falcon's Arrow, just for Breakker to turn it into his own slam in a stunning counter that nearly gets the win.
When Breakker tries another Frankensteiner, Rollins lands on his feet, shocking Breakker. It leads to a Pedigree and he stomps Breakker. Heyman tries to interfere to draw attention to him, so he goes out to grab a chair. Logan Paul and Austin Theory get attacked and chased out when they try to help, but it gives Breakker time to recover. Rollins gets back in the ring and Breakker lands a spear. That looks to be it, but Rollins kicks out.
Breakker tries another super spear, and Rollins counters it with a mid-air Pedigree. He goes on the top rope for a super stomp, and when he does, Breakker catches him for the spear. With Rollins slow to get up, Breakker bounces off the ropes once more for the punishing spear, and that does the job to get the win.
Analysis: An absolute banger to start the night, Breakker and Rollins put on a show.
The animosity built up in this was palpable and it set the stage for both of these stars to really dig deep in laying the punishment. Rollins showed off his veteran skillset while Breakker's insane athleticism was on full display. It would have been easy to just let Breakker fully control this match, but allowing this one to develop was the right way to tell this story. What helped was The Vision interference was a given, but it wasn't over the top and didn't steal the spotlight to let Breakker win. The match was able to continue in a normal fashion, and the ending sequence was beautifully executed.
The rocket stays strapped on Breakker's back since this was the biggest win of his career. He and The Vision likely aren't done with Rollins just yet, but if this is it, what a way to cap off the heat.
Afterward, Backlash will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.
ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:
The preshow will be available to stream for free on YouTube and WWE's social media channels. It will also be available to stream on ESPN's streaming service, and the final hour of the show (5-6 p.m. ET) will air on ESPN2.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker will be the first match of the night.
The match card order for #WWEBacklash 2026 tonight:
• Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker • Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn • Danhausen and myster partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson • Asuka vs. IYO SKY • John Cena Announcement • Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu
A new year has started in WWE after WrestleMania, with Backlash as the first premium live event to take place after the company's flagship event. The full calendar hasn't been released yet, but here's what to know about the PPV schedule so far in 2026:
Backlash: May 9 in Tampa.
Clash in Italy: May 31 in Turin, Italy.
Night of Champions: June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
SummerSlam: Aug. 1-2 in Minneapolis.
Money in the Bank: Sept. 6 in New Orleans.
Survivor Series: TBA (typically in late-November).
After getting into shenanigans with The Miz and Kit Wilson, Danhausen will finally face them in a match. However, he needs a partner, and SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said he needs to find his own partner, making it a mystery who will join forces.
There have been a wide range of predictions from Oba Femi and CM Punk, to wild suggestions like Jelly Roll, Mr. Iguana and Stephen A. Smith. Regardless, it will be revealed at the match.
Backlash will be the first premium live event since WWE made significant roster moves, with several big names gone. They've caused some uproar as fans have voiced their displeasure. Here are some notable names that are no longer with WWE:
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Kairi Sane
The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis)
Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin)
It has been quite the whirlwind as of late for Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker.
It was early Friday morning, just a few hours after the Carolina Hurricanes had taken a 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers, when the 31-year-old defenseman received a FaceTime from his wife, Taylor.
Her water had broke.
Walker knew that his wife was expecting anytime now, but thought that he might have had a bit more time before the inevitable.
"She had an appointment on Thursday, and they said things are kind of getting going but weren't too worried about it," Walker said.
However, nature was ready to take its course and so the Hurricanes defenseman had only one goal in mind: making it for the birth.
Hurricanes Head of Team Service Mike Brown was able to hook Walker up with a 6 a.m. flight that same morning.
He stayed on the FaceTime with his wife the whole morning as he waited for the hours to count down, something he said was "really tough."
Luckily enough for him though, he made it in time to be with Taylor for the birth of his daughter.
"Thankfully we were able to get there in time," Walker said. "And I was there for everything. The baby gods were on my side on that one, and I got to experience it all. It was amazing — really an amazing experience.
"Mom and baby are doing amazing. I can't put into words how proud I am of her. She had to go through it for a little bit without me there. I did make it, but she was amazing. And just, it's funny, you know already how much you love your new daughter. And again, my wife is a rock star, the way she killed it, and just so proud of her. And I love them both."
Walker was able to spend the rest of the day with mom and baby, but knew that he had to get back to his team the next day for a potential series clinching Game 4.
That's where team owner Tom Dundon came in, chartering a private jet to get one of his team's top blueliners back for the action and by 2 p.m., Walker was back in Philadelphia, ready to roll for the 6 p.m. puck drop.
"Unbelievable," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour. "We talked about that before the game. These guys are having the time of their lives right now, and you’ve got to enjoy it. I love that he has that memory, for sure. That's special."
"It's awesome to see," said teammate Taylor Hall. "A life changing moment. I think he was a little bit stressed in the last couple weeks just on when it was gonna happen, if it was gonna be a game day or if he was gonna miss a game because when you looked at the due date, it was right around the second round of the playoffs. I think he was happy that it happened the way it did. You just have so much energy after seeing your kid born, so I wasn't worried about him in the least."
And despite all the craziness, he didn't seem to have missed a beat, logging 23:13 in the 3-2 overtime victory.
"It was weird," Walker said on the game. "It was kind of like one of the easiest and hardest games I've maybe ever played, if that makes sense. You just kind of live in the moment, running on no sleep. I ate my pregame meal in the hospital cafeteria. Yeah, it's just crazy, but you just show up. The guys were amazing, everybody: team services, the whole organization, from the owner down, really made it possible for me to be there and get back in time. And, yeah, I just was happy to contribute."
Walker isn't the only player who's recently become a first-time father either, as funny enough, his defensive partner K'Andre Miller welcomed in a baby literally just one week earlier too.
And with the Canes sweeping the Flyers in four games, they're going to have plenty of time to spend with their newly expanded families.
"I didn't want to get on the boys and tell them we better win tonight, but I'm really appreciative everybody dug in," Walker joked. "The sweeps huge for everybody, but to take this time to just be with my family is going to be really special."
"It's awesome for him," said teammate Jaccob Slavin. "Obviously hockey is amazing, to get the win is amazing, but for him to welcome a baby into the world, there's so much more to life than hockey and so happy for him, happy for his family. He came and played amazing today. Dad strength."
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For the second time in three years, Strickland waltzed into a UFC title fight as a massive underdog and waltzed out of the cage with the middleweight title wrapped around his waist. In 2023, Israel Adesanya was the dominant champion whom Strickland toppled in a result few saw coming, and on Saturday night at UFC 328, it was Khamzat Chimaev’s turn to suffer the wrath of the division’s ultimate spoiler.
Using a mix of his relentless Philly Shell-esque striking and a masterful command of defensive wrestling, Strickland eked out a split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to hand Chimaev the first defeat of the Chechen’s otherwise flawless MMA career.
Not surprisingly, given how competitive the back-and-forth affair was, Strickland’s fellow fighters were split on UFC 328’s result, with some singing Strickland’s praises and others casting doubt on the judges’ decision. Two of middleweight’s top contenders, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, also wasted little time calling for their first shots at the belt.
Check out the reaction to Strickland vs. Chimaev below.
Man what a fight!! I think it’s gonna go 3-2 Strickland but could see either way
whatever was decided, it was already before the match. You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to the fullest. Big congrats to Sean, to show strength and handle this pressure. On the other side, pure hate in pressconference and smile in the cage ? No, we…
Holy shit!!! Sean pulled it off. That was a coin flip fight, it came down to the wire and in the end, I believe it was Sean’s volume that won him the fight. There’s nothing controversial about the result, Sean earned it. #UFC328
Predicted XIs Barcelona-Real Madrid: Big managerial decisions needed for El Clasico
The final El Clasico match-up of the season takes place on Sunday, as Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to do battle at the Spotify Camp Nou for the first time since it re-opened in November.
It’s a big match for both clubs, but for different reasons. Barcelona will secure their second La Liga title in a row if they avoid defeat, while Real Madrid will be keen to get the victory their need to avoid handing the trophy to their bitter rivals.
Flick poised to make one change – but who drops out?
As far as team news goes, Barcelona are unlikely to make sweeping changes to last weekend’s victory at Osasuna. Diario AS say there will be one, with Jules Kounde replacing Gerard Martin – this would see Eric Garcia moved into the centre of defence, and the Frenchman in his usual right-back spot. On the other hand, Sport foresee Eric being the one to drop out for Kounde, while both outlets see Raphinha remaining on the bench, as would also be the case for Marcus Rashford despite recent impressive cameos.
Real Madrid welcome back Courtois and Mbappe
As for Real Madrid, they will be forced into at least two changes, given that Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde are both injured. Diario AS have them being replaced by Fran Garcia and Kylian Mbappe respectively, with the latter poised to make his return to the line-up for the first time in a couple of weeks.
Thibaut Courtois will be back in between the sticks for Real Madrid, as he has fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since mid-March. Andriy Lunin will drop to the bench, and this could also be the fate for Aurelien Tchouameni after his bust-up with Valverde earlier in the week, although Marca believe he will be given the nod over Eduardo Camavinga.
Who’s taking the spoils in El Clasico?
Barcelona start this one as firm favourites, and rightfully so. They have been imperious on home soil since returning to the Spotify Camp Nou, and they will fancy their chances of sealing the La Liga title in style. However, Real Madrid cannot be counted out, even if their preparations have been far from ideal.
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Sean Strickland (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center.
NEWARK, NJ -- The UFC returned to the Garden State on Saturday night with a stacked card of contenders vying to make their presence felt, in addition to two championship bouts. UFC 328 had already produced highlight knockouts, submissions, and a reminder that veteran experience still matters before the main card was underway.
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev entered the night undefeated and carried enormous hostility into his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland. The buildup between the two had been fierce all week, with both fighters exchanging personal shots during media appearances.
The fight began as expected, with the Chechen wrestler taking Strickland (30-7) down with ease and controlling the pace. In the second round, the champ appeared to lose steam, and the tides turned. Strickland defended a takedown and remained on top for over three minutes.
An uncharacteristically tired Chimaev (15-1) struggled to regain form throughout the contest as Strickland fought back with his patent jab. Both men stood and exchanged during the middle rounds, blooding each other’s faces. In the fifth and final round each had moments of glory before the horn rang.
The judges' scorecards were 48-47 (x2) Strickland to 48-47 Chimaev, crowning the American middleweight champion for the second time. Both showed admiration for one another as the crowd erupted for their countryman.
In the co-main event, flyweight champion Joshua Van (17-2) defended his title against Japanese grappling specialist Tatsuro Taira in a barn burner of a contest. The challenger landed early takedowns and looked primed to become the first ever Japanese born UFC titleholder.
In the second round Van turned the tables with a vicious right hand, putting Taira (18-2) on the ground. From there he followed up with strikes to the body and head. To his credit, Taira never gave up and continued to wrestle into the championship rounds. However, early in the fifth round Van threw punishing shots forcing a bloody Taira against the cage. The referee had seen enough and stopped the contest as Van celebrated his first defense.
Inside a packed Prudential Center, the energy escalated quickly during the prelims as rising stars and longtime fan favorites turned the card into a sprint instead of a slow burn.
Former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov delivered the biggest statement early on, overpowering Joel Alvarez with a second-round arm-triangle submission. Amosov looked composed delivering a high-level mat return, slamming his opponent, flattening him out and securing the tap out.
YAROSLAV AMOSOV WITH THE SLAM, THE CHOKE, AND THE BREAKDANCE CELEBRATION 👏
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 10, 2026
Heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta battled in a slugfest with Volkov getting the close judge's decision. Also on the main card, Sean Brady dominated Joaquin Buckley on the ground, earning a unanimous decision win.
At 42 years old, Jim Miller walked into the octagon once again and reminded everyone why he is a future Hall of Famer. Fighting 45-minutes away from his hometown of Sparta, New Jersey, the boisterous crowd was vocally in his corner. It didn’t take long for Miller to impose his will and submit Jared Gordon with a first-round guillotine choke, sending the arena into a frenzy.
Among his many accolades, Miller holds a handful of impressive UFC records:
Most wins in UFC history (28)
Most wins at lightweight (25)
Most finishes in lightweight (18)
Most bouts at lightweight (44)
Most bouts (47)
2026 UFC Hall of Fame inductee
During the broadcast it was announced that former middleweight champion Chris “The All-American' Weidman was elected into the UFC Hall of Fame and received a standing ovation.
Elsewhere on the card, King Green defeated Jeremy Stephens via rear naked choke in the first round and Roman Kopylov earned a unanimous decision victory over Marco Tulio. Jose Ochoa also impressed early, controlling Clayton Carpenter over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory in the flyweight division.
Bouts on the calendar
Fight Night: Song vs. Figueiredo – May 30 (Macau, China)
Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim - June 6 (Las Vegas, NV)
UFC Freedom 250: Topuria vs. Gaethje – June 14 (Washington, D.C.)
Travon Walker continues to make a major impact both on and off the field as the Jacksonville Jaguars star recently hosted the 4th Annual Free Youth Football Camp through the Travon Walker Foundation on May 9, 2026, in his hometown of Thomaston.
The event once again highlighted Walker’s commitment to empowering youth and giving back to the community that helped shape his journey to the NFL. Since launching his foundation in 2022, Walker has made young people the center of his mission through sports, mentorship and community outreach initiatives.
The annual football camp provides local children an opportunity to learn football fundamentals, improve their skills and interact with positive role models in a welcoming environment. For Walker, returning to Thomaston each year remains deeply personal.
“This town definitely shaped me,” Walker said, adding with a smile: “It’s home to me, but a lot of people … even if I try to explain it to them, they still wouldn’t know what it is, where it is.”
Walker’s impact extends far beyond hosting camps. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has donated more than $176,000 to his alma mater to support athletic programs and student-athletes. He also contributed $44,000 to the University of Georgia Athletic Association for sports medicine equipment, helping provide resources for future athletes.
Walker balances NFL success and community impact
In addition, Walker has organized holiday turkey drives and several outreach programs throughout both Georgia and Jacksonville. His #BlessUp44 campaign further demonstrates his dedication to community development. Through the initiative, Walker pledged to donate $4,400 to organizations 44 times each year, with a focus on youth sports, facility improvements and local community projects.
Walker’s offseason community work comes during a major moment in his professional career. The Jaguars recently rewarded the standout defensive end with a four-year, $110 million contract extension, solidifying him as one of the franchise’s cornerstone players moving forward.
Even with his growing NFL success, Walker continues to prioritize giving back to the people and communities that supported him long before he became a professional athlete.
LOS ANGELES — After Ajay Mitchell drilled a tough mid-range jumper in front of a defender's face, Austin Reaves tried to barrel to the rim. Instead, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander denied his drive attempt. After the stop, Alex Caruso lifted off for the one-handed jam. The three-play sequence was enough for Los Angeles fans to exit.
The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 131-108 Game 3 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They now hold an insurmountable 3-0 series lead in their Round 2 matchup of the 2026 NBA playoffs
Different game. Same script. The Thunder continued to dissect the Lakers' defense. They went back to regular-season levels as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leveraged his gravity. While the double-teams eased off, they still ping-ponged the ball around for open looks.
This time, it was Cason Wallace's turn to enjoy some scoring fun. He had 11 points in the first quarter. The Thunder had a 31-25 lead at the end of the opening frame. With their season on the line, the Lakers delivered their deadliest punch yet to OKC.
Completely flipping things, the Lakers went on a 20-7 run in the second frame. Rui Hachiimura was on a heater from the outside. Other role players added fuel to the fire. It was the best Los Angeles has looked in all playoff series. Even when Gilgeous-Alexander created a semi-decent look, the shot kept hitting at the front of the rim. They only put up 26 points in the second frame. That put them in a 59-57 halftime hole.
Looks like the 15-minute break is all the Thunder needed to lock back in. They completely retook control of this game and booted the Lakers to the passenger's seat. It was OKC's turn to go on a massive run with 20-8. Gilgeous-Alexander snapped out of his funk. Chet Holmgren was an efficient play-finisher. They tallied 33 points in the third quarter.
At that point, the Thunder built up a 90-79 lead. Up by double-digit points, they were a solid finish away from basically putting the Lakers in their grave. Swinging momentum even more on OKC's side, a successful challenge flipped Lu Dort's costly fifth foul into an offensive foul for an illegal screen by Hachimura.
Stiff-arming the Lakers on the scoreboard, the Thunder ballooned their lead past double-digit points. Los Angeles just had zero offensive firepower to mount any sorta comeback. OKC scored an unreal 41 points in the final frame. They were able to clear their bench once again. The Los Angeles crowd slowly filed out.
The Thunder shot 56% from the field and went 17-of-38 (44.7%) from 3. They shot 8-of-10 on free throws. They had 30 assists on 53 baskets. Seven Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a modest 23 points and nine assists. Holmgren finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Mitchell was once again a budding star with 24 points and 10 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points and nine rebounds. Wallace scored 16 points. Isaiah Joe finished with 12 points. Dort had 10 points.
Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 47% from the field and went 14-of-30 (46.7%) from 3. They shot 18-of-25 on free throws. They had 31 assists on 38 baskets. Six Lakers players scored double-digit points.
James had 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Hachimura finished with 21 points and five rebounds. Reaves tallied 17 points and nine assists. Luke Kennard had 18 points and two assists. Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton each put up 10 points apiece.
Business as usual for the Thunder. They remain an NBA win machine. After struggling in last year's playoffs, they've barely broken a sweat through seven wins in this postseason. Just unreal. You're seeing one of the greatest teams in NBA history make the playoffs look boring. To add to the impressiveness, they're doing it with a meh series by Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams being sidelined for most of the journey.
Now up 3-0, the Thunder are a win away from punching their ticket to the 2026 Western Conference Finals. The Lakers have looked leagues behind OKC at every step of the way. Feels like we're on a collision course to a heavyweight matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. That could determine who brings home the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Let's look at Thunder player grades:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: B-minus
Getting a rare one-on-one look with Smart, Gilgeous-Alexander didn't need too many dribbles to decide his next move. Swaying back and forth, he went for the daring pull-up 3-pointer. The ball finally swished through for him as he put OKC ahead by over 20 points with under five minutes to go.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 23 points on 7-of-20 shooting, nine assists and four rebounds. He shot 3-of-7 from 3 and went 6-of-7 on free throws. He also had two blocks and one steal.
Little by little, Gilgeous-Alexander is figuring the Lakers out. The double-teams worked at first, but the shock value his dissipated. And getting one-for-one situations has been welcomed with a warm hug. The jumper is still out of whack for whatever reason, but he started to see the desired results as the game wore on.
Helping put this game away, Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points in the second half. While his mid-range and outside jumpers were ice-cold, his drive-heavy approach bailed him out. Nobody on the Lakers could stay in front of him. So many resorted to fouling him to make him earn his points at the free-throw line.
Ultimately, the Thunder need Gilgeous-Alexander to play better. Maybe not against the Lakers. But definitely against the Spurs when that inevitably becomes official. That's probably the biggest difference between this year's and last year's squad — the supporting cast has basically put OKC up 3-0. All while the reigning MVP has looked anything but the part.
It's been a mixed bag of results for Gilgeous-Alexander. That should surely get fixed soon. Eventually, math will be on his side and his jumper should return to being invincible. But for right now, it just hasn't mattered. He's enjoyed the cushion of being backed by the NBA's deepest team who've looked primed to go back-to-back for the NBA championship.
Rolling to the dunker spot, Holmgren mistimed his jump on Hartenstein's alley-oop pass. No problem. The All-Star one-handed the ball before he nonchalantly went up for the easy two-handed dunk. Once again, he had a superb-efficient scoring night against Los Angeles' faux frontcourt.
Holmgren finished with 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting, nine rebounds and one assist. He shot 0-of-4 from 3. He also had one block.
Playing in the house that Shaq partially built, Holmgren feasted inside the paint. The seven-footer was fed a handful of dunks and putbacks. Ramping up his scoring volume, those are the shot attempts that have been added to his usual diet. It's a smart game plan if the Lakers are willing to live life on the edge by constantly being at a numbers disadvantage.
With 12 points at halftime, Holmgren helped the Thunder put up video-game numbers. JJ Redick's smoke-and-mirrors defense is starting to wear off. With that, the seven-footer has been a constant scoring presence. That's not something you could've said for most of his career as OKC's third-fiddle option.
On defense, it was the same old story. The Lakers couldn't really pummel the paint. Of course, Holmgren played a huge role in that. Carrying over their regular-season dominance, you're seeing teams struggle to crack 100 points against OKC in these NBA playoffs.
Even considering last year's run that ended with a ring, Holmgren is at his apex right now. His scoring numbers have been consistently there all NBA playoffs. Mostly out of necessity. This was the closest he's looked to his Utah Summer League debut — with the stage obviously being a hundred times more consequential. We're seeing OKC's lone top-five pick on its roster grow up in front of our eyes.
Grabbing Holmgren's miss, Mitchell rolled it back to the perimeter. He curled his way downhill. A driving lane opened up as several Lakers players looked at each other in confusion. The 23-year-old galloped to the rim for the and-one layup after Ayton shoved him from behind.
Mitchell finished with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 10 assists and four rebounds. He shot 2-of-4 from 3 and went 2-of-3 on free throws. He also had three steals.
At this point, Mitchell has become a household name. Jettisoned to the starting lineup out of necessity with Williams' injury, he's been a seamless fit as Gilgeous-Alexander's Robin. He one-upped his momentum on the road as the Thunder faced the hardest version of Los Angeles it'll see this series.
Slicing through their defense, Mitchell had 18 points in the second half. That included nine in the final frame as the Thunder followed the same script where the second-unit offense turned this lopsided. Nobody could stay in front of the drive-heavy guard. Once he had a few blue-collar finishes, his confidence oozed over to his pull-up jumper — even if the Lakers had textbook contests.
The playmaking was also next level. That's not really Mitchell's strong suit, per se. But against the Lakers' dissolving defense, it was too easy for him. He found teammates hanging around the rim. And he also sprayed it out to the perimeter. Everything is going right for the 23-year-old. It's amazing just how quickly he's ascended as one of OKC's best players. It's completely changed their dynamics as a team.
The Thunder have had Gilgeous-Alexander turn in a subpar series and have received zero contributions from Williams. Both were OKC's best two players in their playoff run last year. It hasn't mattered one bit. Running it back with mostly the same group, Mitchell has shown that he's ready for the bright lights — even with minimal experience heading into the NBA playoffs.
Salvaging an impromptu possession, Wallace calmly walked into a pull-up outside jumper. Swish. The 22-year-old added to his hot outside shooting night as he pushed the Thunder's lead beyond 20 points in the final five minutes of the game.
Wallace finished with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, one assist and one rebound. He shot 4-of-6 from 3. He also had one steal.
Of all OKC's role players who could've exploded in the scoring column, it's a little surprising to see Wallace pop off. He's had back-to-back double-digit scoring points. He had 11 points in the first quarter alone as the Thunder dismantled the Lakers' makeshift defense from the jump.
Just been that type of Round 2 series for the Thunder. Everything is going their way with three straight blowout wins. Even Wallace has made the Lakers pay for their below-average defensive talent. And on that end for himself, he returned to making Reaves look pedestrian. That's been an individual matchup that OKC has embraced over the years.
Wallace hasn't really received the same type of love as others on the Thunder for his playoff performance, but he's really stepped it up. The outside shooting has gradually declined over the years. But he's turned it up in these first two rounds of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
The Tennessee high school boys soccer playoffs in the Jackson area have kicked off.
Follow the TSSAA boys soccer region tournaments here with scores and schedules, which are subject to change.
Region tournaments and sectionals will be updated with schedules and scores as more information becomes available. Submit your school's results and Top Performers to: cvantuyl@usatodayco.com
Region 7-AA
Semifinals
Tuesday, May 12
Haywood at Crockett County
South Gibson at Lakeland Prep
Final
Thursday, May 14
Haywood/Crockett County winner at South Gibson/Lakeland Prep winner
Region 6-AA
Semifinals
Tuesday, May 12
Sycamore at North Side
Lexington at Fairview
Final
Thursday, May 14
Lexington/Fairview winner at Sycamore/North Side winner
Jeremy Monga: Details of United’s talks for “fantastic” Leicester winger
Manchester United played out a goalless draw with Sunderland in what was a forgettable encounter at the Stadium of Light.
The Red Devils lacked a cutting edge away from home, managing just two shots on target. Fortunately for Michael Carrick, the stalemate is unlikely to have any bearing on where United finish.
However, ahead of next season, United are actively looking to strengthen their attacking options by bringing in proven stars as well as promising young talent for the future.
Manchester United in talks to secure £6m signing
On Friday, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, recently met with club officials from Leicester City.
It is believed United hold a firm interest in Leicester’s record-breaking winger Jeremy Monga, who made history as his club’s youngest Premier League player at 15 years and 271 days old last year.
Interestingly, it was United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy who gave Monga his first taste of senior football.
Last year, the former Leicester boss hailed Monga, stating: “He’s a great winger and has speed. He’s a fantastic talent, a great boy. He deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.”
According to the Daily Mirror (via Leicester Mercury), United are currently leading the race to sign the 16-year-old electric winger, having opened talks with Leicester over a summer move.
Monga, who has impressed with his astute decision-making and sharp movement in the final third, made 30 appearances across all competitions last term.
Monga agreed a new deal at the King Power Stadium last summer that will turn into a professional contract when he turns 17 in July. However, with the Foxes heading to League One, the England U19 international is unlikely to favour continuing at the club.
The report claims that Leicester could be in line to receive close to £6 million for Monga. That fee would be the highest the club has received for a teenager.
Manchester United want Morgan Rogers
Manchester United remain keen on signing a first-team ready winger as well, having set their sights on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
It is understood Villa are open to parting ways with Rogers, who is valued at around £80m.
The 23-year-old dribbling wizard, who played under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, has been directly involved in 14 Premier League goals this term.
RCB's base shifts to Raipur at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium for their last two home games of the season, with the final two matches of their league campaign set to be on the road.
The defending champions have lost their last two games against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants and will be eager to bounce back.
Meanwhile, MI registered a much-needed six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. However, they need to build on that momentum as another slip could sideline them out of playoff contention.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium pitch report: Is it a batting or bowling wicket in Raipur?
The pitch in Raipur behaves differently at various points of the match. At the early stages, the surface offers enough bounce and carry for batters to trust their timing, but it quickly fades away as the pitch begins to wear out.
Finger spinners extract natural hold as the game progresses, while wrist spinners like Krunal Pandya can threaten with drift and late turn.
What are the chances of dew at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in IPL?
There are chances of dew in Raipur despite the peak summer months of April and May. Hence, batting second might be preferred.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates, (L), punches Sean Strickland of the United States in a middleweight title bout during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sean Strickland won over most of his peers with another outstanding performance at UFC 328.
The former UFC middleweight champion Strickland regained his belt with an upset of the previously undefeated Khazmat Chimaev at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Saturday night.
The razor-thin fight was decided by the judges. Two of the three judges awarded the fight to Strickland. UFC CEO Dana White also said Strickland earned the decision in the post-fight press conference.
Holy shit!!! Sean pulled it off. That was a coin flip fight, it came down to the wire and in the end, I believe it was Sean’s volume that won him the fight. There’s nothing controversial about the result, Sean earned it. #UFC328
What a performance by Strickland and an amazing fight. 48-47 Sean was the correct score. Had it tied going into the final round and Strickland did enough to pull off the final round 👏 #UFC328
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Everybody knows the Oklahoma City Thunder's depth is the envy of the league and the backbone of their aspirations for a second straight NBA championship.
The next impressive player to rise from the Thunder's bottomless depth and onto the national stage is Ajay Mitchell, who has seized the spotlight while replacing injured teammate Jalen Williams during these playoffs.
After delivering career playoff highs of 24 points and 10 assists with no turnovers in the Thunder’s 131-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, the Belgian guard is the latest cog in general manager Sam Presti's formidable machine to prove he's ready to contribute to Oklahoma City's aspiring dynasty.
Perhaps only his teammates aren't surprised.
“Yeah, he’s a gamer,” MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Works super hard. He’s never shaken by the moment. It might be a shock to the world, but it’s no shock to us. We knew who Ajay Mitchell was the day he stepped foot in our building, and he’s just showing it to the world.”
The Thunder are unbeaten in the postseason after taking a 3-0 series lead in the second round, seemingly making their advancement to the Western Conference finals a mere formality.
That's largely thanks to Mitchell, who swiftly stepped up to shoulder an increased offensive load five games ago following Williams' hamstring injury. In the second round, Mitchell has also stepped up to make up for the Lakers' strong defensive effort against Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been limited and erratic by his formidable standard.
“I know what I can do, and when I go out there, I just want to compete and help this team win and play freely,” Mitchell said. “Every time I step on the court, I want to be a winning player and help my team. That’s really what’s been on my mind every time I play.”
Mitchell did that impressively in the second half of Game 3, with 18 points and seven assists in the half while largely taking charge of the game at the start of both quarters. He led the Thunder's 21-6 run out of halftime on the way to a third straight blowout.
Mitchell is averaging 20.7 points per game against the Lakers while hitting 53.3% of his shots and committing only three total turnovers. He has 20 assists while also playing strong defense.
After Williams went down in Game 2 of the first round against Phoenix, Mitchell moved into the starting lineup for Game 3 and promptly went 5 for 20. His teammates remained solidly behind him — and Mitchell has been outstanding ever since.
“He’s just finding his footing,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. "It’s his first run in the playoffs, and it’s obviously a different ballgame. He’s just getting more and more comfortable as the game goes on, as the series goes on. ... I was never worried that he wasn’t going to figure it out, and he’s shown that.”
After growing up in Europe, Mitchell spent three collegiate seasons about an hour away from downtown Los Angeles at UC Santa Barbara, and he was a second-round pick in 2024.
Mitchell played as a rookie last season, albeit sparingly: He contributed 6.5 points per game in 36 regular-season contests, earning an early role in the Thunder's rotation before missing nearly the entire second half of the regular season with turf toe.
He averaged just 8 minutes per game during the postseason title run, but Presti and coach Mark Daigneault saw enough to re-sign Mitchell to a three-year, $9 million contract — a deal that looked like a ridiculous steal even before this playoff emergence.
Mitchell has proved he can be a creator and a scorer, but he earned Daigneault's trust by contributing on defense. Daigneault recognizes Mitchell's inexperience in the postseason, but it hasn't stopped the coach from putting Mitchell at the center of their effort.
“He doesn't have a ton of basketball (playing time) in the NBA,” Daigneault said. “The growth curve of players young in their career is steep, and he’s a guy that’s hungry, (but) he’s also humble. So he grows from all of his experiences. He's been great in the postseason so far, but he hasn't been wholly efficient yet. I think that's a little bit the intensity of the games, the physicality, the length. ... And yet he stays aggressive and he just keeps playing.”
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Jim Miller reacts after a submission victory against Jared Gordon in a lightweight fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Sean Strickland once again shocked the combat sports world last night (Sat., May 9, 2026) at UFC 328 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, outpointing previously undefeated UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev with a main event split-decision win. In co-main event action, Joshua Van successfully defended his UFC flyweight title with a bloody TKO finish over Tatsuro Taira in one of the best flyweight fights of all time (watch HERE).
In addition to the two title fights, UFC 328 played host to a long list of top-flight matchups and fan-friendly wars. Check out some of the key performances below and let us know which fighters stood out the most!
Baisangur Susurkaev pushed his undefeated UFC record to 3-0 with a suffocating submission finish over middleweight Djorden Santos (watch HERE)
Grant Dawson returned to the 155-pound win column with a gritty submission win over battle-tested veteran Mateusz Rebecki
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 10, 2026
Lightweight veteran Jim Miller proved age is just a number as the 42-year-old New Jersey native choked out Jared Gordon with a first-round guillotine
Former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov delivered another impressive submission finish with a second-round beatdown over Joel Alvarez (highlights HERE)
Hulking middleweight prospect Ateba Gautier pushed his UFC record to 5-0 with a brutal knockout stoppage over Osman Diaz
Veteran fan favorite King Green captured his third-straight win with a dominant submission stoppage over Jeremy Stephens (see it HERE)
Now that UFC 328 has come to a close, let’s take a closer look at the official post-fight bonus winners. Remember, each winner gets an extra $100,000, while every fighter leftover who earned a finish gets $25,000.
Fight of the Night: Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira Performance of the Night: Jim Miller Performance of the Night: Yaroslav Amosov $25K Winners: King Green, Ateba Gautier, Grant Dawson, and Baisangur Susurkaev
For complete UFC 328 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
Shubman Gill struck a calm and reflective tone after leading Gujarat Titans to a dominant 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, even as his side produced one of their most complete performances of the season.
Gill, who scored a superb 84 off 44 balls and shared a 118-run opening stand with Sai Sudharsan, said the team is still searching for a “perfect match”. “Yeah, definitely, even before this match, we had a conversation that till now I don’t think we had a perfect match. So very happy. I think this was a clean win for us,” he said.
Despite GT posting 229/4 and later bowling RR out for 152, Gill felt there was still room for improvement. “I think we got above maybe 10-15 runs extra on the board. We thought there was a little bit in for the spinners in the middle. It wasn’t easy to hit sixes or get the boundaries,” he explained.
Gill also highlighted the importance of partnerships and game awareness on a tricky surface. “We thought let’s keep the wickets in hand and try to bat deep… There was a phase where we didn’t get the boundary in the 17th, 18th over, but I think we covered it well in the last over,” he said.
The GT captain stressed the team’s aggressive bowling philosophy, especially in the powerplay. “We believe it’s important to hold the fort up front… the only way to contain the other team is if you keep picking up wickets. There is no other way,” Gill said.
He also confirmed a minor injury scare during the innings. “I think I just twisted my ankle a little bit while taking the run. It was quite painful, but after half an hour it settled down,” he added.
With GT now on four straight wins and climbing the table, Gill said the focus remains on consistency rather than perfection. “Very happy. Now the next game is at home. Hopefully we’re going to have another good match,” he said.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: The official World Cup 2026 national shirt of Germany on May 1, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Visionhaus/Getty Images
As known for quite some time now, the DFB is in the last year of their partnership with Adidas to outfit the German national team. A decision that has been met with extreme scrutiny as both parties have been synonymous together for what seems like an eternity, and for good reason.
While it is enevitable that this partnership will end, at least for now, Adidas seems determined on ending on a high note as a third kit for 2026 has now been leaked, by Kamil Berberler, as captured by @iMiaSanMia.
While the kit is different than previously leaked, it appears the kit will look absolutely stunning. Adidas will be going with a sharp black theme with some beautiful white and gold accents to make the shirt pop. Perhaps paying homeage to the trophies that Germany have accumulated while wearing the Adidas outfit over their long partnership.
It looks to pay a beautiful homage to their long history and a sharp but modern kit that will almost certainly go down as a fan favorite. What are your thoughts on the leaked kit? Let us know in the comments!
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
“Especially Marc Cucurella” – Wayne Rooney reacts to Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has give his thoughts on the Liverpool versus Chelsea game yesterday.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield and saw two teams who have been really struggling lately match up against each other. It was a game that was impossible to call and has very frustrated fans on both sides. There was boos and rants from both fan bases during the game. From the Chelsea side they were frustrated after they saw their team concede yet another goal within the first 5 minutes of the game. But it was Liverpool fans who were booing their side off come full time as Chelsea were actually the better side.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea talks with Xabi Alonso going well – they’re handing him the keys and talks continue!
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Rooney was speaking about the game and highlighted that overall, Chelsea were slightly better than Liverpool yesterday.
Rooney on the game
Marc Cucurella wins a ball in the air. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
‘I thought Liverpool actually started quite well, got the goal, and then from there Chelsea were the better team,’ Rooney said in quotes relayed by The Metro.
‘They caused Liverpool big problems, especially Marc Cucurella running behind.
‘The crowd were obviously a bit edgy, which you very rarely get from Liverpool fans. You never like to see that, but it comes from not having the season they hoped for, and after spending a lot of money.’
In other news today
Former Blues winger Joe Cole has suggested some pretty spicy moves from Chelsea to get their team back on track after a bad year. He did an interview with The Sun over the weekend.
Levi Colwill has spoken of his relief after making his first appearance of the season having recovered from a serious injury. He helped Chelsea get a point at Anfield yesterday.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Sanju Samson rejects captaincy talk, saying new arrivals shouldn't walk in with demands.
R Ashwin predicts Samson will eventually lead CSK in coming years.
CSK back Gaikwad as skipper, refuse to burden Samson early.
Sanju Samson cools down speculation around CSK leadership
When Chennai Super Kings acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026 in a deal valued at Rs 18 crore, the speculation machine went into overdrive.
A wicketkeeper-batter of his stature joining a side that already had an established captain seemed, to many, like the first move in a longer game. The question doing the rounds was straightforward: was Ruturaj Gaikwad's time as CSK skipper running out?
Ravichandran Ashwin did little to dampen those theories when he suggested that Samson would one day lead the five-time champions. The former spinner stopped short of naming a timeline but was clear in his conviction.
“I’m no astrologer, but I do see Sanju captaining CSK at some stage. I don’t know when, but I feel it could happen," said Ashwin.
Coming from someone with deep knowledge of the franchise and the game, it was the kind of remark that tends to stick.
Now Samson has spoken for himself, and he kept it simple. In a promotional clip for the Super Kings podcast, speaking alongside former India opener Abhinav Mukund, Samson addressed the captaincy whispers without making them a bigger deal than he felt they were.
"When you're trying to get in a new home, You don't go there with demands is what I have learned to be very honest," said Samson.
The franchise itself had already made its position clear before the season began. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the team had every reason to continue backing Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.
"Of course, we have Ruturaj, who is also capable of taking the team to higher levels, and his captaincy is one which definitely will lift the team," Vishwanathan said.
On Samson specifically, Viswanathan was careful, saying the priority was to let him settle in and perform without unnecessary pressure.
"As far as Sanju is concerned, we don’t want to put any pressure on him because we know his capabilities," he added.
The message from the top was unambiguous: this is Ruturaj's team, and Samson is here to strengthen it, not replace its leader.
The Cricket News Opinion: Samson has let his bat talk in IPL 2026
Samson has been so good with the bat that the captaincy debate feels secondary. Across ten matches, he has scored 402 runs, including two centuries and a fifty, making him one of the most consistent performers of the tournament.
Regarding the CSK captaincy debate, his response was calibrated with precision because it was not defensive. He did not dismiss the possibility or get drawn into a political answer. He simply explained his outlook, and that outlook, backed by his performances, tells you more about his character.
To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.
On a beautiful day at Benedetti Stadium, the home of the San Francisco Dons (22-26, 13-10 WCC), the Gonzaga Bulldogs (31-17, 18-5 WCC) clinched the West Coast Conference regular-season title and the No. 1 seed for the upcoming West Coast Conference Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was Gonzaga’s first regular-season conference title since 2022.
It wasn’t pretty for the Dons on the Hilltop from the first inning. In fact, it turned into a bloodbath after the first two innings, making a 12-0 statement. The sealing win for the Zags came in a rout fashion, 13-0.
— The Slipper Still Fits (@slipperstillfit) May 9, 2026
Gonzaga’s offensive firepower has lived up to the hype throughout the season and more, behind coach Mark Machtolf’s top-half of the lineup. Graduate Ricky Sanchez (Brooks Wallace Award candidate, given to the best shortstop in college baseball), redshirt junior third baseman Mikey Bell (reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Year), junior left fielder Ryder Young, junior designated hitter Maddox Haley, and redshirt senior right fielder Noah Meffert. It’s a cycle of fierce competitors and diverse personalities in the dugout, with extreme confidence to go along.
Sanchez, who went 1-for-2 with three walks in that leadoff spot for the Zags, spoke with the Slipper Still Fits about the patience at the plate he demonstrated today. As long as the Mexico City, Mexico native can get on first base, Sanchez knows the guys behind will bring him home.
“Just waiting for my pitch. They didn’t give it to me. Happy for Mikey (Bell), Ryder (Young), all those guys behind me. They’ll put me in… Pretty happy with all the guys, but we’re not done yet. Just gotta keep playing hard, show up every day, keep practicing the way we have done.”
There were multiple storylines to focus in on, but none more than sophomore left-handed pitcher Karsten Sweum’s no-hitter. A masterclass of an outing with the sixth recorded no-hitter in Gonzaga baseball history. No runs allowed and 15 strikeouts through 93 pitches thrown.
The game may have been mercy-ruled after the seventh inning, but still. Utterly ridiculous stuff from a cool, calm, collected Sweum. Backed by his offensive barrage, of course.
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 10, 2026
The “issue” for a college baseball program in Spokane, Washington, is the snowfall that comes in February and mid-March. Despite having to be on the road for the first 21 games of the regular season, Gonzaga has now collected 19 road wins. That’s the most in all of college baseball. Talk about a group that is well-connected and feeds off its chemistry in opposing clubhouses. Couldn’t be more noticeable during the celebration out in the Bay Area.
How the Zags fare in sunny Scottsdale at a chance for an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, that’s yet to be seen. As the top seed, Gonzaga will wait for the lowest advancing seed out of the first round on Thursday, March 21.
Before then, the seniors will be honored at the conclusion of the final regular-season series against the Seattle U Redhawks at Patterson Baseball Complex and Coach Steve Hertz Field, May 14 through 16.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
The 2026 NCAA softball season is one step closer to wrapping up — the D1 tournament selection show takes place Sunday.
The biggest tournament at the collegiate level will soon be underway, with games getting started at 16 regional sites on Friday. Once regional and super regional play concludes, the remaining eight teams with make the trip to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series.
The SEC and Big 12 typically send the most programs to the Women's College World Series, but the Big Ten is also strong this year. Last year, Texas beat out in-state rivals Texas Tech to claim the program's first-ever national championship.
Who will go all the way this year?
Here's everything you need to know about the NCAA softball tournament selection show, including TV channel and streaming options for the 2026 bracket reveal.
When is the NCAA softball selection show in 2026?
Date: Sunday, May 10
Time: 7 p.m. ET
The 2026 NCAA Softball selection show will take place on Sunday, May 10, with the bracket scheduled to be unveiled beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
What channel is the NCAA softball selection show on?
This year's NCAA softball selection show will air on ESPN2. Cord-cutters and those without cable can stream the event on the ESPN app and fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
While the bracket is still being completed, here are the top 16 teams in the most recent college softball RPI rankings, courtesy of the NCAA:
No. 1: Arkansas
No. 2: Alabama
No. 3: Nebraska
No. 4: Florida
No. 5: Texas
No. 6: Oklahoma
No. 7: UCLA
No. 8: Tennessee
No. 9: Oregon
No. 10: Duke
No. 11: Georgia
No. 12: Florida State
No. 13: Oklahoma State
No. 14: Texas Tech
No. 15: LSU
No. 16: Stanford
NCAA softball tournament format 2026
The 2026 NCAA Division I softball tournament will consist of 64 teams, which includes 32 automatic bids and 32 at-large. The selection committee will seed the top teams, 1-16, to host regional sites.
Regionals
Each of the 16 regions will include four teams facing off in a double-elimination format. Only one team from each region — 16 in total — will advance to the super regionals.
Super Regionals
The super regionals will feature two teams facing off in a best-of-three series. The winner of the 1-seed region will face off against the winner of the 16-seed region; the 2-seed will face the 15-seed, and so on. The higher-seeded team in the series will host.
In the event that two non-seeded teams face off in the super regionals, the team that won the higher-seeded regional will host.
Women's College World Series
The final eight after the regional and super regional rounds will play in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. The tournament will revert back to a double-elimination format, with the final two teams advancing to play a best-of-three series for the national championship.
NCAA softball tournament schedule 2026
The 2026 regional round will begin on the Friday after the softball tournament selection show and end the following Sunday. The super regionals will start Thursday, May 21, and end Sunday, May 24.
The Women's College World Series will begin on May 28 and end on June 4 or 5, depending on whether a Game 3 is needed among the final two teams.
Round
Dates
Selection show
May 10
Regionals
May 15-17
Super regionals
May 21-24
Women's World College Series
May 28-June 4/5
WCWS finals (Best of 3)
June 3-4/5
Women's World College Series TV schedule 2026
The double-elimination portion of the Women's College World Series will take place May 28-June 2.
When are the Women's College World Series finals in 2026?
The last two teams standing at the conclusion of the double-elimination portion of the WCWS will play in a best-of-three series to determine the national champion, starting on Wednesday, June 3. If necessary, Game 3 will take place on Friday, June 5.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 02: MLB Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Bobby Cox stand on the field after the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field on October 2, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On a sad day overall for Braves Country, due to the passing of the legendary Bobby Cox, Spencer Strider gave Atlanta fans something to be happy and hopeful about with a stellar outing, shutting down the Dodgers potent offense for 6.0 innings with 8 strikeouts and 15 whiffs. He looked as good as he has in a long time. His fastball averaged 96.4 MPH, with 17 inches of induced vertical break and he had four pitches working nicely together. Even if Strider doesn’t quite return to his Jacob deGrom levels of dominance, having him as a true #1 or #2 quality starter would make a huge difference for this Braves team to pair with Chris Sale. Bryce Elder has been great this season, but shouldn’t be the second best starter in the rotation of a World Series contender. If Strider can keep something like Saturday night’s version of himself moving forward, that’s a huge development for him and this team.
The New England Revolution had a comeback victory against Philadelphia Union Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The Revs allowed an own goal in the first half as Philadelphia took a 1-0 leading into the half. The Revolution made mistakes and were sloppy in times during the first half.
The second half was a different story. Luca Langoni scored a goal in the 61′ with a wonderful strike into the back of the net. The game was tied 1-1.
New England had life. They kept the pressure on their opponent. In the 87′ some geta passing in the Philadelphia box led to a Carles Gil goal and the Revs took the lead late, 2-1. It was the team captain’s third straight game with a goal.
The Revolution held on to win and improved to 6-0-0 at Gillette Stadium this season. This is their best home start in club history, which was previously 5-0-0.
“I love that. We cannot ignore it,” Head Coach Marko Mitrovic said about the home start. “It’s amazing writing history, but we will get there one day to think about that.”
“It’s a very competitive group we want to win. The past few games I’ve seen the winning mentality. It doesn’t matter if we are up a goal or down a goal,” Midfielder Brooklyn Raines said.
The Revolution haven’t lost a Major League Soccer match since March. They have climbed up to the second spot in the Eastern Conference standings after starting the season 0-2.
New England has a big rematch with Nashville SC on Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium. Nashville beat New England 4-1 in the opening match of the year back in February. Nashville is currently the top team in the east.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Brazil women beat Argentina to become South American U17 champions
On Saturday night (9), Brazil’s Women’s U-17 National Team defeated Argentina 3-2 and won the South American title. In the match played at Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción (PAR), Gamonal, Helena, and Nicolly scored the goals.
From the start, Brazil were the better side and imposed their style of play. This is the first time the Canarinha has won the title under coach Rilany Silva.
Brazil celebrates Gamonal’s goalCredits: Staff Images/CBF
THE MATCH
Brazil started by keeping possession, but after a defensive mistake, Argentina opened the scoring in the 4th minute.
The Canarinha kept controlling the game, while the Argentines only defended and tried to counterattack. After a few good chances, Brazil equalized with a goal from Gamonal in the 28th minute.
The team coached by Rilany Silva maintained its attacking style. Deep into stoppage time, Nicolly found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but was brought down for a penalty. Helena converted the spot kick: ball one way, goalkeeper the other.
Gamonal scored the opening goal of the matchCredits: Staff Images/CBF
Right after that, Brazil made the most of their last chance before halftime, and Nicolly Manuel found the net to extend the lead.
The second half followed the same pattern. At times Argentina managed to gain the upper hand and scored their second goal, but it was not enough to take the title away from Brazil.
Final score: Brazil 3-2 Argentina
Brazil’s starting lineup in the Women’s South American U-17 finalCredits: Staff Images/CBF
LINEUP
BRAZIL: Nathy; Elo, Andreyna and Yasmin Q. (Rech); Sarah C., Gigi (Mari Gigante), Melo and Helena; Gamonal, Pinho (Marcela B.) and Nicolly M.
May 9, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of game three in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The stats in the table below are taken from Cleaning the Glass. As a note, the percentiles are compared to other playoff games, which affects the sample size.
Offensive Rating
Effective Field Goal Percentage
Offensive Turnover Percentage
Offensive Rebounding Percentage
Free Throw Rate
Cavs
122.1, 70th percentile
66.2%, 95th percentile
15.8%, 37th percentile
25.3%, 25th percentile
24.3, 69th percentile
Pistons
114.7, 48th percentile
50%, 24th percentile
16.8%, 28th percentile
40.4%, 93rd percentile
19.8, 47th percentile
Now, let’s dive into the numbers.
The Cavs are now 15-1 this year when Donovan Mitchell scores 35 or more points. Cleveland has gone as Mitchell has all season. That trend has now carried over to the playoffs, as seen with his scoring outburst in Game 3.
Mitchell went 6-8 on shots in the restricted area. He continually got into the teeth of the defense and finished inside. Detroit simply couldn’t stay in front of him. This performance came after he attempted just one shot in the restricted area during the first two games combined.
Mitchell once again couldn’t get anything to fall from three as he went 2-8. He’s connecting on just 32.2% of his outside looks this playoff run.
Cleveland won the minutes Mitchell was on the court by seven. Mitchell was in the 86th percentile for on/off splits during the regular season. The Cavs consistently played their best basketball with him on the floor. That trend hasn’t carried over to the playoffs. Cleveland has only won Mitchell’s minutes four times this postseason. They’re 4-0 when they outscore their opponent with Mitchell on the court and 1-5 when they don’t.
Mitchell recorded 10 rebounds. This is the first time he’s reached double-digit boards in a game since Dec. 31.
The Cavs took 40% of their shots at the rim (85th percentile). This has been an issue throughout the series. The Cavs were in the 2nd and 31st percentile in rim attempts over the last two games.
Cleveland made the most of those looks as they converted 84% of their attempts in the restricted area (92nd percentile).
The Cavs executed well offensively, posting a 113.5 half-court offensive rating (87th percentile). The offense hasn’t performed great against Detroit’s set defense in the first two games of the series. Strong showings from Mitchell and Harden helped turn that around on Sunday.
Detroit missed 13 straight threes from the first quarter through the beginning of the third. The outside shot saved the Pistons in Game 2. Its absence for the first half of this game is what led to them trailing by 17 at the start of the third.
The Pistons went 7-10 from three to close the game. Detroit dug out of its deficit and had a chance to steal it late. The emergence of the three-ball again is what allowed them to do so.
Detroit had 16 second-chance opportunities to Cleveland’s six. This led to the Pistons outscoring them 19-11 in second-chance points and winning the possession battle overall. Afterward, head coach Kenny Atkinson said the Cavs can’t afford to lose this area, calling getting the victory without having more possessions “unsustainable.”
The Cavs had 27 points off turnovers to Detroit’s 19. While Cleveland didn’t win the possession battle, they took advantage of the turnovers they forced. The Cavs committed one fewer giveaway than the Pistons.
Cade Cunningham had eight turnovers. This was an overall good game from Cunningham as he finished with a 27-point triple-double. However, not being able to take care of the ball was an issue.
Cleveland had a 130.4 offensive rating with Sam Merrill on the floor. He was limited to just 14 minutes as he returned from a hamstring injury. His shooting and off-ball movement helped open up what was a stagnant offense during the first two games of the series.
The Pistons were outscored by 28 in the 18 minutes Daniss Jenkins played. This was mostly because Detroit registered a 168.4 defensive rating with Jenkins on the floor. It’s dangerous to read too much into single-game plus/minus, but it’s safe to say the Cavs offense was at its best in Jenkins’s minutes.
The Cavs have held Jalen Duran to 11 or fewer points in all three games. He is a combined 11-26 (42.3%) from the field this series after converting 65% of his shots in the regular season.
Dean Wade was the only Cavalier starter with a negative plus/minus. The Cavs lost the nearly 17 minutes that Wade was on the floor by six.
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined to go 10-10 in the restricted area. The offense is at its best when it’s attacking the basket. The most effective way to do that is to get the bigs involved going downhill. Both were able to make an impact there in the win.
Ausar Thompson had five assists in a game for the second time this series. He isn’t a threat to score from the outside, but his ability to act as a secondary playmaker when the Cavs cheat off him has been an asset for Detroit. This is why the Pistons have had a functional offense with Thompson on the court this game, despite his limitations on that end.
James Harden had nine points on 4-5 shooting in the fourth. He had three big shots late to help seal the game, including a triple over Tobias Harris in the final minute.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue searching for answers against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and one growing concern in the playoff series has been the defensive struggles of Austin Reaves. Through Games 2 and 3, Reaves has repeatedly been targeted by Oklahoma City’s offense, with the Thunder exploiting favorable matchups and attacking him in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. According to matchup tracking data, opponents scored 58 total points while Reaves served as the primary defender across the two games.
The numbers become even more troubling when examining shooting efficiency. Opponents shot 22-for-29 from the field against Reaves in those matchups, an eye-opening 75.9 percent shooting clip. For a Lakers team already struggling to contain Oklahoma City’s high-powered offense, that level of defensive efficiency has made it difficult to slow momentum swings or generate key stops.
Oklahoma City’s speed and ball movement have consistently placed Reaves in difficult defensive situations. Whether defending on the perimeter or switching onto quicker guards, he has struggled to stay in front of attackers. The Thunder have taken advantage by forcing rotations and creating open lanes to the basket, exposing a weak point in the Lakers’ defensive scheme.
Lakers facing tough questions as Thunder continue targeting Austin Reaves
While Reaves remains a valuable offensive contributor because of his shooting, playmaking, and chemistry with LeBron James's, playoff basketball often magnifies defensive weaknesses. Opponents relentlessly hunt mismatches during postseason series, and Oklahoma City has clearly identified Reaves as a player they can attack consistently.
The challenge for the Lakers coaching staff is finding ways to protect Reaves defensively without sacrificing offensive production. That could mean altering matchups, providing quicker help defense, or reducing his time guarding Oklahoma City’s primary scorers. However, each adjustment comes with trade-offs, especially against a Thunder team loaded with versatile scorers and athletic perimeter players.
If the Lakers hope to regain control of the series, defensive improvement will be essential. Reaves’ offensive contributions are important, but allowing opponents to shoot nearly 76 percent as the primary defender is a major issue that could ultimately define the outcome of the matchup.
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 09: Zach Bogosian #24 of the Minnesota Wild checks Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a long week off the Colorado Avalanche began the away portion of their second round series in Minnesota. The Wild were energized in their home building and with some help on special teams built a lead and never looked back to take this game 5-1 and cut Colorado’s lead in the series to 2-1.
The Game
It was a fairly even start to the game with Colorado receiving the game’s first power play but the visitors came up empty. It took a four-on-four for the game’s first score as Kirill Kaprizov took advantage of some soft defending and beat Scott Wedgewood who went down too early. Devon Toews took a penalty soon after and while it was four-on-three Quinn Hughes found room above Wedgewood after he dropped his stick to put the Wild up by two.
The second period didn’t start any better for Colorado after the Wild converted on yet another power play. This time Toews tipped the puck and Ryan Hartman batted the rebound in. At this point Jared Bednar opted for Mackenzie Blackwood to enter the game for his first taste of action in 25 days. Wedgewood wasn’t the primary culprit for the 3-0 deficit but clearly a change of momentum was needed.
After investing in future power plays by regularly going to the penalty box the Avalanche were awarded a late period man advantage and Nathan MacKinnon cashed in. It took a Wild player shoving Gabe Landeskog on top of their own goaltender for MacKinnon to have a free look at the open net. The Wild knew this, too, and didn’t challenge the play. Just 20 seconds later, though, Minnesota responded on a delayed penalty from Brock Faber who took advantage of Blackwood misplaying the puck off of his glove and left the back door vacated for an easy rebound score. With a score of 4-1 at the second intermission, the Avalanche certainly had a tough task to get back in the game.
Both teams tried to buckle down in the third period but the Avalanche couldn’t get much going. Two shifts in particular were prolonged stretches in the Avalanche defensive zone. Colorado pulled Blackwood for the extra attacker with over three minutes to go and couldn’t score much less keep possession for very long. Still, Minnesota didn’t score into the empty net until there were three seconds left when Matt Boldy made the score 5-1 and that’s how this game would end.
Takeaways
Special teams was the early story but neither team had much luck scoring five-on five. Colorado ended with 35 shots on goal to Minnesota’s 26 but few were dangerous. The Avalanche second and third lines had some ugly numbers in the advanced stats getting caught out on some long shift and exposed their lack of speed. They will have opportunities to score and make the difference in following games.
Now with a loss it will be interesting to see who Bednar turns to in net for Game 4. Blackwood generally did fine but the loss wasn’t really on Wedgewood so this should really tip their hand as to which goaltender Colorado really wants in net moving forward.
Upcoming
Game 4 in Minnesota on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN.
CLEVELAND (AP) — The pause button has been pressed on Twins right-hander Taj Bradley’s comeback season.
Bradley was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right pectoral inflammation, retroactive to Wednesday. He had an MRI in Minneapolis that revealed no significant damage and is slated to consult with Dr. Keith Meister.
“Any time we get an MRI that comes back clean, that’s the best-case scenario,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said before a 2-1, 11-inning victory over the Cleveland Guardians. “Once we get through the second opinion, we can start a course of action.”
Bradley has been the anchor of the staff, posting a 4-1 record and 2.87 ERA in eight starts in his first full year with Minnesota. Once a top prospect with the Rays, the three-year veteran also leads the team with 52 strikeouts and 47 innings.
Minnesota now has three-fifths of its rotation on the IL. Pablo López is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and rookie Mick Abel is battling right elbow inflammation.
The Twins acquired Bradley from Tampa Bay in exchange for Griffin Jax on July 31, limiting him to six starts over the final two months of the season. He stumbled to a 6-8 record and 5.05 ERA between the clubs.
Right-hander Travis Adams was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to replace Bradley, who was scheduled to pitch the series finale Sunday in Cleveland. Instead, Minnesota will go with right-handed reliever Andrew Morris in a bullpen game.
It's time for another road race — the NASCAR Cup Series is headed to Watkins Glen International this weekend for the annual Go Bowling at the Glen.
It's been over two months since the Cup Series last road raced at Circuit of the Americas in March. The Glen circuit is a 2.5 mile race with 11 turns, many long straights and winding corners. This weekend's event will be 100 laps, divided into stages of 20, 30 and 50 laps.
Although Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott lead the group with wins in this race, Shane van Gisbergen is the biggest threat. Van Gisbergen boasts six career road and street course wins in only 13 starts, and he also took the checkered flag at the Glen last year.
Who will excel in this iconic race?
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Go Bowling at the Glen, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual race at Watkins Glen.
The 2026 Go Bowling at the Glen will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Cord-cutters and fans without cable can also stream the action live on fubo, which offers a free trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does the NASCAR race start today?
Date: Sunday, May 10
Time: 3 p.m. ET
The 2026 Go Bowling at the Glen will get started at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 10. The race will take place at Watkins Glen International in Schuyler County, N.Y.
“It may be a shock to the world, but this is no shock to us. We knew who Ajay Mitchell was the day he stepped foot in our building, and he’s just showing it to the world.” pic.twitter.com/DAA0R6JoXz
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) May 10, 2026
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are down 3-0 in the Oklahoma City Thunder. That is essentially a series that is done and dusted, but the Lakers are not giving up until they have four losses on the board.
It has been dominance from the defending champions, but the Lakers have shown some promising signs. They have been defending reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander well, but they must do better at playing against the rest of the Thunder.
LeBron James and the Lakers are still ready to come back
As one of the most successful players in NBA history, LeBron is always ready to prove the doubters wrong. He was the best player on a team that came back from 3-1 in the NBA Finals, so he has experience with coming back from big deficits.
Now, they are 3-0 down against the Thunder, which is a nearly insurmountable task. Despite no team ever coming back from 3-0 down, it seems LeBron and the Lakers are willing to try to mount a comeback.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has said that he still believes in his team, so he will not concede until they are truly eliminated. The same goes for James, who is ready to make history despite saying it in a more somber tone.
"I'm not angry or disappointed. Obviously, you're disappointed at the simple fact of being down 3-0, obviously. But we still got life, and that's all you can ask for," LeBron said after the Game 3 loss.
As long as the Lakers continue the impressive defensive schemes against SGA, they could surprise the Thunder. Unfortunately, the rest of the Thunder have stepped up as Gilgeous-Alexander knows he can trust his teammates.
Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell delivers during the first inning of a loss to the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night. (Meg Oliphant / Getty Images)
It was Blake Snell bobblehead night Saturday at Dodger Stadium but the Atlanta Braves spoiled the left-hander’s season debut with a 7-2 win.
Making his first appearance since the eighth inning of Game 7 of the World Series, Snell showed rust early, giving up a leadoff single to Mauricio Dubón and walking Drake Baldwin. Ozzie Albies’ bunt single loaded the bases and after Matt Olson struck out, Dubon scored from third on Austin Riley’s fielder’s choice to shortstop. Snell struck out Michael Harris II to end the inning on his 25th pitch.
Atlanta loaded the bases again in the second and Albies poked a two-run single to left. Two more runs scored on Olson’s single to right and after an inning and a half the Dodgers trailed 5-0. In the bottom of the inning, Eli White made a sprinting catch on the warning track in right field to rob Max Muncy of extra bases.
Snell started the season on the injured list with left shoulder fatigue and was brought back from his rehab assignment early to replace Tyler Glasnow, who was placed on the injured list Friday with back spasms. Snell gave up four earned runs on six hits, with two walks and five strikeouts over three innings and 77 pitches.
While Snell struggled, Atlanta's Spencer Strider was locked in from the start, giving up one hit and striking out eight batters in six innings before being relieved by Dylan Lee.
National League East front-runner Atlanta (27-13) widened its gap to eight games over Washington while the Dodgers dropped to 24-15 and saw their National League West lead narrowed to one game over San Diego, which beat St. Louis 4-2 earlier in the day.
Jack Dreyer, who relieved Snell, gave up one hit in 1⅓ innings before being relieved by Edgardo Henriquez, who walked Riley and gave up an RBI double to Harris — the fifth hit in two days for the 2022 NL rookie of the year. Henriquez went 1⅔ innings before Paul Gervase yielded an RBI single to Baldwin.
One night after dealing Braves ace Chris Sale his second loss of the season, the Dodgers’ offense did not wake up until the ninth inning.
Shohei Ohtani went one for four with a single and two strikeouts. Freddie Freeman had two fly outs and a groundout before Dalton Rushing took his place at first in the seventh.
The Dodgers avoided their second shutout loss of the season and finally gave the crowd of 50,209 reason to cheer in the ninth when Andy Pages belted a two-run home run — his ninth of the season — off reliever Reynaldo Lopez.
Players on both teams played with heavy hearts following the death of former Braves manager Bobby Cox at the age of 84 on Saturday.
Freeman, in his fifth season of a six-year, $162-million deal with the Dodgers, talked about Cox before the game.
“I woke up to the news this morning,” he said. “It’s a sad day in Braves country and all of baseball. My favorite memory of Bobby is seeing joy on his face when he saw my 6-year-old. He had our backs. He wanted to win as much as you do. What stands out is the genuine care he had for every person in that clubhouse.
"My first day of spring training I walk in and he joked ‘Why did it take you so long to get to the big leagues?’ He cared about the 19-year-old and 40-year-old the same way. I have an autographed Bobby Cox jersey at home.”
Cox's death came just four days after the death of Ted Turner, who owned the Braves from 1976 to 2007.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Joshua Van of Myanmar reacts after a TKO victory against Tatsuro Taira of Japan in the UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Joshua Van just defended his flyweight title for the first time at UFC 328, but it wasn’t without controversy.
The Burmese-American champ took the fight to Tatsuro Taira in a wild scrap that saw Van nearly finish things in a violent third round. Taira would survive and then nearly finish the fight with a lightning fast triangle in the fourth. In the fifth, Van went back to punishing Taira with shots to the body and face, putting it on the Japanese challenger to the point where the referee stepped in and waved things off (watch the highlights here).
Taira wasn’t out, but he was getting brutalized. Immediately after the stoppage he pulled his mouthguard out and threw it in anger. And he wasn’t the only one upset with the referee’s decision to stop things. After surviving what he survived in the third round, many fighters and fans online felt like “The Best” deserved the right to keep going.
To add to the controversy, two judges had the fight 2-2 going into the fifth. This wasn’t a one sided beating the referee saved Taira from … it was a fight he still had three and a half minutes to potentially win, or at least earn a split draw on the scorecards.
Take a look at the reactions below.
Do the refs have the power in a fight ?…or do the fighters?
Listen, incredible fight, but Tatsuro Taira fought his fuckin balls off for 20+ minutes and you’re going to stop the fight like that?! F’n b/s man. Congrats to both warriors! Helluva fight! #UFC328
Two judges had it tied heading into R5, whch I agree with. Very close fight though. Came down to the last round and Van proved he's the best in the world at 125 lbs. https://t.co/eRYIjdf12z
I really don’t understand why the ref stopped the fight, because if anything, a stoppage in the third round would’ve been more justified than this.#UFC328
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) May 10, 2026
In a title fight I don’t think you should stop it there but it was only going to get worse for Taira
Would have liked to have seen Taira get to fight a little longer he showed how tough he was in the third so somewhat of a anti climatic finish but Van looked amazing #UFC328
Braxton Ashcraft pitched another gem and everyone contributed offensively for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a dominant 13-3 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Saturday night.
Scoring Plays
Top 5th, 2-0 PIT: Joey Bart led off the inning with an infield single, which knocked Landen Roupp (5-3) out of the game. In came Ryan Borucki, who gave up a Brandon Lowe sac fly and a Bryan Reynolds RBI single to left.
Bottom 5th, 2-1 PIT: Bryce Eldridge ambushed the first pitch of the inning from Braxton Ashcraft (2-2) for his first-career home run, a solo shot to right field.
Top 6th, 4-1 PIT: Konnor Griffin looped an RBI single into center field against Ryan Walker and scored from second base on a Bart base hit to right to put the Pirates (22-18) up by three.
Top 7th, 10-1 PIT: Spencer Horwitz was credited with an RBI double after it looked like Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos lost a ball in the lights. Griffin followed with a sac fly and Bart knocked JT Brubaker out of the game with an RBI single. Later in the inning, Lowe hit a two-run triple to right-center off Gregory Santos and scored on O’Hearn’s infield single.
Top 9th, 13-1 PIT: The Pirates tacked on three more against position player Christian Koss in the ninth. Lowe doubled to left to score a run, Jared Triolo recorded an RBI single and O’Hearn bounced into a double-play with a man on third.
Bottom 9th, 13-3 PIT: Cam Sanders struggled with command and walked home a run and Eric Haase delivered a two-out RBI single.
Key Moments
The Giants (15-24) had runners on the corners with one out against Braxton Ashcraft in the sixth inning but the right-hander struck out Rafael Devers and got Bryce Eldridge to fly out to the track in left field.
Player of the Game
Braxton Ashcraft completed seven innings for the third time in his last four starts. He had not pitched seven innings in his career prior to doing so for the first time on April 22.
Stat to Know
The Pirates have won at least 22 of their first 40 games for only the seventh time since 1990 and the first time since 2018 (23-17).
Notable Performances
Braxton Ashcraft: 7.0 innings, six hits, one run, no walks, six strikeouts, 80 pitches/62 strikes
Joey Bart: 4 for 5, two RBI, three runs
Nick Gonzales: 4 for 6, one double, one run
Brandon Lowe: 2 for 4, one triple, one double, four RBI, two runs, one walk, one sac fly
Oneil Cruz 3 for 6, three runs, one steal
Ryan O’Hearn: 2 for 5, one RBI, one run
Spencer Horwitz: 1 for 3, one double, one RBI, two runs, two walks
Konnor Griffin: 1 for 4, two RBI, one run, one sac fly
Noteworthy
All nine Pirates in the starting lineup had at least one hit. Pittsburgh out-hit San Francisco 20-7.
Braxton Ashcraft had not allowed a run in 11.2-consecutive innings prior to Bryce Eldridge’s home run to lead off the fifth.
Brandon Lowe’s triple was his first since Sep. 11, 2024 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Up Next
RHP Bubba Chandler (1-4, 4.76 ERA) starts for the Pirates in Sunday’s finale. The Giants will send out RHP Tyler Mahle (1-4, 5.00 ERA). First pitch: 4:05 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh/93.7 The Fan.
When Real Madrid takes the pitch against Barcelona during El Clasico on Sunday, it will do so without one of its senior-most players.
Midfielder Federico Valverde was ruled out of the contest with a head injury. The malady came from an unlikely source:
His midfield mate, Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Uruguayan and Frenchman clashed during a dustup at Valdedebas -- Real Madrid's training ground -- on Thursday. The incident reportedly left Valverde bloodied and unconscious, with his injury so severe that it could jeopardize his status for the remainder of Los Blancos' campaign.
Here's hat you need to know about Valverde's stunning absence from the biggest derby in world football.
Valverde suffered a head injury after coming to blows with Tchouameni during a Thursday training session at Valdebebas.
Spanish outlet AS reported that Valverde suffered a facial laceration as a result of the dust-up. He was taken to a local hospital for examination. He also received stitches for his wounds.
French publication RMC reported that a scuffle between Valverde and Tchouameni took place in the dressing room after training. During the altercation, Valverde fell, splitting his head open and resulting in him losing consciousness.
The club later confirmed that the Uruguayan midfielder was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury as a result of the incident. He'll miss 10-14 days with the ailment, ensuring that Los Blancos will be without their vice captain during Sunday's match against Barcelona. There's a chance Valverde could miss out on each of Real Madrid's final three matches, too -- depending on if he's able to pass concussion protocols.
Valverde and Tchouameni traded blows during a "very serious" altercation at training on Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports. The Uruguayan midfielder ended the day in the hospital, receiving stitches after suffering a laceration on his head.
Details on the incident from Spanish outlet Marca, which were corroborated by The Athletic, claim that Valverde
Spanish publications Marca and AS reported that Valverde and Tchouameni's spat actually began on Wednesday. The two locked horns after a Tchouameni caught Valverde with a late tackle.
Valverde was left incensed as a result of the collision. His frustrations boiled over into Thursday's session, with the Madrid vice-captain refusing to shake his French counterpart's hand at the start of practice.
Valverde allegedly put in a strong tackle on Tchouameni, prompting manager Alvaro Arbeloa to put the two midfielders on the same team. His efforts didn't work -- the two fired off verbal insults into one another as training wore on.
When they disappeared into the dressing room after training concluded, things escalated. Valverde and Tchouameni got handsy with one another. During the flashpoint, Valverde lost balance, hitting his head on a table. He sustained a laceration and lost consciousness as a result of the collision.
He received stitches for his injury at a local hospital.
Real Madrid confirmed that Valverde was officially diagnosed with "cranioencephalic trauma." The term is a broad one, encompassing any traumatic injury involving the skull or anatomy within the skull, including the brain, cranial nerves and meninges, according to NIH.
How long is Federico Valverde out?
Valverde is slated to miss at least 10 days as a result of his injury. Real Madrid's concussion protocols require that he rest for 10-14 days before returning to the field. He'll likely miss between two and three matches as a result. He could possibly return to action for Real Madrid's final fixture, the season finale against Athletic Bilbao, although that remains to be seen.
Will Aurelien Tchouameni face discipline for fight with Valverde?
Both Tchouameni and Valverde were disciplined for their roles in Thursday's confrontation. Fabrizio Romano reported that the Madridistas were fined €500,000 each for their offenses on Friday.
🚨 BREAKING: Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde have been FINED for €1M total by Real Madrid, €500k each.
Thursday's incident was the culmination of a feud that started one day earlier. Valverde and Tchouameni clashed with one another on Wednesday after Tchouameni took Valverde out with a bad tackle. According to multiple reports, the collision led to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room -- a premonition of what was to come on Thursday.
The Carolina Hurricanes had a full plate as they prepared for a tough game against a Philadelphia Flyers team with their backs against the wall and a chance to stamp their ticket for the Eastern Conference Finals. However, for one player, there was something else on his mind and an incredibly important place he needed to be.
Sean Walker, the Hurricanes’ second-pairing defenseman, was far from Philadelphia the morning of Game 4. Instead, he was in the air on his way back to Raleigh.
His wife, Taylor, was expecting. And it just so happened that their firstborn child was soon to arrive.
“She called me at, like, 1:00 AM – I was still up, and she said her water broke,” Walker told the media after the game. “So, I called ‘Brownie’ right away, and thankfully, there was a 6:00 AM flight.”
‘Brownie’, or rather, Michael Brown, is the Hurricanes’ Manager of Team Services: the man behind the team’s travel and logistics. Walker arrived in time for the birth of his daughter, with airplane wheels touching back down in Philadelphia at 2:00 PM. The Hurricanes’ owner, Tom Dundon, had chartered a private jet back so he wouldn’t miss the game.
“It was kind of like one of the easiest and hardest games I’ve maybe ever played, if that makes sense,” Walker said. “You know, you just kind of live in the moment – running on no sleep, I ate my pregame meal in the hospital cafeteria.
“Yeah, it’s just crazy. But you just show up, and the guys were amazing. Everybody, team services, the whole organization, from the owner down, really made it possible for me to be there and get back in time.”
In Game 4, Walker had the second-most minutes among Hurricanes skaters, with 23:13 of ice time, and was tied first for the Hurricanes in hits, with three. He also registered two shots on net and a takeaway.
Of course, being able to close out the series sooner rather than later was a joy he met with gratitude as he looks toward reuniting with his family.
“I didn’t want to get on the boys and tell them we better win tonight,” he said through laughter. “I’m really appreciative everybody dug in – and the sweep’s huge for everybody, but to take this time to just be with my family is going to be really special.”
The Aggies started Saturday's doubleheader on the right foot with a dominant 18-5 run-rule win over the Rebels to even the series. After a disappointing performance in the opener, Texas A&M's lineup gathered its composure to record seven home runs and 17 RBIs. Four of the home runs came from Chris Hacopian and Ben Royo, who secured two each in the win.
Royo had no home runs in his minimal playing time this season, but he exploded onto the scene when the Aggies needed him most. The junior infielder replaced shortstop Boston Kellner, who is believed to have a broken orbital bone from being hit by a fastball in his at-bat on Friday night. Royo recorded three home runs and five RBIs on Saturday and will likely see more playing time moving forward due to the plethora of injuries Texas A&M is dealing with entering the regular-season finale this week.
Next up, Texas A&M returns to Blue Bell Park for the regular-season finale against Mississippi State. The series opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, followed by Game 2 on Friday at 6 p.m. CT. Game 3 was moved from its original start time to 11 a.m. CT in Bryan-College Station.
Here are some of the best social media reactions from the series loss to Ole Miss on Saturday:
Aggies drop nail-biting finale
Aggies drop a nail-biter in the finale.
Overall, a pretty gutsy 18 innings today for a team dealing with significant injuries.
The regular season wraps up next weekend at Blue Bell Park, and A&M needs a series win over Mississippi State at a minimum to wrap up a national seed. https://t.co/vkJzokZx5H
Some missed opportunities, but some solid performances from fresh faces this weekend
Offense failed to produce in two games the bullpen held it down really well. Probably does it for our national seed hopes. No midweek this week ahead of Mississippi State coming to town.
Ben Royo was a bright spot, going 7-7 after Kellner suffered an orbital fracture with three…
Final statistics from Texas A&M's 6-5 loss in Game 3
Texas A&M falls at Ole Miss, 6-5, and drops its second straight series after losing two out of three. A&M tallied five runs in the fourth, and Royo and Binderup came up big again, but a shaky start from Moss and the rest of the Aggie offense struggling was too much to overcome. pic.twitter.com/MkIUZMP0S6
Didn’t get to watch much A&M baseball today but honestly not even mad. Battling a lot of adversity and almost got a series on the road against a good team. Still in great position to host a regional. They’ll be alright
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jackson Blake scored 5:28 into overtime for his second of the game, Logan Stankoven also scored in regulation and the Carolina Hurricanes finished a four-game sweep with a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight season.
Frederik Andersen made 15 saves for Carolina, which has not lost in eight playoff games.
Alex Bump and Tyson Foerster scored for the Flyers.
Taylor Hall and Jaccob Slavin assisted the winning goal.
Dan Vladar stopped 37 shots for Philadelphia.
Carolina will play the winner of Buffalo and Montreal in the Eastern Conference finals after the NHL’s first 8-0 start in the playoffs since 1985.
The Hurricanes, who reached the Eastern Conference finals for the third time in four years, are looking for their first Stanley Cup since 2006. Carolina is the 24th team in league history to win eight or more consecutive games during a playoff run. Eighteen of them have won the Stanley Cup.
WILD 5, AVALANCHE 1
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov scored first and assisted on the next two goals as Minnesota forced a goalie change and handed Colorado its first loss in this postseason with a victory in Game 3 of their second-round NHL playoff series.
Quinn Hughes followed Kaprizov’s four-on-four score late in the first period with a four-on-three goal less than two minutes later. Ryan Hartman batted in a deflected power-play shot with 4:23 elapsed in the second period to prompt an early departure for Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood, who was replaced by Mackenzie Blackwood.
Nathan MacKinnon got the Avalanche on the board on a power play later in the second period before Brock Faber answered just 20 seconds later by deflecting a puck past Blackwood.
Matt Boldy added an empty-net goal and Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves in his return to the net for the Wild after a 9-6 loss in the unhinged series opener prompted a start for Filip Gustavsson in Game 2.
The Avalanche will take a 2-1 lead into Game 4 in Minnesota on Monday, before the teams return to Colorado for Game 5 on Wednesday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have given fans another name to add to their discussions around the quarterback drama: Drew Allar. Drafting him confirmed for them that the team is building deep into the future at the position, especially when they haven’t had success at this position. Head coach Mike McCarthy revealed his plans for this young talent in the reserves.
He’s physically gifted,” he said after the rookie minicamp. “He’s a gifted thrower of the football, but he’s no different than any other young quarterback that I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
“There’s a lot of work, and we’re able to adjust some fundamentals that we think will help him.”
Drew Allar is one of the more intriguing quarterback names from this year’s draft class. A former five-star recruit out of Medina High School in Ohio, Allar was a three-year starter at Penn State. During that span, he compiled an impressive 26-9 record while throwing for 7,402 yards at a 63.2% completion percentage. He also threw for an impressive 61 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions. But Allar comes to the NFL after a disappointing 2025 season, which was cut short by a nasty ankle injury.
On quarterback big boards, Allar mostly featured in the middle of the Top 10, usually swapping places with Carson Beck. His measurables scream prototypical NFL quarterback, standing at 6-foot-5¼ and weighing 228 pounds. Allar also has a terrific arm and was known for his gunslinging throws at Penn State. But they took a hit in the 2025 season. But his biggest red flag was poor footwork. It was also a telling fact that he struggled with his decision-making. But with a QB guru like McCarthy, Drew Allar is in for a lot of good.
According to ESPN insider Missi Mathews, he has been getting “one-on-one” instructions from McCarthy and QB coach Tom Arth. The rookie is prioritizing working on his lower body and footwork. However, the head coach specified that for his quarterback formula to work, he would need three QBs. Drew Allar is undoubtedly one of them. Then there’s Year 2 QB Will Howard, who will be Allar’s main competitor this season.
We are now four months into the Steelers’ offseason, and Rodgers has yet to sign with the team. The situation follows the same pattern that both the team and Rodgers went through during last offseason. After McCarthy’s comment on having three QBs in play, Matthews teased the idea of the veteran also being in the mix. The head coach smiled and said, “Three is normal, four would be awesome.” But Aaron Rodgers is still a no-show for the team.
However, it seems like he’ll be putting the pen to the paper soon.
Rodgers has been in Pittsburgh over the past couple of days, but he has yet to formally meet with the team’s brass to officially sign a contract. At this point, it seems more a matter of when he signs rather than if. Even though he has delayed signing the contract, the Steelers have confirmed they have been in consistent contact with the QB.
Rodgers put together a solid 2025 campaign. He started for 16 games while throwing for 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He helped lead the Steelers to a 10-6 record and a division title in that process. Since the postseason is a realistic scenario for the team with the veteran in play, the team is hoping to use his services for one more season. This one might very well be his last.
Rodgers would also reunite with McCarthy. He previously coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. They compiled an outstanding record of 125-77-2, including winning Super Bowl XLV. But the bigger responsibility on him will be that of mentoring the next franchise quarterback of the Steelers. They’ve clearly done their homework before tabbing Drew Allar as the man for the job. But the rookie still needs to learn the tools of the trade from the senior who’s been here for a long time now.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (DL60) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs took R Mason Thomas in the second round after every team passed on him for his size and arm length.
R Mason Thomas could be the draft pick from the 2026 NFL Draft that surprises this fan base the most. Sure, he was a second-round pick, so it's not like he will be a player who comes out of nowhere. However, his work ethic will elevate him beyond what most expect of him.
He's already showing some of that, and he's not even played a game with the Chiefs yet. In fact, he just finished his first weekend of rookie minicamp, and he already got right back to work, perfecting his craft and honing in on his pass rush moves. Thomas' mentality and work ethic are qualities you just don't often see in players in his position.
The Chiefs needed some help on the edge with getting to the passer. This draft pick is a little against what Steve Spagnuolo usually likes. Thomas is a bit smaller than the usual build KC goes for. However, his speed-to-power, bend, and hand usage while rushing the passer are pretty good, too. Thomas is twitchy, uses natural leverage to get underneath blockers, and is very instinctive.
There are some downsides to Thomas, though. He's prone to jump offsides, as he had three of those calls in 2025. His lack of length does show, as sometimes he's forced inside the tackle. If he's double-teamed, even if it's with a tackle and tight end, he's got almost no shot to beat that double team.
But, once again, he has an insane motor; just watch another play from that same game as he chased down an RB on a 44-yard run.
R Mason Thomas is an extremely clutch player, just ask Auburn
With the game on the line for the Tigers in Norman, Oklahoma, Auburn found themselves on their own one-yard line. Thomas had been dominating what was a pretty decent offensive line unit all game long. He then told his teammates not to even rush the passer, but that he would do it himself, one-on-five, and get the sack for a safety against Jackson Arnold, his former teammate.
"[R Mason Thomas] was just like, ‘Let me go get him.' And that's why we backed off and let him do his thing," defensive tackle Gracen Halton told On3's Parker Thune after that game.
Watkins Glen Still Belongs to Connor ZilischSean Gardner - Getty Images
Connor Zilisch may be experiencing a disappointing rookie season in NASCAR’s Cup Series, but when it comes to NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the 19-year-old remains undefeated at Watkins Glen International.
This year, Zilisch had to charge through the field, overcome some front-end damage that his JR Motorsports Chevrolet incurred with six laps remaining as he chased leader Jesse Love, and then pass his best friend on the final turn of the last lap to secure his 13th career O’Reilly victory and his second this season. He is now tied with Marcos Ambrose and Terry Labonte for three consecutive victories at Watkins Glen.
Zilisch said that on the final lap he didn’t plan to do anything “egregious” to move Love out of his way.
“I just wanted to show a nose and try and force him into making a mistake,” Zilisch said. “I made a mistake that took me out of contention for a little bit there. I wasn’t going to put him at cost because of it. I’ll do anything to win, but I’m not just going to ship the guy in the last corner to do it. I showed a nose and it was enough for him to lock his right front and wash up.”
Zilisch staked his claim on the 2.45-mile Watkins Glen road course in 2024 when he made his debut in the series then known as Xfinity shortly after turning 18 years old. That year he earned the pole as well as the victory. Last year, after winning the race, Zilisch fell off his car during his victory lane celebration and broke his collarbone. It was an accident that went viral on social media and will follow him for the rest of his career.
Trackhouse Racing owner, Justin Marks jokingly provides a cushion for Connor Zilisch.Chris Graythen - Getty Images
“I feel like I have memes on X (Twitter) every week about me falling,” Zilisch said with a chuckle. “After (Carson) Hocevar did what he did (at Talladega), I got tagged in so many things saying, ‘Don’t let Connor do this.’ I’m certainly never going to live that one down. I definitely get some comedic relief out of it.”
This year, Zilisch flattened his car’s rear tires during his victory burnout, and a wrecker had to tow him off the track. His crew then replaced the flat tires with new ones so he could drive to victory lane. In an effort to make sure he didn’t break his collarbone this year, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks obtained a couch pillow from Zilisch’s RV and placed it beside the driver’s door before he exited the car through its roof hatch. He then slid down the car’s windshield and off the front of the car.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Zilisch said when asked if his exit through the car’s roof hatch was planned. “I was debating whether I wanted to climb out the roof, get out of the window and just maybe throw the ground a bird. I felt good to be back in that victory lane, and we’re now 2-to-1 against each other. I think I’ve got the upper hand.”
While Zilisch celebrated, Love couldn’t hide his disappointment at letting the victory slip through his fingers. The dejected Love, who defeated Zilisch for the series championship last year, said there were “a hundred small mistakes” that allowed Zilisch to get close to him.
Connor Zilisch exits through the roof of his car .Chris Graythen - Getty Images
“At the end of the day, the glaring piece of it is I had a bad corner,” the dejected Love said. “I had a bad corner. All I want to do is beat Connor here (Watkins Glen). We’re best friends and we’ve caused each other a lot of pain. I didn’t execute when I needed to, and I think the reason I’m so quiet is I’m just embarrassed. As a driver, you can’t make those mistakes, and it was such a bad mistake, it’s just embarrassing. I know that I’ll learn from this and be better because of it, but I let down a lot of people, including myself… maybe it’s probably a good idea for me to feel this pain right now.”
Zilisch’s mother was the first person to Love after the race, consoling him with a hug before going to her son’s celebration in victory lane.
“Jesse’s parents treat me like family and… my parents do their best to do the same,” Zilisch said. “It means a lot to be able to race against one of my best friends pretty often. He’s gonna make his way to the Cup Series here soon. I’ll look forward to making more enemy friendship, whatever you call it, on the race track. We always respect each other and push each other to be better off the track.”
Rangers XI vs Celtic – Predicted lineup and team news
Rangers meet Celtic at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon in a big Scottish Premiership clash.
Celtic are second in the table with 73 points from 35 games, while Rangers are third with 69 points from the same number of matches.
Rangers’ hopes of winning the title have taken a serious hit after losing their last two games. They were beaten 2-1 by Hearts on May 4, following a 3-2 home defeat to Motherwell. Those results have left them in third and effectively out of the title race. However, they had been scoring freely before this dip, including a 6-3 win over Falkirk, and they are unbeaten in their last five league matches against Celtic.
Rangers team news
Manager Danny Rohl is likely to make some changes to his lineup after the recent poor results.
One of his main concerns is in defence, where John Souttar is still doubtful due to injury. If he misses out again, Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez are expected to continue at the back.
There is some good news, though, as Tuur Rommens could start at left-back after coming off the bench against Hearts.
In midfield, Connor Barron is available despite an upcoming cup suspension and could come into the team alongside Nicolas Raskin, possibly replacing Tochi Chukwuani.
Bailey Rice remains sidelined with a muscle problem, but Rohl still has plenty of attacking options.
Youssef Chermiti is likely to start up front, while Ryan Don Naderi could come in for Andreas Skov Olsen.
Crystal Palace vs Everton – Match preview and team news
Crystal Palace look to carry the momentum of their historic European run into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles reached the Conference League final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday and face Rayo Vallecano later this month. Domestically, however, Glasner’s men have struggled. Three league games without a win have dampened the mood somewhat, despite the continental heroics.
Everton arrive in South London equally desperate for a result. David Moyes wants to keep his side’s European dream alive, and with the Toffees sitting just four points off the top six, the stakes are high on both sides.
The head-to-head record heavily favours the visitors. Palace have won just one of their last 22 league meetings against Everton. Moyes’ side have also lost only twice in 16 away matches at Selhurst Park — a remarkable record at this ground.
That said, Palace carry their own momentum into the fixture, remaining unbeaten in eight home games and conceding just twice in that run. Everton must overcome a historic curse of late goals. They have conceded result-altering goals in the 90th minute in three straight games.
Crystal Palace vs Everton – Match preview and team news
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
Venue: Selhurst Park
Referee: Thomas Bramall
VAR: Matt Donohue
Last Meeting: Everton 2–1 Crystal Palace, 5 Oct 2025, Premier League
Team news
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner reported no fresh injury concerns after the midweek semi-final win. However, squad rotation is expected due to a punishing schedule. Key players like Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta may receive a rest. Eddie Nketiah, Evann Guessand, and Cheick Doucoure remain unavailable for the hosts. Glasner will assess medical data before naming his side on Saturday.
Everton
Idrissa Gana Gueye will miss the trip after failing to recover from a minor knock. Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite are longer-term absentees with foot and hamstring injuries. Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl are pushing to keep their places in midfield. Thierno Barry is a strong candidate to start up front. He scored twice as a substitute against Manchester City last Monday.
Form
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are prioritising their European campaign as the season reaches its climax. They secured a 5–2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the Conference League final. Despite this, their Premier League form has dipped significantly. Back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Liverpool have left them in 15th place. Palace rank 19th for shots since Glasner’s departure was announced in January. They have struggled to find the net before half-time in five straight matches.
Everton
Everton approach this game after a dramatic 3–3 draw with Manchester City. They twice let leads slip against the Citizens to extend their winless run. Late goals have become a recurring nightmare for David Moyes this month. The Toffees have conceded exactly two goals in four straight away matches. However, they have gone 29 away games without conceding more than twice. Everton won the reverse fixture 2–1 thanks to a late Jack Grealish winner.
The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage begins before the 14:00 BST kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Sports app or NOW.
Crystal Palace vs Everton – Predicted lineup and team news
Crystal Palace host Everton on Sunday afternoon, looking to secure their top-flight safety.
The Eagles sit seven points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining. A victory at Selhurst Park would mathematically confirm their Premier League status for next season. That task, however, comes with complications. Glasner must manage a squad fatigued by European commitments after Palace reached the Conference League final on Thursday night. A final domestic push is now required.
Palace have been exceptionally tough to beat at home recently, going unbeaten in eight matches at Selhurst Park. The head-to-head record tells a different story, however. They have won just one of their last 22 league meetings against Everton, with Glasner’s side having lost three straight encounters against today’s visitors. Offensively, there is also room for concern — Palace rank 19th for shots since January and must sharpen their attacking output to get the job done.
Crystal Palace team news
Glasner is expected to rotate heavily following Thursday’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell and Jean-Philippe Mateta are all candidates for a rest, with Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr also potentially dropping to the bench. Fringe players and younger options could get an opportunity as a result. Eddie Nketiah, Evann Guessand and Cheick Doucouré remain sidelined through injury.
Glasner confirmed he will use medical data to determine his best XI on Saturday. That decision carries real weight — Palace have drawn five home games goalless this season, and only Burnley and Wolves have scored fewer league goals. The manager is determined to secure the three points that would confirm survival, allowing him to focus entirely on the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
Aston Villa XI vs Burnley – Predicted lineup and team news
Aston Villa visit Turf Moor on Sunday, aiming to secure their place in the Champions League with a win over already relegated Burnley.
Unai Emery’s side reached the Europa League final on Thursday night. They demolished Nottingham Forest 4–0 to book their spot in Istanbul. Now they must turn their attention back to the Premier League. Villa are three points clear of Bournemouth with three matches remaining. A victory against relegated Burnley would officially confirm a top-five finish. That said, the Villans are winless in their last five away league matches.
Villa have won their last three Premier League games against Burnley. They have also lost just one of their nine matches when facing relegated sides. However, that solitary loss came against Burnley back in 2015. Emery will demand a professional performance to avoid any late jitters in the race for fifth. Victory would allow the club to enjoy their final fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Aston Villa team news
Unai Emery could hand out rest to John McGinn and Ollie Watkins following their European exertions. Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham are available to start in their absence. The visitors remain without long-term absentee Boubacar Kamara and midfielder Amadou Onana. Alysson is also unavailable for selection this weekend. Emery must balance squad fitness with the need to take a huge opportunity.
Emiliano Buendía has been a potent threat as a substitute this season. He has recorded four goals and one assist after coming off the bench. He could surpass Marlon Harewood’s club record if he makes another impact today. Villa will rely on the creativity of Morgan Rogers and Ross Barkley to break Burnley down.
Aston Villa predicted lineup
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; Sancho, Barkley, Rogers; Abraham.
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture at Turf Moor kicks off at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
How to watch Burnley vs Aston Villa?
The game is live in the UK on Sky Sports+. Supporters can also follow the match via the Sky Sports app.
Burnley vs Aston Villa – Match preview and team news
Aston Villa travel to Turf Moor on Sunday looking to secure Champions League football for next season with a win over Championship-bound Burnley.
Unai Emery’s side demolished Nottingham Forest on Thursday to reach the Europa League final. They must now address a stuttering run of Premier League form. Villa have picked up just seven points from their last eight matches. They remain just three points clear of a rampant Bournemouth side, who beat Fulham on Saturday.
Relegated Burnley enter this fixture in transition following the departure of Scott Parker. Interim boss Mike Jackson aims to restore pride in their final home matches. The Clarets have won just one of their last 26 Premier League matches. They are currently winless in 13 home games at Turf Moor.
That said, Villa have struggled away from home recently. They are winless in their last five matches on the road. Success today would mark Villa’s fourth consecutive victory over Burnley. Victory would also officially guarantee a top-five finish for the West Midlands club. Emery will demand focus to avoid a post-European hangover in Lancashire.
Burnley vs Aston Villa – Match preview and team news
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
Venue: Turf Moor
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 2–1 Burnley, 5 Oct 2025, Premier League
Team news
Burnley
Mike Jackson confirmed that Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts, and Jordan Beyer remain sidelined. Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a return from an Achilles problem but faces a late test. Martin Dúbravka will continue in goal after making a league-high 127 saves this term. Loum Tchaouna should retain his place after scoring against Leeds last weekend. Zian Flemming is chasing his tenth league goal of the campaign.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery could rotate his squad following their physical exertions on Thursday night. John McGinn and Ollie Watkins may be rested to avoid potential injury risks. Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham are well-placed to lead the line if required. The visitors remain without Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, and Alysson. Emiliano Buendía provides a potent threat from the bench as he chases a club record.
Form
Burnley
Burnley have endured a miserable 2026 with only one win and ten defeats. They were second best throughout their 3–1 loss at Leeds last time out. The squad is attempting to reconnect with fans after their relegation was confirmed. They have managed just three goals in their last seven league outings. Jackson is desperate for a motivated performance to halt a five-game losing streak.
Aston Villa
Villa arrive buoyed by their historic European semi-final success over Nottingham Forest. John McGinn and Ollie Watkins were instrumental in securing a 4–0 second-leg victory. However, their league consistency has dipped during the final months of the season. They have lost two of their last three Premier League fixtures. That said, Villa usually perform well against teams already relegated from the division.
Aston Villa Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; Sancho, Barkley, Rogers; Abraham
How to watch Burnley vs Aston Villa?
UK viewers can watch the match live on Sky Sports+. Coverage starts at 14:00 BST on Sunday afternoon. Streaming is also available through the Sky Sports app or NOW.
Celtic vs Rangers – Predicted lineup and team news
Celtic face Rangers in a huge Scottish Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon.
The Hoops are currently second in the table with 73 points from 35 games, while Rangers sit just behind in third on 69 points, having played the same number of matches.
Celtic come into this derby in strong form, winning their last four league games in a row. Their latest result was a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Hibernian on May 3, following earlier victories against Falkirk (3-1) and St Mirren (1-0) at home.
Since Martin O’Neill took interim charge, Celtic have climbed back into second place and are now just four points behind leaders Hearts as they push for the title.
Celtic team news
There is some positive news for Celtic, with Daizen Maeda fit again after recovering from a foot injury. Alistair Johnston is also expected to return at right-back.
However, injuries remain a major concern. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is still out with a shoulder problem, meaning Viljami Sinisalo will continue in goal.
Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is also unavailable due to an Achilles injury, while Jota is still out long term.
In addition, Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo, and Colby Donovan are all ruled out for the rest of the season.
Adam Montgomery (calf) and Callum Osmand (hamstring) are also sidelined, although Osmand is close to returning.
Everton XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news
Everton visit Selhurst Park on Sunday, aiming to keep their European hopes alive.
The Toffees arrive on the back of a four-game winless run in the Premier League. A late Manchester City equaliser denied them a massive victory last Monday, leaving David Moyes’ side seven points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth. Victory in South London could lift them into ninth, though holding onto leads has been a persistent problem. Everton are the first team to concede result-altering 90th-minute goals in three consecutive matches.
Their record at this ground, however, offers genuine encouragement. Everton have lost just two of their 16 Premier League visits to Selhurst Park, with Moyes winning six of his eight away matches at this venue. The Toffees have also won the last three meetings against Palace 2-1 and will look to exploit any fatigue in the home ranks following Thursday’s European fixture.
Everton team news
Moyes heads into the tie without Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is not yet training after picking up a minor injury. Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl are likely to keep their places in midfield as a result, with Moyes praising both youngsters for their display against Manchester City. Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite remain unavailable with long-term foot and hamstring issues, respectively.
Thierno Barry is pushing hard for a start after his impact from the bench against City. The striker scored twice as a substitute — only two players have managed more substitute goals for Everton in a single season. Barry could be the only change to an otherwise settled side. Defensively, Everton have conceded exactly two goals in four straight away matches, and Moyes will demand a tighter display to secure three vital points.
Celtic go head-to-head against Rangers in a crucial Scottish Premiership match on Sunday afternoon.
Celtic are currently in second place with 73 points from 35 matches, while Rangers sit in third with 69 points from the same number of matches.
Celtic vs Rangers – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 10th May.
Kick-off: 12pm BST.
Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow.
Celtic team news
Martin O’Neill received a boost with the news of Daizen Maeda being available. The forward has been declared fully fit after recovering from a foot knock, and defender Alistair Johnston is also expected to reclaim his spot at right-back.
However, the Hoops are grappling with a multiple-injury crisis. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, leaving Viljami Sinisalo to deputise in goal.
Key centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers also remains out with an Achilles issue, while Jota remains a long-term absentee.
The squad is further stretched by season-ending injuries to Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo, and Colby Donovan.
Adam Montgomery (calf) and Callum Osmand (hamstring) are also sidelined, though Osmand is nearing a return to fitness.
Rangers team news
Rangers manager Danny Rohl is expected to shuffle his pack following a dip in form and back-to-back league defeats.
The biggest selection headache surrounds defender John Souttar, who remains a major doubt after missing recent action due to a knock; his absence could lead to a continued reliance on the duo of Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez.
In a more positive development, Tuur Rommens is pushed for a start at left-back after a cameo off the bench against Hearts.
Midfielder Connor Barron is available for this league clash despite an upcoming cup suspension. He might be introduced in the starting lineup in place of Tochi Chukwuani alongside Nicolas Raskin in the centre of the park.
While Bailey Rice remains out with a muscle injury, Rohl has a relatively deep attacking pool to choose from.
Youssef Chermiti is expected to lead the line while Ryan Don Naderi might replace Andreas Skov Olsen today.
Form
Celtic
Celtic enter today’s derby in exceptional form, having won their last four consecutive Scottish Premiership matches. Most recently, they secured a gritty 2-1 victory away at Hibernian on May 3, building on home wins over Falkirk (3-1) and St Mirren (1-0). Under interim manager Martin O’Neill, the Bhoys have clawed back into second place, trailing league leaders Hearts by just four points as they aim for the title.
Rangers
Rangers’ title aspirations have suffered a major blow following back-to-back defeats. A damaging 2-1 loss to Hearts on May 4 was preceded by a 3-2 home defeat to Motherwell, leaving them in third place and essentially eliminated from the trophy race. Despite this slump, Danny Röhl’s side previously displayed high-scoring form, including a 6-3 win over Falkirk, and they remain unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Celtic.
Burnley vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news
Burnley host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, looking to restore pride following their relegation.
The Clarets have little at stake after their return to the Championship was confirmed. Relegation triggered an emotional week following the departure of manager Scott Parker. Interim head coach Mike Jackson now leads the side for the remaining fixtures. He has urged his players to finish the season in a positive way.
Burnley have won just one of their last 26 Premier League matches. Their overall form in 2026 is the worst in the division. That said, Jackson previously drew with Villa at the end of the 2021-22 season. He is desperate for his squad to provide the home crowd with something to react to. The Clarets have lost three straight games to Villa and must improve to halt that trend.
Burnley team news
Mike Jackson expects another busy afternoon for Martin Dúbravka against an elite attack. The goalkeeper has made 127 saves this season, over twenty more than any other player. In front of him, Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a return but probably lacks match fitness. Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts, and Jordan Beyer remain on the treatment table. Jackson must find defensive stability after conceding three goals at Leeds last weekend.
The interim boss believes the fans deserve more intensity following a poor home record. Burnley are winless in 13 matches at Turf Moor since October. They could equal their longest-ever home winless run of 14 games this weekend. Zian Flemming is the primary goal threat and needs one more strike to reach ten. However, eight of his nine goals this season have been scored away from home.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws to the plate during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Behind a stellar performance from Spencer Strider and an opportunistic offensive attack early, the Braves shook off their Dodger Stadium demons for at least one night to even up the series with a 7-2 win.
Strider became the story on Saturday night, working six nearly perfect shutout innings. His slider was virtually un-hittable with a 64% whiff rate. The fastball was humming throughout the night and had Shohei Ohtani in a blender. A week after a shaky debut in Coors Field, this was as impressive as Strider has looked in more than two years. He finished the night allowing just one hit and two walks with eight strikeouts.
It goes without saying, but if this is any sign of what the future holds for Strider, the Braves’ ceiling is immensely higher. We’ll see if he’s able to carry it over in his next start, presumably against the Red Sox next weekend at Truist Park.
The Braves didn’t exactly light up Blake Snell in the early innings, but they hit ‘em where they ain’t and scratched across five runs in the first two frames.
Atlanta loaded the bases with no outs in the first but somehow only scored one run — a theme that continued from Friday night’s debacle — but thankfully broke through in a big way in the second inning with a two-run single by way of Ozzie Albies and two-run single from Matt Olson to make it 5-0.
As the score held, the Braves tacked on another run in the fifth with a Michael Harris double that plated a scootin’ Austin Riley. And in the eighth, Drake Baldwin added a little insurance with a two-out single to make it 7-0.
Dylan Lee worked a scoreless seventh inning and gave way to Reynaldo Lopez, who allowed a harmless two-run homer in the 9th to finally get the Dodgers on the board.
The Braves are 27-13.
The series concludes on Sunday afternoon with Bryce Elder set to face lefty Justin Wrobleski, who owns a 5-0 record and 1.25 ERA that is screaming for some regression. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson each had two RBIs and the Atlanta Braves rocked Blake Snell for five runs in three innings in his season debut for a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night.
Spencer Strider (1-0) threw six scoreless innings, Austin Riley, Michael Harris II and Drake Baldwin each drove in a run, and the Braves snapped an eight-game losing streak at Dodger Stadium.
Snell (0-1) had been dealing with left shoulder fatigue, delaying the start of his season after missing much of 2025 because of a left shoulder injury before contributing in the playoffs to the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title. He had been scheduled to make one more rehabilitation start in the minors, but Los Angeles moved him up with the hope Snell would able to throw five innings.
Instead, Snell was pulled after allowing four earned runs, six hits and two walks on 77 pitches with five strikeouts.
Snell immediately found himself in a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the first inning, but he limited the damage to one run.
The Braves again loaded the bases in the second, and they capitalized to take a 5-0 lead when Albies stretched out to connect on a two-run single, followed up by Olson's two-run single.
Andy Pages prevented the shutout with a two-run homer in the ninth for the Dodgers.
The Braves will go with Bryce Elder (3-1, 2.02 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday. He has allowed a .136 batting average over 19 2/3 innings in three road starts this season. Justin Wrobleski (5-0, 1.25) has allowed two earned runs in 32 innings during a five-game winning streak for the Dodgers.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Byron Buxton doubled off the wall in left-center with one out in the 11th inning, scoring automatic runner Matt Wallner, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Saturday night.
Buxton also drove in Minnesota’s first run and had its only other hit, belting his 22nd career leadoff homer on the third pitch of the game from Tanner Bibee. The Twins and Guardians each finished with two hits.
Cleveland loaded the bases with one out in the ninth and 10th, but Eric Orze (1-1) worked his way out of both jams in his 1 2/3 innings. Luis García pitched the 11th for his first save.
Rule 5 Draft selection Peyton Pallette (1-2) allowed one unearned run in two innings as AL Central Division leader Cleveland had its three-game winning streak snapped.
Buxton has 13 homers — all in his last 23 games — and is two behind MLB leaders Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox. Minnesota is 20-40 against the Guardians since the start of the 2022 season.
The Guardians tied it at 1-all in the fourth when José Ramírez singled off Joe Ryan, stole second base and scored on Kyle Manzardo’s hit up the middle. Ryan worked six innings, giving up two hits.
Bibee, who has five losses and four no-decisions this season, struck out a season-high nine over six innings.
In the sixth, Bibee collided with catcher Austin Hedges when both were attempting to grab a popup by Brooks Lee. Hedges dropped the ball, Bibee was charged with the error and Lee ran to second base, but was stranded there.
The first pitch was delayed by 2 hours and 6 minutes because of heavy thunderstorms.
Up next
Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (5-2, 3.28 ERA) pitches the three-game series finale against Twins RHP Andrew Morris (1-1, 4.96).
The Los Angeles Lakers are now 3-0 down against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was an expected result, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick has done his best to close the gap between the two teams.
While they have not been eliminated, the series is not over yet. Redick believes in his players enough to still believe they have a chance to come back. It might be wishful thinking, but the Lakers are not out yet.
JJ Redick is ready to believe in the Lakers' chances to come back
The Thunder have utterly dominated the Lakers in the first three games of this series. It is looking more and more like a second consecutive sweep for the defending champions. However, the Lakers still believe in their chances of coming back.
While no team has ever come back from 3-0 down, Redick and the Lakers are motivated enough to be the first team to do so. It is looking like it's impossible, but Redick is taking his chances.
The Lakers are obviously hobbled without star player Luka Doncic and top defender Jarred Vanderbilt. They still have a talented group out there, but it might not be enough. Despite that, Redick has faith in his tactics and players.
"I'm not giving up on the series. We're gonna go try to win on Monday. We're gonna try and extend the series, and we're trying to take this thing back to OKC," Redick assessed after the Game 3 loss.
As the Lakers look to defend home court in Game 4, they want to be as good as they can be. It has been a tough series on both ends of the floor, but Redick has been shutting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down with his defensive schemes. It could be the key to stealing at least one game in the series.
Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) overcame Tatsuro Taira's (18-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) takedowns and battered him on the feet to notch the TKO finish at the 1:32 mark of Round 5. The flyweight title bout was the UFC 328 co-main event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Taira started Round 1 with two hard leg kicks. He took a deep shot and landed the double leg takedown. He transitioned straight into full mount then side control. As Van tried to get up, Taira grabbed his neck, but Van broke free. Van landed a jab, followed by a nice combination. Taira connected with another hard leg kick, but Van fired back with a left. Taira level changed and landed another takedown. Van managed to get back up with seconds remaining in the first round, and landed a jab.
In Round 2, Taira pressed forward with a couple of jabs, then shot for the takedown. Van used the cage to defend and disengaged. Van landed a couple of big right hands as Taira shot for the takedown and got the mount position. He was unable to do any damage as he continued to hold Van down. Taira attempted a D'Arce choke, but Van was able to escape. A huge right hand by Van knocked down Taira at the end of the round.
Van tried to capitalize on a hurt Taira as he defended the first takedown attempt of Round 3. He had Taira backing up with several hard shots as he defended another telegraphed takedown. Van continued to find a home for the jab. He landed a big knee as Taira shot for the takedown, and followed it up with a combination. Taira was eating big shots. Van dropped a bloody Taira with a left jab and jumped on his back for a rear-naked choke, but Taira somehow survived. Van continued to stalk Taira. Taira landed a takedown, but Van popped back up as the round came to a close.
Taira got Van's attention with a big calf kick, but Van fired back. Taira landed his eighth takedown of the fight, and got the mount once again. Van eventually reversed, but got caught in a triangle choke. Van escaped and landed hard shots. Taira attempted another takedown, but couldn't get Van down. Van ended the round with two jabs.
Heading into the final round, two of the three judges had the fight scored two rounds apiece. Both fighters came out swinging. Van landed a jab and a right as Taira shot for the takedown. Van sprawled and started to attack the body. He swarmed Taira with punches as the referee intervened to stop the fight. An upset Taira protested the stoppage.
JOSHUA VAN FINISHES TATSURO TAIRA IN THE 5TH ROUND!!!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: A "Welcome to Dodger Stadium" sign is displayed before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are the results and details of every Los Angeles Dodgers game for 2026, from the beginning of the regular season through however long they last in the postseason.
Roundtable Sports writer John Denton discusses how the Cardinals pushed star San Deigo closer Mason Miller to the limit on Saturday by making his throw 29 pitches.
Throughout the season, as the Cardinals’ have overwhelmed
foes and surprised onlookers, manager Oliver Marmol has reminded that “tiny
victories” have often added up for sustained success for MLB’s second-youngest squad.
Getting 23-year-old slugger Jordan Walker to swing at fewer
sliders off the plate is one of those “tiny victories” the Cardinals have chalked
up at times this season. Having Michael McvGreevy and Matthew Liberatore learn
how to get outs without overwhelming velocity has been another.
The Cardinals lost 4-2 to the Padres on Saturday night, but
how they made superstar closer Mason Miller work in the eighth and ninth
innings might qualify as a tiny victory that could pay dividends in the series
finale on Sunday.
Miller, who has gained national headlines for how he has
dominated hitters this season, came into Saturday 11 for 11 in saves with a 1.04
ERA in 17 appearances. He had allowed just seven hits and two earned runs in 17
1/3 innings while striking out 34 and walking just three. Also, he ranked in
MLB’s 100th percentile in average fastball velocity (101.2 mph),
chase rate (44 percent), whiff rate (57.8 percent), strikeout rate (55.7
percent) and hard-hit rate (16.7 percent).
The Cardinals did their best to lay off Miller’s slider and
drew two walks and Yohel Pozo reached on a wild pitch to load the bases in the
ninth inning against the game’s most dominant force out of the bullpen. Cardinals’
rookie JJ Wetherholt, who had a third-inning single and scored in the eighth
inning after being hit by a pitch, saw three sliders to open his at bat before
getting a 101.8 mph four-seam fastball that he was unable to pull the trigger
on for a game-ending strikeout.
Still, the Cardinals made Miller throw 29 pitches – 17 for
strikes – meaning he will likely be unavailable to pitch in Sunday’s finale.
Dustin May registers another Quality Start
Dustin May (3-4) pitched 4 1/3 no-hit innings before
allowing a solo home run to Ty France. May was a victim of bad luck later in
the inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. looped an end-of-the-bat single into right
field to plate two more runs.
Over six innings of work, May surrendered just three hits
and two earned runs, while striking out seven and walking two. It was his fifth
quality start over his last six appearances.
Ivan Herrera’s run-scoring double forced Miller into the
game in the eighth inning. Then, in the ninth, Gorman and Church walked and
Pozo reached on a wild pitch despite being one of four strikeouts in the inning
by the fire-balling closer.
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (R-L) Joshua Van of Myanmar punches Tatsuro Taira of Japan in the UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Joshua Van cemented himself as flyweight champion after a stunning performance to beat Tatsuro Taira in a potential Fight of the Year at UFC 328.
Again and again, Van had to deal with Taira’s dominant ground game after the Japanese flyweight connected with multiple takedowns. But Van was relentless with his ability to get up again and then he absolutely punished Taira on the feet with fast, powerful hands.
The end came in the final round when Van unleashed another blinding combination that hurt Taira to the body before going back up top to the head. When Taira dropped this time, referee Vitor Ribeiro saw enough and stopped the fight at 1:32 in the fifth round as Van successfully defended his title.
JOSHUA VAN FINISHES TATSURO TAIRA IN THE 5TH ROUND!!!
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 10, 2026
“It feels damn good to be the champion again,” Van said after the win. “I said I was going to finish him inside three rounds and I almost did but he’s a tough motherf*cker. As soon as I got to the body, it was over. Shout out to Tatsuro, the Japanese fans and we can’t forget the Burmese fans.”
It took less than a minute for Taira to explode forward and land a big slam to bring Van to the ground for the first time. Taira immediately moved into the mount before shifting into side control as he maintained top position on Van.
Van eventually scrambled out of the bad position before defending a potential guillotine choke before getting back to his feet again. A quick jab landed from Van but Taira countered quickly with another takedown against the cage.
Just before the round ended, Taira unloaded with some ground and pound before Van escaped as time ran out.
Taira looked for another takedown but he got shut down this time and Van made him pay for it. With room to work, Van started popping Taira with his lightning quick punches in succession.
Van cracked Taira several times and it appeared he was hurting the top ranked contender but then out of nowhere the Japanese flyweight exploded forward with another takedown. Taira could do much on the ground and when the fighters got up again, Van connected with a brutal right hand that immediately scored a knockdown.
It looked like Van might get the finish but Taira was able to grab onto the flyweight champion until time expired to allow him one-minute to recover.
On the restart, Van was just popping Taira with a lead jab and he blocked a takedown attempt with a huge knee up the middle that landed with thudding force. Van scored another takedown with a jab directly to the chin and it appeared Taira was all but finished.
Van nearly locked up a rear-naked choke but instead returned to the feet with Taira’s face covered in blood from the damage done. Somehow Taira survived and scored a late takedown as the fight moved into the championship rounds.
In round four, Taira opened with a nasty calf kick that immediately affected Van before landing yet another takedown. Taira got to mount again and he was maintaining control while also slamming the champion with some shoulder shrugs on the canvas.
Van finally exploded and nearly got caught in a triangle choke but he escaped and returned to the feet.
With five minutes remaining, Van opened with that same damaging jab that pieced up Taira all night long. Taira kept trying for takedowns but he wasn’t able to grab onto Van, who was firing back with a furious combination of strikes.
That’s when Van connected with another barrage of shots including several to the body and a brutal right hand that put Taira down on the canvas and the referee stepped in to stop it. Van showed resilience and a skill set that proved he deserves to sit atop the flyweight rankings but he also knows he has some unfinished business with Alexandre Pantoja after a freak injury ended their first fight this past December.
“Pantoja, you better get your shit right,” Van shouted after his win. “We can run it back if you want.”
Ann Arbor — Dusty May estimates that every high-major big guy who entered the transfer portal went on Michigan’s list.
With forward Yaxel Lendeborg out of eligibility and with center Aday Mara and forward Morez Johnson Jr. having NBA decisions to make, May and his coaching staff couldn’t sit on their hands. The day after winning the national title, they had to get right to work constructing next season’s roster.
“You have to put yourself in as many positions as you can to be successful,” May said last month. “It happens so fast. I don’t even really remember which ones you talk about first or identify first. It’s just there’s a tidal wave coming at you, and you’re trying to find the best fit for you.”
May explained the “sweet spot” from when the portal opens to when players start making transfer commitments is three to 10 days. Typically, there’s a couple of Zooms, the two sides negotiate and a decision is made, sometimes without a player even visiting campus.
As Michigan narrowed its list of targets and gathered as much information as quickly as possible, it came away from the mad scramble with three frontcourt pieces. The Wolverines won a recruiting battle for Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam, swiftly added Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella and quietly scooped up LSU forward Jalen Reed.
In the span of two weeks, Michigan landed a transfer class that ranks No. 9 in the nation, per 247Sports, and is headlined by Thiam, who’s widely rated as a top-15 player and one of the best centers in the portal by numerous national outlets.
May and his staff’s track record with bigs certainly attracted Thiam. The way May utilized 7-footers Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin together two seasons ago caught Mara’s attention. That case was strengthened with the smashing success the Wolverines had with the three-big lineup of Lendeborg, Johnson and Mara this past season.
On top of the individual improvement Wolf, Goldin, Lendeborg, Johnson and Mara made at Michigan is the NBA component. May noted other schools were using his lack of draft picks against him in recruiting — “How many are you supposed to have at FAU or a place like that?” May wondered — until Wolf was selected in the first round last year. In this year’s draft, Lendeborg, Mara and Johnson are projected first-rounders. All of that has helped immensely in the way the Wolverines are received.
“I think there’s a proof of concept. It’s not as if we’re having to sell a vision,” May said. “With Moustapha, this is how we played Aday and Morez, (but) we’re not going to use you exactly like that. We’re going to accentuate your talents and put you in a position to be extremely successful.”
When it comes to how Thiam compares to the other 7-footers May has coached at Michigan like Goldin, Wolf and Mara, the Senegal native is tall and skilled but that’s where the similarities end.
“He’s a lot different. … His game isn’t like theirs,” May said. “It’s exciting to have another player with the talent he has that we can tweak our system to and play through a little bit. He’s got a lot of weapons in this toolbox. He’s going to be fun to coach.”
It’s the opposite coaching against him. May can attest to that. The Wolverines got an up-close look of Thiam and what he’s capable of when they faced the Bearcats in an October exhibition, though Johnson and Mara didn’t suit up in that preseason contest.
Toward the end of the season, Thiam took his play to another level and recorded three straight 20-point games at Kansas, at Texas Tech and against Oklahoma State in late February. He finished the campaign averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 27.2 minutes.
“We had no answers for him down low (in the exhibition),” May said. “He’s a guy that we think we’ll be able to identify some matchup advantages for us … on the perimeter, in the low post and in transition. We’re excited because he’s proved he can do it at a high level and in the Big 12.”
Having to previously scout and compete against Thiam was useful for Michigan. So were the conversations Michigan’s staff had with the coaches at Cincinnati and UCF, where Thiam spent his freshman season, before he came to Ann Arbor for visit.
It was a similar situation with Estrella. There was already some familiarity there since the Wolverines squared off against the Volunteers in the Elite Eight. Estrella started that NCAA Tournament game — a 95-62 win by Michigan — and played 25 minutes.
But as Michigan scoured the portal for “the right guys,” it did so with the returning players and their skill sets in mind, namely starting point guard Elliot Cadeau.
“We feel like Elliott, first and foremost, is a cheat code in the pick-and-roll. He needs certain things for him to maximize his ability, so that factored into us targeting certain players,” May said.
Take Estrella’s knack as a physical screener, for example. May called Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn and UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. the two best screeners Michigan faced all season and credited those two with helping their teammates be even more successful because of their screening ability.
Not only can Estrella (6-foot-10) deliver in that department, but he and Thiam (7-2) can serve as lob threats, which was a potent part of Michigan’s offense when Cadeau shared the floor with Johnson and Mara. With Estrella and Thiam also capable of making perimeter shots — Estrella was 4-for-10 on 3-pointers last season and Thiam shot 15-for-52 from deep — that can help with spacing and cutting for others.
The same goes for the 6-10 Reed, a 37.9% career 3-point shooter who’s had to deal with health hurdles the past two seasons. Two years ago, Reed’s season was cut short after eight games due to a torn ACL. Last season, he was limited to six games because of an Achilles tear. Both injuries required surgery.
While there’s a calculated risk that comes with every transfer addition, May felt comfortable taking a gamble on Reed, who made 39 starts in 79 games during his four-year carer at LSU.
“We felt like if he can get back to full strength, he’s a really good basketball player,” May said. “We thought he was a very good take. He could certainly outperform his expectations if he’s healthy.”
May noted he wasn’t as familiar with Reed as some of his staff members. Assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen recruited Reed during his previous stop at Georgia. Others had watched Reed play over the years.
When May turned on Reed’s tape, he saw what everyone else did.
“I went back and watched his games and clips pre-injury, and I was impressed with him,” May said. “He wanted to come for all the right reasons.”
That matters, especially when it comes to the transfer portal whirlwind and the decisive decisions that need to be made on players who will determine next season’s success.
“As soon as you feel like you’re close on a guy, you dive into the intel and try to see if it’s the right fit,” May said. “Luckily, I think the right kind of guys have been attracted to us for the most part.”
On Saturday night at UFC 328, the flyweight title was on the line when current champion Joshua Van defended his recently won title for the first time against talented Japanese grappler Tatsuro Taira. Early on, it looked like the challenger might dominate with his ground game. However, the champ was patient and let his fists do the talking.
Over fight-hard-fought rounds, Van’s striking wore Taira out, and he eventually scored a technical knockout in the fifth and final round. Following the UFC 328 main event, let’s see where Van and Taira land in our updated UFC flyweight rankings.
10. Steve Erceg (14-4)
Jason Silva-Imagn Images
Australian Steve Erceg got off to a fast start in the UFC by winning three straight. The 11-fight win streak overall earned him a title shot two years ago against then-champion Alexandre Pantoja. However, “Astroboy” struggled in the deep end of the flyweight pool. Losing to the Brazilian and then in his next two against top-five fighters.
However, he has bounced back with a pair of important wins. The most recent came against top-15 stalwart Tim Elliot in May. The victories have helped earn his way back into our UFC flyweight rankings.
9. Lone’er Kavanagh (10-1)
Per Haljestam-Imagn Images
Despite a 3-1 record in the UFC, England’s Lone’er Kavanagh lands a spot in our latest UFC flyweight rankings. The reason is a massive upset win in March over division legend Brandon Moreno. The 26-year-old came in on short notice and had to adjust to the high altitude of Mexico City, yet it didn’t matter as he scored a career-defining win over the former champion in his hometown.
Former M1 and Brave CF star Asu Almabayev entered the UFC having won 13 straight. He extended his hot streak inside the Octagon by winning his first four fights and scored victories over top 15 fighters Matheus Nicolau and Ode Osbourne. Unfortunately, when he took a big step up in competition against Manel Kape in March, he suffered his first loss in eight years.
However, he has bounced back from the setback with a pair of victories, including a big submission win over top-15 stalwart Alex Perez in November.
7. Brandon Royval (17-9)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Brandon Royval has quietly been one of the best 125-pound fighters in the world for quite some time. While he has come up short in some big fights, he owns a few impressive victories, including one over former division king Brandon Moreno.
However, fighting the best constantly comes with risk. At UFC 317, he took on the challenge of rising star Joshua Van and was surprisingly outgunned by the 23-year-old. Then, in December, he headlined a UFC Fight Night card against dangerous striker Manel Kape and was on the wrong end of the first knockout loss of his career.
6. Brandon Moreno (22-10-2)
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Few flyweights have been better than Brandon Moreno. He has been in some of the greatest fights in the division’s history and is a two-time champion. However, father time comes for all legends and he has been tapping on the Mexican’s shoulder in recent years.
Moreno was 3-2 heading into a clash in his home country against prospect Lone’er Kavanagh and needed a win to stay on the fringe of the title conversation. Unfortunately, he was on the wrong end of a surprise upset in Mexico City. There is a real possibility that it was the last time fans saw Moreno in the Octagon.
5. Kyoji Horiguchi (36-5)
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
After leaving the UFC nearly a decade ago, Kyoji Horiguchi had a fantastic run outside the company and has long been viewed as the best flyweight not in the UFC. In November of 2025, the former dual Rizin and Bellator champion made his triumphant return to the promotion with an impressive decision win over Tagir Ulanbekov.
The Japanese star returned in February and got a stiff test from Amir Albazi. However, he once again outclassed one of the better flyweights in the world. After his latest victory, Horiguchi may be one win away from a title fight in 2026.
4. Manel Kape (22-7)
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
It hasn’t always been easy for Manel Kape in the UFC, but “Starboy” remains one of the division’s most exciting fighters. In his last eight fights, he is 7-1 with five finishes. One of the biggest knocks on his Octagon resume was the lack of marquee wins. Well, he got that in December.
In a UFC Fight Night headlining role, he took on top-five stalwart Brandon Royval, and Kape scored a massive first-round knockout win. He is as close as ever to a title shot in 2026.
3. Tatsuro Taira (18-2)
John Jones-Imagn Images
It has been a very long time since Japan has had a fighter representing the country at the highest levels of the sport. However, former Shooto champ Tatsuro Taira has emerged as one of the best flyweights in the world by winning eight of his first nine fights in the Octagon.
The impressive run earned him a title opportunity at UFC 328. However, despite landing a bunch of take-downs on Joshua Van, he was badly outmatched on the feet and suffered the first knockout loss of his career in the fifth and final round of a close fight.
2. Alexandre Pantoja (30-6) – Top Contender
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja has had a long, hard road to becoming the UFC flyweight king. He toiled away inside the division for years before he was finally able to earn a title fight at UFC 290. In his first chance at being champion, he made good by scoring a second (third unofficial) win over division king Brandon Moreno.
He has been on a roll ever since and is putting himself in the discussion as one of the best 125ers of all time. At UFC 317, he extended his win streak to eight straight with another dominant win, this time over Kai Kara-France. Pantoja has a case as the best flyweight ever, not named Demetrious Johnson.
1. Joshua Van (16=7-2) – Champion
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Joshua Van has become one of the flyweight division’s most exciting and dominant fighters after winning 10 of his 11 fights inside the Octagon. After a surprise loss to Charles Johnson in 2024, “The Fearless” caught fire and has won six straight.
While his title win at UFC 323 was controversial, he quieted many of his doubters in May when he overcame a bunch of takedowns from Tatsuro Taira and scored an impressive fifth-round TKO in his first title defense. Former champ Alexandre Pantoja will surely be next.
Joshua Van started his flyweight title reign in positive fashion at UFC 328 when he turned back dangerous challenger Tatsuro Taira.
After winning the belt in controversial fashion vs. Alexandre Pantoja in December, Van (16-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) successfully moved on to new business with a METHOD over Taira (18-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in Saturday's co-headliner at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Check below for the top X (formerly Twitter) reactions to Van beating Taira at UFC 327.
JAPAN'S OWN 🇯🇵@TatsuroTaira is making his walk to the Octagon!
The Carolina Hurricanes are back to the Eastern Conference Final after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers thanks to Jackson Blake's overtime winner in Game 4.
The Canes battled back from an early deficit and got the job done in the extra frame, securing back-to-back sweeps for the first time in the modern playoff era.
After the game, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour along with Blake, Taylor Hall, Frederik Andersen, Logan Stankoven, Sean Walker and Jaccob Slavin spoke with the media in Philadelphia. Here's what they had to say:
Rod Brind'Amour
On back-to-back sweeps: The impressive part is how we've gone about it. Obviously, we're getting some huge performances. But everybody's doing it. It's how we have to get it done. And go down the list. Every guy had his hands in these two series wins. On Sean Walker’s hectic 24 hours: Unbelievable. We talked about that before the game. These guys are having the time of their lives right now, and you’ve got to enjoy it. I love that he has that memory, for sure. That's special. Blaker, Hallsy, these guys are obviously playing great, but for me, it's just fun to sit back there and watch it, to be honest. On the game-winning goal happening because of Jaccob Slavin's gap in the neutral zone: Every goal usually you could probably dissect it that way. But that line in general is scoring some pretty special-looking goals. Everything has a sequence of events, as we like to say, and that's certainly what happened. On Frederik Andersen's postseason: Well, that's what I kind of mentioned. I'm just sitting back watching that. And I don’t think anybody predicted that. We certainly went into the playoffs thinking, ‘OK, we're probably going to use both. Why not? They both deserve to play.’ There's just been no reason to go any other direction. He’s just playing lights out, and obviously we need that to continue.
On having a long wait now until the Eastern Conference Final: Well, it's a good thing because we're going to be one of four teams left. So however long we’ve got to rest or be off, we'll do it. I think the good part is we just literally had the exact same thing, and we had a plan, and clearly it was okay, so we can follow that and run with it.
On what it means to get to the conference final again and how to get over the hump: It's a huge accomplishment, and you have to, right now, you need to soak that part of it in because it is. The season is so long, and there's that 82-game season we talk about that no one really gives much credit to, and yet, this team's played well for eight months. It didn't just get hot at the end or just started. It’s been night in, night out like this, and to me, that's the biggest takeaway for me. Probably the thing I'm most proud of with this group. And now, here we are. We've got to find a way to get that next step, and that's obviously easier said than done. But I know one thing is they're going to give that same effort, and that's what we have to have.
On Taylor Hall winning a faceoff leading to a goal: You don’t draw those up like that. But like I said, that line has just been incredible, obviously. Hallsy, you’ve got to get him a lot of credit with how he's played. Blaker and Stanks, they’ve just really meshed, and you just saw it tonight. It was obvious. The best guys out there for us, and we needed them.
On the fourth line: They were great too. Tough one on the called back goal, but really, you just look at the shifts, they're just positive. Every shift was like almost, almost. Janks had two or three on his stick. He had the empty net on one. Again, that's what you have to have this time of year. You need everyone contributing. On players saying that there's still another level to get to: I think they understand that there is. There’s going to need to be when we get to that next stage or whoever we're playing. And one of the things again about this group, they're an honest group. They can assess their game and their team game, and even though we won, they know that we got to get a little better.
Jackson Blake
On the game-winning goal: A lot went down on that goal. Slavo makes an unbelievable play and then Stanks middle line drives and pushes those D back and then Hallsy makes a play that not a lot of people can make there. Fortunately got the bounce and it went in. A lot of great plays there.
On his celebration: I mean, I blacked out, honestly. Once I saw it go in, just excitement. I was just happy that we could get the win and go home and get a little rest here.
On making it to back-to-back conference finals: I remember Hallsy even told me this last year, he said what you're doing right now isn't normal. You don't always get to go to the conference finals and stuff like that. It being my second year and to already reach it again is pretty special and the culture and the group we have this year, it's another level from even last year. I think last year we had a great group and we were really tight knit, but this year, it just feels a little different, I don't know what it is, but I like the way we're rolling.
On the 8-0 start: Everyone is contributing. Top to bottom. Like we said earlier too, Freddie's been... I don't know if I've ever seen a goalie play so good and handle the puck so well and do what he's doing back there. We have so much trust in him and what he's gonna bring every night. And our PK too has just been off the charts. That builds so much momentum for us. Most teams have good power plays, like the teams we've played so far*, and for them to do what they do is pretty special. Everyone has been so good and it's been a lot of fun coming to the rink every day.
On the team's response after giving up the first goal: Our first period wasn't great tonight, but I just loved the way that Hallsy and Stanks battle and compete every single night. In the second period, we just decided that we were going to play a little more simple and do it the way we know we can. Fortunately, we got a couple there to help the team win, but I think every night... you're not going to score every night, but you're going to do everything you can to help the team win. Tonight, fortunately, we did.
Taylor Hall
On Frederik Andersen: He's so calm and you're almost just expecting it every night now and that's kind of unfair to him, but he forces them to almost make the perfect shot or the perfect play to score on him. He's a huge reason why our PK is where it is. And then what some people might not notice is how he handles the puck. He's so calm back there and he makes the right play every time and that makes it a lot easier on our D.
On his faceoff win leading to the team's opening goal: I think sometimes for faceoff guys like [Christian] Dvorak, it's hard to go against someone like me. They don't really know what I'm gonna do or how I'm gonna take the faceoff. We had a play kind of drawn up there, but... I don't know. It's just a 50/50 battle at the end of the day. If we can get the puck back and get to our game, which we did as a line in the second period really well, that's how we want to play.
On the faceoff strategy: I'm on my off side and he's on his strong side, so he obviously wants to get in there, but I just tried to let him go first and then swipe at the puck after. I'm not even sure if that's how it went down, but like I said, it's just a puck battle at the end of the day and if you can get your body over the circle, then it gives you an advantage.
On the team's response: At the first intermission, we kind of knew that that wasn't the greatest first period for us. I know us as a line, we just wanted to get to our game and play in their end and forecheck. We know that the strength of our game as a team and as a line is forechecking and disruption and we got to that in the second period and we didn't really look back. Even though the score was tied, we felt like we were in the control.
On how reinvigorating it was for him as a player to join Carolina: It's unreal. It's everything I could ask for. To play on a line with Blakey and Stank and to be a line for 50-60 games, it's a lot of fun to come to work right now. We're winning and it feels like everyone is contributing. I've said this before, we work hard, but we do it with a smile on our face. It's a fun work environment and it's not like this everywhere. There are some places where it's like this, but this is pretty cool.
On Sean Walker making it to the game after going home to be with his wife for the birth of his daughter: It's awesome. He played really well too. He was jumping up in the play and he's just so good at exiting the zone and using his skating to carry the puck up the ice. I think he's getting confidence just more and more when he does that. Him and Key have been a great pair for us, they were tonight as well. But it's awesome to see. A life changing moment. I think he was a little bit stressed in the last couple weeks just on when it was gonna happen, if it was gonna be a game day or if he was gonna miss a game because when you looked at the due date, it was right around the second round of the playoffs. I think he was happy that it happened the way it did. You just have so much energy after seeing your kid born, so I wasn't worried about him in the least.
On the team's consistency: We don't have to change our game or the way we play a lot from the regular season. It's the same way. I think we've upped the physicality a bit and we hammer on the details, but the way we play is the exact same. I know it might look different from game to game, but there doesn't have to be a lot of thinking out there, at least that's how I feel. Consistency, everyone chipping in, everyone doing their job, coaching staff has been awesome, the penalty kill is really the engine of our team right now and it feels good.
On rest versus rust (again): It's probably going to be an even longer break this time. There's positives and negatives to it. I think the big positive is that we're onto the third round relatively unscathed and healthy. You don't want to see injuries per say, but we hope these series go far and you see these teams have battles. That's the advantage that we're gonna have. They're going to be hockey ready if the series goes long, but I think Rod, our strength staff, all of our staff do a good job of making sure we're ready athletically to play and from there, we get our footing pretty quickly.
Frederik Andersen
On closing out the series: There were a lot of different games, but I think they pushed really hard in this game. I don't think we came out the best way into the first period, kind of came tiptoeing into it, but I thought we came back better and better. Stuck with it and obviously got rewarded. Just a great job by everyone just to continue to battle for each other and eventually get that goal.
On the key to the series: When we get to our game, we're hard to play against and I think it wears guys down. We always talk about getting to our game and that's really what makes it hard for them. Spending time in their zone is taxing for the other team and that's what we want to try to do as much as possible.
On the 8-0 start: Every series is a race to four. That's our mindset. You want to win the next one however we have to do that. That's really the focus. Obviously winning quick is beneficial in terms of getting rest and getting ready for the next one. We're happy to do that and put them away. Obviously they fought back, but you really don't want to add extra games if you can avoid it.
On not seeing many shots, but still having to make a few difficult saves: For me, it was just about staying with it. That's the key for me, just expect whatever they got. I don't really look at the chances and quality and all that. I'm just trying to be in the moment and whatever happens. If I save the one before or don't, I just try to make the next one. That's my focus.
On making another conference final: You have to get through the conference final to win it. It takes four series. We're happy with the work we've put in so far. We obviously talk about it a lot. Obviously the first step is to make the playoffs and we've taken big steps toward that, but we've just continued to push and again, we have a lot of experience. It's going to be a good battle in the next series no matter what happens.
On the save on Garnet Hathaway in the third period: He made a good pass over and I just tried to cover as much space as possible. I felt like I got the pad on it, obviously I didn't know where it was after that, but obviously that was huge [for Slavin to clear it right after]. He's so smart defensively. He's not the only guy that thinks to do that, but he definitely is there and tries to be an extra layer.
Logan Stankoven
On getting back on the scoresheet: I thought the first period, I didn't play great, just individually. We talked about it as a line in between periods. We had to be simpler and even if we're not scoring, just try and create some momentum and some O-zone shifts. We did, and we were able to cash in a few times, so it was nice. Great to get back on the board. On Jaccob Slavin’s gap leading to the game-winning goal: I think just being tight on our guys and we always talk about our forwards reloading hard and backing up the D, so that allows him to pinch there and create a great turnover. And then I think just with our speed, we can attack. A great play by Hallsy, and Blaker just put it in. On Dan Vladar's game: I thought both goalies were great. For the last period and a bit and most of overtime, I thought we had the better of the chances and just knew if we could stay 5-on-5, we could dominate. I thought we were able to have some Grade-A chances, and like you said, he made some great saves,
On Frederik Andersen: He's just so calm back there, and we have a lot of trust in him. Yeah, he’s fun to watch. He just battles hard, and it's what you need in big games like this. On back-to-back sweeps: I honestly think we have another level to get to, I still think. Our stat wasn't great again tonight. So I think we are playing well and it's great to get the sweeps, but I think we do have another level to get to. And I'm sure if you could ask any of the guys, they'd agree with me. On Sean Walker: It's really exciting for him. I can't imagine going through that and just where your head's at. And he came out and battled hard, and he didn't look out of place at all. So really happy for him and his family, and we're going to need him down the stretch here.
On getting scored on for the first time this postseason: It's never fun when you get scored on and you're responsible for it. But it's nice to make up for it. When you get scored on, you want to get it back for your team and at least get even, but we were able to pull ahead and come out on the plus side, which is big.
On Taylor Hall: He just drives play and he's so fun to watch. A lot of people have been saying it's like a blast from the past for him. Even just on a few of those plays, he's just flying down the wing and making plays and using his speed to his advantage. It's great to watch and fun to play with.
On Hall's physicality this postseason: You'd be surprised. He can crush some guys. Definitely keep your head up if he's around. His speed and he's just a pretty thick guy.
Sean Walker
On what 24-hour jet lag feels like: Maybe more like 24 hours with just a couple naps. But yeah, it was quite the whirlwind over the last couple days, but it all worked out really well.
On how his wife and daughter are: Mom and baby are doing amazing. I can't put into words how proud I am of her. She had to go through it for a little bit without me there. I did make it, but she was amazing. And just, it's funny, you know already how much you love your new daughter. And again, my wife is a rock star, the way she killed it, and just so proud of her. And I love them both. On how things unfolded: She had an appointment on Thursday, and they said things are kind of getting going but weren't too worried about it. And after [Game 3], she called me at like 1 a.m. — I was still up — and she said her water broke. So I called [Head of Team Services Mike Brown] right away. Thankfully, there was a 6 a.m. flight, and we were able to get there in time. And I was there for everything. The baby gods were on my side on that one, and I got to experience it all. It was amazing — really an amazing experience. On waiting to get on the flight Friday morning: She FaceTimed me. I was on FaceTime with her the whole time, then she FaceTimed me again when I was just about to board the plane and things were kind of getting going. So that was really tough. But again, she killed it. And can't say it enough, how proud I am her. On getting back into game mode: It was weird. It was kind of like one of the easiest and hardest games I've maybe ever played, if that makes sense. You just kind of live in the moment, running on no sleep. I ate my pregame meal in the hospital cafeteria. Yeah, it's just crazy, but you just show up. The guys were amazing, everybody: team services, the whole organization, from the owner down, really made it possible for me to be there and get back in time. And, yeah, I just was happy to contribute. On getting a couple days off now: I didn't want to get on the boys and tell them we better win tonight, but I'm really appreciative everybody dug in. The sweeps huge for everybody, but to take this time to just be with my family is going to be really special.
On when he got back: I landed at 2, so it was early enough where it was kind of nice. I got a little bit of time to go to the hotel, freshen up, laid down for a little bit and took the bus with the boys. So it was all good. On if he has anything from the game to bring: I got some things in mind, but she’ll get those eventually.
Jaccob Slavin
On if he's getting sick of killing 5-on-3s yet: I mean, it's never fun... actually, I do enjoy it. It's fun to be out there and obviously it's better when we don't get scored on. We gotta make sure we dial in in the later rounds. It's going to be extremely important to not have to kill those off, so we have to do a better job of being disciplined.
On making yet another conference final: You have to take it one step at a time and it's just another step in the process. We got a good group in here who have all been here before and everyone knows what to expect and knows what is expected of us. So we have to make sure we're going in with the right mindset and continue to just chip away and work hard like we do.
On what makes this group different: I mean, familiarity with the way we have to play. We have just about everyone back from last year and a couple of new additions who just make us that much better. All those guys are stepping up and playing big minutes and big roles for us. I think what's different about this group and what's helping us is just the expectations of how we have to play. We're getting success from goaltending, PK, power play, 5v5 hockey. Everything is clicking right now.
On Frederik Andersen: He's been locked in. He's been unbelievable for us. An absolute brick wall back there and when we have had breakdowns, he's been there to shut the door. So that's huge for us and we just need to continue to do that.
On the team still having another level to get to: I think so. I think we're giving up a little bit too much. A couple of breakaways, a couple of 2-on-1s that we don't need to be giving up. So I think as we progress here, we need to make sure we're playing both sides of the puck extremely well, making the right decisions through the neutral zone. I think we still have more.
On back-to-back sweeps: You take the wins, you take the rest. Obviously it's not the goal, so we have to do all eight wins again just to get to the end. It's just another step.
On his gap leading to the game-winning goal: As a D corps, we try to stay tight all around the ice and that was a prime example of what we try to do. We try to suffocate teams and not let them get in our zone and so that's a part of it. Hallsy and Blaker made a great play, I just happened to have a tight gap.
On Sean Walker: It's awesome for him. Obviously hockey is amazing, to get the win is amazing, but for him to welcome a baby into the world, there's so much more to life than hockey and so happy for him, happy for his family. He came and played amazing today. Dad strength.
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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons on May 9, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CLEVELAND — James Harden was the last player on the practice floor after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lone tune-up between Games 2 and 3 of their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors. Everyone else was hurrying out of the team’s facility to prepare for the flight to Canada later that afternoon.
Harden picked up something while watching film from Game 2 of that series. He noticed that they were defending him a certain way, and he wanted to get as much practice as possible to combat Toronto’s scheme. I couldn’t tell what that specific thing was, only that he was meticulously working on various ways to generate three-point looks when coming off screens on his right.
All players go through individual drills with coaches to varying degrees. That isn’t unique. The level of focus he approached it with was — especially on an off day. Every time Harden missed a shot or didn’t get the footwork how he wanted coming off the screen, he cursed. Some were under his breath that you would only notice if you were watching. Others you could hear from across the gym.
“There’s a cerebral part of the work he does individually,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said then.
Fast forward two and a half weeks to Game 3 of the second-round series against the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs coughed up what was a 17-point lead in the third quarter, and were trailing at times in the fourth. They needed baskets down the stretch to take and maintain the lead.
Instead of calling his own number, Donovan Mitchell deferred despite leading both teams in points with 35. And the reason was simple.
“You see the work,” Mitchell said. “He’s worked really hard on his game, and his resume speaks for itself.”
The resume does speak for itself.
Harden is one of the most accomplished guards in NBA history. He’s achieved nearly every individual accolade out there and has climbed the ladder in both all-time points (9th) and assists (12th). Even at 36 years-old, the skills that have allowed him to reach that point are undeniable.
The one hole in his portfolio is a lack of playoff success. His teams have faltered in the biggest moments, and so has he.
Harden has proved all the stereotypes about himself correct in the three months he’s been in Cleveland.
We saw what has led to his numerous postseason shortcomings during the first two games in Detroit. Turnovers, an inability to hit a big shot when his team needed one, and being picked on defensively were all present at the worst times for the Cavs. His play helped turn two winnable games into losses.
The other stereotype that he’s proven true is that he’s one of the hardest-working players in the league.
A week back, I asked Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković what causes certain players to rise in the playoffs while others fall. He attributed it to their preparation.
“I think that work is the baseline,” Rajaković said. “Players that really know that they put the right work in, they’re ready for this stage. … Those guys, they tend to fight through fatigue, through adversity, through whatever the playoffs bring. … I strongly believe it comes down to work.”
We don’t think of Harden as someone who’s fought through adversity, at least not on the court in the playoffs. We typically reserve that kind of thinking for players who we see overcome the obstacles thrown their way to emerge victorious.
At the same time, Harden has overcome obstacles. He’s bounced back from every collapse and put himself in that position again the next year with the work he’s put in to still be playing at an incredibly high level in his 17th season in the league. Whether that motivation is monetary or for trying to win is unknown, and honestly, it doesn’t matter. The work ethic is the same regardless of the reason.
Sports often present this false binary. Everyone on the victorious team is labeled a winner, while those on the other are losers. There’s no room in between the two opposites.
Yet, if you judged whether someone is a winner by how they respond to challenges and shortcomings, you’d be hard-pressed to find many that meet the bar Harden has set.
“You know the American way is championship or nothing,” Atkinson said before the playoffs. “In our movies, we call the little kid, ‘Hey Champ.’ That’s the thing. Sure, we’d all love to win the championship, but that doesn’t mean you’re not successful.”
Harden isn’t a winner in any way that we would typically define it, and understandably so because he’s fallen short in the playoffs too many times. Making crucial plays late in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals isn’t a big enough stage to alter that, even if his three-straight baskets and game-sealing triple over Tobias Harris after being hip-checked is why the Cavs’ season still has oxygen.
When asked why he wanted the ball in that situation, his answer was simple.
“It’s something that I work on literally every day,” Harden said. “It’s basically repetition, and it’s the confidence to go out there and just do it.”
While this one two-minute stretch won’t change how he’s remembered, this game shows why it’s unfair to label him a loser or someone who will never be a part of a championship. The habits and work ethic that lead to winning have always been there.
And for one night, we saw that pay off in a way it typically hasn’t in the last 17 years.
“I’m not playing this long, at this high a level without putting the work in,” Harden said. “This is 17 years for me, and I work extremely hard, like, extremely hard on my body, especially since the last few years. … The confidence is always going to be there. It’s always there, and just put me in a position to be successful, and good things happen.”
Please don’t do this, Santa Fe teenager Alberto Crane was advised. It doesn’t make sense.
This urgent counsel came not from cynics or naysayers but from friends and family, those who cared about him the most. And young Alberto was forced to admit they were right; it really didn’t make sense.
He did it anyway.
Regrets, 30 years later? Not even a few.
“There’s that quote … that most people lead lives of quiet desperation,” Crane said in a recent phone interview from his home in Los Angeles, “because they never go for their dreams. You have a choice. You can risk it. You can risk it all.
“… I’m grateful I chose to take that risk, because it didn’t make sense but I followed my heart.”
Today, Crane, 49, is an accomplished martial artist, fighter, businessman and instructor who has lived with multiple sclerosis the past 14 years. He’s the subject of a book, entitled “All In: Lessons On and Off the Mat,” about his life’s journey.
It has been a journey and then some.
Crane, as related by “All In” author Mexhele Deuxlemarr, was introduced to jiujitsu by a fellow employee — Amal Easton, who would become a lifelong friend and mentor — at Santa Fe’s Coyote Cafe.
Quickly, bussing tables became a lot less interesting.
So, at 19, Crane parlayed his savings from the restaurant into a plane ticket to Rio de Janeiro. Thoughts of joining the Navy or following his mother into formal education were left behind.
Brazilian jiujitsu would become his life. His career as a fighter and in the business of martial arts, his marriage to Edit, parenthood, all flowed from that giant leap he’d taken in 1995.
Both in business and athletic competition, he’s far won more than he lost. But in both pursuits, he’s been taken to the mat plenty of times. He’s never given up.
Crane’s many medals and trophies won in jiujitsu are not listed on tapology.com, but his 20 MMA fights are there. He retired with a 15-5 record, the King of the Cage title he won at Santa Ana Star Casino in 2003 and an 0-2 mark in the UFC.
Of the UFC losses to Roger Huerta and Kurt Pellegrino in 2007-08, Crane said he viewed those fights in the entire context of his career.
“Who knows what’s good and what’s bad?” he said. “Maybe it was for the best. You know, I had a full career.”
In 1999, after two stints in Brazil, Crane had come home to Santa Fe and set up shop as a BJJ instructor. Making a living thus, he found, was going to be a challenge — whether in New Mexico or, later, in Southern California.
“Business is never easy,” he said. “But I was able to have the right tools in my toolbox to do well and keep that same mindset, master-minding with the right people.”
None of his success could have happened, he wrote in an acknowledgment at the beginning of “All In,” without the blessing of his mother, Virginia — despite her early misgivings about his career path — and that of his late maternal grandfather, Albert Gonzalez — who lost his eyesight in a freak diving accident in 1929 yet graduated from New Mexico State and became an attorney and a state congressman.
Talk about never giving up.
Crane recently visited his mother in Santa Fe on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, Crane continues to teach daily at his gym, Legacy Burbank. He attributes his strength and vigor to TacFit, a fitness system he endorses, and a mind-over-matter approach to life.
“It’s my choice, right?” he said. “I’m not going to be a victim. I’m not, ‘poor me.’ No, I’m going to do my best no matter what life gives me.”
Though he’s traveled the world as a fighter and lived in California for decades, Crane said he’ll always call New Mexico home.
“I love New Mexico,” he said. “I love the 505. It’s my family, my people.”
Aside from Las Cruces’ pitching dominance, there wasn’t much about the opening weekend of the Class 5A baseball playoffs that moved the needle.
The 12th-seeded Bulldawgs shut out No. 5 Centennial for the second consecutive day, and a 2-0 victory Saturday propelled Las Cruces into next week’s quarterfinals in Albuquerque.
The other seven top seeds join the Bulldawgs in the quarters.
The Thursday quarterfinals look like this: No. 1 Rio Rancho versus No. 8 Mayfield at 4 p.m., and No. 2 Cleveland against No. 7 Eldorado at 7 p.m., both at Santa Ana Star Field.
The other two quarters Thursday are at the Riordan Complex on the West Side, with No. 3 La Cueva facing No. 6 Carlsbad at 4 p.m., followed by the Bulldawgs and No. 6 Piedra Vista at 7 p.m.
Armando Gonzalez twirled a three-hitter for Las Cruces in its win over the Hawks. The Bulldawgs scored both their runs in the fifth.
The top-seeded Rams (23-5) spotted Atrisco Heritage the first two runs but won comfortably, 12-2 in five innings. Wyatt Tinker homered and drove in three runs for Rio Rancho.
Down the road at Cleveland, the Storm (25-3) ousted Sandia with an 8-1 victory. Cleveland put up four runs in the top of the first, which was more than enough run support for Treven Polanco who tossed five solid innings. Peyton Noel doubled twice and drove in a pair of runs for the Storm.
No. 3 La Cueva outscored Hobbs 30-2 in two games; the Bears (25-3) romped 13-1 in Game 2 of this series on Saturday morning.
Dylan Blomker drove in four runs for La Cueva, including a bases-clearing, three-RBI double in the first inning, and Everett Burdett struck out 11 in five innings of work. Mikey McMullan had three RBIs for the Bears.
Piedra Vista (24-4) had 20 hits in an 18-8 rout of Clovis. Kyle Murphy went 4-for-4 with five runs to lead the Panther offense, which put the Wildcats away with seven runs in the first.
No. 6 Carlsbad (18-10) is into Week 2 after a tight, come-from-behind 4-3 win over Organ Mountain. In the fourth inning, EZ Lopez and Ricardo Herrera each drove in a run in the fourth to put the Cavemen ahead for good.
Eldorado (24-4) pounded Rio Grande 16-2 to get to Week 2. Sully Wilson belted a pair of home runs for the Eagles, who finished with 20 hits and jumped on Rio Grande early with a six-run first inning.
Eldorado belted four home runs. Sebastian Mestes went deep and had four RBIs, and Maddox Gonzales hit a homer and drove in three.
In Las Cruces, Mayfield (20-7-1) shut out Los Lunas 10-0 as Brad Springer surrendered just one hit and struck out seven in a complete game. Aden Garcia doubled and had four RBIs for the Trojans.
From Class 4A, ninth-seeded St. Pius (15-12) authored another fantastic finish and ousted No. 8 Grants on Saturday, winning Game 2 of their series 7-3. Diego Trujillo’s two-RBI triple was the key blow in the seventh for the Sartans who next play No. 1 Artesia.
No. 5 Albuquerque Academy and No. 6 Hope Christian both won Game 2’s on Saturday and are into the 4A quarterfinals.
The Chargers (20-7) overcame an early 3-0 deficit, and put up four spots in both the second and third innings for a commanding 9-3 lead. Academy eventually eliminated Los Alamos with a 13-6 win.
Joseph Rounds went 4-for-4 for Academy, and Langston Leigh drove in four runs on three hits.
At Santa Ana Star Field, the Huskies (22-6) looked strong in an 11-6 victory over Belen.
Caleb Pena and Hunter Solwick each recorded three RBIs for Hope, which turned a close game (a 4-2 Huskies lead in the fifth) into something larger with seven runs in that inning.
As with 5A, not a single best-of-3 series required a third game. Artesia, Deming and No. 10 Bloomfield joined the other five in the quarterfinals.
Valley, the 14 seed, lost a pair of one-run decisions to No. 3 Santa Teresa. The Desert Warriors won 2-1 on Friday and 7-6 on Saturday. Bernalillo was swept by No. 2-seeded Goddard.
Thursday’s quarterfinals at the Riordan Complex are as follows: Bloomfield-Goddard at 10 a.m., Santa Teresa-Hope at 1 p.m., Academy-Deming at 3:30 p.m. and Artesia-St. Pius at 6:30 p.m.
In 3A, Sandia Prep advanced, blanking Hot Springs 7-0. The Sundevils (18-8) won by shutout in Game on 1 on Friday, as well.
Logan Lemons was magnificent on the bump for Sandia Prep, firing a 1-hitter while striking out 17 batters. He also had three hits.
James Yodice covers prep sports for the Journal. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com or via X at @JamesDYodice.
Las Cruces High's Zaysha Hawkins drove in two runs in the top of the fifth inning on Saturday to lead No. 10 Las Cruces to a 3-1 road win over No. 2 Alamogordo to complete an upset-heavy first weekend of the Class 5A State Softball Tournament.
No. 1 Mayfield is the only top-four seed to make it to Thursday's 5A winner's bracket quarterfinals, which start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Cleveland High School — home, coincidentally, to the Trojans' 5th-seeded opponent on Thursday morning.
Most of the first weekend’s Class 5A games were completed on Friday.
The other 5A winner's bracket quarterfinal in the double-elimination tournament will be the Bulldawgs (16-12), who had been swept in three games by Alamogordo in the regular season, playing No. 6 Piedra Vista.
In elimination games on Thursday at Cleveland starting at noon will be No. 4 Los Lunas vs. No. 9 Centennial and No. 2 Alamogordo vs. No. 3 Organ Mountain — two of the state's top teams all season already on the brink of their season ending. (Alamogordo took two of 3 from Organ Mountain in the regular season).
VIEW CLASS 5A BRACKET HERE
Class 4A
In Artesia, the top seeded Bulldogs rolled through their pod and into Thursday's winner's bracket round with an 8-2 win over No. 9 Goddard.
After a brief 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning by the Rockets (14-14), Artesia blew it open with a four-run bottom half of the frame then put an exclamation point on things with a three-run sixth.
The Bulldogs (24-4) play fellow District 4-4A Lovington at Cleveland High School at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
No. 5 LOVINGTON 9, No. 4 ST. PIUS 6: At St. Pius, the visiting Wildcats won on the road Saturday to get a rematch with Artesia in Thursday's winner's bracket.
Sartans' junior Aubri Hooee went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the loss, as St. Pius falls into the loser's bracket vs. Goddard at noon on Thursday at Cleveland.
No. 3 SILVER 20, No. 11 BELEN 0 (3 innings): In Silver, the host Colts made quick work of the visiting Eagles, scoring three runs in each of the first two innings before a monstrous 14 run third brought the game to a halt.
Silver junior catcher Vanesa Lucero was 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and four RBIs. Pitcher Azariah Madrid allowed one hit and faced just 10 batters in her three innings of work in the circle.
The Colts (21-7) play either No. 2 Aztec at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at Cleveland.
No. 2 AZTEC 1, No. 7 KIRTLAND CENTRAL 0: In Aztec, Ayasha Yellow drove in the game’s only run in the bottom of the 8th inning, sending the Tigers (20-5) past fellow District 1-4A power Kirtland Central on Saturday.
While No. 2 Aztec and No. 3 Silver battle it out Thursday in the winner’s bracket quarterfinals, the Broncos (19-9) play No. 9 Belen in an elimination game at noon.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 07: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia is seen on stage during the UFC 328 press conference at Prudential Center on May 07, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)
Now that UFC 328 is officially in the history books after a stacked night (Sat., May 9, 2026) of fights LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, fight fans can check out the post-fight press conference video above for all the best reaction and official bonus winners.
On a night that featured a main event throwdown between undefeated UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland, a co-headliner pitting UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van against surging Japanese challenger Tatsuro Taira, and a heavyweight clash between contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, there will be a lot to discuss when the action concludes.
The post-fight presser is scheduled to go LIVE in the above video player around 12:15 a.m. ET (Sunday). It will feature the biggest winners and losers from the card, as well as UFC CEO, Dana White, if we’re lucky.
For complete UFC 328 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
C-Mac and his hype man, Double H on the touchline at Anfield | (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Here we go again.
That was surely the overriding emotion when Ryan Gravenberch shifted the ball onto his right foot and absolutely hammered a shot beyond backup goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen to give Liverpool the lead barely five minutes into the lunchtime proceedings at Anfield. Chelsea have made a habit of conceding early — only bottom side Burnley have let in more in the opening ten minutes of Premier League games this season — and we would usually follow that up by folding and collapsing like a house of very expensive yet very frail cards.
The hosts were surely expecting that to happen as well, judging by their inability to cope with the exact opposite reaction from the Blues. Chelsea threatened almost immediately after going behind (João Pedro getting squeezed out by Liverpool’s two big lumps at the back on Malo Gusto’s ball across), and we would keep that impetus going until finding the equalizer through a perfectly placed free kick from Enzo Fernández. Always aim towards the far post and the corridor of uncertainty!
At times it felt almost unreal that level of control and, dare I say domination from Chelsea we were seeing — the locals certainly weren’t happy judging by their frequent boos — and I suppose the only unfortunate part of it all was that we were not able to kick on and finish the job. We did have a second for a brief moment early in the second half before VAR ruined our party, but at least we managed to hold on to the point and arrest the losing streak at six. The historic seven-match losing streak from the 1950s is now safe for at least another year, and hopefully for ever.
Of course, it’s hard to be too happy about any decent result given the overall vibes and the state of the club at the moment, but considering all the narratives and all the injury issues with our wingers, we do have something solid to lean on as we head into Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. We might even have a chance?
Calum McFarlane may have his online detractors, but he’s been consistent in his messaging that aligns with modern Chelsea values. This draw certainly isn’t great, and it just about rules us out of finishing sixth, but it is better than much of what we’ve been subjected to over the past couple months.
“I thought the game could have went either way really at certain moments [but] I think we could have won [and] come away with three points. […] This club needs to win games of football, and we haven’t done that today. We’re not happy with the form and some of the recent performances. So, yeah, it’s nice to have a good, complete performance. It would have been better with a win, but when you come to these places, it’s really difficult. So, yeah, it’s positive.”
It’s a thankless task for the interim management team to have to see out the remaining last few games of the season, but McFarlane has shown that even without certain official qualifications, he’s got a solid grasp on tactics and man-management, and his gameplans have proven reasonable and useful (when executed accordingly). He was able to manufacture some width from the team in this one without any recognized wingers available, and expose the weaknesses in Liverpool’s backline that have prevented the defending champions from having any say in this year’s title race.
“I thought it was a really good performance [and] I think we were effective down both sides. [Palmer] and Malo caused them real problems with their rotation on the right [as did] Cucurella running off the ball and finding space with great movement. [He] is not a winger. He has played there before, he told me, but even when he plays left-back or when he rolls into midfield, his movement off the ball is of a real high quality, the timing, the understanding of when to do it. So, it’s something that we knew with him in that position we could maybe expose. I thought he’s unlucky not to get an assist and create a lot of problems for them.”
Small victories in a non-victory, to be sure. But some signs of life (and hope?) for the one game left this season that still matters and still would give us European football along with a nice shiny trophy.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (L-R) Alexander Volkov of Russia punches Waldo Cortes Acosta of the Dominican Republic in a heavyweight fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Alexander Volkov wants his shot at gold after taking out Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328.
Across three rounds, Volkov fought with a smart game plan as he chipped away at Cortes-Acosta from the outside and just never let him get going with his big looping punches. From kicks to the body and legs or landing with his lead jab, Volkov was just connecting with strikes more often and Cortes-Acosta struggled to find a home for his best shots throughout the fight.
When it was over the judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 with Volkov getting the unanimous decision win.
“I just want to say a very important thing right now, my country is very important holiday,” Volkov said afterwards. “It’s a day of victory of World War II. It’s a big honor for me to fight today and win. I know you don’t like heavyweight fights that don’t come to a finish but Waldo’s a tough motherf*cker. He’s so good. It was a lot of danger.
“Now real talk, [Ciryl] Gane, I beat him before, the judges robbed me. [Alex] Pereira is not a heavyweight. I should fight for this title. Give me the title shot, it doesn’t matter.”
Volkov opened with a series of kicks to the legs and body to use his reach advantage while Cortes-Acosta was tossing out a solid lead jab as he looked to close the distance. As Volkov kept chipping away with kicks, Cortes-Acosta charged forward with a barrage of punches but he couldn’t connect before the Russian circled away again.
With less than a minute remaining in the opening round, Cortes-Acosta finally connected with a slick combination that landed on the chin but Volkov reacted well to avoid any further damage.
Cortes-Acosta started throwing with more confidence as he attacked Volkov with good striking combinations and his right hand landed repeatedly. Volkov was still mostly concentrating on his kicks and rarely throwing a punch in return.
Showing frustration, Cortes-Acosta started demanding that Volkov stand and trade with him and he paid for that decision. Volkov clipped Cortes-Acosta with a slick left hand that rattled “Salsa Boy” and sent him wobbling back towards the cage.
While Volkov wasn’t really able to follow up, he clearly had Cortes-Acosta hurt with arguably the best shot of the fight. A late jab followed by a kick right up the middle that dug into Cortes-Acosta’s body let Volkov really show off the variety of his striking attacks.
With five minutes remaining, Cortes-Acosta started pushing the pace more realizing a finish may be needed to get the win. He landed a couple of thudding shots but Volkov quickly countered with a stiff jab that evened the score.
Cortes-Acosta was finding a home with his punches as Volkov started to slow down but the veteran heavyweight still managed to fire back with another kick to the body. Another flurry from Cortes-Acosta came just before the fight ended, although Volkov avoided anything connecting clean.
While not the emphatic finish he surely wanted, Volkov showed there’s still levels to the top of the heavyweight division by stopping Cortes-Acosta’s three-fight win streak. Volkov is now 6-1 in his past seven fights with his only loss coming in a controversial split decision to Ciryl Gane in 2024.
The Thunder had no difficulties in their first round against the Phoenix Suns whatsoever, as they won each of the four games by an average of 18 points. MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 33 points (25, 37, 42, 31). Heading into this series, Jalen Williams will be questionable after straining his left hamstring during Game 2.
One of the biggest questions for Los Angeles in this series will be if star Luka Doncic can return. The team stated that he won't be available for the first portion of the series. If the Lakers can win some games to extend the series, there is a chance Doncic can return to greatly aid LeBron James, Austin Reaves and the rest of their squad.
The Thunder won all four of their regular-season games against the Lakers this season. The winner of this semifinal matchup will take on the winner of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series.
Here's what you need to know to watch Oklahoma City vs. Los Angeles, including broadcast information and start times.
The Thunder vs. Lakers series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
NEWARK, N.J. – UFC 328 takes place Saturday at Prudential Center, and you can watch a live video stream of the post-event news conference here on MMA Junkie.
Expected to take part in the press conference are the winners of the championship fights of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland and Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira.
UFC CEO Dana White is also expected to answer questions from reporters and recap the event.
You can watch the press conference in the video above, which will go live upon the conclusion of the headlining bout.
The calendar flipping to May means it's NCAA lacrosse time once again.
Every year brings something new but the usual suspects lead the way in the 2026 women's tournament. Northwestern, North Carolina, Maryland or Boston College has won every title but one since 2005 (the exception being James Madison in 2018), and the first three teams also are the top three seeds this time.
The Tar Heels defeated the Wildcats in last year's final, but Northwestern handed UNC its only regular-season loss this year in an overtime thriller in Chapel Hill back in March and earned the No. 1 seed in the bracket. Are those two on a collision course once again or will another team break through?
Here's everything you need to know to watch this year's tournament.
NCAA women's lacrosse bracket 2026
The bracket consists of 29 teams, with 15 automatic and 14 at-large selections. The top eight schools are seeded nationally and the top three receive first-round byes. The eight seeds are as follows; see the full game schedule below.
The 2026 NCAA women's lacrosse tournament will air on multiple ESPN platforms, including the quarterfinals and semifinals on ESPNU and the championship game on ESPN.
All of those games will also be available to stream via fubo, which offers a free trial. Fans can also stream those games and every first- and second-round game with the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
Date/Time: Sunday, May 10, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Monday)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández
VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva
How to watch on TV: ESPN (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Movistar (Spain), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), Movistar+ (Spain), others
Following a tough win away to Osasuna last weekend and a full week to rest, recover and train, Barcelona return to action for the biggest game of the season as the Catalans welcome their biggest rivals Real Madrid for the final El Clásico of the campaign at The Greatest Stadium on Earth on Sunday Night Fútbol.
There’s not much that needs to be said about this one as the scenario is pretty clear: avoid defeat, and Barça will mathematically clinch back-to-back league titles and will get to celebrate in front of the home crowd and in front of their rivals. The La Liga trophy will be in the building, so the Blaugrana have a chance to have a full title party in the Catalan capital if they can finish the job on Sunday.
Barça will be favorites given the recent form of both teams, the massive 11-point gap in the table, the huge injury crisis facing Los Blancos, and a crazy week full of drama at the capital with petitions asking for Kylian Mbappé’s exit and two fights between teammates that sent Fede Valverde to the hospital and resulted in a huge fine for the Uruguayan and his sparring partner Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Madrid are facing an unprecedented crisis that might even result in José Mourinho’s return to try and solve the issues in the dressing room, and all signs point to them being broken as a club ahead of Sunday’s Clásico. But anyone thinking this will be a stroll in the park for Hansi Flick and his troops is sadly mistaken.
There is still a whole lot of talent in this Madrid team and they will look to prove they can put the personal issues aside and put up a fight against Barça, and the possible absence of Mbappé through injury will empower Vinicius Jr. to bring his best in a matchup he is always very motivated for. Winning the league is still virtually impossible even if they do pull off the upset on Sunday, but El Clásico is Madrid’s last chance to save some dignity in a horrible season.
They will be dangerous and highly motivated, and Barça must be ready for a true battle. The Catalans have won five of the six Clásicos under Hansi Flick and are very comfortable in this matchup, but they still can’t take it for granted.
A title is at stake, Madrid are ready to be broken for good, and Camp Nou will be at its very best. It’s up to the players to deliver.
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, García; Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Pitarch, Camavinga; Brahim, Vinicius
PREDICTION
Unlike many Barça fans who want a humiliation of their biggest rivals, the only thing I genuinely care about is watching the players jumping in a circle in the middle of the pitch as Camp Nou celebrates winning La Liga. I don’t care how we get there: 2-2 draw.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche made a change in net for the first time this postseason, pulling Scott Wedgewood early in the second period of Game 3 of their second-round NHL playoff series on Saturday night after he allowed three goals to the Minnesota Wild.
Wedgewood made 10 saves before yielding to Mackenzie Blackwood, whose last game action was on April 14. With Wedgewood getting 43 starts and Blackwood making 36 starts, the Avalanche goalies shared the William M. Jennings Trophy given to the team with the best goals against average during the regular season.
Wedgewood, a career backup who took advantage of an early-season injury absence for Blackwood and wound up leading the league with a .921 save percentage and a 2.02 goals against average, entered Game 3 with a 6-0 record and a 2.12 goals against average with a .923 save percentage in the playoffs.
But some defensive breakdowns and undisciplined play in front of him set Wedgewood up for a struggle. Kirill Kaprizov scored on a four-on-four situation after Colorado's Parker Kelly and Minnesota's Ryan Hartman took roughing penalties for their scuffle. Then a hooking penalty on defenseman Devon Toews gave the Wild more than a minute of four-on-three play that Quinn Hughes capped with his goal from the top of the slot.
In the second period with the Wild on another power play after Kelly was called for holding Hughes, Hartman batted in an airborne shot to make it 3-0 and prompt coach Jared Bednar to make the switch.
Blackwood played the whole first-round series for the Avalanche when they lost to the Dallas Stars in seven games last year.
After backstopping the Wild to a six-game win over the Stars in the first round this year, rookie Jesper Wallstedt was the natural pick to start this series against the Avalanche. After the Wild lost the wacky opener 9-6 on Sunday, coach John Hynes went to Filip Gustavsson for Game 2.
Gustavsson, who has been the team's primary goalie for the last three seasons and made 49 starts during the regular season to Wallstedt's 33, didn't look sharp in the 5-2 loss on Tuesday. So the Wild went back to Wallstedt for Game 3.
It will be the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, barring the most shocking comeback in the history of the NBA.
With a 131-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Thunder took a 3-0 lead on Saturday and remain undefeated through seven postseason games. They are 27-1 since the start of February in games Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played.
They go for the sweep on Monday in Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video). No team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit.
The Lakers at least put up a fight for the first half in front of their home crowd, going back-and-forth and entering halftime with a two-point lead. They lost control when OKC opened the third quarter with a 21-6 run, got the deficit back down to five points late in the third, and then the Thunder hit the gear only the Thunder are capable of hitting.
L.A. simply looked gassed by the end, as if they have been playing the best team in the NBA without their most important player for three straight games. They waved the white flag by emptying their bench with 3:38 remaining in the game.
The Thunder outscored them 74-49 in the second half.
Once again, the Lakers succeeded in preventing an otherworldly game from Gilgeous-Alexander (23 points on 7-of-20 shooting), but OKC’s deep supporting cast again made that a non-issue. Six other players scored in double figures, and the team collectively shot 56.4% from the field and 44.7% from deep, with nine total turnovers.
There’s no telling how this series would have gone down had Luka Dončić been healthy (or Thunder star Jalen Williams for that matter), but the actual result has been as expected. The Lakers have pushed the Thunder at times, but never enough across an entire game. Every loss has been by double-digits.
Counting the regular season, the Lakers are now 0-7 against the Thunder this season with an average scoring margin of 25.4 points. The closest loss has been by nine points. The only game in which the Lakers were actually healthy at the start of the game was the April 2 date when Dončić and Austin Reaves both got hurt.
Maybe there’s a turnaround still to come. The way the Lakers looked in the fourth quarter didn’t inspire confidence.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: (L-R) Opponents Joshua Van of Myanmar and Tatsuro Taira of Japan face off during the UFC 328 ceremonial weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
This is the UFC 328 live blog for Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira, the flyweight championship co-main event Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Van (16-2) is coming off of a controversial win over Alexandre Pantoja in which Van claimed Pantoja’s 125-pound title and earned a top 20 spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings. Sixteen seconds into their December meeting at UFC 323, the bout was waved off after Pantoja suffered a freak arm injury attempting to post on the mat after being thrown off by Van. Definitive or not, Van officially became the second-youngest champion in UFC history, trailing only Jon Jones.
After suffering his first-ever loss to Brandon Royval, Taira (18-1) rebounded in spectacular fashion, scoring two wins including a second-round knockout of two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. Taira can become the first Japanese fighter ever to become UFC champion and join Van on the list of youngest champions with both having been born in the early 2000s.
Check out the UFC 328 live blog for Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira below.
Preamble
Ok, we’re now off two decisions in a row and I must admit Volkov vs. WAC wasn’t the most exciting one. This co-main event should be fire, though — and Alexandre Pantoja is definitely glued to the TV to see who walks away with the UFC flyweight belt in Newark.
Asked to pitch in a high-leverage situation for the first time in a while, Camilo Doval disappointed on Saturday.
With the Yankees up 2-1 with one out in the eighth inning, the flame-thrower relieved Brent Headrick, who surrendered a solo homer to Jake Bauers the previous inning. Doval quickly recorded an out, getting Jackson Chourio to pop up to Austin Wells.
But Doval gave up a single to Brice Turang after that. Never particularly good at controlling the running game, Doval then let Turang steal second before permitting a game-tying single to William Contreras.
The sequence proved costly in what became a 4-3, 10-inning, series-losing defeat for the Yankees in Milwaukee. While Ryan McMahon put the Yankees back in front with a single in the top of the 10th, the Brewers tied the game again in the bottom of the inning when Chourio picked up an infield single against Fernando Cruz.
With runners on first and second and one away, new reliever Tim Hill then made the unwise decision to throw to third after fielding a comebacker. His throw hit Luis Rengifo. With no outs recorded and the bases juiced, Contreras then ended the game with a sac fly.
While Doval wasn’t the only Yankees reliever to allow a run after Cam Schlittler threw six scoreless innings on Saturday, the fact that he has been untrustworthy in high-leverage situations is a problem for the Bombers.
The club was counting on the former Giants closer and 2023 All-Star to be its setup man for David Bednar, but Doval owns a 6.14 ERA and has shown that he has no business being in tight ballgames after a little more than a month of play.
While Doval, acquired from San Francisco at the trade deadline last summer, opened the season with three scoreless outings, he has allowed at least one earned run in seven of his 14 appearances since then.
Doval, erratic throughout his career, has managed to cut back on his free passes; he didn’t allow any on Saturday and entered the game with a 5.0 BB%. That would be a career low over a full season, and yet Doval has remained a liability after making a less-than-stellar first impression last season.
With Doval and company off their games, the Yankees’ bullpen also spoiled a strong offensive night from Paul Goldschmidt. The veteran first baseman opened the game with a home run, his third of the season. At 38 years, 241 days, Goldschmidt became the oldest player in Yankees history with a leadoff long ball.
Goldschmidt wasn’t done there, adding an RBI single off the glove of Rengifo in the fourth frame.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, Goldschmidt’s efforts weren’t enough with the bullpen scuffling and their lineup going 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Santiago Moreno and Kaick Ferreira scored first-half goals to lead FC Dallas to a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
Moreno staked Dallas to a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when he used an assist from Petar Musa to score for the first time this season and the 21st time in 138 career appearances. Musa's assist was his second.
Kaick found the net for the first time six minutes later, scoring unassisted for a 2-0 advantage. It was the third goal in 39 career matches for the 20-year-old midfielder.
Real Salt Lake cut it to 2-1 on a goal by Diego Luna in the 85th minute. It was the fourth goal of the campaign for Luna and his 26th in 102 career matches. Rookie Morgan Guilavogui collected his fifth assist in his 10th appearance. Defender Alexandros Katranis notched his first assist after subbing into the match in the 69th minute. Katranis had five assists in each of his first two seasons.
Samuel Sarver subbed into the match in the 75th minute and scored his second goal of the season and career in his 13th appearance to restore a two-goal lead two minutes into stoppage time. Defender Sebastien Ibeagha came up with his career-best second assist after entering the match in the 88th minute.
Michael Collodi saved two shots for Dallas (5-3-4) in his 20th career start.
Rafael Cabral had three saves for Real Salt Lake (6-4-1).
Real Salt Lake falls to 2-15-8 all time in Frisco and hasn't won there since a 3-0 victory on July 13, 2013.
Dallas has won two straight following a 0-2-2 winless run and improves to 3-1-4 at home.
Real Salt Lake falls to 1-3-1 on the road and has lost three of its last four contests.
Up next
Real Salt Lake: Hosts the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.
Dallas: Hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday.
The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey hosts tonight's UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland event. The fight card features two world title bouts.
The event is headlined by a middleweight title fight between undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland. ln the co-main event, flyweight champion Joshua Van takes on No. 3 ranked Tatsuro Taira.
UFC 328 Start Times
Main Card begins at 9 p.m. ET
Preliminary Card begins at 7 p.m. ET
Early Prelim Card begins at 5 p.m. ET
UFC 328 Official Results
MAIN CARD (9 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira
Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
King Green def. Jeremy Stephens via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20, Round 1
PRELIMINARY CARD (7 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz via KO (punches) at 1:10, Round 2
Yaroslav Amosov def. Joel Alvarez via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:13, Round 2
Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rebecki via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:42, Round 3
Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:29, Round 1
PRELIMINARY CARD (5 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12, Round 3
Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Volkov entered the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey ranked No. 2 in the division and having won five of his last six bouts. He was coming off a win over Jailton Almeida and hoping to build on the momentum.
Cortes-Acosta made the walk to the octagon riding a three-fight winning streak and having won eight of his last nine fights. A win for either fighter would put them on a path to a title shot.
Volkov landed first with leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta walked forward and Volkov kept meeting him with leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta answered back with a leg kick. He pressed forward as Volkov circled on the outside. Cortes-Acosta rushed forward with a flurry but Volkov moved away. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta had difficulty getting inside. he connected with a jab. Cortes-Acosta exploded forward with a left hand that landed. He seemed to have found his range in the final minute of the round. Cortes-Acosta landed a right hand. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Volkov but there was a momentum change at the end of the frame.
They met in the middle and Volkov delivered a kick to the body. Cortes-Acosta responded with a right hand. Volkov wasn't circling as much in the second round. Cortes-Acosta landed another right hand. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. They exchanged leg kicks and Volkov stepped into the pocket with a combination. Cortes-Acosta pressed forward and connected with a hard right hand. Volkov landed a counter left hand that hurt Cortes-Acosta. He moved in with a combination but Cortes-Acosta covered and circled free. Volkov began landing more often and mixing in body kicks. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Volkov.
Cortes-Acosta came out in the final frame the same as the first two, pressing forward. Volkov circled and delivered a kick to the body. Cortes-Acosta connected with a combination and then accidentally poked Volkov in the eye. The fight was restarted seconds later. Corttex-Acosta landed a combination when the fight restarted. He connected with a right hand. Volkov absorbed it. They exchanged jabs. Volkov began bleeding from the nose. Volkov looked to have slowed. Cortes-Acosta clinched with two minutes remaining. They separated and Volkov went to the body with a kick. Cortes-Acosta landed a stiff jab. Volkov responded with one of his own. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. They exchanged and Cortes-Acosta conceded with a right hand. Cortes-Acosta pressed forward with punches. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Cortes-Acosta.
The judges scored the fight for Volkov via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
May 9, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LA Galaxy defender Harbor Miller (26) and Atlanta United defender Tomas Jacob (55) fight for the ball during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
ATLANTA -- The LA Galaxy spent most of Saturday night absorbing pressure, trading challenges and waiting for the match to finally open up.
Once it did, Marco Reus changed everything.
The veteran midfielder came off the bench and immediately flipped the rhythm of the game, assisting both Gabriel Pec goals as the Galaxy erased a second-half deficit to defeat Atlanta United 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For a team that spent much of the early season searching for identity and resilience away from home, this felt like one of its clearest signs of growth yet.
Not because it was clean. It wasn’t.
But because the Galaxy finally looked comfortable winning an ugly match.
Atlanta controlled long stretches early, and the Galaxy were fortunate to reach halftime level after surviving several dangerous moments around the box. Saba Lobjanidze repeatedly found space down the left side, while JT Marcinkowski was forced into multiple key interventions, including a huge save in the 20th minute after Mauricio Cuevas stumbled defensively and opened the door for Atlanta in transition.
Atlanta picked up three yellow cards within a five-minute stretch late in the first half, Juan Berrocal’s heavy challenge on Cuevas setting the tone for a choppy, emotional match that never fully settled. Greg Vanney and Atlanta manager Tata Martino were both booked before halftime, while a lengthy delay for a collision involving Jakob Glesnes and Emmanuel Latte Lath only added to the chaos.
Atlanta thought it had found the breakthrough before the break when Berrocal headed home off a corner, but the goal was waved off for interference on Marcinkowski in a decision that immediately sparked debate around the stadium.
The Galaxy escaped.
Still, the warning signs were obvious. The Galaxy back line looked shaky defending crosses and second balls, and Latte Lath in particular started finding dangerous spaces as the second half opened.
Only desperation defending kept the match level.
Emiro Garcés produced a massive recovery intervention in the 47th minute after Atlanta broke down the flank again. Moments later, Glesnes stepped up to catch Latte Lath offside before Marcinkowski came charging off his line to erase another dangerous chance.
The Galaxy were hanging on, but the match was beginning to stretch. And that eventually played directly into Vanney’s plan.
“We knew at some point in the game, and it was probably about 30 minutes left, that we wanted to get Marco out,” Vanney said. “We're going to get out and try to get a little bit more attacking-minded.”
Atlanta finally broke through in the 69th minute when Ajani Fortune was given too much space near the top of the box and buried a long-range strike past Marcinkowski for a deserved 1-0 lead.
For much of the night, that felt inevitable.
What happened next didn’t.
Two minutes after Atlanta nearly doubled the lead off a Galaxy turnover, Vanney turned to Reus and Eric Thommy to fully open the match up. The effect was immediate.
Reus instantly started finding the spaces Atlanta had spent 70 minutes mostly protecting. More importantly, he found Pec running into them.
Vanney has spent much of the season emphasizing that Pec is at his best attacking forward at speed rather than standing on the ball and trying to create everything himself. Saturday became the clearest example yet.
In the 74th minute, Reus split Atlanta’s defense with a perfectly weighted through ball that sent Pec in behind for the equalizer, the Galaxy’s first-ever goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the extension of the club’s MLS-best 21-match scoring streak.
Reus slipped another pass into space. Pec’s first effort was denied, but the rebound fell kindly and the Brazilian buried it to silence a stadium that had been roaring minutes earlier.
Just like that, the Galaxy had completely flipped the match.
“I thought Gabe’s running was smart,” Vanney said. "Now, a guy who makes smart runs has to have a guy who knows exactly where to deliver the ball at what speed to deliver the ball. All those kinds of details that I think Marco came in and he just, he's Marco Reus.”
Pec finished with the third multi-goal MLS match of his career, but the story behind the goals mattered just as much. For one of the first times this season, the Galaxy looked like a team fully understanding how to maximize its attacking pieces instead of relying on isolated moments.
And defensively, they finally closed a match out.
Garcés produced another huge late intervention before carrying the ball nearly the length of the field to ignite a transition chance in the 89th minute. Vanney then shifted into a back five late, a tactical decision that failed in previous weeks but held firm this time as Maya Yoshida entered to help see out stoppage time.
“It wasn’t sexy through the whole game,” Glesnes admitted afterward. “But we did the job.”
More importantly for the Galaxy, they’re starting to look like a team learning exactly what kind of job needs to be done to win on the road.
The newest class of Pittsburgh Steelers got their first taste of life in the black and gold.
The team hosted its rookie minicamp on the South Side.
Channel 11’s Shelby Cassesse was there talking to some of this year’s draft class.
There are days when it starts to feel real for many of these rookies, getting back to football after a whirlwind offseason. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy says he took things intentionally slow, helping both the newcomers and staff get acclimated.
“It’s awesome to play football again. I’ve been waiting to be part of a team since Jan. 1,” said guard Gennings Dunker.
“It’s crazy, first time putting on the jersey, just going out there on the field doesn’t feel real,” said offensive tackle Max Iheanachor. “Being able to start getting the work in and soaking in the moment and just being grateful to be here.”
Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are two newcomers we’ll be watching closely to see where they fit on this Steelers offensive line.
Iheanachor confirmed to us he’s working exclusively at right tackle.
“They definitely look like Pittsburgh Steelers linemen,” McCarthy said. “I think you look for young men that definitely have the anchor to play the style of football we want to play.”
But much of McCarthy’s attention was on the lone quarterback at rookie camp Saturday.
McCarthy said Drew Allar got 35 snaps in team drills, certainly on the higher end.
The former Penn State quarterback got plenty of one-on-one time with his head coach.
“I feel like I’ve really grown a lot and just understand his philosophy a lot more the last two days,” Allar said. “I know what I need to work on and how to work on it. I just got to be intentional with doing the same routine every day and making sure I’m staying on top of the little things.”
The rookies are using this weekend to learn how they fit into the system — and into Pittsburgh.
“Pittsburgh is awesome. It’s so pretty with how green it is, and the water too. It’s awesome,” Dunker said. “...I had to ask around if I can swim in the rivers. You’re not supposed to do that, so I might go fishing.”
Aaron Rodgers’ whereabouts were the elephant in the room after reports he’d be in town this weekend.
Mike McCarthy downplayed the situation when asked if he’d like to add a fourth quarterback, like Rodgers, by OTAs. He smiled and said three quarterbacks is the norm, four would be awesome.
Eli Raridon and Quintayvious Hutchins have officially put the pen to the paper for the first time as members of the New England Patriots following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Details of the two Patriots rookies’ contracts have yet to be disclosed. The two contract signings come on the heels of New England signing five of their other draftees — Karon Prunty, Dametrious Crownover, Namdi Obiazor, Behren Morton and Jam Miller — as well as 12 rookie free agents on Friday.
The Patriots selected Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He recorded 482 receiving yards on 15.1 yards per reception in 2025 at Notre Dame.
New England took Hutchins with the No. 247 overall pick in the draft. The 23-year-old linebacker went for two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss last season for Boston College.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — William Contreras singled home the tying run in the eighth inning and hit a game-ending sacrifice fly in the 10th as the Milwaukee Brewers rallied past the New York Yankees 4-3 on Saturday.
The Yankees wasted a brilliant performance from Cam Schlittler and have lost back-to-back games for the first time since they dropped five in a row from April 8-12. On Friday, they got just three hits against Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski and Shane Drohan in a 6-0 defeat.
Paul Goldschmidt hit a leadoff homer and drove in two runs for the Yankees. Jake Bauers went deep for Milwaukee.
Schlittler got struck in the leg by a 108.5 mph liner off the bat of Contreras in the first but stayed in the game and allowed two hits in six scoreless innings, lowing his major league-leading ERA to 1.35.
After Ryan McMahon's two-out RBI single on an 0-2 pitch from Aaron Ashby (7-0) put New York ahead 3-2 in the top of the 10th, Milwaukee scored twice in the bottom half to give Ashby the major league lead in wins.
Jackson Chourio's one-out infield single off Fernando Cruz (3-1) tied it and put runners at first and second.
Tim Hill entered and got a comebacker from Brice Turang. The lefty reliever tried to throw out the lead runner at third, but his throw hit Luis Rengifo in the hand, loading the bases.
Contreras followed with a fly ball to right that easily brought home Rengifo.
Bauers got Milwaukee on the board in the seventh with a 420-foot shot to right-center off Brent Headrick. Turang hit a two-out single off Camilo Doval in the eighth, stole second and slid home on Contreras' single to left.
Yankees right-hander Luis Gil was placed on the injured list Saturday at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with shoulder inflammation. The 2024 AL rookie of the year isn’t expected to throw for three weeks.
Up next
Seven months after undergoing elbow surgery, Carlos Rodón makes his season debut for the Yankees on Sunday. Logan Henderson (0-1, 4.50 ERA) starts for the Brewers.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Brice Turang #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers slides safely into home plate past the tag of Austin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees to tie the game in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at American Family Field on May 09, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Friday night in Milwaukee, the Yankees were shut down by Brewers’ phenom pitcher Jacob Misiorowski to spectacular effect. On Saturday, it was the Yankees’ turn to throw their young star, and he was quite good himself. Cam Schlittler ended up going six innings, for the Yankees, allowing no runs on just two hits. He even came back from taking a line drive off the leg to put in another excellent outing.
It’s just that the rest of the team didn’t pull their collective weight. The Yankees managed just three runs on Saturday, despite seven hits and seven walks. However, they twice held late leads, as they were ahead in both the eighth and tenth innings. The bullpen couldn’t close things out either though, as they dropped a frustrating one to the Brewers, 4-3 in 10 innings.
Before the frustration, the game started on a pretty decent note. It took just one batter for the Yankees to surpass their run total from Friday night. On the second pitch of the game, Paul Goldschmidt took Kyle Harrison deep to give the Yankees a good start.
In the bottom of the first, there was a scary moment as Cam Schlittler took a comeback liner off the calf, causing him to limp around for a bit. After the trainer came out to look at him and some practice pitches, he remained in and struck out Jake Bauers.
The Yankees picked up a second run in the fourth inning, although it was a missed chance at even more. Amed Rosario and Jazz Chisholm Jr. opened the inning with hits, giving the Yankees runners at the corner, with a José Caballero walk then loading the bases. However, Harrison got the next two outs, leaving the inning up to Goldschmidt. The first baseman picked up another RBI after Luis Rengifo couldn’t handle his liner at third, giving Goldschmidt an RBI single. The Yankees couldn’t tack on any more in the inning, though.
After Schlittler left the game, it didn’t take long for Milwaukee to get on the board. On the very first pitch reliever Brent Headrick threw in the seventh inning, Bauers crushed a homer into the second deck in right field, cutting into the Yankees’ lead. Headrick came back after that to get through the seventh and the first out of the eighth. Camilo Doval replaced Headrick and got the second out of the seventh before Brice Turang kept the inning alive with a single. Turang then stole second and you knew what was coming after that. William Contreras dropped a single into left field and Turang just beat Cody Bellinger’s throw home, tying the game up. With little room for error, David Bednar came out and threw a nice 1-2-3 inning on just 12 pitches, sending the game to extras.
It seemed like the Yankees would then go down pretty quickly in order in the 10th. Ben Rice and Bellinger couldn’t do anything with the auto-runner at second, with Aaron Judge getting intentionally walked, as is custom. However, McMahon, having come in earlier for Rosario as a defensive replacement, poked a single up the middle to give the Yankees the lead back. Judge would get caught in a rundown after the run scored and the throw home was cut off to end the inning though, and the Yankees would regret missing out on the chance to get insurance runs.
For the bottom of the 10th, the Yankees turned to Fernando Cruz. He got off to a rocky start, as a wild pitch moved the runner up, and he then issued a walk. While a fly out ended up keeping the runner in place in the next at-bat, a Jackson Chourio grounder left Caballero with no play, tying the game back up.
The Yankees then went to Tim Hill, who immediately got a ground ball. However for whatever reason, Hill tried to go to third to get the lead runner. His throw hit Rengifo, the runner, allowing everyone to be safe. Hill then finally did get the second out, but it was a Contreras fly out to right that was deep enough for Aaron Judge’s throw home to be a couple steps late. You can somewhat chalk up Friday’s loss as just running into a freak of nature. Harrison and the pitchers Milwaukee used on Saturday are all pretty good, but the Yankees wasted this one.
Tomorrow, the Yankees and Brewers will wrap up their series with one final game in Milwaukee. It’s also a notable one for the Yankees especially, as Carlos Rodón will make his return from the injured list, opposite Logan Henderson for the Brewers. First pitch in that one will be at 2:10 pm ET.
Former Braves player and announcer Darrel Chaney says legendary Braves manager, Bobby Cox, will be remembered for his wins, being a world champion and being a Hall of Famer.
Tributes are pouring in for Braves icon Bobby Cox. What one former player remembers the most, LIVE on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.
Chaney played for the Braves during Cox’s first season managing the team in 1978. Chaney said one of Cox’s earliest managerial victories became one of the most memorable moments of his own career.
“I believe it was the fourth game of the season against the San Diego Padres,” Chaney said. “I went in for defense, and we got to the bottom of the 9th inning, and there were two guys out and a man on first base, and it was my turn to bat. Bobby let me hit, and I hit a walk-off home run in the Fulton County Stadium there in Atlanta for Bobby Cox’s first major league win.”
Chaney said it remains a moment he will never forget: “Big thrill for me. Big thrill.”
But Chaney said his memories of Cox go far beyond baseball.
“He was just a good, good person,” he said.
Chaney described Cox as a manager who fiercely defended his players, recalling one game where Cox was ejected arguing on his behalf.
“I got ejected from a game,” Chaney said. “I slid into home plate, and I was safe by a long shot, but they called me out, and Bobby came out to fight for me. He got kicked out, too. He was so mad. He went into the restroom in the dugout; he took his hand and ran it through the toilet tank and shattered it.”
Chaney also remembered witnessing a major turning point in Cox’s personal life in 1979.
“We were signing autographs at a mall up in the Rome, Georgia, area,” Chaney said. ”We looked across the hallway, and there was this good-looking lady working in this clothing shop, and Bobby said I’m going to go introduce myself to that lady. And it was Pam, and he ended up marrying her.”
The friendship between Chaney and Cox lasted decades after their time together on the field.
“Although it’s a sad day, I remember so many joyous times because I got to know that guy,” Chaney said. “Bobby was one of the best.”
Chaney also reflected on another recent loss for the Braves organization, noting that Ted Turner once managed him for a day after purchasing the team.
Chaney said he also had a close relationship with Turner and called it “a sad week” losing both Braves franchise legends.
Former Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, one of the most legendary figures not only in the history of Motor City hockey but in the NHL, celebrates his birthday today.
And it was on this day in 2002 that it was made extra special thanks to a gift served up to him by St. Louis Blues goaltender Brent Johnson.
The Red Wings were in the midst of a second round series against the St. Louis Blues, leading two games to one.
After initially falling behind by a 1-0 score thanks to a power-play goal from Scott Young, Detroit rebounded with three straight goals from Brendan Shanahan, Jiri Fischer, and Tomas Holmstrom.
In the third period, Johnson caught a dump-in attempt and tried the clear the puck himself, unaware that Yzerman was barreling down on him.
The puck deflected off Yzerman and into the net, giving his team a commanding 4-1 lead.
The Red Wings withstood a late comeback effort from the Blues, winning the game 4-3 and taking a 3-1 series they'd later close out in Detroit in Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena.
The series win set up a date with the rival Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final.
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The Detroit Tigers are in a rough stretch, and after another sloppy loss, it is getting harder to explain away what fans are seeing on the field.
Injuries have certainly played a role, but the bigger issue right now is how poorly the Tigers are executing the basics. Defensive mistakes, stranded runners, and a general lack of clean baseball have turned what was supposed to be a promising season into a growing source of frustration.
Detroit Tigers continue to waste opportunities
The problems showed up immediately.
In the opening inning, Michael Garcia doubled, and Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a ball down the right field line that should have resulted in extra bases. Instead, Kerry Carpenter misplayed the ball and slammed into the wall, injuring his shoulder and forcing him to leave the game.
It was the kind of sequence that summed up the Tigers’ current stretch. Nothing seems to be going smoothly, and even routine plays have become adventures.
At the plate, Detroit once again failed to capitalize with runners on base. Opportunities came and went, and the offense could not deliver the timely hits needed to keep pace.
Riley Greene provides one bright spot
If there was one encouraging development, it was the continued strong play of Riley Greene.
Greene drove in the Tigers’ only run and continues to look far more polished at the plate than he did earlier in his career. His approach appears more disciplined, and he has been one of the few hitters providing consistent quality at-bats.
For a team struggling to find answers, Greene’s development is one of the few reasons for optimism.
Expectations remain high, but the results are alarming
Coming into the 2026 season, many believed the Tigers had the roster to contend for, and possibly win, the American League Central. Even with injuries, there is enough talent on this team to play competitive baseball.
That is what makes the current stretch so troubling.
The Tigers do not simply look like a team going through a slump. They look disorganized and overwhelmed, making fundamental mistakes in all phases of the game.
There is still plenty of time left in the season, and baseball has a way of turning quickly. But if Detroit hopes to live up to the expectations that surrounded this roster, the turnaround needs to begin soon.
Player of the Game
Riley Greene — Greene drove in Detroit’s only run and continues to look like one of the few Tigers hitters locked in at the plate.
Should the Boston Celtics be interested in trading for Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo? To senior Athletic reporter Sam Amick, the answer seems to be that they might be already. The Athletic reporter points to reports of Boston looking into what a trade for the Bucks star might look like last season, and despite reports that this interest was 'cursory,' Amick thinks there might be more there than meets the denial.
"There were signs of interest at the February trade deadline, and it would stand to reason that the postseason finish only increases the odds that the Celtics will consider anything and everything when it comes to star players," suggests the Athletic reporter. "Don’t forget about the random praise that Antetokounmpo heaped upon Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla back in early April while discussing the Bucks’ struggles."
"But (Jaylen) Brown’s comments, not surprisingly, added fuel to this fire around the Association," he added, referring to the Georgia native's recent post-series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
"It doesn’t take elite detective work to draw certain conclusions from his stance," posits Amick. "Then came the comments from Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, who said that Brown was experiencing frustration."
The Athletic author notes Antentokounmpo wants to play for a "true contender," which Boston might be with a healthy Giannis. But they might also be one with Brown and the right, less risky adjustments, making one wonder just how many offseasons Celtics fans will have sit through this dance yet again -- even if one can make a case for its merits.
Karl-Anthony Towns was in foul trouble early in Game 3. He played just 10 minutes in the first half and 25 minutes overall. But that was more than enough time for Towns to hurt the Sixers with his passing.
The All-Star center finished with seven assists in Game 3 -- six coming in the second half. It was the continuation of a remarkable passing stretch for Towns. The big man is averaging 7.7 assists in the Knicks' six-game winning streak. That's more than double his average in the opening three games against the Hawks (3.3); it's also more than double his regular-season average (3.0).
Some may be surprised by his passing. He is not.
"I feel like I've always had this my whole career," Towns said after Game 3 on Friday. "It's just I never had the opportunity to utilize that skill set. It's being utilized. My teammates have been in great positions for me to find them when they're open."
Mike Brown and the Knicks decided to use Towns as a passer on the perimeter starting in Game 4 against the Hawks. That adjustment is one of the reasons why New York has run off six consecutive wins with a 25.8-point average margin of victory. And it's one of the reasons why the Knicks are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks trailed the Hawks, 2-1, when they first implemented the changes.
"The real change for us came before Game 4 in Atlanta," Towns said. "That's when we really changed our offense. It's been great. It's been something I’ve talked about for a lot of the season, to feel like we can help our guys (on offense) more. We made the right moves."
Towns knows that the Knicks have more work to do. He and his teammates have talked about staying in the moment as they look to close out Philly. But the Knicks may have missed this moment without those offensive adjustments.
"It was the perfect time for all of us to really get on the same accord," Towns said. "There's no better time to be playing your best basketball than right now. So shout out to Mike and really the whole coaching staff for putting us in the best position to succeed."
The changes were a product of conversations among Brown, his staff and the players.
"I feel like we all had an opinion and we were able to figure out what was best for our team, especially in a spot like that -- down 2-1," Towns said. "I had my opinion. I feel like we've done a great job adjusting to have all of us be our best."
If you go back to Game 4, the Knicks have the No. 1 offense among playoff teams in that span. They also have the second-best defense. In their opening three games, the Knicks ranked sixth in offense and seventh in defense among playoff teams.
Brown calls it an "equal opportunity" offense.
"Anybody can be in any position," he said Friday before Game 3. "Anybody can set screens. Anybody can initiate it, but it's going to take some time to expand on it."
The Knicks are "just scratching the surface" of what they want to implement on offense, Brown said.
They obviously don't have much time left in the season to make significant changes. NBA teams don't practice at this time of year. So maybe the Knicks can make some small changes here or there.
But in a big-picture sense, Brown believes Knicks are just "scratching the surface" on their offensive potential.
"What we're doing now, I think, can have great carryover next year and down the line because we'd be able to expand on it the right way through a training camp," Brown said.
Brown appreciates Mikal Bridges' ability to impact games in ways that may go unnoticed by the casual observer. What does Brown mean by that?
"One of the things is his ability to run, both directions," he said of Bridges. "I mean, he runs like a deer. His game is beautiful, which makes him fast, and it doesn't even look like it. (He) puts a lot of pressure on the defense because of his ability to run. He's got a good feel for what his pace needs to be in half court; he'll sprint into a ball screen and slip out. And when he slips out, he slips with vision.
"And the ball may not go to him for a score or for an assist, but when you generate something like that with pace and you're a threat to slip because you can score from the medium range or get to the rim, the defense has to (adjust). When the defense (adjusts), it opens up other opportunities for your teammates. And then he's always uplifting. He's extremely positive with his teammates.
"Those things are just a few of the things that go unnoticed to others throughout courses of games and throughout the course of year and we appreciate when he brings those to the table."
HART PLAYING THROUGH DISCOMFORT
Josh Hart suffered a sprained left thumb in Game 2 against Philadelphia. He played in Game 3 but will be playing through some discomfort in the thumb for the rest of the season. He said he had an X-ray during Game 2 and he learned he hadn’t broken his thumb. So he returned to the game, finishing out the Knicks' home win.
"It's something I'll revisit in the offseason," Hart said before Game 3. "There's people that played through this."
With the Lakers trying to avoid an 0-3 deficit against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, the WWE Hall of Famer took to X yet again to voice his frustration — and direct it towards the injured superstar.
"@lukadoncic, There Is Only One Word That I Can Possibly Say, And That’s DISAPPOINTED," Flair wrote. "46 Million Dollars, And You Can’t Play. OMG, I Would Jump Off The Empire State Building With A Parachute For 46 Million Dollars A Year, And I Don’t Even Know How To Pull The Cord To Open It- But I Would Take My Chances."
.@lukadoncic, There Is Only One Word That I Can Possibly Say, And That’s DISAPPOINTED. 46 Million Dollars, And You Can’t Play. OMG, I Would Jump Off The Empire State Building With A Parachute For 46 Million Dollars A Year, And I Don’t Even Know How To Pull The Cord To Open It-… pic.twitter.com/Q4KsivXySB
Doncic has been sidelined with a grade 2 left hamstring strain since April 2 and recently revealed that he was originally given an eight-week timeline, which would mean a return isn't likely until the end of the Western Conference finals, should the Lakers get there. Doncic did travel to Spain to undergo platelet-rich plasma injections — a non-surgical treatment that uses a sample of the patient's own blood to accelerate healing in joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles, according to Johns Hopkins medicine — in hopes to accelerate his recovery, though he is proceeding under the original eight-week timeline for the time being.
This is the second time this series that Flair has called out Doncic over social media. He previously wrote, "Luka, Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF! I Hope @JeanieBuss Trades You Next Year. Nobody Wants A Lame Duck On Their Team!" during the Lakers' 107-90 loss to OKC in Game 1 on Tuesday.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — After 24 years, the Fire have returned to Portland.
The expansion Portland Fire took the court at the city's Moda Center, dubbed the “Fire Pit” for the occasion, for the team's WNBA season opener against the Chicago Sky on Saturday night.
The Portland players warmed up wearing T-shirts that said “Legacy Reignited” on the front and “2002 PDX 2026” on the back — paying homage to the original Fire, who played three seasons from 2000-02.
The game was a sellout with an announced attendance of 19,335. Among those in the crowd were Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Sen. Ron Wyden. “Portlandia” star Carrie Brownstein, and Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday and his wife Lauren Holiday, a former player for the U.S. women's national soccer team.
“This is such a good fit for us, and it's practically in our DNA,” Wyden said. “We had Phil Knight who started with sneakers. We've had terrific players who've ended up at colleges all over America. We're showing that Oregon has lots of good things in sports, and basketball is at the top."
Former Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft who died in 2018, was chairman of the original Fire. The Blazers and the Fire shared the then-Rose Garden.
Among the Fire's original players were Jackie Stiles, Vanessa Nygaard and Sylvia Crawley. They averaged some 8,000 fans per game.
The NBA owned the WNBA teams until 2002, then sold them to affiliated NBA teams or independent owners. Allen declined to buy the Fire and the team folded.
Portland was awarded a WNBA franchise in September 2024. The team is run by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League. They paid $125 million for the Fire.
“This is game-changing for our city, This is cementing the global epicenter of women's sports. Our fan base is going to show up for these players and they're going to show what playing for Portland means. This has been a long time coming and I'm just so excited for the city,” said Karina LeBlanc, executive vice president at Raj Sports for strategic growth and development.
Miguel Vargas notched his eighth and ninth dingers of the season in tonight’s ballgame. | (Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Ending their short-lived losing streak, the Chicago White Sox tied the series against the Seattle Mariners with a 6-1 win, and the longball got the job done.
Sam Antonacci led off the ballgame with an opposite-field single to left-center, and his heart-and-hustle nature paved way for a stolen base and an aggressive tag from second to third on a Munetaka Murakami fly to right. With two outs and two strikes, Colson Montgomery faced his Achilles heel of a pitch, but took that up-and-in fastball to the left field bleachers to make it 2-0, Sox. Montgomery entered the double-digit club with his 10th homer, is up to 28 RBIs, and extended his on-base streak to 21 games:
After wreaking havoc on the basepaths, Antonacci kept that same energy in the outfield. With two outs in the second inning, Superman Sam stole a base hit to end the frame:
I cannot overstate how impressive Sam has been in left field. Heading into today’s game, he’s played only 19 MLB games in left field (144 innings) and just 10 extra games in the minors (100 innings). This compares to more than 1,030 innings in the infield throughout his professional career, with the majority at second base. And yet, he’s making routine and not-so-routine plays in left look so easy at the highest level of play.
Mirroring the first inning and in the game of Sam, Antonacci wore a hit-by-pitch to make way for Miguel Vargas to mash the second two-run homer of the ballgame and his eighth of the year:
Although he still hasn’t pitched into the sixth inning since early April, Anthony Kay had the start that he and the Sox needed. Notching a full five innings, Kay gave up just one unearned run via the sacrifice fly after a Murakami error, allowed only three hits, walked two batters and struck out five.
The Good Guys drove Luis Castillo out of the ballgame after four innings. Although he allowed four earned runs and five hits, he did strike out six and walked zero batters. However, the two home run balls plagued what otherwise would have been a bounce-back start.
In the bottom of the fifth with Josh Simpson on the mound, Vargas worked an 11-pitch at-bat ending in his second blast of the ballgame at 112.9 mph and a 5-1 Sox lead!
Grant Taylor took over pitching responsibilities in the sixth and seventh innings. He sat down Seattle’s core —Julio Rodríguez, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena — 1-2-3 while notching a couple of strikeouts and a ground out in his second inning of work.
Heading into the eighth, yesterday’s birthday boy Bryan Hudson handled some adversity when Naylor’s foul ball was overturned to fair, which put runners on the corners with two outs. However, Hudson hunkered down to strike out Arozarena at the plate to escape the inning and extend his own scoreless streak to 15 innings.
Looking for an insurance run in their half of the eighth, Chase Meidroth recorded his first hit of the night off the first pitch he saw, a double down the left field line. Jarred Kelenic followed with a walk, and Tristan Peters moved up both runners to second and third with a sacrifice bunt.
Randal Grichuk, once my enemy for his anti-bat flips stance during Tim Anderson’s reign, was hit on his toe to load the bases. To my dismay, after some miscommunication in the outfield, Edgar Quero was looking at an RBI single, but Grichuk, taking only a modest step toward second — even with no one covering the first base bag in case a catch was made — was forced out. Fortunately, the run scored for a 6-1 ballgame, but via a fielder’s choice variety.
Locking down the win was Tyler Schweitzer, recently recalled to fill Jordan Leasure’s spot in the bullpen. The southpaw put up a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the Sox victory, tying the series at one!
The White Sox improve to 18-21 while the Mariners fall to 19-21. Tomorrow’s rubber match begins at 1:10 p.m. CT on CHSN and ESPN 1000 radio.
Sean Brady found himself under a microscope Saturday night ahead of his UFC 328 main card bout against Joaquin Buckley. As it turns out, it was much ado about nothing.
Brady (18-2) used his formidable wrestling to dominate Buckley (21-7) and win a wide unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27), quelling concerns after a surge of abnormal pre-fight betting movement raised eyebrows and flipped Brady from a sizable favorite to a sizable underdog.
Brady scored takedowns in all three rounds and overwhelmed Buckley with a steady diet of top control and ground-and-pound, rebounding in a major way after suffering a first-round knockout loss to Michael Morales this past November. Brady has now won four of his pasts five bouts and returns to title contention in the UFC’s welterweight division.
“Especially after coming in after getting TKO’d by Morales, I wasn’t mentally in that fight,” a fired-up Brady said post-fight. “But this fight camp, this fight, I was locked the f*** for 15 minutes, and that’s what happens. I didn’t get the finish, but nobody’s ever dominated Buckley that way. [Kamaru] Usman couldn’t hold him down the way I did, no one can hold him down. I deserve to be in the top five. I’m right back in this b****.”
Brady’s win is likely a relief to the UFC and its executives after some worrying signs began appearing early Saturday. The Philadelphia native was tabbed as more than a 2-to-1 betting favorite throughout fight week, until a flood of late money poured in on Buckley less than 24 hours before the opening bell, suddenly pushing Brady to almost a 2-to-1 underdog and forcing some sportsbooks to limit action on the bout.
Abnormal betting patterns from highly monitored accounts on tonights Sean Brady vs Joaquin Buckley UFC 328 bout.
Props are closed. Limits are low on main market.
Buckley is up to a -205 favorite after being a dog the whole time.
Featherweight Darrick Minner was similarly cut by the UFC in 2022 following a suspicious first-round loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke that resulted in NAC suspensions for both Minner and his coach James Krause. Prior to that, South Korean lightweight Tae Hyun Bang was sentenced to 10 months in prison alongside three others involved in a scheme to throw a 2015 fight against Leo Kuntz on a UFC event held in South Korea.
Most recently, a lightweight bout between long-time veterans Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson was scrapped this past January in the hours before UFC 324 amid suspicious betting movement toward a Johnson win. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed after the event that Hernandez vs. Johnson was canceled due to the irregularities.
"We got called from the gaming integrity service and I said, 'I'm not doing this s*** again,'“ White said in January, “so we pulled the fight.”
Fortunately, Saturday’s bout between Brady and Buckley did not meet the same fate.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Less than 24 hours after having one of their worst games of the season, the Texas Rangers had one of their best.
Texas shut out the Chicago Cubs 6-0 at Globe Life Field on Saturday. With the win, the Rangers snapped the Cubs' 10-game winning streak, marking the first time Texas has halted an opponent's winning streak of 10-plus games since doing so against the Houston Astros back in 2015.
Entering play on Saturday, the Rangers were 12-3 when they scored first and that is exactly what they did.
Josh Jung drove a solo home run into the Rangers' bullpen in the second inning to open the scoring. In that same inning, Alejandro Osuna came through with a full-count RBI single to double the Texas lead at 2-0.
The fourth inning saw Joc Pederson rip an RBI double into the left0field gap and Osuna produce another RBI single.
However, the big swing of the night came off the bat of Justin Foscue in the fifth inning. He drove his first big-league home run over the left-field wall more than two calendar years after making his Major League debut.
“I’m really excited for him getting his first career home run,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said after the game.
“What a special moment, I know they’re celebrating right now for him, and it was a long road to get here for Justin, so for him to do that, it’s a special day, and hopefully he’s enjoying whatever they’re doing for him right now inside that clubhouse.” Schumaker said.
Kyle Higashioka added one more run with an RBI single in the sixth. One day after being shut out on just two hits, the Rangers scored six runs.
Jack Leiter got the start for the Rangers and made it through just 4 2/3 innings after throwing a lot of pitches early. But he was able to keep the Cubs off the scoreboard.
“A little bit of trouble is an understatement; it was a grindy outing,” Leiter said after the game. “Kind of one of those baseball things where it feels like the worst I’ve thrown in terms of execution and where the stuff was tonight and to be able to put up zeros, I’m grateful for that… really happy that the boys got a win, hopefully this can kind of get us going.”
The Rangers will go for the series win with Jacob deGrom on the mound on Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m. CST.
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The NBC Sports Philadelphia broadcast booth had a very special guest during Saturday’s Philadelphia Phillies game against the Colorado Rockies.
Sesame Street star Elmo was in attendance at Citizens Bank Park for the “Strike Out the Stigma” event in support of mental health awareness. And Elmo joined Phillies announcers Tom McCarthy and John Kruk in the NBC Sports Philadelphia booth.
“Have you enjoyed your day at the ballpark today?” McCarty asked.
“Oh, it’s been wonderful, yeah,” Elmo responded. “And Elmo loves the Phillies! Go Phillies, baby!”
“Well, that’s because you’re red, they’re red,” McCarthy said.
“That’s true,” Elmo agreed. “That’s very true. Yeah. Uh huh.”
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 9, 2026
Elmo made it clear that he wanted to see a home run, and he got his wish. In fact, the Phillies hit two homers for him, with Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber coming through.
“Elmo wished for a home run, and he got one!” McCarthy exclaimed on the Bohm home run call.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ summer will center on their looming decision regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the 2021 NBA champions.
The Bucks replaced Doc Rivers with former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins in late April, and there’s a chance the move could keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
However, it’s far more likely that the Bucks will attempt to trade Antetokounmpo for a future-driven haul that would give the franchise much to look forward to.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey’s trade idea would do just that, as it would send Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma to the Denver Nuggets for a 29-year-old All-Star/NBA champion, Aaron Gordon, and draft capital (a 2026 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick swap, and a 2026 second-round pick via Atlanta Hawks).
“Let's get something out of the way right off the bat," Bailey wrote Friday. If the Bucks are intent on a package loaded with draft assets, the Nuggets would almost certainly be out of the running."
“There are plenty of other teams with more picks that could convince themselves they're a Giannis away from contending for a championship. But this deal would give Milwaukee a top two that would instantly put them back in the hunt for a playoff spot.”
“Murray is in the middle of his prime and likely to be announced as an All-NBA selection. Gordon could be a dynamic No. 2 alongside him and is a pretty obvious fit next to Myles Turner's three-point shooting.”
“That's a trio that, along with the still-developing Ryan Rollins, could probably muster a winning record in the East. And while Denver's 2026 first (the 26th pick) isn't super valuable, that swap in 2031 could be huge.”
Acquiring two proven veterans and three future draft picks wouldn’t be a bad return for Antetokounmpo. Murray is arguably the most valuable asset in Bailey’s hypothetical trade concept, as the elite shotmaker and playmaker would provide the Bucks with high-level stability at the point guard position moving forward.
Murray averaged 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game this season, shooting 48.3% from the field and 43.5% from long range on a Nuggets squad that failed to make it out of the first round of the postseason.
Simply put, the Bucks would be in solid shape in an Antetokounmpo-Murray swap scenario.
COLUMBIA — Jaiden Kocak’s palms probably have never been sweatier his whole life.
Still, the junior attacker for Dorman lacrosse held on to his stick as if the outcome of his season hinged on it.
Well, it did.
With nine seconds to go in overtime, Kocak caught the ball and hit a 360 spin as he sent the rubber ball into the net.
The goal might’ve just been the most important of his career. Granted, he hit the winning goal in triple overtime on May 5 in the Upper State finals to send his team to the championship game.
But this goal gave Dorman boys lacrosse something they’ve never had before — a state championship victory, as the Cavaliers defeated Wando 9-8 in the Class 5A-D1 title game on May 9 at Irmo High School.
“I saw the ball in the air, I caught it, and my first thought was to just shoot it as quick as possible,” Kocak said. “I was definitely nervous. Even though you practice things like that a million times, and go through these scenarios, you never want to be the one to mess up. And I’m glad I wasn’t.
“Overall, this feels amazing. A literal dream come true.”
Kocak is a newcomer to the Cavaliers. He transferred in this season from Boiling Springs — ironically, the team Dorman defeated by a point in last year’s Upper State Championship.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of Jaiden,” said Jon Cak, Jaiden’s grandfather. “He came into Dorman as the new guy, and all his teammates accepted him. He was allowed to play openly and freely. And guess what? It all paid off.”
Despite the competitiveness and tension throughout the game, the one person who wasn’t nervous was Dorman coach Peter Mezzanotte.
“Nope, not at all,” Mezzanotte said when asked if he felt anxious in the final seconds of the game. “We knew if we kept watering that seed, it was going to grow. That’s exactly what happened at the end of the game for us, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”
Dorman was privy to the pregame chatter around the Upstate. Last season, the Cavaliers fell to Wando in an 18-1 blowout in the state championship game. Nobody thought they had a real shot to win it all this season.
“After the loss these kids took last year in this game, they surely had to hear about it,” Dorman athletic director Jon Stoehr said. “And not just from the lacrosse world, but from classmates, teammates, friends . . . And coming back here, they certainly heard more about how this probably wasn’t going to be a good game from a lot of people.
“And to see how these kids didn’t let that get to them and stick together, it says a lot about the culture of this team and coaching staff. I’m super proud and elated that they’ve now been rewarded for doing everything the right way.”
Sophomore midfielder Colin Courier scored the goal that sent the game to overtime. He vividly remembers last season’s devastating loss to Wando, and in hindsight, he doesn’t regret the experience.
“I can’t explain how great it feels to prove everyone wrong,” he said. “Last year was a learning experience. And this year, we learned how to win. To all our doubters . . . keep doubting. It’s only going to make our wins that much better.”
Kamryn Jackson covers high school and college sports for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Greenville News,Anderson Independent Mail, and the USA TODAY Network. Please email her at KEJackson@gannett.com and follow her on X @KamxJack (formerly Twitter).
Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox delivers his induction speech during the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 27, 2014. Cox died Saturday at age 84. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
May 9 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame inductee and Atlanta Braves managing great Bobby Cox has died, Major League Baseball announced Saturday. He was 84.
Cox, who led the Braves to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants and a World Series victory in 1995, was inaugurated into Cooperstown four years after the completion of a career in which he racked up the fourth-most managerial victories of all time at 2,504.
"Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "As manager of the Braves, his clubs became an October fixture, representing consistency, professionalism, and championship-caliber baseball for an entire generation of fans.
"Through his leadership, eye for talent, and commitment to player development, Bobby helped shape the careers of numerous Hall of Famers and guided the Braves to Atlanta's first major professional sports championship in 1995."
The Braves, meanwhile, called him their "treasured skipper," adding, "his Braves managerial legacy will never be matched."
Cox's influence spread beyond Atlanta -- he also played roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, for all of whom he brought success through his knowledge of player development and the details needed to produce sustained winning records.
Born Robert Joe Cox in Tulsa, Okla., on May 21, 1941, he grew up near Fresno, Calif., and was signed out of high school as an infielder by the Dodgers. After nearly a decade toiling in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 1968.
Two years later with his short playing career over, Yankees general manager Lee MacPhail offered him his first managerial job with New York's Class A team in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
In 1977, he was promoted to be the Yanks' first-base coach, which launched his prodigious big league career in coaching and managing.
Cox is survived by his wife, Pam, children and grandchildren.
At 90.9 mph, Michael McGreevy’s average velocity on his
four-seam fastball ranks in MLB’s bottom-five percentile.
However, that’s not as big of an issue to the Cardinals’
standout right-hander as it is to some on the outside who wonder how long he
can continue to fool opposing hitters.
McGreevy greeted any concern over the speed of his fastball
with a proverbial yawn.
“I’ve only got (six) other pitches to lean on, so that
makes pitching a little easier,” said a somewhat sarcastic McGreevy, whose 2.18
ERA ranks sixth in the National League among starting pitchers.
McGreevy (3-2) showed how velocity can sometimes be overrated,
especially when you are getting as much movement on pitches as the 25-year-old
right-hander has been of late. On the heels of limiting the Dodgers to three
hits over six scoreless innings last week at Busch Stadium, McGreevy pitched
one of the best games of his young MLB career on Friday night in San Diego. He
surrendered only one hit – a fourth-inning single by Jackson Merrill – over six
more innings to extend his scoreless streak to a somewhat staggering 13
innings.
Not only was McGreevy pitching 60 miles from where he grew
up dreaming of pitching in the big leagues, he also struck out a career-best
nine batters and registered a haw-dropping 17 swings and misses. Instead of
blowing the Padres away with velocity, McGreevy fooled them with a changeup
that got whiffs seven times on the nine that he threw.
“A lot of things were working well last night, but the
changeup was definitely one of them, for sure,” McGreevy said during Saturday’s
in-game interview on Fox. “We’ve seen a ton of lefties this year and the Guardians
stacked nine of them against me. So, to see a bunch of (Padres’) righties, that
was nice to see. I was thinking I was going to use my sweeper a lot more, but
the changeup was my bread and butter.”
Was it ever? McGreevy’s success with the pitch on Friday
dropped hitters’ success against the changeup to 4 of 42 (.095) with 11
strikeouts. Foes have also hit just .103 against his hard-biting sinker and
only .176 and .214 against his cutter and four-seam fastball.
Pitch metrics showed that McGreevy’s stuff has never been
than it was on Friday at San Diego’s Petco Park. The horizontal break on his sinker
was 15 inches on Friday – up four innings over his season average. The same
went for his changeup with it averaging 16 inches of horizontal break on Friday
– four inches greater than during the season. His four-seam fastball and cutter
also greater break on Friday than they have over the season.
McGreevy ranks in MLB’s 85th percentile in walk
rate and in the 63rd percentile in hard-hit rate, and he’s allowed
just 29 hits over 45 1/3 innings worked this season. However, computer models
don’t think he can keep up the success that he’s had at the start of this
season with an Expected ERA of 5.08 – nearly three runs more than he’s actually
allowed thus far per nine innings.
Velocity, McGreevy reminded earlier this season, can be
overstated at times.
“Last year, the harder I threw, the harder they hit me,” he
said with a smile. “So, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing.”
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SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado hit his 375th career homer and 200th in a Padres uniform, Ty France also went deep and San Diego beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Saturday.
Fernando Tatis Jr. had a tiebreaking two-run single in the fifth inning to back Randy Vásquez (4-1), who gave up one run and six hits while striking out six in five innings.
Mason Miller got the final out of the eighth but the Padres' closer ran into some uncharacteristic trouble in the ninth, walking two batters before Yahel Pozo reached when he struck out on a slider in the dirt. Miller escaped the jam by setting down JJ Wetherholt looking on a 101 mph fastball for his fourth strikeout of the inning.
The dominant right-hander has been scored on in just one of his 18 outings this season and has a major league-leading 12 saves in as many opportunities.
Machado homered in the eighth off reliever Matt Svanson to make it 4-2. He also hit 162 homers for Baltimore and 13 in half a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nathan Church gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead in the fourth with an RBI double.
The Padres tied it in the fifth when France homered to center off Dustin May (3-4). Later in the frame, Tatis blooped a single to right to make it 3-1. May surrendered three runs on three hits and struck out seven in six innings.
In the eighth, Iván Herrera doubled down the left-field line off San Diego reliever Adrian Morejon to score Wetherholt from first.
Up next
Cardinals RHP Kyle Leahy (4-3, 4.93 ERA) will start opposite Padres RHP Walker Buehler (2-2, 15.64) on Sunday as San Diego seeks a split of the four-game series.
No. 23 Virginia baseball leaned on a standout performance from freshman pitcher John Paone to earn a 2-1 victory over Cal on Saturday afternoon at Disharoon Park.
The Cavaliers improved to 33-17 overall and 13-13 in ACC play, while the Golden Bears fell to 26-24 and 9-17 in conference action. The victory allowed Virginia to even the weekend series.
Paone turned in the longest outing by a Virginia pitcher this season, working 7.2 innings while allowing only one run and striking out a season-high nine batters. Tyler Kapa earned the win in relief, improving to 2-0 on the year.
Cal grabbed an early lead after Carl Schmidt connected on a solo home run in the second inning. It proved to be the Bears’ only run of the game, as Paone settled in and surrendered just one more hit for the remainder of his outing.
Virginia’s offense struggled to generate opportunities early against Cal starter Gavin Eddy, who carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning before Antonio Perrotta lined a single up the middle to break it up. Perrotta later finished 2-for-2 with a double to lead the Cavaliers offensively, while Joe Tiroly added a hit.
Paone continued his dominant afternoon in the sixth inning by striking out all three batters he faced.
The Cavaliers finally tied the game in the seventh inning. Kyle Johnson reached on a one-out walk and moved to third on a double by Perrotta before scoring on a dropped third strike that escaped the Cal catcher.
Virginia pushed across the winning run an inning later after Harrison Didawick drew a walk and advanced to third following a Cal defensive error. Jake Weatherspoon then brought Didawick home on a fielder’s choice to give the Cavaliers a 2-1 lead.
Kapa closed out the game despite a late threat from the Bears, who placed two runners on base in the ninth inning before Virginia recorded the final out on a ground ball to third.
Paone’s nine strikeouts were the most by a Virginia freshman pitcher since Tomas Valincius recorded 10 strikeouts against Rice on Feb. 16, 2025, during the Puerto Rico Challenge.
The victory also marked the first time this season Virginia won a game while scoring two runs or fewer. The Cavaliers improved to 31-0 when leading after eight innings, while Kapa remained effective out of the bullpen by recording his 17th scoreless outing in 21 appearances this season.
Saturday additionally marked Antonio Perrotta’s first career start at first base for Virginia.
Saturday night in downtown Los Angeles brought all the stars of stage, screen, music, and sports for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a parade of power and influence, actor Leonardo DiCaprio sat along the baseline near the Thunder bench, flanked by friend and fellow actor Lukas Haas. To his left sat longtime actors Don Johnson and Noah Wyle, star of the hit HBO show “The Pitt.”
Leonardo DiCaprio, sporting a new mustache, is sitting courtside for Thunder vs. Lakers Game 3 pic.twitter.com/yTnsrvAKNG
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) May 10, 2026
Industry executives and producers were well represented as well. Film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg exchanged pleasantries with legendary TV producer Dick Wolf.
Across from them sat record producer Lou Adler, who was not joined by his friend Jack Nicholson, but instead his son, Ray Nicholson, star of the horror sequel “Smile 2.”
Longtime Laker season ticket holders Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman, and Dyan Cannon cheered on the purple and gold, as did former Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss and her husband actor/comedian Jay Mohr.
Speaking of comedians, that artform was also well-represented as Byron Allen and Adam Ray shared laughs during the game.
Academy Award nominee James Franco watched the game undetected, whereas Jaafar Jackson, star of the hit biopic “Michael” about his uncle, pop-star Michael Jackson, wanted all the attention in his courtside seats.
NBAE via Getty ImagesNBAE via Getty ImagesKevin Reece/Splash NewsNBAE via Getty Images
Then there was other sports colliding with the NBA Playoffs, woven into the tapestry of the crowd like they belonged there. Former Laker, Sasha Vujacic, a champion of a different era, chatted up with the referees before the game.
Former Dodgers and Phillies second-baseman Chase Utley, forever tied to October nights, watched with his children. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, a frequent attendee during the NFL offseason sat one row in front of him. Even Nez Balelo, the CAA super-agent who represents Shohei Ohtani, was in attendance.
Comedian Adam Ray, actor James Franco, Green Bay Packers LB Micah Parsons, former Dodgers/Phillies infielder Chase Utley, and actor/singer Jaafar Jackson are all at Game 3 between the Thunder and Lakers pic.twitter.com/wBoWOtAPUc
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) May 10, 2026
Rounding out the list was NBA superfan and real estate mogul, James Goldstein, And reality star Corey Gamble, but without his famous girlfriend Kris Jenner.
Meanwhile, on the court the Lakers and Thunder battled for survival in the best-of-seven series.
This story will continue to be updated…
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Kansas City, Mo. — The losing streak is now five games. The road record is now an MLB-worst 6-16.
The Kansas City Royals prolonged the Tigers’ misery Saturday night with a relatively breezy 5-1 win at Kauffman Stadium.
Oh, and the Tigers might’ve lost another player in the process.
Right fielder Kerry Carpenter left the game in the third inning. He banged his left shoulder running into the side wall chasing Bobby Witt, Jr.’s first-inning, two-run, inside-the-park home run.
Witt, a right-handed hitter, sliced a drive inside the bag at first. Carpenter chased it toward the side wall, but the ball caromed past him. Witt never stopped running.
Carpenter stayed in the game and even rolled an infield single in the second inning. But he was replaced by Wenceel Perez when the Royals came to bat in the third inning.
He was being evaluated during the game.
The two-run homer by Witt ended up being more than the Tigers’ sputtering offense could overcome. But, for good measure, Michael Massey added a three-run home run off Ty Madden in the fourth inning.
Madden ended up being one of the few bright spots in the game for the Tigers. He pitched six innings and allowed just one other hit. He set down the last 11 hitters he faced.
He entered in the third inning after opener Burch Smith and lefty Tyler Holton worked one time through the Royals’ batting order.
Holton made a nifty escape in the first inning. With runners at second and third and one out, and two runs already in, Jac Caglianone hit a hard ground ball to second baseman Zach McKinstry, who was playing in on the grass.
McKinstry got the out at first. The runner at second, Carter Jensen, mistakenly broke for third where Vinnie Pasquantino was holding.
Spencer Torkelson threw to shortstop Kevin McGonigle who threw to catcher Jake Rogers once Pasquantino broke for home – your basic 4-3-6-2 double-play.
Not much else went the Tigers’ way.
Royals right-hander Michael Wacha snuffed out the few scoring opportunities the Tigers’ mustered.
He worked around an error and a McKinstry stolen base in the third innings He got Jake Rogers to pop to shallow right field with runners at first and third and one out, and then got Matt Vierling to ground out with the bases loaded in the fifth.
Wacha allowed two hits in seven innings. The Tigers put 18 balls in play against him with a soft average exit velocity of 84.4 mph.
The Tigers broke through in the eighth against lefty reliever Matt Strahm. And it was left-handed hitters who did the dirty work. Riley Greene, who extended his career-high on-base streak to 20 games, doubled home McGonigle.
This season is a long way from over but Tigers, 18-22, are in serious need a course correction.
The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Los Angeles looking to take full control of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Lakers on Saturday night after grabbing a 2-0 lead.
Oklahoma City rolled to a 125-107 victory in Game 2 on Friday behind 22 points from Chet Holmgren. The top-seeded Thunder have carried that momentum into the playoffs with strong play on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers will try to respond at home after struggling to slow Oklahoma City’s efficient offense. Los Angeles got 31 points from Austin Reaves in the last meeting, but the absence of Luka Doncic has put pressure on LeBron James and the supporting cast.
15 seconds into the game with a foul and turnover. Lakers Deandre Ayton hits Chet Holmgren in the face on the tip. Holmgren travels.
Tip-off in LA: 1st Quarter 12:00
LeBron James is playing in his 301st NBA Playoff game of his 23-year career tonight. Lakers in white uniforms with purple letter and numbers with gold trim. Thunder wearing blue uniforms with white letter and numbers with orange trim.
Tip-off from LA delay due to TV commitments. Approx. 8:43 p.m. ET for start of Game 3.
More from Austin Reaves' talk with the officials after Game 2
Monty McCutchen on the Austin Reaves/Lakers situation with John Goble after Game 2:
“We teach our officials to go to center court so we’re not leaving at the same time when emotions can run high. Most certainly, we want interactions to be professional there, I do think that had… https://t.co/m8AOrNPvaQ
LAS VEGAS — The 2025 season was proof that the Las Vegas Aces, and this core in particular, know how to flip the switch. The Aces fell to .500 with one month left in the season after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx and then reeled off 16 consecutive wins en route to a third WNBA title in four seasons.
It’s not a habit coach Becky Hammon and her team would prefer to revert to. But Las Vegas is digging itself a hole to start the season, and the defense is the culprit.
“I don’t want to repeat what we did last year. That was not fun the first half of the season,” Hammon said Saturday. “That’s not how we want to come out. It’s not the standard. It was unacceptable last year. It’s not acceptable this year.”
The Aces worked on their defense for about 90 minutes every day during training camp — Hammon even said pregame she thought they had a good focus in their final preseason practice — and showed no effects of that preparation in their season-opening 99-66 loss to Phoenix, a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals. Las Vegas gave up 83 points through three quarters, allowing the Mercury to shoot 53 percent before garbage time set in. A’ja Wilson had only four rebounds for the game and was unable to set the tone for her team’s physicality.
It continues a bad stretch of defense that began during the preseason. Through three games, including the exhibitions, the Aces are conceding 31 points per first quarter and playing from behind the rest of the way. They aren’t conditioned well enough to play as hard as they need for a full 40 minutes. They aren’t executing the staples of their pick-and-roll coverages, let alone the details that separate Las Vegas as a contender relative to the rest of the WNBA.
The guards are supposed to go over screens and the bigs are supposed to come up to touch. The Aces did not do that consistently enough. Instead, they allowed the Mercury too much space from beyond the arc, not rotating well enough to shooters. NaLyssa Smith acknowledged that Las Vegas probably wasn’t prepared for Jovana Nogic — who was playing in her first WNBA game — to shoot as well as she did (4 of 5 on 3-pointera), but that didn’t excuse the rest of Las Vegas’ defensive lapses.
Hammon was especially displeased with the lack of ball pressure, as the Aces allowed the Mercury to comfortably get into their offense without meeting any resistance.
“We’re giving 80 percent of the court for free before we touch anybody,” Hammon said. “It’s like trying to stop an intruder to get to your refrigerator, and they’re already in your kitchen. You got to meet them outside the white picket fence and start defending from there.
“We’re giving 75 to 80 percent of the floor for free and thinking we can defend that last 20 percent. It doesn’t work that way.”
Phoenix had four turnovers through the first three quarters, and at least one was a bad pass that had nothing to do with Las Vegas’ defense.
Last season, when the Aces struggled, the coaching staff put the onus on the players to create the scouting reports and take more ownership of game plans. The players do not have those responsibilities for the 2026 campaign, and they would rather not add that burden.
No one on Las Vegas expected to come out Saturday looking like a championship team. Two and a half weeks of training camp isn’t enough to create championship habits or the discipline necessary to win a title. It will take some time to build into the team the Aces are capable of becoming.
But they also didn’t expect to be outclassed. No matter the emotion of the day with the ring ceremony to celebrate their 2025 title or the opponent, the champions should have been better in their own principles and their own standards, which start on defense. The Aces have too much talent and too much continuity, even with the six months off, to look this disengaged, even if it is one game into the season.
The pregame festivities were a reminder of what is at stake for Las Vegas this year. Opponents will come at them trying to take down the champs, and that requires a level of focus the Aces failed to meet Saturday. They can’t expect to course correct later in the season when the target is on their backs from the beginning.
“The hand is getting heavy,” Wilson said after getting her third ring, “but the crown is getting heavier. We gotta continue to make sure that it doesn’t fall off of our heads.”
Wisconsin athletics have been in the national spotlight for decades.
Hailing from one of the nation’s northernmost territories, the state has produced such athletes as the Watt Brothers, NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and Olympian runner Suzy Favor Hamilton.
Legends like that and several more paved the way for today’s modern athletes, who are just now paving their own way in one of the state’s standout high schools.
With that in mind, which high schools in Wisconsin are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Rice Lake High School
Total number of sports: 23
24. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (Green Bay)
Total number of sports: 19
23. Slinger High School
Total number of sports: 21
22. Plymouth High School
Total number of sports: 22
21. Amherst High School
Total number of sports: 18
20. Xavier Catholic Schools (Appleton)
Total number of sports: 26
19. St. Mary's Springs Academy (Fond du Lac)
Total number of sports: 17
18. Franklin High School
Total number of sports: 22
17. Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Milwaukee)
Total number of sports: 27
16. Brookfield Central High School
Total number of sports: 23
15. Verona Area High School
Total number of sports: 27
14. Brookfield East High School
Total number of sports: 22
13. Sun Prairie East High School
Total number of sports: 23
12. Whitefish Bay High School
Total number of sports: 23
11. Middleton High School
Total number of sports: 31
10. Pewaukee High School
Total number of sports: 22
9. Bay Port High School (Green Bay)
Total number of sports: 27
8. Muskego High School
Total number of sports: 28
7. Homestead High School (Mequon)
Total number of sports: 27
6. Kimberly High School
Total number of sports: 24
5. Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Total number of sports: 12
4. Waunakee Community High School
Total number of sports: 29
3. Catholic Memorial High School (Waukesha)
Total number of sports: 33
2. Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (Milwaukee)
The NBA Playoffs are officially here. After 82 games of grinding through the regular season, the marathon has finally turned into a sprint, as the 2025-26 postseason field is set to narrow through the high-stakes crucible of the Play-In Tournament.
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain the exclusive domain of ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
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NBA Playoffs 2026: Updated schedule, scores for every round
After an offseason trade that came seemingly out of nowhere, Angel Reese is suiting up for the Atlanta Dream.
The Dream will travel to Minnesota to duke it out with the Lynx at Target Arena. These teams were two of the best last season. Despite neither team making the finals after a few key upsets, they both finished in the top three in regular season standings.
Atlanta brought back their leading scorer from 2026, Allisha Gray, on a three-year max-plus deal. The Olympic Gold Medalist averaged 18.4 points per game last season with 5.3 and 3.5 assists.
She'll be joined once again by 2022 No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard, who averaged 17.1 points and 4.6 assists a year ago. Brionna Jones, however, is out to start the season after a right knee surgery in April.
For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier is back on a one-year, max contract. She was ranked No. 2 in the WNBA last season in scoring, only behind A'ja Wilson. Collier also provides elite defense, ranking in the top five of the WNBA in both blocks and steals a year ago.
The concern with Collier is injury. She had a surgery on her left ankle in March and is likely to be out until June, according to a statement from the Lynx.
The Lynx made a few notable additions in the offseason. The first is Olivia Miles, who was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. They also added Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey. Collectively these five made up the starting five in the Lynx final preseason game.
Dream vs. Lynx live updates, highlights from Angel Reese's Atlanta debut
Halftime: Lynx 52, Dream 37
8:48 p.m. - Since subbing back in, Angel Reese continues to excel defensively and struggle offensively. She has her second block of the game, this time on a Nia Coffey three-point attempt. But after her ninth rebound, she missed a driving layup.
8:42 p.m. - With the deficit growing worse, Atlanta takes a full timeout with 3:54 on the clock in the second quarter. The Lynx lead 43-30, with Courtney Williams' layup putting her at 10 points. She's the first on either side in double-digits.
8:36 p.m. - With the Dream chipping away, now down 35-26, they've got Allisha Gray going. She's up to six points on the night with three rebounds and two assists.
8:34 p.m. - After her fourth turnover of the game, this one a traveling violation, Angel Reese is headed to the bench.
End of first quarter: Lynx 24, Dream 12
8:23 p.m. - The first quarter is over in Minneapolis, and the Lynx lead 24-12. Nia Coffey and Kayla McBride lead all scorers with five points each.
8:21 p.m. - Olivia Miles officially has her first points in the WNBA. She sinks both from the free throw line.
7:54 p.m. - The Atlanta Dream's starting five is also in and it features Angel Reese front and center. She'll team up with Allisha Gray, who finished fourth in 2025 WNBA MVP voting, as well as Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard and Naz Hillmon.
7:49 p.m. - Minnesota's starting five is in for tonight. It features rookie Olivia Miles, and offseason acquisitions Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey, the latter of whom spent the last four seasons in Atlanta.
7:40 p.m. - The entire Atlanta Dream team has arrived for the opener in Minneapolis, showing off their fits for the nighttime matchup. The contest is set to tip off at the top of the hour.
6:13 p.m. - Angel Reese walks into the facilities ahead of her Atlanta Dream debut. The two-time All Star was traded from Chicago to Atlanta in the offseason.
This is a serve 🤏
Angel Reese is ready to make her regular season debut with the @AtlantaDream
The Dream and Lynx are set to begin their season on Saturday night in Minnesota. The Lynx held the No. 1 seed entering last season's playoffs. The Dream were the No. 3 seed before adding Angel Reese in the offseason.
MINFORD — With the top four teams in the SOC III separated by just three games in all, one can guarantee that every game in the league is, indeed, a gauntlet.
That was no different on Friday evening.
Ultimately, the team who proved to limit their mistakes more than any other in the league was able to claim its official stake at the top of the SOC III in 2026.
The Minford Falcons' baseball program ripped off four runs between two RBI-producing doubles by Ty Borland and Carter Frazie to begin the game, then staved off a rally from South Webster by working out of a pivotal bases-loaded, no-out jam in the top of the sixth inning en route to claiming a 6-4 triumph at the Red Monster in Minford.
Friday's win clinched no worse of a share of the SOC III Championship for the Falcons, who improved to 17-2 overall and 8-2 in the league.
And from the getgo, Minford head coach Eli Daniels could see how much the game meant to his team.
"The SOC III is just a gauntlet," Daniels said. "Credit to the boys here — they pulled out a gutsy one (on Friday). They came in locked in from the getgo, and they showed it on the field. Great win. Great day."
South Webster, who rallied back from the 4-0 deficit to close within 6-4 behind a strong relief outing from Jeep senior Benaiah Andrews and good situational hitting at different points, never relented but weren't able to string enough timely hits together in key situations in the setback.
"They're a great team," McClintic said. "Hat's off to Minford. We faced their No. 1 and No. 2, and those guys are tough. They're going to be a tough out in the tournament. You just can't make the mistakes that we made in the field and also not capitalize offensively with runners in scoring position and less than two outs and expect to beat a team like this. We battled back and made it interesting, but you've got to be able to do those little things early. We gave them momentum and that made it hard. They just don't beat themselves."
Getting a big effort on the mound from Borland, who worked out of an early jam after allowing Hunter Barnard and Brycin McClintic to reach scoring position via a single, a sacrifice bunt, a walk and a wild pitch but not allowing either to come across by collecting a strikeout and inducing a pop up to end the inning, Minford wasted no time capitalizing to begin the game.
In fact, each of the first four batters reached for Minford, and after a hit batter and a walk, Borland's RBI double to the left center field gap from the three-hole was followed by a two-RBI double on the very next pitch to cleanup hitter Carter Frazie who banged his hit off of the right field wall, resulting in three runs right off the rip without an out recorded in the bottom half.
The Falcons added in a fourth run on a one-out error, ultimately sending 10 batters to the plate in taking its early lead.
"They were great ABs," Daniels said of Borland's and Frazie's at-bats. "They got their pitch and they made it count. They put the ball in play hard. They were both gap shots to the wall, and it started from there. The boys just kept on rolling from that point forward and we did enough damage early."
Unfazed, South Webster's Benaiah Andrews came in for South Webster starting pitcher Jacob McGraw and worked the second through sixth innings as if the four-run first-inning eruption never happened.
Andrews, a multi-year starter and All-Ohio honoree, allowed just three hits and two earned runs the rest of the way, with both earned runs coming off of Max Lauder's RBI double over the South Webster defense in the bottom of the third inning of work.
No. 15 seemed to get stronger as the game wore on as well, as Andrews retired the last nine Minford batters in order, finishing his five innings of relief with three straight strikeouts in the sixth.
"Jacob's been great for us all year," McClintic said. "Guys are just not going to have their best stuff every night, and some unfortunate events led to Jacob coming out of the game there early. It was good to have Benaiah available (on Friday). He's still working himself back into form, and he looked like the All-Ohio pitcher of last year as of late — he's dealt with some injuries. Benaiah comes in, and we know that in any situation, we can trust Benaiah. He's a senior that's been in a lot of games, and whether that's starting or as a reliever, he's done it all. He did a great job to put up a lot of quick innings and zeros for us on the scoreboard, and gave us the confidence to really keep battling back. That was a tough spot for him to come into, and he did an awesome job."
After adding in a run to initially cut Minford's lead to a 4-1 tally in the bottom of the third inning on an Easton Large sac fly RBI, South Webster — trailing 6-1 after the two-RBI double by Lauder — did additional damage in the fourth.
Following a leadoff single to right field by catcher Sam Murphy, Brayden Barnard walked to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Then, with two gone, McClintic came through with a two-RBI single to center field, scoring Brayden Barnard and courtesy runner Jaheim Froe to cut the Minford lead to 6-3 after four complete.
Keeping the pressure on, the Jeeps attempted to turn up the dial further in the top of the sixth. Murphy again got things going after being hit by a pitch, while Brayden Barnard singled back up the middle of the diamond and Hunter Barnard was also hit by a ball, loading the bases with nobody out.
But as they have done throughout the vast majority of the 2026 season, Minford made the plays it needed to.
On a 1-1 count, a groundball to third led to a 5-2 forceout at home plate. This was then followed by the biggest play of the game, where a hard hit baseball by McClintic was fielded on one hop by Lauder at shortstop.
Recognizing the situation and understanding McClintic's speed down the line, Lauder, instead of making the slower flip to second baseman Colt Donahoe, took it upon himself to sprint to the second base bag, then fired to Frazie at first base for the inning-ending double play.
"Max making the double play with the bases loaded was huge," Daniels said. "That was really a big confidence-booster for us. Big credit to Ty Borland and (Minford reliever) Mason Bradley for coming in and shutting them down. They made the pitches when they needed to make them, and we had the fielding behind them that made the plays when they needed to make them as well."
"This is the best lineup we've had one-through-nine," McClintic said. "It never gets to a spot in the order where we feel like we can't get something going, even with two outs and nobody on. We just got productive at-bats all up and down the lineup. We just didn't capitalize on a couple of things early in the game. We had guys on second and third with one out in the inning and couldn't get anybody in. We had bases loaded one time and favorable counts where we had one out. We did a great job working their pitchers. We just weren't able to cash in on those opportunities that we had. We're going to play South Webster baseball, and we're going to do the little things, and if we do the little things, then we're going to win most of the time. We just left a couple of those on the field (on Friday) early on."
Still trailing 6-3 and down to its final out, South Webster attempted to get a two-out rally going as a two-out walk by Jacob McGraw and a passed ball allowed Pierce Kreischer to drive in McGraw with his RBI single to left, cutting the Minford lead to a 6-4 margin. But the offensive production was simply too late as Bradley was able to induce an innocent three-unassisted groundout to end the game following Kreischer's base knock.
"It seems like it's a dogfight every year with South Webster," Daniels said. "You've got to play seven innings against those guys. They're a well-coached team. (Ryan) McClintic's got them playing good baseball year-in and year-out, so it's always a good win when you can beat Webster."
With the victory and at least a share of the SOC III Championship in hand, Minford now turns its focus onto preparing for postseason play. The Falcons will take on Chillicothe Southeastern Monday in Minford, the first of a four-game nonconference stretch with three of those affairs being played at the Red Monster.
"It's great to grab at least a share of the conference title," Daniels said. "That's something we don't take lightly. However, we're out to win every game. The bigger picture is going into the postseason and making a deep tournament run."
As for South Webster (11-7, 4-5 SOC III), its five-game winning streak may have come to an end, but its progression and the high-level situations the Jeeps faced on Friday most certainly did not. South Webster has a chance to get a new streak started Monday when the Jeeps play Logan Elm.
"We've been doing the little things as of late," McClintic said. "This conference is terrific and we enjoy the competition we get from it. I would much rather play a competitive game every night of the week than not play a strong schedule. We look at playing in this league as a blessing. There's a lot of good teams. Pretty much everybody has a chance at making a long tournament run. I love playing games like these. Like I've said before, I wish we could play three or four games against every team in the league, because it's just good baseball."
The 2025-26 NBA regular season has reached its conclusion, setting the stage for a postseason defined by high-stakes matchups and a brand-new broadcast landscape.
The journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy officially began with the Play-In Tournament, and now the main contenders are in the mix. With dominant forces like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons having secured the top seeds and moved on to the second round, the focus is on what other teams can compete for the NBA championship.
This year marks a significant shift in how fans will consume the playoffs, as a landmark media rights deal introduces a three-pronged distribution model featuring ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. While the NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, earlier rounds will be split across these platforms, including the entirety of the Play-In Tournament moving to Prime Video.
Whether you are a cord-cutter relying on Peacock and Amazon or a traditional viewer tuned into ESPN and NBC, navigating the 2026 bracket requires a clear roadmap of where and when to find each game. From the opening tip of the play-in games to the final buzzer of the NBA Finals on June 19, every series offers a different path to glory.
Below is the comprehensive guide to the 2026 NBA Playoff schedule, including a full look at the current bracket, confirmed tip-off times, and a breakdown of which streaming services and cable channels you'll need to catch every minute of the action.
Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain on ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
Facing a heat index around 100 degrees on a turf that felt like 120 degrees, Osceola was laboring through a left leg cramp that surfaced in the bottom half of the fifth inning during his warmup.
Despite that, the Florida State signee only had one option: to power through it.
Osceola threw 6 1/3 innings against the Cougars, allowing one earned run with nine strikeouts in a 4-2 win in Game 3 of the Class 1A-Region 3 final, marking Neumann’s first return to the Final Four since 2023.
“It was all heart today,” Osceola said. “From the at-bats, to every pitch, to the fellas staying together after losing a close one (last year), it was all heart at the end of the day. I had some cramps here and there, but I battled. We have the best training staff, the best team to keep me there mentally and come out on top.”
Neumann (20-13) rebounded after getting clobbered in Game 2 earlier in the day, where Ashby Piatt threw five innings of one run ball, striking out 10 to help Canterbury win 13-1 in five innings, after the Cougars (26-5) were blown out the day before in Game 1, 15-3.
“Two months ago, we were in a bad spot,” St. John Neumann coach Charlie Maurer said. “They crawled out of it, and I’m proud of the guys. They matured. The mental toughness has been the theme. Coming back after getting your teeth kicked in, that first game, that takes something special.
“Kudos to Canterbury, because they beat our butts. After yesterday, most teams would have folded, and they came back and hurt us just as bad. I think both coaches had a feeling Game 3 would settle in a little bit. It’s two good teams going at it. I’m proud of my guys for staying tough and battling adversity. This new playoff format is tough. It’s completely different. It’s been a hot day, but it’s been a good day.”
After Canterbury starter Ian Long struck out two in the first, the Cougars threatened early on Osceola. After a Noah Kiefer walk and a Brayden Habuda single, Habuda was thrown out at second on a strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out double play by Taylor Reidy with Ever Silvente up at the plate. Piatt struck out looking after that, stranding Kiefer at third in the bottom half of the first.
That would be a microcosm of things to come down the road for the Cougars, which pressured in big spots, but couldn’t get the timely hit. Canterbury was 2 for 9 with RISP in Game 3 after having little problems putting bats on balls in Game 2.
After Canterbury appeared to have thrown out Anthony Rosato at third base, which would’ve been the third out, the inning continued following a safe call. That set the stage for Aiden Miranti to plate a pair off Cougars starter Ian Long, making it 2-0 in the top of the second inning.
Canterbury responded in the bottom half of the second with two-out hitting of their own, sparking a rally after Adams Mejia Reyes doubled down the left field line, moving Michael Magas to third. A passed ball plated Magas, before Maddux Wolff popped out in foul territory to strand another Cougar baserunner in scoring position to make it 2-1.
Long and Osceola both worked 1-2-3 innings in the third, before the Celtics got two more in the fourth. With Luke Parrish and Darien Kester reaching via a walk and a single, Reidy grounded into a double play, before Roman Howery uncorked on the first pitch he saw, homering to center field to make it 4-1.
“The game plan has been, throw it over the white thing and hit it over the black thing,” Maurer said. “The third game, it’s hot out. Bat speed’s down, hand speed’s down, running speed’s down. The game changes a little bit. Coaching summer ball, you get used to that. You’re not going to have the boogie whip you have.
“The mindset today was no free passes, to make them earn everything and then make each at bat the toughest at-bat they’ve ever had. I think that’s why with two outs, we had so much success.”
Osceola would make quick work of Canterbury in the fourth and fifth, retiring nine straight before Kiefer singled in the bottom half of the sixth. After a pair of singles from Silvente and Piatt to put Canterbury in prime position, that evaporated relatively quickly after Anthony Meady popped out on the first pitch he saw, and Tenuto grounding out to Osceola, who flipped it to first base, visibly animated heading into the dugout.
“Our training staff is unbelievable,” Maurer said. “Tyler (Boardway) does a really good job, and I have the best pitching coach in the country in Greg Dombrowski. It was not inning by inning. It was pitch by pitch of how we could get him back out there and see if we could get one, two, or three more outs. We just kept plugging and plugging and plugging. That’s a testament to everybody.”
Relieving Long midway through the sixth inning, Tenuto worked a quick 1-2-3 inning to send the Cougars into the dugout against Osceola, who was rapidly approaching 105 pitches. A Magas single, a Wolff walk, and another Kiefer single sent Habuda up to the plate, which ultimately ended Osceola’s day at 104 pitches.
With Cole Hylemon facing Habuda in the biggest spot of his career, the South Alabama commit delivered, singling up the middle to plate one. After that, Silvente chased what would’ve been ball three, a slider down and away in the dirt to put the Celtics one out away.
It was up to Piatt to try and deliver more magic for the Cougars, but there was none left. Hylemon got Piatt to fly out to left field, where Anthony Kanellos settled under it. Shortly thereafter, the celebration was on just behind the pitcher’s mound, and Neumann was back in the Final Four.
Neumann will take on Orangewood Christian in the state semifinals next week, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14. The winner will face St. Johns Country Day or Schoolhouse Prep in the title game on Saturday at 11 a.m.
“For the first time in my career, I know nothing,” Maurer said when asked about Orangewood Christian. “I haven’t looked forward. I fell into that trap too many times. We’ve been there too many times as a staff. It’s time to try and figure out how to win it. We’ll figure out what we can tomorrow or Monday, and then give them everything we’ve got.”
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
The Kansas City Chiefs' pass-rush should take a big step forward next season after general manager Brett Veach selected Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas with the No. 40 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thomas has yet to see live action as a professional, but he has all the makings of an elite sack-master who could turn into a cornerstone of Kansas City's defense.
This week, footage surfaced of Thomas working on his agility during an offseason training session, giving Chiefs fans one of their first looks at the former Sooner since his acquisition by Kansas City in the Annual Player Selection Meeting last month:
Usually, the Chiefs' coaching staff is hesitant to utilize rookies in key roles during their first season in the NFL, but Thomas' outstanding athletic profile and raw talent could force veteran coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to consider featuring him early in Kansas City's 2026 campaign.
That elusive Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship is coming to The Highest of Seven Hills.
Florida A&M softball defeated Southern in walkoff fashion with a 2-1 victory to hoist the trophy at Saturday, May 9's winner-takes-all game.
Braxtyn Battle singled to left field, advanced Samantha Smith, and scored Kiara Beltre to earn the win at the bottom of the seventh inning.
The run earned the Rattlers their first SWAC Championship title since joining the league in 2021. FAMU had appeared in the last two SWAC Tournament championship rounds, but lost both years to Jackson State.
FAMU outhit Southern 7-2 on Saturday. Beltre led the team with two hits.
Smith pitched the entire seven-inning game and earned the SWAC Tournament Championship win.
Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
COBHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Lois Shooter, Sam Kerr, Veerle Buurman, Livia Peng, Becky Spencer, Erin Cuthbert, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd of Chelsea pose for a photograph during a Chelsea FC Women's Training Session at Chelsea Training Ground on May 06, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) | Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea Women have already lifted the Women’s League Cup this season, and they can get a second cup this year as they’re still in the Women’s FA Cup chase. They will have to beat the current Women’s Super League champions to do so which is no easy feat. But we’ve already done so twice this season — who says we can’t do it again this weekend?
Date / Time: Sunday, May 10, 2026, 15.30 BST; 10:30am EDT Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6 Referee: Phoebe Cross Forecast: Cloudy and breezy
On TV: TNT Sports 1 (UK); none (USA); elsewhere Streaming: HBO Max (UK); none (USA)
Chelsea team news: With a 3-1 win over Leicester City last weekend Chelsea secured a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League next season. The only question now is whether we finish the season in second or third in the league table as Arsenal still have a game in hand and are a single point behind us.
We’re sorely missing clean sheets and goalkeeper Livia Peng, who substituted Hannah Hampton last outing, couldn’t keep it for us. Hannah will be back to the fold for this Women’s FA Cup match which is good news for us. We will be missing defender Naomi Girma due to a calf injury.
Manchester City team news: City’s loss to Brighton at the end of last month might have given very few people some hope the Women’s Super League title wasn’t theirs. But they went and secured it anyway in the next game with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend.
They will need to make do with a squad suffering with several injuries thanks to the tear and wear of the season. Defenders Laura Wienroither and Naomi Layzell have been out of contention since April, whereas midfielders Vivianne Miedema and Sydney Lohmann were added to the injury list last week. The good news for them is that defender Rebecca Knaak might be available depending on a late fitness test.
Previously: Sam Kerr gives us the title with an extra time goal.
INDIANAPOLIS – Tensions flared between Romain Grosjean and Marcus Armstrong following Saturday's Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
After getting out of his car, Grosjean — who finished 21st in the race — approached the pit box of Armstrong — who finished 11th. Video captured outside of Armstrong's pit box shows Grosjean making his way to confront Armstrong after initially being held back by members of Armstrong's No. 66 pit crew.
"Get off," Grosjean said to the crew members in a video captured by Racer Magazine. "I was going to talk to him. I was going to say I want to punch you."
Grosjean eventually got face-to-face with Armstrong while crew members stepped between them.
"I have never punched anyone in my life," he proceeded to say.
There’s a reason to hire a crew chief like Jimmy Looper who also serves as head of security for his car and peacekeeper for his driver. Good to see Romain throttle back. #racing#motorsport#indycarpic.twitter.com/9PBBZBaMJr
It is unclear what caused the dispute between the two drivers, who finished 10 spots apart in the race and whose pit boxes were 10 spots away from one another.
"He fancied a bit of a fist fight, actually," Armstrong told Fox. "A bit of UFC, a bit of MMA — something I'm not accustomed to. But hey, you know what, I've got like a 350-pound fueler who was like right behind me, so fair play to Romain, he's got some balls for trying to attack me with him behind me."
“He fancied a bit of a fist fight.” Marcus Armstrong tells @KevinLee23 about his post-race "discussion" with Romain Grosjean at Indy. pic.twitter.com/sKGXr0CtB6
INDIANAPOLIS – Tensions flared between Romain Grosjean and Marcus Armstrong following Saturday's Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
After getting out of his car, Grosjean — who finished 21st in the race — approached the pit box of Armstrong — who finished 11th. Video captured outside of Armstrong's pit box shows Grosjean making his way to confront Armstrong after initially being held back by members of Armstrong's No. 66 pit crew.
"Get off," Grosjean said to the crew members in a video captured by Racer Magazine. "I was going to talk to him. I was going to say I want to punch you."
Grosjean eventually got face-to-face with Armstrong while crew members stepped between them.
"I have never punched anyone in my life," he proceeded to say.
There’s a reason to hire a crew chief like Jimmy Looper who also serves as head of security for his car and peacekeeper for his driver. Good to see Romain throttle back. #racing#motorsport#indycarpic.twitter.com/9PBBZBaMJr
It is unclear what caused the dispute between the two drivers, who finished 10 spots apart in the race and whose pit boxes were 10 spots away from one another.
"He fancied a bit of a fist fight, actually," Armstrong told Fox. "A bit of UFC, a bit of MMA — something I'm not accustomed to. But hey, you know what, I've got like a 350-pound fueler who was like right behind me, so fair play to Romain, he's got some balls for trying to attack me with him behind me."
“He fancied a bit of a fist fight.” Marcus Armstrong tells @KevinLee23 about his post-race "discussion" with Romain Grosjean at Indy. pic.twitter.com/sKGXr0CtB6
Ateba Gautier continued to prove he's an unstoppable force, and now wants to test himself against a former champion.
Gautier (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) showed a patient approach against a game Ozzy Diaz (10-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC), before catching him with an overhand right and finishing him with ground strikes at the 1:10 mark of Round 2 on Saturday's UFC 328 featured prelim at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Check out the video of Gautier's finish below (via X):
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 10, 2026
Gautier tied Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov for the longest active UFC middleweight win streak at five. He respectfully called out former champion Israel Adesanya in his post-fight octagon interview.
Up-to-the-minute results of UFC 328 include:
Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz via KO (punches) – Round 2, 1:10
With rookie minicamp taking place this weekend for the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Liam Coen is getting his first up-close look at offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, who the team drafted in the third round.
The pads aren't on, and there is no contact taking place, which makes truly evaluating offensive line play difficult, but Pregnon's size and skill set have caught Coen's attention.
"Large man," Coen said. "Some of that you can't coach, right? And when you have big strong hands and heavy hands as an interior offensive lineman, I think is super helpful to the cause, especially in pass protection to be able to snap things off, and then when you are put in some one-on-one positions up front, being able to not just get stalemates, but potentially move that person the other direction."
Coen continued, "So hard to tell, obviously, physically, you would think he can do it, and based on the film, playing at a high level in college, he did display those things. So very difficult to get a true evaluation, as I said last year around this time, about the offensive line, but care factor, intentionality, communication, learning, that's what this is all about."
Pregnon joins the Jaguars after an impressive 2025 season at left guard for the Oregon Ducks. Out of 101 eligible guards, Pregnon ranked second in PFF's run-blocking grade. He also tied for eighth in pass-blocking efficiency, allowing just one sack and five pressures over 471 pass-blocking snaps.
As a result of his stellar play, Pregnon was named a first-team All-American following his performance last season.
So, in these first few days of having Pregnon in the mix up front, what does Coen want to see from him?
"Just trying to get to know him personally a little bit," Coen said of rookie minicamp. "What makes him tick? The learning curve, how he learns best, whether it's in the meeting room setting or you go into the walkthrough. How does that change or adapt in his learning process?
"And ultimately, when he gets on the grass, how he handles and takes coaching. So I've been impressed with him in a small sample size in terms of care factor and asking and communicating things on the grass and in the huddle, just been impressed by that so far."
The addition of Pregnon brings more size to a Jaguars' offensive line unit that Coen wants to see improve in the run game this season.
Tennessee (34-17, 13-13 SEC) and No. 4 Texas (36-12, 15-10 SEC) played Game 2 of a three-game series on Saturday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Vols won Game 2, 14-9, and clinched a series victory.
Evan Blanco started for Tennessee and pitched seven innings. He recorded eight strikeouts and 111 pitches, including 71 strikes, against 30 batters. Blanco allowed seven hits, five runs (five earned), three walks and one balk.
Temo Becerra hit a two run home run for the Longhorns in the first inning off Blanco.
A series finale between the Vols and Longhorns will take place May 10 at noon EDT. Game 3 will be televised by ESPN2. Tennessee won Game 1 on Friday, 5-1.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (R-L) Ateba Gautier of Cameroon punches Ozzy Diaz in a middleweight fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Ateba Gautier was one of the biggest favorites at UFC 328 and he delivered an emphatic knockout over Ozzy Diaz to cap off the prelims on Saturday night.
Despite his dominant run through the UFC thus far, Gautier was somehow criticized for going to a decision last time out but in his return, he showed patience until Diaz threw out a lazy jab and the counter was a devastating overhand right that ended the fight. As soon as Gautier connected, Diaz folded and dropped to the ground with the referee rushing in to stop the fight before any more punishment was dished out.
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 10, 2026
The finish came at 1:10 in the second round.
“I’ve been working a lot so I’m happy,” Gautier said after his latest win. “I’ve been working with my team so I know what I have to do. Exactly what we’ve been doing all this week and I did it.
“To be honest, my dream fight would be against Israel Adesanya. I really want to fight. Since I started MMA, I really admired him.”
While Diaz was displaying solid defense early, Gautier didn’t get frustrated or just immediately start throwing bombs in an attempt to get to his opponent. Instead, Gautier just kept picking his shots and kicking away at Diaz’s lead leg just waiting to unleash his power shots.
That came in the second round when Diaz tossed out his jab and Gautier countered over the top with the right hand that connected clean. It was an impressive answer to Diaz’s offense with Gautier moving to 5-0 in the UFC with the win.
It remains to be seen if the UFC is interested in matching up Gautier against somebody like Adesanya but it could be an interesting matchup between a former champion and a top prospect in the middleweight division.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Christian Lundgaard made all the right moves Saturday.
He waited for the perfect moment to set up a daring outside move with 18 laps to go, then nudged his way past David Malukas through three sweeping turns on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course and sped away from the field to win the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Now he's going to find out if it helps him in the Indianapolis 500.
The Danish driver snapped a 47-race winless streak, beating Malukas to the yard of bricks by 4.763 seconds for the second win of his career and first in nearly three years. It gives the Arrow McLaren team a boost of confidence heading into IndyCar's biggest race of the season.
“At the end of the day, I had nothing to lose,” Lundgaard said. “I had so much unfinished business here. For me, it wasn't that I wanted to win. I have enough second places in the past year and a half, I wanted to win and I was kind of willing to do whatever it took.”
Lundgaard drove like it, though he won't be celebrating long with the Indy 500 looming.
There's still a plenty to fine-tune before Tuesday's first practice session. Each of the 33 drivers will receive an extra boost of horsepower Friday, with four-lap qualifications set for next Saturday and Sunday. The race is May 24, Lundgaard's mother's birthday.
While success on Indy's 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course doesn't usually translate into success on the Brickyard's more famous 2.5-mile oval, Lundgaard thinks this win helped him turn the corner.
“I know I can beat anyone and I'm sure 95% of the field will say the same thing,” he said. “To finally get it, I think we've come close many, many times, and I think we've unlocked the door now and am pretty confident there will be many more.”
The Spaniard won both Indy races last year and despite failing to join seven-time world champ Michael Schumacher as the only drivers in Brickyard history to win the same event four consecutive years, he still managed to extend his points lead over Kyle Kirkwood to 27 points. Schumacher won Formula 1's U.S. Grand Prix each year from 2003-06.
Palou finished fifth, more than 14 seconds behind Lundgaard, because of a poorly timed caution period that prevented him from cycling back up the leaderboard. He's won three of the first six races and finished second at Arlington, Texas.
A handful of other drivers also are looking forward to the 500 after strong results Saturday.
Malukas led a race-high 27 laps and remains third in the standings.
Third-place finisher Graham Rahal reached the podium for the second time in three races as he resumes the quest to join his father, Bobby, in the 500 winners club.
But the biggest moment came as Malukas and Lundgaard ran side by side through the middle of the road course, battling for the lead. The difference came down to a minor hiccup.
“We were having some moments, and I could see him trying to set up the undercut and we ended up having some little issue and he managed to stick it around the outside,” Malukas said. “I probably could have been a little bit more aggressive, but I thought it was fair racing and it was a proper move, a very good move.”
Lundgaard had shown signs he was about to make a move after finishing third at St. Petersburg, seventh at Arlington and second at Alabama. But now the question is whether he can keep it up on the oval when Palou tries to become the seventh driver to claim back-to-back 500 titles.
Palou has been almost untouchable since the start of last season, winning eight of 17 races with four runner-up finishes in 2025. He's continued to dominate this year.
But perhaps that's about to change.
Lundgaard is coming off a career-best seventh in last year's 500, his first with Arrow McLaren, after failing to crack the top 13 in his three previous starts on the oval, all with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The hopes for Arrow McLaren are soaring after Pato O'Ward, the Mexican who is Lundgaard's current teammate, qualified second for the grand prix.
“In many, many ways, I live to win races,” Lundgaard said. “I don't live to finish second. I don't live just to be in this race, and I think that's how I was always taught, growing up, that I don't just compete to compete. I compete to win.”
The final score will show the Dallas Wings escaped Indianapolis with a 107-104 win over the Indiana Fever on Saturday. It will show Kelsey Mitchell poured in 30 points to keep Indiana alive deep into the fourth quarter. It will show rookie Paige Bueckers scored 20 points in her regular-season debut for Dallas. But one of the biggest moments of the game came on a single pass from Caitlin Clark.
Midway through the third quarter, Clark drove into the lane with Dallas collapsing around her. Most players would have picked up the dribble or forced a difficult shot attempt. Instead, Clark calmly delivered a behind-the-back bounce pass to Myisha Hines-Allen for an easy layup that immediately brought the crowd to its feet.
It was the type of play that looked impossible in real time.
Caitlin Clark keeps creating moments fans can’t stop watching
That assist quickly exploded across social media because it perfectly captured why Clark continues to draw so much attention around the league. The numbers matter, of course. Clark finished with 20 points in 30 minutes and once again controlled huge stretches of Indiana’s offense. But the reason fans keep tuning in goes beyond points or box scores. It’s the unpredictability. Every possession feels like it could turn into a highlight.
That’s a rare quality in any sport. Clark plays with a pace and creativity that constantly pressures defenses into making split-second decisions. Once Dallas shifted toward her drive, she instantly recognized Hines-Allen cutting behind the defense and delivered the ball without hesitation. The timing was just as impressive as the pass itself.
ARE Y'ALL SEEING THIS? 🔥
Caitlin Clark with the behind the back pass to Myisha Hines-Allen!
Saturday’s opener also showed how much intrigue surrounds this matchup moving forward. The game featured Clark on one side and the Dallas rookie duo of Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on the other, creating one of the most talent-packed young matchups the league has seen in years. Add in established stars like Arike Ogunbowale and Mitchell, and the atmosphere felt far bigger than a typical early-season game.
Bueckers looked comfortable immediately, scoring 20 points while helping Dallas withstand Indiana’s late pushes. Mitchell answered with an aggressive scoring performance of her own, repeatedly attacking the Wings defense and keeping the Fever within striking distance.
But even with all the scoring, fans kept circling back to Clark’s pass. That says everything about the kind of player she is becoming for the WNBA. Some stars dominate with scoring explosions. Others control games with efficiency. Clark can do those things, but she also creates moments that people immediately want to replay, share and talk about.
And on Saturday afternoon, one pass was enough to remind everyone why she’s become must-watch television.
Brooks Koepka found something he has been missing in Myrtle BeachGetty Images
Brooks Koepka has been searching for something ever since he triumphed at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. That week in Rochester, Koepka returned to his major-killing ways. He was fully healthy, his game firing on all cylinders, his confidence at peak levels.
Since that fifth major win, though, Brooks Koepka watched his game dip while on LIV Golf. His major performances in 2024 and 2025 were well below his elite standard. His putting woes became a source of frustration, and Brooks Koepka was unhappy. He was playing poorly and spending a lot of time away from his family due to the global travel of LIV, and he and his wife, Jena Sims, tragically suffered a miscarriage last year. The desire to spend more time with his family was the driving force behind Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour in January.
“Just my family. A lot’s gone on over the past five, six months with my family. That played a big role into coming back,” Koepka said at Torrey Pines in January. Sims and their son, Crew, have been able to be out on the road more with Koepka back on the PGA Tour and Brooks Koepka has been quietly playing good golf. It hasn’t all come together. The putter has remained a sticking point. He hasn’t yet played his way into the Signature Events, but he has been close.
Brooks Koepka has been building back to his old self. Slowly, piece by piece. Finally, on Saturday, at a tournament Koepka probably didn’t have on his radar to start the season, it all finally came together when the five-time major champion shot back-nine 29 to vault into contention at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. It was the first 29 Koepka has shot on the PGA Tour since the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges in 2019. And, more importantly, it gave Brooks Koepka the thing he has been missing.
“That’s the most excited I’ve been playing golf in a long, long time,” Koepka said after his round. “I can tell you that much. I would say back until ’23, the PGA. That’s the most — it’s been a long time since I’ve had fun playing golf. I was very frustrated last year. Just wasn’t in a good place, but I think a lot of times when you — it’s like anybody, right? If they’re happy off the golf course, they’re going to play well on the golf course. I think that’s a huge, huge piece of it, and I’ve found that.
“Refound my happiness, my love for the game. All the pieces are connected. It’s just now I’ve got to go out and go play.”
Koepka finished T12 at the Masters while Rory McIlroy went on to defend his title and eclipse Koepka with his sixth major title. The next week saw Koepka sit around at the RBC Heritage as the first alternate, hoping to get a tee time. It didn’t come. He and Shane Lowry missed the cut at the team event Zurich Classic, and then Koepka failed to make it off the alternate list at the Cadillac Championship.
But with the PGA Championship next week at Aronimink, Koepka entered the field in Myrtle Beach to ensure he had a tee time to fine-tune his game. He has been waiting to feel all the way back. His iron play has been superb for the last two months. But he dealt with a driver issue he rectified at the Masters and hasn’t found consistent success with the flatstick.
Koepka has said that “good golf” will take care of everything. It will get him into Signature Events and have him in the right place to win more majors. The kind of golf Koepka has been hunting arrived in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, and it could foreshadow something bigger on the horizon. Finally, everything is starting to gel for Brooks Koepka on the eve of golf’s second major — one he has won three times and that will be hosted at a burly, northeast course that should suit his eye and game.
After his Saturday 65, Koepka stood at the mic in Myrtle Beach, a scene that seemed unfathomable six months ago, and smiled while talking about a much-needed round in an unexpected location. The confidence poured out of golf’s great major hunter while he looked toward the future — both Sunday and next week at Aronimink.
“I’m super excited. It will be something I’ve been looking forward to for a while,” Koepka said. “I feel like I’ve been knocking on the door. It’s very close. It’s one piece here, one piece there.”
On a week where golf’s best are battling in Charlotte, Brooks Koepka went to Myrtle Beach in need of something, and he might have discovered the final piece needed to bring the happy, brash, swaggering major killer of old back to life.
The No. 12 Florida State Seminoles lost to the Clemson Tigers 4-3 on Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. The series is now tied, with the two programs set to play the rubber match on Sunday.
FSU (35-15, 16-10 ACC) took a 3-0 lead in the third inning, but Clemson was able to chip away at the lead before taking the lead in the eighth inning, scoring the winning run on a wild pitch by Kevin Mebil with the bases loaded. Cade O'Leary loaded the bases with an intentional walk and a traditional walk before Mebil took over.
The Seminoles came out hot to start the game, with Brayden Dowd hitting a solo home run in the top of the first. Brody DeLamielleur followed it up with a double and scored on a single by Hunter Carns. DeLamielleur made it a 3-0 game in the third with a solo home run of his own.
Clemson got on the board in the fourth inning, hitting a two-run, two-out homer off Trey Beard. They tied the game in the sixth with back-to-back singles when a sacrifice bunt put runners at the corners with one out. Another single made it a 3-3 game and ended Beard's day.
The lefty pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. Chris Knier did not allow a run in 1.2 innings before O'Leary took over to start the eighth.
FSU finished the game with eight hits, but did not walk and struckout 12 times. DeLamielleur and Carns both had two hits to lead the offense.
FSU will go for the series win on Sunday, with Game Three set to start at 3 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
Longtime Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, whose teams ruled the National League during the 1990s and won the World Series in 1995, has died. He was 84.
The Atlanta Braves announced Cox's death Saturday; details weren't immediately available. Cox had a stroke in 2019.
"Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform. He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched," the Braves said in a statement.
Cox took over a last-place team in June 1990 and led the Braves to a worst-to-first finish in 1991, losing the World Series to the Minnesota Twins in seven games. That was the start of what was to be a record 14 consecutive division titles, a feat no professional team in any sport had accomplished.
He managed the Braves for 25 years and led Atlanta to its only World Series title in 1995. He retired after the 2010 season and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
"Bobby was a favorite among all in the baseball community, especially those who played for him. His wealth of knowledge on player development and the intricacies of managing the game were rewarded with the sport's ultimate prize in 2014 — enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame," the Braves said.
As of Saturday, Cox ranks fourth all-time with 2,504 wins, fifth with 4,508 games, first with 15 division titles including a record 14 in a row, first with 16 playoff appearances and fourth with 67 playoff victories.
Only Connie Mack, John McGraw and Tony La Russa had more regular-season wins than Cox. His 158 regular-season ejections also was the most among managers.
"He is the Atlanta Braves," catcher Brian McCann said in 2019. "He's the best."
McCann described Cox as an "icon" and "one of the best human beings any of us have ever met."
The Braves retired Cox's No. 6 jersey in 2011, when he joined the team's Hall of Fame.
Cox spent 29 seasons as a major league manager, including four with Toronto. He managed 16 postseason teams. He brought an old-school approach to the dugout. He always wore spikes and stirrups, and his fatherly demeanor inspired loyalty from his players.
HARRISON, N.J. — As Emma Hayes wrapped her weeks-long NWSL tour with a final stop in New Jersey on Saturday, the U.S. women’s national team head coach was already looking ahead to the national team’s pre-World Cup trip to Brazil.
“For us as a team, getting the opportunity to go to Brazil prior to the qualification is perfect preparation,” Hayes said from Sports Illustrated Stadium. “You get a sense, culturally, what the country is like — everything from food to hotels to training pitches to fans and feeling the temperature of the Brazilian fans — plus (we get to) play against a very dynamic team.”
Hayes attended multiple NWSL matches around the country in recent weeks and took time to speak with reporters ahead of Gotham FC’s rematch with expansion side Boston Legacy. She called New York her “spiritual home,” as the early days of her coaching career trace back to Long Island.
Gotham features a slew of active U.S. women’s national team players, including Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson and Jaedyn Shaw, as well as various players like star rookie Jordynn Dudley who have featured previously for the senior team or for the U-23 and U-17 national teams.
Since being hired as the U.S. head coach in 2023, Hayes has reimagined the development pathways for U.S. women’s soccer players.
She helped revive the Under-23 national team as a link to the senior team, with players seamlessly moving between the two sides. Shaw is one of the biggest examples after she spent time with the U-23 side last year before returning to the senior side as one of its most consistent midfielders.
That change allowed Hayes to fully embrace the entire U.S. women’s player pool in the years leading up to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. After selecting first-time call-ups and young, inexperienced players, Hayes narrowed her selections in recent windows to a core group as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers in the fall.
The U.S. announced in April that it would play two international friendlies in Brazil this June against the Brazilian women’s national team. As Hayes said, competing in a host country the year before a World Cup allows the team to encounter what playing in that environment will be like — especially in Brazil, where locals are soccer-obsessed.
“I’ve said so many times that Brazil is probably the one team in the world where you’re lucky if you get two or three passes in a row because of the intensity of the press and their deliberate intentions, 1-v-1,” Hayes said. “So, to experience that in their home backyard, I think, is important, and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
The two matches will mark the first time the two teams have faced off in Brazil since 2014. They will play in São Paulo on June 6 and in Fortaleza on June 9 at stadiums that will host World Cup matches next summer.
The São Paulo match takes place at the Neo Química Arena, a 49,000-capacity stadium that is home to Corinthians, one of the most storied and beloved clubs in Brazil. That match will be broadcast as a doubleheader on TBS, Max, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock, airing after the U.S. men’s national team plays a World Cup send-off friendly against Germany.
The second match in Fortaleza, located in the northeastern region of the country, is at the Arena Castelão, a stadium shared by two second-division Brazilian clubs — Fortaleza and Ceará — with a capacity of 57,000.
As part of the trip, the U-23 team will also travel to Brazil to play against professional clubs based in São Paulo.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: (L-R) Opponents King Green and Jeremy Stephens face off during the UFC 328 ceremonial weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
This is the UFC 328 live blog for King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens, the main card 160-pound catchweight bout Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Green and Stephens were initially scheduled to compete at 155 pounds, but Stephens weighed in at 160 pounds, four over the limit for a non-title lightweight bout. The bout remains on the main card with Stephens forfeiting 30 percent of his purse as penalty.
The UFC 328 opener features two of the most veteran fighters on the roster, with Green (34-17-1, 1 NC) and Stephens (29-22, 1 NC) having over 100 pro bouts combined between them.
Green finds himself back on a win streak having scored consecutive victories over Daniel Zellhuber and Lance Gibson Jr. Those victories improved Green’s UFC record to 15-12-1 (1 NC). He now finds himself facing off with Stephens, another lifelong MMA veteran.
Stephens looks to avoid becoming the first UFC fighter ever to suffer 20 losses as his record for the promotion currently stands at 15-19 (1 NC). “Lil Heathen” made his UFC return this past May when he lost a unanimous decision to Mason Jones, then lost to Mike Perry at BKFC 82 the following October. He seeks his first UFC win since scoring a knockout over Josh Emmett in a featherweight bout in February 2018.
Check out the UFC 328 live blog for King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens below.
Preamble
UFC 328 prelims are in the books and it was capped off by four finishes in a row, and that’s the best way to kick things off with the main card in Newark. Here we go!
Vanderbilt baseball vs. Missouri Game 2 on May 9 has entered a weather delay in the bottom of the sixth inning at Taylor Stadium.
This delay comes after the Game 1 start time on May 8 was delayed by nearly three hours due to weather, then had to be suspended in the ninth inning and resumed May 9.
The Tigers (22-26, 5-20 SEC) led 8-6 at the time of the delay. They had as big as an 8-3 lead after scoring seven runs across the second and third innings, but Vanderbilt (28-23, 10-15) scored three runs in the top of the sixth.
Missouri won Game 1 on a walk-off 8-7.
The weather delay began at 7:48 p.m. CT. The game is being televised on SEC Network+.
Per NCAA rules, if there is lightning in the area, teams must wait until 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike within eight miles to resume the game.
Vanderbilt baseball vs. Missouri Game 2 on May 9 has entered a weather delay in the bottom of the sixth inning at Taylor Stadium.
This delay comes after the Game 1 start time on May 8 was delayed by nearly three hours due to weather, then had to be suspended in the ninth inning and resumed May 9.
The Tigers (22-26, 5-20 SEC) led 8-6 at the time of the delay. They had as big as an 8-3 lead after scoring seven runs across the second and third innings, but Vanderbilt (28-23, 10-15) scored three runs in the top of the sixth.
Missouri won Game 1 on a walk-off 8-7.
The weather delay began at 7:48 p.m. CT. The game is being televised on SEC Network+.
Per NCAA rules, if there is lightning in the area, teams must wait until 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike within eight miles to resume the game.
The Golden State Warriors have put together their teams through a variety of ways over the years, yet few approaches have proven as successful as the NBA draft. More than anything else, the most talented players to represent the Warriors have arrived in Golden State either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades executed on that same night.
The Golden State Warriors have taken many of their top stars through the draft, but have also landed a number of notable players over the years as well. From tiny colleges to blue blood programs, these alumni have contributed significantly to the team's roster over the years. So, we chose to take a closer look at which Dubs came from which schools over the years.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Warriors out of Doane University.
Steve Bartek - forward
Draft year and position: fifth round (eighth pick, 101st overall), 1984 NBA Draft
Seasons at Doane University: unknown
Seasons played with Warriors: did not make the team
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (R-L) Ateba Gautier of Cameroon punches Ozzy Diaz in a middleweight fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Ateba Gautier extended his unbeaten UFC streak to five earlier tonight (Sat., May 9, 2026) at UFC 328 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as the hulking middleweight prospect put a violent stop to Osman Diaz courtesy of a second-round knockout punch.
This fight may have went a little further than expected, but that’s because Gautier took his time in the first round. The undefeated middleweight prospect had a lot of hype coming into this weekend and was a massive -1400 betting favorite to take care of business and send Diaz packing. It would make sense for Gautier to slow things down in the early going so he doesn’t make a mistake against Diaz, who came into UFC 328 with a 1-1 Octagon record.
massive counter right hand crumbled Diaz and as Gautier tried to rush in for ground-and-pound the referee was already there to break up the fight. It may been a tad premature, but the stoppage only prevented Diaz from suffering any unnecesary punishment.
Five Houston ISD schools competed in the district championship in girls flag football, and two advance to the regional round of the playoffs at the Texans bubble next weekend.
There were some serious playmakers all over the field at the HISD Flag Football District Championship games at Delmar Stadium on Saturday. These young ladies compete and want to advance in the flag football playoffs.
The defending district champs from Heights played Sam Houston in the district semifinal game. Bulldogs quarterback Emma Syphard was the MVP a year ago. She put Heights in the lead, working up with Lauren Hudgens, but Sam Houston did not go away; in fact, they dug in even deeper.
Dianna Gonzales was one of the stars for the Tigers.
"I feel so happy this is my first year, and I'm good at doing this...this is so amazing," Gonzales said.
Junior Nayeli Davila led on both sides of the ball. She connected with Haleyiah Smith to help the Tigers come back to cut the lead to 19-14 Heights.
The biggest play of the game happened with 30 seconds to play. Deciding not to just run out the clock and walk away with the win, Syphard tried forcing the ball into the endzone. Ms. Reliable, Nayeli Davila, was there for the interception and return for the touchdown, which ended up being the game-winner. Sam Houston wins 20-19 and advances to the regional tournament at the Texans bubble next weekend.
"We may not be known for our sports, but when it comes to flag football, we're up there," Davila said. "We're showing up and showing out, giving our all. It just feels amazing because it's just like it warms my heart, and it makes me happy."
"I can't say anything more because this is....I feel so happy," Gonzales added.
It was a quick turn for the Tigers. Less than 30 minutes after the big win, they faced Lamar for the district championship. The district final was not as kind as the semifinal.
Lamar wins to advance to the regional tournament as well. Some players that stood out for the Lady Texans include quarterback Mackenzie Hypolite, receivers Autumn Foster and Sydne Tisdale, Delaney Perry, and defender Haylie Hernandez, who had two interceptions, one of which she returned for a touchdown.
"I will say they're pretty tough," Lamar Head Coach Jada Mitchell said. "They do not give up. They are always working hard. They're always willing to adjust to changes."
Special shout-out to North Fourth and Wisdom high schools, which also played but were eliminated. Flag football has taught Wisdom players lessons that extend way beyond the field.
"It holds value to them that they can show that they can do anything that the boys can do," Wisdom Head Coach Crystal Johnson said. "Four out of seniors earned scholarships, so it is showing that we have it in us and we just got to keep the fight."
The No. 14 Seminoles (35-15, 16-10 ACC) led 3-0 after three innings, thanks to home runs from Brayden Dowd, a third-inning blast, and Brody DeLamielleure in the third inning, paired with a Hunter Carns RBI single in the first inning.
It seemed like the FSU lineup, particularly the top half, was primed for a big night at the plate, but the Seminoles failed to generate significant offense after the third inning.
Trey Beard started for the Seminoles, and he threw 5.1 innings and allowed three runs while he struck out four and allowed five hits. He allowed a home run in the fourth inning off the bat of Jarren Purify, who was the hero for the Tigers.
Purify hit his two-run home run in the fourth and then added an RBI single in the sixth inning to tie the game, 3-3. He finished the night 2-for-3 with three RBI, a run scored and one walk, and he helped set up the Tigers for the winning run in the eighth inning.
With the bases loaded and two out in the eighth inning, Cade O'Leary threw a wild pitch that allowed Luke Gaffney to score from third and hand the Tigers a 4-3 lead. Clemson struck out the side in the ninth inning, three of the Seminoles 12 strikeouts in the game, to clinch the series-tying victory.
FSU baseball vs. Clemson projected pitching matchups
Friday - LHP Wes Mendes vs. RHP Dane Moehler
• Saturday - LHP Trey Beard vs. LHP Michael Sharman
• Sunday - RHP Bryson Moore vs. RHP Aidan Knaak
How to watch FSU baseball vs. Clemson
When: Friday, May 8 - 6 p.m. / Saturday, May 9 - 6 p.m. / Sunday, May 9 - 3 p.m.
Where: Doug Kingsmore Stadium / Clemson, South Carolina
Azzi Fudd’s first real WNBA moment was never going to happen quietly. Not with the matchup. Not with the stage. And definitely not with the expectations that followed her from UConn to Dallas. The rookie guard made her regular-season debut Saturday against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in one of the most anticipated opening games of the WNBA season. But instead of a breakout performance, Fudd delivered a stat line that immediately became part of league history for the wrong reason.
Still, the bigger takeaway from Dallas’ 107-104 win over Indiana may have less to do with Fudd’s numbers and more to do with how the Wings are building around her long term.
Dallas took pressure off Azzi Fudd before opening tip
One of the more surprising developments came before the game even started. After spending the preseason in a starting role, Fudd was moved to the bench once Arike Ogunbowale returned to the lineup. That decision mattered.
Rather than forcing the No. 1 overall pick into heavy usage immediately, Dallas leaned on its veteran scoring and let Fudd ease into the flow of a fast-paced, emotional opener. In a game featuring Clark, Paige Bueckers and one of the loudest regular-season atmospheres the league has seen in years, the Wings didn’t ask Fudd to carry anything offensively.
She played 18 minutes, finished with three points and attempted just two shots.
The stat line quickly drew attention because it marked the fewest points scored by a No. 1 overall pick in a WNBA debut in the last 20 years. But context matters here. Fudd wasn’t handed the keys to the offense Saturday night. Dallas already has established creators, and the Wings clearly prioritized lineup balance and veteran stability in Game 1.
The Paige Bueckers connection still matters for Dallas
Even in a quieter debut, the long-term vision around Fudd remains obvious. Dallas paired her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers for a reason. The chemistry between the two guards was one of the defining pieces of UConn’s 2025 national championship run, and the Wings are betting that familiarity eventually translates at the professional level.
Fudd’s scoring rhythm may take time to fully return consistently. That was true late in her college career too, when she had stretches of explosive shot-making mixed with quieter tournament performances. But Dallas isn’t evaluating her after one night in May. What matters more is that the Wings opened the season with a statement win against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever while still leaving room for Fudd to grow into a larger role.
Rookie debuts in the WNBA can be deceptive, especially for guards adjusting to the league’s physicality and pace. Fudd already talked during the preseason about how quickly she noticed the difference in officiating and defensive contact compared to college basketball. Saturday looked like another reminder of that adjustment period. Opportunities were limited, touches were sporadic, and Dallas leaned heavily on its experienced players late.
That does not suddenly erase what made Fudd the No. 1 pick. She remains one of the most gifted perimeter scorers to enter the league in recent years, and the Wings are built to give her time rather than forcing immediate superstar production. If anything, Dallas winning despite a quiet night from Fudd is probably encouraging for the franchise.
The spotlight will remain intense every time she steps on the floor, especially with the Bueckers-Clark comparisons surrounding this rookie class. But one uneven debut is unlikely to matter much if Fudd settles into the role Dallas ultimately drafted her to fill.
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now we debate the best and worst picks for all teams. You are here to get the scoop on who was the worst pick from the draft for the Minnesota Vikings, according to CBS Sports.
We just covered who they believed to be the best, and as we turn to talk about who was the worst, the answer you read may surprise you.
Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports picked first-round pick, defensive tackle Caleb Banks, as the Vikings' worst of the draft this year, giving the pick a D grade. I can understand the hesitation with this pick, given Banks' lengthy history of foot injuries. However, this pick needs some pushback: when there is a player with the level of talent that Banks possesses and the prognosis of health he likely has, this is far from their worst pick this year.
Should there be a setback with his foot, it will be hard to debate that this was, in fact, their worst pick.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 8, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts towards the bullpen after hitting his 100th homer as a Dodger against Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Blake Snell makes his season debut against Spencer Strider.
Daniel Dubois was dropped after 10 seconds of the bout [Reuters]
Noel Gallagher and Chris Eubank Jr declared Daniel Dubois' win over Fabio Wardley the "fight of the year" so far, others questioned why the epic encounter was not stopped sooner.
Dubois recovered from two knockdowns to batter Wardley in the second half of the fight, with doctors at ringside twice allowing the fight to continue after inspections.
Wardley stumbled from his stool at the start of round 10 and while Carl Frampton called him the "bravest man he'd ever seen", retired Darren Barker insisted Wardley should not have been allowed to continue.
"Save the man, he's a father, he's got a family – pull the plug on this one now," Barker said on DAZN.
"The referee or his corner should have stepped in before the 10th round, at least," retired world champion Frampton added.
In the moments after the fight, Wardley could be seen leaning over the ropes to speak to his family, telling him he is "okay".
Former super-middleweight world champion Richie Woodhall said Wardley fell "victim" to his previous performances.
Wardley, 31, was massively behind on the scorecards against Joseph Paker and Justis Huni before securing late stoppages.
"It was uncomfortable at times. We know how tough Wardley is. We always said going into this, he was probably in with the hardest puncher he's faced. I can't believe the shots that he took, he never hit the canvas," Woodhall said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"In the past, the way he's fought and the way he's recovered. The referees let that go on too long. Fabio is a victim of that."
Boxing expert Steve Bunce agreed there "were limits" to what Wardley could do after his incredible start in the first three rounds completely unravelled by the 10th round.
Was Wardley v Dubois a fight of the year contender?
A host of big names said the encounter was the fight of the year so far, with Michael Conlan, Charlie Edwards, Eubank and Oasis frontman Gallagher agreed it was the year's best.
There were 749 combined punches thrown over eleven rounds, with Dubois landing 87 power punches to Wardley's 40.
Frank Warren, who promotes both men, said the fight "two men bearing their hearts and souls in the ring".
"You witnessed something special tonight, ultra special," Warren said.
"Two men bearing their hearts and souls in the ring. They didn't leave one bit out. It's the best heavyweight fight I've ever done."
He added: "The determination, the will to win, neither of them taking a backwards step. Amazing."
The fight will go down among the classics in the heavyweight world title history books, alongside the likes of Anthony Joshua's comeback win against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and Tyson Fury's trilogy encounter with Deontay Wilder in 2021.
They signed Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright, bringing their total of undrafted rookies to 15. In a corresponding move, they waived first-year running back Michael Wiley with a non-football injury designation.
Wright appeared in 46 games in six seasons at Nebraska, moving into the starting lineup as a senior and leading the team with 86 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He also added three sacks, one interception and four passes defensed while playing in 12 games and starting 10.
Overall, Wright made 13 starts for the Cornhuskers and finished with 180 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Wiley first joined the Bucs last October, spending the second half of the season on the team's practice squad before re-signing on a futures contract in January. He played his college ball at Arizona and originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Commanders in 2024.
The Detroit Tigers took another important step Saturday in Justin Verlander’s recovery process, but the results were far from dominant.
The 43-year-old veteran threw a simulated game at Kauffman Stadium before Detroit’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals, marking his first appearance against live hitters since landing on the injured list with left hip inflammation back in early April.
While Verlander came away encouraged physically, the Tigers right-hander admitted the outing was not especially sharp.
“I wasn’t as sharp as I would like to be,” Verlander said via the Detroit Free Press. “Physically, it was another step in the right direction. Check the box and keep moving forward.”
Justin Verlander Allows Plenty of Hard Contact
The simulated game lasted two innings and featured Verlander facing Hao-Yu Lee and Wenceel Pérez.
According to Petzold, across 38 pitches, every single hitter put the ball in play.
That stood out immediately.
Verlander generated only four swings and misses during the session while failing to record a strikeout. Several balls were also hit hard, including a fly ball from Pérez that likely would have gone for a double and a line drive from Lee into left-center field that also appeared headed for extra bases.
Lee later added another hard-hit ground ball up the middle that could have been a single in game action.
The positive?
Verlander did not issue any walks.
Tigers Still Taking Cautious Approach
Even with the live session completed, Verlander is not yet ready for a rehab assignment.
The Tigers are expected to send him to Triple-A Toledo for at least one rehab start before considering activating him to the major league roster, but Saturday’s outing showed there is still work to do.
Detroit desperately needs healthy arms right now.
The Tigers are already without Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, and several others, while Framber Valdez is serving a suspension. That has placed even more attention on Verlander’s recovery timeline.
Still, the organization appears focused more on long-term progress than immediate results.
Verlander Focused on Physical Progress
For Verlander, simply returning to a competitive environment represented meaningful progress.
Saturday marked the first time he had faced hitters since March 30, which was also his only official start of the 2026 season before the hip injury shut him down.
After signing a one-year, $13 million contract to return to Detroit earlier this year, Verlander’s comeback season has barely gotten started.
Now, the future Hall of Famer is simply trying to build momentum one step at a time.
Tigers Hoping Veteran Can Stabilize Rotation
The Tigers entered the season believing Verlander could provide leadership and valuable innings behind Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez.
Instead, injuries have forced Detroit into survival mode.
That reality makes every Verlander update feel important, even if Saturday’s simulated game was a mixed bag overall.
The velocity and sharpness may not fully be there yet.
But at least Verlander is finally back competing again.
The Alabama Crimson Tide took a 1-0 lead over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Softball Postseason Tournament Final. But that is all Bama would get, as the Longhorns piled seven runs on Tide pitching to win UT's first SEC softball title, 7-1.
Ace pitcher Teagan Kavan was dominant. After allowing that first inning run, a homer by Alexis Pupillo, Kavan only allowed two more hits and struck out 12 Bama batters. Kavan, who was the Most Outstanding Player in last season's Women's College World Series, was named the SEC postseason tournamement MVP.
On offense, SEC Player of the Year Katie Stewart went 3-of-4 at the plate with a home run and two RBIs. Texas finished the afternoon with 13 hits as a team.
Texas will now turn its attention to the NCAA postseason tournament and a shot at repeating as WCWS champions. With this win in the SEC tourney, UT could jump up and get the No. 1 overall seed. But either way, they have secured a very high seed to be sure.
After his contract came to an end at the close of the 2025-26 season, Steve Kerr took the start of the offseason to make a decision on his future as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. On Saturday, three weeks since the Warriors' offseason began, Kerr and the Warriors reportedly made their highly anticipated decision. According to Anthony Slater, Shams Charania and Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN, the Warriors are running it back at head coach for the upcoming campaign.
Slater, Charania and Shelbourne reported that the Warriors and Kerr have agreed to a new two-year deal to retain the longtime head coach in the Bay Area. Kerr's new contract will keep him as the league's highest-paid head coach.
In the 21st edition of WWE’s annual post-WrestleMania event, Backlash delivered a card full of action, offering longer matches and fewer interruptions, a move the company had been criticized for in its previous event.
From championship battles and bitter rivalries between former allies to major developments that could shape the months ahead, Backlash brought plenty of memorable moments to Tampa Bay.
Here’s a full look at everything that went down during WWE’s latest premium live event.
Finally squaring off in the ring, Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins set the tone in a major way to kick off Backlash.
Trading blows to start the match, neither man could find an edge until Bron Breakker’s elite athleticism and motor kicked in as the veteran Rollins began to show fatigue.
Rollins would, however, turn things around to gain momentum, even appearing to close in on a win against Breakker, until a signature spear out of the air sucked all the momentum away.
In the end, Breakker would pick up what broadcaster Michael Cole called “the biggest win in Breakker’s career.” However, this feud does not appear to be over.
Trick Williams (C) vs. Sami Zayn (United States Championship Match)
Following his WrestleMania breakout to another special event title defense, Trick Williams keeps proving he is built for WWE’s biggest stages.
Matched up once again with veteran Sami Zayn, Williams faced a tough challenge against one of the company’s smartest in-ring competitors.
However, between the outside presence of Lil Yachty and Williams’ explosive athleticism, the champion managed to stay one step ahead, handing Zayn another defeat in his rematch for the United States Championship.
The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and Minihausen
After speculation about Danhausen’s mystery partner, WWE ultimately went in a comedic direction for fans, bringing back Minihausen instead of unveiling a surprise returning star or backstage talent.
For some viewers, the reveal may have felt underwhelming given the number of names that could have benefited from the spotlight.
Still, the unique and chaotic nature of the Danhausen character makes him a difficult act to pair with just anyone on the roster.
Even so, the segment delivered comedy and chaos, with an army of Minihausens swarming the match at key moments, Danhausen and company managed to steal a victory in what served as a lighthearted break from WWE’s more intense rivalries.
IYO SKY vs. Asuka
Stepping into the ring against each other for the first time in three years, IYO SKY and Asuka delivered a high-caliber match, some could say was match of the night.
Given their deep history together, it was no surprise the two seemed to know each other’s every move. Counter after counter kept the match balanced, including a rare moment where SKY avoided Asuka’s dangerous mist attack.
As the bout reached its closing moments, neither superstar could keep the other down. SKY’s offense was repeatedly escaped, while Asuka’s submission attempts were met with equally impressive reversals, drawing the night’s first “This is awesome!” chants from the crowd.
In the end, it was SKY who finally broke through, connecting on her signature moonsault to score a massive victory over her former mentor, and also earning her respect in the middle of the ring.
John Cena Announcement
With speculation that John Cena was about to announce a final return to the ring, fans were instead introduced to a brand-new concept centered on the legacy of the 17-time world champion.
Cena once again thanked fans for allowing him to step away from competition, making it clear he remains at peace with retirement.
From there, he shifted focus to unveiling the “John Cena Classic,” a new event designed to spotlight the next generation of WWE talent. According to Cena, the showcase will feature established stars competing alongside rising prospects.
The live crowd appeared fully invested in the idea, though questions still remain about what the event will ultimately look like in execution. Still, Cena emphasized this is intended to become an ongoing platform for future stars rather than a one-time attraction.
Roman Reigns (C) vs. Jacob Fatu (World Heavyweight Championship Match)
Dubbed the second “Bloodline Civil War” by Michael Cole, the clash between World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu lived up to every bit of the hype as the two cousins finally collided with championship gold at stake.
After weeks of mounting tension, the highly anticipated showdown delivered a brutal, physical battle from the opening bell.
Fatu immediately proved why many consider him one of the most dangerous forces in wrestling today, pushing Reigns into one of the toughest fights of his title reign.
Neither man truly controlled the action for long stretches. Instead, the match unfolded as a war of momentum swings, with Reigns relying on his championship experience and ring IQ while Fatu answered with explosive counters and his unpredictable offense.
Signature offense flew from every direction, including Fatu’s devastating Tongan Death Grip and Reigns’ trademark Superman Punches, but neither superstar could finish the other off.
In the closing moments, Reigns finally created an opening by exposing the steel turnbuckle pad, giving the champion the advantage he needed to connect with a Spear and escape with the victory.
After the match ended, Fatu snapped and launched another vicious assault on Reigns, leaving the champion laid out and the rivalry seemingly wide open.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 04: Shawn Bowman #87 of the Orlando Storm runs onto the field prior to a game against the Louisville Kings at Inter&Co Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/UFL/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two weeks removed from the NFL Draft, where Athan Kaliakmanis was selected 223rd overall by the Washington Commanders, the excitement surrounding former Rutgers football players hasn’t slowed down. Kaliakmanis wasn’t the only member of last season’s team to find a home in the NFL, as players such as DT Sheffield and Kenny Fletcher got contracts as undrafted free agents.
For those who may not end up playing in the NFL, the opportunity doesn’t stop there, as seven former Scarlet Knights are currently suiting up in the United Football League (UFL) this season. From linebackers and defensive backs making tackles to linemen protecting quarterbacks and pass catchers being effective weapons, Rutgers is making its mark on the UFL in a variety of ways. These players are spread across three teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. Here’s a look at how each of those former Scarlet Knights has performed.
The Birmingham Stallions roster includes both linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi (2017-2021) and cornerback Shaquan Loyal (2021-2024), both former defensive standouts at Rutgers. Fatukasi was named a Butkus Award semi-finalist and Third-team All-Big Ten in 2021, and Loyal received Honorable Mention All-Big Ten during his final season in 2024. This season for the Stallions, Fatukasi has played in four games, recording 10 tackles, two of those being tackles for loss, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. When he is on the field, Fatukasi is clearly a difference maker as his two fumble recoveries not only lead the Stallions, but also the UFL, showing a huge bright spot on a struggling Birmingham team. Shaquan Loyal has yet to suit up in a game, but his presence alone on the team represents a success for Rutgers.
The new Louisville Kings made a special selection for their first-ever draft pick as they acquired offensive guard J.D. DiRenzo (2022) to be a member of their offensive line. DiRenzo, a transfer from Sacred Heart, had a massive impact in his lone season at Rutgers, as he was named the team MVP for the Offense. DiRenzo has played in five games so far this season for the Kings, starting in two of them. Louisville is currently 5th in the UFL, one spot away from making it into the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how DiRenzo can protect his quarterback, Chandler Rogers, with a game against the league-best DC Defenders in Week 8 and the 4th place Dallas Renegades in Week 9.
However, no team in the UFL has as many former Scarlet Knights as the Orlando Storm. The 3rd place Storm, who currently sit 4-2, boast 4 players who all played varying roles in Piscataway. Tight end Shawn Bowman (2023), was a graduate transfer from Maine who played sparingly during his lone season at Rutgers, racking up 24 receiving yards on four receptions. With Orlando, he has become a strong option at tight end, as his 44 yards from five receptions make him a solid receiving option for his quarterback, Jack Plummer. Bowman is not the only former Scarlet Knight that Plummer could throw to. Wide receiver Aron Cruickshank (2020-2022), who was a First Team All-Big Ten selection for Rutgers during the 2020 season, also plays for Orlando. While Cruickshank’s role on the team is much smaller, being used as a backup kick returner in one game, he still returned three kickoffs for a total of 58 yards, leading to an average of 19.3 yards per return. On the defensive side of the ball, Orlando rosters both linebacker Deion Jennings (2019-2023) and free safety Avery Young (2018-2022). Jennings tied the school record with 58 games played and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten during his final two seasons. With the Storm, he has played in five of their games, recording 11 tackles and one forced fumble to show off his disruptive nature for a strong Orlando defense. Young, who played one fewer game than Jennings, was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2020 and 2022. Unlike Jennings, however, Avery Young has yet to play for the Orlando Storm, after being acquired from the St. Louis Battlehawks after last season.
With three weeks remaining in the UFL regular season, there is plenty of football left to be played, and plenty of opportunities for these former Scarlet Knights to make their mark. Whether it’s Fatukasi disrupting offenses in Birmingham, DiRenzo anchoring the line in Louisville, or the quartet of Storm players pushing Orlando toward a championship, the fingerprints of Rutgers are all over the UFL in 2026. For a program that has steadily grown its pipeline to professional football, seeing seven former players still chopping in the UFL is a good sight for the program.
The Padres' farm system took a marked step backwards on Saturday as Humberto Cruz self-deported to Mexico after being found guilty of one misdemeanor count of accessory after the fact to improper entry.
Cruz, 19, was one of San Diego's finest pitching talents. He placed fifth on MLB Pipeline's prospect rankings for youngsters in the Padres system.
Cruz was arrested in Arizona on Oct. 28. He was able to avoid prison time by accepting the plea, although he doesn't figure to have any chance at being introduced to U.S. audiences any time soon.
With that, here's what you need to know about Cruz's arrest and sudden deportation to Mexico.
In November, Cruz pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge related to a human smuggling operation in southern Arizona, according to The Athletic.The New York Post reported that Cruz's charge was related to accepting money in exchange for helping transport undocumented immigrants through the country.
Border Patrol arrested Cruz near Lukeville, Ariz. on Oct. 28. Agents claimed that Cruz, driving a brown 2020 BMW SUV with Mexican license plates, was accompanied by two undocumented persons who he didn't appear to have in the car one hour earlier.
The passengers were Mexican citizens who order the country illegally. Cruz entered the U.S. through a legally-obtained visa, according to a complaint they obtained.
After waiving his Miranda rights, according to the complaint, Cruz told agents that he had responded to an ad seeking drivers to "pickup people for easy money."
According to the complaint, Cruz said he was paid $1,000 for each person he transported. An unknown contact would drop pins to indicate where Cruz should pick up people.
When Cruz was arrested, he said he was on his was to Tucson then Phoenix. The complaint claims Cruz knew his passengers were "illegal."
Cruz was placed on San Diego's restricted list on March 13. He remains on it as of May 8. As such, his salary was suspended and he was barred from using team facilities.
“To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for a recent lapse in judgment that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect.
Cruz was charged with one felony count of transportation of illegal aliens for profit and one misdemeanor county of accessory after the fact to improper entry," Cruz said in a statement released through San Diego. "I understand that my actions have fallen short of the standards expected of me as a professional and as a representative of this organization. I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support us.
“I am committed to reflecting on this moment, learning from it, and taking the appropriate steps to move forward in a positive and responsible manner."
The felony charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if he was convicted. By agreeing to a plea, Cruz has the felony count expunged.
As laid out in Cruz's plea deal, conviction effectively guaranteed that Cruz would be deported. He was unable to access most of his rights of appeal or seek modification for the sentence. His decision to self-deport would appear to start the timeline for Cruz's potential return to the United States.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune The Friars understand that Cruz's conviction and deportation will result in a revocation of his work visa for 10 years. The teenager could see that timeline shorten if he reapplies after five years of good behavior
How old is Humberto Cruz?
Cruz is 19 years old. The fifth-ranked prospect in the Padres' farm system, he was considered by some scouts to be a mid-rotation-level talent.
Jacob Fatu continues to target The Bloodline. (Credit: Cooper Neill/WWE Via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
At WWE Backlash 2026, Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu found themselves on opposite sides in the latest battle of The Bloodline saga.
Fresh off a WrestleMania 42 win over Drew McIntyre, Fatu emerged as a surprise contender for Reigns and his newly-won World Heavyweight Championship on the post-Mania edition of Raw. It was a swerve not many fans saw coming but a refreshing one at that, coming at the perfect time during what is often a rather boring stretch of programming after WrestleMania 42.
Things got more interesting when Reigns was suddenly removed from all Raw dates mere days after declaring he’d be back full-time as champion. Of course, that resulted in plenty of speculation that Fatu would pull off the monumental upset at WWE WrestleMani 42. But did he?
WWE Backlash 2026 Results For Roman Reigns Vs. Jacob Fatu
Reigns entered WWE Backlash facing one of his toughest challenges during any of his championship reigns, and although he’s leaving Atlanta still the World Heavyweight Champion, it wasn’t easy.
Fatu and Reigns battled back and forth in a brutal brawl, and Fatu had Reigns on the ropes on more than one occasion. But a late assist from an exposed turnuckle allowed “The OTC” to hit Fatu with a devastating spear and retain his World Heavyweight title.
Here are the key highlights and moments from Reigns’ victory over Fatu at WWE Backlash 2026:
Reigns immediately knocked down Fatu with a shoulder tackle as the crowd chanted “Roman, Roman Reigns!” Reigns hit Fatu with a clothesline, who remained unmoved, and then Fatu took Reigns down with a clothesline. Fatu dove to the outside and locked Reigns in a Tongan Death Grip momentarily.
There were dualing chants of “Let’s go, Jacob!” and “OTC!” Fatu annihilated Reigns with another vicious clothesline and tossed him shoulder-first into the steel ring post. More dualing chants from the fans in Tampa. Fatu missed a splash in the corner, and then, Reigns hit him with a pair of clotheslines and a leaping clothesline followed by a big boot.
Reigns blasted Fatu with a Superman Kick, and Fatu shockingly kicked out at just one as the crowd went wild. The two exchanged strikes, and Fatu hit a running senton, a clothesline in the corner and a series of headbutts. Fatu hit a running splash, and then Reigns responded with a second Superman punch for a two-count.
Reigns got Fatu with the Driveby Kick on the outside, but Fatu quickly rebounded and send Reigns crashing through the announce table with a brutal powerbomb. Back inside, Fatu went for an attack, Reigns countered with a Spear, and Fatu kicked out at two as the crowd erupted.
Reigns lined up for the spear, but Fatu countered with a pop-up Samoan Drop followed by a Might Moonsault. Reigns kicked out at the last second, and the fans roared for that nearfall, too. An enraged Fatu laid into Reigns with a handful of falling headbutts and strikes.
Fatu went for a Swanton Bomb, and Reigns got his knees up for the reversal. With both stars on their knees, they exchanged big punches several times and rose to their feet. Reigns eventually fell to his feet, and Fatu thumped into Reigns with a pair of running hip attacks. Fatu locked in the Tongan Death Grip as Reigns struggled to get out of it.
As Reigns began to fade, he stuck his thumbs in the eyes of Fatu and then inadvertently bumped into the ref, who went down. Reigns hit a pair of Superman punches, but Fatu hit a kick. Reigns hit up a popup Superman punch and a spear. Fatu shockingly kicked out at two to a roof-rattling reaction.
Fatu once again got Reigns in the Tongan Death Drip, and Reigns grabbed at the referee and ripped off the turnbuckle. Reigns sent Fatu head first into the exposed turnbuckle and then hit Fatu with a spear. That was enough for the 1-2-3.
After the match, an enraged Fatu attacked Reigns and nailed the referee with a pop-up Samoan Drop. As Fatu continued attacking Reigns, a series of WWE officials came out to the ring, and Fatu attacked them all. Fatu caught Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip once again as the show went off the air.
WWE Backlash 2026 Results: What’s Next For Roman Reigns And Jacob Fatu?
The reasoning behind Reigns being removed from those Raw dates in June? An apparent error because Reigns is reportedly not scheduled to appear at June’s Night of Champions PLE.
Reigns is, however, scheduled for three more Raws in May as well as the Clash in Italy PLE on May 31. That suggests that Reigns will wrestle on the show after his post-WrestleMania promise to be around more often, despite rampant speculation that TKO’s recent cutbacks could be impacting “The Tribal Chief’s” status with WWE.
Based on what happened at WWE Backlash, however, it appears that Reigns is going to continue his feud with Fatu, which is arguably the best storyline going on either Raw or SmackDown. That has typically been the case when it comes to The Bloodline family drama, with virtually every other ongoing storyline consistently paling in comparison to Reigns’ issues with The Bloodline.
WWE is somewhat stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Reigns vs. Fatu, as neither star should be losing right now. However, WWE fans have sent countless times in the past that the creative team can find ways to keep Reigns strong without metaphorically burying his opponents.
Still, there’s really no other reason to cut this feud short just yet, and with Clash in Italy just a few weeks away, Reigns and Fatu are clearly just getting started. While Reigns left WWE Backlash as the World Heavyweight Champion, he certainly hasn’t put Fatu in his rearview mirror.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Some of the most thrilling and emotional wins on the PGA Tour come in weeks like these, when there is an alternate event being played while the biggest stars compete in what are now dubbed signature events. In a practice that began with the existence of the World Golf Championships, the tour gives its rank-and-file members—no slouches, we might add—something to play for. More often than not, somebody seizes the chance for a life-changing victory. (Even if a Masters invite doesn’t come with it.)
It’s an impressive list of those who have scored their first tour victory in the “other” tournaments held in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and Myrtle Beach and Lake Tahoe and Kentucky. Among them are Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa and the late Grayson Murray. Joel Dahmen notched his lone tour victory in the 2021 Corales Puntacana Championship, and Akshay Bhatia prevailed in a playoff over the still-winless Patrick Rodgers in the now-defunct Barracuda Championship.
Given the stature of the signature events, some big victories have been buried or lost in the rabble. It doesn’t happen every time, and this week, there are two rookies—Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan—being chased closely by Cam Young in the $20 million Truist Championship at Quail Hollow. Certainly, that’s a compelling scenario.
And yet with three 20-somethings fighting for that $3.6 million first-place check, it makes the contrast all the more striking with what’s going down in the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic.
Mark Hubbard is the leader after shooting seven-under-par 64 on Saturday and, at 16 under, he leads by one over Englishman Aaron Rai. Hubbard is 38 years old and is making his 274th tour appearance. And he’s never lifted a trophy, owning the second-longest active dry streak beyond Rodgers’ 326 starts without a win.
He’s earned a tidy $12 million in his career but might be the poster guy for imposter syndrome at the pro golf level. Hubbard once said on his tour bio that “playing golf for a living is the dumbest thing I do, and that's saying something.”
“I'm kind of a goof ball off the course,” Hubbard admitted on Saturday, “and don't always make the best decisions, so I thought it was fitting.”
Hubbard is affable and self-deprecating, but he’s also been quick to beat himself up, and he truly believes his best chance to win would be if he could get out of his own darned way.
While praising his own ball striking on Saturday as some of the best he’s executed in his career, Hubbard said, “I think Mark a couple of weeks ago would have gotten pretty frustrated and turned a 64 into a 68. I just stayed really patient and just tried and kept hitting good shot after good shot and eventually the putts started going in.”
The change in attitude has been a concerted effort on his part. “I've been working really hard at it this year. It's been a lot of highs and lows in that regard. … I just feel like it's paying off,” he said.
“I can't promise that it's going to be great tomorrow, and I can't promise that it's going to be great the rest of the year, but I know I'm going to keep trying to work on it, because I do feel like that was one of the things that was holding me back this year in particular.
“I really do feel like my game has been a lot better than it's shown. If I can just control that tomorrow, I'll be in really good shape.”
It’s been a decidedly rough year for Hubbard so far. He’s only made five of 11 cuts and has a best finish of T-23 at the Cognizant. He entered this week at 150th in the FedEx Cup standings and 159th in the World Ranking.
So what’s been the key to his mental turnaround? It sounds like what so many golfers find to be effective: stop worry about the results.
“Honestly, it sounds weird, but I feel like this is the first time in my life I've felt like it was OK to fail and mess up,” Hubbard said on Saturday. “It's kind of given me some relief.
“I am someone who puts a ton of pressure on myself, and it's been too much this year to start. I'm just kind of giving myself some slack for the first time maybe ever. … More than anything, like I did today, I'm really excited for the opportunity and to be back where I feel like I belong, so I'm just going to try and enjoy that the best I can.”
The advice here: Don’t sleep on the Mrytle Beach Classic on Sunday. It could end with the best day of one man’s lifetime.
A fifth-place finish was enough for Alex Palou to extend his championship lead, now 27 points clear of Kyle Kirkwood.
A Lap 1 crash from the outside of the front row proved costly for Pato O'Ward, who fell from fourth to seventh in the standings.
Christian Lundgaard's victory bumped him from fifth up to fourth in the standings, carving 20 points out of his deficit to Palou.
Another notable mover was Marcus Armstrong, who climbed back into the top ten after entering the race 13th in the championship, jumping three positions.
Jim Miller is creeping up to Charles Oliveira's all-time UFC finish record.
Miller (39-19 MMA, 28-18 UFC) was an almost 3-1 underdog against Jared Gordon (21-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC), but managed to use his elite submission skills to tap him out with a guillotine choke at the 3:29 mark of Round 1 on Saturday's UFC 328 prelims at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Check out the video of Miller's finish below (via X):
Rashid Khan produced a vintage spell while Shubman Gill led the way with a brilliant 84 as Gujarat Titans thrashed Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs in a dominant IPL 2026 clash in Jaipur on Saturday.
The comprehensive victory marked GT’s fourth consecutive win of the season and lifted them level on 14 points with table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad, significantly strengthening their playoff hopes.
After being asked to bat first on a flat Sawai Mansingh Stadium surface, Gujarat Titans piled up their highest total of the season, finishing on 229/4. Gill once again anchored the innings with a sublime 44-ball 84, an innings packed with nine boundaries and three sixes. Despite briefly struggling with discomfort in his left foot during the innings, the GT skipper never allowed Rajasthan’s bowlers to settle.
Gill found the perfect partner in Sai Sudharsan, who continued his outstanding form with a fluent 55. The pair stitched together a massive 118-run opening stand and completely dominated the Powerplay as GT raced past 100 inside nine overs.
Rajasthan’s bowling struggled badly once again, with Jofra Archer enduring a difficult outing. Archer leaked 18 runs in the opening over, including five wides, and eventually finished with 46 runs conceded from just three overs. Sudharsan repeatedly punished width while Gill showcased elegant strokeplay all around the ground.
Though Yash Raj Punia eventually broke the opening partnership by dismissing Sudharsan, Gujarat never lost momentum. Washington Sundar smashed an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls late in the innings, while Rahul Tewatia added two sixes in the final over to propel GT to 229/4.
Chasing 230, Rajasthan Royals came out aggressively thanks to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old smashed the very first ball of the innings for six and continued his fearless assault with a blistering 36 off just 16 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
At 62/2 after five overs, RR appeared firmly in the contest. Dhruv Jurel also counterattacked brilliantly, hammering 24 off just 10 deliveries with three sixes and a four.
However, the match completely changed once Rashid Khan entered the attack.
The Afghan leg-spinner bowled with exceptional control and variation between the eighth and 14th overs, exploiting whatever little turn was available on the surface. Rashid first knocked over Jurel with a teasing delivery before dismissing Donovan Ferreira just three balls later with a sharp leg-break.
He later trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw to complete a brilliant four-wicket haul as Rajasthan collapsed dramatically from a strong position. Rashid finished with match-winning figures of 4/33, including three bowled dismissals.
Earlier in the chase, Mohammed Siraj had ended Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings with a sharp short ball, while Kagiso Rabada removed stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal with a fiery 152kph bouncer.
Jason Holder then wrapped up the innings with superb figures of 3/12 as Rajasthan Royals were bundled out for 152 in just 16.3 overs, handing Gujarat Titans one of their biggest wins of the season.
Angel Reese is showing out in her first tunnel fit as an Atlanta Dream player.
Reese, who is set to make her Dream debut as they face the Minnesota Lynx on May 9, did not come to play with her first outfit for her new team. She wore a classic houndstooth tweed jacket, which she paired with the matching mini skirt. The WNBA star wore black pumps and wore her straight black hair in a half-up, half-down style.
This look follows the soft pink off-shoulder gown she wore for her third appearance at the Met Gala.
This is Reese's first game as a Dream player after spending her first two years in the league with the Chicago Sky. She was traded last month to the Dream. In a conversation with Essence, she shared how Atlanta has been treating her so far.
“Atlanta has really been a breath of fresh air, and that feeling hasn’t worn off,” Reese tells the publication.
While she is excited for her new start with Atlanta, she is thankful for what Chicago has taught her.
"I'm always going to be grateful for that because I did experience a lot of great things," Reese shared with ESPN about her time in Chicago. "I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better.
"And I am not satisfied with what I am as a player, and I felt like being around these kinds of players would help me be better. I can help them in different ways to help them win, and that's all I ever wanted. I don't care about anything else that comes with it. I want to win and being able to come to an organization that really cared about their players."
Now, Reese is ready to leave it all on the court as she prepares for her first regular-season game. Last season with the Sky, she averaged 12.6 rebounds. She averaged 14.1 points per game through the first two seasons of her career, and last season, she led the league in double-doubles with 23.
After a dreadful start to the biggest series of the season, the No. 13 Oregon Ducks (35-13, 17-8 Big Ten) will attempt to get up off the mat and punch back against the No. 1 UCLA Bruins (45-4, 25-0 Big Ten) on Saturday night in Los Angeles at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
The Ducks managed just three hits and one run against the Bruins in Friday's opener, as right-hander Will Sanford struggled to finish innings and UCLA run-ruled the Ducks, 11-1, in seven innings. UCLA's Wylan Moss, making just his third start of the season, went the distance and struck out nine Ducks along the way.
Oregon had trouble keeping the Bruins off the bases, but they didn't force any action themselves either. UCLA took a 6-0 lead in the third inning before Drew Smith hit a long sacrifice fly to push across Oregon's lone run on the night.
Mark Wasikowski also shook up the lineup, which is still without Jax Gimenez. He sought more power in the lineup, moving Ryan Cooney back to the leadoff spot and inserting Dominic Hellman, who has played sparingly over the past month, back into the lineup batting fifth and playing first base. Jack Brooks also flipped back down to the nine-hole after leading off in recent games.
It didn't work, however, as the Ducks had just one extra-base hit (a double by Burke-Lee Mabeus) and drew just two walks.
The Ducks will hope for a better outing on Saturday from right-hander Collin Clarke (5-3, 4.21 ERA), who has given the Ducks length in several starts this season. It's been a struggle lately, however, as Clarke has allowed 17 runs in his last four starts. He made it through four innings last weekend at Washington, allowing three runs and striking out three.
UCLA will send senior right-hander Michael Barnett (6-0, 3.44 ERA) to the mound to try to clinch the series. Oregon would be wise to be patient in the box tonight, as Barnett has struggled with walks recently, and he does pitch to contact. In his last outing against Michigan State, Barnett walked four and allowed two runs while registering just one strikeout.
Follow along with live inning-by-inning updates as the Ducks aim to even the weekend series against the Bruins. The game will air live on Big Ten Network with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PST.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
The Los Angeles Lakers hope home advantage can help turn the series in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday as they trail 2-0 in the Western semifinals.
May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives down the court against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City travels to Los Angeles on Saturday with a chance to go 3-0 up in its Western semi-final series against the Luka Doncic-less Lakers. The Thunder went back-to-back at home without really looking like they broke a sweat, and the reigning champions of the NBA could move within one game of a place in the conference finals this weekend.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 22 apiece as OKC kept its winning start alive on Thursday. The current MVP of the league hasn’t been his usual high-scoring self thus far in the playoffs, not that it’s mattered to Mark Daigneault and his men as they look to keep cruising in this head-to-head.
Austin Reaves led the scoring with 31 points in Game 2 but couldn’t prevent the 125-107 defeat, with the Lakers losing by the same margin that separated these two sides in the series opener. JJ Redick’s side has now lost seven in a row against OKC, with an average of around 24 points per game separating the two franchises across that span.
Ajay Mitchell continues to impress in the guard role for the Thunder during Jalen Williams’ injury absence. Meanwhile, Doncic remains the major missing man for LA, and based on the Slovenian’s “frustrated” remarks after watching his team in Game 2, it seems unlikely he’ll be back from the hamstring strain he suffered in early April this weekend.
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Hutchins, a seventh-round draft pick out of Boston College, was one of two edge rushers that the Patriots selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team also traded up in the second round to select former Illinois standout Gabe Jacas.
Hutchins was ultimately able to walk off the field under his own power, but he did not return to practice.
The Patriots went into the draft severely lacking in depth at edge rusher. There was hope that the arrival of both Jacas and Hutchins could add a youthful spark to the unit. Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones are currently the top two veteran options. The team also has Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson and Jesse Luketa.
Hutchins had 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his four-year collegiate run with the Eagles.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (R-L) Jim Miller secures a guillotine choke submission against Jared Gordon in a lightweight fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Jim Miller proved once again that age is just a number earlier tonight (Sat., May 9, 2026) at UFC 328 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, putting an impressive stop to lightweight veteran Jared Gordon with a first-round submission (guillotine choke).
This was low-key one of the most exciting matchups on UFC 328’s undercard for more than one reason. Not only was the 42-year-old Miller entering his 47th Octagon appearance, but he was fighting in his own back yard. The long-time UFC veteran was a sizeable underdog, but Gordan is a game opponent and he was going to give Miller a few chances to deliver something memorable.
That moment came a little over halfway through the first round when Miller launched a kick and Gordon caught it. Gordon tried to transition to a takedown, but he left his neck open and Miller only needed a few seconds to grab it. Miller locked up a slick guillotine choke and fought for little bit to tighten his grip and squeeze until Gordon was forced to tap.
WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Air Force Falcons wide receiver Cade Harris (21) high steps out of a tackle during the college football game between Baylor Bears and Air Force Falcons on September 14, 2024, at McLane Stadium in Waco, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While all eyes are on first-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and the rest of their draft class, the New England Patriots are also hosting several free agents at their current rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium. A total of 17 players are present vying for one of what is currently two open spots on the roster.
Some of the participants have previously been reported and therefore listed on our Patriots UDFA tracker. Others, meanwhile, are new additions to the list.
Let’s meet both groups.
Previously unreported participants
WR Cade Harris (Air Force): Standing at 5-foot-7, 182 pounds, Harris moved between wingback and wide receiver at Air Force. During his five seasons, he played in 41 games with 31 starts and registered 63 catches for 1,131 yards and five touchdowns as well as 120 carries for 681 yards and 10 scores.
WR Jha’Quan Jackson (Tulane): Jackson was a sixth-round draft pick by the Titans in 2024, and also was part of the Saints and the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks. The 5-foot-9, 188-pound slot receiver and return specialist has touched the ball twice on offense in his 12 career games, gaining 3 total yards, and averaged 7.7 yards per punt return and 25.8 yards per kickoff runback.
TE Jeremiah Franklin (Boston College): Franklin spent his entire four-year college career at BC and started 29 of his 47 games as an Eagle. Along the way, the 6-foot-3, 232-pounder hauled in 93 passes for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns.
OL Nate Azzopardi (Idaho): Playing almost 3,000 snaps during his five-year career at Idaho, Azzopardi has vast experience at left guard and also some at center and right guard. The 6-foot-2, 301-pounder played 41 games and was voted first-team All-Big Sky in 2025.
DT Olasunkonmi Agunloye (Florida International): A long interior defensive lineman, the 6-foot-6, 307-pound Agunloye is a six-year college veteran after spending time at Virginia, Marshall and Florida International. Mostly a reserve option before his final season, he finished with 4.5 sacks between his three stops.
ED Xavier Holmes (James Madison): After four years and 25 games at Maine, the 6-foot-2, 252-pound Holmes transferred to James Madison for his final college season. He added 14 more games to his résumé and also picked up six sacks, a fumble recovery, one interception and a blocked punt.
CB Dee Williams (Tennessee): Williams has spent time with the Seahawks, Giants and Browns since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. In total, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound outside cornerback has appeared in 13 games as a pro. A vast majority of his 143 career snaps have come on special teams.
S Tim Coutras (Tennessee Tech): Splitting his college career between Liberty and Tennessee Tech, Coutras played 49 combined games and notched 116 tackles. The 6-foot-0, 201-pound defensive back also hauled in nine interceptions, forced four fumbles and registered one recovery and sack each. He also scored a pick-six in his first year at Tennesse Tech in 2023.
In addition to those eight players, four current members of the Patriots’ roster are also on the field for minicamp: WR Jeremiah Webb, OT Lorenz Metz, OL Mehki Butler and CB Brandon Crossley — who all ended 2025 on the team’s practice squad — are allowed to partake in the action as well.
Previously reported participants
WR Logan Collier (North Alabama): A wide receiver and return specialist, Collier spent four years at Lindsey Wilson College before transferring to North Alabama for the 2024 campaign. He caught two passes for 39 yards and averaged 22.6 yards on 11 kickoff returns that year. The 6-foot-0, 203-pounder went undrafted last year and ended up with the Tampere Saints of the Finnish Maple League. He hauled in 25 passes for 326 yards in his debut season, and is now eying a return to the United States.
OT Elijah Simonson (UC Davis): Simonson started 38 games at left tackle over his three years at UC Davis, and was credited with 10 sacks surrendered. Measuring 6-foot-6, he has only average length and will need to add bulk to succeed at the next level. Like the aforementioned Nate Azzopardi, he too was voted first-team All-Big Sky last year.
DT Tyrell Martin (Eastern Michigan): A walk-on at Delaware State, where he appeared in 11 games (with 11 starts) in 2023, Martin spent the final two seasons of his college career at Eastern Michigan. The 6-foot-0, 302-pounder started 15 of his 24 games as an Eagle, and registered one sack and one fumble recovery each.
LB Jordan Kwiatkowski (Central Michigan): A two-time All-MAC selection, Kwiatkowski played in 47 games with 25 starts for the Chippewas. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder registered 255 tackles, four interceptions and three forced fumbles during his college career.
LB Declan Williams (Incarnate Word): Williams split his college career between Rhode Island and UIW, appearing in a combined 47 games as a linebacker and special teamer. A two-time first-team All-Southland selection, he recovered three fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown in 2025.
CB Malcolm Greene (UMass): A veteran of six college seasons, Greene had stints at Clemson, Virgina and finally UMass. Listed at 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, he mostly served as a perimeter cornerback and special teamer.
S Peter Manuma (Hawaii): A speedy player at the safety position, Manuma ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash leading up to the draft. During his college career, the four-team All-Mountain West honorable mention appeared in 49 games and registered five interceptions.
P Mitch McCarthy (Indiana): Born in Australia, McCarthy only started playing football upon arriving at UCF in 2022. He transferred to Indiana in 2025 and averaged 41.6 per punt for the eventual National Champions.
LS Kneeland Hibbett (Alabama): Hibbett appeared in 55 games over his four-year career with the Crimson Tide and subsequently went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Dolphins as a UDFA at the time, but was let go again after a week.
Despite earlier reports, Marshall wide receiver Demarcus Lacey and Fresno State defensive tackle Korey Foreman are not on the list of tryouts. The former was also invited by the Texans, with the latter a participant at Buccaneers rookie camp.
BALTIMORE — The Orioles fell behind two batters in Saturday and never made it a game.
Shane Baz allowed five runs, and the offense narrowly avoided its first shutout of the season in a 6-2 loss to the Athletics. A three-run home run by designated hitter Brent Rooker off Baz in the third was the biggest blow of the afternoon for the A’s, who clinched the series and handed the Orioles (17-23) their third straight loss to drop them to a season-worst six games below the .500 mark.
First baseman Nick Kurtz hit the first of his two doubles to lead off the game, and catcher Shea Langeliers drove him in with a single in the next at-bat, giving the Athletics an early lead they never relinquished. Baz had a difficult time fooling A’s hitters, generating just seven whiffs on 100 pitches and allowing three walks and five hits in 4 2/3 frames.
His day ended on a pitch-clock violation for a walk, failing to make it through the fifth inning for the first time in eight starts this season. The right-hander has allowed five runs in each of his past two outings to open May, raising his ERA from 4.50 at the end of April to 5.48.
The Orioles’ offense never provided him with any run support as Athletics starter Aaron Civale earned the win by pitching five shutout innings. The Orioles had a chance at putting up a crooked number when they loaded the bases with no outs for the middle of the lineup to open the fifth, but Civale struck Adley Rutschman out swinging and induced two shallow flyouts to left field by Pete Alonso and Samuel Basallo to escape the jam.
An announced crowd of 30,707 rained boos down onto the field at Camden Yards after the missed opportunity.
Baltimore went 33 consecutive innings without scoring multiple runs in a single frame until Colton Cowser hit a pinch-hit, two-run single in the eighth. The Orioles’ offense has been about a league-average group for most of this season, ranking among the middle third of MLB in runs per game (4.54, 10th), home runs (42, 15th) and OPS (.704, 17th) entering play Saturday. However, the unit has taken a step back since the start of May, scoring five runs or more just twice in nine games.
Gunnar Henderson, whose slump has been central to the team’s struggles, went 2 for 5 with a double, and catchers Rutschman (double) and Samuel Basallo both stayed hot to combine for three hits. Aside from Taylor Ward drawing three walks to raise his on-base percentage to .420 (tied for fourth best in MLB), the Orioles were otherwise absent at the plate until Cowser’s eighth-inning single off the bench.
Lou Trivino pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief to spare the rest of the bullpen from needing to cover the back half of the game. Dietrich Enns and Andrew Kittredge followed to account for the final two frames, with Kittredge allowing an insurance run on an RBI single by pinch hitter Colby Thomas to give the game its final score.
Around the horn
— The Orioles added utility player José Barrero to their taxi squad Saturday morning after scratching Blaze Alexander from the lineup Friday with right calf tightness, but Alexander arrived at the ballpark Saturday feeling better and went through normal pregame workouts. He was never used off the bench with the game out of hand in the late innings.
— Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad reported to Double-A Chesapeake on Saturday to begin a rehabilitation assignment after being sidelined for the first six weeks of the season with a right hamstring strain. It marked the first time Kjerstad has appeared in a professional game outside of spring training since July 25 last season.
Alex Fitzpatrick has a one-shot lead over Kristoffer Reitan after a busy Moving Day at Quail Hollow. Fitzpatrick is holding the lead for the first-time ever on the PGA Tour and is also the first Englishman to hold a 54-hole lead in the tournament's history, continuing a storybook season for the 27-year-old brother of the world's No. 4-ranked player.
Speaking of No. 3, Cameron Young is close sits solo third behind Fitzpatrick and Reitan. Young's lone blemish Saturday was a bogey on par-4 18th — otherwise the Cadillac Championship winner was pristine with a 63 that vaulted him up nine spots ahead of the final round Sunday.
The 28-year-old Im started the day on top but a 70 was not enough to sustain two dozen players shooting 68 or lower and now sits T-4 entering Sunday. Also following down the leaderboard were a pair of notable names Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood.
Here's how to watch those names and more on Sunday.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was removed in the bottom of the first inning against the Colorado Rockies Saturday night with what the team said was a migraine.
Harper, who has played in all 40 games this season, participated in fielding practice and played the top of the first. He fielded a grounder off the bat of Mickey Moniak for a putout.
In the lineup as the Phillies' No. 3 batter, Harper was removed for pinch-hitter Felix Reyes, who took his place at first.
Harper is batting .282 with nine homers, 23 RBIs and a .929 OPS.
He made his NHL debut four nights later, picking up a secondary assist against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played in four more games after that, one in the regular season and three in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Then he watched from the press box as the Bruins’ season came to a close in Games 4, 5, and 6.
Marco Sturm called it a man’s game ahead of Game 5, and said that he cannot expect his less-experienced playoff players to “be the difference already.”
“With Hagens, he just, I do like him. I want to see him at one point, probably as a center, he does have potential, but it’s just, he’s just not there yet,” Sturm said on breakup day. “I think it’s great for him now learning the game as a winger, and then, we have to see moving forward where it’s going to go.”
Once Hagens got called up to join the Bruins, returning to Providence was no longer an option.
However, his season did not end on May 1. He is heading to Switzerland for the IIHF World Championships, representing Team USA with the men’s national team for the first time in his career.
“Ideally, I’d rather be watching him play [for Providence] in Springfield, to tell you the honest truth. The rules are the rules, and how we navigated in terms of getting James experience at this point in time,” Sweeney said on Wednesday (before the P-Bruins were eliminated). “That was part of it, you know, going to Providence for a period of time, getting into regular-season games, playing in the playoffs. And now he has the benefit of going to play in the Worlds. And that’s a longer tournament than people realize. It’s going to be a great opportunity.”
Hagens told reporters that he is looking forward to the opportunity to play with Team USA.
Marco Sturm has spent time at the IIHF World Championships and knows the impact it can have on a player. He coached Leon Draisaitl for Team Germany and understands how valuable those experiences can be for a young NHLer.
Sturm says the Bruins want Hagens “to be a man as quick as possible, and those kind of tournaments and experiences, it’s just, it’s the best.”
The Bruins are looking to add skill and speed this summer, and Cam Neely said that the team lacks a 1C.
Hagens has the potential to be that guy down the line, but development takes time.
“We could add the skill, there’s no question that’s something that we can use in the top six,” said Cam Neely, Bruins president, on Wednesday. “As far as the implementation, I mean, that’s up to the coach and the situation that we’re in. I mean, he’s got to decide what his best roster is going to be. James [Hagens] was okay with that. He came in with a great attitude. Knew he may or may not play every game, but he was there to learn and understand practice with NHL players, go through NHL meetings, go through NHL videos. So I think that was invaluable for someone like James.”
His entry point was on the left wing, where he played in both Providence and Boston. He also played on the wing this season at Boston College, but has plenty of experience at center.
Sturm and Sweeney both reiterated that he will get a chance to play down the middle.
“Part of the process in communication with James is realizing that going from A to Z is not an easy path in this league for any young player,” said Don Sweeney.
The first year of the entry-level contract has been burned, and all it took was five games. Hagens is due for a contract after the 2027-28 season, and he is ineligible to be hit with an offer sheet that summer.
On Saturday night, the action continues in the East Coast as the leading MMA promotion presents UFC 328.
The card is set to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. UFC 328 will be headlined by a championship fight at 185 pounds, when UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) makes his first title defense against Sean Strickland (30-7). The undefeated Russian seeks another dominant outing, in what could be his final fight at middleweight.
In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van (16-2) will take on Tatsuro Taira (18-1). Following an unexpected outcome in his last outing, “The Fearless” aims to prove his case as the 125-pound kingpin against a dangerous top-contender in Taira.
Below, you can catch up on all the UFC 328 results and fight-ending highlights.
UFC 328 Results (Early Prelims)
Clayton Carpenter (+150) vs. Jose Ochoa (-180)
Ochoa def. Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans climbed to second place in the IPL 2026 points table after a dominant 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. GT now have 14 points from 11 matches, with 7 wins and 4 losses, and a net run rate of +0.228.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have slipped to fifth position after the defeat. They have 12 points from 11 matches, with 6 wins and 5 losses, and a net run rate of +0.082.
At the top of the table, Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to lead with 14 points from 11 games (7 wins, 4 losses) and a superior net run rate of +0.737, ahead of Gujarat Titans in second.
Punjab Kings hold third place with 13 points from 10 matches, registering 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 no result, along with an NRR of +0.571.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are fourth with 12 points from 10 matches, having 6 wins and 4 losses, but boast the highest net run rate in the top five at +1.234.
Further down the table, Chennai Super Kings sit sixth with 10 points from 10 matches (5 wins, 5 losses, NRR +0.151), followed by Kolkata Knight Riders in seventh with 9 points from 10 games and a negative NRR of -0.169.
Delhi Capitals are eighth with 8 points from 11 matches (4 wins, 7 losses, NRR -1.154), while Mumbai Indians sit ninth with 6 points from 10 matches (3 wins, 7 losses, NRR -0.649).
Lucknow Super Giants round off the table in tenth place with 6 points from 10 matches (3 wins, 7 losses) and an NRR of -0.934.
May 9, 2024; Auburn, AL, USA; The championship trophy at the SEC Softball Championship game at Jane B. Moore Field. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
TEXAS 7, ALABAMA 1
Alexis Pupillo got the Tide going in the 1st inning with a monster bomb over the right field fence. I must confess, I did not watch every game in this tournament but Beth Mowins has.
Despite the hope of that big bop, Pup’s teammates were not doing much of anything at the plate. Texas’s Teagan Kavan had 6 strikeouts through the first three innings with only Pupillo as the lone baserunner allowed.
Jocelyn Briski was not very sharp. She gave up a single in the 1st inning and two in the 3rd, though they did not score. In the top of the 2nd inning, the Longhorns scored two runs with a hit-by-pitch and three singles – although two of which did not even leave the infield. Even so, they were some hard hit balls. Following that third frame, Briski was justifiably subbed out in favor of Vic Moten. Sadly, she was not much better. A single, a wild pitch and another single plated a third run for UT. An ensuing walk and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. That was followed by a high pop to left field that should have been an easy out, but the ball bounced out of Audrey Vandagriff’s glove and two more Cow runs scored.
Alabama loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 4th, but Vandagriff and Ambrey Taylor both struck out.
In the top of the 6th, SEC POY Katie Stewart added some insurance with a solo homer. As if things weren’t going bad enough for the Crimson Tide, Moten was drilled a by a batted ball and had to be taken out of the game. It is never good news to be hurt, but the ball appeared to hit Vic on the inner wrist of her catching hand. She did not leave the dugout.
KaitlynPallozzi entered the circle and gave up a noisy sac fly to deep left field that pushed the score to 7-1.
NOTES:
Kavan struck out 12. Every Tide player outside of Brooke Wells struck out at least once.
Three hits, one walk for Alabama.
Terrible.
SCHEDULE
The NCAA Softball Tournament Selection will air Sunday at 6pm CT/ 7pm ET.
HOW TO WATCH… ALLEGEDLY
ESPN2.
TEN CENT ANALYSIS
Alabama should be a lock to be a top 4 seed and host through the the first two rounds.
MIAMI (AP) — Xavier Edwards tied the game with a homer in the seventh inning, Jakob Marsee hit a three-run homer in the eighth and the Florida Marlins rallied from down four runs to beat the Washington Nationals 8-7 on Saturday.
It was the Marlins' seventh comeback win of the season and their largest so far, passing a three-run rally against the Colorado Rockies on March 29.
Kyle Stowers finished a triple shy of the cycle and Otto Lopez had a single and a double to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Lopez's streak is now the longest in MLB after Jacob Wilson of the A's went hitless against the Baltimore Orioles.
Miami's comeback began in the fourth inning after Stowers hit a two-run homer to right that cut the lead in half. Owen Caissie added another on a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Edwards' 422-foot solo homer in the seventh tied the game at 4-4.
Marsee found a hanging slider and sent it to the visiting bullpen in right to give the Marlins a 7-4 lead, and Leo Jiménez added a sacrifice fly to bring one more across.
After Michael Petersen got into trouble in the ninth and allowed three runs, John King came in for the final out and his first career save.
Miami starter Janson Junk struck out six in six innings, allowing seven hits and four runs. Andrew Nardi (3-2) earned the win in relief.
Mitchell Parker (2-1) allowed five hits and five runs in one inning of relief. Richard Lovelady threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts as Washington's opener.
Up next
Washington RHP Cade Cavalli (1-2, 4.15) gets the start against Miami RHP Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 4.01) in the final game of the series.
Daniel Dubois survived two knockdowns - the first after just 10 seconds - to dethrone a bloodied but courageous Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a thrilling heavyweight classic and become a two-time world champion.
Wardley floored his fellow Briton early with a flush right hand and dropped him again in the third, before Dubois regrouped and responded with wave after wave of heavy shots.
The Ipswich fighter, his nose damaged and one eye swollen shut, staggered around the ring yet somehow stayed on his feet and continued to fire back.
As the contest drifted into uncomfortable territory, the referee had eventually seen enough and halted the fight. A distraught Wardley sank to his knees as Dubois celebrated capturing the WBO heavyweight title.
"It was a war, thank you Fabio for that, thank you. I know I've got heart, bundles of heart. I'm a warrior in there," Dubois told DAZN.
"I had to get back up, bounce it off and come back harder. I'm a warrior."
Dubois picked up his 23rd professional victory and reasserted himself at the top of the division as Wardley, 31, lost for the first time in 22 fights.
With knockout power stacked heavily on both sides, the fight lived up to its 'don't blink' tagline as promoter Frank Warren confirmed there is a rematch clause.
Two warriors but one winner - Dubois silences doubters
Having arrived an hour later than the champion to the venue because of Manchester traffic, Dubois made a brisk, business-like ring walk.
Wardley, in his first appearance since being upgraded to world champion, soaked in the atmosphere with a leisurely entrance. Draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club robe, he was greeted by a warm reception from the 18,000-strong crowd.
With a combined record of 42 wins - 40 coming by knockout - there was palpable anticipation inside the arena, and Wardley stayed true to his promise to bring the action early as Dubois hit the canvas after a flush right hand.
Dubois winked to his corner but looked shell-shocked. He wrestled Wardley to the ground as both fighters swung for the hills.
Many expected Dubois to impose himself early before Wardley could settle. Considered the better technical boxer, he regrouped and landed a right in the second.
Momentum swung again in the third when a Wardley overhand right sent Dubois wobbling. Dubois took a knee and survived the count before firing back with a right hand that rocked Wardley.
The fighters and fans struggled to catch a breath as trainer Don Charles urged Dubois to lean on his jab.
Dubois' left eye was badly swollen, but Wardley's face looked a mess as Dubois landed his biggest shots in the fourth and the sixth. With his legs trembling and blood pouring down his face, Wardley somehow refused to go down.
The fighter, who was working in recruitment a decade ago, showed extraordinary chin and heart.
Most would likely have been withdrawn by their corner, but Wardley has built a reputation on dramatic comebacks. This time, however, it felt different.
The doctor inspected Wardley's injuries before the eighth round and allowed him to continue.
By the ninth, the referee looked ready to intervene as Wardley continued to absorb heavy punishment and the contest became increasingly difficult to watch.
When the stoppage finally arrived in the 11th, there was almost a sense of relief. A sensational fight had reached its conclusion.
Warren - a veteran of 45 years in the sport - described it as "the best heavyweight fight" he has ever promoted.
What next for 'Dynamite' Dubois?
Wardley's trademark resilience was on display, but the champion - relaxed and composed throughout fight week - may ultimately have underestimated Dubois.
Yet even in defeat, Wardley remains one of the division's top contenders and his rise from white-collar boxing to world level in under a decade suggests there is still room for growth.
For Dubois, this victory adds another defining chapter to a career shaped by both setbacks and statement performances.
Defeats by Joe Joyce and twice to Oleksandr Usyk had raised questions about his place among the best, but this win emphatically restores his standing.
"[Fabio] is a durable guy, durable warrior, great warrior. Thank you for a great fight, man. It was an honour to be in the ring with you," Dubois said.
"I want to grow from this fight, improve and come back even better and go on to reign as champion again."
A third fight with Usyk - and another shot at undisputed glory - is the obvious next chapter. Yet if the Ukrainian defeats Rico Verhoeven later this month as expected, there may be little appetite for a trilogy after two convincing wins.
A rematch with Wardley would be an easy sell and will likely happen.
A showdown with the highly rated Moses Itauma would also capture the imagination, while the winner of a proposed clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could yet target Dubois for one final shot at world honours.
For now, though, Dubois has reminded the division that he is still one of its most dangerous and destructive forces.
The Big 12 might not be considered a bastion of academia like some schools in the ACC or Big Ten, but the conference does have some programs with top-25 marks in the NCAA Academic Progress Rate.
Four Big 12 programs boast top-25 APR scores, up from three a year ago, with another in the top 35. Further down the rankings, the conference has some schools at risk of falling below the postseason threshold, which we will get into later.
For reference, here is the NCAA's specific description of its APR measurement:
The APR, or Academic Progress Rate, holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.
The APR is calculated as follows:
A strong APR standing matters. Programs must remain above a four-year average APR of 930 to compete in postseason play—Akron (APR of 914) recently became the first program since 2014 to receive an academic-related postseason ban. When used for the final bowl tiebreaker, the metric significantly impacts the football team. If 5-7 teams are needed to finalize the postseason schedule, the team with the highest APR often earns the bid, making it an important metric to watch.
Here are the updated APR totals for every Big 12 football team. The metric now includes the four-year average of the 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The numbers below are also compared to each program's APR and Big 12 standing from last year.
16. BYU Cougars
APR Score: 953
2025 APR: 954 (No. 15)
BYU fell slightly in its APR this calendar year. Kalani Sitake continues to make the Cougars a perennial top-15 program, and BYU should once again compete for the Big 12 title.
15. Houston Cougars
APR Score: 954
2025 APR: 940 (No. 16)
Houston made a big jump in APR over the last academic year, moving further away from the cutoff line and out of last place in the Big 12. After a standout double-digit-win season, Willie Fritz's group should be one of the Big 12 title favorites heading into the 2026 season.
Head coach Deion Sanders has placed a significant emphasis on academics, which has paid off so far despite the two-point drop in APR.
13. TCU Horned Frogs
APR Score: 967
2025 APR: 963 (No. 13)
After taking a step back last year, the Horned Frogs improved by four points this year. Under head coach Sonny Dykes, TCU remains a solid football program and is improving off the field as well.
T-11. Arizona Wildcats
APR Score: 976
2025 APR: 969 (No. 12)
The Wildcats had a bounce-back year on the field and in the classroom, having a solid jump in APR. With quarterback Noah Fifita returning for a final season, Arizona is a team to watch in the Big 12.
T-11. Utah Utes
APR Score: 976
2025 APR: 984 (No. 6)
Utah takes a major step back in APR this year after being a top-50 program nationally and top-6 in the Big 12. Under new head coach Morgan Scalley, the Utes will look to improve in the classroom.
10. Arizona State Sun Devils
APR Score: 977
2025 APR: 977 (No. 10)
Arizona State remains in a strong position in APR. The program hopes not to need tiebreakers this season, as Kenny Dillingham works to reestablish the Sun Devils as one of the Big 12's top teams after losing Heisman Trophy hopeful QB Sam Leavitt to LSU.
T-8. West Virginia Mountaineers
APR Score: 978
2025 APR: 980 (No. 8)
West Virginia continues to drop in APR, falling for the second consecutive season, this year by two points. Still, it is a solid number heading into Rich Rodriguez's second season back in Morgantown.
T-8. Baylor Bears
APR Score: 978
2025 APR: 974 (No. 9)
Baylor remained at No. 9 in the Big 12 despite a four-point improvement in APR. Dave Aranda and the Bears could ned to make improvements to their defense after struggling mightily in that department last year.
7. UCF Knights
APR Score: 981
2025 APR: 986 (No. 4)
UCF is still rebuilding with Scott Frost returning to the program last year. The Knights dropped off five points and fell three spots among Big 12 programs.
6. Kansas Jayhawks
APR Score: 985
2025 APR: 972 (No. 11)
Kansas made the biggest leap in the conference in APR, jumping into the top 10 and the top 50 nationally. Lance Leipold's crew is always pesky, but will be breaking in a new starting quarterback after Jalon Daniels departed for the NFL.
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys
APR Score: 988
2025 APR: 986 (No. 5)
Oklahoma State continues to rise academically, moving up two APR points and holding firm at fifth in the Big 12. On the field, the Cowboys are hoping to complete a complete turnaround under new head coach Eric Morris and quarterback Drew Mestamaker.
Kansas State had a disappointing season on the field last year, which may have led to the surprising departure of longtime head coach Chris Klieman. In comes Collin Klein, who looks to build on the foundation Klieman built.
T-1. Texas Tech Red Raiders
APR Score: 992
2025 APR: 981 (No. 7)
The Red Raiders are once again among the conference's biggest risers in APR, moving up ten spots. Head coach Joey McGuire seems to be doing everything right after leading Texas Tech to the Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff a season ago. The Red Raiders should be the title favorites in 2026.
T-1. Cincinnati Bearcats
APR Score: 992
2025 APR: 994 (No. 1)
The Bearcats made a bowl game last season, taking the next step in becoming a legitimate Power Four program. Cincinnati's APR remains a top-25 mark nationally.
T-1. Iowa State Cyclones
APR Score: 992
2025 APR: 991 (No. 2)
Matt Campbell turned Iowa State into a program that consistently punches above its weight, but he moved on to Penn State, and the Cyclones paid the price. Iowa State's roster got ransacked by Campbell and the Nittany Lions. 2026 looks like a complete rebuild year for new head coach Jimmy Rogers, but the Cyclones APR is tied with Auburn, Fordham, Texas Tech, Air Force, Cincinnati, Dayton and Iowa for No. 14 nationally.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) eyes the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The euphoria from the Las Vegas Aces’ triumph in 2025 was still apparent from the Ring Ceremony.
The energy from the crowd was apparent as the players, coaches and fans celebrated a season that was dotted with highs and lows. However, the expectation was to turn the page immediately after the opening tipoff, with the need for resilience being demanded for the adversity that lay ahead
After Saturday, it will not take long for the Aces to have to tap into that resilience, as the Phoenix Mercury took revenge against the defending champions in emphatic fashion with a 99-66 victory.
“We’re averaging giving up 31 points in the first quarter over the course of our two exhibition games and this game, and that’s just not good enough,” said Aces head coach Becky Hammon after the game.
“We’re digging out of a hole. That puts pressure on your defense, your offense. Just a little bit of a snowball effect.”
Locked in the freezer
For a team that emphasized defense during training camp and the preseason, it was the offense that would serve as the primary culprit for the blowout.
The Aces would stall out on far too many offensive sets, only scoring 24 points in the second and third quarters combined (for context, the Mercury scored 29 and 27 points in those quarters alone.) A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young would do most of the heavy lifting on offense with 19 and 12 points, respectively. NaLyssa Smith (11 points) and Chennedy Carter (10 points) would also hit double digit points, but some of their contributions would come in the fourth quarter with the game already decided.
“I thought there were times when we just caught and held the ball,” said Hammon about her team’s offensive struggles.
“We could’ve shot the ball, we could’ve drove the ball, but instead, we just analyzed. You get slow when you analyze too much. I thought there were some threes that we passed up…I feel we had space to shoot. It’s not like they were running us off the three-point line. We got to have people step up and hit some shots, obviously, and that will come.”
Little too generous
If the shots would not fall for the Aces, they would too often end up in the hands of the Mercury.
The Aces would cough up 17 turnovers in the game, more than all but two games last season. Six Aces would be responsible for multiple turnovers, with Chelsea Gray and Carter leading with three apiece.
“We haven’t played basketball together as a whole since October, so it’s going to take time to get on time and on target, no matter how long we played with each other,” said Wilson about the team chemistry. “That doesn’t mean we don’t trust each other, because I trust these ladies with my life, but it’s just on-court timing.”
The other side
Unfortunately, defense would not offer much of a reprieve either.
All five starters for the Mercury would hit double-digit points, and Kiana Williams would make it six with 11 points off the bench. As a team, the Mercury would shoot nearly 50 percent both from the floor and beyond the three-point arc. Alyssa Thomas would lead the way with 20 points (along with nine assists and six rebounds) and Jovana Nogic exploding in her WNBA debut with 19 points.
“I feel like we just kind of weren't overly prepared for her to come in and be that effective in the game,” said Smith about Nogic’s performance.
“I feel like that's just a point of focus for us, where we have to take every single player on the on the team serious, like there's nobody that can't play basketball. We are here for a reason, so just giving everybody that respect and not letting them have nights like that.”
The Aces now begin the season with serious questions to answer, and they will not have to wait long for an opportunity to answer when they head out west to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.
“I get it 100 percent. We’ve been in this situation where we’ve had a long offseason, and you’re just like ‘I don’t care who’s in front of us this first game, we have to redeem ourselves,’” said Wilson. “It was obvious that played a huge factor in tonight and we understood that we just didn’t hold up our end of the bargain, which is crazy, but we got another time to do it again tomorrow.”
Sofia Maldonado Diaz L of Mexico spikes the ball during the Preliminary Phase Pool F match between the Dominican Republic and Mexico at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Hou Zhaokang/Xinhua via Getty Images)
She may have spent her final few months of college and advanced to the Final Four at Louisville, but make no mistake that Sofia Maldonado Diaz still has ties to Arizona volleyball after spending her first four years as a Wildcat. Her professional team lists both programs on her roster page. Now, the former Arizona star can call herself a champion.
Maldonado Diaz used her ties to return to Tucson to train with head coach Rita Stubbs and the Arizona Wildcats prior to her first foray into Major League Volleyball. It paid off with a win in the “Match for a Million” by the Dallas Pulse.
It was a superb debut season both for Maldonado Diaz and the Pulse. The first-year franchise finished the year at 20-8. They were one of the four teams standing when play moved to Frisco, Tex. to battle for a one-million dollar payout.
The Pulse earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They took out the third-seeded San Diego Mojo in the semifinals on May 7. Maldonado Diaz led the match with 21 kills and added four blocks.
Two days later, they went up against the fourth-seeded Omaha Supernovas in the final. It was a battle, but Maldonado Diaz and her teammates emerged with the 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon. She once again led the team with 26 kills and added 12 digs for the double-double.
It was the end of a season that saw Maldonado Diaz named to the 2026 MLV All-League First Team. She finished second in the league in total points (484) and kills (420), trailing only teammate Mimi Colyer. Maldonado Diaz was third in total service aces (21).
Before playing in MLV, Maldonado Diaz played professionally in Romania. She followed that with several tournaments with the Mexican National Team, then returned to Tucson to train with the Wildcats.
Arizona had two other former players in MLV this season. Both Jaelyn Hodge and Kamaile Hiapo played for the Columbus Fury. Hodge played for the Wildcats for five years as both an outside hitter and an opposite. She led the team to the NIVC title in 2024. Hiapo was the starting libero for four years before transferring to BYU for her fifth year.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: Haiden Deegan shot out to the lead early and established a lead over the field.
In-Race Notes
Deegan did what Deegan does. He launched out of the gate and took the early lead.
By Lap 4, Deegan held a significant advantage over the field, but second through fourth were tightly contested Cameron McAdoo led Kayden Minear and Levi Kitchen.
Wardley dropped his fellow Briton with perhaps the second punch he threw, before putting Dubois down again in the third frame. At that juncture, a victory for the 28-year-old seemed beyond improbable.
Daniel Dubois (right) somehow found a way past Fabio Wardley after major adversity early on (Reuters)
After the referee seemed to consider stopping the bout a few times, he ultimately awarded Dubois an 11th-round win in Manchester. With that, Wardley was beaten for the first time.
“I know I’ve got heart, bundles of heart,” said Dubois in the ring after the fight. “I’m a warrior in there. [The first knockdown was a] flash knockdown, you have to get back up and come back harder, man. I’m a warrior. I thank Fabio for a great fight, man. I thank this team, and we move on now. All glory to God for this victory.”
Wardley thanked the crowd on his way out of the arena, before Frank Warren – who promotes both men – revealed there was a rematch clause in the contract for Saturday’s main event.
The result marked Wardley’s first loss (20-1-1, 19 KOs), as he was beaten in his first defence of a world title. Last time out, in October, he fought from behind to knock out Joseph Parker and win the interim WBO heavyweight belt – which was soon upgraded when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the official title.
Meanwhile, Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) entered the Co-op Live arena on the back of his second stoppage loss to Usyk, which was his third defeat overall. Dubois’s only other loss was a prior stoppage by Joe Joyce, in which “Dynamite” took a knee after suffering an orbital fracture – a moment that birthed a longstanding doubt about Dubois’s heart.
Those questions were harsh, however, as Dubois proved on Saturday, by rising twice and withstanding Wardley’s best offence to secure the unlikeliest of victories.
A fired-up Dubois after beating Wardley in Manchester (Reuters)
Wardley dropped the Londoner with practically the second punch he threw, an overhand right, before flooring Dubois with a one-two in the third frame.
But thereafter, Dubois gradually broke down the Ipswich boxer, aggravating a pre-existing nasal injury to leave Wardley’s face streaming with blood. Furthermore, Dubois – whose left eye looked close to closing – almost punched Wardley’s right eye shut.
The referee had Wardley inspected by a ringside doctor at the start of round nine (for his nose) and round 10 (for his eye), but both times the champion was allowed to continue. The inspections drew boos, but both times the resumed action brought deafening cheers.
Perhaps that was unwise, as Wardley had begun to sustain increasingly-severe punishment, with Dubois close to sealing a finish at the end of several rounds.
Ultimately, the stoppage came after Dubois’s first meaningful attack in the penultimate frame, as he became a two-time world champion.
Munetaka Murakami set yet another MLB record in last night’s game: Homering in the opening game of eight straight series. The Good Guys look for more of that power tonight. | (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
After dropping the first game of this nine-game homestand last night and on a three-game losing streak, the Chicago White Sox will rely on Anthony Kay to provide a lead the turnaround. Kay (1-1, 5.70 ERA, 7.62 xERA) has struggled with consistency in the early going and hasn’t pitched into the sixth inning since April 9 in Kansas City. He’s yet to find the success he had on the other side of the world, so here’s hoping he settles in against a Mariners squad on the verge of breaking through.
As for his mound mate, he’s off to a rocky start himself. Luis Castillo (0-3, 6.29 ERA, 5.86 xERA) has given up runs in every start apart from his first of the year. He’s already had two such starts where he’s given up seven runs. Let’s see if the Sox can make it three.
Either way, something’s gotta give between these two starting pitchers.
Looking to keep the offense the way it was last night, Will Venable makes two small changes: swapping out his catcher and substituting an Andrew Benintendi dealing with neck soreness with Randal Grichuk, who homered in his pinch-hit appearance yesterday.
Here’s how the Mariners will line up:
Luckily for us, Luke Raley is not in tonight’s starting lineup — but Josh Naylor is.
You can catch tonight’s game at 6:40 p.m. CT on CHSN or ESPN 1000. Let’s get back in the win column!
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Kentucky Wildcats guard Dontaie Allen (11) and Kentucky Wildcats forward Cam'Ron Fletcher (21) walk back on the court during the men's Champions Classic college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Kentucky Wildcats on December 1, 2020, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The addition of Washington transfer big man Franck Kepnang to Kentucky Basketball has generated excitement, but has also sparked questions from some fans regarding his eligibility status for the upcoming season.
Kepnang, a member of the class of 2020, is entering what would be his seventh year of college basketball. However, his situation is not uncommon in today’s NCAA landscape, where multiple eligibility waivers, injuries, and the COVID-19 season have significantly altered career timelines.
Players who competed during the 2020 season were granted an additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19 rules. When combined with a potential redshirt year and medical redshirt opportunities, players in similar situations have been able to extend their careers beyond the traditional five-year window.
Across six collegiate seasons, Kepnang has played full or partial seasons in multiple years, including appearing in 27 games and starting 25 contests last season while averaging 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game on 51.5% shooting in 22.9 minutes per contest.
A comparable case can be found in former Kentucky forward Cam’Ron Fletcher, who was also part of the 2020 recruiting class and recently received approval for a seventh year of eligibility at High Point after a similar combination of injuries and limited-season participation.
Ironically, both had the bulk of their injury woes over a three-season stretch from 2022-25. During that span, Kepnang was limited to 32 games due to injury, including a torn ACL in December of 2022.
Fletcher, meanwhile, was limited to 28 games over that same span due to his injuries, which included a torn ACL in December of 2023. Therefore, Fletcher’s case should provide hope that Kepnang will ultimately get that seventh year of eligiblity.
Plus, if Kentucky did not feel confident in getting Kepnang eligible, they would not have gone all in to secure his commitment for an additional season. This should be a straightforward case for the NCAA to grant Kepnang eligibility for his seventh and final season.
Zilisch Wins Watkins Glen with Last Corner PassChris Graythen - Getty Images
Connor Zilisch won his third consecutive O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Watkins Glen Saturday evening with the last lap pass on reigning series champion Jesse Love.
Zilisch won on debut in the then-Xfinity Series at the track in 2024. He backed it up with a win last summer that was overshadowed when he slipped and fell off the window lip of his car and fell headfirst to the concrete, resulting in a broken collarbone and surgery.
"It's so cool to come back and get my third win at Watkins Glen in a row at JRM," Zilisch said in Victory Lane. "Cool to get it with Rodney [Childers]. It's my third different crew chief here, so it really means a lot to get another one here and get out of the car safely and make it onto the ground without trying to kill myself. So yeah, it means a lot."
This was Zilisch's second win of the season in the No. 1 JRM car as the NASCAR Cup Series rookie has had a difficult start to his season in the Trackhouse Racing No. 88.
Zilisch won the second stage but it looked like his streak might end after he went off the track in the bus stop breaking his splitter in the grass with a few laps remaining.
— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) May 9, 2026
"When you really nickel and dime it, there's a hundred little small mistakes that let him get close," Love said on his closing laps. "And at the end of the day, the glaring piece of it is, I had a bad corner. I had a bad corner."
Following his runner-up finish, Love was seemingly as upset as Zilisch was post-Phoenix, showing how important it is to beat those known as one of the best at a certain track type, in this case, Zilisch on Road Courses.
Jesse Love joins Connor Zilisch in Victory Lane following an emotional loss.Chris Graythen - Getty Images
"I mean, all I want to do is beat Connor here, and we're best friends, and we've caused each other a lot of pain," Love said. "And yeah, I didn't execute when I needed to, and I think the reason I'm so quiet is I'm just embarrassed, right? As a driver, you can't make those mistakes, and it was such a bad mistake. It's just embarrassing. So I know that I'll learn from this and be better because of it, but I let down a lot of people, including myself. Most importantly, and maybe it's probably a good idea for me to feel this pain right now."
As Love continues on to defend his championship in the O'Reilly Series with these new lessons learned, Zilisch will look to turn the momentum of a win at the track that started it all to improve his running in the Cup Series.
CAMDEN, N.J. -- As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to stave off elimination and begin the climb from an 0-3 deficit against the New York Knicks with Game 4 set for Sunday afternoon, coach Nick Nurse and his team convened on Saturday at the team's training facility for a film session.
Nurse has seen a ton of elimination games in his career as coach of both the Sixers and the Toronto Raptors. He knows what has to be done in these situations as he did just guide Philadelphia from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics in Round 1.
"I always just try to treat it like one game, and can we play better or not, right?" said Nurse. "Like, can we play better or not? You can't really listen to 3-1, 3-0, 3-2, you can't really listen to any of that, and let that form any type of whatever around your on your back. Can't carry that around. You got to really just zero in on, can we play better? And that's what I'm challenging the guys with today."
To Nurse's point, the Sixers just need to play better. They had their chances against this New York team on plenty of occasions, but they haven't been able to convert on the open looks they generate.
"You're sitting here, and you're going through the film, and you stop it at 80-76, and you show three wide open 3s," Nurse added. "And you say, ‘Guys, we weren't playing very well last night. We didn't play good enough. And here we are with one minute to go (in the third quarter) and we're right here. Like, look at all these.’ I've already put down all things we can do better. That's what you're trying to show them. Like, we just got to play better. Can we play better? And we got to do, and if we do it, we'll be going back to New York."
Now, what did Nurse see on the film? It all starts on offense where the Sixers have struggled mightily in this series compared to Round 1.
"We had 11 turnovers, which isn't a super high number, but I think, like, nine of the 11 were just on us, you know what I mean?" Nurse began. "They did make a couple good plays and darted in there, like, unexpectedly on a couple there, got an arm in there or something, but the majority of them were just kind of us. We're a low turnover team. I call them uncharacteristic plays that that we make, and that's one of the things, where it starts."
The Sixers had their chances to convert on many opportunities. Much like in Game 2, Philadelphia was able to come up with so many wide-open looks, but they couldn't knock them down.
"On offense again, we did a lot of good things," the coach contiued. "As far as shot creation, I think we had five, six, kind of point blankers at the rim that again, you're not going to make all of them, but I think in a playoff game that it's close and you need to win, is you got to make four out of six. You can't miss that many. Those got to get finished."
As Philadelphia heads in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. EDT, it is hoping to execute things better and get after it on the offensive end.
"I thought we did create enough, not quite enough, but a lot of catch-and-shoot 3s that were really open, but there's also—I think there's opportunities to create so many more, right?" Nurse finished. "I think there's another pass out, or some kick outs there, and some of those finishes at the rim or I throw blocked shots into the turnover category. Like, we serve a couple up when there's guys standing on the perimeter, wide open. So just getting a little better."
Mar 28, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks owner James Dolan reacts during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
“There’s this one teenager in Colorado, who said something on Twitter, and [Madison Square Garden chief security officer John C. Eversole] and the Madison Square Garden security staff went into freak out mode, and they actually called the local cops on this kid,” Schactman said on Pablo Torre Finds Out.
Knicks owner James Dolan reads your tweets, per sources inside his surveillance state—then MSG security will “freak the f— out” and call local cops on critics.
“They scared the crap out of some 14 year old kid in Colorado,” a staffer wrote, in one of dozens of texts we saw. pic.twitter.com/EfmQxS6O2A
Torre followed up his initial reporting on Friday’s episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, and played a modulated recording of an anonymous Knicks beat reporter, which, if true, confirms Dolan’s surveillance tactics.
“A few years back, I had a report, and then I get a call from the Knicks shortly after that. ‘I know who your source is.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t play guess-the-source,’ and the person is like, ‘I know this is your source.’
“I asked, ‘Where is this coming from? Why are you so certain on this?’ The person says, ‘I know you had a conversation with this executive…’ I said, ‘You know what this conversation was? I was just offering condolences on the death in his family.’ And the person said to me, ‘Would you have offered your condolences to that person if he wasn’t your source?’ I said, ‘Yes! That’s what being a human being is!’ I said, ‘How did you know I spoke to that person? There was nobody around.’ And the person said, ‘You know us. We’re always watching.'”
It’s not the first time questionable behavior from Dolan has come under fire, and Max Kellerman recently called for the NBA to oust him from the league. Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was infamously forced out of the league after he was caught on audio promoting explicitly racist rhetoric, and as egregious as stalking fans is, Dolan is probably still a ways away from forcing league commissioner Adam Silver’s hand.
Still, if only to protect fans’ privacy and their fundamental rights, the NBA or perhaps the city of New York should step in and stop Dolan from turning the Garden into a surveillance state.
Much more of this and there's going to be a run on heart-rate monitors among the maroon-clad folk from Edinburgh.
Every Hearts game is a pulse-quickening drama now. Every tackle, every header, every kick a palpitation-inducing moment.
And every contentious call an invitation to erupt. And erupt Hearts did in this frantic contest at Motherwell.
When Alexandros Kyziridis went down in an incident with Tawanda Maswanhise in the 68th minute, it looked like Hearts were getting an opportunity to make it 2-1 from the spot.
Referee Steven McLean said no. VAR Greg Aitken said 'hold your horses'. Aitken got McLean over to the screen, but McLean was unmoved.
"He [Kyziridis] was impeded," Hearts manager Derek McInnes said later. "It's such a poor decision. I don't understand why that's not a penalty."
Wonder of wonders, Jens Berthel Askou disagreed: "Not enough in it," said the Motherwell manager. "Some sort of contact, but minimal. Kyziridis makes it look like there's more contact than there is."
People see what they want to see, but this season will have an end-game to conjure with. A historically brilliant campaign will surely go to the wire now.
[BBC]
Good point or bad? Time will tell
Hearts were unbeaten and unbowed, but damaged. Two points dropped and two players down. Marc Leonard and the wonderful lynchpin at the back, Craig Halkett, were invalided out of the action. And out of the last two games of the season.
At the end, the players went to their fans to thank them for their support, which was unceasingly loud and passionate even on full-time, when the draw was confirmed.
Their throats would have been in need of a soothing nectar last night. Their minds? Scrambled. They will try to convince themselves that a point at Fir Park is not a bad thing, especially since Celtic have to go there on Wednesday.
Good point or bad - we won't know the truth of that until next week.
Those injuries, though, are more obstacles in Hearts' way. McInnes has other centre-backs, but there isn't another Halkett. He can select Cammy Devlin instead of Leonard, but Devlin is only just back from injury himself.
Nobody said this was going to be easy. Nearly everybody said that Hearts could not go the distance, but they're still there, still believing.
In a season of such wondrous unpredictability, there's been a certain sameness about what Hearts have been doing.
A goal down three games ago against Motherwell - they won. A goal down two games ago against Hibs - they won. A goal down a game ago against Rangers - they won.
[BBC]
And a goal down against Motherwell again on Saturday, a Motherwell that knows all about what Hearts are, knows all about their resilience and their never-say-die attitude.
They learned it the hard way, for the first time, way, way back in the third game of the campaign when people were still chortling at Tony Bloom's claims about splitting the Old Firm this season and winning the Premiership inside a decade.
Motherwell were 3-0 up, remember? They ended up hanging on for a draw.
This is what Hearts do. They stay calm even when being out-played, as they were here for much of the first half, or out-fought, as they were in the opening half at Tynecastle against Rangers on Monday.
And so when Motherwell went a goal ahead on Saturday it was familiar territory. Not where they wanted to be, but where they have been so often.
They were second best but when you have Lawrence Shankland in your ranks, you have hope. Hearts have lost five league games and he has only played in one of them - and he scored in that one.
A left-foot finish that saw off Rangers on Monday and a right-foot finish that ended up earning this point at Motherwell, an emphatic close-range thump, the importance of which is yet to be determined.
If Hearts do win this title, they'll have to erect a statue to the captain - not that he would need a landmark for people to remember his leadership and his goals.
His influence would be carved into the heart and soul of every Hearts supporter. If. Always if.
This was another contest that would have fried the brain of every visitor.
How these folk are still standing up straight is a miraculous thing. The heartstopping drama has been going on for an age, the feeling of panic and dread and then joy unconfined. It's the stuff of smelling salts and stretchers.
Motherwell, so good for so long this season, have fallen away of late, but even still, there was danger written all over this for McInnes' team.
Early in the second half, Stephen O'Donnell scored to make it 2-1. Fir Park roared. The away end gasped and VAR piped up. Offside. Just. Inches. Milimetres. Tight as a drum, but off.
Hearts were getting buffeted. They'd lost Leonard at the end of the first half, now the medics were rushing on to tend to the totemic Halkett. They carried him away.
If you were a supporter who believed in omens and superstitions then the sight of the unbreakable centre-back getting broken was not good for your karma.
Hearts pushed on in search of the goal that would take them to touching distance of the title. Kyziridis took that tumble in front of where the Hearts fans were having kittens, while pointing at Maswanhise as if guilty of the crime of the millennium.
Enter VAR. When McLean made his way to the monitor, the cheering among Hearts fans was akin to a goal being scored. They'd already transported themselves a minute into the future - a penalty, Shankland stepping and Shankland scoring.
Only McLean did what few referees do these days. He looked at the screen and stuck by his original call - no penalty.
Hearts went berserk. You wouldn't see such gesticulation from a posse of policemen directing traffic at a busy crossroads. There was fury from McInnes and his coaches. Paul Sheerin, the assistant manager, got booked for his thunder.
All the while you wondered what madness was left to come, what late twist the football Gods, drunk on drama these past months, were planning.
McInnes sprang his bench. Pierre-Landry Kabore had a shot saved; Kyziridis had a header over; Maswanhise screamed lamely for a penalty that was never given.
They went at each other like cats fighting in an alley. Aggression at breakneck speed. Tension off the charts.
A nervy thriller, not for the first time and not for the last time either, you suspect. Such a short distance to go and yet so much can yet happen.
Up next: Celtic's battle with Rangers on Sunday. Stand by your beds.
The Lakers have struggled taking care of the ball: The Thunder averaged 23 points off the Lakers’ 19.5 turnovers in the first two games.
The Thunder also averaged 19 second-chance points despite only grabbing nine offensive rebounds per game — highlighting how efficient they were with an extra scoring opportunity.
These are the areas the Lakers were better during the first round, especially toward the end of their series victory over the Rockets.
And were significantly better throughout the regular season.
It was a talking point from coach JJ Redick after the Lakers’ Feb. 22 home loss to the Celtics, a team that deployed a deep drop coverage to stifle the Lakers’ offense, which mustered 89 points in defeat — their third-lowest scoring total of the season.
The Lakers became less efficient against drop coverage throughout most of December and January before improving throughout February, March and the end of the regular season, utilizing the proper counters.
That wasn’t the case in the first two games against the Thunder.
The Thunder had their big men in drop for most of Game 1, with the Lakers not creating quality looks against the coverage — in part because of poor shotmaking but also the team and players not using the proper counters.
The Lakers need to use proper counters to solve the Thunder’s drop coverage. Getty Images
Too many drag screens that didn’t create quality offense.
Not enough stack sets. Not enough pull-up 3-pointers. Not enough Gortat screens.
“Our options out of early offense, specifically, we ran so many just early drags,” Redick responded ahead of Game 2 when asked what stood out from the offensive film of Game 1. “Which has been a great play for AR [Austin Reaves], but was not a great PPP [points per possession] play for us [Tuesday] night. So just trying to be organized with early offense.”
The Lakers struggled against the Thunder’s drop in Game 2, but they also faced it less often because the Thunder decided to hedge/blitz more — specifically when Reaves handled the ball coming off a screen.
The Lakers are very comfortable in this situation.
The counters are more natural for them after seeing these types of coverages more since Luka Doncic joined the franchise in February 2025.
But the Thunder’s decision to go away from what was working masked an issue that it looked like the Lakers had overcome toward the end of the regular season.
If the Lakers don’t consistently tap back into those counters from the late winter/early spring against the Thunder’s drop, their season will likely end this week.
Draymond Green received a bunch of backlash for a comment he made to Charles Barkley during a recent appearance on Inside the NBA.
While discussing the latter stage of his career, Green quipped to Barkley “I think the goal is just to not look like you in the Houston Rockets uniform."
Draymond Green says he didn't intend to disrespect Charles Barkley
Barkley played the final four years of his career with the Rockets after spending the previous four with the Phoenix Suns and the first eight with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Barkley didn't really respond at the time on air, but many many in the media and on the internet viewed the comment as disrespectful, which Green now says wasn't his intention.
On a fresh episode of his podcast, Green clarified his comment and offered an apology to Barkley for any perceived disrespect.
“I wan to provide a little bit of clarity. … The reason that I would even say that is what Chuck makes fun about in his career is actually the last 2 years in Houston. ‘I was going to get that free money.’ That’s what he says,” Green said.
“Everybody tried to make it like this whole ‘Ah man Draymond think he better than Chuck.’ The disrespect ain’t the intent. So if that’s the way it’s viewed as public disrespect, I can gladly publicly apologize. Disrespect wasn’t my intent.”
Draymond provides clarity Charles Barkley interaction
“The reason that I would even say that is what Chuck makes fun about in his career is actually the last 2 years in Houston... everybody tried to make it like this whole 'Ahh man Draymond think he better than Chuck'... the… pic.twitter.com/lXrTY7Umk9
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) May 9, 2026
Eventually, Barkley put Green in his place with his own response to the controversial comment.
“Hey man, I never punch down. Draymond is a good player. We’re not on the same level,” Barkley said. “So, I can hear, but I don’t have to respond every time somebody says something about me. Listen, Draymond is a really good player. He’s had a hell of a career, but we’re not on the same level.”
We'll never know if Green truly meant disrespect in the moment or not, but if he did, he's clearly not doubling down on it.
Christian Lundgaard pulled off a remarkable move on David Malukas to win the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
The 24-year-old Dane made an outside pass with 18 laps to go in Turn 4 en route to securing the second win of his career, and first with Arrow McLaren, by 4.6713s at the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course. The win came on the same track Lundgaard made his IndyCar Series debut in 2021. It’s also the 28th victory in IndyCar history for McLaren and 10th since returning to IndyCar full-time in 2020.
Palou, starting on the harder primary tire compound, led the field to the green flag but the slow start led to contact in the back, with Rinus VeeKay suffering wing damage. Then, in Turn 1, multiple cars came together, including second-place starter Pato O’Ward, who was clipped by Felix Rosenqvist. The likes of rookie Caio Collet and six-time series champion Dixon were also collected with significant damage.
The new running order following the incident was Palou, Malukas, Rahal, Kirkwood, and Romain Grosjean. Meanwhile, Rosenqvist and VeeKay came to a closed pit lane for service and were hit with a penalty and required to restart at the back of the field. Rosenqvist was also deemed at fault for the opening corner crash by Race Control and handed a drive-thru penalty.
The pits finally opened on Lap 4 of 85, with Collet, Dixon, O’Ward and Rosenqvist, again, among those that came in for service.
The restart came out on Lap 5, with Palou leading a calmer run into Turn 1 as the field filled in behind. ECR’s Christian Rasmussen ended up off course in Turn 7 after contact and eventually brought it back to the pits and went behind the wall.
Kirkwood, who started seventh, propelled up to second after a brilliant pass on Malukas on the inside of Turn 1 on Lap 7.
Race Control also handed a penalty to Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin for blocking and was forced to give up three track positions as a result, relegating back to 14th by Lap 10. He also appeared to have an issue with the right side of his front wing.
Palou led Kirkwood by 2.2034s after 10 laps.
Dixon opted to go off-sequence and pitted on Lap 16, while McLaughlin was among those coming in the next lap and taking a front wing change.
O’Ward pitted on Lap 19, along with teammate Nolan Siegel, Dennis Hauger and Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden.
The local caution came out on Lap 21 after ECR’s Alexander Rossi stopped on the frontstretch. He excited the car despite the lack of a full course caution, which was finally called moments after he got out and jumped over the wall to pit lane.
Palou and Kirkwood came down to pit lane for service on Lap 25, handing the lead to Will Power, with Malukas in second. Palou and Kirkwood returned 19th and 20th, respectively.
Power led the field to the restart on Lap 27, holding Malukas at bay as Lundgaard got around Rahal.
A big crash on Lap 28 saw Sting Ray Robb make contact with an Arrow McLaren car into Turn 13, leaving Kyffin Simpson trying to avoid the contact but was then hit by Rosenqvist, who ramped over the front wing and caught brief air. Rosenqivst retired from the race as a result of the contact.
Power, meanwhile, pitted on Lap 31, handing Malukas the lead.
Rasmussen returned to pit lane to try and go back out on Lap 32.
Malukas led the field to the green flag on Lap 33, with Lundgaard and Rahal behind.
The lead for Malukas expanded to 1.1s over Lundgaard by Lap 39, while Palou dove to pit lane and took on a fresh set of softer alternates. Kirkwood dove to pit lane from seventh the following lap but an issue with the right-front hampered his stop and ended up dropping behind Palou on track.
Malukas continued to lead after 45 laps, with a gap of 1.7s over Lundgaard and 4.3s over Rahal in third.
Rahal pitted from third on Lap 47 and took on a used set of softer alternates. Newgarden also pitted at the same time and took on softer alternates, too.
Malukas pitted the next lap from the lead, but called over the radio for a suspected engine issue. However, he took on a used set of softer alternates and returned to the fight. Lundgaard pitted from the lead on Lap 49, followed by Foster, with the former taking on used alternates.
Power cycled back to the lead, with a 7s gap over O’Ward and 9.4s over Simpson. Malukas returned in fourth, ahead of Lundgaard.
Power extended his lead to 7.8s by Lap 54, but it was Malukas in second now, with Lundgaard in third and Rahal in fourth, as O’Ward slid to fifth.
Power took to pit lane on Lap 59 and put on a set of alternates, handing the lead to Malukas. Power came back out 15th, but was hit with a drive thru penalty by Race Control for an improper pit exit for when he crossed the blend line early.
Palou pitted on Lap 63 from fifth. Foster pitted from fourth on Lap 65.
Lundgaard dove to pit lane on Lap 66 from second, followed by Rahal in third.
With 20 laps to go, Malukas dove to pit lane and took on a fresh set of alternate tires.
Malukas, with a 7.1s stop, came out ahead of Lundgaard by 1.3s, with Rahal a staggering 6.1s back in third.
Lundgaard got a massive run out of Turn 14 and closed on the rear wing of Malukas and went to the outside in Turn 2 as they went side-by-side, with the former taking the lead on the exit of Turn 4 with 18 laps to go.
Meanwhile, Marcus Ericsson’s #28 Andretti Global Honda was being pushed behind the wall with an apparent mechanical issue with 17 laps to go.
Lundgaard’s lead widened to 2.5s over Malukas with 13 laps to go.
With six laps to go, Lundgaard’s lead over Malukas expanded to 3.4s, with Rahal 4.5s behind.
Rookie Mick Schumacher broke late into Turn 7 while fighting with Santino Ferrucci, but then got into the back of him into Turn 9 and punted him off track with three laps to go. Schumacher was handed a drive-thru penalty for avoidable contact as a result.
Lundgaard went on to comfortably win, ahead of Malukas and Rahal.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) eyes the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Aces received their championship rings from the 2025 season ahead of game against the Phoenix Mercury where they were defeated 99-66 in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on May 9, 2026 and Kalin Sipes was there to capture the following TST Images.
Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis awaits the team ahead of the ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis awaits the team ahead of the ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Tom Brady awaits the Las Vegas Aces team ahead of the ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Tom Brady awaits the Las Vegas Aces team ahead of the ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces president Nikki Fargas embraces team owner Mark Davis and accepts her ring during the championship ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces president Nikki Fargas embraces team owner Mark Davis and accepts her ring during the championship ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon accepts ring from team owner Mark Davis during the championship ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon accepts ring from team owner Mark Davis during the championship ring ceremony prior to WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shows off her ring during the championship ring ceremony ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shows off her ring during the championship ring ceremony ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces forward Kiersten Bell (1) smiles during the championship ring ceremony ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces forward Kiersten Bell (1) smiles during the championship ring ceremony ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) is welcomed to the court by her teammates ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) is welcomed to the court by her teammates ahead of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (32) drives towards the basket while guarded by Mercury Natasha Mack (4) during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (32) drives towards the basket while guarded by Mercury Natasha Mack (4) during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) attempts to shoot the ball while guarded by Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) during WNBA game against Aces on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) attempts to shoot the ball while guarded by Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) during WNBA game against Aces on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) takes the ball down the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) takes the ball down the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) eyes the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) eyes the court during first half of WNBA game against Phoenix Mercury on Saturday May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: The top three riders had a spirited battle for most of the Easter divisional heat with Landon Gordon taking control early at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but Seth Hammaker and Cole Davies ran him down.
Hammaker scored the victory as he looks to win the season finale.
Davies will have to settle for a lesser gate pick as he challenges Haiden Deegan in the Showdown.
Gordon held onto third with fourth-place Nate Thrasher edging Devin Simonson.
Nick Romano fell out of the top five after running second early.
In-Race Notes
Landen Gordon got the launch with Nick Romano challenging side-by-side into Turn 1.
Seth Hammaker and Cole Davies battled for third on Lap 1.
On Lap 3, Hammaker and Davies pushed Romano back to fourth.
The top three battled hard on Lap 6 with fractions of a second between Hammaker, Davies, and Gordon.
Hammaker took the top spot late in the race and held off a determined charge by Davies.
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points and added 10 rebounds to help rally the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons, for a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-seven second-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs.
But nine years ago, Mitchell thought he was about to be drafted by Stan Van Gundy, then the president of basketball operations and head coach of the Pistons.
And it was based on a film session with Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy.
“I did really well in the film session with Stan,” Mitchell said. “I watch a lot of film so I remember exactly what plays were run. I remember the play calls in college, where I was supposed to be, when I was in certain positions. I thought I aced the test. This is it. I thought I’d nailed it.”
Mitchell, 21, was zooming up draft boards by the time he arrived for his Pistons visit.
A strong showing combine at the May scouting combine in Chicago helped.
At 6-feet-3, Mitchell's wingspan was measured at 6-10. Weighing a sculpted 210 pounds, he carried only 5.9 percent body fat.
He posted the highest standing vertical leap at 36.5 inches. He posted the fastest three-quarter court sprint time at just 3.01 seconds, one of the quickest times in combine history. A 40½-inch max vertical was fourth at the combine.
“A lot of people don’t know this: I didn’t see myself in this spot five months ago, to be honest with you,” he told reporters at the Pistons practice facility the Sunday afternoon before the draft.
“It’s crazy for me to think that realistically, five months ago, I didn’t think I would be in this spot at all. I thought I’d be back in college getting ready for my junior season.”
He displayed competitiveness by scheduling workouts up until draft night. He worked out for the Sacramento Kings (fifth and 10th picks), the Charlotte Hornets (11th), the New York Knicks (eighth) and Dallas Mavericks (ninth).
Van Gundy makes a habit of reviewing film with draft prospects, saying it helps to give him a feel for a player.
“He was great in the interviews, he had a great workout,” Van Gundy said before the Pistons’ loss. “A very intelligent, thoughtful guy and extremely mature for a young guy coming out.”
Kennard had the better season before both underclassmen entered the NBA draft.
Kennard carried Duke offensively all season while finishing fourth in Division I in total minutes. Duke won the ACC tournament, where Kennard won tournament MVP.
Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game; Mitchell averaged 15.6.
“(Predraft workouts are) important and beneficial to some degree, but our viewing in the 5-on-5 settings with college teams is where we should see all those different things — or not see them — which is just as valuable,” Pistons general manager Jeff Bower said the Friday after the team introduced Kennard.
Kennard shot the ball well in his workout with the Pistons, but he didn’t compete against other draft hopefuls.
It’s an understatement to say Mitchell has thrived after the Jazz consummated a draft night trade with the Denver Nuggets, who picked Mitchell at No. 13.
Although the numbers were understated against the Pistons, he flashed his tantalizing ability.
...
The Pistons weren’t the only team to pass on Mitchell, who also thought the Hornets would take him at No. 11 instead of the currently struggling Malik Monk.
Mitchell admits he was irritated on draft night.
But it’s not something that really drives him — like it does teammate Rudy Gobert who wears No. 27 to represent going 27th in the 2013 draft.
“Rudy wears No. 27 because of the teams that passed on him so it’s a different type of mentality,” Mitchell said. “My philosophy is everything happens for a reason and God put me here for a reason. I don’t have any animosity against those teams.”
A brief pause.
“I guess you do have a little bit of motivation against those teams, but I really don’t hold anything against them.”
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points and added 10 rebounds to help rally the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons, for a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-seven second-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs.
But nine years ago, Mitchell thought he was about to be drafted by Stan Van Gundy, then the president of basketball operations and head coach of the Pistons.
And it was based on a film session with Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy.
“I did really well in the film session with Stan,” Mitchell said. “I watch a lot of film so I remember exactly what plays were run. I remember the play calls in college, where I was supposed to be, when I was in certain positions. I thought I aced the test. This is it. I thought I’d nailed it.”
Mitchell, 21, was zooming up draft boards by the time he arrived for his Pistons visit.
A strong showing combine at the May scouting combine in Chicago helped.
At 6-feet-3, Mitchell's wingspan was measured at 6-10. Weighing a sculpted 210 pounds, he carried only 5.9 percent body fat.
He posted the highest standing vertical leap at 36.5 inches. He posted the fastest three-quarter court sprint time at just 3.01 seconds, one of the quickest times in combine history. A 40½-inch max vertical was fourth at the combine.
“A lot of people don’t know this: I didn’t see myself in this spot five months ago, to be honest with you,” he told reporters at the Pistons practice facility the Sunday afternoon before the draft.
“It’s crazy for me to think that realistically, five months ago, I didn’t think I would be in this spot at all. I thought I’d be back in college getting ready for my junior season.”
He displayed competitiveness by scheduling workouts up until draft night. He worked out for the Sacramento Kings (fifth and 10th picks), the Charlotte Hornets (11th), the New York Knicks (eighth) and Dallas Mavericks (ninth).
Van Gundy makes a habit of reviewing film with draft prospects, saying it helps to give him a feel for a player.
“He was great in the interviews, he had a great workout,” Van Gundy said before the Pistons’ loss. “A very intelligent, thoughtful guy and extremely mature for a young guy coming out.”
Kennard had the better season before both underclassmen entered the NBA draft.
Kennard carried Duke offensively all season while finishing fourth in Division I in total minutes. Duke won the ACC tournament, where Kennard won tournament MVP.
Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game; Mitchell averaged 15.6.
“(Predraft workouts are) important and beneficial to some degree, but our viewing in the 5-on-5 settings with college teams is where we should see all those different things — or not see them — which is just as valuable,” Pistons general manager Jeff Bower said the Friday after the team introduced Kennard.
Kennard shot the ball well in his workout with the Pistons, but he didn’t compete against other draft hopefuls.
It’s an understatement to say Mitchell has thrived after the Jazz consummated a draft night trade with the Denver Nuggets, who picked Mitchell at No. 13.
Although the numbers were understated against the Pistons, he flashed his tantalizing ability.
...
The Pistons weren’t the only team to pass on Mitchell, who also thought the Hornets would take him at No. 11 instead of the currently struggling Malik Monk.
Mitchell admits he was irritated on draft night.
But it’s not something that really drives him — like it does teammate Rudy Gobert who wears No. 27 to represent going 27th in the 2013 draft.
“Rudy wears No. 27 because of the teams that passed on him so it’s a different type of mentality,” Mitchell said. “My philosophy is everything happens for a reason and God put me here for a reason. I don’t have any animosity against those teams.”
A brief pause.
“I guess you do have a little bit of motivation against those teams, but I really don’t hold anything against them.”
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points and added 10 rebounds to help rally the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons, for a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-seven second-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs.
But nine years ago, Mitchell thought he was about to be drafted by Stan Van Gundy, then the president of basketball operations and head coach of the Pistons.
And it was based on a film session with Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy.
“I did really well in the film session with Stan,” Mitchell said. “I watch a lot of film so I remember exactly what plays were run. I remember the play calls in college, where I was supposed to be, when I was in certain positions. I thought I aced the test. This is it. I thought I’d nailed it.”
Mitchell, 21, was zooming up draft boards by the time he arrived for his Pistons visit.
A strong showing combine at the May scouting combine in Chicago helped.
At 6-feet-3, Mitchell's wingspan was measured at 6-10. Weighing a sculpted 210 pounds, he carried only 5.9 percent body fat.
He posted the highest standing vertical leap at 36.5 inches. He posted the fastest three-quarter court sprint time at just 3.01 seconds, one of the quickest times in combine history. A 40½-inch max vertical was fourth at the combine.
“A lot of people don’t know this: I didn’t see myself in this spot five months ago, to be honest with you,” he told reporters at the Pistons practice facility the Sunday afternoon before the draft.
“It’s crazy for me to think that realistically, five months ago, I didn’t think I would be in this spot at all. I thought I’d be back in college getting ready for my junior season.”
He displayed competitiveness by scheduling workouts up until draft night. He worked out for the Sacramento Kings (fifth and 10th picks), the Charlotte Hornets (11th), the New York Knicks (eighth) and Dallas Mavericks (ninth).
Van Gundy makes a habit of reviewing film with draft prospects, saying it helps to give him a feel for a player.
“He was great in the interviews, he had a great workout,” Van Gundy said before the Pistons’ loss. “A very intelligent, thoughtful guy and extremely mature for a young guy coming out.”
Kennard had the better season before both underclassmen entered the NBA draft.
Kennard carried Duke offensively all season while finishing fourth in Division I in total minutes. Duke won the ACC tournament, where Kennard won tournament MVP.
Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game; Mitchell averaged 15.6.
“(Predraft workouts are) important and beneficial to some degree, but our viewing in the 5-on-5 settings with college teams is where we should see all those different things — or not see them — which is just as valuable,” Pistons general manager Jeff Bower said the Friday after the team introduced Kennard.
Kennard shot the ball well in his workout with the Pistons, but he didn’t compete against other draft hopefuls.
It’s an understatement to say Mitchell has thrived after the Jazz consummated a draft night trade with the Denver Nuggets, who picked Mitchell at No. 13.
Although the numbers were understated against the Pistons, he flashed his tantalizing ability.
...
The Pistons weren’t the only team to pass on Mitchell, who also thought the Hornets would take him at No. 11 instead of the currently struggling Malik Monk.
Mitchell admits he was irritated on draft night.
But it’s not something that really drives him — like it does teammate Rudy Gobert who wears No. 27 to represent going 27th in the 2013 draft.
“Rudy wears No. 27 because of the teams that passed on him so it’s a different type of mentality,” Mitchell said. “My philosophy is everything happens for a reason and God put me here for a reason. I don’t have any animosity against those teams.”
A brief pause.
“I guess you do have a little bit of motivation against those teams, but I really don’t hold anything against them.”
Texas Longhorns freshman receiver Jermaine Bishop doesn’t look ticketed for a big-time role in Austin this coming fall, with so many top-flight returners and additions at the position in the fold. That’s Burnt Orange Nation’s Wescott Eberts’ take on the situation, anyway, after Auburn Tigers transfer Cam Coleman committed via the transfer portal, and Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V returned to grab the lion’s share of the targets.
Per Eberts, “Despite all the hype surrounding Bishop now as summer approaches, the reality is that significant playing time is going to be hard to come by — Sarkisian and wide receivers coach Chris Jackson have employed short rotations at the position during their time in Austin and the top-level talent at the position is elite, including Wingo, Mosley, and Cam Coleman. Even veterans like Wake Forest transfer Sebastian Berkhalter and Daylan McCutcheon are still likely ahead of Bishop on the depth chart.”
Bishop had early-spring hype in Central Texas, receiving a major endorsement from former Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant.
"I want to go on record and say Jermaine Bishop will be Texas Longhorns #1 WR," Bryant wrote in March. "The eye test doesn't lie. He's oozing with confidence..I can tell by the way he carries himself. He already runs routes like a pro. Legit playmaker.. I'm looking forward to watching him perform this year."
With so many bodies ahead of Bishop, it will be tough to be “off the leash,” as Bryant is hoping for Bishop with Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian’s help. If Texas dominates enough games and has enough comfortable leads, Bishop could get late-game snaps and help Arch Manning’s Heisman case with a spectacular play or two.
With a Houston-area record 4,382 receiving yards in three seasons in high school, after being converted from corner to receiver between his freshman and sophomore years, the Willis Wildkats football legend enters Texas' 2026 campaign with more tempered expectations now than he had in March.
That doesn’t make his trajectory on the Longhorns any less exciting, if he chooses to stick around. It just shows how much talent Texas has in the receiving corps during what should be Arch’s final collegiate season.
How Sark handles his arsenal is the Longhorns’ biggest question.
The game that felt like it would never end finally got its conclusion. After being down 6-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning on May 8, one afternoon later, on May 9, the Tigers (22-26, 5-20 SEC) completed a miraculous comeback in walk-off style to earn a wacky and bizarre fifth Southeastern Conference win of their season, besting Vanderbilt 8-7 in 10 innings.
It was only fitting that the outfielder, who was in the midst (or mist to be technical) of the case of the missing baseball, hit the walk-off single that clinched the extra inning victory.
After scoring six straight runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Tigers took a 7-6 lead to the bottom of the ninth inning. Then, fog-gate occurred. You can read about it here. The Commodores, after getting two runners on first and second, had two outs.
Braden Holcomb, who had homered earlier in the game, connected solidly on a 0-1 pitch from Sam Rosand. The ball went up in the air, and then chaos ensued as the game and the ball went quite literally up in smoke.
The umpires and the members inside the press box were unsure of where the ball had traveled. After Holcomb and the two runners ahead of him all crossed the base, the umpires gathered together. After 10 minutes or so, Holcomb’s hit was ruled a ground-rule double, tying the game up at 7-7 and marring this game in controversy as members of the Vanderbilt bullpen, a Commodores super-fan and Holcomb himself all felt the ball had traveled over the right field fence.
The ruling was final; play was suspended until Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., when the teams would pick up right where they left off amid the controversy over the clouded fog— 7-7 in the top of the ninth, two outs, runners on second and third, and Logan Johnstone coming up to the plate.
Juan Villareal came in for Mizzou relief pitcher, Sam Rosand, who had originally come into the game to close the top of the ninth on Friday. On a 2-2 pitch, Villareal worked his way out of the jam, striking out Johnstone to send the already long enough game into extras.
Missouri began the ninth with a rally, starting with Kaden Peer working his way to a lead-off walk. Keegan Knutson, after two failed bunt attempts, slapped a single to right field, moving Peer to third and putting runners on the corners for the Tigers with nobody out.
Situational hitting bit the Tigers once again. A fly-out, followed up by two straight strikeouts, ended the threat of a walk-off victory for the present moment.
Extra innings brings more chaos
The 6-foot-6 left-handed reliever came out for the 10th, and the inning started innocently enough with a lead-off groundout. Villarreal then faced some adversity, conceding a double down the left-field line to the player who later became the story of the inning, Rustan Rigdon.
Villarreal fought back, forcing a groundout, as the inning trended towards a climax with Rustan Rigdon moving to third with two outs. Of course, this game gave one that was even more suspenseful than necessary. Aukai Kea, the last hope of the inning for Vanderbilt, was facing a 1-2 count against Villarreal.
Rigdon did the unthinkable. He tried to take advantage of the slow windup of Villarreal and steal home and a run right under the Tigers’ noses. Only problem? The 1-2 pitch was deemed strike three, therefore negating Rigdon beating the tag of Mateo Serna. Every time this game appeared to have it all, it threw something else at the viewer.
The poetic walk-off hero
Donovan Jordan, on the infamous hit by Holcomb, did something interesting as the ball disappeared into the right-center field fog. He held his hands up, a gesture typically done by outfielders when a ball is in a place that cannot be grabbed.
Other Mizzou players in the field followed by doing the same, and suddenly the play that was originally a three-run inside-the-park home run turned into a game-tying ground rule double. Now in the bottom of the 10th, over 10 hours later, Jordan stepped into the box with Kam Durnin on second base and a chance to be the hero.
The first pitch to Jordan concluded the game in a way that storylines in sports are made of. A line drive walk-off single up the middle, ending a game that left a Vanderbilt side staring out to the field and a jubilant Tiger team mobbing Jordan on the field.
“I’d seen the heater, I was gonna cheat to the heater,” Jordan said on the SEC Network broadcast post-game. “It showed up, I was just on go.”
For a Missouri team that’s had its struggles in SEC play, fresh off a sweep against Georgia, this win, a most memorable of victories, gave Jordan the most important thing that left’ Pandora’s box. Hope.
“It just keeps us going, keeps us with hope and to have faith,” Jordan said. “To know we can come out next game and win another game and no one can turn the season off.”
Jorge Masvidal backs Strickland to stun Chimaev at UFC 328
Jorge Masvidal is putting his money behind a major upset at UFC 328. Sean Strickland heads into Saturday’s main event in Newark, New Jersey, as a sizable underdog.
His opponent, Chechen standout Khamzat Chimaev, has yet to taste defeat in MMA and carries a reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous fighters.
But not only is ‘Gamebred’ expecting Strickland to leave the Prudential Center as the new UFC middleweight champion, but he’s also expecting the challenger to get things done inside the distance.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Jorge Masvidal backs Sean Strickland to stop Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328
Strickland is set to face Chimaev in the main event, capping off a heated week that’s added even more edge to their matchup.
The talking is nearly done. Strickland’s second chance to reclaim the middleweight belt is almost here, and he’s not shying away from the spotlight.
A recent poll from Bloody Elbow had 39 per cent of fans backing Strickland to win the title. And Jorge Masvidal seems confident that this number will be proven correct.
“I’ve got my money on Chimaev losing,” Masvidal said during the latest episode of Paramount’s Deep Waters podcast alongside Dustin Poirier and Din Thomas.
“I’ve got Strickland all day. I’ve been saying it the whole time… The guys that are close to Chimaev in that realm, Strickland has handled them well. It’s really hard to hold this guy down. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
“Chimaev has never fought (anybody) like that,” he continued. “I’ve dumped some money on Strickland finishing it.
“I’m saying he finishes him… As long as he doesn’t get submitted in that first round, I’m even dumping more money. They’ve got those live bet apps now. I’m gonna pay off this Disney vacation I’m taking my kids on (from) Strickland (winning).”
Chimaev won over some critics with his dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis last August. It wasn’t just about retaining his title — it was about showing he could control a fight at will, using his wrestling-heavy approach.
If Chimaev looks to entertain rather than just control, there could be openings for Sean Strickland in what should be an exciting battle between two top fighters.
Fabio Wardley (left) and Daniel Dubois during their WBO heavyweight title bout at Co-op Live, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday May 9, 2026. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images
If you want to show someone exemplary heavyweight championship boxing to sell them on the concept, have them watch Daniel Dubois' 11th-round TKO victory over Fabio Wardley. Dubois' WBO-title-winning performance had everything.
Dubois was dropped twice en route to a thrilling victory. Wardley's chin is unbelievable. Though he never went down, the punishment he took from Dubois made referee Howard Foster's decision to stop the fight in the 11th a just call.
Key Facts at a Glance
Result: Daniel Dubois def. Fabio Wardley via 11th-round TKO
Title On The Line: WBO Heavyweight Championship
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, England
Knockdowns: Dubois dropped twice, Wardley never went down
Referee: Howard Foster (stoppage call)
Wardley's Record After: 20-1-1 (19 KOs)
Dubois' Record After: 23-3 (22 KOs)
Dubois’ Career Note: Now a two-time world champion (IBF, WBO)
What Happened In The Wardley vs. Dubois Fight?
Dubois walked into Manchester at 22-3 against an unbeaten WBO champion who'd already pulled comeback wins out of nothing against Joseph Parker and Justis Huni. He left as a three-time heavyweight world champion. The defining sequence came late, with Dubois stacking accuracy and timing into the kind of sustained assault referees step in to stop.
Ring Magazine captured the immediate reaction:
The 11th-round finish wasn't a freak shot. It was the natural conclusion of cumulative damage, Wardley's reactions slowing just enough, his legs just loose enough, for Dubois to close the show with the kind of methodical pressure that's been missing from his résumé.
Foster called the end after checking on Wardley’s condition at the start of the previous two rounds.
How Did Daniel Dubois Win The Fight?
Dubois won by refusing to abandon his fundamentals when the fight turned wild.
He kept the jab live even when Wardley forced him onto the back foot, and the steady lead hand let him reset range every time the bout threatened to slip away.
the double jabs were espec When Wardley surged, Dubois answered with heavier counters that gradually took the snap out of Wardley's work.
ATS Boxing had the finish on replay seconds after the fight ended:
What separated tonight from previous Dubois performances was composure under sustained pressure. The two knockdowns he absorbed would've ended past versions of Dubois — instead they became fuel for a championship-round surge.
What Did The Boxing World Say?
Chris Eubank Jr. summed up the reaction across the heavyweight division:
ially effective. It eliminated Wardley’s chance to measure and fire the right hand.
Uncrowned Combat called the fight a 2026 Fight-of-the-Year contender within minutes of the stoppage:
DAZN Boxing's post-fight coverage echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing Dubois' resurrection from the Usyk loss to a third world title in roughly 18 months:
What's Next For Dubois And Wardley?
For Dubois, this is a narrative-changer. Stadium nights, unification talks, and serious conversations about his place in the next wave behind the established champions are all on the table.
His heart was questioned after he seemingly quit in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, but he reversed those narratives on Saturday.
A fight with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Usyk are now matchups he can pursue without the lingering questions about his ability to handle adversity. He also has a legit world title again, and this one he took from a champion rather than inheriting it.
For Wardley, the loss doesn’t strip his relevance. Going deep into a classic with a dangerous puncher like Dubois, creating chaos, and staying in the fight until very late will keep his reputation as one of the most entertaining heavyweights in the sport intact. Still, he’s got to improve his defense. His head stayed on the center line all fight and he must diversify his offense. He didn’t offer much more than a 1-2 combination all night.
The path forward is clear: come-back fights, domestic or European-level wars, and eventually another crack at world level once he's made the technical and defensive tweaks this fight highlighted.
He sits alongside Moses Itauma on the very short list of British heavyweights who can headline a major card the second they’re matched right. Perhaps that’s what’s next for Wardley, but that is a major risk considering how dangerous Itauma is overall.
Perhaps a tune-up is best. Either way, we just watched an instant classic.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 9: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch against the Athletics during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 9, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Bill Streicher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This game was summed up for me by two innings. Be warned; it’s not pretty.
In the top of the third, the Athletics’ Brent Rooker came to the plate with two on and one out. Orioles starter Shane Baz had already given up a four-pitch walk and a single. Then, with the right-hitting Rooker up to bat, Baz left a cutter hanging up and just off the plate. Rooker swung, launching the pitch 365 feet away onto the flag court. That meatball, and the bombardment thereof, made the game 4-0 Athletics.
This felt like an insurmountable lead until the Orioles got a glorious scoring chance in the bottom of the fifth inning. Infielder Jeremiah Jackson had reached on a Bermuda Triangle single, Gunnar Henderson doubled, and Taylor Ward walked. That brought up to the plate Adley Rutschman, a career .407 hitter with the bases loaded. Sadly, Adley did not deliver that inning. Nor did Pete Alonso. Nor did Samuel Basallo. The former struck out after a long battle with A’s starter Aaron Civale; the second popped up too shallowly to score the lead runner; the third also flew out.
There was a late, two-run Baltimore rally against Mark Leiter Jr.—brother of Jack, son of Mark, nephew of Al, but also a pitcher who entered this game with a 7.63 ERA. Leody Taveras, Dylan Beavers, and a pinch-hitting Colton Cowser strung together consecutive hits to make it 5-2. That was as good as it got.
Anyway, today’s game is still defined by Shane Baz handing out runs with missed pitches and Orioles hitters making Civale look like an ace. I’m not sure which is more concerning: Baltimore hitters failing to take advantage of Civale, a pitcher whose average exit velocity is higher than his fastball, or Baz failing to go five while throwing one hundred pitches.
Start with the pitching side. Shane Baz is way too talented to be allowing five runs in 4 1/3 innings to an offense like the Athletics’. Command issues were at the heart of his problems today. It started in the first, when Baz hung a cutter to leadoff man Nick Kurtz, who doubled. Then Baz missed with three straight cutters to catcher Shane Langeliers, who singled home a first run.
After looking lost against the first two hitters, Baz appeared to find something, and reeled off three consecutive outs, plus a scoreless second.
But again, there was that third inning, which felt completely avoidable, barring that early walk and two bad cutters.
It still feels true to say that with his stuff, most teams can’t beat Shane Baz, so long as he doesn’t beat himself. But he sure seems to be beating himself a lot lately…
As for the offense, let’s put it this way. At one point in the third inning, with Baltimore still scoreless, MASN flashed a graphic placing Aaron Civale in the bottom 110 to 130 MLB pitchers in hard-hit percentage and whiffs. Perhaps such stats undervalue “Crafty Veteranness.” And true, Civale did command his breaking pitches today.
But I don’t quite buy this excuse, for the reason that today, it was the same O’s hitters who’ve been connecting who connected, and the same ones who’ve lately looked hopeless who continued to look hopeless.
Gunnar Henderson had two hits, including a double. (He’s chasing too much, but still.) Adley Rutschman had a double. (Also that crucial bases-loaded strikeout, but still.) Taylor Ward walked three times (!!). Samuel Basallo singled twice, one of them 112 mph.
But that was it for the hitters against Civale, who over five innings racked up six punchouts, equal to nine per nine innings. Given a pitcher who averages 6.6 strikeouts a game, it feels hard to deny that O’s hitters aren’t giving opposing pitchers much of a challenge.
And toward the middle innings, it was the talented Shane Baz who looked error-prone, not Civale with his more limited stuff. Baz allowed a leadoff double to first baseman Nick Kurtz, then allowed Kurtz—no Trea Turner in sprint speed, from what I can see—to take third base uncontested as Baz missed high to catcher Shea Langeliers, who then got the RBI with a sac fly to center.
Now 5-0 Athletics, this felt like a slow trudge through nine. The fifth inning was the one exception: a bases-loaded situation that had you dreaming of grand salamis, only to cruelly rob you of all hopes of a stirring comeback.
The bullpen pitched okay, with the exception of Andrew Kittredge. Lou Trivino covered two 1/3 scoreless and Dietrich Enns threw one, too, despite allowing two hits. Kittredge continues to look problematic, allowing a sixth run in the ninth, although at this point it didn’t feel very important.
The two-run rally in the eighth was nice, in that it raised the averages of the struggling Beavers and Cowser, but I doubt the Athletics were very nervous.
It is what it is. Back this spring, there were high hopes for both this lineup and the starting rotation. Well, maybe not high hopes for this rotation, but at least reasonable expectations of competence. Now, Trevor Rogers is hurt (or something), Zach Eflin is out for the year, Dean Kremer—who didn’t even make the rotation—is out with a quad, and Shane Baz is highly erratic.
If this is the Orioles throwing their hardest punches and still getting KO’d, this is going to be a long season.
The Phoenix Mercury opened their 2026 regular season with a 99-66 blowout win on the road over the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, May 9.
Six Phoenix players scored in double figures, led by Alyssa Thomas with 20 points. Guard Jovana Nogic added 19. Natasha Mack added 15 rebounds to go with her 10 points.
The Mercury led after every quarter, building a 56-35 halftime lead and extending that to 83-45 after the third quarter.
The Mercury shot 49 percent from the field, including 46 percent from 3-point range (11-24), while Vegas shot only 21 percent (4-19) behind the arc.
Phoenix outrebounded Vegas 37-35 and scored 19 points off 17 Aces turnovers. Phoenix only had seven turnovers in the game.
The Aces, which swept the Mercury in last year's WNBA Finals, were led by 2025 league MVP A'Ja Wilson with 19 points.
The win was the first of back-to-back games for Phoenix, followed by a matchup Sunday, May 10, at the Golden State Valkyries, at 5:30 p.m.
They then return to Phoenix for their home opener on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m., at Mortgage Matchup Center, against the Minnesota Lynx.
📋 Bahia named to rejoin top four; Cruzeiro eye clear of drop zone
Bahia and Cruzeiro face off at Arena Fonte Nova this Saturday (9), at 9 p.m. Brasília time, for the 15th round of the 2026 Brasileirão.
Tricolor Baiano sit in sixth place with 22 points.
Raposa, meanwhile, are struggling in 15th place with 16 points — one more than Santos and Corinthians, who open the Z-4.
Compared to the last match (a 0-0 draw with Universidad Católica in the Libertadores), coach Artur Jorge opted to bring in Kauã Moraes, Matheus Henrique, Sinisterra and Neyser in place of Kaiki, Christian, Arroyo and Kaio Jorge, respectively, for Cruzeiro.
Bahia, meanwhile (coming off a 2-2 draw with São Paulo), saw coach Rogério Ceni choose to make just one change, with Sanabria replacing Kike Olivera.
BALTIMORE (AP) — Brent Rooker hit a three-run homer in the third inning, and the Athletics beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-2 on Saturday.
Aaron Civale (4-1) pitched five scoreless innings for the A's. Shane Baz (1-4) allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings for Baltimore, which lost for the eighth time in 10 games and received boos from the home crowd.
Nick Kurtz doubled twice for the A's and has now reached base in 33 straight games. He led off the first with a two-base hit and then scored on a single by Shea Langeliers.
Rooker's fifth homer of the season made it 4-0. Then the Orioles left Baz in to face the top of the order a third time in the fifth. Kurtz doubled, stole third without a throw and scored on a sacrifice fly by Langeliers. Baz's outing ended when he was hit with a pitch clock violation for ball four to Rooker.
Baz was Baltimore's big offseason addition to a pitching staff that needed help. The Orioles then signed him to a $68 million, five-year contract that went well beyond what this front office had previously been willing to commit to a pitcher. In eight starts this season, he has a 5.48 ERA.
Baltimore loaded the bases with nobody out in the fifth, but Civale worked out of the jam against some of the Orioles' most imposing hitters. Adley Rutschman struck out, and Pete Alonso and Samuel Basallo hit shallow flyballs.
Pinch-hitter Colton Cowser broke up the shutout with a two-run single in the eighth. Colby Thomas drove in the final run for the A's with a ninth-inning single.
Jacob Wilson of the Athletics unsuccessfully challenged called third strikes in both the second and third innings, meaning the team couldn't call for any more ABS reviews after that.
Up next
The A's go for a three-game sweep Sunday with Luis Severino (2-3, 4.15 ERA) on the mound. Chris Bassitt (2-2, 5.91) starts for Baltimore against the franchise he played for from 2015-21.
Dylan Carey led an magnificent comeback to win the series today over Iowa | Nebraska Athletics
Wow! What a ball game!
This Nebraska team really is special! If you are just tuning in to this team, we’ve seen what happened to day all season. Today, they got up big, lost the lead to a bunch of scrappers from Iowa, and then exploded to take it back. That who this 2026 Nebraska baseball team is. Never, never count them out.
Iowa put their best pitcher, Maddux Freese, on the mound today with the hope of shutting down the Cornhusker offense that caught fire late in the game last night. Though he got through the first inning facing the minimum, Nebraska put a run on the board in the second, sending seven runners to the plate. In the third, they drove him from the game.
Nebraska struck first in the bottom of the second starting with a lead-off double by Case Sanderson. He scored easily as Bellevue boy Drew Grego drove a single to leftfield. More damage could have been done as they loaded the bases, but couldn’t get one more hit to blow it open.
Huskers are 🆙
RBI single by Grego gets the Huskers on the board.
Ty Horn returned to his familiar starting role and threw a solid six innings, and wasn’t hit hard until the fifth. He consistently started ahead in the count, mixing a 95-mph fastball with a fall-off-the-table breaking pitch that for the most part kept the Hawkeyes from barreling up and driving the ball. He worked around a little bit of trouble in the third, but helped himself out by picking off Kooper Schulte at first base when the Hawkeyes had runners on the corners with one out.
Big things happened in the bottom of the third. Jeter Worthley and Dylan Carey led off with back-to-back singles and then Freese walked Case Sanderson to load them up with no outs. After a Drew Grego pop out, Lincoln’s own Will Jesske hacked a pitch high in the strike zone that flew into the fans stretched out on blankets on the leftfield berm. Grand slam! Nebraska up 5-0.
After Horn sat the black and gold down in order in the fourth, Big Red tallied two more runs off reliever Brady Ferguson. The Iowa righty hit lead-off man Mac Moyer. Two pitches later, Jeter Worthley poked one over the first base bag that rolled all the way into the rightfield corner. Moyer scored and the speedy Worthley slid into third with an RBI triple. Shaken, Fergusen threw the next pitch wide and Worthley scampered home, sliding under the tag to make it 7-0 Nebraska.
Iowa’s Jaixon Frost put a little chink in Horn’s armor in the top of the fifth inning with a lead-off home run for the Hawkeye’s first run of the weekend. Horn struck out the next two batters and got the next one to ground out to Stokes at second base. After four-and-a-half, Nebraska led 7-1.
It appeared that Horn was tiring in the sixth when he gave up another solo home run with two outs to Miles Risley. At that point he had thrown over 90 pitches. After getting the final out that would be the end of the day for him, which was punctuated by six strike outs, but more important, no walks and no hit batters. In fact, he has not given up a walk since April 10 against Oregon.
The game took a big turn in the top of the seventh once Horn was gone. Cooper Katskee came in and was not good. He faced five batters, gave up two hits, hit one batter, walked one, struck out one, and gave up three runs. All of a sudden, it is a 7-5 game and Iowa is back in it. Jalen Worthley came on to get an out, but gave up a hit, leading Coach Rob Childress to call for J’Shawn Unger.
Kooper Schulte worked Unger to a full count, fouled off three pitches and was then plunked in the back to once again load the bases. On the next pitch, a ball in the dirt squirted past Worthley, and allowed pinch-hitter Mitch Wood to score. After getting Risley to fly out to end the inning, Nebraska clung to a one-run lead.
The Cornhuskers got one back in the bottom of the seventh. After rapping a single to start off the inning, Drew Grego eventually scored on a Jett Buck sacrifice fly. That tenuous two-run lead disappeared with one swing of the bat in the top of the eighth.
Unger issued a one out walk to Frost. Two batters later, Ben Swails drove a 2-2 Unger pitch into the pine trees in straightaway centerfield to tie the game 8-8. After the home run, ahead in the count, Unger hit pinch-hitter Jaylen Ziegler. He then scored the go-ahead run on a Schulte single.
Iowa added their fourth run of the inning on an RBI double by Risley. That left runners on second and third still with two outs and in came Colin Nowaczyk to try and get that elusive third out. Hawkeye Caleb Wulf then placed a beautiful bunt reminiscent of the on by Rhett Stokes last night to score Gable Mitchell. Nebraska finally got the third out on a bang-bang play at the plate that was held up on review.
Iowa had turned the tables on Nebraska scoring nine runs in the seventh and eighth innings and held a three-run lead, 11-8.
But hold on!
While Iowa is a team that is known for putting pressure on other defenses and scrapping to the very end, this year’s Nebraska Cornhusker team has made a living out of late game theatrics. Sure enough, Bolt and crew still had some magic in the bottom of the eighth when they sent 13 batters to the plate.
Mac Moyer led off with a single and hustled to third base as Trey Fikes hit a single behind him. Fikes entered the game as a defensive replacement for Jeter Worthley and kept his bat hot from last night. That brought Carey to the plate and he hit a towering three-run homer to centerfield to tie the game at 11-11, and they weren’t finished.
Pitcher Joe Husak hit Sanderson, who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Drew Grego. That put the go-ahead run in scoring position. Max Buettenback came in to DH and ripped a single up the middle to score Sanderson. Nebraska was on top 12-11.
Joshua Overbeek hit a little dribbler that basically served as a sacrifice bunt that moved Buettenback to second. Husak then walked Jett Buck and hit Rhett Stokes to once again load the bases. Mac Moyer then hit a sharp grounder past the shortstop to score Buettenback. Up came Trey Fikes who smacked his second single of the game and drove in two more runs. Nebraska was ahead 15-11. They weren’t done yet, as they loaded the bases once again before Brolan Frost, the third pitcher of the inning and first lefty Iowa put on the mound all weekend got the final out thanks to Sports Center worthy diving, flying grab of a Case Sanderson line drive by Jaixen Frost.
Tucker Timmerman was called on to close out the game, though everyone in the stadium was on pins and needles having already seen Iowa put up big crooked numbers. He kept the ball down in the zone and let his defense work behind him before ending the game striking out Ziegler. Ball game! Nebraska 15, Iowa 11.
After last night’s game, Coach Will Bolt acknowledge that there is a bit of a dilemma at the catcher position. Known as a very good receiver of the ball, Trey Fikes showed his offensive chops with three hit balls off his bat last night over 100-mph, including a double and a home run, and then two more hits and RBI today. It wasn’t that many games back that Worthley had a five-for-five day, and in this one he had two hits, including a triple.
Having watched this sport for over sixty years, and coached for over half of that time, I find it incredibly hard to watch a player struggle. Cooper Katskee was an all-conference pitcher last season and came to Nebraska to be one of the weekend starters. He was pulled from his first start due to illness, but seemed to do well early on in the midweek games and out of the bullpen. However, ever since he was moved to a weekend spot, it has fallen apart for him. The young man hasn’t forgotten how to pitch, and frankly, his confidence has to be in the basement. I don’t know if we’ll see him again this season because there are not that many games left to help him rebuild that confidence. I hate to see this.
Returning to the I Haven’t Seen That Before world, with a runner on first base and less than one out, Iowa played their first baseman in front of the runner four to five-feet off the base. Every other team I’ve watched has the first baseman on the bag. The Iowa pitcher threw over three or four times with Drew Grego on base and there was no way that the first baseman would be able to make a tag. That’s interesting as well from the perspective that Grego is a threat to steal a base. No clue why they did this.
And another I Haven’t Seen That Before. I cannot remember ever seeing two teams bat around the order in the same inning. Iowa sent ten to the plate in the top of the eighth and Nebraska sent 13.
My third basemen and small-town Iowa native bias has to point out how incredible Hawkeye Jaixen Frost played the hot corner so far. He grew up about 15-miles from where I lived for nine years of my life in a really small town and his story is like a lot of small-town Nebraska boys that have gone on to stardom at the state university. He will play pro ball at some point, and to watch him now as an old third baseman is a joy. The kid can play.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again grabbed the spotlight in IPL 2026 after scripting a sensational world record during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on Saturday.
The 15-year-old prodigy became the youngest cricketer in history to smash 100 T20 sixes before turning 20 years old. He also broke the record for the fastest player to reach the milestone in terms of balls faced, needing only 514 deliveries to get there and surpassing Kieron Pollard’s long-standing mark of 843 balls.
Fittingly, the landmark came in fearless fashion.
Facing Mohammed Siraj, Sooryavanshi launched the very first ball he faced for a huge six over long-on, showing absolutely no regard for reputation or pressure despite RR chasing a massive 230-run target.
The teenage sensation continued attacking Gujarat Titans’ bowlers and raced to 36 off just 16 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes during another breathtaking cameo at the top of the order.
However, Siraj eventually had the final say in a dramatic battle.
The GT pacer produced a fiery short ball clocked at 146.6 kph that hurried Sooryavanshi into a mistimed shot, with Arshad Khan completing the catch. Siraj celebrated aggressively after the wicket, roaring in delight after dismissing the dangerous youngster.
The milestone also carried extra significance considering the opponent. It was against Gujarat Titans last season that Sooryavanshi had announced himself to the cricketing world with a sensational 35-ball century. One year later, he once again produced a headline-grabbing moment against the same side.
The record came during a difficult evening overall for Rajasthan Royals after Gujarat Titans piled up 229/4, powered by brilliant knocks from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. But even amid GT’s dominance, Sooryavanshi still managed to create history with one swing of the bat.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer looked furious and visibly frustrated after bowling a wayward opening over against Gujarat Titans during their IPL 2026 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Archer endured a nightmare start, conceding 18 runs in an 11-ball opening over - one of the joint-longest overs in IPL history. Struggling badly with his line and length, the England pacer sprayed wides and also bowled a no-ball as Gujarat Titans openers made full use of the poor start.
His chaotic over read: 4, Wd, 0, Nb+1, Wd5, Wd, Wd, 0, 1, 2, 1.
After finally completing the over, Archer walked towards the boundary ropes looking red-faced and visibly angry. The fast bowler appeared frustrated with some sloppy fielding efforts from his teammates during the over, with his emotions clearly visible on the field.
The dramatic scenes even prompted Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara to come near the boundary ropes and calm Archer down before the game resumed.
Here’s how the dramatic over unfolded ball by ball:
Ball 0.1: Archer started with a short and wide delivery outside off stump and Sai Sudharsan immediately punished it, slashing the ball over point for a boundary to get off the mark in style.
Ball 0.2: Archer bowled a wide outside off. The delivery shaped away sharply and Sai Sudharsan threw his bat at it but failed to connect.
Ball 0.2 (legal delivery): Archer then delivered a short-of-length ball outside off which moved away from the batter. Sai Sudharsan guided it towards backward point but could not score.
Ball 0.3: Things got worse for Archer as he overstepped by a huge margin and bowled a no-ball. Sai Sudharsan steered the back-of-length delivery towards backward point, where sloppy fielding allowed a single. Gujarat Titans also earned a free hit.
Ball 0.3 (free hit): Archer sprayed the ball far down the leg side. Shubman Gill missed the flick and the ball raced away to the boundary for five wides.
Ball 0.3 again: Archer followed it up with another wide down the leg side as he continued to struggle with control.
Ball 0.3 again: Yet another wide followed, making it three consecutive wides. The free hit continued while the Rajasthan Royals dugout looked tense.
Ball 0.3 (legal delivery): Archer finally got one right with a yorker outside off. Gill tried to squeeze it out but missed completely.
Ball 0.4: Archer bowled on middle and leg and Gill flicked it through square leg for a single.
Ball 0.5: Sai Sudharsan survived a leading edge while trying to flick across the line. The ball safely cleared the cover fielder and the batters completed two runs. The third umpire briefly checked for another no-ball, but Archer’s back foot was marginally behind the line.
Ball 0.6: Archer ended the over with another misfield behind the stumps. Sai Sudharsan punched a length delivery towards cover for a single, but an overthrow at the keeper’s end allowed Gujarat Titans to finish with 18 runs from the over.
Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan struck commanding half-centuries before late fireworks from Washington Sundar propelled Gujarat Titans to a formidable 229/4 against Rajasthan Royals.
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes have pulled off one of the biggest flips of the year. Five-star cornerback Donte Wright flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Hurricanes on Saturday, announcing the news on social media.
Wright has been committed to Georgia since June of 2025, but he never shut down his recruitment with the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins, Michigan Wolverines, and Hurricanes keeping the pressure on. He visited Miami for the first time in March, allowing them to surge in his recruitment and complete the flip.
He is ranked as the No. 9 overall player and No. 2 cornerback in the 247Sports composite. The Long Beach native is also the No. 1 player from California. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder is now their highest-rated commit.
Wright is yet another massive addition for Cristobal, who has assembled one of the most talented recruiting classes in the country. He is the third five-star prospect they have committed, joining five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear and five-star quarterback Israel Abrams.
The group is ranked as the 10th best in the country and the best in the ACC by 247Sports. Their average player rating of 90.91 is the sixth-best in the country.
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May 9—Moscow's Jasmine Carr crossed the finish line after anchoring the victorious 1,600-meter relay and immediately collapsed on the turf next to the field. She proceeded to be surrounded by her teammates, cheering loudly and stretching her out, nearly piling on top of her.
With the win in the final race of the meet, the Bears stamped their girls team title at the District 1-2 5A Championships track and field meet at the end of Day 2 on Friday at Lewiston High School.
That 1,600 relay team of Addie Lassen, Izzabel Fender, Ashlyn Fakhouri and Carr set the Moscow school record with a time of 4 minutes, 1.52 seconds in the process.
Carr also set three other school records on the day — one with the 400 relay in 48.08, another in the 100 in 12.03, and the final in the 200 in 24.84.
The junior said she felt great about the 200 the most because she has been trying to break the 25-second mark for more than a year and finally accomplished it.
But to be with this specific team and to do well with this Bears group is special to her.
"I just love being here with my friends," Carr said. "We have such a good group and I really love them all. So it was just really great. And it's sad because most of them are seniors, so this is our last year together. So it was really just special."
The Moscow girls repeated as the district champions with a total of 97.5 points. The Lewiston girls came in fourth with 51.5 points.
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On the boys side, Moscow came in second at 80.67 points and Lewiston came in third with 68.33 points.
Carr, Nuhn and the Moscow girls shine
Carr was a part of four school records on Friday. During the 1,600 relay, she said she pushed herself to go faster than she had before.
"I remember I passed Lakeland and Lewiston, and that felt good, and (Moscow coach Phil Helbling) was telling me the last 100 is my hardest part," Carr said. "He's always telling me to turn over (and) act like I'm running a 100, and I think that just helped. ... I ran a split of 57 (seconds), so that was really cool. I've never done that before."
Also on Day 2, Moscow's Mattea Nuhn set a school record in the 300 hurdles with a time of 44.02. Nuhn won the 300 hurdles by more than two seconds. She also won the 100 hurdles with a time of 14.14.
On Day 1, she set the long jump record with a distance of 19 feet, 1/2 inches.
"I loved long jump. Me and my long jump coach are like best friends, and she's the best. So finally, hitting that 19 feet is super exciting, and something I'll remember for a long time," Nuhn said. "And also just getting one final district (title). We have a lot of girls seniors on the team, so getting one final up north meet with them is just very special."
She also tied the school record in the high jump with a height of 5-6 on Day 1, matching her own personal record she shared with Moscow legends Andrea Lloyd (1982) and Heather Owen (1992).
On racing in the hurdles, Nuhn said she is focused on trying to beat herself rather than on her opponents.
"I'm not focused on (winning), or it's not like a conscious moment," Nuhn said. "I'm worried about racing the clock because, like, no matter who's around you, it can always be competitive. You're racing yourself. ... Just continuing to PR throughout the season and just know that trusting my coaches and their practice plan is going really well, and then being able to trust myself that no matter who's running next to me, I can still impress myself."
In addition, Cora Crawford of Moscow won the 3,200 by nearly 10 seconds with a time of 12:14.45 and won the 1,600 meters on Day 1 in 5:17.02.
Moscow's Saskia Hohenlohe took gold and set the school record in the triple jump on Day 1 with a distance of 36-8, surpassing Jami Patten's 35-11 1/4 leap from the 2003 4A State Meet.
Boys standouts
Moscow's Caleb Heywood holds the best state mark in the 200 in 21.43 seconds.
During the championships, he took second in the 100 with a time of 10.72 and placed first in the 200 with a time of 21.56.
He said he "felt a little off today" and mentioned that due to the longer wait of the schedule he felt like he was "pretty cool" by the time he ran the 100.
However, Heywood made State for both events and said that's not where he wants to stop.
"It feels good," Heywood said. "I mean, this is my third time doing it. I like to be humble, but it's just like, it's kind of a thing now. Like, I'm more prepared for it than I was. I don't want to just get complacent with just making it, I want to go and place at State, I want to go win."
Moscow's Connor Horne won the 400 in 49.79.
The Bears' boys 800 relay team of Owen Lassen, Horne, George Stott, and Heywood won in 1:27.31, and the 1,600 relay team of Horne, Trenton Stypa, John Dyer and Heywood won with a time of 3:20.70.
Lewiston's 1,600 relay team of Renin Jackson, Bryce Sifers, Hunter Edelen and D.J. Wilkerson set a school record and came in second with a time of 3:22.84.
Sifers won the 300 hurdles with a personal record time of 40.50.
Sifers said that right after the first hurdle he felt like he had a good lead, and used his peripheral vision to see if anyone had caught up in the inside or outside lanes, and saw nobody and felt like he was in good position.
"It boosts my confidence a lot, and it makes me proud of myself, because my family's really proud of me and all my family has done track," Sifers said. "My brother was a state champion, and just seeing myself as a district champ, it just makes me motivated for State."
Trip Eckert of Lewiston won the 110 hurdles in 15.20.
On Day 1, the Bengals' Gabe Kessinger took gold in the discus with a throw of 153-9.
Also on Day 1, Moscow's Cameron Fairbanks won the pole vault at 13-6 and Lewiston's Reid Krahn won the long jump with a distance of 21-9 1/2.
Looking forward to State
The top-two finishers from each event go to State, while there are three at-large bids for each event.
Helbling mentioned he was "soaking in" the elite competition at this meet.
"I mean, what an experience," the Moscow coach said. "Quite honestly, as we're sitting here on Day 2, I can't help myself to think about just how competitive these two days have been, and how strong the north is, especially the 5A. I mean, we saw a ton of state-caliber talent, top-end state-caliber talent right here in this meet."
Helbling said that he is "extremely proud" of his team, but is an ultra-focused coach who is all about business and pushing his athletes to be successful. He said he will always be supportive and positive, but is ready to push his athletes to become state champions.
"But obviously I am already thinking ahead," Helbling said. "I'm thinking about what we need to do to get ourselves that much better, refining the little details. So I'm extremely proud, but the work's not done. And that's, that's what's important. We've got bigger things on our mind."
The FSU Seminoles have identified another target in the 2029 recruiting class. Per his social, Florida State has extended a scholarship offer to safety recruit Andre Scott out of Port Charlotte, Florida.
"After a great conversation with @evancooper2 I’m blessed to receive my 7th division one offer from Florida State University #AGTG ✝️," Scott said.
The USF Bulls were the first school to offer him last September. His recruitment has exploded in 2026 as the Louisville Cardinals, Liberty Flames, North Carolina Tar Heels, Auburn Tigers, and Florida Gators have followed suit.
It was an extremely productive freshman season for Scott at Port Charlotte High School. He would finish with 63 tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one blocked field goal.
Scott was named Player of the Week on two occasions in 2025. Also, he received an invitation to compete at the UA Next showcase back in February in Orlando, Florida.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
INDIANAPOLIS — It was 299 days of frustration and the mental challenges endured under a microscope, exploding from the outstretched knuckles of a first pump and flex.
The moment itself was relatively quiet, a blink of an eye in a shootout of a season opener. The reverberations have the chance to be loud. Because it’s one thing to say Caitlin Clark is back in the sense that she’s healthy and playing again after missing 31 games amid soft tissue injuries a year ago.
It’s quite another entirely to say she’s back. A version of the Caitlin Clark, whose likeness sells bundles upon bundles of Little Golden Books at the local downtown comic book shop. Whose electric downtown buckets in a Gainbridge Fieldhouse house she helped build can turn the tides of the game on a single release. The visionary point guard who can finish atop MVP leaderboards and championships.
In one sequence to begin the third quarter of her first WNBA action since July 15, 2025, it was there. She opened the frame with a 27-foot catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to cut into a nine-point deficit. Never known as a strong defender — and the Dallas Wings knew that on Saturday — she did just enough in the paint to force a stop, sparking the Fever in transition.
At the other end, Kelsey Mitchell missed the floater, Aliyah Boston corralled the rebound and eyed a rare sight: a completely wide-open Clark, left alone behind the 3-point line.
Release. Swish. Roar. That fist pump and classic spin were an exclamation. She delivered a highlight-worthy behind-the-back pass on the ensuing possession.
“Felt like I was literally a couple buckets away from putting together a really, really good game and helping us win,” Clark said.
The buckets aren’t all there quite yet, and nor are the wins after a 107-105 loss to open the WNBA’s 30th season. She finished with 20 points, the same total as each of her previous two WNBA season openers, but on a 7 of 18 line and 2 of 9 from 3, with five rebounds, seven assists, four personal fouls and five turnovers.
The Fever’s defense let them down against a Wings squad that showed itself every bit the most improved roster they were dubbed by the masses. Despite Dallas leaving every door in the house open with missed late free throws, neither the Fever nor Clark could find the final basket.
Trailing by 3 with 13.2 seconds left, Clark appeared shocked when she was left alone again when her defender bit too hard. She collected herself, stepped back and bounced it off the rim from 31 feet out near the same spot as her elation a quarter earlier. She set the screen for a last-ditch 32-foot attempt by Mitchell that also nearly landed.
Fever head coach Stephanie White liked the looks. The issue was the team’s overall sluggishness despite a breakneck first quarter that was epitomized by Clark and Mitchell reenacting post-game how out of breath they were when trying to lead the team.
“It was for them, too,” Clark said. “[Wings head coach] Jose [Fernandez] was yelling at them to keep running. I’m like, Jose, I don’t know if either of us can keep running.”
Back, too, is a lighter air from Clark. She leaned into a photography hobby in the offseason and insisted on taking the media’s picture during training camp. In pre-game availability on Saturday morning, she said hello to every media member with a question and spoke of the emotion she felt putting on the Fever jersey to play again.
“As excited as [fans] are, I'm probably way more excited,” Clark said of her return. “That's how much I love this game, how much I missed it.”
UH-OH SHE'S WARMED UP 🚨
Caitlin Clark has scored 2 triples coming outta the half!
At some point in her grueling stop-and-go rehab, she recalled being told that everything she was going through, every ‘why is this happening?’ she asked herself, would help prepare her for future challenges and mental battles, in the game and out. She’s focused on keeping her mind right in the middle.
Even if the microscope is never put away into the drawer for good. Fans want her out there as much as she does, but with that comes constant conjecture and concern — especially after a lack of concrete information through last year’s rehab.
After she went down the tunnel twice in the second half, the broadcast reported that trainers were working on her hip flexor/groin area.
“We wouldn’t have played her 30 minutes if she wasn’t OK,” White,
A Fever spokesperson said the team did not issue any official update or information, and anything else would be speculation. Clark said she went back to get her back adjusted as it “gets out of line pretty quickly.”
White said it was part of maintaining the body and does not apply only to Clark. She compared it to the NFL’s blue tent, where players go for minor in-game assessments and even simple changes.
“When we’re all really young, we don’t learn proper mechanics, and then it doesn’t get exposed until something happens, and trying to get her body mechanically the way that it needs to go,” White said. “This is going to be an ongoing thing, not just for her.”
Clark said she started off slowly, likely with the anxiety of working through the first game, but she felt fast. She picked her spots to drive, at times hesitating as if she didn’t want to take it, but finding open shooters as the Wings collapsed. She said she made it a priority to regain her burst and step after being out so long and get her feet into the paint.
“Especially if they call it the way they're going to call it this year, I think I honestly could have probably got a couple more calls on a few of them, but that's OK,” she said.
She found center Aliyah Boston, who scored 23, on pick-and-pops and helped feed the speedster Mitchell to a tune of 30 points. None of their 3-pointers fell at a high rate (7 of 24) while their defensive miscues allowed the Wings open looks over chasing Fever players. Dallas was 12 of 23 from the 2-point line, and 39 of 66 overall (59.1%).
“Our offense is obviously not the issue,” said Clark, who cracked 1,000 career WNBA points in the opener. “We're perfectly fine on offense, offense, and there's still so many things you can do better on that end of the floor.”
The locker room was positive despite the loss. There are 43 more games, and a lot to be proud of moving forward. They’ll work on rotations and personnel, understanding they can’t ride shootouts to a championship. Now that Clark is back, back, it’s time for the Fever to get going.
The 43-year-old faced hitters in a simulated game Saturday, May 9, his first time since being placed on the injured list. He hadn't pitched against live competition since March 30 in his first and only start of the 2026 season.
This time, Verlander threw 38 pitches.
"I wasn't as sharp as I would like to be," Verlander said before Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. "Physically, it was another step in the right direction. Check the box and keep moving forward."
All eight batters put the ball in play in the simulated game, which lasted two innings.
It's unclear what's next for Verlander, but he isn't ready for a rehab assignment yet.
In Saturday's session, Verlander matched up with infielder Hao-Yu Lee and outfielder Wenceel Pérez. He threw 17 pitches in the first inning and 21 pitches in the second inning, generating just four swings and misses.
Each batter received four plate appearances.
In the first, Pérez hit a fly ball to right field that could've been a double, and in the second, Lee crushed a line drive to left-center field that would've been a double and drove a ground ball up the middle that could've been a single.
England and France set up their destined Grand Slam decider in Women's Six Nations rugby with big road wins on Saturday.
England beat Italy 61-33 in Parma and France downed Scotland 69-28 in Edinburgh.
Ireland rose to a distant third place after seeing off Wales 33-12 in Belfast.
England and France have finished a respective first and second in the Six Nations every year since 2020, and have met in a final round showdown every year since 2021.
A record crowd for a France home game in the Women's Six Nations is expected next weekend in Bordeaux at 42,000-seat Stade Atlantique. But France will have to overcome not having beaten England in eight years.
England 61, Italy 33
England had the bonus-point fourth try and victory in hand inside 14 minutes. That's when Zoe Harrison missed her first goalkick in 19 attempts in the championship. Harrison finished the game converting eight of the nine tries, including all five from the touchlines.
Also at 26-0 a sleepy and sloppy Italy woke up. Italy scored its first points against England at home since 2018 and wound up with its highest ever score against England, surpassing 24 from 10 years ago. A remarkable five tries included two by replacement flanker Francesca Sgorbini.
But the game's undoubted star was its oldest player, 36-year-old Marlie Packer, who scored four tries. The fourth was the best: She smashed through five defenders in the 60th minute. Packer leads the tournament with seven tries and has 59 in her career, only two behind the England record held by Sue Day.
Packer debuted for England in 2008, a year after Day's last test. Packer lost the captaincy last year because she dropped in the back row pecking order. She played only once at the Rugby World Cup and wasn't picked for the Six Nations opener against Ireland at Twickenham. But injuries since then to Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati have given her more minutes than expected. Not knowing if they'll be her last minutes, she hasn't wasted them.
Packer is the only woman with two player-of-the-match awards. Beside the four tries on Saturday she had 14 carries and 13 tackles. She was scrappy and relentless.
“I've got a smile back on my face. I am getting some good minutes,” Packer told the BBC. “For the last couple of years Sadia Kabeya has got the nod over me, fair play. I've got my opportunity at the moment and I'm enjoying it. That's what I want to do, play with a smile, there's no pressure. Make every game and moment an enjoyable one.”
She credited the forward pack for her tries and the pair by hooker Amy Cokayne, who has scored in seven consecutive tests dating to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals last September.
“Marlie doesn't go away, does she?” England coach John Mitchell told the BBC. “After the World Cup she was like, ‘Where do I sit?’ and I said, ‘Marlie, you are one of the best sevens in the country and if you are happy with that I am happy with that.’”
France 69, Scotland 28
France was a slow starter in every game until Saturday when Scotland failed to gather the kickoff and France captain Manaé Feleu ended up dotting down beside the right corner flag after 41 seconds.
The French, up front and out wide, put on a show from there with 10 more tries in a convincing performance a week before hosting world champion England for the trophy.
Flyhalf Carla Arbez was awarded player of the match — she pulled off a chip-and-catch try — but also contenders were No. 8 Léa Champon and fullback Pauline Barrat.
Barrat and winger Anaïs Grando, both debutants last month, linked superbly to set up Champon's second try.
Also prominent in her first test start was 20-year-old lock Siobhan Soqeta, the daughter of former Fiji sevens international Noa Soqeta. She crashed over twice from close range.
France went into the match with the meanest defense in the tournament but that took a beating as Scotland racked up its highest score against France, surpassing 27 from 1998, plus a four-try bonus point.
Ireland 33, Wales 12
No. 8 Aoife Wafer finally looked like last year's player of the Six Nations as Ireland won three straight against Wales for the first time in nine years.
Wafer scored the opening try running back a goalline drop out, made a brilliant offload as she was falling for Beibhinn Parsons' try, and scored her second try diving over teammate Linda Djougang at a tryline ruck.
Wales was in the contest to that point but faded, not even able to exploit having an extra player when Irish hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald was yellow-carded for kicking at Georgia Evans while she was holding her other leg.
“We thoroughly enjoyed that tonight and we spoke about winning all three home games and we are two for two,” Wafer told the BBC. “Not a bad night at the office both personally and as a team.”
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 8: Mario Cristobal of the Miami Hurricanes during the CFP Semifinal Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels at State Farm Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I don’t normally hit on recruiting. That’s Cam’s baby, as you all know. But lo and behold what Saturday afternoon has brought the Miami Hurricanes program.
Mario Cristobal continues to turn the 2026 offseason into a fun, fun time to be a Canes fan. And the good times continued today, as five-star CB Donte Wright (Long Beach, CA) pulled the ol’ fliperoo, changing his commitment from Georgia to your Miami Hurricanes, per On3 Sports/Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
🚨BREAKING🚨 5-star CB Donte Wright has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Miami, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🙌
I don’t need to talk too much about the magnitude of this pickup. The numbers speak for themselves. On3/Rivals has Wright as the No. 8 overall player, No. 2 cornerback, and No. 1 player in the state of California for the 2027 season, according to their industry ranking. He’s a headliner for any program’s class.
He immediately slots in as the Canes’ top recruit for the 2027 class, and he becomes the second five-star player with WR Nick Lennear. The pickup has Miami with the No. 5 class in the latest rankings.
Wright visited Miami last month, and safeties coach Will Harris and new CB coach Terry Jefferson made their mark on him. Wright also had said he’s been a Hurricanes fan, so hopefully that will help this commitment stick until he can put pen to paper in December.
Sorry, I've watched far too much Danhausen saying that this week. It's time for WWE'd first Premium Live Event after WrestleMania, and it's a very weird card.
No Cody Rhodes. No Randy Orton. No CM Punk.
But they're not really needed, and that says a lot about the depth of the WWE right now.
Tonight's show, which will start as a simulcast on ESPN2 and ESPN Unlimited before finishing on just the streaming service, features five matches as well as a huge surprise from John Cena.
We will stay with you from the opening bell to the final slap of the mat as we present our Backlash live blog.
When is Backlash?
Backlash will be held Saturday, May 9.
What time is Backlash?
Backlash starts at 6 p.m. EST.
Where is Backlash being held?
Backlash will be held at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
What channel is Backlash on?
The first hour of Backlash will air on ESPN 2.
Where to stream Backlash?
Backlash will stream on ESPN Unlimited.
Backlash match card
Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
IYO SKY vs. Asuka
Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Who will be Danhausen's partner?
It could be anyone. Danhausen is very unpredictable, and he needs someone he could trust. Pepsi Phil, also known as CM Punk, could be his partner, the pair have a history. He could also ask a WWE superstar to join him. Good choices would be R Truth, Joe Hendry or maybe even Mr. Iguana. Or perhaps it could be someone we don't know. It really depends on how much monies Danhausen feels like spending.
Will John Cena be at Backlash?
John Cena will be at Backlash. He took to social media to post this.
It’s official! I’m headed to #WWEBacklash! After months of planning and effort, I am SO excited to break some history-making news! I can’t promise it’ll be perfect but I can promise it will change the WWE experience for Superstars and fans!
Liverpool miss out on deal for £39m star as Euro giants close in on agreement
Liverpool seem to be getting linked with new players almost every day.
The Anfield outfit are gearing themselves up for some major changes this summer with some of their mainstays choosing to pack their bags and leave.
Change is obviously good, especially since the club are currently fighting for their lives to try and secure a Champions League place.
However, as proven this season, too much change at once can be detrimental.
And, even though change is a guarantee in football, the fact that Liverpool have to keep changing course to different targets probably isn't helping matters much.
So, the fact that yet another one of their targets has slipped through the cracks is a tad concerning.
Wolves' Joao Gomes is close to sealing a move to Atletico Madrid
Although replacing Liverpool's midfielders has been all that fans have spoken about over the last few weeks, it's unclear who Arne Slot and Richard Hughes will actually try and sign this summer.
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones both look likely to exit and, since they'd be leaving two massive voids to fill, it's unsurprising to see several players popping up as potential targets.
However, finding Premier League proven players who can fit straight into Slot's plans is extremely tough which is why Ben Jacobs' latest update about Wolves' Joao Gomes, who has recently been linked with a Liverpool move, isn't something that the Reds' fans will want to hear.
"Exclusive: Atletico Madrid now close to a deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes," he wrote via his personal X account.
"Parties, via intermediaries, are in advanced talks and are nearing a verbal agreement worth around €45m.
"Atleti still also have verbal terms in place with Ederson but no agreement with Atalanta opening the door to Premier League clubs with both Manchester United and Arsenal showing interest."
Liverpool must quickly figure out who they want to sign this summer
With the summer transfer window now just around the corner, decision-making time is upon Liverpool.
However, it feels like they need to endure an even bigger rebuild than last summer, especially since they're only just in the Champions League places.
Several players have already been linked with moves to L4 but, it's going to be hard for the Anfield outfit to get every single one over the line.
This means that they need to be smart with their decision-making and ensure that every transfer they get over the line is worthwhile.
A deal for Gomes may now be off the table, but, that doesn't mean that there aren't other players out there who could do just as good of a job.
Here's hoping that Slot and Hughes don't hold off for too long, otherwise, they could be scrambling to improve their ranks by the end of the summer window.
La Liga round-up: Sevilla take giant step towards survival with another three points
A round-up of thegamesplayed on Friday and Saturday in matchday 35 of the 2025-26 La Liga season, as the stakes grow ever higher in its final stages.
Levante keep survival hopes alive with sensational comeback
Levante 3-2 Osasuna
Levante continued their push to avoid relegation with a remarkable comeback victory over Osasuna on Friday night. The visitors raced into a two-goal lead after 11 minutes when Jeremy Toljan (OG) and Ante Budimir scored, but by half time, the hosts were level thanks to Victor Garcia’s brace.
Levante were in the ascendency further when Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was sent off for handling outside the penalty area, but it took until the 90th minute for the winning goal to come, scored by substitute Karl Etta Eyong.
Elche strike late to save point in relegation battle
Elche 1-1 Alaves
Alaves’ hopes of moving out of the relegation zone were dented by Elche, as two candidates for the drop played out a tense draw at the Manuel Martínez Valero. After a goalless first half, Toni Martinez fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot on 51 minutes, but they were denied victory late on when Alvaro Rodriguez netted an equaliser for Eder Sarabia’s side.
Sevilla come from behind to seal crucial three points
Sevilla 2-1 Espanyol
Sevilla took a huge step towards staying in La Liga with a late comeback victory over Espanyol at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Tyrhys Dolan fired the visitors in front on 53 minutes, but after Andres Castrin netted an equaliser, Akor Adams scored the winning goal in stoppage time to spark crazy scenes among the home supporters.
Real Betis throw away two-goal lead at Anoeta
Real Sociedad 2-2 Real Betis
Real Betis failed to take a giant step closer to finishing in La Liga’s extra Champions League spot after slumping to a draw in Donostia-San Sebastian. Goals either side of half time from Antony and Ez Abde had Manuel Pellegrini’s side in a comfortable position, but late goals from Orri Oskarrson and Mikel Oyarzabal ensured a point for Real Sociedad, who will have to settle for a place in the Europa League as they can no longer finish in the top 5.
Celtic To Smash Transfer Record For £10M Extraordinary Successor To Callum McGregor: Do They Need Him?
Celtic have identified Schalke 04 midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi as a top transfer target for the summer window. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke broke the story, confirming the Hoops have already made initial contact. The 23-year-old is coming off a brilliant 2025-26 campaign where he started every single league match, chipping in with two goals and five assists as Schalke clinched the 2. Bundesliga title and moved back up to the top flight.
Celtic eye Schalke’s El-Faouzi in ambitious summer move
Sky Germany first reported Celtic’s approach, noting that the club are currently asking around to see where the player stands. However, O’Rourke warned on the Transfer Insider podcast that signing El-Faouzi will be a tough task. Schalke have slapped a £10 million price tag on the midfielder, who is tied down until 2029.
Schalke are keen to keep him for their Bundesliga return, and no formal talks have happened with other clubs yet. To make matters tougher, Brentford, Bologna, and Sunderland are also in the hunt, making it a crowded race for his signature. Meanwhile, Celtic are dealing with their own internal drama as they still haven’t found a permanent manager to replace Brendan Rodgers, with Martin O’Neill currently filling in as caretaker.
“It will be very hard for Celtic to try and prise away at El-Faouzi right now. He’s just won promotion back to the Bundesliga with Schalke and was a key man for them in that as well, with two goals and five assists for the midfielder.
“Schalke’s valuation could be prohibitive for Celtic as well; they’re looking in excess of £10 million for the midfielder, who is under contract until 2029. Schalke are keen to keep hold of El-Faouzi as they prepare for life back in the Bundesliga, and they’ve put that price tag up to scare off any interested clubs. That would make any move to Celtic very difficult for them to do, not just because of the price tag but also because of the competition for his signature.”
Do Celtic genuinely need El-Faouzi, or does the price tag expose a deeper problem with their recruitment strategy?
PADERBORN, GERMANY – APRIL 26: Soufiane El-Faouzi of FC Schalke 04 runs with the ball during the 2. Bundesliga match between SC Paderborn 07 and FC Schalke 04 at Benteler Arena on April 26, 2026 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Celtic definitely need this signing, but the price tag is a bit hard to swallow. Callum McGregor is now 32 with only two years left on his contract; he isn’t a long-term solution for that holding role anymore. The club can’t just coast into the 2026-27 season without a proper successor, and El-Faouzi looks like the right option.
He racked up 95 tackles last season, showing the same defensive grit as McGregor but with a bit more creativity. His ability to drive forward with the ball, averaging nearly a dribble per game, offers something that Reo Hatate, whose form has completely fallen off a cliff lately, just doesn’t provide.
That said, El-Faouzi only has seven career goals, and he hasn’t yet proven he can produce in the final third against top-tier teams. Spending £10 million on a player who hasn’t played in a major European league is a massive gamble. Celtic have to decide if they trust the scouting reports enough to drop a club-record fee on potential rather than a finished product. Honestly, the move is a smart one, but only if they move fast before Premier League sides start bidding and price Celtic out of the move entirely.
There is something comfortingly familiar (and disappointingly familiar) about where Roma find themselves as this season draws to a close. Champions League qualification is still dangling just close enough to inspire belief, yet just far enough away to remind supporters how many missed opportunities came before it. After last week’s emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Fiorentina, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has dragged itself back into the conversation, sitting just one point behind fourth place with three matches left to play. The Giallorossi did what they needed to do. Now, as it seems like is always the case, they need a little help from elsewhere.
To make sure they can have even a shot at luck smiling on them, though, Roma needs to handle its own business in Parma. On paper, Sunday’s trip to the Stadio Ennio Tardini looks straightforward enough. Parma are comfortably in mid-table, safely removed from relegation danger and with little tangible left to fight for beyond pride. Roma, meanwhile, arrive with urgency, momentum, and a suddenly revitalized attack after putting four past Fiorentina. Gasperini himself made the stakes plain in his pre-match press conference: “We know that every match is decisive.” At this stage of the campaign, there is no room for dropped points if any Romanista still wants to dream of CL football.
Match Details
Date: May 10th
Kickoff: 18:00 CET/12:00 EDT
Venue: Ennio Tardini, Parma
Referee: Daniele Chiffi
But anyone who has followed this club for more than five minutes knows exactly how dangerous a fixture like this can become. Roma have made an annual tradition of turning straightforward late-season opportunities into exercises in collective anxiety and inevitable disappointment. A favored side against an opponent with little to play for? A clear path to applying pressure above them in the table? That’s exactly the sort of scenario that tends to produce ninety deeply uncomfortable minutes if it’s a Roma match played in April or May. Still, if Gasperini’s Roma truly are beginning to take shape, and if this recent surge is more than another false dawn, then this is the kind of match they simply have to win. Luck is still required to break into the top four; failure also must no longer come from their own hand.
What To Watch For
Can Roma Keep the Offense Humming?
Roma’s biggest woes this season have been offensive. Long stretches of sterile possession, an overreliance on individual moments of brilliance, and a maddening inability to turn dominance in possession into meaningful attacking pressure have left this side searching for answers and on the outside looking in at Champions League qualification. That’s what made Monday’s 4-0 dismantling of Fiorentina feel so refreshing. Roma generated 2.14 expected goals from 14 shots, controlled 62 percent of possession, and, most importantly, looked dangerous from everywhere. Gianluca Mancini’s early header opened the floodgates, but it was the variety of the attack that stood out: Wesley curling home from distance, Mario Hermoso arriving in the box like a striker, and Niccolò Pisilli finishing off a sublime assist from Donyell Malen.
That last name is where the conversation begins and ends for Roma’s offense tomorrow. Since arriving in January, Malen has transformed Roma’s frontline, leading the club with 11 league goals and offering precisely the sort of directness and unpredictability Gasperini’s attack often lacked. But what made the Fiorentina performance especially encouraging was that Roma did not need him to do everything alone. Pisilli was everywhere. Manu Koné returned to orchestrate midfield progression. Even the wingbacks contributed meaningful attacking width and service. For one night, at least, Gasperini’s vision looked fully realized: a fluid, aggressive side capable of generating danger in waves rather than waiting for one player to manufacture something from nothing.
Now comes the harder part: proving that win wasn’t a one-off. Parma are unlikely to offer Fiorentina’s generosity in defense, and Roma have made a habit this season of following their best attacking performances with a frustrating regression. To secure Champions League football, this side needs to keep scoring like their life depends on it. They need to force opponents onto the back foot, to turn possession into pressure, and to play with the confidence of a team that finally understands where its goals are coming from. Against Fiorentina, the offense hummed. Against Parma, Roma must show it can sing on command.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is set to take part in June's minicamp as a limited participant and should be "full speed" when training camp opens in July, according to head coach Sean Payton.
"There’s a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June," Payton said Saturday during the team’s rookie minicamp. "We’re going to be the ones kind of holding back, if you will. … We feel real good about where he’s at.
“You guys will have a chance to see it here in a few weeks. Clearly full speed by training camp. We just want to be smart relative about holding him back a little [during OTAs and minicamp].”
Payton said that Nix will be "well ahead" of his recovery time when training camp begins and the team will be cautious with the quarterback as he continues his recovery.
"He's going to want to push that earlier, but we'll be smart,” Payton added.
The Broncos' OTAs will take place from June 2-4 and June 8-11 with the team’s mandatory minicamp running from June 16-18.
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
Coco Gauff came through a difficult test in the third round of the Italian Open against Solana Sierra.
The American fought back from a set down against the Argentine to advance to the round of 16 in Rome, 5-7, 6-0, 6-4.
Gauff has struggled to get going during the clay swing so far, having suffered early exits in both Stuttgart and Madrid.
Following her triumph over Sierra in Rome, the 22-year-old admitted she was in a ‘weird’ space mentally.
Sierra now leads their head-to-head battle after defeating Gauff at last year’s French Open. The world No.3 hopes she will eventually be able to take control when facing her opponent.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
Coco Gauff says her mind is in a ‘different place’ right now
She said: “I feel like I have solutions with my game. I’m serving a lot better, returning, just doing everything better than I was in that period.”
“I think for most of my career I’ve been having to only focus on my game. So it’s weird when your mind is in a different place. You’re also feeling confident on court.”
“I don’t know, that’s what I felt today. I do feel, like, pretty confident in my game right now. So yeah, I think I just have to mesh it all together. I don’t know.”
This year, Gauff is the third seed at the Italian Open and will be hoping to build on last year’s performance, where she reached the final but lost to Aryna Sabalenka.
Coco Gauff reflects on her win over Solana Sierra at the Italian Open
Reflecting on the match, Gauff said: “Yeah, it was a tough day for me. It’s one of those days where you don’t feel great, and you have to play a match. It’s like, I can’t cuss, but yeah. That was today. I’m happy I got through it.
“Yeah, one of those days I just didn’t feel, I guess, motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated.
“Just personal things off court that I’m just trying to get through, so… Yeah, but then you also remember how much fun you have. I think my regret today was not enjoying the battle, for sure.
“I’ve been going through it for a few months. I mean, good days and bad days, yeah.
The world number three said she tries to stay focused by reminding herself of those who support her. Gauff is chasing her first title of 2026 in Rome and her first since winning in Wuhan last October.
Sep 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reacts against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes earned a huge win on Saturday that should pay dividends for years to come.
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes are on a heater lately. After making it all the way to the program’s first national championship game appearance in almost a quarter century, the Hurricanes appear poised to make a run at a title again in 2026 and beyond.
Duke transfer QB/WR duo Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate, Missouri EDGE Damon Wilson II, and Boston College DB Omar Thornton highlight some big pickups that Cristobal landed that should help ease the blow of some major NFL losses this offseason (nine players).
Success also breeds success in high school recruiting, and Cristobal picked up a big piece of the puzzle for his 2027 class, flipping the commitment of five-star cornerback Donte Wright from Georgia to the Hurricanes.
🚨BREAKING🚨 5-star CB Donte Wright has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Miami, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🙌
Wright is a recruiting class headliner for any program in the country. He checks in as the No. 2 CB in the 2027 class, as well as the No. 1 player in the state of California and the No. 8 overall player in the national according to On3 Sports’ industry rankings. He also holds offers from Oregon, Oklahoma, USC, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Nebraska, Washington, and Cal, among others.
His commitment isn’t out of left field by any means. He visited Miami last month and came away impressed. He spoke highly of his relationship with safeties coach Will Harris and cornerbacks coach Terry Jefferson, who was recently promoted to the position following the departure of Zac Etheridge to the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason.
Wright becomes the highest-ranked recruit in Miami’s 2027 class, joining WR Nick Lennear (Miami Carol City HS) as the class’s two five-star commits. The Hurricanes are currently ranked No. 5 in the country by On3/Rivals following Wright’s commitment.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer made an interesting comment on the job status of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, amid his scandal with former NFL Insider Dianna Russini, on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
The New England Patriots are in the middle of their rookie minicamp, May 8-10, and head coach Mike Vrabel is present, accounted for, and very active according to local reports, amid his extra-marital scandal with former NFL Insider Dianna Russini.
Vrabel’s scandal is officially over one month old since Page Six released the initial story on April 7 of the reigning NFL Coach of the Year with Russini, who has since resigned from The Athletic, at a Sedona, Arizona private resort ahead of NFL Owner’s Meetings in Phoenix.
After missing day three of the NFL Draft for counseling, Vrabel has been full-go at the Patriots facility as he normally would at this point in the NFL offseason. Local media has shared images from rookie minicamp of the decorated former player and coach doing his normal practice activities, such as nearly going through the drills as players are.
Mike Vrabel was hands-on and in the middle of everything at rookie mini camp today. pic.twitter.com/3m2SbuQ5WD
The franchise released a statement on draft day last month to “fully support” its coach and its belief in his future leadership of the football team. Players have publicly kept the same tune at media availabilities in and out of the team facility.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer is a staple in the greater Boston sports ecosystem as a National NFL voice, as a native Bostonian and former member of the local beat for multiple outlets.
Breer appears regularly on 98.5 The Sports Hub, and reverberated the same plan of support for Vrabel that we’ve only seen from the franchise. However, on Toucher and Hardy on Friday morning, Breer was prompted by a question from host Fred Toucher about the chances the coach could be fired from this scandal.
“I would say at this point, it’s definitely not in their plans to move on from Mike Vrabel,” Breer says. “I think if you look at the actions of the crash course, it’s been a month now since the photos came out. Almost everything has been done (by the Patriots) in an effort to protect his employment to protect the team’s image.”
“If it’s just this,” Breer continued, “drips and drabs to kind of continue to fill in the blanks of what we sort of already know, then I think the Patriots just ride it out.”
Albert Breer: ‘more women’ could change things for Vrabel and the Patriots
Breer’s next sentence is where speculation begins to escalate. Up until this point, SI’s lead NFL Insider has offered what he knows to be the case. Then, Breer flows into what could change the Patriots and owner Robert Kraft’s mind.
“What could be worse is if like, again, like, I think it would have to almost be like more women coming out, or there being some sort of breach of trust within the organization where Mike Vrabel was serving his relationship (with Russini) over the team, in certain way, I think it would have to go to a different level (to fire Vrabel).
A reminder than this was speculation from Breer about ‘more women coming out’ against Vrabel, but as Breer and the radio segment continued, this is what happens when a sports story gets so big and out of control it crosses into a different world.
“This story is very clearly crossed the Rubicon from sports story into celebrity gossip story. As we’re all finding out, that’s a totally different world. It seems ridiculous that the origin of a four year old’s name is a story like that is, I mean, like, holy crap. I can’t believe we’re talking about that right now, but that’s where we are, and that’s what happens when this crosses from a sports story into a celebrity gossip story. Quite honestly, I think that this is sort of what happens when you mess with Page Six.”
Breer ended with “messing with Page Six” in referenced to how strongly Russini and Vrabel both denied the initial story of a romantic relationship form the April 7 pictures from the Sedona resort.
Russini claimed it was a friend’s trip with four other people. Vrabel called the allegation of anything more than a professional relationship with Russini “laughable”. As we know from the multiple new reports in the weeks since, not a single person involved with either family is laughing.
25 Feb 2000: Manager Bobby Cox #6 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a studio portrait during Spring Training Photo Day in Kissimmee, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport | Getty Images
Earlier this afternoon, the Atlanta Braves announced the passing of Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox. He was 84.
In six decades in the organization, Cox spent two separate stints as Braves manager; served as the team’s general manager; and was a player with the organization’s minor leagues prior to the beginning of his coaching career.
Cox’s death comes the same week as the passing of former Braves owner Ted Turner, who twice hired Cox to leadership roles in the organization.
Cox was born in Oklahoma in 1941 and moved with his family to California three years later. He began his playing career in 1960 after signing with the Dodgers organization out of high school.
After making it to Double-A with the Dodgers, he spent the 1965 season in Triple-A with the Cubs organization and split 1966 between the Cubs and Braves Triple-A ranks, playing for Austin in the Braves organization. In 1967, the Braves affiliate moved to Richmond, and he had a productive season with a .849 OPS.
The New York Yankees gave Cox an opportunity at the MLB-level in 1968 and he spent that and the 1969 season in the big leagues before his playing career wrapped up with parts of two seasons in the minors in 1971. Primarily a third baseman, Cox ended his big league career with 220 games played with nine home runs.
When his playing career concluded, it was only a few years until the beginning of what would become an iconic managerial career.
After several seasons of managing and coaching in the minor leagues and in winter ball, Cox became the first base coach for the Yankees in 1977 under manager Billy Martin. When the Braves moved on from manager Dave Bristol, they tabbed Cox as the team’s manager for the 1978 season.
Cox spent four seasons at the helm of a rebuilding Braves team that had a young Dale Murphy and added third baseman Bob Horner with the first overall pick in the 1978 draft. Unfortunately for Cox and the Braves, the team finish as high as fourth in the National League West only once – a 81-80 season in 1980.
The Braves weren’t able to build on the success of the 1980 season, finishing just below .500 in the first and second half of the strike-impacted 1981 campaign. Turner opted to replace Cox as manager, but when asked about the type managerial candidate that would be ideal to lead the Braves, it was Cox who Turner named.
Joe Torre, the former Braves All-Star player, would be hired to replace Cox and the two would both go on to have Hall of Fame careers.
The Toronto Blue Jays wasted no time hiring Cox as manager in 1982. Cox lead the Jays to back-to-back 89-win seasons in 1984 and 1985 and then took the squad to the American League Championship Series after a 99-win season in 1985. It was the first American League East title in franchise history.
Despite coming off of the best season of his managerial career, when Turner and the Braves came calling with an offer to become Atlanta’s general manager, Cox opted to return to the Braves.
As general manager, Cox oversaw a rebuild of the team’s minor league system with a focus on pitching. It was a painful era of Braves baseball at the big league level with the team losing 97-or-more games in three consecutive season, including the 106-loss 1988 season. But, by shifting from aging veterans to young, developing talent, Cox was setting a coarse for what would be a historic run for Atlanta.
During the 1990 season, Cox was faced with firing manager Russ Nixon after a 25-40 start. In doing so, he took over as skipper of the team. The team’s on-field record didn’t improve, but when John Schuerholtz was brought in from the Kansas City Royals as general manager, it was Cox he wanted to continue leading the team as manager.
The 1991 worst-to-first season for the Atlanta Braves changed everything for the Braves, the city of Atlanta and all of Braves country. The excitement, electricity and magnitude of that season is difficult to encapsulate 35 years later, but that season – and the run of 14-consecutive division-winning seasons (1994 notwithstanding) – has yet to be bested in MLB.
With the fiery Cox as skipper, the Braves won more than 100 games six times, and of course won the 1995 World Series. On the field and in the clubhouse, Cox was revered by players – many of whom he called by homespun nicknames that ended with -y – and respected by opponents as he was viciously loyal to his guys, a notion that was underscored by his MLB-record 162 ejections as manager.
Off-the-field, Cox dealt with a domestic abuse issue during that 1995 campaign, although charges were dropped and Cox did not miss any time during the season.
Cox led the Braves to the playoffs in every season there was a post-season from 1991 through 2005. Atlanta missed the playoffs in 2006, finishing below .500 for the first time since 1990, but returned to the post-season in 2010 – Cox’s final season as manager – when the team finished second in the NL East but claimed the Wild Card.
Cox’s post-season success was marginal, he ended his career with a below .500 record with the Braves and Blue Jays, and his sole World Series Championship was often sighted as a blight on an otherwise historic 15 years of dominance by the Braves.
He retired with 2,504 career victories, fourth most all-time, and led his teams to the post-season 16 times – 15 of those coming with the Braves. He won 15 division titles, five pennants and managed five All-Star games, including the 2000 contest in Atlanta. His 67 career post-season wins are fourth-most all-time. He also led the Braves to the 1995 World Series Championship.
Cox was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2011.
A four-time manager of the year winner, Cox was inducted into the the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 – a class that included Torre and fellow manager Tony La Russa as well as two of his former starting pitchers, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux.
Cox suffered a stroke in 2019, the day after appearing at Trust Park for Opening Day, and made limited public appearances in the years that followed. His last appearance with the Braves was in 2025, on August 22, when the 1995 team was honored.
Cox, who was teammates with Mickey Mantle in New York, led teams in Atlanta that included future Hall of Fame players Fred McGriff, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and John Smoltz. As general manager, he drafted Chipper Jones and traded for Smoltz. He notoriously almost pulled off a trade for Barry Bonds in 1987 – five years before the Braves attempted to do a deal for Bond with Pittsburgh for a second time.
Cox’s 2,149 regular season wins are the most in Braves franchise history – with more than an 1,100 win gap between him and fellow Hall of Fame manager Frank Selee who has the second-most wins if franchise history. Cox is also third all-time in wins in Blue Jays history.
Each of the three managers who followed Cox in the position have ties to him with Fredi Gonzalez and Brian Snitker both serving as coaches on his staff while current manager Walt Weiss played under Cox from 1998 to 2000. Snitker (3) and Gonzalez (6) are both in the top six in wins in franchise history.
After a decade of being marketing as “American’s Team” on TBS by Turner, the Cox-led Braves became one of the powerhouse teams of the 1990s, transiting Atlanta from an also-ran franchise to one of the top brands in the sport.
The outpouring of messages from his former players in the hours following the new of his passing showed the reverence they held for him. Andruw Jones called him a “second Father” and outfielder Ender Inciarte labeled him, “a wonderful person, a great human being” while numerous others called him the greatest manager for whom they played.
To honor Cox during his final season, the Braves had a game-day give away that was a poster of Cox comprised of photos of every player he had managed, a fitting honor for a manager who still wore spikes like he did when he a player.
The image of Cox hobbling out of the dugout to argue a call, kicking dirt and get ejected for defending his players and his team, is one that resonates across many Braves fans who are mourning the loss of their skipper this afternoon.
The Atlanta Braves and their fans lost the person responsible for building the foundation for the success the Braves franchise has had for the past 35 years.
After spending the last four seasons as one of the faces of the Washington Huskies, Franck Kepnang will spend his final season with the Kentucky Wildcats.
On Saturday afternoon, the 6-foot-11 center from Yaounde, Cameroon, utilized the transfer portal for the second time in his college basketball career to spend what is widely expected to be his final year of eligibility with coach Mark Pope in the SEC. He will also join his former UW teammate, Zoom Diallo, who announced his intentions to make the move to Lexington in April.
After battling various injuries that limited him to just 32 games over his first three seasons on Montlake, Kepnang was able to stay healthy for the majority of the 2025-26 season for coach Danny Sprinkle, playing in 27 games and posting 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest.
During his UW career, Kepnang established himself as a tenacious defender with high-end athleticism who plays with a seemingly endless amount of energy no matter if he was in the starting lineup or coming off the bench. Over 59 career appearances, he averaged 7.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
As Sprinkle looks to continue to build his culture ahead of his third season with the Huskies, losing Kepnang is a significant blow. His energy and passion for the program, combined with his defensive intensity, made him a key piece of everything that the head coach has been building.
Without Kepnang, the Huskies will rely on Lathan Sommerville and Mady Traore at center, along with Nikola Dzepnia, recent Brazilian acquisition Wini Braga, and Texas Tech transfer LeJuan Watts in the front court. Sprinkle has also continued to pursue Seattle University transfer Austin Maurer to round out the rotation.
That would be Virginia running back J'Mari Taylor.
Taylor joins the Jaguars after five college seasons, the first four of which were spent at North Carolina Central before he transferred to Virginia for the 2025 season.
Playing in the ACC, Taylor rushed for 1,064 yards last season, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt with 14 rushing touchdowns.
"I think the word you said, production, when you looked at him against, I guess some of the top backs in the draft, production against the same teams, and what that looked like, I thought that was pretty impressive," Coen said after Saturday's practice.
Contributing to Taylor's success on the ground was that he was quite difficult to bring down, ranking 38th in average yards after contact and tied for 18th in missed tackles forced, per PFF.
To go along with his production in the run game, Taylor was also fairly active in the passing game. His 54 targets last season were tied for the fourth-most among running backs.
"Obviously, the season that Virginia had, and a lot of it had to do with his success and his ability to affect the game both in the run and the pass game as well," Coen added. "So people just bounced off of him in ways. He forced a lot of missed tackles, and he's super sharp."
The top of the Jaguars' running back depth chart seems pretty well established with Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, and LeQuint Allen. However, for a large portion of last season, the Jaguars rostered four running backs on the 53-man. If Coen is willing to do that again, perhaps that could be Taylor's path to earning a roster spot.
North Carolina football has begun to hit the recruiting trail hard as summer quickly approaches, which is one of the most important times for recruiting.
That means coaches are visiting recruits in their homes and at practice, as well as players visiting schools for official visits. It isn’t just the coaches; it’s also off-the-field personnel.
According to TarHeel247, UNC general manager Michael Lombardi traveled to Texas earlier this week to evaluate 2027 quarterback Noah Spinks, watching him throw in practice and visiting with his family at their home.
Spinks, a three-star prospect from Humble (Texas) Summer Creek, received an offer from UNC last month and is scheduled to make his first visit to Chapel Hill on June 5 for an official visit, his only official planned so far. Utah became his second Power Four offer earlier this week, joining the Tar Heels.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Spinks led Summer Creek to a 12-2 record and a Texas Class 6A Division II state quarterfinal appearance last season. He threw for 3,690 yards, 43 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 275-for-389 passing (70.7%), and added one rushing touchdown. Before joining Summer Creek, he passed for 2,042 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 184-for-296 passing (62.2%), with one rushing score as a sophomore at Flower Mound High School.
Spinks is rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists him as the No. 105 quarterback nationally and No. 173 prospect in Texas. He is currently unranked by On3, though that is expected to change as his offer list grows.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Reflecting on Saka’s change from the youngster who first broke into the Arsenal team, Arteta said: “His role has grown, around the club and around the team, on the pitch towards the opponent as well.
“You sense that, he’s got a presence now, an aura. Something special. He’s a different player and a player that can change the game in any moment and creating that fear in the opponent, I think it’s something important.
“I would have loved to have had him more in recent weeks but if that’s not the case, let’s use him in the best way. You’re going to jump in fresh, motivated, with a different emotional state and you can really impact the team.”
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Pittsburgh, PA - December 7: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign that reads "Steelers Make My Heart Fuller Than A Patriot Football". The Steelers lost to the New England Patriots, 21-18. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Live from Delaware, it’s Saturday Night! I, NAS204PSU, am here at BTSC to bring you this Saturday Night Open Thread (aka SNOT).
Every human that ever has been has something in common: a mother. Someone who gave us life, enduring 9ish months of severe bodily changes just to bring us to be. My mother is a force: 39 year nursing veteran (retired), multiple-time cancer survivor (currently working on retiring the latest ones), carpet-square-wielding savior of snow-stuck cars and trucks, and a whirlwind constantly making sure her loved ones are cared for.
I was fortunate enough to have my mom visit this past week, and despite being a capable, productive adult I was treated like I was a kid again. Meals were handled, my laundry was washed for me, and subsequently I was reminded to put away the clean clothes.Things around the house were “put away” in better spots. Advice on how I was doing my chores was given freely. You get the picture.
It was great knowing I will always be her son, and I am blessed to have her in my life. If you still can, hug your mom, even if it’s just a virtual/over-the-phone hug.
This 4 pack of questions is here to get the conversation going, so let us know what you’re eating/drinking!
2. Aaron Rodgers articles dominated this week: The Steelers are out of patience… AR is going to Arizona! No, wait, he’s signing with us this weekend! Hold on, Omar doesn’t know where AR is?!?!. Until it’s officially announced and we can put this Favre behind us, it’s going to be in the news. What Steelers’ topic is going underreported/ do you want to hear more about in lieu of AR updates?
3. A big headline in the NFL is the Vrabel / Roussini “scandal” in which there appears to be an inappropriate relationship between a married reporter and a married NFL head coach. Let’s assume the rumors are true: do you think Vrabel (or more generally, any NFL head coach) should lose his job over this?
4. Mother’s day is tomorrow. Here’s your chance to share something about your mom: A favorite memory? Wisdom she gave that stuck? Funny story? A scent or thing that always reminds you of her?
Di Francesco: ‘Lecce did have warning of Juventus kick-off routine’
Eusebio Di Francesco reveals he had warned Lecce about Juventus kick-off routines this morning, but they were still caught out. ‘Both teams wanted to win at all costs.’
They ran some more risks with two goals disallowed for offside for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu, while Michele Di Gregorio was tested by Santiago Pierotti and Walid Cheddira.
Di Francesco had warned Lecce
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“I showed the team Juve’s kick-off routine three times this morning, I told them we had to be ready to defend with determination from the very start, and then they scored after 11 seconds,” sighed Di Francesco on Sky Sport Italia.
“This is a Juventus side with a lot of quality, we managed to stay in the game and create some scoring opportunities of our own, and kept it quite a tight match.”
Lecce were ultimately applauded by the home fans at the final whistle, as they had pushed to the end and caused a lot of problems for Juventus, a side battling for the top four.
“They had two goals disallowed, but it’s because they were offside and therefore invalid. This team has a certain DNA, it believes it can compete with everyone when playing in a certain way. We could’ve been sharper with the final ball and the cross, that could’ve allowed us to create more chances.
“We played with a trequartista at times, but tonight it was more of a 4-3-3 trying to prevent them making those passes between the lines with players like Kelly and Cambiaso. We had to deal with those situations, I changed a few things too, because if we tried to close them up, they would get around us on the flanks,” continued Di Francesco.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Fans of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“In the second half, I put Banda closer to the centre-forward to stop their defenders starting the play out from the back. I think it did allow us to do better, even if we were unable to equalise.
“Both teams wanted to win at all costs, obviously Juventus have more quality, but with the goal advantage they were more comfortable. We had that big chance to equalise straight away after the Vlahovic goal, it was a stunning Di Gregorio save.
“If we had equalised later, it would’ve been good too, as it can even create the momentum to go on and win in the final 15 minutes.”
Now Lecce risk seeing the lead from Cremonese and the relegation zone cut to just one point, if Jamie Vardy’s side manage to get a victory tomorrow against already-relegated Pisa.
Their final two games are away to Sassuolo and at home to Genoa, so both rather tough fixtures.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“Whoever we’re up against, we need points. Sassuolo is an important club for me, obviously, that will be potentially a decisive match,” confessed the coach.
On Saturday night, WWE returns to the ESPN app with its latest premium live event, Backlash. The card in Tampa, FL, has just five matches and will also include a special announcement from WWE icon John Cena.
In the evening’s main event, World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will defend the title he won last month at WrestleMania against his cousin, Jacob Fatu. The card also features a major grudge match when the former leader of The Vision, Seth Rollins, takes on his one-time pupil in the faction, Bron Breakker.
Below, you can get a look at all the results, top highlights, and the match grades from tonight’s event.
He also announces the John Cena Classic Championship to go with it.
The audience votes to crown the champion of the John Cena Classic. Every participant qualifies, including the losers.#WWEBacklashpic.twitter.com/HjlQo826tz
😱 Unbelievable! Bastia-Le Mans stopped seconds before Le Mans' promotion
Total confusion on the final matchday of Ligue 2.
After more than 40 minutes of silence, the referee officially announced that the match between Bastia and Le Mans would not resume (0-2 at the time of the interruption). However, he did not confirm whether the result would stand, nor the final Ligue 2 standings.
It should be remembered that Bastia fans threw smoke bombs and agricultural explosives onto the pitch with only a few seconds of added time remaining in this match, part of the final round of Ligue 2 fixtures.
It is still unclear whether Le Mans' promotion to Ligue 1 is official, just like Bastia’s relegation to Ligue 3. A commission is expected to meet very soon to decide the fate of this match, as Saint-Étienne is virtually ahead of Le Mans in the standings until the result of the match against Bastia is officially validated.
An unusual situation, especially considering that the Ligue 1 promotion playoffs begin in less than a week.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Betis missed a chance to take a step toward sealing its return to the Champions League after squandering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.
Betis remained in fifth place with a four-point advantage over sixth-placed Celta Vigo, which put the pressure on the Seville-based side after it won at Atletico Madrid 1-0. There are three games — and nine potential points — left for the two teams this season.
Spain clinched a bonus fifth entry into the Champions League on Thursday when Rayo Vallecano’s win against Strasbourg in the Conference League semifinals gave Spain an insurmountable edge over Germany in the race for an extra berth.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atletico all have spots in Europe's elite club competition locked up. Barcelona can clinch the Spanish title on Sunday with at least a draw when it hosts Madrid in a clasico at Camp Nou.
Manuel Pellegrini has coached Betis into either the Europa League or Conference League for the past five campaigns. But the Seville-based team hasn’t played in the Champions League since 2005-06.
Betis’ Anthony scored near halftime when the Brazilian forward cut in from the right side and curled a left-footed shot from outside the area inside the far post.
Ez Abde made it 2-0 right after the break when the winger broke free down the left flank, dribbled past his marker and scored from a tight angle, with the ball going in off the far post.
Orri Óskarsson pulled one back for Sociedad from close range to spark a fightback, and Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal equalized in injury time after a handball by Diego Llorente sent him to the penalty spot.
“We are sad for the result,” Anthony said. “But we can't lament it much. We have a very important game at home on Tuesday (versus Elche). We have an advantage but must forget that and go forward game by game.”
Betis finished with 10 men after striker Aitor Rubial was sent off with a second yellow card deep in stoppage time.
Sociedad has already booked a Europa League spot after it won the Copa del Rey last month.
Borja Iglesias’ sublime chip shot with half an hour left helped Celta win at a lackluster Atletico and remain on course for at least a Europa League berth.
Relegation fight
Sevilla leapt from 17th to 12th place in the tightly packed lower part of the table after it rallied with two late goals for a 2-1 win over Espanyol.
Tyrhys Dolan put Espanyol ahead at Sánchez Pijuán Stadium in the second half, but Sevilla got goals from Andrés Castrín followed by Akor Adams in stoppage time.
“We deserved this victory, falling behind and having to come back. I can’t recall having such a fightback this season,” Castrín said.
Espanyol, which rose as high as fifth in January, has seen its season collapse in 2026. It is winless in 18 games this year, sliding into 15th place at just two points above the drop.
“There are three finals (ahead of us),” Dolan said about the remaining games. “We are frustrated but it’s a team full of spirit and character.”
Alaves remained in 18th place and among the three teams in the relegation positions after it could manage only 1-1 at Elche.
Last-placed Real Oviedo could be relegated on Sunday when it hosts Getafe.
All the captains of the Spanish league teams wore armbands bearing the European Union flag to honor Europe Day, celebrated on May 9.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Logan Webb #62 and Trevor McDonald #72 of the San Francisco Giants look on at Scottsdale Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants Opening Day battery for the last three seasons is as gone as gone can be. Hours after announcing the shocking trade of Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians, the Giants placed the star of their rotation, two-time All-Star Logan Webb, on the 15-Day Injured List. Webb, who has led the National League in innings pitched in each of the last three seasons, is headed to the IL for the first time since 2021. The Giants professed optimism that he’ll return as soon as the 15 days are up.
Webb’s injury, which is officially listed as right knee bursitis, is retroactive to May 6. It was that injury that led him to come out of his last game after just 61 pitches, and the Giants are hoping it’s behind his rough start to the season, as he has a 5.06 ERA and a 3.59 FIP through eight starts.
A new battery is up to replace the old one. Taking Webb’s spot is right-hander Trevor McDonald, who will slide right into the rotation. While McDonald hasn’t been having a very good season in AAA, he was sensational when called upon on Monday, holding the San Diego Padres to two hits, no walks, and one run in seven innings, with eight strikeouts. McDonald has not pitched since, so the Giants can slot him into the rotation whenever and wherever they choose.
As for Bailey, his spot is being taken by catcher Logan Porter, whose contract was purchased from AAA Sacramento. The Giants are apparently intent to go with three catchers, even with their defensive ace gone, as Porter joins Eric Haase and Jesús Rodríguez. Daniel Susac is rehabbing in AAA, and should return at some point during the team’s upcoming road trip, barring a setback.
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill was full of energy when he arrived at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur for Saturday’s IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals.
Dressed in training shorts and a T-shirt, Gill entered the stadium premises and shared a heartwarming moment with his father, Lakhwinder Singh, who was standing near the entrance gate. The Gujarat Titans skipper first saluted his father before giving him a high-five, and the wholesome video quickly won hearts on social media.
Gill later backed up the cheerful pre-match mood with a sensational knock after Gujarat Titans were put in to bat. The stylish opener smashed a brilliant 84 off just 44 balls to power GT to a massive 229/4 in 20 overs. His explosive innings was studded with nine fours and four sixes.
Gill also stitched together a commanding 118-run opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan, giving Gujarat Titans the perfect platform. Sudharsan contributed 55 off 36 deliveries, smashing six boundaries and two sixes during his fluent knock.
— AhmedGT_ (@AhmedGT_)
Apart from Gill and Sudharsan, Washington Sundar played a crucial cameo, remaining unbeaten on 37 off just 20 balls to further boost GT’s total.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals stand-in skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal won the toss and opted to bowl first against Gujarat Titans. Jaiswal led the side in the absence of regular captain Riyan Parag, who missed the game after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous match.
GT made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Prasidh Krishna in place of Manav Suthar, while Rajasthan Royals included Shimron Hetmyer and Yash Raj Punja.
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
'Month of May' Kicks Off With Opening Lap Crash in Indy GPNTT IndyCar Series / X
Before crossing the starting line of the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first contest of INDYCAR's "Month of May" leading into the 11oth running of the Indianapolis 500, one driver was already in trouble with Rinus VeeKay limping to the start Saturday afternoon.
As the leaders dove into turn one, carnage continued with Meyer Shank Racing's Felix Rosenqvist locking up and spinning into McLaren's Pato O'Ward. Scott Dixon and rookie Caio Collet were also involved.
Rosenqvist was given a drive-through penalty for avoidable contact for starting the lap one incident.
The race resumed on lap 6 of 85 with Alex Palou continuing to lead the field after starting on pole. The defending champion is looking to extend his win record at the Indy road course race to three en route to his second shot at an Indianapolis 500 victory.
Brooks Koepka finally produced a great round of golf on Saturday at the Myrtle Beach Classic as he moved into position to win on the PGA Tour for the first time since 2023.
Koepka left LIV Golf in December and rejoined the PGA Tour just three weeks later.
The 36-year-old American paid the price for leaving the PGA Tour and is having to work his way back to the top.
Brooks Koepka has struggled to put everything together during his appearances on the PGA Tour so far this season, with just one top-10 finish to his name along with three missed cuts.
And after two rounds of the Myrtle Beach Classic, it was very much the same story for the five-time major champion.
However, the Floridian posted a sensational round of seven-under par 64 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club on Saturday, after firing a 29 on his back nine.
What Brooks Koepka noticed about Myrtle Beach Classic fans on day three
Koepka addressed the media in South Carolina on Saturday after firing his lowest round since returning to the PGA Tour.
The American responded when asked to give his opinion on the fans at the Myrtle Beach Classic this week.
“Today I thought was really cool,“ Koepka admitted.
Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
“Kind of right when I started to — I don’t know if it had any coincidence or anything, but right when I started to make my run, it was kind of running that hole pattern on the golf course where the leaders are kind of on six, seven, eight, nine, and we’re kind of very close to them.
“It just felt like our whole group, the gallery, got twice the size.
“I love that. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve been super supportive all week, and it’s fun to kind of get those feels of playing good.
“The crowd is growing. The energy is kind of with me, Ricky, and then they’re buzzing a little bit too. It makes it for a fun experience.“
Brooks Koepka the most excited he has been since 2023
Koepka doesn’t usually give much away on the golf course.
However, he was delighted with the way he played on the back nine on Saturday in Myrtle Beach.
“That’s the most excited I’ve been playing golf in a long, long time. I can tell you that much,“ Koepka said.
“It’s I would say back until ’23, the PGA. That’s the most — it’s been a long time since I’ve had fun playing golf.
“At least a year I’ve been very — I was very frustrated last year. Just wasn’t in a good place, but I think a lot of times when you — it’s like anybody, right? If they’re happy off the golf course, they’re going to play well on the golf course. I think that’s a huge, huge piece of it, and I’ve found that.
“Re-found my happiness, my love for the game. All the pieces are connected. It’s just now I’ve got to go out and go play.“
That’s great to hear and hopefully Brooks Koepka will give himself a real chance to win the Myrtle Beach Classic on the back nine on Sunday.
Five-star cornerback recruit Donte Wright has been expected to decommit from the Georgia Bulldogs for quite a long time. Wright made it official when he flipped his commitment from Georgia to the Miami Hurricanes.
"After a lot of prayer, thought and talks with my family," Wright said via social media. "I would like to announce I will be committing to the University of Miami."
Wright is Miami's 11th commitment in the class of 2027. The Hurricanes have the No. 10 recruiting class in the country.
Wright was also strongly considering the Oregon Ducks, but he elected to commit to Miami. The five-star has official visits planned with UCLA, Oregon, Georgia, Miami and Michigan.
Wright plays high school football for Long Beach Poly in Long Beach, California. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback is the second-best player at his position in the class of 2027. Wright is the No. 1 recruit in California and the No. 9 recruit nationally, per 247Sports.
Wright's decision to flip to Miami is a significant loss for Georgia's recruiting class. The Bulldogs have just six commitments right now and the No. 30 recruiting class in the nation. Georgia recently lost a commitment from four-star defensive back Jerry Outhouse, who flipped to UCLA, but the Bulldogs added one from five-star tight end Jaxon Dollar.
Tennessee pitcher Landon Mack has been scratched from his scheduled start against No. 4 Texas (36-11, 15-9 SEC) on May 10 due to general arm soreness, a team spokesperson confirmed to Knox News.
GoVols247 was first to report the news on May 9.
The Vols (33-17, 12-13) are yet to announce who will start in place of Mack in the series finale. He is not expected to miss extended time.
Mack, a sophomore who transferred from Rutgers ahead of this season, has been a constant in Tennessee’s rotation this season. In 12 starts, he’s pitched to a 4.67 ERA in 61.2 innings, both third amongst Tennessee starters.
Mack started the season as the Vols’ No. 2 starter and was moved up to the Friday starter role midway through the season. Ahead of last weekend’s series at Kentucky, he was moved to start the series finale on May 3.
That start at Kentucky was one of Mack’s finest of the season, ending in Tennessee’s only win of the series. He threw six innings, allowing one run and six hits with six strikeouts on 102 pitches, only his second time this season throwing over 100 pitches after doing so two series earlier against Ole Miss on April 17.
Tennessee only has one SEC series scheduled after this weekend, wrapping up its regular season at Oklahoma on May 14-16.
Ruger Riojas will not start for Texas
Ruger Riojas will not start for Texas on May 9 as initially planned. It was a coach's decision, a team spokesperson said. Luke Harrison will start in his place, moving up a day from his originally scheduled start on May 10.
Riojas, a righty, is considered one of the best senior pitching prospects in the upcoming MLB draft and owns a 3.71 ERA and 5-2 record. Harrison is a left-handed graduate student with a 4.35 ERA.
GCU ace Oakley Vickers shut out the high-flying Nevada offense Saturday, forcing a winner-take-all championship game in the 2026 MW Softball Tournament. | David Kadlubowski/GCU Athletics
After all the buildup and months of trials and tribulations, we have finally reached the Mountain West Softball Championship. Appropriately, this ended up being a matchup between the two best teams in the conference all year, and two teams that will remain in the Mountain West in 2027: Grand Canyon and Nevada. The former, in the midst of a historically dominant season, needed to win two games to take home the title, having advanced to this point from the losers’ bracket. The latter squad just needed to take one of two to claim their first Mountain West Tournament title, and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2009.
After looking like far and away the best team in the tournament for the past three days, the Nevada curse returned, as the bats were fully silenced by GCU ace Oakley Vickers for seven innings in a shutout, 3-0 loss. GCU forced Game 9 to take place, as the team that advanced from the winner’s bracket could not prevent that fate for the second year in a row.
Entering this game, both Nevada’s (37) and GCU’s (28) offenses had broken the previous MW Tournament record for runs scored in a tournament (25, SDSU 2006), despite having still played one fewer game than the previous record-holders. How appropriate, then, that both teams went ice-cold to start, with Hannah Di Genova’s four-pitch walk serving as the only baserunner for either team in the first.
After a hitless top of the inning from the Wolf Pack, the Lopes got back-to-back singles off of the inconsistent-pitching Tess Bumiller to lead off the bottom of the second, advancing both runners to scoring position with a wild pitch. Addison Shifflett’s sac fly batted in her tournament record 10th RBI, putting the Lopes on the board first. The Lopes got another run on a Tinley Lucas double, leaving the second with a 2-0 lead. Both sides got nothing going in the third, with Ainsley Berlingeri having taken the place of Bumiller in the circle.
Katie Wetteland finally gave the Wolf Pack some life with a leadoff double, then the very next pitch hit Di Genova in the hip. After two straight outs, the Pack ended up leaving the bases loaded, with that problem from preseason coming back to bite them at the worst possible time. Berlingeri continued to dominate the Lopes with two more strikeouts, but that “0” on the scoreboard was looming large at this point.
Madison Clark got on via a bunt single in the top of the fifth, but in unsurpring fashion, the horrible offensive performance continued for Nevada with two pop ups and a strikeout. Vickers was dominating the Wolf Pack, and showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. Berlingeri allowed a single to Sydney McCray in the bottom of the inning, but nothing else in yet another scoreless inning.
Berlingeri was more than doing her job, all she needed was her offense to get something going. Haylee Engelbrecht recorded Nevada’s third hit of the game in the sixth, but unsurprisingly, three quick outs showed that Nevada showed no signs of speeding up any time soon. Shifflett’s two-out single scored a runner from third in the bottom of the sixth, giving the Lopes an insurance run for the unlikely event that Nevada remembered how to offense.
Matlyn Leetch got her first hit with a leadoff double to give Pack fans some hope, but Vickers forced another flyout from Karolyn Glover to stop all momentum in its tracks. Clark got some of it back with her second single of the day, but another flyout from Wetteland ended the game, securing a complete-game shutout for Vickers.
Vickers went the distance, allowing five hits and two walks, striking out six and allowing nothing more than a double. No Lope recorded multiple hits, but Shifflett was the hero again offensively, driving in two runs on her single, sac-fly day. If GCU does end up winning the winner-take-all game later, they need to send Oakley Vickers as many flowers at she could possibly want.
The winner-take-all game will begin on the Mountain West Network at 2:45 p.m. PST.
Aaronson To Start | 3-4-2-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Leeds United will clash heads with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Monday night as they look to secure a positive result on the road in the Premier League. The Whites managed to earn an impressive 3-1 win over Burnley recently, so they would be keen on keeping their good form going in the league.
Daniel Farke will opt for the 3-4-2-1 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this game. Brenden Aaronson could get a chance to impress from the start of this clash.
3-4-2-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Karl Darlow will function in between the sticks for the Whites after conceding one goal in his last appearance. Farke could stick with the back three of Pascal Struijk, who is a doubt for this game, Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon as they look to keep the opposition at bay during the 90 minutes.
Sebastiaan Bornauw will provide cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United in action during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road on May 01, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Midfield
Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu will operate as the holding midfielders for the Yorkshire club as they look to dictate the tempo of the game at the centre of the park.
James Justin will try to prove his worth as the left-sided wide player, while Jayden Bogle looks to catch the eye on the right flank. Both of them will have to make some overlapping runs out in the wide areas.
Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach will play as the attacking midfielders for Leeds in the final third. Both of them will have to carry most of the creative burden for the Yorkshire side up top.
Sean Longstaff and Daniel James will be named on the bench as they await their chance to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will spearhead Leeds‘ attack in the final third. He has to figure out a way to be a real threat up top.
Lukas Nmecha and Wilfried Gnonto will have to be content with a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the final quarter of the game if the Whites are in need of a goal by then. However, Noah Okafor will be sidelined for this game due to a calf injury.
Phoenix Desert Vista girls basketball coach Erin O’Bryan has stepped down from the program, she confirmed to The Arizona Republic in a phone call.
O'Bryan said she is pursuing an opportunity at the collegiate level. She originally stepped down on April 21.
“I think it’s just time for me to move on to coach in college,” O'Bryan said. “I feel like I fulfilled my purpose at the high school level. I have desires to coach at the next level. Now is the time.”
O'Bryan is in the process of finding her next destination, but was unable to comment on where it will be as paperwork is still being filled out. She still has to fulfill her contract with Hoop Code, one of the area’s top club basketball programs, until July.
O'Bryan was hired in 2023 after former coach Dave Williams stepped down to pursue a position at the next level. Williams ultimately ended up at Tempe McClintock. O’Bryan took over the season following Desert Vista winning the inaugural Open Division state championship.
During her time with the Thunder, O'Bryan led the team to a 48-38 record in three seasons, with one Open championship game appearance and an Open semifinal appearance.
O'Bryan leaves a team with one of the top recruits in the state and the nation in freshman Kolbi Brooks, who already has numerous Division I offers.
“That’s what I said to the girls — there’s never a good time to leave,” O'Bryan said. “There’s always someone. Oh, ‘I want to stay for player X to graduate. Then next year, there’s going to be another player that I want to see graduate.’ There’s never a good time to leave, especially at Desert Vista. There’s never a lull. It was tough to leave all of them.”
O’Bryan, a former prep standout at Gilbert Highland who was the Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year in 2003, said she is grateful for her time spent at Desert Vista as she gets ready to head to the college level.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it weren’t for those players and the school,” O'Bryan said. “They’re super supportive, they understood completely why I want to move on. They were happy. They said, ‘Door is always open.’ If I don’t enjoy what I’m doing at the next level, maybe I can come back. It was great to be in a place where girls basketball felt like a priority.”
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Jazzy Francik allowed one run in six total innings in the circle, Kennedy Harp accounted for both Florida State runs and the top-seeded Seminoles defeated third-seeded Virginia Tech 2-1 on Saturday to win the ACC Softball Championship for the 20th time.
In the Florida State half of the second inning, Harp drove in one run with a double and scored the other on a passed ball. The Seminoles managed only two hits the rest of the game.
Francik allowed an unearned run in the first inning and was removed with two outs and the bases empty in the fifth inning. Ashtyn Danley finished the fifth inning in the circle.
Virginia Tech threatened in the sixth against Danley, who had runners on first and third with two out. Francik reentered and walked the first batter to load the bases. She then coaxed Rachel Castine into a soft, looping fly to the shortstop for the third out.
Francik allowed three hits, struck out six and walked two. She improved to 22-2 with a 1.75 ERA.
Emma Mazzarone (16-5) allowed both Florida State runs, one earned. She walked four and struck out four in two-plus innings.
Florida State (49-8) last won the conference tournament in 2023. Virginia Tech (46-10) has won it twice, in 2007 and 2008.
Up next
As both teams anticipate bids to the NCAA softball tournament, they have contrasting histories. Florida State has played in the tournament 37 previous times and reached the Women's College World Series 12 times, winning the national championship in 2018. Virginia Tech has played in the tournament 14 previous times and reached the WCWS once, in 2008.
Longtime New York Rangers goaltending coach Benoit Allaire will retire after the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency period.
Allaire served as the Rangers’ goaltending coach from 2004 to 2024 before transitioning to their director of goaltending.
Jeff Malcolm took over the day-to-day responsibilities as goalie coach once Allaire moved into a new role.
“Benoit Allaire’s contributions to the Rangers over the past two decades have been immeasurable,” general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. “Whether it was teaching a Hall of Famer or a rookie just starting his career, Benny made everyone he worked with better.
“On behalf of everyone in the Rangers organization, we wish him and his wife, Lyne, all the best in retirement.”
Allaire played a pivotal role in coaching and developing Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shesterkin, building strong relationships with both.
Watkins Glen, N.Y. — The Bus Stop chicane at Watkins Glen International is designed to slow drivers down.
In Saturday's NASCAR Cup Series qualifying session, however, it was the section of the 2.45-mile road course where defending race winner Shane van Gisbergen gained light years over the competition, relatively speaking, in securing the pole for Sunday's Go Bowling at the Glen (3 p.m. on FS1).
The New Zealander, celebrating his 37th birthday, navigated the seven-turn circuit in 71.165 seconds (123.937 mph) on the first of two qualifying laps to beat Spire Motorsports' Michael McDowell (123.488 mph) for the top starting spot by 0.259 seconds.
"I did nail it on my first lap," van Gisbergen said of the Bus Stop at the end of the long backstretch, where he gained more than two tenths of a second on the field. "The first half of the lap was pretty average, I thought.
"My second lap, I had less tire grip, but it was a better lap, so I think I was ahead until the Bus Stop, and then I mucked it up. My first lap was really good there — probably got it right, and maybe the others got it wrong. But generally, that is a really strong point for me."
Team Penske's Austin Cindric (123.452 mph) claimed the third starting spot, followed by van Gisbergen's teammates at Trackhouse Racing, Ross Chastain (123.445 mph) and Connor Zilisch (123.386 mph).
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, last year's pole winner, were sixth and seventh, giving Team Penske three of the top seven starters. The Joe Gibbs Racing trio of Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs completed the top 10.
van Gisbergen expects tire wear to play a major role in Sunday's race, which has been lengthened from 90 to 100 laps, featuring stage lengths of 20, 30 and 50 laps.
"The fall-off was insane," van Gisbergen said. "I didn't expect that. The marbles and the fall-off was extreme today. It's kind of like Bristol when it's cold. The tires would fall apart. It was very interesting. We fell off four seconds or so.
"Crazy. It'll be a good race to watch but probably a hard one to manage."
Series leader Tyler Reddick, a five-time winner this season and the most recent road course winner at Circuit of the Americas, qualified 15th. Chase Elliott, last Sunday's winner at Texas Motor Speedway, will start 27th on Sunday.
Caitlin Clark has started her WNBA career on a historic scoring pace. That was even more evident when she passed a big scoring milestone on Saturday.
In the Indiana Fever's season opener against the Dallas Wings on Saturday, Clark scored the 1,000th regular-season point of her WNBA career. She did it in style, with a whirling-dervish finish at the rim to end the third quarter. This was a mark that Clark would've achieved much sooner had she not missed a majority of last season with a litany of injuries.
Clark got her 1,000 points in just 54 career games, tied for the third-fastest player to do that in WNBA history. Cynthia Cooper accomplished it in 45 games, while Seimone Augustus did it in 46 games. Clark is tied with Fever franchise legend Tamika Catchings, who also got her 1,000 points in 54 games.
The 2024 Rookie of the Year is looking to remain healthy and help lead Indiana to postseason success. She's now knocked off another important career milestone. There's going to be plenty more of these before she's done.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball are nearly finished building their roster for next season, with just a couple of spots still to fill. One of the remaining needs is depth at the center position.
Ibe, who stands seven feet tall, brings strong rim protection potential that could develop into a major asset over time. Tennessee was so invested in his recruitment that the staff appeared to pause other pursuits while waiting on his decision.
“I think right now you’re waiting to see what the visitor (2026 recruit Favour Ibe, who is 7-foot-1) from over the weekend does,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs Tuesday on WNML’s SportsTalk. “What does he do? That sort feels like [that’s where] it is right now. And then after that, I don’t know.”
After visiting Tennessee, Ibe also took a trip to Virginia, one of the Vols’ conference rivals and a key competitor in his recruitment.
“Tennessee target and four-star center Favour Ibe will visit Virginia today, per Jamie Shaw. Ibe, the No. 82 overall player in the 2026 class, visited Tennessee over the weekend, but is now set to visit the Cavaliers on Thursday as his recruitment intensifies,” Fox Sports Knoxville posted.
Virginia ultimately closed the deal, securing Ibe’s commitment.
“7-foot-1 center Favour Ibe has committed to Virginia, he told Rivals The four-star big man is the No. 82 overall recruit in the 2026 class, per Rivals. He also made visits to Tennessee, Alabama, and Villanova,” On3’s Joe Tipton posted.
This is a tough loss for Tennessee, as Ibe was one of their top remaining center targets. While the Vols still have a roster spot to address, this was a player they heavily prioritized throughout the process.
Now, Tennessee must reset its search at the center position. Ibe was viewed as a developmental piece with significant upside, but it’s possible Virginia offered a clearer path to playing time and immediate opportunity.
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan continued their sensational form in IPL 2026 during their side’s clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The GT duo stitched together yet another century opening stand and, in the process, equalled a massive IPL record held by legendary Royal Challengers Bengaluru pair Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle.
Gill and Sudharsan now have nine century partnerships together in the IPL, equalling Kohli and Gayle’s tally for the second-most century stands by any pair in tournament history. Only Kohli and AB de Villiers are ahead with 10 century partnerships for RCB.
Most century stands in IPL history (any wicket)
Century Stands
Pair
Team
10
Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers
RCB
9
Virat Kohli & Chris Gayle
RCB
9
Sai Sudharsan & Shubman Gill*
GT
The Gujarat Titans openers brought up their 100-run stand in just 8.1 overs, completely dominating the Rajasthan Royals bowling attack with their aggressive strokeplay and excellent running between the wickets.
With this partnership, Gill and Sudharsan also equalled the record for the most century stands for the opening wicket in IPL history.
The pair now have six 100-plus opening stands together, matching the achievements of iconic Sunrisers Hyderabad duos David Warner & Shikhar Dhawan and Abhishek Sharma & Travis Head.
Most century stands for the opening wicket in IPL
Century Stands
Pair
Team
6
David Warner & Shikhar Dhawan
SRH
6
Abhishek Sharma & Travis Head
SRH
6
Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan*
GT
5
David Warner & Jonny Bairstow
SRH
5
Faf du Plessis & Virat Kohli
RCB
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal won the toss and opted to bowl first against Gujarat Titans. Jaiswal led the side in the absence of regular skipper Riyan Parag, who missed the game after suffering a hamstring injury in RR’s previous match.
GT made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Prasidh Krishna in place of Manav Suthar, while RR included Shimron Hetmyer and Yash Raj Punja.
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
Kealan Dillon hailed Dungannon Swifts' progress over the past two seasons as the midfielder fired the club to the brink of another European adventure.
The Swifts secured a European campaign last summer following their historic Irish Cup victory over Cliftonville in the 2025 Irish Cup final.
Nearly 12 months on and after narrowly missing out on a second successive cup win, Dillon bagged the crucial goal to see off the Reds in the play-off semi-final to set up a winner-takes-all showdown with Linfield at Windsor Park on Tuesday night with a place in the Uefa Conference League qualifiers up for grabs.
"We were in a relegation play-off a couple of years ago and now we're competing for Irish Cups and European play-offs, so, can't be too disheartened even though losing an Irish Cup was a tough one to take," said Dillon, who scored the Swifts' winner at Solitude.
"After the disappointment last week, it's obviously great having another chance of getting into Europe. We've won our two games now, we'll go to Linfield on Tuesday night and see where it takes us."
Dillon is now relishing the meeting with Linfield, even if it means another game in what has already been a long season for the Swifts.
"It's going to be nearly bang on a full year since we came back on the 10th of June last year," added the 32-year-old.
"If we want to compete at this end of the table for these types of honours, you have to have the long season and you have to just keep going.
"If you can't get up for games away in Windsor Park for a final, for a chance to play in Europe, then you don't belong playing the sport, to be honest.
"We'll give it everything. We fancy ourselves against anyone on our day. We'll see where it takes us."
Swifts boss Rodney McAree has challenged his squad to "go again" against Linfield after successive wins over Carrick Rangers and Cliftonville in the space of a week.
"We just have to find a way and we have to go again," said McAree.
"We came here tonight wanting to be in the final and we knew it was going to be a tough schedule for us in terms of getting over the line.
"We've won two big games, Carrick at home and we've come to Cliftonville, which is a very, very tough place to come to.
"We have to challenge ourselves, I think we can go all in against a team that we haven't beat all year and try and turn them over in a one-off occasion."
Jeremy Doku said last month that he needed to add more goals to his game to be considered one of the best wingers in the world.
Is he part of that conversation now?
The Belgium international's recent exploits are keeping Manchester City in this season's title race, with another star showing in Saturday's 3-0 win over Brentford,
Doku's goal opened the scoring against the stubborn Bees, cutting inside and curling in a delightful finish just as he did to rescue a last-gasp draw at Everton on Monday.
The 23-year-old has now scored four important goals in his past three games - the strike against Brentford, the double at Hill Dickinson Stadium and his effort against Southampton to help City into the FA Cup final.
In fact, he has seven goal involvements in his past six games - with five goals complemented by two assists - as many as in his previous 24.
"If you want to become a better player, you have to win games for yourselves," said boss Pep Guardiola. "It is not enough to make good crosses for the other ones, you have to win games and score goals.
"At Everton, the goal for 3-3 was the right [foot], but the first goal was the left. He made an incredible step in that sense to say 'I'm Jeremy Doku, I'm going to win games'. The big players always have that mentality."
Doku told BBC Match of the Day (MOTD): "I'm an instinct player. Today it's working out. I scored some goals, I've always played with instinct but now the goals are coming.
Manchester City's challenge may depend on Doku continuing to produce moments of brilliance to drag his side towards the finish line.
He has scored in three successive appearances in all competitions for the first time in his Manchester City career.
On Saturday, the winger gave Michael Kayode a taxing time, twisting the Brentford full-back inside and out throughout the game, and he could have scored in the opening two minutes but was thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher.
His performance was widely praised, with MOTD pundit Ashley Williams saying it is "the best we have seen of Jeremy Doku".
The former Wales international defender added: "From a defender's point of view, I am not sure I would know how to stop him. He is physically strong, can go right or left, his acceleration is something else but also his deceleration can leave you flat-footed.
"He was up against Kayode, who I really rate, and he just couldn't handle him. He has been the best player in the Premier League these last few weeks."
Former City striker Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports: "He has been exceptional. The goal he scored in this game was a thing of beauty. It is a brilliant finish.
"That is the go-to finish for him now. The repetitions in training are paying off. His game is progressing, he is becoming more decisive in those moments.
"Confidence is key for attackers, it is the most important thing. If you doubt yourself at any time you won't make the difference. Now he is thinking 'I can do this, I can score'."
Doku's brilliant showing made him just the third player in the Premier League this season to create six or more chances and complete six or more dribbles after Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson.
"He is a top player," said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. "If it's not Doku, then someone else will step up and that is the luxury Pep has - phenomenally talented players, game changers who can decide games and that is ultimately what happened with the first goal."
Doku dedicated his latest goal to his dad, who turned 60 on Saturday, saying: "It's his birthday.
"I am becoming a dad soon and he sacrificed his life for me every time, bringing me to the club not knowing I would be what I am now.
"For me that's a big thing so him turning 60, I am grateful and that is why I wanted to give this goal to him. Having him around is a blessing."
'Come on you Irons'
The general feeling is that this season's title race hinges on Arsenal's trip to relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.
Should Mikel Arteta's side emerge victorious, the trophy is theirs to take with two games remaining.
Those matches are against already-relegated Burnley before finishing the season against Crystal Palace, who have a Europa Conference League final to negotiate.
However, if Arsenal draw or lose against the Hammers, it leaves the door ajar for City once more, with fixtures to come against Palace and Bournemouth before rounding off against Aston Villa.
Asked if he will watch Sunday's match, Guardiola told BBC Radio 5 Live his sister is visiting as he has "not seen her for a long time" but if he is at home "of course I will take a look and watch - I like football".
Haaland, meanwhile, took his tally to 50 goals for club and country and said the players "can't think of the title race", but he will have "notifications on his phone" of the Arsenal-West Ham game.
Guardiola ended Saturday's post-match news conference by saying "come on you Irons", before gesturing the Hammers symbol with his arms above his heads.
The Spaniard knows his side need a favour from Nuno Espirito Santo's men to maintain hope.
2. Bundesliga: Nürnberg dominant as Schalke suffer title hangover
In the final Topspiel of the campaign, Miroslav Klose’s side were comfortably the better team throughout as goals from Mohamed Ali Zoma and Henri Koudossou, alongside a Ron Schallenberg own goal, sealed an impressive win against the table toppers.
After a fairly even opening spell, Nürnberg broke the deadlock in somewhat fortunate fashion after 19 minutes. Schalke only partially cleared a free-kick into the path of Rafael Lubach, whose effort was blocked by Schallenberg before looping beyond the helpless Kevin Müller and into the net.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and came close to extending their lead on several occasions. Zoma thought he had doubled Nürnberg’s advantage twice before the break, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the home crowd. Despite the disallowed goals, Der Club looked dangerous every time they pushed forward and were unfortunate not to hold a more commanding lead at half time.
Nürnberg eventually found their deserved second in first-half stoppage time through Koudossou. Fabio Gruber’s perfectly weighted chipped pass released the full-back in behind the Schalke defence, and he calmly slotted past Müller at the near post to make it 2-0 heading into the interval.
The home side nearly struck again moments after the restart when Lubach squandered a golden opportunity, before Schalke finally threatened at the other end. Soufian El-Faouzi saw his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Luka Lochoshvili, while Kenan Karaman somehow blazed the rebound over from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Zoma finally got the goal his performance deserved in the 72nd minute, this time with the offside flag staying down. Timing his run to perfection, the forward latched onto a through ball from Finn Ole Becker, controlled expertly, and rifled a strike in off the post from the edge of the area to put Nürnberg firmly out of sight at 3-0.
Substitute Rabby Nzingoula almost added further gloss to the scoreline ten minutes from time, but Müller stood tall to deny him from 12 yards out. It ultimately mattered little, however, as Klose’s men comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure a thoroughly deserved three points.
The Gators' matchup on Saturday, May 9, entered a delay at 4 p.m. First pitch was originally moved to 4:45 p.m. but shortly after it began to rain at the stadium.
There is currently no start time scheduled.
According to the weather channel, there is at least 56% chance for rain until 6 p.m.
Notably the Gators' Sunday game has been rescheduled to 10 a.m.
This Eastern Conference Semifinal series heads to Cleveland. The Pistons hold a 2-0 series lead. Game 3's are rarely a "must win" situation, but in this series that seems almost accurate. Through two games, the Pistons have been the better, more disciplined team.
Detroit is winning the turnover battle, and Cleveland is shooting entirely too many three point shots considering how few they make. Many of the turnovers are not forced turnovers by Detroit. Cleveland is simply committing bad unforced turnovers at critical moments in games.
Analytics dictates that a high volume of threes leads to more wins. However, in Game 2, Cleveland made only 7 of 32. In Game 2 Cleveland shot 22% while Detroit shot 50% (14 of 28). Live by the three, die by the three only works if a team shoots above a certain percentage.
Detroit seems to have an answer for everything Cleveland throws at them. Cleveland also has not been able to contain Cade Cunningham at any of phase of the game through the first two.
The Cavs must get more volume scoring from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. If Cleveland can get what is expected from Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen they can make this a series. However, they have yet to do that in this series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Detroit Pistons 32-30 at the end of the 1st quarter.
1st Quarter-0:05: Evan Mobley blocked Cade Cunningham on a 5-foot shot. With that block, Evan Mobley is now 5th all time in playoff blocks in Cavaliers team history.
1st Quarter-0:29: Donovan Mitchell makes a 23-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-1:16: Dennis Schroder makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-1:38: Cade Cunningham makes a layup.
1st Quarter-2:27: Caris Levert makes a running dunk.
Brentford boss Andrews ‘really disappointed’ with Man City penalty decision
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews felt his side were denied a clear penalty following defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men ran out 3-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium thanks to strikes from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush.
The Bees created an opportunity to level matters at a goal down when Igor Thiago laid the ball off to Kevin Schade in the box, but Matheus Nunes did enough to put the attacker off.
The referee’s decision not to award a penalty for the incident was confirmed by VAR following a review, but Andrews felt there was enough in it to warrant a spot kick.
Brentford boss Andrews ‘really disappointed’ with Man City penalty decision
“I think there was a lot going on for the officials,” the Irishman told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
“I will be the first to tell what a difficult job they have to do on a day-to-day basis. It’s difficult with all the contentious issues and at times the playacting. I thought Kevin Schade incident was a penalty. So that was really disappointing.”
Despite the scoreline, Andrews took the positives out of his team’s performance. “We were playing against a team fighting for the title. You could see that from their urgency. I liked a lot of what we did today. I liked the bravery and courage with our approach.
“It needed to be a near perfect performance from us to win tonight. The margins of some of the chances we had, some of the decisions that were made were quite telling. I’d step back and think I am really proud of what we produced but ultimately, we lost the game.”
The defeat is a blow to Brentford’s hopes of qualifying for Europe and they will need to bounce back against Crystal Palace next Sunday.
Andrews added: “Coming to City and playing the game against at team fighting hard against Arsenal, it depends on how you look at it. We came here with a honesty in our approach and a belief that we could get something from this game. We are disappointed we couldn’t.
“I don’t think the players will need any lifting. It will naturally happen. We have got a huge game against Crystal Palace next.”
The Georgia Bulldogs are pushing to steal a quarterback recruit from an SEC rival. They offered three-star quarterback Derrick Baker, according to an announcement from his high school (Milton High School). Baker is currently committed to the Tennessee Volunteers.
Baker is a three-star quarterback from the class of 2027. The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder plays high school football for Milton High School based in Alpharetta, Georgia. He committed to the Tennessee Volunteers on Feb. 11, 2026. Baker is ranked as the No. 40 quarterback in the country, per the 247Sports Composite.
He is expected to visit to Tennessee's campus on June 5, according to Rivals. Interestingly enough, he's hasn't officially visited Georgia's campus. The Auburn Tigers lead in visits from him, according to Rivals' visit counter.
Georgia's looking for the quarterback of the future once Gunner Stockton leaves the program. They struck out swinging on five-star quarterback Elijah Haven (Alabama) and four-star quarterback Davin Davidson (Florida), so they're running out of time to find a high-rated 2027 QB recruit.
Overall, Georgia's recruiting class hasn't hit its stride yet this offseason. Their class is ranked No. 22 in the nation after three-star WR Aden Starling decommitted.
They've earned two five-star commits (RB Kemon Spell, CB Donte Wright), but they have just seven commits from their class of 2027. Last season, Georgia went on a major run in June and July, so there's still time to bolster their class, but Georgia fans will have to wait and see.
Daniil Medvedev is looking to build some momentum on clay before the French Open, and he’s hoping the Italian Open can help him do just that.
The Russian has played in two events during this clay-court swing and was knocked out early both times.
He exited the Monte-Carlo Masters in the first round after a heavy 6-0, 6-0 loss to Matteo Berrettini.
Then at the Madrid Open, Medvedev won just two matches before losing to Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round.
But things could be looking up for him in Rome. Medvedev is a former champion there and is aiming to win back the title. He’s also just received a bit of good news that could help his chances.
Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Medvedev given a walkover after Tomas Machac pulls out with illness
Medvedev was set to face Tomas Machac in his opening match at the 2026 Italian Open.
The only previous meeting between the two came at Roland Garros in 2024, where Medvedev was pushed to four sets before coming through. But their scheduled rematch won’t take place, with Machac withdrawing from Rome due to illness.
With the walkover, Medvedev moves straight into the third round. He’s now just one win away from matching his finishes at this event over the past two years.
Since winning the title in 2023, Medvedev has been knocked out in the fourth round twice in a row, losing to Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti.
Medvedev’s first test is an opponent he’s never lost to
In the third round, Medvedev will take on his countryman Aslan Karatsev. He has won all five of their previous meetings, including a straight-sets win at last year’s Italian Open.
If Medvedev advances again, his fourth-round opponent would be Joao Fonseca or Felix Auger-Aliassime. He holds a 3-0 record against Fonseca and has beaten Auger-Aliassime in six of their seven encounters.
Looking further ahead, another Russian, Andrey Rublev, could await him in the quarter-finals. Rublev and Medvedev have shared a long history on tour, with 11 matches played between them since they first met in 2021. The head-to-head sits firmly in Medvedev’s favour at 8-3.
Sinner, meanwhile, will open his campaign against either Corentin Moutet or Mariano Navone before likely facing Miomir Kecmanovic in round three.
The Italian looks set for a fourth-round meeting with Ben Shelton before a quarter-final clash with Arthur Fils or Jakub Mensik – two rising stars looking to make their mark on tour.
(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bayern Munich have scored 117 goals in the Bundesliga this season. That is the all-time record after breaking their own record from 1971/72 in which the Bavarians had scored 101 goals. However, despite a proclivity for goals this season, they are never guaranteed or automatic. A harsh lesson that Vincent Kompany’s men had to learn twice in less than week. First against PSG in the Champions League, then against VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
The discomfort of not scoring several goals in every game
Has Bayern’s plethora of goals turned into a double-edged sword. There is a always an urge to score as many goals as possible leaving absolutely no chance for the opponent to ever make a comeback in the game. It is a thoroughly enjoyable brand of football. However, is it causing a insecurity where Bayern as a team are not feeling secure of holding on to slim leads in game ?
Manager Vincent Kompany gave his insights on this subject post the slender and uncomfortable 1-0 win against Wolfsburg. “The problem isn’t the intention behind the counter-pressing; it’s about not always feeling like you have to score three goals in the first ten or fifteen minutes and have the opponent on the ropes,” said Kompany (via FC Bayern).
Perseverance prevails
Turning around impatience was key in what improved Bayern in the second half as per the manager. “We started well, lost our patience – and then it gets more difficult. At some point, your legs become crucial – and that’s why I think we were much better in the second half. It was all down to our possession. We solved that in the second half – it’s a healthy dose of arrogance when you score 120 goals; everyone thinks they’ll automatically be scoring. That’s wrong. We have to wait until our legs get tired, then you get the spaces,” he said.
Finally, the Bayern coach appreciated his squad’s ability to reset and adapt quickly to get back in the game. “I have to give credit to them for their reaction; it’s not easy to come out and then turn everything around – that’s exactly what we did,” said the Belgian as he took a deep dive into the mental dynamics of the team.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
The final score did not really reflect the events of the past 90 minutes on Saturday evening. Bayern claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at VfL Wolfsburg, but given the number of chances at both ends, the game deserved more goals. “Wolfsburg could’ve scored five goals – that wasn’t good from us,” said Tom Bischof, who himself hit the crossbar with a thunderbolt in the 19th minute. “In the second half, we linked up with each better and moved them around more. That was the error in the first half.” Head coach Vincent Kompany also saw a considerable improvement from his team after the restart: “Once again, credit for the response. It’s not easy to come out and then change everything – but we did that.” fcbayern.com has compiled the rest of the post-match reaction for you.
Reaction to the match at Wolfsburg
Christoph Freund, sporting director: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy today. Wednesday was a very bitter night for us – and then we come here and Wolfsburg are fighting for survival. In the end, we’re really proud that we won because it wasn’t an easy situation. We kept a clean sheet and played very well in the second half, so we’re very happy. We started well, then Wolfsburg did well and repeatedly countered quickly. We didn’t find our game, didn’t have any dominance and kept losing the ball quickly – a lot of tackles too. That’s not like us, it wasn’t a good first half. But Jonas Urbig and a few pieces of defending kept us in the game.”
Vincent Kompany: “The problem is not the intent in the counter-pressing. You don’t always need to have the feeling that you have to score three goals in the first 10, 15 minutes and wipe the opponents out. We started well but lost our patience – and then it becomes more difficult. Eventually the legs make a difference and I think that’s why we were much better in the second half. That was just to do with our possession. We got the job done in the second half. It’s a healthy arrogance, when you score 120 goals, everyone thinks it flies in automatically up front. That’s not true. We have to wait until the legs tire and then you get spaces. Once again, credit for the response. It’s not easy to come out and then change everything – but we did that. We didn't have it easy at all, we have to respect that they went toe-to-toe with us. We shouldn’t be surprised when it gets a bit dirty – Wolfsburg are fighting for their lives, we have to respect that. I know that coming out in the second half and winning again is not easy. We have to appreciate that.”
Jonas Urbig: “It started from scratch again today. It’s clear that Wednesday hurt a lot, but we don’t need to dwell on that or feel sorry for ourselves, it goes on. Ulle (Sven Ulreich) and Manu (Manuel Neuer) came up to me straight after the game and congratulated me on my performance, which made me really happy. I train very hard from week to week – and just take it one week at a time. We still have a home match against Köln and the cup final, sadly not the Champions League. After that, I’ll keep looking forward.”
Tom Bischof: “We’d discussed me having a shot – it was intended that way and we executed it well. I’m annoyed, I would’ve really liked that. And yes, Harry (Kane) is allowed to miss for once. Wolfsburg could’ve scored five goals – that wasn’t good from us. Our distances were too big. In the second half, we linked up with each better and moved them around more. That was the error in the first half. It’s always bad when you concede a lot of chances and goals. On Jonas Urbig: the way he deputises for Manu when he gets the chance is amazing. He has a great presence. He has to go to the World Cup.”
Reaction from Wolfsburg
Dieter Hecking (coach): “I saw a team today who believe in themselves, who can go at the intensity, who had a good shape and who had their moments in the game where it could’ve swung in our favour. Of course, we know about the risk against Bayern that you’re eventually going to have a period in which you have to suffer. Unfortunately, we conceded the goal in that period. If we’d ridden that out better and maybe been quicker out to double up on Michael Olise, the game might have been more open towards the end. And then we had the huge chance with the shot against the post at the end. Ultimately, though, whether we’d drawn or lost heavily doesn’t change the situation. Nevertheless, it’s a good feeling. I’ll take that because the players have really shown me in the last few weeks that they’re capable of these performances.”
Patrick Wimmer (midfielder): “I think we actually defended pretty well for 95 percent of the match today. I don’t think you can completely keep them out for 90 minutes. And for the ball to then go in off the bar again, that’s obviously the quality of the team and the players they have. If I could say why we haven’t always performed like that, then we wouldn’t be where we are and wouldn’t have the final next week. We’ve certainly gained stability in our team under Dieter Hecking, and I think that’s just good for us. We’re playing steadily, we can play a bit too, which I think we saw today. And I think we’re ready for the final next week now.”
Koepka fired a blistering 29 on the back nine at Dunes Golf and Beach Club to cap off a 7-under 64 in the third round of the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic — an opposite-field tournament running alongside the Truist Championship, a signature event. Koepka vaulted himself nearly 20 spots up the leaderboard and sat in a tie for second at 11 under when he signed his scorecard just before 3 p.m. ET Saturday.
"That's the most excited I've been playing golf in a long, long time, I can tell you that much," Koepka said in a post-round press conference. "It's been a long time since I've had fun playing golf — at least a year. I was very frustrated last year. Just wasn't in a good place. . . it's like anybody, right? If they're happy off the golf course, they're going to play well on the golf course. I think that's a huge, huge piece of it, and I've found that.
"I re-found my happiness, my love for the game. All the pieces are connected. It's just now, I've got to go out and go play."
Koepka opened the third round with even-par 35 on the front nine but he found an extra gear on the inward side. After a birdie at the 10th, he made three birdies in a row on Nos. 12-14 before draining 38-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 15th. He added one more birdie at No. 16 for good measure, and made par on the final two holes to close out his lowest PGA Tour round in five years and his lowest nine-hole score since 2019.
Koepka said he hasn't enjoyed himself that much on the golf course since he won the 2023 PGA Championship.
"I liked the way I ball-struck it today," Koepka said. "I thought it drove it beautifully. Ball-struck it with the irons really, really well. . . I feel like I'm striking it as good as I ever have, driving it as good as I ever have. If I can continue to do that, then I'm going to be very pleased where I'm at for a while."
There is one thing that still does not have Koepka pleased: his putter. The flat stick has been an issue for him all season, and despite the impressive outing Saturday, he feels there's a still a lot of room for improvement on the greens.
"It's been quite a frustrating year with the flat stick," Koepka said. "Kind of been in a consistent pattern of just hitting lips. I don't know if there's a stat of how many times guys hit the lip, but I feel like I would be right up there this year. They're good putts. They just don't go in. They just seem to always find a way to miss the hole, and it's been frustrating, but I'm just kind of waiting my turn, waiting for something good to happen, because I feel like as long as they're good putts, I'm okay with it, to a certain extent."
Waiting his turn has been a common theme for Koepka in 2026. He has arrived at several signature events as an alternate, waiting for someone to withdraw so he could sneak in the field, to no avail. But he isn't fighting it or complaining about it. He understands that he must earn his way back into the upper echelon of PGA Tour competition and he seems to be just fine doing that.
A win at the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic would not only qualify him for the two remaining signature events on the 2026 calendar, but it would also give him palpable momentum heading to Aronimink for next week's PGA Championship, an event he's won three times before. But right now, he remains focused on the task at hand.
"I'm not too worried about it," Koepka said. "I think I'm just trying to play one more good round of golf and strike it the way I can. Like I said, the main focus is putting. I'll go right back to that putting green and try to make sure that, I guess, whatever I might have found today hopefully can bleed over and continue into next week and then just build that momentum. Because I think the one thing that's really been lacking, just confidence."
Dossena responds to Davis’ ‘racist coward’ allegations: ‘Disgraceful accusation’
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis, after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari’s clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.
According to Sky Sport, Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.
Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as “disgraceful racist insults” and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena replies to the accusation he racially abused Udinese striker Keinan Davis
Dossena denies Davis allegations as Cagliari back their player
Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game,” he wrote. “I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me,” he said.
“It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs.”
Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. “I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things,” Pisacane said. “I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well.”
The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese’s communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.
Atletico Madrid fear Julian Alvarez has made exit decision amid Barcelona interest
Barcelona have identified Atletico Madrid star striker Julian Alvarez as one of their leading targets for the summer transfer window, and although a deal will be extremely difficult due to Los Colchoneros presently being unwilling to sell, they are chances for an agreement to be reached in the coming months.
Barcelona are not prepared to spend over €100m on a new striker, and at the moment, this is not enough for Atleti to consider selling. As such, the Catalans have communicated to Alvarez that in order for there to be any chance of a deal being done, he must make it clear that he wants to leave the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
And according to Cadena SER (via Sport), there could be moves being made towards this. There is a feeling within the Atletico Madrid hierarchy that Alvarez is looking for a way out this summer, with the sense being that this has been the Argentine’s stance for a number of weeks.
Atleti bosses are also aware that talks have taken place between Alvarez’s representatives and a number of clubs, among them Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain are also noted as having interest in a possible summer move, while Arsenal are also in the race alongside their fellow Champions League finalists.
Atleti won’t make it easy for Alvarez to leave
Even if Alvarez does communicate his intention to leave this summer, Atleti are clear that their stance will not be relaxed by much. They want big money to even entertain the possibility, which could make it difficult for Barcelona in their efforts to bring him in to replace Lewandowski.
It will certainly be interesting to see how the situation with Alvarez plays out over the coming weeks and months. The chances of him leaving do go up if he does express a desire to move on, but until now, nothing has been said officially to the club’s hierarchy.
MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 22: Vincent Kompany, Head Coach of Bayern Munich, gives instructions to Tom Bischof of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and SC Freiburg at Allianz Arena on November 22, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is an old adage in team management circles that “young players are better seen than heard.”
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany might be feeling that way right now after being made abreast of Tom Bischof’s postgame comments. While the youngster likely did not think he was starting something, the coach wanted to nip it in the bud immediately.
After the match, Bischof had this assessment of Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg: “We’re simply not doing the basic things anymore. We’re lacking that counter-pressing immediately after losing possession. I’ve noticed that from the sidelines. That’s why we’re making so many long runs – and conceding so many goals.”
Maybe it was an honest assessment, maybe it was a critique, but either way, Kompany let it be known that he did not agree with Bischof.
“No, of course not. The young player made a mistake in this interview. You can’t counter-press a hundred times if you lose possession quickly. That’s the problem. The problem isn’t the intention behind the counter-pressing. It’s about not always feeling like you have to score 3-4 goals in the first 10-15 minutes and rush things. That’s not possible. We started well for 10 minutes, then lost a bit of patience, and then it just gets more difficult. I’ll definitely speak to him [Bischof] about it. I’m sure he’ll say the same thing in a few years,” Kompany told Sky Germany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Okay, then.
Kompany rarely let’s any frustration seep through his comments and while it does not seem as if Kompany was angry, it does seem like he wants to keep anything like this in-house. In fact, had Bischof’s statement not toed the line on criticism of teammates or of the coaching staff, Kompany likely would not have addressed it at all.
Did Bischof say too much or did he just try to answer the question honestly? Tell us what you think in the comments.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Following goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush, Guardiola concluded his post-match press conference with a pointed "Come on you Irons," ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming game at the London Stadium on Sunday.
City’s win, which saw them initially appear unsettled against a Brentford side with European ambitions, was ignited by Doku’s superb curled opener on the hour mark.
This breakthrough allowed City to assert dominance, with Haaland bundling in a second before setting up Marmoush for a late third goal.
The result places City just two points adrift of Arsenal.
While a recent 3-3 draw at Everton means his side no longer dictates their own destiny, Guardiola expressed his enjoyment of another thrilling title race and the potential for a treble, a stark contrast to finishing 13 points behind Liverpool in the previous season.
“I love to be here again,” he said. “We finish second again this season minimum so I love it. I didn’t enjoy last season and that moment when we were fighting to qualify for the Champions League was so difficult.
“But the Carabao Cup is in our pocket and the FA Cup Final at Wembley is the most beautiful day of the season and I love it.”
'COME ON YOU IRONS."
Pep Guardiola's funny end to his press conference after Man City 3-0 Brentford 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Tm7Ulr4yi6
Doku, who scored twice at Everton on Monday, was once again City’s leading light. He terrorised Brentford right-back Michael Kayode and his superbly struck goal was key in opening up the game.
“This season he made a step forward that players must do to try to do better and better and it belongs absolutely to him, the confidence,” said Guardiola. “In good teams you always need people up front – not just Erling, attacking midfielders and wingers need to make actions like that to win games.”
Brentford left the Etihad Stadium frustrated after two penalty shouts were waved away by referee Michael Salisbury.
Keith Andrews accepted Matheus Nunes perhaps got a touch on the ball when he tangled with Kevin Schade as the last man in the first half, but was perplexed that a spot-kick was not given when Nunes again challenged Schade as he prepared to strike with the game at 1-0.
“The one in the second half when Kev is going through and (Igor) Thiago squares it to him, in what world he goes down unless there’s contact is beyond me because there’s a goal there for him to get it to 1-1,” he said.
Jeremy Doku, centre, scores Manchester City’s first goal against Brentford (Martin Rickett/PA)
“That’s probably the one I’m struggling to comprehend a little bit…
“The comment I heard was there’s not enough contact. For someone who is as quick as Kevin Schade with his eyes on goal, I don’t know how much contact he’s looking for.”
Despite that, Andrews saw plenty of positives.
“We started the second half really well,” he said. “The reality is their first goal is a wonder strike, second goal is a tad scruffy and then the third goal, we’re chasing the game and leaving spaces.
“I liked a lot of what we did, I liked the approach. I don’t love the scoreline but there is a lot to take back with us.”
The UNC men's lacrosse team began its NCAA Tournament run on Saturday, welcoming UAlbany to Dorrance Field on an overcast Saturday in Chapel Hill.
Coming off a 16-6 loss to Virginia in the ACC Championship Game, North Carolina needed a bounce-back victory in the worst way.
Thanks to a career day from attackman Dominic Pietramala, the Tar Heels dominated the Great Danes, 24-6 from the opening face-off.
Pietramala netted 10 goals for UNC (13-4, 2-2 ACC), breaking the NCAA Tournament single-game goal record. Pietramala opened North Carolina's scoring party just over three minutes in, then completed his hat trick with one second remaining in his team's 7-goal first quarter.
Pietramala finished with seven goals by halftime, scoring four of the Tar Heels' five in second quarter action. After two more in the third and his 10th in the fourth, Pietramala had the record all to himself.
UNC built a 12-2 lead by halftime, scoring seven first quarter goals and five in the second. North Carolina stayed on the gas pedal out of halftime, netting seven third quarter goals and five more in the fourth.
Alex Pfeiffer and Ryan Doherty scored two goals apiece for Albany (11-6, 6-0 America East), which proved outmatched against a far superior Tar Heels squad.
UNC gets a much-needed week off, then travels up to Long Island for a Saturday, May 16 clash against the winner of Yale and Syracuse. North Carolina beat the Orange (11-5, 2-2 ACC) by a 14-9 mark in April, but didn't play the Bulldogs (9-5, 4-2 Ivy League) yet.
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The Kile family; Darryl Kile with wife Flynn Behrens and their kids Credit: Courtesy of the Kile family
NEED TO KNOW
Sierra Kile honors her late father Darryl Kile’s legacy through her work with the St. Louis Cardinals community
She is part of the MLB’s Playing with Heart campaign to raise awareness about high cholesterol and heart disease risks
Sierra shares her father’s story to educate others and continue his legacy of kindness and positivity beyond baseball
Sierra Kile was 5 years old when her father, Darryl Kile, who pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, died unexpectedly.
On June 22, 2002, hours before the team was supposed to play the Chicago Cubs, Darryl died of a heart attack at the age of 33.
"He was an active player in the MLB, which is crazy to think about because they have physicals and they're athletes, and you don't think that someone like that's going to all of a sudden die of a heart attack," Sierra, now 29, tells PEOPLE. "But it did happen."
In the decades since, she notes that her family has "learned to really take care of our health and get to a doctor and learn more about cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and heart attacks."
The Kile children Credit: Courtesy of the Kile family
While she was an elementary schooler when she lost her father, she has learned more about him and his impact through her work with the St. Louis Cardinals community and the fans.
Sierra shares that she "doesn't have many" memories of her father, but she does "have some being in St. Louis, and my mom has been really good about sharing stories with my brothers and me."
"Last year, I was in St. Louis and I got to meet a lot of the players who were on the team with him back in the early 2000s," she says. "They all have different stories and memories to share. It's like hearing about someone and learning about his legacy and how amazing he was through other people."
Sierra, who is part of the MLB's Playing with Heart campaign, recalls one particularly special interaction with a fan at Busch Stadium.
Darryl Kile, his wife and kids Credit: Courtesy of the Kile family
"She'd been a season ticket holder since I think the '90s, and it is always cool in baseball to meet people who have been season ticket holders for decades," Sierra says. "She came up to me and said she had seen my dad at a game, where he was in the bullpen. She said he looked at my mom, and they just looked so in love, and it was really cool."
"That's what made me really excited about this program, being able to hear stories and hear things that involved my mom, who obviously has done a really good job of taking care of my brothers and me over the years," she adds.
Sierra is excited to continue raising awareness about her father and his legacy through her work with WomenHeart and Merck's new program, Playing with Heart, educating fans about high cholesterol risks.
"For me specifically and my family, it's really cool to be able to spread awareness and education through this program," she tells PEOPLE.
During the 2026 baseball season, the Playing with Heart program will feature a lineup of baseball legends, clubs and ambassadors who will share their personal stories about high cholesterol and how it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
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Through the program, Sierra will participate in onsite events to help "spread awareness through my own story."
The biggest reason they're doing this, she says, is to "spread awareness about just bad cholesterol, getting to a doctor, learning about your own bad cholesterol and just about the risks of heart disease."
Darryl Kile in 2000 Credit: Sporting News via Getty
For her dad, she says, his heart attack was "very out of nowhere."
"He was 33, an active player in shape. You don't expect things like that to happen until it's too late," she says. "Through this program with Merck, Women Heart, we want to really spread awareness and encourage people to get to a doctor before it's too late, learn about their cholesterol and the risks of heart attacks and strokes."
Sierra emphasizes that she is "happy to be able to build out my dad's legacy past just baseball."
"I think it's through just a few different attributes. His name has continued to carry on after 20 years, which is really cool to think about. His legacy is living every day with humility, kindness, and a positive outlook on life," she tells PEOPLE.
"It's something I try to carry with my family and me. Using this program to spread awareness, and it's something he would've been really proud of. Using his story is a really amazing way to do it because he was such an amazing person."
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the better starting units in the league as Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Joel Embiid form one formidable unit, but when those guys go to the bench, the second unit has had issues getting much going in terms of offense.
In Friday's Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks, the Sixers did not receive a point from their bench unit until the 11:00 mark of the fourth quarter when Quentin Grimes drilled a 3-pointer. Meanwhile, the Knicks received 29 bench points on the night, including 15 from former Sixer Landry Shamet.
Maxey played 44 minutes, Edgecombe played 40, George played 38, Oubre and Embiid played 35 each. Obviously, it's the playoffs. This is the time of year where starters have their minutes extended, but either way, Philadelphia must find a way to get some bench production in an effort to take some responsibility off the starters.
"I mean, yeah, we do need a little push," George said of the bench unit. "We need a little push. The starting group, on any given night, we're in the 40s or close to it. So, we definitely need a push. Someone come in and give us that extra little hump. That's what it's gonna take."
Obviously, stars are going to lead the way for any team in the playoffs, but the real difference in a 7-game series are the other guys. The role players and the guys off the bench who step in and produce. The Knicks are getting that so far in this series while Philadelphia hasn't. Things can still change in Game 4 on Sunday, and if they can, it will be a huge help to this group.
"Especially in the playoffs, you need everybody," George finsihed. "You need role guys to step up, and bench guys to step up, and we got the guys that can do it. I'm positive that we’ll make a turnaround."
BOSTON (AP) — Saturday's game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox was postponed by rain about 15 minutes before it was scheduled to start.
It will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on July 17.
Rain had held off for much of the afternoon but it started pouring just before the pitchers from both teams would have headed to the bullpen to begin their warmups. The tarp was never removed from the infield at Fenway Park.
Forecasts called for steady rain into the night.
Both teams are expected to use Saturday’s slated starters on Sunday. Right-hander Nick Martinez (3-1, 1.71 ERA) is set to go for the Rays against Boston lefty Payton Tolle (1-1, 2.04).
The Red Sox won the second game of the now rain-shortened series 2-0 on Friday, snapping the Rays’ seven-game winning streak.
Tolle picked up his first major league victory on Monday, when he allowed one hit in seven innings with eight strikeouts against Detroit.
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan continued their incredible partnership streak in IPL 2026 during Saturday’s clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The Gujarat Titans opening pair once again laid a rock-solid foundation, tormenting the Rajasthan Royals bowlers with yet another century stand.
The duo brought up their 100-run partnership in just 8.1 overs, completely dominating the RR bowling attack.
With this stand, Gill and Sudharsan equalled the record for the most century partnerships for the opening wicket in IPL history.
The GT pair now have six 100-plus stands together, matching the achievements of legendary Sunrisers Hyderabad opening pairs David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan, and Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.
Only a few iconic IPL opening combinations feature on the elite list.
Warner and Jonny Bairstow had registered five century stands for SRH, while Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli also have five century opening partnerships for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Most century stands for the opening wicket in the IPL
6 - David Warner & Shikhar Dhawan (SRH) 6 - Abhishek Sharma & Travis Head (SRH) 6 - Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan (GT)* 5 - David Warner & Jonny Bairstow (SRH) 5 - Faf du Plessis & Virat Kohli (RCB)
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal won the toss and opted to bowl first against Gujarat Titans. Jaiswal led the side in the absence of regular skipper Riyan Parag, who missed the game after suffering a hamstring injury in RR’s previous match.
GT made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Prasidh Krishna in place of Manav Suthar, while RR included Shimron Hetmyer and Yash Raj Punja. Teams:
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
Dallas Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd didn't start for her new team on Saturday to start the season. Why is that?
Well, Dallas chose to start veteran guard Odyssey Sims over Fudd, the top 2026 WNBA Draft selection, against the Indiana Fever on the road. The team got a 107-104 victory, with Sims contributing 20 points to the total. Fuzz scored three points in 18 minutes.
Dallas chose to go with a more experienced veteran in Sims for the starting lineup over Fudd, and it paid off.
Wings coach Jose Fernandez explained that Fudd just needs to "keep doing what she's doing" in terms of what he's looking for as she plays off the bench for Dallas right now, per reporter Drake Keeler.
Jose Fernandez was asked postgame about what he’s looking for from Azzi Fudd coming off the bench.
“Keep doing what she’s doing, it’s her first year in the league. We got 5 really talented backcourt players.”
Named Paige, Arike, Odyssey, Azzi and Aziaha as those players.
Colorado basketball is in the midst of its offseason, attempting to fill multiple roster spots after losing three of its top four rotation players. As all that roster fluctuation is underway, the 2026-27 schedule is coming into focus.
The Buffaloes, who played in the 2025 Acrisure Series, will again be a part of the Palm Springs event over the Thanksgiving holiday week. Last year, Colorado won its two games against San Francisco and Washington.
CU is one of 12 teams heading to the desert, joining Utah State, Oregon State and Washington State. CBS Sports Jon Rothstein reports that USC, Saint Louis, South Carolina, Stanford, Arizona State, Grand Canyon, Nevada and Santa Clara are the other confirmed teams in the event.
Matchups are still undecided, and the teams will likely be split up into a couple of different brackets. In the 2025 edition, three mini-tournaments made up the Acrisure Series: Acrisure Classic, Acrisure Invitational and Acrisure Holiday Invitational.
Source: Utah State, Oregon State, Colorado, and Washington State are in the 2026 Acrisure Series this November in Palm Springs.
Other confirmed teams in the event:
USC Saint Louis South Carolina Stanford Arizona State Grand Canyon Nevada Santa Clara
The list of participating teams is quite impressive and lends itself to some intriguing matchups. USC, Stanford, Oregon State and Washington State would be former Pac-12 matchups. Several others, like Santa Clara and Saint Louis, are reigning NCAA Tournament teams.
Colorado will find out its two opponents in due time, but fans can begin making plans if they want to see the Buffs in action this Thanksgiving.
Sixteen local teams were selected to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs on Friday, May 8.
One local team was selected for the Division I field, which is introducing a new double-elimination format this season.
Marmonte League co-champion Oaks Christian (22-6) was selected to Pool C and will visit Sierra Canyon (23-5) in Tuesday’s first round.
Depending on first-round results, the Lions will play either St. John Bosco (22-5) or Cypress (21-7) in Friday’s second round.
First-round games for the remaining eight divisions will be played on Thursday May 14 for Divisions 2, 4, 6 and 8 and Friday, May 15 for Divisions 3, 5, 7 and 9.
Three local teams received top seeds in their division. Westlake is the second seed in Division 2. Agoura is the third seed in Division 3. Moorpark is the second seed in Division 4.
Coastal Canyon League champion Royal (23-3-1) will host Freeway League champion El Modena (22-6), Newbury Park (17-11) will visit Chaminade (17-11) and Marmonte League co-champion Westlake (18-8) will host Alta Loma (18-6-1) in Division 2 first-round play Thursday.
Although Division 2 included three at-large teams, Chaminade and Loyola from the Mission League and Santa Margarita from the Trinity League, Thousand Oaks (17-10) was left out of the field.
Ranked No. 38 in the final Southern Section ratings, the Lancers were the second-highest rated team left out of the field. Mater Dei, the No. 29-rated team, was also left out.
Agoura (15-13), which finished in fifth place in the Marmonte League — one slot behind the Lancers — was the lone local school of the 24 teams that received an at-large berth across nine divisions.
The Chargers will host Liberty League champion Oakwood (21-1) Friday in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs.
Simi Valley (17-10) will also visit second-seeded Arcadia (18-10), the Pacific League champion, in the Division 3 first round.
Second-seeded Moorpark (19-9) will host La Serna (13-14), the Del Rio League champion, in Thursday’s Division 4 first round.
Rio Mesa (17-10) will also host Hesperia (19-7) and Pacifica (14-11) will visit Palm Desert (16-11) in Division 4.
Tri-Valley League champion St. Bonaventure (21-6) will host Mayfair (20-8) Friday in the first round of the Division 5 playoffs.
In the first round of the Division 6 playoffs Thursday, Citrus Coast League champion Hueneme (15-12) will visit Santa Ana-Calvary Chapel (18-10) and Foothill Tech (14-12 will host Bloomington (22-6).
Grace (16-11) will host Beverly Hills (12-9) and Santa Paula (12-15-1) will host Pasadena Poly (11-14) in the first round of the Division 7 playoffs Friday.
Nordhoff (11-14) will host Frontier League champion Bishop Diego (10-5) in the first round of the Division 8 playoffs Thursday.
Omega League champion Ojai Valley (8-4) will host San Luis Obispo Classic (9-7) in the first round of the Division 9 playoffs Friday.
The 16 local teams were among 271 playoff teams across nine divisions in the section.
The field was surprising released on Friday afternoon, 23 hours before its schedule release Saturday at 1 p.m.
CIF-SS baseball finals are scheduled for May 29-30 at Cal State Fullerton’s Goodwin Field and Loan Mart Field in Rancho Cucamonga.
Joe Curley covers baseball for The Star. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok.
The Cleveland Guardians think they have found their catcher for the next three-plus seasons.
The Guardians acquired two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Patrick Bailey in a trade with the San Francisco Giants for the No. 29 pick in this year's draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson.
Here's what to know about the 13th pick from the 2020 MLB draft.
Guardians veteran catcher Austin Hedges loves the trade for Patrick Bailey
Austin Hedges has never shied away from competition at the catching position and is one of the team's biggest fans of the move.
"He has all the aspects that I personally look for in a catcher," Hedges said. ". "He's the elite receiver, blocker, thrower, human. He's a special, special guy. Behind the plate he's second to none."
Bailey's ability to adapt will be tested quickly as he's already in Cleveland.
It's much more than switching from the National to the American League.
"It's very tough, especially when you've been in an organization very long where you've helped groom a lot of guys," Hedges said. "You get to know them inside and out. Going to a new spot, forces you to go back to the basics. You get to know a pitcher's strengths and learn another group quickly.
"Luckily, we have the best culture in baseball. He's going to catch on really quick. That's his skillset. This is nothing he's not built for. With the group that we have, the learning curve is going to be quick for him. I anticipate him helping us quite a bit."
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt sees great things in Patrick Bailey
Catchers are a special breed and as a former Major League catcher himself, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt sees great things in Bailey.
"I got eight (or) nine texts from the Giants organization just raving, not wanting him to leave," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "We feel like we got a good one.
"... Just seeing the spark in Hedgy's eyes, he knows he's going to get pushed. He knows he now has to push somebody and with David (Fry) right there between them, ... that's why it works. That the three were so close (Fry, Hedges and Bo Naylor) and I know it will be the same with Patrick. Our goal hasn't changed. it's to win and we know Patty will step right in and help us to do that."
What Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti sees in Patrick Bailey
Chris Antonetti didn't hide the fact that the Guardians have been trying to acquire Bailey for the last few years.
As those talks intensified over the last week, the president of baseball operations hammered out a deal late Friday evening.
"We gave up value to get him," he said. "He does everything well behind the plate, from receiving to game-calling to controlling running game to leading the pitching game, he checks all the boxes.
"To get a guy like that who is elite in so many different ways, it will help us prevent giving up more runs. That's ultimately what we're trying to do, impact the scoring runs equation and win as many games as we can. We think Patrick will help us."
What MLB.com says about Patrick Bailey
Bailey, 26, had been the Giants’ starting catcher since breaking into the Majors in 2023 and became the first backstop in franchise history to win back-to-back Gold Glove Awards last year. But his elite defense wasn’t enough to make up for his lack of production at the plate.
The switch-hitting Bailey has batted only .146 with a .396 OPS, one homer and five RBIs over 30 games this year, a miserable stretch that became harder for the Giants to absorb given their collective offensive futility this season.
With fellow rookie catcher Daniel Susac also nearing a return from the injured list, Bailey looked in danger of losing even more playing time, which prompted the Giants to move on from their 2020 first-round Draft pick.
Bailey enjoyed his fair share of highlights over his four seasons in San Francisco, including a walk-off grand slam against the Dodgers and a walk-off inside-the-parker against the Phillies last year. But Bailey still remained a below-average hitter throughout his Giants tenure, batting only .224 with a .611 OPS and a 74 OPS+ over 383 career games.
Patrick Bailey contract details
The club has control of Bailey for three more seasons.
The 26-year old is in the pre-arbitration phase of his contract for the 2026 season, with a salary of $2.2 million. Bailey is under team control and not eligible for free agency until 2030, with arbitration years ahead in 2027-2029.
Brad Bournival can be reached by email at bbournival@usatodayco.comand is on X at @bbournival.
Between now and late August, VikingsTerritory unleashes a handful of roster projections for the Minnesota Vikings, usually from various authors. This is the first official stab at 2026.
Minnesota’s roster has more depth than last year, making this first 2026 projection tougher than usual.
The Vikings have onboarded about 30 new players in the last three weeks, so here’s a predictive look at the lay of the land.
Rookies and New Starters Shape the First Roster Forecast
Minnesota will reveal the regular season roster in about 16 weeks. Note: Many of the players listed as “out” will hit the practice squad. Also, rookies who made the 53-man cut are listed in bold font.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) races upfield after a catch during first-half action on Sep. 21, 2025, against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jefferson remained the centerpiece of Kevin O’Connell’s offense, routinely creating explosive plays and commanding defensive attention throughout the 2025 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
RB1: Aaron Jones RB2: Jordan Mason RB3: Demond Claiborne
Out: Zavier Scott | Kejon Owens
Scott could sneak in here at the expense of another player’s subtraction, but there’s just no way Claiborne doesn’t make the September roster.
Fullback (1)
FB1: Max Bredeson
Wide Receiver (5)
WR1: Justin Jefferson WR2: Jordan Addison WR3: Jauan Jennings WR4: Tai Felton WR5: Myles Price
Out: Dillon Bell | Jeshaun Jones | Dontae Fleming | Joaquin Davis | Luke Wysong | Marcus Sanders | Shaleak Knotts
Bell is all the hype right now per UDFA steam, but he’ll probably start his career on the practice squad.
Tight End (3)
TE1: T.J. Hockenson TE2: Josh Oliver TE3: Gavin Bartholomew
Out: Ben Yurosek | Bryson Nesbit
Yurosek could easily win the TE3 job. But no one knows how good Bartholomew can be, as he missed his entire rookie season due to injury. We chose unfulfilled draft stock with the tiebreaker.
Our Janik Eckardt on Bartholomew: “His back injury should be in the rearview mirror. He returned to practice late last season and the Vikings could’ve activated him down the stretch. Ultimately, they opted to keep him sidelined for the last two games as well and make the redshirt season official.”
“His NFL debut could come as early as September. He’ll have to show that he was actually worth the draft capital by distancing himself from Yurosek in the TE3 sweepstakes.”
Left Tackle (2)
LT1: Christian Darrisaw LT2: Caleb Tiernan
Out: Caleb Etienne | Tristan Leigh
Right Tackle (3)
RT1: Brian O’Neill RT2: Ryan Van Demark RT3: Walter Rouse
Out: N/A
Center (3)
C1: Blake Brandel C2: Michael Jurgens C3: Gavin Gerhardt
OUT: N/A
Left Guard (1)
LG1: Donovan Jackson
Out: Henry Byrd | Delby Lemieux
Byrd could be a sneaky sleeper pick if Minnesota prefers more guard depth.
Right Guard (2)
RG1: Will Fries RG2: Joe Huber
Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75), and fullback C.J. Ham (30) celebrate after a touchdown on Jan. 4, 2026, against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota’s offensive line showed major improvement during the 2025 season after several key offseason roster additions. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Out: Vershon Lee | Tomas Rimac
— Defensive Roster —
Outside Linebacker (5)
OLB1: Andrew Van Ginkel OLB2: Dallas Turner OLB3: Bo Richter OLB4: Tyler Batty OLB5: Chaz Chambliss
Out: Cam’Ron Stewart | Jordan Botelho | Arden Walker
This group could change by the summer, perhaps with the addition of a player like Leonard Floyd.
Defensive End (3)
DE1: Jalen Redmond DE2: Caleb Banks DE3: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins *Please Note: Most NFL terminology considers this spot “defensive tackle.”
Out: Eric Johnson | Elijah Williams | Monkell Goodwine
If we’re wrong here, Minnesota will find a way to keep Williams.
Nose Tackle (3)
NT1: Domonique Orange NT2: Levi Drake Rodriguez NT3: Taki Taimani
Out: N/A
Middle Linebacker (2)
MLB1: Eric Wilson MLB2: Ivan Pace Jr.
Out: Jacob Roberts | Scooby Williams
You should never cut a man named Scooby, but someone had to find the exit sign at ILB.
Weakside Linebacker (2)
WLB1: Blake Cashman WLB2: Jake Golday
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) speaks with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) after a game on Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Cashman later emerged as one of the Vikings’ defensive tone-setters, delivering impactful tackling production and versatility in Brian Flores’ scheme. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Out: Josh Ross | Keli Lawson
Cornerback (4)
CB1: Byron Murphy Jr. CB2: Isaiah Rodgers CB3: James Pierre CB4: Charles Demmings
Out: Dwight McGlothern | Zemaiah Vaughn | Da’Veawn Armstead | Marcus Allen | Tyreek Chappell
McGlothern and Vaughn will hit the practice squad, so don’t panic. This CB room is already much deeper than the unit last year at this time, thanks to Pierre and Demmings.
VikingsWire‘s Anderw Harbaugh on Demmings: “Flores has a track record of taking day three defensive backs and turning them into something special in his time in the NFL.”
“Whether it is during his stops with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, or now the Vikings. Demmings has the stuff to make this pick become a homerun, but it will also be decided by the coaching of Flores.”
Safety (5)
S1: Josh Metellus S2: Jay Ward S3: Theo Jackson S4: Jakobe Thomas S5: Tavierre Thomas
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - MAY 09: Christoph Freund of FC Bayern Muenchen talks during an interview following the team's victory in the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern München at Volkswagen Arena on May 09, 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
Bayern Munich followed their heartbreaking elimination from the Champions League with a hard-fought win against Wolfsburg who are fighting relegation. Christoph Freund, Bayern’s sporting director, knew that it won’t be smooth sailing after that UCL elimination and that he expected the team performing like it did today.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy today,” Freund began (via Bayern’s official website). “Wednesday was a very bitter evening for us – and then we come here to find Wolfsburg fighting for survival. In the end, we’re really proud to have won. Because it wasn’t an easy situation to start from. We kept a clean sheet and played a very good second half. So we’re very happy.
“We started well, then Wolfsburg did well, constantly switching quickly. We couldn’t find our rhythm, lacked dominance, and kept losing possession, including too many challenges. That was uncharacteristic for us, not a good first half. But Jonas Urbig and some defensive plays kept us in the game.”
Bayern has the final matchday of the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal final left before the season concludes.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
A difficult season for the Minnesota Twins is now even tougher with pitcher Taj Bradley going on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right pectoral muscle.
Bradley, 25, had been Minnesota’s lone pitching standout, compiling a 2.87 ERA and 4-1 record in his first eight starts. He has 52 strikeouts in 47 innings, providing swing-and-miss stuff not typically seen on the Twins’ staff.
In his second start of the season while facing the Kansas City Royals, Bradley became the first Twins pitcher to hit 100 mph on the radar gun since pitch tracking began in 2008.
The right-hander became the latest Minnesota pitcher to be sidelined, joining Mick Abel (right elbow inflammation) and Pablo López (Tommy John surgery). Joe Ryan left his previous start with right elbow soreness after facing just two batters, but he is scheduled to start Saturday versus the Cleveland Guardians.
Travis Adams was called up from Triple-A to fill Bradley’s spot on the major-league roster.
In three starts and five appearances for St. Paul, Adams compiled a 9.00 ERA, allowing six runs and nine hits in six innings since recovering from a right triceps strain to begin the season. He appeared in 18 games for the Twins last season, finishing with a 7.75 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 39 hits allowed in 33 2/3 innings.
Previously in his MLB career, Bradley went on the IL with a similar injury. When he pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024, a right pectoral strain kept him out for a month. However, he returned and finished the season with 25 starts and 138 innings.
Bradley is in his first full season with the Twins after being acquired from the Rays at last season’s trade deadline for reliever Griffin Jax.
With a 16-23 record going into Saturday, the Twins are last in the AL Central, 4.5 games behind the first-place Guardians. Minnesota has lost three consecutive games and seven of their past 10, resulting in the American League’s second-worst mark.
🐐 He really is the GOAT! Messi SMASHES goals and assists record in MLS
This Saturday (9), Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 4-2 away from home in another round of the MLS regular season.
And the star of the match was none other than him: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini!
After De Paul opened the scoring in the first half, the Argentine genius wearing the No. 10 shirt provided assists for Luis Suárez and Reguilon and scored the fourth goal for the South Florida side.
With that, Messi reached 100 goal contributions (41 assists and 59 goals) in just 64 games for Inter Miami.
As a result, the "GOAT" became the player to reach the 100 G/A mark the fastest in MLS.
But breaking records isn’t enough! Messi has to "destroy" the opposition. In this case, the second-place player in the statistic, Sebastian Giovinco, needed 31 more games to reach the same number of goal contributions.
Francesco Bagnaia has claimed pole position for the 2026 French Grand Prix, breaking a rough patch of form, although Neil Hodgson admitted he was caught off guard by the Italian’s impressive lap.
It’s Bagnaia’s first pole since the Malaysian Grand Prix last year, and he made it count in front of a packed crowd at Le Mans.
He’ll be joined on the front row by fellow factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez, who had to come through Q1 before setting a new lap record at Le Mans.
While covering qualifying at the French Grand Prix for TNT Sports, Gavin Emmett and Neil Hodgson pointed out that Bagnaia’s pace has been missing in action over recent rounds.
Hodgson added: “We shouldn’t joke, but his run of form has been very confusing.”
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
Sylvain Guintoli reacts to Francesco Bagnaia’s French GP pole lap
Sylvain Guintoli echoed those thoughts but also pointed out that it was good to see the two-time world champion showing some positive signs again, even if it’s just for one weekend.
“It’s good to see that he’s backing it up from the Jerez test, he’s obviously found something there, and brought it with him here,” the former MotoGP rider told viewers.
“He was quick yesterday, had good pace, managed to do well in the time attack yesterday, and today, he’s been able to replicate it. It was a great, great lap time, and yeah, Pecco is back on form.
“We’ve not seen much of Pecco’s results lately, so it’s great to have him back in the mix. With that pole position now, he’s got a great chance of making it count, at least for the Sprint. We’ve got a real battle on.”
Michael Laverty highlights what’s changed for Bagnaia on the GP26
Michael Laverty also spoke about how Bagnaia appears to be getting back to the level that brought him success in previous seasons, pointing out that the Italian’s renewed confidence under braking stood out most.
He continued, “Obviously, we want to see a double world champion fight like a double world champion. He looked a shadow of his former self over the last year, and even at the start of the season, we thought that over the winter, they would put things right.
“But he’s just looked all at sea over the opening four rounds of the season. He’s turned up here after the test in Jerez; they’ve obviously unlocked something.
“He’s changed the aero body a little bit this weekend, more downforce, maybe changed the balance of the bike. But he looked better in the braking zones, better, and turning, better in consistency, and he delivered another pole.
“And that’s what, when Pecco was in his championship-winning seasons, he could do, he could extract a bit more grip out of the tyres, find that last tenth of a second.”
When: 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Allianz Field Stream: Apple TV Radio: KSTP-AM, 1500 Weather: 60 degrees, sunny, 12 mph south wind
Form: MNUFC (6-3-2, 20 points) ended a two-game winless lull with a 3-2 win at Columbus last Saturday. After a seven-match skid without a victory, Austin (3-4-4, 13 points) has won two straight by identical 2-0 score lines over Houston and St. Louis in the last two weeks.
Fact: The Loons trailed the Crew 2-0 on the road after 56 minutes but staked the club’s first multi-goal comeback since joining MLS in 2017.
Recent matchup: Minnesota also came back to draw Austin 2-2 in the season opener on Feb. 22. The teams traded set-piece goals from Brandon Hines-Ike and Morris Duggan in the first half and crosses-to-back-post finishes in the second stanza. Kelvin Yeboah’s header in the 90th minute tied it up.
Check-in: Former Loons striker Christian Ramirez had a goal and assist in the victory over St. Louis last weekend. Now on his sixth MLS team, “Superman” has four goal contributions in 459 minutes played in 2026.
Storyline: Loons left wingback Anthony Markanich scored his third goal of the season last week, adding to the nine he tallied in MLS last season. Meanwhile, his twin brother Nick Markanich joined Houston Dynamo from Castellon in La Liga 2 in Spain and has yet to score in MLS.
Anthony said he doesn’t like to talk about himself. “I’d rather have other people talk about me,” he said. But Ant will bring up his goals to his sibling.
“We always talk,” Anthony told reporters this week. “He says he gets jealous because I’m scoring and he’s not. He’ll get there.”
Nick scored 28 goals for Charleston in the USL Championship in 2024 before a move abroad. He has played only 38 minutes for Dynamo this season.
Absences: Bongi Hlongwane (personal issue), Peter Stroud (quad), Carlos Harvey (lower body) and Julian Gressel (toe) are out.
View: James Rodriguez’ short stint in Minnesota has been perpetually peculiar. In my 10 years covering the club, only Emanuel Reynoso has had more drama.
While Reynoso was getting in trouble, being insubordinate and dealing with suspensions, Rodriguez’s tenure has been entirely more benign. But both are enigmas.
The latest with Rodriguez is how he is expected to leave the team next week to join the Colombian national team for its training camp for the FIFA World Cup. His exit comes despite MNUFC having two more games before the entire MLS breaks for the World Cup.
The 34-year-old superstar is coming off a procedure that sidelined him for the Crew game, but coach Cameron Knowles said he trained fully on Saturday and is available for selection.
Yet, given all the twists and turns since he joined MNUFC in February, it would not be surprising if he didn’t play again for the Loons. Little can be ruled out at this point.
Update: While James is set to leave the Loons early, Michael Boxall (New Zealand) is expected to remain with the club until after their final match — May 23 vs. Salt Lake. Then he will join his national team for a camp in Miami. Harvey (Panama) is also expected to partake in the World Cup.
Scouting report: When it comes to set pieces, Knowles called Austin “probably one of the best in the league at this moment.” Of Verde’s 16 goals this season, eight have come on set plays.
Stats: Austin has a minus-3 goal differential but the second-worst expected-goals difference in the league at minus-11.7, meaning they are outperforming the analytic. Minnesota has a minus-2 goal differential, with a 0.5 xG difference.
Prediction: Austin has dug itself out of its long slump, but they are one of only two MLS sides still winless on the road. Minnesota keeps them 0-fer with a 2-1 victory.
Aaron Rodgers has reportedly spent a few days in Pittsburgh this week, but the veteran quarterback has not met with the Steelers to discuss his future, according to the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.
While the 42-year-old quarterback has not spoken to anyone from the team, his agent, David Dunn, has reportedly held conversations with Steelers' brass. There is the possibility Rodgers does join in on talks in the coming days, but for now he has remained away from the team's practice facility with their rookie minicamp underway.
It was reported earlier this week that Rodgers was expected to meet with the Steelers on Friday and was likely to sign on for a second season in Pittsburgh.
Despite needing a quarterback, the Steelers remain patient on that front. The team did not make a free-agent splash at the position and waited until the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Drew Allar. While a third-round pick isn’t nothing, it doesn’t guarantee Allar as the future of the franchise.
Those moves left the door wide open for Rodgers to return as the team’s starter in 2026. But in case there was any doubt about that reunion, the Steelers took a major step in securing Rodgers’ services again in late April, when the team placed the transition tag on the veteran passer. Under that tag, the Steelers would have the ability to match any deal given to Rodgers by another franchise. The move didn’t guarantee Rodgers would return, but it did give a pretty clear indication that the Steelers want him back.
With questions swirling about Rodgers’ future, the team hired someone with which Rodgers has plenty of familiarity. Former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was brought in as Mike Tomlin’s replacement.
McCarthy and Rodgers have a history as a successful pair in the NFL. The duo worked together for 13 seasons in Green Bay. During that period, the Packers made the playoffs nine times, Rodgers won two MVPs and the Packers defeated the Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV.
When asked about the possibility of Rodgers coming on board again, McCarthy said Saturday the ideal number of quarterbacks once OTA workouts begin later this month is three.
“I mean, three quarterbacks is the normal,” McCarthy said. “Four would be awesome.”
While the outside world might have been perplexed by the Houston Texans' selection of Michigan tight end Marlin Klein in the second round, head coach DeMeco Ryans views it as the ideal pick.
Klein, who shocked the NFL world after Houston used the No. 59 pick to select him, plans to be the long-term option for the offense as the prototypical "Y" tight end in Nick Caley's offensive approach. He likely won't start right away over Dalton Schultz, but Ryans views his arrival a player who is only scratching the surface of his potential.
While stats might say one thing about Klein's potential in Year 1, his tape tells the stronger story.
"He's been through a lot and he's overcome a lot," Ryans said Friday following training camp. "To see this kid grow into the football player that he's become at the University of Michigan. He’s strong at the edge of the line of scrimmage, does a good job of blocking, sustaining blocks, running on his feet. It didn't show up a ton, but when you see it, I feel like he can be a dynamic player in the passing game."
In college, Klein waited three seasons to finally carve out a starting role, learning from multiple future NFL tight ends, including former top 10 pick Colston Loveland and A.J. Barner. Last season with the Wolverines, Klein was limited in the offensive play-calling, totaling a career-high 24 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown.
HC Demeco Ryans on TE Marlin Klein:
“I feel like he can be a dynamic player in the passing game, big tall target good hands to catch the ball”
But again, the Texans are looking at the player's attributes and upside. In an offense that caters to the play of tight ends, Ryans sees a player who, in time, could grow to be one of the breakout starts of the 2026 class.
"We just want to continue to work with him to develop him," Ryans said. "He's still a young player and our coaches have done a great job already."
Klein will likely compete for the tight end No. 3 role behind Schultz and recently signed Foster Moreau. Given his contract and unknown potential, he could have the inside track to start over Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan, who have dealt with injuries during the past two seasons in Houston.
The Texans return for voluntary workouts later on this month.
They say you should never fall in love with a loan player, but Kilmarnock fans are head over heels with Findlay Curtis.
The 19-year-old joined from parent club Rangers in January, having scored three goals and chipped in with two assists in 21 appearances for the Ibrox club with impressive European showings against the likes of Porto.
His precocious Paisley performance on Saturday was the display of a player beyond his years, playing with heaps of confidence and the freedom given to him by Rugby Park boss Neil McCann.
Having boosted Kilmarnock's survival hopes with a composed double in the win at St Mirren, has he perhaps also elevated his dreams of travelling to this summer's World Cup as a member of Steve Clarke's Scotland squad?
Since leaving Ibrox on loan in January, many Rangers fans will have wondered if he would have made more of an impact than some of the side's out-of-form attackers.
"If you're Danny Rohl now, you'd rather have him in your squad," BBC Sport Scotland pundit Scott Allan said.
"At that time, he'd have been thinking Andreas Skov Olsen and others are going to come in and have an impact. But now he'll be looking at it thinking they'd be a much better side with Findlay Curtis in it."
Indeed, Curtis has outshone many of his possible replacements at Ibrox.
His five league goals this season match the combined tally of Skov Olsen and fellow January signing Ryan Naderi, as well as Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama.
With two games to go this season, Kilmarnock are four points clear of St Mirren and the relegation play-off spot, with Curtis having played a huge part in potentially lifting them away from danger.
"I think it tells you he likes that responsibility," said Allan about Curtis' willingness to step up when it matters most.
"That's usually when you can see these players who have that wee bit extra, who want to take the ball under pressure, who want to go and be the guy that wins the game.
"It shouldn't really matter what age you are, it's either in you or it's not, and Curtis has definitely shown that he has that bit between his teeth."
McCann was appointed by Kilmarnock, it became apparent early on that he wanted Curtis in on loan, having worked with him as part of Barry Ferguson's backroom staff at Rangers towards the end of last season.
Allan - who worked under McCann at Dundee and Inverness - reckons the manager's influence is a positive one for this stage in Curtis' career.
"I think you can go on loan from a Rangers or a Celtic and maybe take your foot off the gas a little bit - but I don't think McCann would have allowed him to do that."
The winger would have been fighting for a place in the Rangers side but decided a loan move for regular football was the correct choice for him.
"One of the main things was to play as many minutes as I can," Curtis told BBC Sport Scotland in the aftermath of his impressive double.
"It gives me loads of confidence to get those goals. I want to get my numbers higher, and I won't stop doing that.
"I think I just need to keep working hard and see what comes next."
Analysis: How Curtis proved decisive in Paisley
There's one word that springs to mind when describing Curtis's display against St Mirren: clinical. He had three shots, two on target, both goals, and good ones.
He showed the quality that had him featuring regularly for Rangers in the early days of Russell Martin's tenure, scoring three times in the Englishman's first six games, including in Champions League qualifying.
He's since scored four in Kilmarnock's last six games under McCann and Billy Dodds.
Curtis was pushed forward by his fellow players when the squad took a well-deserved post-match ovation from a sizeable travelling support.
A player-of-the-match performance with his double, which took the game away from St Mirren, he was a constant nuisance.
And his numbers show a player who's happy to muck in - 45 touches, 24 passes with an accuracy of nearly 67%, two key passes, one tackle, and two fouls won.
The most important column of all, of course, is the goals tally. And his brace has gone a long way to securing top-flight survival for his adopted side.
Afterwards, he paid tribute post-match to McCann and Dodds, to his team-mates, and to the fans who've taken him to their hearts with their own special song.
He says Rangers are getting a much better player back when his loan ends next weekend and that he'll be sad to leave Rugby Park.
"I'd definitely say it's been a beneficial loan, both on and off the pitch," he said.
[BBC]
Should Curtis be on plane for World Cup?
Curtis' burgeoning ability to drag his side out of a mire at just 19 has already caught the eye of a former Rugby Park manager, Steve Clarke.
The Scotland head coach made Curtis a surprise inclusion in his squad for the friendly matches in March, the teenager making his debut with 10 minutes to go in a 1-0 defeat by Japan.
"Fingers crossed," Curtis said when asked on Saturday if playing at this World Cup was an ambition of his.
"Let's just see what happens. It will obviously be a massive thing if you get picked for a World Cup at 19 years old. I'll just keep on working away"
Curtis' possible seat on the plane this summer will likely be a hot topic between now and the squad being finalised in a couple of weeks.
And Allan believes that he can add something different to Clarke's options.
"It's very early in his career to be going to a World Cup, but we just don't have enough players throughout the squad who can come on and influence a game with that sort of pace and directness," he said.
"It gives Clarke something to think about, and it allows Scotland a stage in a game where someone else can come on and get you up the pitch, which is going to be very difficult come the World Cup."
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's soccer federation said on Saturday the country “definitely” will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and insisted that tournament hosts — the United States, Canada and Mexico — consider Tehran's concerns around the team’s travel and how it will be treated.
“All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems,” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran president Mehdi Taj said, according to Iranian media.
In the statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, Taj said Friday that Iran had presented conditions tied to participation — including guarantees over visas, security and treatment of Iranian players and officials — and added that the Islamic Republic would take part “without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions.”
The remarks came after Canadian authorities last month denied entry to Taj ahead of a FIFA Congress, reportedly because of his past ties to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, which both the U.S. and Canada have designated as a terrorist organization.
Taj has repeatedly said that Iran would seek assurances from FIFA that Iranian officials, players, national flag and anthem would be treated with respect during the World Cup.
Concerns over issuing visas to people who completed their mandatory military service in the Guard had been raised previously by others.
The matter potentially could affect one of Iran’s key players, Mehdi Taremi, team captain and a striker who had completed his mandatory military service in the Guard. In Iran, conscripts also can be assigned to the police or the army, often at random.
Iran's team has drawn with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G and opens the World Cup against New Zealand in Inglewood, next to Los Angeles.
Iran has qualified for four consecutive World Cups and seven overall but has never advanced out of the group stage. Currently ranked No. 21 in the world, Iran lost just one match in the Asian qualifying.
The five-time major winner shot five birdies and an eagle on the par-5 13th that spearheaded a 29 down the stretch to vault him to T-2 on the leaderboard at Dunes Golf and Beach Club with some of the field still playing through Round 3.
"That's the most excited I've been playing golf in a long, long time. I can tell you that much," Koepka told reporters in his post-round interview after his lowest round of the year. "It's I would say back until '23, the PGA. That's the most — it's been a long time since I've had fun playing golf.
"For at least a year, I've been very — I was very frustrated last year," he added. "Just wasn't in a good place, but I think a lot of times when you — it's like anybody, right? If they're happy off the golf course, they're going to play well on the golf course. I think that's a huge, huge piece of it, and I've found that. Re-found my happiness, my love for the game. All the pieces are connected. It's just now I've got to go out and go play."
"Maybe to everybody else, but to me I just look at it as a process of the whole thing," he said to a question about whether winning this specific tournament would suddenly mean more to him than another. "I don't know when I expected to get into elevated events, whatever it is, but I said it earlier in the week, good play takes care of itself."
Koepka, whose previous low was 65 this season in front of his home crowd at the Cognizant, has spent plenty of time waiting to get into elevated events recently. First there was Harbour Town the week following the 2026 Masters (which Koepka finished T-12).
And two weeks later — after being cut at the Zurich in between, Koepka was at the center of another game of "alternate-in-waiting" in Doral.
"It just felt like our whole group, the gallery, got twice the size," Koepka said about building momentum during his run on the back nine. "I love that. They've been fantastic. They've been super supportive all week, and it's fun to kind of get those feels of playing good. The crowd is growing. The energy is kind of with me."
Any thoughts about Aronimink?
Koepka kept the focus on finishing up Sunday but did say he felt his putter was in better shape heading into next week's PGA Championship than it was a month ago at Augusta.
"It will be something I've been looking forward to for a while," said the three-time Wanamaker Trophy winner. "I feel like I've been knocking on the door. It's very close. It's one piece here, one piece there. Short game wasn't quite there at Augusta. Putted OK, but the short game now is starting to come around."
"Today was honestly the best ball-striking day I've had out in a while," Koepka said. "It's nice to see, because I feel like — we were talking yesterday. I feel like I haven't shot 6-under, 7-under, 8-under in a long time. I know a lot of that is because of the putter, but hopefully this can kind of translate into tomorrow and then into next week, and then you just build that momentum and ride the wave."
Aston Villa Struggling To Buy Midfielder Permanently: Should They Pay €30m?
Aston Villa brought Douglas Luiz back on loan from Juventus in January 2026, but the reunion has done little to justify paying the €25m to keep him this summer. The 27-year-old Brazilian came off the bench during Villa’s 4–0 Europa League semi-final win over Nottingham Forest on 7 May, but his bit-part role spoke volumes.
Douglas Luiz’s Aston Villa return looks set to end in disappointment
He hasn’t started a game since the 2–0 victory over Lille in March, as Unai Emery has stuck with other options in midfield. Across loan spells at both Forest and Villa this season, Luiz has managed just one goal in 21 appearances, numbers that are a far cry from the standards he once set at Villa Park.
He previously spent five great seasons at the club, including a 10-goal, 10-assist campaign in 2023–24, making his current slump even more obvious. While his set-pieces and passing range once made him a focal point, his fitness and consistency have fallen off a cliff since moving to Turin.
Dealing with three different managers at Forest this season didn’t help either, with the constant coaching changes clearly messing with his rhythm. Over in Italy, Calciomercato reports that Juventus now view Luiz as almost impossible to sell, especially since he still carries a €30m book value despite his initial €50m price tag. It’s a situation starting to look a lot like their struggle with Arthur Melo, who has been sent on four different loans since his big-money move from Barcelona.
Should Aston Villa take the risk and sign Douglas Luiz permanently this summer?
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Noah Edjouma of LOSC Lille is challenged by Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Lille OSC at Villa Park on March 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Aston Villa should pass on the €25m option; the facts simply don’t make a case for the move. Luiz’s second stint at B6 hasn’t been convincing, and the fact that he’s barely playing shows that Emery has his doubts. For a club aiming for Europe in 2026–27, every squad member needs to be reliable and high-energy, and Luiz just isn’t hitting those marks right now.
Bringing back a former fan favourite is a nice idea, but spending €25m on a player who can’t get into the starting eleven is bad business. Aston Villa would be better off letting the loan expire and finding a midfielder who can actually change the game.
ANN ARBOR, MI - April 26: Jenika Cuocco #23 of the Northwestern Wildcats is handed the Most Outstanding Player trophy in the Big Ten Tournament after defeating the Maryland Terrapins in overtime of the Big Ten Women's Lacrosse final on April 26, 2026 at U-M Lacrosse Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Paul Barnick/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images).
In the preseason, nobody circled James Madison on Northwestern’s calendar. Why would they? The Dukes were unranked. The schedule featured the likes of North Carolina, Maryland and Boston College.
Turns out nobody told JMU they weren’t supposed to be here.
Shelley Klaes brought her No. 22 Dukes to Martin Stadium and ended up crafting a stunning 13-12 comeback win over Notre Dame in the first round on Friday. James Madison erased a five-goal deficit, held the Irish scoreless for over 20 minutes and watched Payton Root bury a behind-the-back game-winner that will live on highlight reels for years.
Now they face No. 1 Northwestern. The Wildcats are 36-0 all-time in home NCAA Tournament games under Kelly Amonte Hiller. They have won 10 straight. They have a three-time Tewaaraton finalist in Madison Taylor and the NCAA’s active career saves leader in Jenika Cuocco.
But JMU has won eight straight games. They have a goalie playing out of her mind and Root leading an offense that saw Lauren Savage bury four goals herself.
Here are three keys for the ‘Cats to avoid becoming the latest number next to an asterisk, and to ensure their fight back to the title game continues beyond the weekend.
1. Stop the passing lanes. Payton Root is a magician with her stick.
If Northwestern watched Friday’s film, they saw something terrifying: not just a scorer but a distributor who sees angles that should not exist.
Root finished the Notre Dame win with a game-best five assists and two goals, including the absurd behind-the-back game-winner that withstood an Irish challenge. For good measure, her first goal was a ridiculous sidearm rifle from the goal line extended, reminiscent of Patrick Kane’s Stanley Cup winning stunner in 2010. Even with all that, somehow, the assists tell the real story. Root was placing balls directly into her teammates’ sticks right in front of the net. She was not throwing to space and hoping. She was simply delivering and dominating in extremely confident fashion.
JMU head coach Shelley Klaes talked about discipline and stick work after the game. That starts with Root. When she had time, the Dukes scored. When she got the ball in space, Notre Dame’s defense collapsed.
Northwestern’s defense has seen elite playmakers. They held Maryland to seven goals in the Big Ten title game and shut down North Carolina’s attack in stretches. But Root is different because she doesn’t need to score to beat you. She beat Notre Dame with her passing first, then finished them with a highlight-reel goal when the game was on the line.
The Wildcats need to disrupt every passing lane. Face-guard her. Make her beat you with her own shot, not the five assists. Because if Root has time to survey the field, Northwestern’s defense will be chasing sticks all afternoon.
And when she does decide to shoot? That behind-the-back nonsense works. Ask Notre Dame.
2. The goalie who blinks most loses.
Two goalies. Two completely different paths to Sunday. One cage is going to decide this game.
Cuocco is the NCAA’s active career saves leader with 743. She just delivered arguably the best game of her career in the Big Ten Tournament final against Maryland: a program-record 18 saves on a .720 save percentage, including three clutch stops in overtime. She ranks top 10 nationally in both saves (161) and save percentage (51.6%). When the moment gets big, Cuocco gets bigger.
Abigail Beattie does not have Cuocco’s resume, but she has momentum. Against Notre Dame, Beattie was stellar with 10 saves on 22 shots for a .455 save percentage. More importantly, she helped hold the Irish scoreless for over 20 minutes of game time, including a shutout third quarter where she made four saves to flip the game entirely. JMU outscored Notre Dame 3-0 in that third quarter because Beattie never let the Irish breathe.
Here is what makes this battle fascinating. Cuocco faces more volume because Northwestern plays faster. Beattie faces higher quality chances because JMU’s defense bends but doesn’t break.
When the fourth quarter arrives and both teams are exhausted, which goalie makes the save? Cuocco has done it before. She has the track record. But Beattie just played the game of her life, and goalies on hot streaks are dangerous in single-elimination lacrosse.
The first one to let in a soft goal loses. Neither wants to be that player.
3. Madison Taylor will get her way. But when she’s forced into bad positioning, who takes over?
Let’s be honest. Madison Taylor is going to get hers.
The three-time Tewaaraton finalist has 455 career points, the most among active NCAA Division I players and fourth all-time in NCAA history. She is 28 points behind Izzy Scane’s program record of 483. She leads the Big Ten in goals and points. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the WLL Draft. She has seen every defense imaginable, and she has scored on all of them.
But here is the key. JMU’s defense is different than what Taylor has seen lately.
Against Notre Dame, Klaes said her staff played “probably 5 different defenses” to disrupt the Irish’s momentum. They switched looks constantly. They held Notre Dame scoreless for over 20 minutes of game time. They took away passing lanes, rotated coverages and never let the Irish get comfortable.
So when JMU throws five different looks at Taylor and forces her into bad positioning, awkward angles, off-balance shots or double teams that rotate late… who steps up?
Against Maryland in the Big Ten final, it was Annabel Child who buried the overtime dagger for her first career hat trick. Child also scooped three ground balls in that win. She has proven she can handle the moment.
Aditi Foster had two points in that same Maryland game. Lucy Munro and Taylor Lapointe both added goals. This Northwestern offense is not a one-woman show, but it can sometimes play like one when Taylor is cooking.
The question is when she is not cooking. When JMU’s defense forces Taylor into bad spots, the rest of the offense has to punish the Dukes consistently for loading up on the superstar. Child is the most obvious candidate. She has the confidence after that Maryland game. She has the skill to create her own shot.
This offense is run smoothly when the ones who aren’t always on the scoresheet excel. These include when Noel Cumberland is pushing the tempo on ring-around passing, or when Maddie Epke utilizes her speed to jumpstart a counter-attack.
But the others cannot disappear either. If they do, JMU will sell out on Taylor and dare someone else to beat them. Someone else needs to answer the bell.
The bottom line
These two programs have never met in the NCAA Tournament. Northwestern leads the all-time series 3-1, but the last meeting was in 1989. That was 37 years ago. Quite simply, none of these players were alive.
The Wildcats are 36-0 at home in the NCAA Tournament under Amonte Hiller. That streak dates back to May 13, 2004. It is one of the most ridiculous stats in all of sports.
But streaks end. JMU just proved that against Notre Dame, erasing an eight-to-one run and winning on a behind-the-back goal. The Dukes believe in themselves. They have won eight straight and have a goalie playing elite lacrosse.
Northwestern needs to stop the passing lanes and need Cuocco to be the best goalie on the field. I picked Northwestern to win this tournament back in February. Nothing has changed.
But Sunday at 1 p.m. CT? It could easily be a lot closer than the rankings suggest, but if the ‘Cats stick to their convictions, they should be able to pull away.
UCLA softball senior Megan Grant has officially broken the NCAA single-season home run record. Grant hit her 38th home run of the season in the third inning of the Big Ten Tournament championship game on Saturday.
The record-breaking home run was not enough to help No. 3 seed UCLA take down No. 1 seed Nebraska in the championship game, as the Huskers went on to win 7-2. But it was enough to surpass Arizona’s Laura Espinoza’s home run record from 1995.
A Race For the Record
Grant has been in a race with Oklahoma star freshman Kendall Wells for the record all season long.
Wells has hit 36 homers this season. The SEC Freshman of the Year has broken the Oklahoma program single-season record, set a new SEC single-season home run record and broke the NCAA freshman single-season home run record.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma was eliminated from the SEC Tournament by Georgia in the quarterfinals on Thursday. This gave Grant an advantage in the home run record race by giving the Bruin two more games than Wells to log homers.
Even though Grant has passed Espinoza’s record, the race to finish the season as the NCAA’s home run leader will continue through the NCAA Tournament, which begins Friday. Both UCLA and Oklahoma are projected to make deep runs through the playoffs and into the Women’s College World Series.
UCLA has multiple home run hitters in addition to Grant that give the Bruins one of the strongest offenses in the nation. The 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year, Jordan Woolery, follows closely behind Grant with 33 home runs this season. As a whole, the Bruins have hit a nation-leading182 home runs this season.
Munich, Germany - May 6: Min-jae Kim of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Football Arena Munich on May 6, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany subbed off midfielder Leon Goretzka and center-back Kim Min-jae at halftime and it was a little puzzling to understand why at the time.
As it turns out, both Goretzka and Kim were removed for medical issues, but — per Kompany — it was more precautionary than anything (via @iMiaSanMia):
Kompany says Leon Goretzka and Kim Min-jae were subbed off at half time for medical reasons, but it’s nothing serious – just a precaution.
Kim was in the midst of one of his best efforts of the season before leaving the contest, while Goretzka was likely not going to be subbed out at all if not for the issue. For Goretzka, the removal was important because this could be one of the final games for the midfielder in a Bayern Munich kit.
The Germany international has been closely linked to AC Milan for a summer move, but there are rumored to be several other interested clubs as well.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Benoit Allaire, the New York Rangers’ longtime “goalie whisperer,” is calling it a career. The Rangers said Saturday that Allaire, who spent the past 22 seasons with the Blueshirts, including the first 20 as goaltending coach, is retiring.
“Benoit Allaire’s contributions to the Rangers over the past two decades have been immeasurable,” president and general manager Chris Drury said. “Whether it was teaching a Hall of Famer or a rookie just starting his career, Benny made everyone he worked with better.
“On behalf of everyone in the Rangers organization, we wish him and his wife, Lyne, all the best in retirement.”
Allaire began his NHL coaching career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1996-97 as their goaltending coach. He joined the Phoenix Coyotes in the same role the following season and worked with them through the 2003-04 season before joining the Rangers as an assistant and goalie coach in July 2004.
Drury promoted him to director of goaltending as well as goalie coach in June 2021. He served as the director of goaltending for the past two seasons, with Jeff Malcolm taking over the day-to-day responsibilities as goalie coach.
Henrik Lundqvist joined the organization in 2000 as a seventh-round draft pick, came to the NHL in 2005 and worked closely with Allaire for all 15 years of “The King’s” Hall of Fame career. Allaire also worked with Igor Shesterkin, who came to the NHL in 2019-20, won the 2022 Vezina Trophy with a 2.07 goals-against average and .935 save percentage and is established as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders.
Longtime Rangers “goalie whisperer” Benoit Allaire to retire
Lundqvist praised Allaire as the best goalie coach in the NHL throughout his career and gave special thanks to him in his Hockey Hall of Fame induction speech in November 2023 – making a point to give Allaire a heartfelt “thank you.”
“There’s one coach I want to thank a little extra tonight, my goalie coach for 15 years, Benoit Allaire,” Lundqvist said. “He’s incredible. Thinking back, every day, you inspired me in so many ways and you made it fun. The best coach and best friend you could ask for.”
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Allaire stayed on through numerous coaching changes, three GMs and three team presidents. In addition to Lundqvist and Shesterkin, he also had a major impact on a number of their backups. Allaire helped take Cam Talbot and Alexandar Georgiev from being minor prospects into regular NHL goalies and then starting goalies for other teams.
He also helped extend Jonathan Quick’s career and had an enormous role in making sure that the Rangers were always set in goal.
“He does a great job of simplifying things so that they don’t come across in a confusing way,” Quick told The Athletic in 2023. “It’s very clear-cut in what he wants to see out of his goalies in different situations. The communication’s been great.”
In 2023-24, Allaire’s final season as goaltending coach, the Rangers set team records for wins (55) and points (114), winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s regular-season champion. They defeated the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before being eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, in the Eastern Conference Final.
Allaire stepped back from his dual role in the summer of 2024, remaining as director of goaltending with Malcolm taking over as goaltending coach after serving three seasons in the same role for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
After an upset win in Game 1 of its Western Conference semifinals series against the San Antonio Spurs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have found themselves in a 2-1 hole after dropping two straight games.
Tensions normally rise among players over the course of a series, but Friday night’s Game 3 saw things get tense between Wolves head coach Chris Finch and veteran NBA game official Tony Brothers, resulting in Brothers needing to be restrained and calmed by Minnesota players and staff.
In his postgame presser, Finch didn’t mince words about how he felt about Brothers’ behavior.
“Pretty unprofessional, huh?” he said of the moment.
“I wanted the timeout, and I called it three seconds earlier. And I wanted the timeout. And I said, ‘I want my three seconds back.’ He clearly heard me. He looked my way, and ignored me, went on the play. And then almost cost us a turnover. He lost it. Then I went to ask him where the ball was gonna be taken in, and he was screaming at me for that. So, completely unprofessional behavior by him.”
Chris Finch on his interaction with Tony Brothers:
“I wanted the timeout and I said I want my 3 seconds back. He clearly heard me. He lost it. Then I went to ask him where the ball was gonna be taken in and he was screaming at me for that. So completely unprofessional behavior… https://t.co/2EzXqtpM7spic.twitter.com/zLImoRFTAX
This isn’t the first time this postseason that a referee’s behavior has had to be addressed out in a postgame press conference. On Thursday night, Lakers guard Austin Reaves said he felt “disrespected” in a moment he had with game official John Goble during the Western Conference’s other semifinal series.
“At the end of the day, we’re grown men,” Reaves said. “And I just didn’t feel like he needed to yell in my face like that. I told him that. I wasn’t disrespectful. I told him if I did that to him first, I would have got a tech. I feel like the only reason I didn’t get a tech is because he knew he was in the wrong. So, yeah, I just felt disrespected.”
Hopefully, the league offices make it clear that this cannot continue to happen. The NBA playoffs are the pinnacle of basketball because of the competition on the court, not because fans are eager to see antics from game officials.
The Carolina Hurricanes can become the first team to clinch a berth in the conference finals - and make history in the process.
If they beat the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, May 9, they will become the first NHL to sweep the first two rounds of the playoffs since the league went to four best-of-seven rounds for the 1987 playoffs.
The Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators in the first round, never trailing in that series and outscoring them 11-5.
Carolina has outscored Philadelphia 10-3 in this round. The Flyers took a 2-0 lead in Game 2, but the Hurricanes chipped away, tied the game and won 3-2 in overtime.
On Friday night in Kansas City, Kyle Isbel’s eighth-inning hit got past Pérez and turned into a two-base error, helping the Royals erase Detroit’s lead in what became a 4-3 loss. That one play did not create the Tigers’ defensive problem. It just continues to show how bad the defense continues to be.
Detroit is 18-21, and while injuries have shaped a lot of the early-season conversation, the defense has become a real part of the record. The Tigers have been forced to cover innings without key players, move pieces around the diamond and ask several players to handle spots that may not be their best defensive fits. That context matters. It also does not erase what the numbers are showing.
Detroit ranks at or near the bottom of baseball in several major defensive categories. The Tigers are last in overall defensive value at -15.3 Def, last in Outs Above Average at -21, tied near the bottom in Fielding Run Value at -12, and sitting at -8 Defensive Runs Saved. Defensive Runs Saved, or DRS, is measured in runs above or below average, which makes it useful for showing how defense is impacting the run column rather than just listing errors.
The issue is not limited to one position group.
In the infield, Spencer Torkelson is at -6 DRS, Javier Báez and Zach McKinstry are both at -3, while Colt Keith and Hao-Yu Lee are at -2. Gleyber Torres has been the positive exception at +5, and Kevin McGonigle has also helped at +3, but the overall picture is still uneven. There have been enough missed plays, limited range moments and difficult conversions to make the infield defense feel less secure than it needs to be, especially for a pitching staff already dealing with injuries.
The outfield has not been much cleaner. Parker Meadows is the lone positive in the FanGraphs screenshot at +1 DRS, while Riley Greene is at -1, Pérez is at -2, Kerry Carpenter is at -4, and Matt Vierling is at -5. That does not mean every player listed is a poor defender. Defensive numbers in May should be handled carefully, and FanGraphs has cautioned that defensive metrics can be noisy in smaller samples. But when the team numbers match what is showing up in games, it becomes harder to ignore.
The bigger problem is how defense compounds everything else.
When a team is healthy and scoring consistently, a misplay can get buried. When a club is short on pitching depth, trying to survive bullpen games, and asking starters to be efficient, extra outs become expensive. A ball that gets past an outfielder is not just an error in the box score. It changes the inning, the leverage, the bullpen usage and, eventually, the final score.
That is what happened in Kansas City. Keider Montero gave Detroit six strong innings, allowing only one run, but the Tigers still could not finish the game. Montero deserved better.
There is also a roster construction angle here. Detroit has several players who can move around, and that versatility has value. McKinstry, Vierling, Pérez and others give A.J. Hinch options. But versatility only helps if the defense holds up. When the Tigers are using players in multiple spots and still getting negative results across the board, it raises a fair question: are they maximizing flexibility, or are they simply asking too many players to play outside their best defensive lane?
The Tigers do not need to become an elite defensive team overnight. They need to become a cleaner one, to borrow a term A.J. Hinch has used often when talking about the way this team has to play. With the injuries piling up, the pitching staff cannot afford extra traffic. The offense has not been consistent enough to erase mistakes every night, either. That leaves defense as one of the quickest ways for Detroit to stabilize itself during this rough stretch.
Some of that may sound obvious, but it is worth repeating because the same issues keep showing up. When a team is already thin on the mound and searching for steady offense, routine plays carry more weight. The Tigers can survive not being perfect defensively. What they cannot keep doing is giving opponents extra chances and asking an already-stretched roster to cover for them.
The Pérez error was the moment that made the problem visible. The numbers show it has been building for longer than one play.
For a team trying to stay afloat until it gets healthier, the next step is not complicated. Catch the ball. Keep singles as singles. Turn the routine play. Give the pitching staff a chance to breathe.
Right now, the Tigers are not doing that often enough. Meanwhile, Cleveland just upgraded their catching defense in Patrick Bailey.
Anthony Richardson remains with the Indianapolis Colts, with the team unable to find a trade partner for the fourth-year quarterback over the last two-plus months.
With Phase II of voluntary offseason programs beginning this past week for the Colts, Richardson reported to take part in the workouts and on-field work.
With no trade seemingly imminent at the moment, Colts' assistant GM Ed Dodds shared what his message to Richardson was.
“I think you’re just upfront and say, ‘Hey, we tried. Nothing materialized. But you’re a professional. You have a job to do. And that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete,'" said Dodds, via The Athletic's James Boyd.. "And I think Anthony knows too, it's only going to help him by competing and doing well."
#Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds on Anthony Richardson Sr. rejoining the team despite his trade request:
“I think you’re just upfront and say, ‘Hey, we tried. Nothing materialized. But you’re a professional. You have a job to do. And that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete.’” pic.twitter.com/tgrxVETJyN
Phase II of offseason programs consists of walkthroughs and the quarterbacks throwing routes on air -- all of which Richardson is participating in after spending the majority of last season on injured reserve with an eye injury.
With Daniel Jones still sidelined, Richardson and Riley Leonard are each seeing reps, but as far as who is leading the way, head coach Shane Steichen didn't specify on Friday.
Steichen was also non-committal when asked if Richardson was competing for the backup role with Leonard.
"Right now, we're in May, we'll see how it goes with all that," said Steichen. "He's working, he's here, he's in good spirits, he was cleared with the play with the vision stuff, so that part's good."
As ESPN's Adam Schefter reported several weeks ago, Richardson had a "soft" trade market, which is why no deal ever materialized. His potential landing spots seem to be dwindling as well.
UFC 328 main event fighter Khamzat Chimaev. | Ed Muholland/ZUFFA LLC
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live TONIGHT (Sat., May 9, 2026)with UFC 328, streaming exclusively live on Paramount+. The event is happening inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event is Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland for UFC’s undisputed Middleweight championship.
The main event is a mouthwatering match-up in itself. Khamzat is one of the more fascinating individuals in the sport and he’s also shown flashes of an ability that might make him one of the most dominating fighters we’ve ever seen. Strickland, who fought a perfect fight in his last bout (see it here), is mercurial and controversial with a reputation for showing up when he has to. Chimaev is the massive favorite, but Strickland has upset the odds before.
The co-main event isJoshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira for Van’s UFC Flyweight title. Van won the title under dubious circumstances, with former champ Alexandra Pantoja suffering a freak injury in the opening minutes of the fight (re-live that here). Taira comes into this one after drubbing Brandon Moreno. He’s the favorite in this one, thanks to his astounding grappling skills.
The “Prelims” are stacked with great fights including Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon, Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rebecki, Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov and Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz.
UFC 328 Start Date and Time
It’s standard operating procedure tonight. Here’s when the various portions of the latest numbered event goes live.
UFC 328’s Early “Prelims” will begin at 5 p.m. ET.
UFC 328’s Late “Prelims” are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.
125 lbs.: Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
UFC 328 PLAY-BY-PLAY UPDATES
Main Card
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
Round 1: It takes Chimaev about 15 seconds to land his first takedown of the fight. That gave him Strickland folded up against the cage. He then dragged Strickland back and got on his back with both hooks in with almost four minutes left in the round. Strickland did well to defend the choke, but he could not get loose from Chimaev. Every time he came close, Chimaev flowed and landed stuck to his back.
10-9 Chimaev
Round 2: They traded jabs to start the second. But while doing so, Strickland was the one walking backwards. Chimaev then went for a takedown, but it was stuffed and Strickland landed on top. Strickland would let him up without causing much damage, though. Chimaev dove in for another takedown, but missed and then pulled guard. Strickland landed a big ground shot when that happened and then got into side control.
19-19
Round 3: They boxed for the first three minutes of the round and both men were able to land a few shots. Chimaev looked very slow and tired, though. And Strickland’s shots looked to be landing cleaner. Despite that, Chimaev was still the one walking forwards. As the round wore on Chimaev’s punches started to do some damage, bloodying Strickland’s nose. That was a very close round to score, but I think Strickland landed the better shots.
29-28
Round 4:
Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira
Round 1: Taira shot early and got a body lock on Van. He then elevated him and put him down on his back. He swiftly moved to full mount after that. Van fought back to full guard, but Taira floated over to side control. Van came close to getting up, but Taira attacked his neck. Taira had to back off, though, and let Van back to his feet. Van got some punches in, but was soon taken down again.
Round 2: Van found some success on the feet early in this round, landing a big right hook. But before he knew it he was on his back again, this time far from the fence. Taira then passed to mount, but Van did a good job (again) of getting back to half-guard. Van worked his way to his feet and after separating dropped Taira with a huge overhand. He tried to finish Taira on the ground, but Taira was able to wrap him up and deny him space. All tied up now.
Round 3: Taira looks very slow to start the third, like he’s still a little dazed. He missed on his first few takedown attempts, too. That allowed Van to land some more hard punches. Taira’s next slow and telegraphed shot was met with a knee. Van then started touching Taira with every punch he threw, eventually sitting him down with a jab. He got on top and tried to finish with ground and pound, but Taira managed to survive. Van then jumped onto his back and went for the rear naked choke. Taira was able to fight that off, though, and get back to his feet. Taira showed a lot of toughness to come back from all that and then get the body lock takedown on Van in the last 20 seconds.
Round 4: Taira got an early bodylock takedown to start the round and was able to angle Van away from the fence. Taira passed to mount and spent a lot of time on there. Van was able to sweep, though, but put himself into a deep triangle. Van was able to pull out of that, though, and force Taira to stand. Van landed solid shots on the feet after that.
38-38
Round 5: Van landed his jab early. Taira then shot on a single leg and took Van to the fence. Van was able to avoid the takedown, though. Taira looked for more takedowns but couldn’t get them. Van then ripped to the body and hurt Taira, badly. Taira turned away and took a few more shots before going down to a knee. The referee stepped in. Taira said it was early and it might have been. But he would have probably taken a lot more damage if it wasn’t stopped then.
Official decision: Joshua Van def. Tatsuro Taira by TKO (punches), round 5 (1:32)
Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Round 1: Volkov tried to keep Cortes-Acosta at range with outside leg kicks. That started to frustrate Cortes-Acosta and he blitzed forwards, but wasn’t able to land when he did so. Volkov kept pecking away with those kicks after that. Cortes-Acosta then jumped forwards and was able to land his looping punches, but Volkov ate them well. Volkov gets the round for his kicks, but this fight is yet to really take off.
Round 2: Volkov maintained his kicking attack in this round, but also showed a little more diversity. He went to the inside of the leg and then hit the body. He might have been trying to set up a future head kick. Cortes-Acosta was able to get a little closer, but was still struggling to get in punching range. Cortes-Acosta continued to look frustrated and started to fight a little chaotically. He then walked into a stiff punch from Volkov. He looked stunned, but he might have been playing possum.
20-18 Volkov
Round 3: Cortes-Acosta came out knowing he needed a finish and he went forward swinging. He caught Volkov and that made the Russian’s nose start to leak. Volkov was able to settle down after that, though, and continue putting Cortes-Acosta on the back foot with his kicks. Cortes-Acosta stormed back towards the end hunting for the finish, though.
29-28 Volkov
Official decision: Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley
Round 1: Buckley stuffed the first two takedowns he saw, but then Brady got him down against the fence and flattened him out — immediately. Brady then moved into mount and started landing ground and pound. Brady then switched focus to the kimura, one of his favourite moves. Buckley was able to slip out of that, but not get off his back.
10-8 Brady
Round 2: Brady got his takedown even earlier in this round, in the middle of the cage, too. Brady got mount again, but Buckley was able to explode out and get to his feet. Brady then caught a kick and then dragged Buckley down again. Brady moved to mount, again, and then landed pitter-patter shots, trying to goad Buckley into a position where he could submit him. Towards the end of the round Brady did lean into some heavy elbows, though.
Round 3: Rinse and repeat for Brady. Buckley had no answers for the takedowns or the top control in the third either. Brady got him down, got mount and kept on tenderizing. Pure dominance from Brady.
30-25 Brady
Official decisions: Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens
Round 1: Green did what we expected. He came out talking smack and trying to befuddle Stephens with his unorthodox movement and feints. Stephens tried stalking him down, but walked into a big punch that stunned him. While he was still hurt, Green was judged to have landed a low blow and that gave Stephens some precious time to clear his head. Green landed a good body kick on the restart and then took Stephens down against the fence. He then landed some nasty elbows. The elbows eventually forced Stephens to roll over. King then locked up the choke for the finish. Total domination from Green.
ALL HAIL 🙌@BobbyKGreen earns the RD1 submission victory!
Official decision: King Green def. Jeremy Stephens by submission (rear naked choke), round 1 (4:20)
Prelims
Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz: Gautier proved why he’s the biggest favorite on the card. That’s despite Diaz fighting a good first round, where he was disciplined and able to guard against Gautier’s offense. In the second, though, Gautier threw a counter off a jab that sent Diaz down. Gautier then swarmed for the TKO finish, which may have come a little early.
Official decision: Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz by KO (punches), round 2 (1:10)
Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amasov: Alvarez showed he had the edge in the striking early, so Amasov made the smart decision to show he had the much bigger edge in the grappling department. He bodies Alvarez through most of the first round and then slung him down in the second and locked in a quick anaconda. Alvarez tapped and then had to watch Amasov, literally, breakdance in front of him.
He has ARRIVED 🕺@YaroslavAmosov put on a complete display of skills to earn the victory at #UFC328!
Official decision: Yaroslav Amasov def. Joel Alvarez by submission (anaconda), round 2 (1:13)
Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rebecki: Dawson landed a head kick off the opening bell, cutting Rebecki. Later Dawson managed to get on Rebecki’s back off a wrestling scramble and then take the first round due to all the pressure he exerted from that position. In the second round Rebecki dropped Dawson with a right hook. Dawson survived, but Rebecki spent the rest of the round tagging him with hard shots. In the third, Dawson went for the early high kick. He missed and a scramble ensued with Dawson getting Rebecki’s back, with a body triangle, in the center of the cage. Dawson was able to spend the rest of the round hunting for chokes. He ended up getting the RNC with 20 seconds left.
Official decision: Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rebecki by submission (rear naked choke), round 3 (4:42)
Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon: Vintage Jim Miller was on display in this fight. Gordon looked like he had the beating of Miller on the feet, but Miller recognized that, too. When he saw a chance to latch onto a guillotine Miller went all in and locked it up Gordon tried to get away, but he was totally trapped and had to tap.
HE DOES IT AGAIN 😮💨@JimMiller_155 earns his 20th UFC finish with THIS RD1 submission!
Official decision: Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon by submission (guillotine), round 1 (3:29)
Early Prelims
Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio: Tulio chipped away at Kopylov in the first, landing sparingly, but hard. In the second, Tulio continued to lead the exchanges, opening up a very nasty cut on Kopylov’s eyebrow. Kopylov then knocked Tulio down, out of nowhere. He swarmed, but then ran out of steam. Tulio had it to the third, but Kopylov dropped it again at the beginning of that round. Tulio survived again, but Kopylov was able to ride that momentum to a decision victory.
Official decision: Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis: Sabatini got to play his backpack of doom routine early on in this fight. After Gomis got a taste of that, he decided to fight with a lot of caution. That invited Sabatini forwards and allowed him to initiate lots of clinches. Gomis was able to prevent himself getting put in dangerous positions, but he offered very little offensively.
Official decision: Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos: Susurkaev, the big favorite, played with fire in this bout. He didn’t have respect for Santos’ striking and ended up getting knocked around by the Brazilian in the first round. He responded in the second, but could only match Santos’ activity on the feet. In the third Susurkaev took the fight to the ground and then succeeded in choking Santos out! That spared him some potential embarrassment on the scorecards.
A true showman 🤩
Baisangur Susurkaev locks in the RD3 submission victory at #UFC328!
Official decision: Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos by technical submission (rear naked choke), round 3 (4:12)
Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa: Ochoa hurts guys, man. He had just too much firepower on the feet for Carpenter. And Carpenter could get this fight to the ground, where he had the advantage. Carpenter was bloodied up early and, in the end, did well to make it through all three rounds.
Davis accuses Dossena: ‘This racist coward called me a monkey’
Udinese striker Keinan Davis accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of being a ‘racist coward who called me a monkey today’ during their Serie A game.
There was already tension in the final stages of the 2-0 Udinese victory at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia, with Davis reacting angrily and alerting the referee to something said from the stands.
Things got even more heated after the final whistle when Davis and Dossena had to be separated by teammates.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”
It remains to be seen if there was any video evidence or witnesses who can corroborate what Dossena said to Davis.
If he was found guilty of racist abuse, a player could face up to a 10-match Serie A ban.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams with furious Keinan Davis at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Racist insults from the Cagliari fans at the Unipol Domus is unfortunately nothing new, as there were already ugly incidents with abuse aimed at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
NEW DELHI: Not just the fans, commentators or the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dugout, even Virat Kohli himself was left stunned after being bowled by an absolute beauty from Prince Yadav during the IPL 2026 clash between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday. Prince dismissed Kohli for a two-ball duck in the match.
Prince delivered a 140kph good-length ball outside off stump that drew Kohli forward before sharply nipping back into the right-hander, beating his inside edge and sending the off stump cartwheeling.
Impressed by the young pacer’s rise this season, Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Bharat Arun hailed Prince’s evolution in IPL 2026, describing the delivery to Kohli as a “dream ball” while also backing him to represent India in the future.
Prince, who managed just three wickets in six matches last season, has emerged as one of the standout fast bowlers of IPL 2026 with 16 wickets in 10 innings. His brilliant nip-backer to Kohli in Lucknow - where LSG defeated RCB by nine runs in a rain-affected encounter - was widely described by many as the “ball of the tournament.”
"See, Prince, last year he showed glimpses of what he could achieve. So, actually this year during the camps that we had, we discussed his strengths. See, under pressure, sometimes a bowler goes blank. But under pressure, the one who is confident of executing his strengths is going to be most successful in execution.
"So, we had lot of one-on-one chats during the pre-season camps and things like that. And understood what is the best, what are their strengths. And we went about working perfectly on their strengths and on execution. Even we had a chat with Kohli and Kohli said: 'how did he bowl that ball?'
“Because it's not very common - mostly, outswing bowlers, after pitching, the ball swings in the air. After pitching, the ball tends to come in because of the position of the seam, how it lands. I don't think any bowler can bowl it at will, but if you are consistently working on your swing, it can be possible. And it was a dream ball," Arun said during the pre-match press conference ahead of LSG’s clash against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon.
Arun, who previously served as India’s bowling coach, also believes tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav - who played three T20Is for India in 2024 after a breakthrough IPL season - along with uncapped left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, have the potential to represent the national side.
"See, one reason for me joining Lucknow Super Giants is due to the fact they were really exciting bowlers. If you look at Prince, Mohsin (Khan), (Mohammed) Shami is doing well and even now Mayank Yadav bowled pretty well in the last game. Okay, he is a little short of match practice I would say, but he is getting there. And also, we have a few other exciting prospects on hand.
"So, overall if you look at it, if you ask me a question, can they play for India? Yes, they have it in them to play (for India). It's (now about) how well they (the Indian team management) bring together the talent and getting the best out of it is a challenge for them," he added.
Do the Boston Celtics need to make major changes to their roster to contend again? We all know why the Celtics are in such a conversation after their early exit from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs. Sprinkle in some ill-timed comments from star forward Jaylen Brown and his camp with a dash of observations of Boston President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, and now half the league's analysts are cooking up fake trades for the Celtics.
But is there any fire to this proverbial smoke? Will Boston pull the trigger on such moves to get back in the hunt for Banner 19? And what else do we need to know about their offseason? The folks behind the "NBA on ESPN" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Hoop Collective" podcast taking a closer look.
Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about the Celtics situation regarding big swings this summer.
Iran has indicated it will take part in this summer's footballWorld Cup, but has demanded a series of guarantees from Fifa and the tournament's hosts amid growing tensions surrounding the team's participation.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) said Iran would compete at the tournament "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions", while insisting the hosts "must take our concerns into account".
The demands come after FFIRI president Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada before last month's Fifa Congress.
Taj later revealed Iran had presented Fifa with 10 conditions for participation at the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Among the demands published in a statement on Saturday are guarantees that all players, coaches and officials travelling with the team will receive visas, including those who completed military service with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The group is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US, and Mehdi Taj's links to it were cited as a reason he was denied entry into Canada.
Iran is also seeking assurances over the treatment of the national team, including respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem, as well as enhanced security at airports, hotels and stadiums during the tournament.
Some of the requests are likely to prove easier for Fifa to influence than others.
Fifa can help oversee tournament logistics, official protocols and the treatment of participating delegations during the competition itself.
But questions involving visas, border controls and security vetting ultimately remain under US jurisdiction rather than Fifa regulations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already stated that Iranian footballers would be welcome at the tournament, while warning that individuals with links to the IRGC could still face restrictions on entering the United States.
That leaves Fifa facing a delicate balancing act between ensuring the participation of all qualified teams and navigating the political realities surrounding relations between Tehran and Washington.
Israel and the US launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. Fighting has since been largely suspended under a fragile ceasefire.
Some of the Iranian federation's other requests may also prove difficult to enforce in practice.
Iranian officials have reportedly asked for journalists to avoid questions beyond "technical football matters".
But in Iran's case, the boundary between football and politics is often blurred.
Questions around squad selection, public support for the national team or the atmosphere surrounding matches can carry both sporting and political dimensions simultaneously.
This was on display at the women's Asian Cup in Australia in March when a number of Iranian players tried to claim asylum, sparking a tense diplomatic stand-off. Seven members of the team were granted humanitarian visas while in Australia - but five changed their minds and returned home.
Iranian men's coach Amir Ghalenoei recently acknowledged that politically charged atmospheres could surround some matches involving Iran at the World Cup.
Despite the tensions, there is currently no indication that Iran intends to withdraw from the tournament.
Instead, the latest developments point towards increasingly complex negotiations between Fifa, Tehran and US authorities over the conditions surrounding Iran's participation at the largest World Cup in history.
The Spanish Football Federation have appointed referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández as the man in charge of Sunday’s El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
Hernández Hernández will officiate his sixth Clásico, having previously refereed Barcelona’s 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in Week 35 last season. His record in these matches currently stands at two wins for Barcelona (last season’s thriller and a 3-2 result in 2016-17), two draws, and one Real Madrid victory (a 2-1 win in 2015-16).
This season, the referee has overseen two Barcelona matches, both resulting in victories for Flick’s side: a 2-1 win against Real Sociedad and a 4-1 rout of Espanyol. For Real Madrid, however, this will be only his second assignment, following their match against Betis at the Bernabéu.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
Date: 05/03/2026
Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.
Venue: RCDE Stadium, Barcelona, Spain.
Available TV: DAZN La Liga (Spain), ESPN Deportes (USA).
Available Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)
Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Evan Mobley #4 and Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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Mar 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the MLB Debut patch of Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Building on a one-game winning streak.
And Addison Barger is back (with Piñango the casualty). It was a weird spot….we are hip deep in lefty hitters, but then picking someone who isn’t hitting at all, just because he swings from the right side seems silly.
Ashley Hatch holds her son, Leo, for a photoshoot in the Washington Spirit's new kit on Feb. 19, 2026. Hatch gave birth to Leo, her first child, in January and is preparing to return to soccer.
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Washington Spirit
Ashley Hatch sits in the backseat of her car. Her three-month old son Leo sleeps beside her in his car-seat as her husband, Jeff Van Buren, drives the trio from their West Virginia farmhouse to the home of Hatch’s teammate Casey Krueger.
Baby Leo only makes a peep once before settling in for a nap.
It will be the first time Hatch meets Krueger’s baby daughter Calla, whom she gave birth to at the end of March. Hatch has relied on Krueger and fellow mom and teammate Andi Sullivan while navigating her first pregnancy and preparing to return to the pitch for the Washington Spirit.
Hatch — a former No. 2 overall draft pick, an NWSL champion and a Golden Boot winner — hasn’t played for the Washington Spirit in 11 months, but she’s living out her dream.
“I feel like just being a mom has been something that I’ve always wanted and hoped for and dreamed for,” she told the Deseret News.
For Hatch, who will celebrate her first Mother’s Day as a mom on Sunday, motherhood “is truly a dream come true,” she said.
Ashley Hatch holds her son, Leo, for a photoshoot in the Washington Spirit's new kit on Feb. 19, 2026. Hatch gave birth to Leo, her first child, in January and is preparing to return to soccer.
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Washington Spirit
Hatch has always wanted to be a mom, but for most of her career, she didn’t think it was possible to be both a mom and professional soccer player. Now, the soccer star experiences little “pinch me” moments throughout the day, where she is reminded that her dream of having a family is finally a reality.
“I’ve wanted this for so long, and now that it’s actually a reality, it’s like, ‘Oh wow, this is what living your dream really looks like,’” she said. “So I really enjoy those little moments with my family, whether we’re going on a walk or whether it’s just holding Leo in the rocking chair. My heart is just so full in those moments.”
Navigating motherhood as a professional athlete
On a typical day, Hatch wakes up between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. when Leo wakes (she’s also likely already woken up to calm down a teething Leo at 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.). She’ll then feed and play with him before getting ready for training.
If Leo is coming to training with her, her husband will make her breakfast while she gets ready. Then the three of them — in addition to being Leo’s dad, Van Buren also serves as his NWSL “childcare provider” — will make the trek from their West Virginia home to the training facility in Leesburg, Virginia.
Once at the training facility, she’ll feed Leo. If he isn’t with her, Hatch will pump breast milk in the mother’s room, often at the same time as Sullivan. Together, they’ll discuss their babies’ milestones and Hatch will pick Sullivan’s brain.
Afterwards, she’ll get ready and head to the team meeting before training begins.
Hatch’s training currently consists of ball work off to the side alone — like she did for most of her pregnancy — or with goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who is expecting her first child, or any injured players.
She’ll then go inside to the gym for strength training and conditioning on either the treadmill or the field. Before she heads back home, she’ll pump again and grab lunch.
“If he’s not with me, I speed home and then hang out with Leo the rest of the day,” Hatch said.
Hatch, who gave birth to Leo in January, was overwhelmed when she held her son for the first time, she said. After all, it was a moment she had dreamed about.
“It was super overwhelming in so many different ways. Obviously, birth itself is overwhelming and exciting all at once, and I think just that first moment of actually holding your child that you’ve been obviously dreaming about, but then for the past nine months carrying, imagining what he’ll look like or what it will feel like to hold him for the first time. I think there was a lot of sense of relief that he was finally here, and hearing his cry for the first time was just, I don’t know, it was just a really cool moment and a very special moment.”
Motherhood has come with changes, mainly in how much Hatch needs to plan ahead. But the biggest change she’s experienced since becoming a mother is her perspective.
“I feel like no matter what’s happening in life and no matter how stressful it is, I feel like I always have a reason to be excited and happy when I’m with Leo,” she said.
The forward has enjoyed introducing Leo to her soccer world, taking him to training and home matches at Audi Field.
“It’s been so fun,” Hatch said. “I think all of the girls have been great ... the staff at the Spirit, and just everyone that’s around us is so welcoming and kind and understanding.”
When Hatch, Van Buren and Leo all go to training together, Hatch and Van Buren will take turns eating lunch while the other holds Leo. But it doesn’t take long for someone to offer to hold the baby.
“There’s no shortage of help around us when we’re at the soccer facility or at games and whatnot,” she said. “It just warms my heart to be surrounded by so many people who are just so loving and who love Leo already, even though he’s only three months old.”
As Hatch’s training days get longer as she works her way back, Leo stays home more often, where Van Buren takes care of him.
Van Buren’s role as Leo’s “childcare provider” will increase once Hatch is playing again, especially on match days and away trips, which Van Buren will be allowed to travel with the team for.
“He’s going to be a lot more involved on the road this year with Leo, and I think it’ll be a lot of fun just to have us all together,” Hatch said.
The family will do a trial run when the Spirit head to San Diego to face the San Diego Wave on May 15.
Gaining a greater understanding of divine love
Hatch, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said she has leaned on her faith while navigating her new role as a mother.
The “many unknowns” that come with raising a child for the first time “could be very scary and intimidating” for a first-time mom, Hatch said. But in those moments, she turns to God for help and inspiration.
“I’m always praying for that. Just to be in a spot where I can receive that guidance as a mother to do what’s best for my child, I think has really been important,” she said. “I’ve been able to kind of connect to my Heavenly Father on a new level of just faith and hope and trust and like, ‘OK, you’ve blessed me with this child. Now, please help me take care of this child to the best of my ability.’”
That has served as a “huge blessing” for Hatch as she combats the “many inadequacies that you can feel as a new mother,” she said.
Hatch enjoys taking her son to church, where she’s had several of what she described as “tender moments” sitting together as a family in sacrament meeting while Leo sleeps.
At church, Hatch now listens to the sacrament meeting talks or Sunday School and Relief Society lessons from the perspective of a new mom, wondering to herself, “How can I teach this to Leo in a way that he’ll learn to understand it, but also choose it for himself?”
Just last month for Easter, Hatch was drawn to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as she studied Christ’s final days before his death and resurrection.
“Even this past Easter was really special because I feel like I connected to Mary on a whole new level of having a son now myself and just the Easter story of Christ being resurrected,” she said.
Now with a child of her own, Hatch has come to better understand the love her Heavenly Father has for her and all of his children.
“It was hard to comprehend that love before having Leo, but I think now having Leo and caring so much about him and caring about every little detail of his life has helped me kind of understand more that our Father in heaven cares about us that way on a whole other level that’s really, really hard to explain,” she said.
Returning to soccer
When Hatch returned to training for the first time in the second week of March — two months after giving birth — she felt like she was on “a different planet.” That feeling persisted for her first two weeks back.
“It definitely felt weird at first,” she said. “I felt like my brain and my body just weren’t connected. My brain was like, ‘Yeah, you know what you’re doing. Like go out and play,’ and then my body’s like ‘Whoa, what are you doing? We haven’t done this in a long time.’”
Hatch started training every other day, then slowly transitioned to two days of training with one day off. Now, she’s training almost every day. Hatch expects to ramp up her training and be cleared for contact during the NWSL’s June break.
She said she is on track to return to the pitch in July, which would make her available for the Spirit’s July 29 match in Utah against the Utah Royals, but she’s “also just trying to be patient with myself as I work back,” she said.
Hatch is both excited and anxious to return to the pitch. When she was training while pregnant, she described it as feeling as if she was “training to get injured.”
“You are training just for your overall general health and mental clarity and all that kind of stuff, but you know that you’re going to have this big injury that you’re going to have to recover from before you’re even actually back on the pitch,” she said.
Now, she’s training with a different purpose that excites her: to play again.
Hatch’s time away from playing as given her a glimpse of what life after soccer will look like, and it’s not too bad.
“There’s been moments where I’m like, ‘OK, life will not be so bad when I’m finished playing soccer because I can be with him 24/7,’” she said.
Hatch understands why some players have chosen to walk away from soccer after starting families, but the 10-year NWSL veteran isn’t ready to do that just yet. She credits her husband for helping her feel like she can pursue both dreams simultaneously.
“I think for me to be the best version of myself, I’m not ready also to just give up soccer, and so, I think figuring out a way to do both is going to help me be my best self and help me show up best for him as well,” she said.
Saracens scored six tries as they recorded a 10th straight win over injury-hit Bristol Bears to boost their hopes of a top-four place in the Prem.
They took full advantage of some hapless defending by Bristol at Ashton Gate to run in four tries in a 13-minute spell in the first half through Tom Willis, Hugh Tizard, Rotimi Segun and Ben Earl.
Fergus Burke added the fifth, while Fitz Harding, Harry Thacker, Matias Moroni and Kalaveti Ravouvou scored for the Bears before Tobias Elliott crossed a minute from the end for Sarries.
The sixth-placed visitors have now moved to within two points of Exeter and Bristol, who are fifth and fourth respectively.
Bristol signed Fred Davies from Doncaster Knights as emergency cover to boost their beleagured squad but they drew first blood when captain Harding burst over from a line-out on the right to cross over near the posts.
Saracens responded with a Burke penalty before Willis touched down from a rolling maul following a line-out to give them an 8-7 lead.
Tizard extended Saracens' advantage on 20 minutes when he pirouetted over for a try before Thacker popped out at the back of a maul to run round and make it 15-12.
Bristol then went to sleep, racking up 15 missed tackles, as Burke made the break far too easily before feeding Segun to score a simple try.
Three minutes later Earl went over for Sarries' fourth and bonus-point try and they were threatening to win by a wide margin.
But then it was their turn to switch off and Argentinian Moroni took advantage to touch down and make it 29-19.
Back came Saracens and the visitors scored their fifth try of the match three minutes before half-time when prop Jamie George produced an outrageous pass for Burke to score.
The second half was subdued compared to the try-fest in the first and Bristol sensed an opportunity when Theo McFarland was sin-binned for pulling a maul down near the line.
Joe Batley was fortunate not to be red-carded for a head-on-head clash with Maro Itoje and Bristol took full advantage when Kalaveti Ravouvou went over on the left to cut the deficit to 34-26 with just seven minutes remaining.
Itoje was shown a yellow card and Ravouvou had a second try chalked off for a knock-on during a nervy finale.
But then Ravouvou was sin-binned and Saracens' Elliott intercepted the ball as Bristol tried to run out from inside their own 22 to seal a win which keeps them firmly in the hunt for a play-off place.
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - MAY 09: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Muenchen with the ball during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern München at Volkswagen Arena on May 09, 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
Bayern Munich eked out a 1-0 win away to relegation candidate Wolfsburg, where the home side look far threatening than the Bavarians were for the entire match. Michael Olise’s sublime curler in the 56th minute proved the difference and earned him the honor of being Man of the Match:
Jonas Urbig is a strong candidate for MOTM, producing numerous saves to keep Wolfsburg from scoring. His best save of the lot was deflecting a shot onto the post after he found himself one on one with the Wolfsburg player near the end of the match.
While it’s far from a good performance for Bayern, it nevertheless serves as reprieve from the events of Wednesday night where it fell at the penultimate hurdle by losing to Paris Saint-Germain 6-5 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-finals.
Bayern’s focus turns to the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin against Stuttgart. Before that, the final match of the Bundesliga season at home to FC Köln where the Bundesliga champions can properly celebrate with beer showers.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Lancashire's seamers hit back either side of a long rain break to help their side take a 32-run first-innings lead in their County Championship match against Middlesex at Emirates Old Trafford.
But in a dramatic last hour of play, Ryan Higgins took three prime wickets in ten balls for Middlesex to reduce the home side to 45-3 at the close, giving Lancashire a lead of 77 and leaving the game evenly poised.
Replying to Lancashire's 203, the visitors were dismissed for 169 despite skipper Leus du Plooy making a fine 67. James Anderson again led took the bowling honours with 4-67 but George Balderson took 3-19 before turning his attention to opening the batting.
In the morning session, Lancashire made their first breakthrough with the seventh ball of the day. After Ben Geddes had taken a single off the opening over, Anderson struck with his first delivery when the makeshift opener's attempted push into the leg side only popped up a return catch off the leading edge, which the bowler ran forward athletically to take.
But the dismissal of Geddes for 12 brought in Caleb Falconer to play his maiden first-class innings and the 19-year-old got off the mark when he edged his second delivery from Anderson to the third man boundary.
And although he made only 11 runs off 20 balls, Falconer did not look out of place during his 24 minutes in the middle. But the debutant's innings when he was lbw to Tom Bailey and that wicket ushered in an eventful eight overs during which Higgins made 32 off 30 balls and put on 44 with du Plooy.
Higgins cut Balderson first ball of the day through gully for four and pulled his next delivery for six before an attempt to whack another maximum only skied a steepling catch to mid-on which Anderson judged superbly.
That left Middlesex on 108-5 and they had scored eight more runs when torrential rain arrived. Du Plooy was unbeaten on 39 and could comfort himself that he had played one of the shots of the season at Old Trafford when he drove Mitch Stanley over cover point for six.
Even after the rain stopped, the ground staff's mopping-up operations were halted by the possibility of thunder and lightning. Further rain delayed the restart until 16:00 BST when there were 38 overs left to be bowled, although the umpires decreed that these should be bridged by a tea interval at 17:15.
On the resumption, Middlesex lost their last five wickets for 53 runs and their last three on 169. Harry Duke, who has been brought in on a two-week loan to cover for Joe Cracknell and is immediately substituting for him in this match, was caught behind off Anderson for three and Gohar fell to Tom Bailey for four in the next over.
Du Plooy and Seb Morgan then put on 45 for the eighth wicket and during the course of that stand, the Middlesex skipper hit three fours off successive balls from Anderson, thereby reaching his fifty off 69 balls.
However, when du Plooy was caught at slip by Michael Jones off Balderson for 67, Lancashire took the last two wickets in the space of six balls to earn their side with a significant 32-run lead in what is likely to be a low-scoring game.
In their second innings, Lancashire's openers proceeded without much trouble to 39 without loss before Higgins struck by having Balderson caught behind by Duke for 15, Keaton Jennings caught at second slip by Sam Robson for 18 and Josh Bohannon also snaffled by Robson for just two when he chose to flash at his fourth ball.
Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.
The seven players selected by the Denver Broncos have been given their jersey numbers for the 2026 season. Of course, these numbers are subject to change, but for now, these will be the numbers they take into training camp.
The Broncos opened rookie minicamp on Friday and these players all took part in a three-day camp that will conclude on Sunday. It gives the team an early look at the young players who have been added to this season's quest for a Lombardi Trophy.
Here is a look at the numbers that each player will wear this season.
Best player in team history to wear number 98: Maa Tanuvasa, 1995-200
Onyedim was drafted to help fix the hole left by John Franklin-Myers, so he might as well where his old number too.
Jonah Coleman, RB, No. 20
Best player in team history to wear No. 20: Louis Wright, 1975-1986
No. 20 is a classic number for running backs, but it's only been worn by a running back seven times for the Broncos, most recently by fullback Michael Burton. Instead, the number has been used more by defensive backs, such as Louis Wright, a key member of the Orange Crush defense.
Kage Casey, OT, No. 78
Best player in team history to wear No. 78: Ryan Clady, 2008-2014
Kage Casey has a bright future with the Broncos and he's stepping into a jersey once worn by one of the greatest offensive linemen in Broncos history, Ryan Clady. Prior to that, it was also worn by former tight end turned offensive lineman, Matt Lepsis.
Justin Joly, TE, No. 80
Best player in team history to wear No. 80: Rod Smith, 1995-2006
The Broncos haven't had a No. 80 since Jake Butt wore it from 2018-2020, but many Broncos fans wonder why the number hasn't been retired in honor of the great career of former wide receiver Rod Smith. Mark Jackson and Rick Upchurch were two great No. 80's as well.
Miles Scott, S, No. 39
Best player in team history to wear No. 39: Ray Crockett, 1994-2000
This is a number that doesn't have a lot of history in terms of great players for the team. Ray Crockett is about the only memorable player to have ever worn it.
Dallen Bentley, TE, No. 89
Best player in team history to wear No. 89: Dwayne Carswell, 1994-2004
Similar to No. 39, there isn't a history of greatness with No. 89. Usually a number carved out for tight ends, Orson Mobley and Daniel Graham also wore this number for the Broncos.
Red Murdock, LB, No. 50
Best player in team history to wear No. 50: Ben Hamilton, 2002-2009
It was a toss-up between Ben Hamilton and Jim Ryan as to who wore No. 50 best, but we'll give the nod to the offensive lineman over the linebacker. Hamilton made 104 career starts at guard for the Broncos.
The Arizona State softball team completed a stunning late-season run by knocking off top-seeded Texas Tech, 4-0, in the championship game of the Big 12 tournament Saturday, May 9, at Oklahoma City.
Coach Megan Bartlett told the ESPN broadcast that her team was relaxed and eager, and "playing with house money" during this Big 12 tourney run.
ASU ran its record to 41-16 while Texas Tech, last season's national runner-up, fell to 52-6.
Tanya Windle hit a solo home run in the second inning to begin the scoring. Later in the inning, Emily Schepp delivered a two-out, two-run homer and Katie Chester followed with another solo shot to push the advantage to 4-0.
The Sun Devils needed key victories over BYU late in the season just to make the eight-team conference tournament. From there, sixth-seeded ASU beat the No. 3 Arizona Wildcats and No. 2 Oklahoma State Cowgirls before the title-game win.
Staff ace Kenzie Brown, who shut down the Wildcats two days earlier, dominated the Red Raiders with a two-hit shutout and nine strikeouts.
Arizona State learns its NCAA Tournament fate when the selection show airs Sunday, May 10, at 4 p.m. MST (7 p.m. EDT) on ESPN2.
The tournament begins at 16 regional sites Friday, May 15.
Rajasthan Royals will take the field in a special all-pink jersey during their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on Saturday, but the occasion is about far more than just cricket.
The match marks the Royals’ third annual ‘Pink Promise Match’, an initiative dedicated to supporting women-led transformation across Rajasthan through the Rajasthan Royals Foundation. The campaign aims to connect the action on the field with real social impact off it.
This year’s jersey carries a special story of its own. The design was created by 19-year-old Samiksha Rameshwar Mundada after her entry emerged as the winner from more than 8,500 submissions in the Royals’ HunaRR Manch contest. The all-pink kit symbolises empowerment, opportunity and community-driven change.
The initiative also carries a direct social commitment. For every six hit during the match, six homes in Sambhar, a historic town in Rajasthan, will be electrified using solar power. The campaign is focused on improving access to sustainable energy while highlighting women-led development projects in the region.
The special occasion comes during a high-pressure phase of RR’s IPL campaign. After a dominant start to the season, the Royals have struggled for consistency and now face a dangerous Gujarat Titans side that has won three matches in a row. With playoff positions tightening and another long break looming after this game, Saturday’s fixture carries major significance for both teams.
RR will hope the energy of the Pink Promise Match inspires a turnaround at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where they are still searching for their first home win of IPL 2026.
When they created the save rule, it was deemed that closing out at least three innings with the lead, no matter how big the lead, would qualify as a save.
In those days, relief pitchers often went much longer than one inning, and so it was a way of giving those guys a stat, too.
These days, it's quite rare, but not impossible.
There's actually been a save in a 30-3 MLB game before. It's just about pitching those last three innings with the lead (and not already being the pitcher who's earning the win).
Drohan's save Friday night was the first of his career. You won't find him complaining about the rule.
Watching Mitch Marner from afar coaching other teams, John Tortorella saw a difference-making hockey player and heard all the criticism about a lack of playoff success and production. Now together with the Vegas Golden Knights, Tortorella does not see that weighing Marner down.
“I don’t think it bothers him a lick,” Tortorella said. “He just plays.”
After earning a reputation for shrinking this time of year over a nearly decade-long stint with Toronto that never included a run past the second round, Marner leads all scorers in the playoffs with 13 points and is tied for the most goals with six after his hat trick Friday night gave Vegas a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series against Anaheim. Over in the Eastern Conference, Buffalo's Tage Thompson struggling contributed to the Sabres losing to the Canadiens and evening up that matchup at one game apiece with play shifting to Montreal on Sunday.
Making his NHL postseason debut, Thompson said it's not anyone's business if he's injured and took responsibility for a bafflingly rough performance.
“Trying to chase the game, try and force plays that aren’t there and just wasn’t executing,” Thompson said. “Everything I touched turned into disaster tonight, so tough one. Got to be better.”
Thompson was a point-a-game performer through the first seven games of the playoffs, and coach Lindy Ruff chalked up Game 2 to frustration. Ruff expects a lot of his players to be better, including Thompson.
It's hard to be better than Marner was with four points in 23 minutes of ice time against the Ducks in Game 3. Linemate William Karlsson is getting a front-row seat to it — and hearing plenty of yelling when Marner wants the puck.
“He’s very vocal out there, so he makes it easy for you,” Karlsson said. “I always know where he is. That’s a great part of his game. But also, he sees passes kind of that aren’t there — but for him they are, and he makes it work.”
Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens
When/Where to Watch: Game 3, Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT (ESPN).
Series: Tied 1-1
The Canadiens got a pair of goals from winger Alex Newhook and one apiece from defensemen Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier on Friday night. To keep the momentum going back home at Bell Centre, they'll likely need more offense from two of their best players, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, who have gone ice cold.
Caufield — who had a career-high 51 goals and 88 points during the regular season — has been held off the scoresheet the past five games dating to the first round against Tampa Bay. Slafkovsky has one point in the past eight games.
“All season but especially in playoffs, it doesn’t really matter who’s going to put the puck in as long as you win the game,” Slafkovsky said.
Sam Carrick could be back for Buffalo after missing the past 15 games going back to getting injured March 31. Carrick's return should help the Sabres in the faceoff circle, where they're winning just 43% of draws, the lowest rate of any team in the playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights at Anaheim Ducks
When/Where to Watch: Game 4, Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EDT (ESPN)
Series: Vegas leads 2-1.
The Golden Knights are 3-1 on the road this postseason after beating the Ducks 6-2, and Tortorella — who coached the Lightning to the Stanley Cup 22 years ago — likes the away-from-home-ice advantage.
“It’s probably easier to play on the road,” Tortorella said. “You do simplify when you’re on the road. You just simply worry about playing hockey. There’s no other distractions, and you’re with your teammates more. I think that helps.”
Vegas is 6-2 on the road since Tortorella took over in late March.
“We like playing on the road,” defenseman Shea Theodore said. “It’s always fun to come into a loud building and shutting them up.”
___
AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, and AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Anaheim, California, contributed to this report.
Former sparring partners will collide at UFC 328 in what should be a highly intense fight. Khamzat Chimaev will look to defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland on Saturday night.
Here is everything you need to know about the fight between Chimaev and Strickland, including streaming options for UFC 328.
How to watch UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland live stream
You can watch UFC 328 live on Paramount+ with both the prelims and main card available to stream in one place. The best part: UFC 328 does not require a pay-per-view purchase. You just need an active Paramount+ subscription.
Paramount+ combines the best content from the worlds of sports, news and entertainment, including the NFL, UFC, March Madness, UEFA Champions League and more. You can stream live events as well as thousands of hours of shows and movies.
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland start time
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 9 p.m. ET main card (7 p.m. ET for prelims)
Location: Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.)
UFC 328 will be held at the Prudential Center on Saturday, May 9. The early prelims will start at 5 p.m. ET, while the prelims will begin at 7 p.m. ET. The main card will start at 9 p.m. ET. The main event should begin around 11:30 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
Chimaev (15-0) is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. The Chechen had health issues following a bout with COVID-19, but he overcame them, beating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 to win the middleweight belt.
Strickland (30-7) beat Israel Adesanya in 2023 for the middleweight title. He's since gone 2-2 in his last four fights, most recently taking down Anthony Hernandez in February.
There has been plenty of tension in the lead-up to the fight with Strickland calling Chimaev every name in the book. Chimaev appears unbeatable at this stage of his career. Can Strickland use his unique offense to defeat Chimaev?
"I think a part of him knows that, if we do wrestle, I'm just going to counter-wrestle," Strickland said on UFC 328 Countdown. "I'll get up. I'll get on top. Or, complete opposite, he knows he can't take me down, and then we just kickbox for five rounds.
"And then, if that happens, you're going to see him getting frustrated, throw big punches, trying to hit me. And I'm just going to tag him at will."
UFC 328 fight card
Main Card
Khamzat Chimaev (c) vs. Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title
Joshua Van (c) vs. Tatsuro Taira for the UFC flyweight title
Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta; Heavyweights
Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley; Welterweights
King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens; Lightweights
Prelims
Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz; Middleweights
Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov; Welterweights
Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rebecki; Lightweights
Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon; Lightweights
Early Prelims
Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio; Middleweights
Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis; Featherweights
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos; Middleweights
Player Ratings: Lazio 0-3 Inter Milan – Rough Day for Romagnoli & Dele-Bashiru
On Saturday, InterMilan prevailed over Lazio in the first of their back-to-back clashes at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
While Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final is certainly the more significant, the Nerazzurri consolidated their pychological edge by putting three unanswered goals past the the Biancocelesti, who were reduced to 10 men in the second period. Lautaro Martinez scored the first and set up the second for Petar Sucic, while Henrick Mkhitaryan placed the final touch on the Italian champions’ rooting victory.
So here are our player ratings for Lazio, who suffered what could be a demoralizing league victory against Inter.
Lazio XI (4-3-3)
Edoardo Motta – 6.5
The young goalkeeper conceded three goals, but none was his fault. On the contrary, he helped Lazio avoid a more devastating result by producing solid saves on Andy Diouf and Yann Bisseck.
Adam Marusic – 4.5
A disappointing outing from the veteran right-back, who lost track of Lautaro on the opening goal, and allowed Mkhitaryan to dribble past him on the third.
Mario Gila – 5.5
The Spaniard’s return to action was great news for Lazio ahead of the cup final, but he only played 55 minutes. While he had his moments, he couldn’t react in time to block Lautaro’s opener.
Alessio Romagnoli – 4
The former AC Milan captain was already struggling to cope with the speed of Inter’s attackers, and he left his team down a man after catching Yoan Bonny with a studs-up challenge.
Luca Pellegrini – 5.5
A mixed bag from the left-back, who was beaten in the air by Thuram on the opener and looked clumsy with the ball at times, but also made important contributions, like putting Isaksen through on goal with a sublime pass.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 4.5
Perhaps the Nigerian deserved better considering the hard work he put, especially with the team down to 10. However, his mistakes cost Lazio dearly on the second goal, when he left Sucic unmarked after being drawn by Lautaro, and on the third goal, when he gave away possession deep inside his own area.
Nicolò Rovella – 6
The Regista naturally lost the aerial duel against Thuram on the opener, but it was an encouraging hour on his long-awaited return to the starting lineup. Pulled the strings in midfield and picked up his teammates with accurate passes.
Toma Basic – 5.5
A hard-working shift from the Croatian as usual, but his current form is a far cry from his early-season exploits.
Matteo Cancellieri – 5.5
The Italian winger worked his socks off as he constantly tracked back to support his teammates, but couldn’t produce anything noteworthy in the final third.
Tijjani Noslin – 6
The Dutchman is Lazio’s most on-form attacker at the moment, and he confirmed it once more, even in difficult circumstances. He looked much more comfortable when he Dia to work around in the second period. Set up an big chance for Isaksen, but wasted one himself.
Pedro – 5
The Spanish veteran was always going to struggle to cope with the high pace implemented by Inter. He wasn’t able to make any impact this time.
Substitutes
Patric – 6
A good cameo from the Lazio stalwart who was supposed play as a Regista, but had to cover at the back following Romagnoli’s dismissal.
Oliver Provstgaard – 6
The Dane did fairly well in tough circumstances, helping Lazio prevent a bigger result.
Gustav Isaksen – 6
The winger’s introduction set the right flank ablaze. However, he should have at least scored one of his three big chances.
Boulaye Dia – 6.5
The Senegalese was the catalyst behind Lazio’s best stretch of the match. His quick thinking and slick passes set up the Aquile’s most dangerous chances.
Erling Haaland had come close in the first-half on multiple occasions, but saw a header sail wide and another strike blocked well by Bees’ goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Shortly after the opener, Doku looked to double his and our tally, shifting the ball onto his left foot but curling just wide.
With 15 minutes left to play, we did get the second goal that our play deserved as Antoine Semenyo’s cross from the right flank wreaked havoc in the Brentford six-yard box, resulting in Haaland experly flicking into the net.
Our talisman then turned provider, setting up Omar Marmoush to coolly add a third goal deep into stoppage time.
The victory takes us two points behind league-leaders Arsenal who play on Sunday afternoon away to West Ham, meaning we still retain our one game in hand over the Gunners.
View the best images from the impressive victory via our gallery below.
Match Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-0 Brentford (Premier League)
Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 3-0 win over Brentford at the City in the Community Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Blues made two changes to the starting XI as Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake came in for Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov, the latter being unfit and missing the matchday squad.
Josko Gvardiol and Rodri remained absent for City but Ruben Dias was back amongst the substitutes as the Blues looked to return to winning ways after slipping up against Everton earlier this week.
Brentford, who are chasing European football for next season, posed a difficult challenge for City in the first-half, keeping the hosts at bay and threatening to take a lead on the break.
Guardiola threw on attackers Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush to influence proceedings early in the second-half, with Jeremy Doku maintaining his fine run of form with a stunning opener curled into the top right corner on the hour mark.
Goal difference can decide a finely-contested title race and Erling Haaland doubled his side’s lead with 15 minutes left on the clock before teeing in Marmoush in cap off a sumptuous team move on the counter late on.
City will be hoping that West Ham can hand them a favour against Arsenal at the London Stadium on Sunday as Guardiola’s side hope for a Gunners slip-up in the final weeks of the season.
Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from a crucial 3-0 win over Brentford!
Undefeated, reigning WBA Continental Americas 130-pound Champion Deonte “Lay ‘Em Down” Brown will headline the Red Owl Boxing live televised event in Allentown, Pa. on Saturday, May 29.
Red Owl Boxing today announced its next live event, a stacked 10-bout fight card headlined by a super featherweight (130 pounds) showdown between undefeated, reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas Champion Deonte “Lay ‘Em Down” Brown (17-0, 11 KO’s) and hard-hitting knockout artist Yohan “La Fiera” Vasquez (26-6, 21 KO’s), at Archer Music Hall in Allentown, Pa. on Saturday, May 29.
Tickets for “Red Owl Boxing: Boxfest XVIII” are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Archer Music Hall’s box office.
The five-fight preliminary bout card will stream live on Red Owl Boxing’s YouTube channel, beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on May 29, and be immediately followed by a live stream of the five-bout main card on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
“We are looking forward to returning to Allentown and bringing a tremendous fight card headlined by one of Red Owl Boxing’s top up-and-coming champions, Deonte Brown, who has a very challenging task in front of him in Yohan Vasquez,” said Red Owl Boxing CEO Greg Bloom.
The 30-year-old Brown, a southpaw, will need to work his sharpshooter jab that he couples with dangerous knockout power and slick head movement, in order to successfully defend his WBA title and perfect professional record.
In his last effort on October 10, 2025, Brown, who is trained by former heavyweight contender Dominick Guinn, used his jab and superior footwork to pick apart and defeat Grimardi Machuca via unanimous decision.
Brown, indeed, will face his biggest step up in competition to date in the 32-year-old Vasquez, an orthodox fighter who hails from Santiago do los Caballeros, Dominican Republic by way of the Bronx, N.Y., and who brings to the ring a knockout rate of over 80 percent.
Announced today as the co-main event for the card was an eight-round middleweight (160 pounds) contest between Nikoloz Sekniashvili (10-2, 7 KO’s) and Ivan Dancha (6-1, 3 KO’s).
Born in the Republic of Georgia, Sekniashvili, who fights out of Orlando, Fla., will look for his third consecutive victory in what will be his first squared circle appearance since December 15, 2024, when he outpointed Omir Rodriguez on all three judges’ scorecards in a six-round affair.
Dancha is a Ukrainian born resident of Pittsburgh, Pa. seeking his fourth straight win.
During his amateur career, Dancha earned a gold medal at the 2015 Ukrainian national boxing championship tournament event.
Also in action will be a pair of undefeated Allentown prospects, welterweight (147 pounds) prospect Ruben Rodriguez (6-0, 6 KO’s) and super welterweight (154 pounds) Gustavo Morales (4-0, 3 KO’s).
Rodriguez will face Corey Grant (0-2-2) of Mesa, Ariz. and Morales will battle Travis Floyd (4-19-2, 1 KO) of Douglasville, Ga.
Doors at Archer Music Hall will open at 4:30 p.m. local time on May 29.
Red Owl Boxing is a North America-based media and live event promotional company that is dedicated to providing the next generation of boxing champions with a platform and pathway to achieve greatness in the ring.
Founded in 2021 by Canadian entrepreneur and longtime boxing enthusiast Gabriel Fanous, the company takes a holistic view of delivering world-class events by operating its own arena venues – one in Houston and the other in Brampton, Canada - dedicated solely to producing live events that offer best-in-class fan experiences, on a regular basis.
ABOUT ARCHER MUSIC HALL
Archer Music Hall is a state-of-the-art live entertainment venue located in downtown Allentown’s Downtown West neighborhood. The venue features a 1,600-capacity main hall and The Arrow, a 500-capacity club-within-a-club designed for more intimate performances. Together, the spaces host a wide range of concerts, comedy, and live events, offering a dynamic setting for both emerging artists and established acts.