In many ways, the 2026 NFL offseason has both flown by and, at the same time, slowed to a crawl. The debates around the Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL draft will rage on for a few more weeks, while the players currently on the roster hit the field next week for the first part of the team’s offseason activities.

HC Todd Monken gets his first shot to make an imprint on an NFL team as a head coach. The Browns have a lot of important decisions, including at the quarterback position, and have a few players returning from injury, like OT Dawand Jones, who could impact the roster with a return to health.

According to Mary Kay Cabot, the team has laid out more details about their offseason activities schedule:

• April 8th – 1st media availability for the team’s offseason program
• April 21st – Voluntary veteran minicamp
• May 8th – Rookie minicamp
• June 9th – Mandatory veteran minicamp

The start of Cleveland’s training camp in Berea has yet to be announced. The Buffalo Bills are likely to join the Browns for joint practices during training camp this year.

All eyes were on Bloomington Wednesday for Fernando Mendoza’s pro day. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is poised to become the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He’s the latest transfer quarterback to thrive with the Hoosiers under head coach Curt Cignetti.

The next in line is Josh Hoover, who came over from TCU, where he combined for 71 passing touchdowns across the three seasons he started games for the Horned Frogs.

Hoover’s turnover issues are no secret. His old coach, TCU’s Sonny Dykes, called attention to them in an interview last month with Frogs Today. Cignetti, bold an unafraid as usual, alluded to those comments while going to bat for his new QB1 on Thursday during spring ball.

“Got to clean up some of the turnovers, obviously, which Coach Dykes made light of,” Cignetti said. “But when Josh got here, he met his two new best friends: Great defense and a really good run game.”

Cignetti added before giving a wink and a cheeky grin: “And he was never the same after that.”

Hoover has played in 36 games and tossed 33 interceptions. His 13 picks in 12 games last season were the most any Big 12 quarterback threw during the 2025 campaign.

“Look, numbers are numbers, and stats are stats,” Dykes said during an episode of “State of the Frogs” on March 23, when asked about new TCU offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis. “I think Josh started 31 games here as a quarterback, and we turned the ball over 40 — he turned the ball over 42 times in those 31 starts.”

Dykes continued: “Gordy was the offensive coordinator last year at Connecticut, and their quarterback turned it over twice. And so, you know, I think that's where we want to get to. You look at the teams that played for a national championship. You look at Indiana this year. They were No. 1 in the nation in turnover margin. …”

The Horned Frogs are looking to get back to the Big 12 championship game and the College Football Playoff for the first time since their national runner-up finish in 2022. Turnovers have undoubtedly held them back, but that’s not been the only limiting factor in Fort Worth.

When Hoover had the keys to the offense, the Horned Frogs asked a lot of him. They didn’t rank top 70 in the country in rushing yards per game in any of the three seasons he was the team’s first-string signal-caller. In 2024 and 2025, Hoover finished 11th and tied for 13th in pass attempts per game, respectively, among all quarterbacks nationally.

Then of course there’s TCU’s defense, which didn’t rank higher than 62nd in points per game allowed in any one season from 2023-25.

For reference, last season at Indiana, the Hoosiers had the 12th-best rushing offense in the FBS. Plus Mendoza attempted only 23.7 passes per game — in other words, 94 other quarterbacks, including Hoover, averaged more pass attempts than him in 2025.

Oh, and he was supported by the No. 2 scoring defense in the nation.

Cignetti’s transparency is endearing to the media and fans. He put that on display last week when inviting the world into a “wake-up call” he gave Michigan State transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh after he showed up to the first spring practice wearing gold cleats.

Cignetti was also his candid self when discussing Hoover on Thursday.

“We're still learning about him,” the third-year Hoosiers coach said. “A couple different things there. Would like to see him play a little faster at practice, a little more urgency, drive every ball. I don't know what was asked of him where he came from in terms of practice, but no plays are like a throw off.

“Even in walkthrough, we get on wide receivers for running half speed. Well, we want to drive every football, throw it like in the game. But obviously, I think the great thing is — excited about Josh, first of all. Let's be clear about that.”

Cignetti pointed out: “And he's got a body of work in terms of winning football games, passing yards, touchdown passes.”

As for those other stats, Cignetti’s clearly not concerned.

The Arizona Cardinals announced their offseason workout dates, and they start next week with voluntary portions of things.

Starting April 7th, the team starts all of their offseason activity and from there it seems like they have different even basically every week heading into the first week in June, before getting a little break before their early camp meet up.

Here is the Arizona Cardinals offseason schedule.

• April 7: Offseason strength and conditioning program begins
• April 21-23: Voluntary veteran minicamp
• April 23: Cardinals Draft Party at State Farm Stadium
• April 23-25: 2024 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh, PA
• May 8-9: Rookie minicamp
• May 18-19: Voluntary Organized Team Activities
• May 21: Voluntary Organized Team Activity
• May 26-27: Voluntary Organized Team Activity
• May 29: Voluntary Organized Team Activity
• June 1-2: Voluntary Organized Team Activities
• June 4: Voluntary Organized Team Activity
• June 8-10: Minicamp for veterans and rookies

Is anyone going to be heading to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft?

Now that the calendar has turned to April, football fans turn their attention to the NFL Draft. The draft occurs in Pittsburgh, PA this year, spanning three days from April 23 to April 25.

BYU has had a strong run of NFL prospects in recent years. Former Cougars like Puka Nacua, Taysom Hill, Fred Warner, Tyler Allgeier, and Kyle Van Noy among many others continue to make their mark in pro football.

Now, a new crop of Cougars look to make their NFL dreams come true. Let’s take a look at those who played for BYU in 2025 and their outlook for possibly hearing their name called in the 2026 NFL Draft later this month.

Jack Kelly, LB

Frankly, there are not a lot of Cougars this year with much of a chance to actually get drafted within the seven rounds. Kelly seems like the likeliest. He certainly made an impression in his two seasons at BYU after transferring from Weber State, accumulating 106 tackles, 15 sacks, and 23.5 tackles for loss. He has the sideline-to-sideline range off-ball linebackers absolutely need in today’s NFL.

NFL scouts are skeptical if Kelly can hold up in coverage and handle a down-to-down grind of an NFL season. However, his physical tools combined with him being a leader at BYU make him an attractive prospect. At worst, he could become an excellent special teamer and fill-in linebacker when needed.

Chase Roberts, WR

It would be somewhat surprising if Roberts actually gets drafted, but it would not be shocking if he signs quickly in the undrafted free agent frenzy. His initial 4.64 but he improved it to 4.51 at BYU’s Pro Day. Still, he lacks high-end speed most NFL scouts want in their receivers.

However, being 6-foot-3 with good length and reliable hands, Roberts likely will earn favor with an NFL coach and get a good look during training camp. If he gets into the right system, with the right quarterback, it’s not farfetched to believe Roberts can make a 53-man roster and produce during an NFL season.

Carsen Ryan, TE

If there was any other Cougar besides Kelly and Roberts that has a shot to get drafted, it’s Ryan. He was productive in his lone season in Provo last year, hauling in 45 catches for 620 yards and three touchdowns, by far the best season of his career. He doesn’t have elite traits but there’s enough of everything to think that he could at least snag onto a practice squad spot and be a solid option at tight end for a needy team. He is a willing blocker who showed pass-catching chops last year, catching balls from Bear Bachmeier. While he won’t grade out as elite in anything, he does enough different things well to garner a long look this summer.

Isaiah Jatta, OT

Jatta certainly has one thing working for him- he played significant snaps at BYU at both tackle spots. The coaches praise him for his football IQ. He was graded as one of the best run blocking tackles in the Big 12. He doesn’t have the elite length that most coaches want in NFL tackles. However, given his experience, intelligence, and athletic profile, there’s enough for an NFL team to take a flyer on him on a practice squad.

Will Ferrin, K

Ferrin won’t get drafted, as only a select few kickers do. Still, there’s a path for Ferrin to be an NFL kicker. Had he built on his stellar 2024 season, when he was First Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year, he likely would be getting hype to be drafted. Unfortunately, 2025 was not as sharp. His field goal percentage dropped from 88.9% to 76.7%. Still, some of his late-game heroics and long-distance makes give NFL scouts cause for pause. He will likely get a shot to compete in an NFL camp somewhere with summer.

Mory Bamba, CB

Bamba is not getting much NFL hype. At least, that was until he posted a blistering 4.27 40-yard dash time at BYU’s Pro Day. That would have been the fastest time at the NFL Combine among all cornerbacks. He did not garner an invite to the event, but he but his blazing speed on full display in Provo. He proved he can be explosive too, with a stellar 11-foot-1 broad jump, which is even better than corners who will likely get taken in the first few rounds of the draft like Brandon Cisse and Julian Neal. Bamba is exactly why Pro Days are so important. Perhaps an NFL team now has him on their radar that did not beforehand.

The women's and men's Final Fours are on tap, starting Friday in Phoenix, and continuing on Saturday in Indianapolis.

The women's side sees four No. 1 seeds in the national semifinals. The men had two top seeds advance, and a two and a three. Because of the way the bracket was set up through the draw, Michigan and Arizona will meet while UConn and Illinois duel in the other semifinal on Saturday

UCLA will look to avenge its lone loss this campaign when it faces Texas. In the other game on Friday, UConn takes on South Carolina.

The women's Final Four schedule has South Carolina and UConn tipping off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday. The Texas-UCLA game is scheduled for a 9:30 p.m. tip.

The UConn-Illinois game on Saturday opens the men's side at 6:09 pm. ET. The Michigan-Arizona contest starts at 8:49 p.m.

A look at how the teams got this far and their overall records.

Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four: UConn Huskies

The Huskies are on some kind of roll. They are the defending national champs and have won 54 games in a row. Thirty-eight of those victories came this season. UConn, from the Big East, averages almost 88 points per game, while allowing foes a tick more than 50. Yes, that is a 37-point differential in their undefeated season. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are the superstars on an incredibly taleneted roseter. They average a combined 36 points per game.

Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four: South Carolina Gamecocks

The Gamecocks come out of the SEC. They are 35-3 and have won four in a row overall. Two of the three losses came against Texas so that bears watching should South Carolina get by UConn and have to meet the Longhorns on Sunday in the national championship game. South Carolina did defeat Texas once. The Gamecocks have five players scoring in double figures. They average 87 points per game and allow 57.5. That's a 29.6 differential.

Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four: Texas Longhorns

Texas comes into its semifinal knowing the Bruins are set on revenge. The Longhorns, like the Gamecocks, are 35-3. They lost once to South Carolina, and to LSU and Vanderbilt. All three defeats came in SEC play on the road. Madison Booker leads the way at 19.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds. Texas averages almost 85 points per game and allows a tick before 56. That's another 29 point differential.

Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four: UCLA Bruins

The Bruins are 35-1 with the lone defeat an 11-point setback against Texas. There are four players in double figures, topped by Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 center averages 17.2 points per game and 8.8 rebounds. Betts, who was born in Spain, started her college career at Stanford before transferring to Westwood after one year. UCLA averages almost 85 points per game and allows nearly 57, a 28-point differential.

Men's NCAA Tournament Final Four: UConn Huskies

The Huskies didn't win the Big East regular season championship or the postseason conference tournament. They are in Indy thanks to Hoosier native Braylon Mullins' wild 3-pointer that stunned Duke and college basketball in an Elite Eight game. Dan Hurley's team is 33-5. It won four in a row after losing to St. John's in the Big East tournament championship. Balance is key to the Huskies. While Tarris Reed Jr. paces scoring and rebounding, five players average in double figures. One oddity is UConn is an underdog here despite beating Illinois by 13 during the regular season in a neutral court game at Madison Square Garden. UConn is 7-3 against Top 25 teams.

Men's NCAA Tournament Final Four: Illinois Fighting Illini

The Fighting Illini are the three seed. They would have to win both games and the title to reach 30 wins on the season. The last team to not win 30 games and the championship in a full season -- 2020-21 was shortened by COVID -- was Arizona in 1996-97. Illinois is 28-8 and out of the Big Ten. The Illini have played 14 seed, 11, 2 and 3 to get here. Keaton Wagler scores 17.9 ppg and tops five players in double figures. Are the Illini favored because they will be looking to settle the score with UConn from the regular season? Illinois is 6-6 against Top 25 teams.

Men's NCAA Tournament Final Four: Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats are 36-2. They started the season 23-0, lost two straight, and now have won 13 straight. This is a powerhouse team out of the Big 12. Another team with five players in double figures led by Brayden Burries at 16.1. Koa Peat is a heralded freshman and he chips in with 14.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. In case it should come to it, Arizona defeated UConn in the regular season, 71-67. That was a road victory for the Wildcats in Storrs. Arizona is 14-2 against Top 25 teams.

Men's NCAA Tournament Final Four: Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines are 35-3 entering the Final Four matchup on Saturday with Arizona. They own a road win over Illinois, by 14 points, in the Big Ten regular season. Yaxel Lendeborg scores 15.2 points per game and grabs seven rebounds. Michigan was 10-2 against Top 25 teams in 12 games.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: March Madness schedule for Men's and Women's Final Four

Kai Asakura is making a change.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight title challenger is moving back up to Bantamweight after a winless run at 125 pounds and will face fellow knockout artist Cameron Smotherman at UFC Macau next month (Sat., May 30, 2026) inside Galaxy Arena in Macau, China. The promotion announced the matchup earlier today.

Asakura (21-6) entered the UFC with massive hype thanks to his run in RIZIN, where he captured gold and scored several highlight-reel knockouts — including a win over Kyoji Horiguchi in 2019.

But his transition to the Octagon hasn’t gone as planned.

After dropping both of his Flyweight bouts — including a title shot in his promotional debut — Asakura now returns to Bantamweight, the division where he built most of his career. His grappling has proven to be a major hurdle, as he was submitted in back-to-back losses to Alexandre Pantoja (watch highlights) and Tim Elliott (watch highlights).

This time around, Asakura may not have to worry as much about the ground game.

Smotherman (12-6) is known for his heavy hands and aggressive striking style, boasting a 58 percent finish rate with six knockout victories. The American made a strong first impression in the UFC, defeating Jake Hadley on extremely short notice — even traveling across the world to take the fight.

However, he’s since dropped back-to-back bouts against Ricky Simon and Serhiy Sidey.

Smotherman was also scheduled to compete earlier this year at UFC 324, but his bout was scrapped after he fainted during early-morning weigh-ins and faceplanted on stage — a scary moment that ultimately forced him off the card.

Now, both fighters are looking to bounce back — and in a matchup like this, it’s safe to expect fireworks.

Here is what UFC Macau looks like so far:

Song Yadong vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Alonzo Menifield vs. Zhang Mingyang
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira
Su Mudaerji vs. Alex Perez
Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman
Cody Haddon vs. Aori Qileng
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Loma Lookboonmee
Luis Felipe Dias vs. Yi Sak Lee
Jesus Aguilar vs. Rei Tsuruya

To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has issued an official statement to clarify the health status of its captain, James Rodríguez. The midfielder was admitted to a clinic in the state of Minnesota after suffering a severe case of dehydration the day after the friendly against France. James remained under observation and preventive monitoring for the past 72 hours.

Positive progress and non-sport-related causes

The FCF was emphatic in stating that this situation is not related to physical injuries or his activity on the pitch. It is a condition of non-sport-related origin that, fortunately, is already showing steady improvement. The current medical report indicates positive progress in his recovery process.

Coordination with Minnesota United

The Colombia national team’s medical staff remains in permanent contact with Minnesota United FC to oversee the midfielder’s return to the pitch. The federation also sent a message of support to the "No. 10," confident that he will soon return to his usual rhythm after this medical scare.

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

Year in and year out, the headliners of the NFL Draft media cycle are QBs and the players that impact them the most. However, in a draft class with limited stars at those premium positions, more focus will be shifted to the less sexy roles.

Coming off a year in the NFL where TEs and their usage were more important than ever, it’s only fitting that this year’s class is chock-full of talent from top to bottom with a variety of body types and skillsets. 

Players like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq and Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers get all the hype because they put up the stats and fantasy points that everyone loves. The problem is that players of that archetype don’t actually get on the field and contribute to their team on a three-down basis due to their inability to block inline.

Three players in this year’s class can’t match the production of their flashier counterparts, but they do bring the traits teams look for when it comes to selecting starter-quality players at the TE position.

Oscar Delp – Georgia (No. 11 TE on the Consensus Board)

Delp is probably the most relevant name nationally of the three, as the Georgia TE has been a key contributor to multiple highly successful Bulldog teams over the past few years. The reason he falls on this list, even given his name value, is the lack of production. Delp was tagged as the next successor to Brock Bowers but never lived up to the hype, with his career-best yardage total coming in 2023, where he topped out at 284 yards.

Despite the lack of production, there’s one big factor that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet that will make teams feel comfortable ignoring his lackluster numbers: his blocking.

While not overly big at 245 pounds (21st percentile) or long with 31⅝-inch arms (6th percentile), his size is functional enough, and Georgia was more than comfortable with leaving Delp inline. He translates his strong first step burst into power at the point of contact and plays with outstanding leverage and technique to work his feet and seal off his assignment.

Delp’s combination of toughness, technique, and flexibility will allow his future NFL coach to trust him with the blocking responsibilities needed to get on the field early in his career.

There is also reason to believe his best past catching days are ahead of him, because Delp is a fantastic athlete. As evidenced by his 4.48 40-Yard Dash time at his Pro Day, Delp can absolutely fly in the open field. While he still needs to improve his route-running polish, players who can block are typically matched up with LBs who will struggle to stick with that type of speed.

Eli Raridon – Notre Dame (No. 8 TE on the Consensus Board)

The phrase “scout the player, not the helmet” is typically sound advice when it comes to evaluating prospects, but in the case of Eli Raridon, it’s fair to ignore it. The next in a long line of talented Notre Dame TEs, he is another player with underwhelming statistical production that is suppressing his talent from the public eye.

At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Raridon brings functional size for an inline TE. He combines that with outstanding technique and enough strength through his lower half and core to be a capable blocker when attached to the line of scrimmage. There are some questions about his length, but Raridon’s overall body of work shows a smart, tough blocker with the tools to handle NFL-level DEs.

Raridon leaves Notre Dame with under 700 total yards in his career and zero touchdowns in his senior season, but both his testing and tape indicate there is room for improvement. He posted a stellar 4.62 40-Yard Dash and 36-inch Vertical Jump at the Combine, showing he has the athletic tools to win down the field at the NFL level.

Add in receiving tape that consistently shows him displaying fluid movement skills to create as a route runner and just not getting the ball, and it’s easy to see how his best football is ahead of him.

Sam Roush – Stanford (No. 10 TE on the Consensus Board)

Roush is the player with the best production on this list after putting up a 50-catch, 550-yard season in 2025, but due to playing for a largely irrelevant Stanford team, he was often underdiscussed.

He has been rising up the Consensus Board of late, due to his exceptional Combine, but the reason he makes this list has nothing to do with that and everything to do with, yes, you guessed it, blocking!

Roush checks every box build-wise teams look for in an inline player at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. Combine that with close to 900 snaps of inline experience, and there is very little projection to his profile. He has the entire toolkit needed to deal with DL one-on-one in the run game, showing the power and core flexibility to wrench defenders out of the hole at the point of attack.

When combined with tremendous range for a player of his size, he is the complete package as a blocker.

Roush also brings the pass-catching ability to be more than just a typical Day-3 blocking TE. His size/athleticism combo makes him a dangerous weapon up the seam and he was one of the better YAC threats in the sport last year, ranking seventh among TEs in that category. His only real blemish was the seven drops in 2025, but that is a notoriously noisy stat that shouldn’t dissuade any team from taking him on Day 2 of the draft.

The Rest of the Bunch

Raridon, Roush, and Delp all possess that ideal combination of blocking ability and receiving upside needed to become impactful starting TEs in this league. That does not mean that they are the only TE prospects who need more of the limelight.

Michigan’s Marlin Klein, Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek, and Washington’s Quentin Moore are three blocking forward TEs who, while they may lack the same receiving ability, will very likely outperform their draft slot as rookies, similarly to players like the Seahawks’ A.J. Barner and the Bills’ Jaxson Hawes did in years past.

The post Everyone Is Talking About the Wrong TE’s in the 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on The Lead.

The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA season and at this point, they are hoping to finish the campaign on a strong note amidst the rebuild. Brooklyn has less than two weeks left before they can break for the summer, but until then, they will have to figure out what the rotations will be given the amount of injuries affecting the team.

The Nets announced on Thursday that center Nic Claxton and forward Noah Clowney are probable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks due to their respective conditions. Claxton is dealing with an illness as well as right hand soreness while Clowney is trying to play through some soreness in his left ankle with the hope of making the most of his third season in the league.

Claxton, 26, is having arguably the best season of his career as he's averaging 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 56.9% from the field and 61.2% from the free-throw line. With backup center Day'Ron Sharpe already ruled out for the rest of the season, Claxton is more valuable to Brooklyn's rotation than he already is and if he doesn't play, someone like Two-Way Chaney Johnson could be called on to soak up those minutes.

Clowney, 21, is averaging the best season of his career to this point with his averages of 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 39.4% from the floor and 33.1% from behind the three-point line. Clowney recently returned after missing four games due to a left ankle sprain so the Nets could be more cautious with his injury given they wouldn't want to risk a re-aggravation of the issue.

Heading into Friday's game against Atlanta, the Nets will be missing the aforementioned Sharpe along with rookie Egor Demin, forward Michael Porter Jr., and forward Danny Wolf. As such, Brooklyn signed forward Trevon Scott from the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn's G League affiliate, to a 10-day hardship contract on Thursday, potentially with the anticipation of missing more players due to injury as this season comes to a close.

For tomorrow's game against the Hawks, the Nets say Nic Claxton (illness/right hand soreness) and Noah Clowney (left ankle soreness) are PROBABLE.

— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) April 2, 2026

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney probable Friday vs. Hawks

Several incomings are planned at Manchester United, who are yet to appoint their permanent head coach.

Interim boss Michael Carrick appears to be the leading candidate for the role after picking up 23 points from a possible 30. Still, the hierarchy intend to wait until the end of the campaign before making a final decision.

However, the club’s recruitment team has already identified the areas of the squad that need to be strengthened, regardless of who is at the helm next season.

Manchester United agree Cristian Orozco deal

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have “already agreed one summer transfer for new boss with 4 more in pipeline.”

It is claimed United have reached an initial agreement for Colombian defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco.

The 17-year-old midfielder is currently on the books of Fortaleza CEIF and cannot officially leave the Colombian outfit until he turns 18. The deal for him to sign for the Premier League giants will be finalised in the summer, as he reaches that crucial milestone on 13 July.

However, United already have a preliminary agreement to pay around £750,000 to acquire his services.

The combative defensive midfielder, who currently represents Colombia U17s, has drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo for his physicality and aggressive style of ball recovery.

Four first-team signings lined up

Despite his immense potential, Orozco is joining as a talent to boost the academy system, and United want to add at least two senior players in the middle of the park, claims the Manchester Evening News.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson seems to be the club’s first-choice target, but the England midfielder is also being strongly pursued by Manchester City.

Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are also on the list of the Red Devils’ midfield targets.

Meanwhile, it is understood that United will also target a younger left-back and a left-winger.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Barcelona have reportedly made Alessandro Bastoni one of their top transfer targets for the summer window and are eager to bring the Italy international to Camp Nou.

The club are in talks with the player’s management over a deal, and the defender is believed to be interested in swapping San Siro for Camp Nou.

However, Barcelona will need to make sales before they can really go for Bastoni, according to reporter Florian Plettenberg.

There’s uncertainty surrounding several players at Barcelona right now. Robert Lewandowski is out of contract in the summer along with Andreas Christensen.

Barcelona are also thought to be willing to listen to offers for Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Ferran Torres in the summer transfer window.

Marcus Rashford is another player who could move on in the summer. Barcelona do have a buy option but have not decided yet whether to spend 30 million euros to keep the England star at the club on a permanent basis.

Who would you sell to fund a deal for Bastoni? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Stanford Cardinal (20-12, 9-9) will face the West Virginia Mountaineers (18-14, 9-9) in the 2026 College Basketball Crown Tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Thursday night.

MORE: Final Four predictions include shocking pick to win title

How to Watch Stanford vs West Virginia

• When: Thursday, April 2, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: FOX Sports 1
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

While Stanford hasn’t played a game since March 10th, they did finish the season strong, winning four of their last five games, with the lone loss being a one-point decision against Pitt in the first round of the ACC Tournament. The Cardinal got a balanced attack from Ebuka Okorie (14 points), Benny Gealer (11), and AJ Rohosy (10), as they made a furious comeback after trailing by eight at halftime.

West Virginia is in a similar situation, having played its last game on March 11th, a 68-48 first-round loss in the Big 12 Tournament to BYU. The Mountaineers got 17 points and three steals from Honor Huff, with a statistical anomaly: he did not make a single 2-point attempt (0-for-5). The Mountaineers’ defense keeps them in games, as they allowed the fewest points per game in Division 1, at just 64.8.

This is a great College Basketball Crown Tournament matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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Alice Pereira wanted to become the youngest women to sign with the UFC, joining the promotion just days after turning 19, but ultimately lost a decision to Montserrat Rendon in her debut. She’s back seven months later to face off against Hailey Cowan at UFC Vegas 115, which goes down April 4 at the Meta APEX, and has mixed feelings about her first night as a UFC fighter.

At the same time she lamented not winning her first UFC appearance after so much hype and expectation, “Golden Girl” admits feeling weird by how apathetic she was in tasting defeat for the first time in six professional MMA bouts.

“To be honest, at that moment when my hand wasn’t raised, I wasn’t sad,” Pereira told MMA Fighting. “I didn’t leave with the feeling that I had a terrible fight or that I didn’t do my job right. To this day, I don’t know if that was good or bad because I stayed apathetic about my fight for a long time. I didn’t have a bad feeling about it because, to me, I had done a good job.

“I could have been a bit more aggressive, yes, but it’s very easy to say that when you watch it back. When we put together the game plan and the strategy, we go in there ready to follow it to a T, and I didn’t want to give Rendon any opening to take me down. I defended all the takedowns. Maybe that was even part of it. I might have been so focused on defending her takedowns that I held back some of my usual aggressiveness, which is what I was missing a bit to even things out.”

Pereira went from a hightly touted protest to facing extreme criticism from fans in a span of 15 minutes. While some defend that she was too green to be in the UFC as a 5-0 teenager, Pereira said “there’s no better place in the world for an athlete to be than the UFC.” She’s surrounded by fighters who have been in the UFC before, including her boyfriend Carlos Felipe, so watching from afar taught her that “we really have to ignore [comments online] because if we take everything we read seriously, we’ll go crazy.”

It’s easier said than done, though.

“I was already getting hate even before I was in the UFC, people talking trash in my comments, so imagine when I got in,” Pereira said. “I was absolutely sure of that. What I do most is filter things out now. Unfortunately, one of the things I like most is reading comments on any video, but I avoid it as much as possible now. And sometimes it’s not even my post. There have been many times when I go into a random post and people are talking about me. Like, guys, I’m not even the subject of this post, why are you talking about me? And then I end up getting mad at myself for having read the comments.

“These days, the mental clean-up I do is really about avoiding this kind of content that won’t add anything to me. And in this camp, after my first fight, I wanted to invest more in my mental work, with therapy and everything. Not because of other people’s opinions, but to help me build that mental shield, which might be the key I was missing.”

Pereira decided to fly to Las Vegas a week earlier than originally planned to visit the UFC Performance Institute and make use of the structure at the disposal of fighters free of charge, one that “will only add more and help me keep progressing on this journey inside the UFC.” Before the trip, Pereira finished her camp training in Rio de Janeiro with visits to multiple teams to work alongside Ketlen Vieira at Nova Uniao and Melissa Gatto at KO Squad. 

“We carefully chose the places that would add to my game in terms of knowledge,” Pereira said. “Sometimes it’s a small position you learn, a different grip that can be effective for your game and change everything. Sometimes you learn a slightly different hand position and that could be the key to victory in a fight. We chose where we wanted to go and it was an amazing week. We met a lot of great people and learned a lot.”

Cowan, who is 14 years older than the Brazilian, has more experience in the sport after building a 5-2 record in LFA and making two trips to the octagon. She has her back against the wall after consecutive defeats to Jamey-Lyn Horth and Nora Cornolle in the UFC, and Pereira is confident that she can win in any area.

“This time the story will be different because of many small adjustments we’ve been making throughout the camp,” Pereira said. “I have several paths to win this fight. I like to prepare beforehand, especially for my post-fight interviews. I’m that kind of fighter who already thinks, ‘My God, what am I going to say?’ I’m still undecided because there are so many ways this fight can go and so many ways I can get the win that I’m calm about how it will unfold.

“I don’t think I’ll be frustrated if I don’t get a knockout or a submission. If it goes to the scorecards, that’s fine too. I’m going in very clear-headed, knowing that whatever happens, I’ll be winning rounds and standing out. I know I have multiple paths, so I’m very calm about it.”

After facing the Philadelphia 76ers again on Wednesday, Washington Wizards rookie Will Riley earned high praise from forward Paul George for his potential on the court.

George dropped a season-high 39 points, six assists and five rebounds in the contest, leading the Sixers to the 153-132 victory at Capital One Arena. On the other side, Riley finished with 18 points for his sixth straight game in double figures.

The two players were matched up throughout the contest, giving George a firsthand look at Riley. The nine-time All-Star came away from the game impressed with Riley and believes the 21st overall pick is on track to have a solid career.

He is good. He has got a bright future. I love his aggressiveness. I love his assertiveness. He can dribble. He can do a lot of things, I've watched film on him: Dribble, handle, playmake, score. He can do a little bit of everything on the court. It is great for him here. He is playing with confidence. I see a lot of myself in him.

Riley is averaging 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 33.2% from 3-point range in 68 appearances with the Wizards. He is one of 10 first-year players with seven or more 20-point performances this season.

The 20-year-old is fresh off his best month as a professional, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 16 games in March. He was recognized by the league as one of the players nominated for Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.

Riley has showcased his overall skill set and growth throughout the season, proving to be a versatile scorer who can finish at the rim with relative ease. He is emerging as a franchise cornerstone and earning the respect of his peers along the way.

Note: Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards news: Will Riley earns praise from Paul George for ability

The dynamic duo of Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce have formed an elite sports media partnership with their widely-popular “New Heights” podcast.

However, the NFL brothers’ success is largely due to their ability to expand beyond football, and that’s become apparent ahead of golf’s upcoming major, the 2026 Masters tournament.

MORE: Pat McAfee reveals Augusta decision about filming ESPN show at 2026 Masters

Reigning Masters winner Rory McIlroy recently announced his Champions Dinner for the iconic golf tournament. Meanwhile, the Kelce brothers released their own version of the Masters Champions Dinner ahead of this year’s event.

Rate the Kelce brothers’ Masters Champions Dinner menus pic.twitter.com/uD3MnU4avQ

— New Heights (@newheightshow) April 2, 2026

The Super Bowl champion-winning brothers took a page out of the Masters playbook by releasing their own graphic with a similar appearance to what Augusta posted with McIlroy’s announcement.

Both Kelce brothers have become massive stars beyond the gridiron, especially due to the success of “New Heights.” Their huge podcast has amassed millions of followers on social media in just a few short years, making it one of the best sports podcasts.

Meanwhile, Travis’ public relationship with pop star Taylor Swift has boosted his own popularity with music fans. The celebrity couple are set to get married in June during the NFL offseason.

MORE: ESPN has no clue how to use former NFL star Jason Kelce

Jason’s growing role at ESPN has certainly been an intriguing topic for the sports and entertainment network. The former Philadelphia Eagles center is even set to appear at this year’s Masters during the Par 3 Contest.

Below are the fun and nostalgic menus that the Kelce brothers have created for their fictitious Masters Champions Dinner.

It’s clear that the NFL stars are very fond of their parents’ cooking from their childhood days back in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Both Kelce’s also leaned into some of their favorite snacks from their younger days, including a shared love for key lime pie.

Jason Kelce’s Masters Champions Dinner menu

• Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls
• Ed Kelce’s Casserole
• Fancy PB&J
• Hamburger Helper
• Beans & Weenies
• Key Lime Pie
• Dunkaroos

Travis Kelce’s Masters Champions Dinner menu

• Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls
• Georgio’s Pizza
• Smashburger
• Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese
• Key Lime Pie
• Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

The 2026 Final Four for the men’s NCAA tournament is set. Illinois faces UConn at 5:09 p.m. ET Saturday, April 4, followed by Michigan against Arizona at 7:49 p.m.

Come Monday night, there will be a new national champion. The NCAA also will crown a Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Here’s a look at who has won the award every year of the tournament since 1939.

PHOENIX (AP) — This year's Final Four at the women's NCAA Tournament features a quartet of powerhouse programs, teams that have overwhelmed almost all of their opponents with superior talent and veteran coaching.

They have size. They are athletic. They have pedigree.

But they haven't faced a ton of on-court adversity — particularly in March.

That could change on Friday night when UConn faces South Carolina and Texas meets UCLA in the national semifinals at Mortgage Matchup Center. After beating up on inferior adversaries for the majority of March, it's time for the game's elite to pick on someone their own size.

Here's how they're preparing for potential clutch moments this weekend.

South Carolina (35-3)

The Gamecocks have had a few tough losses this season, including two to Texas. They also dropped a road game against Oklahoma, blowing a seven-point halftime lead before losing in overtime.

South Carolina got its revenge last week, beating the Sooners in the Sweet 16.

The Gamecocks haven’t faced much friction in the NCAA Tournament, winning their four games by an average of 40.3 points.

Coach Dawn Staley said the way to stay fresh for late-game situations is to simulate them in practice so that players are comfortable when tense moments come. For instance, during last week’s regional in Sacramento, the coach said they made sure to go over sidelines inbounds plays since the benches were in a spot that was different than most of the games they had played.

Guard Raven Johnson said Staley did a good job of ramping up the intensity after the early-season setbacks, holding them to the program’s standard that has been built over the past two decades.

“When we took losses throughout the season, I think practices, they shifted,” Johnson said. “They were hard. She was on our butts. She was a different person.

“I think that made us come closer. That made us realize that people here, this is their first time ever experiencing things like this. We had to remind them that our standard here is very high. We had to remind them in practice, good habits are contagious. When you have good habits, they carry on into the game.”

UConn (38-0)

The Huskies' dominance has been historic. They've won their 38 games by an average of 37.8 points, which is on track to rank third all-time behind its record 40.6 in 2015 and 39.7 in 2016.

On-court adversity hasn't been common. The Huskies played a tight game against Michigan early in the year, pulling out a 72-69 win on Nov. 21. They also trailed by one point against North Carolina after one quarter in the Sweet 16 before pulling away for a 63-42 victory.

Other than that, it's been pretty smooth sailing.

Azzi Fudd said she's confident the Huskies will be ready to execute in a tight fourth quarter if needed.

“You simulate as much as you can in practice, which the coaches have done for us all year long," Fudd said. “At the end of the day, the habits that we've built in practices and games will definitely help keep us settled, keep us calm, keep us together this weekend.”

Texas (35-3)

Texas played a difficult schedule, going 14-3 against nationally ranked teams before March Madness even started. The Longhorns are the one team in the Final Four that has had a two-game losing streak, dropping back-to-back games to LSU and South Carolina in mid-January.

In that regard, they might be the most battle-tested team remaining.

Texas also might be the hottest team in the nation at the moment. The Longhorns are on a 12-game winning streak, which includes a 78-61 win over South Carolina in the SEC Tournament and a 77-41 win over Michigan in the Elite Eight.

Coach Vic Schaefer said he's not concerned about the lack of close games. He believes his team has proven its mettle thanks to the tough schedule.

“I've got a fifth-year point guard and I've got Madison Booker, who has been in those games and those wars,” Schaefer said. “I stopped worrying about this group about three or four weeks ago. What they've done and how they've done it — at some point you've got to step back and go ‘OK, they’re good.'”

Texas has won its games by an average of 29.1 points this season and by 35.5 in the tournament.

UCLA (35-1)

The Bruins are the only team remaining that has experienced a recent brush with a loss, trailing by eight points at halftime against Duke in the Elite Eight before rallying for a relatively comfortable 70-58 win.

Their lone loss came at the hands of their upcoming opponent — Texas.

Senior guard Gabriela Jaquez said the Duke game was a great learning moment heading into what she hopes are two more games.

“We never want to be down, but it's really important to respond quickly,” Jaquez said. “In the Duke game, we should have responded quicker, but it's OK, we responded at halftime. In the Final Four, all these teams are really good. They've worked hard all season, they're going to be ready, they're going to be prepared.”

UCLA has won its games by an average of 28 points this season, including 27 in the tournament.

___

AP Sports Writer Eric Olson contributed to this report.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

INDIANAPOLIS — Three years ago, Dusty May and his players were adamant that Florida Atlantic wasn’t a Cinderella. The word itself almost seemed to trigger them. But with the perspective of time gone by, seeing the Owls cut down the nets at Madison Square Garden and head to the Final Four is one of the all-time great college basketball stories — Cinderella or not.

FAU had a total home attendance of 38,050 in 17 games that season. To play on the Final Four stage in front of nearly 74,000 fans in Houston, and millions on CBS for that program, is unimaginable in the transfer portal era. Sure, anybody who watched the Owls play that season knew how good they were, but not many did.

May’s first trip to the Final Four was anything but expected. His second? It’s been the only conceivable outcome since November.

“It felt a lot different than it did at FAU,” May said. “This felt like something our guys expected, and even our fan base, it felt like they expected it a little bit, as well, and so did I because of the guys we have wearing a Michigan jersey.”

In his second year as Michigan’s head coach, May leads the Wolverines into Lucas Oil Stadium as the favorites to cut down the nets. Michigan ran through the Players’ Era Festival, then dominated the Big Ten, and tore up the Midwest region of the NCAA Tournament. Its 95-62 win over Tennessee in the regional final was the most lopsided margin at that stage of the tournament in 37 years.

Instead of spending the winning Regional Final press conference answering questions about how making a run to the Final Four helps put his University on the map, he’s answering questions about how the program he now leads has made Final Fours in six of the last seven decades.

And his Monday looked a lot different too. May said that in 2023, he spent all of Monday after defeating Kansas State talking to coaches who had been to the Final Four and trying to figure out how to prepare. Because at this stage, everything is different from every other game you’ve played.

“The first day (after we won) was learning,” May said. “Because we obviously didn’t anticipate going to the Final Four.”

It’s two full days of media swarms between open locker rooms, press conferences with the national media, and interviews with all of the TV and radio networks involved in the production. It’s playing in a football stadium in the biggest game of your life in front of the biggest crowd of your life. May could draw on his own experiences this time, instead of leaning on others.

“This year, it was more of our staff getting together,” May said. “Going through our notes and checklist about what we didn’t do well and what we did, and try to recreate what we did well and try to figure out a better way for what we didn’t. So I feel like we’re a step ahead there.”

At Florida Atlantic, May’s Owls finished the regular season 28-3 and ran through the C-USA Tournament in order to clinch a berth in the NCAA Tournament, but it may have taken all of that just to make the Tournament. They earned a nine seed, and scrapped past Memphis in the first round before beating FDU to advance to the Sweet 16.

Simply making it to the dance was historic. Winning a game for the first time in program history was special. Continuing the run all the way to Houston was unthinkable.

“(In 2023), we were on the innocent fight for about three or four months where we were just lost in the fight,” May added. “Battling every single day, scrapping for everything, not knowing if you’re even going to be in the tournament, let alone make it to the Final Four. I think here we probably clinched an NCAA Tournament bid after Players’ Era in November, so just the entire thing has felt different.”

Because of where he was and the level that he was winning at, May’s previous success was shrouded in discourse around the coaching carousel. He stayed another year at FAU, returning essentially all contributors in what he called the “most difficult year of his life,” in coaching.

After that, he took the Michigan job. His leaving FAU was an inevitability. His second team at Michigan feels just as inevitable. A dominant team, and back with unfinished business in the Final Four.

“I’d challenge you to walk into our offices and arena at FAU and and everything about what that group did and even just to look at a picture of that group and their journeys to get there,” May said. “And then this one. It’s two different situations.”

Jiri Prochazka is about to enter one of the most important stretches of his entire life.

In the main event of UFC 327 on April 11, Prochazka (32-5-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC), a former UFC light heavyweight champion, challenges for the belt he lost due to injury in 2022. To win the vacant UFC light heavyweight title, he'll have to get past Carlos Ulberg (13-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC). This bout marks Prochazka's third attempt at reclaiming his belt, and it could potentially be his final opportunity.This is a monumental moment in his life, and it's been paired with an even bigger one: the birth of his first child.

"The date of the fight is the 11th, and the date of birth is around the 13th, 14th," Prochazka told MMA Junkie. "Yeah, so they'll be close, but I believe, I believe that I can handle my mission and my girlfriend will handle her mission. So yeah, a little bit of pressure, a little bit of pressure in April, but this is what I like."

There's a lot happening in Prochazka's life right now. The birth of his child is a new layer added to his fighting career. Prochazka admits it's brought a great deal of pressure, but with it, an immense amount of motivation.

"A lot. A lot," Prochazka said on his new drive as a father. "Maybe I'm not realizing it yet, but I feel the power. Really feel something that's in the beyond, behind the feelings, behind the emotions. There is something that is stronger than I ever, ever, ever met before. I can tell, and it's not the reason. It's really something that was here, and every time we have a call with my girlfriend every day, we are doing, like, special breathing stuff together to keep ourselves in connection, so every time I see her belly, like, I can't explain. I can't explain right now, but yeah."

Prochazka enters UFC 327 on the heels of back-to-back knockout wins over top contenders Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. – two bouts for which he won bonuses for Performance of the Night. Prochazka's only two defeats have come in championship fights against UFC star Alex Pereira.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jiri Prochazka powered by looming fatherhood for UFC 327 title fight

Chris Duncan and Renato Moicano are on different career trajectories heading into UFC Fight Night 272.

Streaking lightweight Duncan (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) takes on former title challenger Moicano (20-7-1 MMA, 12-7 UFC) in Saturday's main event (Paramount+) at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Duncan is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, three by finish. Meanwhile, his American Top Team teammate is coming off back-to-back losses.

Alan Jouban, who will be working the desk as an analyst for the fight, acknowledges the vast difference in the level of competition between the two. Although Moicano is on a skid, Jouban says he remains dangerous.

"It's really a good matchup to see, for me, where Chris Duncan is," Jouban told MMA Junkie. "Chris Duncan is a guy riding a four-fight win streak right now. Renato Moicano is on a two-fight skid, but you look at the damage that he did literally in that fight against Benoit Saint Denis a while back, and he showed you this is the type of guy that if he gets to the ground, if he gets to your back, he's either going to rear-naked choke you or he's going to do a significant amount of damage to get the fight stopped."

Jouban thinks Duncan has enough tools to make noise in the lightweight division, and proceeded to break down his strengths.

"Chris Duncan, he's just a war machine," Jouban said. "I don't think a lot of our viewers are that familiar with him, but he's a guy who came on Dana White's Contender Series, lost his first fight, got knocked out by Viacheslav, came back on Dana White's Contender Series and had that war where he was almost out, knocks out his opponent, and since then has been on a tear. He's a guy with a powerful right hand, sneaky elbows on the inside, has a beautiful left side guillotine.

"He's kind of that well-rounded guy in the division. He's a banger, he's a guy you can't ever count out, and he thrives in the chaos. Anytime he gets hurt, even in the Terrance McKinney fight, he was hurt very badly, an elbow he landed on the inside changed the course of the fight, the anaconda choke put it away. So he's a guy who thrives in the chaos. We know Moicano is a chaotic guy in the ring and on the microphone, so that should be a fun one."

To hear more from Jouban, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Analyst: Renato Moicano great matchup to see how good Chris Duncan is

Barcelona are in the market for a new striker, with it becoming increasingly likely that one of their current number nines will leave in the summer. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both been heavily linked with moves away, but at this stage, the former is still most likely to depart, by way of his contract running out in June.

Julian Alvarez remains Barcelona’s leading target, but it is becoming increasingly clear that doing a deal with Atletico Madrid will be incredibly difficult. Low-cost options are being considered too, but also being looked at is something in the middle, which is where Joao Pedro could come in.

According to Simon Phillips (via CaughtOffside), Barcelona are seriously interested in Pedro, who has impressed during his first season at Chelsea. 18 goals and six assists across all competitions speaks for itself, and he would have many chances to improve on those numbers if he does end up at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Chelsea may be unwilling to consider letting Pedro leave 12 months after he joined from Brighton, but even so, a deal would likely be possible for under €100m, which is the budget that Barcelona have set themselves for a new number nine. If it does get done, it could be a shrewd piece of business for a player that is getting better and better, and at 24, he will only continue to  rise.

Pedro’s profile is something for Barcelona to consider

Pedro would be a good fit for Barcelona, although the fact that he is not an out-and-out striker could be a concern for sporting director Deco and co. Nevertheless, he would be able to effectively link up with the likes of Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, which would be an exciting prospect for supporters.

For now, Barcelona’s interest in Pedro is only in its infancy, but it remains to be seen whether it continues to get more serious as the summer draws nearer.

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And here we go again. A Final Four loaded with No. 1 seeds delivers must-watch drama, and the marquee matchup features the UConn Huskies squaring off with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

It’s the rematch everyone has circled. While revenge might be the easy storyline, South Carolina has made it clear last round that’s never their focus. This is a clash between two elite, disciplined programs that carry themselves with class.

UConn has steamrolled its way here, but this is the spot where it finally meets its equal. Expect a tightly contested thriller as I break down why in my South Carolina vs. UConn predictions and college basketball picks for Friday, April 3.

South Carolina vs UConn prediction

Who will win South Carolina vs UConn?

UConn: There’s just no taking down those Huskies. South Carolina is about as formidable as it gets when it comes to challenging them, but actually beating UConn is a different task entirely. Their depth is second to none, their defense brings relentless pressure, and they’re led by AP Player of the Year Sarah Strong. It doesn’t get much more complete than this squad.

South Carolina vs UConn best bet: South Carolina +6.5 (-110 at bet365)

Forget last year, this is a new chapter with a completely different feel. While many will point to past results, this rematch tells a different story. The UConn Huskies have dominated opponents with an average margin north of 37 points, but Friday presents a tougher test.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are far more balanced now, with all five starters averaging double figures after having just three do so a season ago. Their offense has surged to 87.1 points per game, and improved shot selection has been key, hitting 50% or better in three of four tournament games.

Meanwhile, the Huskies have cooled off a bit, shooting 56% in the second round before dropping to 40% and 44% in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.

If that efficiency holds, South Carolina has the tools to close the gap and keep this battle competitive.

COVERS INTEL: The UConn Huskies own the nation’s top scoring defense, surrendering just 50.1 points per game while forcing an average of 15.7 steals.

South Carolina vs UConn same-game parlay (SGP)

UConn heads into Friday riding a 54-game winning streak dating back to Feb. 9, 2025, and much to South Carolina’s frustration, that run looks more than ready to reach 55 as they punch their ticket to the national title game.

The Huskies’ defense is the real deal, but the Gamecocks have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone. After setting a program record with 87.1 average points per game this season — nearly eight more than last year — this team total feels a bit short, and it’s time to give Joyce Edwards and company their due.

It all lines up with backing the Over as well. Both teams can score buckets in their sleep, and when you factor in UConn’s 87.9 points per game, this matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

South Carolina vs UConn odds

• Spread: South Carolina +6.5 (-110) | UConn -6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: South Carolina +255 | UConn -315
• Over/Under: Over 135.5 (-110) | Under 135.5 (-110)

How to watch South Carolina vs UConn

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

J.P. Crawford is our shortstop… again… for now.

The Mariners activated Crawford from the injured list on Thursday. He will join the team in Anaheim as they begin their first road tip of 2026. Crawford missed the first week of the season with right shoulder inflammation, which bugged him throughout Spring Training.

It’s a precarious time for Crawford. The Mariners on Tuesday announced a record-breaking extension for shortstop prospect Colt Emerson. Jerry Dipoto said the team is in “no rush” to debut Emerson in the majors, but as Kate Preusser points out, his talent may be forcing the team’s hand. Emerson is clearly the Mariners’ long-term plan at shortstop, leaving Crawford somewhat in the way.

Crawford, 31, is the longest-tenured Mariner, having arrived in 2019. He’s had an eventful career, first appearing as an all-glove-no-bat shortstop before a swing change in 2023 made him one of the best players in the league. He battled injuries and poor luck in 2024 but turned it around in 2025, although inconsistency at the plate limited his season overall. Crawford in 2025 posted four months with a 115 wRC+ or better, and he posted two months with a wRC+ less than 100. This all worked out to a 113 wRC+, which ranked 10th among qualified shortstops.

The Mariners might be willing to accept that up-and-down performance, but Crawford struggles in every other aspect of the game. His -9 Fielding Run Value last year ranked second worst among shortstops, as part of a years-long slide in the field. He doesn’t have good range anymore, and he doesn’t have the arm strength to make up for it. He also struggles on the bases, as one of the slowest shortstops in the league. When he hits, as he did for two-thirds of 2025, he’s a more than solid option at a premium position. When he slumps, he’s a replacement level player.

And the Mariners now have their replacement. Exactly when and why they’ll make the call on Emerson is unclear, and it’s possible they slot him into the lineup at another position with Crawford still at short. It’s also possible Emerson struggles upon his debut, and I doubt the team would forgo contingency before giving him the full-time job. But the Mariners are in win-now mode, and they aren’t likely to give Crawford 600 plate appearances for the sake of loyalty if he’s struggling. For the first time as a Mariner, Crawford is no longer the future at shortstop, and he’ll have to earn his playing time to stick around.

While he may no longer be the future of the Mariners, it’s worth noting he is still very much the past. Crawford needs just 16 more games to pass Jose Lopez for 10th most games played by a batter in team history. With 610 plate appearances, he’ll pass Raul Ibanez for ninth. With 2.8 WAR, he’ll pass Bret Boone and Mike Cameron for 11th, and with 3.6 WAR he’ll pass Robinson Canó for 10th. Crawford is surely one of the best players in the history of the franchise, and it would nice to see him, at the very least, hang on to be commemorated at the Mariners 50th Season Spectacular in August.

The Mariners in a corresponding move Thursday optioned infielder Ryan Bliss to Tacoma. Bliss got two plate appearances as a pinch hitter on Saturday and struck out in both of them. He spent most of last year on the injured list after tearing his biceps while swinging. Bliss remains interesting org depth and has demonstrated the ability to draw walks and put the ball in play in the minors. He will likely find his way back to the majors at some point this season, although there’s no clear path to playing time around the infield at the moment. He has four in-season options remaining, according to Darren Gossler’s payroll tracker.

Leo Rivas remains on the team as the backup infielder. Rivas has a tremendous eye, or at least a historically low swing rate, allowing him to draw walks and get on base. He’s a passable bench bat, and as a switch hitter, the only Mariners’ infielder capable of standing in the righty batter’s box. This handedness dilemma is another branch in the team’s shortstop log jam, potentially delaying Emerson’s debut and threatening Crawford’s use as a role player.

The Mariners also placed reliever Ryan Loutos on unconditional release waivers. Loutos was designated for assignment Monday, removing him from the Mariners’ 40-man roster. Every team will get a chance to claim Loutos. If he goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent.

Talk about the game with Pens fans here!

UFC 328 Card Adds New Undercard Matchup

The UFC 328 lineup is nearly set, with a 12th fight recently added to the card.

Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland are scheduled to headline when the UFC returns to Newark, New Jersey, on May 9.

Before they clash for middleweight gold, it has been revealed that two welterweight dark horses will meet on the UFC 328 undercard.

UFC 328 adds Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov

UFC 328 has a new addition to the card, as the promotion confirmed another bout on Thursday.

Former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov is set for his second UFC appearance next month at the Prudential Center.

The Ukrainian, who trains with Oleksandr Usyk, started strong in December by submitting Neil Magny.

He’ll now take on welterweight newcomer Joel Alvarez, who is stepping up for his first fight in the division after previously competing at lightweight.

Alvarez impressed in his debut at 170lbs last October, earning a decision win over Vicente Luque. The winner of this matchup could be looking at a ranked opponent next time out.

Who else is on the UFC 328 card?

Before Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland meet in the main event, there are 11 other fights scheduled for UFC 328.

Here’s a look at every matchup confirmed so far. The full UFC 328 lineup:

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland

Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley

Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov

King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens

Ateba Gautier vs. Osman Diaz

Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio

Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos

Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa

Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis

Daniel Santos vs. Choi Doo-ho

Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov

Read more:

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns get their fully healthy starting five for the first in nearly a month with the return of center Mark Williams. The 24-year-old has been out since March 5th due to a foot injury suffered in a game vs. the Sacramento Kings. In his 15-game absence, Phoenix went 7-8, but it has maintained the seventh seed in the Western Conference. His return for Thursday’s game vs. the Charlotte Hornets gives the Suns a much needed boost to end the regular season.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix center Williams (15) against the Boston Celtics in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What Williams return means for Suns:

The franchise has six games remaining and are 4.5 games away from the sixth seed. While mathematically possible, Phoenix catching a top six seed is unlikely to happen. This means the team will have to take part in the Play-In and not have their playoff spot secured. The Suns will be in the 7-8 matchup in the West Play-In tournament, with the 8th seed held by the Los Angeles Clippers.

The two organizations are 2-2 against each other this season, with three of the matchups happening in the first three weeks of the season. The opening part of the 2025-2026 season was one of the few stretches where Phoenix was semi-healthy and had stellar success. The inclusion of Dillon Brooks and Williams in the starting lineup boosted the Suns to a hot start to the year.

Feb 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) grabs a rebound against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The same outcome can happen during this final six game stretch leading into the Play-In. Brooks returned last game, with Williams coming back Thursday. The pair will have an opportunity to wave off the cobwebs and return to their regular self before Playoff basketball begins. Phoenix is 33-23 this season with Williams, as the big man has become critical to the team’s success.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports

After the catastrophic debacle in Bosnia, a new phase for the national team is inevitably beginning.

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It will not be a total revolution, but some changes are already expected from the next call-ups in June. Gattuso’s future seems all but decided, but regardless of who is in charge, it is clear that the squad will be refreshed, with several of the main figures from the night in Zenica set to make way for new solutions.

Italy, who should you start again from?

Among the foundations on which to build this new Azzurri era, Palestra clearly stands out: his performances against Northern Ireland and Bosnia highlighted a wing-back who is already mature, capable of establishing himself as a reliable presence on the right flank, regardless of the system. The fact that he belongs to Atalanta but is currently on loan at Cagliari does not change the substance: right now he represents a reliable solution with strong long-term potential.

Inter players such as Barella, Bastoni and Dimarco also remain central figures, combining quality, international experience and still-significant room for growth. However, it will be crucial to assess their response, especially mentally, after yet another disappointment in the Italy shirt.

There is no shortage of certainties: Donnarumma continues to provide security between the posts, Tonali confirms himself as a technical and emotional leader, while Calafiori is being asked to make the definitive leap in quality by finding consistency and a clear tactical role. In attack, Scamacca’s full recovery is eagerly awaited, with Kean now firmly recognised as the team’s main scoring reference. Di Lorenzo’s return will add experience, while Buongiorno will need to regain solidity. Gabbia and Ricci, meanwhile, remain under observation, with midfield potentially offering new opportunities precisely to the Milan playmaker.

In the attacking department, Pio Esposito is also putting himself forward for a leading role: beyond the mistake from the spot, he showed personality, the ability to make an impact and a constant presence in the final third, qualities that place him among the main options alongside Scamacca, Kean and Raspadori.

Finally, the generational change must be set in motion: Pisilli is destined to gain more space if he confirms the progress shown with Roma, while Fagioli could be a resource to reintegrate. From the Under-21s, Bartesaghi and Ahanor are ready to make the step up, with profiles such as Kayode and Ndour to be monitored closely with the future in mind.

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

Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP

Tiger Woods called President Donald Trump from the scene of his rollover car crash moments before he was arrested with a DUI, a new video shows.

Woods was charged with driving under the influence after crashing his Range Rover last Friday in an accident in Jupiter, Florida. The golf legend was reportedly carrying two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and appeared to have “glassy eyes” when he was arrested after allegedly refusing a DUI check at the scene.

In police bodycam footage, Woods can be heard telling police he was looking at his phone before the crash. But new footage obtained by TMZ adds further detail to the incident. A cop wearing the bodycam in the new footage can be heard calling to Woods, asking him to return to the area with law enforcement.

“Mr. Woods,” the cop called repeatedly as Woods appeared walking down the road towards the officer. “We need you to hang out down here with us, please.”

Woods can be heard speaking on the phone for a moment before hanging up.

“Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye,” said Woods, before asking the officer to repeat himself. “Say again?”

After the officer repeated his request, Woods promptly told him he had been speaking with Trump.

“Yeah, I was just talking with the president,” he said.

Woods then claims Trump was “very apologetic for what he did last night.” He then takes a case out of his pocket and attempts to put something in his mouth before being asked not to do so by an officer.

No further details are provided as to the context of Woods “apologetic” remark about Trump, though TMZ noted it may have been in relation to the president’s appearance on Fox’s The Five the night before the crash, where he claimed Woods would not compete in the Masters – a decision Woods had not made publicly.

The president expressed sympathy for Woods in a Tuesday phone interview with The New York Post, claiming that the golf star “lives a life of pain.” The Post also released a separate report, alleging that Woods, who is dating Vanessa Trump, was forbidden from driving Trump’s grandchildren.

The post Tiger Woods Called Trump From the Scene of His Rollover Crash Before Being Arrested — TMZ-Obtained Video Shows first appeared on Mediaite.

EVANS, Ga. — Bailey Shoemaker calls it the yips. Back in January, Shoemaker couldn’t hit a 7-iron on the range without taking ages to pull the trigger. Her first event back after surgery was a dual match in the desert, and she froze over every shot. Head coach Justin Silverstein asked his support staff whether they should take her to the first big tournament of the spring.

The verdict: It's getting better, she needs to go play.

By the time Shoemaker got to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, she’d notched five consecutive top-10 finishes. But the yips, well, they came back with a vengeance as the pressure grew. On the par-3 eighth tee at Champions Retreat on Wednesday, Golf Channel aired a tee shot that took seven half-swings and waggles that added up to well over a full minute over the ball.

Golf twitter exploded. Shoemaker’s slow play went viral, with @mensgrill69’s post getting more 2 million views. The fact the caption of the video highlighted the announcer’s “This is part of her routine” quote, certainly didn’t help the situation.

“Regardless of what my brain says, like, my body's doing things that, of course, I don't want to,” said Shoemaker. “Are you kidding me?”

As the headlines and social media posts piled on, a shocked Shoemaker called Silverstein and asked if he could make some calls to get things taken down.

“She was pretty upset,” said Silverstein.

“This is part of her routine” 😴 pic.twitter.com/L5eolAj0mO

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 1, 2026

Twenty-four hours later, after Shoemaker wrapped up a second consecutive 73 to miss the cut, she sounded remarkably strong chatting with select media beneath the tall Georgia pines.  

“It's crazy what the internet can do,” said Shoemaker, “and, I mean, everyone has got something to say, and everyone thinks they know everything. …  I was the fastest player in college golf back in the day before this injury.”

The pain started a year ago, and Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine chronicled Shoemaker’s diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome, which caused her to put the clubs away all summer and fall of last year. She had surgery in October.

“Every time I got to the top my swing, I would get a super bad shooting pain, and it would go into my fingers, and my ring and pinky fingers would lose feeling,” Shoemaker told Romine.

While the pain has gone away, the memory of it hasn’t.

On Friday, after a night of surprisingly decent sleep, Shoemaker stepped onto the first tee Thursday morning and hit a shot in front of 50 people like nothing ever happened. At no point during the first two rounds of Champions Retreat was Shoemaker’s group ever on the clock. In fact, rules officials told her group on Thursday that the group in front was on the clock as they waited on every hole.

“Today, I think the longest I took over ball was 11 seconds,” said Shoemaker, who has hidden her social media for the moment but has not deleted anything.

Erica Shepherd knows what it’s like to walk off the golf course and into a firestorm. She was 16 years old when she went viral at the 2017 U.S. Girls’ Junior after the semifinal match.

The controversy was over a short par putt that opponent Elizabeth Moon had raked back out of frustration on the 19th hole. Shepherd’s longtime coach and caddie for the week, Brent Nicoson, asked Shepherd if she had given the putt. 

Shepherd immediately turned to Moon and said: “I didn’t say that was good.”

The match ended with Moon incurring a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2. Shepherd tried to play on, telling Moon and officials that she would’ve given that putt, but it was too late.

Shepherd was glued to her phone that night reading all the comments. She was called a disgrace to the game, unsportsmanlike and undeserving.

“It still bothers me today,” said Shepherd, a rookie on the LPGA. “Random people will still say ‘Hey you know what happened at the Girls’ Junior, that was wrong.’ There were a few students at Duke who were constantly coming after me for it.”

Sheperd actually wrote a paper about going viral in college.

“It can destroy you mentally and how you think about yourself,” said Shepherd, adding “the human brain isn’t wired to handle that really.”

Shepherd thought about not showing up for the final match of the Girls’ Junior, which she eventually won. People said she didn't deserve it.

Shoemaker ultimately missed the cut by three at the ANWA, but perhaps hitting rock bottom at on national television will help unlock something for her going forward.

“You can't run and hide in the sport,” said Silverstein. “You can't pass the ball. You’ve got to face the music, and that's what she's done this week, and I think she'll be better for it. People are upset, it's fine. Whatever. We know the truth.”

The golf world hasn't heard the last of the junior who owns the women's course record of 66 at Augusta National.

"I was raised by Bob Shoemaker," she said, "and he taught me to be strong."

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Bailey Shoemaker reacts to going viral for slow play 'yips' at Augusta

It is good to be Kirk Cousins. He is 88-77-2 as a starter in his NFL career. That was good enough for the Las Vegas Raiders to sign the now-journeyman quarterback to a five-year, $172 million contract on April 2.

This will be the fourth team for the former fourth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2012. For an idea how financially successful Cousins has been, thanks to his $20 million guarantee for 2026, his career earnings of more than $341 million surpass the $333 million that Tom Brady earned his storied career.

How had Cousins reached such substantial salary heights?

Let's take a look ...

Kirk Cousins' $10M guarantee for 2027 means he will surpass Tom Brady in NFL Career Earnings.

Kirk Cousins: $341M+
Tom Brady: $333M

— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 2, 2026

2012: Washington

Cash: $862,688

2013: Washington

Cash: $480,000

2014: Washington

Cash: $570,000

2015: Washington

Cash: $$842,007

2016: Washington

Cash: $19,953,000

2017: Washington

Cash: $23,950,935

2018: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $26,000,000

2019: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $28,000,000

2020: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $40,028,856

2021: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $21,000,000

2022: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $40,000,000

2023: Minnesota Vikings

Cash: $30,000,000

2024: Atlanta Falcons

Cash: $62,522,768

2025: Atlanta Falcons

Cash: $62,522,768

2026: Las Vegas Raiders

Cash: $20,000,000 (guaranteed)

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: See how much new Raiders QB Kirk Cousins has earned during NFL career

Stephon Gilmore is calling it a career. The former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills took a few years to begin to live up to his draft pedigree of being selected 10th overall. But he parlayed a Pro Bowl selection in his fifth and final year in western New York into a stretch with New England where he was once crowned the game's top defender.

The South Carolina product was twice named First-Team All-Pro, including when he won Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, then followed it up with his fourth and fifth Pro Bowl seasons as he moved into the mercenary phase of his career. Gilmore played a single year in Carolina and Indianapolis before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

He played for Minnesota in 2024 but did not suit up in 2025, so after 180 games played, $115 million in contracts and 32 interceptions, he's decided to end his pro football resume as he announced his retirement on Thursday.

Former Cowboys cornerback and former DPOY Stephon Gilmore has announced his retirement.

Should get a gold jacket one day. https://t.co/9QOkMIwiSz

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 2, 2026

The Cowboys acquired Gilmore in a trade with the Colts prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.

The salary cost for the final remaining year of his deal wasn't much, a compensatory fifth-round selection. He played over 1,000 defense snaps and had a respectable 71.2 PFF grade for the year starting opposite DaRon Bland after Trevon Diggs tore his ACL in Week 3.

Gilmore's trade acquisition, along with that of WR Brandin Cooks, seemed to opened the Cowboys' front office's eyes to a third method of talent acquisition they had been failing to leverage.

Long known to have become gun shy of veteran free agency, the Cowboys were intent to only using the draft to attain new talent. But since that year, the Cowboys have added the trade for veterans to their tool box. Trading picks for talent allows the team to avoid the guaranteed money of free-agent deals and work with just the base salary aspects of the veteran market.

Free agent deals with huge signing bonuses allow cap space to be spread out, but teams also have to place the amount of the guarantees into non-interest escrow accounts, tying up that money that can't be invested elsewhere.

But Gilmore and Cooks opened the door for the Cowboys to make moves such as acquiring WR George Pickens, DT Quinnen Williams and edge Rashan Gary in subsequent years. Dallas is likely planning several other trades over the next two months to help round out their roster for 2026.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Former Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore to retire, Hall of Fame coming?

Manchester United’s backline has been ravaged by injuries this season, and the situation has served as a timely reminder to INEOS about reinforcing that position in the summer.

First, it was Matthijs de Ligt, who suffered an injury in November. The club’s best performer in the first half of the campaign, the Dutchman, who was initially pencilled to return after a week, has ended up being sidelined for over five months.

All indications point towards the Netherlands international missing the entire season.

Lisandro Martinez, who missed the first four months of the season with an ACL injury, returned and was just starting to hit form when he suffered a calf injury.

Injury crisis at the back

Again, the club believed he would only be missing in action for one game. The Argentine has ended up on the treatment table for five games now.

When on form, the pair are the club’s best defenders, but their injury record is far from impressive and it would be a mistake for the Red Devils to place their trust in the duo moving forward.

Harry Maguire agreeing a new short-term deal does negate the need for an immediate backup, but reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that the 20-time English league champions do have their eyes on a Premier League-proven star.

Unless you have been living under a rock, it is well known that United’s co-owners are huge admirers of Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite, and they attempted to sign him back in 2024.

Jarrad Branthwaite back on the radar

The Toffees’ unrealistic valuation led to the move eventually breaking down, but it seems both the centre-back and United have not given up hopes of a move.

As per Jacobs (via Sports Mole), the three-time Champions League winners met Jarrad Branthwaite and his camp as recently as February, and they were told the Englishman remains interested in a move.

The team from Merseyside remain calm about the whole situation as the 23-year-old has a contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2030.

“There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, it was reiterated from the player’s side that interest hasn’t gone away.

Jarrad Branthwaite has still not given up on the dream of moving to United

“Everton feel calm about the situation. Branthwaite has been focusing on himself, recovery and getting back on the pitch, any kind of exit hasn’t been a topic of conversation, because he is committed to Everton, as a consequence we will see whether it’s this summer or next.

​”Part of the logic in Maguire staying is that Man United want to be more like Liverpool in the sense of finding that replacement before the actual replacement goes, so you may start to see in the market more overlap.”

Jarrad Branthwaite excels as a left-sided centre-back and with Maguire not exactly a spring chicken, and given Martinez and De Ligt’s injury woes, it would be a major coup if United were to pull off a deal for the Everton ace.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Toosii is taking an unconventional path from the music charts to the gridiron, officially joining the LSU Tigers football program as a freshman wide receiver.

The 26-year-old artist, born Nau’Jour Grainger, is now listed on LSU’s 2026 roster ahead of spring practices, an unexpected development in a sport where recruiting surprises are increasingly rare. Known for hits like "Favorite Song," Grainger is stepping away from his multi-Platinum music career to pursue Division I football.

His journey to Baton Rouge has been anything but typical. In December, Toosii made headlines after announcing a commitment to Syracuse despite having no college football experience. Just weeks later, he instead enrolled at LSU, where he is now part of a rapidly reshaped roster under head coach Lane Kiffin.

Toosii has been documenting his transition, recently posting a video of himself training inside LSU’s practice facility with the caption, “this what they don’t see.” His football ambitions date back to last summer, when he publicly declared his goal of becoming the first multi-platinum artist to return to school and play Division I football.

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“I’m chasing history,” he wrote at the time, sharing footage of himself working out at NC State. “Next year I’m gonna be on somebody’s team—mark my words!”

His addition comes during a major overhaul for LSU, which has brought in dozens of new players through recruiting and the transfer portal as the program looks to reestablish itself as a national contender.

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As of now, the Chargers will likely start Cole Strange at right guard in 2026.

Strange inked a two-year, $13 million deal with the Bolts in free agency as one of the former players to have worked with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel during his time in Miami.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Strange has been playing as the primary right guard, in part, to his familiarity with McDaniel's scheme.

"Yeah, that's where he's been playing," Harbaugh said.

"Familiarity and availability. As Mike was explaining the offense, and Butch Barry, we were watching a lot of Miami tape. You could see Cole Strange was really good at all the things they would be implementing."

Jim Harbaugh Leaves Door Open For New Starting Guard

The Chargers aren't done adding yet with free agency not over and the NFL draft taking place at the end of the month.

Harbaugh left the door open for the offensive line, stating that it isn't set in stone with the 2026 season approaching.

"Competing, starters? Yeah, sure," Harbaugh said. "Competitors welcome, you know how I feel about that. There's more to come.

"We're excited about the draft and free agency continues year-round, we've seen that from our personnel department and Joe Hortiz. Before May, after May, August, even during the season."

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers likely to start Cole Strange at right guard

We are probably in the final year of the Arch Manning era at Texas. If the Longhorns have a successful season and Manning has a solid, healthy season, he will most certainly declare for the 2027 NFL Draft. That makes his backups important this season. One veteran has been impressed with young quarterbacks KJ Lacey and Dia Bell in spring practice.

"Them boys gonna be good. KJ and Dia. I was actually throwing with KJ yesterday. That leadership thing. He hit me up to go throw, so he's kinda putting that out there off the rip. Dia, as well, he's gonna be good too. He's a freshman but they kinda getting all the good reps they can right now in the spring. So, them boys are gonna be good." - Texas Longhorns Wide Receiver Ryan Wingo

Junior wide receiver Ryan Wingo has been impressed so far by the young QB duo. Lacey has actually been proactive in hitting up wideouts for extra throwing practice. Bell, of course, has been a part of just seven practices in total.

With Arch Manning recovering from offseason surgery, younger QBs KJ Lacey and Dia Bell have earned meaningful spring football reps.

WR Ryan Wingo likes what he sees!#hookem#collegefootballpic.twitter.com/pnMJnO3GP5

— Jeff Jones (@JeffJonesSports) April 2, 2026

Lacey had a record setting senior year and was named Alabama’s “Mr. Football” as a senior in 2024 at Saraland High School. One of the top pure passers in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Lacey is known for his quick release, accuracy at multiple levels, and ability to maneuver under pressure.

While he lacks prototypical size, he makes up for it with sharp decision-making and the ability to create throwing lanes with his arm angles. His deep-ball accuracy and ability to extend plays make him a tough challenge for opposing defenses.

The son of former NBA star Raja Bell, former five-star Dia Bell was the jewel of Texas' 2026 recruiting class. The Florida native was the No. 1 QB in the class. He brings many elite traits to the table but chief among them is his accuracy and touch. His ability to make layered throws consistently is downright elite and fits the “point guard” type role in the offense, something that fits Sarkisian’s offense perfectly. 

Bell was the MVP at the exclusive Elite 11 quarterback camp. Of the eleven Texas quarterbacks to be invited to the event in history, Bell is the first to win the overall MVP. Bell, who was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, has had back to back seasons cut short due to injury.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: WR Ryan Wingo impressed by young Texas QBs KJ Lacey, Dia Bell

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Everywhere UConn guard Braylon Mullins looked Sunday night and Monday, he saw the same thing — another replay of his heroic 35-foot, game-winning 3-pointer to beat Duke.

He couldn't avoid it.

Eventually, though, the freshman guard decided he needed to turn off the television, tune out the chatter and move on.

“The first day, it was countless,” Mullins said Thursday when asked how many times he'd seen the replay. “I was like every scroll on the feed. But it's just after the first day, I was like ‘Hey, you’ve got to scroll past it. You've got to move on, flip the page.'"

Of course, just because Mullins — and the Huskies — want to leave that memorable moment in the past doesn't mean others will, as they found out in Indianapolis.

On the first day of Final Four weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mullins' interviews with national television and radio outlets ran long, delaying his arrival to the locker room. When he finally made it, a horde of reporters swarmed his locker and, naturally, the topic turned to the shot that sent UConn to its third Final Four in four years.

“It's insane just knowing that shot's going to be played every March Madness and I'm a part of that moment," he said. “That's something I can cherish.”

Banner time

Dan Hurley made one thing perfectly clear: UConn doesn’t intend to settle for anything less than leaving Indianapolis with another title.

In his first seven seasons with the Huskies, he already won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. The run ended with a 77-75 second-round loss to eventual national champ Florida last season, but now UConn is back looking for the school’s seventh title — the first coming in 1999.

“Everyone that comes to the Final Four gets a beautiful watch, but only one group is going to get a ring,” the coach said. “So get off social media, stop injecting the dopamine into your arm and get serious about the preparation and the practice because we don’t hang banners for Final Fours at UConn. We hang national championship banners. If you want to hang a banner, you’ve got to get your eyes off social media, get your face out of the phone and get locked in on Illinois.”

No distractions

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said Thursday he isn’t focusing on anything beyond his team’s goal of winning a national championship. That includes questions about him as a potential candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at blueblood program North Carolina.

“Listen, I’ve got my full focus on this team,” Lloyd said.” Nothing is distracting me. That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it.”

UNC fired Hubert Davis on March 24 after five seasons, leaving the job vacant for nearly 10 days.

“I’m a simple guy. I am kind of just one thing at a time,” Lloyd said. “I’m not a multitasker. You can ask my wife. I’m 100% locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I’m excited to see what this team can do.”

No newcomer this time

At least Michigan coach Dusty May has a better idea of what to expect at this Final Four.

It's his second trip to the sport’s biggest stage in four seasons, the other coming in 2023 with a 35-win Florida Atlantic upstart. He recalled spending a full day talking to other coaches who had reached the Final Four “about what to do and what not to do and how to prepare.”

This year's Michigan team ranked no lower than fourth in the AP Top 25 poll after November, and the Wolverines ranked No. 1 according to KenPom in 58 of 94 daily rankings between Christmas and the start of March Madness.

“I think here we probably clinched an NCAA Tournament bid after Players Era (tournament) in November, so just the entire thing has felt different,” May said.

Gardner's return

For Arizona director of player relations Jason Gardner, this is not just another tourney trip. It's a homecoming.

The two-time All-American point guard led the Wildcats to a national runner-up finish in 2001 in their last Final Four appearance prior to this year.

But before he played at Arizona, he had quite the reputation in Indiana where he won the state's prestigious Mr. Basketball Award in 1999. He later spent five seasons coaching IUPUI, now known as IU-Indianapolis, and spent one season as head coach at North Central High School in Indy, where he played prep ball. And now his son, Jason Gardner Jr., is considered a top recruit out of Fishers High School in suburban Indy.

“No matter where you go, there's always an argument about which state is better, who has the best players, who has the most NBA guys?” Gardner said. “The good thing about Indiana is that everybody knows the coaching in Indiana is great, the players are very good, so being from Indiana everybody knows what basketball means and I think always kind of gives the state a leg up.”

The twin towers

Illinois post players Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic certainly fit the term of “twin towers” — in more ways than one.

Both top 7 feet, grew up in Croatia and played club basketball in Europe before attending college in the U.S. and eventually reuniting this season with the Fighting Illini. The 7-foot-1 Tomislav, the older brother by four minutes, starts. Zvonimir comes off the bench.

Injuries made it difficult to get the two working in sync early this season.

“There were some challenges early because of Tommy’s tonsillitis. He hurts his knee. Those were kind of in the formative times of practice where Tommy missed a lot of them,” Underwood said. “Their chemistry is unbelievable. Their competitiveness is unbelievable. They go at each other all the time. They’re very different people, even though they’re twins, and yet their synergy is really fun to see.”

___

AP Basketball Writer Aaron Beard also contributed to this report.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

On Thursday, it was reported that Boston College and UMass are planning a match-up next season at TD Garden between their men’s basketball teams.

The time and date are not officially announced. This would be the first time Boston College has played at TD Garden in 12 years, following their match-up with UMass in November 2014. This report follows another recent report that Providence and Syracuse plan to play a game at TD Garden next season also.

BC recently hired new head coach Luke Murray, an assistant from UConn, who will be leading the Eagles in his first season when this game is expected to occur.

PHOENIX ― Texas women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer could barely speak when he was recently asked about Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly and the mass exodus he's experiencing with his program.

On Thursday, Cyclones center Audi Crooks announced her intention to enter the transfer portal. Crooks' departure marked the 10th Iowa State player to reveal they will be leaving the team to pursue other options. A large number of players switching teams isn't uncommon in the transfer portal era, but Fennelly's program has been hit particularly hard in recent days.

When Schaefer was asked about what Fennelly is experiencing from a coach's perspective, he paused, shaking his head and rubbing his hands together, deep in thought and visibly emotional. Eventually, he gave a heartfelt response to on-site media in the room ahead of Texas' Final Four matchup on Friday against UCLA (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

"I mean, you're talking about somebody that's literally given his life to this game. It is hard. I'm obviously friends with Bill. His whole family has given so much to this game, to so many young women," said Schaefer.

"It's just not the same. It's just not the same job it was five years ago, certainly not what it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. It's just way different. ... There was a thing called the dinosaur a while ago. What happened to them? They couldn't figure it out. What happened? They became extinct. We better figure it out, or we're going to become extinct. That's just the way it is."

Ultimately, Schaefer later admitted that he was saddened by what was happening to Fennelly.

"I'm so disheartened and disappointed, especially for him, because I know what he's given to this game his whole life," Schaefer said.

More transfer portal: Five destinations for Audi Crooks

Fennelly released a statement on Thursday, sharing how much college basketball has changed and reassuring fans that Iowa State would move forward.

"It goes without saying that college sports have undergone tremendous change the past few years, and our program has obviously been impacted by the current landscape this spring. While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on," Fennelly said.

"I look forward with enthusiasm to next season and promise you, we will have a team that represents all of you the Iowa State way."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas coach gets emotional over Iowa State's transfer portal struggles

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lawyers for the family of an Oklahoma junior college basketball player who died after suffering a head injury during a game said Thursday the student had been struck by another player's elbow and accused the team of not providing proper medical care before putting him back on the court.

Ethan Dietz, 20, died on Nov. 25 after being hit in the head during a basketball game in Texas three days earlier. He was a student at Connors State College in the small town of Warner, Oklahoma.

The school provided few details after Dietz's death about how he was injured and what care was provided. A spokesperson for the junior college, which has roughly 3,000 students, did not address questions about what kind of medical care Dietz received after his injury in a statement released on Thursday.

“Connors State College’s top priority at this time remains caring for Ethan’s family, the team and the CSC community as they continue to mourn this heartbreaking loss,” the statement said. “The college is unaware of any active or pending litigation related to this matter and is unable to comment on any potential claim.”

Several weeks after Dietz's death, the college announced that Bill Muse, CSC's longtime men's basketball coach and athletics director, was stepping down from the program for “personal reasons.”

Michael Holden, an attorney for the family, alleged in a statement that Dietz was denied immediate medical evaluation and was put back in the game after the injury.

Dietz joined his team on the two-hour bus ride home and was taken to a hospital after having seizures in his dorm room, according to Holden. The law firm said it was investigating the death but has not filed a lawsuit.

Telephone and email messages left Thursday with the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office were not immediately returned. According to Holden's statement, a coroner who examined Dietz's body reported the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and a collection of blood between his skull and brain.

Dietz was a 6-foot-8 forward from Conway, Arkansas, who was averaging 11 points per game through eight games last season.

Krystal Dietz said in the statement provided by Holden that her son dreamed of becoming a Division I basketball player.

“He grinded year-round to better himself for the upcoming season," Dietz said. "He had the discipline, dedication, and work ethic required to see that kind of dream through, had he only been given the time.”

Former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer will pitch for a U.S. team for the first time since 2021 when he serves as the opening day starter for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League later this month.

Since his last MLB start, on June 28, 2021, Bauer has been accused of sexual assault by four women. He denies all the allegations and has never been charged with a crime.

After Bauer served a 194-game suspension for violating the league's sexual assault and domestic violence policy, the Dodgers severed ties with the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner on Jan. 6, 2023, less than two years after signing him to a three-year, $102-million contract.

Read more:Shaikin: The signs say Uniqlo Field. You will continue to say Dodger Stadium

Bauer has said he wants to pitch for an MLB team again but until now has only received opportunities to play professionally in Mexico and Japan.

"We are excited to welcome Trevor to Long Island,” Michael Pfaff, Ducks president and chief business officer, said in a Thursday news release announcing Bauer's signing. “His talent and knowledge will be important additions to our ballclub, and we are happy to offer him this opportunity to showcase his talents to MLB clubs while giving fans unprecedented access to Ducks baseball.”

According to the release, "Bauer will be 'Mic’d Up' for all games and practices for the purposes of content creation to be featured on his and the team’s social media and streaming outlets."

Read more:Trevor Bauer wants back in majors: 'I don’t believe that I was given a lifetime ban'

The Ducks did not immediately respond to further questions from The Times regarding Bauer's signing.

Bauer is expected to start when the team opens the season at home April 21 against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.

“I’m looking forward to competing in front of U.S. fans again this season,” Bauer said in a statement released by his new team. “The Ducks have had some incredible players come through their organization, and I’m excited to be part of that tradition.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Leeds United will lock horns with West Ham United at the London Stadium this Sunday afternoon as they look to secure a good result on the road in the FA Cup. The Whites managed to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Brentford before the international break, so they would be keen on getting back to winning ways in domestic football.

Daniel Farke will set his men up in a 3-4-1-2 formation and is expected to make a couple of changes to his first team for this clash. Both Lucas Perri and Gabriel Gudmundsson could play from the start of this game.

3-4-1-2 Leeds United Predicted Lineup To Face West Ham United

Defence

Lucas Perri will operate in between the sticks for the Yorkshire club as he looks to keep a clean sheet away from home this weekend.

Farke could opt for a back three of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol for this game. All three of them need to be at the top of their game if they are to keep the home team frustrated throughout the 90 minutes.

Sebastiaan Bornauw will offer cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Jayden Bogle of Leeds United battles for possession with Keane Lewis-Potter of Brentford during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brentford at Elland Road on March 21, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Midfield

Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu will anchor the midfield for the Yorkshire outfit as they focus on making life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park.

Gabriel Gudmundsson will try to prove his worth on the left flank, while Jayden Bogle looks to impress as the right-sided wide player. Both of them will have to make some overlapping runs out in the wide areas.

Brenden Aaronson will play in the number ten position as he looks to carry most of the creative burden for Leeds up top.

Ao Tanaka and Daniel James will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to influence the game in the second half if needed.

Attack

Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line for the Whites up top. Both of them will have to combine well if Leeds are to secure a victory this weekend.

Noah Okafor will have to settle for a place on the bench and might come on to impress in the final quarter if required.

Opposing hitters have no answers for the dominant Yankees pitching staff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This past offseason was not a busy one for the New York Yankees, at least in their regard. Much of their focus was on re-signing players like Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Goldschmidt, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn. 

However, they did trade with the Miami Marlins to acquire Ryan Weathers. He has already made a start, and while it was during their only loss, he did not look bad. 

Weathers went 4.1 innings against the Seattle Mariners on Monday, giving up one run on six hits while striking out seven batters. 

MORE: Cam Schlittler sends honest message to Yankees haters after Mariners outing

Opposing hitters have no answers for the dominant Yankees pitching staff

Through six games this season, the Yankees have one of the most dominant pitching staffs in all of baseball. They hold a combined 1.01 ERA, while the next closest team, the Atlanta Braves, holds a 2.00 ERA.

Max Fried has been lights out, and the same can be said for Cam Schlittler. Schlittler was largely responsible for the club's 5-3 win on Wednesday, where he went 6.1 innings, giving up zero runs on two hits while striking out seven. 

While the starting rotation is getting a lot of buzz, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller also believes much of the success is coming from the bullpen as well. 

"Max Fried is right there with Schlittler, though, tossing 13.1 scoreless innings across his pair of quality starts. Jake Bird, Tim Hill and Brent Headrick have each worked exactly 3.1 innings in relief without allowing a run. And both Camilo Doval and David Bednar had been flawless in their high-leverage roles until Wednesday afternoon."

The pitching staff is taking care of business all around the board, which is exactly what is needed. If they can keep the Yankees rolling, it could be a nightmare scenario for the rest of MLB once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return.

More MLB news:

• Offseason additions are failing to show up early for the Red Sox
• Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins relief corps are silencing opponents
• Giants' offensive struggles are tanking a long streak of .500 ball
• Brice Turang and Jacob Misiorowski are fueling the Brewers hot start
• White Sox pitching staff is making a rough start look even worse

The Seattle Seahawks have three weeks to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Less pressure for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in the pocket spells more success for the Seahawks on paper next season. The draft is where the Seahawks will get a fresh opportunity to add more pass-protectors to their roster.

According to CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli, the Seahawks look to Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon for support in the interior with the No. 32 overall pick in the draft.

Pregnon did not allow any sacks in 2025. He impressed with only three total pressures allowed on the year. The 6-foot-4, 314-pound Pregnon is highly regarded at the guard position in the class of 2026.

The Seahawks also have need of a running back to be a pillar in their offense, as well as a cornerback to compensate for the loss of Tariq Woolen in free agency. Nevertheless, the Seahawks cannot go wrong in providing Darnold with as much protection as he can get, making Pregnon a player of note for Seattle to potentially consider on draft day.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks take Emmanuel Pregnon at No. 32 in CBS Sports mock draft

Former Red Sox Champion Kevin Millar 'A Little Concerned' By Poor Start originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kevin Millar isn't panicking over the Boston Red Sox's 1-5 start, but he's also not dismissing the tumultuous opening week.

Boston matches the Chicago White Sox and Athletics for MLB's worst record after getting swept by the Houston Astros. Millar admitted on MLB Network's "MLB Now" that he's getting a bit antsy ahead of the Red Sox's home opener.

"Yeah, I have a little concern," Millar said on Thursday.

The 2004 World Series champion doesn't think the Red Sox can afford to lose too much ground in a highly competitive American League East. Millar surmised that their circumstances could quickly get uncomfortable if they don't rebound during a six-game interleague homestand against the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.

"It can get weird, and these fans can get really weird," Millar said. "You're in a tough division. The Blue Jays are better. The Orioles are better. The Rays are always the Rays."

Millar wants to see more power from an offense slugging .347 with six home runs through six games.  

"Who's gonna hit home runs?" Millar asked. ".... You got to find a way to hit three-run homers. You got to find a way. You got to figure this out. If they will, I'm a little concerned right now early on, but it's just an eye test of six games. Now, come talk to me end of April, we better figure something out."

Millar said the Red Sox can still win the division, and the 54-year-old hopes the Fenway Park crowd will galvanize his former team. However, two tough opponents could put Boston in a dicey situation.

"Padres can get weird, and the Brewers can get weird," Millar warned. "You can look up and all of a sudden, you got three wins in the first four series. That can get weird."

More Red Sox: MLB Analyst Identifies Red Sox Concern During Rough Start

Thunder host 14-year veteran at shootaround ahead of matchup vs. Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers looking to hold off the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

The defending champs enter the day with a two-game lead over the Spurs with six games remaining.

In preparation for Thursday night's showdown against Los Angeles, the team invited a former player back to shootaround.

Italian forward and 14-year NBA veteran Danilo Gallinari joined the team at their facility, spending time with some of his former teammates.

The former Denver Nuggets forward spent only one season in Oklahoma City but played with Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the 2019-20 season.

During his lone season with the Thunder, "Gallo" averaged 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.7 steals.

Gallinari also spent the 2018-19 season with Gilgeous-Alexander as members of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Throughout his career, Gallinari was an accomplished scorer and sharpshooter, playing for many different franchises.

Gallinari played for eight different teams, averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 777 career games played.

He also spent time in the EuroLeague and most recently in Puerto Rico before retiring at the conclusion of Italy's EuroBasket run this past summer.

Although the veteran never won an NBA title, his vast experience will likely aid the Thunder as they near the postseason, looking to earn consecutive titles.

At the very least, his presence offers an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces.

More NBA news:

• Cason Wallace speaks on All-Defensive First Team ahead of matchup vs. Lakers
• Injury report: Mark Williams, PJ Hall and more ahead of Hornets vs. Suns
• Mikal Bridges reaches new career milestone in win vs. Grizzlies
• Luka Doncic breaks Kobe Bryant's scoring record amidst Lakers blowout vs. Cavs
• Jarrett Allen records monster first half as Cavs take on Lakers
• Brandon Miller reveals inspiring message ahead of Charlotte's playoff run

Well, that didn’t go well.

The Royals lost the third game of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins, squandering a fine start by Cole Ragans. For the Royals, quiet bats doomed them.

The Royals made things interesting in the later innings. After going down 2-0, Maikel Garcia led off the eighth with a single before moving to third when Bobby Witt Jr. followed with his own single. Runners on first and third with none out, and Vinnie Pasquantino up to bat.

While Pasquantino drove in Garcia with a sac fly, the rest of the from went quietly. Salvador Perez grounded to short and Bob was thrown out at second on a close play. Tolbert pinch-ran for Salvy, stole second, and stayed there as Jac Caglianone looked like a little leaguer against Taylor Rogers.

End of inning, end of threat.

But at least the Royals had cut down the lead to one. Steven Cruz came out of the bullpen to keep it a one-run game until the Royals came back up in the bottom of the ninth.

Steven Cruz did not keep it a one-run game.

Cruz, who to this point in his career had only surrendered six home runs, allowed three solo homers in the top of the ninth, including back-to-back shots to Kody Clemens and Josh Bell. Suddenly, it was 5-1 Twins.

The Royals started off the bottom of the ninth with consecutive baserunners, but a Lane Thomas double-play all but sealed things. Kyle Isbel whiffed to end the game.

On the bright side, Cole Ragans looked good. Over six innings, he allowed just one run (unearned) while striking out eight, walking one, and giving up four hits.

Matt Strahm had a nice one-inning appearance, too.

Overall, though, the bullpen continues to struggle. Aside from Cruz’s misadventures, John Schrieber needed 27 pitches to get through the eighth inning, which included allowing one earned run, a strikeout, and a walk.

One more note: Carter Jensen, whose start was scratched less than an hour before first pitch, made an appearance late in the game, so it appears he’s not dealing with an injury, which is good.

Now, the Royals are back to .500 at 3-3. They welcome the Brewers to town tomorrow night.

Mets' 18-year old phenom given special honor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Elian Pena is a name that New York Mets fans should start to learn.

He could be the next big thing.

He's making his debut with the Single-A St. Lucie Mets on Thursday, and he's in the leadoff spot and playing shortstop. Not bad for a kid who's still just 18.

Mets prospect Elian Peña is leading off and playing shortstop in his full season debut tonight for the St. Lucie Mets. He’s 18 years old.

Game starts at 630 ET. It’s on Bally sports and MiLB tv.

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) April 2, 2026

MORE: Terrance Gore's son honors dad with perfect first pitch

Pena signed a $5 million bonus with the Mets in last year's international signing class, a team record.

The fact that he's at Single-A at all is significant, because he hasn't yet played stateside. He skipped right over the Florida Complex League.

He played in the Dominican Summer League after signing and was a monster there. He hit .292 with a .949 OPS, including nine home runs and 13 doubles. He also drove in 33 runs, scored 47 and swiped 21 stolen bases.

For Pena, this is the exact kind of path players take to becoming some of the top prospects in the sports.

Just in the top-10 this year are shortstops Jesus Made (Brewers) and Leo De Vries (Athletics) who both leapfrogged levels and moved faster than your average prospects. Along the way, they shone even while playing against players much older than them.

Pena will be hoping to do that, too.

He's a shortstop right now, and it's a long time until the Mets have to decide whether that's his long-term position.

For now, they'll just hope he's ready to handle the leadoff spot and the most flashy defensive position at a level with mostly older players.

More MLB news:

• Wrigley Field wind impacted potential HR by more than 100 feet
• Is there a curse of Rafael Devers?
• Shohei Ohtani has most unstoppable hitting, pitching streaks at the same time
• The 1st game in MLB history to end on an ABS challenge
• This New York Times crossword clue is bizarre for baseball fans
• The rulebook strike zone doesn't actually match the ABS strike zone

Ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight fight between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder, both fighters appeared for a final press conference. Kicking the conversation off, Wilder talks about his time away from the sport and feeling reinvigorated heading into this fight.

“Just ready to go,” Wilder said. “the talking has been done, the training has been done. Here we are, the final presser. The only thing we have left is the weigh-in and time to fight. The hardest part is just waiting. This is the hardest part, waiting on that time. And I’m ready to go.

“I was telling everybody I had to heal, and it took a long time for me to heal. But, you know, sometimes it takes those times to get to the point because sometimes we can rush things…I had to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally and I think I’ve done that and come Saturday night I will prove that.

“I know in London they love warriors. But what happens when a warrior come against a freak of nature? Derek brings pressure, but I bring a power that end bloodlines. Derek, he’s coming to fight but I’m coming with a detonation. And in that ring at the O2 Arena it will be a fight and it’s going to end with an explosion.”

Derek Chisora would share some of his thoughts on the impending battle.

“I think everybody knows what time it is when I get in the ring,” Chisora said. “There’s no point of trying to say I’m not ready. Boxing is so easy. It’s put your hands up and hit the other guy. That’s it. Everybody complicates boxing by doing all this and this…I’ve done it for 49 fights. Some I’ve won, some I’ve lost but I keep bouncing back.

“Deontay Wilder, great power. But I can guarantee you that there’s no point in when you come — you won’t be sitting down, you’ll be standing up because I am starting so fast that this fight will not see 12 rounds…I just need war and pain. That’s what I’m bringing.”

You can watch the full press conference in the video link at the top!

The Washington Wizards attempted to pull off an April Fools’ Day skit. It wasn’t received as they hoped, causing the team to apologize on Thursday.

The Wizards set up a mid-game promotion during Wednesday’s 153-131 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in which a “fan” would attempt a blindfolded shot from halfcourt, with a reward of $10,000 if he could make the unlikely heave.

After the shot missed wildly, mascots rushed the floor pretending the deep 3-pointer went through the net. The participant was given a giant check to celebrate what appeared to be a $10,000 prize.

A few moments later, the team’s on-court promotional host told the fan that it was just an April Fools’ Day joke as he watched the replay of his missed shot play on the team’s video board.

There was backlash online to the clip, as some fans felt the team shouldn’t mislead anyone willing to show up and watch the 17-59 team. The Wizards later clarified that the person attempting the shot was in on the bit and was not tricked.

“We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan,” the team’s statement said on X. “The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark. Our fans are our priority, and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games.”

The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.

“Still waiting on the apology for March 10,” one fan wrote on X, referencing when the Wizards allowed the Heat’s Bam Adebayo to score 83 points.

“The best April Fools joke that the Wizards continue to call themselves a professional basketball team!” another fan replied.

Thankfully for the Wizards and their fans, the offseason is near. Washington has just six games left in its season, with three of those at home.

Florida baseball is back in Gainesville for its first home weekend series in three weeks. The Gators host the Ole Miss Rebels, starting Thursday night.

The Orange and Blue have either swept or been swept in each weekend of conference play, and Kevin O'Sullivan's club is hoping for the former despite being down a few players. Standout freshman right fielder Cash Strayer is out for the next few weeks, so Blake Cyr is moving over to right and Jacob Kendall is expected to start in left.

Reliever Ricky Reeth has missed the past couple of weeks, but he's listed as questionable this week. Colton Schwarz is also questionable after leaving a game early last weekend. Some combination of Sam Miller and Kolt Myers should hold down third base as long as Schwarz is hurt.

Everyone is on short rest with this being a Thursday-Saturday series, but Ole Miss is shaking up its rotation to keep Friday night starter Hunter Elliott on the same schedule. That gives Florida a chance to take Game 1 with Liam Peterson on the mound, but Aidan King will have to be at his best to match Elliott in Game 2. Russell Sanderfer is third in Florida's rotation and is making his second weekend start on Saturday.

Here's everything you need to know before the series begins.

Projected Starting Lineup: Florida Gators

Probable Starters: Game 1 - Thursday (6:30 p.m. ET)

NOTES: Liam Peterson allowed just one hit over four shutout innings last week, but he didn't have great command, walking six batters. Early exits have been an issue for the Florida ace this year, but it's hard to complain when he isn't giving up runs. Some efficiency would be nice, but Peterson is going to work counts deep and win more than he loses. Getting through the sixth innings is always the goal, but he's only done it once this year.

Ole Miss is changing up its weekend rotation. The No. 2 and No. 3 spots are a bit of a toss-up, but Hunter Elliot has been good in Game 1's for most of the year. The Rebels are keeping him in the Friday night slot this week, though, which means piecing something together on Thursday. Taylor Rabe gets the nod for just the second time this season, but he's a bullpen regular with six appearances and 20 2/3 innings in relief.

Rabe went 2 2/3 innings in his only start of the season against Southern Miss. He didn't allow a baserunner in that outing, but Ole Miss kept him at 24 pitches. Going through the order once makes sense here, so expect plenty of bullpen arms in this one. At 6-feet-5-inches and 200 pounds, Rabe gets good velocity on his fastball, touching up to 99 mph and sitting between 95-98 with good ride. He also has a cutter in the low 90s and is one of the SEC's best relievers.

Probable Starters: Game 2 - Friday (6:30 p.m. ET)

NOTES: Aidan King started the year with five shutout performances, but he's given up seven runs over a combined 8 2/3 innings against Alabama and Arkansas. The strikeouts are down, and the walks are up. This is a get-back-on-track game for him, but pitching opposite Elliott adds some pressure. If King can be the guy he was against South Carolina — six innings, nine strikeouts, one walk, two hits — Florida is in good shape heading into Saturday.

Hunter Elliott is one of the top arms in the country and should be drafted within the first five rounds this summer. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning against Mississippi State last weekend, but his numbers look worse thanks to a sloppy sixth. Florida's job is to get his pitch count up early on Friday. Hopefully, Ole Miss uses enough bullpen arms on Thursday to make things difficult once its ace comes out of the game.

Elliott is a strike-thrower who has a career-high 32.7% strikeout rate this season. His home run numbers are up a bit this year, so the wind could push a few out, but he's going to miss bats early. He has a low-90s mph fastball, a low-80s changeup, a short slider and a sweeper. There are also reports of a mid-70s curveball, but breaking balls can be a bit hard to pin down at this level. He's also mixing in a new splitter, which was good against the Bulldogs last week.

Probable Starters: Game 3 - Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET)

NOTES: Russell Sandefer looked good against Arkansas last week, even though he gave up three runs on six hits. He didn't walk anyone and looks more comfortable in the starter role than Cooper Walls did. He threw a season-high 83 pitches, which should mean he's got the green light to go as long as he's able to on Saturday. He's not in much danger of losing his spot in the rotation, but being the newcomer should keep his adrenaline up in his second weekend start.

Cade Townsend broke out as a freshman last year, and he's been just as good in his sophomore year. He only allowed one run through 18 2/3 innings during non-conference play. His fastball is up to 96-97 mph, and he holds 95 through the fifth inning. He also has a power curve that sits in the mid-80s with 2800 RPM, an upper-80s cutter and an upper-80s changeup.

SEC play has been a bit rough on him, but only four of the seven runs he's allowed are earned. He struck out eight against Mississippi State last weekend.

Other Players to Watch

The two bats that stand out the most for Ole Miss are outfielder Tristan Bissetta and third baseman Judd Utermark. Both have an OPS above 1.100 and 12 or more home runs. Bissette leads the team with 38 runs batted in, but he's a bit more strikeout-prone with 41 on the year. Uttermark has 28 RBIs and walks (25) almost as much as he strikes out (33).

There's also designated hitter Collin Reuter to consider. He has a .927 OPS over 123 plate appearances. He's not a big home run guy (24), but Reuter will double (10) often and drive in runs (24).

The Rebels are going to have to use their bullpen wisely this weekend, especially with Rabe starting Game 1. Two of the arms they used in relief last time Rabe started, Marko Sipila and Owen Kelly, are on the injured list, which leaves a couple of options. Kelly is questionable, so Florida could face him this weekend.

Landon Waters is the most frequent arm on the staff with 11 appearances, but he's usually only good for an inning and his 0.77 ERA suggests he will close any game Ole Miss thinks it can win. Then there's JP Robertson, who has a 3.31 ERA over 10 appearances (16.1 IP). He could get some middle-relief work in behind Rabe, but it's another situational decision for the Rebels.

Walker Hooks is the top lefty for Ole Miss with a 2.91 ERA over nine appearances and 21 2/3 innings. He's a strikeout machine, with 27 punchouts to just five walks on the year. Landon Koenig is another pseudo-closer, but his 4.91 ERA likely means he's a second option to Waters. Freshman Grayson Gibson (3.86 ERA, 23.0) is another arm likely to pitch this weekend.

Of course, there are the guys with starting experience who could eat multiple innings if Rabe is being used as an opener. Will Libbert (6.83 ERA, 23.2 IP) and Hudson Calhoun (4.30 ERA, 23.0 IP) fit that mold.

Series History

Notes: Florida hosts Ole Miss for the first time since 2021, having won four-straight home series vs. the Rebs since 2011 with a 10-2 record.

Follow the Action

THURSDAY (6:30 p.m. ET)

• Watch: SEC Network+
• Listen: ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF
• Live Stream: ESPN+

FRIDAY (6:30 p.m. ET)

• Watch: SEC Network+
• Listen: ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF
• Live Stream: ESPN+

SATURDAY (7:30 p.m. ET)

• Watch: SEC Network
• Listen: ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF
• Live Stream: ESPN+

* Watch links go directly to game feed

Predictions

GAME 1: Florida, 6-4

GAME 2: Ole Miss, 4-3

GAME 3: Florida, 7-4

PREDICTION: Florida bounces back with a much-needed series win on the road. Liam Peterson looks good on Friday night and Sandefer impresses in his second weekend start.

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

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida baseball vs. Ole Miss Rebels series preview

Fenway Park is expanding its concessions menu for the upcoming Boston Red Sox season, adding several new gourmet items alongside its traditional ballpark favorites.

The ballpark’s culinary team designed the new offerings to supplement classic items like the Fenway Frank. While the stadium is celebrated for its 114 years of history, the team is introducing these innovations to provide new dining experiences for visitors.

The lobster poutine, served in a boat, consists of lobster meat, clam chowder, and bacon. Another featured item is a spicy grilled cheese sandwich made with Vermont sharp cheddar and mango-habanero salsa. The menu expansion also includes Green Monster fries.

Senior Executive Chef Ron Abell and his culinary team developed the new food concepts for the ballpark. Abell noted that the volume of new items required him to use a reference sheet to track all the additions during a recent preview of the menu.

“It’s nice to have all of this in our ballpark to show our fans how much we care and how much we appreciate them being here and offering all this stuff,” Abell said.

Beyond the new signature dishes, the culinary team prioritized creating more gluten-free and vegetarian options for fans. These efforts include experimenting with jackfruit as a meat alternative in various recipes.

The beverage and dessert selections have also grown to include new milkshakes and spiked slushies. For dessert, the ballpark is now offering Nutella empanadas and a cake in a can.

While the new items are available at various locations throughout the ballpark, officials have not yet finalized the price for the lobster poutine. Despite the wide range of new culinary options, the classic Fenway Frank remains the top-selling concession item at the stadium.

The Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play the Padres on Friday. The first pitch is set for 2:10 p.m.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A major piece of the TCU men’s basketball roster will be back in the fold for the 2026-27 season. Junior forward Xavier Edmonds, an All-Big 12 Third Team selection, announced on social media that he’ll run it back with the Horned Frogs next winter. Edmonds, one of the top JUCO players in the nation before signing with TCU, posted 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on 57% shooting and 43.6% shooting from 3-point range. Edmonds is the second TCU player this offseason (Brock Harding) to announce his return for next season.

Edmonds started 34 games for the Horned Frogs, helping the team to a 23-12 record and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-8, 245-pounder from Long Beach, California is a junior with one year of eligibility remaining, which he’ll spend with TCU. Edmonds recorded 16 points and eight rebounds during the team’s first-round win over Ohio State. He scored a season-high 26 points in a, 84-82 victory over Kansas State on Feb. 7.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Tony Finau admits that even though he’s competing this week in the Lone Star State, Georgia is on his mind. 

TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course is the site of this week’s Valero Texas Open, and it’s also the last-chance saloon for players dreaming of a chance of playing in the 90^th edition of the Masters, which begins a week from today. Finau is looking to extend his streak of playing at Augusta National to nine straight years, but to do so he’ll need to win to be in. He took care of a good start thanks to a 6-under 66 on Thursday to share the first-round lead with Davis Thompson.

“Sure, I’m thinking of it,” Finau said. “That’s the place to be.”

Finau is coming off a winless season last year and has had to ask for invites into the signature events after finishing outside the top 50 on the money, which snapped his streak of appearances at the Tour Championship at eight in a row. He’s made six of nine cuts this season and sits No. 58 in the FedEx Cup standings but has yet to finish in the top 10 (a T-11 at the Farmers Insurance Open is his best result.) 

“I feel like I'm really close to putting together a string of good golf tournaments. I've had some good days during tournaments, whether that's in the first round, the final round, but I haven't been able to put together I feel like really strong finishes and four days of good golf,” he said. “So I'm off to a good start this week. I'll just be looking to capitalize on three more days of good golf.” 

Starting on the back nine, Finau scratched and clawed for a couple of key par saves to begin and nailed his tee shot to 9 feet at 13 for his first birdie. Then he poured in a 41-foot eagle putt at the par-5 14^th. He made his lone bogey of the day at No. 1 but overall was pleased with his performance. Finau switched to a Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally putter earlier this season and credited it for his hot start.

“I feel like I'm really close to putting together a string of good golf tournaments. I've had some good days during tournaments, whether that's in the first round, the final round, but I haven't been able to put together I feel like really strong finishes and four days of good golf. So I'm off to a good start this week. I'll just be looking to capitalize on three more days of good golf.”

A streak of 33 straight majors – beginning at the 2017 U.S. Open – could be in jeopardy, but Finau refuses to go quietly. 

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Tony Finau needs a win at Texas Open to make the Masters

Three ATP Tour events are taking place just ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, Romanian Open, and Grand Prix Hassan II are all in progress.

But instead of taking part in these tournaments, several well-known players have opted for a non-ATP event this week. Felix Auger-Aliassime and others prepare for the UTS event in Nimes. Since Ultimate Tennis Showdown was co-founded by Patrick Mouratoglou in 2020, 15 events have been staged globally.

The 16th UTS event, and the first of the year, takes place this Friday and Saturday at the Arenes de Nimes in France. Eight top players are heading to France to put the finishing touches on their Monte Carlo build-up inside the unique amphitheatre setting.

This weekend’s lineup features Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, both former Masters 1000 champions.

No other men’s event happening this week offers matchups with as much intrigue as this one. If you’re a fan of clay court tennis, it might be worth a watch. Just be aware that UTS doesn’t follow traditional rules.

The biggest difference is the absence of tramlines on these courts. The matches also use a completely different scoring format, as explained on the UTS YouTube channel.

It’s a divisive format, but one that keeps attracting top players from around the world. Over the past six years, since UTS launched, stars like Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Jack Draper, and Alexander Zverev have all taken part.

Mouratoglou still hasn’t convinced Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic to take part yet.

Patrick Mouratoglou speaks up ahead of UTS Nimes

Known just as much for his opinions as his coaching, Mouratoglou has always been one of the more divisive figures in tennis. When he’s not speaking out on ATP or WTA matters, he’s usually focused on building out the UTS brand.

“Two thousand years ago, within these ancient walls, the sand drank the blood of gladiators beneath the roaring cheers of the Roman crowd,” he wrote.

“Next Friday and Saturday, that same sand will yield to ochre clay.

“Upon this sacred ground, some of the world’s finest tennis players will battle for the UTS trophy, witnessed by 12,500 spellbound spectators.”

A bit dramatic? Sure. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be worth a watch.

Read more:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Taj Bradley pitched six innings of five-hit ball, Minnesota homered three times in the ninth inning to break open a close game, and the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Thursday to avoid a three-game series sweep.

Bradley (1-0) struck out three and walked one while out-dueling Cole Ragans (0-2), helping the Twins improve to 2-0 with him on the mound. Minnesota was winless in its other four games on a season-opening six-game trip through Baltimore and Kansas City.

Kody Clemens scored on an error by five-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Salvador Perez in the second, and Byron Buxton added a sacrifice fly off John Schreiber in the eighth, before the Twins teed off against Royals reliever Steven Cruz in the ninth.

Matt Wallner began the barrage with his homer to left, Clemens followed two batters late with his first of the season, and Josh Bell gave the Twins their first back-to-back homers since last July with his shot off Cruz to right field.

The only offense for Kansas City came in the eighth, when Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. put runners on the corners with back-to-back singles, and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a sacrifice fly. But after Perez grounded into a fielder's choice, Twins reliever Taylor Rogers struck out Jac Caglianone with a sweeper out of the zone to leave the tying run on second base.

The meager offense came one a day after the Royals piled up 13 runs in a win over the Twins.

Ragans bounced back nicely from a dismal opening day in Atlanta, when the 2024 All-Star surrendered three homers in a 6-0 loss to the Braves. The Royals' left-hander went six innings and allowed four hits and a walk while striking out eight.

Up next

The Twins play their home opener Friday night against Tampa Bay with RHP Bailey Ober (0-0, 6.75 ERA) on the mound. Kansas City continues its homestand against Milwaukee with RHP Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) getting the start.

___

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

Latest A.J. Brown update bodes incredibly well for Patriots originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A.J. Brown's future with the Philadelphia Eagles was a hot topic of discussion at the 2026 NFL League Meetings, and it sounds like execs around the league believe the Eagles and their star receiver are heading towards a breakup.

According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, many execs expect the Eagles to trade Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.

"Execs expect the Patriots to acquire receiver A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in June, once the salary-cap implications become more tenable for the Eagles," Sando said.

"It seems just a matter of waiting until June 1 passes for Philly to trade A.J. Brown, who in my opinion is a declining player each of the last three seasons," an exec said to Sando.

Brown's production has declined over the last two years, though he is still a productive receiver and dynamic playmaker at his best.

However, a fresh start is desperately needed for Brown and Philadelphia, especially after a drama-filled 2025 season.

As for the Patriots, the team still needs to add a bona fide No. 1 receiver for quarterback Drake Maye despite signing Romeo Doubs in free agency. Brown would fit that mold, and his relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel, dating back to their days with the Tennessee Titans, makes him a logical fit in New England.

Trading Brown after the first of June always made sense for the Eagles. They would incur a far less dead cap charge and actually save $7 million, and from all indications, it looks like the multiple-time Pro Bowl receiver will be in a Patriots uniform come September.

More NFL News

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• Kirk Cousins has perfect social media post after signing with Raiders
• Giants, Browns rumor offers draft trade scenario with Chiefs lurking
• Eagles-Rams rumor reveals players discussed in trade talks
• Raiders rumor reveals 'prime option' for backup to Fernando Mendoza

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh next April, a city that could be where the Bucs select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before next April, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.

NFL Network's Eric Edholm recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team focusing one pick on each side of the ball in the two rounds he maps out. In Round 1, he has them selecting Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, while in Round 2, he goes defense with Missouri pass-rusher Zion Young.

Edholm explains the picks, writing, "I've had some pushback on Sadiq landing in Tampa, with the argument being that the Bucs need more defensive help. Fair point, but this would provide another big-bodied target for a passing attack that lost a pretty important one in Mike Evans. Sadiq's athletic profile is just too alluring, even if he might not be a huge contributor from Day 1. I was surprised Young fell all the way to 46th in this exercise, but if that happened in the actual draft, the Bucs would be getting a long, tenacious rusher who can play right away."

Giving them dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball, with Young being an incredible value, makes this an A+ draft.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft: Bucs get Zion Young in Round 2 of mock draft

Stephon Gilmore was an integral member of the New England Patriots’ last championship, sealing the team’s win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII with a fourth-quarter interception. That play marked one of many highlights in a 13-year NFL career that has now found its end.

As he announced on Thursday, Gilmore is stepping away from the game.

Besides his video, Gilmore also released a statement on his retirement:

To my first love, Football —

As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 – you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime. 

From my first game with Finley Road Falcons to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself. 

To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams. 

To my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man I am today. 

To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. 

And to the fans—thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds. 

GillyLock Out.

Gilmore, 35, originally entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the Bills in 2012 out of South Carolina. Already a very good player during his five years in Buffalo, he took his game to a new level after joining the Patriots on a five-year, $65 million free agency contract in 2017.

Over his four seasons in New England, Gilmore appeared in 56 regular season games and seven playoff contests, registering a combined 13 interceptions — including the aforementioned pick against the Rams — and establishing himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He was voted first-team All-Pro twice as a Patriot, named to three Pro Bowls, and in 2019 honored as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Even though his stint in Foxborough was relatively short and ended in a trade to Carolina in October 2021, he still left his mark on the Patriots. As a consequence, he was named to the organization’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s.

After leaving New England, Gilmore had one-year stints in Carolina, Indianapolis, Dallas and Minneapolis. He last appeared in an NFL game in January 2025.

LAS VEGAS – Rafael Estevam is in a bit of a strange situation.

The Brazilian is unbeaten and has more experience, both in MMA and in the UFC, than his opponent, Ethyn Ewing, who already has two defeats in his young MMA career. Yet, Estevam (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) enters Saturday's UFC Fight Night 272 as the underdog and not Ewing (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC). Estevam is well aware of the situation with the oddsmakers, but remains unbothered by it all.

"I think it's a natural thing when moving up a division, you know what to expect with a guy that's moving up, but I saw it as well that people are betting on me and believing in me as well," Estevam said through an interpreter at media day. "Bets have come in for me as an underdog. I think that it's natural to wait for something like that when you come into a new division. After Saturday, there will be no doubts, and you'll know exactly who Rafael 'Macapa' is."

Estevam is moving up from flyweight to bantamweight. He made the move after an impressive run at 125 pounds, where he defeated respectable names such as Charles Johnson, Jesus Aguilar, and Felipe Bunes. On the other hand, Ewing made his UFC debut by pulling off a short-notice upset over Malcolm Wellmaker in November.

Estevam didn't share a particular strategy for upsetting Ewing, but made it clear that he's ready for it all.

"I'm forged in adversity," Estevam explained. "We train very hard, whether it's standing and we need to stand and do it, or whether it's going to the ground and do that. Whatever it is, we're ready for all adversity and all challengers, and we're ready to do whatever needs to be done on Saturday."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 115: Rafael Estevam unbothered by underdog status

Lazio have reportedly decided to pull out of contract negotiations with Toma Basic, who is now on his way out of the club.

The Background

The Croatian has been with the Biancocelesti since 2021, but this has arguably been his best season in the Italian capital. Although he wasn’t initially part of the squad, Maurizio Sarri turned to his services in September following a ravaging injury crisis.

The 29-year-old made the most out of his opportunity, cementing himself as an automatic starter before suffering an injury against Juventus in early February, which has ruled him out of action ever since.

Maurizio Sarri Has Been Keen to Keep Toma Basic at Lazio

Sarri had identified Basic as one of the most important players in his squad at one point, prompting the management to open negotiations with the player’s entourage. In December, it was reported that the two parties were on the verge of signing a new deal valid until 2030 with a yearly net salary of €2 million or more, but the talks suddenly halted.

Lazio Pull Out of Basic Negotiations

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Claudio Lotito and the rest of the hierarchy have now backtracked on their decision to keep Basic at the club. As the source explains, Lazio made the decision after considering several factors, including his ongoing physical struggles and his age.

The Aquile have been working on lowering the average age of the squad, so Basic, like fellow out-of-contract players Pedro and Elseid Hysaj, will be replaced with younger profiles.

Texas softball may have had the longest winning streak in school history snapped at 29 games Sunday by rival Texas A&M, but the Longhorns don’t have much time to dwell on their first loss in almost two months.

The No. 1 Longhorns (31-2, 8-1 SEC) enter this week’s SEC series against No. 4 Alabama (33-2, 7-2) tied with Oklahoma for first place in the conference standings. The surprising Crimson Tide, who placed ninth in the SEC coaches’ preseason poll, lean on a deep pitching staff that ranks third in the SEC with a 1.41 ERA. Alabama complements that pitching with a defense that boasts a .984 fielding percentage and has committed just 14 errors.

Texas coach Mike White says his bats will need to heat up in the three-game series, especially since his team hit just .282 with 19 total runs while winning last weekend’s series with Texas A&M.

Follow below for live scores and updates Thursday as the Texas Longhorns visit the Alabama Crimson Tidde in game one of a three-game series that ends Saturday.

Texas softball vs Alabama scoring updates

This section will be updated when the game starts

Texas softball vs Alabama starting lineups

This section will be updated when available

No. 1 Texas (32-1, 8-1 SEC) vs. No. 4 Alabama (33-2, 7-2) 4): How to watch

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

TV/radio: SEC Network+; texaslonghorns.com

Reach Texas beat reporter Thomas Jones via email at tjones@statesman.com.

The YouTube golf community received a massive surprise Thursday when NBA superstar LeBron James teamed up with some of the biggest creators in the space.

However, the Los Angeles Lakers star made a wild comment about another NBA team during his appearance with the Bob Does Sports crew.

MORE: NBA fans react to Wizards’ brutal $10K April Fools prank

James has been getting really into golf in recent months and joined the YouTube cast of characters, including Robby Berger, Fat Perez and Joey Coldcuts. The Bob Does Sports YouTube account is one of the most-followed golf pages on the platform with over one million subscribers.

LeBron James on playing the Grizzlies:

“I’m f***ing 41 years of age. You think I want to do sh** in Memphis on a random Thursday? I’m not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team… go over to Nashville already.”

(via @leaguealerts) pic.twitter.com/ZN5y5vRg2p

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 2, 2026

While most of the filming experience showed off James hitting it off with Berger and the rest of the crew, he did take a cheap shot at a Western Conference franchise that gets a lot of flak.

“I’m f***ing 41 years of age,” James joked during his appearance on Bob Does Sports. “You think I want to do sh** in Memphis on a random Thursday? I’m not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team… go over to Nashville already.”

MORE: Mark Cuban admits top regret after selling NBA’s Dallas Mavericks

The Memphis Grizzlies have been torched publicly by many current and former NBA stars due to the city’s reputation. However, James is certainly the most high-profile name to make such a comment on a very popular social media account.

The suggestion by James to move the team to Nashville is also intriguing as the league explores expansion options.

LeBron’s new favorite sport?

Many sports fans have been wondering if 2026 is James’ final NBA season, especially considering his new love for golf. However, the four-time champion hasn’t given any indication that he’s ready to hang up his sneakers yet.

Last year, Barstool Sports helped put together the Internet Invitational with many top creators involved. That event featured Bob Does Sports, Grant Horvat, George and Wesley Bryan and other notable names.

Now, the event is expected to return for a season year in 2026, and James could be among the biggest athletes to be added to the list. In 2025, one of his former NBA teammates, J.R. Smith, was scheduled to compete before pulling out due to flight issues.

In the summer of 2023, the Denver Nuggets were on top of the NBA world, defeating the Miami Heat to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Denver took down Anthony Edwards‘ Timberwolves, Kevin Durant‘s Suns, and LeBron James‘ Lakers en route to its first championship in franchise history. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić took home Finals MVP, but without Jamal Murray, Denver would have never made it that far.

Since that year, however, the Nuggets have been trying and failing to climb back up the ladder.

They’ve lost each of the last two years in seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals. First, it happened against Anthony Edwards and the T-Wolves, then to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. In both years, Jamal Murray struggled in the playoffs, statistically looking below his performance in 2023.

That said, Murray has looked like a man possessed this year, averaging over 25 points per game and earning his first All-Star selection. He’s been playing some of the best ball of his life, and Nuggets fans can feel it. With Murray playing at this level, the sky is the limit for Denver.

Murray Magic

Before the bubble season in 2020, few had regarded Jamal Murray as more than a solid young point guard.

Murray had yet to average over 20 points a game in the regular season, and he had only reached the playoffs once. Then, the bubble playoffs arrived, and he exploded, averaging over 26 points a night. In their first round series, Murray dropped 50, 42, and then 50 again in games 4-6, leading Denver to a 3-1 comeback against Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz.

He followed up that performance by helping Denver pull off yet another 3-1 comeback against the Clippers, tallying 40 in Game 7. Though the Nuggets went on to lose to the Lakers in the conference finals, Murray had already arrived.

Unfortunately for Denver fans, a torn ACL kept him out of the 2021 and 2022 playoffs. Then came 2023, where he picked up right where he left off.

During the regular season, Jamal Murray only averaged 20 points per game. In the postseason, his scoring ballooned to over 26 a contest. Murray dominated all postseason, putting up two games with 35 or more against Minnesota, then three 28+ games against Phoenix, and three 31+ games against the Lakers.

Murray lost out on Finals MVP, as his impact simply wasn’t needed in the quick five-game series. But his talent was no longer going unnoticed, as he had cemented himself, at the time, as the greatest NBA playoff riser.

Murray Misfires

Unfortunately, the magic did not continue for Jamal Murray after that season.

Murray averaged under 22 points per game in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. The 2024 playoff run was a specifically tough watch. He shot just over 40% from the field and 30% from three, both career-low marks in Murray’s playoff career.

He had his moments in the first series, hitting two game-winners on the Lakers to propel Denver onward. However, in the Minnesota series, Murray scored under 20 points in five of the seven games.

His percentages increased slightly in 2025, but the production still lacked. The Timberwolves and Thunder, two admittedly great defensive teams, found ways to completely shut him down. He’s by no means an elite defender or rebounder, so taking the ball out of Murray’s hands essentially ends his contribution.

For Murray to help his team the way he had in the past, he has to find ways to create his own shot, no matter the defense. This is exactly what he’s done this season.

Murray Momentum

The Denver Nuggets’ entire starting lineup has missed significant time due to injuries. Well, everyone except Jamal Murray.

Denver needed him to step up amid a growing injury report and a slew of unusual rotations. He has done just that.

Murray is putting up career-best regular season marks in points, assists, and rebounds per game on splits of 26-7-4. a game. He is also having a career year percentage-wise, shooting over 43% from three and 48% overall.

The only other times Murray produced similar numbers as this year were in the 2020 and 2023 playoffs.

Clearly, Jamal Murray is already in playoff form. With the way he’s been hooping, another slump like the past two postseasons feels highly unlikely. Even the best defenses haven’t fazed him, as he dropped 39 on the Thunder at the end of February. Not to mention, he also scored a whopping 53 points on the Mavericks on March 25th.

Murray’s Moment

Nikola Jokić remains, without a doubt, the focal point of the Denver Nuggets. However, with how they use him, Jamal Murray may be just as valuable.

Murray is the one bringing up the ball and running the pick and roll with Jokić. He’s the one they get the ball to at the end of games. With the 2023 or 2024 version of Murray, Denver has no shot this year, but with 2020 or 2023 Murray, they have as good a shot as anyone else.

This is also arguably the best team the Nuggets have assembled in the Murray and Jokić era.

They have shooters with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cameron Johnson. Defensively, they are set with Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon. As for depth, Peyton Watson and Bruce Brown are huge bench contributors.

Clearly, all the pieces are there, but they still need their star point guard to shine.

The West remains loaded this year. The Thunder, Spurs, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Lakers could all make a run. But Nuggets fans have seen what can happen when Jamal Murray is at his best. They know he can take them the distance.

So, as the playoffs rapidly approach, the NBA should be on high alert for Murray and the Nuggets.

The post Nuggets Desperately Need “Playoff Jamal Murray” to Win Another Ring appeared first on The Lead.

Florida State had a key target on campus Thursday. It was blue-chip wide receiver Sean Green, who was also in Tallahassee in January for a Junior Day event.

FSU is looking for its first commitment from a receiver in its 2027 class. They have very stiff competition for him as the Georgia Bulldogs are also at the top of his recruitment. However, Steve Wiltfong of On3 feels like the Seminoles are in a prime position to land him as he logged a prediction for Green to commit to them, giving Florida State a 97.5% chance of making it happen.

Green spent quite a bit of time with wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. while he was on campus. The two talked about how Green could fit in the offense and ways he could get early playing time.

"Just where he was going to put me at and just learning the plays," Green told Noles247. "If I want to get on the field, I'm going to have to do multiple, like special teams and stuff like that."

Green is the No. 386 overall prospect, the No. 52 wide receiver, and the No. 42 recruit in Georgia per the Rivals industry rankings. He's rated even higher by 247Sports composite rankings as they have him as the No. 322 player, the No. 41 wide receiver, and the No. 35 prospect in Georgia.

With Green set to take an official visit to Georgia on May 29, which comes a week before he takes one to Florida State on June 5, the Seminoles need to keep selling themselves immensely to him.

Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Florida State predicted to land WR Sean Green

Santos and Remo are set for this Thursday’s (2) clash in the Brasileirão at Vila Belmiro.

The match in the ninth round of the league puts face to face two teams that started the day in the relegation zone.

Santos

Neymar returns to Santos’ starting lineup after being rested in the last match against Cruzeiro.

On the other hand, Gabriel Barbosa is out after suffering a calf edema.

Remo

Loaned from Santos to Remo, Patrick cannot play due to a clause in the contract.

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

Victor Wembanyama doubles down on desire to win NBA MVP award originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama isn’t shying away from the fact that he wants to win the NBA MVP award this season. In fact, he’s doubling down on his desire.

Last month, Wembanyama laid out three reasons why he feels like he’s deserving of the league’s highest individual honor, and following San Antonio’s 127-113 win over the Golden State Warriors this week, the French phenom made sure to emphasize how deeply he cares about winning the award in order to take his place among the game's greats. 

"I do care deeply about it," Wembanyama said. "I think that of the greats that are in the Hall of Fame -- or the best of all time -- they have fought and grabbed everything they could grab early on in their career. If I want to make my spot among the greats, I got to try to not miss any occasion to put my name up there."

If Wembanyama continues the current hot streak he’s on, he’ll have a legitimate shot to hoist the hardware after the season. The former No. 1 overall pick has scored 41 points in two straight games, and he has the Spurs absolutely rolling. San Antonio has won 10 straight games and surged to second in the standings in the competitive Western Conference in the process.

As a result, Wembanyama claimed the top spot on the latest iteration of the Kia MVP Ladder.

This story will be updated. 

More NBA news: 

• Zion Williamson gets brutally honest regarding his future with New Orleans Pelicans
• Target return date revealed for Warriors' Steph Curry
• Lakers' J.J. Redick backs Luka Doncic in tight NBA MVP race
• Kristaps Porzingis' future with Warriors gets major update from NBA insider
• Ja Morant won't play for Grizzlies this season, or perhaps ever again

The Philadelphia 76ers will return home on Friday to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the first night of a back-to-back after a 2-1 road trip. The Sixers are now in the No. 6 seed by virtue of their tiebreaker over the Toronto Raptors and they are now looking to solidify their playoff positioning.

As far as the injury report is concerned, Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery) will, obviously, remain sidelined. The rookie big man suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee that required the surgery.

As for Joel Embiid, the big fella is listed as doubtful with an illness. He admitted to being sick after Monday's loss to the Miami Heat and the Sixers then ruled him out for Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards. He caused a bit of a stir on Twitter as he expressed his desire to play, but the Sixers ruled him out after he was unable to attend the team's morning film session per coach Nick Nurse.

It's obvious that he wants to play, but it appears the Sixers are taking the cautious route with Embiid.

Injury report for tomorrow vs. Timberwolves:

OUT: Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery)

DOUBTFUL: Joel Embiid (illness) #Sixers

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 2, 2026

The Sixers and the Timberwolves will tip off at 7 p.m. EDT on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Full injury report for Joel Embiid, Sixers vs. Timberwolves at home

Saturday night's Final Four is already a big game in its own right. It will be the third Final Four that Michigan basketball will have participated in since the Fab Five went back-to-back in 1992-93 (the other two were in John Beilein's tenure, in 2013 and 2018). But for Wolverines fans who want the best of both worlds, they'll be able to have it.

TNT and CBS Sports announced on Thursday that there will be an alternate broadcast of the game between Michigan basketball and Arizona on Saturday night, with all five Fab Five members (Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and former head coach Juwan Howard) sharing their live reactions and thoughts. It will be a unique way to watch the game that goes even beyond ESPN's popular 'Manningcast' for Monday Night Football.

You can learn more about it via the press release below.

Full release

Michigan’s iconic “Fab Five” will reunite for a special alternate presentation of the Michigan–Arizona NCAA Men’s Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 4, that will air on truTV and HBO Max. The Michigan–Arizona matchup will also be available via the traditional game broadcast across TBS, TNT and HBO Max.

All five members of Michigan’s 1991 recruiting class will be together on-site in Indianapolis — one of only a handful of times they have reunited in more than three decades — offering a rare, collective perspective from one of the most culturally influential teams in college basketball history.

Teammates Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson will join host Adam Lefkoe to share real-time reactions, unique perspectives on the game, and untold stories and candid reflections from their historic run at Michigan.

The “Fab Five” revolutionized college basketball upon arriving together as freshmen in 1991, quickly emerging as both an elite program and a significant cultural force. The group led the Wolverines to consecutive national championship game appearances in 1992 and 1993. Their impact continues to resonate across generations of players and fans, making their reunion a can’t-miss moment on college basketball’s biggest stage.

The Fab Five altcast will air following Saturday’s first NCAA Men’s Final Four game, Illinois vs. UConn (6:09 p.m. ET tip). 

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Fab Five reunites for Michigan Final Four game

The April 2 MLB schedule only features a few teams in action, with two games being played in the night slate. Juan Soto and the New York Mets travel to face the San Francisco Giants, while Ronald Acua Jr. and the Atlanta Braves hit the road to open a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Let's take a look at both matchups and discover the best Underdog Fantasy plays to target.

Juan Soto Over 7.5 Fantasy Points

Juan Soto is one of the few superstars who has gotten off to a solid start this season. Through six games, he's batting .346 with a .952 OPS, and he got his first home run of the year in the Mets' last outing. Soto looks to bring that momentum into tonight's series opener against the Giants, where his on-base ability within a strong lineup should create plenty of opportunities to rack up fantasy points.

Ronald Acua Jr. Over 8.5 Fantasy Points

Ronald Acua Jr. has gotten off to a slow start in his 2026 campaign, hitting just .150 with a .508 OPS in six games. The Braves' outfielder has gotten on base five times by walk, but hasn't done much with the bat yet. All baseball fans know what the superstar is capable of when he's going well, and it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. His unique mix of power and speed will give Acua Jr. a great shot at hitting his fantasy score tonight.

Michael Harris II Over 5.5 Fantasy Points

Michael Harris II draws a nice matchup tonight as the Diamondbacks send Ryne Nelson to the mound. The lefty outfielder has faced Nelson six times in the past, collecting two hits including a home run. Harris II hasn't been super productive this year, but he looks to get going tonight. Target this matchup, which is backed by historical data against the opposing starting pitcher.

Willy Adames Over 5.5 Fantasy Points

Willy Adames has been productive since moving to the leadoff spot for the Giants, including a four-hit game with a home run, double, two runs, and two RBIs on Tuesday. Adames looks to stay hot tonight against left-handed starter David Peterson. Adames has seen him for 13 at-bats in the past, collecting three hits with a .853 OPS. He should get another good opportunity to produce out of the leadoff spot for San Francisco tonight.

Read More Fantasy News

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as MLB Underdog Fantasy Hitter Props for April 2: Juan Soto, Ronald Acua Jr. & More.

Liverpool are ready to duke it out with Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona for Germany international Nathaniel Brown.

That’s according to a report in Sport Bild via Sport Witness which claims the Eintracht Frankfurt left-sider could move for a fee of around £57m in summer.

Brown has recently graduated to become a fully-fledged member of Julian Nagelsmann’s senior Germany squad. He will be no doubt hoping for a place on the plane to the FIFA World Cup in North America next summer following a breakout season at club level.

Brown spends as much time in the opposition half as he does his own - marauding down the left flank. He can play as an orthodox left-back and also as a left-sided midfielder, wing-back and left-winger.

leading to speculation that he will be off at the conclusion of the campaign.

Arsenal and Liverpool among teams interested in Nathaniel Brown

“Arsenal are also monitoring Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown,” the report reads. “He is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer.

“Eintracht want at least €65m for the 22-year-old, knowing that there is interest at the very top of European football.

“Arsenal are keen, but there is also Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool in the picture. All of those clubs are said to have made enquiries about the defender.”

Nathaniel Brown: Situation summary

Nathaniel Brown is a 22-year-old German-American left-back for Eintracht Frankfurt, an energetic, attack-minded defender who can also operate as a wing-back or wide midfielder on the left.

He offers strong overlapping runs, carries the ball aggressively, and delivers quality crosses, reflected in standout Bundesliga output with goals and assists well above the average for his position.

Brown combines pace with neat close control, while his defensive work is based more on anticipation and recovery speed than sheer physical dominance.

A Frankfurt player since January 2024, he signed a long-term deal initially to 2029 and then extended it to 2030, underlining his status as a core asset.

Despite that security, his rapid rise has attracted serious interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs, with reported valuations broadly in the €60–70m bracket ahead of a possible 2026 move.

In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Chelsea are among the clubs hoping to land Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. It has been revealed that the Blues would have to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool in the race to sign the France international this summer.

Kounde’s Impressive Form In La Liga

Kounde is having a solid campaign at the Catalan club as he has put in a string of impressive displays on the right side of their defence. The French talent has been involved in 40 matches for Barcelona this season, scoring three times and earning four assists in the process across multiple competitions.

The 27-year-old is currently among the best defenders in La Liga. Hence, it makes sense for Chelsea to bring him on board in the upcoming transfer window.

His current contract at the Nou Camp will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the West London club to sign him on the cheap later this year.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 09: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona controls the ballduring the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on December 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Go For Kounde?

Kounde is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and can even create the odd chance for his teammates from the right flank.

The French talent can even chip in by scoring a few important goals for his team. Kounde is primarily a right-back but can also fill in as a centre-back if asked to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Chelsea manage to bring him on board this off-season.

We can expect Kounde to add more quality and depth to the London club’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming years.

At 27, Kounde is about to enter his prime, which makes him a worthy target for Chelsea to pursue at the end of this campaign. However, the Blues have to give him some time to adjust to life in England.

Proposed Mets trade sees New York land $75 million All-Star, Gold Glove to add slugging power behind Juan Soto originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are off to a mediocre start for the 2026 season, sitting at 3-3 and third place in the NL East. If this continues, they’ll need to make some trade deadline acquisitions to shake things up.

FanSided’s Austin Owens proposes that at the deadline, they should call up the Chicago White Sox for their All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who would bring some needed pop to the Mets’ lineup, whose only true slugger at the moment is Juan Soto.

MORE: Blue Jays predicted to sign $61 million All-Star, Cy Young candidate after latest Cody Ponce injury news

“Benintendi was an All-Star in 2022 and is quietly coming off back-to-back 20 homer seasons. That power has come at the expense of some contact and on-base ability, but adding him to a contending team in need of some more pop like the New York Mets could be a game-changer. The Mets need someone else who can hit the ball out of the ballpark, and they would likely be willing to give up quite a bit for Benintendi if they feel they have a real shot at winning a World Series come July. We have seen from recent decisions (signing Juan Soto and letting Alonso walk), that Steve Cohen is not afraid to make aggressive moves,” Owens wrote.

So far this season, Benintendi is hitting .200/.250/.200/.450 with one RBI in five games. However, it’s early in the season, and if his last couple seasons set a precedent, he’ll be fine. Plus, at the minimum, he brings a Gold Glove to the outfield for New York. 

MORE: Proposed Mariners trade sees Seattle land $12 million All-Star, could help repair team chemistry with Randy Arozarena

Benintendi is also on year four of a five-year, $75 million contract. So, the Mets would only have him for a year and a half at most, and then they could simply let him walk in free agency.

Hopefully, the Mets start to pull it together anyway, but they should still keep this trade on their minds if they want to make their team as strong as possible.

MORE MLB NEWS

Tigers trade idea sees Detroit reunite with $9.4 million two-time All-Star to upgrade from Javier Baez, move Kevin McGonigle to shortstop

Dodgers blockbuster trade proposal sees Los Angeles break baseball, add second Cy Young in $56 million two-time All-Star to pair with Blake Snell

Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin gets $150 million contract update due to Mariners top prospect Colt Emerson's record-breaking extension

ESPN ranked the Los Angeles Dodgers as the best team in baseball through the first week of the 2026 MLB season.

The Dodgers are off to a 4-2 start after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in their first series of the season and snagging a game from the Cleveland Guardians to close their home stand. One of the main reasons the Dodgers are so high on the list is the upside they have despite some unfavorable results in their most recent series.

“Roki Sasaki was a disaster in spring training, allowing 26 of the 52 batters he faced to reach base, 15 of which did so via walk,” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez wrote. “When he took the mound for his regular-season debut Monday, many expected the worst. And then he was … fine.

“Sasaki pitched into the fifth inning and allowed just one run and two walks. It certainly wasn’t dominant, but it was clearly a building block — an exceedingly important one, given that Sasaki said he had ‘no confidence at all’ going into that start. The Dodgers have made it clear that they’re going to give Sasaki every opportunity to start for them, but he needs to continue to make progress.”

How Has the Dodgers’ Season gone so Far?

The Dodgers started the year strong against the D-Backs, taking a commanding 8-2 win in the first game of the season following their banner ceremony.

They also took one-run wins in the final two games of the series, with the offense doing just enough to take the wins. Los Angeles’ offense tailed off against the Guardians, and they dropped two games during the series.

The Dodgers’ offense ranks just above league average in terms of wRC+ at 101, but that’s a far cry from their results during the 2025 season—during which they won the Team Silver Slugger award. Stars like Shohei Ohtai and Kyle Tucker are yet to go yard in the young season, but the Dodgers have shown they have the ability to break out of short-term slumps before.

Andy Pages has helped mitigate the top of the lineup’s struggles so far this season, though, and LA’s big bats will look to contribute more in the remainder of the season.

They have firm control over the NL West due to slow starts elsewhere in the division, and will look to further extend their lead at the top throughout the remainder of the season.

Do you think the Dodgers will keep the top spot?

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne is clearly fed up with the current state of college athletics. But amid unrequited calls on Congress to save the NCAA, SEC administrators like Byrne are entertaining other ways for the Power Four conference to police themselves when it comes to player compensation rules.

And, at least according to Byrne, that could include the SEC and other Power leagues potentially barring schools that are found to blatantly flout player compensation rules established by last summer’s House v. NCAA settlement from future competition in said league.

“We’re going to see, I think, a potential crossroads, on whether schools should be allowed to participate in conferences if they are choosing to not follow the rules,” Byrne told AL.com on Thursday.

The House settlement paved the way for Division I schools to directly compensate athletes through revenue-sharing, and provided a cap of $20.5 million for the first two years of its installation. But several prominent programs have vastly exceeded that cap, and quite boldly, by utilizing other revenue streams through their school’s NIL collectives, and there have been several legal challenges to the College Sports Commission’s NIL Go clearinghouse process that is meant to regulate those NIL deals.

Alabama AD Greg Byrne: ‘There should be consequences’ for schools that break rules

But, if individual schools or athletic programs are found to be purposely defying CSC regulations or House rules in order to gain a competitive advantage due to a significantly larger payment pool, Byrne believes “there should be consequences for those actions.”

“Schools who are just choosing to not report, or if they end up choosing to not follow the guidelines of the House settlement, that is going to be very interesting to watch and see where we go with that,” Byrne told AL.com. “Because if those aren’t followed, then the unregulated, challenging market that everybody has been dealing with will continue, and the agents will do their very best to push it further.”

While Congress remains at a standstill on potential legislation, the NCAA has made an effort to hold teams accountable for breaking transfer rules. The NCAA DI Cabinet passed emergency legislation Wednesday that levies strict penalties against coaches and schools that acquire “blind-transfers,” or athletes that leave from one school to another outside of their sport’s designated transfer portal window. Among the potential penalties include a six-game suspension for the guilty school’s head coach and a 20% fine of a team’s sports budget that year.

Alabama AD Greg Byrne calls for an end to SEC Championship Game: ‘The ship has sailed’

Byrne wasn’t done making sweeping declarations Thursday. The Alabama AD also called for the end of the SEC Championship game ahead of the league’s move to a nine-game conference schedule beginning this upcoming season.

“I think the ship has sailed,” Byrne told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview published Thursday. “It’s run its course.”

With the advent of the ever-expanding College Football Playoff, which is entering its third year with 12 teams but could expand further in the near future, the reality of playing conference championship games has become much trickier. Teams are trying to prepare for the postseason and there’s often little tangible benefit to playing an extra title game for teams that have already reasonably secured a playoff berth.

“It’s a great event,” Byrne said of the SEC championship game. “I don’t like the idea of it going away, but I think it’s reality, with an expanded playoff.”

— On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this report.

Stirling Albion have placed manager Alan Maybury on gardening leave having decided not to extend the former Republic of Ireland full-back's contract beyond the end of the season.

The Binos sit eighth - third bottom - in Scottish League 2 and are all but safe from relegation, being 14 points clear of Edinburgh City at the foot of the table after beating the capital side 1-0 on Saturday to end a five-game run without a win.

But Stirling would be bottom if City and Dumbarton had not suffered points deductions from the Scottish Professional Football League.

Stirling chairman Fraser McIntyre told his club website: "Alan joined us in a difficult period following our relegation from League 1.

"Whilst these decisions are never easy, we believe this is the right step for the club at this time."

Tony McMinn, who has been 47-year-old Maybury's assistant since he took charge in summer 2024, has been asked to form an interim management team until the end of the season.

Former Leeds United, Heart of Midlothian, Leicester City, St Johnstone, Hibernian and Falkirk full-back Maybury had previously been Edinburgh manager.

PHOENIX (AP) — Cheryl Miller's impact on women's basketball spans generations, from dominating on the court at Southern California in the 1980s to making her mark in the broadcast booth.

On Thursday, Miller's legacy was recognized along with UConn star Breanna Stewart. The two women's hoops game-changers were honored by The Associated Press as the greatest players of the women's college basketball poll era, selected by a 13-member panel.

“I played the game because I loved it," Miller said, "without there ever being a hint of what my legacy may look like or what I ever envisioned down the road. I think the overwhelming feeling that I feel right now is grateful.”

Miller accepted the honor at “The AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience," which is being held at Arizona State’s First Amendment Forum in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Delta State was also recognized as the first No. 1 team when the women’s basketball poll debuted 50 years ago. Under coach Margaret Wade, the Lady Statesmen won three straight national championships from 1975-1977 in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). They won three more under coach Lloyd Clark in 1989, 1990 and 1992 after their move to the NCAA’s Division II.

Miller, a 6-foot-2 forward, won two national titles and earned All-America honors in all four of her seasons with the Trojans, averaging 23.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.6 steals and 2.5 blocks. She was also the head coach and general manager for the Phoenix Mercury in the late 1990s, leading the team to the WNBA Finals in 1998.

Stewart has won it all in her career: She was a two-time state champion in high school. She won four NCAA titles at UConn. She’s won three WNBA titles, three World Cup gold medals, three Olympic gold medals, even two EuroLeague titles. Earlier this year, Stewart led her team Mist BC to a championship in Unrivaled — the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league she co-founded.

“I want to say thank you to the AP for voting me best college basketball player of the last 25 years,” Stewart said in a video message. “Especially to be named to this honor alongside Cheryl Miller. There’s been so many women’s hoops players who have gone through college and made their mark. Shoutout to my Huskies. ... Nobody’s taking our four national championships away from us.”

___

AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience: https://apnews.com/https:/apnews.com/projects/arizona-state-fan-poll-experience/

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

Colby Covington has filed a lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal stemming from a 2022 attack outside of a Miami restaurant. Covington filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on March 23 and seeks $100,000 in damages. Talk show host Andy Slater first reported the lawsuit.

Masvidal and Covington used to be teammates, training partners and best friends. The two fought in the UFC 272 main event on March 5, 2022, just weeks before the incident.   Covington defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision but his comments about Masvidal's children in the build up to the fight enraged Masvidal.

Masvisdal waited for Covington outside of a steakhouse in Miami, and when Covington exited the established he “ambushed” him without warning. Covington had felony charges dropped after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge in a plea deal with Florida prosecutors.  

Covington, through his attorney Javier A. Finlay, filed a civil suit over the "unprovoked" attack. In the court documents, Finlay claimed his client “suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care and treatment.” Covington seeks "all allowable damages and for such other and further relief, in law or in equity” that “may be justly entitled.”

Masvidal retired from mixed martial arts in April 2023 after suffering four consecutive losses. He returned to the boxing ring in 2024 against Nate Diaz and intends to make an octagon return this year.

Covington has fought twice since the incident with Masvidal, losing to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley.

It’s Brasileirão-2026 matchday at Arena Condá.

Chapecoense and Atlético Mineiro face off from 7 p.m. (Brasília time) this Thursday (2).

The match is valid for the ninth round of the competition.

João Vitor Gobi (SP) is the referee. 

Premiere will broadcast it.

Chapecoense 🟢⚪

Verdão do Oeste are currently 16th with seven points.

They are unbeaten at home, but with only one win.

And they are one of the teams that concede the most at home: eight goals in four matches.

Gilmar Dal Pozzo can now count on Kevin Ramírez, a signing from the last transfer window. He will start on the bench.

But Everton is suspended.

Meanwhile, the trio of Garcez, Robert, and Bruno Matias remains in the medical department. 

Atlético 🐓

Galo began the day in 14th place with eight points.

The mission is to stop being the only team without a point away from home. 

Eduardo Domínguez will be without Júnior Alonso, Preciado, Cissé, and Alan Minda due to the FIFA international window.

Lyanco will start in a formation with two center-backs.

Maycon, meanwhile, is in the final stage of recovery from injury.

Photo: Alessandra Seidel | ACF

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

Will Zalatoris has experienced an absolute nightmare with injuries over the past two years, so his first round 67 at the Valero Texas Open would have been an extremely welcome one.

Zalatoris was one of the more talented young players to emerge onto the PGA Tour when he burst onto the scene seven years ago now.

However, the 29-year-old’s body has caused him all sorts of issues, with his back proving to be particularly problematic.

Zalatoris underwent back surgery for the second time in 2025, and he ended up playing only 11 PGA Tour events that year.

He has only made 14 PGA Tour starts since the beginning of the 2025 season.

Zalatoris has not yet qualified for The Masters, but a win at The Valero Texas Open would get him in the field at Augusta National.

Will Zalatoris speaks out after his first round 67 at the Valero

Zalatoris spoke to reporters after posting a round of five-under-par in San Antonio on Thursday morning.

The 29-year-old was asked how he feels about his game after shooting an opening round 67 at TPC San Antonio.

“Really good,“ Zalatoris admitted.

“Not too thrilled with kind of how I hit it coming in until I hit that dart on 9. This is just, it’s constantly learning. Every round I play I’m picking up on something.

“I think I’ve only played eight competitive PGA TOUR rounds and then 12 rounds in total since I went to South Africa. The sample size is still really small.

“I think the part that’s hard too is when you’re on a major medical, you don’t get to really pick your tournaments.

“This is an event that even though I’m from Texas, I haven’t played in the past once I got on Tour mainly just because I liked having the week before Augusta off because it’s such a mentally stressful week.

“But the fact that I’m able to spend time at home, work on my body, treat every single day like it’s a tournament day and see how my body responds, I’m kind of getting back a little bit to how we did it at the end of COVID when we were able to play golf here in Texas where it’s just hey, go out and play with guys, play money games.

“My days of five-hour grind sessions on the range are over, but I also don’t need to be working that long in the first place.

“So far, like I said, body’s been responding great to treatment. Austin’s here this week, he’s got me moving really good. Let’s just keep it going.“

Will Zalatoris opens up on recent ankle injury

At the end of February, Zalatoris was forced to withdraw from the Cognizant Classic just before his first round tee-off time due to an ankle injury.

His first start since then was at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and he missed the cut.

After posting a great first round score of 67 in San Antonio on Thursday, Zalatoris was asked about the ankle injury he sustained in Florida.

“It’s all related to the back,“ the 29-year-old admitted.

“It was basically the nerve that — the sciatic nerve going down — basically from the ankle down I couldn’t feel anything.

“Basically, you know, the reality is that I’m 10 months removed from basically having my back reconstructed. If I’m complaining about just a little thing here and there, I’ll still take it.

“The patience game is obviously brutal because it’s even like a day like today where I make eight birdies and we’re still talking about it, but that’s been my last three years.

“So it’s kind of nice to be able to come out, and my routine’s a little bit longer. I’m still 29, I still have some spunk in me, but I still feel like a 29-year-old who’s had three back surgeries for sure.“

Padres have 'serious concern' about back-end starters after 9.00 ERA start to 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Diego Padres are trying to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, and so far, through the first week of the 2026 MLB season, it's not going well.

The Dodgers are 4-2, while the Padres are 2-4, tied with the Colorado Rockies for last in the West. While the offense isn't terrible, and the bullpen is elite, the back-end of the starting rotation is still a big problem.

As MLB.com's AJ Cassavell notes, the Padres back-end starters, specifically Walker Buehler and German Marquez, are a "serious concern" for the Padres going forward this year.

Padres have 'serious concern' with two SP

"The back of the rotation is a serious concern," Cassavell writes. "... The question marks come in the rotation - and thus far, Walker Beuhler and German Marquez have done little to answer them."

The Padres got both a good and bad start from Nick Pivetta and a scoreless five-inning outing from Michael King. Randy Vasquez was great against the Detroit Tigers, striking out eight in six scoreless innings.

But the Padres have two major question marks at the back-end of their rotation. German Marquez and Walker Buehler are currently the No. 4 and 5 starters, and neither has been good this season.

Buehler allowed three runs in 4.0 innings of work on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Marquez allowed four runs in 3.0 innings of work on eight hits and one walk with one strikeout.

More: Shohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece

In their combined seven innings of work, the two Padres starters have allowed seven earned runs for a 9.00 ERA. It's far from an ideal start, as the Padres need both to be a lot better this season.

Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning are working their way back from injury, but in the meantime, both Buehler and Marquez will need to turn things around.

Whether it's a free agent, a trade pickup, a minor league call-up, one of Canning or Musgrove returning, or simply Buehler or Marquez pitching better, the Padres need more from their fourth and fifth starters this season.

It's a bad start to 2026 for the Padres rotation from the fourth and fifth slots, as their combined ERA across seven innings of work is 9.00.

This back-end of the rotation is a serious concern for the Padres, and something that needs to be resolved in the coming weeks if the Padres want a chance to make the postseason.

More MLB news:

• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
• Jacob DeGrom is only 149 strikeouts from 2,000 for his career
• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
• Giancarclo Stanton has an absurd 2-for-4 streak going on for Yankees
• Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade
• How Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto is connected to Rockies' Tomoyuki Sugano
• Marlins suggested to sign Max Kepler after Phillies’ OF was suspended for 80 games
• Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade

Two top-five teams will square off on the diamond Thursday night when the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide host the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in Game 1 of a three-game SEC softball series at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Both teams have certainly looked the part so far. Alabama (33-2 overall, 7-2 conference), which started the season 25-0, has won three straight series against Ole Miss, a top-10 Arkansas team, and most recently Missouri in SEC play. Texas (31-2, 9-0) had won 29 straight games until a 9-7 loss to Texas A&M last Sunday in Austin.

Behind starters Jocelyn Briski (13-0, 1.26 ERA) and Vic Moten (13-2, 1.47), Alabama has compiled a 1.41 earned run average in 35 games this season. That number ranks third best nationally. Texas is 10th nationally in both ERA (2.23) and batting average (.365) while Alabama is hitting .352, which ranks 18th.

The Crimson Tide enter the game having won five straight after a 4-0 week that included a two-game series sweep of North Dakota State and wins over Jacksonville State and North Alabama. With Brooke Wells (.467/.578/1.044) and Alexis Pupillo (.450/.517/.910) leading the way, the Crimson Tide have hit 63 home runs which ranks eighth nationally. Alabama has outscored opponents, 255-51, this season.

The Longhorns are led at the plate by Katie Stewart (471/.600/1.118) and Leighann Goode (.442/.546/.727).

Following are live updates from Alabama vs. Texas at Rhoads Stadium.

Where to watch Alabama softball vs Texas Longhorns: TV info for Game 1

Where to watch Alabama softball vs Texas today: Game 1 time, TV info

📸 Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images https://t.co/4LpwzorGHppic.twitter.com/Y3wCwxGc9o

— Roll Tide Wire (@RollTideWire) April 2, 2026

Alabama vs. Texas will stream on ESPN+ Thursday.

Alabama vs. Texas softball start time today

• Date: April 2
• Time: 6 p.m. CT

Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama softball vs Texas today, live updates, score, highlights

There are plenty of young sports stars breaking the bank with their salaries these days. New York Giants second-year running back Cam Skattebo isn't one of them.

Skattebo, who burst on the scene last year as a rookie with his smashmouth, demonstrative style, will be one of the game's biggest bargains the next few seasons.

Awful: Giants rookie star RB Cam Skattebo revealed that he will only make $250,000 this year after taxes and agency fees.

Skattebo even started streaming to make extra money.

The NFL needs to start paying rookies fairly 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/vh64lV0WT2

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 1, 2026

The fact of the matter is that Skattebo was a fourth-round pick, a Day 3 pick, and they don't get paid like players who get selected in the first two nights of the draft.

By the time Saturday comes at the draft, there's not a lot of meat left on the bone, so to speak, to share with the late round picks.

Skattebo was the 105th player selected last year and was signed to a standard rookie four-year deal. His slotted amount was $5.273 million over four years with a $1,073,040 signing bonus (which is fully guaranteed).

His average annual salary over the life of the contract is listed at $1,318,260. For the value he's already given to the Giants, that figure is a little low.

Granted, Skattebo comes with great risk. He's already suffered a serious ankle injury that cost him half a season, and his style of play could put him at more risk in the future.

It's really not up to the NFL to play these players more than they are required to. These rates were all collectively bargained by the union and the owners. Anyone familiar with CBAs knows that the current union members always leave less for the next generation. It's just business.

Think of all the players who were drafted and didn't pan out. Teams had to play them regardless of their performances. Players like Skattebo, who outperform their contracts, are becoming rare.

It's good to see Skattebo cashing in on his celebrity, though. Hopefully, he can resume his career and continue to have success to the point where the Giants tear up his rookie deal and give him a raise.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Cam Skattebo is one of NFL's biggest bargain players

This article originally appeared on PGHHockeyNOW.com.

A playoff hope has become a downhill chase as Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-16) could slash their magic number to single digits with a win Thursday when they visit one of the best teams in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning (46-22-6) at Benchmark International Arena.

Despite Tampa Bay’s usual position at the top of the standings, the Penguins have points in nine of their last 12 games against Tampa Bay (7-3-2). And the Penguins are 5-2-0 in their last seven visits to Benchmark International Arena dating back to Oct. 23, 2019.

Road warriors: The Penguins have points in five-consecutive road games (4-0-1) and have points in 13 of their last 15 road games overall (9-2-4).

Tuesday, Anthony Mantha scored his 30th goal of the season. The first time he’s reached that plateau. Also, he has 21 points (8G-13A) in 30 career games against the Lightning and is a plus-11. His 21 points are the most he’s accumulated vs. one opponent.

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Vezina Trophy odds for the 2025-26 season have flipped back in Ilya Sorokin's favor, with Andrei Vasilevskiy moving back into plus-money territory.

With only a handful of games left, both netminders will need to stand on their heads to plead their case.

Here are the latest NHL odds to win the top netminding honor.

Vezina Trophy Odds 

Player		Movement
Ilya Sorokin	-115	▲
Andrei Vasilevskiy	+100	▼
Jeremy Swayman	+2700	▼
Logan Thompson	+20000	▼
Scott Wedgewood	+25000	▼

Odds from BET99, one of our best betting sites. Sign up with our BET99 promo code, or get one of our other sportsbook promos.

Odds movement

4/2: We have ourselves a good ole' fahioned tendy off for the 2026 Vezina Trophy. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been overtaken by Ilya Sorokin as we enter the regular season's home stretch.

Sorokin has been the catalyst for New York's resurgence in the ultra-competitive Metro division, and it looks like he may be properly rewarded for all his hard work.

3/23: Andrei Vasilevskiy's grip on the Vezina Trophy has only strengthened, with his odds jumping to -200 since the last update. He has the most wins among goaltenders and is also in the Top 3 in both GAA and SV%. While Jeremy Swayman saw his odds cut in half, it may be too little too late for the B's tendy.

3/4: Vasilevskiy didn't stick around at plus money for very long, now sitting at -135. Meanwhile, Ilya Sorokin dipped from -125 to +100. As for LT, his odds plummeted from +1100 to +1800.

Vezina Trophy prediction

Ilya Sorokin is the rightful favorite at this point of the season, but Andrei Vasilevskiy is right on his heels. Sorokin has had to do his best Superman imitation up to this point, and I can see the walls cracking sooner than later.

The Lightning are the much better team, and they can provide Vasilevskiy with better defensive support to keep their netminder clean.

I don't know how much longer the Tampa netminder will be plus money, so I'm hopping on him now at a unit.

Bet	Odds	Bet date	Units
Andrei Vasilevskiy	+125	February 11	1

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Understanding NHL Vezina odds

Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. When the regular season is nearly finished and a consensus has emerged, you might see a player with a minus sign (-) ahead of his odds, like this:

• Andrei Vasilevskiy -135

The (-) means that Hellebuyck is the odds-on favorite, and a bettor would need to wager $135 to win $100. Other contenders in the Vezina race might have plus (+) odds to win.

• Ilya Sorokin +100

Here, a bettor stood to profit $100 for every $100 wagered. 

If American odds aren't your thing, simply use a tool like our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.

Vezina Trophy betting splits

• Highest ticket percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (9.5%)
• Highest handle percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (19.1%)
• Biggest liability: Scott Wedgewood

Data courtesy of BetMGM.

Popular NHL futures markets

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NHL Vezina Trophy trends

• Connor Hellebuyck is the first netminder since Martin Brodeur (2008) to win back-to-back Vezina Trophies.
• The Montreal Canadiens have the most Vezina Trophy winners in NHL history (29).
• No goaltender has won the Vezina and Stanley Cup in the same season since Tim Thomas (2011).
• The Eastern Conference has produced six of the last 10 Vezina winners.

Vezina Trophy history

A quick look at recent NHL Vezina Trophy winners and the teams they played for.

Season	Player	Team
2024-25	Connor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2023-24	Connor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2022-23	Linus Ullmark	Boston Bruins
2021-22	Igor Shesterkin	New York Rangers
2020-21	Marc-Andre Fleury	Vegas Golden Knights
2019-20	Conor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2018-19	Andrei Vasilevskiy	Tampa Bay Lightning
2017-18	Pekka Rinne	Nashville Predators
2016-17	Sergei Bobrovsky	Columbus Blue Jackets
2015-16	Braden Holtby	Washington Capitals
2014-15	Carey Price	Montreal Canadiens
2013-14	Tuukka Rask	Boston Bruins
2012-13	Sergei Bobrovsky	Columbus Blue Jackets
2011-12	Henrik Lundqvist	New York Rangers
2010-11	Tim Thomas	Boston Bruins
2009-10	Ryan Miller	Buffalo Sabres
2008-09	Tim Thomas	Boston Bruins
2007-08	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2006-07	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2005-06	Miikka Kiprusoff	Calgary Flames
2003-04	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2002-03	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2001-02	Jose Theodore	Montreal Canadiens
2000-01	Dominik Hasek	Buffalo Sabres

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

NHL Norris Trophy rankings: Can Evan Bouchard’s ascent overthrow Zach Werenski? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This week, we revisit our Norris Trophy rankings. Last time around, it felt like Cale Makar’s trophy to lose, and seemingly, he has. 

Two of the five favorites, Makar and Quinn Hughes, have previously won the Norris Trophy. 

While they have enjoyed characteristically terrific seasons, I don’t see either winning. That honor will likely go elsewhere, specifically to Evan Bouchard or Zach Werenski, the former making the strongest late-season case. 

Bouchard is on pace for 94 points, which would be the third-most in 33 years. However, Werenski has been the most consistent of the contenders, so long as he finishes the job and gets the Columbus Blue Jackets into the post-season for the first time since 2020, he could be going home with his first piece of NHL hardware.  

MORE: NHL Norris Trophy rankings: Evan Bouchard enters the conversation

5. Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

Hutson continued where he left off from his Calder Trophy-winning season and will almost certainly win a Norris Trophy at some point in his career. 

It just won’t be this season. 

While he’ll probably fall just short of his ultimate goal, Hutson’s numbers pop off the page. The 22-year-old has the fourth-most points (73), third-most assists (62), and is tied with Makar for the second-most even-strength points (54) and primary assists (30) among defensemen. 

MORE: NHL Hart Trophy rankings: Teenage phenom battles with former award winners

4. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild 

Hughes probably won’t win the Norris Trophy this season. 

However, had he started the campaign with the Minnesota Wild, we might be anointing him as the world’s best defenseman for the second time. 

Since his debut for the Wild on Dec. 14, Hughes is tied with Hutson for the second-most points (49) among defensemen, scoring the third-most points per game (1.17). 

Overall, Hughes has the most power-play points (33) and primary assists (32), logs the most ice time (27:47), and is tied for the most assists (66). 

MORE: NHL Jack Adams Award rankings: Sabres' Lindy Ruff battles Lightning's Jon Cooper for the crown

3. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

The more that time elapses, the weaker Makar’s case becomes to win his third Norris Trophy. After suffering an upper-body injury against the Calgary Flames, Makar will be out of the lineup for a few games at least. 

He fell off the pace long before the injury, ranking 10th among defensemen in points per game (0.90) since Dec. 14. 

Don’t get me wrong, he’s still among the three lead horses, but Makar’s 2025-26 resume is markedly inferior to Werenski and Bouchard. 

Speaking of his resume, he has the third-most points (75), the third-most power-play points (29), and the second-most primary assists (30), tied with Lane Hutson, among defensemen. 

MORE: Cale Makar Injury Update: Avalanche Star To Miss Multiple Games

2. Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers 

I often wonder how prolific Bouchard would be without Connor McDavid, who creates more opportunities for teammates than a job fair for job seekers. 

Despite that slice of good fortune, Bouchard deserves heaping praise for his prolific offensive output. With 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in the 23 games, Bouchard has tallied the third-most since Jan. 24. 

Only Connor McDavid (40 points) and Nikita Kucherov (47 points) have more in that sample size. In comparison, Werenski has 25 points (two goals, 23 assists) in 22 games. 

MORE: NHL Vezina Trophy rankings: Ilya Sorokin, Andrei Vasilevskiy continue to jostle for top spot

1. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Werenski is the unanimous betting favorite to capture his first Norris Trophy. 

After being part of the historic gold-medal winning Team USA at the 2026 Olympics, Werenski will be hard-pressed to top this season’s exploits if he captures his first Norris Trophy. 

With the Blue Jackets holding onto the second wild-card spot for dear life, which could change overnight, Werenski is currently on a winning trajectory.

He has the second-most points (78) behind Bouchard, the most even-strength goals (18), the most even-strength points (57), and is second in average ice time (26:30). He’s also tied with Bouchard for the most points per game (1.15). 

More NHL News

• Maple Leafs announce they are parting ways with GM Brad Treliving
• 3 candidates for Hockey Canada's next GM
• Projecting what Team North America would look like at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
• NHL power rankings: Avalanche regain firm grip of top spot
• 5 NHL coaches most likely to be fired at the end of the 2025-26 season

Derek Chisora arrived at a news conference at London's York Hall in an army tank alongside Nigel Farage, but the politician didn't attend the media event.

The 42-year-old British heavyweight faces American Deontay Wilder at London's O2 Arena this Saturday, as both veterans contest their 50th professional fights.

Despite the elaborate entrance, Farage - the Reform Party leader - did not go to the news conference, and he was not mentioned during the event, which focused on Wilder and Chisora.

"I am starting so fast that this fight will not see 12 rounds," predicted Chisora, who insists this will be his final pro bout.

"I just need war and pain - that's what I'm bringing. I just pray nobody comes with excuses out of the two of us."

The face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the "brotherhood" between the two veterans. Wilder, 40, urged Chisora to bring "everything".

"I need you to bring all the appliances that are not bolted down," he said.

"I need you to bring the refrigerator if you can bring it up. I need it for myself. I am ready for it. I am healed, this is a healed Wilder."

Chisora welcomed the challenge with typical stoicism, leading Wilder to extend a personal invitation for a post-retirement trip to Alabama.

"I'm definitely coming," Chisora replied.

No-shows, tardiness and expletive language

'War' Chisora was in a typical mischievous mood; he repeatedly swore as he predicted a "one-round" knockout.

Host Adam Smith was forced to frequently interrupt and apologise to viewers for the bad language, but Chisora did not relent, at one point encourgaing chants from the crowd.

Despite 13 losses against elite opposition - including Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and three bouts with Tyson Fury - Chisora has built a loyal fanbase through his quirky personality and relentless, come-forward style.

"Boxing is so easy: it's put your hands up and hit the other guy. That's it," he said.

A loss for Wilder would also likely spell the end of his career.

Arriving 45 minutes late and apologising for his "tardiness", the American made a bizarre plug for a brand of mouthguard before repeating previous comments about needing to "heal" from personal issues and past losses.

Once regarded as boxing's most devastating puncher, the former WBC heavyweight champion has stopped 43 opponents in 44 wins, often in spectacular fashion.

"What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I'm coming with detonation," Wilder said.

However, the "Bronze Bomber" has lost four of his past six fights. Since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury - a rivalry that saw him knocked down five times and stopped twice - Wilder has struggled to rediscover his destructive form.

"I know when I hang up the gloves, people will miss me," he said. "When I say I'm gone, I'm gone. So enjoy me while I'm here."

Analysis – beyond the stunts, is this one final payday?

The iconic York Hall - a small, atmospheric East London venue famed for its close-quarters crowds - provided a fitting backdrop for Chisora, who fought there seven times during his first 11 bouts.

Seasoned boxing media noted that the security presence felt unusually high for the venue. Once whispers began that Farage was outside, the over-the-top pat-downs and confiscated chewing gum suddenly made sense.

Chisora's tank entrance with Farage is simply the latest chapter in a career defined by headline-grabbing antics - from kissing Carl Baker and slapping Vitali Klitschko to brawling with David Haye and throwing a table at Dillian Whyte.

Beyond the political friendships and stunts, there is concern surrounding this fight. While Chisora has exceeded all expectations during his 19-year career, the punishment he has absorbed across 346 rounds is difficult to ignore. While he insists this is his final outing, there is always the lingering worry that a convincing win might tempt him into "one more."

There is equal intrigue with Wilder. This is not a standard comeback; his decline has been rapid, and he too has taken significant damage in the latter half of his career.

It remains a fascinating match-up between two veterans with no clear favourite. Beyond the drama, the hope in boxing circles is that both men can secure one final payday, emerge unscathed, and move on to enjoy the rewards of their careers.

• Price v Pineiro & Wilder v Chisora - all you need to know
• Win or lose, I'd like Chisora to retire - Wardley

• Boxing schedule and results 2026
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Philadelphia 76ers star rookie receives major NBA acknowledgement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Philadelphia 76ers star rookie V.J. Edgecombe was acknowledged by the NBA for his productive play throughout the month of March. 

On Thursday, the league announced that Edgecombe has officially been named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March. The acknowledgement is the first career monthly award for Edgecombe, who becomes the eighth player in Sixers franchise history to be named Rookie of the Month. 

In 13 games played in March, Edgecombe averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.6 minutes per performance. He tallied two 30-plus point performances and two double-doubles in the month. 

This story will be updated. 

More Philadelphia 76ers news: 

• Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach headed to Basketball Hall of Fame
• Joel Embiid provides an update on his health after extended absence
• Paul George apologizes to Philadelphia 76ers fans for lengthy suspension
• Former Philadelphia 76ers draft bust lands with new NBA team
• Philadelphia 76ers star named one of the purest scorers in NBA history
• Former 76ers, Lakers center announces retirement from basketball

Injury report: Mark Williams, PJ Hall and more ahead of Hornets vs. Suns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets enter play Thursday night in the midst of a tight Eastern Conference playoff battle.

After losses by the Magic and Heat Wednesday night, Charlotte moved from 10th to eighth in the standings with six games remaining.

As the postseason approaches, Charlotte will be eager to retain a top-eight position, giving them home court advantaged during the Play-In Tournament.

That said, their schedule to close the year is quite difficult. The Hornets return to action Thursday against the Suns before finishing out the year with games against the Pacers, Timberwolves, Pistons, Celtics and Knicks.

For Phoenix, they are all but locked in to the seventh seed, trailing Minnesota by four and a half games with six remaining.

They also lead the Clippers by three games over eighth place.

Heading into Thursday's matchup, both teams will be missing contributors.

For Charlotte, PJ Hall is listed out with ankle soreness after recently being recalled from the Greensboro Swarm.

Phoenix will be without both Amir Coffey and Haywood Highsmith who've been ruled out with ankle and knee injuries.

Former Hornets center and current Suns big man Mark Williams is listed as questionable with a foot injury.

If Williams is unable to suit up for Phoenix, expect Oso Ighodaro to play the majority of frontcourt minutes.

Rookie Khaman Malauch may be called upon as a backup.

Following Thursday's game, the Hornets will face Indiana Friday on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Suns will have Friday and Saturday off before facing the Bulls Sunday.

More NBA news:

• Mikal Bridges reaches new career milestone in win vs. Grizzlies
• Luka Doncic breaks Kobe Bryant's scoring record amidst Lakers blowout vs. Cavs
• Jarrett Allen records monster first half as Cavs take on Lakers
• Brandon Miller reveals inspiring message ahead of Charlotte's playoff run
• Two Spurs receive NBA award nominations
• Injury report: LeBron James, Sam Merrill and more ahead of Lakers vs. Cavs

Madrid, Spain – Spain’s hopes of hosting the 2030 World Cup final were dealt a blow after racist chants marred what should have been a friendly match against Egypt.

The Spanish are to cohost the next edition of world football’s showpiece event with Morocco and Portugal, but the destination of the final has still to be decided by FIFA, the game’s global governing body.

Fancied as possible winners of this year’s World Cup in the Americas, Spain’s performance on the pitch on Tuesday was instead overshadowed by events off the pitch.

Spanish police have launched an investigation into “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants which rang out twice during the 0-0 draw in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Authorities issued a warning on the public address system, then showed a video sign saying racist chants contravened the law, but these were jeered by sections of the fans.

A section of supporters had chanted: “Whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim” – a derogatory chant.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent, who was at the match, listened as Egypt’s national anthem also received a barrage of whistles before what was supposed to be a friendly game started.

It was the latest in a string of similar incidents to overshadow Spanish football in recent years, with Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior another high-profile victim of racial abuse in recent years.

Lamine Yamal, Spain’s star winger, a Muslim whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, issued a damning statement on Instagram in the wake of the row.

“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard,” he posted.

“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.”

Yamal, who has never made any political statements, added, “I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people.”

View this post on Instagram

Analysts said the anti-Muslim chants at the Spain match represent another proof of structural racism that exists in Spanish society, whose largest foreign-born population come from Morocco, a Muslim country.

“Spain is still a country which suffers from structural racism and there is little awareness of this. In contrast, other countries like the UK, France and the Netherlands, there is also structural racism but there is more awareness,” Moha Gerehou, former director of SOS Racismo, a national antiracism body, who is a journalist who specialises in xenophobia, told Al Jazeera.

“This exists in access to accommodation, schooling, personal relations, and work. When incidents like this occur, they still make excuses like the player is a provocateur like Vinicius Jr or in this case, that Islam is a problem.”

Gerehou noted a rise of far-right parties Vox, the third-largest in the Spanish parliament, and groups that were using racism to win votes and legitimise xenophobia.

“On the other hand, I think in Spanish society, there are more entities that are conscious of racism and are doing something to confront it,” he said.

In 2024, a report for the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia, a Spanish government body, found that discrimination in sport and education starts at an early age.

Some 40 percent of children who were questioned said that in sport and at school in Madrid said their friends who were Black were treated differently.

Last year, another report for the same body found abuse at sporting occasions had moved from the stadiums to online.

In the 2024-25 season, there were 33,400 hate messages, of which 62 percent appeared on Facebook and 10 percent on X.

In the wake of the chants at the Spain match, Marca, Spain’s best-selling sport newspaper, ran a front page in black – which is usually reserved for the death of an important figure – quoting Yamal’s words.

The incident was widely condemned with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posting on social media that “we cannot allow an uncivil minority to the reality of Spain, a diverse and tolerant country.”

However, Santiago Abascal, Vox president, posted a message on X condemning those who criticised the chants.

“Today, those same people are tearing their hair out over a chant that isn’t even an insult, just a display of identity,” he posted.

“And they turn it into a matter of state. They expect Spaniards to silently and obediently put up with the Islamist invasion and the mafia government.”

The Catalan regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, said it was investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants at the Spain-Egypt friendly match.

The Spanish Football Federation also condemned the chants, as did many leading footballers.

Vinicius Jr became a lightning rod for racist abuse since arriving in the Spanish capital in 2018 from Brazilians Flamengo.

In January 2023, Atletico Madrid fans hung an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground.

In 2025, five Real Valladolid fans, who racially abused Vinicius in a 2022 match, were found guilty by a court of committing a hate crime – the first such ruling in Spain for insults at a football stadium.

Graham Hunter, a British journalist who specialises in Spanish football, said efforts to combat racism in the sport have improved since he moved to the country in 2002.

“There is a racist, right-wing section of society, otherwise the Vox party would get no votes. But I’m hugely encouraged by the developments in Spanish football’s treatment of racism,” he told Al Jazeera.

“When I first moved here to today, the progress is significant. La Liga and clubs work hard to identify perpetrators and then expel or prosecute them.

“Football media devotes far more opprobrium towards racism than it did; these factors are part of the slow drive towards both punishment and re-education.”

Big 12's Brett Yormark goes after Texas Tech booster over his role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If you had a Big 12 squabble between Texas Tech mega booster Cody Campbell and commissioner Brett Yormark on this year's bingo card, you're doing pretty good.

In an odd exchange, Campbell, who is also the chair of the school's board of regents, went after the conference over a scheduling matter. The Sept. 18 football game between the Red Raiders and Houston Cougars will be under the Friday Night Lights on FOX. Campbell, however, argues that is reserved for high school football in Texas.

"Friday Night Lights are sacred in the Great State of Texas!," Campbell wrote. "It is absolutely absurd that the @Big12Conference and @FOXSports would consider scheduling @TexasTechFB and @UHCougarFB on a Friday night (October 18th)!! I know that @brettyormark is not a native Texan, but he's been here long enough to know better! Come on, man!"

Yormark had the option to sit this one out, but responded by telling the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Wednesday that, "Cody Campbell does not run the Big 12."

Campbell pushed back with a response on X, saying, "Apparently Brett didn’t get the memo: EVERYTHING RUNS THROUGH LUBBOCK!! Maybe we should bring the tortillas back??"

He later told ESPN that Yormark's job was not to be "the dictator of the conference."

More: Pat McAfee faces a Masters problem three years running

"As commissioner, he needs to remember that he works for the presidents, and the presidents work for the boards," Campbell told ESPN. "He is not the dictator of the conference. That's not his role. It is his responsibility to advocate for his members in all cases."

This is not a good look for either Yormark or Campbell, who are working towards the same goal: promote the conference and its teams. Any Friday night window for the Big 12 has ensured they're not in direct competition with other Power Four leagues. 

More college football news: 

• Jordon Hudson turns heads with 'barely there' rope dress at Maine charity event
• USC asked Heisman winner to unretire jersey several times: 'Absolutely f-ing not'
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• Steve Sarkisian blasts Ohio State players for not going to class
• Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after NFL Combine

Chelsea Injury Update: Reece James and Levi Colwill Boost Hopes for Run In

Chelsea head into a defining stretch of the campaign with renewed optimism, as several key players edge closer to a return. With domestic ambitions still alive under Liam Rosenior, squad fitness could shape how this season is remembered.

The schedule is unforgiving. A cup tie against lower league opposition offers a chance to build momentum, before attention quickly returns to the Premier League and crucial fixtures at Stamford Bridge. With Champions League qualification on the line, having leaders like Reece James and emerging talents such as Levi Colwill available could make all the difference.

Reece James Nearing Return at Crucial Moment

Chelsea captain Reece James remains central to Rosenior’s plans, even as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The defender missed the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint Germain and subsequent fixtures after picking up the injury against Newcastle on March 17.

There is cautious optimism around his condition. Rosenior confirmed, “It’s not serious but there is something in his hamstring.”

That assessment leaves the door open for a return in April, which would be timely. James brings leadership, composure and tactical intelligence, qualities Chelsea have lacked during his absence. His availability for the final weeks could provide a decisive lift as results tighten and margins narrow.

Photo IMAGO

Levi Colwill Progress Offers Defensive Stability

While James edges closer, Levi Colwill continues his longer road back from a serious knee injury sustained in pre season. The young defender has been progressing steadily, hitting key recovery milestones.

Rosenior offered a measured update, stating, “With an ACL, he’s hitting all the benchmarks he needs to. He’s still looking at a good while yet. Hopefully [he can play this season].”

Colwill’s potential return in May would significantly strengthen Chelsea’s defensive options. His ability to play out from the back and read the game has been missed, particularly in high pressure matches. If he can feature before the campaign concludes, it could feel like a new signing at a vital stage.

Photo IMAGO

Squad Depth Improves Ahead of Busy Fixtures

Elsewhere, Chelsea are also monitoring the recovery of several squad players. Trevoh Chalobah faces a longer spell out with an ankle injury, though initial fears have eased. Rosenior admitted, “It wasn’t until later after the game that I saw the image. Then you’re really worried for the next game. Fortunately it’s nowhere near as serious as we first feared. It’s still a serious injury. We’re looking at a period of about six weeks, which is a better period than we first thought.”

Filip Jorgensen is expected back soon after minor groin surgery, while Jamie Gittens has suffered a setback with his hamstring, delaying his return further. Benoit Badiashile, meanwhile, could be available again after illness.

Chelsea Season Hinges on Timely Returns

For Chelsea, the equation is simple. Results must improve, and quickly. Having Reece James back to marshal the side and Levi Colwill potentially reinforcing the defence adds belief at just the right time.

Rosenior will be hoping that these returning players arrive not only fit, but ready to influence matches immediately. With key fixtures looming and little room for error, Chelsea’s season may well be defined by who returns, and when.

CBS Sports golf analyst Amanda Balionis succinctly summed up the 2025 golf season, the backdrop for Season 4 of the Netflix docuseries “Full Swing.”

“I would describe the 2025 golf season as electric,” Balionis said in a trailer for the series. “We saw hearts broken, history made, the culmination of the most anticipated team event.”

MORE: Tiger Woods bodycam video from recent DUI arrest goes viral

Netflix dropped the “Full Swing” trailer on Thursday, April 2, and announced Season 4 will stream beginning April 17. The four episodes will feature key moments of 2025, including Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory and Tommy Fleetwood’s breakthrough at the Tour Championship.

Additionally, the trailer previews coverage of The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, won by Team Europe.

“Full Swing” launched in 2023 and follows professional golfers on and off the course. It has become a regular part of Netflix’s sports lineup. The first two seasons featured eight episodes apiece, while Season 3 had seven episodes.

According to Golfweek, Season 4 will feature McIlroy and Fleetwood as well as J.J. Spaun Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald, Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin, Shane Lowry, Maverick McNealy, Justin Rose and Cameron Young.

McIlroy’s long-awaited victory at the Masters gave him the career Grand Slam. Consequently, he is one of six golfers to accomplish the feat. Fleetwood, who has eight European tour victories, won the TOUR Championship for his first tour title to capture the FedExCup and its $10 million reward.

Meanwhile, Bradley captained Team USA in the Ryder Cup. The Americans’ bid to avenge a 2023 loss in Rome fell short as Europe won 15-13. The match wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

Later, Bradley called the Ryder Cup the “darkest time of my life,” in an interview with PGATour.com.

“I mean, it’s an F,” said Bradley, when asked to grade his 2025 season after he won as a player. “You’ve got to go and win that and this grade’s different. It’s really tough to grade. I was talking to my coach, he said, ‘Remember, you won this year?’ I was like, ‘No, I don’t remember that at all.’”

Maybe you really need the off day. But if not, come chat with us for an hour this evening. (Hour and a half? Two hours? I know some of you will never log off—looking at you, Rusty.) I’d expect Mariners and baseball content to dominate, but anything goes (within the bounds of our community guidelines). We’ll get going at 6:40 PT.

If you haven’t made an account, this is a great time to do it! We want to hear from you, in this conversation and in general. If you’re hesitant at the idea of joining a comment section, I think you would be surprised at the degree to which the LL comment section is not filled with the idocy, trolling, spam, and nonsense of the typical internet comment section. I know I spent years reading the site before I ever opened the comments, and I only did it once I joined the staff. I was shocked at how good the conversation was and wish I’d done it sooner.

Our exact RSVP list is still in flux (especially since some of you are just learning about this now!), but several of the Lookout Landing writers will be here. I’ll be here for sure. So will Kate.

I’m putting this up early both to provide some notice and to give folks a chance to drop a question or comment if they can’t make it at the witching hour.

What must happen for the Maple Leafs to be out from playoff contention tonight? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be eliminated from NHL playoff contention on Thursday after their game against the San Jose Sharks. Here are the details.

Toronto visits San Jose at SAP Center at 10 p.m. ET in what could be the game that decides whether they are out of the playoffs or whether they keep a small hope alive.

Toronto faces must-win situation to keep playoff hopes alive

According to PuckPedia's "NHL News" portal, the Maple Leafs can be eliminated from postseason contention in two ways.

1. A regulation loss vs. San Jose and one of the following: Columbus defeats Carolina, Detroit defeats Philadelphia, Columbus and Philadelphia each earn a point, Buffalo or Ottawa earns a point, or Washington defeats New Jersey.
2. Toronto earns a point vs. San Jose, Ottawa defeats Buffalo, and one of the following two scenarios occurs: either Columbus defeats Carolina, and Detroit defeats Philadelphia, or Columbus earns a point vs. Carolina, and Detroit defeats Philadelphia in regulation.

Scenarios: #Sabrehood, #Canes, #GoBolts, and #MNWild can all clinch a playoff spot tonight. #Blackhawks, #TimeToHunt, and #LeafsForever are facing elimination. #Canucks can secure 32nd place and best lottery odds. pic.twitter.com/F9XEOnBTwu

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 2, 2026

After the game against the Sharks, the Maple Leafs will visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. ET, before facing the Capitals on April 8, the Islanders on April 9, the Panthers on April 11, the Stars on April 13, and closing out the regular season against the Senators on April 15.

More NHL News

• Maple Leafs must answer one question before making a decision on Auston Matthews
• Which 3 teams could target Rangers' Vincent Trocheck in the offseason?
• 3 candidates for Hockey Canada's next GM
• Projecting what Team North America would look like at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
• NHL power rankings: Avalanche regain firm grip of top spot

WASHINGTON -- On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers scoring 153 points in a win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday isn't exactly eye-opening. The Wizards are the worst defensive team in the league, statistically, as they rank dead last in defensive rating.

However, the Sixers had a professional mindset on that end of the floor as the ball was whipping around, guys were getting the ball in their spots, and it led to an efficient night. Philadelphia shot 61.9% from the floor against the Wizards and the Sixers were feasting on paint touches led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe finding a way into Washington's porous defense.

"We just drove the ball," Maxey explained after the win. "Kind of drove the ball, shared the ball, played the right way. That game was a fast game. We gave up too many points, but we were able to score the ball, which ultimately got us the dub."

The Sixers have a number of scorers up and down the roster. Maxey, Edgecombe, Paul George, and Joel Embiid can handle things for the starting unit, but then there's guys like Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, and Cam Payne who can hop off the bench and put the ball in the basket. Philadelphia scored 157 points against the Chicago Bulls on March 25 and then 153 on Wednesday, so it knows it can put the ball in the basket.

"We know we can score the ball," said Maxey. "We got a lot of guys that can get 20. A lot of guys that get 20. Guys off the bench that can get 20, get 30. We got two guys off the bench right now that has gotten 30 this year. I think Q and Kelly, and Justin (Edwards), So, that's three guys right there that get 30 off the bench."

Edgecombe, who was standing next to Maxey during his media availability in the locker room, then reminded Maxey of others.

"And Kyle (Lowry)!!" Maxey exclaimed. "Kyle’s gotten 30 before. Oh, Cam Payne had 30! My bad, Cam Payne! Then everybody in our starting five. You know, can get up 20."

The Sixers will certainly have to tighten up defensively, but they are on a roll on the offensive end and it's something they can continue to build on for the future.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers discuss recent offensive success after big night vs. Wizards

With the Scouting Combine over and pro days underway, we have a more complete picture of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Film, production, athletic testing, interviews, and medical evaluations come together to make a profile of a player, which makes it easier to map out the class. Over the next few weeks, I will be going through position by position and ranking the 2026 draft class, with more attention being paid to positional groups the Eagles may be more interested in.

At tight end, the Eagles opted to bring Dallas Goedert back for another year. He is coming off a record breaking year where he scored 11 times, most ever in a single season by an Eagles tight end. Despite his high level of play, the 31-year-old’s long term future with the Eagles is unclear. Goedert has played a full season once in his entire career and while he is excellent when he’s on the field, the Eagles should be planning to find his replacement. 

Howie Roseman drafted Zach Ertz in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after Brent Celek 684 yards receiving the previous year and was still an asset as a blocker. As a rookie, Ertz was the second tight end while Celek set a career high in yards per catch while going over 500 yards receiving and scoring six times. The following year, Ertz took over as the top tight end and remained there for many years. 

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Eagles drafted Dallas Goedert in the second round. Zach Ertz was coming off an 824 yard season where he was dominant in the playoffs and helped the Eagles won a Super Bowl. In Goedert’s rookie year, Ertz set an NFL record for catches by a tight end. Over the course of Goedert’s first two years, Ertz had over 2,000 receiving yards. It wasn’t until Ertz was traded during the 2021 season, Goedert’s fourth year in the league, that Goedert took over as the top tight end.

See where I’m going with this? 

This year might be the perfect time for the Eagles to draft a tight end high, considering the way the class is laid out. Let a rookie play second fiddle to Goedert and take over as the top guy in 2027. Here are the top tight ends in the class .

1) Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

It was before the combine that Kenyon Sadiq established himself as the top tight end in this draft. His dominant final season at Oregon showed his ability to separate at every level of the field, make dynamic catches in traffic, and create yardage after the catch. 

Then he blew up Lucas Field with a 4.39 40-yard dash and all around incredible athletic testing. It’s not surprising if you watch him play, but it quantifies just how impressive of an athlete he is. 

The biggest concern with Sadiq is how traditional a tight end role he can play. He is under 240 pounds and is “smaller” for a tight end at 6’3” with short arms. His blocking at Oregon was fine, but not game changing. Teams won’t draft him for his blocking ability, but he needs to be competent as an in-line blocker or else he will be keeping himself off the field.

His upside as a receiver is really hard to overstate though, and teams will smartly bank on him getting a bit better as a blocker in order to maximize what he can really do: line up anywhere on the field and cause problems. 

NFL Comparison: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

2) Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Similar to Kenyon Sadiq, Eli Stowers was also universally locked into a high draft position on somewhere early Day 2 as the second tight end in the draft. Then he had a great combine and cemented a lot of what was already clear on tape.  

Eli Stowers is a great athlete who can outrun any defender on the field and outmuscle any defensive backs. He was a weapon in the passing game over the last few years and figures to do the same in the NFL. 

Also similar to Kenyon Sadiq is his limitations. Stowers is very much a receiver first and foremost with blocking only being something he can do, technically. Stowers’ effort as a pass blocker could stand to improve to give teams more flexibility with where he lines up on the field. But his ceiling is a high level pass catcher who can generate volume targets and offer a dynamic mismatch in the passing game. 

NFL Comparison: Evan Engram, Denver Broncos

The Rest

3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Jack Endries, Texas
5. Justin Joly, NC State
6. Michael Trigg, Baylor
7. Tanner Koziol, Houston

Phil Mickelson will not be competing in his 33rd Masters at Augusta National this year.

Mickelson has won The Masters three times and has made 28 cuts around Augusta National.

The 55-year-old finished tied for second when his good friend Jon Rahm won The Masters in 2023.

Mickelson‘s name is synonymous with The Masters. His go-for-broke style and exceptional short game made him a perfect fit for Augusta National throughout the years.

Phil Mickelson had intentions of winning The Masters this year, according to his former caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay.

However, the six-time major champion will unfortunately not be at Augusta National this year.

Phil Mickelson releases statement as he pulls out of The Masters

Mickelson has pulled out of the 90th edition of The Masters just one week before the start of the tournament.

The LIV Golf star took to his official X account on Thursday to release a statement explaining why he will not be at Augusta National this year.

“Unfortunately I will not play in The Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,“ Mickelson wrote.

“I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it’s definitely the most special week of the year. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.“

That’s a huge blow for golf fans who love watching Mickelson’s gung-ho approach at Augusta National every single year.

The 55-year-old is clearly needed by his family right now though, and as always, that is the most important thing.

Phil Mickelson’s Masters record

He has three wins at Augusta National and only three men have more green jackets to their names – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer.

Mickelson has recorded two runner-up finishes, five third-places and 12 top-5s.

He has 16 top-10s to his name and 21 top-25 finishes.

Mickelson’s record at Augusta National speaks for itself and he’ll definitely be missed at this year’s Masters.

However, having won the tournament three times, Mickelson will be welcome back until he feels it’s time to step away.

So he will have plenty more chances to compete at Augusta National before his time is done.

For the Arizona Cardinals, the offseason has been amazing.

Why? Well, they are either in on every quarterback, or agents are saying they are in order to make it seem like where their clients ended up was part of a bidding war.

Our buddy Johnny Venerable highlighted it and asked the question:

So, if the Cardinals are in on Ty Simpson, why were they going after Kirk Cousins? Was the Cousins interest pre-Gardner Minshew?

The questions we will never get answers to just beget more questions, because if the Cardinals were seriously going after Cousins up until he decided to go sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, then why are they so far and away the favorites to take Ty Simpson? You can’t have a room of Jacoby Brissett, Cousins, Minshew and Ty Simpson.

Maybe that is why Cousins did not come to Arizona, he didn’t want the competition and the Raiders were willing to help create a $20 million guaranteed contract for his one season there while he helps Fernando Mendoza?

I just don’t understand what the plan is if the Cardinals are truly in on all these quarterbacks.

Or, maybe the agents are just selling to the media their guys were hot commodities.

Attorneys for Parker Kingston, the former Brigham Young University football player accused of raping a 20-year-old woman, withdrew from representing Kingston in a filing on Wednesday.

Kingston is still represented by defense attorney Cara Tangaro.

Kingston was expected in 5th District Court in St. George, Utah, on Thursday for a preliminary hearing, which was delayed until April 23.

The 21-year-old former wide receiver for BYU was formally charged with one count of felony rape and booked into jail last February, a year after the woman, identified as A.M., reported that he sexually assaulted her to officers at St. George Regional Hospital in February of last year.

District Court Judge Jay Winward released Kingston on bail and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor for at least 60 days. Last month, Kingston’s attorneys filed a memorandum requesting that the judge remove the monitor, arguing that their client was not a flight risk.

The alleged victim reported that Kingston sexually assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, in St. George.

In the memorandum, A.M. apparently reached out to Kingston in March 2025 and “told him that he had taken advantage of her.”

Kingston, per the court filing, responded, “I didn’t take advantage of you and I didn’t think anything was casual you told me before and then you said yes and or else I never would’ve done that because I just don’t do that with anybody tbh. I wouldn’t ever do that to someone unless they agreed and you did. I’m sorry that I took that from you it was late and I shouldn’t have even gone over there in the first place because I regret doing it too. I’m sorry.”

Judge Winward granted the attorneys’ dismissal on Tuesday. The preliminary hearing was rescheduled for April 23.

Clarification: An earlier version of this story did not contain information about Kingston’s attorney who continues to represent him.

Sophia Wilson has learned to trust the process.

The 25-year-old forward will be back with the U.S. women’s national team next weekend for the first time in 15 months, returning as a new mom with a new perspective.

“I knew from the time I got pregnant that I was going to be very patient with myself through the whole process,” Wilson told reporters during a virtual media availability on Thursday. “Getting back to playing at a high level, it’s not a straight path. That’s not going to happen with the snap of my fingers. A lot of work went into it behind the scenes that a lot of people didn’t see, and a lot of work is still going into it.”

The Portland Thorns forward was speaking with reporters after being named to head coach Emma Hayes’ 26-player roster for the USWNT’s three-game April camp. The U.S. will face Japan, the 2026 Asian Cup champions, across three matches within six days.

The camp will feature a mini reunion of the Triple Espresso, with Wilson and Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman called up for the window together. Chicago Stars’ Mallory Swanson is working her way back to the pitch after giving birth to her baby in November. The three led the U.S. to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, but have not featured together since.

“I’m in a really great place right now. I’ve taken this journey the right way. I think I’ve gone about it the right way,” Wilson said. “I’ve had so much support, so much help, and I haven’t felt pressured in any way. …. I’ve taken my time and gone about it how I need to go about it.”

Wilson, whose daughter was born in early September, has been back with the Thorns since the NWSL preseason. She returned to the pitch March 14, playing in the final 13 minutes of the Thorns’ season opener against Washington at Audi Field. She has featured in every match since, slowly increasing her minutes. Last week, she was back in the Thorns’ starting rotation, playing 68 minutes against Kansas City Current.

“Watching her play 70 minutes the other night, it was almost like, I couldn’t believe she’s had a baby and come back to perform at the level she’s done,” Hayes said Wednesday. “Real credit to her and the team around her, that I think really positioned pre- and post- pregnancy planning in a fantastic way. It’s a real credit to everyone to get her to that place.”

Hayes and Wilson have remained in close contact, as the head coach does with all her players. Together, they decided it was the “right time” for Wilson to return to the national team.

“It’s really important for us to start getting these players like Soph back into a rhythm in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers,” Hayes said.

Wilson is set to become the 18th mom to play for the USWNT. If she scores, she would become the ninth mom to score for the national team. She’s played with a few of those players in the past and seen examples of how to juggle motherhood and playing professionally.

Wilson described watching Alex Morgan bring her daughter, Charlie, to camp several years ago and feeling inspired watching her teammate return to playing at a high level after becoming a mom. There were others, too, like Crystal Dunn and Bella Bixby.

“Having those examples made me believe and know that I could do the same thing,” Wilson said. “I’m very fortunate to have gone through this when we did have more support than (players had) previously. I do still think there’s a long ways to go, but I’m just very fortunate (to be) in the position I’m in right now.”

This three-match window against Japan begins April 11 in San Jose, Calif., before the team heads to Seattle on April 14 and Denver on April 17. That final match will be a sentimental one for Wilson, who hails from Windsor, Colo.

“Anytime I get to go back and play in Denver, I have all the feels, because that’s where I really grew into who I am as a soccer player and as a person, too,” Wilson said. “I love Colorado. My family’s still there. I have so many friends still there. Getting to go back and play with the national team at this point in my career now with my little girl, it’s like a dream come true.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

US Women's national team, Portland Thorns, Women's Soccer, FIFA Women's World Cup

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance, running back Kenneth Walker III departed the Seattle Seahawks in free agency and signed a three-year, $43.05 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs with $28.7 million guaranteed.

Kansas City ranked No. 25 in rushing offense last season and signing Walker ensures rushing production will go up substantially in 2026. The Chiefs may have to rely on the running game all the more with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL and his Week 1 status uncertain.

Andy Reid On Kansas City Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker

At the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talked about what Walker brings to the table.

“He adds another element to the offense, another something you can throw at the defense, which is important,” Reid said, per The Athletic’s Jesse Newell. “And he’s legit. He can take it the distance every time he touches the ball. There’s that threat.”

Walker is coming off a 2025 season where he rushed for 1,027 yards with five touchdowns, along with 31 receptions for 282 yards. However, it was Walker’s playoff excellence that led to his free agency payday. Walker rushed for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three postseason games along with nine receptions for 105 yards.

Reid is confident that Walker’s going to be the same player for the Chiefs as he was for the Seahawks.

“He’s a good football player, and it won’t change. He’s not gonna change coming to us,” Reid said, per Ed Easton Jr. of Chiefs Wire. “He’s still going to be a good football player. As long as he stays healthy and moves forward, good things can happen for you. We know that the run game’s important, and we've got good offensive linemen in front of him, so that will be a plus for him. It should be a plus for our football team.”

The last time the Chiefs had a running back that rushed for over 1,000 yards was back in 2017 when Kareem Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards. As long as Walker remains healthy, the odds of him going over 1,000 are high.

While running backs aren’t valued highly when it comes to contracts and the position has a high amount of turnover, the Chiefs could be getting Walker at the perfect time. Walker is just 25 years of age and could just be scratching the surface and be on his way to becoming one of the best running backs in the NFL. If not for Walker’s playoff contributions, the Seahawks would not have won the Super Bowl. In short, Walker has achieved greatness and has a chance to become consistently great.

Walker, who’s soft-spoken and would rather play football than be a sports celebrity, talked in March about what made him want to sign with the Chiefs.

“It means a lot,” Walker said, per Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star. “You feel appreciated and wanted. That’s what everybody wants. I’m just happy to get in here and get to know the guys and work.”

The Chiefs were just 6-11 last season and it’ll be an uphill battle to return to the postseason if Patrick Mahomes isn’t fully healthy in 2026. However, the addition of Walker is a positive one for Chiefs’ players and fans alike.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Arsenal have identified Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane as a target. It has been mentioned that the Gunners are eyeing a move to bring the Cameroonian talent to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Kofane’s Impressive Rise In German Football

Kofane is having a productive campaign at the German club as he has been responsible for putting in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 19-year-old has banged in seven goals and earned eight assists in 39 matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season on all fronts.

The talented teenager is currently among the best young strikers in the Bundesliga. Therefore, the Gunners will do well to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

His current contract at the German club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for Arsenal to sign him on the cheap later this year.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Arsenal FC at BayArena on March 11, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Arsenal Identify Kofane As A Target: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Kofane can create a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian talent has already added a lot of goals and assists to his game this season. However, the jury is still out on whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Gunners manage to bring him on board this off-season.

We can expect Kofane to bring more quality and depth to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s frontline. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming years.

At 19, Kofane has got the potential to be a future star in English football. Therefore, it makes sense for the Gunners to go all out to get him on board in the upcoming transfer window. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future. However, Arteta has to be patient with Kofane before he can unlock the best out of the gifted forward.

Phil Mickelson withdraws from Masters: Golf legend announces he will be out 'for an extended period' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Phil Mickelson announced that he has withdrawn from the 2026 Masters. The veteran golfer cited that he will be out for "an extended period" and that his family is dealing with a personal health matter.

Mickelson is a three-time winner of the Masters Tournament. His first green jacket was earned in 2004, and he then won the event in 2006 and 2010. As a past champion, Mickelson has a permanent spot in the tournament if he wants to use it. 

He last missed the Masters Tournament in 2022. Mickelson finished tied for second in 2023, tied for 43rd in 2024, and missed the cut last year. He missed the 2022 edition of the event due to a self-imposed ban after controversial comments about the LIV Golf League and the PGA Tour. 

Here is more on Mickelson withdrawing from the 2026 Masters and how long he could miss.

MORE: Why was Tiger Woods arrested?

Why did Phil Mickelson withdraw from the Masters?

Mickelson posted a message to his personal X account saying that he would, unfortunately, be missing the 2026 Masters Tournament.

While he didn't give an in-depth reason, he did say that it was because his family is continuing to deal with a personal health matter. 

pic.twitter.com/oJniNxgrmE

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 2, 2026

Has Phil Mickelson won a Masters?

Yes. Mickelson has won three Masters tournaments in his career. He first won the green jacket in 2004. Mickelson shot a 9-under, beating out Ernie Els, who was the runner-up that year. When Lefty won the Masters, it was his 11th time competing in the event. He had finished third four times before, including each of the most recent three years leading up to the 2024 event. 

After finishing 10th in 2005, Mickelson returned and won his second green jacket in 2006. His most recent Masters win came in 2010. The fact that Mickelson has even just one win in Augusta grants him a spot in the Masters Tournament annually if he wants it. 

MORE: Body cam footage shows aftermath of Tiger Woods arrest

Phil Mickelson Masters history

Here is a look at how Mickelson has fared at the Masters. He first qualified for the tournament as an amateur in 1991 and returned as a professional in 1993. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a difficult start to the season on offense, but first baseman Freddie Freeman is confident in a bounce back.

The Dodgers’ big bats haven’t been on their game to start the 2026 season, and their flaws at the plate really showed in their 4-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. The Dodgers had just two hits through the first seven innings of the game, both of which belonged to No. 8 hitter Andy Pages.

Despite their recent slump, Freeman is sure the Dodgers will return to their World Series champion form sooner rather than later.

“Our offense is inevitable,” Freeman said. “Hopefully, maybe tomorrow, with an off-day, the coldness will go away and we’ll heat up.”

Freeman is one of the Dodgers struggling in the early season, though not as much as the rest of the team. The future Hall of Famer is batting .208 through six games, and hit his first home run of the season against Cleveland on Wednesday.

A .615 OPS is substandard for him, though, and he’ll look to continue ramping up following his solo shot in the final game of the Dodgers’ homestead.

Which Other Dodgers are Underperforming?

Other than Freeman, a usually constant presence in the Dodgers’ lineup has gone missing through the early goings. Shohei Ohtani currently holds the longest active on-base streak in MLB, but the power and flair Dodger fans are used to seeing just isn’t there.

He has just three hits in six games, and notably hasn’t hit a home run or recorded an RBI in 28 plate appearances.

Kyle Tucker, who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $240 million deal in the offseason, has been underwhelming as well, and is batting .174 on the season. He has nine strikeouts, which is the most on the team.

Despite the combined struggled of Ohtani, Tucker and Freeman, manager Dave Roberts is confident everyone will make a comeback as well.

“I am surprised that they got off to a slow start, but you just never really know,” Roberts said. “Spring training is just not predictive. It’s just not. I think for me, the takeaway is we’re 3-1 and the guys that we expect to swing the bats aren’t swinging the bats right now. So that’s a good thing. They’ll hit.”

The Dodgers have a rest day Friday after losing their series to the Guardians at home, and will travel to the East coast for a six-game road trip next. They visit the Washington Nationals for a three game series beginning on Friday at 10:05 a.m. PT, then head to Toronto to face the Blue Jays in a three-game set beginning Monday, April 6.

What can the top of the Dodgers’ lineup do to get back on track this season?

If Israel Adesanya isn’t ready to retire from MMA just yet, what should the UFC do with him next? Plus, a suggestion to bring viewers back to “The Ultimate Fighter,” and a question from an actual pro fighter with big money to throw around.

All that and more in this week’s mailbag. To ask a question of your own, hit up @BenFowlkesMMA on X or @Ben_Fowlkes on Threads.

@nickj812: What are your hopes for Izzy's next career move?.

Whilst a trilogy against AP might have previously worked , IMO that ship.has sailed.

Hope he retires & stays retired. Nothing left to prove.

All I ask is that it makes some kind of sense but does not make me sad when I watch it. I realize that’s tougher to pull off than it sounds in this sport, but I think it’s doable for Israel Adesanya right now.

Give me a fight that has some narrative behind it. Ideally, it would be against someone he has some kind of history with. I don’t want to see him fighting another hungry young up-and-comer just to prove his career isn’t over yet. Make it something meaningful, preferably against someone his age.

As for whether he should continue, I just hope he asks himself the right questions and makes his decisions on that basis. Are you still here only to be a UFC champ again? Because, brother, that just isn't going to happen. Are you sticking around because you still love it and think you have a few good performances left in you? In that case, sure, I can see it. But don't let the UFC rush you into something that only makes sense for everyone but you.

@jaypettry: Has April Fools' Day lost its luster in the MMA community? Are all the jokes played out and expected to show up? Or are we just becoming jaded?

It’s honestly for the best that MMA fighters don’t try so hard with the April Fool’s jokes these days. So few of them were any good at it. They always had the same two ideas: announce a fake fight, or announce a fake retirement.

The problem with the first one is that nobody likes an April Fool’s joke that, when revealed, feels like you’re taking something away from us. It’s like telling your kids you’re taking them to Disneyland and then telling them it was all a joke, now go get ready for school. They are not going to find the humor in that, man. You want the setup to be something bad or disappointing — though still lighthearted and harmless — so that the April Fool’s part of the reveal feels like relief.

The problem with the fake retirement, as several fighters learned, is that you have a pretty good chance of accidentally hurting your own feelings. What if fans see that and are like, "Yeah good for you for knowing when it’s time?" What if they seem totally ready to believe that you’re done and apparently not even that sad about it? That won’t be a great feeling. Then the only April fool is you.

@CrisCyborg: Should @Claressashields accept my $2,000,000 offer to fight boxing?

Is there a bigger fight in the sport for her than an mma crossover against me?

I’d absolutely watch it, Cris. My question is: Are you personally offering her the $2 million? As in, that’s coming out of your bank account as a guarantee for her as soon as she signs the contract and steps in the ring, win or lose? 

Because if so, yeah, that sounds like a good offer for her, not to mention a legitimately promotable fight that I think a lot of us could get excited about. But also, wow, I didn’t realize you had cash like that just sitting around. Now that I know, let me fill you in on an exciting investment opportunity in the sports podcasting space …

@ihab23: Why’d they do the homie Niko Price dirty?

That was rough. He was pretty much a sacrificial lamb for Michael Chiesa’s retirement fight on home ground — why else would the UFC book Chiesa, on a three-fight winning streak, against Niko Price, on a three-fight losing streak? — and so his own retirement announcement became a complete afterthought.

I think he deserved at least a moment on the mic. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask after nearly 10 years (!) with the UFC. But maybe it just goes to show that, if you want a share of the spotlight in your final fight, it helps to win.

@LukeSpier_: Not so much a question, more so throwing s*** at a wall with a questionable idea. With TUF being so a**, in conjunction with heavyweight being so a**, what about a TUF season that’s entirely “former athletes from other sports try MMA”

I would totally watch that. Nothing but former NFL/NBA/MLB/rugby and whatever else athletes getting out there on the mats and figuring it out as they go? Hell yes. That’s good TV right there. The only problem is, how do you get them to fight in a cage for the pitiful payouts that “Ultimate Fighter” guys typically earn? Pro athletes from other sports are used to being paid like, well, pro athletes.

@NeedXtoseePosts: Surely The White House card can't go ahead as things stand in the world?

It would be bread and circuses only the price of bread is also skyrocketing

I get what you’re saying, but after all this build-up how could they not go ahead with it? The UFC White House event not only has to happen, it has to be really, really good. Anything less will be a colossal failure and disappointment.

@RealFakeSamDunn: If MVP were to hold one more MMA card this year, which main event could they at least *conceivably* book to keep the casuals curious?

And what if they held two more events?

Anatoly Malykhin is out there, sure, but only hardcores know him. How do you thread this needle?

If we’re talking about real MMA fights, right now I’d have to say something like Francis Ngannou vs. Gable Steveson would get a lot of people excited. If we’re talking about just having fun in an attention-getting sort of way, then someone needs to get creative with Eddie Hall.

You know what would probably really work, though? Let’s get Jake Paul into a pair of four-ounce gloves and see how he does. There’s a genuine appetite among the public to see him get beat up, and the Anthony Joshua fight barely scratched the surface. If he fought someone like Nate Diaz in an actual MMA fight, you can’t tell me it wouldn’t do numbers.

@chasekeller54: What’s going on with Gegard Mousasi? Did he demand his way out of PFL to never fight again? I feel like I haven’t heard anything about him since PFL released him.

I reached out to Gegard Mousasi’s longtime friend and manager, Nima Safapour, who said there’s still ongoing litigation and they can’t discuss anything publicly yet. When I asked if Mousasi is still interested in fighting (he’ll be 41 in August), Safapour said Mousasi has been smart with his money and doesn’t exactly need to fight, but “if it’s an interesting opportunity that adds to his legacy, he would consider it.”

@jtbrinkman: As a Winnipeg resident who wouldn’t even consider paying the prices UFC is asking for a forgettable card, I guess my question is ‘wassup with dat?’ (And I drove to Minneapolis for a fight night card back in the day)

I just looked up ticket prices for the UFC Fight Night event in Winnipeg this month and, first off, seems like there’s still plenty of good seats available. The cheapest way in the door is a nosebleed seat for around $100, which honestly isn’t bad for the direction UFC ticket prices have been headed lately. Obviously, any seat with an actual view of something other than the arena jumbotron is going to cost you more, but still, we’ve seen worse lately.

If you’re asking when we’ll see UFC ticket prices in general come down, the answer is when TKO stops being able to sell them at these prices. We’ve seen some events lately with empty seats visible. But clearly TKO is testing the waters with both UFC and WWE event pricing to find out the absolute limit of what the market will bear.

@LCombatsports: Do you have anything you would like to see from newcomers in the combat sports media space? If so, what are they?

Tell me something that I can only know by hearing it from you. By that I mean, go out and do some reporting. Dig into a story. Get yourself on the scene and in a place to see or hear or learn something new, then come back and tell me about it.

We’re all stocked up on people who look at various fighters’ social media and then tell us what’s there. If I want to know what Alex Pereira is posting on Instagram, I’ll just go follow him. Tell me a story or feed me some information or even just give me an interesting opinion of your own. That’s what I’d like to see more of.

Rams' 3-round mock draft from ESPN lands top WR, 5-foot-9 CB, and Matthew Stafford's heir originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams came into the 2026 NFL offseason with two first-round picks, but they traded one, their 29th overall selection, to the Kansas City Chiefs for Trent McDuffie.

Now, they have three picks in the first three rounds, including No. 13, 61, and 93. With those picks, the Rams could go many different routes, though wide receiver and cornerback help are two areas to focus on.

But WR and CB aren't the only two positions the Rams are predicted to take in ESPN's latest three-round mock draft. Mel Kiper of ESPN has the Rams landing Matthew Stafford's heir at QB in an intriguing three-round mock draft.

Rams mock draft lands WR, CB, and QB

At the 13th pick, Kiper has the Rams selecting Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson. The wide receiver has plenty of upside, as long as he can stay healthy. Adding him to a WR room with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will help in 2026, and also in the long-term.

Down the board, in the second round at pick No. 61, Kiper has the Rams selecting Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, a 5-foot-9 cornerback who has plenty of takeaway upside.

He might not have the size to match up with top WRs in the NFL, but Emmanuel Forbes played decently well for the Rams last year, and Ponds, with plenty of upside, could be a fun option for L.A. in round two.

Finally, in round three at pick No. 93, Kiper has the Rams selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. He'd be a backup to Stafford and could be the long-term replacement in 2027 and beyond.

More: Puka Nacua, Byron Young, other 2023 draft picks expected to be extended by Rams

"Nussmeier makes a lot of sense in Los Angeles," Kiper writes. "He wasn't fully healthy in 2025, and his play suffered. But the Rams can let him learn behind Matthew Stafford and evaluate him over the course of the year."

Adding Nussmeier this early would be an interesting move, especially for a win-now team like the Rams. But if there isn't a good instant-impact option at this point, taking a developmental QB might not be a bad idea.

Tyson is a great WR prospect who could be a long-term option with Adams and Nacua in the final year of their deals. Ponds is an intriguing CB, who wouldn't be relied on as a full-time starter with McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in L.A. already.

This three-round mock draft haul of Tyson, Ponds, and Nussmeier would be an interesting outcome for the Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's some high-risk, but high-reward selections, perfect for an all-in team with a mostly complete roster already.

More Rams news:

• Anthony Richardson would be perfect trade target for Rams to develop behind Matthew Stafford
• Chiefs and Rams predicted to compete in trade for Spencer Rattler
• Chris Shula is big winner from NFL free agency for Rams
• Rams to sign Jaylen Watson to $51 million contract
• Rams extend Trent McDuffie on $124 million four-year contract
• Darious Williams announces retirement from Rams, NFL