The Arizona Cardinals have a contract dispute this offseason with quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Due to make about $4.9 million in salary in 2026 and up to $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses, he wants to be paid like a starting quarterback and has elected to stay away from the team during the voluntary part of offseason workouts.

What should the Cardinals do?

This is what cohost Seth Cox and I discussed in the latest episode of the podcast.

In this show, we discuss Brissett's contract and what he is likely seeking. We talk about whether he should be trying to get more money, and we go over the options the Cardinals have moving forward.

You might be surprised what he is probably asking for.

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Jacoby Brissett contract: What should the Arizona Cardinals do?

Former Warriors assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse has garnered consideration as a head coach this offseason after parting ways with Golden State. Although the Chicago Bulls were among the first teams linked to Stackhouse, another franchise has emerged as a possible destination. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Stackhouse will interview with the Portland Trail Blazers this weekend.

If Stackhouse were to land the job, it'd mark his first opportunity as an NBA head coach. However, the former 18-year veteran has plenty of experience. In addition to working under Steve Kerr, Stackhouse won a G-League championship with Raptors 905, worked as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies and spent four seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt University.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Former Warriors assistant to interview with Portland Trail Blazers

As Colin Simmons prepares for his third season with the Longhorns, he is making national headlines. On Friday, the Texas native earned a spot on the Lott Impact Trophy Watch List. Each year, the award is given to the nation's top defensive player, and Simmons has made life difficult for offensive coordinators on a weekly basis.

Through his first two campaigns as a Longhorn, Simmons has recorded 91 total tackles and 21 sacks. He has also added four pass deflections to his resume and recovered three fumbles. Regardless of the opponent, the Duncanville High Alum has been hard to stop and helped put the Longhorns in a position to win. 

Colin Simmons • Lott Impact Trophy Watch List 🤘@ColinSimmons__ x @TheLottTrophypic.twitter.com/Wb0xrpzr0r

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) May 22, 2026

While Simmons has been a human highlight reel, he has also added to his trophy case. The Longhorns junior was named a 2025 Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News. He was also named to the 2025 Coaches' All-SEC First Team. Simmons accolades don’t stop there as he made history as a freshman, becoming the first player in program history to win the Shawn Alexander National Freshman of the Year award. 

For Simmons, the expectations are high following his best season on the Forty Acres. He set new career highs during the 2025 campaign in sacks and assisted tackles. While the Longhorns season was full of ups and downs, Simmons was a model of consistency. 

Colin Simmons pic.twitter.com/GFpO3a74ex

— Owen Denny (@OwenDennyNFL) April 14, 2026

If the Longhorns' star is able to add to his trophy case, that would not come as a surprise. He has been an impact player every season with more room to grow. If he can take another step forward, then the Longhorns will not be an ideal matchup on either side of the ball. 

Although Simmons will have to wait a few months to make his case, evaluators nationwide are showing that they expect an unforgettable season from one of the best players in the country. 

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas EDGE Colin Simmons earns spot on Lott Impact Trophy Watch List

When opponents lined up to kick field goals against the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, something strange happened: they missed. A lot.

Opponents converted just 66.7% of their field goal attempts against San Francisco, according to Warren Sharp, which was the worst mark any team has allowed since at least 2002. To put that in perspective, the NFL average last season was 86%.

The numbers get even more surreal when you account for distance. Adjusting for where each kick was attempted relative to league-average conversion rates by distance, opponents missed 6.54 field goals over expected against San Francisco. No team in the NFL was even close.

The misery was distributed evenly across the schedule, but a few kickers stood out as particularly generous contributors to San Francisco's invisible advantage.

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers, who finished second in the NFL with 41 made field goals in 2025, was the worst against San Francisco. Myers missed two of his four attempts against the 49ers in Week 18, which was the most field goals he missed in a single game all year.

Arizona's Chad Ryland was victimized twice. He went 2-for-3 in Week 3 and 1-for-2 in Week 11 for a combined 3-for-5 (60%) across his two matchups with the 49ers. Then there was Blake Grupe of New Orleans, who made just one attempt in Week 2 — and missed it entirely. A 0-for-1 line is easy to dismiss in isolation, but in the context of a team that saw opponents go 0-for on seemingly routine kicks all season, it fit the pattern perfectly.

By the final whistle in January, at least eight different kickers had gone 50% or worse against San Francisco in games where they had multiple attempts.

This is a strange phenomenon that is likely part luck and part skill. There isn't a lot of talk around what the 49ers' special teams unit was able to do on field goals, but the results clearly resulted in misses from opponents. And it wasn't as if the missed kicks affected the 49ers' record much, as San Francisco still finished 12-5 with a plus-66 point differential that ranked ninth-best in the league.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: How the 49ers were one of the luckiest teams ever last season

Joe Tipton of On3 broke the news Friday that former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell would be officially withdrawing from NBA Draft consideration, making his transfer to Duke official. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering Blackwell's combine wasn't as strong in comparison to other top prospects. On ESPN's draft big board, Blackwell was only ranked 81st, giving him difficult odds of being drafted.

Looking ahead to next season with the Blue Devils, Duke fans will be eager to see Blackwell take the floor after he averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season with the Badgers.

This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: John Blackwell makes official decision on transfer to Duke

Betfred Super League

Leigh (12) 42

Tries: Charnley 3, Towse, Hanley, Halton, Armstrong, Hodgson, Lam Goals: Cook 3

Hull FC (6) 6

Tries: Hardaker Goals: Hardaker

Josh Charnley was the headline act with a hat-trick to close on Ryan Hall's Super League record as Leigh Leopards breezed past Hull FC.

The veteran wing's finishing power was on full display as took his try tally to 269 to move to within two of Hall, who has 271 Super League touchdowns.

It was a virtuoso display at centre from 24-year-old Umyla Hanley, however, which just about stole the show at Leigh Sports Village.

Few can handle Hanley's pace and vision when he is on song and the son of Wigan and league legend Ellery was unstoppable with three assists, a try of his own and a key role in another.

Despite trailing 6-4 at the end of a cagey opening 25 minutes, Hanley's wizardry and Charnley's finishing helped deliver Leigh nine tries and their biggest win of the season.

• Leeds thrash Giants to reclaim Super League top spot

This was a fourth victory out of five for the Leopards, who are moving through the gears as the season progresses. Adrian Lam's side stayed seventh but have closed the gap on the top six to two points.

With Hanley pulling the strings, there is no doubt they have the tools to post a top-six finish and hold Grand Final ambitions.

Hanley was instrumental with the assist of the night to put in Charnley for a second, offloading an inside pass as he was being taken over the sideline at pace by Logan Moy.

His burst of pace and darting run to set up Charnley's hat-trick was electrifying.

The only negative on a near faultless performance from Hanley came with a woeful conversion kick when Adam Cook handed over kicking duties after missing five of his first six.

For all of Leigh's dominance, picking up the pace after going behind and never catching sight of their opponents from there to the hooter, Hull FC were poor.

They had been hit by yet another injury nightmare with full-back Davy Litten injuring his medial ligament in training this week and facing up to six weeks on the sidelines.

It compounded the feeling that a turnaround in fortunes feels a long way off for the Black and Whites, as Andy Last's side slipped to a fifth defeat in their past six Super League outings.

Leigh: Armstrong; Towse, Senior, Hanley, Charnley; Cook, Lam; Ofahengaue, Ipape, Hughes, Halton, Alick-Wiencke, Liu.

Interchanges: Hodgson, Brown, Brogan, Horne.

Hull FC: Moy; Barron, L Kemp, Johnson, Briscoe; C Kemp, Arthur; Mata'utia, Cust, Hill, Batchelor, O'Neill, Hardaker.

Interchanges: Salabio, Hutchinson, Kirby, Clark.

Referee: Liam Moore

Betfred Super League

Leeds (24) 52

Tries: Oledzki 2, Newman 2, Hall, Croft, Sivo, McDonnell, Hankinson Goals: Connor 8

Huddersfield (0) 0

Leeds Rhinos returned to the top of Super League with a nine-try thrashing of hapless bottom club Huddersfield Giants.

Prop Mikolaj Oledzki opened the scoring and added a second near the end, while Harry Newman scored his first two tries since returning from a short loan spell at Hull FC as Brad Arthur's side dominated throughout.

Giants had hoped that last week's second-half revival, which gave St Helens a scare, might provide a platform for better things, but their losing streak now stretches to five games.

Rhinos went into the game on the back of a defeat by Wigan Warriors which had ended their run of five consecutive victories, but the two points was enough to put them top above St Helens on points difference.

• Charnley and Hanley star as Leigh outplay Hull

Huddersfield's revival against Saints last week, in which they scored three tries without reply before going down 26-18s, might have given new coach Jim Lenihan a glimmer of hope, but the stark reality of his team's situation was laid out at AMT Headingley.

The Giants defence was poor and their handling dreadful at times, with Leeds' 20-year-old full-back Fergus McCormack afforded a comfortable Super League debut in place of the suspended Lachie Miller.

Brodie Croft announced this week he will leave Rhinos at the end of the season and he showed what they will miss by sending Oledzki over for an early opening try and pulling the strings throughout.

Newman celebrated his return to the fold by finishing a slick Leeds move and consummate try poacher Ryan Hall pounced on a loose ball for another after Croft had forced Tim Gagai into fumbling Jake Connor's high kick into the in-goal area.

Croft was everywhere, and within moments of preventing a try at one end with a tackle on Connor Carr, he was scoring his 14th Super League touchdown of the season at the other end.

This time the second half brought no response from Giants and they were quickly punished as Maika Sivo's remarkable run continued with his 18th try in the competition this season.

Newman hit the line at speed for his second try, a series of Giants infringements built pressure from which James McDonnell crashed over, and Oledzki added his second from a deft pass by Connor, who also kicked eight out of nine conversions.

The night was rounded off by Chris Hankinson, breaking through a flimsy Giants defensive line from a sharp pass by debutant McCormack.

Leeds: F. McCormack; Hall, Newman, Handley, Sivo; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O'Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, McDonnell, C. Smith.

Interchanges: Palasia, Levi, Watkins, Cassell.

Huddersfield: Evalds; Kershaw, Jagger, Gagai, Carr; Lolohea, Russell; Powell, Hewitt, Rushton, Rogers, Woolford, Patolo

Interchanges: English, Greenwood, Cozza, Geyer

Referee: Jack Smith

Somerset picked up where they left off last September as the reigning T20 Blast champions ruthlessly repeated their 2025 final victory over Hampshire Hawks on the opening night of this summer's competition.

Will Smeed produced a match-winning knock of 94 in last year's decider at Edgbaston and, eight months on at Taunton, he smashed 59 off 29 balls in a seven-wicket win to help the holders get off to a fast start in this year's tournament.

The 24-year-old, who was the second-highest run-scorer in last year's Blast, reached his half-century off 22 balls as part of a first-wicket stand of 90 with Tom Banton (30).

James Rew - who has been named in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand next month - ended on 47 not out as he and his younger brother, Thomas Rew, guided Somerset to a comfortable victory.

Earlier, Hampshire captain James Vince top-scored with 58 but Somerset's bowlers, led by Craig Overton (3-27) and Jake Ball (3-28), limited the visitors to 158 all out.

Elsewhere, Warwickshire Bears were skittled for 74 by Gloucestershire, while Jonny Bairstow and Sam Billings made match-winning contributions for Yorkshire and Kent Spitfires respectively, as all 18 counties got their Blast campaigns under way.

• Somerset aim for history in revamped T20 Blast
• T20 Blast results, scorecards and fixtures
• T20 Blast tables

North Group: Bairstow in top form for Yorkshire

Yorkshire, who have never lifted the domestic T20 trophy, successfully chased 168 to beat Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.

England opener Ben Duckett was one of several Notts batters unable to kick on to a big score after getting a start - he was dismissed for 29 in Notts' 167-7.

Yorkshire were 11-2 in the second over but were easy winners in the end, thanks to a third-wicket partnership of 144 between Bairstow (83 not out) and James Wharton (55).

Elsewhere, Derbyshire Falcons fell just short of their victory target of 204 against Durham.

Matt Montgomery (74 not out) was on strike for Matthew Potts' final delivery of the innings with a six required to tie, but the England seamer bowled an excellent dot-ball yorker.

The remaining two North Group teams lost to sides from other groups.

Lancashire Lightning were well beaten by Surrey, who are bidding to win England's domestic T20 competition for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2003.

Jason Roy's 45 off 19 balls got Surrey off to a fine start, Ollie Pope made 31 and Tom Curran smashed an unbeaten 49 off 20 balls as the home side posted 213-6.

Roy took a superb slip catch to dismiss Keaton Jennings first ball - one of two scalps for left-arm paceman Reece Topley (2-27) in the opening over of the visitors' reply - and Lancashire were eventually bowled out for 154.

Meanwhile, unbeaten half-centuries from Nick Kelly and Ben Cox were not enough for Leicestershire Foxes as they lost by 18 runs to Worcestershire Rapids.

Central & West: Bears skittled for 74

Gloucestershire put their early season red-ball woes to one side as they bowled Warwickshire out for just 74 to claim victory at Bristol.

The 2024 winners were put into bat by the Bears and were bowled out inside 17 overs for 121, with Ben Charlesworth top-scoring with 25 as leg spinner Taz Ali collected 4-25.

The chase never really got going for the Bears, however, as Beau Webster (six), Sam Hain (nine) and captain Ed Barnard (two) all went early in the innings and at one stage the visitors had slumped to 48-6.

Chris Woakes (five) was run out by wicketkeeper James Bracey's accurate shy at the stumps as the Bears ended 48 runs short of their target, with only two players reaching double figures as debutant Duan Jansen took 4-25.

Last season's semi-finalists Northamptonshire Steelbacks squeezed past Glamorgan by three runs.

Justin Broad top-scored for the Steelbacks with 38 off 25 balls and two sixes late in the innings by wicketkeeper-batter Lewis McManus helped the hosts reach 165-8, with debutant Fazalhaq Farooqi claiming 4-34 for the visitors.

At one stage, Glamorgan were 77-5 in reply and although Dan Douthwaite hit an unbeaten 51 off 34 balls, it proved to be in vain for the Welsh side as George Scrimshaw took 3-33 for the hosts in a dramatic victory.

South: Billings leads the way for Kent

Kent, the 2021 winners, began with a victory against last season's quarter-finalists Middlesex at Lord's.

Billings hit 14 boundaries in his 84 not out as Kent set Middlesex a tough target of 209 to win.

They started strongly with openers Max Holden (20) and Adam Rossington, but when the latter was eventually caught by Fred Klaassen at fine leg for 79 off the bowling of Tom Rogers, Middlesex's chances of reaching their target had evaporated and they ended 27 runs short despite boundaries off the final two balls.

Meanwhile, John Simpson hit eight sixes for Sussex Sharks as they beat Essex at Chelmsford by six wickets.

Essex openers Paul Walter (58) and Michael Pepper (52) put on 105 for the first wicket but then their innings stalled somewhat, ending their 20 overs on 191-5.

It proved insufficient for them to defend as Simpson's superb 63 off just 23 deliveries, as well as 50 off 29 from James Coles, saw the Sharks comfortably home with four overs to spare.

Weekend fixtures

All start times BST

Saturday

Central & West Group

• Glamorgan v Gloucestershire (19:00)

Sunday

North Group

• Durham v Leicestershire Foxes (15:30)
• Yorkshire v Derbyshire Falcons (15:30)

South Group

• Middlesex v Surrey (12:00)

Central & West Group

• Worcestershire Rapids v Northamptonshire Steelbacks (14:30)
• Warwickshire Bears v Somerset (15:30)

• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

George Russell bounced back after a difficult recent run to beat Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to sprint pole at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Briton, who is 20 points adrift of the Italian after four races this season, headed Antonelli by 0.068 seconds after being fastest on both runs in final qualifying.

Lando Norris headed an all-McLaren second row, 0.315secs off pole and 0.019secs in front of team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Ferrari and Red Bull completed a two-by-two top eight with Lewis Hamilton ahead of Charles Leclerc and then Max Verstappen in front of Isack Hadjar.

More to follow.

• Antonelli quickest in Canada practice as Albon collides with groundhog
• How to follow Canadian Grand Prix on the BBC

• Canadian GP Preview: Will Antonelli & Russell Do Battle?
• Verstappen 24hr hopes ended by driveshaft after leading
• What is the format for F1 sprint races in 2026?

Montpellier (26) 59

Tries: N'Gandebe, Taofifenua 2, Vunipola, Becognee, Nouchi, Erdocio, Hounkpatin, Vincent Cons: Miotti 5, Coly 2

Ulster (12) 26

Tries: Timoney, Izuchukwu, Baloucoune, Lowry Cons: Doak 2, Flannery

Ruthless Montpellier ended Ulster's hopes of winning a first trophy in 20 years with a 59-26 victory in the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao.

Captain Nick Timoney got Ulster off to the perfect start, but Gabriel N'Gandebe and Donovan Taofifenua soon capitalised on errors to give Montpellier the lead.

Cormac Izuchukwu's try got Ulster back within touching distance, but skipper Billy Vunipola and Alex Becognee gave the French side a 26-12 lead at the break.

In clinical fashion, Montpellier put the game beyond Ulster nine minutes into the second half.

First, Taofifenua's superb finish in the corner extended Montpellier's lead, and Lenni Nouchi then powered over as the French side put one hand on the trophy.

The returning Robert Baloucoune scored a superb try for brief respite, but Baptiste Erdocio and Wilfrid Hounkpatin responded in brutal fashion to end any faint hopes of a comeback.

Michael Lowry got a consolation score, but Montpellier were left to celebrate as they lifted the Challenge Cup for a third time as Arthur Vincent put icing on the cake.

Not only do Ulster miss out on silverware, but they also miss out on qualification for the Champions Cup next season.

It brings the season to a close for Richie Murphy's side as they failed to make the United Rugby Championship play-offs in a gutting eight days for the Irish province.

Montpellier nullify Ulster's fast start

In sweltering heat of 33 degrees at kick-off in Bilbao, Ulster settled well and made a strong start when Nathan Doak's kick wasn't gathered and Juarno Augustus charged into the 22.

Ulster worked through the phases and, with their second penalty advantage, captain Timoney took a quick penalty and flew over the line in the second minute, with Doak adding the extras.

Montpellier hit straight back with their first attack of the game. Zac Ward missed a tackle and that opened the space for the French side to rattle forward as Auguste Cadot found N'Gandebe who raced over, and Domingo Miotti levelled the game from the tee.

In a frantic start, Ulster thought they got over again when Harry Sheridan went for the line but, in the humid conditions, he lost the ball forward when being tackled as he tried to ground.

Another Ulster mistake in the 15th minute flipped the game on its head. Tom Stewart overthrew a line-out five metres from the Ulster line and Montpellier moved the ball quickly for Taofifenua to cross out wide, and Miotti again converted.

Ulster rallied once more and got a deserved second try.

Second row Izuchuwku latched on to James Hume's short pass with a superb line and he raced over in the corner in the 27th minute. Doak was unable to land the tricky conversion out wide as Montpellier led by two.

But, from there the French side started to turn the screw.

Their lead extended to nine when Vunipola rounded off another scintillating Montpellier attack and Miotti landed his third conversion of the game.

Becognee crashed over from a maul, and the flanker's turnover at the end of the half ended a frantic opening 40 minutes in the San Mames stadium.

Hopes dashed as Montpellier pull away

Montpellier almost struck a blow moments into the second half as N'Gandebe was only denied his second try of the game when Michael Lowry raced back to deny the wing as the pair chased a kicked ball, but the game was soon put beyond Ulster.

From the following scrum, Taofifenua acrobatically finished in the corner and Miotti's superb night from the tee continued with a touchline conversion.

Ulster's night went from bad to worse as they began to toil in the heat. Montpellier were hammering the line and Nouchi was next to score with a powerful drive. Miotti again converted to put Montpellier 28 points clear and take his own personal tally to 10.

Baloucoune, making his first appearance since the Six Nations, almost got in as he chased his own kick. He then got his try when he latched on to the ball on the edge of the 22 and waltzed over the line, and Doak converted.

But that was brief remedy before Montpellier's next blow. An unstoppable rolling maul was finished by Erdocio, and the champions-in-waiting had their seventh try, while Leo Coly picked up where Miotti left off with his first conversion of the game.

It was copy and paste as Hounkpatin crashed over from Montpellier's next line-out, and Coly again converted.

Lowry raced over with seven minutes to play as Ulster refused to go out without a fight, but Montpellier's domination was summed up by Vincent's try with 90 seconds left.

Montpellier: T Banks; G Ngandebe, A Vincent, A Cadot, D Taofifenua; D Miotti, A Price; E Forletta, J Uelese, M Haouas, F Verhaeghe, T Duguid, L Nouchi, A Becognee, B Vunipola (capt).

Replacements: L Akrab, B Erdocio, W Hounkpatin, A Beard, M Tauleigne, L Coly, T Darmon, J Echegaray.

Ulster: M Lowry; R Baloucoune, J Hume, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward; J Murphy, N Doak; A Bell, T Stewart, T O'Toole, H Sheridan, C Izuchukwu, D McCann, N Timoney (captain), J Augustus.

Replacements: J McCormick, E O'Sullivan, S Wilson, C Irvine, B Ward, C McKee, J Flannery, E McIlroy.

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)

Assistant referees: Andrea Pirardi (Ita), Craig Evans (Wal)

TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)

Don Rea is out as the president of the PGA of America.

In a Friday news dump ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the PGA said its Board of Directors announced a leadership transition following the suspension of Rea for the remainder of his term, which concludes in November. Vice President Nathan Charnes, PGA, has been elevated to serve as Acting President, effective immediately.

The board’s action followed a series of issues over time that, taken together, were determined to be detrimental to the Association.

Rea was elected president in 2024 but has been silenced since the Ryder Cup concluded in early October after he fell under scrutiny for failing to apologize for the unruly American fan behavior that crossed the line with Rory McIlroy and other European Ryder Cuppers. He also was criticized for his part in an awkward trophy presentation in which he said that Europe had retained the Cup rather than won it outright. Rea also went viral in a video that showed him doing karaoke on Saturday night while the U.S. side was getting pummeled. 

Charnes will lead the officers and board of directors in carrying out the association’s governance responsibilities during this transition. Secretary Eric Eshleman, PGA, has been elevated to Vice President and will continue to serve in a dual role as vice president and secretary until November, when the association will hold its officer elections.

These changes are limited to board leadership and do not affect the association’s executive leadership or day-to-day operations.

Rea is not the first PGA president to be removed from office during his tenure. In 2014, Ted Bishop, the 38^th PGA President, was unceremoniously impeached after he made a sexist remark on social media. Bishop was ousted from his volunteer job less than a month before his term was to end.

Golfweek's Adam Schupak contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Don Rea Jr out as PGA of America president, Nathan Charnes takes over

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani increased his earnings and placement on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes.

As they do every year, financial outlet Forbes released their well-researched list of the highest-paid athletes.

Ohtani, being the global superstar that he is, has massive earning power on and off the field, though he has only ranked in the top 10 since 2025, interestingly enough.

The numbers indicate that Ohtani’s profile, at least financially, has only grown since joining the Dodgers and having success in a major city like Los Angeles.

In 2025, Ohtani earned $102.5 million in total, with only $2.5 million from his salary. He chose to defer most of his contract money until after his playing career, reducing his salary cap hit and freeing up the Dodgers to sign players.

He chose to defer so much money not only because of his competitive hunger but also because of his sponsorship money, which gives him a good chunk of change to spend.

In 2026, while his on-field earnings are only $2.6 million, Ohtani has continued to increase his sponsorship income, bringing it to $125 million.

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His $125 million in off-field earnings is the most of any athlete on the list, showing the power of those international sponsorships.

Naturally, his on-field earnings are the lowest on the entire list.

What are Shohei Ohtani’s sponsors?

He is sponsored by JAL, Seiko, Kowa, Kosé, Hugo Boss, and Dip, and added probiotic firm Kirin to the list in December after the World Series.

Additionally, Ohtani has a major deal with New Balance, appearing in ads all over American television. In Japan, it must be an even higher volume, with his face and likeness slapped on every billboard and television.

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The Japanese two-way player features a portfolio that also includes Ito En, Beats, Epic Games, and Secom, with a skin in Fortnite, a huge game in the same field.

Nez Balelo, Ohtani’s agent, has said that while they want to ensure he has a wide range of sponsors, they don’t want him to become saturated.

“We have to make sure we don’t overexpose him,” Balelo said. “We have to make sure we don’t put him in a situation that is too heavy of a lift.”

The Seattle Seahawks completed a season better than any 12th Man could have possibly dreamed about having. In their 50th season, the Seahawks dominated their way to a Super Bowl LX championship. On the way to their second Lombardi in team history, the postseason played out like someone was virtually simulating it on Madden.

Seattle defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 to claim the NFC West and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Two weeks later, they curb stomped those same Niners to the tune of 41-6 in the Divisional Round. After that, the Seahawks outlasted the LA Rams and MVP Matt Stafford 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. Finally, they earned revenge on the New England Patriots - the team they lost to in their last Super Bowl trip - in a 29-13 beatdown that wasn't remotely close to being as "competitive" as even that score would suggest. Oh, and they won the Super Bowl on the 49ers' home turf and celebrated in their locker room afterwards.

Now, their triumph is being memorialized further at their practice facility at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. On Friday afternoon, their Super Bowl LX championship banner was raised right next to their Super Bowl XLVIII banner. It's always good to add to this particular wall!

The Super Bowl LX championship banner has been raised at the Seahawks’ practice facility! pic.twitter.com/MSXI0FfJF3

— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) May 22, 2026

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs Patriots: Seahawks raise Super Bowl LX banner

Former U.S. Men’s National Team defender turned analyst Alexi Lalas has no time for any players who complain about the pressure of representing the nation at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Set to be held across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada - with 11 of the 16 venues in America - the newly expanded tournament will now feature 48 teams, participating in 104 games between June 11 and July 19.

It will mark the first time that the U.S. has hosted a men’s World Cup since 1994, a tournament in which Lalas represented the USMNT. Back then, the USMNT managed to reach the Round of 16, marking the first time they had gotten out of the group stage since 1930 (as the 1934 World Cup did not begin with groups).

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Looking ahead to this summer’s tournament, in which the USMNT will aim to win its first knockout stage game since 2002 in South Korea/Japan, Lalas was quizzed on pressure and its potential impact on players at the FOX Sports FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day.

“Cry me a river, okay, when it comes to the pressure, a bunch of whiners,” he said. “If they're whining about the pressure playing in the World Cup, then we've already lost, alright? And we all deserve to be fired because we've all screwed up, okay?

“Allow me to ‘Grumpy Old Man’ a little bit here. This is a generation that has been given absolutely everything, both on and off the field, in terms of resources, in terms of opportunities, in terms of pathways.

“And I don't think that I'm being unrealistic, I don't think I'm being unfair by saying we should expect more from this group.”

In fact, Lalas doesn’t just expect the USMNT to compete to get out of Group D, where they will face Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye; he expects Mauricio Pochettino’s side to win the group.

To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

“When they win that group, they will go to this new Round of 32, and in that moment, they will be playing a team that, for the most part, people believe we are better than,” he said.

“That is something that does not happen and has not happened for the men's team in a World Cup. In which case, about the home World Cup, you use that magic, you go through, and you're back to the Round of 16, where we kind of always are.”

Winning their Round of 32 game, should they reach it as Group D champions, may not be as simple as Lalas suggests.

The Group D winners are scheduled to go up against a third-placed team from either Groups B/E/F/I/J, which could realistically mean coming up against the likes of Canada, Ecuador, Sweden, Norway, or Algeria. And it is worth noting that the USMNT has lost its last eight consecutive games against European opponents dating back to the 2022 World Cup.

Lalas continued, “Now, you've got to have a little help from the soccer gods, and again that home, hopefully it's built to a crescendo, and now you go through to kind of rarefied air.

“But, we as a nation should expect more from these young men in terms of the talent that they have, and I wouldn't say that if I didn't believe that they could live up to it. And so, whatever pressure they feel, tough.”

With the USMNT roster set to be announced on Tuesday, May 26, it remains to be seen which players will be tasked with reaching “rarefied air,” although there will be a few familiar faces missing with injuries piling up.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is currently on the Injured List with no end in sight.

Boston needs the 22-year-old to be at its best. He hasn't played in a game since May 4, but his time will come and Boston will be better for it. Before he landed on the Injured List, Anthony was slashing .229/.354/.321 with a .675 OPS, one homer, five RBIs, five doubles, 20 walks, and 12 runs scored. Those numbers aren't great, by his standards. But are still better than what the Red Sox have gotten from many others this season. In fact, he was at 0.9 wins above replacement before getting hurt. That's currently sixth-best on the Red Sox in general.

While this is the case, he was pretty hard on himself while speaking to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

“Kind of a letdown, honestly,” Anthony told Speier. “Short sample size, but I wasn’t where I wanted to be. ... When I’m at my best, my swing decisions are great. When you’re swinging at good pitches, you have a better chance of hitting the ball in the air, and you have a better chance of doing what you want to do.”

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

Arguably, he was a little too hard on himself. It's true he has a significantly higher gear, but it was just 30 games. He's going to be fine. 

More MLB: Trevor Story's Disastrous Red Sox Run Just Reached Another Low

It is the time of year when we find predictions and projections. The NFL schedule release was earlier this month, and now there are win-loss projections everywhere.

We have game-by-game projections for the Arizona Cardinals here on Cards Wire.

NFL.com's Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair made predictions for every game with every team. What do they project for the Arizona Cardinals?

One analyst's predictions for the Arizona Cardinals

Bhanpuri projects the Cardinals will go 3-14 for the second straight year. In his predictions, the Cardinals lose their first nine games of the season. They upset the Los Angeles Rams at home in Week 10, knock off the Washington Commanders at home in Week 12 and then beat the New York Jets at home in Week 15 after the bye.

They go winless on the road.

The question is when he believes the Cardinals move on from Jacoby Brissett if they start out the year 0-9.

Another analyst's Cardinals predictions

Blair has the Cardinals going 3-14 as well, but it happens in a different way. They start off the year 0-6 but beat the Denver Broncos at home in Week 7. Then, they lost another six games in a row heading into their Week 14 bye. They beat the NEw York Jets at home in Week 15 to stop the losing streak and pick up No. 2, lose two more games and then end the season at home, knocking off the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals 2026 predictions: 2 analysts project 3 wins

PARIS (AP) — Lens capped a spectacular season by winning the French Cup for the first time, with star striker Florian Thauvin scoring and making another in a 3-1 win over Nice in the final on Friday.

Lens matched Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 for large parts of the season but struggled to match its resources during the latter weeks of the campaign and finished second, six points behind.

Friday’s win at the Stade de France was a merited triumph for a side that under coach Pierre Sage mixed young prospects with experienced journeymen to great effect.

Thauvin scored the opener after 25 minutes — meaning he scored in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final — and Odsonne Édouard doubled Lens' lead when he headed home Thauvin’s corner from the left three minutes before halftime.

Djibril Coulibaly pulled one back almost immediately for Nice but Abdallah Sima made sure the trophy was heading to the north of France when he muscled his way past Nice defenders to poke home for 3-1 with 12 minutes remaining.

The result was tough on Nice, which hit the woodwork twice, but perhaps no surprise after a woeful last few weeks of the season. Nice has not won in Ligue 1 since mid-March and ended the year in third-to-last place.

Its Ligue 1 status will be decided next week in a home-and-away promotion/relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne.

Referee wears No. 84

The final was notable for the numbered shirts worn by referee Jérôme Brisard as part of a campaign designed to foster respect for match officials.

Brisard wore No. 84 on his back, in reference to a poll that showed 84% of French respondents believe that “valuing referees means protecting sport.”

Match officials in other sports, including rugby and basketball, are slated to wear the same number in upcoming games.

___

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

NEED TO KNOW

• Greg Biffle's family is showing its support
• The family — who lost the NASCAR star, his wife, son and daughter in a plane crash in December — shared a statement after Kyle Busch's death
• Biffle and Busch were longtime friends

After the death of Greg Biffle and his wife, son and daughter in a plane crash in December, Kyle Busch served as a source of support to the late NASCAR driver’s extended family.

Now, the family is standing by Busch's family after his death at the age of 41 on Thursday, May 21.

"The passing of Kyle Busch is incredibly difficult to comprehend,” Biffle’s family said in a statement. “First and foremost, we are praying for Sam, Brexton, Lennix, Gaye, Tom and Kurt. They stood with us through our own grieving just five months ago, holding our hand at the service and continuing to offer support and love. A loss like this is unimaginable for any family, and our hearts ache for them.”

The Biffle family continued, “Kyle was larger than life—iconic, fiercely competitive and an amazing friend to Greg. They leaned on each other often, not only through racing, but through life and personal challenges as well.”

Biffle, 55, and his wife Cristina, 35, died along with their five-year-old son Ryder, Greg’s 14-year-old daughter Emma and three others when their Cessna Citation 550 crashed while trying to return to Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Now, as the Biffle family mourns their own loss, they are honoring Busch, whose family spent time with Greg, Cristina, Ryder and Emma in the offseasons, watching their children grow up together and “always looking ahead to the future with excitement and pride,” they said.

“It’s hard to imagine our racing community without Kyle,” the statement read. “The impact of this loss will be felt far beyond the racetrack. We love the Busch family and will be here for them in any way they need."

After weeks of dealing with respiratory issues, Busch was taken to the hospital on Wednesday night, based on 911 calls obtained by PEOPLE. A man helping Busch said the NASCAR star was coughing up blood and struggling to breathe.

On Thursday evening, Busch's family announced that he had died.

“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” they said in a joint statement.

“Kyle was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” the statement continued. “Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.”

Read the original article on People

Game night for hoop heads just got a lot more entertaining.

Underdog and Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks collaborated to unveil a new board game called "Unethical Hoops".

It's essentially a basketball-themed version of Operation, a children's and family board game produced by Hasbro and Milton Bradley where players act as "doctors and surgeons" using tweezers to carefully remove ailments and add correct organs to the patient on the board without triggering the buzzer.

However, Brooks' version with Underdog, Unethical Hoops, takes aim at Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The name of the game is to steal basketballs from the back-to-back MVP, using tweezers, but the catch is you can't make contact with him, if you do, you're whistled for a foul and it's the next player's turn.

Similar to guarding Gilgeous-Alexander, or the modern NBA player, the board game features a bunch of foul-baiting tactics to look out for when defending the offensive player. Board game tactics favoring the ballhandler includes the head snap, shoulder bump, push off, lean in, hook and cook, rip through, don't reach, phantom contact and leg kick.

"Head snap. A lot of people do that. Hook, was James Harden's move. Push off, try this. You know I don't foul," Brooks said as he demonstrated how to play the game in a video released by Underdog.

Brooks on the next steal attempt, set off the official and was called for a foul.

"Foul. Next player's turn," Brooks said. "Get yours ... play your game with your friends and family, and get reacquainted with the new foul-baiting from The Villain".

How to get Underdog's Unethical Hoops board game

This satirical board game is available at www.unethicalhoops.com.

As part of Underdog's promotion, there were 100 board games made, according to their website. To have a chance to win, you must download the Underdog app, which will direct users how to apply for the game. Winners will be announced May 29.

"Shai has made hoops all about foul baiting and now you're stuck guarding him in Underdog's new board game," their website said. "Don't get baited. Steal the ball without getting whistled."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Underdog. Dillon Brooks unveil Unethical Hoops, in a shot at SGA

2026 International Darts Open: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Euro Tour heads to Germany, with the International Darts Open marking the seventh ET event of 2026.

As usual, 48 qualifiers will battle it out, starting on Friday, in hopes of advancing to the final on Sunday night.

What to know about the International Darts Open

Let's take a look at some of the specifics of the tournament.

MORE: 2026 International Darts Open qualifiers

2026 International Darts Open draw & schedule

Day 1 - first round (afternoon session)

Day 1 - first round (evening session)

Day 2 - second round (afternoon session)

Day 2 - second round (evening session)

Day 3 - third round (afternoon session)

Day 3 - quarterfinals (evening session)

Day 3 - semifinals (evening session)

Day 3 - final (evening session)

Tournament bracket

Here is the bracket for the tournament after the first round.

Second round

Prize Money

*Data via Wikipedia

Format

48 players will be in action this weekend, with 16 seeded players receiving automatic byes into the second round action on Saturday.

Each seeded player will play the winner of one of Friday's games, leaving 32 players left after Friday.

Saturday will feature only round two games, determining which 16 players will advance to action on Sunday.

The afternoon session on Sunday will consist of the round of 16 games.

The evening session will consist of the quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds.

The first round, second round, round of 16 and quarterfinal round will all be played in a best-of-11-leg format.

The semifinal round will be best-of-13 legs, and the final will be best-of-15 legs.

More Darts Articles:

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• Luke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history
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• 7 darts players who could be in Premier League Darts one day

In the middle of Thursday’s numerous Giants developments, from concerning player injuries to a startling contract extension for underperforming GM Joe Schoen, the only thing that truly mattered was happening on the field.

Head coach John Harbaugh gave his first-team offense with the ball on the 46-yard line, trailing the game by one point on 3rd and 10 with 14 seconds remaining. The play was as live as a football play can be during OTAs, when players are not hitting in full pads. Corner Greg Newsome II broke up Jaxson Dart’s pass.

Then Harbaugh gave the first-team offense the ball on the 45-yard line with the game tied, 15 seconds remaining in the second quarter and no timeouts. Dart hit Calvin Austin III down the right sideline for a completion. Austin got down to the ground, sprinted the ball to the middle of the field and got the ball spiked and the clock stopped.

Then Harbaugh gave the first-team offense the ball on the 47 with eight seconds remaining in the first half, down seven points, with eight seconds remaining. Ryan Miller dropped Dart’s pass.

Then Harbaugh sent Brandon Allen and the second-team offense on the field to do it all over again against the second-team defense.

Why does this matter? Because Harbaugh is spending time on game situations, on details, on repetitions that this team has not gotten in the past.

He is spending a ton of time early in practices in positional fundamentals, on leverage, on the boring things that lead to penalties and cost teams games when they’re not done right in crunch time and players are tired.

He is showing the players what is important: Executing at full speed. He is showing them how to do it in games: By doing it in practice first.

Dart and the players see what Harbaugh is doing, and they know it’s badly needed. They know why they’re doing it, too.

“This fan base and everything around it, everybody’s been so hungry for so long, especially to have an established culture and identity as a team, a product that can be consistent on the field each week,” Dart said Thursday. “Lucky for us, we got a coach who is well beyond established in what he’s done in his career. And I think everybody within the organization, it’s been really unique to just see the amount of buy-in we’ve had so far. And everybody’s just hungry each and every day, and I think it starts with the guy at the top.”

The guy at the top is the key to all of us. Especially because right now, what’s happening around him isn’t especially encouraging for the team’s immediate prospects in 2026 and potentially beyond.

Defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, who left Thursday’s practice with an injury, suffered a season-ending torn Achilles, depleting an already thin and unimpressive interior defensive line group that is trying to replace the traded Dexter Lawrence’s impact and production.

That news hit like a ton of bricks on top of Thursday’s Harbaugh update on Malik Nabers: The coach acknowledged for the first time what has been obvious for a while, that the Giants’ top offensive player might not be available to play in Week 1.

Then the Giants leaked Schoen’s contract extension shortly before Game 2 of the Knicks’ and NBA’s Eastern Conference Final, which flipped the offseason optimism about a huge change to the organization’s operations upside down on its head.

Inarguably, the GM’s new contract reflects that what still drives the Giants’ decision-making is relationships in their building over the results on the field.

The good news is their $20 million a year head coach looks to be instilling the right on-field habits into his team, so maybe the football on Sundays will actually demonstrate the progress that only the Giants themselves apparently can see at the moment.

“It’s more about I’m competing against myself, my technique, my assignment, my ability to execute really fast,” Harbaugh said of how he wants his players to attack OTAs.

Harbaugh even had his offense running the ball at times with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary in Thursday’s third OTA practice, with the offensive line opening holes at high speed.

The defense isn’t allowed to tackle, but that isn’t stopping the coach from insisting upon reps to create a physical and violent identity. That’s what he promised left tackle Andrew Thomas when he was hired, and that’s what the players are seeing early on.

“He called me when he first signed, and we spoke about the offensive line and the identity of the offense that we want to have, and being physically dominate up front and that I would be a big catalyst for that,” Thomas said. “I’m excited for that pressure. I’m going to lead those guys and be a great dominating unit. So we just got to continue to work to reach that.”

The work is happening. That is the best Giants news right now.

Nabers’ outlook is concerning and unclear. Robertson-Harris’ season-ending injury is a blow. Schoen’s contract extension is confusing at best.

But the work on the field is underway. A new kind of work. Harbaugh’s kind.

And that just might set all of the Giants’ pieces in the right place.

It's a clean sweep on what 10 NBA executives believe Jeremy Fears Jr. should do for next season.

Jeff Goodman of On3 posted some interesting feedback from 10 unnamed NBA executives weighing in on whether certain fringe NBA players should either turn pro or return to college. For Fears, it was an unanimous decision that he should return to Michigan State for another season of college hoops.

You can see the post from Goodman on Fears and some other key fringe NBA prospects below:

I talked to 10 NBA executives and got their takes on what these guys should do:

Christian Anderson: 10 (go to NBA), 0 (back to college)
Meleek Thomas: 9 (NBA), 1 (college)
Allen Graves: 8 (NBA), 2 (college)
Tounde Yessoufou: 5 (NBA), 5 (college)
Koa Peat: 7 (college), 3 (NBA)…

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 22, 2026

Fears had a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game. He earned multiple All-American honors and will surely be considered in the mix for preseason Big Ten Player of the Year next season (should he return to college).

Fears has raised his stock during the NBA Draft process, with some even considering him a potential first round pick. But this latest intel from Goodman would suggest Fears still has plenty to work on in his game before he turns pro and would ultimately be better off coming back to Michigan State for another season.

Fears has until next week to make up his mind on what he'll do. It feels like a return to Michigan State is still the leader of the two choices, but it's definitely more of a tossup at this point and we shouldn't be surprised either way he goes. We'll know his future and how Michigan State basketball will be shaping up for next season by this time next week.

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

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: 10 NBA executives assess whether Jeremy Fears Jr. should turn pro or return to MSU

Red Bull is officially entering crisis management mode. After Jos Verstappen and Toto Wolff were spotted having a highly visible meeting on the Mercedes hospitality terrace ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the paddock rumor mill instantly caught fire.

With Max Verstappen currently holding performance-related exit clauses, the threat of a massive summer defection is hanging heavily over the Milton Keynes garage. However, Red Bull management is now desperately trying to convince the fans, and perhaps themselves, that the sky is not actually falling.

Laurent Mekies’s “Nothing to See Here” Defense

Speaking during the weekend’s Sky Sports broadcast, Laurent Mekies attempted to extinguish the flames surrounding his star driver. According to a recap of the broadcast shared by F1 journalist Daniel Valente, Mekies completely dismissed the idea that the Montreal meeting was a calculated political stunt.

Valente noted that Mekies did not believe there was “any intention or game plan” behind the highly public chat between Wolff and the elder Verstappen.

Instead, Mekies offered a remarkably casual explanation for the summit, painting it as just another weekend in the paddock. “We speak all the time with Max & Jos,” Mekies stated during the broadcast. “It’s completely natural that they can have a conversation with Toto”.

Why the Spin Doesn’t Work

In the hyper-political, cutthroat environment of Formula 1, there is absolutely no such thing as an accidental, “natural” conversation in full view of global media cameras. Toto Wolff and Jos Verstappen are two of the most calculated operators in the sport. If they wanted to have a private catch-up, they have dozens of secure motorhomes and private offices at their disposal. Choosing to sit on an open-air terrace was a deliberate, weaponized broadcast.

Mekies’ damage control routine completely ignores the terrifying context currently surrounding Max Verstappen. The reigning World Champion is profoundly miserable driving the 2026 regulations. The extreme battery management has drained his passion for the sport, to the point where paddock insiders recently claimed he now views F1 as a mere “day job” to fund his real passion for GT3 endurance racing.

Furthermore, Toto Wolff is currently holding all the cards. With 19-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelliroutinely dismantling George Russell on the track, Mercedes has maximum flexibility to reorganize their driver lineup if a multi-time World Champion suddenly becomes available over the summer break.

Red Bull can push the PR narrative that there is no “game plan” behind these meetings, but the reality is much bleaker. Mekies is attempting to use corporate spin to cover up a glaring vulnerability. Until those summer exit clauses officially expire, Red Bull has every reason to be sweating.

Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports recently pointed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a team with an opportunity to build early momentum due to the structure of the 2026 schedule.

The larger point was not that Tampa Bay has an easy path through the season. Instead, the Buccaneers appear positioned to take advantage of several manageable games early in the year before the schedule becomes more difficult later in the year.

That timing matters for a roster still working younger defensive pieces into significant roles. Tampa Bay spent the offseason reshaping parts of the defense with additions like Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter, while veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone was brought in to help stabilize communication and leadership within the front seven.

The offense also enters 2026 with more continuity than it had a year ago. Baker Mayfield remains in place, and the younger receiving corps now has significantly more experience inside the system.

For Tampa Bay, a strong opening stretch may become important later in the season when the schedule tightens, and divisional games begin carrying heavier playoff implications.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs can out of the gates firing on all cylinders in 2026

One day remains in the Premier League season.

Though Arsenal has already won the title, a huge amount of money is still up for grabs. Four spots in the Champions League have already been clinched by Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. But at least one—and potentially two—spots are on the line Sunday morning, when all 20 teams will kick off at the exact same time.

The Champions League is the richest soccer tournament in the world. For example, in prize money alone—not counting lucrative broadcasting or stadium revenues—Chelsea earned about $106 million from reaching the round of 16, about twice what Aston Villa reportedly earned for winning the second-tier Europa League.

As it stands, the top five English teams will play in the Champions League next year, with sixth and seventh place qualifying for the Europa League, and eighth qualifying for the Conference League. But England could get a coveted sixth spot in the Champions League depending on Sunday’s results. 

All told, six different clubs are fighting for European qualification on Sunday.

At the bottom of the table, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are desperate to avoid the catastrophe of relegation. (Burnley and Wolverhampton will finish 19th and 20th and get sent down to the Championship next year.)

Sitting Pretty at the Top

Arsenal cemented its spot at the top of the table when Bournemouth tied Manchester City on Tuesday. Arsenal will lift the trophy on Sunday for the first time in 22 years following their final match against Crystal Palace. The club has already made £760 million, or roughly $1 billion in revenue this season, and that total could be even bigger if it wins the Champions League final on May 30.

That’s the most lucrative season in the history of English soccer.

As for second-place Manchester City, the club is heading into massive change this offseason. Manager Pep Guardiola finally admitted Friday that he is leaving the team after Sunday’s game, capping a spectacular 10-year run during which City regularly dominated the league. Guardiola’s City teams won six Premier League titles in seven years, and racked up trophies in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. On the pitch, John Stones and captain Bernardo Silva are also departing.

Manchester United will finish third, righting the ship after a multi-year skid and 15th place finish last year. But that’s the highest place in the table locked in before Sunday, which is annually one of the craziest singular days in sports.

How it Works

Aston Villa, currently sitting in fourth, already qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League final on Wednesday—much to the delight of future monarch Prince William. But the team’s performance on Sunday will decide whether England sends five or six teams to the Champions League.

If Villa stays in fourth place, then whoever comes in fifth heads to the Champions League. But if Villa falls to fifth place with a loss to Manchester City and a Liverpool win over Brentford, then the Premier League will get an additional Champions League spot, so whichever team comes in sixth domestically would be elevated to Europe’s highest competition. 

Heading into Sunday, that team is Bournemouth. The club has been around for 127 years. Under the ownership of American billionaire Bill Foley, the Cherries have clinched their first-ever European qualification. 

A win or draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday would mean Bournemouth would finish no worse than sixth; Brighton would pass Bournemouth for sixth if they beat Manchester United and Bournemouth loses.

To keep sixth place, they need to win or draw; a Bournemouth loss and Brighton win that makes up the current five-point goal differential would bump Bournemouth out of sixth.

“I think for a club like Bournemouth, when you get the surplus of money that comes in with finishing in Europe, you’re able to develop the squad more, you’re able to develop the stadium more, you’re able to develop the training ground and take those next steps,” Bournemouth player Tyler Adams told Front Office Sports in April. “And ultimately, it just helps you kind of continue that trajectory of where you’re trying to go.”

Bournemouth could still take the fifth spot outright from defending Premier League champion Liverpool, but it would need a lot to go right: a Liverpool loss, a Bournemouth win, and making up a current six-point goal differential.

‘Very Painful’

Despite near-certain Champions League qualification, the situation with Liverpool is reaching a boiling point.

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is exiting the club, as is veteran Andy Robertson. Last week, Salah delivered a strongly worded message on social media where he said qualifying for the Champions League is the “bare minimum.”

“Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve,” Salah posted. “I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.”

Many interpreted his comments, which several of his teammates liked, as a dig at head coach Arne Slot, with “heavy metal” football being a reference to ex-manager Jürgen Klopp’s methods.

Slot, whose job security has been in question all season after winning the Premier League in his first campaign last year, publicly shrugged off the post, saying “I don’t think it is that important what I feel” about it. He echoed that the team needs to qualify for the Champions League on Sunday. “Mo and I both have the same interest, we want the best for this club.”

The team also took a blow on Friday when England’s World Cup roster was announced, and featured zero Liverpool players for the first time since 1986.

Jockeying for Europe

Moving down the table, several teams are still in the running for Europe, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland. 

Brighton, facing Manchester United, could sneak into the possible sixth Champions League spot; it could also entirely miss out on Europe. A win on Sunday guarantees Brighton will play in Europe next year.

Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland can all qualify for the Europa or Conference Leagues. Brentford faces Liverpool, while Chelsea and Sunderland play each other. Chelsea would make at least the Conference League with a win while Sunderland would need a win and some help. Brentford needs a win and some help from Chelsea to ensure it plays in Europe next year.

No matter what, Chelsea is out of the Champions League, although the club got a $110 million boost from winning the Club World Cup last year.

Fifteenth-place Crystal Palace can also earn a spot in the Europa League if it wins the Conference League final against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday. Including Crystal Palace, up to nine teams can reach Europe.

Out of European contention but still making headlines is Newcastle United, whose Saudi owners, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, are funding for to LIV Golf and recently offloaded a Saudi Pro League team. Reports this week have indicated that the PIF is interested in selling off minority ownership of Newcastle.

On the Way Down

With only one more game remaining, Tottenham Hotspur has still not avoided relegation.

Spurs are one of Europe’s biggest and richest clubs, having played in England’s top flight for nearly half a century. The team played in the Champions League this season. And yet Tottenham is in 17th place, only two points out of the relegation zone.

Most of Sunday’s scenarios favor Tottenham. If they win or draw Everton, they will finish 17th for the second consecutive season and avoid relegation. That’s also the case if fellow London Team West Ham loses against Leeds United.

However, if West Ham beats Leeds and Tottenham loses, the club is headed down—triggering a financial disaster.

Tottenham already has about $1.2 billion in debt, and being relegated would also mean sponsors exiting and losing sizable Premier League payouts. Even as Spurs came in 17th last season and barely missed relegation, the club still took home close to £128 million in Premier League payouts. In the Championship, meanwhile, most clubs received about £11 million, with recently relegated teams earning up to about £49 million in parachute payments from the Premier League.

Whichever unlucky one of Tottenham or West Ham will join J.J. Watt’s Burnley and Wolverhampton in the EFL Championship next year. They’ll face teams including newly promoted Lincoln City FC, Tom Brady’s Birmingham City FC, and media darling Wrexham, which did not achieve a historic fourth straight promotion.

Moving Up

Two teams joining the Premier League next season are already known, Coventry City and Ed Sheeran’s Ipswich Town. The third will be decided by a playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday—the annual richest single game in world sports because of the difference between playing in the Premier League and Championship.

The buildup to the game has devolved into a farce. 

Southampton was caught watching and filming opponents’ training sessions and eventually admitted to spying on at least three other teams ahead of matches this season. The EFL kicked the Saints out of the playoff final and sent Middlesbrough to play Hull City in their place. 

The winner will clinch the final spot in next year’s Premier League and likely increase their revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars.

The post Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day appeared first on Front Office Sports.

The No. 8 car now belongs to Brexton Busch now. He just has to grow into it.

Richard Childress Racing announced Friday, May 22 that it is suspending use of the number Kyle Busch made famous, driving for the team in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2023. RCR will instead switch to the No. 33 Chevrolet starting this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600.

The door on the No. 8 will stay closed until Busch's son Brexton, 11, is ready to take it over. Busch shared two children with wife Samantha: son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

“Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No.8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry,” the team said. “No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”

Kyle Busch’s son already knows how to win on the track. He has over 150 victories across Outlaw Karts, Micro Sprints, Bandolero Bandits National Championship, going 23 for 33 with 28 podiums. He won the Golden Driller at the prestigious Tulsa Shootout in the JR Sprint division. He made his Legends car debut at Charlotte Moto Speedway’s Summer Shootout and won in his fifth start.

This year, he stepped up to full-size stock cars, racing the JR Late Model division at Madera Speedway in California for Wilson Motorsports.

Kyle Busch died Thursday, May 21 at the age of 41 after being hospitalized with a severe illness. No cause of death has been released. Busch was coughing up blood when emergency responders were called to a General Motors facility in Concord, N.C., the day before the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died, according to the 911 call obtained by USA TODAY.

He won 63 Cup Series races and 234 total across NASCAR’s three national series. Busch  spent the final three seasons at Richard Childress Racing after 15 years at Joe Gibbs Racing, where he won the Cup championships in 2015 and 2019. His 63 Cup victories rank ninth on the series' all-time win list.

Three days before his death, Busch posted a birthday tribute on Instagram to Brexton, who turned 11 on May 18. “You’re the best kid on and off the track, you amaze us every day,” he wrote. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish.

Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing at Charlotte this weekend in what would have been Busch’s scheduled start in Sunday’s Coca Cola 600.

The No. 8 will wait.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Childress Racing pulls Kyle Busch's No. 8 car from NASCAR ra

A fascinating week for the Boston Red Sox's bullpen is headed to the weekend on a cliff-hanger. 

Left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe has been working his way back from the injured list after suffering cervical spasms three weeks ago. He made two rehab starts over the course of this past week, and his next outing is likely to come in the majors. 

However, on Friday, the Red Sox opted not to activate Coulombe from the IL, according to a report from Chris Cotillo of MassLive. That means an important decision is delayed by at least one more day. 

Because the Red Sox called up 35-year-old Tayron Guerrero on Thursday, they have limited options when it comes to choosing who to remove from the bullpen for Coulombe's return. Someone is going to get the boot, but none of the answers make as much sense as they would have before Guerrero arrived. 

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Zack Kelly was on a nice roll, but he had a minor-league option available, so he drew the short straw for Guerrero's promotion. Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Jovani Morán, and Justin Slaten aren't going anywhere unless they've got injuries we don't know about presently. That leaves four people who could be removed from the bullpen to facilitate Coulombe's return.

The first is Guerrero himself, which would be awfully anticlimactic after just one outing -- and he'd immediately be exposed to waivers. Tyler Samaniego and Greg Weissert could be optioned to the minors, but Samaniego frankly doesn't deserve that fate, while Weissert has been in the majors for nearly two years straight. 

Finally, there's Ryan Watson, who has become the mop-up guy in the Boston bullpen. He was a Rule 5 Draft acquisition, so he has no options and would have to be offered back to the San Francisco Giants if he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. He could obviously go on the injured list as well if there's a justification. 

Bottom line: When Coulombe returns, the Red Sox either have to DFA Watson or take someone out of the bullpen who would have a reason to gripe about that fate. That decision is coming soon, but it's hard to project just how it will shake out. 

More MLB: Red Sox Owner John Henry Takes Cheap Shot At Boston Fans

The Whitesboro Bearcat Baseball 6U team won the Boys Baseball of Cooke County League Championship on Wednesday night, defeating The Saint Marys Mustangs, 19-11.

The Bearcats ended the season with a perfect record of 12-0.

Team members include Charlotte Ferguson, Myles Warren, Grayson Nixon, Canyon Ford, Silas Graves, Nate Nelson, Briar Roberds, Bentley Riney, Beckam Bennett, Jensen Ledbetter, Hudson Ferguson, Zane Taylor and Cayden White.

May 22—CASHMERE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions and Soap Lake Eagles competed in the 1B District 5 North Central Washington Track and Field Championships Tuesday afternoon. By the end of the competition both teams competed strong and will be sending athletes to the state competition next weekend.

MLCA/CCS

The Lions will be sending eight athletes to the state meet including Ethan Ramsey, Ben Bishop and James Robertson for the boys and Brynlynn King, Amelia Shopbell, Aspyn Masset, Naomi Jorgensen and Avalyn Bishop for the girls. Head Coach Dan Bishop said his athletes had been performing well in the weeks leading up to districts.

"This is the fruit of all their efforts," said Coach Bishop. "When progress is becoming closer to perfection, this is all that hard work paying off. (I'm) just really pleased with my kids."

In total, the Lions had 24 top ten finishes at districts with seven of those being in first place, he said. Along with this, they had 17 of their players setting personal records, and four school records were broken in Tuesday's competition.

"One of the things I really gauge to see how an athlete's doing is how are they doing on improving on their own numbers," said Coach Bishop.

For the Lions seniors, Brynlynn King earned second place in the 800 meters, took first place in the 1600m and the 3200m, and helped the relay team take a second-place finish to qualify for state. Coach Bishop said he was very impressed with what King was able to accomplish in the short two-hour span of the meet.

"That's phenomenal. A couple colleges back east are talking to her about scholarships and paying for her college," said Coach Bishop. "That's where hard work pays off."

James Robertson found success in the field as he took fourth in discus, second in javelin and first in shot put. Ethan Ramsey found success as he took first in the ambulatory 100m, 200m, shotput and javelin events.

A strong performance in the district meet came from Ben Bishop as he took sixth in the 800m, third in both the 400m and 3200m and had a first place finish in the 1600m. Bishop said Ben had started off slow in the 1600m, but in the last stretch of the race, found momentum to speed past Miles Strong, a runner from Garden City who had previously gotten the better of Ben, to claim victory.

"He was in second place by 40 meters going into the last 100 meters of the race and (Ben Bishop) made up 40 meters in 100 meters and won the race," he said.

Amelia Shopbell had successful finishes as she took fourth in both the 100m and 200m and claimed third in javelin. Naomi Jorgensen took sixth in the 400m and Avalyn Bishop took ninth in shot put and sixth in discus and javelin.

The girls' team found success in the 4x400 relay to qualify for state with Brynlynn King, Aspyn Masset, Naomi Jorgensen and Amelia Shopbell combining for a time of 4:40.77 to qualify for state. Avalyn Bishop will be joining the team as an alternate for the state tournament.

Despite not qualifying for state, other Lions athletes still had a successful day on the track. Kevin Jorgensen took seventh in the 100m and fourth in the 800m and Q'Tyyr'N Gessner finished 10th in the long jump.

The boys 4x100 relay team of Caleb Jorgensen, Elijah Aragon, Isiah Doehne and Kevin Jorgensen finished their race in fifth with a time of 52.52.

One performance that stuck out to Coach Bishop came from Isaiah Doehne in the hurdles events as he took fifth in both the 110m and 300m. The coach said there was a moment Doehne fell over one of the hurdles, and despite sustaining scrapes and bruises, pushed himself to finish his race.

Coach Bishop said he is proud of the hard work and dedication each of the MLCA/CCS athletes put into their seasons this year that got them to this point. For those heading to state, the goal for practice for the next few days is going to be sharpening their skills where they can and getting ready to compete at the top level.

"This week is about facing that wall, conquering it, and being prepared to attack that in a whole different way," he said. "My hope is that every single one of them runs the best race they ran all year at the state meet."

SOAP LAKE

The Eagles are sending seven athletes into the state tournament including seniors Lenny Campos and Brooke Dana, juniors Tyler Hart, Ashton Halsey and Andre Jimenez and freshmen Nataleigh Wynn and Brody Mahjan.

"The kids worked really hard," said Eagles Head Coach Doug Berryman. "Everybody's been training really hard these last few weeks getting ready."

The boys 4x400 relay team of Lenny Campos, Tyler Hart, Ashton Halsey and Andre Jimenez earned a spot in the state competition after finishing their race with a time of 3:53.72. At the state tournament, Brody Mahjan will be joining the team as an alternate.

Soap Lake was very successful in field events as Brooke Dana qualified for the state tournament in discus with a throw of 94 feet to take second place.

Nataleigh Wynn made a name for herself in her freshman year as she qualified for state in shot put with a first-place finish. Wynn hurled the ball 31 feet and 8.5 inches in districts.

Other Eagles athletes gave strong performances to place at the district meet and came just short of a state appearance. The girls 4x400 relay team of Sage Hart, Jade Hart, Mylee Dana and Marina Zubrisky took fifth place with a time of 4:59.30, just short of qualifying for the state competition.

"Our girls relay team just kind of got edged out there at the end," said Berryman. "A couple of my senior girls, Sage and Mylee, they competed unbelievably, they just didn't quite get there."

Mylee Dana earned a fifth-place finish in the 800m with a time of 2:45.53 and Sage Hart took seventh in the 400m with a time of 1:09.60.

For the boys Andres Lopez took tenth in shot put with a throw of 29 feet and seven inches. For discus Thomas Barnes took 10th with a throw of 66 feet and two inches and Miquea Gutierrez took 11th with a throw of 62 feet and six inches.

"They all worked really hard," said Berryman. "We have some really good young up and coming athletes that are doing just great and some of our seniors, they pushed it, just couldn't quite make it. But, man, they worked hard."

As the state placers get ready to head on to their final meet of the season next week, the coach said each athlete is going to keep to their training and focus on staying healthy. He also wants the Eagles to make sure they are in the right mindset for state.

"Go to state with the mindset to compete, but also enjoy the experience," said Berryman.

For the younger athletes, he said they should enjoy the meet because it isn't always guaranteed they'll see it again, and for the two seniors, Lenny Campos and Brooke Dana, this is especially true as this marks the final competition of their high school careers.

"State track is usually the last thing they do so it can be pretty emotional for them, so really just enjoy the experience," said Berryman. "It's kind of work hard but enjoy what you've done too. Try to enjoy the fruits of your labor."

The Lions and Eagles will be heading out to the state track and field championships running from May 28-30 at Eisenhower High School.

May 22—RICHLAND — The Royal Knights (20-7) defeated the Klahowya Eagles 10-9 after a walk-off line drive in the bottom of the eighth inning of the opening round of the 1A state softball tournament Thursday. In her first time coaching a game into extra innings, Head Coach Lisa Lawrence was all smiles.

"I'm just so proud of the girls. This team has always battled, and they battle to the end, and they sure did today," Lawrence said.

After a rocky start resulting in the Knights falling behind 0-3, they rallied in the third and fourth innings with eight runs to take the lead. However, the Eagles bounced back with four runs of their own to cut the deficit to one. After a run in the sixth inning provided some breathing room, but Klahowya responded with two runs to force extra innings. After the Knights defense held strong in the top of the eighth, they managed to score a run to seal the win.

"They really have a relentless mentality," Lawrence said. "Nothing gets them down. It starts with our seniors who really lead the way. They've seen a lot of highly competitive ball, and so when going gets tough, they persevere and lead the way."

By the bottom of the third inning, a single run and a homer that scored two players put the Eagles ahead of the Knights by three. Showing they weren't rattled, the Knights offense erupted for eight unanswered runs through the bottom of the fourth inning.

Paige Christensen, Leah Christensen, Jill Allred, Emerson Eilers and Livi Wardenaar all got home on multiple occasions to give them a commanding 8-3 lead. As momentum seemed to have shifted, Klahowya strung together four runs in the top of the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 8-7. The two teams went scoreless until the bottom of the sixth when Kylee Orth got home to give Royal some breathing room at 9-7.

The Knights were in position to close out the game in the top of the seventh after Allred's pitching logged two outs against the Eagles. However, a flyball helped Klahowya score two runners to tie the game before Royal earned the third out.

The Knights started strong in the bottom of the seventh after Wardenaar doubled on a line drive. At one point the bases were loaded, but Klahowya's defense forced three outs and the two teams headed into extra innings.

Allred put together another strong inning in the pitching circle, knocking down three straight batters with a disciplined defense behind her to help out.

Back on offense, the Knights slowly got runners on base. With bases loaded once again, Wardenaar stepped up to bat and singled on a line drive which scored Sarah Bergeson. With that score, the Knights dugout cleared as they celebrated a hard-fought win to advance in the state tournament.

Allred pitched all eight innings, allowing nine runs, three walks and striking out 10 batters on 135 pitches.

"She's just tremendous, and (Klahowya is) a good hitting team, and they got some hits on her, and she just kept battling... she just keeps us in all the games," Lawrence said.

Royal advances to the quarterfinals where they will play the number one seeded Montesano at 1 p.m. Friday. In the meantime, they will enjoy the win and turn their focus to the next round.

"At state anything can happen, and we always go into it with a clean slate. It's all good teams, and we're a good team too, and we'll just see what we can do," said Lawrence.

BOX SCORE:

KLHW: 0-2-1-0-4-0-2-0: 9

ROYL: 0-0-4-4-0-1-0-1: 10

May 22—MOSES LAKE — Though the spring sports season is not over yet, there have been many highlight moments from this season across the Basin. See below some of the highlight moments captured by the Columbia Basin Herald this season.

The New York Giants may be facing a much longer wait for Malik Nabers than originally expected, and concern around the young NFL receiver’s recovery is beginning to grow inside league circles.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN insider Adam Schefter delivered a troubling assessment of Nabers’ rehab from a serious knee injury suffered last season.

“We’ll start off with the fact that he’s in the building, he’s working hard, he’s rehabbing, he’s trying to get back as soon as he can,” Schefter said. “But saying all that, I just don’t like the way that any of this sounds, right?

“There’s a second knee surgery. There’s some scar tissue and stiffness that they need to address. It’s a complicated procedure. They don’t know if he’ll be ready for opening day.”

MORE: Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers under fire for ‘one last ride’ NFL drama

Schefter revealed that Nabers underwent a second knee surgery to address scar tissue and stiffness following his ACL and meniscus repair. According to Schefter, the situation has become complicated enough that the Giants no longer know whether Nabers will be available for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

“It certainly sounds like, at the very least, opening night against the Dallas Cowboys at home is in jeopardy,” Schefter added. “And it almost feels like, at this point in time, that it would be more unlikely that he would play in that game than it is likely that he would play in that game.”

MORE: New York Giants extending Joe Schoen is a Giant mistake

Giants offense built around Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart

The concern extends far beyond one player’s health. Nabers is supposed to be a foundational piece alongside second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. The two barely shared the field together before Nabers tore his ACL against the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

“Jaxson Dart is the quarterback of the future there,” Schefter said. “If we go back to last year, when they finally called on Jaxson Dart, Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers played one half of football together.

“This should be the Giants’ future together, their star quarterback, their star receiver, and we have not gotten to see them play because in the first half of that game last year against the Chargers, Nabers tore his ACL, did other damage to the knee, went out of the game, and now has had two surgeries since then.”

That is why the timeline matters so much. New coach John Harbaugh arrived to stabilize a franchise coming off a 4-13 season. The organization spent the offseason rebuilding the offensive structure around Dart with additions like Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III, but neither changes the offense the way Nabers does.

MORE: 5 NFL players with the most to prove in 2026

The biggest issue is not simply missing Week 1. Repeated procedures on the same knee often create setbacks in explosiveness and confidence, especially for receivers whose game depends on sharp cuts and acceleration.

The Giants can manage short-term absences with depth. What they cannot afford is uncertainty around the player expected to define their offensive identity for years ahead.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pato O'Ward smiles as he walks through Gasoline Alley, seeing the Arrow McLaren No. 5 shirts.

Sure, he's popular, but O'Ward wants something more — to be called an Indianapolis 500 champion.

After three near misses in his past four races on the Brickyard's iconic 2.5-mile oval, the two-time runner-up is hoping to finally sip the milk and celebrate with all of his fans and everyone else in the grandstands at the Brickyard.

“It’s cool. It’s obviously a big part of why we do what we do, right?” O'Ward said as he tries to become the race's first winner from Mexico. “We want to be here to entertain people, inspire people. At the end of the day it is the greatest event in the world. I might be a little bit biased. But it’s going down this Sunday.”

Few drivers have come as close as O'Ward without eventually making it to victory lane here. He finished second in 2022 and 2024, third in 2025, fourth in 2021 and sixth in 2020 as an Indy rookie. His only finish outside the top five came in 2023 when he was 24th.

This year, O'Ward thought he finally had the car to dethrone defending Indy champ Alex Palou only to see it, the one he qualified sixth, severely damaged in a crash Monday. That forced him into a backup car.

The good news: It's the same one he won twice with last season.

The bad news: Palou again is the betting favorite after taking his second Indy pole last weekend, as he tries to become the seventh back-to-back winner in race history.

That means everyone else in the 33-car field will be chasing the Spaniard with four IndyCar titles and three wins this season.

“I know I’m hungrier than ever just because I know what comes with it (the 500 win) and what it means,” the Chip Ganassi Racing driver said. “I don’t feel more or less pressure. It's not like because I won once, I need another one. It’s more the opposite. It's more like I want to go back-to-back.”

Alexander Rossi, the 2016 race winner, seemed perfectly set up to win his second race, too, when he qualified a career-best second, next to Palou on the front row. But his crash also forced the Ed Carpenter Driver into surgery for an injured middle finger and an injured right ankle Monday night and into a backup car Friday after he'd been cleared to drive. The Californian will wear a specially designed brace and a protective boot on race day.

“We're probably going to be able to keep the swelling down,” Rossi said. “Everything is ready to go, the range of motion is staying good enough to do what we need to do.”

Who else is trying to make history?

Four-time race winner Helio Castroneves is making his fifth attempt to become the first five-time winner and at age 51, the Brazilian would also be the oldest winner.

Team Penske hopes to add to its record 20 Indy wins with David Malukas, Scott McLaughlin and two-time 500 winner Josef Newgarden. Malukas qualified third, McLaughlin is ninth and Newgarden who had the fastest car on Carb Day, starts 23rd.

A victory by 2008 Indy champ Scott Dixon would be the largest gap between wins in race history.

Katherine Legge will try to become the first female and just the second driver to complete racing's “double” — 1,100 miles of racing in Indianapolis and Charlotte, North Carolina, on the same day. She'll be qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 on Saturday before returning to Indy where she will compete for HMD Motorsports with A.J. Foyt Racing.

And Sunday's race will be the first since 1957 without an Andretti, a Foyt or an Unser on the grid.

But for O'Ward this race is about just one thing — winning.

“I don’t have any worries about (the car),” he said. “I know it’s going to behave like it’s supposed to. Like I said, it’s a very good car. I really like this car.”

The chase

Palou just keeps extending his lead. He came to Indy with a 15-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global, which grew to 27 despite his fifth-place finish in the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

It could expand even more Sunday because Kirkwood is starting at No. 25. But the standings are the least of Kirkwood's concerns this weekend.

“Of course, we’re not stoked where we are starting,” the Andretti Global driver said. "We also are very confident with our cars. That 12 points, hopefully we’ll get that back in the future, but we’re not letting ourselves think about it. Monday we’ll be focused on points.”

Centennial celebration

Rossi won the 500s centennial race, but it's A.J. Foyt Enterprises driver Santino Ferrucci who will be making his 100th IndyCar start on Sunday.

Ferrucci is the first driver to post top-10 finishes in each of his first seven starts with a career-best third coming in 2023. But he's never won a race. He's starting from the No. 5 spot Sunday.

Six drivers in IndyCar history have won their 100th career start but none came at Indy.

“That would be quite the day,” Ferrucci said when asked about the possibility of becoming the first to do it. “Honestly, I think Sunday, we have a great car, we have a great crew, there’s no reason as to why we won’t be there.”

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

The NASCAR community continues to mourn ahead of the 2026 Coca-Cola 600. On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch died at 41 years old, the sport announced. Busch was hospitalized overnight, and the driver's family announced the "severe" illness in the morning.

This has been one of the darkest days in NASCAR history, as everyone mourns Busch's tragic death. From fans to drivers, everyone has been paying tribute to one of NASCAR's all-time greats. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was one of the sport's most popular drivers.

Below are some of the tributes that active and former NASCAR drivers have posted in memory of the late Kyle Busch.

Brad Keselowski

I made him earn every victory and stole a few from him along the way. We took our shots at each other, in the media and on the track. But I’d like to think that somewhere deep down there was an appreciation that we pushed each other to perform at the highest level, even if… pic.twitter.com/1dAq7Eui7D

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 22, 2026

Jeff Gordon

This is a devastating loss and one that is hard for the NASCAR community to process. Kyle was a fierce competitor who demanded the very best from himself each time he put on the helmet. As teammates, I saw firsthand the passion and intensity he brought to the sport every single… pic.twitter.com/jVQLdTXcyF

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) May 22, 2026

Jimmie Johnson

Kyle Busch wasn’t just one of the fiercest competitors our sport has ever seen, he was one of the most talented race car drivers I’ve ever shared a track with. We spent years as teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, and even as competitors, there was always a deep respect for what… pic.twitter.com/uAX3o2D0Nz

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 21, 2026

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better…

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026

Kevin Harvick

pic.twitter.com/MtP0REaNsX

— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) May 22, 2026

William Byron

I’m so sad and stunned to hear the news about KB. He meant so much to a lot of people, not just myself. Kyle was the best mentor you could ever have. He was incredibly unselfish, cared about his people and his family deeply. And helped shaped my career to what it is. I’m… pic.twitter.com/Y4VYaf5QNS

— William Byron (@WilliamByron) May 21, 2026

Kyle Larson

Completely heartbroken to hear the news of Kyle’s passing.

I have so many memories of great battles with him throughout my career that I’ll cherish forever. It’s hard to even put into words what he meant to me and my career, whether he knew it or not. He was the bar we all… pic.twitter.com/wJmFDmY7LN

— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) May 21, 2026

Ryan Blaney

pic.twitter.com/RU6ffzslna

— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) May 22, 2026

Richard Petty

The Petty Family is absolutely heartbroken. This is truly unbelievable. Our hearts and prayers go out to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. pic.twitter.com/A4yjvvTLuu

— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) May 21, 2026

Joey Logano

My heart goes out to Kyle’s family, his Team and everyone that knew and supported him. Kyle was a Champion, a feared competitor, a loving husband, a great dad and he’ll truly be missed, as he made a forever impact on and off the race track. Let us pray for Samantha, Brexton,… pic.twitter.com/Pxi0u4OK9o

— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) May 22, 2026

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

There aren’t really words for today. I’ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who’s lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.

But more than the wins and the records,… https://t.co/hLS9vioUyN

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) May 21, 2026

Clint Bowyer

I just talked to him Friday. In complete shock, as we all are. The devastation and sadness is beyond words. Praying for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, his entire family and loved ones…🙏 pic.twitter.com/4Z98jzgWIK

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) May 21, 2026

Denny Hamlin

Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB. https://t.co/cpaXg2HZGF

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) May 21, 2026

Chandler Smith

Still, it just doesn’t feel real. Our industry will never feel the same.
Not only did I have such deep respect for what you could do on the track, but what you did for me off the track spoke volumes to me. You always took the time to sit down and give me honest feedback on how I… pic.twitter.com/YkLgWiaoR3

— Chandler Smith (@CSmith_Racing) May 22, 2026

Christian Eckes

Heartbroken…. He played such a big role in so many people’s lives & careers, including mine. I’m grateful for the lessons, guidance, & support that will stay with me forever. My thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, & the entire Busch family. God speed, KFB. pic.twitter.com/Ir3YkvVDRd

— Christian Eckes (@christianeckes) May 21, 2026

Kyle Petty

Devastated by this news. My heart is broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Tom, Gaye and Kurt. When words are never enough, prayers are all you have. All of mine today are with the Busch family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tup6snqn8L

— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) May 22, 2026

Chase Briscoe

This doesn’t even feel real typing this… Easily one of the absolute greatest of all time, any track, any car, it didn’t matter he was gonna be good. Getting to race against Kyle was a true pinch me moment, I’ll never forget the first time just sharing the track with someone I… pic.twitter.com/pC2Okldg10

— Chase Briscoe (@chasebriscoe) May 21, 2026

Carson Hocevar

every day is a privilege and today is a truly sad reminder of that.

this little boy in this picture hated you on sunday’s. but he loved to hate you, and you made it very difficult to hate and not become a fan when your passion for racing showed, when you would show up to his… pic.twitter.com/RxKignaf51

— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) May 21, 2026

More: A tribute to Kyle Busch: One of NASCAR’s all-time greats

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR drivers post tributes after Kyle Busch's tragic death

Rachel Entrekin was already known as the “Queen of Cocodona” when she arrived in Arizona this month for one of America’s most punishing ultramarathons.

Then the 250-mile race started. Entrekin, a two-time women’s champion in the event, found herself running again with the elite males, and she began wondering: “Why not you?”

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So she pulled away, crushing the course record by seven hours, beating every man and woman in the field and providing another example of how multi-day races have erased gender lines.

Now, at 34, Entrekin’s the king of Cocodona, too, or maybe something more than that.

“One of my pacers has determined that I must be from another planet,” Entrekin said in an interview, still buzzing from her historic win.

Entrekin began running in 2009, as a student at the University of Alabama, before starting a career in physical therapy. She eventually started competing in half-marathons, then full ones, before hitting longer ultramarathons in the Southeast and descending into what she called “insanity.” When she moved to Washington state and looked up at the vistas, she found her calling.

“I love running up mountains,” she told the “For the Long Run” podcast in February.

Today, Entrekin is fully sponsored and has won or placed in about 100 ultras, regularly beating men. At Cocodona, that meant finishing in 56 hours 9 minutes 48 seconds. Kilian Korth, the men’s winner, finished 78 minutes behind her.

Passing Korth and other top runners at mile 60 was a test of Entrekin’s “why not you?” philosophy.

“I thought about my résumé - that I’ve won this race twice already and that I won lots of other 200-mile races and other 100-mile races. I’m just as qualified to be at the front of this race as they are, so why can’t it be me?” she said. “I thought, ‘I think I can do this, so why not?’”

The ultimate ultra

Cocodona, which debuted in 2021, begins in the Sonoran Desert and weaves north through red rocks, pine forests and mountain ranges. It has quickly become a measuring stick for some of the world’s best ultrarunners.

This year’s race featured a mind-boggling 38,791 feet of elevation gain, which translates into miles of painful ascents and descents. It’s been described as the race that “breaks you,” and many starters can’t finish it.

A female competitor died on the course this year from a “medical emergency.” Some social media posts from runners discuss feet that feel like raw hamburger, along with discussions about swollen tongues and videos of bloody foreheads. Hallucinations from lack of sleep are common. (Entrekin may or may not have seen bats.) Medics rushed in to meet one competitor who crawled across the line to the same chorus of cheers, 125 hours after starting.

Jamil Coury, the creator of the race, noted that Cocodona’s slogan is “Adventure Awaits,” not hell.

“The goal wasn’t to make the most brutal beatdown possible,” he said. “We wanted to create an adventure that takes you through historic towns and incredible landscapes.”

Coury said Entrekin’s performance this month was a “bit shocking,” and seeing her story break into mainstream media has been a joy. She has been on ESPN, Bloomberg Television and “Good Morning America” since the win.

“She’s the perfect person for this,” Coury said. “She’s been dominant for many, many years, but she’s just so energetic and positive. It’s great for the sport.”

Where women rule

Entrekin has some theories about why women have excelled at longer distances.

“Top-end speed is not the be all, end all in the multi-day-running endurance scene,” Entrekin said. “I think women have a lot more practice, maybe, dealing with adversity and managing our emotional state and communicating.”

She mentioned Ann Trason, arguably the most accomplished female ultrarunner of all time, and Tara Dower, who finished the 2,197-mile Appalachian Trail in 40 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes in 2024, as examples.

Entrekin, who now lives in Colorado, isn’t calling for races to end gender categories and said she’s self-assured enough not to care how her win is classified. She just wishes, as Trason did decades earlier, that the conversation would evolve.

“I hope this is a step in the direction of maybe making men less of the measuring stick,” she said.

Amy Clark, editor of UltraRunning Magazine, said Entrekin is one of a handful of elite women doing unprecedented things in the sport. She said Courtney Dauwalter won the prestigious Moab 240 Endurance Run outright in 2017 and finished sixth overall at Cocodona. Entrekin, Clark said, has an uncanny ability to push through the lows that haunt every runner in ultramarathons.

“She’s so tough, and she goes hard, but she just has such a positive attitude. She doesn’t let those lows pull her back,” Clark said.

Entrekin, Coury noted, finished the race relatively unscathed. She slept just 19 minutes total over those 56 hours. While she consumed precision-crafted electrolyte drinks and gels to hydrate, as most competitors did, she also had a Coke or two and a ton of mashed potatoes. She calls potatoes the “unsung hero” of ultrarunning.

“You just get tired of chewing,” she said.

In the past, loading up on candy and drinks at 7-Eleven was a pre-race ritual for Entrekin. She only recently started wearing a watch, and her cross-training consists of “occasional yoga,” she said. During the race - even one as serious as Cocodona - Entrekin is mostly all smiles, cracking jokes, petting dogs and chatting up fellow racers. She’s seemingly nonchalant about any setbacks, which are few.

“Uh, I fell in a hole,” she said at one aid station.

Instead of getting deep sleep and lots of real, hot meals after her finish, Entrekin hung around Flagstaff to cheer on other finishers. She’s not taking a beach vacation or any time off, really. In August, she’s racing in the highly competitive Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in France.

She’s been itching to go for a run, but interviews keep getting in the way.

“I mean, running is my favorite thing in the world,” she said. “Obviously.”

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article omitted the name of photographer Scott Rokis on two photos.

Related Content

PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were among those paying tribute to Associated Press tennis writer Howard Fendrich as players gathered at Roland Garros for a French Open that’s now missing one of the sport’s most-respected journalists.

Fendrich, a regular at Roland Garros and all the tennis majors since 2002, died Thursday, less than three months after being diagnosed with cancer.

The news elicited a social media outpouring that included a Friday morning post from Nadal, whose record 14 French Open victories were chronicled in rich and colorful detail by Fendrich. “Tennis loses one of its great journalists,” Nadal said.

Gauff, whose title last year at Roland Garros was her second major singles championship, opened her pre-tournament news conference with a shout-out to Fendrich, the award-winning writer who spent 24 of his 33 years with AP on the tennis beat.

“I just wanted to start this off just recognizing a deep loss that I think we all have experienced as a community with Howard,” Gauff said. “He was someone I always enjoyed having conversations with. One of my favorite faces to see in the room.”

Fendrich died Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was diagnosed with cancer in February shortly after returning from Milan, where he covered his 11th Olympics. He was 55.

The Women’s Tennis Association wrote a tribute to Fendrich, recalling that “His classic opening before a question, ‘soooo, I’m curious ...’ always set a comfortable tone of kindness in interviews.”

The fifth-ranked Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, sent her condolences.

“Howard was one of the most respected journalists in our sport and someone players trusted because he always approached his work with honesty, professionalism and fairness,” she said.

Roger Federer, Billie Jean King and Patrick McEnroe, a former player and the current president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, were among those who honored Fendrich on Thursday.

Other tributes streamed in from Fendrich’s press box colleagues. Washington-based Adam Kilgore called him “the best person to see at a game, in a press room, at a dinner after an event.” They also came from across Fendrich’s home base, where, when not covering tennis, he was a regular in press boxes at Commanders, Nationals and Capitals games.

“His contributions to and impact on sports journalism extend far beyond that of the Nationals press box,” the baseball team said. “He will be dearly missed.”

Fendrich was based in Washington and the city’s football and hockey teams — the Commanders and Capitals — also extended their condolences.

Fendrich is survived by his wife, Rosanna Maietta; his mother, Renée; his brother, Alex; and two sons, Stefano and Jordan.

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

As if the opening practice session for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix wasn’t already enough of a headache for the paddock, Scuderia Ferrari just found themselves opening their wallets for the FIA. Amidst the barrage of red flags and bizarre wildlife encounters, Charles Leclerc managed to commit a completely unforced error before his tires even hit the active track.

According to official Document 18 released by the stewards, Ferrari has been slapped with a €1000 fine for a pit lane speeding violation during Free Practice 1.

At exactly 12:57 local time, the FIA’s timing loops caught Leclerc’s Car 16 clocking in at a rapid 96.3 km/h. This completely blew past the strict 80 km/h speed limit established for the Montreal pit lane this weekend, exceeding the legal threshold by a solid 16.3 km/h.

The Symptom of a Desperate Session for Ferrari?

While a €1000 penalty is effectively pocket change for a team operating with Maranello’s massive budget, the fine is a glaring symptom of the desperation gripping the garages on Friday afternoon.

Because Montreal is operating as a Sprint weekend, FP1 was the one and only opportunity for teams to dial in their aerodynamic setups before the cars entered strict parc fermé conditions. Every time the session was red-flagged, whether it was Alex Albon destroying his Williams or Esteban Ocon shedding a front wing, crucial setup time evaporated into thin air.

When the pit lane finally went green between those heavy stoppages, drivers were practically crawling out of their cockpits with eagerness to get back onto the asphalt and secure baseline data. Leclerc clearly dumped the clutch and disengaged his pit limiter a fraction of a second too early in his rush to maximize the ticking clock.

For a Ferrari team that is already openly admitting they are down on straight-line engine power compared to Mercedes and Ford, throwing away focus on sloppy pit lane procedures is a deeply frustrating way to kick off a high-pressure Sprint weekend.

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Tippecanoe’s Nick Von Krosigk, Alter’s Michael Shope, Milton-Union’s Levi Brumbaugh and the Oakwood doubles team of Oren Watson/Ronin Boehne each booked a trip to the OHSAA state tournament after picking up a pair of wins on the opening day of the boys tennis district tournament at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason on Thursday, May 21.

In the Division I tournament, Von Krosigk, the Miami Valley League’s boys tennis athlete of the year, defeated Kevin Zhou of Sycamore and Josef Alkuino of Fairfield to advance. Von Krosigk will face Janek Teply of Mason in the district semifinal round on Saturday, May 23.

Alkuino defeated Bellbrook’s Jonah Grismer in the first round before falling 6-2, 6-1 to Von Krosigk.

Centerville’s Timothy Lee defeated Tippecanoe’s Alex Darner by scores of 6-3, 6-3 in the first round but had to forfeit his second-round match.

Ryan Hunt of Beavercreek grabbed a first-round win but fell in the second.

No area teams qualified in D-I doubles, but Springboro’s Peyton Nelson/Brady Mullins and Centerville’s Luke Edwards/Jake Critchfield did record first-round victories.

In D-II singles Shope highlighted his day for Alter with a straight-set victory in his first-round match. Shope will play Milton-Union’s Brumbaugh in the district semifinals on Saturday, May 23.

Arjun Jain of Miami Valley and Noah Wildofsky of Northwestern earned first round wins but did not advance.

In D-II doubles Oakwood’s duo of Oren Watson/Ronin Boehne qualified for state with wins over Seven Hills and Wyoming. Watson and Boehne will meet Indian Hill’s Will Jordan/Vedant Buch in the district semifinals on Saturday, May 23.

PHOTOS: Boys D-I and D-II district tennis tournament in Mason

* Nick Graham

The OHSAA state tournament is returning to the Lindner Family Tennis Center this year. The facility had previously hosted the tournament from 2014-2022 before undergoing renovations. The tournament is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29.

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Setting the threshold low on a goal may get you to achieve it quicker. It doesn’t give you as much satisfaction as setting out to go for something more.

Ella Oakes did that and is reaping the boost in confidence for future seasons.

Oakes is a sophomore with Oakwood lacrosse. This season she scored 70 goals for the Lumberjills and on the way reached 100 career points.

For her efforts, Oakes was named the Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week for May 12-18, earning the honor through reader voting at DaytonDailyNews.com.

“It just feels really cool, and I really appreciate it,” Oakes said. “I like that people are seeing what I can do, and it just makes me excited for next season too.”

She set out at the start of the season believing reaching 100 points was possible before her sophomore campaign ended. She also had decided to set a mark of 60 goals during this season for herself even though she didn’t score half of that total last year.

Oakes not only felt the confidence in herself was warranted, but proved she was spot on with her thinking toward reaching both goals.

“I thought I had a pretty good season last year, and I came into this season with a lot more confidence than I did last year,” she said. “I thought I was able to reach that number, especially because with my team I feel like we all work well together.”

That team camaraderie started early this season from the moment the team was formed, through outings at Fox Hollow rodeo line dancing together, and everyday practices.

Realizing the fulfillment that stemmed from needing to put in the work to achieve something lofty, Oakes said she’s ready to try again next season.

“I really want to try and break the goal record for our school,” she said. “I’m also hoping to hit 100 [career] goals next season, which I’m seven away from and I think will definitely happen. But overall I just want it to be a good atmosphere and I’m excited to play with my friends.”

What if she ended up reaching 100 goals in a single season?

“That would be insane. I hope I could do that,” Oakes said. “I don’t know if I could, but that would be awesome if I did.”

Should Oakes keep setting higher goals and continue reaching them, one shouldn’t put it past her to keep going higher.

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The news about two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch's death was shocking to many racing fans.

It was definitely shocking to me, as he was just 41 years old.

Early in my career I covered several NASCAR races and really enjoyed working at Kentucky Speedway and other tracks when I had the opportunity.

Kyle Busch seemed to be one of the favorites to win just about every race over the years, but that wasn't really the case at the beginning of his career.

In 2004, I was assigned to cover the NASCAR Busch series Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Kyle Busch was just 18 years old then and, although there was a lot of hype surrounding the young driver, he wasn't expected to win the race.

Another reason he wasn't expected to win was that he had wrecked his primary car in practice. Although he had qualified to start on the outside of the front row, using a backup car meant that he had to start from the back of the field in 43rd place.

Somehow, Busch gradually made his way to the front and won the race pulling away, his third victory of the season.

As soon as the race was over, another sort of race began. All the photographers hurried from their various positions to get to the winners circle and the shot everyone wanted of Busch getting out of the car to celebrate.

Media from all over the world covered these races, and there could easily be over 100 photographers trying to get the best spots for photos.

I was lucky enough to get a great spot and ended up getting one of my favorite racing photos.

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The news about two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch's death was shocking to many racing fans.

It was definitely shocking to me, as he was just 41 years old.

Early in my career I covered several NASCAR races and really enjoyed working at Kentucky Speedway and other tracks when I had the opportunity.

Kyle Busch seemed to be one of the favorites to win just about every race over the years, but that wasn't really the case at the beginning of his career.

In 2004, I was assigned to cover the NASCAR Busch series Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Kyle Busch was just 18 years old then and, although there was a lot of hype surrounding the young driver, he wasn't expected to win the race.

Another reason he wasn't expected to win was that he had wrecked his primary car in practice. Although he had qualified to start on the outside of the front row, using a backup car meant that he had to start from the back of the field in 43rd place.

Somehow, Busch gradually made his way to the front and won the race pulling away, his third victory of the season.

As soon as the race was over, another sort of race began. All the photographers hurried from their various positions to get to the winners circle and the shot everyone wanted of Busch getting out of the car to celebrate.

Media from all over the world covered these races, and there could easily be over 100 photographers trying to get the best spots for photos.

I was lucky enough to get a great spot and ended up getting one of my favorite racing photos.

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell is meeting with the media for the first time since the sport confronts one of its most stunning losses in years.

There are many questions to be answered after the shocking death of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch on Thursday, May 21. He was 41 and had raced just four days before.

Follow here for live updates from the O’Donnell press conference, on Friday, May 22.  

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell to speak after Kyle Busch's death

Washington has entered the mix for 2028 five-star forward Evan Willis.

The 6-foot-7, 180-pound Crossroads, California, star picked up an offer from Danny Sprinkle and company on Monday, one day after Huskies assistant coaches were on hand to see Willis at the PRO16 event in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Different breed. The Huskies saw it too! Thank you Coach Sprinkle, Coach Pondexter and staff for believing in me. #GoHuskies#washington#offered#blessedpic.twitter.com/7rqRV71y8D

— The.Evan.Willis (@The_Evan_Willis) May 18, 2026

Willis is ranked the No. 7 player in the 2028 class by 247Sports and the No. 30 player in the 247Sports composite rankings. He has participated in two minicamps with the USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team, once in October 2025 and once at the Final Four this April.

At the latter minicamp, 247Sports analyst Eric Bossi said that Willis was the most explosive athlete in the gym, with the length and size to impact the game defensively from the three or four spot. Multiple reports have noted that his effort has waned when not involved offensively, however, and that his potential is largely in his own hands based on how engaged with the game he is on any given night.

On Sunday, Bossi wrote of Willis: "The five-star prospect took things into his own hands and showed why he's so highly regarded. He did so by ramping up the energy and turning into an absolute menace on the defensive end. There can't be many better athletes in his class, or any, and he really used that to his advantage. He's highly switchable because he can move his feet, and then his ability to explode off the floor, length, and instincts make him a big-time shot blocker for a wing. Offensively, he attacked when he could, hit a nice-looking three, and even though there were no official stats available, we wouldn't be surprised if he had a triple-double of points, rebounds, and blocks."

Willis now holds 14 offers, according to 247Sports, with Georgia, North Carolina State, Nebraska, Texas A&M, USC, and Creighton among them. A Santa Monica native, Washington will likely rely on assistant coach Quincy Pondexter's connections in the Los Angeles area to stay in the mix in his recruitment as it ramps up over the next year. Bossi reported that Baylor, Miami, Texas, Kansas, Louisville, and Oklahoma were among the schools that sent coaches to Tulsa to watch Willis this weekend.

It would be a huge win for Sprinkle and his staff, who brought in local three-star forward Lattimore Ford as their only high school signing in the 2026 class to date. Sprinkle put together a strong 2025 class, signing forward Jasir Rencher, guard JJ Mandaquit, and guard Courtland Muldrew out of the American high school ranks while bringing in Hannes Steinbach and Nikola Dzepina from overseas, but that group has splintered this offseason.

Steinbach is off to the NBA, Mandaquit transferred to Arizona, Muldrew entered the transfer portal, Rencher had a heart issue, and his timetable to return to the court remains unknown. Dzepina will return to the Huskies in 2026.

With how quickly the college basketball landscape changes each offseason, it's difficult to say who Willis might be surrounded by should he come to Montlake in 2028. Dzepina would be a senior if he stays that long, as would Rencher if he returns to basketball. Ford would be a junior, as would Brazilian import Wini Braga. But regardless of the roster around him, Washington could use the talent injection that would come with Willis' arrival to campus.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: UW basketball offers 2028 five-star SF with high-end upside

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing with its 19th edition.

Here are the key stats from the tournament, including the full points table and previous winners of the orange and purple caps.

• IPL 2026 schedule - fixtures and results

IPL points table

IPL 2026 orange cap: Who is highest run-scorer?

1. Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) - 638 runs

2. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) - 616

3. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 606

4. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) - 579

5. Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 569

IPL 2026 purple cap: Who is highest wicket-taker?

=1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) & Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) - 24 wickets

3. Anshul Kamboj (Chennai Super Kings) - 21

=4. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans) & Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 19

IPL 2026 batting stats: Highest strike-rate, average & most sixes

Highest strike-rate

Minimum 20 balls faced

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) - 236.32

2. Finn Allen (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 219.33

3. Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings) - 212.86

4. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 206.22

5. Urvil Patel (Chennai Super Kings) - 201.56

Highest average

1. Venkatesh Iyer (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 79

2. Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 73.75

3. Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians) - 66

4. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 50.63

5. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 50.50

Most sixes

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) - 53 sixes

2. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 43

3. Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) - 37

4. Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants) - 36

=5. Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings), Cooper Connolly (Punjab Kings) & Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - 32

IPL 2026 bowling stats: Best strike-rate, average & economy

Best strike-rate

1. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 6.00

2. Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians) - 8.81

3. Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians) - 10.00

=4. Akash Singh (Lucknow Super Giants) & Blessing Muzarabani (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 10.50

Best average

1. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 7.00

2. Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians) - 14.27

3. Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans) - 16.00

4. Mohsin Khan (Lucknow Super Giants) - 16.36

5. Madhav Tiwari (Delhi Capitals) - 16.75

Best economy

Minimum of 24 balls bowled

1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 6.40

2. Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans) - 7.34

=3. Mohsin Khan (Lucknow Super Giants) & Harpreet Brar (Punjab Kings) - 7.50

5. Ravindra Jadeja (Rajasthan Royals) - 7.84

Previous winners of IPL orange and purple cap

• How the IPL is reshaping India's talent map
• Get cricket news sent straight to your phone

The opening practice session for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix was an absolute bloodbath for the lower half of the grid. As we detailed in our previous breakdown of the Montreal Meltdown, FP1 was derailed by three separate red flags. Alex Albon’s bizarre collision with a marmot, Esteban Ocon’s late crash, and Liam Lawson’s dangerous clutch system failure. With track time severely limited by the stoppages, the pressure was immense. Yet, amidst the carnage, Kimi Antonelli completely silenced the paddock.

According to a session recap from Motorsport.com, Antonelli dominated the timing sheets, completely unbothered by the start-and-stop nature of the morning. The 19-year-old Italian set a blistering benchmark of 1m14.392s on the hard compound tires, pushing the McLaren of Oscar Piastri over half a second adrift. Lewis Hamilton slotted into third in his Ferrari, while Antonelli firmly established the Mercedes W17 as the car to beat.

The Sprint Weekend Squeeze

What makes Antonelli’s performance so devastating is the context of the weekend. Montreal is the third Sprint event in just four rounds. This means FP1 was the one and only practice session before the cars entered parc fermé conditions for Sprint Qualifying later in the day.

Every minute of the red-flag interruptions caused by the midfield chaos burned crucial setup time. Furthermore, the FIA used the chaotic session to temporarily trial a complex new rear light system designed to signal MGU-K power derating and “super clipping”. Drivers were forced to learn a highly technical new visual system while navigating a very green, low-grip track. Antonelli adapted flawlessly, dialing in the setup with terrifying efficiency.

Russell’s Low-Grip Nightmare Continues

On the other side of the Mercedes garage, George Russell’s nightmare is only getting worse. While Antonelli was busy setting the pace, Russell suffered a spin during the heavily interrupted session.

This is a direct continuation of the exact weakness Russell admitted to following the Miami Grand Prix. He openly confessed that smooth, low-grip track surfaces completely ruin his confidence and cause him to overcook the tires. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is notoriously slippery early in the weekend, and Russell’s spin proves he is still struggling to master the basic fundamentals of the 2026 chassis.

With Toto Wolff publicly taking meetings with Jos Verstappen, Russell is already driving for his contract life. Getting comprehensively beaten by a teenager in the only practice session of a Sprint weekend, while spinning the car in the process, is the last thing the British driver needed. Kimi Antonelli isn’t just winning races; he is actively exposing his veteran teammate under the highest pressure imaginable.

It took only a single game for the Vegas Golden Knights to flip the Western Conference Final on its axis.

Now, the Golden Knights have an opportunity to assert themselves further in the series when they take on the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two on Friday.

Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO

Date: Friday, May 22

Time: 5:00 pm PST

How To Watch: ESPN, ESPN+

Radio: 1340 AM, 94.7 FM

The Avalanche made a push in the third period of Game One to keep things interesting, but the Golden Knights dominated in pockets and walked away with a victory that surprised many across the hockey world. It cemented the notion that Vegas not only had the horses to hang with the President’s Trophy winner, but that there exists a real chance that they can be the ones representing the Western Conference as the last team standing.

With the chance to change the narrative entirely in their favor, here is how the Golden Knights can take an unexpected 2-0 stranglehold on the series.

Skip the Cale

The Avalanche will have to make do without defenseman Cale Makar, as he was ruled out during morning skate for the second consecutive game.

Colorado still had moments of brilliance in the offensive zone, but the Golden Knights saw firsthand the difference that their opponent’s blue line maestro truly makes. Makar’s absence places the impetus of generating offense solely on the likes of Nathan MacKinnon, giving the Golden Knights a better sense of who to take time and space away from. They know that Colorado is vulnerable with Makar out of the lineup, and his absence creates an opportunity to take a series lead back to Vegas.

Leaders lead

The Golden Knights will only win this series if their best players continue producing, and Game One was indicative of that philosophy.

Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden continue to pace the NHL in goals by scoring their 10th and ninth goals of the postseason, respectively, in Game One. Elsewhere, Mitch Marner continues his redemption arc with a league-leading 19 points, while Jack Eichel paces the NHL with 15 assists. Add to that a continued run of great play in net from Carter Hart, and the end result is a team that is firing on all cylinders right now.

Channel 2023

‘It hurts to win’ was the philosophy implemented under former head coach Bruce Cassidy when the Golden Knights went on their Stanley Cup run three years ago, and that mantra needs to continue holding true.

Along with their offensive leaders, Ivan Barbashev (67), Keegan Kolesar (58) and Cole Smith (57) are the top three in the NHL in hits. The Golden Knights have shown zero issue with punishing opponents who try and challenge for open lanes to the offensive zone, and that physical toll has worn on all of their opponents so far. The Avalanche certainly felt the effects of Game One, and taking too many hits could lead to the energy reserves depleting too soon if the series continues like this.

After struggling mightily in 2025 on offense, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a dedicated effort to improving that side of the football in the offseason. New head coach Mike McCarthy got his quarterback and put the pieces around him to make Aaron Rodgers successful at 42 years old.

The three big additions are wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who came via trade, running back Rico Dowdle who the team signed in free agency and wide receiver Germie Bernard, who the team selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft. Here are our predictions for the Steelers top three newcomers.

Running back - Rico Dowdle

As much as we appreciate everything Jaylen Warren brings to the offense, the run game is going to go through Dowdle this season. He's not quite the receiver Warren is but his running style and knowledge of the offense helps him to lead the team in rushing.

Rushing yards: 988

Receptions: 31

Receiving yards: 327

Total touchdowns: 11

Wide receiver - Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman Jr. is exactly the type of receiver the Steelers needed last season to take some heat off DK Metcalf. Pittman's addition gives Rodgers a reliable target in the short and intermediate routes and allow Metcalf to work deep. We expect Pittman to lead the Steelers in receptions and Metcalf to lead the team in receiving yards.

Receptions: 87

Receiving yards: 905

Receiving touchdowns: 5

Wide receiver - Germie Bernard

We love the addition of Bernard and the level of versatility he brings. Bernard isn't going to put up huge numbers rushing or receiving but is going to provide a spark at multiple spots and create opportunities for other players.

Receptions: 41

Receiving yards: 506

Rushing yards: 105

Total touchdowns: 3

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Stat predictions for the Steelers newest skill players including Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made no secret of his criticism of FIFA over its "unaffordable" World Cup tickets. On Thursday, he announced that he had secured 1,000 non-transferable tickets to be distributed to New Yorkers through online lotteries.

Mamdani was joined at Thursday afternoon's announcement by U.S. Men's National Team hopefuls Timothy Weah, son of Ballon d'Or winner and current Liberian President George Weah, and Miles Robinson.

Weah, who plays for Marseille, landed himself in trouble this past January after telling a French newspaper that World Cup tickets were "too expensive." USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino called him out at his next press conference.

• Zohran Mamdani takes Philadelphia swipe while announcing $50 World Cup tickets
• Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr wins Saudi Pro League as Portugal star reduced to tears

"First of all, I think players need to talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside of the [pitch]," Pochettino said in January, via The Mirror US. "It is not his duty to evaluate the price of the ticket."

Weah, 26, grew up playing local soccer in New York City before relocating to France at 14 to chase professional opportunities. Standing proudly alongside Mamdani, he spoke passionately about the significance of affordable tickets.

"I think this opportunity is really healthy for the community and for New York in its whole," he told the cheering crowd. "I think as athletes it's important to have a voice because we are the pillars of this community - we're the leaders of the next generation.

"As a kid, it was a dream to be up here, to be in stadiums playing," Weah added. "If I can help the next kid get to that stage, it's a wonderful feeling. The mayor has done an amazing job of making these tickets accessible to New Yorkers."

To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

MetLife Stadium, which will be rebranded as New York/New Jersey Stadium for this summer's World Cup, is set to stage several marquee games, including the final on July 19. Confirmed group stage games feature Brazil vs. Morocco, France vs. Senegal, and Panama vs. England.

"We know that there are so many New Yorkers who thought that there was no way they could afford to go to this tournament, and now there is that glimpse of an opportunity," Mamdani said of the program.

Weah, who operates as both a winger and wing-back, is expected to feature prominently for the U.S. at this summer's World Cup. He netted his country's first goal at the 2022 edition during a 1-1 draw with Wales.

Pochettino, appointed by the USMNT following an extensive European career overseeing clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, has urged his American squad to steer clear of political discourse.

"We are not politicians. We are sport people that only we can talk about our job," he said at that same January presser. "And I think if FIFA does something or takes some decision, they know why, and it is their responsibility to explain why. But it's not up to us to provide our opinion."

Livingston say Cammy Palmer will add "energy, technical quality and versatility" to their squad after the midfielder agreed a pre-contract to join from Glentoran.

The 26-year-old has previously played in Scotland with Partick Thistle and Clyde on loan from Rangers. He also had a loan at Orange County and joined Linfield in 2021 and Glentoran two years later.

"Primarily a central midfielder, Palmer is also capable of operating in both attacking and defensive midfield roles," Livingston said.

At Glentoran, Livi say Palmer "became an important figure in midfield, impressing with his work rate, passing ability and composure on the ball across three strong seasons with the club, featuring 100 times".

Houston Rockets center and Turkish basketball star Alperen Şengün was seen at the EuroLeague Final Four Friday, supporting Turkish basketball club Fenerbahçe. While there, Şengün made time for an interview, expressing his support for the club that he nearly signed with before entering the 2021 NBA Draft.

Alperen Sengun supporting Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague Final Four 🗣️🇹🇷pic.twitter.com/kuRzOmgvkv

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) May 22, 2026

Despite his presence, Fenerbahce would end up falling to Greek club Olympiacos 79-61. The game featured a few notable former NBA players, including Sasha Vezenkov, Evan Fournier, Cory Joseph, Talen Horton-Tucker, Wade Baldwin IV and Khem Birch. Looking ahead, Olympiacos will face the winner of No. 2 seed Valencia Basket and No. 3 seed Real Madrid in the EuroLeague Finals.

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets star makes appearance at EuroLeague Final Four

Max Verstappen is arguably the most naturally gifted driver on the Formula 1 grid, but let’s be honest, he is bored by the 2026 regulations. The extreme battery management and relentless lift-and-coast driving style required by the new hybrid systems have completely drained his enthusiasm. According to a prominent paddock insider, the World Champion is so disconnected from the current state of F1 that he views the pinnacle of motorsport as a mere 9-to-5 gig.

During a recent broadcast segment (via Sky Sports F1), the commentary team unpacked Verstappen’s growing apathy toward the 2026 rulebook. Indy NXT race winner and F1 analyst Jamie Chadwick dropped a massive reality check regarding how the Dutchman currently views his seat at Red Bull Racing.

“I mean, you look at this as maybe it’s a day job, and it’s a day job that allows him to do everything else,” Chadwick explained. “And everything else can be, for example, the Nürburgring 24 Hours; you never know what could be in the future.”

Chadwick noted that while it is “crazy to think about” an F1 World Champion viewing his role as just a job to pay the bills, he remains “one of the best at it.”

The Nürburgring Escape for Verstappen

Chadwick’s comments perfectly align with Verstappen’s recent extracurricular activities. While the 2026 F1 cars are heavily restricted by a controversial 50/50 electrical power split, GT3 endurance racing offers the raw, visceral thrill that Verstappen craves.

He recently competed in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours, and Martin Brundle, who also has extensive experience at the infamous circuit, noted the stark contrast between the two disciplines. Brundle highlighted the immense physical toll, the heavy grip, and the ever-present danger of the 130-corner track, pointing out that “you can’t do it in F1 cars anymore.”

Unsurprisingly, Brundle noted that Verstappen was “blisteringly fast” in his GT3 machinery. When Verstappen is allowed to push a car to its absolute mechanical limits without worrying about a battery recharge display, his true passion for motorsport instantly returns.

The 60/40 Lifeline and Red Bull’s Revival?

Formula 1 executives know they are on the verge of losing their biggest star to the world of endurance racing. However, a massive regulatory tweak might be the only thing keeping Verstappen from triggering his exit clauses.

Simon Lazenby revealed that the FIA is actively looking at adjusting the hated 50/50 power split for the 2027 season. “We hear there’s going to be tweaks by the way,” Lazenby stated. “It’s going to move more in terms of the combustion engine next year, 60/40 as opposed to… 50/50.” Lazenby explicitly noted that this specific rule change “could be a dictating factor to keep Max staying in Formula One.”

Beyond the rulebook, Red Bull is finally giving Verstappen a reason to care again. After a brutal start to the 2026 campaign, the brand-new Red Bull Powertrains division showed a massive surge in form during the recent Miami Grand Prix sprint weekend.

“What a turnaround now by Red Bull Powertrains,” Lazenby remarked, acknowledging their sudden ability to challenge at the front. Brundle echoed the praise, stating that the engine department has done “incredibly well from a standing start,” and boldly predicted that Verstappen will still win races this year in the RB22.

If Red Bull can continue to unlock raw pace, and the FIA actually delivers a combustion-heavy 60/40 engine tweak next season, Verstappen might finally start enjoying Formula 1 again. But until then, he is just clocking in to fund his real weekend racing adventures.

Amid her ongoing battle with FIFA, Mikie Sherrill has another bold sports play on her mind: Bring the Nets back across the Hudson River. 

The Nets played in New Jersey from 1977 to 2012, before moving to Brooklyn. The team struggled to draw attendance while in the Garden State and played in multiple arenas, including Rutgers Athletic Center, the since-closed Izod Center, Prudential Center, and even the Teaneck Armory. 

Since moving to Brooklyn the Nets have undergone a complete rebrand, switching its colors from red and blue to black and white. The team has not played a game in New Jersey, but did maintain a practice facility in East Rutherford until 2016 while a new one was built in Brooklyn. 

But a team source told Front Office Sports that there’s been no conversations between Sherrill’s administration and team ownership at all, let alone about a move. “They’re perfectly happy in Brooklyn,” the source said. 

The comments come after Sherrill, at a late April live chat about her first 100 days in office as governor, was asked if she was interested in bringing the Nets back to New Jersey. It turns out, the idea was already on her radar. 

“I mean, would I support it? I ask about it all the time,” Sherrill said. “I love the idea. So, I have been pressing for that. I haven’t made a lot of headway yet; you know, maybe in my second 100 days.

“But I do think there is some work being done for some — I don’t know if I’m allowed to say too much about it — but some people are working on some different sports coming into the Rock.”

Sherrill grew up in Virginia and launched her political career in New Jersey in 2017, years after the team had already moved. The Devils are the state’s lone professional sports team amid the major sports leagues and have been the primary tenant at the Prudential Center since the Nets left after the 2012 season. 

The Nets were owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov amid their move to Brooklyn, but were sold to Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai in 2019 for $2.3 billion in a deal that included Barclays Center, the team’s arena. Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, which is Tsai’s umbrella company for the Nets and their Long Island G-League affiliate, the Liberty, and Barclays Center, is in the middle of a five-year, $140 million renovation to the arena.

The post NJ Gov Says She Wants Nets Back 14 Years After Move to Brooklyn appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Florida State is one of the four schools that 2027 three-star offensive lineman DaJohn Yarborough is choosing from. The others are the California Bears, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Washington Huskies.

The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder is set to begin his official visit schedule next week when he goes to Mississippi State on May 29. On June 5, he'll go to Tallahassee to visit FSU, and he recently told Rivals what makes the Seminoles one of his standout choices.

Florida State stands out for its tradition, elite coaching, and ability to develop players for the next level,” said Yarborough. “The environment and fan base there is different—it feels big-time every day. I can see myself growing on and off the field in that program and competing at a high level. I also like how consistent they are in competing for championships and being in big games. The standard there pushes players to stay locked in every day. I feel like being around that kind of culture would bring the best out of me and help me reach my full potential as a player and teammate.

When Yarborough arrives on Florida State's campus, it will be his second time there with his first coming back in March. He'll head to California on June 11 and then Washington on June 19.

Yarborough is the nation's No. 409 recruit and the No. 31 interior offensive lineman per Rivals' industry rankings. He's also the No. 9 prospect in the state of Arizona.

This certainly a battle that FSU needs to win. They landed up three-star quarterback Logan Flaherty on Tuesday, and the Seminoles need to keep the momentum going as they look to climb back up the rankings in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

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: DaJohn Yarborough praises Florida State

The Buffalo Bills' upcoming 2026 NFL season weighs most on one person, according to The Ringer.

The outlet released their latest NFL power rankings poll in the midst of the 2026 offseason. Overall, the Bills land at the No. 4 position.

Buffalo is the second-best ranked AFC team in The Ringer's mind, behind only the Denver Broncos in third. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams at the top lead this poll, respectively.

In placing the Bills at the fourth position, the outlet does not put the pressure on the likes of quarterback Josh Allen like many do. Instead, it's b

Joe Brady that does. Can Brady improve the Bills and take them to a place that Sean McDermott could not?

The Ringer's breakdown on the Bills' position can be found below:

No coach is under more pressure to prove himself than new Bills head coach Joe Brady, as he inherits a perennial contender and one of the three best quarterbacks in the league. The Bills also have one of the best offensive lines, and this team is basically guaranteed four wins because of  the Jets’ and Dolphins’ rebuilding efforts in the division.

Brady, who was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Sean McDermott’s surprising firing in January, has two jobs this season: get more out of Buffalo’s receiving corps than McDermott did and make sure that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s scheme is on the cutting edge so this defense can perform at a high level in the playoffs. If this team takes a step back in 2026—especially on offense—Brady could end up on the hot seat after only a year

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Power rankings: Bills earn top-five position in new NFL poll

The New York Jets will enter the 2026 season with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. They reunited with Smith this past offseason to serve as a temporary solution. Quarterback contracts around the league prove why the Jets need to eventually find their rookie solution.

The Los Angeles Rams signed Matthew Stafford to a one-year extension on Thursday worth $55 million. Stafford could earn $60 million via incentives, effectively making his current contract a two-year one worth $105 million.

As quarterback contracts continue to bloat around the league, finding a franchise rookie QB has become even more important.

There are now 12 quarterbacks in the league earning more than $50 million per year on an annual average basis. Meanwhile the Tennessee Titans will pay sophomore No. 1 overall pick Cameron Ward $12 million in 2026. The Las Vegas Raiders will pay Fernando Mendoza even less than that once he officially signs his rookie contract.

The Jets are currently slated to possess three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL draft. The 2027 draft appears loaded at quarterback, with prospects like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Drew Mestemaker, and CJ Carr all eligible following the upcoming college football season. Some of the best teams in the NFL compete for Super Bowls while having franchise quarterbacks on affordable rookie contracts because of how you can spend aggressively elsewhere.

The Jets need to become one of those teams.

ESPN sources: reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached agreement today on a one-year, $55 million extension worth up to $60 million with incentives. Stafford now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on his deal with the Rams. pic.twitter.com/3lMmJMhk7R

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2026

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Matthew Stafford extension proves Jets need to find rookie QB solution

The Texas A&M Aggies have made another addition to their top-ranked recruiting class, receiving a commitment from three-star tight end Holden Niemi on Friday, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett.

Niemi is from Dexter, Michigan, and had over 20 scholarship offers from programs across the country, including the Michigan Wolverines, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Georgia Bulldogs. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder was offered a scholarship by Texas A&M in January, shortly after they hired Derek Shay as their new tight ends coach.

He is ranked as the No. 850 overall player and No. 44 tight end in the Rivals industry ranking. He is also the No. 14 player from Michigan.

Niemi is Texas A&M's 15th commitment in the 2027 recruiting cycle, with a third of them being ranked as five-star prospects. While the group is loaded with talent, Niemi is just the second offensive skill player to commit to the Aggies, joining four-star wide receiver Jaden Upshaw.

With five-star offensive linemen Kennedy Brown and Mark Matthews, safety Kamarui Dorsey, cornerback Raylaun Henry, and edge Zyron Forstall already in the fold, they can now look to adding more playmakers to surround four-star quarterback commit Jayce Johnson.

Locked in🔒!! Go Aggies!! https://t.co/6M2AQGmVLU

— Holden Niemi (@NiemiHolden) May 22, 2026

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football lands commitment from three-star TE Holden Niemi

Rays vs Yankees prediction markets for Friday night AL East showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Friday night is set for a blockbuster American League East showdown as the Tampa Bay Rays bring a stellar 33-15 record and a massive .688 winning percentage into the Bronx to face off against the New York Yankees, who are putting together a formidable campaign of their own at 30-21. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET under the lights at Yankee Stadium. Before the action gets underway, follow these Rays vs Yankees prediction markets to trade on this Friday night matchup in New York.

New customers can register with the Polymarket promo code TSNEWS to claim a fantastic welcome offer to deposit $20 and get a $50 bonus.

This matchup features plenty of star power for fans and prediction market traders to monitor. New York boasts a potent lineup with heavy hitters like Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt. They will, however, be navigating the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, who currently sits on the injured list. On the other side, Tampa Bay counters with exciting bats like Cedric Mullins and Junior Caminero, hoping to continue their phenomenal start to the regular season.

On the mound, Nick Martinez is the probable starting pitcher for the Rays. A critical storyline for traders keeping an eye on pre-game roster moves is that the Yankees have ace Gerrit Cole listed as their probable starter despite him currently residing on the injured list.

Rays vs Yankees prediction markets for Friday night

The prediction market clearly favors New York at 59%, signaling confidence in the home club despite both teams boasting excellent overall records. Market participants are likely weighing superior pitching metrics and home-field advantage at Yankee Stadium when taking positions on this matchup.

Analyzing the statistics reveals why the market leans toward New York. The pitching staff possesses a sturdy 3.31 team ERA, backed by a potent offense that has driven in 237 runs with 165 extra-base hits and a .752 team OPS. Tampa Bay presents a different offensive challenge. While the lineup sports a higher .261 team batting average compared to a .233 mark for New York, they rely more heavily on contact than power. They have tallied 218 runs batted in and 118 extra-base hits. On the mound, the pitching staff for Tampa Bay holds a respectable 3.57 overall ERA, but defensive metrics slightly favor New York. The fielders in the Bronx hold a .987 fielding percentage with 25 errors, compared to a .981 fielding percentage and 32 errors for Tampa Bay.

Traders must also closely monitor the injured list as both rosters navigate significant setbacks. New York is missing critical figures, including starting pitcher Max Fried and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. Meanwhile, depth for Tampa Bay is equally tested. Designated hitter Yandy Diaz is dealing with a hand injury, outfielder Gavin Lux is sidelined, and starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot remains out following hip surgery.

Both squads enter this contest with contrasting recent form. In their last outing, New York suffered a narrow 2-0 shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays. They struggled offensively with just three hits despite an error-free defensive showing. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has been on a tear since dropping a 5-3 extra-inning affair to Toronto, winning five of their last six games. That red-hot stretch only further validates the dominant 33-15 record the Rays carry into this matchup. Market traders should factor in Tampa Bay's recent surge when evaluating whether a contact-heavy lineup can overcome the 42% implied probability on the road against a formidable pitching staff in New York.

Rays vs Yankees prediction for AL East matchup

When evaluating this American League East clash on prediction platforms, the market is currently leaning heavily toward the home team by giving New York a 59% probability of victory. There is, however, substantial value in taking a position on Tampa Bay at their 42% market price.

The primary catalyst for backing Tampa Bay is the sensational form of their probable starting pitcher, Nick Martinez. Through 53.2 innings pitched this season, Martinez has been incredibly effective. He has posted a minuscule 1.509 ERA alongside a stellar 1.043 WHIP. While his strikeout rate of 5.87 per nine innings is not particularly overpowering, his elite run-prevention metrics provide a highly reliable foundation to quiet the bats of New York. Paired with a squad that has already amassed a dominant 33-15 overall record, securing a position on the road underdogs offers immense upside for traders.

That said, status as the market favorite for New York is definitely not without merit, and traders must acknowledge the potential risks. New York deploys one of the most formidable pitching staffs in Major League Baseball. As a collective unit, they boast a pristine 3.31 team ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, complemented by an impressive 8.95 strikeouts per nine innings. By comparison, the staff for Tampa Bay holds a slightly higher 3.59 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP while generating a lower 7.82 strikeout rate per nine innings. If the arms for New York can successfully stifle a contact-oriented offense, home-field advantage at Yankee Stadium could easily dictate the outcome of this contest.

Despite the overarching team pitching superiority for New York, the specific form of the starting rotation for Tampa Bay tips the scales toward the visitors. The proven ability of Martinez to limit damage gives Tampa Bay a distinct edge in the early innings. With Tampa Bay playing superb baseball and the prediction market offering an appealing entry point on a 33-win juggernaut, the data suggests the visitors are well-positioned to orchestrate a road victory.

Pick/Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays

Mike McCarthy was hired to do more than steady the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was hired to fix the problem that has been hindering the team and frustrating Steelers fans for years.

Pittsburgh has not had an offensive-minded head coach since the Chuck Noll era, and the lack of consistent scoring and explosive plays became one of the defining complaints of Mike Tomlin’s tenure. The Steelers had strong defensive identities, physical teams, and playoff expectations, but the offense too often felt stuck in the past.

That is why Steelers insider Gerry Dulac believes it is fair to expect real improvement under McCarthy.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to argue that it’s right to expect something better, something more productive because you’re talking about a guy who not only is a proven head coach, he’s a proven play caller,” Dulac said on the May 21 episode of “The Rich Eisen Show.”

That comment came after Rich Eisen brought up Pittsburgh’s offensive decline since Bruce Arians left. Arians served as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011, a stretch that included two Super Bowl appearances and wins in Super Bowls 40 and 43.

Arians also had Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell at his disposal, so the circumstances were different. But the larger point remains: Pittsburgh has spent years under an old-school offensive approach that repeatedly failed to strike fear into defenses. The offense was consistently called out as predictable by opponents, yet nothing was ever done to remedy it.

McCarthy now gives the Steelers a head coach with a long track record of calling plays. He has done it across 16 seasons as an NFL head coach, including a dozen with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and two more with Dak Prescott in Dallas.

Brian Angelichio will coordinate the offense, and his history with McCarthy in Green Bay gives the staff some built-in familiarity. But McCarthy calling plays is the real shift.

For Steelers fans tired of stale, conservative football, Pittsburgh doesn’t need the offense to be slightly better -- it needs to become a unit that can finally help lead the team instead of holding it back.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Mike McCarthy gives Steelers offense reason for optimism

Chilling new details have emerged about the medical emergency Kyle Busch experienced in the hours before his shocking death at 41 years old.

911 audio obtained by TMZ and published on Friday, May 22, captures a frantic call placed around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, from a training facility in Concord, North Carolina. A caller is heard requesting an ambulance, telling dispatch, “I’ve got an individual that’s shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”

Per the outlet, the caller confirmed multiple times that Busch was still conscious, urgently repeating, “He is awake. He’s awake. He’s awake.” According to TMZ, Busch was lying on a bathroom floor inside the complex as employees prepared for paramedics to arrive. The caller also reportedly asked responding crews to turn off their sirens while approaching the building and indicated he would meet them at a side entrance.

As In Touch previously reported, the NASCAR star had been using a Chevrolet racing simulator at the facility when he lost consciousness and was transported to a Charlotte-area hospital. His family released a statement the following day revealing he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” and would not compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway that weekend. Just hours after that announcement, his death was confirmed.

The alarming 911 call also comes on the heels of reports that Busch had sought medical assistance less than two weeks earlier during a race weekend at Watkins Glen, where he had reportedly been battling a severe sinus-related illness, per TMZ.

Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.

Read More From InTouch Weekly

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This story Kyle Busch Was Found on Bathroom Floor Coughing Up Blood Before His Death, Audio Shows first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Add InTouch Weekly as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Hartlepool United have agreed a new one-year deal with forward Luke Charman, with the club having the option of a further 12 months until the summer of 2028.

Charman, 28, has scored seven goals in 66 games for Pools since joining from Fylde in 2024.

He is the first player tied to a new deal under Hartlepool's new head coach Lee Clark.

When Celtic and Dunfermline go head-to-head in Saturday's Scottish Cup final, both teams will be aiming to cap a remarkable season.

Championship Dunfermline are trying to end a 58-year wait to lift this trophy, while also claiming a fourth top-flight scalp along the way under former Celtic player and manager Neil Lennon.

Meanwhile, Celtic are aiming for an unlikely double in a season of ups and downs after Martin O'Neill masterminded yet another Scottish Premiership title last weekend.

O'Neill has taken interim charge twice this season after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, but remains coy as to whether Saturday will be his final match in charge.

• 'Underdogs bite' - Dunfermline boss Lennon warns Celtic
• 'Still place for older gentleman' - O'Neill coy on Celtic future

How they got here

Celtic - beaten finalists last season - started this campaign with a 2-0 win over sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot, thanks to goals from Johnny Kenny and Sebastian Tounekti.

They were then drawn against Dundee in the fifth round and were moments away from elimination after Ethan Hamilton's superb strike gave the visitors the lead. However, Junior Adamu scored a 97th-minute equaliser on his debut to force extra time before Tounekti won it.

Celtic were again made to dig deep in the quarter-final as they needed penalties to beat rivals Rangers at Ibrox.

O'Neill's side had just one shot in 120 minutes, but won the shootout 4-2 to make it to Hampden.

And there was more drama in the semi-final as St Mirren's Mikael Mandron made it 2-2 late on to take it to extra time. Celtic's quality shone through though as four goals in six minutes blew the Paisley side away.

Dunfermline meanwhile started with a 2-1 win over Queen of the South thanks to a Chris Kane double.

They then secured the first of three victories against top-flight opposition as an own-goal from Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa proved the difference.

Kelty Hearts were dispatched 2-0 in the fifth round, before Matty Todd's early strike and a double from Olly Thomas earned a superb 3-0 win over Aberdeen.

That booked their place at Hampden, where they beat Falkirk 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

O'Neill & Lennon - a relationship that goes back to the '90s

These two managers know each other incredibly well.

O'Neill signed Lennon for Leicester City - winning the League Cup twice - before bringing him to Celtic in December 2000.

Lennon won seven major honours under O'Neill at Parkhead in a trophy-laden spell as a player, before following in his former boss' footsteps, himself becoming manager in 2010.

Across two spells, Lennon won 10 trophies as Celtic boss. After lifting the Premiership trophy last weekend, O'Neill now has eight to his name.

Lennon has proved his managerial nous plenty of times already this season, but he must down his mentor if he is to make history with Dunfermline.

How to follow the game

History in this competition

Celtic have won this competition 42 times, more than any other club, but were beaten in last year's final by Aberdeen.

Their most recent triumph came in 2024 as Adam Idah's late goal helped Brendan Rodgers' side beat Rangers.

Dunfermline have been waiting considerably longer to taste Scottish Cup success.

Their most recent final appearance was in 2007, when they lost 1-0 to Celtic, while they have won the cup twice, in 1961 and 1968.

What the managers said

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill: "Not only did [Neil Lennon] do brilliantly as a player, but he did fabulously as a manager, his record is quite extraordinary.

"I think, yes, there's no question [he is a dangerous manager to face].

"His run this year in the cup has been terrific, knocking out three top-flight teams as well along the way.

"I know he mentioned that the game against Falkirk was a bit attritional in the semi-final, but they found a way to win, stayed through it until they got through on penalty kicks."

Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon: "It's not a day out for us.

"I've seen a lot of comments this week about Martin [O'Neill] picking up the trophy with Callum McGregor and if he'd have been here earlier in the season, he would have been winning a treble.

"I wouldn't dismiss us. We're the underdogs, but underdogs bite.

"We will come - I wouldn't say brimming full of confidence - but with an inner belief that we can achieve something here. We're under no illusions as to how difficult that's going to be."

Key stats

• Celtic are aiming to win a league and Scottish Cup double for the 14th time.
• Dunfermline are aiming to become the fourth lower-league side to win the Scottish Cup after Hibernian (2016), East Fife (1938) and Queen's Park (1893).
• This is the fifth time the sides have met in the Scottish Cup final and the third time this century - all won by Celtic.
• Dunfermline's last Scottish Cup win over Celtic was in the first round in 1968.
• This is their first meeting since a League Cup second-round match in August 2019 when Lennon was Celtic manager.
• Dunfermline's last win over Celtic at Hampden was their Scottish Cup final win in 1961 under Stein.
• Dunfermline have only won four of the past 61 meetings between the clubs - all those Pars victories came at Celtic Park.

In the 40-year history of the play-offs, never has the pre-match talk before a final been so overshadowed by a team who are not involved in the match.

Tuesday brought the news that Southampton had been expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying on opponents, with their place in the final against Hull City instead taken by Middlesbrough, who they had beaten in the semis.

Since then Saints have appealed unsuccessfully against the decision, with an independent commission ruling their boss Tonda Eckert had "specifically authorised the observations".

There is likely to be more fallout in the coming weeks but, in the meantime, it will be one of Hull or Middlesbrough who will be celebrating promotion to the Premier League on Saturday evening.

BBC Sport takes a look at the two teams who will be contesting the '£200m game' at Wembley (15:30 BST).

Surprise package Tigers 'collateral damage'

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic did not hold back when asked about his feelings on where the furore surrounding Southampton's activities left his own side.

"We can say everything is unfair in this last two weeks. You don't know what's going on," he told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We are collateral damage because we are waiting on [an] opponent and you don't know what's going on, what's happening."

The Tigers, who beat third-placed Millwall to secure their place in the play-off final last Monday, have been the division's surprise package this season.

The East Yorkshire side survived relegation to League One on goal difference last May before appointing former Bosnia international Jakirovic as their new boss.

They were then hit with a three-window transfer embargo, which was later reduced to two after a successful appeal, and few had them down as promotion contenders.

However, they confounded those expectations and spent the vast majority of the season in the top six.

The Tigers were still in automatic contention at the end of March only for a six-game stretch in April to leave them seventh going into the final day.

Victory at home over Norwich City and Boro's draw at Wrexham meant they climbed back into the play-off spots when it mattered most and they overcame the Lions, who had finished three places and 10 points above them, to reach Wembley.

Hull, who are looking for a third win in their third Championship play-off final, will be without forward Kyle Joseph with an injury picked up in the win at Millwall.

• Southampton lose appeal against play-off expulsion
• FA opens Southampton investigation over Spygate
• Southampton's Eckert authorised spying missions

Reinstated Boro aim to seize final reprieve

Middlesbrough's presence at Wembley comes at the end of their own dramatic, rollercoaster season for which nobody could have written the script.

They appointed a new boss last summer in Rob Edwards, who made a great start on the pitch and behind the scenes. But when a job came up at struggling Wolves in the Premier League, Edwards scarpered to the club where he spent four years as player, just three months into his first season on Teesside and much to the displeasure of Boro fans.

In came unknown Swede Kim Hellberg, and the humble ex-teacher steered Boro to the top of the Championship by February on the back of six straight wins with eye-catching football.

But despite holding a position in the top two for 35 of the 46 match-days, Boro were undone by a loss of form and loss of key players in the run-in as they stumbled home in fifth.

That set up the play-off semi-final with in-form Southampton, who had not lost in the league since a 2-1 home defeat by Hull on 17 January.

Their preparation was infamously interrupted by finding a member of Saints' backroom team at their training ground two days before the first leg and 'Spygate' was born.

Now just over a fortnight later, having lost 2-1 on aggregate to Southampton in the semi-finals before being reinstated, they find themselves one game away from a Premier League return after nine years away.

Influential skipper Hayden Hackney is back after 10 games out with a groin injury, but Scotland forward Tommy Conway has been ruled out of the game - and the World Cup - with an ankle injury.

Stat attack

• This is the first meeting in a play-off final between teams who finished fifth and sixth since Aston Villa beat Derby County in 2019.
• Hull have a 100% record in Championship play-off finals, winning promotion under the arch in 2008 and 2016.
• Middlesbrough have never won a match at Wembley.
• Hull have won only two of their past nine matches; Boro have managed only two victories in their past 12 games.

Editor's note: Read the latest updates on NASCAR star Kyle Busch's death here.

Kyle Busch was coughing up blood when emergency responders were called to a General Motors facility in Concord, N.C., the day before the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died, according to the 911 call obtained by USA Today.

In the call, a man tells a dispatcher that Busch was on the bathroom floor, awake, but in distress. He said Busch was coughing up blood, short of breath and very hot. The caller asked that emergency responders turn off their sirens on arrival.

“I’ve got an individual that’s (experiencing) shortness of breath, very hot and thinks he’s going to pass out and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood,” the caller told the dispatcher.

The caller identified the location as the General Motors Charlotte Technical Center off Speedway Boulevard in Concord, describing it as being next to Hendrick Motorsports. The Associated Press previously reported, citing people familiar with the situation, that Busch had become unresponsive while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on May 20.

Busch was transported to a hospital in Charlotte. His family posted a statement to his X account the following morning May 21, saying he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would not compete that weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

That evening, NASCAR announced his death. He was 41. No cause of death has been released.

Kyle Busch's health picture grew more serious in final weeks

The 911 call adds new detail to what had been an increasingly alarming picture of Busch’s health in his final weeks. On May 10, during a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International, Busch radioed his crew near the end of the race asking for team physician Dr. Bill Heisel to meet him at the bus afterward. He wanted a shot. The FS1 broadcast noted he had been battling a sinus cold all week. He finished eighth in the race.

A week later, at Dover, after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on May 15, his 69^th career Truck Series win, Busch addressed his cold on video. “I’m still not great,” he said. “The cough was pretty substantial last week.”

He ran the All-Star Race at Dover on May 17 and finished 17^th. It was the last race he ever started.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 911 call reveals Kyle Busch was coughing up blood before his death

The Hickory Motor Speedway held a moment of silence for Kyle Busch and his family after the two-time NASCAR champion’s sudden death Thursday.

The track confirmed Busch and his son, Braxton, were supposed to race each other there Thursday. Hours before Busch’s death, his son was in Hickory for a practice session.

The Hickory Motor Speedway is more than 70 years old. Fans say Busch has raced at the track several times over the years and had practiced with his son there within the last week.

At the race track Friday morning, Channel 9’s Dave Faherty could still see Busch’s hauler used to transport their cars.

Other drivers and families at the track are mourning the loss.

“It hit really hard, and you could tell just the atmosphere in the race track was very, very low,” one fan said. “Nobody really knew what to do.”

The track is offering its condolences and prayers to Kyle Busch and his family.

While Busch was best known for his NASCAR championships, he also had quite the short track career. Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5:30 p.m. for more.

Kyle Busch’s unexpected death this week is just another tragedy added to a long list of heartbreaking moments that have haunted NASCAR for decades — and even more so in the last six months.

The latest deaths have led to “many claiming that the sport is ‘cursed,'” according to an article on the Daily Mail on Friday, May 22.

Drivers Davey Allison and Alan Kulwicki died in separate plane crashes in 1993. Seven years later, Adam Petty, the grandson of NASCAR legend Richard Petty, died in a practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway at 19 years old. The following year, racing icon Dale Earnhardt died during the 2001 Daytona 500 in the last lap.

The past six months alone have seen at least two horrifying incidents involving NASCAR drivers and their families. As Globe previously reported in December, Greg Biffle, along with his wife Christina, and his two children Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, died in a plane crash that killed everyone on board.

Biffle’s friend Garrett Mitchell announced the news on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Christina Grossu, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane…because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell wrote at the time. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

Ten days later on December 28, a house fire took the life of driver Denny Hamlin‘s father, Dennis. Denny’s mom, Mary Lou, managed to pull Dennis from the house, but he later succumbed to his injuries.

Denny owned the Stanley, North Carolina, home, and investigators never determined a cause of the fire.

Busch’s death is the most recent tragedy surrounding the sport. Hours before he died, Busch’s family released a statement saying that he would be canceling his appearance in the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. They shared that he had come down with a “severe illness” and was hospitalized on Wednesday, May 20.

The statement didn’t reveal specifics about his ailment, but the following day, they announced Busch had died at just 41 years old.

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This story Is NASCAR Cursed? Kyle Busch’s Death Most Recent Tragedy to Haunt the Sport first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jens Berthel Askou captured the hearts of Motherwell supporters during a whirlwind 11-month tenure.

The Dane has departed for Toulouse after implementing a slick and eye-catching possession-based style that swept the Steelmen to a fourth-place Scottish Premiership finish and European football for the first time in four years.

Motherwell finished the season on 61 points - their fourth-highest tally since three points for a win was introduced in 1994.

To get there, they scored 59 goals (the fourth most in the division) and conceded 36 - the second fewest in the Premiership and also the least Motherwell have shipped in a top-flight season since 1932.

Their 18 clean sheets was the most of any side in the league while their nine defeats were the fewest by a Motherwell team in a top-flight season since 1959.

And goalkeeper Calum Ward set a new club record of 20 clean sheets across all competitions.

Askou's side scored seven league goals from fast breaks, the joint most in the division, and had the third-highest possession with 57.97%. Their expected goals (xG) was the fourth highest (56.09) while their expected goals against was the fifth lowest (47.17).

Askou leaves with a win ratio of 46.8% and a points per game of 1.61 with an average goals scored per game of 1.51.

Thunder vs Spurs prediction markets guide for Game 3 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The stakes are massive as the San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals with the series tied 1-1. The Spurs took Game 1 in an overtime classic before the Thunder responded with an impressive victory in Game 2. Before the action gets underway this evening, follow this Thunder vs Spurs prediction markets guide for Game 3 to trade on the NBA Playoffs.

Sign up with the Polymarket promo code TSNEWS to skip the US waitlist and get a welcome offer to deposit $20 and unlock a $50 bonus.

The Spurs closed out the Minnesota Timberwolves with a decisive 126-97 win, where Victor Wembanyama led the charge with 27 points. Meanwhile, the Thunder eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers with a tight 115-110 victory, propelled by a 35-point masterclass from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both elite superstars have been spectacular through the first two games of this series, with Wembanyama averaging 31 points and 20.5 rebounds, while Gilgeous-Alexander is posting 27 points and 10.5 assists.

A major storyline heading into tonight revolves around star player health. Backcourt issues for the home team and key wing injuries for the visitors could dramatically shift the series momentum. Game 3 is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio with national broadcast coverage provided by NBC and Peacock.

Thunder vs Spurs prediction markets for Game 3

The data points to a highly competitive Game 3, with the hometown Spurs holding a statistical edge. The narrow probability gap suggests Game 3 will be a closely contested affair. While the numbers favor San Antonio, they indicate a closely matched contest that could easily swing in either direction.

Spurs vs Thunder stats & key matchups

How do these two teams stack up against each other? Through two games of this Western Conference Finals series, the battle reveals contrasting styles and clear mismatches.

The Spurs have utilized their massive size advantage to dominate the glass, pulling down 53 rebounds per game compared to 40.5 for the Thunder. However, the Thunder have countered that interior presence with relentless perimeter pressure, forcing an alarming 21 turnovers per game. Active defense generates 14 steals a night for the visitors, igniting a fluid offense that dishes out 29.5 assists per game to easily best the 23.5 helpers from the Spurs.

Both offenses are clicking at an elite level. The Thunder average a slight edge in scoring with 118.5 points per contest against 117.5 for the Spurs. The home team has been slightly more efficient overall from the floor (46% to 44%), but the visitors hold the perimeter advantage from beyond the arc (37% to 35%).

In Game 2, the Thunder evened the series behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 30-point, 9-assist performance, as he attacked relentlessly and shot 12-of-24 from the floor. Through two matchups, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27 points and 10.5 assists while generating 3 steals per game on the defensive end. His counterpart Stephon Castle responded with 25 points and 8 assists in Game 2 but was plagued by 9 turnovers, continuing a troubling series trend of 10 turnovers per game that the Thunder's perimeter pressure ruthlessly exploits.

In the frontcourt, Victor Wembanyama was held to a relatively quiet 21 points and 17 rebounds in Game 2 after his 41-point, 24-rebound eruption in Game 1, but his series averages of 31 points and 20.5 rebounds remain staggering. Chet Holmgren bounced back with 13 points in Game 2 after managing just 8 in Game 1, but his series averages of 10.5 points and 6 rebounds suggest he's been largely overwhelmed by Wembanyama's physicality. Alex Caruso has emerged as the Thunder's unlikely X-factor, shooting a blistering 61% from the field and 61% from three-point range through two games while averaging 24 points off the bench. Cason Wallace has also been disruptive, averaging 3 steals per game. Whichever squad exploits these individual matchup advantages will likely take Game 3.

Spurs vs Thunder injury report

Spurs

• De'Aaron Fox (Ankle): Day-to-Day
• Dylan Harper (Leg): Day-to-Day
• David Jones Garcia (Ankle): Out for Season

Thunder

• Jalen Williams (Hamstring): Day-to-Day
• Thomas Sorber (Knee): Out for Season

The day-to-day statuses of De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper present significant hurdles for the backcourt of the Spurs. Fox already missed Game 2 with his ankle injury, while Harper was unable to finish the same contest. If both remain sidelined, playmaking depth will be severely depleted. The Thunder face a critical question mark with Jalen Williams exiting Game 2 early with a hamstring issue. His potential absence would heavily test wing rotation and perimeter defense in this pivotal clash.

Spurs vs Thunder prediction for Game 3

Both squads enter Game 3 with momentum from impressive offensive showings in this series. The Spurs took Game 1 at home (122-115) behind a jaw-dropping 41-point, 24-rebound masterpiece from Victor Wembanyama, supported by Dylan Harper's 24-point, 11-rebound double-double. The Thunder responded emphatically in Game 2 (122-113), riding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 30-point, 9-assist effort alongside Alex Caruso's 17 points off the bench and Cason Wallace's 4-steal defensive clinic. With both teams proving capable of explosive offensive performances and the series deadlocked 1-1, Game 3 carries enormous weight.

Despite the hometown Spurs holding a slight mathematical edge, backcourt health is the ultimate wild card tonight. With De'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (leg) battling day-to-day injuries, ball handling for the Spurs is severely compromised. The defense of the Thunder thrives on chaos, already forcing 21 turnovers and swiping 14 steals per game in this series. Without their primary playmakers at 100%, Stephon Castle will face relentless pressure from Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the active perimeter defenders.

However, that overwhelming size advantage cannot be ignored. The Spurs are dominating the glass by pulling down 53 rebounds per game compared to 40.5 for the Thunder. If Jalen Williams (hamstring) is hampered or sidelined, the visitors will severely lack the wing depth required to collapse on Wembanyama inside, allowing the phenom to continue his physical dominance in the paint.

While perimeter pressure and turnover generation from the Thunder will keep this game incredibly tight, the massive rebounding edge and home-court energy of the Spurs should be just enough to overcome their backcourt injury woes. Expect Wembanyama to control the tempo around the rim and secure vital second-chance points down the stretch to seal a narrow victory.

Prediction: Spurs 119, Thunder 114

Longtime coach David “DG” Nelson won’t come out and say it, but the Salt Lake Community College baseball team is feeling a bit disrespected as it heads out to Grand Junction, Colorado, to defend its Junior College World Series national championship this week.

The Bruins, who were a No. 8 seed in the tournament last year before defeating No. 1 Walters State of Tennessee 9-6 in the championship game to win their first-ever national championship, were given a No. 9 seed this year.

Talk about a lack of respect.

“I won’t comment on that,” said Nelson, in his 21st season coaching the #BruCru, as the club prefers to be called.

“That’s the expectation, that’s the goal. For me, I think we’re good enough, and we are playing our best baseball of the year. But you know how it goes. You got to get a couple breaks to go your way, and I’m excited to see what these guys do.”

SLCC head coach DG Nelson on his team's goal of defending its national title

Having won seven of its last eight games, No. 9 Salt Lake opens defense of its title on Saturday at 3 p.m. MDT against No. 2 seed Blinn College of Texas at Sam Suplizio Field in Grand Junction.

Last year, Salt Lake became the lowest-seeded team to win the Juco World Series in the seeding era, but apparently the seeding committee was not all that impressed. Just making the 10-team tournament — this is SLCC’s third appearance — is a major accomplishment, considering there are more than 560 junior college baseball teams in the country.

Salt Lake arrived in Grand Junction via bus Wednesday night, and got together Thursday to practice and take a team picture.

Can the #BruCru repeat?

“That’s the expectation, that’s the goal,” said Nelson. “For me, I think we’re good enough, and we are playing our best baseball of the year. But you know how it goes. You got to get a couple breaks to go your way, and I’m excited to see what these guys do.”

Having gone 48-11 last year with a sophomore-laden squad, Salt Lake only returned two key contributors from that team in 2026: BYU-bound outfielder Kade Gambill and pitcher Easton Davies, who has signed with Oklahoma.

Expectations this season were a bit lower, especially after they struggled in late March and early April, losing four of six games in one stretch; however, they went 4-0 at the Region 18 tournament, sweeping Utah State-Eastern and College of Southern Idaho, and then won the district playoffs to punch their ticket to nationals.

Last Saturday, they beat Central Arizona College 8-1 in the winner-take-all district championship game in Beatrice, Nebraska, after falling to the Vaqueros 6-4 earlier in the day. Freshman Drew Smith (Pleasant Grove) had a three-run homer and sophomore Kaden Hodson (Lone Peak) hit a two-run homer in the victory.

LMU transfer Nolan Tillitt of Yorba Linda, California, went 4.2 innings to get the pitching win.

#BruCru getting ready for Picture and Media Day at the @JUCOWorldSeries@slccbruins#bruinway#bruinfamilypic.twitter.com/SfQx8EYTCJ

— SLCC BASEBALL (@slccbaseball) May 21, 2026

Nelson said it isn’t a surprise that the Bruins are back in the World Series, but acknowledged that it was more difficult than last year.

“I knew we were really talented, and we possessed what we needed to have to get here,” he said. “But we are a very, very young, new team. We definitely had our ups and downs throughout the year. We were learning to play, and had a couple injuries, so we had to kind of move people around. But it’s a very talented group, and they’re driven, and man, do they play hard.”

Nelson said the hard-throwing Davies, who prepped at Orem High, heads a deep pitching staff that includes four or five other guys who are being recruited and will likely move on to four-year programs. Davies, who committed to OU before the season started, is the SWAC Pitcher of the Year and has an earned-run-average of 2.58, the third-lowest in NJCAA Division I baseball.

“Last year, he just threw hard, so we used him mainly out of the bullpen,” Nelson said. “This year he’s executing pitches and sequences much better.”

Smith, catcher AJ Thomas, second baseman Gage Wareham, third baseman Riley Brown and outfielder Lute Chavez also made the all-region first team.

Hodson, Gambill, outfielder Tyler West and outfielder Willy Roberts made the all-region second team.

West, who prepped at St. George’s Crimson Cliffs before walking on to the BYU football team last fall, is a speedster who has committed to Texas A&M.

“He’s freakishly fast,” Nelson said.

Smith, the shortstop, and Chavez are headed to Utah Valley University, while Wareham is going to Colorado Mesa.

“As far as taking leadership roles, you have Kade Gambill and Gage Wareham, two very mature kids that get the game,” Nelson said. “They have done a great job of keeping the group together and focused on what we’re here to do throughout the year. It is hard to (name) an MVP. It is a different guy in the lineup every time that gets it done.”

Now that we know the Indianapolis Colts' full 2026 NFL schedule, let's take an early look ahead at each opponent.

This season, the Colts open up the season at home against the Baltimore Ravens, kicking off a difficult stretch of games to start the season.

Colts vs. Ravens date and time

• When: Sun., Sept. 13 - Week 1
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium
• Time: 1:00 PM ET
• Network: CBS

Colts vs. Ravens matchup history

The Colts and Ravens have met 18 times previously, with Indianapolis holding an 11-7 record in these matchups.

The last time these two met was early in the 2023 season. The Colts won that game in overtime by a score of 22-19.

Colts vs. Ravens win probabilities

According to ESPN's analytics, the Colts have just a 39% chance of winning this matchup.

Quick breakdown

The Ravens finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, losing the season finale to Pittsburgh, which kept Baltimore out of the playoffs. That then led to the Ravens moving on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh and hiring LA Chargers' defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Baltimore's roster saw some turnover as well. Keaton Mitchell, Isaiah Likely, Tyler Linderbaum, Alohi Gilman, and others landed with new teams during free agency. The Ravens would sign John Simpson, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Trey Hendrickson.

Still leading the way for Baltimore will be quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 13 games last season, Jackson completed 64% of his passes for 2,549 yards with 21 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Stats to know

As a unit, the Baltimore offense ranked 10th in points per game last season, and the defense ranked 18th in scoring. The offensive line unit ranked seventh in ESPN's pass-block win rate metric, while the Baltimore pass rush unit ranked 28th in win rate.

Other players to know

• RBDerrick Henry: Henry rushed for 1,595 yards last season with 16 touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards per attempt.
• WR Zay Flowers: He led the team in targets last season with 117 and totaled 1,211 receiving yards with five scores.
• DE Trey Hendrickson: This will be Hendrickson's first season with the Ravens. For several seasons, he has been one of the most productive pass rushers in football.
• CB Marlon Humphrey: Humphrey led the Ravens in interceptions in 2025 with four on the year.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL schedule: Previewing Colts vs. Ravens Week 1 game

CAIRO – Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn isn't entirely ruling out Rico Verhoeven's chances of pulling off an all-time upset vs. Oleksandr Usyk.

Former GLORY Kickboxing champion Verhoeven (1-0) takes on undisputed boxing heavyweight champion Usyk (24-0) on Saturday (DAZN) in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Caesars Sportsbook has Usyk as high as a -5000 favorite, which gives Verhoeven little to no chance in the oddsmakers' eyes. Hearn knows it's a tall task for Verhoeven, especially after watching Anthony Joshua train with Usyk.

"The fight on paper is an impossible mountain to climb for Rico Verhoeven," Hearn said during Thursday's press conference. "No, I'll re-phrase that: for the normal man. But the reason that he's accomplished what he's accomplished and the reason he's done what he's done is because he's not a normal man. Oleksandr Usyk is one of the greatest not just fighters of our generation, but greatest examples to any young fighter, to any young athlete in terms of the work ethic and the mindset. I thank (Oleksandr) and his team for allowing AJ (Joshua) into that camp because what I've seen up close is the reason that he's undefeated, the reason he's still top of the game.

"Tomorrow night, this guy (Verhoeven), this giant of a man whose arms are like the normal man's thighs, has an opportunity to, let's be honest, forge one of the greatest upsets in the history of boxing. It might not be to him, but it will be on paper if he was to do it. He's coming in not just to fight the best in the division; he's coming in to fight the pound-for-pound No. 1. But I'll tell you something: If there was ever anything dramatic, ever anything strange to happen, it's going to happen at the foot of the Pyramids in Egypt. So, it's a mountain to climb for this man, but I'll tell you what: He is a mountain. He's a man mountain, and he's full of heart, he's full of power, and I know how bad he wants it."

Verhoeven is one of the most decorated kickboxers of all time but has just one professional boxing bout to his name – a second-round knockout win over Janos Finfera in 2014.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Oleksandr Usyk an 'impossible mountain to climb' for Rico Verhoeven

Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori was outstanding throughout his rookie season en route to winning Super Bowl 60. A true freak athlete, Emmanwori played a versatile do-it-all-role. It seems like he's just found the perfect comparison for himself.

The NBA playoffs are currently in its semi-final round. The Western Conference Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder has the makings of a legendary series. The Spurs are being powered forward by third-year superstar Victor Wembanyama.

Wembenyama is a genetic rarity as a lanky 7-foot-4, 235-pound player who is capable of literally doing everything on a basketball court. Sorta like Emmanwori did everything for the Seahawks in 2025. In Game 1 of the West Finals, Wembanyama scored 41 points and registered 24 rebounds.

Finding a tweet that said 'there's no Wemby [Wembanyama] in the NFL, Emmanwori responded on social media with a photo of himself.

https://t.co/lVkT5E425fpic.twitter.com/IIhjqgMLGr

— Nick Emmanwori (@3mmanwori) May 20, 2026

Emmanwori is a freak at his specific position. He possesses 97th-percentile height at 6-foot-3 and 96th-percentile weight at 220 pounds. Emmanwori also has an 85th-percentile wingspan (78") and posted a 99th-percentile result in the broad jump (138 inches) and 98th-percentile result in the vertical jump (43 inches).

There's no Wemby in the NFL, but Emmanwori might be the closest thing.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks DB Nick Emmanwori compares himself to Victor Wembanyama

CARLSBAD, Calif. — The 2026 NCAA Women's Golf Championship is underway.

The best teams in women's college golf are at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's North Course for the third straight year battling it out for a national title. Northwestern is the defending national champion, but Stanford is the No. 1 team in the field this week. Play started Friday morning, kicking off four rounds of stroke play.

Follow along below for live updates from the opening round of the NCAA Women's Golf Championship:

NCAA Women's Golf Championship live leaderboard

Follow along here for live scores from the 2026 NCAA Women's Golf Championship.

NCAA Women's Golf Championship first-round tee times

1st tee

• 6:52 AM — Meijin Song (The Ohio State), Charlotte Brook (Baylor), Erina Tan (Eastern Michigan)
• 7:03 AM — Nellie Ong (The Ohio State), Silje Ohma (Baylor), Jasmine Leovao (Eastern Michigan)
• 7:14 AM — Marina Joyce Moreno (The Ohio State), Malena Castro (Baylor), Savannah de Bock (Eastern Michigan)
• 7:25 AM — Sophie Eppelstun (The Ohio State), Yurang Li (Baylor), Baiyok Sukterm (Eastern Michigan)
• 7:36 AM — Matilde Santilli (The Ohio State), Bridget Boczar (Baylor), Janae Leovao (Eastern Michigan)
• 7:47 AM — Cathryn Brown (Kentucky), Ryleigh Knaub (Louisiana State), Remi Bacardi (Virginia)
• 7:58 AM — Raleygh Simpson (Kentucky), Josefin Widal (Louisiana State), Kennedy Swedick (Virginia)
• 8:09 AM — Samantha Paradise (Kentucky), Taylor Riley (Louisiana State), Mira Berglund (Virginia)
• 8:20 AM — Karlie Campbell (Kentucky), Elsa Svensson (Louisiana State), Elsie MacCleery (Virginia)
• 8:31 AM — CA Carter (Kentucky), Francesca Fiorellini (Louisiana State), Jaclyn LaHa (Virginia)
• 8:42 AM — Johanna Sjursen (Louisiana Monroe), Sheridan Clancy (Indiana), Kirstin Angosta (Texas Christian)
• 12:12 PM — Natalie Yen (Texas A&M), Angela Heo (Texas), Carys Worby (Auburn)
• 12:23 PM — Brynn Kort (Texas A&M), Selina Liao (Texas), Charlotte Cantonis (Auburn)
• 12:34 PM — Sky Sudberry (Texas A&M), Cindy Hsu (Texas), Katie Cranston (Auburn)
• 12:45 PM — Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio (Texas A&M), Lauren Kim (Texas), Molly Brown Davidson (Auburn)
• 12:56 PM — Vanessa Borovilos (Texas A&M), Farah O'Keefe (Texas), Anna Davis (Auburn)
• 1:07 PM — Yingzhi Zhu (Pepperdine), Helen Yeung (North Carolina), Grace Jin (SMU)
• 1:18 PM — Grace Anderson (Pepperdine), Thanchanok Iadpluem (North Carolina), Kirra St. Laurent (SMU)
• 1:29 PM — Kylee Choi (Pepperdine), Reagan Southerland (North Carolina), Celine Chen (SMU)
• 1:40 PM — Eunseo Choi (Pepperdine), Megan Streicher (North Carolina), Emily Odwin (SMU)
• 1:51 PM — Jeneath Wong (Pepperdine), Marie Prats-Rigual (North Carolina), Mackenzie Lee (SMU)
• 2:02 PM — Thanana Kotchasanmanee (Princeton), Emma Bunch (New Mexico State), Isabella McCauley (Minnesota)

10th tee

• 6:30 AM — Summer Lee (Oklahoma State), Elin Pudas Remler (Florida State), Isla McDonald O'Brien (Arizona State)
• 6:41 AM — Ellie Bushnell (Oklahoma State), Layla Pedrique (Florida State), Beth Coulter (Arizona State)
• 6:52 AM — Tarapath Panya (Oklahoma State), Alexandra Gazzoli (Florida State), Pimpisa Rubrong (Arizona State)
• 7:03 AM — Yu-Chu Chen (Oklahoma State), Haruhi Nakatani (Florida State), Paula Schulz-Hanssen (Arizona State)
• 7:14 AM — Marta Silchenko (Oklahoma State), Sophia Fullbrook (Florida State), Patience Rhodes (Arizona State)
• 7:25 AM — Emilia Väistö (Houston), Hsin Tai Lin (Northwestern), Fleur Van Beek (Missouri)
• 7:36 AM — Alexa Saldana (Houston), Lauren E. Lee (Northwestern), Addie Dobson (Missouri)
• 7:47 AM — Natalie Saint Germain (Houston), Megan Meng (Northwestern), Jade Zamora (Missouri)
• 7:58 AM — Maelynn Kim (Houston), Dianna Lee (Northwestern), Melanie Walker (Missouri)
• 8:09 AM — Moa Svedenskiold (Houston), Ashley Yun (Northwestern), Ebba Liljeberg (Missouri)
• 8:20 AM — Grace Vetter (Michigan State), Kelly Hope (Oregon State), Klara Hurtova (Texas Tech)
• 8:31 AM — Ana Sofia Murcia (Michigan State), Kyra Ly (Oregon State), Cameron Freund (Texas Tech)
• 8:42 AM — Sarisa Pojanalai (Michigan State), Rebecca Kim (Oregon State), Denisa Vodickova (Texas Tech)
• 8:53 AM — Lucia Valderrama (Michigan State), Kate Nakaoka (Oregon State), Maja Ambroziak (Texas Tech)
• 9:04 AM — Taylor Kehoe (Michigan State), Raya Nakao (Oregon State), Lauren Zaretsky (Texas Tech)
• 11:50 AM — Megha Ganne (Stanford), Kylie Chong (USC), Elaine Widjaja (Florida)
• 12:01 PM — Kelly Xu (Stanford), Bailey Shoemaker (USC), Katelyn Huber (Florida)
• 12:12 PM — Meja Örtengren (Stanford), Jasmine Koo (USC), Siuue Wu (Florida)
• 12:23 PM — Paula Martín Sampedro (Stanford), Elise Lee (USC), Megan Propeck (Florida)
• 12:34 PM — Andrea Revuelta (Stanford), Catherine Park (USC), Paula Francisco (Florida)
• 12:45 PM — Swetha Sathish (Arkansas), Chloe Kovelesky (Wake Forest), Anna Cañado Espinal (Duke)
• 12:56 PM — Abbey Schutte (Arkansas), Chutimon Rujiranan (Wake Forest), Avery McCrery (Duke)
• 1:07 PM — Sara Brentcheneff (Arkansas), Anne-Sterre Den Dunnen (Wake Forest), Andie Smith (Duke)
• 1:18 PM — Reagan Zibilski (Arkansas), Macy Pate (Wake Forest), Katie Li (Duke)
• 1:29 PM — Maria Jose Marin (Arkansas), Morgan Ketchum (Wake Forest), Rianne Malixi (Duke)
• 1:40 PM — Isabella Yan (Iowa State), Sofie Engesaeth (Tennessee), Filippa Sundquist (Ole Miss)
• 1:51 PM — Pimkwan Chookaew (Iowa State), Sophie Christopher (Tennessee), Matilda Björkman (Ole Miss)
• 2:02 PM — Alexandra Vidal Rivera (Iowa State), Manassanan Chotikabhukk (Tennessee), Sophie Linder (Ole Miss)
• 2:13 PM — Karisa Chul-Ak-Sorn (Iowa State), Madison Messimer (Tennessee), Mary Miller (Ole Miss)
• 2:24 PM — Nichakorn Pinprayoon (Iowa State), Kyra Van Kan (Tennessee), Kajsalotta Svarvar (Ole Miss)

NCAA Women's Golf Championship TV information

Golf Channel is the TV home for the NCAA Championships. All times ET.

• Monday, May 25
  • 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 26
  • 1-3:30 p.m.
  • 6-10 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27
  • 6-10 p.m.

NCAA Women's Golf Championship format

Finals play for both championships consist of three days of stroke play on Friday thru Sunday (54 holes), after which the top-15 teams and nine individuals not on an advancing team will be determined. That is followed by a final day of 18 holes of stroke play (Monday) to determine the top eight teams that will advance to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion. The team national champion will be determined by a match-play format that will consist of quarterfinals and semifinals conducted on Tuesday, followed by the finals on Wednesday.

NCAA Women's Golf Championship tickets

Fans must have tickets to attend this year's NCAA Golf Championships. Here's how to buy them.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: NCAA Women's Golf live updates: Scores, results for 2026 first round

We like to keep up on former Minnesota Vikings here on Vikings Wire. We touch base on Kirk Cousins an awful lot, something we are sure everyone unanimously loves, but we also keep up on some other notable Vikings. The one we wanted to touch base on today was former wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The man who was one half of the Minneapolis Miracle finds himself without a team after a decent 2025 season. Bleacher Report is just as baffled that he remains unsigned as they included him in their list of notable players who they can't believe are still on the market.

Alex Kay writes, "Diggs may understandably be taking his time choosing his next team. The four-time Pro Bowler and 2020 All-Pro has racked up many individual accolades during his decorated NFL tenure, but the Lombardi Trophy has thus far eluded him. A chance to win a championship could be the key factor in his free agency decision."

Diggs accumulated 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns. He played a pivotal part in his New England Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye, making a big leap, the same way he helped so many Vikings quarterbacks during his time.

In the piece, Kay suggests that the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders are all fits for him, but not the Minnesota Vikings.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Stefon Diggs remains unsigned deep into the offseason

The Los Angeles Angels had two different opportunities to cash in on superstar Shohei Ohtani before he left the club in free agency in December 2023. But owner Arte Moreno ultimately declined trade deadline deals with the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays that could have given the Angels some rising talent.

First, the Angels were reportedly discussing a trade deadline deal with the Padres during the 2022 season.

After Moreno turned down the trade, the Padres sent outfielder James Wood, shortstop CJ Abrams and left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Washington National for Juan Soto. The Angels likely would have received a similar or better package, as All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill was also reportedly in the mix, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Then, ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, the Angels were negotiating a deal with the Rays for Ohtani. This would have given the Angels third baseman Junior Caminero and shortstop Carson Williams.

At the time, Caminero was 19 years old in Double-A, while Williams was 20 years old in High-A. Caminero became an American League All-Star in 2025, and Williams was the minor league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

Moreno again declined the deal with the Rays. The Angels did not get much more out of Ohtani that season. He tore his UCL in his right elbow on Aug. 23 then was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an oblique strain on Sept. 3.

Three months later, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Now, the Angels have the worst record across MLB this season and are on track for an 11th straight losing season.

If Moreno would have traded Ohtani to the Rays at the 2023 deadline, the Angels would have had an All-Star third baseman who could have replaced Anthony Rendon. Meanwhile, trading Ohtani to the Padres would have given the Angels multiple players who all became All-Stars in either the 2024 or 2025 season.

Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The post Angels Passed on Superstar Return Before Losing Shohei Ohtani in Free Agency appeared first on LA Sports Report.

The NFL offseason is in its final stages, and teams across the league are in the final phase of offseason team activities (OTAs).

The Tennessee Titans are no different and just wrapped up the first week of phase three of OTAs with a spirited open practice session. While some veterans were absent, including Jeffery Simmons and Calvin Rid, Tennessee still put in some quality work. With that, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports broke down his biggest observations of the Titans’ OTAs.

Cam Ward getting early reps with Carnell Tate

There's optimism in Nashville these days, with Cam Ward entering Year 2 and an entirely new cast around him to help him reach his highest potential. On top of a new head coach and offensive coordinator, the Titans used the No. 4 overall pick to bring in Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, who is looking to become the go-to target for Ward in the passing game. The duo has started to build rapport during these OTA sessions, with the team's official X account posting one of the first (of many) connections between the two.

If Ward and Tate can build a strong relationship over the course of the summer, it'll do wonders for this offense to come out firing in September.

The chemistry developed between Cam Ward and Carnell Tate (as well as Wan’Dale Robinson) will pay huge dividends once the season starts in September. The Titans' offense must take a step forward in 2026 if the team wants to move forward in its rebuild. So far, the process appears to be trending in the right direction.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward and Carnell Tate building rapport at OTAs

Will "electric" Daizen Maeda be the difference-maker again for Celtic as they bid to complete the double?

The Japan international has scored eight goals in his past six games and is eyeing Scottish Cup glory over Dunfermline after inspiring his side to the title.

"I think he's proven to be the not just a matchwinner for them this season, but probably the title winner for them as well," former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He was stepping up at crucial times, getting big goals.

"You could clearly see he did go off the boil a bit. I don't know if it's Martin O'Neill has got something out of him and got a spark back at his game. He's been crucial the last maybe five or six weeks.

"If the season was 90 minutes, he's come alive at around the 70/75 minute mark.

"If you're Neil Lennon, you want him to have one of his off days. He's a strange player where his off days are really off, but when it clicks for him, he's electric."

Despite a turbulent campaign, Celtic are within touching distance of a domestic double under Martin O'Neill.

"They have shown an incredible way of winning games, not just this season, but for decades now," former Premiership striker Rory Loy said.

"I think from now on you write them off at your peril, regardless of their form, regardless of their league position.

"As long as they're still in touch, they are mentality monsters."

Pirates Slugger Notches Impressive Feat Team Hasn't Seen In 4 Years originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In a rubber match against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Pirates earned a resounding 6-2 victory, improving to a 26-24 record.

The Pirates got on the board early in their victory, scoring in the first inning in an extremely surprising way. In his first plate appearance of the game, All-Star slugger Brandon Lowe opened the scoring with an inside-the-park home run. 

The 31-year-old slugger's inside-the-park home run is the first one that Pittsburgh has scored in exactly four years, and oddly enough, it was also the first St. Louis has surrendered in four years to the day.

"Whether the ball managed to sneak over the wall or not, nothing was coming between Brandon Lowe and touching home plate," MLB.com's Jeff Jones wrote on Thursday. "A tailing fly ball into the left-field corner against Cardinals starter Dustin May caught the right gust of wind to stay just barely fair, and José Fermín’s leaping attempt did little more than harmlessly deflect the ball back toward the left-center gap. That left Lowe to race around for his 13th homer on the season -- and the first of his career that didn’t go over the wall.

"Bizarrely enough, the last inside-the-park round tripper both hit by the Pirates and surrendered by the Cardinals came four years ago to the day. It was hit by today’s Pittsburgh left fielder, Bryan Reynolds, at PNC Park against Matthew Liberatore. Thursday’s scampering blast was the sixth in the Majors this season not to clear the fence, and the third inside-the-park homer in Busch Stadium history."

Lowe is off to a hot start in his tenure with the Pirates, slashing .256/.348/.558 with 13 home runs and 32 runs batted in. The star second baseman will look to continue his impressive season as Pittsburgh takes on the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend.

More MLB: Former MLB General Manager Claims Struggling Pirates Veteran Is 'Done'

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers are picking up the pieces following a Round 2 sweep by the New York Knicks. The Sixers made history in Round 1 as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win a series for the first time ever in franchise history while also beating the Boston Celtics in a playoff series for the first time since 1982.

With that being said, the Sixers were able to see some positives in the 2025-26 season. They went 45-37, won a playoff series for the first time since 2023, and bounced back from a miserable season the year before. As Tyrese Maxey and Co. move forward, the next steps are staying together and building off this.

"I think the biggest thing is, like, this was a step in the right direction," Maxey stated. "From going from last year where we didn't even make the playoffs, to this year where we get to the second round, we, you know, again, no more victories, but at some point, you got to take away something positive, and like I said we got a lot of experience."

The Sixers were able to get VJ Edgecombe, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, and others some real playoff experience. That run was important for those youngsters to really understand what it takes to win in the postseason. Now, they have to build off of it heading into the summer. The Sixers don't want to take any steps backward. It's all about now finally breaking through to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001.

"You got the VJs, you got the Justins," Maxey added. "You got all those guys who haven't played in the playoffs before, they get a whole taste of, like, playoff experience, and once you get this taste of playoff experience, you don't want to go backwards. I was in the playoffs my first, my second, my third, my fourth year, and like, that's all I know. Like, I was telling Trendon (Watford), like he made a comment, like, ‘Man, it's May 10, I think, or something like that right now, and like, guys are working out and already got back in the gym and we still playing. Like, this is crazy.’ And I'm telling, like, ‘This is what you want to be used to.’ So, that's one thing that we're going to try to take away from this."

This was a tight-knit group all season long. The Sixers genuinely enjoyed being around each other, and that's the biggest thing for this group. As they move forward, the goal is to build. Maxey will undoubtedly be keeping in touch with his teammates and inviting them to workouts and continuing to grow and build.

"Then, just staying together, man," Maxey finished. "Keeping the camaraderie high, keeping the vibes high. The vibes within the group is really good, especially with the young guys. Like, we really liked each other, really did things together. The camaraderie was really good. So, we got to keep that vibe going and just keep that culture building. If we keep building that culture, then I think the sky's the limit for this team."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Tyrese Maxey reveals next steps for Sixers following Round 2 loss

The NBA has always been driven by superstar players. Great players win games, entertain fans, and create outstanding moments. Still, winning championships usually takes more than talent alone. The best teams often succeed because a great coach and a great player work perfectly together.

Some partnerships were built on trust and teamwork. Others succeeded because of strong leadership, discipline, and smart coaching. A few duos even changed how basketball is played.

Many NBA dynasties started with one coach and one superstar leading the way. Their connection helped teams stay successful during tough moments and big playoff games. It also helped players improve and reach legendary status.

MORE: Greatest NBA player rivalries of all time

Several famous coaches became legends because of the stars they coached. At the same time, many all-time great players achieved more success because the right coach guided them. Together, they built winning cultures that lasted for years.

From the Boston Celtics dynasty to the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, these coach-player partnerships shaped NBA history.

10. Larry Brown and Allen Iverson – Philadelphia 76ers

Few coach-player pairings showed more toughness than Larry Brown and Allen Iverson in Philadelphia.

Brown built one of the NBA’s strongest defensive teams. Meanwhile, Iverson carried almost all of the scoring load. Their personalities often clashed, but the results were still impressive.

The partnership reached its peak during the 2000-01 season. Iverson won the NBA MVP award after averaging 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Philadelphia finished 56-26 and reached the NBA Finals.

That playoff run became one of the most memorable in league history. Iverson played through injuries and constant pressure. Brown later admitted Iverson was one of the toughest players he ever coached both mentally and physically.

Although the Lakers defeated the Sixers in the Finals, their partnership remains unforgettable.

9. Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry completely changed modern basketball.

Kerr became Golden State’s head coach in 2014 and unlocked Curry’s full potential. The offense focused on movement, spacing, and three-point shooting. Soon, the Warriors became the defining team of the 2010s.

Together, they won four NBA championships and reached six NBA Finals. Their best regular season came in 2015-16 when Golden State finished with a historic 73 wins.

Curry became the greatest shooter in NBA history under Kerr’s system. During this era, he won two MVP awards and later added a Finals MVP. He also made more than 10 All-Star teams during the partnership.

Golden State’s style changed the entire league. Teams everywhere started building offenses around three-point shooting and ball movement because of their success.

8. Chuck Daly and Isiah Thomas – Detroit Pistons

Chuck Daly and Isiah Thomas led one of the toughest dynasties the NBA has ever seen.

The Detroit Pistons became famous for their physical defense and fearless attitude. Known as the “Bad Boys,” they battled through some of the greatest teams in basketball history.

Daly handled strong personalities perfectly. At the same time, Thomas became the emotional leader of the roster. His scoring, passing, and toughness pushed Detroit to another level.

Together they won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. The Pistons also reached three straight NBA Finals.

Their road to titles was never easy. Detroit had to beat teams led by Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Larry Bird during their run.

Thomas finished his career averaging 19.2 points and 9.3 assists per game. Daly’s leadership helped turn the Pistons into one of the league’s most feared teams.

7. Erik Spoelstra and LeBron James – Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra and LeBron James started with questions and ended with dominance.

When LeBron joined Miami in 2010, many people doubted Spoelstra’s ability to manage a superstar roster. The Heat also featured Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, which created huge expectations immediately.

Over time, Spoelstra proved himself as one of basketball’s smartest coaches. He adjusted lineups, improved the defense, and helped create a fast and aggressive playing style.

Miami reached four straight NBA Finals during this partnership. The team also won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

One of their biggest achievements came during the 2012-13 season. The Heat won 66 games and produced a 27-game winning streak.

LeBron played some of the best basketball of his career in Miami. Between 2011 and 2014, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while winning two MVP awards and two Finals MVPs.

MORE: Top-selling NBA jerseys of 2025-26 season

6. Red Auerbach and Bill Russell – Boston Celtics

Red Auerbach and Bill Russell built the NBA’s first true dynasty.

Russell changed basketball with his defense, rebounding, and shot blocking. Auerbach created a team-first system that focused on winning over individual numbers.

Their success was unmatched during the 1960s. Together, they won nine NBA championships, including eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966.

Russell finished his legendary career with 11 championships and five MVP awards. He also averaged an incredible 22.5 rebounds per game.

Auerbach became one of the most respected coaches in sports because of this dynasty.

5. Pat Riley and Magic Johnson – Los Angeles Lakers

Pat Riley and Magic Johnson made “Showtime” basketball famous around the world.

The Lakers played fast, exciting basketball during the 1980s. Magic was the perfect leader for that style because of his passing ability and basketball IQ.

Under Riley, Los Angeles became the team of the decade. Together, they won four NBA championships and reached seven NBA Finals.

Magic’s numbers during his career were outstanding. He averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Lakers also helped save the NBA’s popularity during the 1980s. Their rivalry with the Celtics became one of the biggest storylines in sports.

4. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson – Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson had a complicated relationship, but their success was undeniable.

Jackson first coached Kobe during the Lakers’ early-2000s dynasty with Shaquille O’Neal. Later, he returned in 2005 and helped Kobe grow into a complete leader.

Together they won five NBA championships and seven Western Conference titles.

Their second run together became especially important for Kobe’s legacy. After Shaq left Los Angeles, many questioned whether Kobe could win another title as the main star.

Kobe answered those questions by leading the Lakers to championships in 2009 and 2010.

Jackson’s triangle offense fit Kobe’s footwork, scoring ability, and competitive mindset perfectly. Meanwhile, Kobe finished his career averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

Jackson later retired with a record 11 NBA championships as a head coach.

3. Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs

Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan became the definition of consistency in the NBA.

The Spurs stayed elite for nearly two decades because both men adapted constantly. Early on, San Antonio won with defense and physical play. Later, the team evolved into one of the smartest offensive groups in basketball.

Together they won five NBA championships and reached six NBA Finals.

Their consistency was unbelievable. The Spurs also made the playoffs for 22 straight seasons and won at least 50 games year after year.

Duncan finished his career with 15 All-Star appearances, two MVP awards, and 15 All-NBA selections.

Popovich eventually became the winningest coach in NBA history. More importantly, he helped create one of the most respected cultures in sports.

2. Red Auerbach and Bob Cousy – Boston Celtics

Red Auerbach and Bob Cousy helped shape modern basketball long before today’s fast-paced game.

Cousy became the league’s first great playmaker. His passing and creativity changed how offenses operated during the 1950s.

Auerbach encouraged that freedom and built an exciting fast-break attack around him. At the time, most teams played a much slower style.

Together they won six NBA championships and dominated their era.

Cousy also led the NBA in assists for eight straight seasons. His impact on the point guard position can still be seen today.

Their Celtics teams created the foundation for Boston’s future dynasty years before Bill Russell arrived.

MORE: NBA athletes with the most All-Star selections

1. Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan – Chicago Bulls

No coach-player partnership in NBA history matches Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan.

Jackson became the Bulls’ head coach in 1989 and convinced Jordan to trust the triangle offense. That decision changed everything for Chicago.

Together they won six NBA championships and completed two separate three-peats. The Bulls also produced a historic 72-win season in 1995-96.

Jordan dominated during this era. He finished his career averaging 30.1 points per game while winning five MVP awards, 10 scoring titles, and six Finals MVP trophies.

Jackson’s calm personality balanced Jordan’s intensity perfectly. Their partnership turned the Bulls into a global sports phenomenon.

Because of their success, the NBA exploded in popularity around the world during the 1990s.

The Ravens are still early in the Jesse Minter era, but one thing already stands out from listening to players and coaches talk this offseason: the emphasis on culture, accountability, and consistency feels very intentional.

During Ravens OTA media availability, Minter discussed the mindset he wants this team to develop throughout the offseason program. Instead of focusing on offense-versus-defense battles every day, Minter explained that the bigger priority is competing against the standard Baltimore wants to set internally.

The message sounds simple, but it's clear the Ravens want daily habits and preparation to define this football team long before Week 1 arrives. Speaking to reporters during OTA media availability, Minter explained:

“You really get a chance to kind of take what we've been learning, put it out into action, get some real reps, really compete against yourself, really compete against the standard that you're trying to create for yourself on a consistent basis – that's the main thing. Try to avoid the one-on-one competition, the 'O-D' competition, but also get reps and get better by doing it. I love the guy's attitude and work ethic. We've had an unbelievable offseason program so far.”

For a team with championship expectations, the Ravens appear focused on building the foundation first.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter explains vision for Ravens culture shift

The controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark's presence (or lack thereof) on the injury report has reached a Fever pitch.

The WNBA reportedly issued a warning to the Indiana Fever after Clark missed Wednesday's game against the Portland Fire after not appearing on the injury report. Clark was dealing with back soreness, coach Stephanie White revealed after the win over Portland.

It's been tough for Clark to stay on the court at the WNBA level. She missed 31 games a season ago and is already having health concerns in 2026. Her mysterious absence against the Fire led many to believe Indiana has her on some sort of a load management plan, but White insists that's not the case.

What we do know is the WNBA's warning will affect the Fever in some fashion. Here's how.

How will Fever respond to WNBA warning?

You'd have to imagine the team is more transparent about its injury report going forward. Operating in secrecy has only brought criticism to this point. Load management or not, expect Indiana to be more cautious with its handling of the injury report, particularly Clark's status as she's the league's biggest name brand. Clark has been phenomenal in the four games she's played so far, averaging 24.2 points, nine assists and five rebounds.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: WNBA issues warning amid Caitlin Clark injury controversy, per report: What it means for Fever

When Ray Didinger speaks about the Philadelphia Eagles, most fans still do the same thing they’ve done for decades. They listen. That’s because he has never built his reputation on hot takes, manufactured outrage, or shouting louder than everyone else in the room. He's a hall-of-fame sportswriter, one whose football opinions lean on perspective.

With Didinger, there is always context and just enough restraint to make them feel more trustworthy than the average offseason optimism. That said, when he sounds hopeful about the Eagles, it’s worth paying attention. During a recent appearance on SportsRadio 94WIP, he was so again.

Ray Didinger gives a measured Eagles take, one that fans and the media will agree with

During his recent appearance on 94 WIP-FM, Didinger offered a measured but encouraging take on Philadelphia’s outlook entering the 2026 season. He made it clear that while he isn’t ready to declare anything in May, he sees legitimate reasons for optimism.

Ray Didinger explains why he is very optimistic about the Eagles in 2026. pic.twitter.com/sNQv6lxXtX

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 21, 2026

This isn’t the kind of blind confidence fans often talk themselves into during the spring, when every rookie looks like a future star and every free-agent addition feels like a masterstroke. Didinger’s optimism tends to come with caveats, which honestly makes it more believable.

And if you’re an Eagles fan, there are reasons to understand his angle. Philadelphia remains one of the NFL’s better-run organizations. Howie Roseman continues to approach roster construction like a man playing chess while others are arguing over checkers. The Eagles have talent in the trenches, a quarterback who has already proven he can win at the highest level, and enough offensive intrigue to keep opposing defensive coordinators uncomfortable.

That doesn’t mean concerns don’t exist. Questions remain about offensive evolution, and where offensive coordinator Sean Mannion might take it. Expectations surrounding DeVonta Smith’s expanded role will grow louder if the A.J. Brown chatter continues.

The NFC East won’t be handing out favors, and repeating division titles in that neighborhood has historically been anything but easy. Mannion won a lot of people over with his first press conference. In it, he discussed blending what the Eagles already do that works with fresh ideas. Still, cautious optimism feels like the appropriate lane.

That’s especially true when it comes from someone who has seen enough Eagles seasons to know the difference between genuine promise and offseason fantasy. Didinger’s message, if you read between the lines, feels fairly simple. The Eagles look like a team capable of doing something meaningful again.

Still, even with that being said, he won't follow the path of people who speak in a louder tone. He’s a legend, and he's smart enough to understand that capability and inevitability are two very different conversations.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Hall of Fame sportswriter offers some cautious Eagles optimism

The Cleveland Browns selected WR Denzel Boston in the second round of the NFL draft. What is his realistic 2026 fantasy outlook, and how might his presence impact Jerry Jeudy, K.C. Conception, and other Cleveland wideouts?

This franchise is probably one very good quarterback away from a winning record and playoff contention. Similarly, they’re probably one very good quarterback away from elevating Jeudy and their two high-priced rookie receivers: Boston and Conception.

But the reality is that they’re all long shots to finish in the top 40. The market seems to agree, as Conception leads the team with a WR55 ADP, followed by Boston (WR64) and Jeudy (WR68). In other words, managers drafting this early in the offseason are steering clear of this packed corps.

Had Boston landed elsewhere, Jeudy and Conception easily would have been top-45 targets. But by drafting two rookies and opting not to trade Jeudy at near-peak value, the Browns have forced fantasy managers to look away.

There is, of course, and outside chance that one of this team’s QBs could shock the world and look like a franchise-elevating player. Strangely (but not that strangely), Deshaun Watson is the best candidate, because he has the highest proven ceiling. If you’re looking for the best floor, that would probably be Shedeur Sanders.

Whatever happens at QB, it’s not likely to change the fact that -- for fantasy purposes -- this team has too many wide receivers.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: WR Denzel Boston rookie fantasy outlook and impact on WR teammates

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's must-win Premier League game against Leeds United at London Stadium (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On following Tottenham's scoreline on Sunday: "Everybody is going to be aware of what is happening in the other stadium. What I hope is that our players ignore what is coming out and focus on the tasks inside the pitch."
• On team news: "Adama [Traore] - it's going to be hard for him to join us, but the rest are OK. Some small knocks and players to assess. Hopefully, everybody is going to be OK."
• On whether this is the biggest game of his career: "Probably, yes. A tough one. Leeds did a very good season. They have quality players who require the best of us."
• On Jarrod Bowen's omission from the England squad: "He was sad. Something that Jarrod really wanted to achieve in his personal career. Representing England is one of the most important things. He immediately turns the page and focuses on Sunday. We are very proud to have Jarrod as our skipper. The work-rate, commitment and the way he leads by example – it makes us proud having him as club captain."
• On the future: "Our future is Sunday. After that we will assess everything that we have to assess. We have to improve, and we didn't perform well [in past performances], so we have to bounce back. When you join a club, you try to understand the history of the club and the dynamic. There have been a lot of things out of our control, but we represent a massive club, an enormous fanbase that are very committed and we have to respect."
• On his message to the fans: "Be there from the first minute, and then it is up to us so that the support continues. I don't expect many surprises. I expect a tough team from Leeds. I have known Daniel [Farke] for some time now – he will prepare the Leeds players the best that he can. We expect a tough, tough match. "
• On Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City: "It is sad because I think Pep being involved in the game is always good. He always brings new things as a manager that can change the dynamic of the game, so let's wait and see where he goes. I wish him all the best."

Listen to live action from the London Stadium on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about West Ham? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Thomas Tuchel has responded to Harry Maguire’s reaction after the Manchester United defender was left out of England’s World Cup squad.

Maguire, who has been a consistent presence in England squads for years, said he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision. Tuchel, however, was surprised by the public nature of the statement, especially after he had already discussed the decision privately with the player.

The key detail here is that Tuchel had not simply omitted Maguire without explanation. The England manager had reportedly spoken with him directly, outlining the reasons behind the decision before it became public knowledge.

Thomas Tuchel had already given Harry Maguire the conversation he deserved

Maguire has earned respect over a long international career, and Tuchel appeared to acknowledge that by having the conversation before the news broke.

But once the statement was released, the dynamic shifted. The focus was no longer just on Maguire’s disappointment. It also raised questions about whether the private explanation had resonated.

Tuchel was not questioning Maguire’s right to feel disappointed. Instead, he was reacting to the issue becoming public after it had already been addressed behind closed doors.

That is a fair position. Senior players deserve honesty, but managers are also entitled to expect difficult private conversations to stay controlled.

Harry Maguire was entitled to be hurt, but the timing changed the story

Maguire’s reaction was understandable. He believed he still had something to offer England, and his statement reflected how much playing for his country means to him.

He has faced criticism before, returned to the squad, and remained one of the more recognisable defenders of the Gareth Southgate era.

But Tuchel’s squad was not about rewarding past service. Maguire being left out of England’s World Cup squad was part of a wider set of bold selections.

That is where the public response complicated things. Both perspectives have validity: Maguire’s disappointment was genuine, and Tuchel’s surprise at the public reaction was reasonable.

This shows how Thomas Tuchel wants to control England’s World Cup squad

Maguire was not the only big name left out. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also among the other high-profile omissions, underlining that reputation alone did not guarantee selection.

Tuchel was clear that he wanted the best team rather than the 26 most talented players. That stance fits with the Maguire decision.

Maguire remains a Manchester United player with significant tournament experience and is still contracted to the club beyond this season.

This was not about a player fading from the game. It was a football decision, and Tuchel expected the private conversation to stand.

Maguire was entitled to feel hurt. But if the decision had already been explained to him directly, Tuchel’s surprise at the public statement was understandable.

The omission was a football story. The reaction turned it into something bigger.

Read more:

Disciplinary investigations have been launched into Motherwell v Celtic and Celtic v Hearts in the Scottish Premiership as well as two end-of-season lower league play-off fixtures, the SPFL has announced.

Spectators entered the pitch following late goals at Fir Park on 13 May and Celtic Park on 16 May as Celtic won their final two league fixtures of the season to retain the Premiership title.

Conduct is also being reviewed following Hamilton Academical's League 1 play-off second-leg win against Clyde at Broadwood on 15 May and Stenhousemuir's Championship play-off second leg defeat by Alloa Athletic on 16 May.

Hamilton and Stenny both won their ties on aggregate and there were spectators on the pitch following both games.

"In recent seasons, there have been a number of incidents at SPFL matches where objects have been thrown at players or members of staff, orchestrated pyrotechnic displays have taken place, and/or mass pitch incursions have occurred," the SPFL said in a statement.

• SFA 'fully supports' referee Robertson & releases Celtic Park audio
• Claims Hearts players assaulted 'not proven' - O'Neill
• Pitch invasions 'a bad look' - but Clarke praises Tartan Army

"In season 2025-26 the SPFL concluded 11 disciplinary processes against eight clubs for such incidents.

"These statistics do not include the final match days of the season and the SPFL can confirm that the [matches being investigated] are being investigated under SPFL Rules H36 and H37.

"In addition to these disciplinary processes, there is a continuing need for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of unacceptable conduct at matches, including pitch encroachments and pyrotechnic use.

"The SPFL has engaged fully in the Scottish government's consultation on football banning orders and awaits the next steps in that process."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill says allegations Hearts players were assaulted amid Saturday's pitch invasion "has not been proved".

Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom claimed on Wednesday Hearts players were assaulted by Celtic supporters as they ran on the pitch.

Police Scotland are investigating whether there was any criminality involved, and O'Neill says if proof emerges then "apologies are due".

What are SPFL rules H36 and H37?

The SPFL say "Rules H36 and H37 states:

"H36 The home club in any official batch must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, H36.1 good order and security; H36.2 that policies and procedures have been adopted and are implemented to prevent incidents of unacceptable conduct; and H36.3 that any incidents of unacceptable conduct are effectively dealt with, all at its stadium on the occasion of an official match.

"H37 Each Club must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that: H37.1 its Players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a function for or connected with the club do not engage in unacceptable conduct at a stadium on the occasion of an official match; H37.2 it identifies any of its supporters who engage in unacceptable conduct at an official match; and H37.3 it takes proportionate disciplinary measures in respect of supporters so identified in terms of Rule H37.2."

• O'Neill rejects 'nonsense' criticism of pitch invasion
• Clubs and fans should be punished for pitch invasions, says ex-SFA chief
• Title party fanzones not possible due to cost, says council

England have announced their squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man squad on Friday, with England's tournament getting under way against Croatia on 17 June, before further group games against Ghana and Panama.

Now that the squad has been announced, it is time to pick the line-up you want to see Tuchel deploy in the United States.

The World Cup, which takes place across the US, Mexico and Canada, starts on 11 June.

• Meet the 26 players in England's World Cup squad
• 'Tuchel's gambles and iron conviction position him as the anti-Southgate'

• All your sport quizzes in one place

Soon enough, the Chicago Bears won't be playing in Chicago anymore.

The Bears reiterated in a statement released May 21 they are planning to leave the city as they look to build a new stadium in either Arlington Heights – an Illinois suburb located 25 miles Northwest of Chicago – or Hammond, Indiana.

"The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal," the team said in a statement obtained May 21 by the Associated Press. "There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond."

The Bears have been primarily located in Chicago since 1921, when the Decatur Staleys relocated to the city. The franchise spent its early years playing at Wrigley Field – an arrangement that lasted through the 1970 season – before moving to Soldier Field.

The Bears have played at Soldier Field for all but one NFL season since 1971. The lone exception was the 2002 season, when the Bears played at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium while Soldier Field underwent significant renovations.

The Bears do not own Soldier Field. The team leases the facility, which is owned and operated by the Chicago Park District.

Currently, the Bears are locked into a lease agreement through the 2033 NFL season. They can, however, exit the lease early if they are willing to pay a penalty – which would be about $90 million if the team did so in 2026, according to calculations performed by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2021.

It isn't clear how much that penalty figure will drop if the Bears continue to play at Soldier Field until their new construction is complete.

It also isn't yet clear exactly when the Bears will announce their choice for a new stadium location. Team president and CEO Kevin Warren provided a tentative timeline about a decision during the NFL's owners meetings in March.

"We don't have a set deadline, but I am confident that sometime this spring-slash-summer, we'll know," Warren told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio and Chris Simms. "I mean, we have to know because we will have completed the due diligence in Indiana and we'll see what happens in Illinois."

Warren is confident that Bears fans will be happy with the new stadium regardless of whether it ends up in Arlington Heights or in Hammond.

"Fortunately, both of those sites are great locations," Warren said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bears plan to leave Chicago with stadium options in city 'exhausted'

On Saturday, Charlton Athletic have the opportunity to seal promotion to the Women's Super League as it expands to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season.

Standing in their way are Leicester City, who finished bottom of the WSL and travel to The Valley needing to win to avoid relegation.

But can you remember all the other sides that have made it to the WSL over the past 12 seasons?

Try our quiz below.

Join Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie on the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed

• Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page

It’s never too early to talk about NFL Rookie of the Year odds.

Sites like Vegasinsider, Bettingpros, Gamblinginsider.com, and others have either already posted their odds or will do so later. 

So far, the consensus seems to be that Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiah Love will be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Right now, Love is leading the pack at +250. That might be a shock to some, but if you look at it closely, it shouldn’t be. 

Love may be called on a lot to carry this Arizona Cardinals team, so that may explain why his odds are the highest right now.

Right behind him is Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at +350. Like Love, Mendoza will probably be called on a lot to carry his team in his rookie season. 

The last rookie quarterback to win the award was LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

Daniels not only won rookie of the year in his first season as a pro, but also led his team to the playoffs.

Other names in the running are Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

The good news for both Tate and Tyson is that a wide receiver won the award this past year. Carolina Panthers Tetairoa McMillian won the award last year, leading all rookie wideouts in yards and touchdowns.

McMillian wasn’t on many people's radar, even as a favorite last year. While the odds may be in their favor, it wouldn’t be a shocker if an unknown may come out of nowhere to take the award. 

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Jeremiah Love leads offensive Rookie of the Year odds for the NFL

Despite the month of June being right around the corner, there are still some appealing fantasy baseball options that haven’t been scooped up in most leagues yet. Let’s dig into the waiver wire options for Week 10 and highlight five players to consider adding who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 10

Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (43% rostered)

Bazzana has caught fire at the plate, hitting 13-for-32 (.406) over his last eight games. He only had one home run during that span, but power production isn’t his forte. He can steal bases, already racking up seven of them over 21 games. What you like to see for his prospects moving forward is that he has 13 walks to go along with his 14 strikeouts. He can hit for average and steal bases, making him someone to add for those who need help a second base.

Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies (41% rostered)

Bohm has a career .275 batting average, so seeing him slump to begin the season was rare. It was only a matter of time before he got back on track, and he seems to finally be hitting his stride. He is currently on an 11-game hitting streak in which he is 17-for-42 (.405) with four home runs and four doubles. During that span, he only struck out five times. Ignore his current .631 OPS. Better days are already here.

Bryce Miller, SP, Seattle Mariners (40% rostered)

Miller battled an elbow injury last year that limited him to 18 starts. He didn’t look like himself when he was on the mound, posting a 5.68 ERA. He gave up 1.7 HR/9 and saw his strikeout rate fall to 18.9%. An oblique strain has limited him to two starts this year, but he has only given up two runs over 11 innings since returning. He also has 10 strikeouts and has given up just one home run. When he made 31 starts in 2024, he had a 3.68 xERA, 0.98 WHIP and 24.3% strikeout rate. Now that he’s healthy again, he’s well worth the risk in 12-team leagues.

Spencer Steer, 1B/OF, Cincinnati Reds (38% rostered)

Like Bohm, Steer is also on an 11-game hitting streak. During his hot stretch, he is 16-for-46 (.348) with one home run and three doubles. The 27-year-old has been hitting the ball hard, posting a 14.1% barrel rate this season that is on pace to be the highest mark of his career. What makes Steer even more appealing is fantasy is that he is eligible at both first base and outfield on Yahoo. He has even played some second base, so if he gains eligibility there, his positional flexibility will make him stand out even more.

Ben Brown, SP, Chicago Cubs (34% rostered)

Brown has mostly pitched in relief this year, but he has been moved into the starting rotation recently because of injuries. He threw 82 pitches in his last outing, allowing three runs and recording six strikeouts against the Brewers. He has a career 26.5% strikeout rate, so his move into the starting rotation makes him intriguing. Another reason to add him is that he is projected for two starts during Week 10. He will face the Pirates in Pittsburgh, followed by a road outing against the Cardinals.

Takeaway

Bazzana, Bohm, and Steer are three hot hitters that fantasy managers should target on the waiver wire. Miller and Brown can help those who need starting pitching, especially with Brown lined up for two starts during Week 10. Be sure to check back throughout the season as we provide the top waiver wire options to help you win your fantasy baseball league.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

By the time the England World Cup squad was officially announced on Friday morning there had been more plot twists than an Agatha Christie novel.

While the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire had that feeling of a rug being pulled out from under them, Ivan Toney represents one of manager Thomas Tuchel's big reveals.

The 30-year-old Al-Ahli forward has not featured for England for almost 12 months since making his only appearance under the German - and that was as an 88th-minute substitute in a defeat by Senegal at the City Ground.

So having been left out of the past four squads, why has Tuchel decided to bring the forward back in from the international wilderness?

The former Brentford striker was part of Gareth Southgate's squad at Euro 2024, when England lost in the final to Spain.

And he is expected to play a similar role this time, as a back-up to Harry Kane, with all three of his appearances in that tournament coming as a late substitute when England were chasing the game.

He also showcased his formidable penalty-taking qualities in the last eight, scoring from the spot in the shootout victory over Switzerland, when he found the net without looking at the ball as he stared down the keeper.

Toney's record of 36 goals in 85 Premier League games equates to almost a goal every other game and he has been even more prolific in the Saudi Pro League, where he has plundered 55 goals in 62 matches over two seasons.

For context, Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 53 times in 60 appearances in the same competition.

"[It was] also a bit of a surprise to us [his inclusion]," said Tuchel. "When it came down to all different kinds of scenarios he was back in the picture.

"I had fantastic feedback from his club coach, who was my player, and I have a close connection with him, always fantastic feedback about his role there, about his ability, his fitness."

• 'Tuchel's gambles and iron conviction position him as the anti-Southgate'
• Foden, Palmer, Alexander-Arnold to miss World Cup

This season, Toney finished second in the domestic scoring charts with 32 goals in 32 games - he evens boasts more assists and a better shot conversion rate than Bayern Munich forward Kane.

Just what those goals are worth outside Europe's top five leagues is yet to be seen, but on numbers alone his record stands up to scrutiny against any English striker around.

Given he is also one of only three centre-forwards selected by Tuchel, with Ollie Watkins also in the squad, it does not feel like a position that is overmanned given that 26 squad places were up for grabs.

Previous Three Lions squads at major tournaments have at times included four or five personnel for the exact same position.

The argument against his inclusion would ask why England need another forward aside from Kane and Watkins, given modern-day formational switches and a dearth of top-quality options for that position?

Detractors would also argue Toney's place should be used to accomodate another of those multi-talented number 10s who have been left behind.

However, former Chelsea and Paris St-Germain boss Tuchel could make a viable case for leaving behind Palmer and Foden, who have not hit previous heights in 2025-26.

Instead he has gone for a player brimming with confidence and one that is accustomed to dealing with the intense temperatures that England will encounter this summer at the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.

"We could see that he still collects the numbers. I think he has very special skills that could help us, the situations, scenarios when we are chasing a result," added Tuchel.

"I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane, he can be present in the box when we are pushing for a goal.

"He can take attention off other strikers, he has a natural presence within the box, he is a natural finisher, he can help us with set-pieces - he is very strong in there. Very good in using his body and not to forget, he is a world class penalty taker. He ticks some boxes that we wanted to be ticked."

The Three Lions, who reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018 and the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, face Croatia in their opening Group L fixture on Wednesday, 17 June (21:00 BST).

From betting ban to World Cup

Starting at Northampton, Toney moved to Newcastle but was sent out on six different loan spells before joining Peterborough. He scored in all four of the top divisions in English football before settling at Brentford in 2020.

Toney scored as Brentford beat Swansea 2-0 at Wembley to win promotion to the Premier League in 2021. And it was at the Bees where he peaked, with 20 league goals in the 2022-23 season.

Toney has, however, been a bit of a late bloomer. He was 27 years old when he won his first England cap. In comparison, Kane had 46 caps by that stage - while Wayne Rooney had 78.

His career has also been marked with controversy. In May 2023 he was banned from playing for eight months for 232 breaches of the Football Association's betting rules.

Toney scored on his return from his ban in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in January 2024 and then netted for the Three Lions in a March friendly draw with Belgium.

He was included in the England squad for Euro 2024 and played in the final against Spain, but was left out of the Brentford squad on his return because of transfer speculation.

Toney opted to join Al-Ahli in August 2024 for £40m. It was reported that his four-year-deal with the Saudi side would earn him £400,000 per week after tax.

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and racing icon, died suddenly on Thursday. He was 41.

Busch was supposed to race Friday night in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

But Busch’s family announced on Thursday that he had been hospitalized with an undisclosed severe illness. He died later that evening. A cause of death will be determined in the days ahead.

Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein will be following this story and bring you any new developments, on Channel 2 Action News starting at 3:00 p.m.

Busch has a winning history across the country, including at metro Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway.

He made his Atlanta Cup Series debut 22 years ago, but that didn’t quite go as planned. He completed just 44 laps and finished 43rd out of 43 cars on the track.

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

That didn’t affect his love for the track and the Atlanta fans who showed up to cheer him on.

Throughout his career, Busch racked up 14 wins at EchoPark Speedway, previously known as Atlanta Motor Speedway.

His most recent win was in February 2026 in the Truck Series. Of his Atlanta victories, two were in the Cup Series: one in 2008 and the other in 2013.

Channel 2 Action News got to hang out with Busch earlier this year as he gave back to the community by surprising Ms. Smallwood and her 5th grade class at Lanier Elementary School.

Ms. Smallwood had gone viral for her NASCAR themed classroom and lesson plans, which helped the students learn in new and exciting ways.

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Here’s a full list of all of Busch’s wins in metro Atlanta:

• 3/9/08 – Kobalt Tools 500
• 10/29/05 – EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200
• 10/27/07 – EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200
• 3/7/08 – American Commercial Lines 200
• 3/7/09 – American Commercial Lines 200
• 9/1/13 – AdvoCare 500
• 2/27/16 – Heads Up Georgia 250
• 3/4/17 – Rinnai 250
• 2/23/19 – Ultimate Tailgating 200
• 3/20/21 – Fr8Auctions 200
• 7/10/21 – Credit Karma Money 250
• 2/24/24 – Fr8 200
• 2/22/25 – Fr8 200
• 2/21/26 – Fr8 200 

Scotland internationals Lee Gibson and Amy Muir have signed one-year contract extensions with Glasgow City.

Goalkeeper Gibson, who made her 300th City appearance earlier this season, lifted her 21st trophy for the club when they won the League Cup in December.

Gibson returned for a second spell with City in 2017 after two years with Swedish side Mallbackens IF.

"I'm delighted to extend my stay," she said.

"I've been here a long, long time and I love the club. I've got a second family here."

Head coach Leanne Ross added: "Lee has always been a top-level goalkeeper but this season she has pushed herself to new heights.

"She is already a club legend I'm delighted that she has chosen to extend her stay with us.''

Full-back Muir joined City in 2022 and has gone on to play more than 100 games while cementing herself as a key member of the Scotland side.

"I've really enjoyed my time at the club for the last four years and I've still got more to give," said Muir.

Ross added: "We have watched Any develop into a senior figure amongst the squad and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow at Glasgow City.''

• Thomas Tuchel names his 26-player World Cup squad
• In news conference Tuchel says he picked "best possible team, not necessarily 26 most talented players"
• Coming up, our chief football writer Phil McNulty will answer your questions - send them in using the form below
• Toney and Watkins included as strikers; Mainoo and Henderson in midfield; Stones and Spence part of defence
• Tuchel: "Toney has very special skills that could help us"
• Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold amongst those who miss out
• Tuchel "surprised" by Maguire's repsonse to omission
• Harry Maguire's mother says she is "disgusted" by decision to leave him out

'My job not necessarily to select the 26 most talented players' - Tuchel on England squad

Rage in the Cage makes an ambitious return on May 23. Live from the Desert Diamond Casino Event Center in Tucson, Arizona, fans will be treated to a showcase of the sport's next big names when RITC 6 is broadcast worldwide on FIGHT.TV.

The event signifies a highly anticipated revival of the legendary Arizona-based combat sports promotion, whose last show was almost three years ago. Founded by Roland Sarria in 1998, Rage in the Cage is one of MMA's longest-running companies. Unlike other major outlets, the organization presents mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, providing viewers with a mix of flavours to devour over the course of each show.

For some time, Rage in the Cage has been at a standstill. However, hoping to force its way back into the public eye, RITC has sought the help of PRIDE veteran Shannon 'The Cannon' Ritch, who promises to return the brand to its glory days.

Those making the trip down to the Desert Diamond Casino Event Center for the fights will be granted entry at 6:00 pm, with the first bout of the night getting underway at 7:00 pm.

Rage in the Cage's grand return will be met with a monumental 17 MMA bouts and a further 6 Muay Thai clashes, so viewers both attending the show or sitting at home watching along on FIGHT.TV will have no shortage of violence and potential viral moments in the cage. Alongside the monstrous 21-fight event, several MMA and UFC legends will make appearances, with Don Frye and Mark Coleman blessing fans with their presence to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their all-timer war from UFC 10.

Get ready for a thrilling night highlighting emerging MMA stars, special guests, and meet-and-greets, all while paying tribute to the rich history of Arizona's combat sports scene.

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EVENT DETAILS:

• Event: RAGE IN THE CAGE
• Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
• Location: Desert Diamond Casino Event Center — Tucson, Arizona
• Doors Open: 6:00 PM
• First Fight: 7:00 PM
• Live Stream: FIGHT.TV
• How To Attend: Tickets Available Here

Pep Guardiola will have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named in his honour after announcing his decision to leave Manchester City after 10 years at the helm.

The club have confirmed that the North Stand will become 'The Pep Guardiola Stand' after the Spanish tactician, who led the club to their first Champions League title.

The expanded section of Etihad Stadium is set to open fully for the first time on Sunday when City host Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.

• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season - read his full statement here
• Guardiola: "Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time"
• His final match in charge will be against Aston Villa on Sunday after winning 20 trophies in 10 years
• The North Stand at the Etihad will be named 'The Pep Guardiola Stand' in his honour
• Guardiola will continue to work for the City Football Group as global ambassador for City Football Group
• He leaves a lasting legacy in the Premier League, says Ian Dennis
• Sources have told BBC Sport that former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is expected to take over next season
• Guardiola will speak to the media at 13:30 BST in his final pre-match news conference as City boss

Guardiola statement after he steps down as Man City boss - reaction

Whether or not Tua Tagovailoa wins the starting quarterback job for the Atlanta Falcons this season, he was a steal for the team at just $1.2 million. The former top-five pick has something to prove after the way his time with the Miami Dolphins ended.

Tagovailoa will battle third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is also looking to prove himself as he works his way back from ACL surgery. The two lefty signal-callers have already started their competition at the team's offseason training facility.

While Tagovailoa is still getting to know his new Falcons teammates, he looked comfortable this week at OTAs. Here's a look at the latest highlights, as shared by the team's social media account.

Tua Tagovailoa airs it out to Drake London

Here's Tagovailoa connecting with Falcons wide receiver Drake London down the field.

London calling 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/fSoHNS4AaS

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 21, 2026

Tua Tagovailoa finds Kyle Pitts for TD

Here's another clip of Tagovailoa. This time, he finds Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts for the score.

KP
TD
🔥 pic.twitter.com/EHl1AV7Yn2

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 21, 2026

According to NFL.com, the Falcons will resume OTAs on Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27, then they will return again on May 29.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons OTAs: Tua Tagovailoa highlights

The Carolina Panthers' best defender has come to the defense of his quarterback.

Defensive lineman Derrick Brown joined the latest episode of Green Light with Chris Long. And when talking about teammate Bryce Young, the Pro Bowler called out the fourth-year passer's critics—who he believes may be timid to admit their misses.

"He's our guy, and we ride with 9 all the way through," Brown stated. "People don't wanna admit how good he's becoming, because they have to go back and admit how wrong they were. As we all know, people don't like doing that."

Those people might've thought they were right two games into the 2024 campaign, when Young was abruptly benched by first-year head coach Dave Canales. But Young didn't fold, as he reentered the starting lineup in Week 8 of that season and never looked back.

Since then, Young has thrown for 5,115 yards, 38 touchdowns and 17 interceptions over 26 starts. He also helped guide the Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2017 and their first NFC South title since 2015 this past year.

Brown went on to credit Young for his perseverance through that tough time.

"He took the benching and, man, he just came in to work every single day, and killed it," he added. "He didn't care. He went right back to doing what he does and to him, it was about playing football."

With the prospect of a long-term extension looming, 2026 could prove to be Young's most important season yet. He'll be under contract in Carolina through 2027, the fifth and final year of his rookie deal.

So while it seems that he's done enough to win over Brown and the rest of the locker room, Young might still have something to prove to the rest of the organization.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers DL Derrick Brown calls out critics of QB Bryce Young

The Tennessee Titans took the field for Day 3 of phase three of offseason team activities, and those in attendance noticed something different with quarterback Cam Ward: his weight.

Multiple reporters commented that the second-year quarterback looked leaner, and possibly, a step quicker. This was also something that Ward touched on during his media availability.

“I am trying to get leaner, then just try and stay durable for the long season." Ward said, "Just continue watching my diet more, have more cardio. Continue working on my body here, and when I'm away from building."

#Titans QB Cam Ward says he’s been doing more cardio and closely monitoring his calorie, carb, and protein intake this offseason with the goal of getting leaner.

Ward later said he’s lost 10 pounds. https://t.co/3TO29pXANOpic.twitter.com/nY62sQjcrP

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 21, 2026

He was later asked about any possible changes to his diet, and he had a detailed response.

"Like cut out fried foods, snacks. It's really just watching the calorie limit, then watching the amount of protein and carbs that I need to put in. Then what is best for my body, how I feel eating different things when I come into practice?"

While he eventually indicated he was about 10 pounds lighter, he didn’t mention whether or not the Titans' change in the nutrition program, cutting out seed oils, made a difference in his transformation.

This is an interesting twist, as earlier in the day, head coach Robert Saleh told the media about the organization's dietary changes. Something that has stirred up a bit of a stir on social media over the past few hours.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Leaner Cam Ward is preparing to take the next step

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is confident his health will hold up this season.

Following the team's third practice of organized team activities on Thursday, Dart expressed regret over missing two games in the 2025 season while voicing the confidence he is carrying into the upcoming year.

“I just hated that time of not being out there with my teammates,” Dart said. “So obviously, I understand the most important thing is to be out there. So, you just grow and learn from things. And I think I'm going to do a good job at it this year for sure.”

Dart took over as the Giants’ starting quarterback in Week 4 of last season. The Ole Miss product missed Weeks 11 and 12 due to a concussion. He returned in Week 13, however, and started every game for the remainder of the season.

"I mean, my competitiveness isn't going to change at all. I think, just like I said, it just goes into situationally. Just what times it's worth it and what times it's not. And just making those mature decisions," he said.

With Russell Wilson no longer in New York, Dart enters the 2026 season as the Week 1 starter with full control of the Giants’ offense. He faces major expectations to lead the team to more wins, with Jameis Winston serving as his backup.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Jaxson Dart: Availability 'most important thing' in 2026

Q: I recall Bam Adebayo wanting to play power forward instead of center. The fans also wanted a “true” center next to Bam. Instead, it seems like we’re going to trade away our only true center for another power forward.  I get the team would be theoretically better, but with the size in Cleveland and New York, and not to mention the West Coast with Denver and San Antonio, is that wise? I can already see Erik Spoelstra playing three point guards with those two guys and the collective fan base groaning. – Eddie, South Bend.

A: I doubt Erik Spoelstra has concerns about groans. And Bam Adebayo-Giannis Antetokounmpo arguably would be the Heat’s best pairing of big men since Shaquille O’Neal-Alonzo Mourning. Talent, not positions, prevails. At the moment, Giannis is undeniably better than Kel’el Ware. Now, at the end of a Giannis extension, that well could be a different story. Of course, at the moment this all remains speculative.

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Q: You wrote Thursday that the Heat is in Greece to scout and not to talk to Giannis Antetokounmpo. But don’t they have to receive assurances that Giannis will re-sign before they trade half their roster and all of their drafts? – Santos.

A: Such assuredly will be handled in backchannels, particularly with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo sharing common representation. The reality is that as close as the Heat were in their negotiations with the Bucks at February’s trade deadline, there assuredly were assurances at the time of a Heat-Giannis tacit agreement on extension terms.

Q: I wonder if Kasparas Jakucionis will miss Bucks summer-league games? – Bruno.

A: I see what you did there. And, yes, Kasparas Jakucionis, who will play with Lithuania at the start of the summer, could be a potential Heat trade component in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo deal. Of all the Heat youth that might have to be included (Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Jakucionis), Kasparas might be among the most important to retain based on positional needs (with Giannis therefore taking Kel’el’s role). There is significant potential upside with Kasparas.

Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith, who now plays in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, was arrested and faces charges for speeding and reckless driving in Twiggs County, Georgia. Twiggs County is located near Macon and is between Atlanta and Savannah, which is Smith's hometown.

According to an ESPN report, Smith was reportedly driving 135 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone on the interstate. Following his arrest, Smith made bond and was released within an hour of being booked on May 15. Smith has a court date set for July 14, but if he pays the fines for the citations, then he would not have to appear.

Smith won back-to-back national championships to close out his Georgia football career. He was selected with the No. 30 pick in the first-round of the 2023 NFL draft. Smith went on to win a Super Bowl with Philadelphia and is NFL teammates with several of his former Georgia teammates including defensive linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

Smith is far from the only current or former Georgia player to be arrested for a driving offense in the Peach State. Smith is preparing for his fourth career NFL season. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound defender is coming off a 2025 season where he posted 31 tackles and three sacks. He missed the start of the season due to a triceps injury.

The Eagles' offseason training activities are set to start on Tuesday. Philadelphia exercised a $13.7 million option on Smith this offseason and are counting on him to produce.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia LB recorded going 135 MPH in arrest

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is the focus heading into the summer, while several prospects in the talented 2028 cycle will also take unofficial visits in the coming months, likely including four-star blue-chip quarterback Donald Tabron II, who visited the Aggies back in early January.

Ranked as Rivals' No. 3 signal caller in the 2028 class, Tabron continues to dazzle coaching staffs due to his dual-threat ability and 6'4", 200-pound frame, possessing impressive arm strength and accuracy. After throwing for 1,656 yards and 17 touchdowns during his freshman season, the Detroit (MI) prospect is now a favorite to land with Texas A&M.

According to On3's Allen Trieu, the Aggies are on track to secure Tabron's commitment, mainly due to his strong bond with new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and QB coach Joey Lynch, who have maintained communication since his January visit.

According to Trieu, LSU, Auburn, Ohio State, and even the Kentucky Wildcats are the programs to watch, even if the Aggies earn an early commitment from Tabron. What's important to note is that current Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed has served as the program's most consistent starter since Kellen Mond, and compared to LSU, Auburn, and Ohio State, the Aggies' QB development history is less consistent.

According to Rivals, Tabron is currently positioned as the 38th-ranked prospect in the cycle, the No. 3-ranked quarterback, and the third-ranked prospect in Michigan.

Put in a Texas A&M prediction for one of the top 2028s in the Midwest (and nationally).https://t.co/qXVoUfZJDhpic.twitter.com/OshkvTlz7a

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) May 21, 2026

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M receives prediction to land 2028 4-star QB Donald Tabron II