Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi play-off 1-4 etabı ikinci maçında VakıfBank, konuk ettiği Eczacıbaşı Dynavit'i 3-2 yendi.

VakıfBank, Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi play-off 1-4 etabı ikinci maçında konuk ettiği Eczacıbaşı Dynavit'i 3-2 yendi.

Seride durumu 2-0 yapan VakıfBank, böylece finalde Fenerbahçe Medicana'nın rakibi oldu.

Eczacıbaşı Dynavit ise Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi play-off 3-4'üncülük etabında Zerenspor ile eşleşti.

Salon: Vakıfbank Spor Sarayı

Hakemler: Seçkin Yener, Yasin Çalışkan

VakıfBank: Ogbogu, Cansu Özbay, Markova, Zehra Güneş, Boskovic, Derya Cebecioğlu (Ayça Aykaç, Dangubic, Sıla Çalışkan, Cazaute, Deniz Uyanık, Berka Buse Özden)

Eczacıbaşı Dynavit: Yaprak Erkek, Jack Kısal, Elif Şahin, Ebrar Karakurt, Rettke, Stysiak (Simge Aköz, Tuna Aybüke Özel, Meliha Diken, Dilay Özdemir, Smrek, Boden, Maglio)

Setler: 25-14, 29-31, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13

Süre: 145 dakika (20, 39, 29, 30, 27)

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Profesyonel Futbol Disiplin Kurulu (PFDK), Nesine 3. Lig 4. Grup'ta mücadele eden Nazillispor'u bir alt lige düşürdü.

TFF'den yapılan açıklamaya göre PFDK, ligin 27. haftasında 28 Mart Cumartesi günü oynanması gereken İzmir Çoruhlu FK maçına müsabaka kıyafeti ile belirlenen ve ilan olunan saatte sahaya gelmemesi nedeniyle ve bu eylemin aynı sezon içerisinde 2. kez gerçekleştirilmesinden dolayı Nazillispor'un hükmen 3-0 mağlup sayılmasına, bir alt lige düşürülmesine ve bu müsabaka tarihinden itibaren bu takımla müsabakası olan diğer ekiplerin karşılaşmaya çıkmadan hükmen galip sayılmasına karar verdi.

Galatasaray'ın tecrübeli orta saha oyuncusu İlkay Gündoğan, Portsmouth Üniversitesinden Küresel Futbol İşletme Yönetimi yüksek lisans diploması aldı.

İki yıllık programı başarıyla tamamlayan İlkay Gündoğan, Portsmouth Üniversitesi ile İngiltere Profesyonel Futbolcular Birliği (PFA) İşletme Okulu iş birliğinde verilen lisansüstü diplomayı almaya hak kazandı.

PFA'nın ABD merkezli X şirketinin sosyal medya platformundaki hesabından yapılan paylaşımda, "PFA İşletme Okulu mezunu İlkay Gündoğan'a Küresel Futbol İşletme Yönetimi diploması takdim edildi." ifadesi kullanıldı.

İlkay Gündoğan paylaştı:

Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nin 35. haftasında Anadolu Efes, İsrail ekibi Maccabi Rapyd'e 103-89 yenildi.

Sırbistan'ın başkenti Belgrad'daki Aleksandar Nikolic Salonu'nda oynanan karşılaşmanın ilk çeyreği, Anadolu Efes'in 25-24'lük üstünlüğüyle tamamlandı. İkinci periyotta daha etkili hücum eden İsrail temsilcisi, devre arasına 49-44 önde gitti.

İkinci devrede farkı açan Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, üçüncü çeyreğini 78-64 önde geçtiği mücadeleyi 103-89 kazandı.

İsrail ekibinde Lonnie Walker, 25 sayıyla galibiyette önemli rol oynadı. Lacivert-beyazlılarda Jordan Lloyd, 17 sayı üretti.

Bu sonuçla Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, 18. galibiyetini elde etti. Anadolu Efes ise 25. yenilgisini yaşadı.

Süper Lig'de zirve yarışını doğrudan etkileyecek olan Trabzonspor-Galatasaray derbisi öncesinde, her iki takımın sezon boyu sergilediği performans verileri üzerinden derinlemesine bir teknik analiz derledik. İşte sahadaki stratejiyi belirleyecek kritik istatistikler ve maçın anahtarı.

Süper Lig’de şampiyonluk düğümünü çözecek dev randevu öncesi nefesler tutuldu... tüm gözler Trabzon’daki taktik savaşına çevrildi! Bir yanda ligin pas trafiğini yöneten ve hücum istatistiklerini altüst eden Galatasaray, diğer yanda fiziksel gücü ve etkili geçiş oyunlarıyla sahasını kaleye çeviren Trabzonspor. Kağıt üstündeki rakamların dilini ise Fotospor çözdü. Maçın kaderini belirleyecek "büyük şans" istatistiklerinden, orta sahadaki ikili mücadele sayılarına kadar dev derbinin röntgenini çektik.

Galatasaray, maç başına 2.4 gol ortalamasıyla ligin en üretken takımlarından biri olarak dikkat çekiyor. Trabzonspor ise 2.0 ortalama ile takibini sürdürüyor.

Galatasaray maç başına 3.6 ile daha fazla "büyük şans" üretiyor ancak bu şansların 2.0'sini cömertçe harcıyor. Trabzonspor ise 2.7 büyük şansın 1.4'ünü kaçırarak daha kompakt bir bitiricilik sergiliyor.

Her iki takımın isabetli şut oranları birbirine oldukça yakın (5.6'ya 5.9). Bu durum, kalecilerin performansının maçın skorunu belirlemede hayati önem taşıyacağını gösteriyor.

Topla oynama yüzdelerinde Galatasaray’ın bariz bir üstünlüğü söz konusu (%61.7'ye %55.2). Galatasaray, maç başına 450.7 isabetli pas ve %87.7 isabet oranıyla oyunu domine eden taraf konumunda.

Trabzonspor, pas sayısında rakibinin gerisinde kalsa da %86.4 gibi yüksek bir isabet oranıyla oynuyor. Ev sahibi ekibin, Galatasaray’ın ön alan baskısını kırmak için uzun toplardaki başarısı (19.1 isabetli uzun top) anahtar rol oynayabilir.

Savunma tarafında Galatasaray, sadece 18 gol yiyerek (maç başı 0.7) ligin en az gol yiyen takımı unvanını koruyor. Trabzonspor ise kalesinde 29 gol gördü.

İstatistiklerde en dikkat çeken benzerlik savunma aksiyonlarında görülüyor. Maç başına pas arası (7.4) ve top çalma (15.5 - 15.7) rakamları neredeyse eşit. Bu da orta sahada kıran kırana bir fiziksel mücadele beklentisini artırıyor.

Trabzonspor, maç başına 50.3 kazanılan ikili mücadele ile fiziksel temaslarda bir adım önde.

Her iki takım da sezon boyunca 3'er kırmızı kart görerek agresif bir oyun karakteri sergiledi. Yarınki maçın yüksek tansiyonu, kart sayısını tetikleyebilir.

Galatasaray savunması bu sezon kalesinde hiç penaltı golü görmeyerek dikkat çekerken, Trabzonspor sadece 1 kez penaltıdan gol yedi.

Trabzonspor'da hedef Galatasaray

Türk Milli Takımı'nın Dünya Kupası'na uzanan tarihi başarısıyla tüm Türkiye tek yürek olup ayağa kalkarken, Trabzonspor tablonun dışında kalmanın sancısını yaşıyor. Yatırım stratejisini yabancı ve genç isimler üzerine kuran Trabzonspor, daralan yerli rotasyonu nedeniyle milli kampa sadece Mustafa Eskihellaç'ı gönderebildi. Ancak o da iki kritik maçta da kadroya dahi edilmeden dışarıda kaldı. Daha önce Fatih Tekke'den Uğurcan Çakır'a, Yusuf Yazıcı'dan Abdülkadir Ömür'e kadar benzer süreçler diğer Trabzonsporlu futbolcuların başına gelmişti.

Türk Milli Takımı’nın Dünya Kupası biletini alarak göğsümüzü kabarttığı bu süreçte, Trabzonspor cephesinde buruk bir tablo hakim. Ay-yıldızlıların yakaladığı devasa başarı tüm ülkeyi sevince boğarken, Karadeniz devinin bu büyük hikayenin dışında kalması tartışmaları da beraberinde getirdi.

ESKİHELAÇ'N BAŞINA GELENLER

Son dönemde transfer politikasını ağırlıklı olarak genç ve yabancı oyuncular üzerine kuran Trabzonspor, yerli rotasyonunun daralmasının bedelini ağır ödedi.

Milli Takım daveti alan tek isim olan Mustafa Eskihellaç, büyük umutlarla gittiği kamptan hayal kırıklığıyla döndü. Eskihellaç, oynanan iki kritik maçta da değil süre almak, maç kadrosuna dahi dahil edilmedi.

KRONİK BİR SORUN MU

Bu durum Trabzonspor camiası için aslında yabancı değil. Geçmişte de benzer senaryolar defalarca yaşanmıştı:

-Uğurcan Çakır

-Fatih Tekke

-Abdülkadir Ömür

-Yusuf Yazıcı

Üstteki isimler de bordo-mavi formayı giyerken milli takımda şans bulmakta zorlanmış; ancak ayrıldıklarında listenin en başındaki isimler haline gelmişlerdi.

Bu durumun bir "tesadüf" olmaktan çıktığı ve kronik bir sorun haline geldiği yorumları yapılıyor.

İKİ ÖNEMLİ BAŞLIK VAR

Trabzonspor bu kısır döngüyü nasıl kıracak? Uzmanlara göre kulübün önünde iki temel yol var:

- Yerli Rotasyonunu Güçlendirmek:

Transferde yerli kalitesini "tartışmasız" seviyeye çıkaracak isimlere yönelmek.

- Lobi ve Kamuoyu Gücü:

Gönderilen futbolcuların "algı operasyonları" altında ezilmemesi için kulübün kamuoyundaki temsil gücünü artırması gerekiyor.

Trabzonspor'da müjdeli haber: Muçi geri dödü

Beşiktaş'ta transfer hareketliliği erken başladı. Siyah-beyazlılar, savunmanın solunu Bulgaristan Ligi'nde sergilediği sıra dışı performansla parmak ısırtan Maicon ile güçlendirmeyi hedefliyor. Levski Sofia formasıyla bu sezon 5 gol ve 5 asistlik devasa bir skor katkısı üreterek sadece bir savunmacı değil, gerçek bir hücum silahı olduğunu kanıtlayan sambacı, Sergen Yalçın'dan geçer not aldı. 25 yaşındaki Sambacı için İtalya Serie A'dan Torino ve Como ile Brezilya devi Corinthians'ın da pusuda beklediği iddi edildi.

Bulgaristan Ligi'nde sergilediği performansla dikkatleri üzerine çeken Maicon Araujo dos Santos, Beşiktaş'ın gözdesi haline geldi. Levski Sofia formasıyla parlayan 25 yaşındaki Brezilyalı sol bek için siyah-beyazlıların devrede olduğu iddia edilirken, oyuncuya İtalya ve Brezilya’dan da ilgi var.

Levski Sofia’nın başarılı ismi Maicon için siyah-beyazlıların nabız yokladığı belirtiliyor. Ancak Beşiktaş bu transferde yalnız değil. Serie A ekiplerinden Torino ve Cesc Fabregas’ın yönetimindeki Como, oyuncuyu yakından takip ediyor. Ülkesinin köklü kulüplerinden Corinthians da, Maicon’u kadrosuna katarak savunma hattını güçlendirmeyi hedefliyor.

Levski Sofia’nın, sözleşmesi 2027’de bitecek olan Brezilyalı için yaklaşık 5 milyon Euro civarında bir bedel talep ettiği konuşuluyor.

Özellikle duran toplardaki başarısı ve uzaktan şut tehdidi rakip savunmalar için büyük bir problem.

1.70 m boyundaki oyuncu, düşük ağırlık merkezi sayesinde oldukça çevik. Kanat bindirmelerinde hızıyla fark yaratırken, geçiş oyunlarında takımı hızla atağa kaldırabiliyor.

Brezilyalı genlerinden gelen top tekniği, dar alanda baskıdan çıkmasını kolaylaştırıyor. Orta isabet oranı ve kilit pas denemeleri lig ortalamasının oldukça üzerinde.

Hücumdaki agresifliği kadar savunmaya geri dönüşlerinde de çalışkan bir profil çiziyor. Ancak fiziksel temaslı oyunda boy avantajı olmaması nedeniyle bazen hava toplarında zorlanabiliyor.

Gedson Beşiktaş için geldi! Serdal Adalı ve Sergen Yalçın'a ''dönmek istiyorum'' dedi

Önce Rangers formasıyla Kadıköy'ü sessizliğe gömdü... ardından Beşiktaş formasıyla Türkiye Kupası'nda sarı-lacivertlilerin hayallerini yıktı! Beşiktaş'ın Çek yıldızı Václav Cerny, Fenerbahçe derbilerinde sergilediği inanılmaz istatistiklerle "derbi uzmanı" kimliğini perçinlemeye devam ediyor. Bir takvim yılı içerisinde Kadıköy'de iki farklı takımla ağları tam 4 kez sarsan 28 yaşındaki kanat oyuncusu, Fenerbahçe savunması için çözülmesi imkansız bir bilmeceye dönüşmüş durumda. Hafta sonunda da Sergen Yalçın'ın derbideki en önemli kozu olacak.

Beşiktaş'ın Çek yıldızı Vaclav Cerny için "Kadıköy" ve "Fenerbahçe" kelimeleri aynı cümle içinde yanyana gelince, "gol atmam gerek" gibi bir psikolojik hale bürünüyor. İster Avrupa kupası olsun ister Türkiye Kupası, Çek kanat oyuncusu sarı-lacivertli formayı gördüğü an içindeki "kartal" bir anda uyanıyor. İşte "Fenerbahçe Uzmanı" Cerny'nin Kadıköy serüveni...

Her şey 2024-2025 sezonunda Rangers formasıyla başladı. UEFA Avrupa Ligi Son 16 turunda Kadıköy'e ayak basan Cerný, Fenerbahçe savunmasını adeta sürklase etti. 3-1 Rangers lehine sonuçlanan maçta 2 gol birden atarak tur kapısını ardına kadar açtı. O gece sergilediği bitiricilik, sadece İskoçya'da değil, Türkiye'de de adının manşetlere kazınmasını sağladı.

Beşiktaş’a transfer olduktan sonra "Fenerbahçe fobisi" yaratmaya devam eden Cerný, asıl patlamayı 23 Aralık 2025'teki Ziraat Türkiye Kupası maçında yaptı.

Cerny gemileri yaktı! Radikal karar

Maçın hemen başında attığı golle takımını öne geçiren Çek yıldız, 90+1’de attığı "öldürücü darbe" ile Beşiktaş'ı 2-1'lik galibiyete taşıdı.

Bu maçla birlikte Cerny, siyah-beyazlı taraftarların sevgilisi olurken; bir takvimi yılı içerisinde Kadıköy’de iki farklı takımla toplamda 4 gol atarak kırılması zor bir rekora imza attı.

Cerny'nin Fenerbahçe’ye karşı sergilediği bu performans sadece şansla açıklanamaz. Özellikle sağ kanattan içeri kat edip sol ayağıyla bulduğu açılar, sarı-lacivertli savunmanın en büyük zaafı haline gelmiş durumda.

Beşiktaş teknik heyeti, Nisan 2026 itibarıyla ligin son düzlüğüne girilirken, özellikle kritik derbi hesaplarında Cerný’nin bu "Fenerbahçe uzmanlığını" ana planın merkezine koymaya devam edecek.

Süper Lig'in dev derbisi öncesi teknik detaylar masaya yatırıldı. Gazetemiz editör ekibi Beşiktaş ve Fenerbahçe'nin sayısal röntgenini çekti. Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş'ın 27 maçlık performans verileri üzerinden yapılan derinlemesine analizde, hücum verimliliğinden savunma sertliğine kadar kritik farklar ortaya çıktı. Sarı-lacivertlilerin %59.5'lik topla oynama dominasyonu ile siyah-beyazlıların maç başına 23.7 tehlike engelleme başarısı arasındaki taktiksel savaşın şifreleri çözüldü. İşte iki devin büyük şans yaratma oranlarından son vuruş kalitesine kadar derbinin sonucuna doğrudan etki edecek çarpıcı rakamlar...

Fenerbahçe'nin Beşiktaş'ı konuk edeceği dev derbi öncesinde, 27 maçlık periyot üzerinden ortaya çıkan rakamlar, sahadaki taktiksel savaşın şifrelerini veriyor. Hücum verimliliğinden savunma sertliğine kadar her iki takımın da belirgin üstünlük kurduğu alanlar üzerinden Fotospor derbinin röntgenini çekti.

Her iki takımın da maç başına 3.1 büyük şans üretmesi ve 6.2 isabetli şut ortalaması yakalaması, ofansif üretkenlikte sorun olmadığını gösteriyor. Ancak Fenerbahçe maç başına 2.3 gol ortalamasıyla Beşiktaş’ın (1.8) önünde. Beşiktaş’ın maç başına kaçırdığı büyük şansın (2.0) yüksek olması ise Sergen Yalçın'n derbide "son vuruş" konsantrasyonuna daha fazla ihtiyaç duyacağının göstergesi.

Topa sahip olma ve oyun kurulumunda Fenerbahçe’nin belirgin bir hakimiyeti var. %59.5 topla oynama oranı ve %86 isabetli pas yüzdesiyle sarı-lacivertliler, set oyununu daha iyi oynuyor.

Fenerbahçe derbinin önemini acı şekilde anlayabilir!

Beşiktaş ise %54.7 topla oynama oranıyla daha dengeli. Uzun top isabetinde de (%45.7) Fenerbahçe’nin (%54.6) gerisinde. Bu durum, Fenerbahçe'nin baskıdan uzun paslarla daha rahat çıktığını simgeliyor.

Savunma tarafında Beşiktaş’ın maç başına 23.7 tehlike engelleme istatistiği dikkat çekici. Bu, siyah-beyazlı savunmanın baskı altında daha fazla kaldığını ancak kritik müdahalelerle bu baskıyı erittiğini gösteriyor.

Fenerbahçe ise daha önde basan bir görüntü çizerek maç başına 18.0 top çalma ile rakibini henüz kendi yarı sahasına girmeden durdurmaya çalışıyor.

Liverpool are interested in signing the AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old French international is highly rated across Europe and regarded as one of the finest young attacking talents in Ligue 1.

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have identified him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Akliouche is a naturally right-sided winger, and he would fit right in. The player is valued at €70 million, and Liverpool are prepared to negotiate a reasonable deal for him. The player’s representatives have indicated that he could be open to a move to the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get the deal done.

The Monaco star has 15 goal contributions this season, and he is a young player with a lot of potential. He could improve with coaching and experience in future. Liverpool have done well to groom young players, and they could play a key role in his development.

The opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in the world will be quite exciting for the French attacker. It would be a major step up in his career. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential.

Even if Liverpool have to pay a premium for him, the deal could be worth it in the long-term. He is a young player with a lot of promise, and he could develop into a future star.

It is no secret that Liverpool need more quality on the flanks. The 24-year-old is capable of operating on either flank, and he will add pace, flair, and unpredictability to the team.

The post Liverpool line up €70m Salah replacement as major attacking change looms appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Atalanta defender, Marco Palestra at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old full back is currently on loan at Cagliari, and he has done exceedingly well for them. The player could cost around €45 million in the summer, according to reports via SportWitness, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool decides to make a move for him.

He can operate as a full back on either flank, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for Liverpool. It is no secret that Liverpool needs more depth at full-back. They have struggled due to persistent injury problems at right back, and Palestra would be a superb option.

He has shown he can be a reliable defender and influence games going forward. His ability to slot into the left-back role would be a bonus. Andrew Robertson is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, and the 20-year-old Italian could fill the void left by him.

The asking price is quite steep for a young talent like him, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to break the bank for him. The player has the quality and the potential to justify the investment in future, and the deal could look like a shrewd investment in the long term.

Atalanta are hoping that he can return to the club in the summer and play for them next season. However, turning down a lucrative proposal could be difficult for them. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few weeks. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be tempting for the young defender as well. Regular football in England could accelerate his development and bring out the best in him.

The post €45m price tag raises questions as Liverpool target versatile wide player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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

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

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

Defence

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

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

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

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

Midfield

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

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

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

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

Attack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opposing hitters have no answers for the dominant Yankees pitching staff

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

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

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

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

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

More MLB news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More NBA news:

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

Well, that didn’t go well.

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

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

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

End of inning, end of threat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He could be the next big thing.

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

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

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

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) April 2, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pena will be hoping to do that, too.

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

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

More MLB news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Starting Lineup: Florida Gators

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Players to Watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series History

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

Follow the Action

THURSDAY (6:30 p.m. ET)

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

FRIDAY (6:30 p.m. ET)

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

SATURDAY (7:30 p.m. ET)

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

* Watch links go directly to game feed

Predictions

GAME 1: Florida, 6-4

GAME 2: Ole Miss, 4-3

GAME 3: Florida, 7-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrick Mouratoglou speaks up ahead of UTS Nimes

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

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

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

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

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

Read more:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up next

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

___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More NFL News

• Does Raiders' Kirk Cousins signing mean Fernando Mendoza won't start?
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• Giants, Browns rumor offers draft trade scenario with Chiefs lurking
• Eagles-Rams rumor reveals players discussed in trade talks
• Raiders rumor reveals 'prime option' for backup to Fernando Mendoza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To my first love, Football —

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

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

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

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

To my coaches, thank you for pouring into me. 

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

GillyLock Out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Background

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

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

Maurizio Sarri Has Been Keen to Keep Toma Basic at Lazio

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

Lazio Pull Out of Basic Negotiations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas softball vs Alabama scoring updates

This section will be updated when the game starts

Texas softball vs Alabama starting lineups

This section will be updated when available

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

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

TV/radio: SEC Network+; texaslonghorns.com

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

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

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

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

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

LeBron James on playing the Grizzlies:

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

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

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 2, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

LeBron’s new favorite sport?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murray Magic

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murray Misfires

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

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

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

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

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

Murray Momentum

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

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

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

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

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

Murray’s Moment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santos

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

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

Remo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This story will be updated. 

More NBA news: 

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

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

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

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

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

Injury report for tomorrow vs. Timberwolves:

OUT: Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery)

DOUBTFUL: Joel Embiid (illness) #Sixers

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 2, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Full release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juan Soto Over 7.5 Fantasy Points

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

Ronald Acua Jr. Over 8.5 Fantasy Points

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

Michael Harris II Over 5.5 Fantasy Points

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

Willy Adames Over 5.5 Fantasy Points

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

Read More Fantasy News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arsenal and Liverpool among teams interested in Nathaniel Brown

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

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

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

Nathaniel Brown: Situation summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kounde’s Impressive Form In La Liga

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

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

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

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

Should Chelsea Go For Kounde?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE MLB NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Has the Dodgers’ Season gone so Far?

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

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

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

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

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

Do you think the Dodgers will keep the top spot?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this report.

Stirling Albion have placed manager Alan Maybury on gardening leave having decided not to extend the former Republic of Ireland full-back's contract beyond the end of the season.

The Binos sit eighth - third bottom - in Scottish League 2 and are all but safe from relegation, being 14 points clear of Edinburgh City at the foot of the table after beating the capital side 1-0 on Saturday to end a five-game run without a win.

But Stirling would be bottom if City and Dumbarton had not suffered points deductions from the Scottish Professional Football League.

Stirling chairman Fraser McIntyre told his club website: "Alan joined us in a difficult period following our relegation from League 1.

"Whilst these decisions are never easy, we believe this is the right step for the club at this time."

Tony McMinn, who has been 47-year-old Maybury's assistant since he took charge in summer 2024, has been asked to form an interim management team until the end of the season.

Former Leeds United, Heart of Midlothian, Leicester City, St Johnstone, Hibernian and Falkirk full-back Maybury had previously been Edinburgh manager.

PHOENIX (AP) — Cheryl Miller's impact on women's basketball spans generations, from dominating on the court at Southern California in the 1980s to making her mark in the broadcast booth.

On Thursday, Miller's legacy was recognized along with UConn star Breanna Stewart. The two women's hoops game-changers were honored by The Associated Press as the greatest players of the women's college basketball poll era, selected by a 13-member panel.

“I played the game because I loved it," Miller said, "without there ever being a hint of what my legacy may look like or what I ever envisioned down the road. I think the overwhelming feeling that I feel right now is grateful.”

Miller accepted the honor at “The AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience," which is being held at Arizona State’s First Amendment Forum in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Delta State was also recognized as the first No. 1 team when the women’s basketball poll debuted 50 years ago. Under coach Margaret Wade, the Lady Statesmen won three straight national championships from 1975-1977 in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). They won three more under coach Lloyd Clark in 1989, 1990 and 1992 after their move to the NCAA’s Division II.

Miller, a 6-foot-2 forward, won two national titles and earned All-America honors in all four of her seasons with the Trojans, averaging 23.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.6 steals and 2.5 blocks. She was also the head coach and general manager for the Phoenix Mercury in the late 1990s, leading the team to the WNBA Finals in 1998.

Stewart has won it all in her career: She was a two-time state champion in high school. She won four NCAA titles at UConn. She’s won three WNBA titles, three World Cup gold medals, three Olympic gold medals, even two EuroLeague titles. Earlier this year, Stewart led her team Mist BC to a championship in Unrivaled — the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league she co-founded.

“I want to say thank you to the AP for voting me best college basketball player of the last 25 years,” Stewart said in a video message. “Especially to be named to this honor alongside Cheryl Miller. There’s been so many women’s hoops players who have gone through college and made their mark. Shoutout to my Huskies. ... Nobody’s taking our four national championships away from us.”

___

AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience: https://apnews.com/https:/apnews.com/projects/arizona-state-fan-poll-experience/

___

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

Colby Covington has filed a lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal stemming from a 2022 attack outside of a Miami restaurant. Covington filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on March 23 and seeks $100,000 in damages. Talk show host Andy Slater first reported the lawsuit.

Masvidal and Covington used to be teammates, training partners and best friends. The two fought in the UFC 272 main event on March 5, 2022, just weeks before the incident.   Covington defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision but his comments about Masvidal's children in the build up to the fight enraged Masvidal.

Masvisdal waited for Covington outside of a steakhouse in Miami, and when Covington exited the established he “ambushed” him without warning. Covington had felony charges dropped after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge in a plea deal with Florida prosecutors.  

Covington, through his attorney Javier A. Finlay, filed a civil suit over the "unprovoked" attack. In the court documents, Finlay claimed his client “suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care and treatment.” Covington seeks "all allowable damages and for such other and further relief, in law or in equity” that “may be justly entitled.”

Masvidal retired from mixed martial arts in April 2023 after suffering four consecutive losses. He returned to the boxing ring in 2024 against Nate Diaz and intends to make an octagon return this year.

Covington has fought twice since the incident with Masvidal, losing to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley.

It’s Brasileirão-2026 matchday at Arena Condá.

Chapecoense and Atlético Mineiro face off from 7 p.m. (Brasília time) this Thursday (2).

The match is valid for the ninth round of the competition.

João Vitor Gobi (SP) is the referee. 

Premiere will broadcast it.

Chapecoense 🟢⚪

Verdão do Oeste are currently 16th with seven points.

They are unbeaten at home, but with only one win.

And they are one of the teams that concede the most at home: eight goals in four matches.

Gilmar Dal Pozzo can now count on Kevin Ramírez, a signing from the last transfer window. He will start on the bench.

But Everton is suspended.

Meanwhile, the trio of Garcez, Robert, and Bruno Matias remains in the medical department. 

Atlético 🐓

Galo began the day in 14th place with eight points.

The mission is to stop being the only team without a point away from home. 

Eduardo Domínguez will be without Júnior Alonso, Preciado, Cissé, and Alan Minda due to the FIFA international window.

Lyanco will start in a formation with two center-backs.

Maycon, meanwhile, is in the final stage of recovery from injury.

Photo: Alessandra Seidel | ACF

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

Will Zalatoris has experienced an absolute nightmare with injuries over the past two years, so his first round 67 at the Valero Texas Open would have been an extremely welcome one.

Zalatoris was one of the more talented young players to emerge onto the PGA Tour when he burst onto the scene seven years ago now.

However, the 29-year-old’s body has caused him all sorts of issues, with his back proving to be particularly problematic.

Zalatoris underwent back surgery for the second time in 2025, and he ended up playing only 11 PGA Tour events that year.

He has only made 14 PGA Tour starts since the beginning of the 2025 season.

Zalatoris has not yet qualified for The Masters, but a win at The Valero Texas Open would get him in the field at Augusta National.

Will Zalatoris speaks out after his first round 67 at the Valero

Zalatoris spoke to reporters after posting a round of five-under-par in San Antonio on Thursday morning.

The 29-year-old was asked how he feels about his game after shooting an opening round 67 at TPC San Antonio.

“Really good,“ Zalatoris admitted.

“Not too thrilled with kind of how I hit it coming in until I hit that dart on 9. This is just, it’s constantly learning. Every round I play I’m picking up on something.

“I think I’ve only played eight competitive PGA TOUR rounds and then 12 rounds in total since I went to South Africa. The sample size is still really small.

“I think the part that’s hard too is when you’re on a major medical, you don’t get to really pick your tournaments.

“This is an event that even though I’m from Texas, I haven’t played in the past once I got on Tour mainly just because I liked having the week before Augusta off because it’s such a mentally stressful week.

“But the fact that I’m able to spend time at home, work on my body, treat every single day like it’s a tournament day and see how my body responds, I’m kind of getting back a little bit to how we did it at the end of COVID when we were able to play golf here in Texas where it’s just hey, go out and play with guys, play money games.

“My days of five-hour grind sessions on the range are over, but I also don’t need to be working that long in the first place.

“So far, like I said, body’s been responding great to treatment. Austin’s here this week, he’s got me moving really good. Let’s just keep it going.“

Will Zalatoris opens up on recent ankle injury

At the end of February, Zalatoris was forced to withdraw from the Cognizant Classic just before his first round tee-off time due to an ankle injury.

His first start since then was at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and he missed the cut.

After posting a great first round score of 67 in San Antonio on Thursday, Zalatoris was asked about the ankle injury he sustained in Florida.

“It’s all related to the back,“ the 29-year-old admitted.

“It was basically the nerve that — the sciatic nerve going down — basically from the ankle down I couldn’t feel anything.

“Basically, you know, the reality is that I’m 10 months removed from basically having my back reconstructed. If I’m complaining about just a little thing here and there, I’ll still take it.

“The patience game is obviously brutal because it’s even like a day like today where I make eight birdies and we’re still talking about it, but that’s been my last three years.

“So it’s kind of nice to be able to come out, and my routine’s a little bit longer. I’m still 29, I still have some spunk in me, but I still feel like a 29-year-old who’s had three back surgeries for sure.“

Padres have 'serious concern' about back-end starters after 9.00 ERA start to 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Diego Padres are trying to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, and so far, through the first week of the 2026 MLB season, it's not going well.

The Dodgers are 4-2, while the Padres are 2-4, tied with the Colorado Rockies for last in the West. While the offense isn't terrible, and the bullpen is elite, the back-end of the starting rotation is still a big problem.

As MLB.com's AJ Cassavell notes, the Padres back-end starters, specifically Walker Buehler and German Marquez, are a "serious concern" for the Padres going forward this year.

Padres have 'serious concern' with two SP

"The back of the rotation is a serious concern," Cassavell writes. "... The question marks come in the rotation - and thus far, Walker Beuhler and German Marquez have done little to answer them."

The Padres got both a good and bad start from Nick Pivetta and a scoreless five-inning outing from Michael King. Randy Vasquez was great against the Detroit Tigers, striking out eight in six scoreless innings.

But the Padres have two major question marks at the back-end of their rotation. German Marquez and Walker Buehler are currently the No. 4 and 5 starters, and neither has been good this season.

Buehler allowed three runs in 4.0 innings of work on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Marquez allowed four runs in 3.0 innings of work on eight hits and one walk with one strikeout.

More: Shohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece

In their combined seven innings of work, the two Padres starters have allowed seven earned runs for a 9.00 ERA. It's far from an ideal start, as the Padres need both to be a lot better this season.

Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning are working their way back from injury, but in the meantime, both Buehler and Marquez will need to turn things around.

Whether it's a free agent, a trade pickup, a minor league call-up, one of Canning or Musgrove returning, or simply Buehler or Marquez pitching better, the Padres need more from their fourth and fifth starters this season.

It's a bad start to 2026 for the Padres rotation from the fourth and fifth slots, as their combined ERA across seven innings of work is 9.00.

This back-end of the rotation is a serious concern for the Padres, and something that needs to be resolved in the coming weeks if the Padres want a chance to make the postseason.

More MLB news:

• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
• Jacob DeGrom is only 149 strikeouts from 2,000 for his career
• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
• Giancarclo Stanton has an absurd 2-for-4 streak going on for Yankees
• Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade
• How Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto is connected to Rockies' Tomoyuki Sugano
• Marlins suggested to sign Max Kepler after Phillies’ OF was suspended for 80 games
• Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade

Two top-five teams will square off on the diamond Thursday night when the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide host the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in Game 1 of a three-game SEC softball series at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Both teams have certainly looked the part so far. Alabama (33-2 overall, 7-2 conference), which started the season 25-0, has won three straight series against Ole Miss, a top-10 Arkansas team, and most recently Missouri in SEC play. Texas (31-2, 9-0) had won 29 straight games until a 9-7 loss to Texas A&M last Sunday in Austin.

Behind starters Jocelyn Briski (13-0, 1.26 ERA) and Vic Moten (13-2, 1.47), Alabama has compiled a 1.41 earned run average in 35 games this season. That number ranks third best nationally. Texas is 10th nationally in both ERA (2.23) and batting average (.365) while Alabama is hitting .352, which ranks 18th.

The Crimson Tide enter the game having won five straight after a 4-0 week that included a two-game series sweep of North Dakota State and wins over Jacksonville State and North Alabama. With Brooke Wells (.467/.578/1.044) and Alexis Pupillo (.450/.517/.910) leading the way, the Crimson Tide have hit 63 home runs which ranks eighth nationally. Alabama has outscored opponents, 255-51, this season.

The Longhorns are led at the plate by Katie Stewart (471/.600/1.118) and Leighann Goode (.442/.546/.727).

Following are live updates from Alabama vs. Texas at Rhoads Stadium.

Where to watch Alabama softball vs Texas Longhorns: TV info for Game 1

Where to watch Alabama softball vs Texas today: Game 1 time, TV info

📸 Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images https://t.co/4LpwzorGHppic.twitter.com/Y3wCwxGc9o

— Roll Tide Wire (@RollTideWire) April 2, 2026

Alabama vs. Texas will stream on ESPN+ Thursday.

Alabama vs. Texas softball start time today

• Date: April 2
• Time: 6 p.m. CT

Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama softball vs Texas today, live updates, score, highlights

There are plenty of young sports stars breaking the bank with their salaries these days. New York Giants second-year running back Cam Skattebo isn't one of them.

Skattebo, who burst on the scene last year as a rookie with his smashmouth, demonstrative style, will be one of the game's biggest bargains the next few seasons.

Awful: Giants rookie star RB Cam Skattebo revealed that he will only make $250,000 this year after taxes and agency fees.

Skattebo even started streaming to make extra money.

The NFL needs to start paying rookies fairly 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/vh64lV0WT2

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 1, 2026

The fact of the matter is that Skattebo was a fourth-round pick, a Day 3 pick, and they don't get paid like players who get selected in the first two nights of the draft.

By the time Saturday comes at the draft, there's not a lot of meat left on the bone, so to speak, to share with the late round picks.

Skattebo was the 105th player selected last year and was signed to a standard rookie four-year deal. His slotted amount was $5.273 million over four years with a $1,073,040 signing bonus (which is fully guaranteed).

His average annual salary over the life of the contract is listed at $1,318,260. For the value he's already given to the Giants, that figure is a little low.

Granted, Skattebo comes with great risk. He's already suffered a serious ankle injury that cost him half a season, and his style of play could put him at more risk in the future.

It's really not up to the NFL to play these players more than they are required to. These rates were all collectively bargained by the union and the owners. Anyone familiar with CBAs knows that the current union members always leave less for the next generation. It's just business.

Think of all the players who were drafted and didn't pan out. Teams had to play them regardless of their performances. Players like Skattebo, who outperform their contracts, are becoming rare.

It's good to see Skattebo cashing in on his celebrity, though. Hopefully, he can resume his career and continue to have success to the point where the Giants tear up his rookie deal and give him a raise.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Cam Skattebo is one of NFL's biggest bargain players

Hardware Hunter monitors Reddit, eBay, Slickdeals, and more to surface used computer hardware deals worth buying. It scores each listing for scam signals, vague specs, condition red flags, and price versus market, then delivers concise email or Telegram alerts with a verdict and link. Define what you're hunting—category, specs, sources, and price range—and it checks every two hours so you only see real opportunities.

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Skedly is the reliability layer between your event sources and your application. It receives, filters, retries, and replays webhooks so you never miss a critical event, with real-time observability into payloads, headers, status codes, latency, and delivery history. HMAC signature verification, workspace isolation, and configurable alerts help you secure and monitor traffic.

Use the open-source CLI to test with real production events on localhost, and embed a customer-facing webhook dashboard in your app to let users manage endpoints, filters, and retries without building infrastructure.

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Raphinha sustained a right hamstring injury during the match between Brazil and France a few days ago, which will sideline him for several weeks. The situation was not well received at Barcelona, and president Joan Laporta has now addressed FIFA over the issue.

“Raphinha’s injury is a shame,” Laporta said during a recent interview with Mon Esport. “It’s a friendly match, and one of the team’s best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying… It’s infuriating!”

The Barcelona president was quick to make clear that Raphinha was not at fault. “You can’t blame the players. They are professionals and they give their all for their country,” he explained.

Instead, Laporta pointed to where he believes the main responsibility lies in these situations. “The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything,” he said. “FIFA must make their calendar considering that these players play for big clubs.”

Raphinha will miss key Barcelona matches

Barcelona’s complaints are understandable given, as Laporta noted, the timing of Raphinha’s injury. This Saturday, they will face Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga clash that could be decisive in maintaining their lead with nine matches remaining.

And that’s not all: just four days later, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will meet again in an even more significant matchup. They are set to play the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Camp Nou, with the decisive second leg scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Madrid.

By then, Raphinha will have been recovering from his hamstring injury for just over two weeks—a timeframe typically insufficient for a full recovery from this type of issue. As a result, Barcelona are effectively ruling out the winger for the entire series against Atletico Madrid, representing a major setback for Hansi Flick.

The FIFA calendar

While Joan Laporta’s complaints are understandable given the impact on Barcelona, his criticism does not fully reflect how the FIFA calendar is structured. Most leagues around the world run from September through May, with the early months of the year typically representing the most decisive stretch of the season.

During that period, FIFA schedules only one international break—the March window. It is the first of the year, with the next not coming until June, after club competitions have concluded. In contrast, the bulk of international fixtures takes place in the second half of the year, aligning with the early stages of the club season, when overall demands are lower.

In the midst of a season marked by injuries, Barcelona have managed to stay among the best teams in Spain, remaining as LaLiga leaders and competing in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, they face a difficult challenge, as they take on Atlético Madrid. Ahead of this game, Hansi Flick could face an important setback, since Frenkie de Jong’s presence is completely uncertain due to his thigh injury.

According to reports from Carlos Monfort and Dídac Peyret in Diario Sport, Frenkie de Jong trained individually with Barcelona today, and his presence in Friday, April 3’s group session remains highly uncertain. As a result, the Dutchman could miss the match against Atlético Madrid, forcing coach Hansi Flick to adjust his starting lineup. Moreover, he is expected to make a comeback in the Champions League clash.

Alongside Frenkie, the Blaugranas will also be without Raphinha and Andreas Christensen, impacting the team’s overall performance. As a replacement for the Dutchman, Flick could turn to Marc Bernal, who has proven to be a difference-maker throughout the season. In the case of the Brazilian’s absence, Dani Olmo could take his place in the starting lineup, aiming to create space in Los Colchoneros’ rigid defense.

Report: Barcelona recover Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé

Despite the tough absences of Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona have received some good news. After suffering injuries in early March 2026, Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have taken part in the most recent group training session. With this in mind, the Blaugranas expect to receive medical clearance before the match vs. Atlético Madrid, giving a solid boost to Flick.

With the return of both players, Hansi Flick gains much-needed consistency, as the team has been struggling significantly on a defensive level in their absence. However, they might not be able to play the full 90 minutes, instead having managed playing time to avoid relapses. Because of this, the presence of João Cancelo and Xavi Espart could still be vital in securing the much-needed victory.

Barcelona face unusual fixture timing vs Atlético Madrid

Barcelona and Atlético usually face each other around two or three times per season, but this time they will meet six times—an unusual occurrence. The Blaugrana are entering one of the most important months of their entire season. On April 4, they face off in LaLiga, aiming to secure their top spot. Then, they have two more matches on April 8 and 14 in the Champions League quarterfinals.

This week has centered on the discrimination scandal from Tuesday’s international friendly between Spain and Egypt. Lamine Yamal was very critical of the people who sang the controversial chant, and his father also spoke about the issue.

During a live broadcast on TikTok, Mounir Nasraoui said: “I don’t like what happened. Viva Spain. Viva the Muslims, the Catholics, the Jewish, and the entire world equally. What’s the problem? If you respect, you will be respected.”

Mounir sent a message of unity after an incident in which his religion was mocked. Yamal’s father was born in Morocco, while the player was born in Barcelona and follows the Muslim faith.

The context of the incident

During the international window, one match in particular sparked controversy. Spain was supposed to play the Finalissima against Argentina, but instead organized friendlies. Serbia and Egypt were the rivals, with the latter becoming the target of the incident.

The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol. Unlike isolated moments where individual fans insult a player, this was a widespread show of disrespect.

During the match, a discriminatory chant was heard that said, “the one who does not jump is a Muslim.” This sparked anger, especially from Yamal, who left the field without taking part in the usual lap of applause to the fans.

Espanyol’s statement

The episode prompted criticism from many sides. Some pointed to Espanyol fans as responsible for the chant, which led the club to respond in a statement: “RCD Espanyol also wants to express its deep concern over the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been affecting its fans in recent hours.”

may not get the fights he wants this year – or be forced to go through with them one belt down. The Russian pound-for-pound star has been out since his rematch with Artur Beterbiev in February 2025, a points win after losing the first fight. Bivol’s undisputed reign lasted just a couple of months before […]

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Fenerbahçe'nin ısrarla istediği, Galatasaray'ın ise pusuda beklediği Paulo Dybala için heyecan dorukta ancak sağlık raporları tam bir 'korku filmi' senaryosuna işaret ediyor. 'Merdiven çıkarken bile sakatlanıyor' eleştirilerinin odağındaki Tangocu, Mart ayında yaşadığı diz sakatlığıyla sezonu kapatma riski yaşıyor. 2026 yılındaki kronik sakatlık tablosu kulüpleri düşündürüyor. 18 milyon Euro'luk bu dev kumarı kim oynayacak? 'Cam Adam' lakaplı dünya yıldızı yeni sezonda hangi formayı giyecek?"

Süper Lig’de şampiyonluk yarışı transfer masasına taşındı. La Gazzetta dello Sport bir kaç gün önce, Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde boy göstermeye hazırlanan bir Türk devinin Paulo Dybala’ya yıllık 6 milyon Euro net maaş ve 3 yıllık sözleşme teklif etmeye hazırlandığı haberini yaptı.

Fenerbahçe'nin bu transferde çok istekli olduğu belirtilirken, Galatasaray’ın da oyuncunun durumunu yakından takip ettiği biliniyor. Ancak transferin maliyetinden ziyade, Dybala'nın "cam adam" lakabını perçinleyen sağlık raporu tam bir korku filmini andırıyor.

Galatasaray’ın daha önce gündemine gelen Arjantinli yıldız için efsane isim Angelo Di Livio'nun yaptığı uyarı hala kulaklarda:

- Merdiven çıkarken bile sakatlanıyor!

Fotospor’un daha önce dikkat çektiği bu uyarı, 2026 yılı itibarıyla adeta bir kehanete dönüştü.

Galatasaray aman dikkat! ''Merdiven çıkarken sakatlanan golcü'' uyarısı

Dybala’nın teknik kapasitesi tartışılmaz olsa da, fiziksel kırılganlığı son iki sezonda (2024-2026) zirve yapmış durumda.

Mart 2026'dan beri diz sakatlığı nedeniyle sahalardan uzak. Ameliyat riski kapıda ve Roma ile sezonu tamamen kapattığı belirtiliyor.

Ocak-Şubat 2026'da diz sorunu sebebiyle 28 gün sahalardan uzak kaldı ve 4 kritik maçı kaçırdı. Kasım 2025'te genel sağlık problemleriyle 23 gün takımdan ayrı kaldı. Eylül 2025'te sol uyluk bölgesindeki kas sakatlığı 19 gün sürdü.

Dybala’nın sadece bu sezonu değil, kariyer geneli de alarm veriyor. Özellikle sol uyluk ve hamstring bölgesindeki yırtıklar her sezon en az 3-4 kez tekrarlıyor. 2024-2025 sezonunda yaşadığı sol semitendinosus tendon yırtığı, oyuncuyu tam 100 gün boyunca yeşil sahalardan koparmıştı.

3 yıllık sözleşme ve toplamda 18 milyon Euro’yu bulan garanti maaş paketi, Dybala'yı transfer etmek isteyen kulüpleri için büyük bir risk.

Fenerbahçe'de derinden ve titizlikle bir çalışma yürüten efsane başkan Aziz Yıldırım, seçim stratejisini yalnızca tek bir aday üzerine değil, çok boyutlu bir satranç tahtası üzerine kurdu. 31 Mart itibarıyla üyelerin aidat durumları için emir veren Yıldırım'ın, 18 Nisan'da kulübün mali röntgenini çekerek yapacağı sert açıklamalarla seçimi zorunlu tutacağı belirtiliyor. Masasında Nihat Özdemir ve Mehmet Ali Aydınlar gibi dev isimleri bulunduran Yıldırım'ın masasında ayrıca geçiş süreci için Ömer Temelli, Turgut Yılmaz ve Şekip Mosturoğlu formülleri de var.

Fenerbahçe’de tarihi bile olmayan seçim öncesi efsane başkan Aziz Yıldırım cephesinde hareketlilik zirveye ulaştı. Seçim hazırlıklarını titizlikle yürüten Yıldırım, camianın önde gelen isimleriyle bir araya gelerek yol haritasını belirledi.

Sezon sonunda yapılmasını beklediği seçim için düğmeye basan Aziz Yıldırım, ekibine net mesajlar verdi. Oy kullanma hakkının kaybedilmemesi için 31 Mart (tarih geçti) tarihine dikkat çekti. Uyarılarda bulundu:

- Çevremizdeki herkesi kontrol edelim, herkes aidatlarını ödesin. Bu yaz seçim var, hazırlıklı olmalıyız.

Aziz Yıldırım düğmeye bastı: Fenerbahçe böyle uçacak

Yıldırım asıl hamlesini ise 18 Nisan tarihinde yapacak. Kulübün tüm gelir-gider tablolarını incelemeye alan efsane başkan, Yüksek Divan Kurulu'nda (YDK) mali verilere dayanarak oldukça sert bir konuşma yapacak. O gün Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın da seçim tarihi hakkında bilgi vermesini bekliyor.

Gelen bilgilere göre Yıldırım'ın emriyle ekibi çalışmalara başladı. Bu kritik konuşmanın ardından, camianın nabzını tutmak adına 20’şer kişilik gruplar halinde özel yemek organizasyonları düzenlenecek.

Aziz Yıldırım Murat Ülker'i işaret etti! Fenerbahçe'de sular ısınıyor

Aziz Yıldırım ve arkadaşları ortak bir kararla güçlü bir aday çıkarmayı hedefliyor. Kulislerden sızan bilgilere göre Yıldırım’ın gönlündeki hiyerarşi şu şekilde:

- Nihat Özdemir: Yıldırım’ın adaylık için istediği ilk isim.

- Mehmet Ali Aydınlar: Özdemir’in ikna edilememesi durumunda alternatif isim olarak masada duruyor.

- Çatı Aday Formülü: Eğer süreç bir "geçiş dönemi" gerektirirse; Ömer Temelli, Turgut Yılmaz ve Şekip Mosturoğlu isimleri çatı aday olarak değerlendiriliyor.

Mevcut yönetim kanadında ise prosedürler netliğini koruyor. Kamuoyunda tartışılan erken seçim (olağanüstü genel kurul) kararı, tüzük gereği Başkan Saran tarafından tek başına alınamıyor; bu kararın mutlaka Yönetim Kurulu tarafından onaylanması gerekiyor.

Yasal olarak Genel Kurul tarihi belirlendikten sonra; toplantının günü, saati, yeri ve gündemi en az 15 gün önce üyelere resmi olarak duyurulmak zorunda.

Fenerbahçe'de tarihi belli olmayan seçim öncesi kulisler, uzun süredir sessizliğini koruyan efsane teknik direktör Aykut Kocaman'ın seçim sürecinde aktif rol alacağı iddiası ile çalkalanmaya başladı. Başkan adayı Barış Göktürk'ün '3 Temmuz kahramanları benimle' çıkışının ardından, Kocaman'ın geçtiğimiz günlerde verdiği sürpriz röportajın perde arkasında Göktürk'e destek hazırlığı olduğu konuşuluyor. Aziz Yıldırım ve Şekip Mosturoğlu gibi isimlerin de sürece dahil olabileceği öne sürülürken, camianın sembol isimlerinin bu hamlesi seçim dengelerini tamamen değiştirebilir.

İstanbul Fenerbahçeliler Derneği’nin düzenlediği organizasyon camianın önemli isimlerini bir araya getirdi. Başkan Sadettin Saran, başkan adayı Barış Göktürk gibi isimlerin yer aldığı buluşmada, Ali Koç’un yokluğu en çok konuşulan detaylar arasında yer aldı.

Toplantıda gündeme dair önemli açıklamalarda bulunan Başkan Adayı Barış Göktürk, camianın hassas noktalarına değinerek iddialı mesajlar verdi:

- 3 Temmuz bizim namusumuz! Dikkatli bakarsanız, o sürecin gerçek kahramanlarının bugün benimle birlikte hareket ettiğini göreceksiniz. Fenerbahçe için her zaman elimi taşın altına koymaya hazırım.

Barış Göktürk: Belirsizlik başarının düşmanıdır

Dernek buluşmasının ardından Fenerbahçe kulisleri büyük bir iddiayla çalkalanmaya başladı. Aziz Yıldırım, Şekip Mosturoğlu ve Aykut Kocaman gibi kulüp tarihinin sembol isimlerinden birinin Göktürk’e açık destek vereceği konuşuluyor.

Özellikle uzun süredir sessizliğini koruyan efsane teknik direktör Aykut Kocaman’ın geçtiğimiz günlerde verdiği sürpriz röportajın, Barış Göktürk’e destek hazırlığı olduğu öne sürüldü. Camianın önde gelen bu isimlerinin seçim sürecinde nasıl bir pozisyon alacağı şimdiden merak konusu oldu.

Aykut Kocaman sessizliğini bozdu: 'Ya Fenerbahçe ya da Milli Takım'

Fenerbahçe'de Başkan Sadettin Saran, camia içerisinde ses getiren bir operasyonun düğmesine bastı! "Fenerbahçe ismini şahsi menfaatleri için kullandılar" diyerek sert çıkan Saran, tam 13 derneğin faaliyetlerine son verildiğini resmen açıkladı. Kulislerde ise bu kararın arkasında başka nedenler olduğu yönünde iddialar konuşuluyor.

Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran, kulüp bünyesindeki dernek sayısında daralmaya gidildiğini ve toplamda 13 derneğin kapatıldığını resmen açıkladı. Kararın gerekçesini "menfaat odaklı yaklaşım" olarak özetleyen Saran, sert ifadeler kullanarak operasyonun perde arkasını araladı.

KAPATILAN DERNEKLERİN İSMİ VERİLMEDİ

Başkan Saran, kapatılan derneklerin kulübe katkı sağlamaktan ziyade kendi ajandalarını yürüttüklerini belirterek şu ifadeleri kullandı:

- Bazı dernekleri kapattık; çünkü sadece Fenerbahçe’nin ismini kullanıp menfaat üzerine çalıştılar. İşleri olduğu zaman yakın durdular ama menfaatlerine istedikleri cevap verilmeyince hemen uzaklaşıp muhalefete geçtiler.

Sadettin Saran menfaatçilerin biletini kesti!

Kapatılan derneklerin isimleri kurumsal bir liste halinde kamuoyuyla paylaşılmazken, bu gizlilik camia içerisinde farklı spekülasyonlara yol açtı.

Resmi açıklamalar "menfaat ve disiplin" vurgusu yapsa da, Fenerbahçe camiasnda çok daha farklı iddialar konuşuluyor. Kararın arkasında yatan bir diğer sebebin sezon sonundaki başkanlık yarışı olduğu öne sürülüyor. İddialara göre, kapatılan 13 dernek, Sadettin Saran yönetimini sezon sonunda erken seçime zorladıkları için tasfiye edildi.

Bir diğer iddia ise bu derneklerin, son dönemde Saran yönetimine "savaş açtığı" söylenen Barış Göktürk’ü destekledikleri yönünde. Saran’ın bu hamleyle, seçim öncesi muhalefetin elindeki dernek gücünü kırmayı hedeflediği konuşuluyor.

Fenerbahçe yönetimi, dernek yapısını daha şeffaf ve denetlenebilir bir hale getirmeyi hedeflerken; muhalefet kanadının bu "kapatma" kararına nasıl bir yanıt vereceği merak konusu.

Sezon sonu yaklaşırken kulüpteki bu "iç temizlik" harekatı, başkanlık seçiminin oldukça hareketli geçeceğinin sinyallerini veriyor.

Galatasaray'da müthiş bir transfer operasyonu daha dolaşıma sokuldu. Okan Buruk, Avrupa futbol piyasasında taşları yerinden oynatacak dev bir operasyon için yönetime raporunu sundu. Noa Lang'ın 28 milyon euro'ya satın alınması yerine, rotanın Barcelona'da kiralık oynayan Marcus Rashford'a kırılmasını istedi. Barcelona'nın 31 Mart'a kadar olan 30 milyon Euro'luk opsiyon hakkını kullanmamasıyla doğan tarihi fırsatı kaçırmak istemeyen sarı-kırmızılılar, Manchester United ile olan belirsiz sürecini fırsata çevirmeye hazırlanıyor.

Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk’un transfer stratejisi kapsamında rota, Avrupa piyasasını sarsacak dev bir hamleye kırıldı. Barcelona’nın Marcus Rashford için belirlenen opsiyon tarihini kaçırması, sarı-kırmızılı yönetim için tarihi bir fırsat kapısını araladı.

Performansıyla dikkat çeken Noa Lang’ın sözleşmesinde yer alan 28 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonu, teknik heyet tarafından masaya yatırıldı. Okan Buruk, yönetime sunduğu raporla strateji değişikliğine gidilmesini talep etti.

Noa Lang'dan ayrılık sinyali: Galatasaray'ı üzecek

Buruk, Lang’ın kalitesinden memnun olsa da, aynı bütçe yakınlarında bir rakama Marcus Rashford gibi dünya çapında bir ismi kadroya katmanın, Galatasaray’ı bambaşka bir seviyeye taşıyacağını iletti.

Galatasaray Teknik Direktörünün, Rashford'ın hem kanatta hem de forvetteki delici gücünü sisteminin "ana anahtarı" olarak gördüğü belirtiliyor.

Barcelona tarafında ise tam bir operasyonel kriz hakim. Cadena SER'in haberine göre; Katalan ekibinin, Rashford'ın kiralık sözleşmesindeki 30 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonunu kullanmak için 31 Mart'a kadar süresi vardı. Ekonomik tereddütler ve yüksek opsiyon bedeli nedeniyle bu süre doldu ve Barcelona avantajını kaybetti.

Rashford her ne kadar Barça'da kalmak istediğini söylese de, kulübün şimdi Manchester United ile sıfırdan pazarlık masasına oturması gerekiyor.

Marcus Rashford ve Noa Lang'ın satış fiyatı aynı

Rashford’ın bu sezon Barcelona’da çıktığı 39 resmi maçta 10 gol ve 10 asistlik performansı, İngiliz devini pişman etmiş durumda. Manchester United, Rashford’ın 2028 yılına kadar devam eden sözleşmesi sayesinde artık masada çok daha güçlü.

Galatasaray yönetimi, Buruk'un bu talebi sonrası mali şartları zorlamaya hazırlanıyor. Noa Lang için ayrılan 28 milyon Euro’luk fonun, Rashford transferi için ana kaynak olarak kullanılması planlanıyor.

Argentina millisinin baş məşqçisi Lionel Skaloni maraqlı açıqlama ilə gündəmə gəlib.

Futbolpress.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis həmyerlisi “Lionel Messinin 1000 qol vura bilərmi” sualına belə cavab verib:

“Messi istəsə, 1000 qol vurar. Təki, istəsin”.

Hazırda “İnter Mayami”də çıxış edən Messi karyerası ərzində 900 qol vurub.

2 aprel – Ümumdünya Autizm haqqında Məlumatlandırma Günü ilə əlaqədar bərabərlik və inklüzivlik istiqamətində maarifləndirmə təşəbbüsü ilə tədbir keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu münasibətlə “Neftçi”nin futbolçuları – Emil Balayev, Edvin Kuç və Alessio Kurçinin iştirakı ilə autizmli gənclərin və əlilliyi olan şəxslərin məşğulluğuna və cəmiyyətə inteqrasiyasına dəstək verən “Kashalata Cafe”də görüş təşkil olunub.

“Kashalata Cafe”də çalışan gənclərin fəaliyyəti ilə tanış olub onlarla ünsiyyət quran komandanın üzvləri onlara xatirə hədiyyələri təqdim ediblər.

“Arsenal”ın sabiq futbolçusu Lukas Peresin yeni klubu məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, 37 yaşlı hücumçu “Kadis”la anlaşıb. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Sequnda klubu forvardla müddəti mövsümün sonuna kimi olan müqavilə imzalayıb.

Peres karyerası ərzində “Arsenal”, “Vest Hem”, “Alaves”, “Elçe”, PSV kimi klublarda çıxış edib. O, ötən ilinyayından klubsuz idi.

There are reports Lazio have decided not to offer Toma Basic a new contract after all, despite previously seeming to agree a deal until 2030, so he’ll leave for free.

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The midfielder is one of several players whose contracts are running down at the Stadio Olimpico, but the club is pulling the purse strings tight and trying to lower the wage bill.

That means quite a few of them are going to be allowed to just walk away at the end of the season.

Lazio cool on Basic idea

Basic had been the one most likely to sign an extension, with multiple rumours an agreement until June 2030 had been worked out with the salary at €2.5m per season.

However, LaLazioSiamoNoi report that the club hierarchy changed their minds and are now ready to let the 29-year-old’s deal expire on June 30.

An injury in February saw him drop out of the squad and that lost the momentum he was building under coach Maurizio Sarri.

Basic joined Lazio in 2021 from Girondins de Bordeaux for €7.1m and so far this season had made 17 competitive appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

An audacious name has been suggested for the Italy job next summer, because Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City and has a love for Italian football.

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Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to leave the role after failing to secure World Cup qualification, after FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon both tended their resignations today.

The names mentioned as potential candidates are current Milan boss Max Allegri, plus former Azzurri coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, who are at Al-Sadd and Napoli respectively.

Guardiola dream for the Nazionale

An intriguing alternative was put forward by the Gazzetta dello Sport, specifically that of Guardiola, who is likely to walk away from Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has been in that job since 2016, before that winning silverware with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

It would be an interesting challenge for a coach with a very specific style of football that is in many ways the antithesis of Calcio tradition.

However, that doesn’t mean Guardiola is a stranger to Italy, far from it.

He played for two Serie A clubs, Brescia and Roma, still speaks excellent Italian, and regularly returns to these shores as a tourist.

Guardiola is also full of praise for several Italian coaches, such as Gian Piero Gasperini of Roma and Lazio’s Maurizio Sarri.

The last time Italy had a foreign CT was Helenio Herrera, but that was sharing the role with Giulio Valcareggi for only four games in the 1960s.

If Carlo Ancelotti can leave Real Madrid to take on the Brazil job, why not Guardiola in charge of the Azzurri?

Fabio Capello has urged Gennaro Gattuso to ‘wait for the next two games’ before deciding if he will quit as Italy coach. ‘We paid the price for an individual player error.’

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The failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup has seen an inevitable run of resignations at the top of Italian football, starting with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon.

Gattuso is widely expected to follow suit, but former England and Russia national team manager Capello is encouraging him to postpone that decision until June.

Capello would like to see more of Gattuso

“I would wait for the next two games before making any decision on Gattuso,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.

“Let us not forget he took over the team with the qualifying campaign already begun under Luciano Spalletti, and he managed to bring character and determination to the side.

“Unfortunately, and it is sad to say this, but we paid the price for an individual player error that was elementary, otherwise we probably would’ve taken home the result.”

Italy were leading 1-0 in the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for an ill-timed lunge.

When down to 10 men for over an hour, they scraped a 1-1 draw after extra time, losing the penalty shoot-out.

Gattuso had only eight games in charge for Italy, overseeing six victories, one defeat, and one draw with loss on penalties.

There are several names being mentioned to take over from Gattuso, including Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who had the job before.

“We’ll have to see not just what they won in the past, but also the way that some of them left the role. There are many things to be evaluated here,” warned Capello.

Buffon confessed he wanted to resign on the night in Zenica, but was asked to stall for time by Gravina.

“Gigi is very direct and is not someone who will lead you down the garden path. As they didn’t achieve their objective, he stood up and handed in his resignation. That is to be respected.”

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong has had an unfortunate debut campaign with the club so far.

Even though he has impressed with his performance at times, he has had persistent injury problems. The defender was taken off in the midweek while playing for his country with an injury. There were rumours that the player could be sidelined for the upcoming matches, but the player has now allayed such fears with a social media post.

The defender shared pictures of himself training with the Liverpool players, captioned “All good”. The post clearly suggests that it was a minor problem for the player during the international break, and he is unlikely to miss the upcoming matches.

Liverpool is in the business end of the season, and they need their top players fit and ready. Losing the right back would have been devastating for them. Conor Bradley is already sidelined with a serious injury.

They will need the Netherlands international fit and ready for the remainder of the campaign. He has been a useful player for Liverpool and has shown he can influence the game at both ends of the pitch. He could be an important option for Liverpool in the remaining matches of the season.

His social media post will certainly delight the Liverpool fans, and it remains to be seen whether Freon can help Liverpool finish the season strongly. The Reds will face Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend, and they will feel the competition is their best chance to win a trophy this season.

It has been a disappointing Premier League campaign for them, and they are fighting for a place in the top four.

The post Liverpool star breaks silence after injury fears with two-word message on social media appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Fulham attacker Harry Wilson at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old will be out of contract in the summer, and the London club is hoping to secure his signature on a bargain. According to TEAMtalk, they will also face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Spurs have struggled to create opportunities in the final third and find the back of the net regularly this season. They need more quality in the final third, and Wilson could be a useful acquisition.

Liverpool is open to bringing the player back to the club, and it will be interesting to see if they can convince the Welsh International to return. Signing him for free could prove to be a wise decision. They need more quality on the flanks, especially after the departure of Mohamed Salah in the summer. Wilson has been outstanding for the Premier League side this season, and he has 18 goal contributions to his name in all competitions.

He is a right-sided winger who is versatile enough to operate on either flank. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.

On the other hand, Manchester United are monitoring his situation as well. It is no secret that they need more quality on the flanks. The 29-year-old could be a useful acquisition for them. The fact that he is available for free makes him an attractive option for most clubs. It remains to be seen what the player decides.

He could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club in the summer. Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United will be exciting opportunities for the player. It remains to be seen which of the three clubs can convince him to join in the summer. Meanwhile, Fulham are still hoping to keep him at the club beyond this season. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the player to sign an extension.

The post Tottenham eye cut-price deal as Liverpool & Man United circle for prolific 18-G/A attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Archie Gray has been very impressive since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds United at the start of the season.

He is already being linked with a potential move away from the club in the summer. Liverpool has been mentioned as a potential destination, and the player is likely to cost a significant sum.

The 20-year-old has been an important player for Tottenham, and he has shown the ability to play in multiple roles across the pitch. His versatility makes him a massive asset for any team, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool is willing to pay big money for him in the summer. According to John Wenham, the player is likely to cost around £70 million.

Wenham said: “Spurs paid £40m for him, and he is likely to be the club’s Player and Young Player of the Year as well as the Supporters’ and Players’ player.

“Spurs should be looking to build the side around Archie rather than entertain any offers to sell, but I estimate a starting price point would be north of £70m.”

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they must remain in the top flight if they want to keep their top players at the club. Going down to the Championship could be devastating for them, and they could lose multiple players in the summer.

If they manage to stay up, it is fair to assume that they will be able to hold onto the young midfielder beyond this season. Gray is enjoying his football with the London club, and he has an important role in the side. He has no reason to leave them just yet. However, relegation could change everything.

Liverpool needs more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be the ideal long-term investment. His ability to slot into multiple roles would be ideal for the Reds.

The post £70m price tag set as Liverpool target Tottenham’s standout performer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has impressed with his performances for the Spanish club. However, he is not a guaranteed starter for them, and he might need to move on in the summer in order to play more often.

Arsenal need more depth in the attacking unit, and Garcia would be a solid long-term acquisition. They are prepared to sell Gabriel Jesus for €25 million and replace him with the Real Madrid striker.

According to a report from SportsBoom, Newcastle United is also keen on the player. However, any move for the player will depend on their ability to offload Nick Woltemade. The German joined Newcastle at the start of the season, and he is already being linked with an exit. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Garcia will be desperate for regular opportunities, and the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle might be able to provide him with the platform he needs. He has played just 1184 minutes of first-team football this season, scoring six goals in all competitions.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres at the start of the season, but the Swedish international has not been prolific enough for them. They need someone to share the goal sc with him, and the report describes Garcia as an “elite-level finisher”. 

There is no doubt that the 22-year-old has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could be a future star with the right guidance. However, Real Madrid is unwilling to lose him, and they rate him highly. The report claims that any potential sale will come with a buyback clause. It will be interesting to see if clubs like Arsenal or Newcastle would be willing to accept a condition like that.

The post Arsenal weighing bold move for “elite-level finisher” but club stance complicates transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arne Slot described his overriding emotion as one of excitement when questioned about his feelings over Liverpool’s potentially season-defining fixtures. Liverpool are back in action following the international break this Saturday against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, before they return to the European stage. Paris Saint-Germain are the Reds’ opponents in the last […]

The post Slot relishing the challenge of Liverpool´s upcoming fixtures appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Slot relishing the challenge of Liverpool´s upcoming fixtures appeared first on Soccer News.

This article originally appeared on PGHHockeyNOW.com.

A playoff hope has become a downhill chase as Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-16) could slash their magic number to single digits with a win Thursday when they visit one of the best teams in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning (46-22-6) at Benchmark International Arena.

Despite Tampa Bay’s usual position at the top of the standings, the Penguins have points in nine of their last 12 games against Tampa Bay (7-3-2). And the Penguins are 5-2-0 in their last seven visits to Benchmark International Arena dating back to Oct. 23, 2019.

Road warriors: The Penguins have points in five-consecutive road games (4-0-1) and have points in 13 of their last 15 road games overall (9-2-4).

Tuesday, Anthony Mantha scored his 30th goal of the season. The first time he’s reached that plateau. Also, he has 21 points (8G-13A) in 30 career games against the Lightning and is a plus-11. His 21 points are the most he’s accumulated vs. one opponent.

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Vezina Trophy odds for the 2025-26 season have flipped back in Ilya Sorokin's favor, with Andrei Vasilevskiy moving back into plus-money territory.

With only a handful of games left, both netminders will need to stand on their heads to plead their case.

Here are the latest NHL odds to win the top netminding honor.

Vezina Trophy Odds 

Player		Movement
Ilya Sorokin	-115	▲
Andrei Vasilevskiy	+100	▼
Jeremy Swayman	+2700	▼
Logan Thompson	+20000	▼
Scott Wedgewood	+25000	▼

Odds from BET99, one of our best betting sites. Sign up with our BET99 promo code, or get one of our other sportsbook promos.

Odds movement

4/2: We have ourselves a good ole' fahioned tendy off for the 2026 Vezina Trophy. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been overtaken by Ilya Sorokin as we enter the regular season's home stretch.

Sorokin has been the catalyst for New York's resurgence in the ultra-competitive Metro division, and it looks like he may be properly rewarded for all his hard work.

3/23: Andrei Vasilevskiy's grip on the Vezina Trophy has only strengthened, with his odds jumping to -200 since the last update. He has the most wins among goaltenders and is also in the Top 3 in both GAA and SV%. While Jeremy Swayman saw his odds cut in half, it may be too little too late for the B's tendy.

3/4: Vasilevskiy didn't stick around at plus money for very long, now sitting at -135. Meanwhile, Ilya Sorokin dipped from -125 to +100. As for LT, his odds plummeted from +1100 to +1800.

Vezina Trophy prediction

Ilya Sorokin is the rightful favorite at this point of the season, but Andrei Vasilevskiy is right on his heels. Sorokin has had to do his best Superman imitation up to this point, and I can see the walls cracking sooner than later.

The Lightning are the much better team, and they can provide Vasilevskiy with better defensive support to keep their netminder clean.

I don't know how much longer the Tampa netminder will be plus money, so I'm hopping on him now at a unit.

Bet	Odds	Bet date	Units
Andrei Vasilevskiy	+125	February 11	1

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Understanding NHL Vezina odds

Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. When the regular season is nearly finished and a consensus has emerged, you might see a player with a minus sign (-) ahead of his odds, like this:

• Andrei Vasilevskiy -135

The (-) means that Hellebuyck is the odds-on favorite, and a bettor would need to wager $135 to win $100. Other contenders in the Vezina race might have plus (+) odds to win.

• Ilya Sorokin +100

Here, a bettor stood to profit $100 for every $100 wagered. 

If American odds aren't your thing, simply use a tool like our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.

Vezina Trophy betting splits

• Highest ticket percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (9.5%)
• Highest handle percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (19.1%)
• Biggest liability: Scott Wedgewood

Data courtesy of BetMGM.

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NHL Vezina Trophy trends

• Connor Hellebuyck is the first netminder since Martin Brodeur (2008) to win back-to-back Vezina Trophies.
• The Montreal Canadiens have the most Vezina Trophy winners in NHL history (29).
• No goaltender has won the Vezina and Stanley Cup in the same season since Tim Thomas (2011).
• The Eastern Conference has produced six of the last 10 Vezina winners.

Vezina Trophy history

A quick look at recent NHL Vezina Trophy winners and the teams they played for.

Season	Player	Team
2024-25	Connor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2023-24	Connor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2022-23	Linus Ullmark	Boston Bruins
2021-22	Igor Shesterkin	New York Rangers
2020-21	Marc-Andre Fleury	Vegas Golden Knights
2019-20	Conor Hellebuyck	Winnipeg Jets
2018-19	Andrei Vasilevskiy	Tampa Bay Lightning
2017-18	Pekka Rinne	Nashville Predators
2016-17	Sergei Bobrovsky	Columbus Blue Jackets
2015-16	Braden Holtby	Washington Capitals
2014-15	Carey Price	Montreal Canadiens
2013-14	Tuukka Rask	Boston Bruins
2012-13	Sergei Bobrovsky	Columbus Blue Jackets
2011-12	Henrik Lundqvist	New York Rangers
2010-11	Tim Thomas	Boston Bruins
2009-10	Ryan Miller	Buffalo Sabres
2008-09	Tim Thomas	Boston Bruins
2007-08	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2006-07	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2005-06	Miikka Kiprusoff	Calgary Flames
2003-04	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2002-03	Martin Brodeur	New Jersey Devils
2001-02	Jose Theodore	Montreal Canadiens
2000-01	Dominik Hasek	Buffalo Sabres

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NHL Norris Trophy rankings: Can Evan Bouchard’s ascent overthrow Zach Werenski? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This week, we revisit our Norris Trophy rankings. Last time around, it felt like Cale Makar’s trophy to lose, and seemingly, he has. 

Two of the five favorites, Makar and Quinn Hughes, have previously won the Norris Trophy. 

While they have enjoyed characteristically terrific seasons, I don’t see either winning. That honor will likely go elsewhere, specifically to Evan Bouchard or Zach Werenski, the former making the strongest late-season case. 

Bouchard is on pace for 94 points, which would be the third-most in 33 years. However, Werenski has been the most consistent of the contenders, so long as he finishes the job and gets the Columbus Blue Jackets into the post-season for the first time since 2020, he could be going home with his first piece of NHL hardware.  

MORE: NHL Norris Trophy rankings: Evan Bouchard enters the conversation

5. Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

Hutson continued where he left off from his Calder Trophy-winning season and will almost certainly win a Norris Trophy at some point in his career. 

It just won’t be this season. 

While he’ll probably fall just short of his ultimate goal, Hutson’s numbers pop off the page. The 22-year-old has the fourth-most points (73), third-most assists (62), and is tied with Makar for the second-most even-strength points (54) and primary assists (30) among defensemen. 

MORE: NHL Hart Trophy rankings: Teenage phenom battles with former award winners

4. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild 

Hughes probably won’t win the Norris Trophy this season. 

However, had he started the campaign with the Minnesota Wild, we might be anointing him as the world’s best defenseman for the second time. 

Since his debut for the Wild on Dec. 14, Hughes is tied with Hutson for the second-most points (49) among defensemen, scoring the third-most points per game (1.17). 

Overall, Hughes has the most power-play points (33) and primary assists (32), logs the most ice time (27:47), and is tied for the most assists (66). 

MORE: NHL Jack Adams Award rankings: Sabres' Lindy Ruff battles Lightning's Jon Cooper for the crown

3. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

The more that time elapses, the weaker Makar’s case becomes to win his third Norris Trophy. After suffering an upper-body injury against the Calgary Flames, Makar will be out of the lineup for a few games at least. 

He fell off the pace long before the injury, ranking 10th among defensemen in points per game (0.90) since Dec. 14. 

Don’t get me wrong, he’s still among the three lead horses, but Makar’s 2025-26 resume is markedly inferior to Werenski and Bouchard. 

Speaking of his resume, he has the third-most points (75), the third-most power-play points (29), and the second-most primary assists (30), tied with Lane Hutson, among defensemen. 

MORE: Cale Makar Injury Update: Avalanche Star To Miss Multiple Games

2. Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers 

I often wonder how prolific Bouchard would be without Connor McDavid, who creates more opportunities for teammates than a job fair for job seekers. 

Despite that slice of good fortune, Bouchard deserves heaping praise for his prolific offensive output. With 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in the 23 games, Bouchard has tallied the third-most since Jan. 24. 

Only Connor McDavid (40 points) and Nikita Kucherov (47 points) have more in that sample size. In comparison, Werenski has 25 points (two goals, 23 assists) in 22 games. 

MORE: NHL Vezina Trophy rankings: Ilya Sorokin, Andrei Vasilevskiy continue to jostle for top spot

1. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Werenski is the unanimous betting favorite to capture his first Norris Trophy. 

After being part of the historic gold-medal winning Team USA at the 2026 Olympics, Werenski will be hard-pressed to top this season’s exploits if he captures his first Norris Trophy. 

With the Blue Jackets holding onto the second wild-card spot for dear life, which could change overnight, Werenski is currently on a winning trajectory.

He has the second-most points (78) behind Bouchard, the most even-strength goals (18), the most even-strength points (57), and is second in average ice time (26:30). He’s also tied with Bouchard for the most points per game (1.15). 

More NHL News

• Maple Leafs announce they are parting ways with GM Brad Treliving
• 3 candidates for Hockey Canada's next GM
• Projecting what Team North America would look like at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
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Derek Chisora arrived at a news conference at London's York Hall in an army tank alongside Nigel Farage, but the politician didn't attend the media event.

The 42-year-old British heavyweight faces American Deontay Wilder at London's O2 Arena this Saturday, as both veterans contest their 50th professional fights.

Despite the elaborate entrance, Farage - the Reform Party leader - did not go to the news conference, and he was not mentioned during the event, which focused on Wilder and Chisora.

"I am starting so fast that this fight will not see 12 rounds," predicted Chisora, who insists this will be his final pro bout.

"I just need war and pain - that's what I'm bringing. I just pray nobody comes with excuses out of the two of us."

The face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the "brotherhood" between the two veterans. Wilder, 40, urged Chisora to bring "everything".

"I need you to bring all the appliances that are not bolted down," he said.

"I need you to bring the refrigerator if you can bring it up. I need it for myself. I am ready for it. I am healed, this is a healed Wilder."

Chisora welcomed the challenge with typical stoicism, leading Wilder to extend a personal invitation for a post-retirement trip to Alabama.

"I'm definitely coming," Chisora replied.

No-shows, tardiness and expletive language

'War' Chisora was in a typical mischievous mood; he repeatedly swore as he predicted a "one-round" knockout.

Host Adam Smith was forced to frequently interrupt and apologise to viewers for the bad language, but Chisora did not relent, at one point encourgaing chants from the crowd.

Despite 13 losses against elite opposition - including Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and three bouts with Tyson Fury - Chisora has built a loyal fanbase through his quirky personality and relentless, come-forward style.

"Boxing is so easy: it's put your hands up and hit the other guy. That's it," he said.

A loss for Wilder would also likely spell the end of his career.

Arriving 45 minutes late and apologising for his "tardiness", the American made a bizarre plug for a brand of mouthguard before repeating previous comments about needing to "heal" from personal issues and past losses.

Once regarded as boxing's most devastating puncher, the former WBC heavyweight champion has stopped 43 opponents in 44 wins, often in spectacular fashion.

"What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I'm coming with detonation," Wilder said.

However, the "Bronze Bomber" has lost four of his past six fights. Since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury - a rivalry that saw him knocked down five times and stopped twice - Wilder has struggled to rediscover his destructive form.

"I know when I hang up the gloves, people will miss me," he said. "When I say I'm gone, I'm gone. So enjoy me while I'm here."

Analysis – beyond the stunts, is this one final payday?

The iconic York Hall - a small, atmospheric East London venue famed for its close-quarters crowds - provided a fitting backdrop for Chisora, who fought there seven times during his first 11 bouts.

Seasoned boxing media noted that the security presence felt unusually high for the venue. Once whispers began that Farage was outside, the over-the-top pat-downs and confiscated chewing gum suddenly made sense.

Chisora's tank entrance with Farage is simply the latest chapter in a career defined by headline-grabbing antics - from kissing Carl Baker and slapping Vitali Klitschko to brawling with David Haye and throwing a table at Dillian Whyte.

Beyond the political friendships and stunts, there is concern surrounding this fight. While Chisora has exceeded all expectations during his 19-year career, the punishment he has absorbed across 346 rounds is difficult to ignore. While he insists this is his final outing, there is always the lingering worry that a convincing win might tempt him into "one more."

There is equal intrigue with Wilder. This is not a standard comeback; his decline has been rapid, and he too has taken significant damage in the latter half of his career.

It remains a fascinating match-up between two veterans with no clear favourite. Beyond the drama, the hope in boxing circles is that both men can secure one final payday, emerge unscathed, and move on to enjoy the rewards of their careers.

• Price v Pineiro & Wilder v Chisora - all you need to know
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Philadelphia 76ers star rookie receives major NBA acknowledgement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Philadelphia 76ers star rookie V.J. Edgecombe was acknowledged by the NBA for his productive play throughout the month of March. 

On Thursday, the league announced that Edgecombe has officially been named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March. The acknowledgement is the first career monthly award for Edgecombe, who becomes the eighth player in Sixers franchise history to be named Rookie of the Month. 

In 13 games played in March, Edgecombe averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.6 minutes per performance. He tallied two 30-plus point performances and two double-doubles in the month. 

This story will be updated. 

More Philadelphia 76ers news: 

• Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach headed to Basketball Hall of Fame
• Joel Embiid provides an update on his health after extended absence
• Paul George apologizes to Philadelphia 76ers fans for lengthy suspension
• Former Philadelphia 76ers draft bust lands with new NBA team
• Philadelphia 76ers star named one of the purest scorers in NBA history
• Former 76ers, Lakers center announces retirement from basketball

Injury report: Mark Williams, PJ Hall and more ahead of Hornets vs. Suns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets enter play Thursday night in the midst of a tight Eastern Conference playoff battle.

After losses by the Magic and Heat Wednesday night, Charlotte moved from 10th to eighth in the standings with six games remaining.

As the postseason approaches, Charlotte will be eager to retain a top-eight position, giving them home court advantaged during the Play-In Tournament.

That said, their schedule to close the year is quite difficult. The Hornets return to action Thursday against the Suns before finishing out the year with games against the Pacers, Timberwolves, Pistons, Celtics and Knicks.

For Phoenix, they are all but locked in to the seventh seed, trailing Minnesota by four and a half games with six remaining.

They also lead the Clippers by three games over eighth place.

Heading into Thursday's matchup, both teams will be missing contributors.

For Charlotte, PJ Hall is listed out with ankle soreness after recently being recalled from the Greensboro Swarm.

Phoenix will be without both Amir Coffey and Haywood Highsmith who've been ruled out with ankle and knee injuries.

Former Hornets center and current Suns big man Mark Williams is listed as questionable with a foot injury.

If Williams is unable to suit up for Phoenix, expect Oso Ighodaro to play the majority of frontcourt minutes.

Rookie Khaman Malauch may be called upon as a backup.

Following Thursday's game, the Hornets will face Indiana Friday on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Suns will have Friday and Saturday off before facing the Bulls Sunday.

More NBA news:

• Mikal Bridges reaches new career milestone in win vs. Grizzlies
• Luka Doncic breaks Kobe Bryant's scoring record amidst Lakers blowout vs. Cavs
• Jarrett Allen records monster first half as Cavs take on Lakers
• Brandon Miller reveals inspiring message ahead of Charlotte's playoff run
• Two Spurs receive NBA award nominations
• Injury report: LeBron James, Sam Merrill and more ahead of Lakers vs. Cavs

Madrid, Spain – Spain’s hopes of hosting the 2030 World Cup final were dealt a blow after racist chants marred what should have been a friendly match against Egypt.

The Spanish are to cohost the next edition of world football’s showpiece event with Morocco and Portugal, but the destination of the final has still to be decided by FIFA, the game’s global governing body.

Fancied as possible winners of this year’s World Cup in the Americas, Spain’s performance on the pitch on Tuesday was instead overshadowed by events off the pitch.

Spanish police have launched an investigation into “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants which rang out twice during the 0-0 draw in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Authorities issued a warning on the public address system, then showed a video sign saying racist chants contravened the law, but these were jeered by sections of the fans.

A section of supporters had chanted: “Whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim” – a derogatory chant.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent, who was at the match, listened as Egypt’s national anthem also received a barrage of whistles before what was supposed to be a friendly game started.

It was the latest in a string of similar incidents to overshadow Spanish football in recent years, with Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior another high-profile victim of racial abuse in recent years.

Lamine Yamal, Spain’s star winger, a Muslim whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, issued a damning statement on Instagram in the wake of the row.

“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard,” he posted.

“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.”

Yamal, who has never made any political statements, added, “I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people.”

View this post on Instagram

Analysts said the anti-Muslim chants at the Spain match represent another proof of structural racism that exists in Spanish society, whose largest foreign-born population come from Morocco, a Muslim country.

“Spain is still a country which suffers from structural racism and there is little awareness of this. In contrast, other countries like the UK, France and the Netherlands, there is also structural racism but there is more awareness,” Moha Gerehou, former director of SOS Racismo, a national antiracism body, who is a journalist who specialises in xenophobia, told Al Jazeera.

“This exists in access to accommodation, schooling, personal relations, and work. When incidents like this occur, they still make excuses like the player is a provocateur like Vinicius Jr or in this case, that Islam is a problem.”

Gerehou noted a rise of far-right parties Vox, the third-largest in the Spanish parliament, and groups that were using racism to win votes and legitimise xenophobia.

“On the other hand, I think in Spanish society, there are more entities that are conscious of racism and are doing something to confront it,” he said.

In 2024, a report for the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia, a Spanish government body, found that discrimination in sport and education starts at an early age.

Some 40 percent of children who were questioned said that in sport and at school in Madrid said their friends who were Black were treated differently.

Last year, another report for the same body found abuse at sporting occasions had moved from the stadiums to online.

In the 2024-25 season, there were 33,400 hate messages, of which 62 percent appeared on Facebook and 10 percent on X.

In the wake of the chants at the Spain match, Marca, Spain’s best-selling sport newspaper, ran a front page in black – which is usually reserved for the death of an important figure – quoting Yamal’s words.

The incident was widely condemned with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posting on social media that “we cannot allow an uncivil minority to the reality of Spain, a diverse and tolerant country.”

However, Santiago Abascal, Vox president, posted a message on X condemning those who criticised the chants.

“Today, those same people are tearing their hair out over a chant that isn’t even an insult, just a display of identity,” he posted.

“And they turn it into a matter of state. They expect Spaniards to silently and obediently put up with the Islamist invasion and the mafia government.”

The Catalan regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, said it was investigating “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants at the Spain-Egypt friendly match.

The Spanish Football Federation also condemned the chants, as did many leading footballers.

Vinicius Jr became a lightning rod for racist abuse since arriving in the Spanish capital in 2018 from Brazilians Flamengo.

In January 2023, Atletico Madrid fans hung an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground.

In 2025, five Real Valladolid fans, who racially abused Vinicius in a 2022 match, were found guilty by a court of committing a hate crime – the first such ruling in Spain for insults at a football stadium.

Graham Hunter, a British journalist who specialises in Spanish football, said efforts to combat racism in the sport have improved since he moved to the country in 2002.

“There is a racist, right-wing section of society, otherwise the Vox party would get no votes. But I’m hugely encouraged by the developments in Spanish football’s treatment of racism,” he told Al Jazeera.

“When I first moved here to today, the progress is significant. La Liga and clubs work hard to identify perpetrators and then expel or prosecute them.

“Football media devotes far more opprobrium towards racism than it did; these factors are part of the slow drive towards both punishment and re-education.”

Big 12's Brett Yormark goes after Texas Tech booster over his role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If you had a Big 12 squabble between Texas Tech mega booster Cody Campbell and commissioner Brett Yormark on this year's bingo card, you're doing pretty good.

In an odd exchange, Campbell, who is also the chair of the school's board of regents, went after the conference over a scheduling matter. The Sept. 18 football game between the Red Raiders and Houston Cougars will be under the Friday Night Lights on FOX. Campbell, however, argues that is reserved for high school football in Texas.

"Friday Night Lights are sacred in the Great State of Texas!," Campbell wrote. "It is absolutely absurd that the @Big12Conference and @FOXSports would consider scheduling @TexasTechFB and @UHCougarFB on a Friday night (October 18th)!! I know that @brettyormark is not a native Texan, but he's been here long enough to know better! Come on, man!"

Yormark had the option to sit this one out, but responded by telling the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Wednesday that, "Cody Campbell does not run the Big 12."

Campbell pushed back with a response on X, saying, "Apparently Brett didn’t get the memo: EVERYTHING RUNS THROUGH LUBBOCK!! Maybe we should bring the tortillas back??"

He later told ESPN that Yormark's job was not to be "the dictator of the conference."

More: Pat McAfee faces a Masters problem three years running

"As commissioner, he needs to remember that he works for the presidents, and the presidents work for the boards," Campbell told ESPN. "He is not the dictator of the conference. That's not his role. It is his responsibility to advocate for his members in all cases."

This is not a good look for either Yormark or Campbell, who are working towards the same goal: promote the conference and its teams. Any Friday night window for the Big 12 has ensured they're not in direct competition with other Power Four leagues. 

More college football news: 

• Jordon Hudson turns heads with 'barely there' rope dress at Maine charity event
• USC asked Heisman winner to unretire jersey several times: 'Absolutely f-ing not'
• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Steve Sarkisian blasts Ohio State players for not going to class
• Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after NFL Combine

Chelsea Injury Update: Reece James and Levi Colwill Boost Hopes for Run In

Chelsea head into a defining stretch of the campaign with renewed optimism, as several key players edge closer to a return. With domestic ambitions still alive under Liam Rosenior, squad fitness could shape how this season is remembered.

The schedule is unforgiving. A cup tie against lower league opposition offers a chance to build momentum, before attention quickly returns to the Premier League and crucial fixtures at Stamford Bridge. With Champions League qualification on the line, having leaders like Reece James and emerging talents such as Levi Colwill available could make all the difference.

Reece James Nearing Return at Crucial Moment

Chelsea captain Reece James remains central to Rosenior’s plans, even as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The defender missed the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint Germain and subsequent fixtures after picking up the injury against Newcastle on March 17.

There is cautious optimism around his condition. Rosenior confirmed, “It’s not serious but there is something in his hamstring.”

That assessment leaves the door open for a return in April, which would be timely. James brings leadership, composure and tactical intelligence, qualities Chelsea have lacked during his absence. His availability for the final weeks could provide a decisive lift as results tighten and margins narrow.

Photo IMAGO

Levi Colwill Progress Offers Defensive Stability

While James edges closer, Levi Colwill continues his longer road back from a serious knee injury sustained in pre season. The young defender has been progressing steadily, hitting key recovery milestones.

Rosenior offered a measured update, stating, “With an ACL, he’s hitting all the benchmarks he needs to. He’s still looking at a good while yet. Hopefully [he can play this season].”

Colwill’s potential return in May would significantly strengthen Chelsea’s defensive options. His ability to play out from the back and read the game has been missed, particularly in high pressure matches. If he can feature before the campaign concludes, it could feel like a new signing at a vital stage.

Photo IMAGO

Squad Depth Improves Ahead of Busy Fixtures

Elsewhere, Chelsea are also monitoring the recovery of several squad players. Trevoh Chalobah faces a longer spell out with an ankle injury, though initial fears have eased. Rosenior admitted, “It wasn’t until later after the game that I saw the image. Then you’re really worried for the next game. Fortunately it’s nowhere near as serious as we first feared. It’s still a serious injury. We’re looking at a period of about six weeks, which is a better period than we first thought.”

Filip Jorgensen is expected back soon after minor groin surgery, while Jamie Gittens has suffered a setback with his hamstring, delaying his return further. Benoit Badiashile, meanwhile, could be available again after illness.

Chelsea Season Hinges on Timely Returns

For Chelsea, the equation is simple. Results must improve, and quickly. Having Reece James back to marshal the side and Levi Colwill potentially reinforcing the defence adds belief at just the right time.

Rosenior will be hoping that these returning players arrive not only fit, but ready to influence matches immediately. With key fixtures looming and little room for error, Chelsea’s season may well be defined by who returns, and when.

CBS Sports golf analyst Amanda Balionis succinctly summed up the 2025 golf season, the backdrop for Season 4 of the Netflix docuseries “Full Swing.”

“I would describe the 2025 golf season as electric,” Balionis said in a trailer for the series. “We saw hearts broken, history made, the culmination of the most anticipated team event.”

MORE: Tiger Woods bodycam video from recent DUI arrest goes viral

Netflix dropped the “Full Swing” trailer on Thursday, April 2, and announced Season 4 will stream beginning April 17. The four episodes will feature key moments of 2025, including Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory and Tommy Fleetwood’s breakthrough at the Tour Championship.

Additionally, the trailer previews coverage of The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, won by Team Europe.

“Full Swing” launched in 2023 and follows professional golfers on and off the course. It has become a regular part of Netflix’s sports lineup. The first two seasons featured eight episodes apiece, while Season 3 had seven episodes.

According to Golfweek, Season 4 will feature McIlroy and Fleetwood as well as J.J. Spaun Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald, Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin, Shane Lowry, Maverick McNealy, Justin Rose and Cameron Young.

McIlroy’s long-awaited victory at the Masters gave him the career Grand Slam. Consequently, he is one of six golfers to accomplish the feat. Fleetwood, who has eight European tour victories, won the TOUR Championship for his first tour title to capture the FedExCup and its $10 million reward.

Meanwhile, Bradley captained Team USA in the Ryder Cup. The Americans’ bid to avenge a 2023 loss in Rome fell short as Europe won 15-13. The match wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

Later, Bradley called the Ryder Cup the “darkest time of my life,” in an interview with PGATour.com.

“I mean, it’s an F,” said Bradley, when asked to grade his 2025 season after he won as a player. “You’ve got to go and win that and this grade’s different. It’s really tough to grade. I was talking to my coach, he said, ‘Remember, you won this year?’ I was like, ‘No, I don’t remember that at all.’”

Maybe you really need the off day. But if not, come chat with us for an hour this evening. (Hour and a half? Two hours? I know some of you will never log off—looking at you, Rusty.) I’d expect Mariners and baseball content to dominate, but anything goes (within the bounds of our community guidelines). We’ll get going at 6:40 PT.

If you haven’t made an account, this is a great time to do it! We want to hear from you, in this conversation and in general. If you’re hesitant at the idea of joining a comment section, I think you would be surprised at the degree to which the LL comment section is not filled with the idocy, trolling, spam, and nonsense of the typical internet comment section. I know I spent years reading the site before I ever opened the comments, and I only did it once I joined the staff. I was shocked at how good the conversation was and wish I’d done it sooner.

Our exact RSVP list is still in flux (especially since some of you are just learning about this now!), but several of the Lookout Landing writers will be here. I’ll be here for sure. So will Kate.

I’m putting this up early both to provide some notice and to give folks a chance to drop a question or comment if they can’t make it at the witching hour.

What must happen for the Maple Leafs to be out from playoff contention tonight? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be eliminated from NHL playoff contention on Thursday after their game against the San Jose Sharks. Here are the details.

Toronto visits San Jose at SAP Center at 10 p.m. ET in what could be the game that decides whether they are out of the playoffs or whether they keep a small hope alive.

Toronto faces must-win situation to keep playoff hopes alive

According to PuckPedia's "NHL News" portal, the Maple Leafs can be eliminated from postseason contention in two ways.

1. A regulation loss vs. San Jose and one of the following: Columbus defeats Carolina, Detroit defeats Philadelphia, Columbus and Philadelphia each earn a point, Buffalo or Ottawa earns a point, or Washington defeats New Jersey.
2. Toronto earns a point vs. San Jose, Ottawa defeats Buffalo, and one of the following two scenarios occurs: either Columbus defeats Carolina, and Detroit defeats Philadelphia, or Columbus earns a point vs. Carolina, and Detroit defeats Philadelphia in regulation.

Scenarios: #Sabrehood, #Canes, #GoBolts, and #MNWild can all clinch a playoff spot tonight. #Blackhawks, #TimeToHunt, and #LeafsForever are facing elimination. #Canucks can secure 32nd place and best lottery odds. pic.twitter.com/F9XEOnBTwu

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 2, 2026

After the game against the Sharks, the Maple Leafs will visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. ET, before facing the Capitals on April 8, the Islanders on April 9, the Panthers on April 11, the Stars on April 13, and closing out the regular season against the Senators on April 15.

More NHL News

• Maple Leafs must answer one question before making a decision on Auston Matthews
• Which 3 teams could target Rangers' Vincent Trocheck in the offseason?
• 3 candidates for Hockey Canada's next GM
• Projecting what Team North America would look like at the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
• NHL power rankings: Avalanche regain firm grip of top spot

WASHINGTON -- On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers scoring 153 points in a win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday isn't exactly eye-opening. The Wizards are the worst defensive team in the league, statistically, as they rank dead last in defensive rating.

However, the Sixers had a professional mindset on that end of the floor as the ball was whipping around, guys were getting the ball in their spots, and it led to an efficient night. Philadelphia shot 61.9% from the floor against the Wizards and the Sixers were feasting on paint touches led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe finding a way into Washington's porous defense.

"We just drove the ball," Maxey explained after the win. "Kind of drove the ball, shared the ball, played the right way. That game was a fast game. We gave up too many points, but we were able to score the ball, which ultimately got us the dub."

The Sixers have a number of scorers up and down the roster. Maxey, Edgecombe, Paul George, and Joel Embiid can handle things for the starting unit, but then there's guys like Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, and Cam Payne who can hop off the bench and put the ball in the basket. Philadelphia scored 157 points against the Chicago Bulls on March 25 and then 153 on Wednesday, so it knows it can put the ball in the basket.

"We know we can score the ball," said Maxey. "We got a lot of guys that can get 20. A lot of guys that get 20. Guys off the bench that can get 20, get 30. We got two guys off the bench right now that has gotten 30 this year. I think Q and Kelly, and Justin (Edwards), So, that's three guys right there that get 30 off the bench."

Edgecombe, who was standing next to Maxey during his media availability in the locker room, then reminded Maxey of others.

"And Kyle (Lowry)!!" Maxey exclaimed. "Kyle’s gotten 30 before. Oh, Cam Payne had 30! My bad, Cam Payne! Then everybody in our starting five. You know, can get up 20."

The Sixers will certainly have to tighten up defensively, but they are on a roll on the offensive end and it's something they can continue to build on for the future.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers discuss recent offensive success after big night vs. Wizards

With the Scouting Combine over and pro days underway, we have a more complete picture of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Film, production, athletic testing, interviews, and medical evaluations come together to make a profile of a player, which makes it easier to map out the class. Over the next few weeks, I will be going through position by position and ranking the 2026 draft class, with more attention being paid to positional groups the Eagles may be more interested in.

At tight end, the Eagles opted to bring Dallas Goedert back for another year. He is coming off a record breaking year where he scored 11 times, most ever in a single season by an Eagles tight end. Despite his high level of play, the 31-year-old’s long term future with the Eagles is unclear. Goedert has played a full season once in his entire career and while he is excellent when he’s on the field, the Eagles should be planning to find his replacement. 

Howie Roseman drafted Zach Ertz in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after Brent Celek 684 yards receiving the previous year and was still an asset as a blocker. As a rookie, Ertz was the second tight end while Celek set a career high in yards per catch while going over 500 yards receiving and scoring six times. The following year, Ertz took over as the top tight end and remained there for many years. 

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Eagles drafted Dallas Goedert in the second round. Zach Ertz was coming off an 824 yard season where he was dominant in the playoffs and helped the Eagles won a Super Bowl. In Goedert’s rookie year, Ertz set an NFL record for catches by a tight end. Over the course of Goedert’s first two years, Ertz had over 2,000 receiving yards. It wasn’t until Ertz was traded during the 2021 season, Goedert’s fourth year in the league, that Goedert took over as the top tight end.

See where I’m going with this? 

This year might be the perfect time for the Eagles to draft a tight end high, considering the way the class is laid out. Let a rookie play second fiddle to Goedert and take over as the top guy in 2027. Here are the top tight ends in the class .

1) Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

It was before the combine that Kenyon Sadiq established himself as the top tight end in this draft. His dominant final season at Oregon showed his ability to separate at every level of the field, make dynamic catches in traffic, and create yardage after the catch. 

Then he blew up Lucas Field with a 4.39 40-yard dash and all around incredible athletic testing. It’s not surprising if you watch him play, but it quantifies just how impressive of an athlete he is. 

The biggest concern with Sadiq is how traditional a tight end role he can play. He is under 240 pounds and is “smaller” for a tight end at 6’3” with short arms. His blocking at Oregon was fine, but not game changing. Teams won’t draft him for his blocking ability, but he needs to be competent as an in-line blocker or else he will be keeping himself off the field.

His upside as a receiver is really hard to overstate though, and teams will smartly bank on him getting a bit better as a blocker in order to maximize what he can really do: line up anywhere on the field and cause problems. 

NFL Comparison: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

2) Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Similar to Kenyon Sadiq, Eli Stowers was also universally locked into a high draft position on somewhere early Day 2 as the second tight end in the draft. Then he had a great combine and cemented a lot of what was already clear on tape.  

Eli Stowers is a great athlete who can outrun any defender on the field and outmuscle any defensive backs. He was a weapon in the passing game over the last few years and figures to do the same in the NFL. 

Also similar to Kenyon Sadiq is his limitations. Stowers is very much a receiver first and foremost with blocking only being something he can do, technically. Stowers’ effort as a pass blocker could stand to improve to give teams more flexibility with where he lines up on the field. But his ceiling is a high level pass catcher who can generate volume targets and offer a dynamic mismatch in the passing game. 

NFL Comparison: Evan Engram, Denver Broncos

The Rest

3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Jack Endries, Texas
5. Justin Joly, NC State
6. Michael Trigg, Baylor
7. Tanner Koziol, Houston

Phil Mickelson will not be competing in his 33rd Masters at Augusta National this year.

Mickelson has won The Masters three times and has made 28 cuts around Augusta National.

The 55-year-old finished tied for second when his good friend Jon Rahm won The Masters in 2023.

Mickelson‘s name is synonymous with The Masters. His go-for-broke style and exceptional short game made him a perfect fit for Augusta National throughout the years.

Phil Mickelson had intentions of winning The Masters this year, according to his former caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay.

However, the six-time major champion will unfortunately not be at Augusta National this year.

Phil Mickelson releases statement as he pulls out of The Masters

Mickelson has pulled out of the 90th edition of The Masters just one week before the start of the tournament.

The LIV Golf star took to his official X account on Thursday to release a statement explaining why he will not be at Augusta National this year.

“Unfortunately I will not play in The Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,“ Mickelson wrote.

“I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it’s definitely the most special week of the year. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.“

That’s a huge blow for golf fans who love watching Mickelson’s gung-ho approach at Augusta National every single year.

The 55-year-old is clearly needed by his family right now though, and as always, that is the most important thing.

Phil Mickelson’s Masters record

He has three wins at Augusta National and only three men have more green jackets to their names – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer.

Mickelson has recorded two runner-up finishes, five third-places and 12 top-5s.

He has 16 top-10s to his name and 21 top-25 finishes.

Mickelson’s record at Augusta National speaks for itself and he’ll definitely be missed at this year’s Masters.

However, having won the tournament three times, Mickelson will be welcome back until he feels it’s time to step away.

So he will have plenty more chances to compete at Augusta National before his time is done.

For the Arizona Cardinals, the offseason has been amazing.

Why? Well, they are either in on every quarterback, or agents are saying they are in order to make it seem like where their clients ended up was part of a bidding war.

Our buddy Johnny Venerable highlighted it and asked the question:

So, if the Cardinals are in on Ty Simpson, why were they going after Kirk Cousins? Was the Cousins interest pre-Gardner Minshew?

The questions we will never get answers to just beget more questions, because if the Cardinals were seriously going after Cousins up until he decided to go sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, then why are they so far and away the favorites to take Ty Simpson? You can’t have a room of Jacoby Brissett, Cousins, Minshew and Ty Simpson.

Maybe that is why Cousins did not come to Arizona, he didn’t want the competition and the Raiders were willing to help create a $20 million guaranteed contract for his one season there while he helps Fernando Mendoza?

I just don’t understand what the plan is if the Cardinals are truly in on all these quarterbacks.

Or, maybe the agents are just selling to the media their guys were hot commodities.

Attorneys for Parker Kingston, the former Brigham Young University football player accused of raping a 20-year-old woman, withdrew from representing Kingston in a filing on Wednesday.

Kingston is still represented by defense attorney Cara Tangaro.

Kingston was expected in 5th District Court in St. George, Utah, on Thursday for a preliminary hearing, which was delayed until April 23.

The 21-year-old former wide receiver for BYU was formally charged with one count of felony rape and booked into jail last February, a year after the woman, identified as A.M., reported that he sexually assaulted her to officers at St. George Regional Hospital in February of last year.

District Court Judge Jay Winward released Kingston on bail and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor for at least 60 days. Last month, Kingston’s attorneys filed a memorandum requesting that the judge remove the monitor, arguing that their client was not a flight risk.

The alleged victim reported that Kingston sexually assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, in St. George.

In the memorandum, A.M. apparently reached out to Kingston in March 2025 and “told him that he had taken advantage of her.”

Kingston, per the court filing, responded, “I didn’t take advantage of you and I didn’t think anything was casual you told me before and then you said yes and or else I never would’ve done that because I just don’t do that with anybody tbh. I wouldn’t ever do that to someone unless they agreed and you did. I’m sorry that I took that from you it was late and I shouldn’t have even gone over there in the first place because I regret doing it too. I’m sorry.”

Judge Winward granted the attorneys’ dismissal on Tuesday. The preliminary hearing was rescheduled for April 23.

Clarification: An earlier version of this story did not contain information about Kingston’s attorney who continues to represent him.

Sophia Wilson has learned to trust the process.

The 25-year-old forward will be back with the U.S. women’s national team next weekend for the first time in 15 months, returning as a new mom with a new perspective.

“I knew from the time I got pregnant that I was going to be very patient with myself through the whole process,” Wilson told reporters during a virtual media availability on Thursday. “Getting back to playing at a high level, it’s not a straight path. That’s not going to happen with the snap of my fingers. A lot of work went into it behind the scenes that a lot of people didn’t see, and a lot of work is still going into it.”

The Portland Thorns forward was speaking with reporters after being named to head coach Emma Hayes’ 26-player roster for the USWNT’s three-game April camp. The U.S. will face Japan, the 2026 Asian Cup champions, across three matches within six days.

The camp will feature a mini reunion of the Triple Espresso, with Wilson and Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman called up for the window together. Chicago Stars’ Mallory Swanson is working her way back to the pitch after giving birth to her baby in November. The three led the U.S. to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, but have not featured together since.

“I’m in a really great place right now. I’ve taken this journey the right way. I think I’ve gone about it the right way,” Wilson said. “I’ve had so much support, so much help, and I haven’t felt pressured in any way. …. I’ve taken my time and gone about it how I need to go about it.”

Wilson, whose daughter was born in early September, has been back with the Thorns since the NWSL preseason. She returned to the pitch March 14, playing in the final 13 minutes of the Thorns’ season opener against Washington at Audi Field. She has featured in every match since, slowly increasing her minutes. Last week, she was back in the Thorns’ starting rotation, playing 68 minutes against Kansas City Current.

“Watching her play 70 minutes the other night, it was almost like, I couldn’t believe she’s had a baby and come back to perform at the level she’s done,” Hayes said Wednesday. “Real credit to her and the team around her, that I think really positioned pre- and post- pregnancy planning in a fantastic way. It’s a real credit to everyone to get her to that place.”

Hayes and Wilson have remained in close contact, as the head coach does with all her players. Together, they decided it was the “right time” for Wilson to return to the national team.

“It’s really important for us to start getting these players like Soph back into a rhythm in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers,” Hayes said.

Wilson is set to become the 18th mom to play for the USWNT. If she scores, she would become the ninth mom to score for the national team. She’s played with a few of those players in the past and seen examples of how to juggle motherhood and playing professionally.

Wilson described watching Alex Morgan bring her daughter, Charlie, to camp several years ago and feeling inspired watching her teammate return to playing at a high level after becoming a mom. There were others, too, like Crystal Dunn and Bella Bixby.

“Having those examples made me believe and know that I could do the same thing,” Wilson said. “I’m very fortunate to have gone through this when we did have more support than (players had) previously. I do still think there’s a long ways to go, but I’m just very fortunate (to be) in the position I’m in right now.”

This three-match window against Japan begins April 11 in San Jose, Calif., before the team heads to Seattle on April 14 and Denver on April 17. That final match will be a sentimental one for Wilson, who hails from Windsor, Colo.

“Anytime I get to go back and play in Denver, I have all the feels, because that’s where I really grew into who I am as a soccer player and as a person, too,” Wilson said. “I love Colorado. My family’s still there. I have so many friends still there. Getting to go back and play with the national team at this point in my career now with my little girl, it’s like a dream come true.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

US Women's national team, Portland Thorns, Women's Soccer, FIFA Women's World Cup

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance, running back Kenneth Walker III departed the Seattle Seahawks in free agency and signed a three-year, $43.05 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs with $28.7 million guaranteed.

Kansas City ranked No. 25 in rushing offense last season and signing Walker ensures rushing production will go up substantially in 2026. The Chiefs may have to rely on the running game all the more with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL and his Week 1 status uncertain.

Andy Reid On Kansas City Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker

At the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talked about what Walker brings to the table.

“He adds another element to the offense, another something you can throw at the defense, which is important,” Reid said, per The Athletic’s Jesse Newell. “And he’s legit. He can take it the distance every time he touches the ball. There’s that threat.”

Walker is coming off a 2025 season where he rushed for 1,027 yards with five touchdowns, along with 31 receptions for 282 yards. However, it was Walker’s playoff excellence that led to his free agency payday. Walker rushed for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three postseason games along with nine receptions for 105 yards.

Reid is confident that Walker’s going to be the same player for the Chiefs as he was for the Seahawks.

“He’s a good football player, and it won’t change. He’s not gonna change coming to us,” Reid said, per Ed Easton Jr. of Chiefs Wire. “He’s still going to be a good football player. As long as he stays healthy and moves forward, good things can happen for you. We know that the run game’s important, and we've got good offensive linemen in front of him, so that will be a plus for him. It should be a plus for our football team.”

The last time the Chiefs had a running back that rushed for over 1,000 yards was back in 2017 when Kareem Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards. As long as Walker remains healthy, the odds of him going over 1,000 are high.

While running backs aren’t valued highly when it comes to contracts and the position has a high amount of turnover, the Chiefs could be getting Walker at the perfect time. Walker is just 25 years of age and could just be scratching the surface and be on his way to becoming one of the best running backs in the NFL. If not for Walker’s playoff contributions, the Seahawks would not have won the Super Bowl. In short, Walker has achieved greatness and has a chance to become consistently great.

Walker, who’s soft-spoken and would rather play football than be a sports celebrity, talked in March about what made him want to sign with the Chiefs.

“It means a lot,” Walker said, per Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star. “You feel appreciated and wanted. That’s what everybody wants. I’m just happy to get in here and get to know the guys and work.”

The Chiefs were just 6-11 last season and it’ll be an uphill battle to return to the postseason if Patrick Mahomes isn’t fully healthy in 2026. However, the addition of Walker is a positive one for Chiefs’ players and fans alike.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Arsenal have identified Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane as a target. It has been mentioned that the Gunners are eyeing a move to bring the Cameroonian talent to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Kofane’s Impressive Rise In German Football

Kofane is having a productive campaign at the German club as he has been responsible for putting in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 19-year-old has banged in seven goals and earned eight assists in 39 matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season on all fronts.

The talented teenager is currently among the best young strikers in the Bundesliga. Therefore, the Gunners will do well to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

His current contract at the German club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for Arsenal to sign him on the cheap later this year.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Arsenal FC at BayArena on March 11, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Arsenal Identify Kofane As A Target: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Kofane can create a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian talent has already added a lot of goals and assists to his game this season. However, the jury is still out on whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Gunners manage to bring him on board this off-season.

We can expect Kofane to bring more quality and depth to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s frontline. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming years.

At 19, Kofane has got the potential to be a future star in English football. Therefore, it makes sense for the Gunners to go all out to get him on board in the upcoming transfer window. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future. However, Arteta has to be patient with Kofane before he can unlock the best out of the gifted forward.

Phil Mickelson withdraws from Masters: Golf legend announces he will be out 'for an extended period' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Phil Mickelson announced that he has withdrawn from the 2026 Masters. The veteran golfer cited that he will be out for "an extended period" and that his family is dealing with a personal health matter.

Mickelson is a three-time winner of the Masters Tournament. His first green jacket was earned in 2004, and he then won the event in 2006 and 2010. As a past champion, Mickelson has a permanent spot in the tournament if he wants to use it. 

He last missed the Masters Tournament in 2022. Mickelson finished tied for second in 2023, tied for 43rd in 2024, and missed the cut last year. He missed the 2022 edition of the event due to a self-imposed ban after controversial comments about the LIV Golf League and the PGA Tour. 

Here is more on Mickelson withdrawing from the 2026 Masters and how long he could miss.

MORE: Why was Tiger Woods arrested?

Why did Phil Mickelson withdraw from the Masters?

Mickelson posted a message to his personal X account saying that he would, unfortunately, be missing the 2026 Masters Tournament.

While he didn't give an in-depth reason, he did say that it was because his family is continuing to deal with a personal health matter. 

pic.twitter.com/oJniNxgrmE

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 2, 2026

Has Phil Mickelson won a Masters?

Yes. Mickelson has won three Masters tournaments in his career. He first won the green jacket in 2004. Mickelson shot a 9-under, beating out Ernie Els, who was the runner-up that year. When Lefty won the Masters, it was his 11th time competing in the event. He had finished third four times before, including each of the most recent three years leading up to the 2024 event. 

After finishing 10th in 2005, Mickelson returned and won his second green jacket in 2006. His most recent Masters win came in 2010. The fact that Mickelson has even just one win in Augusta grants him a spot in the Masters Tournament annually if he wants it. 

MORE: Body cam footage shows aftermath of Tiger Woods arrest

Phil Mickelson Masters history

Here is a look at how Mickelson has fared at the Masters. He first qualified for the tournament as an amateur in 1991 and returned as a professional in 1993. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a difficult start to the season on offense, but first baseman Freddie Freeman is confident in a bounce back.

The Dodgers’ big bats haven’t been on their game to start the 2026 season, and their flaws at the plate really showed in their 4-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. The Dodgers had just two hits through the first seven innings of the game, both of which belonged to No. 8 hitter Andy Pages.

Despite their recent slump, Freeman is sure the Dodgers will return to their World Series champion form sooner rather than later.

“Our offense is inevitable,” Freeman said. “Hopefully, maybe tomorrow, with an off-day, the coldness will go away and we’ll heat up.”

Freeman is one of the Dodgers struggling in the early season, though not as much as the rest of the team. The future Hall of Famer is batting .208 through six games, and hit his first home run of the season against Cleveland on Wednesday.

A .615 OPS is substandard for him, though, and he’ll look to continue ramping up following his solo shot in the final game of the Dodgers’ homestead.

Which Other Dodgers are Underperforming?

Other than Freeman, a usually constant presence in the Dodgers’ lineup has gone missing through the early goings. Shohei Ohtani currently holds the longest active on-base streak in MLB, but the power and flair Dodger fans are used to seeing just isn’t there.

He has just three hits in six games, and notably hasn’t hit a home run or recorded an RBI in 28 plate appearances.

Kyle Tucker, who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $240 million deal in the offseason, has been underwhelming as well, and is batting .174 on the season. He has nine strikeouts, which is the most on the team.

Despite the combined struggled of Ohtani, Tucker and Freeman, manager Dave Roberts is confident everyone will make a comeback as well.

“I am surprised that they got off to a slow start, but you just never really know,” Roberts said. “Spring training is just not predictive. It’s just not. I think for me, the takeaway is we’re 3-1 and the guys that we expect to swing the bats aren’t swinging the bats right now. So that’s a good thing. They’ll hit.”

The Dodgers have a rest day Friday after losing their series to the Guardians at home, and will travel to the East coast for a six-game road trip next. They visit the Washington Nationals for a three game series beginning on Friday at 10:05 a.m. PT, then head to Toronto to face the Blue Jays in a three-game set beginning Monday, April 6.

What can the top of the Dodgers’ lineup do to get back on track this season?

If Israel Adesanya isn’t ready to retire from MMA just yet, what should the UFC do with him next? Plus, a suggestion to bring viewers back to “The Ultimate Fighter,” and a question from an actual pro fighter with big money to throw around.

All that and more in this week’s mailbag. To ask a question of your own, hit up @BenFowlkesMMA on X or @Ben_Fowlkes on Threads.

@nickj812: What are your hopes for Izzy's next career move?.

Whilst a trilogy against AP might have previously worked , IMO that ship.has sailed.

Hope he retires & stays retired. Nothing left to prove.

All I ask is that it makes some kind of sense but does not make me sad when I watch it. I realize that’s tougher to pull off than it sounds in this sport, but I think it’s doable for Israel Adesanya right now.

Give me a fight that has some narrative behind it. Ideally, it would be against someone he has some kind of history with. I don’t want to see him fighting another hungry young up-and-comer just to prove his career isn’t over yet. Make it something meaningful, preferably against someone his age.

As for whether he should continue, I just hope he asks himself the right questions and makes his decisions on that basis. Are you still here only to be a UFC champ again? Because, brother, that just isn't going to happen. Are you sticking around because you still love it and think you have a few good performances left in you? In that case, sure, I can see it. But don't let the UFC rush you into something that only makes sense for everyone but you.

@jaypettry: Has April Fools' Day lost its luster in the MMA community? Are all the jokes played out and expected to show up? Or are we just becoming jaded?

It’s honestly for the best that MMA fighters don’t try so hard with the April Fool’s jokes these days. So few of them were any good at it. They always had the same two ideas: announce a fake fight, or announce a fake retirement.

The problem with the first one is that nobody likes an April Fool’s joke that, when revealed, feels like you’re taking something away from us. It’s like telling your kids you’re taking them to Disneyland and then telling them it was all a joke, now go get ready for school. They are not going to find the humor in that, man. You want the setup to be something bad or disappointing — though still lighthearted and harmless — so that the April Fool’s part of the reveal feels like relief.

The problem with the fake retirement, as several fighters learned, is that you have a pretty good chance of accidentally hurting your own feelings. What if fans see that and are like, "Yeah good for you for knowing when it’s time?" What if they seem totally ready to believe that you’re done and apparently not even that sad about it? That won’t be a great feeling. Then the only April fool is you.

@CrisCyborg: Should @Claressashields accept my $2,000,000 offer to fight boxing?

Is there a bigger fight in the sport for her than an mma crossover against me?

I’d absolutely watch it, Cris. My question is: Are you personally offering her the $2 million? As in, that’s coming out of your bank account as a guarantee for her as soon as she signs the contract and steps in the ring, win or lose? 

Because if so, yeah, that sounds like a good offer for her, not to mention a legitimately promotable fight that I think a lot of us could get excited about. But also, wow, I didn’t realize you had cash like that just sitting around. Now that I know, let me fill you in on an exciting investment opportunity in the sports podcasting space …

@ihab23: Why’d they do the homie Niko Price dirty?

That was rough. He was pretty much a sacrificial lamb for Michael Chiesa’s retirement fight on home ground — why else would the UFC book Chiesa, on a three-fight winning streak, against Niko Price, on a three-fight losing streak? — and so his own retirement announcement became a complete afterthought.

I think he deserved at least a moment on the mic. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask after nearly 10 years (!) with the UFC. But maybe it just goes to show that, if you want a share of the spotlight in your final fight, it helps to win.

@LukeSpier_: Not so much a question, more so throwing s*** at a wall with a questionable idea. With TUF being so a**, in conjunction with heavyweight being so a**, what about a TUF season that’s entirely “former athletes from other sports try MMA”

I would totally watch that. Nothing but former NFL/NBA/MLB/rugby and whatever else athletes getting out there on the mats and figuring it out as they go? Hell yes. That’s good TV right there. The only problem is, how do you get them to fight in a cage for the pitiful payouts that “Ultimate Fighter” guys typically earn? Pro athletes from other sports are used to being paid like, well, pro athletes.

@NeedXtoseePosts: Surely The White House card can't go ahead as things stand in the world?

It would be bread and circuses only the price of bread is also skyrocketing

I get what you’re saying, but after all this build-up how could they not go ahead with it? The UFC White House event not only has to happen, it has to be really, really good. Anything less will be a colossal failure and disappointment.

@RealFakeSamDunn: If MVP were to hold one more MMA card this year, which main event could they at least *conceivably* book to keep the casuals curious?

And what if they held two more events?

Anatoly Malykhin is out there, sure, but only hardcores know him. How do you thread this needle?

If we’re talking about real MMA fights, right now I’d have to say something like Francis Ngannou vs. Gable Steveson would get a lot of people excited. If we’re talking about just having fun in an attention-getting sort of way, then someone needs to get creative with Eddie Hall.

You know what would probably really work, though? Let’s get Jake Paul into a pair of four-ounce gloves and see how he does. There’s a genuine appetite among the public to see him get beat up, and the Anthony Joshua fight barely scratched the surface. If he fought someone like Nate Diaz in an actual MMA fight, you can’t tell me it wouldn’t do numbers.

@chasekeller54: What’s going on with Gegard Mousasi? Did he demand his way out of PFL to never fight again? I feel like I haven’t heard anything about him since PFL released him.

I reached out to Gegard Mousasi’s longtime friend and manager, Nima Safapour, who said there’s still ongoing litigation and they can’t discuss anything publicly yet. When I asked if Mousasi is still interested in fighting (he’ll be 41 in August), Safapour said Mousasi has been smart with his money and doesn’t exactly need to fight, but “if it’s an interesting opportunity that adds to his legacy, he would consider it.”

@jtbrinkman: As a Winnipeg resident who wouldn’t even consider paying the prices UFC is asking for a forgettable card, I guess my question is ‘wassup with dat?’ (And I drove to Minneapolis for a fight night card back in the day)

I just looked up ticket prices for the UFC Fight Night event in Winnipeg this month and, first off, seems like there’s still plenty of good seats available. The cheapest way in the door is a nosebleed seat for around $100, which honestly isn’t bad for the direction UFC ticket prices have been headed lately. Obviously, any seat with an actual view of something other than the arena jumbotron is going to cost you more, but still, we’ve seen worse lately.

If you’re asking when we’ll see UFC ticket prices in general come down, the answer is when TKO stops being able to sell them at these prices. We’ve seen some events lately with empty seats visible. But clearly TKO is testing the waters with both UFC and WWE event pricing to find out the absolute limit of what the market will bear.

@LCombatsports: Do you have anything you would like to see from newcomers in the combat sports media space? If so, what are they?

Tell me something that I can only know by hearing it from you. By that I mean, go out and do some reporting. Dig into a story. Get yourself on the scene and in a place to see or hear or learn something new, then come back and tell me about it.

We’re all stocked up on people who look at various fighters’ social media and then tell us what’s there. If I want to know what Alex Pereira is posting on Instagram, I’ll just go follow him. Tell me a story or feed me some information or even just give me an interesting opinion of your own. That’s what I’d like to see more of.

Rams' 3-round mock draft from ESPN lands top WR, 5-foot-9 CB, and Matthew Stafford's heir originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams came into the 2026 NFL offseason with two first-round picks, but they traded one, their 29th overall selection, to the Kansas City Chiefs for Trent McDuffie.

Now, they have three picks in the first three rounds, including No. 13, 61, and 93. With those picks, the Rams could go many different routes, though wide receiver and cornerback help are two areas to focus on.

But WR and CB aren't the only two positions the Rams are predicted to take in ESPN's latest three-round mock draft. Mel Kiper of ESPN has the Rams landing Matthew Stafford's heir at QB in an intriguing three-round mock draft.

Rams mock draft lands WR, CB, and QB

At the 13th pick, Kiper has the Rams selecting Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson. The wide receiver has plenty of upside, as long as he can stay healthy. Adding him to a WR room with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will help in 2026, and also in the long-term.

Down the board, in the second round at pick No. 61, Kiper has the Rams selecting Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, a 5-foot-9 cornerback who has plenty of takeaway upside.

He might not have the size to match up with top WRs in the NFL, but Emmanuel Forbes played decently well for the Rams last year, and Ponds, with plenty of upside, could be a fun option for L.A. in round two.

Finally, in round three at pick No. 93, Kiper has the Rams selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. He'd be a backup to Stafford and could be the long-term replacement in 2027 and beyond.

More: Puka Nacua, Byron Young, other 2023 draft picks expected to be extended by Rams

"Nussmeier makes a lot of sense in Los Angeles," Kiper writes. "He wasn't fully healthy in 2025, and his play suffered. But the Rams can let him learn behind Matthew Stafford and evaluate him over the course of the year."

Adding Nussmeier this early would be an interesting move, especially for a win-now team like the Rams. But if there isn't a good instant-impact option at this point, taking a developmental QB might not be a bad idea.

Tyson is a great WR prospect who could be a long-term option with Adams and Nacua in the final year of their deals. Ponds is an intriguing CB, who wouldn't be relied on as a full-time starter with McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in L.A. already.

This three-round mock draft haul of Tyson, Ponds, and Nussmeier would be an interesting outcome for the Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's some high-risk, but high-reward selections, perfect for an all-in team with a mostly complete roster already.

More Rams news:

• Anthony Richardson would be perfect trade target for Rams to develop behind Matthew Stafford
• Chiefs and Rams predicted to compete in trade for Spencer Rattler
• Chris Shula is big winner from NFL free agency for Rams
• Rams to sign Jaylen Watson to $51 million contract
• Rams extend Trent McDuffie on $124 million four-year contract
• Darious Williams announces retirement from Rams, NFL

The Miami Dolphins have been very active this offseason, but executives from rival teams are not fans of what they have done so far.

Following a disappointing 7-10 season, change was expected for the Dolphins. However, Miami fans have gotten even more than they expected. First, they fired head coach Mike McDaniel and replaced him with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Then they went to work on reimagining the roster.

The Dolphins took on a lot of dead cap to cut ties with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, linebacker Bradley Chubb, and receiver Tyreek Hill. Then they traded veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle. The most notable addition they have made thus far is signing former Packers backup and Tennessee Titans starter Malik Willis.

The overhaul of the roster could be framed in a way that it was addition by subtraction. However, executives from other teams are confused by the Dolphins’ various decisions over the first month and change of the offseason.

“To me, this is 2019 all over again. They should not have signed Malik Willis,” an exec told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “They should have taken the full Tua cap charge in one season, have gone with Quinn Ewers, and just played out the season.”

Are the Dolphins setting Malik Willis up for failure?

While Willis showed a lot of potential during his time with the Packers and is still only 26, another executive suggested that unless Hafley builds the offense around the quarterback’s skillset, the move isn’t going to work out for Miami.

“You should know enough about Willis to know many of his throws were flareouts and simple stuff,” the exec said. “So, unless you plan on running an offense like that, what are you doing?”

That same NFL decision-maker also believes the Dolphins did not get a good enough return in the trade that sent Waddle to the Denver Broncos. “I don’t think they got enough for Waddle. They got the equivalent of the 25th pick in the draft. It should have been a lot more.”

Dolphins have problems that go beyond roster and coaching?

While this was expected to be a rough transition season, a third executive suggested that new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan may be doomed from the start because of the people above him in the Dolphins’ management structure.

“The problem there is that they have an absentee owner and some really empowered people in the front office, including the president. If you’re the GM, that’s a tough situation,” they said.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will get another trophy mailed to them. Comes with the territory of NBA success. Mark Daigneault was named March's Western Conference Coach of the Month. The monthly award is handed out during the regular season, with one per conference.

The Thunder went 14-1 in March. They have the NBA's best record at 60-16. This is Daigneault's second Coach of the Month award this season and the fifth of his career. The East's winner was Quin Snyder. Other West nominees were Mitch Johnson, Tyronn Lue and JJ Redick.

At this point, Daigneault is well established as one of the NBA's best head coaches. Despite juggling injuries, the Thunder have remained at the top of the standings. You can thank their rich depth for that.

Zooming out, the Thunder have graduated from a rebuild to an NBA champion under Daigneault. Quite the career arc he's had. Usually, rebuilding coaches don't translate to contenders. But he's been the rare exception as he's helped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander become an MVP winner.

The Thunder had a couple of other finalists in March's batch of awards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was nominated for West Player of the Month; Luka Doncic was the winner. Chet Holmgren was nominated for West Defensive Player of the Month; Victor Wembanyama was the winner.

Thunder PR on Mark Daigneault being named the Western Conference Coach of the Month: pic.twitter.com/wFQt95QskO

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 2, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault wins March's West Coach of the Month award

The Ottawa Senators are in a tight playoff race, but head coach Travis Green is refusing to let outside noise affect the team.

Recent comments from the Tkachuk family questioning Brady Tkachuk’s usage have drawn attention, yet Green made it clear the focus remains on hockey.

What did Matthew Tkachuk and Keith Tkachuk say about Brady Tkachuk’s usage?

The discussion began after Keith Tkachuk openly questioned his son’s ice time on the “Wingmen” podcast. He pointed to reduced minutes in key games and suggested Brady was not being used enough.

MORE: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini joins Sidney Crosby, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky

“You [to Brady] didn’t play that much last game either,” Keith said, and then took a dig at the Senators coach’s usage of Brady. “I just wanted to throw that in there. Why play him a lot, and it’s a – in a big game?”

Matthew Tkachuk added to the debate, noting Brady logged heavier minutes during the Olympics compared to his NHL role.

“Why play him more at the Olympics than a regular season?” Matthew said. “That makes sense.”

Following this, Keith responded, saying, “We’re just carving the coach right now.”

What did Senator’s coach say about Matthew and Keith’s subtle dig?

Speaking after the remarks surfaced, Green brushed off the criticism.

“No, I haven’t,” Green said when asked about talking to Brady about the comments aimed at him. “I haven’t seen it. I heard about it. I know Walt [Keith Tkachuk] really well. He’s a friend. I played with him, knew him [for] a long time. I know he’s outspoken. I’m not sure exactly what he said.”

MORE: Oilers’ goalie Connor Ingram creates history after shutout win over Kraken

Ottawa currently sits with 86 points, still fighting to secure a place in the playoffs. So, then Green stressed that the team will not get distracted while chasing a postseason spot.

“Again, that’s white noise,” Green said. “It doesn’t have any concern of mine or concern of our team.”

Statistically, Brady remains central to Ottawa’s offense. He has recorded over 50 points this season and continues to drive play despite a steady drop in average ice time. His minutes have decreased from over 19 minutes per game two seasons ago to just above 17 this year. So, around two minutes, which is significant.

Green, however, sees no issue and has not discussed the comments directly with Brady, reinforcing that the situation has not impacted the locker room.

Brady Tkachuk won Olympic gold with his brother Matthew Tkachuk

Brady’s recent performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped Team USA win gold, only adds to the debate about his role. He had 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points with a +7 rating, playing an important role on the team.

Still, Ottawa’s priority remains results on the ice. With only a handful of games left, the Senators are focused on securing points.

At the risk of reopening old wounds, it's worth revisiting what almost was. There was a moment this offseason when the Baltimore Ravens appeared to be chasing something historic, signing Maxx Crosby. As most are aware, the deal fell apart in the 11th hour. Eric DeCosta and company pivoted, signing Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal instead.

Then, there was the fallout. One statement was that Baltimore had plans to acquire Crosby and Hendrickson. Can you imagine the fruit that combo would have produced? The idea of pairing those two on the roster wasn't just ambitious. It was borderline unfair. Two elite pass rushers. One defense. Offensive coordinators everywhere would be losing sleep. Of course, it never materialized, but what if that wasn't the end of the story?

What if the Ravens still have one more move left in them? Jadeveon Clowney remains available, and his recent comments support those theories that Baltimore would be wise to consider a reunion. Might he have quietly reopened the door for one?

Jadeveon Clowney on potentially returning to the Ravens:

"I enjoyed their locker room. ... Definitely would be open to going back to Baltimore, playing with Lamar. Great time for me."

Clowney, 33, tied his career-high in sacks (9.5) during the 2023 season under Mike… pic.twitter.com/CJnvGBaiW1

— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) April 2, 2026

The Ravens should certainly, at minimum, give a reunion with Jadeveon Clowney some additional thought.

No, he isn't Crosby. Sure, it's fair to state that Clowney's best days might be behind him, but that could be said about most veterans. Dismissing what Clowney still brings to the table, however, would be a mistake. We've already seen how he fits in Baltimore. During his 2023 stint, a one-and-done affair with the organization, he delivered one of the most productive seasons of his career. He appeared in all 17 games, tallying 9.5 sacks, 43 total tackles, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles. That sack total matched a career high, and it wasn't empty production. He made timely plays, including getting to the quarterback in the AFC Championship Game.

More importantly, he thrived within the Ravens' system. Baltimore didn't ask him to carry the entire pass rush. They asked him to complement it, to disrupt, to set the edge, and to capitalize on opportunities created by the scheme and the talent around him. He did exactly that. He could flourish in a similar rotational role, so while the dream scenario of Crosby never came to life, this could serve as a decent consolation prize.

Let this be a reminder that, even when the biggest swings miss, the Ravens rarely stay quiet for long. The next move might still leave the rest of the league with something to worry about.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Should the Ravens have an interest in Jadeveon Clowney?

The New York Jets appear to be taking a "best available" approach in Lance Zierlein's latest 2026 NFL draft mock.

The NFL.com analyst does not have the Jets reaching in the first round for a quarterback. Rather, key positions on defense are addressed in the mock.

With New York's two selections in the Round 1 mock, at No. 2 and 16 overall, the Jets are predicted to pick two defenders from Ohio State.

The first is a popular name linked to New York's selection at second overall, Arvell Reese. The other is safety Caleb Downs.

Zierlein's breakdown on both players to the Jets can be found below:

Round 1, No. 2 overall: Arvell Reese, Ohio State

GM Darren Mougey has loads of draft capital and should be allowed the runway to build his squad. Reese is an unpolished diamond, but the Jets can take a swing on the upside.

Round 1, No. 16 overall: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Downs' slide stops with the Jets, who should be overjoyed to add a culture player offering a tremendous competitive nature and the ability to play strong safety and some nickel.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Lance Zierlein mock bolsters Jets defense in Round 1